Monday, July 13
Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman's half centuries powered New Zealand to a 113-run victory against Sri Lanka in the second ODI, securing a 2-0 series win. Ravindra scored 79 and Chapman contributed 62 as New Zealand posted 255-9. Sri Lanka faltered at 22-4 and despite Kamindu Mendis' career-best 64, they were bowled out for 142 in 30.2 overs.
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.
Jasprit Bumrah captained the Indian team during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, leading them to a victory in Perth but suffering a loss in Sydney. With Rohit Sharma's Test career in doubt, there are discussions about Bumrah as the full-time Test captain. However, Mohammad Kaif has suggested that this added responsibility could put extra pressure on the fast bowler.
Jasprit Bumrah retains his top spot in the ICC Men's Test Bowling Rankings with a career-best rating of 908, despite missing bowling in the second innings of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy finale. Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja also secure significant positions in the rankings, while Australia's Scott Boland and South Africa's Kagiso Rabada make notable gains.
Bahadur Singh Sagoo, a former shot-put gold medalist and Olympian, has been appointed the new president of the Athletics Federation of India. Rising from the first junior national camp in 1989-90, Sagoo enjoyed significant success as an athlete and rose through the ranks to become the Asian Games gold medallist in 2002.
Former cricketer Sanjay Bangar has suggested India's spin-bowling lineup for the T20I series against England, with Kuldeep Yadav as the top choice if fit. Varun Chakaravarthy is recommended as backup, and Axar Patel is favored for the spin all-rounder role due to his ability to bowl in the powerplay.
With the ICC Champions Trophy just over a month away, significant construction work at key Pakistani stadiums remains incomplete. The ICC are set to conduct status checks and discussing contingencies, due to the ongoing infrastructural delays and challenging weather conditions in Pakistan. The tournament begins on 19 February.
Ravi Shastri suggests Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma return to domestic cricket to hone their Test skills and mentor younger players. Following India's performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Shastri believes domestic play can help them overcome technical issues and contribute to the team's transition. He emphasises the importance of hunger and desire in their careers.
The Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi visited Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on January 6 to look at the unfinished work as the Champions Trophy begins on February 19. Pakistan will host matches in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, while India will play in Dubai. Naqvi expressed confidence in meeting the January 25 deadline.
The Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi visited Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, highlighting concerns about the unfinished work just weeks before the Champions Trophy begins on February 19. Pakistan will host matches in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, while India will play in Dubai. Naqvi expresses confidence in meeting the January 25 deadline.
