Sydney Sixers vs Perth Scorchers: Steve Smith smashed stunning Century

Steve Smith struck an undefeated 121 from 64 deliveries, leading Sydney Sixers to a 14-run victory over Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League 2024-25.

Sydney Sixers vs Perth Scorchers
Smith blasted 121* off 64 balls. Image Source: X/@BBL

Steve Smith made a sensational entry in the 2024-25 BBL season, smashing his third BBL century in the Sydney Sixers vs Perth Scorchers clash.

Perth Scorchers won the toss and chose to bowl first. Steve Smith opens with wicketkeeper batter Josh Philippe. Perth Scorchers made an early breakthrough when Jason Behrendorff removed Josh Philippe for 9 off 13 balls alongside Kurtis Patterson (12 off 11), who struggled to stay at the crease and was dismissed by Cooper Connolly.

Steve Smith, alongside captain Moises Henriques, steadied the innings and helped build the momentum for a long stay at the crease.

Steve Smith started his innings at a more measured pace, taking 36 balls to bring up his half-century, hitting seven fours and no sixes. However, he quickly accelerated, reaching his third BBL century off just 58 balls, adding seven sixes and 10 boundaries after the half-century.

It was one of the most impressive innings in BBL history, Smith blasted an incredible seven sixes before a massive crowd at the SCG.

Smith blasted 121* off 64 balls, Moises Henriques added a quickfire 46 off 28, and Ben Dwarshuis played a rapid cameo, scoring 23 off just 7 balls.

Sydney Sixers surged to a total of 220-3 by the end of their innings.

Chasing 221, Perth Scorchers lost their opener Finn Allen (15 off 7) and one down batter Aaron Hardie (0 off 1) on back-to-back deliveries by Sean Abbott in the fourth over of the game. Cooper Connolly (33 off 23) after playing a decent innings, was dismissed by Sean Abbott.

Sam Fanning, after Cooper Connolly, headed back to the pavilion having scored 41 runs off 29 balls. Perth Scorchers failed to gain momentum.

Ashton Turner scored (66 off 32) balls to give the Scorchers a glimmer of hope in the final stages, but the required 23 runs from the last over were too challenging to reach the target of 221.

Sean Abbott claimed 4 wickets for 43 runs.

In the end, they ended up with a total of 206-7 in 20 overs.

Player of the Match: Steve Smith 121* off 64.

IND W vs IRE W: India Women Take Command with a stunning 6-Wicket Win over Ireland

IND W vs IRE W: Pratika Rawal was the highest run-scorer with 89, leading India to a convincing six-wicket victory over Ireland.

IND W vs IRE W
Pratika Rawal smashed (89 off 96), including one six and 10 fours.
Image Source: X/@BCCIWomen

The Indian women’s cricket team triumphed over the Ireland women’s cricket team in the opening ODI of their three-match series at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot

The Ireland women won the toss and chose to bat first. India made an early breakthrough when Titas Sadhu dismissed Sarah Forbes for 9 off 15 balls, and Una Raymond-Hoey was unfortunate to be run out for 5 off 10 balls.

Ireland went in trouble when Priya Mishra picked up two quick wickets, dismissing Orla Prendergast (9 off 19) and Laura Delany (0 off 1) on consecutive deliveries, leaving Ireland at 56-4 within the first 15 overs.

Gaby Lewis and Leah Paul built the momentum and ensured it lasted longer. They added 115 runs from 170 balls for the sixth wicket. After playing a crucial innings, Leah Paul (59 off 73) was run out by Harleen Deol, and Gaby Lewis (92 off 129) played an impressive knock but missed his century.

Despite their century partnership and commendable knocks, Ireland was limited to a total of 238-7 in 50 overs.

Chasing 239, India despite being without captain Harmanpreet Kaur and bowler Renuka Singh, showed no signs of weakness and performed seamlessly. Stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana, alongside opening partner Pratika Rawal and Tejal Hasabnis, steered the Indian team to a straightforward six-wicket victory.

The opening pair gave India a strong foundation, establishing a 70-run partnership. Smriti Mandhana slammed (41 off 29), including one six and 6 fours while rising opener Pratika Rawal smashed (89 off 96), including one six and 10 fours. Harleen Deol (20 off 32) and Jemimah Rodrigues (9 off 6) couldn’t sustain their innings and fell into the trap set by Aimee Maguire.

