![Virat Kohli and Babar Azam [Source: @Trend_VKohli/X, @bbl/Instagram]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1766758484138_Kohli_Babar.jpg?type=hq)
Virat Kohli and Babar Azam [Source: @Trend_VKohli/X, @bbl/Instagram]
Virat Kohli continued his beautiful run in the Vijay Hazare trophy with a 77-run knock against Gujarat. Babar Azam flopped yet again in the Big Bash League to score just 2 runs amid hot and cold form. In other news, BCCI might reveal India’s squad for the New Zealand ODI tour soon.
Capping an eventful day in the world of cricket, here we take a look at five of the biggest cricketing news that emerged on Friday, December 26.
Virat Kohli continues form with 77-run knock for Delhi in VHT
After a successful 131 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Delhi, Virat Kohli once again made a statement by scoring 77 runs against Gujarat in Round 2 of the domestic tournament. Kohli, batting first for Delhi, amassed his runs off 61 deliveries, laced with 13 boundaries and one six, to continue his dominant run in List A cricket.
With two standout performances from the star batter, the possibility of him featuring in the third round appears slim, as the New Zealand ODIs are fast approaching.
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England and Australia collapse at MCG to record 20-wicket tumble in the Ashes
Australia and England were both left in a nightmare on Day 1 of the Melbourne Test, as the Boxing Day clash saw 20 wickets fall across the two sides.
After England opted to bowl first at the MCG, Australia failed to last long and were bundled out for 152 runs inside the first two sessions. England, however, fared no better and were dismissed for just 110 inside 30 overs, as Australia sent in Travis Head and Scott Boland to see out the day.
This dramatic collapse resulted in a host of records being broken in the Ashes. Click here to read the full list of records shattered at MCG.
India ODI squad reveal date for NZ ODIs: Report
According to recent reports, the BCCI is set to announce India’s squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand in the first week of January. With the opening match scheduled for January 11, the BCCI is likely to reveal the squad by January 7.
The T20I squads have already been announced along with the names for T20 World Cup 2026. Hence, the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will await their turn as India’s management races against the clock to finalise the squad for the encounter against the Black Caps.
Babar Azam flops again amid hot and cold BBL 2025-26 form
Just a week after ending his BBL drought with a 58-run knock, Babar Azam was dismissed for just two runs in the December 26 match between Sixers and Stars at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The Pakistan star was sent back by Sam Curran, with Glenn Maxwell taking a sharp catch to end his stay at the crease.
Apart from his 58 against the Sydney Thunder, Azam’s outings have been disappointing, as he scored just two against the Perth Scorchers in BBL 2025/26 opener and 9 against the Adelaide Strikers.
Rinku Singh makes statement knock with fiery century for UP in VHT
India batter Rinku Singh, who has been named in the T20 World Cup 2026 squad, played a statement knock of 106 runs off just 60 balls against Chandigarh for his home side Uttar Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
His explosive innings included 11 boundaries and four sixes, powering Uttar Pradesh to a strong total. Batting at number five, Rinku shifted gears seamlessly and helped his team post 367 against a gritty Manan Vohra-led side on Friday in Rajkot.
