Author: A Sports

ADELAIDE: David Warner’s valiant unbeaten half-century went in vain as Adelaide Strikers edged out Sydney Thunder by six runs in a tense Big Bash League (BBL) 15 encounter at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday, ending the visitors’  playoff hopes.

After winning the toss, Warner opted to field, a decision that initially paid dividends as Sydney Thunder struck early to leave the Strikers wobbling at 19-2 inside the first two overs.

However, wicketkeeper-batter Mackenzie Harvey and Jason Sangha steadied the innings with a crucial 68-run stand for the third wicket.

Sangha was the first to depart after scoring 31 off 23 deliveries, while Harvey followed soon after with a composed 38 off 34 balls.

From there, Liam Scott anchored the lower-middle order with an unbeaten 49 off 32 balls, striking seven boundaries to lift Adelaide Strikers to a competitive 165-8 in their 20 overs.

Wes Agar was the standout bowler for Thunder with three wickets, while Nathan McAndrew picked up two.

Chasing 166, Sydney Thunder got off to a promising start through a fluent 73-run opening partnership between David Warner and Matthew Gilkes.

The stand was broken by Jamie Overton, who dismissed Gilkes for 43 off 33 balls, an innings laced with four fours and two sixes.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Warner continued to battle at one end but found limited support as wickets fell regularly.

Nic Maddinson provided a brief spark with a brisk 21 off 14 balls before becoming Overton’s second victim.

With 44 required off the final four overs, Thunder remained in the hunt, largely due to Warner’s presence at the crease.

The equation came down to 13 runs off the final over, bowled by Luke Wood, but he restricted Thunder to just six runs.

Warner finished unbeaten on 67 off 51 balls, including eight boundaries and a six, but it was not enough to drag his side over the line.

Jamie Overton was named Player of the Match for his decisive three-wicket haul, while Lloyd Pope chipped in with two scalps.

The defeat leaves Sydney Thunder rooted to the bottom of the BBL 15 standings with just one win from seven matches.

Adelaide Strikers, meanwhile, climbed to fifth place with three victories from six games, keeping their playoff ambitions alive.

READ: Key player returns as Sri Lanka name squad for Pakistan T20Is

Cricketers of Pakistan origin or holding green passports could face significant hurdles in securing visas to India for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, sources revealed on Tuesday.

The T20 World Cup will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan scheduled to play all its matches in Sri Lanka under the tournament’s hybrid model.

However, several associate nation teams, including Italy, Oman, UAE, Canada, and the USA, have players of Pakistani descent or dual nationality, and these players are reportedly encountering difficulties in the visa application process for travel to India.

According to sources, the cricket boards of these five nations have formally approached the International Cricket Council (ICC) for guidance, but have received neither a response nor any assurance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The situation has raised concerns among the associate boards, who fear that players with Pakistani passports or heritage may face restrictions or delays, potentially affecting team selection and preparation.

Historically, cricketers of Pakistani origin have encountered similar visa challenges, adding to the apprehension ahead of the 2026 tournament.

Officials from the concerned boards have initiated internal consultations and raised the issue collectively, emphasising the need for clarity. “Despite contacting the ICC, no guarantees have been provided so far,” sources said.

With the tournament just weeks away, uncertainty remains over whether these players will be able to participate in matches held in India.

READ: Steve Smith shatters multiple records with Sydney Ashes century

SYDNEY: Australia’s modern-day great Steve Smith produced another masterclass at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), breaking multiple records with an unbeaten century in the fifth Ashes Test against England.

Leading the side in Pat Cummins’ absence, Smith struck his first hundred of the series and remained unbeaten on 129 at stumps on day three, guiding Australia to 518 for 7 in reply to England’s 384.

The hosts ended the day with a commanding 134-run lead as Smith once again dictated terms in cricket’s oldest rivalry.

With this knock, Smith moved past England legend Jack Hobbs to become the second-highest run-scorer in Ashes history, taking his tally to 3682 runs, now trailing only Sir Don Bradman’s seemingly untouchable mark of 5028.

Most Runs in Ashes History

• Don Bradman (AUS) – 5028 runs in 37 matches

• Steve Smith (AUS) – 3682* runs in 41* matches

• Jack Hobbs (ENG) – 3636 runs in 41 matches

• Alan Border (AUS) – 3222 runs in 42 matches

• Steve Waugh (AUS) – 3173 runs in 45 matches

It also lifted him to second place on the list of most Ashes centuries, with 13 hundreds, again behind only Bradman, who scored 19.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The century was Smith’s 18th as captain, six of which have come against England, the most by any skipper against a single opponent.

