Category: Sports

Donyell Malen hit a hat-trick as Roma revived their fading European hopes by cruising past Serie A’s bottom club, Pisa, 3-0 on Friday.

Roma, thrashed by runaway leaders Inter Milan in the last round, regained ground in the race for a top-four place.

“We had a great reaction, and it wasn’t easy because the second half in Milan was very disappointing,” said Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

His team moved level with Juventus, who are in fifth place, and one point behind Como in fourth. Como host Inter on Sunday. Juventus visit seventh-place Atalanta on Saturday.

“We’re still there, and now we should be rooting for Atalanta and Inter. We’re giving it our all to reach the Champions League,” said Gasperini.

Pisa remained anchored to the foot of the table.

Malen scored with all three of host Roma’s shots on goal as he took his total to 10 in 12 Serie A appearances since joining on loan from Aston Villa in January.

In the third minute, two visiting players had a chance to intercept a Roma punt forward, but Antonio Caracciolo could only knee the ball into Malen’s pass.

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The Dutch attacker sidestepped one more defender before firing home.

“Serie A matches are never easy; they become so if you break the deadlock after three minutes,” said Gasperini.

Lorenzo Pellegrini hit the angle of post and bar with a free kick before helping set up Malen’s second in the 43rd minute.

After Pisa repeatedly failed to clear, Devyne Rensch, who has yet to score in Serie A, picked up a loose ball in the box, played a one-two with Pellegrini and then poked a pass to Malen, who rolled in from close range.

Malen completed his hat-trick after 51 minutes, running onto a through pass from Matias Soule, turning away from two defenders and driving the ball home.

“He’s incredibly valuable,” said Gasperini of Malen.

“But if you play for Borussia Dortmund and in the Premier League as a young player, you’re bound to have significant resources.

“The central striker role was the key to convincing him to come to Roma.”

READ: Lahore Qalandars suffer major blow ahead of Peshawar Zalmi clash

Defending champions Lahore Qalandars have been dealt a significant setback in their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 campaign, with Bangladesh top-order batter Parvez Hossain Emon ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to a shoulder injury.

Emon sustained the injury during Qalandars’ clash against Multan Sultans at the Gaddafi Stadium on April 3, following an on-field collision with teammate Asif Ali.

Subsequent MRI scans revealed a ligament tear, forcing the medical staff to recommend a period of rest and rehabilitation.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

As a precaution, the left-handed batter had already missed the April 9 fixture against Islamabad United to avoid aggravating the injury.

After further assessment, the franchise has now decided to release him from the squad, with a replacement expected to be announced soon.

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In an official statement, the Qalandars confirmed that Parvez Hossain Emon would depart following their match against Peshawar Zalmi today, while extending their full support during his recovery process.

Despite his brief stint, Emon made a notable impact at the top of the order. He featured in three matches, scoring 71 runs at an impressive strike rate of 161.36, including a fluent 45-run knock against Multan Sultans that highlighted his attacking intent.

READ: Glenn Maxwell joins Hyderabad Kingsmen ahead of Karachi Kings clash

KARACHI: Lahore Qalandars have won the toss and decided to bowl first against Peshawar Zalmi in the 19th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday. 

Playing XIs

Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Haseebullah Khan (wk), Asif Ali, Sikandar Raza, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Dunith Wellalage, Usama Mir, Mustafizur Rahman, Ubaid Shah

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Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Haris (wk), Kusal Mendis, Farhan Yousaf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Michael Bracewell, Abdul Samad, Aamer Jamal, Sufiyan Muqeem, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana

HEAD TO HEAD

Karachi and Quetta have faced each other in 20 matches, with the latter holding a lead with 13 victories. Meanwhile, the Kings have secured seven wins.

Matches 22, Lahore Qalandars 9, Peshawar Zalmi 11, Tied 1, NR 1

Real Madrid dropped more points in the Spanish title race with a frustrating 1-1 La Liga draw at home against Girona on Friday.

Fede Valverde drilled Alvaro Arbeloa’s side ahead early in the second half, but Thomas Lemar’s fine strike secured a point for the Catalan visitors at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The draw against Girona brought Madrid within six points of La Liga leaders Barcelona, but the Catalans host local rivals Espanyol on Saturday when they could move nine points ahead with a victory.

Madrid head to Bavaria to face Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash on Wednesday, trailing 2-1, in the competition where their hopes of silverware this season now mainly lie.

