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An ominous Carlos Alcaraz wasted little energy in his 100th Grand Slam match to sweep into the last 16 of the Australian Open on Friday with a straight-sets mauling of French showman Corentin Moutet.

The 22-year-old six-time major winner was at a different level on Rod Laver Arena to book his passage 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 in 2hrs 5mins.

Victory thrust him into a clash for a place in the quarter-finals with American 19th seed Tommy Paul, who progressed when Spanish opponent Alejandro Davidovich Fokina retired hurt.

Alcaraz has never gone past the last eight in his four previous trips to Melbourne Park, with the Australian Open the only Grand Slam missing from his burgeoning collection.

He will become the youngest man to win all four majors should he push on and make his breakthrough.

“It wasn’t easy. To be honest, when you play someone like Corentin, you don’t know what’s going to be next,” said the Spaniard.

“So that’s really difficult, you know, to approach the match. But I had fun on the court. I think we both pulled off great shots, great points.”

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The win against Moutet came in his 100th Slam match with Alcaraz having a remarkable 87-13 win-loss record, matching the legendary Bjorn Borg at the same stage of his career.

Left-hander Moutet had never beaten a world number one and never looked like doing so on centre court.

Top seed Alcaraz was quickly into his stride, breaking Moutet in the opening game before holding for 2-0.

The Frenchman got into gear with a hold in the third game, but was largely a bystander as Alcaraz raced through the set in 35 minutes.

An immediate break for Alcaraz set the tone for the second set. But Moutet reeled off four straight games from 0-3 down, throwing in some underarm serves, dropshots and tweeners for good measure.

Alcaraz steadied and took the set before barely breaking a sweat in the third.

READ: Casemiro set for Man Utd exit at season’s end

Casemiro will leave Manchester United at the end of the season following the expiry of his contract, the Premier League club announced on Thursday.

The Brazil international arrived from Real Madrid in 2022 for a fee of £70 million ($94 million) and has so far played 146 games for the club, scoring 21 goals.

“A serial winner, we thank Case for his contributions in red so far and hope to finish his time at the club on a high together,” United said on X.

Casemiro said in a club statement that he would “carry Manchester United with me throughout my entire life”.

“From the first day that I walked out at this beautiful stadium, I felt the passion of Old Trafford and the love that I now share with our supporters for this special club,” he said.

“It is not time to say goodbye — there are many more memories to create during the next four months.”

The midfielder, 33, forged his reputation at Real Madrid, where he won five Champions League titles.

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Casemiro scored the opening goal in United’s League Cup final win against Newcastle in 2023 as the club finished third in the league.

But he did not feature in the club’s FA Cup final win against Manchester City the following year.

Casemiro, one of the highest earners at old Trafford, said on his personal Instagram account that he would be “forever” a Red Devil.

“Knowing when to say goodbye when you feel that you will be remembered and respected forever,” he posted.

“Four months to give my all for this badge and for our goal. Eternal respect and affection for Manchester United and its wonderful fans.”

United are fifth in the Premier League ahead of Sunday’s trip to leaders Arsenal.

READ: U19 World Cup: West Indies, Ireland seal Super Six spot

Sri Lanka’s spinners turned the screws to script a hard-fought 19-run victory over England in the opening one-day international at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium on Thursday.

Set 272 for victory, England appeared to be cruising at 129-1 with Ben Duckett and Joe Root stroking the ball sweetly and the asking rate firmly under control.

But once the 117-run stand was broken, Sri Lanka dried up the runs and England faltered with the bat, being bowled out for 252 in the final over.

“It was a good game of cricket, but we need to keep improving. Our spinners did a terrific job. We knew it would start turning after the 30th over and batting would become a challenge,” Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka said.

Duckett’s attempted reverse sweep brought Sri Lanka back into the game as he was ruled leg before to Jeffrey Vandersay. However, it was Root’s dismissal that truly changed the complexion of the contest.

The former England Test captain, a perennial thorn in Sri Lanka’s side with imposing averages of 61 in ODIs and 62 in Tests against them, misjudged a sweep off part-time spinner Dhananjaya de Silva.

Sri Lanka reviewed instantly, the on-field decision was overturned and the roar from the Premadasa stands said it all.

With the required rate climbing north of eight an over, England were forced into risk mode.

Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell both paid the price, brilliantly stumped by Kusal Mendis, with Brook undone off a wide by his opposite number Asalanka.

Jamie Overton injected late drama with a muscular 34 off 17 balls, adding 39 for the last wicket with Adil Rashid, but it proved too steep a hill to climb and he was the final wicket to fall.

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Sri Lanka’s fielders matched their bowlers stride for stride, with De Silva and Dunith Wellalage pulling off stunning catches to keep the pressure relentless.

