Erling Haaland scored twice and Rayan Cherki struck either side of half-time as Manchester City brushed aside Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park, a result that underlined the champions’ growing momentum in the early weeks of the Premier League season.
Pep Guardiola’s side made the perfect start, with Haaland breaking the deadlock inside the opening quarter of an hour, finishing clinically in the 17th minute to give City an early cushion against a Palace side looking to build on a solid start to the campaign under Oliver Glasner.
Pep Guardiola. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Crystal Palace fought to stay in the contest and were handed an unlikely route back into the game just after the hour mark, when a mix-up at the other end saw the ball end up in the City net via goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma for an own goal in the 56th minute. For a few minutes it looked as though the hosts might use the moment to rally.
Instead, City responded almost immediately. Rayan Cherki, introduced to add fresh legs and craft in the final third, struck twice in quick succession, netting in the 54th and 59th minutes either side of the Palace own goal to restore daylight between the sides. Haaland then completed the rout late on, adding his second of the afternoon in the 84th minute to make it four for the visitors.
The result stretches City’s early-season form and will be a timely confidence boost as Guardiola’s side look to keep pace at the top of the table. Haaland’s double takes his tally for the season into double figures already, continuing the extraordinary scoring record he has maintained since arriving in the Premier League, while Cherki’s two goals will be seen as further evidence of his growing influence in City’s attack after his move to the club.
Rayan Cherki. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
For Crystal Palace, it is a chastening scoreline against one of the league’s traditional heavyweights, though the manner of the own goal will sting more than the overall margin of defeat. Glasner’s side will have chances to bounce back quickly, with the Premier League’s relentless early-season schedule offering little time to dwell on a difficult afternoon at Selhurst Park.
With both English giants and Champions League regulars back among the goals, Saturday’s result is a reminder that, whatever questions were being asked of Manchester City heading into the new season, Haaland and his teammates remain a formidable attacking threat for any side in the division.
Chasing England’s first-innings total of 290, Pakistan’s top order folded under sustained pressure from the England seamers. Ollie Robinson was the pick of the bowlers, returning outstanding figures of 4 for 11 in 13 overs, six of them maidens, while Jofra Archer chipped in with 3 for 26. Josh Tongue picked up two more wickets as Pakistan were bowled out in just 37.2 overs.
Only two Pakistani batsmen managed to reach double figures. Opening batter Azan Awais top-scored with a fighting 46 off 102 balls before he was dismissed top-edging a pull shot, while Saud Shakeel made 16. The rest of the line-up struggled badly: captain Babar Azam, returning from a finger injury that had ruled him out of the series opener, could only manage 8, while wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan fell for 7. Shan Masood, drafted in at the top of the order after regular opener Imam-ul-Haq was ruled out with a calf strain picked up while fielding, was out for just 1.
Babar Azam. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Pakistan’s innings collapse came a day after England had themselves been in trouble, slipping to 248 for 9 in rain-interrupted conditions on the opening day. A last-wicket stand between Josh Tongue, who made an unbeaten 30 batting at number 11, and Gus Atkinson, who struck 45 off 46 balls including six boundaries, hauled England up to 290. Half-centuries from Jamie Smith (61) and Jordan Cox (55) had earlier given the innings a solid platform before the middle order wobbled.
With the ball, Pakistan’s attack had its own bright spots. Mohammad Abbas was the most economical and threatening bowler, finishing with 4 wickets, while Mohammad Ali picked up 3. But the damage inflicted by their batting collapse left the tourists staring at a mountain to climb.
Ollie Robinson. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
The result piles further pressure on Pakistan, who arrived at Lord’s already 0-1 down in the three-match series after a heavy innings-and-103-run defeat in the series opener at Headingley. A second successive defeat would hand England an unassailable 2-0 lead with one Test to play, and confirm a first home series win over Pakistan in some years for Joe Root’s side.
