Thailand created history in Bangkok, lifting the maiden ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy after a tense three-wicket win over Scotland in the virtual final. In a fiercely competitive 10-team tournament, four sides - Thailand, Scotland, Netherlands and UAE - finished with five wins each, but the hosts triumphed thanks to their superior net run rate after a composed, disciplined campaign.

Putthawong’s brilliance and Chaiwai’s calm seal Thailand’s historic win

The final day began with high stakes as Scotland, who had dominated large parts of the tournament, elected to bat first against Thailand. Their decision quickly backfired. Thailand’s young left-arm spinner Thipatcha Putthawong, opening the bowling, produced a sensational spell of 4/17. Alongside her, leg-spinner Suleeporn Laomi tightened the screws with 3/11. The Scottish innings never recovered, folding for just 63 in 15.1 overs, with no batter reaching double figures.

Despite the modest chase, Scotland fought back brilliantly. Teenager Olivia Bell delivered a stunning spell of 5/8, reducing Thailand to 34/5 and momentarily flipping the game on its head. But Thai skipper Naruemol Chaiwai stood firm amidst the chaos. Her calm and crucial 17 off 21* anchored the innings, guiding Thailand inch by inch towards the historic win. With nerves running high, Onnicha Kamchomphu sealed the victory in style, launching a six to take Thailand to 65/7 in 11.4 overs, sparking celebrations across the home crowd.

ALSO SEE: Watch: Dewald Brevis' one-handed splendid catch dismisses Ruturaj Gaikwad during IND vs SA 1st ODI

Hosts shine brightest as emerging nations deliver a thrilling first edition

Earlier in the day, Netherlands capped off their campaign with a strong win over Uganda, while UAE stayed in contention with an emphatic victory over Namibia, driven by a superb 114-run opening stand between Esha Oza and Theertha Satish. Papua New Guinea also ended on a high, beating Tanzania by 20 runs.

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| 𝐈𝐂𝐂 𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐇𝐘 |

🇹🇭 THAILAND WIN!

Thailand Women beat Scotland by 3 wickets in a tense finish! 💥👏

A gritty chase and a well-deserved victory at AIT!

💙❤️Proud moment for Thailand Cricket!#ICCWomensemergingnationstrophy pic.twitter.com/FLXjAyAcc0

— Cricket Thailand (@ThailandCricket) November 30, 2025

Thailand’s triumph was built on consistency, composure and breakout performances. Putthawong finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 15 wickets, while Natthakan Chantham and Chaiwai played decisive roles with the bat. The inaugural edition showcased competitive cricket, emerging talent and dramatic finishes, and fittingly, it ended with the hosts scripting an unforgettable chapter in their cricketing journey.

Australian bowling all-rounder Jess Jonassen has pulled out of the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 mega-auction owing to a shoulder injury that has troubled her for several months. Franchises were formally informed of her withdrawal during the WPL’s pre-auction briefing held on Wednesday, November 26.

Jonassen has been a vital presence for the Delhi Capitals Women across the first three seasons of the league, delivering consistently with both ball and bat. Over her WPL career, she has collected 33 wickets, the most by any DC player, and earned five Player of the Match awards, second only to Harmanpreet Kaur. With more than 10 wickets in each of her first two seasons and nine in the third, alongside 295 runs at a strike rate of 138.49, her absence is a significant setback for the auction pool. She was listed at a base price of INR 30 lakh for the 2026 mega-auction.

Injuries and fitness updates shape team strategies for the WPL 2026 mega-auction

The WPL also notified franchises about the fitness concerns of three Indian players: batter Pratika Rawal, wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia and seamer VJ Joshitha. Although all three remain in the auction list, they cannot be counted toward the mandatory 15-player squad requirement, and teams picking them will not be allowed replacements. Rawal has set a base price of INR 50 lakh, Bhatia at INR 30 lakh, and Joshitha at INR 10 lakh.

ALSO SEE: Watch: Ananya Bangar's batting practice in full swing ahead of WPL 2026 auction

India pacer Pooja Vastrakar, listed at a base price of INR 50 lakh, has been deemed not fully fit but will still take part in the auction. Meanwhile, promising quick Kashvee Gautam, priced at INR 30 lakh, has been declared fully fit and available.

