In cricket news today, India wrapped up a 3-2 series victory against New Zealand despite losing the final T20I in Hamilton. Batting records tumbled in the series finale, with Ishan Kishan establishing a new Indian calendar-year run tally and Glenn Phillips setting a world mark for bilateral contests. Meanwhile, injury concerns emerged as New Zealand lost two key batters for the upcoming ODIs, Rishabh Pant remained sidelined from red-ball preparation, and South Africa dethroned Australia at the top of the ICC Test rankings.
India Secure T20I Series 3-2 Despite Final-Match Defeat to New Zealand
New Zealand defeated India by seven wickets in the fifth and final T20I at Seddon Park in Hamilton. Chasing 192, the home team reached their target in 18 overs behind an innings of 93 from Tim Seifert. During the contest, Mitchell Santner made his 143rd appearance to become New Zealand's most-capped men's T20I cricketer.
Despite the defeat in Hamilton, India claimed the five-match series by a 3-2 margin. The tourists had already established an unassailable lead earlier on the tour, ensuring they departed with the trophy.
“Built as a Team. Won as a Team. Always for India”
Gautam Gambhir
Why it matters: It confirms another away bilateral T20I series triumph for India as they rotate their white-ball squad.
↑ HeadlinesRachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman Sidelined from India ODI Series
New Zealand batters Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman have been ruled out of the upcoming five-match home ODI series against India due to injuries. Ravindra is still recuperating from a dislocated shoulder sustained during a promotional shoot. Chapman requires an additional two weeks of rehabilitation to recover from a hamstring strain.
In response to the absences, New Zealand added Tim Seifert to the squad for all five matches. Henry Nicholls has been included for the opening three fixtures, while Dean Foxcroft will join the group for the final two games.
“Everyone knows what an asset Mark and Rachin are to this side, so it's a shame they have to miss this series”
Rob Walter
Why it matters: New Zealand must adjust their middle order for the five ODIs against India without two primary left-handed batters.
↑ HeadlinesIshan Kishan Breaks Indian Calendar-Year T20I Run Record
Ishan Kishan scored 61 runs from 32 deliveries in the fifth T20I against New Zealand at Seddon Park, lifting his 2026 international tally to 1,220 runs. This effort surpassed the previous Indian national record of 1,164 runs in a single calendar year, set by Suryakumar Yadav in 2022.
The innings in Hamilton also pushed Kishan beyond the 2,000-run milestone in men's T20Is. He became the seventh Indian batter to achieve the landmark in the format.
Why it matters: Kishan continues to strengthen his place at the top of India's T20I batting lineup with record-breaking consistency.
↑ HeadlinesRishabh Pant Ruled Out of India A Match Due to Side Strain
Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of India A's third and final unofficial Test against New Zealand A in Lincoln starting November 7. The decision was taken as a precautionary measure due to an ongoing left-side strain sustained while leading Rest of India in the Irani Cup in early October.
Pant has missed all three tour fixtures for India A, limiting his red-ball match preparation. Head coach Gautam Gambhir stated that he has not yet received confirmation regarding Pant's recovery timeline ahead of the first Test against New Zealand in Wellington on November 19.
“At the moment I have no information, and once I get it, we'll share it with you.”
Gautam Gambhir
Why it matters: Pant's lack of red-ball game time creates uncertainty over India's wicketkeeping plans for the upcoming Test series.
↑ HeadlinesGlenn Phillips Sets World Record for Most Runs in Bilateral T20I Series
New Zealand batter Glenn Phillips compiled an unbeaten 65 off 38 deliveries in the fifth T20I in Hamilton to conclude the series with 341 runs across five innings. His total broke the previous world record of 331 runs set by England's Phil Salt against the West Indies in 2023 for the most runs in a men's bilateral T20I series.
Phillips also equalled the record for the most fifty-plus scores in a single bilateral T20I series. His half-century at Seddon Park was his fourth of the contest against India.
“The calmness and composure I've had is a nice feeling. I tried to go out there with a clear mind and play every ball on its merits and try to go out there and be a little more of the hunter and a little less of the prey.”
Glenn Phillips
Why it matters: Phillips demonstrated elite consistency against India's attack, setting a new benchmark in bilateral T20 international cricket.
↑ HeadlinesAmol Muzumdar Outlines Strategy for Dedicated Women's T20I Squad
India women's head coach Amol Muzumdar indicated that the national side will soon transition toward fielding a specialised T20 squad, mirroring the structure used in the men's game. Muzumdar shared these plans during an event held in Mumbai.
