Desert Vipers dominate Gulf Giants to clinch DP World ILT20 top 2 finish 

Max Holden hit an unbeaten 70 runs while Wanindu Hasaranga and Sam Curran shared 6 wickets in the 1st innings to halt the Giants at 129/8
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Updated 30 January 2025
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Desert Vipers dominate Gulf Giants to clinch DP World ILT20 top 2 finish 

DUBAI: The Desert Vipers restored their authority as table-toppers with a comprehensive five-wicket victory against the Gulf Giants.

A composed knock of 70 runs in 54 balls from Max Holden ensured they cruised home in 19 overs at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday. Having already sealed a playoff spot, the win ensured the Vipers cemented a top two finish. 

Earlier in the contest, three-wicket hauls from Wanindu Hasaranga and Sam Curran limited the Giants to a meagre score of 129/8 despite Tom Curran’s late flourish of 64 runs in 34 balls, with nine fours and a six. 

The Desert Vipers lost both openers in the powerplay, as Mark Adair removed Alex Hales and Blessing Muzarabani picked up Fakhar Zaman within the first four overs. Both wickets were the result of spectacular catches by Chris Jordan and Tom Curran respectively, leading the Vipers to finish the fielding restrictions at 42/2. 

While Dan Lawrence fell cheaply to Jordan, Holden, who came in at number three, found the middle of the bat consistently. He joined Sam Curran in a 45-run partnership in 42 balls until Curran holed out to a great catch by James Vince, off Muzarabani. 

Though the run chase stayed heavily skewed in favor of the Vipers, they were never significantly ahead of the equation, needing 33 runs in the final five overs. Holden reached a 42-ball 50, including six fours and a six, but Muzarabani’s third wicket in Azam Khan offered the Giants a glimmer of hope. 

However, Holden remained unbeaten alongside Adam Hose in a composed alliance of 32 runs in 21 balls to steer the Vipers home in 19 overs. 

Batting first, it was a tough outing for the Gulf Giants. James Vince was dismissed for 15 runs by Sam Curran as the Giants only mustered 31 runs in the powerplay. 

Wanindu Hasaranga emerged as the most potent threat, slicing through the Giants’ top order. He bowled Tom Alsop for 17 off 26 balls in the seventh over, then trapped Jordan Cox LBW for a mere three runs, reducing the Giants to 44/4 at the halfway mark. 

Khuzaima Tanveer added to the Giants’ woes by removing Shimron Hetmyer in the ninth over. Sam Curran compounded their troubles with a sharp return catch to dismiss Gerhard Erasmus. 

Tim David briefly rallied, launching Lockie Ferguson for a six in the 13th over, but he was dismissed on the very next ball looking for the same outcome, leaving the Giants reeling at 58/6. 

Hasaranga struck again, pinning Cox on the pads for his third wicket of the night. The Giants seemed on the brink of collapse but Tom Curran reinvigorated the innings, smashing a 30-ball fifty. He took his brother Sam apart in the 19th over, clobbering two fours and a six in what turned out to be the most productive over of the innings. Another 14 runs from Tom Curran in the final over pushed the Giants to a total of 129/8 at the end of their turn. 

Player of the Match Hasaranga said: “I tried to stick to my basics and the wrong ones; that’s my plan for success. I love to bowl here, even in the Asia Cup as well I took wickets. The fast bowlers did a great job, and the batters did their jobs, so as a team we have done our things well.” 

Gulf Giants captain James Vince said: “It wasn't a great performance with the bat; 130 was always tough to defend. The first 10 overs of the batting innings put us on the back foot. At one stage we were looking at less than 100, until Tom Curran and Aayan’s partnership gave us some relief. We fought well with the ball and took it as far as we could but a little short with the bat.” 

