Melbourne Stars are set to face Adelaide Strikers in Match 34 of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday, January 13. With the tournament entering a decisive phase, this clash carries significant implications for both sides, albeit for very different reasons.

The Stars have enjoyed a solid campaign so far, registering five victories from their eight outings to occupy third place on the points table. Their consistent performances have kept them firmly in the race for the playoffs, and they will be eager to build further momentum as the league stage nears its conclusion. Adding to their confidence is the fact that they have already beaten the Strikers once earlier this season, a result they will aim to replicate in front of their home crowd to consolidate a top-four finish.

For the Strikers, the scenario is far more challenging. Sitting sixth with just three wins from eight matches, their qualification hopes are hanging by a thread. To remain in contention, the Strikers must not only win their remaining fixtures but also significantly improve their net run rate. Any slip-up could effectively end their campaign, making this encounter a must-win contest for the visitors.

MS vs AS, BBL|15: Match details

• Date and Time: January 13; 1:45 pm IST / 8:15 pm GMT / 7:15 pm Local
• Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

MS vs AS, Head-to-Head Record in BBL

Matches played: 20 | Melbourne Stars won: 11 | Adelaide Strikers won: 09 | No result/Tied: 0

Melbourne Cricket Ground Pitch Report

The pitch at the MCG has offered a fair contest between bat and ball this season, keeping matches competitive without heavily favouring either side.

The ground’s vast boundaries ensure spinners are never out of the game, as batters are forced to take risks to clear the fence. Early in the innings, fast bowlers are likely to enjoy some assistance, with the pitch providing decent bounce and carry. Recent trends at the MCG also suggest that chasing teams have had a slight edge, as the large outfield allows batters to manage the required rate and build partnerships more patiently.

Squads

Melbourne Stars: Sam Harper (wk), Thomas Fraser Rogers, Campbell Kellaway, Glenn Maxwell, Blake Macdonald, Marcus Stoinis (c), Hilton Cartwright, Mitchell Swepson, Tom Curran, Haris Rauf, Peter Siddle, Joe Clarke, Liam Hatcher, Hamish McKenzie

Adelaide Strikers: Alex Carey, Matthew Short (c), Chris Lynn, Liam Scott, Jamie Overton, Mackenzie Harvey (wk), Harry Manenti, Hasan Ali, Cameron Boyce, Lloyd Pope, Tabraiz Shamsi, Jason Sangha, Henry Thornton

Also READ: BBL|15 – Chris Green sizzles as Sydney Thunder beat Melbourne Renegades in rain-hit clash

MS vs AS, BBL|15: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Melbourne Stars wins the toss and bowls first
• Adelaide Strikers’ powerplay score: 40-50 (6 overs)
• Adelaide Strikers’ total score: 150-160

Case 2:

• Adelaide Strikers wins the toss and bowls first
• Melbourne Stars’ powerplay score: 50-60 (6 overs)
• Melbourne Stars’ total score: 170-180

Match result: Melbourne Stars to win the contest.

Also READ: Fastest to 28,000 – Here’s the breakdown of Virat Kohli’s international runs

