Category: Cricket

In the final match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, Michael Bracewell played a fantastic innings, scoring an unbeaten 53 runs for New Zealand against India. The game took place on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Bracewell’s 40-ball performance included 3 fours and 2 sixes, helping New Zealand reach a total of 251 runs for 7 wickets in their 50 overs. This score gives the New Zealand team something to defend, as they are hoping to stop India’s batting with spin bowlers like Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra.

Bracewell played well against India’s fast bowlers, Mohammed Shami and Hardik Pandya, especially in the last few overs, which helped his team post a total over 250. He also formed an important partnership of 46 runs with Daryl Mitchell for the sixth wicket, which helped New Zealand recover after India’s spinners slowed down the scoring.

India’s bowlers, especially Kuldeep Yadav, did a great job. Kuldeep took 2 wickets for 40 runs, taking key players Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson out. Rachin and Will Young gave New Zealand a solid start with a 57-run opening partnership, but then Varun Chakaravarthy dismissed Young, and Kuldeep got Rachin out for 37 runs in his first over. Daryl Mitchell was the top scorer for New Zealand with 63 runs, but his innings took 101 balls and included many dot balls, adding pressure on other players.

Varun Chakaravarthy helped India by taking two wickets, getting Young and Glenn Phillips out. India’s fast bowlers, Shami and Hardik, allowed 104 runs in just 12 overs. In comparison, the spinners bowled 38 overs, giving away 147 runs and taking 5 wickets.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has received support as it faces criticism over the 2025 Champions Trophy schedule. Former Pakistan cricket captain Rashid Latif defended the BCCI while criticizing the International Cricket Council (ICC) for making a mistake. Last December, it was announced that all of India’s matches would be held in Dubai because India could not travel to Pakistan for safety reasons.

During the tournament, which started in March, India was accused of having an “unfair advantage” because they played all their games in one place. On a YouTube show called ‘Caught Behind,’ Latif criticized former England cricketers like Nasser Hussain, Michael Atherton, and David Lloyd for complaining about India.

Latif acknowledged that there was a scheduling problem but said it wasn’t just BCCI’s fault. He pointed fingers at the other cricket boards for not paying attention during planning. He said everyone should stop whining after the fact, especially since they all agreed to the schedule.

Latif mentioned that if India had played their match against New Zealand a day earlier, it would have made the semi-final lineup clearer. He emphasized that the cricket boards needed to do their jobs properly instead of enjoying ICC meetings.

The Indian team had a different view. Captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed claims of an unfair advantage, saying they hadn’t practiced in Dubai beforehand. Gambhir pointed out the conditions between the practice location and the match venue were very different. He said that some people just complain without reason. However, fast bowler Mohammed Shami agreed that playing all matches at one venue helped India because they got used to the conditions.

D.C. United made a comeback to win 2-1 against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday night. This win ended D.C. United’s tough streak of nine home losses in all competitions since last season.

The game started slowly, and the first goal came in the 53rd minute. Erik Thommy scored for Sporting Kansas City, with help from his teammates Jake Davis and rookie Shapi Suleymanov. This was Thommy’s first goal of the season, and he has now scored 16 goals in 71 games with the team.

Seven minutes later, D.C. United tied the game when Christian Benteke, last year’s top scorer, scored a penalty kick. The penalty was given after João Peglow was fouled. Benteke has scored three goals this season.

D.C. United took the lead in the 68th minute when Hosei Kijima scored his second career goal after getting a pass from Peglow. Kijima had a good season last year, scoring one goal and getting two assists.

In goal for D.C. United was rookie Kim Joon Hong, who did not make any saves during his first game. D.C. United is now trying to improve their record at home, which has been a bit disappointing.

John Pulskamp, the goalkeeper for Sporting Kansas City, saved two shots in his 31st game with the team. Since 2012, Sporting Kansas City has not won in Washington.

D.C. United and Sporting Kansas City have played against each other 57 times, and the record is now tied at 22 wins each and 13 draws. D.C. United has done well recently at home against Sporting KC, winning 3 out of their last 7 meetings. D.C. United’s next game is against CF Montreal, while Sporting Kansas City will face Minnesota United.

As the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 final approaches, fans are surprised by rumors about Indian captain Rohit Sharma possibly retiring. Many believe that at 37, he might step away from cricket after the big match against New Zealand. However, Shubman Gill, the vice-captain, reassured everyone that the whole team has not discussed this yet. Gill stated that Rohit is only thinking about winning the final and bringing the trophy home.

Rohit, who has been a strong player and a great opening partner for Gill in ODIs, recently faced criticism after stepping down from a Test match in Sydney due to poor performance. Despite this, he bounced back with a century in an ODI against England and has been giving good starts in the Champions Trophy matches, even if his scores haven’t been huge.

