New Zealand‘s opening batters have scripted some monumental stands in Test cricket history, laying foundations for historic victories and drawn battles. The latest entry came on December 18, 2025, when Devon Conway and captain Tom Latham smashed a colossal 323-run partnership against West Indies at Mount Maunganui, propelling New Zealand to 334-1 on day one of the third Test. This effort not only ranks as the second-highest opening stand for the Black Caps but also underscores the modern duo’s dominance, eclipsing several iconic partnerships over 50 years old.​

Top 5 historic opening stands for New Zealand in Test

1. Terry Jarvis & Glenn Turner – 387 runs vs West Indies, Georgetown, 1972

This remains the gold standard for New Zealand openers, forged during the fourth Test of their gruelling tour of the Caribbean at Bourda, Guyana. West Indies declared at 365/7 after batting first, but Jarvis (182 off 555 balls) and Turner (259 off 759 balls) batted nearly nine hours to surpass that total, erasing the deficit in a match that ended in a draw after just ten wickets fell across five days. The stand, New Zealand’s highest partnership overall at the time, showcased unflinching patience on a wearing pitch, with Turner continuing to 259 as Jarvis anchored solidly against a potent pace attack led by Andy Roberts.​

2. Devon Conway & Tom Latham – 323 runs vs West Indies, Mount Maunganui, 2025

In a clinical display under Bay Oval’s sunny skies, Conway (178*) and Latham (137) dismantled West Indies’ bowless attack on the opening day of the third Test. Latham fell just before stumps to a rash shot, but the pair’s methodical accumulation—blending crisp drives and nurdles—exposed the visitors’ lack of penetration, marking only the eighth 300-plus stand for New Zealand in Tests. As captain, Latham’s composure complemented Conway’s fluency, signalling New Zealand’s intent to dominate the series and cementing their status as the premier opening pair of the modern era.​

Also READ: Fans go gaga as Devon Conway hammers a double century against West Indies on Day 2 of the 3rd Test

3. Stewie Dempster & Jackie Mills – 276 runs vs England, Wellington, 1930

New Zealand’s second Test ever produced a landmark on a perfect Basin Reserve day, as Dempster (136) and Mills built the then-highest opening stand globally, third overall in Test history. Batting first after winning the toss, they redeemed Kiwi cricket’s reputation against a strong MCC side, with Dempster becoming the first New Zealander to score a Test century in the process. The partnership propelled New Zealand to 385 all out, though England responded stoutly; it stood as the home record for 89 years until recent assaults.​

4. Tom Latham & Jeet Raval – 254 runs vs Bangladesh, Hamilton, 2019

During the first Test at Seddon Park, Latham and Jeet Raval ground Bangladesh into submission on a slow pitch, erasing their first-innings lead and pushing New Zealand to 333/2 before Raval departed at 254. Latham (his 264* later in the innings set a personal best) dominated lengths with pulls and drives, while Raval’s resilience—surviving 75 balls for his first runs—frustrated the spinners. This stand, New Zealand’s highest home opening partnership for decades, paved the way for a series-clinching win, highlighting Latham’s consistency as an opener.​​

5. Mark Richardson & Lou Vincent – 231 runs vs India, Mohali, 2003

On a flat Punjab Cricket Association Stadium deck, Richardson and Vincent blunted India’s spin-heavy attack in the second Test, punishing loose deliveries to surpass New Zealand’s previous record against India. Their gritty strokeplay amid turning conditions set a platform for Ross Taylor‘s later counterattack, though the match drew. Vincent’s aggression complemented Richardson’s dogged defense, proving Kiwi openers could thrive subcontinentally and holding as a benchmark until Latham-Raval’s exploits.​

These partnerships reflect New Zealand’s evolution from defensive survival to assertive dominance, with Conway-Latham’s fresh exploit breathing new life into the list. As Test cricket adapts to shorter formats’ pressures, such stands remain vital for setting up victories, especially with Black Caps chasing World Test Championship glory.

