Quick-fire 50 from Azam Khan guides Desert Vipers to crucial ILT20 win

Azam Khan hit the fastest half-century in the history of the International League T20 on Saturday, reaching the milestone from just 18 balls to inspire Desert Vipers to a six-wicket win over Gulf Giants in the UAE. (Supplied/ILT20)
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Updated 03 February 2024
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Quick-fire 50 from Azam Khan guides Desert Vipers to crucial ILT20 win

  • Khan, who ended not out on 50 off 20 balls with five fours and four sixes, was ably assisted by his captain, Colin Munro

LONDON: Azam Khan hit the fastest half-century in the history of the International League T20 on Saturday, reaching the milestone from just 18 balls to inspire Desert Vipers to a six-wicket win over Gulf Giants in the UAE.

Khan, who ended not out on 50 off 20 balls with five fours and four sixes, was ably assisted by his captain, Colin Munro, who racked up 51 off 36 balls with six fours and two sixes.

The Vipers won the match with 19 balls to spare, a victory that took them to third place in the ILT20 table, while the Giants, the defending champions, dropped to the bottom of the league.

The Giants reached 160 for 7 in their 20 overs through Chris Lynn’s 31, Jordan Cox’s 26, and a solid 40 not out from Shimron Hetmyer off just 23 balls.

The Vipers’ chase was led by openers Rohan Mustafa and Alex Hales. The pair scored 23 runs in 3.3 overs before Mustafa was brilliantly caught and bowled by Carlos Brathwaite for 10.

But it was Khan, who is hugely popular in the UAE, who shone. He set out his stall early by hitting the first ball he faced from Zuhaib Zubair for a six and he never looked back.

“I enjoyed the knock and I knew I would be able to win the match at any point in time. I am very happy about it,” he said after the match.

“When you’re out in the middle, you cannot be consistent all the time, but what matters is the strike rate. If my strike rate is good, it is good for my team too.

“Each win is good for the confidence of the team, the more one practices, the better one becomes, and you’ve got to have confidence in yourself. This tournament is good for the Pakistani players as they are performing so well in this great league. It is also good for their careers as many are going for the Pakistan Super League (later in February),” he added.

Hetmeyer, top-scorer for the Giants, said: “It was a defendable total, but we did not get early wickets and that made it harder for us. We can still qualify as we have four more matches. What has happened in the past has gone and we need to think about the matches to come. We will take them one at a time and do our best to win the four matches.”


Record stand puts Bangladesh in command in first Sri Lanka Test

Updated 17 June 2025
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Record stand puts Bangladesh in command in first Sri Lanka Test

  • Mushfiqur, the most capped Test player in Bangladesh history with 97 appearances, silenced his critics with a timely ton

GALLE, Sri Lanka: A record-breaking fourth-wicket partnership between captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim put Bangladesh in control at 292-3 on day one of the first Test against Sri Lanka on Tuesday.

After a wobbly start at Galle, the pair stitched together 247 runs — the highest fourth-wicket stand for Bangladesh in Tests against Sri Lanka — steering the tourists to a commanding position at stumps.

Having elected to bat first, Bangladesh were reeling at 45-3 when the duo came together.

What followed was a gritty rescue act— a partnership built on sound temperament, clever shot selection and an unflinching resolve as they dug their team out of early trouble.

Mushfiqur, the most capped Test player in Bangladesh history with 97 appearances, silenced his critics with a timely ton.

The veteran, under the pump after a lean patch spanning 13 innings without a half-century, rolled back the years with a knock of poise and purpose.

The 38-year-old has fond memories of Galle, having struck a monumental double hundred there in 2013, and once again turned tormentor-in-chief for the Sri Lankan bowlers.

He did enjoy a slice of luck — a tough chance spilled by debutant Tharindu Rathnayake on 25 — but made it count, navigating a nervy passage in the 90s, before scampering a quick single to notch up his 12th Test hundred.

Shanto, positive from the outset, kept the scoreboard ticking with deft footwork and a keen eye for the loose ball.

He brought up his sixth Test century — and second against Sri Lanka — with a cheeky paddle sweep off Prabath Jayasuriya, marking his first ton since November 2023.