Brief Scores 

Desert Vipers beat Gulf Giants by five wickets 

Gulf Giants 129/8 in 20 overs (Tom Curran 64 not out, Tom Alsop 17, James Vince 15, Wanindu Hasaranga 3 for 10, Sam Curran 3 for 28, Khuzaima Tanveer 1 for 12) 

Desert Vipers 130/5 in 19 overs (Max Holden 70 not out, Sam Curran 16, Fakhar Zaman 14, Blessing Muzarabani 3 for 35) 


Arab icons Al-Somah and Hamdallah fight for SPL’s all-time top scorer accolade

Updated 57 min 58 sec ago
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Arab icons Al-Somah and Hamdallah fight for SPL’s all-time top scorer accolade

  • Al-Orobah Syrian forward currently holds the record, with Morocco and Al-Shabab star Hamdallah hoping to surpass him in the months ahead

AUSTRALIA: While there will naturally be a lot of focus on the see-sawing title battle between heavyweights Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal, there is another heavyweight battle looming over the final months of the Saudi Pro League season.

This one involves two of the league’s greatest players, and two greats of Arab football, battling for the ultimate personal accolade — the title of the league’s all-time leading goal scorer.

For the last few years, that mantle has sat with Syria’s Omar Al-Somah — now at Al-Orobah — who assumed it from Nasser Al-Shamrani, with 144 goals during his eight-year stint with Al-Ahli.

But looming ever larger in recent months has been Morocco’s Abderrazak Hamdallah, now onto his third club with Al-Shabab. Before the season, he trailed his Syrian counterpart by 15 goals and made it known he had Al-Somah’s record in his sights.

“I’m very happy with what I’ve done so far,” he said on MBC’s popular “Action with Waleed” show in September.

“Of course, I’d be a lot happier if I continue to work hard, add value to my club Al-Shabab first, and why not break the record. It’s a major record and a significant number of goals, and Omar Al-Somah deserves praise for raising the bar so high.

“It’s not an easy record to break, but I’ll take it one game at a time, first to help Al-Shabab, then for my personal ambitions. I will enjoy the journey, and if it’s meant to be, it will happen.”

While their exploits may have been overshadowed in recent years by the arrival of a bevy of world-class talent, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, their battle offers a timely reminder of the world that existed before the Ronaldo-led transformation of the league.

Between the pair, they have won six of the last 10 Golden Boot awards and have the incredible record of each scoring double digits in every season in which they have played in the Kingdom.

Either is worthy of the mantle, and now, after a surprise January move, they will duke it out head-to-head for the title.

Al-Somah, perhaps with a sense of inevitability watching Hamdallah bang in the goals for Al-Shabab and loom in on his record, made a surprise return to the SPL with relegation-threatened Al-Orobah after three years spent in Qatar.

Despite his denials, suggesting he was content regardless, no doubt the Syrian was swayed just a little by trying to keep his record intact, even admitting doing so will “motivate” him for the rest of the season. Players will deny it — it’s a team sport, after all — but these personal accolades do mean something and it’s only natural for a player to want to “protect his patch.”

Upon his return, Al-Somah said: “I’m thrilled to return to the Saudi League. I spent eight or nine years with Al-Ahli in one city, now it’s different.

“I have said this before, if God wills it, I’ll succeed in extending the record. If not, I’ll accept it. Whatever comes from God, I’ll be content with it. Whoever it is — Abderrazak or anybody else — all players here are stars.

“The number speaks for itself. I’ll do my best on the field. If I score more, it’s God’s will. This will motivate me, but I’m already satisfied with my career.

“I’ve had great years in the Saudi League with Al-Ahli. I’ve won championships. That’s enough for me, regardless of being the all-time top scorer in the Saudi League.”

Ever since he arrived back in the Kingdom, the two have been trading blows — in the metaphorical sense.

In his first two games in his new colors, Al-Somah drew blanks as Al-Orobah failed to find the net in a 0-0 draw with Al-Taawoun and a 2-0 loss to Al-Ahli.

At the same time, Hamdallah bagged another three goals with a brace against Al-Fayha and a solitary goal against Ettifaq to close in on the record even further.

