Hardik Pandya Return, Mitchell Starc Record, SL Squad- August 13 Cricket Highlights

Hardik Pandya and Mitchell Starc [Source: AFP]

Hardik Pandya is targeting his return for Team India. Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc scripted a huge world record with his latest spell against Bangladesh. In other news, the SLC has unveiled the entire Sri Lanka Women’s squad for the 2026 Asia Cup in the UAE.

Capping an eventful day in the world of cricket, here we take a look at five of the biggest cricketing news that emerged out of Thursday, August 13. 

Mitchell Starc achieves huge world record vs Bangladesh

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc picked up the wicket of Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam on the opening day of the first Test in Darwin. Through the wicket, Starc has extended his tally to 434 Test wickets, thus becoming the leading wicket-taker in the format among all left-arm bowlers. 

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The speedster has played 106 Tests in his career for Australia, picking up 434 wickets at an impressive bowling average of around 26. 

Hasan Mahmud decimates Australia with record spell 

Bangladesh fast bowler Hasan Mahmud snapped his career-best bowling figures of 6-55 against Australia on Day 1 of the first Test at the Marrara Oval in Darwin. The speedster dismissed both Australian openers earlier in the day, before curtailing Steve Smith’s courageous knock at 71.

Mahmud sent down 17 overs in the innings as Bangladesh folded up entire Australia’s line-up for just 198 in 53 overs inside the first two sessions.

Hardik Pandya eyes return for Afghanistan series

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is currently training at the BCCI CoE in Bengaluru. The cricketer is yet to play a single competitive match since the conclusion of the IPL 2026 season a couple of months ago in the country.

As per a report, Pandya is now eyeing to make his return to competitive cricket through India’s three-match T20I series against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi next month.

Chamari Athapaththu to lead as Sri Lanka Women name squad for Asia Cup 2026

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has named a 15-member Sri Lanka Women’s squad for the upcoming 2026 Women’s Asia Cup in the UAE. Legendary all-rounder and senior pro Chamari Athapaththu will continue to remain Sri Lanka’s captain, while Harshitha Samarawickrama has been named her deputy.

The squad also features several star performers like Imesha Dulani, Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne and Nilakshika Silva among others.

India vs Afghanistan schedule likely to changed

The schedule of India’s ‘away’ T20I series against Afghanistan will likely be revised. Earlier, it was confirmed that the series will be hosted between September 13 and September 17 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. 

However, on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, either one of the first two T20Is of the series might likely be played on September 14.

Also Read- “147 KPH At 36!” Fans Hail Ageless Wonder Mitchell Starc On Record Day Vs Bangladesh