The United States on Monday issued an advisory asking American citizens to “leave Iran now” amid massive unrest going on in Islamic Republic, warning that protests against the Khamenei regime across the country are “escalating” and could “turn violent”, leading to “arrests, injuries and severe disruptions” to daily life.In the advisory, the US embassy said that protests across Iran “may turn violent” as Iranian authorities step up security measures.“Protests across Iran are escalating and may turn violent, resulting in arrests and injuries. Increased security measures, road closures, public transportation disruptions, and internet blockages are ongoing,” the alert said.It added that the Iranian government has “restricted access to mobile, landline, and national internet networks.”The advisory also warned of travel disruptions, noting that several airlines have limited or cancelled flights to and from Iran. “Airlines continue to limit or cancel flights to and from Iran, with several suspending service until Friday, January 16,” it said.Urging immediate caution, the embassy advised US citizens to consider leaving Iran by land through Armenia and Turkey.“US citizens should expect continued internet outages, plan alternative means of communication, and, if safe to do so, consider departing Iran by land to Armenia or Turkiye,” the alert added.“Leave Iran now. Have a plan for departing Iran that does not rely on US government help,” it said.For those unable to leave, the embassy advised finding a safe place and keeping essential supplies. “If you cannot leave, find a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items,” it added.“Avoid demonstrations, keep a low profile, and stay aware of your surroundings,” the embassy said, urging citizens to follow local media updates and stay flexible with travel plans.The advisory also highlighted serious risks for US nationals, especially “dual citizens”. “US-Iranian dual nationals must exit Iran on Iranian passports. The Iranian government does not recognize dual nationality and will treat US-Iranian dual nationals solely as Iranian citizens,” it said.“US nationals are at significant risk of questioning, arrest, and detention in Iran,” the advisory said, adding that “showing a US passport or demonstrating connections to the United States can be reason enough for Iranian authorities to detain someone.”However, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has also issued warning to America, and wrote on X: “Iran’s great nation showcased its resolve and identity to its enemies. This was a warning to US politicians to cease their deceptions and not rely on treacherous mercenaries.”The advisory comes amid reports of large demonstrations across several provinces, including Azerbaijan province and the central city of Arak. According to Iran’s state-run Press TV, crowds were seen waving flags and chanting slogans in support of Iran. The protests and counter-protests follow days of unrest linked to rising inflation, economic hardship and public anger over governance.At least 646 people have been killed and more than 10,000 individuals have been arrested and sent to prisons.Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has taken a hard stance against the Khamenei-led regime, including moves to target countries doing business with Iran. He stepped up pressure by announcing a 25 per cent tariff with immediate effect.Trump said the tariffs would apply immediately. In a social media post, he wrote, “Effective immediately, any Country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a Tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America.”

MUMBAI: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday slammed the recently united Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray, saying the January 15 Mumbai civic polls are a battle for the cousins’ survival, not for the Marathi people.Speaking at a rally in support of the Mahayuti alliance of BJP-Shiv Sena on the penultimate day of campaigning, Fadnavis emphasized that Mumbai is an inseparable part of Maharashtra and no one can attempt to divide it.At the Shivaji Park rally for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election, Fadnavis showed old clips of Uddhav and Raj, who have joined hands for the civic polls after nearly two decades of rivalry, attacking each other in the past.Responding to Raj Thackeray’s remark that the civic election would be the last for Marathi people, Fadnavis retorted, “Your own survival is at stake.”“The (BMC) election is not about threat to Mumbai, Marathi speakers, but your own survival,” the BJP CM noted, referring to the Thackeray cousins, whose parties are pitted against the BJP-Shiv Sena combine to control India’s biggest and richest civic body with over Rs 74,000 crore budget.Fadnavis, once an ally of Uddhav Thackeray, said his focus is on installing a Mahayuti mayor in Mumbai and ensuring transparent civic governance.“We will transform the city,” he vowed, appealing to people to vote for the BJP and Shiv Sena in Thursday’s polls.Fadnavis said the Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government (Nov 2019–June 2022) made Hindi compulsory from Classes 1 to 12 under the New Education Policy and scrapped the Dharavi redevelopment tender issued by his government before 2019.“When we came to power we realised that the tender of the MVA (Maha Vikas Aghadi) government was not proper. We allotted the work to Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DPR) in which the state government is a major stakeholder and Adani group is the developer,” he told the gathering.The mega project aims to transform Asia’s largest slum, Dharavi, into a modern, planned township with permanent housing for residents, along with upgraded infrastructure and commercial spaces.He emphasized that Marathi is the only compulsory language in Maharashtra. “Under a three-language policy, one can learn any language of their choice, but Marathi is a compulsory language in Maharashtra,” the added.Fadnavis said the Navi Mumbai International Airport, which started operations last month, was proposed several years ago to decongest the Mumbai airport and was completed in five years.“We will construct a third airport (in Mumbai region) and also increase the capacity of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai,” he declared.Fadnavis said the Indian economy has been on a healthy growth trajectory since 2014, with the net worth of several companies increasing during this period.“Non-BJP-ruled states have also taken investment from Adani group companies,” he emphasised.The BJP leader slammed Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray for imitating him in public and said at least his uncle (Raj Thackeray) does better mimicry.“He (Aaditya) must remember what condition his uncle’s party (MNS) is due to mimicry. Uddhav Thackeray wants me to have a debate with Aaditya Thackeray. I challenge Uddhav Thackeray to send Aaditya for debate tomorrow (Tuesday) which is the last date of campaign and our candidate Sheetal Gambhir will debate with him,” Fadnavis said.He asserted that the Mahayuti flag will fly atop the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde, head of Shiv Sena, and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, a BJP ally, were also present at the rally.(With agency inputs)

