Sports

Champions Trophy: Final is More Than Just Another Game, Says NZ Captain Santner, But the Approach Remains Consistent

Published

11 months ago

March 9, 2025

New Zealand’s captain, Mitchell Santner, recognized the significance of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, but emphasized the need for a calm mindset as his team readies to encounter a strong Indian squad in Dubai this Sunday.

In a media interaction the day before the final, Santner acknowledged that while the match is far from ordinary, the Black Caps will adhere to their established strategies.

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“It’s easy to say it’s just another game—it’s clearly not. But I think we need to approach it the same way,” Santner noted. “We’ve accomplished a lot of good things this tournament. Now it’s crucial to build on those positives and move this team forward.”

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Having already met India in the group stage, where they faced defeat at the same venue, Santner is optimistic that their familiarity with the Dubai conditions will boost their confidence. “We’ve been playing some good cricket, and the blend of experience and youth in this squad has clicked well. The key is to stay calm, not get overwhelmed by the occasion, and focus on our process,” he added.

However, the Black Caps are keeping an eye on an injury concern, as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, Matt Henry, remains uncertain for the final after sustaining a shoulder injury in the semi-final against South Africa.

“We’ll be training after this, and Matt will have a bowl to gauge how he feels. We’ll make a final decision afterward,” Santner stated, hinting at a possible last-minute alteration to the team lineup.

A key topic in the lead-up to the final has been India’s spin department, particularly the enigmatic Varun Chakaravarthy, who overwhelmed New Zealand’s batting order in their earlier meeting with a five-wicket haul.

Having shared IPL experiences with Chakaravarthy, Santner recognized the challenge but assured that New Zealand has prepared well. “He’s a world-class bowler with an element of mystery,” the Kiwi skipper expressed. “If the pitch behaves similarly, he along with India’s spinners will pose a challenge. However, the boys have reviewed footage, and we are aware of his strengths now—especially that 115kph arm ball that got me!”

With the Black Caps seeking their second Champions Trophy title and India looking for a historic third, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown at the Dubai International Stadium.

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Sports

Pakistan Sets 3 Conditions to Play against India in T20 World Cup

Published

3 days ago

February 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

Dubai: Pakistan has placed three conditions before the International Cricket Council (ICC) to agree to play against India in the T20 World Cup.

Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) planned to boycott the match scheduled on February 15 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The ICC warned Pakistan about possible consequences after this decision.

Now, PCB is willing to consider playing the match but has made key demands. It has asked the ICC to increase compensation for Bangladesh, pay participation fees even if Bangladesh is left out of the tournament, and grant Bangladesh hosting rights for a future ICC event.

Some PCB officials support playing against India, but PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has not agreed yet. He is expected to meet Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday before making a final decision.

So far, PCB has not officially confirmed whether Pakistan will play the match.

Sports

T20 World Cup | Pakistan Edge Past Netherlands in a Close Contest

Published

5 days ago

February 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

Colombo: The T20 World Cup began today with an exciting match between Pakistan and the Netherlands. Pakistan secured a narrow three-wicket victory despite a strong bowling performance. However, the top-order batters failed to deliver. With this win, Pakistan made a positive start to the 10th edition of the tournament.

After losing the toss, the Netherlands batted first at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo. The team was bowled out for 147 runs in 19.5 overs. Pakistan chased the modest target and scored 148 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 19.3 overs.

Pakistan started aggressively, but the Netherlands slowed their progress. Pakistan lost four wickets for 98 runs. Soon, they were in trouble at 114 for seven. Faheem Ashraf played a crucial role at the end and guided the team to victory.

For Pakistan, Sahibzada Farhan scored 47 runs, while Saim Ayub added 24 runs. Faheem Ashraf contributed an important 29 runs. The rest of the batters failed to score big. Star batter Babar Azam disappointed fans by scoring only 15 runs off 18 balls.

Earlier, Netherlands captain Scott Edwards scored 37 runs. Bas de Leede made 30 runs, Colin Ackermann added 20, and Michael Levitt scored 24 runs. The remaining batters were dismissed for low scores.

Sports

India Clinch Record Sixth Under-19 World Cup Title

Published

5 days ago

February 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: India defeated England by 100 runs to win the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 final at the Harare Sports Club. The victory marked India’s sixth title, making them the most successful team in the tournament’s history.

India batted first and posted a massive total of 411 for 9 in 50 overs. The innings was powered by 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who smashed a record-breaking 175 runs off just 80 balls. His knock included 15 fours and 15 sixes and became the highest individual score ever in an Under-19 World Cup final.

Suryavanshi also shared a crucial 142-run partnership with captain Ayush Mhatre, who scored 53 runs. Their strong batting display helped India set a daunting target of 412 for England.

England tried to fight back in the chase, with Caleb Falconer scoring 115 and Ben Dawkins adding 66. However, the team was eventually bowled out for 311, handing India a comfortable victory.

Suryavanshi was named Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament for his historic performance. The triumph once again highlighted India’s dominance in youth cricket on the global stage.