Pakistan break deadlock, outclass India
Pakistan bamboozled India by 10 wickets in Dubai to end their 12-match losing streak in the Men’s World Cups. This is Pakistan’s first T20 victory by 10 wickets, and also India’s first defeat by such a margin in this format.
Pakistan were set 152. Mohammad Rizwan’s 55-ball 79 and Babar Azam’s 52-ball 68 not out helped them reach the target with 13 balls to spare.
Earlier, Virat Kohli top-scored with 57 in India’s 151/7. Shaheen Shah Afridi did the most damage for Pakistan, with 3-31.
Sri Lanka stun Bangladesh by 5 wickets
Sri Lanka chased down 172 with five wickets to spare to beat Bangladesh in their first Men's T20 World Cup Super 12s fixture in Sharjah. They were reduced to 79/4 before Charith Asalanka's unbeaten 80 and Bhanuka Rajapaksa's 31-ball 53 took them home with seven balls remaining.
Bangladesh had earlier posted 171/4, thanks to Mushfiqur Rahim's unbeaten 57 and Mohammad Naim’s 62. Chamika Karunaratne returned 1-12 and Lahiru Kumara 1-29.
Boxing Day Test can have 80,000 fans: Reports
As per ESPNCricinfo, up to 80,000 fans could be allowed into the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the Boxing Day Ashes Test match after the Victorian government further eased the Covid-19 restrictions over the coming months.
Daniel Andrews, Premier of Victoria, was hopeful in his statement: ‘We are determined to deliver that. It won't be easy. I think selling the tickets will be pretty easy.’
There were restrictions at the MCG for the Boxing Day Test against India last year, with only 30,000 spectators were allowed to attend.
Hardik taken for scan after being hit on shoulder
Hardik Pandya was taken for scans after receiving a blow on his right shoulder during the Men's T20 World Cup game against Pakistan. ‘Hardik Pandya was hit on his right shoulder while batting. He has now gone for scans,’ confirmed BCCI.
Pandya scored 11 runs off 8 balls, including two fours, in India’s innings. He never returned to field, and Ishan Kishan came in place of him as a substitute fielder.