The 2nd Test between Pakistan and South Africa at Rawalpindi has turned into a thrilling tug of war. Pakistan posted a solid 333 in their first innings, with Babar Azam leading from the front, but South Africa hit back hard. The Proteas tail wagged spectacularly — Rabada’s fiery 71 and Muthusamy’s unbeaten 89 pushed them to 404, snatching a crucial lead. Pakistan’s top order faltered early in their second innings, stumbling to 94/4 by stumps. With only a 23-run advantage and six wickets in hand, the hosts are fighting to stay afloat. Both sides know the next session could decide the match — and possibly the series.
Thunder in the North Island: England Charge Ahead
The three-match T20I series between New Zealand and England is heating up, and England have grabbed the initiative in style. After the first game was washed out, England turned up the heat in the second at Christchurch, putting up a massive 236-for-4 thanks to a blistering 85 from Phil Salt and 78 from Harry Brook. New Zealand, chasing, could only muster 171, and England cruised to a 65-run victory to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Now the final match in Auckland becomes a do-or-die for New Zealand if they’re to salvage the series. With England riding high on momentum and New Zealand under pressure to perform at home, the stage is set for a memorable finale.
Spin & Super-Over Heart-Stopper: WI vs BAN 2nd ODI
The second ODI between West Indies and Bangladesh in Dhaka turned into a full-blown thriller, beginning with West Indies making cricket history by bowling only spinners for all 50 overs in Bangladesh’s innings — a first in men’s ODI cricket. Bangladesh, after a shaky start, were rescued by a blistering cameo of 39* off 14 balls from Rishad Hossain, propelling them to 213/7. In reply, the West Indies chase looked on edge: early wickets, pressure mounting, until captain Shai Hope steadied things with a calm 52* that brought them level at 213. With the scores tied after 50 overs, the match spilled into a super-over.
West Indies batted first in that over, managed 10 runs, and then under pressure their spinner Akeal Hosein held his nerve to defend those 10, restricting Bangladesh to 9 — giving the West Indies a one-run super-over win and levelling the series 1-1. It was a match that had everything: record-making spin strategy, a late batting blitz, a tied game, and a one-run margin in the super-over. Bangladesh will rue the missed opportunities, while the West Indies simply held on under immense pressure — a classic ODI in every sense.