Most Ashes Hundreds

• Don Bradman (AUS) – 19

• Steve Smith (AUS) – 13

• Jack Hobbs (ENG) – 12

• Steve Waugh (AUS) – 10

• Wally Hammond & David Gower (ENG) – 9

Smith’s run aggregate against England across formats now stands at 5085, placing him behind only Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli on the list of most international runs scored against a single opponent.

Additionally, Smith has now amassed 1225 runs at the SCG at an average of just over 72, including five centuries, figures surpassed only by former Australia captain Ricky Ponting.

Moreover, Smith also moved past Rahul Dravid to climb to seventh on the all-time list of Test centuries and is now just one hundred shy of equalling Kumar Sangakkara.

Most Test Hundreds

• Sachin Tendulkar (IND) – 51

• Jacques Kallis (SA) – 45

• Ricky Ponting (AUS)/Joe Root (ENG) – 41

• Kumar Sangakkara (SL) – 38

• Steve Smith (AUS) – 37

• Rahul Dravid (IND) – 36

READ: PCB unveils fourth qualified bidder for PSL 11 auction

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced the fourth qualified bidder for the auction of two new Pakistan Super League (PSL) teams ahead of season 11.

The development was shared through the PSL’s official social media platforms, where Jazz was confirmed as the fourth bidder to clear the qualification process.

The auction becomes more exciting 🔥@jazzpk confirmed as Bidder #4⃣ out of 🔟 for the HBL PSL Teams Auction.
🗓️ 8 January 2026#HBLPSL | #NewEra pic.twitter.com/WJFSsVbRgN

— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) January 6, 2026

The telecom giant, Jazz, joins Inverex Solar Energy, OZ Group of Companies and VGO TEL Mobile, who were previously revealed as the first three qualified bidders for the PSL auction.

The much-anticipated auction for the two new teams is scheduled to take place on Thursday at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.

The upcoming edition of the PSL is set to be held from March 26 to May 3.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

As part of the league’s expansion from six to eight teams, the PCB has been conducting technical and financial evaluations of proposals submitted by interested groups.

The process aims to ensure long-term stability and commercial strength as the league enters a new phase.

Successful bidders will also be granted the right to select a home city from a PCB-approved list, which includes Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad and Gilgit.

Adding further significance to the event, legendary former Pakistan captain and brand ambassador for PSL 11, Wasim Akram, will oversee the auction proceedings.

READ: PCB reveals first three qualified bidders for PSL 11 auction

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday took another step towards expanding the Pakistan Super League (PSL) by unveiling the first three qualified bidders for the auction of two new teams ahead of season 11.

The board confirmed the development through a series of announcements on the league’s official social media platforms, revealing three names from a pool of ten parties that have cleared the initial qualification process.

Inverex Solar Energy were announced as the first qualified bidder, followed by OZ Group of Companies and VGO TEL Mobile.

The much-anticipated auction for the two new teams is scheduled to take place on Thursday at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.

The upcoming edition of the PSL is set to be held from March 26 to May 3.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

As part of the league’s expansion from six to eight teams, the PCB has been conducting technical and financial evaluations of proposals submitted by interested groups.

The process aims to ensure long-term stability and commercial strength as the league enters a new phase.

Successful bidders will also be granted the right to select a home city from a PCB-approved list, which includes Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad and Gilgit.

Adding further significance to the event, legendary former Pakistan captain and brand ambassador for PSL 11, Wasim Akram, will oversee the auction proceedings.

READ: Wasim Akram names Pakistan’s surprise package for T20 World Cup

LAHORE: Ace pacer Shaheen Afridi has started his rehabilitation programme here at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) after suffering a knee injury during the Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

Shaheen was ruled out of BBL 15 after a knee injury sustained on Saturday, 27 December, during Brisbane Heat’s clash against Adelaide Strikers.

The left-arm pacer limped off while pointing to his right knee during the 14th over.

Eventually, he was ruled out and thanked fans for supporting him through his short stint.

“I’m massively thankful to the Brisbane Heat team and fans for showering me with immense love and support,” he wrote on his X post.

