PAK vs NZ: The second T20I game of the five-match series between Pakistan and New Zealand will take place on Tuesday at the University Oval in Dunedin.
The last T20I at the University Oval was also between Pakistan and New Zealand on January 17, 2024. [ Image Source: X/@TheRealPCB ]
The Black Caps dominated the opening match with an impressive performance and will look to carry that momentum forward. On the other hand, Pakistan is eager to reset and bounce back after a dismal display, being bowled out for a mere 91 runs.
Pakistan’s inexperienced batting was evident as they attacked aggressively from the start, failing to read the conditions and adjust accordingly. Four of their top six batsmen were dismissed for single-digit scores, leading to Pakistan’s fifth-lowest total in T20I history.
With a relatively inexperienced batting lineup, it will be up to captain Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, and Mohammad Haris to take charge and build a solid foundation but they struggled to adapt to the situation.
New Zealand, on the other hand, were almost perfect in the first T20I. The only downside was a couple of missed opportunities in the field, which they’ll need to address.
Kyle Jamieson made a sensational comeback to the T20I squad, claiming three wickets for only 8 runs, while Jacob Duffy was also in excellent form, finishing with figures of 4/14. The rest of the bowling unit also contributed well throughout the match.
The last T20I at the University Oval was also between Pakistan and New Zealand on January 17, 2024. It was a high-scoring encounter, with the Black Caps posting 224/7 in their 20 overs. Pakistan fell short by 45 runs, ultimately losing the match.
PAK Vs NZ: New Zealand gained an early lead in the five-match T20 series after Pakistan’s batting collapsed, managing only 91 runs at Hagley Oval on Sunday.
Kyle Jamieson helped Kiwis for dismissing Pakistan for just 91. [ Image Source: X/@BLACKCAPS ]
New Zealand’s chase of a modest 92-run target began with a bang, thanks to Tim Seifert’s explosive batting. Seifert led the charge, with Finn Allen playing a supportive role, as the pair made sure the Pakistani bowlers couldn’t find their rhythm. Their partnership laid the foundation for a commanding win.
Seifert’s rapid 44, which ended in the 6th over, had already put the game beyond Pakistan’s reach. With most of the job done, Finn Allen and Tim Robinson wrapped up the chase, steering the Black Caps to a dominant victory in just 10.1 overs.
Pakistan’s bowling attack, typically known for its strength, had a forgettable performance. Abrar Ahmed was the only one to claim a wicket, but it came far too late to make a difference. The team will need to regroup, reassess their tactics, and come up with a better plan to bounce back in the next match.
Earlier in the match, New Zealand’s decision to bowl first paid off as they bundled Pakistan out for just 91 runs. Kyle Jamieson was outstanding, claiming three wickets during the powerplay, while Jacob Duffy finished with excellent figures of 4/14. Salman Ali Agha (18) and Khushdil Shah (32) briefly revived Pakistan’s innings with a 46-run partnership, but the rest of the batters struggled to cope with the bounce and pace, with only three players managing to reach double figures.
WPL 2025 Final: Mumbai Indians have etched their name in history again, securing their second Women’s T20 League title in just three seasons with an 8-run victory over Delhi Capitals in the final of the third edition.
Mumbai Indians are the first-ever team in WPL’s history to win the trophy twice. [ Image Source: X/@wplt20]
Once again, Mumbai Indians have proven why they are one of the most consistent and formidable franchises, displaying true championship spirit to overcome Delhi Capitals, repeating their victory from the inaugural season at the same venue.
Mumbai’s players and fans revel in their latest title, while Delhi grapples with the disappointment of a third consecutive final defeat. Once again, Mumbai has shown why they are a team of champions.
Chasing a target of 150, Delhi appeared to be on track at the halfway point. They began confidently, but things took a turn as both openers were dismissed in rapid succession. With their top three back in the pavilion for just 37 runs, the pressure mounted on a middle order that had been inconsistent throughout the season.
Mumbai quickly seized the opportunity, tightening their grip and maintaining relentless pressure. They didn’t allow any batter to settle, reducing Delhi to 66/5, with the key wicket of Jemimah Rodrigues, who had been the backbone of their innings. At that point, Mumbai appeared to be fully in control. However, a determined fightback from Marizanne Kapp saw her rise to the occasion, finding timely boundaries to keep Delhi’s hopes alive.
