Australia captain Steve Smith has been having a great game as captain in the ongoing first ODI against Sri Lanka. The opening game of the two-match series between the teams is taking place at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday (12th February) 
Steve Smith, who is known as one of the best fielders in the game, came up with another stunner in the ongoing game. The Australia skipper picked a blinder in the slips to send Sri Lanka batter Dunith Wellalage back into the hut and provide his team with a crucial breakthrough. 
During the last ball of the 26th over, Matthew Short bowled a delivery that got extra bounce on the length delivery outside off. Dunith Wellalage got forward to defend and the ball kissed the shoulder of the bat and went quickly towards the first slip, where Steve Smith was stationed. 
Steve Smith came with a magical effort as he took it with an outstretched right hand on the dive. His body momentum was going the other way, but he grabbed it with no fuss and got up, passing a smile to his teammates and ending Dunith Wellalage's innings on 30 runs. 
You can see the video at the end of the article: 
Steve Smith has been appointed as the captain of Australia for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as well. This comes after both Pat Cummins and Mitchell Marsh were ruled out of the tournament due to the injuries and the batter was given responsibility to take the role. 
Steve Smith captained Australia in the Test series against Sri Lanka as well. Under his leadership, the team won the series by the margin of 2-0 and ended their long wait for a series win in Sri Lanka. He led from the front as he slammed centuries in both the games. 
Steve Smith also has been top-notch as a captain in the ongoing game against Sri Lanka. He has made brilliant changes as captain and also has been spot-on with his field placements. With the kind of performance they have put in, they look favourites to win the match. 
<h2>Watch: Steve Smith takes a blinder to remove Dunith Wellalage in SL vs AUS 2nd ODI</h2>

Steve Smith takes a stunner to remove Dunith Wellalage in first SL vs AUS ODI  {PC:X}

Australia captain Steve Smith has been having a great game as captain in the ongoing first ODI against Sri Lanka.

Steve Smith, who is known as one of the best fielders in the game, came up with another stunner in the ongoing game.

Watch: Steve Smith takes a STUNNER in slips to remove Dunith Wellalage in first SL vs AUS ODI

watch-steve-smith-takes-a-stunner-in-slips-to-remove-dunith-wellalage-in-first-sl-vs-aus-odi-

In what promises to be an exciting and thrilling contest, Steve Smith-led Australia and Dhananjaya de Silva's Sri Lanka are set to lock horns versus each other in the second and the last match of the two-match Test-Series at the Galle International Stadium of Galle from the 6th of February onwards (Wednesday). 
In the opening encounter of the series, the Mighty Aussies secured a comfortable victory by an inning and 242 runs and this win helped them to take an unassailable lead of 1-0 in the two-match series. In such a situation, the Dhananjaya de Silva-led Sri Lanka would be looking to make a strong comeback by rectifying their mistakes in the second match. 
Ahead of this exciting contest, some thrilling player battles will be seen taking place between the star players of both teams which can go on to affect the outcome of the match. We will be taking a look at those player battles in this article
While the Kangaroos have already taken the lead in the series, the home side will have the chance to make a strong comeback by taking advantage of the home conditions on offer. It will be interesting to see which team finishes out on top in these player battles and which team succumbs to the pressure. 
<h2>Dinesh Chandimal versus Matthew Kuhnemann</h2>
Australia's left-arm orthodox spinner Matthew Kuhnemann failed to create an impact with the ball in the first ball, ending the match with 0 scalps to his name but he can trouble Sri Lankan batters on the spinning track of Galle. 
This will be especially very challenging for experienced wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Chandimal. He is a good player of spin, has a good record against them and also he knows the conditions of Galle quite well but the variations of Kuhnemann can trouble him in the second Test-Match.
<h2>Prabhat Jayasuriya versus Usman Khawaja</h2>
Australia's experienced opening batter Usman Khawaja is in great form with the bat and he also possesses' an excellent batting record on Subcontinental surfaces. While the Australian team management would be happy to see him performing, they might be a little worried in the 2nd match as experienced left-arm spinner Prabhat Jayasuriya can trouble him a lot. 
The 33-year-old has excellent variations up his sleeve and has knack of performing brilliantly in spin-friendly conditions and home conditions. He also got the better of the Southpaw in the opening encounter, dismissing him when he was batting on the score of 232 runs and Jayasuriya would be looking to get the better of Khawaja again in the final match of the series. 
<h2>Other notable player battles</h2>
Apart from the two above-mentioned player battles, the battle between elite Aussie off-spinner Nathan Lyon and promising Sri Lankan batter Kamindu Mendis will also be worth watching out for. 
Angelo Mathews will have to rely on his batting technique to tackle the speed and swing of Mitchell Starc and at the same time, Asitha Fernando has the ability to trouble the Australian duo of Josh Inglis and Marnus Labuschagne with his pace and bounce.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/shock-to-team-india-before-champions-trophy-jasprit-bumrah-ruled-out-of-entire-england-odi-series/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shock to Team India before Champions Trophy, Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of entire England ODI Series</a>