By the time Round 19 came around, the margin had been closed to just six goals, and Hamdallah piled the pressure on with a stunning hat-trick in a 5-1 win over Al-Khaleej to get within touching distance.

But just 24 hours later, Al-Somah responded in fine style with a brace of his own, showing class is indeed permanent, in a 4-2 win over the struggling Al-Wehda to slightly ease the gap back out to five.

On the weekend just gone, Hamdallah, who once again played a day before Al-Somah, drew a blank, for the first time in four games, as Al-Shabab suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat to heavy-hitters Al-Qadsiah.

The Syrian capitalized, and in a 2-0 win for Al-Orobah over Al-Okhdood, managed to find the net again to make it three goals in two games and get the margin back out to six goals — 147 to 141.

The battle for supremacy has become part of the weekly narrative surrounding the league and the players, fully aware of what is at stake, will be feeling the pressure.

All eyes, therefore, are on the clash between Al-Shabab and Al-Orobah on March 14. To continue the boxing analogies, at the moment they are simply shadow boxing, as they take it in turns to get one over their rival.

But in that game, the two heavyweights will come together for the first time in almost exactly three years. Their last individual clash came on March 12, 2021, when Hamdallah scored the winner in a 2-1 win for Al-Nassr over Al-Ahli. Al-Somah scored the solitary goal for Al-Ahli.

Overall, the ledger stands at 4-3 in favor of Al-Somah. With all eyes on Al-Shabab Club Stadium next month, can either land the knockout blow?


Carnival of cricket awaits as ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off in Karachi

Updated 19 February 2025
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Carnival of cricket awaits as ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off in Karachi

  • Pakistan ends 30 year wait for an international team with home team taking on New Zealand at the National Stadium

KARACHI: Landing in Karachi yesterday morning, the excitement was palpable. The city has been transformed into a carnival of cricket, with banners on buildings and faces beaming with anticipation.

There were concerns about the readiness of the venues, but the National Stadium has been renovated in a short space of time. It stands ready for its moment in the spotlight.

Today, when Pakistan faces New Zealand in the tournament opener, it will be more than just another cricket match. It will be the end of a 30-year wait to host a major tournament. A generation of cricket fans can finally get behind their stars on the big stage at home.

The lead up to the tournament has involved many challenges, not least India’s unwillingness to travel to Pakistan. Eventually, the parties compromised and settled on a hybrid option. But even this does not seem to have dampened the spirit in Pakistan.

Praise is due to Wasim Khan, a man who will be at the stadium for the opening match in his current role with the ICC. As CEO of the Pakistan Cricket Board until September 2021, he laid the foundation for the country to host this trophy. His advocacy and relationships were vital in the convincing the world Pakistan could step up as host, and the next few weeks will be a statement that it is back and ready.

Turning to matters on the pitch, who are the favorites and which players will shine? In my opinion, this is one of the most open tournaments in recent memory. Over 19 action-packed days, eight of cricket's finest men’s teams will battle it out in what promises to be a fascinating sprint format which leaves little room for error.

The tournament’s compact nature is its secret weapon. Unlike the marathon of a World Cup, the 19day timeframe means teams need to hit the ground running. One bad day could spell a disastrous exit from the competition; a moment of brilliance could change fortunes. 

The eight teams are split into two groups. Group A features Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and New Zealand, whilst Group B throws together Australia, England, Afghanistan and South Africa. Each team faces their group opponents once, with the top two from each advancing to the semifinals.

What makes this edition particularly compelling is the level playing field. Australia, typically a powerhouse, enters the tournament without their first-choice pace attack — Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are managing injuries, while Mitchell Starc has withdrawn. Add to this the loss of Mitch Marsh with a back issue and, suddenly, the defending ODI world champions look vulnerable, although they should never be ruled out.

The tournament’s split hosting between Pakistan and Dubai adds another fascinating layer. India’s matches are all scheduled for Dubai, creating an interesting dynamic where they will enjoy significant support without the pressure of home conditions. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium has become something of a second home for Indian cricket, potentially giving them a subtle edge. This, coupled with their depth and spinning options, makes them slight favorites.

