Author: Saleh Ayub

Jannik Sinner continued his quest to become the first man in history to win five Masters 1000 tournaments in a row with a smooth 6-2, 6-3 victory over Danish qualifier Elmer Moller at the Madrid Open on Sunday.

The world number one extended his winning streak to 19 matches, a run that began early March in Indian Wells, and he has also captured 24 consecutive victories at the Masters 1000 level, dating back to the Paris Masters last October.

Searching for a maiden title at this level on clay, Sinner advanced to the round of 16 at the Caja Magica with a 77-minute performance against the 169th-ranked Moller.

The Italian broke Moller four times and dropped serve just once late in the opening set to book a last-16 meeting with Cameron Norrie or Thiago Agustin Tirante.

“I tried to stay calm, trying to serve well in the important moments,” Sinner told Tennis TV on court after the win.

“I think today that was the key. And not a lot of rhythm, so I tried to stay quite compact and let’s see what’s coming in the next round.”

Another Italian enjoyed a successful Sunday in the form of Lorenzo Musetti, who overcame Dutch 29th seed Tallon Griekspoor 6-4, 7-5.

The sixth-seeded Musetti will face Czech 11th seed Jiri Lehecka for a spot in the quarter-finals.

Earlier in the day, Coco Gauff became the latest victim of the stomach virus that has been sweeping through the draw in Madrid but the ailing American still found a way to beat Sorana Cirstea 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 and reach the round of 16.

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Several players have been struggling with illness in the Spanish capital this week, including Iga Swiatek, who was forced to retire from her match against Ann Li on Saturday, and Marin Cilic, who had to withdraw ahead of his second-round meeting with Joao Fonseca on Friday.

Liudmila Samsonova also pulled out of the tournament on Sunday citing illness ahead of her third-round match with Linda Noskova.

Gauff vomited in a bin on the court during her clash with Cirstea, and asked for a medical timeout during the latter stages of the match before she completed the win in two hours and 21 minutes.

“Yeah, I don’t know, honestly (how I got through that),” said Gauff, who will face Noskova in the last 16.

“I was just trying to finish the match and one point turned into another. I think I got what everybody else is having here in Madrid, unfortunately. So, I’m just going to try to push through for tomorrow.”

A runner-up to Aryna Sabalenka in the Spanish capital 12 months ago, Gauff has 3,300 points to defend on clay from Madrid through to her Roland Garros title defence in early June.

“I pulled out in Indian Wells. I’m not someone who likes to pull out, so I didn’t want to pull out again today. So, I’m glad that I was able to get through it,” added the two-time Grand Slam champion.

“I did start to feel better, not feeling like I had to throw up. They gave me some pills, so that definitely helped.

“But I was really tired.”

Fellow American Jessica Pegula was unable to join Gauff in the next round as the fifth seed suffered a 6-1, 6-4 upset at the hands of Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk.

Both players entered the contest riding six-match winning streaks, with Kostyuk clinching a title on red clay in Rouen last week and Pegula successfully defending her Charleston title on green clay earlier this month.

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KARACHI: Fast bowler Hasan Ali vowed to bounce back following the Karachi Kings’ defeat against Multan Sultans in the 28th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

The Kings fell short by 11 runs against the Sultans while chasing a formidable 208-run target here at the National Bank Stadium on Sunday.

Hasan Ali had a forgettable outing, returning with the figures of 1 for 51 in four overs, including 21 off the final over of the Multan Sultans innings.

The loss marked the Kings’ fourth in a row, and they now have to win their remaining three matches to stay in contention for the playoffs.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

After the match, Hasan spoke to the media and reflected on his side’s shortcomings against Multan Sultans.

“We have lost four matches in Karachi. We have failed in every department,” he told reporters.

Karachi Kings now need to win their remaining three matches to stay in contention for a place in the playoffs.

“Our team has shown good performances in Lahore. We will regroup and try to make a comeback in Lahore,” said the right-arm pacer.

He also responded to a question regarding the absence of regular captain David Warner.

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“He is a match-winner. For us, every player is important, just like David Warner. This is Karachi Kings’ team, not just David Warner’s team. Our team has players of every kind and skill set. We still have three matches left, and we will try to win them,” he continued.

