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India vs Zimbabwe: Harmanpreet’s 91 Powers 92-Run Win and 3-0 Sweep

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India vs Zimbabwe

Published: October 21, 2026

India Women defeated Zimbabwe Women by 92 runs in the third T20I in Raipur on October 20, completing a 3-0 series sweep. Harmanpreet Kaur led the batting with an unbeaten 91 off 41 balls, while Shafali Verma struck 69 off 37 deliveries.

India posted 216/7 before restricting Zimbabwe to 124/7. Nandani Sharma returned figures of 3/18 as the hosts finished the series with their largest victory of the three matches. Harmanpreet received the Player of the Match award, while Shafali earned Player of the Series honours.

Harmanpreet Kaur takes control with unbeaten 91

Harmanpreet’s innings gave India the acceleration they needed after a productive start. She struck 10 fours and five sixes, finishing with a strike rate of 221.95.

Her 84-run partnership with Shafali put Zimbabwe’s bowling under sustained pressure. After Shafali departed, Harmanpreet stayed until the end and helped India move beyond 200. The hosts scored 62 runs in the final five overs, even as four wickets fell during that period.

The innings also carried personal significance. Harmanpreet became emotional during an innings-break interview as she discussed her return to runs and acknowledged the support she had received through a difficult spell.

Shafali Verma gives India a strong start

With the series already decided, captain Smriti Mandhana changed the batting order. Anushka Sharma opened alongside Shafali and contributed 28 off 20 balls.

The pair added 54 for the first wicket. Shafali continued attacking after Anushka’s dismissal, hitting six fours and five sixes during her second successive half-century. Her 69 gave India a strong base for Harmanpreet’s late scoring.

India’s batting experiment produced mixed returns. Niki Prasad made nine after moving to number three, while Richa Ghosh scored one and Deepti Sharma fell without scoring. Beloved Biza took three wickets for Zimbabwe but conceded 50 runs in her four overs.

Nandani Sharma leads India’s bowling effort

Zimbabwe’s pursuit of 217 suffered an immediate setback. Kranti Gaud dismissed Kelis Ndhlovu with the first delivery, and Nandani removed Modester Mupachikwa to leave the visitors 12/2.

Sharne Mayers and Beloved Biza then added 82 for the third wicket. Mayers scored 60 off 49 balls, including four fours and four sixes, before Niki Prasad dismissed her. Biza contributed 44 from 50 deliveries, but Zimbabwe could not reach the required scoring rate.

Mandhana used seven bowlers during the innings. Nandani finished with three wickets, while Gaud, Prasad, Arundhati Reddy and Deepti took one each. Zimbabwe completed their 20 overs at 124/7.

India finish series strongly under Smriti Mandhana

The clean sweep followed two different challenges earlier in the series. India recovered from early batting trouble to win the opening T20I by four wickets, then claimed the second match by nine wickets.

The final result extended India’s winning run in women’s T20Is to 11 matches. It also gave Mandhana a successful opening series as permanent captain, with Harmanpreet’s return to runs, Shafali’s consistent scoring and Nandani’s wickets providing the main positives from the finale.

Pakistan vs England: England Chase 303 After Pakistan Fightback

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Pakistan vs England

Rawalpindi, October 20, 2026. Hasan Nawaz scored 79 as Pakistan recovered from early trouble to post 302 for nine against England in their ODI tri-series match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Arafat Minhas added 59, while Faheem Ashraf contributed 39 from 26 deliveries. England chose to bowl after winning the toss.

England’s chase remained underway at the latest verified update. The Guardian’s live report recorded the visitors at 70 without loss after 11 overs, with Tom Banton on 37 and Ben Duckett on 31. No result had been confirmed at that stage.

Hasan Nawaz leads Pakistan’s recovery

Pakistan lost Fakhar Zaman to the first delivery and slipped to 81 for four. Babar Azam made 34, while Saad Baig contributed 35 before his dismissal left the hosts at 133 for five.

