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The Rohit Sharma-led Men in Blue are gearing up for the final T20I of the three-match series after taking an unassailable lead. Apart from this, New Zealand also have taken a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series against Pakistan with the third T20I set to be played on Wednesday, 17th January.
Here in this article, we’ll look at all the big news that took place on Monday, January 15, but before that, let's check the matches scheduled for the day.
Today’s match preview:
SA20 2024: MI Cape Town vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape
Kieron Pollard-led MI Cape Town will take on Aiden Markram's Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the eighth match of the SA20 2024. The match is scheduled to take place at the Newlands in Cape Town at 9:00 p.m. IST. While the MI Cape Town enter this fixture on the back of a win over Joburg Super King, the Sunrisers Eastern Cape lost to the table-topper Durban Super Giants in their previous fixture. Speaking of the standing, while the Pollard-led side are currently placed third, the Markram's Eastern Cape are fourth with one loss and one no result.
BBL 2023-24: Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Sixers
The 39th match of the BBL 2023-24 is scheduled to take place between Perth Scorchers and the Sydney Sixers at the Perth Stadium on Tuesday, January 16 at 2:10 p.m. IST. However, both teams have sealed the playoffs berth, they will aim to enter the playoffs on a high.
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe 2nd T20I
After taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series, Sri Lanka are scheduled to host Zimbabwe in the second T20I on Tuesday at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. While the hosts are coming after sealing the ODI series 2-0, the Wanindu Hasaranga-led side registered a convincing three-wicket win in the second T20I to go 1-0 up in the series. The second T20I is scheduled to take place at 07:00 p.m. IST.
Major cricket events that happened on January 15
Hobart Hurricanes leapfrog the Stars after 7-run win at the MCG
Nathan Ellis-led Hobart Hurricanes beat Glenn Maxwell's Melbourne Stars in the 38th match of the BBL 2023-24 on Monday by seven runs. The Stars invited the Hurricanes to put the score first on the board. On the back of half-centuries from Matthew Short and Ben McDermott, the Hurricane posted 187/8 in their 20 overs. However, the target was a tough one to chasse, the Stars fell short of just seven runs, leading to the Hurricane snap their three-match losing streak and leapfrog the Stars at the fifth place.
SA20 2024: Heinrich Klaasen & bowlers fire Super Giants to third straight win
Heinrich Klaasen continued his rich vein of batting form in white-ball cricket with another scintillating innings on a challenging Kingsmead pitch as Durban Super Giants made it three from three with a comprehensive 37-run takedown of the Joburg Super Kings. After this win, while the Keshav Maharaj-led Super Giants continue to dominate the standings, the Faf du Plessis' Joburg Super Kings are winless after three games.
Looking forward: Novak Djokovic responds to “text buddy” Virat Kohli
In the video shared by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) where Virat spoke on an intriguing tale involving Novak, the Serb has now responded, extending an invitation to Kohli that they play together some day. In the post on X, Novak wrote, “Thank you for these kind words @imVkohli Looking forward to the day we play together.”
Kane Williamson set to miss remainder of T20I series against Pakistan
Kane Williamson is set to miss the remainder of the T20I series against Pakistan. Williamson retired hurt on 26 off 15 balls in the second T20I after feeling tightness in his right hamstring and was ruled out of the 3rd T20I. Talking about Williamson's availability for the final two games, Gary Stead said, "I think it's unlikely he will play."
Cooch Behar Trophy Final: Chaturvedi overtakes Yuvraj Singh's record with 404*
The young sensation Prakhar Chaturvedi created history by becoming the first batsman to smash 400 runs in the final of the Cooch Behar Trophy. Chaturvedi's knock off unbeaten 404 runs comprised of 46 boundaries and 3 sixes, which also helped Karnataka to lift the Cooch Behar title in the 2023/24 edition since they took a huge lead of 510 runs against Mumbai after the end of their first innings.
BCCI invites applications for National Men's team selector position
BCCI invites applications for the position of National Selector. The ideal candidate should have played a minimum of seven Test matches or 30 first-class games or 10 ODIs and 20 first-class fixtures. The applicant should also have retired at least five years ago, and no member who has been part of any cricket committee for a total of five years shall be eligible for the role.
CSA announces women's 15-player squad for white-ball series vs Australia
CSA announced a 15-member squad for the white-ball leg of the multi-format series against Australia. South Africa will tour Australia for a multi-format series consisting of three T20Is, a three-match ODI series, and one Test match. The team will be led by Laura Wolvaardt, and she will be joined by Marizanne Kapp and Chloé Tryon. The squad has Ayanda Hlubi, Hollywoodbets Dolphins fast bowler, getting maiden ODI national call.
Sachin Tendulkar issues clarification on viral deepfake video
Legendary India batter Sachin Tendulkar reacted to his viral deepfake video about an online gaming app. On his X handle, Tendulkar posted the video and wrote, “These videos are fake. It is disturbing to see rampant misuse of technology. Request everyone to report videos, ads & apps like these in large numbers. Social Media platforms need to be alert and responsive to complaints."
Juan James to lead South Africa at U19 World Cup
South Africa have named all-rounder Juan James as their skipper for the upcoming ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2024. James’ appointment comes after CSA relieved David Teeger of captaincy of the side following security advice regarding the position of the player in the Gaza-Israel conflict. The 19-year-old all-rounder bats right-handed and bowls off-break spin & has made regular appearances in the South Africa domestic circuit since Sept 2022.
Shaun Marsh announces retirement from professional cricket
In a surprising turn of events, days after Aaron Finch’s departure, the Melbourne Renegades player Shaun Marsh also called curtains to his professional cricketing career. The now-seasoned cricketer on Sunday, 14th January confirmed his retirement from Big Bash League (BBL) and confirmed that Renegades match against the Sydney Thunder will be his last.
