When Sports History Happens All at Once
November 29, 2024 delivered one of those rare days where seemingly every major sport produced headline-worthy drama simultaneously. A cricketing icon reached a milestone that seemed impossible just months ago. An NFL powerhouse crumbled on national television. Basketball’s mid-season tournament reached its fever pitch. And Formula 1’s championship battle took another unexpected turn.
If you blinked, you missed history being written in real-time across four continents.
This comprehensive recap breaks down the day’s most significant results, the context that makes them matter, and what they mean for the weeks ahead. Whether you follow one sport religiously or sample from the global buffet, here’s everything that shaped the sports conversation on November 29th.
What we’re covering:
- Cricket: Virat Kohli’s redemption arc reaches its pinnacle with a historic century
- NFL: Black Friday chaos as underdogs bite back and coaching seats heat up
- Basketball: NBA Cup knockout rounds separate contenders from pretenders
- Motorsports & More: F1 sprint drama, college football rivalry carnage, and international soccer results
Let’s dive into the action.
Cricket: Virat Kohli Reminds Everyone Why He’s King
The Numbers That Tell the Story
India 280/7 (50 overs) defeated South Africa 242 all out (47.3 overs) Virat Kohli: 135 runs off 127 balls (13 fours, 2 sixes)
In the series opener at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban, Virat Kohli delivered a masterclass that simultaneously silenced critics, broke records, and reignited the debate about where he ranks among cricket’s all-time greats.
This wasn’t just another century. This was Kohli’s 83rd international hundred across all formats—a milestone that pulls him within striking distance of Sachin Tendulkar’s seemingly untouchable record of 100 international centuries. At 36 years old, after a period of declining form that had doubters questioning whether his best days were behind him, Kohli reminded the cricket world why “King Kohli” isn’t just a nickname—it’s a title earned through relentless excellence.
Why This Century Matters More Than Most
1. The Redemption Narrative
Kohli’s 2022-2023 period saw him struggle by his astronomical standards. Questions emerged: Had fatherhood softened his edge? Was the T20 era passing him by? Could he still anchor innings in ODI cricket’s evolving landscape?
This century answered those questions emphatically. The vintage shot selection, the patience through the middle overs, the acceleration when needed—this was prime Kohli on display.
2. The 7000th Century Milestone
Kohli’s innings marked the 7,000th century in men’s international cricket history. Think about that statistical coincidence: one of the format’s greatest batsmen reaching a personal milestone that also represents a collective achievement spanning 147 years of international cricket.
3. The “Era’s Back” Movement
Within minutes of Kohli reaching his hundred, social media exploded with variations of “the era’s back”—a reference to the dominance he displayed during India’s 2010s golden period. Memes, tribute videos, and analysis threads flooded X (formerly Twitter), with the hashtag #Kohli83 trending globally within the hour.
Cricket Twitter loves nothing more than a redemption story, and Kohli delivered exactly that.
The Innings Breakdown
Kohli’s approach showcased the tactical evolution that separates good players from all-time greats:
Overs 1-15 (37 runs): Patient accumulation, rotating strike, letting openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill set the platform. Kohli knew South Africa’s pace attack would test him early—he weathered the storm without taking unnecessary risks.
Overs 16-35 (58 runs): The transition phase where Kohli shifted gears. Once set, he began finding boundaries with calculated aggression, particularly targeting spinner Keshav Maharaj. His trademark cover drive—arguably cricket’s most aesthetically pleasing shot—was in full display.
Overs 36-50 (40 runs): The finishing kick. With India needing acceleration, Kohli combined intelligent running between wickets with selective boundary hitting. His experience showed here—knowing which bowlers to attack, which to respect, and exactly when to shift gears.
Key Statistic: Kohli faced just 127 balls, maintaining a strike rate over 106—perfect for modern ODI cricket while never appearing reckless.
Captain Rohit’s Viral Moment
While Kohli’s bat did the talking, captain Rohit Sharma provided the day’s most entertaining moment: his now-viral bail flip celebration after South African batsman Rassie van der Dussen was dismissed.
After a beautiful delivery from Jasprit Bumrah caught van der Dussen’s outside edge, Rohit casually flipped the fallen bail into the air and caught it with the nonchalance of someone who knew this game was already decided. The celebration instantly became a meme, symbolizing India’s relaxed confidence throughout the match.
