Category: 6. Sports

Oman has unveiled its 17-player squad for their debut appearance in the T20 Asia Cup 2025, with veteran Ludhiana-born batsman Jatinder Singh named as captain. The squad includes four players; Sufyan Yousuf, Zikriya Islam, Faisal Shah, and Nadeem Khan who are yet to make their T20I debuts, adding fresh talent to the side. Placed in Group A, Oman will face some formidable opponents, including defending champions India, Pakistan, and the host nation UAE. This marks a significant milestone for Oman as they prepare to compete on one of cricket’s biggest continental stages.

ASIA CUP Campaign 

Their Asia Cup campaign will commence against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 12. The team will then face the UAE at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on September 15, before concluding the group stage against India on September 19. Oman’s T20I history includes nine matches against the UAE, in which they have won four games. However, they are yet to face India and Pakistan in T20 internationals, presenting fresh challenges and opportunities in this tournament.

As debutants, Oman embraces the Asia Cup as a platform not only to compete against cricketing powerhouses but to establish themselves as a rising cricketing nation on a global stage.

Oman’s head coach Duleep Mendis shared his optimistic views on the team’s prospects, highlighting the importance of mental toughness as well as skill. He remarked,

“It is real that we are participating in the Asia Cup – a major tournament and a fantastic opportunity for our players to showcase their skills on a global stage. Playing against teams like India and Pakistan is a moment to embrace for any cricketer. Anything can happen in a fast-paced T20 game, where one over of brilliance can change everything.”

Mendis further emphasized the team’s preparation and mindset, saying,

“Our build-up has been strong, with the ongoing National T20 tournament providing competitive exposure, and our training sessions have been intense and focused. It’s not just about skills – in high-pressure games against elite teams, mental strength is equally crucial. We are hopeful of making an impact in this Asia Cup and showcasing Oman as a growing cricketing nation.”

Oman’s squad consists of a blend of experienced players and promising newcomers to balance energy and wisdom. The lineup includes Jatinder Singh (captain), Hammad Mirza, Vinayak Shukla, Sufyan Yousuf, Ashish Odedera, Aamir Kaleem, Mohammed Nadeem, Sufyan Mehmood, Aryan Bisht, Karan Sonavale, Zikriya Islam, Hassnain Ali Shah, Faisal Shah, Muhammed Imran, Nadeem Khan, Shakeel Ahmad, and Samay Shrivastava.

The stage is set for a dramatic Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season finale: after six of eight rounds, three drivers still have the strongest title chances. French Porsche Junior Alessandro Ghiretti, driving for Schumacher CLRT, leads the standings by just four and six points respectively over Dutch rivals Robert de Haan (BWT Lechner Racing) and Flynt Schuring (Schumacher CLRT). The penultimate race takes place this coming weekend at Zandvoort. The 4.2-kilometre dune circuit just outside Amsterdam is renowned for its fast, partially banked corners. Alongside the demanding layout, drivers also have to contend with shifting winds and sand blowing across the track from the beach.

Although Ghiretti could only manage sixth place last time out in Budapest, losing ground in the points table, the 23-year-old Porsche Junior remains confident ahead of the trip to the Dutch North Sea coast: “My team Schumacher CLRT has always performed strongly at this circuit. I’m confident we can be in the fight for the front positions again in Zandvoort.”

Ghiretti’s pursuers, Robert de Haan and Flynt Schuring, can count on home support at Zandvoort. “Racing in front of Dutch fans is always something special. And Circuit Zandvoort is a true driver’s track that’s incredible fun to race on,” says de Haan, who, like Ghiretti, has already claimed two victories this season. Schuring may not have stood on the top step of the podium yet, but with runner-up finishes at Spa and Budapest he has closed to within six points of Ghiretti and just two points of de Haan. One crown already looks certain for the 19-year-old: in the Rookie classification, Schuring, brother of DTM driver Morris Schuring, has won five of six races so far, giving him a virtually unassailable 48-point lead over Germany’s Janne Stiak (Target Competition).

