IND vs SL: After winning the T20 series 3-0, <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/category/cricket-team/icc-teams/india/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/category/cricket-team/icc-teams/india/">India</a> started the <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/most-wins-in-odi-cricket-history/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/most-wins-in-odi-cricket-history/">ODI series</a> as a strong favorites. But it has turned totally in the opposite direction that the Indian camp would have thought of. After the first match ended in a tie, Sri Lanka outplayed India in the second game and took a 1-0 unassailable lead.



The Indian middle order didn't have an answer against the Sri Lankan spinners, and they fell like a pack of cards in both matches. That has put India on the verge of losing the series, and this will be the first bilateral series win for Sri Lanka over India since 1997.



That means the wait of 27 years can end on Wednesday when these two teams will meet in the third and <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-sl-after-a-disappointing-loss-in-the-second-odi-likely-changes-gambhir-would-make-to-indias-starting-xi/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-sl-after-a-disappointing-loss-in-the-second-odi-likely-changes-gambhir-would-make-to-indias-starting-xi/">final IND vs SL ODI. </a>So can India bounce back, or will Sri Lankan spinners make them dance to their tunes? We will discuss why Sri Lanka are favorites to win this <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/category/odi/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/category/odi/">series</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">IND vs SL: Three Major Factors that make Sri Lanka favorites to win the ODI Series</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. In-form Lower Middle Order</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/08/SL-won-.jpg" alt="SL vs IND 2nd ODI: Rohit's 50 Went in Vain as Jeffrey Vandersay Blew up Indian Batting Order With a 6-fer" class="wp-image-145198" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">IND vs SL</figcaption></figure>



Indian bowlers have done a great job in both <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/category/odi/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/category/odi/">ODIs</a> and taken early wickets. In the first game, Sri Lanka were 101/5, and in the second, they were 136/6. But despite that, India let them reach a score which was competitive. On the other hand, the Indian lower order has struggled in both games.



In the first match, there were a few 20s or 30s, but in the second game, only Axar Patel played a significant inning and other batters failed. That can make a big difference even in the third and final <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-sl-after-a-disappointing-loss-in-the-second-odi-likely-changes-gambhir-would-make-to-indias-starting-xi/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-sl-after-a-disappointing-loss-in-the-second-odi-likely-changes-gambhir-would-make-to-indias-starting-xi/">IND vs SL ODI.</a> That's where the visitors are missing Jasprit Bumrah.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. India's weakness against Spin</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/08/IND-vs-SL_-Three-Major-Factors-that-make-Sri-Lanka-favorites-to-win-the-ODI-Series-1024x532.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-145233" /></figure>



There was a time when Indian batters were considered brilliant players of spin. But that can't be said about the current Indian batting. We have seen in both matches. Apart from <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-aus-rohit-sharma-breaks-flurry-of-records-in-his-92-run-stand-check-the-full-list-here/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-aus-rohit-sharma-breaks-flurry-of-records-in-his-92-run-stand-check-the-full-list-here/">Rohit Sharma</a>, no other Indian batter looked comfortable against spinner; even <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virat_Kohli" data-type="link" data-id="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virat_Kohli">Virat Kohli </a>and KL Rahul also struggled.



That's where Sri Lanka have an edge. They are the hosts and know the conditions pretty well. Their batters are also struggling, but they are keeping wickets in hand, going into the final overs, which India haven't done in the<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/sl-vs-ind-2nd-odi-rohits-hero-went-in-vain-as-jeffrey-vandersay-blew-up-indian-batting-order-with-a-6-fer/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/sl-vs-ind-2nd-odi-rohits-hero-went-in-vain-as-jeffrey-vandersay-blew-up-indian-batting-order-with-a-6-fer/"> IND vs SL ODI</a> series.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Consistent Changes in Batting Order</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/08/India-vs-Sri-Lanka-1st-ODI_-List-of-Records-and-Milestones-Achieved-in-Dramatic-Tie-in-Colombo-1024x532.jpg" alt="India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI: List of Records and Milestones Achieved in Dramatic Tie in Colombo IND vs SL" class="wp-image-145123" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">India vs Sri Lanka (IND vs SL)</figcaption></figure>



