Pakistan are all set to host New Zealand for the second T20 International games of the five match series tonight at Rawalpindi's Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The match will commence at 7:30pm IST.



Both the sides will begin their preparations for the 2024 T20 World from the second T20i onwards as the first game was called - off after just two deliveries due to constant rainfall.



The players from both the teams didn't get a chance to play properly in the first T20i and both teams are anticipated to stick with the same playing 11 which took the field on 18th April on a wet night in Rawalpindi.



The visitors have gone with a second string squad which consists of dynamic Youngsters against Pakistan as the senior players of the Black Caps are busy with IPL 2024. The Pakistan series presents a really good opportunity for these young players to perform well and possibly seal their spot in the Black Caps squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup. In the absence of Kane Williamson, Michael Bracewell is handling the leadership duties.



The Black Caps preparations for the Pakistan series were hampered by the ankle injury of seamer Adam Milne and a back injury to opener Finn Allen. The absence of Finn Allen came as a huge loss to the visitors as he completely single handedly thrashed the entire Pakistan bowling unit in their previous series.



Adamn Milne was expected to lead the Kiwi bowling unit in the absence of the main players and him getting ruled out due to an injury made matters worse for the visitors. But, despite facing these difficulties, the 2021 T20 World Cup runners up remain confidential to play good Cricket against the Shaheens and secure the series with the help of the dynamic youngsters.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/04/Tim-Seifert.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-133153" /></figure>



Talking about the playing 11 of the visitors, wicketkeeper Tim Seifert is anticipated to open the innings alongside Tim Robinson. Robinson didn't have a memorable T20i debut against the Shaheens as Shaheen Shah Afridi cleaned him up with a ripper on the second delivery of the match for a duck. In the second game though, the 21 year old would be looking to play some dynamic Cricket and punish the Pakistan bowling unit.&nbsp;



Seifert on the other hand is known to play big shots at will and once he gets settled on the crease properly, he ends up destroying the opposition bowling unit with his big shots and the Pakistan bowlers need to watch out for him.



With the presence of Jimmy Neesham, Dean Foxcroft, Mark Chapman and Michael Bracewell in the middle order, the Black Caps possess the necessary firepower to counter the bowling unit of Pakistan and chase down huge totals confidently. Neesham will also be providing the extra bowling depth with his medium pace bowling and Bracewell will be handling the spin bowling duties with Ish Sodhi.



Ben Sears and Jacob Duffy will be in charge of the pace bowling unit and they would be looking to trouble the Pakistani batters with their line and lengths and raw pace.



In the bowling department, New Zealand relies on the spin wizardry of Ish Sodhi, complemented by the pace duo of Jacob Duffy and Ben Sears. Ben sears possesses raw pace along with the ability to extract swing from the surface and he can be a wicket taking option for the Kiwis against the Shaheens.&nbsp;



Duffy on the other hand, has been performing consistently well in Domestic Cricket and he had a memorable T20i debut in 2020 against Pakistan as he ran through the top order and ended up finishing with figures of 4-33. The 29 year old would be looking to replicate that performance against the Men in Green and he will be looking to form a lethal partnership with Ben Sears.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">New Zealand's likely playing 11 against Pakistan for the second T20I:</h4>



Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert (WK), Mark Chapman, Jimmy Neesham, Dean Foxcroft, Michael Bracewell (Captain), Ish Sodhi, Josh Clarkson, Ben Sears, Jacob Duffy and Ben Lister.



CHECK: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/pak-vs-nz-2nd-t20i-pakistan-strongest-playing-11-against-new-zealand-in-2nd-t20i/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/pak-vs-nz-2nd-t20i-pakistan-strongest-playing-11-against-new-zealand-in-2nd-t20i/">Pakistan strongest playing 11 against New Zealand?in?2nd?T20I</a>

PAK vs NZ 2nd T20I: New Zealand's strongest playing 11 against Pakistan in 2nd T20I

pak-vs-nz-2nd-t20i-new-zealands-strongest-playing-11-against-pakistan-in-2nd-t20i

PAK vs NZ 5th T20I: Pakistan Men?s National Cricket Team's five match T20i series against New Zealand is heading to its final game and the hosts will be looking to end the series on a positive note at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.



The Men in Green's hopes of winning the series were crushed following their second defeat against the Kiwis in the series, leaving them with just one opportunity to level the series in the fifth and the final game.



Pakistan's playing 11 for the fifth and the final T20i is going to feature skipper Babar Azam and Saim Ayub as both of them will be opening the innings for the Shaheens. Usman Khan will complete the top order and will also be donning the wicket keeping gloves.



