Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: India underlined their reputation as the most formidable chasing side in world cricket after scripting history with a tense four-wicket win over New Zealand in the first ODI on Sunday. By overhauling a target of 301 in Vadodara, Shubman Gill’s side became the first team ever to successfully chase down 300-plus totals on 20 occasions in one-day internationals.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The landmark victory also gave India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and once again highlighted their depth and composure under pressure. Virat Kohli anchored the chase with a classy 93 off 91 balls, striking eight fours and a six, before falling just short of a deserved century. His knock laid the foundation for yet another memorable pursuit.

India’s chase was set up by a vital 118-run second-wicket stand between Kohli and captain Gill, who made a steady 56 on his return from injury. Kohli then added another crucial partnership with Shreyas Iyer, whose fluent 49 kept the scoreboard moving even as New Zealand searched for breakthroughs.

Teams with the most successful 300+ run chases in ODIs

The chase, however, was far from straightforward. Kohli’s dismissal triggered a wobble as India slipped from 234 for 2 to 242 for 5, with Kyle Jamieson leading New Zealand’s fightback through figures of 4 for 41. With pressure mounting, late contributions from Harshit Rana (29 off 22 balls) and KL Rahul (29 not out off 21) proved decisive. Rahul sealed the win in the penultimate over, smashing two fours and a six to finish the chase with six balls to spare.India’s latest feat further extends their lead atop the list of teams with the most successful 300-plus chases in ODIs. England follow with 15, while Australia have achieved the feat 14 times. Pakistan (12) and New Zealand and Sri Lanka (11 each) trail behind.Kohli was named Player of the Match, earning his 45th such award in ODIs, moving closer to Sanath Jayasuriya’s tally of 48. The former captain also climbed to second place on the list of leading run-scorers in international cricket, underlining his enduring influence in the format.Most PoTM awards in ODIs

Earlier, New Zealand posted 300 for 8 after half-centuries from Devon Conway (56), Henry Nicholls (62) and Daryl Mitchell (84). Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna picked up two wickets apiece.The second ODI will be played in Rajkot on Wednesday, with India riding high on yet another record-breaking chase.

NEW DELHI: Speculations are rife over a possible merger between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) after Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and Supriya Sule hinted at a reunion in the future.This comes as both Ajit Pawar’s NCP and NCP(Sharad Pawar) decided to join hands to contest the upcoming local body elections in Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune.While speaking to news agency IANS, Sule was asked whether a merger is possible between the two factions. Sule stressed that the alliance between the NCP and NCP(SP) has been formed for the upcoming local body elections in Pune. She, however, said that no decision has yet been taken on a permanent merger between the two parties.“Our alliance is formed for the Pune Municipal Corporation elections. We will see about it in the future,” Sule said.Ajit Pawar also made a similar statement, claiming that the upcoming elections are the primary focus of both parties.“We have not thought about this yet. Our primary focus is on the upcoming elections. Only after the elections will we see,” he said.Earlier Ajit Pawar had said that party workers from both sides were in favour of a union and that friction within the Pawar family had been resolved.Also read | ‘Will let you know if signal is green’: Strong buzz around merger of 2 NCPs after Ajit Pawar’s interviewOn Saturday, Ajit and his cousin Sule also shared the stage for a “common political programme” to release a combined NCP manifesto for the January 15 Pune Municipal Corporation and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation polls.Cracks within Mahayuti alliance?Meanwhile, cracks appeared within the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance after chief minister Devendra Fadnavis took a swipe at Ajit Pawar for criticising the BJP during the poll campaign.Speaking during an interaction with actor Girija Oak, Fadnavis said the BJP and the NCP had decided well in advance that they would not contest the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad civic elections as allies, since both were strong parties in the region.“Ajit dada only speaks, but my work speaks. We had already decided that even if we contest against each other, it would be a friendly contest and that we would refrain from criticising each other or each other’s parties. I have followed that rule till now, but his restraint is somewhat shaken,” Fadnavis said.However, Ajit Pawar will not “speak” after January 15, when votes will be cast, Fadnavis said, exuding confidence in the BJP’s performance.Ajit Pawar-led NCP and NCP (Sharad Pawar) have decided to join hands to contest the Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune local body elections.This comes two years after Ajit Pawar, along with a group of senior leaders, parted ways with his uncle Sharad Pawar and joined hands with the BJP and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena in Maharashtra. He had raised objections to Sharad Pawar continuing to lead the party despite his old age.Ajit was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister under the new alliance. He favoured aligning with the ruling coalition, while Sharad Pawar’s faction insisted on remaining with the opposition.The Election Commission later recognised Ajit’s faction as the legitimate NCP, retaining the ‘clock’ symbol. Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar’s faction (NCP-SP) adopted the ‘tutari’ (curved trumpet) symbol.Both factions contested elections separately. After the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, in which his faction faced setbacks, Ajit Pawar acknowledged that turning his back on his family had been a “mistake”.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee after she walked out of the house of Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) chief Pratik Jain during an ED raid (ANI photo)

NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking directions for the registration of an FIR against West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banarjee, the DGP and the Kolkata police commissoner for “obstructing probe, tampering with and destroying evidence in a multi-state money laundering case against I-PAC”.Asserting the requirement for an FIR, the anti-money laundering agency said “protectors of law became party to a serious cognizable offence” as they “intimidated and threatened ED officers and snatched files and electronic evidence containing incriminating material.”

The central probe agency also said it had approached the Calcutta high court for the CBI probe into the incident but “the clout enjoyed by the CM and her supproters was used to create a ruckus in the courtroom forcing the judge to adjourn hearing”.The ED on Saturday moved the apex court alleging interference and obstruction by the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government during search operations at the Kolkata headquarters of political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee(I-PAC) and the residence of its director Pratik Jain. Later, the state government filed a caveat seeking to be heard before any adverse order is passed.The Bengal government’s caveat was filed after the ED carried out searches on Thursday at I-PAC’s office and Jain’s residence as part of a money laundering probe linked to an alleged multi-crore rupee coal pilferage scam. A caveat allows a party to ensure that no order is issued without giving it an opportunity to present its case.The ED has alleged that chief minister Mamata Banerjee entered the raid locations and took away what it described as “key” evidence, including physical documents and electronic devices. Banerjee has rejected the allegations and accused the central agency of overreach.The entire controversy erupted after CM Mamata Banerjee rushed to the house of I-PAC director Pratik Jain amid the raid and accused the Centre of holding political vendetta, alleging that central agencies were being misused ahead of elections.Reacting sharply to the action, Banerjee questioned the role of the ED and Union home minister Amit Shah. She claimed that party documents and data were being seized under the pretext of investigations. She also alleged that voter names were being deleted in West Bengal during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision exercise, linking the moves to the election process.

Mahhi Vij and Jay Bhanushali have been making headlines since they announced their divorce on social media. The actress recently shared a heartfelt post for her close friend Nadeem Nadz. This received a mixed reaction from fans, with many trolling her. Actor and television host Jay Bhanushali has now reacted to the dating rumours surrounding his ex-wife, Mahhi Vij.Ankita Lokhande shared a long note bashing the trolls and defending her close friend Mahhi as she faced criticism over her bond with Nadeem. Jay has reshared the post on social media, finally breaking his silence on the matter.Ankita took to her Instagram handle and expressed her disappointment. She wrote, “Today I want to say something not as a celebrity, but as a friend. I’ve been really disturbed by the way people are commenting on Mahi and Nadeem’s relationship. I know Mahi, I know Nadeem, and I know Jai very well. And I need to say this clearly Nadeem has always been a father figure to Mahi and Jai, and a father to Tara. That’s it. Nothing else.”She further wrote, “Some bonds are built on respect, love, and years of trust, and outsiders don’t get the right to judge them. As a friend, I can say Nadeem is someone who has stood by people, including me, in difficult times. My respect for him is huge. Mahi and Jai, you’re doing an amazing job as parents. God bless you. And to those spreading negativity please stop. Let people live their lives. Karma is watching. Mahi, I love you. Jai, I love you. And Nadeem, you’re truly one of the best. You are a god-sent person for many of us!!” Jay shared a screenshot of the post on his Instagram handle and wrote, “Thank you Ankita and I agree to everything you said.” Mahhi Vij also reshared the post. The couple recently announced their separation on a mutual note, confirming that there’s no bad blood and that the two will equally take responsibility for their kids.Mahhi Vij slams trolls over dating rumours with close friend Nadeem amid divorce; says, “Tara has been calling him Abba for 6 years”

The 22nd match of the SA20 2025-26 season features a high-stakes clash between Pretoria Capitals and MI Cape Town at the lightning-fast SuperSport Park. With the playoff race heating up, both teams are desperate for a win to solidify their position in the top four.

Pretoria Capitals are riding high after a clinical defensive performance where they successfully defended 138 against the Paarl Royals. Shai Hope has been their standout performer, recently smashing a record-breaking 118 at Kingsmead.

MI Cape Town, the defending champions, have finally found their rhythm after a dismal start. Led by Ryan Rickelton, who is currently the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 317 runs (including two centuries), MICT has won two games on the bounce and must keep winning to stay in the hunt.

