Category: Cricket

INDORE: Virat Kohli’s 124 went in vain as New Zealand outplayed India to win the three-match ODI series against India.

Set a daunting 338, India fell short by 41 runs as New Zealand bowled them out for 296 in 41 overs.

The victory marked the Blackcaps’ first ODI series win in India, after failing to achieve the feat previously.

The in-form Kohli, who plays just the 50-over format after retiring from Test and T20 international cricket, threatened to pull off the chase in a 99-run seventh-wicket partnership with Harshit Rana, who made 52.

New Zealand left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox returned figures of 2-42 from his 10 overs after captain Michael Bracewell left the field with a calf injury and did not return.

Mitchell led the team in Bracewell’s absence, which also left New Zealand a bowler short.

Zak Foulkes and fellow seamer Kristian Clarke took three wickets each.

India slumped to 71-4 before Kohli hit back in an 88-run stand with Nitish Kumar Reddy, who made 53, and then with Rana.

Kohli struck 10 fours and three sixes in his 108-ball knock before he was caught off Clarke and walked back to a rousing ovation af

Earlier, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips struck counter-attacking centuries as New Zealand posted 337-8

New Zealand slipped to 5-2 and then 58-3 after being invited to bat first in Indore before Mitchell and Phillips put on 219 runs for the fourth wicket.

Mitchell made 137 and Phillips hit 106 off 88 balls to take the attack to the opposition bowlers as New Zealand look for their first ODI series win in India.

The in-form Mitchell picked up where he left off from his match-winning 131 not out in the previous match, which levelled the series at 1-1.

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Mitchell reached his ninth ODI ton with a single of Ravindra Jadeja, letting out a scream and celebrating with his partner.

Phillips reached his hundred off Arshdeep Singh and pointed his bat to the sky as the crowd and the New Zealand dressing room stood to applaud.

Arshdeep finally got Phillips caught behind to end the marathon stand and Mitchell soon followed after falling to Mohammed Siraj.

New Zealand wobbled with four more wickets but captain Michael Bracewell hammered an unbeaten 28 off 18 balls to boost their total.

Left-arm quick Arshdeep struck in the first over when he bowled Henry Nicholls for a first-ball duck and Harshit Rana removed Devon Conway for five in the next over.

Rana stuck again to remove Will Young for 30 but Mitchell and Phillips then rebuilt the innings and put New Zealand on course to a challenging total.

The series will be followed by five T20s ahead of the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka between February 7 and March 8.

READ: Dominant Afghanistan crush West Indies in U19 World Cup

WINDHOEK: All-round Afghanistan sealed a comprehensive 138-run victory over the West Indies in the 11th match of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup here at the High Performance Oval on Sunday.

Set 262: West Indies batting lineup folded for 124 in 33.2 overs.

Afghanistan bowlers applied pressure from the onset, with spinner Wahidullah Zadran cutting through the top-order.

At the end of the five overs West Indies were 21-3 with Jewel Andrew and skipper Joshua Dorne at the crease.

The pair stabilized the innings with a 30-run partnership, bringing the total to over 50 run mark.

However, Apple’s dismissal sparked another collapse that West Indies could not recover from.

Jewel Andrew was the silver lining for West Indies, top scoring with 56 from 70 balls with the aid of four boundaries and three sixes.

For Afghanistan, Nooristani Omarzai starred with the ball, picking up four wickets while Wahidullah Zadran and Khatir Stanikzai shared six wickets between them.

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Earlier, after opting to bat first, Afghanistan put up 262-6 at the end of their 50 overs.

Osman Sadat and Mahboob Khan starred with the bat, both scoring vital 88 and 86 runs respectively.

The pair was involved in a 77-run stand for the fourth wicket partnership that drived Afghanistan’s innings.

For West Indies, Jakeem Pollard picked up three wickets.

In the 10th fixture, England romped to an eight-wicket win over the hosts, Zimbabwe.

Set mere 209, England chased down the target with ease in 28 overs, losing only two wickets in the process.

