Pakistan tighten their grip on the Rawalpindi Test Day 3 of the Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test in Rawalpindi belonged entirely to the hosts, as their bowlers and top-order batters combined to push the visitors onto the back foot. What started as a balanced contest tilted firmly in Pakistan’s favor by the end of play, leaving South Africa chasing the game heading into the fourth day. Resuming the day with a modest lead, Pakistan’s bowlers came out firing with relentless accuracy and reverse swing, dismantling South Africa’s middle order before it could stabilize. Bowlers set the tone early The morning session saw Pakistan’s pace attack, led by Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali, produce a fiery spell under overcast conditions. Hasan struck twice in quick succession, removing set batters and exposing the lower order. Spinner Nauman Ali then joined the act, exploiting footmarks to pick up crucial wickets as South Africa folded earlier than expected. The visitors were bowled out for a below-par total, handing Pakistan a vital first-innings lead that would later prove decisive. Also Read : LPL 2025 Postponed Solid start from Pakistan’s top order In reply, Pakistan’s openers made sure there were no early hiccups. Abdullah Shafique looked composed at the crease, while skipper Babar Azam continued his fine form with a fluent half-century. Their partnership frustrated South African bowlers, who struggled to extract assistance from a surface that had flattened out as the day progressed. Even after the dismissal of Shafique, the middle order built on the foundation, ensuring Pakistan ended the day with a healthy overall lead and strong control of the match. South Africa fight but face uphill battle Despite a spirited effort from Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj, South Africa couldn’t make consistent breakthroughs. Their fielding lapses and missed chances added to the frustration as Pakistan’s batters punished every loose delivery. The Proteas now face the daunting task of batting last on a wearing surface, where spin is expected to play a decisive role. Also Read : Australia Beat England In Women’s World Cup Key moments from Day 3 What’s next? With two days left, Pakistan look well-placed to push for a series-clinching win. Their bowlers have dominated the conditions, and with the pitch starting to break up, spin could be the decisive factor on Day 4. For South Africa, it’s now about resilience and discipline surviving Day 4 sessions will be key if they are to avoid another defeat on subcontinental soil. Final thoughts The Pakistan vs South Africa HIGHLIGHTS, 2nd Test Day 3 showed the hosts at their clinical best combining pace, spin, and strategic batting to seize full control of the match. With the crowd behind them and confidence soaring, Pakistan will aim to wrap up proceedings quickly, while South Africa’s hopes now rest on a miracle batting effort.

Rishabh Pant returns to competitive red-ball cricket The India A squad announced for South Africa A tour has set social media abuzz and for good reason. Star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is all set to make his long-awaited return to red-ball cricket by leading the India A side. This marks his first competitive red-ball appearance since his unfortunate car accident in December 2022. The selection signals Pant’s steady progress toward full international reintegration. After months of recovery and conditioning at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), his selection as captain is both a vote of confidence and a symbolic comeback moment for one of India’s most explosive talents. Also Read : India’s ODI Strategy Ahead of the 2025–26 Big Tours Squad features balance of experience and youth The India A squad announced for South Africa A tour features a strong mix of seasoned names and exciting newcomers. Apart from Pant, the team includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, and Mukesh Kumar, all of whom have represented India or have been part of previous A tours. Adding fresh energy to the lineup, Mumbai’s Ayush Mhatre has received his maiden India A call-up following an impressive domestic season. His calm temperament, consistent scoring, and ability to perform under pressure made him a natural pick for the long-format series in South Africa. Selectors have also emphasized that this squad was chosen with an eye on future Test depth, particularly for overseas conditions that test temperament and technique. A crucial test ahead of the home season The South Africa tour provides a crucial opportunity for the selectors to evaluate India’s bench strength in red-ball cricket. For Pant, the focus will be on both his leadership and physical readiness behind the stumps.While he has successfully returned to shorter formats recently, this will be his first multi-day assignment, an important step before a potential Test recall. The series will also allow upcoming pacers and spinners to acclimatize to South Africa’s bouncy and seam-friendly conditions, offering valuable exposure ahead of India’s future tours. Also Read : Auction for WPL 2026 Ayush Mhatre’s rise: From domestic grind to national spotlight At just 23, Ayush Mhatre has been a standout performer for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. Known for his composed batting under challenging conditions, Mhatre’s call-up is a reward for consistency rather than flash.His inclusion in the India A squad for South Africa A tour reflects BCCI’s growing focus on nurturing technically sound red-ball batters early in their careers. What this means for Indian cricket The India A squad announcement reflects the broader vision of building a strong second line of Test-ready players. With the World Test Championship cycle ongoing, selectors are ensuring that there’s always a pipeline of talent ready to step up when required. Pant’s presence as captain adds invaluable experience, while young stars like Mhatre symbolize India’s ever-expanding talent pool, a combination that strengthens the future of Indian cricket in all formats. Final thoughts With India A squad announced for South Africa A tour, fans can look forward to an exciting series that blends comeback stories and new beginnings. Rishabh Pant’s leadership, coupled with the debut of rising stars, makes this more than just an A tour; it’s a preview of India’s red-ball future. As the team departs for South Africa, the spotlight will be firmly on Pant’s return, Mhatre’s debut, and how this dynamic group adapts to challenging overseas conditions.

