Sri Lankan cricketer Pavan Rathnayake made his international debut through his first ODI match against England at R. Premadasa Stadium. The 23-year-old batsman demonstrated exceptional maturity during his chase of 358 runs by scoring 121 runs at the match. 

Young batter stands tall after early collapse

Sri Lanka faced a challenging start to their innings after Harry Brook and Joe Root scored centuries which set a massive target for them. Rathnayake walked in with the game slipping away but responded with calm intent, rebuilding the innings through the middle overs. He used intelligent methods to change the batting order while he selected specific times to make aggressive plays which kept his team from falling behind their target. 

Rathnayake reached his century mark during the 43rd over when he scored his first run which made him smile with happiness for this special moment that happened in his fourth ODI match. His century came off 104 balls and stood out for its maturity rather than reckless strokeplay.

ALSO SEE: Watch: Harry Brook mimics Stone Cold Steve Austin celebration after century in SL vs ENG 3rd ODI

Who is Pavan Rathnayake?

Rathnayake is a batter who uses his left hand for batting while he demonstrates bowling skills through his ability to bowl both off-break and leg-break deliveries. The player had scored a total of 73 runs from three One Day International matches before this match but his domestic List A statistics showed that he possessed greater batting potential. The player achieved his seventh One Day International century with this performance which resulted in him crossing 2.600 List A career runs.

The young batsman stood out as the top performer for Sri Lanka despite the team being bowled out for 304 and Rathnayake getting out to Sam Curran while England won the match by 53 runs. His performance under difficult circumstances demonstrated his ability to succeed in future endeavors while he showed potential to become a regular player for Sri Lankas One Day International team.

England continued to experience a decline in one-day international cricket during their first match against Sri Lanka which resulted in a 19-run loss at Colombo and gave the host team an early victory in the series. 

England maintained control of the match during their chase of 272 according to their performance during the match. A 117-run partnership between Ben Duckett and Joe Root brought England to 129 for 1 after 27 overs because both batters showed equal skill against spin and pace bowling. Sri Lanka achieved a game-changing moment when they managed to execute two wickets within a brief time period.

The double lbw decisions against Duckett and Root initiated a typical English batting collapse. The visitors lost their advantage to reach 252 all out after their batsmen lost five wickets within 35 runs. Sri Lanka’s spinners tightened their control over the game, which resulted in Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell and Sam Curran being dismissed for low scores.

Mendis’ masterclass and Rashid’s effort underline England’s growing ODI concerns

Jamie Overton provided a late fightback, which he achieved through his 34 runs off 17 balls to create short-lived hopes. Rehan Ahmed made a valuable contribution through his energetic performance.England could not succeed because they had to complete an excessive amount of work before the end of the game.

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Kusal Mendis who made 93 not out, led Sri Lanka through their innings, which resulted in 271 for 6. His batting performance proved crucial because the pitch conditions required players to show restraint. Adil Rashid emerged as the top English bowler by achieving 3 for 44 bowling performance.

England has continued their streak of poor ODI results since they have lost 11 of their previous 15 matches. The second ODI match on Saturday must become a victory for the team because they already face challenges about World Cup qualification.

England tour of Sri Lanka – Schedule and results

Jasprit Bumrah has not played an ODI for India for 776 days, a number that is impossible to ignore in a data-obsessed culture such as India. His last ODI match was in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, after which he vanished from ODI cricket. Meanwhile, the Indian team has had several bilateral series, introduced new fast bowlers, and continued to play without the deadliest weapon in their ODI arsenal.

Bumrah’s absence from ODIs is not due to a lack of form, but rather, fear—fear of future injuries and fear of a repeat of the past. Bumrah's high-stress, unique bowling style and long-term history with back injuries have placed the team's management in an uncomfortable position, causing them to use the utmost caution. While Test matches and T20 internationals have been given precedence due to both their importance and the World Cup future, ODIs are the only format the Indian management feels they can sacrifice in order to protect their leading pace bowler.

Strategically, protecting Bumrah by managing his workload makes sense due to the busy schedule in India and the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup. However, Bumrah's absence from ODI cricket has caused some doubts about his fitness level and how well he will mentally adapt when he has the opportunity to return to ODI cricket.

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The Risk of Protecting Too Much

Bumrah's rest from injury may have benefited his body, but it will also hurt his chance of success in ODI cricket. ODI cricket has different demands than T20 or Test cricket. The 50-over format tests a player's ability to maintain a rhythm and endure fatigue while playing at their maximum level, as well as their ability to adapt to ever-changing circumstances during each phase of an ODI innings. Without playing in matches on a regular basis, most of the time during an ODI match, fast bowlers risk losing their instincts and losing their ability to perform well in all three phases of the game.

