Usman Khawaja‘s emotional Test farewell at SCG captivates cricket fans worldwide. The Australian opener’s final outing against England in the Ashes drew tears from wife Rachel in the stands, marking the end of a storied 15-year career.​

Tears flow as Usman Khawaja’s wife Rachel gets emotional in Australian veteran’s final Test

Memories filled the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 8, 2026, when Khawaja made his final walk in Test cricket during the fifth Ashes encounter. As the crowd rose in applause, cameras found his wife Rachel in the stands, tears rolling freely, reflecting the unseen sacrifices that shaped his 88-Test career.

Khawaja managed only 6 runs before chopping on to Josh Tongue, yet the moment went far beyond numbers. He dropped to his knees and kissed the pitch, then lifted his bat in farewell as his children and family looked on. The touching scenes quickly spread across social media, praised as cricket’s most heartfelt goodbyes. Speaking later to Channel 7, the 39-year-old admitted spotting Rachel and said her unwavering emotional support made everything possible.

#UsmanKhawaja has finally drawn the curtain on his illustrious career. Dismissed for 6 runs in his last Inn, Khawaja walked back to pavilion on weary legs, offering a heartfelt prostration in gratitude to the Almighty. A touching moment as wife Rachel Khawaja was seen in tears pic.twitter.com/eof4lejbI7

— Shakeel Khan Khattak (@ShakeelktkKhan) January 8, 2026

“You don’t always get the fairy tale where I score the runs in the end. And I kind of like that in some respect. When it happened, I got over that after a few seconds. I looked over and saw Rachel. You know, my family was up there, gave them kisses and the love because without her I wouldn’t be here right now,” Khawaja stated post-match.

Here’s the video:

Thanks, Uzzy ❤️ #Ashes pic.twitter.com/h9HPM4arJy

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 8, 2026

Also WATCH: Australia veteran Usman Khawaja gets a Guard of Honour in his farewell game as emotions run high on Day 5 of Sydney Test

Khawaja’s illustrious Test career legacy

Born in Islamabad and migrating to Australia as a child, Khawaja debuted at this very SCG in the 2010-11 Ashes, notching 37 and 21 against England, showcasing the elegant left-handed style that defined him. Retiring with 6,229 Test runs at 43.25, including 16 centuries, he ranks 14th on Australia’s all-time list, plus 40 ODIs and nine T20Is, as the nation’s first Muslim and Pakistan-born Test cricketer inspiring south-Asian pathways.

His SCG full-circle exit, near his childhood home, overcame early struggles, racism advocacy, and highs like key Ashes knocks, leaving Pat Cummins urging one final ton, though reality delivered grit over fairy tale. Khawaja’s candid reflection, “No perfect ending, but gratitude, resonates, cementing his off-field impact as much as his blade-like batting.

Also READ: WTC 2025-27 Points Table [UPDATED]: Australia stays on top with Ashes Test series win over England; India below Pakistan in rankings

Australia‘s emphatic 4-1 Ashes victory, finalized on January 8, 2026, served as a clinical masterclass in pressure cricket, leaving England’s “Bazball” era under heavy fire. While the emergence of Jacob Bethell, who struck a defiant 154 in the final Test, provided a flicker of optimism, it could not mask the systemic failures that plagued the tourists throughout the summer.

From the lightning-fast spells of Mitchell Starc, who spearheaded the attack with 31 wickets, to the aggressive batting of Travis Head, Australia exploited every crack in the England armor. England’s tour was defined not by a lack of talent, but by a catastrophic inability to execute under fire, resulting in their sixth consecutive series defeat on Australian soil. As the dust settles at the SCG, the gulf between the two sides has rarely looked wider, as evidenced by these five critical reasons for England’s downfall:

5 critical reasons for England’s downfall in Ashes 2025-26 against Australia

1. A broken opening partnership between Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett 

England’s foundation was non-existent, as the opening pair of Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett failed to provide a single century stand across ten innings. The tone was set in the very first over of the series in Perth, where Mitchell Starc dismissed Crawley for a duck, a nightmare that repeated itself in 4 out of 10 innings where an opener fell in the opening over. Duckett’s form was particularly alarming, averaging a dismal 16.16 until the final Test, as he repeatedly fell victim to the extra bounce. This constant early exposure meant Joe Root was effectively opening the batting, coming to the crease with fewer than 10 runs on the board in nearly half of the series.