Tejal Hasabnis played an unbeaten knock of 53 off 46 balls, guiding her team to victory. Rawal was dismissed when just seven runs were needed, paving the way for Richa Ghosh, who struck two consecutive boundaries to seal the win.

India successfully chased down Ireland’s total in 34.3 overs.

  • Player of the Match: Pratika Rawal

AUS tour of SL: Steve Smith to command Australia in Sri lanka

AUS tour of SL: Ahead of the World Test Championship final, Australia will face Sri Lanka in a pivotal two-match Test series.

AUS tour of SL
Steve Smith will lead Aussies in test against Sri Lanka.
Image Source: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?EcqV1

Skipper Pat Cummins will not be part of the tour due to paternity leave. In the absence of Pat Cummins, Steve Smith will lead the Aussies in Sri Lanka. Josh Hazlewood will remain unavailable for selection due to injury, while Mitchell Marsh has been released from the squad.

This Test series will start on 29th January.

  • 1st Test Match: 29 Jan – 2 Feb.
  • 2nd Test Match: 6-10 Feb.

Already, Australia has secured a spot in the final of the World Test Championship, which will take place in June against South Africa, and this upcoming Test series will be their final one before the event.

Australia’s Squad:

Steve Smith (C), Travis Head (VC), Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey, Nathan McSweeney, Sam Konstas, Josh Inglis, Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Cooper Connolly, Todd Murphy, Nathan Lyon, Matt Kuhnemann, Scott Boland, and Sean Abbott.

The Aussies squad includes just three main fast bowlers: Scott Boland, Mitchell Starc, and Sean Abbott. Meanwhile, the spin department has been strengthened with the inclusion of experienced Nathan Lyon, Matt Kuhnemann, Todd Murphy, and some part-time bowlers like Travis Head.

NZ vs SL: New Zealand Clinch Series with 113-Run Win

NZ vs SL: New Zealand proved unstoppable in Hamilton, dominating Sri Lanka by 113 runs in a rain-affected encounter at Seddon Park on Wednesday.

NZ vs SL
Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman forged a brilliant 112-run partnership.
Image Source: @BLACKCAPS/X

NZ vs SL 2nd ODI: Due to a rain delay, the match was shortened to 37 overs per side at Seddon Park.

Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first. The Black Caps had the upper hand, having claimed a dominant 9-wicket victory in the first match of the series.

New Zealand opener Will Young (16 off 18) went for the Pavilion early. Despite the Black Caps lost Will Young early, openers Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman forged a brilliant 112-run partnership, giving New Zealand a strong start. Mark Chapman smashed (62 off 52) with the help of 2 fiery sixes and 5 fours, alongside his partner Rachin Ravindra, who played a stunning inning of (79 off 63) balls, including 1 six and nine fours.

New Zealand looked set to surpass 255, but the spin masterclass of Maheesh Theeskana (4-44) and Wanindu Hasaranga (2-39) clawed Sri Lanka back into the game with timely breakthroughs in the latter stages. Theekshana made history in the second ODI against New Zealand, claiming his first-ever ODI hat-trick in a sensational spell within two overs.

Despite Spin Masterclass, Kiwis set a total of 255-9 in their 37 overs.

Chasing 255, Sri Lanka’s top order crumbled in a dramatic collapse at Seddon Park. They lost back-to-back wickets as Sri Lanka was on 22-4, leaving themselves in trouble. Kamindu Mendis stood firm for Sri Lanka and played a needed inning of (64 off 66 balls). He was the only batter to surpass 50 runs.

A 57-run stand between Kamindu Mendis and Liyanage for the fifth wicket provided much-needed stability for their team. But Sri Lanka’s hopes faded when Kamindu Mendis fell victim to Will O’Rourke’s cunning delivery. Janith Liyanage and Chamindu Wickramasinghe offered support to Mendis but couldn’t withstand the relentless pressure from New Zealand’s bowling attack.

Consequently, Sri Lanka was bowled out for 142, losing all ten wickets in 30.2 overs.

  • Player of the Match: Rachin Ravindra (79 off 63).

PAK vs SA: South Africa Dominates Pakistan by a 2-0 Test Series Victory

PAK vs SA: South Africa claimed a dominant victory over Pakistan in the second test match at Newlands, Cape Town to whitewash the hosts by 2-0.

