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OAKLAND: Jake Fraser-McGurk’s blistering knock, followed by Haris Rauf’s all-round brilliance, steered San Francisco Unicorns to their second straight win in the third match of the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 at the Oakland Coliseum here on Sunday.

Los Angeles Knight Riders skipper Sunil Narine won the toss and opted to field first.

San Francisco Unicorns had a poor start as they lost their opener, Tim Seifert (5), only in the second over.

However, following the early, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Finn Allen put on a sublime 121-run stand. The partnership brought the score to 126 in only 10.2 overs.

Fraser-McGurk was the core aggressor while Allen smashed his second fifty in the process. He was dismissed after scoring 52 off 27 deliveries, hitting four sixes and five fours.

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The wicket did not halt Unicorns’ momentum as they continued the scoring with high impetus. Sanjay Krishnamurthi (12) was the next batter to be removed on the fourth ball of the 12th over as the scorecard read 141-3.

Jake Fraser-McGurk added another brief 26-run partnership with Cooper Connolly before being removed after scoring a sublime 88 off 38 balls. His knock featured 11 sixes and two fours.

Los Angeles Knight Riders bowlers were kept at bay until the 17th over, where they struck twice, reducing San Francisco Unicorns to 189-7.

However, Haris Rauf’s cameo of 16 runs with the help of a six and two boundaries helped the team finish strong at the back end of the innings as Unicorns scored 219 for the loss of eight wickets in their allocated 20 overs.

For the Los Angeles Knight Riders, Shadley van Schalkwyk was the standout bowler, taking three wickets in his four overs.

In reply to a daunting total, Knight Riders were bowled out for 187 on the second last ball of the penultimate over, which handed Unicorns a resounding 32-run win.

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The Knight Riders lost both of their openers early inside the first three overs. Alex Hales (6) was the first one to go, holing out to deep square leg while Andre Fletcher’s 19-run innings came to an end in Bartlett’s over, reducing them to 33-2.

However, Unmukt Chand smashed 18-runs of Haris Rauf’s over, bringing the score to 57-2 in five overs. The partnership of 46 runs between Nitish Kumar and Unmukt Chand appeared to be quite dangerous, but Hasan Khan ended their stand by taking Nitish Kumar’s wicket with a catch-and-bowl.

The game was evenly poised at the halfway mark of the innings, but Haris Rauf’s double-wicket over in which he removed Chand and Andre Russell tilted the match Unicorns’ way.

Unmukt Chand top-scored with 53 off 32 deliveries with the aid of four sixes and the same number of fours.

With five wickets lost and 107 runs required from just 42 balls, the target proved to be too challenging for the team.

For San Francisco Unicorns, Haris Rauf and Xavier Bartlett starred with the ball, taking four wickets each, which ensured that they remain top of the table in MLC 2025.

READ: Kyle Verreynne reveals raw emotions after hitting winning runs in WTC Final

LONDON: Aiden Markram played a defining 136-run knock in the fourth innings to steer South Africa to victory against Australia on the fourth day of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final here at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Saturday.

At the start of Day 4, South Africa were 213-2, needing 69 runs to clinch the title. Markram and captain Temba Bavuma resumed their innings with scores of 102 and 65 respectively.

Bavuma was able to add only one run to his score before being dismissed by his Australian counterpart, Pat Cummins, in the third over of the day.

Following this, Mitchell Starc removed Tristan Stubbs for 8 runs, giving Australia a glimmer of hope for a comeback.

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However, David Bedingham and Aiden Markram quickly extinguished that hope. The two added 35 runs for the fifth wicket, guiding the Proteas toward a historic victory.

Markram was eventually dismissed by Josh Hazlewood just inches away from victory, scoring a classy 136 runs off 207 balls, including 14 boundaries.

With only six runs needed to win, Kyle Verreynne joined Bedingham (21) and contributed four of those runs, including the winning run, thus ending South Africa’s ICC title drought.

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LONDON: South Africa opener Aiden Markram’s magnificent century against Australia put South Africa on the brink of glory at the end of the third day in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final here at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Friday.

South Africa ended the day’s play at 213-2, with 69 required to clinch the title. Markram stood firm on 102* off 159 balls while Temba Bavuma’s remained unbeaten with a gutsy 65* off 121 deliveries.