Hasan responded with 79 from 74 balls, including five fours and four sixes. His 78-run sixth-wicket partnership with Arafat helped rebuild the innings before Jamie Overton bowled him with Pakistan on 211.

Arafat Minhas and Faheem Ashraf provide late runs

Arafat continued the recovery, scoring 59 from 58 deliveries with nine boundaries. Faheem’s quicker contribution helped Pakistan maintain their scoring rate in the closing overs.

Pakistan finished their 50 overs at 6.04 runs per over, setting England a target of 303. The total gave the hosts something substantial to defend after their difficult start.

England begin chase without losing a wicket

Banton and Duckett negotiated the opening spell before increasing the tempo. Their unbeaten opening stand put England ahead of the initial required rate, although most of the chase still remained.

For Pakistan, breaking that partnership became the immediate task. England’s early progress left the contest open, with wickets likely to determine how comfortably the visitors could manage the remaining target.

Where the match fits in the tri-series

Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka are contesting a seven-match ODI tournament from October 18 to October 31. Each team plays the other two twice, with the leading two sides advancing to the final in Lahore.

The series also gives the teams an opportunity to assess their ODI combinations as preparations build toward the World Cup. England’s next scheduled fixture is against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on October 22.

NorthEast United Beat Kerala Blasters 4-1 as Ajaraie Scores Twice

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NorthEast United Beat Kerala Blasters

Guwahati, October 19, 2026. NorthEast United defeated Kerala Blasters 4-1 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Sunday, with Alaaeddine Ajaraie scoring twice in the Indian Super League encounter.

Antonio Moyano and CK Aman also scored for the hosts. Momo Yansane netted Kerala Blasters’ only goal, but the visitors could not sustain their second-half recovery. The result gave NorthEast United all three points in front of their home supporters.

Ajaraie Gives NorthEast United an Early Advantage

Kerala Blasters head coach Ashley Westwood started with a five-man defence. NorthEast United still found space behind the visitors’ back line, using direct passes and quick attacking runs.

The opening goal came in the 15th minute. Eneko Satrustegui sent a long pass forward, and Ajaraie timed his movement to reach it before rounding goalkeeper Arsh Anwer Shaikh and finishing.

Jithin MS added pressure from the flank as the hosts continued to create problems for Kerala’s defence.

Moyano Punishes a Defensive Mistake

Kerala had an opportunity when Adrian Luna delivered a dangerous ball following a short corner, but Amey Ranawade failed to convert.

At the other end, Arsh made several saves to keep the visitors within reach. However, NorthEast United doubled their advantage before half-time when Moyano took advantage of a defensive mistake.

The hosts entered the break leading 2-0, leaving Kerala needing a stronger attacking response.

Luna and Yansane Give Kerala Brief Hope

Westwood introduced Korou Singh and Sandeep Singh after the interval. The changes helped Kerala generate more attacking activity.

Their breakthrough arrived in the 60th minute. Luna supplied a backheel pass to Yansane, who finished to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

Kerala began to threaten more regularly, with Luna linking play in attack and Freddy trying his luck from distance. For a brief period, the visitors had a route back into the match.

Ajaraie’s Second Ends the Comeback Attempt

NorthEast United responded with another goal from Ajaraie. His curling finish restored the two-goal advantage and stopped Kerala’s recovery.

Aman then scored in the 82nd minute to make it 4-1. NorthEast United finished with goals from three players, while Kerala were left to assess repeated mistakes in defence.

Why Kerala Blasters Lost Control

Kerala’s difficulties extended beyond the goals conceded. NorthEast United’s pressing disrupted their passing, while Jithin’s movement and Ajaraie’s runs repeatedly tested their defensive positioning.

The Blasters struggled to build consistent attacks through the flanks and lost possession too easily. Their improvement after half-time produced a goal, but further defensive errors prevented them from turning that spell into a sustained comeback.

What Comes Next for Kerala Blasters?

The defeat left Kerala Blasters with three points from two matches. They stood sixth after Sunday’s game, with a goal difference of minus one.

