Tuesday, May 05
England entered the match buoyed by a four-wicket win inside two days in the previous Test in Melbourne and were eager to carry forward the momentum. That victory ended a 15-year winless streak in Australia but came too late to save the series, with the hosts having already retained the urn through wins in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide.
Shubman Gill’s absence didn’t hurt Punjab, who thrashed Sikkim by 10 wickets at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya Ground. After choosing to field, Punjab bundled Sikkim out for 75 in 22.2 overs, with Arshdeep Singh leading the attack with 5/34 in his 10 overs.
Kolkata Knight Riders' signing of Bangladeshi bowler Mustafizur Rahman for the 2026 IPL has sparked a political firestorm. BJP leaders and religious groups are protesting, citing strained India-Bangladesh ties and alleged violence against minorities. Concerns were voiced that such sporting ties could be exploited, leading to threats against players and the franchise owner if matches are held in Kolkata.
Shubman Gill's omission from the T20 World Cup squad is causing significant discussion. The decision has raised questions about the selectors' planning, especially after Gill's recent vice-captaincy role. Former cricketer Yograj Singh criticized the move, highlighting the importance of backing players. This situation reignites conversations about selection philosophy and balancing immediate results with long-term team development.
Teenage opener Lhuan-dre Pretorius smashed an unbeaten 98 before Ottniel Baartman held his nerve in the final over as Paarl Royals edged MI Cape Town by one run in a gripping SA20 derby. Baartman’s late strikes and Sikandar Raza’s three-wicket burst proved decisive.
