India’s spinners set the tone in Dubai, winning against Pakistan by seven wickets in the Asia Cup 2025. The chase ended with 25 balls to spare, a clear sign of control and pace.

Pakistan chose to bat, but Kuldeep Yadav struck hard. The left-arm wrist spinner ripped through key batters, taking 3-18 in four overs. Axar Patel gave strong support, holding a line with 2-18. Pakistan could only crawl to 127-9 in 20 overs.

For Kuldeep Yadav, this clash was a key moment. It added to his strong run in the tournament, following his match-winning spell against Oman in the opener.

Kuldeep spoke calmly, sharing how he shaped his game, saying, 'I just try to keep things simple and execute the plans I have.' He explained that he focuses on who’s at the crease, their strong shots, and how they score. This allows him to shift his line or pace. The 30-year-old's sharp play earned him Player of the Match.

Abhishek Sharma also lit the game up early, hammering 31 from 13 balls with four fours and two sixes. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav then held firm, striking an unbeaten 47 off 37. His calm touch steered India to 131-3 in 15.5 overs, sealing the win with ease.

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India captain Shubman Gill had an outstanding tour of England. He scored 754 runs with an average of over 75, including four centuries, and led his team to a 2-2 series draw. Stepping into the No. 4 spot after Virat Kohli’s Test retirement, Gill earned praise for his composure and leadership throughout the tour. He made a new record for the highest score by an Indian with 269 runs at Edgbaston.

On the other hand, former cricketer Ajay Jadeja said Ravindra Jadeja was the most consistent player in the series. He praised his 516 runs in tough conditions and seven wickets. This is the second-most by a spinner in the series. Ajay also talked about Jadeja’s strong mindset. He recalled big innings where Jadeja kept the team steady when under pressure.

After Rohit Sharma retired and star spinner Kuldeep Yadav was missing, India still did well. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal gave the team strong starts. Rahul scored 532 runs, including two centuries. Former batting coach Sanjay Bangar commended Gill’s captaincy and Rahul’s reliability, noting how the team quickly adjusted to key lineup changes.

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Fresh legs are needed after a long fourth Test. England are bringing in Jamie Overton for the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval starting July 31. The fast-bowling all-rounder joined to help a tired pace attack after a long fourth Test in Manchester, where England bowled for 143 overs. That match ended in a draw.

Captain Ben Stokes said the team may need fresh legs. England must avoid losing the final Test to win the series. Overton joins other fast bowlers Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue. All three might be used, with Atkinson and Overton seen as uncertain picks due to a lack of match time.

Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse have played in all four matches. Jofra Archer played in two after returning from four years out with injury. Stokes had some pain in the last game but said it’s very unlikely he will miss the series decider.

There’s not much time between games. England were still playing on Sunday night, and the last Test starts on Thursday, July 31. Overton has played just once since May due to a finger injury. Atkinson has not played top-level cricket in over two months after a hamstring injury. Tongue, who took 11 wickets earlier in the series, has stayed with the squad.

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This year, Italy has qualified for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Next summer, they’ll be playing against top teams like India and Sri Lanka, but don’t expect them just to wave 'ciao'. Be ready to see a fierce and well‑prepared side. Italy’s captain, Joe Burns, says the qualification feels surreal. It’s a story of guts, hard work, and careful planning.

Planning and preparation: The road to success

You might wonder how Italy pulled off this upset. It wasn’t luck, it was careful planning. Burns told ICC Digital that they trained extensively: a week in Rome, followed by a week in the UK. On day one back in Rome, he told the team: 'I don’t care if we’re playing Luxembourg in the first Sub-Regional game or India in a World Cup Final. I just want us to be the most prepared team in world cricket'.

With this, they looked at every detail: the pitch, the format, the opponents. By the time they took the field, they had run through every possible scenario. Nothing surprised them. They just did what they had practised.

Dominating in Voorburg

At the European Regional Final in Voorburg, Italy, they will not play as underdogs but as game leaders. They hit all the right notes: strong batting, clever bowling, and sharp fielding.

In one big match, they beat Scotland decisively, winning by 12 runs after putting up a solid score of 167. Burns says they even studied how the pitch would behave and tailored their plans to suit that. Their strategy at work was on autopilot, as they knew exactly how they had prepared.

Adapting on the day

Burns explains they needed to play smart in a match that allowed only narrow losses. Against the Dutch, Italy fell behind early, but you would have seen how they shifted gear. They recovered, set a decent score of 133, and then relied on their spinners.