Both batters formed an excellent 143-run partnership which toiled Australian bowlers in front of a packed crowd in the all-important WTC final. Bavuma, despite cramping for most of the time during his innings, ensured that his team nearly reached a daunting target.

For Australia, Mitchell Starc was the only silver lining, taking two wickets while the rest of the bowlers failed to rise up to the occasion in batter-friendly conditions.

South Africa were 94-2 on the stroke of tea with Aiden Markaram and Captain Temba Bavuma standing firm.

South Africa had a poor start as they lost their opener, Ryan Rickelton (6), in only the second over. After an early wicket, Markaram and Wiaan Mulder forged a 61-run partnership.

The duo’s stand steadied South Africa, but not before Mulder’s wicket fell, as he was caught driving to covers. Mitchell Starc took his second wicket, ending Mulder’s gritty knock of 29 runs, reducing South Africa to 70-2.

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Meanwhile, Markram kept finding the gaps with ease and helped his team in the hunt for the title at the stroke of tea.

Earlier, Australia’s lower-order batter Mitchell Starc’s vigil of 58* runs set South Africa 282 to win in the WTC final.

Australia began day three of their second innings with a score of 144 for 8, leading by 218 runs with Nathan Lyon (1) and Mitchell Starc (16) on the crease.

It was the third over of the morning when South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada trapped Lyon lbw, who could only add one run to his overnight score.

With an early wicket, the Proteas could soon wrap up Australia’s innings; however, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood forged a vital 59-run partnership which took the title holders into a commanding position.

Starc was the lead aggressor, reaching his 11th Test half-century while Hazlewood held firm at one end. The duo frustrated South Africa, scoring at 3.13 in an over.

Both players helped Australia stretch the lead past the 250-run mark, making it an uphill task for South Africa’s batters in the WTC final.

The partnership was finally broken just before lunch as Hazlewood was caught off Aiden Markram’s bowling. He scored 17 off 53 deliveries while Starc remained unbeaten on 58* off 136 balls.

For South Africa, it was Kagiso Rabada again, taking four wickets while Lungi Ngidi chipped in with three wickets.

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Pakistan’s batting maestro Babar Azam has officially joined the Sydney Sixers for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season 15, the franchise confirmed on Friday.

The prolific right-hander, who boasts over 14,000 international runs and a mountain of accolades, including the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year award in 2022, will be available for the entirety of the season.

Currently ranked 12th in the ICC’s T20I batting rankings, Babar brings not only consistency but class to the Sixers’ lineup.

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With 11,330 T20 runs at an average of 43.07, no player in the format’s history has scored more runs with a better average.

Sixers General Manager, Rachael Haynes, said the club was thrilled to secure a player of Babar’s quality.

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Babar Azam to the Sixers this summer,” said Haynes.

“Babar’s resume speaks for itself. The skill, professionalism, and experience that he brings are of enormous value to our playing group, and the news is obviously incredibly exciting for our fans.

“He is a world-class player and a proven leader. He’s not only a huge addition to our club, but to the league as a whole.

“We can’t wait to welcome Babar into our group later this year, and we know our members and fans will be thrilled to see him in Sixers colours.”

The Sixers — three-time BBL champions — now have a formidable squad with the likes of Steve Smith, Moises Henriques, Sean Abbott, and Babar Azam leading the charge.

READ: Babar Azam’s cover drive earns mention during WTC Final at Lord’s

LONDON: Australia nosed ahead of South Africa despite suffering a dramatic collapse on another 14-wicket day in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final here at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Thursday.

Australia concluded day two of their second innings with a score of 144 for 8, leading by 218 runs. Nathan Lyon (1) and Mitchell Starc (16) remained not out at the end of the day’s play.

After the tea break, South Africa’s fast bowlers took charge, dismantling the Australian batting lineup and claiming five wickets in quick succession.

Steve Smith (13) and the struggling Marnus Labuschagne (22) were dismissed, leaving Australia at 48 for 4, although their lead had already surpassed the 100-run mark.

Travis Head (9) and first innings top scorer Beau Webster (9) were both removed in consecutive overs, bringing skipper Pat Cummins to the crease.

Unfortunately, he fell shortly after, contributing just six runs to the total. This sudden collapse left the defending champions in a precarious position at 73 for 7.