The 31-year-old emphasized team combination, noting that perceptions change depending on results.

“A combination is always made well in every franchise. If a player is given chances but does not perform, then you have to look for options,” Hasan Ali concluded.

READ: Multan Sultans edge Karachi Kings in PSL 11 clash

KARACHI: Ace batter Babar Azam on Wednesday became the fourth player overall to complete 100 half-centuries in T20 cricket. 

The Peshawar Zalmi skipper achieved the feat during his side’s clash against Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

With this milestone, Babar joined Australia’s David Warner, India’s Virat Kohli, and England’s Jos Buttler.

Most half-centuries in men’s T20s

David Warner (Australia) – 116 in 435 innings
Virat Kohli (India) – 107 in 401 innings
Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 100 in 341 innings
Jos Buttler (England) – 100 in 468 innings

Notably, Babar has been in fine form in PSL 11 and currently sits second on the run-scorers’ chart. The right-hander has amassed 301 runs in six matches at an average of 75.25 at a strike rate of 132.59.

Babar scored an unbeaten 71 off 51 balls in Zalmi’s dominant win over Gladiators, marking his 100th half-century in T20s.

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Chasing a modest target of 155, Zalmi got off to a strong start as Mohammad Haris and Babar Azam put together a brisk 75-run opening stand. Haris scored 35 off 28 balls before being dismissed, but the platform had already been set.

Babar, anchoring the innings, found support from Kusal Mendis, who contributed 21 runs during a steady 49-run partnership. After Mendis departed, Babar ensured there were no late hiccups.

The Zalmi captain remained unbeaten on 71 off 51 deliveries, striking 10 boundaries, and guided his side home comfortably with nine balls to spare.

Earlier, Zalmi’s decision to field first proved spot on as Quetta struggled to build momentum and were bowled out for 154 in 20 overs.

Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Basit starred with the ball, both taking wickets.

For his outstanding bowling performance, Muqeem bagged his second player of the match award.

READ: Babar Azam credits bowlers for dominant win against Quetta Gladitors

KARACHI: Stand-in captain Moeen Ali lamented Karachi Kings powerplay bowling after a four-wicket defeat against Hyderabad Kingsmen in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 clash here at the National Bank Stadium.

Karachi Kings posted a strong total of 188 on the board, thanks to a composed half-century from Saad Baig.

The late impetus to the innings was provided by captain Moeen Ali, who hit five sixes in his 44 from 16 balls.

In reply, Kingsmen capitalized on a strong start and chased down the 189-run target on the first ball of the final over.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Speaking after the match, Moeen hailed the team’s fighting spirit while highlighting the shortcomings during the fixture.

“We did well to get that score. Our powerplay bowling was not great, starting with me. Positive for tonight was that we showed a fight which was missing last few games. You just go with your gut feel,” he said.

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Moeen said that such situations can happen, adding that winning three matches in a row does not automatically guarantee qualification.

He also cited a seven-day break as a possible factor that may not have worked in the team’s favour.

“It can happen. You win three in a row, which doesn’t automatically mean you’ll qualify. We had a break of 7 days, which probably wasn’t great for us,” the captain explained.

For the unversed, this was Karachi Kings second consecutive defeat after winning the first three games.

The 2020 champions will face Islamabad United on 16 April at the same venue.

READ: Saad Baig becomes first player to be retired out in PSL

Arsenal’s 2-1 home defeat by Bournemouth on Saturday blew the Premier League title race wide open, as Brentford and Everton missed the chance to close in on Champions League qualification after a 2-2 draw.

The Gunners could have opened up a 12-point lead at the top of the table, but a third defeat in four games for Mikel Arteta’s men has put the destiny of the title back in Manchester City’s hands.

City have two games in hand on the leaders, starting with Sunday’s trip to Chelsea, and host Arsenal next weekend.

Just a few weeks ago, Arsenal were dreaming of an unprecedented quadruple.

But after losing to City in the League Cup final and being dumped out the FA Cup by second-tier Southampton, a first league title in 22 years may also now be slipping away.

