NEW DELHI: Delhi Capitals edged out Rajasthan Royals in IPL’s first Super Over of the season after pace bowler Mitchell Starc defended nine off the last over to end the match tied on Wednesday.
Left-arm quick Starc kept Rajasthan down to 188-4 in response to Delhi’s 188-5 and then returned to bowl another disciplined over at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground.
Rajasthan managed just 11 runs from their Super Over after Shimron Hetmyer and Riyan Parag hit a boundary each but both got run out on ball four and five and the innings ended with those two wickets.
Needing 12 to win, KL Rahul started with a double and then hit a boundary before Tristan Stubbs finished off with a six on the fourth ball from Sandeep Sharma.
Delhi, led by Axar Patel, got back to winning ways and returned to take top spot in the 10-team table with five victories and just one defeat on six matches.
Rajasthan, who have been chasing the IPL title since their inaugural triumph in 2008 under late Australian hero Shane Warne, slumped to their fifth loss in seven matches.
Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Rana hit 51 each to set up Rajasthan’s chase of 189, but wickets at regular intervals kept Delhi in the hunt.
Australia’s Starc dismissed Rana in the 18th over before Dhruv Jurel hit back in his 26 and the left-handed Hetmyer made 15 not out.
Starc’s 20th over was on target as it was just singles and twos in the six balls and with two needed to win on the last delivery Jurel was run out while attempting a second run and the teams prepared for one-over eliminator.
Earlier Rajasthan raced to 50 in five overs with Jaiswal on fire and skipper Sanju Samson switched gears but retired hurt after his 19-ball 31 as he felt some pain in his ribs.
Left-handed Jaiswal raised his third fifty of the season before being dismissed by left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav but Rana kept up the batting surge.
Rana survived a reprieve on 20 when Stubbs dropped the batter on the ropes for the ball to go for six and the batter made the most of it but the batting effort was not enough.
Delhi rode on Abhishek Porel’s 49 and 34 each from Patel and Stubbs.
In-form Rahul made 38 and put on 63 runs with the left-handed Porel.
Later Axar put on 41 runs off 19 balls with South African Stubbs as the two hit the ball to all parts of the ground much to the delight of the home crowd as Delhi managed 77 runs from the last five overs.
Starc stars as Delhi beat Rajasthan in IPL’s Super Over thriller
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Starc stars as Delhi beat Rajasthan in IPL’s Super Over thriller
- Left-arm quick Starc kept Rajasthan down to 188-4 in response to Delhi’s 188-5 and then returned to bowl another disciplined over
- Needing 12 to win, KL Rahul started with a double and then hit a boundary before Tristan Stubbs finished off with a six
Mexico defeat USA 2-1 to retain CONCACAF Gold Cup
HOUSTON, US: Mexico defeated the United States 2-1 to retain the CONCACAF Gold Cup and lift the title for a record-extending 10th time on Sunday.
An Edson Alvarez header 13 minutes from time completed a come-from-behind victory for Mexico after a typically hard-fought tussle between the North American arch-rivals.
Sabalenka downs former doubles partner to power into Wimbledon quarters
- Sabalenka has never reached a final at the All England Club
- Now she is the only one of the top six seeds in the women’s draw still standing
LONDON: World number one Aryna Sabalenka marched into the Wimbledon quarter-finals on Sunday as her former doubles partner Elize Mertens fell short of upsetting the US Open champion.
Sabalenka has never reached a final at the All England Club but is the player to beat as the only one of the top six seeds in the women’s draw still standing.
The 27-year-old missed last year’s Wimbledon due to injury and was banned in 2022 as part of a blanket suspension on Russian and Belarusian athletes due to the invasion of Ukraine.
Sabalenka looks determined to make up for lost time and, just like in her third-round victory over Emma Raducanu, had to overcome a tough test from Mertens to progress 6-4, 7-6 (7/4).
The pair won the 2019 US Open and 2021 Australian Open together as a doubles partnership, but Sabalenka has now won their last 10 meetings against each other in singles.
“It’s tough to play against someone you know quite close, it’s tricky facing her,” said Sabalenka.
“I know how smart she is, I know she is going to fight until the very end.
