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Kanishk Chouhan stars with all-round brilliance as India crush Pakistan in U19 Asia Cup 2025
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Kanishk Chouhan stars with all-round brilliance as India crush Pakistan in U19 Asia Cup 2025



India U19 produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Pakistan U19 by 90 runs in the 5th match of the U19 Asia Cup 2025. Batting first, India posted a competitive total of 240 in 46.1 overs, built around a classy knock from Aaron George and a vital contribution from Kanishk Chouhan. Pakistan’s chase never truly took off, as India’s bowlers kept striking at regular intervals to bowl them out for 150 in 41.2 overs. Chouhan’s impact with both bat and ball earned him the Player of the Match award.

Aaron George anchors India’s innings

India U19 started with positive intent but lost early wickets, allowing Pakistan to apply pressure in the powerplay. Amid the fluctuations, George emerged as the backbone of the Indian innings. Displaying maturity beyond his years, George compiled a well-paced 85, mixing solid defence with timely aggression. He rotated strike efficiently and punished loose deliveries, ensuring India did not lose momentum during the middle overs.

Kanishk provided excellent support to George with a fluent 46. The right-hander played a calculated knock, counter-attacking when Pakistan tried to squeeze runs. Their partnership steadied the innings and laid the platform for India to reach a competitive total. However, Pakistan clawed back late in the innings through disciplined bowling.

Pakistan U19’s bowling was spearheaded by Abdul Subhan, who emerged as their most effective bowler. Subhan picked up 3 wickets for 42 runs, breaking key partnerships and preventing India from accelerating freely in the death overs. His ability to vary pace and hit consistent lengths helped Pakistan restrict India to 240 instead of a more daunting total.

Despite Subhan’s efforts, Pakistan’s fielding lapses and inability to sustain pressure from both ends allowed India to cross the 230-run mark, which proved well beyond Pakistan’s reach in the end.

Pakistan struggle in chase despite Huzaifa Ahsan’s resistance

Chasing 241, Pakistan U19 needed a solid start but lost wickets early, putting immediate pressure on the middle order. Huzaifa Ahsan stood tall amid the collapse, playing a fighting knock of 70. He showed composure against both pace and spin, attempting to revive the chase with calculated strokeplay.

However, the lack of support from the other end proved costly. Regular wickets ensured Pakistan never built a threatening partnership, and the required run rate kept climbing steadily.

Also READ: ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025: Complete squads of all 8 teams

Kanishk Chouhan and Deepesh Devendran seal the win

India’s bowling attack was clinical, led by Player of the Match Kanishk. After contributing with the bat, Chouhan returned figures of 3/33, using his variations cleverly to dismantle Pakistan’s middle order. Deepesh Devendran was equally impressive, ripping through the lower order with outstanding figures of 3/16.

The disciplined bowling effort ensured Pakistan were bowled out for 150 in 41.2 overs, sealing a comprehensive 90-run victory for India U19.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: GOAT India tour 2025: When Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni picked between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo





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Fans react as India lights up Dharamsala with clinical win over South Africa in the third T20I
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Fans react as India lights up Dharamsala with clinical win over South Africa in the third T20I



India produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat South Africa by seven wickets in the third T20I at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium. After electing to bowl first, the Indian bowlers dismantled the Proteas’ batting lineup before the hosts chased down a modest target with ease to take full control of the contest.

Arshdeep Singh choke South Africa with splendid bowling

The decision to bowl first paid immediate dividends for India as the pace trio made early inroads into South Africa’s top order. Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks were dismissed cheaply, leaving the visitors under pressure inside the powerplay. Arshdeep Singh was exceptional with the new ball, conceding just 13 runs in his four overs while picking up two wickets. Varun Chakaravarthy complemented him perfectly in the middle overs, using his variations to great effect and finishing with impressive figures of 2 for 11.

Harshit Rana’s aggressive spells brought further breakthroughs, although he was slightly expensive, while Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube chipped in with a wicket apiece. Kuldeep Yadav’s short spell was equally impactful as he struck twice in just two overs, ensuring South Africa never found a way to accelerate.

