Cricket

WTC Points Table Update After Australia Seal Ashes 4–1 With Sydney Test Win

Published

4 months ago

January 7, 2026

Australia wrapped up the Ashes series in emphatic fashion, defeating England in the fifth and final Test at Sydney to clinch the contest 4–1. Chasing a modest target of 160 runs, the hosts completed the task with five wickets in hand, underlining their dominance throughout the series.

The victory further strengthened Australia’s position at the top of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 points table, as Pat Cummins’ side registered their seventh win in eight matches in the current cycle. With a Points Percentage (PCT) of 87.5, Australia now sit comfortably ahead of the rest of the field and have taken a significant step towards qualification for the WTC final in 2027.

Australia Tighten Grip on WTC Final Spot

Australia’s consistency across conditions has been the hallmark of their WTC campaign so far. Winning seven of their first eight matches gives them a substantial buffer, meaning they would need a dramatic slump in form for their final berth to come under serious threat. Their bowling attack has remained relentless, while their batting has delivered when it matters most—traits that continue to make them the benchmark Test side.

England’s WTC Struggles Continue

For England, the loss compounded an already difficult WTC cycle. The defeat marked their sixth loss in ten matches, leaving them stranded in seventh place on the table with a PCT of 31.66. Despite flashes of individual brilliance, England’s inconsistency—particularly away from home—has once again hurt their championship aspirations.

So far in the 2025–27 cycle, England have managed just three Test victories: two against India and one against Australia. Their margin for error is now extremely slim if they hope to remain competitive in the WTC race.

Mid-Table Battle Intensifies

Behind Australia, the race for the remaining WTC final spot is heating up:

New Zealand sit second with a PCT of 77.78, benefitting from a strong start despite playing only three matches so far.
South Africa occupy third place with a PCT of 75, remaining well in contention.
Sri Lanka and Pakistan are positioned mid-table, with limited matches played but promising starts.
India, led by Shubman Gill, find themselves in sixth place, having won four and lost four of their nine Tests. With a PCT of 48.15, India will need a strong run in upcoming series to re-enter the top-two conversation.

Updated WTC Points Table (After Sydney Ashes Test)

Rank	Team	Matches	Wins	Losses	Draws	Points	PCT
1	Australia	8	7	1	0	84	87.5
2	New Zealand	3	2	0	1	28	77.78
3	South Africa	4	3	1	0	36	75
4	Sri Lanka	2	1	0	1	16	66.67
5	Pakistan	2	1	1	0	12	50
6	India	9	4	4	1	52	48.15
7	England	10	3	6	1	38	31.66
8	Bangladesh	2	0	1	1	4	16.67
9	West Indies	8	0	7	1	4	4.17

Jacob Bethell’s Lone Resistance

Earlier on the final morning, Jacob Bethell provided England with a rare bright spot, scoring a valiant 154 runs in the second innings. His effort helped England stretch their lead to 159 runs before Mitchell Starc brought his innings to an end. England were eventually bowled out for 342, but the target proved insufficient on a surface that, while offering turn, remained largely batting-friendly.

England also felt the absence of specialist spinner Shoaib Bashir, as Australia’s batters handled the spin threat with composure. Despite some assistance for bowlers, conditions never became challenging enough to seriously threaten Australia’s chase.

Series Verdict

Australia were the superior side throughout the Ashes, excelling in both discipline and execution. The final 4–1 scoreline accurately reflects their dominance and further cements their status as frontrunners in the ongoing WTC cycle.

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Cricket

Will Mitchell Starc Play Today? Big Boost for Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals

Published

15 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Nivaan Joshi

All eyes are on whether Mitchell Starc will finally make his debut in the Indian Premier League 2026 season as Delhi Capitals take on the in-form Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

📉 Delhi Capitals Under Pressure

Delhi Capitals started their campaign strongly with two consecutive wins, but their form has dipped significantly:

Only 1 win in the last 6 matches
Lost their previous three games in a row
Despite scoring 264 runs vs Punjab Kings, they still lost
Bowled out for just 75 runs vs RCB in their last match

👉 With just 3 wins in 8 matches, DC are now in a must-win situation.

🚨 Mitchell Starc Set to Play

In a major boost, Mitchell Starc is expected to play today:

Recently recovered from a shoulder injury
Joined the DC squad last week
Has been actively bowling in the nets

👉 His return could significantly strengthen DC’s struggling bowling attack.

⏳ Match Fitness a Key Factor

Starc hasn’t played a competitive match since:

January 25, 2026
Representing Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League

This raises questions about:

Match fitness
Rhythm under pressure

However, his experience and pace could still make an immediate impact.

🗣️ Team Management’s Take

Delhi Capitals bowling coach Munaf Patel confirmed Starc’s availability:

👉 This strongly संकेत (indicates) that Starc is likely to feature in the playing XI.

