The Asia Cup 2022 was full of action and intensity as it provided cricketing fun and entertained millions of cricket lovers from all across the world to the greatest extent. All the participating teams have given it their all so as to achieve desirable results in the tournament.&nbsp;



We got to see some extraordinary performances from some players in particular while several others had a disappointing time to everyone's surprise. The batters in particular ruled the tournament as they majorly determined their team's fortunes in the toughest of circumstances.&nbsp;



The Asia Cup 2022 witnessed several world-class batters prove their worth on the big stage. It's time for us to have a look at the top three highest run scorers in the Asia Cup 2022.&nbsp;



<h2>3. Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan) - 196 Runs</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/09/Ibrahim-Zadran-1024x576.jpg" alt="Ibrahim Zadran" class="wp-image-94187" /><figcaption>Ibrahim Zadran</figcaption></figure>



Ibrahim Zadran finished third in the list of top run-getters in the Asia Cup 2022. The left-handed batsman was the top run-getter in the Asia Cup for his side with 196 runs in 5 matches including one fifty as he played a crucial role with the bat in several games.&nbsp;



He made quite a few crucial contributions with the bat and scored vital runs for his side against quality teams. His highest score was that of 64 which came against India in the super 4 stage match.



<h2>2. Virat Kohli (India) - 276 Runs</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/09/Virat-Kohli-71st-century-in-Asia-Cup-2022.jpg" alt="Virat Kohli after scoring his 71st international century during Asia Cup 2022" class="wp-image-94132" width="1040" height="586" /><figcaption>AP Photo</figcaption></figure>



Virat Kohli announced his arrival and is back to form with multiple incredible performances with the bat in the Asia Cup 2022. The right-hander smashed an unbelievable 276 runs in 5 matches at an average of 92. He smashed 2 fifties and his maiden century during the tournament and was the second leading run scorer in the Asia Cup 2022.&nbsp;



His highest score of 122* came against Pakistan in the super 4-stage match. Despite being considered to be out of form prior to the start of the tournament, the ex-captain of India proved his worth as he scored crucial runs for his side with great consistency throughout the tournament.&nbsp;



Unfortunately for him, India couldn't make things happen for itself and fail to reach the finals despite his magical efforts.



<h2>1. Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan) - 281 Runs</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/09/rizwan-steadied-the-ship-along-1.jpg" alt="Mohammad Rizwan, PAKvsHK" class="wp-image-93807" width="1040" height="705" /><figcaption>Mohammad Rizwan</figcaption></figure>



Mohammed Rizwan was the top run scorer in Asia Cup 2022. The right-handed amassed 281 runs in 6 matches including 3 half centuries at an average of 56.20. The right-handed scored important runs for his side in the majority of the matches and was among the runs for the majority of the tournament.&nbsp;



His highest score of 71 came against India in the crucial Super 4 stage match wherein Pakistan was chasing a total of 181. His low strike rate however seemed to be a bit of concern for the side. Unfortunately for him, Pakistan failed to win the title after being defeated by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lanka_national_cricket_team">Sri Lanka</a> in the finals despite his brilliant efforts with the bat.&nbsp;



Also Read:- <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/india-icc-t20-world-cup-2022-squad-team-announced-jasprit-bumrah-returns/">India ICC T20 World Cup 2022 Squad, Team Announced, Jasprit Bumrah returns</a>

Asia Cup 2022: Top 3 highest run scorers in the tournament

asia-cup-2022-top-3-highest-run-scorers

<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/?s=SL+vs+AFG" rel="nofollow">SL vs AFG 2023</a>: Afghanistan Defeated Sri Lanka on their Home Ground: Afghanistan defeated Sri Lanka in the First ODI match of three matches series by six-wicket at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota.



<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/?s=Afghanistan+" rel="nofollow">Afghanistan </a>chased the target of 269 runs in 46.4 overs with just the loss of four wickets. Ibrahim Zadran knocked 98 runs in 98 balls, whereas Rahmat Shah made 55 runs and played a responsible innings in the middle overs. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Fareed Ahmad took two wickets and restricted Sri Lanka to a low score.



