PAKISTAN's final Champions Trophy group match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on Thursday was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain, bringing an end to the host nation's title defence without a single win.
Pakistan, the 2017 Champions Trophy winners, had already lost to New Zealand and India, finishing at the bottom of Group A. The match had no impact on the semi-final race, with both Pakistan and Bangladesh already out of contention.
Hosting its first major cricket tournament in 30 years, Pakistan’s early exit and winless campaign were a major disappointment.
"The expectations were very high but we didn't perform well and it is disappointing for us," Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan said.
"We are upset and we are accepting that we didn't do well. Hopefully we will do more hard work and come back."
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto also expressed disappointment that the match could not be played.
"We really wanted to play this match but can't do anything about the weather," he said.
Pakistan ended the tournament in fourth place with one point, behind Bangladesh, who also had one point but a superior net run-rate.
Rain continued through the night in Rawalpindi, and despite multiple inspections by the umpires, no play was possible.
India and New Zealand progressed to the semi-finals from Group A. In Group B, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan remain in contention for the remaining two semi-final spots, while England are eliminated.
Hasan Ali (L) of Pakistan walks off the field while Justin Greaves (C) and Roston Chase (R) of West Indies celebrate winning the second ODI in Tarouba, San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago on August 10, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
PAKISTAN will head into a series decider after West Indies beat them by five wickets in the second one-day international on Sunday in Tarouba to level the three-match series at 1-1.
Roston Chase scored 49 and Justin Greaves remained unbeaten on 26 in a rain-shortened match.
Sherfane Rutherford made 45 from 33 balls to help the hosts recover from a poor start. Chase sealed the win with a boundary off Hasan Ali.
"I'm happy with the win. We had to come in and level the series, so very pleased," Chase said after being named man of the match.
Pakistan had won the opening ODI on Friday, with debutant Hasan Nawaz scoring 63 not out and sharing an unbeaten 104-run stand with Hussain Talat to chase down West Indies’ 280 with five wickets and seven balls to spare.
Shaheen Shah Afridi took four wickets in that match.
The third and final ODI will be played in Tarouba on Tuesday.
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Ali has played 35 Twenty20 internationals for Pakistan since his debut in 2020 and has also appeared in two one-day internationals. (Photo: Getty Images)
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said Ali has been provisionally suspended during the investigation.
PAKISTAN batsman Haider Ali is under investigation by Greater Manchester Police after being arrested during the Pakistan A team’s tour of England, officials said on Thursday.
In an email to Reuters, Greater Manchester Police said: “After receiving a report on Monday 4 August 2025 of a rape, we have arrested a 24-year-old man.
“It’s alleged that the incident occurred on Wednesday 23 July 2025 at a premises in Manchester.
“The man has since been bailed pending further enquiries. The victim is being supported by officers.”
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said Ali has been provisionally suspended during the investigation.
“The PCB fully respects the legal procedures and processes of the United Kingdom and acknowledges the importance of allowing the investigation to run its due course,” the PCB said in a statement.
“Accordingly, the PCB has decided to place Haider Ali under provisional suspension, effective immediately, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
“Once the legal proceedings are concluded and all facts have been duly established, the PCB reserves the right to take appropriate action under its Code of Conduct, if necessary.”
Ali has played 35 Twenty20 internationals for Pakistan since his debut in 2020 and has also appeared in two one-day internationals.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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Shubman Gill with Ben Stokes after the series is drawn 2-2 after day five of the Fifth Test between England and India at The Oval on August 04, 2025 in London. (Photo: Getty Images)
INDIA ended the five-Test series against England with a six-run win at the Oval, levelling the series 2-2. England, who held the advantage going into the final day, lost their last seven wickets for just 66 runs.
India came back strongly in the deciding match after being on the back foot, and finished the series with two wins. England had been dominant in crucial moments earlier in the series but could not hold on in the final Test.
Across the five matches, India had more strong sessions, but the series was closely fought.
