Kusal Perera’s Lightning ton Steals the Show against New Zealand

Sri Lanka triumphed by 7 runs over the New Zealand in the third and final T20I at Saxton Oval on Thursday.

Kusal Perera
Kusal Perera (101 off 46) was chosen as the Player of the match.

Kusal Perera smashed a career-high 101 from just 46 deliveries, leading Sri Lanka to a thrilling seven-run win over New Zealand in the third T20I on Thursday.

NZ vs SL 3rd T20I: New Zealand won the toss and opted to field first. Sri Lanka faced an early blow as their openers Pathum Nissanka (14 off 12 ) and Kusal Mendis (22 off 16) lost their wickets. Kusal Perera took the innings long and played aggressively. Perera gave wings to Sri Lanka’s scoreboard, smashing the fastest century of his career, alongside the fastest by any Sri Lankan batter in T20I. He smashed ( 101 off 46 ) balls, including 13 fours and 4 sixes.

Daryl Mitchell removed Kusal Perera after the next ball to an impressive knock. Luckily, New Zealand’s fielders helped Parera to complete his ton by-catch slip. No other batter from Sri Lanka exceeded 50, though skipper Charith Asalanka was the second-highest, as he cracked ( 46 off 24 ), including 5 sixes and 1 four, anchoring a 100-run partnership with Kusal Perera. Avishka Fernando added (17 off 12). Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Chamindu Wickramasinghe contributed 6,6 runs.

Sri Lanka set a target of 219, finishing with 218/5 in 20 overs.

New Zealand had secured the series victory by clinching the first two matches.

On the way to Chasing 219, Tim Robinson and Rachin Ravindra gave a flying start to Black Caps. Rachin Ravindra cracked (69 off 39), including four sixes and five fours. The Black Caps started strong, matching Sri Lanka’s tempo with 60/0 in the power play. However, Charith Asalanka halted the momentum by removing opening batter Rachin Ravindra (69 off 39), Mark Chapman (9 off 5), and Glenn Phillips (6 off 6) in a few deliveries.

New Zealand went into a Bad situation after losing three wickets in a few deliveries. Daryl Mitchell smashed four back-to-back sixes off Asalanka, ruining his figures and bringing Kiwis back into the game. Then Wanindu Hasaranga struck in the 16th over, removing Mitchell Hay (8 off 8) and Michael Bracewell (1 off 2), swinging the momentum back in Sri Lanka’s favor.

Asalanka took 3 wickets for 25 runs in his first three overs and ended with 3-50 in 4 overs. After the removal of Daryl Mitchell (35 0ff 17), the host went into a critical situation. Zakary Foulkes contributed (21 off 13)  while captain Mitchell Santner added (14 off 10), but failed to chase 219. New Zealand nearly chased down the 219-run target, but Sri Lanka held firm to secure a consolation victory.

Kusal Perera (101 off 46) was chosen as the Player of the match.

Zim vs Afg 2nd Test: Full Preview, and Playing XI

Explore the details for the upcoming second Test encounter between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan.

Zim vs Afg 2nd test
Who will dominate in the second test? Battle begins today.
Image: X/ZimCricketv

The second and final Test Match of the series is set to take place in Bulawayo on 2 January, after a record-breaking first match that made history. This tour features a multi-format series between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan. The visitors already have clinched both the T20I and ODI series.

The opening Test Match was full of surprises, featuring a half-century, four double-centuries, and two massive tons from both teams. In the first Inning, Zimbabwe blasted 586 all out, while Afghanistan responded with an impressive 699-10. Afghanistan’s 699 includes a massive partnership of 364 between Hashmatullah Shahidi ( 246 ) and Rahmat Shah ( 234 ). From the host side, Sean Williams ( 154 ), Craig Ervine ( 104 ), and Brian Bennett ( 110* ) contributed centuries. Seam Williams gave an unbelievable all-round performance, as he smashed a ton with bat and with the ball did a five-wicket haul.

At the end of Day 5, Zimbabwe were 142/4 in their second innings, and the match concluded in a draw.

Who will dominate in the second test? Let the battle unfold!