SRIHARIKOTA: The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) on Monday said that the PSLV-C62 mission encountered an anomaly during end of the PS3 stage and a detailed analysis has been initiated.“Today we have attempted the PSLV C62 / EOS – N1 Mission. The PSLV vehicle is a four stage vehicle with two solid stages and two liquid stages,” Isro chief V. Narayanan said.

“The performance of the vehicle close to the end of third stage was as expected. Close to the end of third stage we are seeing more disturbance in the vehicle. Subsequently, there is a deviation in the vehicle observed in the flight path. We are analysing the data and will come shall come back at the earliest,” he added.Isro launched EOS-N1, along with 14 co-passenger satellites and a capsule into a re-entry trajectory in a marathon mission, marking the space agency’s first mission of 2026.The flight comes months after a rare setback, when PSLV-C61, launched on May 18, 2025, failed to place the EOS-09 earth observation satellite into orbit due to a third-stage anomaly. The 44.4-metre-tall Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C62) lifted off from the First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, in a commercial mission for NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). The launch marked the 64th flight of PSLV and the fifth mission of the PSLV-DL variant.The mission carried a diverse suite of technology demonstration satellites from India and overseas, covering applications such as AI processing in orbit, store-and-forward communication systems, IoT services, radiation measurement, and agricultural data collection.The primary payload, EOS-N1 (Anvesha), is a hyperspectral earth observation satellite designed for advanced surveillance and strategic monitoring.Among the notable secondary payloads was AayulSAT, developed by Bengaluru-based startup OrbitAID Aerospace, which serves as India’s first on-orbit satellite refuelling demonstrator. The mission aims to test technologies for propellant transfer and satellite servicing in low Earth orbit, a capability seen as critical for extending satellite lifetimes and enabling sustainable space operations.Another key payload, the KID re-entry capsule, a European technology demonstrator developed with a Spanish startup, was expected to be separated from the PSLV’s fourth stage and was designed to splash down in the South Pacific Ocean, validating controlled atmospheric re-entry technologies.The flight also included a mix of CubeSats and small satellites from universities and startups, including missions from Dhruva Space (CGUSAT), and international partners, supporting research and commercial applications in communication, IoT and Earth observation.The 2026 PSLV-C62 mission follows Isro’s detailed review of the PSLV-C61 failure, one of only a handful of setbacks in PSLV’s three-decade operational history. Isro had constituted a failure analysis committee after the May 2025 mission and implemented corrective measures before returning the launcher to flight.

Representative image (AI-generated)

