Pakistan is contemplating the inclusion of a third spinner for the second and final Test against South Africa in Rawalpindi, as they aim to secure a series sweep. Head coach Azhar Mahmood revealed on Sunday that either leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed or uncapped 38-year-old left-armer Asif Afridi could be added to the squad. This decision comes in response to the dry pitch conditions expected at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, which is likely to favor spin bowling as the match progresses. The hosts triumphed in the first Test by 93 runs, with spinners claiming 34 of the 40 wickets on a turning Gaddafi Stadium pitch. Left-armer Noman Ali was particularly effective, taking 10 wickets, while Sajid Khan contributed six. Mahmood emphasized the importance of scoring heavily in the first innings, regardless of the toss outcome, to maximize their chances of victory. South Africa, meanwhile, will welcome back experienced left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who missed the first Test due to a groin strain. Stand-in captain Aiden Markram expressed confidence in Maharaj’s return, highlighting his experience and skill set. Maharaj is expected to partner with Senuran Muthusamy, who impressed with 11 wickets in the opening Test. Markram acknowledged the anticipated spin-friendly conditions but viewed it as an opportunity for his team to level the series. He also praised Tony de Zorzi, who scored a century in the first Test, for his insights into facing Pakistan’s spinners, adding that his confidence would be a valuable asset for the team.
分类： sports
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Morocco beats Argentina to clinch its first Under-20 World Cup title
In a historic triumph, Morocco secured its maiden Under-20 World Cup title by defeating Argentina 2-0 in Santiago, Chile, on Sunday. Striker Yassir Zabrini emerged as the hero of the match, netting two crucial goals in the 12th and 29th minutes. This victory marks Morocco as the first African nation to claim the U20 World Cup since Ghana’s win in 2009. The Moroccan team showcased exceptional skill throughout the tournament, topping their group against formidable opponents such as Spain, Brazil, and Mexico. They continued their dominance in the knockout stages, overcoming South Korea, the United States, and France. For Argentina, this match marked their first defeat in the competition, dashing their hopes of securing a record seventh title. Despite the absence of key players Claudio Echeverri (Bayer Leverkusen) and Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid), Argentina managed to reach the final, but Morocco’s relentless performance proved insurmountable.
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Sheikh Rashed’s Powerful Glory steals the show on British Champions Day
In a breathtaking display of skill and determination, Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmouk Al Maktoum’s Irish-bred colt, Powerful Glory, delivered one of the most astonishing upsets in horse racing history on British Champions Day at Ascot. The three-year-old sprinter, ridden by former British Champion Jockey Jamie Spencer, defied staggering odds of 200-1 to clinch victory in the QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes (G1). This triumph marks the longest-priced Group 1 win in Europe since the Flat Pattern began in 1971, eclipsing the previous record held by Qirat’s 150-1 Sussex Stakes victory in 1971. The win was particularly remarkable given Powerful Glory’s recent poor performance, finishing last of five at Beverley just weeks prior. Trainer Richard Fahey, who had seen glimpses of potential in the colt, expressed his astonishment at the result, stating, ‘We’ve finally seen the real Powerful Glory today.’ The victory was sealed by a short neck over the favorite, Lazzat, ridden by James Doyle, who praised Spencer’s tactical brilliance. The day also saw Godolphin’s Trawlerman, owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, secure the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup (G1), further cementing the stable’s dominance in staying races. French contender Calandagan, under jockey Mickael Barzalona, rounded off the event with a win in the Champion Stakes (G1), showcasing France’s continued prowess on the international stage. British Champions Day 2025 will be remembered as a day of historic upsets and unforgettable triumphs.
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Premier League: Buendia seals comeback win for Villa at Tottenham
In a thrilling Premier League encounter on Sunday, Aston Villa staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1, thanks to a decisive goal from substitute Emiliano Buendia. The match, held at Tottenham’s home ground, saw the hosts take an early lead when Rodrigo Bentancur capitalized on a deep cross from Mohammed Kudus, finishing from close range in the fifth minute. However, Villa’s resilience shone through as Morgan Rogers equalized with a stunning long-range strike in the 37th minute, setting the stage for a dramatic second half. Buendia, who entered the game in the 60th minute, sealed the victory with a precise low shot into the far corner, sending the traveling Villa fans into raptures. This win marks Villa’s fifth consecutive victory, propelling them to 10th place in the league table with 12 points. Meanwhile, Tottenham, who suffered their second league defeat of the season, remain in sixth place, trailing Chelsea on goal difference. The loss was a missed opportunity for Tottenham, who could have climbed to second place with a win. Despite a strong start, they struggled to maintain momentum and lacked creativity as the game progressed.