The team championship of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup could also be wrapped up at Zandvoort: Schumacher CLRT holds a 23.5-point advantage over Austrian squad BWT Lechner Racing. With a maximum of 45 points still available, however, that cushion could vanish quickly.

The drivers’ title may well hinge on Zandvoort, but a true championship showdown is more likely one week later at Monza. The 5.8-kilometre temple of speed in the Royal Park just outside Milan is legendary for its slipstream battles, with Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars reaching top speeds beyond 270 km/h.

Strong partners support the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup

Nine teams are competing in the 2025 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, fielding up to 28 cars across the eight Formula 1 support races. 22 drivers from nine different nations are contesting the full season, among them Porsche Juniors Theo Oeverhaus from Germany and Alessandro Ghiretti. Six Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars, are entered on a part-time basis. In addition, guest drivers join selected events to strengthen the field. Since its launch in 1993, the one-make series has relied on the backing of prestigious partners.

Mobil 1: official lubricant partner and title sponsor

Mobil 1 is the world’s leading brand of synthetic engine oils and the lubricant of choice for many of the top motorsport teams in the most demanding racing series worldwide. For more than 50 years, motorsport has served as the ultimate testing ground for Mobil 1’s range of oils and lubricants. Every racing kilometre since 1974 has contributed to refining technology and developing innovative products for customers. The high-tech motor oil from ExxonMobil protects critical engine components from wear under extreme conditions, while boosting performance and efficiency.

Michelin: official partner

Michelin has been a long-standing partner of Porsche Motorsport. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, the global tyre manufacturer employs 129,800 people worldwide, operates sales organisations in 175 countries, and runs 121 plants across 26 countries on five continents. Michelin is one of the world’s top three tyre makers, with R&D centres in Europe, the USA, and Japan. The company also publishes maps, hotel and travel guides, and provides digital mobility solutions.

PUMA: official apparel partner

Global sports company PUMA has been Porsche Motorsport’s exclusive partner for fireproof racing gear, footwear, and luggage for several years. Porsche works drivers’ race suits and pit crew overalls meet the latest fire-safety standards while delivering top-level motorsport protection. From this season onwards, the collaboration with PUMA has been expanded: the entire team now wears specially developed team apparel. The new collection combines innovative materials with functional design, both on and off the track – values shared by both brands.

Veltins: official beverage partner

Private brewery C. & A. VELTINS from Meschede-Grevenstein brews one of Germany’s leading premium pilsner brands. In 2024, the company reported a turnover of €459 million with a production volume of 3.36 million hectolitres. The product portfolio includes Veltins Pilsener, Radler, Alcohol-Free Radler, Veltins Fassbrause, Veltins Helles Lager, and the specialty brand Grevensteiner, as well as the beer-mix range V+ and Pülleken. The returnable-bottle ratio stands at an impressive 92.7 percent.

HIF: official series partner

The eFuel blend used in the 2025 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup (PMSC) technically meets the new Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Appendix J requirements for renewable (“Advanced Sustainable”) fuel and, with all combined CO₂ reduction measures*, corresponds to a total CO₂ equivalent reduction of 66% compared to a fossil fuel equivalent. The proportion of renewable components in this performance-specialised racing fuel blend is 79.7% by volume. The largest proportion of the components is renewable synthetic raw petrol, known as MtG (methanol-to-gasoline). Other blending components include renewable, waste-based or residual-based ethanol, which is used to increase the oxygen content in the fuel and the octane rating, among other things. The octane rating is 100.5 RON. The racing fuel blend was developed specifically for the boxer engines used in motor racing and combines high performance with the highest possible proportion of renewable blending components.

TV and internet coverage of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup

Round 7 of 2025 will be contested over 17 laps on Sunday (31.8.) from 11:45 CEST. TV channels Eurosport und Sky Sport as well as streaming service f1tv.formula1.com broadcast live. On the Porsche Motorsport Hub, also a live timing is available.

