Nidahas Trophy is a tri-nation series conducted by Sri Lanka on their occasion of Independence which was first played in 1998 marking their 50th independence anniversary. In Sri Lanka Nidahas means freedom. The first edition of the Nidahas trophy was played between India, Sri Lanka and New Zealand, the matches were played in round robin format where each team will face the other team twice. 

After the round robin stage the final two teams with highest points will play the final against each other. The 1998 Nidahas trophy final was played against India and Sri Lanka where Sri Lanka became the winner with the brilliance of Sanath Jaysuriya batting. After that there were no matches happened after that. In 2018 it, was inaugrated by Sri Lanka once again. 

Read More: Rishab Pant Has To Score Big To Get Into Indian Team

Nidhas Trophy Of 2018

In remembrance of their 100th anniversary of independence, Sri Lanka hosted the Nidahas trophy where this time India, Srilanka and Bangladesh were invited and the same round-robin round was inducted. India was led by Rohit Sharma for the first time in the tri series. It was the starting stage of Rohit Sharma's captaincy, At the end Bangladesh and India reached the final of the Nidahas trophy, earlier where Sri Lanka was beaten up by Bangladesh and they booed with naagin style dance. 

That semi final match and the type of celebration were on hurtbreak for Sri Lankan fans and they supported India in the final against Bangladesh which happened in colombo. Even the main stream of highlight was Dinesh Karthik who was making his comeback after a period of decade which was rare to seen in Indian cricket team. 

Read More: Aakash Chopra Shows His Concerns On Making Rahane As Kolkata Captain

That final Hit By Karthik

Nidahas Trophy final was held on today exactly 7 years ago where Bangladesh won the toss and choose to bat first and posted a total of 167 runs. It became a tricky chase for India where India lost top few wickets at early but the middle order came into the resuce though the job was not yet finished and then came Dinesh Karthik at number 6 but it was to much of a score to chase. 

On this day in 2018, Dinesh Karthik Anna silenced the Nagins 🐍
Most viewed Cricket Moment on YouTube till date.pic.twitter.com/lBzGWFyAvB

— Abhishek (@vicharabhio) March 18, 2025

India required 34 runs in 2 overs where Dinesh Karthik took things under his shoulders he pounded the bowlers for sixes and fours, and a stage came where 5 runs required off 1 ball , Somya Sarkar bowled a full-length delivery slides wide and Karthik slashed the ball over mid-on and the ball travelled over the rope for six and Bangladesh was silenced in their every style

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced a Women's One-Day tri-series between India, Sri Lanka, and South Africa. The competition will be held in April and May at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

This tri-series will ready all three sides for the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup. The teams will have four matches each, and the first two teams on the table will be ready to go into the final on May 11. All matches will be day games.

Post-tri-series, Indian women will visit England for a tour comprising five T20Is and three ODIs in June-July.

Tri-Series Fixture List:

ALSO SEE: 3 Players Who Could Replace Steve Smith in Australia’s ODI Squad

🚨 TRI SERIES IS BACK FOR INDIA 🚨

- India, Sri Lanka & South Africa will play a Women's ODI Tri series in April-May 2025. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/HdH78zODSJ

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) March 6, 2025

Currently, Indian players are competing in the Women's Premier League (WPL), which started on February 14 and will conclude on March 15.

This tri-series promises exciting matches and will be an important step in preparing for the upcoming World Cup.

One of the most famous ODI (ODI) cricket competitions is the ICC Champions Trophy,Initially played in 1998 with the top cricket teams from around the globe. The tournament is renowned for fast matches and some excellent cricket.

Champions Trophy?

The ICC Champions Trophy is a global tournament of cricket administered by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Contrary to the ICC Cricket World Cup, where there are more teams and more extended format, the Champions Trophy is a compact tournament with merely the top-rated teams. It is sometimes nicknamed the "mini World Cup" due to the intense nature of its matches.

List of all the winners

ALSO READ:PAK vs NZ Champions Trophy Live Streaming: Where & How to Watch the Match Online & on TV

Memorable Moments in Champions Trophy History

• South Africa 1st ICC Trophy - 1998:
  The inaugural ICC Champions Trophy, which took place in Bangladesh in 1998 The tournament saw South Africa claiming their first ICC title.
  
