Moreover, China is also facing the pressure to live up to the pledge of its leader, Xi Jinping, to be ready to invade and conquer Taiwan by 2027. While economic planners would want to devote resources towards economic recovery, China has to spent resources in building warships, transport ships, and military modernisation to be able to prop a force that can launch a war on Taiwan and win.Moreover, China is also facing the pressure to live up to the pledge of its leader, Xi Jinping, to be ready to invade and conquer Taiwan by 2027. While economic planners would want to devote resources towards economic recovery, China has to spent resources in building warships, transport ships, and military modernisation to be able to prop a force that can launch a war on Taiwan and win.Moreover, China is also facing the pressure to live up to the pledge of its leader, Xi Jinping, to be ready to invade and conquer Taiwan by 2027. While economic planners would want to devote resources towards economic recovery, China has to spent resources in building warships, transport ships, and military modernisation to be able to prop a force that can launch a war on Taiwan and win.Moreover, China is also facing the pressure to live up to the pledge of its leader, Xi Jinping, to be ready to invade and conquer Taiwan by 2027. While economic planners would want to devote resources towards economic recovery, China has to spent resources in building warships, transport ships, and military modernisation to be able to prop a force that can launch a war on Taiwan and win.
Liveblog testing all items 255195 round 1 2
Rohan Mandal
• April 24, 2025, 18:48:22 IST
Liveblog testing all items 255195 round 1
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The United States on Wednesday sanctioned four entities which they claimed are contributing to Pakistan’s Ballistic Missile Program. The US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed the news, following which the department released a statement, revealing the names of the entities.
March 4, 2025, 22:25:36 (IST)
Earlier in the game, Rohit Sharma lost the toss for the 14th straight time in ODIs, and Steve Smith opted to bat first. India picked up an early wicket thanks to Mohammad Shami, but then came the counter-punch from Travis Head, forcing an early change. Varun came on and got Head’s big wicket, forcing Australia to build a stand rather than hit their way through. The Aussies did just that as Smith and Marnus built up a stand. Right throughout the middle phase of the innings, the Aussies started to build stands, but India managed to peg them back with a wicket. Smith missed out on a ton, and it was Alex Carey who looked the best of the batters, but even he couldn’t stay on for the death overs, and India managed to bowl Australia out for 264 runs, 20 or so less than what they were heading towards.
March 4, 2025, 22:24:02 (IST)
The captain of India, Rohit Sharma says that till the last ball is bowled, nothing is certain. Says that halfway through the stage, they felt that it was a reasonable score as the nature of the pitch was such that you cannot play the shots you want to play. Thinks they were really calm and composed in the chase. Adds that the surfaces in Dubai are very uncertain and says this one played a bit better, while the one that was used against New Zealand was a bit on the slower side. Mentions about the talks going on in the dressing room to play good cricket. Says they wanted to have six bowling options and to have batting till number 8. Credits everyone involved in making the team as well. On Virat Kohli, he says that Virat has done the job for them for so many years now and is delighted to see him doing the task time and again for the country whenever needed. Says they needed a big partnership and got a few important ones in the middle overs that steered them past the line. Is happy and states that you want the guys to perform well before the finals. Appreciates his teammates by saying that these guys have made an impact whenever they have the opportunity, which gives them a lot of confidence.
March 4, 2025, 22:20:18 (IST)
With the top five batters chewing up more than half the portion of the team’s chase, the focus shifted towards consolidation in the latter stages of the innings. Virat Kohli reached a milestone by scoring his 74th ODI half-century, further solidifying his reputation as a prolific batter when it comes to big events like these. After Axar Patel’s departure following a handy knock, KL Rahul joined Kohli at the crease, and the duo formed a critical partnership that gradually wrested control of the match from Australia. While Kohli, unbothered, played a pivotal role in building the innings, he fell short of completing the chase. KL Rahul stepped up decisively, striking the final runs and guiding India to victory, effectively neutralizing the Australian bowling efforts and steering India towards success. Hardik Pandya too, played a crucial cameo by injecting the momentum back with a few lusty blows.