There is no doubt that <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/category/cricket-team/icc-teams/india/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/category/cricket-team/icc-teams/india/">India </a>are still favorites to win the last game to level the <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/category/cricket-series/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/category/cricket-series/">series</a>. But two back-to-back poor batting displays might have raised doubts in the minds of the players. Adding to that, India have not gone with a settled batting lineup in the first two games.



There have been many changes in batting orders, and KL Rahul batted at No. 7 in the second game, which is not his usual position. That can also affect the team's mindset. Though Gautam Gambhir has his own plans and it may work for India in the coming future but so far it has backfired on the team.



Also Read:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-sl-3-players-to-be-dropped-from-odi-squad/"> IND vs SL: 3 Players who might be dropped from ODI Squad if they fail to perform well in 3rd ODI</a>

IND vs SL: 3 Reasons why Sri Lanka are favorites to win the ongoing ODI Series

ind-vs-sl-3-reasons-why-sri-lanka-are-favorites-to-win-the-ongoing-odi-series

Rishabh Pant, who was struggling throughout the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, went on to slam a 29-ball fifty in the second innings of the fifth test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. His innings gave India a massive chance to stick into the game and have some hopes going into the third day. This is not new that Pant has slammed a quickfire knock.
Even in the past, he has played some blazing innings. India have a rich history of batsmanship. Over the years, there have been many Indian flamboyant batters who have made the world notice the game. This article will include some of those batters, where we will talk about the top five fastest half-centuries in test cricket for the Indian cricket team.
<h2>Top Five Fastest Half-Centuries for Team India in Test Cricket</h2>
5. Yashasvi Jaiswal (31 balls) vs Bangladesh, 2024
Yashasvi Jaiswal is among the new generation of batting stars for India. He has already shown that he is a special talent. He slammed the joint-fourth fastest test fifty for India. He slammed a 31-ball fifty against Bangladesh in Kanpur in September 2024. India declared 285/9 in just 34.4 overs. Jaiswal also scored 51 not out in the second innings and won the MOTM award.
4. Shardul Thakur (31 balls) vs England, 2021
Shardul Thakur is known for his bowling ability, but he knows how to use the long handle. He has shown that time to time that he is capable with the bat as well. Shardul has twin half-centuries at the Oval against England in 2021. He made 57 and 60 in the game, and India won that by 157 runs. The fifty in the first innings came off just 31 balls. He made 57 off 36 balls, with 7 fours and three sixes.
3. Kapil Dev (30 balls) vs Pakistan, 1982
Former Indian captain Kapil Dev was a swashbuckling cricketer who had the ability to win games with bat and ball both. He played many game-changing innings in his career. One of those came against Pakistan in 1982 in Karachi. Though India lost that game, Kapil was at his best. He slammed a 30-ball fifty in the first innings and made 73 off 53, with 12 fours and one six.He also took 5/102 with the ball.
2. Rishabh Pant (29 balls) vs Australia, 2025
Pant is among the fearless cricketers in modern-day cricket. He has played some game-changing knocks, and one came in the New Year test against Australia at SCG. India were down and out after losing their top order. That's when he came out and slammed a 29-ball fifty and scored 61 off 33 balls, with six fours and four sixes. His innings helped India to get back into the game.
1. Rishabh Pant (28 balls) vs Sri Lanka, 2022
Pant also holds the record for the fastest Test fifty for India. It came against Sri Lanka in 2022 in Bengaluru. Pant scored 39 off 26 in the first innings. He carried on in the second innings and slammed a 28-ball fifty. He made 50 off 31 balls, with seven fours and two sixes to register the fastest fifty for India. The hosts won the game by 238 runs.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/is-virat-kohli-next-to-be-dropped-virat-averages-less-than-burmah-in-first-innings-since-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Is Virat Kohli next to be dropped? Virat averages less than Burmah in First Innings since 2024</a>

Rishabh Pant slammed a 29-ball fifty in the second innings of the fifth and final test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He scored 61 runs off 33 balls.

