The Melbourne Derby is rarely short on fireworks, but on January 10, 2026, the 30th match of BBL|15 at Docklands Stadium belonged entirely to the men in green. In a clinical display of power hitting and strategic bowling, the Melbourne Stars dismantled the Melbourne Renegades by eight wickets, chasing down a competitive target with 25 balls to spare. The hero of the night was wicketkeeper-batter Sam Harper, whose unbeaten 84 turned a potentially tricky chase into a stroll in the park.

Melbourne Renegades set a formidable foundation against Stars at Docklands

Winning the toss and electing to bat, the Melbourne Renegades looked poised for a massive total. Despite losing Tim Seifert early to Tom Curran, Josh Brown played a lone hand of sheer brilliance. Brown’s 80 off 50 deliveries was the backbone of the Renegades’ innings, featuring seven boundaries and four towering sixes. He found brief support from Jake Fraser-McGurk (17) and Mohammad Rizwan (21), taking the team to a comfortable 84/2 at the halfway mark.

However, the Stars’ bowling attack, led by the experienced Marcus Stoinis, triggered a middle-order squeeze. Stoinis was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 3 for 33 and claiming the crucial wickets of Rizwan and Caleb Jewell in consecutive deliveries. Haris Rauf and Peter Siddle provided excellent support at the death, ensuring the Renegades couldn’t capitalize on their Power Surge. Late cameos from Hassan Khan (23) and Will Sutherland helped the Renegades post 166/7, a total that many felt was formidable on a surface offering a hint of grip for the spinners.

Also READ: Usman Khawaja’s explosive knock cruise Brisbane Heat to an emphatic victory over Sydney Thunder in BBL|15

Sam Harper’s match-winning blitz drives Melbourne Stars to dominant BBL|15 triumph

If the Renegades felt confident at the innings break, that feeling evaporated within the first four overs. Thomas Rogers and Harper came out like men possessed, racing to 50 runs in just 24 balls. Rogers was particularly destructive, smashing 53 off a mere 24 deliveries. His departure, courtesy of a sharp run-out by Fraser-McGurk, did little to stem the flow of runs.

Harper then took full command of the chase. While Rogers provided the initial blast, he provided the sustained heat. Displaying a wide array of innovative sweeps and traditional drives, Harper reached his half-century in 35 balls. He found an able partner in Glenn Maxwell (20*), and together they dismantled the Renegades’ bowling depth.

The Stars utilized their Power Surge effectively, accumulating 26 runs in two overs to kill off any remaining hope for the home side. Harper finished the game in style, remaining 84 not out from 51 balls, an innings punctuated by nine fours and four sixes. The Stars reached 170/2 in just 15.5 overs, securing a massive boost to their net run rate and cementing their position at 2 on the ladder. Harper was rightfully named Player of the Match.

Also READ: Liam Scott’s knock goes in vain as Nathan Ellis’ bowling brilliance guides Hobart Hurricanes to big win over Adelaide Strikers in BBL|15

NEW DELHI: Janshakti Janta Dal chief Tej Pratap Yadav has called for former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav to be awarded the Bharat Ratna along with Nitish Kumar.Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Tej Pratap Yadav said, “Lalu Prasad Yadav should also be awarded the Bharat Ratna. If people are saying that Nitish Kumar should receive it, then give it to him too, because it is said that my father and Nitish Kumar were like brothers... This is Janshakti Janta Dal’s demand…” The comments come days after Janata Dal (United) leader K C Tyagi wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to consider bestowing the Bharat Ratna on Nitish Kumar. In his letter, Tyagi described Kumar as a “precious gem” of the socialist movement and said many leaders had received the honour during their lifetime. Referring to the recent awards, Tyagi wrote, “March 30, 2024 was a day to honour our ancestors. Thanks to your efforts, they were bestowed with the highest honour, the ‘Bharat Ratna’.” He added, “Impressed by your efforts, I humbly request that Nitish Kumar, a precious gem of the socialist movement, is also worthy of this honour.”However, the JD(U) quickly distanced itself from Tyagi’s appeal. Party national spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad said Tyagi’s views did not reflect the organisation’s position. “The former party MP has made several statements in the recent past which have not been in line with the party’s ideology and not the official stand. All statements made by him shall be deemed to have been made in his personal capacity,” Prasad said, adding that office bearers were unsure whether Tyagi continued to hold any post in the party.Reiterating this stand, Prasad later told ANI, “Bihar CM Nitish Kumar is healthy. He is continuously serving the people of the state… He has absolutely no connection to the party’s activities… His statements are made in a personal capacity, and the party has no connection to them.”In 2024, Bharat Ratna awards were conferred on former prime ministers P V Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, agriculture scientist M S Swaminathan and former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur.

