Category: Sports

Amanda Anisimova swept past China’s unseeded Wang Xinyu into the Australian Open quarter-finals on Monday and set up a showdown with fellow American Jessica Pegula.

The fourth seed, who contested two Grand Slam finals last year, kept her cool as temperatures soared to down Wang 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 on John Cain Arena.

She will play Pegula for a place in her first Melbourne Park semi-final after the 31-year-old disposed of defending champion Madison Keys in straight sets.

Anisimova and Pegula have met three times before, with the sixth seed winning them all.

“I’m feeling great. I mean, what a battle out there today. Tough conditions again, against a really good opponent. I’ve never played her before, she’s playing some great tennis,” said Anisimova.

“There were a lot of fans from China today, but honestly, it made the atmosphere so great. I don’t find it disrespectful at all.

“They’re just very loud, so they make the energy really fun.”

Anisimova enjoyed a breakout year in 2025, reaching finals at Wimbledon and the US Open, losing to Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka, respectively.

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Should she get past Pegula, Swiatek is a potential last-four opponent.

There was little to split her and Wang in the early stages, staying on serve until the 24-year-old American finally worked the first break point at 3-2.

But Wang saved and served out to keep it level-pegging.

Anisimova was slowly gaining the ascendancy, and after a hold to love, she made her move as Wang was serving to stay alive, earning a set point.

But again, the Chinese player snuffed out the threat to take it to a tight tiebreak, where Anisimova muscled her way through with some searing groundstrokes.

Neither player dropped serve in set one, but there were three breaks to start the next set, with Anisimova snaring two of them before Wang had a medical timeout.

Wang seemingly gestured towards her groin when she called the physio and returned with heavy strapping on her upper right leg.

Despite showing no obvious discomfort, she couldn’t find a way to claw back into the contest, and Anisimova calmly completed the job with an ace.

READ: Senegal goal hero calls AFCON final walk-off ‘a mistake’

Senegal’s Pape Gueye opened up about his team’s walk off at the Africa Cup of Nations final and Morocco’s subsequent missed penalty in an interview on French television on Sunday.

Gueye scored the winning goal In AFCON final as Senegal edged Morocco 1-0 in extra time in a controversial game in Rabat last week.

Morocco were awarded a late penalty sparking a walk-off from the eventual winners, leading to a 20-minute delay.

When Senegal came back Brahim Diaz fluffed his penalty, while Gueye scored the winner in extra-time.

“We are only human, we realised our mistake and came back out,” said the 26-year-old midfielder Gueye.

“Anyone can make a mistake,” he added.

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Gueye praised former Liverpool star Sadio Mane, who remained on the pitch and urged his team-mates to return to the game for the penalty.

Senegal were already furious at having a goal disallowed for a soft-looking foul minutes earlier

“He found the right thing to say at the right moment and it shows just how important he is to us,” he said.

“We owe him a big thank you.”

Gueye also expressed surprise that Diaz dared attempt a panenka penalty that went badly wrong.

“It was daring and I would not have risked that myself,” he said.

The Moroccan Football Federation has formally referred the walkout and supporters’ behaviour to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which organises AFCON, and FIFA.

READ: U19 World Cup: Australia ease past South Africa to stay unbeaten

WINDHOEK: Dominant Australia sealed another win at the U19 World Cup as Charles Lachmund and Steven Hogan starred against South Africa, leading their side to a six wicket win here at the Namibia Cricket Ground on Sunday.

Put into bat first, South Africa were skittled for mere 118 in just 32.1 overs.

The Proteas were put into early trouble as opener Armaan Manack was trapped lbw for duck on the second ball of the first over.

After an early wicket, skipper Muhammed Bulbulia joined hands with Jorich Van Schalkwyk and added 27 for the second wicket partnership.

The stand was broken in the fifth over as Bulbulia was cleaned after scoring 19. The wicket triggered a mini collapse as both Jason Rowles and Daniel Bosman, were dismissed cheaply.

As a result, South Africa were 37-4 in 10 overs.

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The slide was briefly halted as Paul James and Jorich Van Schalkwyk put on a 30 run partnership. However, a total misunderstanding ended in Van Schalkwyk’s run out. He made 26 from 55 balls with the aid of three fours.

Following his wicket, South Africa innings quickly unraveled as Australia bowlers dominated the proceedings.

Paul James remained the top-scorer for South Africa with 34 to his name with the help of a four and a six.