List of Fastest Half-Centuries for India in Test Cricket

list-of-fastest-half-centuries-for-india-in-test-cricket

India suffered a massive blow when ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah left the field on Day 2 of the ongoing fifth and final test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. On the second day, Bumrah only bowled 8 more overs and was seen in discomfort.
He left the field just after lunch on day 1 after bowling one over. He had a word with Virat Kohli, who led the team in his absence. Later he was seen going to the hospital for precautionary scans and left SCG with security liaison officer Anshuman Upadhyay and the team doctor.
It left India with no choice, and the other pacers had to share the workload. However, the Indian bowlers bowled pretty well and dismissed Australia for 181 runs in 51 overs, giving a four-run lead to India, but Bumrah's injury became the talking point of the town.
<h2>Jasprit Bumrah's injury update: Pacer returns to SCG after undergoing scans</h2>
It came as a body blow to the touring team, who were already struggling to survive in the series, when Jasprit Bumrah had to leave the ground. After a wait of a couple of hours, the pacer returned at the venue around 11:15 AM IST on Saturday. However, he was in discomfort when he left the field, but when he came back, he looked pretty relaxed.
It can be a confidence booster for Team India and fans, as Bumrah's body language indicated that there is no sign of worry. Notably, India will be bowling in the fourth innings, and they need their best bowler at his full throttle. Bumrah is the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing series. He has taken 32 wickets at an exceptional average of 13.05.
Even on Day 2, he took an important wicket of Marnus Labuschagne. In his absence, Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj stepped up and bowled pretty well. Both pacers took three wickets each, and Nitish Kumar Reddy also supported them with two vital wickets.
At the stumps on Day 2, India finished at 141/6, and they have a lead of 145 with four wickets in hand. Ravindra Jadeja (8 off 39) and Washington Sundar (6 off 17) are at the crease. The Indian top order failed once again, but it was Rishabh Pant who slammed India's second-fastest fifty off 29 balls.
He scored 61 off 33 balls, with six fours and four sixes to bring back India into the game. However, India lost a couple of wickets at the very end, which has made the game pretty even. But India would hope to have a sizable lead of around 200 runs, and with Bumrah completely fit, they will fancy their chances on this tough pitch.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/3-players-who-can-replace-rohit-sharma-at-the-top-if-he-announces-his-retirement-after-the-scg-test/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3 Players who can replace Rohit Sharma at the top if he announces his retirement after the SCG Test</a>

Jasprit Bumrah left Sydney Cricket Ground on Day 2 after feeling discomfort. He went for scans with the doctor and has returned back.

