Sports News, January 21: Pakistan avoid major embarrassment, India U-19 team begin World Cup campaign in style and more; a look at today's top 10 trending sports stories

Pakistan defeated New Zealand by 42 runs in the 5th and final T20I on January 21. India's Under-19 team began their World Cup campaign with a thumping win over Bangladesh in an intense match. Shoaib Malik became only the second batter in history to complete 13,000 runs in T20s. Arsenal finally put an end to their winless streak with dominant 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Let's have a look at the top 10 trending sports news on January 21's sports roundup:

Pakistan snap 7-match losing streak, beat New Zealand by 42 runs in 5th T20I

Shaheen Afridi-led Pakistan finally managed to salvage pride by registering a 42-run victory against New Zealand in the 5th and final T20I on January 21. The Blackcaps, however, clinched the series by a commanding margin of 4-1 as the hosts had won the opening four matches of the series.

India's young brigade begin Under-19 World Cup campaign in style

In their first match of the U-19 World Cup 2024 on January 20, India clinched an impressive 84-run win against Bangladesh, thanks to Saumy Pandey's remarkable bowling performance and Adarsh Singh's outstanding 76-run innings. Competing on a challenging Mangaung Oval pitch, India set a target of 252 and then bowled out Bangladesh for just 167, securing a resounding victory that also served as retribution for their Asia Cup defeat.

Two exciting Under-19 World Cup matches scheduled for Sunday

On Day 3 of the ongoing Under-19 World Cup, two exciting matches are scheduled for cricket lovers around the globe. New Zealand will cross swords against Nepal while Sri Lanka will square off against Zimbabwe.

Shoaib Malik becomes 2nd batter to notch 13,000 runs in T20s

Pakistan's celebrated all-rounder, Shoaib Malik, made a historic mark in cricket by becoming only the second player ever to score 13,000 runs in T20 cricket. This significant milestone was reached by Malik during a Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match between Fortune Barishal and Rangpur Riders in Dhaka.

Rohan Bopanna and Timea Babos mixed-doubles pair pull out of Australian Open

On Saturday, January 20, Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna and his Hungarian partner Timea Babos pulled out of the mixed doubles competition at the Australian Open 2024. The pair, who were the 2018 Australian Open finalists, withdrew just before their scheduled opening round match against Argentina's Maximo Gonzalez and Ukraine's Nadiia Kichenok at Melbourne Park.

Satwik-Chirag pair storm into Indian Open finals

Maintaining their formidable form, Asian Games gold medalists Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty delivered a dominant performance against Malaysia's Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, securing a straight-set victory to advance to the men's doubles final of the India Open 2024. The dynamic Indian duo overpowered their Malaysian counterparts with a decisive 21-18, 21-14 win in the semifinals, which took place at the IG Stadium in New Delhi on January 20.

HS Prannoy sustains horrific loss against Shi Yu Qi

Indian badminton player HS Prannoy was defeated by China's world number 2, Shi Yu Qi, resulting in his departure from the India Open following a straight-set loss in the semifinals. Initially matching his higher-ranked opponent, Prannoy's challenge faded after a 14-14 deadlock in the first game. The match then turned one-sided, with Shi Yu Qi taking control and clinching a decisive 21-15, 21-5 victory at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall.

Iga Swiatek stunned by Czech teenager Linda Noskova in Australian Open

World number one Iga Swiatek's remarkable 18-match winning streak was unexpectedly halted at the Australian Open 2024 on Saturday, January 20. In a third-round upset, she was defeated by unseeded Czech teenager Linda Noskova. Swiatek, the Polish top seed, initially secured the first set but faltered, ultimately losing the match with final scores of 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Arsenal back on track with commanding 5-0 win over Crystal Palace

Arsenal snapped their four-game winless streak with an emphatic 5-0 triumph over Roy Hodgson's Crystal Palace in the Premier League. This victory provided much-needed relief for the North-London team, which hadn't secured a win in any competition since their Premier League match against Brighton in December 2023.

Telugu Titans, Dabang Delhi register crucial wins in PKL

In a stunning display of skill and strategy, the Telugu Titans secured a commanding 49-32 win against U.P. Yoddhas in their Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 encounter at Hyderabad's Gachibowli Indoor Stadium on Saturday. In another riveting encounter on Saturday, Dabang Delhi clinched a 39-33 win against U Mumba.

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