For Australia, Charles Lachmund led the bowling attack with a three wicket haul to his name.

In reply, Australia reached the target without any major hiccups in 32.5 overs, losing four wickets.

South Africa snared an early wicket in the second over as Will Malajczuk  departed for four. Yet, Australia cruised in pursuit with a string of partnerships.

Steven Hogan remained the highest scorer for them as he managed 43 from 73 deliveries, striking five boundaries in the process.

For South Africa, JJ Basson shined with ball as he took three wickets in his quota of 10 overs.

With this win, Australia remained undefeated, winning three out of three games.

READ: PSL 11 auction: All you need to know about players, base prices and team purse

Ten-time champion Novak Djokovic reached the Australian Open quarter-finals without striking a ball Sunday after his last-16 opponent Jakub Mensik withdrew.

The pair were due to play in a night match on centre court on Monday, but “super sad” Czech star Mensik pulled out with an abdominal injury.

His withdrawal means Djokovic will play Italian fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti or American ninth seed Taylor Fritz for a place in the semi-finals.

“Unfortunate decision to make for me,” said rising star Mensik, who beat American Ethan Quinn in three sets to set up the Djokovic clash.

“After the last couple of matches I started to feel worse, and actually the problem is my abdominal muscle on the left side.

“I think if I would step on the court tomorrow, it would be such a big risk for me for my next weeks, for my next tournaments, and actually for my health.

“The fact that my fourth-round match was to be against Novak on Rod Laver Arena makes it even more difficult,” added the 20-year-old.

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“So, of course, I’m super sad not to step on the court and to compete against my idol and the GOAT.”

Djokovic became the first player to win 400 Grand Slam matches when he swept past Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in three sets to set up the Mensik match.

The 24-time Slam winner is in good form so far as he bids to shatter the recent dominance of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

Since his last Slam title, in 2023 at the US Open, Alcaraz or Sinner have shared all eight majors.

READ: PCB reveals date for historic PSL 11 auction

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday revealed key details regarding the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 player auction, including the base prices, team composition and the minimum purse of each franchise.

The details were  revealed following the conclusion of the PSL 11 auction workshop designed to familiarize the stakeholders with the process.

Among the key details, the base prices of players and the minimum incremental bids were confirmed, all in Pakistani Rupees. The top bracket base prices are PKR 4.2 crore, PKR 2.2 crore, PKR 1.1 crore, and PKR 60 lacs.

Minimum incremental bids are as follows:

• PKR 250,000 for bid amounts under PKR 1.1 crore
• PKR 500,000 for bid amounts under PKR 2.2 crore
• PKR 1,000,000 for bid amounts under PKR 4.2 crore
• PKR 1,500,000 for bid amounts above PKR 4.2 crore

According to the cricket board, the outfits are free to bid higher than the specified minimum increments.

 

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Additionally, each team will be required to have minimum of 16 and maximum 20 players in their roster, including five to seven foreign players, determined by the total squad size.

It is mandatory for each franchise to included a minimum of two uncapped U23 players in their squad, with one featuring  in the starting eleven.

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The picked or retained players in PSL 11 auction will be signed on two-year contracts, with each outfit allowed to retain a maximum of seven players for the 12th edition of the tournament.

After PSL 12, a grand auction will be held, allowing teams to retain up to five players, with any released player entering the player auction pool.

 

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As it was announced earlier, each team will also be allowed to directly sign one foreign player who did not feature in PSL X. Meanwhile the franchise team purse of PKR 45 crore could be increased to PKR 50.5 crore to accommodate directly signed foreign players.

The PCB will additionally support teams in signing top international players.

For those unaware, the expanded edition of the PSL 11 is scheduled to get underway on March 26, 2026.

READ: PCB reveals date for historic PSL 11 auction

LAHORE: The historic auction for the landmark Pakistan Super League (PSL)  11 edition will be held on Wednesday, 11 February, the PCB announced in a press release on Sunday.

The date was revealed during the PSL player auction workshop organized to familiarize stakeholders with the auction process.

During the workshop, star cricketers including Babar Azam and all the stakeholders of PSL were present.

“Workshop was presided by Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi and CEO PSL Salman Naseer and was attended by HBL PSL officials, all eight franchise representatives, members of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad, PCB officials and other capped players,” the board said in a press release statement.

On this occasion, Mohsin Naqvi praised the initiative and tipped the upcoming auction as a cornerstone for improving players growth.

