Welcome to the round-up of cricket news today featuring major international milestones and team updates. India registered their highest successful run chase in men's T20I cricket by overhauling 226 against New Zealand in Christchurch. In Rawalpindi, Harry Brook hammered the fastest double century in men's ODI history, though Sri Lanka mounted a successful pursuit of 430. Elsewhere, South Africa levelled their Test series against Australia with an innings victory, while the BCCI updated the India Women squad for the upcoming Zimbabwe series with an injury replacement.
India Record Highest T20I Chase to Beat New Zealand
India completed their highest-ever successful run chase in men's T20I cricket, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the first match of the five-match series at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The visitors successfully hunted down a target of 226 to take an early 1-0 series lead. This performance surpassed India's previous record chase of 211 runs achieved against Sri Lanka in 2009.
Sanju Samson set up the record-breaking victory by striking 67 runs from only 33 deliveries. Captain Shreyas Iyer and Naman Dhir subsequently finished off the chase to ensure India secured the historic four-wicket win.
Why it matters: This record chase gives India an opening series lead and establishes a new benchmark in their T20I history.
↑ HeadlinesHarry Brook Calls Record Double Ton Meaningless After Loss
England captain Harry Brook addressed reporters in Rawalpindi following his team's defeat to Sri Lanka. Brook struck 202 runs from 116 deliveries, which was the fastest double hundred in One Day International history. Despite the individual milestone, the captain stated that his performance carried no personal value because his side could not defend their total.
Sri Lanka successfully chased down the target of 430 with one ball remaining in the contest. The outcome marked the second-highest successful run chase in ODI history and left England at the bottom of the tri-series standings.
“It was a nice innings but being on the losing side it has no value whatsoever in my eyes.”
Harry Brook
Why it matters: The defeat leaves England at the bottom of the tri-series despite an unprecedented batting milestone from their captain.
↑ HeadlinesRenuka Singh Thakur Ruled Out of Zimbabwe ODIs as Kalita Steps In
The BCCI announced that fast bowler Renuka Singh Thakur has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe scheduled to be played in Vadodara. The board confirmed that the seamer will remain at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Her stay is intended to help her build up her bowling workload specifically for the 50-over format.
In her absence, the Women's Selection Committee has named uncapped seamer Jintimani Kalita as the replacement in the national squad. Kalita now joins the squad for the three-match home series against Zimbabwe in Vadodara.
“Fast bowler Renuka Singh Thakur has been ruled out of the upcoming Muthoot FinCorp three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe. She is still building up the bowling volume required for the 50-over format at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.”
BCCI
Why it matters: Indian fans will watch uncapped seamer Jintimani Kalita step into the senior bowling attack while Renuka builds her bowling workload.
↑ HeadlinesECB Permits England Stars to Skip Sri Lanka T20Is for WPL
The England and Wales Cricket Board has granted permission for England players to skip their upcoming three-match T20I series in Sri Lanka. This clearance applies if their respective franchises qualify for the knockout stages of the Women's Premier League. The international fixtures in Pallekele in early February clash directly with the final stages of WPL 2027 held in India.
Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, Lauren Bell, and Sophie Ecclestone are among the retained players permitted to remain in India. The board also considers their continued participation in the league as useful preparation for the 2027 Women's Champions Trophy.
Why it matters: Key England internationals can prioritize the business end of the WPL in India over national bilateral fixtures.
↑ HeadlinesHarry Brook Breaks World Record for Fastest ODI Double Century
England captain Harry Brook broke the world record for the fastest double century in men's One Day Internationals during the tri-series match against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. Brook reached the double hundred off just 114 deliveries. He finished with 202 runs from 116 balls, surpassing the previous record of 117 balls set by India's Shubman Gill.
With this knock, Brook became the first English batsman to score a double century in ODI cricket. His innings of 202 also set the record for the highest individual score in the format's history in a losing cause.
Why it matters: Brook established a new world record in 50-over cricket, eclipsing Shubman Gill's mark for the quickest double ton.
↑ HeadlinesAmit Mishra Appointed Delhi Capitals Spin-Bowling Coach
Former India leg-spinner Amit Mishra has returned to Delhi Capitals after being appointed as their spin-bowling coach ahead of the IPL 2027 season. The assignment marks Mishra's first entry into coaching following his retirement from professional cricket. Over his IPL playing career, the leg-spinner took 174 wickets across 162 matches and established the tournament record by taking three separate hat-tricks.
Mishra joins an overhauled support staff in Delhi for the upcoming campaign. The new setup features head coach Sourav Ganguly, assistant-and-batting coach Yuvraj Singh, and fast-bowling coach Chaminda Vaas as the franchise prepares for the 2027 season.
