Kevin Sinclair led the West Indies spin attack as Pakistan struggled to 76 for 4 after day two in the second Test. The West Indies set a challenging 254-run target, needing 6 more wickets to level the series. Kraigg Brathwaite contributed a crucial 52 for the tourists.
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KKR head coach Chandrakant Pandit acknowledges every team values home ground advantages and understands the preference for spin-friendly pitches. However, he emphasized that pitch preparation remains under the curator's control and the team focuses on playing with the provided conditions.
New Zealand secured an unassailable lead in the ODI series against Pakistan with an 84-run victory in Hamilton. Mitchell Hay's unbeaten 99 and Ben Sears' five-wicket haul were pivotal as New Zealand posted 292 for 8, bowling out Pakistan for 208 in response.
Sunil Gavaskar criticises Virat Kohli's shoulder bump with Sam Konstas during the Boxing Day Test at the MCG as 'simply not cricket.' Gavaskar suggests that Kohli's reaction to Australian fans' booing increased pressure on his teammates and contributed to his inconsistent performance throughout the series. Kohli’s on-field antics were coupled with his struggles in form. After scoring an unbeaten century in Perth, he failed to maintain consistency throughout the series.
Rajasthan Royals face Kolkata Knight Riders in Guwahati after both teams suffered losses in their opening matches. The Knight Riders lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru while the Royals were defeated by Sunrisers Hyderabad. Both teams aim to bounce back, with RR captain and local boy Riyan Parag hoping for home support.
Mitchell Santner has been named New Zealand's new white-ball cricket captain, succeeding Kane Williamson. The 32-year-old spinner, a veteran of 243 international matches, will lead the ODI and T20I sides, starting with the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. Santner, praised for his calm demeanour and experience, has previously captained the team in several matches.
Shreyas Iyer's impressive 97 powerfully led Punjab Kings to an 11-run triumph over Gujarat Titans in a high-scoring IPL 2025 clash. Gujarat Titans fell short of the 244-run target, scoring 232/5. Arshdeep Singh took 2/36, with PBKS setting a record T20 total at the venue. Iyer's innings featured nine sixes and five fours in his 42-ball knock.
India's bowling attack faces uncertainty as Mohammed Shami's knee swelling delays his return to the Test series against Australia. Jasprit Bumrah's fitness is also a concern after an injury scare in Adelaide. While Rohit Sharma backs Harshit Rana despite a wicketless second Test, the team is cautiously monitoring Shami and exploring options like Mukesh Kumar as potential replacements.
Shakib Al Hasan has been banned from bowling in domestic and international cricket after failing a second test of his bowling action. Despite this setback, he remains eligible to play as a batsman. Shakib is still in the running for a spot in Bangladesh's Champions Trophy team set to compete against India on February 20.
The IPL 2025 season opener between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday is under threat due to an orange alert for thunderstorms and lightning by the weather department in West Bengal. The groundstaff has already taken precautions by covering the playing arena.
KL Rahul's resilient 84 in the third Test against Australia highlighted his defensive approach as key to success on the challenging tour. Focusing on respecting bowlers early on, leaving deliveries, and tightening his defense during the initial overs, Rahul believes this strategy allows batsmen to capitalize later.