Category: Sports

Ground staff at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium are preparing a spin-friendly pitch for the second Test between Pakistan and South Africa, reports said Thursday.

According to reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) pitch in-charge has spent the past three days working on the surface, saying the pitch would help spinner more than before and make the match more competitive.

Undated pictures flooding the social media also showed huge industrial fans drying the pitch, which, according to experts, will make it more conducive to spin bowling.

PCB Director of High Performance Aaqib Javed will visit Rawalpindi on Friday to inspect the pitch and review other arrangements.

Both teams will arrive in Islamabad Friday and start training before the second Test.

The second Test of the series will begin on October 20 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, and fans are eagerly waiting for the action.

Pakistan defeated South Africa by 93 runs at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday, taking a 1–0 lead in the two-match series. The visitors were bowled out for 183 while chasing 277 on the fourth day.

South Africa began the day with Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi at the crease, but Shaheen Shah Afridi struck early, removing de Zorzi for a duck. Tristan Stubbs soon followed, dismissed by Noman Ali for 23, leaving the visitors struggling at 55 for 3.

Pakistan’s bowlers dominated the innings. Shaheen Afridi and Noman Ali claimed four wickets each, while Sajid Khan took the remaining two to seal a convincing win.

Noman Ali emerged as the star of the match, taking 10 wickets in total — six in the first innings and four in the second.

Earlier, Pakistan had secured a 109-run lead after dismissing South Africa for 269 in reply to their first-innings total of 378. In the second innings, Pakistan scored 167, setting a target of 277.

South Africa reached 51 for 2 by stumps on the third day, but Pakistan wrapped up the remaining wickets quickly on the fourth morning to start their World Test Championship campaign in dominant fashion.

Australian swimming champion and four-time Olympic gold medallist Ariarne Titmus has shocked fans by announcing her sudden retirement at the age of 25.

According to reports, Titmus decided to retire immediately, ending an 18-year swimming career. She made the announcement on social media, saying she had dedicated 10 years to representing her country and that although the decision was difficult, she felt at peace with it.

“I have always loved swimming, but there comes a time when you start seeing life beyond it,” she said. “The fear of cancer was a turning point for me, and it affected me mentally.”

Earlier this year, Titmus underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumour just before the Paris Olympics.

Titmus made history as the first Australian swimmer since 1964 to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the same event. At the Paris Olympics, she defeated two former world record holders to win gold in the 400m freestyle.

Over her career, Titmus earned eight Olympic medals across the Tokyo and Paris Games. She also holds world records in both the 200m and 400m freestyle events.

The lineup for the 2026 T20 World Cup is almost complete as Oman and Nepal secured their spots in the tournament after dominating the Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier. 

Both teams finished among the top two sides in the Super Six stage, confirming their qualification for next year’s event in India and Sri Lanka.

Nepal, led by Rohit Paudel, continued its outstanding form by winning four consecutive matches in the Super Six. Their unbeaten run placed them at the top of the points table with eight points, guaranteeing a top-three finish. Oman followed closely behind, matching Nepal’s record but trailing slightly on net run rate.

The two teams had already sealed their World Cup berths before their final Super Six clash in Al Amerat. Earlier in the day, UAE’s 77-run win over Samoa ensured that both Oman and Nepal could not be overtaken in the standings.

UAE now sits on the third spot with four points and will face Japan in a crucial fixture on October 16, as they fight for the last qualifying spot from the region.

With Oman and Nepal joining the list, 19 out of 20 teams have confirmed their places for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

2026 T20 World Cup qualified teams

India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, United States, West Indies, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Canada, Italy, Netherlands, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Nepal, and Oman.

Italy sent Israel crashing out of the FIFA World Cup race on Wednesday with a convincing 3-0 win in Udine, with Mateo Retegui scoringb twice, while Gianluca Mancini added a late third to seal the home side’s spot in the playoffs.

The win meant Italy stayed in second place in Group I with 15 points, three behind leaders Norway, while Israel’s campaign ended with no chance to qualify. But while the players did their job on the field, football fans turned social media into a comedy arena, thanking the victors for defeating the genocidal country. 

One user wrote, “Thank you Italy ”, while another couldn’t resist the puns, saying, “Even the Iron Dome couldn’t stop Italy’s firepower .”

Another fan declared, “The Romans did it again,” comparing Italy’s win to ancient battles. One user said, “Italy saved football once again ,” while another joked, “The elimination from the World Cup was promised to them 3000 years ago .”

“Should have never been allowed to play. But well done! ❤” wrote one viewer, while another proudly claimed, “Italy are the saviors of the World Cup.”

