Cricket News Archives

🏏 Keshav Maharaj Reclaims ICC ODI Bowling Crown with Fiery Five-Wicket Blitz Against Australia

Posted on August 20, 2025August 20, 2025 by [email protected]

South African spinner Keshav Maharaj has stormed back to the top of the ICC Men’s ODI Bowling Rankings. After a scintillating five-wicket haul against Australia, reaffirming his status as one of the most lethal spinners in world cricket.

In the opening ODI of the three-match series held at Cazalys Stadium in Cairns on August 19. Keshav Maharaj delivered a masterclass in spin bowling, claiming 5 wickets for just 33 runs in his 10-over spell. His performance dismantled Australia’s middle order, turning what looked like a promising chase into a dramatic collapse. From 60/0, the hosts crumbled to 89/6 within nine overs, thanks largely to Maharaj’s relentless accuracy and guile.

The 35-year-old left-arm orthodox spinner removed key batters including Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, and Aaron Hardie. His spell not only earned him the Player of the Match award. But also propelled South Africa to a commanding 98-run victory, setting the tone for the series.

This performance catapulted Maharaj to the No.1 spot in the ICC ODI Bowling Rankings, overtaking Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana and India’s Kuldeep Yadav. Maharaj now holds 687 rating points, reclaiming a position he briefly held in late 2023.

📈 Ranking Shake-Up

The latest rankings reflect a significant reshuffle. Kuldeep Yadav. Who had been holding the top spot, slipped to third due to India’s lack of ODI fixtures since the Champions Trophy. Theekshana now sits second with 671 points. Other notable movers include West Indies’ Jayden Seales. Who surged 17 places after a six-wicket haul against Pakistan, and Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed, who climbed 18 spots to joint-43rd.

Interestingly, despite not playing ODIs recently, Indian pacers Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj have all gained a spot each, now ranked 13th, 14th, and 15th respectively. Ravindra Jadeja remains India’s highest-ranked spinner at ninth with 616 points.

🧠 Keshav Maharaj’s Rise: A Testament to Consistency

Maharaj’s journey to the top has been marked by consistency and resilience. With 63 wickets in 49 ODIs at an average of 30.46 and an economy rate of 4.58, he has quietly built a reputation as a dependable match-winner. His latest feat also makes him only the fourth South African spinner to take a five-wicket haul in an ODI on Australian soil, joining the ranks of Nicky Boje, Imran Tahir, and Tabraiz Shamsi.

As South Africa looks to build momentum ahead of major tournaments, Maharaj’s resurgence offers a timely boost. His ability to control the middle overs and strike at crucial moments makes him an invaluable asset in the Proteas’ bowling arsenal.

With the series still in play, all eyes will be on Maharaj to see if he can maintain his dominance and help South Africa clinch the series against a formidable Australian side.

David Wiese Named Captain of Saint Lucia Kings for CPL 2025 🏏🏆

Posted on August 7, 2025 by [email protected]

In a significant move ahead of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 season, David Wiese has been officially appointed as the captain of the Saint Lucia Kings. The franchise announced this leadership change earlier today, generating excitement among fans and pundits alike. Wiese, the seasoned all-rounder from Namibia, is set to bring his vast T20 experience and tactical acumen to the forefront as the team gears up for another competitive season.

🔹 A Proven T20 Veteran

Wiese is no stranger to high-pressure situations in franchise cricket. With over a decade of T20 experience spanning leagues such as the IPL, PSL, BBL, and international appearances for both South Africa and Namibia, the 39-year-old has built a reputation for being a reliable match-winner. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball, coupled with his on-field leadership skills, makes him a natural fit for the captaincy role.

In CPL seasons past, Wiese has delivered consistent performances, especially with his death bowling and powerful late-order hitting. His familiarity with Caribbean pitches and understanding of the league’s demands will be invaluable to the Kings’ campaign in 2025.

🔹 Leadership Goals and Team Outlook

Upon accepting the role, Wiese expressed his excitement and commitment to leading the team:

“It’s a huge honour to captain a team with such passionate fans and talented players. I look forward to working with the coaching staff and teammates to build a winning culture. We’re aiming for the title this year.”

The Saint Lucia Kings have come close in previous editions but are yet to secure their maiden CPL title. With Wiese at the helm, the franchise is aiming to blend experience with emerging talent, creating a balanced and aggressive side that can go all the way.

🔹 Support from Management

The team management, including head coach Andy Flower, has expressed full confidence in Wiese’s appointment. In a statement, Flower noted:

“David brings a calm, composed approach, combined with fierce competitiveness. His leadership in global T20 leagues has been exceptional. We believe he can take this group to the next level.”

🔹 Squad Shaping Up

The 2025 squad of Saint Lucia Kings is already shaping up to be a formidable unit, with key retentions and potential new signings expected to strengthen the side further. Wiese will play a central role in mentoring young Caribbean talents while also leading from the front during crunch moments.

🔹 Fan Expectations Rising

The appointment of Wiese has already created a buzz among the Saint Lucia Kings fanbase. Supporters are hopeful that his leadership will finally help the team lift the coveted CPL trophy. Social media is abuzz with messages of support and excitement as the countdown to CPL 2025 begins.

