Zimbabwe pulled off a thrilling last-ball victory against Afghanistan in the first T20I, chasing down 145 with four wickets to spare. Tashinga Musekiwa's heroics in the final over sealed the win. Brian Bennett (49) and Dion Myers (32) laid the foundation with a 75-run partnership, while Karim Janat's unbeaten 54 for Afghanistan went in vain.
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Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh praised ILT20 Season 3's competition and standout performances, especially highlighting Gulf Giants' Aayan Afzal Khan. He also commended the Desert Vipers’ strong team. Harbhajan noted impressive bowling by Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mohammed Amir, and emphasized the league's importance for UAE cricket development. The ILT20 features six teams in 34 matches across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
SA20, South Africa's premier T20 competition, remains a key platform for emerging cricket talents. This season saw standout performances from Dewald Brevis, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Rubin Hermann, and others, showcasing their impressive skills and earning recognition. The league continues to be a valuable launchpad for young players aiming for international success.
Shubman Gill showcased his batting prowess with an impressive 52-ball 46 against Pakistan in Dubai, reminiscent of master balster Sachin Tendulkar's style. After a challenging tour in Australia, Gill has returned to form, hitting a century against Karnataka and excelling in recent matches. He enjoys a successful partnership with Rohit Sharma, providing thrilling performances in ODIs.
ILT20 Season 3 begins January 11, 2025, with a grand opening ceremony at Dubai International Stadium, featuring Bollywood stars Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde, and Sonam Bajwa. The event includes fireworks and the opening match between MI Emirates and Dubai Capitals. Tickets are available for AED 40 in the general category.
South Africa has unveiled a 16-player squad for their upcoming two-Test series against Pakistan, featuring two uncapped fast bowlers, Kwena Maphaka and Corbin Bosch. Injuries to key players like Anrich Nortje and Lizaad Williams necessitated these additions. The fitness of Wiaan Mulder and Keshav Maharaj remains uncertain.
Rinku Singh’s powerful shot broke a press box window during a T20 match, and due to repair difficulties and financial constraints, the window remains unfixed. The ground management might have him autograph the damage during his next visit while focusing on more urgent stadium maintenance needs.
Yashasvi Jaiswal became India's highest Test run-scorer in 2024 with 1,478 runs, including two double centuries against England. He was followed by Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja. Jaiswal also made headlines by hitting 12 sixes in a single innings, tying the world record.
Ricky Ponting highlights Mohammed Shami's pivotal return for India in the series against England, essential for upcoming ICC Men's Champions Trophy. Ravi Shastri stresses the importance of managing Shami's workload in ODIs as his performance and fitness will be key, easing pressure on Jasprit Bumrah and providing crucial bowling depth for India.
Durban's Super Giants faced a tough loss against Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20 League, managing only 115/8. Kane Williamson admitted the challenging pitch conditions and praised Sunrisers’ disciplined bowling. He stressed the need for small adjustments and staying close to basics for improvement in the next matches, maintaining optimism for the team's prospects.
Steve Smith, the Australian cricket legend, has expressed his desire to play in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket makes a return after 128 years. Despite varying T20I performances, Smith has excelled in domestic leagues and recently scored a century in the Big Bash League. He remains committed to both international and franchise cricket.