<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/?s=Sri+Lanka" rel="nofollow">Sri Lanka</a> failed with both bat and bowl as they could only make 268 runs in 50 overs, and their Batting collapsed, but Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva made 91 and 51 runs, respectively and led Sri Lank to a decent score. Sri Lankan Bowlers failed to get early wickets, and only Kasum Rajitha got two wickets, whereas Other bowlers had bad performances in this Match.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/ESPNcricinfo/status/1664617800864858112
</div></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Afghanistan's Youngster Ibrahim Zadran played a Wonderful Knock:</h3>



A Wonderful Start by Ibrahim Zadran, who made a crucial partnership with Rahmat Shah in the middle overs of 146 runs. Ibrahim Zadran has scored 98 runs in 98 balls and missed his century by two runs as he got out in the 30th over. At the end Hasmatullah Shahidi and Mohd. Nabi has scored 38 and 27 runs, respectively and finished the Match.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva saved Sri Lanka from being Collapsed:</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2023/06/sri22_11zon-1024x682.jpg" alt="SL vs AFG 2023: Afghanistan Defeated Sri Lanka on their Home Ground by Six Wicket" class="wp-image-114307" width="768" height="512" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sri Lankan batters | Image Credit: Twitter</figcaption></figure>



Charith Asalanka has made 91 runs at a strike rate of 95.79 with twelve fours, whereas Dhananjaya de Silva has also scored 51 runs. He made a crucial partnership with Asalanka hence and Sri Lanka to a decent score of 268 runs in 50 overs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SL vs AFG Playing 11 of first ODI Match:</h2>



Afghanistan Playing XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(C), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik



Sri Lanka Playing XI: Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(WK), Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka(C), Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kasun Rajitha, Dushan Hemantha, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara



Read This Also: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/new-test-captain-for-india-after-icc-wtc-final-rohit-sharma-to-face-acid-test/" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/new-test-captain-for-india-after-icc-wtc-final-rohit-sharma-to-face-acid-test/" rel="nofollow">New Test Captain for India after ICC WTC Final, Rohit Sharma to face acid test</a>



For More Check Official Site: <a href="https://www.icc-cricket.com/homepage">ICC</a>

SL vs AFG 2023: Afghanistan Defeated Sri Lanka on their Home Ground by Six Wicket

sl-vs-afg-2023-afghanistan-defeated-sri-lanka-on-their-home-ground-by-six-wicket

Sri Lanka and Afghanistan are all set to take on each other in the second T20 international match of the three match T20i series at Dambulla?s Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. The match will be played today, and it will commence at 7:00 IST.



Having whitewashed the Afghans 3-0 in the three-match ODI Series, the Wanindu Hasaranga led Sri Lanka started the T20 International series with a bang as they defeated the visitors by four runs in the first T20 International game.



<div class="wp-block-rank-math-toc-block" id="rank-math-toc"><nav><div><div class=""><a href="#here-is-the-live-streaming-information-for-the-sl-versus-afg-second-t-20-i">Here is the live streaming information for the SL versus AFG second T20I.</a><div><div class=""><a href="#1-when-will-the-second-t-20-international-between-sri-lanka-and-afghanistan-take-place">1) When will the second T20 International between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan take place?</a></div><div class=""><a href="#2-where-will-the-second-t-20-international-between-sri-lanka-and-afghanistan-be-played">2) Where will the second T20 International between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan be played?</a></div></div></div><div class=""><a href="#3-can-i-watch-the-second-t-20-international-between-sri-lanka-and-afghanistan-on-tv-in-india">3) Can I watch the second T20 international between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan on tv in India?</a></div><div class=""><a href="#sl-vs-afg-squads">SL vs AFG: Squads</a></div></div></nav></div>



After being asked to bat first, the Lankans were bundled out for 160 runs in 19 overs thanks to the superb bowling efforts of Fazalhaq Farooqi (3-25), Naveen Ul-Haq (2-25), and Azmatullah Omarzai (2-30). Left arm seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi ran through the top order of the Lankans as he dismissed both the openers, Pathum Nissanka (6 runs in 4 balls) and Kusal Mendis (10 runs in 8 balls), cheaply. Naveen, Ul-Haq and Noor Ahmad (1?18) kept the middle order under check as they kept on dismissing the batters at regular intervals. Then Lankan skipper Wanindu Hasaranga took matters into his own hands as he played a career-best inning of 67 runs in 32 balls at an excellent strike rate of 209.38. His knock helped the hosts put up a respectable score of 160 runs on the board. The Wanindu Hasaranga led team would like to seal the series with a victory in the second T20i.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/02/C2D6C12D-A932-4867-8682-93A383FCBAC2.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-126790" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Wanindu Hasaranga batting in the 2nd T20i vs Afghanistan | Image: X (Sri Lanka Cricket)</figcaption></figure>



