In a massive development, the star India National Cricket Team wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against the New Zealand National Cricket Team.

The development of Rishabh Pant being ruled out of the series against the BlackCaps was confirmed by the Dainik Jagran journalist Abhishek Tripathi on Saturday, January 10.

Rishabh Pant set to miss New Zealand ODIs

The 28-year-old Pant has been in the news for a while. Before the squad was announced for the series against New Zealand, it was reported by several media outlets that the selection committee had made the decision to move on from him in 50-over cricket.

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It was reported that Ishan Kishan, Jitesh Sharma, and Dhruv Jurel were in contention to replace Rishabh Pant as the backup wicketkeeper-batsman in the Indian ODI setup.

However, those reports were quashed after the squad announcement as Rishabh Pant was retained as the backup wicketkeeper, with KL Rahul being the first choice.

As Pant was retained, there were hopes of him finally getting the opportunity to feature in the playing XI in the ODI series against the Kiwis. The former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan even picked Pant over KL Rahul in his playing XI.

However, the hopes of Pant playing the series have been dashed. During the practice session on Saturday, Rishabh Pant did a hard grind in the nets and spent a lot of time.

However, during the end stages of the session, Pant was hit by a delivery, and he gingerly walked off the field. Now, it has been reported that the injury is a serious one and he has been ruled out of the New Zealand series.

If you don’t give Pant any chances, then how will he be able to prove? – Irfan Pathan

In a video shared on his official YouTube channel, Irfan Pathan stated that Pant should be given the opportunity to prove himself in ODI cricket.

“Rishabh Pant has fallen behind other wicket-keepers like Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, and Jitesh Sharma, but he should get opportunities as well, right? KL Rahul has cemented his place as the ODI wicket-keeper, and is quite ahead, but if you don’t give Pant any chances, then how will he be able to prove?” Irfan Pathan said.

The New Zealand tour of India 2026 consists of a three-match T20I series and a five-match ODI series. The BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara will host the ODI series opener on Sunday, January 11, and the second 50-over game will be played at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, Khandheri, Rajkot on Wednesday, January 14.

Meanwhile, the ODI series will conclude with the match at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Sunday, January 18.

Nitish Kumar Reddy should be given more opportunities – Irfan Pathan

Other than Pant, Irfan Pathan also demanded consistent opportunities for Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has been around the squad for a while but hasn’t been playing regularly.

“Nitish Kumar Reddy should be given more opportunities, even if he fails. There are not many all-rounders who can bowl at 130 kmph and can bat in the middle order. Hardik Pandya became the player he is now because he was played regularly for the first 2-3 years. The selectors, the team management, and fans will have to be patient with Nitish Kumar Reddy as well, just like they were with Pandya in the past,” Irfan Pathan added.

Also Read: Rishabh Pant forced to grind hard in nets as Virat Kohli skips practice before 1st ODI vs NZ

Gujarat Giants edged past UP Warriorz Women by 10 runs in the second match of the Womens Premier League (WPL) 2026 at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai, on Saturday.

Gujarat Giants post massive 207/4 after explosive batting display

Gujarat Giants delivered a commanding batting performance built on aggressive intent and smart partnerships. Opening the innings, Beth Mooney provided a steady start, scoring 13 off 12 balls before falling to Sophie Ecclestone. The momentum truly shifted when Sophie Devine launched a blistering counterattack, smashing 38 from just 20 deliveries at a strike rate of 190.

Devine found solid support from Anushka Sharma, who played a fluent knock of 44 off 30 balls, ensuring the scoring rate never dipped. Captain Ashleigh Gardner added valuable runs in the death overs with a quick 65, but it was the late flourish from Georgia Wareham, who remained unbeaten on 27, that pushed the total beyond the 200-run mark.

Despite disciplined spells from Sophie and Deepti Sharma, UP Warriorz struggled to contain the flow of runs, conceding boundaries regularly as Gujarat Giants maintained a run rate above 10 throughout the innings.

UP Warriorz fight hard but fall short in the run-chase

Chasing a daunting target of 208, UP Warriorz Women began on a shaky note, losing Kiran Navgire early. Skipper Meg Lanning anchored the innings with a composed 30, while Phoebe Litchfield kept the chase alive with a breathtaking 78 off 40 balls, striking at an impressive rate of 195.

Litchfield’s partnerships with Lanning and Shweta Sehrawat briefly tilted the game in UP Warriorz Women’s favor. However, regular wickets at crucial moments halted their momentum. Contributions from Shweta Sehrawat (25) and Asha Sobhana’s unbeaten 27 added late drama, but the required rate proved too steep in the final overs.