US President Donald Trump on Monday warned that Washington could face severe financial repercussions if the Supreme Court rules his sweeping global tariffs illegal. The warning comes as the country’s top court prepares to hear the high-stakes case this week.In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “If the Supreme Court rules against the United States of America on this National Security bonanza, we’re scre***!”The nation’s apex body is expected to issue rulings as early as January 14, though it does not announce in advance which cases will be decided. The challenge to Trump’s tariffs has emerged as a major test of presidential authority and could have wide-ranging implications for the US and global economy.Trump’s warning comes amid legal scrutiny of tariffs imposed under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which he invoked by declaring a national emergency over the US trade deficit. During oral arguments in November, a majority of judges had expressed skepticism about whether the law allows a president to impose broad global tariffs without congressional approval.In his Truth Social post, Trump said the financial exposure would go far beyond tariff revenues already collected. He argued that if the court rules against the government, the US could be forced to repay “many Hundreds of Billions of Dollars” in tariff revenue, along with additional claims tied to private investments made to avoid the levies.“The actual numbers that we would have to pay back if, for any reason, the Supreme Court were to rule against the United States of America on Tariffs, would be many Hundreds of Billions of Dollars and that doesn’t include the amount of “payback” that Countries and Companies would require for the Investments they are making on building Plants, Factories, and Equipment, for the purpose of being able to avoid the payment of Tariffs. ” Trump wrote.“When these Investments are added, we are talking about Trillions of Dollars! It would be a complete mess, and almost impossible for our Country to pay,” Trump further wrote. He rejected suggestions that refunds could be handled quickly, saying the process would be complex and drawn out. “Anybody who says that it can be quickly and easily done would be making a false, inaccurate, or totally misunderstood answer to this very large and complex question. It may not be possible but, if it were, it would be Dollars that would be so large that it would take many years to figure out what number we are talking about and even, who, when, and where, to pay,” his post read. According to government data, the federal government collected roughly $200 billion more in tariff revenue in 2025 as a result of Trump’s import duties. Tariffs are paid by companies when they bring goods into the US. More than half of that revenue has come from tariffs imposed under IEEPA.Trump has repeatedly argued that the tariffs strengthened US manufacturing and boosted investment. Lower courts have already ruled against the administration. A federal appeals court in August upheld a finding that Trump exceeded his authority by imposing global tariffs under emergency powers. The case now before the Supreme Court was brought by a group of businesses and 12 US states, most of them governed by Democrats, who argue that only Congress has the constitutional power to impose taxes and that IEEPA does not mention tariffs.Opponents also dispute whether trade deficits qualify as a national emergency. At the November hearing, Justice Amy Coney Barrett observed that any refund process could become a “complete mess,” a phrase Trump later echoed.Trump has said he is preparing a “Game 2 plan” to pursue his tariff agenda if the court rules against him, though he has acknowledged that alternative legal routes would be slower, according to USA Today. A ruling against the tariffs would deal a major blow to one of the centrepieces of his domestic and trade policy and could reshape US relations with key trading partners, including the European Union, Japan, South Korea, the UK and India.

A tense moment unfolded in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League 2025-26 (BPL 2025-26) when Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi was asked about the ongoing conflict between India and Bangladesh following Mustafizur Rahman’s controversial IPL 2026 ouster.

BPL Press Conference Turns Awkward for Mohammad Nabi

However, Mohammad Nabi made it clear that he did not want to be dragged into a sensitive controversy, as he has nothing to do with the political cricket drama between India and Pakistan.

The veteran Afghanistan all-rounder is currently playing for Noakhali Express in the ongoing BPL 2025-26. After the Bangladesh Premier League match between Noakhali Express and Dhaka Capitals, Nabi found himself in an awkward situation during a post-match press conference.

Your daily dose of cricket!

Read Also: Pakistan declares itself T20 World Cup 2026 co-host, hijacks India’s Bangladesh matches

Instead of questions about the BPL 2025-26 game, a reporter dragged Nabi into the growing controversy involving Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman and IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), which eventually became a national issue for both India and Bangladesh.

Mohammad Nabi Refuses to Be Part of Political Drama

The question visibly annoyed the Afghan star Mohammad Nabi, who reacted strongly and shut it down immediately by making it clear that the matter had nothing to do with the controversy and had no role in political matters.

Nabi acknowledged that Mustafizur is a good bowler but expressed his frustration at being asked about something that had nothing to do with his team, his match, or his career.

Mohammad Nabi told the reporter at the post-match press conference, “Iska merese kya lena dena bhai. Mera Mustafizur se kya kaam hai? Politics me kya kaam hai mera? (What do I have to do with it? How am I related to Mustafizur? I don’t have anything to do with politics. I know he is a good bowler, all these things. But the way you are questioning, it’s not related to me.”

Respect for Nabi & Afghanistan +9999 📈

Afghan cricketer Md. Nabi, who is currently playing in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), was asked about Mustafizur Rahman being released from the IPL.
Nabi got angry and refused to comment on the matter. 😡🤬

🇮🇳 🩷 🇦🇫 pic.twitter.com/FoRFkPwpMy

— Jara (@JARA_Memer) January 12, 2026

Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL Exit Sparks Massive Fallout

Following Mustafizur Rahman’s ouster by the KKR on the BCCI’s order, the situation between India and Bangladesh has become very serious. The KKR had signed Rahman for INR 9.20 crore at the IPL Auction 2026, and he was the only player from Bangladesh to be picked for the next season.