Burns trusted Crishan Kalugamage and Ben Manenti to lock things down. You watched them bowl with patience and precision, slowing the game and forcing mistakes. The team called this 'damage control', and it worked.

A leader with heritage

Burns had a successful Test career with Australia and qualifies to play for Italy thanks to his family ties. In early 2024, before Sub‑Regional qualifying began, he set a clear goal: he wanted Italy’s success to inspire players with Italian roots around the world. His shirt number, 85, honours his late brother Dominic.

He believes that fans can now see a team that came together because of shared stories. In Rome, they spent time talking about culture, family sacrifices, and heritage. Some players and their ancestors moved to or from Italy, which strengthened the squad’s bond.

Burns says this goal goes beyond the 11 players on the field. They want a legacy, more funding, more facilities, and new generations who choose cricket in Italy.

Grassroots and growth

Cricket is growing fast in Italy. With the sport now linked to the Olympics, the Italian National Olympic Committee is helping. You will soon see better training grounds, maybe even turf wickets, for local clubs.

There are over 100 clubs in Italy now. Some players come from those clubs and now represent the national side. But Italy’s coach, Kevin O’Brien, admits they’ve also used player‑eligibility rules. You’ll see names like Emilio Gay, Thomas Draca, Grant Stewart, and brothers Ben and Harry Manenti boosting the squad.

Wayne Madsen will rejoin soon, too. These players brought skills and experience, but you should focus on the coaching group, who bring decades of Associate‑level wisdom. They have former players from Canada, Scotland, Ireland, and Australia involved.

The coaching team

Former Canada international John Davidson is the head coach. Former Scotland all‑rounder Dougie Brown and Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien assist.

O’Brien joined in 2022 after retiring as a player. He watched the team grow, so he saw more than just cricket skills improving. He saw attitude, fitness, cricket smarts, and hunger improve, too. He compares their journey to Ireland’s win over Pakistan in the 2007 World Cup. At that time, he was playing. He sees the same spark in Italy now.

Learning from associates

Burns stresses how hard Associate‑level teams have to work. You don’t just play matches, you play for funding, for survival. That pressure builds tough characters. The coaches had walked this path themselves. So they’re not just coaches, they’re guides who know the road.

Eyes on the 2026 World Cup

Now that Italy has qualified, you should expect a new challenge. Burns says he’d love to face India, Australia, and England, the best. He wants Italy to go in at the deep end. That’s what this team wants: no easy matches, no safe plays.

For fans, the hope is this: Italy’s success will bring Italians together worldwide. Some live in Italy, others have Italian roots and live far away. Burns wants all of them to feel proud and connected.

What you should know going forward

Italy’s path to the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup is a major step for their cricket journey. For the first time, they earned a spot in the men’s tournament, showing how far a team can go with the right mix of planning, training, and pride. Built on strong roots and a shared goal, the squad brought together players from many backgrounds. Now, they face bigger tests ahead, but their story is already one that could spark a new wave of hope, much like Ireland did in 2007.

The journey is just beginning

Italy’s cricket story is more than a surprise win. It’s a blueprint for growth: smart tactics, hard work, unity, and heritage. If you follow them into the 2026 World Cup, expect to see a team that’s not just participating, they’re competing.

Italy wants more than wins; they want to change how people in Italy and Italians around the world see cricket. You may find yourself cheering them on, not just as underdogs, but as a team that earns respect through discipline, culture, and pride. Stay tuned, Italy is ready to show you what it can do on the world stage.

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India’s run-chase in the third Test at Lord’s got off to a bad start when Yashasvi Jaiswal was out for a duck after facing just seven balls. He was once again beaten by the speed of Jofra Archer.

Archer, who returned to Test cricket after a long break, got Jaiswal out in both innings, first for 13 runs, then for 0. The left-handed batter seemed off his game. Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara said, 'He didn’t look comfortable, he didn’t look watchable'.

In the fourth innings, Archer bowled a short ball at 141kph that Jaiswal hit high in the air. It went straight to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. Earlier in the match, Jaiswal also got out while trying to hit a ball with extra bounce, stepping back. Both teams scored 387 runs in their first innings. Then, England made 192 in their second innings and gave India a target of 193 runs to win. 

By the end of Day 4, India was in trouble at 58 for 4. Team captain Shubman Gill made only 6 runs, and Karun Nair got out for 14. Nightwatchman Akash Deep was bowled by Ben Stokes for just 1 run. India now faces a hard task on the last day.

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For Indian cricket fans, 2024 felt like an emotional whiplash wrapped in blue. It was a year full of ups and downs, like a long, painful ride that never stopped. While the good times felt thrilling, the bad ones left fans dizzy and tired. 