Kerala are scheduled to face Mumbai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on October 25, their first home fixture of the season. That match offers an opportunity to respond, with defensive organisation likely to be a central concern after conceding four in Guwahati.

Orionid Meteor Shower 2026: When to See Halley’s Comet Debris From India

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lalitha pandit
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Orionid Meteor Shower

The Orionid meteor shower will peak on the night of October 21 – 22, giving skywatchers in India an opportunity to spot shooting stars before dawn. However, NASA warns that a bright waxing gibbous Moon will obscure some of the fainter meteors, making the hours after moonset the better viewing window.

The annual shower is already active. For Indian viewers planning an observation session, the key is to find clear, dark skies and check local moonset times before heading outside.

Orionid Meteor Shower 2026: Key Details

DetailWhat to know
Peak nightOctober 21 into October 22, 2026
Active periodOctober 2 – November 7
Best viewing windowBefore dawn, preferably after moonset
Typical peak activityAround 10 – 20 meteors per hour under favourable dark skies
Parent comet1P/Halley, commonly called Halley’s Comet
Main obstacle this yearBright moonlight

NASA and the American Meteor Society list October 21 – 22 as the peak night. The hourly figure describes favourable observing conditions; it is not a guaranteed count for every location.

When Is the Best Time to Watch the Orionids in India?

The early morning of October 22 is the main viewing opportunity to plan around. NASA recommends watching before dawn after the Moon has set, when the sky becomes darker and faint meteors are easier to detect.

There is no single clock time that works equally well across India. Moonset and morning twilight vary by location, so viewers should check their city’s timings rather than rely on a nationwide peak time.

The useful window ends as dawn brightens the sky. Timeanddate recommends the final hour or two before dawn around the peak, with particular attention to moonset in 2026.

How Many Meteors Will Be Visible?

The Orionids are a moderate meteor shower. Although normal peak activity can reach around 10 – 20 meteors per hour under favourable conditions, moonlight and artificial lighting can substantially reduce what observers actually see. The American Meteor Society expects significant lunar interference while the Moon remains above the horizon this year.

NASA’s October skywatching guidance gives a more modest example: observers in suburban areas with some surrounding light may see approximately three to six meteors per hour. That is general guidance, rather than a specific forecast for Indian cities.

Expect occasional streaks separated by quiet intervals, rather than a continuous display.

What Causes the Orionid Meteor Shower?

The Orionids occur when Earth passes through debris left behind by Halley’s Comet. Tiny particles enter Earth’s atmosphere at approximately 66 kilometres per second, producing bright streaks as they disintegrate.

Some Orionids leave glowing trails that remain visible after the meteor disappears. Occasionally, a particularly bright meteor can appear as a fireball.

Watching the shower does not mean Halley’s Comet itself is returning this October. The comet last visited the inner solar system in 1986 and is expected to return in 2061; the annual meteors come from material it previously shed.

Where Should You Look?

The meteors appear to radiate from near the constellation Orion, which gives the shower its name. However, they can cross large sections of the sky.

You do not need to stare directly at Orion. NASA recommends taking in a broad view; meteors seen farther from the radiant can appear longer.

How to Watch the Orionids From India

For the best chance of spotting meteors:

  • Choose a dark location away from streetlights and bright buildings.
  • Check cloud cover and local moonset before leaving.
  • Allow approximately 20 – 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust.
  • Avoid checking a bright phone screen.
  • Use a reclining chair or blanket to watch comfortably.
  • Keep a wide view of the sky and allow plenty of time.

Clear skies, darkness and patience matter more than finding a famous stargazing destination. Timeanddate also advises dressing for the conditions when spending an extended period outdoors.

Can You Watch on Another Night?

Yes. The peak is not the shower’s only opportunity. The American Meteor Society describes the Orionids as having a broad maximum that can extend across several nights. If October 21 – 22 is cloudy, a nearby clear morning may still offer sightings, although activity will vary.

