Tottenham and Liverpool remain tied at the top of the Premier League after both were held to 1-1 draws at Crystal Palace and Fulham respectively, while Pierre-Emerick Aubamyeng's own goal condemned Arsenal to another shocking home defeat, going down 1-0 to Burnley on Sunday.

Leicester took advantage of slip ups by the top two to close to within one point of the leaders as James Maddison scored twice in a 3-0 rout over Brighton and Southampton are up to fourth as they also comfortably saw off Sheffield United 3-0.

Liverpool and Tottenham face each other at Anfield on Wednesday and, after Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United failed to win on Saturday, they both missed the chance to open up a gap at the top in the title race.

The champions needed a Mohamed Salah penalty 11 minutes from time to avoid an embarrassing defeat at Fulham after a dreadful first-half performance left Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp seething on the touchline.

"We needed half an hour to get our feet in the game, that's why I shouted a bit at them," said Klopp.&nbsp;

"I think in the first half an hour we could have lost the game, in the last 60 minutes we should have won it. In the end we get a point and that's it."

Bobby DeCordova-Reid's thunderous finish into the far corner to take the lead was no more than Scott Parker's side deserved as the returning Alisson Becker kept Liverpool in the game before the break.

Liverpool dominated the second-half to pin Fulham back, but needed a penalty to salvage a point when Aboubakar Kamara was penalised for handling Georginio Wijnaldum's free-kick.

Salah slammed the penalty low and just beyond the grasp of Alphonse Areola, but Fulham comfortably saw out the final 10 minutes to the delight of 2,000 fans at Craven Cottage.

<h2>- Tottenham pegged back -</h2>

Palace could also count on the return of fans to Selhurst Park for the first time in nine months to inspire a second-half fightback against Tottenham.

Harry Kane opened the scoring thanks to a goalkeeping howler from Vicente Guaita as he misjudged the England captain's long-range effort.

Spurs then sat on their lead and failed to hold out for a sixth consecutive Premier League clean sheet when Hugo Lloris failed to hold Eberechi Eze's free-kick and Jeffrey Schlupp swept home the rebound.

"We lost two points," said Spurs coach Jose Mourinho. "From 45 to 75 minutes we couldn't play or build from the back and we made lots of mistakes."

Guaita then redeemed himself with a pair of outstanding saves to deny Kane and Eric Dier as Spurs suddenly found their attacking thrust again after the equaliser.

At the other end of the table, Arsenal are now just five points above the relegation zone after a self-inflicted defeat to Burnley.

Granit Xhaka's needless red card for grabbing Ashley Westwood by the throat turned the game in Burnley's favour before Aubameyang flicked Westwood's corner into his own net 17 minutes from time.

"Again we throw the game away with a silly red card," said Arteta, who described Nicolas Pepe's sending-off against Leeds last month as "unacceptable."

"It's the same word (unacceptable) and in these conditions, where we are not winning football matches, even worse."

The Gunners failed to score from open play for the seventh time in eight games as Burnley held on for their first ever win over Arsenal in the Premier League to move out of the relegation zone.

<h2>- Leicester, Southampton impress</h2>

Leicester edged out Southampton for the performance of the weekend as the Foxes blew Brighton away inside 45 minutes at the King Power.

Maddison was back to his best after a series of injury problems with two brilliant finishes either side of Jamie Vardy's 12th goal of the season.

Southampton are just two points off the top and face troubled Arsenal next as goals from Che Adams, Stuart Armstrong and Nathan Redmond wrapped up their fifth victory in the last seven games.

"I don't see any reason why we shouldn't continue what we're doing at this moment," said Southampton manager Ralph Hassenhuttl."

Bottom of the table United remain without a win this season, having lost 11 of their 12 games to leave them staring relegation in the face.

Tottenham and Liverpool remain tied at the top of the Premier League after both were held to 1-1 draws at Crystal Palace and Fulham respectively, while Pierre-Emerick Aubamyeng's own goal condemned Arsenal to another shocking home defeat, going down 1-0 to Burnley on Sunday.

Tottenham and Liverpool remain tied at the top of the Premier League after both were held to 1-1 draws at Crystal Palace and Fulham respectively, while Pierre-Emerick Aubamyeng's own goal condemned Arsenal to another shocking home defeat, going down 1-0 to Burnley on Sunday. Leicester took advantage of slip ups by the top two to close to within one point of the leaders as James Maddison scored twice in a 3-0 rout over Brighton and Southampton are up to fourth as they also comfortably saw off Sheffield United 3-0. Liverpool and Tottenham face each other at Anfield on Wednesday and, after Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United failed to win on Saturday, they both missed the chance to open up a gap at the top in the title race. The champions needed a Mohamed Salah penalty 11 minutes from time to avoid an embarrassing defeat at Fulham after a dreadful first-half performance left Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp seething on the touchline. "We needed half an hour to get our feet in the game, that's why I shouted a bit at them," said Klopp. "I think in the first half an hour we could have lost the game, in the last 60 minutes we should have won it. In the end we get a point and that's it." Bobby DeCordova-Reid's thunderous finish into the far corner to take the lead was no more than Scott Parker's side deserved as the returning Alisson Becker kept Liverpool in the game before the break. Liverpool dominated the second-half to pin Fulham back, but needed a penalty to salvage a point when Aboubakar Kamara was penalised for handling Georginio Wijnaldum's free-kick. Salah slammed the penalty low and just beyond the grasp of Alphonse Areola, but Fulham comfortably saw out the final 10 minutes to the delight of 2,000 fans at Craven Cottage. - Tottenham pegged back - Palace could also count on the return of fans to Selhurst Park for the first time in nine months to inspire a second-half fightback against Tottenham. Harry Kane opened the scoring thanks to a goalkeeping howler from Vicente Guaita as he misjudged the England captain's long-range effort. Spurs then sat on their lead and failed to hold out for a sixth consecutive Premier League clean sheet when Hugo Lloris failed to hold Eberechi Eze's free-kick and Jeffrey Schlupp swept home the rebound. "We lost two points," said Spurs coach Jose Mourinho. "From 45 to 75 minutes we couldn't play or build from the back and we made lots of mistakes." Guaita then redeemed himself with a pair of outstanding saves to deny Kane and Eric Dier as Spurs suddenly found their attacking thrust again after the equaliser. At the other end of the table, Arsenal are now just five points above the relegation zone after a self-inflicted defeat to Burnley. Granit Xhaka's needless red card for grabbing Ashley Westwood by the throat turned the game in Burnley's favour before Aubameyang flicked Westwood's corner into his own net 17 minutes from time. "Again we throw the game away with a silly red card," said Arteta, who described Nicolas Pepe's sending-off against Leeds last month as "unacceptable." "It's the same word (unacceptable) and in these conditions, where we are not winning football matches, even worse." The Gunners failed to score from open play for the seventh time in eight games as Burnley held on for their first ever win over Arsenal in the Premier League to move out of the relegation zone. - Leicester, Southampton impress Leicester edged out Southampton for the performance of the weekend as the Foxes blew Brighton away inside 45 minutes at the King Power. Maddison was back to his best after a series of injury problems with two brilliant finishes either side of Jamie Vardy's 12th goal of the season. Southampton are just two points off the top and face troubled Arsenal next as goals from Che Adams, Stuart Armstrong and Nathan Redmond wrapped up their fifth victory in the last seven games. "I don't see any reason why we shouldn't continue what we're doing at this moment," said Southampton manager Ralph Hassenhuttl." Bottom of the table United remain without a win this season, having lost 11 of their 12 games to leave them staring relegation in the face.

Leaders Tottenham, Liverpool held, Arsenal beaten by Burnley

Lionel Messi saved Barcelona from another embarrassing result by scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 win over lowly Levante, while Real Sociedad returned top of La Liga on Sunday.

Messi struck with 14 minutes remaining of a lacklustre display from Barca at the Camp Nou which will do little to ease fan fears following their 3-0 hammering at the hands of Juventus midweek.

Ronald Koeman's side are still way off the pace in the title race, nine points behind Sociedad who reclaimed first place despite only drawing 1-1 with Eibar.