Sri Lanka made early inroads with right-arm quick Asitha Fernando drawing first blood, removing opener Anamul Haque for a duck.

Off-spinner Rathnayake, handed his Test cap on the back of a prolific domestic season, struck twice in quick succession.

But once the Shanto-Mushfiqur duo got their eye in, it was one-way traffic.

Sri Lanka also handed a debut to opening batter Lahiru Udara, another domestic heavyweight, while the hosts paused before the start of play to congratulate retiring stalwart Angelo Mathews.

The 38-year-old Mathews, playing his 119th and final Test, will hang up his boots with over 8,000 runs, behind only Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene in Sri Lanka’s all-time charts.

Mathews speaking before the start, said he was “extremely proud to have a wonderful journey, thankful for whoever was part of it.”

“Feeling quite special. Realizing that I have played over 100 Tests,” he added.

“Playing for the country was my dream; it has come true.”

The match is the first in the new two-year World Test Championship cycle.

The second Test begins in Colombo on June 25.


Scorching heat sparks welfare fears at Club World Cup

Updated 17 June 2025
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Scorching heat sparks welfare fears at Club World Cup

  • The world players’ union FIFPRO has suggested FIFA should revise scheduling, if needed

MIAMI: Soaring temperatures and oppressive humidity at the Club World Cup are fueling concerns among players, coaches, and fans, with calls for additional cooling breaks and adjustments to match schedules.

Midday kickoff temperatures in Pasadena at the weekend approached 32° Celsius (89.6° Fahrenheit), forcing players in the Paris St. Germain vs. Atletico Madrid match to dig in early as the midday sun blazed on the Rose Bowl’s uncovered stands and pitch.

Atletico’s Marcos Llorente described the conditions as “terribly hot,” saying “my toes were sore, my nails were hurting... it’s incredible.”

Fans, too, voiced concern.

Attendees at the Rose Bowl complained of long queues in harsh heat, limited shaded areas and water restrictions at entry, with some leaving at halftime due to dehydration and fear of fainting.

Similar mid-afternoon kickoff conditions are planned for upcoming matches, stoking safety concerns for supporters and players.

Monday’s match in Pasadena was not an isolated incident. Miami and Los Angeles are experiencing temperatures north of 30° C (86° F), many rising above the 32° C heat-stress threshold, triggering warnings from player unions.

Tuesday’s game between Real Madrid and Al-Hilal is scheduled at 1500 local time with temperatures expected to reach 32°C with humidity set to hover around 70 percent.

The world players’ union FIFPRO has suggested FIFA should revise scheduling, if needed.

“FIFPRO has consistently advocated for comprehensive heat protection measures including mandatory cooling breaks, adjustments to kick-off times to avoid the most intense heat, and the postponement of matches when conditions pose a serious health risk to players,” FIFPRO said.

“With tournaments like the Club World Cup featuring dense match schedules and hot climates in locations such as Orlando and Miami, extreme heat is becoming an increasingly important health and safety issue in professional football.

“FIFPRO will closely monitor the situation in the coming weeks with a view to prioritising player welfare over other considerations.”

The current rules permit one mandatory break per half.

England coach Thomas Tuchel, observing the tournament as part of planning for next year’s World Cup in North America, warned the tournament schedule would resemble “suffering,” with players battling harsh midday conditions.

The heat represents one of many controversies plaguing the expanded 32-team format. FIFPRO and the PFA have launched legal action in Brussels, alleging FIFA overstepped by introducing an unsustainable four-week calendar, risking player burnout.

Critics say the added fixtures, combined with sweltering heat, could severely strain player welfare.

FIFA, however, maintains that the extended summer fixtures align with the broader International Match Calendar and that existing protocols are sufficient.


Mbappe doubtful for Real Madrid’s Club World Cup opener against Al-Hilal

Updated 17 June 2025
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Mbappe doubtful for Real Madrid’s Club World Cup opener against Al-Hilal

Club sources told Reuters that Mbappe woke up with a high fever
Mbappe has been instrumental for Real Madrid this season

MIAMI: Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe is a doubt for their opening Club World Cup match against Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal on Wednesday, after missing training on Tuesday due to illness.

Club sources told Reuters that Mbappe woke up with a high fever. While he has not been officially ruled out, the source said his availability for the clash at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium was in “more than reasonable doubt”.

