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MELBOURNE: Josh Hazlewood took three wickets, and captain Mitchell Marsh scored a quick 46, leading Australia to a commanding victory over India in the second T20I on Friday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Set to chase a modest total of 146, Australia successfully reached the target in 13.2 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Marsh and Travis Head set up the victory with a quick-fire opening stand of 51 runs from 28 balls.

However, Varun Chakravarthy provided the breakthrough with the wicket of Head, who struck 28 off 15 with the help of three fours and one six.

Marsh continued his onslaught and took his team’s total to 87 inside eight overs before Kuldeep Yadav ended his entertaining knock. The Australian captain departed after scoring a 26-ball 46, which featured four sixes and two boundaries.

Tim David joined Josh Inglis at the crease but could not contribute much, falling to Chakravarthy in the next over. Inglis soon returned to the pavilion after scoring a run-a-ball 20, dismissed by Yadav.

Mitchell Owen scored 14 runs, bringing Australia within striking distance of victory with only two runs remaining.

However, Jasprit Bumrah struck on back-to-back deliveries, removing Owen and the new batter, Matthew Short, who scored 0.

After the setback, Marcus Stoinis scored the winning runs, steering Australia to a five-wicket victory.

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Earlier, India were booked for just 125 runs in 18.4 overs, despite a remarkable innings from Abhishek Sharma, who scored 68 runs off 37 balls.

The Indian team faced early setbacks, with Shubman Gill falling to Hazlewood for just 5 runs in the third over. This was followed by Sanju Samson’s dismissal for 2 runs by Ellis in the next over.

Hazlewood struck again, taking the wickets of Suryakumar Yadav for 1 and Tilak Varma for a duck, reducing India to 32 for 4 in just 4.5 overs.

A mix-up on the field led to Axar Patel being run out in the eighth over, leaving India in a precarious position.

Sharma, who was fighting a lone war, found a reliable partner in Harshit Rana (35), and they added 56 runs for the sixth wicket.

The partnership was broken when Bartlett dismissed Rana, and later took the wicket of Shivam Dube for just 4 runs. Marcus Stoinis then removed Kuldeep Yadav, who did not score.

Sharma’s valiant innings came to an end soon after, and Bumrah was run out without scoring, bringing India’s innings to a close.

Hazlewood finished with outstanding bowling figures of 3 wickets for 13 runs in 4 overs, while Bartlett and Ellis each took 2 wickets.

READ: India-Pakistan clash confirmed as Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship schedule revealed

Vinicius Jr. will face no disciplinary action for his El Clasico substitution outburst, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso revealed on Friday.

The Brazilian remonstrated with Alonso and marched off down the tunnel after he was hauled off in the 72nd minute in last weekend’s tense 2-1 win over Madrid’s arch-rivals, Barcelona.

The 25-year-old player issued an apology to Real fans, his teammates, the club and president Florentino Perez — but pointedly not to Alonso — in midweek.

But the Real manager assured Vinicius the affair was “over”.

He told a press conference on the eve of Valencia’s visit in La Liga: “On Wednesday, we had a meeting with all the staff, players, and Vinicius gave an impeccable speech.

“He spoke sincerely, from the heart. For me, this matter has been closed since Wednesday.”

Alonso said there would be no “reprisals” against the Brazilian forward.

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He added, “We are all in the same boat and rowing in the same direction. I think the whole team is focused on the field, which is the most important thing.”

“We are competitors, all players want to be on the pitch, and that’s a good thing. Now, we want to keep moving forward towards our goals, one match at a time.”

The Vinicius flashpoint comes with negotiations ongoing over a new contract, although his current deal does not expire until 2027.

He has weighed in with five goals this season in La Liga, although he has been replaced as the main man in the Real squad by Kylian Mbappe, with the Frenchman on 16 goals in 13 appearances in all competitions so far, after scoring 44 in all competitions in his first season at the club.

Real Madrid sit at the top of La Liga on 27 points, five clear of Barcelona, and hosts struggling Valencia on Saturday.

