Archives December 2024

The Gabba Test between India and Australia is likely to end in a draw as heavy rain is expected on Day 5. Weather reports predict a 90% chance of rain, which could wash out play completely. Both teams have fought hard in this exciting match, but the weather might not allow a result.

As players prepare for the final day in Brisbane, the rain forecast has taken center stage. Any hopes for a thrilling finish seem to be fading as the weather is expected to decide the outcome.

Only 192 overs have been played so far over the first four days, and Wednesday’s weather looks even worse. According to Accuweather.com, the morning will be cloudy and very humid, making conditions tricky for players. In the afternoon, thunderstorms are expected with a 90% chance of rain.

The temperature will be around 31°C, but due to humidity, it will feel like 38°C. Weather experts say about 15.8 mm of rain could fall, and a minor flood alert has already been issued. The skies will remain heavily covered with clouds, with 96% cloud cover expected.

On Day 4, Team India showed great determination to avoid a follow-on and an innings defeat. KL Rahul played a calm and steady innings of 84 runs (139 balls, 8 fours), while Ravindra Jadeja contributed a crucial 77 runs (123 balls, 7 fours and 1 six). Akash Deep (27* off 31 balls, 2 fours and 1 six) and Jasprit Bumrah (10* off 27 balls, 1 six) also made valuable contributions.

At the end of Day 4, India reached 252/9 and managed to avoid the follow-on. The team is still 193 runs behind Australia’s total.

With heavy rain predicted on the final day, it looks like the weather will play the deciding role in this Test match.

Ravichandran Ashwin has shocked fans and teammates by announcing his sudden retirement from international cricket during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. After the third Test in Brisbane, Ashwin spoke to his teammates in an emotional farewell, a moment later shared by the BCCI. He confirmed that he would not play the remaining matches of the series and would fly back to India.

In his heartfelt speech, Ashwin said his time as an Indian cricketer had come to an end, but his passion for cricket would remain forever. “I don’t know how to express this. It’s easier to talk in a team huddle. Even though I may not show it, this is a very emotional moment for me,” Ashwin shared.

He reflected on his cricket journey, recalling his first tour to Australia in 2011/12. Back then, he witnessed legends like Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar retire. “Everyone has their time, and today, it’s mine,” he said. Ashwin acknowledged the transition he experienced back then and drew parallels with his current situation.

Ashwin also emphasized the bonds he has formed with his teammates, describing how much he values their relationships. “Over the past four or five years, I’ve come to truly treasure these friendships and admire my teammates as players,” he added.

Despite stepping away from international cricket, Ashwin promised to remain a passionate follower of the game. “I’m flying back home, but I’ll be watching and cheering for you all in Melbourne. The cricketer in me may have retired, but the cricket fan in me will live forever,” he said.

The 38-year-old all-rounder, who ends his career with an impressive 537 Test wickets, bid farewell in a simple yet emotional ceremony. In the dressing room, Ashwin cut a cake and shared heartfelt moments with his teammates, who supported him during this significant decision.

Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of an illustrious career that spanned over a decade. He has been a key figure for Indian cricket, contributing with both bat and ball in several memorable victories. His sudden decision has left fans and former cricketers surprised, but Ashwin leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future generations. While his international cricket journey ends, his love for the game will always keep him connected to cricket.

Brisbane Heat started their BBL title defense with a big eight-wicket win over Melbourne Stars at the MCG. Chasing a target of 162, Heat reached 163 for 2 with 11 balls to spare. Wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson played an excellent knock, scoring 72 not out, which is his best score in the BBL.

Peirson stayed at the crease throughout the chase and built a solid 78-run partnership with Max Bryant, who scored an unbeaten 36. The partnership left the Stars with no chance of making a comeback. Earlier in the match, Xavier Bartlett’s bowling (3 for 25) had already put Heat in control by restricting the Stars to 162 for 6.

The Stars, who have struggled in past seasons, failed to impress in the field and could not create many chances. This loss means they remain winless after two games in the 2024-25 season. They had also lost their first game to the Perth Scorchers on Sunday.

The Heat were missing several key players due to injuries, including Tom Alsop (quad), Colin Munro (hamstring), Spencer Johnson (toe), and Michael Neser (hamstring). Despite these setbacks, they handed debuts to Daniel Drew and Tom Whitney, who contributed well to the team’s winning effort.