Play resumes on day three with England well placed to extend their advantage and set Pakistan a testing target on a pitch that has already offered plenty for the fast bowlers. For Pakistan, the focus will be on a disciplined bowling effort to restrict England’s second innings and give their own top order a more realistic total to chase than the one they managed first time around.
The Pakistan tour of England continues to be a stern examination of the tourists’ batting depth away from home, and the coaching staff will be looking for a marked improvement in application when Pakistan bat again. For now, though, Lord’s belongs firmly to England.
Pakistan could receive a major boost ahead of the second Test against England, with captain Babar Azam progressing well in his recovery from a finger injury and pushing for a return at Lord’s on August 27.
Babar missed Pakistan’s heavy defeat in the opening Test at Headingley after aggravating an existing finger problem during a warm-up match in England.
The latest signs, however, are encouraging.
Pakistan bowling coach Umar Gul confirmed that Babar completed a full batting session at Lord’s, facing fast bowlers, spinners and throwdowns ahead of the crucial second Test.
Babar Azam Injury: What Happened?
Babar had initially suffered a finger problem during Pakistan’s recent Test series against the West Indies.
His recovery was disrupted when he was struck on the right hand during Pakistan’s three-day warm-up match in Kent on August 14.
The Pakistan Cricket Board said at the time that Babar was assessed by the team doctor and rested from the remainder of the practice match as a precaution.
Despite returning to training ahead of the first England Test, Babar was ultimately left out at Headingley, with Salman Ali Agha taking over as stand-in captain.
That decision meant Pakistan were without both Babar’s leadership and one of their most experienced batters for the series opener.
Babar Completes Full Batting Session at Lord’s
Pakistan’s latest training session has increased expectations that Babar could return to the playing XI.
Umar Gul said the Pakistan captain faced different types of bowling and appeared comfortable during the session.
ICC reported that Babar was in line to return for the second Test, while Reuters reported that Pakistan remained hopeful about his availability.
That distinction is important: as of August 26, his participation looks increasingly likely, but Pakistan had not publicly announced a final playing XI at the time of reporting.
Why Babar’s Return Matters for Pakistan
Pakistan badly need greater stability in their batting after a difficult first Test.
England defeated Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs at Headingley, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Pakistan were bowled out for just 135 in their second innings.
Babar’s return could significantly strengthen the top and middle order.
He entered the England tour after finishing as Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in the preceding West Indies series with 193 runs and two half-centuries.
His record in English conditions is another reason Pakistan will want him back as quickly as possible.
According to ICC figures, Babar has scored three half-centuries in six Test innings in England and averages 65.75 in the country. Against England overall, he averages 53.83 across 14 innings, including six fifties and a century.
Pakistan Under Pressure at Lord’s
The second Test has major implications for the series.
England enter Lord’s with a 1-0 advantage, meaning another victory would secure the three-match contest before the final Test at Edgbaston.
Pakistan, meanwhile, need at least a draw to keep the series alive.
The Lord’s Test will run from August 27 to 31, with the third and final Test scheduled at Edgbaston from September 9.
England are also dealing with a selection change of their own. Fast bowler Brydon Carse is unavailable for the second Test, with Sonny Baker added to England’s squad.
Can Babar Azam Change Pakistan’s Fortunes?
One player cannot solve every problem Pakistan faced at Headingley, but Babar’s possible return changes the complexion of the batting lineup.
Pakistan struggled to build sustained partnerships in the first Test, while England’s seam attack repeatedly exposed the touring side.
Babar offers experience against high-quality pace bowling and, as captain, gives Pakistan their regular leader back for a match they cannot afford to lose.
His performance in the nets is encouraging, but the final decision will depend on his fitness assessment and Pakistan’s team selection before the match.
For supporters, all attention will now be on the team announcement at Lord’s.
Pakistan vs England Second Test: Key Details
Detail
Information
Match
England vs Pakistan, 2nd Test
Venue
Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
Start date
August 27, 2026
Series score
England lead 1-0
Babar Azam status
In line to return; final selection awaited
Injury
Finger/right-hand issue
Pakistan captain
Babar Azam, if fit
What Happens Next?
