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.

Pakistan will commence the 2025 Champions Trophy with a match against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi, as confirmed by the ICC on Tuesday, December 24, during the announcement of the fixtures. India’s group stage games, along with one semi-final, are slated to take place in Dubai, with the highly anticipated encounter against Pakistan scheduled for February 23.

In a historic match held in Kingstown, Bangladesh achieved a remarkable 3-0 series victory over the West Indies, securing an

Australia and India will enter the Boxing Day Test with an equal scoreline, as the third Test in Brisbane concluded in a draw due to adverse weather conditions that limited play on the fifth day to merely 24.1 overs. The decision to end the match was made shortly after the Tea break, which was moved forward as players left the field because of insufficient light and the threat of rain. India was at 8 runs without loss in their fourth innings, chasing a target of 275 runs in approximately 54 overs.

New Zealand finalized the proceedings on the fourth day, securing victory in the Hamilton Test by a margin of 423 runs, concluding the series with a score of 1-2. This victory marked New Zealand’s largest Test win by runs in their history and served as an ideal farewell for one of their esteemed veterans, Tim Southee. The former captain held onto a stump as a keepsake while leading the team off the field during the second session, following England’s loss of their ninth and final wicket.