As the Paarl Royals gear up for the 2025 SA20 season, they aim to capture their maiden title. The team has strengthened their squad with international stars like Dinesh Karthik and Joe Root, despite Jos Buttler's absence. Under David Miller's leadership, the Royals are set to face Sunrisers Eastern Cape in their opening match.
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Smriti Mandhana has climbed to second place in both T20I and ODI batting rankings after impressive performances against the West Indies. She now trails only South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt and Australia's Beth Mooney. Alongside, Indian and Australian players, including Harmanpreet Kaur, Annabel Sutherland, and Renuka Singh Thakur, made notable advancements in their respective rankings.
Rain disrupted the opening day of the third Test between Australia and India at the Gabba, limiting play to just 13.2 overs. Australia reached 28/0 before heavy rain forced players off the field. India opted to bowl after winning the toss. Sunday's forecast is dry, but rain is expected for the remaining days of the match.
James Anderson, England's legendary fast bowler, has been knighted in Rishi Sunak's resignation honours list for his outstanding contributions to cricket. Anderson retired from Test cricket in July as the highest wicket-taker among fast bowlers, amassing 704 wickets. He continues his career with Lancashire, marking his 25th first-class season. According to the British government, Anderson will be knighted for “services to cricket.”
The PCB's absence from the podium at the ICC Champions Trophy final in Dubai has sparked criticism, particularly from former player Shoaib Akhtar. Despite hosting the tournament, Pakistan did not have any representatives present at the trophy presentation after India's victory over New Zealand.
New Zealand's captain Mitchell Santner acknowledges the challenge posed by India's spinner Varun Chakaravarthy in the ICC Champions Trophy final. Varun took five wickets against New Zealand earlier in the tournament. The fitness of New Zealand's pacer Matt Henry remains uncertain, and Santner hopes that their varied spin attack will help them succeed against India.
Varun Chakravarthy showcased his bowling prowess with a five-wicket haul, restricting England's run rate effectively on a sluggish pitch. Despite India's loss, he earned the Player of the Match award and emphasized his focus on future challenges and continuous improvement, particularly working on perfecting his flipper.
Pakistan are set to host the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy for the first time in 29 years. The tournament will commence on February 19 with the hosts facing New Zealand. PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi expressed excitement for the event, emphasising its significance for showcasing Pakistan's hospitality and cricket passion.
Rob Walter has resigned as South Africa’s white-ball coach, with his tenure marked by significant achievements, including the team's first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final appearance in 2024 and a semi-final spot in the 2023 Cricket World Cup. CSA will soon announce his successor.
Opener Abhishek Sharma credits mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy for India's turnaround in their seven-wicket victory against England in the T20 series opener. Chakaravarthy's pivotal over halted England's progress, allowing other bowlers to capitalize. Sharma also praised the team's support and his IPL experience for bolstering his fearless batting.
Australia's World Cup-winning captain Pat Cummins is in a race against time to recover from an ankle injury ahead of the Champions Trophy. Scans will determine his availability. Meanwhile, Steve Smith will lead the Test team in Cummins's absence for the Sri Lanka tour. Josh Hazlewood, also injured, is expected to be fit for the Champions Trophy.