For viewers in India, the practical priority is a clear, dark interval before dawn. This year’s Moon will make observing harder, but brighter Orionids may still reward a patient watch.

Samsung F70 Brings 50MP OIS Camera and 25W Charging to India

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lalitha pandit
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Samsung F70 in India

Published October 18, 2026

Samsung has introduced the Galaxy F70 5G in India, adding another option for buyers shopping below ₹20,000. Launch-day reports put its starting price at ₹17,999, with sales scheduled to begin on October 20 through Flipkart and Samsung’s Indian website. The phone comes in Vivid Violet and Bold Black.

The Samsung F70 combines a Full HD+ Super AMOLED display, an Exynos 1330 processor, a 50-megapixel main camera with optical image stabilisation, and a 5,000mAh battery. However, conflicting launch coverage means buyers should check the final retail listing for the exact display refresh rate, software version and variant pricing.

Samsung F70 Price in India and Sale Date

Both The Tech Outlook and Gadgets 360’s Hindi edition report a starting price of ₹17,999. They also name October 20 as the first sale date. These reports do not provide a complete, consistent breakdown of prices across RAM and storage configurations.

The reported starting price places the Galaxy F70 within the sub-₹20,000 smartphone category. Your final payment will depend on the selected variant and any conditions attached to launch offers, bank discounts or exchange deals.

50MP Camera With Optical Image Stabilisation

Samsung’s official product page puts the main camera at the centre of the F70’s promotion. The company calls it a 50MP “No Shake Cam” and explains that the name refers to optical image stabilisation, or OIS. Samsung also states that results depend on lighting and shooting conditions.

The rear camera system includes a 50-megapixel primary sensor, a 5-megapixel ultrawide camera and a 2-megapixel macro camera. A 13-megapixel front camera handles selfies and video calls, according to launch coverage.

The ultrawide lens gives users a wider view for group photographs and buildings. The macro camera offers a separate option for close-up subjects. Actual image quality will require independent testing, particularly for indoor photographs, moving subjects and night scenes.

Super AMOLED Display, With Conflicting Refresh-Rate Reports

Samsung confirms a Full HD+ Super AMOLED display on its official India page. Launch-day coverage describes a 6.7-inch screen with a resolution of 1080 × 2340 pixels.

The refresh rate needs closer attention. Earlier reports from SamMobile and 91mobiles listed 120Hz, while October 18 launch reports from The Tech Outlook and Gadgets 360 Hindi list 90Hz. Buyers should verify this specification on the listing for the exact Indian retail model before ordering.

That difference matters if smoother scrolling is a major reason for your purchase. It should also be checked before comparing the F70 with other phones advertised with 120Hz screens.

Exynos 1330 Processor and Expandable Storage

Samsung confirms that the Galaxy F70 uses its Exynos 1330 processor. The Tech Outlook identifies it as a 5nm chipset and reports support for microSD storage expansion through a shared SIM slot.

For buyers, processor specifications alone do not establish gaming performance or app responsiveness. RAM capacity, storage speed, software and heat management also affect daily use. Independent reviews will provide a clearer picture of multitasking and sustained performance.

5,000mAh Battery, 25W Charging and Charger Cost

The Galaxy F70 has a 5,000mAh battery and supports 25W wired charging, according to Samsung. The company’s product-page terms state that the 25W fast charger is sold separately.

If you do not already own a suitable charger, include that expense in your budget. Samsung has not established real-world battery endurance through the specifications alone. Screen brightness, mobile signal strength, gaming and video recording will affect the time between charges.

Slim Design and Splash Resistance

Launch reports describe a 7.5mm body weighing 192 grams, with IP54 dust and splash resistance. The phone also reportedly includes a side-mounted fingerprint reader.

Samsung’s official page confirms dust and splash resistance and cautions that this protection can decline with normal wear. Users should follow the device’s care instructions around water.

