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Some Positive Signs Coming Out Of Indications From Various Tests, Says Gilchrist On Martyn
Gold Coast University Hospital: Former Australia batsman Damien Martyn is showing positive signs in coming out of his battle with meningitis, his former teammate Adam Gilchrist said. Martyn, 54, remains hospitalised in Queensland after being placed in an induced coma due to meningitis. Martyn fell ill on Boxing Day and is now in a serious condition at the Gold Coast University Hospital. Hes still in the hospital. Therell be more details coming out as they come to hand, but certainly in the last 24 hours, some positive signs are the indications coming out of the various tests hes having. Theres been so much interest and love. A fine player, terrific fella. I just hope he can continue a recovery, Gilchrist, the former Australia wicketkeeper-batter, was quoted as saying by Fox Sports on Thursday. An elegant right-hander batter, Martyn scored 4,406 runs for Australia in 67 Tests at an average of 46.37, including 13 centuries, with a best score of 165. He also played 208 ODIs, scoring 5,346 runs at 40.90 with a highest score of 144 not out. On behalf of Damien Martyn, a great friend, a former teammate of a few of us...on behalf of his family, Amanda, his partner, thank you to everyone for the heartfelt love and wishes and care for Damien as hes gone through and continues to go through a challenging time, added Gilchrist. Martyn was instrumental in Australia's 2003 ODI World Cup final victory over India, scoring an unbeaten 88 despite batting with a broken finger and sharing a crucial 234-run partnership with captain Ricky Ponting. He was part of the side that also won the 1999 ODI World Cup and 2006 Champions Trophy. After his playing career was over, Martyn briefly worked as a commentator. On behalf of Damien Martyn, a great friend, a former teammate of a few of us...on behalf of his family, Amanda, his partner, thank you to everyone for the heartfelt love and wishes and care for Damien as hes gone through and continues to go through a challenging time, added Gilchrist. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meningitis is the inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Though it is not revealed whether the meningitis suffered by Martyn is bacterial or viral, WHO notes that it can be infectious or non-infectious in origin, can be associated with a high risk of death and long-term complications, and requires urgent medical care. Article Source: IANS
Sports Minister Mandaviya Meets Arunachal Pradesh U-16 Team At Surat Airport
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya: Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had a heartwarming interaction with the Arunachal Pradesh U-16 cricket team at the Surat Airport on Thursday as the young players arrived to take part in the Vijay Merchant Trophy. The minister extended New Year wishes and expressed his joy after meeting the budding cricketers. The young boys from Arunachal Pradesh have come to Surat to play the Vijay Merchant Trophy match. The Union Minister felt heartfelt after meeting the young boys and also extended New Year wishes to everyone. The Sports Minister shared a video of his meeting with the U-16 boys at the airport. The young cricket players also enjoyed the meeting and took photos with Mansukh Mandaviya, who also posed for a group picture. The minister wrote, I had a sudden meeting at Surat Airport with the U-16 team from Arunachal Pradesh that came to play the Vijay Merchant Trophy. Meeting them filled my heart with joy; I extended New Year wishes to everyone. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently virtually inaugurated the foundation stone laying ceremony for a state-of-the-art high-performance centre at the Sports Authority of India's (SAI) Netaji Subhas Southern Centre, Bengaluru. The proposed High Performance Centre, with a total project cost of Rs 75 crore, will significantly strengthen India's elite athlete preparation ecosystem by providing integrated, world-class sports science and support facilities under one roof. The virtual ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, SAI, and HAL, alongside eminent sportspersons, coaches, and sports science experts. The proposed High Performance Centre, with a total project cost of Rs 75 crore, will significantly strengthen India's elite athlete preparation ecosystem by providing integrated, world-class sports science and support facilities under one roof. Also Read: Live Cricket Score This High Performance Centre will ensure that training and recovery are guided by science and technology, enabling our athletes to compete and excel at the highest international level, the minister said. Article Source: IANS
League Not Recognised Reacts JKCA On Cricketer Playing With Palestine Flag On Helmet In Jammu
The Indian Heaven Premier League: The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) on Thursday told IANS that a player reportedly wearing a Palestine flag on his helmet while batting during a local league match in Jammu is from a tournament that isnt recognised by them. As per reports, Furqan Bhat, who played in the Jammu and Kashmir Champions League that began on December 29, has been called in by police along with the league's organiser, Zahid Bhat, for questioning. The league is not recognised by JKCA, said Brig Anil Gupta (Retd), Member Administration of the JKCA, told IANS on Thursday. It is understood that the player was not at all registered with the JKCA or any of its affiliated bodies in the state. Police reportedly rushed to the venue after the incident came to their notice, and its image went viral. They have reportedly launched an investigation into the unauthorised cricket league. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and its affiliated state associations do not allow players to participate in unrecognised tournaments. This is the second league from Jammu and Kashmir, which has come under the scanner after organisers of the privately-run Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL) allegedly fled Srinagar on November 1 after duping players, match officials, broadcasters, and hoteliers. The Indian Heaven Premier League, which began on October 25 at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar with international stars including Chris Gayle, Martin Guptill, and Thisara Perera, collapsed after just 12 of 27 scheduled matches were played. This is the second league from Jammu and Kashmir, which has come under the scanner after organisers of the privately-run Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL) allegedly fled Srinagar on November 1 after duping players, match officials, broadcasters, and hoteliers. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Around 70 cricketers, including former Indian players Praveen Kumar, Iqbal Abdullah, and Parvez Rasool, along with umpires and staff, were left stranded after the organisers disappeared midway through the tournament. Article Source: IANS
Marsh, Hardie help Scorchers end Hurricanes' winning streak at home
Hurricanes had previously won nine straight games at home
Sports Fraternity Extends Warm New Year 2026 Greetings
IOC President Kirsty Coventry: As the world welcomed the New Year 2026 amid fireworks, celebrations, and renewed hope, leading figures from the global sports fraternity joined in to mark the occasion, sharing messages of love, gratitude, and motivation at the start of the year. Sports icons around the world gave their fans a surprise with New Year celebration photos, where followers got a glimpse of their personal lives. ICC chairman Jay Shah shared a cricket-themed message, wishing everyone a oundary-filled year and hoping that dreams score big in 2026. FIFA also posted a video marking the New Year. The football federation wrote, The year of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Indian cricket star Virat Kohli, with a heartfelt post, shared a picture with his wife, Anushka Sharma. Kohli wrote, Stepping into 2026 with the light of my life. Former Indian captain MS Dhoni celebrated with his family. His wife, Sakshi, posted a picture of the celebration and wrote, Happy New Year to all. Team India's head coach also joined in the celebrations. Gautam Gambhir entered 2026 with his family in London. He wrote, Entering 2026 hand in hand with my favourites! Happy New Year to all. IOC President Kirsty Coventry also extended her warm wishes with a video highlighting the major events to take place in 2026. She wished everyone a joyful and successful year ahead of the Olympics. Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo posted a picture of the Al-Nassr team and wrote that we are on the right path and we know what we need to do in 2026. IOC President Kirsty Coventry also extended her warm wishes with a video highlighting the major events to take place in 2026. She wished everyone a joyful and successful year ahead of the Olympics. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh shared an inspiring message, urging people to never stop believing in themselves. He spoke about pushing to become the best version of oneself and staying strong during tough times, while also expressing gratitude for the people and experiences in his life. Article Source: IANS
Ashes: Australia name unchanged squad for Sydney Test
Australia have named an unchanged squad from the Boxing Day Test for the upcoming final Test of the Ashes series, though conditions at the SCG could still prompt changes to the final XI. The match is set to begin on January 4 here at the Sydney Cricket Ground.The announcement was made on Thursday afternoon as Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Abbott and Babar help Sixers preserve winning streak over Renegades
The Melbourne side was beaten by their Sydney rivals for the 10th successive time
Spiritual Guru Devkinandan Thakur Slams KKR, Shah Rukh Khan Over Bangladeshi Player; Leaders React
Spiritual Guru Devkinandan Thakur: Spiritual guru Devkinandan Thakur has sparked a political debate after criticising Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and its co-owner, Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, for purchasing a Bangladeshi player, Mustafizur Rahman, for the upcoming IPL season. His remarks have drawn mixed reactions from political leaders across parties, with most stressing that sports should be kept separate from political and diplomatic issues. Speaking to IANS, Devkinandan Thakur, on Wednesday, accused KKR and Shah Rukh Khan of ignoring the alleged persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh. He said that Hindus and followers of Sanatan Dharma, who helped make the actor a star, were deeply hurt by the decision to include a Bangladeshi player in an Indian team despite reports of atrocities against Hindus in the neighbouring country. Devotees of Sanatan and Hindus see that, without considering that Hindus in Bangladesh are being killed, burnt alive and girls are being assaulted, a Bangladeshi player is being included in an Indian team, Thakur said. He further argued that the money spent on buying a Bangladeshi player should instead be used for Indias development or as compensation for the families of those killed in Bangladesh. Reacting to the controversy, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spokesperson Mohammad Iqbal Trumboo said that human rights violations must be condemned wherever they occur, but cautioned against mixing sports with politics. Wherever minorities are oppressed, in any country, we condemn it. Whether it is Hindus facing atrocities in Bangladesh or minorities facing oppression elsewhere, such acts should not happen and must be strongly denounced, Trumboo said. As far as sports are concerned, if sports and politics remain separate, things will continue smoothly. The real need is that minorities should be protected and treated justly in every country. Congress leader Tariq Anwar also downplayed the controversy, stating that sports should not be influenced by political or diplomatic tensions. I dont know the background of this issue, but sports should be kept separate. Similar discussions have come up earlier as well, including during tours abroad. Whether a player is from another country or someone is a film star, there should be no issue in such matters, he said. However, the BJP echoed Devkinandan Thakurs sentiment. BJP MLA Karnail Singh said concerns over the situation of Hindus in Bangladesh were valid and questioned the intent behind supporting Bangladeshi players. If they are so concerned about Bangladeshi players, then they should go to Bangladesh themselves, he remarked. Religious leaders in Ujjain recently issued a stark warning to disrupt IPL cricket matches by damaging pitches if Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman is allowed to participate. If they are so concerned about Bangladeshi players, then they should go to Bangladesh themselves, he remarked. Also Read: Live Cricket Score KKR has roped in Bangladesh's pacer Mustafizur Rahman for this years IPL at Rs 9.2 crore. Article Source: IANS
WPL 2026: Ismail, Illingworth And Carey Join Mumbai Indians Pre-season Camp
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have bolstered their 2026 Womens Premier League (WPL) preparations with the arrival of former South African fast bowler Shabnim Ismail and the Australian duo of Milly Illingworth and Nicola Carey at their training camp, said the franchise on Thursday. Over the weekend, MI began their training camp to defend their title in the fourth edition of the WPL. MI have won two of the three WPL seasons so far and will kick off their campaign on January 9 against 2024 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the DY Patil Stadium. Shabnim previously played for MI and was brought back by the franchise in the mega auction held in New Delhi in November 2025. For Milly and Nicola, this will be the first time for them featuring in the WPL. Here we are. We already started our journey, 2026, and the way these youngsters are coming forward, really excited about this season and with quality players, like Shabnim Ismail. All others will come, but Shabnim is always special - the way she performs and is a genuine quick bowler and competitor, and whenever she's around in our group, the vibes are different. So again, looking forward for one more season with her and looking forward that she'll do well the way she has done in the past, said Jhulan Goswami, MIs bowling coach and mentor. Here we are. We already started our journey, 2026, and the way these youngsters are coming forward, really excited about this season and with quality players, like Shabnim Ismail. All others will come, but Shabnim is always special - the way she performs and is a genuine quick bowler and competitor, and whenever she's around in our group, the vibes are different. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The 28-day tournament will be played across two venues in Navi Mumbai and BCA Stadium, Vadodara. This is the first time the WPL will be held in the January-February window, after the first three seasons were played in February-March just before the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Article Source: IANS
Khawaja To Address Media Ahead Of SCG Test Amid Retirement Conjecture: Report
The Sydney Morning Herald: Amid speculations around his Test future, Australian batter Usman Khawaja will address the media at the press conference ahead of the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). According to a report from The Sydney Morning Herald, Khawaja will address the press conference on Friday morning to discuss rumours regarding his Test future. While the 39-year-old is a frontrunner to make it to Australias playing XI for the final game, his red-ball career beyond the Ashes series is unclear. A press conference is set at the SCG for 8:15 am (Australian time), and although Cricket Australia hasn't announced the speakers, Khawaja will address the media, the report stated. The event has been moved earlier and will take place before the hosts training session on Friday. It has been a rollercoaster ride for the 87-Test veteran in the Ashes series, with his scores reading 2, 82, 40, 29, and 0 so far. He injured his back during the first Test in Perth and missed the following match in Brisbane. Initially, he was expected to be dropped for the third Test in Adelaide, but he rejoined the team when Steve Smith fell ill on the morning of the match. Had Smith been fit to play, Khawaja wouldnt have featured in the game. Furthermore, former Aussie skipper Michael Clarke has encouraged the veteran batter to retire after the forthcoming fifth Ashes Test, stating that Khawaja has a great opportunity to bid adieu with his head held high. Initially, he was expected to be dropped for the third Test in Adelaide, but he rejoined the team when Steve Smith fell ill on the morning of the match. Had Smith been fit to play, Khawaja wouldnt have featured in the game. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Australia will win the series. Hopefully, he goes out with a big score. I'd love to see Uz make a hundred at the SCG and walk away on a high because not many people get that opportunity, Clarke told Code Sports. Article Source: IANS
Indian Women's Cricket Team Kicks Off 2026 With Blessings Of Lord Mahakal
Renuka Singh Thakur: Beginning the new year on a spiritual note after their historic World Cup triumph, members of the Indian Women's cricket team sought the blessings of Lord Shiva at the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga here on Thursday. The players also attended the early morning bhasm arti at the temple. After a successful stint in 2025, with the Indian Women's team winning their first ICC trophy, this year will also bring new challenges for the world champions. To conquer it all, Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Renuka Singh Thakur, Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav and Arundhati Reddy, among others, also took blessings from the priest as they are gearing up for another promising year ahead. Opener Shafali Verma shared photos of the visit on social media. She wished everyone a great year. Shafali can be seen with Renuka Singh Thakur and Sneh Rana in traditional attire. She wrote, Happy New Year, everyone. Have a great 2026! Renuka Singh Thakur also posted photos of the visit to the divine shrine. She wrote, Starting the new year with faith, devotion and Mahadev's blessings. Happy 2026 to everyone. After a successful stint in 2025, with the Indian Women's team winning their first ICC trophy, this year will also bring new challenges for the world champions. To conquer it all, Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Renuka Singh Thakur, Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav and Arundhati Reddy, among others, also took blessings from the priest as they are gearing up for another promising year ahead. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Harmanpreet Kaur-led team recently completed a dominant 5-0 whitewash against Sri Lanka and started off their preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026 on a high. India will next take on Australia in February and England in May before heading for the T20 World Cup to be played in June in England this year. Article Source: IANS
WPL 2026: Mumbai Indians Players And Staff Celebrate New Year Within Camp