England’s aggressive brand of cricket makes them dangerous but unpredictable in this format, while New Zealand can never be discounted. Pakistan, playing mostly at home, will be formidable, and South Africa’s bowling attack makes them serious contenders. Afghanistan, with their spin-heavy attack, feel ever closer to a big moment.

Only Bangladesh, struggling to find consistency at the top level, seem out of their depth. Nevertheless, in a 19-day tournament where momentum is everything, even they could string together three good days and find themselves in a semifinal.

In terms of players to look out for, I expect Jake Fraser-McGurk to announce himself as cricket’s next superstar. The tournament format suits his aggressive style perfectly. Noor Ahmed, well-travelled in the franchise leagues at 20 years of age, might finally make his mark in this format.

The injury-hit Australian pace attack opens the door for their next generation. I will be watching to see if Spencer Johnson becomes this tournament’s surprise package. Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi, especially in home conditions, could make the difference in tight matches.

This Champions Trophy feels different. The compressed schedule, the split venues and no standout team has created perfect conditions for drama. On March 9, we will have the answer. As of now, any of seven teams could realistically lift the trophy.

Holders Pakistan have a team with determination in their eyes and can feel the energy of a nation willing them on.

When the first ball is bowled at the National Stadium, it will not just be about cricket. It will be about redemption, coming home, a nation’s love affair with a sport that never wavered, even in the darkest times. As the sun set over Karachi last night, casting long shadows across the practice nets where a few children still played, it was difficult not to feel that something magical was about to unfold.

For now, though, the city holds its breath, waiting for the start. Cricket is coming home and Karachi is ready to welcome it with open arms.


Pouya Rahmani proud to represent UAE in upcoming PFL World Tournament

Updated 19 February 2025
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Pouya Rahmani proud to represent UAE in upcoming PFL World Tournament

  • The 32-year-old fighter is undefeated in his MMA career with a record of 4 wins

DUBAI: Pouya Rahmani will have the biggest opportunity of his young mixed martial arts career when he joins the heavyweight division of the 2025 PFL World Tournament later this year.

The jiu-jitsu fighter is 4-0 in MMA, and will be looking to extend his winning streak in 2025.

“After my last fight, my manager asked me what I wanted. He offered to give me an opportunity to fight for the second-biggest MMA organization in the world, and I’m happy to fight in the tournament,” Pouya, 32, said.

“They have the best fighters in the world, and they’re all fighting for the title. This title, for me, is very important, and when I get that title, I’m going to have a much bigger goal.

“I’m going to challenge people from there, but until that happens, I just want to push myself to become PFL champion.”

Pouya says he will be representing UAE proudly when he steps inside the PFL SmartCage.

“I’m going to represent where I live now, the UAE. For four years I’ve lived here, and I’m so happy because everything I have achieved in MMA, I started in the UAE, and I’m going to represent that in the PFL,” the Iran-born fighter explained.

“It’s going to be my honor to represent this beautiful country. They’re open for everyone, and they give us the opportunity to train hard, push ourselves to the limit, and train with the best so that we have the opportunity to fight in the best organizations. I’m happy to be competing for them.”

A decorated amateur grappler with titles at the World Beach Games and the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro circuit in Gi and No-Gi tournaments, it is clear that Rahmani will be looking to take his opponents down.

“I’m the best grappler in the whole MMA community,” said Pouya. “No MMA fighter can do what I can do in grappling. I became world champion in grappling.

“No one can do the same thing as me. So it’s not just about getting the takedown, but also about how to control the guy. You can see a lot of people can take people down, (but) their opponents stand back up, you know.”

All of Rahmani’s wins have come by way of stoppage. Most recently, he won by first-round submission under the Absolute Championship Akhmat banner.

“In my last four fights, when I take someone down, it’s over. No one can move under me. It’s not because of magic or because of power, it’s because I train a lot for that,” Pouya said.