A target of 161 runs looked like a gettable one, but the visitors could muster 156 runs in their quota of 20 overs. Afghan Skipper Ibrahim Zadran (67 runs in 55 balls) played the role of the lone warrior, as no other Afghan batter was able to support him from the other end. CSK Seamer Matheesha Pathirana (4-24), Dasun Shanaka (2-17), and Angelo Mathews (1-16) troubled the visitor?s batting unit with their variations and eventually, the Ibrahim Zadran-led team lost the first T20 International by four runs. Afghanistan would be looking to bounce back with a win in the second T20i if they want to stay alive in the series.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="here-is-the-live-streaming-information-for-the-sl-versus-afg-second-t-20-i">Here is the live streaming information for the SL versus AFG second T20I.</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="1-when-will-the-second-t-20-international-between-sri-lanka-and-afghanistan-take-place">1) When will the second T20 International between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan take place?</h4>



The second T20 international between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will take place today at 7:00pm IST.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="2-where-will-the-second-t-20-international-between-sri-lanka-and-afghanistan-be-played">2) Where will the second T20 International between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan be played?</h4>



The second T20 international between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will be played at Dambulla?s Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="3-can-i-watch-the-second-t-20-international-between-sri-lanka-and-afghanistan-on-tv-in-india">3) Can I watch the second T20 international between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan on tv in India?</h3>



Yes, of course, you can catch the live action of the second T20i on the Sony Sports Network on television. The match will also be streamed on the Sony Liv application and website.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="sl-vs-afg-squads">SL vs AFG: Squads</h3>



Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Wanindu Hasaranga (C), Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Angelo Mathews, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Akila Dananjaya, Kamindu Mendis, Dilshan Madushanka, Kusal Perera and Nuwan Thushara.



Afghanistan- Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Noor Ahmad, Qais Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen - Ul - Haq, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Hazratullah Zazai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq and Wafadar Momand.



Read- <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/psl-2024lahore-qalandars-vs-quetta-gladiators-dream-11-prediction-head-to-head-records-and-live-streaming-details/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/psl-2024lahore-qalandars-vs-quetta-gladiators-dream-11-prediction-head-to-head-records-and-live-streaming-details/">PSL 2024:Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators Dream 11 Prediction, Head-to-Head Records and Live Streaming Details</a>



For more information, visit the official website of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.icc-cricket.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICC</a>

SL vs AFG: When and Where to watch the 2nd T20I between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan | Afghanistan tour of Sri Lanka 2024

sl-vs-afg-when-and-where-to-watch-the-2nd-t20i-between-sri-lanka-and-afghanistan-afghanistan-tour-of-sri-lanka-2024

Asian Teams Sri Lanka and Afghanistan are all set to square off against&nbsp; each other in the third and final T20 International of the three match T20i series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium of Dambulla. The match will begin at 7:00pm IST.



After whitewashing Afghanistan in the three - match ODI series 3-0, the Lankans have secured the T20 International series as well having triumphed in the first two matches and they would be looking to whitewash the Afghans in the T20 series as well.



In the previous match, the Ibrahim Zadran led team had won the toss and opted to bow first. The hosts started their innings with a bang as both the openers took full advantage of the powerplay. But the duo of Azmatullah Omarzai and Fazalhaq Farooqi dismissed both the openers in the fourth and fifth overs of the Sri Lankan innings respectively.&nbsp;



Mohammad Nabi dismissed Dhananjaya de Silva (14 runs in 14 balls) in the tenth over as the hosts were struggling at 86-3. Then Sadeera Samarawickrama (51 runs in 42 balls) came into bat at number four and solidified the Lankan innings with this brilliant half century knock. Skipper Wanindu Hasaranga (22 runs in 9 balls) and Angelo Mathews (42 runs in 22 balls) applied the finishing touches with the bat and helped their side post a score of 187 runs on the board.