Software Details Still Need Verification

Published software specifications conflict sharply. The Tech Outlook lists Android 15, while Gadgets 360 Hindi lists Android 17 with One UI 9.5. The Samsung product page reviewed for this report does not settle that difference. An exact operating-system version or update commitment should therefore be verified against Samsung’s final specifications.

What Buyers Should Check Before October 20

The Samsung F70’s reported ₹17,999 entry price, AMOLED display and stabilised main camera make it a relevant launch for buyers considering an affordable Samsung 5G phone. Its value will depend on the RAM and storage offered at that price, the confirmed software support period and independent camera and battery tests.

Before purchasing, check the exact variant price, display refresh rate, installed software and charger requirements. Those details will determine whether the Galaxy F70 fits your needs when the reported October 20 sale begins.

Spirit New Release Date: Prabhas and Ranbir Kapoor Head for Diwali Contest

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lalitha pandit
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Spirit movie

October 18, 2026

Prabhas’ upcoming film Spirit has a new theatrical release date. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga announced on October 18 that the film will arrive worldwide on October 29, 2027, shifting from its earlier March 5 schedule. The change moves the Prabhas and Triptii Dimri starrer into the Diwali holiday window.

The announcement also sets up a possible box-office contest with Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana Part 2, which is planned for Diwali 2027. However, the Ramayana team has not announced an exact release date, so a same-day clash remains unconfirmed.

Spirit moves from March to October 2027

The revised schedule pushes Spirit back by nearly eight months. Vanga revealed the new date through a post on X, accompanied by a fresh poster featuring Prabhas wearing sunglasses and a cap.

The update replaces the previously announced March 5, 2027 release. It gives fans a firm new date, although the announcement does not establish a specific reason for the postponement.

Spirit vs Ramayana Part 2: What is confirmed?

Both films currently target the same festive period. Spirit has confirmed October 29, while Ramayana Part 2 retains a broader Diwali 2027 release window.

That distinction matters. The films could open together, arrive several days apart, or undergo further scheduling changes. Describing the situation as a potential Diwali clash is more accurate than calling it a confirmed opening-day battle.

Prabhas and Vanga bring a police thriller to cinemas

Spirit is a police thriller directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, with Prabhas and Triptii Dimri in the lead roles. Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series backs the production.

The project follows Vanga’s Animal, which starred Ranbir Kapoor and also featured Dimri. That connection adds interest to the proposed competition, with Kapoor’s next Ramayana instalment potentially sharing a release window with his Animal director and co-star.

What to know about Ramayana Part 2

Nitesh Tiwari directs the Ramayana adaptation. Its principal cast includes Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana.

The two-part project was scheduled across consecutive Diwali seasons, with the first instalment planned for 2026 and the second for 2027. Spirit’s revised date places Vanga’s police thriller alongside a film with a very different subject and audience proposition.

What the release overlap could mean

If both schedules hold, exhibitors could face competing requests for screens and showtimes. Audience demand, distribution agreements and the eventual gap between the releases would determine how that competition develops.

Any prediction of a box-office winner would be premature. Neither advance bookings nor opening-weekend figures exist for these releases.

For viewers tracking the Spirit release date, October 29, 2027 is the current worldwide theatrical target. The next scheduling announcement from the Ramayana Part 2 team will clarify whether the films face a direct clash or simply share the Diwali season.

Leeds vs Manchester United: Carrick Under Pressure at Elland Road

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Leeds vs Manchester United

18 October 2026. Match in progress. Latest checked score: Leeds United 0–0 Manchester United.

Leeds vs Manchester United began at Elland Road on Sunday with Lisandro Martínez in the visitors’ starting lineup after a turbulent week for the defender. The Premier League match kicked off at 6:30 p.m. IST, with the teams level at 0–0 in the latest checked update.

Michael Carrick entered the fixture needing a response from Manchester United. His team had won just once in their opening six league matches, while Leeds began the weekend in seventh place.

Martínez Starts After Club Accepts Apology

Martínez’s selection followed his public criticism of Manchester United’s transfer policy after their Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid.