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“I’m delighted that a consultative and productive session was held between the franchises, players and management today resulting in informed and strategic decisions which will pave the way for bright future for the HBL PSL,” he said.

“The Player Auction model is a landmark step for the HBL PSL, offering players better financial opportunities through an increased salary purse and a transparent acquisition process, while making the league more competitive and attractive, he added.

Meanwhile, PSL  Salman Naseer also shared his thoughts on this occasion, calling the auction a landmark event in tournament’s growth.

“The HBL PSL’s highly-anticipated New Era is finally here. The player auction system modernises player recruitment by promoting fairness, transparency, and market-driven value, strengthening the HBL PSL’s appeal for both players, franchises and most importantly meets the expectations of our loyal fans,” he said.

“Today’s workshop saw all views being taken into consideration and this rich feedback will be reflected in our execution of a successful player auction scheduled next month. More excitement is on the way,” he explained.

For the unversed, the expanded edition of the PSL Will get underway on March 26, 2026, and will mark Faisalabad’s first-ever stint as a host city. The venue will join Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi, expanding the league to five host cities.

READ: WATCH: Babar Azam among stars at PSL player auction workshop

PERTH: Mitchell Marsh and Fin Allen led Perth Scorchers to a resounding victory over Sydney Sixers to lift the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 title here at the Perth Stadium on Sunday.

Scorchers chased down a modest target of 133 in front of a packed home crowd, losing four wickets in the process with `15 balls to spare.

With this win, Perth Scorchers sealed record sixth title in the tournament’s history.

Mitchell Marsh and Fin Allen made light work of the chase with a blistering 80 run stand in 8.2 overs.

Allen continued his red-hot form and scored 36 from 22, striking four boundaries and a maximum. The right-hander innings ended in Mitchell Starcs over, thanks to a stunning catch from Jack Edwards at covers.

Sydney Sixers sniffed an opening with another wicket in the ninth over as Aaron Hardie departed for five.

As a result, Scorchers were 85-2 in 9.1 overs in BBL final.

However, Marsh held firm and kept the scoreboard ticking and put his side insight of victory in BBL final.

He was eventually removed on the first ball of the 15th over after scoring 44 from 43 balls laced with four boundaries and two sixes.

With 15 required from five overs, it was only a matter of time as Perth Scorchers cruised to victory.

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Josh Inglis who remained unbeaten on 29 from 26 finished it in style with a six of Ben Dwarshuis bowling.

For Sydney Sixers, Sean Abbott picked up two wickets.

Earlier, put into bat first, Sydney Sixers shambolic display with the bat ended their innings on 132 at the end of their 20 overs.

Daniel Hughes was the first to be dismissed, caught after only managing seven.

Sydney Sixers were 7-1 in 2 overs when Josh Philippe joined Steve Smith at the crease.

The pair added 27 before Aaron Hardie trapped Smith lbw to put his side on top. Smith made 24 from 13 with the aid of three fours and a six.

After Smith’s wicket, Perth Scorchers turned the screws on Sixers, limiting their scoring. As a result, Sixers were reduced to 66 at the half-way stage of the innings.

The slow scoring resulted in Josh Philippe’s wicket whose sluggish 24 from 24 ended in the 11th over.

In the last five overs, Sixers lost their way, thanks to David Payne’s double wicket over which sent skipper Moises Henriques (24) and Lachlan Shaw (14) packing.

Consequently, Sydney Sixers were 103-6 in 15.4 overs and their innings evetnually folded for a mere total.

For Perth Scorchers, Jhye Richardson and David Payne shared wickets between them.

READ: WATCH: Babar Azam among stars at PSL player auction workshop

LAHORE: Pakistan ace players Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and several other cricketers attended the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 player auction workshop, which is organized to familiarize stakeholders with the auction process.

The workshop is held at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, with all stakeholders of PSL invited to the workshop for the player auction.

The purpose of the workshop is to familiarize stakeholders with the auction process. Moreover, the briefing will also help determine the players’ categories and base prices.

Ahead of the workshop, the national team players, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and several others, were seen greeting each other.

 

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It is worth mentioning that this will be the first time since PSL’s inception that a player’s auction will be held instead of the traditional Draft system.

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The strategic shift is aimed at enhancing competitive balance, increasing transparency, and providing players’ greater earning opportunities.