The visitors had a huge task in front of them to chase a big total against a good bowling attack. They needed their openers to help their team get off to a good start but Angelo Mathews dismissed the opening duo of Hazratullah Zazai (1 run in 2 balls) and Skipper Ibrahim Zadran (10 runs in 7 balls) in quick succession within the first two overs of the Afghanistan innings. Maheesh Theekshana and Binura Fernando ran through the middle order of the visitors as Afghanistan lost five wickets at the score of 31 runs within the first five overs. Karim Janat (28 runs in 23 balls) and Mohammad Nabi (27 runs in 17 balls) fought back with some decent knocks but they weren?t able to save their team from a 72 runs defeat as the Afghans were bundled out for 115 runs in 15 overs.



The Ibrahim Zadran led team are yet to win a single match on this tour of Sri Lanka and they would like to end the T20i series on good note by winning the third T20i. The Wanindu Hasaranga led team, on the other hand would be looking to clean sweep the Afghans by defeating them in the third T20i 



Match Information



Tournament: Afghanistan?s tour of Sri Lanka, 2024 Match: Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka, third T20i Date: 21st, February, 2024



Day and Time: Wednesday, 7:00 pm IST



Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla. 



H2H Record Between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in T20 Internationals



Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have played seven T20i matches against each and out of those seven games, five have been won by the Sri Lankans while Afghanistan have triumphed over the Lankans two times.



Total Matches played- 7



Sri Lanka won- 5



Afghanistan won- 2



Pitch Report



The pitch of Dambulla?s Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium is a balanced one which provides assistance to both batters and bowlers. In the initial overs, the new ball provides an adequate amount of bounce to the seamers but as the match progresses, spinners start coming into play as the pitch provides turn and improved grip.



Where and how can I watch the third T20i between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan?



One can watch the third T20i between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan on the Sony Sports network on television while the match will also be broadcasted on the Sony Liv application and website.



Weather Report



The weather for the third T20i is expected to be clear and sunny with zero chances of rainfall. The temperature is anticipated to be around 32 degrees Celsius with a humidity percentage of 59%. The wind speed is expected to be 13 km/h.



Must Pick Players



<ol>
<li>Wanindu Hasaranga- The highest run getter of this series so far, Hasaranga has managed to score 89 runs and has picked up three scalps as well. He is a must pick for your team. </li>



<li>Matheesha Pathirana- The CSK fast bowler has been lethal with the ball having picked up six wickets and he has troubled the Afghan batters with his line and length. He?s another must pick player for your Dream 11 team. </li>



<li>Angelo Mathews- The veteran All - Rounder has been using his experience quite well as has scored 48 runs and picked up three wickets as well. He is in good form and you should definitely pick him in your fantasy team.</li>
</ol>



 Players to avoid



<ol>
<li>Binura Fernando- Fernando has been really expensive with the ball and has picked up just two wickets in two games. Your team will be better off without him. </li>



<li>Gulbadin Naib- Naib has scored just 20 runs with the bat and has failed to pick any wickets. It would be better to leave him out of the team. </li>
</ol>



Playing 11?s of both the teams (Predicted)



 Sri Lanka- Kusal Mendis (WK), Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga (C), Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Angelo Mathews, Binura Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana.



 Afghanistan- Ibrahim Zadran (C), Gulbadin Naib, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Hazratullah Zazai,&nbsp; Azmatullah Omarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Karim Janat and Fazalhaq Farooqi.



Suggested Dream11 Fantasy Team No. 1 for SL vs AFG



Wicket - Keepers- Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama 



Batters- Pathum Nissanka, Ibrahim Zadran 



All - Rounders- Mohammad Nabi, Wanindu Hasaranga, Angelo Mathews and Azmatullah Omarzai Bowlers- Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Matheesha Pathirana.



Suggested Dream11 Fantasy Team No. 2 for SL vs AFG



Wicket - Keepers- Kusal Mendis 



Batters- Ibrahim Zadran and Pathum Nissanka All - Rounders-&nbsp; Mohammad Nabi, Wanindu Hasaranga, Angelo Mathews and Azmatullah Omarzai Bowlers- Naveen - Ul - Haq, Matheesha Pathirana, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Maheesh Theekshana



Captain and Vice - Captain Options



Wanindu Hasaranga, Angelo Mathews and Matheesha Pathirana.