The Stars will need to find form quickly to avoid another disappointing season, while Heat’s strong start gives them momentum for the rest of the tournament.

India found themselves in a tough spot on Day 3 of the Gabba Test after losing four wickets for just 51 runs. Australia had earlier piled up a huge first-innings score of 445. Rain disrupted play, allowing only 17 overs of India’s innings to be completed before the day was washed out.

Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul are currently at the crease, and India will need better weather on Day 4 to put up a fight. The last time India played at Gabba, they pulled off a historic win in 2021 under Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy.

Rain and Weather Woes
The weather forecast for Tuesday, December 17, suggests more challenges for India. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are predicted in the morning, with a 99% chance of showers, likely delaying the start of play. However, conditions are expected to improve later in the day, with no rain forecast for the afternoon and evening. The skies will remain overcast, and the cold breeze is expected to favor fast bowlers.

Australia’s Dominance on Day 3
Australia resumed their innings with Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc at the crease. The pair added quick runs, with Carey reaching a well-deserved fifty. Jasprit Bumrah broke the partnership by dismissing Starc, achieving a personal milestone in the process.

Carey then switched to an aggressive approach, smashing a six off Akash Deep before getting out for 70. Mohammed Siraj took the wicket of Nathan Lyon, and Akash Deep wrapped up the Australian innings.

With 445 runs to chase, India’s batting lineup struggled once again. The top order collapsed, leaving the team in trouble as they head into Day 4.

India’s Challenge Ahead
India will need a strong batting performance to stay in the game, but the weather and challenging conditions at Gabba make their task even harder. Fans will be hoping for another miraculous fightback like the one in 2021, but for now, the odds are stacked against them.19

Simran Shaikh, a cricketer from Asia’s largest slum, Dharavi, has become an inspiration after being bought by the Gujarat Giants for ₹1.90 crore in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction. The 22-year-old’s journey from a two-room home shared with 11 family members to becoming one of the highest-paid uncapped players in WPL history is nothing short of remarkable.

Simran’s father, Jahid Ali, a wireman, faced criticism from neighbors who disapproved of her playing cricket with boys. They told him, “Yeh ladki, ladkon ke saath khelti hai” (This girl plays with boys) and urged him to make her focus on household chores. However, Jahid stood by his daughter’s passion.

“Coming from a Muslim family and being poor, playing cricket wasn’t an easy choice,” Simran shared. “People told my father to stop me, but he never did. Now, those same people are coming to our house to congratulate him.”

Simran has faced many challenges, including financial struggles to afford basic cricket gear. But her hard work has paid off. Speaking from Ahmedabad, where she is representing Mumbai in the Women’s Senior One Day Trophy, Simran said, “I can’t believe this is real. I have been getting so many calls since the auction. Cricket has given me everything, and I’ll work even harder now.”

Simran is the third of eight siblings, including four sisters and three brothers. Her family’s life has revolved around the narrow lanes of Dharavi. Eleven people live in a small two-room house. But now, she hopes to change that.

“Our whole lives we have lived in slums, near open gutters. With this money, we will buy a good house and live decently,” said her father Jahid. “Thank God I didn’t listen to those who told me to stop her from playing cricket.”

Simran is now the second-highest-paid uncapped WPL player, after Kashvee Gautam, who was bought for ₹2 crore last year. She headlines a big day for uncapped players, with other major buys like 16-year-old wicketkeeper G Kamalini from Madurai (₹1.60 crore to Mumbai Indians) and all-rounder Prema Rawat (₹1.60 crore to Royal Challengers Bangalore).

Simran’s story is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and the power of believing in one’s dreams, despite the odds.

Mumbai clinched its second Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title on Sunday after defeating Madhya Pradesh by five wickets in the final. The match was held in Bengaluru , and Mumbai’s strong performance helped them chase down a target of 175 runs with more than two overs to spare.

Led by Shreyas Iyer, Mumbai showed excellent teamwork and determination to secure their second title in three years, adding to their previous win in the 2022 season. The team’s ability to perform under pressure was on full display throughout the tournament and especially in the final.