DY Patil Stadium: Players and coaching staff of the Mumbai Indians Womens Premier League (WPL) squad kicked off the new year in style with an in-house celebration. The franchise arranged a party for all the members who have already joined the camp and started training ahead of the fourth edition of the tournament. MI shared a video of the celebrations across their social media handles, featuring the players, alongside head coach Lisa Keightley and bowling coach Jhulan Goswami, cutting a cake, dancing, and enjoying themselves. They captioned the video, writing, Walking into 2026 in style. Two-time champions MI commenced their training camp on December 30, with the fourth edition of WPL set to take place across two venues: the first leg in Navi Mumbais DY Patil Stadium and the second in Vadodaras Kotambi Stadium from January 9 to February 5. Speaking about the camp, Keightley had said, It's really good. We've had one training. It was great to work with domestic players. Really excited to see what they can do. Its a good opportunity to watch, to see and communicate and make connections with the players. I'm really excited and really impressed with what I have seen so far. So let's see how we go for the rest of the week. The defending champions will kick off their campaign on the opening day of the tournament, January 9, 2026, against the WPL 2024 champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Speaking about the camp, Keightley had said, It's really good. We've had one training. It was great to work with domestic players. Really excited to see what they can do. Its a good opportunity to watch, to see and communicate and make connections with the players. I'm really excited and really impressed with what I have seen so far. So let's see how we go for the rest of the week. Also Read: Live Cricket Score MI Squad for WPL 2026: Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews, Amanjot Kaur, Kamalini G, Amelia Kerr, Shabnim Ismail, Rahila Firdous, Sajana S, Sanskriti Gupta, Nicola Carey, Poonam Khemnar, Triveni Vasistha, Nalla Reddy, Milly Illingworth, Saika Ishaque Article Source: IANS
Mega sporting events in the year 2026
From FIFA World Cup to T20 World Cup, Commonwealth Games to Asiads, the year 2026 will be a year of big-ticket sporting extravaganzas
Green Has Got To Find Method And Tempo With His Batting: Ponting
New Delhi: Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting highlighted significant weaknesses in Cameron Green's performances before what is likely to be a pivotal fifth Ashes Test, saying that Green needs to find a more effective method with his batting. Green is under the most pressure after another quiet performance with the bat in Melbourne, where he scored 17 in the first innings and was dismissed for 19 in the second. Despite his strong Sheffield Shield form, which shows his ability, his Test average sits at 32.25, and expectations are beginning to rise as patience fades, even with his obvious talent at 26. Ponting also believes Greens frequent changes in batting position have undermined his confidence. Speaking on SEN Radio, he said Green currently looks like a very nervous starter amid his struggles to get going. Everything Ive ever heard around the Australian camp about Cameron Green is just how good they all think he is and could potentially be, but hes got to start working it out. Hes got to find a method and a tempo, especially with his batting, in Test cricket thats going to work for him, Ponting said. Theyve moved him from three to five to seven; hes been all over the place... hes a very nervous starter; hes very stiff and very rigid, and being a big, tall man like he is, it probably doesnt make it any easier. Theres some challenges there for him. Hes got to work it out pretty quickly, he added. Ponting further highlighted Labuschagne as a player feeling the heat ahead of the SCG Test, noting that the 31-year-old has been inconsistent in this Ashes series, combining two half-centuries with six low scores, under 20, against England. Theyve moved him from three to five to seven; hes been all over the place... hes a very nervous starter; hes very stiff and very rigid, and being a big, tall man like he is, it probably doesnt make it any easier. Theres some challenges there for him. Hes got to work it out pretty quickly, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Theres definitely a question mark over him... July 2023 was his last Test hundred; that average has dropped dramatically during that period of time, Ponting mentioned. Article Source: IANS
Cummins, Hazlewood, David Named In Australia's 15-man T20 WC Squad
T20 World Cup: Pace duo Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood and middle-order batter Tim David have been named in Australia's provisional 15-player squad for the T20 World Cup despite injury concerns. Cummins has played just one international match since suffering a lumbar stress injury in July, when he featured in the Ashes-securing third Ashes Test in Adelaide. A scan on Pacer's back later this month will determine whether he will be right for the tournament. Hazlewood missed the entire Ashes series due to hamstring and Achilles injuries. David, meanwhile, injured his hamstring while playing for the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL. The T20 side has enjoyed a long run of recent success which enabled the panel to choose a balance of players across the variety of conditions Sri Lanka and India may present, chief selector George Bailey said. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David are tracking well, and we are confident they will be available for the World Cup. This is a preliminary squad, so should changes need to be made, they will be ahead of the support period, he added. Mitchell Marsh captains the group as Australia named a spin-heavy group, with Adam Zampa joined by Matthew Kuhnemann, Cooper Connolly and all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Matthew Short. Mitchell Owen is the most notable omission from the 15-man squad. Green and Connolly are back in the squad after missing the T20s against India earlier in the summer. The side also opted against a left-arm fast bowler, in the absence of Mitchell Starc, who retired from the format, and Spencer Johnson's injury led to the inclusion of right-armer Xavier Bartlett over Ben Dwarshuis. Australia will play three T20Is in Pakistan in late January as preparation for the World Cup. A squad for the series is yet to be named. Australia have been drawn in Group B alongside Ireland, Oman, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. They will play their group stage matches in Sri Lanka, kicking off their campaign against Ireland on February 11 in Colombo. Australia will play three T20Is in Pakistan in late January as preparation for the World Cup. A squad for the series is yet to be named. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa Article Source: IANS
Connolly included in Australia's T20 World Cup squad; Owen, Dwarshuis omitted
Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David have all been included but will need to prove their fitness in the coming weeks
Sherfane Rutherford fires Capital to first win of season
Wihan Lubbe rebuilds after tricky start for visitors, leaving MICT with another mountain to climb
Virat Kohli 'steps Into 2026' With Wife Anushka Sharma In A Masked Picture
The T20I: India's charismatic batter Virat Kohli stepped into the new year' 2026 with his wife and Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, posting a photo on social media. The former India captain posted a photograph on Instagram featuring the couple wearing masks, with Kohlis playful Spiderman-style mask adding a touch of humour to the frame. Taking to Instagram, Kohli wrote, Stepping into 2026 with the light of my life. The post instantly garnered views and got flooded with comments from fans and followers wishing the lovely couple good luck ahead of the new year 2026. After retiring from T20I and Test cricket, Kohli has been in the best form of his life in ODI cricket. This 35-year-old cricketer returned to India's top domestic One-day tournament for the first time in 15 years and made a great return by scoring 131 runs and 77 runs consecutively to show his talent and desire to play at this level of cricket. Kohli's recent run of form has been historic as he achieved 16,000 runs in List A cricket, making him the fastest player to do so, breaking Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record. He is scheduled to play against Railways on January 6 at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, which is located in Bengaluru. After retiring from T20I and Test cricket, Kohli has been in the best form of his life in ODI cricket. This 35-year-old cricketer returned to India's top domestic One-day tournament for the first time in 15 years and made a great return by scoring 131 runs and 77 runs consecutively to show his talent and desire to play at this level of cricket. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Indian team will gather in Vadodara on January 8 to prepare for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. The ODI series with the Black Caps will kick off with a clash in Vadodara on January 11, with the second and third matches in Rajkot and Indore on January 14 and 18, respectively. It will be followed by a five-match T20I series. The T20I matches will be played between January 21 and January 31. Article Source: IANS
Miller's sixes turn tables to lift Royals off the bottom
He rescued Paarl Royals from 35 for 4 and handed Sunrisers their first loss of this season
Chattogram dropped as venue for remainder of BPL season
Decision taken after BPL was postponed for two days following the death of former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia
Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group: Delhi suffered a crushing 79-run defeat at the hands of Odisha in their 2025/26 Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group D game at the Alur Cricket Ground on Wednesday, while Saurashtra, Railways, and Haryana also registered huge wins in their matches in the same group. Delhi skipper and India wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant's indifferent form continued as he managed just 24 off 28 balls, as the sides vaunted batting lineup crumbled to 193 all out in 43.3 overs while chasing a modest 273. For Odisha, pacer Debabrata Pradhan claimed 3-28, while fellow seamer Sambit Baral also grabbed three wickets for 34. Biplab Samantray's 72 off 74 balls anchored Odisha's innings after they lost three wickets before reaching 100. Valuable lower-order contributions frustrated Delhi's attack, despite off-spinner Hrithik Shokeen returning impressive figures of 4-27 in 10 overs. Delhi's top order disintegrated early, losing openers Priyansh Arya and Sarthak Ranjan on single-digit scores to slip to 6/2. Pant's dismissal in the 11th over left them reeling at 50/3, which quickly became 55/5. Harsh Tyagi (43) and Shokeen (32) delayed the inevitable with some resistance, but Delhi eventually succumbed to their first loss of the competition. Meanwhile, Saurashtra secured a comfortable 74-run victory over Andhra, with Player of the Match Ankur Panwar's five-wicket haul proving to be decisive. Batting first, Saurashtra posted 254/7 in their 50 overs. Ruchit Ahir top-scored with a brisk 76 off 54 balls, striking seven fours and two sixes. Chirag Jani contributed a steady 69 off 96 deliveries, while Harvik Desai chipped in with 61 off 81 balls. For Andhra, Satyanarayana Raju claimed 3-45 runs in his 10 overs, with K S Raju picking up two. In reply, Andhra's batting collapsed as they were bowled out for 180 in 47.2 overs. Panwar wreaked havoc with figures of 5-27 in 10 overs, including two maidens, to dismantle the Andhra lineup. C. R. Nageshwar top-scored with 33, while Nithish Kumar Reddy, K. S. Raju, and M. Hemanth Reddy contributed 30, 30, and 29, respectively, but none could play a substantial knock. Chirag Jani, Hiten Kanbi, Parth Bhut, and Sammar Gajjar claimed a wicket each. Brief scores: Odisha 272/8 in 50 overs (Biplab Samantray 72; Hrithik Shokeen 4-27) beat Delhi 193 all out in 42.3 overs (Harsh Tyagi 43; Debabrata Pradhan 3-28) by 79 runs Saurashtra 254/7 in 50 overs (Ruchit Ahir 76; Satyanarayana Raju 3-45) beat Andhra 180 all out in 47.2 overs (CR Gnaneshwar 33; Ankur Panwar 5-27) by 74 runs Odisha 272/8 in 50 overs (Biplab Samantray 72; Hrithik Shokeen 4-27) beat Delhi 193 all out in 42.3 overs (Harsh Tyagi 43; Debabrata Pradhan 3-28) by 79 runs Also Read: Live Cricket Score Services 271/8 in 50 overs (Irfan Ali 103 not out; Anshul Kamboj 4-43) lost to Haryana 275/3 in 43.1 overs (Ankit Kumar 144 not out; Nitin Yadav 2/35) by seven wickets Article Source: IANS
Vijay Hazare Trophy: Out-of-favour India batter Sarfaraz Khan smashed a blistering 157 off 75 balls as Mumbai defeated Goa by 87 runs in an Elite Group C clash of the Vijay Hazare Trophy at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya ground on Wednesday. Sarfaraz, 27, reached his third List A century in just 56 deliveries, as his explosive knock, featuring nine fours and 14 sixes, dismantled Goa's bowling attack. Mumbai's middle order capitalised on the conditions after Goa elected to field first. Yashasvi Jaiswal, returning from acute gastroenteritis, and Musheer Khan added 70 runs for the second wicket before Jaiswal fell for 46. Brothers Sarfaraz and Musheer then combined for a 93-run third-wicket partnership before the former cut loose. He scored 104 runs off 46 balls against spinners Misal and Lalit Yadav, while captain Shardul Thakur plundered 26 runs in a single over from Shubham Tari. Hardik Tamore's quickfire 53 off 28 balls and Tanush Kotian's unbeaten 23 off 12 deliveries propelled Mumbai to their second-highest List A total. Chasing 445, Goa stumbled early after openers Arjun Tendulkar and Kashyap Bakle failed to build on their starts. Abhinav Tejrana fought back with a century off 70 balls, adding 117 runs with Lalit for the fifth wicket. Captain Deepraj Gaonkar's explosive 70 off 28 balls delayed the inevitable, but Goa were eventually bowled out for 357, giving Mumbai their fourth straight win in the tournament. Meanwhile, Punjab registered a convincing six-wicket victory over Himachal Pradesh, thanks to Sukhdeep Bajwa's four-wicket haul and fifties from Prabhsimran Singh and Anmolpreet Singh. Bajwas four wickets helped Punjab restrict Himachal Pradesh to 227, with Naman Dhir chipping in by taking two scalps. In reply, Punjab's batsmen made light work of the target. Prabhsimran top-scored with 84, while Anmolpreet contributed a steady 72. Dhir then completed an all-round performance by remaining unbeaten on 50 to guide Punjab home with six wickets in hand. On the other hand, Maharashtra delivered a commanding all-round performance to register a comprehensive 129-run victory over Uttarakhand. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad led from the front with a brilliant 124, while Satyajeet Bachhav provided crucial support with a 45-ball 56, and Ramakrishna Ghosh provided finishing touches with a blistering 47 off 31 deliveries. Uttarakhand's chase never gained momentum as Maharashtra's bowlers dominated proceedings. Bachhav followed up his batting heroics with three wickets, while Ramakrishna Ghosh chipped in with two crucial scalps, and Rajvardhan Hangargekar also took three wickets to bowl out Uttarakhand for 202. Brief scores: Mumbai 444/8 in 50 overs (Sarfaraz Khan 157, Musheer Khan 60; Darshan Misal 3-98) beat Goa 357/9 in 50 overs (Abhinav Tejrana 100, Deepraj Gaonkar 70; Shardul Thakur 3-20) by 87 runs Maharashtra 331/7 in 50 overs (Ruturaj Gaikwad 124, Satyajeet Bachhav 56; Devendra Bora 3-81) beat Uttarakhand 202 in 43.4 overs (Saurabh Rawat 56; Satyajeet Bachhav 3-22) by 129 runs Mumbai 444/8 in 50 overs (Sarfaraz Khan 157, Musheer Khan 60; Darshan Misal 3-98) beat Goa 357/9 in 50 overs (Abhinav Tejrana 100, Deepraj Gaonkar 70; Shardul Thakur 3-20) by 87 runs Also Read: Live Cricket Score Chhattisgarh 355/3 in 50 overs (Vikalp Tiwari 112 not out, Ayush Pandey 86; Mohammed Saptulla 1-24) beat Sikkim 126 all out in 34 overs (Gurinder Singh 47, Palzor Tamang 43; Dev Aditya Singh 4-25, Ajay Mandal 4-40) by 229 runs Article Source: IANS
Cricket: Chris Lynn Becomes First Player To Score 4000-plus Runs In BBL
Big Bash League: Adelaide Strikers' opener Chris Lynn has achieved a significant milestone in the Big Bash League (BBL) by becoming the first player in the tournaments history to cross the 4,000-run mark. He reached this milestone in the 17th match of the ongoing 15th edition of the BBL, playing for the Strikers against Brisbane Heat here at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday. Chasing a target of 122 runs, Lynn scored an unbeaten 41-ball 79 to help his side claim a seven-wicket victory. Lynn smoked six fours and as many sixes while scoring at 192.68 as the Strikers sailed to a comfortable victory on New Years Eve. Lynn, in 131 BBL matches (129 innings) so far, has scored a total of 4,065 runs at an average of 36.29, including a century and 32 fifties, with the most recent one coming on Wednesday. After holding the Heat to 121 all out in 19.4 overs, the Strikers cruised to victory with 35 balls to spare, powered by a dominant innings from Lynn. The Heat suffered a dramatic collapse, slumping to 21 for five inside six overs. Jamie Overton (3-19), Liam Scott (2-12), and Hasan Ali (2-29) spearheaded the Strikers attack, with Scott bowling all four overs up front. Colin Munro, Jack Wildermuth, and Lachlan Hearne all chipped tamely to mid-off, while Matt Renshaw was run out and Max Bryant edged behind. Jimmy Peirsons dismissal left Brisbane reeling at 47 for six before Kuhnemann (31*) and Hugh Weibgen (28) added a brief resistance, putting on 36 for the eighth wicket. The recovery, however, proved insufficient as the Heat limped to 121, leaving Lynn to seal a comfortable Strikers victory. The Strikers chase didnt get off to an ideal start either. Early wickets fell as captain Matt Short (19), Mackenzie Harvey (11), and Jerriss Wadia (1) departed, but Brisbane Heat had no answer to Lynn. Jimmy Peirsons dismissal left Brisbane reeling at 47 for six before Kuhnemann (31*) and Hugh Weibgen (28) added a brief resistance, putting on 36 for the eighth wicket. The recovery, however, proved insufficient as the Heat limped to 121, leaving Lynn to seal a comfortable Strikers victory. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The win marked the Strikers first success in the marquee December 31 clash since 2018 and served as quick revenge for their seven-run defeat to Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday, ending a seven-year BBL New Years Eve drought. Article Source: IANS
JSK vs DSG, Match 9 , Cricket Tips :On paper, Durban Super Giants have arguably the best batting lineup in the SA20 2025-26, which they showed in the first game, scoring 232 runs. But the last game for them was totally contrasting, as they were bowled out for just 86 runs against Joburg Super Giants and conceded a bonus point. But they will have a chance to beat the Super Kings, as these two sides will take on each other on January 1. This match will be held at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, at 9 PM IST. Fans will hope for a better batting display from the Super Giants and record a win here. JSK vs DSG: Match Details Date : January 1, 2026 (Thursday) Time : 9:00 PM IST Venue : The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg JSK vs DSG: Live Streaming Details Indian fans can watch the live action of the JSK vs DSG game on the Star Sports Networks. Fans can also switch to the Jio Hotstar app or website to catch the live stream. JSK vs DSG: Head-to-Head in SA20 Total Matches : 8 Joburg Super Kings : 5 Durban Super Giants : 3 No-Result : 0 JSK vs DSG: Ground Pitch Report The Wanderers Stadium has been a happy hunting venue for batters. It has very little assistance for the bowlers. Fast bowlers will get some movement when the ball is new. Teams that have done well here bat second. JSK vs DSG: Possible XIs Joburg Super Kings : Faf du Plessis (c), Rilee Rossouw, Donovan Ferreira (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Dian Forrester, Matthew De Villiers, Duan Jansen, Shubham Ranjane, Prenelan Subrayen, Akeal Hosein, Richard Gleeson Durban Super Giants : Devon Conway, Jos Buttler, Kane Williamson , Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Evan Jones, Aiden Markram (c), Eathan Bosch, David Wiese, Kwena Maphaka, Simon Harmer, Noor Ahmad JSK vs DSG: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Devon Conway has been the leading scorer for DSG and had a great ball in the last game to get out. But he will look to make a comeback with a good score. For JSK, Rilee Rossouw has been the in-form batter at the top. Probable Best Bowler Prenelan Subrayen bowled an incredible spell of 3/16 in the last game and won MOTM away for JSK. For DSG, Simon Harmer was brilliant in the previous game and took 1/14. Today Match Prediction : JSK had a great win in the previous game. But the overall combination and quality of DSG is the reason, and we predict the Super Giants to win this game. JSK vs DSG Match 9, SA20 2025-26, Today Match JSK vs DSG, JSK vs DSG Prediction, JSK vs DSG Predicted XIs, Injury Update of the match between Joburg Super Kings vs Durban Super Giants Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.
