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South Africa suffered a major setback ahead of the white-ball series against Pakistan, as stand-in T20I skipper David Miller and all-rounder Gerald Coetzee have been ruled out due to injuries.

Miller was ruled out of the tour due to a hamstring strain, scans revealing a grade one tear. He will miss the tour and undergo a rehabilitation program.

Meanwhile, Donovan Ferreira, who captained South Africa in the one-off T20I in Namibia, will lead them in the format.

All-rounder Coetzee, who was included in both T20I and ODI squads, is also out of the tour after a pectoral muscle injury. The 25-year-old will undergo a rehab program. Ottniel Baartman has been named as his replacement in the ODIs.

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Following the injuries, Matthew Breetzke and Tony de Zorzi, who are yet to play in T20Is, have been added to the squad.

The T20I series will commence on October 28 in Rawalpindi, followed by two matches in Lahore on October 31 and November 1.

South Africa Updated Squad

T20I squad: Donovan Ferreira (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, and Lizaad Williams

ODI squad: Matthew Breetzke (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile, and Lizaad Williams

South Africa Tour of Pakistan

October 28 — First T20I at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

October 31 — Second T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

November 1 — Third T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

November 4 — First ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

November 6 — Second ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

November 8 — Third ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

READ: Short, Connolly star as Australia beat India to clinch ODI series

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players participating in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

According to a report, seven Pakistan cricketers are set to feature in the 15th edition of the tournament.

This comes after the PCB had suspended the NOCs for players to participate in the overseas T20 leagues on 30 September 2025.

“With the approval of Chairman PCB, all No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players with respect to participation in leagues and other out-of-country tournaments are hereby put on hold until further orders,” the board had said.

However, the reason behind the decision was unknown, with reports stating that PCB wanted to link the NOCs to a performance-based system.

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For the unversed, the BBL starts on 14th December, with major Pakistani stars like Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan set to feature in the league.

Earlier today, Sydney Sixers rolled out a grand welcome for Pakistan’s batting superstar Babar Azam, announcing the launch of a special fan zone titled “Babaristan” ahead of the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season.

The franchise made the announcement across its social media platforms with the caption, “Introducing Babaristan — A Fan Zone Like No Other,” sparking excitement among cricket fans both in Australia and Pakistan.

Babar’s inclusion has already created a wave of anticipation, with the Sixers’ fanbase preparing to turn sections of the stands into “Babaristan,” a symbolic nod to Pakistan’s deep-rooted cricket passion.

The upcoming edition of the tournament promises to be a star-studded affair, featuring 44 matches between December 14, 2025, and January 25, 2026.

The tournament opener will see the Perth Scorchers take on the Sydney Sixers in a blockbuster encounter at Perth Stadium.

Besides Babar, pacer Shaheen Afridi was picked by Brisbane Heat as the first overseas and platinum pick, while Mohammad Rizwan joined the Melbourne Renegades.

Haris Rauf will continue with the Melbourne Stars, Shadab Khan will represent the Sydney Thunder, Hasan Ali has joined the Adelaide Strikers, and all-rounder Hassan Khan will return to the Renegades.

READ: Sydney Sixers unveil ‘Babaristan’ fan zone to welcome Babar Azam

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood has accepted his team’s shortcomings following the eight-wicket defeat to South Africa in the second Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Speaking after the match, Masood praised South Africa’s resilience while acknowledging Pakistan’s failure to seize key moments that could have sealed the series.

“Hindsight is always there, but credit must go to the opposition; they kept fighting till the end,” said Masood. “If someone had told us after the first two days that we’d be in this position, we would’ve taken it.”

Catch Pakistan vs South Africa news updates here!

Pakistan appeared well-placed after taking a 98-run lead in the first innings, but a record-breaking last-wicket stand between Senuran Muthusamy and Kagiso Rabada turned the contest on its head.

Shan Masood admitted that the momentum shift in that short phase proved decisive.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t finish well with the ball, and that last-wicket stand really hurt us,” he said.

“We were 98 runs ahead with just two wickets to take, but we let the game slip in a costly 30-minute phase where we missed our chances.”

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Despite the defeat, Masood remained optimistic about Pakistan’s overall performance in the ongoing Test season, highlighting the team’s recent consistency in challenging conditions.

