Perth Scorchers posted a formidable 202 for eight against Sydney Thunder in the 16th match of Big Bash League 2025-26 at Sydney Showground Stadium on December 30, after Thunder captain David Warner opted to field first. Ashton Turner‘s explosive 99 not out off 41 balls nearly carried his side to a 210-plus total, but he fell agonizingly short of a century in a thrilling night of T20 action. The game swung early with Thunder’s bowlers striking blows, highlighted by Tanveer Sangha‘s stunning diving catch to dismiss Josh Inglis.

Tanveer Sangha grabs a screamer to send back Josh Inglis

Thunder’s fielding lit up the floodlights when Daniel Sams delivered a short ball on middle and leg at 5.3 overs, climbing awkwardly on Inglis, who was fresh from Test squad release for this outing. Cramped for room, Inglis shanked a top edge high toward deep square leg, where Sangha sprinted in, dove full length forward, and plucked a blinder inches from the turf to send back the Scorchers keeper-batter for 13 off nine balls.

That wicket left Scorchers reeling at 34 for three, with openers Mitchell Marsh (6) and Finn Allen (11) already gone, validating Thunder’s bold toss decision amid predictions of a high-scoring deck. Sangha’s athleticism, replayed endlessly online, shifted momentum before Turner’s onslaught rebuilt the innings.

Here’s the video:

Tanveer Sangha on the dive 🫨

Some catch to remove Josh Inglis in his first match of #BBL15. pic.twitter.com/C0xiJj3GRe

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 30, 2025

Also READ: Nathan Ellis’ bowling brilliance and Matthew Wade’s late fireworks seal thrilling Hobart Hurricanes’ win over Melbourne Renegades in BBL|15

Ashton Turner falls short of a century as Perth Scorchers post a massive total

Perth Scorchers found their spark after a slow start, and it was skipper Ashton Turner who lit up the night with a breathtaking counterattack. When drinks were taken at the halfway mark, Perth were wobbling at 86 for three, but Turner had other ideas. He shifted gears instantly, tearing into the bowling with a fearless display of clean hitting. His half-century came off just 22 balls, filled with a mix of crisp boundaries and towering sixes, as the momentum swung sharply in Perth’s favour.

Turner first steadied things alongside Cooper Connolly, and the pair pushed the score past 100 before accelerating further. Even after wickets fell, the Scorchers never lost pace. Turner continued the assault with Aaron Hardie, hammering the bowlers to all parts and ensuring Perth finished with a formidable total. Thunder did manage to strike back through Sams, who picked up four wickets, while Shadab Khan chipped in with a crucial breakthrough. Still, Turner’s innings was the story of the night, cruelly ending on 99 as Perth surged to 202 for eight, leaving Thunder a stiff chase under the Sydney lights.

Also READ: Haris Rauf’s bowling brilliance and Joe Clarke’s batting onslaught lead Melbourne Stars to a dominant win over Sydney Thunder in BBL|15

Gold and silver prices rebounded sharply on Tuesday, driven by fresh buying after heavy profit-booking from record highs, with silver leading the recovery in futures trade.Gold witnessed steady buying on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX). The February gold contract rose by Rs 826, or 0.61%, to Rs 1,35,768 per 10 grams, with trading volumes of 15,953 lots.Silver staged a strong comeback, surging more than 4% after a steep fall a day earlier. Silver futures for March 2026 delivery jumped Rs 9,590, or 4.27%, to Rs 2,34,019 per kg, with a turnover of 11,915 lots.On Monday, silver had surged Rs 14,387, or 6%, to hit a record high of Rs 2,54,174 per kg. However, aggressive profit-booking dragged prices down by Rs 15,358, or 6.40%, to close at Rs 2,24,429 per kg.“Silver prices rose on Monday, stabilising after a steep drop in the previous session, as traders adjusted positions following aggressive profit-taking. The rebound came after a sharp retreat from record highs, with holiday-thinned liquidity amplifying recent price swings,” Jigar Trivedi, Senior Research Analyst at Reliance Securities said, PTI reported.In overseas markets, gold futures for February delivery traded higher at USD 4,380.70 per ounce on Comex, up USD 37.10, or 0.85%. Silver futures also rebounded on value buying. The March 2026 contract gained USD 3.44, nearly 5%, to USD 73.90 per ounce.