Gujarat Giants showed remarkable composure with the ball in the closing stages. Renuka Singh Thakur delivered key breakthroughs at the start, while Wareham impressed with both wickets and control in the middle-overs. Gardner also chipped in with a vital scalp, ensuring the Warriorz never fully took control of the chase.

Also READ: WPL 2026 – Full list of commentators and presenters at the Women’s Premier League

Here’s how fans reacted to the match:

The curtain falls on a superb captain’s knock from Ashleigh Gardner. 🧡

Sophie Ecclestone cleans up the Australian star, but not before the GG skipper smashes a brutal 65 off 41 balls. 👏🏼

📸 : Jio hotstar #GGvUPW #WPL2026 #AshleighGardner #SophieEcclestone pic.twitter.com/xstT9NridA

— Jitendra Kumar (@jitenda60203698) January 10, 2026

Debutant Anushka Sharma is showing her class at the big stage.#GGvUPW #WPL pic.twitter.com/D5vlizXZEY

— Dileep Balasiya (@DileepBalasiya) January 10, 2026

Phoebe Litchfield’s reverse sweep flies for a jaw-dropping six! 🤯#TATAWPL #ggvupw pic.twitter.com/MX82dcZeqX

— Kushal Sharma (@KushalSharma_89) January 10, 2026

🚨Litchfield out at 78🚨

– What an extraordinary innings from her, she deserved a century here 😕#WPL2026 #TATAWPL #GGvUPW pic.twitter.com/8aBVtEwXec

— Rocket Singh (@rocketSahab) January 10, 2026

Smash it from ball one! 😎
Players to hit a six off the first ball in WPL history:

– Issy Wong
– Sophie Devine
– S Sajana
– Shweta Sehrawat 💥#WPL2026 #GGvUPW #TATAWPL pic.twitter.com/zKf737Qmly

— Arshy (@imArshit) January 10, 2026

Castled!

Sophie Ecclestone gets the big wicket of Ashleigh Gardner ⚡️

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/0Vl9vFyTyq#TATAWPL | #KhelEmotionKa | #UPWvGG pic.twitter.com/qhfTwszO7M

— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) January 10, 2026

Highest individual scores in unsuccessful run chases in WPL :-

90* – Tahlia McGrath (UPW) v DC, 2023
88* – Deepti Sharma (UPW) v GG, 2024
78 – Phoebe Litchfield (UPW) v GG, today#GGvUPW #WPL2026

— Rhitankar Bandyopadhyay (@_rhitankar_) January 10, 2026

🔥 #WPL2026 | GUJARAT GIANTS STAND TALL

Gujarat Giants clinch a commanding 10-run victory, sealing it in style! 💪
Captain leads from the front, with crucial support from and.

The chase sparks with heartbreak as plays a sensational 78, refusing to give up 💔#GGTWvUPW#GGvUPW pic.twitter.com/cvl9CBidoP

— Deepak Kumar Singh (@SINGHDEEPAK65) January 10, 2026

Player of the Match: Georgia Wareham#GGvUPW #cricket #WPL2026 pic.twitter.com/cQn7x9AFmW

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) January 10, 2026

Also WATCH: Sophie Ecclestone strikes gold as she uproots Beth Mooney’s off-stump in WPL 2026 | GG vs UPW

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

The 1st ODI between India and New Zealand is set for tomorrow at the BCA Stadium (Kotambi) in Vadodara. This marks the return of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the ODI side, with Shubman Gill leading the team as captain. New Zealand, led by Michael Bracewell, will be looking to challenge the hosts in what is expected to be a high-scoring series opener.

India enters this match with a formidable top order including Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, followed by the experience of Kohli and Sharma. The bowling attack is bolstered by the return of Mohammed Siraj and the spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. New Zealand will rely heavily on Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell to navigate the Indian conditions.

BCA Stadium Pitch Report

The pitch at the BCA Stadium is a classic Indian white-ball track, designed for high-scoring encounters. It offers a flat surface with good bounce and carry, making it a “batter’s paradise” where stroke-makers can thrive. While pace bowlers might find some initial movement under the sun, the surface typically remains true throughout the game. Spinners may find occasional grip, but the relatively short boundaries place them under constant pressure. Given the likelihood of dew in the evening, the team winning the toss is expected to opt for bowling first to capitalize on the easier chasing conditions.