Earlier, Kusal Mendis had been the glue that held Sri Lanka’s innings together after England’s leg-spin pair of Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed reduced the hosts to 124 for four.

Battling cramps but showing sharp game awareness, Mendis rotated the strike cleverly and punished anything loose.

He added 88 runs for the fifth wicket with Janith Liyanage, who made 46.

Mendis was on 92 at the start of the final over and watched from the non-striker’s end as Wellalage stole the limelight, launching three fours and a six in a blistering 25 not out from 12 balls as the last over bowled by Overton yielded 23.

That proved crucial as it dragged the hosts to 271-6 from their 50 overs.

“Sri Lanka outplayed us,” England captain Harry Brook said.

“We thought we could chase it and we were in a good position, but with the asking rate climbing it became difficult. It’s hard to start and someone needed to go on and finish the job.”

The teams meet again at the same stadium on Saturday for the second game of the three-match series.

READ: Sydney Sixers confirm Babar Azam will miss remainder of BBL 15

WINDHOEK: West Indies defeated South Africa by 55 runs while Ireland secured a four-run victory over Japan to book their place in the Super Stage of the ICC U19 World Cup 2026.

West Indies set South Africa 235 to chase in 50 overs, thanks to Zachary Carter sublime century.

After losing Tanez Francis in sixth over, Zachary Carter and Joshua Dorne added 82 runs for the second wicket partnership.

The pair brought the total to 115 in 22.3 overs before three quick wickets halted their progress.

Skipper Dorne scored 20 from 49 while Shamar Apple and Jewel Andrew  were sent back for ducks.

As a result, West Indies were reduced to 115-4 at the end of 23 overs.

Despite the wickets tumbling, Carter cruised along and went on to score 114 from 104 balls with the aid of eight sixes and same number of boundaries.

His wicket in the 36th over sparked another collapse as the whole team was bundled out for 234 in 47.5 overs.

For South Africa, JJ Basson starred with the ball as he picked up a five wicket haul.

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In reply, South Africa batting lineup faltered and the whole team was bowled for 179 in 37.4 overs.

Shaquan Belle started the proceeding as he tormented the Proteas top-order.

Adnaan Lagadien was the first one to go after scoring 10 followed by Muhammed Bulbulia’s and Jorich Van Schalkwyk wicket in the eight and ninth over respectively.

South Africa batting lineup could not got going with West Indies bowlers taking wickets at regular intervals.

Jason Rowles remained the top scorer with 46 from 40 balls, striking two sixes and four boundaries.

For West Indies, Shaquan Belle wreaked havoc with the ball, picking up six wickets in his quota of 10 overs while giving away 40.

In Group A fixture, Ireland defeated Japan by four wickets, advancing to the Super Six stage of the tournament.

Ireland chased down 248 run target in 48 overs, losing four wickets in the process.

Freddie Ogilby starred with the bat for Ireland, scoring 73 from 76 balls, hitting four boundaries and two sixes.

Sebastian Dijkstra was the other notable contributor, scoring an unbeaten 55 from 61 deliveries with the help of six and four boundaries to get his team over the line.

Earlier, after opting to bat first Japan put 247-9 in their 50 overs.

Charlie Hara-Hinze  top scored for them with, making 57 off 70 deliveries with the help of a six and four boundaries.

For Ireland, Adam Leckey and Oliver Riley shared six wickets between them.

READ: U19 World Cup: Here’s why Pakistan slowed their chase against Zimbabwe

HARARE: The tactics behind Pakistan slow chase against Zimbabwe have been revealed as the Green Shirts executed a calculated run-chase that guaranteed both teams a spot in the Super Six stage of the U19 World Cup 2026.

Pakistan outplayed hosts Zimbabwe in their last-group stage fixture by eight wickets.

The win resulted in Scotland’s elimination whereas Pakistan and Zimbabwe both qualified for the next round.

Pakistan chased down the target in a tactical way, taking tournament rules in account which helped them improve their net-run rate going forward.

After racing to 84 in 14 overs, Pakistan’s chase of 129 entered a curious stalemate.

Despite needing less than four runs per over, Minhas and Hussain scored with a run rate of three runs per over for the next 12 overs. This period included a staggering 89-ball boundary drought.

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The result came as a heartbreak for Scotland who were in qualifying position halfway through the innings before being overtaken by Zimbabwe on net run rate.

Pakistan took a measured approach in pursuit of 129 run target as they slowed down their scoring after 14th over and eventually chased the target in 26.2 overs.

For Scotland to qualify, Pakistan needed to reach their target within 25.2 overs.

However, Pakistan prioritised the Super Six regulations, which say that only teams that advance will carry their run rate and points earned in matches against fellow qualifiers.

