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DUBAI: Pakistan batters Sameer Minhas and Ahmed Hussain put on a masterclass to hammer Malaysia by a massive 297 runs in the second match of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 at The Sevens Stadium on Friday.

After Malaysia captain Deeaz Patro elected to field first, Pakistan’s top and middle order took full advantage, posting a commanding 345-3 in their 50 overs.

The innings was anchored by a sensational third-wicket partnership between Sameer Minhas and Ahmed Hussain, which completely turned the game in Pakistan’s favour.

Pakistan’s innings began on a shaky note as Usman Khan departed cheaply for a single, trapped by Nagineswaran Sathnakumaran in the second over with just four runs on the board.

Ali Hassan Baloch tried to steady the innings before being dismissed for 14.

At 30-2 in the 10th over, Sameer was joined by Ahmed, and they compiled a 293-run stand at a brisk pace.

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Ahmed Hussain scored a lively 132 off 144 balls, featuring eight boundaries and two sixes, before being dismissed hit-wicket off Muhammad Akram in the penultimate over.

Sameer Minhas stole the show with an unbeaten 177 from 148 deliveries, laced with 11 fours and eight sixes.

Malaysia’s bowling attack struggled to contain the onslaught. Sathnakumaran took two wickets but was expensive, conceding 91 runs in his full quota of 10 overs, while Akram returned with figures of 1-64.

Chasing an imposing target, Malaysia’s U19 side capitulated for just 48 in 19.4 overs.

Ali Raza and Mohammad Sayyam shared three wickets apiece, Daniyal Ali Khan claimed two, and Niqab Shafiq chipped in with one.

None of the Malaysian batters managed to reach double figures, with captain Patro and Akram top-scoring with nine runs each.

READ: Kohli, Rohit set for demotion in BCCI central contracts: reports

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are reportedly headed for a demotion in the upcoming BCCI central contracts cycle for 2025–26, with Indian media claiming the matter will be taken up during the cricket board’s apex council meeting on December 22.

According to the reports, the BCCI is expected to revisit the grading of its senior-most players, with Kohli and Rohit likely to drop from the top A+ bracket due to their reduced involvement in India’s multi-format setup.

Both players stepped away from T20Is following the 2024 World Cup and later withdrew from Test cricket earlier this year, leaving ODI cricket as their only active format.

The BCCI’s central contracts are divided into four tiers, A+, A, B, and C, with the highest category reserved for India’s premier all-format performers.

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With the shift in roles and reduced availability of the senior pair, India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill is expected to be promoted to the A+ list.

Kohli and Rohit continued to hold A+ contracts in the 2024–25 cycle alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja despite their retirements from longer formats.

However, the latest reports indicate that the board is now prepared to adjust their status, marking the first major revision to their positioning in several years.

A demotion would also mean a financial hit for the two modern greats. The A+ category carries an annual retainer of INR 7 crore, while the A bracket offers INR 5 crore, a reduction of INR 2 crore per player.

READ: Pakistan push Argentina to limit but fall short 3–2 in Pro League clash

Pakistan produced a spirited performance but still came away empty-handed, slipping to a narrow 3–2 defeat against Argentina in their FIH Pro League fixture at the Santiago del Estero Hockey Club.

In a five-goal contest that swung with momentum throughout, the hosts backed up their shoot-out win over the Netherlands a day earlier by claiming full points against a resurgent Pakistan side.

Pakistan began with impressive intent, pressing aggressively and creating clearer early openings.

Waheed Ashraf Rana forced Tomas Santiago into a sharp save from close range, before narrowly missing the far post on his second attempt.

Argentina, meanwhile, struggled to make their penalty corners count, with Tomas Domene’s backhand only catching the side netting.

The breakthrough eventually came for the hosts in the second quarter.

Thomas Habif’s incisive baseline run opened the play for Ignacio Nardolillo, who squared for Domene to finish from point-blank range, the only goal separating the sides at halftime.

The match came alive after the break, as Pakistan drew level through Muhammad Ammad, who cleverly redirected a Zikriya Hayat pass to make it 1–1.

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But Argentina responded instantly, showcasing their penalty-corner class.

Nicolas della Torre struck low to restore the lead, before Maico Casella added a second in quick succession with a powerful flick into the top of the net following a series of re-awards.

Pakistan replied with pressure of their own, earning three consecutive re-awards before Waleed Rana pounced on a rebound to trim the deficit to 3–2 just before the third-quarter whistle.

Both Pakistan and Argentina created half-chances in the final period, but the home team’s defensive discipline and earlier set-piece precision ensured the scoreline stayed intact.

