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Sports

Rain causes multi-million dollar loss for Cricket Australia

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Cricket Australia

Brisbane: Heavy rain in Brisbane caused Cricket Australia to incur a loss of approximately AUD 1 million (around PKR 181.7 million) during the fifth T20 match between Australia and India.

The match was abandoned after less than six overs of play due to rain and lightning. As per T20 rules, with fewer than six overs bowled, fans were eligible for full refunds. 31,074 spectators attending the match received complete ticket refunds, making it one of the costliest nights for Cricket Australia.

India had scored 52 runs without loss in 4.5 overs before the match was halted. Lightning in nearby areas forced players off the field for safety, and the subsequent heavy rainfall led officials to call off the game entirely.

The abandoned match also meant that Australia lost the opportunity to level the T20 series, giving India a 2-1 series victory.

Pakistan clinches semi-final victory over Australia in Hong Kong Sixes

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Pakistan clinches

In a thrilling semi-final of the Hong Kong Sixes tournament, Pakistan edged out Australia by just one run to secure a place in the final.

Batting first, Pakistan posted 121 runs in 6 overs. In response, Australia managed 120 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their 6 overs, falling just short of the target.

Khawaja Nafay was named Player of the Match for his explosive innings, scoring 50 runs off 14 balls before retiring hurt.

From Pakistan’s bowling lineup, Shahid Aziz, Abbas Afridi, and Mohammad Shehzad claimed one wicket each, playing key roles in restricting the Australian chase.

Another medal confirmed for Pakistan at Islamic Solidarity Games

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Another medal

RIYADH: Pakistan has locked in another medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games, thanks to an impressive display by its athletes.

Pakistani boxer Qudratullah advanced to the semi-finals of the 55kg category at the Islamic Solidarity Games.

In the quarter-final bout, Qudratullah defeated Palestinian boxer Yousuf Abdul Aziz.

With the Pakistani boxer completely dominating the fight, the referee stopped the contest in the second round and declared Qudratullah the winner.

Earlier, Arusha Saeed made the nation proud by winning a bronze medal in Kurash at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games held in Riyadh.

Pakistan beats South Africa by 5 wickets in Hong Kong Sixes QF

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Pakistan

HONG KONG: Pakistan registered a 5-wicket victory over South Africa in the second quarterfinal of the Hong Kong Sixes tournament.

Pakistan captain Abbas Afridi won the toss and opted to bowl first. South Africa posted 102 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in their allotted 6 overs.

Jork van scored 40 runs, while Abdullah Bayumi and captain Jordan Morris managed 1 run each. Balki Samjman and Yethan John remained unbeaten on 26 and 29 runs respectively. Mohammad Shehzad took 3 crucial wickets for Pakistan.

Chasing the target, Pakistan reached 105 for the loss of 1 wicket in just 3.5 overs to secure the win. Opener Abdul Samad played a spectacular innings, smashing six sixes in 10 balls to score 50 runs.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Khawaja Nafees contributed 36 runs, while captain Abbas Afridi added 12 runs off 2 balls, hitting 2 sixes.

Pakistan will advance to the semifinals following this convincing performance.

Pakistan’s Arusha Saeed wins bronze in Kurash at Islamic Solidarity Games

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Pakistan’s Arusha

RIYADH: Pakistan’s Arusha Saeed made the nation proud by winning a bronze medal in Kurash at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games held in Riyadh.

Arusha secured the bronze in the women’s 57kg Kurash category after delivering an impressive performance against some of the world’s top athletes. This is Pakistan’s first medal at the 2025 edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games.

Displaying exceptional skill, determination and resilience, Arusha proved that Pakistani women are fully capable of competing — and excelling — on the global stage.

The Pakistan Kurash team was led by head coach Muhammad Saad, with Muhammad Rafiq and Shahzaib Nawaz playing key roles in preparing and training the athletes. Their dedication and professional guidance were instrumental in achieving this milestone.

Nawab Furqan Khan, Pakistan’s representative to the International Kurash Association (IKA), congratulated Arusha, the coaches, and the entire team. He said the achievement is a moment of pride for Pakistan and reflects the growing presence of Pakistani athletes in traditional and martial sports internationally.

He added that Arusha’s remarkable performance serves as an inspiration for young Pakistani women, encouraging them to participate in international competitions with confidence and ambition.

Clip of Usman Khawaja praying with his daughters goes viral

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Usman Khawaja

A video of Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja offering prayers alongside his two young daughters has gone viral across social media platforms.

The clip shows Khawaja praying with his daughters standing beside him, a moment that has resonated widely with viewers. The video has garnered significant appreciation, with users praising the cricketer for setting a positive example.

Social media users have also expressed admiration for Khawaja’s humility and values, extending prayers and well-wishes for him and his family.