Gold prices in Delhi

Gold prices in Delhi stand at Rs 13,635 per gram for 24K gold. The 22K variant is priced at Rs 12,500 per gram, while 18K gold costs Rs 10,208 per gram.

Gold prices in Hyderabad

In Hyderabad, 24K gold is trading at Rs 13,620 per gram. The 22K rate is Rs 12,485, while 18K gold is priced at Rs 10,193 per gram.

Gold prices in Mumbai

Gold prices in Mumbai are at Rs 13,620 per gram for 24K gold. The 22K variant costs Rs 12,485 per gram, and 18K gold is priced at Rs 10,193 per gram.

Gold prices in Chennai

Chennai continues to see higher gold rates, with 24K gold trading at Rs 13,746 per gram. The 22K gold rate is Rs 12,600, while 18K gold stands at Rs 10,505 per gram.

Gold prices in Kolkata

In Kolkata, 24K gold is priced at Rs 13,620 per gram. The 22K variant costs Rs 12,485, and 18K gold is selling at Rs 10,193 per gram.

Gold prices in Ahmedabad

Gold prices in Ahmedabad show 24K gold at Rs 13,625 per gram. The 22K gold rate is Rs 12,490, while 18K gold is priced at Rs 10,198 per gram.

Abhigyan Kundu (ACC Photo)

MUMBAI: He is yet to play a game for the Mumbai senior team, but 17-year-old Navi Mumbai boy Abhigyan Kundu has already made heads turn with his exploits for the India Under-19 team. In May, Kundu was named vice-captain of India’s Under-19 team for the tour of England, with Mumbai opener Ayush Mhatre being the captain of the side.

During the tour, the talented young keeper-bat scored a 34-ball 45 not out to help India beat England by six wickets in the first Youth ODI. He then stroked a 95-ball 90 in the first Youth Test against England at Beckenham and 65 off just 46 balls in the second Test at Chelmsford to help India wrest a fighting draw. In September, Kundu helped India blank Australia 3-0 in the Youth ODI series at Brisbane, scoring 158 runs in two matches at an average of 158.00 and a strike rate of 114.49, with scores of 87 not out off 74 balls and 71 off 64 balls. His tally would have been more, but he was rested for the third and final match of the series. In November, Kundu was named ‘Player of the Series’ after scoring two centuries in the Under-19 Challengers Trophy in Lucknow. Those who have seen Kundu bat have noticed shades of former India and Mumbai batting stalwart Vinod Kambli in his batting style. Like Kambli, who was a stylish left-hander and played 17 Tests and 104 ODIs for India, Kundu too is a southpaw. During the Under-19 Asia Cup in Dubai recently, Kundu smashed a record-breaking double century (209 not out off 125 balls, including nine sixes and 17 fours) against Malaysia. The talented teenager thus became the first Indian and only the second player in the world to score a double century in Youth ODIs. However, Kundu would have liked to do better in the other games in the tournament—he made scores of 32 not out, 22 and 13 in the final against Pakistan. Beaming with pride after his son shot into the limelight with that double hundred, Abhigyan’s father Abhishek Kundu told TOI on Tuesday: “We were very happy. It was a great moment for all of us. We were awaiting such a performance from him for a long time. He has scored 125 centuries so far, which includes tons in the Harris Shield, Giles Shield, MCA and BCCI tournaments. He scored a double century in the Giles and Harris Shield and for the Mumbai Under-16 team against Uttar Pradesh in the Vijay Merchant Trophy.” The teenaged wicketkeeper-batter will be under the spotlight during the upcoming ICC Under-19 World Cup, which will be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia. After touring South Africa to play three one-day matches, India will launch their campaign in the Under-19 World Cup on January 15 against the USA at Harare. “It’s the proudest moment of our family. We all are very happy that he’s playing for the country (at the India Under-19 level). It’s definitely a big moment for him because he has trained hard and now he’s getting a chance to represent his country at Under-19 level and fulfill his dream,” Abhishek said. Kundu is preparing for the tournament by following a strict schedule provided to him by the BCCI, which he has to adhere to on and off the field. Abhishek revealed that Abhigyan began his cricketing journey at an age of five, adding, “He used to play well downstairs. We got him enrolled for professional coaching under Chetan Jadhav, whose coaching centre is near our house in Vashi, when he was just five. Jadhav told us that he has potential and we needed to put in more effort for him. We got him some concessions from the school (St. Mary’s School in Koparkhairane, Navi Mumbai) regarding his attendance, so that he could spend more time coaching under Jadhav.” Abhigyan’s intense practice routine often involved facing as many as 5,000 balls a day. With an eye on playing competitive cricket at the junior level, Abhigyan shifted to Anjuman Islam School, which has a traditionally strong cricket team. “The reason we moved to Anjuman Islam was because that school actively participates in major inter-school tournaments in Mumbai. Both his schools played a supportive role in his cricketing journey,” Abhishek said. “We don’t have a cricketing background. I am an engineer and work for TCS, so it was a slightly tough decision for us to allow him to pursue a professional sporting career. However, as he picked up the game and started to show dedication and commitment, practising without fail every day, we were confident that Abhigyan could make a career in cricket,” Abhishek said. Growing up, Abhigyan, inspired by his childhood coach Chetan Jadhav, who too was a wicketkeeper, took a liking for the wicketkeeping gloves. Like many young Indian cricketers, he drew inspiration from the legends of the game. “He has watched a lot of MS Dhoni, Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar. He met Tendulkar briefly during a coaching session in Navi Mumbai,” concluded father Abhishek.

