South Africa kicked off their 2025 Champions Trophy campaign with a dominant win, avoiding any slip-ups this time. Rickelton's century, along with fifties from van der Dussen and Markram, powered them to a strong total. 

The Proteas' pacers then put Afghanistan under pressure early, removing Gurbaz and Zadran cheaply before a run-out sent Atal back. Skipper Shahidi fell for a duck, leaving his team struggling at 50/4. Rahmat Shah held firm, but Afghanistan couldn’t build significant partnerships. Rabada’s tight lines, Mulder’s clever cutters, and Maharaj’s controlled spin kept South Africa in command, eventually bowling Afghanistan out for 208. Rahmat Shah fell short of a century, and South Africa sealed a comfortable victory.

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International games

• Afghanistan vs South Africa

  RSA 315/6 (50)

  AFG 208 (43.3)

  South Africa won by 107 runs

Kerala reaches first Ranji Trophy final after taking first-innings lead vs Gujarat

Kerala pulled off a thrilling win to secure a historic spot in the Ranji Trophy final, edging past Gujarat by just two runs in a nail-biting finish. With Gujarat needing only 28 runs on the final day and three wickets in hand, the odds were against Kerala. However, the visitors held their nerve, delivering a gritty performance to turn the game in their favor.

While all eyes were on Jalaj Saxena, who had claimed four wickets the previous day, it was Aditya Sarwate who delivered the decisive blows. Kerala had prepared meticulously, focusing on close-in catching and sharp field placements. Their spinners set the tone early, with fielders constantly shifting between silly point and short leg, creating pressure that ultimately paid off.

Domestic cricket + T20 leagues

• Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women vs Mumbai Indians Women

  RCBW 167/7 (20)

  MIW 170/6 (19.5)

  Mumbai Indians Women won by 4 wkts

CHAMPIONS TROPHY MATCH PREVIEW 

Australia vs England

Australia and England, winners of the last two ICC ODI events, enter the 2025 Champions Trophy as contenders but with significant concerns. Australia has lost their last four ODIs, failing to cross 200 in any of them. Their struggles were highlighted by two heavy defeats in Sri Lanka recently, exposing a fragile batting lineup. The absence of their first-choice pace trio—Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood—adds to their woes. Historically, Australia has won the Champions Trophy twice, but in the last two editions, they failed to win a single game.

England, meanwhile, comes into the tournament following a disappointing 2023 ODI World Cup campaign. They also struggled in India recently, raising questions about their form. Despite boasting a strong batting lineup, their inconsistency has been evident. Brendon McCullum, newly appointed as white-ball coach, and captain Jos Buttler are under pressure to deliver. A victory here would be crucial, as England aims to become the fourth team to complete the ICC white-ball treble, having already won the ODI and T20 World Cups. In a short tournament like this, an early setback could prove costly, making their opening clash against Australia a high-stakes encounter.

Picture of the week

On This Day

1970

Michael Slater emerged as one of the most explosive yet unpredictable batters of the modern era. His stunning 152 at Lord’s in just his second Test in 1993 signaled his arrival on the big stage. Partnering with fellow Wagga Wagga native Mark Taylor, Slater dominated early Ashes battles, smashing seven centuries in his first 16 matches, setting the tone for the entire series—his 176 at the Gabba in 1994-95 being a prime example.

Despite his aggressive approach, Slater played more Tests (74) than ODIs (42), a rare anomaly for such a naturally attacking batter. His career, however, was marked by inconsistency. After launching a fierce assault on

Coming tomorrow

• Zimbabwe vs Ireland, 1st T20I

• India Masters vs Sri Lanka Masters

• Delhi Capitals Women vs UP Warriorz Women

What else is happening

• Dubey five-for takes Vidarbha into Ranji final despite Shardul and Mulani's fightback

• Pakistan Star Points Out Big Problems Ahead Of India Clash, Says "Need To Fix..."