Barcelona do however have two games in hand on the Basque outfit.

Atletico are level on 26 points with Sociedad and also have two games in hand while Real Madrid are now just three points behind the leaders having played one less after beating their local rivals 2-0 on Saturday.

Villarreal are four points off the lead in fourth after drawing 1-1 at Real Betis, who are one point behind Barca in ninth.

"The team is working well, they gave the maximum," said Koeman.

"We still lack a little confidence in ourselves, in our game, but we had a lot of chances, and I have nothing to say about the attitude of the players in this match."

Barca managed to force several saves from Aitor Fernandez, with the Levante goalkeeper doing particularly well to push away a stinging shot from Martin Braithwaite in the 16th minute and Antoine Griezmann's header five minutes later.

However the best chance of the opening period fell to Jorge de Frutos in the 12th minute, the Spaniard somehow shooting straight at Marc-Andre ter Stegen after the ball broke kindly for him right in front of goal.

<h2>- Messi saves day -</h2>

Barca continued to dominate possession in the second half but if anything looked less threatening, with Fernandez being called into action largely for shots that were hit straight at him.

However with Levante looking more comfortable than a side of their level should at the Camp Nou, Messi saved his team with a clinical finish off the post after collecting Frenkie de Jong's pass.

It was hardly the sort of display to honour Sergio Busquets' 593rd appearance for the club, which takes him level at fourth of all time for matches played for Barca alongside Carles Puyol.

However the three points are a boost ahead of the visit of Sociedad on Wednesday, which is then followed up by another home clash with Valencia on Saturday.

Earlier Ander Barrenetxea gave Real Sociedad the lead in San Sebastian with a thumping strike in the 20th minute, but Sergi Enrich turned home with 25 minutes remaining to send his team 10th on 15 points.

Sociedad would have had a bigger gap between them and Atletico had Igor Zubeldia's 80th-minute tap-in not been ruled out by VAR for an extremely tight offside.

Sunday's draw was Sociedad's sixth in as many games in all competitions, and came after another 1-1 draw at Napoli on Thursday which saw them squeeze into the last 32 of the Europa League.

Granada won 1-0 at Elche in Sunday's other match, a win that keeps them one point ahead of Barcelona.

Lionel Messi saved Barcelona from another embarrassing result by scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 win over lowly Levante, while Real Sociedad returned top of La Liga on Sunday.

Lionel Messi saved Barcelona from another embarrassing result by scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 win over lowly Levante, while Real Sociedad returned top of La Liga on Sunday. Messi struck with 14 minutes remaining of a lacklustre display from Barca at the Camp Nou which will do little to ease fan fears following their 3-0 hammering at the hands of Juventus midweek. Ronald Koeman's side are still way off the pace in the title race, nine points behind Sociedad who reclaimed first place despite only drawing 1-1 with Eibar. Barcelona do however have two games in hand on the Basque outfit. Atletico are level on 26 points with Sociedad and also have two games in hand while Real Madrid are now just three points behind the leaders having played one less after beating their local rivals 2-0 on Saturday. Villarreal are four points off the lead in fourth after drawing 1-1 at Real Betis, who are one point behind Barca in ninth. "The team is working well, they gave the maximum," said Koeman. "We still lack a little confidence in ourselves, in our game, but we had a lot of chances, and I have nothing to say about the attitude of the players in this match." Barca managed to force several saves from Aitor Fernandez, with the Levante goalkeeper doing particularly well to push away a stinging shot from Martin Braithwaite in the 16th minute and Antoine Griezmann's header five minutes later. However the best chance of the opening period fell to Jorge de Frutos in the 12th minute, the Spaniard somehow shooting straight at Marc-Andre ter Stegen after the ball broke kindly for him right in front of goal. - Messi saves day - Barca continued to dominate possession in the second half but if anything looked less threatening, with Fernandez being called into action largely for shots that were hit straight at him. However with Levante looking more comfortable than a side of their level should at the Camp Nou, Messi saved his team with a clinical finish off the post after collecting Frenkie de Jong's pass. It was hardly the sort of display to honour Sergio Busquets' 593rd appearance for the club, which takes him level at fourth of all time for matches played for Barca alongside Carles Puyol. However the three points are a boost ahead of the visit of Sociedad on Wednesday, which is then followed up by another home clash with Valencia on Saturday. Earlier Ander Barrenetxea gave Real Sociedad the lead in San Sebastian with a thumping strike in the 20th minute, but Sergi Enrich turned home with 25 minutes remaining to send his team 10th on 15 points. Sociedad would have had a bigger gap between them and Atletico had Igor Zubeldia's 80th-minute tap-in not been ruled out by VAR for an extremely tight offside. Sunday's draw was Sociedad's sixth in as many games in all competitions, and came after another 1-1 draw at Napoli on Thursday which saw them squeeze into the last 32 of the Europa League. Granada won 1-0 at Elche in Sunday's other match, a win that keeps them one point ahead of Barcelona.

Messi saves lacklustre Barca, Sociedad reclaim top spot

Cristiano Ronaldo marked his 100th game for Juventus with a pair of penalties in a 3-1 success over Genoa on Sunday, as the champions closed the gap on Serie A leaders AC Milan who were held at home against Parma.

French defender Theo Hernandez's brace rescued a point at the death for AC Milan who came from two goals down to draw 2-2 in the San Siro.

Milan's lead on second-placed Inter was cut to three points after Antonio Conte's side staged a 3-1 comeback win at Cagliari.

Napoli, in third, are a further point adrift after beating Sampdoria 2-1, equal on points with nine-time reigning champions Juventus.

Playing without injured top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Milan had looked set for their first league defeat this season.

Hakan Calhanoglu rattled the woodwork three times with Brahim Diaz also hitting the post for the hosts before Hernani put Parma ahead after quarter of an hour.

The Brazilian midfielder then set up Jasmin Kurtic for the second after 56 minutes.

But two minutes later Hernandez headed in off a Calhanoglu corner with the French defender adding a second in injury time off a rebound.

"It wasn't the best night but we had the quality to bring home an important draw which boosts our self-esteem," said coach Stefano Pioli.

"While Ibra gives us a lot of presence, we did well even without him. We have shown strength, especially psychologically, it's a step forward."

Chasing a first league title since 2011, Milan are unbeaten in the first 11 matches of a Serie A season since the 2003/2004, when they also won the 'Scudetto'.&nbsp;

In Genoa, Juventus were boosted after their 3-0 Champions League win in Barcelona, with Paulo Dybala getting his first goal this season.

Stefano Sturaro levelled for the hosts after an hour.&nbsp;

But Nicolo Rovella's foul on Juan Cuadrado allowed Ronaldo to slot in his first penalty after 78 minutes with the second coming a minute from time after goalkeeper Mattia Perin brought down Alvaro Morata.

Genoa sink to second from bottom of the league.

<h2>- Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic lead way -</h2>

Ronaldo, 35, joins 39-year-old Ibrahimovic as leading scorer in Serie A with 10 goals this season, for a total of 79 since joining Juventus in 2018.

"What better way to celebrate my 100th game for Juventus, than scoring two more goals for the team?" Ronaldo said on Twitter before vowing to reach 100 goals for the reigning champions.

Inter Milan's Romelu Lukaku, 27, is just behind with nine goals after scoring the third against Cagliari in injury time.

Conte's side are out of Europe with their focus now on a first Serie A title since 2010.&nbsp;

They fought back after trailing with a quarter of an hour to go in Sardinia.

Former Cagliari player Nicolo Barella volleyed in the equaliser after 77 minutes with Danilo D'Ambrosio coming off the bench to immediately nod in a second with six minutes to go.

Napoli got their first win in their newly named Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, renamed after the Argentina legend who led the club to their only league titles in 1987 and 1990 and the UEFA Cup in 1989.

Jakub Jankto put Sampdoria ahead in the 20th minute, but Hirving Lozano came off the bench in the second half to spark a Napoli revival.

Lozano got his head to a Dries Mertens cross seven minutes after the break with the Mexican international then crossing for Andrea Petagna to nod in the winner with 22 minutes remaining.

Roma got back to winning ways with an emphatic 5-1 victory at Bologna.

