Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne has stated he has “no issues” playing against Afghanistan in their crucial Champions Trophy clash on Friday. With both teams vying for a semi-final spot, victory for either side in Lahore will guarantee progression to the knockout stage. However, the match comes amidst continued scrutiny over Australia’s stance on playing Afghanistan. Cricket Australia has refused to engage in bilateral series against Afghanistan in protest of the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s cricket and broader gender-based exclusions. Despite this, Australia has faced Afghanistan in ICC tournaments since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, including the 2022 T20 World…
Author: Raghav Mutdeyja
Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar, famously known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” is widely regarded as the fastest bowler in cricket history. He holds the record for the fastest delivery ever recorded in international cricket—161.3 km/h (100.23 mph) against England in the 2003 Cricket World Cup. His raw pace and aggressive bowling made him a nightmare for batters worldwide. Former South African opener Herschelle Gibbs and Sri Lanka’s former cricketer Tillakaratne Dilshan said Akhtar was the fastest bowler during an interaction in a recent launch of the ICB Indian Corporate T20 Bash. The conversation over Akhtar’s pace also showcases the lasting impact the…
A defining moment unfolded in Lahore on Wednesday. With England needing 27 runs off 20 balls, Jamie Overton pushed a full toss to sweeper cover, but the fielder fumbled twice before finally collecting it. Watching from a distance was Azmatullah Omarzai, fully aware that he would be bowling the next over—knowing there was no room for mistakes. In a tense, must-win Champions Trophy clash, Omarzai delivered an outstanding death-over spell, finishing with figures of 3.5-0-26-3. When he was called upon in the latter stages, England seemed in control, with Joe Root batting on 114*. But Omarzai changed the script, producing…
Pat Cummins has begun bowling again as he gears up for the upcoming IPL season and prepares for Australia’s World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa in June. The Australian Test and ODI captain was ruled out of the ongoing Champions Trophy due to an ankle injury sustained during the Test series against India. However, speaking to ESPNcricinfo on Wednesday, he confirmed he was set for his first bowling session since beginning rehabilitation. “The ankle is feeling strong. I’ve been able to give it some proper rest and gradually build up, which is rare when you’re playing consistently,” Cummins…
Pakistan’s disappointing exit from their home Champions Trophy campaign has been attributed to one primary factor: a lack of experience. White-ball head coach Aaqib Javed, in his post-tournament assessment, pointed out that the team’s inexperience played a major role in their struggles. Although Pakistan still has one remaining fixture against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on Thursday, the match holds little significance, as both teams are already eliminated from semi-final contention. Additionally, persistent rain throughout the week threatens to further disrupt the game. Javed reflected on various selection decisions and combinations that might have improved Pakistan’s performance but seemed particularly affected by…
This Ranji Trophy final between Vidarbha and Kerala showcases the classic blend of youthful promise and seasoned resilience. Danish Malewar, just 21, is making a statement in his debut season, while 33-year-old Karun Nair is proving that experience and perseverance can lead to a career resurgence. Their 215-run partnership not only rescued Vidarbha from a precarious 24 for 3 but also tested Kerala’s bowling depth. Malewar and Nair’s Dominance The duo expertly tackled Kerala’s primary threat—spin. Both Jalaj Saxena and Aditya Sarwate, known for their effectiveness, were rendered toothless. Their combined figures of 0 for 89 in 21.5 overs highlight…
In a highly anticipated encounter at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India secured a decisive six-wicket victory over Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23, 2025. The match was marked by Virat Kohli’s exceptional performance, as he achieved his 51st ODI century, leading India to a comfortable win. Match Overview Pakistan, opting to bat first, posted a total of 241 runs in 49.4 overs. Saud Shakeel contributed a notable 62 runs, while captain Mohammad Rizwan added 46. India’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Kuldeep Yadav’s impressive 3 for 40, effectively contained Pakistan’s batting lineup. In response, India chased…
Having opened in the first three matches against India, he was dropped for the final two games in favour of Sam Konstas Nathan McSweeney has spoken of his heartbreak at being dropped from the Australia Test squad after three matches against India, and revealed trying to counter Jasprit Bumrah was a key to the selectors’ decision, but is determined to turn his mind towards pushing for a recall. McSweeney, who had never opened before playing for Australia A against India A in the game before the squad was selected for the first Test, was axed on Friday in favour of…
Only Jake Fraser-McGurk and AB de Villiers have scored faster List A centuries Anmolpreet Singh, the Punjab top-order batter, has gone into the record books for hitting the third-fastest List A century, his 35-ball effort putting him at No. 3 on the all-time list. Only Jake Fraser-McGurk (29 balls) and AB de Villiers (31) sit above him. Walking out at No. 3 against Arunachal Pradesh in a Vijay Hazare Trophy game in Ahmedabad after the fall of captain Abhishek Sharma in the second over, Anmolpreet got to his century with 11 fours and eight sixes. While all the Arunachal Pradesh…
Sixers needed 15 from the last over, and then seven off the last two, but Dwarshuis’ six off the penultimate ball sealed the deal Ben Dwarshuis hit Sydney Sixers to an unlikely last-ball win over Sydney Thunder, taking 15 from the last over to take his team past the victory mark. On the same night that Sam Konstas was bowled for a duck in his last innings before a likely Boxing Day Test debut, Dwarshuis hit Sixers home at Engie Stadium. Chasing 164 for victory, Sixers looked shot when they needed 47 from the final four overs. But Jordan Silk…