Karnataka Thawar Chand Gehlot: In a moment of immense pride for Karnataka and the nation, the Governor of Karnataka Thawar Chand Gehlot on Wednesday felicitated three women cricketers from the stateDeepika T.C. (captain of Indian team), Kavya V., and Kavya N R.who were part of the Indian team that triumphed in the 1st Womens T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind. The felicitation recognised their exceptional contribution to Indias historic World Cup triumph, a landmark achievement that has redefined womens participation and excellence in disability sport. As a mark of appreciation and encouragement, the Honble Governor also presented a cash award of 51,000 each to the three players, recognising their dedication, perseverance, and sporting excellence. This recognition by the Governor comes close on the heels of the Indian womens team receiving unprecedented national acknowledgment from the President of India, the Prime Minister, the Union Minister for Sports, several Union Ministers, and Chief Ministers of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, along with the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, among other distinguished leadersunderscoring the sporting, social, and symbolic significance of the World Cup victory. Also felicitated on the occasion was Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, Founder & Trustee of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled and Chairman of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), whose visionary leadership has been instrumental in building structured, sustainable platforms for blind cricket in India and in championing the participation and leadership of women in the sport. Under his stewardship, CABI successfully organised and hosted the SBI 1st Womens T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind, bringing together six participating nations and setting a new global benchmark for inclusive womens sport. This recognition by the Governor comes close on the heels of the Indian womens team receiving unprecedented national acknowledgment from the President of India, the Prime Minister, the Union Minister for Sports, several Union Ministers, and Chief Ministers of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, along with the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, among other distinguished leadersunderscoring the sporting, social, and symbolic significance of the World Cup victory. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The felicitation stands as a powerful affirmation of Karnatakas contribution to Indias sporting excellence and reinforces the growing national commitment towards inclusion, equity, and recognition of cricketers with visual impairment. Article Source: IANS
Chris Lynn, bowlers star in small chase as Strikers break New Year's Eve hoodoo
The batter, playing his 300th T20, hammered an unbeaten 41-ball 79 to take Strikers to their first win since 2018
With More Investments In Youngsters, IPL 2026 Gears Up For Further Growth
The Indian Premier League: The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for yet another season, and there are plenty of things going on in terms of major changes, including opportunities for the growth of the league ahead of the 2026 season. The IPL Mini Auction in Abu Dhabi signified the restructuring of the rosters of the various franchises and has provided a new outlook on how the IPL will operate moving forward with an emphasis on developing a specific strategy for each of the various franchise's positions and creating greater amounts of foreign investment in the IPL, while also increasing the amount of reliance placed on the domestic T20 stars. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made Cameron Green the most expensive all-rounder in IPL history with a record-setting Rs 25.2 crore, demonstrating the significant amount of money being spent in this year's mini auction. However, due to the new auction rules, there are still limits to the amount of money that can be spent on a single player, meaning that the amount paid to Green is capped at Rs 18 crore and that the additional funds must be directed to the Welfare Fund established by the BCCI. The bidding between KKR and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for Green was an indication of the overall value that Green provides, not only as a powerful run scorer but also as a quality medium-fast bowler who can perform under immense pressure. The signing of Green meant that Mitchell Starc's Rs 24.75 crore move to KKR in 2024 became the second most expensive overseas buy, but KKR had just begun their acquisition endeavours. With the biggest auction purse in IPL history of Rs 64.30 crore and having only retained 12 players from the previous season, KKR were both aggressive and soon successful with their acquisitions. Along with Green, KKR spent Rs 18 crore on Sri Lankan Matheesha Pathirana, as well as adding Mustafizur Rahman for Rs 9.20 crore. The acquisition of both Pathirana and Rahman showed KKR's intent to dominate not only the powerplay but also the death overs. Despite a modest return for Pathirana during IPL 2025, KKR appeared to gamble on his future potential to fill the void left by Andre Russell as a specialist finisher with the ball. Conversely, while KKR was heavily relying on overseas talent, CSK were focused on developing uncapped Indian players. CSK, with the second-highest purse of Rs 43.40 crore, did so by focusing on developing Indian talent instead of buying international players. CSK added youth and succession planning as priorities and spent a combined Rs 28.40 crore to add uncapped Indian players to their roster. The two most expensive uncapped purchases were Uttar Pradesh all-rounder Prashant Veer and Rajasthan wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma, both of whom were purchased for Rs 14.20 crore each, making them the joint-most expensive uncapped players in IPL history. The previous record, set by Avesh Khans Rs 10 crore deal in 2023, has now been well surpassed. CSK's approach has changed significantly throughout IPL 2025 following an awful performance. By adding younger players, the franchise has improved its performance and has indicated that it will adapt to the current playing conditions of T20 cricket. Prashant is a young player who plays primarily in the lower order, has good potential as a batter and can bowl spin, and has been thought of as the long-term successor for Ravindra Jadeja, who has been an important part of CSK's team for a very long time. The addition of Kartik will also help to create competition for places in the wicket-keeper's position, as MS Dhoni is still expected to play in 2025. Other franchises have placed a great deal of value on domestic fast bowlers; Auqib Nabi, who hails from Jammu and Kashmir, signed a contract for Rs 8.40 crore with Delhi Capitals, which will be his first IPL contract, following success in domestic cricket, where he performed well in both red-ball and white-ball formats, as well as his ability to bowl in death overs. Royal Challengers Bangalore, fresh off their long-awaited first title win in 2025, have continued to upgrade their roster. They have brought in left-arm pacer Mangesh Yadav for Rs 5.20 crore and fast bowling all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer for Rs 7 crore; a substantial drop from the Rs 23.75 crore price tag that the Kolkata Knight Riders paid for him when he was acquired at the mega-auction. The calculated approach of the RCB team appears to be a representation of their recent achievements. After experiencing years of near-victories, losses, and having come in second place three times, they finally got their first title in 2025 by defeating the Punjab Kings. This title has also helped RCB develop a much clearer approach to building their team with an emphasis on not being so rushed to put together a roster as opposed to earlier years and times. Regarding the auction numbers, the trends overall were similar. The total amount of money that was spent on 77 players was Rs 215.45 crore, and uncapped Indian players made up Rs 63.45 crore, which is close to 75% of what was spent on Indian players in the auction. T20 leagues in different states of India continue to be the best resource for scouting, as the players from the UP T20 league, MP Premier league, MP T20 league, and Delhi Premier league have shown their value and therefore, received the highest price tags in the auction. With good scouting practices at the ground level, franchises came to Abu Dhabi for the auction with a solid role profile written out for each player instead of just a list of names. At the other end of the spectrum, reputation alone no longer guaranteed security. High-profile overseas names like Liam Livingstone, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Devon Conway initially went unsold, while Indian batters Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan were picked up only at the base price. Even capped internationals outside national reckoning found little traction, with several sold for their minimum value. Regarding the auction numbers, the trends overall were similar. The total amount of money that was spent on 77 players was Rs 215.45 crore, and uncapped Indian players made up Rs 63.45 crore, which is close to 75% of what was spent on Indian players in the auction. T20 leagues in different states of India continue to be the best resource for scouting, as the players from the UP T20 league, MP Premier league, MP T20 league, and Delhi Premier league have shown their value and therefore, received the highest price tags in the auction. With good scouting practices at the ground level, franchises came to Abu Dhabi for the auction with a solid role profile written out for each player instead of just a list of names. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The success of uncapped players attests to the pathway being a regularised model rather than an experimental one. The presence of RCB entering the season as the defending champions, KKR with numerous batsmen hitting the ball, the investment in young players by CSK, and the realignment of other franchises around roles rather than reputation make IPL 2026 a contest that is more about the scouts than the scorecards. Article Source: IANS
WPL 2026: Delhi Capitals Start Training In Goa Ahead Of Fourth Edition
Delhi Capitals: As the fourth edition of the Womens Premier League approaches, Delhi Capitals have started their preparations with a rigorous pre-season training camp in Goa. Among the initial arrivals were veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp and wicketkeeper-batter Lizelle Lee, who was instrumental in Hobarts recent WBBL victory. They were joined by Taniyaa Bhatia, Lucy Hamilton, and several Indian players including Niki Prasad, Minnu Mani, Mamatha Madiwala, Deeya Yadav, and Nandni Sharma. The team is training under head coach Jonathan Batty's watchful eye, with other Indian national team players expected to join after the Sri Lanka series concludes on Tuesday. Speaking about the pre-season camp, Batty said, Its been great to get the squad together and start working on our plans for the season. We have some fresh faces in the team, so it will be exciting to see them blend with our philosophy. Goas weather is perfect for preparations. The remaining players will join in a couple of days, and well begin training in full swing with the complete squad before heading to Mumbai to start our season and take it match by match toward our objectives. The team is training under head coach Jonathan Batty's watchful eye, with other Indian national team players expected to join after the Sri Lanka series concludes on Tuesday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score DC, who have reached the finals three times, will start their WPL 2026 season against two-time champions Mumbai Indians on January 10 in Navi Mumbai. Article Source: IANS
After Three Successful Editions, WPL 2026 Set To Serve As A Launchpad For Youngsters
ODI World Cup: The Womens Premier League (WPL) gained momentum in its inaugural edition in 2023 and has since become a platform for emerging cricketers to showcase their talent. With the tournament now gearing up for its fourth edition, several up-and-coming cricketers from across the world will be hoping to put up remarkable performances to grab the selectors attention. Over the years, the franchises have targeted youngsters at the auction to provide them with a platform to showcase their talent and bring it to the forefront, and some of them have gone on to become household names. Shreyanka Patil, Saika Ishaque, Kashvee Gautam, and Niki Prasad are prime examples of how WPL has helped shape careers. The first-ever WPL auction saw not-so-well-known players find franchises bidding for them, and four years down the line, the first-ever mega-auction saw teams ignite a bidding war for young cricketers. The mega-auction, held in November, kicked off with a marquee lineup featuring stars like former Australia captain Meg Lanning, Indias ODI World Cup hero Deepti Sharma, Indian pace sensation Renuka Singh, Aussie skipper Alyssa Healy, and South Africas ace Laura Wolvaardt, among others. The auction offered one of the clearest signals yet that the WPL has entered a new phase. The era of simple retention has given way to one of recalibration. Big-money moves, such as Deepti Sharmas Rs 3.2 crore re-signing with UP Warriorz, Amelia Kerrs Rs 3 crore return to Mumbai Indians, and the surprise acquisition of Shikha Pandey for Rs 2.4 crore, reflected a growing premium on multi-skilled, high-impact players. Just as revealing were the notable absences. Healy going unsold, along with several senior England players, underscored a shift in franchise thinking, with teams prioritising balance, availability, and tactical fit over reputation alone. This auction was less about star power and more about laying a sustainable foundation for the future, signalling a league increasingly focused on long-term growth rather than short-term attention. While these well-known players aimed to attract attention, the franchises focused more on acquiring India's emerging talent to build a secure future, not just for their franchise but also for Indian cricket as a whole. The 16-year-old Deeya Yadav became the youngest cricketer to be sold at the WPL auction, and her story became one to remember. The auction room remained quiet for 10-15 seconds after the auctioneer called her name, before Delhi Capitals, who had been tracking the teenager for a while, raised their paddle and roped her in at a base price of Rs 10 lakh. The youngster now aims to do well for her side and make headlines, to get under the selectors radar and earn an India call-up. Deeya is not the only one. There are several stories associated with the WPL, and the tournament keeps making strides and sets new benchmarks with every passing year. Heading into the WPL 2025 auction without an India cap, N. Sree Charani ignited a fierce bidding war between DC and MI, with the former ultimately securing her for Rs 55 lakh. As a trusted left-arm spinner across various phases, she provides the control and dependability that captains value highly. Her reputation has soared, especially after playing a key role in India's ODI World Cup victory, despite being a surprise choice to start as late as June. Courtesy of her World Cup-winning performance and impressive domestic career with Andhra, Charani bagged a Rs 1.3 crore deal at the 2026 mega auction as Delhi continued to showcase their faith in the left-arm orthodox spinner. The tournament has so far conducted three successful seasons, with Mumbai Indians (MI), led by India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, winning the inaugural and the 2025 edition, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinching the crown in 2024 under Smriti Mandhanas leadership. With the Women in Blue recently winning the ODI World Cup in November this year, excitement for the fourth edition of the WPL is at an all-time high, with more fans showing their enthusiasm for the tournament. The 2025 season marked a turning point for perceptions of the womens league. Unlike previous years, matches were decided by tighter margins, the gap in playing standards narrowed noticeably, and, for the first time, domestic Indian players consistently shaped results in the games biggest moments. Mumbai Indians title-winning campaign showed how sustained improvement and clearly defined roles can deliver success, while Delhi Capitals run of consecutive second-place finishes underlined just how fine the margins are between consistent excellence and failing to take the next step. DCs decision to appoint Jemimah Rodrigues as captain is symbolic of the leagues shifting priorities. Moving on from Lanning, who led the side to three successive finals, the franchise has opted for renewal, signalling a desire to refresh both leadership and identity. The move also reflects a broader trend across the league: a growing emphasis on Indian captains as the public face of franchises. This shift has gathered momentum in the wake of Indias success at the Womens ODI World Cup, gradually rebalancing the influence foreign players held during the leagues formative years. With younger players increasingly entrusted with captaincy amid congested schedules, rising expectations, and more complex tactical demands, leadership will come under sharper scrutiny than ever. How these new captains manage pressure and shape team culture may prove decisive in defining the leagues next phase. WPL 2026 kicks off on January 9 with two-time and reigning Womens Premier League champions MI facing RCB in Navi Mumbai. The Navi Mumbai leg will take place from January 9 to 17, with 11 matches scheduled, and the subsequent 11 games will be hosted by Vadodara, including the playoffs. The league matches will run until February 1. The Eliminator, involving the second and third-placed teams on the points table, will be held on February 3. The table topper will advance straight to the Final on Thursday, February 5, in Vadodara, where the next WPL champion will be crowned. WPL 2026 schedule Navi Mumbai leg Jan 9: Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Jan 10: UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants Jan 10: Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals Jan 11: Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Giants Jan 12: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs UP Warriorz Jan 13: Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants Jan 14: UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals Jan 15: Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz Jan 16: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Giants Jan 17: UP Warriorz vs Mumbai Indians Jan 17: Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Vadodara leg Jan 19: Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Jan 20: Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians Jan 22: Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz Jan 24: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals Jan 26: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians Jan 27: Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals Jan 29: UP Warriorz vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Jan 30: Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai Indians Feb 1: Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz Jan 30: Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai Indians Also Read: Live Cricket Score Feb 5: Final Article Source: IANS
WPL 2026: DC Will Win Title, Mandhana Might Win Orange Cap, Says Chopra
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Former India opener Aakash Chopra has tipped Delhi Capitals (DC) to clinch the 2026 Womens Premier League (WPL) and suggested Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Smriti Mandhana could emerge as the tournaments leading runscorer. DC are three-time runners-up in the WPL and are eyeing to break their title jinx under new skipper Jemimah Rodrigues. I think Delhi Capitals will win, this time around. They have put together a very good squad and they have reached the finals all three times. Let them win it once, said Chopra on JioStar. He also felt that apart from Smriti, her opening partner Shafali Verma could be an orange cap contender. I think it could be RCB captain, Smriti Mandhana, to score the most number of runs this WPL season. Smriti Mandhana might be the frontrunner in the race to win the Orange Cap and she might even win it. Alongside her, I feel, Shafali Verma, who will open for the Delhi Capitals, could be a strong contender as well. Chopra further felt both Deepti Sharma and Sree Charani can bag big awards in WPL 2026. I think Deepti Sharma can register a hat-trick of winning the Player of the Tournament award. The form she is in currently, she has been unstoppable and I also think that since she has started doing well in the WPL, there has been a significant improvement in her overall game. He also felt that apart from Smriti, her opening partner Shafali Verma could be an orange cap contender. I think it could be RCB captain, Smriti Mandhana, to score the most number of runs this WPL season. Smriti Mandhana might be the frontrunner in the race to win the Orange Cap and she might even win it. Alongside her, I feel, Shafali Verma, who will open for the Delhi Capitals, could be a strong contender as well. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Chopra signed off by saying who could win the MI-RCB opening game at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on January 9. I will go with Mumbai Indians for this clash. Obviously, very little to choose between the two sides, but Mumbai. Article Source: IANS
Get An Amazing Feeling On Listening To Being Leading Wicket Taker In T20Is, Says Deepti