Thomas Habif’s influential display earned him the Player of the Match award.

The result follows Pakistan’s 5–2 loss to defending champions Netherlands on their Pro League debut at the same venue.

The Green Shirts will meet the Dutch again on December 13, before concluding their opening Pro League stint against Argentina on December 15.

READ: Shadab Khan excited for Babar Azam clash in BBL comeback

Pakistan’s star all-rounder Shadab Khan has expressed his excitement not only about returning to competitive cricket but also about a much-anticipated showdown with compatriot Babar Azam in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025.

The leg-spinner underwent right-shoulder surgery on July 5 in England after persistent discomfort and multiple medical consultations.

The procedure sidelined him for nearly five months, ruling him out of several major assignments, including the Asia Cup 2025.

Now fully recovered, Shadab Khan is set to return to action in the BBL, where he will represent the Sydney Thunder, his first major appearance since surgery.

Speaking exclusively to ARY News, he said his ambition is simple: make a strong, impactful comeback.

“This is my first event after surgery,” Shadab said. “Because of the surgery, I stayed away from cricket for almost five months.”

“But I’ve completed my preparation for the Big Bash League, and my only aim is to play good cricket and make a strong comeback.”

With multiple Pakistani stars featuring across franchises, Shadab believes this season will attract heightened interest.

“Pakistan’s big-name players will be in action this time,” he said. “Because of Pakistani players, the Big Bash is getting even more attention.”

One of the biggest storylines of the season will be Shadab going head-to-head with former Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who will represent the Sydney Sixers.

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The two sides meet twice in the high-voltage Sydney Derby, first on 20 December and again on 16 January.

“Babar and I have played together a lot,” Shadab said. “We understand each other’s mindset. It will be fun when Babar and I face each other on Australian soil.”

Shadab Khan also spoke about the experience of sharing a dressing room with top Australian names.

“Playing alongside David Warner and other Australian players will be a unique experience,” he said.

Reflecting on his recovery, the all-rounder said highs and lows are part of the sport.

“Injuries and being out of form are part of a player’s life,” he admitted. “I accept that I’ve been through that phase too.”

He stressed the importance of all-rounders contributing in every department.

“An all-rounder should focus on both batting and bowling,” he said. “It’s wrong to think that if your batting isn’t going well, your bowling won’t help either. Playing different roles according to the team and the situation is not a bad thing.”

With a strong Pakistani presence expected in the stands, Shadab said fan support plays a key role in boosting confidence.

“There is a large number of Pakistani fans in Australia,” he said. “We get energy from the fans.”

WATCH: WWE superstars pay emotional tribute to John Cena

WWE’s biggest names, including Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns and CM Punk, have come together for an emotional tribute, honouring legendary John Cena as he heads into the final match of his illustrious career.

Cena, a 17-time World Champion and one of WWE’s most iconic figures, is set to wrestle for the last time on December 13 at Saturday Night’s Main Event inside Washington D.C.’s Capital One Arena.

His farewell bout will see him take on Gunther, who earned the spot by defeating LA Knight in the tournament final.

With the countdown to Cena’s retirement well underway, WWE released a heartfelt tribute video across its digital platforms, featuring emotional appearances from current stars, former rivals, legends, and even backstage crew who have worked alongside him for years.

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The video includes silent tributes, no dialogue, only mannerisms and gestures synonymous with Cena, ranging from his signature “You Can’t See Me” taunt to salutes and handwritten messages.

Among those featured were aforementioned Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, CM Punk, as well as Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, Bayley, Liv Morgan, The Miz, Wade Barrett, Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, AJ Styles, Jey Uso, Sami Zayn, and more.

Cena’s longtime cameraman, Stew, also made an appearance, adding a personal touch that resonated deeply with fans.

WWE’s Chief Content Officer Triple H, alongside Stephanie McMahon, also paid tribute, acknowledging Cena’s impact not just as a performer but as a locker-room leader and global ambassador.

The tribute arrives at the climax of Cena’s year-long farewell tour, one that celebrated a career spanning more than two decades, countless rivalries, and a body of work that transcended professional wrestling.

Saturday Night’s Main Event will not only celebrate Cena’s final appearance but will also showcase a packed card.

Cody Rhodes steps into the ring against NXT Champion Oba Femi, while Bayley faces Sol Ruca. The show will also feature AJ Styles & Dragon Lee vs Je’Von Evans & Leon Slater.

READ: Duffy takes five as New Zealand thrash West Indies in second Test

WELLINGTON: Jacob Duffy took 5-38 as New Zealand cruised to a nine-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second Test in Wellington on Friday for a 1-0 series lead.

