Multan Sultans and reshuffled Quetta Gladiators make winning starts in PSL cricket

Multan Sultans' Dawid Malan, right, and Reeza Hendricks run between the wickets during the Pakistan Super League T20 cricket match between Multan Sultans and Karachi Kings in Multan, Pakistan, on February 18, 2024 (AP)
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Updated 19 February 2024
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Multan Sultans and reshuffled Quetta Gladiators make winning starts in PSL cricket

  • Multan’s overseas signings Reeza Hendricks, Dawid Malan scored half-centuries
  • Pacer Mohammad Ali (3-23) ran through Karachi King’s lower order at Qaddafi Stadium

LAHORE, Pakistan: Opening batters Jason Roy and Saud Shakeel shared a beefy 157-run stand as a reshuffled Quetta Gladiators made a triumphant start in Pakistan Super League cricket with a 16-run win over Peshawar Zalmi on Sunday.

Multan Sultans, which lost last year’s PSL thrilling final against Lahore Qalandars by one run, later opened its campaign with a thumping 55-run victory against allrounder-heavy Karachi Kings.

Roy scored a breezy 75 off 48 balls and lefthander Shakeel, who waited for 33 games to get his first opportunity in the PSL, made an equally fine 74 off 47 deliveries that lifted Quetta to 206-5.

Babar Azam (68) and Saim Ayub (42) provided Peshawar with a brisk start of 90 off 51 balls before Peshawar’s chase wobbled in the latter part of the innings and was eventually held to 190-6.

Quetta’s new captain Rilee Rossouw of South Africa was one of the major changes Quetta had made this season. It relieved its long-time skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed after failing to qualify for the playoffs for four successive seasons.

Quetta has also brought in the Australian duo of Shane Watson as its head coach and Shaun Tait as bowling coach while also picking Mohammad Amir in the draft for the first time after the left-arm pace bowler played the last eight seasons for Karachi Kings.

Amir (1-29) bowled brilliantly upfront and was duly rewarded with the late wicket of Rovman Powell in his last over.

Peshawar hit back briefly at the death through Salman Irshad (3-38) after Englishman Luke Wood broke the tall opening stand when Shakeel holed out to Babar. Roy was splendidly caught low at midwicket when he couldn’t clear Irshad’s low full toss as Quetta lost four wickets for 34 runs.

Ayub was needlessly run out in the ninth over and leg spinner Abrar Ahmed (2-29) picked up the key wickets of Babar and Tom Kohler-Cadmore (18) in one over to seal the game for Quetta.

MULTAN STARTS WITH A WIN

Multan’s overseas signings Reeza Hendricks of South Africa and Englishman Dawid Malan struck half centuries in the home team’s challenging total of 185-2 after Karachi won the toss and elected to field.

Veteran Shoaib Malik struck 53 off 35 balls and Karachi’s newly installed captain Shan Masood struggled for his 30 off 31 balls against his former franchise as Multan restricted its opponent to 130-8 in 20 overs.

West Indian power-hitter Kieron Pollard (28 not out) was the other batter to reach double-figures in an otherwise lackluster performance by former champion Karachi.

Hendricks struck an unbeaten 79 off 54 and Malan made a resolute 52 as both set up a strong total with a 121-run second-wicket stand. Malan fell soon after completing his half century when he holed out in the deep off Daniel Sams’ slower delivery, but Khushdil Shah provided a late flourish with a 13-ball 28 not out.

Fast bowler Mohammad Ali (3-23) ran through Karachi’s lower order and David Willey (2-22) chipped in with the wickets of James Vince and Saad Baig off successive deliveries in his second over as Karachi’s chase never got going against Multan’s pace.