However, Mitchell Starc and Alex Carey provided much-needed stability, forming a 61-run partnership that helped take Australia’s lead past the 200-run mark.

Carey played a counter-attacking innings, scoring 43 runs before being trapped LBW.

Starc ended the day unbeaten, partnering with Nathan Lyon as night fell on the second day of the WTC Final.

For South Africa, Kagiso Rabada was a standout performer, claiming three wickets, while Lungi Ngidi matched him with three of his own.

Cautious Start

Earlier, Australia’s openers began their innings cautiously after securing a 74-run lead in the first innings.

Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne weathered the new ball well, facing off for 10 overs.

Australia’s steady progress was interrupted when Kagiso Rabada struck twice in an over, dismissing Khawaja and Cameron Green within the span of two deliveries.

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Khawaja was caught behind for six runs, while Green went without scoring, leaving Australia at 28 for 2 after just 10.4 overs.

Marnus Labuschagne showed some resilience with his 16 runs, while Steve Smith remained unbeaten on four at the tea break.

Earlier, Australia’s captain Pat Cummins delivered an outstanding bowling performance, taking six wickets and skittling South Africa for just 138 runs after lunch. This stellar display ensured that Australia maintained a solid 74-run first-innings lead.

South Africa’s First Innings

South Africa began their innings at 43 for 4 in 22 overs, with skipper Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham building a crucial 64-run partnership despite early setbacks on day one.

Australia made a vital breakthrough before lunch, dismissing Temba Bavuma, who was caught by Marnus Labuschagne after contributing a gritty 36 runs from 84 balls, helping his side reach a total of 94 in 39.2 overs.

Despite David Bedingham’s efforts to stabilise the innings, South Africa struggled to build momentum. By lunchtime, Bedingham was not out on 39, while Kyle Verreynne had 11 runs off 30 balls,  as the scorecard read 121 for 5.

Like Australia on day one, South Africa suffered a dramatic collapse post-lunch, adding only 17 runs to their total. David Bedingham emerged as a silver lining for South Africa, contributing a resilient 45 runs that included six fours.

For Australia, Pat Cummins was the standout bowler, capturing six wickets, while Mitchell Starc added two more to his tally.

Day One WTC Final

On day one, Australia had established control through strong bowling from their pace trio, following a disappointing batting display.

They were all out for a meagre total of 212 runs after South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl first.

Kagiso Rabada shone with the ball for South Africa, taking five wickets, while Beau Webster led the Australian batting effort with a score of 72 runs off 92 deliveries.

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LONDON: Australia’s fast bowlers staged an impressive fightback to reduce South Africa to 43-4 on the opening day of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final here at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

South Africa are trailing by 169 runs as their top order failed to capitalise as Pat Cummins’ men seized control of the game in the last half of day one at the home of cricket.

The opening day of the WTC final was eventful, with 14 wickets falling as bowlers dominated throughout the day.

Mitchell Starc began the action for the defending champions, Australia, with a trademark delivery that dismissed Aiden Markram for a golden duck.

Starc struck again in the eighth over, dismissing Ryan Rickelton for 16 runs, reducing South Africa to 19-2.

Wiaan Mulder, batting in the number three position for only the third time in his career, and captain Temba Bavuma faced a challenging spell against the precise bowling of the Australian pacers.

Mulder’s sluggish 44-ball six-run innings ended, courtesy of Pat Cummins’ delivery, while the incoming batter, Tristan Stubbs (2), failed to make his mark, which left South Africa tottering at 30-4 inside 20 overs.

Temba Bavuma (3) and David Bedingham (8) remained unbeaten at the end of day’s play.

For Australia, Mitchell Starc took two wickets while Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins bagged one each.

Earlier, Kagiso Rabada’s five-wicket haul put South Africa in a commanding position in the WTC final as Australia were bundled out for 212 in their first innings.

South Africa came back roaring after the tea break, breaking a promising 46-run partnership with the wicket of Alex Carey.

The left-hander was bowled on the score of 23 by Keshav Maharaj, triggering a collapse that Australia never recovered from.

Rabada was the chief tormentor as he removed Skipper Pat Cummins (1) and well-set Beau Webster (72), which reduced Australia to 210-8 in the all-important WTC final.

