Category: Sports

HARARE: The tactics behind Pakistan slow chase against Zimbabwe have been revealed as the Green Shirts executed a calculated run-chase that guaranteed both teams a spot in the Super Six stage of the U19 World Cup 2026.

Pakistan outplayed hosts Zimbabwe in their last-group stage fixture by eight wickets.

The win resulted in Scotland’s elimination whereas Pakistan and Zimbabwe both qualified for the next round.

Pakistan chased down the target in a tactical way, taking tournament rules in account which helped them improve their net-run rate going forward.

After racing to 84 in 14 overs, Pakistan’s chase of 129 entered a curious stalemate.

Despite needing less than four runs per over, Minhas and Hussain scored with a run rate of three runs per over for the next 12 overs. This period included a staggering 89-ball boundary drought.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The result came as a heartbreak for Scotland who were in qualifying position halfway through the innings before being overtaken by Zimbabwe on net run rate.

Pakistan took a measured approach in pursuit of 129 run target as they slowed down their scoring after 14th over and eventually chased the target in 26.2 overs.

For Scotland to qualify, Pakistan needed to reach their target within 25.2 overs.

However, Pakistan prioritised the Super Six regulations, which say that only teams that advance will carry their run rate and points earned in matches against fellow qualifiers.

By prolonging the chase, Pakistan ensured Zimbabwe qualified alongside them, protecting their own statistical advantage for the next stage.

Pakistan advanced with a better net run rate because they had beaten Zimbabwe by a bigger margin than they beat Scotland. Pakistan defeated Scotland with 6.5 overs to spare.

Additionally, they also hit Group C toppers England’s run rate as the Three Lions have secured a 252 run victory over Scotland.

It is worth mentioning that intentionally slowing down a game to manipulate tournament standings is technically against ICC rules, but Pakistan tactics looked obvious and proving the team’s intent is an uphill task.

Previously, Steve Waugh has also attempted a similar strategy during Australia’s chase against West Indies during 1999 ODI World Cup.

READ: South Africa suffer double blow ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

JOHANNESBURG: In a significant blow, Tony de Zorzi and Donovan Ferreira have been ruled out of South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 squad, with Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs named as as replacements.

Both players suffered injuries, with De Zorzi failing to recover from the hamstring injury he sustained during South Africa’s tour of India in December while Ferreira fractured his shoulder during fielding in a SA20 fixture.

Meanwhile, the Proteas are still awaiting on fitness of ace batter David Miller, who has been ruled of the eliminator match between Paarl Royals and Joburg Super Kings.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Miller, South Africa’s one of the experience players in T20 side, left the field during Paarl Royals last league stage match with an adductor injury, subseqeuntly ruling him out of T20Is against West Indies.

The left-hander will undergo a fitness test before the departure of South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad. His inclusion in the tournament is subject to his fitness.

For the unversed, the teams could tweak their T20 World Cup squads until 31 January. Following the dateline, the participating teams will require approval from the ICC’s Event Technical Committe.

The T20 World Cup 2026 will commence on 7 February across India and Sri Lanka.

South Africa, who remained the runners-up in the 2024 edition, are placed in Group D alongside Afghanistan, New Zealand, Canada, and the UAE.

The Proteas will start their campaign against Canada on 9 Feb in Ahmedabad, India.

South Africa Updated T20 World Cup Squad

Aiden Markram(c), Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Jason Smith, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje

READ: Bangladesh firm on not playing T20 World Cup after players’ meeting

DHAKA: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Thursday reiterated that the team will not travel to India for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 despite the International Cricket Council (ICC) verdict.

The decision was taken by Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Nazrul following a meeting with the national team players and board officials.

“There is no scope to change our decision. We are not giving up yet. Our team is ready, and we still hope that the ICC will deliver justice. We want the ICC to take our genuine security risk into consideration and allow us to play in Sri Lanka,” he told reporters.

“There has been no change in the security risk situation regarding playing in India at present. This concern is not based on any abstract or hypothetical idea; rather, it stems from a real incident in which the Indian cricket board failed to provide security to one of our top players [Mustafizur Rahman] under pressure from extremists, and he was asked to leave India,” he added.

He highlighted security concerns, noting that the Indian government and cricket apex body have provided no guarantee of players’ safety.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“Since the Indian cricket board is effectively an extended arm of the government and could not ensure the safety of even a single player, no assurance has been given by the ICC or the Indian government that they would be able to guarantee the security of our entire team, journalists, and spectators,” he concluded.

A day earlier, ICC turned down Bangladesh’s plea to relocate World Cup matches from India, keeping the tournament’s schedule unchanged, a decision taken during a board meeting.

