Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): Argentina’s women made sure of their place at next year’s FIH Hockey World Cup with a 3-1 victory over China as FIH Hockey Pro League action resumed in Antwerp, London and Berlin on Saturday.While the Netherlands women – already qualified along with co-hosts Belgium – will lift the FIH Hockey Pro League title once again this season, the all-important qualifying spot was still up for grabs heading into Saturday’s matches. However, Argentina’s win ensured they can no longer be caught by China or any other challengers, sealing their qualification in style.Over in London, in a show of support for FIH Diversity and Inclusion Day, Australia’s men took to the field wearing rainbow socks, just as their women’s side had done earlier in the day. The team staged a dramatic comeback from two goals down to keep their title hopes alive, while Germany’s men can no longer catch the Dutch at the top of the table after going down to Argentina in Berlin.(Women's) Belgium 5 – 1 India: Belgium gave the home crowd in Antwerp plenty to cheer about with an emphatic 5-1 win over India. The home side started with urgency and won the first penalty corner after just 20 seconds. However, it was India who scored from their first opportunity in the sixth minute, Deepika's drag flick deflecting off the first runner to beat the goalkeeper. Some excellent goalkeeping from both Savita and Elena Sotgiu kept it 1-0 for India at half time.Belgium had dominated all the stats in the first half, and they stepped up their efforts to win 13 penalty corners in the second half alone. Hélène Brasseur equalised in the 37th minute with a reverse stick strike off a broken-down penalty corner. Alix Marien then gave the Red Panthers the lead with her first senior international goal in the 41st, jabbing the ball over the line from a penalty corner as it threatened to trickle wide from the initial save. Ambre Ballenghien added a drag flick, and Brasseur got her second with a penalty corner deflection from the p-spot. Charlotte Englebert then wrapped up the scoring, and the comprehensive win, with a penalty stroke. (Women's) England 0 – 1 Spain: Spain didn't take advantage of the opportunities they created, but did just enough tor a 1-0 win over England in London. England had their first shot inside 30 seconds, but Howard pulled it wide and the home side went on to endure a torrid half. Spain created plenty of chances, but put two shots over the crossbar. The English defended for long periods and only some excellent goalkeeping from Sabbie Heesh kept it goalless at half time.England again managed to create an early chance in the second half, this time being denied by a sharp save from Clara Perez. They failed to assert control though and Spain were soon launching their dangerous attacks again. The English manufactured one great opportunity, intercepting a poor pass out of defence and driving hard at the circle to earn a penalty stroke, but Grace Balsdon pushed it agonisingly wide. (Women's) Argentina 3 – 1 China: An elated Argentina came from behind in their 3-1 win over China to secure their place at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. Chen Yi got China off to a good start with her successful penalty corner deflection from outside the right post in the second minute. But Maria Ortiz hit back for Argentina, punting one in from scrappy ball in the goalmouth. Victoria Falasco then put Argentina ahead in the 18th minute with a brilliant deflection under huge pressure from the goalkeeper and a defender. Las Leonas had created the better opportunities and deserved their 2-1 lead at half time, but the contest was far from over.China was the better team through a goalless third quarter, but Cristina Cosentino in goal for Argentina was alert to any dangers and kept a clean sheet. The Chinese failed to take advantage of their 6-2 penalty corner advantage in the match, and they ended up pulling their goalkeeper off in a brave attempt to find a goal. Julieta Jankunas had the final word for Argentina in the 58th minute, though, slamming her reverse shot into the empty Chinese net to ensure the win.(Women's) Germany 4 – 0 Australia: Germany started their home leg in Berlin with a crucial 4-0 victory over Australia, lifting themselves off the bottom of the table while they still have two games in hand over England and India below them.Both teams started with good intent, but Germany looked the more dangerous on attack. The early chance fell to the home side and Sara Strauss fired them ahead in the sixth minute with a reverse strike from an acute angle. That ended the scoring for the first half, but Die Danes looked to be very much in control, leading 1-0 at the break.A couple of quick goals at the start of the second half gave Germany a huge advantage. Lynn Krings doubled their lead in the 32nd minute, an Australian defender having no option but to play at her threatening pass across goal and knocking it under her own goalkeeper. Sophia Schwabe added a third goal from open play three minutes later, showing her hunger for goals by getting between a defender and the goalkeeper to score a difficult deflection.The Hockeyroos nearly pulled one back from a penalty corner, but Julia Sonntag got her outstretched right foot to the ball and nudged it wide. Jette Fleschütz then wrapped up the scoring with a good individual goal in the 48th minute, carrying the ball from her own half and finishing with a reverse strike.