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New Zealand star Melie Kerr named ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year

Conversely, when the opportunity arose, she was capable of explosive, match-winning innings, capitalizing on strong starts and accelerating the run rate.

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On January 28, New Zealand celebrated a momentous occasion in women’s cricket as Melie Kerr etched her name into history. The 24-year-old all-rounder was awarded the prestigious Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, becoming the first New Zealander, and the first Kiwi in any category, to win the coveted ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year award. Her victory marked a significant achievement, not only for her personally but for New Zealand women’s cricket as a whole.

Kerr’s triumph came after a year of exceptional performances that showcased her multifaceted skills and unwavering dedication to the game. She outshone fellow nominees Laura Wolvaardt, Chamari Athapaththu, and Annabel Sutherland, solidifying her place as one of the world’s leading cricketers. Her impact extended far beyond mere statistics; her presence on the field was electrifying, consistently lifting her team’s morale and performance.

Kerr’s skillset is remarkably well-rounded. With the bat, she proved to be a reliable cornerstone of the New Zealand batting order. She displayed the tactical acumen to anchor the innings when the top order faltered, exhibiting patience and strategic shot selection. Conversely, when the opportunity arose, she was capable of explosive, match-winning innings, capitalizing on strong starts and accelerating the run rate.

Her bowling prowess is equally impressive. Kerr’s leg-spin proved a constant threat, establishing her as one of the most dangerous strike bowlers in the world. Her ability to consistently take wickets at crucial moments frequently turned the tide of matches in New Zealand’s favour. She wasn’t just a wicket-taker; her accuracy and control kept batswomen under pressure, building pressure and creating opportunities for her teammates.

Beyond her batting and bowling contributions, Kerr’s exceptional fielding consistently provided crucial moments for the White Ferns. Her athleticism and sharp reflexes proved invaluable in tight situations, often saving runs and turning the momentum of a game. This complete package – a formidable batter, a dangerous bowler, and an exceptional fielder – cemented her position as a world-class all-rounder.

Kerr’s achievement also highlights the growing strength of New Zealand women’s cricket. Her victory follows in the footsteps of past winners Ellyse Perry, Smriti Mandhana, and Nat Sciver-Brunt, each of whom have won the award twice since its inception in 2017. Kerr’s win serves as both an inspiration and a testament to the dedication and talent within New Zealand’s female cricketing talent pool.

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Asian Games 2026 Day 4: Mirabai Chanu silver leads India’s medal haul

India ended Day 4 of the Asian Games 2026 with 12 medals. Mirabai Chanu’s silver in women’s 49kg weightlifting was among the day’s major highlights.

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Mirabai Chanu

India continued its medal-winning campaign at the Asian Games 2026 on Wednesday, September 23, with a strong showing across shooting, weightlifting, soft tennis, badminton and wushu.

The highlight of Day 4 was Mirabai Chanu’s silver medal in the women’s 49kg weightlifting event. The medal was Chanu’s first at the Asian Games and ended India’s 28-year wait for a weightlifting medal at the continental event.

India also secured bronze medals in the men’s and women’s team skeet events and another bronze through Jay Meena in men’s singles soft tennis. The Indian men’s badminton team also secured a bronze medal after reaching the semi-finals.

By the end of Day 4, India’s tally stood at 12 medals — one gold, five silver and six bronze. India was placed 13th in the overall medal standings.

Mirabai Chanu wins historic Asian Games silver

Mirabai Chanu produced one of India’s biggest moments of the day by winning silver in the women’s 49kg weightlifting competition.

The medal was Chanu’s first-ever at the Asian Games. Her performance also brought India its first weightlifting medal at the Games since Karnam Malleswari won silver at the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games.

North Korea’s Ri Song Gum won the gold after successfully lifting 121kg in the clean and jerk, setting a new Asian Games record in the process.

Chanu’s silver added another medal to India’s growing tally on Day 4.

India wins two bronze medals in skeet shooting

India added two bronze medals in shooting through the men’s and women’s team skeet events.

In the men’s competition, Anantjeet Singh Naruka also reached the individual final, although India missed out on a medal in that individual event.

The women’s shooting team also narrowly missed a medal in the 10m air pistol team event. India finished level with Vietnam on the overall score, but Vietnam took the bronze on the inner-10 countback.

Manu Bhaker qualified for the women’s 10m air pistol final, while India missed out on a team medal in the event.

Jay Meena creates history in soft tennis

Jay Meena won a bronze medal in men’s singles soft tennis, giving India its first-ever Asian Games medal in the sport.

Meena reached the semi-finals but was dealing with an injury during the knockout stage. His bronze added to India’s medal tally on Day 4.

