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Cricket Year Ender 2025: Top 10 Historic Moments That Defined Sport This Year
Dec. 12, 2025
2025 has been an extraordinary year for cricket, delivering unforgettable moments that will be etched in the sport's history for decades. From long-awaited trophy victories to record-breaking individual performances, redemption stories to emerging cricket nations proving their mettle on the global stage-this year had it all, and we will se the top 10 moments that defined the sport this year.
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Italy's Key Contributors:
Italy and Jersey both finished with 5 points in the tournament standings, but Italy's superior net run rate ensured their advancement over Jersey, who had beaten Scotland in an earlier match.
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All-Time Cricket Records Set in 2025:
Virat Kohli's Record-Breaking Achievements in 2025
1. South Africa's World Test Championship Victory: Breaking a 27-Year ICC Trophy Drought
Date: June 13, 2025 Venue: Lord's Cricket Ground, London Result: South Africa defeated Australia by 5 wickets
The Historic Context
For 27 years, South Africa had endured one of sport's most heart-breaking droughts, losing multiple ICC finals across different formats. Their last ICC trophy came in 1998. They had come agonizingly close in recent years-losing finals at Birmingham 1999, Dhaka 2011, Auckland 2015, Kolkata 2023, and Bridgetown 2024. On June 13, 2025, all that changed.Match Statistics
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 138 | 282/5 | Won by 5 wickets |
| Australia | 212 | 207 | Lost |
Key Performances
Aiden Markram's Career-Defining Innings:- Score: 136 (career-high in ICC finals)
- Balls faced: Patient, calculated approach
- Context: After scoring a duck (0) in the first innings, Markram produced a masterclass in the second innings to chase down 282 runs
- Historic Achievement: First South African to score a century in an ICC final; only third overall in WTC finals history
- Tournament Performance: 9 wickets across the final
- 1st Innings: 5/49 (helped restrict Australia to 212)
- 2nd Innings: 4/51 (applying pressure despite Australia's strong position)
- Additional Support: Marco Jansen took 3/49 in Australia's first innings
- Score: 66 off 63 balls in the chase
- Added crucial 81-run partnership with Markram
- Led from the front, displaying calm under pressure
Why This Matters
This victory represented more than just a trophy. It ended a 27-year curse that had defined South African cricket. In the modern era of Test cricket, where Australia is consistently the top-ranked side, defeating them in a World Championship final is monumental. The narrative of persistence and redemption-after repeated near-misses-makes this moment profoundly significant not just for South Africa but for cricket fans worldwide.2. India Women's Maiden ODI World Cup Victory
Date: November 2, 2025 Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai Result: India defeated South Africa by 52 runs
India's Journey to Glory
India's path to the title was unconventional. They lost three league matches but peaked at the right moment. The turning point came in the semi-final against seven-time champions Australia, where India chased down 339 runs-the highest successful chase in Women's ODI World Cup history.Final Match Details
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| India Total | 298/7 (50 overs) |
| South Africa Total | 246 all out (45.3 overs) |
| Victory Margin | 52 runs |
| Match Venue | DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai (co-hosts) |
Match Statistics
India's Innings (298/7):- Opening: Shafali Verma 87 (78 balls, 7 fours)
- Middle Order: Smriti Mandhana 45 (58 balls)
- Lower Middle: Deepti Sharma 58 (57 balls, 1 four)
- Richa Ghosh added valuable cameos
- Laura Wolvaardt 101 (fought hard but couldn't carry the team)
- Early Collapse: Lost wickets regularly after Wolvaardt's departure
- Deepti Sharma's 5/39: Game-changing spell that dismantled SA's middle order
Player of the Tournament: Deepti Sharma
Deepti Sharma delivered an extraordinary tournament performance:| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Wickets | 22 scalps (highest wicket-taker) |
| Total Runs Scored | 215 runs (avg 30.71) |
| Best Bowling | 5/39 in the final |
| Best Batting | 58 in the final (also scored 50+ runs in semi-final) |
| Historical Achievement | First cricketer to score a fifty AND take a 5-wicket haul in a World Cup knockout game |
Semi-Final: The Highest Chase
Against Australia in the semi-final, India chased 339 runs to win by 5 wickets-a moment that defined their tournament.- Jemimah Rodrigues: 127* (134 balls) - unbeaten, composed innings under immense pressure
