People throng Lord Jagannath Temple on first day of New Year
from News - Videos - The Times of India https://ift.tt/QEg9SFp
Happy New Year! 2023 is here — and that means there's a lot to look forward to in the new year. For instance, what are the biggest upcoming games in 2023? Whether you're on mobile, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, or Xbox Series S/X, there are a lot of new games headed your way in 2023. We will take to the Indian Ocean in Skull and Bones, head to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, and get the best of both worlds in Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile.
Elsewhere, 2023 heralds the return of new and old franchises. We're getting a second Marvel's Spider-Man game, a third Payday heist, a fourth Diablo title, a sixth Street Fighter, the eighth Tekken and Forza Motorsport, the sixteenth Final Fantasy adventure, and the twentieth The Legend of Zelda. (Of course, this is all if you're counting mainline entries only.) The new year also brings extra downloadable content for games such as Destiny 2 and Cyberpunk 2077.
Lastly, some of the games coming in 2023 were expected in 2022, but were delayed for one reason or another. This lot includes the likes of Starfield, Hogwarts Legacy, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. Owing to how development functions, you won't see exact release dates on a lot of titles below — but they are scheduled for, or expected sometime in 2023.
With that, here are the games we're most excited to play on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X in 2023.
Following the surreal experiences of a tortured novelist, Alan Wake remains a cult favorite since its release in 2010. And if the remastered version from last year wasn't enough for the fans, its eponymous protagonist is returning in Alan Wake II. This time, the game will be taking a survival-horror direction, delivering more scares than its predecessor. With writer-director Sam Lake at the helm, Alan Wake II is sure to be a nightmarish trip. It is coming to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X.
Learn to survive in a strange primitive land dominated by dinosaurs in Ark 2. This sequel has been completely redesigned with an improved third-person camera view, Souls-like melee combat, and a chaotic new environment. Dynamic world events and a sensory-based creature AI makes exploring the world even more challenging than before. Furthermore, the story mode will see Vin Diesel reprise his iconic role of Riddick. The next-generation survival experience will drop on PC and Xbox Series S/X.
FromSoftware is returning to its roots with Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, where mecha robots battle in a dystopian post-apocalyptic world, to claim control of a mysterious energy source. While Masaru Yamamura, designer on 2019's Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, is involved as game director, the developer has confirmed that the title will be devoid of Souls-like elements. Players will assemble and pilot their own mechs in fast-paced missions involving both ranged and melee combat, besting challenging bosses. It will be out on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X.
Returning to its roots, Assassin's Creed Mirage follows the origins of assassin Basim Ibn Ishaq in 9th century Baghdad, the primary antagonist from Assassin's Creed Valhalla, and is all set to refocus on stealth gameplay — just like the original AC games.
For the past three mainline titles, the franchise has followed an open-world RPG structure, but fans have been clamouring for an AC game that goes back to basics. Assassin's Creed Mirage promises just that. Mirage is coming to PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, and Amazon Luna.
Watch the Cinematic Trailer for Assassin's Creed Mirage
Repel the invading RDA forces as a Na'vi in this first-person action-adventure game based on James Cameron's Avatar movies. Explore a never-before-seen region of Pandora — the Western Frontier. Venture across a reactive world encountering unique creates and new characters when Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora drops on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X.
Release date: August 2023
Out in early access for a couple of years, Baldur's Gate III will finally see full release in 2023. It comes with a campaign across the vast Forgotten realms. Based on the 5th-edition Dungeons and Dragons rules, you will be able to pick from a wide selection of races and classes, or an origin character with a pre-selected background. Shape the world around you and decide the fate of your party when the game comes out on PC.
Release date: March 17, 2023
Enter the storybook world of Avalon Forest in Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon to meet Cereza before she became renowned as Bayonetta. On this journey, she will be accompanied by her first demon Cheshire. Use the Joy-Cons to control both characters for solving puzzles and engaging in combat. The game is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch.