Los Blancos were upset by a late penalty appeal not given after Girona defender Vitor Reis’ arm caught Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe in the face.

“It’s a penalty here and on the moon,” complained Madrid coach Arbeloa. “Nobody understands it… when VAR gets involved, I imagine it’s when it suits them, and when it doesn’t, then it doesn’t.”

The coach admitted his team were not at their best following a third consecutive game without a win across all competitions.

“Without playing the most brilliant match we’ve played, it’s obvious and clear this is a game we should have won,” said Arbeloa, insisting Madrid would not give up in the title race despite their situation. “Until we lose La Liga, we’ll keep fighting for it… We have to fight until the last day.”

After Jude Bellingham impressed as a substitute in the first leg against Bayern, Arbeloa gave him his first start since January.

Real Madrid had the better of the first half but needed goalkeeper Andriy Lunin to save well from Azzedine Ounahi early on. At the other end, Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga denied Mbappe and Valverde as Los Blancos began to knock on the door.

Bellingham tested Gazzaniga early in the second half with a drive from the edge of the box, shortly before his team took the lead.

Valverde lashed in a shot from the edge of the box, which Gazzaniga tried to push out with his wrists but badly misjudged, and the ball flew past him and into the net.

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Madrid’s top goalscorer Mbappe mis-hit a shot when well placed, and Gazzaniga saved well at his near post to keep Vinicius at bay as Madrid tried to put the game to bed.

Instead, Girona pulled level, with former Atletico midfielder Lemar planting a superb strike from the edge of the box beyond Lunin’s helpless dive and into the bottom corner.

Arbeloa took off England international Bellingham shortly after the hour, with the visit to Munich in mind.

“We saw Bellingham feeling good, sharp, confident,” said Arbeloa. “This is the first game he’s started since coming back (from injury), but I think it’s done him a lot of good to get minutes, find rhythm… and I think we should be very pleased with his performance.”

Madrid’s hopes of a trophy appear to hinge on that match against Vincent Kompany’s side, with only seven La Liga matches remaining to try and overhaul Hansi Flick’s Barca, the reigning champions.

Gazzaniga beat away Mbappe’s shot, and the French superstar appealed in vain for a penalty as he collided with Reis in the box.

The defender caught the forward with his arm as Mbappe tried to dart behind him, leaving the French forward with blood on his face.

Six minutes of stoppage time were added on, but they were not enough for Arbeloa’s underwhelming team to conjure a late winner.

Girona, 12th, could make a late push for a European spot after spending much of the season battling relegation.

READ: Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam named in Bangladesh squad for New Zealand ODIs

DHAKA: Bangladesh have named an unchanged squad for the opening two ODI matches against New Zealand, with Peshawar Zalmi pacers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam retaining their spots following their recent involvement in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

The 15-member squad, announced by the new selection panel headed by Habibul Bashar, will continue under the leadership of Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

The selectors have opted to stick with the same group that secured a 2-1 ODI series victory over Pakistan at home last month.

The first two ODIs are scheduled to be played in Dhaka on April 17 and 20, while the third and final match will take place in Chattogram on April 23, followed by a three-match T20I series.

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In a notable move, the selectors have resisted their recent trend of rotating fast bowlers, instead backing a consistent pace attack comprising Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam.

Several members of the squad are currently featuring in the PSL, underlining the growing overlap between international and franchise commitments.

Alongside Nahid and Shoriful, Rishad Hossain (Rawalpindiz), Tanzid Hasan (Peshawar Zalmi) and Mustafizur Rahman (Lahore Qalandars) are also part of the ongoing tournament.

Bangladesh squad for ODI series against New Zealand:

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das (wk), Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Nahid Rana.

READ: Glenn Maxwell joins Hyderabad Kingsmen ahead of Karachi Kings clash

KARACHI: Glenn Maxwell has arrived in Pakistan and linked up with Hyderabad Kingsmen ahead of their crucial Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 fixture against Karachi Kings on Saturday.

The franchise confirmed the Australian all-rounder’s arrival through their official social media platforms, sharing a picture of Maxwell settling into his hotel room with a caption welcoming their high-profile addition.

Maxwell, widely regarded as one of the most explosive T20 players in modern cricket, is set to make his PSL debut this season, bringing both experience and firepower to a struggling Kingsmen outfit.

