Zimbabwe cricket has received a massive boost with the inclusion of veteran wicketkeeper-batter Brendan Taylor back in their T20I squad. Taylor hasn't played a T20I since April 2021 against Pakistan, and is now back nearly three years later after receiving a lengthy ban earlier this year.

Taylor is 38 years old and was suspended from all forms of the game back in 2022, as he did not report a corrupt approach in time. He has had his ban since August this year and gradually been reintegrated into to Zimbabwe unit, with him playing in a Bulawayo Test against New Zealand earlier this year and then taking part in an ODI series against Sri Lanka. Taylor is recalled in the T20I, where Zimbabwe is looking to bolster its squad prior to some important qualifying events.

Zimbabwe recall veterans for Sri Lanka T20I series

In addition to Taylor, another veteran, Sean Williams, also returns in T20I and last played a game in Zimbabwe's T20I against Algeria in May 2024, whereby he can also be expected to bring balance to the middle order. His comeback is also a timely inclusion as Zimbabwe prepares for the  Africa regional qualifiers later this month, where there are two spots for the T20 World Cup next year, 2026.

ALSO SEE: 3 reasons why IPL franchises need to bring back Keshav Maharaj

Zimbabwe could not secure a berth at the T20 World Cup 2024 after losing matches to Namibia and Uganda in the regional qualifiers. With experienced players such as Taylor, Williams, and captain Sikandar Raza on board, this time they will be looking to ensure they do not repeat failure. 

Zimbabwe's T20I squad vs Sri Lanka:

Sikandar Raza (capt), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Brad Evans, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sean Williams.

It will be tough for Zimbabwe, as they face Sri Lanka, and of course, they have only faced the Sri Lankans six times previously in T20Is. Their last match-up was in January 2024, when they met for a three-match T20I series in which Sri Lanka won 2-1. With Taylor and Williams back in the fold, Zimbabwe supporters will be hopeful that they show more competitiveness this time around.

Zimbabwe's preparations for their eagerly awaited ODI return have suffered a significant blow, after the wicket-taking Oskers captain, Craig Ervine's, exit from the continuing Sri Lanka series. In the build-up to the first match in Harare, the experienced left-handed batsman had to bow out of the series after suffering an injury to the back of his calf.

Medical scans have indicated the full extent of the damage that was done, as it was established that the 40-year-old sustained a Grade II strain in the left calf, while the scans also showed a chronic and resolving Grade I strain in the right calf. With the scans ruling him out of competing in the ODI contest of 2 matches, the selectors will now have to turn to seasoned all-rounder Sean Williams to lead the team in the absence of the captain, Ervine.

Ervine's absence is a major loss for Zimbabwe, purely based on experience, and considering Ervine was in good form in his past few 50-over matches. His calmness at the top of the order and presence amongst younger players will be missed, and he finds the shaky home side up against a formidable Sri Lankan unit. Williams will have experience to draw upon for captaincy duties and will again be steadfast with a young team competing on Zimbabwe soil.

ALSO SEE: RCB dominate brand value charts as IPL 2025 winners

Focus Shifts to T20I Series After ODIs

Adding further intrigue to the series is the highly anticipated return of Brendon Taylor, who has returned to international cricket close to four years since his last international appearance. A seasoned campaigner and a proven batsman, Taylor had previously played for Zimbabwe in September 2021 against Ireland, and his positive presence will provide vital experience and a protagonist in the middle order. Taylor's return has already sparked tremendous enthusiasm amongst fans who are excited to see him back in the national colors.

This ODI series will also be Zimbabwe's first limited-overs arrangement since their home Tests against South Africa and New Zealand, along with the T20I tri-series earlier this year. With a transitional squad moving between experienced players and new faces, Zimbabwe will use this series to build momentum before the T20I leg of the tour.

The first ODI is on today (29 August) at Harare Sports Club, and the second and final ODI is on 31 August, where he would wish to get some form back before all focus is on the three-match T20I series, where Zimbabwe will hope to challenge their captain's absence and give the tourists a good fight.

South African prodigy Dewald Brevis produced a knock for the ages on Tuesday, August 12, lighting up the Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin with a breathtaking 41-ball hundred in the second T20I against Australia. At just 22, Brevis became the youngest South African to score a T20I century and the fastest ever against Australia in the format.