Series Context and What’s Next
This victory gives India a crucial 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. More importantly, it continues their dominance in bilateral ODI series at home and in favorable conditions.
Upcoming fixtures:
- Match 2: December 1, 2024 (Port Elizabeth)
- Match 3: December 4, 2024 (Cape Town)
If Kohli maintains this form, that record-tying 100th international century could come sooner than anyone expected. With the 2025 Champions Trophy on the horizon, India’s batting lineup looks formidable.
Other Notable Cricket Results
Pakistan Tri-Series: Pakistan secured a 6-wicket victory over New Zealand in the final, with captain Babar Azam contributing a crucial 78 runs. The win provides momentum heading into their home series against South Africa.
Women’s Blind Cricket T20: In a historic achievement often overlooked by mainstream coverage, India’s Women’s Blind Cricket Team won the T20 championship, defeating England by 7 wickets in the final. The tournament showcased the growing professionalization and competitiveness of adaptive cricket formats.
NFL: Black Friday Bloodbath and Coaching Hot Seats
Bears Stun Eagles: The Upset That Changes Everything
Chicago Bears 27, Philadelphia Eagles 17 Soldier Field, Chicago | Black Friday showcase
In the day’s biggest NFL shock, the struggling Chicago Bears (now 5-7) demolished the playoff-contending Philadelphia Eagles (10-2) in a performance that raises urgent questions about both teams’ trajectories.
How the Bears Dominated
The Bears’ victory wasn’t a fluke—it was a systematic dismantling of what was supposed to be the NFC’s most complete team.
Defensive Dominance:
- 5 sacks on Eagles QB Jalen Hurts, including 2.5 from edge rusher Montez Sweat
- Forced 2 turnovers, including a pick-six by cornerback Jaylon Johnson in the third quarter
- Held the Eagles’ vaunted rushing attack to just 86 yards (well below their 147-yard season average)
Offensive Efficiency:
- Rookie QB Caleb Williams delivered his best performance of the season: 23/31 passing, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
- The Bears’ offense converted 8 of 13 third-down attempts—absolutely crucial for controlling game tempo
- Running back D’Andre Swift (playing against his former team) rushed for 98 yards and a touchdown
The “Fire Kevin” Chants and Eagles’ Crisis
As the game slipped away in the fourth quarter, television microphones caught sections of Eagles fans at Soldier Field chanting “Fire Kevin”—a reference to offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo.
This isn’t just about one bad game. The Eagles’ offense has looked increasingly predictable over the past month:
Eagles’ Last 4 Games:
- Week 10: Barely beat Washington 26-18 (should have been a blowout)
- Week 11: Scraped past Kansas City 21-17 (controversial late call)
- Week 12: Lost to San Francisco 42-19 (thoroughly outplayed)
- Week 13: Lost to Chicago 27-17 (today’s embarrassment)
The concerning pattern: when defenses take away the Eagles’ first option (their dominant run game with Hurts, D’Andre Swift, and Kenneth Gainwell), they have no consistent answer. The passing game has become stagnant, predictable, and unable to exploit defensive adjustments.
Broader NFL Coaching Chaos
The Eagles’ struggles fit into a larger narrative dominating NFL media: coaching stability is crumbling across the league.
Hot Seats Getting Hotter:
- Carolina Panthers: Frank Reich’s seat was already molten; consecutive blowout losses have ownership seriously considering a mid-season change
- New England Patriots: Bill Belichick’s legacy can’t protect him from a 2-10 record and an offense that looks fundamentally broken
- Las Vegas Raiders: Josh McDaniels faces mounting pressure after another disappointing season
- Philadelphia Eagles: Today’s loss puts Kevin Patullo’s future in serious doubt
The common thread: offensive stagnation. Teams that can’t score in today’s NFL don’t survive long, regardless of defensive strength.
College Football: Rivalry Week Delivers Drama
Black Friday traditionally features intense college football rivalry games, and 2024 delivered exactly what fans hoped for.
Michigan 27, Ohio State 9: The Game Lives Up to Its Name
In college football’s most storied rivalry, Michigan dominated Ohio State in Columbus—a result that completely reshapes the College Football Playoff picture.