The middle order will consist of the likes of Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan and all three players will have to play key roles for the home team if they want to level the series against the Kiwis.



Imad Wasim should retain his place in the team without any doubts and will be looking to bounce back from the previous game?s narrow defeat.



The Babar Azam led team are anticipated to make a single change for the final match as seamer Shaheen Shah Afridi is likely to return to the playing 11 in place of Zaman Khan. The return of Shaheen will provide a lot of boost to the Pakistani bowling unit. Abbas Afridi and Mohammad Amir are likely to play the role of the support fast bowlers for the final game.



Usama Mir was quite expensive in the last game but is anticipated to retain his place in the playing as he will be given another chance to prove himself before the selection of the World Cup squad.



In the fourth T20i, the Babar Azam led team came close to chasing the target of 179 runs but fell short by four runs. Imad Wasim?s knock of 22 runs in 11 balls went in vein as he failed to guide the Shaheens to victory as Pakistan managed to score 174 runs in their inning.



With the fifth T20i being the final opportunity for the home side to level the series, Pakistan will be looking to give their best performance in the final T20i and end the series on a good note.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Pakistan's playing 11 (expected) against Blackcaps in 5th T20I:</h5>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/04/pak-vs-nz-live-score-600-1713700354.jpg" alt="PAK vs NZ 4th T20I: Pakistan's Strongest playing 11 for the 4th T20I against New Zealand" class="wp-image-133309" /></figure>



Babr Azam (Captain), Usman Khan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imad Wasim, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Usama Mir and Abbas Afridi.



READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/pakistans-squad-for-the-2024-t20-world-cup-predicted-by-waqar-younis/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/pakistans-squad-for-the-2024-t20-world-cup-predicted-by-waqar-younis/">Pakistan?s Squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup predicted by Waqar Younis</a>

PAK vs NZ 5th T20I: Pakistan's playing 11 (expected) against Blackcaps in 5th T20I