“She really challenged me today and I’m super happy with the win.”
A fast start from Sabalenka saw her stretch out to a 4-1 first set lead, only for Mertens to battle back and level at 4-4.
The three-time Grand Slam winner responded in style, winning eight of the next 11 points, to take the set.
Mertens got the early break in the second, but the world number 23 could not hold on.
Sabalenka broke back to tie up the second set at 3-3 and after six straight holds of serve, the match was decided in a tie-break.
Mertens again had the early advantage, but Sabalenka’s blistering ground strokes forced the Belgian onto the back foot before a volleyed winner sealed victory in just over 90 minutes on court.
Sabalenka faces Germany’s Laura Siegemund in the last eight on Tuesday.
“It’s such a beautiful tournament. I always dreamed of winning it,” she added of potentially claiming a first Wimbledon title.
“I’m just trying to give my best and really hope for the best.”
Saudi Pro League takes over financial oversight of clubs in major governance shift
- The new Financial Oversight Committee, operating under the SPL’s remit, will be tasked with overseeing football-related financial activity across all SPL clubs
RIYADH: The Saudi Pro League announced on Sunday it had officially taken on the responsibility of organizing and monitoring the financial regulations governing its member clubs.
The announcement follows a decision by the Ministry of Sports to transfer oversight duties from the Financial Sustainability Committee to a newly established body under the League.
The new Financial Oversight Committee, operating under the SPL’s remit, will be tasked with overseeing football-related financial activity across all SPL clubs.
The move is designed to enhance financial governance, streamline regulatory processes, and strengthen institutional discipline within the rapidly growing Saudi football sector.
The committee will be composed of representatives from the Ministry of Sports, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, and the SPL itself, alongside independent members.
Its core responsibilities will include issuing financial competency certificates, monitoring club finances, and ensuring compliance with league-wide financial regulations.
“This is an important step toward unifying oversight, simplifying procedures, and promoting a more professional work environment across clubs,” the League said in a statement.
“The aim is to raise compliance levels and improve the speed and efficiency of financial reviews,” it added.
While the new mandate is limited to football activity within Saudi Pro League clubs, officials said the reform marked a broader commitment to improved governance and financial sustainability across the sport.
The SPL added that it would continue its work on existing oversight functions, such as tracking late payments and ensuring clubs meet their financial obligations, as part of the existing certification process.
The issuance of financial competency certificates will remain a key condition for clubs to operate in compliance with league rules.
In addition, new regulatory standards and planning tools are being gradually introduced.
These are intended to bolster long-term investment in club infrastructure and administration, while also helping clubs avoid financial distress through better fiscal discipline.
The SPL noted that the changes come in response to past financial and administrative challenges faced by several clubs, and reflect a coordinated effort between the League, the sports ministry, and the SAFF to promote sustainable growth.
“This development is part of an integrated approach,” the League said, “aimed at supporting clubs in building strong, stable institutions that match the ambitions of their fans.”
Emotional Norris wins epic rain-hit British Grand Prix
- Nico Hulkenberg finished a stirring third for Sauber to claim the first podium appearance of his long career after 239 races
SILVERSTONE, UK: An emotional Lando Norris boosted his world title bid in memorable fashion on Sunday when he drove to a commanding rain-splashed victory ahead of McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri in a chaotic British Grand Prix.
The 25-year-old Briton made the most of series leader Piastri’s mid-race misfortune, when he was given a 10-second penalty for slowing excessively while leading behind the safety car, to finish 6.8112 seconds clear.
It was his first home win, his fourth win of the year and the eighth of his career, lifting him within eight points of the Australian.
“Thank you, McLaren, thanks everyone,” said Norris.
“This is beautiful. Winning at home. This is a dream.”
Nico Hulkenberg finished a stirring third for Sauber to claim the first podium appearance of his long career after 239 races.
“It feels good,” the veteran German said.
“A long time coming! But we had it in us and I had it in me somewhere. It’s pretty surreal. All a bit crazy now.”
Piastri was careful not to express his disappointment at the time penalty verdict.
“I want to congratulate Nico,” he said.
