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ICC Player of the Month nominees for September revealed
Islamabad (Sports Desk): India’s Abhishek Sharma and Kuldeep Yadav are in contention for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for September along with Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett, while Smriti Mandhana of India, Sidra Amin of Pakistan and Tazmin Britts of South Africa form the shortlist for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award.Abhishek’s Player of the Series effort at the Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates and spinner Yadav’s crucial strikes during the tournament have put them in the reckoning while Bennett is in the shortlist on the back of some strong T20I performances across different series.Mandhana was named Player of the Series in a home ODI series against Australia to emerge as a strong contender for the monthly award while Sidra and Brits were prolific in their ODI series in Pakistan to also come out strongly.Men’s shortlist:Abhishek Sharma (India)The left-handed opener scored 314 runs in seven matches at an average of 44.85 and an astounding strike-rate of 200 in the Asia Cup. His attacking batting was crucial in his team’s wins in the continental tournament, and he achieved the highest rating points ever in the ICC Men’s T20I Batting Rankings when he touched 931 at the end of the Super Fours stage of the tournament.Kuldeep Yadav (India)The left-arm wrist-spinner was the leading wicket-taker in the Asia Cup with 17 scalps in seven T20Is at an average of 9.29 and an economy rate of 6.27. The highlight for him was a haul of four for 30 in the final against Pakistan and he also grabbed four wickets in a league match against the United Arab Emirates.Brian Bennett (Zimbabwe)The 21-year-old top-order batter aggregated 497 runs in nine T20Is at an average of 55.22 and an impressive strike rate of 165.66. He was the leading run-scorer in the T20I series against Sri Lanka and Namibia before registering scores of 72, 65 and 111 in his first three innings in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Africa Qualifier.Women’s shortlistSmriti Mandhana (India)The left-handed opener struck 308 runs in four ODIs during the period, aggregating 308 runs at an average of 77 and a strike rate of 135.68. The India vice-captain had scores of 58, 117 and 125 in the home ODI series against Australia, reaching the three-figure mark off just 50 deliveries in the third match, the fastest century by an India batter.Sidra Ameen (Pakistan)Sidra was the leading run-scorer in the home ODI series against South Africa with 293 in three ODIs at an astounding average of 293 and a strike rate of 82.76. Her purple patch saw her score 121 not out, 122 and 50 not out in the three matches.Tazmin Brits (South Africa)Brits was named the Player of the Series against Pakistan even though she figured in only two of those matches. She had scores of 101 and 171 in the first two matches, both of which South Africa won to take a winning lead in the series that ended with a 2-1 scoreline
Ticket on sale: Pakistan vs South Africa
Lahore (PR): The tickets for the two-Test match series between Pakistan and South Africa will go on sale later today from 5pm. The online tickets will be available here, while physical tickets for the Test matches will be available at TCS Express Centres from Thursday, 8 October (infographic attached).The first Test will be played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from 12 to 16 October, while the second Test will take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 20 to 24 October. Both Test matches are part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27.The tickets for six white-ball matches (three T20Is, three ODIs) will go on sale online and available at TCS Express Centres from 16 October.
Mahnoor Ali wins U17 US Squash Sono Junior Gold Tournament
Islamabad (Sports Desk): The rising squash girl Mahnoor Ali has won the title of the Under-17 US Squash Sono Junior Gold Tournament after beating Purtuc Mimi 3-0 in final. The final score-line wad 12/10, 11/4, 11/4 (3–0).Earlier in the semifinal she defeated Zhang Abigail at 11/3, 11/5, 11/6 (3–0).The tournament took place in South Norwalk, Connecticut, USA.Additionally, Sehrish Ali secured a strong win in the Consolation Final, defeating Alice Huang with a score of 5/11, 12/10, 11/6, 11/8.