Under the revised framework, each franchise will be allowed to retain a maximum of four players, with only one retention permitted per category.

This marks a sharp departure from previous seasons, where teams could retain up to eight players, along with additional provisions such as mentors, brand ambassadors and the Right to Match (RTM) option.

For PSL 11, the PCB has abolished the mentor, brand ambassador and RTM clauses altogether, streamlining the squad-building process ahead of the auction.

The two newly inducted franchises, Hyderabad and Sialkot, will also be granted special provisions, allowing them to select and retain four players from the available pool before the player auction.

In addition, every team will be permitted one direct signing of a foreign player who did not feature in PSL 10, a move designed to inject fresh international talent into the competition.

The PCB also confirmed that PSL 11 will get underway on March 26, 2026, and will mark Faisalabad’s first-ever stint as a host city. The venue will join Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi, expanding the league to five host cities.

READ: Naqvi to meet Pakistan T20 WC squad amid doubts over participation

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi is set to hold a meeting with the national cricket team, recently picked for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is slated to start next month.

According to the sources, the chairman will brief the players about participation in the World Cup and share the strategy with them.

The decision on Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup will be made after consultation with the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

A day earlier, Mohsin Naqvi said that the final call on the national team’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be taken by the federal government.

Naqvi’s remarks came after International Cricket Council (ICC) had replaced Bangladesh with Scotland for the upcoming World Cup following Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India for the event.

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The ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had been engaged in prolonged discussions over the issue, resulting in the latter’s pull out from the mega event.

Against that backdrop, sources had suggested that Pakistan could also consider boycotting the tournament after Bangladesh’s decision.

Speaking to the media in Lahore, Mohsin Naqvi made it clear that the PCB would not act independently on the matter and would align itself with the government’s position.

“The prime minister [Shehbaz Sharif] is currently not in the country. Once he returns, we will announce a final decision,” Naqvi said when asked about Pakistan’s stance following the ICC’s decision on Bangladesh.

The PCB chairman openly criticised the ICC’s handling of the situation, accusing the governing body of applying double standards and treating Bangladesh unfairly.

“Bangladesh has been treated unjustly. I raised the same point during the ICC board meeting,” Naqvi said.

“You cannot have a situation where one country is allowed to make decisions whenever it wants, while another is denied the same consideration.”

Earlier today, Pakistan revealed their 15 member squad for the T20 World Cup 2026. The mega event will be played from 7 February to 8 March across Sri Lanka and India.

Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad

Salman Ali Agha (Captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (WK), and Usman Tariq.

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Director of High Performance and national selector Aqib Javed has dismissed comparisons between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan over a spot in the national team’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to played in India and Sri Lanka. 

While addressing the media, Aqib answered a question regarding the selection of Babar Azam over Mohammad Rizwan in Pakistan’s World Cup squad.

“You have to look at how the batting composition of your team shapes up. Babar is seen by both the coach and the captain as someone who can play a vital role in the team. This doesn’t mean that if one player is given a chance, another is denied one,” he remarked.

“We don’t think in terms of comparing one player to another or why one was chosen and the other wasn’t. There’s no logic in that. What you need to see is who fits better in the squad and which player makes the team stronger,” he explained.

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Meanwhile, white ball head coach Mike Hesson praised ‘exeptional’ Usman Khan for his wicket-keeping and emphasized his role in the team amid debate surrounding Mohammad Rizwan’s inclusion.

“When it comes to Usman Khan’s performance, we consider the availability we have and the type of cricket we want to play,” Hesson said.

“You build a composition of 7–8 batsmen, and you need to see what type of players come together to form a batting unit that can perform in any total or under any conditions,” he added.

He highlighted Usman’s performances while revealing the particular role that is required from him during the tournament.

“Usman Khan has been exceptional since he came back. He remained not out in three chases where we were losing wickets, and he has shown experience. His wicketkeeping is going probably better than expected. In Sri Lanka, it was high quality,” Hesson said.

“The role we have for our keeper is someone through the middle, batting at five or six. You are not comparing the same, as Rizwan is a top-order batter. There’s no spot in that role for a wicketkeeper,” Hesson concluded.

Earlier in the morning, Pakistan revealed the squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with skipper Salman Ali Agha set to lead the 15-member side.

Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad

Salman Ali Agha (Captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (WK), and Usman Tariq.

READ: Hesson reveals reason behind Haris Rauf’s T20 World Cup exclusion