Read Also: ICC rejects Pakistan’s request, eyes two surprise venues for Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup games

Big teams like Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals were also interested in signing the Bangladesh pacer, but KKR won the bidding war in Abu Dhabi last month.

Later, KKR had to let Mustafizur go on the BCCI’s instructions after strong backlash in India and reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. The issue grew beyond cricket, as the Bangladesh government banned the IPL 2026 in the country till further notice.

Cricket Row Escalates Into Diplomatic Tension

Even the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) wrote to the International Cricket Council (ICC) asking for their ICC T20 World Cup 2026 matches to be shifted from India to Sri Lanka. The BCB is still waiting for a reply from the ICC after raising security concerns about traveling to India for the World Cup.

The tournament will be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Bangladesh are scheduled to play their group matches in Kolkata and Mumbai.

MUMBAI: Traffic congestion, poor sanitation, inadequate healthcare and environmental degradation have emerged as major concerns across the P North administrative ward, which comprises Malad (West), with candidates and residents flagging long-pending infrastructure gaps ahead of the civic polls. P North stretches from near Malad railway station to Aksa Beach.Congress candidate from electoral ward No. 47, Parminder Singh Bamra, said traffic on Malad Link Road could have been eased had the back road, known as Creek Road, been completed. “Nearly 80% of the work is complete. If finished, it would ensure smooth traffic flow towards Malwani, Gorai and Charkop,” he said, identifying bottlenecks at Sundar Lane, Mittal College and the stretch between Chincholi and Mithi Chowki. “Simply clearing these choke points would improve traffic movement and reduce air pollution,” he said.BJP candidate Sumitra Mhatre from ward No. 49, which includes Aksa Beach and the Ambujwadi slums, highlighted multiple civic shortcomings. She pointed to poor sanitation in Gaothans, the absence of health and vaccination centres and the urgent need for a civic hospital. “Transportation is a major issue. We need buses with higher frequency, traffic signals and zebra crossings to reduce accidents on Madh-Marve Road,” she said, adding that street lighting was inadequate, particularly near the jetty, which remains isolated. Mhatre stressed the need for better security for women in Gaothans and flagged water scarcity as a persistent concern. Environmental damage has further compounded residents’ worries. Mhatre said the destruction of mangroves is alarming. “Garbage, debris and plastic are being dumped into the mangroves,” she said.

Residents say these problems are common across communities. Santosh Koli, a resident of Madh Koliwada, said there are around seven koliwadas and an equal number of gaothans in the ward, all facing similar issues. “The coastline is dirty, sanitation is poor and roads inside villages are narrow. There are no street lights, no civic dispensaries and no good civic hospital. Transportation is infrequent and unreliable,” he said. Marve, Malwani, Erangal, Aksa Bhatti, Dinde and Bhandarwada are among the koliwadas and gaothans.Vasudev Kanade, a resident of Bhandarwada, raised concerns about the municipal market near the railway station. “Earlier, it had a good spread of fruit and vegetable vendors. Now it has been taken over by garment sellers, with rents being Rs 1-1.5 lakh,” he said. Unable to afford these, vegetable vendors have moved onto the road. “Illegal hawking outside the railway station has become rampant, and during peak hours it is nearly impossible to walk.“Nanu Rathod, a small-time tailor with a shop on Mamletdar Wadi Road off SV Road, said that while road widening and concreting had resolved chronic waterlogging, they had created new problems. “The grilled manhole covers have led to an increase in mosquitoes,” he said. Rathod flagged health and safety as major concerns. “There is no civic hospital, and concreted roads have encouraged speeding. A speed breaker was installed only after a resident suffered a spinal injury in an accident,” he said.Venugopal Ayengar, a BSP candidate contesting from Nos. 35 and 47, said both wards have a large slum population where redevelopment projects have stalled. “Maintenance is poor, and water supply in the slums is inadequate,” he said.MNS candidate from No. 46, Snehita Dehalikar, described the area outside Malad railway station as chaotic despite road widening. She advocates the implementation of the Station Area Traffic Improvement Scheme. Congress MLA Aslam Shaikh said a bridge connecting Link Road with Marve Road was urgently required but had been delayed due to coastal regulation clearances. “Redevelopment of slum clusters will resolve many civic issues and ensure that residents get homes double the size of their current ones.”