2. England’s third grade fielding standard

The series was arguably lost in the cordon. England’s fielding was described by critics as third-grade standard, with 14 major chances put down at pivotal moments. Ben Duckett and Harry Brook were the primary culprits; Duckett grassed two crucial chances at gully in the Gabba day-night Test, while Will Jacks’ drop of Travis Head on 121 in Sydney allowed the Australian to reach 163. These errors were not just isolated misses; they were ‘momentum killers’ that allowed Australia’s elite to turn 20s into match-winning hundreds, effectively draining the spirit of the English bowlers who had worked tirelessly to create those opportunities.

Also READ: WTC 2025-27 Points Table [UPDATED]: Australia stays on top with Ashes Test series win over England; India below Pakistan in rankings

3. The England captain Ben Stokes’ batting crisis

While Ben Stokes remained a talismanic leader, his personal output with the bat was a shadow of his 2019 heroics. Battling a recurring groin injury that eventually saw him limp out of the final Test, Stokes averaged only 18.40 for the series. His struggle to move freely limited his ability to dominate the crease, and his trademark clutch innings were replaced by nervous starts and brain-fade dismissals. Without Stokes firing in the middle order to counteract the Australian surge, England lacked the fear factor required to unsettle a disciplined pace battery led by Scott Boland and Pat Cummins.

4. Psychological fragility at close out tight sessions

As Stokes admitted himself, England’s biggest weakness was their inability to close out tight sessions. In the Perth Test, England were 105 runs ahead with nine wickets in hand and still managed to lose the game by the end of the day. Similarly, in Brisbane, they collapsed from a position of relative strength, losing 5 wickets for just 54 runs during the floodlit session, where they slumped from 65/1 to 99/6 in a single session. This repeated failure to cash in when ahead meant that even when England were competitive, they were never truly in control. Australia’s veterans, led by Cummins and Steve Smith, displayed a superior situational awareness, navigating through high-pressure periods that England’s Bazball philosophy often attempted to attack with too much aggression and too little caution.

5. Poor preparation and inadequate warm-ups

England’s build-up to the series was described as a gross lack of preparation. The team played only one three-day practice match against their own “Lions” squad, which failed to replicate the intensity of a Test match against a full-strength Australian attack. This lack of acclimatization was evident in the first Test at Perth, where the team looked physically and mentally under-prepared for the bounce and heat. The decision to skip a pink-ball warm-up before the Adelaide day-night Test further compounded this, resulting in players like Gus Atkinson and Jamie Smith playing their first-ever first-class pink-ball match under the intense pressure of an Ashes battle, leading to substandard performances.

Also WATCH: Ashes 2025-26: Australia veteran Usman Khawaja gets a Guard of Honour in his farewell game as emotions run high on Day 5 of Sydney Test

A disciplined bowling performance followed by a composed chase helped Sydney Sixers register a comfortable six-wicket victory over Melbourne Stars in Match 27 of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025–26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. After winning the toss and opting to bowl, the Sixers kept the Stars to a modest 128 before knocking off the target with 17 balls to spare.

Melbourne Stars struggle for momentum despite late resistance

Melbourne Stars never quite found rhythm with the bat and were bowled out for 128 in 19.5 overs. Sam Harper and Tom Fraser Rogers gave the innings a cautious start, while Marcus Stoinis and Blake Macdonald attempted to stabilise things in the middle overs. Macdonald’s brisk 33 off 22 balls provided some momentum, but regular wickets ensured the Stars could not build a decisive partnership. Glenn Maxwell and Hilton Cartwright fell cheaply, compounding the pressure during the latter half of the innings.

Ben Dwarshuis and Joel Davies spearhead clinical bowling effort

The Sixers’ bowling attack was relentless, led by Ben Dwarshuis, who delivered a match-winning spell of 4 for 13 in 3.5 overs. Jack Edwards chipped in with three important wickets, while Joel Davies impressed with figures of 2 for 15, keeping the scoring in check through the middle overs. The Stars’ lower order offered brief resistance, but disciplined lines and clever variations from the Sixers ensured the hosts never threatened to push beyond a competitive total.

