cricket

In a thrilling second semifinal of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, New Zealand defeated South Africa by 50 runs to secure a place in the final, where they will meet India. The victory was set up by remarkable centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, followed by a collective bowling performance from New Zealand's spinners, which sealed their dominance despite a late surge from South Africa's David Miller.

Indian cricketing legend Virat Kohli delivered a masterclass in run-chasing as India secured a thrilling four-wicket victory over Australia in the semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Stadium. His composed 84 anchored India’s chase of 265, ensuring their place in the final against either South Africa or New Zealand.

The much-anticipated Champions Trophy match between Australia and South Africa in Rawalpindi was unfortunately washed out due to relentless rain. The game was scheduled to start at 2:00 pm local time but was called off at 5:10 pm, more than three hours after the scheduled start. Persistent drizzle had made it impossible for the match to go ahead, and even with the cut-off time for a 20-over game set at 7:32 pm, the conditions didn’t improve enough for play to resume.

New Zealand secured a spot in the ICC Champions Trophy semifinals after a dominant five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in a crucial Group A encounter. Rachin Ravindra was the star of the show, scoring an elegant 112 off 105 balls, leading New Zealand to a comfortable chase of Bangladesh’s 236. Ravindra’s performance not only ensured New Zealand’s progression but also put them on top of the Group A standings, alongside India, who also qualified for the next stage. The defeat meant that both Bangladesh and defending champions Pakistan were eliminated from the tournament.

The second ODI match between Sri Lanka and Australia concluded with a historic 174-run victory for Sri Lanka, marking their first series whitewash against Australia. The match highlighted Sri Lanka's outstanding batting performance led by Kusal Mendis and a disciplined bowling attack that dismantled the Australian lineup. This analysis explores key performances, tactical failures, and implications for future competitions as both teams prepare for upcoming challenges in international cricket.