Aiden Markram’s resistance stands out

Amid the collapse around him, South Africa skipper Aiden Markram played a lone hand to give his side some respectability. Markram scored a well-compiled 61 off 46 balls, striking six fours and two sixes, and showed composure as wickets fell at regular intervals at the other end. Donovan Ferreira provided brief support with a quick 20 off 15 balls, but no other batter managed to reach double figures with any authority. South Africa were eventually bowled out for 117 in exactly 20 overs, a total that always looked below par on a true Dharamsala surface.

Batters finish chase with ease as India take a lead

India’s reply began on a positive note as Abhishek Sharma took on the South African bowlers from the outset. The left-hander smashed 35 off just 18 balls, including three fours and three sixes, to give the hosts early momentum. Although wickets fell at intervals, India never allowed the required run rate to climb.

Shubman Gill anchored the innings with a composed 28 off 28 balls, rotating the strike effectively, while Tilak Varma played a calm knock of 26 from 34 deliveries to ensure there were no late hiccups. Suryakumar Yadav added a brisk 12 before Shivam Dube finished the chase in style with a quickfire 10 off four balls.

Despite Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen picking up a wicket each, South Africa’s bowlers were unable to apply sustained pressure. India reached 120 for 3 in 15.5 overs, sealing a comprehensive seven-wicket victory. The win underlined India’s bowling depth and batting composure as they outplayed South Africa in all departments in the third T20I.

Also WATCH: Arshdeep Singh removes Reeza Hendricks with a beauty in 3rd T20I – IND vs SA

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: IND vs SA: Hardik Pandya scripts history with unique milestone during 3rd T20I





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IND vs SA: Hardik Pandya scripts history with unique milestone during 3rd T20I
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IND vs SA: Hardik Pandya scripts history with unique milestone during 3rd T20I



In a sport increasingly dominated by specialists, the all-rounder remains a coveted jewel. And in the thrilling arena of T20 International cricket, Hardik Pandya has just elevated himself to an even more exclusive echelon. During the 3rd T20I against South Africa, the dynamic Indian star didn’t just contribute; he rewrote history, becoming the first male pace all-rounder to achieve a unique record in world cricket.

Hardik Pandya accomplishes unique record in T20Is

Hardik achieved the remarkable double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets in T20Is. The stage was set during the crucial third match of the series when Hardik, with his characteristic blend of aggression and skill, claimed the wicket of South Africa’s Tristan Stubbs. That dismissal wasn’t just another entry in the scorecard; it was his 100th T20I wicket, marking the completion of an extraordinary statistical double. Already having surpassed the 1,000-run mark in T20Is earlier in his career, this wicket cemented his place as India’s premier all-format all-rounder.

First pace bowling all-rounder to reach the feat

While being the first Indian to reach this milestone is significant, Hardik’s achievement carries even greater weight on the international stage. In the history of men’s T20Is, only a handful of cricketers have managed the 1,000 runs and 100 wickets double. What makes Hardik’s record particularly unique is his primary role as a pace-bowling all-rounder.

The other luminaries who feature on this elite list – Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh), Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan), Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe), and Virandeep Singh (Malaysia) – are all spin-bowling all-rounders. This makes Hardik the first-ever pace-bowling all-rounder in men’s T20I history to achieve this rare statistical feat. It’s a testament to his ability to consistently contribute with both bat and ball at high speeds and under immense pressure.

Also WATCH: Arshdeep Singh removes Reeza Hendricks with a beauty in 3rd T20I – IND vs SA

India’s hundred-wicket club in T20Is

In addition to his all-rounder’s double, Pandya also joined an exclusive Indian club by reaching 100 T20I wickets. He is now the third Indian bowler in men’s T20Is to achieve this landmark, following left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh and the consistent Jasprit Bumrah. This further highlights his significant contribution with the ball across numerous matches.