Mitchell Starc had Kamindu Mendis strangled down leg side, Sri Lanka vs Australia, 1st Test, Galle, 3rd day, January 31, 2025 | Image: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Australia led by Steve Smith secured an easy victory in the opening match of the series by a margin of an innings and 242 runs and took an unassailable 1-0 lead in the series. In such a situation, the Sri Lankan team would like to make a strong comeback in the series by correcting its mistakes in the second match. In this match, some interesting player battles will be witnessed between the star players of both teams, which can surely affect the outcome of the match

Sri Lanka and Australia are set to lock horns versus each other in the 2nd and final Test match of the two match series and while the Kangaroos have already secured an unassailable 1-0 lead, the home side would not like to lower their morale as they would want to execute a perfect comeback in the series. Some exciting player battles are also going to take place and we will be taking a look at them

Sri Lanka vs Australia 2nd Test: 3 Player Battles to Watch Out

sri-lanka-vs-australia-2nd-test-3-player-battles-to-watch-out

Australia Cricket Team has made a massive class ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka. Middle-order batter Travis Head is all set to open the innings for the team in the first match, which will begin on 29th January at the Galle International Stadium in Galle. 
Travis Head opening the innings alongside Usman Khawaja comes as a massive surprise, especially with Sam Konstas also in the team. The young batter set the stage on fire in the last series against India while opening and earned a lot of praise from the fans. 
This, however, won't be the first time that Travis Head will open the innings for Australia in Tests. During the India tour in 2023, the batter was promoted up the order after David Warner faced injury and he aced the challenge, putting Indian bowlers under pressure right from the start. 
Travis Head batted in three innings at the top and averaged 55.75. He will be handy for the team in the series, and with him being an attacking player, it is likely that he will take attack to the bowlers right from the start and is expected to take his team off to a flying start. 
<h2>He put spinners under pressure immediately and we know how well he hits the seam as well if they come with that - Steve Smith on Travis Head opening </h2>
Steve Smith, who will be captaining Australia in the SL vs AUS series, confirmed that Travis Head will be opening the innings. He pointed out how the batter put spinners under pressure, adding that it will be fun to watch. Speaking to reporters, he explained: 
"He did really nicely in India against the new ball. He put spinners under pressure immediately and we know how well he hits the seam as well if they come with that. It’s going to be good fun watching him.” 
With Travis Head opening the innings, there are chances that Sam Konstas will be batting in the middle-order. The youngster has never batted in the middle-order in his career and it will altogether be a new challenge for him, especially against the Sri Lanka spinners.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/3-player-battles-to-watch-out-for-in-the-third-ind-vs-eng-t20-at-the-niranjan-shah-stadium/">3 Player Battles to Watch out for in the third IND vs ENG T20 at the Niranjan Shah Stadium</a>

Australia Cricket Team has made a massive class ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka.

Middle-order batter Travis Head is all set to open the innings for the team in the first match, which will begin on 29th January at the Galle International Stadium in Galle. 

SL vs AUS: Australia make a huge call! Not Sam Konstas! This player will open innings in the Test series

sl-vs-aus-australia-make-a-huge-call-not-sam-konstas-this-player-will-open-innings-in-the-test-series-