Also READ: BBL|15: Joel Davies’ all-round brilliance guides Sydney Sixers past Brisbane Heat in a low scoring thriller

Josh Philippe and Lachlan Shaw guide the chase calmly

Chasing 129, Sydney Sixers started steadily with Josh Philippe anchoring the innings. Philippe’s fluent 35 off 25 balls set the tone, even as Babar Azam fell early trying to up the tempo. Lachlan Shaw then provided the decisive push with a lively 24 off 14 balls, ensuring the required rate never climbed. Contributions from Sam Curran and Jordan Silk added stability, and the Sixers crossed the finish line at 129 for 4 in 17.1 overs.

Melbourne Stars’ bowlers showed flashes of control, particularly Stoinis, who picked up two wickets while conceding just 20 runs. Peter Siddle and Haris Rauf also managed breakthroughs, but the low total left little margin for error. The Sixers’ batters played sensibly, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries to avoid any late drama.

3 wins in a row for Sydney Sixers ⚡#BBL2025 #SydneySixers pic.twitter.com/b1jRmMBPYC

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 8, 2026

Also WATCH: Sean Abbott rattles Jack Wildermuth’s stumps with a peach of a delivery in BBL|15

In a thrilling Elite Group C clash of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 at Dr. Soni Stadium in Jaipur on January 8, 2026, Maharashtra elected to bat first against Goa. Ruturaj Gaikwad, the Maharashtra skipper, anchored the innings with a magnificent unbeaten 134 off 131 balls, featuring eight fours and six sixes at a strike rate of 102.29. Fans erupted in frenzy online, hailing his knock as a masterclass amid early collapses.

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s record-shattering hundred against Goa in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26

Gaikwad turned the tide single-handedly, smashing his way to an unbeaten 134 that propelled Maharashtra to 249/7 in 50 overs. Facing a precarious 2/3 after quick dismissals of Prithvi Shaw (1), Arshin Kulkarni (0), and Ankit Bawne (0), Gaikwad rebuilt with grit, reaching his century in style. His aggressive shot-making, including lofted covers and powerful pulls, silenced Goa’s bowlers like Vasuki Koushik (3/38), who struck early.​

This innings marked Gaikwad’s latest Vijay Hazare gem, building on his storied domestic form where he has notched joint most tons, including a double century earlier in the tournament. Social media buzzed with “GOAT” chants as clips of his sixes went viral, underscoring his evolution from IPL star to List A powerhouse. Maharashtra’s fightback owed everything to his composure under pressure.​

Also READ: Brother Vikas hits back at Virat Kohli’s critics ahead of IND vs NZ ODI series

Here’s how fans reacted:

🚨 RUTURAJ GAIKWAD SMASHED 134* (131) IN THE VIJAY HAZARE TROPHY. 🚨

– Maharashtra were 52/6 at one stage, then the captain stepped up.

Rutu, despite playing such crucial knocks, will be ignored by the selectors. 💔 pic.twitter.com/Wj2RZto3U3

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 8, 2026

TOUGH TRACK BULLY – RUTURAJ GAIKWAD 😂🔥 pic.twitter.com/6ceQKnEZOg

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 8, 2026

If someone asks who Ruturaj Gaikwad is, show them this picture. pic.twitter.com/D2kvbynwjH

— Sergio (@SergioCSKK) January 8, 2026

Ruturaj Gaikwad delivered a masterclass against Goa, scoring an unbeaten 134 off just 131 balls ✨#RuturajGaikwad #VijayHazareTrophy pic.twitter.com/EAdcTfEzSE

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 8, 2026

Meet Ruturaj Gaikwad :

– Can bat as opener
– Can bat at no. 4
– Can be a anchor
– Can accelerate whenever needed
– Bats in death overs like rohit sharma
– Always performs on tough pitches
– Not a flat track bully pic.twitter.com/b3MbAQyzt1

— Yash MSdian ™️ 🦁 (@itzyash07) January 8, 2026

🚨 Fastest to reach 5K List A Runs :-

95* innings – Ruturaj Gaikwad.
97 – Babar Azam.
101 – Hasim Amla.
114 – Sir Viv Richards.
114 – Virat Kohli.
114 – Shai Hope.
115 – David Warner.

The Prince of World Cricket – Ruturaj. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2ZQmxrqAxQ

— Pratyush Halder (@pratyush_no7) January 8, 2026

Not a single player could even score 10 runs in top 6 & Ruturaj Gaikwad scored an unbeaten 134 runs, this is what Ruturaj Gaikwad has been doing in List A cricket!!

Now averaging above 57 at 100+ strike rate, proved himself as opener as well as middle order batter.

