NEW YORK: India captain Rohit Sharma allayed fears about an arm injury after making 52 before retiring hurt as his side thrashed Ireland by eight wickets in the teams’ T20 World Cup opener in New York on Wednesday.
India only required 97 to win after a dominant display by their bowling attack, with left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh striking twice in the third over to reduce Ireland to 9-2 after Rohit won the toss.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya took two wickets in two balls on his way to 3-27 and Jasprit Bumrah, the player of the match, 2-6.
“Just a little sore,” said Rohit at the presentation ceremony. “New ground, new venue, wanted to see what’s it like to play on. I don’t think the pitch settled down, there was enough there for the bowlers.”
Ireland, all out for just 96, needed to hold every chance to have any hope of a shock upset.
But Rohit had made just two when, off the last ball of the first over of India’s chase, he edged Mark Adair through the hands of Andrew Balbirnie at second slip.
Adair dismissed Virat Kohli for just one, when the star batsman sliced to deep third man, but the damage had been done as India launched their bid to win a first major title since their 2013 Champions Trophy triumph with a commanding Group A victory.
Rohit punished Ireland with a 37-ball innings, including four fours and three well-struck sixes as he shared a stand of 54 with Rishabh Pant.
The wicketkeeper, returning to international cricket after a horror car crash in December 2022, finished on 36 not out and ended the match with a typically flamboyant reverse-scooped six off Barry McCarthy as India won with nearly eight overs left.
Rohit was not there alongside him, however, having been previously struck on the arm by Josh Little, although he struck the next two balls from the paceman for resounding sixes.
Victory was all but secured for India, the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup champions, when they dismissed Ireland cheaply as a drop-in pitch of variable bounce at a Long Island ground built specially for the tournament again proved tough to bat on.
India’s joy, however, would have been tempered by the thought they too could be batting first on a similar surface when they return to the ground on Sunday to play arch-rivals Pakistan in the showpiece match of the group phase.
“I don’t know what to expect against Pakistan, we will prepare like the conditions are going to be like that,” said Rohit.
Bumrah, however, had few qualms, with the fast bowler saying: “Coming from India, when you see the ball seaming around (here), I would never complain when there’s help for the bowlers.”
Only four Ireland batsmen reached double figures, Gareth Delany top-scoring with 26 before he was run out as the innings ended in the 16th over.
“A tough one,” said Ireland captain Paul Stirling. “The toss played a really important part in overcast conditions and then the pitch offered all sorts.
“We weren’t quite up to that challenge and India bowled really well to put us under pressure.”
Rohit plays down injury scare after India rout Ireland in T20 World Cup
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Rohit plays down injury scare after India rout Ireland in T20 World Cup
- India only required 97 to win after a dominant display by their bowling attack, with left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh striking twice in the third over
- Rohit punished Ireland with a 37-ball innings, including four fours and three well-struck sixes as he shared a stand of 54 with Rishabh Pant
Saudi brokerage firm Derayah Financial sets IPO price range at up to $8 per share
- Offering comprises 49.95 million shares — equivalent to 20% of the company’s issued share capital
- It is expected to raise between SR1.35 billion and SR1.50 billion
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s independent digital investment platform Derayah Financial Co. has set the price range for its initial public offering at SR27 ($7.20) to SR30 per share, valuing the company at up to SR7.49 billion.
The institutional book-building period will run from Feb. 2— 9, with the final offer price determined thereafter, the company said in a statement.
The offering, comprising 49.95 million shares — equivalent to 20 percent of the company’s issued share capital — is expected to raise between SR1.35 billion and SR1.50 billion.
Derayah Financial’s planned IPO aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader push to develop its fintech sector, which has seen significant growth in recent years.
The Financial Sector Development Program aims to boost fintech’s economic contribution, enhance financial inclusion, and drive innovation in digital financial services.
The IPO consists of a partial sale by existing shareholders, with the proceeds distributed among them. The Public Investment Fund-backed company said it would not receive any funds from the offering.
The shares will be listed on the Saudi Exchange following regulatory approvals. According to the release, current shareholders will retain an 80 percent stake in the company post-listing, with a 24-month lock-up period applying to at least 60 percent of the stock held by major stakeholders, including executives and board members.