Playing XI ( Probabale)

ZIMBABWE XI:

Craig Ervine (C), Joylord Gumbie (wk), Ben Curran, Sikandar Raza, Dion Myers, Newman Nyamhuri, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Sean Williams, Brian Bennett, and Blessing Muzarabani.

Probably, Sikandar Raza will replace Brandon Mavuta.

AFGHANISTAN XI: 

Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Afsar Zazai (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Rahmat Shah, Shahidullah, Rashid Khan, Naveed Zadran, Allah Ghazanfar, and Zahir Khan.

Probably, Rashid Khan will replace Zia-ur-Rehman.

NZ vs SL, 3rd T20I Battle: Preview, Where to Watch

New Zealand has asserted its dominance over Sri Lanka in T20Is, clinching victories in two of the three-match series.

NZ vs SL T20I Series 3 of 3, New Zealand leads (2-0).

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20
KIWI’s eyeing to clean sweep the visitors.

The third clash between New Zealand and Sri Lanka is Scheduled on Wednesday, 2nd January 2025 in Saxton Oval. New Zealand will aim for a series whitewash as they take on Sri Lanka in the final match at Saxton Oval.

Black Caps has won the first two matches of the series. They snatched the first match from Sri Lanka, who were aiming to chase 172, but Jacob Duffy’s brilliant bowling performance (3-21) kept them from securing the win.

In the 2nd T20I, New Zealand claimed a victory by 45 runs. Mitchell Hay (41 off 19) with the bat and Jacob Duffy (4-15) with the ball played key roles in securing the victory over Sri Lanka. They lost their all wickets for 141-10 in 19.1 overs.

Live Stream Details:

The New Zealand vs Sri Lanka T20I will be streaming live on the SonyLiv app and website. It will be telecasted by Sony Sports Network.

SQUADS

New Zealand:

Mitchell Santner (C), Mark Chapman, Zak Foulkes, Michael Bracewell, Mitch Hay, Bevon Jacobs, Jacob Duffy, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, and Matt Henry.

Sri Lanka:

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Nuwan Thushara, Avishka Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Asitha Fernando, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Binura Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, and Wanindu Hasaranga.

WTC 23-25 Final Qualification Scenarios Explained: A Crucial Countdown

To Secure a Spot in the WTC Final 23-25, India Must Triumph in the Sydney Test Against Australia.

If India either draws or loses the Sydney test, their chances of qualifying for the WTC final will be over.

South Africa has already booked his seat for the WTC final after the Stunning win over Pakistan in Centurion. Now, South Africa is looking for their competitors who will meet them at Lord’s. Australia, India, and Sri Lanka are fighting for the second spot. Australia had improved their chances after beating India in the 4th Test Match of BGT in MCG by 184 runs. Look, here is the scenario for each team to qualify.

WTC Points Table 23-25.

TEAMMatchesWon Lost DrawPointsPCT
SA (Q)117318866.67
AUS16104211861.46
IND1897211452.78
NZ147708148.21
SL115606045.45

aUSTRALIA

There are 3 matches remaining, 1 against India in Sydney. Two matches against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka.

Australia: 61.46%

Australia, after beating India in the 4th Test Match at MCG, brightened its chances of qualifying easily for the WTC final. If Australia wins the 5th Test match in Sydney against India, the Aussies will secure the Second spot for the WTC final. Even if they lose the series against Sri Lanka, the PCT will be AUS: 57.02, SL: 53.85, and IND: 50.

Assume, If Sydney test will be drawn. Sri Lanka will have a chance to win the two-match series against Australia to qualify for the final. The PCT will be, AUS 53.51, SL: 53.85.

Another possibility can happen, If Australia loses the Sydney test and AUS vs SL will be tied 1-1. Aussies will remain upper as the PCT will be, AUS: 57.02, IND: 55.26.

If AUS vs SL series ends in a draw following Australia’s defeat in Sydney, both India and Australia will have the same percentage points 55.26. However, India will edge ahead due to winning more series during this WTC cycle 23-25.

India

There is one match remaining against Australia in Sydney.