Veteran actor Mohanlal’s mother, Santhakumari Amma, passed away at 90 after a prolonged illness. A pillar of strength, she was a grounding influence on the superstar, offering unwavering support throughout his illustrious career. Her passing has prompted heartfelt tributes from the film fraternity and fans, celebrating her quiet dignity and the enduring bond she shared with her son.

The news of Mohanlal‘s personal loss left a heavy cloud on the film community, which made them realize that living under the towering presence of an iconic film star brings with it a stable inner circle. On Tuesday (December 30), the iconic actress’ mother, Santhakumari Amma, breathed her last at the age of 90 after a long illness which the complications of were age-related, as per On Manorama. She was living at Mohanlal’s home at Elamakara in Kochi and often took walks in the vicinity. The news of her death has come as an outpouring of tributes by well-wishers, fans, and friends alike, owing to their profound love for the essence of her personality.

Santhakumari Amma’s journey and family background

Santhakumari Amma was the spouse of a retired government employee, Viswanathan Nair, who passed away some years ago. The family had its share of tragedy earlier when Santhakumari’s eldest son, Pyarilal, had passed away in 2000. However, she was always the guiding force for them. A grounded woman, she avoided public life while her younger son became a superstar in Indian cinema. For those who knew the family, Santhakumari Amma was a calming influence on Mohanlal the actor and the man he had become.

An enduring bond between Mohanlal and his mother

Mohanlal has the occasions of mentioning and acknowledging the power of his mother in his life. He has always acknowledged her unconditional support as the major driving force behind his successful career as an actor and king of the industry, stating that it was her encouragement that gave him the liberty to endure through the exhausting strain of a cinematic career. Even when faced with the most intense professional requirements, he made it a point to be available for her through his worldwide travel commitments. Their relationship came to the spotlight when he was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest award in cinema. He later confessed that it was one of the biggest privileges of his life to be able to share it with her.

Santhakumari Amma’s final rites and an outpouring of condolences

While the family readsied a funeral for her on Wednesday, it was another tribute to a life well-lived and a natural death. The film industry will remember Mohanlal for his unforgettable performances, but here’s another bittersweet revelation: his biggest strength was his family. The legacy of Santhakumari Amma no longer runs just in his blood; it flows in the simplicity and values which Mohanlal’s life now embodies.