🔄 Possible Team Changes

If Starc plays, he is expected to replace one of the overseas pacers:

Likely replacement: Kyle Jamieson
Alternative option: Dushmantha Chameera

Meanwhile, batting overseas slots remain stable:

David Miller
Tristan Stubbs

🔥 What Starc’s Return Means

Adds pace and wicket-taking ability
Boosts team morale
Provides early breakthroughs in powerplay
Strengthens death bowling

👉 Exactly what DC has been missing this season.

🧠 Match Outlook

Rajasthan Royals enter as favorites due to strong form
Delhi Capitals rely heavily on Starc’s impact
The match could hinge on how quickly Starc finds rhythm

🔎 Final Verdict

Yes, Mitchell Starc is very likely to play today, and his return could be a turning point for Delhi Capitals’ IPL 2026 campaign.

Cricket

🏏 Gujarat Titans Shock RCB with Clinical Chase in Ahmedabad

Published

17 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Nivaan Joshi

The Gujarat Titans pulled off an impressive four-wicket win over defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, continuing their unpredictable but dangerous run in the Indian Premier League 2026 season.

📉 RCB Collapse After Promising Start

Coming into the match with momentum after a dominant win over Delhi Capitals, RCB were expected to continue their strong form.

Virat Kohli gave them a fiery start, scoring 28 off 13 balls
However, once he fell, the innings quickly unraveled

Only Devdutt Padikkal showed resistance, but lacked support as the middle order collapsed:

Jitesh Sharma – 1 run
Tim David – 9 runs
Krunal Pandya – 4 runs
Impact player Venkatesh Iyer – 12 (15 balls)

RCB were eventually bowled out for 155 runs, a below-par total on a batting-friendly surface.

🎯 Gujarat Bowlers Deliver

Gujarat’s bowling unit executed their plans perfectly:

Arshad Khan – 3 wickets
Rashid Khan – 2 wickets
Jason Holder – 2 wickets

They consistently picked wickets and never allowed RCB to build partnerships.

🚀 Explosive Start Seals the Chase

Chasing 156, Gujarat Titans came out aggressively:

Captain Shubman Gill smashed 43 off 18 balls
Jos Buttler added 39 off 19 balls

Their attacking approach dismantled RCB’s bowling early, effectively deciding the match in the powerplay.

⚡ Late Wobbles but Comfortable Finish

After the strong start, Gujarat’s middle order showed some vulnerability, losing wickets at intervals.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar stood out for RCB with 3/28 in 4 overs

However, the target proved too small to defend. Gujarat comfortably chased it down with 25 balls to spare.

🧠 Match Analysis

RCB’s key issue: Fragile middle order continues to hurt them
Turning point: Early wickets after Kohli’s dismissal
Game changer: Gill–Buttler powerplay assault
What RCB missed: An additional 20–30 runs

Cricket

Paris Saint-Germain vs Bayern Munich: Champions League Semifinal Delivers Record-Breaking 9-Goal Thriller

Published

2 days ago

April 30, 2026

Nivaan Joshi

In one of the most electrifying matches in UEFA Champions League history, Paris Saint-Germain edged past Bayern Munich 5-4 in the first leg of their semifinal clash at the Parc des Princes.

The nine-goal spectacle not only left fans stunned but also rewrote multiple records, cementing its place among the greatest knockout games ever.

⚽ Record-Breaking Night in Paris

The clash produced several historic milestones:

9 goals – Most ever in a Champions League semifinal
5 first-half goals – Highest in a semifinal or final
Second-highest scoring knockout game ever (after Bayern Munich vs Barcelona 8-2 match)
First 5-4 scoreline in a knockout tie since Chelsea vs Liverpool 4-4 match

It was a night where defensive caution took a back seat, and attacking brilliance took over.

🔥 First Half: Five-Goal Chaos

The game exploded into life early:

Harry Kane opened scoring from the penalty spot (17’)
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia equalised with a stunning curler (24’)
Joao Neves gave PSG the lead with a header (33’)
Michael Olise brought Bayern level again
Ousmane Dembele converted a penalty to make it 3-2 before halftime

The first 45 minutes alone felt like a complete match.

⚡ Second Half: End-to-End Drama

The intensity didn’t drop after the break:

Kvaratskhelia struck again to extend PSG’s lead
Dembele added another with a deflected finish past Manuel Neuer
Dayot Upamecano pulled one back from a set-piece
Luis Diaz made it 5-4 with a late goal

Despite Bayern’s late surge, PSG held on to take a slender one-goal advantage into the second leg.

🧠 Tactical Takeaways

PSG’s attacking trio proved lethal but showed defensive vulnerability
Bayern’s high line created chances but left gaps at the back
Both teams prioritised attack over control, making it a rare, open-ended semifinal

⏭️ What’s Next?

The tie is far from over. The second leg at the Allianz Arena promises another blockbuster, with Bayern needing just a one-goal win to level the tie.

With both sides showcasing explosive attacking quality, fans can expect yet another high-intensity showdown.

🏆 Final Take

This wasn’t just a football match—it was a statement game.

The 5-4 thriller between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich will be remembered as a modern Champions League classic—one that highlighted why this competition remains the pinnacle of club football.