Rain forced the cancellation of the ICC Champions Trophy match between Australia and South Africa in Rawalpindi after the field was not fully covered. Mohammad Kaif criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board for mismanagement of ICC funds. Both teams shared points, with South Africa leading Group B.
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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.
Karun Nair's unbeaten 132 helps Vidarbha take a commanding lead of 286 runs over Kerala in the Ranji Trophy final. After being dropped by Kerala's Akshay Chandran, Nair's century, along with Danish Malewar's 73, steadied Vidarbha after early blows. The pair's 182-run partnership puts Vidarbha in a strong position for the final day.
Ashleigh Gardner's brilliant 58 off 31 balls and economical bowling of 1/22 led Gujarat Giants to a six-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women's Premier League. The Giants restricted RCB to 125/7, with key bowling performances from Deandra Dottin and Tanuja Kanwar. Gardner's aggressive batting ensured an easy chase in 16.3 overs.
Australian team, led by Captain Steve Smith, is keenly focused on the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy as they face Sri Lanka in two ODIs. These matches, taking place in Colombo, serve as the final preparation for the tournament starting February 19. Sri Lanka aim to rebuild after missing out on the Champions Trophy.
India vs England T20I series begins on January 22 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. This five-match series features key players like Mohammed Shami and Axar Patel for India, and Jos Buttler and Harry Brook for England. Both teams aim for a strong performance ahead of the Champions Trophy.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed Pakistan's readiness to host the Champions Trophy, with venues in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi prepared on schedule. Despite some renovation delays, facilities for teams and media are upgraded. The tournament starts on February 19.
South Africa triumphed over Pakistan by 10-wickets in the second Test at Cape Town, securing their seventh consecutive World Test Championship victory and matching India's record. This win helped Temba Bavuma's team clinch the series and guaranteed a top-place finish in the 2023-25 WTC edition. South Africa's winning streak began in August last year.
Pretoria Capitals kept their playoff hopes alive in SA20 with a dominant win over Joburg Super Kings, thanks to a brilliant bowling performance led by Migale Pretorius' 3 for 22. Pretoria easily chased down JSK's target of 99, powered by Marques Ackerman's 39, achieving victory in just 12 overs. Pretoria Capitals are now fifth on the points table.
Ravichandran Ashwin, India's second-highest Test wicket-taker, announced his retirement from international cricket after the drawn third Test against Australia in Brisbane. Sachin Tendulkar praised Ashwin as one of India's finest match-winners. While Ashwin concluded his 106-match Test career with 537 wickets, he intends to continue playing club cricket.
Shahid Afridi criticizes the selection of Shadab Khan to Pakistan's T20 squad, questioning his performance merit. Afridi highlights issues of inconsistency and lack of accountability in Pakistan cricket, emphasizing the need for decisions based on merit. He suggests that the current PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, despite his intentions, should focus solely on his role.