Global Pulse

分类： sports

  • Ashes done and dusted: Australia survive day five drama to seal dominant series win over dreadful England

    Ashes done and dusted: Australia survive day five drama to seal dominant series win over dreadful England

    Australia has emphatically concluded the Ashes series with a commanding 4-1 victory, cementing its status as cricket’s preeminent force. The final chapter unfolded at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) where the hosts secured a five-wicket triumph, delivering a perfect farewell for retiring batsman Usman Khawaja in his 88th and final Test appearance.

    The Sydney match unfolded as a classic Test contest, contrasting with the disappointingly rapid pace of earlier matches. England’s much-touted ‘Bazball’ approach ultimately yielded limited success against Australia’s strategic superiority, with Travis Head’s aggressive batting repeatedly dismantling English morale throughout the series.

    Khawaja’s emotional departure featured a standing ovation from SCG spectators and a respectful guard of honor from English opponents, though the winning moment belonged to Alex Carey after Khawaja was dismissed for six runs. The retiring star celebrated with teammates and performed sajdah on the pitch beside a ‘thanks Uzzy’ tribute.

    The victory chase of 160 runs encountered brief turbulence when Marnus Labuschagne suffered a shocking run-out at 37, but Cameron Green and Carey steadied the innings to secure victory midway through the second session. The match attracted a record-breaking crowd of 211,032 spectators throughout the New Year’s Test.

    Controversy emerged through Decision Review System (DRS) drama when England disputed a not-out ruling regarding Jake Weatherald, provoking heated on-field reactions and critical commentary from former captain Michael Vaughan. Weatherald’s eventual dismissal for 34 before lunch continued his challenging debut series.

    Despite England’s overall disappointing performance, emerging talent Jacob Bethell provided a bright spot with a spectacular 154-run innings against Australia’s quality attack. The 22-year-old’s century demonstrated significant promise for England’s future batting lineup, though his efforts were undermined by senior teammates’ inconsistent performances.

    Australia now faces selection questions ahead of their August Test against Bangladesh, with Beau Webster’s strong showing and ongoing concerns about key bowlers’ fitness shaping future lineup decisions.

  • England all out for 342, set Australia 160 to win final Ashes Test

    England all out for 342, set Australia 160 to win final Ashes Test

    A valiant fourth-innings effort from England concluded at 342 all out on Thursday’s lunch session, establishing a 160-run target for Australia to claim victory in the final Ashes Test. The day’s play was headlined by Jacob Bethell’s magnificent 154, a career-defining maiden Test century that temporarily rekindled English hopes of squaring the series.

    Resuming overnight at 302-8 with a lead of 119, England’s aspirations heavily relied on Bethell, who added 12 runs to his Wednesday total of 142. His resilient innings was eventually terminated by Mitchell Starc, with the young batsman edging a delivery to wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Bethell’s performance is being widely hailed as a promising glimpse into the future of English cricket.

    Matthew Potts contributed a vital 18 runs before Josh Tongue (6) fell to Starc, wrapping up the English innings. Starc finished with figures of 3-72, while Beau Webster claimed 3-64.

    Australia, having already retained the Ashes with victories in the first three Tests at Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, now requires a manageable 160 runs to secure a series win. Their dominant first-innings total of 567, in response to England’s initial 384, positioned them favorably for this final chase. England’s recent two-day victory in Melbourne had offered a fleeting moment of optimism, which Australia now looks to extinguish.

  • Starc dismisses Bethell for 154 as England sets Australia 160 to win final Ashes test

    Starc dismisses Bethell for 154 as England sets Australia 160 to win final Ashes test

    SYDNEY — A dramatic morning session at the Sydney Cricket Ground saw Mitchell Starc dismantle England’s tail-end resistance, setting Australia a challenging but achievable target of 160 runs to claim victory in the fifth and final Ashes test.

    England resumed Day 5 at 302-8, holding a slender lead of 119 runs, with their hopes largely resting on young batsman Jacob Bethell, who resumed his innings at 142. The 22-year-old Barbados-born player added just 12 more runs to his overnight score before falling to Starc’s relentless pace attack, caught behind after a magnificent 265-ball innings that spanned six and a half hours.

    Australia’s bowling unit immediately capitalized on the new ball, with Starc and Scott Boland creating significant problems for the English batsmen. Bethell experienced a brief reprieve at 151 when he successfully reviewed an lbw decision against Boland, with DRS technology indicating the ball would have sailed over the stumps.

    Starc’s clinical performance continued as he cleanly bowled Josh Tongue for just 6 runs, wrapping up England’s innings at 342 and finishing his own remarkable series with 31 wickets at an average of 19.9.

