Rickelton hits century as South Africa rout Afghanistan in Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy

South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton, center, and teammates congratulate each other after winning the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match against Afghanistan at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan on February 21, 2025. (AP)
Short Url
Updated 21 February 2025
Follow

Rickelton hits century as South Africa rout Afghanistan in Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy

  • South Africa blunted the threat of Afghanistan’s slow bowlers, winning the match by 107 runs
  • Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner Rashid Khan went wicketless, giving 59 runs in his 10 overs

KARACHI: Opener Ryan Rickelton struck a maiden one-day international hundred as South Africa routed Afghanistan by 107 runs in the Champions Trophy in Karachi on Friday.
Rickelton cracked a 106-ball 103 with seven boundaries and a six to anchor South Africa’s imposing total of 315-6 in the Group B match at the National Stadium.
South Africa’s pace attack of Kagiso Rabada (3-36), Wiaan Mulder (2-36) and Lungi Ngidi (2-56) then dismissed highly-fancied Afghanistan for just 208 in 43.3 overs.
South Africa blunted the threat of Afghanistan’s slow bowlers with star leg-spinner Rashid Khan going wicketless for 59 runs in his 10 overs.
Rahmat Shah top-scored for Afghanistan with a fighting 92-ball 90 with nine boundaries and a six before he was the last man out.
Chasing a formidable target, Afghanistan desperately needed a fast start but lost flamboyant openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz for 10 and Ibrahim Zadran for only 17 by the 10th over.




Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran is bowled out by South Africa’s Kagisco Rabada during the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan on February 21, 2025. (AP)

Sediqullah Atal fell for 16 while skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi went without scoring as Afghanistan were left teetering at 50-4.
Shah and Azmatullah Omarzai (18) took the score to 89 before Rabada and Marco Jansen, who got rid of Mohammad Nabi, struck to effectively end Afghanistan’s hopes.
Rashid Khan briefly entertained the crowd with a quickfire 13-ball 18 including a six and three boundaries.
South African skipper Temba Bavuma hailed a team performance.
“It’s a clinical performance,” said Bavuma. “We got the rub of the green with the toss but it was a brave decision to bat first not knowing how it would play.
“We took care of that, got a competitive score and then were clinical with the ball.”
Shahid rued a flopped batting show.
“I think the batting was not good enough today,” said Shahidi. “The pitch was helping their bowlers. We will move forward and play quality cricket in the next two games.”
Earlier, Rickelton was ably assisted by Bavuma (58), Rassie van der Dussen (52) and Aiden Markram (52 not out) to steer South Africa to a solid total after they won the toss and batted.
Nabi, who finished with 2-51, provided an early breakthrough with his first ball by dismissing opener Tony de Zorzi, caught at mid-on for 11.
Rickelton and Bavuma then added 129 for the second wicket as Afghanistan toiled in the field.
Bavuma hit five boundaries in his 76-ball knock before he was finally caught off a short Nabi delivery to give some joy to hundreds of Afghan fans in an otherwise sparse crowd.




South Africa’s Ryan Rickleton celebrates after reaching his century during the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match against Afghanistan at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan on February 21, 2025. (REUTERS)

Rickelton, who has two Test centuries to his name but a previous best of only 91 in ODIs, completed his first white ball century with a single.
Two runs later, however, he was gone, victim of an unlucky run out.
Coming down the pitch to drive Rashid, Rickelton was forced to turn quickly and dive back into his crease as the bowler collected and fired the ball to wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
Rickelton appeared to make his ground but replays showed that his bat was slightly raised so not in the crease when Gurbaz whipped off the bails.
Van der Dussen hammered two sixes and three boundaries in his 46-ball knock before falling to spinner Noor Ahmad in the 43rd over.
It was left to Markram to take South Africa past the 300-mark, clubbing six boundaries and a six in a 36-ball 52 not out that helped the Proteas to add 50 runs in the last five overs.
Australia meet England in another Group B clash in Lahore on Saturday.
Pakistan, India, New Zealand and Bangladesh are in Group A. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals.


Barca’s Ter Stegen faces three months out after back surgery

Updated 51 min 57 sec ago
Follow

Barca’s Ter Stegen faces three months out after back surgery

  • The Spanish champions signed Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer
  • “Today is a personally difficult day for me. Physically and athletically,” said Ter Stegen

BARCELONA: Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is set to undergo back surgery on a long-term problem and will miss three months as a result, the Germany international said on Thursday.

The Spanish champions signed Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer, who is expected to become the team’s first choice, with Wojciech Szczesny as back-up.

“Today is a personally difficult day for me. Physically and athletically, I feel in very good shape, although unfortunately I am not free from pain,” said Ter Stegen on social media network Instagram.


“After intensive discussions with the FC Barcelona medical team and external experts, the quickest and safest way for me to fully recover is through back surgery.

“After my last operation on my back, I returned to the pitch after 66 days-almost two months... this time, the doctors believe about three months will be necessary as a precaution, to avoid any risks.”

Spanish media reported Barcelona were hoping to sell Ter Stegen, 33, who signed for the club in 2014, to help register new signings Garcia and Marcus Rashford.