Putin-Zelenskyy (AI image generated using ChatGPT)

Russia hardens stance after alleged drone attack on Putin residence; Ukraine denies claimRussia on Tuesday said its position on any potential peace deal with Ukraine would toughen following the alleged Ukrainian drone attack on a Vladimir Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region, a claim Kyiv has firmly rejected.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the alleged attack was aimed at derailing negotiations, adding that Moscow had taken note of Ukraine’s denial. He also accused Western media of “playing along” with Kyiv’s version of events.“This terrorist act was intended to derail the negotiation process,” Peskov told reporters, adding that the diplomatic fallout would be a tougher negotiating stance for the Russian Federation.He said the Russian military was aware of how and when to respond.Peskov said Zelenskyy was denying the incident and accused sections of the Western media of echoing Kyiv’s line by suggesting that no such attack had taken place, calling such claims “completely insane”.He declined to disclose Putin’s whereabouts at the time of the alleged attack, arguing that in the current situation such information should not be made public.Asked whether Russia had physical evidence of the drone strike, Peskov said air defences had intercepted the drones, and that questions related to wreckage should be addressed by the defence ministry.Ukraine, meanwhile, said Russia had provided no evidence to support its allegation. Ukrainian foreign minister Andriy Sybiga said Moscow had failed to produce any “plausible evidence” for what he called a fabricated claim.“Almost a day passed and Russia still hasn’t provided any plausible evidence to its accusations of Ukraine’s alleged ‘attack on Putin’s residence’. And they won’t. Because there’s none. No such attack happened,” Sybiga said in a post on X.The competing claims added to already heightened tensions in the nearly three-year-old conflict, with Moscow signalling a tougher diplomatic line and Kyiv dismissing the accusation as baseless.Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over reports that the residence of Putin had been targeted and called for restraint and a renewed focus on diplomacy.In a post on X, PM Modi said he was ‘deeply concerned’ by the reports and stressed that diplomatic engagement remained the best way forward. “Deeply concerned by reports of the targeting of the residence of the President of the Russian Federation. Ongoing diplomatic efforts offer the most viable path toward ending hostilities and achieving peace. We urge all concerned to remain focused on these efforts and to avoid any actions that could undermine them,” he said.

Screengrab from viral video (Image/Instagram)

NEW DELHI: A video of travel influencer Klaudia Falenta went viral on social media after she shared a frightening experience at New Delhi Railway Station, where she was nearly scammed while trying to board a train to Varanasi.Klaudia, a solo traveller and content creator, posted a reel on Instagram on Sunday, sharing details of the incident. In the video, she described the episode as “another crazy travel day in India,” adding that it “definitely got my blood boiling.” Reacting to the incident, Klaudia said “why I hate Delhi train stations” as she recounted the alleged scam attempt.

According to her post, she woke up early in the morning and took an Uber to the station for an eight-hour train journey. At the station entrance, a man approached her, claimed her ticket was invalid and attempted to redirect her to another office. “ That’s why I hate Delhi station. This man just tried to straight up scam me, tried to get me to go… Oh my god, I’m literally foaming at the mouth,” Klaudia said in the video.The influencer explained that the encounter lasted about ten minutes, during which she showed her other valid tickets before the man let her go.“Well, the reason I was so stressed and angry was because it was 10 minutes until my train departed,” she added. She later managed to reach her platform and catch the train after receiving help navigating a closed entry point.In the caption accompanying the reel, Klaudia said she hesitated before sharing the footage.“I almost didn’t wanna include these clips, because it’s so out of my character to be angry like this and I don’t like seeing it. But then, I wouldn’t stay true to what I wanted to do which is show travel for what it really is. The unfiltered and real—travel is not always positive and happy and that’s when you grow the most as a person,” she wrote.The post drew supportive reactions from social media users. One commented, “More strength to you… you will have better experience at other Indian locations.” Another advised, “Just don’t talk to those characters… Just mind your business when you are dealing with them.” A third wrote, “Glad that you are overcoming challenges which sometimes we Indians cannot think about.”Despite the stressful encounter, Klaudia said the rest of her journey went smoothly. She enjoyed the train ride, interacted with fellow passengers and later explored Varanasi.“From here on, it was easy sailing. So I jumped into my Uber and it was time to explore Varanasi,” she said.

