In the second Test match played in Galle, the Sri Lankan team was bowled out for 257 runs in the first innings and 231 runs in the second innings, while Australia was given a target of just 75 runs to win.
Earlier, the Australian team had set a mountain of 414 runs in the first innings.
Later, Australia achieved Sri Lanka’s target of 75 runs for the loss of one wicket, with Usman Khawaja 27 and Marnus Labuschagne not out on 26 runs.
Australia defeated Sri Lanka in a series for the first time on its home ground since 2011.
It should be noted that the final of the World Test Championship will be played between the teams of Australia and South Africa at Lord’s this year.
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The Indian cricket team has made a great start in the ODI series against England. Team India defeated England by 4 wickets in the first ODI match played in Nagpur. Despite this victory, everyone was a little worried because star batsman Virat Kohli could not play this match due to injury. Now the second match of the series is to be played on Sunday, February 9 and everyone is eager to know whether Kohli is fit now? Or will he be out of this match too? So the suspense is over now. There is relief news for the fans of Team India and Virat Kohli as Virat is fully fit for the second match and ready to take the field. The second match of the three-match ODI series between India and England will be played in Cuttack, Odisha on Sunday. Regarding this match, all eyes were on Virat Kohli’s fitness. Kohli’s exclusion from the first match came as a surprise to everyone as the star batsman, who has been playing international cricket for over 15 years, had maintained his best fitness and was out of only a few matches. But his poor form and sudden injury left fans worried.
His injury just before the Champions Trophy had raised concerns but now those concerns have been put to rest as the former India captain is now fully fit. A day before the second ODI, on Saturday, February 8, the team’s batting coach Stanislav Kotak gave this important update on Virat’s fitness in a press conference. The coach said that Virat is now fully fit and available for the second match. This means that Virat’s return to the playing XI in the second ODI is now certain. With this match, Virat will be seen playing in his strongest ODI format for the first time since August 2024. This is a good opportunity for him to prepare ahead of the Champions Trophy.
After Kohli’s return, a big question has arisen as to who will replace him in the playing XI. Kotak did not reveal anything about this and clearly said that this decision will be taken by the coach and captain. In the last match, Yashasvi Jaiswal made his debut and came to open. At that time, it was believed that Kohli’s injury had created a place for him, but after the match, Shreyas Iyer revealed that he was actually not going to play in the Nagpur ODI but the doors were open for him due to Kohli’s injury. Iyer scored an explosive half-century in just 30 balls in that match. In such a situation, there is no possibility of removing him, due to which young opener Jaiswal will have to vacate his place.
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Lahore (News Desk) In the first match of the tri-series, New Zealand won the toss against Pakistan and decided to bat first. Speaking after the toss at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan cricket team captain Muhammad Rizwan said that if they had won the toss, they would have batted first.
He said that Babar Azam will open the innings today. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said that the wicket looks favorable for batting, so they have decided to bat first.
Introduction: A High-Octane Clash Sets the Tone for the Tri-Series
The first ODI of the Pakistan Tri-Series 2025 between Pakistan and New Zealand on February 8, 2025, was a rollercoaster of explosive batting, tactical bowling, and dramatic momentum shifts. Played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, the match saw New Zealand post a mammoth 330/6, powered by Glenn Phillips’ blistering 106* off 74 balls. Pakistan’s chase crumbled under pressure, ending at 252 all out, handing New Zealand a 78-run victory. This article breaks down the key moments, standout performances, and tactical decisions that defined this thrilling encounter.
Match Summary: NZ’s Commanding Total vs PAK’s Faltering Chase
Early Setbacks: New Zealand lost openers Will Young (4) and Rachin Ravindra (25) early, but Williamson and Mitchell stabilized the innings with a 95-run partnership .
Phillips’ Carnage: After Mitchell’s dismissal at 200/5, Phillips unleashed a brutal assault, scoring 77 runs off his final 32 balls. His 25-run final over against Shaheen Afridi included three sixes and two boundaries .
Late Surge: NZ added 120 runs in the last 10 overs, with Phillips and Michael Bracewell (31 off 23) accelerating the scoring rate .
Pakistan’s Bowling:
Shaheen Afridi: 3/88, including key wickets of Williamson and Bracewell.
Abrar Ahmed: 2/41, dismissing Ravindra and Mitchell .