What Happened:
- Michigan’s defense suffocated Ohio State QB Kyle McCord, forcing 3 interceptions and allowing just 9 points (all field goals)
- Running back Blake Corum rushed for 162 yards and 2 touchdowns, controlling game tempo
- Michigan’s offensive line dominated the trenches—the game was won in the fourth quarter when OSU simply couldn’t stop the run
Playoff Implications: This loss almost certainly eliminates Ohio State from playoff contention. With one loss already on their record, losing to an undefeated rival in the season’s final game ends their championship hopes. Michigan, meanwhile, locks up the Big Ten East title and a spot in the conference championship game.
Texas A&M Upsets Texas: Chaos in the SEC
Texas A&M 34, Texas 31 (Overtime)
In another rivalry game with massive implications, Texas A&M stunned favored Texas in overtime, throwing the SEC championship race into disarray.
The Finish: After Texas tied the game with a field goal in the final seconds of regulation, Texas A&M’s QB Marcel Reed threw a touchdown pass on the first play of overtime. Texas couldn’t answer, and the Aggies’ defense sealed one of the season’s biggest upsets.
Why This Matters: Texas entered this game as a near-lock for the SEC Championship Game. This loss opens the door for Alabama, Georgia, or even Ole Miss to claim that spot. The committee will have difficult decisions to make about which one-loss SEC teams deserve playoff spots.
Georgia 34, Georgia Tech 14: Dominance as Expected
Georgia did what favorites should do: they handled business efficiently. The Bulldogs never trailed, built a 24-7 halftime lead, and cruised to victory while resting key starters in the fourth quarter.
This win sets up a likely SEC Championship Game appearance against Alabama or Texas A&M (depending on tiebreaker scenarios).
Injury Watch: Frank Ragnow Update
The Detroit Lions received concerning news about center Frank Ragnow, who left Thursday’s Thanksgiving Day game with a knee injury. Initial reports suggest a sprained MCL that will keep him out 3-4 weeks.
Why This Matters for Detroit: The Lions (9-3) are in a tight race for the NFC North title with Minnesota. Losing Ragnow—one of the NFL’s elite centers and the anchor of their offensive line—significantly impacts their ability to run the football effectively. Backup Evan Brown will need to step up during this crucial stretch.
The Lions’ next four games: New Orleans, Chicago, Denver, Minnesota. The Minnesota game in Week 16 could decide the division.
Basketball: NBA Cup Knockout Stage Delivers Theater
Tournament Format Refresher
The NBA Cup (formerly the In-Season Tournament) features a knockout stage where eight teams—six group winners plus two wild cards—compete in single-elimination games for the championship and a prize pool.
November 29th featured the quarterfinal matchups, with spots in the semifinals on the line.
Lakers 106, Mavericks 103: Anthony Davis Takes Over
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
In the night’s most anticipated matchup, the Los Angeles Lakers edged the Dallas Mavericks in a game that came down to the final possession.
Game Summary: The Mavericks led by 7 points entering the fourth quarter, but Anthony Davis dominated the final 12 minutes with 18 points, 4 blocks, and 3 rebounds. His defensive presence completely changed the game—Dallas couldn’t find easy looks near the basket, and Luka Dončić was forced into contested jump shots.
LeBron James added 24 points and 8 assists, but this was unmistakably Davis’s game. His return from the foot injury that sidelined him for three games couldn’t have been timed better.
Key Sequence: With the Lakers down 101-100 and 1:47 remaining, Davis hit a turnaround jumper in the paint, drew a foul, and completed the three-point play. The Lakers never trailed again.
What’s Next: The Lakers advance to face the Phoenix Suns in the semifinals. That matchup features fascinating storylines: Kevin Durant facing his old Western Conference rival, the battle of veteran-led teams, and contrasting offensive philosophies.
Suns 112, Kings 100: Phoenix Cruises
Footprint Center, Phoenix
The Phoenix Suns took care of business against the Sacramento Kings with a balanced offensive performance and suffocating perimeter defense.
