According to ESPNCricinfo, the ace Sri Lanka spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is set to remain unavailable for the 2nd ODI against Australia on 16th June at Pallekele. It is learned that Hasaranga has suffered from a groin strain sustained in the 1st ODI. In his last two overs in the second half of the game, he was also seen limping during his delivery stride. The medical staff is yet to announce the period of his absence, but he will at least miss the second fixture. 

Also Read: INDIA vs IRELAND T20I series squad announced, Hardik Pandya to lead the team

Although the team could not secure a victory in the 1st ODI. But, the 24-year-old was one of the finest performers with the contribution of 39 runs from 19 balls and four wickets later in hand.

Earlier this year, Hasaranga missed the Zimbabwe series due to a hamstring tear. On the other hand, the covid infection ruled him out of the series against Australia and India. With 11 out of 15 wickets taken by the spinners, the replacement of Hasaranga will likely be a spinner.

The Lions are trailing in the series by 0-1

The current Lions squad for this series includes the likes of Ramesh Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Praveen Jayawickrama. The team management can also opt to include Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Then they may complete Hasaranga's quota of overs by dividing it between Chamika Karunaratne and Dhananjaya de Silva.

Read Also: You will get shocked to see how much BCCI will earn from each ball in IPL

In the 1st ODI, the Sri Lankan batting unit did well to post a score of 300 on the board. Keeper batter Kusal Mendis scored 86. In the bowling unit, Dunith Wellalage was impressive in his debut international game. He scalped two important wickets and gave away 49 runs from 7 overs.

The Dasun Shanaka-led side will look to make a comeback in the series and improve their position in the World Cup Super League points table. They are sitting at the ninth spot with only six victories in 18 matches

The Indian Premier League (IPL), has become one of the biggest cricketing events in the world since its inception in 2008. Over the years, the IPL has provided cricket fans with some of the most thrilling and exciting moments in the sport. From stunning performances to nail-biting finishes, the IPL has never failed to entertain its fans. As the IPL 2025 has progressed, we have seen many memorable celebrations that have gone down in IPL history. 

From wild team huddles to iconic player moves, here are the Top 5 best celebrations of IPL 2025 so far. Relive the most unforgettable moments as players let their emotions fly on the biggest stage of cricket.

Also Read: IPL Records: Youngest Half-centurions in IPL History

Best Celebrations of IPL 2025

5. Ashutosh Sharma - Miracle Chase Master's Celebration

Ashutosh Sharma did the unthinkable for Delhi Capitals against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025. At a time when even the most passionate of DC fans would have thought that it was not possible for their team to chase down a 210-run target, Ashutosh Sharma thought otherwise. Impact sub Ashutosh played the most defining knock of his IPL career to guide Delhi Capitals to a thrilling one wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants.

Ashutosh smashed 66 not out off 31 balls and finished it with a huge six off Shahbaz Ahmed as DC chased down a target of 210 with three balls to spare. The right-hander hit five fours and five sixes in all. Ashutsh Sharma's celebration after the win went viral.

4. Digvesh Rathi Signature Celebration

Lucknow Super Giants' rising spinner Digvesh Rathi made headlines, not just for his bowling but for his unique way of celebrating after dismissing none other than his cricketing idol, Sunil Narine. During a high-octane clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, Rathi picked up the prized wicket of Narine and followed it up with a brand-new celebration.

In the 7th over of KKR's innings, Rathi bowled a deceptive googly that lured Narine into a mistimed big shot. Narine couldn’t get the power he needed, and Aiden Markram ran in from long-off to complete a clean sliding catch. After taking the wicket, Rathi bent down and theatrically signed the grass, perhaps symbolising a respectful autograph or signature moment rather than a taunt.