“Still, with four wins out of six on these kinds of wickets, that’s not a bad record, especially considering how close we came in the two losses,” he reflected.

“As a team, you’re never perfect, but four out of six is definitely something to build on.”

READ: Pakistan Shaheens to play white-ball series with England Lions

The Pakistan Shaheens are set to play eight white-ball matches against England Lions in Abu Dhabi in early 2026.

The series will consist of three T20s and five 50-over matches. It will be the first away white-ball series for England Lions since touring Sri Lanka in February 2023.

The opening T20 will be played on Friday 20 February, before the five-match 50-over series begins on Friday 27 February.

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All matches will be played at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

“This tour presents an invaluable opportunity for the highest potential England players to develop their white-ball skills,” said ECB Men’s Performance Director, Ed Barney.

“With a relative absence of top-tier 50-over cricket for the future England players, we know this, and future white-ball tours will play an invaluable role in developing the skills and experience to thrive on the world stage, particularly with one eye on the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.”

Tour schedule

• 1st T20: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Friday 20 February 2026
• 2nd T20: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Sunday 22 February 2026
• 3rd T20: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Tuesday 24 February 2026
• 1st 50-over match: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Friday 27 February 2026
• 2nd 50-over match: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Sunday 1 March 2026
• 3rd 50-over match: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Wednesday 4 March 2026
• 4th 50-over match: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Friday 6 March 2026
• 5th 50-over match: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Monday 9 March 2026

READ: Virat Kohli sets unwanted record during second Australia ODI

ADELAIDE: India’s batting icon Virat Kohli endured another tough day, setting an unwanted record after he fell for a four-ball duck in the second ODI against Australia on Thursday.

With this duck, Kohli bagged an unwanted milestone that makes him the active player with the most ducks in One Day Internationals.

Kohli now has 18 ducks in ODI cricket, surpassing Rohit Sharma, Litton Das, and former Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor, each of whom has 16 to their name.

The rare slump saw Kohli dismissed for zero in consecutive ODIs for the first time in his illustrious career.

Globally, Sri Lankan great Sanath Jayasuriya holds the all-time record with 34 ODI ducks, followed by Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi with 30.

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During the second ODI at the Adelaide Oval, Kohli’s dismissal came at the hands of Xavier Bartlett, who was playing his first game of the series.

Bartlett delivered a sharp, good-length ball around the off-stump, which nipped in and trapped Kohli leg-before as he attempted an across-the-line flick.

Though he briefly conferred with his batting partner, he chose not to review, accepting the on-field decision. The crowd at Adelaide Oval rose in applause as Kohli trudged back, his frustration evident despite the warm reception.

The dismissal followed his eight-ball duck in the opening ODI at Perth, marking back-to-back scoreless outings for the former Indian captain, a rarity in a career defined by consistency and run-scoring brilliance.

READ: Sydney Sixers unveil ‘Babaristan’ fan zone to welcome Babar Azam

Jude Bellingham scored a brilliant goal to help record 15-time winners Real Madrid maintain their perfect start to the Champions League with a 1-0 victory over Juventus on Wednesday.

Xabi Alonso’s Spanish giants mostly outplayed their visitors but could not extend their lead after England international Bellingham netted from close range in the second half.

Italian heavyweights Juventus, now without a win in seven games across all competitions, fought hard but failed to find an equaliser at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Madrid’s solid win was ideal preparation for Sunday’s Clasico against rivals Barcelona in La Liga and left them as one of five sides to win all three of their opening league phase matches, including holders Paris Saint-Germain.

“It was a very tough game with chances at both ends and we had to sweat for it, but it was an important win against a big team,” Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois told Movistar, after making his 300th appearance for the club.

Both teams tried to figure each other out in a tentative opening period, but slowly Alonso’s team began to take control.

Brahim Diaz flicked the ball to in-form French superstar Kylian Mbappe, whose shot was tipped away by Michele Di Gregorio.

The striker produced a superb dribble from the right to break into the box and then cut the ball back to Eder Militao, who whistled a shot narrowly over.

That was as close as either side came in the first half, but the game opened up after the interval.

