Picture Credit: X

Picture Credit: X

While the three-match T20I series ended in a draw with both teams winning a match each and one going in no result, the ODI-leg of India tour of South Africa went in India's favour, after the side beat the hosts by 78 runs on Thursday, 21 December at the Boland Park in Paarl. The two will now take on each other in the two-match Test series, starting December 26 at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. On the other hand, the India Women are hosting Australia Women in one-off Test match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The hots currently trail by 121 runs at the end of Day 1. 

Here in this article, we’ll look at all the big news that took place on Thursday, December 21, but before that, let's check the matches scheduled for the day.

Today’s match preview:

BBL 2023-24: Sydney Sixers vs Adelaide Strikers

The third-placed, Sydney Sixers are scheduled to square off against the Adelaide Strikers in Match 11 of the Big Bash League 2023-24 on Friday. The match is scheduled to take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney at 01:45 p.m. IST. While the Sixers are third in the points table with two wins from two games, the Strikers are positioned just below them at the fourth place, winning one and another ending with no result.

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Major cricket events that happened on December 21

BBL 2023-24: Matt Renshaw's 49* and quickfire knock from Paul Walter help Brisbane Heat beat Melbourne Renegades by 6 wickets

On the back of an unbeaten 49-run knock from Matt Renshaw and crucial contributions with the bat from Paul Walter and wicketkeeper Sam Billings helped the Brisbane Heat to register their third win of the season. With this six-wicket win, the Colin Munro-led side went top of the table with seven points in their kitty. The Heat comfortably chased the total of 162 runs in 18.1 overs. 

Also WATCH: Sanju Samson flexes biceps celebrating 1st international century against SA in 3rd ODI

South Africa vs India 3rd ODI: Sanju Samson's maiden international ton powers India to clinch the series 2-1

Sanju Samson's mature maiden ODI hundred and wiliness of a young set of bowlers on a sticky surface led to its India's 78-run win over South Africa in the third and final match on Thursday. India, thus, bagged the series 2-1, their second series triumph on Protean shores since 2018. South Africa challenged the tourists through a fifty by Tony de Zorzi (81 off 87 balls) but were eventually bowled out for 218 in 45.5 overs.

Also WATCH: Pooja Vastrakar removes Ellyse Perry’s middle stump in IND vs AUS one-off Test

India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 clash to take place on June 9 in New York: Reports

The T20 World Cup 2024 clash between India and Pakistan will reportedly take place on June 9 in New York. The reports suggest that the ICC decided to schedule all India games in the USA and the high-octane clash will take place in New York. According to reports by RevSportz, the India and Pakistan clash in the WC'24 will either be scheduled on June 8 or June 9, 2024.

Tom Curran gets four-game ban in BBL for altercation with umpire

Tom Curran has received a four-game in the BBL for an altercation with an umpire ahead of the Sixers-Hurricanes game. The incident occurred on December 11 as Curran was completing his practice run-up on the pitch. The fourth umpire tried to stop Tom Curran after he completed his run-up where he ran onto part of the pitch at UTAS Stadium.

ICC punishes Usman Khawaja for wearing 'black armband' vs Pakistan

Australia’s Usman Khawaja was condemned by the ICC for wearing a black armband in support of Palestine during the 1st Test against Pakistan. Khawaja wanted to wear shoes with pro-Palestine messages. But he wore those shoes with tape on the messages and also sported a black armband as a symbol of protest. Hence, Khawaja was reprimanded by the ICC for breaching its Clothing and Equipment Regulations.

West Indies announce squad for Australia tour; Alzarri Joseph named vice-captain

The Cricket West Indies Senior Men's Selection Panel today announced the 15-member squad to travel to Australia to play a two-Test series as part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) from 17 to 29 January 2024. The West Indies will again be led by Captain Kraigg Brathwaite, with fast bowler Alzarri Joseph named as the new vice-captain.

Pakistan pacer Khurram Shahzad ruled out of Australia Test series

Pakistan pace bowler Khurram Shahzad has been ruled out of the remaining two Test matches against Australia due to a rib stress fracture and abdominal muscle tear. The host defeated Pakistan by 360 runs in the first Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth and the second match between the two sides is scheduled to take place on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.