The potential absence of Mbappe leaves newly-appointed Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso facing a selection dilemma, as the Frenchman is currently the only recognized center forward in the squad.

Brazilian teenager Endrick, who could have provided an alternative, was left out of the traveling party following a leg muscle injury sustained during Real’s LaLiga fixture at Sevilla last month.

Mbappe has been instrumental for Real Madrid this season, scoring 31 LaLiga goals since his high-profile summer move from Paris St. Germain.

Real Madrid enter the tournament as one of the favorites, having dominated European football over the last decade, winning five of the last 10 Champions League titles.

Al-Hilal secured their place in the competition by triumphing in the AFC Champions League in 2021 and will look to capitalize on any weakness in Madrid’s lineup.

Fluminense begin Club World Cup with goalless draw against Dortmund

Updated 17 June 2025
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Fluminense begin Club World Cup with goalless draw against Dortmund

  • Fluminense were firmly in control against the Bundesliga side in the first half
  • Dortmund struggled to get a foothold in the match with no shots on goal in the first half

NEW JERSEY: Fluminense held Borussia Dortmund to a 0-0 draw in their Group F Club World Cup opener in New Jersey on Tuesday, as the Brazilian side were left to rue missed chances at MetLife Stadium.

Fluminense were firmly in control against the Bundesliga side in the first half but Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel produced a handful of superb saves to frustrate the Brazilian team in front of a crowd mostly in their favor.

After Dortmund struggled to get a foothold in the match with no shots on goal in the first half, Kobel did his part with a remarkable double-save midway through the second half and frantic late efforts from both sides went unrewarded.

Flag-waving Fluminense fans arrived early and cheered wildly as their team applied early pressure, with winger Jhon Arias’s shot toward the top corner saved by Kobel in the 17th minute.

Fluminense midfielder Martinelli missed by inches in the 34th minute and Kobel saved another fine attempt from Arias two minutes later.

Kobel kept out Fluminense striker Everaldo’s powerful shot from outside the box in the 69th minute and leapt to block a follow-up effort from midfielder Nonato moments later.

As scorching heat in the United States prompted concerns about welfare across the tournament, players were treated to overcast skies and mild temperatures in front of a modest crowd of 34,736 in the roughly 82,000 capacity NFL stadium.

Dortmund will next play Mamelodi Sundowns in Cincinnati, while Fluminense will return to MetLife to face Ulsan HD on Saturday.


Atmosphere for Chelsea’s Club World Cup opener a bit strange, says Maresca

Updated 17 June 2025
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Atmosphere for Chelsea’s Club World Cup opener a bit strange, says Maresca

  • “It was a good match, a good performance,” Maresca told reporters
  • “I think the environment was a bit strange. The stadium was almost empty. Not full“

LOS ANGELES: Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said the atmosphere at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta was “a bit strange” as his side began their Club World Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC in front of swathes of empty seats.

The multi-purpose stadium has a 71,000 capacity but Monday’s group stage match, which kicked-off at 3 p.m., attracted little over 22,000 spectators.

Atlanta is over 2,000 miles (3,220 km) away from Los Angeles, where Major League Soccer club LAFC are based.

“It was a good match, a good performance,” Maresca told reporters. “I think the environment was a bit strange. The stadium was almost empty. Not full.”

The Italian expected more fans to be in attendance when they take on Brazilian side Flamengo at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Friday.

“We prepared for this game also thinking that the environment was a bit different,” Maresca said.

“But no doubt that the next one will be a nice one because we know that the Brazilian team, they always bring many, many fans. So we will try to be ready for the next one.”

Maresca was asked about what impact he expects from forward Liam Delap, who joined the club for around 30 million pounds from Ipswich Town ($40.73 million) on a six-year deal.

Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu are already options for the number nine shirt at Chelsea but the 22-year-old Englishman wasted no time in showcasing his potential, setting up Enzo Fernandez for their second goal on Monday.

“I am curious to see how Nico reacts (to Delap),” said Maresca. “He competed with Guiu, who is very young, during the season. They are both good number nines.”

Chelsea are level with Flamengo at the top of the group after the Brazilians beat Esperance de Tunis 2-0.