Also READ: GOAT India tour 2025: When Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni picked between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo



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WATCH: Arshdeep Singh removes Reeza Hendricks with a beauty in 3rd T20I – IND vs SA
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WATCH: Arshdeep Singh removes Reeza Hendricks with a beauty in 3rd T20I – IND vs SA



India continued their strong hold over South Africa in the third T20I at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala, as Arshdeep Singh produced a moment of sheer class to dismiss Reeza Hendricks early. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, India’s pace attack made full use of the helpful conditions, leaving the visitors struggling at the halfway mark of the innings.

Arshdeep Singh’s perfect setup floors Reeza Hendricks

The standout moment of the first half came courtesy of Arshdeep, who showcased his growing maturity with the new ball. Bowling to Hendricks, Arshdeep first teased the South African opener with two outswingers that shaped away, forcing him to play cautiously. Having planted doubt in the batter’s mind, the left-arm pacer then delivered the decisive blow — a delivery on a length that nipped back sharply.

Hendricks was caught on the crease as the ball struck him on the pads. The on-field decision was reviewed by India, and replays left no room for debate. There was no bat involved, the ball pitched in line, the impact was in line, and it was hitting the leg stump. The review was upheld, and Hendricks departed without scoring, underlining the precision of Arshdeep’s planning and execution.

Here’s the video:

Also READ: GOAT India tour 2025: When Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni picked between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

India dominate the halfway session

By the midway point of the innings, India had firmly seized control of the contest. Arshdeep’s wicket set the tone for India’s bowlers, who applied relentless pressure throughout the powerplay and beyond. South Africa found it difficult to build momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals. Harshit Rana emerged as another key contributor, picking up two important wickets to dent the Proteas’ top order.

Hardik Pandya also chipped in with a crucial breakthrough, ensuring that South Africa never truly settled. The disciplined bowling effort was backed by sharp fielding, which further tightened the screws on the visiting batters. Amid the chaos, South Africa skipper Aiden Markram tried to anchor the innings. Batting with composure, Markram remained unbeaten on 28, showing intent without taking unnecessary risks. However, the lack of support from the other end meant South Africa were unable to capitalise on his presence at the crease.

Also READ: ‘Got message from Anushka’: R Madhavan recalls the viral AI-generated clip of Cristiano Ronaldo applauding Virat Kohli





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IPL 2026: Cameron Green to CSK, Liam Livingstone joins KKR – Full list of sold and unsold players in Ravichandran Ashwin’s mock auction
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IPL 2026: Cameron Green to CSK, Liam Livingstone joins KKR – Full list of sold and unsold players in Ravichandran Ashwin’s mock auction



The official IPL 2026 mini-auction is scheduled for December 16, but the pre-auction frenzy has already begun, thanks to former Indian  cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin.

Ravichandran Ashwin conducts a high-stakes IPL 2026 mock auction 

Ahead of the real-life bidding war, Ashwin conducted a high-stakes mock auction on his YouTube channel, titled “Winning Bid,” designed to replicate the drama and strategic decisions of the IPL room. This simulated event, featuring invited panels bidding as franchise representatives, immediately became the focus of the IPL chatter. It showcased the immense valuation of high-impact all-rounders and the critical need for quality Indian spinners, offering a clear, non-poetic preview of the dynamics likely to unfold in Abu Dhabi. With only 77 slots available for 359 shortlisted players, the mock auction demonstrated that competition for elite talent will be intense, setting the stage for major financial headlines.

Cameron Green triggers record bidding frenzy

The mock auction’s first major blockbuster was the Australian all-rounder, Cameron Green. Walking in with a base price of ₹2 crore, Green’s value rapidly escalated due to his rare profile as a middle-order batter, seam bowler, and strong fielder. The bidding quickly became a fierce contest, initially between Delhi and Lucknow, before the heavyweights, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), jumped in. The ultimate bidding war ended with CSK securing Green for a whopping ₹21 crore, making him the most expensive player of the mock auction. KKR pushed hard but strategically stepped away at this price, acknowledging that Green’s purchase forces a team to build the rest of its XI around his cost. This massive bid underscores the premium franchises are willing to pay for versatile, game-changing overseas all-rounders who offer unique balance to a squad structure.