Also READ: Fans react as Devon Conway and Tom Latham’s triple-century opening stand for New Zealand dismantles West Indies bowling attack on Day 1 of Mount Maunganui Test

England’s spin bowling coach Jeetan Patel defended all-rounder Will Jacks despite his poor bowling after Day 3 (Friday, December 19) of the third Test against Australia in Adelaide. Patel said Jacks did not bowl poorly in the match, adding that he was selected in the playing XI to strengthen England’s batting lineup.

Australia tightened their grip with a massive 356-run lead. The decision to back Jacks as the main spinner ahead of Shoaib Bashir drew criticism. Australia targeted Jacks aggressively, exposing his limitations. The right-arm off-spinner picked up one wicket for 107 runs off 14 overs in Australia’s second innings.

I Don’t Think Will Jacks Has Bowled Poorly – Jeetan Patel

Speaking after the third day’s play, Jeetan Patel said that Will Jacks’ bowling was not as bad as it appeared. He added that Australia played Jacks smartly by using their feet to put him under pressure. Patel also stated that Jacks was selected mainly for his batting skills.

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“I don’t think he has bowled poorly, if anything he’s been a touch short or a touch straight at times. His pace has been a little bit down compared to [Nathan] Lyon but I’m not comparing him to Lyon, I’m comparing him to Will Jacks,” Patel said.

“And look, they’ve played him very well. They’ve used the crease, they’ve got deep, they’ve run down at him, they’ve used the offside and the legside and they’ve looked to score to put him under pressure, and it’s probably what you would do against a spinner of Jacks’ nature where it’s not his frontline skill as such.”

“But we all know why he was picked, and that was because of the first two games where we felt like we did need that extra batting cover.”

”I don’t think he bowled poorly.”

England spin bowling coach Jeetan Patel on Will Jacks. pic.twitter.com/qKXIhzQwkg

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) December 19, 2025

Shoaib Bashir Is Our Number One Guy – Jeetan Patel

Jeetan Patel stated that Shoaib Bashir remains England’s first-choice spinner and the team has faith in his abilities. Patel added that the balance of using four fast bowlers with Will Jacks supporting them can work well in the right conditions. However, he admitted that it did not deliver the results.

“I still believe that Bash [Shoaib Bashir] is our number one guy, and I think he does a fantastic job for us, and he always has,” Patel continued.

“Because we do play that way, we look to pick the players that we think are going to fit the game the most, and with all four seamers firing and Jacksy backing them up, I think that works. I think it works very well, but it probably didn’t play out as well as we’d like it today.”

Will Jacks Endures Difficult Adelaide Test as Australia Take Firm Control

Will Jacks had a very tough Test in Adelaide. He became the first England player since 1981 to give away more than 100 runs in both innings of an Ashes Test. Australia attacked his bowling and scored freely.

In contrast, Australia spinner Nathan Lyon showed strong control. He took two wickets in England’s first innings while conceding 70 runs. His tight bowling helped captain Pat Cummins manage his fast bowlers better and keep pressure on England.

Australia then built a huge lead in the second innings. Travis Head scored an unbeaten 142, while Alex Carey added another knock with an unbeaten 52. At the end of day three, Australia were 271 for 4 with a lead of 356 runs.

Also read: Ben Stokes injured during 3rd Ashes Test, England hide issue but commentator exposes truth

Brisbane Heat pulled off a stunning run chase in the Big Bash League (BBL) history that left everyone in shock on Friday (December 19). Chasing a massive target of 258, the Brisbane Heat thrashed the Perth Scorchers by eight wickets in the 6th game of the ongoing BBL 2025-26 at the Gabba in Brisbane.

Jack Wildermuth and Matt Renshaw produced a batting show that will be remembered for years. Wildermuth stayed unbeaten on a sensational 110, while Renshaw smashed a brilliant 102, helping Brisbane Heat to pull off a near-impossible chase in BBL history.

Brisbane Heat pull off historic chase to script history in Big Bash League

The crowd at the Gabba was treated to fearless hitting, clean strikes, and nonstop entertainment with both Heat and Scorchers combining for a staggering 515 runs and 36 sixes in the Big Bash League 2025-26 clash on Friday. This is the highest ever run chase in the history of the BBL.

