Cricket
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final: India vs New Zealand – The Ultimate Showdown
Dubai: The stage is set for an electrifying ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final as India takes on New Zealand in Dubai on March 9. Both teams have displayed remarkable form throughout the tournament, and fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating an intense battle for the coveted title.
India’s Path to the Final
India has been dominant in the tournament, securing crucial victories against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand in the group stage. In the semi-final on March 4, they faced Australia and emerged victorious by four wickets, successfully chasing a target of 265 with 11 balls to spare. Rohit Sharma (68), Virat Kohli (54), and KL Rahul (45) played crucial roles, while Ravindra Jadeja (38*) ensured a composed finish.
New Zealand’s Journey
New Zealand stormed into the final with a commanding 50-run win over South Africa in the second semi-final on March 5 in Lahore. Batting first, the Kiwis posted a massive total of 362/6, with Devon Conway (112) and Glenn Phillips (89) leading the charge. South Africa fought hard but fell short, finishing at 312/9.
Key Absence: Bumrah Ruled Out
A significant concern for India heading into the final is the absence of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who has been ruled out of the squad. This will put added responsibility on the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja to deliver with the ball against a strong New Zealand batting lineup.
Key Players to Watch
For India, the experienced duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be crucial in handling New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack. With Bumrah out, Mohammed Siraj’s pace and Kuldeep Yadav’s spin could be decisive factors in restricting the Black Caps’ batting lineup.
New Zealand will rely on Kane Williamson’s tactical approach and the firepower of their bowling unit, led by Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson, to challenge India’s batting order. The all-round abilities of Mitchell Santner and Daryl Mitchell could also prove vital in this high-stakes clash.
A Historic Final Awaits
As two of the most consistent teams in world cricket prepare for the ultimate battle, fans can expect a thrilling contest in Dubai. Will India continue their dominance and add another ICC trophy to their collection, or will New Zealand finally claim their first Champions Trophy title?
The countdown to the grand finale begins – cricket enthusiasts, get ready for an unforgettable showdown!
Cricket
Sri Lanka U-19 Players Face Charges Over Alleged Hotel Recording Incident
Two players from Sri Lanka’s Under-19 cricket squad have been taken into custody allegations that they covertly recorded individuals inside a hotel in the Narahenpita area, according to police.
The arrests came after multiple complaints were lodged by female medical professionals attending a conference at the hotel. The complainants reported that they had been secretly filmed while bathing in their rooms, allegedly using mobile phones.
Authorities revealed that preliminary investigations suggest the suspects may also have captured footage involving male guests at the same premises. Police are continuing inquiries to determine whether any of the recordings were distributed through online platforms.
The suspects were presented before the Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court and subsequently released on personal bail set at Rs. 500,000 each. Further investigations are ongoing.
Cricket
SunRisers Hyderabad Sri Lankan Trio Returns Home from IPL
Three Sri Lankan players representing Sunrisers Hyderabad — Kamindu Mendis, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga — have left the Indian Premier League as the tournament approaches its final stages.
The trio returned to Sri Lanka on Thursday morning to complete visa formalities ahead of the national team’s upcoming tour of the West Indies in June, which will feature matches across all formats. According to reports, their brief return is solely to complete biometric requirements for the visa process.
Despite their absence, the players are expected to rejoin the squad in India shortly after completing the necessary procedures. With sufficient time before their next fixture, all three are likely to be available for selection.
Sunrisers Hyderabad are scheduled to play their next match on May 3 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Cricket
Sri Lanka Women too strong for Bangladesh in second T20I
Sri Lanka Women produced a polished all-round performance to defeat Bangladesh Women by 21 runs in the second T20I, sealing the series with a game to spare.
After being put into bat, the visitors posted a competitive 154 for 4 in their 20 overs, built on key contributions from skipper Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama. The innings began cautiously, with Hasini Perera falling early, but Athapaththu steadied the innings with a fluent 42 off 37 balls, striking six boundaries.
The momentum shifted significantly during the latter half as Samarawickrama played an aggressive knock of 49 off just 29 deliveries, including two sixes. She found good support from Imeesha Dulani (27) and Nilakshika Silva, who remained unbeaten on 22, ensuring Sri Lanka finished strongly at a healthy run rate of 7.70. Bangladesh’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Fariha Trisna, Sultana Khatun, Nahida Akter, and Ritu Moni picking up one apiece.
Chasing 155, Bangladesh made a steady start through Dilara Akter and Juairiya Ferdous, who added 46 for the opening wicket. However, regular breakthroughs and sharp fielding dented their progress. Ferdous scored a brisk 29, while Sharmin Akhter anchored the innings with an unbeaten 44, but lacked sufficient support from the middle order.
Sri Lanka’s discipline in the field proved decisive, effecting three crucial run-outs. Kavisha Dilhari was the standout with the ball, claiming 2 for 15 in her four overs, while Sugandika Kumari maintained excellent control, conceding just 14 runs.
Bangladesh eventually finished on 133 for 5, falling short despite a late push.
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