(Men's) Ireland 2 – 4 Spain: Spain came from behind twice in a nail-biting 4-2 win over a resolute Ireland. The Red Sticks completely dominated the first half, but it was Ireland who snatched a third-minute goal, John McKee sliding in for a high-quality deflection from open play. Bruno Avila restored parity for Spain with his 15th-minute drag flick, and Spain did everything but score during the rest of the half. Goalkeeper Luke Roleston led a brave Irish defensive effort to keep them in contention, and Lee Cole gave them an unlikely 2-1 lead with his 28th-minute penalty stroke following a rare spell of Irish attack.A quiet third quarter seemed to fly by after the excitement of the first half, and Nicolas Alvarez eventually levelled the scores with a well-taken field goal at the start of the final quarter. Spain left things very late, but they finally buried the Irish with two goals in the 58th minute. Alvarez grabbed his second field goal with a deflection in front of goal, and Pepe Cunill added a drag flick to confirm the win.(Men's) Belgium 6 – 3 India: Belgium produced some magical goals in a comprehensive 6-3 win against India in Antwerp. The Belgians earned a penalty corner inside the opening 19 seconds and Arthur van Doren fired them into the lead with his rebound shot. India dominated the second quarter without taking any reward, and Alexander Hendrickx made it 2-0 to Belgium with his 28th-minute drag flick.India were brilliant in the third quarter and Dilpreet Singh halved the deficit in the 36th minute, knocking in a penalty corner after it fell to him off the post man. Mandeep Singh then made it 2-2 with a deflection from open play two minutes later.The match was set for a thrilling finish, and it was Belgium who delivered with three quick goals. Tom Boon made a superb pass from the baseline for Roman Duvekot to steer home in the 49th minute. Victor Foubert then showed his sensational skills, driving into the circle and popping the ball to Thibeau Stockbroekx for a tap-in at the back post in the 53rd. Van Doren added a deflection from open play a minute later.India refused to concede defeat, and Amit Rohidas gave them a glimmer of hope when he crashed a drag flick home in the 56th minute. They pulled their goalkeeper off with four minutes remaining, but Belgium then put the result beyond doubt. Fittingly, it was Tom Boon who scored the winner to become the top goal-scorer in FIH Hockey Pro League history, surpassing the record previously held by Harmanpreet Singh.(Men's) England 3– 4 Australia: Australia's title hopes were on the ropes at two goals down, but Blake Govers led the comeback with a hat-trick to beat England 4-3 in London. There were excellent opportunities for both teams in the opening 90 seconds, Australia winning two penalty corners and England getting a shot from open play. Cooper Burns gave Australia the lead in the fourth minute, showing quick hands in the circle to get his shot away. Zach Wallace then pulled one back with a scrappy field goal in the 13th minute. England found a higher gear in the second quarter, probing in the Australian circle and forcing Jed Snowden to work hard in goal. Henry Croft scored on debut for England when he picked up an aerial on the p-spot and found the goal with three defenders trying to shut him down from all angles. A good glove save from James Mazarelo in open play and a frantic goal-line scramble off a penalty corner kept England in front, and Sam Hooper made it 3-1 on the stroke of half time with a sizzling drag flick.Australia were much better in the second half, helped by England receiving two green cards in the third quarter. Govers pulled one back for the Kookaburras with his 39th-minute drag flick, which deflected off a defender's glove to beat Mazarelo. He then levelled the scores in the 46th minute with an enormous strike from a penalty corner, and completed his hat-trick with a diving deflection from open play a minute later to secure the crucial three points.(Men's) Germany 2 – 3 Argentina: Argentina fired in three goals in a productive third quarter, fighting back from two goals down for a 3-2 win over hosts Germany in Berlin. The Germans started well and Michel Struthoff put them ahead when his slip from the baseline deflected off a defender in the seventh minute. Paul-Philipp Kaufmann then doubled the lead with a deflection from a penalty corner variation to the right side. Argentina were gifted a free shot at goal when the German defenders stepped out of position, believing a free hit had been awarded to them, but goalkeeper Alexander Stadler somehow made the save to keep it 2-0 at half time.Argentina commanded the third quarter, and Bautista Capurro pulled one back for them in the 36th minute with a good deflection from open play. Lucio Mendez then equalised in the 43rd minute, receiving the ball in the circle behind the defence and roofing his reverse shot. A minute later, Tomas Domene fired Argentina ahead, drifting into space for an almost identical strike to that of Mendez. The Germans survived a barrage of Argentinian penalty corners in the middle of the fourth quarter, and the match ended in dramatic fashion. Germany won a penalty corner after a referral with time up on the clock, but Nicolas Della Torre on the post tickled the shot wide to secure the full three points.