Call of Duty: Warzone has become a battle royale phenomenon in the past two years, and Call of Duty: Mobile remains extremely lucrative for Activision. The upcoming Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile attempts to bring the two together, dropping mobile players into the familiar battle royale bowl of Verdansk. With more guns, operators, vehicles, and up to 120 live players in a match, the game promises to offer enough for Call of Duty: Mobile players to make the switch. Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile is expected on Android, iOS, and iPadOS in 2023.
Release date: February 23, 2023
Take command of ground, air, and naval troops to ensure your victory in a new theatre of war — the Mediterranean. Company of Heroes 3 combines tactics, strategy, and action with real-time battle mechanics. Dynamic campaign maps with destructible environments will ensure that none of your playthroughs are alike. Soak in its cinematic action when the game drops on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X.
The next entry in the Crash Bandicoot series is taking the beloved franchise into slightly unfamiliar territory. While kart racers have been quite popular over the years, with Crash Team Rumble, it's headed into online multiplayer waters. Crash Team Rumble is a team-based multiplayer online battler, where players take on rivals in four-versus-four arena battles.
Each team's goal is to collect more Wumpa Fruit and sabotage their opponents' attempts to do the same. Crash Bandicoot staples like Crash, Coco, and Doctor Neo Cortex are all present as playable characters. Crash Team Rumble is coming to PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X.
Cyberpunk 2077 had a troubled release in 2020, to say the least. The game has made a bit of a comeback this year, with the release of the next-gen upgrade. Cyberpunk 2077 is more than just playable now — it's enjoyable.
The game's first (paid) expansion features a new story and new areas to explore in Night City. Keanu Reeves is returning as the iconic Johnny Silverhand, and Idris Elba will be joining him this time around as well. Very few games out there offer an immersive open world quite like Cyberpunk 2077. More of the same is always welcome. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty arrives on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X.
Release date: April 28, 2023
Set a few months after the events of Dead Island, Dead Island 2 takes place in a quarantined Los Angeles following a zombie outbreak. Redesigned first-person combat allows players to unleash unspeakable violence on the undead using both melee weapons and guns. And you can do that with multiple playable characters against a host of different zombie types. Dead Island 2 arrives on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X.
Release date: January 27, 2023
Everyone's favourite alien-hunting engineer Isaac Clarke gets actual dialogue in this awaited remake of Dead Space. Revisit the claustrophobic confines of the USG Ishimura ship, as you curb stomp Necromorphs, set them ablaze, and electrocute them into tiny pieces of flesh. The remake has been built as one sequential shot with no loading screens and brings back the Impossible difficulty mode.
Watch the Gameplay Trailer for Dead Space Remake
Release date: February 28, 2023
The latest DLC for Bungie's live-service title takes the campaign to a new location on Neptune — a neon metropolis — where you will encounter the Witness. You can experiment with the new Warlock Architect, Hunter Threadrunner, and Titan Tyrant when Destiny 2: Lightfall arrives on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X.
Release date: June 6, 2023
The Diablo franchise holds a special place in video game history. For its fourth installment, Diablo is embracing the grim aesthetics of Diablo and Diablo II, leaving behind the slighter lighter tone of the third game. Diablo IV is not just bloodier and darker — it is also wider in scope. The game is shifting to an open world setting, with hundreds of procedurally-generated dungeons to explore. It arrives on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X.
Diablo IV Won't Include Pay-to-Win Game Mechanics
Release date: June 22, 2023
The 16th main instalment in the decades-spanning Final Fantasy franchise takes a darker turn with a reimagining of the Eikons. This action role-playing game game will include both melee and magic attacks. Play as Clive Rosfield in a revenge-driven tale when Final Fantasy XVI arrives on the PS5.
Release date: January 24, 2023
Square Enix's upcoming open-world action RPG blends magic-based parkour traversal and hack-and-slash elemental combat, while promising to deliver a narrative-driven experience. Forspoken follows the story of Frey Holland, a young New Yorker who gets pulled into the fantastical world of Athia and now must find her way back.