Greenfield International Stadium: Indias off-spin bowling all-rounder Deepti Sharma said listening that shes now the leading wickettaker in womens T20Is gives her an amazing feeling, and added that her focus remains on creating breakthroughs whenever she has the ball in hand. During the fifth T20I against Sri Lanka at the Greenfield International Stadium, Deepti overtook Australias Megan Schutt to become the highest wickettaker in womens T20Is, by claiming her 152nd scalp in the form of dismissing Nilakshika Silva lbw. Deepti finished with figures of 1-28 as India defended 175 to clinch a 15run win and complete a 50 series sweep. Earlier this year, Deepti won the Player of the Tournament award in India winning the 2025 Womens ODI World Cup. Listening to the leading wicket taker in T20Is, I get an amazing feeling. I feel very good, but whenever I play a match and whenever I have the ball in my hand, I think about how much impact I can make with the ball and how much opportunities I can create for picking wickets against whatever opponent is playing. I always take it as a challenge and whenever I get the ball, I always think about how much breakthroughs I can give for the team, said Deepti in a video posted by the BCCI on their social media accounts on Wednesday. Seam-bowling all-rounder Arundhati Reddy also chipped in with all-round contributions making an unbeaten 27 while picking 1-16. Whatever I do, I want to create an impact, whether I bowl, bat or field. I'm always wanting the ball when I bowl. But I always wanted to bat - this was the first game that I got to bat. I was really happy and really excited for that opportunity because I've been working really hard on my batting. Of course with fielding, I've always been that player who's given her 100% on the field. So that's what I want to be, and that's what I want to continue doing that. I think for me, my hard work is something, and my passion and the fact that I never give up. You can push me to the wall and I'll still keep coming back and that's the kind of player that I've always been and I'll continue to be that till the time I play, she said. I was really happy and really excited for that opportunity because I've been working really hard on my batting. Of course with fielding, I've always been that player who's given her 100% on the field. So that's what I want to be, and that's what I want to continue doing that. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So I said, Harry di, when I take the wicket, should I come to you like this? So she said, yes, let's do it. I had planned for the third match, but I didn't get the wicket and that was left there. But I got the wicket in the fourth match and thats when the celebration was completed, she said. Article Source: IANS
Rashid Khan to lead Afghanistan at T20 World Cup 2026; Mujeeb, Farooqi back in squad
The same squad will play West Indies in three T20Is in UAE ahead of the big tournament in India and Sri Lanka
Vaughan Urges Khawaja To Retire On His Own Terms
The Sydney Morning Herald: Former England captain Michael Vaughan has backed Usman Khawaja to retire on his own terms after playing the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, which starts on January 4. Speculation has been rife about whether Khawajas 88th Test at the SCG against England will be his final game for Australia. Khawaja, who turned 39 during the third Ashes match in Adelaide, has looked assured since moving to the middle order. But with selectors under pressure to refresh an ageing Australian Test side, the Sydney fixture is widely viewed as a possible farewell for Khawaja. I would say to Usman, Dont let them decide. You decide your destiny. When someone has been playing for so long, weve just got to let them decide, Vaughan was quoted as saying by The Sydney Morning Herald on Wednesday. Usman has had an incredible career and not many get the chance to say goodbye on their own terms at their own venue. If he doesnt do that, he runs the risk of his career ending not on his own terms. I cant think of a better way to say goodbye than at his home ground in an Ashes series. If Uzzie has got the energy and capacity to really want to fight on, yeah, I could see that happening, but leaving in Sydney in an Ashes series sounds pretty good to me. The likes of Matt Renshaw, Nathan McSweeney, Campbell Kellaway and Ollie Peake, theyre the players weve got to get into the Australian side in the next year or so, he added. England head into the SCG Test under pressure to avoid a heavy defeat, with Vaughan adding that the result is likely to shape the future of the Brendon McCullumBen Stokes leadership combination. For the future and for this management in particular, they need to win a strong game of cricket here thats not a two-dayer. For this management to carry on, the likes of Ben and Baz Im pretty sure they will carry on but I think they need a good week for that to be absolutely rock solid. Theres a huge appetite within the group to keep (McCullum) on. But fundamentally, if they get pummelled in Sydney, there needs to be some honest conversations. England head into the SCG Test under pressure to avoid a heavy defeat, with Vaughan adding that the result is likely to shape the future of the Brendon McCullumBen Stokes leadership combination. For the future and for this management in particular, they need to win a strong game of cricket here thats not a two-dayer. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The key is maturity and thats the one thing that I think this team can be a lot better at, in terms of the way they play and talk. If they can accept that, I have no problem with the management staying the same, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
Gulbadin, Naveen Return As Afghanistan Name Rashid Khan-led T20 World Cup Squad
Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi: Afghanistan have announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026, to be held in India and Sri Lanka, from February 7 to March 8. Led by Rashid Khan, the squad has been strengthened by the return of experienced all-rounder Gulbadin Naib and right-arm fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq, who is making his comeback after recovering from a shoulder injury. Left-handed middle-order batter Shahidullah Kamal and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Ishaq have retained their places, while young fast bowler Abdullah Ahmadzai has earned a spot in the main squad. Fazal Haq Farooqi, who missed the recent Bangladesh series and featured only in the final T20I against Zimbabwe, has also been named in the 15-player squad for both the West Indies series and the World Cup. Mujeeb Ur Rahmans inclusion is another highlight, resulting in AM Ghazanfar being named among the reserves alongside middle-order batter Ijaz Ahmadzai and emerging fast bowler Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi. Ahead of the global tournament, Afghanistan will take on the West Indies in a three-match T20I series scheduled from January 19 to 22 in the UAE, with the same squad selected for the series. ACB CEO Naseeb Khan stated, AfghanAtalan had a terrific run in the previous edition of the T20 World Cup. We cherish excellent memories from the past and hope for even better results this year, which will be played in Asian conditions. Hosting the West Indies team provides us with an incredible opportunity to fine-tune our combination and prepare adequately for the World Cup. Meanwhile, Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil, ACBs Chief Selector, added, We had good discussions over the past few days and finalised the squad. Gulbadin Naib is a big-match player, and his return boosts our team. We are also pleased to have Naveen Ul Haq back, which enhances the quality of our fast bowling. It was a tough decision to leave AM Ghazanfar out of the main squad, as his place made way for Mujeeb. Shahidullah Kamal performed well in the recent event and provides us with a valuable left-handed option, which is crucial in major tournaments. Afghanistan are placed in Pool D of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026, competing alongside New Zealand, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada. They will play their first match against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai. In the last 2024 T20 World Cup, Afghanistan caught everyone's attention by qualifying for their first-ever semi-finals, where they lost to South Africa. Afghanistan squad: In the last 2024 T20 World Cup, Afghanistan caught everyone's attention by qualifying for their first-ever semi-finals, where they lost to South Africa. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Reserves: AM Ghazanfar, Ijaz Ahmadzai and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi Article Source: IANS
Amanjot Kaur Wins Best Fielder Medal After Indias 5-0 T20I Series Over Sri Lanka
DY Patil Sports Academy: After India completed a commanding 5-0 T20I series win over Sri Lanka, seam-bowling all-rounder Amanjot Kaur took home the best fielder medal for her exceptional fielding. I think the best fielder of the series, without a doubt, was Amanjot Kaur, said head coach Amol Muzumdar in a video shared by the BCCI on their social media accounts on Wednesday, where the all-rounder got the medal and huge cheers from the rest of the Indian team. As India beat Sri Lanka by 15 runs in the final game of the series at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, Amanjot produced a composed allround effort - striking 21 off 18 balls and returning with figures of 1/17, apart from being sharp with her fielding work. The series win over Sri Lanka capped off a remarkable year for India, during which they won the 2025 Womens ODI World Cup on home soil, retained the U19 Womens T20 World Cup trophy, and secured series wins against England on the white-ball tour. Wishing you a very happy new year. Let's get into 2026 in the same way that we got into 2025. Well done once again. 5-nil is a statement, added Muzumdar. Once the New Year break is over, the Indian team members will join their respective sides for the 2026 Womens Premier League (WPL), set to take place from January 9 to February 5 across two venues - DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai and Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. Wishing you a very happy new year. Let's get into 2026 in the same way that we got into 2025. Well done once again. 5-nil is a statement, added Muzumdar. Also Read: Live Cricket Score While MI enter the tournament as defending champions, RCB are the only other side to have lifted the WPL trophy. Delhi Capitals, to be captained by Jemimah Rodrigues this year, have finished runners-up thrice under Meg Lannings leadership, while Gujarat Giants, led by Australia all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner, and UP Warriorz are yet to make it to the final at the event. Article Source: IANS
Head Hopes To Revive Old Ashes Tradition With Post-series Drinks In Sydney
Captain Ben Stokes: Australia opener Travis Head expressed hope that England and Australia will revive their tradition of meeting for a drink after the Ashes. This practice was somewhat disrupted in 2023 due to deteriorating relationships over the series. Australia currently lead the series 3-1 and have already secured victory, marking their fifth consecutive Ashes series victory and their ongoing hold on the urn. Relations between the two sides worsened significantly during the second Test of the 2023 Ashes in England after Alex Carey stumped Jonny Bairstow when Bairstow stepped out of his crease while ducking a ball from Cameron Green. The incident was followed by ugly scenes at Lords, where Australian players were subjected to verbal abuse from MCC members in the Long Room. In the aftermath, England head coach Brendon McCullum said that, considering what had happened, he could not see how the teams could come together for their customary end-of-series drink. Theres definitely mutual respect. I get along with a couple of them really well. Theres some really good relationships with both teams. Im looking forward to having a beer with Ducky (Ben Duckett). So, yeah, itd be a nice moment. Its obviously nice going there knowing that weve won the series, Head was quoted as saying by The Australian newspaper on Wednesday. McCullum later said the teams would eventually get together after England won the final Test, which saw the series end in a 22 draw. However, the delay drew criticism from sections of the Australian media, with suggestions that England had deliberately avoided the traditional gathering. Captain Ben Stokes rejected those claims, explaining that Englands post-series commitments at The Oval ran longer than planned because of farewell moments for players and staff. In contrast, the 2025 Ashes in Australia has unfolded in a far more amicable atmosphere. Any controversy has largely centred on issues affecting both teams, such as disputed snicko readings and the surface for the fourth Test at the MCG, which led to the second two-day Test of the series. McCullum later said the teams would eventually get together after England won the final Test, which saw the series end in a 22 draw. However, the delay drew criticism from sections of the Australian media, with suggestions that England had deliberately avoided the traditional gathering. Captain Ben Stokes rejected those claims, explaining that Englands post-series commitments at The Oval ran longer than planned because of farewell moments for players and staff. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Their ultra-aggressive approach under Stokes and McCullum backfired, intensifying scrutiny and criticism, even though they managed to end a 15-year wait for a Test victory in Australia with their win at the MCG. Article Source: IANS
Asian Games Will Be The Biggest Challenge For India In 2026
Summer World University Games: After a successful 2025 in which Indian sportspersons shone bright in many events on the global stage, the year 2026 heralds fresher and tougher challenges, and top-most on the radar is the 20th edition of the Asian Games to be held in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya in Japan from September 19 to October 4, 2026. Olympic sports were a mixed bag for India in 2025 as the country did well in sports like archery, boxing, wrestling, shooting, weightlifting, and hockey. In archery, the Indian men's recurve team of Dhiraj Bommadevara, Tarundeep Rai, and Atanu Das won a silver medal in the 2025 World Cup. While India dominated the compound section, the women's team and Jyothi Surekha Vennam won silver medals in the compound team and individual competition. Indian athletes fared well in the 2025 Summer World University Games, winning 12 medals, including two gold and five silver, but the year's biggest sporting event, the Athletics World Championships, was a disappointment as Neeraj Chopra came out medal-less after finishing in the top two of major events since 2018. Badminton, too, was a mixed bag, and apart from a few medals in junior events and mid-level competitions, only the men's double pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty held their own against strong competition. But now that is all water under the bridge, and AichiNagoya 2026 provides Indian sportspersons the opportunity to make a play of their full potential in the Asian Games with two years to go for the Los Angeles Olympics and four years before the 2030 Commonwealth Games, when the competitions are expected to return to full scale, unlike the scaled-down version to be held in Glasgow in 2026 with only 10 sports to compete for. The 2026 Asian Games will have 32 core sports, mostly those that are part of the Olympic Games, and 11 other sports and disciplines, which include five regional sports: Wushu, Sepak-takraw, Kabaddi, Kurash, and Jujitsu. Dancesports, roller sports, surfing, cricket, Esports, Mixed Martial Arts, and Padel will also be part of the schedule. In all, 45 National Olympic Committees are expected to send their contingents for the 2026 Games, which will be unique as the participants will not be accommodated in a permanent Athletes Village as is usually done, but rather in a cruise ship docked at Kinjo Pier. Participants will also be hosted in temporary villas made from repurposed shipping containers near the Port of Nagoya, and some will be based in several hotels across the prefecture and outlying cities.The venues will be spread across various cities in the Aichi Prefecture and in Nagoya, while swimming and equestrian competitions will be held in Tokyo. The 2026 Asian Games will thus be a huge opportunity for India, the fifth most successful country in the Continental Games with 183 gold, 238 silver, and 357 bronze medals for a total of 778. India will be going into the 20th edition of the Asian Games in Japan on the back of their best-ever performance at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where India bagged 108 medals -- 28 gold, 38 silver, and 40 bronze. This means the pressure will be on the participants to prove that the huge amount of money spent on them in the last couple of years was not wasted. A good performance and a rich medal haul will also prove the natural progression and growth of Indian sports over the years, as visible in the total medals won by India in the last few editions of the Asian Games. This means the pressure will be on the participants to prove that the huge amount of money spent on them in the last couple of years was not wasted. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Another successful Asian Games will also strengthen India's bid for the 2036 Olympic Games. India has everything to play for in 2026, and the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya will be the right opportunity for the country to excel. Article Source: IANS
Ex-Aussie Batter Damien Martyn In Induced Coma After Meningitis Diagnosis
The Sydney Morning Herald: Former Aussie batter Damien Martyn is in an induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis. The 54-year-old former batter, who played 67 Test matches between 1992 and 2006, reportedly fell ill on Friday and was rushed to the hospital. Adam Gilchrist, Martyn's close friend and former Australian and WA teammate, confirmed on behalf of his family the 2003 World Cup winner was receiving treatment in hospital. He is getting the best of treatment and (Martyn's partner) Amanda and his family know that a lot of people are sending their prayers and best wishes, Gilchrist was quoted by cricket.com.au. Meningitis is an inflammation of protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord, and infection can cause harmful brain swelling. Martyns condition is being closely monitored. The Sydney Morning Herald reported externally it was hoped Martyn could be brought out of his coma in the coming days. I'm saddened to hear of Damien's illness. The best wishes of everyone at Cricket Australia and in the wider cricket community are with him at this time, the governing body's CEO Todd Greenberg said in a statement. Martyn was player of the series the last time Australia won an away series in India, top scoring in four of Australia's eight innings in the 2004 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. I'm saddened to hear of Damien's illness. The best wishes of everyone at Cricket Australia and in the wider cricket community are with him at this time, the governing body's CEO Todd Greenberg said in a statement. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Martyn also played 208 ODIs for 5,346 runs at 40.90, with a highest score of 144 not out. He made a famous 88 not out in the 2003 World Cup final, batting with a broken finger and sharing an epic partnership with captain Ricky Ponting as Australia beat India. Article Source: IANS
Australian Cricket Great Damien Martyn 'In Induced Coma'
Former Australian Test batsman Damien Martyn has been rushed to hospital in an induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis, media reports said Wednesday. The 54-year-old, who played 67 Tests between 1992 and 2006 and 208 one-day internationals, was admitted on Boxing Day last week after falling ill while lying down. Australian media said he was being treated for meningitis, which can be deadly. Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. He is getting the best of treatment, Test great and close friend Adam Gilchrist told The Australian newspaper. Amanda (his partner) and his family know that a lot of people are sending their prayers and best wishes. Former Australian coach Darren Lehmann, a long-time teammate of Martyn's, also sent support. Lots of love and prayers... keep strong and fighting, legend. Love to the family, he wrote on X. Known as one of the game's great strokemakers, Martyn became a key figure in Steve Waugh's all-powerful Australian side, hitting 13 centuries and averaging 46.37. He was also part of the Australia team that won the 2003 ODI World Cup, cracking 88 not-out in the final against India in a match-winning partnership with Ricky Ponting. He retired in 2006 during the Ashes series and had kept a low-profile since. Also Read: Live Cricket Score
Damien Martyn hospitalised with meningitis
The former batter, who played 67 Tests and 208 ODIs, was taken ill on Boxing Day
Rossouw 42, Subrayen three-for guide Super Kings home in low-scoring encounter
Subrayen's wickets restricted Super Giants to 86, a total that proved too little despite Super Kings' hiccup in the powerplay
MI Cape Town vs Pretoria Capitals, Match 8, SA20 2025-26, Who will win today MICT vs PC match?
MICT vs PC, Match 8 , Cricket Tips :The defending champion, MI Cape Town, have had a tough start to the fourth edition of the SA20. They played two games against Durban Super Giants, lost the first one, and the second match was washed out. MICT will now look to win their first game of this season at home. MI Cape Town will lock horns with Pretoria Capitals in the second game to be played on Wednesday. This match will begin at 9 PM IST at Cape Town in Newlands. Just like MICT, the Capitals are also searching for their first win of the season. So, which of these two teams will end their search with this game? MICT vs PC: Match Details Date : December 31, 2025 (Wednesday) Time : 9 PM IST Venue : Cape Town, Newlands MICT vs PC: Live Streaming Details To enjoy the live action of the MICT vs PC clash on Wednesday, fans can tune into the Star Sports Network. Fans can also enjoy the live stream on the Jio Hotstar app or website. MICT vs PC: Head-to-Head in SA20 Total Matches : 6 MI Cape Town 3 Pretoria Capitals : 3 No-Result : 0 MICT vs PC: Ground Pitch Report Cape Town has always been a happy hunting ground for the batting side. The wicket is pretty flat here, and bowlers will have a hard time here. But the overcast conditions can bring in more moisture into this game, and fast bowlers will be benefitted. The toss will be crucial, and chasing will be a good option here. MICT vs PC: Possible XIs MI Cape Town : Reeza Hendricks, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Jason Smith, Nicholas Pooran, George Linde, Dwaine Pretorius, Rashid Khan (c), Karim Janat, Corbin Bosch, Trent Boult Pretoria Capitals : Shai Hope (wk), Will Smeed, Bryce Parsons, Sherfane Rutherford, Dewald Brevis, Codi Yusuf, Connor Esterhuizen, Wihan Lubbe, Tymal Mills, Keshav Maharaj (c), Lungi Ngidi MICT vs PC: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Ryan Rickelton scored a century in the tournament's opener. He will be the one to watch out for. For PC, Shai Hope showed good performance in the previous game and can take the game forward. Probable Best Bowler Trent Boult is the key for MICT. If he can take a few early wickets, MICT will be on top. For PC, Tymal Mills has been a consistent performer with the ball in both games. Today Match Prediction : Irrespective of both games, MICT are looking more settled, and we predict them to win this game. MICT vs PC Match 8, SA20 2025-26, Today Match MICT vs PC, MICT vs PC Prediction, MICT vs PC Predicted XIs, Injury Update of the match between MI Cape Town vs Pretoria Capitals Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.