Gill said, “We are focused on winning the final, and no one has talked about Rohit’s retirement.” He added that Rohit is not contemplating his future right now. An earlier report suggested that if India loses the final, Rohit might consider retiring. But even if they win, it’s uncertain what decision he will make.

Currently, Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill are being considered for the next ODI captain. Throughout the Champions Trophy, Rohit’s scores have been modest, but he clearly showed his talent in his comeback against England.

Previously, when Rohit stepped away from the Sydney Test, many speculated that it could be his last match in Test cricket. But he has confirmed, “I’m not going anywhere.” He said he wants to keep playing and lead his team, even if it sometimes means sitting out of a match to find his form.

Last Sunday was an exciting match between Varun Chakravarthy and New Zealand, where the Kiwi batsmen struggled to figure out the Indian spinner’s tricky deliveries. The upcoming match this Sunday has higher stakes, with New Zealand needing to adjust their strategy.

Chakravarthy took 5 wickets for 42 runs, which might make it seem like an easy win, but it was a tough game. New Zealand has some skilled batters who can hit big shots, but facing mystery spin can be confusing. When England played Chakravarthy before the Champions Trophy, many of their batters didn’t know how to tackle him. They often swept, but it didn’t go well for them.

New Zealand tried to play safe, but the pitch was slow, and they couldn’t keep up with the scoring rate. When their star batter, Kane Williamson, had to take risks, he was out, which hurt their chances. “The pitch wasn’t as bad as people thought; it did spin a bit, which made it harder for batsmen. I owe my five wickets to my teammates too,” Chakravarthy said.

If New Zealand thinks the pitch will grip less this time, they might attack more. But if it’s similar to last week, it could be tricky again. “It’s easier to read a wrist spinner in daylight. He’s a great bowler, and we need a plan to score against him,” said New Zealand coach Gary Stead.

Rachin Ravindra could really help if he stays longer at the crease. With experience playing at Chepauk, he has the shots to handle spin. Daryl Mitchell is also good at dealing with spinners. The team may consider moving Michael Bracewell up the order because he can hit long.

All batters will have their own game plans, and good communication during the match is vital. “We’re ready to take on this challenge; India has good spinners,” Stead added.

On the other hand, Chakravarthy knows the Kiwis will be better prepared this time. As a mystery spinner, he needs to keep changing and being patient. “On slow pitches, the ball turns slowly, so you have to be patient and wait for opportunities,” he explained.

Matt Henry’s Injury Concern: New Zealand bowler Matt Henry landed awkwardly on his shoulder during the semi-final against South Africa and is uncertain for the final. “We’ve done some scans, and we’ll do our best to get him ready. He’s sore, but hopefully, he’ll be fine,” said Stead. Henry has taken ten wickets in the tournament, including five against India. If he can’t play, Jacob Duffy might take his place.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made some important appointments in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Rajeev Shukla, who is the vice-president of the BCCI and a member of the Indian Parliament, will now represent India on the ACC’s Board of Directors. Additionally, Ashish Shelar, the former treasurer of the BCCI and a senior member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), will serve as an Executive Board Member.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia announced this news on Friday and expressed his confidence in Shukla and Shelar’s abilities. These appointments come after Jay Shah, the current BCCI Secretary, took on the role of Chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Because of this new job, Shah had to step down from his position on the ACC Board.

Saikia extended the board’s best wishes to both Shukla and Shelar, stating, “We wish both of them a successful tenure as the ACC works towards promoting and developing cricket in Asia.”

This is an important time for the ACC as they are preparing for a leadership change. Pakistan’s Mohsin Naqvi will soon be the head of the ACC, marking a new era for cricket in Asia. Shukla and Shelar’s roles are expected to help strengthen India’s influence in the ACC.

Through these new roles, the BCCI aims to continue shaping the future of cricket in Asia, reinforcing its leadership in the sport around the world

New Zealand’s bowling team has played a big part in their journey to the final of the 2025 Champions Trophy. They are set to face India on Sunday, but there’s some worry about their star bowler, Matt Henry. He got hurt while catching a ball during the semi-final against South Africa in Lahore.

New Zealand’s head coach, Gary Stead, shared some good news: “He managed to bowl again, which is positive. We’ve done some tests, and we’ll do our best to have him play in the final. We’re still unsure at the moment.”

In their earlier match of the tournament, New Zealand lost to India by 44 runs, but Henry made a strong impression, taking 5 wickets for 42 runs. He even got out some top Indian players like Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli. Henry has been very successful against India in his career and is currently the leading wicket-taker of the tournament, with 10 wickets at an average of 16.70 and an economy rate of 5.32.