March 4, 2025, 22:17:55 (IST)
Winners in 2013, runners-up in 2017, and now through to the summit clash in 2025 as well. This marks India’s third consecutive Champions Trophy finale appearance, and their overall fifth, including 2000 and 2002. A job well done by the Men In Blue in the end, but throughout, it was a close game, with both sides going neck and neck. However, a few fielding lapses from the Aussies made their task even harder. And, of course, not having their premier bowlers, made them look a bit depleted, especially in the pace department.
March 4, 2025, 22:16:20 (IST)
The captain of Australia, Steve Smith says that the bowlers did a good job and the spinners squeezed things in the middle overs that helped them take the game deep and reckons it was a difficult wicket to start on with the bat. Mentions that the wicket remained more or less similar in both innings, and was a bit two-faced and helped the spinners. Adds that they should have got to 280, which could have got them more in the game. Reckons that they played exceptionally well against England and the inexperienced bowling lineup did a great job and hopefully, they will continue the same in the future.
March 4, 2025, 22:16:06 (IST)
Virat Kohli is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his match-winning stint with the bat. Virat starts by saying that his knock was similar to the one against Pakistan and it was more about rotating strike and building partnerships and that it’s all dependent on the conditions. Mentions that his timing and composure at the crease pleased him today and he wasn’t trying for too much. Adds that when you play these big games and take it deep with wickets in hands, the opposition starts to give in and even with a deficit of 20 or so balls, the set batters can kick on and get the win. Mentions that when you try and not to think about the milestones, you feel good with the win, and at this moment in his career, those milestones don’t matter much.
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March 4, 2025, 22:12:00 (IST)
Right then, India have cruised to the finale of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 by defeating their arch-rivals Australia in a fine fashion. However, with a depleted bowling attack, the Aussies, true to their fighting nature, did fight hard but were just short of plans. So now, the venue of the finale has been locked in. The Dubai International Stadium will be the host as India awaits their opponent for the summit clash. The second semi-final features South Africa taking on New Zealand. Both teams are evenly matched and that promises to be a belter of a game as well. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will be the host. Who will fly to Dubai to face India in the finale? Will it be the Proteas? Or can the Kiwis run over them? The first ball is scheduled to be bowled on Wednesday, March 5th, at 9 am GMT. But do make sure you tune in with us an hour before for all the pre-match analysis and build-up. Until then, cheers!
March 4, 2025, 22:12:00 (IST)
Right then, India have cruised to the finale of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 by defeating their arch-rivals Australia in a fine fashion. However, with a depleted bowling attack, the Aussies, true to their fighting nature, did fight hard but were just short of plans. So now, the venue of the finale has been locked in. The Dubai International Stadium will be the host as India awaits their opponent for the summit clash. The second semi-final features South Africa taking on New Zealand. Both teams are evenly matched and that promises to be a belter of a game as well. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will be the host. Who will fly to Dubai to face India in the finale? Will it be the Proteas? Or can the Kiwis run over them? The first ball is scheduled to be bowled on Wednesday, March 5th, at 9 am GMT. But do make sure you tune in with us an hour before for all the pre-match analysis and build-up. Until then, cheers!
March 4, 2025, 22:07:04 (IST)
… THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY …
March 4, 2025, 22:01:45 (IST)
Seeking a breakthrough, Steve Smith strategically introduced his spin bowlers. Adam Zampa successfully disrupted the ongoing partnership by dismissing Shreyas Iyer, providing Australia with a critical wicket. Axar Patel, promoted up the batting order, demonstrated remarkable composure and defensive technique. Instead of attempting risky shots, he focused on building another significant partnership with Virat Kohli. Kohli, maintaining his characteristic run chase approach, continued to rotate the strike by consistently running singles in the mid overs.
March 4, 2025, 21:57:24 (IST)
Kohli’s crucial role in preventing a potential collapse was particularly noteworthy, showcasing his ability to anchor the scoring during a critical phase of the match. Shreyas Iyer joined him, and the two brought in that much-required calm, with both punctuating the score with occasional boundaries as well. However, the pitch was not that easy to bat on, with the ball holding up a bit and the odd one deviating away. In these circumstances, a 91-run stand between Kohli and Iyer proved invaluable as it dashed off the pressure from the shoulders of the middle order.