Skipper Thomas Rew and Ben Mayes starred with the bat. Rew made 86* from 66, striking four boundaries and seven fours. While Mayes remained unbeaten on 77 from 72, hitting four sixes and three boundaries.

For Zimbabwe, Shelton Mazvitorera scalped two wickets apiece.

Put into bat first, Zimbabwe only mustered 208-9 at the end of their innings as Skipper Simbarashe Mudzengerere top-scored for them with 45* off 63 balls.

For England, Manny Lumsden took four wickets, whereas Farhan Ahmed and Ralphie Albert shared four wickets between them.

Meanwhile, the Group B fixture between the USA and New Zealand was washed out due to rain.

USA managed to score 253-9 in their allotted 50 overs, thanks to a sublime century from Nitish Sudini.

Sudini made an unbeaten 117* from 133 balls, coming out to bat at No 07 position.

In reply, New Zealand made 12 in one over before rain arrived and halted the proceedings.

Later, the match was called off due to weather conditions, with no further play possible.

READ: Bangladesh standoff prompt Pakistan to review World Cup plans: sources

PRAGUE: Pakistan’s rising squash star Mehwish Ali is now out of danger after a serious health scare during the semifinals of the WSF Czech Junior Open 2026, currently underway in the Czech Republic.

Mehwish, who was in a dominant position in the semi-final, suffered a health scare during the middle of the match.

The severity of the injury forced an immediate halt to play, and she was subsequently shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for close medical monitoring and treatment.

Now, as per the latest reports, Mehwish is out of danger, has regained consciousness, and is stable.

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It was revealed that Mehwish Ali’s heart came under stress, and oxygen wasn’t reaching it, leaving her unconscious for seven hours.

Her recovery brings relief to the Pakistani squash community, who have been closely following her performance in the tournament.

The incident has cast a shadow over an otherwise outstanding tournament for Pakistan, where the Ali Sisters — Mahnoor, Mehwish, and Sehrish Ali — have once again demonstrated Pakistan’s growing strength in international junior squash.

Mahnoor Ali booked a place in the summit clash after beating Tarasova 3–0 in the semifinal, with a dominant performance: 11–5, 11–6, 11–7.

Besides Mahnoor, another Ali sister, Sehrish Ali, also delivered a spirited performance but was defeated by the second seed Johanna Reháková of the Czech Republic.

For the unversed, the WSF Czech Junior Open 2026 is a highly ranked international junior squash tournament under the European Squash Federation Junior Gold Circuit, featuring top young players from across the world and offering valuable international ranking points.

All matches will be streamed live on the ESF Squash website, providing global access for squash fans.

READ: Bangladesh standoff prompt Pakistan to review World Cup plans: sources

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan may reconsider its participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 following the rising tensions between India and Bangladesh, sources said on Sunday.

According to sources, Bangladesh has contacted the Pakistan government regarding participation in the mega event due to the team’s raising security concerns.

Sources added that if the matter is not resolved, Pakistan may review its decision to participate in the T20 World Cup.

Pakistan maintains that Bangladesh has valid grounds for not traveling to India and has assured full support on the matter.

Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also offered to host Bangladesh fixtures amid the unavailability of venues in Sri Lanka due to logistical challenges.

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For the unversed, the dispute escalated following recent geopolitical tensions between India and Bangladesh, after which BCB formally requested a venue change, citing concerns over player safety.

The issue gained further traction after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders on the recommendation of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

While the ICC has assured full security arrangements, BCB officials have maintained their stance, stating that playing on Indian soil could compromise their players’ safety.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will commence on 7 February across Sri Lanka and India.

Bangladesh were originally scheduled to play three group-stage matches in Kolkata, against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14, before travelling to Mumbai to face Nepal on February 17.

READ: Starc, Smith take Sixers into BBL 15 finals

BRISBANE: Mitchell Starc’s four wicket haul backed by gutsy half-centuries from Steve Smith and Sam Curran propelled Sydney Sixers to a five-wicket win over Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 knockout fixture.

Sydney Sixers chased down 172 in 18.4 overs, losing five wickets in the process.

