The Economic Times

India secured a four-wicket win against New Zealand in the first ODI. Virat Kohli starred with 93 runs, leading India's chase. New Zealand posted 300-8, with Daryl Mitchell scoring 84. India reached the target in 49 overs. Lokesh Rahul and Harshit Rana provided crucial support in the end. India leads the series 1-0.

Virat Kohli achieved a significant milestone, becoming the fastest player to reach 28,000 international runs in his 624th innings. This feat follows a period of strong form, including a century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and consistent performances in ODIs, showcasing his enduring batting prowess.

Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants clash in the WPL 2026 on Sunday. Gujarat Giants secured a victory in their opener, while Delhi Capitals faced a defeat. Both teams aim to gain momentum in this crucial encounter. The match is scheduled for 7:30 PM IST at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy.

New Zealand posted 300-8 in the first ODI against India. Daryl Mitchell scored a rapid 84. Openers Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls provided a solid start. Indian bowlers took regular wickets. The series continues with T20 matches before the T20 World Cup.

Allan Donald, a former pace legend, feels Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket prematurely. He believes Kohli's hunger and work ethic will see him play in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Donald also expressed confidence in South Africa's T20 World Cup squad and praised the growth of the SA20 league.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, fresh off a thrilling last-ball victory against Mumbai Indians, aim to build momentum against a strong UP Warriorz. RCB's Nadine de Klerk starred with bat and ball, but the team seeks improved performances from its top-order batters. UP Warriorz, meanwhile, will look for a resurgence from their key all-rounder Deepti Sharma.

India faces New Zealand in the first ODI at Vadodara, with former captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma returning to action. This series could be their last in Indian colours until July, preceding the T20 World Cup and IPL. Shubman Gill will lead the ODI side, aiming for his first series win as captain.

Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand due to a side strain sustained during a net session. Dhruv Jurel has been named as his replacement for the three-match series. Pant's injury was diagnosed as an oblique muscle tear after MRI scans.

Hardik Pandya is on the verge of joining an elite club of ODI players with 2,000 runs and 100 wickets. He needs 96 runs and 9 wickets in the upcoming series against New Zealand to achieve this milestone. Pandya's all-round abilities make him a rare commodity in the format.

India vs New Zealand 1st ODI Playing 11 Full Squad list Virat Kohli is on the verge of two major international cricket milestones ahead of India's ODI series against New Zealand. He needs just 25 runs to surpass 28,000 international runs and 42 to overtake Kumar Sangakkara. The series also sees Shubman Gill's return and a new-look pace attack for India.

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav is on the verge of a significant milestone, needing just nine wickets to reach 200 ODI scalps. He is set to be a key bowler for India in their upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, which begins on Sunday. Kuldeep's impressive recent form further bolsters his chances of achieving this feat.

Novak Djokovic, defying age and expectations, approaches the Australian Open with an unconventional strategy: preservation over preparation. Despite skipping tune-up events, the Serbian legend, still a top contender, relies on his unparalleled familiarity with Melbourne Park and years of ingrained success. Younger rivals acknowledge his enduring dominance, with Holger Rune stating nothing is impossible for Djokovic.

Mumbai Indians bounced back with a strong 50-run victory over Delhi Capitals. After setting a target of 196, Mumbai's bowlers restricted Delhi to 145. Harmanpreet Kaur and Nat Sciver-Brunt starred with the bat for Mumbai. This win follows their initial loss in the tournament.

Delhi Capitals secured an early wicket against Mumbai Indians. Wicketkeeper Lizelle Lee took a stunning catch to dismiss Amelia Kerr for a golden duck. This dismissal quickly became a key moment in the match. The catch drew significant attention online. Kerr's form is under scrutiny after two low scores. Lee's effort provided momentum for Delhi Capitals.

Gujarat Giants defeated UP Warriorz in a high-scoring WPL 2026 match. The game saw a record 21 sixes hit, surpassing previous benchmarks. Gujarat Giants posted 207 runs, with Ashleigh Gardner scoring 65. UP Warriorz chased hard, with Phoebe Litchfield scoring 78, but fell short by 10 runs. Gujarat Giants secured a thrilling victory.

Gujarat Giants posted a massive 207 runs against UP Warriorz. Skipper Ashleigh Gardner scored 65 and debutant Anushka Sharma impressed with 44. Their partnership laid the foundation for the high total. Sharma's debut score set a new franchise record. Gujarat's strong batting performance secured a commanding position in the WPL 2025 match.