All six goals came in the first half at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara.

Bologna's Andrea Poli turned into his own net after five minutes before Edin Dzeko added a second to give the hosts a two-goal advantage after 10 minutes.

Lorenzo Pellegrini, Jordan Veretout and Henrikh Mkhitaryan added three more before the break, with a Bryan Cristante own goal putting Bologna on the scoresheet.

In Bergamo, Atalanta eased past Fiorentina 3-0, with goals from Robin Gosens, Ruslan Malinovskyi and Rafael Toloi.

Cristiano Ronaldo marked his 100th game for Juventus with a pair of penalties in a 3-1 success over Genoa on Sunday, as the champions closed the gap on Serie A leaders AC Milan who were held at home against Parma.

Cristiano Ronaldo marked his 100th game for Juventus with a pair of penalties in a 3-1 success over Genoa on Sunday, as the champions closed the gap on Serie A leaders AC Milan who were held at home against Parma. French defender Theo Hernandez's brace rescued a point at the death for AC Milan who came from two goals down to draw 2-2 in the San Siro. Milan's lead on second-placed Inter was cut to three points after Antonio Conte's side staged a 3-1 comeback win at Cagliari. Napoli, in third, are a further point adrift after beating Sampdoria 2-1, equal on points with nine-time reigning champions Juventus. Playing without injured top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Milan had looked set for their first league defeat this season. Hakan Calhanoglu rattled the woodwork three times with Brahim Diaz also hitting the post for the hosts before Hernani put Parma ahead after quarter of an hour. The Brazilian midfielder then set up Jasmin Kurtic for the second after 56 minutes. But two minutes later Hernandez headed in off a Calhanoglu corner with the French defender adding a second in injury time off a rebound. "It wasn't the best night but we had the quality to bring home an important draw which boosts our self-esteem," said coach Stefano Pioli. "While Ibra gives us a lot of presence, we did well even without him. We have shown strength, especially psychologically, it's a step forward." Chasing a first league title since 2011, Milan are unbeaten in the first 11 matches of a Serie A season since the 2003/2004, when they also won the 'Scudetto'. In Genoa, Juventus were boosted after their 3-0 Champions League win in Barcelona, with Paulo Dybala getting his first goal this season. Stefano Sturaro levelled for the hosts after an hour. But Nicolo Rovella's foul on Juan Cuadrado allowed Ronaldo to slot in his first penalty after 78 minutes with the second coming a minute from time after goalkeeper Mattia Perin brought down Alvaro Morata. Genoa sink to second from bottom of the league. - Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic lead way - Ronaldo, 35, joins 39-year-old Ibrahimovic as leading scorer in Serie A with 10 goals this season, for a total of 79 since joining Juventus in 2018. "What better way to celebrate my 100th game for Juventus, than scoring two more goals for the team?" Ronaldo said on Twitter before vowing to reach 100 goals for the reigning champions. Inter Milan's Romelu Lukaku, 27, is just behind with nine goals after scoring the third against Cagliari in injury time. Conte's side are out of Europe with their focus now on a first Serie A title since 2010. They fought back after trailing with a quarter of an hour to go in Sardinia. Former Cagliari player Nicolo Barella volleyed in the equaliser after 77 minutes with Danilo D'Ambrosio coming off the bench to immediately nod in a second with six minutes to go. Napoli got their first win in their newly named Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, renamed after the Argentina legend who led the club to their only league titles in 1987 and 1990 and the UEFA Cup in 1989. Jakub Jankto put Sampdoria ahead in the 20th minute, but Hirving Lozano came off the bench in the second half to spark a Napoli revival. Lozano got his head to a Dries Mertens cross seven minutes after the break with the Mexican international then crossing for Andrea Petagna to nod in the winner with 22 minutes remaining. Roma got back to winning ways with an emphatic 5-1 victory at Bologna. All six goals came in the first half at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara. Bologna's Andrea Poli turned into his own net after five minutes before Edin Dzeko added a second to give the hosts a two-goal advantage after 10 minutes. Lorenzo Pellegrini, Jordan Veretout and Henrikh Mkhitaryan added three more before the break, with a Bryan Cristante own goal putting Bologna on the scoresheet. In Bergamo, Atalanta eased past Fiorentina 3-0, with goals from Robin Gosens, Ruslan Malinovskyi and Rafael Toloi.

Ronaldo marks Juve century as late Hernandez brace rescues AC Milan

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced the qualification process for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia which is set to take place in October and November 2022.

The 15 spots in Australia will be decided through a four-step qualifying process which starts in April 2021. As many as 11 regional qualification tournaments across five regions have been rescheduled to 2021, due to COVID-19 and will now feed into the 2022 Australia event.

With the return of cricket in early 2021, we will see 86 different teams with the opportunity to fill the 15 World Cup spots – with hosts Australia already securing one – over a 13-month qualification campaign.

TRENDING |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-mushfiqur-rahim-loses-cool-almost-hits-teammate-during-bangabandhu-t20-cup-349744" hreflang="en">WATCH: Mushfiqur Rahim loses cool, almost hits teammate during Bangabandhu T20 Cup</a>

For the first time ever Hungary, Romania and Serbia will be competing for Men’s T20 World Cup qualification and Finland will play host to an ICC event for the very first time. In a festival of cricket, it will also be the first time that Japan will host a Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, on the back of the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier they will host two weeks before.

At the regional level, there will be 67 Associate Members taking part. Due to the depth of strength within Africa and Europe, both regions have sub-regional qualifiers feeding into a final qualifier for the region. Africa, Americas, EAP and Europe will have one top tier regional qualifier and Asia will have A and B to determine which teams will progress into the two eight-team global qualifiers.

The 16 available spots in the Global Qualifiers will be filled by one team each from the Africa and EAP Qualifier respectively. They will be joined by two teams each from the Americas and Europe qualifiers. Finally, Asia which has a Qualifier A and B will see one team from each event make up the eight spots from regional qualification.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/havent-been-home-for-6-months-jason-holder-explains-challenges-of-bio-bubble-life-after-pay-cuts-349688" hreflang="en">Haven't been home for 6 months: Jason Holder explains challenges of bio-bubble life after pay cuts</a>

The remaining eight spots will go to the four bottom teams from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 and together with Nepal, Singapore, UAE and Zimbabwe which have gained direct entry based on their MRF Tyres ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings.

Four teams from the two global qualifiers will join hosts Australia and the 11 automatic qualifiers from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 to make up the 16-team Men’s T20 World Cup 2022.

In the lead up to the Australia event, there will be 225 Men’s T20Is scheduled to be played across 13 months, giving every team an opportunity to climb the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings.

ICC Head of Events, Chris Tetley said: “We are delighted to announce qualification for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022. The pathway which culminates in the eighth Men’s T20 World Cup which will be held in Australia, sees the likes of Hungary, Romania and Serbia competing for the first time in an ICC event of this format, highlighting the increased competitiveness within Associate Members. In addition, a remarkable 225 Men’s T20 Internationals are scheduled to be played providing a substantial number of playing opportunities to all Members.”

