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Cooper Connolly struck a rapid-fire 47 off 27 balls to steer Australia to a four-wicket win over Bangladesh in the opening T20 international on Wednesday.Australia chased down 132 with 10 balls to spare, finishing on 133-6 in 18.2 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.Connolly anchored the chase after early setbacks, hitting four fours and three sixes before falling three runs short of a maiden half-century.Bangladesh made early inroads as Shoriful Islam dismissed Josh Inglis for five before Mustafizur Rahman removed Mitchell Marsh for 13, leaving Australia at 38-2 inside five overs.Connolly rebuilt the innings in a 40-run third-wicket stand with Tim David, who made 20 before falling to Mehidy Hasan.Connolly then pushed Australia towards the target before he was caught attempting a six off debutant Abdul Gaffar Saqlain.Australia stumbled again as Matt Renshaw and debutant Nikhil Chaudhary both fell for 18, with Saqlain and Rishad Hossain striking to keep Bangladesh in the contest.But debutant Joel Davies and Xavier Bartlett saw the visitors home in 18.2 overs, finishing unbeaten on seven and four respectively.Davies said Australia’s bowlers had adapted their plans to the venue’s dimensions.”Here in Bangladesh, the grounds are a fair bit smaller than in Australia, so if there were any parts of the ground that were slightly bigger, I had to use that to my advantage,” he said after the match.Saqlain returned 2-32, while Shoriful, Mustafizur, Mehidy and Rishad took one wicket each. AUSTRALIA’S SPINNERS DOMINATEEarlier, Australia’s spinners dominated as Bangladesh were bowled out for 131 after electing to bat.Adam Zampa (3-18) and Davies (3-17) led the attack, with Australia’s spinners taking nine wickets, the most by Australian spin bowlers in a T20I innings.Bangladesh lost momentum after a brisk powerplay, finishing with only 131 despite reaching 52 in six overs.Mehidy top-scored with an unbeaten 29, while stand-in captain Towhid Hridoy, captain in place of the injured Litton Das, made eight.Bangladesh pace bowling coach Talha Jubair said the hosts failed to build on a promising powerplay.”Our powerplay was excellent, we scored 52 in six overs, but from there we could not carry on,” he said.”We went too far for boundaries when we could have built a partnership. We lost three wickets between overs seven and 15, where we needed to build our innings,” he said. BRIEF SCORESAustralia 133 for 6 (Connolly 47, David 20, Saqlain 2-32) beat Bangladesh 131 (Mahedi 29*, Davies 3-17, Zampa 3-18) by four wickets Related Story Source link
The United States and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding to end the war between the two sides, which began on February 28.Sources from both sides confirmed that the US and Iran signed the MoU electronically on Wednesday, indicating that the agreement has already entered into force.In Tehran, the Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson stated that the meeting scheduled for Friday in Switzerland is not intended for signing the agreement, explaining that both sides agreed that the text of the agreement would be in electronic format.The signing of the MoU comes after months of confrontations and tensions between the US and Iran, in a move seen as paving the way for a new phase of de-escalation and containment of tensions in the region. Related Story Source link
Iraq midfielder Zidane Iqbal came off the bench in the 59th minute of his side’s group stage match against Norway in Boston, etching his name into…
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Qatar's constructive efforts and participation in facilitating the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran, which he said would enter into force immediately.Sharif confirmed in a statement that the presidents of the United States and Iran had signed the MoU, which was brokered by Pakistan. He noted that its implementation would begin with simultaneous steps, including Iran's immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, in exchange for the United States lifting its naval blockade directly.He added that US President Donald Trump had once again contributed to ending a conflict that could have had serious consequences for the region and beyond. He commended the efforts of the US negotiating team, including Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner.Sharif also praised the roles and contributions of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt in supporting efforts to end the conflict.The United States and Iran reached an MoU stipulating a cessation of military operations between the two sides and the commencement of negotiations to reach a final agreement addressing outstanding issues. Source link
