Sports World Today, December 21: Wrestler Sakshi Malik Retires; India Women Dominate Australia, Men In Blue Inch Closer To Victory In IND Vs RSA Series Decider; European Super League Gets Lifeline - As It Happened

Today many things unfolded as Indian sports took the front seat. Indian women's cricket team dominated proceedings in the one-off Test matc as they bundled out the Aussies for 219. In reply, they were 98/1 at stumps. In men's cricket, South Africa took on India in the third and final ODI at Paarl. Elsewhere, Tom Curran of the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League, was handed out a four-match ban for intimidating a match official pre-match. Wrestler Sakshi Malik hung up her boots as she called time on her playing career following the win of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh aide Sanjay Singh's win as WFI President. Follow all the scores and updates on Thursday, December 21, 2023, here. (Cricket News | Football News | IND-W vs AUS-W Test Scores | December 20 Highlights)

11:56 PM: And With That We Call It A Wrap

Good Night folks but do follow our IND Vs RSA 3rd ODI match blog for the latest updates.

11:08 PM: Chennai Marathon To Be Held On January 6

The 12th edition of the Chennai Marathon will be held here on January 6, 2024, the organisers said on Thursday. The marathon organised by the Chennai Runners, a not-for-profit organisation run by passionate runner-volunteers since 2006, and Freshworks Inc., a global software-as-a-service (SAAS) company, is expected to witness the participation of over 22,000 runners including corporate honchos and many running enthusiasts.

10:20 PM: Indian Test Team Train Behind Closed Doors

Shubman Gill was at his silky best during the Indian team's intra-squad training game at the Tuks Oval in Centurion on Thursday, even if there was no chance to catch a glimpse of that exquisite sight.

9:50 PM: Newly-elected WFI Body Cancels All Decisions Taken By Ad-Hoc Panel

The newly-elected board of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Thursday revoked all decisions made by the ad hoc panel chaired by Bhupender Singh Bajwa, which had recently revised the Olympic selection criteria and announced the hosting of the senior National Championship in Jaipur.

9:20 PM: Billiards and Snooker Nationals

-  Advani takes on Sitwala in billiards semis, Kothari faces Haria

According to PTI, In the men's billiards semi-finals of the ongoing Senior Nationals Billiards and Snooker Championships, Sourav Kothari will face Dhvaj Haria, while Pankaj Advani will face Dhruv Sitwala.

9:00 PM: Sekhon Beat Khan In Epic Shoot-Off 

On Thursday, Abhay Singh Sekhon defeated Olympian Mairaj Ahmad Khan 20-19 in a dramatic shoot-off in the skeet round of the National Shotgun Selection Trials 2. A dramatic 40-shot shoot-off, likely the longest in national domestic skeet shooting history, was critical in separating Sekhon and Khan.  After both were knotted at 59 hits in the 60-shot finals, Sekhon eventually defeated Khan 20-19.

8:30 PM: Chennai Marathon To Be Held On Jan 6

The Chennai Marathon will have its 12th edition on January 6, 2024, the organisers announced on Thursday. The Chennai Runners, a not-for-profit organisation run by passionate runner volunteers since 2006, and Freshworks Inc., a global software-as-a-service (SAAS) company, expect over 22,000 runners to participate, including corporate executives and many running enthusiasts.

8:00 PM: Chennai Grand Masters: Gukesh Beats Erigaisi To Clinch Title

On Thursday, Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh won the Chennai Grand Masters Chess Championship, beating his compatriot Arjun Erigaisi on a tie-break after they finished even on points.

7:30 PM: PSG Defender Presnel Kimpembe Signs 2-Year Contract Extension

Presnel Kimpembe, a central defender for Paris Saint-Germain, has signed a two-year contract extension until 2026. Kimpembe, 28, came through the club's development and received his first professional deal in 2015. He made 237 matches for PSG and won the Ligue 1 seven times and French Cup six times. His current deal was set to end in June.

