The World Test Championship is shaping up to be an exhilarating contest, though England finds itself on the periphery of the race. New Zealand's remarkable clean sweep in their recent series against India has injected fresh excitement into the competition for the final at Lord’s next year. Just a week after New Zealand's historic 3-0 victory in India, the significance of the achievement remains profound. Considering the historical context, the economic disparities, and the differences in player pools, as well as India's impressive 12-year streak of dominance on home soil, this win stands out. The absence of Kane Williamson, New Zealand's legendary batsman, only adds to the magnitude of this triumph, making it hard to recall a comparable away victory in recent cricket history. India's stronghold was bound to be challenged eventually, especially as their star players age. However, it is astonishing that New Zealand, with their first Test win in India since 1988, managed to achieve a clean sweep in the series. This unexpected outcome has set the stage for a thrilling race in the World Test Championship.

**Mitchell Santner Leads New Zealand to Historic Test Series Victory in India** In a remarkable achievement, New Zealand has secured their first-ever Test series win in India, defeating the hosts by 113 runs in Pune. This victory marks a significant moment in cricket history, as it ends India's 12-year unbeaten streak at home. Mitchell Santner delivered a career-defining performance, taking six wickets for 104 runs in the second Test and finishing the match with a total of 13 wickets. His outstanding bowling was instrumental in New Zealand's triumph, which was capped off when his senior spin partner, Ajaz Patel, claimed the final two wickets of the Indian innings. This series win not only highlights New Zealand's growing prowess in international cricket but also serves as a wake-up call for India, who faced a humiliating defeat on their home turf.

**South Africa vs New Zealand: Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup Final – Live Updates** Join us for over-by-over updates from the final match, starting at 3pm BST. In this tournament, a staggering ninety-seven chances have been missed, raising questions about the reasons behind it. Mel Jones has been probing this issue, suggesting that while some attribute it to the lights or the pressure of the game, a return to fundamental skills in catching and fielding is essential as we look ahead to the next four-year cycle. New Zealand has opted to bat first and has retained the same lineup that played in the semi-final. Captain Sophie Devine mentioned that she has been in touch with the men’s team currently competing in India, who recently celebrated their first victory there in over 36 years. Stay tuned for live updates as the match unfolds!

India suffered a shocking collapse, posting their lowest-ever Test score on home soil as they were bowled out for just 46 runs against New Zealand in the first Test in Bengaluru. The second day of the match saw the Indian batting lineup crumble under pressure, with Matt Henry and William O’Rourke leading the charge for the visitors. After rain washed out the opening day, India opted to bat first, a decision they would soon regret. Henry was the standout performer, claiming five wickets for just 15 runs, while O’Rourke supported him well with figures of four for 22. This dismal performance marks India's third lowest total in Test history, narrowly surpassing their infamous scores of 36 in Australia in 2020 and 42 in England 50 years ago. The Indian team, led by captain Rohit Sharma, will be looking to regroup after this devastating innings. Further updates on the match will follow.