READ: Mohammad Abbas joins elite club with five-wicket haul in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Test seamer Mohammad Abbas continued his rich vein of form in the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26, bagging another five-wicket haul for Lahore Region Whites against Multan Region on Friday.

Opting to bowl first, Abbas struck early with the new ball, removing Multan captain Zain Abbas for a duck and opener Waqar Hussain for just one, leaving the visitors reeling at 3-2.

His relentless accuracy never allowed the opposition to settle, and Multan were bundled out for 164 in 43.4 overs. Abbas finished with superb figures of 5-32 from 15.4 overs, dismissing Kashif Ali (1) to complete his five-for.

Aamir Jamal provided solid support with 3-58, while Arafat Minhas offered a late counterattack for Multan with a 51-ball 45.

This performance marked Abbas’s second consecutive five-wicket haul, coming just three days after his 6-78 against Karachi Blues, a spell that had brought up his 50th career five-for in First-Class cricket.

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At 35, Abbas continues to dominate the domestic circuit, standing as the joint-second-highest wicket-taker of the season with 18 wickets at an average of 20.94 and an economy rate of 2.79.

Only Sialkot’s Athar Mahmood (19 wickets at 16.42) is ahead of him.

With this latest feat, Abbas has now taken 825 wickets in 205 First-Class matches at an exceptional average of 20.66.

He also entered rare company, becoming just the third fast bowler in the 21st century to claim 50 or more five-wicket hauls in First-Class cricket, joining Abdur Rauf (57) and England’s James Anderson (55).

READ: Australia, India pay tribute to teenager Ben Austin in second T20I

MELBOURNE: Players from Australia and India wore black armbands and held a minute’s silence ahead of the second T20I, as tributes poured in on Friday for the teenager Ben Austin, whose death touched the cricket world.

Austin, 17, died on Thursday after being hit in the neck before a local Twenty20 game in Melbourne while in the nets facing a ball-throwing device.

He was wearing a helmet, but reportedly not a stem guard, which protects the neck.

It revived memories of Test star Phillip Hughes, who was killed in 2014 when hit in the neck by a ball during a domestic Sheffield Shield game.

On Friday, the Victoria and Tasmania teams put their bats out as a symbol of respect, wore black armbands and held a minute’s silence as Austin’s image was beamed on a big screen before resuming their domestic match in Melbourne.

There were similar scenes in Perth, where Western Australia were playing South Australia.

In Mumbai, both India and Australia wore black armbands during their women’s one-day World Cup semi-final on Thursday.

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“Thanks to the Indian team for joining us in wearing black armbands to pay tribute to Ben Austin, a young man from Melbourne who tragically lost his life playing the game we all love,” the Australian side said.

“Sending love to Ben’s friends, family and cricket mates.”

Flowers and cricket bats were placed at the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, where the accident occurred on Tuesday.

“It makes you so proud to realise how connected the cricket community is and how much we look after each other,” Cricket Victoria chief Nick Cummins told Australian media.

“It doesn’t take a lot of imagination to put yourself in the Austin family’s position.”

Austin’s death resonated globally, with England’s Barmy Army linking to a GoFundMe page set up to help the family.

“Rest in peace, Ben Austin, never forgotten,” said the official supporters group, who are set to descend on Australia in force this month for the Ashes Test series.

READ: Cristiano Ronaldo’s son makes debut for Portugal U16

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., son of Portugal captain and global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, made his international debut for the country’s Under-16 team in the Federation Cup in Turkey.

The 15-year-old forward came off the bench during stoppage time as Portugal U16 cruised to a 2–0 win over hosts Turkey in Antalya, with goals from Sporting CP’s Samuel Tavares and SC Braga’s Rafael Cabral sealing the result.

Though Ronaldo Jr.’s cameo was brief, it marked a significant milestone in a journey that has already captured worldwide attention.

Having honed his skills at Al Nassr’s youth setup in Saudi Arabia, where his father currently stars, the youngster’s progression through the Portuguese ranks has been rapid.

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Earlier this year, he impressed with a brace in Portugal’s 3–2 victory over Croatia in the Vlatko Markovic International Tournament final, further strengthening his credentials as one to watch.