“We were very far from the standards that we’ve shown all season, so it’s a big punch in the face because we wanted to win this game so badly,” said Arteta.

“We didn’t cope with the situations when they didn’t go our way.”

Junior Kroupi reacted quickest to Adrien Truffert’s deflected cross to give Bournemouth an early lead.

Viktor Gyokeres levelled before the break from the penalty spot, but a lack of creative spark in the final third was again Arsenal’s undoing.

It is their defensive record that has put Arteta’s men in pole position for the title, but they were cut open with ease when Alex Scott finished off a fine team move for the winner on 74 minutes.

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The result was also huge in Bournemouth’s charge towards the European places as they move up to 10th on the back of an 11-game unbeaten run.

Five English sides will qualify directly for next season’s Champions League, and both Brentford and Everton missed the chance to move level on points with fifth-placed Liverpool.

Twice the Bees led through Igor Thiago, who took his tally for the season to 21 Premier League goals and within one of Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot.

Beto levelled midway through the first half for the visitors and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall struck in stoppage time to salvage a point.

Brighton are also well in the mix for their first ever taste of Champions League football.

Mats Wieffer scored twice as the Seagulls beat relegation-bound Burnley 2-0.

A fifth win in six games for Fabian Hurzeler’s men takes them up to ninth and within three points of the top five.

Liverpool can solidify their place in the top five when they host Fulham later at Anfield, looking to snap a three-game losing streak.

Heavy defeats by Manchester City in the FA Cup and Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League have ramped up the pressure on Arne Slot’s position as Liverpool boss, less than a year he led the club to the Premier League title.

Mohamed Salah returns to the Liverpool starting line-up among five changes made by Slot from the chastening 2-0 loss to PSG in midweek.

READ: Saad Baig becomes first player to be retired out in PSL

KARACHI: Rawalpindiz captain Mohammad Rizwan has vowed to overcome shortcomings after suffering fifth consecutive defeat in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. 

Quetta Gladiators 61-run victory on Friday night kept Mohammad Rizwan’s side winless in the tournament.

The skipper highlighted the shortcomings in the post-match presentation, stating that his side is working on weaknesses

“We certainly recognize the need for change; it’s clear that adjustments are required to get us back on track. We’ve had our share of struggles, but we are actively working to overcome them,” he said.

“We brought in Ben Sears specifically to strengthen our death-bowling options and included Usman Khawaja to bolster the lineup. There have been ups and downs, and we are constantly trying to fix those gaps,” the skipper explained.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

He credited Hassan Nawaz and Jahandad Khan for their impressive batting that helped Quetta Gladiators reach a winning total.

“On this pitch, we felt we were restricting them well to around 140 or 150, but Hasan Nawaz and Jahandad deserve a lot of credit—they took the score from 150 to 180, which was a bit excessive for these conditions.”

The right-hander has struggled in the ongoing tournament with 83 runs in five matches at an average of 16.60.

“Regarding my personal form, I know how important it is to maintain self-belief. I realize that if I don’t lead from the front, the team will struggle, the 33-year-old maintained.

“I am working hard on my shortcomings and putting in the effort; I believe in showing courage and working hard, leaving the ultimate results in the hands of the Almighty. It is a tough period right now, but I am committed to fighting through it,” he continued.

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He expressed confidence despite losing five games on the trot, noting that they will bounce back in the upcoming games.

“The message in the dressing room is that in this sport, players are exposed to failure 60% of the time. We have to meet that reality with energy and bravery.”

“I truly believe that if we play the next five games to the best of our potential, the results will follow. It’s all about taking our courage to that next level and staying united as a group,” he concluded.

READ: Jahandad Khan reflects on all-round display against Rawalpindiz

Jannik Sinner brushed aside Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets on Friday to set up a Monte Carlo Masters semi-final against Alexander Zverev.

The Italian extended his winning run at Masters 1000 events to 20 matches by seeing off his Canadian opponent 6-3, 6-4.

“I feel like it was a step forwards today,” said Sinner, whose record streak of 36 consecutive sets won in Masters tournaments was snapped by Tomas Machac in the last 16.