India: 52.78%

India must have to win the Sydney test against Australia to remain alive in the WTC final race. If India wins, PCT will be 55.26 which will be quite enough, if AUS vs SL both matches will be drawn. The percentage of IND and AUS will be the same but India will qualify due to the condition of more series wins.

If India either draws or loses the Sydney test, their chances of qualifying for the WTC final will be over.

SRI LANKA

There are two matches remaining against Australia.

Sri Lanka: 45.45%

Sri Lanka’s hopes were significantly shattered following their series defeat against South Africa. Sri Lanka needs more effort to qualify for the WTC final. They must secure a clean sweep against Australia and rely on the AUS vs IND match ending in a draw. In this situation, the percentage will be SL: 53.85, AUS: 53.51, and IND: 51.75.

Whichever team, Australia or India, wins the Sydney Test, Sri Lanka will be eliminated from contention.

Zim vs Afg 1st Test Battle: Highlights

Afghanistan’s batters gave strong response to Zimbabwe’s 586 as Rahmat Shah And Hashmatullah Shahidi smashed historical double tons in Bulawayo.

Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah, Brian Bennett
Brian Bennett delivered an outstanding all-round performance, scored a century and took 5 wickets.

Zimbabwe 1st innings

Zimbabwe won the toss and choosed to bat first against Afghanistan.

Zimbabwe: 586-10.

Batting

  • Sean Williams: 154 off 174.
  • Brian Bennett*: 110 off 124.
  • Craig Ervine: 104 off 176.

Bowling

  • Allah Ghazanfar: 3-127 in 30.2 overs.
  • Naveed Zadran: 2-109 in 23 overs.
  • Zahir Khan: 2-127 in 28 overs.

Afghanistan 1st Innings

Afghanistan: 699-10

Batting

  • Hashmatullah Shahidi: 246 off 474.
  • Rahmat Shah: 234 off 424.
  • Afsar Zazai: 113 off 169.

Bowling

  • Brian Bennett: 5-95 in 28 overs.
  • Sean Williams: 2-145 in 45 overs.
  • Blessing Muzarabani: 1-52 in 28 overs.

Zimbabwe 2nd Innings

Zimbabwe: 142-4.

batting

  • Ben Curran: 41 off 61.
  • Sean Williams* : 35 off 40.
  • Joylord Gumbie: 24 off 58.

Bowling

  • Zahir Khan: 2-43 in 10 overs.
  • Allah Ghazanfar: 1-34 in 6 overs.
  • Azmatullah Omarzai: 0-8 in 3 overs.

Result: Match drawn / No Result.

Australia seizes Lead: A Step Closer to WTC Final

Australia claimed a remarkable win over India by 184 runs at MCG.

WTC Final
Australia charged to victory, taking 7 wickets for 34 runs in just 28.3 overs after the tea.
Image Source: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?BkWgg

Australia claimed a stunning win over India in the 4th Test match of BGT at MCG. Aussies took the lead by 2-1 in the series and moved further closer to the World Test Championship final race after beating India in the 4th Test match.

Aus vs Ind 4th Test: Australia got a lead of 105 in the 2nd-inning, Marnus Labuschagne added (71 off 143), Skipper Pat Cummins contributed (41 off 90), Nathan Lyon (41 off 55) and others added some runs. Their team effort led Australia to set a Challenging Target of 340 for Visitors.

On day 4, India was to chase a challenging target of 340 in 92 overs. Chasing 340, India lost their 3 batters without crossing a single-digit barrier. Pat Cummins removed Captain Rohit Sharma (9 off 40), and Right-hand batter Kl Rahul (0 off 5), while Mitchell Starc trapped Virat Kohli (5 off 29).

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant handle the situation and keep India’s hope alive. India was in a good position at 112-3 before the Tea break. After the Tea, Rishabh Pant (30 off 104) lost his wicket. His rash shot selection halted India’s momentum, trapped by Travis Head. In the next 5 overs, India lost another three Batters. This sudden Collapse put India in Trouble.