However, it was Nat Sciver-Brunt’s timely dismissal of Marizanne Kapp that broke the crucial partnership between Kapp and Niki Prasad at a pivotal moment. From there, the task became too daunting, with Niki Prasad left to fight a lone battle with the tail. In the end, Delhi could only manage 141/9 in their 20 overs, falling short by 8 runs.
WPL 2025 Final: 1st Inning
Earlier in the match, Delhi’s bowlers applied constant pressure, restricting the scoring and leaving Mumbai in a tough spot at 28/2 after 8 overs. The bowlers were relentless, establishing an early dominance. However, captain Harmanpreet Kaur rose to the occasion when it mattered, launching a counterattack with Nat Sciver-Brunt. Together, they lifted Mumbai from a precarious position to one full of hope.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s determined half-century gave Mumbai the vital momentum they needed, putting Delhi on the back foot. Just as Mumbai seemed poised to set a big total, Nallapureddy Charani intervened, breaking the dangerous 89-run partnership and triggering a late collapse. Delhi capitalized on this shift, taking wickets rapidly to limit Mumbai to a total of 149.
For Delhi, Marizanne Kapp was exceptional, delivering a brilliant 4-over spell, conceding only 11 runs and taking two key wickets, setting the tone for the innings.
WPL Final 2025: The Women’s Premier League final between Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians will take place on Saturday, 15th March 2025, at the Brabourne Cricket Stadium in Mumbai, India.
Nat Sciver-Brunt is on the brink of becoming the first batter to score 500 runs in a single women’s T20 league season. [ Image Source: X/@wplt20 ]
Delhi Capitals are poised to make their third consecutive appearance in the final, while Mumbai Indians marking their presence in the second final. Although Delhi Capitals have reached three straight finals, they have yet to clinch the title. In contrast, Mumbai Indians boast a perfect record, having won the inaugural season’s championship.
Both teams have been dominant throughout the tournament, each with an identical 5-win record. However, Mumbai’s loss to Bangalore in their final league match denied them a direct entry to the final, allowing Delhi to secure their spot in the championship clash. However, Mumbai ultimately made it to the final after defeating Gujarat Giants by 47 runs in their last match.
WPL Final 2025: What’s Exciting
Mumbai Indians have suffered three losses this season, and Delhi Capitals handed them two of these defeats. Now, it’stime for Mumbai to seek revenge as these fierce rivals face off with the title on the line.
WPL Final 2025: Details
Time: 08:00 PM (India Standard Time)
07:30 PM (Pakistan Standard Time)
Day & Date: Saturday, 15 March, 2025.
Venue: Brabourne Cricket Stadium in Mumbai, India.
Live: The WPL 2025 final will be broadcast live on the Star Sports network, while the live streaming of the Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians match can be accessed on the JioHotstar app and website.
ICC ODI Rankings 2025:Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli saw significant improvements in the batting rankings, while Mitchell Santner, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja got a rise in the bowling rankings.
Gill remains at No. 1 with a rating of 784, while Rohit climbs two places to No. 3 with a rating of 756. [ Image Source: X/@BCCI]
The players who reached the final of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 have seen a boost in the most recent ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings.
India’s flawless performance in the Champions Trophy has led to several players climbing the ICC ODI rankings, with the Indian trio leading the way in the latest ICC ODI Batting Rankings.
ICC ODI Rankings 2025: Batsmen
Indian opener Shubman Gill stays at the top of the ODI batter rankings following his performance in the Champions Trophy, while captain Rohit Sharma climbs two spots to third after his Player of the Match heroics in the tournament’s final. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli drops one position, moving from No. 4 to No. 5.
Pakistan’s Babar Azam, despite a disappointing performance in the Champions Trophy 2025, remains ranked No. 2, while South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen slips one spot from No. 3 to No. 4 in the latest rankings.
New Zealand’s top-order trio also saw significant improvement. Daryl Mitchell moved up one position to sixth, while Rachin Ravindra rose to No. 14 following a series of steady performances in ICC events. Glenn Phillips also entered the top 25, now ranked No. 24.
ICC ODI Rankings 2025: Bowlers
Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana has maintained his position at No. 1, while New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner has moved up to second in the ODI bowler rankings after claiming nine wickets in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
India, who claimed their third Champions Trophy title, owed much of their success to their spinners, with two of them now featuring in the top ten of the ODI bowlers’ rankings. Kuldeep Yadav, who delivered a key spell in the final, has risen to third place, while Ravindra Jadeja, who maintained an impressive economy rate of 4.35 per over throughout the tournament, is ranked tenth.
