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The Rohit Sharma-led Men in Blue have taken an unassailable lead in the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. While they won the first T20I in Mohali by six wickets, the hosts registered a convincing six-wicket win over the Ibrahim Zadran-led side on Sunday, January 14th. On the other hand, New Zealand also have taken a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. While they beat the Men in Green by 46 runs in the first match, the Kane Williamson-led side went up 2-0 after a 21-run win over Shaheen Shah Afridi's men on Sunday in Hamilton.
Here in this article, we’ll look at all the big news that took place on Sunday, January 14, but before that, let's check the matches scheduled for the day.
Today’s match preview:
SA20 2024: Durban Super Giants vs Joburg Super Kings
Keshav Maharaj-led Durban Super Giants will take on Faf du Plessis' Joburg Super Kings in the seventh match of the SA20 2024. The match is scheduled to take place at the Kingsmead in Durban at 9:00 p.m. IST. While the Kings are coming into this match after a loss against the Kieron Pollard-led MI Cape Town and are currently placed fifth in the standings, the Maharaj's Giants are comfortably sitting at the top of the table with two wins so far in the tournament.
BBL 2023-24: Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes
The 38th match of the BBL 2023-24 is scheduled to take place between Melbourne Stars and the Hobart Hurricanes at the Melbourne Cricket Stadium on Monday, January 15 at 1:45 p.m. IST. However, both teams stand eliminated from the 2023-24 season of the tournament, they will battle to end the season of a high.
Major cricket events that happened on January 14
India claims the series 2-0, win by six wickets in second T20I against Afghanistan
Southpaw Shivam Dube notched up a 22-ball fifty and stayed till the end to help his team cross the line in the second T20I against Afghanistan at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. After inviting the Afghans to bat first, the Men in Blue bundled out their opponents at the score of 172 with Gulbadin scoring a 35-ball 57. However, during the run chase, Rohit Sharma registered yet another duck, Yashasvi Jaiswal posted a crucial 68 along with Kohli also scoring 29 runs on his return. Moreover, Dube starred with his unbeaten inning.
New Zealand go 2-0 up in the five-match T20I series with 21 runs win over PAK in 2nd T20I
Pakistan slumped to a second defeat in the 2nd T20I against New Zealand at the Seddon Park in Hamilton. They were in control of the chase for large portions of time, but the wicket of Fakhar Zaman proved to be the turning point. The visitors lost both openers early, but Babar and Fakhar rebuilt the innings, but failed to chase the total as they fell short by 21 runs. For New Zealand, Milne was sensational with the new ball and came back strong at the death to finish with 4/33.
All-round show help Adelaide Strikers seal playoffs berth with 9 wickets win over Sydney Thunder
Matthew Short-led Adelaide Strikers beat Chris Green's Sydney Thunder in the 37th match of the BBL 2023-24 on Sunday by 9 wickets to seal playoffs berth. However, after winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Green's Thunder were bundled out for 140 in 19.2 overs. But the Adelaide Strikers' skipper led from the front with a 49-ball 74 run knock, along with crucial contribution from Jake Weatherald (47*) to help the side cross the line in a crucial game and win by 9 wickets.
SA20 2024: Paarl Royals prevail in high-scoring game to record second win
Rilee Rossouw's 45-ball 82 went in vain as Pretoria Capitals fell 10 runs short of Paarl Royals' total of 210 at the SuperSport Park on Sunday. David Miller and Mitchell van Buuren's unbeaten 141-run stand for paved the way for Royals' massive score before Lungi Ngidi bagged four wickets to keep Capitals' run-chase in check.
Kane Williamson retires hurt in 2nd T20I with tight hamstring
Kane Williamson retired hurt while batting in the second T20I versus Pakistan in Hamilton on Sunday, January 14 after the New Zealand captain felt tightness in his right hamstring. When he was batting on 26 off 15, the team physio attended him in the tenth over of the first innings. Meanwhile, he left during the drinks break as Daryl Mitchell came out to bat in his place. He did not come back to the field as Tim Southee led the team for the rest of the match.
We keep exchanging messages every now and then: Virat Kohli on sharing camaraderie with Novak Djokovic
Indian cricket stalwart Virat Kohli shared an amusing anecdote about his interaction with tennis legend Novak Djokovic. Kohli, in a recent conversation, disclosed that upon receiving a Direct Message (DM) from Djokovic on Instagram. “I got in touch with Novak very organically. I think I was just looking at his profile once Instagram and I just happened to press the message button. I thought I’ll just say hello maybe. And then, I saw a message from him on my DM already. I never opened it myself,” Kohli said in video uploaded by BCCI.
Perth Scorchers sign Marcus Harris for last leg of BBL 2023-24
The seasoned batter, Marcus Harris who narrowly missed a Test recall, is set to bolster the ranks of the defending champions, Perth Scorchers, as they gear up for the crucial closing stages of the Big Bash League (BBL). The Scorchers have roped in Harris after sealing their playoffs berth. Notably, this comes with Zak Crawley and Laurie Evans being unavailable due to their respective commitments.
Shaun Marsh to retire after Renegades' final match in BBl 2023-24
Melbourne Renegades player, Shaun Marsh, has officially declared his retirement from professional cricket. The seasoned cricketer announced to his teammates over the weekend, revealing that the upcoming clash against the Sydney Thunder will mark his final appearance in the Big Bash League. "I have loved playing for the Renegades, I've met some great people over the last five years and the friendships I've made will last a lifetime. This playing group is special. They've been amazing to me, amazing teammates and even better friends,” Marsh said as quoted by Renegades' official website.