“It was a very tough match. I knew I had to get better in certain areas. The serve is not there yet, where I would love it (to be), but all things considered I’m very happy…

“But in any case, very happy to be back in the semis.”

Sinner has never won one of the elite tournaments on clay but will be a strong favourite when he plays Zverev, who edged out Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca, after winning their last seven meetings.

The world number two, who completed the ‘Sunshine double’ with wins at Indian Wells and the Miami Open, is still on track for a possible first clash of the year with Carlos Alcaraz in the final.

Sinner dropped just seven points on serve in a dominant opening set which he took courtesy of a break in the sixth game.

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The four-time Grand Slam champion also powered through the second set, wrapping up his fifth consecutive win over seventh-ranked Auger-Aliassime.

World number three Zverev sealed a battling 7-5, 6-7 (3/7), 6-3 victory over Fonseca to reach the semi-finals in Monaco for the third time.

Zverev is targeting his first ATP title since winning in Munich 12 months ago.

The German could also complete a career sweep of the clay-court Masters 1000 events, having previously won both the Italian Open and Madrid Open twice each.

Big-hitting 19-year-old Fonseca was playing in his first Masters quarter-final but pushed his opponent for long periods.

Three-time Grand Slam runner-up Zverev broke in the 11th game and then served out the opening set to love, before breaking again at the start of the second.

Fonseca reeled off four straight games from 3-1 down to tee up the chance to serve for the set, but he failed to take that opportunity.

The world number 40 found his rhythm in the tie-break, though, reeling off a string of magnificent groundstrokes to force a decider.

But Fonseca could not maintain that level as Zverev improved.

The 28-year-old broke in the sixth game and confidently served out victory, reaching his third straight Masters 1000 semi-final this year.

Later on Friday, world number one and reigning champion Alcaraz takes on Alexander Bublik, before Alex de Minaur plays Valentin Vacherot.

READ: WATCH: Fakhar Zaman responds to Mohsin Naqvi’s birthday wish

The historic Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 is set to begin on March 26, with several uncapped players to keep an eye on who may turn out to be game changers. 

5. Farhan Yousaf

Farhan Yousaf, who captained Pakistan in the U19 World Cup, remained unpicked in the PSL 11 auction. He finished with 132 runs in five matches at an average of 66.

But later, Peshawar Zalmi roped him in through a direct signing.

He managed 143 runs in the National T20 Cup from four matches at a strike rate of 143 with a highest score of 61*.

4. Shahzaib Khan

Remember the name, Shahzaib Khan? The left-hander came to the limelight during the Pakistan U19 World Cup campaign in 2024, where he emerged as the tournament’s top scorer for the national team.

However, since then, he has been scoring runs freely in Pakistan domestic cricket, awaiting a call to the national side.

Picked by RawalPINDIZ for a base price of PKR 60 lacs, Shahzaib Khan was in good form during the recently concluded National T20 Cup. He amassed 160 runs in five matches at an average of 40 at a strike rate of 158, including two half-centuries.

3. Abdullah Fazal

The 23-year-old Abdullah Fazal is another player to look out for in the tournament. His elegant stroke play caught the eye of RawalPINDIZ at the auction, and he was bought for PKR 67.5 lakh in the auction.

The left-handed batter has been consistent in domestic cricket, particularly in the National T20 Cups, amassing 420 runs in eight matches, with a strike rate of 160. The left-hander has already earned the player of the match award in the team’s important outings.

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In the recently concluded National T20 Cup, he played a blinder, scoring 88 from 41 balls in the semi-final against Sialkot.

Earlier, he also played a crucial knock in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final, scoring 88 and 114, which helped Karachi Blues lift the trophy.

2. Saqib Khan

Hailing from Karachi, fast bowling all-rounder Saqib Khan has dedicated many years to cricket. He was bought by Quetta Gladiators for a base price of PKR 60 lakh in the auction.

His perseverance finally paid off in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26, where he finished as the second-highest wicket taker. Saqib took 47 wickets in nine matches for Karachi Blues, averaging 20.59, thereby playing a pivotal role in the team’s title glory.

Although he is 30, his seam and new ball bowling could trouble batters. Besides his bowling, Saqib could also come in handy with the bat, lower down the order.

