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Tottenham Hotspur coach Thomas Frank stated he won’t take risks over the fitness of Cristian Romero as the club captain prepares to return against Chelsea on Saturday.

Romero has not featured for Tottenham since the start of October due to an adductor issue, but Frank is set to involve the Argentine for Chelsea’s visit to north London.

The centre-back also returned for the corresponding fixture last December, only to suffer another injury and miss three months as a result.

Frank is confident Romero is fully ready to feature, but will take the blame if there is another injury issue for the 27-year-old.

“The positive news is that Romero, Destiny (Udogie) and Wilson (Odobert) are available for selection for Saturday,” Frank told reporters on Friday.

“I am fully aware of the importance of making the best possible decisions. While I will receive a lot of information from the medical staff and performance team, ultimately, the responsibility rests with me.”

“If a player breaks down, it is on me. It is not on the medical staff, not on the performance staff, always me.

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“I take decisions, I get all the information and then I have to take a difficult choice or a braver choice, or an easy choice, so that is it.

“If Romero was fit enough, he would have been involved on Wednesday (against Newcastle), but he is ready to be involved and let’s see how he is.”

Chelsea have won the last four meetings with rivals Tottenham, including two memorable fixtures in N17 under Frank’s predecessor, Ange Postecoglou.

Postecoglou infamously made Tottenham play a high defensive line despite being down to nine men for a large chunk of a 2023 clash, which ended in a 4-1 defeat.

“It was entertaining and we are in the entertainment business aren’t we? I remember the first, was that with nine men and 4-1? Yeah, I remember that one. That was crazy, but yeah, that is in the past,” said Frank, whose side are currently third in the Premier League.

“Some games we are a part of that everyone will remember for whatever reason and hopefully we are part of a game everyone will remember tomorrow and we come out on the winning side.

“It’s a London derby between two big rivals, there is so much on it and against a very good Chelsea team. Under the floodlights, it has got everything to be a top game.”

READ: Salman Ali Agha lavishes praise on Saim, Mirza after thumping win

LAHORE: Pakistan T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha heaped high praise on Saim Ayub and Salman Mirza, who played vital roles in his side’s nine-wicket win over South Africa.

Pakistan T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha heaped praise on Saim Ayub and Salman Mirza, who played vital roles in his side’s nine-wicket win over South Africa.

Green Shirts defeated South Africa in the second T20I and levelled the three-match T20I series 1-1.

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Salman recalled the opening T20I and expressed confidence in the series decider.

The final T20I will be played tomorrow at the same venue.

Catch Pakistan vs South Africa news updates here!

“They outplayed us in the previous game, and we did that today. It’s beautifully set up now, and hopefully, we’ll have a cracker in the final,” he remarked.

He praised Salman Mirza, saying that the left-arm pacer has the hunger and is learning new things every day.

“We bowled really well up front. When you bowl that well early on, you’re always going to win the game. Salman [Mirza] is working very hard and learning new things every day,” said Salman.

Salman, who bagged the player of the match award, was included in place of Shaheen Afridi, who was given rest ahead of the ODI series.

The left-arm pacer took three wickets in his quota of four overs and gave away only 14 runs. His wickets upfront broke South Africa’s batting lineup, never allowing them to post a threatening total.

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The skipper also mentioned Saim Ayub, who made a brisk 71* off just 38 balls, which helped Pakistan finish the match inside 13 overs.

“He started as a backup option, but he’s becoming a frontline bowler now. Naseem bowled really well, and I’m very happy for him. Saim is someone who can play for the next ten years and become the player we all want him to be,” the skipper concluded.

READ: Salman Mirza reflects on match-winning spell against South Africa

LAHORE: Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Salman Mirza has shared his thoughts after an outstanding display that powered Pakistan to a comfortable win over South Africa.

Pakistan outplayed South Africa in all departments during the second T20I here at the packed Gaddafi Stadium.

The home side romped to a nine-wicket win, courtesy of Salman Mirza’s opening spell and Saim Ayub’s whirlwind knock.

Salman ripped South Africa’s top order and finished with three wickets in four overs while giving away only 14.

Catch Pakistan vs South Africa news updates here!

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Salman, who was included in place of Shaheen Afridi, credited the bowling coach for giving him the right plan to execute on a grassy pitch.

