Pakistan register first ODI away series win over Australia since 2002

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The Pakistan team pose with their trophy after winning their one day international cricket match and series over Australia in Perth on November 10, 2024. (AP)

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Australia’s Aaron Hardie, second left, walks off after losing his wicket to Pakistan during their one day international cricket match in Perth on November 10, 2024. (AP)

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Updated 10 November 2024

Shahjahan Khurram

November 10, 2024 07:37

Pakistan register first ODI away series win over Australia since 2002

Pakistan beat Australia by eight wickets in third ODI at Perth in one-sided contest to end three-match series 2-1
Pacers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah return figures of 3/32 and 3/54, respectively, as Haris Rauf takes two

Updated 10 November 2024

Shahjahan Khurram

November 10, 2024 07:37

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan beat Australia by eight wickets at Perth on Sunday, registering their first away ODI series victory over the 2023 world champions in 22 years.
Pakistan’s pace battery rattled Australia’s batting order after skipper Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and sent the hosts to bat, dismissing Australia for a paltry 140 runs in the third and final ODI of the series in Perth.

Pakistan’s Saim Ayub, left, bats in front of Australia’s Josh Inglis during their one day international cricket match in Perth on November 10, 2024. (AP)

Pakistani pacers Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi returned figures of 3/54 and 3/32 respectively while express fast bowler Haris Rauf chipped in with an impressive 2/24 to dismiss Australia for 140 in 31.5 overs. Muhammad Hasnain picked up 1/24 as Pakistani bowlers confused the Australian batters on a bouncy Perth wicket with their pace and accurate length.

Pakistan's Naseem Shah (L) and Haris Rauf talks between overs while playing Australia during their one day international cricket in Perth on November 10, 2024. (AP)

Pakistani openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique provided a stable start to the innings, with Ayub scoring 42 runs and Shafique 37.
Rizwan and former Pakistan captain Babar Azam scored 30 and 28 runs, respectively, to guide their team home.

Australia's Aaron Hardie bats against Pakistan during their one day international cricket in Perth on November 10, 2024. (AP)

“This is what a captain demands from his team,” Rizwan said at the post-match conference. “I will give all the credit to our bowlers because you know, Australia in Australia is not an easy team to beat.”
Rizwan praised Shafique and Ayub for giving Pakistan strong starts in the second and third ODIs, saying their contributions made it easy for the green shirts to chase the total.
Pakistan lost the three-match series opener on Nov. 4 against Australia in a close contest before coming back strongly on Friday to demolish the hosts in Adelaide by nine wickets.

Pakistan's players huddle together before taking the field against Australia during their one day international cricket match in Perth on November 10, 2024. (AP)

Australia rested veteran cricketers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith for the third ODI ahead of Australia’s Test series against India beginning later this month.
Pakistan last won an away ODI series in Australia in 2002. Their win against the Australian cricket team on Friday made it the first time since 2017 that the green shirts had beaten the opposition in an ODI in their backyard.
PLAYING XI:
Australia: 1 Matt Short, 2 Jake Fraser-McGurk, 3 Aaron Hardie, 4 Josh Inglis (capt, wk), 5 Cooper Connolly, 6 Marcus Stoinis, 7 Glenn Maxwell, 8 Sean Abbott, 9 Adam Zampa, 10 Spencer Johnson, 11 Lance Morris
Pakistan: 1 Saim Ayub, 2 Abdullah Shafique, 3 Babar Azam, 4 Mohammad Rizwan (capt, wk), 5 Kamran Ghulam, 6 Salman Agha, 7 Irfan Khan, 8 Shaheen Shah Afridi, 9 Naseem Shah, 10 Haris Rauf, 11 Mohammad Hasnain

Topics: Pakistan vs Australia Pakistan cricket

Rizwan to lead Pakistan in first T20I against Australia today after ODI series win

Updated 8 sec ago

Shahjahan Khurram

November 13, 2024 21:31

Rizwan to lead Pakistan in first T20I against Australia today after ODI series win

Pakistan to play three-match series against Australia on Nov. 14, 16 and 18 in Brisbane, Sydney and Hobart
Rizwan’s side defeated Australia 2-1 in three-match series last week to win first series in Australia since 2002

Updated 8 sec ago

Shahjahan Khurram

November 13, 2024 21:31

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan will lead his side for the first time against Australia in a T20I format at Brisbane today, Thursday, after steering the green shirts to their first ever ODI series victory against the 2023 world champions since 2022.

Rizwan will become the 12th person to assume Pakistan’s T20 captaincy when he takes the field in Brisbane for the first T20I. Pakistan’s cricket team, encouraged by stellar performances from fast bowlers Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, beat Australia 2-1 in the three-match series that concluded last week.

