Harshit Rana shines on T20I debut as India defeat England by 15 runs and clinches T20I series
Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube both scored half-centuries, while an impressive all-round bowling display from Ravi Bishnoi and concussion substitute […]
Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube both scored half-centuries, while an impressive all-round bowling display from Ravi Bishnoi and concussion substitute […]
Mitchell Owen’s remarkable innings of 108 runs off 42 balls propelled the Hobart Hurricanes to their first Big Bash League title, as they secured a commanding 7-wicket victory against the Sydney Thunder in the final held at Bellerive Oval on Monday. In pursuit of a target of 183 runs, the Hurricanes successfully surpassed this total with 35 balls remaining and 7 wickets to spare.
Tilak Varma led India to victory with an impressive fifty in a tense second T20I match against England in Chennai. The game seemed manageable at the halfway point, especially after England’s lackluster batting performance. However, India faced significant challenges against the visitors’ pace bowlers, finding themselves at a precarious 104/6 while chasing a target of 166. Demonstrating remarkable composure and adaptability, Tilak kept the Indian innings afloat until the final moments, ultimately securing the win with four balls remaining.
India’s spin trio delivered an impressive performance, achieving figures of 5/67 across their 12 overs, thereby establishing a strong precedent in the T20I series. This effort contributed significantly to their commanding seven-wicket victory over England in Kolkata on Wednesday, January 22. In a matchup anticipated as a showdown between two formidable batting lineups, India showcased their spin bowling strength in home conditions, restricting England to a mere 132 runs. A remarkable innings from Abhishek Sharma, who scored swiftly, ensured the match concluded with 43 balls remaining.
A collaborative effort from the bowlers, complemented by crucial and timely batting performances from Faf du Plessis (30 runs off 23 balls), Leus du Plooy (24 runs off 23 balls), and Jonny Bairstow (14 runs off 14 balls), enabled the Jo’burg Super Kings to secure victory with the par score in a rain-affected match against MI Cape Town. After restricting MI Cape Town to 140 runs for 6 wickets in 20 overs, the Super Kings had reached 82 runs for 3 wickets in 11.3 overs when rain halted play, preventing any further action. At that juncture, the chasing team was ahead of the par score by six runs according to the DLS method.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius, at just 18 years old, made a remarkable debut in the SA20 at Boland Park, captivating the audience with an impressive performance that set a victorious tone for the Paarl Royals in the tournament. Partnering with the esteemed England cricketer Joe Root, Pretorius contributed to a substantial opening partnership of 132 runs for the first wicket. Although he fell short of a century by a mere three runs, his innings significantly contributed to the Sunrisers Eastern Cape suffering their second consecutive defeat this season.
Durban Super Giants managed to endure an aggressive start from Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Will Jacks, securing a slim two-run victory against the Pretoria Capitals in a thrilling high-scoring match at Kingsmead, Durban. Kane Williamson was the standout performer for the Super Giants, scoring 60 runs off 40 balls. Additionally, impactful contributions from opener Bryce Parsons, who scored 47 runs off 28 balls, and finisher Wiaan Mulder, who remained unbeaten with 45 runs off 19 balls, positioned the team favorably at the midway point. Despite the Capitals’ valiant efforts led by their explosive openers, they ultimately fell just short of victory.
The inaugural evening of SA20 2025 showcased an impressive display by MI Cape Town, who decisively defeated the two-time and reigning champions, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, by 97 runs, securing a bonus-point victory in Gqeberha. While several players contributed to MICT’s commanding triumph, none stood out more than Delano Potgieter, who achieved remarkable bowling figures of 5 for 10, leading to the dismissal of the defending champions for a mere 77 runs. This exceptional bowling performance was complemented by a vital 12-ball innings of 25*, which propelled MICT to a formidable total of 174 on a challenging pitch.
Maheesh Theekshana’s impressive hat-trick proved futile as New Zealand clinched the three-match series against Sri Lanka with a commanding 113-run victory in a rain-affected second ODI held in Hamilton. Following an extended rain interruption, Rachin Ravindra (79) and Mark Chapman (62) contributed significantly with their half-centuries, leading the home team to a total of 255 for 9, while Theekshana effectively contained the lower-order batsmen. Unfortunately, aside from Kamindu Mendis, the Sri Lankan batting lineup faltered, resulting in a disappointing total of just 142 in their response.
India’s cautious batting strategy proved ineffective as they were dismissed for 185 after choosing to bat first on a green pitch in Sydney. Scott Boland emerged as the standout bowler for Australia, achieving figures of 4-31, thanks to his consistent lines and lengths complemented by the seam movement available on the surface.
Kusal Perera’s explosive innings of 101 runs off just 46 balls, combined with his century partnership with captain Charith Asalanka, propelled Sri Lanka to victory in a thrilling high-scoring encounter during the final T20I at Saxton Oval in Nelson. Despite losing the series after two defeats, the Sri Lankan team posted a formidable total of 218 runs. New Zealand, in pursuit of their highest successful chase in T20 history, made a valiant effort led by aggressive innings from Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell but ultimately fell short by seven runs.
Australia’s top-order batsmen utilized the festive season to regain their form, enabling the hosts to secure early accolades on Boxing Day. After winning their first toss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Australian quartet of Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith each surpassed the 50-run mark. Although the first three were unable to convert their innings into centuries, their contributions were crucial in achieving a total of 311 for 6 on the opening day. For India, Jasprit Bumrah’s two wickets in the final session, along with Akash Deep’s commendable performance, helped them remain competitive in the match.