New Zealand won the NZ vs SA 1st test match to take a 1-0 lead in the 2-match series after beating an inexperienced South African side by a mammoth margin of 281 runs at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
This is also New Zealand's second-biggest win over the Proteas after they won by an innings and 276 runs back in February 2022 in Christchurch. This is also only their 6th victory over South Africa in 48 test matches since their first meeting back in 1932.
After the end of day 3, New Zealand had a huge lead of 528 runs after Kane Williamson became the first New Zealand batsman to score 2 centuries in the same Test. Before the start of day 4, New Zealand declared their inning, setting up a huge target of 529 runs to chase.
Matt Henry and Tim Southee dismissed Neil Brand and Edward Moore respectively to provide the Blackcaps with a superb start. Raynard van Tonder (31) and Zubayr Hamza (36) added 63 runs for the third wicket before both batters had to depart within just 3 overs.
David Bedingham and Keegan Petersen gave the Proteas something to keep their hopes on with a partnership of 105 runs for the fifth wicket. Bedingham played a brilliant knock of 87 runs off 96 balls with the help of 13 fours and 3 sixes.
NZ vs SA: Rachin Ravindra smashed his maiden Test double century in just his seventh innings Image - Getty
However, Kyle Jamieson was in different mood and he dismantled the middle order by dismissing van Tonder, Hamza, Bedingham and Peterson. He finished with figures of 17-3-58-4.
Ruan de Swardt made 34 runs off 56 balls, but it was not enough. Mitchell Santner also picked up 3 wickets as New Zealand bowled South Africa out for 247 in 80 overs. Rachin Ravindra won the Player of the Match award for scoring a double hundred in the first innings. The second Test will be played on from February 13 at Seddon Park in Hamilton.
"Wear whites for Virat": RCB fans in Bengaluru to wear white for Virat Kohli Test tribute
Get ready to witness a sea of whites in Chinnaswamy stadium. RCB fans in Bengaluru to wear white for Virat Kohli Test tribute. Check the full article for all the details.
RCB fans in Bengaluru to wear white for Virat Kohli Test tribute? Yes! Fans are planning a special "wear white" initiative and asking the crowd to show up in whites for the upcoming RCB vs KKR match at Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 17, 2025.
As the IPL is set to resume tomorrow, and we will witness Virat Kohli play his first match after his announcement of test retirement, fans are organising a heartfelt tribute for the King!
The viral spread of white wave
A fan-driven moment is going viral recently where they call the crowd to wear white for a collective tribute to Virat Kohli after his test retirement.
Whether you have a test jersey or not, all they ask for is wearing anything white instead of the jerseys of IPL franchises.
Discussions on Reddit
The white tribute takes shape on reddit as fans try to reach out as much as possible.
Reddit discussion thread on wear white in Chinnaswamy tribute. Image | Reddit
Comments on RCB's official Instagram handle. Image | Instagram
Hashtags like #WearWhiteForVirat, #KohliTestTribute, and #KohliTestFarewell are the ones people are using to make this a trend before the upcoming IPL 2025 match.
Comments on RCB's official Instagram handle. Image | Instagram
Content Creators spreading the word
Many content creators have joined hands to support this initiative and they are getting huge responses.
Hey @RCBTweets fans, are you planning to turn up in white for the game on the 17th? Remember seeing a post suggesting that. It will be incredible and a sight for the ages if true and if you can pull it off.
The ICC World Test Championship 2023-2025 saw some stellar batting performances. Some players have consistently showed how good they are with the bat, and secured their top spot.
As the WTC 2023-25 is approaching its end, it is now time to look at those huge numbers by some sensational test batters.
Check out these names with most runs in WTC 2023-25.
1. Joe Root (1968 runs) | England
Joe Root in action during the World Test Championship 2023-2025. Image | Mint
Joe Root, who is in the top 5 for most runs in test career among some legendary test batters, holds the 1st rank for most runs in WTC 2023-25. He is a central figure for England in tests.
Root's contribution in the WTC 2023-25 cycle has been immense. He scored 1968 runs in 22 matches, with his highest score being 262 against Pakistan, which is the second-highest individual score by an English batter in WTC 2023-25 cycle.
He scored 7 centuries in this cycle, which is unmatched so far.
Yashasvi Jaiswal celebrating his double century against England in WTC 2023-25. Image | Instagram
Yashasvi Jaiswal made his debut in test cricket during the WTC 2023-25 cycle and his journey was nothing short of sensational. He emerged as the highest run-scorer for India and holds the 2nd rank for most runs in WTC 2023-25.
He scored a total of 1798 runs in 19 matches, with 2 back-to-back double centuries against England, which showcased his ability to dominate in this format.
Ben Duckett celebrating his century against India in WTC 2023-25. Image | Instagram
The opening batter for England, Ben Duckett, was phenomenal in the WTC 2023-25 cycle. He consistently provided decent starts to his team with the kind of explosive batting he is known for.