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Read Also: ‘Will Jacks hasn’t bowled poorly’: England coach shamelessly defends all-rounder after embarrassing show

Additionally, for the first time ever in T20 cricket history, two batters scored centuries while chasing a target. Brisbane Heat’s successful chase now also stands as the third-highest successful chase in T20s. The match also saw the most sixes ever hit in a single BBL game—36.

Wildermuth and Renshaw recorded the highest partnership ever recorded in a BBL match, as two batters completely took the game away from the opposition with the spectacular 212-run stand for the second wicket off just 95 balls at the Gabba.

Another record belongs to Wildermuth and Renshaw, as two centuries were scored in the same match for the first time in the Big Bash League.

THEY DID IT! The Heat successfully chase 258 in an impossible run chase 🤯 #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/DYmUKgvZK3

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 19, 2025

Perth Scorchers vs Brisbane Heat Match Highlight

Earlier, the Perth Scorchers had set a massive total of 257, thanks to a brilliant 142-run partnership between Cooper Connolly (77 runs off 37 balls) and Finn Allen (79 runs off 38 balls). It was the second highest ever total in the BBL history that had almost given the Scorchers a win, but the Brisbane Heat had other plans.

The chase began disastrously for the Heat as Colin Munro was dismissed on the very first ball, putting early pressure on the team. But Renshaw and Wildermuth immediately turned the game on its head. Both batters launched a fearless assault, taking on the Scorchers’ bowlers with relentless aggression.

Read Also: England coach helps Pat Cummins in training amid 3rd Ashes Test; Fans furious

Luck also played a part early on, with Renshaw surviving a no-ball catch and Wildermuth escaping a dropped chance. And they made the most of the lifelines given by the Scorchers in the BBL clash. They took the side to the record-breaking victory, and Max Bryant contributed 28 runs before retiring out.

It’s a bit of a pinch-me moment: Matt Renshaw

Renshaw was named Player of the Match for his incredible hitting at the Gabba. Renshaw said at the post-match presentation, “I still don’t really believe it. It’s a bit of a pinch-me moment, lots of goosebumps. An incredible effort. I think a lot of people probably wrote us off, and to be honest, we might have as well after losing a wicket first ball.

But having Wildermuth at the other end was massive. I’ll definitely be sharing the POTM award with him; he deserves probably half of it, maybe more. That never-say-die attitude made all the difference. It was one of those strange ones (partnership) where we didn’t talk too much. It was more about taking the right options, seeing the ball, and hitting it where you needed to.”

Pat Cummins made a stunning return to Test cricket and delivered a strong performance that was special both for Australia and for his own career in the ongoing third Test of the Ashes 2025-26 against England at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide.

The Australian captain missed the first two Tests of the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 due to fitness issues, but showed no signs of rust as he led the bowling attack with confidence and control in the ongoing third Test against England at the Adelaide Oval.

In reply to Australia’s first-innings total of 371, England were bowled out for 286, and Cummins played a big role in that collapse. He picked up three key wickets and finished with figures of 3 for 69 from 17 overs. His spell kept pressure on the English batters throughout their first innings.

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Pat Cummins returned to action with fire

This spell also helped Cummins reach a major milestone. With these three wickets, he surpassed the fast-bowling legend Brett Lee to become Australia’s seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. The legendary Australian fast bowler had retired in 2008 with 310 wickets from 76 Tests.

Read Also: Michael Vaughan openly blames Brendon McCullum for England’s Ashes 2025–26 struggles

Playing his 72nd Test, Pat Cummins now has 312 wickets at an excellent average of 22.10. At the top of Australia’s all-time Test wicket-takers list remains late spin wizard Shane Warne with an incredible 708 wickets. Cummins has also built a strong record in the Ashes.

The tall speedster now has 94 wickets from 20 Ashes Tests at an average of 24.07, including two five-wicket hauls. He has a better record at home, taking 180 at an outstanding average of 19.97. As captain, Cummins has so far scalped 148 Test wickets at an average of 22.67.

England fans furious as coach helps Pat Cummins before record spell

Shockingly, Cummins was helped by the England coaching staff to return to his best bowling form in the ongoing third Ashes Test in Adelaide. On Thursday morning, England’s spin bowling coach Jeetan Patel was seen helping the Australian captain during his warm-up at the Adelaide Oval.

