The 37th match of the tournament delivered a nail-biting encounter between the Rangpur Riders and the Chittagong Kings at the iconic Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. The electrifying atmosphere crackled with anticipation as the Kings ultimately secured a commanding 5-wicket victory, showcasing both potent bowling and explosive batting.

The Riders, batting first, found themselves in early trouble. The top order crumbled under pressure, succumbing to a series of early dismissals. The scoreboard reflected their struggles, leaving them teetering precariously at 68-5. However, a crucial partnership between Iftikhar Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan breathed life back into their innings.

This remarkable rescue act saw Iftikhar anchor the innings with a masterful unbeaten 65, showcasing his exceptional temperament and batting prowess. Mehidy Hasan provided valuable support, contributing a crucial unbeaten 22 off 20 balls, bolstering the team’s total to a respectable 143. The lower order offered little resistance, with Shoriful Islam (1 wicket), Khaled Ahmed (2 wickets) and Shamim Hossain (1 wicket) leading the Kings’ bowling assault. The early wickets provided crucial momentum for the Kings’ chase.

Winning the toss and electing to field, the Chittagong Kings started aggressively. The early breakthroughs set the tone for their dominant performance. Steven Taylor was dismissed for a duck, quickly followed by Saif Hasan’s departure for a meagre 8 runs. The dismissal of Soumya Sarkar through a run-out further compounded the Riders’ woes. Khaled Ahmed’s impressive bowling figures of 2 wickets were instrumental in dismantling the Riders’ batting lineup. The collective bowling effort kept the Riders’ run rate in check, restricting them to a below-par total.

Chasing a modest 144, the Kings began their innings with a cautious approach. Parvez Hossain Emon played a responsible knock of 41 runs off 43 balls, laying a solid foundation for the chase. However, it was Haider Ali’s breathtaking display of power-hitting that truly stole the show. His electrifying, unbeaten 48 runs off a mere 18 balls, peppered with 1 boundary and 6 towering sixes, propelled the Kings towards victory.

Despite some early breakthroughs by Akif Javed (who removed Lahiru Milantha and Graham Clark) and Saifuddin (who dismissed key batsmen Mohammad Mithun and Parvez Hossain Emon), the Kings’ momentum proved unstoppable. The remaining bowlers struggled to contain the Kings’ aggressive batting, ultimately handing them a comfortable 5-wicket victory. The match underscored the fine line between triumph and defeat in the high-pressure environment of competitive T20 cricket.

Cricket fans worldwide are in for a treat as South African icon AB de Villiers announces his highly anticipated return to the sport after a four-year hiatus. The electrifying batsman, renowned for his innovative style and unmatched versatility, will lead the Game Changers South Africa Champions in the second edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL). This prestigious T20 tournament, showcasing retired and non-contracted cricketing legends, promises a nostalgic yet thrilling spectacle for fans globally.

De Villiers’ decision to return stems from a renewed passion for the game, ignited by his own children’s burgeoning interest in cricket. “Four years ago, I retired from all cricket because I just didn’t feel the urge to play any more,” he stated in a WCL press release. “Well, time has passed, and my young sons have started playing the game. We’ve been playing more and more often in the garden, and, well, it feels as though some kind of flame has been lit again.” He added, “So I am heading back to the gym and the nets, and I’ll be ready for WCL in July.”

The cricketing fraternity is buzzing with excitement. De Villiers’ comeback is a monumental event, particularly for the Game Changers team. Already boasting a stellar lineup including Jacques Kallis, Herschelle Gibbs, Dale Steyn, and Imran Tahir from the inaugural season, the addition of de Villiers as captain elevates the team to new heights.

Amandeep Singh, Co-Owner of South Africa Champions and Founder of Game Changers, expressed his elation: “We are honoured to compete in the World Championship of Legends and showcase the incredible talent of our cricketing greats. AB de Villiers’ return as our captain is a monumental boost for our team, and his leadership will undoubtedly inspire us to new heights.”

Harry Singh, Co-Owner of South Africa Champions, added, “AB de Villiers is not just a player; he’s an icon who has inspired millions around the world. His decision to lead our team is a testament to his love for the game, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have him on board. This marks a historic moment for the team and the league.”

Harshit Tomar, Founder and CEO of the World Championship of Legends, shared his enthusiasm: “This is precisely why we launched the WCL – to bring back the legends we deeply miss. As a fan of AB de Villiers, I’m thrilled to see him return to the field. I’m sure cricket lovers in England and beyond will be delighted by his comeback.”

Nishant Pitti, Chief Patron of the WCL, concluded, “Our partnership with the World Championship of Legends is a celebration of cricket’s golden era. The return of AB de Villiers embodies the spirit of the league, and we are privileged to witness this iconic moment.” The stage is set for a spectacular return, promising an unforgettable summer of cricket.

Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, was crowned the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year on January 27th, 2025, a richly deserved accolade reflecting his extraordinary 2024 season. His staggering statistics – 71 wickets in a mere 13 matches at a sub-15 average – speak volumes of his dominance.

This achievement is all the more remarkable considering his return from a back injury late in 2023. His overall average for the year stood at an incredible 14.92, firmly establishing him as the world’s number-one Test bowler.

Bumrah’s exceptional form was pivotal in keeping India competitive in the ICC World Test Championship, although they ultimately fell short of the final. His consistent brilliance, equally effective in home and away conditions, was recognized by the ICC, who lauded him as the “standout bowler in the world in 2024.” He outshone fellow nominees Harry Brook and Joe Root (England), and Kamindu Mendis (ICC Emerging Cricketer of the Year), becoming the first Indian to win this award since Virat Kohli in 2018, following R Ashwin’s double win in 2016.

In a heartfelt statement, Bumrah expressed deep honour and gratitude, crediting his teammates, coaches, and the unwavering support of his fans. He emphasized the profound privilege of representing India and the joy his success brings to people around the world. The award represents not just individual brilliance but the culmination of collective effort and unwavering belief.

The recognition extends beyond this prestigious award. Bumrah remains a strong contender for the coveted Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for Men’s Cricketer of the Year, with the announcement scheduled for January 28th, 2025. He has already been selected for the ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year for 2024, a testament to his consistently high performance.

His impact was decisive in India’s series victories against England and Bangladesh on home soil. Furthermore, he consistently rose to the occasion in challenging away conditions, notably in South Africa and Australia. His 357 overs bowled demonstrate his tireless work ethic, yet he maintained a phenomenal economy rate of 2.96 and a strike rate of 30.1—a remarkable feat in the context of modern Test cricket’s often high-scoring nature.

Bumrah’s achievement joins an elite group. He became the fourth Indian bowler to amass over 70 Test wickets in a calendar year, following in the footsteps of Ravichandran Ashwin, Anil Kumble, and Kapil Dev. However, his exceptionally low average makes his accomplishment unique, surpassing even the achievements of the 17 other bowlers in Test history who have achieved the 70-wicket milestone in a calendar year. His 32 wickets in the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia, despite India’s 1-3 series loss, further underline his individual brilliance.