KKR’s tactical counter in form of Liam Livingstone

Having exited the Green race, KKR executed a strategic “counterpunch” by redirecting their significant purse towards other high-impact all-rounders. KKR’s first major acquisition was England’s Liam Livingstone, whom they successfully landed for ₹18.5 crore after another intense tug-of-war. This move highlighted a deliberate choice: trading Green’s structural balance for Livingstone’s pure impact and “chaos value”, the ability to change a game instantly with boundary-hitting. KKR didn’t stop there, also securing Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer for a substantial ₹17.5 crore. This aggressive double-swoop demonstrated KKR’s intent to load up on powerful all-rounders who can provide flexibility and match-winning performances, even if it meant letting CSK take the headline-grabbing Green signing. KKR further strengthened their Indian core by acquiring opener Prithvi Shaw for ₹5.25 crore.

Also READ: Cameron Green reveals the real reason behind being listed as a ‘batter’ in IPL 2026 auction

Key acquisitions for specific team needs

Beyond the major all-rounder battles, the mock auction saw franchises targeting specific team needs, particularly for established Indian players. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), identified as being in dire need of a quality spinner, successfully acquired the talented Indian leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi for ₹10.5 crore, a key strategic fix for their bowling unit. Similarly, Delhi Capitals bolstered their death-bowling by signing Sri Lankan speedster Matheesha Pathirana for ₹7 crore. On the batting front, Sarfaraz Khan, following a maiden T20 hundred, found a buyer in Bengaluru for ₹1.50 crore, showing teams are willing to back in-form capped Indian talent. Finally, the highest price for an uncapped player went to wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma, demonstrating the intense competition for young Indian wicketkeeping prospects

Also READ: GOAT India tour 2025: When Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni picked between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

Full list of sold and unsold players in Ravichandran Ashwin’s IPL 2026 mock auction

Player Status Team Price Notes
Steve Smith Unsold — — Remained unsold
Devon Conway Unsold — — Remained unsold
Cameron Green Sold Chennai ₹21 crore Highest buy
Liam Livingstone Sold Kolkata ₹18.50 crore Power all-rounder
Ravi Bishnoi Sold Hyderabad ₹10.50 crore Lead spinner
Venkatesh Iyer Sold Kolkata ₹17.50 crore Top-order option
Matheesha Pathirana Sold Delhi ₹7 crore Death specialist
Prithvi Shaw Sold Kolkata ₹5.25 crore Opener
Jake Fraser-McGurk Sold Hyderabad ₹2 crore Explosive batter
David Miller Sold Punjab ₹4.50 crore Finisher
Wanindu Hasaranga Sold Lucknow ₹2 crore Spin all-rounder
Rachin Ravindra Sold Punjab ₹2.25 crore Bat-spin option
Jason Holder Sold Lucknow ₹9 crore Pace all-rounder
Jonny Bairstow Sold Kolkata ₹3.75 crore WK-batter
Ben Duckett Sold Kolkata ₹4 crore Left-hand bat
Josh Inglis Sold Chennai ₹2 crore WK-batter
Sachin Baby Unsold — — No bids
Abhinav Manohar Sold Lucknow ₹1.75 crore Middle-order bat
Kartik Sharma Sold Hyderabad ₹7.50 crore Major surprise buy
Ashok Sharma Sold Gujarat ₹4.25 crore Pace option
Akash Madhwal Sold Chennai ₹4.50 crore Death overs
Vignesh Puthur Sold Chennai ₹3.50 crore Uncapped talent
Matt Henry Sold Kolkata ₹8 crore Strike bowler
Prashant Veer Sold Lucknow ₹4.75 crore Domestic standout
Krains Fuletra Sold Bengaluru ₹7.50 crore Big uncapped buy
Shubham Rana Sold Rajasthan ₹6 crore Spin all-rounder
Shivam Shukla Sold Hyderabad ₹1.75 crore Bowling depth
Gerald Coetzee Sold Lucknow ₹4 crore Fast bowler
Shai Hope Sold Gujarat ₹2 crore Top-order bat
Kyle Jamieson Sold Rajasthan ₹2 crore Fast-bowling all-rounder
Deepak Hooda Sold Rajasthan ₹75 lakh Indian all-rounder