This debut comes as his father, Cristiano Ronaldo Sr., continues to redefine football longevity, having recently surpassed 950 career goals and extended his record as the highest scorer in men’s international football.

Portugal’s U16 side, having opened their campaign with a win, will next face Wales on November 1 before taking on England on November 4 in the group stages.

READ: Multiple records shattered in India’s semi-final win over Australia

NAVI MUMBAI: Jemimah Rodrigues anchored an epic chase that shattered multiple records as India defeated defending champions Australia in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final on Thursday.

Phoebe Litchfield struck a brilliant hundred to power Australia to 338, setting a daunting target of 339 runs for the hosts.

However, India scripted history by pulling off the highest successful chase in Women’s ODI history, surpassing Australia’s 331 against India in Visakhapatnam earlier this month.

In doing so, India also became the first team ever to chase down a 300-plus target in a World Cup knockout, men’s or women’s.

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The run-fest produced 679 runs in total, the second-highest aggregate ever recorded in Women’s ODIs.

Fourteen sixes were smashed in the game, the most ever in a Women’s World Cup match, pushing the ongoing edition’s tally of maximums to a record 124, eclipsing the 111 hit in 2017.

Jemimah Rodrigues played a crucial role in India’s remarkable victory, scoring an unbeaten 127 runs off 134 balls, with 14 fours.

This innings now holds the record for the highest score by an Indian in an ODI run chase, surpassing Smriti Mandhana’s 125 runs against Australia last month.

Additionally, she has joined Nat Sciver-Brunt as only the second player in history to score a century while chasing in a World Cup knockout match.

Catch ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 news updates here!

The 167-run stand between Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur was another record in itself, the highest partnership for India against Australia in Women’s World Cups, surpassing the Mithali Raj–Punam Raut effort of 157 in 2017.

It was also the sixth 150-plus stand in a World Cup knockout, and the first not involving Australian batters.

Australia’s Litchfield, at just 22 years old, became the youngest player to score a century in a Women’s World Cup knockout match.

Additionally, the Australian team set a new record by achieving six hundreds in this edition of the tournament, the most ever in a single World Cup campaign.

READ: India-Pakistan clash confirmed as Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship schedule revealed

DUBAI: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) announced the schedule for the Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship on Friday, with arch-rivals Pakistan and India set to face each other on November 16.

Formerly known as the Emerging Asia Cup, the revamped event will run from November 14 to 23 at the West End International Cricket Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

The competition will consist of eight teams: Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, and Hong Kong, which will be divided into two groups of four.

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Group A comprises Pakistan, India, the UAE, and Oman, while Group B features Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.

According to the official schedule, Pakistan will open the tournament against Oman on November 14, while India will face the UAE later the same day.

The marquee Pakistan vs India clash is slated for November 16, followed by the semi-finals on November 21 and the final on November 23.

The stage is set, the stars are ready 🤩

From fiery clashes to fresh rivalries ~ it all unfolds in Doha, Qatar! 🇶🇦

Here’s your first look at the #DPWorldAsiaCupRisingStars2025 fixtures 🫡

Who will rise to the top? 👀#ACC pic.twitter.com/gze3cb1xmt

— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) October 31, 2025

Unlike previous editions, the Rising Stars Championship will not include a Super Four stage.

The top two teams from each group will directly advance to the semi-finals, meaning Pakistan and India could meet a second time only if both qualify for the final.

Notably, the Test-playing nations, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, will send their ‘A’ teams, whereas UAE, Hong Kong, and Oman will participate with their full senior squads.

Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship Schedule

• 14 November 2025: Pakistan vs Oman
• 14 November 2025: India vs UAE
• 15 November 2025: Bangladesh vs Hong Kong
• 15 November 2025: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
• 16 November 2025: UAE vs Oman
• 16 November 2025: India vs Pakistan
• 17 November 2025: Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong
• 17 November 2025: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan
• 18 November 2025: Pakistan vs UAE
• 18 November 2025: India vs Oman
• 19 November 2025: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong
• 19 November 2025: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh
• 21 November 2025: Semi-final 1 (A1 vs B2)
• 21 November 2025: Semi-final 2 (B1 vs A2)
• 23 November 2025: Final

READ: Here’s why Saudi Arabia rejected Messi’s offer to play in Pro League

India and Pakistan are set to square off once again in the renamed ‘Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship’, formerly known as the Emerging Asia Cup. 

