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Sri Lanka to Host 12th Indoor Cricket World Cup in 2025

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Sri Lanka is set to make history once again as the Ceylon Indoor Cricket Association (CICA) has been officially awarded the hosting rights for the 12th edition of the Indoor Cricket World Cup 2025 by the World Indoor Cricket Federation (WICF). This prestigious global tournament will be held across two top-tier venues – the Austasia Sports Complex and the newly constructed U Pro Arena in Thalawathugoda.

The event is scheduled to run from September 27 to October 5, 2025, bringing together nine international teams: Australia (defending champions), New Zealand, South Africa, India, England, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, the United States, and host nation Sri Lanka.

The tournament will feature four major categories:

• Men’s Open

• Women’s Open

• Under-22 Boys

• Under-22 Girls

This marks a significant milestone for the CICA, which successfully hosted the World Masters Series just five months ago. Their proven ability to organize world-class events has been a key factor in securing this global competition.

More than 1,000 participants and visitors, including players, coaches, and fans, are expected to attend, making it not just a sporting spectacle but also a boost for sports tourism in Sri Lanka.

This will be Sri Lanka’s second time hosting the Indoor Cricket World Cup, having previously organized it in 2004. The upcoming edition will be the third major international event hosted by CICA within a year, following the England Asia Cup and the World Masters Series.

Historically, Australia has dominated the Men’s division, clinching every title since the competition’s inception. New Zealand has consistently been a strong contender, finishing as runners-up on multiple occasions. In the Women’s division, Australia has also maintained a perfect record, with South Africa and New Zealand trailing behind as regular finalists.

With world-class facilities, strong organizational credentials, and growing international interest, Sri Lanka is poised to deliver an unforgettable edition of the Indoor Cricket World Cup 2025.

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Sri Lanka Women Deliver Commanding Chase to Seal Victory Against South Africa

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Sri Lanka Women produced a composed and clinical batting display to chase down South Africa Women’s total of 235 in a strong all-round performance, continuing their rise in international women’s cricket.

Chasing 236 for victory, Sri Lanka began confidently during the powerplay, putting on 47 runs for the loss of just one wicket in the first 10 overs. The opening platform set the tone for a steady and calculated innings, anchored by key partnerships and individual brilliance.

The second-wicket stand between Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama (Perera) added 50 runs in just 54 balls, giving the visitors momentum. By the 14th over, Sri Lanka Women were comfortably placed at 77/1.

The middle order shone as Harshitha Madavi and Kavisha Dilhari took control, both registering half-centuries in a pivotal 100-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Madavi reached her fifty in 65 balls, while Dilhari followed shortly with a fluent 61-ball half-century that included five boundaries and a six.

By the 41st over, Sri Lanka had crossed the 200-run mark with seven wickets in hand, cruising toward victory. The pair’s calm approach under pressure ensured that South Africa never regained control of the match.

Earlier in the day, South Africa posted 235/9 in their 50 overs, thanks largely to a resilient knock of 61 from Annerie Dercksen and a solid middle-order partnership with Chloe Tryon. However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers maintained discipline throughout, especially during the death overs, to restrict the hosts to a chaseable total.

This win not only highlights Sri Lanka’s growing depth and maturity in women’s cricket but also sends a strong signal ahead of future ICC tournaments. With batters like Madavi and Dilhari leading the charge and a disciplined bowling unit to back them, Sri Lanka Women continue to impress on the global stage.

Score Summary:

• South Africa Women: 235/9 (50 overs) – Annerie Dercksen 61, Chloe Tryon 34

• Sri Lanka Women: 236/3 (approx. 41 overs) – Harshitha Madavi 50*, Kavisha Dilhari 50*

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IPL 2025 Playoff Race: Who Will Secure the Final Four Spots?

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As the Indian Premier League 2025 enters its final stretch, the playoff battle has intensified with most teams having played 10 of their 14 matches. While some franchises have all but confirmed their spot in the top four, others are locked in a fierce competition to stay alive.

Here’s a look at how the table stands and who’s most likely to make it to the playoffs:

Current Top 4 (after 10 matches):

  1. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) – 14 points
  2. Punjab Kings (PBKS) – 13 points
  3. Mumbai Indians (MI) – 12 points
  4. Gujarat Titans (GT) – 12 points (1 game in hand)

RCB has bounced back impressively with 3 consecutive wins, giving them a strong chance of securing a top-two finish. With four matches remaining, two more wins could guarantee their playoff qualification.

PBKS have been solid but inconsistent. With 13 points, they need just one more win to stay ahead, though their net run rate (+0.199) may be a concern in case of a tie.

MI and GT, both with 12 points, are neck-and-neck. GT, however, has an advantage with a game in hand and a superior net run rate (+0.748). Winning at least two of their remaining five matches should see them through.

Challengers Still in the Mix:

  • Delhi Capitals (DC) – 12 points, NRR +0.362
  • Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – 10 points
  • Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – 9 points

DC is firmly in the hunt but will need to improve consistency after a mixed last five games. LSG and KKR will need to win at least 3 of their last 4 matches and hope other results go their way.

Teams Almost Out:

  • Rajasthan Royals (RR), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – 6 points
  • Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – 4 points

CSK, the five-time champions, are officially out of the playoff race after securing only 2 wins in 10 games – their worst performance in years. RR and SRH also appear to be on the brink of elimination.

Prediction for Top 4 Playoff Spots:

  1. RCB – Likely top finishers with strong form
  2. GT – One game in hand gives a crucial edge
  3. MI – Solid NRR and experienced campaigners
  4. DC – Slight edge over PBKS due to momentum and NRR

As the league heads into its final four rounds, every run, wicket, and over will matter. The playoff picture is far from settled and promises high drama in the coming weeks.

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Vaibhav Suryavanshi: 14-Year-Old Prodigy Sets T20 Cricket Ablaze with Record-Breaking IPL Century

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In a historic display of talent and composure, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi etched his name into cricketing history by becoming the youngest centurion in men’s T20 cricket. Representing Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2025, Suryavanshi delivered a scintillating 101 off just 38 balls against Gujarat Titans, showcasing a blend of fearless aggression and mature shot selection.

Opening the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, the duo forged a formidable 166-run partnership, propelling Rajasthan Royals to a commanding eight-wicket victory while chasing a daunting target of 210. Suryavanshi’s innings was punctuated with 11 towering sixes and 7 boundaries, reflecting a strike rate of 265.78.

This remarkable feat not only made him the youngest to score a T20 century but also registered the fastest IPL century by an Indian, surpassing Yusuf Pathan’s previous record.  His performance drew accolades from cricketing legends, with Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh lauding his exceptional talent and temperament.

Hailing from Bihar, Suryavanshi’s cricketing journey has been meteoric. He made his first-class debut in the Ranji Trophy at just 12 and was signed by Rajasthan Royals for INR 1.1 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 season.  His rapid ascent underscores the depth of cricketing talent emerging from India’s grassroots.

As Rajasthan Royals strive to climb the IPL standings, Suryavanshi’s emergence offers a beacon of hope and a glimpse into the future of Indian cricket. His blend of youthful exuberance and cricketing acumen promises an exciting journey ahead for fans and the sport alike.

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