Walking in at No.4, Brevis wasted no time announcing his intent. He dispatched Glenn Maxwell for his first six in the seventh over, and later tore into the Aussie all-rounder in the 12th, plundering 23 runs off five balls. Against an attack featuring Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa, Brevis’s range of strokes left the home side helpless as he raced to three figures with eight sixes and nine boundaries. He finished unbeaten on 125 off 56 balls, powering South Africa to 218/7.

His whirlwind effort also made him just the eighth South African man to hit a T20I hundred, joining an elite list that includes David Miller, Quinton de Kock, and Faf du Plessis. Only Miller’s 35-ball blitz against Bangladesh in 2017 has been faster for the Proteas.

ALSO SEE: [WATCH] Aiden Markram pulls Josh Hazlewood for massive six during AUS vs SA 2nd T20I match

CSK’s Auction Gamble Looks Like a Golden Masterstroke After Brevis’s Record-Breaking Hundred

The innings drew instant praise from AB de Villiers, who couldn’t hide both his admiration and his envy over Brevis’s IPL allegiance. “There was such a golden opportunity for IPL teams to pick up Dewald Brevis at the auction! Missed out badly. CSK either got very lucky or maybe pulled off the biggest masterstroke ever. The boy can play,” de Villiers posted on X.

There was such a golden opportunity for IPL teams to pick up Dewald Brevis at the auction! Missed out badly. CSK either got very lucky, or maybe the biggest master stroke ever👏 The boy can play @BrevisDewald

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) August 12, 2025

A Royal Challengers Bangalore legend, de Villiers admitted he would have loved to see Brevis in RCB colours, but believes the youngster could be South Africa’s next “360-degree” batting sensation. Brevis, for his part, called it an honour to be compared to his idol but stressed his determination to create his own identity.

Brevis had already impressed in IPL 2025 with Chennai Super Kings, including a match-winning half-century against Gujarat Titans. Now, with a record-breaking T20I hundred against one of the toughest bowling attacks in the game, he has made it clear that his rise is only beginning. If CSK’s decision to sign him was seen as a gamble at the auction, it’s looking more and more like the kind of move that could define a season – and maybe an era.

Exciting cricket coming up this evening as we see Bangladesh play Sri Lanka in the first T20 of the series 2025. They are both young and experienced, and it promises to be a fun matchup and a close one too. Bangladesh will hope to make the best use of the home surface with Litton Das leading the side, while Sri Lanka, led by Charith Asalanka, will try to set the tone early in the series. It has big hits, smart bowling and a whole lot of energy in the field, and the action at Srilanka could really be a standout in the cacophony that cricket lovers in this region have grown all too used to.

Match Details – Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (1st Match, 2025 Series)

• Match: 1st T20I – Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
• Date: July 10, 2025 (Thursday)
• Time: 7:00 PM IST 
• Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele, Sri Lanka

Players Battle to Watch Out For – BAN vs SL 1st Match
1. Litton Das vs Maheesh Theekshana
Litton Das, known for his sharp footwork and timing, will face a tough challenge against Theekshana’s mystery spin, as he’s been dismissed by him before and tends to struggle early against variations, while Theekshana’s strength lies in deception but he can leak runs if attacked confidently.

2. Towhid Hridoy vs Wanindu Hasaranga
Towhid Hridoy’s fearless strokeplay and strength against spin will be tested by Hasaranga’s world-class googlies, in a battle where Hridoy’s over-aggression could cost him, while Hasaranga might suffer if his variations are picked early.

3. Kusal Perera vs Mustafizur Rahman
Kusal Perera’s explosive starts make him dangerous in the powerplay, but he’ll need to watch out for Mustafizur’s trademark cutters, especially since Fizz has dismissed him multiple times and thrives under pressure, though he can be expensive if predictable.

4. Dasun Shanaka vs Taskin Ahmed
Shanaka’s late-innings power hitting could collide with Taskin Ahmed’s raw pace and bounce, making it a high-impact duel where Shanaka may struggle with short balls, while Taskin must maintain control to avoid being taken apart in the death overs.