Schedule Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Zandvoort (all times CEST)

Friday, August 29
14:00 – 14:45: Practice
Saturday, August 30
13:00 – 13:30: Qualifying
Sunday, August 31
11:45: Race (17 laps)

List of competitors and all information on the Porsche Motorsport Hub.

2025 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup calendar

16. – 18. May GP Emilia-Romagna, Imola (Italy)
22. – 25. May GP Monaco, Monte-Carlo
30. May – 1. June GP Spain, Barcelona
27. – 29. June GP Austria, Spielberg
25. – 27. July GP Belgium, Spa-Francorchamps
1. – 3. August GP Hungary, Budapest
29. – 31. August GP Netherlands, Zandvoort
5. – 7. September GP Italy, Monza

* HIF, the manufacturer of the raw fuel used for the racing fuel blend, is taking several measures at its Haru Oni pilot plant in Chile to keep CO₂ emissions from production as low as possible. Among other things, the electricity required for grid connection and control room stabilisation is sourced exclusively from renewable wind energy. At the same time, CO₂ emissions from transport are offset by CO₂ certificates from South American renewable energy plants for the provision of biogenic CO₂ for eFuel synthesis. This means that, as far as possible, all elements in the supply chain can demonstrate a reduction in CO₂ emissions. HIF has set itself the goal of obtaining the CO₂ required for the synthesis process from a direct air capturing (DAC) plant in the future. Development is being driven forward in collaboration with partners. To minimise the need for grid stabilisation, HIF is also integrating a dynamic battery storage system to act as an energy buffer. This will enable HIF to transfer important findings from the pilot plant to potential series production plants.

It has been a minute since we have seen Barbara Riveros (CHI) in the WTCS. The four-time Olympian and multiple WTCS medallist last graced the Series stage four years ago, tackling WTCS Leeds and the Tokyo Olympics in the summer of 2021. Now she is back with WTCS French Riviera in her sights.

“After Tokyo my goal was to qualify for Kona,” said Riveros. “I qualified twice, once before Tokyo – but I couldn’t go – and then after Tokyo, when we focused full-time, I qualified for 2023.”

However, in July 2023 all of her plans were thrown into disarray. “I got hit by a car in a big accident,” explained Riveros. “I had a few bones broken, my hip was broken, and there was a lot of internal bleeding as well, but the most dangerous one was my head. There was internal bleeding there too. So then, of course, I couldn’t go to Kona that year. Since then it’s been really hard to come back to the sport, to get to a decent level.”

“I know that I have the level. My 2022 was a pretty good year. It’s not that I wasn’t competitive; I was. But yeah, as I said, after the accident it’s been really hard to come back.”

Following her recovery and return to elite racing, it took a conversation with her coach Brett Sutton, who also coaches Olympic silver medallist Julie Derron, to change tacks.

“Last year we decided to go back into short course racing and see what happens. He’s (Brett Sutton) the head coach in China, so I was kind of like the assistant coach there as well and helping the juniors. So I started to train for short course. Early this year, around February, my dad saw the world ranking and I was like 1000^th, so we were pretty much starting from zero.”

A first race back came in Malaysia in February at a Continental Cup. As she blew away some short course cobwebs, Riveros placed 9^th. But then, a small injury to her iliotibial band put her out of planned races at further Continental Cups in China in the spring. In the summer, her attempts to race in Europe were then thwarted by her world ranking. “I was always stuck on the waiting list,” was Riveros’ summary.

One of the big drivers behind Riveros’ decision to shift back into short course racing was a candid assessment of her strengths with her coach. “He’s really honest and straightforward, and I appreciate that a lot,” she recounted. “He was like, ‘Well, Barb, in long distance you can get to a decent level on the bike but you’re not actually showing all your ability and your skills because it’s all about power and weight’. He thought Kona might suit me better but at the moment he could see I have good skills on the bike that I wasn’t showing over the longer distance.”