Pak vs SA
Marco Jansen is selected as the Player of the Match.

Already, Proteas were on top of the ICC World Test Championship table and secured a seat in the WTC final after their first victory against Pakistan in Centurion. After the bad performance in 1st inning, South Africa forced Pakistan to go for follow-on. Following a follow-on strategy, Pakistan got dismissed on 478 in the second inning.

South Africa got an easily achievable target of 58 and they completed the chase in just 7.1 overs. David Bedingham smashed an unbeaten ( 47 off 30 ) that secured the hosts win without any loss. Aiden Markram contributed an unbeaten 14 off 13 balls.

PAKISTAN TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA

  • T2OI Series: South Africa whitewashed Pakistan by (2-0).
    • 1ST Match: SA got a victory by 11 runs.
    • 2ND Match: SA won the Match by 7 Wickets.
    • 3RD Match: No Result.
  • Player of the Match:
    • 1ST Match: George Linde(SA): 4-21 in 4 overs & 48 off 24 balls.
    • 2ND Match: Reeza Hendricks(SA): 117 off 63 balls..
  • ODI Series: Pakistan whitewashed South Africa by (3-0).
    • 1ST Match: PAK won the Match by 3 Wickets.
    • 2ND Match: PAK got a victory by 81 runs.
    • 3RD Match: PAK got a victory by 36 runs (DLS Method)
  • Player of the Series: Saim Ayub(PAK)
  • Player of the Match:
    • 1ST Match: Salman Ali Agha(PAK): 4-32 in 8 overs & 82 off 90 balls.
    • 2ND Match: Kamran Ghulam(PAK): 63 off 32 balls.
    • 3RD Match: Saim Ayub(PAK): 101 off 94 balls & 1-34 in 10 overs
  • Test Series: South Africa whitewashed Pakistan by (2-0)
  • 1ST Match: SA won the Match by 2 Wickets.
  • 2ND Match: SA won the Match by 10 Wickets.
  • Player of the Series: Marco Jansen(SA).
  • Player of the Match:
    • 1ST Match: Aiden Markram(SA): 1ST INN 89 & 2ND INN 37.
    • 2ND Match: Ryan Rickelton(SA): 1ST INN 259.

Rashid Khan’s Magic Led AFG to a 72-Run victory over Zimbabwe

Rashid Khan’s sensational 11-wicket display, coupled with vital centuries from Rahmat Shah and Ismat Alam, propelled Afghanistan to a historic Test series victory over Zimbabwe.

Rashid Khan's
Rashid Khan delivered his career-best performance in Red Ball Cricket.
Image Source: @ACBofficials/X

AFG vs ZIM 2nd Test: At the close of Day 4, Zimbabwe were 205-8, chasing 278 runs to claim the series after the opening Test ended in a draw. Skipper Craig Ervine and Richard Ngarava were on the Crease.

On the final day of the second Test at Queens Sports Club, Afghanistan took just 15 balls to seal a 72-run victory over Zimbabwe, clinching the two-match series. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 205, unable to score a single run on the final day. Remember, Afghanistan has already claimed victories in both the T20 and ODI series.

Rashid Khan delivered his career-best Test performance, claiming 7 wickets for 66 runs off 27.3 overs at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

SUMMARY

FIRST INNING: AFGHANISTAN

Zimbabwe won the toss and choosed to bowl first.

Afghanistan: 157-10 in 44.3 overs.

BATTING

  • Rashid Khan: 25 off 20 balls.
  • Rahmat Shah: 19 off 64.
  • Fareed Ahmad: 17 off 19.
  • Abdul Malik: 17 off 36.

BOWLING

  • Sikandar Raza: 3-30 in 12 overs.
  • Newman Nyamhuri: 3-42 in 8.3 overs.
  • Blessing Muzarabani: 2-56 in 12 overs.

FIRST INNING: ZIMBABWE 

Zimbabwe: 243-10 in 73.3 overs.

BATTING

  • Craig Ervine: 75 off 165 balls.
  • Sikandar Raza: 61 off 104.
  • Sean Williams: 49 off 52.