• 2002 THE ONLY JOINT WINNERS
  After the final was rained out twice, India and Sri Lanka were declared joint winners of the tournament. The ICC game that shares a championship.
• 2006, 2009 -Aus the monopoly
  Australia took two in a row from 2006 and 2009 reaffirming their supremacy in ODI cricket
• INDIA Unbeaten 2013 -India
  India was unbeaten in the 2013 tournament and beat England in the final with the Captaincy of MS Dhoni
• Aggarka 2017 - The Historical Win Of Pakistan
  In the 2017 final held at wankley, Pakistan stunned cricketing world to beat India and it was their first ICC champions trophy.

SL vs AUS Match Preview

The first game of the series on Thursday was a fantastic contest to watch or follow as a neutral, and this clash in Colombo could be the same on Friday! Initially, the game appeared to be going the same way as the previous Tests, which Australia had easily won 2-0, and when the hosts were 4/1, 6/2, 31/4, and 55/5, another home defeat appeared to be on the cards. That was before Charith Asalanka's outstanding innings propelled his squad to 214 all out, a total that their capable spin bowling attack successfully defended.

SL vs AUS Match Details

Sri Lanka vs Australia – 2nd Match, ODI Match

Venue: R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo

Date & Time: 14th February 2025 at 10:00 AM IST 

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar

SL vs AUS Venue Stats

SL vs AUS Pitch Report

Bowlers can take advantage of the pitch's early bounce. As the game progresses and the pitch ages, batsmen can play their shots more comfortably. 

SL vs AUS Weather Report

The weather at R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is expected to remain cloudy on match day, and temperatures ranging from 23 to 32 degrees Celsius.

SL vs AUS Last Five Matches

SL vs AUS Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: PCB hits back at New Zealand over Rachin Ravindra's gruesome injury

SL vs AUS Probable Playing XIs:

Australia Probable Playing XIs

Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cooper Connolly, Steven Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey (wk), Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson

Sri Lanka Probable Playing XIs

Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando

Topmost Picks for SL vs AUS Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Sri Lanka

• Kusal Mendis – Kusal Mendis is going in third. He'll be a player for whom to keep an eye out. In 2024, Mendis scored 742 runs with an average of 53.
• Wanindu Hasaranga – Hasaranga has 56 wickets in 24 games played since 2023, with an average of 16.39.

Top Picks – Australia

• Steve Smith – Smith has been their top run scorer since last year. He has 306 runs in 10 ODIs, with an average of 43.
• Sean Abbott –  Sean Abbott claimed 16 wickets in two matches. His form has boosted Australia's hopes for the upcoming Champions Trophy, where the majority of the pitches will be pace-friendly.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for SL vs AUS Dream11 Team:

Kusal Mendis, Alex Carey, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steven Smith(C), Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Dunith Wellalage(VC), Wanindu Hasaranga, Aaron Hardie, Maheesh Theekshana, Nathan Ellis

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for SL vs AUS Dream11 Team:

Kusal Mendis, Alex Carey, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steven Smith, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka(C), Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Aaron Hardie, Maheesh Theekshana(VC), Nathan Ellis

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Steven Smith, Charith Asalanka

Vice-captain – Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana

Wicketkeeper – Kusal Mendis

SL vs AUS Probable Winners:

This could be another low-scoring classic on Friday, with one player holding the key with the bat. Australia has match winners, but given the conditions in Colombo, we expect Sri Lanka to win again. Considering the team combination, Sri Lanka is expected to win this match.

SL vs AUS Match Preview

After a convincing victory in the two-match Test series, Australia will face Sri Lanka before heading to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. These games will be the final opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their strategies and determine their best playing combinations prior to the Champions Trophy. Previously, Australia had won both Tests against Sri Lanka. On the other hand, they won by an innings and 242 runs, with Khwaja scoring a double century and Smith scoring his second century in a row. This is the only change from the squad that recently visited New Zealand. Sri Lanka is currently on a 10-match winning streak, having won six of the previous six bilateral series at home. 

SL vs AUS Match Details

Sri Lanka vs Australia – 1st Match, ODI Match

Venue: R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo

Date & Time: 12th February 2025 at 09:30 AM IST 

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar

SL vs AUS Venue Stats

SL vs AUS Pitch Report

Bowlers can take advantage of the pitch's early bounce. As the game progresses and the pitch ages, batsmen can play their shots more comfortably. 