Should have… pic.twitter.com/Mxy2WdP5qy

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) January 8, 2026

100 for Ruturaj Gaikwad. 106* off 124 balls at a strike rate of 85 when the whole team scored only 208 runs. Came in at 5 and formed two good partnerships with number 8 & 9 batters to put a decent score on the board. Tough situation bully. pic.twitter.com/2amcdwCX7u

— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) January 8, 2026

Ruturaj Gaikwad in VHT 2025-26 (till now) :

7 Innings
335* runs
67* avg
106 Strike Rate

The Undisputed King of List A cricket. ❤️pic.twitter.com/Nhk5JZigJp

— Srijan (@LegendDhonii) January 8, 2026

🚨 Ruturaj has surpassed players like Kohli, Sir Viv Richards, Babar, Amla, Hope, Warner to become the fastest to reach 5K List A Runs. 🔥

It’s India’s loss that this guy isn’t a regular in the National team. 💔 🇮🇳pic.twitter.com/jjtIkEuUVo

— Pratyush Halder (@pratyush_no7) January 8, 2026

Maharashtra puts up a fighting total in first innings

Maharashtra scraped together a fighting 249/7 despite an early collapse, as Gaikwad’s unbeaten 134 held the innings together, finding solid support from Vicky Ostwal’s patient 53, scored off 82 balls. Rajvardhan Hangargekar added a sharp finish, smashing 32* from just 19 deliveries to lift the tempo to 4.98 an over. The defining alliance was the 96-run stand for the seventh wicket, before Ostwal departed at 158/7, late in the 42nd over.

The innings began disastrously, with wickets falling at 1-2, 2-2 and 3-2, before further losses at 16, 25, and 52. Maharashtra also benefited from seven extras, including two no-balls and five wides. Goa’s attack worked hard, with Arjun Tendulkar, Deepraj Gaonkar, Darshan Misal and Lalit Yadav sharing the damage, but Gaikwad remained unmoved. At the interval, Goa faced a stiff chase.

Also READ: EXPLAINED: Why Virat Kohli is not playing for Delhi in today’s Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 clash against Railways

As the Indian men’s cricket team gears up for a crucial home ODI series against New Zealand, discussions around Virat Kohli have once again taken center stage. This time, however, it wasn’t the star batter’s on-field exploits but a sharp remark from his brother Vikas Kohli that grabbed attention, as he openly took aim at Kohli’s critics ahead of the three-match series.

Vikas Kohli fires shots at his brother Virat’s critics

Vikas, who has often stood firmly by his brother during highs and lows, delivered a blunt message on social media platform Threads. Without naming anyone directly, he suggested that a section of commentators and critics rely heavily on Virat’s name for relevance.

In his post, Vikas wrote in Hindi, implying that some people “cannot run their households without mentioning Virat Kohli.” The remark was widely interpreted as frustration toward persistent criticism that follows the former India captain, regardless of his form or contributions. While Vikas refrained from calling out specific individuals, the tone of his statement reflected fatigue with constant scrutiny surrounding one of India’s most celebrated cricketers.

“SEEMS LIKE LOGON KI DAAL ROTI NAHI CHALTI…. BINA VIRAT KOHLI KA NAAM LIYE HUE,” wrote Vikas.

Virat’s arrival sparks fan frenzy in Vadodara

Meanwhile, Virat landed in Vadodara on Wednesday, January 7, ahead of the series opener against New Zealand. His arrival at the airport created a massive buzz, with fans turning up in large numbers just to catch a glimpse of the batting icon. Security had to be tightened as chants and cheers filled the terminal, underlining Virat’s enduring popularity across the country.

Notably, India and New Zealand are set to lock horns in the first ODI at the BCA Stadium on Sunday, January 11. The series is seen as an important assignment for India as they continue preparations for upcoming global tournaments.

Also READ: Jacob Duffy gets maiden call-up as New Zealand reveals spin-packed T20 World Cup 2026 squad

Strong ODI form and domestic comeback boosts confidence

Virat heads into the New Zealand series in impressive form in the 50-over format. Recently, he played a pivotal role in India’s 2-1 ODI series victory over South Africa at home. The veteran batter struck consecutive centuries in the first two matches, scoring a commanding 135 off 120 balls followed by a fluent 102 off 93 deliveries. He capped off the series with an unbeaten 65 from just 45 balls in the decider, finishing as the highest run-scorer with 302 runs from three innings. The performances silenced many doubts and reaffirmed his dominance in ODIs.