Inter Milan scores twice in final minutes to beat Urawa in Club World Cup, 2-1

Updated 10 sec ago
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Inter Milan scores twice in final minutes to beat Urawa in Club World Cup, 2-1

SEATTLE: Valentin Carboni scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time to give Inter Milan a 2-1 win over Urawa in the Club World Cup on Saturday, ending the Japan club's chances of advancing past the group stage.
Inter Milan held the vast majority of possession, but failed to score until the 78th minute when Lautaro Martinez brilliantly bicycle kicked Nicolo Barella’s corner ball into the net.
Carboni's game-winner came in the second minute of stoppage time and was assisted by fellow substitute Francesco Esposito.
The Urawa Red Diamonds opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Takuro Kaneko assisted Ryoma Watanabe in transition, finding Watanabe all alone on the penalty spot with his cutback ball.
Key moment
Urawa had one final chance to equalize in the last minute of stoppage time, but goalkeeper Yann Sommer tipped the long-distance attempt directly from the free kick over the crossbar.
Takeaways
Inter Milan takes over the top spot in Group E after following up their tournament-opening draw with the victory. The Italian club will play River Plate of Argentina on Wednesday.
Urawa will be playing for pride against CF Monterrey on Wednesday.


Medvedev defeats old rival Zverev to reach Halle Open final, Bublik awaits

Updated 21 June 2025
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Medvedev defeats old rival Zverev to reach Halle Open final, Bublik awaits

  • “I could have done much better when I had the break in the second but it is normal,” Medvedev said
  • It’s Medvedev’s fourth consecutive win over Zverev

HALLE, Germany: Daniil Medvedev ended home favorite Alexander Zverev’s hopes of grass-court glory with a 7-6 (3), 6-7 (1), 6-4 win in their Halle Open semifinal on Saturday.

Medvedev recovered from squandering three match points on Zverev’s serve at 5-6 in the second set and took nearly 3 hours to get past his old rival and reach his first final in 15 months.

“I could have done much better when I had the break in the second but it is normal,” Medvedev said. “The same happened in the third set that when I had the break, he started playing better, returning better. I am happy that in the third set I managed to stay more composed and managed to save those break points.”

It’s Medvedev’s fourth consecutive win over Zverev and it extended his lead to 13-7 in their head-to-head series.

The Russian player will face Alexander Bublik — who beat top-ranked Jannik Sinner in the second round — in Sunday’s final.

Bublik, the 2023 champion, fired 18 aces as he defeated Karen Khachanov 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 in the other semifinal.

Medvedev hasn’t played a final since March 2024, when he lost to Carlos Alcaraz at Indian Wells.

Zverev, who had been bidding to reach the Halle final for the third time, will have to wait for his first title on grass.


Bellingham strikes as Dortmund sink Sundowns in Club World Cup thriller

Updated 21 June 2025
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Bellingham strikes as Dortmund sink Sundowns in Club World Cup thriller

  • Sundowns of South Africa took a surprise early lead but Dortmund hit back strongly
  • “It’s a really nice bonus (to score), I’m glad we won,” Bellingham told DAZN

CINCINNATI, USA: Jobe Bellingham netted his first Borussia Dortmund goal in a gripping 4-3 win over Mamelodi Sundowns at the Club World Cup on Saturday.

The English midfielder, who this month followed older brother Jude’s footsteps in joining the German side, started for the first time for Dortmund.

Sundowns of South Africa took a surprise early lead but Dortmund hit back strongly to triumph in sweltering conditions in Cincinnati at the TQL Stadium and move top of Group F.

“It’s a really nice bonus (to score), I’m glad we won but there’s a lot of things for me to improve on personally and for the team,” Bellingham told DAZN.

Dortmund coach Niko Kovac had claimed teams from the “south” had an advantage because of the heat, and the Sundowns 11th minute opener appeared to confirm his fears.

Lucas Ribeiro’s fine solo goal put the CAF Champions League runners-up ahead, with the Brazilian charging forward from his own half before beating Gregor Kobel.

However Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams handed Dortmund their equalizer on a plate, passing the ball straight to Felix Nmecha, who stroked home.

Both stoppers made good saves in an end-to-end clash before Dortmund claimed the lead through striker Serhou Guirassy.

Dortmund won the ball high up the pitch and Julian Brandt crossed for the Guinea international to score with a fine leap and header, continuing his fine form this season.

Bellingham, who joined earlier in June from Sunderland for 33 million euros ($37 million), netted Dortmund’s third just before the break.

Williams parried a cross into his path and after controlling on his chest, Bellingham drilled home.

“I’ve practiced that so many times, arriving late on the edge of the box as a midfielder is something you have to be really good at,” said Bellingham.

“As a kid and at Sunderland I’ve practiced that so many times, during training, after training, so I’m really proud of it.”

