Dubai (Sports News): Another fiery half-century from Pathum Nissanka scripted the Gulf Giants four-wicket victory over the Dubai Capitals at the DP World ILT20 Season 4. Nissanka (67 off 31) joined James Vince (50* off 45) in a match-winning partnership of 97 runs in 60 balls to chase down the target of 161 for a second consecutive win. Nissanka thumped six four and five sixes as the Gulf Giants moved to the top of the points table.Earlier, Azmatullah Omarzai led the charge with the ball, returning figures of 3/46 to restrict the Capitals to a competitive total. While several Capitals batters got starts, it was skipper Dasun Shanaka (23* off 9) lifted the tempo at the death with a late flurry.Despite losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz (9 off 6) early, the Giants’ reply gathered momentum quickly. Nissanka took aim at James Neesham in the fourth over, hammering three sixes and a boundary as the Giants motored to 60/1 at the end of the powerplay.While Vince played the quieter knock, Nissanka raced to a 23-ball half-century with five fours and four sixes.The momentum halted briefly when the Giants lost two wickets in consecutive overs. Mustafizur Rahman picked up his second wicket of the night, to account for Nissanka in the 12th over. Shanaka scalped Moeen Ali soon after leaving the Giants at 112/3.Omarzai (14 off 12) and Tom Moores (13 off 8) made handy contributions as Vince completed a 45-ball half-century and took the Giants home in 18.5 overs.In the first innings, Azmatullah Omarzai struck early to remove Shayan Jahangir (12 off 11) in the second over but Opener Sediqullah Atal (35 off 25) and David Willey (29 off 28) put on a crucial stand of 61 runs for the second wicket. Sediqullah’s innings saw two fours and two sixes until he was removed by Moeen Ali in the 10th over to leave the Capitals at 75/2.Willey and Gulbadin Naib (10 off 15) went in quick succession, with Liam Dawson dismissing Willey and Aayan Afzal Khan scalping Naib in the 14th over. The Capitals innings had faltered between the 10th and 14th over, only managing 18 runs during the phase.Jordan Cox (31 off 17) and James Neesham (16* off 13) energised the innings with a rapid partnership of 41 runs in 22 balls.Cox was looking dangerous with two fours and two sixes under his belt, but Omarzai returned to pick up the wickets of Cox and Rovman Powell (0 off 2) in the 18th over. Omarzai finished as the leading wicket taker with figures of 3/46, also leading the race for the White Belt (Best bowler/most wickets). Skipper Dasun Shanaka (23* off 9) finished the innings with two consecutive sixes in a 19-run over.Gulf Giants captain, Moeen Ali said:“The fact that we got the points, and we feel we can play better is a good thing. We squeezed them with the ball in the middle overs. Nissanka is a brilliant player and one of the top players in every format. Vince is also a quality player. He just did the job and played the situation well.”Reflecting on the loss, captain of the Dubai Capitals, Dasun Shanaka said:“Nissanka’s in the form of his life. He's amazing because he is so small, and yet he hits the ball so far. He's going to give trouble to a lot of teams in this tournament. We could have shown a little more intent with the bat in that middle period. We didn't try to find the gaps; rather than waiting to hit the long ball, we needed to rotate the strike. Rovman Powell and I probably could have gone a bit earlier, and we might get this right in the next game."

Lahore (Sports News): Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation (PAKMMAF) is set to compete at the IMMAF Asian Championships in Lebanon, where nearly 400 athletes from 18 countries will participate in one of the continent’s foremost combat-sports tournaments. Pakistan will be represented by two world medalists — Shahab Ali and Abdul Manan — both of whom secured podium finishes at the 2025 IMMAF World Championship in Georgia, the largest MMA event in the world.The delegation will also include the team manager and PAKMMAF President Omar Ahmed, who serves on the Executive Board of the IMMAF Asian Federation. Pakistan currently holds the No. 3 ranking in Asia, a notable achievement given the region’s dominance in global mixed martial arts.In a transformational move for Pakistan’s MMA future, PAKMMAF recently signed a three-year strategic partnership with BRAVE Combat Federation, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The agreement will bring international BRAVE CF events to Pakistan and provide Pakistani fighters direct access to one of the world’s most powerful MMA platforms. The venture represents a major step in sports diplomacy and positions MMA to develop domestic commercial value similar to the success of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).PAKMMAF President Omar Ahmed highlighted the broader opportunity MMA presents to young athletes: "Mixed martial arts offers Pakistani athletes a direct pathway to international careers. What we have achieved with extremely limited resources proves the enormous untapped potential of this sport.”