The 16 teams that had originally qualified for the 2020 Australia event will now play in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 in India. The participating teams for that event are Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced the qualification process for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia which is set to take place in October and November 2022.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced the qualification process for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia which is set to take place in October and November 2022. The 15 spots in Australia will be decided through a four-step qualifying process which starts in April 2021. As many as 11 regional qualification tournaments across five regions have been rescheduled to 2021, due to COVID-19 and will now feed into the 2022 Australia event. With the return of cricket in early 2021, we will see 86 different teams with the opportunity to fill the 15 World Cup spots – with hosts Australia already securing one – over a 13-month qualification campaign. TRENDING | WATCH: Mushfiqur Rahim loses cool, almost hits teammate during Bangabandhu T20 Cup For the first time ever Hungary, Romania and Serbia will be competing for Men’s T20 World Cup qualification and Finland will play host to an ICC event for the very first time. In a festival of cricket, it will also be the first time that Japan will host a Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, on the back of the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier they will host two weeks before. At the regional level, there will be 67 Associate Members taking part. Due to the depth of strength within Africa and Europe, both regions have sub-regional qualifiers feeding into a final qualifier for the region. Africa, Americas, EAP and Europe will have one top tier regional qualifier and Asia will have A and B to determine which teams will progress into the two eight-team global qualifiers. The 16 available spots in the Global Qualifiers will be filled by one team each from the Africa and EAP Qualifier respectively. They will be joined by two teams each from the Americas and Europe qualifiers. Finally, Asia which has a Qualifier A and B will see one team from each event make up the eight spots from regional qualification. ALSO READ: Haven't been home for 6 months: Jason Holder explains challenges of bio-bubble life after pay cuts The remaining eight spots will go to the four bottom teams from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 and together with Nepal, Singapore, UAE and Zimbabwe which have gained direct entry based on their MRF Tyres ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings. Four teams from the two global qualifiers will join hosts Australia and the 11 automatic qualifiers from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 to make up the 16-team Men’s T20 World Cup 2022. In the lead up to the Australia event, there will be 225 Men’s T20Is scheduled to be played across 13 months, giving every team an opportunity to climb the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings. ICC Head of Events, Chris Tetley said: “We are delighted to announce qualification for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022. The pathway which culminates in the eighth Men’s T20 World Cup which will be held in Australia, sees the likes of Hungary, Romania and Serbia competing for the first time in an ICC event of this format, highlighting the increased competitiveness within Associate Members. In addition, a remarkable 225 Men’s T20 Internationals are scheduled to be played providing a substantial number of playing opportunities to all Members.” The 16 teams that had originally qualified for the 2020 Australia event will now play in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 in India. The participating teams for that event are Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies.

ICC announces qualification pathway to men's T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia

The draw for the UEFA Europa League 2020-21 Round of 32 took place at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland as teams came to know about their fate for the knockout stage of the competition.

While top two teams from the respective groups qualified for the Europa League Round of 32, teams finishing third in their respective UEFA Champions League 2020-21 group stage also joined them for the draw.&nbsp;

In-form Spanish club Real Sociedad will take on English giants Manchester United in what promises to be a thrilling contest on card whereas Tottenham Hotspur will face Wolfsberg from Austria. Portuguese side Benfica will lock horns with Arsenal. Salzburg will take on Villareal while Leicester face Slavia Praha from the Czech Republic.

The mouth-watering fixture of UEFA Europa League also pipped Roma against Braga. LOSC Lille also face AFC Ajax in a blockbuster clash.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-champions-league-round-of-16-draw-barcelona-to-face-psg-check-full-fixtures-349714" hreflang="en">UEFA Champions League Round of 16 draw: Barcelona to face PSG - Check full fixtures</a>

<h2>UEFA Europa League 2020-21 Round of 32 draw in full:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Wolfsberg (AUT) vs Tottenham (ENG)</li>
	<li>Dynamo Kyiv (UKR)* vs Club Brugge (BEL)*</li>
	<li>Real Sociedad (ESP) vs Manchester United (ENG)*</li>
	<li>Benfica (POR) vs Arsenal (ENG)</li>
	<li>Crvena zvezda (SRB) vs AC Milan (ITA)</li>
	<li>Antwerp (BEL) vs Rangers (SCO)</li>
	<li>Slavia Praha (CZE) vs Leicester (ENG)</li>
	<li>Salzburg (AUT)* vs Villarreal (ESP)</li>
	<li>Braga (POR) vs Roma (ITA)</li>
	<li>Krasnodar (RUS)* vs Dinamo Zagreb (CRO)</li>
	<li>Young Boys (SUI) vs Leverkusen (GER)</li>
	<li>Molde (NOR) vs Hoffenheim (GER)</li>
	<li>Granada (ESP) vs Napoli (ITA)</li>
	<li>Maccabi Tel-Aviv (ISR) vs Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR)*</li>
	<li>LOSC Lille (FRA) vs Ajax (NED)*</li>
	<li>Olympiacos (GRE)* vs PSV Eindhoven (NED)</li>
</ul>

The first legs are scheduled for Thursday 18 February, with the second legs on 25 February. Seeded teams are at home in the second legs. Each club can register a maximum of three new players for the remaining matches by midnight CET on 2 February 2021.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The draw for the UEFA Europa League 2020-21 Round of 32 took place at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland as teams came to know about their fate for the knockout stage of the competition.

The draw for the UEFA Europa League 2020-21 Round of 32 took place at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland as teams came to know about their fate for the knockout stage of the competition. While top two teams from the respective groups qualified for the Europa League Round of 32, teams finishing third in their respective UEFA Champions League 2020-21 group stage also joined them for the draw. In-form Spanish club Real Sociedad will take on English giants Manchester United in what promises to be a thrilling contest on card whereas Tottenham Hotspur will face Wolfsberg from Austria. Portuguese side Benfica will lock horns with Arsenal. Salzburg will take on Villareal while Leicester face Slavia Praha from the Czech Republic. The mouth-watering fixture of UEFA Europa League also pipped Roma against Braga. LOSC Lille also face AFC Ajax in a blockbuster clash. ALSO READ: UEFA Champions League Round of 16 draw: Barcelona to face PSG - Check full fixtures UEFA Europa League 2020-21 Round of 32 draw in full: Wolfsberg (AUT) vs Tottenham (ENG) Dynamo Kyiv (UKR)* vs Club Brugge (BEL)* Real Sociedad (ESP) vs Manchester United (ENG)* Benfica (POR) vs Arsenal (ENG) Crvena zvezda (SRB) vs AC Milan (ITA) Antwerp (BEL) vs Rangers (SCO) Slavia Praha (CZE) vs Leicester (ENG) Salzburg (AUT)* vs Villarreal (ESP) Braga (POR) vs Roma (ITA) Krasnodar (RUS)* vs Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) Young Boys (SUI) vs Leverkusen (GER) Molde (NOR) vs Hoffenheim (GER) Granada (ESP) vs Napoli (ITA) Maccabi Tel-Aviv (ISR) vs Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR)* LOSC Lille (FRA) vs Ajax (NED)* Olympiacos (GRE)* vs PSV Eindhoven (NED) The first legs are scheduled for Thursday 18 February, with the second legs on 25 February. Seeded teams are at home in the second legs. Each club can register a maximum of three new players for the remaining matches by midnight CET on 2 February 2021.

Europa League Round of 32 draw: Manchester United get Real Sociedad - Check full fixtures

With cricket getting back to its feet post the COVID-19-enforced break, Bangladesh is currently hosting the Bangabandhu T20 Cup. After 20 matches, four teams out of five, qualified for the playoffs with Beximco Dhaka and Fortune Barishal locking horns in the eliminator on Monday in Dhaka.&nbsp;

Even though the Mushfiqur Rahim-led Dhaka won the match by nine wickets, the Bangladesh wicket-keeper was in the limelight for wrong reasons as he lost his cool at his teammate Nasum Ahmed. The controversial incident took place in the 17th over when Barishal needed 45 runs off 19 deliveries.&nbsp;

With Afif Hossain looking in good touch, the southpaw tried to bag a boundary off the final delivery of the over. However, he miscued his stroke and lobbed the ball in the air. Mushfiqur Rahim ran for the catch along with the fine-leg fielder Nasum Ahmed. There seemed to be a bit of miscommunication as the duo almost collided but Mushfiqur managed to get hold of the ball.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/havent-been-home-for-6-months-jason-holder-explains-challenges-of-bio-bubble-life-after-pay-cuts-349688" hreflang="en">Haven't been home for 6 months: Jason Holder explains challenges of bio-bubble life after pay cuts</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Bangabandhu T20 Cup: Mushfiqur Rahim loses his cool at teammate Nasum Ahmed for interfering while catching !!! 
.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mushfiqurrahim?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mushfiqurrahim</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricketvideos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricketvideos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BangabandhuT20Cup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BangabandhuT20Cup</a> <a href="https://t.co/6uZz8HHn8b">pic.twitter.com/6uZz8HHn8b</a>
— Vimal (@Mowgglee) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mowgglee/status/1338453874869321731?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Dhaka skipper was furious with Nasum for not hearing his call and almost hit him. Nasum looked in fear and the scenes weren’t the best of viewing on the ground. Teammates gathered and tried to cheer up Nasum but Mushfiqur continued to slander his teammate.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thishappened2020-kohli-dhoni-most-mentioned-athletes-on-twitter-ipl-2020-most-tweeted-sports-hashtags-349661" hreflang="en">#ThisHappened2020: Kohli, Dhoni most mentioned athletes on Twitter, IPL 2020 most tweeted sports hashtags</a>

Dhaka went on to win the match as the Barishal team failed to get it going after Afif Hossain’s dismissal in the 17th over. Barishal could manage just 141 runs after losing nine wickets in 20 overs, which also resulted in their elimination from the tournament. 
&nbsp;

With cricket getting back to its feet post the COVID-19-enforced break, Bangladesh is currently hosting the Bangabandhu T20 Cup. After 20 matches, four teams out of five, qualified for the playoffs with Beximco Dhaka and Fortune Barishal locking horns in the eliminator on Monday in Dhaka.