Star Performances:
- Kevin Durant: 31 points on 12/20 shooting, 7 rebounds, 5 assists
- Devin Booker: 26 points, 6 assists, locked down De’Aaron Fox in the fourth quarter
- Bradley Beal: 19 points off the bench, providing crucial scoring punch
The Defense Was the Story: Phoenix held Sacramento to just 16 points in the fourth quarter, closing out the game with a 15-2 run. De’Aaron Fox (22 points, 5 assists) couldn’t get comfortable, and Domantas Sabonis (14 points, 11 rebounds) was neutralized by the Suns’ switching defense.
Semifinals Matchup: Suns vs. Lakers promises to be electric. These teams have playoff history, star power, and contrasting styles. The winner gets a trip to the NBA Cup championship game in Las Vegas.
Other Quarterfinal Results
Milwaukee Bucks 128, Indiana Pacers 119 Giannis Antetokounmpo (38 points, 15 rebounds) powered the Bucks past Indiana. Damian Lillard added 28 points, and Milwaukee’s elite offense proved too much for the Pacers’ defense. The Bucks advance to face the Boston Celtics in what should be an intense semifinal.
Boston Celtics 114, New York Knicks 107 Jayson Tatum (32 points, 9 rebounds) led Boston past rival New York in a physical, playoff-atmosphere game. The Knicks kept it close behind Jalen Brunson’s 29 points, but couldn’t overcome Boston’s superior three-point shooting (17/38 vs. 11/35).
Women’s College Basketball: LSU’s Historic Scoring Run
While the NBA Cup captured headlines, LSU women’s basketball continued one of college basketball’s most remarkable streaks: their 7th consecutive 100-point game.
The Lady Tigers defeated Southern University 117-67, showcasing an offensive system that’s averaging an absurd 108.3 points per game through their first 10 contests.
Why This Matters: LSU’s offense, led by star guard Flau’jae Johnson and forward Angel Reese, is rewriting what’s possible in women’s college basketball. They’re pushing tempo, taking high-percentage shots, and playing with a pace that overwhelms opponents.
If they maintain this scoring pace through conference play, they’ll shatter multiple SEC records and position themselves as national championship favorites.
Motorsports: F1 Qatar Sprint Shakes Up Championship Battle
Race Results: Losail International Circuit
1. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 27 laps 2. George Russell (Mercedes) – +2.047s 3. Lando Norris (McLaren) – +4.289s 4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +6.518s 5. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – +8.392s
Piastri’s Statement Victory
Australian driver Oscar Piastri delivered a masterful Sprint performance, leading from lights to flag and managing tire degradation perfectly in Qatar’s punishing heat.
What Made This Win Impressive:
Qualifying Execution: Piastri secured pole position with a blistering lap on Friday, beating teammate Lando Norris by 0.089 seconds—a statement that he wasn’t going to yield position easily.
Defending Under Pressure: George Russell applied intense pressure for the first 8 laps, staying within DRS range. Piastri never cracked, taking perfect lines through the high-speed corners and defending the inside line brilliantly into Turn 1 on multiple occasions.
Tire Management: While others struggled with front-left graining, Piastri preserved his tires early and had enough left for a strong final 5 laps when Russell’s challenge faded.
The McLaren Team Orders Question
The most controversial moment came on Lap 18 when Lando Norris—running in second place at the time—was told to let George Russell pass him without a fight.
What Happened: Norris clearly had better pace than Russell but was instructed not to engage in a wheel-to-wheel battle that might compromise both McLaren cars. The team prioritized securing maximum points (1st and 3rd) over fighting for 2nd place.
The Debate: This decision sparked immediate controversy:
Team Perspective: McLaren is fighting Ferrari for the Constructors’ Championship. Risking both cars in a battle with Russell made no sense—securing 1st and 3rd earned more team points.
Driver Perspective: Norris is in a tight battle with Verstappen for the Drivers’ Championship. Every point matters. Being ordered not to fight for 2nd place cost him 2 points that could prove crucial.
Fan Reaction: Social media erupted with “#TeamOrdersSuck” trending within minutes. F1 purists hate seeing racing compromised by team strategy, even when the logic is sound.