The Argentina international later apologised. Carrick confirmed before the Leeds trip that the club had accepted the apology and that the defender remained available for selection. His inclusion at Elland Road put him alongside Harry Maguire in United’s starting defence.

United also started Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Bruno Fernandes captained a side featuring Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo, while Marcus Rashford, Matheus Cunha and Joshua Zirkzee were among the substitutes.

Recent Results Add Pressure on United

Manchester United’s previous league match ended in a frustrating 1–1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.

Bryan Mbeumo put United ahead in the 73rd minute, but Dominic Solanke equalised in stoppage time after Spurs had been reduced to 10 men. United finished that match with six points from six league fixtures.

Their subsequent 2–0 European defeat at Atlético added to the pressure before the journey to Yorkshire. Carrick’s side arrived seeking their first victory in more than a month.

Leeds Look to Respond After Arsenal Defeat

Leeds also came into Sunday’s game after dropping points, having lost 2–1 at Arsenal on October 10.

James Justin gave Leeds the lead in the 55th minute, finishing a Gabriel Gudmundsson pull-back. Riccardo Calafiori equalised before substitute Bruno Guimarães scored Arsenal’s winner. Leeds remained on nine points after that defeat.

Daniel Farke selected Dominic Calvert-Lewin in attack against Manchester United, with Noah Okafor and Anton Stach also starting. Ethan Ampadu captained the hosts alongside Ao Tanaka in midfield.

Confirmed Leeds vs Manchester United Starting Lineups

Leeds United: James Trafford, James Justin, Nico Elvedi, Tarik Muharemović, Jayden Bogle, Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Anton Stach, Noah Okafor, Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Manchester United: Senne Lammens, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, Diogo Dalot, Andrey Santos, Carlos Baleba, Bruno Fernandes, Youri Tielemans, Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo.

Darren England was appointed referee, with Peter Bankes overseeing VAR.

Match Details for Indian Readers

The Leeds United vs Manchester United Premier League fixture took place at Elland Road on Sunday, October 18, 2026. Kick-off was scheduled for 2 p.m. British Summer Time, equivalent to 6:30 p.m. Indian Standard Time.

The latest checked score was 0–0 during the first half. The match remained in progress, with no final result available at the time of this update.

New Zealand vs Australia: Litchfield Out as Molineux Returns for First T20I

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lalitha pandit
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New Zealand vs Australia First T20I,New Zealand vs Australia First

October 18, 2026, Sydney:

Australia chose to bowl first against New Zealand in the opening women’s T20 International at North Sydney Oval on Sunday. Captain Sophie Molineux returned to lead the hosts, while Phoebe Litchfield missed out through injury and Tahlia McGrath regained her place.

The New Zealand vs Australia opener begins a three-match series, with all games scheduled at the same Sydney venue.

Litchfield’s Hip Injury Keeps Her Out

Litchfield’s absence follows a low-grade hip muscle strain sustained during her innings of 71 in the second ODI against Bangladesh. The injury had already ruled the left-hander out of the final match of that series in Brisbane.

Her availability remained uncertain ahead of the New Zealand fixtures. With three T20Is packed into five days, the short recovery period left Australia with a fitness decision over their top-order batter.

Molineux Returns After Missing Bangladesh ODIs

Molineux had missed the Bangladesh ODI series because of a hip injury suffered after her return from The Hundred. She declared herself fit ahead of the New Zealand opener after returning to training.

Her availability restores Australia’s regular captain and adds another left-arm spin option alongside the side’s established bowling resources.

Lucy Hamilton Selected as Megan Schutt Misses Out

Left-arm quick Lucy Hamilton also returned after a quadriceps injury, taking a place in the XI ahead of Megan Schutt.

Schutt entered the series with a strong case for selection following her performances against Bangladesh. However, her recent T20I opportunities have been limited. She played only once during Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign earlier this year.

Australia arrived at the New Zealand series after winning the Bangladesh ODIs by seven wickets, nine wickets and eight wickets.