Patel was gloving Cummins’ warm-up balls before the start of play on Day 2, which surprised the England fans, who did not expect to see an England coach assisting the opposition captain in any way. The clip quickly went viral on social media, and English fans reacted angrily.

Read Also: Brisbane Heat pull off greatest run chase in BBL history, hunt down 258 as Renshaw, Wildermuth smash tons

Many fans felt Patel should not have helped Cummins, especially given how intense and emotional the Ashes rivalry is, and they are currently on the verge of losing another series.

The spirit of cricket alive and kicking in this Ashes series. Here’s England assistant Jeetan Patel gloving Pat Cummins’ warm-up balls before play on Thursday morning pic.twitter.com/eIvdZN2Y82

— Louis Cameron (@LouisDBCameron) December 17, 2025

Pat Cummins breaks the world record by dismissing Joe Root in Adelaide

Notably, Pat Cummins has etched his name into the record books by removing Joe Root for the 12th time in Tests. The Australian captain achieved something no bowler in the world has ever done before. By dismissing Root in Adelaide, Cummins becomes the bowler who has dismissed Root the most.

Root, one of the finest batters of the modern era and the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history behind Sachin Tendulkar, was England’s hope, but Cummins knows how to keep him silent.

Earlier, Cummins was sharing this record with India’s Jasprit Bumrah and his Australian teammate Mitchell Starc. All three had dismissed Root 11 times each. Now, Cummins overtook both of them.

The fifth and final T20I between India and South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium has kicked off with a massive personnel shift following the exclusion of India’s vice-captain, Shubman Gill.

Shubman Gill sidelined for T20I series decider between India and South Africa in Ahmedabad

During the toss on December 19, 2025, skipper Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that the star opener would miss the series finale due to an injury sustained during a practice session in Lucknow.  With India leading the five-match series 2-1, this final encounter has transformed into a high-stakes audition for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup, as the team management explores alternative opening combinations. The absence of Gill has paved the way for the return of Sanju Samson. As South Africa captain Aiden Markram won the toss and elected to bowl, both teams revealed multiple changes to their playing XIs, reflecting a mix of tactical rotations and injury-forced adjustments.

“Gill picked up a niggle in Lucknow, so Sanju comes in,” Suryakumar said during the toss.

BCCI confirms captain Suryakumar Yadav’s update on Gill

The official reason for Gill’s absence from the Ahmedabad decider is a right-foot impact injury, an update confirmed by the BCCI medical team shortly after the toss. Providing clarity on the situation, the BCCI stated, “Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury to his right foot while batting in the nets on 16th December in Lucknow; he is improving but remains unavailable for selection.” While the injury is the immediate cause, Gill’s exclusion comes amidst a significant statistical slump that has seen the 25-year-old struggle to justify his promotion to the vice-captaincy.

𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury to his right foot while batting in the nets on 16th December in Lucknow.

After consulting a specialist and getting treatment with the BCCI medical team, he is improving but will be unavailable for selection for the final…

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 19, 2025

In 15 T20I innings throughout 2025, Gill has managed only 291 runs at a lackluster average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137.26, failing to register a single fifty-plus score since July 2024. This “lean patch” has coincided with difficult tours of Australia and the ongoing home rubber, where he has consistently failed to provide the explosive starts required in the modern T20 format. With the 2026 T20 World Cup just two months away, this forced break might actually serve as a reset for Gill, though it simultaneously allows rivals like Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan to stake a claim for his starting spot.

Also WATCH: Jasprit Bumrah gives a shocking response after a fan disregards his request for ‘space’

Key team changes for India and South Africa in the 5th T20I

Beyond the headline-grabbing absence of Gill, both India and South Africa have opted for significant tactical reshuffles to exploit the unique conditions of the Narendra Modi Stadium. For the hosts, the return of local hero Jasprit Bumrah in place of Harshit Rana stands as the most impactful change, as the premier pacer returns to bolster the attack in his home city.