Here is a looksat three key takeaways from the series:
Siraj steps up as India's main man
Mohammed Siraj played a decisive role for India with a spell of three wickets for nine runs on the final morning at the Oval. His performance helped India seal the win and level the series.
He was named player of the match for taking nine wickets for 190 runs.
Siraj bowled 185.3 overs across the series, playing all five Tests, and finished as the leading wicket-taker from both teams with 23 wickets.
India had decided before the series that Jasprit Bumrah would only play three Tests. Bumrah, the top-ranked bowler in the world, did not play the final match.
Siraj filled the gap at the Oval with a match-winning performance.
"When I woke up today (Monday), I thought I could do it. I downloaded a picture from Google saying 'believe'," said Siraj.
Gill shines with the bat as he learns captaincy ropes
Shubman Gill started his tenure as captain during the series and delivered a strong performance with the bat. He came close to breaking Sunil Gavaskar's record of 774 runs in a series for India.
Gill was named player of the series and led India to a comeback win in the final Test.
The 25-year-old, who took over from Rohit Sharma in May, came into the series with a Test average of 35.
He scored 754 runs in the series, including four centuries, falling just 20 runs short of Gavaskar’s record set in 1971 against the West Indies.
At Edgbaston, Gill made 269 in the first innings and followed it with 161 in the second.
Stokes still England’s magic man
Ben Stokes did not play the final Test due to a shoulder injury, but made an impact earlier in the series. He took 17 wickets at an average of 25, bowling 140 overs — his highest in any series.
With the bat, he scored 141 runs in England's total of 669 in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, which ended in a draw.
England's bowling lacked consistency at times, but Stokes remained a key figure with his all-round ability.
Stokes has dealt with several injuries, but England will be hoping he is fit for the Ashes in Australia, starting in November.
Jofra Archer returned to the Test team during the India series but played only two matches as his workload was managed.
Mark Wood has not played Test cricket in nearly a year and underwent knee surgery earlier this year.
(With inputs from AFP)
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India's Mohammed Siraj appeals successfully for the wicket of England's captain Ollie Pope during the fourth day of the fifth Test match against England, at the Oval cricket ground, in London, England. (PTI Photo/R Senthilkumar)
INDIA fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has jumped to a career-best 15th spot in the ICC Test bowling rankings, following his match-winning performance in the final Test against England at The Oval.
Siraj’s fiery spell helped India snatch a dramatic six-run win, levelling the five-match series 2-2.
The 31-year-old was named Player of the Match after taking nine wickets, including a five-for in the second innings. With England needing just 35 runs on the final day and four wickets in hand, Siraj charged in to remove three batters – including Gus Atkinson as the final wicket – turning the tide in India’s favour.
This latest rise in the rankings surpasses his previous best of 16th, achieved in January 2024. Siraj’s relentless effort throughout the series also made him the highest wicket-taker, claiming 23 scalps across five Tests.
When the Indian team arrived in England, Siraj was expected to play a supporting role to Jasprit Bumrah. But the absence of veteran Mohammed Shami due to injury, and Bumrah’s limited availability across just three matches for workload management, thrust Siraj into a leading role.
He embraced the challenge with heart and determination, bowling more than 185 overs across the series. According to CricViz, Siraj induced 283 false shots – including edges and misses – showing his ability to trouble batters consistently.
India won the Tests in Birmingham and at The Oval – notably the two matches Bumrah did not play – thanks in large part to Siraj’s contributions. His efforts earned admiration across teams.
“You’ve got to tip your cap,” England coach Brendon McCullum said. “A guy playing his fifth Test of the series, still bowling 90mph in the 30th over and taking five wickets to win the game – fair play.”
England’s Joe Root, who scored his third century in the series, called Siraj a “real warrior,” while former India captain Virat Kohli praised his teammate’s spirit: “Special mention to Siraj who will put everything on the line for the team. Extremely happy for him,” Kohli wrote on X.
Siraj, speaking after the match, said he does not think about when or how much he has to bowl. “You bowl every ball for your country, not for yourself,” he said. “Whether it’s the sixth over or the ninth, I don’t care.”