Argentina’s forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring against Algeria in Kansas City. (AFP) With a dazzling hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 World Cup win over Algeria on Tuesday, the 38-year-old Lionel Messi vindicated coach Lionel Scaloni’s assertion on the eve of the match that he remains fundamental to the reigning champions.Exactly 20 years after netting his first World Cup goal, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner again shaped the narrative, moving level with Miroslav Klose’s 16 goals for a share of the all-time men’s scoring record at the tournament.On a night that also marked a record sixth World Cup appearance and his 200th international match, Messi drew roars from the crowd from early on, robbing Algeria of possession high up the pitch in the second minute.Beyond the hat-trick that would follow, that defensive effort and intensity offered a snapshot of what the forward could still offer his side at the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.”It’s an advantage to have Leo, because of how he manages the group and drives it forward,” said midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who set up Messi’s first goal in the 17th minute. “He doesn’t pay attention to individual records. He prioritises the team, and for us that’s incredible.”Messi’s performance also offered a reminder of his resilience, as he arrived at the tournament after recovering from a muscle strain, having been eased back into action earlier this month. Any concerns over his fitness were put to rest. Messi magic ‘hard to explain’, says Argentina bossScaloni’s Monday statement that Inter Miami’s Messi was now “even more” important to Argentina was emphatically validated with the veteran imposing his rhythm on the match despite being well beyond his prime European years.”About Leo, it’s quite hard to explain,” Scaloni said at his post-match press conference. “We are amazed with him still, although we get to see him on a daily basis and he’s been the best for 20 years, he still pulls it off every single match. You don’t have to be an Argentina fan to admire what he’s done at age 38.”Scaloni, who masterminded Argentina’s third World Cup triumph in Qatar in 2022, said Messi did not behave like a superstar in the team camp. “He’s playing with a group of friends, with people that are going to play with their heart for him,” said the Argentina boss.”Whenever they need to have a conversation with him they can just approach him and it’s really hard to explain whatever he conveys and I could stay here with you for over an hour trying to explain exactly what he does, but you need to be there to really understand. You need to understand the atmosphere, the ambience.”The fact that this is likely to be Messi’s final World Cup added extra significance for supporters. Thousands of Argentine fans at the Kansas City stadium repeatedly bowed in Messi’s direction, including when he was substituted for Nico Paz in the 80th minute, while others had gathered the day before in Mill Creek Park wearing shirts emblazoned with his nameIn a venue where Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has so often commanded the spotlight, it was time for some Messi magic.Mahomes was present in the crowd on Tuesday, with the NFL star sharing a goat emoji and video of the Argentine on social media, sports shorthand for “the greatest of all time.” Related Story Source link
England’s Sonny Baker celebrates after taking the wicket of New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra caught out by England’s Jacob Bethell during on day one of the second…
Qatar face a stern test against co-hosts Canada in their Group B World Cup clash in Vancouver on Thursday (Friday 1am Qatar time), but the two-time Asian champions are well prepared and determined to build on their opening result.Both teams opened their campaigns with draws. Julen Lopetegui’s side showed character in their 1-1 draw with Switzerland, staying in the contest under pressure before forcing a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser through Miro Muheim’s own goal. Canada were held 1-1 by Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto and will again enjoy strong home support.Qatar arrived at this tournament seeking to improve on their only previous World Cup appearance, when they hosted the 2022 edition and exited bottom of their group without a point. They have already bettered that return. Group B is finely balanced, with all teams on a point after their respective openers. Victory in Vancouver would send Qatar to the top of the standings and place them in a strong position to reach the knockout stage, while anything less would leave their hopes resting on the final group match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 24 in Seattle.’We are preparing very well for the Canada match,’ midfielder Karim Boudiaf said ahead of the game.’We fully understand the importance of this match for us and know it will be an important stage in our tournament journey. We know very well that the match will not be easy at all. The Canada team has quality players and will be playing on their home soil and in front of their fans, which gives them extra motivation. But we also have great ambition and determination to deliver our best and achieve a positive result.”Qatar know they will have to absorb pressure against a Canada side playing on home soil, but their disciplined performance against Switzerland offers encouragement.’We will enter the match with high focus and high morale. The players have a great desire to continue working with the same seriousness and discipline, and our goal is clear: to return with a positive result that gives us confidence for the remainder of the tournament,’ the 35-year-old Boudiaf, who plays for