The Australian Men's Cricket Team defeated Team India in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series by a margin of 3-1 and this series victory helped them to qualify for their 2nd successive World Test Championship (WTC) final. While thier final qualification is already secured, the Kangaroos are scheduled to take part in one more Test-Series in the ongoing WTC cycle. 
They will be travelling to Sri Lank to take part in a two-match Test-Series and their Test Skipper Pat Cummins will not be a part of this tour as he will be away on paternal duty. Moreover, the Kangaroos will also be travelling without ace seamer Josh Hazlewood who injured himself in the India Test-Series. 
According to a news report of the Sydney Herald, since the Aussies have already confirmed their WTC final spot, they don't want to take any kind of risks with Hazlewood.The 33-year-old who hurt his calf in the Gabba Test-Match versus the Men in Blue got ruled out of the remainder of the BGT series and he had previously said that he was aiming to make a comeback to Australia's first Test-Series versus the Sri Lankans since 2022.
<h2>The trio of Starc, Boland and Abbott will go on the tour of Sri Lanka</h2>
According to some sources of the Sydney Morning Herald, since Josh won't get the opportunity to travel to Sri Lanka as the selectors don't want to risk him, the duo of Sean Abbot and the in-form Scott Boland will be travelling as the seamers alongside Mitchell Starc. 
Boland was in red hot form in the BGT series versus the Indians, dismissing 21 batters in just six innings with a mind blowing average of 13.19. He also picked up an important fifer in the series and his performance with the ball were crucial in his team's success in the five-match Series. 
Abbot on the other hand was called up to the squad but he didn't get a chance to feature in any of the matches. With Cummins and Hazlewood missing the Sri Lanka series, there are high chances of Abbott playing versus the Island nation. 
<h2>What's the news about Australian skipper Pat Cummins</h2>
The selectors will meet on Wednesday of this week to finalise their squad. 16 players can be selected for the tour and The team is expected to be announced on Thursday, 9th of January
Captain Pat Cummins has indicated that he will not be available for part or all of the tour as he awaits the birth of his 2nd child. It will also have to be seen how he recovers from fatigue after playing five consecutive Test matches against India. Cummins and Starc were selected as Australia's only two frontline fast bowlers for the Sri Lanka tour three years ago, which was tied 1-1.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-champions-trophy-2025-rohit-sharma-s-career-under-danger-bcci-wants-yashasvi-jaiswal-in-the-squad-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit Sharma's career under danger! BCCI wants Yashasvi Jaiswal in the squad</a>

The selection woes of Australia have increased following the injury of Hazlewood and it's reported that he won't be travelling to Sri Lanka for taking part in the two-match Test-Series

SL vs AUS: Another Headache for Australia, this fast bowler will miss the Sri Lanka tour

sl-vs-aus-another-headache-for-australia-this-fast-bowler-will-miss-the-sri-lanka-tour

Cricket's governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday, 24th of December finally announced the highly-anticipated schedule of the ninth edition of the Champions Trophy after months of scuffling between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) . Next year's mega event is set to kick off from the 19th of February onwards, with New Zealand and Pakistan clashing versus each other in the opening fixture and the all-important Final will be played on the 9th of March. 
The marquee ICC event will see a total of eight teams fighting it out against each other in 15 encounters across the span of 18 days. The competition will be held under the hybrid-model policy with Pakistan being the host for all teams except Team India and Dubai will be playing the role of the host for the Indian Cricket Team
<blockquote>
"The eight teams contesting for the coveted white triumphant jackets in the 2025 Champions Trophy (CT) are the same countries who finished the 2023 ODI World Cup in the top eight overall, according to the rankings. 2023 ODI World Cup champions Australia (AUS), South Africa (RSA), Afghanistan (AFG) and England (ENG) are a part of Group B of the competition, while reigning champions and hosts Pakistan (PAK) are in Group-A alongwith the likes of Bangladesh (BAN), Fierce-rivals India (IND) &amp; New Zealand (NZ) " the ICC announced.
</blockquote>

<h2>Why West Indies and Sri Lanka didn't get the chance to compete in the Champions Trophy?</h2>
A total of eight teams are allowed to compete in the Champions Trophy (CT) since 2009, split into two groups of four teams each. The teams which manage to finish in the top two spots of each group advance to the Semi-Final phase after each team plays one match verus the other three teams in their respective group. The winners of both the semi-finals then get the opportunity to lock horns versus each other in the all-important title-Deciding clash i.e the Final. 
West Indies and Sri Lanka are two big cricket playing nations that will not be seen playing in the upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy (CT). Only eight teams are allowed to play in next year's mega event and these teams were decided on the basis of their final finishing spot in the overall standing of the 2023 Cricket World Cup. 
However, since the Sri Lankans ended the tournament at the ninth spot, they didn't get the chance to qualify for the Champions Trophy from the ODI World Cup while the Windies on the other hand didn't even qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup which directly eliminated them from the race of securing the Champions Trophy (CT) spots. 
Do Read:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-unveil-the-official-champions-trophy-2025-schedule-know-all-the-details-regarding-india-s-matches/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> ICC unveil the official Champions Trophy 2025 schedule, know all the details regarding India's matches</a>

.

Asitha Fernando (R) of Sri Lanka expresses disappointment as Jason Mohammed (L) and Shai Hope (C) of West Indies run during the 3rd and final ODI match between West Indies and Sri Lanka at Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium | Image: Getty Images

The Champions Trophy 2025 schedule is out and the eight participating teams are confirmed too. However, two big teams Sri Lanka and West Indies are not gonna compete in the mega event of next year and we will be taking a look at the reason behind their exclusion from the tournament.