6:40 PM: Luton Town's Tom Lockyer Discharged From Hospital

Tom Lockyer has been released from hospital and is recovering at home after suffering a heart attack during the match against Bournemouth. Tom Lockyer's release from the hospital was announced by Premier League side Luton Town.

6:25 PM: Joel Embiid Breaks Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Record After 51 Years

The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 127-113 thanks to Joel Embiid's season-high 51 points and 12 rebounds. The 29-year-old is the first NBA player since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 51 years ago to score more than 30 points and 10 rebounds in 12 straight games. In 1972, Abdul-Jabbar played 16 games with the Milwaukee Bucks. Embiid, the NBA's reigning MVP, led the Sixers to their seventh victory in eight games. The Cameroonian scored 20 points in the first half before hitting his sixth 50-pointer of the season late in the fourth quarter.

6:15 PM: Zimbabwean Cricketers Wesley Madhevere and Brandon Mavuta Suspended

Zimbabwe Cricket banned allrounders Wesley Madhevere and Brandon Mavuta on Thursday for allegedly violating anti-doping regulations. Madhevere, 23, and Mavuta, 26, tested positive for a banned recreational substance in an out-of-competition instance, according to Zimbabwe Cricket, which did not specify the date of the in-house test.

6:00 PM: Tom Curran Banned for 4 Matches in BBL 2023-24

Sydney Sixers' all-rounder Tom Curran was handed a four-match ban after he tried to run on the pitch before the match started even after repeated warnings from the Umpire and also tried to intimidate the Umpire.

5:40 PM: IND Vs RSA 3rd ODI: Updates

After being asked to bat first, India batters have made 71 runs in 13 overs with the loss of both openers' wickets. Sai Sudharsan made 10 runs in 16 balls whereas debutant Rajat Patidar made 22 runs in 16 balls before Nandre Burger bowled him. Sanju Samson and Captain KL Rahul are at the crease.

5:30 PM: Olympic Medallist Sakshi Malik Retires From Wrestling After WFI Results

Sakshi Malik, a Rio Olympic bronze medalist, announced her resignation from wrestling on Thursday in protest of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh loyalist Sanjay Singh winning the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) election for the top post in New Delhi. Sanjay, a close colleague of outgoing WFI leader Brij Bhushan, was elected as the new WFI president on Thursday, with his panel capturing 13 of the 15 positions in the polls in New Delhi. 

4:55 PM: New Super League Format Proposed 

According to reports, here's what the new Super League, rumoured to be launching in 2025, could look like - 

- Three divisions (Star, Gold, and Blue) 

- Two phases, League and Playoffs

- 64 Teams 

- 14 Matches per team - Seven home and seven away 

- Open competition

4:35 PM: Florentino Perez Speaks

The Real Madrid President has given his verdict on the ECJ decision concerning the European Super League. Real Madrid have been one of the foremost proponents of the competition. 

4:25 PM: 7th Elite Women’s National Boxing Championships 2023 To Kick Off

The 7th Elite Women’s National Boxing Championships 2023 will commence today at the GBU Indoor Stadium, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh and will run until December 27. Saweety Boora, the 2023 World Championship gold medallist and reigning national champion in the 81kg category will be the star attraction among the 300 boxers from 35 units competing across 12 weight categories for top honours.

4:15 PM: Bournemouth vs Luton Town Update 

The remainder of the Bournemouth vs Luton Town will not be played after the initial match was abandoned due to Luton captain Tom Lockyer suffering a cardiac arrest during the game. Instead, the fixture will now be played in its entirety at a later date, annulling the 70-odd minutes that the two teams had contested for in the past matchweek. 

3:45 PM: Super League Decision Arrives

The European Super League has secured a significant win in the EU Court of Justice after the latter ruled FIFA and UEFA's attempts to restrict the self-governed competition unlawful. 