For the unversed, the whole situation arose after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its team to India for the tournament, citing safety concerns for players and support staff, and had requested that the ICC shift the matches outside India.

The decision followed an IPL-related dispute involving pacer Mustafizur Rahman, which triggered strong reactions in Dhaka.

Despite multiple discussions, the ICC’s proposal to change venues within India was rejected by the BCB, which remains firm on playing its matches in Sri Lanka, prolonging the standoff.

READ: Dominant Pakistan bundle Zimbabwe for 128 in U19 World Cup

Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been declared fully fit after successfully clearing his fitness test, sources confirmed on Thursday.

The news came as a major boost to Pakistan’s preparations for the upcoming home T20I series against Australia and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

According to sources, Shaheen underwent a comprehensive physical fitness test two days ago, conducted with a specific focus on his workload management and long-term availability for the Australia series and the global tournament.

The left-arm pacer has now been deemed fit to return to competitive cricket and is expected to feature in Pakistan’s plans going forward.

Shaheen Afridi had suffered a knee injury during the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 while representing Brisbane Heat in a match against Adelaide Strikers on December 27.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The 25-year-old was forced to leave the field during the 14th over after experiencing discomfort in his right knee and was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the tournament.

Brisbane Heat later named Zaman Khan as his replacement.

The injury also kept Shaheen out of Pakistan’s recent T20I series against Sri Lanka, as he failed to regain full fitness in time for the assignment.

However, his recovery now appears to be on track, with the pacer reportedly set to make his return during the upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia, scheduled to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on January 29, 31 and February 1.

The series is being viewed as vital preparation for both sides ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

READ: Dominant Pakistan bundle Zimbabwe for 128 in U19 World Cup

HARARE: Ali Raza and Sameer Minhas starred as Pakistan produced a commanding display to seal a victory over Zimbabwe in the 19th fixture of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 here at the Takashinga Sports Club, Highfield on Thursday.

The Green Shirts chased down a mere 129 target in 26.2 overs, losing two wickets in the process.

Ali Hassan Baloch and Sameer Minhas added 19 for the opening wicket in 3.3 overs before the former was caught, after scoring three.

After an early wicket, Usman Khan then paired up with Sameer Minhas, stitching a 49 run parntership.

The pair made lightwork of the chase as Pakistan’s scorecard read 68 in 10.5 overs.

Michael Blignaut provided Zimbabwe much-need breakthrough, cleaning up Usman, who scored 26 from 23 balls with the help of five fours.

Despite the wicket, Minhas cruised on and forged an unbeaten 64-run partnership off 83 balls alongside Ahmed Hussain, who made 24 from 53 balls.

Minhas eventually finished the game with two back-to-back sixes off Michael Blignaut’s over.

The right-hander’s dream run in the Youth ODIs continued as he scored 74* from 75 with the help of half a dozen fours and three sixes.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

For Zimbabwe, Michael Blignaut and Panashe Mazai took one wicket each.

Despite the loss, Zimbabwe advanced to the Super Six stage courtesy of their superior run rate over Scotland.

Earlier, Pakistan’s pace bowlers produced a disciplined collective display to bundle co-hosts Zimbabwe to a modest 128-run total.

After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf opted to field first, a decision that quickly paid off as Zimbabwe’s batting lineup collapsed under sustained pressure.

The home side managed to score a meagre 128 runs in 35.5 overs against a well-rounded Pakistani bowling attack.

Zimbabwe opener Nathaniel Hlabangana was the lone bright spark for the hosts, battling hard to score 59 off 85 balls, featuring seven boundaries.

However, his efforts went largely unsupported, with Brandon Senzere being the only other batter to reach double figures, making 15.

Pakistan’s bowling unit was led by Ali Raza, who delivered a sensational spell of 3 for 16 in eight overs, keeping the pressure constant and not allowing Zimbabwe to build any meaningful partnerships.

He was well backed by Mohammad Sayyam, Momin Qamar and Abdul Subhan, who claimed two wickets each, while Ahmed Hussain chipped in with one.

Notably, the Pakistan U19 team have already secured their place in the Super Sixes, but a win here would guarantee them a second-place finish in Group C with four points.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, face a must-win situation if they are to stay alive in the tournament.

A victory would enable them to leapfrog Scotland and clinch the final Super Sixes spot from Group C, joining England and Pakistan in the next round.

READ: PCB unveils match officials for Pakistan-Australia T20I series

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the match officials for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia, starting 29 January.

The series will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, from 29 January to 1 February. The games will start at 4pm PKT with the coin toss set to take place at 3.30pm PST.

