New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy is currently at number one in ICC T20I rankings, pipping West Indian pacer Akeal Hosein. All his brilliant displays of bowling for his team against Pakistan in recent T20I matches contributed to achieving this honor.

Dominant Performance Against Pakistan

Duffy was the highest wicket-taker in the five-match T20I series, taking 13 wickets at a batting average of 8.38 and an economy rate of 6.16. His master bowling was the major contributor to New Zealand's 4-1 series win.

With 723 rating points, he overtook Hosein (707 points) to rank as the No.1 T20I bowler.

ALSO SEE: Watch: Mohammed Siraj's dream delivery sends Devdutt Padikkal's stumps flying

Pakistan should learn from Australia india, high quality coach should hire from Australia like batting like gilchirst, pontting, bowler should be glen macgrah , now cricket is 400 run not 200 run, Pakistan still playing child cricket, stupid batting blowing fielding line

— Mehedi Hasan (@MehediHasa43846) April 2, 2025

New Zealand using their C team to farm a weak team like Pakistan to climb the leaderboards.

— S!rZapsALot (@NanamiUchihaaa) April 2, 2025

🚨 New No.1 Ranked T20I Bowler after picking up 13 Wickets in T20I Series against Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/rxbknMqzgF

— Fastest (@adnan66789p) April 2, 2025

🚨 New No.1 Ranked T20I Bowler after picking up 13 Wickets in T20I Series against Pakistan.@BLACKCAPS @ICC #Cricket pic.twitter.com/40pFTz6gXP

— Shoaib Ahmed (@Shoaib_say) April 2, 2025

New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy has become the number-one ranked T20I bowler in the world. He clinched 13 wickets in five matches against Pakistan to topple Akeal Hosein and move to the top of the table.#jacobduffy #newzealand #t20bestbowler #bestbowler pic.twitter.com/57xswVf42f

— IndiaTV English (@indiatv) April 2, 2025

Jacob Duffy Number one bowler in T20 after taking 13 wickets in the T20 series against Pakistan pic.twitter.com/mB2yesuFQX

— Hashim Tufail (@PakistaniH47165) April 2, 2025

New No.1 ranked T20I bowler crowned following heroics against Pakistan - ICC Cricket - https://t.co/LVQJmeUNZN #GoogleAlerts

— MOIZ ESUFALLY (@moizesufally) April 2, 2025

🚨 Jacob Duffy makes a four-step leap in the ICC Men's T20I bowling rankings to claim the No. 1 spot in the world 🔝#Blackcaps | #ICC pic.twitter.com/Uh0Atj6weW

— Cricketangon (@cricketangon) April 2, 2025

Jacob Duffy ne bajaya Ghanta 🔔 https://t.co/UPtChkMozc

— ` (@Manan_Vk) April 2, 2025

abe kaun hai yeh Jacob Duffy?

— K (@BaaghiKabira) April 2, 2025

#Jacob Duffy, who helped #NewZealand register an emphatic 4-1 series triumph against Pakistan in the recently concluded five-match series, has moved to the top spot in latest ICC T20I rankings for bowlers.https://t.co/2aIWSWjLH5

— News9 (@News9Tweets) April 2, 2025

Jacob Duffy goes to number one!!!https://t.co/jD4MR2ICF6

— Vincent Jones (@JonesVincentt) April 2, 2025

Jacob Duffy Another NZ Cricketer Maturing With Age.

The New Matt Henry.

Test Cricket Beckons Now.#NewZealandCricket#PAKvNZ

— .. (@BeingHumanAlwys) April 2, 2025

The second T20I of the Pakistan and New Zealand series will take place on Tuesday, with the match toss at 6:15 am (IST) and the game at 6:45 am (IST). The match will be played at the University Oval in Dunedin. The match will be telecast on the Sony Sports Network and will also be streamed live on the Sony LIV and Fancode website and apps.

Pakistan's Predicted Playing XI:

Mohammad Haris (Wicketkeeper), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Ali Agha (Captain), Irfan Khan Niazi, Shadab Khan (Vice-Captain), Abdul Samad, Khushdil Shah, Jahandad Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Abrar Ahmed.

There are also debutants such as Hasan Nawaz, who can be expected to open the batting with Mohammad Haris. Abdul Samad, who has aggressive batting skills, could take Khushdil Shah's place in the lower order.

New Zealand's Predicted Playing XI:

Tim Seifert (Wicketkeeper), Finn Allen, Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay (Wicketkeeper),Michael Bracewell (Captain), Zakary Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy.

New Zealand will probably have the same team that won the first game so convincingly

ALSO READ:IPL 2025: A Look at the Captains' Salaries and Their Captaincy Records

Team Outlook:

New Zealand:  Following their comprehensive victory in the first game, New Zealand will look to take the series further in their favor. Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, and Michael Bracewell are likely to carry on with their impressive show.

Pakistan: Under pressure to even the series, Pakistan will most likely tinker with their lineup. Mohammad Haris, Hasan Nawaz, and Shadab Khan will have to rise to the challenge to take on the Black Caps.

