Former Zimbabwe cricket captain Sean Williams has officially retired from international cricket after entering a rehabilitation program to address drug addiction, as confirmed by Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC). The 39-year-old all-rounder, who has amassed nearly 9,000 runs and taken over 150 wickets across all formats, has made himself unavailable for national selection, prompting ZC to announce that he will no longer be considered for the team. Williams withdrew from the T20 squad ahead of the World Cup Africa Qualifier series in Harare in September, citing personal struggles. During an internal investigation, he disclosed his addiction and voluntarily sought rehabilitation. ZC acknowledged his contributions to Zimbabwean cricket over two decades, describing him as a pivotal figure in the sport’s recent history. However, the governing body emphasized the importance of professionalism, discipline, and adherence to anti-doping regulations, noting Williams’ history of disciplinary issues and unavailability. His national contract will not be renewed when it expires on December 31. ZC expressed support for his recovery and wished him success in his future endeavors.
分类： sports
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Players in tears as coach dies during match
In a heartbreaking incident during a Serbian SuperLiga match, FK Radnicki 1923 manager Mladen Zizovic tragically passed away on Monday. The 44-year-old coach collapsed pitchside during the game against Mladost Lucani and was immediately rushed to the hospital. Despite receiving urgent medical attention, Zizovic could not be saved. The match was abandoned shortly before halftime as the devastating news reached the stadium, leaving players and officials from both teams in visible distress. Zizovic, a former Bosnia and Herzegovina international player, had only taken charge of FK Radnicki 1923 on October 23. His club released a poignant statement, mourning the loss of ‘a great professional, a good man, and a true sportsman’ whose legacy will endure in the hearts of those who knew him. The Bosnia and Herzegovina Football Association also expressed deep sorrow, highlighting Zizovic’s significant contributions to football both as a player and a coach. Tributes poured in from across the football community, including from Red Star Belgrade, who extended their ‘deepest condolences.’ Zizovic’s untimely death marks a profound loss for Bosnian-Herzegovinian football and the broader football world.
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Sabalenka to face Kyrgios in ‘Battle of Sexes’
In a highly anticipated exhibition match, world number one Aryna Sabalenka will face off against Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios in a modern take on the iconic ‘Battle of the Sexes.’ The event is scheduled for December 28 at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, which boasts a capacity of 17,000. Sabalenka, the reigning US Open champion and a four-time Grand Slam winner, expressed her readiness for the challenge, stating, ‘I have a lot of respect for Nick and his talent, but make no mistake, I’m ready to bring my A-game.’ Kyrgios, currently ranked 652nd due to a prolonged absence from the tour following a wrist injury, welcomed the opportunity, saying, ‘When the world number one challenges you, you answer the call.’ The match has sparked mixed reactions among tennis fans. While some view it as an entertaining spectacle aimed at attracting a younger audience, others fear it could undermine women’s sports if Sabalenka loses. Kyrgios’s past controversies, including a guilty plea for assaulting an ex-girlfriend in 2023 and his association with controversial influencer Andrew Tate in 2024, have further fueled concerns about the event’s potential to perpetuate sexism. Despite these debates, Sabalenka remains unfazed, describing the match as a ‘cool idea’ and vowing to ‘kick Nick’s ass.’ The format of the match remains under discussion, with potential modifications to court size and serving rules being considered.
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‘Ball of the century? That was my job’ – Ashes ‘rhino’ Harris
The 2013-14 Ashes series remains one of the most iconic chapters in cricket history, with Australia’s emphatic 5-0 victory over England etched in the annals of the sport. At the heart of this triumph was Mitchell Johnson, whose ferocious pace and 37 wickets dismantled England’s batting lineup. Yet, behind Johnson’s brilliance stood Ryan Harris, a relentless fast bowler whose contributions were equally pivotal. Harris, nicknamed ‘Rhino,’ played a crucial role in Australia’s dominance, delivering what ESPN Cricinfo dubbed the ‘ball of the century’ to dismiss England captain Alastair Cook. This unplayable delivery, which swung unpredictably to clip the top of off stump, symbolized Harris’s mastery and the psychological edge Australia held throughout the series. Harris’s journey to the Ashes was marked by resilience. Plagued by injuries, including a troublesome knee, he made his Test debut at 31 and quickly became a linchpin of Australia’s pace attack. His partnership with Johnson, which yielded 59 wickets in the series, was instrumental in Australia’s success. Harris recalls the camaraderie and strategic focus of the bowling unit, describing it as a ‘team within a team.’ The series also marked a turning point for Johnson, who had struggled in the 2010-11 Ashes but returned with renewed vigor to terrorize England. Harris reflects on the mental and physical challenges of Test cricket, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and adaptability. Despite his career being cut short by injuries, Harris cherishes his Ashes legacy, particularly his match-winning performances in Sydney and South Africa. Now the head coach of South Australia, Harris continues to inspire the next generation of cricketers, sharing his experiences and insights from a career defined by perseverance and excellence.
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Half Yours wins Melbourne Cup
In a historic triumph at the 2025 Melbourne Cup, jockey Jamie Melham steered Half Yours to victory, becoming only the second female jockey to win Australia’s most prestigious horse race. The event, held on November 4, saw Goodie Two Shoes, trained by Ireland’s Joseph O’Brien and ridden by Wayne Lordan, secure second place, while Middle Earth claimed third. This victory marks a significant milestone for Melham, who last month rode Half Yours to win the Caulfield Cup, making her the first woman to achieve the Caulfield-Melbourne Cup double. Overwhelmed by her success, Melham expressed her disbelief and passion for the sport in a post-race interview with the Nine Network, stating, ‘What just happened? Oh my god. This is what we do it for, this is why we get out of bed every morning at 4am.’ Her achievement not only cements her place in horse racing history but also inspires a new generation of female jockeys.