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5 overseas players that franchises can target in IPL 2026 Auction ft. Cameron Green
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5 overseas players that franchises can target in IPL 2026 Auction ft. Cameron Green


IPL 2026 mini-auction, set for December 16 at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena, promises intense bidding wars with 350 shortlisted players from 1,390 registrants, including 110 overseas stars. Franchises enter with purses up to ₹64.3 crore like Kolkata Knight Riders, eyeing reinforcements after retentions and trades, under new rules capping overseas salaries at ₹18 crore. Five overseas players stand out as prime targets for their proven skills, recent form and availability post-release.​

5 overseas cricketers likely to attract big bids in IPL 2026 auctions

  1. Cameron Green
(Image source: X)

Cameron Green headlines the auction pool at a ₹2 crore base price, listed as a batter but cleared to bowl after back surgery sidelined him in IPL 2025. The Australian all-rounder offers middle-order stability and seam options, having scored 255 runs and taken six wickets for RCB in 2024 at an economy of 8.62; KKR and CSK, with big purses and overseas slots, view him as a Andre Russell or Sam Curran replacement.​

  1. Liam Livingstone
Liam Livingstone top 5 overseas
(Image source: X)

Liam Livingstone enters after RCB’s release despite their IPL 2025 title, having managed 112 runs at a 133 strike rate in 10 games plus two wickets. The England powerhouse thrives in T20 Blast and The Hundred 2025 with averages near 40 and strike rates over 160, making him ideal for explosive cameos; Mumbai Indians, KKR, and LSG could spark a multi-team chase for his leg-spin utility.​

Also READ: Aakash Chopra predicts the 5 most expensive overseas players in the upcoming IPL 2026 Auction

  1. Matheesha Pathirana
Matheesha Pathirana top 5 overseas
(Image source: X)

Matheesha Pathirana shocks as CSK’s release despite 47 IPL wickets in 32 matches at 21.62 average and 8.68 economy, a death-over yorker specialist clocking 153kph. The 22-year-old Sri Lankan’s LPL and international form, with 132 T20 scalps, positions him at ₹2 crore base; KKR, SRH, and LSG eye his bounce despite 2025 injury tweaks.​

  1. Anrich Nortje
Anrich Nortje top 5 overseas
(Image source: X)

Anrich Nortje, freed by KKR post a fitness-hit IPL 2025 (one wicket in two games, 11.86 economy), boasts 61 IPL wickets at 27.16 average across 48 matches. South Africa’s pace ace, with career-best 3/33, remains a raw-speed threat in powerplays; purse-rich teams like CSK or PBKS may revive his bounce for T20 impact.​

  1. Jamie Smith
Jamie Smith top 5 overseas
(Image source: X)

Jamie Smith, England’s rising wicketkeeper-batter, brings T20 strike rates of 144 with 1,687 runs and Test centuries like 184* versus India. At ₹1.5 crore base, his flexibility from top-order to middle suits KKR, DC, or PBKS needing dynamic keepers; five T20I fifties signal IPL breakout potential.

Also READ: Dale Steyn gives no-nonsense view on Steve Smith’s IPL 2026 Auction chances



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Uncapped sensation Kartik Sharma his long-time favorite IPL franchise; recalls an inspiring chat with one of the league’s biggest figures
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Uncapped sensation Kartik Sharma his long-time favorite IPL franchise; recalls an inspiring chat with one of the league’s biggest figures



The uncapped wicketkeeper-batter from Rajasthan, Kartik Sharma, has become one of the most talked-about domestic talents heading into the IPL 2026 auction on December 16th.