3. Wanindu Hasaranga Pushpa Celebration

Rajasthan Royals' Wanindu Hasaranga pulled off the iconic Pushpa celebration during the IPL 2025 match against the Kolkata Knight Riders in Guwahati. After dismissing KKR Skipper Ajinkya Rahane, Hasaranga came up with the move popularised by Telugu star Allu Arjun in the blockbuster movie Pushpa by wiping his chin with the back of his hand with a confident strut, inviting huge cheers from fans.

The accomplished leg-spinner has been impressive ever since he started representing Sri Lanka on the international stage. He has mentioned that Brazilian footballer Neymar Jr is his favourite player. Hasaranga has been celebrating his wickets like Neymar does when he scores a goal. When the leggie played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2022, he picked up four wickets against KKR which made him celebrate ala Neymar.

2. KL Rahul Kantara Celebration

When Delhi Capitals’ wicket keeper-batsman KL Rahul thumped his chest, pointed to the ground and then drew a circle with his bat, during the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, not many realized the significance of what he was doing, until he mentioned it in a post-match.

Speaking after the match, Rahul had said, “This is a special place from me. This celebration was from one of my favourite movies, Kantara. So, a tiny reminder that this ground, this turf, this place where I grew up, is mine."

Initially, it was thought that Rahul’s gestures were a reference to the fact that he’s a Bengaluru boy, a former RCB player, and, most importantly, the Chinnaswamy Stadium, being home ground. But once he mentioned Kantara, netizens were quick to put together short videos of Rahul’s celebratory moves and Divine Star Rishab Shetty’s movements in the climax of Kantara, when his character Shiva is possessed by the spirit of the Guliga Daiva and exacts vengeance on those who wronged his people.

Also Read: IPL records - Batters with most 500+ runs seasons: Kohli breaks Warner's records

1. Abhishek Sharma Parchi Celebration

Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma celebrated his maiden Indian Premier League century in a unique way, which is one of the best celebrations of IPL 2025 so far. The 24-year-old smashed a 40-ball century for SRH in a 246-run chase against the Punjab Kings in Hyderabad.

After scoring the ton, Abhishek took out a paper from his pocket and displayed the message “This one’s for the Orange Army”. The quickfire century helped him book a spot in the record books as he became the third-fastest Indian to score reach triple digits in the IPL.

The world's top cricketers participate in the IPL. Every year, players are auctioned before the season begins. The franchise buys players according to their needs. There is one player who gets a big bid whenever he comes in the auction. The name of this player is Glenn Maxwell. This time in the mega auction, Punjab Kings added Maxwell to their team for Rs 4 crore 25 lakh.

Let's take a look at the performance of Glenn Maxwell in IPL Since 2024.

Also Read: Impactful Overseas players in IPL 2025

Glenn Maxwell in IPL 2025: Completely failed with the bat

Maxwell has failed with the bat miserably in IPL 2025. He has got to bat 5 times in 6 matches. During this, Maxwell has scored 41 runs at an average of 8.2. During this, his strike rate was also 100. He has been able to hit only 4 fours and 1 six so far. Maxwell's biggest innings was of 30 runs. That means he scored only 11 runs in the remaining four innings. During this time, he took the wickets of four batsmen while bowling.

Glenn Maxwell in IPL 2024

Glenn Maxwell was a part of RCB in IPL 2024. Only 52 runs came off his bat in 10 matches that season. His average was 5.78. So, from the last season till now, Maxwell has scored only 93 runs in 16 matches in IPL.

Maxwell had entered IPL 2024 in red-hot form, with 552 runs at 42.46 and a 185.85 strike rate in his previous 17 T20s. He also had a strong BBL season - 325 runs in nine innings at a 186.78 strike rate.

In the 2020 season, he scored 108 runs in 13 matches. In 2018, he scored 169 runs in 12 matches, in 2016, he scored 179 runs in 11 matches and in 2015, he scored 145 runs in 11 matches. 

Talking about his IPL career, he has scored 2812 runs so far at an average of 24. He is also the player who has scored the most number of ducks in the league.

