Sports

Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium to Host First-Ever Test Match: India vs. South Africa from November 22-26

Published

9 months ago

March 23, 2025

The Barsapara International Stadium in Guwahati is preparing to make history as it will host its inaugural Test match from November 22 to 26, featuring India against South Africa in the second match of the two-Test series. The first Test will take place at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Alongside the Tests, the two teams are scheduled to compete in a three-match ODI series followed by five T20 internationals.

This marks the first Test match to ever be played in India’s Northeast region, despite Guwahati being a regular host for international matches and the Indian Premier League (IPL). The announcement was confirmed by BCCI Secretary Devajit Lon Saikia to The Statesman over the weekend.

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The decision was made during the BCCI’s apex council meeting held in Kolkata on Saturday. The three ODIs are expected to take place in Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam between November 30 and December 6. The T20I series might be hosted in Cuttack, Nagpur, Dharamshala, Lucknow, and Ahmedabad from December 9 to 19.

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Prior to the series against South Africa, the Indian team will face the West Indies in a couple of Test matches in October. The first Test is set to be held at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali, followed by a second Test at Eden Gardens from October 10-14.

This will be the first time in 12 years that India is hosting the West Indies for a Test series, as the Caribbean team last visited India during the 2013-14 season, which coincided with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s final international appearance. The West Indies did however tour India for a limited-overs series in 2022, consisting of three ODIs and three T20Is.

Women’s ODI World Cup

India is set to host the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup this year, likely in September-October. Five venues, including Guwahati, have been shortlisted for this ICC tournament, which is likely to coincide with both men’s matches and domestic competitions. In addition to Guwahati, other tentative venues include Visakhapatnam, Mullanpur, Indore, and Thiruvananthapuram.

Visakhapatnam is anticipated to host the opening ceremony of the tournament, which will span nearly three weeks. Discussions were also held regarding Mumbai and Vadodara as possible venues during the apex committee meeting, but the idea was shelved due to concerns over rainfall in those areas at that time of year.

The World Cup final is expected to be staged in either Guwahati or Indore, depending on logistics and approval from the International Cricket Council.

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Sports

Historic Test Debut in Guwahati as South Africa Reach 247/6 on Day 1

Published

3 weeks ago

November 23, 2025

Namma Kudla

On the first day of the second Test between India and South Africa at Barsapara Stadium, South Africa made a strong start, reaching 247 for 6 at stumps.The venue, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, hosted its very first Test match in history — making the day special for Guwahati and cricket in Assam.

South African skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat first.Their openers, Aiden Markram (38) and Ryan Rickelton (35), gave a solid start with a partnership of 82 runs.Later, Tristan Stubbs added 49 before getting out, while Bavuma made 41.

India fought back well thanks to a strong performance by spinner Kuldeep Yadav. He picked up 3 wickets and gave away only 48 runs in 17 overs.Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with an important wicket, dismissing Bavuma. In the final over before stumps, Mohammed Siraj struck, getting Tony de Zorzi out.At the end of play, Senuran Muthusamy was unbeaten on 25, and Kyle Verreynne was 1 not out.

The light became a concern late in the day. As visibility dropped, play was stopped, and light issues forced the umpires to call it a day early.Overall, India ended Day 1 with a degree of satisfaction. The bowling attack showed discipline, especially through their spinners, and they managed to check the South African momentum.

Sports

India A Post 297/4 as Vaibhav Suryavanshi Smashes 144 Off 42 Balls

Published

4 weeks ago

November 14, 2025

Namma Kudla

India A began their Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 campaign with a huge total against the UAE in Doha. Captain Jitesh Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first. Vaibhav Suryavanshi then produced a stunning innings. He scored 144 runs from just 42 balls. His knock included 11 fours and 15 sixes.

Suryavanshi reached his fifty in 17 balls. He completed his century in only 32 balls. He added 163 runs for the second wicket with Naman Dhir, who made 34. Jitesh Sharma also played a quick innings and scored a fast fifty.

India A finished at 297 for 4 in 20 overs. The team now holds a strong position in the match.

Sports

Sri Lankan Players Express Security Fears in Pakistan, Board Urges Them to Stay

Published

1 month ago

November 13, 2025

Namma Kudla

Some Sri Lankan cricketers in Pakistan have asked to return home after a bomb blast in Islamabad killed 12 people on Wednesday. The team is currently playing a three-match ODI series in Rawalpindi, which is close to Islamabad.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said in a statement that it had spoken to the players and assured them of their safety. The board is working with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and local authorities to ensure full security.

SLC has directed all players and staff to continue the tour. It warned that if anyone still chooses to return, replacements will be sent and a review will be held later.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka are also set to play a T20I tri-series with Zimbabwe from November 17 to 29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore. PCB chief and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is overseeing the security arrangements for all three teams.