India continued their dominant run in ICC tournaments, defeating New Zealand in a hard-fought final to extend their unbeaten streak. With this victory, India now holds two of the four ICC trophies, having lost in the final of the other two. In their last three ICC tournaments, India has won 22 of their 23 completed matches, showcasing remarkable consistency and depth.Winning the toss proved crucial as New Zealand, despite a flying start of 69 for 1 in the powerplay, struggled against India's high-quality spin attack. On a pitch offering minimal turn, India's spinners bowled 38 overs, conceding just 144 runs
As India and New Zealand prepare to clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final at the Dubai International Stadium, the scorching heat and spin-friendly pitch are set to play a crucial role. With temperatures around 32°C, captains face a tough decision at the toss. While teams have preferred chasing, minimal dew might make batting first a viable strategy if a competitive total is posted.Dubai's surface has favoured spinners throughout the tournament, making stroke play difficult once the ball softens. The Powerplay remains the best time to bat, but adapting to slower conditions in the middle overs will be key.
The semi-final line-up for the Champions Trophy 2025 has been confirmed following India’s dominant victory over New Zealand in their final group-stage match. With this win, India secured the top spot in Group A and will face Australia in the first semi-final, while New Zealand will take on South Africa in the second semi-final.New Zealand is set to depart for Lahore early on March 3 to prepare for their crucial semi-final against South Africa. Meanwhile, India and Australia will battle it out on March 4 in Dubai. The second semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa is scheduled for March
Afghanistan stunned England with a thrilling 8-run victory in the 2025 Champions Trophy at Lahore, knocking them out of the tournament. Ibrahim Zadran's sensational 177 off 146 balls, the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history, rescued Afghanistan from early trouble at 37/3. His aggressive knock, supported by Azmatullah Omarzai's quickfire 41 off 31, propelled Afghanistan to 325/7.England's chase, led by Joe Root’s sublime 120, seemed on track despite early setbacks. Phil Salt and Jamie Smith fell cheaply, but Root stabilized the innings alongside Ben Duckett. However, Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi broke partnerships at crucial junctures. Jos Buttler’s sluggish
Team India delivered a masterclass performance in match two of the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai, defeating Bangladesh by six wickets. Bangladesh, chasing their own target, managed only 228 all out in 49.4 overs, with their innings collapsing early when they lost five wickets in the powerplay, reducing them to 35/5. India, led by Rohit Sharma, capitalized on this early advantage. Fast bowlers Mohammed Shami, Harshit Rana, and spinner Axar Patel set the tone for India, keeping Bangladesh in check from the onset. Although Bangladesh’s Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali later staged a remarkable
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has made candid admissions about how challenging it was for him to tackle Lionel Messi. The Brazilian star, who had numerous on-field encounters with the former Barcelona icon during his time at Real Madrid, called Messi one of the greatest players in football history. Casemiro, known for his defensive ability, shared insights into his experiences facing Messi while also acknowledging Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary status in the game.The two footballers frequently crossed paths during their time in La Liga, with Messi being the focal point of Barcelona’s attack. Speaking to Diario AS, Casemiro reflected on his struggles
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Full Schedule, Format, Venues & FixturesThe ICC Champions Trophy is making a comeback after eight years, with Pakistan set to host the tournament starting February 19. However, the Indian team has opted out of travelling to Pakistan and will play all their matches in Dubai. The competition will feature the top eight teams from the 2023 ODI World Cup.Dates and Match TimingsThe group stage will feature 12 matches, followed by two semi-finals and the final. The opening match will see Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi. The final is scheduled for March 9 in Lahore but
Indian chess Grandmaster R Vaishali is determined to achieve consistent performances and qualify for the prestigious Candidates Tournament this year. The 23-year-old has already made history by becoming the third Indian woman to earn the Grandmaster title. She played a vital role in India’s gold-medal-winning run at the Chess Olympiad and secured a bronze medal at the World Blitz Championship.Vaishali acknowledges that maintaining consistency is crucial for her career progress. “My main goal is to show consistent performance and play some good games. By the end of the year, I aim to qualify for the Candidates Tournament,” she said. Having
Australia's preparations for the 2025 Champions Trophy have been dealt a major blow with skipper Pat Cummins and key pacer Josh Hazlewood officially ruled out due to injuries. This adds to their woes, as all-rounder Marcus Stoinis recently retired from ODIs, and Mitchell Marsh has withdrawn due to a back injury.Chief selector George Bailey confirmed the news, stating that while the absences are disappointing, they provide opportunities for other players to step up in a global event. Hazlewood has been dealing with hip and calf strains, while Cummins is still recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.With