The India-Australia white-ball series 2025–26 is not just another set of games on the international calendar, it’s shaping up to be one of the most anticipated cricketing events of the decade. With three ODIs and five T20Is spread across eight states and territories, this tour promises a blend of top-tier competition, travel drama, and unmatched crowd energy. From the logistical challenge of covering thousands of kilometers to the emotional connection of Indian fans turning Australian cities into mini “home grounds,” this series has all the elements that make modern cricket more than just a sport. For analysts and followers of Reddy Book, it’s a chance to explore how global cricket operates on scale both as a spectacle and as a business. A Nationwide Cricket Carnival Cricket Australia has planned this series unlike any other. Matches will be hosted across eight venues from the iconic MCG in Melbourne to new-generation stadiums in Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Brisbane, Canberra, Sydney, and Darwin. Each city will add its own flavor to the tour. For players, that means constant adaptation to changing weather, travel fatigue, and varying pitch conditions. For fans, it means access to live action across nearly every region of the country. Also Read – Ticket Frenzy and Fan Zones Sports economists tracking the series on Reddy Book Online estimate that hosting matches across multiple states could contribute over AUD 120 million to local economies through tourism, transport, and hospitality. The Travel Test – A Challenge Beyond the Pitch While both teams boast world-class fitness levels, the logistical grind of an eight-city tour remains one of the most underappreciated aspects of modern cricket. Players will cover more than 15,000 kilometers during the tour, often switching between time zones and climates from humid coastal conditions in Brisbane to cooler evenings in Hobart. Managing recovery, training schedules, and sleep cycles becomes crucial. For India, this will test their depth and adaptability, especially with back-to-back matches in short intervals. Coaches and analysts are likely to rotate players strategically to balance freshness and form a move that could shape the overall outcome of the series. Reddy Book Online’s performance trend trackers suggest that teams traveling extensively within a series often face a 5–8 percent drop in batting efficiency in their first match after each travel leg. Managing this factor will be key. Also Read – India’s Streak Ends : What Went Wrong in the Opening ODI vs Australia Home Advantage – Australia’s Fortress Factor Australia’s home dominance in white-ball cricket is legendary. Larger boundaries, fast tracks, and bouncy wickets naturally suit their style. Bowlers like Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood thrive in these conditions, while their top order David Warner, Travis Head, and Glenn Maxwell have a strong record on home soil. For India, the adjustment phase is short, but the recent World Cup experience in similar venues will help. With players such as Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya finding rhythm early, India’s adaptability might neutralize some of the home advantage. Fans following predictive analysis on Reddy Books Online believe this series could be more balanced than ever, given India’s evolving approach to pace-friendly conditions and tactical squad rotation. Crowd Power : The Indian Diaspora Turns Australia Blue Every India-Australia series attracts massive crowds, but the 2025–26 edition is expected to set new attendance records. Ticket sales for the first three venues Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth reportedly crossed 90 percent occupancy within days of release. The Indian diaspora, particularly in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, has become a defining part of this rivalry’s atmosphere. The stands are often filled with as much blue as gold, creating a “neutral crowd” dynamic that adds drama to every boundary and wicket. Reddy Book Online’s audience analytics show that matchday engagement from both Indian and Australian fans peaks at similar levels, proving that this rivalry transcends borders. Also Read – Players Who Could Make History at the 2025 Women’s World Cup The Broadcasting and Digital Boom Beyond stadiums, this series is also a global media event. Major broadcasters and OTT platforms are competing for exclusive streaming rights, with record sponsorship rates expected. Experts on Reddy Books Online highlight that India-Australia fixtures consistently rank among the top five most-watched international cricket series worldwide. With matches scheduled across varied time zones, the format allows for high prime-time coverage in both nations. Viewership estimates suggest the eight-match white-ball series could attract over 300 million digital impressions, thanks to multi-language commentary, behind-the-scenes content, and social media integration. Strategic Value Ahead of ICC Tournaments The timing of this tour adds extra weight. With a packed international calendar, both teams view the 2025–26 series as critical preparation for upcoming ICC events including the 2026 T20 World Cup, which Australia will co-host. India will use the series to test bench strength, experiment with combinations, and identify finishers for powerplay and death overs. Australia, meanwhile, will fine-tune their pace attack and batting flexibility. For fans and analysts on Reddy Books Online, this series isn’t just about rivalry, it’s a preview of strategies that could define the next global tournament. Economic and Cultural Impact Cricket tours between India and Australia are more than sporting events; they are economic and cultural exchanges. Airlines, hotels, local restaurants, and merchandise outlets all experience significant boosts during such tours. Cultural events, charity dinners, and diaspora gatherings accompany matches, turning the tour into a month-long festival. This holistic engagement ensures that cricket continues to bridge communities and continents. According to marketing insights compiled on Reddy Book Online, brands that activate campaigns during India-Australia tours see an average 25 percent increase in brand recall across both nations underlining cricket’s unmatched marketing power. Final Word The India-Australia white-ball series 2025–26 is more than another chapter in cricket’s fiercest rivalry. It’s a blueprint for how the sport can blend athleticism, logistics, and global engagement into one seamless experience. From eight cities hosting games to millions of fans following live across continents, this tour captures everything cricket stands for: passion, precision, and progress. For real-time insights, fan