With the new season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in sight, the teams are gearing up for an epic season of pinnacle league cricket with seasoned star campaigners and young emerging talents in action. Amidst heightened buzz around the new IPL season, the opening encounter has been revealed to the cricketing community. IPL has decided to continue its long tradition of starting the season with defending champions in action. Thus, the new season of the prestigious tournament is set to begin with a clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Two iconic teams set to square off in the IPL opener

According to a report from Cricbuzz, IPL 2025 is scheduled to commence on March 22, with defending champions KKR facing off against RCB at the iconic Eden Gardens. The report further states that last season’s runners-up, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), will kick off their campaign a day later, hosting Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Rajiv? Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal.

While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to officially announce the complete schedule, key dates have already been shared with franchises. The grand finale is expected to follow the usual pattern, taking place in the home city of the defending champion??s, meaning Eden Gardens is likely to host the final on May 25.

BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla had earlier hinted at a March 23 start following the board’s Special General Meeting (SGM) on January 12 in Mumbai. However, the tournament’s commencement date was later advanced by a day. The full IPL 2025 schedule is anticipated to be released soon.

Also Read: Breakdown of RCB ??captain Rajat Patidar’s IPL sala??ry since debut

New venues added to the IPL roster

The new IPL season is set to expand beyond its 10 regular venues by introducing matches in Guwahati and Dharamsala. Royals have designated Guwahati as their second home venue and will host two crucial evening encounters there, facing KKR on March 26 and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 30. Meanwhile, Dharamsala, which hosted two Punjab Kings�home matches last season, is set to feature at least two and potentially three games this year.  As for the knockout stage, Hyderabad has been selected to host Qualifier 1 and the Elimi??nator, while Qualifier 2 and the grand finale will take place at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, the home ground of defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders.

Also Read: ?3 reasons why Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) can win IPL 2025 under Raja??t Patidar’s captaincy

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Renuka Thakur provided the perfect breakthrough for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 opener against Gujarat Giants (GT), cleaning up Laura Wolvaardt with a stunning delivery.

Renuka Thakur dismantles Laura Wolvaardt with a sharp in-swinger

Bowling from over the wicket, Renuka pitched the ball just outside off-stump, generating sharp inward movement off the surface. ??Wolvaardt, attempting?? an across-the-line heave without proper footwork, completely misjudged the swing. The ball zipped past her bat, crashing into the middle and off stump, leaving the batter with no chance of recovery.

The delivery was a textbook exam??ple of late movement, exploiting the batter’s lack of precise foot placement. Wolvaardt, who struggled to find fluency, managed only six runs off ten balls before Renuka’s brilliance ended her stay at the crease. The impact was immediate, as Gujarat Giants lost their? first wicket at 35, giving RCB an early opening.

Renuka’s execution was flawless – she maintained a good length, allowing the ball to deviate off the pitch rather than giving Wolvaardt room to adjust. The lack of intent in Wolvaardt’s shot selection only amplified the effectiveness of the delivery, exposing her stumps completely.

This wicket set the tone for RCB’s bowling unit, as Renuka precisely led the attack. Her spell so far – overs for 21 runs with a wicket – highlighted her ability to extract movement and trouble batters early on. For Gujarat, losing Wolvaardt cheaply was a setback, forcing their middle order to rebuild after the early jolt.

Here’s the video:

CASTLED 🎯

Renuka Singh Thakur with the first wicket of #TATAWPL season 3 🔥

Laura Wolvaardt departs.

Live – //t.co/jjI6oXJcBI #TATAWPL #GGvRCB pic.twitter.com/hVljsewUru

— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 14, 2025

Also READ: WPL 20??25 Opening Ceremony: Date, Time, Performers and Live Streaming details

RCB bowlers puts Gujarat Giants at backfoot in the WPL 2025 opener

RCB made a steady start with the ball after opting to field first in the WPL 2025 opener at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara. Gujarat, led by Beth Mooney, managed 53/2 in nine overs, struggling to gain momentum against a disciplined RCB attack. Renuka provided the first breakthrough, cleaning up Laura Wolvaardt for 6 with a sharp in-swinger in the fifth over. Kanika Ahuja then added to RCB’s success by dismissing Dayalan Hemalatha for 4, caught by Prema Rawat at mid-wicket.

