In a high-pressure clash against India in the Champions Trophy semi-finals, Steve Smith seemed to have destiny on his side.
India playing at one venue has been a hot topic for debate among former cricketers and some sections of fans. There has hardly been any press conference where questions haven't been raised about tournament scheduling.
Rachin Ravindra had two reprieves before being sent back by Kuldeep Yadav.
The Champions Trophy 2025 final ignited a firestorm of controversy, with former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal leading the charge.
The team management and selectors have faced backlash over squad selection for the Champions Trophy.
Pakistani fans forget that Dubai was once Pakistan's home ground where they played all their international matches until Imran Khan became the country's prime minister.
Injured Australia captain Pat Cummins believes India have a "huge advantage" to be based in Dubai for the ongoing Champions Trophy while other sides criss-cross Pakistan for their group games in the tournament, being held under a 'hybrid model'.
Shubman Gill termed his 101 not out as "one of the most satisfying innings" for himself
Kohli's diving catch to dismiss Naseem Shah during India's Champions Trophy win over Pakistan was his 157th in ODIs, moving him ahead of Mohammad Azharuddin for the most outfield catches in the format by an Indian player.
Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan admitted that his team's Champions Trophy campaign is effectively over following their six-wicket defeat to India
Virat Kohli is the seventh Indian player to achieve the feat after Sachin Tendulkar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Rahul Dravid, Mohammed Azharuddin, Sourav Ganguly and Yuvraj Singh.
'Certain formats require a certain skill set and whenever we look at these kinds of players, if the talent is there, then you don't want to shy away from blooding them.'
With an impressive blend of composure and aggression, Iyer has been a standout performer in the 50-over format, particularly against the Blackcaps.
It has been a forgettable campaign for Pakistan in the first global tournament to be staged in the country since 1996.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while speaking to American podcaster Lex Fridman, stated that India is a better cricket team than Pakistan, citing recent results.
Virat Kohli likened his match-winning effort in the Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia to the unbeaten hundred against Pakistan.
India have not beaten Australia in ICC knockouts matches since winning the 2011 World Cup quarter-final.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has picked India as the favourites in Sunday's Champions Trophy summit clash against New Zealand, but hastened to add that the advantage will be miniscule, given that the Black Caps are a formidable side.
There are some speculations over some rejigging in the A+ category following the retirement of stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja from T20 Internationals.
Virat Kohli said international T20 leagues around the world had played a big role in elevating the profile of cricket and ensuring it was showcased at the Olympic Games.
New Zealand beat a vastly different South Africa team by six wickets in Lahore three weeks ago, two days after beating Pakistan at the same venue.
'We were 20 or 25 under to what we were looking for.'
Former England captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain believe that Virat Kohli is probably the best batter in ODI history.
Their pre-tournament decision to fill the squad with five spinners drew a lot of flak from all corners, but it is now proving to be a masterstroke on the slow pitches in Dubai.
With their semifinal hopes hanging by a thread, Mohammad Rizwan and his men are now at the mercy of other results.
Former Australia wicket-keeping great Ian Healy has questioned the tactical acumen of Cooper Connolly, saying he was "angry" with the way the opener handled India's pace spearhead Mohammed Shami in the Champions Trophy semi-final in Dubai.
Virat Kohli surpassed Shikhar Dhawan to become India's highest run-scorer in Champions Trophy history.
"May take him for dinner tomorrow," the Mumbai batter quipped, trying to lighten the mood.
That said the pitch is going to get challenging for the batters as the game wears on.
Except in the IPL, the Australians have not had a good look at Varun Chakravarthy's bowling and that could spell trouble for Steve Smith and Co.
'Obviously we're going to get on the plane this morning and we'll take our learnings from this game but also understand the conditions when we go to Pakistan.'
'Half the tournament we had lost when we announced the 15-member squad, and I am saying this from day one.'
The former India all-rounder has also noticed a marked improvement in his approach against the short ball.
Shoaib Akhtar didn't pull any punches as he blasted Pakistan's 'brainless and clueless' team management following the six-wicket loss to India in the ICC Champions Trophy.
According to sources aware of developments in the Board, a few players are contemplating if they should travel to New Zealand.
Virat Kohli's recurring dismissals due to an open-faced bat is a matter of concern as India aim to regain the Champions Trophy after 12 years, believes legendary Sunil Gavaskar.
The former Australia captain said the One-day format suits Gill's style of batting, and hoped the 25-year-old will soon translate that success into Test cricket.
Henry's exceptional spell of 5 for 42 in eight overs played a crucial role in restricting India to 249/9 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Former Sports Minister Anurag Thakur and BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla hailed Virat Kohli's match-winning century against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy
'It's the game of cricket. You're going to miss out, you're going to drop a catch -- you've got to get on with what's in front of you.'
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