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VISAKHAPATNAM: India were in sight of their third consecutive win until Nadine de Klerk’s late onslaught in the final overs helped South Africa edge past the hosts in a close finish here on Thursday.

Set 252 in the 10th fixture of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, South Africa sealed victory in the second last over, losing seven wickets in the process.

The Proteas had a poor start as they lost opener Tazmin Brits and Sune Luus departed in the first five overs.

Following the early hiccup, Marizanne Kapp and Laura Wolvaardt added 39 for the third wicket. Kapp scored 20 from 25 balls.

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However, Kapp’s dismissal sparked a mini-collapse and left South Africa reeling 81-5 in 19.4 overs.

Yet, skipper Laura Wolvaardt, who made 70 from 111 balls with the help of eight fours, held South Africa’s innings together with a string of partnerships.

But it was Nadine de Klerk’s 84 from 54 balls, striking five sixes and eight fours, which took them over the line.

For India, Sneh Rana and Kranti Gaud picked up two wickets each.

Earlier, after being put into bat, India were bowled out for 251 in 49.5 overs, thanks to Richa Ghosh’s rescuing act.

She made 94 from just 77 balls, studded with 11 fours and four sixes. India were in deep trouble at 102-6 in 26 overs when Gosh arrived.

For South Africa, Chloe Tryon remained the standout bowler, picking up three wickets.

READ: Solano proud of Pakistan’s fighting display against Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan football team head coach Nolberto Solano has lauded the national team and their fighting spirit following their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier clash against Afghanistan.

Pakistan ended its eight-match losing streak in a goalless draw with Afghanistan here at the Jinnah Stadium on Thursday.

Pakistan dominated throughout the match; however, Otis Khan missed a vital chance, squandering a penalty in the 65th minute, which denied them all three points at the end of the game

Green Shirts will now travel to Kuwait for the away fixture against Afghanistan on October 14. The winner of the group advances to the tournament finals in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Solano mentioned the delayed arrival and praised the players’ performance, particularly in the second half of the match.

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“First of all, I’m really pleased with the team, with all the boys. With all the small issues we had, especially with some players arriving a little late, it’s not easy,” he told reporters.

But I was very pleased with their attitude today, especially when the players came on in the second half.”

He rued the missed chance and heaped praise on players for showing determination.

“I believe we dominated the match for most parts of the game and were a very solid team. Like the players, I’m disappointed we couldn’t take all three points not just because of the missed penalty, but because we had other chances as well.

Honestly, these guys are doing their best, and I’m proud of them,” Solano continued.

“It’s not easy for these guys traveling 15, 19, or even 20 hours to arrive in Pakistan a day before the match. They didn’t have much time to train together, but I had confidence in them,” he explained.

Nolberto Solano aimed for a strong showing in Pakistan’s next away encounter against Afghanistan while mentioning the pride of players on representing their country.

“We’ll prepare in the same way. We need to check how the boys are physically and mentally after traveling from different parts of the world.

I was very impressed with most of them, especially as it was my first time seeing some of them play. We’ll build on this performance for the next match on Tuesday,” he concluded.

READ: Mbappe ‘relaxed’ and ready to play in France’s World Cup qualifiers

Novak Djokovic said Thursday he was “concerned” about his physical state, but still dispatched Belgium’s Zizou Bergs 6-3, 7-5 to set up a Shanghai Masters semi-final against tournament surprise package Valentin Vacherot.

The 38-year-old Serbian, the highest-ranking player left standing, is getting ever closer to a fifth title in the Chinese financial hub despite struggling throughout the week.

Next in the crosshairs of the 24-time Grand Slam champion is world number 204 Vacherot, a qualifier from Monaco who battled back from a set down to stun Holger Rune 2-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4.

“I’m concerned too,” Djokovic said when told his fans were worried about his health, adding there were “issues that I’m trying to address day by day”.

“I don’t want to talk about the details. I’m still in the tournament. So I prefer just focusing on recovery and trying to give it all.”