In addition to a sentient bracelet that constantly talks to her, Frey has a plethora of magical spells and abilities at her disposal to survive in the hostile Athia. Forspoken is coming to PC and PS5.
Turn 10 Studios' racing sim franchise is getting a soft reboot with the next Forza Motorsport. It has been built from the ground up with overhauled driving mechanics and damage simulation. You will be able to enjoy its fantastic visuals enhanced by real-time ray tracing when this game drops on PC and Xbox Series S/X in the first half of 2023.
Release date: February 10, 2023
Experience Hogwarts in the 1800s, as you battle dark wizards, journey through familiar locales such as the Forbidden Forest, and hone your skills in potions, herbology, curses, and more. Create your custom witch/ wizard and align yourself with allies who lead you into quests to earn enough XP and upgrade your talents.
Sadly, Quidditch won't be playable in Hogwarts Legacy, but you can still ride around on broomsticks and explore the magic-laden areas. It drops on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X. Last-gen versions have been delayed.
Take command of your fleet and guide them through space combat in a 3D space. Homeworld 3 is a sci-fi RTS that will offer players several tactical approaches for an encounter. There is a story mode, alongside co-op multiplayer and PvP battles as well. You will be able to test your skills in 1v1, free-for-all, and team battles when the game comes out on PC in the first half of 2023.
Release date: February 28, 2023
Shoot for the stars and beyond in space flight simulation game Kerbal Space Program 2. New technologies will pose new sets of challenges. The game also brings space colonies and interstellar travel to provide further depth to space exploration. And you get modding support and a new multiplayer mode as well. The game is headed to early access on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X.
Release date: May 12, 2023
When The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild came out in 2017, it changed the gaming landscape. The game redefined the possibilities of the open-world genre and introduced gameplay mechanics that many games are trying to rip off to this day. Naturally, its sequel The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has big boots to fill. Players will take control of Link once again and return to the world of Hyrule.
Nintendo has been tight-lipped, but some changes are confirmed. Hyrule will feature explorable floating islands in the sky, with new mechanics in place for traversal. If Tears of the Kingdom manages to recapture the wonder of its predecessor, it'll be a job well done. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom arrives exclusively on the Nintendo Switch.
Blending Victorian-era architecture with a steampunk aesthetic, Lies of P is sure to scratch your Bloodborne itch. Assuming the role of the long-nosed Pinocchio, players are thrust into the gothic city of Krat to unravel the mystery behind nightmarish living ghouls, who murder all that is living. Mess around with weapon builds, spells, and more, when it drops on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X.
Release date: February 21, 2023
Don the clothes and weaponry of the lone samurai Sakamoto Ryoma, during the chaotic 1860s in Kyo — now Kyoto, Japan — and clear yourself of a framed murder to restore honour to your family's name. Partake in high-octane blade battles, deflect bullets, and force-feed red hot spicy pickles to your enemies in Like a Dragon: Ishin!. The latest Yakuza game launches across PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X.
Release date: Autumn 2023
PS5-exclusive Marvel's Spider-Man 2 partners returning protagonists Peter Parker and Miles Morales for a new blockbuster chapter that pits them against Venom. While there isn't much information on the plot, it's confirmed that there are more Spidey suits to try on!
Work with up to three of your buddies to pack up the belongings of the residents of Packmore. Moving Out 2 adds to the hilariously silly challenges with new inter-dimensional portals that will take you to new worlds. While the first game only had local co-op, there will be cross-play multiplayer this time around. Moving Out 2 is coming to PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, and Nintendo Switch.
Fight your friends as an adorable corgi, a blunt-toothed dino, a duck that resembles a Pokémon, and more in this physics-based competitive brawler. In addition to punching, tossing, headbutting, and dropkicks, Party Animals throws in an assortment of weapons to help knock out enemies and be the last person standing. It also includes a team-based capture-the-gummy mode, which seems super fun. It's coming to PC and Xbox Game Pass.