By prolonging the chase, Pakistan ensured Zimbabwe qualified alongside them, protecting their own statistical advantage for the next stage.

Pakistan advanced with a better net run rate because they had beaten Zimbabwe by a bigger margin than they beat Scotland. Pakistan defeated Scotland with 6.5 overs to spare.

Additionally, they also hit Group C toppers England’s run rate as the Three Lions have secured a 252 run victory over Scotland.

It is worth mentioning that intentionally slowing down a game to manipulate tournament standings is technically against ICC rules, but Pakistan tactics looked obvious and proving the team’s intent is an uphill task.

Previously, Steve Waugh has also attempted a similar strategy during Australia’s chase against West Indies during 1999 ODI World Cup.

READ: South Africa suffer double blow ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

JOHANNESBURG: In a significant blow, Tony de Zorzi and Donovan Ferreira have been ruled out of South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 squad, with Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs named as as replacements.

Both players suffered injuries, with De Zorzi failing to recover from the hamstring injury he sustained during South Africa’s tour of India in December while Ferreira fractured his shoulder during fielding in a SA20 fixture.

Meanwhile, the Proteas are still awaiting on fitness of ace batter David Miller, who has been ruled of the eliminator match between Paarl Royals and Joburg Super Kings.

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Miller, South Africa’s one of the experience players in T20 side, left the field during Paarl Royals last league stage match with an adductor injury, subseqeuntly ruling him out of T20Is against West Indies.

The left-hander will undergo a fitness test before the departure of South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad. His inclusion in the tournament is subject to his fitness.

For the unversed, the teams could tweak their T20 World Cup squads until 31 January. Following the dateline, the participating teams will require approval from the ICC’s Event Technical Committe.

The T20 World Cup 2026 will commence on 7 February across India and Sri Lanka.

South Africa, who remained the runners-up in the 2024 edition, are placed in Group D alongside Afghanistan, New Zealand, Canada, and the UAE.

The Proteas will start their campaign against Canada on 9 Feb in Ahmedabad, India.

South Africa Updated T20 World Cup Squad

Aiden Markram(c), Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Jason Smith, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje

READ: Bangladesh firm on not playing T20 World Cup after players’ meeting

DHAKA: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Thursday reiterated that the team will not travel to India for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 despite the International Cricket Council (ICC) verdict.

The decision was taken by Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Nazrul following a meeting with the national team players and board officials.

“There is no scope to change our decision. We are not giving up yet. Our team is ready, and we still hope that the ICC will deliver justice. We want the ICC to take our genuine security risk into consideration and allow us to play in Sri Lanka,” he told reporters.

“There has been no change in the security risk situation regarding playing in India at present. This concern is not based on any abstract or hypothetical idea; rather, it stems from a real incident in which the Indian cricket board failed to provide security to one of our top players [Mustafizur Rahman] under pressure from extremists, and he was asked to leave India,” he added.

He highlighted security concerns, noting that the Indian government and cricket apex body have provided no guarantee of players’ safety.

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“Since the Indian cricket board is effectively an extended arm of the government and could not ensure the safety of even a single player, no assurance has been given by the ICC or the Indian government that they would be able to guarantee the security of our entire team, journalists, and spectators,” he concluded.

A day earlier, ICC turned down Bangladesh’s plea to relocate World Cup matches from India, keeping the tournament’s schedule unchanged, a decision taken during a board meeting.

For the unversed, the whole situation arose after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its team to India for the tournament, citing safety concerns for players and support staff, and had requested that the ICC shift the matches outside India.

The decision followed an IPL-related dispute involving pacer Mustafizur Rahman, which triggered strong reactions in Dhaka.

Despite multiple discussions, the ICC’s proposal to change venues within India was rejected by the BCB, which remains firm on playing its matches in Sri Lanka, prolonging the standoff.

READ: Dominant Pakistan bundle Zimbabwe for 128 in U19 World Cup

Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been declared fully fit after successfully clearing his fitness test, sources confirmed on Thursday.

The news came as a major boost to Pakistan’s preparations for the upcoming home T20I series against Australia and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

According to sources, Shaheen underwent a comprehensive physical fitness test two days ago, conducted with a specific focus on his workload management and long-term availability for the Australia series and the global tournament.

The left-arm pacer has now been deemed fit to return to competitive cricket and is expected to feature in Pakistan’s plans going forward.

Shaheen Afridi had suffered a knee injury during the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 while representing Brisbane Heat in a match against Adelaide Strikers on December 27.

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The 25-year-old was forced to leave the field during the 14th over after experiencing discomfort in his right knee and was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the tournament.

Brisbane Heat later named Zaman Khan as his replacement.

The injury also kept Shaheen out of Pakistan’s recent T20I series against Sri Lanka, as he failed to regain full fitness in time for the assignment.