Courtois made an important save with his leg to deny Dusan Vlahovic at the end of a rapid breakdown field.

Madrid took the lead after some fine work by Vinicius Junior, yet to score in the Champions League this season.

The Brazilian was surrounded by defenders in the area but managed to work some space for a shot, which he curled against the post.

Attacking midfielder Bellingham showed his poacher’s instinct to react quickest and turn home the rebound after 57 minutes.

It was the 22-year-old’s first goal of the season in his seventh match, after a slow start to the campaign following shoulder surgery in the summer to fix a long-term problem.

Mbappe, who had scored in his previous 11 matches for club and country, slipped as he shot, and Di Gregorio was able to save his low strike as Madrid sought a second.

The Italian stopper made a stunning double save from Mbappe and Diaz to give his team a chance of snatching a draw.

Juventus forged one golden chance, but Raul Asencio slid in to block Lois Openda’s shot as the clock ticked down.

Mbappe had one more effort from distance saved as he tried to preserve his goalscoring streak, but Di Gregorio was equal to it.

By contrast, Igor Tudor’s Juve are winless after their first three Champions League matches.

READ: Sydney Sixers unveil ‘Babaristan’ fan zone to welcome Babar Azam

Sydney Sixers have rolled out a grand welcome for Pakistan’s batting superstar Babar Azam, announcing the launch of a special fan zone titled “Babaristan” ahead of the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season.

The franchise made the announcement across its social media platforms with the caption, “Introducing Babaristan — A Fan Zone Like No Other,” sparking excitement among cricket fans both in Australia and Pakistan.

 

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“We’re celebrating cricket culture like never before with Babaristan — a brand-new Sixers fan zone dedicated to welcoming one of the world’s greatest cricketers, Babar Azam,” the franchise said in its official statement.

The Sixers have encouraged fans to join the festivities when they face the Adelaide Strikers in their opening clash on December 17, a match that will also mark Babar’s much-awaited BBL debut.

The 15th edition of the Big Bash League promises to be a star-studded affair, featuring 44 matches between December 14, 2025, and January 25, 2026.

The tournament opener will see the Perth Scorchers take on the Sydney Sixers in a blockbuster encounter at Perth Stadium.

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Babar’s inclusion has already created a wave of anticipation, with the Sixers’ fanbase preparing to turn sections of the stands into “Babaristan,” a symbolic nod to Pakistan’s deep-rooted cricket passion.

Several other Pakistani cricketers are also set to feature in the upcoming BBL season.

Pacer Shaheen Afridi was picked by Brisbane Heat as the first overseas and platinum pick, while Mohammad Rizwan joined the Melbourne Renegades.

Haris Rauf will continue with the Melbourne Stars, Shadab Khan will represent the Sydney Thunder, Hasan Ali has joined the Adelaide Strikers, and all-rounder Hassan Khan will return to the Renegades.

READ: Babar Azam returns as Pakistan reveal white-ball squads

LAHORE: Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been named in the T20I side as the national selection committee announced a 15-member squad for the series against South Africa, as well as the tri-series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

Moreover, a 16-member squad has been announced for the ODI series against South Africa and Sri Lanka.

The T20I series between Pakistan and South Africa will be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 28 October to 1 November, while the T20I tri-series will be staged at the same venues from 17 to 29 November.

In the T20I squad, Abdul Samad, Babar Azam and Naseem Shah make a comeback to the side after missing out on the previous events.

Usman Tariq is the only uncapped player in the T20I squad. He has featured in two Pakistan Super League (PSL) seasons for the Quetta Gladiators, where he picked up 12 wickets in 10 matches.

Pakistan and South Africa will also feature in a three-match ODI series to be held at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad from 4 to 8 November.

The ODI series will be followed by another three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 11 to 15 November.

In the ODI squad, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf and Haseebullah return to the side.

Pakistan T20I squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (wicket-keeper), Usman Tariq

Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Moqim

16-member ODI squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha

Schedule:

South Africa tour to Pakistan

• 28 October – First T20I at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
• 31 October – Second T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 1 November – Third T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 4 November – First ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
• 6 November – Second ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
• 8 November – Third ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Sri Lanka tour to Pakistan

• 11 November – First ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
• 13 November – Second ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
• 15 November – Third ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

T20I Tri-Series (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: Harmer’s heroics put South Africa on brink of victory in Rawalpindi Test

RAWALPINDI: Aiden Markram guided South Africa to a convincing eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second Test, levelling the two-match series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Skipper Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton began the 68-run chase aggressively, reaching the 50-run mark in just 10 overs.

