Cricket Weekly Roundup: From prize money announcement for Women’s T20 World Cup to Ricky Ponting’s appointment as Punjab Kings head coach

This week’s cricket update highlights a fascinating array of developments and key announcements that have kept fans hooked. From record prize money for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 to the appointment of a new head coach ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auctions, the excitement in the world of cricket shows no signs of slowing down.

With intense clashes between top teams and the conclusion of domestic T20 leagues, this summary covers the most noteworthy cricket headlines. Join us as we dive into the standout moments of the week!

Let’s have a look at the major highlights

Meerut Mavericks win UP T20 League 2024

The Meerut Mavericks claimed the UP T20 League 2024 title with a thrilling victory in the final against Kanpur Superstars. Their all-around performance throughout the tournament culminated in a dominant win, showcasing their depth in both batting and bowling. In the final, Kanpur made 190/5 in 20 overs but Meerut chased the massive target with 2 balls to spare. Madhav Kaushik and Swastik Chikara were the chief architects behind the successful chase.

England-Australia T20I series ends in a draw

The highly anticipated England-Australia T20I series ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams putting up some memorable performances. Rain affected the fifth and final match, leading to a no-result, leaving the series evenly poised. In the first game, Australia won by 28 runs while in the second, England claimed the win by 3 wickets.

Record prize money for Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

The Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is set to make history by offering a record prize pool, further cementing the growth and recognition of women’s cricket. It features a record-breaking prize pool of US$7.958,080, a significant increase from the previous edition. This historic move aligns with the ICC’s strategy to prioritize women’s cricket and accelerate its growth by 2032. The prize money is distributed among the top teams, with the winners receiving US$2.34 million and the runners-up receiving US$1.17 million. Losing semi-finalists each receive US$675,000, while teams eliminated in the group stages share US$1.35 million based on their standings.

Ricky Ponting joins Punjab Kings as Head Coach

Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting has been appointed as the head coach of Punjab Kings ahead of the upcoming IPL season. Known for his tactical brilliance and leadership, Ponting’s arrival is expected to bring a wealth of experience to the Punjab franchise. Fans and players alike are eager to see how his expertise will shape the team’s fortunes in the 2025 season.

Also READ: Ricky Ponting reveals reason behind joining Punjab Kings as head coach ahead of IPL 2025 auction

India versus Bangladesh Test series begins

The India-Bangladesh Test series has officially kicked off in Chennai, with both teams looking to assert their dominance. India, led by Rohit Sharma, is aiming to continue their stellar home record, while Bangladesh seeks to challenge their formidable opponents. The series promises to be a competitive one, with key players from both sides expected to play pivotal roles.

South Africa clinch Women T20I series against Pakistan

South Africa Women sealed a convincing series victory against Pakistan in the WT20I series, clinching the win in the final match. The Proteas won the opening game by 10 runs before the hosts bounced back and registered a 13-run win in the second T20I. The visitors then clinched an 8-wicket triumph in the third and final T20I to seal the series.

Travis Head smashes 150 in 1st ODI

Australian opener Travis Head delivered a stunning performance in the first ODI of the series against England, smashing 150 runs to lead his side to an impressive win. His aggressive knock set the tone for the match, putting immense pressure on the opposition bowlers. Head’s innings was a display of power and precision, earning widespread praise from fans and analysts alike. His aggressive batting approach, combined with his ability to find boundaries regularly, helped Australia chase down a challenging target of 316 with ease.

Gautam Gambhir-Virat Kohli Interview breaks the internet

The much-anticipated interview between former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli went viral, breaking the internet with their candid and heartfelt discussion. The interview, which touched on their careers, magical moments, and mutual respect, captivated cricket fans across the globe. The rare interaction between two of India’s biggest cricket icons sparked excitement and debate on social media.

Also WATCH: Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir end ‘Masala and Spice’ rumours in fun interaction ahead of IND vs BAN Test series

Afghanistan versus South Africa series begins

The Afghanistan-South Africa series has officially commenced in UAE. This series holds significant importance for Afghanistan, as they continue to make strides in international cricket. South Africa, meanwhile, will look to build momentum with a mix of experienced players and fresh talent in this exciting bilateral contest.