Also READ: IND vs NZ, ODI Series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, USA, New Zealand, UK & other countries

BCA Stadium Stats and Records

The venue has hosted 3 ODIs to date, with the following historical trends:

• Total Matches: 3
• Matches won batting first: 2
• Matches won bowling first: 1
• Average 1st innings Score: 278
• Average 2nd innings Score: 171
• Highest total recorded: 358/5 (50 Overs) by India Women vs West Indies Women
• Lowest total recorded: 103/10 (26.2 Overs) by West Indies Women vs India Women
• Highest score chased: 167/5 (28.2 Overs) by India Women vs West Indies Women
• Lowest score defended: 358/5 (50 Overs) by India Women vs West Indies Women

Also READ: Aakash Chopra picks replacement of Tilak Varma for the T20I series against New Zealand

A commanding all-round performance led by Nat Sciver-Brunt and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur helped Mumbai Indians (MI) cruise to a comprehensive 50-run victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) in the third match of the Womens Premier League (WPL) 2026 at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai.

Mumbai Indians recover from early blow to post 195/4

Mumbai Indians Women were rocked early when Amelia Kerr fell for a first-ball duck, but the setback barely slowed their momentum. Wicketkeeper G Kamalini steadied the innings with a cautious 16, laying the foundation for a match-defining partnership.

Nat Sciver-Brunt then took charge, combining elegance with authority in a superb 70 off 46 balls. Her innings, decorated with 13 boundaries, kept the scoreboard ticking even as Delhi Capitals tried to claw back control. At the other end, Harmanpreet Kaur produced a captain’s knock, remaining unbeaten on 74 from 42 deliveries. The Mumbai skipper mixed timing with power, striking eight fours and three sixes to accelerate decisively in the final overs.

Late cameos from Nicola Carey and Sajeevan Sajana ensured Mumbai Indians finished strongly, scoring 78 runs in the last six overs. Despite tidy spells from Nandani Sharma, Delhi Capitals bowlers struggled to contain the experienced Mumbai middle order, conceding runs at a brisk rate throughout the innings.

Delhi Capitals struggle in the chase

Chasing 196, Delhi Capitals began cautiously but soon found themselves under pressure due to regular wickets. Lizelle Lee provided an early spark before falling to Sciver-Brunt, while Shafali Verma and Laura Wolvaardt were dismissed in quick succession, leaving the Capitals reeling inside the powerplay.

Captain Jemimah Rodrigues could not steady the innings, departing cheaply as Mumbai’s disciplined bowling tightened its grip. A brief counterattack came from Chinelle Henry, who played a lone hand with a fluent 56 off 33 balls, striking five fours and three sixes to keep Delhi Capitals Women in the hunt.

However, the required rate continued to climb as wickets fell at the other end. Middle-order contributions from Niki Prasad and Sneh Rana were unable to sustain momentum, and the Capitals eventually folded for 145, well short of the target.

Also READ: WPL 2026 – Georgia Wareham outshines Phoebe Litchfield in Gujarat Giants’ narrow win over UP Warriorz; fans react

After a tough opening game, the defending champions secure a dominant 50 runs victory over the Delhi Capitals 💯#MIvsDC #wpl2026 #HarmanpreetKaur pic.twitter.com/7HlDsLYSAc

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) January 10, 2026

Mumbai Indians’ bowling attack delivered a polished and controlled performance. Carey and Kerr claimed three wickets each, exploiting pressure created by early breakthroughs. Shabnim Ismail set the tone with a miserly opening spell, while Sciver-Brunt capped a memorable night by picking up two key wickets.

The sharp fielding and consistent bowling ensured Delhi Capitals never built a sustained partnership, underlining MI’s dominance across all departments.

Also READ: WPL 2026 – Full list of commentators and presenters at the Women’s Premier League

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

The Big Bash League 2025-26 season heats up as the Sydney Sixers take on the league leaders, the Hobart Hurricanes, in a high-stakes Match 31 at the historic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The Hurricanes are in sensational form, having surged to the top of the standings with six wins from eight matches.

The Sixers, currently sitting in fourth, are equally dangerous and have been bolstered by the high-profile return of Steve Smith following the conclusion of the Ashes. With the Hurricanes looking to clinch the top spot and the Sixers aiming to climb the ladder, this clash between two in-form sides promises to be a thriller.