ICC International Panel Match Referee Ali Naqvi will lead the playing control team in all three matches.

The second game will be his 50th T20I as match referee, as he officiated his first game in the format at the same venue in April 2023.

Ahsan Raza, member of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, will be one of the on-field umpires during the first two T20Is, while Asif Yaqoob of the ICC Emerging Panel of Umpires and Rashid Riaz of the ICC International Panel of Umpires will join him on the field in the first and second T20Is, respectively.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Rashid, the fourth umpire in the first T20I, will join Nasir Hussain of the ICC International Panel of Umpires in the third T20I to perform the on-field duties with PCB National Elite Panel of Umpires member Zulfiqar Jan being the fourth umpire.

Apart from being the fourth umpire in the second game, Nasir will begin the series as the third umpire, while Asif and Tariq Rasheed of the PCB National Elite Panel of Umpires will perform the third umpire duties in the second and third T20I, respectively.

1st T20I – 29 January – Ahsan Raza and Asif Yaqoob – on-field umpires, Nasir Hussain – third umpire, Rashid Riaz – fourth umpire, Ali Naqvi – match referee

2nd T20I – 31 January – Ahsan Raza and Rashid Riaz – on-field umpires, Asif Yaqoob – third umpire, Nasir Hussain fourth Umpire, Ali Naqvi – match referee

3rd T20I – 1 February – Rashid Riaz and Nasir Hussain – on-field umpires, Tariq Rasheed – third umpire, Zulfiqar Jan – fourth umpire, Ali Naqvi – match referee

READ: Bangladesh firm on venue change request despite ICC rejection

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has refused to back down from its decision not to send the national men’s team to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, despite the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejecting its request to relocate matches to Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh have consistently raised concerns over the safety and security of their players in India and have demanded that their fixtures be shifted to Sri Lanka, the co-host of the tournament.

However, the ICC has remained unmoved, insisting that the World Cup schedule will not be altered so close to the start of the event.

Following an ICC board meeting on Wednesday, BCB president Aminul Islam revealed that Bangladesh had been warned of replacement if they refused to travel to India.

Despite the firm stance from the global body, Islam said he had requested additional time to consult the Bangladesh government before taking a final call.

“I asked the ICC board for time to talk to my government for one last time,” Aminul said. “They said it’s a valid point and gave me 24 or 48 hours to get back to them.”

The BCB president acknowledged the ICC’s position but reiterated Bangladesh’s concerns, stressing that the board does not believe India is a safe destination for its players.

“I don’t want to put pressure on the government. We know that India is not secure for us. We remain in the stance that we want to play in Sri Lanka,” he added.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Aminul also confirmed that Bangladesh players are scheduled to meet the country’s sports adviser, Asif Nazrul, on Thursday afternoon as discussions intensify behind the scenes.

While holding firm on the security issue, Aminul admitted that all stakeholders in Bangladesh want the team to participate in the World Cup and expressed hope that the ICC might still reconsider.

“I am hoping for a miracle from the ICC,” he said.

“The Bangladesh players want to play the World Cup. The Bangladesh government wants Bangladesh to play the World Cup. But a government doesn’t only consider players, it considers everything when taking a decision.”

In a statement issued after the board meeting, the ICC said Bangladesh’s request was rejected after extensive security assessments, including independent reviews.

“The decision was taken after considering all security assessments conducted, all of which indicated there was no threat to Bangladesh players, officials, media personnel or fans at any of the tournament venues in India,” the ICC said.

The governing body added that making changes at this stage was not feasible and warned that altering the schedule without a credible security threat could set a dangerous precedent for future ICC events.

READ: Babar Azam thanks Sydney Sixers fans after BBL 15 exit

Pakistan star batter Babar Azam has expressed gratitude to Sydney Sixers fans and teammates after his maiden Big Bash League (BBL) campaign came to an early end due to national team commitments.

The Sixers confirmed on Thursday that Babar will not be available for the Challenger against Hobart Hurricanes on Friday, with the right-hander required to return to Pakistan to join the national camp ahead of upcoming international assignments.

Babar had initially been cleared to play the full BBL season and was notably left out of Pakistan’s recent three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka.

However, he is now expected to be part of Pakistan’s home T20I series against Australia, which will serve as a crucial build-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The Pakistan batter wrapped up his first BBL stint with 202 runs from 11 matches, averaging 22.44 at a strike rate of 103.06, including two half-centuries.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

While it was a challenging tournament statistically, Babar remained upbeat about his experience in Australian conditions and his time with the Sixers.