- Harmanpreet Kaur: 89 (88 balls) - added crucial partnership with Jemimah
- Richa Ghosh & Amanjot Kaur: Crucial cameos that sealed the victory
Historical Significance
- First ICC Trophy for India Women's Team: After three World Cup finals (2005 loss to Australia, 2017 loss to England)
- First Tournament Win After 3 League Losses: Unprecedented journey to glory
- Home Advantage: Won on home soil at DY Patil Stadium
- Watershed Moment for Women's Cricket in India: Will inspire generations
3. India Men's ICC Champions Trophy Triumph: Three-Time Champions
Date: March 10, 2025 Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai Result: India defeated New Zealand by 4 wickets
India's Dominance
India dominated the 2025 Champions Trophy, winning the tournament for the third time in history. They went unbeaten throughout the tournament, defeating teams like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Australia (Semi-final), and New Zealand (Final).Final Match Statistics
| Team | Score | Overs | Notable Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 251/7 | 50 | Daryl Mitchell 63 (101), Bracewell 53* (40) |
| India | 254/6 | 49 | Rohit Sharma 76 (83), Shreyas Iyer 48 (62), KL Rahul 34* (33) |
Key Bowlers
Kuldeep Yadav's Final Performance:- Figures: 2/40 (10 overs)
- Also took 2 crucial wickets
- Spin mastery in Dubai conditions
- 5/42 in the final (joint-highest in the tournament)
- Restricted New Zealand's middle-order
India's Champions Trophy Record
| Year | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Champions | First-ever title holders |
| 2013 | Champions | Second triumph |
| 2025 | Champions | Third title, first in 12 years |
Virat Kohli's Historic Contribution
During the Champions Trophy, Kohli reached multiple milestones:| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| 51st ODI Century | Scored vs Pakistan (unbeaten 100 off 111 balls) |
| Fastest to 14,000 ODI Runs | Achieved in 287 innings |
| Previous Record Holder | Sachin Tendulkar (350 innings) |
| Innings Advantage | 63 innings faster than Tendulkar |
| Fastest in Balls Faced | 14,984 balls (vs Tendulkar's 16,292) |
| Most ODI Catches | 158 (broke Mohammad Azharuddin's record of 156) |
4. Royal Challengers Bengaluru Win First IPL Trophy
Date: June 3, 2025 Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad Result: RCB defeated Punjab Kings by 6 runs
Breaking an 18-Year Curse
For Virat Kohli and RCB fans worldwide, June 3, 2025, marks the end of an era of heartbreak. After three final appearances with losses in 2009, 2011, and 2016, RCB finally claimed the IPL trophy.RCB's Final Appearances Record
| Year | Opponent | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Deccan Chargers | Loss (133/9 vs 143/3) | Johannesburg |
| 2011 | Mumbai Indians | Loss (138/7 vs 148/7) | Chennai |
| 2016 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Loss (178/6 vs 198/6) | Bangalore |
| 2025 | Punjab Kings | WIN (190/8 vs 184/7) | Ahmedabad |
IPL 2025 Final - Match Details
| Team | Score | Overs | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|
| RCB | 190/8 | 20 | Modest total but defended brilliantly |
| PBKS | 184/7 | 20 | Shashank Singh 61* (30) came too late |
Bowling Performance (RCB's Victory Key)
- Krunal Pandya: 2/17 (4 overs) - bowled magical spell in middle overs
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 2/38 (4 overs) - opening spell put PBKS under pressure
- Josh Hazlewood: Crucial death bowling, started final over with dots
Historic Records from the Match
- Most Sixes in IPL Final: 23 sixes in the match (joint-highest with 2016 final)
- PBKS Sixes: 14 (most by any team in IPL final)
- RCB's 18-Year Wait: Longest gap between first IPL season (2008) and first title
Emotional Significance
Virat Kohli, who has won everything else in international cricket, finally added the IPL trophy to his cabinet. The emotion at the end-Kohli in tears-captured the magnitude of this achievement for the franchise.5. India Men Win Ninth T20 Asia Cup Title
Date: September 28, 2025 Venue: Dubai Cricket Stadium, Dubai Result: India defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets
The Final Match
| Team | Score | Overs | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 146 | 20 | Batting First |
| India | 147/5 | 19.4 | Chase Completed |
Match Statistics
Pakistan's Innings (146):- Sahibzada Farhan 50+ (but failed to build on start)
- Fakhar Zaman 46 (35 balls) - only significant contribution
- Kuldeep Yadav: 4/30 (4 overs) - dismantled Pakistan's batting
- Tilak Varma: 69* (53 balls) - composed, match-winning knock
