Mumbai Indians' pacer Trent Boult took his 30th wicket in the opening over of an IPL match, surpassing other bowlers as the top performer in this category. During MI's home game against Kolkata Knight Riders, Boult dismissed Sunil Narine early. This achievement highlights Boult's crucial role in the team. Both teams made key changes in their lineup for the match.
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Sri Lanka's Maheesh Theekshana achieved a sensational hat-trick in the rain-shortened second ODI against New Zealand, limiting them to 255/9 at Seddon Park. He took 4/44, including crucial end-innings wickets, to swing the momentum back to Sri Lanka. New Zealand had initially dominated with Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman's half-centuries, setting a brisk pace.
Jasprit Bumrah etched his name in the record books, becoming India's highest Test wicket-taker in Australia during the Brisbane Test. Surpassing Kapil Dev's 51 wickets, Bumrah reached 52, further solidifying his status as India's leading pacer in SENA countries with 133 wickets, trailing only Anil Kumble's 141.
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.
Nineteen-year-old Australian opener Sam Konstas is poised for a potential Boxing Day Test debut against India, replacing the struggling Nathan McSweeney. McSweeney's dropping after just three Tests has ignited debate, with some questioning the decision's fairness.
Rashid Khan, after lifting the IPL 2022 trophy, faced setbacks with Mumbai Indians Cape Town (MICT) finishing last in the SA20 league's first two seasons. However, his leadership turnaround in the third season, coupled with strong performances from teammates, culminated in MICT winning the SA20 title, marking a significant achievement for him and the franchise.
Wanindu Hasaranga excelled in the ILT20 2023 with pivotal performances for Desert Vipers, claiming 15 crucial wickets and scoring 115 impactful runs. Kieron Pollard's aggressive batting at No.5 boosted MI Emirates' playoff run, while Adam Zampa's brief yet efficient stint for Dubai Capitals showcased his brilliance with nine key wickets in four games.
Pakistan reached the tri-series final after defeating South Africa by six wickets in Karachi, with centuries from Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha. Rizwan's unbeaten 122 and Salman's 134 helped Pakistan chase 353, their highest in ODI. South Africa set a target of 352-5, aided by Matthew Breetzke's 83. Pakistan will face New Zealand next.
Shakib Al Hasan has been banned from bowling in domestic and international cricket after failing a second test of his bowling action. Despite this setback, he remains eligible to play as a batsman. Shakib is still in the running for a spot in Bangladesh's Champions Trophy team set to compete against India on February 20.
Pakistan will host the Women's 50-overs World Cup qualifiers this month, featuring six teams: Pakistan, Scotland, Ireland, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the West Indies. The PCB is finalizing dates and venues, with Karachi, Multan, and Faisalabad under consideration. This marks Pakistan's first time hosting a multi-team women's ICC event, crucial for World Cup qualification.