While the 2027 ODI World Cup is far off for India, being unprepared with time can lead to uncertainty. The longer Jasprit Bumrah is out of ODIs, the possibility of it being a reset upon his return increases as well. An overall balanced plan of action, including selective playing of ODIs and limiting the overs faced by Bumrah, must soon be made.

At this time, India remains focused on the future, and the goal of developing many great future players remains the priority over immediate results. As the significance of ODI cricket is becoming more apparent with each passing day, will India have the needed time available to plan ahead for replacing Bumrah with a worthy player of equal caliber?

The year 2025 was very discreet but notable for men’s ODI cricket that was revived in a big manner. The year saw the number of ODIs played to be 115, which is not significantly more than the 104 played in 2024, the real event was the coming back of a major global tournament the ICC Champions Trophy which had not been held since 2017. The tournament brought along with it the context and the intensity which the format badly needed as it has been slowly losing its significance.

New Zealand was the leading team with 20 ODIs played, and the Full Member countries ruled the participation with nine of them in the top ten. The countries of Afghanistan, Ireland, and Zimbabwe, on the other hand, were placed at the bottom. In this situation, Wisden’s Men’s ODI XI of 2025 is constituted by performances from eight different teams with no country getting more than two players in the line-up which shows how widely the format has spread.

Consistency, impact, and all-round brilliance define Wisden’s Men’s ODI XI of 2025

The leading name is that of Rohit Sharma whose performance had an impact rather than being a showcase of volume. His centuries against England and Australia were impressive but it was his quick 76 in the final of the Champions Trophy that confirmed his Valued position in ODIs.

Scotland’s George Munsey was the player whose performance was the most remarkable of the year. He scored 191 runs in an innings against the Netherlands, which was the highest ODI score of 2025 and also the best ever by an Associate player.

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Virat Kohli, who over 65 and gave Pakistan and Australia major innings in pressure games, was characterized by his Consistency. Shai Hope, on the other hand, was gradually becoming a fast run-scorer who also was a very reliable wicketkeeper.

South Africa’s Matthew Breetzke made a very promising beginning to his ODI career, while the USA’s Milind Kumar put up one of the most well-rounded all-round seasons by getting involved in every match he played.

Leading the team is Mitchell Santner, whose unobtrusive but effective batting and bowling were complemented by the world-class bowling of Adil Rashid, Matt Henry, Jayden Seales, and Asitha Fernando.

Team: Rohit Sharma, George Munsey, Virat Kohli, Shai Hope, Matthew Breetzke, Milind Kumar, Mitchell Santner, Adil Rashid, Matt Henry, Jayden Seales, Asitha Fernando

The first ODI match between the India national cricket team and New Zealand national cricket team tickets were sold out in only eight minutes, which is a strong indication of the enormous enthusiasm that the bilateral series has created. The first ODI will take place on January 11 and it is the first match of a lengthy white-ball tour that includes three ODIs and five T20Is.

Baroda to have a full house as ticket rush highlights India’s cricketing love

The stunning demand for tickets shows how much international cricket is liked in India, and even more so when a strong team like New Zealand is playing. The fans rushed to the internet as soon as the sale of tickets started, and within minutes all the seats were gone. The demand was so high that it proved once again that India is one of the countries that follow cricket the most passionately.

The first ODI will take place in Baroda, a venue that has gained fame and respect for its thrilling contests and large crowds. The sold-out tickets indicate that the stadium will be crowded, and this will lead to a lively atmosphere for the series opener. Players usually get more motivated when they perform in front of a packed crowd, and both teams will aim to start strongly.

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Series opener sparks off the rivalry of India vs New Zealand that is set by the fans

The forthcoming series has a lot riding on it for both teams. For India, the ODIs are an opportunity to try out players and keep the 50-over momentum going, while the T20Is are aimed at sharpening the strategies for the global events. New Zealand, on the contrary, will treat this tour as a test against one of the strongest oppositions in their backyard.

India and New Zealand cricket ties have been very fruitful for the cricketing world and the spectators alike as they have produced high-quality cricket and memorable battles in every format. The tickets selling like hot cakes for the first ODI indicates that the fans are in for another tightly contested match.

The January 11 fight is not only about competitive cricket but also an electrifying atmosphere that will be created by thousands of fans coming together to see the newest chapter in this thrilling rivalry as the excitement is already at its highest.