It's almost been a decade since the last Payday game. And while at its core, Payday 3 retains the DNA of the franchise — a first-person shooter doubling as a bank heist simulator — there are some changes on the way. Starbreeze Studios have confirmed that the game will be built in Unreal Engine.
Payday 3 also moves the action from Washington DC to New York. Taking place years after the events of the last game, Payday 3 sees the return of the franchise's four main characters — Dallas, Hoxton, Chains, and Wolf. The crew had retired after the events of Payday 2, but they're back now for their next mark. The game arrives on PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X, and Nintendo Switch.
Arkane Studios have made a name for themselves for their first-person immersive sims that blend action, puzzle solving, and narrative. After conquering the single-player space with games like Deathloop and Dishonored, their next title, Redfall, is their first foray into cooperative multiplayer.
The open-world first-person shooter is set in a titular island town, which has been taken over by a horde of vampires. Players can choose from four different playable characters, each with their own unique abilities, and help rid Redfall of the vampire problem. It arrives in the first half of 2023 on PC and Xbox Series S/X.
Release date: March 24, 2023
Capcom has rebuilt this timeless classic for a new generation, transporting us back to the plague-ridden European village, where we step into the shoes of officer Leon S. Kennedy, and track down the president's daughter. The Resident Evil 4 remake retains the over-the-shoulder perspective like recent entries, and adds a parry mechanic to the mix. Resident Evil 4 launches across PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X.
Watch the Trailer for Resident Evil 4 Remake
Release date: March 9, 2023
Pillage your way from an outcast to a pirate captain in the tumultuous waters of the 17th-century Indian Ocean. Skull and Bones is an open-world action-adventure game with a focus on naval combat. You can sail with your friends or be everyone's foe when the game launches on PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X, and Amazon Luna.
Playing as a lone stalker, you will explore the post-apocalyptic Chornobyl Exclusion Zone in this FPS survival horror game. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl includes a branching storyline with varying paths. Choose from an arsenal of over 30 weapons that can be customised to offer hundreds of combinations. The game launches on PC and Windows Series S/X in 2023.
Release date: March 17, 2023
Five years since the events of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Cal Kestis is now a powerful Jedi Knight, continuing his desperate crusade against the oppressive Empire. Armed with a new set of combat arts and Force abilities, players must discover new galaxies, tame wild animals, and explore beyond the horizon to find hidden rewards. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor releases on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X.
One of 2022's most anticipated games is now one of 2023's most anticipated games. Known for the iconic Elden Scrolls and Fallout franchises, Starfield is Bethesda's first new IP in over two decades.
The space epic drops players in the year 2330, twenty years on from a major conflict between the game's two big factions. As always is the case in a Bethesda game, player choice will be paramount. Players will be able to create their character, customise their play style, and explore space in both third-person and first-person perspectives.
Starfield arrives in the first half of 2023 on PC and Xbox Series S/X.
Starfield Quadruples the Amount of Dialogue That Was Present in Skyrim
Release date: June 2, 2023
The iconic fighting franchise returns in 2023 with Street Fighter 6 — with new characters, new game modes, and a new, more colourful art style. The World Tour and the Battle Hub modes will allow players to create custom avatars for a story-driven experience and to engage in online fights. Iconic characters like Ryu, Chun-Li, and Luke are back as well. Street Fighter 6 releases on PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X.
Release date: May 26, 2023
Discover the conception of Amanda Waller's infamous Task Force X, as they're dispatched to take down members of the Justice League, who've succumbed to the Brainiac's mind control. Pick from familiar characters — Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang, King Shark, and Deadshot — who are equipped with a unique set of weapons and abilities, and partake in both solo and multiplayer co-op missions. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League launches across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X.