The company said the offering is open to institutional investors, including qualified foreign institutions, investment funds, and Gulf Cooperation Council-based investors.
It added that up to 10 percent of the offering, or 4.94 million shares, will be allocated to individual investors, with the remainder reserved for institutional buyers. If retail demand is strong, the institutional allocation could be reduced to 90 percent of the total offering.
Retail subscription is scheduled to open on Feb. 20 and close on Feb. 22, with final share allocation set for Feb. 27, the release added.
Derayah Financial is among the leading independent firms in brokerage revenues and holds the third-largest market share in Saudi Arabia’s digital investment sector, with assets under management totaling SR15.1 billion as of June 30.
Saudi Arabia has seen a surge in IPO activity in recent years, leading the GCC region by raising $4.1 billion across 42 offerings, according to a report from the Kuwait Financial Center, also known as Markaz.
The report also said that IPO proceeds in the GCC increased by 23 percent compared to 2023, reaching a total of $13.2 billion across 53 public offerings last year.
Dubai Fashion Week’s opening night hosts diverse designs
DUBAI: Set to run until Feb. 6, the opening night of Dubai Fashion Week saw designers show off their Autumn/Winter 2025-26 collections in the city on Saturday.
The opening night’s line-up included an ode to Paris by Manel, founded by Dubai-based designer Manel Aboudaoud; a tribute to batik craftsmanship by Indonesian brand Toton; and a nod to Moscow and the Silk Road by Dubai-based Filipino designer Angelo Estera.
From flowing gowns to structured silhouettes, Iraqi designer Zaki presented a collection marked by subdued, elegant hues. Zaki — who has dressed celebrities including Kris Jenner, Ciara and Tyra Banks — created a number of ombre gowns for her latest line, which also included metallic evening wear amid nude-colored looks. Rouching was seen in many of the figure-hugging gowns, with a creamy beige menswear look turning heads on the runway.
Meanwhile, Toton Januar collaborated with batik artisans from Tuban and Cirebon, Indonesia, for a collection that combined traditional artistry with upcycled fabrics and innovative use of materials such as paper clay.
Aboudaoud made a winning debut at Dubai Fashion Week with the “Paris Day to Night” collection, a tribute to her Parisian upbringing and Arab roots. The collection combined elegant tailoring, luxurious fabrics, and versatile designs that can transition from day to night. The colour palette drew inspiration from Parisian winters, blending earthy tones with opulent hues. Textured velvet, jacquard, Chantilly lace, and satin were employed across the collection to create a refined, yet wearable line.
For his part, Estera fused traditional Russian elements with Eastern influences in a show inspired by the ancient trade routes connecting the East and West. The Autumn/Winter 2025-26 collection featured a rich colour palette of red, black, and gold, representing luck, mystery, and cultural prosperity, according to the show notes.
Dallas-based Pakistani chef to feature in popular US culinary show
- Maryam Ishtiaq, 32, will feature in the latest season of ‘Next Level Chef’ set to premiere on Feb. 13
- Ishtiaq will feature as a contestant on show with celebrated British chef Gordon Ramsay as judge
ISLAMABAD: Dallas-based Pakistani chef Maryam Ishtiaq recently announced on Instagram that she will be part of the upcoming season of the popular American culinary reality TV show, “Next Level Chef,” saying she was proud to represent her community on the international stage.
Next Level Chef is an American culinary reality competition TV series featuring celebrated chefs Gordon Ramsay, Nyesha Arrington and Richard Blais. The three recruit talented chefs from around the world and take them under their wing, with the contestants facing unique cooking challenges.
Ishtiaq, 32, describes herself as a “self-taught” chef with years of experience cooking for large families, catering for intimate gatherings and hosting private parties. She is the co-founder of an American food company “Its Actually” which sells halal broth.
“I have consistently followed a unique career journey, and I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to turn my dreams into reality while pursuing my passions,” she wrote on Instagram on Jan. 28, announcing that she will feature in season 4 of the culinary show.