- Shivam Dube: 33 (22 balls) - cameo that sealed victory
- Won with 2 wickets remaining and 2 balls to spare
Asia Cup - Record Achievement
| Record | Details |
|---|---|
| Asia Cup Titles Won | 9th title (record-extending) |
| Tournament Format | First-ever T20 format Asia Cup |
| Previous ODI Asia Cups | 7 titles |
| Previous T20 Asia Cups | 1 title |
| Series Record | Unbeaten throughout tournament |
Historic Context
- First time India and Pakistan played in an Asia Cup T20 final
- Previous finals were ODI format
- This was the Asia Cup's transition to T20 format
6. Italy Create History: First-Ever T20 World Cup Qualification
Date: July 11, 2025 Venue: The Hague, Switzerland (ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Europe Qualifier) Achievement: Italy qualified for T20 World Cup for the first time
The Historic Qualification
Italy made cricket history by qualifying for their first-ever ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Despite losing their final match to the Netherlands, Italy secured their place in the 2026 T20 World Cup through superior net run rate after finishing level on points with Jersey.The Dramatic Final Day
The final day of the Europe Qualifier saw all four teams (Netherlands, Italy, Scotland, and Jersey) in contention for two available spots. The drama intensified with multiple matches being played simultaneously across the venues.Italy's Final Match Details
| Team | Score | Overs | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | 134/7 | 20 | Batting First |
| Netherlands | Match Stretched | 17 overs | Won but Italy qualified |
- Benjamin Manenti: Steady, composed knock
- Grant Stewarts: Late blitz in lower-order
- Match Strategy: Italy successfully stretched Netherlands' chase to 17th over, securing the required net run rate
- Roelof van der Merwe: 3/15 (4 overs) - exceptional spell
- Kyle Klein: Key contribution with the ball
- Michael Levitt & Max O'Dowd: Explosive opening partnership in chase
The Net Run Rate Drama
| Team | Points | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | 5 | Qualified by NRR |
| Jersey | 5 | Missed out on NRR |
| Netherlands | 6 | Tournament Winners |
| Scotland | - | Eliminated |
Historical Significance
| Record | Details |
|---|---|
| First-Ever World Cup | Italy's maiden ICC World Cup appearance |
| Tournament Context | T20 World Cup 2026 (India & Sri Lanka) |
| European Representatives | Italy, Netherlands, England, Ireland |
| Cricket Development | One of Europe's emerging cricket nations |
Italy's Cricket Journey
Italy's qualification represents a remarkable achievement for a nation better known for football. Their cricket team has grown significantly in recent years, and this World Cup berth signals their emergence as a competitive force in international cricket. Europe Qualifier Results Summary:- Netherlands finished as tournament champions
- Italy secured second place qualification
- Both nations earned their spots in the T20 World Cup 2026
7. Tanzania's U-19 World Cup Breakthrough: First-Ever Qualification
Date: April 6, 2025 (Tournament Conclusion) Venue: Nigeria (ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup Africa Division 1 Qualifier) Achievement: Tanzania qualified for the 2026 U-19 World Cup for the first time
The Historic Journey
Tanzania shocked the cricket world by qualifying for the 2026 Under-19 Cricket World Cup for the first time in their history. Led by captain Laksh Bakrania, Tanzania completed an unbeaten campaign with a perfect record, earning their spot in the prestigious tournament.Tournament Performance - Division 1 Qualifier
Tanzania's dominance in the Africa Division 1 Qualifier was remarkable:| Opponent | Result | Score | Notable Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uganda | Win | 189/8 vs 116 | Raymond Francis 5/27 (PoM) |
| Namibia | Win | 159 vs 142 | Khalidy Juma 3/15 |
| Sierra Leone | Win | Super win | Strong collective performance |
| Nigeria | Win | Dominant victory | Unbeaten continues |
| Sierra Leone (Final) | Win | Final match triumph | Sealed qualification |
Key Statistics
Tournament Performance:- Matches Played: 5
- Wins: 5 (Unbeaten record)
- Points: 10 (Perfect campaign)
- Qualification: First-ever U-19 World Cup berth
Captain Laksh Bakrania - The Driving Force
Laksh Bakrania's leadership proved instrumental in Tanzania's historic qualification:| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Role | Captain and key batsman |
| Performance | Consistent contributions throughout tournament |
| Leadership | Guided team to unbeaten campaign |
| Temperament | Displayed remarkable composure in high-pressure matches |
Outstanding Individual Performances