The WPL 2026 mega-auction marks a significant milestone for the league, with 277 players registering for 73 available slots, 50 for Indian players and 23 for overseas signings. Each franchise can assemble a squad of up to 18 players, including a maximum of six overseas cricketers. The auction will open with a marquee set featuring global stars such as Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, Amelia Kerr, Laura Wolvaardt, and India’s own Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh, before moving into the accelerated rounds.

Indian cricket sensation Smriti Mandhana is ready to celebrate a happy new innings in life by marrying her fiancé and filmmaker-music composer Palash Muchhal. Before the big day, the stylish left-hander enjoyed a cheerful haldi ceremony at her family home, attended by teammates, close friends and family.

It was a joyous celebration with laughter, music and all the magical pre-wedding feeling. Smriti was glowing in a stylish yellow outfit that was on theme with the ceremony. Her teammates Shafali Verma, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Shreyanka Patil and Richa Ghosh joined in the celebrations as they energetically danced and celebrated their friend's happiness. Dhol played in the background as the girls took in every moment, applying turmeric paste, posing for pictures and dancing to the drums.

Ever since Palash Muchhal hosted an awkward proposal for Smriti a few weeks ago at the DY Patil Stadium- which just happens to be the stadium where India won the ICC Women's World Cup 2025- fans have been obsessed with the couple. The video of the proposal went viral online and fans couldn't help but rave about the cute couple.

ALSO SEE: WPL 2026 Auction: 277 Players Shortlisted for 73 Slots, Big Names in Marquee Set

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The #LadkiWaale can be seen having a gala time at @smriti_mandhana’s haldi pic.twitter.com/Fqej24ewN2

— Bangalore Times (@BangaloreTimes1) November 21, 2025

Teammates gather with Mandhana for a festive ceremony called haldi as the wedding comes closer

As India’s latest success story in cricketing, Smriti Mandhana led India as the top run-scorer at the 2025 Women’s World Cup. Mandhana scored 434 runs in 9 matches with her standout match scoring a century against New Zealand during a crucial group-stage match. Her calm knock of 45 runs in the final helped India capture their first-ever ICC title in women’s cricket and their first since the 2005-2017 finals where they were close but missed out.

With wedding festivities ongoing, fans and teammates together celebrate an icon of cricket, but also the next stage of her life off the field. With the warmth of love, music and family, Mandhana’s haldi ceremony painted the picture of a moment fitting for one of India’s sporting stars. 

Fresh off India’s historic Women’s World Cup triumph, star opener Smriti Mandhana is shining both on and off the field. The 29-year-old cricket icon is reportedly set to tie the knot with music composer and filmmaker Palash Muchhal on November 23, turning their union into one of the most anticipated celebrity weddings of the year.

The excitement surrounding the couple intensified after a recent viral photograph showed Palash proudly holding the World Cup trophy beside Mandhana. Fans called it the “perfect pre-wedding gift,” applauding Palash for celebrating his fiancée’s monumental achievement. Social media quickly turned into a celebration zone with messages cheering on their love story.

Adding to the buzz, Mandhana delighted fans with a playful video featuring her World Cup-winning teammates Jemimah Rodrigues, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy and Shreyanka Patil. The cricketers danced together to the hit track Samjho Ho Hi Gaya, capturing the joy and camaraderie within the squad. The video ended with Mandhana revealing a sparkling engagement ring, an unmistakable sign that festivities have officially begun.

PM Narendra Modi sends heartfelt wishes as he congratulates music composer & Filmmaker Palash Muchhal and vice Captain of the Indian women's cricket team Smriti Mandhana on their wedding. ✨❤️ pic.twitter.com/TFXVca5teA

— Tellychakkar.com (@tellychakkar) November 20, 2025

ALSO SEE: Watch: Hardik Pandya gets engaged to Mahieka Sharma? Official video goes viral

Love, music and cricket come together as Smriti Mandhana prepares for her biggest off-field milestone

Palash Muchhal, 30, is a rising name in the Indian entertainment industry. Younger brother of noted playback singer Palak Muchhal, he has composed more than 40 music videos for major labels and directed the web series Rickshaw. He is also working on his film project Ardh, starring Rajpal Yadav and Rubina Dilaik. His career began early with a role in Ashutosh Gowariker’s Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey.

Meanwhile, Mandhana continues to scale new heights in world cricket. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain remains the most expensive signing in Women’s Premier League history and is celebrated globally for her consistency and leadership.

Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined in the celebrations, sending heartfelt wishes to the couple and their families. His congratulatory note highlighted their achievements and expressed hope for a joyful, inspiring future together.

With wedding anticipation soaring and celebrations already underway, fans eagerly await November 23, when cricket’s beloved cover-drive queen begins a new innings in life.

Indian cricket star and World Cup winner Smriti Mandhana has finally put the engagement rumours to rest – and in a style perfectly matching her cheerful personality. On Thursday, November 20, Mandhana shared a light-hearted Instagram reel with India teammates Jemimah Rodrigues, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil and Arundhati Reddy, confirming the happy news that fans had been waiting for.

In the now-viral video, the group grooves to the popular track “Samjho Ho Hi Gaya” from Lage Raho Munna Bhai, before Mandhana reveals her sparkling diamond ring to the camera. The fun reveal instantly won the internet, with supporters calling it the “cutest thing on the internet today”. Even fellow cricketers joined the celebration in the comments, congratulating the vice-captain on her big moment.

Love, Cricket and Celebrations: Mandhana Steps Into a Special Milestone

The engagement comes after weeks of speculation surrounding her relationship with music composer and filmmaker Palash Muchhal. Last month, Palash had cheekily hinted at their future while attending an event in Indore, saying, “She will soon become the daughter-in-law of Indore... that’s all I want to say,” fueling excitement among fans.

The couple, admired for keeping their personal life low-key, has reportedly been together since 2019. Their love story blossomed through shared interests in cricket and music, and Palash has often been spotted in the stands, supporting Mandhana during major matches. They made their relationship public only in 2024, choosing to let their journey speak for itself rather than media attention.

ALSO SEE: 5 most controversial moments in Ashes history that shocked the cricketing world

Watch the video:

🚨Smriti Mandhana is now engaged💍

She is getting married soon.... pic.twitter.com/LOyDfpe21h

— Mention Cricket (@MentionCricket) November 20, 2025

With India recently lifting their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup trophy after a memorable win over South Africa, festivities have only intensified. Mandhana was a standout performer throughout the tournament, topping India’s scoring charts with 434 runs in nine innings, including a crucial 45 in the final.

According to reports, the couple has already begun pre-wedding ceremonies in Indore, hosted by the Muchhal family. A viral wedding invite circulating online suggests the big day will take place on November 23, with celebrations expected in both Indore and Mandhana’s hometown, Sangli.

As India continues to celebrate its cricketing hero, fans now have another reason to cheer, the beginning of a beautiful new chapter in Smriti Mandhana’s life.

The Nepal women’s cricket team is all set to tour India for a crucial six-match T20 series as part of their preparation for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Region Qualifier. The week-long tour will take place across Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Bengal, offering the side valuable match time and varied conditions ahead of a packed international calendar.

Return to Action After Malaysia Triumph

This tour marks Nepal’s return to action following their impressive 3-2 T20I series win over Malaysia earlier this year. Captain Indu Barma was outstanding with the bat, scoring 117 runs in five innings at an average of 58.50, while right-arm medium pacer Kabita Kunwar led the bowling charts with 9 wickets in four innings, averaging just 4.88.

Before that, Nepal also reached the Super Three stage of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Region Qualifier, finishing second with three wins in six matches, narrowly missing out on qualification.

During the tour, Nepal will face three domestic Indian sides, Rajasthan, Bengal, and Cricket Association of Uttarakhand (CAU),  playing two T20 matches against each team. All six games will be played at the Aayush Cricket Academy, Chidderwala, Dehradun.

This series is designed to provide high-quality exposure in competitive Indian conditions, testing Nepal’s adaptability against varied spin and pace attacks.

Fixtures – Nepal Women’s India Tour 2025

Squad for India Tour

Rubina Chhetry (C), Indu Barma (VC), Kabita Kunwar, Sabnam Mandhan, Mamata Chaudhary, Sita Rana Magar, Kajal Shrestha, Apsari Begam Dhami, Nary Thapa, Kabita Joshi, Saraswati Chaudhary, Kriti Rajopadhyay, Asmina Karmacharya, Sinjhana Bhandari, Laxmi Saud

ALSO SEE: Full schedule announced for Nepal Premier League 2025

Tour Objectives and Preparation Goals

The Nepal Cricket Association (CAN) has emphasized that the tour is not just a friendly series, but a key step in long-term preparation for the 2026 Asia Region Qualifier, which Nepal will host.