“That’s the best story of the day — but I don’t want to say much else to avoid getting into trouble.”
Norris became the 13th different home winner of the British race.
Lewis Hamilton took fourth for Ferrari ahead of Red Bull’s four-time champion Max Verstappen.
In an epic event run in extreme and changeable weather conditions, Pierre Gasly was sixth for Alpine, ahead of Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll, Williams’ Alex Albon, two-time champion Fernando Alonso in the second Aston Martin and Mercedes’ George Russell.
On a cool and wet summer’s day in central England, the race began as the sun slanted through the clouds following torrential rain, Verstappen leading a controlled formation lap behind the safety car.
In F1’s 75th anniversary year, it was the 1,173rd race since the inaugural world championship event at Silverstone on May 13, 1950, and with the field so closely-packed few races had been more keenly anticipated.
Russell and Leclerc gambled on switching to slick tires before the start as Verstappen led the opening lap from his 44th pole ahead of Piastri, Norris and Hamilton.
RB’s’ Liam Lawson went off at Stowe on lap one, triggering a virtual safety car (VSC), and Franco Colapinto retired his Alpine after stalling in the pit-lane.
The race re-started on lap five with Piastri hounding Verstappen before a second VSC intervention when Gabriel Bortoleto abandoned his Sauber. It was stop-go stuff with everyone waiting for more rain.
After chasing him, Piastri passed Verstappen at Stowe on lap eight to lead. Verstappen then ran off at Becketts and Norris passed him before they all pitted as the rain resumed.
Norris suffered a slow stop, giving second, behind Piastri, back to Verstappen, in appalling conditions that prompted another full safety car and wiped out the Australian’s 13-second advantage.
“There’s water in my visor, a huge splash and I can’t see,” reported Leclerc after bouncing across the grass at Becketts.
Hamilton was also blinded by spray, dropping to eighth, as the field cruised through puddles.
Racing resumed on lap 18 amid plumes of spray before a third full safety car was deployed when RB rookie Isack Hadjar crashed into Antonelli’s Mercedes at Copse.
The action re-started on lap 22 with a gripless Verstappen sliding off out of Copse as he spun, after Piastri had braked dramatically in front of him before the safety car peeled in.
After a brief investigation, Piastri was given a 10-second penalty.
By lap 26, and mid-race, Piastri led Norris before the Australian pitted to serve his time penalty, leaving Norris to soak up a memorable win.
Arsenal sign Spain midfielder Zubimendi
- Euro 2024 winner Martin Zubimendi had previously been a target for Liverpool and was also linked with Real Madrid
LONDON: Arsenal on Sunday announced the signing of midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad after they reportedly triggered his £51 million ($70 million) release clause.
Euro 2024 winner Zubimendi had previously been a target for Liverpool and was also linked with Real Madrid.
“This is a huge moment in my career,” said the defensive midfielder, who is understood to have put pen to paper on a five-year deal.
“It’s the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make. As soon as you set foot here, you realize how big this club and this team are.
“I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me. They have shown their potential recently and the best is yet to come.”
The BBC reported the deal is worth almost £60 million, with Arsenal opting to pay more than the release clause in order to spread the cost of the fee.
Zubimendi, 26, made 236 appearances in all competitions for Sociedad after graduating from the club’s academy and has played 19 times for Spain.
He will reinforce manager Mikel Arteta’s midfield options after Thomas Partey’s contract expired and Jorginho left the club.
Zubimendi’s arrival paves the way for Arsenal’s record-signing Declan Rice to play a more attacking midfield role alongside captain Martin Odegaard.
“Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team,” said Arteta.
“He will fit in really well and he has all the attributes to be a key player for us.”
Zubimendi is Arsenal’s second signing of the summer transfer window after goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga joined from Chelsea as they seek to improve on three consecutive second-placed Premier League finishes.
The Gunners are also expected to complete the signing of midfielder Christian Norgaard from Brentford.
Attention will now turn to the forward line as Arsenal try to see off Liverpool and Manchester City and claim a first league title since 2003/04.
Arteta’s men had to cope without a natural striker for much of last season due to long-term injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres are reportedly the two leading candidates to fill the need for a new number nine.
