Saudi Arabia and UAE advance to quarterfinals, Palestine in semis of Baseball United Arab Classic

Saudi Arabia and UAE advance to quarterfinals, Palestine in semis of Baseball United Arab Classic
The playoffs and Championship game of the inaugural Baseball United Arab Classic will take place on Sunday. (Baseball United)
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Updated 10 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia and UAE advance to quarterfinals, Palestine in semis of Baseball United Arab Classic

Saudi Arabia and UAE advance to quarterfinals, Palestine in semis of Baseball United Arab Classic
  • Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia and India also advance to Sunday’s playoff round at Baseball United Ballpark

DUBAI: The playoff field for the inaugural Baseball United Arab Classic is officially set after a series of decisive matchups took place on Saturday, with Pakistan and Palestine earning top positions in their groups and automatic spots in the semifinals, while the UAE, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia and India secured their spots in the quarterfinals.

The playoffs and final will take place on Sunday.

“The semifinals and championship are shaping up to be absolute classics,” said Kash Shaikh, chairman, CEO and co-founder of Baseball United. “Pakistan and Palestine both look great, and the UAE and Sri Lanka both believe they can finish with a trophy. It’s going to be an amazing evening of baseball at Baseball United Ballpark.”

As the playoff picture takes shape, the matchups are set for an action-packed day of baseball, with teams vying for a spot in the championship and the opportunity to compete for national glory.

India (A3) will face Sri Lanka (B2), followed by Saudi Arabia (B3) taking on UAE (A2). The winners of these games will advance to play Pakistan (A1) and Palestine (B1) respectively. The day will culminate in the championship game at 8:00 p.m. local time, featuring the winners of the semifinal matchups.

Saturday game recaps:

Nepal vs. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka took charge in a commanding 10-0 win over Nepal, led by an explosive offensive display and strong pitching. Center fielder Sameera Rathnayake excelled, going 3-for-3 with a double, a triple, three runs scored, and two runs batted in. Third baseman Roshan Samaraweera added to the effort, going 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs. On the mound, right-hander Sugath De Silva delivered four scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and striking out two to help secure the victory.

UAE vs. Bangladesh

The UAE powered past Bangladesh in a 9-2 win, highlighted by standout performances at the plate and on the mound. Right fielder Lorenzo Riddle led the offense with a perfect 3-for-3 outing, launching two home runs and driving in four runs. Second baseman Alejandro Perez and shortstop Chris Beyers each contributed two hits and an RBI, adding to the UAE’s impressive lineup. Right-hander Claudio Gomez controlled the game on the mound, throwing five innings with no earned runs and five strikeouts. Bangladesh’s offense was limited to just four hits, with right-handed pitchers Tanmoy Das and Salam Chowdhury struggling to hold back the UAE’s momentum.

Pakistan vs. Afghanistan

Pakistan continued its undefeated streak with a commanding 17-3 victory over Afghanistan. Shortstop Zan Shariff led the charge, going 3-for-3 with two doubles and three RBIs, while left-fielder Amar Mahmood contributed a 3-for-4 performance, including a triple and three RBIs. Right-hander Syed Ali earned the win, pitching 1 ⅓ innings, allowing three runs, and striking out three. Afghanistan, still in search of its first win, struggled to contain Pakistan’s powerful offense as they fell to 0-4 in the tournament and were eliminated from the playoffs.

KSA vs. Palestine

Palestine extended its undefeated run with a decisive 12-2 victory over Saudi Arabia. Taking advantage of a struggling Saudi pitching staff that issued 14 walks, Palestine capitalized on every opportunity to secure the win and solidify their strong standing in the tournament. Saudi Arabia, unable to contain Palestine’s disciplined approach at the plate, now looks to regroup after the tough loss.