When it comes to bike handling skills, Riveros has thrived over all styles of triathlon, from short to long distance and even to off-road racing. Such qualities were on full display as she claimed a bronze medal at the World Cross Triathlon Championships in Pontevedra earlier this summer before adding a gold at the Europe Triathlon Xterra Cross Championships Prachatice.

In Pontevedra, she even raced on a borrowed bike and, although she felt her levels have dropped slightly since her crash, she carved through the course as well as any of the full-time off-road pros.

A week after Pontevedra, her comeback found a new level with a mini-breakthrough at the Saidia World Cup in June. Having managed to secure a start, Riveros scored another 9^th place finish. As a result, she rocketed up the world rankings. Although she will need plenty more points to secure more reliable starts, she hopes to race at WTCS Weihai and in the autumn South American World Cup swing.

Gradually, Riveros’ labours in her return to short course racing have started to yield fruit. Yet the question still beckons. For an athlete that had essentially completed short distance triathlon over an illustrious career, why take the plunge back into the fastest format?

“I have something deeper than recognition or money. It’s something that I want to achieve personally. We always said over the last couple of years that I maybe should have retired, but I am still going and I still have the fire inside and the voice that says, ‘maybe you still have something’. And that’s really a personal thing. I’m chasing my own ambitions. I’m chasing dreams.”

And the dream now? Is LA 2028 the ambition?

“Well, you know, as we talked before, there’s been a lot of setbacks. So I like to go season by season now. I wish I could get to LA, but I really need to narrow down and just think, ‘ok, what’s next?’ May will start Olympic qualification and hopefully I will have a better ranking, so then I can start with a different step forward. And hopefully my level will keep getting better, but saying that, my main goal is to be consistent in training. I know I can improve and then get close to the level I have, but at the moment, it’s about finding that consistency that I’ve been missing the last couple of years.”

This weekend, the next step in Riveros’ journey comes at WTCS French Riviera. Much as Riveros and her coach were honest with one another about her trajectory at the start of the season, so too is she honest with herself about her expectations for the race.

“I didn’t really expect to make it to WTCS French Riviera,” she admitted. “I think it was only because the start list wasn’t full. I know I don’t have, right now, the level of a World Triathlon Series, but I need points. So this is why we decided to go and the aim is to get whatever points I can.”

For an athlete as experienced as Riveros, one aspect of the race will be going up against the new stars of the sport. She has already tested herself against Emma Snowsill, Gwen Jorgensen, Flora Duffy and many more over the years, but now is the era of the likes of Cassandre Beaugrand, Beth Potter and Lisa Tertsch.

“I always watch the races, and they are doing amazing. I have raced Cassandre a few times in the French Grand Prix and even had some sprint finishes with her. But she has raised her level a lot and they’re running really fast. She’s been amazing, so consistent. Like last year, in the Series Final, she was amazing, you know, how she got lost in the swim and still put in an amazing performance.”

“I remember, when I went to the Olympics last year – I was there to support Julie Derron and my brother who was racing on the men’s side – my dad asked me what my feeling was watching the race. I said that it was a mix of feelings, but one of the things I said was that I wouldn’t like to be there if I’m not competitive and I’m just there to be another number. I want to race.”

“So personally, I feel at the moment I don’t belong there, but it doesn’t mean I will not give a fight. For me, it’s about finding that consistency and progression so that I can compete. But I will really give it my best there, and hopefully I don’t get lost!”

One thing Riveros noted was that in her current state she might be better suited to an Olympic distance race than the sprint distance on offer in the French Riviera. At the same time, it has to be noted that she is a former world champion over the sprint distance (in Lausanne in 2011) and so has her fair share of tricks to call upon.

“I think I’m lacking speed right now. The race is just pretty fast and then you cannot make any mistakes. But I know I need that at the moment, and I will do two French Grand Prix races afterwards because I need this fast twitch, I need that agony in the sprint; to get back that speed that is key.”

