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Dubai Capitals romp to nine-wicket win over Desert Vipers to finish second in DP World ILT20 table

Qais Ahmad of Dubai Capitals celebrates the wicket of Adam Hose during the DP World ILT20 win over the Desert Vipers at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. (ILT20)
Qais Ahmad of Dubai Capitals celebrates the wicket of Adam Hose during the DP World ILT20 win over the Desert Vipers at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. (ILT20)
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Updated 04 February 2025

Dubai Capitals romp to nine-wicket win over Desert Vipers to finish second in DP World ILT20 table

Dubai Capitals romp to nine-wicket win over Desert Vipers to finish second in DP World ILT20 table
  • Dubai Capitals will now face the Desert Vipers again in Qualifier 1 on Wednesday

SHARJAH: Dubai Capitals delivered a commanding performance on Monday as they dismantled the Desert Vipers with both bat and ball, cruising to a resounding nine-wicket victory in the final group-stage clash of the DP World International League T20 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Qais Ahmad was the standout performer for the Capitals, claiming an exceptional four wickets for 25 runs to dismantle the batting lineup.

Meanwhile, Gulbadin Naib underlined his all-round credentials with a blistering unbeaten 55 to help guide his side to a comfortable win. The victory marked a remarkable turnaround for the Capitals, who began their campaign with just one win in their first four matches but rallied to claim four victories in their last five outings and secure second place in the table.

With the group stage now complete, the Capitals will face the Vipers once again on Wednesday in Qualifier 1, with the winner progressing to the final on Sunday. Meanwhile, MI Emirates will take on Sharjah Warriorz in the Eliminator on Thursday, the winner of which will meet the loser of Qualifier 1 on Friday for the remaining spot in the final.

Chasing a target of 138, Capitals openers Adam Rossington and Shai Hope set the tone early with an aggressive approach. The duo raced to 34 runs within four overs, with Rossington smashing a quickfire 20 off 15 balls before falling to David Payne.

Naib entered at No. 3 and immediately stamped his authority on the game, hitting Sam Curran for a boundary. The Capitals powered their way to 50 for 1 at the end of the powerplay. Although Wanindu Hasaranga briefly stemmed the flow of runs with some tight overs, Hope and Naib kept the scoreboard ticking over, reaching 76 for 1 at the 10-over mark.

A stroke of luck allowed Naib to survive not one but two mistimed shots in the 11th over, with both top edges carrying over the boundary. The Vipers missed a crucial fielding opportunity when Hope skied a slower delivery, only for the catch to be put down.

With momentum firmly in their favor, the Capitals breezed past the 50-run mark for the second wicket. Naib reached his half-century in style, launching Khuzaima Tanveer for a massive six over deep midwicket. Another dropped catch followed, emphasizing the Vipers’ poor fielding display. Hope, unfazed by the opponents’ missed opportunities, reached his fourth 50 of the tournament as he steered the Capitals to victory in the 15th over.

Earlier, the Capitals’ bowlers delivered a scintillating display that left the Vipers all out for 137. Obed McCoy struck with his very first ball, removing Azam Khan, before dismissing Alex Hales with a cleverly disguised slower delivery. At 39 for 2 after five overs, the Vipers tried to steady the ship through Curran and Dan Lawrence, who put together a 45-run partnership.

Curran’s six into the Sharjah streets off Naib briefly swung the momentum back in the Vipers’ favor, but Qais had other plans. The leg-spinner dismissed Curran with a well-disguised wrong ’un, sending him packing for 28 off 20 balls. Lawrence battled on but was trapped by Qais for a well-made 44.

His departure triggered a collapse, with the Vipers losing their final seven wickets for only 36 runs. Qais continued to dominate, removing Sherfane Rutherford for a duck before claiming two more wickets in the 14th over, bowling Adam Hose and trapping Michael Jones LBW.

With the Vipers struggling on 104 for 7, the runs dried up in the final overs and they were eventually bowled out for a modest 137.

Vipers captain Lockie Ferguson remained optimistic despite the heavy defeat.

“These things happen,” he said. “I will still back the boys. Qais bowled exceptionally. We will have to go back to the drawing board and come back again.

“We have been outstanding, and a little blip in the end will not change anything. Max (Holden) had a back twinge but he should hopefully be fine for the playoffs.”

Qais, the player of the match, credited his teammates for his success in the game and throughout the tournament.

“When you are playing with such legendary cricketers like Sam Billings, they always support me and give me confidence,” he said. “He kept saying: ‘You are our main bowler and will take wickets.’

“The wicket was very good for spin, so I tried my best to turn the ball. I am happy for these four wickets.”

