New Zealand has secured a spot in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final after defeating South Africa by 50 runs in the semifinals. The Black Caps will face India, who remained unbeaten in the tournament, at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. New Zealand now stand on the brink of history as they aim to secure their second Champions Trophy title, having last won the prestigious tournament in 2000 in Kenya—their only major ICC white-ball triumph.
Related news
Dropped from Australia's Test squad after a string of low scores against India, Nathan McSweeney bounced back with a match-winning 78 for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League. The 25-year-old reflected on his Test experience and advice received from teammate Marnus Labuschagne, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and growth.
India’s 23-year-old pacer Harshit Rana downplayed external criticism after his impressive ODI debut against England in Nagpur, where he picked up 3/33 to lead India to a victory. Despite a challenging over, he made a comeback, focusing on delivering for his country. England’s captain highlighted Phil Salt's run-out as a crucial turning point.
The ICC has decided that India-Pakistan matches in ICC tournaments through 2027 will be held at neutral venues. This includes the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, the 2025 Women's World Cup in India, and the 2026 T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal supported the decision, stating it benefits all involved.
Shreyas Iyer's impressive 97 powerfully led Punjab Kings to an 11-run triumph over Gujarat Titans in a high-scoring IPL 2025 clash. Gujarat Titans fell short of the 244-run target, scoring 232/5. Arshdeep Singh took 2/36, with PBKS setting a record T20 total at the venue. Iyer's innings featured nine sixes and five fours in his 42-ball knock.
England's head coach Brendon McCullum revealed a 'watchful style of cricket' for their upcoming T20I and ODI series against India. This approach focuses on adapting to Indian conditions ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy. McCullum expressed confidence in captain Jos Buttler's leadership, emphasizing the importance of maximizing their diverse resources to succeed in the series.
South Africa's tailenders Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen secured a tense two-wicket win over Pakistan in the first test, ensuring the Proteas' place in the next year's World Test Championship final. Spinner Tabraiz Shamsi highlighted South Africa's cricket resurgence with performances in various formats. Captain Bavuma praised the team's journey, overcoming initial setbacks to now lead the WTC table.
Cheteshwar Pujara has highlighted Mitchell Starc as a major threat for India in the upcoming Boxing Day Test. Pujara praised Starc's improved accuracy and effectiveness, particularly with the new ball. He emphasized the need for India's batsmen to negotiate Starc's initial spells carefully, noting his reduced impact against the lower order with the older ball.
Ravindra Jadeja became the fifth Indian bowler to secure 600 international wickets. He achieved the milestone during the first ODI against England in Nagpur. Jadeja's final figures of 3 for 26 helped India dismiss England for 248. He joins legends like Anil Kumble, Ravichandran Ashwin, Harbhajan Singh, and Kapil Dev.
Rajasthan Royals face Kolkata Knight Riders in Guwahati after both teams suffered losses in their opening matches. The Knight Riders lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru while the Royals were defeated by Sunrisers Hyderabad. Both teams aim to bounce back, with RR captain and local boy Riyan Parag hoping for home support.
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.