Djokovic broke in the sixth game after an unforced error from the 44th-ranked Bergs.

But just days after he overcame exhaustion, vomiting, and an injury scare in his last match against Spain’s Jaume Munar, he looked tired and overheated.

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“There’s always something happening with the body, pretty much every match that I play right now,” Djokovic said wryly.

He took a puff from an inhaler during a break in play as his team anxiously looked on, but took the first set.

Djokovic broke for a 5-4 lead in the second set, but Bergs broke back after a series of thrilling rallies that drew screams from the crowd.

The umpire had to ask the spectators for quiet multiple times as fans chanted furiously for Djokovic, waving Serbian flags and signs reading “Novak is the GOAT” (greatest of all time).

When Djokovic broke again for a 6-5 lead, the stadium erupted.

Bergs still would not lie down, saving two match points and creating another break point of his own, but Djokovic finally got over the line when the Belgian went long.

“I’ve been struggling quite a bit with energy levels, and just every opportunity that I get, the crowd feels it… I can hear that noise and that energy drives me,” Djokovic said.

READ: Mbappe ‘relaxed’ and ready to play in France’s World Cup qualifiers

France captain Kylian Mbappe said Thursday that he is feeling relaxed with his life in Madrid and is in good shape ahead of the Azerbaijan clash in FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Mbappe had received treatment for a “small niggle” in his right ankle, picked up playing for Real Madrid last weekend.

“The coach (Didier Deschamps) wants me to play. I don’t think there will be a major problem,” Mbappe told reporters on Thursday.

Deschamps added: “It’s not prohibitive; it depends more on his sensitivity regarding his ankle.”

Mbappe said he was feeling “more relaxed” in his life, having fully settled into life in the Spanish capital since joining Real from Paris Saint-Germain last season.

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“A career can have some slightly more complicated years, years where you have a little more hardship,” he said.

“But in life, I think I’ve adapted well to Madrid. This isn’t an attack on France, but it’s true that I’m more relaxed there. In Madrid, the lifestyle is different. It’s less hectic than in Paris.

“I’ve managed to score goals. But I think that moreover in my game I’m also in a good mood, even if I think I can still do better,” he further remarked.

Deschamps urged his players not to underestimate Azerbaijan.

“Certainly, they’re not among the best European teams, but they’re coming off a draw against Ukraine,” said Deschamps.

“Seven of their players play for Qarabag,” which has won its first two Champions League pool matches, added the France coach.

Les Bleus are top of their group with two wins from two so far in qualifying. They host Azerbaijan on Friday at PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium before travelling to Iceland three days later.

READ: Asian Cup Qualifiers: Otis misses penalty as Pakistan held by Afghanistan

LAHORE: Pakistan interim red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood has thrown his weight behind the inclusion of 38-year-old spinner Asif Afridi in the squad for the South Africa series. 

Pakistan’s interim red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood has thrown his weight behind the inclusion of 38-year-old left-arm spinner Asif Afridi in the squad for the South Africa series.

Initially, Pakistan named an 18-member squad for the two-match Test series, including three uncapped players, Rohail Nazir, Faisal Akram, and Asif Afridi. However, the team was trimmed to 16, releasing Aamir Jamal and Faisal Akram.

Notably, the question arose on Asif’s inclusion in the squad, with critics citing his age.

Asif Afridi topped the bowling chart in the recently concluded Hanif Mohammad Trophy, where he picked up 33 wickets in just five matches at an impressive average of 12.55 including five three wicket hauls.

Azhar, addressing the media, dismissed the notion of the spinner being an outlier in the squad, citing his past two years’ performances.

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“He is part of our squad, and he is not selected just to do nets. I don’t know who is objecting,” he said when asked about Asif Afridi’s inclusion.

“If you look back at his performances over the past two years — he took 53 wickets last year and 27 this year, making it  80 in total. I don’t understand what the objection is about. Obviously if  someone points out his age, then ‘age is just a number’,” he continued.

He also mentioned South Africa’s 36-year-old Simon Harmer, emphasizing his 20 wickets in a Test match, alongside mentioning concussion protocols.