Pakistan’s Chase: Fakhar’s Lone Fight and Middle-Order Collapse
Scorecard: 252 all out (47.5 overs) Top Performers:
Early Blow: Babar Azam (10 off 23) fell cheaply to Michael Bracewell, shifting pressure onto Fakhar :.
Fakhar’s Heroics: Fakhar dominated the powerplay, racing to a 69-ball 84. His dismissal by Phillips in the 24th over triggered a collapse .
Spin Strangle: Mitchell Santner (3/41) and Bracewell (2/41) dismantled Pakistan’s middle order, reducing them from 119/4 to 205/7.
Turning Point: Fakhar’s LBW dismissal at 119/4 extinguished Pakistan’s hopes, with the required rate soaring to 9+ .
Tactical Breakdown: What Won New Zealand the Game?
H3: Phillips’ Calculated Aggression
Phillips’ innings was a masterclass in pacing. He scored just 29 off his first 43 balls before exploding in the death overs. His reverse scoops, slog sweeps, and straight drives left Pakistan’s bowlers clueless .
H3: Santner’s Spin Web
Santner’s 3/41 included the wickets of Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Khushdil Shah. His economy rate of 4.10 on a flat pitch highlighted his control .
H3: Pakistan’s Death Bowling Woes
Despite Afridi’s early strikes, Pakistan conceded 98 runs in the final six overs. Naseem Shah (0/70) and part-timer Khushdil Shah (0/66) struggled to contain Phillips.
Injury Concerns: Rauf and Ravindra Sidelined
Haris Rauf: Suffered a side strain mid-over and did not bat .
Rachin Ravindra: Struck on the face by a mishit ball while fielding, leading to a bloodied exit .
FAQ: Answers to Burning Questions
Q1: Who was the Player of the Match?
A: Glenn Phillips for his match-winning 106* and the crucial wicket of Fakhar Zaman.
Q2: How Did Pakistan’s Batting Falter?
A: Over-reliance on Fakhar Zaman and poor shot selection against spin led to a collapse from 119/4 to 205/7 .
Q3: What Was the Impact of NZ’s Final Over?
A: Phillips’ 25-run final over against Afridi shifted momentum decisively, adding 25% of NZ’s total in just six balls .
Q4: Where Can I Watch the Highlights?
A: Full highlights are available on ESPNcricinfo and YouTube (links in sources).
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Pakistan
New Zealand’s emphatic win underscores their depth in batting and spin prowess. For Pakistan, addressing death bowling and middle-order fragility will be critical ahead of their next match against South Africa. With Phillips in sublime form and Santner’s tactical acumen, NZ emerge as strong contenders for the Champions Trophy.
Key Takeaways:
Phillips’ Mastery: A blend of patience and aggression redefined match-winning knocks.
Spin Dominance: Santner and Bracewell exploited Lahore’s conditions brilliantly.
Pakistan’s Concerns: Over-dependence on Fakhar and Rauf’s fitness loom large.
watch complete match highlights zim vs ireland cricket match .
The second day of the historic one-off Test between Zimbabwe and Ireland at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, unfolded as a riveting contest of resilience, tactical brilliance, and unexpected twists. With Ireland resuming their first innings at 260 and Zimbabwe starting Day 2 at 72/1, the day saw dramatic shifts in momentum, culminating in Ireland ending with an 83/1 lead of 76 runs. Let’s dive into the key moments, standout performances, and tactical nuances that defined this enthralling day of Test cricket.
Zimbabwe’s First Innings: A Tale of Two Halves
Nick Welch’s Gritty 90: The Backbone of Zimbabwe’s Fightback
Zimbabwe’s batting fortunes hinged on debutant Nick Welch, who anchored the innings with a patient yet assertive 90 off 173 balls. Resuming at 33*, Welch showcased technical discipline, surviving early scares against Barry McCarthy’s seam movement . His 78-ball fifty included elegant drives and a six smashed over mid-off, earning applause from his father in the stands :cite[8]. However, his dismissal for 90—a spectacular running catch by Harry Tector—left Zimbabwe reeling at 200/9.
Collapse and Recovery: Muzarabani-Gwandu’s 67-Run Stand
At 200/9, Zimbabwe seemed destined for a deficit, but Blessing Muzarabani (47 off 68) and Trevor Gwandu (18*) staged a defiant 67-run partnership for the last wicket. Muzarabani, better known for his bowling, unleashed six boundaries, including a pull off Craig Young to secure Zimbabwe’s seven-run lead. His dismissal by Matthew Humphreys ended the innings at 267, but not before showcasing the hosts’ lower-order resilience.