Before the tea, India was at 112-3, suddenly faced an unusual collapse and India lost their all wickets at 155-10. Australia charged to victory, taking 7 wickets for 34 runs in just 28.3 overs after the tea. In the end, Siraj lost his wicket, andAustralia got a victory. 

Aus Bowling:

  • Pat Cummins got 3-28, including a controversial dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal.
  • Scott Boland: 3-39.
  • Nathan Lyon: 2-37.
  • Mitchell Starc: 1-25.
  • Travis Head: 1-14.
  • Mitchell Marsh and Marnus Labuschagne have no wicket.

South Africa First to Secure WTC Final Spot After Beating Pakistan

South Africa becomes the first team to Qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final after beating Pakistan in 1st Test Match.

Pak vs SA 1st test
Jansen and Rabada build a 51-run partnership for the 9th wicket at Centurion.
Image Credits: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?pK9n6

South Africa, in the command of Temba Bavuma, becomes the first Team to secure a seat for the WTC 2023-25 final. After the stunning win over Pakistan, South Africa has qualified for the first time throughout the years.

Pak vs SA 1st Test: South Africa has won the first match of the series by 2 wickets in Centurion. In second-inning, Pakistan’s key batter Babar Azam smashed a fifty after a long time in test cricket. The former captain showed his class before falling into the trap of Marco Jansen for 50 off 85 balls, including 9 boundaries. Babar hits a fifty after a streak of 19 innings without one. He was struggling in red-ball cricket for 2 years.

South Africa’s bowling lineup was dominating over Pakistan. Saud Shakeel played an impressive inning of 84 off 113 Balls, including 11 boundaries. Saud and Babar helped Pakistan to reach 237 in 2nd inning. South Africa got the target of 148 for 2nd inning.

On day 3, chasing 148, South Africa lost their 3 wickets on 27-3. Khurram Shahzad dismissed Ryan Rickelton (0 off 5). Tony de Zorzi (2 off 13) and Tristan Stubbs (1 off 10) were removed by Mohammad Abbas.

On day 4, Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma were on the Crease. Firstly Aiden Markram ( 37 off 63 ) falls after contributing 15 runs on the day 4 by Mohammad Abbas. Captain Temba Bavuama went to Pavilion after adding (40 off 78). Mohammad Abbas turned back Pakistan into winning situation and made it hard for South Africa to chase 148.

Mohammad Abbas, after the absence of three years, gave an outstanding performance. He dismissed six batters including Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Temba Bauvama, and Corbin Bosch, leaving South Africa in trouble.

South Africa was 99-8. Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada grab away the match from Pakistan. Jansen and Rabada build a 51-run partnership for the 9th wicket at Centurion. Jansen contributed (16 off 24) and Rabada added (31 off 26), leading South Africa to win the match and qualify for the World Test Championship 2023-25.

Ind vs Aus 4th Test: Bumrah achieved an Incredible Milestone

Jasprit Bumrah registered a mind-blowing record by taking 200 test wickets with the best bowling average.

Bumrah is the first bowler to concede least runs for 200 Test wickets.
Image Source: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/?cLzLQ

4th test Day 4, Melbourne: During the second inning of the Match, Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah registered a milestone. Bumrah completes his 200 Test wickets in the 44th test match against Australia. Pakistan’s leg spinner Yasir Shah is at the top of the list for achieving this record in 33 Test Matches.

Now, Bumrah is the 2nd Indian bowler to register his name in the 200-plus wicket-takers club. Remember, bowling all-rounder  Ravindra Jadeja is at the number one position and joined the 200-plus wicket club earlier.

Jasprit Bumrah is the 1st Indian bowler to achieve this milestone with the Best bowling average of 19.56 per wicket. Considering the bowling average, Bumrah is top of the list with 19.56. The milestone came out after he dismissed Australia’s aggressive batter Travis Head ( 0 off 7 ) in the Second-inning of day 4.

However, Bumrah is the first bowler to concede least runs for 200 Test wickets. On day 4, at tea time Australia was 135-6 after Jasprit’s attacks. Alongside Muhammad Siraj’s fiery spells pushed Australia to lose their wickets.