pak-vs-nz-5th-t20i-pakistans-playing-11-expected-against-blackcaps-in-5th-t20i

ICC Men's Test Team Rankings: After a series of what we would say was a disaster for Team India in Australia and for Team Pakistan in South Africa, the International Cricket Council has come up with the latest updated ICC Men's Test Team Rankings where India slipped past South Africa. 
Two big teams from Asia toured two different countries in December.  The positive of the Pakistan Tour of South Africa was that they are the only nation to whitewash South Africa in the ODI format in South Africa. The end result of the test series is disappointing for both nations as they failed to deliver the best. Let's take a look at both tours in brief.
<h2>Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25</h2>
India’s struggles in Test cricket continued as they suffered a crushing 3-1 defeat against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. This marked the second consecutive Test series loss for the team, adding to the earlier 3-0 drubbing against New Zealand at home. Despite starting the series with high hopes, Rohit Sharma’s leadership failed to inspire consistency, allowing Australia to dominate and reclaim the trophy after a decade.
The series began on a promising note for India with a commanding 295-run victory in Perth, led by stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah. However, that early success turned out to be the only bright spot in an otherwise disappointing campaign.
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202412/image_430x256_67738a0bddf09.jpg" alt="">
Australia roared back with a 10-wicket triumph in Adelaide, while the rain-affected draw in Brisbane did little to shift the momentum. The Boxing Day Test in Melbourne saw Australia crush India by 184 runs, leaving the visitors on the back foot heading into the series finale.
India entered the decisive fifth Test in Sydney needing a win to salvage the series and avoid their first defeat to Australia since 2014-15. Unfortunately, their performance faltered once again, and the hosts sealed a comfortable six-wicket victory. With this win, Australia not only secured the series 3-1 but also ended India’s recent dominance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, delivering a strong statement in world cricket.
<h2>Pakistan Tour of South Africa 2024/25</h2>
South Africa clinched a 2-0 series win against Pakistan, securing their place in the World Test Championship final. The first Test at SuperSport Park was a nail-biting affair, with South Africa chasing 148 and narrowly winning by two wickets after a dramatic collapse, thanks to their lower-order resilience. Pakistan’s bowlers fought hard but couldn’t break South Africa’s eight-match losing streak in the country.
The second Test in Cape Town saw South Africa dominate with a 10-wicket victory. The proteas, batting first put up 600+ runs on the board, already winning the pressure game. Despite following on, Pakistan put up a spirited fight with a strong second-innings total of 478. However, South Africa's bowlers limited the target to just 58, which the hosts chased with ease, sealing the series in just four days.
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_677de4a3187ba.jpg" alt="">
This series highlighted South Africa’s consistency and ability to deliver under pressure. Their strong bowling attack and solid team performance throughout ensured they remained unbeaten in the 2024/25 season. With this victory, South Africa carries significant momentum heading into the WTC final at Lord’s.
After these two series, here is the ICC Men's Test Team Rankings updated recently:
<h2>ICC Men's Test Team Rankings</h2>
India were leading the ICC Test Team Rankings a couple of months back in the time. The home series loss against New Zealand put them in a 121 rating and India slipped to the second spot. The Australia tour was also disappointing for the Indian team as they lost 3 matches which further damaged their rating and India are now ranked third with a 109 rating.
<table id="table_1" class="table table-bordered table-hover" border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 62.561%; background-color: #F2EEFA; border-color: #000000; border-style: double;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=98.5" style="width: 10.6329%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Pos</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.87" style="width: 37.7215%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Team</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.79" style="width: 21.7722%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Matches</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.07" style="width: 12.6582%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Pts</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.97" style="width: 17.2152%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Rating</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=71.89" style="width: 10.6329%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">01</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.84" style="width: 37.7215%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">AUSTRALIA</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.98" style="width: 21.7722%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">36</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.98" style="width: 12.6582%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">4531</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.97" style="width: 17.2152%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">126</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=89.39" style="width: 10.6329%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">02</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.92" style="width: 37.7215%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">SOUTH AFRICA</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.93" style="width: 21.7722%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">30</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.75" style="width: 12.6582%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">3355</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.9" style="width: 17.2152%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">112</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=91.51" style="width: 10.6329%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">03</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.79" style="width: 37.7215%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">INDIA</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.92" style="width: 21.7722%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">39</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.91" style="width: 12.6582%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">4248</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.96" style="width: 17.2152%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">109</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=93.03" style="width: 10.6329%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">04</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.64" style="width: 37.7215%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">ENGLAND</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.88" style="width: 21.7722%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">46</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.92" style="width: 12.6582%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">4815</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.93" style="width: 17.2152%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">105</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=83.5" style="width: 10.6329%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">05</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.88" style="width: 37.7215%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">NEW ZEALAND</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.92" style="width: 21.7722%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">33</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.95" style="width: 12.6582%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">3216</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.95" style="width: 17.2152%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">97</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=79.98" style="width: 10.6329%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">06</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.59" style="width: 37.7215%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">SRI LANKA</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.9" style="width: 21.7722%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">28</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.96" style="width: 12.6582%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">2436</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.79" style="width: 17.2152%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">87</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=87.86" style="width: 10.6329%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">07</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=80.77" style="width: 37.7215%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">PAKISTAN</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.95" style="width: 21.7722%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">27</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.96" style="width: 12.6582%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">2237</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.64" style="width: 17.2152%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">83</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=81.49" style="width: 10.6329%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">08</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.77" style="width: 37.7215%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">WEST INDIES</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.93" style="width: 21.7722%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">29</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.71" style="width: 12.6582%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">2184</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.86" style="width: 17.2152%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">75</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=77.44" style="width: 10.6329%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">09</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.72" style="width: 37.7215%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">BANGLADESH</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.92" style="width: 21.7722%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">29</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.47" style="width: 12.6582%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">1884</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.9" style="width: 17.2152%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">65</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=89.56" style="width: 10.6329%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">10</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=64.23" style="width: 37.7215%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">IRELAND</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=97.56" style="width: 21.7722%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">5</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.91" style="width: 12.6582%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">131</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.91" style="width: 17.2152%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=84.32" style="width: 10.6329%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">11</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=56.91" style="width: 37.7215%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">AFGHANISTAN</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.87" style="width: 21.7722%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">6</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.89" style="width: 12.6582%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">112</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.91" style="width: 17.2152%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=72.44" style="width: 10.6329%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">12</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.09" style="width: 37.7215%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">ZIMBABWE</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.92" style="width: 21.7722%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">6</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=98.31" style="width: 12.6582%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">0</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=97.18" style="width: 17.2152%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

India dropped to third in the ICC Test Rankings after series losses against New Zealand and Australia. South Africa’s dominant 2-0 win over Pakistan secured their spot in the World Test Championship final.

India’s Test struggles continue as South Africa overtakes them in rankings following dominant performances against Pakistan and Australia.

ICC Men's Test Team Rankings Latest Updated After BGT 2024/25 and SA vs PAK Test Series

icc-men-s-test-team-rankings-latest-updated-after-bgt-2024-25-and-sa-vs-pak-test-series

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.