Ben scored 1470 runs in 22 matches and holds the 3rd rank for most runs in WTC 2023-25. He scored 2 centuries during his campaign and proved to be one of the key batters for England.
The England batters have purely dominated the list for most runs in WTC 2023-25, with their 3 batters appearing in top 5.Harry Brook is the third batter from England who is in the top 5 of this list, having 1400+ runs.
Australian batters like Steve Smith and Travis Head also performed brilliantly in this championship, but only Usman Khawaja could make it to the top 5 by having a 1400+ runs in total.
IPL 2025: Here are the overseas players who might not come for the remainder of the tournament
Will your favourite overseas IPL star leave mid-season? Check out the list of overseas players who might not come for the remainder of the tournament in IPL 2025.
As IPL 2025 faced disruptions and was suspended on 9th May, 2025, most of the overseas players returned back to their respective home countries.
The tournament is set to resume from 17th May, 2025, and it raises a crucial question about how many overseas players can rejoin their franchises.
Given their international commitments and other issues, check out the overseas players who might not come for the remainder of the tournament in IPL 2025 for each team.
IPL 2025 Points Table
Firstly, see where each team stands before the tournament resumes.
ICC increase prize money for WTC 2023-25: Here is how much the teams would get
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has raised the prize money for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25, announcing a massive $3.6 million prize for the winners of the upcoming final between Australia and South Africa
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has raised the prize money for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25, announcing a massive $3.6 million prize for the winners of the upcoming final between Australia and South Africa, set to take place at Lord’s from June 11-15.
This record-breaking purse, more than double the $1.6 million awarded to previous champions New Zealand (2021) and Australia (2023), underlines the ICC’s commitment to elevating Test cricket’s prestige and importance.
The losing finalists will also walk away with a hefty $2.1 million, surpassing the prize money awarded to past winners. This significant financial boost reflects the ICC’s push to sustain the momentum of the nine-team competition, now in its third thrilling cycle.
The stage is set for a clash of titans at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, hosting its first-ever WTC Final. South Africa, buoyed by commanding 2-0 home series wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan, clinched their spot with 69.44 percentage points.
Defending champions Australia, finishing with 67.54 points, are eager to retain the Test Mace in what promises to be a fiercely contested battle.
ICC Chair Jay Shah expressed his excitement, stating, “The third cycle of the World Test Championship has been captivating, with the finalists decided only in the closing stages. Australia and South Africa will deliver a fitting celebration of Test cricket at Lord’s, and I’m confident fans worldwide will witness top-class action.”
A battle of wills, minds and hearts in the Ultimate Test 👊
Australian captain Pat Cummins, reflecting on the honour of defending their title, said, “Playing at Lord’s for the World Test Championship is a proud moment for us. South Africa will bring a tough challenge, and we’re ready to give it our all at the home of cricket.”
South Africa’s Temba Bavuma echoed the sentiment, emphasising the significance of the occasion. “Reaching the WTC Final is a huge opportunity to win an ICC title. Lord’s is the perfect stage, and we’re determined to put our best foot forward against Australia.”
Bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins, and more, have dominated the WTC 2023-25 cycle. Discover the highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25 and get their stats and best bowling figures.
As the ICC World Test Championship 2023-2025 is getting closer to the grand final, it is now time to look back at the bowlers with standout performances. They have constantly troubled batsmen which led to their team's success.
Who do you think are the ones with most wickets? Take a look at the highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25.
Jasprit Bumrah | India
Jasprit Bumrah in the World Test Championship 2023-2025. Image | Instagram
Jasprit Bumrah had a remarkable campaign in WTC 2023-25 cycle and has taken the most number of wickets. He took 77 wickets in 15 matches, with an average of 15.09.
Bumrah recorded five 5-wicket hauls in the cycle and also had his best bowling figure of 6/45 in an innings against England.
Pat Cummins in the World Test Championship 2023-2025. Image | BBC
The Australian skipper, Pat Cummins, has done wonders with the ball, by taking 73 wickets in 17 matches. He is the leading wicket taker for Australia and can also be on top by showcasing his wicket-taking skills in the WTC final against South Africa.
His best bowling performance in the tournament was a 6-wicket haul for 91 runs.
Mitchell Starc in the World Test Championship 2023-2025. Image | Instagram
Yet another Australian legend to feature in this list, who is just behind Cummins by one wicket. This fiery left-arm pacer have always been a key bowling of their team. He took 72 wickets in 18 matches total.
Mitchell Starc's best bowling figure in WTC 2023-25 includes a 6-wicket haul for 48 runs.
Mitchell Starc stats in WTC 2023-2025
Span
Matches
Innings
Balls
Overs
Maidens
Runs
Wickets
BBI
Avg
Economy
SR
2023-2025
18
35
3062
510.2
77
1964
72
6/48
27.27
3.84
42.52
Other players with 60+ wickets in WTC 2023-25
Seems like the Aussies and Indians have purely dominated the bowling sides and got most wickets up their sleeves.
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