Mooney remained the anchor, scoring 35 not out so far off 31 balls, striking four boundaries while maintaining a measured approach. Ashleigh Gardner, the captain, joined her at the crease but found it tough to accelerate. The scoring rate hovered around 5.88 as RCB’s bowlers maintained tight lines. Renuka (1/21) and Ahuja (1/7) were the standout performers, while VJ Joshitha and Kim Garth ?kept things tight. With Gujarat at 53/2 by the ninth over, they will need a strong push in the second half to reach a competitiv??e total.

Also WATCH: Virat Kohli’s special ??message to Smriti Mandhana’s RCB ahead of WPL 2025 opener against Gujarat Giants

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

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The second ODI between Sri Lanka and Australia at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, will be remembered for one mom?ent of brilliance that turned the g?ame on its head.

Glenn Maxwell, Australia’s explosive all-rounder, fell victim to a sensational delivery by Sri Lanka’s young spinner, Dunith Wellalage, as the visitors crumbled to a humiliating 174-run defeat. The match not only highlighted Sri Lanka’s dominance but also showcased the emergence of a new spin sensation in Wellalage.

Dunith Wellalage’s peach of a delivery to shatter Glenn Maxwell’s stumps

The dis?missal of Maxwell was the defining moment of the match. On the fifth ball of the 17th over, Wellalage bowled a full delivery that seemed innocuous at first glance. Maxwell, known for his aggressive batting, stepped forward to defend, but the ball had other plans. It spun sharply away from the right-hander, beating his outside edge and crashing into the o?ff-stump. Maxwell could only stare in disbelief as he walked back to the pavilion for just one run off three balls.

This wicket left Australia reeling at 83-6, effectively ending any hopes of a successful chase. Maxwell’s dismissal was a testament to Wellalage’s skill and control, as the young spinner outfoxed one of the most dangerous batters in world cricket.

Here’s the video:

WHAT A BALL!

Wellalage picks up his second and Maxwell is on his way #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/p0XgIAjz1J

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) February 14, 2025

Also READ: SL vs AUS: Sri Lanka crush Australia in 2nd OD??I to clinch series

Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka: The architects of Sri Lanka’s victory

Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka’s batting laid the foundation for their comprehensive victory. After losing Pathum Nissanka early, Kusal Mendis and Nishan Madushka stitched together a 98-run partner??ship for the second wicket. Madushka scored a composed 51 off 74 balls before falling to the Australian attack.

Mendis, however, continued his sublime form, reaching a well-deserved century. His 101 off 115 balls, including 11 boundaries, was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Skipper Charith Asalanka provided the perfect foil, remaining unbeaten on 78 off 66 balls. Their 94-run partners??hip for the fourth wicket ensured Sri Lanka posted a competitive to??tal of 281-4 in their 50 overs.

Australia’s batting collapse: A story of woe

Chasing a target of 282, Australia’s innings never gained momentum. The top order crumbled under pressure, with Matthew Short (2), Travis Head (18), and Jake Fraser-McGurk (9) falling early. Skipper Steve Smith and wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis tried to steady the ship with a 46-run partners?hip, but their efforts were in vain. I?nglis was dismissed for 22, while Smith fell for 29.

The middle and lower order offered little resistance. Aaron Hardie (0) and Maxwell (1) were dismissed in quick succession, and the tailenders followed suit. Aus?tralia were bowled out for a paltry 107 in just 24.2 overs, marking one of their most disappointing performance??s in recent years.