Pakistan’s final XI will provide the definitive answer on Babar’s availability.
If cleared to play, his return would be one of Pakistan’s biggest changes from the side beaten at Headingley and could provide a much-needed lift as the tourists attempt to level the series at one of cricket’s most historic venues.
For now, the strongest indication is positive: Babar is batting again, completed a full session at Lord’s and is firmly in contention for the second Test.
Questions
Is Babar Azam playing the second Test against England? Babar is in line to return after completing a full batting session, but his place should not be described as officially confirmed until Pakistan announce their final XI.
Why did Babar Azam miss the first Test? He was recovering from a finger injury that was aggravated after he was struck on the right hand during Pakistan’s warm-up match in England.
When is Pakistan vs England second Test? The second Test begins at Lord’s on August 27, 2026 and is scheduled to run until August 31.
Who won the first England vs Pakistan Test? England won at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs to take a 1-0 series lead.
Al Nassr produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the young Saudi Pro League season, recovering from a two-goal deficit and playing most of the match with 10 men to defeat Al Ettifaq 3-2 on Tuesday.
The extraordinary turnaround came after goalkeeper Bento was sent off in the 12th minute, while captain Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted at halftime with Al Nassr trailing 2-0.
Rather than collapse, Al Nassr transformed the game in the closing stages. Sadio Mané scored twice, including the late winner, while defender Abdulelah Al Amri added the equaliser as the reigning Saudi champions maintained their perfect start to the 2026-27 league campaign.
Brazilian goalkeeper Bento was shown a straight red card in the 12th minute after coming out of his area and bringing down Al Ettifaq forward Moussa Dembélé.
The dismissal forced Al Nassr into an immediate reshuffle, with teenager Abdulrahman Al Otaibi introduced in goal as Angelo Gabriel made way.
Al Ettifaq took advantage of their numerical superiority.
Ondrej Duda opened the scoring in the 31st minute, before Álvaro Medrán doubled the home side’s lead in first-half stoppage time.
Al Nassr went into the break 2-0 down, a man short and facing what looked like an extremely difficult route back into the contest.
Why Was Cristiano Ronaldo Substituted?
One of the biggest talking points came at halftime when Al Nassr coach Ange Postecoglou replaced Cristiano Ronaldo with Abdullah Al Khaibari.
Ronaldo appeared frustrated by the decision as Al Nassr prepared for the second half.
Postecoglou later explained that the decision was tactical and also related to Ronaldo’s recent lack of match minutes.
The Al Nassr coach said Ronaldo had done his job during the opening half, but playing with 10 men required the team to adopt a different approach after the break. Ronaldo had only recently returned to action after missing Al Nassr’s opening matches of the season.
That decision inevitably generated headlines because of Ronaldo’s global profile, but what happened next shifted attention toward the team’s remarkable response.
Al Nassr continued to push despite their numerical disadvantage.
Sadio Mané thought he had pulled a goal back shortly after halftime, but the effort was ruled out following a VAR review.
The breakthrough finally came in the 74th minute.
Mané converted after being set up by João Félix, reducing Al Ettifaq’s advantage to 2-1.
Only three minutes later, Al Nassr were level.
Abdulelah Al Amri scored in the 77th minute, with Félix again involved in the build-up, completing an extraordinary three-minute burst from the visitors.
Suddenly, a match that appeared lost was there for Al Nassr to win.
Mané Scores Dramatic Late Winner
The decisive moment arrived in the 90th minute.
Al Nassr broke forward quickly before Sami Al Naji found Mané, who finished from inside the penalty area to make it 3-2.
The goal was checked by VAR before being awarded, completing one of Al Nassr’s most memorable recent league victories.
Mané finished the match with two goals, while João Félix played a major creative role in the second-half recovery.
Al Ettifaq vs Al Nassr Goals
Minute
Player
Team
31′
Ondrej Duda
Al Ettifaq
45+3′
Álvaro Medrán
Al Ettifaq
74′
Sadio Mané
Al Nassr
77′
Abdulelah Al Amri
Al Nassr
90′
Sadio Mané
Al Nassr
Al Nassr won 3-2 despite playing with 10 men from the opening stages.