5th T20I: It Was About Believing In Ourselves That We Can Do That, Says Harmanpreet Kaur
T20 World Cup: India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur praised the effort put in by her teammates and asked them to make it a habit after the hosts whitewashed Sri Lanka 5-0, beating them in the fifth and last T20I by 15 runs in Thiruvananthapuram. Kaur, who was named Player of the Match for her exceptional 68 off 43 deliveries, expects her team to keep winning all the way to the T20 World Cup title. The clean sweep also marked India Womens third 50 victory in a bilateral T20I series, following similar results against West Indies in 2019 and Bangladesh in 2024. Earlier in 2024, India won the ODI World Cup, beating South Africa in the final to lift their maiden Trophy. Yeah, I mean, 2025 has been really great for us. For all the hard work we have done, this year we have got the credit. Now, it is all about repeating the good habits we've been on, keeping winning the way we have done this year, said Harmanpreet Kaur. One thing is that we have played a lot of T20 cricket together. It was about believing in ourselves that we can do that. Everyone was positive when Sir (Amol Muzumdar) spoke about the strike rates, lifting our standards. Everyone was happy, and we wanted to set those standards. Going forward, we want to look at this series and think of what we can do ahead. With the team missing key batters, Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues, skipper Kaur was at her best, scoring 68 when the team was reeling at 77 for 5, stitching up a 61-run partnership with Amanjot Kaur to guide the team to a respectable total. Her innings was studded with nine boundaries and a maximum. As a batter, it's my responsibility to give strength to that order and contribute. Shifting to T20 from ODIs wasn't easy, but everyone was excited to play. We fought for this and are happy with how all things came together. We wanted everyone to be available and play in this series, said Harmanpreet. With the team missing key batters, Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues, skipper Kaur was at her best, scoring 68 when the team was reeling at 77 for 5, stitching up a 61-run partnership with Amanjot Kaur to guide the team to a respectable total. Her innings was studded with nine boundaries and a maximum. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Next is WPL, which is important for all of us. Hopefully, we play our best cricket and enjoy ourselves over there. Next six months are important, we want to keep working hard and raising the bar for all of us. Hopefully, the way things have worked for us in ODIs, we want the same things working for us in the T20s. Article Source: IANS
5th T20I: We Did Not Play Our Best Cricket In Tournament, Says SL Skipper Athapaththu
T20I World Cup: Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu lamented that they did not play their est cricket against India, picking that as the reason for their debacle as visitors lost the fifth and T20I by 15 runs in Thiruvananthapuram. The clean sweep also marked India Womens third 50 victory in a bilateral T20I series, following similar results against West Indies in 2019 and Bangladesh in 2024. However, Athapaththu was confident in her young side to do better in the future. Actually, we did not play our best cricket in this tournament. Especially power hitting and batting. But some positives. We were carrying a young side. Hopefully, we can be better in the future, said Chamari Athapaththu. Athapaththu also asked senior players, including herself, to play good and competitive cricket ahead of the Women's T20I World Cup to be played in England. Some seniors are playing good cricket, but not all of us are doing very well. We need to improve in a couple of areas before the World Cup. We talk about positive things in the dressing room. We were playing good cricket 6-7 months back. Our coach is very good. He motivates us to play to our potential. Chasing 176 on a dry track, Sri Lanka suffered an early loss after the skipper got out early, but Hasini Perera (65) and Imesha Dulani (50) struck a good partnership, adding 79 runs for the 2nd wicket. Some batters executed the plans in the middle. We gave India a good fight. Thanks to the BCCI and the people of India for having us. Arundhati Reddy derailed Sri Lanka's chase by removing the very threatening Athapaththu in the second over of the match, who scored just two runs on that occasion. Although Sri Lanka lost their early wicket, they began to build some valuable momentum as Hasini Perera and Imesha Dulani formed a much stronger second-wicket partnership, which contributed 79 runs. Some batters executed the plans in the middle. We gave India a good fight. Thanks to the BCCI and the people of India for having us. Also Read: Live Cricket Score After the two fifties, the middle and lower order crumbled as only Rashmika Sewwandi made it to double figures with an unbeaten score of 14 runs from eight balls. Article Source: IANS
5th T20I: Deepti Sharma Scripts World Record, Becomes Highest Wicket-taker In Womens T20Is
For Sri Lanka: India all-rounder Deepti Sharma scripts history by becoming the highest wicket-taker in womens T20 Internationals after claiming her 152nd wicket during the fifth T20I against Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday. The milestone saw Deepti surpass Australias Megan Schutt (151), as she dismissed Nilakshika Silva in the 14th over, helping India complete a comprehensive 50 series sweep at home. Pakistan's Nida Dar follows in third place with 144 wickets from 152 innings. With 103 wickets in 86 innings, Radha Yadav is the second-best Indian on the list of wicket-takers. Radja and Deepti are the only two Indian bowlers with more than 100 T20I wickets on the list. Earlier this week, the 28-year-old became the first-ever cricketer across the mens and womens game to record 1,000 runs and 150 wickets in T20 Internationals. Currently ranked No. 1 in the ICC Womens T20I all-rounder rankings, Deepti has featured in 133 T20Is for India and was named player of the tournament at the 2025 ICC Womens World Cup, where India lifted their maiden title on home soil. India successfully defended 175 to win the game by 15 runs and seal a 5-0 series sweep. Deepti finished the match with one for 28 from four overs. In addition to T20I achievements, Deepti has taken 20 wickets in Tests and 162 in ODIs. She also emerged as one of the biggest names at the Womens Premier League auction, re-joining UP Warriorz for Rs 3.2 crore, the second-highest bid in league history. Meanwhile, Deepti Sharma continues to hold the top spot among T20I bowlers, and Hayley Matthews from the West Indies maintains a strong lead among T20I all-rounders. She also emerged as one of the biggest names at the Womens Premier League auction, re-joining UP Warriorz for Rs 3.2 crore, the second-highest bid in league history. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With India taking a commanding 4-0 lead in the five-match series and aiming for a whitewash on Tuesday, the rankings reflect their dominance, with both batters and bowlers on the rise. Article Source: IANS
5th T20I: Harmanpreet Kaur And Bowlers Combine As India Whitewash Sri Lanka 5-0
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur: Captain Harmanpreet Kaur led from the front with a commanding 68 off 43 balls, while Indias bowlers delivered a disciplined collective effort to seal a 50 whitewash over Sri Lanka in the five-match T20I series, as the hosts capped off a memorable 2025 season with another emphatic win at home. The clean sweep also marked India Womens third 50 victory in a bilateral T20I series, following similar results against West Indies in 2019 and Bangladesh in 2024. India rested star player Smriti Mandhana for the match and had G Kamalini play her first T20I match as a replacement. Kamalini opened the innings with a score of 12. Harmanpreet's innings provided India the necessary security in the middle overs and propelled them to 175 runs with a total of 7 wickets down. Sri Lanka's bowlers did a good job; each of Kavisha Dilhari, Chamari Athapaththu, and Rashmika Sewwandi took 2 wickets. In reply, Arundhati Reddy derailed Sri Lanka's chase by removing the very threatening Athapaththu in the second over of the match, who scored just two runs on that occasion. Although Sri Lanka lost their early wicket, they began to build some valuable momentum as Hasini Perera and Imesha Dulani formed a much stronger second-wicket partnership, which contributed 79 runs. Dulani's innings led to her first T20I fifty and was finally stumped out by Amanjot Kaur in the 12th over after an inning of 50 runs off 39 balls. Perera continued to represent Sri Lanka as she reached her first T20I fifty in eight matches -- now recorded as the second most number of innings taken by a full-member team to achieve their first fifty in T20I matches. Scoring 81 runs from 42 balls while also recording eight fours and one six, however, she too succumbed to Shree Charani's bowling in the seventeenth over. After the two fifties, the middle and lower order crumbled as only Rashmika Sewwandi made it to double figures with an unbeaten score of 14 runs from eight balls. On the bowling side of things, India were outstanding with six players collecting at least one wicket. Deepti Sharma set the record, becoming the leading wicket-taker in Women's T20I after removing Nilakshi de Silva, whilst Sneh Rana and Shree Charani both finished with identical figures of 1/31. As a result of this latest loss to India and other earlier defeats in a five-game T20I series against the West Indies, it appears as though Sri Lanka's woes have continued, as they now find themselves at 0-5 in the series against both of these excellent teams. On the bowling side of things, India were outstanding with six players collecting at least one wicket. Deepti Sharma set the record, becoming the leading wicket-taker in Women's T20I after removing Nilakshi de Silva, whilst Sneh Rana and Shree Charani both finished with identical figures of 1/31. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India Women 175/7 in 20 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 68, Arundhati Reddy 27; Kavisha Dilhari 2-11, Chamari Athapaththu 2-21) beat Sri Lanka Women 160/7 in 20 overs (Hasini Perera 65, Imesha Dulani 50; Deepti Sharma 1-28, Sneh Rana 1-31) by 15 runs Article Source: IANS
Malinga to work with Sri Lanka in lead up to T20 World Cup
Although this is only a 40-day appointment, it is essentially a continuation of Malinga's work with key bowlers in the national set-up
WPL 2026: UP Warriorz Announce Charli Knott As Replacement For Tara Norris
T20 World Cup Qualifier: UP Warriorz have roped in Australia's Charli Knott as replacement for left-arm medium-pacer Tara Norris, who will be unavailable for the Womens Premier League (WPL) 2026 season after being selected for the USA national team for the 2026 ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, scheduled to be held in Nepal from January 18 to February 3, 2026. UP Warriorz have named uncapped Australian all-rounder Knott as their replacement for the upcoming fourth edition of the WPL. Knott has been signed at her reserve price of INR 10 lakh and is set to make her maiden WPL appearance. Uncapped at the international level, Knott brings with her considerable top-level experience, having featured in six seasons of the Womens Big Bash League (WBBL) and two seasons of The Hundred. A highly-rated young all-rounder, she is known for her solid technique with the bat, disciplined off-spin, and the ability to contribute across departments, adding depth and versatility to the UP Warriorz squad ahead of WPL 2026. Kshemal Waingankar, COO, UP Warriorz, added: We wish Tara the very best for her international assignment. We are excited to welcome Charli Knott to UP Warriorz. She is a promising all-rounder with the skill set and temperament to contribute across departments, and make an impact. With Charli Knott set for her maiden WPL stint, UP Warriorz continue to build a well-rounded squad for the WPL 2026 season, combining emerging talent with experience and depth across departments. UP Warriorz will begin their campaign on January 10 against Gujarat Giants at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. Meanwhile, Australian all-rounders Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland have also withdrawn from WPL 2026, citing personal reasons, and have been replaced by their respective franchises. With Charli Knott set for her maiden WPL stint, UP Warriorz continue to build a well-rounded squad for the WPL 2026 season, combining emerging talent with experience and depth across departments. UP Warriorz will begin their campaign on January 10 against Gujarat Giants at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Three-time finalists Delhi Capitals have named Aussie Alana King as a replacement for Sutherland. The Australian leg-spinner, who represented UP Warriorz in the previous season, has featured in 27 T20Is and picked up 27 wickets. King will join DC at a reserve price of INR 60 lakh. Article Source: IANS
Relief For England Players As ECB Rules 'no Misconduct' In Noosa Trip
Wales Cricket Board: The England team heaved a collective sigh of relief as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has given the players a clean chit in the case of alleged excessive drinking during a team-building trip to Noosa between the second and third Tests in The Ashes tour 2025-26. Multiple reports had claimed that England players had indulged in excessive drinking during the trip organised as a team-building exercise for the players to recover from the defeat and get ready for the next match. However, there are reports now claiming that the ECB has not found any misconduct on the part of the English players during the trip. Although several videos of top-order batter Ben Duckett emerged on social media that showed him drunk and almost out of his senses after partying till late in the night, the ECB has concluded that there was 'no misconduct' and therefore no disciplinary action will be taken against the players. As per a report in The Daily Mail, if the ECB had found anything to be of concern, it would have been identified and resolved immediately rather than waiting for the Ashes loss. The procedure of the inquiry was not disclosed to the public, and the verdict was drafted against beer drinking and no other misconduct, claimed the report. According to reports, top ECB official Rob Key claimed that the reason for the 'no misconduct' verdict is that nothing was flagged by the security apparatus around the team in Australia. The England cricket team had security personnel assigned for the trip to Noosa, who were also authorised to intervene if any misbehaviour or red flag activities appeared. However, they werent needed to jump in, and the break was more like a bachelorette party, the report said. According to reports, top ECB official Rob Key claimed that the reason for the 'no misconduct' verdict is that nothing was flagged by the security apparatus around the team in Australia. Also Read: Live Cricket Score England, after slumping to an unassailable 0-3 deficit, salvaged some pride and avoided a whitewash against Australia by winning the fourth Test in Melbourne within two days. Ben Stokes and his boys would like to end the series on a high note by making it 3-2 by winning the final encounter in Sydney. Article Source: IANS
5th T20I: Harmanpreet's 68 And Late Blitz From Arundhati Help India Post 175/7
Greenfield International Stadium: Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur led from the front and scored a brilliant 68 off 43 deliveries as India Women, helped by a late blitz from Arundhati Reddy (27 off 11 balls), managed to post 175/7 in 20 overs against Sri Lanka in the fifth and final T20I match of the series at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday. Struggling at 77 for 5, skipper Kaur added 61 runs in 38 deliveries with Amanjot Kaur (21) to help India reach a respectable total. Earlier, India were dealt with early blows as opener Shafali Varma's dream runs of form came to an end. Coming off three successive fifty-plus scores, Varma got caught at long-on for a score of 1 in the second over. Making her international debut, Gunalan Kamalini looked confident with early boundaries, but her innings came short with 12 runs. She, with Harleen Deol, who herself scored 13, including two boundaries, added 22 runs for the second wicket. Indias late surge ensured they posted a competitive 175 for 7, riding on a powerful finish after appearing in danger of falling well short. The final four overs yielded 51 runs, a phase that transformed the innings, especially considering that Kavisha Dilhari slipped in a tight four-run over, leaving India to smash 47 off the remaining three. Harmanpreet Kaur anchored the recovery with an innings that never allowed the momentum to dip, even as wickets kept tumbling at the other end. It was a knock reminiscent of her Mumbai Indians template fearless, proactive, and unrelenting. Amanjot Kaur provided crucial support, hanging in long enough to stitch a vital 61-run stand for the sixth wicket, which stabilised the innings before the final assault. At 142 for 7 in the 18th over, with dew expected later in the evening, India looked set to finish below par. But Arundhati Reddys explosive cameo of 27 off 11 balls proved the perfect finishing touch, lifting the total to a far healthier mark. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu may rue a few tactical calls, particularly not completing Dilharis quota despite her being the standout bowler with 2-11 in two overs. India found the seam easier to negotiate, yet they were offered eight overs of it. While Shafali, Kamalini, Deol, Ghosh, and Deepti fell to poorly executed shots, Indias captain ensured the innings stayed alive and the late burst ensured it ended strongly. At 142 for 7 in the 18th over, with dew expected later in the evening, India looked set to finish below par. But Arundhati Reddys explosive cameo of 27 off 11 balls proved the perfect finishing touch, lifting the total to a far healthier mark. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu may rue a few tactical calls, particularly not completing Dilharis quota despite her being the standout bowler with 2-11 in two overs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India Women 175/7 in 20 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 68, Arundhati Reddy 27 not out; Kavish Dilhari 2/11, Chamari Athapaththu 2/21) against Sri Lanka Women Article Source: IANS
ICC gives 'satisfactory' rating to Eden Gardens pitch for India-South Africa Test
Neither team had passed 200 even once in a three-day Test defined by uneven bounce and sharp turn
Super Kings Academy Expands Footprint In Tamil Nadu With New Centre In Tiruchengode
Super Kings Academy: Chennai Super Kings has announced that its flagship Super Kings Academy, one of Indias leading cricket training institutions, will launch a new academy centre at KSR Educational Institutions, Tiruchengode, further strengthening its grassroots cricket development programme in Tamil Nadu. The Tiruchengode centre marks Super Kings Academys presence in the 12th city in Tamil Nadu, underlining the institution's commitment to nurturing young cricketing talent across the state. Globally, Super Kings Academy operates more than 35 centres, making it one of the most extensive cricket academy networks in the world. The new SKA centre at KSR Educational Institutions will officially commence operations on January 19, 2026, offering aspiring cricketers access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, expert coaching staff, and structured development pathwayshallmarks of the Super Kings Academy ecosystem. The academy will have 2 turf pitches, 2 astro turf pitches, 3 matting pitches, apart from two grounds, a dedicated match simulation area, a bowling machine, floodlights for evening practice, and a gym with a swimming pool. Speaking on the expansion, KS Viswanathan, MD of Chennai Super Kings, said: Even while we expand globally, Tamil Nadu has always been a strong nursery for cricketing talent, and Tiruchengode is an important addition to our growing footprint in the state. Our aim at Super Kings Academy is to provide young players with world-class facilities, expert coaching, and the right opportunities to help them realise their full potential. Partnering with KSR Educational Institutions allows us to bring professional cricket training closer to aspiring players in this region. R. Srinivasan, Chairman of KSR Educational Institutions, added: We are delighted to associate with Super Kings Academy, a name synonymous with excellence and professionalism in cricket. This academy at KSR Educational Institutions will not only enhance our sports infrastructure but also give students and young cricketers in and around Tiruchengode access to elite-level coaching and exposure. We believe this partnership will play a key role in developing future cricketing talent. Speaking on the expansion, KS Viswanathan, MD of Chennai Super Kings, said: Even while we expand globally, Tamil Nadu has always been a strong nursery for cricketing talent, and Tiruchengode is an important addition to our growing footprint in the state. Our aim at Super Kings Academy is to provide young players with world-class facilities, expert coaching, and the right opportunities to help them realise their full potential. Partnering with KSR Educational Institutions allows us to bring professional cricket training closer to aspiring players in this region. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Launched in April 2022, the academy is currently operational in more than 35 centers across India, the USA, Australia, and Canada. Article Source: IANS
5th T20I: Kamalini Makes Debut As Sri Lanka Elect To Bowl In Thiruvananthapuram
Sri Lanka Women: Sri Lanka Women won the toss and elected to bowl first against India in the fifth and final T20I of the series at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram. India are currently leading 4-0 in the five-match series and are in line for a clean sweep. The first two matches were played in Visakhapatnam, while the last three are being played at Thiruvananthapuram. Gunalan Kamalini is set to make her international debut for India as Smriti Mandhana, Renuka Thakur, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Kranti Goud have been rested. Sneh Rana and Harleen Deol come back in the playing eleven. Kamalini is a 17-year-old top-order batter who also keeps wickets and was part of India's Under-19 team that won the Women's T20 World Cup earlier this year. She was Tamil Nadu's leading run-scorer in the Senior Women's T20 Trophy earlier this year. For Sri Lanka, Inoka Ranaweera and Malki Madara are back in the team. Chamari Athapaththu, Sri Lanka Women's captain, said, We will bowl first. We played some good cricket in the last game, so we decided to bowl first. We learnt a lot of things this year. We played against the World Champions. This opportunity will be very good for the youngsters. We will carry the positives into the new year. Harmanpreet Kaur, India Women's captain, said, We were okay to bat first also. It is an important match. So let's take it that way. How we started this series, that's exactly how we want to finish. We have two changes: Smriti Mandhana and Renuka Thakur are resting. G. Kamalini makes her debut. Sneh Rana is back. Playing XIs: Harmanpreet Kaur, India Women's captain, said, We were okay to bat first also. It is an important match. So let's take it that way. How we started this series, that's exactly how we want to finish. We have two changes: Smriti Mandhana and Renuka Thakur are resting. G. Kamalini makes her debut. Sneh Rana is back. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India Women: Shafali Verma, G. Kamalini, Richa Ghosh (wk), Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Vaishnavi Sharma, Shree Charani, Arundhati Reddy Article Source: IANS
Sunrisers Eastern Cape vs Paarl Royals, Match 7, SA20 2025-26, Who will win today SEC vs PR match?
SEC vs PR, Match 7 , Cricket Tips :The two-time champion Sunrisers Eastern Cape have started their campaign with a bang. They have recorded two big wins and collected bonus points in both matches. With 10 points, they are currently at the top of the table. Now, the Eastern Cape will lock horns with Paarl Royals in the afternoon game on Wednesday. This match will commence at 4:30 PM IST at St. George's Park. The Eastern Cape have already beaten the Capitals once, and that too by a record margin of 137 runs. Hence, they will be keen to carry on the momentum and record another win here. The Royals had a lot to think about as they struggled badly with the bat. SEC vs PR: Match Details Date : December 31, 2025 (Wednesday) Time : 4:30 PM IST Venue : St George's Park, Gqeberha SEC vs PR: Live Streaming Details In India, fans can watch the live action of the SEC vs PR clash on the Star Sports Networks. Fans can also catch the live stream on the Jio Hotstar app or website. SEC vs PR: Head-to-Head in SA20 Total Matches : 8 Sunrisers Eastern Cape : 6 Paarl Royals : 2 No-Result : 0 SEC vs PR: Ground Pitch Report St. George's Park is a good batting venue. It offers good carry and bounce, which can help the batters to play big shots. The fast bowlers can extract some movement when the ball is new. Spinners will be in the game as the ball gets old. SEC vs PR: Possible XIs Paarl Royals : Vishen Halambage, Rubin Hermann, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Asa Tribe, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Delano Potgieter, David Miller (c), Nqaba Peter Bjorn Fortuin, Ottneil Baartman, Mujeeb Ur Rahman Sunrisers Eastern Cape : Jonny Bairstow, Quinton de Kock (wk), Matthew Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs (c), Jordan Hermann, Lewis Gregory, Marco Jansen, Senuran Muthusamy, Tharindu Rathnayake, Anrich Nortje, Adam Milne SEC vs PR: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Quinton de Kock won the MOTM award in the previous game and is in good form for SEC. For the Royals, David Miller is the most experienced batter and someone who can hit big sixes at will. Probable Best Bowler Adam Milne has the most wickets in this edition and is bowling in good rhythm. For PR, Ottneil Baartman showed good discipline and picked up wickets in the first game. Today Match Prediction : Sunrisers Eastern Cape are in pretty good form and have more players performing for them. Hence, we predict SEC to wint his game. SEC vs PR Match 7, SA20 2025-26, Today Match SEC vs PR, SEC vs PR Prediction, SEC vs PR Predicted XIs, Injury Update of the match between Sunrisers Eastern Cape vs Paarl Royals Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.
