Eshan Malinga’s sensational bowling performance has captured attention, as he played a key role in Sri Lanka’s dominant 140-run victory over New Zealand in the 3rd ODI. The 23-year-old seamer, who was recently signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for INR 1.20 crore at the IPL 2025 auction, dismantled the New Zealand batting lineup with a fiery spell, claiming three wickets and leaving the hosts reeling early in their innings.

Malinga, now touted as SRH’s new death-bowling weapon, delivered a remarkable spell of 7 overs, 1 maiden, 35 runs, and 3 wickets at an economy of 5.00. Supported by Asitha Fernando and spinner Maheesh Theekshana, he led a devastating performance with the ball. His 3-26 spell, marked by pace and precision, tore through New Zealand’s top order, reducing them to 21-5 within seven overs. The trio accounted for nine of the ten wickets, with Fernando and Theekshana also taking three wickets apiece.

New Zealand’s chase of Sri Lanka’s 290-8 never gained momentum after the top-order collapse. The home side eventually folded for 150 runs in just 29.4 overs, with only Mark Chapman offering resistance. Chapman played a valiant knock of 81 runs off 81 balls, but his effort wasn’t enough to rescue his team. Chapman’s dismissal, bowled by Theekshana, sealed New Zealand’s fate.

Earlier, Sri Lanka displayed a vastly improved batting performance, led by opener Pathum Nissanka. Despite retiring hurt on 50 after an apparent hip injury, Nissanka returned later to add 16 more runs to his tally, finishing with an explosive 66 off 42 balls. His innings included six boundaries and five sixes, setting the tone for a strong start.

Contributions from Kusal Mendis (54 off 48) and Janith Liyanage (53 off 52) further bolstered Sri Lanka’s innings. Their efforts ensured a challenging total for New Zealand, despite the hosts’ Matt Henry continuing his fine series with 4-55. Henry also reached a personal milestone of 150 ODI wickets during the game, while captain Mitchell Santner chipped in with 2-55.

Having suffered heavy defeats in the first two matches, Sri Lanka’s emphatic performance in the final game salvaged a lone victory in the three-match series. The win highlighted the team’s potential, with Malinga’s heroics providing a glimpse of their future prospects in the fast-bowling department.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers ensured the match ended in style, securing a morale-boosting triumph as they head towards their next cricketing challenge.

Actor Anushka Sharma and her cricketer husband, Virat Kohli, recently visited Shri Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, with their children, Vamika and Akaay. Their interaction with the saint has gained significant attention on social media.

In a widely shared clip, Anushka is seen asking the saint for the “devotion of love” and expressing that she frequently listens to his spiritual discourses. Virat, on the other hand, quietly held Akaay in his arms, listening intently to the conversation.

During her discussion with Premanand Maharaj, Anushka shared, “The last time I came, I had a few questions in my heart. I wanted to ask them, but others present there asked similar questions.” She smiled as she continued, “When I was considering coming here, I was speaking to you in my mind. The next day, while reading ‘Kanti Vartalap,’ those very questions would be raised by someone else. All I seek now is your blessings.”

In response, Premanand Maharaj admired their devotion, saying in Hindi, “It takes great courage to dedicate oneself to God after achieving such fame in the world. We believe that your (Anushka’s) devotion to God will positively influence him (Kohli) as well.”

The video also features Shri Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj praising Anushka for keeping Virat Kohli grounded in humility and faith, despite his immense success.

Anushka and Virat have recently returned to India following the Australia Test series.

The couple welcomed the New Year in Sydney, Australia, and a video of them walking hand-in-hand through the city has gone viral online. Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli have been in Australia for a while as the Indian cricket team competes against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

The video, which has been shared by numerous fan pages dedicated to the couple, features them coordinated in stylish black outfits. Virat looks sharp in a black suit, while Anushka dazzles in a chic little black dress. They were accompanied by Indian cricketer Devdutt Padikkal as they seemingly ventured out to celebrate and welcome 2025 together.

Earlier, on December 11, the couple was photographed outside their hotel while celebrating their seventh wedding anniversary. They also enjoyed a Christmas breakfast at a café in Melbourne, which later shared a picture of the couple and expressed their happiness at having hosted them.

Former cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin said that Hindi is not the national language of India but merely an official language. He made this remark during a convocation ceremony at a private college near Chennai on January 9.

During his address, he asked the students which language they preferred for him to speak; while some opted for English, there was significant enthusiasm when he offered to speak in Tamil. However, there was no interest shown for Hindi.

“Hindi—no response. I thought I should mention that it is not our national language but an official language,” the former Indian all-rounder remarked.

Ashwin encouraged the youth to strive for excellence and to continue their learning journey even after their formal education has concluded. Speaking at the 23rd Graduation Day of Rajalakshmi Engineering College, where 1,601 candidates, including PhD recipients, received their degrees, he reflected on the school and college years as the best times of life. He urged young graduates to connect with a greater purpose after completing their higher education.

“Regardless of what lies ahead—career, financial independence, or any other goal—you should align yourself with a good cause. This will empower you with a steely resolve to face challenges,” he advised. He encouraged students to disregard negativity, stay focused, pursue excellence, and never stop learning.

Recalling his own student experience, the off-spinner noted the difficulty of balancing academics with cricket. “Effective time management was key… it was a challenge, but looking back, I realize that what I learned and the hardships I faced have shaped who I am today,” he said.

The chief guest for the event was Prabu David, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, USA. The ceremony also featured remarks from Chairperson of Rajalakshmi Institutions, Thangam Meganathan, and Vice Chairman Abhay Meganathan.