Sri Lanka’s spin trio: A nightmare for Australia

Wellalage was the star of the show, finishing with figures of 4-18 in his six overs. His ability to extract turn and bounce on a pitch that favoured the spinners was commendable. He was well-supported by Asitha Fernando and Wanindu Hasaranga, who picked up three wickets each. The trio combined to dismantle Australia’s batting lineup, showcasing Sri Lanka’s depth in spin bowling.

Sri Lanka’s dominant performance in the second ODI sealed a 2-0 series victory, marking a significant achievement for the team. The emergence of Wellalage as a match-winner and the consistent performances of Mendis and Asalanka bode well for the future of Sri Lankan cricket.

For Australia, the series was a wake-up call. Their inability to handle spin and the lack of partnerships in the middle order exposed glaring weaknesses that need to be addressed before their next assignment which is ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Also WATCH: Pat??hum Nissanka loses his wicket to a rash shot a?gainst Aaron Hardie

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As the countdown to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 begins, the debate over India’s best playing XI continues to gain momentum. Former Indian cricketer and commentator Deep Dasgupta has shared his thoughts on the ??selection dilemma, particularly ?addressing the wicketkeeping role.

With KL Rahul likely to bat at No.5 in the tournament, Dasgupta has suggested that if the Karnataka lad does not feature in the top-order, Rishabh Pant should replace him in the playing XI.

Selection Debate: KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant?

KL Rahul has been a key figure in India’s middle order in ODIs, often balancing the innings with his composed batting. However, during the recent ODI series against England, he batted in multiple positions, with mixed results. His 40 off 29 balls in the third ODI showed glimpses of his ability, but questions remain about his suitability for the high-pressure Champions Trophy.

On the other hand, Rishabh Pant’s aggressive approach and explosive batting m??ake him a ??strong contender for the wicketkeeper’s role. Known for his ability to take on bowlers in crunch situations, Pant could provide the X-factor India needs in the middle order. Dasgupta believes that Pant’s game-changing ability with the bat makes him a better fit for the team, especially in conditions where attacking batting could be crucial.

Bowlers to lead India’s charge

Another crucial aspect of Dasgupta’s selection is the pace attack. With Jasprit Bumrah ruled out due to injury, the onus will be on the experienced Mohammed Shami and the young Arshdeep Singh to sp?earhead India’s bowling lineup. Shami, with his knack for picking wickets in crucial moments, and Arshdeep, known for his ability to ?swing the ball and deliver in death overs, form a balanced pairing.

The spin attack is equally formidable, with Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist spin and the all-round abilities of Axar Patel and Washington Sundar offering depth and variety. Their presence provides India with flexibility, especially in conditions favouring slow bowling.

Also READ: Gautam Gambhir names India’s top choice? wicketk??eeper for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Deep Dasgupta’s India XI for Champions Trophy 2025

Based on cur??rent form and team balance, Dasgupta has outlined his p??referred India XI for the tournament:

Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper-batter), Hardik Pandya, Axar P??atel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh

India’s road to the Champions Trophy

The?? ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin on February 19, with India taking on Banglades?h in their opening match. India will play all their games in Dubai (UAE), making conditions a significant factor in team selections and strategies.

With India aiming for glory, getting the team combination right will be crucial. As the squad finalization approaches, the management will have to make tough decisions, particularly regarding the wicketkeeping conundrum between Rahul and Pant. Dasgupta’s insights offer a compelling argument for Pant’s inclusion, adding another layer to the ongoing discussion about India’s best XI for the marquee event.

Also READ: JP?? Duminy predicts the finalists of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

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The second ODI between Sri Lanka and Australia at the R. Premadasa Stadium on February 14, 2025, was a thrilling encounter filled with dramatic moments. One such moment came when Adam Zampa pulled off a stunning yet nerve-wracking catch to dismiss Sri Lanka’s Nishan Madushka. The incident not only showcased Zampa’s brilliance but also highlighted the fine margins that often decide the outcome o??f a match.