Why are West Indies and Sri Lanka not a part of Champions Trophy 2025? What's the reason behind their exclusion

why-are-west-indies-and-sri-lanka-not-a-part-of-champions-trophy-2025-what-s-the-reason-behind-their-exclusion

The Indian Cricket Team's 10-wicket defeat versus the Mighty Australians in the Adelaide Test-Match has hurt them in many ways. This defeat has not only made their chances of winning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series difficult, but it has also hampered their chances of qualifying for the final of the 2023-2025 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The Men in Blue have now slipped to the third position in the overall standings of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 cycle
Talking about the WTC Points Table, the Proteas are sitting at the top of the Overall Standings with a good 63.33 PCT. Their recent 2-0 series win over Sri Lanka helped them to displace the Australians at the top of the table. The Aussies are at the 2nd spot with a 60.71 PCT next to their name. 
Additionally, Team India were the table toppers, but their embarrassing 10-wicket defeat in the Adelaide Test-Match has changed everything in a single go.
<h1></h1>
<h1>One more defeat will end India's hopes of qualifying for their third-successive WTC Final</h1>

The currently ongoing five-match Test-Series (BGT) between India and Australia is currently level at 1-1. Three more matches are left to be played in the series and if the Men in Blue end up on the losing side even in one single contest, then their hopes of qualifying for a successive WTC Final will come to an end. 
If the Rohit Sharma-led team draws one match and secures victories in the other two contests, then their hopes will remain alive. However, to cement their spot in the Final of the 2023-2025 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, they will have end up on the winning side in all of the remaining three BGT Test-Matches. 

<h1>What are the qualification equations for Rohit Sharma &amp; CO? </h1>

If the Rohit Sharma-led team defeats the Mighty Australians by a margin of 3-2, then they will remain in the top two of the overall standings.
Following the end of the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, Pat Cummins and his men will be travelling to Sri Lanka to take part in a two-match Test-Series. It will not be easy for the Aussies to secure a victory in the spin-friendly conditions of the island nation. 
South Africa on the other hand are slated to square off versus Pakistan in a home two-match Test-Series. They are anticipated to secure a victory in that series. In such a scenario, the race to reach the all-important title-deciding WTC Final clash between South Africa, India &amp; Australia has heated up and it has become very exciting.

Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/India-vs-Australia:-ICC-responded-with-strict-actions-to-the-verbal-misconduct-between-Travis-Head-and-Mohammed-Siraj-in-Adelaide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India vs Australia: ICC responded with strict actions to the verbal misconduct between Travis Head and Mohammed Siraj in Adelaide</a>

Senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma walk back after India's loss in Adelaide | Image: Associated Press

WTC Final Scenario: After suffering a 10-wicket defeat in Adelaide, the path to reach the final of the World Test Championship has become very difficult for India. They have to win the series versus fierce-rivals Australia at any cost if they want to have any chances of making it to their third consecutive WTC Final. In this article, we will be taking a look at Indian's WTC Final qualification scenarios

Has India's defeat in the Adelaide Test shattered their dream of qualifying for the WTC Final? Know their Qualification-Scenario

has-indias-defeat-in-the-adelaide-test-shattered-their-dream-of-qualifying-for-the-wtc-final-know-their-qualification-scenario