After Thursday’s match, Pakistan will play against Australia in Sydney and Hobart on Nov. 16 and 18 respectively. Pakistani cricketers Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Omair Bin Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Sufiyan Moqim and Usman Khan joined the T20I squad in Brisbane on Nov. 11 after undergoing a five-day training camp in the southern port city of Karachi.

“We are confident after beating Australia in the ODI series but international cricket is always challenging so we aim to do things as better as we can going into this T20I series against Australia,” Rizwan said a day before the match.

“We have determined the roles of various players in the team and look forward to executing our best plans not just in this series but also in the upcoming white-ball fixtures against Zimbabwe and South Africa.”

The Pakistan captain said he wanted to keep all the players involved in the series motivated.

“Of course, the conditions have helped the bowlers on this tour so far but we also want to prove our mettle as a batting unit and I look forward to an exciting contest in the three matches,” he said.

Pakistan last faced Australia in a T20 contest in March 2022 when the two teams played a one-off T20I in Lahore, which Australia won. In Pakistan’s last T20I series in Australia in November 2019, the hosts won 2-0 after the opening match ended in a no result.

Josh Inglis will lead Australia in the T20I series while Tim David and Nathan Ellis have joined Australia’s T20I squad. Josh Philippe, meanwhile, has replaced the injured Cooper Connolly.

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (captain – wicket-keeper), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Omair Bin Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Usman Khan

Topics: Pakistan vs Australia Pakistan cricket Pakistan cricket team Muhammad Rizwan

Alcaraz beats Rublev to open ATP Finals account

Updated 13 November 2024

AFP

November 13, 2024 18:40

Alcaraz beats Rublev to open ATP Finals account

World number three Alcaraz comfortably defeated Rublev to lift himself off the bottom of the John Newcombe Group
“I could be better, I’m not going to lie,” said Alcaraz on court after beating Rublev

Updated 13 November 2024

AFP

November 13, 2024 18:40

TURIN: Carlos Alcaraz opened his account at the ATP Finals on Wednesday with an entertaining 6-3, 7-6 (10/8) win over Andrey Rublev which boosted his hopes of reaching the semifinals.
World number three Alcaraz comfortably defeated Rublev to lift himself off the bottom of the John Newcombe Group and looked in much better form despite struggling with fatigue and illness in the lead-up to the match.
There had been some doubt as to whether Alcaraz, who lost his opening match in straight sets to Casper Ruud, would continue in Turin after quickly ending his training session on Tuesday, with his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero saying that he had trouble breathing.
“I could be better, I’m not going to lie,” said Alcaraz on court after beating Rublev.
“I’ve been struggling with my health the last week and today I thought I was going to feel better. I was OK to play, but thinking about the first match I was thinking a lot about that I was sick, that I couldn’t play.
“Today I really wanted to step on the court and just think about tennis, try to play a high level... When I played the first match I felt like I did not entertain the people, I did not play good tennis.”
Alcaraz, who has won the Wimbledon and French Open titles this season, cruised to the first set in 38 minutes, breaking Rublev in game seven and quickly winning the next two to go one set ahead.
And although the Spaniard had a harder time of it in the second set he delighted the spectators with a series of spectacular shots which suggested he might be approaching his best form.
Alcaraz winning in straight sets means that Ruud will reach the semifinals if he beats two-time Finals champion Alexander Zverev in the day’s late match.
Rublev meanwhile drops to last place after losing his sixth straight Finals match, although he put up a battle and had two opportunities to win the second set.
The Russian will be cheering on Zverev later as he will be eliminated should Ruud win and secure passage to the knockout stage.
On Thursday world number one Jannik Sinner will reach the last four if he claims a single set against Daniil Medvedev, and will top the Ilie Nastase Group with a third straight win.

Topics: Carlos Alcaraz Andrey Rublev ATP World Tour

‘Like I never left this team,’ says Herve Renard ahead of first game back in charge of Saudi Arabia

Updated 13 November 2024

Paul Williams

November 13, 2024 17:06

‘Like I never left this team,’ says Herve Renard ahead of first game back in charge of Saudi Arabia

Herve Renard: ‘We are not in a very good position, but (also) not in a very bad situation as well. So we still have six games to look forward to qualify for the next World Cup, and this is our goal’
Green Falcons will have to confront the twin challenge of Australia and Indonesia without talisman Salem Al-Dawsari, who was ruled out with an injury suffered in Al-Hilal’s 3-1 win over Ettifaq

Updated 13 November 2024

Paul Williams

November 13, 2024 17:06

SYDNEY: For the first time in 18 months, Herve Renard strutted into a press conference wearing a tracksuit emblazoned with the distinctive logo of Saudi Arabia and all felt right with the world.