Indian men’s badminton team secures bronze

India’s men’s badminton team ended its Asian Games campaign with a bronze medal after reaching the semi-finals.

The team faced China in the semi-final. India’s campaign therefore ended with a podium finish despite the loss at the final stage.

Roshibina Devi assures India another medal

India was also guaranteed another medal in wushu after Naorem Roshibina Devi advanced to the women’s 60kg final.

Roshibina defeated Indonesia’s Thania Kusumaningtyas 10-0 in the semi-final to book her place in the final. Her progress guaranteed India at least a silver medal in the event.

India women’s hockey team records big win

The Indian women’s hockey team also registered a commanding victory on Day 4, defeating Thailand 20-1.

The result was among India’s notable performances across team sports during the day’s competition.

Asian Games 2026 India medal tally after Day 4

India finished Day 4 with 12 medals:

MedalCount
Gold1
Silver5
Bronze6
Total12

India’s only gold so far has come from the women’s cricket team. Shooting has contributed seven medals, while weightlifting and soft tennis have also added to the country’s tally.

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Asian Games 2026: India win first gold as women’s cricket team beats Sri Lanka

India won its first gold medal at the Asian Games 2026 after the women’s cricket team defeated Sri Lanka in the T20I final, taking the country’s medal tally to seven.

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India opened its gold medal account at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya after the women’s cricket team defeated Sri Lanka in the T20I final on Tuesday.

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side produced a dominant performance to win the final and claim India’s first gold medal of the Games. India set Sri Lanka a target of 217 runs before bowling them out for 69.

The victory took India’s medal tally to seven, adding a gold to the six medals secured during the opening days of the competition.

India assure another medal in badminton

India also secured another medal opportunity in men’s team badminton after defeating hosts Japan 3-0 in the quarter-final.

Ayush Shetty completed the victory by beating Japan’s Koki Watanabe 21-10, 21-19, sending India into the semifinals and assuring the country of at least a medal in the event.

Earlier, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty defeated Japan’s Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi to give India a 2-0 lead in the tie.

Roshibina Devi assures India another medal

India also secured a medal in wushu after Roshibina Devi reached the women’s 60kg semi-finals.

Roshibina defeated Macao’s Man Sin Chu by point difference to book her place in the last four.

However, India’s Aryan was knocked out in the men’s 56kg quarter-final after losing to Uzbekistan’s Saydullo Abdurashitov.

India miss shooting medal

India’s Elavenil Valarivan and Parth Mane finished fourth in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team final after earlier qualifying second for the gold medal match.

The pair therefore missed out on a podium finish in the event.

More results from Day 3

Indian boxer Jadumani Singh advanced to the men’s 55kg Round of 16 after defeating Nepal’s Chandra Bahadur Thapa 5-0.

In artistic gymnastics, Pranati Nayak qualified for the women’s vault final with a score of 12.916.

India’s women’s badminton team, meanwhile, exited the competition after losing 1-3 to hosts Japan in the quarter-finals.

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Zaheer Khan named CSK head coach ahead of IPL 2027

Chennai Super Kings have appointed former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan as their new head coach ahead of IPL 2027, replacing Stephen Fleming.

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Chennai Super Kings have appointed former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan as their new head coach ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League season. The five-time IPL champions announced the appointment on Monday, with Zaheer taking over from long-serving coach Stephen Fleming.

Fleming stepped down from his CSK role in July and subsequently took charge as head coach of the England men’s Test team. Zaheer’s appointment marks his first stint as a head coach at any level.

CSK announced the move on social media with the message welcoming Zaheer as the team’s new head coach.

Zaheer Khan’s coaching experience

Zaheer has previously held senior coaching and mentoring roles in the IPL. He served as Mumbai Indians’ Director of Cricket from 2018 to 2022 before taking up a mentoring role with Lucknow Super Giants from August 2024 to September 2025.

He was also initially named India’s bowling coach in 2017 after Anil Kumble became head coach. Following Ravi Shastri’s appointment later that year, Zaheer’s role was changed to bowling consultant.

As a player, Zaheer represented India in 92 Tests, 200 ODIs and 17 T20Is. He was India’s leading wicket-taker in the 2011 ODI World Cup, taking 21 wickets during the tournament.

Stephen Fleming’s CSK exit

Fleming had two coaching stints with Chennai Super Kings, from 2009 to 2015 and again from 2018 to 2026. He left the franchise in July this year to become England’s men’s Test coach, succeeding former New Zealand teammate Brendon McCullum.

Zaheer will now oversee CSK as the franchise prepares for IPL 2027. The appointment brings an Indian former international cricketer into the team’s head coaching role following Fleming’s departure.

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