Read- <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-womens-t20i-team-rankings-rank-1-to-10-india-in-top-three-full-icc-t20-team-standings/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-womens-t20i-team-rankings-rank-1-to-10-india-in-top-three-full-icc-t20-team-standings/">ICC Women?s T20I Team Rankings [Rank 1 to 10] | India in Top Three | Full ICC T20 Team Standings</a>



For Latest, Visit Official Page of<a href="https://www.icc-cricket.com/"> ICC</a>

SL vs AFG third T20i: Dream 11 team, pitch report and weather forecast for the third T20i

sl-vs-afg-third-t20i-dream-11-team-pitch-report-and-weather-forecast-for-the-third-t20i

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), as per the reports in News 18, has finalised the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The governing body soon will be making the official announcement as the deadline for the squad announcement is around the corner. 
As per the reports, it is learned that Rohit Sharma will be captaining the India team in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The senior batter will be opening the innings for the team in the tournament along with Shubman Gill, who of late has been India's best batter in the ODIs. 
Along with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal will be the third opener for the Indian team in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The left-hander is yet to make his debut for the team in the ODIs, but having been extremely successful in Tests and T20Is, he is likely to ace this format. 
The middle-order batters for India will see Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer. The duo were the backbone of the team in the ICC World Cup 2023 and were one of the main reasons behind the team reaching the final. They would be keen to emulate the same this time around as well and help a team win. 
India will be entering the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with two keepers in the team. KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant will be performing the role for the team in the tournament. The two will be fighting for a place in the XI and it remains to be seen who among them will make it. 
The likes of Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel will be the three all-rounders in the Indian side for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Along with Jadeja and Axar, Kuldeep Yadav will be the third spinner in the team for the tournament. 
India also be going with four seamers in the team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Jasprit Bumrah will be leading the attack, while Mohammed Shami will be making a comeback after injury. Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh will be the other two seamers in the team. 
<h2>India squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 </h2>
Here's the India squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 
Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/mohammed-shami-to-miss-the-icc-champions-trophy-2025-pacer-provides-a-massive-fitness-update-/">Mohammed Shami to miss the ICC Champions Trophy 2025? Pacer provides a massive fitness update</a>

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), as per the reports in News 18, has finalised the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