    The match now hangs in balance as Australia prepares for what promises to be a tricky run chase on a deteriorating pitch showing variable bounce. England faces additional challenges with captain Ben Stokes nursing an injury that may limit his bowling capabilities in the decisive final innings.

    Despite Australia having already retained the Ashes urn with victories in the first three tests, England remains determined to narrow the series margin following their drought-breaking win in Melbourne.

  • ‘Miracle’: Former Test cricketer Damien Martyn released from hospital after major health scare

    ‘Miracle’: Former Test cricketer Damien Martyn released from hospital after major health scare

    Australian cricket legend Damien Martyn has achieved a remarkable medical milestone following his discharge from hospital after battling a severe meningitis infection that required an induced coma. The 54-year-old former Test batsman, who represented Australia in 67 matches, faced a critical health crisis last month that prompted emergency hospitalization and intensive medical intervention.

    Martyn’s recovery progress received glowing endorsement from his former national teammates during Kayo Sports’ Ashes coverage. Wicketkeeping great Adam Gilchrist delivered the encouraging update, confirming Martyn’s release from medical care while acknowledging the ongoing nature of his recovery journey. “The wonderful news is that he has been released from hospital,” Gilchrist announced. “He’s still got a bit of a journey to go to be fully recovered, but it’s terrific and wonderful to know he’s back home.”

    Fellow cricketing icon Mark Waugh characterized the positive development as “almost a miracle,” recalling the gravity of Martyn’s condition during his intensive care unit stay. Medical professionals attributed the successful intervention to the exemplary response from ambulance personnel who provided critical initial treatment. According to Gilchrist, medical staff emphasized that the prompt and precise actions of first responders effectively contained the infection during its crucial early stages.

    The cricket community has rallied around Martyn throughout his health struggle, with colleagues and fans alike expressing relief at his progressive improvement. While the former middle-order batsman continues his rehabilitation process, the successful hospital discharge represents a significant victory in his medical journey that has inspired both the sporting world and healthcare professionals.

  • Al Ameemi wins 120 km Private Stables thriller at Dubai’s Sheikh Mohammed Festival

    Al Ameemi wins 120 km Private Stables thriller at Dubai’s Sheikh Mohammed Festival

    In a spectacular display of equestrian prowess, Emirati rider Mohammed Rashed Mugheer Al Ameemi captured victory at the prestigious His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival on Wednesday. Piloting his nine-year-old mount Zeus FF through 120 kilometers of demanding terrain, Al Ameemi secured a narrow six-second triumph over rival Mohamed Salem Al Hammadi in one of endurance racing’s most thrilling contests.

    The dramatic Private Stables ride, held at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salam, unfolded as a masterclass in strategic pacing and horsemanship. Al Ameemi’s winning time of 4 hours, 30 minutes, and 38 seconds culminated a remarkable comeback after sitting fourth midway through the competition. The victory marked a significant achievement for Al Mugheer Private Stables against a field of international competitors.

    Al Hammadi, representing Alfawaris Private Stables, finished closely behind at 4:30:44, while Lebanese rider Aya Ali Akkoumi claimed third position aboard At Dial Range Sharjah with a time of 4:31:11. The race saw early leader Eisa Hamoud Alkhayari disqualified following veterinary inspection, highlighting the sport’s rigorous animal welfare standards.

    The festival, which honors UAE Vice President and Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum—himself a world champion endurance rider—drew prominent equestrian figures including Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmouk Al Maktoum. Their presence underscored the event’s significance within the UAE’s sporting calendar.

    Al Ameemi described the victory as ‘a dream come true,’ praising Zeus FF’s ‘incredible stamina and heart’ throughout the grueling competition. The win continues a strong showing for private stables following Milena Mendez’s triumph in Tuesday’s Ladies Ride.

    The festival continues through Saturday featuring the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares and the premier 160km Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Cup, maintaining Dubai’s position as a global hub for elite endurance racing.

  • City stumble again in title race as Villa held

    City stumble again in title race as Villa held

    In a dramatic twist for the Premier League title race, Manchester City failed to capitalize on their opportunity to close the gap with league leaders Arsenal, settling for a 1-1 draw against Brighton at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday. The stalemate marks City’s third consecutive draw, raising questions about their consistency in the championship pursuit.

    Norwegian sensation Erling Haaland etched his name in the record books by netting his 150th goal for the club from a penalty spot, achieving this milestone in just 173 appearances—28 games faster than any previous Premier League player. Despite Haaland’s historic achievement, Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma delivered a superb equalizer in the 60th minute, curling a precise shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.