ISLAMABAD (Sports Desk): Pakistan roared back against France in the first semi-final, causing a real upset in beating Les Bleus 3-2 on penalties. Led by the mercurial creative powers of Waheeb Ashraf Rana, Pakistan will be playing for a spot in the FIH Men’s Pro League against New Zealand in the final. The Blacksticks won a penalty shootout of their own, beating Korea despite a strong comeback thanks to the impressive Korean penalty corner battery. The 3rd/4th place play-off will be a repeat of the incredible Day 1 game that finished 6-5 between France and Korea.Wales 6-4 JapanBoth sides began the 5th-8th place play-offs searching for their first win. Wales’s Fred Newbold opened the scoring on his reverse in the ninth minute, smartly beating Kisho Kuroda at his near post. Japan responded four minutes into the second quarter with a penalty corner excellently guided between ‘keeper and left-post defender by a diving Ryoma Ooka. Less than a minute later, however, and Wales had a deflection of their own after Joylon Morgan got a stick to Gareth Furlong’s penetrating slap to re-establish the Welsh lead. As the first-half neared its close, Japan won another penalty corner, one that was mis-trapped, passed back and across the circle before Koji Yamasaki volleyed a forehand hit across goal to equalise going into half-time.Two minutes into the second half and the goals started to flow even more freely. Kazumasa Matsumoto’s rifled shot clattered against the backboard to give Japan a lead and, just a few possessions later, Sam Welsh knocked in another Welsh goal to make it 3-3. The goal, coming from Jack Pritchard’s explosive spinning assist, lifted Wales to find the lead again, this time Morgan slicing a reverse bunt over the ‘keeper. Koji Yamasaki was shown a yellow card with a minute left in the third quarter and Wales capitalised, Joylon Morgan getting a bit of fortune for his hat-trick goal as his cross-goal slap pinballed its way over the goalline. The final quarter saw a Gareth Furlong drag-flick and a Kosei Kawabe consolation cancel each other out to leave the score 6-4 and send Wales through to the 5th-6th place play-off with their first win of the tournament.Malaysia 4-2 South AfricaAfter a gut-wrenching failure to qualify for Malaysia, the host nation came into the game with work to do and fans to recompense. They struck first with a minute left in the first quarter, as Syed Cholan slugged a rapid drag-flick against the backboard from Malaysia’s third penalty corner. Into the second quarter, again with a minute until the end of the period, South Africa quickly turned over a Malaysian counter-attack and sent the ball deep into the hosts’ half. A defensive fumble in the circle fell to Angelo Walstroom who confidently equalised.After gifting an equalising goal to the South Africans, Malaysia took charge of the game in the third quarter as Shafiq Hassan wrestled in a chance created by the scything carry of Chohan and good skill from Abu Kamal Azrai. Hassan created the next one himself, cutting infield and shooting before Akhimullah Anuar bumbled the ball over the line to extend the hosts’ lead. South Africa threatened another comeback in the final quarter as Carlon Mentoor’s firm slap found the bottom corner but Fitri Saari’s ended the scrappy play in the circle by restoring Malaysia’s two-goal lead. South Africa will have to wait for their first win of the tournament but will hope to get it tomorrow against Japan.France 3 (2) - 3 (3) PakistanFrance, after a strong showing in the pool stages, faced Pakistan in the first semi-final and the most exciting game of the day. The first quarter remained goalless despite five penalty corners being exchanged, one for Pakistan, four for France. In the second quarter, Xavier Esmenjaud threw himself forward with an outstretched stick to put Les Bleus in the lead, touching in a ball across goal. Early in the second half, France doubled their lead, as the inevitable Victor Charlet converted France’s fifth penalty corner to give France a real boost towards the final.Pakistan roared back into the game, however, overturning France the dominance and control as Waheed Ashraf Rana set up Afraz’s slap shot before both erupted into celebrations that marked the shift in momentum. Sufyan Khan joined the party, letting fly an unsaveable drag-flick into the top left corner and finding parity with the French. A minute later, Muhammad Hammadudin fantastically deflected in Rana’s flat reverse hit to go 3-2 up. Victor Charlet, of course, stepped up with two minutes to play for the French, as his deflected flick equalised with two minutes to go. Pakistan went on to win the penalty shootout using just four of their five attempts as France failed to convert chances even after they had wrongfooted the ‘keeper. Pakistan head to their second Nations Cup final in as many years looking to go one better than they did last year.After Waheeb Ashraf Rana’s creativity and winning penalty named him Player of the Match, he said: “We were ready for this win for a long time. 110 percent effort from the boys’ side Everything we have – we gave everything. [We are] thankful to Allah almighty for helping us. We are really proud of the team and looking forward to the finals now.”New Zealand 2 (4) - 2 (2) KoreaThe final game of the day began with two stunning goals, both from New Zealand. At the end of a relatively subdued first quarter, Scott Boyde’s lasered slap was deflected in on the turn by Jonty Elmes, who redirected the ball into the bottom right corner whilst wrongfooting Kim Jaehan in goal. Dylan Thomas one-upped his teammate however, dancing in from the sideline to turn a relatively innocuous possession into one of the goals of the tournament. After swiftly beating three Korean defenders, he sent a flick up into the roof of the net to double the Blackstick lead. From then, as Pakistan had in the game before, Korea chipped away at their opponents 2-0 lead. First to make a dent was drag-flicker Lim Dohyun who manufactured the angle needed to beat Dominic Dixon past his helpless right foot from Korea’s second penalty corner. Yang Jihun piled in on the act, rocketing his third quarter drag-flick into the bottom right and pulling scores level. The momentum flitted back and forth between the two teams until the final whistle took the sides to another penalty shootout. Kim Jaehan made a good save to deny the first Blackstick penalty but after Korea failed to convert their first two, New Zealand always had the upper hand to win the shootout and make it to the final. Korea, after a fantastic tournament already, will face France in the 3rd/4th place play-off.

