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DUBAI: Kanishk Chouhan delivered an all-round performance to help India brush aside Pakistan in the fifth encounter of the ACC U19 Asia Cup here at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Academy on Sunday.

Set a stiff 241-run target, Pakistan’s innings folded on mere 150 in 41.2 overs.

The Green Shirts were in trouble right from the outset, with previous match centurion Sameer Minhas dismissed for nine. Ali Hassan Baloch (0), Ahmed Hussain (4), and Usman Khan (16) followed him in quick succession.

Consequently, Pakistan were 30-4 in 13.1 overs.

After a shambolic display from the top-order, skipper Farhan Yousaf and Huzaifa Ahsan tried to arrest the slide with a 47-run stand.

Yousaf departed after scoring 23 from 34 with the help of two fours and a six. At this stage, Pakistan were 77-5 in 24 overs.

After the partnership ended, there were no other significant contributions from the lower order except Huzaifa Ahsan, who top-scored with 70 from 83 balls.

The Karachi-born batter scored nine fours and two sixes in his valiant knock, which ended in the 38th over.

Eventually, Pakistan were bowled out, handing India their second win in the tournament.

For India, Deepesh Devendran and Kanishk Chouhan starred with the ball and picked up three wickets each.

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Earlier, Pakistan pacers Abdul Subhan and Mohammad Sayyam picked up three wickets apiece to bundle out India for 240 in 46.1 overs despite a rapid start.

In a match reduced to 49 overs per side due to rain, skipper Ayush Mhatre and  Vaibhav Suryavanshi added 29 in the first four overs. However, Green Shirts managed to scalp the prized wicket of Suryavanshi, who made five.

Despite the wickets, Mhatre scored briskly after pairing up with Aaron George. The duo stitched a 49-run partnership to propel the score to 78 at the end of 9.5 overs.

The stand eventually culminated with the Indian skipper’s wicket. He made 38 from 25 balls, which included three sixes and four boundaries.

At this point, the Men in Blue were cruising at a brisk scoring rate, but Pakistan made a comeback in the middle overs to curtail the Indian charge.

India lost wickets in quick succession in the middle overs, as Pakistan effectively squeezed the scoring rate. Yet it was George’s 85 from 88 deliveries, peppered with 12 fours and a six, that helped his side post a respectable total.

Kanishk Chouhan, meanwhile, remained the other notable contributor, lower down the order with a run-a-ball 46 laced with three sixes and two fours.

For Pakistan, Abdul Subhan and Mohammad Sayyam took three wickets, whereas Niqab Shafiq managed to bag two as well.

READ: Renegades fans eager to see Rizwan in action, says GM James Rosengarten

WASHINGTON: The 17-time WWE world champion John Cena bid an emotional farewell to in-ring competition after suffering a defeat to Gunther on Saturday here at the Capital One Arena.

At Saturday Night’s Main Event, Cena ended on the losing side to former two-time WWE heavyweight champion Gunther, bringing curtains to an illustrious 23-year career.

The farewell night featured numerous celebrities and wrestling icons, including Kurt Angle, Rob Van Dam, Trish Stratus, Eve Torres, and others, who were shown seated ringside.

Moreover, the video tributes aired featured legends such as The Undertaker and The Rock, alongside sports stars including Tom Brady and Jalen Brunson.

 

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Gunther entered the ring first, followed by a thunderous ovation for Cena; however, the familiar “Cena sucks” chant was absent, replaced entirely by supportive cheers.

The 48-year-old Cena entered the wrestling arena with a camera to film himself before sprinting to the ring and greeting the legends seated at ringside.

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Nonetheless, the match saw ups and downs, with Cena delivering three Attitude Adjustments, including a dramatic top-rope version. The ace wrestler even put Gunther through the announce table.

 

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However, despite multiple attempts, John Cena was unable to secure a pinfall victory.

Eventually, Gutnerh emerged victorious at the end of the historical match, forcing Cena to submit to a sleeper hold after multiple escape attempts.

