Today, January 3, 2026, the cricket world is buzzing with a mix of international youth tours, high-stakes domestic tournaments, and the final preparations for one of the game’s most iconic rivalries.
Here is the breakdown of the current matches, key scorecards, and upcoming fixtures for the week.
🌍 International Matches & Series
1. India U19 tour of South Africa (1st Youth ODI)
India’s rising stars secured a hard-fought victory in the series opener at Benoni. After a solid batting performance, rain and lightning brought the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method into play, handing India a 1-0 lead.
| Team | Score | Overs | Result |
| India U19 | 301 (All Out) | 50.0 | India won by 25 runs (DLS) |
| South Africa U19 | 148/4 | 27.4 | (Target: 174 at stoppage) |
- Key Performers:
- Harvansh Pangalia (IND): 93 runs
- RS Ambrish (IND): 65 runs
- Armaan Manack (SA): 52* (at the time of rain)
2. Afghanistan U19 vs Pakistan U19 (Youth ODI)
Part of the tri-series/warm-up fixtures in Zimbabwe, this match saw a dominant bowling display from the Afghan youngsters.
- Pakistan U19: 238/9 (50 overs)
- Afghanistan U19: Yet to finish (Innings Break)
🏏 Domestic Leagues & Trophy Action
Vijay Hazare Trophy (India)
The Elite domestic 50-over tournament saw massive performances today as players push for spots in the upcoming New Zealand series.
- Delhi vs Services: Delhi won by 10 wickets. Services 178 (42 ov); Delhi 179/0 (19.4 ov).
- Highlight: Rishabh Pant (67*) and Priyansh Arya (72*) chased the total in record time.
- Baroda vs Vidarbha: Baroda won by 2 wickets.
- Highlight: Hardik Pandya smashed a breathtaking 133 off 93 balls, including five consecutive sixes in one over.
- Rajasthan vs Tamil Nadu: Rajasthan won by 10 runs. Rajasthan 225 (46.5 ov); Tamil Nadu 215 (41.4 ov).
Big Bash League (Australia)
- Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars: Melbourne Stars 195/6; Brisbane Heat 108/4 (12.3 ov). Stars currently lead as the match nears completion.
SA20 & ILT20
- SA20: Joburg Super Kings defeated Durban Super Giants in a thrilling Super Over after both teams finished on 205.
- ILT20: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (158/7) defeated Dubai Capitals (108 all out) by 50 runs.
📅 Upcoming Major Fixtures
If you’re looking ahead, the next 24 hours feature some of the biggest clashes of the season:
| Date | Match | Tournament | Venue |
| Jan 4 | Australia vs England (5th Test) | The Ashes | Sydney (SCG) |
| Jan 5 | South Africa U19 vs India U19 | 2nd Youth ODI | Benoni |
| Jan 7 | Sri Lanka vs Pakistan | 1st T20I | Dambulla |
| Jan 11 | India vs New Zealand | 1st ODI | Vadodara |
Note: The 5th Ashes Test starting tomorrow in Sydney marks the retirement of Australian veteran Usman Khawaja. Expect an emotional atmosphere at the SCG.
Would you like me to provide the detailed playing XIs for the 5th Ashes Test or the newly announced India squad for the New Zealand series?
