March 28, 2026
January 17, 2026
Hey guys! So, the wait is finally over. The biggest cricket party of the year, IPL 2026, is here! The very first match is going to be a massive one: our very own Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) taking on the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) . It’s happening tonight, March 28, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. But honestly, this isn’t just another match. There’s a lot of emotion attached to it. A Sombre Homecoming for RCB You all probably remember last year’s crazy celebrations when RCB won the trophy for the first time. The whole city erupted! But sadly, there was a tragic incident where 11 fans lost their lives outside the stadium while celebrating. So, the team is coming back home with really mixed feelings. To honor the fans who passed away, the players will be wearing black armbands today. In a really touching move, 11 seats in the stadium will be left empty permanently as a tribute. It’s a reminder that while cricket is fun, some things are bigger than the game. What About the Game? Okay, now onto the cricket. This is only the second time in IPL history that these two teams are meeting in the opening match. The last time was back in 2017, when SRH was the defending champion. Now, the roles are reversed, and RCB has the trophy. If we look at the head-to-head record, SRH has a slight edge overall, winning 13 out of 26 matches. But guess what? At Chinnaswamy, our RCB is the boss, having won 5 out of the 8 matches played here. And how can we forget that crazy 2024 match? SRH scored the highest IPL total ever, and RCB almost chased it down! That match was pure insanity. Match Details (For those who just want to tune in!) When: Saturday, March 28, 2026 Where: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru Toss Time: 7:00 PM IST Match Start: 7:30 PM IST TV: Star Sports Network Online (Streaming): JioCinema app and website Players to Watch Out For Obviously, the biggest name is Virat Kohli. Chinnaswamy is literally his second home, and he’s the highest run-scorer in RCB vs SRH matches. His coach said he’s at the "peak of his powers." That’s a scary thought for SRH! For the orange army, Ishan Kishan is the new captain. He’s coming in with insane form from the T20 World Cup 2026, scoring 317 runs at a super fast strike rate. It’ll be interesting to see how he leads the side. Also, we can’t ignore Travis Head. That guy can destroy any bowling attack in the powerplay. And for RCB, keep an eye on Suyash Sharma. On a flat pitch like Chinnaswamy, his leg-spin might be the secret weapon to stop hitters like Head. Oh, and Harshal Patel is playing for SRH now. He knows Chinnaswamy really well, so that could be a big challenge for RCB’s batters. So, get your snacks ready and wear your colors. It’s going to be an emotional night, but let’s hope for a cracking game of cricket! Who are you supporting?
JAIPUR, Rajasthan — The dense morning fog that blanketed the Jaipuria Vidyalaya Ground threatened to swallow the game whole. But when it finally lifted, it revealed a contest of pure, unscripted drama, where Mumbai, under a stand-in skipper, clawed their way to a tense seven-run victory over a relentless Himachal Pradesh in a rain and fog-curtailed Vijay Hazare Trophy thriller. With regular captain Shardul Thakur sidelined, the leadership armband found its way to Shreyas Iyer. And he wore it not just as a badge, but as a battle helmet. Walking in at 55 for 2 after the early losses of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sarfaraz Khan, Iyer’s innings wasn't just about runs; it was a statement of intent in a shortened 33-over shootout. The pitch wasn't a minefield, but the situation demanded grit. Iyer found a perfect ally in the young Musheer Khan (73 off 51), their 82-run partnership off 54 balls injecting life into the Mumbai innings. But it was Iyer’s assault that truly shifted the momentum. Alongside the ever-dangerous Suryakumar Yadav, he plundered 65 runs in just 39 deliveries, a masterclass in controlled aggression. His 53-ball 82, studded with 10 fours and three sixes, was the spine of Mumbai’s competitive 299 for 9. He fell 18 short of a century, but by then, he had already rewritten the game's tempo. Himachal Pradesh, however, refused to read the script. Their chase began in nightmare fashion, losing both openers for ducks. But what followed was a breathless display of fearless cricket. Pukhraj Mann (64 off 41) and Ankush Bains (53 off 39) launched a stunning counter-attack. Just as they were subdued, Mayank Dagar (64) and Amanpreet Singh (a fiery 42 off 21) took up the mantle. The required rate danced between possible and improbable, but Himachal inched closer, turning the final overs into a pulse-pounding spectacle. Needing 10 from the last six balls, the game hung by a thread. Enter Shivam Dube. The all-rounder, whose contribution with the bat had been modest, was handed the ball for the decisive over. With ice in his veins, he executed his plans under immense pressure, taking the final two wickets to seal the deal. Himachal were bowled out for 292 in 32.4 overs, Dube finishing with a crucial four-wicket haul. It was a win carved out of resilience, not dominance. Around the Grounds: A Day of Dominant Batting Elsewhere in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, it was a day for the batters to shine: Hyderabad roared to their first win, crushing Bengal by 107 runs powered by an incredible Aman Rao double-century and Mohammed Siraj’s four-wicket haul, despite a fighting ton from Bengal’s Shahbaz Ahmed. Punjab made light work of Goa’s 212, thanks to an unbeaten 94 from Harnoor Singh and 68 from Naman Dhir in a match-winning 131-run stand. Karnataka dominated Rajasthan on the back of centuries from skipper Mayank Agarwal and Devdutt Padikkal. Gujarat dismantled Odisha by a massive 233 runs. Kerala chased down a target with ease, led by Vishnu Vinod’s spectacular 162. Delhi secured a comfortable win over Railways, fueled by Priyansh Arya’s blistering 80. But the story of the day belonged to Jaipur. It was a match that had everything: weather interruptions, top-order collapses, stunning counter-attacks, and a final-over nerve-shredder. For Mumbai, it was a testament to their champion mentality, finding heroes in Iyer’s commanding leadership and Dube’s clutch performance when it mattered most. For Himachal, it was a heartbreaking loss, but one that proved they could stare down a giant and make him blink. In the end, only seven runs separated them, but the spectacle was immeasurable.