“My world is about to get rocked, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to represent my community on such a prominent platform while doing what I love most! Let’s do this!”
The fourth season of the popular American reality show will kick off on Feb. 13 on Fox network.
Speaking to Dawn Images, Ishtiaq said she applied to be a contestant on Next Level Chef “years ago and totally forgot that I did.”
She told the publication that one day she randomly got a call from the show’s staff who were interested in her.
“You go through multiple rounds of interviews, auditions, background checks,” she said.
Last month, Ishtiaq was featured in an article on private chefs on Forbes. The Pakistani-American chef told the website she plans to open a cafe where halal food can coexist with other dietary restrictions on a varied menu.
Sofia Kenin and Cristina Bucsa win Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open qualifiers
- Mixed day for the Brits as Sonay Kartal progresses but Heather Watson is beaten
- Main draw pits Ons Jabeur against Jelena Ostapenko while Emma Raducanu meets Marketa Vondrousova
ABU DHABI: The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open returned to the UAE capital on Saturday with qualifying wins for the likes of Sofia Kenin, Cristina Bucsa and 17-year-old Wakana Sonobe.
Meanwhile, the main draw produced clashes between crowd favorite Ons Jabeur and Jelena Ostapenko, and Grand Slam champions Emma Raducanu and Marketa Vondrousova.
The third edition of the Women’s Tennis Association 500 event takes place at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, over the next week, with the final on Saturday, Feb. 8.
American Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open champion, overcame Japan’s Aoi Ito in an entertaining match early on, edging a tight first set via tie-break before running out the winner, 7-6, 6-2.
In her match, Cristina Bucsa fought back from a set down to beat Kamilla Rakhimova 5-7, 7-6, 6-3.
Brit Heather Watson, the Wimbledon mixed doubles champion, suffered an early exit at the hands of Katie Volynets, losing 6-4, 6-3, but her compatriot Sonay Kartal produced a superb comeback against Chloe Paquet, overturning a one-set deficit to win 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.
Elsewhere, Sonobe, who won the girls’ singles title at the Australian Open one week ago, defeated Hailey Baptiste 6-3, 6-1, while there were also straight-set victories for Veronika Kudermetova and McCartney Kessler.
Meanwhile, Teodora Kostovic and Renata Zarazua progressed via walkovers following the withdrawals through injury of Diane Parry and Ysaline Bonaventure.
Away from the on-court action, the main draw took place in the new-look Mubadala Tennis Village which, at 15,000 sq. meters, is double the size of previous years.
Three-time Grand Slam finalist Jabeur takes on Ostapenko, who won the French Open in 2017 and the US Open doubles title in 2024, while 2021 US Open winner Raducanu, goes head-to-head with 2023 Wimbledon champion Vondrousova.
Elsewhere, Belinda Bencic, winner of the inaugural Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open in 2023, goes up against Rebecca Sramkova, Polina Kudermetova faces Liudmila Samsonova, and 2022 WTA Finals champion Caroline Garcia plays Lulu Sun.
Tournament director Nigel Gupta said: “The opening day of this year’s tournament has been a huge success, with some wonderful matches and fantastic off-court entertainment. Attendance figures have been great, and it was brilliant to see so many fans of all ages coming through the gates and enjoying the Mubadala Tennis Village.
“The draw has produced some really exciting matches, and everything is on course for the 2025 edition of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open to be the best yet. We look forward to welcoming many more spectators to Zayed Sports City over the course of the next week.”
Gulf Giants stay alive in DP World ILT20 playoff race after win over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
- The Giants won by 7 wickets to sit 3rd in the table after 10 matches
ABU DHABI: The Gulf Giants returned to winning ways as they coasted to a seven-wicket win over the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the DP World ILT20 clash at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
The win sees the Giants climb to third in the table and gives a welcome boost to their playoff chances. The result also confirms the MI Emirates join the Desert Vipers as playoff qualifiers.
Needing a win to keep their competition hopes alive, the Gulf Giants were brilliant with the ball as they stifled the Knight Riders for 123. In response, they rode on a superb 70-run partnership between Gerhard Erasmus and Tom Curran and some late pinch-hitting from Shimron Hetmyer to clinch the victory.
