Otago Volts crushed Central Districts by 41 runs in the fifth match of Super Smash 2025-26 at Molyneux Park, Alexandra, where Glenn Phillips stole the show with an unbeaten 90 off 48 balls, featuring jaw-dropping left-handed shots that lit up social media.​

Glenn Phillips’ left-handed magic stuns the cricketing world 

New Zealand’s versatile batter Phillips turned heads by flipping to a left-handed stance mid-innings against Central Districts, smashing precise boundaries and towering sixes that caught everyone off guard.

Facing Dean Foxcroft in the 19th over, he switched seamlessly on a full delivery outside leg, drilling a stunning cover drive for four that raced away despite fielders’ disbelief. He upped the ante next over versus skipper Jayden Lennox‘s left-arm spin from around the wicket, lofting a massive six over extra cover—pure placement over power, defying his known big-hitting style. These switch-hits, honed in nets but unveiled competitively here, echoed David Warner‘s flair but stood out for control in a high-stakes T20 clash, with clips exploding online as fans marvelled at his ambidexterity.​​

Here’s the video:

Glenn Phillips loved it so much, he had to do it twice 😍🔥

Watch the #SuperSmash from Dec 26 – Jan 31, LIVE on Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV. #SonySportsNetwork #SuperSmash pic.twitter.com/kBMsAVAfDI

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) December 30, 2025

Also READ: Super Smash 2025-26: Complete squads of all 6 teams

Otago’s dominant victory over Central District

Otago made their intent clear from the very start after choosing to bat, flying to fifty inside five overs despite losing a few wickets along the way. Llew Johnson fell early, but Jamal Todd counterattacked with a quickfire 32 that included a couple of towering sixes, while Max Chu kept the momentum going with a lively 26. The real stability, though, came from Phillips at No. 4. As wickets fell around him and the middle order struggled to build partnerships, Phillips held his nerve. Otago slipped to 129 for five after 15 overs, but Phillips never looked rushed. Once set, he shifted gears dramatically, finding the boundary with ease and clearing the ropes at will. His unbeaten 90 off just 48 balls transformed a good total into a daunting one, lifting Otago to 193 for seven, even as Ben Lockrose was run out off the final delivery.

Central Districts began their chase with promise and were well in touch during the powerplay. Will Young set the tone with a blistering 40 off 19 balls, striking the ball cleanly before getting out at a crucial moment. Dane Cleaver and Dean Foxcroft tried to rebuild, guiding the score past 100, but the chase soon lost direction as pressure mounted. Run-outs and soft dismissals followed in quick succession, and the required rate kept climbing. Luke Georgeson led from the front with the ball, picking up four key wickets and breaking the backbone of the chase, while Danru Ferns and Matthew Bacon provided solid support. Central Districts eventually limped to 152 for eight, falling well short. Phillips was deservedly named Player of the Match, and the win pushed Otago up to third place on the points table.

Also READ: Super Smash 2025-26 Schedule: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, New Zealand & other countries

Domestic natural gas consumption to surge by 3-45 in FY27 by expansion of City Gas Distribution: ICRA

The domestic natural gas consumption is expected to rebound and grow by 3-4% year-on-year in FY2027 after witnessing a phase of near-term moderation in FY2026, according to a report by ICRA.The report highlighted that the recovery in gas consumption will be driven by a pickup in industrial offtake and the continued expansion of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network. ICRA expects higher gas usage from key consuming sectors such as refining, fertilisers and CGD to support this growth in FY2027.It stated “India’s natural gas consumption is expected to grow by 3-4 per cent year-on-year in FY2027, following a period of near-term moderation in FY2026”.ICRA noted that during the first seven months of FY2026, gas consumption declined by 4.5 per cent year-on-year. This drop was mainly due to lower offtake from major consuming sectors including fertilisers, power generation and refineries.While the CGD segment has continued to record healthy growth and remains a key driver of demand, overall gas consumption for FY2026 is expected to remain flat or witness low single-digit moderation.The report also pointed out that domestic gas production has remained stagnant, with any incremental output likely to be offset by the natural decline from existing gas fields. This has contributed to the subdued consumption trend in the near term.Looking ahead, ICRA said the broader energy environment is expected to be supportive. Crude oil prices are projected to average between USD 60-70 per barrel in FY2027 due to muted global demand growth amid rising supplies.Even at these price levels, the profitability of domestic crude oil producers is expected to remain healthy, and their capital expenditure plans are likely to stay intact.At the same time, domestic consumption of petroleum products is expected to grow by 1-2 per cent in FY2027.On the global front, LNG prices have eased due to expectations of warmer winters in key regions and healthy inventory levels. Additionally, significant LNG capacity additions planned globally are expected to lead to a moderation in LNG prices from calendar year 2027. Domestic gas prices are also expected to soften in line with lower crude oil prices.Overall, the report suggested that after a year of moderation, India’s natural gas consumption is set to regain momentum in FY2027, led by industrial recovery and steady growth in the CGD segment.