What’s it like to cheer for a team that changes faster than you can follow? While the cricket heroes grow old, do you see the new stars waiting outside, ready to take over?

The high point: World Cup redemption

India’s T20 World Cup win in 2024 was deeply personal for fans, helping to heal old wounds after an agonising 11-year wait since their last in 2013. That long wait hurt, especially after the sad loss in the 2023 ODI final. However, Rohit Sharma, a player many thought was done, led with strength and fire. 

Rahul Dravid, often seen as 'too quiet', gave his boldest moment yet. In the final, Virat Kohli stepped up when it mattered most. Hardik Pandya, who missed the 2023 final in Ahmedabad due to injury, found redemption. At last, the 'almost' years were over. For a moment, the past didn’t hurt anymore�but was it the end, though?

The fall that followed: A steep, sudden collapse

After the T20 World Cup triumph in 2024, India's Test form faced significant challenges. The tour of Australia began with optimism but soon highlighted the team's vulnerabilities.

Rohit struggled to score runs, while Kohli didn’t play like himself. The team lost its sharp edge. Rahul stepped down as head coach, and Gautam Gambhir took over in July 2024. Amidst inconsistent performances and leadership changes, fans pondered: was this the dawn of a new era or the end of a golden chapter?

The new guard: Fresh blood, fierce fire

While the older players struggled, India’s young players took the spotlight with energy, confidence, and no fear. Yashasvi Jaiswal brought style at the top, playing match-winning innings with ease. Abhishek Sharma and Arshdeep Singh added power and steadiness. 

Tilak Varma also stayed calm and wise beyond his age in the middle order. This new group showed hunger, style, and a strong will to move past the old ways. Now, the question isn’t if they can take chargeâ€?it’s 'should they'?.

A team at the crossroads

By the end of 2024, India looked like two teams in one: one chasing old goals, the other trying for a fresh start. The confidence that once felt natural now seemed weak. With the 2026 T20 World Cup coming soon, tough questions need answers. 

What is the real path for this team? How long can India hold on to the past and change at the same time without falling apart? India didn’t just go from hot to cold in 2024�they burned and froze. Somewhere in the middle, the future quietly showed up.

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Cricket is a sport fueled by passion, precision, and national pride. Over the years, there have been key moments that shaped the way the sport is viewed and played. These iconic highlights such as dramatic last-ball victories, record-breaking scores, daring plays, and displays of sheer sportsmanship continue to echo through stadiums and conversations among fans around the world.

From fierce duels to jaw-dropping wins, here are some of the most iconic moments in cricket history that defined the sport: 

India's epic win in 1983 

In 1983, India made cricket history that still inspires fans today. It was the ICC Cricket World Cup, and few believed that India could win. The team faced the mighty West Indies, who had won the previous two titles.

In the match, India batted first and scored just 183 runs. Many thought this was a small total, but the bowlers stepped up to defend it. Earlier in the tournament, Kapil Dev played a legendary 175-run knock against Zimbabwe. His knock was full of grit and skill, rallying the team and shifting the game's tide.

When the West Indies came to bat, they were confident, but India’s bowlers delivered an impressive performance. They took crucial wickets and kept the West Indies from chasing down the score. The West Indies, known for their fierce batting, faltered under pressure against India’s epic play.

The start of One-Day Cricket (ODI)

The introduction of ODI cricket in the early 1970s revolutionised the cricket industry. This new format brought a fresh, fast-paced style that drew in fans and made matches more exciting. It was a shift from the long Test matches, allowing everyone to enjoy a full game in just one day.

Malinga's four wickets in 2007

In the 2007 Cricket World Cup, a thrilling match took place between Sri Lanka and South Africa. The game was intense, with South Africa chasing a target set by Sri Lanka. They looked strong and confident, but then came a moment that would be remembered forever.

Lasith Malinga, the Sri Lankan bowler known for his pace and unique style, took to the field and stepped up to bowl. In just one over, he took four wickets, stunning the crowd and players alike.

West Indies' T20 dominance

West Indiesâ€?match against England in the 2016 T20 World Cup was full of excitement, with the West Indies needing a big score in the last over to claim the title. Carlos Brathwaite stepped up to bat, and the tension was high. 

The West Indies had fought hard, but the game was still in the balance. After a hard-fought battle, Carlos Brathwaite faced Ben Stokes and, with remarkable composure, hit four consecutive sixes to seal the victory for the West Indies. Each shot sent the ball soaring over the boundary, leaving the crowd in awe. With those sixes, he not only won the match but also sealed the West Indies' place as T20 giants.