Lahore (Sports News): A significant milestone in the development of tennis in Pakistan was achieved with the inauguration of the Long Beach Tennis Center USA at the Central Park Sports Complex under the Central Park Housing Scheme, during a grand opening ceremony held on Saturday.The event was organised by Urban Developers Group and showcased an international-standard sports initiative featuring multiple sporting facilities including tennis, cricket, padel courts, football, and badminton.The ceremony was graced by the chief guest, Mian Tahir Javed, Chairman of Urban Developers Group. Distinguished guests included Punjab Secretary Sports Mudassar Riaz Malik, guest of honor Sid Siddiqui, chairman and owner of the Long Beach Tennis Center USA, as well as special guests from the United States including Amir Rausal and Safder Qureshi. Renowned international cricket umpire Aleem Dar and several American coaches were also in attendance.The newly launched academy will operate under the supervision of foreign-qualified coaches from the United States, who will provide modern training techniques, fitness programs, and professional mentorship to young Pakistani players. Open trials will soon be conducted to identify skilled and promising athletes from across Punjab and beyond.

Islamabad (Sports News): Left handed batter and right arm bowler Saim Ayub has reclaimed the number one all-rounder position in the latest ICC T20 Ranking. He reached career-best rating points of 295 as he moved past Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza after taking a wicket for 17 in his four overs before striking 36 for Pakistan in the final of the Tri-Series against Sri Lanka.Ayub’s movements also include a 12-slot leap to 39th in the bowlers’ list and a move by two places to 35th in the batters’ list.The biggest move in T20Is this week came from Sri Lanka’s Kamil Mishara who rocketed up 91 slots to 18th place in the batters’ list thanks to successive innings of 76 and 59 against Pakistan propelled him into the world’s top 20 batters for the first time.Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis is two slots behind him in 20th place from 22nd last week. Bangladesh’s Parvez Hossain made a big move this week, advancing 21 places to 38th in their 2-1 home series win against Ireland thanks to scores of 43 and 33 not out in the last two matches.Ayub’s teammate Abrar Ahmed’s successful Tri-Series enabled him to continue his march up the bowling table, he now lies fourth, just eight points behind Jacob Duffy in second place.Also enjoying rewards this week is Mohammad Nawaz – Player of the Series in the Tri-Series – who is at a career-best 11th.India super star, Virat Kohli’s 83rd international century came against South Africa in the first ODI of their three-match series in Ranchi. His glorious 135 from 120 deliveries, moved him one place to fourth in the ODI batters’ list, with his 751 rating points just 32 behind teammate Rohit Sharma at the top of the list.India’s stand-in captain, KL Rahul moved two slots to joint 14th after his 56-ball 60 in their 17-run triumph over the visitors.Matthew Breetzke is in joint-30th position thanks to his innings of 72 and boasts 614 runs in his first ten ODIs, the second-highest tally in history, and only behind his countryman Janneman Malan, who made 645.This week’s update also includes movements in the Men’s Test Player Rankings following South Africa’s historic two-nil ICC World Test Championship series win in India. Their massive, 408-run victory in Guwahati saw rewards for some of their standout players.Marco Jansen climbed four slots to a career-best second place in the all-rounders’ list. He rose five places to fifth among the bowlers and leaped 21 slots to 75th in the batting rankings thanks to his 93-run knock in the first innings.Senuran Muthusamy’s maiden Test century helped him climb 28 places to 63rd, while his teammates Kyle Verreynne (up three slots to 38th), Ryan Rickelton (up five to 39th), Tony de Zorzi (up five slots to 45th) and Tristan Stubbs (up 16 slots to 47th) also made progress up the charts.Simon Harmer – having started the series in 45th place, now finds himself just outside the world’s top ten bowlers, as his nine-wicket match haul moved him up 13 places in the week to 11th place.Ravindra Jadeja reached career-best batting points tally of 653 and highest position of 23rd after his second-innings half-century.

