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Mumbai Indians Win, Root’s Rebuttal And Rickelton Ton – February 21 Cricket Highlights

Aakash Saini

Amanjot Kaur and Ryan Rickelton [Source: @mipaltan, @ICC/x]Amanjot Kaur and Ryan Rickelton [Source: @mipaltan, @ICC/x]

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South Africa crashed Afghanistan in their opening match of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Ellyse Perry’s fiery 81-run knock went in vain for the RCB. Furthermore, PCB has demanded an explanation from the ICC over a broadcasting controversy.

Capping an eventful day in the world of cricket, here we take a look at five of the biggest cricketing news that emerged out of Friday, February 21.

Ryan Rickelton Ton, Rabada’s Three-Fer Demolish Afghanistan

South Africa walloped Afghanistan by 107 runs in the third match of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Opening batter Ryan Rickelton paved the way for South Africa’s dominance early in the game by crafting an imposing century. Captain Temba Bavuma and middle-order batters Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram all complemented Rickelton’s career-best ODI score with cunning half-centuries as South Africa mounted 315-6 from 50 overs.

In response, Afghanistan folded up for just 208 in 43.3 overs, with Rahmat Shah recording the lone fifty-plus score of the innings. For South Africa, Kagiso Rabada picked up three wickets while Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder chipped in with two scalps each.

PCB Demand ICC Explanation After Indian Broadcasting Controversy

The PCB has demanded an explanation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) over a broadcasting incident that occurred during India’s opening match of the 2025 Champions Trophy against Bangladesh. It is worth that while Team India won the match against Bangladesh, the name of tournament co-hosts Pakistan was not displayed by the official broadcasters during the game.

While the ICC has reportedly informed the PCB that the error was merely technical, the Pakistan contingent remain unconvinced and is speculating foul play on part of its geo-political rival, India.

Joe Root Responds To Kevin Pietersen’s Criticism

Senior English batter Joe Root has responded to Kevin Pietersen’s scathing criticism regarding England’s inadequate training sessions during the recently-concluded three-match ODI series in India. On the heels of England’s 0-3 loss to India, Root said that none of the cricketing experts visited the team’s training sessions and they are not aware how the current bunch operates.

The legendary Englishman also expressed his confidence over putting up a better team effort at the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy after a disappointing India tour.

KL Rahul Wins ‘Fielder Of The Match’ After India Win Vs BAN

Indian wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul won the iconic ‘fielder of the match’ medal after Team India’s thumping win over Bangladesh in Dubai. Rahul snared three sharp catches during the game, on a day when the likes of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya dropped a couple of simple chances.

Apart from demonstrating his wicketkeeping excellence, KL Rahul also scored a valiant 41* from 47 balls while batting at number six to steer India home alongside unbeaten centurion Shubman Gill.

Harmanpreet, Amanjot Kaur Renders Ellyse Perry’s 81 In Vain

Mumbai Indians outclassed defending champions RCB by four wickets in a thrilling last-over finish in match seven of the WPL 2025 season. For the RCB, number three Ellyse Perry carted 81 runs from just 43 balls to boost her team up to a competitive 167-7. Amanjot Kaur picked up three wickets in the innings to seal figures of 3-22.

In response, Nat Sciver-Brunt bludgeoned a fiery 21-ball 42 and captain Harmanpreet Kaur carved a 38-ball half-century. Amanjot Kaur at number six also scored an unbeaten 34 to defy Georgia Wareham’s three-wicket haul to bring up the winning runs.