Following the collapse, it was expected that experienced tail-enders Nathon Lyon and Mitchell Starc would steady the defending champions; however, Marco Jansen cleaned up Lyon for a duck in the 56th over.

Kagiso Rabada concluded the innings by taking the wicket of Starc, achieving a record five-wicket haul and surpassing Allen Donald, thus moving up to fourth on South Africa’s all-time wicket-takers list.

Beau Webster was the top scorer for Australia with 72 runs, while Steve Smith played elegantly, scoring 66 runs in an innings that broke the record for the most half-centuries by a visiting batter in England.g batter in England.

For South Africa, Kagiso Rabada starred with the ball, taking five for 51 in his 15.4 overs, while Marco Jansen supported him well with his three wickets.

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Steve Smith and Beau Webster’s half-centuries steadied Australia post-lunch after South Africa’s early jolts. The reigning champions scored at 3.75 runs an over, bringing the score to 190-5 on the stroke of tea, courtesy of a burgeoning 79-run stand between Steve Smith and Beau Webster.

The duo batted cautiously, adding vital runs on the fifth wicket, which took the defending champions out of early trouble, created by South Africa’s pacers.

Steve Smith was removed after a well-made 66, thanks to a brilliant catch from Marco Jansen, leaving Australia 146-5. However, Beau Webster held firm, reaching his second half-century of his Test career.

Australia reached a steady score at the end of the second session, with Webster unbeaten at 62 and Alex Carey not out on 22.

In the opening session, South Africa took four wickets to leave Australia reeling at 67-4.

The Proteas’ fast bowlers put pressure on Australia’s new opening pair, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne, before Kagiso Rabada secured the first breakthrough.

Khawaja was the first wicket to fall, caught in the slips by David Bedingham after facing 20 deliveries without scoring.

Cameron Green came out to play his first Test innings since his back surgery; however, his stay was short-lived as he fell prey to Rabada after scoring four runs off three balls.

Labuschagne (17) was joined by an ever-dependable Steve Smith, but they could not form a solid partnership as Marco Jansen removed the former to leave Australia struggling at 46-3.

Travis Head (11) joined Smith but failed to add much to the total, getting caught behind off Jansen at the stroke of Lunch after scoring a meagre 11.

The Australian scoreboard read 67-4 at the end of the first session, with Smith standing unbeaten on 26.

PLAYING XIs

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verrynne, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

READ: Haris Rauf, Abbas Afridi move up in ICC T20I Rankings

Pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan are among the Pakistan players who have registered for the upcoming draft of the Big Bash League (BBL) season 15, scheduled to take place on June 19.

Joining them on the draft list are fellow internationals Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan, forming a strong Pakistan contingent aiming for another stint in one of the world’s premier T20 leagues.

This year’s BBL draft is set to be one of the most competitive yet, with over 600 overseas players putting their names forward.

Pakistan’s gap in the ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP) from November to February provides their top cricketers a window of opportunity to participate in the BBL 15.

Brisbane Heat hold the No. 1 pick for the men’s draft and will have the first chance to pick from a star-studded pool.

Alongside the Pakistani quartet, the initial draft list also features England’s Sam Curran and Alex Hales, New Zealand duo Lockie Ferguson and Tim Southee, Sri Lanka’s Kusal Perera, and West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph.

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The women’s draft for WBBL 11 will run parallel, and Pakistan women’s captain Fatima Sana is part of the nomination list.

Other big names include England’s Heather Knight, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Bell, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge; India’s Jemimah Rodrigues and Shikha Pandey; South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail and Chloe Tryon; and West Indies all-rounder Deandra Dottin.

BBL General Manager Alistair Dobson welcomed the high-profile names registering for this year’s drafts, calling it a sign of the league’s global appeal.

“Names like Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Heather Knight, and Sophie Ecclestone show that the BBL and WBBL remain attractive leagues for top international talent,” Dobson said.

“The presence of these stars will add a new flavour to the Big Bash this season.”

READ: Steve Smith wary of South Africa pace attack in WTC final

Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has named four players that he believes could be the backbone of the national team in the years to come.

Speaking during a special Eid transmission on a local news channel, the all-rounder was asked to name individuals he sees as central to Pakistan cricket’s progress over the next five years.