Pakistan seized control of their three-match T20 series on Friday, defeating Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the second contest. The victory hands Pakistan an unassailable 2-0 lead, cementing their status as a formidable force with the T20 World Cup on the horizon. Once again, Pakistan's performance was a model of efficiency. After being put in to bat, they posted a competitive 167 for 6, a total built on a brilliant 65-run knock from captain Babar Azam. The platform was then perfectly set for the bowlers, who dismantled Sri Lanka's lineup for just 130 runs. The architect of the collapse was the crafty leg-spinner Shadab Khan, who continued his outstanding comeback with a devastating spell of 4 for 18. He was ably supported by the pace of Shaheen Afridi (2-28), who struck early blows to keep Sri Lanka permanently on the back foot. “The way the team is executing plans is very pleasing,” said a satisfied Babar Azam after the match. “We wanted to be tested batting first, and the partnerships we built were crucial. Shadab has come back with great focus, and the whole bowling unit is in a confident rhythm.” For Sri Lanka, the loss is a continuation of their struggles. While Kusal Mendis offered some resistance with 34 runs, the batting order crumbled under the relentless pressure of Pakistan's varied attack. The team now faces the prospect of a series whitewash in the final match on Sunday. “We are just not matching their intensity in key moments,” conceded a frustrated Sri Lanka captain, Dasun Shanaka. “Our batting has to show more fight. We have one more game to salvage some pride and find some answers before the World Cup.” With the series already decided, Sunday’s finale offers Pakistan a chance for a clean sweep and Sri Lanka a vital opportunity to rebuild some confidence before the global tournament arrives on their shores.
Well, that was fast. If you were hoping to snag a ticket for the first India vs. New Zealand ODI in Vadodara, you likely missed your chance. Tickets for the match vanished in a blistering eight minutes flat. The reason for the frenzy? Two words: Virat and Rohit. The superstar duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are not just playing cricket anymore; they are an event. With both legends having stepped away from T20Is and Tests, seeing them in ODI action has become a special occasion for fans, and the hype is real. This sold-out stadium is the loudest proof. Adding to the spectacle is their current form. Rohit sits comfortably as the world's No. 1 ranked ODI batter, with Kohli right on his heels at No. 2. They ended 2025 on a high against Australia and South Africa, and the public is eager to see that magic continue. But there’s an interesting subplot brewing beneath all the fanfare. With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, head coach Gautam Gambhir and selector Ajit Agarkar have been clear about building a young team for the future. This means every game for Kohli and Rohit isn't just another match; it's an audition. Their places for that global tournament are not guaranteed, and every inning will be watched under a microscope. And the veterans are responding like champions. Not content to just wait, both recently played in the domestic Vijay Hazare Trophy to get match-ready. Rohit hit a century for Mumbai, while Kohli scored a hundred and a fifty for Delhi, with the latter even making himself available for an extra game. The message is clear: they are here to fight for their spots. For the fans in Vadodara and those watching elsewhere, this series is more than just India vs. New Zealand. It’s a chance to witness two of the game's greats write the next chapter of their storied careers, with passion and persistence on full display. One thing's for sure: they won’t go down without making every single ball count. The countdown to the first ball has never felt more electric.
Growing up playing cricket in Mumbai, every kid shares the same dream: to one day walk onto the hallowed field of Wankhede Stadium. For Shubham Ranjane, that dream wasn’t just a fantasy—it was his life. For over a decade, he honed his skills on the city’s dusty maidans (public grounds), playing for local clubs, age-group teams, and eventually the senior Mumbai side. The city didn’t just teach him cricket; it forged him into a competitor. “Back in those days, we were playing in the maidans. Almost my entire cricketing life has been in Mumbai,” Shubham shared in an interview. Cricket was more than a game for him; it was a family legacy. His grandfather played Test cricket for India. His father did, too. Shubham was poised to be the third generation to wear the national crest. The Break That Never Came The 2021 season was supposed to be his big chance. He was selected for Mumbai’s squad in the prestigious Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, sharing a locker room with future stars like Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, and Shivam Dube. “It was a great experience,” he recalls. “Sharing the dressing room, rubbing shoulders, learning from each other—that’s how you grow.” But that growth stalled. Despite being a talented all-rounder, Shubham watched from the sidelines. Game after game passed without an opportunity. The reasons weren’t clear, but the result was: his path in Indian cricket had hit a wall. The Leap of Faith Faced with a silent standstill, Shubham made the most difficult choice of his life. He decided to leave India—to walk away from Mumbai, domestic cricket, and everything familiar—for an uncertain future in the United States. “It was a tough decision,” he admits. “Leaving your country, your loved ones, family, friends… sacrificing all of that. You pack your life into two suitcases, move to a new country, start everything from scratch. You don’t know what’s going to happen next.” But, he adds, “To grow, you have to take those decisions. You have to move on.” Building a New Home on the Field Life in American cricket was different—fewer resources, less fanfare, but a tight-knit team that became family. “We’ve been playing together for years. When we enter the ground, we are just one unit. We represent one country,” Shubham says. The pride of representing a nation remained, even if the flag had changed. “It’s still a privilege,” he says. “It’s a great platform to showcase your talent.” A Twist of Fate: Coming Home as the Visitor Then came the moment that sent chills down his spine. The schedule for the upcoming T20 World Cup was announced, and the USA was set to play its opening match… against India… at Wankhede Stadium. “When I heard that, I got goosebumps,” Shubham says. “To play against India, at Wankhede, in a World Cup? It’s a lifetime opportunity.” The emotions are complex. “Yes, it’s mixed feelings,” he admits. He’ll be facing former teammates and friends—Suryakumar, Iyer—men he grew up playing alongside. “We’ve played club cricket together, first-class games together. Now it’s different. Now it’s on opposite sides.” Walking Back In When he walks onto that iconic field, he knows most of the roaring crowd will be against him. The sea of blue will be cheering for the other team. But for a boy from Mumbai’s maidans, just stepping onto that pitch again is its own victory. “When you enter Wankhede, you always get goosebumps,” he says softly. “You imagine yourself in that situation, winning the game for your country.” This time, the country is the United States. But the dream—the pure, hard-fought dream of playing on the world’s biggest stage—is the same. Some journeys aren’t about where you start. They’re about how far you’re willing to go to keep playing the game you love.
