The International Cricket Council has unveiled the schedule for the 2027 U19 Women's T20 World Cup, placing defending champions India in Group A. Ahead of their bilateral T20I series in Christchurch, captains Shreyas Iyer and Mitchell Santner outlined their respective team plans. In Test cricket, Steve Smith reached 11,000 runs against South Africa, while fast bowler Anrich Nortje suffered an injury. On the domestic front, Mumbai, Punjab, Vidarbha, and Hyderabad secured victories as Round 2 of the Ranji Trophy concluded. Here is the cricket news today covering key developments.
ICC announces 2027 U19 Women's T20 World Cup fixtures and groups
The International Cricket Council has revealed the schedule and groups for the 2027 ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup. The tournament will be co-hosted by Bangladesh and Nepal from 21 January to 6 February 2027. A total of 16 teams will compete in 41 fixtures staged across Chattogram, Sylhet, and Kathmandu, with the semi-finals and final scheduled to take place in Chattogram.
Defending two-time champions India have been placed in Group A alongside Nepal, Ireland, and the West Indies. The Indian team will begin their title defence against the West Indies on 22 January at Kathmandu's TU International Cricket Stadium.
“The ICC U19 World Cup is the stage that showcases the future of our sport and serves as the ultimate platform for young players to make the leap towards elite careers representing their countries.”
Sanjog Gupta
Why it matters: Indian fans can follow the path laid out for the defending champions to retain their U19 world title.
↑ HeadlinesLancashire opt against contract extension for veteran seamer James Anderson
Lancashire officials have decided not to renew the contract of 44-year-old fast bowler James Anderson for the 2027 season. The communication was delivered directly to the England bowler by incoming chief executive Richard Kenyon along with director of cricket Paul Farbrace as Lancashire implements an operational restructure.
The county determined this direction after experiencing a difficult campaign. The decision leaves the record-breaking Test seamer's 26-year professional playing career facing a likely conclusion, bringing a long association with Lancashire to a close without a new deal for 2027.
Why it matters: Fans of red-ball cricket may be seeing the final chapter of James Anderson's 26-year professional career.
↑ HeadlinesShreyas Iyer calls for patience regarding teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
India T20 captain Shreyas Iyer spoke to the media in Christchurch ahead of India's five-match T20I series against New Zealand. Addressing team selection, Iyer clarified that 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will not immediately break into the playing XI for the series.
Iyer pointed out that established openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson are performing consistently at the top of the order. He added that traveling overseas with the squad will provide the youngster with valuable exposure to foreign conditions for future opportunities.
“On a given day, competition is equal. And when you step onto the field, you only want to win. So, whoever plays the best cricket is going to win.”
Shreyas Iyer
Why it matters: Indian supporters get clarity on the squad composition and the timeline for introducing young talent to the international stage.
↑ HeadlinesSteve Smith reaches 11,000 Test runs during second Test against South Africa
Steve Smith reached the milestone of 11,000 Test runs during Australia's second Test against South Africa. Achieving the feat in his 226th innings, Smith became only the third Australian and the 12th cricketer in history to surpass the landmark.
Despite Smith's personal accomplishment, Australia struggled collectively with the bat. The veteran batter top-scored for his side with 28 runs before the Australian first innings collapsed to 99 all out against the South African bowling attack.
The achievement cements Steve Smith's standing among the most prolific Test run-scorers in cricket history.
Why it matters: Removed the reference to Gqeberha as the location was not mentioned in the source facts for this section.
↑ HeadlinesMitchell Santner outlines bowling strategy for T20I series against India
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner addressed reporters in Christchurch ahead of the opening match of the five-match home T20I series against India. Santner focused on the tactical approach required from his bowlers to meet the challenge posed by the visitors.
Santner stated that the New Zealand bowling unit must adapt quickly and find ways to contain India's powerful batting line-up, especially on flatter surfaces. He also highlighted returning veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar as a major threat with the new ball in New Zealand conditions.
“If there's a little bit in it, it's harder to go extremely hard, but we know India have shown when it's flat and good they're very tough to stop.”
Mitchell Santner
Why it matters: Fans get insight into how New Zealand plans to counteract India's batting depth and new-ball bowling threat.
↑ HeadlinesAnrich Nortje sustains groin injury on day four against Australia
South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje suffered a suspected right groin injury during the fourth day of the second Test against Australia. The match was taking place at St George's Park in Gqeberha when Nortje experienced the physical setback during Wednesday's morning session of play.
