Australia outclasses India, Messi levels up with Pele, and more…4 min read
Reading Time: 3 minutesAdithya G
Starting today, Owliver will have a weekly round-up of sporting action from across the globe. Here is a look at all the updates from the sporting world from last week.
Cricket:
IND vs AUS – The summer of 36
The Indian cricket team suffered a humiliating defeat Down Under in the first Test against Australia at Adelaide. They lost 8 wickets in one session and were bowled out for just 36 runs!
Owliver’s Obscure observation – DId you know that 36 runs is the lowest total by a team in test cricket in the 21st century?
Mohammed Shami, one of India’s premier fast bowlers, fractured his forearm whilst batting and thus will be unavailable for the remaining three Tests of the four-match series, adding injury to insult!
The visitors will also have to do without Virat Kohli, who’ll be flying back for the birth of his child. Ajinkya Rahane will lead the team in his absence, starting with the Boxing Day match.
You can watch the highlights of this match in the video below:
NZ vs PAK – (Un)beaten record
Mohammad Hafeez set the record for the highest individual score by a 40-year-old in T20Is, with an unbeaten 99 against New Zealand at the Seddon Park in Hamilton. However, the veteran’s effort ended in vain as the Kiwis eased into a nine-wicket victory to claim an insurmountable 2-nil lead in the three-match series.
Soccer:
La Liga – Reds and Red Devils make merry
Lionel Messi equaled Pele’s one-club record for Brazilian team Santos with a goal against Valencia. Despite threatening to quit before the start of the season, the diminutive Argentine has not lost his touch and has now scored a total of 643 goals for Barcelona.
Meanwhile, in England, Liverpool became the first team to concede and score seven goals in away games in the same season after their 0-7 thrashing of Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
After 16 years, the Roses rivalry was reignited as Leeds United visited Old Trafford to play Manchester United. The Red Devils were in fine form and won the game 6-2, to move within five points off the top position in the league table.
Tennis:
The first Grand Slam of 2021 has been postponed
The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of a year, has been pushed back to February 8, 2021, due to the coronavirus. Players are required to arrive on January 15 and serve a two-week quarantine before the tournament. Superstars Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic will almost certainly participate in this Grandslam and have already begun preparations.
E-sports:
CR7 & One Punch Man
Freefire, the most downloaded mobile game globally in 2019, has announced an interesting update. Not only have they already collaborated with Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to inspire the character Chrono; they are also planning to introduce exclusive One-Punch Man content to the gaming world with the iconic One-Punch Man costume and other in-game items and collectibles.
Well, that’s all for this week, folks. Let the games continue, until next week!
Author’s Note: Adithya G is a freelance writer who is passionate about sports.
(Out Actioned is a weekly sports bulletin)