After the match, Cena, on this occasion, addressed the crowd, stating, “That’s all I’ve got”.

After this, CM Punk and Cody Rhodes joined Cena and placed their championship belts on his shoulders. As the crowd chanted, “Thank you, Cena”, he shared an embrace with Triple H before one final tribute video was shown.

Cena then made his way back to the entrance ramp, saluting the crowd, and exited the arena for one final time.

READ: Salah shines on Liverpool return in win over Brighton

Mohamed Salah played a key role in Liverpool’s vital win against Brighton on Saturday after an explosive interview raised questions over his future at the club, as Arsenal avoided a major embarrassment against Wolves.

The Egypt forward, the subject of intense scrutiny in the build-up to the game at Anfield, came off the substitutes’ bench to huge cheers in the first half, replacing injured defender Joe Gomez.

The home team, whose Premier League title defence has collapsed after a shocking run of results, were leading 1-0 at the time, with France forward Hugo Ekitike on the scoresheet after just 46 seconds.

Brighton squandered a number of opportunities to level, and Ekitike scored his second with half an hour to go, heading home Salah’s corner.

The Egyptian superstar now has 277 goal involvements for Liverpool in the Premier League — 188 goals and 89 assists — a new record by a player for a single club in the competition, overtaking Wayne Rooney’s mark for Manchester United.

Saturday marked a dramatic change of mood around Salah, who last week accused Liverpool of throwing him “under the bus” after he was left on the bench for the 3-3 draw at Leeds.

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That was the third match in a row that he had been named among the replacements.

The 33-year-old winger also said he had no relationship with manager Arne Slot in his extraordinary outburst and was omitted from the midweek Champions League trip to Inter Milan, which Liverpool won 1-0.

After Saturday’s win, Slot said there was “no issue to resolve” with Salah, though uncertainty remains over his long-term future at the club.

“For me he’s now the same as any other player,” said the Dutchman.

“You talk to your players if you’re happy or unhappy with things, but there’s nothing for me to talk about after what happened against Leeds, after the game.”

He added: “I spoke to him yesterday and I think, as I usually never say anything about (what) we talk about, I’m not going to make an exception now, but I think actions speak louder than what has been said.

“He was in the squad again and when I had to make my first substitutions, I brought him in. And he performed as I think every fan, including me, would like him to perform today.”

Salah will now depart for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and could potentially be absent for five weeks.

The 2-0 win — Liverpool’s first at Anfield since November 4 — lifts Slot’s men to sixth in the table.

But their title defence is in ruins after a terrible run of just two wins in 10 league matches before the visit of Brighton.

READ: WATCH: Chaos in Kolkata as fans vandalise stadium after Messi exit

Melbourne Renegades General Manager James Rosengarten shared that the fans of the team are eagerly waiting to see Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan in action in the upcoming season of the Big Bash League (BBL).

Speaking exclusively to ARY News via video link, Rosengarten highlighted the growing buzz around the tournament, noting that this season marks the first time several of Pakistan’s biggest names will feature across different franchises.

“The Big Bash League is just days away, and the inclusion of Pakistan’s superstar players has truly taken the tournament to another level,” Rosengarten said.

“For the first time, players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf will represent different teams, and that has created huge anticipation.”

The Renegades GM said Rizwan’s arrival in Melbourne has generated particular excitement among local fans.

“In Australia, and especially in Melbourne, Pakistani fans are eagerly waiting for the Big Bash League,” he said.

“The fan clubs are ready, everyone is waiting to see when Mohammad Rizwan will step onto the field.”

Rosengarten also underlined the importance of Rizwan’s role within the Renegades setup, pointing to his partnership with Tim Seifert as a key asset.

“The combination of Mohammad Rizwan and Tim Seifert is very important for our team,” he said.

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“Along with that, young Pakistani cricketer Hasan Khan will also be a major point of interest this season.”

Acknowledging the presence of Pakistan’s star players across rival franchises, Rosengarten said the Renegades are prepared for the challenge.