Al Duhail in the Qatar Stars League, said.With a squad drawn largely from their domestic league, Qatar have developed a cohesive unit that has proved formidable in Asia. Compact defending, quick transitions and moments of inspiration from Akram Afif and Almoez Ali are again expected to be central to their approach. They may not dominate possession, but they have shown they can stay organised and find a way back into matches.Qatar's all-time leading scorer Almoez Ali, who did not feature against Switzerland, expects another stern examination against Canada.’Canada are a very strong team with outstanding players. They will also be playing in front of their own fans, which gives them an advantage. We have studied them closely, understand their strengths, and the coaching staff are preparing us accordingly,” he said.Canada, meanwhile, will be under pressure to make home advantage count after needing Cyle Larin’s late equaliser to avoid defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The hosts have pace and physicality but Qatar will look to frustrate them by slowing the tempo and punishing any spaces left behind.Canada captain Davies unlikely for Qatar matchFor Canada, anything less than a win may feel like a missed opportunity. The status of their captain Alphonso Davies remains shrouded in secrecy, with the team remaining tight-lipped about his recovery from a hamstring injury.Davies took the field with his teammates in Tuesday’s training at the National Soccer Development Centre and took a full part in the 15 minutes of the workout that were open to media, but team officials kept their cards close to their chest about his fitness.After being told on Monday that Davies was in a return-to-play protocol, reporters gathered pitch-side were informed that defender Alfie Jones would not take part in training due to ‘personal recovery’ with no further information offered on Davies, and none forthcoming when journalists asked.Davies became Canada's youngest senior men's international when he made his debut aged 16 against Curacao in June 2017, and since then he has scored 15 goals in 58 games for Canada, including the country's first goal at a World Cup during the 2022 tournament in Qatar.However, he has not played for the national team since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament during the CONCACAF Nations League Finals in March 2025, and he has been hampered by recurring hamstring problems since his return.’Mentally, it was very draining, suffering these injuries,’ Davies said last week. ‘I was going into a hole where I was doubting myself, but I had that time off (during the injuries) and I thought about why I'm doing this, and how important this is to me.’Key statsCanada have won their last four matches played in Vancouver, scoring 17 goals and conceding only two. The last team to beat them in the British Columbia city were Mexico in a March 2016 World Cup qualifier (3-0). Qatar ranked bottom of sides in Group B for shots (6), average possession (32%), forward passes (118), touches in the opposition box (8) and successful final-third passes (24) on the opening round of matches. Qatar had 32% possession, eight touches in the opposition box to Switzerland’s 42, and allowed 3.2 expected goals. And yet they managed to escape with a draw thanks to an own goal from Miro Muheim in the fourth minute of added time. This will be Canada and Qatar’s first meeting at a World Cup. Their only previous encounter ever came in a September 2022 friendly in Vienna – Canada won 2-0 through goals from Larin and Jonathan David. Source link
India’s Shafali Verma plays a shot during the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 game against The Netherlands, at Headingley in Leeds, northern England, on June 17,…
beIN Media Group (“beIN”), the global sports, entertainment and media group, today announced the renewal of its long-standing partnership with The All England Lawn Tennis Club, securing its exclusive broadcast rights to The Championships, Wimbledon across 24 territories in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for an additional five years through 2030. beIN SPORTS, the Group’s flagship sports network, will provide comprehensive live and exclusive coverage of The Championships in MENA. Fans can also stream every match live or on demand via the Group’s OTT platforms, TOD by beIN and beIN Connect, allowing them to watch whenever and wherever they choose. The new agreement further strengthens beIN SPORTS’ premium global tennis portfolio, with exclusive rights to all four Grand Slam tournaments in MENA, while also serving as the exclusive broadcaster of Wimbledon in France. Mohammed al-Derham, Director of Media Rights at beIN MENA said: “Wimbledon is one of the most recognisable sporting events in the world and we are delighted to continue working closely with the All England Club, one of our most valued long-term partners, to bring this prestigious and much-loved tournament to fans across MENA. The agreement further strengthens beIN’s premium global sports offering and underlines our commitment to delivering world-class coverage to audiences across our territories.” Paul Davies, Associate Director, Broadcast, Production and Media Rights at the All England Club, said: “We are delighted to strengthen