Here's how it all unfolded: ECJ Rules In Super League's Favour

2:30 PM: Cricket Update

Sixty overs have elapsed, leading up to Tea on Day 1 of the India vs Australia Women's Test in Mumbai, with the hosts gaining the upper hand through two superb sessions. India have limited Australia to 180/8 and will be aiming to bowl them all out before stumps before beginning their arduous ascent to surpass them. 

1:00 PM: Another Mbappe Enters The Mix!

Ethan Mbappe, Kylian Mbappe's teenage brother, debuted for Paris Saint-Germain in their win over FC Metz on Wednesday, December 20. A left-footed, technically gifted midfielder, Ethan replaced Manuel Ugarte in the final minutes of the game, joining his elder sibling on the pitch for the moments that remained.

Watch it here. 

12:10 PM: Cricket Update 

India Women's Cricket Team have enjoyed a favourable first session pre-Lunch in Mumbai, restricting Australia from running too far ahead with the bat. The Women in Blue have their opponents at 103/4 after 29 overs, having returned dangerwomen Phoebe Litchfield and Ellyse Perry to the pavilion. 

11:10 AM: A Bad Look For Liverpool 

Just days after Gary Neville's scathing comments, Liverpool support has come under renewed scrutiny, only this time the scrutiniser is none other than the men's first team manager, Jurgen Klopp! The German was unhappy with Anfield's display when his team thrashed West Ham United 5-1 and has asked for more from it ahead of Arsenal's visit in the Premier League. 

Read his comments here. 

10:15 AM: Debut Alert From Wankhede! 

Bengal's Richa Ghosh has become India Women's National Cricket Team's 94th Test debutant. Here she is receiving her cap from vice-captain Smriti Mandhana! 

Read more here. 

9:15 AM: Cricket Update 

We are fifteen away from India Women's one-off Test bout against Australia at the Wankhede in Mumbai. The toss has transpired with Australia winning and opting to bat first. India, who will field for what they hope is a short time, are coming off the back of an inspired win over England. 

9:00 AM: Euro Football Round-up

EFL Cup - Liverpool joined Chelsea, Middlesbrough, and Fulham in the EFL Cup semi-finals after beating West Ham United 5-1 at Anfield on Wednesday, December 20. Curtis Jones scored twice for the Reds while Dominik Szoboszlai, Mohamed Salah, and Cody Gakpo bagged a goal each. Jarrod Bowen scored the consolation for the Hammers. Liverpool will face Fulham in the two-legged semi-final next. 

Coppa Italia - Twenty-four hours after Napoli's shock exit at the hands of Frosinone, current Serie A league leaders Inter Milan, too, were knocked out of the Coppa Italia by Thiago Motta's outstanding Bologna. All three goals in the 2-1 game came in extra time, with Sam Beukema and Dan Ndoye cancelling out Carlos Augusto's strike late on. 

La Liga - Barcelona made hard work for themselves when they faced bottom-side Almeria on Wednesday night in a Spanish league fixture. Xavi Hernandez's men twice took the lead but were pegged back both times, before finally sealing the points with a late winner. 

Bundesliga - Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen continued their winning run with a 4-0 rout of Vfl Bochum. Returning to the first team lineup, Czech striker Patrik Schick netted a first-half hattrick before Victor Boniface put a cap on the result after the interval. Bayern Munich, meanwhile, beat VfL Wolfsburg 2-1 to keep in close touch with the league leaders. 

Ligue 1 - Lyon secured their third successive win to continue their climb out of the bottom rungs of the table. They beat Nantes by a goal to nil, courtesy of Alexandre Lacazette. Elsewhere, Paris Saint-Germain beat Metz 3-1, thanks to a brace by Kylian Mbapppe, who was joined on the pitch by his younger brother Ethan during the match.

Hello and welcome to the December 21, 2023, Live Blog. Cricket action sees India men's senior team take on South Africa in the third and final ODI at Paarl. Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian women's cricket team lock horns with Australia in a one-off Test match starting today in Mumbai's Wankhede stadium. Wrestling Federation Of India (WFI) will hold its elections in the national capital.