“First of all, thank you so much Sydney Sixers for having me, all the boys, all the coaches and I have very (sic) enjoyed my time,” Babar said in a farewell message.

“Unfortunately, I will now have to leave the team, to go to the national duty. I have a lot of things I have to take back home- a lot of fun, a lot of positive things, so I have enjoyed it a lot.”

Babar Azam also reserved special praise for the Sixers’ supporters, highlighting the atmosphere at the SCG as one of the standout aspects of his stint.

“Especially, thank you to the Sydney Sixers fans there is always support there, lot of support, lot of encourage (sic), a lot of fun, so I have very enjoyed that vibe at Sydney Cricket Ground, so thank you so much,” he added.

READ: T20 World Cup schedule intact as ICC rejects Bangladesh plea

Sydney Sixers have confirmed that Pakistan star batter Babar Azam will not feature in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 Challenger against Hobart Hurricanes, scheduled to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday.

The Sixers made the announcement just over 24 hours before the knockout fixture, stating that Babar has been instructed to return to Pakistan to join the national team camp ahead of upcoming international commitments.

“The Sydney Sixers have today been informed that Sixers opener Babar Azam is required to return to Pakistan to join his national teammates in camp, as preparations commence for upcoming international matches,” the franchise said in a statement.

“As a result, Babar will depart Australia immediately and will not be available for selection for the remainder of the BBL|15 Finals Series.”

The Challenger clash will determine who faces the Perth Scorchers in the BBL final, scheduled to be held in Perth on Sunday.

Babar Azam had initially been cleared to play the full tournament and was notably not selected for Pakistan’s three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka earlier this month.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

However, he is reportedly set to play the home T20I series against Australia, which will serve as the final preparation for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes confirmed that the franchise had expected the Pakistan batter to be available throughout the finals.

“The Sydney Sixers are sincerely grateful for the opportunity to have had Babar represent the club during his time in Australia,” Haynes said.

“While we had initially planned for Babar to be available throughout the Finals, he has been an immensely valued member of our group, and we fully understand that the commencement of Pakistan’s national camp means preparations are now underway for upcoming matches.”

Babar Azam concludes his maiden BBL campaign with 202 runs from 11 matches, averaging 22.44 at a strike rate of 103.06, including two half-centuries.

READ: Real Madrid top football rich list as world’s wealthiest club

Real Madrid stayed top of football’s rich list as Liverpool outstripped their English rivals for the first time, according to Deloitte’s Money League study on Thursday.

Spanish giants Madrid generated nearly 1.2 billion euros ($1.4 billion) in revenue in the 2024/25 season despite failing to win a major trophy.

The refurbishment of the club’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium into a multi-purpose venue continues to pay rich dividends — Madrid’s 594 million euros of commercial revenues alone would be enough for a place in the top 10.

Barcelona climbed back into second place in Deloitte’s table (975 million euros) despite delays forcing them to play the whole season away from the Camp Nou, which is still being redeveloped.

Bayern Munich were third on the list (861 million euros), marginally ahead of Paris Saint-Germain, whose income was boosted by winning the Champions League for the first time.

The rest of the top 10 is dominated by Premier League clubs, with Liverpool leading the English contingent for the first time.

An expansion of Anfield, plus a return to the Champions League and winning the Premier League title, boosted the Reds’ revenue to 836 million euros.

Manchester City and Manchester United both slipped down the list.

Pep Guardiola’s City fell from second to sixth after an early exit from the Champions League and a third-placed Premier League finish following four consecutive titles.

United dropped behind Arsenal to eighth after missing out on the Champions League and finishing 15th in the Premier League.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Together, the 20 top-earning clubs in Europe reported an 11 percent increase in revenues to 12.4 billion euros.

“It is no coincidence that the clubs in the top half of the ranking are those with the ability to focus on commercial revenue development, particularly as domestic broadcast rights plateau,” said Tim Bridge, lead partner in the Deloitte Sports Business Group.

“There is a pivotal shift in some club business models with an increased focus on maximising the impact of their brand and their stadium assets.

“The presence of on-site breweries, hotels and restaurants is now commonplace and illustrates a strategic move to diversify income and create year-round entertainment destinations.”

The first 32-team Club World Cup had an impact, helping lift Bayern into the top three for the first time since 2020/21, while Benfica, in 19th spot on the 20-team list, are the first entrant outside the traditional “big five” leagues of England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France in four years.

Arsenal were the highest-earning women’s team for the first time after winning the Champions League.

The Gunners, with revenues of 25.6 million euros, edged out London rivals Chelsea and Barcelona.

READ: Harry Kane double fires Bayern Munich into Champions League last 16