MI Emirates kept their playoff hopes alive with a 28-run win over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. Romario Shepherd excelled, scoring an unbeaten 38 off 13 balls and taking 2/14 with the ball. Shepherd emphasised the teamwork and clear execution that led to victory. Kyle Mayers of the Knight Riders admitted lapses in the final overs led to their defeat.
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Australian cricketer Nathan McSweeney aims to reclaim his Test spot after being replaced due to poor performances. Eager to step in when Usman Khawaja retires, he plans to discuss his return with selectors. While McSweeney acknowledges facing India's bowlers was tough, he remains confident in his abilities, praising Sam Konstas for his impressive debut.
Vidarbha's Karun Nair on Wednesday reached the 8,000-run milestone in First-Class cricket during the Ranji Trophy final against Kerala. Nair, playing his 114th First-Class match, has been in remarkable form, scoring three centuries and one fifty this season. At 33, he also set a world record for consecutive runs in List A cricket.
Steve Smith's recent struggles with the bat mirror those of Kohli and Sharma on turning Indian pitches. His lean run of form has sparked concern in Australia, despite his impressive career average.
Mitchell Starc is included in Australia's XI for the final Border-Gavaskar Test against India despite a rib issue. Starc, along with Cummins, Boland, and Lyon, will spearhead the bowling attack in Sydney. Beau Webster replaces struggling Mitch Marsh for his debut. A win or draw secures Australia's series victory and a spot in the World Test Championship final.
Star India batter Virat Kohli has been consistently dismissed fishing outside off-stump in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar expressed concern over Kohli's weakness against deliveries outside off, highlighting that it's now a prevalent problem across different lengths, making him an easy target for bowlers.
Jonty Rhodes acknowledges Glenn Phillips as the best fielder of this generation after Phillips' exceptional performances in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Phillips amazed fans with stunning catches, including those of Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill. India won the final against New Zealand by four wickets, securing their third title.
The Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, both five-time IPL champions, are set to face off in their first match of 2025 season. MI coach Mahela Jayawardene and captain Hardik Pandya expressed eagerness to alter their first-match losing streak since 2012. MI aim to launch their campaign positively after a disappointing 2024 season.
Pakistan's chances to reach the Champions Trophy semi-finals were severely dented after loss to India in Dubai, following an earlier defeat by New Zealand. They must beat Bangladesh and rely on other results to advance based on net run rate. Only the top two teams go through to the last-four stage.
England's Jamie Smith returns for their Champions Trophy opener against Australia in Lahore. Absent from the previous ODI series against India, Smith will bat at No. 3 and keep wickets. England has included Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse and Mark Wood in their pace attack.
New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra was chosen as the Player of the Tournament at the 2025 Champions Trophy for his staggering record in the eight-team tournament. Ex India spinner R Ashwin disagreed with the choice, despite Ravindra's twin centuries in the four matches he played for the Black Caps.