Raymond Francis - Outstanding Bowler:- Match Performance: 5/27 vs Uganda (Player of the Match)
- Tournament Role: Key bowler in Tanzania's victories
- Figures: Consistent performance across matches
- Impact: Restricted opposition batsmen throughout the qualifier
- Batting Contribution: Crucial runs in middle-order
- Bowling: Multiple wickets across matches
- Player of the Match (Final): For his all-round performance
- Tournament Impact: Essential to Tanzania's success
- 133 runs vs Mozambique (Division 2 qualifier earlier in campaign)
- Strong batting contributions throughout tournament
- Key figure in Tanzania's run-up to Division 1 qualifier
Journey to Division 1 Qualifier
Before the Division 1 Qualifier in Nigeria, Tanzania had to qualify through the Division 2 tournament: Division 2 Semi-Finals (August 2024):- Tanzania beat Rwanda 164/9 vs 105
- Darpan Jobanputra 56 (scoring runs under pressure)
- Tanzania vs Sierra Leone
- Won comfortably to progress to Division 1
- Established as force in African U-19 cricket
Path to U-19 World Cup 2026
| Stage | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Division 2 Qualifier | Qualified | August 2024 |
| Pre-Tournament Build-up | Easter Youth ODI Series (Uganda) | March 2025 |
| Division 1 Qualifier | Champions | April 2025 |
| U-19 World Cup 2026 | Qualified | Namibia & Zimbabwe |
Why This Achievement Matters
Historic Milestone:- First U-19 World Cup appearance for Tanzania
- 12th team to qualify for the 2026 U-19 World Cup
- Total 32 teams competing in the tournament
- Strengthens cricket's growth in Tanzania
- Inspires youth cricket development
- Competitive edge for East African cricket
- Demonstrates strength of Tanzania's youth system
- Players gaining international exposure
- Building foundation for future senior team success
8. India Women's Historic T20 Series Victory Against England
Date: July 12, 2025 Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham (Final Match) Result: India won series 3-2
Breaking an Historic Barrier
India women's cricket team earned their first-ever bilateral T20 series victory against England, overcoming a history of losses in all six previous multi-game bilateral series.Series Results
| Match | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Match 1 (Trent Bridge) | India | Won by 97 runs (Smriti Mandhana 112) |
| Match 2 (Bristol) | India | Won by 24 runs |
| Match 3 (The Oval) | England | Won by 5 runs (but India led 2-1) |
| Match 4 (Old Trafford) | India | Won by 6 wickets (Series Clinched) |
| Match 5 (Edgbaston) | England | Won by 5 wickets (but India already won 3-2) |
Tournament Stars
Nallapureddy Charani - Player of the Series- Tournament Wickets: 10 scalps in 5 T20I matches
- Bowling Average: Exceptional consistency
- Breakthrough Performance: Put India on winning path
- Smriti Mandhana: Maiden T20I century (112 off 62 balls in Match 1)
- Jemimah Rodrigues & Amanjot Kaur: 63 runs each in Match 2
- Shafali Verma: Important contributions throughout
Harmanpreet Kaur's Historic Achievement
During this England tour, captain Harmanpreet Kaur played her 334th international match, surpassing Mithali Raj's record for most-capped Indian woman in international cricket history.Previous T20 Series Record Against England
| Status | Details |
|---|---|
| Before 2025 | 0 series wins vs England |
| Series Lost | 6 (all multi-game bilateral series) |
| Single Match Win | 1 (2006 at Derby, first-ever meeting) |
| Historic Achievement in 2025 | First bilateral series victory |
9. Zimbabwe's Test Cricket Breakthrough
Date: October 22, 2025 Venue: Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe Result: Zimbabwe defeated Afghanistan by an innings and 73 runs
Ending a 24-Year Drought
Zimbabwe recorded their first innings victory in 24 years, with the last such victory coming in 2001 against Bangladesh. This win marks the end of an era of struggle for Zimbabwean cricket.Test Match Details
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 127 | 159 | Defeated |
| Zimbabwe | 359 | - | Won by Innings & 73 runs |
Match Statistics
Afghanistan 1st Innings (127):- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: 37 (37 balls) - only meaningful contribution
- Abdul Malik: 40 (40 balls)
- Brad Evans (Zimbabwe): 5/22 (maiden 5-wicket haul in Test cricket)
- Blessing Muzarabani: 3/47
- Ben Curran: 121 (256 balls, 15 fours)
- Patient, composed century
- Anchored the innings
- Earned Player of the Match award
- Sikandar Raza: 65 (88 balls)
- Nick Welch: 49 (89 balls)
- Brendon Taylor: 32
- Brad Evans: 35* (lower-order contribution)
- Ibrahim Zadran: 42 (fighting effort)
- Bahir Shah & Afsar Zazai: Contributed runs but no major partnership
- Richard Ngarava: 5/37 (maiden Test 5-wicket haul)