Temba Bavuma-led South Africa completed a successful 2-0 series whitewash versus Sri Lanka at home and this series victory has given them a major boost in their hopes of qualifying for the final of the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. 
The recent win of the Proteas over the Sri Lankans has seen them displace defending-champions Australia from the 1st position of the overall standings as the Temba Bavuma-led team now have a PCT of 63.33 next to their name following their sixth Test victory our of 10 contests. The Kangaroos on the other hand have dropped down to the 2nd place with a PCT of 60.71.
Two-time runners-up of WTC, the Indian Cricket Team are at the third spot with a PCT of 57.29 following their recent defeat in the Adelaide Test-Match versus the Mighty Australians three days ago. 
Dhananjaya de Silva-led Sri Lanka's series defeat versus the Proteas has made things difficult for them in terms of securing a spot in the WTC Final but they are still alive in the race to qualify for the title-deciding clash slated to be played at the Lord's Cricket Stadium from the 11th of June of 2025. The Sri Lankans are still positioned at the fourth place and their PCT has reduced to 45.45.
<table style="width: 642px; height: 200px;">
<thead>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 42.2292px; text-align: center; height: 20px;" title="Position">Pos</td>
<td style="width: 132.656px; text-align: center; height: 20px;" title="Team">Team</td>
<td style="width: 91.5208px; text-align: center; height: 20px;" title="Matches Played">Matches</td>
<td style="width: 51.0521px; text-align: center; height: 20px;" title="Matches Won">Won</td>
<td style="width: 46.5417px; text-align: center; height: 20px;" title="Matches Lost">Lost</td>
<td style="width: 71.2917px; text-align: center; height: 20px;" title="Matches Drawn">Drawn</td>
<td style="width: 37.1979px; text-align: center; height: 20px;" title="Matches Abandonded">NR</td>
<td style="width: 67.4271px; text-align: center; height: 20px;" title="Total Points">Points</td>
<td style="width: 77.4167px; text-align: center; height: 20px;" title="Percentage of Points">PCT</td>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 42.2292px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">1</td>
<td style="width: 132.656px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">South Africa</td>
<td style="width: 91.5208px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">10</td>
<td style="width: 51.0521px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">6</td>
<td style="width: 46.5417px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">3</td>
<td style="width: 71.2917px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">1</td>
<td style="width: 37.1979px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">0</td>
<td style="width: 67.4271px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">76</td>
<td style="width: 77.4167px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">63.330</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 42.2292px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">2</td>
<td style="width: 132.656px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">Australia</td>
<td style="width: 91.5208px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">14</td>
<td style="width: 51.0521px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">9</td>
<td style="width: 46.5417px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">4</td>
<td style="width: 71.2917px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">1</td>
<td style="width: 37.1979px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">0</td>
<td style="width: 67.4271px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">102</td>
<td style="width: 77.4167px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">60.710</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 42.2292px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">3</td>
<td style="width: 132.656px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">India</td>
<td style="width: 91.5208px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">16</td>
<td style="width: 51.0521px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">9</td>
<td style="width: 46.5417px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">6</td>
<td style="width: 71.2917px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">1</td>
<td style="width: 37.1979px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">0</td>
<td style="width: 67.4271px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">110</td>
<td style="width: 77.4167px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">57.290</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 42.2292px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">4</td>
<td style="width: 132.656px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">Sri Lanka</td>
<td style="width: 91.5208px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">11</td>
<td style="width: 51.0521px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">5</td>
<td style="width: 46.5417px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">6</td>
<td style="width: 71.2917px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">0</td>
<td style="width: 37.1979px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">0</td>
<td style="width: 67.4271px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">60</td>
<td style="width: 77.4167px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">45.450</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 42.2292px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">5</td>
<td style="width: 132.656px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">England</td>
<td style="width: 91.5208px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">21</td>
<td style="width: 51.0521px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">11</td>
<td style="width: 46.5417px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">9</td>
<td style="width: 71.2917px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">1</td>
<td style="width: 37.1979px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">0</td>
<td style="width: 67.4271px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">114</td>
<td style="width: 77.4167px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">45.240</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 42.2292px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">6</td>
<td style="width: 132.656px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">New Zealand</td>
<td style="width: 91.5208px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">13</td>
<td style="width: 51.0521px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">6</td>
<td style="width: 46.5417px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">7</td>
<td style="width: 71.2917px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">0</td>
<td style="width: 37.1979px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">0</td>
<td style="width: 67.4271px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">69</td>
<td style="width: 77.4167px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">44.230</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 42.2292px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">7</td>
<td style="width: 132.656px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">Pakistan</td>
<td style="width: 91.5208px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">10</td>
<td style="width: 51.0521px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">4</td>
<td style="width: 46.5417px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">6</td>
<td style="width: 71.2917px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">0</td>
<td style="width: 37.1979px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">0</td>
<td style="width: 67.4271px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">40</td>
<td style="width: 77.4167px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">33.330</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 42.2292px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">8</td>
<td style="width: 132.656px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">Bangladesh</td>
<td style="width: 91.5208px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">12</td>
<td style="width: 51.0521px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">4</td>
<td style="width: 46.5417px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">8</td>
<td style="width: 71.2917px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">0</td>
<td style="width: 37.1979px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">0</td>
<td style="width: 67.4271px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">45</td>
<td style="width: 77.4167px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">31.250</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 42.2292px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">9</td>
<td style="width: 132.656px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">West Indies</td>
<td style="width: 91.5208px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">11</td>
<td style="width: 51.0521px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">2</td>
<td style="width: 46.5417px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">7</td>
<td style="width: 71.2917px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">2</td>
<td style="width: 37.1979px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">0</td>
<td style="width: 67.4271px; text-align: center; height: 20px;">32</td>
<td style="width: 77.4167px; height: 20px; text-align: center;">24.240</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
 The 5th day of the 2nd Test-Match between Sri Lanka and the South Africans started off with the visitors having the advantage. Dhananjaya de Silva &amp; CO needed a total of 143 runs to save the series while the home team needed five-wickets to seal the whitewash. However, set batters Dhananjaya de Silva (50 runs) and wicketkeeper batter Kusal Mendis (46 runs) put their team in an advantageous situation and pushed the Proteas on the backfoot. 
However, South Africa's elite slow-left-arm-orthodox spinner Keshav Maharaj had some other plans and he single handedly executed the comeback for his team as his fifer helped the hosts to inflict an all out on the Sri Lankans for a score of 238 runs and they secured a victory in the 2nd contest by a margin of 109 runs. 
The Proteas had also secured a comfortable victory in the opening contest of the series by a margin of 233 runs which also witnessed the Sri Lankans getting bundled out for an embarrassing score of 42 runs in their 1st inning. 
Temba Bavuma and his men will now be taking part in a two-match Home Test-Series versus Pakistan and they will be looking to seal yet another comfortable series win. That series will kick off from the 26th of December in the city of Centurion The Sri Lankans on the other hand will host the Mighty Australians in January of next year for a home two-match Test-Series.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/More-problems-for-India-Australia-set-to-be-boosted-by%E2%80%A6./" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More problems for India! Australia set to be boosted by….</a>