Cox’s Bazar (Sports News): Pakistan Women U19 registered a thrilling 13-run win over Bangladesh Women U19 in the first T20 at the Cox’s Bazar Academy Ground on Wednesday. The second T20 of the five-match series will be played at the same venue on Friday, 5 December.After opting to bat first, Pakistan posted 88 all out in 19.4 overs, a total built largely around captain Eman Naseer’s composed 30 off 41 balls. Her 66-minute knock, marked by patience and control on a challenging surface, held the innings together as wickets fell at regular intervals.Areesha Ansari provided valuable support with 22 off 23 balls, including a four and a six.Bangladesh bowler Jarin Tasnem Labonno claimed four wickets for 14 runs, with Habiba Islam Pinky picking up two wickets.Chasing 89, Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals. Captain Aritry Nirjona Mondol top-scored with 20, but lacked substantial support from her partners. Pakistan’s bowlers led by Shehr Bano with figures of 3-27, struck at crucial moments to prevent the hosts from building partnerships. Rozina Akram and Memoona Khalid bagged two wickets each, while sharp fielding contributed two vital run outs.Bangladesh were bowled out for 75 in 19.5 overs, handing Pakistan a 13-run victory as they held their nerve in the final overs.Scores in brief:Pakistan 88 all out, 19.4 overs (Eman Naseer 30, Areesha Ansari 22; Jarin Tasnem Labonno 4-14, Habiba Islam Pinky 2-22)Bangladesh 75 all out, 19.5 overs (Aritry Nairjona Mondol 20; Shehr Bano 3-27, Rozina Akram 2-5, Memoona Khalid 2-13)Player of the match – Eman Naseer (Pakistan)

Karachi (Sports News): The draws have been released for the fourth Gold event of the 25/26 PSA Squash Tour season with former World Champion Karim Abdel Gawad and current World Junior Champion Amina Orfi topping the draws.The event will take place between 6-11 January 2026, the first World Events competition of the new year. The event will take place at the DA Creek Club in Karachi, the same venue that hosted the World U23 Championships in April 2025.Men’s top seed Karim Abdel Gawad is no stranger to victory on Pakistan soil, he claimed the Karachi Open title back in 2022 and Pakistan Open in 2018. He currently holds an eight-match win streak in Karachi and will be hoping to claim a third title in the city to start the new year in strong style. He’ll take on either Ryunosuke Tsukue or Curtis Malik in round two and features in the same quarter as No.8 seed Eain Yow Ng.Former World No.3 Marwan ElShorbagy is the No.2 seed for the event as he looks to claim his third PSA title of the season. ElShorbagy’s only visit to Pakistan on the PSA Tour came in 2017 where he claimed the Pakistan Open, dropping only one game on his way to lifting the trophy. ElShorbagy will take on either Fares Dessouky or Muhammad Ashab Irfan in round two before a potential quarter final clash with Aly Abou Eleinen. Egypt’s Youssef Ibrahim recently reached his highest career ranking of World No.7 after positive results at the U.S Open and China Open. The Egyptian has been finding a consistency to his game of late that has meant for a surge in Ibrahim’s form. His recent 3-0 victory over Paul Coll marks one of the wins of his career as he targets more success this season. He sits in the same half as top seed Gawad. Former World Champion and World No.1 Mohamed Elshorbagy completes the top four seeds in the men’s event, set to compete in his third event in Pakistan. The England No.1 has had a tough start to the 