India A vs United States of America Narayan Jagadeesan's 55-ball 104 set the stage for India A to earn a 38-run victory over the United States of America. Along with Jagadeesan's effort, Priyansh Arya began the onslaught, scoring 28 off just 13 balls. Tilak Varma, in his comeback game, chipped in with a valuable 38 off 24 balls. Captain Ayush Badoni then followed it up with a 26-ball 60 as India A scored 238 for 3 in 20 overs. The USA however, did not go down without a fight. Andries Gous (44), Sanjay Krishnamurthi (41) played some swashbuckling knocks while Harmeet Singh and Mohammad Mohsin chipping in with fiery cameos lower down the order to take USA to 200. With the ball, leggie Ravi Bishnoi picked up 3 for 37. Khaleel Ahmed and Naman Dhir picked up a brace, the latter after bowling just four deliveries as India A bowled their opponents out with two balls to spare. It was a tough day in the office for Mayank Yadav who conceded 37 runs in three overs and went wicketless. Brief Scores: India A 238/3 in 20 overs (N Jagadeesan 104, Ayush Badoni 60; Shubham Ranjane 1-12, Ali Khan 1-36) beat United States of America 200 in 19.4 overs (Andries Gous 44, Sanjay Krishnamurthi 41; Ravi Bishnoi 3-37, Naman Dhir 2-6) by 38 runs Afghanistan vs Scotland In the opening warmup game of the T20 World Cup, Afghanistan comfortably pipped Scotland by 61 runs in Bengaluru. Darwish Rasooli led the charge with the bat for Afghanistan as they piled up 184/6 before a collective bowling effort led by Azamatullah Omarzai's three-wicket haul saw the Scots bowled out for 123. Afghanistan lost two early wickets with Gulbadin Naib and Sediqullah Atal departing for single digit scores. Rasooli and Ibrahim Zadran (36) then resurrected Afghanistan's innings with an 82-run stand. Rasooli smashed seven fours and five sixes in his whirlwind knock that blew Scotland away while veteran Mohammad Nabi played a quick cameo of 34 off 16. Afghanistan were then too strong in the second innings, completely derailing Scotland's chase. Alongside Omarzai's three-fer (3-14), fast-bowler Ziaur Rahman Sharifi and Nabi picked up a brace as the latter had a dominant all-round performance. Scotland never posed any form of threat with a highest score of 21, scored by both Michael Jones and Matthew Cross. Brief Scores: Afghanistan 184/6 in 20 overs (Darwish Rasooli 84, Ibrahim Zadran 36; Mark Watt 2-32, Jack Jarvis 2-57) beat Scotland 123 in 19.3 overs (Matthew Cross 21, Michael Jones 21; Azmatullah Omarzai 3-14, Mohammad Nabi 2-9) by 61 runs Italy vs Canada Italy emerged victorious in a tight contest against Canada by 10 runs. Chasing 157, Canada were well-poised at 100 for 2 after 13 overs but lost their way towards the death, as they could only muster 146 for 6 after a collective bowling effort by the Italians. Only two of the six bowlers used by Italy conceded more than 8 runs an over. Captain Dilpreet Bajwa top scored with 37 while Yuvraj Samra and Nicholas Kirton scored 33 each for Canada but it wasn't enough. Earlier, JJ Smuts top-scored for Italy with a 37-ball 49 while Harry Manenti added 33 off 24 balls. Brief Scores: Italy 156/4 in 20 overs (JJ Smuts 49, Harry Manenti 33*; Dilpreet Bajwa 1-24, Kaleem Sana 1-26) beat Canada 146/6 in 20 overs (Dilpreet Bajwa 37, Yuvraj Samra 33; Grant Stewart 1-18, Ali Hasan 1-22) by 10 runs
GUWAHATI, JAN 25 – If the first two matches were a statement, the third was a demolition. Under the buzzing floodlights of the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, the Indian cricket team didn’t just win a T20I; they authored a whirlwind, rewriting the script of a run-chase with such audacity that it left a packed crowd breathless and a New Zealand team utterly shell-shocked. Chasing 154 to seal the series, India roared home in just 10 overs, winning by eight wickets and announcing their T20 World Cup defence plans with a thunderclap. The night belonged, unequivocally, to the young gun, Abhishek Sharma. Promoted to open, the left-hander played an innings that felt less like cricket and more like a force of nature. He reached his fifty in a scarcely believable 14 balls—a flick here, a monstrous heave over mid-wicket there—treating the Kiwi bowlers with a playful disdain. By the time he was done, the required rate was a distant memory, and the stadium was in a state of delirious pandemonium. “We just wanted to express ourselves,” said a smiling Captain Suryakumar Yadav at the presentation, clutching the series trophy. “The message was clear: see ball, hit ball, and enjoy. The boys… they took it a bit too literally, I think!” SKY himself played the finisher’s role to perfection, carving back-to-back boundaries to seal the deal and bring up his own fifty, a mere footnote in the night’s blistering narrative. The chase began with a minor stutter—Sanju Samson fell first ball—but any nerves were extinguished immediately by Ishan Kishan, who blazed 28 off 13. Yet, it was the Abhishek hurricane that defined the evening. The partnership between him and SKY wasn’t a collaboration; it was a celebration, a 72-run party in just 5 overs that turned a competitive match into a no-contest. Earlier, the Indian bowlers had laid the groundwork with a disciplined, choking performance. Jasprit Bumrah, returning to the side, was immediately on the money, bamboozling Tim Seifert with a trademark searing delivery. While Glenn Phillips (48) and Mark Chapman (32) staged a brief recovery, regular wickets and clever variations, particularly from spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi, ensured New Zealand never found top gear. Their total of 153 for 9 always looked light, but little did anyone know just how light. “It’s a tough pill to swallow,” admitted New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner, looking dazed. “You have a total you think you can defend, and then you get an innings like that. It’s hard to plan when someone is seeing it like a football.” The victory, achieved with a staggering 60 balls to spare, seals the series 3-0 with two games to spare. But more than the silverware, it’s the manner of the triumph that sends a seismic message. This Indian team, led by the fearless Suryakumar and brimming with aggressive intent, is not just winning; it’s redefining the grammar of T20 cricket. As the Guwahati crowd streamed out into the night, the echoes of chants and the memory of a 10-over blitz lingered. This wasn’t just a win. It was Storm 2.0—and the cricketing world has been put on notice.