Last summer a long-term injury to defender Andreas Christensen allowed Barcelona to use a La Liga loophole to register playmaker Dani Olmo on a temporary basis after he signed from RB Leipzig.

“Emotionally, it hurts a lot not being able to support the team during this time. Fortunately, the rehabilitation is manageable and the road back is clear,” continued Ter Stegen.

“Don’t worry — I’ll be back.”


Golf Saudi partners with Five Iron Golf to expand sport across Kingdom

Updated 24 July 2025
Follow

Golf Saudi partners with Five Iron Golf to expand sport across Kingdom

  • First Five Iron Golf venue scheduled for 2026 on ground floor of PIF Tower in King Abdullah Financial District
  • Five Iron Golf offers simulators, professional instruction, Callaway club fittings, a global membership program, and full-service hospitality

RIYADH: Golf Saudi has announced a strategic partnership with Five Iron Golf — a global leader in immersive golf experiences — to launch a series of advanced indoor golf venues across Saudi Arabia.

The collaboration supports Golf Saudi’s mission to broaden community engagement and build a sustainable, inclusive golf ecosystem in alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030’s goals for the sports sector.

The first Five Iron Golf venue is scheduled to open in Riyadh in the first quarter of 2026. Located on the ground floor of the iconic PIF Tower in the King Abdullah Financial District — one of the region’s most advanced business hubs — it is set to become one of the world’s most prominent indoor golf destinations, adding a new dimension to Saudi Arabia’s evolving sports and entertainment landscape.

Spanning approximately 1,500 sq. meters, the venue will combine Five Iron Golf’s signature mix of cutting-edge technology, vibrant hospitality, and immersive design at one of the Kingdom’s most prestigious addresses.

Founded in New York in 2017, Five Iron Golf has grown into a global brand with over 36 sites across 16 US states and five other locations — including Dubai, India, Singapore, and Australia.

The company offers simulators, professional instruction, Callaway club fittings, a global membership program, and full-service hospitality. Backed by strategic investors such as Callaway Golf and Enlightened Hospitality Investment, Five Iron is rapidly expanding through both corporate development and franchising, with over 60 locations in the pipeline.

The partnership aligns with Golf Saudi’s vision to expand the sport’s footprint across the Kingdom by introducing modern, accessible venues that appeal to all demographics — particularly youngsters and women.

Golf Saudi and Five Iron aim to deliver a comprehensive, world-class model that blends technology, hospitality, and education to welcome players of all skill levels.

Noah Alireza, CEO of Golf Saudi, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Five Iron Golf to bring one of the world’s most dynamic and inclusive golf experiences to Saudi Arabia.

“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to expanding participation, developing youth talent, and building year-round golf infrastructure. Together, we aim to create a vibrant, accessible golf ecosystem across the Kingdom, in line with Vision 2030.”

Jared Solomon, the co-founder and CEO of Five Iron Golf, said: “We believe Five Iron is more than just a place to hit balls — it’s a cultural experience that has helped shape the modern face of golf. We’re excited to bring our brand, energy, and commitment to inclusivity to Saudi Arabia.

“As the Kingdom builds a vibrant golf ecosystem and inspires a new generation of golfers, we’re proud to be part of this momentum and contribute to its broader success story.”

Golf Saudi and Five Iron Golf plan to expand the model to additional cities in the future, further accelerating the Kingdom’s golf development and reinforcing its regional leadership in the sport.


Seo Seoa stuns two-time champion Ouschan

Updated 24 July 2025
Follow

Seo Seoa stuns two-time champion Ouschan

  • Seo Seoa dismantled the two-time World Champion Albin Ouschan with a dominant 9-2 victory
  • Defending champion Fedor Gorst continued his strong title defence with a 9–5 victory over Italy’s Francesco Candela

JEDDAH: Seo Seoa produced the shock of the tournament, so far, eliminating two-time World Champion Albin Ouschan to reach the last 64. As the only female competitor in the field, she now stands just one victory away from making history as the first woman ever to reach the last 32 of the event.

In collaboration with the Saudi Arabia Billiard & Snooker Federation and under the supervision of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Sport, the 2025 World Pool Championship — the crown jewel of the World Nineball Tour — returns to the iconic Green Halls in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 21–26 July.

Seo Seoa dismantled the two-time World Champion Albin Ouschan with a dominant 9-2 victory — an extraordinary result that brings the Korean star within one win of making history.

Reflecting on her landmark performance, Seoa said: “I just enjoy my game so I’m not nervous and I feel my confidence is good. I really respect Albin’s game, he’s a two-time champion. But because of that respect I feel comfortable when up against him.

My goal is to break the record of the first woman player to reach the last 32 stage. I’m now only one step away.”

Defending champion Fedor Gorst continued his strong title defence with a 9–5 victory over Italy’s Francesco Candela, building momentum ahead of the single-elimination rounds. While still fine-tuning his break, the Russian looked more settled at the table.

