Category: Cricket
KKR meet PBKS in IPL 2025 Match 44 at Eden Gardens in a high-stakes playoff chase. Expect a batting-friendly pitch with true bounce, some late grip for spinners, and evening dew. A warm, humid Kolkata night could influence the toss. PBKS defended 111 in the reverse fixture; KKR have lost two straight at home. Chahal, Narine, and Russell headline the key battles.
Sri Lanka named a 17-man ODI squad for the January 2025 tour of New Zealand, handing captaincy to Charith Asalanka and recalling Wanindu Hasaranga. The three ODIs are set for Wellington, Hamilton, and Auckland on Jan 5, 8, and 11. With several young faces and a few experienced heads, the tour doubles as a testing ground for roles, balance, and adaptability in tough away conditions.
Gujarat Titans have signed Kusal Mendis as Jos Buttler’s replacement ahead of the IPL 2025 playoffs, creating an IPL first as the Sri Lankan is set to debut during the playoffs. Buttler is unavailable due to England’s ODI series vs West Indies. Mendis, fresh off a strong PSL stint, is expected to bat at No. 3. His visa is pending, and he will join the squad once cleared.
Trinbago Knight Riders beat defending champions Saint Lucia Kings by 18 runs in Gros Islet to go third in the CPL 2025 table. TKR posted 183/7 and restricted SLK to 165/6. Kieron Pollard starred with the ball (2/38), while Tabraiz Shamsi’s 1/32 with 10 dots stood out for SLK. The result leaves TKR at 2 wins from 3 and SLK at 1 from 3 in the 13th edition of the tournament.
Australia’s Cooper Connolly fractured his left hand after being hit by Mohammad Hasnain during the third ODI in Perth, ruling him out of the T20I series. Scans showed a fourth metacarpal break. Josh Philippe was drafted in as replacement. The blow capped a tough night for Australia, who lost the series 2-1—Pakistan’s first ODI series win in Australia in 22 years.
Dewald Brevis lit up Australia with a record 125* in a T20I at Darwin, then added a brisk 53 in Cairns. Days later, his ODI start was bumpier—49 in the third ODI, highlighted by a viral six but ended by a catch on the rope. The swing underlines how different T20 and ODI demands are, and how South Africa might shape his role across formats.
At 22, Cooper Connolly became the first Australian spinner to take a five-wicket haul against South Africa in ODIs, returning 5/22 in Mackay. Australia piled up 431/2 with tons from Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green before bowling South Africa out for 155. The 276-run margin was South Africa’s heaviest ODI defeat. Connolly also became the youngest Aussie to take a five-for in ODIs, breaking a 38-year record.
England women's cricket team crushed Ireland by 275 runs, bowling them out for just 45 in a stunning ODI at Belfast. Tammy Beaumont scored an unbeaten 150, becoming the first Englishwoman to hit two 150+ ODI scores. This result marks England's largest ODI victory and Ireland's lowest total ever.
Decisive day at the Oval as India's hopes hinge on morning play before rain clouds threaten the 5th Test's finale. England is just 35 runs away from victory, but an unpredictable forecast means anything can happen. Both teams are pushing for a result before heavy showers roll in.
West Indies snatched a last-ball, two-wicket win over Pakistan in the second T20I, breaking their losing streak. Jason Holder led the charge with four wickets and a crucial unbeaten 15 runs, sealing the game with a boundary. The series now hangs in the balance at 1-1 heading into the decider.
AB de Villiers rolled back the years with a sensational 39-ball century for South Africa Champions, hitting 123 off 46 balls against Australia Champions in the World Championship of Legends 2025. His vintage power-hitting led to a 95-run win and reignited conversations about his legacy.
Josh Inglis and Cameron Green fired Australia to a dominant 8-wicket win over West Indies in the 2nd T20I, chasing 173 with over four overs to spare. Inglis cracked an unbeaten 78 off just 33 balls, while Green supported with 56*, sealing a 2-0 series lead after strong bowling by Zampa and Maxwell.