Sri Lanka bowl; Kamalini debuts as India rest Mandhana
Both teams made two changes for the final game of the series
Shaheen Afridi Ruled Out Of BBL 15 With A Knee Injury, To Fly To Lahore For Rehab
The T20 World Cup: Pakistan quick Shaheen Shah Afridi, playing for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26, has been sidelined for the rest of the season due to a knee injury suffered in an earlier match in Australia's domestic T20 league. The Brisbane Heat announced Afridi's unavailability for the remaining matches in the BBL season in a statement on Tuesday. The Pakistan ODI captain sustained a knee cartilage injury while fielding during the final over of Brisbane Heat's match against the Adelaide Strikers at Gabba in Brisbane on Saturday (December 27). The Brisbane Heat also contacted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) medical staff, and they agreed that it would be best for the pacer to go home for further treatment before the upcoming T20 World Cup. Shaheen told Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) that he will board a plane early on Wednesday (Australia time) to return home, where he will begin his rehab at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore later this week. My injury is not serious, but I have been informed to return to Lahore, where my rehab will start, and I am confident that after a week of rehab, I will start bowling in the next ten days, the pacer was quoted www.telecomasia.net. Sources familiar with the development mentioned that the PCB considers Shaheen a crucial part of the national teams bowling unit and believes he requires proper rehabilitation, which can be effectively carried out in Lahore. The PCB has also engaged renowned sports medicine specialist Dr. Javed Mughal to manage injury issues within the Pakistan camp. The T20 World Cup will take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, but the PCB has not yet announced the 15-player squad. Recently, the selectors announced the team for the three-match series against Sri Lanka, in which Shaheen, Babar Azam, and Haris Rauf were omitted due to their BBL commitments. However, the injury has altered the situation for Shaheen, and he now faces a race against time to recover before the upcoming World Cup. Pakistan is competing in Group A with India, the USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands. The T20 World Cup will take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, but the PCB has not yet announced the 15-player squad. Recently, the selectors announced the team for the three-match series against Sri Lanka, in which Shaheen, Babar Azam, and Haris Rauf were omitted due to their BBL commitments. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The BBL was everything I had heard it would be lots of good, skilful cricket. I have enjoyed the challenge. I will be cheering for the team while recovering from my unexpected injury, and I hope our paths cross again, he added. Article Source: IANS
Sri Lanka Appoint Lasith Malinga As Fast Bowling Consultant To Aid T20 World Cup Preparations
ICC T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has appointed Lasith Malinga, one of their greatest bowlers in white-ball cricket, as Consultant- Fast Bowling Coach for the national men's team on a short one-month term to support their preparations for the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup 2026 to be jointly hosted with India. Malinga, one of the few sling bowlers, has represented Sri Lanka in 30 Tests, 226 One-Day Internationals, and 84 Twenty20 Internationals, claiming 101, 338, and 107 wickets, respectively, in each category. He was a key member of the Sri Lanka team that won the ICC T20 World Cup in 2014 in Bangladesh and finished as runners-up twice -- in 2009 in England and 2012 at home. He had also finished as a runner-up twice in the 50-over World Cup -- in 2007 and 2011. Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce the appointment of Lasith Malinga as the Consultant Fast Bowling Coach for the National Mens Team. His appointment is on a short-term basis for a period of one month, effective from December 15 to January 25, 2026. Malinga will support the preparation and development of Sri Lankas national fast bowlers as part of the build-up to the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026, the SLC informed in a release on Tuesday. The Sri Lanka Cricket aims to leverage Malingas vast international experience and renowned expertise in death bowling, particularly in the shortest format of the game, to strengthen Sri Lankas preparations for the upcoming World Cup, the release said. The ICC Mens T20 World Cup, co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India, will commence on February 7, 2026, with the opening match scheduled to be played at the SSC, Colombo. The Sri Lanka Cricket aims to leverage Malingas vast international experience and renowned expertise in death bowling, particularly in the shortest format of the game, to strengthen Sri Lankas preparations for the upcoming World Cup, the release said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Malinga has played for Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians from 2008 till 2017 and then from 2019-2020, Besides, he has represented Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League, Guyana Amazon Warriors in Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Dhaka Gladiators, Rangapur Riders and Khulna Titans in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and Ruhana Royals and Southern Express in the domestic Sri Lanka Premier League. Article Source: IANS
Perry, Sutherland withdraw from WPL 2026 for personal reasons
Tara Norris will also miss the WPL for UP Warriorz to play for USA in the T20 World Cup Qualifiers
Turner's 99* helps Perth Scorchers jump to third spot
He helped revive Scorchers from 34 for 3 to 202 before Thunder collapsed in the chase
Shafali, Renuka close in on top five in ICC T20I rankings
Shafali has advanced four places among batters whereas Renuka went up eight spots on the bowlers' charts
WPL 2026: Perry, Sutherland Withdraw; US Bowler Tara Norris To Miss League For National Duty
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Just 10 days before the start of its fourth edition, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals have suffered a setback with experienced Australian all-rounders Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland withdrawing from the upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026. Both have cited personal reasons for pulling out of the WPL, which begins on January 9. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have named Sayali Satghare as a replacement for Perry. Satghare, who represents Mumbai at the domestic level and has been part of the Gujarat Giants squad earlier, will join RCB at her reserve price of INR 30 lakh. Three-time finalists Delhi Capitals have named fellow Aussie Alana King as a replacement for Sutherland. The Australian leg-spinner, who represented UP Warriorz in the previous season, has featured in 27 T20Is and picked up 27 wickets. King will join DC at a reserve price of INR 60 lakh. Meanwhile, left-arm medium pacer Tara Norris has been selected for the USA national team for the 2026 ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, scheduled to be held in Nepal from January 18 to February 1, 2026. As a result, she will be unavailable for the Womens Premier League 2026. UP Warriorz have named uncapped Australian all-rounder Charli Knott as her replacement. Knott has been signed at a reserve price of INR 10 lakh. Meanwhile, left-arm medium pacer Tara Norris has been selected for the USA national team for the 2026 ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, scheduled to be held in Nepal from January 18 to February 1, 2026. As a result, she will be unavailable for the Womens Premier League 2026. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Two-time winners Mumbai Indians Women will take on 2024 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Match 1 of the fourth edition at the DY Patil Stadium. Article Source: IANS
Oman Announce Jatinder Singh-led Squad For T20 World Cup
T20 World Cup: Jatinder Singh will lead Oman once again as the team have announced their 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, starting on February 7. Wicketkeeper-batter Vinayak Shukla has been named Jatinder's deputy as Oman made five changes to the squad that played in the Asia Cup earlier in the year. Jatinder, who missed out on selection for the squad in the previous T20 World Cup, is Oman's most experienced player and leading T20 run-scorer. Oman will look to make a mark in their fourth appearance at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. In the upcoming edition, they are placed in Group B alongside Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland and Zimbabwe. Oman qualified for the tournament through the ICC Asia-EAP Qualifier, finishing second behind Nepal. They will face co-hosts Sri Lanka, 2021 winners Australia, Zimbabwe and Ireland in Group B at the World Cup. The Asian side begin their campaign against Zimbabwe on February 9 in Colombo. The 20-team tournament will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka over 29 days and at eight venues (five in India and three in Sri Lanka). A total of 40 group matches will be played between February 7 and 20, with the top two sides from each group progressing to the Super Eights phase of the tournament, which commences on February 21. The top four sides at the completion of the Super Eights qualify for the knockout stages of the event, with semi-finals to be held in Kolkata/Colombo and Mumbai, ahead of the title decider on March 8 in Ahmedabad/Colombo. A total of 40 group matches will be played between February 7 and 20, with the top two sides from each group progressing to the Super Eights phase of the tournament, which commences on February 21. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Jatinder Singh (capt), Vinayak Shukla (vice-capt), Mohammad Nadeem, Shakeel Ahmad, Hammad Mirza, Wasim Ali, Karan Sonavale, Faisal Shah, Nadeem Khan, Sufyan Mehmood, Jay Odedra, Shafiq Jan, Ashish Odedra, Jiten Ramanandi, Hasnain Ali Shah Article Source: IANS
Mini Khel Mahakumbh To Be Held In Surat From January 9 To 12
Veer Narmad South Gujarat University: At a time when children are increasingly glued to mobile phones and digital gadgets, Gandhinagar-based Childrens Research University has taken a commendable initiative to bring Gujarats young talent back to the playground and nurture their abilities through a scientific approach. The university will organise the State-level Under-11 Athletics Meet Season 4.0 in Surat from January 9 to 12, 2026. The event has generated enthusiastic participation, with more than 4,500 child athletes registering from across the state. Envisioned as a Mini Khel Mahakumbh, the meet is not merely a competition but a concerted effort to identify and provide a platform for Gujarats hidden sporting talent at an early age. A total of 11 athletic events will be held during the meet. As many as 1,056 winners will be awarded prize money amounting to Rs 22 lakh. In addition, winning athletes will get a direct opportunity for admission to the District Level Sports School (DLSS) run by the Sports Authority of Gujarat (SAG), a move expected to be a game-changer for their sporting careers. The competition will be hosted at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat, and will feature separate categories for boys and girls in Under-9 and Under-11 age groups. Events include 60m, 100m, 200m and 400m races, hurdles, tennis ball throw, medicine ball throw, standing broad jump, long jump, high jump and javelin throw. Organisers highlighted that sports are not limited to physical exercise alone, but play a crucial role in a childs mental development and character building. Developing sports skills through a scientific framework, they said, will help children become physically fit, mentally resilient and better prepared for the future. Gujarat has steadily built a strong and modern sports infrastructure over the past decade, positioning itself as one of Indias leading states for sports development. The state hosts world-class facilities such as the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the worlds largest cricket stadium, along with international-standard arenas for football, athletics, swimming and indoor sports. Developing sports skills through a scientific framework, they said, will help children become physically fit, mentally resilient and better prepared for the future. Gujarat has steadily built a strong and modern sports infrastructure over the past decade, positioning itself as one of Indias leading states for sports development. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Continuous investment in stadiums, synthetic tracks, hostels, sports science support and talent identification programmes under the Sports Authority of Gujarat has helped nurture young athletes, while successfully hosting national and international events, reflecting the states growing focus on sports excellence and athlete-centric development. Article Source: IANS
Former Sri Lanka U19 Cricketer Akshu Fernando Passes Away After 8 Years In A Coma
Former Sri Lanka U19: Akshu Fernando, the former Sri Lanka Under-19 cricketer, tragically passed away on Tuesday, nearly seven years after being left in a coma following a devastating railway accident. Fernando, 25, had been in critical condition since December 28, 2018, when he was struck by a train while crossing an unprotected railway track near Mount Lavinia Beach. The incident occurred as he was returning from a team running session, leaving him with severe head injuries and multiple fractures. He was immediately placed on life support and remained under constant medical care, with his family by his side throughout his long battle for recovery. A leading Sri Lankan newspaper reported the passing of the young cricketer, quoting international commentator Roshan Abeysinghe. Just heard the sad news that Akshu Fernando has passed away. He was truly a wonderful young man whose promising career was cut short by a cruel accident. A quality player for his school and his final club Ragama. Its a sad day for all of us who knew him. A cheerful, friendly and thorough gentleman was he. We will miss you Akshu and remember you for the rest of our life. Rest in peace sweet prince, Abeysinghe said. At the time of the accident, Fernando was considered one of Sri Lankas brightest young cricketing talents. He had represented his country at the 2010 ICC Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand, where he made a significant impact, particularly in the semifinal against Australia. He scored 52 runs in that match, becoming Sri Lanka's top scorer in a contest that saw them narrowly miss out on a place in the final. A product of St Peter's College in Colombo, Fernandos school cricket career was nothing short of exceptional. He led the Under-13, Under-15, and Under-17 teams and was the vice-captain of the Under-19 side. His leadership and field talent earned him a place at several prestigious local clubs, including Colts Sports Club, Panadura Sports Club, Chilaw Marians, and Ragama Sports Club. At the time of the accident, Fernando was considered one of Sri Lankas brightest young cricketing talents. He had represented his country at the 2010 ICC Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand, where he made a significant impact, particularly in the semifinal against Australia. He scored 52 runs in that match, becoming Sri Lanka's top scorer in a contest that saw them narrowly miss out on a place in the final. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Fernando's sudden death concludes a lengthy period marked by significant physical and emotional pain. It also brings back memories of a promising cricketing journey that many thought could have ascended to the top levels of international cricket. Article Source: IANS
Afridi to return to Pakistan from the BBL after picking up knee injury
Due to an unexpected injury, I have been called back by the PCB and will have to take a rehab, Shaheen Shah Afridi writes on his social media handle
Jatinder to lead Oman in T20 World Cup 2026; no place for Aamir Kaleem
Oman made five changes to their squad from the team that played in the Asia Cup earlier in the year
Sports Review 2025: Looking back at a fascinating year
Fans witnessed many interesting contests in the field of sports. From the French Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open finals between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner to Divya Deshmukh's Chess World Cup win to the Indian women's triumph at the World Cup at home, there were many moments worth savouring.