The 19-year-old, known for his explosive power-hitting, has successfully completed trials for numerous top franchises, capitalizing on his strong performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) and recent First-Class centuries. Ahead of the auction, Sharma openly discussed the intense trial process, revealing which high-profile teams showed interest and offering insight into his interactions with coaches and mentors. Most notably, he did not hesitate to declare his long-time favorite franchise, while also sharing an encouraging exchange with one of the league’s biggest names.

Kartik Sharma’s extensive IPL franchise trial experience

The interest surrounding Kartik Sharma, who has set his base price at a modest ₹30 lakh, has been intense, leading to him being invited for trials by over half the franchises in the league. This flurry of invitations underscores the high demand for young, dual-skilled domestic talent, especially wicketkeeper-batters, in the IPL.

Kartik appeared in an interview for Game Changer YT Channel where he confirmed that he spent considerable time demonstrating his skills to both the coaching staff and recruitment teams of several major franchises, indicating a serious level of interest from teams looking to secure uncapped players with high potential. Kartik provided a full list of the teams that invited him, stating:

“I’ve attended trials for six to seven franchises so far. Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Chennai, RCB, RR, Delhi. My practice matches in Chennai have gone well. Mahi Bhaiya didn’t come. But the other staff were there and said that they had enjoyed my batting.”

This extensive list, including auction heavyweights like CSK, MI, and the defending champions RCB, showcases the level of attention he has garnered. His recent strong domestic form, including scoring 133 runs at a strike rate of 160.24 in the SMAT and smashing two First-Class centuries (120 vs Delhi and 139 vs Mumbai), has cemented his status as a key target in the uncapped set of players (Set 8).

Also READ: Cameron Green reveals the real reason behind being listed as a ‘batter’ in IPL 2026 auction

Kartik’s favourite IPL Team ahead of 2026 mini-auction

In a major revelation, Kartik disclosed his favorite team, which is particularly relevant given the upcoming auction. The young star openly expressed his deep admiration for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the franchise that secured their maiden title in 2025. This preference could subtly influence the bidding dynamic, should RCB enter the fray to acquire him. Furthermore, Kartik shared a valuable mentorship experience he gained during the trial process, receiving direct advice from the veteran wicketkeeper-batter and RCB mentor, Dinesh Karthik. This interaction highlighted the specific aspects of his game that franchises are keen to develop.

Kartik was open about his franchise loyalty and the encouraging advice he received:

“My favorite franchise is RCB & I got a message from DK Sir… DK bhaiya spoke to me during the trials. He said that I’ve been batting well and advised me to focus more on keeping.”

The advice to focus on keeping is highly strategic, as his primary role in the IPL will be to provide a reliable wicketkeeping option alongside his proven batting talent. Kartik’s success against major domestic teams, coupled with the explicit interest from teams like RCB and the positive feedback from CSK staff, strongly suggests that his name, listed with a base price of ₹30 lakh, will quickly become one of the most aggressively bid-upon in the uncapped category of the IPL 2026 auction.

Also READ: GOAT India tour 2025: When Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni picked between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo





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“Sanju Samson at No. 3”: Robin Uthappa picks India’s playing XI for the 3rd T20I against South Africa
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“Sanju Samson at No. 3”: Robin Uthappa picks India’s playing XI for the 3rd T20I against South Africa



Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has proposed a tactical tweak to India’s playing XI ahead of the third T20I against South Africa, calling for a change that could reshape the middle order. With the five-match series delicately poised, Uthappa believes India can gain a decisive edge by promoting a star batter to No. 3 while keeping their opening combination intact. The third T20I is scheduled to be played at Dharamsala on Sunday, December 14.

Robin Uthappa advocates of including Sanju Samson in the playing XI

Speaking on Star Sports’ show Follow the Blues, Uthappa opined that India should look beyond continuity and instead focus on maximising batting impact. He suggested that Sanju Samson should replace Jitesh Sharma in the XI and bat at No. 3, a move that would push Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma one position down the order.