According to Cricbuzz, the Emerging Asia Cup has been rebranded, which is set to begin on November 14 in Doha, Qatar.

With another Asia Cup championship looming, it remains uncertain whether the event will spark another controversy.

The recently concluded Asia Cup was marred by several controversies, starting with the handshake saga between India and Pakistan, which ended with a trophyless celebration for India after the final.

The dispute over the trophy still continues as Team India is yet to receive the silverware. This situation arose from political tensions between India and Pakistan after the escalation in May over the Pahalgam attack.

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Nonetheless, the tournament will feature eight teams: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Oman, the UAE, and Hong Kong. The 15-match event will be played in T20 format.

Besides India and Pakistan, the group also includes Oman and the UAE. The other group comprises Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.

However, the only difference from the Asia Cup 2025 is that there won’t be a Super Four round. The top two teams from each group will move into the semifinals, and the final will be played on November 23.

Afghanistan are the winners of the previous edition as they had outplayed Sri Lanka A in the final. The last edition was played at Al-Nahda Stadium in Oman in October 2024.

Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship Teams

Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, UAE, Oman, Sri Lanka

READ:Here’s why Saudi Arabia rejected Messi’s offer to play in Pro League

Saudi Arabia declined an offer to sign Lionel Messi for a short-term stint in the Saudi Pro League before next year’s World Cup, according to a senior sports official.

“During the last Club World Cup, Messi’s team contacted me and offered for him to play in Saudi Arabia because the MLS will stop for nearly four months,” Abdullah Hammad, CEO of the Mahd Sports Academy, said during a podcast with Saudi platform Thmanyah.

“The player wanted to remain in shape and prepare himself for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.”

“This happened with David Beckham when he was with Los Angeles Galaxy and went to AC Milan (in 2010),” he added.

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi moved to Inter Miami in 2023, following speculation about a potential switch to Saudi Arabia.

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That followed a two-year spell with Paris Saint-Germain, the club he joined in 2021 after ending his long association with Barcelona.

Hammad explained that he relayed the offer to the minister of sports, who rejected it. “The minister made it clear that the Saudi league would not serve as a preparation platform for other tournaments,” he said.

In response to a question about whether Saudi Arabia had rejected Messi, he replied: “That’s true.”

Since the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr after the last World Cup, the Saudi league has attracted numerous stars from major European clubs, including Neymar and Karim Benzema, while the kingdom has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup.

READ: Teenage Australian cricketer dies after being hit by ball

LAHORE: Pakistan T20I vice-captain Shadab Khan has resumed training here at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) after undergoing shoulder surgery earlier this year.

Shadab took part in bowling and fielding sessions under the supervision of NCA coaches in a bid to make a comeback into the national side.

For context, the leg spinner had undergone surgery on his right shoulder in England on July 5.

The need for surgery came after multiple consultations and persistent discomfort in his right shoulder for some time. The surgery eventually ruled him out of several key assignments for Pakistan, including the Asia Cup 2025.

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Since then, Shadab has been part of the PCB’s structured rehabilitation program, focusing on regaining strength, flexibility, and match readiness.

Shadab’s last appearance for Pakistan came in the three-match T20I series at home against Bangladesh, where he picked up four wickets and scored 48 and 7 in two innings.

For the unversed, the all-rounder remained a vital cog in Pakistan’s white-ball triumphs, and his comeback could boost the team’s chances ahead of the packed calendar.

Following the South Africa series, Pakistan are set to play Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in a maiden tri-series on home soil.  The series will provide the Green Shirts with ample opportunity to prepare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The opening match of the series will begin on November 17 with the hosts Pakistan taking on Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Tri-Series T20I Tournament (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe)

17 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

19 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

22 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

23 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

25 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

27 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

29 November –Final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

READ: Teenage Australian cricketer dies after being hit by ball