Talking about his dismissal of Curran, he said: “Of course, I enjoyed that wicket; Sam Curran is a big wicket.”


Messi brace sets up Miami’s 2-1 MLS victory over New England

Messi brace sets up Miami’s 2-1 MLS victory over New England
Updated 10 July 2025

Messi brace sets up Miami’s 2-1 MLS victory over New England

Messi brace sets up Miami’s 2-1 MLS victory over New England
  • The 38-year-old Argentine star has scored two goals in each of his last four MLS games to become the first MLS player to score multiple goals in four straight games
  • With the victory Miami climbed from sixth to fifth in the Eastern Conference standings

FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts: Lionel Messi scored twice in the first half of Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over the New England Revolution on Wednesday, continuing a run of form unprecedented in Major League Soccer.

The 38-year-old Argentine star has scored two goals in each of his last four MLS games to become the first MLS player to score multiple goals in four straight games.

He launched the streak in late May with two goals in a 4-2 win over Montreal then had two in a 5-1 victory over Columbus.

Miami then paused their MLS campaign to compete in the Club World Cup — where Messi scored one goal in four matches and Miami were eliminated in the round of 16 by Paris Saint-Germain.

Javier Mascherano’s team returned to MLS action on Saturday with a 4-1 victory at Montreal — also fueled by a brace from eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi.

In all Messi has 14 goals in 15 MLS games, putting him two behind leading scorer Sam Surridge, who has appeared in six more games for Nashville than Messi has played this season.

Messi put Miami up 1-0 in the 27th minute at Gillette Stadium, taking advantage of a Revolution miscue and firing a left-footed shot from the heart of the area.

The Argentinian star doubled the score 11 minutes later, charging onto a long through ball from Sergio Busquets and curling a left-footed shot beyond the reach of Slovenian goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic.

Veteran goalkeeper Oscar Ustari also starred for Miami, coming up with six saves before Spaniard Carles Gil managed to put one by him, picking off Tadeo Allende in the 79th minute and rifling in a shot from outside the box.

With the victory Miami climbed from sixth to fifth in the Eastern Conference standings. On 35 points, they are seven points behind leaders FC Cincinnati but with three fewer matches played after their Club World Cup break.


Pogacar plays down yellow jersey after Evenepoel wins Tour time trial

Pogacar plays down yellow jersey after Evenepoel wins Tour time trial
Updated 10 July 2025

Pogacar plays down yellow jersey after Evenepoel wins Tour time trial

Pogacar plays down yellow jersey after Evenepoel wins Tour time trial
  • Pogacar: The most important (jersey) is yellow, and the most important time to have it is on the Champs-Elysees at the finish line
  • It was Evenepoel’s second stage win on the Tour de France, having triumphed in the time trial in Gevrey-Chambertin last year on his debut in the Grande Boucle

CAEN, France: Three-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar played down the importance of taking over the yellow jersey after Belgian rider Remco Evenepoel stormed his way to an impressive victory in the fifth-stage time trial on Wednesday.

Pogacar, who started the day in second place on the same time as leader Mathieu van der Poel, produced one of his best time trials on the 33km route around Caen to finish just 16 seconds behind the world and Olympic champion to leave Van der Poel and fellow challenger Jonas Vingegaard struggling in his wake.

The Slovenian, who now holds a 42sec lead over Evenepoel with Vingegaard over a minute behind, is the first rider since Eddie Merckx in the 1970s to hold all three of the main jerseys — the general classification, points and king of the mountains.

“I’m super happy with how I rode today, to be 16 seconds behind the world champion, the Olympic champion, the best time triallist in the world right now,” Pogacar said after the stage.

“It’s a very good day and I’m happy, but I’m just happy this day is over and we can keep the ball rolling in this Tour de France.

“The most important (jersey) is yellow, and the most important time to have it is on the Champs-Elysees at the finish line.

“Now, it’s not that important. It feels good, but the important thing is to have it in Paris.”

Evenepoel completed the course in 36min 42sec at a blistering average speed of 54 km/h. Italian Edoardo Affini finished third, 33sec behind.

It was Evenepoel’s second stage win on the Tour de France, having triumphed in the time trial in Gevrey-Chambertin last year on his debut in the Grande Boucle.

“I knew I had a good chance but, of course, the legs still have to be there and everything has to go to plan,” said Evenepoel whose Soudal Quick-Step teammate Tim Merlier won stage three two days ago.

“In the end I think it was pretty good. I didn’t really feel like I could go any faster, so I think in general I’m happy with the result.

“It’s a second stage win for our team, it’s super nice.