- Tanaka Chivanga: 2 wickets
- Muzarabani: 3/48
Historical Significance
| Record | Details |
|---|---|
| Last Innings Victory | October 2001 vs Bangladesh (Bulawayo) |
| Drought Duration | 24 years (2001-2025) |
| First Home Innings Win in 12 Years | Previous: 2013 |
| Zimbabwe's Year | Part of bumper Test year for Zimbabwe |
Captain Craig Ervine's Reflection
After the match, Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine stated: "I'm ecstatic. A lot of credit to the boys for fighting and winning to end a tough year of Test cricket. The way we started, in the first hour of day one wasn't good, but the way the boys pulled things back was excellent."10. Jemimah Rodrigues' Historic Highest Women's ODI World Cup Chase
Date: October 30, 2025 Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai Result: India defeated Australia by 5 wickets (in Women's World Cup Semi-Final) 124964201.avifThe Chase
India chased down 339 runs-the highest successful chase in Women's ODI World Cup history-to beat seven-time champions Australia.Match Statistics
| Team | Score | Overs | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 338/7 | 50 | Set Total |
| India | 339/5 | 49.1 | Won by 5 wickets |
Match Details
Australia's 338:- Phoebe Litchfield: 119 (93 balls, 8 fours)
- Ellyse Perry: 77 (88 balls)
- Ashleigh Gardner: 63 (45 balls, 5 sixes)
- Strong batting display by defending champions
- Jemimah Rodrigues: 127* (134 balls, 14 boundaries)
- Masterclass in pacing a chase
- Mixed controlled aggression with maturity
- Refused to take risks, rotated strike efficiently
- Harmanpreet Kaur: 89 (88 balls)
- Added crucial 60+ run partnership with Jemimah
- Broke Australia's rhythm
- Richa Ghosh: Valuable contributions
- Smriti Mandhana: 45 (58 balls) - good start
- Amanjot Kaur: Winning shots at the end
Historical Achievement
| Record | Details |
|---|---|
| Highest Women's ODI World Cup Chase | 339 runs (India vs Australia) |
| Previous Record | 330 runs (Australia set vs India in league) |
| Jemimah's Tournament Performance | Average 35.20, Strike Rate 90.31 |
| Match-Defining Moment | Semi-final victory vs defending champions |
The Tournament Narrative
After quiet league performances and back-to-back ducks (vs Sri Lanka and South Africa), Jemimah rose when it mattered most, delivering a performance that would define India's World Cup triumph.Comparative Analysis: Records and Achievements
ICC Trophies Won in 2025
| Team | Trophy | Edition | Previous Titles |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | World Test Championship | 2025 | First-ever |
| India Women | ODI World Cup | 2025 | First-ever |
| India Men | Champions Trophy | 2025 (3rd time) | 2002, 2013 |
| India Men | Asia Cup | 2025 (9th time) | 8 previous |
Individual Records in 2025
| Player | Record | Previous Holder | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 51st ODI Century | Sachin Tendulkar (49) | 2 ahead |
| Virat Kohli | Fastest to 14,000 ODI Runs | Sachin Tendulkar (350 inn) | 63 innings |
| Deepti Sharma | 22 Wickets in Women's World Cup | - | Player of Tournament |
| Aiden Markram | Century in WTC Final | - | First South African |
| Jemimah Rodrigues | Highest ODI WC Chase Innings | - | 127* (India to 339) |
Emerging Nations Achievements
| Team | Achievement | Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | First T20 World Cup Qualification | 2026 World Cup Berth |
| Tanzania U-19 | First U-19 World Cup Qualification | 2026 World Cup Berth |
| Zimbabwe | First Innings Test Win in 24 Years | Breakthrough Victory |
Comparative Analysis: Records & Achievements in 2025
ICC Trophies Won:| Team | Trophy | Type | Previous Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | WTC Final | Men's Test | First-ever |
| India Women | ODI World Cup | Women's 50-Over | First-ever |
| India Men | Champions Trophy | Men's 50-Over | 3rd title (2002, 2013) |
| India Men | Asia Cup | Men's T20 | 9th title (record) |
Redemption Stories: The Heart of 2025
Cricket's Greatest Redemption Stories of 2025 Three teams wrote redemption narratives that define 2025:- South Africa's 27-Year ICC Drought: From heartbreak in five consecutive ICC finals (1999-2024) to triumph at Lord's on June 13, 2025-27 years of pain converted to glory.
- RCB's 18-Year IPL Quest: Three finals losses (2009, 2011, 2016) followed by championship glory in 2025. Virat Kohli, who has won everything else in cricket, finally added the IPL trophy.
- India Women's World Cup Journey: Lost finals in 2005 and 2017, but won it all in 2025 after an unconventional path through three league losses to group-stage heartbreak recovery.
Conclusion
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