Jasprit Bumrah, despite featuring in only three matches, continues to lead the ICC Test bowling rankings with 889 points.
Prasidh Krishna also had a breakthrough performance, moving up to a career-best 59th position in the rankings. He and Siraj became only the second Indian pace duo to take four or more wickets each in both innings of a Test match – a feat last achieved by spinners Bishan Bedi and Erapalli Prasanna in 1969 against Australia.
(Agencies)
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Mohammed Siraj reacts after taking the wicket of Jamie Smith on the fifth and final day of the fifth Test between England and India at The Oval in London on August 4, 2025.
MOHAMMED SIRAJ delivered a match-winning performance as India defeated England by six runs in the fifth Test at the Oval on Monday (4), levelling the five-match series 2-2.
Siraj claimed five wickets for 104 runs in the second innings, including a decisive spell of 3-9 on the final morning, to secure India’s narrowest Test victory. England, chasing 374, were bowled out for 367.
"To be honest, it is so amazing," Siraj said after the game. "From day one to here, everyone fought so hard so we are very happy. I just wanted to make sure I hit the right areas, the wickets would fall, and anything else would be a bonus. When I woke up I believed I could do it."
England resumed on 339-6, needing 35 more runs, but quickly lost wickets. Siraj dismissed Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton to reduce England to 354-8. Injured last man Chris Woakes, with a strapped shoulder, joined Gus Atkinson with 17 runs still required. Atkinson hit a six off Siraj to bring the target down to single digits, but the pacer bowled him for 17 to seal the win. Siraj finished the series with 23 wickets at an average of 32.43.
India were without Jasprit Bumrah in the final match, sticking to their plan to play the world’s top-ranked Test bowler in only three games. Siraj led the attack throughout, featuring in all five matches.
On Sunday, England had been in control with Harry Brook (111) and Joe Root (105) sharing a 195-run stand for the fourth wicket. Brook’s dismissal started a collapse, with three wickets falling for 36 runs. Root was also among those dismissed, setting up a tense finish.
Smith and Overton had struggled to score on Sunday, and conditions on Monday under grey skies favoured the Indian bowlers. Overton hit two early boundaries off Prasidh Krishna, but Siraj soon took charge from the Pavilion End. He beat Smith twice before having him caught behind without adding to his score. Overton was lbw to Siraj for nine, with the review confirming the umpire’s decision. Josh Tongue was given out lbw to Krishna, but a review overturned it.
Siraj’s efforts ensured India pulled off a win despite England narrowing the target to single digits. His performance sparked celebrations among the Indian players and fans at the Oval.
Gill hails Siraj, calls 2-2 a fair result
Indian captain Shubman Gill, named Player of the Series for scoring 754 runs with four centuries, praised Siraj’s role. "Siraj is a captain's dream. Gave it his all every ball and every spell he bowled. 2-2 is a fair reflection. It shows how passionate both teams were and how well they played," Gill said at the post-match presentation.
Brook and Rahul praise India’s fightback
England batter Harry Brook admitted he expected the hosts to win comfortably but credited Siraj’s spell for turning the game. "I thought we'll easily take it home in the morning, but the way Siraj bowled, he deserved the success today. Siraj has had a phenomenal series and a finish," said Brook, who was chosen by India head coach Gautam Gambhir as England's Player of the Series.
Opener KL Rahul said the drawn series ranks among Indian cricket’s top moments. "This will rank right at the top. It was pulled off by a team that wasn't given a chance in the absence of giants like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma," Rahul said. He added that the series showed Test cricket remains strong. "We have seen India lift the World Cup, I mean nothing compares to lifting the World Cup. But so many doubts, so many questions from everybody about whether Test cricket will stay or not. I think both the teams and the way we've played in this series, I think we've answered that question," Rahul said.
India’s six-run win ensured the series ended level after five matches, with both teams showcasing resilience and quality throughout. Siraj’s bowling in the final Test stood out as the decisive factor in the thrilling finish.