Muzumdar praised the fitness standards, athletic ability, and nutrition awareness seen among players attending Under-15 and Under-19 camps at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. He added that the primary aim remains playing dominant cricket across all formats.
“We won't have to wait too long.”
Amol Muzumdar
Why it matters: The Indian women's setup is moving toward format specialisation to develop depth for international T20 tournaments.
↑ HeadlinesGautam Gambhir Addresses Workload and Leadership After T20I Series
Following India's 3-2 series win over New Zealand in Hamilton, head coach Gautam Gambhir praised captain Shreyas Iyer for leading an inexperienced bowling attack through the five fixtures.
Gambhir also discussed the personal demands associated with his position. He acknowledged that handling multiple formats alongside frequent squad adjustments has at times left him feeling mentally drained.
“Yes, I have, to be honest. But I am strong enough to manage that, to take it for as long as I can.”
Gautam Gambhir
Why it matters: The comments highlight the operational and mental challenges involved in managing India's busy multi-format schedule.
↑ HeadlinesSouth Africa Claim Top Test Ranking as New Zealand Lead WTC
The International Cricket Council revised its Test team rankings following South Africa's 176-run win over Australia in the third Test at Cape Town. South Africa climbed to first place on 124 rating points, with Australia dropping to second on 122. New Zealand sit third with 106 points, followed by India on 105 and England on 102.
In the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings, New Zealand advanced to top spot with a points percentage of 72.22. South Africa rose to second place on 71.42 percent, while Australia moved down to third on 69.23 percent.
Why it matters: The shifting ladder tightens the race for the next World Test Championship final as India chase the top three sides.
↑ HeadlinesSydney Thunder Complete Record WBBL Run Chase Against Brisbane Heat
Sydney Thunder achieved the highest successful run chase in their WBBL history by defeating Brisbane Heat by six wickets at Drummoyne Oval. The Thunder overhauled Brisbane Heat's total of 178 for 5 in 16.4 overs.
Heather Knight guided the chase with an unbeaten 54 from 29 deliveries, supported by Phoebe Litchfield's 41 off 19 balls. Earlier, half-centuries from Grace Harris, who made 58, and Georgia Redmayne, who scored 57, had set up the Heat's innings.
Why it matters: The victory highlights Sydney Thunder's batting strength and rewrites their franchise record books in the WBBL.
↑ HeadlinesNajmul Hossain Shanto Cites Umpire's Call Verdicts in Test Defeat
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed frustration regarding several Decision Review System verdicts that stayed with on-field calls during his team's fourth-innings defence against the West Indies in Mirpur. Bangladesh were attempting to defend a target of 170.
Shanto stated that close lbw appeals turned down by on-field umpires Nitin Menon and Sam Nogajski could not be overturned on review, affecting team morale. He noted that while umpires cannot be faulted, the sequence of rulings influenced the outcome of the match.
“Normally, you cannot blame the umpires for it either. You have to accept that it just wasn't our day.”
Najmul Hossain Shanto
Why it matters: The remarks underline how narrow review margins can shape close fourth-innings finishes in Test cricket.
↑ HeadlinesQuick hits
- Ashleigh Gardner struck 124 off 60 deliveries as the Sydney Sixers secured an 87-run WBBL victory over Hobart Hurricanes.
- Afghanistan climbed to sixth place in the ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings on 94 rating points, while India maintained top spot on 115.
- Temba Bavuma praised South Africa's determination after a 176-run win in Cape Town sealed a 2-1 Test series triumph over Australia.
- Namibia recorded their first bilateral ODI series victory against an ICC Full Member nation by overcoming Ireland 3-2 in Windhoek.
- India reached 142 sixes against New Zealand in 2026 to set a calendar-year record against a single opponent, while Arshdeep Singh matched Tim Southee's tally of 65 T20I powerplay wickets.
Frequently asked questions
Did India win the T20I series against New Zealand?
Yes, India won the five-match series 3-2 after building an unassailable lead prior to their defeat in the final match in Hamilton.
What record did Ishan Kishan break against New Zealand?
Kishan reached 1,220 runs in 2026, breaking Suryakumar Yadav's record of 1,164 runs for the most T20I runs by an Indian batter in a calendar year.
Why is Rishabh Pant doubtful for the first Test in Wellington?
Pant is recovering from a left-side strain suffered during the Irani Cup and has been ruled out of India A's third unofficial Test, leaving his return date unconfirmed.
Which team is currently ranked number one in ICC men's Tests?
South Africa moved to the number-one spot on 124 rating points after defeating Australia by 176 runs in Cape Town.
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