Mohammed Shami and Ajit Agarkar

New Delhi: In the ongoing domestic season, Mohammed Shami has already sent down over 200 overs for Bengal. He has played the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and is currently playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Even though he continues to stay on the sidelines for the national team, the seamer continues to do what he does best – make the ball talk and pick wickets with ease.There have been verbal volleys between Shami and chief selector Ajit Agarkar whenever the bowler didn’t get a call-up and his much debated absence will be up for discussion again when the selectors meet to pick the squad for New Zealand ODIs in the first week of January.

Agarkar has been repeatedly questioned about the omission and has maintained the “need to play some cricket” stand. If 145.2 overs in Ranji Trophy, 26.5 overs in SMAT and 34.2 overs in ongoing VHT doesn’t qualify, then the definition of “some cricket” needs to be made clear.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Shami, 35, last played for India in the Champions Trophy – where he was the lone specialist seamer doing the heavy lifting on turners – and returned with 9 wickets from five games, including a 5/53 outing.

Kolkata: Bengal’s Mohammed Shami celebrates after the wicket of Uttarakhand’s Devendra Singh Bora during the Ranji Trophy cricket match between Uttarakhand and Bengal, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra)(PTI10_15_2025_000234A)

The skill and quality has never been a doubt but it was the recurring fitness issues which became a big roadblock in his selection. The chief selector had revealed during an event that Shami would have been on the flight to England had he been fit.But those are now conversations and discussions of the past. Looking ahead, selectors will find it really hard to ignore the experienced seamer for the three games against New Zealand starting January 11.He has given a terrific account of his fitness with regular outings for Bengal and the List A outings have been impressive with eight wickets in four games.

Mohammed Shami

The age argument could be tabled keeping the 2027 World Cup in mind but if Mitchell Starc can run through oppositions at 35, Scott Boland can be penetrative at 36 and Michael Nesser can make an impact at 35 for Australia, Shami can surely do his magic if he is carefully managed for the multi-nation event in South Africa.The right-arm seamer missed the early phase of the 2023 ODI World Cup due to combination calls but the moment he found a place in the XI, he showed what India missed. A genuine wicket-taker with an ability to singlehandedly run through oppositions. And not to forget the experience he brings to the table and how it would be of immense help to the likes of Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna.

“If he is fit, why wouldn’t we have a bowler like Shami? I have had multiple chats with him. Over the last six to eight months, what we have found out is that he wasn’t fit,” Agarkar had said during an event in New Delhi.Shami is fit. Shami is in top rhythm. Shami is picking wickets. Over to Agarkar & Co. now.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli (AFP Photo)

NEW DELHI: India and New Zealand will square off in an eight-match limited-overs series starting January 11, featuring three One-Day Internationals and five Twenty20 Internationals. The tour will run through January 31.The series assumes added significance, coming at a time when several senior players are set to return to the ODI setup, while the T20 side looks to finalise combinations ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

The ODI leg, in particular, is expected to attract considerable attention with stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma likely to make their return to the 50-over format after the South Africa series.India’s ODI squad is expected to assemble in Vadodara on January 7. The series opener will be played there on January 11, followed by matches in Rajkot on January 14 and Indore on January 18.The T20I leg, meanwhile, will serve as a final trial phase for the Suryakumar Yadav-led side as it gears up for its T20 World Cup title defence.

Ind vs NZ ODI 2026 squad announcement: All you need to know

While the BCCI has already announced the T20I squad for the New Zealand series, the ODI squad is yet to be named.The selection committee is expected to convene an online meeting around January 3 or 4 to finalise the ODI squad for the home series.New Zealand have already announced both their ODI and T20I squads for the tour of India.

New Zealand’s ODI squad vs India

Michael Bracewell (C), Adi Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Will Young

India vs New Zealand T20Is: Squads

India: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan KishanNew Zealand: Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi

India vs New Zealand – Full ODI Schedule

The Big Bash League (BBL) rings in the New Year with a high-stakes encounter at Docklands Stadium (Marvel Stadium) as the Melbourne Renegades host the Sydney Sixers. Both teams are looking to shake off sluggish starts to the season and climb the ladder in this 18th match of the tournament.

The Renegades return to their home turf coming off consecutive defeats against the Hurricanes. Their biggest blow is the absence of star spinner Adam Zampa, who is sidelined with a neck strain. Fans can keep an eye on Tim Seifert, who has been the Renegades’ most consistent performer with the bat. Jake Fraser-McGurk is due for a big score after a quiet start to the season, and he historically performs well at this venue.

Despite their pedigree, the Sixers have struggled for momentum. However, they hold a massive psychological advantage, having won nine consecutive matches against the Renegades. The inclusion of Babar Azam provides world-class stability at the top but his form is concerning factor for the Sixers. All-rounder Jack Edwards has been a standout with the ball, while Josh Philippe remains their primary engine in the powerplay.