Rescue workers put out a fire at a residential building damaged by a Russian strike in Kyiv, Ukraine (Picture credit: AP)

A Ukrainian drone strike triggered a fire at an oil depot in Russia’s southern Volgograd region on Saturday, regional authorities said, as both sides continued to target energy infrastructure amid intensified fighting. There were no immediate reports of casualties, though residents living near the depot may be evacuated, the regional governor said in a Telegram post carried on the local administration’s channel, as per news agency AP.

The post did not detail the extent of the damage. Kyiv has previously said its long-range drone strikes on Russian energy facilities are aimed at reducing Moscow’s oil export revenues, which it says help finance Russia’s full-scale invasion. Russia has continued its own campaign against Ukrainian power and fuel facilities.The strike came a day after Russia launched a large-scale overnight attack on Ukraine, firing hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, according to Ukrainian officials.At least four people were killed in Kyiv, including an emergency medical worker, while dozens were injured. For only the second time in the nearly four-year war, Russia also used its nuclear-capable Oreshnik hypersonic missile, which struck western Ukraine, in a clear warning to Kyiv’s Nato allies, reported AP.Russia’s defence ministry said on Saturday that its forces had used aviation, drones, missiles and artillery to hit Ukrainian energy facilities and fuel-storage depots on Friday and overnight, without specifying locations or damage. The Ukrainian air force said Russia launched 121 drones and one Iskander-M ballistic missile overnight into Saturday, adding that 94 drones were shot down.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Photo by @BCCI on X)

NEW DELHI: 14-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again underlined why he is being spoken about as a generational batting talent after producing a breathtaking knock in India U19’s World Cup warm-up match against Scotland. In a game designed primarily for preparation rather than results, Sooryavanshi ensured the focus stayed firmly on him with a scintillating 96 off just 50 deliveries, setting the tone for India’s massive total of 374/8.

Opening the batting after Scotland won the toss and opted to bowl, the left-hander wasted little time in asserting dominance. From the moment he settled in, Sooryavanshi displayed an attacking range well beyond his years.With a nice blend of power-hitting and precision batting, his innings was packed with intent as he found nine 4s. Seven towering sixes showcased his remarkable bat speed and confidence against both pace and spin.Watch:What also stood out was not just the strike rate of 192, but the ease with which the runs flowed from the Bihar-born boy’s bat. Scotland’s bowlers tried varying their lengths and pace, yet Sooryavanshi adapted instantly, using the depth of the crease and his strong bottom hand to punish anything marginally off line. His partnership with Aaron George helped India race past the 140-run mark inside 17 overs.Despite falling four runs short of a century, caught behind while attempting another attacking stroke, Sooryavanshi’s job was well and truly done. His dismissal did little to dampen the impression he left. Riding on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s explosive 96 at the top, India U19 piled up a mammoth 374/8 in their 50 overs. The 14-year-old’s blistering start allowed the middle order to bat with freedom, as Aaron George (61), Vihaan Malhotra (77) and Abhigyan Kundu (55) all chipped in with half-centuries.

You don’t have permission to access “http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/8-arrested-in-gujarat-for-raping-15-year-old-girl-cops-10601978” on this server.