    The result leaves Manchester City stranded at 43 points, five points behind Arsenal, who now have the chance to extend their lead to eight points with a victory against Liverpool on Thursday. In a parallel development, Aston Villa also remained at 43 points after being held to a goalless draw by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

    Elsewhere in the league, Chelsea suffered a 2-1 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage in front of newly appointed manager Liam Rosenior, who watched from the stands. The Blues were reduced to ten men after Marc Cucurella received a straight red card for a professional foul on Harry Wilson. Raul Jimenez and Wilson scored for Fulham, with Liam Delap managing a consolation goal for Chelsea.

    In other matches, Bournemouth secured a 3-2 victory over struggling Tottenham, with Antoine Semenyo scoring what is likely his final goal for the club before an anticipated transfer to Manchester City. Brentford dominated Sunderland 3-0 with Igor Thiago scoring twice, while Everton held bottom-placed Wolves to a 1-1 draw despite finishing with nine men.

    Manchester United, under interim manager Darren Fletcher following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal, faced Burnley in a late fixture. Meanwhile, Newcastle United fans paid emotional tribute to former manager Kevin Keegan after his family announced his cancer diagnosis, displaying supportive messages on the stadium screens at St James’ Park.

  • Show jumping excellence returns to the UAE with the Al Shira’aa International Horse Show

    Show jumping excellence returns to the UAE with the Al Shira’aa International Horse Show

    Abu Dhabi’s equestrian calendar reaches new heights as the acclaimed Al Shira’aa International Horse Show returns for its ninth consecutive edition from January 20-25, 2026. The prestigious event will unfold at the state-of-the-art Al Forsan International Sports Resort, marking a significant venue upgrade that promises enhanced facilities for competitors and spectators alike.

    Under the distinguished Honorary Presidency of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the competition will assemble an impressive international field featuring 150 elite riders and more than 350 horses representing various nations across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. The six-day spectacle offers a substantial €700,000 prize pool, with the climax being the Al Shira’aa Longines CSI4-W FEI World Cup™ Grand Prix—a critical qualifying event on the global show jumping circuit.

    The 2026 program demonstrates comprehensive support for equestrian development through multiple competition tiers including CSI4-W, CSI2, Young Horses, Under 25, Juniors, Children, and Amateurs categories. This structured approach provides a clear competitive pathway from youth levels to professional ranks, reinforcing the event’s commitment to nurturing equestrian talent at all stages.

    Beyond the competitive arena, the event transforms into a vibrant social destination with free general admission (requiring advance online registration), daily gates opening at 09:00, and an extensive Village area featuring culinary offerings, children’s activities, family entertainment, and equestrian lifestyle brands. For premium experiences, VIP hospitality packages ranging from AED 3,500 to AED 25,000 provide exclusive access, refined dining by ERTH catering, and premium viewing accommodations.

    The Al Shira’aa International Horse Show constitutes a cornerstone of the expanding Al Shira’aa Tour, a global initiative dedicated to elevating equestrian sports through world-class competitions while preserving the sport’s rich heritage.

  • India women’s historic cricket World Cup win fires up T20 league

    India women’s historic cricket World Cup win fires up T20 league

    The Women’s Premier League (WPL) commences its fourth season this Friday amidst unprecedented national enthusiasm, riding the powerful momentum of India’s groundbreaking ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup victory last November. This watershed moment in Indian sports history has fundamentally transformed the landscape for women’s cricket across the nation.

    India’s triumphant campaign on home soil captivated the nation’s 1.4 billion cricket enthusiasts, creating an ideal launchpad for the upcoming Twenty20 tournament where five franchises will compete for championship glory culminating in the February 5 final. The tournament features an exceptional constellation of talent, with national captain Harmanpreet Kaur leading defending champions Mumbai Indians in their opening match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

    The league boasts remarkable depth with Indian stars including Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Smriti Mandhana complementing elite international recruits. World Cup standouts such as New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr, South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt, and Australian powerhouses Ashleigh Gardner and Phoebe Litchfield will showcase their talents alongside emerging domestic players.

    Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Mithun Manhas emphasized the league’s exponential growth, stating: ‘The WPL has developed in leaps and bounds over three seasons. Our players’ World Cup demonstration guarantees continued elevation for both Indian cricket and this premier tournament.’

    South African pace bowler Marizanne Kapp, representing Delhi Capitals, highlighted the WPL’s transformative impact: ‘These leagues are critically important for women’s cricket infrastructure. The emerging talent pipeline owes its existence to platforms like the WPL.’

    The financial landscape reflects this progress, with World Cup performances translating into substantial contracts. Deepti Sharma secured a $358,000 agreement with UP Warriorz, while Kerr’s $335,000 Mumbai Indians deal made her the highest-paid overseas acquisition. Despite these advances, compensation still trails the men’s Indian Premier League.