In 2024-25, dividend earnings touched an all-time high of Rs 74,129 crore, far surpassing the budget estimate of Rs 56,260 crore. (AI image)

Budget 2026: Dividend inflows to the exchequer from non-financial central public sector enterprises and firms in which the government holds minority stakes are expected to surpass the budgeted estimate for the fifth year in a row in 2025-26 and touch a new peak.Despite this likely outperformance, the Centre is expected to retain its original dividend assumption of Rs 69,000 crore in the revised estimates for 2025-26, opting for a cautious stance in view of prevailing global and domestic uncertainties, a source told ET.In 2024-25, dividend earnings touched an all-time high of Rs 74,129 crore, far surpassing the budget estimate of Rs 56,260 crore as well as the revised projection of Rs 55,000 crore. Repeatedly stronger-than-anticipated dividend inflows have helped offset muted disinvestment proceeds in recent years, while also underscoring the robust financial performance of CPSEs.

Exceeding expectations

Latest figures from the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management show that dividend receipts from these entities already amount to Rs 44,862 crore in the ongoing financial year – which is nearly 65% of the annual target. Since a large share of dividend payouts is usually received in the final quarter, overall collections are widely expected to exceed the budgeted figure.Disinvestment receipts have stayed weak this year, with proceeds of Rs 8,768 crore so far. From 2024-25 onward, the government has discontinued the practice of setting a standalone disinvestment target. Instead, it has opted for a combined objective covering divestment and asset monetisation, pegged at Rs 47,000 crore for the ongoing financial year.The strategic divestment of IDBI Bank is currently underway and is expected to be concluded before the close of the fiscal. However, the actual inflow from the transaction is likely to be realised in the first quarter of the next financial year.“If all goes well, dividend collections this fiscal will beat estimates again,” a senior government official was quoted as saying by the financial daily. “Much will depend on the performance of state-run oil companies in the March quarter.”Falling global crude prices are expected to bolster the profitability of public sector oil companies, allowing them to maintain robust dividend distributions.Brent crude futures gained around 2% during intraday trading on Monday to $61.86 a barrel. Despite the rise, prices remain nearly 17% lower than a year ago due to ample global supply, even as uncertainty persists over efforts to secure a resolution to the Ukraine conflict. Goldman Sachs recently forecast that Brent crude would average about $56 per barrel in 2026.

Former India batter Abhinav Mukund has unveiled his Men’s ODI Team of the Year for 2025, featuring a star-studded XI led by Rohit Sharma and anchored by Virat Kohli, but with no room for New Zealand’s in-form middle-order force Daryl Mitchell. The line-up, packed with run machines and wicket-takers from India, New Zealand, England, South Africa and West Indies, heavily rewards Champions Trophy 2025 performances and season-long consistency across conditions.​

No place for Daryl Mitchell despite standout year

Mukund’s XI was always going to be a tight squeeze in the middle order, and Mitchell is arguably the biggest name to miss out after another influential year in ODIs for New Zealand. The Black Caps star played a key role in the Champions Trophy final, crafting a crucial half-century in Dubai to set up a competitive total against India, yet still could not edge into Mukund’s chosen four-man core of Kohli, Matthew Breetzke, KL Rahul and all-rounder Michael Bracewell.​

Mitchell’s omission underlines how strongly Mukund has weighted all-round balance and pure statistical dominance in 2025. With Rachin Ravindra already locking one New Zealand batting spot as Player of the Tournament in the Champions Trophy and a prolific season overall, there was limited space left once the Indian stalwarts and South Africa’s new “Mr Consistency” Breetzke were pencilled in. The decision effectively signals that, in Mukund’s eyes, Ravindra’s explosive run-scoring and the three-spinner template of Bracewell, Santner and Adil Rashid gave New Zealand and England’s all-round spin options more value than adding another specialist middle-order batter like Mitchell in this particular XI.​

Ex-cricketer reveals his best ODI XI of 2025

Mukund’s team blends proven big-tournament temperament with 2025 form, starting at the top with India’s captain Rohit and New Zealand’s breakout star Ravindra.​