“As for me, I’ve taken a step toward the podium but there’s still a long way to go.”

Two-time winner Vingegaard, who began the day just 8sec behind Van der Poel, had a poor day as the Dane could only finish 13th in the stage — 1min 21sec behind Evenepoel — to slip to 1min 13sec behind Pogacar in the new standings.

He drops to fourth overall with local rider Kevin Vauquelin moving up to third after a hugely impressive ride that saw him finish fifth on the day.

“I’m over the moon, really,” said an emotional Vauquelin.

“I think I can only experience this once in my life. To see everyone looking at me, cheering me on, it’s incredible.

“For a 24-year-old just starting out in the professional world, it’s just incredible.”

Dutchman Van der Poel also struggled to maintain the pace, coming in 18th, 1min 44sec behind the winner, dropping him down to sixth overall.

Evenepoel was the nailed-on favorite to win the stage given his astonishing record in time trials.

The Flemish rider, who has been wearing a golden helmet since his Olympic double, is virtually invincible in this exercise.

He has won the last six time trial stages in which he has taken part, and nine out of 12 since the start of 2024. This was his 64th career victory, of which 21 have come in time trials.

Evenepoel was also impressed by the performance of Pogacar who was a distant third to the Belgian and Vingegaard in the time trial in the recent Criterium du Dauphine.

“Compared to the Dauphine, he took a big step forward. He showed that he’s in great form and that he’s the man to beat in this Tour.”

Thursday serves up the second longest stage of this year’s Tour with 3,500 meters of elevation over a 201.5km route through Normandy which starts in Vauquelin’s home town of Bayeux and ends with a short, steep climb to the finish in Vire Normandie.


Let the Esports World Cup games begin!

Let the Esports World Cup games begin!
Updated 10 July 2025

Let the Esports World Cup games begin!

Let the Esports World Cup games begin!
  • Features 2,000 players, 25 tournaments, $70m to win
  • Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan hails govt support

RIYADH: The Esports World Cup kicks off in Riyadh on Thursday featuring over 2,000 elite players, 25 tournaments across 24 leading titles, and a record-breaking prize pool of over $70 million.

Running from July 10 to Aug. 24, the event will also have the world’s top 200 clubs competing in a new format.

At the heart of the competition is the Club Championship, where teams accumulate points to claim a $7 million grand prize and the coveted trophy.

The over $70 million prize pool also includes $38 million for individual Game Championships, $5 million in global qualifier rewards, and $450,000 in MVP bonuses.

Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, praised șÚÁÏÉçÇű’s leadership for their support at a press conference in Riyadh on Wednesday.

“The Kingdom is cementing its position as a global leader in gaming and esports. The Esports World Cup is a clear reflection of that progress.”

The event, run by the Esport World Cup Foundation, was first held in Riyadh last year with a purse of $62.5 million.

The team competition was won by Team Falcons, from șÚÁÏÉçÇű, in 2024.

“This event stands as a global milestone for esports by showcasing the scale, ambition, and future of competitive gaming,” Prince Faisal said.

“It is a moment that will shape the direction of the industry for years to come.”

Faisal bin Homran, chief product officer of the Esports World Cup Foundation, added: “The Esports World Cup is redefining what’s possible in esports.

“It brings together the world’s top teams to compete in the most iconic and advanced arenas, delivering a level of excitement that is unmatched across the industry.”


Djokovic reaches record 14th Wimbledon semifinal

Djokovic reaches record 14th Wimbledon semifinal
Updated 10 July 2025

Djokovic reaches record 14th Wimbledon semifinal

Djokovic reaches record 14th Wimbledon semifinal
  • The Serb, chasing a historic 25th Grand Slam singles crown, was given the royal seal of approval by Britain’s Queen Camilla before his 6-7 (6/8), 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 win on Center Court