SS vs HH, BBL|15: Match Details

• Date and Time: January 11 (Sunday); 08:35 am IST / 03:05 am GMT / 2:05 pm Local
• Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney

Head-to-Head Record in BBL:

Matches played: 21 | Hobart Hurricanes won: 11 | Sydney Sixers won: 9 | No result/Tied: 1

SCG, Sydney Pitch Report

The SCG is a venue that historically offers a fair balance between bat and ball. While it remains one of the better tracks for spinners in Australia due to its abrasive nature, the drop-in pitches used for BBL|15 have shown consistent carry for the pacers early on.  The average first-innings score at the SCG in T20s is around 155-165, but with the quality of batting in both these lineups, a score near 180 is likely needed. Interestingly, the team bowling first has won the last eight matches involving the Sixers, suggesting that the toss-winning captain will likely elect to bowl first to take advantage of any early movement before the pitch settles.

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

Sydney Sixers vs Hobart Hurricanes: Team dynamics and key players

Sydney Sixers: The big news for the Men in Pink is the return of Steve Smith, who will likely open the batting alongside the international marquee signing Babar Azam. This provides the Sixers with arguably the most technically sound opening pair in the tournament. Moises Henriques and Josh Philippe add middle-order stability, while Sean Abbott, the league’s all-time leading wicket-taker, continues to lead a bowling attack that also features the disciplined Ben Dwarshuis. The addition of spinner Todd Murphy provides them with a tactical edge if the SCG surface begins to take turn.

Hobart Hurricanes: The defending champions are a well-oiled machine. They welcome back all-rounder Beau Webster from international duty, further strengthening a middle order that already features the destructive Nikhil Chaudhary and Ben McDermott. Even with skipper Nathan Ellis being managed for this game, the Hurricanes’ bowling remains lethal with Riley Meredith’s express pace and the spin duo of Rehan Ahmed and Rishad Hossain. Their ability to win matches outside Tasmania (having won their last three away games) makes them a formidable opponent even at the Sixers’ fortress.

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

Case 1:

• Sydney Sixers wins the toss and bowls first
• Hobart Hurricanes’ powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
• Hobart Hurricanes’ total score: 165-180

Case 2:

• Hobart Hurricanes wins the toss and bowls first
• Sydney Sixers’ powerplay score: 50-60 (6 overs)
• Sydney Sixers’ total score: 175-190

Match result: Sydney Sixers to win the contest

Also READ: BBL|15: Full list of commentators and presenters at the Big Bash League 2025-26

In a candid moment ahead of India’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand, Shubman Gill addressed his omission from the T20 World Cup 2026 squad. The Indian ODI and Test captain shared his thoughts with reporters on Saturday (January 10), blending disappointment with unwavering support for the national team.

Shubman Gill T20 World Cup exclusion: Right-handed batter’s honest take

“Obviously as a player, you have a belief that if you play in the World Cup, you will win it for your team, and you will win it for your country,” Gill stated firmly. His words capture the raw ambition every cricketer harbors, especially after his stellar IPL 2025 performances and consistent white-ball form. Yet, he quickly pivoted to positivity: “Having said that, I respect the selectors’ decision and am wishing the T20 team all the very best. I really hope that they win the World Cup for us.”

This exclusion marks a pivotal shift for Gill, who has captained India in ODIs and Tests with flair. Selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, appear to favour a T20-specific core blending youth and experience for the 2026 edition hosted across India and Sri Lanka.

Gill’s philosophy: Destiny and self-belief in cricket journey

Gill doubled down on his philosophical outlook, adding, “My belief is that in my life, I am where I am supposed to be and whatever things are written in my destiny, no one can take those things from me.” This mindset echoes his rise from Punjab domestic circuits to leading India, amassing over 5,000 ODI runs at an average near 50. Fans admire how he channels setbacks into fuel, much like Virat Kohli during lean patches.

Also READ: Former opener explains how Yashasvi Jaiswal can become a three-format player for Team India

Team India gears up for New Zealand ODIs under Gill’s captaincy

Timing couldn’t be better for Gill’s reaction to his T20 World Cup omission, with the India vs New Zealand ODI series kicking off January 19 in Lucknow. This three-match rubber serves as a litmus test to the T20 World Cup preparations. New Zealand arrives battle-hardened from Super Smash, boasting Daryl Mitchell’s guile and Michael Bracewell’s all-round threat.

India’s squad blends Gill’s top-order stability with KL Rahul’s middle-order consistency and pace duo Mohammed Siraj-Arshdeep Singh.

Also READ: IND vs NZ, ODI Series – Broadcast, Live Streaming details | When and where to watch in India, USA, New Zealand, UK & other countries

The New Zealand tour of India 2026 kicks off with an opening ODI at the newly inaugurated BCA Stadium in Vadodara. This marks the first-ever men’s international match at this venue, setting a prestigious stage for two of the world’s most consistent ODI sides. India, led by Shubman Gill, enters the series with a reinforced squad featuring the return of veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. New Zealand, led by Michael Bracewell, will be eager to break their recent winless streak against the Men in Blue in this format.