India's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 finalised

india-s-squad-for-the-icc-champions-trophy-2025-finalised-

The Indian Cricket Team suffered a humiliating 1-3 series defeat in the five-match 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy versus the Aussies and this defeat has made them suffer a huge loss. Not only did this series defeat cost the Rohit Sharma-led team the chance to qualify for the WTC Final, it also led them dropping down to the third position in the recently updated ICC Test-Team Rankings. The Men in Blue had qualified for two successive WTC Finals in 2021 &amp; 2023 but Rohit Sharma &amp; CO failed to qualify this time around, suffering embarrassing defeats versus New Zealand (NZ) &amp; Australia (AUS) in the bilateral Test-Series. 
<h2>Australia lead the ICC Test-Team Rankings </h2>
Talking about the Test Team Rankings, the Mighty Australians are sitting at the pole position with 126 rating points next to their name. On the other hand, after defeating the Shan Masood-led Pakistan in the two-match Test-Series, the South Africans have secured the second spot of the rankings with 112 rating points to their name. 
The Indian Team are sitting at the third position with 109 rating points after having a poor WTC Test-Cycle. Let us tell you that South Africa (RSA) and Australia (AUS) have successfully qualified for the 2023-25 WTC Final which will be taking place at the iconic Lord's Cricket Stadium and this fascinating contest will be played in June of this year.
Before competing in the two-match Test-Series versus the Shaheens, the Temba Bavuma-led South Africa were at the third position in the Test Team Rankings. But, Team India's 1-3 defeat versus the Kangaroos and then their easy 2-0 win over the Green Shirts helped them to snatch the 2nd spot of the rankings away from the Indian Team. 
Talking about other teams, the fifth spot of the rankings is occupied by England (ENG) who have 106 Rating Points to their name and New Zealand (NZ) and the others are quite far away from the top-5 ranks. Fierce-Rivals of India, Pakistan are at the seventh position. 
<h2>Team India have failed to qualify for the WTC Final for the very 1st time</h2>
When the first even World Test Championship (WTC) final was played in 2021, Team India had locked horns versus the Kane Williamson-led New Zealand (NZ). However, much to dismay of the Indian fans, the Virat Kohli-led team had to face an embarrassing defeat as the Kiwis secured a comfortable eight-wicket win and lifted the WTC Test-Mace for the very first time. 
The Men in Blue then qualified for then qualified for yet another WTC Final in 2023 where they faced the Mighty Aussies but even in that game, they had to suffer a defeat as the Pat Cummins-led team won by a margin of 209 runs. This time around, it's going to be the first time ever in the history of the competition that a Final will be played without the participation of the Indian Team.
<h2>Updated ICC Test-Team Rankings</h2>
<table class="ds-w-full ds-table ds-table-md ds-table-auto" style="width: 100.732%;">
<thead class="ds-bg-fill-content-alternate ds-text-left">
<tr class="">
<th class="ds-min-w-max" style="width: 20%;">Position</th>
<th class="ds-min-w-max" style="width: 28.1356%;">Team</th>
<th class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 20.339%;">Matches</th>
<th class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.5932%;">Points</th>
<th class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.9322%;">Rating</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody class="">
<tr class="">
<td class="ds-min-w-max" style="width: 20%;">1</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-flex ds-items-center ds-gap-1" style="width: 28.1356%;">Australia</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 20.339%;">36</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.5932%;">4531</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.9322%;">126</td>
</tr>
<tr class="">
<td class="ds-min-w-max" style="width: 20%;">2</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-flex ds-items-center ds-gap-1" style="width: 28.1356%;">India</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 20.339%;">39</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.5932%;">4248</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.9322%;">109</td>
</tr>
<tr class="">
<td class="ds-min-w-max" style="width: 20%;">3</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-flex ds-items-center ds-gap-1" style="width: 28.1356%;">South Africa</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 20.339%;">27</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.5932%;">2932</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.9322%;">109</td>
</tr>
<tr class="">
<td class="ds-min-w-max" style="width: 20%;">4</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-flex ds-items-center ds-gap-1" style="width: 28.1356%;">England</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 20.339%;">46</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.5932%;">4815</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.9322%;">105</td>
</tr>
<tr class="">
<td class="ds-min-w-max" style="width: 20%;">5</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-flex ds-items-center ds-gap-1" style="width: 28.1356%;">New Zealand</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 20.339%;">33</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.5932%;">3216</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.9322%;">97</td>
</tr>
<tr class="">
<td class="ds-min-w-max" style="width: 20%;">6</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-flex ds-items-center ds-gap-1" style="width: 28.1356%;">Sri Lanka</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 20.339%;">25</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.5932%;">2271</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.9322%;">91</td>
</tr>
<tr class="">
<td class="ds-min-w-max" style="width: 20%;">7</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-flex ds-items-center ds-gap-1" style="width: 28.1356%;">Pakistan</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 20.339%;">27</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.5932%;">2225</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.9322%;">82</td>
</tr>
<tr class="">
<td class="ds-min-w-max" style="width: 20%;">8</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-flex ds-items-center ds-gap-1" style="width: 28.1356%;">West Indies</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 20.339%;">29</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.5932%;">2184</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.9322%;">75</td>
</tr>
<tr class="">
<td class="ds-min-w-max" style="width: 20%;">9</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-flex ds-items-center ds-gap-1" style="width: 28.1356%;">Bangladesh</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 20.339%;">29</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.5932%;">1884</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.9322%;">65</td>
</tr>
<tr class="">
<td class="ds-min-w-max" style="width: 20%;">10</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-flex ds-items-center ds-gap-1" style="width: 28.1356%;">Ireland</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 20.339%;">5</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.5932%;">131</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.9322%;">26</td>
</tr>
<tr class="">
<td class="ds-min-w-max" style="width: 20%;">11</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-flex ds-items-center ds-gap-1" style="width: 28.1356%;">Afghanistan</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 20.339%;">6</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.5932%;">112</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.9322%;">19</td>
</tr>
<tr class="">
<td class="ds-min-w-max" style="width: 20%;">12</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-flex ds-items-center ds-gap-1" style="width: 28.1356%;">Zimbabwe</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 20.339%;">6</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.5932%;">0</td>
<td class="ds-min-w-max ds-text-right" style="width: 15.9322%;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

The ICC has released it's latest updated Test Team Rankings and Team India has suffered a setback following their defeat in the BGT series. South Africa have made an advancement in the rankings

ICC Test Rankings: India face a setback in the rankings after the defeat in BGT, Australia & South Africa make advancements

icc-test-rankings-india-face-a-setback-in-the-rankings-after-the-defeat-in-bgt-australia-south-africa-make-advancements

