New Zealand Win, Litton Das Return And Ireland Coach- June 29 Cricket Highlights

New Zealand team and Litton Das [Source: @BlackCaps/x, AFP]

New Zealand secured a historic Test series win in England. Litton Das is set to make his return to Bangladesh team during the ODI series in Zimbabwe. In other news, Gary Wilson has been appointed as the new head coach of the Ireland cricket team.

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 Monday, June 29. 

Tom Latham’s New Zealand clinches historic series victory over England

New Zealand crushed England by 160 runs in the third Test to clinch the three-match series by a 2-1 margin in Nottingham. England, resuming the innings at 103-4 on Day 5, folded up for 212 in 51.2 overs. 

Also Read- Tom Latham Enters Rare Club With Historic Test Series Wins In England, India

For New Zealand, fast bowler Nathan Smith and senior spinner Mitchell Santner picked up two wickets each on the day as the ‘Black Caps’ became the first side in history to win a series in England after losing the opening Test.

New Zealand climbs to number three on WTC 2025-267 standings

New Zealand climbed to number three spot on the nine-team WTC 2025-27 standings after crushing England by a 160-run margin in Nottingham. With four wins and a defeat from six matches, New Zealand’s current PCT reads a formidable 72.22. 

Australia and defending champions South Africa continue to occupy the top two spots on the table. England remained at number seven with a PCT of 24.36.

Gary Wilson replaces Heinrich Malan as Ireland head coach

Former Ireland cricketer Gary Wilson has been appointed as the new head coach of the national side. He will be replacing Heinrich Malan, who stepped down from his position just a day after Ireland secured a historic 2-0 T20I series win over world champions Team India. 

Wilson previously played two Tests, 105 ODIs and 81 T20I matches for the Ireland cricket team.

ICC unveil qualification pathway for 2028 Olympics

The ICC and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have confirmed the entire qualification pathway for all teams for both, the men’s and women’s cricket events of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. 

For men’s event, the highest-ranking team from Asia, Africa, Europe and Oceania by December 31 this year will secure automatic qualification. Hosts USA will also automatically qualify, while the sixth team will be decided through next year’s ICC Olympic Qualifiers 2027.

Litton Das to return for second ODI vs Zimbabwe

Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das is expected to be available for national playing XI selection from second ODI onwards against Zimbabwe in Harare. Earlier, the cricketer was ruled out of Bangladesh’s one-off Test against the hosts owing to his calf injury. 

Das is also set to miss the first ODI of the tour next week. Bangladesh team physio Bayzedul Islam Khan also claimed that he might play the final two ODIs in Harare. 

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