Star batter Kane Williamson's unbeaten 133 guided New Zealand to a six-wicket victory over South Africa in Lahore, securing a spot in the tri-series final. Despite Matthew Breetzke’s record 150 on debut, New Zealand chased the target with ease. This sets up an exciting final while South Africa's bowlers struggled without key players.
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Ryan Rickelton (176 not out) and Temba Bavuma (106) led South Africa to 316 for four on the first day of the second Test against Pakistan. Their 235-run partnership countered early setbacks and dominated a lacklustre Pakistan bowling attack. Rickelton scored his second Test century, and Bavuma recorded his fourth before getting out just before the close.
Desert Vipers’ Director of Cricket Tom Moody has announced that UAE wicketkeeper-batter Tanish Suri will keep wickets for the team in the early stages of the ILT20. Key players like Lockie Ferguson, Mohamed Amir, and Nathan Sowter are set to feature in the opening match against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.
Sunrisers Hyderabad secured a strong start to their IPL season with a 44-run win over Rajasthan Royals. SRH managed a formidable total of 286/6, which could be pushed to 300 in an upcoming match against the weakened Lucknow Super Giants bowling attack.
At the BCCI's annual Naman Awards, Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana were honored as the best international cricketers. Legendary Sachin Tendulkar was given the Lifetime Achievement Award. In total, 26 awards were distributed, recognizing excellence in both men's and women's cricket across various categories.
Former Indian coach, Lalchand Rajput, praised the International League T20 for transforming UAE cricket by boosting the national team's performance with international player participation. Under Rajput's leadership, the UAE achieved significant milestones, including qualifying for the 2025 Asia Cup. He highlighted key players like Muhammad Waseem and Dhruv Parashar for their promising performances.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated R Ashwin on his international cricket retirement, praising his exceptional 14-year career. Modi's letter highlighted Ashwin's surprise retirement, comparing it to an unexpected "carrom ball." The Prime Minister lauded Ashwin's 765 international wickets, numerous Player of the Series awards, and crucial contributions to India's victories, including the 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy.
India fought hard to draw the third Test against Australia in Brisbane. KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja scored crucial half-centuries, and the tailenders saved India from a follow-on. The series is now level at 1-1, with two matches remaining in Melbourne and Sydney. India's top order needs to perform better in the upcoming matches.
England and Australia face off in the Champions Trophy opener, with both teams looking to recover from recent ODI setbacks. Key players are missing for Australia, while England aims to leverage their pace attack and proven batsmen for a strong start in the tournament.
Sri Lanka's cricket coach, Sanath Jayasuriya, reviewed their 2-0 Test series loss to South Africa, emphasizing the batsmen's failure to convert starts into centuries. He highlighted the missed opportunity for a World Test Championship Final spot, praising Kamindu Mendis's consistent performance despite the team's struggles. Sri Lanka now prepares to host Australia for two Tests in January.
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.