India vs. Bangladesh

India secured a dominant 9-1 victory over Bangladesh, advancing to the quarterfinals and eliminating their opponents from playoff contention. Left-fielder Siddarth Vaishnav led the charge, going 3-for-4 with three runs scored and two RBIs. First baseman Narender Kumar added to the offensive attack, finishing 2-for-2 with a double and three RBIs. On the mound, left-handed pitcher Ishan Thakur pitched two innings, allowing one run while striking out three, and handed it over to RHP Tushar Lalwani who closed out the game with two scoreless innings, striking out five batters to seal the win.


Saudi Arabia edged out by UAE in T20 World Cup qualifier

Saudi Arabia edged out by UAE in T20 World Cup qualifier
Updated 45 min 42 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia edged out by UAE in T20 World Cup qualifier

Saudi Arabia edged out by UAE in T20 World Cup qualifier
  • Saudi Arabia registered 145 runs at the expense of six wickets in reply to the UAE’s 162-5 in 20 overs
  • Partnership between Rahul Chopra and Asif Khan put the UAE on the front foot

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia lost their second match in a row as the UAE registered their second consecutive win in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier B in Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday.

The UAE beat Saudi Arabia by 17 runs to go top of the table. Saudi Arabia could only muster 145 runs at the expense of six wickets in reply to the UAE’s 162-5 in 20 overs.

The UAE’s decision to bat first at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium did not go their way at the start, as right arm seamer Ishtiaq Ahmad bowled a maiden over in the first over against Alishan Sharafu. Usman Najeeb continued the momentum in the second over, conceding just four runs. Sharafu fell to Ishtiaq in the fifth over for 19, and skipper Muhammad Waseem was out in the next over, leaving the UAE at 38-2.

It was the partnership between Rahul Chopra and Asif Khan that put the UAE on the front foot. Asif Khan scored 45 runs off 37 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes before being bowled by Usman Khalid in the 16th over.

Chopra, who was later announced the player of the match, took the score past 150 as he completed his half-century in 32 balls. In total, he faced 36 balls and hit six fours and two sixes in his innings of 58 runs. He was out caught on the last ball of the innings. Usman Khalid took two wickets, while Ishtiaq and Shahzaib took one each.

In reply, Faisal Khan started off well for the Kingdom, but he lasted only 17 balls. Faisal scored 27 runs as he sent one straight to skipper Waseem off 35-year-old debutant Simranjeet Kang, who got the prized wicket in only his second ball of his T20I career.

A centurion in the previous match, Abdul Waheed failed to continue the momentum as he struggled to get the runs going. Usman Khalid (four) and Abdul (six) were back in the hut by the eighth over, with the score at just 43. Skipper Waji Ul Hasan saved his wicket to let Manan Ali fire, but the required run rate kept going up. Waji was run out for 17 runs off 27 balls, with no boundaries. Manan’s counter-attacking play soon ended as Kang got another much-needed breakthrough for the UAE. Manan scored one four and three sixes in his 28-ball 33.

With 67 runs needed off 24 balls to win, the lower middle order had a go. Abdul Wahid hit 15 runs off 10 balls, Zain Ul Abidin remained not out on 19 off nine, while Usman Najeeb added 18 runs in 11 balls. All three hit a four and a six each. Teenager Dhruv Parashar shared two wickets with Kang for the UAE, while Mohammad Jawadullah took one wicket.

The result meant the UAE would overtake hosts Qatar in the table. Both teams have four points from two matches, but the UAE is ahead on net run rate. Qatar had earlier beaten Bhutan by six wickets. Thailand also overcame their loss the previous day by beating Cambodia by 16 runs.

Bahrain, who beat Saudi Arabia on the first day, has two points. Bhutan, Cambodia and Saudi Arabia are yet to open their accounts. Winless Saudi Arabia and Bhutan will face each other on Friday.

Hosts Qatar are joined by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Bhutan, Cambodia, Thailand and the UAE in the tournament. The top two teams from this qualifier will play in the regional final, which serves as a pathway for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to be held in 2026.

Malaysia and Kuwait have already booked their spots from the Asia Group A qualifier, while Samoa and Japan are representing the East Asia-Pacific region. Nepal, Oman and Papua New Guinea will also compete in the regional finals.