“South Africa has also included Simon Harmer, who is 37 or 38 years old. You need to consider how you will take 20 wickets and who’s capable of doing that. We wanted experience, and keeping concussion protocol in mind, you have to see who can provide that option.

Azhar lauded Asif Afridi’s bowling and concluded with best wishes for the bowler. “He is a wonderful bowler and have a bright future.”

The first Test between Pakistan and South Africa will begin on October 12 at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.

READ: Mitchell Starc to join Babar Azam at Sydney Sixers for BBL 15

Australia ace pacer Mitchell Starc is set to join Pakistan star batter Babar Azam at the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

The announcement came via the Sixers’ social media handle, where the team wrote about the Pacer’s return to the side.

“After 11 seasons, Mitch Starc is back in magenta. He’s expected to link up with the squad following the Ashes series,” the caption read.

Starc, who recently announced his retirement from T20I cricket, highlighted his post-Ashes commitments.

“I’ve got no cricket scheduled between the fifth Test and the IPL at this stage,” Starc said

“An opportunity to play some BBL cricket, I’ve obviously been a part of the small part of the Sixers throughout the 15 seasons, so it’s nice to return to potentially a playing role.

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Obviously, we’ve got the five Test matches to focus on, first and foremost. But post that, it’s obviously my intention to be available to play some part if called upon,” he remarked.

The left-arm pacer’s last appearance in the tournament came in the 2014-15 BBL edition. Overall, he has represented the side in 10 matches, scalping 20 wickets at an impressive average of 14.85 and an economy rate of 7.92.

Starc’s addition will bolster an already stacked Sixers side, featuring the likes of Babar Azam, Steve Smith, and Josh Hazlewood.

For context, BBL 15 is expected to be one of the most anticipated seasons in the tournament’s history, with various stars from around the globe set to take the stage at the end of this year.

Notably, Pakistani players were among the popular selections in the BBL 15 overseas draft held earlier this year.

Babar Azam was roped in by the Sydney Sixers, whereas Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi were drafted by the Melbourne Renegades and the Brisbane Heat.

Haris Rauf, a regular in the BBL, was retained by Melbourne Stars, the franchise where he has become a fan favourite over the years with his pace and aggression.

The opening match of the BBL 15 will be played between the Sydney Sixers and the Perth Scorchers on December 14 in Perth.

READ: Asian Cup Qualifiers: Otis misses penalty as Pakistan held by Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD: Otis Khan squandered a penalty as Pakistan ended its eight-match losing streak in a goalless draw with Afghanistan in the AFC Asia Cup 2027 Saudi Arabia qualifiers here at the Jinnah Stadium on Thursday.

The draw split points between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and both are now off the mark in Group E of the Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Pakistan had ample chances to pierce the net against the visitors; however, during the 65th minute of the game, Otis Khan missed a vital chance by sending his penalty kick soaring over the bar, midway through the second half, in front of more than 7000 people.

The Green Shirts will now travel to Kuwait for the away fixture against Afghanistan on October 14. The winner of the group advances to the tournament finals in Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan started its campaign having suffered consecutive defeats against Syria and Myanmar. In their opening match played in March, Syria outplayed Pakistan 2-0 at the Prince Abdullah Bin Jalawi Stadium in Saudi Arabia.

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Pakistan also faced a 1-0 defeat against Myanmar at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, a match played in June 2025.

For the unversed, the Afghanistan team arrived in the capital following a delay due to visa issues, which initially put the clash in jeopardy.

The issue was sorted out due to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s who took notice of the issue after it was highlighted.

“Issued now,” Mohsin Naqvi wrote in response to journalist Faizan Lakhani’s post, “Thank you for highlighting it,” Naqvi added.

The delay was caused by the need for clearance for Afghanistan’s overseas players.

Those players and officials who were in Afghanistan managed to obtain their visas to travel to Pakistan. However, those living abroad had to return to Afghanistan to get the necessary clearance.