IND vs NZ, 1st ODI: Match Details

• Date and Time: January 11 (Sunday); 1:30 pm IST / 8:00 am GMT / 9:00 pm NZDT
• Venue: BCA Stadium (Kotambi), Vadodara

Head-to-Head Record (ODIs):

Matches played: 120 | India won: 62 | New Zealand won: 50 | No result/Tied: 8

BCA Stadium, Vadodara Pitch Report

As this is the debut men’s international match at the BCA Stadium, the pitch remains somewhat of a mystery, though early indicators from domestic matches suggest it is a batting-friendly surface with a fast outfield. The track is expected to offer a true bounce, favoring stroke-makers like Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Historically, fresh surfaces in Gujarat have provided some initial movement for the seamers, but as the match progresses, spinners are likely to find grip. With the match being a Day/Night affair, dew is expected to be a significant factor in the second innings, making the toss crucial. The captain winning the toss will likely elect to bowl first to capitalize on easier chasing conditions under the lights.

Also READ: Adult film star Kendra Lust shares photo with Virat Kohli; fans react to the viral buzz

India vs New Zealand: Team dynamics and key players

India: The hosts boast a star-studded lineup with Shubman Gill leading the side. The return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli provides immense stability at the top, while Shreyas Iyer, returning from injury as vice-captain, adds depth to the middle order. The bowling attack is a blend of experience and youth, with Mohammed Siraj leading the pace battery in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence. The spin department looks formidable with Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, both of whom are expected to thrive on the Vadodara surface.

New Zealand: The BlackCaps arrive with a balanced squad known for their tactical discipline. Captain Michael Bracewell and Devon Conway will anchor the batting, while the explosive Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips provide the finishing fire. Their pace attack, featuring the Kyle Jamieson and the express pace of Zak Foulkes, will look to exploit any early moisture. New Zealand’s success will hinge on how well their spinners, particularly Adithya Ashok, can contain the Indian middle order during the crucial middle-overs phase.

IND vs NZ, 1st ODI: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• India wins the toss and bowls first
• New Zealand powerplay score: 45-55 (10 overs)
• New Zealand total score: 265-280

Case 2:

• New Zealand wins the toss and bowls first
• India powerplay score: 55-65 (10 overs)
• India total score: 300-320

Match result: India to win the contest 

Also READ: Former opener explains how Yashasvi Jaiswal can become a three-format player for Team India

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

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.

India are set to host New Zealand in a three-match ODI series starting January 11, at Vadodara, marking the Blackcaps’ key white-ball tour amid Team India’s packed home schedule. Shubman Gill has returned to captain a star-studded India squad, while New Zealand will field a transitional side led by Michael Bracewell.

India vs New Zealand Head-to-Head Record in ODIs

India leads 62-50 in 120 ODIs overall, dominating at home with a 3-0 sweep in their last bilateral series.

IND vs NZ, ODI Series: Schedule

• 1st ODI: Sunday, January 11 – 8:00 am GMT/ 1:30 pm IST
• 2nd ODI: Wednesday, January 14 – 8:00 am GMT/ 1:30 pm IST
• 3rd ODI: Sunday, January 18 – 8:00 am GMT/ 1:30 pm IST

Significance of the 2026 IND vs NZ ODI Series

Even though this is a brief series, there is a lot more at stake than just a trophy. For India, these matches serve as a vital rehearsal to perfect their lineup and balance before the pressure of the T20 World Cup arrives. It’s a chance for the team to find that ‘winning formula’ under real-game conditions.

For New Zealand, the series offers an invaluable training ground. Playing in the subcontinent is a unique challenge, and these games give the Blackcaps the perfect opportunity to adjust their footwork and bowling lengths to suit the local pitches.

This window also opens doors for the next generation. It’s a massive stage for young, hungry players to prove they belong at the international level. At the same time, it helps veterans like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway keep their competitive edge sharp.

Squads

India: Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wk), Shreyas Iyer (vc)*, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal

New Zealand: Michael Bracewell (c), Adithya Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway (wk), Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay (wk), Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Will Young

*subject to fitness

Also READ: Aakash Chopra picks replacement of Tilak Varma for the T20I series against New Zealand

Broadcast and Live Streaming details

• India: Star Sports; JioHotstar
• New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ
• USA: Willow TV
• UK: TNT Sports
• Australia: Fox Cricket
• South Africa: Supersport
• Middle East and North Africa: YuppTV

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