Adam Zampa’s catch: The edge of the boundary drama

The 25th over of Sri Lanka’s innings saw Ben Dwarshuis deliver a short-pitched ba?ll that angled in sharply. Madushka, who had been batting confidently, attempted a hook shot but only managed to top-edge the ball. It soared high into the air, heading straight toward Zampa at deep fine leg. What followed was a moment of pure cricketing drama.

Zampa positioned himself perfectly, grabbed the catch, and then, realizing his momentum was taking him over the boundary rope, tossed the ball into the air. As he regained his balance, he completed the catch again, but his foot brushed against the boundary cushion. The on-field umpires were unsure and called for a TV review. After meticulous scrutiny, the third umpire confirmed it was a clean catch, and Madushka was given out. The dismissal was a turning point in the match, breaking a solid 98-run partnership between Madushka and Kusal Mendis.

Here’s the video:

ADAM ZAMPA ON THE ROPE!

Madushka departs following some Zorba brilliance 🤯 #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/hez6QuzLYh

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) February 14, 2025

Also WATCH: Pathum N?issanka loses his wicket to a rash?? shot against Aaron Hardie

Sri Lanka’s innings: A tale of partnerships and momentum

Sri Lanka, electing to bat first, got off to a shaky start when Pathum Nissanka was dismissed early for just 6 runs. However, Madushka and Mendis steadied the ship with a crucial 98-run partnership. Madushka’s dismissal for 51 brought a brief halt to? Sri Lanka’s momentum, but Mendis ??continued to anchor the innings with a composed century.

Mendis�101 off 115 balls was a masterclass in controlled aggression, featuring 11 boundaries. He found able support in Charith Asalanka, who played a blistering knock of 78 not out off just 66 balls, including 6 fours and 3 sixes. Janith Liyanage provided the f?inishing touches with a quickfire 32 of?f 21 balls, helping Sri Lanka post a competitive total of 281/4 in their 50 overs.

Australia’s bowling: A mixed bag

Australia’s bowlers had a mixed day on the field. Dwarshuis and Sean Abbott were the pick of the bowlers, picking up a wicket each while maintaining economical figures. Zampa, despite being expensive, contributed with the crucial wicket of Mendis. However, the Australian bowle???rs struggled to contain Sri Lanka’s middle order, especially during the death overs, where Asalanka and Liyanage unleashed a flurry of boundaries.

Also READ: Twitter reactions: Sri Lanka triumphs over Australia in a low-scoring encounter at Colombo | 1st ODI

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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be one of the biggest cricketing events of the year, featuring the world’s top teams battling for supremacy in the 50-over format. Scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, the tournament will be hosted across Pakistan and Dubai. With some of t??he strongest cricketing nations participating, discussions around title contenders and potential matchups have already begun.

JP Duminy picks the finalists of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

With powerhouse teams like India, Pakistan, Australia, England, South Africa and New Zealand in contention, experts and former cricketers have already started predicting which sides have the best chance of lifting the trophy. One of the most exciting prospects for the tournament is the possibility of a rematch between India and South Africa in the final, a sentiment echoed by former South African all-rounder JP Duminy.

South Africa, historically known for their struggles in knockout matches of ICC tournaments, showed glimpses of their tr?ue potential in the T20 World Cup 2024, where they reached the final before losing to India. Duminy believed that South Africa has what it takes to challenge for the Champions T?rophy if their key players can maintain consistency and deliver match-winning performances.

“I think that would be ideal. Look, I know that from a white-ball point of view, particularly in one-day cricket, South Africa hasn’t necessarily played its best cricket. But what encourages me about South Africa is that, in big tournaments, we seem to see the best of them-we saw that in the T20 World Cup in June,” Duminy said to Times of India in an interview.