With cricket getting back to its feet post the COVID-19-enforced break, Bangladesh is currently hosting the Bangabandhu T20 Cup. After 20 matches, four teams out of five, qualified for the playoffs with Beximco Dhaka and Fortune Barishal locking horns in the eliminator on Monday in Dhaka. Even though the Mushfiqur Rahim-led Dhaka won the match by nine wickets, the Bangladesh wicket-keeper was in the limelight for wrong reasons as he lost his cool at his teammate Nasum Ahmed. The controversial incident took place in the 17th over when Barishal needed 45 runs off 19 deliveries. With Afif Hossain looking in good touch, the southpaw tried to bag a boundary off the final delivery of the over. However, he miscued his stroke and lobbed the ball in the air. Mushfiqur Rahim ran for the catch along with the fine-leg fielder Nasum Ahmed. There seemed to be a bit of miscommunication as the duo almost collided but Mushfiqur managed to get hold of the ball. ALSO READ: Haven't been home for 6 months: Jason Holder explains challenges of bio-bubble life after pay cuts Bangabandhu T20 Cup: Mushfiqur Rahim loses his cool at teammate Nasum Ahmed for interfering while catching !!! .#Mushfiqurrahim #Cricketvideos #BangabandhuT20Cup pic.twitter.com/6uZz8HHn8b — Vimal (@Mowgglee) December 14, 2020 × The Dhaka skipper was furious with Nasum for not hearing his call and almost hit him. Nasum looked in fear and the scenes weren’t the best of viewing on the ground. Teammates gathered and tried to cheer up Nasum but Mushfiqur continued to slander his teammate. ALSO READ: #ThisHappened2020: Kohli, Dhoni most mentioned athletes on Twitter, IPL 2020 most tweeted sports hashtags Dhaka went on to win the match as the Barishal team failed to get it going after Afif Hossain’s dismissal in the 17th over. Barishal could manage just 141 runs after losing nine wickets in 20 overs, which also resulted in their elimination from the tournament.

WATCH: Mushfiqur Rahim loses cool, almost hits teammate during Bangabandhu T20 Cup

The draw for the UEFA Champions League 2020-21 Round of 16 took place on Monday at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. Defending UEFA Champions League winners Bayern Munich will take on Lazio whereas FC Liverpool are set to take on RB Leipzig in what promises to be a thrilling contest.&nbsp;

Barcelona are set to take on Paris Saint-Germain in a blocbuster clash while Manchester City will face Borussia Monchengladbach.

The UEFA Champions League 2020-21 Round of 16 draw featured the eight group winners (seeded) and eight runners-up (unseeded). The seeded teams will play at home in the second legs with no teams playing a club from their UEFA Champions League group or a club from the same national association

Seeded teams

Bayern (GER, Group A) 
Real Madrid (ESP, Group B) 
Manchester City (ENG, C) 
Liverpool (ENG, D) 
Chelsea (ENG, E) 
Borussia Dortmund (GER, F) 
Juventus (ITA, G) 
Paris (FRA, H)

Unseeded teams

Atlético (ESP, A) 
Borussia Mönchengladbach (GER, B) 
Porto (POR, C) 
Atalanta (ITA, D) 
Sevilla (ESP, E) 
Lazio (ITA, F) 
Barcelona (ESP, G) 
Leipzig (GER, H)

<h2>UEFA Champions League 2020-21 Round of 16 draw in full:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Borussia Monchengladbach vs Manchester City</li>
	<li>Lazio vs FC Bayern Munich</li>
	<li>Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea</li>
	<li>RB Leipzig vs FC Liverpool</li>
	<li>FC Porto vs Juventus</li>
	<li>FC Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain</li>
	<li>Sevilla FC vs Borussia Dortmund</li>
	<li>Atalanta vs Real Madrid</li>
</ul>

The round of 16 first legs are scheduled for 16/17/23/24 February, with the second legs on 9/10/16/17 March. Kick-offs are at 21:00 CET. The draw for the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final is on 19 March.

The draw for the UEFA Champions League 2020-21 Round of 16 took place on Monday at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. Defending UEFA Champions League winners Bayern Munich will take on Lazio whereas FC Liverpool are set to take on RB Leipzig in what promises to be a thrilling contest.

The draw for the UEFA Champions League 2020-21 Round of 16 took place on Monday at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. Defending UEFA Champions League winners Bayern Munich will take on Lazio whereas FC Liverpool are set to take on RB Leipzig in what promises to be a thrilling contest. Barcelona are set to take on Paris Saint-Germain in a blocbuster clash while Manchester City will face Borussia Monchengladbach. The UEFA Champions League 2020-21 Round of 16 draw featured the eight group winners (seeded) and eight runners-up (unseeded). The seeded teams will play at home in the second legs with no teams playing a club from their UEFA Champions League group or a club from the same national association Seeded teams Bayern (GER, Group A) Real Madrid (ESP, Group B) Manchester City (ENG, C) Liverpool (ENG, D) Chelsea (ENG, E) Borussia Dortmund (GER, F) Juventus (ITA, G) Paris (FRA, H) Unseeded teams Atlético (ESP, A) Borussia Mönchengladbach (GER, B) Porto (POR, C) Atalanta (ITA, D) Sevilla (ESP, E) Lazio (ITA, F) Barcelona (ESP, G) Leipzig (GER, H) UEFA Champions League 2020-21 Round of 16 draw in full: Borussia Monchengladbach vs Manchester City Lazio vs FC Bayern Munich Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea RB Leipzig vs FC Liverpool FC Porto vs Juventus FC Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain Sevilla FC vs Borussia Dortmund Atalanta vs Real Madrid The round of 16 first legs are scheduled for 16/17/23/24 February, with the second legs on 9/10/16/17 March. Kick-offs are at 21:00 CET. The draw for the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final is on 19 March.

UEFA Champions League Round of 16 draw: Barcelona to face PSG - Check full fixtures

Former head coach of the France football team and manager of Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, Gerard Houllier on Monday passed away at the age of 73. Houllier’s stint with Liverpool is still regarded as one of the best as he won the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup in 2001 with the Merseyside club before guiding Olympique Lyonnais to two French titles before switching clubs to Aston Villa in 2010.&nbsp;

According to RMC, Houllier breathed his last on Monday after enjoying successful stints with some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

Houllier had also assisted&nbsp;Aime Jacquet in the FIFA World Cup 1998 and was part of UEFA and FIFA’s Technical Committee in 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cup.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thishappened2020-kohli-dhoni-most-mentioned-athletes-on-twitter-ipl-2020-most-tweeted-sports-hashtags-349661" hreflang="en">#ThisHappened2020: Kohli, Dhoni most mentioned athletes on Twitter, IPL 2020 most tweeted sports hashtags</a>

In 2011, Houllier quit club coaching and left his managerial role at Aston Villa after constant hospitalization over heart problems. Aston Villa finished ninth in Houllier’s only season in charge and have not finished higher than 15th since his departure from the club.

Earlier in his managerial career, Houllier guided French club Lens to promotion and qualification for the UEFA Cup before switching base to Paris Saint-Germain in 1985.