GUWAHATI, JAN 25 – If the first two matches were a statement, the third was a demolition. Under the buzzing floodlights of the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, the Indian cricket team didn’t just win a T20I; they authored a whirlwind, rewriting the script of a run-chase with such audacity that it left a packed crowd breathless and a New Zealand team utterly shell-shocked. Chasing 154 to seal the series, India roared home in just 10 overs, winning by eight wickets and announcing their T20 World Cup defence plans with a thunderclap. The night belonged, unequivocally, to the young gun, Abhishek Sharma. Promoted to open, the left-hander played an innings that felt less like cricket and more like a force of nature. He reached his fifty in a scarcely believable 14 balls—a flick here, a monstrous heave over mid-wicket there—treating the Kiwi bowlers with a playful disdain. By the time he was done, the required rate was a distant memory, and the stadium was in a state of delirious pandemonium. “We just wanted to express ourselves,” said a smiling Captain Suryakumar Yadav at the presentation, clutching the series trophy. “The message was clear: see ball, hit ball, and enjoy. The boys… they took it a bit too literally, I think!” SKY himself played the finisher’s role to perfection, carving back-to-back boundaries to seal the deal and bring up his own fifty, a mere footnote in the night’s blistering narrative. The chase began with a minor stutter—Sanju Samson fell first ball—but any nerves were extinguished immediately by Ishan Kishan, who blazed 28 off 13. Yet, it was the Abhishek hurricane that defined the evening. The partnership between him and SKY wasn’t a collaboration; it was a celebration, a 72-run party in just 5 overs that turned a competitive match into a no-contest. Earlier, the Indian bowlers had laid the groundwork with a disciplined, choking performance. Jasprit Bumrah, returning to the side, was immediately on the money, bamboozling Tim Seifert with a trademark searing delivery. While Glenn Phillips (48) and Mark Chapman (32) staged a brief recovery, regular wickets and clever variations, particularly from spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi, ensured New Zealand never found top gear. Their total of 153 for 9 always looked light, but little did anyone know just how light. “It’s a tough pill to swallow,” admitted New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner, looking dazed. “You have a total you think you can defend, and then you get an innings like that. It’s hard to plan when someone is seeing it like a football.” The victory, achieved with a staggering 60 balls to spare, seals the series 3-0 with two games to spare. But more than the silverware, it’s the manner of the triumph that sends a seismic message. This Indian team, led by the fearless Suryakumar and brimming with aggressive intent, is not just winning; it’s redefining the grammar of T20 cricket. As the Guwahati crowd streamed out into the night, the echoes of chants and the memory of a 10-over blitz lingered. This wasn’t just a win. It was Storm 2.0—and the cricketing world has been put on notice.
Hey guys! So, the wait is finally over. The biggest cricket party of the year, IPL 2026, is here! The very first match is going to be a massive one: our very own Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) taking on the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) . It’s happening tonight, March 28, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. But honestly, this isn’t just another match. There’s a lot of emotion attached to it. A Sombre Homecoming for RCB You all probably remember last year’s crazy celebrations when RCB won the trophy for the first time. The whole city erupted! But sadly, there was a tragic incident where 11 fans lost their lives outside the stadium while celebrating. So, the team is coming back home with really mixed feelings. To honor the fans who passed away, the players will be wearing black armbands today. In a really touching move, 11 seats in the stadium will be left empty permanently as a tribute. It’s a reminder that while cricket is fun, some things are bigger than the game. What About the Game? Okay, now onto the cricket. This is only the second time in IPL history that these two teams are meeting in the opening match. The last time was back in 2017, when SRH was the defending champion. Now, the roles are reversed, and RCB has the trophy. If we look at the head-to-head record, SRH has a slight edge overall, winning 13 out of 26 matches. But guess what? At Chinnaswamy, our RCB is the boss, having won 5 out of the 8 matches played here. And how can we forget that crazy 2024 match? SRH scored the highest IPL total ever, and RCB almost chased it down! That match was pure insanity. Match Details (For those who just want to tune in!) When: Saturday, March 28, 2026 Where: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru Toss Time: 7:00 PM IST Match Start: 7:30 PM IST TV: Star Sports Network Online (Streaming): JioCinema app and website Players to Watch Out For Obviously, the biggest name is Virat Kohli. Chinnaswamy is literally his second home, and he’s the highest run-scorer in RCB vs SRH matches. His coach said he’s at the "peak of his powers." That’s a scary thought for SRH! For the orange army, Ishan Kishan is the new captain. He’s coming in with insane form from the T20 World Cup 2026, scoring 317 runs at a super fast strike rate. It’ll be interesting to see how he leads the side. Also, we can’t ignore Travis Head. That guy can destroy any bowling attack in the powerplay. And for RCB, keep an eye on Suyash Sharma. On a flat pitch like Chinnaswamy, his leg-spin might be the secret weapon to stop hitters like Head. Oh, and Harshal Patel is playing for SRH now. He knows Chinnaswamy really well, so that could be a big challenge for RCB’s batters. So, get your snacks ready and wear your colors. It’s going to be an emotional night, but let’s hope for a cracking game of cricket! Who are you supporting?
Well, that was fast. If you were hoping to snag a ticket for the first India vs. New Zealand ODI in Vadodara, you likely missed your chance. Tickets for the match vanished in a blistering eight minutes flat. The reason for the frenzy? Two words: Virat and Rohit. The superstar duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are not just playing cricket anymore; they are an event. With both legends having stepped away from T20Is and Tests, seeing them in ODI action has become a special occasion for fans, and the hype is real. This sold-out stadium is the loudest proof. Adding to the spectacle is their current form. Rohit sits comfortably as the world's No. 1 ranked ODI batter, with Kohli right on his heels at No. 2. They ended 2025 on a high against Australia and South Africa, and the public is eager to see that magic continue. But there’s an interesting subplot brewing beneath all the fanfare. With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, head coach Gautam Gambhir and selector Ajit Agarkar have been clear about building a young team for the future. This means every game for Kohli and Rohit isn't just another match; it's an audition. Their places for that global tournament are not guaranteed, and every inning will be watched under a microscope. And the veterans are responding like champions. Not content to just wait, both recently played in the domestic Vijay Hazare Trophy to get match-ready. Rohit hit a century for Mumbai, while Kohli scored a hundred and a fifty for Delhi, with the latter even making himself available for an extra game. The message is clear: they are here to fight for their spots. For the fans in Vadodara and those watching elsewhere, this series is more than just India vs. New Zealand. It’s a chance to witness two of the game's greats write the next chapter of their storied careers, with passion and persistence on full display. One thing's for sure: they won’t go down without making every single ball count. The countdown to the first ball has never felt more electric.