South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj has dropped from No. 2 to No. 4, while Namibia’s Bernard Scholtz has fallen from No. 4 to No. 5 in the rankings.
ICC ODI Rankings 2025: All-rounders
Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai continues to hold the top spot among ODI all-rounders, but New Zealand’s skipper Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, and Racin Ravindra have all moved up in the rankings.
Mitchell Santner moves up to fourth, Bracewell leaps seven positions to seventh, and Ravindra ascends eight spots to eighth after their standout all-round performances in the tournament.
IND vs NZ: India won their third ICC Champions Trophy title by defeating New Zealand by 4 wickets in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Captain Rohit Sharma scored 76 off 83 balls and was nominated as the Player of the Match. [ Image Source: X/@BCCI ]
India secured the title with a stellar performance, while New Zealand, despite their energetic efforts, fell short in their quest for the trophy.
The Men in Blue are the deserving champions of the 2025 Champions Trophy. After falling short in the final in 2017, they successfully completed their mission and regained the title.
The Kiwis were missing their star bowler Matt Henry, who usually sets the tone in their defense, and his absence was noticeable as Rohit Sharma launched an aggressive attack. While Sharma was attacking, Shubman Gill provided steady support at the other end.
The Black Caps required a spark to break the growing opening partnership, and it came from Glenn Phillips, who produced another spectacular moment for his highlights reel. One wicket led to another for New Zealand, as Virat Kohli fell cheaply (1), and from that point, they started to tighten the noose, with the ball spinning more than in the first innings.
The pressure eventually took its toll on Rohit Sharma, and after a strong 105/0, India found themselves struggling at 122/3. Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel skillfully rotated the strike against New Zealand’s spinners, bringing some stability to the chase. However, the momentum shifted once more as both players fell after getting starts, leaving India with more to do in their pursuit of 252.
In the end, KL Rahul’s crucial knock of 34 off 33, Hardik Pandya’s 18 off 18, and Jadeja’s 9 off 6 balls guided India to a stunning victory with an over remaining.
For New Zealand, Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner each claimed 2 wickets, while Kyle Jamieson and Rachin Ravindra each picked up 1 wicket.
IND vs NZ: Ist inning
Earlier in the match, Mitchell Santner opted to bat first. Rachin Ravindra provided New Zealand with a strong start, and things were looking good for the Kiwis until he was at the crease. However, Kuldeep Yadav’s twin strikes shifted the momentum in India’s favor.
At that stage, India’s spin quartet tightened the grip with their precise bowling. Daryl Mitchell, who had begun to accelerate, but was dismissed for 63, but Michael Bracewell’s unbeaten 53 off 40 guided the Kiwis to 251.
India vs New Zealand: The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand is scheduled to kick off on Sunday, March 9, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Jadeja’s 20 wickets make him India’s top wicket-taker in Champions Trophy history. [ Image Source: X/@BCCI ]
In the blue jersey, India stands ready to fight for the hopes of a billion, while in the black jersey, New Zealand, the quiet giants who consistently raise their game in ICC events, are set to take on the challenge.
Both teams are charging into the final after delivering brilliant performances in the semi-finals, honing their skills. India triumphed over their rivals Australia, while New Zealand secured a dominant win against South Africa.
India have faced their fair share of battles against New Zealand in recent years, whether it was the heartbreak of the 2019 World Cup semi-final, the disappointment of the 2021 WTC Final, or the unexpected 3-0 Test series defeat at home. However, when it comes to the big stage, records are just numbers.
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have laid a solid foundation at the top, with Rohit eager to convert his consistent 30s and 40s into another ICC century, a feat he has achieved more than anyone else in history. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, the chase master, thrives in these high-pressure tournaments.
Kohli is just a few runs away from surpassing Chris Gayle as the all-time highest run scorer in Champions Trophy history.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been the pillars of India’s success in ICC events. Supported by a stellar middle order including Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Axar Patel, and Hardik Pandya, who have consistently delivered when required. However, it’s India’s bowling attack that has truly shifted the game in their favor. Varun Chakravarthy’s magical spin has kept batsmen guessing, while Mohammad Shami has spearheaded the pace attack with deadly accuracy. Ravindra Jadeja, the quiet force, has claimed 20 wickets, making him India’s highest wicket-taker in Champions Trophy history.
for new zealand
New Zealand’s batting lineup is brimming with confidence, led by the consistent brilliance of Rachin Ravindra and the ever-reliable Kane Williamson. Rachin has been a game-changer for New Zealand, delivering remarkable all-round performances that have caught everyone’s attention. With two magnificent centuries in this tournament, he has proven to be the most consistent batsman on display. Then there’s Kane Williamson, the rock of New Zealand’s batting in ICC events, with more runs in ICC tournaments than any other Kiwi player.