READ: Asian Cup Qualifiers: Afghanistan team arrives in Pakistan after visa issues resolved

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday, announced the star-studded commentary panel for the upcoming series between Pakistan and South Africa.

Former Proteas all-rounder Shaun Pollock will return to Pakistan and will join former Pakistan Test captains Aamir Sohail, Ramiz Raja, Waqar Younis, and former Test cricketer Bazid Khan in the commentary panel.

Zainab Abbas will provide viewers with expert analysis during pre- and post-match shows on PCB’s PitchSide Studio.

Aamir Sohail and Ramiz Raja will be joined by former Pakistan women’s team captain Urooj Mumtaz for the three-match T20I series to be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore, followed by three ODIs to be staged at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.

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JP Duminy and Vernon Philander will give their voice behind the mic during the white-ball series set to take place from 28 October to 8 November.

Meanwhile, Zainab Abbas will continue to work as a presenter during the white-ball series.

Cricket fans in Pakistan will be able to witness the action of the series in high-definition on A Sports and Ten Sports; while livestreaming for viewers in Pakistan will be available on Tapmad and Tamasha.

The first Test between South Africa and Pakistan will commence on October 12 at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.

South Africa’s Test Squad

Aiden Markram (c), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj (second Test only), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, and Kyle Verreynne.

Pakistan Squad

Shan Masood (capt), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afridi, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi

READ: Asian Cup Qualifiers: Afghanistan team arrives in Pakistan after visa issues resolved

ISLAMABAD: The first contingent of the Afghanistan men’s football team touched down here in the federal capital on Wednesday evening for their AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers clash against Pakistan, after facing delays due to visa issues.

The match between Pakistan and Afghanistan is scheduled to be played at the Jinnah Football Stadium in Islamabad tomorrow.

Earlier, the much-anticipated clash faced uncertainty due to visa issues affecting several players.

A day earlier, Pakistan Football Federation president Mohsen Gillani stated regarding the issues.

“The players and officials who were in Afghanistan have obtained their visas to travel to Pakistan but those living abroad had to go to Afghanistan to get the required clearance,” Mohsen said.

“That process is mandatory as per the Afghanistan Football Federation’s decision of nominating the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul to issue the visas.”

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However, once the issue was highlighted, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi took notice and awarded the team special permission to travel to Pakistan.

“Issued now,” Mohsin Naqvi wrote in response to journalist Faizan Lakhani’s post, “Thank you for highlighting it,” Naqvi added.

The match will be broadcast live on A Sports, and will begin at 2 pm, with stadium gates opening at 12 noon.

For context, both Pakistan and Afghanistan are winless after losing their opening two matches in Group E against Syria and Myanmar.

Following the home leg, the Pakistan national team will travel to Kuwait for the away fixture against Afghanistan on October 14.

The winner of the group advances to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

READ: FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Laporte replaces Huijsen in Spain’s squad

Aymeric Laporte has replaced injured Dean Huijsen in the Spain squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers due to a calf injury.

“Huijsen arrived with symptoms of muscular fatigue at the Spain national team camp on Monday night,” said the Spanish football federation in a statement.

“On Tuesday he did not train… and on Wednesday he had a medical test confirming a muscular injury, which Real Madrid have been informed of.”

Real Madrid said Huijsen has suffered a “calf muscle injury in his left leg”, without specifying an expected recovery date.

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Spanish media reported he is likely to return in 10-12 days, putting in doubt Huijsen being fit for Madrid’s La Liga game at Getafe on October 19.

The 20-year-old centre-back joined Real from Premier League club Bournemouth this summer and made his Spain debut in March in the Nations League.

Laporte, who recently rejoined Athletic Bilbao, was a key part of the Spain squad that won Euro 2024.

Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal and Manchester City midfielder Rodri Hernandez had already withdrawn from the squad for the games against Georgia and Bulgaria on Saturday and October 14, respectively.

Spain tops Group E after beating Bulgaria and Turkey in their opening qualifiers for next summer’s tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

READ: Root hits back at critics, eyes Ashes glory down under