Seamer Duffy bagged his second five-wicket haul in only his third Test to help roll the West Indies for 128 after lunch on day three, the hosts needing just 56 for victory.

Devon Conway (28) and Kane Williamson (16) guided New Zealand to an emphatic win just before tea at the Basin Reserve.

Debutant Michael Rae took 3-45 for the home side while Kavem Hodge was the pick of the West Indian batters in their second innings, scoring 35.

New Zealand lead the three-Test series 1-0, after the first match in Christchurch ended in a draw.

New Zealand skipper Tom Latham was delighted with how his inexperienced bowling unit took the fight to the visitors.

Like Duffy, Zak Foulkes was playing just his third Test match, Blair Tickner his fourth and Rae was on debut.

It was a limp batting effort from the West Indies, who resumed day three at 32-2, trailing by 41 runs having lost John Campbell and nightwatchman Anderson Phillip late on day two.

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By lunch, they were on the ropes at 98-6 and needing a significant fightback, like they did in the first Test, to have any chance.

It took just 9.2 overs for New Zealand to clean up the tail, the collapse starting when Justin Greaves fell for 25 to an lbw off Duffy that was reviewed by New Zealand and would have clipped the top of the leg stump.

On day one, the tourists were dismissed for 205, before New Zealand made 278-9 declared in reply.

Brandon King and Hodge started brightly on Friday, negating a pitch that was offering variable bounce to the New Zealand bowlers.

King was the first to depart, for 22, after a dreadful mix-up running between the wickets, run out by Michael Bracewell.

That sparked a mini-collapse as first Shai Hope and then Chase were removed by Rae and Duffy, respectively.

Hodge patiently moved to 35 as wickets fell at the other end, but he departed after Will Young took a stunning diving catch from a pull shot at midwicket.

The third and final Test is in Mount Maunganui starting on Thursday.

READ: De Kock stars as South Africa level T20 series with big win

Opener Quinton de Kock hit a 46-ball 90 to set up South Africa’s convincing 51-run win over India in the second T20 international and level the series on Thursday.

De Kock’s knock, laced with five fours and seven sixes, powered South Africa to 213-4 after being invited to bat first on the outskirts of Chandigarh.

South Africa bowled out India for 162 in 19.1 overs despite Tilak Varma’s valiant 62 off 34 balls as the visitors pulled one back after they lost the opener of the five-match series.

The series is part of the build-up for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in February-March.

Medium-pace bowler Ottneil Baartman stood out with figures of 4-24.

The left-handed de Kock set the tone for the big win after he put on 83 runs for the second wicket with skipper Aiden Markram, who made 29.

Spinner Varun Chakravarthy bowled opener Reeza Hendricks for eight on his first ball and later dismissed Markram after being hit for two sixes by the captain.

De Kock, who turns 33 on Wednesday, looked in control from the start as he hit left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh for two sixes in the bowlers’ first two overs.

The wicketkeeper-batter raised his 17th T20 half-century with a four off Hardik Pandya but missed out on his ton after being run out by his opposite number, Jitesh Sharma.

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Axar Patel removed Dewald Brevis for 14 before David Miller unleashed his fury with four boundaries off Jasprit Bumrah in a 15-run over and made an unbeaten 20.

Donovan Ferreira finished with a flourish in his unbeaten 30 as he hit Bumrah for two sixes in the 20th over.

In reply, Shubman Gill fell for a first-ball duck off Lungi Ngidi.

Left-arm quick Marco Jansen took down Abhishek Sharma, caught behind for 17, and India were in trouble when he had skipper Suryakumar Yadav out for five.

Varma and Axar Patel attempted to hit back with a string of boundaries, but Baartman broke through as India slumped to 67-4 inside eight overs.

Baartman cut short Axar’s knock on 21 off 21 balls with Hendricks taking a low catch at cover.

Varma kept up the charge and found support from Pandya, and then Sharma, but South Africa struck regular blows.

Lutho Sipamla sent back Pandya for 20 and Sharma for 27 as India’s chase fizzled out, and Varma was the last man out off Ngidi.

The third match is on Sunday in the Himalayan town of Dharamsala.

READ: ICC announces ticket sales for Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada said the latest financial results released on Thursday show “strong progress in our transformation of the club”.

The Red Devils reported a £13 million ($17.4 million) operating profit for the three months until September 30, compared with a £6.9 million loss in the same period last year.

United’s total revenue for the 2026 fiscal first quarter dropped by two percent to £140.3 million due to the lack of European competition for the men’s team, who are sixth in the Premier League under manager Ruben Amorim.

