Sports Bulletin on January 21: England announce playing 11 for 1st T20, Smriti Mandhana rises to No. 2 in ICC ODI Rankings

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In today's sports bulletin (January 21), we cover the major headlines in cricket, including Smriti Mandhana’s rise in the ICC ODI batting rankings and England’s announcement of their playing XI for the 1st T20I against India.

Stay tuned for updates from the Ranji Trophy, U19 Women's World Cup, Australian Open, and more.

Smriti Mandhana Rises to No. 2 in ICC ODI Batting Rankings

Smriti Mandhana has climbed to the second spot in the ICC Women’s ODI batting rankings after stellar performances in the Ireland series, where she amassed scores of 41, 73, and 135. With 738 points, she trails South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt (773) and leads Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu (733). Deepti Sharma moved to fourth in bowling rankings while retaining sixth in the all-rounder rankings.

England Announces Playing XI for 1st T20I Against India; Phil Salt to Keep Wickets

The ECB has unveiled its playing XI for the opening T20I against India at Eden Gardens. Phil Salt will open with Ben Duckett and keep wickets, while Harry Brook, the vice-captain, joins Jos Buttler and Liam Livingstone in the middle order. Jamie Overton and Jacob Bethell make the XI, with Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, and Mark Wood forming the pace attack.

Virat Kohli to Play Ranji Trophy Match Against Railways, Confirms DDCA

Virat Kohli will return to domestic cricket for Delhi’s Ranji Trophy match against Railways on January 30, marking his first appearance since 2012. This move comes after the BCCI mandated domestic participation for national eligibility. Delhi, currently fourth in their group, will look to Kohli to address their inconsistent performances this season.

U19 Women’s World Cup: Vaishnavi Sharma’s Five-Wicket Haul Powers India to Win

India crushed Malaysia by 10 wickets in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, thanks to Vaishnavi Sharma’s record 5/5, including a hat-trick. Malaysia was bowled out for 31, and India chased it in 2.5 overs. G Trisha scored an unbeaten 27, and India now leads the group with an impressive net run rate of +9.1.

KL Rahul to Miss Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy Clash Against Punjab

KL Rahul has been ruled out of Karnataka’s crucial Ranji Trophy match against Punjab due to an elbow injury. Karnataka, currently fourth in Elite Group-C, will rely on captain Mayank Agarwal and others for a win. Punjab’s Shubman Gill is expected to feature in the high-stakes encounter.

Australian Open 2025: Zverev, Sabalenka, and Badosa Shine

Alexander Zverev reached the semi-finals after defeating Tommy Paul in four sets. In women’s singles, Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa advanced to the semi-finals with stunning performances, including Badosa's upset win over World No. 3 Coco Gauff. Excitement builds as the tournament approaches its climax.

Chelsea Defeat Wolves 3-1, Climb to Fourth in Premier League

Chelsea moved up to fourth in the Premier League with a 3-1 victory over Wolves. Goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella, and Noni Madueke sealed the win. The Blues now prepare for a challenging clash against Manchester City on Saturday as they continue their push in the league standings.