‘Target was to score on my first game’: Sakshi Rana on her dream senior team debut

Harare, July 30 (IANS) Former captain Brendan Taylor has been included in the Zimbabwe squad for the second Test against New Zealand, slated to happen from August 7-11 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

Taylor, 39, became available for selection following the completion of a three-and-a-half-year suspension imposed by the International Cricket Council (ICC), after he accepted responsibility for breaching both the ICC Anti-Corruption Code and the ICC Anti-Doping Code.

Since then, Taylor has undergone a thorough rehabilitation programme for drug and alcohol abuse and Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) said he has has consistently demonstrated a sincere commitment to personal growth, accountability and restoring trust.

ZC added Taylor’s reintegration into the national setup began ahead of the ongoing first Test against New Zealand, where he was invited to train with the squad. So far, Taylor has played 34 Tests, averaging 36.25 and hitting six centuries as well as 12 fifties.

“I certainly did think it was all done, but here I am – and it’s an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. I have to pinch myself a little to realise that I’m actually here. I’ve been soaking it all up and embracing every moment. It’s just been a really nice integration. The last year and a half has certainly been dedicated to my return.”

“I’ve put in an immense amount of work – from fitness to the technical side to diet – and I’m feeling a lot leaner, fitter and mentally stronger. That’s only been possible through sobriety. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this journey on my own, just rebuilding the blocks, and I feel in a wonderful space,” said Taylor in a statement.

With 9,938 international runs across formats, he ranks as Zimbabwe’s third-highest run-scorer, with his 17 international centuries the most by any batter from his country. “Brendan has endured an incredibly difficult chapter in his life and shown genuine remorse, coupled with a powerful determination to make things right – not just for himself but for the good of the game in Zimbabwe.”

“He has worked tirelessly behind the scenes, remained disciplined throughout his rehabilitation and has now rightfully earned his place back in the national setup. We’re happy to see him in a good space again. His experience, skill and passion for the game will bring immense value to the team,” said ZC Managing Director Givemore Makoni.

–IANS

nr/

Belfast, June 25 (IANS) India’s white-ball tour of Ireland gets underway in Belfast on Friday, with the two T20Is against Ireland offering a glimpse into a new chapter under captain Shreyas Iyer.

While the world champions enter the series as clear favourites, much of the attention will be on teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who is pushing for an international debut after a breakthrough IPL 2026 campaign and a match-winning run for India A.

The 17-year-old’s emergence presents an intriguing selection puzzle. India’s established top order of Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan has delivered consistently in recent months, leaving the team management with a difficult call on how to accommodate one of the country’s brightest young talents.

The series also marks Iyer’s return to the T20I setup after more than two years, with the skipper set to lead a batting unit featuring Kishan, vice-captain Tilak Varma, and several aggressive stroke-makers suited to India’s attacking approach.

India have been forced into late squad adjustments after injuries ruled out Varun Chakaravarthy and Nitish Reddy, paving the way for Prince Yadav and Suryansh Shedge. The bowling combination will be another area of interest, with Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, and Prince competing for opportunities alongside spearhead Arshdeep Singh.

Ireland, meanwhile, face a daunting task after being hit by a string of injuries. New captain Lorcan Tucker will lead a depleted squad missing key players, including Paul Stirling, Mark Adair, Joshua Little, and Curtis Campher, while newcomers Matthew Hollard and Jai Moondra have earned call-ups.

History is firmly in India’s favour. The visitors have never lost a completed T20I against Ireland, having won all eight previous meetings, and will be eager to maintain that record as a new era begins at Stormont.

When: Friday, June 26, 6:00 PM IST

Where: Civil Service Cricket Ground in Stormont

Where to watch: Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD and Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD on TV. SonyLiv will live-stream the match on its website and app.

Squads:

India: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma (vice-captain), Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Sharma, Suryansh Shedge, Prasidh Krishna, Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Ishan Kishan, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Shivam Dube, Prince Yadav, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Ireland: Lorcan Tucker (c), Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Matthew Humphreys, Gavin Hoey, Matthew Hollard, Liam McCarthy, Jai Moondra, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, and Reuben Wilson

–IANS

vi/bsk/