March 4, 2025, 21:57:24 (IST)
Kohli’s crucial role in preventing a potential collapse was particularly noteworthy, showcasing his ability to anchor the scoring during a critical phase of the match. Shreyas Iyer joined him, and the two brought in that much-required calm, with both punctuating the score with occasional boundaries as well. However, the pitch was not that easy to bat on, with the ball holding up a bit and the odd one deviating away. In these circumstances, a 91-run stand between Kohli and Iyer proved invaluable as it dashed off the pressure from the shoulders of the middle order.
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March 4, 2025, 21:50:51 (IST)
India’s innings commenced with Rohit Sharma providing an assertive start, methodically finding boundaries and establishing early momentum. The team encountered a setback with Shubman Gill’s dismissal during the Powerplay, which could have disrupted their batting rhythm. However, Virat Kohli’s experienced presence stabilized the innings, ensuring consistent run accumulation. By the ten-over mark, India had strategically positioned themselves at 55/2.
March 4, 2025, 21:34:29 (IST)
48.1 – SIX! INDIA ARE THROUGH TO THE FINAL OF THE ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025! KL Rahul hits the glory shot and the celebrations start in the Indian dressing room. Glenn Maxwell darts it in, fuller and on the middle and leg stump line. KL Rahul shimmies down a bit and lofts it over cow corner for a cracking six. Hits it clean as a whistle and clears the ropes with ease to get his team over the line.
March 4, 2025, 21:33:52 (IST)
47.6 – Around the wicket, speared in fuller and on middle, Ravindra Jadeja pushes it to mid on and scoots off for a quick single. Oh, wait! An overthrow as Ben Dwarshuis picks up the initial throw on the back-up and throws it wayward to the keeper’s end. With no proper back up there, the batters take another run.
March 4, 2025, 21:33:52 (IST)
47.6 – Around the wicket, speared in fuller and on middle, Ravindra Jadeja pushes it to mid on and scoots off for a quick single. Oh, wait! An overthrow as Ben Dwarshuis picks up the initial throw on the back-up and throws it wayward to the keeper’s end. With no proper back up there, the batters take another run.
March 4, 2025, 21:31:21 (IST)
Ravindra Jadeja walks out to bat now.
March 4, 2025, 21:31:14 (IST)
47.5 – OUT! GONE! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Ellis bowls it fuller again, and gets the ball to jag back in a touch, around middle and leg. Hardik Pandya tries to kill the game with the glory shot, but ends up mistiming it badly. Hits straight in the air, but the connection is off the toe-end, hence, he doesn’t quite get the distance. Ends up offering a dolly of a catch to Glenn Maxwell who moves a bit to his left from long on. Takes a simple reverse cup catch. India need 6 off 13 balls now.
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March 4, 2025, 21:30:05 (IST)
47.4 – Pace on, too full and outside off, almost a yorker. Hardik Pandya fails to carve it out.
March 4, 2025, 21:29:21 (IST)
47.3 – FOUR! Effortless! Into the single figures now, then! Ellis serves it on the stumps, on a fullish length, nipping back a bit off the deck. Hardik Pandya positions himself well and holds his shape to loft it over the bowler’s head for a boundary. Just a hit away now, is India!
March 4, 2025, 21:28:36 (IST)
47.3 – WIDE! A close call? Ellis is not quite convinced, but it is clearly over the head! Shortish on the top of off, climbs on the batter. Hardik Pandya opts to let it be as it passes above his head height.
March 4, 2025, 21:27:20 (IST)
47.2 – Swing and a miss! Ellis takes pace off, and bowls a fuller-length delivery, around the leg stump line, Hardik Pandya tries to loft it over the bowler but misses due to the lack of pace, and gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball nips back in a touch.
March 4, 2025, 21:26:43 (IST)
47.1 – Back of a length, on top of off, KL Rahul leans back and cuts it to the left of point for a single.
March 4, 2025, 21:26:43 (IST)
47.1 – Back of a length, on top of off, KL Rahul leans back and cuts it to the left of point for a single.