25/26 season but will be determined to start 2026 on the front foot as he targets more PSA records. He is in the bottom half with brother Marwan but will need to navigate his way past a potential clash with No.5 seed Youssef Soliman. Current World No.3 and World Junior Champion Amina Orfi heads the draw for the women’s event as she looks to claim her third Gold event victory of the season. Orfi’s form has been superb so far this season, failing to reach the final only once in her six events. She’ll be looking to add another title to her resume in Karachi and chase down El Hammamy and Gohar in the world rankings. Malaysia’s Sivasangari Subramaniam is the No.2 seed for the women’s event. The current World No.6 has tasted Gold event success in the past, winning the London Classic in 2024. Since then, Subramaniam has reached one Gold final and will see the Karachi Open as a big opportunity to reach a title decider. She’s in the same half as No.3 seed Fayrouz Aboelkheir but will need to come through a potential quarter final with the returning Rowan Elaraby and a round two clash with either Shahin or Garas first.As mentioned, Fayrouz Aboelkheir is the third seed for the event. The Egyptian has shown glimpses of how dangerous she can be, most notably reaching the CIB Egyptian Open semi-finals after beating 8x World Champion Nour ElSherbini. She’s also claimed a title this season at the Open Squash Classic Bronze event. The teenager is still yet to break the top 10 in her career but given the performances that she’s produced, that seems only a matter of time. Three Egyptians fill the No.4, 5, 6 and 7 spots as Salma Hany, Nada Abbas, Rowan Elaraby and Farida Mohamed will all look to cause upsets in the latest Gold event. Elaraby’s entry is of particular significance as this will mark her first event since suffering an injury at the 2025 World Championships. The Egyptian was forced to retire in her last 16 clash with Georgina Kennedy and hasn’t featured on tour since. She’s set to return to action in January whilst Malaysia’s Aira Azman sits at her highest seeding in a Gold event as No.8 seed. Local interest in the event is headed by Men’s World U23 Champion Noor Zaman, he’s joined by Mohammad Ashab Irfan, Tayyab Aslam and Nasir Iqbal whilst Sana Bahadar and Mariam Malik feature in the women’s event.Men’s draw[1] Karim Gawad (EGY) ByeRyunosuke Tsukue (JPN) vs Curtis Malik (ENG)Iker Pajares (ESP) vs [WC] Tayyab Aslam (PAK)[8] Eain Yow Ng (MAS) Bye[6[ Mohamad Zakaria (EGY) Bye[WC] Nasir Iqbal (PAK) vs Moustafa Elsirty (EGY)Alex Lau (HKG) vs Sanjay Jeeva (MAS)[3] Youssef Ibrahim (EGY) Bye[4] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) ByeMatias Knudsen (COL) vs Karim El Hammamy (EGY)Noor Zaman (PAK) vs Melvil Scianimanico (FRA)[5] Youssef Soliman (EGY) Bye[7] Aly Abou Eleinen (EGY) ByeHenry Leung (HKG) vs Yahya Elnawasany (EGY)Fares Dessouky (EGY) vs Muhammad Ashab Irfan (PAK)[2] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG) ByeWomen’s draw[1] Amina Orfi (EGY) ByeHaya Ali (EGY) vs Nour Heikal (EGY)Nour Aboulmakarim (EGY) vs Marie Stephan (FRA)[8] Aira Azman (MAS) Bye[7] Farida Mohamed (EGY) ByeAmina El Rihany (EGY) vs Aifa Azman (MAS)Mariam Metwally (EGY) vs [WC] Sana Bahadar (PAK)[4] Salma Hany (EGY) Bye[3] Fayrouz Aboelkheir Bye[WC] Mariam Malik (PAK) vs Sin Yuk Chan (HKG)Lucy Turmel (ENG) vs Tsz-Wing Tong (HKG)[5] Nada Abbas (EGY) Bye[6] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) ByeMenna Hamed (EGY) vs Torrie Malik (ENG)Nadine Shahin (EGY) vs Nardine Garas (EGY)[2] Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS) Bye

