Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma faced criticism for India's 1-3 series loss in Australia. Support came from Jonty Rhodes, who noted touring in Australia is challenging. Kohli's form dipped, scoring 190 runs, while Rohit managed 31 runs in three Tests. The duo's performance will be crucial in the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy.
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Shan Masood and Babar Azam led Pakistan's fightback with a record 205-run opening stand against South Africa after following on in the second Test. Masood remained unbeaten on 102, while Babar scored 81. Pakistan ended day three at 213 for one, still needing 208 runs to make South Africa bat again.
India suffered a 0-3 series whitewash against Australia despite Smriti Mandhana's century (105) in the third women's ODI in Perth. Australia, recovering from 78/4, posted 298/6 thanks to Annabel Sutherland's 110 and Ashleigh Gardner's 50. Gardner later took 5/30 to restrict India to 215, securing an 83-run victory for Australia.
Australia won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and qualified for the World Test Championship Final by defeating India 3-1 in the series. Key performances came from Travis Head, Pat Cummins, and Scott Boland. This victory marks Australia's first series win against India since 15, and they continue to dominate major international cricket events.
Dubai Capitals' David Warner highlighted his team's determination to secure the ILT20 trophy in the final against Desert Vipers. Warner emphasized maintaining momentum and energy despite previous victories, citing key absences in the opposition's lineup and the importance of early wickets and strong bowling performance.
Sunrisers Hyderabad lead the IPL 2025 points table with a 44-run win over Rajasthan Royals, thanks to Ishan Kishan's unbeaten 106. Chennai Super Kings secure a close win over Mumbai Indians. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, also victorious in their opening match, sit in second place. Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals face heavy defeats, occupying the bottom spots.
India's captain Rohit Sharma credited Shreyas Iyer as the 'silent hero' after India's ICC Champions Trophy win. Iyer played a crucial role throughout the tournament, particularly in the middle order. He ended as India's leading run-scorer and second overall, ensuring vital partnerships like the fourth-wicket stand with Axar Patel in the final against New Zealand.
The BCCI is planning to stage the third edition of the Women's Premier League at four venues - Mumbai, Lucknow, Bengaluru, and Vadodara. The 23-match season is expected to start on February 6 and end in the first week of March, with the final set to be held at Vadodara's Kotambi Stadium.
Australia, India, and England, along with the ICC, are reportedly discussing a two-tier Test cricket system to have the big three nations play each other more often. This proposed system may start after 2027, potentially changing the current format and reducing the need for these teams to play against many other nations.
The PCB showcased the upgraded Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, emphasizing their readiness for the Champions Trophy amid concerns over venue preparations. Scheduled to start on February 19, the event's first game is between Pakistan and New Zealand. With PKR 12 billion spent on renovations, doubts remain until PCB confirms stadium possession.
Paarl Royals maintained their unbeaten home run in SA20, defeating Durban's Super Giants by six wickets. Pursuing 144, Dayyaan Galiem secured victory with a six off the penultimate delivery. Pretorius and Hermann's 91-run stand was crucial, while superb bowling from Maphaka and Fortuin restricted the Super Giants to 143 for 7.