Built from the ground up on Unreal Engine 5, Tekken 8 brings a new “Heat System” game mechanic that can grant characters special movements and enhance their abilities. Jun Kazama will be returning as a playable character after more than 25 years. Jin Kazama, Kazuya Mishima, Paul Phoenix, Marshall Law, King, Lars Alexandersson, and Jack-8 have been also confirmed. It launches on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X.
From its miniature wargaming roots to its subsequent adaptations as books, board games, and video games, the Warhammer 40,000 franchise has a devoted legion of fans. After visiting the Warhammer universe in Warhammer 40,000: Darktide this year, they'll be getting another taste soon with Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2.
Sequel to 2011's Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine, the third-person shooter hack-and-slash title will see the return of Captain Titus as a Primaris Space Marine, and will follow the Ultramarines saga of the Space Marines. The game is confirmed for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X.
Release date: February 17, 2023
As EA's response to the Monster Hunter franchise, Wild Hearts looks to be a promising affair, throwing players into a fantasy landscape inspired by feudal Japan, where they hunt down enormous beasts using ancient tech such as firecrackers and a giant bamboo copter. There's a co-op system as well, allowing up to two friends to join you, when help is required to take down a boss. Wild Hearts launches on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X.
Watch the Gameplay Trailer for Wild Hearts
Release date: March 3, 2023
From the creators of Nioh comes Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, where you play as a nameless militia soldier fighting for survival in a dark fantastical version of the later Han Dynasty, plagued by demonic monsters. Master Chinese martial arts and swordplay through lightning-fast parries/ deflects to topple bosses inspired by folklore, and explore hidden stages to unlock rewards. The Souls-like title releases across PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X.
Under Telltale Games' new management, Bigby Wolf is returning to the gritty noir New York to solve a new mystery that involves the fables. Picking up six months after the events of season one, the Sheriff of Fabletown survives winter with a new case that involves Tin-Man and Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz children's novel. The Wolf Among Us 2 launches across PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X.
Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal expressed his disappointment after Pakistan narrowly escaped defeat in the Test series opener against New Zealand. Notably, the Babar Azam-led side failed to win a single Test at home this year. While criticising the pitches used for the recent Test matches on home soil, Akmal said that a change in approach is a must for Pakistan if they want to produce better results in Test cricket. He suggested that Pakistan should make tracks where there is something on offer for the bowlers as well.
"Pakistan's approach in Test cricket has been quite negative, considering the pitches that we have been preparing. While we have used batting-friendly pitches in the last seven home Tests, it is equally important to give our bowlers some confidence. If your spinners are going to bowl so many overs, how are you going to take 20 wickets? We should consider playing on grassy wickets, as our pacers are quicker than the New Zealand fast bowlers," Akmal said in a video uploaded on his YouTube channel.
Akmal added that fans got bored during the first Test, and might start to lose interest in Test cricket soon, if the Babar and Co. don't change their approach.
"Fans were bored during this Test match. If Pakistan continue to do the same, it will be tough to bring fans to the stadium for red-ball matches. It is imperative that Pakistan change their approach to keep Test cricket alive in the country. We will have to play fearlessly," he added.
Rishabh Pant met with a horrific accident on Friday morning as he was driving from Delhi to Dehradun in his Mercedes Benz. His car caught fire after it hit a divider. Pant was fortunate enough to come out of the car in time, though he suffered a ligament tear in his right knee and cuts above his forehead. His condition is stable. A Haryana Roadways bus driver, named Sushil Mann, was among the people who took cricketer Rishabh Pant out of the Mercedes SUV after it crashed. Mann said he did not know who the injured man was and acted swiftly to arrange for an ambulance.
Haryana Roadways later honoured Sushil, news agency PTI reported. "We gave them an appreciation letter and a shield in our office when they returned to Panipat," Haryana Roadways Panipat depot general manager Kuldeep Jangra told PTI.
VVS Laxman, former India batter and current NCA head, hailed Sushil. "Gratitude to #SushilKumar, a Haryana Roadways driver who took #RishabhPant away from the burning car, wrapped him with a bedsheet and called the ambulance. We are very indebted to you for your selfless service, Sushil ji #RealHero," Laxman wrote in a tweet.