5. Kusal Mendis vs Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Kusal Mendis, who enjoys attacking off-spin, will try to dominate Mehidy Hasan Miraz, a clever spinner who can tie up batters with tight lines but risks being hit if overused, while Mendis himself can lose his wicket trying to be overly aggressive.

ALSO READ:SL vs BAN Dream11 Prediction 1st T20I match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

SL vs BAN Probable Playing XIs:

Bangladesh Probable Playing XIs

Litton Das (c & wk), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed

Sri Lanka Probable Playing XIs

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara

The West Indies Cricket Board (CWI) is said to turn down the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) proposal to alter the upcoming white-ball tour by replacing the scheduled ODIs with more T20 Internationals. The decision comes despite the PCB's intentions to enhance T20 match preparation ahead of major tournaments like the 2025 ACC Men's Asia Cup and the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

According to reports, the PCB had requested that the planned three-match ODI series be shortened or scrapped entirely, proposing instead an expanded T20I leg. The aim was to provide the national side with more competitive action in the shortest format as part of its broader strategic focus. however,despite ongoing discussions between the boards, the CWI is firm on retaining the original itinerary.

As it stands, Pakistan will play the entire white-ball tour as initially planned—three T20Is followed by three ODIs. The T20I series begins on July 31 (Aug 1 PST), and the ODIs are scheduled for August 8, 10, and 12. Had the proposal been accepted, the T20I leg might have been expanded to five or six matches, completely eliminating the ODI series.

Schedule Set to Stay Unchanged Ahead of Busy White-Ball Season

An official confirmation of the unchanged schedule is expected soon, reaffirming the commitment of both boards to maintain bilateral consistency. For CWI, it is important to retain the ODI format as a matter of regenerating their 50-over team, particularly after their failure to qualify for the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup.

See Also: Pakistan appoints Australian fielding expert as fielding coach across all formats: Report

Meanwhile, Pakistan's squad for their tour of the West Indies is expected to be announced alongside their team for the Bangladesh series, streamlining selections and preparations across formats. Both teams are in rebuild and preparation mode for significant white-ball events. Therefore, the series provides an important opportunity to try combinations of players and build momentum.

Pakistan cricket team will start its training camp on July 8 at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi in preparation for their three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. Nevertheless, the team is dealing with a number of injury issues that have the potential to have a major effect on its makeup.

Most seriously affected is vice-captain and all-rounder Shadab Khan. According to sources, Shadab is set to fly to the United Kingdom for surgery on his right shoulder after fighting constant pain in the past few months. The medical specialists have allegedly suggested surgery as the best chance of recovery, effectively excluding him from the Bangladesh tour. 

The fitness concerns don't stop there. Talented pacers Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr. are also battling fitness and are still in doubt for the series. Their likely absence would add to Pakistan's bowling weakness, especially against the backdrop of already conservative handling of players' workloads.

Key Players Absent as Pakistan Looks to Youngsters for Bangladesh Tour

In light of these disappointments, selectors are searching for new talent. Among the new names likely to be included is Salman Mirza, who was the talk of the most recent season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Playing for Lahore Qalandars, Salman managed nine wickets from only four games, averaging 15.00 with an economy rate of 9.64, an effort that earned him admirers and now a probable call-up to the national team.

ALSO SEE: Ben Stokes on Rishabh Pant: A Dangerous Genius I Love Watching

Left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem is also a confirmed addition. He has already impressed at the international level with 18 wickets in 10 T20Is. Express pacer Haris Rauf will also be part of the team but is not likely to feature in any of the three games, as the team prefers to deal with his comeback carefully.

Interestingly, senior players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi, who were rested in the last home series against Bangladesh, are also not yet in the immediate plans. There is no word on any timeline for their return to international cricket as yet.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed that all three T20Is will be played at Dhaka's Shere-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on July 20, 22, and 24, all at 5:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time. The Pakistan team will arrive in Dhaka on July 16.

With several first-choice players unavailable and a few newcomers among the mix, the upcoming series is an ideal chance for Pakistan's bench strength to rise to the challenge and make an impression before a hectic international schedule.