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DP World Tour Play-Offs 2025: Can anyone stop Rory’s Race to Dubai charge?
The 2025 DP World Tour Play-Offs have arrived, bringing with them a high-stakes battle for the coveted Race to Dubai title. Rory McIlroy, the current leader, is on the verge of securing his seventh championship, but the competition is fierce. Emerging star Marco Penge, just 500 points behind McIlroy, is poised to challenge the golfing legend in the season-ending Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and DP World Tour Championship. These events, hosted in the UAE, promise to deliver drama and potentially historic performances. McIlroy’s dominance in the UAE is well-documented, with victories in the DP World Tour Championship in 2012, 2015, and 2024. However, Penge’s meteoric rise, from the HotelPlanner Tour to the 29th spot in the Official World Golf Ranking, makes him a formidable contender. With 9,000 points up for grabs in Abu Dhabi and 12,000 in Dubai, every shot and putt will be crucial. Beyond the Race to Dubai title, the top 10 players not already holding a PGA Tour card will earn dual cardholder status for 2026, adding another layer of excitement. The $6 million Race to Dubai Bonus Pool further intensifies the competition, with the winner taking home $2 million. As the season concludes, the DP World Tour Play-Offs are set to provide a thrilling finale to an already remarkable year.
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World Cup triumph hailed as India women’s ‘1983 moment’
In a landmark achievement for Indian cricket, the women’s national team clinched their first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium. The victory, witnessed by a jubilant crowd of 40,000 fans, marks a significant milestone in the history of women’s cricket in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the team’s exceptional performance, describing the win as ‘historic’ and a source of inspiration for future generations. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a reward of 510 million Indian rupees ($5.8 million) for the triumphant squad. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed hope that this victory would serve as a turning point for the women’s game in the cricket-crazy nation. The triumph is being compared to the Indian men’s team’s iconic 1983 World Cup win, which revolutionized the sport in the country. Cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Mithali Raj also celebrated the victory, emphasizing its potential to inspire young girls across India to pursue cricket. The win comes after years of near-misses, including heartbreaking losses in the 2005 and 2017 finals, and a challenging tournament journey that saw the team overcome three consecutive defeats to reach the semifinals. This victory not only cements India’s place as a global cricketing powerhouse but also heralds a new era for women’s cricket in the country.
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International cricket returns to Faisalabad with Pakistan-South Africa ODIs
The historic Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad is set to witness the return of international cricket after a 17-year hiatus, as Pakistan and South Africa gear up for a three-match ODI series starting Tuesday. The central Punjab city last hosted an international match in 2008 when Pakistan faced Bangladesh. This marks a significant milestone for Faisalabad, which has been sidelined as an international venue due to inadequate facilities, now improved over the past three years. Pakistan’s newly appointed ODI captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, ‘It’s a special occasion that Faisalabad is hosting an international match after 17 years. It will be good for the fans of the city.’ The series concludes South Africa’s tour, which saw a 1-1 draw in the Test series and a 2-1 loss in the T20Is. Shaheen acknowledged the weight of captaincy, calling it an honor to lead the team. Pakistan’s squad, featuring stars like Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Mohammad Rizwan, is at full strength. South Africa, however, will miss key players, including injured skipper Temba Bavuma and rested pace duo Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen. Newcomer Matthew Breetzke, who scored a record 150 on his ODI debut earlier this year, will lead the Proteas. Despite the absence of several regulars, Breetzke remains optimistic, emphasizing the opportunity for younger players to step up. Star opener Quinton de Kock will also make a comeback to ODI cricket after reversing his 2023 retirement. The remaining matches are scheduled for Thursday and Saturday, continuing the cricketing resurgence in Faisalabad.
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Sweet sixteen as Aoife Kelly trumps rivals to win Sharjah Ladies Open title in style
The 16th Sharjah Ladies Open Golf Championship concluded in spectacular fashion at the Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club (SGSC), with Aoife Kelly of Trump International emerging as the champion. Kelly’s composed and confident performance, marked by a one-under 71, secured her first SGSC Ladies Open title. The event, held on a picturesque morning, showcased Kelly’s precision and poise as she navigated the course with three birdies and two bogeys. Her victory was celebrated with enthusiastic applause from fellow competitors and spectators.
Kelly expressed her elation after receiving the trophy, praising the course’s impeccable condition and its ability to reward skillful play. “It’s always a pleasure to play here at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club,” she remarked. Sana Tufail finished as the runner-up with a one-over-par 73, while Lara Bakhour secured third place with a determined 79.
In the Net Division, Ela Camurlu claimed the top spot in Division A with a net 72, and Debra Jaunich of SGSC matched that score to win Division B. The tournament underscored the rising prominence of women’s golf in the UAE, reflecting SGSC’s dedication to fostering competitive and inclusive opportunities for players of all skill levels. The event not only highlighted the growing talent in the sport but also reinforced the club’s reputation as a premier venue for high-stakes golf competitions.
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Trott to step down as Afghanistan coach after T20 World Cup
Jonathan Trott, the head coach of Afghanistan’s national cricket team, will step down from his position following the conclusion of the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced this decision on Monday, citing it as part of their long-term strategic planning for the team’s future development. Trott, a former England international, was appointed in July 2022 and has since led Afghanistan to significant milestones in international cricket. Under his guidance, Afghanistan reached the semifinals of the 2024 T20 World Cup, marking their first appearance in the last four of the tournament. This achievement followed their impressive performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where they narrowly missed a semifinal spot by just two points after securing notable victories against defending champions England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Trott expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments and pledged his continued support for Afghan cricket. The T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will culminate on March 8, marking the end of Trott’s tenure.