Markram led from the front with a solid 42 runs off 45 balls, including eight boundaries, keeping his team within striking distance of victory.

However, Noman Ali dismissed Markram when South Africa needed only four runs to win.  In the same over, Noman struck again, removing new batter Tristan Stubbs for a duck.

Despite this, Rickelton ensured South Africa comfortably chased down the target without any further loss. He remained unbeaten on 25 runs off 29 balls, hitting two fours and a six, while Tony de Zorzi did not face a delivery.

Earlier, Simon Harmer claimed a career-best six-wicket haul to help South Africa dismantle Pakistan for just 138 in their second innings.

The devastating spell left the visitors needing only 68 runs to seal victory and draw level in the two-match series.

Pakistan, resuming on 94-4, were banking on former captain Babar Azam to steady the innings.

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He looked assured early on, bringing up his 30th Test fifty with trademark elegance. But just as Pakistan began to hope, Harmer struck, removing Babar for exactly 50 off 87 balls, an innings laced with seven boundaries.

From there, it was a familiar story of struggle and surrender. Mohammad Rizwan battled hard for his 18 off 64 but became Harmer’s fifth victim, leaving Pakistan’s middle order exposed once again.

The collapse continued as Noman Ali was trapped for a duck and Shaheen Shah Afridi was run out soon after, reducing the hosts to 105-8.

Catch Pakistan vs South Africa news updates here!

Salman Ali Agha tried to counter with a brisk 28, but Keshav Maharaj removed him at a crucial stage before cleaning up Sajid Khan (13) to wrap up the innings.

Harmer’s relentless accuracy and variation earned him figures of 6-50 from 20 overs, his best in Test cricket, while Maharaj chipped in with two wickets, and Kagiso Rabada added one to his name.

READ: India adamant on not taking Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi

Viktor Gyokeres says he is eager to respond to manager Mikel Arteta’s call to take his goal-scoring momentum into the Premier League, after Tuesday’s impressive performance against Atletico Madrid.

Attacker Gyokeres ended a run of seven games without a goal by scoring twice in Arsenal’s 4-0 rout of Atletico in the Champions League at the Emirates Stadium.

It took the 27-year-old’s tally for the Gunners to five goals following his £58 million ($77 million) transfer from Sporting Lisbon, where he scored 97 times in 102 appearances.

Gunners boss Arteta challenged Gyokeres to keep the goals coming, with Arsenal back in domestic action against London rivals Crystal Palace at the Emirates on Sunday.

“I’m more hungry now,” said Gyokeres. “You always want to contribute with work rate and other stuff, but when you score goals as well, it’s a bit special. So that’s something I always want to do.

“The group we have and the spirit is something different and something very special.

“When you win games and you do these performances, it builds confidence in the team. The belief has to always be there, but of course, this helps to boost it. We just want to keep going like this.”

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Arsenal have won their three games in Europe so far this season with as many clean sheets.

They have conceded just three goals this term, away to champions Liverpool and Newcastle and at home to Manchester City, with just one of those coming from open play, in their first 12 fixtures.

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, who has posted five consecutive shutouts, said: “I give clean sheets the same credit as goals.

“If we’re keeping clean sheets, it’s going to make games easier to win. It’s really, really important for the whole team, not giving away that many chances and being very, very solid.

“The depth of the squad is incredible. We have a lot of players who can play in two, three or four positions.

“(Mikel) Merino came on as a striker (against Atletico), but he can play as a number six, eight, or as a number 10, and that is the variety that the boss has and he is using it to our advantage.

“It gives us an extra level in training and in games, because if you are not at it, you can lose your spot, and everybody is on board with that.”

Premier League table-toppers Arsenal will head into this weekend’s round of fixtures with a three-point lead over second-placed Manchester City.

READ: SLC postpones LPL 2025 to focus on T20 World Cup preparations