our long-standing relationship with beIN media group, which today stands among the All England Club’s most significant broadcast partners worldwide. Through its continued coverage of The Championships across key markets, including France and the Middle East and North Africa, beIN has established a strong track record of delivering high-quality coverage and connecting Wimbledon with audiences across multiple territories. Its extensive multi-platform distribution across broadcast and streaming services ensures fans can follow Wimbledon wherever and however they choose. “We look forward to building on our successful collaboration with beIN as we continue to grow the reach and appeal of The Championships and deliver the unique experience of Wimbledon to audiences across the region for years to come.” beIN SPORTS coverage of The Championships, Wimbledon 2026, will feature live match broadcasts, expert analysis, daily highlights, and on-site reporting from London. To ensure comprehensive coverage of the tournament, beIN SPORTS will dedicate five channels exclusively to Wimbledon, with commentary available in Arabic, English, and French. beIN SPORTS 6, beIN SPORTS 7, beIN SPORTS 9, beIN SPORTS ENGLISH 1, and beIN SPORTS FRANCE 1 will bring viewers every game, set, and match live throughout The Championships. Coverage begins with the Qualifying Competition from 22–25 June 2026 at the Wimbledon Qualifying and Community Sports Centre, Roehampton, with matches expected to start at 13:00 MECCA (10:00 GMT). During the main tournament, beIN SPORTS will offer extensive coverage across multiple feeds, including the Wimbledon World Feed, Centre Court, No.1 Court, No.2 Court, and three additional show courts available daily on TOD by beIN, providing fans with access to the tournament’s biggest matches and key moments from across the grounds. Studio programming will focus on the latter stages of The Championships, including ladies’ singles semi-finals, gentlemen’s singles semi-finals, ladies’ singles final, and gentlemen’s singles final, with live build-up, expert analysis, and post-match reaction. The coverage team includes MENA tennis experts Karim Alami, Adel al-Shatti, Selima Sfar, Fahad al-Saad, and Anass Lamrani, with beIN’s presenter Areej Sleem hosting studio coverage. beIN’s reporters in London will also provide live updates, interviews, and on-site insights throughout the event. The Championships will be available to beIN subscribers across the following 24 MENA territories: Algeria, Bahrain, Chad, Djibouti, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen. Related Story Source link
Captain Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan led the way with centuries as they set up India’s massive 170-run victory over Afghanistan on Wednesday, sealing the three-match one-day international (ODI) series with two straight wins.Gill and Kishan added 224 runs for the third wicket as India scored 402 after being put in to bat first in Lucknow. Afghanistan could only reach 232-9 in reply, with Darwish Rasooli retiring hurt.After Yashasvi Jaiswal (4) fell early and Rohit Sharma (48) was bowled by Rashid Khan (3-48), Gill and Kishan kept the runs flowing, punishing the Afghan bowlers through the middle overs.When India neared the 200-run mark, the two batters upped the tempo, scoring 121 runs in nine overs to get India to 307-2 after 36 overs. Gill and Kishan both completed their centuries with boundaries in the 33rd over, while collecting 21 runs from Bilal Sami.But spinner Nangeyalia Kharote (4-76) limited the damage, getting both of them out. Kishan, who scored his first ODI century since 2022, hit seven sixes and 14 boundaries en route to an explosive 125 off 79 balls before getting caught trying to pull Kharote for six.Gill was more measured, hitting only two sixes and 22 fours as he scored 154 off 110 balls, his ninth ODI hundred. But his tactful attempt to reverse sweep Kharote backfired, and the mis-timed shot got caught at deep point.Kharote dismissed KL Rahul for a golden duck in the very next ball, leaving India at 360-5 in the 43rd over. India lost the rest of their batters within 42 runs, and were bowled out with one ball to spare.SHAH’S LONELY BATTLE FALLS SHORTAfghanistan were up against the odds chasing a target of 403, and their chances looked thinner after Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who had scored a 48-ball century in the previous match, got dismissed at 41 by Gurnoor Brar (3-60).Sediqullah Atal (42) failed to get the visitors back on track. Darwish Rasooli had to retire hurt with a right hamstring injury soon after, and Brar bowled captain Hashmatullah Shahidi two balls later.By the time Arshdeep Singh (3-45) dismissed Rashid Khan and Allah Ghazanfar in two successive deliveries in different overs, it was all but over with Afghanistan at 190-7.”I did not realise I was on a hat-trick… now I have a regret,” said Singh in a post-match interview.But Rahmat Shah’s lonely resistance, with a defiant 79 off 89 balls, helped the visitors get to 232 before the fall of their ninth wicket ended the match in the 45th over. BRIEF SCORES India 402 (Gill 154, Kishan 125, Kharote 4-76, Rashid 3-48) beat Afghanistan 232 (Rahmat 79, Gurbaz 41, Arshdeep 3-45, Gurnoor 3-60) by 170 runs Related Story Source link