Pakistan seized control of their three-match T20 series on Friday, defeating Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the second contest. The victory hands Pakistan an unassailable 2-0 lead, cementing their status as a formidable force with the T20 World Cup on the horizon. Once again, Pakistan's performance was a model of efficiency. After being put in to bat, they posted a competitive 167 for 6, a total built on a brilliant 65-run knock from captain Babar Azam. The platform was then perfectly set for the bowlers, who dismantled Sri Lanka's lineup for just 130 runs. The architect of the collapse was the crafty leg-spinner Shadab Khan, who continued his outstanding comeback with a devastating spell of 4 for 18. He was ably supported by the pace of Shaheen Afridi (2-28), who struck early blows to keep Sri Lanka permanently on the back foot. “The way the team is executing plans is very pleasing,” said a satisfied Babar Azam after the match. “We wanted to be tested batting first, and the partnerships we built were crucial. Shadab has come back with great focus, and the whole bowling unit is in a confident rhythm.” For Sri Lanka, the loss is a continuation of their struggles. While Kusal Mendis offered some resistance with 34 runs, the batting order crumbled under the relentless pressure of Pakistan's varied attack. The team now faces the prospect of a series whitewash in the final match on Sunday. “We are just not matching their intensity in key moments,” conceded a frustrated Sri Lanka captain, Dasun Shanaka. “Our batting has to show more fight. We have one more game to salvage some pride and find some answers before the World Cup.” With the series already decided, Sunday’s finale offers Pakistan a chance for a clean sweep and Sri Lanka a vital opportunity to rebuild some confidence before the global tournament arrives on their shores.
The fourth season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to begin on January 9 in Navi Mumbai, with defending champion Mumbai Indians taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru. At the mega auction, which was held in November, all five teams roped in a handful of uncapped players who impressed in the domestic circuits. Here’s a look at some new signings to watchout for in WPL 2026: Triveni Vasistha (Mumbai Indians) Representing Haryana in the domestic tournaments, she was part of the 2025 squad, which won the Women’s Under-23 T20 Trophy Elite. | Photo Credit: Instagram/Triveni Vasistha Triveni Vasistha was signed by Mumbai Indians for Rs. 20 lakh in the mega auction. The 18-year-old left-arm orthodox spinner had spent a month-long coaching clinic with the MI franchise. Representing Haryana in the domestic tournaments, she was part of the 2025 squad, which won the Women’s Under-23 T20 Trophy Elite. A regular performer for the State since 2022, she also featured in the BCCI COE Emerging squad for the BCCI Emerging Multi-Format Women’s Tournament. Deeya Yadav (Delhi Capitals) The teenager first burst onto the domestic and made people notice of her unadulterated power in 2023 for her unbeaten 213 runs off 125 balls in an Under-15 One-Day Championship against Tripura. | Photo Credit: Instagram/Deeya Yadav Deeya Yadav is an explosive top-order batter from Haryana, cut from the same cloth as fellow Statemate and senior Shafali Verma. The teenager first burst onto the domestic and made people notice of her unadulterated power in 2023 for her unbeaten 213 runs off 125 balls in an Under-15 One-Day Championship against Tripura. Since then, she has rapidly become a mainstay of the state senior team, having racked up 298 runs in eight innings at the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy this season, averaging 59.50 and striking at nearly 130. At the WPL auction, the 16-year-old was picked by the Capitals for Rs. 10 lakh. Happy Kumari (Gujarat Giants) Happy Kumari represented and captained Rajasthan at the U-19 level, earning accolades like Player of the Tournament before her call-up. | Photo Credit: Instagram/Gujarat Giants Happy Kumari was roped in by Gujarat Giants for Rs. 10 lakh. She hails from Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu, a district not well known for producing many national-level players. The 18-year-old pacer was part of India’s U19 women’s cricket team squads at the BCCI Emerging Multi-Format Women’s Tournament 2025. She has represented and captained Rajasthan at the U19 level, earning accolades like Player of the Tournament before her call-up. Prathyoosha Kumar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) Prathyoosha represents Karnataka in the domestic scene, often showcasing her glove work and big swings. | Photo Credit: Instagram/ Prathyoosha Kumar Royal Challengers Bengaluru bagged Karnataka’s Prathyoosha Kumar for Rs. 10 Lakh in the mega auction. The 26-year-old from Karnataka is a wicketkeeper-batter known for her power-hitting. She has been a regular performer in the domestic scene, often showcasing her glove work and big swings, most recently in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy. She has been a familiar face in the RCB camp, onboard as a nets contributor. G. Trisha Gongadi Trisha was a key contributor in India’s successful title defence at the U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup. G.ongadi Trisha, part of both the U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup-winning squads, was bought by UP Warriorz for Rs. 10 lakh. The all-rounder was a key player in India’s successful title defence, finishing with the most runs and becoming the first centurion in the history of the tournament. Representing Hyderabad in the domestic setup, she has been a consistent performer across tournaments in the senior and age-group competitions.