Cox’s Bazar (Sports News): Pakistan’s Eman Naseer and Bangladesh’s Sadia Islam will lead their respective U19 teams in the five-match T20 series from Wednesday as they look to kick-start the preparations for the ICC Women’s U19 World Cup 2027 to be held in Nepal and Bangladesh. The series is set to be played on 3, 5, 7, 10 and 12 December at the Cox’s Bazar Academy Ground in Bangladesh. All the five matches are set to begin at 12.30pm PKT with the toss taking place at 12pm. The action will be streamed live on BCB YouTube channel. Pakistan Women’s U19 arrived in Bangladesh in the wee hours of Sunday before taking part in two training sessions at the venue. The team underwent a two-week intensive pre-series training camp at Karachi’s Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre.Skipper Eman, Raahima Syed, Aqsa Habib, Ayesha Riaz and Barirah Saif will be making their Women’s U19 debuts, while the other players in the squad have represented the team previously as well. Speaking exclusively on the eve of the series, Pakistan captain Eman said, “Our squad is quite balanced with good combination of pacers and spinners who bring variety to it. The batters have looked in good rhythm throughout the training sessions and we looking forward to the series.”On being appointed leader of the side Eman expressed that she relishes the challenge of captaincy and, “I like to lead from front. The team management and the players have been really supportive, which has made my job relatively easy but I’m excited to do it at international level and see how it goes.” Pakistan 15-member squad: Eman Naseer (captain), Aleesa Mukhtiar, Aqsa Habib, Areesha Ansari, Ayesha Riaz, Barirah Saif, Fizza Fiaz, Komal Khan (wicket-keeper), Mahnoor Zeb, Memoona Khalid, Raahima Syed, Ravail Farhan, Rozina Akram, Shahar Bano and Zoofishan AyyazBangladesh 15-member squad: Sadia Islam (captain), Achena Jannat Emanta (wicket-keeper), Aritry Mondol Nirjona, Boby Khatun, Farjana Easmin, Habiba Islam Pinky, Jarin Tasnem Labonno, Kumari Sraboni Rani Shil, Lamiya Mreda, Mymuna Naher Shornamoni, Otoshi Mojumder, Rumana Ahmed, Sadia Akter, Sadiya Nusrat and Sumaiya Akhter Suborna (wicket-keeper)Pakistan v Bangladesh Women’s U19 T20 series: (All matches at Cox’s Bazar Academy Ground, Bangladesh)1st T20 – 3 December2nd T20 – 5 December3rd T20 – 7 December4th T20 – 10 December5th T20 – 12 December 

Philadelphia, USA (Sports News) The first Jahangir Khan PSA Satellite Squash Series, organized by One World Squash and in collaboration with K2 Squash, has concluded.According to tournament director Naveed Alam, nineteen players from around the world participated in the three-day competition. Two players from Canada, five from Egypt, one from Hong Kong, one from South Africa, three from Pakistan and seven from the host United States participated.The four top seeds of the event, Egypt's Salahuddin Al-Turgoman, second seed Ali Ezzat, third seed Lohan Greenwald of South Africa and fourth seed Nicholas Serena, made it to the semifinals. In the semifinals, Salahuddin defeated Nicholas and Lohan defeated Ali Ezzat.In the final that lasted for fifty-one minutes, Egypt's Salahuddin Al-Turgman defeated South Africa's Luhan Greenwald by three games to one. At the closing ceremony, special guests Jason Low, member of One World Squash, and Karamat ullah Khan, CEO of K2 Squash, distributed prizes among the players.

