New Delhi, March 20 -- The Indian stock market benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are likely to open higher on Friday amid mixed cues from global markets, and as investors may opt for short-covering after a sharp slump in the previous session.

The trends on Gift Nifty also indicate a positive start for the Indian benchmark index. The Gift Nifty was trading around 23,250 level, a premium of nearly 195 points from the Nifty futures' previous close.

On Thursday, the Indian stock market crashed, snapping its three-day streak of impressive gains, with the benchmark Nifty 50 slipping near 23,000 level.

The Sensex tanked 2,496.89 points, or 3.26%, to close at 74,207.24, while the Nifty 50 settled 775.65 points, or 3.26%, lower at 23,002....