The most awaited year of 2015 finally arrived with a bag full of international cricket including the prized scalp of ICC World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Exciting cricket across all three formats was played during the first two weeks of January.
Kane Williamson and BJ Watling pin down Sri Lanka as Kiwis claim Test series 2-0
New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 193 runs in the second test at the Basin Reserve on 7th January to win the two-match series 2-0.
Kumar Sangakkara’s belligerent double century was overshadowed by Kane Williamson and BJ Watling’s Test record sixth-wicket partnership on day four which hauled the Kiwis back into the match, having trailed by 135 on first innings. Williamson hit an unbeaten 242, his first Test double century while Watling made 142 not out, his fourth Test ton.
Chief Scores:
New Zealand 1st innings: 221 (Kane Williamson 69; Nuwan Pradeep 4-63, Suranga Lakmal 3-71).
Sri Lanka 1st innings: 356 (Kumar Sangakkara 203, Dinesh Chandimal 67; Jimmy Neesham 3-42, Doug Bracewell 3-93).
New Zealand 2nd innings: 524-5 decl. (Kane Williamson 242 not out, B.J. Watling 142 not out; Nuwan Pradeep 3-117).
Sri Lanka 2nd innings: 196 (Lahiru Thirimanne 62 not out, Kaushal Silva 50; Mark Craig 4-53).
Final Tests ends in a draw; Australia win 4-match series 2-0
India survived a last-session collapse against Australia to draw the final Test in Sydney as the hosts secured a 2-0 series win.
Declaring their second innings on 251-6, Australia set India a victory target of 349.Steve Smith’s side was left three wickets short as they chased a final day win with India finishing on 252-7.
Australia earlier managed to score 572 for 7 declared in their 1st innings and India replied with 475. Victories in the opening two Test matches in Adelaide and Brisbane were enough to secure the 2-0 series win for Australia, as the final two Tests in Melbourne and Sydney were drawn.
Misbah Ul-Haq to quit ODIs after World Cup
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq will quit one-day cricket after the World Cup, although he will continue to play Tests. Misbah, becomes Pakistan’s second senior player after Shahid Afridi to announce his one-day retirement after the World Cup. “It’s my final decision and I have informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of it,” Misbah said. “It would be the icing on the cake if I retire with a World Cup win. I’ve thought about this for a long time.”
New Zealand take 1st ODI despite Jayawardene ton
Corey Anderson’s superb 81 ensured New Zealand win the 1st ODI against Sri Lanka by 3 wickets in their 7-match series at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on 11th January.
Mahela Jayawardene played a wonderful knock of 104 which helped the visitors post a reasonable score of 218 after the top order’s conscientious batting approach haunted Sri Lanka’s batting plans against a disciplined and aggressive bowling effort by the hosts. New Zealand’s nervy chase was anchored by a responsible 81 by left-handed all-rounder Corey Anderson after his skipper Brendon McCullum raced to a 19-ball half century but the Lankan bowlers fought back in a see-saw battle.
Beastly Chris Gayle smashdown South Africa
Chris Gayle blasted 77 off 31 balls as the West Indies beat South Africa by four wickets in the first Twenty20 international at Newlands on 9th January. The big left-hander thrashed eight sixes and five fours in a brutal assault on the South African bowlers. His innings included an extraordinary sequence during which he hit 52 runs off 11 balls, five sixes, five fours and a two.
Rilee Rossouw anchored South Africa’s total of 165 for four with an unbeaten 51, made off 40 balls with five fours. The most spectacular batting of the South African innings came from Du Plessis, who hammered 38 off 20 balls, with five fours and two sixes. West Indian left-arm opening bowler Sheldon Cottrell took 2 for 33. Despite Gayle’s assault, there were only four balls to spare when the West Indies completed their win by passing their target of 166.
World’s highest T20I chase occurs at the Wanderers
Chris Gayle blasted 90 off 41 balls as the West Indies achieved a world record run chase in the second Twenty20 international on 11th January to beat South Africa by four wickets.
South Africa captain Faf du Plessis hit a 46-ball century in his team’s total of 231 for 7, their second highest total in the shortest form of the game.But it was overhauled with four balls to spare on a record-breaking day at the Wanderers with West Indies captain Darren Sammy finishing the match with a six to take his team to 236 for 6.
Morne Van Wyk Saves South Africa’s honour in Twenty20 Series
Stand-in wicketkeeper Morne van Wyk hit his maiden international century to set up a 69-run consolation win for South Africa in the third and final Twenty20 international against the West Indies at Kingsmead on 14th January.
Van Wyk who was recalled to the South African team because of an injury to Quinton de Kock, scored 114 not out off 70 balls with seven sixes and nine fours. South Africa made 195 for 3 after being sent in. West Indies, who had already clinched the series by winning the first two matches, were bowled out for 126 in 19 overs.
Alviro Petersen quits international cricket
South African opener, Alviro Petersen, announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect after the match against West Indies. He also revealed that he will retire from international cricket with effect from April 1, 2015.
“I feel that at 34, it is time for me to retire from international cricket and to move on with my career. I intend playing County and Franchise cricket for the next three years and also concentrating on my Foundation and my cricket school,” said Petersen.
