Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made history on July 7, 2026, by becoming the youngest male cricketer to represent India at the age of 15 years and 99 days. The left-handed opener broke the long-standing record set by Sachin Tendulkar, who was 16 years and 205 days old when he debuted in a Test against Pakistan in 1989.
Sooryavanshi's Brief but Brilliant Innings
Playing in the first Twenty20 International against England at Old Trafford, Sooryavanshi faced just 10 balls but scored 14 runs, including two sixes. His first six came off the bowling of Jofra Archer, a whip over his shoulder that sent the partisan crowd into a frenzy. He then deposited Josh Tongue for another six in the next over. However, his innings ended when he was stumped off the bowling of spinner Will Jacks, attempting to hit out.
India posted 190 for seven, with Ishan Kishan top-scoring with 49, Abhishek Sharma adding 43, and Shreyas Iyer contributing 37. Sam Curran was the pick of England's bowlers with three for 33.
England's Young Star Jacob Bethell Shines
England's reply was led by 22-year-old Jacob Bethell, who smashed 76 off 46 balls. His innings included three sixes off leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi in the 17th over, as England needed 49 off the final four overs. Bethell's heroics, along with Harry Brooks' 39 off 15 and Tom Banton's 39 off 32, helped England win with one over to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Canada's Cricket Update
Canada's national squad resumed training on Sunday for the crucial ICC Cricket World League qualifiers. The team will travel to Scotland in August to face the host nation and the United Arab Republic, followed by matches against Oman and Nepal. Canada needs to win at least five of the remaining fixtures to maintain its ODI status and secure a spot in the next World Cup. Coach Monty Desai has returned to the 15-man squad after a break.
Cricket Canada president Arvinder Khosa confirmed that the GT20 tournament will proceed at Brampton's CAA Centre, with the NCL joining forces with the World International League T20 (ILT20). Meanwhile, former Cricket Canada CEO Atul Aujla has contacted the ICC about forming a rival body to Cricket Canada.
Afghanistan Great Shapoor Zadran Passes Away
Former Afghanistan international Shapoor Zadran died in New Delhi on July 7, 2026, at the age of 38. He had been undergoing treatment for Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare immune system disorder. The 6-foot-2 paceman played 44 ODIs and 36 T20Is for Afghanistan between 2009 and 2020, taking 80 wickets. He was known for his height, long hair, and fast bowling.
Australia Women Win Seventh T20 World Cup
Australia's women's team won the Women's T20 World Cup for the seventh time, defeating England by seven wickets in the final at Lord's. Opener Beth Mooney scored 64 off 49 balls as Australia chased down England's total of 150 for four with ease.