“I spend a lot of my time every day, learning to be the best grappler in the world. It’s not just about wrestling, it’s about learning jiu jitsu, learning control, so I can be dangerous in any position,” he added.

There is no doubt the 1.87-meter Iranian fighter will be a handful for the rest of the heavyweight field at the inaugural PFL World Tournament.

The 2025 PFL World Tournament will feature 64 fighters competing in eight weight divisions, with $500,000 at stake.

The tournament begins in April, with the first four events of the first round at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, US. The semifinal round is in June, and the finals in August.


Doncic energizes LeBron as NBA homestretch begins

Updated 19 February 2025
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Doncic energizes LeBron as NBA homestretch begins

  • James missed the NBA All-Star Game while resting a foot and ankle injury ahead of facing Charlotte on Wednesday and visiting Portland on Thursday
  • Oklahoma City Thunder lead the West and share the NBA’s best record with the Cleveland Cavaliers at 44-10

WASHINGTON: LeBron James is energized to play alongside new Lakers teammate Luka Doncic while in Oklahoma City, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hopes a National Basketball Association title will secure his place among league legends as the regular-season homestretch begins.

The NBA returns from the All-Star break on Wednesday when the Los Angeles Lakers, led by James and Doncic, entertain Charlotte in a game postponed from January by wildfires.

The Lakers, fifth in the Western Conference at 32-20, made a deal with Dallas on Feb. 2, trading away forward Anthony Davis and others to obtain Slovenian guard Doncic, uniting the playmaker with 40-year-old legend James in hopes of making the Lakers a title contender.

“Just the excitement of being able to add a caliber player like that, a generational talent like that to our franchise, it’s something that has given me energy,” James said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do. We only had two games so far and I believe he has been on a minutes restriction since he came back from the calf (injury).

“As he continues to get in form, I think we could be really good going down the stretch. But we’ll see what happens.”

James missed the NBA All-Star Game while resting a foot and ankle injury ahead of facing Charlotte on Wednesday and visiting Portland on Thursday.

“With 30 games left and us trying to make a playoff push in the wild, wild west, I feel like it’s important for me to take care of myself and understand what’s coming on,” James said. “I have to look out for myself when it comes to this injury that I’ve been dealing with for years.

“Hopefully I can play against Charlotte on Wednesday and Portland on Thursday. It’s a big stretch for us.”

Oklahoma City Thunder lead the West and share the NBA’s best record with the Cleveland Cavaliers at 44-10.

In the East, the Cavs are 5.5 games ahead of reigning champion Boston while the Thunder lead Memphis by eight in the West.

Gilgeous-Alexander leads the NBA with 32.5 points a game.

The 26-year-old Canadian guard also averages 6.1 assists, 5.1 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.0 blocked shots a game for a team trying to defend its regular-season conference crown.

“We have an opportunity to, for sure, win an NBA championship,” he said. “Now we’re going to have to earn it.

“You go in the playoffs and you need to be the best team for a couple months and you’re not that unless you earn it throughout the season and playoffs.

“We’re more than halfway through the season, but it’s a long road and we’ve just got to keep getting better through the road and hopefully where we want to be at the end of it.”

Gilgeous-Alexander has accepted the growing attention brought by his exceptional play.

“I try to make sure I don’t let it affect the person I am, the player I am and the teammate I am,” he said.

“Doing so has helped me succeed on the court and us succeed as a team, as well. Yeah, I definitely notice it, embrace it, and try to make sure it doesn’t get in the way of things.”

Gilgeous-Alexander says he knows he will not be mentioned alongside such contemporary greats as James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry unless he leads an NBA championship team.

“You play the game to win and that’s, at the end of the day, all that really matters,” he said. “If I don’t succeed in that in my career, I will have never have accomplished what I wanted to.”

He accepts he might have a chance to become the face as the NBA like James and Michael Jordan.