India and RCB all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar will miss the initial two weeks of the Women's Premier League 2026 season due to a hamstring injury. She sustained the injury at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru while undergoing shoulder treatment. Her recovery will be monitored weekly.

Javelin star Neeraj Chopra has ended his partnership with Czech coach Jan Zelezny. The duo worked together for one season, achieving significant progress. Chopra expressed gratitude for the experience and the friendship developed. Zelezny also reflected positively on their time together. Chopra will now lead his coaching direction, focusing on upcoming championships and the 2028 Olympics.

Virat Kohli is on the verge of a significant international batting milestone, needing just 25 runs to become the fastest to 28,000 international runs. He is set to achieve this in the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara. Kohli's recent strong form across formats positions him to join an elite group of batters.

UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants kick off their WPL campaigns aiming for a maiden title. Warriorz, led by new captain Meg Lanning, seek consistency, while Giants, buoyed by a playoff appearance, boast a strong overseas contingent. Both teams are in transition, making this opening clash crucial.

Shubman Gill accepts his exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad. He states he respects the selectors' choice. Gill is focused on performing well whenever opportunities arise. He looks forward to the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. Gill emphasizes the importance of preparation for different formats. He believes in giving his best for the country.

Mizoram cricketer K. Lalremruata has died at the age of 38. He collapsed during a local match and later passed away. Lalremruata represented Mizoram in the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He was a respected figure in the local cricket community. The BCCI and the Sports Minister have expressed their condolences.

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto revealed the uncertainty surrounding their T20 World Cup participation is affecting players psychologically, despite their efforts to appear professional. He also condemned a BCB director's 'Indian agent' remark against former captain Tamim Iqbal, emphasizing the need for respect within the cricketing fraternity.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) AGM on Friday was successful, with President PT Usha announcing a major increase in funding for sports bodies. Annual grants for national sports federations will rise from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 20 lakh, while state Olympic bodies will receive Rs 10 lakh instead of Rs 7 lakh.

Tournament organizers in Nairobi admitted a mistake in granting a wildcard to Hajar Abdelkader, whose lopsided 6-0 6-0 loss went viral. The Egyptian player, who struggled with basic tennis, was given a last-minute entry. Tennis Kenya stated such an occurrence will not happen again.

Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final, with goals from Fede Valverde and Rodrygo Goes. This win sets up a Clasico final against rivals Barcelona. Despite a challenging period, Madrid has found winning form, though performances remain a point of discussion.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a dramatic three-wicket win against Mumbai Indians. Nadine de Klerk starred with both bat and ball. She took four wickets and then scored an unbeaten 63. De Klerk guided RCB to victory in a tense final over. Mumbai Indians posted 154 for 6. RCB chased down the target reaching 157 for 7.

MI W vs RCB W: The Women's Premier League Season 4 commences on Friday, January 9, 2025, with a highly anticipated clash between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This opening match, featuring squads led by Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, marks the beginning of the tournament and serves as a crucial build-up for India's women cricketers ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Live Streaming: Sri Lanka needs a win against Pakistan in the second T20I. They lost the first match and trail the series. The Dambulla pitch is expected to favour spinners. Rain is a possibility. Pakistan holds the momentum. Sri Lanka aims to level the series with better batting.

Women;s Premire League 2026 opening ceremony: The fourth season of the Women's Premier League (WPL) is set to commence on Friday with a grand opening ceremony featuring Bollywood stars Jacqueline Fernandez, Honey Singh, and Harnaaz Sandhu. The event, starting at 6:45 PM, will be followed by a highly anticipated match between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at 7:30 PM.

Ind vs NZ ODI 2026 Schedule and Venue: Shubman Gill will captain India in a three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11, as Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah are rested for workload management. The squad features comebacks from Shreyas Iyer and Mohammed Siraj, with matches scheduled across Vadodara, Rajkot, and Indore, setting the tone for India's white-ball plans.

Manchester City has secured the signing of Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth. The deal is reportedly worth 65 million pounds. Semenyo joins City on a 5 1/2-year contract. He will bolster the team's attacking options. This move strengthens City's squad for their Premier League and Champions League campaigns. Semenyo expressed his excitement for the opportunity.