"Also special mention to the bus conductor, Paramjit who along with Driver Sushil helped Rishabh. Very grateful to these selfless guys who had great presence of mind and a big heart. Gratitude to them and all who helped," he wrote in another tweet.
Also special mention to the bus conductor, Paramjit who along with Driver Sushil helped Rishabh. Very grateful to these selfless guys who had great presence of mind and a big heart. Gratitude to them and all who helped. pic.twitter.com/FtNnoLKowg
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 30, 2022
Sushil Mann, the bus driver, told NDTV that the SUV was coming in high speed from the opposite direction and it hit the divider.
"I put my bus on the side and quickly ran towards the divider," Mr Mann said.
"I thought the car would flip under the bus as it was turning over and over before it stopped," he said. "The driver (Mr Pant) was half out of the window. He told me he's a cricketer," Mr Mann said, adding the cricketer asked him to call his mother, whose phone was, however, switched off.
"I don't watch cricket and I didn't know this is Rishabh Pant is. But others in my bus recognised him," Mr Mann said.
"After removing Rishabh, I quickly searched the car to check if anyone else was there. I took out his blue bag and Rs 7,000-Rs 8,000 rupees from the car and gave it to him in the ambulance," he said.
Google Voice will now make it more easy for a user to ignore spam calls with the launch of a new update. Google has now added a warning to its Voice feature which will alert the user by flagging “Suspected spam caller” label on calls that may seem suspicious. The user can also remove a number from the spam list by simply marking a call to be not spam. The enhanced secure calling feature adds to Google Voice's recent addition of Wi-Fi and network cellular switching.
According to a recent announcement by the tech giant, Google Voice will now protect its users from unwanted calls and potentially harmful scams by displaying a red “suspected spam caller” label on all calls that will appear suspicious. The selection of numbers as spam will be done using advanced artificial intelligence.
The spam label for a number will be displayed on the caller screen as well as in the call history. The user will have a choice to let a call remain spam or remove it by confirming the identity of the number as a spam or a genuine contact. In case if the number is confirmed to be a spam, the future calls from that particular contact will go directly into voicemail. Meanwhile, removing a number from spam list will not show any warning on future calls.
Google has informed that the phased rollout of the feature has started from December 29 and may take up to 15 days for the feature to appear on Google Voice. It will be eventually available to all Google Voice users.
The suspected spam label will be activated automatically if the Voice spam filter is off. To automatically send a suspected spam call to voicemail, go to Settings > Security > Filter Spam >Turn it On.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday announced nominees for the Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year 2022 award. Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, Australia spinner Adam Zampa, Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza and West Indies' Shai Hope are the contenders to win the award. The ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year 2021 is in the running to do a repeat in 2022. Babar Azam once again showed his prowess in the 50-over format, showing once again why he has ruled the roost at the top of the ICC Men's ODI Player Rankings since July 2021.
The 29-year-old Pakistan skipper registered eight scores of more than fifty in nine matches this year, three of which he converted into hundreds. He finished the season with 679 runs at an astounding 84.87 average.
Adam Zampa continued to show why he has been a vital cog in the Australian white-ball setup, finishing the year as the highest wicket-taker for his country in ODI cricket.
The leggie had his joint-most productive year in ODI cricket, matching his debut year tally of 30 wickets. His feat was even more impressive this year because nine of his 12 matches were at home, where conditions aren't ideal for spinners.
The 30-year-old started the year with a four-wicket haul and finished with a couple more to cap off a fantastic 2022.
Zimbabwe's resurgence on the international stage in 2022 was largely due to one man - Sikandar Raza.
Raza scored 645 runs at an average of 49.61 and a strike rate of 87.16, adding two fifties to his three centuries. All of his runs came against top teams that were dominant in the white-ball game in 2022.
The 36-year-old scored three centuries, all while chasing, two of which resulted in victories and another nearly taking Zimbabwe over the line against India.