In the opening T20I against India, the England women's team was penalized for maintaining a slow over rate. The hosts were found to be two overs short of the target after accounting for time allowances. As a result, the team incurred a fine amounting to 10 percent of their match fees. The disciplinary action followed a crushing 97-run defeat against India, their largest loss in T20 Internationals.

England lost the toss at Nottingham and opted to bowl first, a decision they instantly regretted after India claimed an imposing 210/5, an impressive maiden T20I century from Smriti Mandhana. With this win, India has taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. The Indian opener’s fireworks left England scrambling, both with the ball and in terms of over-rate compliance.

As per Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, teams are docked five percent of their match fee for every over they fall short. The match officials—on-field umpires Jacqueline Williams and James Middlebrook, third umpire Sue Redfern, and fourth umpire Anna Harris—brought the charge, which England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt accepted without protest.

Sciver-Brunt Accepts Sanction, Avoids Hearing

The match referee, Helen Pack of the Emirates ICC International Panel, imposed the sanction after England admitted to the offense. As Sciver-Brunt agreed to the sought penalty, there was no need for an official hearing, and the matter was resolved expeditiously.

See Also: Asia Cup dates revealed: Tournament set to begin soon

England will now look to respond in the second T20I, which is on 01 July in Bristol. After such a significant loss and disciplinary setback, the team faces mounting pressure to deliver a stronger performance against a confident Indian side.

It is June 29, 2025, the one-year anniversary of India's phenomenal victory in the T20 World Cup 2024—a day that cricket fans in India will always remember well past the century. A year ago in Barbados, Rohit Sharma's men brought national glory home after 11 years by winning the T20 World Cup Final against South Africa by 7 runs. The memories are so vivid still, and today, match spots and cricket supporters all over the globe are reliving that golden moment again.

From Rohit Sharma's emotional turn as captain to Hardik Pandya's nerveless last splash over in cricket's premier format to Suryakumar Yadav's pivotal match catch, the T20 World Cup Final 2024 had many goosebump moments for fans. A year later, all of those moments are being relived through video clips and highlights—fan art showcasing pride and even emotional tributes are filling our socials. What India did in 2024 was not just a unique win—it was a momentous celebration that rallied every Indian together to share in its joy and pride.

Today, fans are not only celebrating the exhilarating last match but also celebrating the entire magical journey they took along the way—the open bus parade in Mumbai, the cheers at Wankhede Stadium, and the players soaking up the adulation of over a billion Indians. Social media is filled with reposts of Rohit Sharma's speech saying, "This trophy is for the nation," and Hardik Pandya's heartfelt "A day we will never forget." It feels like Diwali all over again—cricket, culture, togetherness, and love.

Also read: OTD: Sachin Tendulkar completed individual 15,000 ODI runs

Twitter Explodes with Emotional Tributes and Fan Celebrations

THE WINNING MOMENT OF INDIAN TEAM IN THE T20I WORLD CUP 2024 🥺🇮🇳

- The raw Emotions at Barbados was Peak. pic.twitter.com/1RABsgtCwD

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 29, 2025

Instagram post of Captain Rohit Sharma 🇮🇳

- 29th, June 2024, One of the Greatest Days in Indian Cricket. pic.twitter.com/9G4DYFo105

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 29, 2025

THE ROHIT SHARMA WALK FOR HOLDING THE TROPHY 🥺

- The Captain for the Ages....!!! pic.twitter.com/xjR3RZ1lKL

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 29, 2025

For India in 2024 T20WC

Most Runs - Rohit (257)
Highest Score - Rohit (92)
Highest SR - Rohit (156.70)
Most 50s - Rohit (3)
Most 4s - Rohit (24)
Most 6s - Rohit (15)
Most Top Scores - Rohit (3)

(1 Year Anniversary of 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗧𝟮𝟬 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱𝗰𝘂𝗽) pic.twitter.com/dyoOFwRyle

— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) June 28, 2025

- 144 runs with bat.
- 11 wickets with ball.

Hardik Pandya is the Only Indian Cricketer to have 100+ runs & 10+ wickets in a T20I World Cup Edition. 🇮🇳👑 pic.twitter.com/2zrA3iE77W

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 29, 2025

#OnThisDay in 2024

India Won T20 Worldcup 🔥 pic.twitter.com/D6FuecgYvy

— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) June 28, 2025

In the 1st T20I of the five-match series between India Women and England Women at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, England won the toss and elected to bowl first. but India Women produced a dominant all-round performance to register a resounding 97-run victory in the first T20I of the five-match series, taking a 1-0 lead.

