Category: Sports

Pacers help Pakistan take control as South Africa lose three wickets in 148-run chase

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PRETORIA: Rattled by Marco Jansen’s onslaught, Pakistan posted a 148-run target but managed to make a comeback when South Africa came to bat by dismissing three batters early on in the innings ahead of stumps on the third day of the first Test at the SuperSport Park, Centurion on Saturday. The fiery duo of Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad struck early in the innings and put the home side under immense pressure. The former removed opener Tony de Zorri, and the latter dismissed his replacement, Ryan Rickelton. Abbas struck again…

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Markram gives lead to South Africa as hosts reach 180-5 at lunch

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Aiden Markram was 19 runs short of a test century at lunch on Friday as South Africa reached 180-5 on the second day of the first test in reply to Pakistan’s first innings total of 211. Markram has been under pressure after a series of low scores for South Africa but showed his value to the team with chanceless knock that left South Africa 31 runs in arrears with five wickets in hand at Centurion. He will resume on 81 with Kyle Verreynne (0 not out) after lunch, looking to…

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South Africa win toss, decide to field first in final ODI against Pakistan

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South Africa on Sunday sent Pakistan into bat after winning the toss in the third and final one-day international (ODI) at Wanderers Stadium, Sandton. Earlier in the day, the Green Shirts, who lead the three-match series 2-0, made the changes to their lineup as middle-order batter Tayyab Tahir, pacer Mohammad Hasnain and emerging uncapped left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem replaced Muhammad Irfan Khan, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed, respectively. Left-arm spinner earned his place in the lineup on the back of stellar performances in the recently-held T20I series against Zimbabwe, the…

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Usyk defeats Fury in rematch for heavyweight championship

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RIYADH: Oleksandr Usyk won his heavyweight championship rematch against Tyson Fury by unanimous decision overnight on Saturday to stay unbeaten across two divisions and cement his place among the greats. The Ukrainian, who forced the pace and repeatedly tagged Fury with his accurate left hook, was awarded the fight 116-112 by all three judges, handing Fury his second straight loss. Usyk’s win takes him to 23-0 with 14 knockouts and extends one of the all-time best careers that includes Olympic gold and undisputed champion at cruiserweight. “He’s a great fighter,…

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Champions Trophy: Decision on neutral venue coming today, says PCB chairman

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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has announced that a decision about the neutral venue which will host Indian team’s matches will be made today (Sunday), assuring that the board won’t let cricket to be affected. The PCB chief’s comments come a couple of days after the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that its Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 would be held under a hybrid model, with India set to play their matches at a neutral venue rather than in the host country, Pakistan. “India and Pakistan matches hosted by…

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Pakistan’s tennis prodigy Hassan Usmani shines in Saudi Arabia

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Pakistan’s tennis prodigy Muhammad Hassan Usmani has made the country proud by winning singles and doubles titles at the ATF U14 Jeddah organised by Saudi Tennis Federation. The championship saw an unforgettable moment as none other than the legendary Rafael Nadal graced the event as the chief guest, presenting the trophies to the young prodigy. In a commanding display of skill and determination, Usmani defeated top-seeded Suleyman Hudayberdiyev of Turkmenistan 6-3, 6-1 to claim the singles title. Pakistan’s Muhammad Hassan Usmani poses for a photo with trophies after winning singles…

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Time for next generation to take baton: Amir re-retires from int’l cricket

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Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Amir on Thursday announced his decision to retire from international cricket. Taking to his X account, Amir said: “After careful consideration, I have taken the difficult decision to retire from international cricket”. The left-arm pacer in March had taken back his retirement — announced back in 2020 — following positive discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He then went on to become part of Pakistan’s 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 in the United States and West Indies — also his final appearance…

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Shaheen Afridi becomes first Pakistani to take 100 wickets in all three formats

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KARACHI: Pakistan star pacer Shaheen Afridi added another milestone to his illustrious career, becoming the first Pakistani bowler to take 100 wickets in each of cricket’s three international formats. Afridi reached the landmark during the first T20 international against South Africa on Tuesday when he completed his 100 T20I wickets. The 24-year-old achieved this feat in just his 74th T20I match, making him the second-fastest Pakistani to claim 100 T20I wickets after Haris Rauf, who accomplished the milestone in 71 games. Afridi also joined an exclusive club of cricketers, becoming…

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Australia outclass India, bag 10-wicket win in second Test

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Australia made a strong comeback in the five-match Test series against India by securing a 10-wicket win against the visitors in the day-night second Test on Sunday. The hosts, sealed victory in the first session on day three of the contest to maintain their perfect pink-ball record at Adelaide Oval and level the series 1-1 after needing just 19 to win after bowling out India for 175 in their second innings. Skipper Pat Cummins led by example, claiming 5-57 to help Australia bounce back from their comprehensive defeat in the series opener…

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Pakistan, India ‘inch closer to hybrid model’ for ICC tournaments including Champions Trophy

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KARACHI: Pakistan and India have reportedly agreed on adopting a “hybrid model” which would enable both sides to play their matches at neutral venues for the International Cricket Council’s forthcoming tournaments, including Champions Trophy set to be hosted by Pakistan in February 2025, sources and reports revealed on Thursday. The Pakistan Cricket Board had suggested a “fusion formula” for hybrid model, in which India’s matches in Pakistan-hosted ICC Champions Trophy would be shifted to a neutral venue. In return, Pakistan demanded the same arrangement for ICC events in India. After much…

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