Babar’s First-Class Return, Samson’s Record Blitz Headline September 15 Cricket Roundup

A seven-year first-class absence, a record-breaking T20I half-century, a landmark century in women’s cricket and two major captaincy and selection stories shaped an eventful Tuesday in the sport.

Babar Azam Set for Pakistan First-Class Comeback

Pakistan’s Babar Azam is poised to return to domestic first-class cricket in his home country after a seven-year gap. According to Dawn News, the senior batter will represent Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) in the President’s Trophy Grade-I.

The move comes during a difficult period for Babar, who has not registered a Test century since December 2022. Pakistan also endured a 0-3 series defeat in England, a result that has intensified scrutiny over the team’s leadership and long-term direction. His return to the domestic circuit could provide an opportunity to rediscover form and rhythm in the longer format.

Samson Produces Record T20I Fifty Against Afghanistan

Sanju Samson rediscovered his best form in the second T20I against Afghanistan in Delhi, striking 57 from just 22 deliveries. His innings included seven fours and four sixes and helped India complete a seven-wicket victory.

Samson also reached 1,000 runs as an opener for India in T20Is. His 20-ball half-century was the second-fastest recorded against Afghanistan in the format, with only Ireland’s Paul Stirling having reached the landmark more quickly. The innings represented a timely return to scoring form for a player competing for a settled role at the top of India’s order.

Wolvaardt Smashes Record Century in Women’s T20I

South Africa Women’s captain Laura Wolvaardt produced a stunning unbeaten 126 from 62 balls in the third T20I against Zimbabwe Women, guiding her side to an 80-run victory and a 3-0 lead in the five-match series. She was named Player of the Match after hitting 16 boundaries and four sixes.

The innings ranks among the highest individual scores in the history of Women’s T20I cricket, with only Hayley Matthews, Meg Lanning and Alyssa Healy having posted larger totals. Wolvaardt’s combination of timing, placement and power underlined her status as one of the leading batters in the women’s game.

Hardik Pandya’s T20I Future in Doubt

Hardik Pandya is reportedly set to be left out of India’s T20I plans, with the BCCI keen for him to concentrate on 50-over cricket ahead of the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa. According to reports, the all-rounder’s workload and injury history have influenced the decision.

Pandya has not appeared for India since the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup triumph earlier this year. His absence from the T20I setup would mark a significant shift in India’s white-ball planning, particularly given his experience as a seam-bowling all-rounder and former leadership option.

Nigar Sultana to Step Down as Bangladesh Women’s T20I Captain

Nigar Sultana is set to relinquish the Bangladesh Women’s T20I captaincy, according to Cricbuzz. The wicketkeeper-batter has reportedly informed the board of her decision as she seeks to focus more on her batting and keeping.

Nigar will continue to lead the side in ODIs. Her decision follows Bangladesh’s defeat to India Women in the first semifinal of the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup in Dubai last week. The change in the shortest format comes at a transitional moment for Bangladesh, who will need to identify a new leader while managing a demanding international calendar.

Looking Ahead

Tuesday’s developments touched nearly every corner of the game: a high-profile comeback in Pakistan, a statement innings from Samson, a record-breaking performance from Wolvaardt, a strategic shift in India’s white-ball planning and a captaincy change in Bangladesh. With major tournaments and bilateral series approaching, each story is likely to carry implications well beyond the day itself.