    Broadcast metrics underscore the revolution, with ICC data revealing the World Cup final attracted 277 million viewers—matching audience numbers for the recent men’s T20 World Cup final. This unprecedented engagement has created optimistic projections for WPL viewership.

    Since its 2023 inception as an IPL companion, the WPL has achieved remarkable commercial success, generating approximately $700 million in franchise and media rights to become the world’s second-most valuable women’s sports league after America’s WNBA. The tournament represents the culmination of gender equity initiatives championed by ICC chairman Jay Shah, who implemented equal match fees during his BCCI tenure.

    WPL chairman Jayesh George envisions even greater parity: ‘We anticipate achieving comparable status with the IPL within the coming years,’ signaling an ambitious future for women’s cricket in India’s sporting ecosystem.

  • Premier League: Slot says Liverpool can still do ‘special things’ ahead of Arsenal clash

    Premier League: Slot says Liverpool can still do ‘special things’ ahead of Arsenal clash

    Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed unwavering confidence in his squad’s ability to achieve “special things” this season despite a challenging title defense that sees them trailing Premier League leaders Arsenal by 14 points. The reigning English champions travel to Emirates Stadium for Thursday’s crucial encounter positioned fourth in the table, seeking to disrupt the Gunners’ championship pursuit.

    The Dutch tactician, who guided Liverpool to an impressive title triumph in his debut season following Jürgen Klopp’s departure, acknowledged his team’s inconsistent form while maintaining optimism about their potential. Although Liverpool currently enjoy a nine-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, this sequence includes four draws that have hampered their league position.

    “We aren’t where we want to be, but I feel we have a very talented squad,” Slot stated during Wednesday’s pre-match press conference. “If everyone’s available and ready, then I think we can do special things.”

    The manager highlighted the team’s contrasting performances this season, noting impressive victories against elite opponents alongside disappointing results. Liverpool’s August victory over Arsenal at Anfield demonstrated their capability against top-tier competition, while comprehensive defeats against Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, and PSV Eindhoven exposed consistency issues.

    Slot emphasized the club’s historic ability to secure silverware despite league struggles, pointing to ongoing opportunities in the FA Cup and Champions League. Thursday’s match represents both a critical league encounter and a measuring stick for Liverpool’s progress against what Slot described as “a very, very good Arsenal team” that represents “the complete package.”

    With Arsenal pursuing their first league title in over two decades, Slot acknowledged their deserved position at the summit while positioning the clash as an opportunity for Liverpool to demonstrate their resilience and quality in high-stakes circumstances.

  • Bethell slams maiden century to give England glimmer in final Ashes Test

    Bethell slams maiden century to give England glimmer in final Ashes Test

    In a display of remarkable composure and skill, 22-year-old Jacob Bethell carved his name into Ashes history with an unbeaten maiden Test century at Sydney Cricket Ground. The left-handed batsman’s flawless 142 not out provided England with a fragile second-innings lead of 119 runs, finishing day four at 302-8 with two wickets remaining.

    Bethell’s arrival at the crease came during a period of significant pressure for England. The early dismissal of Zak Crawley, trapped lbw by Mitchell Starc’s devastating inswinger in the opening over, set a troubling tone. First-innings centurion Joe Root managed just six runs from 37 deliveries before falling to Scott Boland, deepening England’s predicament.

    The young batsman demonstrated extraordinary maturity, reaching his century off 162 balls with a lofted drive over midwicket for four. His performance became particularly crucial after middle-order collapses saw Harry Brook lbw for 42 and Will Jacks caught without scoring within three deliveries from part-time off-spinner Beau Webster, who unexpectedly claimed 3-51.

    Adding to England’s challenges, captain Ben Stokes lasted just five balls after limping to the crease with a groin injury, while a miscommunication resulted in Jamie Smith’s run-out for 24 during a promising 45-run partnership.

    Australia had established a formidable position earlier, dismissed for 567 before lunch on the back of Travis Head’s 163 and captain Steve Smith’s 138, giving them a 183-run first-innings advantage.

    With number ten Matthew Potts yet to score, Bethell acknowledged the strategic challenge ahead: ‘I’m going to have to be smart around how we let Pottsy and (Josh) Tongue come in and what they face. I’m just going to have to hit the gaps. It’s a big outfield, so there are plenty of gaps and I just have to try and hit them.’

    The emotional significance wasn’t lost on Bethell, who celebrated with his parents in attendance: ‘To do that and have the family there was very special. My dad was a cricketer so he knows how it feels to be out there batting, but I don’t think that stops him from getting any less nervous.’