South Africa Seals WTC Final Spot
South Africa sealed their spot in the 2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final with a series of commanding performances throughout the cycle, including a key victory in their first Test against Pakistan. In this match, they showcased clinical batting and bowling, with Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma leading the charge with crucial runs. Kagiso Rabada played a pivotal role with the ball, taking key wickets to break Pakistan’s resistance. South Africa’s consistency in winning important series, coupled with a dominant performance in Pakistan, helped them accumulate vital points.
Tempa Bavuma, the Proteas skipper also deserves some special praise as his clinical display of captaincy skills aided the African squad to celebrate this moment. South Africa will play one more Test in this cycle, against Pakistan, at Newlands next week.
Kohli-Konstas Drama Intensifies
The drama between Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas during the Border-Gavaskar Series added extra spice to the intense rivalry between India and Australia. Tensions flared after a verbal exchange between the two players on the field, with Kohli mocking Khawaja’s dismissal and Khawaja responding in kind. The incident was highlighted by Kohli’s animated celebrations after dismissing Khawaja, which further ignited the competitive atmosphere. Both players, known for their aggressive on-field personas, kept the crowd and cameras captivated throughout the series. While the altercation added to the drama, it was ultimately a testament to the high stakes and fierce competition in the Border-Gavaskar battles.
Pakistani Pacer Faces Backlash on Social Media
Shaheen Shah Afridi has faced significant criticism for his recent poor performances, particularly in crucial matches. Despite his reputation as one of Pakistan’s premier fast bowlers, his lack of consistency and inability to make breakthroughs has raised questions about his form. Critics have pointed to his struggles with both pace and control, especially during key moments in important series. Fans and analysts have expressed disappointment over his inability to replicate his previous successes, putting extra pressure on him in high-stakes matches. He was also dropped from the 1st test match against Pakistan. With the spotlight on him, Shaheen’s form is now under intense scrutiny as he strives to regain his best performance.