Reference #18.ef493417.1768054206.4f668ad1

https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.ef493417.1768054206.4f668ad1

The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has approved the Dagadarthi greenfield airport project in Nellore district, giving a major push to the state’s aviation and industrial infrastructure, PTI reported citing officials.With this approval, Dagadarthi will become Andhra Pradesh’s eighth airport, strengthening the state’s plans to build a multimodal logistics and industrial network, they added.Strategically located, the proposed airport offers connectivity to key National Highway corridors, two major ports — Krishnapatnam and Ramayapatnam — and several industrial clusters, including KRIS City and IFFCO SEZs. Officials said this locational advantage positions the airport as a facilitator for manufacturing, exports, agri-logistics and services-led growth in southern Andhra Pradesh.The project has already received in-principle clearance from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and a request for proposal has been issued to invite private participation for development, operation and maintenance under a long-term concession framework.Planned in multiple phases, the airport will be developed over 1,332.80 acres. Phase I is designed to handle 1.4 million passengers per annum, with capacity scalable to 15 million passengers annually in the long term. The master plan also includes provision for a future cargo facility to support industrial output and port-led trade in the region.Officials said the Dagadarthi greenfield airport is expected to support regional development by integrating air connectivity with ports, highways and industrial zones, helping reduce logistics costs, attract investment and generate employment across construction, aviation and allied sectors.With the Cabinet’s approval, the state government said it continues to focus on accelerating infrastructure development to support long-term economic growth and connectivity.

Social media chatter around Saiyaara co-stars Aneet Padda and Ahaan Panday has resurfaced after a recent viral video caught fans’ attention. The clip, which has been widely circulated online, shows Aneet stepping out in a beige Christian Dior sweater—an outfit choice that quickly became the focal point of discussion, thanks to its perceived link to Ahaan.

Viral video puts spotlight back on the duo

Shared by Nitin Gandhi on Instagram, the video shows Aneet pausing briefly to greet a fan, who excitedly hands her a rose. Styled in an embroidered Dior knit paired with relaxed denim, minimal makeup and her signature middle-parted hair, Aneet appeared effortless and at ease. Ahaan also makes a fleeting appearance in the same clip, dressed in a black top, though the exact timing and location of the sighting have not been disclosed.

While the moment itself was casual, it was enough to reignite online chatter.

The Dior sweater fans can’t stop talking about

Fans were quick to point out that the beige Christian Dior sweater worn by Aneet closely resembles one previously seen on Ahaan during an airport appearance. Comments poured in almost immediately, with users speculating about the coincidence—one writing, “That’s Ahaan’s sweater,” while another quipped, “Wearing someone special’s something.”Crafted from wool jersey, the knit features Christian Dior Atelier embroidery on the front, along with striped cuffs and hem. With its clean silhouette and ribbed detailing, the sweater has become a recognisable luxury staple, reportedly priced at around Rs 67,000.

What the stars have said

Buzz around Aneet and Ahaan has followed them since the release of Saiyaara, with industry chatter often linking their on-screen chemistry to their off-screen rapport. Some insiders have previously described their bond as a close and genuine one that developed during the film’s shoot.Addressing the speculation earlier, Ahaan spoke to GQ India, clarifying that Aneet is his best friend. “Chemistry isn’t always romantic,” he said, emphasising that their equation is built on comfort, trust and mutual respect rather than a romantic relationship. For now, the Dior sweater moment remains another instance of how a simple fashion choice can set social media abuzz—especially when fans are already invested in a popular on-screen pairing.

2026 edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) ignited in spectacular fashion at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai this Saturday. In the high-stakes second match of the season, UP Warriorz (UPW) won the toss and elected to field against a powerhouse Gujarat Giants (GG) lineup. While the evening was ultimately defined by a flurry of runs, the defining highlight of the first innings was a moment of pure bowling genius from the world’s top-ranked spinner, Sophie Ecclestone.

The clash between these two heavyweights promised fireworks, and it delivered from the opening over. However, all eyes were on the duel between GG skipper Beth Mooney and UPW’s strike weapon, Ecclestone.

Sophie Ecclestone delivers a cracking ball to dismiss Beth Mooney in WPL 2026

The breakthrough came in the fifth over (4.2) with the Gujarat Giants looking dangerous at 41/0. Mooney, who had reached 13 off 12 balls, looked set to anchor the innings. Enter Ecclestone, delivering from over the wicket, Ecclestone produced a “peach” that perfectly encapsulated her world-class skill.