Madhya Pradesh batted first and put up a competitive score of 174 runs. Their batting lineup performed well, with several players contributing useful runs. However, Mumbai’s bowlers managed to restrict them from reaching a much bigger total. Shivam Dube and Dias were among the standout bowlers for Mumbai, delivering key breakthroughs at important moments.

In response, Mumbai started their chase confidently. Openers Prithvi Shaw and Rahane provided a solid foundation, scoring quick runs in the powerplay. Although Madhya Pradesh took a few wickets in the middle overs to slow down Mumbai’s progress, the experienced captain Rahane anchored the innings brilliantly.

Also Suryakumar’s calm and composed knock ensured that Mumbai stayed on track, while Suryansh quick-fire runs in the final stages of the match sealed the victory. Mumbai reached the target in the 18th over, showcasing their powerful batting lineup and ability to handle high-pressure situations.

Speaking after the match, captain Shreyas Iyer praised his team for their efforts throughout the tournament. “It’s a proud moment for Mumbai cricket. The boys played fearless cricket, and everyone contributed to this victory. Winning this title means a lot to us,” he said.

This victory marks another successful chapter for Mumbai in domestic cricket. The team has consistently been one of the strongest sides in Indian cricket, and this win further solidifies their reputation.

For Madhya Pradesh, it was a tough loss, but they performed admirably to reach the final. Their journey in the tournament showed promise, and they will look to build on this performance in the future.

With this win, Mumbai has once again proven why it is considered a powerhouse in Indian domestic cricket, and fans will be eagerly waiting to see more stellar performances in upcoming tournaments.14

Billionaire Elon Musk congratulated India’s Gukesh Dommaraju on Saturday for his historic victory as the youngest World Chess Champion. Gukesh made history on Thursday by defeating China’s Ding Liren in the final match of the FIDE World Chess Championship.

The championship was tied at 6.5-6.5 before the last game. Gukesh stayed calm under pressure and secured victory in the decisive match, claiming the prestigious world title. The 18-year-old received the championship trophy on Friday at a grand ceremony, where his incredible achievement was celebrated.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Gukesh called the win the “best moment of his life.” His journey to the title began in April when he won the Candidates Chess Tournament, becoming the youngest player to challenge Ding Liren for the world championship.

The final match of the championship was a tense and thrilling encounter. Game 13 ended in a draw, leaving everything to be decided in the last round. Gukesh’s calm mindset and brilliant strategies helped him secure the title. His remarkable performance earned him global recognition and admiration from the chess community.

Former champion Ding Liren shared his feelings after the loss, admitting he was shocked by a costly mistake he made during the final game. Despite losing, Ding praised his own performance, saying, “I think I played my best tournament of the year. It could have been better, but considering my lucky survival in previous games, it’s a fair result. I have no regrets.”

Gukesh’s win is a proud moment for India, marking him as the youngest-ever World Chess Champion. His achievement has inspired millions and further cemented India’s growing influence in the chess world.

Elon Musk, known for his interest in chess and artificial intelligence, was among the first to congratulate Gukesh. His message added to the many praises pouring in from across the globe for the young champion.

Gukesh’s rise to the top is a story of hard work, focus, and exceptional talent. With this historic win, he has etched his name in the record books and opened a new chapter in chess history. The future looks bright for the young prodigy as he continues to inspire chess players around the world.

Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim have decided to retire from international cricket again, just months after reversing their earlier retirements to play in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Imad Wasim made his announcement on Friday, stating that “this chapter comes to an end,” while Amir followed on Saturday, calling it a “difficult decision.”

Both players returned to the Pakistan national team earlier this year to take part in the T20 World Cup, which was held in June across the USA and the Caribbean. Their final appearance for Pakistan came in the same match, a group-stage game against Ireland on June 16 in Lauderhill. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s campaign in the tournament ended early as they failed to advance beyond the group stage.

Despite the disappointing team performance, both Amir and Imad made noticeable contributions. Mohammad Amir, Pakistan’s fast-bowling spearhead, was the team’s joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament alongside Haris Rauf. He claimed seven wickets in four bowling innings, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 4.50. Imad Wasim, the left-arm all-rounder, contributed primarily with the ball. He picked up three wickets with an economy rate of 4.00. However, he struggled with the bat, scoring only 19 runs at a strike rate of 65.51.