Professional Fighters League strikes deal to run events in Dubai

Professional Fighters League strikes deal to run events in Dubai
Updated 20 November 2024
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Professional Fighters League strikes deal to run events in Dubai

Professional Fighters League strikes deal to run events in Dubai
  • PFL struck a deal with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and the Dubai Sports Council to hold fights in United Arab Emirates

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: The Professional Fighters League, the only MMA promotion with a regular season and playoff format, is set to expand its global footprint and run events next year in Dubai.
The PFL also owns Bellator, which it bought in 2023, and will promote its fighters as well in the Champions Series World Title event scheduled for Jan. 25, 2025, at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai’s City Walk.
Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov will defend his title against Paul Hughes in the main event.
PFL struck a deal with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and the Dubai Sports Council to hold fights in United Arab Emirates. As part of the deal, PFL will look to sign Emirati fight prospects.
PFL’s purchase of MMA rival Bellator was aided in part by Saudi Arabia’s recent purchase into PFL. The purchase for a relatively modest $100 million by Saudi-backed SRJ Sports Investments ensured mixed-martial arts events would take place in that country.
The agreement allowed the PFL to encroach into the UFC’s Middle East territory. The UFC regularly holds events in Abu Dhabi.
On a larger scale, the investment into PFL fit into Saudi Arabia’s overall strategy of having a major presence in the sports world while putting forward the message it is a much more open society, particularly as it relates to women’s rights.
SRJ is under Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, a sovereign wealth fund fueled by the kingdom’s oil resources that’s made a series of moves into international sports at what appears to be Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s direction. Chief among them was creating the LIV Golf tour and enticing some of the world’s top players with signing bonuses that included some in six figures.


Pakistan’s white-ball coach urges new players to take ‘advantage’ of Zimbabwe series

Pakistan’s white-ball coach urges new players to take ‘advantage’ of Zimbabwe series
Updated 20 November 2024
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Pakistan’s white-ball coach urges new players to take ‘advantage’ of Zimbabwe series

Pakistan’s white-ball coach urges new players to take ‘advantage’ of Zimbabwe series
  • Pakistan will rest star cricketers Babar Azam, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi
  •  Pakistan will play three ODIs and three T20Is from Nov. 24 to Dec. 5 against Zimbabwe

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s new interim-white ball Head Coach Aqib Javed on Wednesday urged upcoming cricketers selected for the Zimbabwe series to take advantage of the matches and cement a place for themselves in the squad, as Pakistan rests key players for the series. 

Pakistani cricket stars Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam and Naseem Shah will be rested for the Zimbabwe ODI and T20I series while skipper Mohammad Rizwan will be rested for the T20I series against the African country.

Pakistan will play their first white-ball match against Zimbabwe on Nov. 24. The green shirts’ tour of Australia ended on a mixed note following the three-match T20I series 3-0 loss after they won the ODI series 2-1. The Zimbabwe series features three ODIs and three T20Is, which will serve as preparation for Pakistan ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tournament in February-March next year. 

“Similarly in Zimbabwe, both the teams that we have selected, the main players have been rested and a message has also been given to new players that if they’re getting an opportunity, they should take advantage of it,” Javed said, speaking to the media. 

“If we don’t open options the pool of choices and players will never increase.”

 

 

Pakistan ODI squad: Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (WK), Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shahnawaz Dahani and Tayyab Tahir

Pakistan T20I squad: Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (WK), Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair bin Yousuf, Qasim Akram, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan

Zimbabwe ODI squad: Craig Ervine (capt), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Joylord Gumbie, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams

Zimbabwe T20I squad: Sikandar Raza (capt), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava
 


Kingdom to host E1 Electric Boat World Championship for second time in January

Kingdom to host E1 Electric Boat World Championship for second time in January
Updated 20 November 2024
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Kingdom to host E1 Electric Boat World Championship for second time in January

Kingdom to host E1 Electric Boat World Championship for second time in January
  • Two-day event will be organized by the Saudi Water Sports and Diving Federation, under the supervision of the Sports Ministry
  • Eighteen male and female drivers, representing nine teams, will compete in the event