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} .detail-item { margin-bottom: 8px; display: flex; } .detail-label { font-weight: 600; min-width: 160px; color: #555; } .player-of-match { color: #c62828; font-weight: 700; } .match-notes { background-color: #fff8e1; padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ffecb3; margin-top: 20px; border-radius: 4px; font-size: 13px; } .match-notes-title { font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 8px; color: #ff8f00; } .note { margin-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; position: relative; } .note:before { content: "•"; position: absolute; left: 0; color: #ffa000; } .bowler-name { font-weight: 600; } 1st Match (N), Women's Premier League at Navi Mumbai, Jan 9 2026 Mumbai Indians Women 154/6 20 Overs (RR: 7.7) v Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women 157/7 20 Overs (RR: 7.85) RCB Women won by 3 wkts (0b rem) ✅ Mumbai Indians Women Innings (20 overs maximum) BATSMEN R B M 4s 6s SR AC Kerr c Reddy b Bell 4 15 21 0 0 26.66 G Kamalini † b Patil 32 28 46 5 0 114.28 Nat Sciver-Brunt st †Ghosh b de Klerk 4 3 5 1 0 133.33 H Kaur (c) c †Ghosh b de Klerk 20 17 20 1 1 117.64 NJ Carey c Hemalatha b de Klerk 40 29 39 4 0 137.93 S Sajana c Mandhana b de Klerk 45 25 32 7 1 180.00 AB Kaur not out 0 2 5 0 0 0.00 PN Khemnar not out 0 1 1 0 0 0.00 Extras 9 (lb 1, w 8) TOTAL 154/6 (20 Overs, RR: 7.7) Did not bat: S Ismail, S Gupta, S Ishaque Fall of wickets: 1-21 (Amelia Kerr, 4.6 ov), 2-35 (Nat Sciver-Brunt, 6.2 ov), 3-63 (Gunalan Kamalini, 9.6 ov), 4-67 (Harmanpreet Kaur, 10.6 ov), 5-149 (Sajeevan Sajana, 19.1 ov), 6-154 (Nicola Carey, 19.5 ov) BOWLING O M R W ECON 0s 4s 6s WD NB LK Bell 4 1 14 1 3.50 19 2 0 3 0 LCN Smith 2 0 23 0 11.50 5 5 0 0 0 A Reddy 4 0 37 0 9.25 4 4 0 2 0 N de Klerk 4 0 26 4 6.50 10 4 0 0 0 SR Patil 4 0 32 1 8.00 7 1 1 3 0 RP Yadav 2 0 21 0 10.50 3 2 1 0 0 ✘ Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women Innings (target: 155 runs from 20 overs) BATSMEN R B M 4s 6s SR GM Harris c Ismail b Nat Sciver-Brunt 25 12 21 4 1 208.33 S Mandhana (c) c Khemnar b Ismail 18 13 16 4 0 138.46 D Hemalatha lbw b AB Kaur 7 12 14 1 0 58.33 RM Ghosh † c Carey b Kerr 6 6 14 1 0 100.00 RP Yadav b Kerr 1 2 3 0 0 50.00 N de Klerk not out 63 44 55 7 2 143.18 A Reddy c Kerr b Carey 20 25 32 2 0 80.00 SR Patil b Carey 1 2 3 0 0 50.00 P Rawat not out 8 4 16 2 0 200.00 Extras 8 (b 5, w 3) TOTAL 157/7 (20 Overs, RR: 7.85) Did not bat: LCN Smith, LK Bell Fall of wickets: 1-40 (Smriti Mandhana, 3.5 ov), 2-47 (Grace Harris, 4.6 ov), 3-62 (Dayalan Hemalatha, 6.4 ov), 4-63 (Radha Yadav, 7.1 ov), 5-65 (Richa Ghosh, 7.4 ov), 6-117 (Arundhati Reddy, 16.1 ov), 7-121 (Shreyanka Patil, 16.6 ov) BOWLING O M R W ECON 0s 4s 6s WD NB Nat Sciver-Brunt 4 0 47 1 11.75 8 6 2 1 0 S Ismail 4 0 26 1 6.50 14 5 0 0 0 NJ Carey 4 0 35 2 8.75 7 4 1 0 0 AB Kaur 3 0 18 1 6.00 9 3 0 0 0 AC Kerr 4 0 13 2 3.25 13 0 0 2 0 S Ishaque 1 0 13 0 13.00 2 3 0 0 0 Match Details Venue: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai Series: Women's Premier League 2026 Toss: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women, elected to field first Player Of The Match: Nadine de Klerk Season: 2025/26 Hours of play: 19.30 start, First Session 19.30-21.00, Interval 21.00-21.20, Second Session 21.20-22.50 Match days: 9 January 2026 - night match (20-over match) Umpires: Bhavesh Patel, N Janani TV Umpire: Gayathri Venugopalan Reserve Umpire: Kaushik Gandhi Match Referee: Rajni Basnet Points: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women 2, Mumbai Indians Women 0 Match Notes Mumbai Indians Women innings Powerplay 1: Overs 0.1 - 6.0 (Mandatory - 34 runs, 1 wicket) Mumbai Indians Women: 50 runs in 8.4 overs (52 balls), Extras 4 Strategic Timeout: Mumbai Indians Women - 52/2 in 9.0 overs (G Kamalini 29, H Kaur 10) Mumbai Indians Women: 100 runs in 14.6 overs (90 balls), Extras 6 Strategic Timeout: Mumbai Indians Women - 112/4 in 16.0 overs (NJ Carey 21, S Sajana 25) 5th Wicket: 50 runs in 32 balls (NJ Carey 19, S Sajana 30, Ex 1) Mumbai Indians Women: 150 runs in 19.3 overs (117 balls), Extras 9 Over 19.3: Review by Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (Bowling), Decision Challenged - Wicket, Umpire - N Janani, Batter - AB Kaur (Struck down - Umpires Call) Innings Break: Mumbai Indians Women - 154/6 in 20.0 overs (AB Kaur 0, PN Khemnar 0) Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women innings Powerplay 1: Overs 0.1 - 6.0 (Mandatory - 57 runs, 2 wickets) Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women: 50 runs in 5.1 overs (31 balls), Extras 6 Strategic Timeout: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women - 72/5 in 9.0 overs (N de Klerk 3, A Reddy 5) Over 11.5: Review by Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (Batting), Decision Challenged - Wicket, Umpire - N Janani, Batter - A Reddy (Upheld) Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women: 100 runs in 13.5 overs (83 balls), Extras 8 6th Wicket: 50 runs in 48 balls (N de Klerk 30, A Reddy 19, Ex 1) Strategic Timeout: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women - 117/5 in 16.0 overs (N de Klerk 32, A Reddy 20) N de Klerk: 50 off 42 balls (6 x 4, 1 x 6) Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women: 150 runs in 19.5 overs (119 balls), Extras 8
As the big screen lit up with the DRS review, Shreyanka Patil stood frozen by the pitch, her cap clutched tight. She had just convinced her captain to challenge that lbw shout against Beth Mooney. Most of her teammates, Smriti Mandhana aside, had already drifted back to their positions, ready for the next over. Then, the magic words: three reds. Patil leaped, a burst of pure joy, and threw her arms around Mandhana. Within seconds, the rest of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru players swarmed her, celebrating the first wicket of what would become a stunning five-wicket haul—a spell that would dismantle the Gujarat Giants' chase in the WPL. This moment was a long time coming. Patil’s last appearance for India was at the 2024 T20 World Cup. What followed was a brutal 14-month exile from the game, sidelined by a cruel cycle of injuries to her shin, wrist, and thumb. She missed the entire last WPL season. Her road back wound through the WCPL and domestic cricket for Karnataka before leading to this night. "It’s been a rollercoaster," Patil confessed after the match, her voice ringing with hard-won relief. "Being out for 14 months was a massive blow. I'm not someone who can just sit still—I live to be on that field. Coming out of it stronger, that's down to my support system. And the work I've put in over the last month back home in Bangalore with my coach, Arjun sir… I was ready." Used in short, sharp bursts on Friday, Patil delivered a masterclass, claiming her first-ever WPL five-wicket haul (5 for 16) and becoming the first bowler in the league’s history to take three four-plus wicket hauls. She single-handedly derailed Gujarat's chase. "I see