The Giants were off the blocks well in what appeared to be a straightforward chase. However, David Willey worked his magic as he picked up two wickets in as many deliveries to put the opposition in a worrisome spot. James Vince played the ball onto his stumps to depart for seven and Willey trapped Jordan Cox LBW on the next to give his side a fighting chance. The Giants scored 27/2 in the powerplay, just three runs more than their opponents at the same stage. A disciplined bowling effort from Willey and Sunil Narine curtailed the Giants’ batting as they were restricted to 50/2 at the halfway point.
But it was just a matter of time before Erasmus and Curran found their groove, which happened in the 11th over. Curran let loose as he hit Andre Russell for a four, a six and another four to amass 17 much-needed runs. That gave the Giants the impetus they needed as they got 12 more runs off Terrance Hinds in the 13th.
The Giants were on track at this point, at 82/2, and needed a run per ball from the remaining seven overs. An impressive 70-run partnership between Curran and Erasmus came to an end when Jason Holder found the breakthrough in the 15th over. Erasmus was caught at mid-off, but Hetmyer joined Curran and made his intentions clear early on with a superb boundary. Narine, uncharacteristically, gave away four runs in extras as the Giants inched closer to the target.
Hetmyer displayed his big-hitting skills as he clobbered Irbar Ahmad for a maximum over deep midwicket and subsequently hit the winning runs to seal a remarkable victory for the Gulf Giants.
Earlier, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders made a poor start when they lost both their openers — Kyle Mayers and Andries Gous — inside the opening three overs. Each made one run as the Knight Riders limped to 4/2. Roston Chase offered some hope as he struck a few boundaries to lead them to 24/2 at the end of the powerplay.
He departed for 15 soon after to Blessing Muzarabani, and Willey entered the fray. The Englishman steadied the ship and teamed up with Joe Clarke to put up 29 runs for the fourth wicket. The runs, though, were hard to come by as the Knight Riders went through four overs without a boundary. They were precariously placed at 55/3 after 12 overs when Clarke fell to Chris Jordan.
The Knight Riders made plenty of changes to their batting order. Russell came in next, his arrival seeming to swing the fortunes in his side’s favor as Willey launched two massive sixes before Russell hit a couple of boundaries. However, his stay at the crease was cut when Curran dismissed him for 15.
With five overs to go, the Knight Riders were at 80/5 and in dire need of some quick runs to put up a competitive total. Willey shouldered the responsibility and hit Mark Adair for a six, but the Irishman struck back on the next delivery. Willey’s resolute display ended after a crucial 41 off 29 deliveries.
Alishan Sharafu, the local boy who has been among the Riders’ better batsmen this season, was tasked with steering his side at the death overs. He got off the mark with a boundary, but the runs then dried up as his team managed just three boundaries in the final four overs to put up a modest total of 123.
Sunil Narine, captain of the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, said: “I think they bowled brilliantly and used the conditions to their advantage. We tried to take as many wickets as possible in the powerplay. We couldn’t take many wickets in the middle overs and it became easier for them. Jason Holder has been doing a fantastic job with the bat and the ball. He assessed the conditions as best as possible. We are on the backfoot, but we will be looking forward to that Mumbai-Sharjah game and are hoping for the best.”
Player of the Match Dan Worrall said: “Opening the bowling with Mark, we had to get us off to a good start. Our bowling group prides itself on diversity. Left arm, right arm, tall and short, we have a bit of everything. We’re glad that we’ve at least given ourselves a fighting chance. We’ll be crossing our fingers for the next couple of days.”
Brief scores
Gulf Giants beat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by seven wickets
Gulf Giants 124/3 in 17.5 overs (Gerhard Erasmus 47, Tom Curran 38 not out, Shimron Hetmyer 20 not out, David Willey 2 for 17, Jason Holder 1 for 17)
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 123-7 in 20 overs (David Willey 41, Alishan Sharafu 21 not out, Chris Jordan 2 for 20, Mark Adair 2 for 25, Dan Worrall 1 for 13)
Player of the Match: Dan Worrall