MARTIAL ARTS - Judo 06 Oct, 2025
Sports Bulletin ReportLima (Peru): Japan closed the first day at the top of the medal table but the performances from Brazil, Georgia and Uzbekistan confirmed that the competition remains fierce and global. The passion of Lima’s crowd and the energy of these young judoka promise three more days of exceptional action and perhaps a glimpse of future Olympic champions in the making. The first competitors at the 2025 World Junior Championships in Lima, Peru, had to rise early, very early in fact, as the opening contests of the tournament began at 7:30 a.m. sharp. Yet, the early start did little to faze them. Focused, prepared and hungry for success, nothing could stop these young judoka from setting off in pursuit of a world medal.From the very first bouts, the tone was set. There would be action, commitment and passion on full display on the tatami of the Coliseo Eduardo Dibós, and that’s exactly what unfolded. In an atmosphere worthy of the sport’s greatest stages, the junior athletes gave everything to advance through the rounds and keep their dreams alive.For many of the judoka, this was far from their first major test. A large number have already experienced the pressure of continental and international events and some are even regulars on the World Judo Tour. The very best among them, such as Tara Babulfath (SWE), have already earned medals on the senior world and Olympic stages. During the next three days, we will also see 27 judoka who have no record whatsoever on the international scene. The Lima worlds will be their very first competition at this level and, let's be honest, that must be something!The level of judo was therefore exceptionally high on day one, as athletes from around the globe brought their energy, precision and spirit to Peru. This opening day confirmed once again that the juniors are not only the future of the sport, they are already shaping its present.Results (day-1):48 kg, Sachiyo Yoshino (JPN) struck gold after an impressive performance, defeating Aitana Diaz Hernandez (ESP) in the final. Morgane Annis (FRA) and Laziza Haydarova (UZB) completed the podium with bronze medals.60 kg, Japan dominated once again, as Retsu Matsunaga took the title ahead of compatriot Yusei Adachi in an all-Japanese final. The bronze medals went to Jonathan Yang (USA) and Samariddin Kuchkarov (UZB).52 kg, Nicole Marques (BRA) claimed a magnificent world title for Brazil after a tense golden score win against Leomaris Ruiz (VEN). Tabea Nika Mecklenburg (GER) and Hako Fukunaga (JPN) secured bronze.66 kg category saw a stunning triumph for Tornike Gigauri (GEO), who overturned a score deficit to produce a spectacular ippon in the final against Abdullakh Parchiev (IJF). Bronze medals went to Shuntaro Fukuchi (JPN) and Mahammad Musayev (AZE).57 kg, Mio Shirakane (JPN) capped Japan’s golden day, winning by hold-down against Dana Abdirova (KAZ). The bronze medal position was shared by Gyovanna Andrade (BRA) and Asuka Ueno (JPN).57 kg category brought a dynamic mix of skill, strategy and surprises, with both Japan and Kazakhstan taking control of the field, ultimately. Brazil began the day with high hopes for its two strong representatives, Gyovanna Andrade and Bianca Reis. Both advanced confidently to the semi-finals, where Andrade faced Dana Abdirova (KAZ) and Reis met Mio Shirakane (JPN).
SPORTS NEWS - Int News 06 Oct, 2025
Islamabad (Sports News): Over 12,000 athletes, staff and teams from more than 100 countries will gather in Paraguay from October 2-18, 2026, bringing together 12 sports, one e-sport, and 23 disciplines taking place across venues such as Paraguayan Olympic Committee, the National Sports Secretariat, the Port of Asunción, the Asunción Costanera, as well as the cities of San Bernardino and Altos. 154 World Champions of their respective disciplines will be crowned in one of the world’s largest alternative sporting extravaganzas.The World Skate Games are an unprecedented experience where all 12 sports performed on skating wheels merge into a whirlwind of breathtaking emotions- a real festival of youth, where sport and entertainment mixes together.Leading on from the huge cultural and economic uplift of WSG Italia 24, World Skate Games ASU26 will project Paraguay onto the world stage, generating a strong sporting, tourism, and cultural impact. This huge event will showcase Paraguayan hospitality and position Asunción as an ever-more international sports capital. World Skate President Sabatino Aracu said: “We are thrilled to bring the fifth edition of our Games to Paraguay – a country that breathes youth and future. With one of the youngest populations in the world and a President, Santiago Peña Palacios, who at just 47 embodies this generational energy, Paraguay perfectly reflects the spirit of the urban and sustainable sports that are the very soul of World Skate.”