1. Rohit Sharma (c) – opener

Rohit enjoyed a vintage year in ODIs, scoring 650 runs in 14 innings at an average of 50 and a strike rate of 100.46, smashing two centuries and four fifties while also lifting the Champions Trophy as India’s captain.​

Rohit Sharma in 2025: 14 matches | 650 runs | 100.46 strike rate ​

2. Rachin Ravindra – opener

Ravindra was the heartbeat of New Zealand’s top order, finishing 2025 with 604 ODI runs at an average of 43.14 and a blistering strike rate of 106.90, including multiple centuries and the Player of the Tournament award at the Champions Trophy with 263 runs at 65.75.​

Rachin Ravindra in 2025: 14 matches | 604 runs | 106.90 strike rate ​

3. Virat Kohli – No.3

Kohli produced yet another dominant ODI year, piling up runs at an average of over 65 with a strike rate of 96.15 in 13 matches, reaffirming his status as the lynchpin at one-down in pressure chases and big tournaments.​

Virat Kohli in 2025: 13 matches | 651 runs | 96.15 strike rate ​

4. Matthew Breetzke – No.4

South African batter Breetzke emerged as one of 2025’s biggest revelations, registering more than 700 runs in just 12 ODIs at an average of 64.18 and a strike rate of 96.71, with one century and six fifties in a superb debut year.​

Matthew Breetzke in 2025: 12 matches | 706 runs | 96.71 strike rate ​

Also READ: Former cricketer picks best T20I XI of 2025, no place for Jasprit Bumrah

5. KL Rahul (wk) – No.5/6, wicketkeeper

KL Rahul provided flexibility and calm to India’s middle order, amassing 367 runs in 2025 at an average of 52.42 and an impressive strike rate close to 108 while also taking the gloves, which convinced Mukund to use him as the designated wicketkeeper in this XI.​

KL Rahul in 2025: 14 matches (ODIs) | 367 runs | 107.94 strike rate ​

6. Michael Bracewell – No.6, batting all-rounder

Bracewell reinforced his reputation as a high-impact all-rounder, contributing vital runs through the middle overs and delivering key breakthroughs with his off-spin during New Zealand’s run to the Champions Trophy final.​

Michael Bracewell in 2025 (ODIs): 18 matches (ODIs) | 368 runs | 98.92 strike rate

7. Mitchell Santner – No.7, bowling all-rounder

Santner provided control, variations and lower-order stability, playing a “massive role” in New Zealand’s attack; he finished among the leading ODI wicket-takers in 2025 with 25 wickets while operating as a containing left-arm spinner.​

Mitchell Santner in 2025: 17 matches | 25 wickets | 3/41 BBI ​

8. Adil Rashid – No.8, leg-spinner

England’s Rashid gave Mukund a third frontline spin option, collecting 30 wickets in 15 ODIs at an outstanding level of consistency to remain one of the world’s premier limited-overs leg-spinners through the year.​

Adil Rashid in 2025: 15 matches | 30 wickets | 4/63 BBI ​

9. Matt Henry – No.9, fast bowler

Henry topped the ODI wicket charts in 2025, taking 31 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 18.58, repeatedly providing new-ball strikes and death-overs reliability for New Zealand.​
Matt Henry in 2025: 13 matches | 31 wickets | 5/42 BBI ​

10. Jayden Seales – No.10, fast bowler

West Indies pacer Jayden Seales continued his rapid rise, grabbing 27 wickets in 12 ODIs at an average of 18.14, including a devastating six-wicket haul that underlined his status as one of the most exciting young quicks in the format.​

Jayden Seales in 2025: 12 matches | 27 wickets | 6/18 BBI ​

11. Jofra Archer – No.11, fast bowler

Completing the XI, Jofra Archer’s raw pace and accuracy earned him 18 wickets in nine ODIs at an average of 22.44 and an economy rate of just 5.05, making him the ideal enforcer and death-overs specialist in Mukund’s set-up.​

Jofra Archer in 2025: 9 matches | 18 wickets | 4/18 BBI

Also READ: Top 5 contenders for the 2025 ICC Cricketer of the Year Award