Additionally, the spin department saw a swap with Washington Sundar replacing Kuldeep Yadav, a move likely influenced by Sundar’s intimate knowledge of the track as a Gujarat Titans regular and his ability to lengthen the batting order. South Africa, too, made a calculated adjustment by bringing in spin-bowling all-rounder George Linde for the express pace of Anrich Nortje, indicating that the Proteas expect the pitch to offer grip and turn as the game progresses. Captain Markram highlighted the importance of the toss, choosing to bowl first to capitalize on the anticipated dew factor that often plagues the side bowling second in Ahmedabad.

Also WATCH: Ishan Kishan breaks into iconic ‘Dhurandhar dance’ after Jharkhand wins SMAT 2025

In a blistering display of power-hitting at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Hardik Pandya has etched his name into the record books during the fifth T20I against South Africa on December 19, 2025.

Hardik Pandya’s destructive innings breaks records in 5th T20I vs South Africa

Entering the fray at number five, Pandya wasted no time, dispatching his very first delivery over long-off to signal his intent. His assault reached a crescendo against George Linde and Corbin Bosch, as he raced to a 16-ball fifty, decorated with four boundaries and five towering sixes. This whirlwind knock played a pivotal role in propelling India toward a massive total in the series decider, proving once again why he is considered one of the most dangerous finishers in world cricket.  By reaching the milestone in just 16 deliveries, Pandya has officially claim the second spot on the list of fastest T20I half-centuries by an Indian. He now sits only behind the legendary Yuvraj Singh, further solidifying his status as a modern-day great in the shortest format of the game.

Top 5 fastest T20I fifties for India

The hierarchy of India’s fastest T20I run-scorers has been reshuffled following Pandya’s Ahmedabad heroics. Here is the breakdown of the top five quickest half-centuries in Indian history:

5. Suryakumar Yadav (18 Balls)

The current Indian captain and 360-degree specialist, Suryakumar Yadav, occupies the fifth spot with an 18-ball blitz. Known for his unorthodox wrist-work and ability to find gaps in the fine-leg and third-man regions, Surya’s 18-ball fifty (achieved against South Africa in 2022) remains a masterclass in modern T20 innovation.

4. KL Rahul (18 Balls)

Matching Surya’s timing is KL Rahul, who also recorded an 18-ball half-century during the 2021 T20 World Cup against Scotland. Rahul’s knock was a display of pure technical elegance combined with brute force, as he helped India chase down a small target in record time to boost their net run rate.

3. Abhishek Sharma (17 Balls)

The young left-handed opener, Abhishek Sharma, occupies the third spot with a brutal 17-ball half-century against England at the Wankhede Stadium on February 2, 2025. Abhishek’s knock featured an incredible assault on bowlers like Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, where he scored 58 runs within the powerplay itself.

Also WATCH: Jasprit Bumrah gives a shocking response after a fan disregards his request for ‘space’

2. Hardik Pandya (16 Balls)

Hardik Pandya moved into the second spot today, December 19, 2025, with his 16-ball demolition of the South African attack. His innings was characterized by immense physical power and a clear tactical focus on targeting the cow-corner and long-on boundaries. Reaching his fifty with a flat six off Corbin Bosch, he now holds the record for the fastest fifty by an Indian on home soil.

1. Yuvraj Singh (12 Balls)

The undisputed king of this list remains Yuvraj Singh, whose 12-ball fifty against England in the 2007 T20 World Cup is arguably the most iconic moment in the format’s history. This was the same innings where he famously hit Stuart Broad for six sixes in an over. Nearly two decades later, Yuvraj’s world-record effort remains untouched by any Indian batter.

Also WATCH: Ishan Kishan breaks into iconic ‘Dhurandhar dance’ after Jharkhand wins SMAT 2025

The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) has sent waves through the cricketing world by naming a powerhouse 20-member squad for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 for the first two games. This announcement is headlined by the rare return of Virat Kohli to domestic List A cricket, marking his first appearance in the tournament since 2010.

