There was lots to enjoy and unpack in the week that went by, sports action-wise. In international cricket, India lost the second T20I but came roaring back with a victory in Johannesburg to level the three-match series 1-1, and then also demolish the Proteas batting in the first ODI to take the lead in the 50-over series. Domestically, the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023 culminated with Haryana securing their maiden title after a thrilling final against Rajasthan.?(Sports News)

In football, Arsenal ended the week on top of the English Premier League 2023-24 standings after a 2-0 win over Brighton put them a solitary point ahead of Liverpool, who were held to a 0-0 stalemate by Manchester United the same evening later. Elsewhere, in the Indian Super League, FC Goa occupied the top spot despite a 0-0 draw against Mumbai City. ?

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The week ahead of us - Monday, December 18 to Sunday, December 24 - promises a wide range of adrenaline-pumping sports events too. Buckle up, and check out what's coming your way from various arenas.?

Cricket
The Indian men's cricket team will be looking to seal the ODI series with a win in the second ODI, which will be a day-night affair played in Gqeberha on Tuesday, December 19. The third and final ODI will follow on Thursday, December 21, before the much-awaited Test series begins the following week.

Meanwhile, the touring England will take on West Indies in Tarouba for the fourth and fifth T20Is on Wednesday (December 20) and Friday (December 22), respectively to conclude the series which currently stands at 2-1 in favour of the home team. Elsewhere, the touring Bangladesh will meet New Zealand for the second and third ODIs on Wednesday and Saturday (December 23), respectively. The Kiwis lead the series 1-0.

Football
After an end-of-the-week table-topping win in the EPL, Arsenal will take on the side that they displaced from the top spot - Liverpool - on Saturday. On the same day, West Ham will lock horns with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will face Everton.

ISL will see action all through the week, with the highlights being Mohun Bagan taking on FC Goa on Saturday and Kerala Blasters facing Mumbai City on Sunday.

Kabaddi
High-octane action will continue in the Pro Kabaddi League, as table-toppers Bengal Warriors will go head-to-head with the eighth-placed UP Yoddhas on Monday, and Puneri Paltan will take on Dabang Delhi later on the same night.?

Hockey
The Five Nations Hockey Tournament, that kicked off in Valencia on December 15, will conclude this week as the Indian men's team meets Germany on Tuesday, and then take on France the following day. In the analogous tournament for the women, India will face Germany on Tuesday and Ireland on Thursday.?