Karnataka’s triumphant victory in the 2025 Vijay Hazare Trophy final against Vidarbha is a testament to their collective skill and strategic prowess. The match, held on Saturday at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, Gujarat, concluded with a decisive 36-run win for Karnataka, a victory celebrated by Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar. He lauded the team’s coordinated performance, commending both the batting and bowling units, and specifically acknowledging captain Mayank Agarwal and the coaching staff for their instrumental roles in securing the title.

Vidarbha’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss proved to be a strategic misstep. While Karnataka’s openers, Mayank Agarwal and Devdutt Padikkal, provided a relatively modest start with a 23-run partnership, the middle order ignited the innings.

Smaran Ravichandran’s masterful century (101 runs from 92 balls, including 7 fours and 3 sixes) anchored a commanding total of 348/6. He was ably supported by Krishnan Shrijith (78 runs) and Abhinav Manohar (79 runs), whose explosive batting showcased their power-hitting capabilities.

Vidarbha’s bowling attack struggled to contain the onslaught, with Darshan Nalkande and Nachiket Bhute each taking two wickets, while Yash Thakur and Yash Kadam managed one each.

Vidarbha’s chase began promisingly with Dhruv Shorey’s impressive century (110 runs), a valiant effort marked by 8 fours and 2 sixes. However, a lack of substantial support from the other batsmen hampered their progress.

Despite contributions from captain Karun Nair (27 runs) and Harsh Dubey’s explosive 63 runs (5 fours, 5 sixes), Vidarbha ultimately fell short, ending their innings at 312 runs. Karnataka’s disciplined bowling performance, spearheaded by Vasuki Koushik, Prasidh Krishna, and Abhilash Shetty, each taking three wickets, proved decisive in sealing the victory.

Smaran Ravichandran’s match-winning century earned him the “Player of the Match” award, while Vidarbha’s Karun Nair was recognized as the “Player of the Series,” highlighting the individual excellence displayed throughout the tournament. The victory underscores Karnataka’s dominance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, a testament to the team’s dedication, talent, and strategic depth.

Peter Siddle, the veteran Victorian pace bowler, has executed a dramatic U-turn, signing a one-year contract extension with the Melbourne Stars for BBL|15. This surprising decision comes just weeks after the 40-year-old announced his retirement from all forms of cricket following the conclusion of the current summer. However, a compelling BBL|14 season, marked by strong performances and crucial leadership, proved too tempting to resist.

Siddle’s impact on the Stars this season has been undeniable. He leads the team in wickets with an impressive 11, showcasing his enduring skill and competitive spirit. Beyond the statistics, his influence extends far beyond the pitch. Melbourne Stars General Manager Blair Crouch praised Siddle’s unwavering dedication to fitness and his consistently high-level performance. “Peter is a credit to himself and a great example to all players in his preparation,” Crouch stated.

Crouch further highlighted Siddle’s invaluable contributions off the field. “He’s not only a great performer on the field but has been a wonderful support to both the coaching staff and leadership group, as well as a great mentor for our younger bowlers,” he added. This mentorship role has become increasingly significant for the Stars, benefiting their younger players immensely.

Siddle himself expressed his excitement about returning to the Stars. “It’s great to sign on for another year,” he said in a club statement. “I’ve really enjoyed my time in BBL|14, and whatever the result today, I feel like there’s a really strong platform to build on for sustained success. I can’t wait to play a few more games at the MCG next season.” The MCG, a familiar and beloved venue, will once again witness Siddle’s fierce bowling.

The Stars, after a shaky start losing their first five matches, have rallied, winning their last four and setting up a crucial must-win match against the Hobart Hurricanes to secure a finals berth. Siddle’s return breathes new life into their playoff hopes, adding an experienced hand and seasoned leadership to their campaign. His decision to delay retirement underscores not only his continued excellence but also his deep commitment to the Melbourne Stars.

Pakistan spinner Sajid Khan reached a significant milestone during the third day of the first Test against the West Indies, taking his 50th Test wicket. This achievement, reached in only his 11th Test, makes him the third-fastest Pakistani bowler to reach this mark, behind Yasir Shah (9 Tests) and a tie for second place among several others. Khan’s 50th wicket came when he dismissed West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite.

Sajid Khan, 31, became only the third-fastest Pakistani bowler to reach 50 Test wickets, achieving the milestone in his 11th Test. Only Yasir Shah (9 Tests) is faster, while several others are tied for second place, including Waqar Younis, Shabbir Ahmed, Mohammad Asif, and Mohammad Abbas.

Khan’s consistent skill has firmly established him on the international stage. He took four wickets in the West Indies’ first innings, contributing to their low score of 137 (Noman Ali took five).

However, the spotlight shifted to West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican, who delivered career-best figures of 7/32. He completely dismantled Pakistan’s batting, restricting them to a meager 157 runs in 46.4 overs.

Pakistan, resuming at 109/3, quickly crumbled. Warrican dismissed Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan for just two runs each. Kamran Ghulam’s 27 runs offered little respite before he too fell, leaving Pakistan at a precarious 113/5.

Warrican’s dominance continued, securing his maiden five-wicket haul—a first for a West Indies spinner against Pakistan in Pakistan. He then bowled Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, before running out Khurram Shahzad with a direct hit, leaving Pakistan teetering at 154/9.

While Khan contributed four wickets in the West Indies’ first innings (which ended at 137 runs thanks in part to Noman Ali’s five wickets), the spotlight shifted to West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican. Warrican produced career-best figures of 7/32, decimating Pakistan’s batting lineup and restricting them to 157 runs.

His performance included a maiden five-wicket haul, a first for a West Indies spinner against Pakistan in Pakistan. Warrican’s dominance resulted in the quick dismissals of several key Pakistani batsmen including Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, and Kamran Ghulam. He also ran out Khurram Shahzad. The final wicket fell to Godakesh Motie, leaving Pakistan all out for 157.