His brother Jude signed for Dortmund five years ago, before joining Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2023.


“Hey Jobe,” sang Dortmund fans, adapting the Beatles classic “Hey Jude” which they used to sing to Jude Bellingham.

“I didn’t hear that but it’s really nice,” said the Dortmund midfielder.

Dortmund were toothless in their opening draw against Fluminense but grabbed their fourth when Kuliso Mudau turned into his own net as he tried to cut out a cross.

Three minutes later Iqraam Rayners pulled one back as the Sundowns, who have won the last eight South African league titles, refused to give up.

Rayners, who netted Sundowns’ winner in the first match against Ulsan HD, hit the post with a header and reacted quickly to nod home the rebound.

Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso’s side pulled back another through Lebo Mothiba in the 90th minute, forcing Dortmund to sweat through six minutes of stoppage time before they were able to celebrate their victory.

“The result is not what we wanted but we made a wonderful game,” Cardoso told DAZN.

“It’s important people understand what was at stake in this match. (Considering) the level of team that we played against, we worked fantastically.

“The boys made a wonderful performance... it was a hell of a match. I’m not happy but very proud.”

Later Saturday in the other Group F clash Fluminense take on Ulsan at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.


Nottingham Forest boss Nuno signs new three-year contract

Updated 21 June 2025
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Nottingham Forest boss Nuno signs new three-year contract

  • The 51-year-old led Forest to a seventh-place finish in the Premier League last season
  • A late slump in form saw them settle for a place in the Europa Conference League

LONDON: Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo was rewarded for guiding his side into Europe by signing a new three-year contract on Saturday.

The 51-year-old led Forest to a seventh-place finish in the Premier League last season, securing European qualification for the first time since the 1995/96 season.

After battling relegation for much of their first two campaigns back in the Premier League after a 23-year absence, Forest were on course to qualify for the Champions League last season.

A late slump in form saw them settle for a place in the Europa Conference League instead and included a flashpoint when owner Evangelos Marinakis confronted Nuno on the pitch after a 2-2 draw against relegated Leicester.

Former Manchester United captain and leading pundit Gary Neville said the Portuguese coach should have resigned in protest at that incident.

However, the former Wolves and Tottenham boss has committed his future to the City Ground and thanked Marinakis for his support since he was appointed in December 2023.

“I am delighted to be able to continue our journey at this fantastic football club,” Nuno said in a club statement.

“Since we arrived at Forest, we have worked extremely hard to create a special bond between the players, the fans and everyone at the club, which helped us achieve great things last season.

“I would like to thank our owner, Mr.Marinakis, for his constant support and backing. It is important to me to share a strong relationship with our ownership and we have thoroughly enjoyed working together ever since I arrived at Forest.”

Marinakis paid tribute to the impact made by Nuno and reiterated his desire for the two-time European champions to be contenders for major trophies once more.

“We enjoy a strong and solid relationship together,” said the Greek shipping magnate.

“Above all, we share the same dream and ambition of writing a new history for Nottingham Forest, competing in the Premier League and in Europe and winning trophies for our great club.”


Ill Mbappe out of second Real Madrid Club World Cup clash

Updated 21 June 2025
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Ill Mbappe out of second Real Madrid Club World Cup clash

  • The French superstar was taken to hospital on Thursday for tests and treatment
  • Mbappe is improving “bit by bit” said the club source

FLORIDA: Ill Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe will not travel to Charlotte for the team’s Club World Cup match against Pachuca, a club source told AFP Saturday.

The French superstar was taken to hospital on Thursday for tests and treatment after suffering gastroenteritis, before later being released.

Mbappe is improving “bit by bit” said the club source, but he will not fly with his team-mates for Sunday’s match against Mexican side Pachuca.

The 26-year-old missed the opening game with the same illness as Madrid were held 1-1 by Al-Hilal in Xabi Alonso’s debut as coach.

Madrid B-team player Gonzalo Garcia, 21, started in Mbappe’s stead and opened the scoring for Real Madrid against their Saudi Arabian opponents.

Mbappe finished as the European Golden Shoe winner in his first season at Real Madrid with 31 goals in La Liga and 43 across all competitions, but Los Blancos finished the season without a major trophy.