Cricket: Women's World Cup Heartbreak and Men's Test Action
The Indian Women's cricket team faced a tough challenge in the ICC Women's World Cup 2025, succumbing to a three-wicket defeat against South Africa in Visakhapatnam. Chasing India's total of 251, South Africa's Nadine de Klerk played a match-winning unbeaten innings of 84 runs off just 54 balls. For India, Richa Ghosh was the standout performer, scoring a valiant 94 runs from 77 balls, helping India recover from a precarious position of 102/6. Emerging pacer Kranti Gaud also made an impact, taking a sensational catch and continuing her rise as a key new-ball bowler for India.
In a significant individual achievement during the same match, Smriti Mandhana broke the all-time world record for the most runs in ODIs in a calendar year. Despite this, concerns about India's top-order batting collapses have resurfaced. The enthusiasm for women's cricket remains high, with tickets for India's upcoming Women's World Cup matches against Australia and England already sold out.
On the men's front, the second and final Test match between India and West Indies commenced today (October 10) in New Delhi. Led by newly appointed Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill, the Indian team is looking to secure a clean sweep in the home series after their dominant victory in the first Test. Ahead of the match, the team bonded over dinner at head coach Gautam Gambhir's residence. Following their performance in the first Test, India's all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and fast bowler Mohammed Siraj have achieved career-best positions in the latest ICC Test rankings. Captain Shubman Gill also expressed his ambition to succeed across all formats and win ICC titles, while confirming that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are still strong contenders for the ODI World Cup 2027. Additionally, Prithvi Shaw has been included in Maharashtra's Ranji Trophy squad amidst an ongoing investigation.
Football: India Secures Late Draw in Asian Cup Qualifiers
In football, the Indian men's team played out a 1-1 draw against Singapore in their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier match. India's Rahim Ali scored a crucial equalizer in the 90th minute, saving a point for his team. The match saw India's Sandesh Jhingan receive a red card, adding to the challenge for the Indian side.
Badminton: Historic Semi-Final Berth for India
In badminton, India created history by defeating Korea in the quarter-finals of the BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships held in Guwahati, Assam. This victory ensures India their first-ever mixed-team medal in the competition's history. India will now face defending champions Indonesia in the semi-finals.