1. Sameer Minhas

Sameer Minhas is tipped as the next big thing in Pakistan cricket. The right-hander was a hot pick in the PSL 11 auction and was eventually bought by Islamabad United for PKR 1.9 crore.

Sameer has already showcased his potential in the recently concluded ICC Men’s U19 World Cup, emerging as Pakistan’s leading run scorer.

He scored 197 runs in five games at an impressive strike rate of 105. Before heading to the U19 World Cup, Sameer blasted a record-breaking innings in the Asia Cup final against India.

The 19-year-old took only 42 balls to slam a ton, breaking India’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s record (52 balls) of the fastest youth hundred. Sameer Minhas blistering 172 from 113 took Pakistan to an imposing 347-run total against arch-rivals.

The total was enough to seal a memorable 191-run victory for the Green Shirts.

READ: PSL 11 squads locked in as trade window closes

Midfielder Idrissa Gueye said his Senegal side deserved to be the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions, but he was ready to “hand back the medals” to Morocco if it eases tensions between the two countries.

Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 in extra-time in the January final in Rabat, but CAF punished them last week for their 15-minute walk-off during the match, overturning the result and awarding a 3-0 win and the title to hosts Morocco.

“I personally commit to collecting the medals and maybe giving them back to Morocco if that can ease tensions between the two countries,” Gueye told Canal+ on Saturday after his Everton side’s 3-0 win over Chelsea in the Premier League.

“It’s just ridiculous… a football match is won on the pitch, that’s what we did in Morocco.

“We did what we had to do on the pitch, we won that match.

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“We deserve to be African champions. We are the African champions as far as we’re concerned. Titles are won on the pitch, not in offices.”

Idrissa Gueye, who captained Senegal in the AFCON final in place of the suspended Kalidou Koulibaly, took issue, however, with his federation’s decision to appeal CAF’s decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

“If it were up to me, I would have told the federation not to appeal,” he said.

The continent’s showpiece football final on January 18 descended into chaos when Senegal players walked off in protest after the hosts were awarded a controversial penalty late in second-half stoppage time.

Play resumed after a quarter of an hour of confusion and tension, with Senegal supporters throwing objects and trying to invade the pitch.

Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed his penalty before Senegal went on to win with a goal from Pape Gueye in extra-time.

READ: Spinners help South Africa level T20I series against New Zealand

KARACHI: Karachi boys and girls teams secured the first place in the Sindh Inter-Division Ring Ball Championship 2026, held at the YMCA Sports Complex in Karachi.

Divisional teams from Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Benazirabad, Sukkur, and Larkana featured around 195 players, team officials, coaches, and technical officials.

All matches were played at the YMCA Sports Complex.

The opening ceremony was attended by Azim Aqili (CEO, SEZMC) as the chief guest, while Farid Ali (District Sports Officer, South Karachi), Imran Syedat (CEO, SIDAT IT Technology), and Madad Ali Shah (Secretary General, Pakistan Shooting Ball Federation) were among the guests of honour.

In the boys’ category, Karachi Division secured first position, followed by Sukkur Division in second place and Mirpurkhas Division finishing third.

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In the girls’ category, Karachi Division clinched first place while Sukkur Division finished second, and Hyderabad Division secured third position.

The closing ceremony of the boys’ event was graced by Dr Nauman Syed (CEO, SI Global Solution Ltd) as the chief guest, while the girls’ event featured Nabila Farhat Junejo (Convent of Jesus and Mary School, Clifton) as the chief guest.

Dr Nauman also assured full support for promoting ring ball in the province.

At the conclusion of the championship, the chief guests distributed prizes among the winning players and congratulated them on their performances.

Results:

Individual Awards (Girls):

Best Shooter: Yeshal Azim (Karachi Division)

Best Centre Player: Rose Maria (Karachi Division)

Best Defender: Hadiya Salman (Karachi Division)

Individual Awards (Boys):

Best Shooter: Saad Haider (Karachi Division)

Best Centre Player: Shehzad Augustine (Karachi Division)

Best Defender: Ahmed (Sukkur Division)

READ: India crush Afghanistan in record chase to reach U19 World Cup final