The BBL 15 finals — Playoffs will commence on 20 January with Sydney Sixers facing Perth Scorchers in the Qualifier.

Meanwhile, third-placed Hobart Hurricanes will square off against fourth-placed Melbourne Stars in the knockout.

After losing Babar Azam (1) and Josh Philippe (8) in the first three overs, Steve Smith held the innings together with a string of partnerships.

The right-hander, who top-scored with 54 from 40 balls, including five boundaries, steadied the innings, first stitching a 43-run partnership with skipper Moises Henriques.

The pair’s partnership brought the total to 74 in 8.4 overs before Henriques was caught after scoring 20.

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Smith followed the stand with another crucial partnership off 60 runs alongside Sam Curran that took the game away from the Brisbane Heat. Sam Curran hit two sixes and five fours in his 53* from 27 balls.

For Brisbane Heat, Xavier Bartlett picked up two wickets.

Earlier, after put into bat first, Brisbane Heat racked up 171-9 at the end of their allotted 20 overs.

Nathan McSweeney starred with the bat, scoring a vital 69 from 54 balls, which was laced with eight fours.

Michael Neser was the other notable contributor as he captilized on the power surge, hitting 35 off 14 balls with the help of two sixes and five fours.

For Sydney Sixers, Mitchell Starc was the star bowler as he picked up the first four-wicket haul of his short BBL career.

READ: WATCH: Babar Azam falls cheaply in must-win clash for Sixers

BRISBANE: Sydney Sixers opener Babar Azam once again fell cheaply during his side’s must-win encounter against Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

Set to chase 172, Babar Azam and Steve Smith opened the innings for Sixers with the latter fresh off a century, quickly finding his rhythm.

Smith crunched three fours off the opening over from Michael Neser, taking the total to 15 in the first over.

However, in the next over, pacer Xavier Bartlett made Babar’s stay short as the right-hander tried to chip a full on leg delivery, handing an easy catch to mid on. The right-hander was caught for one from seven deliveries.

However, in the next over, pacer Xavier Bartlett made Babar’s stay short as the right-hander tried to chip a fuller delivery, offering an easy catch to mid-on. He made one of seven deliveries.

Overall, Babar Azam scored 202 runs in 10 matches at an average of 25.25 with the help of two half-centuries. Notably, his strike rate remained modest at 104.12.

Sydney Sixers will need to win this match to qualify for the final four stage of the tournament and keep their title hopes alive.

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Earlier, after put into bat first, Brisbane Heat racked up 171-9 at the end of their allotted 20 overs.

Nathan McSweeney starred with the bat, scoring a vital 69 from 54 balls, which was laced with eight fours.

Michael Neser was the other notable contributor as he captilized on the power surge, hitting 35 off 14 balls with the help of two sixes and five fours.

For Sydney Sixers, Mitchell Starc was the star bowler as he picked up the first four-wicket haul of his short BBL career.

READ: Italy reveal squad for maiden T20 World Cup appearance

Italy have named a 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to begin on 7 February across Sri Lanka and India.

Wayne Madsen will lead the side in which the Azzuri would make their first appearance at a major ICC tournament.

Among the notable inclusions are former South Africa all-rounder JJ Smuts, who has played six T20Is for the Proteas. While top-order batter Emilo Gay have missed out due to an injury.

The European nation’s historic campaign in the mega event comes on the back of their impressive performance in the ICC Men’s European Qualifier, where they finished behind the Netherlands.

During the qualifier, Italy outplayed the strong Scottish team alongside Guernsey.

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Interestingly, their ace batter and former captain Joe Burns, who played a pivotal role in Italy’s qualification, was left out of the squad.

The marquee event will run from 7 February to 8 March across Sri Lanka and India, with the opening fixture scheduled between Pakistan and the Netherlands.

Italy is placed in Group C alongside two of the tournament’s successful teams, West Indies and England, alongside Bangladesh and Nepal.