myself as a wicket-taker," she said, a quiet confidence replacing past frustration. "The drift, the turn, the bounce I get—that’s my strength. And I’m giving myself credit for it today, because I’ve worked so hard for this. I never wanted to just be a containing bowler. I prepared to be the impactful one, the one who changes the game. All those practice sessions, match scenarios, even getting hit by the boys in the nets—it taught me how to attack." Her spell was a clinic in precision. After the reviewed lbw of Mooney, she returned to trap Kanika Ahuja. In the crucial 16th over, she broke a dangerous 56-run partnership by having Kashvee Gautam caught at deep midwicket. She then sealed the match by taking two more wickets in just four balls. "The advice from Anya [Shrubsole, bowling coach] and Malo sir was simple: 'Your stock ball is your best ball on this wicket,'" Patil revealed. "So I kept it simple. Got the arm ball going, bowled a lot of off-spinners. And as Smriti kept reminding me, as an off-spinner, those left-handers are a big target. We wanted them all." Her five-for propelled her to the top of the wicket-takers list this season, tying her with eight wickets. Coach Anya Shrubsole praised not just her skill, but her meticulous mind. "Shreyanka is exceptional," Shrubsole said. "She bowls at a good pace, spins it, and challenges batters. What we’ve really encouraged is for her to back her best ball more often. She trains intensely, plans for specific batters, and is crystal clear on her strategy. She was disappointed after the last game—unnecessarily, in my view—so today, I’m absolutely thrilled for her." That previous game saw figures of 2 for 50, a mix of brilliant strikes and expensive overs. "In her first two overs last time, she was outstanding," Shrubsole reflected. "She got Lanning and Litchfield out. Later, maybe she strayed from her plan. So the message was clear: trust your best ball. It’s exceptional. And today, she did just that—over and over, to left and right-handers alike. She was outstanding, and that five-for was fully deserved." For Shreyanka Patil, Friday night was more than just a match. It was a statement—a triumphant return to the spotlight, crafted from patience, pain, and an unwavering belief in her best ball.
Delhi Capitals 111 for 3 (Wolvaardt 42*, Rodrigues 24, Satghare 2-18) beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru 109 (Mandhana 38, Nandani 3-26, Kapp 2-17, Henry 2-22) by seven wickets Bottom-scrapers not too long ago, Delhi Capitals (DC) have taken down the table-toppers of WPL 2026 and handed Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) their first loss of the season. DC's emphatic seven-wicket win was scripted by their bowlers adapting deftly on a fresh but slow and low Vadodara pitch, where RCB were bundled for 109, their lowest WPL total. Captain Jemimah Rodrigues and her deputy Laura Wolvaardt led the chase with a solid and steady stand of 52, also helped by RCB's fielding lapses. Apart from a couple of misfields, they put down Rodrigues twice - on 4 and 19 - and paid the price for not being able to seal their final spot just yet. DC's second straight victory and third in six games lifted them to second spot from fourth, and on the same points (six) as Gujarat Giants, who are now third. All five teams have now played six each, but RCB are the only ones to have sealed their knockouts berth. RCB's power-packed powerplay There were only seven fours and no sixes in RCB's powerplay, but it wasn't short of pulsating action. Soon after Smriti Mandhana outside-edged her second ball past the diving wicketkeeper for four, DC took two reviews against her in the second over. The first was burnt as UltraEdge confirmed there was no bat for the catch down leg, and the second, for lbw, never unfolded properly because Marizanne Kapp had overstepped. Smriti Mandhana punched back with a bunch of boundaries•BCCI To Kapp and DC's despair, the replay on the big screen later showed three reds. Mandhana added insult to injuries with back-to-back fours in the next over, and also against Nandani Sharma in the fifth. At the other end, Grace Harris hardly looked like her destructive self while mostly going at under run a ball before miscuing one off Kapp to point for 9 off 13 balls. RCB's collapse after powerplay Despite the pitch looking quite slow where clearing the ropes wouldn't be too easy, Mandhana middled one over long-on, and followed it with a drive for four through the covers. But just as RCB's scoring rate closed in on seven runs an over, DC fought back through their Indian spinners. Minnu Mani first had Mandhana sweep one to deep-backward square leg while Shree Charani had Gautami Naik's off stump pegged back from around the wicket. Captain Rodrigues then brought Kapp back for her last over, and the latter's wobble seam accounted for Georgia Voll's middle stump. With three wickets in as many overs, RCB had slipped from 62 for 1 to 69 for 4. It could have been 71 for 5 had Charani clung on to a dipping return catch from Richa Ghosh on 2, but the hard-hitting batter fell in the next over when she couldn't middle a loopy delivery from Mani and found point. RCB's free fall continued as the DC spinners kept the pace down, the quicks bowled plenty of scrambled and wobble-seam deliveries, and their fielders held on to catches. Minnu Mani celebrates her second wicket•BCCI After another spell of three wickets in three overs, which included a sharp catch from Lizelle Lee standing up for Radha Yadav's edge off a short ball, Nandani bagged two in the last over to lead the Purple Cap charts with figures of 3 for 26. DC seal the chase after early jitters Shafali Verma came out all guns blazing, perhaps wanting to wipe out a chunk of the target before the field spread out. She scythed the first ball of the chase for four, steered the third past point for the same result, and carved the sixth also square of the wicket for 12 off the first over. Shafali belted another boundary, before stunning work from Ghosh completed a quick stumping in the second over. DC's chase wobbled a bit more when Sayali Satghare also removed Lee courtesy of a sharp catch from Voll at the leg-side boundary. What was 24 for 2 could have been 33 for 33, but Satghare put down her Mumbai team-mate Rodrigues at short third. The DC captain then collected two streaky boundaries, with edges flying through the slips. Wolvaardt and Rodrigues eased DC's nerves, and marched on towards the target. Wolvaardt put away poor balls in the gap mostly along the ground, before a slog-sweep for six late in the chase. Rodrigues also opened up later, especially after Naik also put down a straightforward chance at midwicket. Rodrigues ran out of luck when she handed a catch to Mandhana at cover before Kapp bashed a couple of big hits, which included the winning runs. Lauren Bell went wicketless for the first time this WPL, and the game saw only three sixes on what Mandhana later called "one of the toughest pitches" of this WPL.
