The Desert Vipers secured a comprehensive five-wicket win over the Gulf Giants to confirm a top-two finish for themselves. Max Holden's 70 runs off 54 balls led the Vipers to victory in 19 overs, after an effective bowling display, headed by Wanindu Hasaranga and Sam Curran, restricted the Giants to a below-par total.
Related news
Virat Kohli shared his views on retirement, stating he's playing for the joy of the game, not achievements. He highlighted the growth of Indian cricket in fitness, women's cricket, and the impact of IPL. Kohli addressed India's recent Champions Trophy win and the inclusion of cricket in the Olympics, emphasizing adaptability and the importance of creating a fun team environment.
Shubman Gill showcased his extraordinary form in the ODI series against England by scoring a century during the third and final match, marking his seventh century in ODIs. Achieving this in just 50 innings, he became the fastest Indian batter to reach this landmark and only the fifth overall to score a century at a single venue across all formats.
Ajinkya Rahane's blistering 98 off 56 balls propelled Mumbai to the Syed Mushtaq Ali final, chasing down Baroda's 159 with ease. Rahane's fifth half-century of the tournament, studded with 11 fours and 5 sixes, showcased his dominance. The veteran batsman leads the tournament in runs, justifying his recent IPL acquisition by Kolkata Knight Riders.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have joined elite company by winning their fourth ICC title after defeating New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Both players surpassed MS Dhoni’s record, sharing the second spot in the list of most successful players in ICC tournaments. Ricky Ponting remains at the top with five titles.
Alan Wilkins, the veteran commentator, joyfully announced his recovery from throat cancer and his imminent return to India for the IPL season. Overcoming this health challenge, the 71-year-old broadcaster expressed immense gratitude and a renewed sense of youthfulness. His return to the commentary box is celebrated by fans, marking a triumphant moment in his distinguished career.
Josh Hazlewood's Test match at the Gabba was cut short due to calf soreness after bowling just one over. He left the field for scans, raising concerns about his availability for the remainder of the match. Australia, aiming for victory amidst rain delays, may have to rely heavily on their remaining bowlers.
KL Rahul will be rested from India's upcoming eight-match white-ball series against England starting January 22 in Kolkata. He will return for the Champions Trophy in February. In the meantime, Rahul opted out of Karnataka's squad for the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy to rest after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia.
Ravichandran Ashwin unexpectedly announced his retirement from international cricket during the Test series against Australia. The off-spinner, India's second-highest Test wicket-taker, cited a desire to focus on club cricket. His decision shocked teammates, coaches, and fans, leaving a significant void in the Indian bowling attack.
The Dubai Capitals and Desert Vipers face off in the ILT20 Season 3 final at Dubai International Stadium, with a prize pool exceeding USD 1 million. Captains Sam Billings and Lockie Ferguson highlight their teams' strengths and top players like Shai Hope and Alex Hales. The championship boasts significant rewards for both the champions and standout individual performers.
India's Smriti Mandhana has been nominated for the ICC Women's ODI Cricket of the Year award after an impressive 2024, marked by several centuries. She joins contenders Laura Wolvaardt, Annabel Sutherland, and Chamari Athapaththu. Each player demonstrated outstanding performances throughout the year, contributing significantly to their respective teams' successes.