Pakistan showcased complete control in the 1st Test at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, defeating South Africa by 93 runs to take a 1–0 lead in the series. The home side’s triumph was built on Imam-ul-Haq’s patient century and Shan Masood’s fluent 85, which set up a strong first-innings total of 378. Left-arm spinner Noman Ali was the star of the show, claiming a remarkable 10 wickets in the match, dismantling South Africa’s middle order in both innings. Shaheen Afridi provided early breakthroughs, while Pakistan’s catching and fielding intensity stood out. South Africa’s Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen offered resistance, but Pakistan’s spin stranglehold proved too much to handle.
Defending a modest target on Day 4, Pakistan’s spinners ran riot, sealing victory before the final session. Noman Ali’s match-winning spell earned him the Player of the Match award, as he outfoxed the Proteas with turn, flight, and control. The hosts displayed smart captaincy under Babar Azam, rotating bowlers efficiently and keeping attacking fields throughout. South Africa’s chase never gained momentum, collapsing from steady starts under relentless pressure. The win not only boosts Pakistan’s World Test Championship points but also reaffirms their dominance at home. With confidence soaring, Pakistan now head into the 2nd Test looking to seal the series in style.
Afghanistan Crushes Bangladesh in a Commanding 3-0 ODI Sweep
Afghanistan stamped their authority in the ODI series, white-washing Bangladesh 3-0 on their UAE tour and sending a statement across the cricketing world. From the first match, they set the tone with composed batting and incisive bowling, never letting Bangladesh settle into the contest. Key contributors like Ibrahim Zadran’s 95 in the 3rd ODI and Bilal Sami’s five-wicket haul dismantled Bangladesh’s resistance and left a mark of ruthless efficiency. Bangladesh’s batting collapsed under relentless pressure, notably being bundled out for just 93 in the final match. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s spin and pace attack operated with precision, with Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, and the seamers all making telling contributions. For Bangladesh, the tour exposed vulnerabilities—top-order inconsistency, middle-overs fragility and an inability to close out games. Yet for Afghanistan, this dominant performance signals their rising status, showcasing depth, discipline and match-winning temperament. It’s a series that may well mark a turning point in their white-ball evolution.
Women’s World Cup 2025: A New Era of Power, Passion, and Parity
The 13th edition of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup is unfolding across India and Sri Lanka from 30 September to 2 November 2025, featuring eight powerhouse nations battling in a thrilling round-robin format. The event has already shattered records — the India vs Pakistan clash drew an unprecedented 1.87 billion online viewing minutes, proving the global surge in women’s cricket fandom. Prize money has reached historic highs, with the champions’ purse now surpassing that of the 2023 Men’s World Cup, a major milestone for gender equality in sport. Beyond the numbers, the energy in stadiums and online reflects a sport rapidly moving into the mainstream.
On the field, the action has been electric. Australia, the defending champions, continue to dominate with the highest-ever successful chase in women’s ODI history, while England remain unbeaten yet struggle with top-order inconsistency. Teams like India, South Africa, and New Zealand have showcased remarkable depth, ensuring every match counts in the race to the semifinals. Despite logistical hurdles and shifting venues, the tournament has thrived under the lights of India and Sri Lanka. As the group stage heats up, this World Cup is shaping into a defining moment for women’s cricket — fierce, fearless, and firmly global.