SL vs AUS Weather Report

The weather at R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is expected to remain cloudy on match day, and temperatures ranging from 23 to 32 degrees Celsius.

SL vs AUS Last Five Matches

SL vs AUS Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: PCB hits back at New Zealand over Rachin Ravindra's gruesome injury

SL vs AUS Probable Playing XIs:

Australia Probable Playing XIs

Travis Head, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa

Sri Lanka Probable Playing XIs

Charith Asalanka(c), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga, Maheesh Theekshana

Topmost Picks for SL vs AUS Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Sri Lanka

• Kusal Mendis – Kusal Mendis is going in third. He'll be a player for whom to keep an eye out. In 2024, Mendis scored 742 runs with an average of 53.
• Wanindu Hasaranga – Hasaranga has 56 wickets in 24 games played since 2023, with an average of 16.39.

Top Picks – Australia

• Steve Smith – Smith has been their top run scorer since last year. He has 306 runs in 10 ODIs, with an average of 43.
• Mitchell Starc –  Mitchell Starc claimed 16 wickets in two matches. His form has boosted Australia's hopes for the upcoming Champions Trophy, where the majority of the pitches will be pace-friendly.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for SL vs AUS Dream11 Team:

Kusal Mendis, Josh Inglis, Travis Head(C), Steve Smith, Pathum Nissanka(VC), Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Glenn Maxwell, Asitha Fernando, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for SL vs AUS Dream11 Team:

Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Travis Head, Steve Smith, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga(VC), Glenn Maxwell(C), Maheesh Theekshana, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell

Vice-captain – Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga

Wicketkeeper – Kusal Mendis

SL vs AUS Probable Winners:

Australia is currently full of confidence following its dominant victory. However, the ODI series will be played without four key players. Sri Lanka has had an excellent home record over the last year. They've won every match in the bilateral series since last year and are at present on a 10-game winning streak. Overall, the battle will be fair between the two sides. However, the addition of Travis Head and the present form of Alex Carey offer Australia an advantage. Considering the team combination, Sri Lanka is expected to win this match.

Australian team gave a heartwarming guard of honour to Sri Lankan cricketing star Dimuth Karunaratne as he walked out to bat in his 100th and final Test match. It was beautiful respect and admiration for this cricketing star from the cricketers around from the world.

A Tribute Fit for a Legend
Karunaratne has been a rock for over a decade at the top of Sri Lanka's batting lineup, and playing 100 Test matches is something that only a few cricketers achieve in their careers. Therefore, retirement at this peak moment makes it all the more special.
For the final time as a cricketer, the Australians prepared their formation, where one after the other stepped up and handed Karunaratne the honour guard before the crease while they were all clapping at him. The action demonstrated pure sportsmanship apart from Australia.Coming generations will speak about Karunaratne contributed to cricketing.

Australian team giving Guard of Honour to Dimuth Karunaratne on his Final & 100th Test Match.

- DIMUTH KARUNARATNE, THE LEGEND FOR SRI LANKA. 🙇 pic.twitter.com/eTCmorlRpM

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) February 6, 2025

A Lasting Legacy
Karunaratne has been one of Sri Lanka's most dependable openers who has guided the team through difficult matches and led by example with his composure and leadership. Many match winning performances have came from him as one of Sri Lanka's greatest cricketers.
Even though he is handing over his cricket in Test cricket to the next stars, the impact he has made for Sri Lanka Cricket will last for years.
ALSO READ: MARCUS STOINIS RETIRED FROM ODI FORMAT

Dimuth Karunaratne, a legend, a leader, and an inspiration!

International Masters League 2025: Season Opener Between Sachin Tendulkar vs Kumar Sangakkara from February 22 The International Masters League (IML) 2025 will kick-start on 22nd February a pre-2025. The league-based T20 that will see a parade of the very best T20 cricket players return to the ground all for nostalgia and showpiece fans.

It will not only be presented as the clash of two of greatest cricketing greats Sachin Tendulkar (IND) vs Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) in the opening match of tournament. The first game takes place at Navi Mumbai's iconic D.Y. Patil Stadium, where it all begins for the tournament.