He took Lens to promotion and qualification for the UEFA Cup before moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 1985, where PSG lifted the league title the next season.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-taking-the-knee-to-joining-protests-athletes-who-contributed-to-black-lives-matter-movement-349554" hreflang="en">From taking the knee to joining protests: Athletes who contributed to 'Black Lives Matter' movement</a>

Houllier was appointed technical director and assistant to the France football team, under manager Michel Platini. Houllier became manager in 1992. However, he resigned in November 1993 after France failed to qualify for the 1994 FIFA World Cup finals.

Houllier has been awarded the Légion d'honneur for his services to French football, and an honorary OBE for services to British football, along with the fellow manager, compatriot and friend Arsène Wenger.

Former head coach of the France football team and manager of Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, Gerard Houllier on Monday passed away at the age of 73. Houllier’s stint with Liverpool is still regarded as one of the best as he won the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup in 2001 with the Merseyside club before guiding Olympique Lyonnais to two French titles before switching clubs to Aston Villa in 2010.

Former head coach of the France football team and manager of Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, Gerard Houllier on Monday passed away at the age of 73. Houllier’s stint with Liverpool is still regarded as one of the best as he won the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup in 2001 with the Merseyside club before guiding Olympique Lyonnais to two French titles before switching clubs to Aston Villa in 2010. According to RMC, Houllier breathed his last on Monday after enjoying successful stints with some of the biggest clubs in Europe. Houllier had also assisted Aime Jacquet in the FIFA World Cup 1998 and was part of UEFA and FIFA’s Technical Committee in 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cup. ALSO READ: #ThisHappened2020: Kohli, Dhoni most mentioned athletes on Twitter, IPL 2020 most tweeted sports hashtags In 2011, Houllier quit club coaching and left his managerial role at Aston Villa after constant hospitalization over heart problems. Aston Villa finished ninth in Houllier’s only season in charge and have not finished higher than 15th since his departure from the club. Earlier in his managerial career, Houllier guided French club Lens to promotion and qualification for the UEFA Cup before switching base to Paris Saint-Germain in 1985. He took Lens to promotion and qualification for the UEFA Cup before moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 1985, where PSG lifted the league title the next season. ALSO READ: From taking the knee to joining protests: Athletes who contributed to 'Black Lives Matter' movement Houllier was appointed technical director and assistant to the France football team, under manager Michel Platini. Houllier became manager in 1992. However, he resigned in November 1993 after France failed to qualify for the 1994 FIFA World Cup finals. Houllier has been awarded the Légion d'honneur for his services to French football, and an honorary OBE for services to British football, along with the fellow manager, compatriot and friend Arsène Wenger.

Former Liverpool, PSG manager Gerard Houllier dies at age of 73

Cricket season ended for the West Indies with an innings and 12-run defeat to New Zealand in the second Test on Monday. The West Indies skipper Jason Holder, after the crushing series defeat, feels that it will be a much-needed break for some of the players who have suffered a tough year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

With the win, New Zealand moved closer to the numero uno spot in Test cricket for the first time in their history. Praising every individual who played a part in bringing cricket back to the ground, Holder said it has been a tough year for many including him personally as he added that he hasn’t been home for six months.&nbsp;

"Man, it's tough. It was a tough year. Credit to every individual who would have sacrificed their health, and the risk of travelling around the world in this pandemic," ESPNcricinfo quoted Holder as saying.&nbsp; 
The Windies all-rounder also touched upon the challenges of playing in the bio-secure bubbles. He said that being isolated into a room is one of the toughest things a person can go through.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thishappened2020-kohli-dhoni-most-mentioned-athletes-on-twitter-ipl-2020-most-tweeted-sports-hashtags-349661" hreflang="en">#ThisHappened2020: Kohli, Dhoni most mentioned athletes on Twitter, IPL 2020 most tweeted sports hashtags</a>

With pay-cuts in place due to disruption in cricket calendar, some of the players have been playing non-stop cricket in different T20 tournaments taking place in different parts of the world besides playing the international bilateral series as well.

Notably, the West Indies were one of the first two resume cricket after COVID-19-enforced break as the Caribbean outfit travelled to the United Kingdom to play a three-match Test series against England.

"It has been a tough year. Not just for the team but I know for me personally it has been tough. I haven't seen home in six months now. I have been going non-stop. We have had pay cuts. It is a situation where you are still looking to make a living, still looking to make use of every opportunity you get. But, having said that, going from bubble to bubble and being isolated into a room -- sometimes, as I have said before, the room just gets smaller and smaller by the second," Holder explained.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/another-blow-for-australia-sean-abbott-out-of-adelaide-test-vs-india-moises-henriques-called-in-349648" hreflang="en">Another blow for Australia, Sean Abbott out of Adelaide Test vs India; Moises Henriques called in</a>

"I know a few of the guys have got tired minds. We've been on the road for a little while. It would be good for the guys to get home for Christmas, spend some time with their families; hopefully, some of them get there in time for Christmas, because I think you've got to do a quarantine, some players have to do a quarantine going back home. It will be a much-needed rest for some players to just refresh and come back," he added.&nbsp;

Holder, despite staying six months away from his family, will head over to Australia to participate in the ongoing Big Bash League for Sydney Sixers in what will be a three-game stint for the Windies all-rounder. He will then move to Bangladesh with the West Indies squad in January.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/postponements-and-resumption-a-turbulent-year-of-2020-for-sports-world-346992" hreflang="en">Postponements and resumption: A turbulent year of 2020 for sports world</a>

"We have got a short turnaround. I head over to the Big Bash after this and then we've got a tour of Bangladesh in early January. Not much time in between, but we will see how it goes. I don't know [when I will be home next]. At this point, I really don't know. But I am still enjoying it. Still enjoying moving around. I am trying to make use of every opportunity I get and hope it works out for me," Holder said.

Cricket season ended for the West Indies with an innings and 12-run defeat to New Zealand in the second Test on Monday. The West Indies skipper Jason Holder, after the crushing series defeat, feels that it will be a much-needed break for some of the players who have suffered a tough year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cricket season ended for the West Indies with an innings and 12-run defeat to New Zealand in the second Test on Monday. The West Indies skipper Jason Holder, after the crushing series defeat, feels that it will be a much-needed break for some of the players who have suffered a tough year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the win, New Zealand moved closer to the numero uno spot in Test cricket for the first time in their history. Praising every individual who played a part in bringing cricket back to the ground, Holder said it has been a tough year for many including him personally as he added that he hasn’t been home for six months. "Man, it's tough. It was a tough year. Credit to every individual who would have sacrificed their health, and the risk of travelling around the world in this pandemic," ESPNcricinfo quoted Holder as saying. The Windies all-rounder also touched upon the challenges of playing in the bio-secure bubbles. He said that being isolated into a room is one of the toughest things a person can go through. ALSO READ: #ThisHappened2020: Kohli, Dhoni most mentioned athletes on Twitter, IPL 2020 most tweeted sports hashtags With pay-cuts in place due to disruption in cricket calendar, some of the players have been playing non-stop cricket in different T20 tournaments taking place in different parts of the world besides playing the international bilateral series as well. Notably, the West Indies were one of the first two resume cricket after COVID-19-enforced break as the Caribbean outfit travelled to the United Kingdom to play a three-match Test series against England. "It has been a tough year. Not just for the team but I know for me personally it has been tough. I haven't seen home in six months now. I have been going non-stop. We have had pay cuts. It is a situation where you are still looking to make a living, still looking to make use of every opportunity you get. But, having said that, going from bubble to bubble and being isolated into a room -- sometimes, as I have said before, the room just gets smaller and smaller by the second," Holder explained. ALSO READ: Another blow for Australia, Sean Abbott out of Adelaide Test vs India; Moises Henriques called in "I know a few of the guys have got tired minds. We've been on the road for a little while. It would be good for the guys to get home for Christmas, spend some time with their families; hopefully, some of them get there in time for Christmas, because I think you've got to do a quarantine, some players have to do a quarantine going back home. It will be a much-needed rest for some players to just refresh and come back," he added. Holder, despite staying six months away from his family, will head over to Australia to participate in the ongoing Big Bash League for Sydney Sixers in what will be a three-game stint for the Windies all-rounder. He will then move to Bangladesh with the West Indies squad in January. IN PICS | Postponements and resumption: A turbulent year of 2020 for sports world "We have got a short turnaround. I head over to the Big Bash after this and then we've got a tour of Bangladesh in early January. Not much time in between, but we will see how it goes. I don't know [when I will be home next]. At this point, I really don't know. But I am still enjoying it. Still enjoying moving around. I am trying to make use of every opportunity I get and hope it works out for me," Holder said.