Shai Hope made his ODI debut in 2016, and since then, he has finished every year as the West Indies' leading ODI run-scorer. In 2022, Shai Hope was once again one of the West Indies' few shining stars in a difficult year.
Hope did not have the best of starts in 2022, but in typical fashion, began to grind out runs in the second half. He finished the year with 709 runs at an average of 35.45, including three hundreds and two fifties.
India's T20 batting sensation, Suryakumar Kumar on Wednesday said his elevation to the post of vice-captain of the national side seems like a dream, and he would continue to play his natural game without being burdened by the added responsibility. Indian selectors made some major changes in the national white-ball set-up by giving the T20I captaincy reins to Hardik Pandya and appointing Suryakumar as his deputy for the series against Sri Lanka, beginning in Mumbai on January 3 next year.
Senior players such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul did not find a place in the squad for the series.
"It (vice-captaincy) was not expected. I can only say it's kind of a reward to me for the way I (have) played this year. It feels good and I'm really looking forward to it," Surya told reporters after day two of Mumbai's Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra here.
Surya's first reaction after his father forwarded him the team list was of utter disbelief. "I came to know from my dad who is always active on social media. He forwarded me the list and also sent me a short message -- 'not to take any pressure and enjoy your batting'.
"For a moment, I closed my eyes and asked myself, 'is this a dream?' It's a great feeling," he added.
On whether the added responsibility will put him under pressure, Surya said, "I always had responsibility and pressure. I always enjoy my game and (do) not carry any extra baggage.
"It's simple. I keep (leave) all my thinking at the team hotel and the nets. Whenever I'm batting, I just go out there to enjoy my game."
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ever since Ramiz Raja was removed from the post of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, several stakeholders of the game in the country have spoken out against him. Now, veteran Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz has also criticised the former PCB management led by Ramiz, who is also an ex-Pakistan cricket team skipper. Riaz, who has played 27 Tests, 91 ODIs and 36 T20Is for Pakistan, said the former management never paid heed to players' demands.
"We had a lot of difficulties with the previous board," Wahab Riaz was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan in an interview to Samaa News.
The veteran pacer said that he was made to feel unwanted. "We were told things 'You have no idea how difficult it is to adjust you, nobody would keep you in a team,'" Wahab said. "That made us feel as if we've some loolhay langhray players who have never achieved anything in the game."
Wahab added that former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja never responded to his messages or calls. "I'm a present cricketer, I have not retired. Why did he never answer me?" he asked. "If people working under you aren't happy, then that says a lot."
The Pakistan Cricket Board on Wednesday threatened to take legal action against Ramiz Raja after a war of words broke out between the Board's new management committee and the former chairman following his unceremonious exit.
"The Pakistan Cricket Board has expressed its disappointment over the comments made and language used by former Chairman Mr Ramiz Raja against Chairman of the PCB Management Committee Mr Najam Sethi on a social media platform and in a TV interview," the PCB said in a statement.
"The PCB believes former Chairman Mr Raja's comments are aimed at tarnishing and damaging the impeccable reputation of present Chairman Mr Sethi, adding it reserves it's rights to pursue legal proceedings to protect and defend the image and credibility of its Chairman and the institution."
Last Thursday, Raja was removed as PCB chairman by the country's government, which appointed a 14-member committee, headed by Najam Sethi, to run the affairs of the game for the next four months. Following his sacking, Raja alleged that he was not allowed to even take his belongings from the board office after the government suspended the constitution.
Australia vs South Africa 2nd Test Day 4 Live: Australia closed in on winning the second Test and the series against South Africa on Wednesday after Alex Carey struck a maiden century to leave them in a commanding position. The hosts declared at tea on 575-8 on day three with an ominous lead of 386 after South Africa were bowled out in their first innings for 189. In reply, the Proteas were 15-1 when play was abandoned early at the Melbourne Cricket Ground due to persistent drizzle. (LIVE SCORECARD)