“I think this match went better than the first one. I felt more confident at the table, and the things I worked on after the first round were definitely working during this one. The shots that gave me trouble before were much more under control now. I made a few solid decisions and shots that I was happy with.

That being said, my break still wasn’t working for me, so I’m heading to the practice room now to work on that. I’ve made it to the last 64 – single elimination starts tomorrow, races to 10. Time to reset and get ready.”

One of the day’s most anticipated matches saw a dramatic clash between former world champions Shane Van Boening and Ko Pin Yi in the last round of Losers Qualification. With both players fighting for survival, Van Boening jumped out to an early lead. Ko mounted a late comeback to make it 5-5, but the American held firm to progress by charging the next 4-racks to secure a crucial victory.

Filipino rising star AJ Manas produced one of the standout performances of the day, toppling reigning UK Open champion Aloysius Yapp to secure his place in the last 64.

“I’m very happy because not only did I win my game but I felt really comfortable now on the main TV table — not like yesterday. Aloysius made a couple of errors so I had to take my chance. But now I look forward to my next match. I know I need to stay locked in for the last 64, but I’m so excited.”

Reyes Cup teammates Johann Chua and Carlo Biado both cruised into the last 64, continuing the strong Filipino showing in Jeddah. Chua overcame Oliver Szolnoki, while Biado defeated fellow countryman Lee Vann Corteza.

Chua stated: “I’m happy to be back in the last 64 – but it’s far from over yet. I know I got to stay focused, tomorrow is going to be tough. But I am happy – and happy for the Filipinos that have made it through alongside me – Carlo Biado, one of the best players from the Philippines, to have him with me. I am proud.”

Jayson Shaw continued his smooth progress through the field with a 9–5 win over American Max Eberle, while fellow Brit Chris Melling had to fight his way through the Losers Qualification stage. After falling short to last year’s runner-up Eklent Kaci in his opening match, Melling bounced back by defeating Mohamed Al-Balkhi to stay in contention.

“I haven’t played Nineball since last year’s US Open. So coming into this event I didn’t have high expectations and I’m aware anything can happen in this event – I focus on each match one by one.

But with Kaci I felt like I played better than him at the start of the match – I only missed one shot. But I think my shot selection let me down but I like to go out firing on the table. However I’m glad I got the job done in my following match, and am happy to be back tomorrow.”

With just 64 players remaining, the World Pool Championship now enters its most demanding stage—single elimination, races to 10. The stakes are higher, the pressure is heavier, and every shot counts as the battle for the world title intensifies in Jeddah.


Farhan’s 50 lifts Pakistan to 178-7 in third Bangladesh T20I

Updated 24 July 2025
Follow

Farhan’s 50 lifts Pakistan to 178-7 in third Bangladesh T20I

  • Sahibzada Farhan’s 41-ball 63 studded with five sixes and six boundaries
  • Bangladesh rest five main players after already winning three-match series

DHAKA: Opener Sahibzada Farhan hit a solid half century to guide Pakistan to an improved total of 178-7 in the third and final Twenty20 international against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Thursday.

Farhan’s 41-ball 63 studded with five sixes and six boundaries as well as Hasan Nawaz’s 17-ball 33 with three sixes and a boundary helped Pakistan post a challenging total after they were sent into bat.

Having already won their first-ever T20I series against Pakistan with victories in the first two matches, Bangladesh rested five of their main players including spearhead Mustafizur Rahman.

Pakistan had scored 110 and 125 in the first two matches — also in Dhaka.

Farhan, who replaced Fakhar Zaman as one of two changes for Pakistan, put on 82 for the opening stand with Saim Ayub who scored a 15-ball 21 with a six and two boundaries.

Farhan, 29, fell in the 12th over to spinner Nasum Ahmed who finished with 2-22 in his four overs. Pacer Taskin Ahmed took 3-38.

Mohammad Nawaz, who scored 16-ball 27 with two sixes and as many fours, and skipper Salman Agha made 12 to help Pakistan add 46 runs in the last five overs.


Bangladesh wins toss and puts Pakistan into bat in final T20 of series

Updated 24 July 2025
Follow

Bangladesh wins toss and puts Pakistan into bat in final T20 of series

  • Bangladesh is chasing a clean sweep in the Dhaka suburb of Mirpur
  • The hosts made five changes from the previous match

DHAKA: Bangladesh captain Litton Das won the toss and asked Pakistan to bat first in the third and final T20 on Thursday.

Bangladesh is chasing a clean sweep in the Dhaka suburb of Mirpur after securing its first T20 series win over Pakistan.

The hosts made five changes from the previous match as they tried to decide on their best combination for the upcoming Asia Cup.

Parvez Hossain Emon, Tawhid Hridoy, Tanzim Hasan, Rishad Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman were left out for Tanzid Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed and Nasum Ahmed.

Pakistan made two changes, Sahibzada Farhan and Hussain Talat replacing Fakhar Zaman and Khushdil Shah.

Line-ups:

Bangladesh: Litton Das (captain), Tanzid Hasan, Naim Sheikh, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed.

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris, Salman Ali Agha (captain), Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Abbas Afridi, Ahmed Daniyal, Salman Mirza.