Sports Bulletin on December 23: Ishan Kishan Smashes 78-ball 134; Chess GM criticises Delhi Government

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In today's sports roundup (on December 23), Ishan Kishan's explosive 134 off 78 balls guided Jharkhand to an emphatic win, boosting his Champions Trophy hopes. Meanwhile, Tania Sachdev criticized the Delhi government for overlooking chess achievements, and Mark Waugh debated Australia's squad changes.

In cricket, Pakistan sealed a 3-0 ODI sweep against South Africa, while India Women triumphed by 211 runs over West Indies. We take a look at all the sports bulletins from the day so far.

Ishan Kishan's Blazing Century Boosts Champions Trophy Hopes

Ishan Kishan lit up the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024 with a scintillating 134 off 78 balls, featuring 16 fours and 6 sixes, leading Jharkhand to an 8-wicket win over Manipur. Kishan's explosive knock has strengthened his claim for an India call-up ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Despite being out of the national team since October 2023, Kishan’s recent performances, including a fifty against Arunachal Pradesh, show his preparation for a comeback.

Melbourne Pitch Promises Grass, Seam Movement for IND vs AUS 4th Test

MCG curator Matt Page has revealed a seam-friendly pitch for the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia, diverging from Melbourne's traditionally flat tracks. With six millimeters of grass, the surface is expected to favor bowlers, providing pace, bounce, and sideways movement. Spinners may find limited assistance as the pitch rarely breaks up. Weather, including Melbourne’s unpredictable heat, could quicken the wicket, setting the stage for a balanced contest crucial for the WTC final race.

Tania Sachdev Criticises Delhi Government for Neglecting Chess Achievements

Indian chess star Tania Sachdev has criticised the Delhi government for failing to recognize her contributions, including her role in India’s historic 2024 Chess Olympiad gold and the 2022 bronze medal-winning campaign. Highlighting the stark contrast with Tamil Nadu’s robust chess support, Sachdev urged Delhi’s administration to value and encourage chess players. Tamil Nadu recently awarded ₹5 crore to Gukesh D for his World Chess Championship win, showcasing the significant impact of state-backed initiatives on player development.

Mark Waugh Criticises Australia's Squad Change for Prioritising Short-Term Goals

Australia’s decision to replace Nathan McSweeney with aggressive batter Sam Konstas for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has sparked debate. Former cricketer Mark Waugh believes the selectors are focusing on immediate success rather than long-term planning. The move aims to address Australia’s top-order struggles, with Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne lacking consistency. Waugh predicts Konstas will open, reflecting Australia's tactical shift to secure the series and strengthen their World Test Championship Final chances.

Pakistan Seals ODI Series Sweep Against South Africa with DLS Victory

Pakistan defeated South Africa by 36 runs (DLS method) in the third ODI at Johannesburg, completing a 3-0 series sweep. Saim Ayub’s stellar 101 off 94 balls powered Pakistan to 308/9 in a rain-affected 47-over match. Key partnerships with Babar Azam (52) and Mohammad Rizwan (53) solidified the innings. Despite Heinrich Klaasen's explosive 81 off 43 balls, Sufiyan Muqeem's 4-52 curtailed South Africa’s chase at 271. This marks Pakistan's fifth consecutive bilateral ODI series win, boosting confidence ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy.

India Women Secure Second-Biggest ODI Victory in History

India Women defeated West Indies Women by a commanding 211 runs in the first ODI at Vadodara, marking their second-largest win in Women’s ODI history. Smriti Mandhana led with a stellar 91, propelling India to a formidable 314. Renuka Thakur Singh then claimed a career-best five-wicket haul, dismantling the visitors for a paltry total. This victory trails only India’s 249-run triumph over Ireland Women in 2017 and sets the tone for a dominant series start.

Max Purcell Provisionally Suspended After Anti-Doping Breach

Max Purcell, a two-time Grand Slam doubles champion, has been provisionally suspended after admitting to breaching anti-doping rules. He unknowingly received an intravenous infusion of vitamins that exceeded the 100ml limit set by WADA. Purcell, who voluntarily reported the issue to the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), faces potential exclusion from the Australian Open starting in January. The length of his suspension is still undetermined but will be credited against any future sanction.

Liverpool Triumphs 6-3 in Thrilling Tottenham Goal Fest, Everton hold Chelsea to a draw

Liverpool extended its Premier League lead with a thrilling 6-3 win over Tottenham at the Tottenham Stadium. Luis Diaz's brace and goals from Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai guided Liverpool to victory, despite Tottenham's brief hopes through James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Dominic Solanke. Elsewhere, Bournemouth won 3-0 at Old Trafford, Everton held Chelsea to a goalless draw, and Wolves triumphed 3-0 at Leicester in key matchups.

Atletico Madrid Clinches Top Spot in La Liga, Real Madrid Moves to Second

Atletico Madrid finished 2024 as La Liga leaders after a dramatic 2-1 win over Barcelona, with Alexander Sorloth's last-minute goal securing the points. Atletico overtook Barca, now with 41 points, while Real Madrid climbed to second with a 4-2 victory over Sevilla. Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde were key in Madrid's win. In other results, Villarreal triumphed 5-2 at Leganes, Real Betis drew 1-1 with Rayo Vallecano, and Valencia salvaged a 2-2 draw against Alaves.