Ireland’s Bowling Masterclass: McCarthy and McBrine Shine
Barry McCarthy’s Career-Best 4/75: Precision Meets Aggression
Ireland’s Barry McCarthy emerged as the day’s standout bowler, exploiting seam movement to dismantle Zimbabwe’s middle order. His early breakthroughs included trapping Takudzwanashe Kaitano (26) lbw and cleaning up Brian Bennett with an angled delivery. McCarthy’s adaptability—swinging between full lengths and sharp bouncers—kept Zimbabwe’s batters guessing.
Andy McBrine’s Spin Wizardry: 3/59 and Tactical Brilliance
Off-spinner Andy McBrine complemented McCarthy with clever variations, dismissing Wessly Madhevere (26) via a rebound catch and trapping Nyasha Mayavo lbw. His dismissal of captain Johnathan Campbell for 4 in the same over epitomized Ireland’s relentless pressure .
Ireland’s Second Innings: A Commanding Start
Moor and Balbirnie’s Aggressive Opening
Ireland’s reply began explosively, with Peter Moor (30 off 33) and Andy Balbirnie (32* off 51) racing to 42/0 in seven overs. Moor, a former Zimbabwean player, targeted Blessing Muzarabani’s inconsistent lines, smashing five boundaries before edging Richard Ngarava to the keeper .
Balbirnie’s Steady Hand: Building the Lead
Captain Balbirnie anchored the innings with crisp back-foot shots, surviving a dropped chance off Gwandu. Partnering with Curtis Campher (14*), he guided Ireland to 83/1 at stumps, extending their lead to 76 .
Key Moments That Defined the Day
Welch’s Near-Century: His 90 rescued Zimbabwe from collapse but fell agonizingly short of a debut ton :cite[4]:cite[7].
Muzarabani’s All-Round Heroics: 47 runs and 7 first-innings wickets highlighted his value :cite[1]:cite[5].
Ireland’s New-Ball Blitz: McCarthy and Adair’s early strikes restricted Zimbabwe’s progress :cite[2]:cite[8].
Pitch Dynamics: The surface eased post-lunch, favoring Ireland’s batters .
FAQ Section: Answering Key Questions
Q1: How Did Zimbabwe Recover from 200/9 to Take a Lead?
A1: Blessing Muzarabani and Trevor Gwandu’s 67-run stand—Zimbabwe’s highest 10th-wicket partnership in Tests—turned the tide :cite.
Q2: Who Were the Top Performers for Ireland?
A2: Barry McCarthy (4/75), Andy McBrine (3/59), and Andy Balbirnie (32*) stood out
Q3: What’s the Outlook for Day 3?
A3: Ireland, with nine wickets intact, aim to build a 250+ lead. Zimbabwe need early wickets to stay alive .
Conclusion: A Test Poised for Grandstand Finish
Day 2 encapsulated Test cricket’s essence—unpredictability, individual brilliance, and strategic depth. While Ireland hold the edge, Zimbabwe’s fighting spirit ensures the contest remains alive. As the pitch continues to flatten, Day 3 promises high-stakes battles between bat and ball.
Stay tuned for more updates from Bulawayo!
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Day 3 of the second Test between Sri Lanka and Australia in Galle unfolded as a gripping tale of dominance, resistance, and historic milestones. With Australia resuming their first innings at 330/3, the visitors extended their lead to 157 runs before Sri Lanka’s batting order crumbled under relentless spin pressure. Nathan Lyon’s 550th Test wicket and Prabath Jayasuriya’s five-wicket haul headlined the day, while Angelo Mathews’ gritty knock offered fleeting hope for the hosts. Let’s dive into the key moments, tactical battles, and turning points that defined February 8, 2025, at the Galle International Stadium.
Australia’s First-Innings Lead: Smith and Carey’s Record Partnership
Smith’s Masterclass and Carey’s Career-Best
Resuming at 330/3, Australia’s overnight centurions, Steve Smith (131) and Alex Carey (156), added 20 runs before Jayasuriya’s fiery spell triggered a collapse. Their 259-run partnership became the highest fourth-wicket stand by a visiting pair in Sri Lanka, surpassing Michael Hussey and Shaun Marsh’s 258 in 2011 :cite[8]:cite[10]. Carey, in particular, etched his name in history by surpassing Adam Gilchrist’s 144 to record the highest score by an Australian wicketkeeper in Asia. His aggressive 156 included 18 boundaries and showcased flawless sweep shots until his dismissal to a rare misjudgment :cite[6]:cite[8].
