Rohit didn’t travel to Oz due of father’s illness: BCCI

Sydney: The BCCI finally cleared the “confusion” on why Rohit Sharma did not travel with the team to Australia, hours after captain Virat Kohli complained of “lack of clarity”, stating that the Rohit had to be in Mumbai for his ailing father after the IPL. Apart from this, the BCCI said fast bowler Ishant Sharma is ruled out of the Test series, starting December 17, as he will not be match-fit in time. The BCCI said that Rohit’s fitness will be up for a review on December 11, following which a call would be taken on whether he can be there for the Tests.

ISL: ATK Mohun Bagan beat SC East Bengal 2-0

Vasco (Goa): Fijian striker Roy Krishna continued his prolific goal-scoring form as he helped ATK Mohun Bagan prevail over SC East Bengal 2-0 in the first ever Indian Super League derby here today. Krishna, who had scored ATKMB’s lone goal against Kerala Blasters in their campaign opener, struck in the 49th minute before Manvir Singh killed the contest in the 85th minute with a solo effort. With two wins on the trot, ATK Mohun Bagan lead the table with six points.

Disappointing first round for Sharma in South Africa

Malelane (South Africa): India’s Shubhankar Sharma endured a tough opening round, carding a 1-over 73 to lie tied-80 at the Alfred Dunhill Championship here. Sharma needs a good finish both this and next week to make it to the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, for which only the top 60 on the Race to Dubai qualify. Sharma is currently 137th in the standings.

Aditi, Diksha struggle in Spain

Madrid (Spain): India’s Aditi Ashok completed her first round with a disappointing 5-over 77 in the season-ending Andalucia Costa Del Sol Open De Espana here. She was unable to complete her first round on Thursday as play was suspended due to weather. Diksha Dagar struggled to a 11-over 83.

New Zealand pull off thrilling win over West Indies

Wellington: New Zealand greeted international cricket back in the country with a thrilling five-wicket victory in the first T20 against West Indies today. Kieron Pollard’s blistering 75 not out powered West Indies to 180/7 in the Auckland contest which was reduced to 16-overs-a-side following rain interruptions.

Brief scores: WI: 180/7 (Pollard 75*; Ferguson 5/21);

NZ: 179/5 (Neesham 48*, Conway 41) (NZ win by DLS method). Agencies