Amir and Imad remain highly sought after in franchise cricket leagues, including T20 and T10 tournaments worldwide. Most recently, the two featured in the Abu Dhabi T10 League. Imad played for Morrisville Samp Army, who made it to the final but fell short, finishing as runners-up. Meanwhile, Amir represented the New York Strikers, though his team was unable to progress to the playoffs.

Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir have had successful international careers, with both players often making a significant impact, especially in shorter formats. While they have stepped away from representing Pakistan on the international stage, their experience and skills ensure they will continue to play important roles in various franchise leagues around the world.

Their second retirement marks the end of an era for Pakistan cricket, but their performances in domestic and international T20 leagues will likely keep them in the spotlight for years to come. Fans can expect to see them competing in top tournaments globally as they focus on their franchise cricket careers.

The exciting 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy will continue with the third Test at The Gabba, Brisbane, starting on December 14. The five-match Test series is currently tied at 1-1 after Australia’s dominant 10-wicket victory in Adelaide.

Adelaide Recap

In the second Test, Mitchell Starc shone with the pink ball, taking eight wickets and dismantling India’s batting lineup. India managed just 180 and 175 runs in their two innings. Australia needed only 19 runs in their second innings to seal the win. Travis Head’s powerful knock of 140 earned him the Player of the Match award.

Now, both teams will aim for a crucial victory in Brisbane to take the series lead.

Players to Watch

Virat Kohli (India)
Despite a poor showing in Adelaide, Kohli remains key for India. He started the series strong, scoring a century in Perth. With the pressure mounting, Kohli will look to deliver a match-winning performance at The Gabba.

Rohit Sharma (India)
India captain Rohit Sharma has been struggling for form, scoring just 3 and 6 runs in the pink-ball Test. He will aim to bounce back in Brisbane and lead his team to a much-needed win.

Mitchell Starc (Australia)
Veteran pacer Mitchell Starc was outstanding in Adelaide, taking eight wickets and putting India’s batters under pressure. With Josh Hazlewood returning, Starc will look to form a lethal bowling duo and help Australia take the series lead.

Travis Head (Australia)
Travis Head continues to be a game-changer for Australia. His aggressive 140 in Adelaide set up their victory, and he will be eager to keep his strong form against India.

Jasprit Bumrah (India)
Jasprit Bumrah has been India’s standout bowler, taking 12 wickets in the series so far. Despite dealing with a thigh issue, Bumrah will be crucial to India’s chances at The Gabba.

What’s at Stake?

Both teams are not only fighting for a series lead but also aiming to strengthen their chances of reaching the World Test Championship final next year. Fans can expect an intense contest as the action shifts to Brisbane.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a hybrid model for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, with matches being played in both Pakistan and Dubai. This decision was reached after an agreement between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Key Decisions

1. 2025 Champions Trophy Matches
– Pakistan will host 10 matches of the tournament across three venues.
– India’s league matches, including their game against Pakistan, will be played in Dubai instead of Pakistan.
– The semifinal and final will also take place in Dubai unless India is eliminated in the league stage. In that case, the semifinal and final will be held in Lahore and Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

2. 2026 T20 World Cup
– Pakistan will not travel to India for the tournament. Instead, their league match against India will be played in Colombo, Sri Lanka, which is a co-host of the event.
– The semifinal and final venues for the 2027 T20 World Cup will be decided later.

Additional Agreements

– The PCB will not receive any compensation for missing the opportunity to host matches involving India.
– In return, Pakistan has secured hosting rights for an ICC Women’s tournament after 2027.

Tournament Schedule

– The 2025 Champions Trophy will run from February 19 to March 9
– Eight teams will participate, divided into two groups. The top two teams from each group will move to the semifinals, followed by the final.

Background

This hybrid hosting model is similar to the format used during the Men’s 50-over Asia Cup in 2023. In that event, Pakistan hosted the tournament, but India’s matches were held in Colombo due to political tensions.

This arrangement ensures smooth planning for both tournaments while addressing logistical and political challenges. All three parties—ICC, PCB, and BCCI—are satisfied with the agreement.