Following a strict BCCI mandate requiring centrally contracted players to participate in at least two rounds of the 50-over event, Kohli and fellow star Rishabh Pant have confirmed their availability for Delhi’s opening games. Pant has been officially appointed as the captain, with high-flyer Ayush Badoni named his deputy. With the tournament set to kick off on December 24, 2025, in Bengaluru, Delhi enters Group D as clear favorites, boasting a roster that blends legendary experience with explosive young talent.

Virat Kohli’s comeback after 15 years in the Vijay Hazare tournament

The most significant narrative of the squad selection is the return of Kohli to the Delhi jersey for a domestic 50-over match after a staggering 15-year hiatus. Kohli, who last played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in February 2010, has been in phenomenal form recently, smashing two centuries during the ODI series against South Africa.

His return is not merely a formality; it is a strategic move by the BCCI to ensure top players remain match-fit during the three-week gap before India’s ODI series against New Zealand begins on January 11. DDCA President Rohan Jaitley confirmed Kohli’s participation for the first two games against Andhra and Gujarat, where he will likely reunite with long-time friend Ishant Sharma. For the fans in Bengaluru, the chance to see Kohli play for his home state at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, a venue where he is a local icon for his IPL franchise, has turned these domestic fixtures into some of the most anticipated matches of the season.

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Josh Inglis faces Punjab Kings owner’s wrath over unprofessionalism claims

Delhi squad strength under Rishabh Pant and the pace battery

Under the captaincy of Rishabh Pant, Delhi has assembled a squad that looks formidable on paper, particularly in its bowling department. The inclusion of veteran pacers Ishant Sharma and Navdeep Saini, alongside young sensation Harshit Rana (who will join after India’s T20I duties), provides a depth of speed and experience rarely seen in domestic cricket.

The batting unit is equally robust, featuring the aggressive Nitish Rana and former India U-19 captain Yash Dhull, while Ayush Badoni provides middle-order stability and tactical support as vice-captain. Explaining the selection, DDCA officials emphasized that this balanced mix is designed to navigate a grueling Group D schedule that includes powerhouse teams like Saurashtra and Haryana. By appointing Pant as leader, the selectors have signaled a commitment to modern, aggressive white-ball cricket, ensuring that the stars not only fulfill their BCCI obligations but actively drive Delhi toward their first title in over a decade.

Delhi squad for the first two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches

Rishabh Pant (c), Ayush Badoni (vc), Virat Kohli, Arpit Rana, Yash Dhull, Sarthak Ranjan, Priyansh Arya, Tejasvi Singh (wk), Nitish Rana, Hrithik Shokeen, Harsh Tyagi, Simarjeet Singh, Prince Yadav, Divij Mehra, Ayush Doseja, Vaibhav Kandpal, Rohan Rana, Ishant Sharma, Navdeep Saini, Anuj Rawat (standby wicketkeeper)

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction – Salary of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) players; check out how much Rishabh Pant and Josh Inglis earn

India capped off a dominant home season with a commanding all-round display in Ahmedabad, defeating South Africa by 30 runs in the fifth and final T20I to seal the series 3–1. The victory marked India’s eighth consecutive T20I series win, a streak stretching back to December 2023. A raucous Narendra Modi Stadium witnessed momentum swings, explosive strokeplay and decisive middle-over bowling. While South Africa threatened briefly through Quinton de Kock’s counterattack, India’s depth and composure ultimately proved decisive.

IND vs SA: Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma power India to a towering total

India’s imposing total of 232 for five was built on a foundation of fearless intent and sustained acceleration, with Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma turning a solid platform into a statement score. After an aggressive powerplay from Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson ensured early momentum, the innings briefly stalled following Samson’s dismissal just as he looked set. That lull was emphatically shattered once Pandya walked in. Embracing the atmosphere at his former IPL home, Pandya launched a brutal assault, punishing anything short or full and muscling even well-directed deliveries deep into the stands.

His 16-ball half-century, the second fastest by an Indian in T20Is, flipped the match on its head and left South Africa scrambling for containment. At the other end, Tilak provided balance and clarity, rotating strike smartly before unfurling crisp drives and calculated lofted shots. The duo’s 105-run stand off just 44 balls transformed a competitive score into an intimidating one. Tilak’s composure ensured the momentum never dipped after Pandya’s dismissal, while late contributions kept the run rate soaring. By the end of the innings, South Africa were staring at a daunting chase on a surface offering little margin for error.