India Women Innings

India Women posted a commanding 210/5 in 20 overs, their third-highest total in T20Is. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma gave them a brisk start with a 77-run stand. Shafali scored 20 off 22 before falling, but Mandhana was the anchor and star of the innings and hit her first T20I hundred—112 off just 62 deliveries. She partnered Harleen Deol to a quickfire 94-run stand, who scored 43 from 23 deliveries. Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma provided crucial runs in the death overs to push India beyond 200. Apart from a poor fielding display, Lauren Bell was the pick of England's bowlers with her 3/27 in 4 overs, while Emily Arlott (1/38) and Sophie Ecclestone (1/43) took a wicket each but struggled with control.

England Women Innings

Pursuing 211, England collapsed under pressure from the scoreboard and were bowled out for only 113 in 14.5 overs. The lone standout was Nat Sciver-Brunt, who fought hard with a valiant 66 off 42 balls, with some few clean strikes. She had added 49 runs with Tammy Beaumont (10), but no other batter crossed double figures except Emily Arlott (12). India's bowlers were good, putting plans into practice astutely by bowling with the wind and changing pace. Debutant Nallapureddy Charani made way with incredible figures of 4/12 in 3.5 overs. Radha Yadav (2/15 in 2) and Deepti Sharma (2/32 in 3) provided important support, while Amanjot Kaur and Arundhati Reddy took one each. India's fielding was razor sharp, converting pressure into wickets.

ENG W vs IND W, 1st T20: Key Moments

• Smriti Mandhana's Century: Smriti Mandhana smashed her maiden T20I century, scoring 112 off 62 balls with elegant strokes all around the ground. Her knock was the cornerstone of India’s commanding total.
• Charani's 4-wicket haul on debut: Debutant Nallapureddy Charani stunned England with a spell of 4/12 in 3.5 overs, including key middle and lower-order wickets.
• England Collapse: After Sciver-Brunt’s dismissal, England lost their last five wickets for just 13 runs, getting bowled out for 113 in 14.5 overs.

See Also: Funny fight between Morne Morkel, Akashdeep and Arshdeep Singh ahead of second Test between England and India

ENG W vs IND W, 1st T20: Match Scorecard

India Women – 210/5 (20 Overs)

England Women – 113/10 (14.5 Overs)

Women’s Test cricket is back as India and England prepare for their long-anticipated red-ball showdown at Trent Bridge. With history, pride and legacy at stake, both teams will be playing their strongest XI in the longest format. India will look to add another successful chapter to their rising Test stock while England, with ever reliable duo of Nat Sciver-Brunt at the forefront, will seek to assert their supremacy at home. Patience, resilience and flashes of brilliance are likely over the next four days in Nottingham.

Match Details – ENG-W vs IND-W, 1st T20, 2025

• Match: England Women vs India Women, 1st Test
• Date: June 28, 2025
• Time: 7:00 PM IST | 2:30 PM Local (UK time)
• Venue: Trent Bridge, Nottingham, United Kingdom

Live Streaming Details:

• India:

• TV Broadcast: No traditional TV broadcast expected
• Live Streaming: Available on JioCinema app & website (Free) and FanCode (pass may be required)

• United Kingdom:

• TV Broadcast: TNT Sports
• Live Streaming: Discovery+ app or TNT Sports website

• Other Regions:

• Australia: Kayo Sports or Fox Cricket
• USA & Canada: Willow TV or ESPN+
• Caribbean: ESPN Caribbean

ALSO READ:ENG-W vs IND-W Dream11 Prediction 1st T20I Match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

ENG-W vs IND-W Probable Playing XIs:

England Women Probable Playing XIs

India Women Probable Playing XIs

Smriti Mandhana, Uma Chetry, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Sajeevan Sajana, Deepti Sharma, Raghvi Bist, Radha Yadav, Titas Sadhu, Saima Thakor, Renuka Singh Thakur