India began their new assignment on the right foot with a commanding victory over Afghanistan in the 1st T20I in Mohali. All-rounder Shivam Dube gave an excellent account of his multi-faced attributes and was dully awarded the Man of the Match award. Meanwhile, the West Indies cricket board announced the senior men's national squad for the ODI and T20I series against Australia. Furthermore, Sri Lanka's superstar Wanindu Hasaranga rocked Zimbabwe and claimed seven wickets in an ODI game.
Let's have a look at the top 10 trending sports news on January 12's sports roundup:
India too hot to handle for Afghanistan on a cold winter evening in Mohali
India triumphed over Afghanistan with a six-wicket victory in the first T20I match in Mohali, thanks to Shivam Dube's impressive second T20I fifty and vital inputs from the middle-order. Despite captain Rohit Sharma's early dismissal without scoring and a slow start in the powerplay, India successfully reached the 159-run target with 15 balls remaining.
Angry Rohit Sharma heard abusing Shubman Gill on stump mic
In his T20I comeback, Indian captain Rohit Sharma experienced an early exit. In the second ball of the over, Rohit hit a ball from Fazhalhaq Farooqi to mid-off and ran for a single, but Shubman Gill declined the run. By the time Rohit tried to return to the crease, it was too late. A throw from Ibrahim Zadran to wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz led to Rohit's dismissal without scoring. Following his run-out, Rohit expressed frustration towards Gill while returning to the pavilion, as he had initiated the call for the run.
Shivam Dube gives solid account of his all-round prowess
Shivam Dube delivered a remarkable performance in the first T20I against Afghanistan. Dube's impressive play not only showcased his batting skills but also his proficiency as a bowler, contributing significantly to India's lead in their three-match series against Afghanistan. Dube's performance was central to the victory in Mohali, as he scored an unbeaten 60 off 40 balls, including five boundaries and two sixes. During his spell, Dube managed to maintain an economical rate, giving away just nine runs in his two overs, and notably taking the wicket of Ibrahim Zadran.
Deceptive Hasaranga bamboozles Zimbabwe with seven-wicket haul
Wanindu Hasaranga delivered a spectacular bowling performance in Colombo, setting a new personal best in the series-deciding game ODI against Zimbabwe. Hasaranga's exceptional spell of seven wickets for just 19 runs in 5.5 overs not only secured the series win but also surpassed Muttiah Muralitharan’s previous record for the best figures by a Sri Lankan spinner in ODIs, which was seven wickets for 30 runs against India in Sharjah in 2000.
At just 26 years old, Hasaranga's 7/19 ranks as the fifth-best overall in ODI cricket history. The record for the best ODI bowling figures is held by fellow Sri Lankan, Chaminda Vaas, who claimed eight wickets for 19 runs against Zimbabwe in Colombo in 2021.
West Indies announce squad for white-ball series against Australia
West Indies have named a 15-member squad both for the ODI and T20I series against Australia.
ODI squad: Shai Hope (c), Alzarri Joseph (vc), Alick Athanaze, Teddy Bishop, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Gudakesh Motie, Kjorn Ottley, Romario Shepherd, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr.
T20I squad: Rovman Powell (c), Shai Hope (vc), Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Oshane Thomas
Jharkhand ready for Ishan Kishan boost in Ranji Trophy
Following Rahul Dravid's statement that Ishan Kishan needs to participate in domestic cricket to be considered for national selection again, it has been revealed that the wicketkeeper-batsman has yet to communicate his availability for the current Ranji Trophy season with the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA). Debasish Chakraborty, the secretary of JSCA, asserted on Thursday that once Kishan declares his readiness to play, he would be immediately included in the Jharkhand team.
Pakistan, New Zealand set to renew rivalry in T20Is in World Cup year
Shaheen Afridi will begin his tenure as the captain of Pakistan in the shortest format of the game when the Men in Green cross swords against New Zealand in the 1st T20I on January 12 at the Eden Park Stadium in Auckland.
Sumit Nagal one win away from securing place in Australian Open main draw
Indian tennis player Sumit Nagal is close to achieving a significant milestone as he stands just one win away from entering the main draw of the Australian Open. In his recent match, he delivered a strong performance against Australia's Edward Winter, emerging victorious with an impressive 6-3, 6-2 scoreline. The 64-minute match at the KIA Arena highlighted Nagal's relentless drive for success. Nagal is now gearing up for a crucial final qualifying round where he will go head-to-head with Slovakia's Alex Molcan.
EL Classico: Clash of giants in Spanish Super Cup final
Barcelona secured a 2-0 win over Osasuna, paving the way for a repeat of the previous year's Super Cup final against Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia. Goals from Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal propelled the Catalan team to victory, marking their first trophy under coach Xavi Hernández's leadership and in the post-Lionel Messi era. Real Madrid earned their spot in Sunday's final following a 5-3 extra-time triumph over their city rivals Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
Eric Dier secures loan move to Bayern Munich
England defender Eric Dier is set to reunite with former Tottenham teammate Harry Kane at Bayern Munich. On Thursday, it was announced that Dier has signed a six-month loan deal with Bayern, extending through the end of the season. Tottenham disclosed that Bayern possesses an option to turn this move into a permanent one following the loan period. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich mentioned the possibility of extending the agreement for an additional year.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
'I wanted Gill to...': Rohit Sharma reveals what went through his mind after getting run out for two-ball duck in T20I comeback
IND vs AFG: Shivam Dube's T20I career-best performance leads India to easy 6-wicket win over Afghanistan