In many respects, then, WTCS French Riviera looks like it will be the start of Riveros’ next chapter, regardless of how the race pans out. In the wider picture, her hope is that she can inject further momentum into a rising Chilean squad that sent two men to Paris (Diego Moya and Gaspar Riveros). Her advice to younger triathletes, both Chilean and beyond, is simple.

“It’s a long, long way. Even with Julie, some people said, ‘Oh, where has she come from?’. But she’s been doing triathlons since she was seven years old. Of course people mature to their potential at different times, but the work ethic is very important. It’s what keeps you going. I remember going through the junior ranks and you can see so much talent. I think even my coach at that time probably said I don’t have much talent but I have that work ethic. When I was training with Gwen (Jorgensen) her work ethic was amazing but she’s so talented as well. You really have to commit everything to the dream.”

On paper, at least, Barbara Riveros is an athlete that appears to have achieved her sporting dreams. Yet it seems she is not ready to step off this long road winding ever forwards. Ambitions burning bright, she is primed to write a new chapter, and at WTCS French Riviera and beyond it will be fascinating to see what comes next.

French Open champion Coco Gauff is set to open her 2025 US Open campaign on Tuesday, 26 August, taking to centre court opposite of Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic at 19:00 local time (EDT, GMT-4) in a first round tussle that promises plenty of fireworks at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The tennis faithful gathered at Flushing Meadows should be primed perfectly for the highly-anticipated encounter between the two players following the first round appearance of Jannik Sinner, who’s set to face Czechia’s Vit Kopriva, as he bids to make his fourth straight Grand Slam final this season.

Of course, there will hardly be a moment to rest once play commences between Olympic singles bronze medallist Iga Swiatek and the unseeded Colombian Emiliana Arango, who will get the day off to a flying start at 11:30 local time.

Other highlights include the first round of appearances of Germany’s Alexander Zverev, Japan’s Naomi Osaka and home favourite Tommy Paul, with the action coming thick and fast on day three of the 2025 US Open.

Below, you can find out the start times for all the matches at the hard court Grand Slam tournament.

Sanju Samson is making headlines once again, this time in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) 2025, as he gears up for the Asia Cup 2025. The Rajasthan Royals captain has joined the Kochi Blue Tigers for a crucial state-level T20 tournament, and his performances have already caught the attention of cricket fans and analysts alike. With a record auction price of Rs 26.80 lakh, Samson is not just a marquee signing for Kochi, but also a beacon of hope for Indian cricket as the Asia Cup approaches.

Samson’s KCL 2025 Journey: Early Performances

Sanju Samson has featured in three matches for Kochi Blue Tigers so far, opening the innings and showcasing his explosive potential. His stats before the Thrissur Titans match on August 26 paint a picture of a player in fine form:

Matches: 3

Innings: 2

Runs: 134

Average: 67.00

Strike Rate: 183.56

Fours: 14

Sixes: 7

While his 13-run outing against Alleppey Ripples was a modest contribution, Samson’s innings against Kollam Sailors was a spectacle. He smashed a blistering 121 off just 51 balls, including 14 boundaries and 7 sixes, earning him the match-winning accolade and reaffirming his credentials as one of India’s most explosive T20 batters.

Match-Winning Century Against Kollam Sailors

The highlight of Samson’s KCL stint has been his maiden KCL century. Opening the innings, he displayed aggressive strokeplay, combining timing with power, and led Kochi to a thrilling victory. The 30-year-old wicket-keeper batter’s performance was crucial in a nail-biting contest that saw teammate Muhammad Ashik finish the game with a last-ball six.

After the match, Samson expressed admiration for the local talent:

“It’s a bit shocking to see we have so much talent in Kerala cricket. I request that we have to put in some special eyes in the local games… In the next one or two years, we should see one more guy playing for the country. And I can see that happening.”

