International cricket has delivered two major stories in the 9–13 November window: New Zealand’s emphatic win over India in the fourth ODI and a closely contested first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Both matches have offered strong individual performances and important questions for the teams involved.
New Zealand keep the ODI series alive
New Zealand defeated India by 244 runs in the fourth ODI at Mount Maunganui on Friday, 13 November. Will Young scored 125 from 108 balls, his best ODI score, while Tim Seifert made 58 and Finn Allen contributed 41. New Zealand posted 333 before Matt Henry produced a decisive opening spell in India’s reply.
Henry took six wickets. India lost three batters in the first over of the chase and were eventually dismissed for 89, one of their lowest ODI totals. Ishan Kishan and Axar Patel added 44 runs together, while Naman Dhir made 21, but the target proved too large.
The result keeps the five-match series alive. India still lead 2–1, and the final ODI is scheduled for Sunday, 15 November. New Zealand must win again to draw the series; India need to respond after a difficult defeat.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka contest a close Test
The first Test in Rawalpindi has been a fluctuating contest. Sri Lanka made 446 in their first innings, taking a 12-run lead after debutant Saqib Khan claimed seven wickets for Pakistan. Rain and bad light interrupted Pakistan’s second innings on day four.
The latest available report from the fifth day showed Pakistan at 151 for five at lunch, leading by 139 runs with five wickets remaining. Babar Azam made 34 before being dismissed, while Saud Shakeel was still at the crease at the interval. The match was continuing at the time of those reports, so no final result is included here.
Why these results matter
New Zealand’s win is a reminder that a strong opening partnership and disciplined bowling can change an ODI quickly. Young’s century gave the home side a platform, and Henry’s spell removed India’s top order before the chase could settle.
In Rawalpindi, the Test remains a question of time, weather and batting depth. Pakistan need to build a defendable target, while Sri Lanka will be looking for an opportunity to close the game. The final session and any weather interruption could be decisive.
What to watch next
The India–New Zealand series finale is set for 15 November. The conclusion of Pakistan–Sri Lanka will also be important for the two-match series. Supporters should use official scorecards for the final Test result and updated match records.
Sources:
- Reuters — New Zealand defeat India by 244 runs: https://www.reuters.com/sports/cricket/young-smashes-ton-henry-takes-six-new-zealand-crush-india-fourth-odi-2026-11-13/
- Pakistan Cricket Board — First Test scorecard: https://www.pcb.com.pk/match_detail.php?match_id=36964
- Dawn — Saqib Khan takes seven wickets: https://www.dawn.com/news/2044237/saqibs-seven-wicket-haul-sparks-pakistan-fightback-before-rain-interrupts-play
- ICC — Fixtures and results: https://www.icc-cricket.com/fixtures-results