“That’s literally for the world to decide and whoever the world gravitates to is going to become it naturally,” he said. “It’s not really like a title, it’s more of an opinion, but it is something that is for sure surreal.

“If you’re in that conversation... you will probably go down in history, and to be in that conversation is a blessing.”


Champions Trophy 2025: A landmark event set to revive Pakistan’s cricketing glory

Updated 19 February 2025
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Champions Trophy 2025: A landmark event set to revive Pakistan’s cricketing glory

  • Champions Trophy 2025 is the first major ICC event in Pakistan since the South Asian country co-hosted the 1996 World Cup with Sri Lanka and India
  • Analysts say the event will not only cultivate new talent, but also help elevate Pakistan’s image and boost investment and tourism in the country

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to open the Champions Trophy 2025 in Karachi on Wednesday, marking the return of a major international cricket tournament to the country after nearly three decades, with analysts saying will not only revive Pakistan’s cricketing glory but also contribute to the country’s investment, tourism landscape and international image.
The elite one-day international tournament, which features the game’s top eight sides in the format, begins with the hosts facing off New Zealand in the southern port city of Karachi. This is the first major global tournament hosted by Pakistan in nearly 30 years and analysts and former cricketers say there is no escaping the excitement in the event.
Cricket teams abandoned Pakistan after an attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team outside Lahore’s Qaddafi Stadium on Mar. 3, 2009, forcing the cricket-mad South Asian nation into wilderness for several years. It took the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) several years to convince its counterparts that it was safe to travel to the South Asian country.
While Zimbabwe was the first international team to visit Pakistan in May 2015, former PCB chairman Najam Sethi says the success of Pakistan Super League (PSL) since its launch in 2016 boosted the confidence of foreign players in Pakistan, hailing the 50-over Champions Trophy as the culmination of Pakistan’s efforts to reintegrate into the global cricketing fraternity and promote new talent.
“The successful launch of PSL nearly 10 years ago was a game-changer. It enabled international cricket to return to Pakistan, and the Champions Trophy tournament is the icing on the cake,” he told Arab News.

Workers install billboards on a structure of an entry point to Gaddafi Stadium, in preparation for upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, in Lahore, Pakistan, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP)

“It will unleash the passion of tens of millions of Pakistanis and motivate a new generation of cricket fans to excel in the game by watching the best players in the world play their craft. I predict a wave of new talent will erupt in Pakistan in the wake of the [tournament]!“
Mirza Iqbal Baig, a sports journalist, recalled how the attack on the Sri Lankan team had disappointed cricket fans in the country, but described the Champions Trophy as a “milestone” for Pakistan cricket.
“Now all international teams, especially England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, who have a lot of security concerns, but they all have come and I think this will boost Pakistan cricket,” he told Arab News.
“Pakistani cricket fans will see international cricket stars playing before them in their home grounds, and there will be competition too. I think the hosting of Champions Trophy will prove to be a milestone for Pakistan cricket.”
Asked about its socio-economic impact on Pakistan, Baig said it will definitely send out a positive image of the country with regard to investment and tourism.
Sethi echoed the sentiment: “The matches will be seen by over a billion people. There can be no better projection of Pakistan’s soft power and budding prestige.”
The Champions Trophy 2025, being staged after a hiatus of eight years, is the first major ICC tournament in Pakistan since the South Asian country co-hosted the 1996 World Cup with Sri Lanka and India.
While all teams agreed to play in Pakistan, India refused to travel to the host country and will play its matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
“It is sad that sum-zero diplomacy remains a hurdle in cricketing ties between India and Pakistan,” Sethi remarked. “But I firmly believe that this hybrid model is a precursor to full blown bilateral cricketing relations sooner than later.”
Baig said Pakistan had “opened its arms” for everyone, but the Narendra Modi-led government had been using cricket as “political tool.”
“But anyway, the tournament is being played. People were saying that India would ask other teams to not visit Pakistan, but the rest of the teams have arrived,” he said.
“India will regret later why they did not play in Pakistan.”