The absence of Shakib Al Hasan has come as a relief to South Africa as they embark on a two-test series in Bangladesh but stand-in captain Aiden Markram does not expect the challenge to be any easier.

All-rounder Amelia Kerr starred with bat and ball as New Zealand beat South Africa by 32 runs to lift their maiden Women’s Twenty20 World Cup after runners-up finishes in 2009 and 2010.

Juan Soto hit a three-run homer with two outs in the 10th inning and the New York Yankees advanced to their 41st World Series – and first in 15 years – by beating the Cleveland Guardians 5-2 in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series.

Pakistan set England a tricky victory target of 297 and then reduced the touring side to 36 for two on an eventful third day of the second test to stay on course for a series-levelling victory.

Kamran Ghulam smashed a fluent hundred in a memorable test debut to guide Pakistan to 259 for five on day one of the second test against England.

Pakistan have made four changes to the side for the second test against England after resting senior cricketers including former captain Babar Azam from the rest of the series.

India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will act as deputy to Rohit Sharma for their three-match home test series against New Zealand starting next week, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said as they announced a 15-member squad.

India beat Bangladesh by 133 runs in Hyderabad after making a huge total of 297 – the second highest in men’s Twenty20 Internationals – to complete a clean sweep of the three-match series.

Australia captain Pat Cummins is expecting the upcoming series against India to be a survival of fittest as his team look to avenge consecutive losses on home soil when the two nations go head-to-head over five tests from late November.

India dominated Bangladesh yesterday after beating the side by 86 runs in the second Twenty20 international in New Delhi.

Kane Williamson’s injury curse has struck again, with the legendary Kiwi batter suffering a groin problem that could sideline him from New Zealand’s Test series against India.

India’s Hardik Pandya blasted an unbeaten 39 off 16 balls to complete a modest chase and secure a thumping seven-wicket victory with nearly eight overs to spare in the first T20 International against Bangladesh.