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Tel Aviv derby called off by police after ‘riots’
The highly anticipated Israeli Premier League derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was abruptly canceled by police due to violent riots that erupted before the scheduled kick-off. The chaotic scenes at Bloomfield Stadium left 12 civilians and three police officers injured, with nine individuals arrested and 16 detained for questioning. Authorities cited ‘public disorder and violent riots’ as the primary reason for the cancellation, highlighting the use of smoke grenades, pyrotechnic devices, and significant damage to infrastructure. Hapoel Tel Aviv criticized the decision, accusing the police of treating the event as a ‘war’ rather than a sporting occasion and alleging that most injuries resulted from ‘brutal police violence.’ The club condemned all acts of violence but vowed to challenge lawbreakers, even if they were law enforcement officers. Meanwhile, safety concerns have extended beyond Israel, with Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group recommending that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans be barred from attending an upcoming Europa League match against Aston Villa on November 6. The UK government is working to overturn the ban, exploring additional measures to ensure the fixture proceeds safely. West Midlands Police supported the ban, classifying the match as ‘high risk’ due to past incidents, including violent clashes between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax fans in Amsterdam in November 2024. The cancellation and ongoing tensions reflect broader unrest linked to the war in Gaza, which has spilled over into various sporting events globally.
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Watch: Saudi awards pure gold racket to Jannik Sinner after beating Carlos Alcaraz
In a dazzling display of tennis prowess, Jannik Sinner, the world No. 2, triumphed at the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday. The 24-year-old Italian defeated world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory, securing his second consecutive title at the prestigious event. The match, which lasted just 73 minutes, not only showcased Sinner’s exceptional skill but also earned him a staggering $6 million, including $4.5 million in prize money and a $1.5 million participation fee. As a crowning glory, Sinner was awarded a full-size, solid gold racket valued at $250,000, symbolizing his excellence and remarkable achievements in the sport. The golden racket, crafted from pure gold, has become a hallmark of the Six Kings Slam, with Rafael Nadal receiving a similar accolade last year in recognition of his legendary career. Organized by Turki Al Sheikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and adviser to the Royal Court, the three-day event featured six of the world’s top male tennis players and was streamed globally on Netflix. Although the results do not count toward ATP rankings or official head-to-head records, the tournament highlighted Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the sports world. In his post-match interview, Sinner expressed his joy and gratitude, stating, ‘I wish I could play like this everywhere. It’s a huge pleasure and honor to share the court with Carlos.’ He also praised the passion of the Saudi audience and the improved facilities, expressing his eagerness to return to Riyadh in the future. Sinner’s victory underscores his rising dominance in tennis and Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a key player in the global sports arena.
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Messi bags hat trick as Inter roar into playoffs with 5-2 win over Nashville
Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass performance, scoring a hat trick to secure the Major League Soccer (MLS) Golden Boot and lead Inter Miami to a resounding 5-2 victory over Nashville SC. The win clinched a playoff berth for Inter Miami, who finished third in the Eastern Conference. Messi’s three goals brought his season tally to an impressive 29 goals in 28 matches, solidifying his status as the league’s top scorer. Los Angeles FC’s Denis Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge trailed behind with 24 goals each. Messi’s stellar display also bolstered his case for a second consecutive Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Inter Miami will face Nashville again in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs starting October 24. Coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi’s exceptional performance, stating, ‘Today he was exceptional, as he usually is. Surely he will be awarded the MVP for what he has demonstrated.’ The match saw Nashville take an early lead, but Messi’s brilliance, including a penalty and a curling shot through traffic, turned the tide in Miami’s favor. Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, San Diego FC secured the top seed after a 4-0 victory over the Portland Timbers, while Dallas clinched a playoff spot with a 2-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps. Real Salt Lake also advanced to the playoffs following a 2-2 draw with St. Louis.