Also READ: Top 5 fastest fifties for India in T20I cricket ft. Hardik Pandya – IND vs SA

IND vs SA: Varun Chakravarthy triggers South African collapse as India shut the door

South Africa’s pursuit began with intent as Quinton de Kock attacked early, particularly targeting Arshdeep Singh to keep the asking rate in check. Even as Washington Sundar bowled a quietly effective powerplay spell, the visitors surged to a strong start, reaching 99 for one by the ninth over with de Kock in full flow. The contest hung delicately balanced at the halfway mark, but India seized control through precision and patience. The turning point arrived with Jasprit Bumrah’s timely return, when de Kock mistimed a slower offcutter and offered a sharp return catch, ending South Africa’s best hope.

From there, Varun Chakravarthy took centre stage. Mixing pace, dip and sharp turn, he dismantled the middle order, removing key batters and choking scoring options as pressure mounted. Pandya complemented him with clever changes of pace, forcing miscues into the deep on the vast square boundaries. A rapid cluster of wickets turned a chase into a scramble, and once Varun bowled George Linde with a classic googly, the outcome was beyond doubt. Though Marco Jansen briefly threatened with late blows, Bumrah slammed the door shut, ensuring India closed the match with authority.

Also WATCH: Shivam Dube takes a sublime one handed catch to dismiss Reeza Hendricks during 5th T20I in Ahmedabad

Here’s how fans reacted: 

Say whatever you want….after Virat and Rohit, if there’s any true star in Indian cricket, it’s Hardik Pandya. His style, his aura….on the field or off it….everything is different. He’s one of a kind, in his own league.

— Dheeraj Singh (@Dheerajsingh_) December 19, 2025

It’s not easy defending targets at Ahmedabad, Hardik and Tilak partnership ensured India got an above par score. VC is a weapon in the middle overs, and Bumrah is a cheat code. Good series win against a really good SA side. Well played Team India 👏 #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/SHNhiiGASe

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 19, 2025

This is brilliant hitting from Hardik 👏

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 19, 2025

Master of trickery aka V4RUN 🔥

📸: @BCCI

Varun Chakaravarthy | Play With Fire | IND vs SA pic.twitter.com/ROGT8pA8jP

— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) December 19, 2025

MI scouts peaked with the discovery of Hardik. A guy who could smack 16 ball 50 can also give you 3 or even 4 overs on any given day. Can’t grow such a clutch cricketer even in lab. pic.twitter.com/43oY1ae1wO

— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) December 19, 2025

HARDIK PANDYA PLAYS CRICKET JUST TO FARM AURAAAA

— Kevin (@imkevin149) December 19, 2025

Sorry, Akshaye Khanna, but Hardik Pandya is the biggest aura farmer

— ` (@chixxsays) December 19, 2025

Number 1 T20I bowler for a reason!!!!! Varun Chakravarthy magic.🪄

Bumrah + Varun is a nightmare for the opposition. 🎃

— Bhawana (@cricbhawana) December 19, 2025

Varun so far has been a cheat code for us. Rare W from GG

— Udit (@udit_buch) December 19, 2025

India won the T20I series 3-1 💯🏆#INDvsSA #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/eEWW1GMV5f

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 19, 2025

India struck a crucial blow just after the powerplay as Reeza Hendricks fell just when South Africa were beginning to steady their innings. The breakthrough came through a moment of sheer athleticism in the deep, lifting the Ahmedabad crowd instantly. It was the kind of wicket that shifted momentum sharply in India’s favour.

IND vs SA: Shivam Dube’s one-handed stunner ends Reeza Hendricks’ stay

The dismissal arrived in the 6.3rd over, off Varun Chakravarthy, and it was as much about fielding excellence as it was about clever bowling. Varun slowed the pace of the delivery, and the ball appeared to grip slightly on the surface, stopping just enough to hurry Reeza Hendricks. Looking to chip the ball over midwicket, Hendricks failed to get full bat on it, mistiming the stroke under pressure. Positioned inside the circle, Shivam Dube reacted in a flash, sprinting swiftly to his left and launching himself with perfect balance.