What Postecoglou Said After the Comeback
Postecoglou focused less on the Ronaldo substitution and more on the character shown by his players.
The former Tottenham manager praised Al Nassr’s willingness to keep fighting despite the red card, difficult conditions, two-goal deficit and tactical problems they faced.
For Postecoglou, the comeback demonstrated something beyond technical quality: the mentality of his squad.
That message is significant for Al Nassr as they attempt to successfully defend their Saudi Pro League title.
Al Nassr Maintain Perfect Saudi Pro League Start
The victory kept Al Nassr at the top end of the 2026-27 Roshn Saudi League standings with a 100% start after three rounds.
They opened their league campaign with a 3-0 victory over Al Fateh before beating Al Riyadh 4-0, a match in which Ronaldo returned and scored after coming off the bench.
The Al Ettifaq match, however, presented an entirely different challenge.
Playing almost the entire contest with 10 men and recovering from 2-0 down showed Al Nassr can win when a match moves far away from their original game plan.
Ronaldo Substitution Will Keep Fans Talking
Ronaldo remains one of the world’s most searched footballers, so his halftime substitution will inevitably dominate discussion around the result.
But the sporting story is arguably even bigger.
Al Nassr were two goals behind, a player down and without Ronaldo on the pitch, yet scored three times in the final stages to take all three points.
Mané delivered the goals, Félix provided creativity and Postecoglou’s tactical changes helped turn what looked like a defeat into a remarkable victory.
For Al Nassr, it was three more points.
For the Saudi Pro League, it was already one of the matches of the season.
Questions
What was the Al Ettifaq vs Al Nassr score?
Al Nassr defeated Al Ettifaq 3-2 in the Saudi Pro League on August 25, 2026.
Did Cristiano Ronaldo score against Al Ettifaq?
No. Ronaldo started the match but was substituted at halftime while Al Nassr were trailing 2-0.
Why did Al Nassr substitute Ronaldo?
Ange Postecoglou explained that Ronaldo had recently played limited football and that Al Nassr needed a different tactical setup after being reduced to 10 men.
Who scored for Al Nassr against Al Ettifaq?
Sadio Mané scored twice, while Abdulelah Al Amri scored once.
Did Al Nassr get a red card?
Yes. Goalkeeper Bento was sent off in the 12th minute.
KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match One-Day International series against Australia national cricket team, with fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi appointed as captain.
According to the PCB, the series will be played from May 30 to June 4 in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Key players including Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Muqeem have been recalled to the national side.
New inclusions in the squad include Ahmad Daniyal, Arafat Minhas and Rohail Nazir, while Muhammad Ghazi Ghori and Rohail Nazir have been named as wicketkeeper-batters.
The selection committee has dropped several players, including Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Hussain Talat, Muhammad Rizwan, Wasim Jr and Saad Masood from the ODI setup.
Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub were not considered due to injuries and are currently undergoing rehabilitation programs, while Usman Khan was ruled out due to illness.
The final squad features a mix of experienced and young players as Pakistan prepares for the high-profile ODI series against Australia.
LAHORE: Former Pakistan Test fast bowler and current bowling coach Umar Gul has expressed confidence that Hyderabad Kingsmen can deliver an impressive performance in the second eliminator of the Pakistan Super League Season 11.
Sharing his views, Umar Gul said an exciting contest is expected between Hyderabad Kingsmen and Islamabad United at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday night.
He noted that Hyderabad Kingsmen have made a strong comeback after suffering four consecutive defeats earlier in the tournament, building solid momentum heading into the crucial knockout clash.
Umar Gul added that even an individual player’s strong performance can significantly impact the overall team result.
He highlighted that along with improved batting, Hyderabad Kingsmen’s bowling unit has also shown notable progress, making them a competitive side in the high-stakes encounter.
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