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Arteta encouraged as leaders Arsenal end Fulham jinx
Mikel Arteta expressed optimism following Arsenal’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fulham, marking their first win at Craven Cottage in three attempts. Leandro Trossard’s decisive 58th-minute strike secured the Gunners’ fifth consecutive win across all competitions, solidifying their position at the top of the Premier League table. Arsenal now hold a three-point lead over second-placed Manchester City, with reigning champions Liverpool trailing by four points ahead of their clash with Manchester United. This victory is particularly significant for Arsenal, who struggled in similar fixtures last season, managing just one point from away games against Newcastle and Fulham, as well as a home match against West Ham. This season, however, they have already amassed nine points from these encounters, signaling a marked improvement. Arteta emphasized the importance of these wins as a statement of intent for a team that has finished as runners-up in the last three seasons and is determined to clinch their first league title since 2004. ‘The recent history wasn’t in our favour, and we wanted to change that,’ Arteta remarked. ‘This is another step towards developing the mindset and ability to win these challenging matches against strong opposition.’ The match was not without controversy, as Bukayo Saka appeared to have earned a penalty after being fouled by Fulham’s Kevin. However, VAR overturned the decision, ruling that Kevin had touched the ball first. Arteta, visibly frustrated on the sidelines, later acknowledged the correct decision but criticized the delay in the VAR process. The only concern for Arsenal was the continued goal drought of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has failed to score in seven consecutive games since his high-profile transfer from Sporting Lisbon. Despite his struggles, Arteta remains supportive, praising Gyokeres’ work rate and expressing confidence that the goals will come. ‘He was very close again today. We all want him to score, and it will happen,’ Arteta assured.
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City boss Guardiola warns against overdependence on Haaland
Despite Erling Haaland’s stellar performance, scoring a brace in Manchester City’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton, manager Pep Guardiola emphasized the need for the team to reduce its reliance on the Norwegian striker. Haaland, 25, has been in exceptional form this season, netting 23 goals for both club and country. However, the rest of the squad has struggled to contribute, with no other player scoring more than once in the league. Guardiola highlighted missed opportunities by Savinho, Jeremy Doku, and Tijjani Reijnders, stressing that such chances must be capitalized on at the highest level. ‘We cannot rely solely on Haaland. Wingers and attacking midfielders must step up and score goals,’ Guardiola stated. Defender Ruben Dias echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of collective contribution. Guardiola praised the team’s improved delivery to Haaland in the second half, acknowledging his pivotal role. Haaland leads the league with 11 goals in eight games, a feat only he has achieved three times in Premier League history. Midfielder Phil Foden lauded Haaland as a ‘world-class striker,’ always present at crucial moments. After a disappointing third-place finish last season, City is now unbeaten in eight games across all competitions, with Haaland’s form reigniting their title aspirations. ‘Erling lives for it,’ Guardiola remarked, highlighting his importance to the team’s success.
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South African rowers of color become first to compete at Charles, part of larger trend toward access
In a groundbreaking moment for diversity in elite sports, four South African rowers are set to make history at the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston this weekend. Representing the first crew of color from South Africa to compete internationally, their participation underscores a global effort to dismantle barriers in a sport historically dominated by white athletes. Originating from British colonial traditions, competitive rowing has long excluded marginalized communities, but recent initiatives aim to reshape its future. This year’s regatta also features other historic firsts, including the first all-Black women’s 8+ from the U.S., an indigenous 4+, and a native women’s 4+. Lwazi-Tsebo Zwane, a 23-year-old rower from Germiston, South Africa, emphasized the significance of their journey, stating, ‘It takes a lot to be at this regatta. There’s been a lot of pitfalls, there’s been a lot of barriers.’ Zwane and his teammates are acutely aware of their role as inspirations for younger rowers, particularly in communities where access to resources is limited. Structural challenges, such as the high cost of equipment and lack of access to waterways, persist in both South Africa and the U.S., perpetuating inequality. Arshay Cooper, founder of a foundation supporting underrepresented athletes, highlighted the need for systemic change, noting, ‘There’s talent everywhere, but not a lot of access and opportunity.’ The regatta also serves as a platform for social advocacy, with last year’s indigenous four using their participation to honor murdered and missing indigenous women. Despite recent setbacks in diversity initiatives, organizers remain committed to fostering inclusivity. Denise Aquino, co-founder of the nonprofit podcast Rowing in Color, emphasized the importance of representation, stating, ‘It’s about the young people who will see these boats and feel visibility and representation in the sport we all love.’ For Zwane and his teammates, the experience is both transformative and humbling, offering a rare glimpse into a world that remains inaccessible to many. ‘This is a luxury,’ Zwane reflected. ‘It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.’