A CAN spokesperson said, “This tour is vital for match fitness and tactical clarity. Playing in Indian conditions against strong sides will simulate the kind of pressure we expect in the qualifiers.”

Key Player Stats

Path to the World Cup

Nepal’s women’s team has made significant progress in recent years. Their performance in regional qualifiers and consistent wins over higher-ranked nations have raised expectations.

The Asia Region Qualifier 2026 will be hosted by Nepal, and the top team will move to the Global Qualifier, scheduled to be held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. With momentum from the Malaysia series and a busy domestic setup, this Indian tour is expected to serve as a perfect launchpad for Nepal’s World Cup qualification campaign.

Australia’s golden run in women’s cricket came to a halt on Thursday night as the defending champions were knocked out of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 following a heartbreaking five-wicket defeat to India in the semifinal at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

Batting first, Australia looked set for another commanding total when they reached 220 for 2 in the 34th over, thanks to Phoebe Litchfield’s sublime 119 and Ellyse Perry’s 77. However, a late collapse saw them bowled out for 338 in 49.5 overs, around 20 runs short of what they might have hoped for.

India, led by Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127 and Harmanpreet Kaur’s 89, produced a stunning chase, the highest successful pursuit in women’s ODI history, to dethrone the seven-time champions and book a place in Sunday’s final against South Africa.

Speaking after the loss, Australian captain Alyssa Healy was candid in her assessment, admitting her side had only themselves to blame for failing to defend the total. “Good contest in the end. Probably reflecting on that, we did that to ourselves a little bit. It’s probably the first time I’ve felt like we’ve done that,” Healy said. “We didn’t finish off with the bat, didn’t bowl that great, and dropped our chances in the field, and still hung in there until the second last over. So, we can take something from that, but ultimately, we were outdone in the end.”

Healy praises Litchfield and Gardner, admits Australia fell short in key moments

Australia’s usually sharp fielding deserted them at crucial moments, with three dropped catches, including two off Jemimah Rodrigues, proving costly. “I think we created enough chances and pressure, but just weren’t able to capitalise. I’m at fault for that as well, and that’s something Australia really prides itself on. We kind of let ourselves down in that regard,” Healy said.

The defeat carried echoes of Australia’s T20 World Cup semifinal loss to South Africa in 2024, something Healy herself acknowledged. “It felt a little bit similar to this time last year, going out not playing the way we wanted to. We’ll learn from that, we’ll grow, and hopefully, our one-day cricket will improve since.”

Despite the disappointment, Healy was proud of her team’s overall campaign and the consistency they displayed through the tournament. “I think we’ve played some unbelievable cricket. Semi-finals are knockout games, if you don’t turn up on that evening, anyone can get you. Every single player contributed at some point, and that’s what makes it sting a little bit more.”

ALSO SEE: “Everything about MCG is special” – Suryakumar Yadav on his favourite Aussie venue

The 35-year-old also praised the next generation of Australian talent, particularly Phoebe Litchfield, whose classy century at the top of the order stood out in the semifinal. “Phoebe was sensational today, set us off really nicely and went on to make a hundred, which was crucial. It’s been fun to watch her unfold, and the next four years leading into the next ODI World Cup are going to be really exciting.”

Healy also highlighted Ash Gardner’s emergence as a finisher in the middle order, crediting her for “completely owning that No.6, No.7 role” during the tournament.

Healy confirms final ODI World Cup appearance, leaves behind a golden legacy in Australian cricket

In a poignant moment, Healy confirmed that the semifinal was her final appearance in an ODI World Cup. “I won’t be there now, there you go,” she said with a smile. “That’s the beauty of this next cycle. We’re going to see it unfold. There’s a T20 World Cup next year, which is really exciting, but I think our one-day cricket is going to shift a little again. We’ll learn from tonight, grow, and get better.”

Alyssa Healy bows out of ODI World Cups as one of Australia’s modern greats, having played 123 matches and scored 3,563 runs at an average of 35.98, with seven hundreds and 18 fifties, along with countless match-winning contributions behind the stumps and with the bat.

Her legacy, however, will live on, not only through the records she leaves behind but through the fearless, attacking brand of cricket she helped define for Australia’s golden generation.