Teams and Captains of the International Masters League 2025

• India: Sachin Tendulkar
• Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara
• West Indies: Brian Lara
• Australia: Shane Watson
• South Africa: Jacques Kallis
• England: Eoin Morgan

Full schedule:

Semi-Finals and Final

LIVE STREAMING DETAILS:

AUS vs SL Match Preview

Australia will play two Tests against Sri Lanka, followed by two ODI's. Steve Smith will captain Australia in the absence of Pat Cummins. Australia will enter the Test series off the back of a historic 3-1 win over India. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka has no realistic chance of reaching the World Test Championship final after losing six of their first eleven matches this cycle.

AUS vs SL Match Details

Australia vs Sri Lanka – 1st Match, Test Match

Venue: Galle International Stadium, Galle

Date & Time: 29th January 2025 at 10:00 AM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

AUS vs SL Venue Stats

AUS vs SL Pitch Report

There will always be something to do for spin bowlers, and we expect this to be no exception on Tuesday evening. Both teams will aim to play positively, but with the understanding that a score of 175 in the initial innings is likely to be challenging. 

AUS vs SL Weather Report

Based on the forecast, the humidity will increase gradually throughout the evening. Clear skies and temperatures above 25 degrees throughout.

AUS vs SL Last Five Matches

AUS vs SL Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Hobart Hurricanes Win First BBL Title

AUS vs SL Probable Playing XIs:

Sri Lanka Probable Playing XIs

Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara

Australia Probable Playing XIs

Steve Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Travis Head (vc), Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster

Topmost Picks for AUS vs SL Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Australia

• Steve Smith – The Australian captain and a key batsman, known for his exceptional batting skills and ability to perform under pressure.
• Nathan Lyon – An experienced Australian bowler, known for his skill in taking wickets on spin-friendly pitches.

Top Picks – Sri Lanka

• Dimuth Karunaratne – A seasoned Sri Lankan batsman, recognized for his experience and ability to perform well in Test matches.
• Prabath Jayasuriya – A skilled Sri Lankan spinner, capable of taking wickets on spin-friendly pitches and winning crucial matches for the team.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for AUS vs SL Dream11 Team:

Kusal Mendis, Dimuth Karunaratne, Steve Smith, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head(C), Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya(VC), Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for AUS vs SL Dream11 Team:

Kusal Mendis, Alex Carey, Dimuth Karunaratne, Steve Smith(C), Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis(VC), Prabath Jayasuriya, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Travis Head, Steve Smith

Vice-captain – Prabath Jayasuriya, Kamindu Mendis

Wicketkeeper – Kusal Mendis

AUS vs SL Probable Winners:

Australia’s strong batting lineup, potent pace attack, and reliable spin bowling option make them a formidable opponent for Sri Lanka. The Australian team has the ability to dominate the match and emerge victorious, while Sri Lanka will need to play out of their skins to challenge the Australians. Considering the team combination, Australia is expected to win this match.

After the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia will play two Test matches and two ODI matches against Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin on 29th January.

Initially, only a two-Test series was proposed, but Sri Lanka has now offered two additional ODI matches against the Australian Cricket Team as part of their Champions Trophy preparation.

Where to watch

Australia vs Sri Lanka will stream on Seven Network for free in Australia.

Seven Network used to stream all home tests, women’s internationals, Ashes tour, and the Big Bash League. 

Now, they have got the live-streaming right just 10 days before starting the series. 

How to watch In India

Other than Seven Network, cricket fans globally can watch the series on Fancode.

As per Indian Standard Time, the first and second matches will start at 10:00 AM, while the last match will begin at 9:00 AM.

Both the Test and ODI matches will be streamed on FanCode for cricket fans globally. Fans need to subscribe to FanCode, either with a monthly subscription or a series-based subscription for each match.

Also Read: Sanjiv Goenka: Rishabh Pant as IPL’s Next Great Captain

Squad Update of Australia and Sri Lanka 

Australia:

Steve Smith (C), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.

Sri Lanka:

Sri Lanka is yet to announce their squad for the series.

The Schedule

First Test: 29 January – 2 February, Galle

Second Test: 6 – 10 February, Galle

First ODI: 12 February, Colombo

Second ODI: 14 February, Colombo