Jayasuriya’s Fiery Spell: A Glimmer of Hope for Sri Lanka
Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya (5/151) exploited the dry Galle surface with a morning blitz, claiming four wickets in a single session. His dismissal of Smith—a delivery that gripped off the pitch to clip the edge—reignited Sri Lanka’s hopes. Josh Inglis (0) fell next ball, and Carey’s sweep misfire ended his marathon innings. Despite Jayasuriya’s heroics, Australia’s tailenders, including Beau Webster (31), pushed the total to 414, securing a commanding 157-run lead .
Sri Lanka’s Second Innings: Karunaratne’s Farewell and Early Collapse
Dimuth Karunaratne’s Emotional Exit
In his final Test innings, Sri Lankan opener Dimuth Karunaratne (14) received a guard of honor from the Australian team. However, Matthew Kuhnemann’s skiddy delivery trapped him LBW, confirmed by a faint UltraEdge spike. The dismissal marked the end of a storied career, with teammates and opponents applauding his contribution to cricket .
Kuhnemann and Lyon’s Double Strike
Australia’s spinners wasted no time capitalizing on Sri Lanka’s fragile top order. Matthew Kuhnemann (2/21) removed Pathum Nissanka (8) and Karunaratne, while Nathan Lyon dismissed Dinesh Chandimal (12) with a stunning catch by Beau Webster at mid-off. At 81/4, Sri Lanka’s hopes of avoiding an innings defeat hinged on Angelo Mathews .
Nathan Lyon’s 550th Wicket: A Landmark Moment
Lyon’s dismissal of Chandimal marked his 550th Test wicket, a milestone achieved 14 years after his debut at the same venue. The off-spinner’s mastery over line and length was evident as he lured Chandimal into a lofted drive, pouched brilliantly by Webster. Lyon’s ability to outthink batters on deteriorating pitches solidified his legacy as Australia’s greatest spinner .
Angelo Mathews’ Resistance: A Lone Fight in Vain?
Counterattacking Intent
Angelo Mathews (35*) emerged as Sri Lanka’s sole resistance, adopting an aggressive approach against Lyon and Kuhnemann. His reverse sweeps and calculated risks—including a six over mid-on—contrasted sharply with his first-innings tentativeness. However, dropped catches (twice off Travis Head) and a lack of support from the middle order left him stranded .
Kamindu Mendis’ Disappointing Series
Promising all-rounder Kamindu Mendis (14) fell to Lyon’s flighted delivery, chipping a drive to Usman Khawaja at mid-off. With scores of 15, 32, 13, and 14 in the series, his inability to convert starts mirrored Sri Lanka’s batting woes .
The Final Session: Sri Lanka’s Uphill Battle to Save the Test
By stumps, Sri Lanka limped to 89/4, still trailing by 68 runs. Mathews and skipper Dhananjaya de Silva (2*) face a Herculean task on Day 4, with the pitch offering sharp turn and bounce. Australia, needing six wickets, will rely on Lyon and Kuhnemann to wrap up the match swiftly .
Key Takeaways from Day 3
Australia’s Spin Dominance: Lyon and Kuhnemann shared five wickets, exploiting the pitch’s uneven bounce.
Sri Lanka’s Batting Frailties: The top order collapsed for the fourth time in the series, raising questions about their technique against spin.
Historic Milestones: Lyon joined an elite group of bowlers with 550+ Test wickets, while Carey’s 156 set a new benchmark for Australian keepers in Asia.
Jayasuriya’s Redemption: After a quiet Day 2, his five-for showcased Sri Lanka’s fighting spirit.
FAQs: Unpacking the Day’s Biggest Moments
1. How significant is Nathan Lyon’s 550th Test wicket?
Lyon became the seventh bowler globally to reach 550 Test wickets, underscoring his consistency across conditions. His mastery in Galle—where he debuted in 2011—added poetic symmetry to the achievement .
