S Arefin 
India vs Australia — rain rules, but India take the T20I series
India sealed a 2-1 T20I series win in Australia after the Brisbane finale was abandoned due to lightning and rain. Two matches were washed out across the week, yet India’s 48-run win on the Gold Coast proved decisive. The result gives India timely confidence before next year’s T20 World Cup. However, Australia’s powerplay bowling still looked threatening in brief play.
India’s middle-order options deepened as fringe players handled Australia’s pace in tricky conditions. Washington Sundar’s burst on the Gold Coast tilted momentum, while India’s spin combinations looked flexible. Meanwhile, Australia’s selection debate will focus on a sixth bowler and death-overs plans. As a result, both teams leave with clear checklists for 2026.
WBBL|11 — injuries, leadership change, and a packed schedule
The Women’s Big Bash League returns with a dense November slate and expanded broadcast coverage across Seven, Fox/Kayo, and radio. Squads are turning quickly from the ODI World Cup into domestic colours, testing depth. As a result, early squad balance could decide ladder positions.
Australia captain Alyssa Healy will miss the Sydney Sixers’ opener after a thumb knock in the World Cup semi-final. The Sixers also confirmed a leadership refresh, with Ash Gardner taking over as captain from Ellyse Perry. However, Perry’s renewed focus on batting makes the Sixers’ order formidable if Healy returns swiftly.
New Zealand vs West Indies — tight T20 series set for a swing game
Across the Tasman, New Zealand and West Indies traded early blows to sit 1-1 in a five-match T20I series. The third game in Nelson arrives with little between the sides after two narrow finishes. Meanwhile, schedules show a quick turn to Dunedin before three ODIs. As a result, bench depth and travel recovery may shape the next contests.
Selectors on both sides are experimenting with top-order tempo and late-over matchups ahead of a busy southern summer. West Indies have leaned on boundary hitters through the middle, while New Zealand’s seamers targeted hard lengths at the death. However, Nelson’s small boundaries could reward inventive pace-off options.
Pakistan vs South Africa — ODI decider lights up Faisalabad
Pakistan and South Africa reached a series decider in Faisalabad, where spin dominated a slow surface. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed shredded South Africa with four wickets as the visitors were dismissed for 143 in the finale. South Africa chose to bat after winning the toss, but movement off the pitch punished attacking strokes. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s chase faced its own test on a tacky evening wicket.
The series, squeezed into a short window, has emphasized subcontinental bowling smarts. Pakistan rotated seam to protect spinners, while South Africa hunted singles to break spells. As a result, selection notes from this decider will echo into their white-ball planning.
Bangladesh — Test squad named for Ireland series in Sylhet
Bangladesh named a 15-member Test squad for Ireland, recalling top-order batter Mahmudul Hasan Joy on domestic form. The two-match series begins 11 November in Sylhet, offering red-ball minutes before a heavier winter program. However, management will also monitor workload after recent white-ball duty. As a result, the top order has a chance to cement roles ahead of tougher tours.
What it means — form checks before a crowded summer
Across formats, coaches are prioritising roles more than results. India’s series win arrived despite interruptions, yet it clarified bench strength and spin-pace blends. WBBL|11 will fast-track form for leading internationals, even as injuries reshape plans. Meanwhile, New Zealand and West Indies are learning under pressure, and Pakistan’s spin riches remain a handful at home. As a result, the next fortnight should deliver sharper selections and tighter end-overs tactics as tours and leagues overlap.
Image: AP
About The Author
Hamidur Rahim Mahir 
Sultanul Arefin 