“Babar Azam will be playing for Sydney Sixers, but we will step onto the field fully prepared,” he said. “Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf will bring serious pace, but our batters will be ready to compete.”

When asked if he would have liked to sign another Pakistani player, Rosengarten named Saim Ayub as his top choice.

“If I had the opportunity to draft one more Pakistani player, I would definitely choose Saim Ayub,” he said.

Rosengarten also thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi for facilitating the participation of Pakistani players in the league.

“I want to thank PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi,” he said.

“The decision to issue No Objection Certificates to so many Pakistani superstars is very encouraging. The cricketing relationship between Pakistan and Australia is becoming stronger with each passing day.”

READ: WATCH: Chaos in Kolkata as fans vandalise stadium after Messi exit

KOLKATA: Angry spectators broke down barricades and stormed the pitch at a stadium here after football star Lionel Messi, who is on a three-day tour of India, abruptly left the arena.

As a part of a so-called GOAT Tour, the 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami superstar touched down in the eastern state of West Bengal early Saturday, greeted by a chorus of exuberant fans chanting his name.

Hours later, thousands of fans wearing Messi jerseys and waving the Argentine flag packed into Salt Lake stadium in the state capital Kolkata, but heavy security around the footballer left fans struggling to catch a glimpse of him.

Lionel Messi walked around the pitch waving to fans and left the stadium earlier than expected.

Frustrated fans, many having paid more than $100 for tickets, ripped out stadium seats and hurled water bottles onto the track.

Many others stormed the pitch and vandalised banners and tents.

“For me, to watch Messi is a pleasure, a dream. But I have missed the chance to have a glimpse because of the mismanagement in the stadium,” businessman Nabin Chatterjee, 37, told AFP.

Before the chaos erupted, Messi unveiled a 21-metre (70-foot) statue which shows him holding the World Cup. He was also expected to play a short exhibition game at the stadium.

Another angry fan told the Press Trust of India (PTI) that people had spent “a month’s salary” to see Messi.

“I paid Rs 5,000 ($55) for the ticket and came with my son to watch Messi, not politicians. The police and military personnel were taking selfies, and the management is to blame,” Ajay Shah told PTI.

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State chief minister Mamata Banerjee said she was “disturbed” and “shocked” at the mismanagement.

“I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident,” she said in a post on X, adding that she had ordered a probe into the incident.

Lionel Messi will now head to Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi as part of the four-city tour. His time in India also includes a possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Messi won his second consecutive Major League Soccer (MLS) Most Valuable Player award this week after propelling Inter Miami to the MLS title and leading the league in goals.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) attacker will spearhead Argentina’s defence of the World Cup in June-July in North America.

READ: James Anderson appointed Lancashire captain for 2026 county season

England great James Anderson is set to take on a new leadership role next summer after being appointed a full-time captain by Lancashire for the 2026 County Championship.

The 43-year-old pacer, who turns 44 during the season, takes over the four-day captaincy following Keaton Jennings’ resignation last year.

Anderson had already stepped in as interim skipper on two occasions during Lancashire’s 2025 campaign and will now lead the side permanently in red-ball cricket.

Despite calling time on his illustrious Test career in July 2024, finishing as England’s all-time leading wicket-taker with 704 Test scalps, Anderson has shown no intention of slowing down at the county level.

The fast bowler, who began his Lancashire journey as a teenager in 2002, remains an integral part of the squad and claimed 17 first-class wickets at an average of 25.94 in six Championship appearances last season.

Jennings will continue to lead Lancashire in the Vitality Blast, a format in which Anderson enjoyed an outstanding 2025 campaign, taking 20 wickets at 16.10 as the club reached Finals Day.

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Josh Bohannon will remain vice-captain, a role he has held since 2024.

“Captaining Lancashire for the first time last season was a huge privilege, and I’m honoured to take on the role full-time heading into the new season,” James Anderson said.

“We’ve got a fantastic group of players, with a great blend of youth and experience. Promotion back to Division One is our number one priority.”