LONDON: Novak Djokovic won a testing battle against Flavio Cobolli on Wednesday to reach a record 14th men’s Wimbledon semifinal, which will be a blockbuster clash against world number one Jannik Sinner.
The Serb, chasing a historic 25th Grand Slam singles crown, was given the royal seal of approval by Britain’s Queen Camilla before his 6-7 (6/8), 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 win on Center Court.
The seven-time champion was pushed hard by the Italian 22nd seed but ultimately had too much for the 23-year-old, who had never previously been beyond the third round of a major.
Djokovic said Wimbledon was the “most special tournament” in the sport as he was cheered by the crowd.
“And of course, it means the world to me that I’m still able at 38 to play the final stages of Wimbledon,” he said.
“Thank you for cheering for my age. I really appreciate it. It’s beautiful. Makes me feel very young.
“And I guess another thing that makes me feel very young is competing with youngsters, you know, like Cobolli today — he’s who knows how many years younger than me.”
The sixth seed prepared for the contest by meeting Camilla, the wife of King Charles III, who said she was keeping her “fingers crossed” for his match.
She watched Djokovic from the Royal Box, along with British actor Hugh Grant.
Cobolli showed early intent, mixing up his play with drop shots and heavy groundstrokes from his flashing orange racquet and unsettling his illustrious opponent.
Djokovic, who has reached every Wimbledon final since 2018, served for the first set at 5-3 but the Italian broke back and won the ensuing tie-break.
Cobolli, who has claimed titles in Bucharest and Hamburg this year, next had to answer the question of whether he could sustain his level against the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
But it was a different story in the second set as Djokovic broke twice to level the match in the evening sunshine.
The pair swapped service breaks early in the third set but Djokovic pounced again in the 11th game and thundered an ace as he took control of the match.
The fourth set was tight but Cobolli failed to put away a simple winner at the net in the ninth game.
Djokovic slipped and fell awkwardly when serving for the match, grimacing in pain, but got up to finish the job.
He played down the incident in his on-court interview.
“I had a nasty slip, but that’s what happens when you play on the grass,” he said.
“It did come at an awkward moment, but somehow I managed to find a good serve and close it out. Obviously, I’m going to visit this subject now with my physio and hopefully I’ll be well in two days.”
The Serb now owns the all-time record for most Wimbledon men’s singles semifinal appearances, moving one clear of eight-time champion Roger Federer, who reached the last four 13 times.
He has also reached a 52nd Grand Slam semifinal, extending his all-time record in the men’s game.
Djokovic is now within two wins of breaking his tie with Margaret Court for the most Grand Slam singles titles for any player, man or woman.
If he reaches and wins Sunday’s final he will also equal Federer’s record of eight men’s titles at the All England Club.
Sinner, who beat 10th seed Ben Shelton earlier Wednesday, will offer a different level of challenge.
The top seed has won his past four matches against Djokovic, beating him in straight sets in the semifinals of the recent French Open.
Carlos Alcaraz, who has beaten Djokovic in the past two finals at Wimbledon, takes on US fifth seed Taylor Fritz in the other semifinal on Friday.


Dominant France thrash Wales 4-1 at Euro 2025 to go top of group

Dominant France thrash Wales 4-1 at Euro 2025 to go top of group
Updated 10 July 2025

Dominant France thrash Wales 4-1 at Euro 2025 to go top of group

Dominant France thrash Wales 4-1 at Euro 2025 to go top of group
  • After that the Welsh wilted as the French dominated, with Grace Geyoro scoring their fourth in the 63rd minute, steering home a ball from the right following an extended period of possession to crown a convincing win

ST. GALLEN, Switzerland: France produced a dominant display to thrash Wales 4-1 and go top of Group D at Euro 2025 on Wednesday, outclassing their opponents who scored their first goal at a major championship.
After England beat the Netherlands 4-0 earlier in the day, France went top of the group on six points, followed by the English and the Dutch on three points each.
Wales, who face England in their final group game on Sunday, have yet to register a point but still have a mathematical chance of going through to the knockouts. France face the Netherlands in their last group game.
Clara Mateo was at the center of much of France’s attacking play and lashed them into an early lead, controlling a flick-on from a corner on her chest and firing a volley into the net in the eighth minute.
The moment thousands of Wales fans had been waiting for came five minutes later when Ceri Holland broke down the left and though her first attempt to find Jess Fishlock was blocked, she managed to steer the ball to the 38-year-old, who poked home Wales’ maiden goal at the women’s European Championship finals.
That was as good as it got for Wales, who looked set to go into the break level only for Holland to chop down Mateo in the box and Kadidiatou Diani’s spot kick crept over the line after striking the foot of keeper Safia Middleton-Patel.
Middleton-Patel was at fault just after the break as she lost control of the ball in the box, allowing Mateo to tee up Amel Majri, who thumped it into the net.
After that the Welsh wilted as the French dominated, with Grace Geyoro scoring their fourth in the 63rd minute, steering home a ball from the right following an extended period of possession to crown a convincing win.
“We’ve got six points after two matches and that’s what we need to remember. It won’t be an easy (next) game because the Netherlands will have no choice but to attack and score goals,” France coach Laurent Bonadei said.
Mateo was impressed with how her side bounced back from Fishlock’s equalising goal and how they went on to dominate.
“We had a bit of a scare at the start of the game but we had confidence in ourselves. It was a great evening, there are different strikers and that’s important for everyone’s confidence,” she said.