Karachi (Sports News): In a thrilling final of the IMC Over-40s T20 World Cup 2025 at the National Bank Stadium, Australia defeated Pakistan by 7 wickets to claim the title. Despite a decent all-round performance by Fawad Alam, his efforts were insufficient to steer Pakistan to victory. After winning the toss, the unbeaten Pakistani side elected to bat first. Humayun Farhat and Abdul Razzaq opened the innings. Pakistan posted a total of 150 for 9 in their 20 overs. Fawad Alam and Nadeem Javed made contributions of 24 runs each. On the bowling front, Australian fast bowler Mark Cleary was the pick, claiming five wickets while conceding just 22 runs.In response, Australia chased down the target in the 19th over with only three wickets down. Steve Nottle produced a fine 47 off 40 balls to steer his side home. Among other notable performers, Steven Paulsen scored a composed 42, while Nasir Jalil remained unbeaten at 25. From the Pakistani camp, Fawad Alam also chipped in with the ball, taking 2 wickets for 16 runs. Mark Cleary was declared Player of the Match.Humayun Farhat ended as the leading run-scorer, hit the most sixes and was deservedly named Best Batsman of the Tournament. Mark Cleary (Australia) ended as the most successful bowler of the tournament with 19 wickets in 7 innings. Additional honours: Antonnel Atwell (West Indies) was named Player of the Tournament, Khalid Qureshi (Hong Kong) was awarded Best Wicket-keeper and Harshad Ghodke (Rest of the World) was declared Best Fielder.At the conclusion of the final, trophies and awards were presented by International Masters Cricket Chairman, Stirling Hamman and Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association Chairman, Fawad Ijaz Khan. The ceremony was attended by other PVCA Officials and dignitaries.

Abdul Jabbar FaisalRawalpindi: Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 6 wicket in the final of the Tri-nation T20I series as they chased the 115-run target with eight balls to spare here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday night.Apart from the last league game, Pakistan bagged four wins in the series and took their total wins in T20Is to 21 in the ongoing year – the most triumphs recorded by Pakistan in a year since playing its first game in August 2006.Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan (23, 22b, 2x4s, 1x6) provided Pakistan a steady start with a 46-run opening stand before Eshan Malinga drew first blood for Sri Lanka in eighth over. Saim departed in the 12th over after scoring 36 off 33 balls, which included six fours.Babar saw off the chase with an unbeaten knock of 37 involving two fours and a solitary six facing 34 balls. Sri Lanka’s Pavan Rathnayake dismissed Salman Ali Agha (14, 14b, 2x4s) and Fakhar Zaman in 16th and 18th over in a late resurgence with the ball but in vain.Earlier, Sri Lanka’s innings collapsed in a spectacular manner as they were asked to bat first and slipped from 98-2 to 114 all out as Pakistan’s spin trio of Mohammad Nawaz (3-17), Abrar Ahmed (2-18) and Saim Ayub (1-17) returned combined figures of 6-52.Shaheen Shah Afridi castled Pathum Nissanka for 11 in the third over to give Pakistan the first breakthrough before Kamil Mishara and Kusal Mendis stitched a 47-ball 64-run stand.Mishara threatened to lay the base for a big total for Sri Lanka too as he struck four sixes and two fours during his 47-ball stay at the crease. Player of the match and series, Mohammad Nawaz – who also finished with 10-102 in the series - began Sri Lanka’s 9-30 collapse with the wicket of Mendis in 11th over.Sri Lanka’s slump was so swift that none of the batters from four to 11 entered double figures or managed even a single boundary as they folded for 114 in 19.1 overs. Babar claimed three catches in the field and overtook the record of most catches by a fielder for Pakistan in the format (60) overtaking Fakhar Zaman’s 57.On the pace front, Shaheen – playing only the second game of the series – returned figures of 3-1-18-3, while Mohammad Salman Mirza picked up one wicket.Scores in brief:Tri-nation T20I series – Final – Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by six wickets at Rawalpindi Cricket StadiumSri Lanka 114 all out, 19.1 overs (Kamil Mishara 59; Mohammad Nawaz 3-17, Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-18, Abrar Ahmed 2-18)Pakistan 118-4, 18.4 overs (Babar Azam 37 not out, Saim Ayub 36, Sahibzada Farhan 23; Pavan Rathnayake 2-11)Player of the match and series – Mohammad Nawaz (Pakistan).