Championship Standings After Sprint
Drivers’ Championship (Top 5):
- Max Verstappen – 372 points
- Lando Norris – 347 points (-25)
- Charles Leclerc – 323 points (-49)
- Oscar Piastri – 283 points (-89)
- Carlos Sainz – 264 points (-108)
Constructors’ Championship:
- McLaren – 630 points
- Ferrari – 587 points (-43)
- Red Bull – 545 points (-85)
The Stakes: With three races remaining (Qatar GP tomorrow, Abu Dhabi double-header), Norris’s 25-point deficit to Verstappen is substantial but not insurmountable. However, he needs Verstappen to have problems—something that rarely happens.
McLaren’s Constructors’ battle with Ferrari is much closer. The 43-point gap can evaporate with one DNF or strategic mistake.
What’s Next: Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix
The main event happens tomorrow, with questions aplenty:
- Can Piastri convert Sprint pole into Grand Prix victory?
- Will McLaren continue prioritizing team results over Norris’s championship hopes?
- Can Ferrari’s race pace match McLaren’s qualifying speed?
- Will Red Bull’s struggles continue, or can Verstappen claw back performance?
International Soccer & Rugby Results
USWNT 3, Italy 0: Statement Victory
The United States Women’s National Team delivered a dominant performance against Italy in a friendly match at Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence.
Goal Scorers:
- Sophia Smith (12′, 67′)
- Trinity Rodman (45+2′)
What This Means: The USWNT is building momentum ahead of next summer’s major tournaments. The chemistry between Smith and Rodman—both young stars hitting their prime—looks increasingly dangerous. Italy, despite being the host and having passionate home support, couldn’t create sustained pressure.
Wales 19, Georgia 17: Tight Contest
In an international rugby union match, Wales narrowly defeated Georgia in a game much closer than expected.
Why This Matters: Georgia’s rugby program has improved dramatically over the past decade. Five years ago, Wales would have won this match by 30+ points. The fact that Georgia stayed competitive for 80 minutes demonstrates how the international rugby landscape is becoming more competitive.
For Wales, this narrow margin is concerning. They face tougher opponents in upcoming Six Nations matches and need to sharpen their execution.
Premier League Preview: Tottenham vs. Fulham
Looking ahead to this weekend’s action, Sunday’s match between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham (12:30 PM GMT, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium) carries significant implications for both clubs.
Tottenham’s Situation (5th place, 23 points): Spurs are in the hunt for Champions League qualification but have been frustratingly inconsistent. They need to start stringing together wins, especially home victories against mid-table opponents.
Fulham’s Situation (10th place, 18 points): Marco Silva’s side has been the league’s surprise package—solid defensively, dangerous on counterattacks, and capable of taking points anywhere. A result at Tottenham would cement their status as more than just relegation survivors.
Key Matchup: Tottenham’s high defensive line vs. Fulham’s pacey attackers (particularly Willian and Andreas Pereira). If Fulham can exploit space in behind, this could be a long afternoon for Spurs’ defense.
Winter Sports: Biathlon World Cup Begins
Östersund Season Opener
The 2024-25 Biathlon World Cup season kicked off in Östersund, Sweden, with the men’s and women’s 20km individual races.
Men’s Results:
- Johannes Thingnes Bø (Norway) – Clean shooting, dominant skiing
- Sturla Holm Lægreid (Norway) – One penalty, strong finish
- Émilien Jacquelin (France) – Two penalties, excellent recovery
Women’s Results:
- Elvira Öberg (Sweden) – Clean shooting, home victory
- Lisa Vittozzi (Italy) – One penalty, pushed hard on final lap
- Julia Simon (France) – One penalty, solid season start
Why This Matters: Biathlon is Europe’s most-watched winter sport, combining cross-country skiing with precision shooting. The season opener sets the tone for the next four months of competition leading to the World Championships in Lenzerheide, Switzerland.
Johannes Thingnes Bø’s clean shooting performance (20/20 targets) demonstrates he’s returning to the form that made him the sport’s dominant figure. Elvira Öberg’s home victory energizes the Swedish team heading into a season where they hope to challenge Norwegian supremacy.