With David Wiese now leading the charge, Saint Lucia Kings are poised for an exciting season ahead. All eyes will be on the new skipper as he attempts to guide the team to CPL glory.

Pavan Rathnayake ton leads dominant Sri Lanka A batting display

Posted on July 21, 2025July 21, 2025 by [email protected]

The visitors built a huge first innings total, largely due to a century from Pavan Rathnayake. Australia A’s hitters faced a searching test to salvage their two-game series against Sri Lanka A in Darwin.

Sri Lanka A totally retaliated against rival captain Jason Sangha’s decision to put them in by advancing to declare 486 for 6 on day two of the second four-day match, having started at 263 for 4.

At the Marrara Cricket Ground on Monday, the hosts were 76 for 1 at stumps, with Jake Weatherald at 45 and Kurtis Patterson at 19. The first game was tied, leaving them with a mountain to climb to win the series.

Nathan McSweeney, the former Test opener for Australia. A was bowled between bat and pad by offspinner Nishan Peiris for 12, failing to duplicate his excellent 94 from the first game.

Pavan Rathnayake

When Rathnayake returned at 43. He took full advantage of a perfect batting strip to reach 122 off 223 balls, his team’s second century after Nuwanidu Fernando’s 102 on the first day.

Sonal Dinusha, who returned on five, joined the run-fest by reaching 88 off 191 deliveries. In 53 overs, he and Rathnayake contributed 170 for the fifth wicket.

Rathnayake was tempted into a reckless clip to short midwicket by left-arm spinner Zanden Jeh. Who was superbly caught low down by Oliver Peake, ending their stand.

Dinusha and Sohan de Livera kept punishing the bowlers, scoring 40 runs in 14 overs. When Patterson caught Dinusha at mid-on after he mishit a lofted pull.

The finest of the eight bowlers used was Zeh, a 22-year-old unknown who had never participated in state cricket at the top level. Look a third wicket as a result. As Australian officials continue to look for good left-arm spinners. The Queenslander was chosen for the first game from the left-field.

De Livera finished 50 not out at the time of the declaration. Being the fifth batter to reach a half-century or more.

McSweeney was bowled between bat and pad after hitting two fours in his 20 balls. The home team was led to victory by Weatherald and Patterson. Who added 44 without suffering any more losses.

In February, Shubman Gill was named the ICC Player of the Month.

Posted on March 12, 2025 by [email protected]

Shubman Gill is exceptional play on the cricket field has earned him the title of ICC Player of the Month for February. This honor follows a string of outstanding performances, especially during the ICC Champions Trophy. Where he was instrumental to India’s campaign. Gill is a remarkable player who can score runs in a variety of formats, and his most recent accomplishments have cemented his place among the top batsmen in international cricket.

After winning Player of the Tournament for his outstanding performance in the 2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. Shubman Gill’s ascent to fame began. He has since kept up his impressive play in both national and international tournaments. His position as an important player for India has been further cemented by his recent performance. Which included scoring an undefeated 101 in a pivotal Champions Trophy match against Bangladesh.

In addition to highlighting Gill’s increasing impact in the cricket community. This ICC Player of the Month award positions him for future success in the IPL and other international competitions. Shubman Gill is a key member of India’s cricket squad and a fan favorite due to his reliable form and capacity to execute under stress.

Following the washout, Bangladesh and Pakistan share points.

Posted on February 27, 2025 by [email protected]

Bangladesh and Pakistan both finished their disappointing Champions Trophy careers with a point shared as the second straight game in Rawalpindi washed out. The Australia-South Africa encounter from Group B suffered the same fate on Tuesday. It was cancelled before the toss had even taken place.

It was unable to take off the covers at any point during the afternoon due to the stadium’s continuous rain. The game was canceled at 3.27 p.m. local time. Less than an hour and a half after it was scheduled to start.

Rawalpindi’s final tournament match ended in a non-result. In addition to the two washouts, on February 24 New Zealand defeated Bangladesh by five wickets.

With just one game left in Group A, India will play New Zealand in Dubai on March 2 in a match that will decide the group’s winner. Both teams have advanced to the semi-finals already.

In terms of net run rate, Bangladesh (-0.443) finishes the tournament ahead of Pakistan (-1.087).

Later this month, Pakistan will go to New Zealand for a white-ball trip that will include three ODIs and five T20Is. In the meanwhile, Bangladesh will host Zimbabwe for three Twenty20 Internationals and three One-Day Internationals.

BCCI Will Continue With IPL Mega Auction Starting in 2025, Retaining Up to 6 Players.

Posted on August 9, 2024 by [email protected]

The most recent information on IPL 2025 indicates that, in spite of opposition from multiple clubs, BCCI intends to proceed with the massive auction.

The Roger Binny-led board is reportedly considering expanding the retention list to six players, including Right to Match (RTM). However, they do not support canceling the mega-auction, unlike some teams that proposed doing so during the recently concluded meeting at BCCI headquarters on July 31.

The mega-auction has become the subject of discussion. Some clubs have long complained that they had to start over and replace the players they scouted because of the mega-auctions. The BCCI, on the other hand, seems unfazed by the demands and does not wish to break with IPL history. The BCCI had previously only permitted four retentions in 2022 without an RTM clause.

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