Preparing for the Asia Cup: Samson’s Strategic Role

With the Asia Cup 2025 on the horizon, Samson’s stint in KCL serves as an ideal preparation platform. Although he has returned to opening in the league, India’s lineup for the Asia Cup may see him batting in the middle order, adapting to the presence of Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma at the top.

His current form in KCL 2025 not only boosts his confidence but also provides valuable match practice before representing India in one of Asia’s premier T20 tournaments. Samson’s ability to switch between roles—opening and middle-order—underscores his versatility and tactical value to the national squad.

Upcoming Clash: Kochi Blue Tigers vs Thrissur Titans

Sanju Samson’s next KCL match is scheduled for Tuesday, August 26, when the Kochi Blue Tigers face Thrissur Titans. Fans can expect another high-octane performance as Samson continues to showcase his power-hitting, quick scoring, and wicket-keeping skills.

The Kerala Cricket League has become a hub for emerging talent, and Samson’s participation is shining a spotlight on the depth of cricketing skill in the state. With every boundary and six, he not only cements his own form but also inspires the next generation of cricketers in Kerala.

JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) – Beyond the excitement of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, basketball became a powerful tool for social impact, as the tournament hosted a series of Basketball For Good activations designed to empower, inspire, and unite communities in the host city.

In alignment with the FIBA Foundation’s mission to increase the social impact and legacy of FIBA events, the FIBA Asia Cup joined the growing list of continental championships where Basketball For Good took center stage. These initiatives highlight how FIBA events extend their influence well beyond the competition, leaving behind a legacy of inclusion, empowerment, and opportunity.

The official rest day of the competition transformed into a celebration of community, with two distinct Basketball For Good clinics organized by FIBA’s Regional Office in Asia and the Local Organizing Committee.

The first welcomed dozens of enthusiastic young girls eager to take part in basketball activities. The second, with the support of Special Olympics Saudi Arabia, provided children and youth with intellectual disabilities an unforgettable opportunity to step onto the court and experience the unifying spirit of sport.

Both sessions were graced by FIBA Asia Cup Ambassadors Sam Daghlas and Ali Al Maghrabi, joined by several members of the Saudi National Team.

Girls’ Clinic: Building Leaders On and Off the Court

The clinic for girls showcased the growing momentum of women’s basketball in Saudi Arabia, reflecting FIBA’s strategic priority of “Women in Basketball.” Partnering with Jeddah United, a trailblazer in the development of female basketball in the Kingdom, the initiative proposed a series of fun games and teamwork-based drills. The young participants not only learned how to dribble, pass, and shoot, but also absorbed lessons in leadership, self-confidence, and empowerment.

The event was a vivid example of how basketball can inspire the next generation of players, coaches, referees, and fans—helping to grow the sport while instilling values that go far beyond the court.

Special Olympics Clinic: A Celebration of Inclusion

The second clinic celebrated inclusion, bringing together children and youth with intellectual disabilities for an afternoon filled with joy, laughter, and shared learning. Thanks to the support of Special Olympics Saudi Arabia, participants were able to play alongside their heroes, receive encouragement, and build friendships in a safe and welcoming environment.

The clinic highlighted the importance of partnerships and synergies in creating sustainable impact, reinforcing the FIBA Foundation’s strong collaboration with Special Olympics.

Cheering On Their Role Models

As a special highlight, participants from both clinics were invited to watch a FIBA Asia Cup game. Cheering loudly from the stands, they witnessed their role models compete at the highest level, sparking dreams of their own futures in basketball.

A Lasting Legacy for Jeddah

By leveraging the platform of one of Asia’s premier basketball events, the FIBA Foundation and its partners ensured that the impact of the tournament extended well beyond the final buzzer—leaving behind stories of inspiration, friendship, and growth.

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About the FIBA Foundation

The FIBA Foundation, established in 2008, is the social and legacy arm of FIBA. It addresses the role of basketball in society, preserving and promoting basketball’s values and cultural heritage while using the sport as a catalyst for positive change.

