Sports

Khawaja Remains Unflustered by Opening Partner Ambiguity Before WTC Final

Published

9 months ago

June 10, 2025

As the highly anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa approaches on June 11 at Lord’s, Australia’s experienced opener Usman Khawaja remains calm regarding the uncertainty of his opening partner. Instead, he is concentrating on making a strong individual contribution at the crease.

The seasoned left-handed batsman has consistently featured at the forefront of Australia’s Test batting lineup throughout the WTC cycle.

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Nevertheless, following David Warner’s retirement, the quest for a dependable opening partner has persisted. In recent months, Australia has trialed several candidates, including Steve Smith, Nathan McSweeney, Travis Head, and the talented young player Sam Konstas.

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There is also speculation that Marnus Labuschagne could be moved from his regular No. 3 position to partner Khawaja at the top order for the match against the Proteas.

While Labuschagne and Konstas are currently in London and under consideration for the opening slot, Khawaja chooses to stay focused on his own game. He emphasized that his preparation and performance are paramount.

“Not really, to be honest. Opening is so tough… I’m more concerned about how the ball will behave and what I need to do,” Khawaja told ICC Digital.

“Whoever opens with me is likely thinking along the same lines. We’ll be out there figuring out how to tackle this bowling attack together. It doesn’t alter my game much. If anything, it feels quieter without Davey. But for me, it’s about playing my part for the team and supporting my partner while we’re batting,” he added.

Khawaja’s performance will be vital for Australia’s title defense, as he has been their standout batsman in the current WTC cycle, amassing 1,422 runs leading up to the final. Despite being 38 years old, the Queenslander continues to excel and has no immediate plans for retirement.

“For me, age is irrelevant. If I’m still enjoying the game, training hard, scoring runs, and contributing to the team, I still have the eagerness,” he stated.

“I don’t look at it any differently. I am thoroughly enjoying my cricket at the moment. Everything that starts has an end. I don’t know when that end will come, but for now, I’m focused on the present and taking it one Test at a time. When the time comes to retire, I’ll do so gracefully,” he concluded.

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Sports

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup: Pakistan Knocked Out, New Zealand Enter Semifinals

Published

4 days ago

March 1, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mumbai: Pakistan have been knocked out of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup despite securing a narrow win over Sri Lanka. With this result, New Zealand advanced to the semifinals from the Super Eight group.

In the Super Eight match held at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan batted first and posted a strong total of 212 for 8 in 20 overs.

Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman gave Pakistan a flying start. They added 176 runs for the opening wicket. This became the highest opening partnership in the tournament’s history.

Farhan scored a brilliant 100 off 60 balls. He became the first player to score two centuries in a single edition of the tournament. Fakhar Zaman supported him well with 84 runs off 42 balls.

Chasing a target of 213 runs, Sri Lanka fought hard but fell short by 5 runs.

Sri Lanka had a poor start. Pathum Nissanka was dismissed for just 3 runs. Kamil Mishara scored 26 runs, while Charith Asalanka added 25 runs to steady the innings.

Later, Pawan Rathnayake and Dasun Shanaka played attacking knocks. Rathnayake scored 58 runs off 37 balls with four fours and three sixes. Shanaka smashed 76 runs off 31 balls, including eight sixes and two fours. Their partnership raised hopes of a Sri Lankan victory.

However, Pakistan bowlers held their nerve in the final overs. Tight bowling at the death ensured a narrow five-run win for Pakistan.

Despite the victory, Pakistan were eliminated from the tournament due to net run rate. As a result, New Zealand secured the second semifinal spot from the group.

Sports

Rinku Singh’s Father Passes Away After Battling Cancer

Published

6 days ago

February 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: India cricketer Rinku Singh’s father Khanchandra Singh has passed away in Lucknow. He died at a hospital in Greater Noida, leaving the family in deep grief.

Khanchandra Singh was suffering from fourth-stage liver cancer. He was receiving treatment at Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida. His condition became critical this week, and he was placed on a ventilator. Rinku returned home before India’s Super 8 match against Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup to be with his family.

Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh expressed his condolences on X. He said he was saddened by the news and praised Rinku for his commitment to the team during such a difficult time.

Sports

West Indies Beat Zimbabwe by 107 Runs

Published

1 week ago

February 24, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports : West Indies cricket team defeated Zimbabwe national cricket team by 107 runs in a Super 8 Group 1 match.

Batting first, West Indies scored 254 for 6. Shimron Hetmyer led the charge with 85 runs off 34 balls. Rovman Powell added 59 runs. Their 122-run partnership helped the team post a big total.

Chasing 255, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 147 runs. Brad Evans scored 43 runs, but it was not enough.

West Indies dominated the match with powerful hitting and sealed a comfortable victory.