In response, he named Hasan Nawaz, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris, and Sahibzada Farhan as the ones to watch.

“I believe there are four players around whom the future of Pakistan cricket will revolve, Hasan Nawaz, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris, and Sahibzada Farhan,” Salman said.

“These four, in my opinion, are capable of winning matches for Pakistan going forward.”

The remarks come at a time when Pakistan cricket is going through a transitional phase, with the spotlight increasingly on young talent emerging from domestic circuits and franchise leagues.

Under Salman’s leadership, Pakistan recently whitewashed Bangladesh 3-0 in a home ODI series played in Lahore.

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Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Haris, in particular, were among the standout performers, carrying forward their aggressive form from the recently concluded PSL 10.

Salman Ali Agha also reflected on his cricketing inspirations, naming former batting great Mohammad Yousuf as his idol.

“I used to like Mohammad Yousuf’s batting a lot. I followed him closely. Even now, if I’m stuck somewhere, I go to YouTube and watch his videos,” he shared, adding that on the international stage, he admired former Australian captain Michael Clarke.

He also addressed speculation about team dynamics, asserting that minor disagreements between players are natural but shouldn’t be misunderstood.

“There is nothing personal between cricketers. When people spend time together, differences are natural — whether it’s within a household or a team. There’s no politics involved,” he clarified.

“We spend 10–11 months of the year together, so small differences are bound to happen.”

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Pakistan national cricketers extended heartfelt Eid-ul-Adha greetings to their fans, sending warm wishes and prayers for joy, health, and prosperity on the festive occasion.

In a special video message released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), several Men in Green—including T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan, all-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Aamer Jamal, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris, star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, and openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan—conveyed their best wishes to fans in Pakistan and across the globe.

The players are currently enjoying a brief but well-deserved break to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha with their families, following a dominant 3-0 T20I series win over Bangladesh in Lahore earlier this month.

It was a promising start under newly appointed white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, who took charge just weeks before the series.

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Looking ahead, Pakistan is set to embark on a busy period with two white-ball tours lined up back-to-back.

According to sources, the Green Shirts are expected to tour Bangladesh in July for another three-match T20I series.

The preliminary schedule has been finalised, with the squad likely to land in Dhaka on July 18. The series is scheduled to begin on July 20, followed by matches on July 22 and 24, all set to be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka.

Soon after the Bangladesh tour, the team will head to the Caribbean for a white-ball series against the West Indies. That tour includes three ODIs and three T20Is, scheduled from July 31 to August 12.

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Newly appointed white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has laid out his vision, expectations, and long-term commitment to Pakistan cricket, vowing to build a strong foundation rooted in understanding, unity, and consistency.

Speaking on the PCB Podcast, the 50-year-old former New Zealand coach outlined the mindset and planning behind taking up one of the most scrutinised roles in world cricket.

“I’ve come in with my eyes wide open,” Hesson said. “I knew the history, I knew the challenges.”

“So before accepting the job, I made sure to have extensive conversations with the key stakeholders — the NCA, selectors, senior players, and the PCB chairman. The main thing was ensuring we’re all on the same page.”

Mike Hesson made it clear that he doesn’t view this role as a short-term gig.

“I don’t want to be here for six months, enjoy a few highs or survive a few lows, and then leave,” he added. “For me, this is a medium-term project — and that means putting in the hard yards, even away from tours.”

He stressed that a crucial part of his coaching philosophy is developing a deep understanding of the players before demanding performances.

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“As head coach, my job is to get the best out of the players — and that starts with understanding them. You have to make them feel the expectations placed on them, not just tell them,” he explained.

“We’re constantly in meetings, setting up frameworks, and aligning our goals. Real change doesn’t happen three or four days before a series — especially when we’re talking about technical adjustments in fielding, bowling, or batting.”

Mike Hesson, who began his tenure with a 3-0 T20I whitewash over Bangladesh, also touched on his trust in newly appointed T20I captain Salman Ali Agha.

“I trust Salman, which is why you won’t see me constantly sending messages during matches. I believe in giving the players space to make decisions,” he noted.

The coach also shared a personal aspiration that goes beyond numbers and results.

“More than anything, I want the people of Pakistan to feel proud when they watch their team play. That’s the kind of connection we’re trying to build — something deeper, something lasting,” he concluded.

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