BOWLING

  • Rashid Khan: 4-94 in 27.3 overs.
  • Yamin Ahmadzai: 3-62 in 18 overs.
  • Fareed Ahmad: 2-27 in 14 overs.

SECOND INNING: AFGHANSTAN

Afghanistan: 363-10 in 113.5 overs.

BATTING

  • Rahmat Shah: 139 off 275 balls.
  • Ismat Alam: 101 off 185.
  • Rashid Khan: 23 off 27.

BOWLING

  • Blessing Muzarabani: 6-95 in 29 overs.
  • Richard Ngarava: 3-76 in 25.5 overs.
  • Sikandar Raza: 1-79 in 30 overs.

SECOND INNING: ZIMBABWE

Zimbabwe: 205-10 in 68.3 overs.

BATTING

  • Craig Ervine: 53 off 103 balls.
  • Ben Curran: 38 off 53.
  • Sikandar Raza: 38 off 83.

BOWLING

  • Rashid Khan: 7-66 in 27.3 overs.
  • Zia-ur-Rehman: 2-44 in 15 overs.
  • Yamin Ahmadzai: 0-24 in 12 overs.

REWARDS:

  • Player of the Series: Rahmat Shah ( AFG )
  • Player of the Match: Rashid Khan ( AFG )

Pak vs SA: Pakistan comes up with strong response to South Africa’s follow-on

Captain Shan Masood and Babar Azam frustrate South Africa with a record-breaking partnership as Pakistan fights back from a 208-run deficit.

Pak vs SA
Babar Azam opens the second innings in place of the injured Saim Ayub.

PAK vs SA 2nd Test: South Africa limited Pakistan to just 194 runs in their opening innings. Apart from Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan, no other batsmen managed to score more than 40 runs. Babar Azam smashed fifty (58), then trapped by Kwena Maphaka and Muhammad Rizwan contributed (46), dismissed by Wiaan Mulder. Pakistan collapsed following a 98-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.

With Pakistan trailing well behind South Africa’s massive 615, the Proteas opted to enforce the follow-on. The experienced pair of Babar Azam and Shan Masood grabbed to the occasion when the Green Shirts was made to follow on after being bowled out for just 194 runs in the first innings.

Following a follow-on Strategy, Shan Masood and Babar Azam put on a record-breaking 205-run partnership for the first wicket, providing Pakistan with a solid and steady start. This is now the highest first-wicket partnership for Pakistan in a follow-on scenario. Skipper Shan Masood smashed a century and was still on the crease while Babar Azam contributed 80-plus runs, then dismissed by Marco Jansen.

However, Pakistan still trails by 208 runs after being asked to follow on, with 1 wicket loss. Shan Masood, still at the crease, will resume batting on Day 4 alongside Khurram Shahzad.

What Is a Follow-On Strategy?

The follow-on strategy in cricket is when the team that bats second is asked to bat again immediately after their first innings, without the need for a break. This usually happens when the team that batted first has a significant lead, typically 200 or more runs. This Strategy is used to apply pressure, as the team that follows on has to bat again while fatigued, with little time to recover.

IND vs Aus 5th Test: Australia Triumphs by Six Wickets in Epic Clash with India

Aussies Secure 2025 World Test Championship Final Spot with Impressive Victory over India.

India vs Australia 5th test
Aussies dominated the Series 3-1 and Reclaimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a Decade of Waiting.
Image Source: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?u8ox6

Australia Overcame India by Six Wickets in Sydney and secured a spot in the World Test Championship Final. The Aussies dominated the Series 3-1 and Reclaimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a Decade of Waiting. Remember, Australia Clinched the 2023 WTC Title with a Victory Over India in the Final at The Oval.

AUS vs IND 5th Test: Aussies secured a victory in just three days. At the end of Day 2, India had lost 6 wickets for 141 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal (22 off 35), KL Rahul (13 off 20), Virat Kohli (6 off 12), and Nitish Kumar Reddy (4 off 21) were removed by Scott Boland. Beau Webster dismissed Shubman Gill (13 off 15), and WicketKeeper Batsman Rishabh Pant (61 off 33) got trapped by skipper Pat Cummins.

Rishabh Pant played aggressively and smashed four sixes and six fours throughout the innings. At the beginning of day 3, India started from 141-6. Early, India lost its seventh wicket. The Aussies continued their dominance over India and dismissed them within the first 45 minutes of the opening session. They added just 16 to their last session’s 141 and ended on 157-10. None of the remaining batsmen managed to reach 30 throughout the second inning.