MR vs SS, BBL|15: Match details

• Date and Time: January 01, 2026; 10:30 am IST / 5:00 am GMT / 4:00 pm Local
• Venue: Docklands Stadium, Melbourne

MR vs SS, Head-to-Head Record in BBL

Matches played: 20 | Melbourne Renegades won: 5 | Sydney Sixers won: 14 | No result/Tied: 1

Docklands Stadium Pitch Report

The New Year’s Day clash at Docklands Stadium promises a high-scoring contest on a traditionally batting-friendly drop-in pitch characterized by consistent bounce and short square boundaries. While the retractable roof ensures a controlled environment free from weather interruptions, the surface typically favors pace over spin, with the ball skidding on nicely under the lights. The toss-winning captain will likely elect to bat first to capitalize on the flat initial conditions and apply scoreboard pressure in what is historically a difficult venue for chasing high totals.

Squads:

Melbourne Renegades: Josh Brown, Tim Seifert, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Oliver Peake, Hassan Khan, Will Sutherland (c), Andrew Tye, Gurinder Sandhu, Jason Behrendorff, Sam Elliott, Caleb Jewell, Fergus O Neill, Matthew Spoors

Sydney Sixers: Babar Azam, Daniel Hughes, Josh Philippe (wk), Moises Henriques (c), Jordan Silk, Jack Edwards, Ben Dwarshuis, Joel Davies, Ben Manenti, Sean Abbott, Jafer Chohan, Lachlan Shaw, Hayden Kerr, Mitchell Perry

Also WATCH: Tanveer Sangha takes a sensational diving catch to dismiss Josh Inglis in BBL|15

MR vs SS, BBL|15: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Melbourne Renegades wins the toss and bats first
• Melbourne Renegades’ powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
• Melbourne Renegades’ total score: 160-170

Case 2:

• Sydney Sixers wins the toss and bats first
• Sydney Sixers’ powerplay score: 50-60 (6 overs)
• Sydney Sixers’ total score: 175-185

Match result: Team batting first to win the contest

Also READ: Ashton Turner’s explosive knock leads Perth Scorchers to dominating win over Sydney Thunder in BBL|15

NEW DELHI: Getting into the Yuletide spirit could prove expensive for an Air India pilot who was to operate a Vancouver-Delhi (via Vienna) flight on Dec 23, 2025. A staffer at Vancouver duty free either saw him inadvertently sipping wine being offered at this festive time or found him smelling of liquor while he was buying a bottle. She reported this Boeing 777 pilot to the Canadian authorities who conducted a breath analyser test on him which he flunked and then he was detained. Luckily for passengers, Air India managed to quickly find a replacement. The ultra long haul, to be operated by four pilots or two sets (one captain and a co-pilot in each set) in turns, supposed to leave at 3 pm local time did so with just a two-hour delay. The aircraft then landed in Vienna from where another set of crew operated it to Delhi.“AI has taken a very stern view of this matter. The pilot was flown to Delhi a couple of days later and is being probed. The issue has been reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which is also examining the same,” said people in the know. While some sources say the pilot had inadvertently sipped an alcoholic drink at the airport and a staffer at duty free saw him doing so, others said he smelled of alcohol when buying a bottle. It is not yet known which of the two really happened, staffer reported the matter to Canadian authorities who then used CCTV footage to find out the pilot in question was to operate with flight. They managed to trace him to the AI aircraft.In a statement, AI said: “AI 186 from Vancouver to Delhi on Dec 23, 2025, experienced a last-minute delay after one of the cockpit crew members was offloaded prior to departure. Canadian authorities raised concerns regarding the pilot’s fitness for duty, following which the crew member was taken for further inquiry. In accordance with safety protocols, an alternate pilot was rostered to operate the flight, resulting in the delay.”“Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to its passengers and is fully cooperating with the local authorities. The pilot has been taken off flying duties during the process of enquiry. Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of applicable rules and regulations. Pending the outcome of the investigation, any confirmed violation will attract strict disciplinary action in line with company policy. Safety remains Air India’s highest priority at all times,” the airline statement added.Pilots operating international sectors usually do not have pre-flight breath analyser (BA) tests and the same is conducted on arrival as liquor is available on board these flights. This is to ensure they have not taken a sip or two during the flight. On domestic flights, pre-flights BA tests are conducted as alcohol is not served/sold on flights within India. While rules don’t mandate this, AI on its own has enforced a policy of conducting random pre-flight BA at international stations. The airline frequently keeps sending its doctors on international flights who then conduct these checks on pilots who are to operate the return flight to India. Pilots are surprised at this case. “Forget drinking, we don’t even use after shaves, perfumes, mouth wash or homeopathic medicines some hours before operating a flight. There have been multiple instances of teetotallers failing BA tests because of the alcohol in their breath because of using toiletries with alcoholic content. We look for these items without any alcohol, except homeopathic medicines where possibly there’s no option,” said a captain. The reason: Failing BA test thrice means losing flying license.