However, his recovery now appears to be on track, with the pacer reportedly set to make his return during the upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia, scheduled to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on January 29, 31 and February 1.

The series is being viewed as vital preparation for both sides ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

READ: Dominant Pakistan bundle Zimbabwe for 128 in U19 World Cup

HARARE: Ali Raza and Sameer Minhas starred as Pakistan produced a commanding display to seal a victory over Zimbabwe in the 19th fixture of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 here at the Takashinga Sports Club, Highfield on Thursday.

The Green Shirts chased down a mere 129 target in 26.2 overs, losing two wickets in the process.

Ali Hassan Baloch and Sameer Minhas added 19 for the opening wicket in 3.3 overs before the former was caught, after scoring three.

After an early wicket, Usman Khan then paired up with Sameer Minhas, stitching a 49 run parntership.

The pair made lightwork of the chase as Pakistan’s scorecard read 68 in 10.5 overs.

Michael Blignaut provided Zimbabwe much-need breakthrough, cleaning up Usman, who scored 26 from 23 balls with the help of five fours.

Despite the wicket, Minhas cruised on and forged an unbeaten 64-run partnership off 83 balls alongside Ahmed Hussain, who made 24 from 53 balls.

Minhas eventually finished the game with two back-to-back sixes off Michael Blignaut’s over.

The right-hander’s dream run in the Youth ODIs continued as he scored 74* from 75 with the help of half a dozen fours and three sixes.

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For Zimbabwe, Michael Blignaut and Panashe Mazai took one wicket each.

Despite the loss, Zimbabwe advanced to the Super Six stage courtesy of their superior run rate over Scotland.

Earlier, Pakistan’s pace bowlers produced a disciplined collective display to bundle co-hosts Zimbabwe to a modest 128-run total.

After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf opted to field first, a decision that quickly paid off as Zimbabwe’s batting lineup collapsed under sustained pressure.

The home side managed to score a meagre 128 runs in 35.5 overs against a well-rounded Pakistani bowling attack.

Zimbabwe opener Nathaniel Hlabangana was the lone bright spark for the hosts, battling hard to score 59 off 85 balls, featuring seven boundaries.

However, his efforts went largely unsupported, with Brandon Senzere being the only other batter to reach double figures, making 15.

Pakistan’s bowling unit was led by Ali Raza, who delivered a sensational spell of 3 for 16 in eight overs, keeping the pressure constant and not allowing Zimbabwe to build any meaningful partnerships.

He was well backed by Mohammad Sayyam, Momin Qamar and Abdul Subhan, who claimed two wickets each, while Ahmed Hussain chipped in with one.

Notably, the Pakistan U19 team have already secured their place in the Super Sixes, but a win here would guarantee them a second-place finish in Group C with four points.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, face a must-win situation if they are to stay alive in the tournament.

A victory would enable them to leapfrog Scotland and clinch the final Super Sixes spot from Group C, joining England and Pakistan in the next round.

READ: PCB unveils match officials for Pakistan-Australia T20I series

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the match officials for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia, starting 29 January.

The series will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, from 29 January to 1 February. The games will start at 4pm PKT with the coin toss set to take place at 3.30pm PST.

ICC International Panel Match Referee Ali Naqvi will lead the playing control team in all three matches.

The second game will be his 50th T20I as match referee, as he officiated his first game in the format at the same venue in April 2023.

Ahsan Raza, member of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, will be one of the on-field umpires during the first two T20Is, while Asif Yaqoob of the ICC Emerging Panel of Umpires and Rashid Riaz of the ICC International Panel of Umpires will join him on the field in the first and second T20Is, respectively.

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Rashid, the fourth umpire in the first T20I, will join Nasir Hussain of the ICC International Panel of Umpires in the third T20I to perform the on-field duties with PCB National Elite Panel of Umpires member Zulfiqar Jan being the fourth umpire.

Apart from being the fourth umpire in the second game, Nasir will begin the series as the third umpire, while Asif and Tariq Rasheed of the PCB National Elite Panel of Umpires will perform the third umpire duties in the second and third T20I, respectively.

1st T20I – 29 January – Ahsan Raza and Asif Yaqoob – on-field umpires, Nasir Hussain – third umpire, Rashid Riaz – fourth umpire, Ali Naqvi – match referee

2nd T20I – 31 January – Ahsan Raza and Rashid Riaz – on-field umpires, Asif Yaqoob – third umpire, Nasir Hussain fourth Umpire, Ali Naqvi – match referee

3rd T20I – 1 February – Rashid Riaz and Nasir Hussain – on-field umpires, Tariq Rasheed – third umpire, Zulfiqar Jan – fourth umpire, Ali Naqvi – match referee

READ: Bangladesh firm on venue change request despite ICC rejection