New Zealand Begin a New Chapter

Melie Kerr leads New Zealand into their first series following the retirements of Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu.

The visitors also have interim head coach Dean Brownlie in charge after Ben Sawyer’s departure last month. The series provides an early test for a team adjusting to changes in both its playing group and coaching staff.

New Zealand vs Australia Confirmed Playing XIs

Australia: Beth Mooney, Georgia Voll, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Georgia Wareham, Annabel Sutherland, Nicola Carey, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton.

New Zealand: Georgia Plimmer, Flora Devonshire, Melie Kerr, Maddy Green, Izzy Sharp, Brooke Halliday, Jess Kerr, Polly Inglis, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Bree Illing.

Series Schedule and India Start Time

The three T20Is take place on October 18, October 20 and October 22 at North Sydney Oval. Each match is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. AEDT, equivalent to 1:45 p.m. IST.

The series finishes one week before the Women’s Big Bash League begins on October 29, giving players a short turnaround before their club commitments.

Ajay Mandal Bowls Shubman Gill for 1 Against Chhattisgarh

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Shubman Gill

India captain’s first Ranji appearance of the season ends early as Ajay Mandal bowls him in Punjab’s first innings at New Chandigarh.

New Chandigarh, October 18, 2026: Shubman Gill’s return to the Ranji Trophy ended with just one run on Sunday as Chhattisgarh left-arm spinner Ajay Mandal bowled the India captain during Punjab’s second-round fixture. Batting at No. 4, Gill was unable to turn his domestic comeback into a substantial innings ahead of India’s upcoming New Zealand assignment.

Ajay Mandal Removes Gill as Punjab Lose Third Wicket

Punjab elected to bat at the PCA International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, giving Gill an opportunity to spend time at the crease in competitive first-class cricket.

He arrived after the dismissal of Vihaan Malhotra, but his innings ended in the 27th over when Mandal breached his defence. Gill’s departure left Punjab at 68/3, handing Chhattisgarh an important breakthrough against the most prominent batter in the opposition line-up.

For Mandal, dismissing India’s Test and ODI captain was a significant contribution to Chhattisgarh’s opening-day effort. For Punjab, the early loss of Gill increased the responsibility on the remaining batters to rebuild the innings.

First Ranji Trophy Appearance of the Season

The Chhattisgarh match marked Gill’s first appearance in the 2026–27 Ranji Trophy campaign. He had missed Punjab’s opening fixture against Assam, which ended in a draw.

His return offered a chance to move back into red-ball match conditions before international commitments. However, the short innings denied him the extended batting practice that makes domestic appearances valuable for established international players.

A single low score provides limited evidence about a batter’s overall form. The immediate setback for Gill was the lost opportunity to build an innings, rather than any firm indication of how he will perform in New Zealand.

New Zealand Tests Add Importance to Red-Ball Preparation

Gill is scheduled to lead India in a two-match Test series in New Zealand next month. The opening Test begins in Wellington on November 19, followed by the second in Christchurch from November 27.

Reuters also reported that Gill will captain India in the first three matches of the preceding five-match ODI series, with Shreyas Iyer taking charge for the final two. The ODI fixtures run from November 4 to 15.

That schedule makes opportunities for first-class batting useful preparation, although conditions in a home Ranji fixture cannot fully reproduce those awaiting India overseas.

Punjab Recover After Gill’s Early Exit

Despite losing Gill cheaply, Punjab subsequently moved beyond the early setback. At the latest score available during verification, the BCCI match centre listed Punjab at 197/3 after 65.1 overs, indicating a substantial recovery without another wicket falling. The match remained in progress, with Chhattisgarh yet to bat.

Gill’s first innings therefore ended in disappointment, but Punjab’s response ensured his dismissal did not develop into an immediate collapse. His next opportunity to contribute with the bat will depend on how the remainder of the four-day contest unfolds.