PC vs MICT, SA20 2025-26: Match details

• Date and Time: January 12 (Monday); 9:00 pm IST / 03:30 pm GMT / 5:30 pm Local
• Venue: SuperSport Park, Centurion

PC vs MICT, Head-to-Head Record in SA20:

Matches played: 6 | Pretoria Capitals won: 3 | MI Cape Town won: 3 | No result/Tied: 0

SuperSport Park Pitch Report

The pitch at SuperSport Park in Centurion is a traditional highveld surface, renowned for its extreme pace and steep bounce. Early in the innings, the grass cover and typical evening humidity will assist fast bowlers with significant seam movement. However, as the game progresses, it typically transforms into a high-scoring belter. The thin air at this altitude, combined with a quick outfield and relatively short boundaries, makes it a paradise for stroke-makers. With an average first-innings score of around 180.

Squads

Pretoria Capitals: Will Smeed, Connor Esterhuizen (wk), Shai Hope, Dewald Brevis, Roston Chase, Andre Russell, Bryce Parsons, Codi Yusuf, Gideon Peters, Keshav Maharaj (c), Lungi Ngidi, Tymal Mills, Lizaad Williams, Sibonelo Makhanya, Wihan Lubbe, Keith Dudgeon, Junaid Dawood, Sherfane Rutherford, Jordan Cox, Daniel Smith, Meeka eel Prince

MI Cape Town: Ryan Rickelton (wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Nicholas Pooran, Jason Smith, Jacques Snyman, Tom Moores, George Linde, Rashid Khan (c), Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult, Dane Piedt, Karim Janat, Thomas Kaber, Tiaan van Vuuren, Tristan Luus, Daniel Lategan, Reeza Hendricks, Dwaine Pretorius, Corbin Bosch

Also READ: Faf du Plessis recalls MS Dhoni’s iconic act after Donovan Ferreira’s stunning run-out for Joburg Super Kings in SA20 2025-26

PC vs MICT, SA20 2025-26: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• MI Cape Town wins the toss and bowls first
• Pretoria Capitals’ powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
• Pretoria Capitals’ total score: 165-175

Case 2:

• Pretoria Capitals wins the toss and bowls first
• MI Cape Town’s powerplay score: 55-65 (6 overs)
• MI Cape Town’s total score: 175-185

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest

Also WATCH: Dewald Brevis and Sherfane Rutherford unleash a flurry of sixes on MI Cape Town bowlers in SA20 2025-26

Asian shares inched higher on Monday as investors weighed political and economic developments in the United States, while the dollar slipped amid concerns over the independence of the US Federal Reserve.HSI jumped 208 points or 0.79% to 26,439. Japan’s Nikkei also climbed 822 points or 1.6% to 51,939. Shenzhen and Shanghai also added 1.2% and 0.78% respectively. In South Korea, Kospi traded in green adding 29 points at 11:11 AM IST. Market sentiment was shaped by confirmation that the US Justice Department had issued a subpoena to the Federal Reserve, a move that raised alarm among investors. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell acknowledged the action late on Sunday, calling it unprecedented and linking it to pressure from US President Donald Trump for further interest rate cuts, despite the Fed signalling that rates would remain unchanged. Powell said that the central bank received grand jury subpoenas on Friday related to his testimony before the Senate in June, which dealt with a major renovation project of Federal Reserve office buildings. The political tension followed the release of weaker-than-expected US labour data on Friday. The jobs report showed that only 50,000 new jobs were created in December, while the unemployment rate edged down to 4.4 percent. Financial markets reacted swiftly. The dollar slipped around 0.2% against major currencies, according to Bloomberg. Gold prices jumped 1.5% as investors sought safety amid rising uncertainty. Equity markets across Asia moved higher in early trading. Gains were seen in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul and Taipei, mirroring Wall Street’s record close at the end of last week. Stocks also rose in Bangkok, Manila, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta. Global markets have largely begun the year on a strong footing. Stock indices in Frankfurt, London, Paris and Seoul touched record highs last week, driven mainly by optimism surrounding technology stocks and advances in defence sector shares. Oil prices dipped slightly on Monday but largely held on to last week’s rally. Ongoing protests in Iran continued to fuel geopolitical concerns, while the US seizure of Venezuela’s crude supplies added to worries about excess supply. President Trump has warned Iran of consequences if demonstrators were harmed, as Tehran cautioned against foreign interference. On Sunday evening, Trump said he was weighing potential military action following reports of a violent crackdown that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people.

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