Sports
WTC Final: Starc’s Tenacious Fifty Sets Australia’s Target at 282 Runs Against SA
Mitchell Starc’s resilient half-century provided crucial momentum to Australia’s innings on Day 3 of the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s, setting South Africa a challenging target of 282 runs for victory.
In their pursuit, South Africa adopted a more aggressive strategy compared to their cautious batting in the first innings. However, they faced an early setback when opener Ryan Rickelton was dismissed for just 6 runs. At the time of this report, the Proteas stood at 32/1 after six overs.
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Starc, who was dropped on 14 during the final over of day two, showcased his determination on Friday. Under sunny skies and favorable batting conditions, the left-arm fast bowler remained unbeaten on 58, forming a crucial 59-run partnership for the 10th wicket with Josh Hazlewood (17) as Australia was bowled out for 207 just before lunch.
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Earlier, Starc reached his 11th Test fifty in the 64th over, flashing at a delivery outside off from Marco Jansen to send it over the slip cordon for a fortunate boundary, which also marked Australia’s 200.
Although Kagiso Rabada quickly dismissed Nathan Lyon for 2, his ninth wicket of the match, South Africa’s pace attack struggled to assert dominance during the morning session. The ease with which Starc and Hazlewood handled their bowling might boost the confidence of the South African batters heading into the challenging chase.
South Africa now faces the highest fourth-innings target of the match to clinch the WTC title, while Australia, bolstered by an experienced bowling lineup, will aim to dismiss the Proteas again, seeking to become the first team to win consecutive World Test Championship titles since the competition’s inception in 2019.
This final marks the climax of an intriguing WTC cycle, during which South Africa advanced to the final with seven straight Test victories, while Australia secured their position at the top with consistent performances, now looking to solidify their dominance with another championship.
Earlier on Day 2, after trailing by 74 runs in the first innings, South Africa bounced back impressively, leaving Australia at 144/8 at the close of play on Thursday.
Brief scores: Australia 212 and 207 in 65 overs (Mitchell Starc 58, Alex Carey 43; Kagiso Rabada 4-59, Lungi Ngidi 3-38) vs South Africa 138 and 32/1 in 6 overs (Aiden Markram 16 not out, Wiaan Mulder 11 not out; Mitchell Starc 1/20)
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru created history in the Women’s Premier League by scoring the highest number of runs in the first over of a match. RCB scored a massive 23 runs in the opening over, setting a new WPL record.
This historic moment took place during the match against Gujarat Giants at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Gujarat Giants bowler Renuka Singh Thakur conceded 23 runs in the first over, making it the most expensive opening over in WPL history.
Renuka began the over with a wide delivery. The ball went past the wicketkeeper and crossed the boundary, resulting in five runs. RCB batter Grace Harris then took charge of the over. She smashed four consecutive boundaries, putting the Gujarat Giants under pressure.
During the over, Renuka Singh bowled two more wides, adding extra runs to the total. On the final delivery of the over, Grace Harris struck another boundary. This completed a dramatic and record-breaking first over for RCB.
With this, Renuka Singh Thakur recorded the most expensive first over ever bowled in the Women’s Premier League. The previous record was held by Tanuja Kanwar. She had conceded 21 runs in the first over while playing for Gujarat Giants against Mumbai Indians in the 2023 season.
In the same match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru batted first and put up a strong total. RCB scored 182 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. The team showed aggressive batting throughout the innings.
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Gujarat Giants chased the target but failed to keep up with the required run rate. They were bowled out for 150 runs in 18.5 overs. As a result, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the match by 32 runs.
This victory strengthened RCB’s position in the tournament and added a historic achievement to the Women’s Premier League records.
On the first day of the second Test between India and South Africa at Barsapara Stadium, South Africa made a strong start, reaching 247 for 6 at stumps.The venue, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, hosted its very first Test match in history — making the day special for Guwahati and cricket in Assam.
South African skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat first.Their openers, Aiden Markram (38) and Ryan Rickelton (35), gave a solid start with a partnership of 82 runs.Later, Tristan Stubbs added 49 before getting out, while Bavuma made 41.
India fought back well thanks to a strong performance by spinner Kuldeep Yadav. He picked up 3 wickets and gave away only 48 runs in 17 overs.Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with an important wicket, dismissing Bavuma. In the final over before stumps, Mohammed Siraj struck, getting Tony de Zorzi out.At the end of play, Senuran Muthusamy was unbeaten on 25, and Kyle Verreynne was 1 not out.
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The light became a concern late in the day. As visibility dropped, play was stopped, and light issues forced the umpires to call it a day early.Overall, India ended Day 1 with a degree of satisfaction. The bowling attack showed discipline, especially through their spinners, and they managed to check the South African momentum.
India A began their Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 campaign with a huge total against the UAE in Doha. Captain Jitesh Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first. Vaibhav Suryavanshi then produced a stunning innings. He scored 144 runs from just 42 balls. His knock included 11 fours and 15 sixes.
Suryavanshi reached his fifty in 17 balls. He completed his century in only 32 balls. He added 163 runs for the second wicket with Naman Dhir, who made 34. Jitesh Sharma also played a quick innings and scored a fast fifty.
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India A finished at 297 for 4 in 20 overs. The team now holds a strong position in the match.
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