India remain unbeaten in ICC Champions Trophy 2025, advancing to the final after beating Australia in the semis. With a strong performance from key players like Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami and Shubman Gill, India enter the final against New Zealand as the hot favourites to win the title.
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Varun Chakravarthy's standout performances, including a five-wicket haul, have bolstered India's Champions Trophy campaign. Former cricketer Murali Vijay praised Chakravarthy's skills and mental toughness, highlighting his potential for a long international career and India's strong overall cricketing form.
Quetta Gladiators' bowler Usman Tariq faces scrutiny as his bowling action was reported as suspect during a Pakistan Super League T20 match against Lahore Qalandars. This isn't the first time Tariq's action has been questioned; he was previously reported last year.
Pratika Rawal's career-best 89 and Tejal Hasabnis's unbeaten 53 powered India's chase of 239, leading to a six-wicket victory over Ireland in the first Women's ODI. Smriti Mandhana set the stage with a rapid 41, while Gaby Lewis's 92 anchored Ireland's innings to a total of 238 for 7.
West Indies fast bowling legend Andy Roberts lauded Mohammed Shami as India's best bowler, praising his control and swing. Roberts questioned India's decision to bat first in the second Test against Australia. Though injured, Shami's recent strong domestic performances raise hopes for his return to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a series currently tied 1-1.
Cricket West Indies has announced significant captaincy changes, with Kraigg Brathwaite stepping down as Test captain and Shai Hope taking over the T20I role from Rovman Powell. These changes aim to prepare the team for upcoming international competitions, including the ICC World Test Championship cycle and T20 World Cup.
Rocky Flintoff, son of former England cricketer Andrew Flintoff, scored a century batting at number nine for England Lions against a Cricket Australia XI in Brisbane. His 108 off 127 balls helped the Lions reach 319 and secure a 72-run lead. Following his father's guidance, Flintoff's performance continues his impressive rise in cricket.
Smriti Mandhana, a prominent figure in Indian women's cricket, has had an exceptional year, emerging as the ICC's Women's ODI Player of the Year. With 747 runs in 13 One-Dayers in 2024, she outperformed top players globally. Her consistent performances, including four centuries, and leading Royal Challengers Bangalore to a title, underscore her growth and maturity.
Explosive New Zealand batsman Bevon Jacobs earns his first international call-up for the upcoming T20 series against Sri Lanka, marking Mitchell Santner's captaincy debut. Jacobs' impressive domestic performance and recent IPL contract secured his spot. The Blackcaps will play three T20s starting Saturday, followed by three ODIs, their final series before the Champions Trophy.
Jasprit Bumrah shone at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday, taking his 200th Test wicket and troubling Australia's middle order. Despite Bumrah's efforts, Australia extended their lead to 333 runs with a wicket and day left in the Test, forcing India to face a record challenge.
Pakistani batter Babar Azam and South African bowler Wiaan Mulder had a tense verbal exchange during the third day of the second Test in Cape Town, following an aggressive throw from Mulder. Tensions were high, but Babar diffused the situation, highlighting the heat of the moment. Babar consistently delivered half-centuries throughout the series.