The JSCA International Stadium Complex was buzzing ahead of India’s first ODI against South Africa, but a surprising controversy stole the limelight long before the toss, the pricing of customized team jerseys. Fans were shocked to find that adding Virat Kohli’s name to the back of the official ODI kit costs ₹300, while MS Dhoni’s iconic “7” is priced at just ₹200.

Jersey pricing triggers nostalgia, outrage, and debate as Ranchi gears up for the ODI series opener

The ₹100 gap was enough to ignite a frenzy across Ranchi, Dhoni’s hometown, where fans take immense pride in their legend. Social media erupted overnight, with hashtags like #JusticeForDhoni and #KohliVsDhoni dominating timelines. One viral post read, “₹300 for Kohli makes sense, but only ₹200 for the man who finished the 2011 final? Fix it!” Another fan joked, “Dhoni at ₹200 because he’s priceless, they didn’t know what to charge.”

The controversy began when local vendors and BCCI merchandise counters unveiled limited-edition ODI jerseys priced at a base ₹1,500. Player-name personalization added a premium, ₹300 for Kohli, India’s active superstar coming off 245 runs in three ODIs against Australia, and ₹200 for Dhoni, who retired three years ago but remains Ranchi’s heartbeat.

Merchandise officials defended the pricing as “purely demand-based,” arguing that Kohli’s active status, global appeal, and recent form drive higher premium. Yet, the emotional backlash, especially locally, underscored Dhoni’s undiminished presence. Stories of Dhoni hosting Rohit Sharma, Kohli, and Rishabh Pant for dinner earlier this week only added fuel to speculation that he might appear at the stadium.

Watch the video:

Player Jersey prices outside Ranchi:

Virat - 300 😭
Dhoni - 200
Other Randoms - 100

Sellers just using the name KOHLI to sell 100 rps jersey for 300 as no one is interested in buying random jerseys...!! pic.twitter.com/7XpiQSzVFc

— Praneeth VK¹⁸ (@fantasyy_d11) November 30, 2025

Kohli - 300
DhoNi - 200 😭😭

Unreal cooking of Dhobi in Ranchi 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/H7cu2zntRb

— Vivek (@Hailkohli18) November 27, 2025

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Once the cricket took over, South Africa stand-in captain Aiden Markram won the toss and opted to bowl, expecting evening dew to aid the chase. India, looking to bounce back from a 0-2 Test series defeat, handed Yashasvi Jaiswal his maiden ODI cap. Ranchi’s pitch, with an average first-innings score of 265, promised a balanced contest.

Still, away from pitch reports and toss decisions, the jersey saga captured the city’s pulse. As one banner outside the gates read: “Mahi 200, but forever 7.”

Playing XIs

India: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul (c & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna

South Africa: Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Prenelan Subrayen, Nandre Burger, Ottneil Baartman

On November 11, a brutal terrorist attack occurred in Islamabad which led to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) taking proactive measures by officially announcing the alterations to the ongoing series against Sri Lanka, comprising One Day Internationals (ODIs) and the T20I tri-nation series involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe. The tour, however, has been made possible under a new schedule and different locations thanks to the consensus of PCB and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), which was born out of the security issue.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODIs Rescheduled

The second and third ODIs of the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka series now stand each one day later than initially planned. Matches that were originally to take place on November 13 and 15, are now rescheduled to November 14 and 16. Both games will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Revised ODI Schedule

The new playing dates are part of an enhanced security plan after the blast, which raised the concern of the Sri Lankan players and staff touring India.

Tri-Nation T20I Series Change of Start Date

Moreover, the PCB has also revised the schedule for the T20I tri-series. The tournament, which was originally planned to start on November 17, has now been pushed back to the 18th, when the first match will be played between Pakistan and Zimbabwe.

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Besides this, the other important aspect is that the whole tri-series will be played in Rawalpindi only, unlike the earlier plan of moving some games to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore besides Rawalpindi. The security situation dictated this choice.

Revised Tri-Series Schedule

Sri Lanka Confirms Tour Will Continue

SLC in a press release was very clear that the tour will proceed as planned after the discussions with PCB. Nevertheless, Sri Lanka has given the option to each player who is not feeling comfortable in the situation to go back home, and if needed, the replacements are already available.

Although the terror attack has caused a disturbance, both boards have not changed their minds about the series being finished without any problems and in a secured environment.

Pakistan star Babar Azam once again disappointed his fans with his batting performance in the first ODI against Sri Lanka, but he grabbed a stunning catch to bring a crucial wicket for Pakistan.

Pakistan set a 300-run target for Sri Lanka in the first game of the three-match home ODI series. Babar Azam scored 29 runs in the first innings of the match, where Pakistan scored 299/5 in 50 overs, as Wanindu Hasaranga bowled him. 