Duminy’s thoughts on South Africa’s chances

Duminy further highlighted that despite their history of underperforming in ICC knockout matches, South Africa’s squad has the necessary firepower to make a deep run in the Champions Trophy. He particularly e??mphasized how the team stepped up in the T20 format earlier this year, making their first-ever appearance in an ICC World Cup final, and suggested that a similar performance in the 50-over format could take them all the way.

According to Duminy, what separates championship-winning teams from the rest is the ability of key players to deliver under pressure. He believed that South Africa possesses a core group of match-winners who, if they maintain consistency, can make them a formidable force in the tournament. With the likes of Heinrich Klaasen, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj and David Miller i??n the squad, he is confident that South Africa has ?a well-rounded team capable of going the distance.

“Heinrich Klaasen is in a league of his own right now, particularly in white-ball cricket. We’ve seen that across the globe in every tournament he has played. It would be ideal if he remains in good form. But the reality of tournaments-whether it’s the World Cup or the Champions Trophy-is that you need two or three players to be consistently performing. One player can win you a game here and there, but for sustained success, you need consistency with both bat and ball. So, players like Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj-especially in those conditions-Marco Jansen, and obviously Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller will be crucial. If two or three of them can find consistency, it will give us the best chance to win,” the 40-year-old added.

Also READ: Pakistan’s ??Sarfaraz Ahmed predicts the winner of Champions Trophy ??2025

Road to Champions Trophy 2025 and leadership

Rohit’s leadership has been instrumental in India’s resurgence in ICC tournaments, and his experience of handling high-pressure games will be crucial in guiding the team through challenging matchups. Having played under Rohit’s captaincy for Mumbai Indians in 2018, Duminy heaped praise on the Indian skipper, calling him a “great leader” who remains calm and composed regardless of his form.

He emphasized that Rohit’s ability to stay consistent in his approach, irrespective of individual performances, makes him a great asset to the Indian team. Duminy further added that leadership in major tournaments is about resilience, and he has no doubt that Rohit will bounce back stronger if faced with challenges duri??ng the C?hampions Trophy.

“Form is temporary, class is permanent (on Rohit). I was reminded of that a few days ago, and Rohit certainly fits that mold. I have no doubt he will come back stronger. I’ve had the privilege of playing alongside him, and one of his greatest attributes is his consistency in who he is-regardless of his performances. He’s a great leader, and he has enjoyed tremendous success with both the Mumbai Indians and the Indian team,” Duminy concluded.

Also READ: Michael Vaug??han picks hi??s favourite team for the Champions Trophy 2025

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Pakistan‘s star batter Babar Azam once again cemented his place among cricket’s elite by achieving a remarkable milestone during the ODI Tri-nation Series final against New Zealand at the National Bank Stadium.

An unparalleled achievement in ODI cricket: Matches Hashim Amla’s milestone

In a defining moment for Pakistan cricket, Babar equaled the legendary Hashim Amla’s record as the fastest batter to reach 6000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs). This historic feat was accomplished in j??ust 123 innings, a record previously held solely by Amla. With this milestone, Babar has reaffirm?ed his dominance in world cricket, joining an elite group of batters known for their sheer consistency and brilliance in the 50-over format.

Babar’s journey to 6000 ODI runs has been nothing short of phenomenal. The Pakistan captain needed just 10 more runs before the match to reach this milestone, and he did so in style, dispatching a beautifully timed boundary off Jacob Duffy i?n the seventh over o??f the innings. This moment not only etched his name into cricket’s record books but also demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure in crucial encounters.

While Amla set the record in 123 innings, the fact that Babar has matched it speaks volumes about his consistency, adaptability, and hunger for runs in the ODI format. This feat places him ahead of other modern-day greats, including Virat Kohli, who took 136 innings, and Kane Williamson, who reached the milestone in 139 innings.