The right-handed batter boasts an impressive T20I record, having scored 2897 runs in 129 matches at a remarkable strike rate of 158.42, including five centuries and 12 half-centuries. His all-round credentials further strengthen his value, with 49 wickets to his name in the format.

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In 503 T20 matches, he has accumulated 10986 runs at a strike rate exceeding 154, alongside 196 wickets, making him one of the most sought-after players in leagues around the world, including the Big Bash League (BBL), Indian Premier League (IPL), The Hundred and the Vitality Blast.

His arrival comes at a critical juncture for the Marnus Labuschagne-led Kingsmen, who are yet to register a win in the ongoing season. The side has endured a tough start, losing all four of their matches and sitting near the bottom of the points table with a negative net run rate.

READ: Mohammad Rizwan opens up after Rawalpindiz fifth straight loss

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

KARACHI: All-rounder Jahandad Khan addressed the media after an impressive all-round performance that helped Quetta Gladiators beat Rawalpindiz by a hefty margin of 61 runs in the 18th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. 

Set 183 under lights at the National Bank Stadium, Rawalpindiz were bowled for 121 in 17.3 overs.

Jahandad Khan, who made his debut for Quetta Gladiators, delivered with both bat and ball.

The all-rounder came in when Gladiators were 156-4 in 18 overs. The left-hander struck 21 from nine deliveries, including two sixes and two fours that helped his side finish strong.

After impressing with the bat, he also delivered with the bowl, picking up two wickets in 2.3 overs while giving away eight runs.

Talking to reporters at the post-match press conference, Jahandad said he had been waiting for an oppurtunity for the past year.

“I had been waiting for an opportunity for a year,” he said. “This time, I got the chance to play in the PSL and proved my selection right,” he added.

He further said his simple plan was to contribute to victories whenever given an opportunity.

“My simple plan is that whenever I play, I try to win matches for my team,” the 22-year-old revealed.

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“Last year, I couldn’t play cricket in Pakistan at all. I did not represent Pakistan Shaheens or the national team, and I did not play in the PSL. ”

He added that he had worked hard over the past year, particularly on his batting and finishing skills, while expressing confidence in his abilities and future prospects.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

“I have prepared well over the past year, particularly with the bat, and have worked on finishing matches. I consider myself Pakistan’s best all-rounder, and in the future I will prove myself,” said the all-rounder.

Jahandad also credited his experience in the Bangladesh Premier League for his recent performances.

“I have played in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) for the past two years. My experience in the BPL is also helping me.”

“I played my natural game; no one gave me any specific instructions,” he concluded.

READ: Mikel Arteta opens up on Arsenal contract

Head coach Mikel Arteta has addressed Arsenal contract ahead of the clash against Bournemouth on Saturday. 

Arteta’s side host Bournemouth on Saturday and second-placed City travel to Chelsea on Sunday as the title race approaches a pivotal moment.

The Gunners are nine points ahead of City, having played a game more than Pep Guardiola’s team.

That lead would increase to 12 points if Arsenal defeat Bournemouth, putting City under intense pressure to take maximum points from their tricky trip to Stamford Bridge.

Asked how important it would be to move further ahead of City, Arteta told reporters on Friday: “The closer we get, the relevance and importance of the match increases, obviously, and tomorrow is a big day for us.

“The players know it, our supporters know it, it’s early kick-off, so get up early, have an early breakfast, bring your lunch, bring your dinner, as you say in England, and let’s go all together for it because it has to be a big day.”

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After losing to City in the League Cup final and to second tier Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals, Arsenal bounced back with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League quarter-final first-leg on Tuesday.

The Gunners are chasing a first English title in 22 years, as well as their maiden Champions League crown.

And Arteta is convinced that they can finish the season with both trophies, which would finally end their six-year silverware drought since lifting the FA Cup.

“First of all, the capacity we have as a club and as a team, the will to win,” Arteta said to explain his belief.

“We recognise the opportunity ahead and we are going to do our best to achieve it.”

Arteta’s Arsenal contract expires in 2027, and the Spaniard remains fully committed to the club after reports of talks over a new deal.

“There’s no news on that. We have no time to discuss that now. The full focus is on what we have to do from here until the end of the season,” he said.

“I am fully committed and really happy and I feel good. My family is good and I still have so much ambition to do with this football club, and for now we are in a good place.

“This job is about the present and what you do on the day. Give your very best and feel that you are the person that can lead and inspire the group to achieve great things for the club.”

READ: Jannik Sinner romps into Monte Carlo semi-final

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