Sri Lanka got solid start before top-order collapse

Chasing down the challenging target, Sri Lankan openers provided a great start with an 85-run partnership between Pathum Nissanka and the ODI debutant Kamil Mishara. However, the fast bowler Haris Rauf then brought the hosts back in the game with three quick wickets, as the visitors suddenly found themselves from 85/0 to 903. But then Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama controlled the situation with a 57-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

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Babar Azam's stunning catch dismissed set Sadeera Samarawickrama

While Pakistan needed another wicket to control the game, Haris Rauf once again provided a breakthrough; however, the complete credit goes to the former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam. It was a length ball outside off, while Samarawickrama had a thick outside edge that flew to the slip. Babar was at the first slip, but he had to go for a full dive as his one-hander attempt was successful to bring a crucial wicket for the hosts. Samarawickrama was dismissed for 39 off 48 balls, while Rauf picked his fourth wicket for the night, while Babar put a special mark, as that catch was one of the greatest catches in international cricket this year. 

🚨 Catch of the Year from - Babar Azam ❤️

pic.twitter.com/cGmrDXZWSl

— Ehtisham Siddique (@iMShami_) November 11, 2025

That wicket put Pakistan in control of the game, while the visitors Sri Lanka suddenly found themselves under pressure in the big ODI chase.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is working to manage the different cricket formats. In the latest ICC meeting, there were key discussions on the future of the different cricket formats, and the future of the ODI and World Test Championship has been clarified, as the working committee is set to work on these. 

Last week, the ICC held its quarterly meeting in Dubai. Former New Zealand cricketer Roger Twose-led working group addressed the issues over cricket's three formats and also provided recommendations to the ICC board and Chief Executives' Committee (CEC).

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Next WTC cycle strategy

The potential two-tier World Test Championship talk is in the bin now, as the ESPNcricinfo report suggests that the next WTC cycle can see all 12 Test-playing nations. The ongoing WTC cycle (2025-2027) is the fourth WTC cycle, where nine teams participate. While the next WTC cycle will run between 2027 and 2029, the 12 teams are likely to participate after the massive unsupported for the potential two-tier WTC system. 

So, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Ireland are likely to be part of the next WTC cycle, which is likely to begin in July 2027. However, the number of minimum matches and series for each team hasn't been decided yet. Also, there is unlikely to be any extra funding for hosting a Test match, which can be a massive issue for the lower-status Test teams, including Ireland. 

ODI Super League revival

Meanwhile, to make the One-Day International format great again, the ICC is thinking of reviving the ODI Super League. It has experienced only once, with 13 teams participating in the 2020-2023 ICC ODI Super League, which played an important role in the direct qualification for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023. Unlike the present or previous direct ODI World Cup qualification model, which only considers the ODI ranking, the ODI Super League provided better and fairer chances to all participating teams to achieve the direct qualification for the ODI World Cup. However, the number of teams for the next ICC ODI Super League is yet to be confirmed, as it can only begin in 2028. 

Shreyas Iyer, the vice-captain of India's ODI team, is believed to be doubtful for the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, starting on November 30. The series will take place in Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam, following India's two-Test series starting on November 14. Iyer's unavailability could disrupt India's middle-order stability in what will be a busy international schedule for the national side.

Iyer is still recovering from a rib injury he sustained while playing during the third ODI against Australia last month. While fielding, he was struck on his lower left side of his rib cage, with the injury case eventually propagating to internal bleeding. The injury was worse than what they thought it was at first. Iyer has been instructed by doctors to rest for a minimum of one month before returning to play.

According to an individual in close contact with the Indian cricket Board, Iyer's oxygen level had gone down to 50 during the incident and he blacked out for a short period. After this he was taken to a Sydney hospital, where he was treated for a lacerated spleen and other internal injuries. Iyer has been able to return home, but he is still not well enough to start training. A source with the BCCI has indicated that the selectors do not want to rush his return, and therefore, he is highly unlikely to play in the South Africa series. 

India May Look For Replacements 

Iyer, 30, showed signs of form on the Australia tour, scoring 11 in Perth and a substantial 68 in Adelaide. However, injuries over the past few years have disrupted his form and continued performance.

If Iyer is out of the South Africa ODIs, the selectors will be forced to rethink their middle order plans for the important tournaments next year. While fans are hopeful he will be back to play, all signs suggest the South Africa ODI series lined up starting on November 30 in Ranchi is unlikely for Iyer, pushing the team management to look for the replacement shortly.