Mitchell Santner’s leadership is receiving as much praise as his bowling, which has also been highly effective. Santner has taken seven wickets, but the standout bowler for New Zealand is Matt Henry. Leading the wicket-taking charts with 10 wickets, Henry has been the backbone of their bowling attack. Meanwhile, Will O’Rourke has stepped up superbly, offering vital support in the pace department.
New Zealand is determined to break the deadlock and claim their white-ball triumph in ICC events. Meanwhile, India is focused on solidifying its dominance in 50-over cricket. Adding another twist to the story, New Zealand has already won two ICC titles, the Champions Trophy in 2000 and the ICC World Test Championship in 2021. On both occasions, their opponents were none other than India.
India vs New Zealand Head to Head records In ODI
They have clashed 119 times in ODI Cricket. India having the upper hand with 61 matches won, while New Zealand has triumphed in 50. Seven matches ended without a result, and one match was tied.
Total Matches
India Won
New Zealand Won
No Result
Tied
119
61
50
7
1
India vs New Zealand: Details
Time: 02:30pm (India Standard Time)
02:00pm (Pakistan Standard Time)
10:00pm (New Zealand Time)
04:00am (USA Time)
Day & Date: Sunday, 9 March, 2025
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.
NZ Vs SA: New Zealand defeated South Africa by 50 runs in the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Ravindra and Williamson putting together a dominant 164-run stand. [ Image Source: X/@BLACKCAPS ]
The Black Caps soar into the final, setting up a showdown with India in Dubai. They are aiming for their second Champions Trophy title.
For South Africa, following the letdown of the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final and the heartache of the 2024 T20 World Cup final, this loss adds another painful chapter to their story of near-misses.
Chasing down 363 was always going to be a challenging task, particularly with the pitch not fully flattening under the lights and the occasional delivery still gripping the surface.
Ryan Rickelton (17) started with a couple of boundaries but was dismissed by a delivery that jagged off the surface. Captain Temba Bavuma had a tough start against a tight Kiwi new-ball attack but quickly settled into his stride. Together with Rassie van der Dussen, he formed a solid partnership that helped maintain the required run rate.
Captain Bavanuma (56) was dismissed by his Kiwi counterpart, but Rassie van der Dussen kept the Proteas on track. At the halfway point, both teams scored 143, although South Africa lost one more wicket.
However, the game took a turn when Mitchell Santner delivered a crucial double strike, first dismissing Dussen (69) and before sending Heinrich Klaasen (3) back to the pavilion, creating a significant setback in the chase.
New Zealand’s spinners tightened their grip, and with wickets falling at the other end, David Miller was left to fight alone. He hammered a rapid century off 67 balls but was unable to guide his team to victory, remaining unbeaten as they ended their innings at 312/9 in 50 overs.
NZ Vs SA: 1st Inning
Earlier in the match, New Zealand chose to bat first on a solid batting surface, although slower deliveries held onto the wicket. Rachin Ravindra (108) and Kane Williamson (102) took control, putting together a dominant 164-run partnership, with both players scoring well-crafted centuries.
Their dismissals opened up an opportunity for South Africa to fight back, but vital contributions from Daryl Mitchell (49) and Glenn Phillips (49) kept New Zealand on track. With 83 runs coming from the final 6 overs, the Kiwis posted an impressive total of 362/6, setting a new record for the highest score in the tournament’s history.
AUS Vs IND:India secured a spot in the Champions Trophy final on Tuesday, defeating Australia by four wickets in the semi-final at the Dubai International Stadium.
Virat Kohli achieved a significant milestone by scoring his 74th ODI half-century. [ Image Source: X/@BCCI]
This victory secured India’s third consecutive appearance in the Champions Trophy final and fifth overall. They reached the final in 2000 and 2002 as well. They were champions in 2013, runners-up in 2017, and now they are set to compete in the 2025 final.
India took charge of the innings with Rohit Sharma leading the way, confidently finding boundaries and setting the tone early. However, India faced a setback when Shubman Gill (8) was dismissed during the powerplay, disrupting their batting flow.