The fans can expect a thrilling match as Pakistan looks to redeem themselves, while New Zealand hopes to continue their dominance in the series.

The much-awaited India vs New Zealand final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place on March 9, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Cricket fans worldwide are eagerly waiting to witness this thrilling clash as both teams battle for the prestigious trophy. Here’s everything you need to know about the match details, live streaming options, and TV broadcast information.

Match Details

• Teams: India vs. New Zealand
• Date: March 9, 2025
• Time: 2:30 PM IST
• Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium

Live Streaming & TV Broadcast Details

Fans worldwide can watch the final through various TV channels and online streaming platforms. Here’s a complete list of where you can catch the live-action:

ALSO SEE: Champions Trophy Final: Unexpected Source Reveals How New Zealand Plans to Tackle India

India vs New Zealand: Predicted Playing XI

India:

• Rohit Sharma (c)
• Shubman Gill
• Virat Kohli
• Shreyas Iyer
• KL Rahul (wk)
• Hardik Pandya
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Jasprit Bumrah
• Mohammed Shami
• Mohammed Siraj

New Zealand:

• Will Young
• Rachin Ravindra
• Kane Williamson
• Daryl Mitchell
• Tom Latham (wk)
• Glenn Phillips
• Michael Bracewell
• Mitchell Santner (c)
• Matt Henry
• Kyle Jamieson
• Will O’Rourke

Match Preview & Expectations

India enters the final with an unbeaten streak in the tournament, showcasing dominance with both bat and ball. Players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah have been in top form, giving India a strong chance to secure their third ICC Champions Trophy title.

New Zealand, known for their fighting spirit, will be looking to clinch their first-ever ICC white-ball trophy. Skipper Kane Williamson and all-rounders like Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell will be crucial for the Kiwis' success.

With a fast pitch in Dubai favoring both pacers and batsmen, fans can expect a high-intensity final with fireworks from both sides.

New Zealand’s cricket team faces a significant blow ahead of the second Test against Australia as Will O’Rourke has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. This injury has prompted the selectors to turn to uncapped pacer Ben Sears to fill the void left by O’Rourke’s absence.

Despite recent retirement, Neil Wagner will not be making a surprise return to the national team. Instead, Sears, with experience in 13 T20 internationals, has a chance to make his Test debut when the match kicks off at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

The decision not to recall Wagner underscores the selectors’ confidence in Sears’ abilities. Coach Gary Stead has praised Sears’ genuine pace and bounce, considering them valuable assets in Test cricket. Stead’s belief in Sears’ potential to step up to the challenge of Test cricket suggests that the young bowler could play a crucial role in the upcoming match against Australia.

Ben Sears’ Potential Debut Amidst Injury Woes

Meanwhile, Australia holds a 1-0 series lead after securing a convincing victory over New Zealand in the first Test at the Basin Reserve. As the series shifts to Christchurch, New Zealand will be eager to level the playing field on their home turf. The absence of key players like O’Rourke poses a challenge, but Sears’ inclusion injects a sense of anticipation and opportunity into the team’s lineup.

SEE ASLO: IPL 2024: Devon Conway set to miss IPL 2024 due to injury

The upcoming Test presents a pivotal moment for both teams, with Australia aiming to extend their lead and New Zealand determined to stage a comeback. Sears’ potential debut adds an intriguing subplot to the match, offering fans a glimpse into the future of New Zealand cricket. With the series finely poised, all eyes will be on Hagley Oval as the battle between these two cricketing rivals unfolds.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) face a notable setback as their key batsman, Devon Conway, is ruled out due to a thumb injury incurred during a T20I series against Australia.The injury, incurred while wicketkeeping during the second T20I, has necessitated surgery and a projected recovery period of at least eight weeks. As a result, Conway is expected to miss a substantial portion of the IPL season, dealing a blow to CSK’s campaign.

Conway’s absence will be keenly felt by CSK, considering his stellar performances in the previous IPL edition. With an impressive tally of 672 runs in 16 matches, including six half-centuries, Conway played a pivotal role in CSK’s title-winning campaign. His impactful innings, notably a quickfire 47 in the final, earned him the Player of the Match award and solidified his status as one of CSK’s key players.

Conway’s Absence: A Test of Depth for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2024

The injury-enforced absence of Conway has prompted CSK to reassess their batting lineup and seek alternatives for the crucial position vacated by the New Zealand batsman. While CSK boasts depth in their squad, Conway’s consistent contributions and match-winning capabilities will be challenging to replace, posing a significant test for the team’s management and coaching staff.

SEE ALSO: Gujarat Titans player under observation following bike accident

CSK’s campaign in IPL 2024 begins against Royal Challengers Bangalore on March 22 in Chennai, marking the start of their title defense without the services of Conway. As they embark on their quest for another championship, CSK will rely on collective team effort and strategic adjustments to compensate for the absence of their influential batsman and sustain their competitive edge throughout the tournament.