Jasprit Bumrah's Injury Update: Pacers Returns to SCG after Precautionary Scans

jasprit-bumrah-s-injury-update-pacers-returns-to-scg-after-precautionary-scans

The South Africa vs Pakistan Test series continues with the second match at Newlands, Cape Town from January 3–7, 2025. If you want to watch the match, here’s where you can catch all the action.
<h4>Match Details</h4>
<ul>
<li>Dates: January 3–7, 2025</li>
<li>Venue: Newlands, Cape Town</li>
<li>Start Time: 2:00 PM IST (Indian Standard Time)</li>
</ul>
<h2>Where to Watch the Match in India</h2>
<ol>
<li>
On TV: You can watch the match live on Sports18 SD/HD channels.
</li>
<li>
Online Streaming: The match will also be available for live streaming on JioCinema, which you can access through the app or website.
</li>
</ol>
<h4>South Africa's Big News</h4>
<ul>
<li>
South Africa's Big Win: South Africa has already qualified for the World Test Championship final after winning the first Test. The team is in great form, making this second Test even more exciting.
</li>
<li>
Pakistan’s Fight: Pakistan will be looking to make a comeback, which should make for a thrilling match.
</li>
</ul>
<h4>Live Score Updates</h4>
If you can't watch the match live, you can follow the scores on:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.cricbuzz.com/" title="CRICKBUZZ " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CRICKBUZZ</a> for real-time updates.</li>
</ul>
<h3>South africa national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team Results for this series: </h3>
<ul>
<li>1st T20I (Dec 10, 2024) - Durban: South Africa won by 11 runs, scoring 183/9, while Pakistan made 172/8.</li>
<li>2nd T20I (Dec 13, 2024) - Centurion: South Africa won by 7 wickets, chasing down Pakistan’s 206/5 with 210/3 in 19.3 overs.</li>
<li>3rd T20I (Dec 14, 2024) - Johannesburg: Match abandoned without a ball bowled.</li>
<li>1st ODI (Dec 17, 2024) - Paarl: Pakistan won by 3 wickets, chasing down South Africa’s 239/9 with 242/7.</li>
<li>2nd ODI (Dec 19, 2024) - Cape Town: Pakistan won by 81 runs, setting 329 and restricting South Africa to 248.</li>
<li>3rd ODI (Dec 22, 2024) - Johannesburg: Pakistan won by 36 runs (DLS method), scoring 308/9, while South Africa managed 271.</li>
<li>1st Test (Dec 26-29, 2024) - Centurion: South Africa won by 2 wickets, chasing down Pakistan’s 211 &amp; 237 with 301 &amp; 150/8.</li>
<li>2nd Test (Jan 3-7, 2025) - Cape Town: Day 1 - South Africa is batting with 316/4 in 80 overs.</li>
</ul>

South Africa national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team

Where to watch South Africa national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team. Check the SA vs PAK 2024/25 - Schedule & Results so far!

Where to Watch South Africa vs Pakistan Cricket Match (January 2025)

where-to-watch-south-africa-vs-pakistan-cricket-match-january-2025-

RCB fans are crazy, aren’t they? While the BCCI is working with the IPL administration team to finalize the IPL 2025 schedule, we’ve been busy discussing what could be the possible combinations of the playing XI for the best RCB team, based on the pitch and opponent strengths.
Let’s first take a look at the full squad. Then, we’ll explore the Balanced XI, Spin-Heavy XI, and Pace-Dominant XI combinations. Finally, we’ll determine the best possible playing XI for RCB in IPL 2025.
So, friends, what do you say—shall we get started?

<h3>RCB Full Squad for IPL 2025</h3>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Player Name</th>
<th>Role</th>
<th>Price</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Virat Kohli</td>
<td>Batsman</td>
<td>Retained</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rajat Patidar</td>
<td>Batsman</td>
<td>Retained</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Yash Dayal</td>
<td>Bowler</td>
<td>Retained</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Liam Livingstone</td>
<td>All-Rounder</td>
<td>₹8.75 Crore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Phil Salt</td>
<td>Wicketkeeper-Batsman</td>
<td>₹11.50 Crore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jitesh Sharma</td>
<td>Wicketkeeper-Batsman</td>
<td>₹11 Crore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Josh Hazlewood</td>
<td>Bowler</td>
<td>₹12.50 Crore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rasikh Dar</td>
<td>Bowler</td>
<td>₹6 Crore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Suyash Sharma</td>
<td>Bowler</td>
<td>₹2.60 Crore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Krunal Pandya</td>
<td>All-Rounder</td>
<td>₹5.75 Crore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bhuvneshwar Kumar</td>
<td>Bowler</td>
<td>₹10.75 Crore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Swapnil Singh</td>
<td>All-Rounder</td>
<td>₹50 Lakh</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tim David</td>
<td>All-Rounder</td>
<td>₹3 Crore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Romario Shepherd</td>
<td>All-Rounder</td>
<td>₹1.50 Crore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nuwan Thushara</td>
<td>Bowler</td>
<td>₹1.60 Crore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Manoj Bhandage</td>
<td>All-Rounder</td>
<td>₹30 Lakh</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jacob Bethell</td>
<td>All-Rounder</td>
<td>₹2.60 Crore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Devdutt Padikkal</td>
<td>Batsman</td>
<td>₹2 Crore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Swastik Chhikara</td>
<td>Batsman</td>
<td>₹30 Lakh</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lungi Ngidi</td>
<td>Bowler</td>
<td>₹1 Crore</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Abhinandan Singh</td>
<td>Bowler</td>
<td>₹30 Lakh</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mohit Rathee</td>
<td>All-Rounder</td>
<td>₹30 Lakh</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>Combination 1: Balanced XI</h3>
Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt (WK), Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma
<h3>Combination 2: Spin-Heavy XI</h3>
Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt (WK), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Jacob Bethell, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Dar
<h3>Combination 3: Pace-Dominant XI</h3>
Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt (WK), Liam Livingstone, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Nuwan Thushara
<h2>Best Playing XI for RCB in IPL 2025 [Predicted]</h2>
Virat Kohli Devdutt Padikkal Liam Livingstone Phil Salt (WK) Jitesh Sharma Tim David Krunal Pandya Bhuvneshwar Kumar Josh Hazlewood Yash Dayal Suyash Sharma