However, Virat Kohli’s calm and experienced presence steadied the innings, allowing for a steady flow of runs. India had strategically positioned at 55/2 in 10 overs.
Kohli played a key role in averting a collapse, demonstrating his ability to anchor the innings during a crucial phase of the match. Captain Rohit Sharma was dismissed for 28, and Shreyas Iyer then joined Virat Kohli, with both batters adding to the score with occasional boundaries. However, the 91-run partnership between Kohli and Iyer proved vital, relieving the pressure on the middle-order batsmen.
In search of a breakthrough, Steve Smith wisely brought in his spin bowlers. Adam Zampa struck by removing Shreyas Iyer (45), giving Australia an important wicket. Axar Patel came to the crease, and Virat Kohli focused on forming another key partnership with Patel.
In the end, Virat Kohli achieved a significant milestone by scoring his 74th ODI half-century, reinforcing his reputation as a prolific performer in major events. After Axar Patel (27) was dismissed following a valuable knock, KL Rahul joined Kohli, and the pair formed a vital partnership that steadily shifted the momentum in India’s favor, taking control of the match from Australia.
Kohli fell short of his century, getting dismissed for 84 off 98, as India continued the chase. KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya then took charge, hitting the remaining runs and guiding India to victory.
AUS Vs IND: Ist Inning
Earlier in the match, Rohit Sharma lost the toss for the 14th consecutive time in ODIs, with Steve Smith choosing to bat first. India struck early as Mohammad Shami dismissed Connolly for a duck. Travis Head responded with a counterattack, prompting an early change in bowling. Varun Chakravarthy came in and claimed the crucial wicket of Head, forcing Australia to focus on building a partnership rather than playing aggressively.
Australia fought back as Smith and Labuschagne formed a solid partnership, but India broke through with a key wicket. Smith (73) fell short of a well-deserved century, and although Alex Carey played a valuable knock of 61, he too couldn’t remain at the crease for the final overs. In the end, India successfully bowled Australia out for 264 runs.
Mohammad Shami was the standout bowler for India, taking 3 wickets. Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja bothpicked up 2 wickets each, while Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel claimed one wicket apiece.
AUS vs IND: India will take on Australia in the opening semi-final of the Champions Trophy at Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday, following their 44-run victory over New Zealand in the final group-stage match at the same venue.
India concluded their group stage matches as Group A Toppers, securing 6 points. [ Image Source: X/@BCCI ]
India and New Zealand have qualified from Group A, while South Africa and Australia have qualified from Group B. In the first semi-final, India, the toppers of Group A, will face Australia, who finished second in Group B, in Dubai.
India ruled the group stage, securing victories in all three of their matches, while Australia’s campaign was interrupted by two washouts, with only one complete game, which they won against England.
Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill have both scored centuries in the early matches, while Rohit Sharma has continued his aggressive approach in the powerplay, though he had difficulty for converting his starts into bigger scores.
Shreyas Iyer has been a standout performer, delivering consecutive fifties in critical situations, while Axar Patel has made an impact with both bat and ball, effectively managing the middle overs and strengthening the batting lineup.
India’s pace attack remains a concern, as Mohammad Shami is still working on regaining his rhythm after returning from a lengthy injury break. Meanwhile, their strategy of using four spinners, led by Varun Chakravarthy’s match-winning five-wicket performance against New Zealand, has created a selection headache. Varun replaced Harshit Rana in the match against New Zealand, while Hardik Pandya shared the new ball with Shami.
AUS vs IND: for Australia
Australia has faced a setback with Matthew Short being ruled out due to a quad injury, and Cooper Connolly has been called up as his replacement. Short’s absence is a significant loss, not only for their batting but also for their bowling strategies, as his off-spin would have been crucial in the spin-friendly conditions of Dubai.
The simplest replacement at the top is Jake Fraser-McGurk, although Aaron Hardie and Connolly provide extra flexibility with both bat and ball. A positive development for Australia is Travis Head’s return to form, despite rain halting his innings against Afghanistan.
Josh Inglis and Alex Carey will also draw confidence from their match-winning performances in the highest chase against England in the Champions Trophy opener. As usual, Marnus Labuschagne and captain Steve Smith will play key roles in countering India’s spin attack.
Adam Zampa hasn’t been providing regular breakthroughs but he will still be a key player in conditions that should favor him.
This will be their first ODI encounter since the 2023 World Cup Final in Ahmedabad.
