Cricket in 2026 is moving fast. If you’ve been keeping an eye on the scoreboard this week, you know things feel different. India just took a 1-0 lead against New Zealand in their three-match ODI series after a clinical four-wicket win in Vadodara, but the score alone doesn't tell the whole story.
It's about the "how," not just the "who."
Captain Shubman Gill and the management are pivoting. They’re ditching the old, conservative approach to 50-over cricket. Honestly, it's about time. With the T20 World Cup looming in February, the latest news about cricket match results shows a team obsessed with aggression over safety.
The Rajkot Showdown: Can India Seal the Deal?
The circus moves to the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on Wednesday, January 14. India is looking to wrap up the series right here. But they’ve hit a snag. Washington Sundar, who has been a vital cog in this transition, is out with a rib injury.
It’s a blow.
In his place, the uncapped Ayush Badoni has been drafted in. Sitanshu Kotak, India’s batting coach, was pretty blunt about it: India isn't going to risk playing with only five bowlers. They need that extra cushion. Badoni brings that "X-factor" flair, but replacing Sundar’s composure is a tall order for a debutant in a high-stakes game.
New Zealand isn't just going to roll over. Henry Nicholls recently pointed out that they were right in the mix during the first game until the very end. They’ve got the talent; they just need to sustain that pressure for 50 overs instead of 40.
WPL 2026: Harmanpreet is Rewriting History
While the men are slugging it out in Rajkot, the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is producing some of the most electric latest news about cricket match highlights we’ve seen in years.
Mumbai Indians are currently a juggernaut.
Harmanpreet Kaur just became the first Indian to cross 1,000 runs in WPL history. Think about that. She did it in style, too, smashing an unbeaten 71 off 43 balls to chase down 193 against the Gujarat Giants. It was MI's highest-ever successful chase.
Gujarat thought they had enough. 192/5 is a massive score in the women's game. But Harmanpreet and Nicola Carey (38* off 23) basically tore the script up. It’s now 8-0 for Mumbai against the Giants. It’s becoming a bit of a hoodoo for the Gujarat side.
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The U19 World Cup and Global Drama
Down in Zimbabwe and Namibia, the future stars are warming up for the ICC U19 Men’s World Cup. But the weather has been a mood. The warm-up between Bangladesh and Scotland in Harare was washed out today after Scotland reached 122/9.
It's frustrating for the youngsters. They need these games to acclimatize.
Meanwhile, a massive geopolitical storm is brewing off the field. Bangladesh has told the ICC they won't travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup in February, citing security concerns. They want their games moved to Sri Lanka. This is a huge mess for the organizers. The tournament is less than a month away, and one of the main participants is refusing to board the plane.
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What You Need to Watch For Next
If you’re tracking the latest news about cricket match schedules, the next 48 hours are packed.
- India vs. New Zealand (2nd ODI): Wednesday, Jan 14. If Gill and Kohli fire again, the series is over.
- WPL Match 7: Delhi Capitals vs. UP Warriorz. DC needs a win after losing their first two. Watch out for Nandini Sharma—she’s already got seven wickets this season, including a hat-trick.
- The T20 World Cup Schedule: Keep an eye on the ICC's response to the Bangladesh Cricket Board. A venue shift this late would be unprecedented.
For those following the domestic circuit, Ishant Sharma is still going strong at 37, leading Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and hitting the 200 List A wickets milestone. Some guys just don't know when to quit, and honestly, the game is better for it.
Actionable Insights for Cricket Fans
- Fantasy Cricket Tip: If you're playing fantasy leagues for the Rajkot ODI, keep an eye on the pitch report. Rajkot is historically a flat deck. Load up on top-order batters like Gill and New Zealand’s Will Young.
- Watching the WPL: If you haven't seen Nandini Sharma bowl yet, find the highlights. Her hat-trick against the Gujarat Giants featured some of the best late-swing seen in the tournament so far.
- Stay Updated: Follow the official BCCI and ICC portals for the final word on the T20 World Cup venue drama, as this will impact travel and ticket holders significantly.