December 18 Evening Brief: Today's Top news and headlines from cricket world

1. There's no doubt that Pakistan can beat Australia in Australia: Mohammad Hafeez

Pakistan's team director Mohammad Hafeez remains optimistic despite a crushing 360-run loss to Australia in the first Test. "I've seen during our preparation the amount of talent these guys have. There's no doubt that they can beat Australia here in Australia," he said. (READ MORE)

2. IPL 2024 Auction: RCB Director of Cricket Mo Bobat looking forward to roping overseas pacers, homegrown spinners

Mo Bobat, the Director of Cricket for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) while addressing the convergence of global sporting stakeholders at RCB Innovation Lab’s Leaders Meet India, shed light on the team's strategic priorities for the upcoming IPL auctions. (READ MORE)

3. AUS vs PAK: Australia announce 13-member squad for Boxing Day Test

Australia have named a 13-member squad for the second Test against Pakistan, commencing from December 26 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. (READ MORE)

4. Graeme Smith envisions thriving bond with Indian fan community through SA20 2024

Graeme Smith, the SA20 League Commissioner, has been pivotal in making the South African T20 league an even bigger success, following a stellar first season. The former Proteas skipper shared his insights on the league’s aspirations to connect with the passionate Indian cricket audience and the strategic emphasis that digital engagement holds in this relationship. (READ MORE)

5. SA vs IND: Ruturaj Gaikwad left surprised as team bus' door unexpectedly closes on him

In an unexpected turn of events, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Team India's opening batter, found himself in a rather amusing situation before the first ODI against South Africa at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Sunday. As Gaikwad approached the team bus, ready to board, the bus driver, perhaps caught in a moment of distraction, closed the door right in front of him, leaving the batter momentarily confused. (READ MORE)

6. ILT20 bans Naveen-ul-Haq for 20 months due to breach of contract with Sharjah Warriors

The International League T20 has banned fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq for 20 months for breaching his Player Agreement with Sharjah Warriors who had signed him for Season 1 of the tournament. (READ MORE)

7. 'Excited' Australia hot to trot for India's spin-friendly challenge

Australia women's coach Shelley Nitschke said that her players know what to expect and stressed the importance of adapting to the conditions on the run. The former all-rounder noted that her players are looking forward to the challenge in India. (READ MORE)

8. Twitter Reactions: Sadia Iqbal's super over heroics help Pakistan register first ever ODI win over New Zealand

Having already lost the ODI series against New Zealand women, Pakistan women registered a consolation win in the third and final match of the series on Monday, December 18 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. (READ MORE)

9. '45.6% of our followers were not born when Pakistan last won Test in Australia' - Iceland Cricket take a playful dig at Pakistan Team

 After the Pakistani team's defeat in the first Test against Australia, Iceland Cricket playfully took to social media, revealing that they conducted an analysis. (READ MORE)

10. Pakistan penalised for slow over-rate in Perth Test

Pakistan have been fined 10 per cent of their match fee and penalised two ICC World Test Championship points for maintaining a slow over-rate against Australia in the first Test in Perth. (READ MORE)