The revered Frenchman returns to Saudi Arabia following the dismissal of Roberto Mancini last month after the Green Falcons’ slow start to World Cup qualifying, with a 2-0 loss to Japan and 0-0 with Bahrain the final straw after a strained 14-month tenure for the decorated Italian manager.

In opting to return to Renard, who oversaw their transformation from a middling nation to one capable of beating Argentina on the biggest stage, Saudi Arabia are hoping the past 18 months can simply disappear as if they never existed and Renard can take over where he left off.

And while most in Saudi Arabia are delighted to see the 56-year-old return, the feeling is also mutual, with Renard telling reporters in Melbourne, where Saudi Arabia play a crunch qualifier against Australia on Thursday night, that he was overjoyed to be back.

“My comeback was a (special) sensation,” he said with a broad smile. “The feeling was like I never left this team. I knew three-quarter of these players. We had a fantastic World Cup qualifiers in 2022 and a very good World Cup as well.”

But while there was more than a whiff of nostalgia in the air as he spoke to the assembled media from both Australia and Saudi Arabia, he was also quick to point out that the past was the past and the mission now is to ensure qualification for 2026, which after four games is looking precarious, with just one win on the board.

The Green Falcons are third in Group C, equal on five points with Australia (second) and Bahrain (fourth), and face the tricky prospect of back-to-back away games against Australia on Thursday and then against Indonesia next Tuesday, who held Saudi Arabia to a 1-1 draw in their first encounter in Jeddah in September.

“We still have a very good memories together, but this is the past. Now we have to look forward for these qualifiers,” he said.

“We are not in a very good position, but (also) not in a very bad situation as well. So we still have six games to look forward to qualify for the next World Cup, and this is our goal.”

They will have to confront the twin challenge of Australia and Indonesia without talisman Salem Al-Dawsari, who was ruled out with an injury suffered in Al-Hilal’s 3-1 win over Ettifaq last weekend.

The timing of the injury to arguably their best and most important player could not have been worse given their struggles to find the back of the net this campaign, with just three goals in four matches — the equal worst record of any of the 18 sides left in this phase of qualifying.

One player who is likely to carry an additional attacking burden in Al-Dawsari’s absence is his former Al-Hilal teammate, Saleh Al-Shehri.

Now with Al-Ittihad, the 31-year-old arrives in camp on the back of impressive form in the Roshn Saudi League. Stepping up in the absence of captain and former Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, Al-Shehri has scored twice in as many games and was confident he and his teammates can cover the absence of the former AFC Player of the Year.

“As a Saudi team, we always have a lot of players that can fill any shoes,” he said.

“So, I think either me or my other colleagues, we’re going to do our best to win this game. On the personal side, I think I’m going to have a good game and hopefully I’m going to score for my team tomorrow.”

With a sold-out crowd expected at Melbourne’s 30,000-capacity AAMI Park, the stakes could not be higher for both teams.

With Japan five points clear on top, Saudi Arabia and Australia are jostling for that second automatic position to guarantee qualification for the tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico, and with both teams level on points, Thursday night’s match could be decisive in determining which nation ultimately progresses.

In football parlance, it is a classic “six-pointer,” a game that neither side can afford to lose.

“It’s a very important game,” Renard said, “but we don’t want to underrate Indonesia (and) Bahrain; (Bahrain) were able to win in Australia.

“We are always talking about Australia (or) Saudi Arabia, but I think it will be a big fight between three or four teams for the second position. So, of course, this game is very important.”

The jovial frivolities of the press conference quickly gave way to the hard reality of why Saudi Arabia were in the cold of southern Australia, with the team getting their first look at Melbourne’s AAMI Park under gray and gloomy skies.

Perhaps that was a portent of what was to come, with news emerging late on Wednesday evening that recalled veteran Salman Al-Faraj had been taken to a nearby hospital for scans after injuring his knee in what could be another blow for Renard after the forced withdrawal of Al-Dawsari.

Time will tell if he will be fit enough to play a part in Thursday’s must-win encounter, but with or without the veteran, you know that with Renard back on the touchline, this Saudi side will put up a fight.