Social media was flooded with memes, jokes, and celebrations as Italian fans rejoiced over their team’s big win and the end of Israel’s qualification hopes.

The win comes on the heels of an intense campaign to get FIFA to ban Israel from playing as the genocide in Gaza continued. 

Italy now turn their focus to Moldova and Norway in their final two group games, hoping to secure a direct ticket to the World Cup, but for now, fans are simply saying: Grazie, Italia!

Pakistan on Wednesday defeated South Africa by 93 runs at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, taking a 1–0 lead in the two-match Test series. The visitors were bowled out for 183 while chasing 277 on the fourth day.

South Africa began the day with Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi at the crease, but Shaheen Shah Afridi struck early, removing de Zorzi for a duck. Tristan Stubbs followed soon after, dismissed by Noman Ali for 23, leaving the visitors struggling at 55 for 3.

Pakistan’s bowlers maintained control throughout the innings. Shaheen Afridi and Noman Ali claimed four wickets each, while Sajid Khan picked up the remaining two to seal a comprehensive victory.

Noman Ali was the star of the match, finishing with 10 wickets, six in the first innings and four in the second.

Earlier, Pakistan had taken a 109-run lead after bowling South Africa out for 269 in reply to their 378. In the second innings, the hosts managed 167, setting a target of 277.

South Africa reached 51 for 2 by stumps on the third day, but Pakistan wrapped up the remaining wickets swiftly on the fourth morning to secure a dominant win and start their World Test Championship campaign on a high.

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has voiced his frustration after being left out of India’s white-ball squad for the upcoming tour of Australia, indirectly criticising the national selectors. 

Speaking to reporters ahead of Bengal’s Ranji Trophy opener against Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens, Shami said his participation in domestic cricket proves his fitness.

“I have said this before.  Selection is not in my hands. If there is a fitness issue, I shouldn’t be here playing for Bengal,” Shami said. “I think I do not need to speak on this and create a controversy. If I can play four-dayers (Ranji Trophy), I can also play 50-overs cricket.”

The 35-year-old pacer, who played a key role in India’s Champions Trophy win earlier this year as joint-highest wicket-taker alongside Varun Chakravarthy, has been recovering from ankle and knee surgeries since the 2023 ODI World Cup. Despite taking 24 wickets in just seven matches during that tournament, Shami has not featured in India’s Test or limited-overs squads in recent months.

Selector chairman Ajit Agarkar earlier said there was “no update” on Shami’s fitness when announcing the squad for the Australia series. Responding to that, Shami clarified that he has completed his rehabilitation and is match-fit.

“My job is to go to the NCA, prepare and play matches. That’s their matter who gives them updates or not. It’s not my responsibility,” he said.

Shami added that he has already returned to competitive cricket through the Duleep Trophy for East Zone this season. “I always say that you should select the best for your country. It’s a matter of the country. The country should win. We should all be happy. That’s what I always say,” he remarked.

He further said that he is ready whenever the selectors need him. “Keep fighting, keep playing games. If you perform well, it will benefit you as well. Selection is not in my hands. I can only prepare and play matches. I have no objection… If you don’t select me, I will come here and play for Bengal. I have no issue with it.”

“I also don’t want to play in pain or make the team suffer. I wanted to come back after the operation and make a strong comeback. I am trying to do the same. I am ready to go whenever they (selectors) want me to go,” he added.

While acknowledging that team dynamics are changing and younger players are getting more chances, Shami said consistency is hard to maintain in cricket and that domestic cricket remains the true test of a player’s ability.

“In the old days, Ranji Trophy was a big level for anyone. But today, we have a platform, and you think it’s an ‘insult’ to go back to play first-class cricket like Ranji Trophy. I don’t think so. You should play four-day cricket,” he said.

Shami, who last played for India in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023, said he remains focused on performance rather than explanations. “I just want to keep performing and stay ready for an opportunity, whenever it comes,” he said.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has rejected Israel’s appeal against Indonesia’s decision to bar its athletes from the upcoming World Gymnastics Championship, supporting the Southeast Asian nation’s stance over the Gaza genocide.

According to reports, Indonesia took a firm stand by refusing to allow Israeli athletes to participate in the World Gymnastics Championship, which will take place in the country from October 19 to 25.

The Indonesian government stated that it could not welcome athletes from a country responsible for the oppression of the Palestinian people. Officials explained that Indonesia would not provide a platform to any nation involved in acts that violate human rights.

Israel responded by filing a case with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, demanding that Indonesia be ordered to issue visas to its athletes or that the championship be relocated to another country.

However, CAS dismissed Israel’s requests, which sought either participation guarantees or the cancellation and relocation of the event. The court stated that international federations do not have the authority to pressure a sovereign nation into issuing visas.

