Sunrisers Hyderabad lead the IPL 2025 points table with a 44-run win over Rajasthan Royals, thanks to Ishan Kishan's unbeaten 106. Chennai Super Kings secure a close win over Mumbai Indians. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, also victorious in their opening match, sit in second place. Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals face heavy defeats, occupying the bottom spots.
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Star Sports released a promotional video featuring MS Dhoni for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Dhoni highlighted the intense matches in the eight-team tournament while humorously needing a Dhoni Refrigeration System to stay cool. The tournament will be played in Pakistan, with India's matches taking place in the UAE.
Rain washed out the first day of the third India-Australia Test in Brisbane, leaving Australia at 28/0 after 13.2 overs. The Gabba's history suggests spinners will struggle, with visiting spinners averaging just 1.2 wickets per match since 2020. Even Nathan Lyon has found wickets hard to come by at the venue as well.
India lost seven wickets in the final session of the fourth Test against Australia, conceding lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Australia's victory puts them second in the World Test Championship standings, making it tough for India to reach the WTC Final. Australia's potential win in Sydney will extend their dominance while worsening things for India.
In the ILT20 match at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Dubai Capitals defeated Desert Vipers by nine wickets, thanks to Gulbadin Naib's unbeaten 55 and Qais Ahmad's brilliant four for 25. This win secured the Capitals' second place in the standings, setting up a Qualifier 1 clash with the Vipers. Naib's aggressive batting ensured a commanding chase to victory.
Babar Azam and the Pakistan cricket team engaged in a rigorous practice session in Dubai ahead of their Champions Trophy match against India. Azam faced multiple bowlers for extended periods, while key pacers Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi each delivered seven overs. Interim coach Aaqib Javed and captain Mohammad Rizwan led a detailed strategy meeting to optimize their performance.
Joburg Super Kings bolstered their playoff hopes with a decisive victory over Paarl Royals, led by Faf du Plessis' 87 off 55 balls. Spinner Donovan Ferreira's three wickets significantly restricted Royals. Despite injury challenges and inconsistency, the team remains optimistic about the playoffs. Ferraira highlighted calm leadership from Du Plessis for their steadiness.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam have been dropped from Pakistan's T20 squad for the New Zealand series, replaced by Salman Ali Agha as captain with Shadab Khan named vice-captain. Rizwan remains ODI captain, while Babar stays in the ODI squad. Fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf are also out, and opener Fakhar Zaman is injured.
Rajasthan Royals enter IPL 2025 with a strengthened squad and renewed determination. Led by Sanju Samson, the team boasts key players such as Jaiswal, Hetmyer, and Archer. They have fortified their spin attack with Hasaranga and Theekshana. While they face challenges like lack of all-rounders, their potential and past performance position them as serious title contenders.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is confident in his team's fast-bowling attack, led by young speedster Nahid Rana, as they face India in their Champions Trophy opener on Thursday. Shanto believes the seamers, including the impressive 22-year-old Nahid, can challenge any team. Despite not being favorites, Shanto insists they can defeat any team with proper execution.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape secured a 52-run victory over the Pretoria Capitals, thanks to captain Aiden Markram's unbeaten 68 off 55 balls and impressive contributions from Liam Dawson and Marco Jansen. Eathan Bosch became the Capitals' top wicket-taker. Jansen and Dawson dismantled the Capitals' batting line-up, securing a bonus point win.