Pandya Likely To Play Two Games For Baroda In Vijay Hazare Trophy, Set To Be Rested For NZ ODIs
Asia Cup Super Fours: Indias seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to feature in two of Baroda's final three Vijay Hazare Trophy league matches in January, before being rested for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting on January 11. Yes, its confirmed that Hardik will turn out for Baroda in their Vijay Hazare games on January 3 and 8, which are against Vidarbha and Chandigarh. Hes not there for the clash against Jammu & Kashmir on January 6, as he needs ample break to manage his load in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup. Hardik was wishing to turn out in ODIs against New Zealand, but the team think-tank advised him to rest from the series, as they want him in fine fettle for the subsequent T20I series and the all-important T20 World Cup, a source familiar with the matter told IANS on Tuesday. Pandya last played an ODI for India in March, which was the 2025 Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai. Along with ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, whose workload also needs ample management, Pandya is expected to return for Indias five-match T20I series against New Zealand starting in Nagpur on January 21, before the T20 World Cup begins on February 7. Both Pandya and Bumrah are considered indispensable to India's T20 World Cup title defence hopes by the team management, though the latter has been exempted from featuring in Vijay Hazare Trophy games. Pandya returned to full all-round duties during India's 3-1 T20I series victory over South Africa in December after recovering from a quadriceps injury sustained in the Asia Cup Super Fours match against Sri Lanka in September. The injury had sidelined him from the Asia Cup final against Pakistan and India's subsequent 2-1 T20I series win in Australia. India's ODI squad for the New Zealand series will be announced when the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel meets in the first week of January. Shubman Gill could return to lead the side for the matches in Vadodara, Rajkot and Indore after missing the 2-1 ODI series win over South Africa due to a neck injury. The selectors are expected to get an official update on the status of Shreyas Iyer, who has been training and building up his fitness at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. India's ODI squad for the New Zealand series will be announced when the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel meets in the first week of January. Shubman Gill could return to lead the side for the matches in Vadodara, Rajkot and Indore after missing the 2-1 ODI series win over South Africa due to a neck injury. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The selectors are also likely to deliberate over the second keeper slot, especially with T20 World Cup-bound Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel in fine form, thus giving stiff competition to the incumbent Rishabh Pant. Article Source: IANS
Deepti Continues To Reign Atop; Shafali, Richa, Renuka Make Big Strides In T20I Rankings
T20I Batter Rankings: India opener Shafali Verma's recent resurgence has been further fuelled by her impressive performance in the ongoing T20I series against Sri Lanka, helping her climb to the sixth spot in the latest Women's T20I Batter Rankings. The young Indian star has gained four spots, bringing her closer to the top position she previously held in 2020, becoming only the second Indian player, after Mithali Raj, to achieve the number one ranking in T20I cricket. Shafali has found her best form again, building on her brilliant performance in last month's ICC Womens Cricket World Cup Final. There, she notched up 87 runs and took two wickets, playing a pivotal role in securing India's first-ever 50-over World Cup title. Her stellar form has carried over into the T20 format, where she has been in sensational touch against Sri Lanka, scoring three half-centuries and leading the run-scoring charts in the series. Shafali now trailed top-ranked Australian batter Beth Mooney by just 60 rating points, showing her growing dominance in the T20I format. Richa Ghosh, another Indian player, has also seen a significant rise in the T20I batter rankings. The 22-year-old moved up seven places to join the 20th position, following her match-winning 40 not out in the fourth game of the series against Sri Lanka. Indias bowling ranks have also seen a surge, with Renuka Singh and Shree Charani making notable strides. Renuka, who took a brilliant four-wicket haul in the third match of the series, jumped eight spots to join the top six in the T20I bowler rankings. Left-arm spinner Shree Charani has gained 17 places, now sitting at 52nd, while Vaishnavi Sharma has seen an extraordinary leap of 390 places to reach 124th in her debut international series. Meanwhile, Deepti Sharma continues to hold the top spot among T20I bowlers, and Hayley Matthews from the West Indies maintains a strong lead among T20I all-rounders. Left-arm spinner Shree Charani has gained 17 places, now sitting at 52nd, while Vaishnavi Sharma has seen an extraordinary leap of 390 places to reach 124th in her debut international series. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With India taking a commanding 4-0 lead in the five-match series and aiming for a whitewash on Tuesday, the rankings reflect their dominance, with both batters and bowlers on the rise. Article Source: IANS
Archer Named In England's Provisional Squad For T20 World Cup
The T20 World Cup: Jofra Archer has been named in England's squad for the T20 World Cup despite missing the last two Ashes Tests due to injury, as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced the Harry Brook-led provisional squad for the upcoming T20 mega spectacle and the white-ball series against Sri Lanka. England play three ODIs and as many as T20Is in Sri Lanka in the build-up to the T20 World Cup, starting from February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. Archer, who is still recovering from a side strain sustained during the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, however, will not be part of the Sri Lanka tour. Meanwhile, pace bowler Josh Tongue, who has never played a white-ball international for England, is rewarded for his Ashes performances with inclusion in the World Cup squad. Harry Brook will captain England in the upcoming T20 World Cup, with Tom Banton, Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, and Phil Salt forming the core of the team for the prestigious event. The England Mens selection panel has named the squads for next months white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, which includes three One-Day Internationals (ODIs), three IT20s, and a provisional squad for the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026, hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka in February and March, the ECB said in a statement. Nottinghamshire seamer Josh Tongue has been selected in the T20 squad for the first time. Sussex fast bowler Jofra Archer is included in the provisional T20 World Cup squad but will miss the tour of Sri Lanka as he continues his rehabilitation with the England medical team following the left side strain sustained during the third Ashes Test in Adelaide earlier this month. Durham seamer Brydon Carse is included in the squad touring Sri Lanka. Surrey batting all-rounder Will Jacks returns to both squads, having missed the New Zealand white-ball tour in October. Kent top-order batter Zak Crawley returns to the ODI squad for the first time since December 2023 and will be looking to add to his eight caps in the format. The tour party departs on January 18, 2026, the statement further read. The ODI series in Sri Lanka will be played on January 22, 24 and 27 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, before the action shifts to to the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy for the T20Is, which will be played on January 30, February 1 and 3. The T20 World Cup will be played from February 7 across venues in India and Sri Lanka, with the summit clash scheduled for March 8. The ODI series in Sri Lanka will be played on January 22, 24 and 27 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, before the action shifts to to the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy for the T20Is, which will be played on January 30, February 1 and 3. Also Read: Live Cricket Score England squad for ODIs in Sri Lanka: Harry Brook, Rehan Ahmed, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Luke Wood. Article Source: IANS
WPL 2026: Mumbai Indians Players Begin Pre-season Training
Head Coach Lisa Keightley: Two-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have commenced their training camp ahead of the upcoming Womens Premier League (WPL) season. The fourth edition of WPL will take place across two venues: the first leg in Navi Mumbais DY Patil Stadium and the second in Vadodaras Kotambi Stadium from January 9 to February 5. Under the leadership of Head Coach Lisa Keightley, Bowling Coach and Team Mentor Jhulan Goswami, Batting Coach Devieka Palshikaar, and other support staff, the players who have already arrivedSaika Ishaque, Sajana S, Sanskriti Gupta, Poonam Khemnar, Triveni Vasistha, N Kranthi Reddy, and Rahila Firdous began their pre-season training. Speaking about the camp, Keightley said, It's really good. We've had one training. It was great to work with domestic players. Really excited to see what they can do. Its a good opportunity to watch, to see and communicate and make connections with the players. I'm really excited and really impressed with what I have seen so far. So let's see how we go for the rest of the week._ The session emphasised fitness, skill evaluation, and team cohesion, helping players reconnect with match routines under the supervision of the coaching staff. The group laid the groundwork for the upcoming weeks through a combination of structured drills and net sessions, as the squad continues to arrive, gaining momentum and building cohesion before the season begins. The defending champions will kick off their campaign on the opening day of the tournament, on January 9, 2026, against the WPL 2024 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The session emphasised fitness, skill evaluation, and team cohesion, helping players reconnect with match routines under the supervision of the coaching staff. The group laid the groundwork for the upcoming weeks through a combination of structured drills and net sessions, as the squad continues to arrive, gaining momentum and building cohesion before the season begins. Also Read: Live Cricket Score MI Squad for WPL 2026: Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews, Amanjot Kaur, Kamalini G, Amelia Kerr, Shabnim Ismail, Rahila Firdous, Sajana S, Sanskriti Gupta, Nicola Carey, Poonam Khemnar, Triveni Vasistha, Nalla Reddy, Milly Illingworth, Saika Ishaque Article Source: IANS
Archer and Tongue part of England's provisional squad for T20 World Cup
Jamie Smith, Jordan Cox and Saqib Mahmood have been axed from the provisional squad and the white-ball squads touring Sri Lanka
Suryakumar Yadav Visits Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple
Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swamy: Indias T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and his wife Devisha Shetty paid a visit to the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Tirumala, in Andhra Pradesh and offered their prayers on the occasion of Vaikuntha Ekadashi. They prayed to Lord Venkateswara and passed through the Vaikuntha Dwaram (celestial gate) as the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) officials made arrangements for their darshan and facilitated their visit to the temple on the hill. Their visit received a warm reception from both devotees and temple staff. Wearing traditional clothing, they engaged in the rituals humbly, showcasing the strong cultural and spiritual bonds that many Indian athletes uphold despite their busy professional lives. This morning, they had darshan of the Lord. Following the darshan, the priests blessed them in the Ranganayakulavari Mandapam inside the temple. They then offered the Tirtha Prasadam and presented the Lord's vestments. Suryakumar's most recent outing for India was in the recently concluded T20I series against South Africa, where he led the Men in Blue to a 3-1 victory against the Proteas. Hell next be seen leading the side in the five T20Is against New Zealand in January 2026, which will serve as a preparatory series for both sides before they head into the T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin February 7. This morning, they had darshan of the Lord. Following the darshan, the priests blessed them in the Ranganayakulavari Mandapam inside the temple. They then offered the Tirtha Prasadam and presented the Lord's vestments. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India's squad for the T20 World Cup and New Zealand T20 series: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Tilak Verma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dubey, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper). Article Source: IANS
A Resounding Year That Saw Indian Men's Hockey Team Retain Asia No.1 Status
Hero Hockey India League: A resounding victory at the Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar reinstated the Indian men's hockey team's status as the No.1 side in Asia. The title victory after a gap of eight years was a highlight of 2025 for Craig Fulton and team as they trounced giants like Korea, China and Malaysia in the tournament. The year started with a good outing at the home leg of FIH Pro League, soon after the revamped Hero Hockey India League (HIL) that saw some pacy performances from players on the fringes who were pushing for a place in the senior side. The international season kicked off with the Pro League in Bhubaneswar, where India tasted good results against Spain, Germany, Ireland and England. The team led by Harmanpreet Singh won six out of the eight matches on the back of a long HIL season which began soon after the Olympic success where the team had won bronze in Paris and backed it up with an Asian Champions Trophy win in China. However, the Pro League ended on a dull note for India in Europe, where they could only muster one consolation win against Belgium and lost their matches against Australia, the Netherlands and Argentina in June. But they rewrote the script in August by lifting the Asian crown. Another highlight for this squad was their outing in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, where India 'A' side, with most of their star players such as Harmanpreet Singh, Manpreet Singh and Hardik Singh rested, put up a valiant show. They lost the title by a whisker (0-1) to Belgium but beat Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand and Canada in an inspiring fashion. However, the Pro League ended on a dull note for India in Europe, where they could only muster one consolation win against Belgium and lost their matches against Australia, the Netherlands and Argentina in June. Also Read: Live Cricket Score This puts us in good stead for a busy year in 2026 with the Asian Games and the World Cup being close to eachother and we can have different options in the squad, expressed Captain Harmanpreet Singh, who capped off the year as the highest goal scorer for India. Article Source: IANS
BCB Postpones Tuesdays BPL Matches After Ex-PM Khaleda Zias Demise
The Bangladesh Cricket Board: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has postponed both Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) matches scheduled for Tuesday, following the death of Khaleda Zia, the country's former prime minister, earlier in the morning. The decision was made shortly after the news of her passing and just a couple of hours before the toss for the first match of the day, between Sylhet Titans and Chattogram Royals at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and former Prime Minister of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh, the BCB stated in an X post. The BCB recalls with gratitude her constant blessings and good wishes for the progress of cricket in the country. During her tenure as Prime Minister, she provided outstanding support for the development of cricket in Bangladesh, significantly contributing to improvements in cricket infrastructure and the growth of the sport nationwide. Her vision and encouragement helped pave the way for many of the advancements the game enjoys today. The Bangladesh Cricket Board joins the whole country in profound grief at this great loss and extends its heartfelt condolences. We pray for the eternal peace of her soul, the post read further. In another post, the board mentioned, In respect of the nations mourning and in honour of Begum Khaleda Zias legacy, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announces that todays scheduled Bangladesh Premier League T20 202526 matches, Sylhet Titans vs Chattogram Royals and Dhaka Capitals vs Rangpur Riders have been cancelled and will be rescheduled. The Bangladesh Cricket Board joins the whole country in profound grief at this great loss and extends its heartfelt condolences. We pray for the eternal peace of her soul, the post read further. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Due to multiple breaks between matchdays, the postponement is not expected to affect the overall schedule significantly. Article Source: IANS
BPL: Tuesday games postponed following former PM Khaleda Zia's death
Further details on the revised fixtures will be communicated in due course, the BCB says
SA20: Sunrisers Clinch Bonus Point Win Over Pretoria Capitals
The Kiwi Express Milne: Quinton de Kock's batting masterclass powered Sunrisers Eastern Cape to 48-run bonus point win over Pretoria Capitals at St Georges Park The victory propelled the Sunrisers to top of the SA20 table with 10 points, while the Capitals remain winless after two matches. The Gqeberha locals came out in their thousands to deck South Africas oldest Test venue in a sea of orange for the first home game of Season 4 with the iconic brass band getting everyone in the festive spirit to deliver yet another memorable SA20 night. De Kock certainly gave them plenty to cheer for with the left-hander blazing 77 off just 47 balls (5x4, 6x6). The left-hander struck the ball sweetly from the outset with a couple of rasping lofted cover drives interspersed with powerful pull shots. Matthew Breetzke (52 off 33 balls) was the perfect partner for De Kock after the early demise of Jonny Bairstow with the pair putting together an electrifying 116-run partnership off just 70 balls. This laid the platform for the in-form Jordan Hermann (37 off 20 balls) to unleash a series of conventional and reverse sweeps that pushed Sunrisers to an impressive 188/6. The four Player of the Match candidates were Matthew Breetzke, Quinton de Kock, Shai Hope and Adam Milne with the 'QDK' winning 69.3 per cent of the fan vote. The total proved way beyond the reach of the Capitals with the Sunrisers unleashing their three-pronged pace arsenal of Marco Jansen, Adam Milne and Anrich Nortje. Jansen required just six balls to strike the first blow when he removed Capitals opener Bryce Parsons with a rasping delivery that the left-hander could only fend off to De Kock behind the stumps. The Kiwi Express Milne (4-25) was next in the act when he dismissed West Indian Shai Hope (36 off 19 balls) just as he threatened to build an innings of substance. The four Player of the Match candidates were Matthew Breetzke, Quinton de Kock, Shai Hope and Adam Milne with the 'QDK' winning 69.3 per cent of the fan vote. The total proved way beyond the reach of the Capitals with the Sunrisers unleashing their three-pronged pace arsenal of Marco Jansen, Adam Milne and Anrich Nortje. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Capitals innings disintegrated from thereon with Milne running through the visitors tail, while left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy delivered arguably the ball of the night to clean bowl a well-set Will Smeed (35 off 27 balls). Article Source: IANS
Ashleigh Gardner Continue To Captain Gujarat Giants In WPL 2026
Ashleigh Gardner: Gujarat Giants have announced that Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner will continue to lead the franchise in the upcoming season of the Womens Premier League (WPL) Gardner, a three-time T20 Womens World Cup winner, assumed the captaincy at the franchise from Australian teammate Beth Mooney last season. Under her leadership, Gujarat Giants reached the playoffs for the first time in three seasons. Experience in her stride. Belief in her voice. Ash Gardner steps up once more as our CAPTAIN, primed to take us to glory, the Giants shared on its social media. Since WPLs inception in 2023, Gardner has been an integral part of the Gujarat Giants side, scoring 568 runs and bagging 25 wickets in 25 games. She was one of the two players, the other being Beth Mooney for Rs. 2.5 crore, retained by the Giants prior to the WPL 2026 Auction for Rs. 3.5 crore. Last season, Gardner hogged the limelight with her consistent all-round performances in the recently. Batting in the middle-order, Gardner finished as our leading run-scorer in the tournament with 243 runs in nine matches at an impressive strike rate of 164.18, while also maintaining an average of 30.37. The Aussie allrounder also contributed with her right-arm off-spin and claimed eight wickets at an economy of 8.03. The skipper claimed the Most Sixes award with 18 maximums to her name. With eight points from eight matches, Giants finished third in the WPL 2025 standings to book a place in the Eliminator. However, their fruitful season ended in the Eliminator after going down to eventual champions Mumbai Indians. The Aussie allrounder also contributed with her right-arm off-spin and claimed eight wickets at an economy of 8.03. The skipper claimed the Most Sixes award with 18 maximums to her name. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Giants will open their campaign against UP Warriorz in Navi Mumbai on January 10. Article Source: IANS
Blind Womens T20 WC Winning Team A symbol Of Empowerment: MP Guv
Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel: Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel on Monday praised the Indian Blind Womens T20 World Cup 2025 winning team, describing it as a symbol of womens empowerment. Governor Patel made this remark during an interaction with three players from Madhya Pradesh in the national blind womens T20 teamSushma Patel, Sunita Sarathe and Durga Yewale at Lok Bhavan, Bhopal. Their victory is an excellent example of the courage and inner strength of persons with disabilities. The daughters achievement is a matter of inspiration and pride for every citizen of the country, and the visually impaired women players have brought glory to Madhya Pradesh and India on the global stage through their outstanding performance, the Governor stated. He felicitated all three players with shawls and mementoes and encouraged them and their coach, extending congratulations and best wishes for their bright future. The Indian womens blind cricket team created history on 23 November 2025 by defeating Nepal in the final of the T20 World Cup held in Colombo and winning the inaugural title. The national side included three talented players from Madhya PradeshSunita Sarathe from Narmadapuram district, Sushma Patel from Damoh district, and Durga Yewale from Betul district. Two weeks ago, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had welcomed three players at his residence and had announced a cash reward of Rs 25 lakh to each of the three. The national side included three talented players from Madhya PradeshSunita Sarathe from Narmadapuram district, Sushma Patel from Damoh district, and Durga Yewale from Betul district. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Indian Women's Blind Cricket Team clinched the title in the inaugural Blind Women's T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. In the final held in Colombo, India defeated Nepal by seven wickets after overcoming Australia in the semi-finals. Article Source: IANS