Coach Stead added, “He’s a bit sore from landing on his shoulder, but we hope he will be alright.”

Henry’s Increasing Power

Matt Henry started as a bowler who shines with the new ball, but he has now become a big threat no matter when he bowls. According to ESPNCricinfo, he is tied for the most wickets in the last ten overs of ODI cricket, with 25 wickets in 20 matches, and he has a great economy rate of 6.79.

Since 2023, Henry has one of the best bowling averages of 12.36 among bowlers who have bowled at least 200 balls between the 40th and 50th overs. He has taken a total of 136 wickets across all formats, making him the highest wicket-taker since 2023. Other famous bowlers like Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah follow him in the rankings.

The best way to enjoy cricket is to watch Sachin Tendulkar bat. Don’t believe it? Just ask Shane Watson! When Watson saw Tendulkar hit a straight drive during a cricket match, it took him back 15 years. The crowd at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara was excited to see Tendulkar perform like a pro in a match between India Masters and Australia Masters during the International Masters League (IML) 2025.

Even though Watson (110 runs) and Ben Dunk (132 runs) helped Australia Masters win by 95 runs, everyone was buzzing about Tendulkar’s incredible batting. He scored a quick 64 runs in just 33 balls, which included seven fours and four amazing sixes. The best moment was when he hit a straight six off bowler Ben Hilfenhaus, which Watson called the “shot of the night.”

Watson said, “We won the match, but Sachin played the best shot. That straight drive took me back in time instantly. The boys were cheering silently. His shots were so good, especially that straight six and the cover drive. Sachin looked so happy after hitting them.”

The IML is giving fans a chance to see some of cricket’s greatest players back on the field, with the final match happening in Raipur on March 16. Watson enjoyed playing in the tournament and spoke highly of it. “It’s so much fun to be back, playing against Sachin and sharing the field with my friends from the Australian team. The quality of cricket is fantastic. If people at home aren’t entertained, I don’t know what will entertain them!”

Chasing a target of 270 runs, India Masters were bowled out for 174, with Xavier Doherty taking five wickets for just 25 runs.

Team India is going to the final of the Champions Trophy 2025 after an exciting four-wicket victory over Australia on Tuesday. Virat Kohli was the star of the match, making a fantastic 84 runs in the chase for 265 runs. He received great support from Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, and KL Rahul.

The real hero of the day was Hardik Pandya. He scored a quick 28 runs when India needed them the most, hitting three huge sixes and one four. His powerful batting changed the game and helped India secure the win. The match became very tense towards the end, and the Indian players were really nervous.

In a fun video shared on Instagram, Hardik was seen chatting with Axar Patel, trying to ease the tension. Hardik said, “I was smiling. I knew I would hit those sixes. I could tell everyone in the dressing room was a bit tense, but I was calm inside.”

Axar joked about the nervousness in the dressing room, saying, “We were thinking about running twos and singles, hoping Hardik and Rahul would keep the game going.” KL Rahul, who scored an important 42 runs without getting out, added that Hardik’s runs helped reduce the pressure on him. He said, “Hardik hit those crucial sixes, and it made my job easier. I’m really happy we won!”

With this victory, India is set to play New Zealand in a thrilling final for the Champions Trophy title!

Reverse swing is a powerful tool for fast bowlers. It became harder to use after the International Cricket Council (ICC) banned saliva because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Mohammed Shami, India’s leading fast bowler, shared his worries about this rule after India won against Australia in the Champions Trophy semi-final. He believes saliva is important for getting reverse swing back into the game. “We are trying to reverse swing, but without saliva, it’s tough. We hope they will let us use it again,” Shami said after India’s win in Dubai.

In One Day Internationals (ODIs), reverse swing is rare now since there are always two new balls, which makes it tougher for fast bowlers, even before the saliva ban. Shami was a key player for India in the semi-final, taking 3 wickets for 48 runs in 10 overs, helping India win by four wickets.

Shami’s role is especially crucial because star bowler Jasprit Bumrah is injured. On Tuesday, Shami was one of just two fast bowlers in the team, along with Hardik Pandya, who is more of an all-rounder. “I’m working on my rhythm to help the team more. It’s a big responsibility when we are short of proper fast bowlers,” Shami said. He is leading the pace attack in the Champions Trophy, sharing the new ball with either Harshit Rana or Pandya. While Rana is still learning at the international level, Pandya doesn’t usually bowl 10 overs regularly.

With eight wickets in the tournament so far, Shami has stepped up in Bumrah’s absence. He acknowledged that being the main pace bowler is tough but is determined to give his best for India. “When you’re the main bowler and the other is an all-rounder, you have to take the lead and take wickets,” Shami explained.