Topics: Green Falcons Herve Renard World Cup 2026 Australia

South Africa football chief arrested on fraud, theft charges

Updated 13 November 2024

AFP

November 13, 2024 16:54

South Africa football chief arrested on fraud, theft charges

Jordaan, who led South Africa’s successful bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup, denied the charges in a Johannesburg court
He was accused of hiring a private security company for his own protection and a public relations company without authorization from the SAFA board

Updated 13 November 2024

AFP

November 13, 2024 16:54

JOHANNESBURG: South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan was arrested and charged Wednesday with using the group’s resources for his own purposes in a fraud and theft case amounting to 1.3 million rand ($72,000), police said.
Jordaan, who led South Africa’s successful bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup, denied the charges in a Johannesburg court.
“The allegations are that between 2014 and 2018, the president of SAFA used the organization’s resources for his personal gain,” a police statement said.
He was accused of hiring a private security company for his own protection and a public relations company without authorization from the SAFA board, the statement added.
Jordaan, 73, is reported to have hired the public relations firm after his reputation took a knock when a South African singer and former lawmaker alleged in 2017 that he had sexually assaulted her 25 years previously. He denied the allegations.
He was arrested “following an intensive investigation by the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation based in Johannesburg into allegations of R1.3 million fraud and theft,” police said.
Jordaan has been SAFA president since 2013 and was elected for a third time in 2022.
He was arrested with SAFA chief financial officer Gronie Hluyo and businessman Trevor Neethling, head of the communications company cited in the charges, who also denied the accusations.
The court released the three on bail.

Topics: South African Football Association Danny Jordaan fraud court FIFA World Cup

Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi reclaims number 1 spot in ODI bowler rankings

Updated 13 November 2024

Shahjahan Khurram

November 13, 2024 15:40

Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi reclaims number 1 spot in ODI bowler rankings

Shaheen Afridi took eight wickets in three matches against Australia at 12.62 average this month
Pacer Haris Rauf rises to career-best number 13 as ex-captain Babar Azam remains top ODI-ranked batter

Updated 13 November 2024

Shahjahan Khurram

November 13, 2024 15:40

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s left arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi reclaimed his number one spot in the ICC ODI Bowler Rankings, the cricket governing body announced on Wednesday, after a successful tour against world champions Australia this year.

Afridi regained his place as the top bowler in the 50-over cricket format after he took eight wickets across three matches against Australia in the ODI series that concluded last week. Afridi, who recorded an impressive average of 12.62 during the three matches, helped Pakistan secure a 2-1 series win against the 2023 world champions. This was Pakistan’s first series win against Australia since 2002.

The achievement helped Afridi move up three places and take the premier position from South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj, who was pushed down two spots to number three while Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan remains in second place.

“Pakistan have received a boost just months out from the start of next year’s ICC Champions Trophy with news that pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi has re-claimed the No.1 ranking on the latest ICC Men’s ODI Bowler Rankings,” the ICC said in a report.

Afridi has previously first held the number one bowler ranking midway through last year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India.

Meanwhile, fellow Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf improved 14 places to secure the number 13 spot, reaching a new career-high rating. Rauf was awarded Player of the Series against Australia after taking 10 wickets against the 2023 champions.

“Afridi’s rise to the top means Pakistan now have the top-ranked player in both batting and bowling in ODI cricket, with former skipper Babar Azam increasing his lead at the top of the batter charts following 80 runs against Australia when dismissed just once,” the ICC said.

Pakistan will play their first of three T20I matches against Australia in Brisbane on Thursday.

Topics: shaheen afridi Shaheen Shah Afridi Pakistan cricket team Pakistan cricket

Pakistan register first ODI away series win over Australia since 2002

Pakistan register first ODI away series win over Australia since 2002

Rizwan to lead Pakistan in first T20I against Australia today after ODI series win

Rizwan to lead Pakistan in first T20I against Australia today after ODI series win

Alcaraz beats Rublev to open ATP Finals account

Alcaraz beats Rublev to open ATP Finals account

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz headline ATP Finals with defending champion Novak Djokovic out

Alcaraz and Tsitsipas reach 3rd round at Paris Masters but Rublev loses temper and match

‘Like I never left this team,’ says Herve Renard ahead of first game back in charge of Saudi Arabia

‘Like I never left this team,’ says Herve Renard ahead of first game back in charge of Saudi Arabia

Renard return should bring joy to Saudi national team and fans

‘He’s back’: Herve Renard returns as Saudi Arabia national team head coach

South Africa football chief arrested on fraud, theft charges

South Africa football chief arrested on fraud, theft charges

Turkiye football club chief jailed over attack on ref

FA investigates Premier League referee Coote over video rant

Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi reclaims number 1 spot in ODI bowler rankings

Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi reclaims number 1 spot in ODI bowler rankings

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Pakistan register first ODI away series win over Australia since 2002

Pakistan register first ODI away series win over Australia since 2002

Rizwan to lead Pakistan in first T20I against Australia today after ODI series win

Alcaraz beats Rublev to open ATP Finals account

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‘Like I never left this team,’ says Herve Renard ahead of first game back in charge of Saudi Arabia

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