END OF Day 4:

At the end of day 4, Australia is ahead by 333 runs, having a last wicket in pocket. Nathan Lyon (41 off 56) and Scott Boland (10 of 65) are on the crease. 

Jasprit Bumrah has taken 4, Muhammad Siraj 3, and Ravindra Jadeja 1 wicket.

Brief score:

  • Australia: 474 & 228-9
  • India: 369

NZ vs sl 1st T20: Jacob Duffy saved New Zealand to lose

NZ vs SL1st t20

Sri Lanka faced a late collapse and the Black Caps secured a stunning win over Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka won the toss and choosed to bowl first. Earlier, New Zealand’s opener Tim Robinson (11 off 9) lost his wicket in 4th over. His opening partner Rachin Ravindra (8 off 14) followed him and soon depart for Pavilion. After smashing a boundary, Mark Chapman (15 off 13) didn’t stayed long on the the pitch and was removed by Matheesha Pathirana.

The situation got worse for the black caps when Glenn Phillips ( 8 off 9 ) and Wicket-Keeper Batsman Mitchell Hay ( 0 off 1 ) got dismissed earlier by Wanindu Hasaranga with consecutive Deliveries. KIWI’s upper order went to the pavilionsoon. They were 65-5 in the 10th over. Daryl Mitchell took the inning long and rescued the kiwi’s from the critical situation. He smashed 62 off 42 alongside Michael Bracewell took the responsibility and played a classical inning of 59 off 33, leading Black Caps to reach 172-8 in 20 overs.

Sri Lanka got flying start, following to chased the target of 173 in 20 overs. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis gave aggressive start to Sri Lanka. They build a 121-runs partnership and it looked like Kiwi’s target was not enough to beat Sri Lanka.

Jacob Duffy’s 14th over was the game-changing over. It shifts the momentum of the game towards Black Caps. Duffy took 3 wickets in the 14th over, taking the game in the favour of New Zealand. He dismissed Kusal Mendis (46 off 36), Kusal Perera (0 off 2), and Kamindu Mendis (0 off 1) in the 14th over, pushed Sri Lanka in trouble. Matt Henry and Zakary Foulkes followed Jacob Duffy and took 2,2 wickets, takes the match far away from the Visitors.

Sri Lanka’s last hope Nissanka (90 off 60), lost his wicket in 19th over. Despite Nissanka’s fighting effort, Kiwi’s won the match. Sri Lanka finished their inning at 164-8 in 20 overs.

New Zealand secured a win by 8 runs.

Jacob Duffy (3-21) is chosen as the Player of the Match.

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 1st T20: Quick Highlights

New Zealand secured 8 runs victory in the match.

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka
Jacob Duffy recovered New Zealand

Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to bowl first. The three-match T20 Series is scheduled between Sri Lanka and New Zealand. The first match of the Series was played in the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.

1st Inning:

NEW ZEALAND: 172-8 in 20 overs.

TARGET: 173 in 20 overs.

Batting

  • Daryl Mitchell: 62 off 42 balls.
  • Michael Bracewell: 59 off 33 balls.
  • Mark Chapman: 15 off 13 balls.

Bowling

  • Binura Fernando: 2-22 in 4 overs.
  • Maheesh Theekshana: 2-29 in 4 overs.
  • Wanindu Hasaranga: 2-33 in 4 overs.
  • Matheesha Pathirana: 1-60 in 4 overs.
  • Nuwan Thushara: 0-28 in 4 overs.

2nd Inning:

Sri Lanka: 164-8 in 20 overs.

Batting

  • Pathum Nissanka: 90 off 60 balls.
  • Kusal Mendis: 46 off 36 balls.
  • Bhanuka Rajapaksa: 8 off 5 balls.

Bowling

  • Jacob Duffy: 3-21 in 4 overs.
  • Matt Henry: 2-28 in 4 overs.
  • Zakary Foulkes: 2-41 in 4 overs
  • Mitchell Santner: 0-26 in 4 overs.
  • Michael Bracewell: 0-30 in 3 overs.
  • Rachin Ravindra: o-14 in 1 over.

Jacob Duffy (3-21) is nominated as the Player of the Match.