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March 4, 2025, 21:25:53 (IST)
46.6 – SIX MORE! CLEARS THE FENCE WITH EASE AGAIN! Too full from Zampa again, on the stumps, Hardik Pandya picks it up nicely and deposits it into the stands behind long off. It traveled more than 100 meters. Just 12 needed to win now off 18 balls remaining.
March 4, 2025, 21:25:07 (IST)
46.5 – SIX! BANG! This time he connects, and connects so well! Zampa offers it right into the wheel house, floated fuller and on off, Hardik Pandya clears his front leg and smashes it over long off for a huge six. He struggles a bit right after playing the shot, but looks fine to continue.
March 4, 2025, 21:24:11 (IST)
46.4 – Another dot delivery! Slower through the air, drifting on the pads, Hardik Pandya sits down to smash the slog sweep, but connects thin air.
March 4, 2025, 21:24:11 (IST)
46.4 – Another dot delivery! Slower through the air, drifting on the pads, Hardik Pandya sits down to smash the slog sweep, but connects thin air.
March 4, 2025, 21:23:47 (IST)
46.3 – Back of a length, on off, KL Rahul backs away and cuts it to deep point for a single.
March 4, 2025, 21:23:05 (IST)
46.2 – On the shorter side, outside off, stays low as well. Hardik Pandya stands tall and lofts it over cover for a single. He looks for the second run but is sent back on a sharp call from KL Rahul. Has enough time to turn around and retreat back to the bowling end, before the throw.
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March 4, 2025, 21:22:15 (IST)
46.1 – Pitched on a length, flatter and quicker on off, KL Rahul smashes it down to long off for a single.
March 4, 2025, 21:22:10 (IST)
Adam Zampa has one over up his sleeve and Steve Smith is going to risk it right now. Could this be the over that makes the difference for either side? Let’s find out.
March 4, 2025, 21:21:04 (IST)
45.6 – What an excellent over from Ellis! Just a solitary run from this one! Aims the stumps, on a fullish length, pushed straight back again by Pandya. He hasn’t been quite able to knock it around the gaps to rotate the strike so far. India need 27 runs off 24 balls now.
March 4, 2025, 21:20:17 (IST)
45.5 – And suddenly, three dots on the trot from Ellis! Fuller and on off, Pandya prods ahead and pushes it off the inner half of the bat to the bowler. A hint of reverse as well there for Nathan Ellis to cramp up the batter.
March 4, 2025, 21:19:37 (IST)
45.4 – Fuller and on the stumps, Hardik flicks it to mid-wicket.
March 4, 2025, 21:18:54 (IST)
45.3 – Back of a length, on middle and leg, Hardik punches it to mid off.
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March 4, 2025, 21:18:14 (IST)
45.2 – Fuller on the stumps, KL Rahul eases it between cover and point for one. 3000 ODI RUNS FOR KL RAHUL! He becomes the 20th Indian batter to achieve this feat in this format.
March 4, 2025, 21:17:36 (IST)
45.1 – A dot to start from Ellis! Follows KL Rahul who shuffles to open the off side, bowls it on the leg stump line, a back-of-the-hand delivery, with seam up, KL Rahul waits for it and adjusts to dab it on the surface.
March 4, 2025, 21:16:27 (IST)
44.6 – Two more to end the over and India now need 28 off 30 balls. Fractionally short and turning away, Hardik Pandya rocks back and cuts it hard behind deep point for a couple of runs.
March 4, 2025, 21:15:53 (IST)
44.5 – SIX! Always a risk to bowl Tanveer Sangha at this stage and all Hardik Pandya needed was one ball in his arc and he’s dispatched it. Tossed up, straight and just a bit too full, Hardik is able to swing through the line and whacks it a long way over the bowler’s head for a biggie.
Written by Rohan Mandal
Rohan Mandal is the entertainment editor of Firtspost, Network18. His interviews are called 'Not Just Bollywood' because he takes huge interest in world cinema. OTT over theatrical releases is his preference unless and until its a King Khan film. He takes interest in fashion, food and art reviews too.
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