The Australian cricket team delivered a stellar performance, successfully chasing down the 216-run target set by New Zealand with six wickets in hand within 20 overs. This remarkable achievement marked their third-highest successful run chase in T20 cricket, underscoring their resilience in high-pressure situations.

Notably, Australia’s highest successful T20I run chase had also occurred against the Kiwis in Auckland back in 2018 when they achieved a stunning target of 244 runs with seven balls remaining. The second-best chase involved India whereby they hunted down 223 runs in Guwahati last year thereby showing their capacity of chasing big targets against top notch opponents.

Australia’s Dominance in T20I Run-Chases

In a nail-biting climax to the match, and needing 16 off the last over, Tim David played a brave innings striking veteran bowler Tim Southee for 12 from three balls which included an important six and boundary off last throw thus giving Australia an exciting victory.

Unbeaten on 72 runs off 44 balls, skipper Mitchell Marsh provided the much needed support to Tim David. The duo stepped in after wicketkeeper Josh Inglis was dismissed—forming a crucial partnership of 44 runs in just 19 deliveries and taking Australia towards an imposing target set by New Zealand.

Australia’s openers Travis Head and David Warner got the Australian chase off to a good start. Although they both fell within the first seven overs, their rapid scoring partnership put them in a strong position at 69-2.

SEE ASLO: India’s Test Heroes Shine Bright With Rankings After Convincing Victory

Mitchell Marsh and Tim David’s Heroic Partnership

In spite of losing important players, there were middle-order batsmen that contributed substantially to the pursuit. Glenn Maxwell injected some energy into the innings with his quick fire knock of 25 from just 11 balls before being cleaned up by Lockie Ferguson who took a well-directed yorker thus stood out as New Zealand’s most economical bowler.

The first innings began with Finn Allen and Devon Conway opening up with a quickfire partnership of 61 runs in merely 5.2 overs for the Black Caps Franchise. This was followed by Rachin Ravindra reaching his maiden T20I fifty from twenty nine deliveries while Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman also played valuable hands, leading to New Zealand amassing an imposing total of two hundred fifteen for three.

Australia’s strong batting, led by Mitchell Marsh and Tim David, eventually ensured a famous win in a high-scoring contest despite New Zealand’s daunting total, revealing their tough side and performance under pressure in T20 cricket.

Kane Williamson, the captain of New Zealand, has acknowledged that the team will be without Martin Guptill because he declined a central contract and was released by NZC. The 36-year-old opener is the latest in a growing number of New Zealand players who are interested in pursuing career opportunities elsewhere. Due to the proliferation of franchise cricket, there is now a T20 league for nearly every month of the year, making the package appealing to many cricketers. Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, and James Neesham have all chosen to work in that field, leaving New Zealand with a bit of a balancing act.

“Obviously, he has made a decision to explore a few other options. But as a player and as an experienced member of the group, he has added so much value over the years and been one of our best white-ball players ever.”   

Williamson said,

Guptill has contributed significantly to New Zealand’s success with over 10,000 white-ball runs, but it appears that they have moved on from him. He was dropped from the team for the ongoing India series and didn’t play in any of their games at the T20 World Cup.

Williamson was pleased that Guptill ignored those calls.

 “Without getting a playing opportunity, he was outstanding and offered to all the players in the group. So, he’s been fantastic in so many areas of the environment. Absolutely, he will be missed, but like I say he’s not retired. So there’s a lot to keep working through over the next period to get a real feel for how the picture looks.”

he continued.

With the start of the new season in December, it has been learned that Guptill may be eligible for a BBL contract. Boult already has one with the Melbourne Stars, and he will play for MI Emirates in the UAE after that. De Grandhomme announced his retirement shortly after his name appeared unexpectedly during the BBL draft earlier this year. The only one of the four members of the team who are currently getting ready to face India on Friday is Neesham.

Williamson was aware that the situation had changed and that they needed to come up with a solution that would be beneficial to both the team and the individual, despite the fact that NZC have stated that they would prefer to give preference to players who are currently under contract when selecting their squads.

“It’s just trying to strike that balance, like we’ve seen with a few other players who have also sort of looked at some of those other opportunities. It’s a bit of a moving landscape. So it’s trying to weigh that up and look at how it can all work moving forward. Guptill hasn’t retired. He is looking at playing some other tournaments while still being available, but like I say, it’s balancing that moving forward. He’s still very motivated to keep playing and getting better. And I think that’s important for all players, even though he has played such a long, amazing career. As a mate and a team-mate over a long period of time, we had a few good chats. And it’s managing that time. As a player, you always go through different periods and you get to different stages, and you’re trying to basically manage that as best you can.”

Williamson concluded.

ALSO READ: “I Wasn’t Hurt”: Dhawan On Being Removed As Captain For ZIM Series

Williamson himself is facing similar questions, playing and captaining New Zealand in all three formats, but last week he reiterated his desire to keep doing so.