Adding another layer to his resurgence, Virat returned to domestic cricket last month by featuring in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Delhi, his first appearance in the competition in nearly 15 years. He made an immediate impact, smashing a superb 131 off 101 balls against Andhra before following it up with a brisk 77 off 61 balls versus Gujarat.

With form firmly on his side and backing from his family, fans are optimistic that Virat will continue his rich vein of scoring in the ODIs against the Kiwis, once again letting his bat do the talking amid the noise off the field.

Also READ: Virat Kohli to team up with Mr Beast? The American YouTuber with 458 million subscribers makes a public request in a viral video

Gujarat Giants fell short of their first Women’s Premier League title in 2025, exiting in the Eliminator against Mumbai Indians despite a strong playoff qualification. Now rebuilt with firepower, they launch the 2026 campaign against UP Warriorz on January 10 at a venue like DY Patil Stadium, aiming to dominate from the outset. This revamped squad blends proven stars and emerging talents, positioning GG as serious contenders.​

Squad overhaul boosts Gujarat Giants’ prospects

Gujarat Giants strategically bolstered their lineup post-auction, snapping up all-round dynamos like Sophie Devine for ₹2 crore, Kim Garth, Ayushi Soni, Georgia Wareham, and Kanika Ahuja to add depth and versatility. They also secured explosive batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge and keeper Yastika Bhatia, while retaining skipper Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney as the core. Domestic holdovers Bharti Fulmali, Tanuja Kanwar, and Kashvee Gautam provide continuity, with the bowling fortified by Renuka Singh Thakur, Titas Sadhu, and Wareham alongside Gardner’s spin.​

Mooney enters in peak form, topping the WBBL 2025-26 charts with around 500+ runs across 13 innings for Perth Scorchers, showcasing her anchoring prowess at a strike rate over 140. Captain Gardner, GG’s leading run-scorer in WPL 2025 with 243 runs at 164 strike rate and 8 wickets, led them to playoffs, blending explosive middle-order hitting with off-spin control. These changes address past weaknesses, crafting a balanced unit primed for T20 dominance on varied Indian pitches.​

Also READ: Gujarat Giants appoint three-time World Cup winner as their new fielding coach for WPL 2026

GG’s best playing XI for WPL 2026

1. Beth Mooney (WK, Overseas)

Role: Opening batter

Strength: Unwavering consistency and power

What she brings: Mooney lays Powerplay foundations with precise glovework and adaptive tempo control, converting starts into match-winning knocks on seaming tracks. Her WBBL mastery ensures GG posts par totals or chases efficiently under pressure. Leadership in partnerships stabilizes volatile top orders.

2. Sophie Devine (Overseas)

Role: Opening all-rounder

Strength: Explosive starts and medium-pace strikes

What she brings: Devine shatters fields in Powerplays with raw power and seam swing, forcing defensive fields early to pile pressure. Her all-round utility covers middle-over breakthroughs and late hitting surges. Tactical flexibility adapts to pitch conditions seamlessly.

3. Danni Wyatt-Hodge (Overseas)

Role: Top-order batter

Strength: Aggressive strokeplay and T20 pedigree

What she brings: Wyatt-Hodge injects acceleration post-Powerplay with lofted covers against spin, rescuing faltering starts. Her international experience reads attacks astutely for boundary cascades. Clutch performances thrive in chases on batting-friendly surfaces.

4. Yastika Bhatia

Role: Middle-order batter/backup keeper

Strength: Left-hand flair and quick scoring

What she brings: Bhatia disrupts bowling plans with elegant drives versus pace, offering left-right balance in the engine room. Her rapid 500+ WPL runs stabilize collapses or ignite accelerations. Backup keeping adds squad versatility.

5. Ashleigh Gardner (C, Overseas)

Role: Middle-order all-rounder

Strength: Spin wizardry and six-hitting

What she brings: Gardner orchestrates middle overs via off-spin control and explosive counters, turning games with all-round dominance. Captaincy instincts optimize field settings and bowling changes dynamically. Playoff pedigree delivers under knockout lights.

6. Bharti Fulmali

Role: Middle-order batter

Strength: Composed anchoring under pressure

What she brings: Fulmali rebuilds innings methodically on slowing tracks with smart singles and selective risks. Her SR 120 cameos rescue top-order woes effectively. Domestic nous complements overseas stars seamlessly.