As India march on to the final, Australia, under Healy’s leadership, walk away knowing that even in defeat, their competitive spirit and commitment to excellence remain unmatched.

Virat Kohli was one of the first people to congratulate India on their momentous achievement in the semi-final of the Women's World Cup 2025, as Harmanpreet Kaur's team stunned Australia in Navi Mumbai on Thursday night. The star batter for India took to social media to applaud the team's "resilience, belief, and passion" after Australia was chased down for 339 runs, the highest successful chase in women's ODI history. 

"What a victory from our team against a mighty opponent like Australia. Amazing chase by the girls and great performance by Jemimah, regarding big games. True resilience, belief, and passion showed with a great win, Team India," Kohli said on X (Twitter).

It was an occasion to remember at the DY Patil Stadium, introduced by Jemimah Rodrigues and her career-defining performances on the night. The 24-year-old's score of 127 not out of 134 balls took India to a famous five-wicket victory, with nine balls to spare. The partnership of 167 with captain Harmanpreet Kaur (89) broke the hold on Australia and set a series of records.

What a victory by our team over a mighty opponent like Australia. A great chase by the girls and a standout performance by Jemimah in a big game. A true display of resilience, belief, and passion. Well done, Team India! 🇮🇳

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) October 31, 2025

Since 2017, Australia had been undefeated in World Cups and seemed on track for yet another final after setting a challenging target of 338. But, in front of a raucous home crowd, Jemimah and Harmanpreet's partnership turned the tables. They combined smart aggression with cool-headedness, finding gaps and punishing weak balls to keep the chase in business.

ALSO SEE: [WATCH] BCCI shares dressing room reaction to Jemimah Rodrigues' century to win Women's World Cup 2025 semifinal

When Harmanpreet left in the 43rd over, India needed 55 runs, but Jemimah kept it together, carrying India home and calling in one of the more emotional recent victories in team history. As the winning runs were struck, both Jemimah and their captain were crying, the burden of years of heartbreak finally lifted.

Jemimah Rodrigues leads India to historic win over Australia to reach the Women’s World Cup final

For Jemimah, the innings was intensely personal. After being named Player of the Match, she cited her faith and family for getting her through the rough times. "First, I want to thank Jesus - I couldn't have done it on my own. The last six months have been really hard. I was dropped from the World Cup the previous year, and I cried every day for a long time. I went through times of anxiety but still showed up. God saw me through."

The victory also marked the conclusion of Australia's 15-match unbeaten run spanning two editions of the World Cup and paved the way for a new champion to be crowned this year. India will take on South Africa in the final on Sunday - the third occasion India has appeared in a Women’s ODI World Cup final - with hope, momentum, and history behind them.

Australia’s young batting sensation Phoebe Litchfield lit up the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday with a stunning century in the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 semifinal against India. The 22-year-old opener smashed the fastest hundred ever recorded in a Women’s World Cup knockout match, reaching the milestone in just 77 balls. Her knock of 119 off 93 deliveries included 18 fours and three sixes.

Litchfield’s innings was not only blistering but also crucial, propelling Australia to a commanding position in a high-pressure semifinal. It was her third ODI century, second against India, and first of the ongoing World Cup. With this innings, she also became the youngest player (22 years, 195 days) to score a century in a Women’s World Cup knockout and the second-youngest Australian to achieve the feat in tournament history.

Before this match, Litchfield had already established herself as a consistent performer against India, amassing 508 runs in eight innings at an average of 63.50. Her latest effort pushed that average beyond 75, a remarkable number against one of the strongest bowling attacks in women’s cricket.

Phoebe Litchfield’s ODI Record vs India

Litchfield’s command of sweep and reverse-sweep shots proved particularly devastating for India’s spinners. She was briefly given out on 62 after a reverse sweep appeared to carry to short third, but replays confirmed a bump ball, a lifeline she fully capitalised on to reach three figures. Her hundred places her among elite company in Australia’s World Cup history.

ALSO SEE: Jay Shah strengthens ICC–IOC collaboration ahead of cricket’s Olympic return

Australian Hundreds in Women’s ODI World Cup Knockouts

Eventually, Amanjot Kaur ended Litchfield’s onslaught in the 28th over, but the damage was already done. Her fearless century not only reaffirmed her status as one of the most exciting young batters in world cricket but also carried Australia one step closer to another World Cup final.