Why it matters: Delhi Capitals fans will see former star Amit Mishra guide the spinners alongside fellow icons Sourav Ganguly and Yuvraj Singh.
↑ HeadlinesSouth Africa Defeat Australia by an Innings to Level Series
South Africa defeated Australia by an innings and 31 runs on the fifth day of the second Test at St. George's Park in Gqeberha. The hosts bowled Australia out for 295 runs in their second innings to level the three-match series at 1-1. Australia had previously won the opening fixture of the series held in Durban.
Pace bowlers Wiaan Mulder, Kagiso Rabada, and Marco Jansen claimed the final wickets to seal the victory. Their bowling efforts brought an end to an innings that featured a 121-run resistance from Australian opening batsman Travis Head.
“A long way from our best. A reverse of last week.”
Pat Cummins
Why it matters: The decisive innings win sets up a winner-takes-all series finale in the third Test.
↑ HeadlinesCricket Australia Bans Megan Schutt for Two Matches
Cricket Australia has handed veteran fast bowler Megan Schutt a two-match ban for failing to adhere to Sports Science and Sports Medicine guidelines regarding prescription medication. The national governing body confirmed that the breach took place out of competition. Cricket Australia also clarified that the medication was not used for any performance-enhancing purposes.
The two-match sanction rules Schutt out of action for Australia's third T20I against New Zealand in Sydney. Furthermore, the suspension prevents the seamer from featuring in Adelaide Strikers' opening match in the upcoming Women's Big Bash League season.
“I fully accept the penalty handed down and apologise for failing to meet the standards expected of me”
Megan Schutt
Why it matters: Australia and Adelaide Strikers will both miss their experienced seamer across upcoming international and league fixtures.
↑ HeadlinesPakistan Overtake Australia to Take Fourth in ICC ODI Rankings
Pakistan have moved up to fourth place in the latest ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings, overtaking Australia with a total of 103 rating points. This rise in the standings followed Pakistan's tri-series victories against both Sri Lanka and England in Rawalpindi. Australia dropped below Pakistan in the team table following the ranking update.
India continue to retain the world number one position in the 50-over format with 115 points, sitting ahead of New Zealand in second and South Africa in third. The update also saw Pakistan all-rounder Arafat Minhas make significant progress in the bowling rankings following his six-wicket haul against England.
Why it matters: India preserve their place at the top of the world ODI rankings while Pakistan leapfrog Australia into fourth.
↑ HeadlinesCameron Green and Josh Inglis Expected to Return in Cape Town
Australia captain Pat Cummins confirmed that both Cameron Green and Josh Inglis are expected to be available for selection for the deciding third Test against South Africa in Cape Town. Green missed the first two matches of the series with an injury, while Inglis has also returned to full fitness ahead of the contest.
Following Australia's innings defeat in Gqeberha, Cummins stated that both players will be considered for selection. The Australian captain indicated that selectors are currently weighing lineup changes before heading into the third and deciding Test against South Africa in Cape Town.
Why it matters: Australia can reinforce their side with returning players as they seek to rebound from an innings defeat in the series decider.
↑ HeadlinesQuick hits
- Sri Lanka completed the second-highest chase in men's ODI history by overhauling England's 429 for 4 with one ball remaining in Rawalpindi.
- New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner acknowledged that wayward deliveries and early extras in the powerplay proved costly in their defeat to India.
- Ahead of the Zimbabwe ODIs in Vadodara, vice-captain Deepti Sharma stated she is eager to support captain Smriti Mandhana as India target 300-plus totals.
- Australia captain Pat Cummins admitted his side fell well short of their standard following their innings-and-31-run defeat to South Africa in Gqeberha.
- Joe Root became the first England batter to reach 8,000 ODI runs during his knock of 69 against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi.
Frequently asked questions
What was India's highest successful run chase in men's T20I history?
India set their record by chasing down 226 runs against New Zealand in Christchurch, surpassing their previous best of 211 against Sri Lanka in 2009.
How fast was Harry Brook's record double century?
Harry Brook reached his double century off 114 deliveries against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi, breaking Shubman Gill's record of 117 balls.
Why is Renuka Singh Thakur missing the ODI series against Zimbabwe?
Renuka Singh Thakur was ruled out to stay at the BCCI Centre of Excellence to build up her bowling workload for the 50-over format.
Who holds the number one spot in the latest ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings?
India retain the number one ranking with 115 rating points, sitting ahead of New Zealand, South Africa, and fourth-placed Pakistan.
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