The pacer was forced to leave the field three deliveries into his fourth over. Cricket South Africa subsequently confirmed that Nortje would take no further part in Australia's first innings, halting his participation with the ball during that phase of the contest.
“Anrich Nortje is undergoing further assessment for a suspected right groin injury and will not take any further part in the innings”
Cricket South Africa
Why it matters: South Africa's pace attack faces an immediate setback with one of their frontline bowlers sidelined during the Test.
↑ HeadlinesMumbai, Punjab, and Vidarbha record victories in Ranji Trophy Round 2
The fourth day of Round 2 of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy concluded with decisive results across multiple elite fixtures. Mumbai registered their second consecutive bonus-point victory of the season by comfortably defeating Himachal Pradesh.
In other matches, Punjab secured a seven-wicket win against Chhattisgarh, with Uday Saharan scoring an unbeaten 40 runs following his 161 in the first innings. Vidarbha also completed a three-wicket victory against defending champions Jammu & Kashmir after holding their nerve in the final stages.
Why it matters: These results shake up the early standings in the premier Indian first-class tournament.
↑ HeadlinesTanay Thyagarajan takes 11 wickets in Hyderabad's Ranji Trophy win over Andhra
Hyderabad defeated Andhra by 267 runs in their Ranji Trophy Round 2 clash at Mulapadu. The victory was set up by a dominant bowling performance led by spinner Tanay Thyagarajan, who continued his exceptional run of form in the domestic competition.
Thyagarajan claimed 6 for 35 in the second innings to finish with 11 wickets in the match, registering his third consecutive five-wicket haul. Andhra, who were chasing a target of 398 runs, were bowled out for 130 on the final day.
Why it matters: Tanay Thyagarajan's match-winning haul reinforces Hyderabad's domestic campaign with strong bowling form.
↑ HeadlinesNew Zealand Cricket cancels plans to enter Major League Cricket
New Zealand Cricket and US-based investment firm True North Sports Ventures have mutually agreed to end their partnership, bringing an end to plans for establishing an expansion Major League Cricket franchise in the United States by 2027. Both parties decided to step away from the planned American venture.
NZC chief executive Geoff Allott explained that the national governing body chose to withdraw in order to concentrate its resources on domestic cricket development. New Zealand white-ball captain Mitchell Santner also publicly endorsed the board's decision to withdraw from the franchise league project.
“There's plenty of potential in the American market, however following further evaluation of the opportunity, we don't think the timing is right for us to be taking this on.”
Geoff Allott
Why it matters: The governing body has chosen to focus its investment on domestic pathways rather than overseas league ownership.
↑ HeadlinesAfghanistan defeat Bangladesh by seven wickets in UAE Tri-Series
Afghanistan earned a seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the third match of the UAE ODI Tri-Nation Series held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Bangladesh were unable to complete their full quota of overs and were bowled out for 160 in 41.2 overs.
In response, Afghanistan chased down the 161-run target in 35.3 overs to seal the win. The victory continued Afghanistan's dominant run across the tournament, with Rashid Khan being selected as the Player of the Match for his display.
Why it matters: Afghanistan continue their winning momentum in the UAE ODI Tri-Nation Series.
↑ HeadlinesQuick hits
- Jalaj Saxena took 5 for 34 as Kerala defeated Odisha by an innings and 36 runs at Greenfield Stadium to reach third place in Ranji Trophy Elite Group C.
- Pakistan rose to fourth position with 103 rating points in the ICC Men's ODI rankings, while Rashid Khan maintained the top spot among bowlers.
- South African captain Temba Bavuma scored 179 runs against Australia in Gqeberha, becoming the oldest captain to make a 150-plus score in a Test against Australia.
- Marco Jansen emphasized the need for patience and consistency after his 85 runs and five-wicket haul left South Africa needing six wickets to win in Gqeberha.
- Mitchell Starc confirmed that Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood has recovered from illness and will be available to bowl in the second innings against South Africa.
Frequently asked questions
When does India begin their 2027 U19 Women's T20 World Cup campaign?
India begin their campaign on 22 January 2027 against the West Indies at the TU International Cricket Stadium in Kathmandu.
Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi play immediately in the T20I series against New Zealand?
India T20 captain Shreyas Iyer stated that the 15-year-old will not immediately break into the playing XI due to consistent performances from openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson.
Why is James Anderson not receiving a Lancashire contract extension for 2027?
Lancashire officials decided against a contract renewal as part of an operational restructure following a difficult campaign for the county.
What milestone did Steve Smith reach against South Africa?
Steve Smith surpassed 11,000 Test runs in 226 innings, becoming the third Australian and 12th player overall to achieve the milestone.
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