South African team celebrating their win vs Sri Lanka | Image: Getty Images

South Africa displaces Australia at the top of the WTC Standings following their win vs Sri Lanka | Updated WTC Points Table

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The WTC standings saw a major change in the rankings after the dramatic Adelaide win of Australia over the visitors, India, who didn’t seem very confident facing the pink ball, as even their skipper admitted to not having batted well. 
 
On the other hand, a simultaneous series held between South Africa and visitors Sri Lanka is at its all-time high, with the Proteas looking strong to make another major shift in the points table with a win in the ongoing second test at Gqeberha. 
 
With teams like England, Pakistan, and New Zealand ruled out of contention for any further chances for qualification despite all-win situations, only the top four teams are left with scanty to large chances for qualification. 
 
<h2 dir="ltr">Let’s take a good look at the WTC final qualification scenarios for the franchises: </h2>
 
<h3 dir="ltr">India </h3>
 <img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202412/image_430x256_67564b947a9fd.jpg" alt="" width="752" height="468">
The table toppers for the last three editions of the WTC have slipped down to the lowest ever in their WTC history. India has never left the top two spots since 2019 when the first WTC cycle began; however, after the pink-ball test loss, they now stand at an all-time low at the no. 3 position behind the Aussies and Proteas. 
 
India is left with 3 matches in the WTC campaign, which will be played against Australia in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Border%E2%80%93Gavaskar_Trophy">Border-Gavaskar Trophy</a>, and now the Indian side needs to manage 2 wins and a draw to make their way through to the finals. 
 
No. of wins needed from remaining matches: 2 wins and a draw
 
<h3 dir="ltr">Australia </h3>
 
The current table toppers also do not look very firm at the top, as South Africa, with a dominating victory, can take the position of the table toppers as a fight ensues for the two final spots in the WTC. 
 
However, as of now, for the defending champions and to the joy of Pat Cummins, Australia needs to win only 3 of their remaining test matches, which are scheduled in this WTC. 
 
3 matches to be played in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India
2 matches to be played against Sri Lanka
 
With a three-match home advantage, the Australians can fancy their chances to win at least 2 games and retain themselves at the top, as any further wins for India already eradicate their qualification chances, which makes the Aussies the second favorite. 
 <img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202412/image_430x256_67564bb6bbf00.jpg" alt="" width="743" height="462">
<h3 dir="ltr">South Africa </h3>
 
The Proteas have always been drafted as one of the greatest teams to have played the longest format of the game; however, their record has never been great since the WTC began. 
 
This time around, however, Temba Bavuma has turned the tables for the Proteas, as they are the likely team to fancy their chances most in the WTC final, playing all their remaining tests at home. 
 
South Africa will play their last match against Sri Lanka with a decider awaited today, while their next two matches come under home conditions against Pakistan, a not-so-confident side this WTC. 
 
With a 2-win situation in the remaining games at home, South Africa currently looks like the most dominant side for one of the spots in the WTC final. 
 
<h3 dir="ltr">Sri Lanka </h3>
 
The Lankans are undoubtedly one of the teams in the WTC that have posed a major threat to many teams like New Zealand and England under both home and away conditions. 
 
With still slim chances of a win remaining against the Proteas in the second test, they can turn the tables to their end and play their remaining home tests against Australia with huge confidence. 
 
