Sunday, April 20
Pretoria Capitals secured their first win of the SA20 2025 season by defeating Sunrisers Eastern Cape by 6 wickets. Sunrisers were bowled out for 113, with Bosch and Dupavillon playing key roles. Capitals overcame early setbacks during their chase and reached the target, thanks to Ackerman and Livingstone's crucial partnership.
Kapil Dev addressed the retirement speculation surrounding Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, expressing confidence in their ability to make the right decision about their careers. The retirement rumours have arisen following their underwhelming performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia and previous retirement from T20Is.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will replace defective medals from the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The Monnaie de Paris, responsible for manufacturing the medals, has already replaced damaged ones reported since August. The medals' varnish issues stem from new regulations. Over 100 medals have been returned, and replacements will continue as needed, ensuring quality and consistency.
The BCCI is deliberating on India's next Test captain, with potential candidates including Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Shubman Gill. Performance in the upcoming Champions Trophy and IPL will influence the decision. Former England spinner Monty Panesar highlights the importance of choosing a captain who can lead India to victory, emphasizing stability and experience.
England batter Sam Hain made his debut at Newlands in a losing effort as Paarl Royals fell to MI Cape Town by 33 runs. Despite the loss, Hain cherished the iconic venue and praised both the atmosphere and young teammate Lhuan-dre Pretorius. He remains optimistic about the team's prospects in upcoming matches.
Kagiso Rabada's two wicket-maiden overs led MI Cape Town to a 33-run victory over Paarl Royals in the first Cape Derby of SA20 Season 3. Rabada praised teammate Trent Boult's support and the unique atmosphere at Newlands. Highlighting team continuity, he emphasised the importance of resetting for their upcoming rematch with the Royals.
Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma trained with Mumbai for the Ranji Trophy's resumption, despite a lean patch in recent months. Calls for top batters like Rohit and Virat Kohli to return to domestic cricket grow louder as both have struggled in Tests. Key players' recent Ranji Trophy appearances are also highlighted.
India's all-rounder Hardik Pandya is focusing on fitness and preparation for the white-ball season, starting with a five-match T20I series against England on January 22. He recently played in domestic tournaments and shared his training on Instagram, indicating a big season ahead. This series will be followed by three ODIs and the ICC Champions Trophy in February.
BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla dismissed reports of internal rifts among chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and captain Rohit Sharma after India's Border-Gavaskar Trophy loss. He attributed poor player form to natural phases in sports. The team for the ICC Champions Trophy, starting February 19, will be decided by January 18 or 19.
MI Cape Town secured a 33-run victory over Paarl Royals in the first Cape Derby of SA20 Season 3. Reeza Hendricks hit a stylish 59, supported by Rassie van der Dussen's 43. Kagiso Rabada's exceptional bowling turned the game in MI Cape Town's favour. George Linde and Rashid Khan further dismantled the Royals, restricting them to 139/9.