New Hero Xtreme 160R 4V Starts at ₹1.27 Lakh, Check Prices and Features

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New Hero Xtreme 160R 4V

Hero MotoCorp opens bookings today for the updated Xtreme 160R 4V and refreshed Xtreme 250R, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin on November 1, 2026. Introductory prices start at ₹1.27 lakh for the Xtreme 160R 4V and ₹1.98 lakh for the updated Xtreme 250R, ex-showroom Delhi. The announcement brings revised styling, additional electronics and new colour options to Hero’s performance motorcycle range.

The two motorcycles offer different entry points. The Xtreme 160R 4V comes in three variants, while the refreshed Xtreme 250R adds equipment aimed at riders seeking more performance and additional riding aids.

Hero Xtreme 160R 4V price and variants

The updated Hero Xtreme 160R 4V carries the following introductory ex-showroom Delhi prices.

Standard costs ₹1,27,000.
Pro costs ₹1,37,000.
Carbon costs ₹1,41,000.

The Pro commands a ₹10,000 premium over the Standard, while the Carbon costs another ₹4,000. These are introductory prices. Your final on-road quotation will also include registration, insurance and applicable charges.

Equipment differs between variants

The ₹1.27 lakh starting price does not include every feature available across the range.

According to Autocar India’s variant breakdown, the Standard uses a mechanical throttle, telescopic front suspension, single-channel ABS and an LCD instrument console.

The Pro adds ride-by-wire throttle control, three riding modes, cruise control, a 37mm KYB upside-down fork and dual-channel ABS. The Carbon builds on the Pro’s equipment with a colour TFT display. This makes the variant choice important for buyers comparing advertised features with the entry price.

Sharper styling and new colours

Hero has revised the Xtreme 160R 4V’s bodywork, including the fuel-tank area and rear seat cowl.

The Standard comes in Firestorm Red and Pearl Black. Pro buyers can choose Pro Red or Pro Black. The Carbon offers four finishes, Carbon Red, Carbon Black, Carbon Grey and Abrax Orange.

The broader redesign includes revised tank shrouds and an updated LED lighting package. BikeWale reports H-shaped daytime running lights and an H-shaped LED tail lamp, giving the motorcycle a more distinct appearance.

Engine performance and riding modes

The Xtreme 160R 4V’s oil-cooled, four-valve engine produces a reported 17.1 PS at 8,750 rpm and 14.6 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Hero claims a zero-to-60 kmph acceleration time of 4.4 seconds.

The higher-specification versions combine electronic throttle control with selectable riding modes, giving buyers another reason to examine the equipment list before booking. The acceleration figure remains a manufacturer claim rather than an independently measured road-test result.

Refreshed Hero Xtreme 250R adds more riding technology

The updated Xtreme 250R retains its 250cc liquid-cooled DOHC engine, producing 30 PS at 9,250 rpm and 25.3 Nm at 7,500 rpm. Hero quotes a zero-to-60 kmph time of 3.2 seconds.

Reported additions include four riding modes, cruise control, a sensorless bidirectional quickshifter and a tyre-pressure monitoring system. The refreshed motorcycle also introduces Frequency Selective Damping rear suspension.

Mint reports three colours for the refreshed 250R, Carbon Red, Carbon White and Carbon Black. The update also brings more than 50 fit-and-finish revisions, including changes to component finishes, braided cables and a swingarm tail cover.

The quickshifter allows clutchless upshifts and downshifts, while cruise control lets the rider maintain a selected speed without continuously holding the throttle.

Where to book and when deliveries begin

The Xtreme 160R 4V will be available through Hero MotoCorp and Hero Premia dealerships. The Xtreme 250R will be sold through Hero Premia outlets.

Bookings begin on October 17, with the announced delivery programme starting November 1. Buyers should confirm the arrival date for their chosen variant and colour with their dealership, as the nationwide delivery start does not establish an individual handover date.

For your purchase comparison, request a written quotation showing the exact variant, included equipment and final on-road cost. On the Xtreme 160R 4V in particular, the differences in throttle control, suspension, ABS and instrumentation matter more than the starting price alone.

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