Sri Lanka has a stunning home record this WTC, and hence they impose a serious threat to the Aussies, as Sri Lanka is in an all-win situation to make their WTC chances assured for the first time. 
 
The likes of England, Pakistan, New Zealand, the West Indies, and Bangladesh have been officially knocked off any further chances for qualification into the WTC finals of 2023/25 to be played at The Lord’s.

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/Massive-shift-in-WTC-Standings-after-Australia-crush-India-at-the-Adelaide-Oval-in-the-Pink-Ball-Test/">Massive Shift in WTC standings post Australia's historic Adelaide win </a>

WTC final scenarios : Strong fight between India, Australia, and South Africa for the two final spots

The major changes caused in the WTC standings post India's Adelaide loss have created a stir between India, Australia, and South Africa as they ensure an intense battle in the quest for the two WTC final spots.

WTC final scenarios after massive changes caused in the WTC standings; strong fight between India, Australia, and South Africa for the two final spots

WTC-final-scenarios-after-massive-changes-caused-in-the-WTC-standings-strong-fight-between-India,-Australia,-and-South-Africa-for-the-two-final-spots

SL vs NZ ODI Series: Sri Lanka bags the third consecutive ODI series win after the last ODI of a three-match series against New Zealand, which was called off due to rain in Pallekele International Stadium. 



<div class="wp-block-rank-math-toc-block" id="rank-math-toc"><nav><ul><li class=""><a href="#sl-vs-nz-odi-series-summary">SL vs NZ ODI Series Summary</a></li><li class=""><a href="#sl-vs-nz-3rd-odi-highlights">SL vs NZ 3rd ODI Highlights</a></li></ul></nav></div>



 Sri Lanka Cricket Team is becoming the home giants under the head coach Sanath Jayasuriya. They first defeated India 2-0 in August, then they hosted West Indies and defeated them 2-1 in the T20I series and also in the ODI series by 2-1. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/08/sl-VS-ind-SERIES.jpg" alt="IND vs SL 3rd ODI: Historic! Fernando-Mendis-Wellalage Trio Thrived as Sri Lanka defeated India by 110 Runs" class="wp-image-145341" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Historic! Wellalage's fifer helped Sri Lanka to sum up India (Associate Press)</figcaption></figure>



New Zealand's entire tour of Sri Lanka was a failure in itself. They could just win a T20I game and lose everything else. Sri Lanka are coming out as a strong home team in the Jayasuriya's era and it is time for them to dominated overseas as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="sl-vs-nz-odi-series-summary">SL vs NZ ODI Series Summary</h2>



It was New Zealand's turn to visit Sri Lanka and they leveled the T20I series 1-1 in the first hand. Then, in the ODI series, Sri Lanka posed an unmatchable challenge against New Zealand in the first 2 ODIs and also came victorious. The last ODI, played on 19 November, the rain interrupted and only a 21-over game was played before the rain and officials had to call off the game. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="sl-vs-nz-3rd-odi-highlights">SL vs NZ 3rd ODI Highlights</h2>



Having already conceded the series after losses in the first two matches, New Zealand chose to bat first after winning the toss. The team started brightly, with Tim Robinson striking boundaries off Dilshan Madhushanka in the opening over. However, their momentum was cut short when Robinson, attempting a drive in the fourth over, mistimed his shot to mid-off, handing Mohamed Shiraz his maiden ODI wicket.



Despite the early setback, Will Young steadied the innings with a composed approach. He capitalized on loose deliveries, punishing both Shiraz and Chamindu Wickramasinghe with consecutive boundaries in successive overs. His confident stroke play kept the scoring rate steady, putting pressure back on the Sri Lankan bowlers.



Meanwhile, Henry Nicholls complemented Young by employing sweeps and laps to accumulate runs effectively. The duo maintained a solid rhythm, rotating the strike efficiently and building an unbeaten 88-run partnership that anchored New Zealand's innings.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/11/391258-1.jpg" alt="SL VS NZ ODI SERIES" class="wp-image-149609" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">SL vs NZ: Will Young (Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



Young reached his eighth ODI half-century shortly before rain interrupted play, ending New Zealand's hopes of a comeback in the series. With the match unable to resume, Sri Lanka secured a convincing 2-0 victory in the three-match SL vs NZ ODI series.



New Zealand wrapped up their subcontinent tour with mixed results. They began with a 2-0 loss in the Test series against Sri Lanka a few months ago but made an incredible comeback by whitewashing India 3-0 in India?a historic achievement in challenging conditions. Following that, they returned to Sri Lanka and shared the honors in the T20I series, which ended 1-1.