The Women's Premier League (WPL) kicks off its 2026 season on January 9th with a thrilling opener between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The tournament features a double round-robin format, with the top three teams advancing to the playoffs for a shot at the championship title.

Hobart Hurricanes are on the verge of a playoff berth. They face Adelaide Strikers in a crucial Big Bash League 2025-26 match. The Hurricanes have performed strongly this season. A win will confirm their place in the finals. The Strikers aim to cause an upset. The match is set for Bellerive Oval. Conditions are expected to be ideal for cricket.

WPL 2026: UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants begin their Women's Premier League journey on Saturday. Both teams aim for their first title. UP Warriorz welcome new captain Meg Lanning. Gujarat Giants have renewed confidence after reaching the playoffs last season. This opening match sets the stage for their campaigns.

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal advises the Bangladesh Cricket Board to make decisions about the T20 World Cup based on long-term interests. He stresses that public emotion should not dictate crucial choices. Iqbal believes the board should act as an independent body. He also criticizes the constant public statements from the board and government.

Australia triumphed emphatically with a 4-1 victory over England in the Ashes, revealing the vulnerabilities of England's aggressive 'Bazball' tactic on tough surfaces. The series sparked speculation regarding coach Brendon McCullum's tenure, celebrated Travis Head's ascendance in the batsman ranks, and underscored Australia's depth in bowling, alongside the enduring prowess of seasoned players Joe Root and Steve Smith.

The Women's Premier League kicks off today, with teams like Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants aiming for their maiden titles. Mumbai Indians retain their winning core, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru and UP Warriorz face challenges with squad balance and key absences. All teams are gearing up for a competitive season.

Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour will guide Sri Lanka's batsmen. He joins the team as a consultant for the T20 World Cup. Rathour brings extensive experience from his tenure with India. He will focus on preparations for the upcoming tournament. His role begins soon and continues through March.

Sarfaraz Khan Vijay Hazare Trophy: Mumbai's right-hand batsman Sarfaraz Khan smashed the fastest half-century in Vijay Hazare Trophy history, reaching fifty in just 15 balls against Punjab. Despite his explosive 62 off 20 balls, Mumbai narrowly lost the thrilling Group C match by just one run.

In an electrifying display at the Malaysia Open, PV Sindhu has gracefully glided into the women's singles quarterfinals after a stunning win over Tomoka Miyazaki. Meanwhile, the men's singles hopes for India came to an end as both Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty faced defeat.

Indian crickets middle-order batter Tilak Varma is doubtful for the 2025 ICC T20 World Cup and will miss the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand after undergoing testicular torsion surgery. The 23-year-old left-hander, a key player in Indias Asia Cup 2025 win, has scored 1,183 runs in 40 T20Is at an average of 49.29.

India's women cricketers begin the fourth Women's Premier League. This tournament serves as preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Defending champions Mumbai Indians face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening match. Teams from around the world will compete. Players aim to enhance their skills for the global event.

Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers Playing 11: Melbourne Stars host Sydney Sixers in a Big Bash League 2025-26 encounter at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Stars aim to recover from recent losses, while the Sixers seek to build on a narrow victory. Overcast skies and a bowler-friendly pitch are expected. This match promises a challenging contest for both sides as they strive for crucial points.

Former India batter Robin Uthappa believes ICC tournaments are losing their appeal. He suggests the game needs administrative changes to maintain fan interest. Uthappa feels there should be more gaps between ICC events. He also highlighted the SA20 league as a strong preparation platform for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Balkrishna Industries Ltd. is the new Official Tyre Partner for all five teams in India's premier women's T20 championship. This partnership supports women's cricket growth. BKT's commitment to inclusion and high performance is highlighted. The company has existing global cricket associations. This move strengthens BKT's sports portfolio in India.

A prominent Indian shooting coach, Ankush Bhardwaj, faces serious allegations of sexual harassment from a minor shooter. The National Rifles Association of India has suspended Bhardwaj. An FIR has been filed against him. The coach is suspended on moral grounds pending an inquiry. He will not be involved in any coaching activities until the investigation concludes.

Australia defeated England by five wickets in the final Ashes Test at Sydney, sealing a dominant 4-1 series win. The victory marked a high note for retiring Usman Khawaja, who received a standing ovation in his final Test appearance. Cameron Green and Alex Carey guided Australia to their 160-run target despite early wickets.

The T20 World Cup starts on February 7 and Bangladesh are due to play their four games in Kolkata and Mumbai.