According to Uthappa, Samson’s ability to handle pace and spin alike makes him an ideal candidate to control the innings during the powerplay extension and early middle overs. He stressed that such a move could help India dictate terms rather than react to match situations.

Despite recommending a bold change in the middle order, Uthappa was clear about retaining the opening pair. He backed Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma to continue at the top, citing their complementary styles and potential to provide brisk starts.

“I would like to see Shubman and Abhishek Sharma opening the batting. Complete left field here, Sanju Samson at No. 3, Suryakumar Yadav at No. 4 and Tilak Varma at No. 5, and then so on and so forth,” said Uthappa.

Also READ: David Willey drops a truth bomb on why veteran overseas players are shifting from IPL to PSL

Depth and balance still intact in Uthappa’s XI

One of the major talking points around any reshuffle is whether it disrupts team balance. However, Uthappa dismissed those concerns, pointing out that India would still boast formidable depth in both batting and bowling.

With Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube and Axar Patel to follow in the lower middle order, Uthappa believes India would effectively have eight genuine batting options. At the same time, the bowling attack remains strong with a mix of pace and spin, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, alongside Varun Chakaravarthy.

“You still have Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube and Axar Patel. So your eight batters are sorted, and you have five bowlers. I would love to see that XI. I think that would be the ideal XI for India,” added Uthappa.

Robin Uthappa’s playing XI of Team India for the third T20I:

Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah

Also READ: IND vs SA, 3rd T20I: Dharamsala Pitch Report, HPCA International Stadium Stats and Records



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Sune Luus, Miane Smit sizzle in South Africa’s emphatic win over Ireland in 1st Women’s ODI
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Sune Luus, Miane Smit sizzle in South Africa’s emphatic win over Ireland in 1st Women’s ODI



South Africa Women began the ODI series on a confident note, registering a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Ireland Women in the first ODI at Buffalo Park. After opting to bat first, Ireland put up a fighting total, but a disciplined bowling effort followed by a composed chase, led by Sune Luus, ensured a comfortable win for the hosts.

Ireland struggle to build momentum despite steady contributions

Ireland Women’s innings of 209 for 7 in 47 overs was built on several starts but lacked a defining partnership. Openers Sarah Forbes and Gaby Lewis looked to settle in, with Forbes anchoring the innings through a patient 42 off 71 deliveries. Amy Hunter added stability in the middle order with a fluent 32, while Orla Prendergast and Laura Delany provided brief bursts of momentum. Rebecca Stokell’s 39 off 48 balls towards the end helped Ireland push past the 200-run mark, but regular wickets prevented them from accelerating in the final phase.

South African bowlers apply consistent pressure

The South African bowling unit kept things tight throughout, ensuring Ireland never fully broke free. Nonkululeko Mlaba was the standout performer, claiming 3 for 43 with her accurate left-arm spin. Tumi Sekhukhune chipped in with two crucial wickets, while Sune Luus and Miane Smit contributed with one wicket apiece. Although Ayanda Hlubi and Eliz Mari Marx went wicketless, they played their part by controlling the run flow during key spells.

Also READ: Lizelle Lee powers Hobart Hurricanes to first-ever WBBL title with dominant win over Perth Scorchers in final

Sune Luus and Smit seal the game with an unbroken stand

Chasing 210, South Africa Women made a brisk start, with Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits laying a solid foundation at the top. Wolvaardt struck six boundaries in her quick 31 off 24 balls, while Brits complemented her with a steady 27. Lara Goodall added another useful contribution, ensuring the hosts stayed well ahead of the required rate.

The chase was expertly guided to completion by Luus and Smit, who combined calmness with controlled aggression. Luus anchored the innings with a composed 66 off 72 balls, while Smit played a mature knock of 56 from 70 deliveries. Their partnership took the game away from Ireland, as South Africa reached 211 for 3 in just 36.5 overs.

