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WTC Cycle 2023-25: India benefit as Australia thrashes Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand in Wellington

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India Team celebrates their win against England in Ranchi
India Team celebrates their win against England in Ranchi (Image Credit: Twitter)

Alongside the ongoing India vs England Test series, the New Zealand vs Australia series is also part of the WTC 2023-24 cycle. In the first Test between the Trans-Tasman rivals, the visitors, Aus won by 172 runs on Day Four (March 3) of the game. The Blackcaps needed to chase 369 runs and were bowled out for 196 runs. They started the day with 111/3 with Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell batting at the crease.

Early in the day, the WTC holders managed to pick seven wickets and win the game. Nathan Lyon, who took four wickets in the first innings, completed a 10-for in the game. Cameron Green, who remained unbeaten on 174 and helped the team get 383 all-out. In the first innings, the Aussies led by 204 and decided to bat again. In the second innings, Glenn Phillips’s maiden Test fifer helped the home team make a comeback and bowl out the opposition for 179.

Meanwhile, with this win, India has benefited the most as they have moved to first place in the points table. The 2021 WTC winners, New Zealand are in the second spot. The two-time finalists, India are leading the five-match Test series by 3-1 with one game to go. England, who started the WTC 2023-25 cycle alongside Australia, is lagging at number eight in the points table.

WTC 2023-25 updated points table

Teams Matches Played Won Lost Tie Drawn No Result Points Points Percentage
India 8 5 2 0 1 0 62 64.58
New Zealand 5 3 2 0 0 0 36 60
Australia 11 7 3 0 1 0 78 59.09
Bangladesh 2 1 1 0 0 0 12 50
Pakistan 5 2 3 0 0 0 22 36.66
West Indies 4 1 2 0 1 0 16 33.33
South Africa 4 1 3 0 0 0 12 25
England 9 3 5 0 1 0 21 19.44
Sri Lanka 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah has returned to the team for the upcoming fifth Test against England. He was rested for the Ranchi Test played last month. On the other hand, KL Rahul continues to be ruled out after playing the first Test.

Updated India squad for the Dharamsala Test

Rohit Sharma (capt), Jasprit Bumrah (vice-capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (wk), KS Bharat (wk), Devdutt Padikkal, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep

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Gautam Gambhir Criticized for Treatment of Ravindra Jadeja Despite Stellar All-Rounder Stats

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Gautam Gambhir Criticized for Treatment of Ravindra Jadeja Despite Stellar All-Rounder Stats

Gautam Gambhir, a former Indian cricketer and current commentator, is under fire for his comments regarding Ravindra Jadeja’s one of India’s premier all-rounders. Fans and analysts have taken issue with Gambhir’s critique, especially in light of Ravindra Jadeja’s remarkable achievements that position him among the game’s elite players.

Ravindra Jadeja, the ICC’s No. 1-ranked all-rounder, boasts impressive statistics that surpass even some of cricket’s legends, including Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, in certain contexts. His contributions with both bat and ball have been crucial for India in all formats of the game, yet Gambhir’s recent remarks seem to downplay these feats.

Statistically, Jadeja’s consistency is unparalleled. He has maintained high averages and strike rates while excelling in bowling under pressure. Fans argue that comparing his numbers to cricket greats reveals his immense value to Indian cricket. His performances in Test matches, particularly in challenging overseas conditions, have been instrumental in India’s success.

Critics of Gambhir’s stance assert that his remarks undermine Jadeja’s legacy as an all-rounder. Social media platforms were flooded with support for Jadeja, highlighting his match-winning contributions and unmatched versatility. Fans have called for greater recognition of the all-rounder’s achievements, urging commentators like Gambhir to acknowledge his importance.

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India’s WTC Final Chances Hinge on Brisbane Test as Rain Threatens

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India’s WTC Final chances are at risk as rain continues to affect the Brisbane Test against Australia. With the ICC World Test Championship qualification at stake, this match plays a pivotal role in deciding India’s pathway to the final. Rain interruptions have hindered Australia’s push to enforce the follow-on, giving India a potential lifeline.

Australia took an early lead in the match, showcasing dominant performances with both bat and ball. However, persistent rainfall has disrupted their plans to finish the game strongly. For India, the inclement weather has provided a much-needed opportunity to recover and aim for a draw, which is crucial for keeping their WTC hopes alive.

Currently, Australia sits comfortably at the top of the WTC standings (India’s WTC Final chances), while India faces mounting pressure to secure crucial points. Analysts have pointed out that India’s first-innings batting collapse has only made their road to the final tougher. A draw in Brisbane would offer India some relief, but subsequent matches will demand consistent victories to secure a spot in the WTC Final.

As rain continues to impact the game, both teams face uncertainty, with the result holding significant implications for the WTC standings. Fans eagerly await the resolution of this rain-affected clash.

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Sudurpashchim Royals Enter Playoffs with Thrilling Win Over Pokhara Avengers

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Sudurpashchim Royals secured their place in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) playoffs with a dramatic three-wicket victory over Pokhara Avengers. In a high-stakes match, the Royals exhibited remarkable composure under pressure, chasing down a challenging target with just two balls to spare.

Batting first, the Pokhara Avengers set a competitive target of 146 runs. Their innings were powered by crucial contributions from the middle order, ensuring a solid score despite early setbacks. The Royals’ bowlers maintained discipline, with their spinners playing a key role in controlling the Avengers’ scoring rate during the middle overs.

In response, Sudurpashchim Royals faced early challenges as Pokhara’s bowlers picked up quick wickets. However, a resilient partnership in the middle overs stabilized the chase. The match reached a tense climax, with the Royals needing 10 runs off the last over. A decisive six by their lower-order batter turned the tide, securing the Royals’ playoff spot.

This victory highlights the Royals’ ability to handle high-pressure situations, making them strong contenders in the playoff stage. For the Avengers, the loss diminishes their qualification hopes, leaving them in a precarious position on the points table.

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