Haven't been home for 6 months: Jason Holder explains challenges of bio-bubble life after pay cuts

The year 2020 has been like no other. Even though everyone stayed home and stayed safe, the spirit of sports lovers on Twitter was alive and well. People tuned into the timeline to enhance their viewing experience and feel more connected to the game. Fans and athletes stayed away from the stadium and used Twitter to stay connected with each other, sharing fitness routines, DIY activities and having conversations through Twitter Q&amp;As.&nbsp;

Here is a look at the Top Sports Tweets of 2020 that struck a chord with Indians and became the most Retweeted and Liked Tweets this year.&nbsp;

#ThisHappened: Top Sports Tweets of 2020

(Identified based on the total number of Retweets / Likes by Twitter accounts in India between Jan 1 to Nov 15, 2020.)

Most Retweeted Tweet in Indian Sports: MS Dhoni expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s letter

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
An Artist,Soldier and Sportsperson what they crave for is appreciation, that their hard work and sacrifice is getting noticed and appreciated by everyone.thanks PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> for your appreciation and good wishes. <a href="https://t.co/T0naCT7mO7">pic.twitter.com/T0naCT7mO7</a>
— Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni) <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni/status/1296362680580636672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Former Team India skipper M.S Dhoni shared his gratitude on Twitter, thanking Prime Minister Modi for sending him a letter that acknowledged his deep contribution to cricket in India. The Tweet was met with a tremendous roar of approval across the nation making it the most Retweeted Tweet by an athlete.

Most Liked &amp; Quote Tweeted Tweet: Virat Kohli Tweeted about Anushka Sharma’s pregnancy, sharing his joy and happiness with billions on the service.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-taking-the-knee-to-joining-protests-athletes-who-contributed-to-black-lives-matter-movement-349554" hreflang="en">From taking the knee to joining protests: Athletes who contributed to 'Black Lives Matter' movement</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
And then, we were three! Arriving Jan 2021 ❤️🙏 <a href="https://t.co/0BDSogBM1n">pic.twitter.com/0BDSogBM1n</a>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1298856026544906240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Virat Kohli’s&nbsp;Tweet that announced Anushka Sharma’s pregnancy became the ‘Most Liked and Quote Tweeted Tweet of 2020’ for sports as people across India shared their love and good wishes with the couple.

<h2>#ThisHappened: Most Tweeted sports hashtags:</h2>

1.#IPL2020: Twitter was abuzz with Tweets across the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the much-anticipated T20 cricket tournament took place later in the year than usual. Cricket enthusiasts celebrated and connected with each other on Twitter, making #IPL2020 the most Tweeted hashtag in sports for 2020.&nbsp;

2.#WhistlePodu: The MS Dhoni-led team Chennai Super Kings became the most Tweeted about team in #IPL2020, and subsequently their team hashtag #WhistlePodu became the second-most Tweeted hashtag in sports this year.

3.#TeamIndia: At the start of the year, the stellar performance of the Indian Women’s cricket team&nbsp;at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup created cheerful conversations and translated into strong momentum on and off the field.

<img alt="Twitter" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c15ba7c1-2d55-42f8-9044-40258e415c59" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202020-12-14%20at%201.13.20%20PM.jpeg" />

<h2>#ThisHappened: Most mentioned Indian athletes in 2020</h2>

The most Tweeted about Indian athletes on Twitter was cricketer, and captain of Team India, Virat Kohli , followed by two other cricket icons MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.

While cricketers dominated the male charts, it was our Olympian stars which made it to the top of the most mentioned female athletes on Twitter in India in 2020. Indian wrestler, who is in the race for Tokyo Olympics, Geeta Phogat was the most mentioned Indian woman athlete on Twitter followed by India’s Badminton stars PV Sindhu&nbsp;and Saina Nehwal.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/postponements-and-resumption-a-turbulent-year-of-2020-for-sports-world-346992" hreflang="en">Postponements and resumption: A turbulent year of 2020 for sports world</a>

<img alt="Twitter" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="adca99f7-3715-49bd-a049-e6d6e2c6554a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202020-12-14%20at%201.13.21%20PM_0.jpeg" />

<h2>#ThisHappened: Most Tweeted about sports other than Cricket in India</h2>

India is a cricketing nation, and Twitter is where that cricket action unfolds -- but there are many other sports that fill Indian timelines too. One of the most followed sports after cricket in India is football, and so unsurprisingly this became the most Tweeted about sport (other than cricket) on Twitter this year. Basketball (NBA) and F1 Racing were the other two sports which were discussed the most by Indian fans in 2020.

1.Football 
2.Basketball (NBA) 
3.F1 Racing

<img alt="Twitter" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a97df5e7-00b2-449a-89d1-100527968856" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202020-12-14%20at%201.13.21%20PM.jpeg" />

Here is the list of top three most Tweeted about global sports teams and global athletes in India this year:

<h2>#ThisHappened: Most Tweeted about global sports personalities in India</h2>

1.Cristiano Ronaldo&nbsp; 
2.David Warner&nbsp; 
3.AB de Villiers

<h2>#ThisHappened: Most Tweeted about global teams Tweeted about by Indians</h2>

1.Manchester United 
2.FC Barcelona 
3.Arsenal&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

The year 2020 has been like no other. Even though everyone stayed home and stayed safe, the spirit of sports lovers on Twitter was alive and well. People tuned into the timeline to enhance their viewing experience and feel more connected to the game.

The year 2020 has been like no other. Even though everyone stayed home and stayed safe, the spirit of sports lovers on Twitter was alive and well. People tuned into the timeline to enhance their viewing experience and feel more connected to the game. Fans and athletes stayed away from the stadium and used Twitter to stay connected with each other, sharing fitness routines, DIY activities and having conversations through Twitter Q&As. Here is a look at the Top Sports Tweets of 2020 that struck a chord with Indians and became the most Retweeted and Liked Tweets this year. #ThisHappened: Top Sports Tweets of 2020 (Identified based on the total number of Retweets / Likes by Twitter accounts in India between Jan 1 to Nov 15, 2020.) Most Retweeted Tweet in Indian Sports: MS Dhoni expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s letter An Artist,Soldier and Sportsperson what they crave for is appreciation, that their hard work and sacrifice is getting noticed and appreciated by everyone.thanks PM @narendramodi for your appreciation and good wishes. pic.twitter.com/T0naCT7mO7 — Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni) August 20, 2020 × Former Team India skipper M.S Dhoni shared his gratitude on Twitter, thanking Prime Minister Modi for sending him a letter that acknowledged his deep contribution to cricket in India. The Tweet was met with a tremendous roar of approval across the nation making it the most Retweeted Tweet by an athlete. Most Liked & Quote Tweeted Tweet: Virat Kohli Tweeted about Anushka Sharma’s pregnancy, sharing his joy and happiness with billions on the service. ALSO READ: From taking the knee to joining protests: Athletes who contributed to 'Black Lives Matter' movement And then, we were three! Arriving Jan 2021 ❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/0BDSogBM1n — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 27, 2020 × Virat Kohli’s Tweet that announced Anushka Sharma’s pregnancy became the ‘Most Liked and Quote Tweeted Tweet of 2020’ for sports as people across India shared their love and good wishes with the couple. #ThisHappened: Most Tweeted sports hashtags: 1.#IPL2020: Twitter was abuzz with Tweets across the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the much-anticipated T20 cricket tournament took place later in the year than usual. Cricket enthusiasts celebrated and connected with each other on Twitter, making #IPL2020 the most Tweeted hashtag in sports for 2020. 2.#WhistlePodu: The MS Dhoni-led team Chennai Super Kings became the most Tweeted about team in #IPL2020, and subsequently their team hashtag #WhistlePodu became the second-most Tweeted hashtag in sports this year. 3.#TeamIndia: At the start of the year, the stellar performance of the Indian Women’s cricket team at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup created cheerful conversations and translated into strong momentum on and off the field. #ThisHappened: Most mentioned Indian athletes in 2020 The most Tweeted about Indian athletes on Twitter was cricketer, and captain of Team India, Virat Kohli , followed by two other cricket icons MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. While cricketers dominated the male charts, it was our Olympian stars which made it to the top of the most mentioned female athletes on Twitter in India in 2020. Indian wrestler, who is in the race for Tokyo Olympics, Geeta Phogat was the most mentioned Indian woman athlete on Twitter followed by India’s Badminton stars PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal. IN PICS | Postponements and resumption: A turbulent year of 2020 for sports world #ThisHappened: Most Tweeted about sports other than Cricket in India India is a cricketing nation, and Twitter is where that cricket action unfolds -- but there are many other sports that fill Indian timelines too. One of the most followed sports after cricket in India is football, and so unsurprisingly this became the most Tweeted about sport (other than cricket) on Twitter this year. Basketball (NBA) and F1 Racing were the other two sports which were discussed the most by Indian fans in 2020. 1.Football 2.Basketball (NBA) 3.F1 Racing Here is the list of top three most Tweeted about global sports teams and global athletes in India this year: #ThisHappened: Most Tweeted about global sports personalities in India 1.Cristiano Ronaldo 2.David Warner 3.AB de Villiers #ThisHappened: Most Tweeted about global teams Tweeted about by Indians 1.Manchester United 2.FC Barcelona 3.Arsenal