Also Read: Fastest 50 IPL Wickets Among Pacers (by Matches)

Struggles by spin

Maxwell's struggles have been worsened by spin - four of his five dismissals have come against it. It's a stark contrast to his early RCB days, when he built his reputation as a spin-hitter. In RCB's run to the playoffs in 2021, Maxwell averaged 52.8 and struck at nearly 155. Since last year, his average against spin has plummeted to 4.87.

Maxwell's spin woes appear India-specific, with a lower aggressive shot percentage than elsewhere. Since IPL 2024, he's fallen six times to spin off just 13 attacking shots - nearly a dismissal every two balls.

In a T20 tournament like IPL, it is important for every team to have a quality set of players who can score runs at a fast pace. Particularly, this is most required in the death overs when the team is looking to score quick runs. These big hitters play a crucial role in the campaign of all the teams in each IPL season.

One of the most basic criteria for judging a batter for his fast scoring is his strike rate.

In this particular article, we will be discussing the IPL facts about 10 batters who have registered the highest strike rate in the cash rich league. These include the players who have scored a minimum of 2000 runs in the tournament history.

Also Read: Best Strike Rate in IPL (Minimum 1000 Runs)

IPL Facts | Highest Strike Rate in IPL History

10. Suryakumar Yadav | 145.32

The Indian Cricket Team T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav's success on the international stage is built on the foundation of his IPL career, particularly his stint with the Mumbai Indians (MI), where he made his reputation as a versatile and reliable middle-order batter. 

Through his 150 IPL matches, SKY has accumulated 3594 runs while maintaining an outstanding strike rate reaching 145.32. His significant fifty and two double hundred scores have consistently helped Mumbai Indians during crucial moments.

9. Hardik Pandya | 145.61

Hardik Pandya, the Indian all-rounder and Mumbai Indians (MI) captain holds the 9th position in this list. In his IPL career of 137 matches, Pandya has scored a total of 2,525 runs with 10 half-centuries. His strike-rate reads 145.61.

Hardik has also contributed to his team's bowling department by taking 64 wickets with an economy rate of 9.09.

Besides representing MI, Pandya also led Gujarat Titans to the title in their maiden IPL season (2022). He returned the MI setup following the 2023 season, in a record all-cash trade.

8. Kieron Pollard | 147.32

Mumbai Indians legend Kieron Pollard holds the 8th position in this list. Known for striking the ball hard, Pollard was one of the tournament’s finest power hitters.

Since his debut in 2010, Pollard competed in 189 matches while scoring 3412 runs. He managed to put up these numbers at an impressive strike rate of 147.32 with 16 half-centuries.

Pollard was one of Mumbai's batting mainstays throughout his career. His best performances for them came in 2013, where he scored 420 runs in the season, and in 2015, where he smashed 419 runs. Both were seasons where Mumbai lifted the trophy as well.

7. Jos Buttler | 147.92

Jos Buttler holds the seventh position in this list. He has been a consistent performer for Rajasthan Royals ever since he signed for the team before the Indian Premier League 2018 season.

Before joining the Royals, Buttler represented Mumbai Indians in the 2016 and 2017 seasons and while he fared decently with them, it was after joining the Royals that the Englishman truly hit his stride in the IPL.

Buttler scored 3582 runs in 107 games at an average of 38.10 and a strike rate of 147.92. His first season with the Royals saw him score 548 runs at an average of 54.80 and strike rate of 155.24. The tally included five half-centuries.

6. Rishabh Pant | 148.93

Rishabh Pant, who made his IPL debut in 2016, has played 111 matches in the Indian Premier League so far scoring 3284 runs with an average of 35.31 and strike rate of 148.93. He has one century and 18 half-centuries to his name.

Pant joined the Delhi Capitals in 2016 after he performed exceptionally in the Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh, where India finished as the runners-up under Ishan Kishan’s leadership. Pant was a teenager then and from there on he did not look back.