Lancashire’s appointment comes after a turbulent Championship season in 2025, which resulted in major changes behind the scenes.

Head coach Dale Benkenstein departed following the club’s failure to mount a serious promotion push, with former Lancashire all-rounder Steven Croft stepping in as head coach.

Lancashire will begin their County Championship campaign away to Northamptonshire on April 3, before returning to Emirates Old Trafford to face Derbyshire the following week.

READ: Verstappen’s Imola overtake wins F1 Action of the Year

Four-time Formula One World Champion Max Verstappen has been honoured with the F1 Action of the Year award for his breathtaking opening-lap overtake on Oscar Piastri at the Imola Grand Prix, even though medical reasons kept him away from the ceremony.

The Red Bull driver addressed the audience through a pre-recorded message, explaining that doctors had advised him against travelling, forcing him to miss the event in person.

“I’m very sorry that I couldn’t be with you tonight. The doctors have prevented me from flying,” Verstappen said in his message.

A message from Max 🤳

While Max couldn’t travel to the FIA Awards on his doctor’s advice, he sent in this message to congratulate Lando and McLaren 🤝#F1 pic.twitter.com/G8ndL2DBxj

— Formula 1 (@F1) December 12, 2025

Despite his absence, the 26-year-old took time to praise his rivals, particularly McLaren and newly crowned world champion Lando Norris, acknowledging the intensity of their title battle throughout the season.

“A big congratulations to McLaren and especially Lando. You guys had an unbelievable season, and it was really cool to be able to race against you until the end,” he added.

Verstappen’s award-winning moment came during the opening lap at Imola, where he produced a bold yet perfectly judged move to pass Piastri, a manoeuvre that quickly became one of the defining highlights of the season and earned widespread acclaim from fans and paddock insiders.

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The recognition capped another memorable year in Formula One, one that ultimately belonged to McLaren.

Norris sealed his maiden world title to become the 35th Formula One World Champion since the championship’s inception in 1950 and the 11th British driver to achieve the feat.

His teammate Piastri also enjoyed a standout campaign, finishing third in the drivers’ standings as McLaren wrapped up a remarkable season.

READ: Rafael Nadal drops surprise announcement ahead of Australian Open

Rafael Nadal has delivered a light-hearted update on his fitness, joking that he will miss the Australian Open 2026, shortly after Roger Federer’s return to the Melbourne Park spotlight was confirmed.

Federer, who retired following the 2022 Laver Cup, is set to appear at the Australian Open’s inaugural opening ceremony next month.

The six-time Australian Open champion will take part in an exhibition event titled Battle of the World No. 1s, alongside Andre Agassi, Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt, as part of the tournament’s new ceremonial launch.

Reflecting on his connection with Melbourne, Federer said the Australian Open holds some of the most special moments of his career, including his emotional comeback title in 2017 and a successful title defence in 2018.

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He expressed excitement about returning to Rod Laver Arena and reconnecting with Australian fans.

While Federer prepares for his ceremonial comeback, his long-time rival, Rafael Nadal, shared a contrasting update on social media.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion posted a photo on Instagram showing his right hand in a brace following surgery, accompanied by a tongue-in-cheek caption suggesting he would not be able to play the Australian Open in 2026.

“Looks like I won’t be able to play the Australian Open 2026,” Nadal joked, adding that the surgery was required to address an issue he had been dealing with for some time and that he hopes to recover fully soon.

 

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Nadal, who officially retired from professional tennis at the 2024 Davis Cup, remains one of the most decorated players in Australian Open history, having lifted the trophy twice.

READ: President’s Cup: Usman’s 155* propels Sahir Associates to victory

KARACHI: Sahir Associates Usman Khan hit a magnificent 155* off just 98 to power his side to a thrilling win over Ghani Glass in the third round fixture of the President’s Cup Grade-I here at the Oval Academy Ground on Friday.

Sahir Associated chased down the mammoth target of 328 runs with 79 balls to spare, thanks to a monumental 275-run stand between Usman Khan and Mohammed Faiq.