Best Playing XI for RCB in IPL 2025 [Predicted]

Predicting the top 3 playing XI combinations for RCB in IPL 2025—Balanced XI, Spin-Heavy XI, and Pace-Dominant XI—and revealing the best XI for ultimate success!

IPL 2025 RCB Playing 11: Top 3 Combinations Predicted, See the Best

IPL 2025: Predicted RCB Playing XI and Top 3 Combos

ipl-2025-predicted-rcb-playing-xi-and-top-3-combos

The crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground has always been under the scanner, especially when the Indian team plays. During the last Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the fans in Sydney didn't go easy on the Indian players as they made life tough for them. 
During the last Test between India and Australia, Indian players in Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were at the receiving end of racial slurs. The players of the team were abused by the fans, and it turned out to be a big controversy, with Sydney Cricket management banning the particular section of the ground. 
A similar kind of thing unfolded on Day 1 of the ongoing match between India and Australia. Again, a particular section of the crowd came under the radar. The fans were abusing Indian fans in the stadium as they were seen chanting, "Where is your visa?". The video went viral on the internet with many lashing out at fans. 
The people at the Sydney Cricket Ground were also seen booing Indian players as well. They had a go at Virat Kohli and then later Jasprit Bumrah, who was involved in a massive fight with Sam Konstas during the last over of Day 1 of the ongoing Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. 
Coming to the match, Australia started the last day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 on a dominating note. The visitors carried their good form and put India under massive pressure at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. The start with the bat didn't go the way India would've wanted as both the openers, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, were back early. Shubman Gill, who replaced Rohit Sharma, played a decent hand of 20 runs off 64 balls with two boundaries. 
He, along with Virat Kohli (17), added 40 runs for the third wicket. But both the batters couldn't bat for long as India was left tottering at 72 for four. Rishabh Pant (40) batted with great grit and looked solid before he yet again perished to a wild shot. Ravindra Jadeja (26), too, had a start, but he too couldn't get going for long as India was reduced to 148/8. Captain Jasprit Bumrah (22) hit some shots in the end and took the team to a total of 185. 
Australia, in response, lost Usman Khawaja as Jasprit Bumrah bagged his 31st wicket of the series. At stumps, Australia was 9 for one with 176 runs behind.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/clouds-looming-over-virat-kohli-batter-s-retirement-date-gets-finalised-/">Clouds looming over Virat Kohli! Batter's retirement date gets finalised</a>
<h2>Watch: Australian fans  humiliate Indians at SCG</h2>

The crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground has always been under the scanner, especially when the Indian team plays