7. Kashvee Gautam

Role: Lower-order all-rounder

Strength: Seam swing and lower-order hitting

What she brings: Gautam’s new-ball swing extracts edges early, pairing with lower-order cameos for late momentum. Her econ 5.30 exploits Powerplays ruthlessly. Youthful energy uplifts team morale.

8. Tanuja Kanwar

Role: Left-arm spinner

Strength: Flighted control and wickets

What she brings: Kanwar chokes scoring with flighted temptations on turners, building pressure through dots. Her 7 WPL wickets complement pace attacks perfectly. Economy kings middle overs.

9. Renuka Singh Thakur

Role: Lead pacer

Strength: Swing and accuracy

What she brings: Renuka swings the new ball to dismantle opens, following with death yorkers. International pedigree shines in big moments. Econ under 6 sets tone.

10. Titas Sadhu

Role: Pace bowler

Strength: Raw speed and bounce

What she brings: Sadhu’s express pace extracts bounce to unsettle batters mid-innings. Variations trouble left-handers effectively. Emerging threat builds overs.

11. Rajeshwari Gayakwad

Role: Left-arm orthodox spinner

Strength: Economical variations and middle-over control

What she brings: Gayakwad strangles run rates with subtle turn on grippy decks, forming spin blockades. WPL thrift (econ 6.5) forces errors. Experience guides youngsters.

Also READ: WPL 2026: Mumbai Indians’ best playing XI for the Women’s Premier League

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

Australia have officially reaffirmed their status as the king of the red-ball format, clinching a dominant 4-1 Ashes series victory over England after a hard-fought five-wicket win in the Sydney Test on January 8, 2026.

Australia’s dominating victory over England in the final Ashes 2025-27 test in Sydney

While England’s young prodigy Jacob Bethell delayed the inevitable with a breathtaking maiden century of 154, the sheer relentless depth of the Australian side eventually broke through to secure the final match of the summer. The victory at the SCG was not just about the historic urn but also served as an emotional farewell to veteran opener Usman Khawaja, who bowed out of international cricket on a winning note. This series triumph marks a significant milestone for stand-in skipper Steve Smith and his veteran attack, who successfully navigated a minor wobble on the final morning to reach their 160-run target post-lunch. With this result, the curtain falls on a grueling yet captivating Ashes campaign that leaves Australia at the pinnacle of the cricketing world and England searching for answers after their sixth defeat of the cycle.

Australia’s iron grip on the WTC 2025-27 summit

The 4-1 series scoreline has significantly padded Australia’s lead at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings, as they begin the 2026 calendar year with an imposing points percentage (PCT) of 87.50. Having won seven of their eight matches in this cycle, with their only blemish being the Boxing Day collapse at the MCG, the Aussies have established a formidable cushion between themselves and the chasing pack.

This clinical consistency across two major series (a 3-0 sweep of the West Indies and this 4-1 Ashes victory) makes them the overwhelming favorites to secure a spot in the 2027 Final. For a team that has been a mainstay in WTC finals, this latest surge proves that their aging core still possesses the tactical discipline and hunger to dominate the world’s most elite competition.

England’s descent and the WTC 2025-27 mid-table logjam

In stark contrast, England’s Bazball era is facing a statistical crisis in the WTC standings, as they remain languishing in 7th place with a dismal PCT of 31.66. Despite showing glimpses of brilliance from players like Jacob Bethell and Joe Root, Ben Stokes‘ side has now suffered six losses in just 10 matches, effectively ending their realistic hopes of reaching the championship final.

Meanwhile, the mid-table has become a crowded battleground; New Zealand (77.78) and South Africa (75.00) currently hold the second and third spots, respectively, but have played far fewer games. India finds themselves in a precarious 6th position with a 48.15 PCT after a mixed run of form, meaning the subcontinental giants will likely need a near-perfect record in their upcoming home and away assignments to climb back into contention.

Also WATCH: Ashes 2025-26: Australia veteran Usman Khawaja gets a Guard of Honour in his farewell game as emotions run high on Day 5 of Sydney Test

WTC 2025-27 standings: India and the chasing pack

The final day at the SCG has crystalized a stratified leaderboard where India currently sits in 6th place with 52 points from nine matches, struggling to find momentum under the leadership of Shubman Gill. Ahead of them, the top five is rounded out by Sri Lanka (66.67) in fourth and Pakistan (50.00) in fifth, both of whom remain in a waiting game as their schedules ramp up later in the year.