However, their performance dipped in the ODI series, where they suffered a 2-0 defeat against the hosts. Despite the setbacks, their emphatic Test series win over India will remain a significant highlight of the tour. The team now heads back to New Zealand to prepare for an upcoming three-match Test series against England, scheduled to start later this month.



Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will travel to South Africa for a two-match Test series. This series is set to commence at the end of November, marking an important challenge for the team as they aim to build on their recent performances and an eye on the WTC Points Table.



READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/top-5-most-expensive-indian-fast-bowlers-in-the-ipl-auction-2025-prediction/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/top-5-most-expensive-indian-fast-bowlers-in-the-ipl-auction-2025-prediction/">TOP 5 Most Expensive Indian Fast Bowlers in the IPL Auction 2025 Prediction</a>



SOURCE- <a href="https://srilankacricket.lk/" data-type="link" data-id="https://srilankacricket.lk/">SL CRICKET OFFICIAL</a>

SL vs NZ ODI Series: Sri Lanka Bags The ODI series after Rain Washes Out the 3rd ODI

sl-vs-nz-odi-series-sri-lanka-bags-the-odi-series-after-rain-washes-out-the-3rd-odi

In the 12th match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, 2024, India Women and Sri Lanka Women faced each other at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. In this match, Indian Women defeated Sri Lanka Women by 90 runs and earned two points. With this win, the run-rate of the Indian team improved. In this article check the current Points Table of ICC Women's T20 World Cup, 2024.



GROUP A



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Pos</th><th>Teams</th><th>P</th><th>W</th><th>L</th><th>D</th><th>PTS</th><th>NRR</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td>Australia Women</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>4</td><td>2.524</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>India Women</td><td>3</td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>4</td><td>0.576</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Pakistan Women</td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>2</td><td>0.555</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>New Zealand Women</td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>2</td><td>-0.050</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Sri Lanka Women</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>-2.564</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



GROUP B



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Pos</th><th>Teams</th><th>P</th><th>W</th><th>L</th><th>D</th><th>PTS</th><th>NRR</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td>South Africa Women</td><td>3</td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>4</td><td>1.527</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>England Women</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>4</td><td>0.653</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>West Indies Women</td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>2</td><td>1.154</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Bangladesh Women</td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>2</td><td>-0.125</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Scotland Women</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>-2.671</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit:<a href="https://www.sportskeeda.com/go/icc-womens-world-twenty20/points-table" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.sportskeeda.com/go/icc-womens-world-twenty20/points-table"> SportsKeeda</a></figcaption></figure>



At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India Women captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and elected to bat first and scored 172 runs for the loss of just one wicket in 20 overs. Openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana shared a 98-run partnership for the first wicket. Shafali scored 43 runs in 40 balls while Mandhana scored a half-century in just 38 balls, unfortunately she was run out.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/10/WhatsApp-Image-2024-10-09-at-23.37.16_1717ca73-768x1024.jpg" alt="India Women Climbs at Second Position in Points Table of ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024" class="wp-image-148328" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Harmanpreet Kaur | Pic: X (Jay Shah)</figcaption></figure>



Captain Harmanpreet Kaur played an unbeaten innings of 52 runs in just 27 balls, during this fiery innings she hit eight fours and one six.



While chasing the target, Sri Lanka Women were all-out for just 90 runs in 19.5 overs. The Sri Lankan Women's team lost three wickets for just six runs, after which the team did not get a chance to make a comeback. This is the third consecutive defeat of Sri Lankan Women in this tournament, after which they have been eliminated from the tournament.



In the bowling department, from Indian women's side Arundhati Reddy and Asha Sobhana both got three wickets, Renuka Thakur Singh got two, while Shreyanka Patil and Deepti Sharma got one wicket each.



Indian Women's last match in the group stage is against Australia Women, Harmanpreet Kaur and company will have to win this match at any cost to ensure qualification in the semi-finals. Australia Women remains at the top of the points table with an impressive run-rate of 2.524.



CHECK: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/joe-root-surpasses-alastair-cook-to-become-leading-run-getter-for-england-in-test-cricket/#google_vignette" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/joe-root-surpasses-alastair-cook-to-become-leading-run-getter-for-england-in-test-cricket/#google_vignette">Joe Root surpasses Alastair Cook to Become Leading Run-Getter for England in Test-Cricket</a>

India Women Climbs at Second Position in Points Table of ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024

india-women-climbs-at-second-position-in-points-table-of-icc-womens-t20-world-cup-2024

The Sri Lanka national men's cricket team, nicknamed The Lions, represents Sri Lanka in men's international cricket. It is a Full Member of the International Cricket Council with Test, One-Day International and T20 International status.

Sri Lanka

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