Ireland’s bowling attack found it difficult to contain the South African batters once the set players settled in. Cara Murray was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Prendergast claimed one. Despite some economical spells, the lack of sustained pressure allowed South Africa to cruise to the target. Luus capped off a memorable outing with both bat and ball, earning the Player of the Match award.

Also READ: India hand maiden T20I call-ups to G Kamalini and Vaishnavi Sharma for Sri Lanka series

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



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PS vs SS, BBL|15, Match Prediction: Who will win today’s game between Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers?
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PS vs SS, BBL|15, Match Prediction: Who will win today’s game between Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers?



The Big Bash League 2025-26 season kicks off with the fiercest rivalry in Australian cricket as the Perth Scorchers take on the Sydney Sixers in the first match of BBL|15 at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Both teams will be determined to start the new campaign with a decisive victory. The Scorchers, playing at their fortress, missed the playoffs last year and will be fired up to reclaim their crown. The Sixers, bolstered by the marquee signing of Babar Azam, have the experience but must overcome their recent struggle for consistency in the knockout stages. This promises to be a spectacular contest between the league’s two most successful franchises.

PS vs SS, BBL|15: Match details

  • Date and Time: December 14 (Sunday); 1:45 pm IST / 8:15 am GMT / 4:15 pm Local
  • Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
  • Head-to-Head Record in BBL: Matches played: 29 | Perth Scorchers won: 16 | Sydney Sixers won: 12 | No result/Tied: 1

Optus Stadium Pitch Report

The Optus Stadium in Perth is globally recognized for its rapid pace and high bounce, which strongly favors the fast bowlers. While this challenge makes scoring tough initially, batters who settle in can exploit the quick outfield. The pitch has historically been a high-scoring ground, though the average first innings score has varied, currently sitting around 160-170, a score that is considered competitive. Significantly, the chasing team has a strong advantage here, winning approximately 63% of matches due to the evening conditions. Therefore, the captain winning the toss is highly expected to elect to bowl first and back their star-studded batting lineup to chase down the target.

Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Sixers: Team dynamics and key players

Perth Scorchers: The Scorchers are near full strength at home, where they are traditionally dominant. The team’s batting is explosive, led by the Australian T20I captain Mitchell Marsh and the aggressive Kiwi opener Finn Allen, who will look to make a significant impact in the powerplay. Their pace attack, featuring the likes of Jhye Richardson, is elite and perfectly suited to the pace and bounce of the Optus surface. With their core players available, Perth will rely on their home advantage and strong pace bowling to dominate.

Sydney Sixers: The Sixers’ batting unit has received a massive boost with the addition of Pakistan superstar Babar Azam, who will anchor the innings alongside the dynamic Harjas Singh. Skipper Moises Henriques and Jordan Silk provide crucial middle-order stability. Their bowling attack remains robust, led by the experienced Ben Dwarshuis and Sean Abbott. However, the absence of an established, wicket-taking frontline spinner may expose them in the middle overs, a weakness the Scorchers will look to exploit in their home conditions.

Also READ: BBL|15: Check out the full list of Pakistan and Bangladesh players playing in the Big Bash League

PS vs SS, BBL|15: Today’s Match Prediction

This opening match features the two titans of the league, promising a tight contest. The Sixers have a superior recent head-to-head record (3-2 in the last five), but the Scorchers’ exceptional record at Optus Stadium and their pace-bowling friendly conditions make them formidable. The Scorchers’ all-round balance and familiarity with the pitch give them a decisive edge in the season opener.

Case 1:

  • Perth Scorchers wins the toss and bowls first
  • Sydney Sixers’ powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
  • Sydney Sixers’ total score: 155-175

Case 2:

  • Sydney Sixers wins the toss and bats first
  • Perth Scorchers’ powerplay score: 55-65 (6 overs)
  • Perth Scorchers’ total score: 170-190

Match result: Perth Scorchers  to win the contest

Also READ: BBL|15: Cricket Australia unveils full schedule for Big Bash League 2025-26



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