Cricket news

India takes command in Sydney with Rishabh Pant’s knock, leads by 145 runs against Australia

Published

2 years ago

January 4, 2025

Sydney, Jan 4 — On an action-packed Day 2 of the fifth and final Test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, India seized control of the match, thanks to a breathtaking knock by wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and a disciplined bowling performance earlier in the day.

India closed the day at 141/6 in their second innings, with Ravindra Jadeja (8*) and Washington Sundar (6*) at the crease. The visitors lead by a substantial 145 runs, putting them in a commanding position to dictate the remainder of the match.

Pant’s explosive knock

Rishabh Pant set the stage ablaze with a scintillating 61 off just 33 balls, reaching his half-century in a mere 29 deliveries—the second-fastest Test fifty by an Indian batter. His blistering innings featured audacious boundaries and towering sixes, including a stylish six off Mitchell Starc to bring up his milestone. Pant’s aggression turned the momentum firmly in India’s favor, unsettling the Australian bowling attack.

Unfortunately for India, Pant’s fireworks came to an end when he edged a wide delivery from Pat Cummins to Alex Carey behind the stumps. Despite his dismissal, Pant’s knock ensured India had a vital lead as they look to consolidate their position.

Bowling brilliance sets the tone

Earlier in the day, India’s bowlers delivered a stellar performance to dismiss Australia for 181 in their first innings. Mohammed Siraj (3/51), Prasidh Krishna (3/42), and Nitish Reddy (2/32) stepped up in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who had left the field for scans due to an unspecified injury but later returned to the dressing room. Bumrah still contributed with two crucial wickets (2/33) before leaving the ground.

Australia struggled against India’s disciplined attack, with none of their batters managing to post a significant score. India’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings, ensuring the hosts could only manage a slender four-run lead after the first innings.

Jadeja and sundar hold the fort

Following Pant’s dismissal, India adopted a cautious approach, with Jadeja and Sundar focusing on consolidating the lead. Jadeja displayed his characteristic grit, while Sundar provided steady support at the other end.

Scott Boland was the pick of the Australian bowlers, claiming four wickets and keeping India’s batters on their toes. However, India’s aggressive intent earlier in the innings ensured they stayed ahead in the contest.

Day 3 outlook

As the match progresses, India’s lead of 145 runs puts them in a dominant position. With the pitch showing signs of wear and tear, the onus will be on India’s lower order to extend the lead further. Australia, on the other hand, will need quick wickets early on Day 3 to claw their way back into the match.

Quick highlights from day 2

India’s second innings: 141/6 (Pant 61, Boland 4/36)
Australia’s first innings: 181 all out (Siraj 3/51, Krishna 3/42)
India leads by: 145 runs at stumps.

Day 3 promises to bring another gripping chapter in this thrilling Test match. Stay tuned as India aims to strengthen their hold and Australia fights to stay in the game.

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Abhishek Sharma smashes 113 off 38 balls as India beat New Zealand in 3rd ODI

Abhishek Sharma hammered 113 off just 38 balls as India chased down New Zealand’s 199-run target in 13.2 overs, winning the third T20I by six wickets.

Published

7 days ago

October 27, 2026

APNLive Desk

Abhishek Sharma delivered a stunning batting performance in the third T20 International against New Zealand in Wellington, smashing 113 off just 38 balls to power India’s chase of 199. India reached the target in 13.2 overs, winning the match by six wickets.

The Indian opener’s explosive innings proved decisive as India chased down New Zealand’s total of 198/3. His aggressive approach put the hosts under pressure and helped India complete the chase with plenty of overs to spare.

Abhishek Sharma leads India’s chase

Abhishek’s 113-run knock off 38 deliveries was the standout performance of the contest. His innings provided India with the momentum needed to pursue the 199-run target at a rapid pace.

The century also made Abhishek the central figure of the third T20I, with his power-hitting dominating the contest. India’s successful chase underlined the impact of his innings in a match where New Zealand had posted a substantial total.