New Zealand have suffered a huge blow in the form of white-ball captain Mitchell Santner requiring abdominal surgery after returning from the UK, following his participation in the Hundred Men’s 2025. The recovery period is being stated of around one month, which leaves a question mark on his participation in the T20I series against Australia.

New Zealand’s head coach Rob Walter commented on the importance of having Santner in the side. Despite not confirming anything regarding the timeframe of his recovery, he was hopeful that the bowling all-rounder would be fit in time to play Australia.

“Mitch is a world-class player and a crucial part of our T20 side from a skills and leadership point of view. With that in mind, we expect to name him in our squad when we announce it in a couple of weeks’ time, and from there, we can assess how his rest and rehabilitation progresses following surgery, before making a call on the eve of the series,” stated Walter, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Injuries to Glenn Phillips, Will O’Rourke and Finn Allen come as massive setbacks too. Phillips has had to extend his rehabilitation from a groin injury that forced him out of the recent Zimbabwe series. A stress fracture to O’Rourke’s back meant that he will be undergoing a strength & conditioning programme before being reassessed. It has been confirmed that Allen will be out for three months following a surgery on his right foot.

Walter expressed sympathy towards O’Rourke and was confident that the tall pacer will come back fitter and more determined. He also spoke on how unfortunate it was to not have Phillips and Allen as part of the team. However, Walter shed light on the positives of other players getting opportunities in the absence of the three. 

“We’re really feeling for Will at the moment and wishing him speedy recovery. He’s had such an impressive start to his career and so naturally it is disappointing when an injury like this comes along, but he’s a resilient guy and determined to put the work in and come back stronger. It’s disappointing to lose the services of Glenn and Finn who have played important batting roles in our T20 set up in recent times. Like in Zimbabwe, their unavailability will present opportunities for others to put their hands up in what’s going to be a hugely exciting and important series against Australia,” added Walter.

New Zealand have a run of white-ball contests in the near future. They will be playing Australia (three T20Is), England (three T20Is, three ODIs) and West Indies (five T20Is, three ODIs) from October 1 to November 22.

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Decked out with a new buzz cut, the world no 2 was in sparkling form against towering Reilly Opelka of the US.

Carlos Alcaraz is sporting a new buzz cut at the US Open, and while the cropped style is drawing a mixed reaction online, the Spaniard’s spectacular tennis is leaving no room for discussion as he dismantled Reilly Opelka 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 to reach the second round.

Having ditched his tousled pretournament look, the second seed made an impressive start on Monday in his quest to secure a second Grand Slam title of the year.

“I’ve got to ask the people if they like the new haircut or not. Did you like it, guys? I think they like it,” Alcaraz said on court in response to a question about whether he was moving faster on court with his new look.

“Today was a really difficult one,” he added.

“He really is a great and a really tough player with that serve. I couldn’t get the rhythm I wanted to get in the match, but I’m really happy with everything.

“The return was one of the best things today. I tried to play my best tennis, tried to be focused on the serve. Overall, I had a really great performance today.”

The 22-year-old, who won the first of his five major trophies in New York three years ago, looked every bit like championship material against the 2.11-metre (6 feet 11 inches) Opelka as he broke for a 3-2 lead and clinched the opening set with ease.

Alcaraz wobbled on serve for the first time in the second set when he sent down consecutive double faults, but Opelka failed to convert both his break point opportunities.

After breaking Opelka in the 11th game, Alcaraz held to love for a 2-0 lead and turned up the heat in the ninth game of the third set, breaking again thanks to a foot fault and a wayward serve by his opponent.

“Nothing depends on you. It always depends on him,” Alcaraz said about the difficulty of playing the towering Opelka.

“The way he serves, the way he plays from the baseline, you just have to be focused, put as many returns as you can in and try to be in the rally and win the points he lets you win.

“It’s just difficult when you play someone who doesn’t let you play your game. It was a very difficult first round.”

