New Zealand rode on a superb unbeaten hundred from Ross Taylor to thrash India by seven wickets in the fourth One-Day International and take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, in Hamilton, on Tuesday. The defeat also handed the tourists their second straight series defeat overseas, following the 2-0 loss to South Africa last month.
New Zealand have named all-rounder James Franklin along with big-hitting Jesse Ryder and paceman Andy McKay in a 14-man squad for the Blackcaps' three-match One-Day International series at home against South Africa starting on Saturday.
Delhi Daredevils made it to the Champions League Twenty20 semi-finals after Auckland Aces, another contender, was beaten by 16 runs in their last group league game by Perth Scorchers, in Centurion, on Tuesday. Scorchers' victory meant Auckland Aces, with six points, were ousted, as Delhi (10 points) and Nashua Titans (8) occupy the top two slots.
After their not so memorable outing in the just-concluded ICC World T20 in Sri Lanka, it will be a test of character for the Indian boys in the Champions League Twenty20, which commences on Saturday.
Sialkot Stallions will go back home with some pride as they beat Hampshire by six wickets in their inconsequential Pool 1 qualifying match of the Champions League Twenty20 tournament in Johannesburg.
Alastair Cook closed in on a 25th Test century after deciding not to enforce the follow-on as England, looking to ensure a series victory over New Zealand, built a substantial lead in the second and final Test on Sunday.
The West Indies tasted success for the first time on their New Zealand tour on Thursday when they scraped home by two wickets in the first One-Day International in Auckland. After dismissing New Zealand for a modest 156 in 42.1 overs, the West Indies made hard work the target for the loss of eight wickets in 27.3 overs.
If the Big Four continued to dominate, there were a few who managed to make an impact as well.
Nine international cricketers, including Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard and Brett Lee, have opted to play for their IPL frachisees instead of their home teams in the Champions League Twenty20 scheduled next month.