Also READ: PAK vs NZ 2025: Here’s why Rachin Ra??vindra is not playing today’s game | Pakistan ODI Tri-Series final

Babar Azam’s legacy in Pakistan’s cricket history

Babar is no stranger to breaking records, having already established himself as the fastest batter to score 5000 ODI runs, achieving the milestone in just 97 innings, a record that surpassed some of the greatest names in cricket history. With his latest achievement, he now becomes the 11th Pakistani batter to ??cross the 6000-run mark in ODIs, further solidifying his status as o?ne of the country’s all-time greats.

Among Pakistan’s leading run-scorers in ODIs, Inzamam-ul-Haq remains at the top with 11,701 runs, a record that Babar is on course to challenge if he maintains his exceptional form in the coming years. His ability to score consistently across conditions and against the best bowling attacks has ?already drawn comparisons with some of the finest batters to have played the game.

Pakistan on the backfoot against New Zealand in ODI Tri-Series final

Pakistan elected to bat first in the final against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. Openers Fakhar Zaman and Babar made a cautious start, but Fakhar fell early for 10, caught by Will Young off Will O’Rourke. Babar looked fluent, scoring 29 off 34 balls with four boundaries and a six, but his dismissal to Nathan Smith at 54/3 put Pakistan on the back foot. Saud Shakeel struggled to accelerate, contributing just 8 off 14 balls before being bowled by Michael Bracewell.

Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman tried to stabilize the innings, but New ??Zealand’s disciplined bowling, led by Bracewell and O’Rourke, restricted the scoring rate. Rizwan remained unbeaten on 6 from 20 ba??lls, while Salman was on 1 as Pakistan reached 61/3 at the 14-over mark. The scoring rate dipped to 4.35, with the last five overs yielding just 15 runs at a run rate of 3.00.

Also READ: Young New Zealand speedster Ben Sears ruled out of? Champions Trophy 2025; replacement announ?ced

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Sri Lanka delivered a commanding performance in the second ODI against Australia, securing a thumping 174-run victory at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. T??he hosts dominated with both bat and?? ball, registering a clean sweep in the two-match series.

Kusal Mendis stars as Sri Lanka posts a competitive total

Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Sri Lanka put up a formidable total of 281/4 in their allotted 50 overs. A brilliant century from Kusal Mendis (101 off 115 balls), coupled with a blistering knock from Charith Asalanka (78 off 66), set the foundation for the hosts�imposing tot??al. Nishan Madushka also played a crucial role, scoring a steady 51 off 70 balls.

Australia’s bowling attack struggled to contain the Sri Lankan batters. Ben Dwarshuis (1/47), Sean Abbott (1/41), Adam Zampa (1/47) and Aaron Hardie (1/60) managed to pick up a wicket each, but their efforts were not enough to slow down Sri Lanka’s scoring rate.

Australian batting collapse hands Sri Lanka a massive win

Chasing a challenging target of 282, Australia never found their rhythm and collapsed to a dismal 107 all out in just 24.2 overs.?? Asitha Fernando (3/23) and Wanindu Hasaranga (3/23) ripped through the Australian top order, while Dunith Wellalage was the pick of the bowlers, taking ?4/35 in 7.2 overs.

Australia’s batting lineup failed to show resilience, with only Steve Smith (29 off 34) and Josh Inglis (22 off 27) offering some resistance. The rest of the batting order fell apart under pressure, with Glenn Maxwell (1), Aaron Hardie (0) and Matthew Short (2) failing to contribute.

An emphatic win for Sri Lanka to seal the series

Scorecard: //t.co/jJFctFHZIz#cricket #SLvAUS #ODI pic.twitter.com/6cQRYsvhZW

— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 14, 2025

Also WATCH: Pathum Nissanka loses his?? wicket to a rash shot against Aaron Hardie in SL vs AUS 2n?d ODI

Sri Lanka’s bowlers were relentless, exploiting the conditions to perfection. Wellalage’s spell proved decisive, as he dismantled the middle order, while Hasaranga and Fernando ensured there was no recovery for the visitors.

With this emphatic win, Sri Lanka sealed the series comf?ortably. The first ODI saw Sri Lanka securing a 49-run victory, and this second match? further underlined their dominance.