Quick Summary: The Day’s Top Headlines
Cricket:
- Virat Kohli scored his 83rd international century (135 runs) in India’s series-opening victory over South Africa
- The innings marked the 7,000th century in men’s international cricket history
- Rohit Sharma’s bail-flip celebration went viral
NFL:
- Chicago Bears stunned Philadelphia Eagles 27-17 on Black Friday
- “Fire Kevin” chants emerged from frustrated Eagles fans
- Frank Ragnow (Detroit Lions) suffered an MCL sprain, out 3-4 weeks
College Football:
- Michigan dominated Ohio State 27-9 in The Game, likely eliminating OSU from playoff contention
- Texas A&M upset Texas 34-31 in overtime, throwing SEC race into chaos
- Georgia defeated Georgia Tech 34-14 as expected
Basketball:
- Lakers beat Mavericks 106-103 in NBA Cup quarterfinals (Anthony Davis: dominant fourth quarter)
- Suns defeated Kings 112-100, advance to face Lakers in semifinals
- Bucks and Celtics also advanced, setting up Milwaukee-Boston semifinal
- LSU women logged their 7th consecutive 100-point game
Motorsports:
- Oscar Piastri won the F1 Qatar Sprint race
- McLaren team orders controversy as Norris was told not to fight Russell
- Championship battle intensifies with three races remaining
Other Sports:
- USWNT defeated Italy 3-0 in international friendly
- Wales narrowly beat Georgia 19-17 in rugby union
- Biathlon World Cup season opened in Östersund, Sweden
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Virat Kohli’s century break any records?
Kohli’s 83rd international century ties him for second place all-time with Australian legend Ricky Ponting. Only Sachin Tendulkar (100 centuries) has more. Additionally, this specific century was the 7,000th in men’s international cricket history—a remarkable statistical coincidence that adds historical weight to the achievement.
Why were Eagles fans chanting “Fire Kevin”?
The chants reference Eagles offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo, whose play-calling has come under intense scrutiny during Philadelphia’s recent struggles. The Eagles have lost 3 of their last 4 games, and the offense has looked increasingly predictable. When teams neutralize Philadelphia’s run game, they have no effective counter-strategy. Fans blame Patullo’s scheme and adjustments (or lack thereof).
What happens if the Lakers and Suns both win their semifinals?
They’ll face each other in the NBA Cup championship game on December 9th in Las Vegas. The winner receives a trophy, significant prize money ($500,000 per player), and bragging rights. While this tournament is still building prestige, winning it represents real accomplishment—especially with the single-elimination format creating genuine stakes.
How realistic is Lando Norris’s championship challenge?
Mathematically possible but highly unlikely. Norris trails Verstappen by 25 points with three races remaining (75 points available). He needs Verstappen to have problems—mechanical failures, accidents, or disqualifications—while he himself wins races. Given Verstappen’s consistency and Red Bull’s reliability, a Norris championship would require extraordinary circumstances. Most analysts give him less than 10% probability.
When does the College Football Playoff selection happen?
The final College Football Playoff rankings will be revealed on Selection Sunday, December 3rd. The committee will determine which four teams earn playoff spots and their seeding. After today’s results, the likely field includes: Michigan, Georgia, Alabama/Texas A&M (depending on SEC Championship), and one of Washington/Oregon/Ohio State (depending on Pac-12 results and final rankings).
Conclusion: A Day That Reminded Us Why We Love Sports
November 29, 2024 delivered exactly what makes sports compelling: unpredictability wrapped in human drama, legacy-defining performances next to shocking upsets, and enough storylines to fuel debates for weeks.
Virat Kohli reminded us that champions aren’t finished until they decide they’re finished. The Chicago Bears proved that any team, on any day, can rise up and shock the world. The Lakers showed why playoff experience matters when games turn into street fights. And Oscar Piastri announced that Formula 1’s next generation isn’t waiting for permission to win.
What’s coming next:
- Cricket: India-South Africa ODI series continues December 1st
- NFL: Week 14 begins Thursday with critical playoff-race matchups
- NBA Cup: Semifinals December 5th (Lakers-Suns, Bucks-Celtics)
- Formula 1: Qatar Grand Prix tomorrow (November 30th), followed by Abu Dhabi finale
- College Football: Conference championship games December 2nd, Selection Sunday December 3rd
Tomorrow’s headlines are already being written. The question is: which story will define your weekend?
What was your biggest takeaway from today’s action? Let us know in the comments.

