India chase down 199 against New Zealand

New Zealand scored 198/3 in their innings, setting India a target of 199. However, India’s batters responded with an aggressive chase, reaching the target in just 13.2 overs.

The six-wicket victory gave India an important result in the five-match T20I series. Abhishek’s century was the defining contribution of the match, ensuring that the visitors completed the chase comfortably.

Abhishek Sharma’s innings takes the spotlight

Abhishek’s quickfire century was the major talking point from the Wellington encounter. Scoring 113 runs from only 38 balls, he combined scoring speed with the ability to keep India’s chase firmly on track.

His performance will be among the key highlights of the third T20I as India continue their campaign against New Zealand.

Cricket news

India beat Pakistan by 19 runs to win Asian Games cricket gold

India beat Pakistan by 19 runs in the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket final to retain the gold medal in the competition.

Published

1 month ago

October 3, 2026

APNLive Desk

India defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in the men’s cricket final at the Asian Games 2026 on Saturday to retain the gold medal.

India posted 211 for six after being sent in to bat, before restricting Pakistan to 192 for six in their 20 overs. The victory gave India their second successive Asian Games gold medal in men’s cricket.

India post 211 in final

India’s batting was led by Abhishek Sharma, who scored 61 off 28 balls, while Tilak Varma contributed 51 off 22 balls.

The two batters provided the momentum as India reached 211 for six from their 20 overs.

India captain Shreyas Iyer had won the toss and elected to bat first in the final.

Pakistan fall 19 runs short

Pakistan’s chase was anchored by Hasan Nawaz, who made 96 from 51 balls. Saim Ayub added 29 from 22 balls, but Pakistan finished on 192 for six after 20 overs.

India’s Axar Patel and Washington Sundar each took two wickets as Pakistan fell short of the target.

The result secured the gold medal for India, while Pakistan finished with silver. Sri Lanka won the bronze medal after defeating Bangladesh in the bronze-medal match.

India retain Asian Games cricket title

The victory marked India’s second consecutive men’s cricket gold medal at the Asian Games. India had also won the men’s cricket gold at the Hangzhou edition.

India’s victory over Pakistan also completed a gold-medal double for the country in cricket at the 2026 Asian Games, after the women’s team won the women’s cricket final earlier in the competition.

Cricket news

Jasprit Bumrah becomes first Indian to play T20Is in 13 countries

Jasprit Bumrah became the first Indian to play T20I cricket in 13 different countries after featuring against Sri Lanka in Japan.

Published

1 month ago

October 1, 2026

APNLive Desk

Jasprit Bumrah added another milestone to his international career on Thursday after taking the field for India against Sri Lanka in the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket semifinal in Japan.

Bumrah’s appearance at Nishin made him the first Indian to play T20I cricket in 13 different countries, according to the report. He moved ahead of former India captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, along with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who have each played T20Is in 12 countries.

Bumrah’s 13-country T20I record

Before playing in Japan, Bumrah had represented India in T20Is in 12 other countries — India, Australia, Bangladesh, England, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the UAE, the United States, West Indies and Zimbabwe.

His appearance in Japan took the tally to 13. Kohli, Rohit and Bhuvneshwar had played in all of those countries except Japan, leaving Bumrah alone at the top of the list.

Kohli and Rohit cannot add to their totals as both have retired from T20I cricket, according to the source.

Bumrah shines against Sri Lanka

Bumrah also made an immediate impact in his first T20I appearance in Japan. He claimed two wickets in his opening over against Sri Lanka and finished with figures of 2/7 in two overs.

India went on to dismiss Sri Lanka for 45 in 9.5 overs and won the semifinal by 124 runs to book a place in the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket final.

The result set up an India-Pakistan gold-medal clash, scheduled for October 3.

Jasprit Bumrah has become the first Indian to play T20I cricket in 13 different countries. His appearance against Sri Lanka in Japan took him past Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who have played T20Is in 12 countries each.