  • Scott Boland bowled impressively, ending with 6-45.
  • Pat Cummins got 3-44.
  • Beau Webster got 1-24.

Aussies chased down the target in the second session before tea, regaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) for the first time in 10 years. Australia lost 4 wickets while chasing, three wickets falling before lunch, including Sam Konstas (22 off 17), Marnus Labuschagne (6 off 20), and Steve Smith (4 off 9).

After lunch, Usman Khawaja lost his wicket for (41 off 45) by Mohammad Siraj but Travis Head (34* off 38) and debutant Beau Webster (39* off 34) remain unbeaten. They confirmed the Aussies win.

Now, In June, Australia will aim to retain their World Test Championship crown in the final at Lord’s against South Africa.

  • Prasidh Krishna got 3-65.
  • Mohammed Siraj got 1-69.

Award:

  • Jasprit Bumrah (IND) is rewarded as the Player of the Series.
  • Scott Boland (AUS) is rewarded as the Player of the Match.

Jasprit Bumrah’s Injury Scare: A Major Blow for India in SCG

Jasprit Bumrah Leaves SCG with Injury: What’s Next for India?

Jasprit Bumrah's injury
Jasprit Bumrah’s unavailability will be a significant blow to India’s bowling attack.
Image Source: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?aBW63

Jsaprit Bumrah was leading India in the 5th Test Match against Australia at the SCG. Indian Test captain Rohit Sharma has excluded himself from the fifth Test following his continued poor performances in recent matches.

India endured a major setback on the second day of the fifth Test in the SCG. Their Stand-in Captain Jasprit Bumrahdeparted the field after delivering just one over after lunch on the second day of the fifth Test. During the second afternoon, Jasprit Bumrah was spotted, he was departing the Sydney Cricket Ground in his training Uniform with the doctor. According to reports, he might have been taken to hospital for scans to evaluate a possible injury. Bumrah’sunavailability will be a significant blow to India’s bowling attack.

Already, Bumrah has trapped two big wickets, including Usman Khawaja (2 off 10) and Marnus Labuschagne (2 off 8). Before departing the ground, he bowled 10 overs, finishing with figures of 2 for 33. Bumrah delivered only one over after lunch, then conversed with Virat Kohli, likely about his discomfort, before leaving the ground. 

Workload on Bumrah

Throughout Australia’s tour, Jasprit Bumrah bowled around 152 overs across nine innings, claiming 32 wickets. By the conclusion of the MCG Test, he had bowled 52 overs. This was his highest figure in a Test match.

Jasprit Bumrah’s Absence, Who Will Lead India?

Before exiting the ground, Jasprit Bumrah handed over the captaincy duties to former Indian captain Virat Kohli.

PAKistan vs South Africa 2nd Test: Battle begins today

Pakistan Aims to Level the Series in the Crucial 2nd Test.

Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test
Probably, Pakistan drop Aamir Jamal and Mir Hamza will be the part of Playing XI.

The 2nd Test between South Africa and Pakistan is set to unfold at Newlands, Cape Town, on Friday. South Africa won the first Test match against Pakistan by 2 wickets. Jansen’s (16) and Rabada’s unbeaten (31) played a key role in that victory. Despite losing the match, Muhammad Abbas troubled South Africa with his exceptional bowling and took 6 Crucial Wickets.

By winning the first Test, South Africa became the first team to secure a spot in the final of the World Test Championship 2023-25. The opponent for South Africa in the WTC final has yet to be determined.

Following the T20I series defeat, Pakistan made a remarkable comeback and whitewashed the three-match ODI series. Now, after losing the first test by two wickets, Green Shirts are looking to level the Series in the Crucial second Test

Playing XI

PAKISTAN

Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas and Mir Hamza.

Probably, Pakistan drop Naseem shah and Mir Hamza will be the part of Playing XI.

South Africa

Temba Bavuma (C), Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, and Kwena Maphaka.

  • Debutant Kwena Maphaka will replace Dane Paterson.
  • All-rounder Wiaan Mulder will replace Tony de Zorzi.
  • Keshav Maharaj will replace Corbin Bosch.