The penultimate week of 2023 was a mixed one for the Indian sports fan. While the women's cricket team registered a historic triumph over Australia in the one-off Test and their male counterparts clinched the ODI series against South Africa, the wrestling controversy took an ugly turn as Sakshi Malik announced her retirement and the newly-elected WFI body was suspended by the sports ministry. (Sports News)
Nevertheless, amid the Christmans festivities and the anticipation of what the year 2024 will bring along, the final seven days of 2023 have a lot to offer for the sports faithful. The week ahead of us - Monday, December 25 to Sunday, December 31 - promises a wide range of adrenaline-pumping sports events. Buckle up, and check out what's coming your way from various arenas.
Cricket
The Indian men's cricket team will kick-start their much-awaited red-ball leg of the South Africa tour with the Boxing Day Test in Centurion, starting Tuesday, December 26. Their female counterparts, on the other hand, will begin their ODI series against the Aussies after success in the Test match. The first ODI will be played on Thursday afternoon and the second on Saturday - both at the Wankhede Stadium.
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In another Boxing Day Test, the Pakistan men's team will take on Australia in Melbourne, seeking to make amends after a crushing loss in the first game. Not too far away from there, Bangaldesh will play out their three-match T20I series against New Zealand through the week. The first game is slated in Napier on Wednesday, and the second and third ones in Mount Maunganui on Friday and Sunday, respectively.
Football
English Premier League action will continue, with Manchester United taking on Aston Villa on Wednesday and table-toppers Arsenal facing West Ham United on Friday. Arsenal will later meet Fulham on New Year's Eve (Sunday), while Chelsea will lock horns with Crystal Palace on Thursday.
On the domestic front, the Indian Super League will see action from Tuesday to Friday, with Mohun Bagan taking on Kerala Blasters on Wednesday and Mumbai City up against Chennaiyin FC on Thursday.
Kabaddi
High-octane action will continue in the Pro Kabaddi League, which is now into its fourth week. Among other key clashes, Haryana Steelers will play Tamil Thalaivas on Monday, that is Christmas day, and Jaipur Pink Panthers will face off against Dabang Delhi on Wednesday.