Legends 90 League Unveil Season Four In Dubai
Former South Africa: Building on the success of its first three seasons, the Legends 90 League (L90) officially unveiled season four at a grand launch ceremony held on Monday at Shangri-La Dubai. The launch event was graced by renowned international cricketing stars Harbhajan Singh, JP Duminy, and James Vince, along with league officials, team representatives, partners, and members of the media. A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of the official team jerseys and the Legends 90 League season 4 trophy, symbolising the leagues growing stature and its continued commitment to delivering world-class cricketing entertainment to fans across the globe. Sharing his thoughts at the launch, former Indian spinner and World Cup winner Harbhajan Singh said, The Legends 90 League has carved out a unique space in world cricket by bringing together iconic players in an exciting and innovative format. Its encouraging to see how the league has grown over the years, and Season 4 promises to be even bigger and better for fans. Former South Africa all-rounder JP Duminy highlighted the competitive appeal of the format, saying, What makes Legends 90 League special is the intensity packed into a short format. The 90-ball concept keeps the game fast, aggressive and entertaining, while still allowing experienced players to showcase their skills at the highest level. Echoing similar sentiments, England batter James Vince added, This league strikes a great balance between nostalgia and modern cricket. Fans get to see legendary names alongside current stars, and the energy around Legends 90 League is something truly exciting. Over the past three seasons, the Legends 90 League has featured some of the biggest names in world cricket, including Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, and Chris Gayle, captivating audiences with high-quality performances and competitive matches. Echoing similar sentiments, England batter James Vince added, This league strikes a great balance between nostalgia and modern cricket. Fans get to see legendary names alongside current stars, and the energy around Legends 90 League is something truly exciting. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The fourth season of the Legends 90 League is scheduled to be played in March 2026 and will once again bring together legendary international cricketers and modern stars in its fast-paced 90-ball format, promising high-intensity action and a memorable experience for cricket fans worldwide. Article Source: IANS
Aman Khan concedes 123 runs, the most in a men's List A game
The previous record was held by Arunachal's Mibom Mosu, who had given away 116 earlier this month
Sreejith V. Nair Elected New President Of Kerala Cricket Association
Kerala Sports Infrastructure Development Scheme: Sreejith V. Nair has been elected as the new President of the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) during the organisations 75th Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) held on Monday. Nair, a former treasurer and secretary of the Association, will take over from Jayesh George, whos currently serving as Chairman of the Womens Premier League (WPL). Satheesan K, a former member of the Apex Council, has been elected as the Vice President. Incumbent Secretary Vinod S. Kumar and Joint Secretary Bineesh Kodiyeri will continue in their respective positions. T. Ajith Kumar, Secretary of the Palakkad District Cricket Association, has been elected as the new Treasurer, while Muhammed Naufal T., Secretary of the Kasaragod District Cricket Association, has been appointed as the General Body Representative to the Apex Council. The new office bearers also approved a one-year comprehensive development plan aimed at upgrading cricket infrastructure in all 14 districts and raising player development systems across the state to international standards. KCA will implement major projects under the Kerala Sports Infrastructure Development Scheme announced by the State Government, utilising the special concessions granted under the Land Act. As part of the plan, cricket grounds and related facilities will be developed in all 14 districts of the state. Infrastructure for other sports will also be developed alongside cricket facilities, with the objective of ensuring uniform training standards and modern amenities across districts, said the KCA. Nair also said the KCA aims to construct an international cricket stadium in Kochi in collaboration with the state government. Further discussions will be held with the government to secure a long-term lease of the Sports Hub International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram and to establish a High Altitude Sports Centre at Munnar for cricket, football and other sports, he said. As part of the plan, cricket grounds and related facilities will be developed in all 14 districts of the state. Infrastructure for other sports will also be developed alongside cricket facilities, with the objective of ensuring uniform training standards and modern amenities across districts, said the KCA. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In addition, the General Body resolved to further strengthen the existing High Performance Centre, ensuring advanced training facilities, sports science laboratories, fitness and rehabilitation centres, and access to expert coaches, concluded KCA. Article Source: IANS
Ashes: Bethell Credits IPL 2025 Experience For Handling Pressure Of Playing At MCG
Indian Premier League: Englands batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell said his stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this year helped him cope with the pressure of making his Ashes debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where England won by four wickets in a two-day game. Bethell, 22, came in for Ollie Pope and struck a composed 40 in England chasing down 175 to win the traditional Boxing Day match and end Englands 18-match winless streak in Tests in Australia. He was a member of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team winning IPL 2025 in Ahmedabad in June. I was pretty nervous. Not so much with the people, just the occasion, I guess. But I've played over in India where it feels like there's 160,000 people watching. This atmosphere was incredible and it was nice to get a win and contribute. The IPL, I only played two games but every game and every occasion. Definitely, just knowing what I'm able to get out of myself when the situation is like that and when the atmosphere is like that. I definitely had a lot more confidence coming into this game after playing in front of, I don't know, 50,000 - which felt like 100,000 - at the Chinnaswamy, Bethell was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo on Monday. I was pretty nervous. Not so much with the people, just the occasion, I guess. But I've played over in India where it feels like there's 160,000 people watching. This atmosphere was incredible and it was nice to get a win and contribute. Also Read: Live Cricket Score But in other scenarios it presents opportunities to score when bowlers are trying to take wickets and the field is attacking there's loads of gaps. So it's a double-edged sword but I'm enjoying it. I would like to (nail down the role). I would like to just nail down any role in the team to be honest. If you're in the XI and contributing to winning I'm pretty happy with that, added Bethell. Article Source: IANS
VHT: Shrijith, Shreyas Gopal Help Karnataka Beat TN By Four Wickets, MP Defeat Kerala
Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group: Wicketkeeper K.L. Shrijith and leg-spin bowling all-rounder Shreyas Gopal shared a match-winning 116-run partnership for the fifth wicket as defending champions Karnataka chased down 289 to beat Tamil Nadu by six wickets with 17 balls remaining in their Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group A encounter at the Gujarat College Stadium on Monday. Karnataka appeared in trouble at 136/4, especially with captain Mayank Agarwal making 58, before Shrijith, who made 77, and Gopal, who scored 55, combined to rescue their side with smart running between the wickets and clinical punishment of loose deliveries. After both fell in quick succession, Abhinav Manohar remained unbeaten on 20 while Vidyadhar Patil contributed 17 not out to guide Karnataka home with a flurry of boundaries. The victory extended Karnataka's winning streak to three matches in the tournament. Previously, Tamil Nadu captain N. Jagadeesan played a fluent 65 while Pradosh Ranjan Paul's 57 and R. Sai Kishore's 38 provided some late impetus, but Abhilash Shetty's incisive bowling led the way for Karnataka to bowl out Tamil Nadu for 288. In another Group C match at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Madhya Pradesh secured their second consecutive victory by dismissing Kerala for 167 and win by 45 runs. Himanshu Mantri top-scored with 93 off 105 balls, sharing a crucial 66-run ninth-wicket stand with Tripuresh Singh, who made 37. On a turning wicket, Kerala's batting collapsed against Madhya Pradesh's spin attack. Shubham Sharma claimed 3-16, while Shivag Kumar and Saransh Jain took two wickets each. N.M. Sharafuddeen's aggressive 42 coming at the back end of the innings reduced the margin of defeat for Kerala. Brief Scores: Tamil Nadu 288 in 49.5 overs (N. Jagadeesan 65, Pradosh Ranjan Paul 57; Abhilash Shetty 4-57) lost to Karnataka 293/6 in 47.1 overs (K.L. Shrijith 77, Mayank Agarwal 58; Sunny Sandhu 1-25, Gurjapneet Singh 1-35) by four wickets Madhya Pradesh 214 in 46.1 overs (Himanshu Mantri 93, Tripuresh Singh 37; Ankit Sharma 4-38, B Aparajith 3-36) beat Kerala 167 in 40.1 overs (N.M. Sharafuddeen 42, Salman Nizar 30; Shubham Sharma 3-16, Saransh Jain 2-17) by 47 runs Brief Scores: Tamil Nadu 288 in 49.5 overs (N. Jagadeesan 65, Pradosh Ranjan Paul 57; Abhilash Shetty 4-57) lost to Karnataka 293/6 in 47.1 overs (K.L. Shrijith 77, Mayank Agarwal 58; Sunny Sandhu 1-25, Gurjapneet Singh 1-35) by four wickets Also Read: Live Cricket Score Tripura 286 all out in 49.5 overs (Tejasvi Jaiswal 61, Sridam Paul 50; Aniket Choudhary 3-64, Khaleel Ahmed 2-51) beat Rajasthan 220 in 44.2 overs (Karan Lamba 61, Vijay Shankar 4-30) by 66 runs Article Source: IANS
VHT: Jurels Unbeaten Century Helps UP Defeat Baroda, Assam Register Win Over Hyderabad
Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group: Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel smashed a blazing unbeaten 160 off 101 balls to power Uttar Pradesh to a commanding 54-run victory over Baroda in their Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group B encounter at the Sanosara Cricket Ground 'A' on Monday. Jurel struck 15 boundaries and eight sixes as UP posted a mammoth 369/7 before dismissing Baroda for 315, despite fifties from Krunal Pandya and Shashwat Rawat, on the final ball of the match. The win earned UP four points, taking their tally to 12 after three rounds. Jurel, batting at number three after the departure of opener Aryan Juyal for 26, reached his maiden List A century in just 78 deliveries and tore into the Baroda bowling attack. He was particularly severe on pacer Rasikh Salam, plundering him for 55 runs off 14 deliveries. Jurel shared a crucial 131-run fourth-wicket partnership with big-hitter Rinku Singh, who contributed 63 off 67 balls. The wicketkeeper-batter has been in excellent form throughout the tournament, having scored half-centuries against Hyderabad and Chandigarh. Meanwhile, Sibsankar Roy struck a majestic century as Assam pulled off an improbable four-wicket victory over Hyderabad at the Niranjan Shah Stadium Ground 'C'. Roy scored 112 off 109 balls, hitting 11 fours and a six, and shared a crucial 142-run third-wicket partnership with young opener Saurav Dihingia, who made 91 off 112 deliveries. Denish Das provided late impetus with a brisk 54 off 46 balls to lay the foundation for Assam chasing 312 in a thrilling fashion. Hyderabad openers Tanmay Agarwal and Rahul Singh Gahlaut gave their side a solid start after choosing to bat. Gahlaut top-scored with 79 off 71 balls, hitting 14 fours. Abhirath Reddy contributed 54 off 66 balls at number three, while Varun Goud's 42 and a late cameo from K. Nitesh Reddy, who smashed 53 off just 25 balls with four fours and three sixes, helped Hyderabad post 309, which wasnt adequate to stop Assam from registering an improbable win. On the other hand, Mukesh Kumar's maiden five-wicket haul in List A, along with Abishek Porel's brilliant 106 & Shahbaz Ahmed's superb all-round show powered Bengal to a six-wicket victory over Chandigarh. Brief Scores: Uttar Pradesh 369/7 in 50 overs (Dhruv Jurel 160 not out, Rinku Singh 63; Raj Limbani 4-74) beat Baroda 315 all out in 50 overs (Krunal Pandya 82, Shashwat Rawat 60; Zeeshan Ansari 3-53, Sameer Rizvi 2-61) by 54 runs Hyderabad 310/8 in 50 overs (Rahul Singh Gahlaut 79, Abhirath Reddy 54; Abdul Ajij Kuraishi 3-71, Sibsankar Roy 2-26) lost to Assam 314/6 in 49.3 overs (Sibsankar Roy 112, Saurav Dihingia 91; CV Milind 3-68, Varun 1-52) by four wickets Brief Scores: Uttar Pradesh 369/7 in 50 overs (Dhruv Jurel 160 not out, Rinku Singh 63; Raj Limbani 4-74) beat Baroda 315 all out in 50 overs (Krunal Pandya 82, Shashwat Rawat 60; Zeeshan Ansari 3-53, Sameer Rizvi 2-61) by 54 runs Also Read: Live Cricket Score Jammu & Kashmir 311/9 in 50 overs (Yawer Hassan 79, Qamran Iqbal 54; Yash Thakur 3-73, Yash Kadam 2-10) lost to Vidarbha 315/5 in 48.3 overs (Aman Mokhade 139, R Samarth 114; Yudhvir Singh 3-69, Auqib Nabi 2-65) by five wickets Article Source: IANS
VHT: Priyansh, Tejasvi Fifties Help Delhi Chase Down 321, Beat Saurashtra By Three Wickets
Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group: Openers Priyansh Arya and Tejasvi Dahiya hit aggressive half-centuries as Delhi successfully chased down 321 to beat Saurashtra by three wickets in a high-scoring Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group D encounter at the Alur Cricket Ground on Monday. Arya smashed 78 off 45 balls while Tejasvi made 53 off 51 deliveries to lay the foundation for Delhi to complete their chase in 48.5 overs. Saurashtra posted 320/7 in their 50 overs, with opener Vishvarajsinh Jadeja scoring 115 off 104 balls while Ruchit Ahir was unbeaten on 95 from 65 deliveries. Captain Rishabh Pant managed just 22 off 26 balls before being caught by Jay Gohil off Chirag Jani's bowling. Harsh Tyagi's unbeaten 49 off 45 balls and Navdeep Saini's 34 not out proved crucial in the closing stages as the pair guided Delhi home. Senior pacer Saini also impressed with the ball, claiming 3-41 runs in his 10 overs. The victory lifted Delhi to the top of Group D with 12 points from three matches. Meanwhile, Govinda Poddar produced a match-winning all-round performance as Odisha defeated Andhra by six wickets. Poddar claimed 3-36 to help Odisha bundle out Andhra for 221 all out in 49.2 overs before scoring 89 off 105 balls in the successful chase. Brief Scores: Saurashtra 320/7 in 50 overs (Vishvarajsinh Jadeja 115, Ruchit Ahir 95 not out; Navdeep Saini 3-41) lost to Delhi 321/7 in 48.5 overs (Priyansh Arya 78, Tejasvi Dahiya 53; Chirag Jani 2-51) by three wickets Andhra 221 all out in 49.2 overs (SDNV Prasad 66, Saurabh Kumar 47; Biplab Samantaray 3-36, Govinda Poddar 3-36) lost to Odisha 223/4 in 43.4 overs (Govinda Poddar 89, Om T Munda 91; Satyanarayana Raju 2-49) by six wickets Brief Scores: Saurashtra 320/7 in 50 overs (Vishvarajsinh Jadeja 115, Ruchit Ahir 95 not out; Navdeep Saini 3-41) lost to Delhi 321/7 in 48.5 overs (Priyansh Arya 78, Tejasvi Dahiya 53; Chirag Jani 2-51) by three wickets Also Read: Live Cricket Score Haryana 299 all out in 50 overs (Mayank Shandilya 86, Himanshu Rana 57; Arzan Nagwaswalla 3-69, Harshal Patel 3-69) beat Gujarat 273 all out in 47.1 overs (Jaymeet Patel 67, Vishal Jayswal 51; Anshul Kamboj 3-49) by 26 runs Article Source: IANS
DSG vs JSK, Match 6 , Cricket Tips :Durban Super Giants had a good start to the fourth edition of the SA20, and they had a big win over MI Cape Town. They had a good start in the second game as well, but the rain spoiled the sport. They have three points in two games and will be in action in the third match. The Super Giants will take on Joburg Super Kings in the sixth game of this season. This contest will start at 9 PM IST on Tuesday in Kingsmead in Durban. The Super Kings also managed a winning start, with a 22-run win over Pretoria Capitals. They also showed good performance and will be keen to win another game here. DSG vs JSK: Match Details Date : December 30, 2025 (Monday) Time : 9:00 PM IST Venue : Kingsmead, Durban DSG vs JSK: Live Streaming Details To catch the live action of the DSG vs JSK contest, Indian fans can tune into the Star Sports Networks. Fans can also enjoy the live stream on the Jio Hotstar app or website. DSG vs JSK: Head-to-Head in SA20 Total Matches : 7 Joburg Super Kings : 4 Durban Super Giants : 3 No-Result : 0 DSG vs JSK: Ground Pitch Report The wicket at Kingsmead is known as a good batting deck. The good bounce here lets the stroke-maker play their shots freely. Even though the boundaries are not big, the altitude of the ground helps the ball fly high. With these conditions in favor of batters, it is always a good decision to chase. DSG vs JSK: Possible XIs Joburg Super Kings : Faf du Plessis (c), Rilee Rossouw, Donovan Ferreira (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Dian Forrester, Matthew De Villiers, Duan Jansen, Shubham Ranjane, Janco Smit, Akeal Hosein, Richard Gleeson Durban Super Giants : Devon Conway, Jos Buttler, Kane Williamson , Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Evan Jones, Aiden Markram (c), Eathan Bosch, David Wiese, Kwena Maphaka, Simon Harmer, Noor Ahmad DSG vs JSK: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Devon Conway has shown good form in both outings for DSG and will be the one to watch out for. For JSK, captain Faf du Plessis is someone who can give the team a flying start. Probable Best Bowler Ethan Bosch had a great start to this tournament with a good spell for DSG. For JSK, Akeal Hosein had a good first game, and he is among the top T20 spinners in the world. Today Match Prediction : JSK have a good lineup, but they can't match the batting strength of the DSG. Hence, we predict Durban Super Giants to win this game on Tuesday. DSG vs JSK Match 6, SA20 2025-26, Today Match DSG vs JSK, DSG vs JSK Prediction, DSG vs JSK Predicted XIs, Injury Update of the match between Durban Super Giants vs Joburg Super Kings Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.
Mumbai Indians appoint Kristen Beams as spin-bowling coach
Beams will join head coach Keightley and bowling coach and mentor Goswami in the MI support staff
Two Overs Locked At pauk In Death For The Summer Of 26: Ashwin On Ellis BBL Heroics Ahead Of IPL
Big Bash League: Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin was full of praise for Hobart Hurricanes captain Nathan Ellis, who registered figures of 3/30 in his four-over spell against the Melbourne Renegades on Monday, leading his side to a four-wicket win at the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL). Ashwin opined that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) management would be happy with how Ellis has been shaping up ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026, where the Australian is set to represent the five-time champions. The Indian veteran mentioned the Aussie quicks bowling in the death in his most recent BBL game, where he picked up two crucial wickets in two overs. Writing on X, Ashwin penned, The men in yellove will be happy with how hes been shaping up. 4-0-30-3 for Hobart Hurricanes today. Most importantly, 2-0-15-2 at the death, bowling 17 and 20, nailing his yorkers and change of pace. Safe to say two overs of Ellis are locked at the Pauk in the death for the summer of 26? Ashwin, who was set to become the first Indian male cricketer to play the Australian tournament after being signed by the Sydney Thunder, was ruled out ahead of the tournament owing to a knee injury he sustained in Chennai. Speaking of the BBL game, defending champions Hurricanes claimed their second win over the Renegades in eight days with a composed chase built around a calm finishing effort from Matthew Wade and key wickets from Ellis. Defending 162, the Renegades looked in control after their bowlers restricted Hobarts top order, with Adam Zampa removing Tim Ward and Ben McDermott in the same over. No Hurricanes batter passed 30, but Wade anchored the innings, finishing unbeaten on 43 from 30 balls. His late burst, which included three sixes and a four in the final overs, sealed the chase with six balls to spare, supported by a crucial 38-run stand with Rehan Ahmed (23). Defending 162, the Renegades looked in control after their bowlers restricted Hobarts top order, with Adam Zampa removing Tim Ward and Ben McDermott in the same over. No Hurricanes batter passed 30, but Wade anchored the innings, finishing unbeaten on 43 from 30 balls. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The win lifted Hobart to second place on the points table, with four wins and one loss from five games, while the Renegades remain at the bottom of the table with two losses and a sole win from their three outings so far. Article Source: IANS
India Women vs Sri Lanka Women, 5th T20I - Who will win today IND-W vs SL-W match?
IND-W vs SL-W , 5th T20I , Cricket Tips :India Women recorded their highest total in the fourth T20I against Sri Lanka Women, courtesy of their highest T20I opening stand between Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana. The duo also completed their half-centuries, and it was a carnage from the batters. Sri Lanka also had a decent response. They also posted their highest T20I total of 191 but fell short by 30 runs. Now, these two teams will meet in the final game at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, on Tuesday at 7 PM IST. The batting in the previous game was pretty good, and fans will expect more fireworks from the final game. Sri Lanka will fight to avoid a clean sweep. IND-W vs SL-W: Match Details Date : December 30, 2025 (Tuesday) Time : 7:00 PM IST Venue : Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram IND-W vs SL-W: Live Streaming Details The final T20I on Tuesday will be televised on the Star Sports Networks in India. Fans can also access the action on the Jio Hotstar streaming platform. IND-W vs SL-W: Head-to-Head Total Matches : 30 India : 24 Sri Lanka : 05 No-Result : 01 IND-W vs SL-W: Ground Pitch Report Greenfield International Cricket Stadium is an excellent venue. It is slightly in favor of the batters with small boundaries, good bounce, and a fast outfield. However, seamers will get some movement when the ball is new. The old ball might grip a little for the spinners as well. IND-W vs SL-W: Possible XIs India : Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harleen Deol, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Amanjot Kaur, Renuka Thakur, Vaishnavi Sharma, Shree Charani Sri Lanka : Chamari Athapaththu (c), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Malsha Shehani, Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Rashmika Sewwandi, Kaushani Nuthyangana (wk), Kawya Kavindi, Nimasha Madushani. IND-W vs SL-W: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Shafali Verma has now scored three consecutive half-centuries, and the way she plays, she can put India on top. Chamari Athapaththu scored a good fifty in the last game and showed her ability to play aggressive cricket at the top. Probable Best Bowler Vaishnavi Sharma has been the find of this series. She has bowled economically well and also taken wickets. Kavisha Dilhari has been a tough bowler for the Indian batters and will be the one to watch out for. Today Match Prediction : India have outplayed Sri Lanka in both departments in this series quite convincingly. Hence, we predict India to win the final game as well. IND-W vs SL-W 5th T20I, Today Match IND-W vs SL-W, IND-W vs SL-W Prediction, IND-W vs SL-W Predicted XIs, Injury Update of the match between India Women vs Sri Lanka Women Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.