More than 500 athletes from 79 countries are participating in the World Gymnastics Championship. This is not the first time Israel has faced restrictions in Indonesia. In 2023, Indonesia gave up hosting the ANOC Beach Games due to a dispute over Israel’s participation.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has pledged to rebuild every football facility in Gaza, all of which had been destroyed during Israel’s years-long offensive.

Infantino made the announcement while attending the international summit for Gaza peace in Egypt following last weekend’s ceasefire in the troubled region.

The summit, co-chaired by United States (US) President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, aimed to support the newly established ceasefire after the two-year offensive, and lay the groundwork for long-term stability and reconstruction in Gaza.

The event gathered leaders from around the globe, including Pakistan, the Arab world and Europe, besides United Nations (UN) chief Antonio Guterres among others.

Infantino’s appearance stood out as one of the most notable moments of the event, marking a rare instance where a sports leader took part in a high-level political summit.

“Well, football’s role has to be to support, has to be to unite, has to be to give hope in the region,” Infantino said. “In Gaza, in Palestine, we will, of course, help to rebuild all the football facilities.

“We will help to bring football back together with the Palestinian Football Association in every corner of the country,” he said, adding that FIFA would bring footballs, build pitches, bring instructors and help organise competitions.

“We will launch a fund to help rebuild football infrastructure in Palestine,” he added.

Infantino also said that FIFA had already contributed through its mini-pitches and the FIFA Arena programme. “We want the whole world to contribute because football brings hope to children, it’s very, very important,” he noted.

He also praised what he called the “critical leadership” of President Trump, according to FIFA’s statement.

It merits a mention that FIFA has been under pressure to take action over the war in Gaza, with Palestinian officials demanding that Israel be suspended from international football.

Last week, Amnesty International also urged FIFA and UEFA to suspend the Israel Football Association. The issue remains under review with Infantino stressing that such decisions must involve coordination with confederations and be handled carefully.

A day earlier, FIFA vice president Victor Montagliani said that decisions regarding Israel’s participation in European competitions, including World Cup qualifiers, fall under UEFA’s jurisdiction.

Bangladesh pacer Marufa Akter broke down in tears as she recalled the hardships her family faced before she became a national star. 

In a documentary aired by the ICC ahead of Bangladesh’s clash against New Zealand in Guwahati, the 20-year-old shared how her family was once shunned by their village.

“They wouldn’t invite us to various gatherings, saying we didn’t have proper clothes. If we go there, we’ll lose our respect, that’s what they used to say… there was a time when we couldn’t even afford new clothes for Eid,” she said.

Marufa, who hails from a farming background, revealed that she used to plough fields alongside her father on leased land during the COVID-19 pandemic. “My father is a farmer. We didn’t have much money, and even the people in the village where I grew up weren’t very supportive,” she said.

Despite the struggles, Marufa’s rise has been remarkable. She has emerged as Bangladesh’s standout bowler, taking five wickets in three games at an economy rate of 6.15. Her impressive in-swingers that dismissed Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin made headlines and cemented her position as a key player in the team.

“Actually, the position we are in now, others aren’t quite there. The way I support my family, perhaps many boys can’t do the same. That gives me a special kind of peace. As a child, I used to wonder when people would look at us with admiration and applaud. Now, when I see myself on TV, I feel shy,” she added.

Since joining the national side after the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in 2023, Marufa has made her mark in both formats. 

In 29 ODIs, she has taken 25 wickets, including a four-wicket haul against India in July 2023. In T20Is, she has claimed 20 wickets in 30 matches, with a standout three-wicket performance against Sri Lanka.

Pakistan struggled with the bat on the third day of the Lahore Test, getting bowled out for just 167 runs in their second innings against South Africa.

Opener Imam-ul-Haq, who scored 93 in the first innings, fell early this time. He tried to step out and defend Simon Harmer but missed the ball and was bowled. Captain Shan Masood, who made 76 in the first innings, could only add 7 runs before being dismissed.

Pakistan lost their third wicket at 64 when Abdullah Shafique departed for 41. Babar Azam followed soon after, scoring 42 before being caught. Saud Shakeel, who looked steady, also fell for 38 after playing a mis-timed shot that was caught near the boundary with the team total at 150.

After his dismissal, Pakistan’s batting collapsed at a fast pace. Mohammad Rizwan was bowled for 14, while Shaheen Afridi went for a duck at 151. Agha Salman made 4, Noman Ali scored 11, and Sajid Khan managed just 1 run as the hosts were bundled out for 167.

Pakistan lost the last six wickets for just 17 runs.

South Africa now need 277 runs to win the Lahore Test and take the lead in the series.