India clinched their second consecutive women's U-19 T20 World Cup title with a dominant nine-wicket win over South Africa in the final in Kuala Lumpur. Gongadi Trisha starred with an unbeaten 44 after bowlers restricted South Africa to 82 runs in their 20 overs.
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Star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah's batting prowess was on display again as he helped India avoid the follow-on against Australia at the Gabba on Tuesday. His unbeaten 39-run partnership for the 10th wicket came a day after he reminded a reporter of his record 35 runs in a single Test over against Stuart Broad.
Australia's newest Test player, Sam Konstas, showcased his talent with an impressive debut in the Boxing Day Test, scoring a quick 60. Astrologer Greenstone Lobo predicts Konstas, who displays traits of both Leo and Virgo, has the potential to become a cricketing great, with audacious yet perfected shots, and possibly the best replacement for David Warner as an opener.
Pretoria Capitals, the 2023 SA20 finalists, aim for a comeback in 2025 with new captain Rilee Rossouw and head coach Jonathan Trott. Key additions, including Liam Livingstone and Evin Lewis, bolster the squad. After a disappointing 2024 season, the team aims to reclaim its form, starting against Durban's Super Giants on 10 January.
Australia triumphed over India with a 184-run win in Melbourne, leading the series 2-1. Travis Head's unexpected breakthrough post-tea, dismissing Rishabh Pant, triggered India's collapse. Head's unique celebration, recalling a past performance in Sri Lanka, stole the spotlight, underscoring Australia's dominant performance and India's batting vulnerabilities under pressure.
Sri Lanka triumphed over New Zealand in the third ODI at Auckland, clinching a 140-run victory. Key performances included Asitha Fernando and Eshan Malinga's three-wicket hauls. Pathum Nissanka led Sri Lanka's batting with 66 runs. Despite Mark Chapman's 81, New Zealand were bowled out for 150.
New Zealand's captain Mitchell Santner acknowledges the challenge posed by India's spinner Varun Chakaravarthy in the ICC Champions Trophy final. Varun took five wickets against New Zealand earlier in the tournament. The fitness of New Zealand's pacer Matt Henry remains uncertain, and Santner hopes that their varied spin attack will help them succeed against India.
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.
The ODI-format Champions Trophy is scheduled to begin on February 19, with England set to play only three 50-over matches against India before the prestigious tournament. England skipper Jos Buttler highlighted the appeal of the series, adding, "I think it's going to be a really exciting T20 series. There are ODIs to follow as well, so yeah, I'm just looking forward to the games."
India's T20 cricket team, under the guidance of coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav, has adopted a fearless, high-risk, high-reward batting strategy. This approach has led to impressive high scores and a recent series win against England, emphasizing intent and selflessness despite occasional setbacks.
The Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi visited Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on January 6 to look at the unfinished work as the Champions Trophy begins on February 19. Pakistan will host matches in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, while India will play in Dubai. Naqvi expressed confidence in meeting the January 25 deadline.