These moments live on—not just in stats or clips, but in the hearts of fans. While new cricket stars will rise, these moments will stand the test of time, inspiring fans and players alike. 

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India’s official cricket governing body defends its decision to continue the India-South Africa Test cricket match held in Delhi between November 14 and 18. Even with the concerns of pollution, the decision still stands. 

Secretary Devajit Saikia said, ‘We have considered all factors and have gone by the rotation policy after discussing it with everyone. The pollution issue doesn't happen every year.�nbsp;

Delhi was known to have struggled with high air pollution levels around November. In recent years, the capital city has suffered from an air quality index that reached ‘severeâ€?levels. 

This was not the first time it happened. Two major leagues in 2016 and 2017 were also cancelled due to extreme pollution. In these events, players suffered from headaches and burning feelings in their eyes.

Amid concerns, Ashok Sharma, an official of Delhi’s cricket organisation, stated that they would follow all possible measures so the cricket players can compete in the Test match comfortably.

‘Also, the Arun Jaitley Stadium is located in a relatively open area with more green area around. So the air quality is better than in most other areas,â€?he added to further reassure the people. 

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India was hailed as the new ICC Champions Trophy title holder. It’s a testament to their skills, efforts, determination, and teamwork. Their path was filled with challenges, showcasing their resilience and commitment. Discover the inspiring story of how they secured the prestigious title and cemented their place in cricket history. 

Group Stage

India vs. Bangladesh

India’s first hurdle in the group stage was Bangladesh. The team’s strong openers posed a challenge, but India overcame the obstacles and dominated Bangladesh, winning by six wickets.

India vs. Pakistan

As longtime rivals, Pakistan went all out, relying on their biggest weapon against India—aggressive fast bowlers. However, India’s experience on the field proved superior, leading to a six-wicket victory.

India vs. New Zealand

New Zealand’s slow start gave India an early advantage, but NZ’s counterattack put IND under pressure. The high-intensity match between the two teams ended with a convincing win for India, who crushed New Zealand by four wickets. 

Semi-finals

India vs. Australia

India started strong, knowing Australia’s team could easily shift the game’s momentum. However, the team’s elite bowlers quickly dismissed India’s openers. Despite their efforts, India’s resilience prevailed, securing a four-wicket victory and a spot in the final round.

Final

India vs. New Zealand

After their previous faceoff in the group stage, India and New Zealand met again—this time for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 title. The grand finale has begun, and the coin has favoured New Zealand, which opted to bat first. 

Captain Kane Williamson of New Zealand aimed to set a defendable target, but India’s disciplined bowling attacks put immense pressure on the Kiwi side.

Both teams had delivered exceptional performances throughout the tournament, but India's all-round performance secured them the championship victory. 

Notable players

1. Virat Kohli

His composure and precision during the semi-final match with Australia and the finale with New Zealand were essential to the team’s success. 

2. Rohit Sharma

The captain’s explosive starts boosted India’s morale and gave the team a sturdy foundation for their next attacks. His century against Bangladesh was crucial to their road to victory. 

3. KL Rahul

KL Rahul's batting skill, wicketkeeping ability, and experience make him a crucial asset to the Indian team in the Champions Trophy 2025.

Watch India as they conquer higher heights

Their impressive display of skill got them to where they are today. The well-deserved ICC Champions Trophy title is a fruit of the team’s hard work. From enduring the struggles they faced in the Group Stage to defeating elite teams in both the semi-finals and final rounds, the journey was not easy, but it was worth it for India. 

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England failed to steal the championship title, as India was triumphant last Sunday, March 23, 2025. India remains the undefeated champions of the Kabaddi World Cup in both men’s and women’s divisions. 

At the match held in Wolverhampton, India destroyed England’s men’s kabaddi team with a score of 44-41. The women’s division was also victorious as they took home a landslide win against their opponents. The score ended in 57-34, in favour of India. 

England team’s vice-captain, Sally Hill, expressed her appreciation for everyone’s support. 

‘I think for Team England women, we're going to keep pushing forward.�she said.

Despite the loss, the vice-captain also voiced her gratitude towards their opponents and stated that the whole event had been a special experience for them.

The recently concluded Kabaddi World Cup was historic as it was the first time the competition was held outside of Asia. Several matches happened in the West Midlands, namely Birmingham, Coventry, Walsall, and Wolverhampton, which were the final venues. 

Paddy Power sponsored the World Cup, while the UK Government's Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund provided £500,000. The University of Wolverhampton offered academic sponsorships as well. 

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