“Due to an unexpected injury, I have been called back by the PCB and will have to take a rehab. Hopefully, I will be back in the fields soon. Meanwhile, I will be cheering for the amazing team.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

According to reports, Afridi’s rehabilitation programme will also include regular assessments to monitor his recovery and ensure he regains full fitness ahead of the mega event.

For those unaware, Shaheen, along with Babar Azam, was not included in the squad for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka due to their commitment to the BBL 15.

It is pertinent to mention that the severity of Shaheen’s injury could potentially hinder his participation in the T20 World Cup 2026, which will commence on 7 February.

Earlier today, Brisbane Heat announced pacer Zaman Khan as Shaheen’s replacement.

The 24-year-old right-arm pacer has received clearance from the BBL Technical Committee and is set to be available for the Heat’s fixture against Sydney Thunder at the Gabba on Saturday.

The match will see Zaman come up against his former franchise, having previously represented the Thunder during BBL 13.

Known for his distinctive slingy action and effectiveness at the death, Zaman featured in four matches for Sydney Thunder, claiming eight wickets at an impressive average of 16.38.

Brisbane Heat head coach Johan Botha expressed confidence that Zaman’s inclusion would add a cutting edge to the bowling unit as the tournament reaches a crucial phase.

“He’s a genuine wicket-taker up front, but he can also control an over with his variations and pace,” Botha said.

“He complements our attack nicely and gives us additional options in the key bowling periods. Zaman was a handful when he first came on the scene and has continued to evolve his game,” he concluded.

READ: Wasim Akram names Pakistan’s surprise package for T20 World Cup

DUBAI: Fast bowler Naseem Shah has been fined 10 per cent of match fee during the International League T20 (ILT20) final played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) on January 4.

According to a press release on the ILT20 website, Shah was found to have breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the final between Desert Vipers and MI Emirates.

The article relates to the use of language, actions, or gestures that could disparage or provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter following their dismissal.

“Shah was found to have breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to the use of language, actions or gestures that could disparage or provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter following their dismissal,” the press release stated.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by International League T20 (@ilt20official)

The incident happened during the 11th over of the match when Naseem bowled a delivery that Pollard defended.

Naseem picked up the ball and smiled at Pollard, who responded aggressively, prompting a verbal exchange between the two players.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Pollard appeared visibly angry while exchanging words with the right-handed pacer.

The umpires, along with Vipers batter Jason Roy, intervened to break up the confrontation. Naseem was also seen firing back, leaving both players visibly upset.

However, Naseem got his revenge in the first delivery of the 16th over, dismissing Pollard, who had scored a run-a-ball 28.

The sanction was imposed by Match Referee Simon Taufel.

Nonetheless, Desert Vipers clinched their maiden ILT20 title after skittling MI Emirates for 136 in 18.3 overs.

Naseem Shah starred with the ball as he picked three wickets in his quota of four overs.

Earlier, put into bat first, Desert Vipers managed to score 182-4 in their 20 overs, courtesy of skipper Tom Curran’s 74 from 51 balls that not only lifted them out of trouble but helped them set a winning total.

READ: Wasim Akram names Pakistan’s surprise package for T20 World Cup

SYLHET: Adam Rossington’s 58 from 41 and Hasan Nawaz’s 46 off 38 lifted Chattogram Royals to a competitive total against Rangpur Riders in the 14th fixture of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-2026.

Put into bat first, Royals racked up 169 for 5 at the end of their allotted 20 overs.

The opening wicket partnership added 22 in 3.4 overs before Mustafizur Rahman trapped Mohammad Naim lbw for 16.

Meanwhile, Rossington, fresh from a half-century in the previous outing, continued his fine form. The right-handed batter first added 26 with Mahmudul Hasan Joy for the second wicket, which brought the score to 48 in 5.5 overs.

Joy stay was cut short as he made 12 from seven balls.

Watch BPL 2026 matches LIVE Here!

However, the highlight of the Royal innings was Hasan Nawaz’s and Adam Rossington’s partnership of 82 runs for the third wicket.

The pair batted briskly and propelled the score to 130 in 16 overs.

With the Royals cruising towards a big total, Rangpur Riders managed to hold things back with three wickets in quick succession.

Rossington, Hasan, who played his first game of the tournament after representing Desert Vipers inthe ILT20 final yesterday, and Asif Ali (1) were removed in a span of three overs.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

As a result, the Royals slumped to 136-5 from 130-2 before Aamer Jamal and the skipper’s vital runs took their score to over the 150-run mark.