2. Why did Sri Lanka collapse so quickly?
Technical flaws against spin, combined with pressure from Australia’s tight fields, led to rash shots. Karunaratne’s emotional exit also disrupted the team’s rhythm .
3. Can Sri Lanka avoid an innings defeat?
With Mathews at the crease and a long tail, survival is possible but unlikely. The pitch’s deterioration favors Australia’s spinners :cite.
4. Who were the standout performers?
Alex Carey: 156 runs, career-best in Tests.
Prabath Jayasuriya: 5/151, including Smith and Carey.
Nathan Lyon: 550th wicket and relentless control.
Conclusion
Day 3 in Galle was a microcosm of Test cricket’s ebbs and flows: record partnerships, emotional farewells, and spin wizardry. As Australia edges closer to a series sweep, Sri Lanka’s resolve—and Mathews’ blade—will determine whether Day 4 offers redemption or another capitulation. For now, Lyon’s milestone and Carey’s brilliance remain the defining narratives of a riveting contest.
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Watch complete match highlights Zimbabwe vs Ireland Test Day 2 Highlights 07-02-2025
Bulawayo, February 7 -Ireland, backed by brilliant bowling from Barry McCarthy (four wickets) and Andy McBrien (three wickets), restricted Zimbabwe to 267 for one on the second day of the Test match on Friday before making 83 for one in the second innings. Zimbabwe started yesterday’s match at a lead of 72 for one. Barry McCarthy gave Ireland their second win in this morning’s session by lbw Takudwanashe Ketano (26). He then bowled Brian Bennett (seven). After that, Zimbabwe’s wickets started falling steadily in front of Ireland’s bowling attack. Meanwhile, Nick Welch stood at one end and kept scoring runs for his team. Wesley Madhwere (26), captain Jonathan Campbell (4), Nyasha Mayu (18), Newman Nyamahuri (0), Richard Ngarwa (15) were dismissed after scoring runs. Mark Eder dismissed Nick Welch to give Zimbabwe a big blow. Nick Welch played an innings of 90 runs off 173 balls, which included nine fours and a six. Blessing Mazarbani tried his hand at batting after a brilliant performance in bowling and added 67 runs for the 10th wicket. He scored 47 runs off 68 balls, which included six fours. Mazarbani’s brilliant innings gave Zimbabwe a slight lead of seven runs. Zimbabwe’s team could score 267 runs in 86.1 overs. For Ireland, Barry McCarthy took four wickets and Andy McBrien took three wickets. Mark Eder took two wickets and Matthew Humphreys took one wicket. Ireland, who came in to bat in the second innings, were 83 for one at the end of the day’s play. PJ Moore (30) was out after scoring 30 runs. Andy Balbirnie (32 not out) and Curtis Kaempfer (14 not out) were at the crease. For Zimbabwe, Richard Ngarua took one wicket.
Australia’s key all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has suddenly announced his immediate retirement from ODI cricket ahead of the Champions Trophy and Cricket Australia will now announce the name of a replacement player in his place.
Now, Australian cricket team chief selector George Bailey has said that Australian captain Pat Cummins and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood have also been dropped from the ICC Champions Trophy squad.
Key player in the Australian team for the Champions Trophy announces immediate retirement from ODIs
Chief selector George Bailey said that all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has already been dropped from the squad due to fitness problems.
Australia had to make four changes to the preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy.
Australia will finalize the squad at the end of the Test against Sri Lanka.
Cricket Australia’s chief selector says that Pat Cummins has not recovered from an ankle injury while Josh Hazlewood is suffering from a hip problem, and the fast bowlers still need time to rehab.
Chief selector George Bailey said that unfortunately Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh are facing injuries, and these players could not be fully fit before the Champions Trophy.
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Watch Highlights of match between zimbabwe and Ireland on cricket103.com
Ireland cricket team is scheduled to visit Zimbabwe in February 2025 to play Zimbabwe cricket team. The tour will consist of one Test, three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). In January 2025, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) confirmed the tour.
Nagpur: The first match of the three-match One-Day International series between India and England will be played on February 6 at the Darbhanga Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur.
Galle – The second and final match of the two-Test series between Sri Lanka and Australia cricket teams will be played at the Galle International Stadium, Galle from February 6 to 10. The Australian men’s team is leading the two-match series against the host Islanders 0-1. The Australian team defeated the host Sri Lankan team by an innings and 242 runs in the first Test match.