Italy will begin their World Cup campaign on 9 February against Bangladesh at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

Italy squad

Zain Ali, Marcus Campopiano (wk), Ali Hasan, Crishan Kalugamage, Wayne Madsen (c), Harry Manenti, Gian Piero Meade, Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, Syed Naqvi, Benjamin Manenti, Jaspreet Singh, JJ Smuts, Grant Stewart and Thomas Draca.

READ: Damien Martyn issues first statement after ‘miraculous’ recovery

Australian Test cricket great Damien Martyn has revealed he was only given a 50 percent chance of surviving after being put in an induced coma with meningitis last month.

The 54-year-old former batsman, who played 67 Tests between 1992 and 2006 and 208 one-day internationals, was rushed to hospital on December 27 with the disease that causes swelling of membranes around the brain.

He was in a coma for eight days, but miraculously pulled through and is now back home.

In a heartfelt social media post late Saturday, Martyn said it was touch and go whether he would live, and the experience was a reminder of “how fragile life is”.

“After being given a 50/50 chance of surviving, I came out of the induced coma eight days later not able to walk or talk,” he said.

“And yet four days after that, with the doctors in disbelief, I walked, I talked and proved to them all why I should be released from hospital to start my recovery.

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“So happy to be home, to be able to put my feet in the sand on the beach and to start thanking all those people that reached out to me and my family in their unwavering support,” he added.

“Bring on 2026 … I’m back.”

Known as one of the game’s great strokemakers, Martyn became a key figure in Steve Waugh’s all-powerful Australia 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.

Martyn retired in 2006 during the Ashes series and had kept a low-profile since.

READ: Sri Lanka’s Chamuditha smashes highest individual score in U19 World Cup

WINDHOEK: Sri Lanka’s Viran Chamuditha delivered a record-shattering performance on Saturday, scripting history in the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 during his side’s opening fixture against Japan at the Namibia Cricket Ground.

The left-hander produced a monumental innings of 192 from 143 deliveries, the highest individual score ever recorded in the tournament’s history.

His knock, studded with 26 boundaries and a six, saw him surpass the previous record of fellow Sri Lankan Hasith Boyagoda, who had scored 191 against Kenya in the 2018 edition.

Highest individual scores in U19 World Cup

Chamuditha’s innings laid the foundation for a commanding Sri Lankan total and only came to an end when he was dismissed by Timothy Moore, by which time the damage had already been done.

The record-breaking display was complemented by another landmark achievement, as Chamuditha and opening partner Dimantha Mahavitana stitched together a colossal 328-run stand.

The partnership is now the highest for any wicket in the history of the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup.

Highest partnerships in U19 World Cup

Powered by the mammoth opening stand, Sri Lanka posted an imposing target of 388 runs for Japan in their first outing of the 2026 tournament, underlining their intent early in the competition.

READ: U19 World Cup: India, Bangladesh captains skip handshake

BULAWAYO: The Group B clash in the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup at Queens Sports Club on Saturday began on an unusually sour note, as India captain Ayush Mhatre and Bangladesh vice-captain Zawad Abrar avoided the customary handshake after the toss.

Abrar, standing in for Bangladesh captain Md Azizul Hakim Tamim, who missed the match due to illness, won the toss and opted to field, citing the damp conditions following rain.

However, the absence of the traditional pre-match greeting between the two leaders was the key talking point, coming amid escalating tensions between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

The strain between the two boards has intensified after the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) announced the release of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL squad, citing directives from the BCCI.

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The decision triggered a strong response from the BCB, which subsequently announced that Bangladesh’s national men’s team would not travel to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, citing security concerns.

The BCB then took the matter to the International Cricket Council (ICC), formally requesting a change of venue for Bangladesh’s matches. The board has insisted that its team should play in Sri Lanka, the co-host nation, instead of India.

Adding to the diplomatic fallout, the Bangladesh government announced a ban on coverage of the IPL in the country, further deepening the rift between the two cricketing nations.

As of now, the ICC has not made a final decision regarding Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup fixtures.

The governing body has offered to shift venues, but only within India, citing logistical challenges that make a move outside the country difficult.

READ: Finn Allen seals top spot for Perth Scorchers with Melbourne Stars win