At the bottom of the table, Bangladesh occupies the 8th spot with a PCT of 16.67, while the West Indies are rooted to the base in 9th with a mere 4.17 PCT after a winless run of eight matches. This updated hierarchy highlights a massive gulf between Australia and the rest of the world, leaving a desperate scrap for the second qualification spot among five nations separated by fewer than 30 percentage points.

Also READ: Harry Brook, Yashasvi Jaiswal or Rachin Ravindra? Mark Waugh names the next greatest Test batter

The Ashes 2025-26 series reached a poignant and dramatic conclusion on January 8, 2026, at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). While Australia had already secured the urn, the final day of the fifth Test was heavy with emotion as it marked the international retirement of veteran opener Usman Khawaja. Chasing a tricky target of 160 on a deteriorating surface, Australia overcame a spirited English fightback to secure a five-wicket victory, sealing the series with a definitive 4-1 scoreline. Despite the loss, England found a silver lining in the emergence of young Jacob Bethell, whose marathon second-innings knock ensured the series went down to the final afternoon in Sydney.

A farewell fit for a legend: Usman Khawaja’s guard of honour

The final morning was defined by a touching show of sportsmanship as the England team formed a guard of honor for Usman Khawaja. As the 39-year-old walked out to bat for the last time in his Baggy Green, the SCG erupted in a standing ovation for the local hero. In a career that began on this very ground in 2011, Khawaja’s impact as Australia’s first Muslim Test cricketer was acknowledged by captain Ben Stokes, who personally shook his hand before play resumed. Though his final innings was brief, dismissed for six by Josh Tongue after chopping onto his stumps, the veteran left the field to another raucous reception, concluding an 88-Test journey marked by resilience and grace.

Here’s the video:

Also READ: Fans erupt as clinical Australia crush England in SCG Test to clinch Ashes series 4–1

Australia’s dominance and England’s grit in the Ashes 2025-26

The series as a whole reflected Australia’s relentless clinical edge, though England’s late-series resurgence prevented a total whitewash. After dominant victories in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, the Australians appeared untouchable before a chaotic, two-day shootout in Melbourne gave England a four-wicket consolation win. The final Test in Sydney encapsulated the shifting dynamics: Joe Root’s first-innings 160 and Jacob Bethell’s heroic 154 in the second innings put Australia under immense pressure. However, the hosts’ depth proved too strong, with Travis Head (Player of the Match for his first-innings 163) and Mitchell Starc (Player of the Series with 31 wickets) consistently seizing the decisive moments.

Earlier, speaking to TNT Sports after Day 4, Sir Alastair Cook had predicted that a target of 160 was ‘defended able’ if England could strike early and remove Travis Head. His prophecy nearly came true as Josh Tongue ripped through the Australian top order on Day 5, reducing the hosts to 92/3 and eventually 121/5. While England did manage to remove Head (29) and Khawaja (6) cheaply, an unbeaten 40-run partnership between Alex Carey and Cameron Green eventually steadied the nerves. Carey hit the winning runs off Will Jacks, ensuring that while the series ended 4-1, the final day in Sydney was a fitting tribute to both a retiring legend and a competitive Ashes summer.

Also READ: Harry Brook, Yashasvi Jaiswal or Rachin Ravindra? Mark Waugh names the next greatest Test batter

Pakistan kicked off their T20 World Cup preparations in style, cruising to a comfortable six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Wednesday.

Electing to bowl first under cloudy skies, the visitors produced a disciplined bowling effort to bundle the hosts out for a modest 128. In response, a blistering half-century from Sahibzada Farhan ensured Pakistan chased down the target with 20 balls to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed sizzle with bowling brilliance

The Sri Lankan innings never truly gathered momentum after being asked to bat. Pakistan’s new-ball pair of Salman Mirza and Mohammad Wasim Jr. struck early blows, removing openers Kamil Mishara and Pathum Nissanka inside the powerplay to leave the hosts reeling at 16/2.

While Janith Liyanage offered some resistance with a fighting 40 off 31 balls, he lacked support from the other end. The middle order crumbled against the spin variations of Abrar Ahmed (3/25) and the returning Shadab Khan (2/25). A late-order collapse saw Sri Lanka lose their last five wickets for just 22 runs, eventually being bowled out for 128 in 19.2 overs.