“Obviously, when you are in the team, there are four to five bowlers, and you have to be prepared. It does not matter if you are a frontline bowler because you have to be prepared,” he said on his inclusion in the playing XI.

“I’ve worked a lot with our bowling coach, Aash [ Ashley Noffke], on how to bowl effectively according to the conditions and how to execute our plans properly,” the 31-year-old told reporters.

Regarding his bowling to South Africa’s batters for the first time, he admitted that the visitors are less familiar with him and emphasized different bowling plans.

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“I wouldn’t say I’ve been exposed. It depends on how the pitch behaves tomorrow and what the match situation is. You always have a Plan A, and if that doesn’t work, you’re ready with other plans. Everything depends on the given day.”

At last, he dedicated his player for the match award to his mother and thanked her for prayers.

“I dedicate this performance to my mother. I believe it’s all because of her prayers that such performances are possible,” he concluded.

READ: Babar Azam beats Rohit Sharma’s record to reach huge T20I milestone

LAHORE: Pakistan ace batter Babar Azam shattered former India captain Rohit Sharma’s record to become the highest run scorer in T20I cricket.

The 31-year-old shattered the record during the second T20I against South Africa here at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Before coming into this fixture, the right-handed batter required nine runs to surpass Rohit Sharma and become the highest run-scorer in the shorter format.

Babar opened his account with a majestic cover drive in front of his home crowd that erupted in loud cheers as he arrived on the crease.

He achieved the feat on the first ball of the 11th over with a single off Donovan Ferreira’s bowling. With this single, he now sits in pole position ahead of Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have already retired from this format.

Most runs in men’s T20Is

Babar Azam 4234 in 130 matches
Rohit Sharma – 4231 in `159 matches
Virat Kohli – 4188 in 125 matches
Jos Buttler – 3869 in 144 matches

Opting to bat first, South Africa displayed a shambolic batting display and were folded for a mere 110 in 19.2 overs.

The architects of the rattling South Africa batting lineup were Pakistan pacers Faheem Ashraf and Salman Mirza.

Mirza’s opening burst of three wickets tore through the Proteas top-order while Faheem’s four-wicket haul ensured that the visitors didn’t post an imposing total.

Playing XIs

South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira (c), George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Nandre Burger, Ottneil Baartman, Lungi Ngidi

Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha(c), Usman Khan(w), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed

READ: Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen proposes reforms to take PSL to next level

Spinner Rashid Khan and batter Ibrahim Zadran starred as Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by seven wickets on Friday to clinch a three-match Twenty20 series with a game to spare.

Zimbabwe won the toss, batted, and were all out for 125 at Harare Sports Club. Afghanistan then reached 129-3 with 12 balls remaining.

After suffering a heavy loss in a one-off Test, the tourists had won the first T20 by 53 runs on Wednesday. The dead rubber T20 will be played on Sunday.

Khan took 3-9, including the wicket of rival captain Sikandar Raza, who top-scored for Zimbabwe with 37 off 32 balls, including four fours.

Raza was caught and bowled as he struggled to deal with a delivery aimed at off stump, striking the ball straight to the 27-year-old Afghan skipper.

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Khan struck again three balls later in the 16th over, as his googly led to Tashinga Musekiwa (13) being caught by Mohammad Nabi at long on.

The 24-run sixth-wicket partnership of Raza and Musekiwa was the best for Zimbabwe, who struggled after the failures of top-order pair Dion Myers (six) and Brendan Taylor (three).

Brad Evans (12) was Khan’s other victim, trapped leg before as he attempted a sweep with Zimbabwe desperately seeking runs late in the innings.

For the second straight T20, Zadran top-scored for Afghanistan, hitting an unbeaten 57 for his 12th T20 half-century after 52 runs on Wednesday. His 51-ball stand included seven fours.

It was left to fourth-wicket partner Azmatullah Omarzai to hit the match and series-winning four past long off.

READ: Mohammad Amir named Quetta Qavalry captain for Abu Dhabi T10 league

LAHORE: Saim Ayub’s sparkling half-century and a clinical bowling performance helped Pakistan rout South Africa in the second T20I here under lights at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

Pakistan chased down a mere 111-run target in only 13.1 overs on the loss of just one wicket.

