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India Storms into ICC Champions Trophy Final, Await Awaiting Opponent

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Dubai: India continued its dominant run in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, securing a spot in the final with a thrilling four-wicket victory over Australia in the first semi-final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. With this win, the Men in Blue have set their sights on the ultimate prize as they await the winner of the second semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa.

India Overcomes Australian Challenge

Chasing a target of 265, India displayed resilience, with key contributions from the middle order guiding them to victory in 48.1 overs. Despite early setbacks, a composed knock from captain Rohit Sharma (68) and a crucial 74-run partnership between Virat Kohli (54) and KL Rahul (45) steadied the chase. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja (38*) ensured India crossed the finish line with 11 balls to spare.

Earlier, Australia posted a competitive 264, thanks to a well-crafted 89 from Travis Head and contributions from Steve Smith (47) and Marcus Stoinis (35). India’s bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah (3/42) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/48), kept the Aussies in check, preventing a late flourish.

New Zealand vs. South Africa: Second Semi-Final Showdown

The second semi-final will see an exciting battle between New Zealand and South Africa in Lahore on Wednesday. Both teams have shown exceptional form in the tournament, with New Zealand remaining unbeaten in the group stage and South Africa dominating their encounters.

The Kiwis, led by Kane Williamson, will look to rely on their strong batting lineup featuring Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips, while their pace attack, spearheaded by Trent Boult, will aim to restrict the Proteas. On the other hand, South Africa’s Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, and Kagiso Rabada will be crucial in their bid to reach the final.

Final Showdown on March 9

The grand finale is set for March 9 in Dubai, where India will face the winner of the second semi-final. Having won all their matches in the tournament so far, India will enter the final with high confidence, aiming to reclaim the prestigious trophy.

Cricket fans worldwide eagerly await the thrilling conclusion of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with the stage set for an electrifying finish to one of the most prestigious tournaments in international cricket.

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Online Abuse Targets Sri Lanka A Cricketer After Match Incident

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Sri Lanka A player Vishen Halambage has reportedly become the latest victim of online harassment after a match-related confrontation with India A batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi sparked widespread discussion on social media.

The incident occurred during Sri Lanka A’s dramatic Super Over triumph over India A in the Tri-Nation Series on Monday. Footage showing a tense exchange between the two young cricketers quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing significant attention from cricket fans.

Following the match, Halambage’s Instagram account was flooded with critical and abusive messages, with many comments reportedly originating from social media users reacting to the on-field altercation. Unverified reports also suggested that individuals connected to the player were subjected to online harassment.

By Tuesday, Halambage’s Instagram profile appeared to be inaccessible. While some reports indicated that the account may have been blocked or restricted after receiving numerous complaints, the exact reason remains unclear. Neither the player nor Instagram has publicly commented on the matter.

The episode has once again brought attention to the growing issue of online abuse in sport, where athletes particularly younger players can face intense backlash following high-profile incidents. Sports analysts and observers have repeatedly called for greater efforts to curb harassment on digital platforms and promote responsible fan engagement.

The match itself ended in a memorable victory for Sri Lanka A, but the events that followed have shifted attention toward the challenges athletes face beyond the boundary ropes.

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Sri Lanka A prevail in Super Over thriller as tempers flare after dramatic finish

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Sri Lanka A held their nerve to defeat India A in a thrilling Super Over contest in the One-Day Tri-Series in Dambulla, but the dramatic finish was overshadowed by a heated post-match confrontation involving Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Vishen Halambage.

After both teams finished level on 265, Sri Lanka A posted 16 runs in the Super Over through aggressive contributions from Avishka Fernando and captain Sahan Arachchige. India A, chasing 17, were restricted to just nine runs as young pacer Kugathas Mathulan delivered under pressure to seal a memorable victory.

The match had already produced plenty of late drama. India A’s Arshad Khan conceded only four runs in the final over of Sri Lanka’s chase when five were required for victory, forcing the contest into a Super Over as fading light added to the tension. Despite concerns over visibility and a scheduled cut-off time, officials allowed play to continue.


Emotions spilled over moments after the Super Over ended. Visuals showed Sri Lanka’s Vishen Halambage and Wanuja Sahan exchanging words with the departing Indian batters. Suryansh Shedge appeared to point his bat towards Halambage before Sooryavanshi turned back and confronted the Sri Lankan player. The exchange quickly escalated, with the two players shoving each other before wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella stepped in to separate them and calm tempers.

Earlier, India A recovered from 125 for 6 thanks to Suryansh Shedge’s 72 and Vipraj Nigam’s 51 to post 265. Sri Lanka A’s chase was anchored by Sadeera Samarawickrama’s superb 93, which kept them in contention before a dramatic final-over finish and eventual Super Over triumph completed a remarkable contest.

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West Indies edge Sri Lanka to clinch series

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West Indies held their nerve in a tense chase to defeat Sri Lanka by five wickets in the final T20I and seal the series at home on Sunday.

Asked to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a competitive 169 all out in their allotted 20 overs after several batsmen made useful contributions. Opener Pathum Nissanka provided an early spark with 26 off 17 balls, while Kamil Mishara added 28 and Kamindu Mendis struck 20.

The innings was anchored by all-rounder Dunith Wellalage, whose aggressive 43 from 28 deliveries, featuring six boundaries and a six, lifted Sri Lanka during the closing stages. Wanindu Hasaranga also chipped in with a brisk 21 off 13 balls.

However, Sri Lanka lost wickets at crucial intervals and were unable to fully capitalize on a promising platform. Fast bowler Shamar Joseph starred for the hosts, claiming 5 for 33 in a match-winning spell. He received solid support from Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein and Roston Chase, who shared the remaining wickets.

Chasing 170, West Indies suffered an early setback when captain Shai Hope fell for a duck. Sri Lanka tightened their grip further by reducing the hosts to 53 for 4, with Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana applying pressure through the middle overs.

Shimron Hetmyer counterattacked with 32 off 19 balls before Rovman Powell contributed a valuable 33. The decisive partnership came through Sherfane Rutherford and Holder.

Rutherford remained unbeaten on 54 from 40 deliveries, striking three fours and four sixes, while Holder blasted an unbeaten 21 from just five balls, including three towering sixes.
West Indies reached 170 for 5 with two balls to spare, completing a memorable victory and securing the series after a hard-fought contest between the two sides.

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