Also READ: No Mohammad Rizwan as Pakistan unveils provisional squad for the T20 World Cup 2026

Sahibzada Farhan blazes away in chase

The match marked a successful return for all-rounder Shadab, who was named Player of the Match. Playing his first international game since his shoulder surgery, Shadab looked sharp with the ball, picking up crucial wickets in the middle overs. He later contributed a calm unbeaten 18 to guide the team home, proving his fitness and form ahead of the marquee tournament next month.

Defending a small total, Sri Lanka needed early wickets, but Pakistan’s openers had other ideas. Farhan launched a counter-attack, smashing a fluent 51 off just 36 deliveries (4 fours, 2 sixes). His aggressive intent in the powerplay effectively killed the contest early, despite Maheesh Theekshana (1/31) and Wanindu Hasaranga (1/17) picking up consolation wickets.

Although Pakistan lost a few quick wickets in the middle, the required run rate was never an issue. Shadab and Usman Khan (7*) finished the job clinically in the 17th over.

Pakistan won the 1st T20I by 6 wickets ⚡#SLvsPAK #ShadabKhan pic.twitter.com/R9dovhCT31

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 8, 2026

Also READ: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 2025, T20I Series: Schedule, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details

Joburg Super Kings host Paarl Royals in the 17th match of SA20 2025-26 at The Wanderers Stadium on January 8, 2026. Both teams sit near the top of the points table, with JSK in second place after three wins in five games and Paarl Royals showing strong recent form including three straight victories.​

Joburg Super Kings hold second position with 15 points from five matches, featuring wins like a Super Over triumph against Durban’s Super Giants and a 28-run victory earlier. Paarl Royals rank third with four matches played and recent successes, including a five-wicket win and Lhuan-dre Pretorius‘ explosive 98. JSK seeks a rebound after a recent loss, while PR aims to extend their winning streak.​

JSK vs PR, SA20 2025-26: Match Details

• Date and Time: January 8 (Thursday); 4:30 pm IST / 11:00 am GMT / 1:00 pm LOCAL
• Venue: Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

JSK vs PR, Head-to-Head Record (SA20):

Matches played: 6 | Joburg Super Kings won: 2 | Paarl Royals won: 4 | No result: 0

Wanderers Stadium Pitch Report

The Wanderers Stadium has earned its reputation as a batter-friendly venue, thanks to its high altitude and lightning-quick outfield that help the ball fly off the bat. The pitch generally provides even bounce, encouraging free-flowing stroke play, although the iconic bullring can offer sharp bounce and a hint of lateral movement for pacers in the early overs. Recent SA20 matches here have regularly produced totals above 180, making big scores commonplace. While the surface tends to stay reliable across both innings, history suggests teams prefer to bowl first, as chasing becomes slightly more comfortable under lights once the early seam movement fades. Captains winning the toss are therefore expected to opt for bowling first to take advantage of any early moisture on offer.

Squads 

Joburg Super Kings: Faf du Plessis (c), James Vince, Rilee Rossouw, Donovan Ferreira, Shubham Ranjane, Rivaldo Moonsamy (wk), Akeal Hosein, Richard Gleeson, Reece Topley, Imran Tahir, Nandre Burger, Matthew De Villiers, Prenelan Subrayen, Daniel Worrall, Wiaan Mulder, Duan Jansen, Dian Forrester, Steve Stolk, Janco Smit, Neil Timmers, Jarren Bacher

Paarl Royals: Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Asa Tribe, David Miller (c), Sikandar Raza, Delano Potgieter, Rubin Hermann, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Bjorn Fortuin, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Nqobani Mokoena, Ottneil Baartman, Vishen Halambage, Dan Lawrence, Hardus Viljoen, Gudakesh Motie, Okuhle Cele, Nqabayomzi Peter, Eshan Malinga, Thomas Rew, Keagan Lion Cachet

Also WATCH: Matthew Breetzke plucks a screamer to dismiss Dewald Brevis in SA20 2026

JSK vs PR, SA20 2025-26: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Joburg Super Kings wins the toss and bowls first
• Paarl Royals’ powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
• Paarl Royals’ total score: 170-185

Case 2:

• Paarl Royals wins the toss and bowls first
• Joburg Super Kings’ powerplay score: 50-60 (6 overs)
• Joburg Super Kings’ total score: 175-195

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest

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