Reigning champions Australia face South Africa in the World Test Championship final at Lord's starting Wednesday amid a chorus of criticism over the competition's format. From the points system, to number of games played and schedule, Wisden's harsh assessment underlined a number of key issues in the current WTC structure. Read more on TOI
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shback to the Greatest Showdown in Cricket History' The year was 2025, and cricket fans around the world were eagerly awaiting the final showdown between the two best teams in the world - the Indian Premier League (IPL) champions and the World Test Championship (WTC) winners. The stage was set for what promised to be the greatest cricket match in history. The IPL champions had dominated the T20 format all season, with their star-studded lineup of international superstars and young Indian talent. Led by their fearless captain, they had steamrolled their way through the competition, thrilling fans with their explosive batting and crafty bowling. On the other hand, the WTC winners were a formidable force in the longest format of the game. Their disciplined approach to Test cricket had earned them the coveted title, and they were determined to prove that they were not just a one-trick pony. With a lineup of world-class batsmen and bowlers, they were ready to take on the challenge of the IPL champions. As the day of the final arrived, fans packed the stadium and millions tuned in from around the world to witness the epic clash. The atmosphere was electric, with tension and excitement palpable in the air. The IPL champions won the toss and elected to bat first, sending their explosive openers to the crease. The WTC winners struck early, removing both openers cheaply, but the middle order fought back with a flurry of boundaries and sixes. The score mounted steadily, with the IPL champions posting a formidable total on the board. In response, the WTC winners came out all guns blazing, with their top order batsmen taking the attack to the IPL champions' bowlers. The match ebbed and flowed, with both teams gaining the upper hand at different points. As the final overs approached, the tension reached fever pitch, with the outcome hanging in the balance. In the end, it was a nail-biting finish, with the WTC winners needing a few runs off the last ball to win. The tension was unbearable as the bowler ran in, the batsman swung, and the ball sailed towards the boundary. The stadium erupted as the ball cleared the ropes, sealing a historic victory for the WTC winners. As the players celebrated on the field, fans around the world hailed the match as one of the greatest in cricket history. The clash between the IPL champions and the WTC winners had lived up to its billing, showcasing the best of both formats of the game and leaving fans in awe of the talent on display. As the sun set on the stadium and the players lifted the trophy, cricket fans everywhere knew they had witnessed something truly special. The IPL 2025 WTC Final would go down in history as a momentous occasion, a reminder of the magic of cricket and the thrill of competition.