During the 2018 Indian Premier League, Rishabh Pant scored an unbeaten 128 from 63 balls for Delhi Capitals in IPL. It is Pant's highest-ever individual score in IPL.  

5. Chris Gayle | 148.96

Chris Gayle has been the most destructive batter in the T20 set-up. Gayle is the fifth-highest batter with best strike rate in IPL (minimum 2000 runs).

In a career spanning from 2009-2021, the left-handed batsman has amassed 4,965 runs from 142 matches at an incredible average of 39.72. He owns a strike rate of 148.96.

Gayle scored 193 runs in ten games in IPL 2021.

Also Read: IPL Facts: Who was hit the most sixes in IPL History? Top 10 list

4. AB de Villiers | 151.68

AB de Villiers had a 13-year-long career in the IPL where he played for two teams, namely Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

He's counted among one of the greatest players to have played in the tournament, being the fourth-highest batter with best strike rate in IPL.

de Villiers scored 5162 runs in his IPL career from 184 matches (170 innings) at an average of 39.70 and a strike rate of 151.68 with three hundreds and 40 fifties.

3. Virender Sehwag | 155.44

The cricket community is aware of what Virender Sehwag has achieved in his career. He was one of the best openers India ever had. But in the IPL, he had a different aura. 

Sehwag played for teams like Delhi Daredevils (DD) and Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and scored 2728 runs in 104 games. Indeed, he has also slammed a century in the tournament. Interestingly, his strike rate in the league is 155.44.

2. Glenn Maxwell | 156.73

The second name in this list is Glenn Maxwell in terms of keeping the highest strike rate in the IPL.

Maxwell began his IPL journey with Delhi Daredevils in 2012. The Australian all-rounder then represented Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab, before landing with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The 36-year-old has turned out in 134 IPL matches, scoring 2771 runs at a strike rate of 156.73. He has also picked 37 wickets at an economy rate of 8.28.

1. Andre Russell | 174.92

Andre Russell has the highest strike rate in IPL for a batter with minimum 2000 runs. His figures are much more impressive considering his long career with KKR and the innings he has played. 

Playing 127 IPL matches, Russell has scored 2484 runs at a commendable strike rate of 174.92. 

He has eleven half-centuries with a high score of 88 not out in the IPL. Russell has many times won games for KKR on his own in very difficult situations.

Hello and welcome to another LIVE coverage of Champions Trophy 2025 on Sportz Point. 

Today, we will cover probably the most important match of the group stage this season. This is Koushik Biswas and Payal Debnath with the Afghanistan vs Australia Champions Trophy 2025 match from the web desk. 

Last time when these two teams met, we saw one of the greatest ODI knocks from Glenn Maxwell in the ICC World Cup 2023. This is a must-win match for Afghanistan. If they lose, they will fail to qualify for the semis. 

Read Also | Champions Trophy 2025: How can Afghanistan qualify for the semi-final? Group B Scenarios

So, sit back and relax as we bring you the stats, LIVE updates, images and free commentary of the match for you. Enjoy the coverage. 

After their sensational victory over England, Afghanistan now have a shot at the semi-final berth in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This now means we have a three-way battle for the semi-final spot between Afghanistan, Australia and South Africa. 

Group B Points table | ICC Champions Trophy

Here is how the scenarios are currently in Group B. 

We can check from the points table that South Africa are leading the Group B now with 3 points and a positive net run rate of 2.140. Meantime, Australia are following them with the same amount of points but a lesser NRR of 0.475. 

On the other hand, Afghanistan are third with 2 points and a negative NRR of -0.990 with England getting knocked out of the tournament already.

Read Also | England vs Australia ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Inglis and Aussie batters chased down biggest target of ICC ODI events

Matches left in Group B

• Australia vs Afghanistan - 28 February 2025 - Lahore
• England vs South Africa - 1st March 2025 - Karachi

How can Afghanistan qualify for semis of Champions Trophy 2025?

As per the current situation, here are the below things that can happen.