With his body fully stretched and momentum carrying him sideways, Dube extended one hand and clutched the ball cleanly, completing a sublime one-handed catch that left both the batter and the crowd stunned. It was a high-difficulty chance taken with remarkable composure, showcasing Dube’s improved agility and awareness in the field. Hendricks, who had struggled to time the ball cleanly and never truly looked settled, departed for 13 off 12 balls, ending a tentative stay at the crease. The wicket reduced South Africa to 69/1 and gave India exactly the opening they needed at a crucial juncture, halting the visitors’ early momentum and underlining how sharp fielding can decisively influence a T20 contest.

Here’s the video:

India tighten grip after Varun Chakravarthy dents South Africa’s chase

Chasing a daunting 232, South Africa came out with intent, riding on Quinton de Kock’s explosive 65 to stay ahead of the required rate early in the innings. The opening stand threatened to take the game away from India until a decisive moment in the 7th over shifted the momentum sharply. Varun Chakravarthy’s slider stopped on Reeza Hendricks, forcing a mistimed chip towards midwicket, where Shivam Dube produced a sublime one-handed catch while moving swiftly to his left.

That wicket broke South Africa’s rhythm and opened the floodgates in the middle overs. Varun followed it up with a devastating spell, removing Markram, Ferreira and Linde in quick succession, turning a promising chase into a scramble. Jasprit Bumrah’s return further tightened the noose, as he dismissed de Kock and later Marco Jansen with clinical precision. Despite brief resistance from Brevis and Miller, regular wickets kept pushing South Africa behind the curve. At 177/8 in 16.1 overs, the asking rate has ballooned beyond comfort, and India now hold a commanding position with 55 needed off 23 balls, firmly tilting the contest in their favour as the match heads towards its conclusion.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) co-owner Ness Wadia has publicly criticised Australia wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis, accusing him of acting unprofessionally over how he communicated his availability for IPL 2026, a controversy that escalated after Inglis secured a lucrative deal at the auction.

The sharp remarks followed a dramatic sequence of events that left PBKS frustrated and questioning the transparency of the process, with the franchise now considering whether to raise the issue formally with the BCCI.

Punjab Kings wanted to retain Josh Inglis after strong IPL 2025 season

Wadia revealed that Punjab Kings were keen to retain Inglis after his impressive performances during the IPL 2025 season. However, the franchise’s plans were thrown into disarray when they were informed of his limited availability just 45 minutes before the retention deadline.

According to Wadia, Inglis told PBKS he would miss a significant portion of IPL 2026 due to his wedding scheduled for early April, creating uncertainty around his participation. With little time to adjust their strategy, Punjab felt compelled to release him at a base price of ₹2.6 crore, rather than committing a retention slot to a player unavailable for much of the season.

Auction twist leaves PBKS feeling “cheated”

The situation took an awkward turn during the IPL 2026 auction. Inglis initially went unsold in his first set, seemingly confirming Punjab’s concerns about availability. However, his return in the accelerated round sparked a fierce bidding war, culminating in Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) snapping him up for ₹8.6 crore.

For PBKS, the sight of a player deemed “largely unavailable” fetching more than three times his previous contract was difficult to swallow. Wadia described the episode as deeply disappointing, suggesting the franchise felt misled and unfairly disadvantaged.

Wadia indicated that Punjab Kings are exploring the option of approaching the BCCI, framing the issue as one of poor communication rather than auction mechanics. The franchise believes clearer disclosure earlier in the retention window could have changed their decision-making.

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction – Salary of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) players; check out how much Rishabh Pant and Josh Inglis earn

Josh Inglis: “I didn’t expect big money”

Inglis has sought to defuse the situation, offering his version of events in an interview with ABC Sport. The Australian international said he never anticipated a big-money move, given that his wedding and national commitments would restrict him to only a short stint in IPL 2026.

He claimed he had mentally switched off from the auction after going unsold initially, only to wake up to messages informing him of LSG’s winning bid. According to Inglis, Lucknow’s interest was driven more by long-term planning than expectations of immediate full-season impact.

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