Saim Ayub starred with the bat, scoring a brisk 71* off just 38 balls. The southpaw hit five sixes and half a dozen fours in his knock.

In pursuit of the target, Sahizbada Farhan and Saim Ayub provided a 54-run start in only 6.4 overs. Farhan departed after hitting three sixes in his 28 from 23 balls.

Following the wicket, Babar Azam arrived at the crease in front of his home crowd and opened his account with an elegant cover drive. On the contrary, Saim continued on his merry way and reached his half-century.

On the first ball of the 11th over, Babar reached a major T20I milestone and surpassed Rohit Sharma to become the highest run scorer in T20Is.

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He remained unbeaten with 11* from 18 balls, and Saim finished the match with a six to level the three-match series 1-1.

For South Africa, there was nothing much in the bowling like batting as Corbin Bosch remained the solitary wicket taker.

Earlier, Salman Mirza’s devastating three-wicket spell, coupled with Faheem Ashraf’s four-wicket haul, helped Pakistan skittle South Africa for a modest total.

Put into bat first, South Africa were bowled out for a mere 110 in 19.2 overs.

Replacing Shaheen Afridi in the lineup, Salman Mirza wreaked havoc with the new ball and tore through South Africa’s top order. The left-armer knocked out the previous match’s half-century Reeza Hendricks for a duck on the second ball of the match.

Naseem Shah from the other end also supported him well and removed Quinton de Kock for seven. As a result, the visitors were reduced to 12-2 in two overs.

Salman continued with his outstanding bowling and sent back Tony de Zorzi (7), in the third over and Matthew Breetzke (5) in the fourth to leave the Proteas reeling at 23-4.

The early wickets never allowed South Africa to recover, despite a brief counterattack from top scorer Dewald Brevis. He made 25 from 16 before getting caught on Faheem Ashraf’s bowling. The right-hander hit three sixes in his eye-catching knock.

Catch Pakistan vs South Africa news updates here!

The right-hander remained the only silver lining in a shambolic batting display, which folded their innings before 20 overs.

Salman Mirza returned with excellent figures of 3-14 in four overs, while Faheem Ashraf, who did not bowl in the opening match, scalped four wickets in 3.2 overs while giving away 23.

Playing XIs

South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira (c), George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Nandre Burger, Ottneil Baartman, Lungi Ngidi

Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha(c), Usman Khan(w), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed

READ: Mohammad Amir named Quetta Qavalry captain for Abu Dhabi T10 league

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir will lead Quetta Qavalry in their inaugural season of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, starting November 18.

The announcement came via Qavalry social media handle with an animated poster.

“The leader of the Qavalry. The charge starts now.,” the caption wrote.

For the unversed, Quetta Qavalry will commence their campaign in an opening encounter against Northern Warriors. They will then play against the Ajman Titans on November 19 and take on the Deccan Gladiators on November 21.

Their fourth fixture will be against Delhi Bulls on November 22, whereas their second-to-last and final fixtures will be against Vista Riders and Royal Champs on November 27 and 28, respectively.

 

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A few days earlier, Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan joined Quetta Qavalry as a replacement for Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza ahead of the ninth edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, set to take place from November 18 to 30.

The franchise announced the update via social media, confirming that Raza would be unavailable due to national commitments and welcoming Azam as his replacement.

Raza’s withdrawal comes as he is currently leading Zimbabwe in their T20I series against Afghanistan.

For Azam Khan, this marks another stint with a Quetta-based franchise, having previously represented the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) from 2018 to 2021.

The hard-hitting batter has played 61 PSL matches, scoring 1,206 runs at a strike rate of 143.40, including six half-centuries.

The team will be coached by Yasir Arafat, with Javeria Khan serving as team director.

Quetta Qavalry squad for Abu Dhabi T10 League:

Liam Livingstone, Mohammad Amir, Jason Holder, Azam Khan (wk), Andries Gous, Muhammad Waseem, Imran Tahir, Evin Lewis, Fabian Allen, Gudakesh Motie, Ali Naseer, Khuzaima Bin Tanvir, Abdul Ghaffar, Abbas Afridi, Irfan Khan Niazi, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Arafat Minhas, Umer Zeeshan Lohya and George Scrimshaw.