ICC World Cup: India beat Pakistan by 88 runs
Colombo (SBR): Diana Baig completed 100 international wickets with a four-fer against India Women as Pakistan Women fell 88 runs short chasing a 248-run target in their second ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup fixture here at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo on Sunday night.Skipper Fatima Sana drew the first blood for Pakistan pinning Smriti Mandhana leg-before wicket after winning the toss and opting to bowl first. Soon after Sadia Iqbal castled Pratika Rawal for a 37-ball 31 with 67 runs on the board.Diana then got into the act with the big wicket of Harmanpreet Kaur (19, 34b, 2x4s) – who was caught behind – in the 25th over with 106 runs on the board.No.3 batter Harleen Deol top scored for her team with 65-ball 46, while contributions from Richa Ghosh (35 not out, 20b, 3x4s, 2x6s), Jemimah Rodrigues (32, 37b, 5x4s) and Deepti Sharma (25, 33b, 1x4) took their team past the 200-run mark as Pakistan grabbed last seven wickets for 96 runs.Diana returned figures of 10-1-69-4, while Fatima and Sadia dismissed two batters each.In turn, Sidra Amin, after walking in to bat in the fifth over, struck 81 – her 13th ODI half-century - with the help of nine fours and a solitary six.Sidra also shared a 69-run fourth-wicket stand with Natalia Parvaiz (33, 46b, 4x4s) and a 43-ball 41-run stand for the sixth wicket with Sidra Nawaz (14, 22b, 1x4) as Pakistan fell short with 42 balls to spare.For India, player of the match Kranti Goud and Deepti Sharma picked up three wickets each.Scores in briefIndia beat Pakistan by 88 runs at the R Premadasa Cricket Stadium, ColomboIndia 247 all out, 50 overs (Harleen Deol 46, Richa Ghosh 35, Jemimah Rodrigues 32, Pratika Rawal 31, Deepti Sharma 25, Smriti Mandhana 23, Sneh Rana 20; Diana Baig 4-69, Fatima Sana 2-38, Sadia Iqbal 2-47)Pakistan 159 all out, 43 overs (Sidra Amin 81, Natalia Parvaiz 33, Kranti Goud 3-20, Deepti Sharma 3-45, Sneh Rana 2-38)Player of the match – Kranti Goud (India)
Chief of Naval Staff Hockey Tournament: Navy claim the title
Navy overcome Mari Energies on penalty shoot-out in a nerve-jangling finalAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy have won the title of the 4th Chief of the Naval Staff All Pakistan Hockey Tournament after overcoming Mari Energies on penalty shoot-out in the final, as the match was levelled 2-2 during the 60 minutes at National Hockey Stadium Lahore on Saturday.Both teams displayed top-quality hockey in all four quarters, and spectators enjoyed their game skills in the thrilling contest. Saifullah and Rana Waleed scored goals for Pakistan Navy, while Sufyan Khan and Arshad Liaqat scored goals for Mari Energies.The match ended with the scoreline of 2-2. Navy got the victory on penalty shoot-out, as Nauman Janjua and Zikria Hayat scored goals for Navy. Rana Waleed was judged the best player of the match, while Abdullah Ishtiaq and Ahmed Nadeem received the awards for best goalkeeper and best scorer of the tournament, respectively.Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf graced the final as a chief guest and distributed the prizes among the players. The Naval Chief congratulated the winning team and appreciated the services of Commander Central Punjab, and Pakistan Hockey Federation for the splendid organization of the tournament.The chief guest distributed prizes among the winning team and the best players. Zakaria Hayat of Pakistan Navy was adjudged the best player of the tournament, while Ahmed Nadeem and Abdullah Ishtiaq of Mari Energies were awarded the best scorer and best goalkeeper respectively.
Women’s World Cup: Rain forces abandonment between Australia and Sri Lanka
Islamabad (Sports News): The league stage match between defending champions Australia and Sri Lanka at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 was abandoned without a ball bowled at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.In what would have been Sri Lanka’s first home fixture at the World Cup, the toss was initially delayed due to a wet outfield.The rain then came in and failed to stop, which resulted in the match abandoned hours after the scheduled start.The teams each take a point from the encounter, which sees Australia move to the top of the table, while Sri Lanka have picked up their first point of the tournament.Looking ahead, the titleholders will next face Pakistan on 8 October in Colombo, while Sri Lanka will prepare to host England in a week’s time.
ATF U12 Team Championship: Pakistan beat Thailand 2–1
Islamabad (Sports News): On the final day of the ATF 12 & under Intercontinental Team Competition 2025 in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, the Pakistan team defeated Thailand 2–1 to secure an impressive 5th place finish out of 12 of the world’s top tennis nations. The Thailand team had defeated Pakistan in the finals of the ATF 12 & under Team Competition, Singapore in August 2025, but now Pakistan took revenge on Thailand.The tournament featured strong teams from Australia, Africa (CAT), China, Chinese Taipei, South America (COSAT), Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Korea, New Zealand, Pacific Oceania, Pakistan, and Thailand.Pakistan’s Results:Pakistan vs Korea – 1-2Pakistan vs New Zealand – 2-1Pakistan vs Australia – 0-2Pakistan vs Colombia – 2-1Pakistan vs Thailand – 2-1.
Women’s World Cup: Hannah approved as replacement for Devonshire in New Zealand squad
Islamabad (Sports Desk): The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 has approved Hannah Rowe as a replacement for Flora Devonshire in the New Zealand squad.Rowe was named as a replacement after Devonshire was ruled out after sustaining an injury to her dominant handduring the team's training session at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee before the replacement player can be officially added to the squad.The Event Technical committee of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 consists of Wasim Khan (Chair, ICC General Manager - Cricket), Gaurav Saxena (ICC General Manager – Events & Corporate Communications), Abey Kuruvilla (BCCI Tournament Director), Mel Jones (Independent nominee).
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