She landed the ball on a back-of-a-length trajectory, teasingly wide of the off-stump. As Mooney looked to force a pull shot through mid-wicket, the ball gripped the surface, spun back sharply, and skidded through the air with surprising pace. Mooney was completely beaten for speed; her bat was still mid-swing when the off-stump was pegged back. The sight of the woodwork flying sent the Navi Mumbai crowd into a frenzy, marking a clinical start for Ecclestone, who finished her four-over spell with impressive figures of 2/32.

Here’s the video:

Sophie Ecclestone ಸ್ಪಿನ್ ಜಾಲಕ್ಕೆ ಬಿದ್ದ Beth Mooney.🕸️

📺 ವೀಕ್ಷಿಸಿ | #TATAWPL | #UPWvGG | LIVE NOW | ನಿಮ್ಮ Star Sports ಕನ್ನಡ & JioHotstar ನಲ್ಲಿ.#WPL2026 pic.twitter.com/4ya3H6gRCO

— Star Sports Kannada (@StarSportsKan) January 10, 2026

Also WATCH: Amelia Kerr stuns RCB by removing Richa Ghosh and Radha Yadav in the same over | WPL 2026, MI-W vs RCB-W

Ashleigh Gardner and Anushka Sharma power Gujarat Giants to a massive total

Despite the early loss of Mooney, the Gujarat Giants did not take their foot off the accelerator. The middle-order response was nothing short of a batting masterclass, as they exploited the true bounce of the DY Patil surface to post a daunting total of 207/4 in their allotted 20 overs.

Sophie Devine initially took the mantle, smashing 38 off just 20 balls (including five boundaries and two maximums) before falling to Shikha Pandey. However, the game shifted decisively during the third-wicket partnership between Anushka Sharma and Ashleigh Gardner. The duo stitched together a massive 103-run stand that effectively batted the Warriorz out of the contest.

The standout performer, Gardner blazed her way to 65 off 41 balls, hitting four boundaries and six towering sixes. Whereas Anushka played a brilliant supporting role with 44 off 30 balls, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking during the middle overs and at the end of the innings Georgia Wareham provided the final flourish, remaining unbeaten on 27 from just 10 deliveries (SR 270.00).

Also WATCH: Dream start for Lauren Bell at RCB as Amelia Kerr becomes first wicket of WPL 2026

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has raised the stakes ahead of his upcoming White House meeting with US President Donald Trump, saying the talks could help “stop a world war” as military pressure mounts across South America.Speaking to CBS News, the left-wing leader said he welcomed the invitation to Washington and hoped continued dialogue would prevent the region from sliding into conflict. Asked directly about his goal for the meeting, Petro replied: “To stop a world war.”

Petro said his concerns were rooted in what he described as growing militarisation in the region, particularly following US action in Venezuela. He pointed to images of helicopters and missiles and warned that Colombia, which lacks an air defence system, would be dangerously exposed if tensions escalated further.“I’m not going to say that I’m not afraid,” Petro said. He warned that any attack on Colombia’s leadership would almost certainly trigger civil war and fuel hostility towards the United States. “That would without a doubt cause a civil war, and also a hostility toward the United States that the United States does not deserve. It would be dumb policy,” he told CBS.The comments come as Washington sharpens its posture in Latin America after the US operation that removed Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro. Trump has since signalled an aggressive approach towards drug trafficking networks, while also moving quickly to assert control over Venezuela’s oil exports and revive production through US-backed investment.Petro has sought to frame cooperation as the alternative to confrontation. On Friday, he urged Venezuela to join Colombia in fighting drug-trafficking groups operating along their shared 2,200-kilometre border. Writing on X, Petro said he had invited Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez to act jointly to ensure drug gangs were “defeated by our nations in unity”.That appeal followed a phone call earlier this week in which Petro and Trump agreed to take “joint action” against cocaine-smuggling guerrillas along the Colombia–Venezuela frontier. Colombian officials say Petro asked Trump to help “strike hard” at the National Liberation Army, the country’s last major rebel group, which is believed to maintain rear bases inside Venezuela.Trump said that Petro is expected to visit the White House in early February.