#ThisHappened2020: Kohli, Dhoni most mentioned athletes on Twitter, IPL 2020 most tweeted sports hashtags

In what comes as another blow to the Australian cricket team, pace bowler Sean Abbott has been ruled out of the first Test against India, scheduled to be played in Adelaide from Thursday, due to calf injury. All-rounder Moises Henriques has been added to the Australian squad, after recovering from a mild hamstring strain.&nbsp;

Abbott will continue to recover in Sydney and join the Aussie squad before the second Test in Melbourne starting on December 26.&nbsp;

Abbott was expected to be part of the day-night Test if Mitchell Starc, who has been away from the squad due to family illness, was not considered match fit.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sydney-sixers-thrash-melbourne-renegades-to-claim-biggest-victory-in-bbl-history-349538" hreflang="en">Sydney Sixers thrash Melbourne Renegades to claim ''biggest victory'' in BBL history</a>

Abbott is the third casualty for the Australian side with openers David Warner and Will Pucovski both unavailable for the Adelaide Test.

Earlier, in-form all-rounder, Cameron Green gave a major scare to the Aussie side after he was stuck on the head while bowling in an Australia ‘A’ match against India last week.

Notably, Henriques was not part of the Australia ‘A’ matches due to hamstring strain after returning to the national team in the limited over series against India.

Meanwhile, Green is likely to be part of the Adelaide Test and medical experts are continuing to monitor the youngster before the much-awaited match.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mitchell-starc-to-rejoin-the-australian-squad-after-family-illness-349528" hreflang="en">Mitchell Starc to rejoin the Australian squad after family illness</a>

With Warner and Pucovski out with injuries and Joe Burns going through a poor run of form, it would be interesting to see what combination Australian team picks for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener.&nbsp;

Australian head coach Justin Langer was spotted taking a look at the Adelaide pitch on Sunday as the former Aussie opener shadow batted a bit to get into the groove of the Test series.&nbsp;

The pink-ball Test will be the first such match between Australia and India. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In what comes as another blow to the Australian cricket team, pace bowler Sean Abbott has been ruled out of the first Test against India, scheduled to be played in Adelaide from Thursday, due to calf injury.

In what comes as another blow to the Australian cricket team, pace bowler Sean Abbott has been ruled out of the first Test against India, scheduled to be played in Adelaide from Thursday, due to calf injury. All-rounder Moises Henriques has been added to the Australian squad, after recovering from a mild hamstring strain. Abbott will continue to recover in Sydney and join the Aussie squad before the second Test in Melbourne starting on December 26. Abbott was expected to be part of the day-night Test if Mitchell Starc, who has been away from the squad due to family illness, was not considered match fit. ALSO READ: Sydney Sixers thrash Melbourne Renegades to claim ''biggest victory'' in BBL history Abbott is the third casualty for the Australian side with openers David Warner and Will Pucovski both unavailable for the Adelaide Test. Earlier, in-form all-rounder, Cameron Green gave a major scare to the Aussie side after he was stuck on the head while bowling in an Australia ‘A’ match against India last week. Notably, Henriques was not part of the Australia ‘A’ matches due to hamstring strain after returning to the national team in the limited over series against India. Meanwhile, Green is likely to be part of the Adelaide Test and medical experts are continuing to monitor the youngster before the much-awaited match. ALSO READ: Mitchell Starc to rejoin the Australian squad after family illness With Warner and Pucovski out with injuries and Joe Burns going through a poor run of form, it would be interesting to see what combination Australian team picks for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener. Australian head coach Justin Langer was spotted taking a look at the Adelaide pitch on Sunday as the former Aussie opener shadow batted a bit to get into the groove of the Test series. The pink-ball Test will be the first such match between Australia and India.

Another blow for Australia, Sean Abbott out of Adelaide Test vs India; Moises Henriques called in

Paolo Rossi, the hero of Italy’s 1982 World Cup-winning campaign, has died at the age of 64.

The news was announced on Thursday by Italian TV channel RAI Sport, for whom Rossi had been working as a pundit.

“Such terribly sad news: Paolo Rossi has left us,” said RAI Sport presenter Enrico Varriale, who did not disclose the cause of death.

“Unforgettable Pablito, who made all of us fall in love in that summer of 1982 and who was a precious and competent work colleague in RAI over recent years.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spray-experiment-in-netherlands-biggest-football-stadium-could-bring-back-crowds-348567" hreflang="en">'Spray' experiment in Netherlands' biggest football stadium could bring back crowds</a>

Shortly after the announcement, Rossi's wife, Federica Cappelletti, posted a photo of herself and her husband on Instagram&nbsp;along with the words "per sempre" - "forever".

Rossi won two Italian Serie A titles, a European Cup and a Coppa Italia during his four years with Juventus but it was his time with the national team that is most fondly remembered as his six goals led Italy to World Cup victory.

Rossi scored a hat-trick against Brazil in the second stage, both goals against Poland in a 2-0 semi-final victory, and then scored another in the final as Italy beat West Germany 3-1 to lift the trophy for the third time.

Paolo Rossi, the hero of Italy’s 1982 World Cup-winning campaign, has died at the age of 64. The news was announced on Thursday by Italian TV channel RAI Sport, for whom Rossi had been working as a pundit.

Paolo Rossi, the hero of Italy’s 1982 World Cup-winning campaign, has died at the age of 64. The news was announced on Thursday by Italian TV channel RAI Sport, for whom Rossi had been working as a pundit. “Such terribly sad news: Paolo Rossi has left us,” said RAI Sport presenter Enrico Varriale, who did not disclose the cause of death. “Unforgettable Pablito, who made all of us fall in love in that summer of 1982 and who was a precious and competent work colleague in RAI over recent years.” ALSO READ: 'Spray' experiment in Netherlands' biggest football stadium could bring back crowds Shortly after the announcement, Rossi's wife, Federica Cappelletti, posted a photo of herself and her husband on Instagram along with the words "per sempre" - "forever". Rossi won two Italian Serie A titles, a European Cup and a Coppa Italia during his four years with Juventus but it was his time with the national team that is most fondly remembered as his six goals led Italy to World Cup victory. Rossi scored a hat-trick against Brazil in the second stage, both goals against Poland in a 2-0 semi-final victory, and then scored another in the final as Italy beat West Germany 3-1 to lift the trophy for the third time.

World Cup winner Paolo Rossi dies aged 64

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Subhayan Chakraborty

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.