team performance

In a rain-soaked clash at the Sydney Football Stadium on Wednesday night, the New South Wales Blues secured the Women’s State of Origin series with a commanding 22–8 victory over the Queensland Maroons. Led by a scintillating performance from 2024 Dally M Medallist Olivia Kernick, the Blues turned a damp and challenging surface into an advantage, overpowering their opponents in all facets of the game. Here are five key takeaways from a match that combined individual brilliance, controversial officiating and a resolute defensive effort under driving rain.

Lando Norris and McLaren entered the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend brimming with confidence. After dominating FP3 in scorching conditions (47°C), they knew things would tighten in the cooler temperatures of qualifying. Still, everything pointed to a strong pole challenge.

Matildas veteran Tameka Yallop sustained a suspected hamstring injury during Brisbane Roar’s 2–0 defeat to Melbourne Victory in the final round of the A-League Women season, putting her availability for the upcoming international window in serious doubt.

The 2025 Super Netball season is barely two rounds in, but we’re already seeing a major shift in the power dynamics of the league. In a stunning turn of events, the Queensland Firebirds have surged to their best start since 2016, while the typically dominant West Coast Fever sit winless and bottom of the ladder.

In a thrilling display of grit and determination, the Socceroos edged closer to their 2026 World Cup dream with a commanding 5-1 victory over Indonesia at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Thursday night. Despite playing in what many considered hostile conditions—a home game that felt as challenging as an away fixture—the Australian side demonstrated resilience and tactical mastery that left no doubt about their intent to qualify directly for the World Cup.

South Africa registered a convincing 107-run victory over Afghanistan in their first match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Chasing a formidable target of 316 runs, Afghanistan was bowled out for 208 in their allotted 50 overs, with Kagiso Rabada leading the charge with three wickets. Wiaan Mulder and Lungi Ngidi each picked up two wickets to complement the pace attack, ensuring that Afghanistan's chase never gained any real momentum.

In a tense contest during the Champions Trophy group stage in Dubai, Shubman Gill held his nerve and anchored the Indian chase, scoring his slowest ODI century to help his side reach the target of 229 with six wickets in hand. Despite a strong fight from Bangladesh, spearheaded by Towhid Hridoy's century and Mohammed Shami's record-breaking performance with the ball, India managed to successfully navigate a tricky chase, aided by a crucial partnership between Gill and KL Rahul.

In a dramatic encounter during the Champions Trophy group stage in Dubai, Towhid Hridoy's fighting maiden ODI century was the standout performance as Bangladesh battled to a total of 228, despite a dominant bowling display from India. Mohammed Shami led the charge for India with a remarkable 5/53 haul, while Harshit Rana supported with 3/31, as Bangladesh were left to rue missed opportunities and early collapses.