READ: ICC announces match officials for Women’s World Cup final

LAHORE: Pakistan have won the toss and decided to bowl first against South Africa in the second T20I here under lights at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

Head to Head

Both teams have met 25 times in the shorter format, with South Africa just edging ahead with 13 wins.

Matches 13: Pakistan 12, South Africa 13

Playing XIs

South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira (c), George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Nandre Burger, Ottneil Baartman, Lungi Ngidi

Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha(c), Usman Khan(w), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed

READ: ICC announces match officials for Women’s World Cup final

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the match officials for the final of the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.

The summit clash will be played between hosts India and South Africa on Sunday at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.

Australia’s Eloise Sheridan and West Indies’ Jacquline Williams will take the responsibilities for on-field umpiring, while Sue Redfern will serve as the Third Umpire.

Both officials have had an active role throughout the group stage, including the semi-final between England and South Africa.

Sheridan also oversaw England’s commanding 10-wicket win over South Africa as well as the Proteas’ victory against Pakistan.

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Meanwhile, Williams stood in South Africa’s triumphs against India and Bangladesh and England’s mixed outings against India and Australia.

The Fourth Umpire will be Nimali Perera, and Michelle Pereira will occupy the role of the Match Referee.

For context, both teams will be eyeing their maiden title, a feat they have never achieved in the tournament’s 52-year history.

South Africa have demonstrated outstanding performances throughout the tournament and finished in second spot on the points table. The Proteas women also toppled four-time champions England in the semi-final with a statement win.

On the contrary, India had a topsy-turvy campaign, finishing in fourth position on the table. However, they bounced back in the later part of the tournament. They clinched a memorable win over the seven-time champions, Australia, in the second semi-final of the marquee event.

Match officials for India vs South Africa final

On-field Umpires: Eloise Sheridan, Jacquline Williams

Third Umpire: Sue Redfern

Fourth Umpire: Nimali Perera

Match Referee: Michell Pereira

READ:Hazlewood, Marsh star as Australia thump India in second T20I

Mikel Arteta warned that player welfare should be the primary concern for football’s rule-makers as Arsenal’s fixture pile-up threatens to put his team at risk.

Arteta’s side are set to face Crystal Palace in the League Cup quarter-finals on December 16.

But that would mean Palace facing three matches in just five days, and the FA Cup holders are hopeful of moving their match at the Emirates Stadium to the following week.

It is understood Arsenal’s preferred option is for the last-eight clash to remain on December 16 to avoid exacerbating the hectic Christmas schedule.

Arsenal are currently in a run of seven matches in just 22 days, with the Premier League leaders heading to Burnley on Saturday before returning to Champions League action at Slavia Prague on Tuesday.

“Every decision that we make in terms of a fixture has to be guided on two main things; players’ welfare, and then supporters, and that is it, and the rest has to come very, very far away from that. And we should never forget that principle,” Arteta told reporters on Friday.

“If we have that big piece of paper with those two principles there in front before we make any decision, all of us in our industry, we won’t get there. If we don’t and we just ignore that, then anything is possible.”

Manchester City midfielder Rodri said last season that players could strike amid an increase in fixtures.

Pressed on whether the talk of player strikes could resume as the fixtures mount, Arteta said: “If we look after the players’ welfare and our supporters, we are never going to get to that point.

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“We have to close the window there. We cannot open that window. It has to be closed. It’s our most precious value.”

Arsenal secured their place in the League Cup quarter-finals with a 2-0 victory over Brighton on Wednesday.

That made it eight successive victories in all competitions for the red-hot Gunners.

They will travel to Burnley with a four-point lead at the top of the table and a defence that has not been breached for six matches.

Arsenal are hoping to win the English title for the first time since 2004 after finishing as runners-up for the last three seasons.

Asked if there is a feeling within his camp that Arsenal are unstoppable at the moment.

“No, because you always have that sense of urgency, and you see the complications and the challenges that the next opponent is going to bring you, and we know that, and every three days, we have very little time to train and prepare,” Arteta said.

“It’s a big opportunity that we have ahead of us, but we have to continue with that level of consistency, and we know how difficult that is.

“We’re going to have to again hit those performance levels.”

READ: Hazlewood, Marsh star as Australia thump India in second T20I