One social media user commented on the viral video, saying, “Children follow in their parents’ footsteps.” Another user simply wrote, “Legend and role model.”

According to media reports, Usman Khawaja married Rachel in 2017 after she embraced Islam prior to their Nikah. Later, on April 6, 2018, the couple held a cultural and traditional wedding ceremony.

Usman and Rachel Khawaja are parents to two daughters, Aisha Raheel and Ayla Fozia.

Pakistan down Kuwait in Hong Kong Sixes opener

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Pakistan

Pakistan made a winning start to the Hong Kong Sixes tournament by defeating Kuwait by four wickets in their opening match. Skipper Abbas Afridi won the toss and chose to bowl first.

Kuwait put up an impressive total of 123 for 2 in the allotted six overs. Opener Adnan Idrees scored 17, while Bilal Tahir contributed 24 runs. Meet Bhusur remained unbeaten on 41, and wicketkeeper-batter Usman Patel scored an unbeaten 31.

For Pakistan, Abbas Afridi and Muaz Sadaqat picked up one wicket each.

Pakistan chased down the target with one wicket down. Khawaja Nafeh remained not out on 25, while Shahid Aziz contributed an unbeaten 23. Mohammad Shehzad retired hurt after scoring 14, and Abdullah Samad was dismissed without scoring.

Captain Abbas Afridi was the star of the innings, smashing a blistering 55 runs off just 12 balls, including one four and eight sixes, earning him the Player of the Match award.

Kuwait’s lone wicket was taken by Muhammad Shafiq. Pakistan will face India later today in their second match of the tournament.

Pakistani-Origin Naima Sheikh wins Scotland’s National Sports Scholarship

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Pakistani-Origin

LAHORE: Pakistani-origin Scottish cricketer Nayma Sheikh has become the first-ever cricketer to receive the prestigious Winning Students 100 Scotland National Sports Scholarship.

According to Cricket Scotland, Nayma Sheikh is the first player from Scottish cricket to be selected for this national-level sports scholarship program.

The Winning Students initiative supports more than 1,700 student-athletes across Scotland, providing academic and athletic assistance based on educational qualifications and sporting performance.

Cricket Scotland said Nayma Sheikh is currently pursuing a degree in Accountancy and Finance at the University of Glasgow. This year, 105 student-athletes from 31 different sports disciplines have been awarded scholarships to help them excel in both education and competition.

Speaking about the achievement, Nayma Sheikh said, “It’s an honor to be the first cricketer, male or female, to receive this scholarship. It will give me the opportunity to progress further in both my studies and my game.”

Naima Sheikh made her international debut for Scotland in 2023 and has represented the national side in two One Day Internationals and seven T20 matches so far.

PCB summons emergency meeting after PSL franchises’ request

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PCB summons

LAHORE: A key meeting between the Pakistan Super League (PSL) management and franchise owners has been scheduled for Tuesday, following a request made by the team owners during their recent discussions with the league administration, sources confirmed.

According to reliable sources, franchise representatives had raised several concerns regarding the PSL 2026 and 2027 editions, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to convene the session. The meeting will be held at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and attended by all six franchises, including Multan Sultans.

Franchise owners have sought detailed briefings on commercial affairs, the event window, and the EY (Ernst & Young) evaluation report, sources added. They have also demanded clarification regarding the two-year title sponsorship agreement process, which will be discussed during the session.

PCB officials are expected to present their stance on these matters and share the league’s roadmap for the next phase.

The PCB has already decided to add two new teams to the PSL, expanding the league from six to eight franchises. As the tournament marks its 10-year milestone, new franchise agreements are expected to be finalized later this month.

PSL CEO Salman Naseer said that the league’s matches will soon extend beyond the current venues — Lahore, Karachi, Multan, and Rawalpindi — to include Faisalabad and Peshawar.

He further revealed that tenders for the new franchises will be issued in November, and interested parties will be able to choose from a list of proposed city names for their teams.

Kenya’s Kipruto wins thrilling New York Marathon in photo finish

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Kenya’s Kipruto

NEW YORK: Kenya’s Albert Kipruto clinched a nail-biting victory at the New York Marathon, edging out fellow Kenyan Alexander Mutiso by just one second in a dramatic photo finish.

Kipruto crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 9 seconds, while Mutiso finished just behind him in 2:08:10, making it one of the closest finishes in recent marathon history.

In the women’s category, Kenya’s Hellen Obiri delivered an exceptional performance, winning the race with a record time of 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 51 seconds.

More than 50,000 runners participated in the 42-kilometer event, including over 20 Pakistani athletes. Among them, Sarah Tahoor made Pakistan proud by completing the marathon in 3 hours and 34 minutes, earning the prestigious Six Star Finisher title.