For Rangpur Riders, Mustafizur Rahman and Akif Javed remained the pick of bowlers as they took two apiece.

READ: Wasim Akram names Pakistan’s surprise package for T20 World Cup

Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has lavished high praise on off-spinner Usman Tariq, calling him Pakistan’s surprise package for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The mega event will be played from 7 February to 8 March in Sri Lanka and India.

Wasim, who was part of the commentary panel in the recently concluded International League T20 (ILT20), praised Usman’s bowling skills.

“He is a wonderful bowler, and I hope Pakistan use him in the T20 World Cup because nobody has played against him,” Akram said.

He also recalled how Sri Lanka’s Ajantha Mendis burst onto the scene in 2008 when batters had no idea what he was doing.

“If you remember, Sri Lanka’s Ajanta Mendis came in 2008,  nobody had a clue what he was doing.”

“If the selectors are monitoring him, he could be very useful on Sri Lankan wickets,” he said.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

For the unversed, Usman Tariq, who has so far played two T20Is for Pakistan, has made headlines for his unconventional bowling action.

He was roped in as a replacement for Afghanistan’s Noor Ahme,d and he made an immediate impact with the ball during the business end of the tournament.

Usman was instrumental in Desert Vipers’ qualification for the final, scalping 3 wickets in the Qualifier.

His spell also included the notable wicket of Tom Banton, who pointed out Tariq’s action after getting dismissed.

Nevertheless, Usman Tariq backed his Qualifier performance in the final with a clinical four-over spell, snaring two wickets while giving away only 20.

READ: Babar Azam’s Sixers edge past Heat in low-scoring thriller

COFFS HARBOUR: Babar Azam failed to make his mark again as Joel Davies and Hayden Kerr’s crucial partnership helped Sydney Sixers edge past Brisbane Heat by three wickets in the 24th fixture of the Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

Set only 115 here at the International Sports Stadium in a low-scoring encounter, Sixers stumbled in the chase before they got over the line on the fourth ball of the 18th over.

Oli Patterson inflicted a poor start on the Sixers with back-to-back wickets in the third over. Babar was the first to go for two while Josh Philippe † followed him after for a duck, leaving the side 15-2.

After early blows, skipper Moises Henriques and Daniel Hughes tried to steady the innings with a brief 17-run partnership. However, Xavier Bartlett removed Daniel Hughes for 15 to put Heat in command.

Brisbane Heat continued to mount pressure with clinical bowling, which reaped high rewards in the form of Jordan Silk (6) and Jack Edwards (0) wickets, both getting dismissed in the same over.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The Sixers were further in dire straits as Henriques and Ben Manenti were also sent back to the pavilion. As a result, Sydney Sixers were 56-7 in 10.3 overs.

With Brisbane Heat in a dominant position, Joel Davies and Hayden Kerr batted with responsibility, stitching an unbeaten 62* run partnership that propelled them to victory.

Davies hit three fours and a six on his way to 35 from 26, whereas Kerr struck a six and a four in his 27* from 25 balls.

For Brisbane Heat, Oli Patterson and Matthew Kuhnemann shared four wickets each. Xavier Bartlett, Jack Wildermuth, and Matt Renshaw picked up one each.

Earlier, put into bat first, Sydney Sixers bowlers demonstrated an excellent bowling display, limiting the opposition to 114-9 at the end of their 20 overs.

Jack Wildermuth and Lachlan Hearne provided a brisk start of 27 runs in three overs before Sean Abbott and Jack Edwards combined to send back both batters in successive overs.

Wildermuth was looking dangerous with 31 off 17, striking two fours and two sixes. Hearne could only add one to the total.

With Heat 33-2 in four overs, with inform Matt Renshaw and Max Bryant at the helm. But Sixers bowlers did not allow them to free their hands.

The former and latter were sent packing in the span of two overs for two and three runs respectively.

Nonetheless, Hugh Weibgen top-scored with 24 from 25 balls with the help of a boundary that took the Heat’s score over the 100-run mark.

Eventually, the whole team was limited to a below-par score at the end of their innings.

Matthew Kuhnemann and Oli Patterson were the notable contributors with the ball as they took two wickets each.

READ: Second group of Pakistan squad departs for Sri Lanka