The women’s team, coached by Marc Skinner, are third in the Women’s Super League and are competing in the Women’s Champions League.

“These robust financial results reflect the resilience of Manchester United as we make strong progress in our transformation of the club,” said Berrada.

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“The difficult decisions we have made in the past year have resulted in a sustainably lower cost base and a more streamlined, effective organisation equipped to drive the club towards improved sporting and commercial performance over the long term.”

United’s financial statement said the club continues “to see the impact of operating cost and headcount reduction programmes implemented during the previous year”.

Co-owner Jim Ratcliffe oversaw wide-ranging, and often unpopular, cost-cutting measures, including widespread job cuts.

The statement said “employee benefit expenses” for the quarter were £73.6 million, a decrease of £6.6 million, primarily due to the impact of job cuts.

United says they remain on track to record revenues of between £640 million and £660 million for fiscal 2026.

READ: National Games: Pakistan Army’s Hoor Fawad wins Tennis Singles Title

KARACHI: Pakistan Army Hoor Fawad has been crowned the Women’s Singles Champion at the 35th National Games currently underway here in the Metropolitan city.

Competing at the Islamia Club, Hoor delivered a commanding performance in the final, defeating Haiqa Hassan in straight sets, 3–0, to secure the national title.

Throughout the tournament, she demonstrated remarkable form, earning three gold medals and one bronze across multiple events, solidifying her position as one of the country’s leading table tennis athletes.

In the Men’s Singles final, Muhammad Ahmed, also representing Pakistan Army, claimed victory over Shah Khan, further strengthening Pak Army’s dominance in this year’s table tennis competitions.

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With outstanding performances from both its male and female athletes, Pakistan Army emerged as the standout contingent in the table tennis category at the National Games 2025.

Overall, Pakistan Army medals tally rose to 258 which includes 168 golds. Meanwhile, WAPDA is on second position with 169 medals to their name.

 

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For the unversed, the 35th National Games Karachi are currently underway in the metropolitan city, featuring a range of multi-sport events from 6 to 13 December 2025.

The event is bringing together athletes from across the country in a sweeping programme that spans endurance sports, combat disciplines, precision events, and crowd-favourite team competitions.

The event features Olympic mainstays such as athletics, swimming, gymnastics, and fencing. Moreover, Kabaddi, tug of war, netball, and boxing games are also part of the competitions.

It is pertinent to mention that the National Games, first held in 1948, stand among Pakistan’s most prominent multi-sport events and frequently serve as a pathway to international selection.

READ: Arshdeep Singh sets unwanted record with 13-ball over

NEW CHANDIGARH: India pacer Arshdeep Singh on Thursday registered an unwanted record after bowling a 13-ball over against South Africa in the second T20I here at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.

The left-arm pacer’s mind-baffling 11th over of the match, which consisted of seven wide deliveries, yielded 18 runs.

With this, Arshdeed equalled the record of the longest over bowled in T20Is by a full-member nation player. Previously, Afghanistan’s pacer Naveen-ul-Haq bowled a 13-ball over against Zimbabwe.

Longest over by a bowler in T20Is (Full-member nations)

Arshdeep Singh – 13 balls (18 runs) vs South Africa, New Chandigarh 2025
Naveen-ul-Haq – 13 balls (19 runs) vs Zimbabwe, Harare 2024
Sisanda Magala – 12 balls (18 runs) vs Pakistan, Johannesburg 2021
Mark Adair – 11 balls (26 runs) vs Australia, Brisbane 2022

The previous longest over by an Indian was 11 balls, bowled by Khaleel Ahmed and Hardik Pandya. Khaleel had bowled a 13-ball over in Pallekele against Sri Lanka in 2024, while Pandya created the ignominious record in Adelaide in 2016.

Longest over by an Indian bowler in T20Is

Arshdeep Singh – 13 balls (18 runs) vs South Africa, New Chandigarh 2025
Khaleel Ahmed – 11 balls (11 runs) vs Sri Lanka, Pallekele 2024
Hardik Pandya – 11 balls (19 runs) vs Australia, Adelaide 2016
Arshdeep Singh – 10 balls (13 runs) vs Ireland, New York 2024
Arshdeep Singh – 10 balls (6 runs) vs West Indies, Tarouba 2023

Nonetheless, South Africa posted a mammoth total of 213-4 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to ace batter Quinton de Kock’s sublime 90 off 46, laced with seven sixes and five fours.

For India, Varun Chakravarthy remained the pick of bowlers, scalping two wickets in his four overs while giving away only 29.

READ: WATCH: Trophy unveiled for ACC U-19 Asia Cup