India fast bowler Mohammed Shami has been giving his best to return to cricket. The pacer has faced a lot of setbacks, and there is now massive speculation if he will be fit for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be played in February-March this year. 
Mohammed Shami, who faced an ankle injury during the ICC World Cup 2023, missed a lot of cricketing action including the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 as well as the T20 World Cup 2024. However, after completing the rehab, the fast bowler finally made his comeback in domestic cricket. 
Mohammed Shami played for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. He featured in one game and looked in a great rhythm. With the way he bowled, it was also certain that he would play a part for India at some stage in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. But that wasn't meant to as the NCA wasn't convinced with his fitness. 
Mohammed Shami then featured in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 for Bengal and made a solid impact for the Team in the white-ball tournament as well. The fast bowler was reportedly fit to play the last two games of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. But he faced another setback. 
Mohammed Shami had swelling in their knees, and it made BCCI release the official statement about the pacer. They revealed the fresh injury, saying that the fast bowler will be missing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, the medical team will monitor his progress, and he will be working at the National Cricket Academy. 
However now, Mohammed Shami has provided a fitness update about himself. The fast bowler returned to the nets and was seen bowling at full throttle. The pacer posted a video about himself in which he was seen bowling in the nets at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. 
Mohammed Shami looked in fine rhythm as he was seen bowling with accurate accuracy. The pacer hit the stumps on target and it gives a clear indication that he might be fit for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The BCCI reportedly is monitoring him, and there are high chances that he might play the tournament. 
Do Read:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ipl-2025-predicted-rcb-playing-xi-and-top-3-combos/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> IPL 2025: Predicted RCB Playing XI and Top 3 Combos</a>
<h2>Watch: Mohammed Shami returns to action, bowls in full throttle in nets</h2>

India fast bowler Mohammed Shami has been giving his best to return to cricket.

Mohammed Shami to miss the ICC Champions Trophy 2025? Pacer provides a massive fitness update

mohammed-shami-to-miss-the-icc-champions-trophy-2025-pacer-provides-a-massive-fitness-update-

We are just five weeks away from the start of the ICC Champions Trophy. This will be the ninth edition of the ICC event, which is scheduled to take place in Pakistan and the UAE with the top 8 teams taking part in it, including Team India.
The Men in Blue are part of Group A, which also have Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. India will start the campaign on February 20, with a match against Bangladesh in Dubai. India are likely to announce their provision squad by January 12. This will be the first major ICC tournament for Gautam Gambhir as head coach.
India won the T20 World Cup 2024, and the expectation from the team will be very high. But there are a few things that they need to plan. One of them is the opening combination for the team. Hence, we will talk here about three possible opening combinations that India can try for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
<h2>Three Opening Combinations India can Opt for the Champions Trophy 2025</h2>
1. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill
The pair of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill is likely to be the first-choice opening duo that will start the innings in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. These two have been batting together since 2023 and had great numbers. As a pair, they have played in 25 innings and scored 1732 runs at an average of 72.16. They have five hundred and eleven 50-run stands between the two. India will look at them as the first-choice opening duo.
2. Rohit Sharma and Yashavi Jaiswal
Being captain, Rohit Sharma is almost a certainty at the top, irrespective of his current form. That's where India can try to change his partner. Yashavi Jaiswal has been in excellent form in the last year or so and scored the most runs for India in the BGT 2024-25. He is a flamboyant opener who likes to take on the bowling. Rohit and Jasiwal have opened the innings for India in Tests, and it has been successful. This also gives India a left-hand and right-hand option at the top.
3. Yashavi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill
Rohit is not in his best form, but it doesn't mean that he won't be part of the playing XI. One thing, India can try to make some changes in the batting order. India will face Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh in their group, and these teams have good left-arm pacers, which has been a weakness of Rohit. Hence, there is a possibility that India can try Jaiswal and Gill to open the innings. Both are young and complete each other in many ways. Jaiswal is attacking, and Gill is a traditional striker of the ball.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/is-virat-kohli-s-and-rohit-sharma-s-form-a-worry-for-india-ahead-of-champions-trophy-2025-here-s-how-these-two-have-performed-in-ct-history/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Is Virat Kohli's and Rohit Sharma's form a worry for India ahead of Champions Trophy 2025? Here's how these two have performed in CT history</a>

India will open their campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a match against Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

3 Dynamic Opening Combinations India can try in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

3-dynamic-opening-combinations-india-can-try-in-the-icc-champions-trophy-2025

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