January 24, 2026
Growing up playing cricket in Mumbai, every kid shares the same dream: to one day walk onto the hallowed field of Wankhede Stadium. For Shubham Ranjane, that dream wasn’t just a fantasy—it was his life. For over a decade, he honed his skills on the city’s dusty maidans (public grounds), playing for local clubs, age-group teams, and eventually the senior Mumbai side. The city didn’t just teach him cricket; it forged him into a competitor. “Back in those days, we were playing in the maidans. Almost my entire cricketing life has been in Mumbai,” Shubham shared in an interview. Cricket was more than a game for him; it was a family legacy. His grandfather played Test cricket for India. His father did, too. Shubham was poised to be the third generation to wear the national crest. The Break That Never Came The 2021 season was supposed to be his big chance. He was selected for Mumbai’s squad in the prestigious Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, sharing a locker room with future stars like Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, and Shivam Dube. “It was a great experience,” he recalls. “Sharing the dressing room, rubbing shoulders, learning from each other—that’s how you grow.” But that growth stalled. Despite being a talented all-rounder, Shubham watched from the sidelines. Game after game passed without an opportunity. The reasons weren’t clear, but the result was: his path in Indian cricket had hit a wall. The Leap of Faith Faced with a silent standstill, Shubham made the most difficult choice of his life. He decided to leave India—to walk away from Mumbai, domestic cricket, and everything familiar—for an uncertain future in the United States. “It was a tough decision,” he admits. “Leaving your country, your loved ones, family, friends… sacrificing all of that. You pack your life into two suitcases, move to a new country, start everything from scratch. You don’t know what’s going to happen next.” But, he adds, “To grow, you have to take those decisions. You have to move on.” Building a New Home on the Field Life in American cricket was different—fewer resources, less fanfare, but a tight-knit team that became family. “We’ve been playing together for years. When we enter the ground, we are just one unit. We represent one country,” Shubham says. The pride of representing a nation remained, even if the flag had changed. “It’s still a privilege,” he says. “It’s a great platform to showcase your talent.” A Twist of Fate: Coming Home as the Visitor Then came the moment that sent chills down his spine. The schedule for the upcoming T20 World Cup was announced, and the USA was set to play its opening match… against India… at Wankhede Stadium. “When I heard that, I got goosebumps,” Shubham says. “To play against India, at Wankhede, in a World Cup? It’s a lifetime opportunity.” The emotions are complex. “Yes, it’s mixed feelings,” he admits. He’ll be facing former teammates and friends—Suryakumar, Iyer—men he grew up playing alongside. “We’ve played club cricket together, first-class games together. Now it’s different. Now it’s on opposite sides.” Walking Back In When he walks onto that iconic field, he knows most of the roaring crowd will be against him. The sea of blue will be cheering for the other team. But for a boy from Mumbai’s maidans, just stepping onto that pitch again is its own victory. “When you enter Wankhede, you always get goosebumps,” he says softly. “You imagine yourself in that situation, winning the game for your country.” This time, the country is the United States. But the dream—the pure, hard-fought dream of playing on the world’s biggest stage—is the same. Some journeys aren’t about where you start. They’re about how far you’re willing to go to keep playing the game you love.
February 3, 2026
GUWAHATI, JAN 25 – If the first two matches were a statement, the third was a demolition. Under the buzzing floodlights of the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, the Indian cricket team didn’t just win a T20I; they authored a whirlwind, rewriting the script of a run-chase with such audacity that it left a packed crowd breathless and a New Zealand team utterly shell-shocked. Chasing 154 to seal the series, India roared home in just 10 overs, winning by eight wickets and announcing their T20 World Cup defence plans with a thunderclap. The night belonged, unequivocally, to the young gun, Abhishek Sharma. Promoted to open, the left-hander played an innings that felt less like cricket and more like a force of nature. He reached his fifty in a scarcely believable 14 balls—a flick here, a monstrous heave over mid-wicket there—treating the Kiwi bowlers with a playful disdain. By the time he was done, the required rate was a distant memory, and the stadium was in a state of delirious pandemonium. “We just wanted to express ourselves,” said a smiling Captain Suryakumar Yadav at the presentation, clutching the series trophy. “The message was clear: see ball, hit ball, and enjoy. The boys… they took it a bit too literally, I think!” SKY himself played the finisher’s role to perfection, carving back-to-back boundaries to seal the deal and bring up his own fifty, a mere footnote in the night’s blistering narrative. The chase began with a minor stutter—Sanju Samson fell first ball—but any nerves were extinguished immediately by Ishan Kishan, who blazed 28 off 13. Yet, it was the Abhishek hurricane that defined the evening. The partnership between him and SKY wasn’t a collaboration; it was a celebration, a 72-run party in just 5 overs that turned a competitive match into a no-contest. Earlier, the Indian bowlers had laid the groundwork with a disciplined, choking performance. Jasprit Bumrah, returning to the side, was immediately on the money, bamboozling Tim Seifert with a trademark searing delivery. While Glenn Phillips (48) and Mark Chapman (32) staged a brief recovery, regular wickets and clever variations, particularly from spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi, ensured New Zealand never found top gear. Their total of 153 for 9 always looked light, but little did anyone know just how light. “It’s a tough pill to swallow,” admitted New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner, looking dazed. “You have a total you think you can defend, and then you get an innings like that. It’s hard to plan when someone is seeing it like a football.” The victory, achieved with a staggering 60 balls to spare, seals the series 3-0 with two games to spare. But more than the silverware, it’s the manner of the triumph that sends a seismic message. This Indian team, led by the fearless Suryakumar and brimming with aggressive intent, is not just winning; it’s redefining the grammar of T20 cricket. As the Guwahati crowd streamed out into the night, the echoes of chants and the memory of a 10-over blitz lingered. This wasn’t just a win. It was Storm 2.0—and the cricketing world has been put on notice.
January 25, 2026