JEDDAH: Nine international teams will participate on Jan. 24 and 25 in the opening round of the E1 Electric Boat World Championship, which Jeddah Waterfront hosts for the second consecutive year.
The nine international teams featured in the championship are owned by prominent figures including Will Smith, Marc Anthony, Steve Aoki, Rafael Nadal, Sergio Perez, Tom Brady, Virat Kohli, Didier Drogba and Marcelo Claure, a media statement issued by the Saudi Ministry of Sports on Wednesday said.
The two-day event will be organized by the Saudi Water Sports and Diving Federation, under the supervision of the Sports Ministry, and in cooperation with the Union Internationale Motonautique.
Eighteen male and female drivers, representing the teams, will compete in the event, which travels to international locations throughout the year.
Last season’s races were held in locations including Venice, Monaco, Puerto Banus, Lake Como and Jeddah. The title was claimed by “Team Brady,” owned by American football star Tom Brady, after intense competition from “Westbrook Racing.”
Sam Coleman and Emma Kimilainen represented Team Brady, which secured their victory in the Jeddah round last season in February.
“Miami” finished second, and “Raf” took third place, amid strong competition and a lively audience enjoying the activities along the Red Sea coast.
The E1 Electric Boat World Championship is one of the most prominent events overseen by the Ministry of Sports.
It aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals, aiming to promote sustainability, clean energy and optimal investment across various sectors, including sports. Additionally, the championship contributes to accelerating the growth of maritime sports in the Kingdom.


Netflix showcases Ittihad and Ahli episodes of new docuseries at exclusive Jeddah screening

Netflix showcases Ittihad and Ahli episodes of new docuseries at exclusive Jeddah screening
Updated 20 November 2024
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Netflix showcases Ittihad and Ahli episodes of new docuseries at exclusive Jeddah screening

Netflix showcases Ittihad and Ahli episodes of new docuseries at exclusive Jeddah screening
  • Six-part “Saudi Pro League: Kickoff” will be available for streaming on the platform from Thursday
  • Al-Ittihad’s episode is titled, “The struggle to achieve glory,” while Al-Ahli’s is “Counterattack”

JEDDAH: Ahead of its official launch on Nov. 21, Netflix gave an exclusive first look at its new documentary series, “Saudi Pro League: Kickoff,” on Tuesday night with two viewing events in Jeddah that showcased episodes covering the city’s two giant clubs.
The screenings were attended by club officials, members of the media, sports bloggers and Al-Ahli’s German coach Matthias Jaissle.
Al-Ittihad’s episode is titled, “The struggle to achieve glory,” while Al-Ahli’s is “Counterattack.”
Two more exclusive screening events will take place in Riyadh on Wednesday to unveil episodes on Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr.
Attendees at the Muvi theater in Jeddah were treated to storylines on Karim Benzema’s experiences during his first season at Al-Ittihad, and Jaissle’s leadership at Al-Ahli as the club battled to gain qualification to the AFC Champions League on their return to the Saudi Pro League after relegation two season earlier.
As well as shining a spotlight on Jeddah’s big-name players, the episodes also showcased emerging local talents from the two clubs, such as Al-Ahli’s forward Feras Al-Buraikan, and the 16-year-old striker Talal Hajji of Al-Ittihad.
Jaissle said that he was impressed with the first look at “Saudi Pro League: Kickoff,” and described Al-Ahli’s episode in three words: “Overwhelmed, emotional and authentic as well.”
“I really enjoyed the special documentary on Al-Ahli, and it offers an exclusive look into the world of Saudi league, showcasing Al-Ahli dynamics and individual player journeys,” he said.
Adnan Jastania, a renowned Saudi football analyst who watched Al-Ittihad’s episode, said: “It really shows the drama, excitement and passion for football in Saudi Arabia. I enjoyed the intra-history of Al-Ittihad and the culture of the oldest sports in Saudi.”
Set to launch on Thursday, the docuseries will have six episodes in total and will focus on the battle for the 2023-24 SPL title with focus on then-reigning champions Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Ettifaq.