Alcaraz held to love to complete the victory and set up a second-round encounter with Italian Mattia Bellucci, who went through after his Chinese opponent, Shang Juncheng, retired during their encounter earlier in the day.

MANAGUA (Nicaragua) – Canada stands alone at the top of Group B as it won its third straight game of the FIBA AmeriCup 2025, defeating Puerto Rico 82-73 at the Alexis Arguello Sports Complex in Managua, Nicaragua.

It was the eighth win for Canada in 20 matchups against Puerto Rico, with Canada winning the last two meetings between the teams.

Turning point

The teams were evenly matched through the first half, as Canada led by just two points after the second quarter. The teams were sharing rebounds and assists at the same pace. Puerto Rico even cut the lead to one to end the third quarter, making Canada sweat.

However, the Canadians were able to hit three 3-pointers early in the fourth, with two coming from Marcus Carr. They were able to find a lead before Kyshawn George, Trae Bell-Haynes, and Leonard Miller took Canada on a run, giving them an 8-point lead, which they used to ride to victory.

TCL player of the game

George led Canada with 17 points on 50 percent shooting, also adding 5 rebounds and 4 assists.

Mfiondu Kabengele recorded a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, marking his first for Canada in just his third game in the AmeriCup. Bell-Haynes added 11 points while Carr added another 10.

For Puerto Rico, Jose Alvarado went off as he poured in 20 points, going 8-of-16 from the floor, while also grabbing 5 rebounds. Gian Clavell added 19 points and 7 assists in the loss.

Stats don’t lie

While the teams were evenly matched in most categories, the areas where Canada excelled the most were points in the paint. The team scored 42 points down low, and put up 28 points from the bench to Puerto Rico’s 19.

Puerto Rico may not have won, but it tallied an impressive stat of its own, as the team played an almost flawless game, turning the ball over only 6 times, their lowest amount in an AmeriCup.

Bottom line

Canada and Puerto Rico were the two heavyweights of Group B, and their matchup delivered as the two teams went back and forth until the final minute of action.

While Canada finishes the Group Phase unbeaten, both teams have qualified for the quarter-finals and are still alive in their quest to be AmeriCup 2025 champions.

They said

“Puerto Rico’s a tough physical team, experienced team, really pushed our young group to really grow up today, and I really appreciate how hard they play,” said Canada head coach Nate Mitchell on playing Puerto Rico.

FIBA

Oman has named its 17-member squad for its debut campaign at the 2025 Asia Cup, with Jatinder Singh named team captain.

Placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, India, and hosts UAE, Oman will be tested against Asia’s giants in what promises to be a landmark tournament for the Gulf nation.

Four uncapped players—Sufyan Yousuf, Zikriya Islam, Faisal Shah, and Nadeem Khan—have been handed a chance to make their international debuts. The squad features a blend of experience and youth, with veterans like Aamir Kaleem and Mohammed Nadeem adding stability while newcomers prepare to step onto the big stage.

For Pakistan fans, the news holds meaning as Oman will be the first team to test the team’s mettle. The two sides face off on September 12 in Dubai, a fixture that could set the tone for the group. Oman will then meet the UAE on September 15 before rounding off the group stage against India on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.

Oman’s Asia Cup 2025 Squad

Jatinder Singh (c)	Hammad Mirza	Vinayak Shukla	Sufyan Yousuf
Ashish Odedera	Aamir Kaleem	Mohammed Nadeem	Sufyan Mehmood
Aryan Bisht	Karan Sonavale	Zikriya Islam	Hassnain Ali Shah
Faisal Shah	Muhammed Imran	Nadeem Khan	Shakeel Ahmad
Samay Shrivastava

There are no guaranteed wins in cricket, and teams will be cautious of taking Oman lightly at this year’s Asia Cup. While they might not be the favorites in any of their contests, Oman’s participation alone against the Asian elites signals a bright future for the team.