Kusal Mendis, whose well-paced century anchored Sri Lanka’s innings, was named ?the Player of the Match for his outstanding batting display. His innings ensured the hosts posted a competitive total, which eventually proved too much for the Australian batters.

Kusal Mendis was adjudged Player of the Match for his brilliant batting display#cricket #ODI #SLvAUS #KusalMendis pic.twitter.com/9ywWbcpMuE

— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 14, 2025

Also READ: Australia’s David Warner predicts the winner of Champions Trophy 2025

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The new season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to begin on February 14 with the opening match between Gujarat Giants and defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium. The tournament is anticipated to have some nail-biting fixtures ??and exciting cricket action with the final scheduled to be held on M??arch 15 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.

As the teams gear up for the prestigious competition, captains of all 5 teams in the league shared insights on their respective team plans during a press conference organized by WPL’s official broadcaster Star Sports.

Meg Lanning hopes her side wins their maiden title this season

The skipper of the Delhi Capitals (DC), Meg Lanning, expressed confidence in her team’s performance, stating that they did almost everything right and remained one of the most dominant sides in the league. She believes there is no need for significant changes in their approach, as their overall strategy has been effective. However, the DC captain emphasized that success in high-stakes matches ultimately comes down to handling pressure. Lanning acknowledged that this is the one key area where DC would aim to improve in the upcoming season. Capitals were finalists of the league in the previous and have a star-studded squad featuring Jemimah Rodriguez, Marizanne Kapp, and Laura Wolvaardt.

Harmanpreet Kaur expresses confidence in young turks

Mumbai Indians�captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, emphasized the significant impact of the WPL in providing young India?n players with a platform to showcase their talent and earn national call-ups over the past two seasons. She credited the league for nurturing emerging cricketers and giving them invaluable exposure at the highest level. While refraining from naming specific players, Harmanpreet expressed confidence that several rising stars will make a lasting impression on the big stage this season.

Also Read: WPL 2025: 5 Overseas pl?ayers to watch out for in the Women’s Premier League

Smriti Mandhana addresses injury concerns

The captain of defending champions RCB, Smriti Mandhana, addressed the setback of losing key players like Sophie Devine to injury, acknowledging that such challenges are concerning but emphasizing the need to make the most of the squad at hand. She reaffirmed the team’s determination to defend their title despite the hurdles. Smriti also spoke about the electrifying experience of playing in front of the passionate Chinnaswamy crowd, describing RCB’s fan base as deeply emotional—where both love and criticism come in equal measure, but on a grand scale. However, she sees this intense fan engagement as a source of motivation, driving the team to give their absolute best, not just for themselves but for the dedicated supporters who invest their hearts in RCB.

A new challenge for Deepti Sharma

Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma, newly appointed as captain of UP Warriorz following Alyssa Healy’s injury-enforced absence, acknowledged the immense responsibility that comes with leading the team. However, having previously captained her state side, she remains confident in her ability to step up and deliver strong results. ??Deepti expressed her enthusiasm for new challenges, embracing the leadership role as an opportunity for growth. Deepti expressed her determination to make the ?most of this chance and is hopeful of guiding UP Warriorz to a successful campaign with her experience and strategic mindset.

Ashleigh Gardner confident of the great leap forward

After two disappointing seasons at the bottom of the points table, the Giants have made a strategic leadership change, appointing Ashleigh Gardner as captain in place of Beth Mooney. Gardner emphasized that the team is not dwelling on past setbacks but is fully focused on a stronger performance this season. She expressed confidence in the squad’s improved balance, highlighting the presence of greater international experience and promising young talent. While the ultimate goal is to compete for the title, Gardner stressed that the immediate priority is achieving significantly better results than in the previous two season?s, taking it one step at a time.

Also Read: Women’s Premier League 2025 – Here’s how to buy tickets for WPL matches

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

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