Usman remained unbeaten on 155, while Faiq scored 108 not out as Ghani Glass bowlers were kept on their toes as the duo struck a combined number of 11 sixes. Usman faced 98 balls, hitting 16 fours and eight sixes in his heroic effort.

Faiq – who joined Usman at 55-2 – faced 76 balls in his maiden List A century, striking 10 fours and three sixes.

Earlier, Mohsin Riaz’s maiden List A century (141 off 104b, 8x4s, 8x6s) and a 129-run fifth-wicket stand with Tayyab Tahir (65, 58b, 5x4s, 2x6s) propelled Ghani Glass from 125-4 in 28 overs to 254-5 in 45.2 overs.

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Saeed Ali then struck two fours and one six in his 12-ball 18 as Ghani Glass posted 327-7 in 50 overs.

The duo batted for 28 overs to hand Sahir their first win in three games emphatically flexing their batting muscles.

For Ghani Glass, Noman Ali picked up the two wickets.

Meanwhile, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) won a last-ball thriller, while Pakistan Television (PTV) managed a close six-run DLS win.

At the KCCA Stadium, SNGPL beat State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) by three wickets to register their third win on the trot as they chased the 287-run target with three wickets in the bag.

On the contrary, PTV edged past Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) by six runs on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method to defend their 272-8 total at the UBL Sports Complex, Karachi.

Chasing 273 to win, WAPDA were 235-4 in 47 overs, requiring 38 off 18 balls, when early onset of bad light halted the proceedings, after which they were found to be behind the par score.

READ: U19 Asia Cup: Sameer Minhas shatters multiple records against Malaysia

Mohamed Salah has been included in Liverpool’s squad for their Premier League match at home to Brighton on Saturday following talks with manager Arne Slot, according to several British media reports.

Both the BBC and Sky said the decision was made with Slot, who had made it clear he would have the final say on whether to recall Salah, wanting to act in the best interests of the club.

The Dutchman had previously said he would speak to Salah on Friday morning following the Egypt striker’s outburst last weekend that raised doubts about his Anfield future and saw him omitted from the squad that travelled to Italy for a Champions League win over Inter Milan in midweek.

Salah accused Liverpool of throwing him “under the bus” after he was left on the bench for last week’s 3-3 draw at Leeds — the third match in a row that he did not start.

He also said he had no relationship with Slot when he spoke to reporters after the match at Elland Road.

On Tuesday, Liverpool won 1-0 at Inter Milan, while the 33-year-old Salah posted a picture on social media of himself alone in a gym at the club’s training ground.

“I will have a conversation with Mo this morning — the outcome of that conversation determines how things will look tomorrow,” Slot told his pre-match press conference.

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“I think the next time I speak about Mo should be with him and not in here. You can keep on trying, but there is not much more to say about it.

“After the Sunderland game (a 1-1 draw on December 3 in which Salah came on as a second-half substitute) there were a lot of conversations between his representatives and ours, between him and me.”

Slot batted away further questions from reporters about the forward, but said: “I have no reasons not wanting him to stay, and that is a little bit of an answer to your question.”

Salah, who signed a new two-year contract at Liverpool in April, which made him one of the highest-paid players in the Premier League, is due to join the Egypt squad for the Africa Cup of Nations after Saturday’s Brighton game at Anfield.

The length of his absence depends on how far Egypt go in the competition in Morocco, with the final taking place on January 18.

Salah, third in Liverpool’s all-time scoring charts with 250 goals in 420 appearances, has won two Premier League titles and one Champions League triumph during his spell on Merseyside.

He scored 29 Premier League goals last season as Liverpool romped to a 20th English league title, but has managed just four league goals in 13 appearances this season.

Liverpool are 10th in the table after a shocking run, with two wins in their past 10 Premier League games.

Salah has been linked with a move to the lucrative Saudi Pro League.

READ: PCB pushes back bid deadline for new PSL teams