During the second day of the fifth Test, Indian captain Rohit Sharma explained his absence due to poor form and praised stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah. Rohit lauded Bumrah's growth and leadership skills. India's bowlers dominated, reducing Australia to 101/5, highlighting the challenging pitch and the importance of patience and pressure in Test cricket.
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South Africa claimed a decisive 10-wicket win over Pakistan at Newlands, topping the World Test Championship standings. Despite Pakistan's resilient 478-run second innings, South Africa quickly chased the 58-run target. Having already secured their spot in the WTC Final against Australia at Lord’s in June, South Africa continued their unbeaten home streak, marking their seventh consecutive Test win.
Ishan Kishan's unbeaten 106 propelled Sunrisers Hyderabad to a formidable 286/6, aiding a 44-run victory over Rajasthan Royals. Traversing a blistering start, Kishan's innings showcased his return to form, backed by notable contributions from teammates, and solidifying SRH's dominance in high-scoring IPL matches.
At the BCCI's annual Naman Awards, Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana were honored as the best international cricketers. Legendary Sachin Tendulkar was given the Lifetime Achievement Award. In total, 26 awards were distributed, recognizing excellence in both men's and women's cricket across various categories.
Chamari Athapaththu, Melie Kerr, Laura Wolvaardt, and Orla Prendergast had exceptional years in women's T20Is with notable contributions in batting and all-round performances. Athapaththu led Sri Lanka to Asia Cup victory, Kerr helped New Zealand win the T20 World Cup, Wolvaardt took South Africa to their first T20 final, and Prendergast excelled for Ireland.
New Zealand's Mitchell Santner acknowledges India's familiarity with Dubai's pitch for the upcoming Champions Trophy final and prepares for a tough contest. Despite a busy schedule and previous defeat to India, Santner is optimistic about their experience. The team adapts well to the busy schedule and is ready for the challenge ahead.
India and New Zealand, both unbeaten, will face off in the final Group A match of the Champions Trophy with a chance to top the group. India have shown vulnerability against spin during their two matches in the tournament so far, which the New Zealand spinners led by captain Mitchell Santner could exploit.
Delhi Capitals achieved a convincing six-wicket victory over Gujarat Giants in the Women's Premier League, led by Shafali Verma's 44 and Jess Jonassen's unbeaten 61. Successfully chasing 127 in 15.1 overs, a 74-run stand between Verma and Jonassen was pivotal. Earlier, Delhi's bowlers restricted Gujarat to 127, spearheaded by Marizanne Kapp, Shikha Pandey, and Annabel Sutherland.
India's captain Rohit Sharma credited Shreyas Iyer as the 'silent hero' after India's ICC Champions Trophy win. Iyer played a crucial role throughout the tournament, particularly in the middle order. He ended as India's leading run-scorer and second overall, ensuring vital partnerships like the fourth-wicket stand with Axar Patel in the final against New Zealand.
South Africa have called up Corbin Bosch, who made his international debut in December last year, to replace the injured Anrich Nortje for the ICC Champions Trophy due to Nortje's recurring back injury. Nortje, a key player in South Africa's white-ball setup, has been sidelined since last month and previously missed the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
Pakistan recalled top-order batter Fakhar Zaman for the Champions Trophy, starting February 19, after his recovery from a knee injury. Saim Ayub misses out due to injury Mohammad Rizwan will captain the team, which also features 2017 champions Zaman, Babar Azam, and Faheem Ashraf. Pakistan will play India in Dubai on February 23.