Sports Bulletin ReportManama(Bahrain): The Pakistan National Senior Men’s Volleyball Team continued their strong showing in the AVC Nations Cup 2025 with a commanding victory over the Philippines, defeating them 3-1 in an exciting group stage match held today in Bahrain.The Green Shirts began the match with high energy and dominance, taking the first two sets comfortably with scores of 25-18 and 25-12, thanks to clinical execution and tight defensive play. However, the Philippines bounced back in the third set, taking advantage of a few errors and winning it 25-18. Undeterred, Pakistan responded strongly in the fourth set, sealing the match with a hard-fought 25-22 win, demonstrating their resilience and teamwork.Key PerformersAmong the standout players were:Murad Khan, whose consistent attacking and sharp finishing were crucial in crucial moments.Afaq Khan, who controlled the tempo and provided strong blocking at the net.Musawer Khan, who impressed with his defensive efforts and effective serves.These players played a pivotal role in maintaining Pakistan’s momentum throughout the match and helped secure this important win.What’s NextPakistan is placed in Pool C alongside Chinese Taipei and the Philippines. With this victory, Pakistan is in a strong position to advance in the tournament. Their next and final group match will be against Chinese Taipei on: 19 June 20254:00 PM (Pakistan Standard Time) Live Broadcast on A SportsThe match promises to be a high-intensity clash, as both teams will be aiming for a top position in the group to qualify for the knockout stages.PVF’s StatementSpeaking on the team’s performance::“The team has shown great discipline and strength. Today’s win reflects the hard work of our players, coaches, and support staff. We are hopeful for another strong performance against Chinese Taipei and urge all volleyball fans in Pakistan to support our national heroes.”The Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) extends its heartfelt congratulations to the players and officials and thanks the nation for their unwavering support.

Karachi (SBR):The Jahangir Khan open Squash Championship, organized by the Jahangir Khan Sports Club, concluded with exciting matches and strong participation from emerging talent.In the Men’s Final, Anas Khan clinched the title by defeating Abdul Basit Khan in straight sets, with scores of 11/8, 11/9, 11/9 in a 31-minute battle.In the Women’s Category, Nimra Batool delivered an impressive performance to beat Zunaira Imran 3-0, with scores of 11/7, 11/6, 11/5 in 25 minutes.In the Boys Under-14 Final, promising player Fazal Rehman dominated Mohammad Tahoor Tahir, winning 11/7, 11/5, 11/4 in 18 minutes.The three-day championship concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, where squash legend Jahangir Khan was the chief guest. Speaking at the event, he emphasized the need for hard work and dedication among young athletes. He announced that the Jahangir Khan Sports Club will continue to provide international level training opportunities to deserving and talented players.Additionally, participation certificates were awarded to all players who took part in the tournament, recognizing their effort and commitment to the sport.Jahangir Khan also announced that an International Squash Circuit Tournament will be hosted at the club in July.

Islamabad (SBR): Ijaz -ur -Rehman and Lieutenant Colonel Retired Kamran Khalid Janjua have been elected as President and Secretary General of the Pakistan Tenpin Bowling Federation (PTBF) respectively. According to an official: all the office bearers of the Pakistan Ten Pin Bowling Federation have been elected unopposed, as no papers have been submitted against them. The Election Commission has announced his unopposed success. According to the Pakistan Sports Board's supervision and the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Election Commission, Ijaz -ul -Rahman has been elected as President, while Aleem Agha and Asif Orakzai have been elected senior vice presidents, Mehboob -ur -Rehman and Mohammad Mohsin. In other officials  Lieutenant Colonel Retired Kamran Khalid Janjua has been elected Secretary General, Mohammad Hussain Chhatta, Ramesh Ali and Shabbir Lashkarwala as Joint Secretaries, Shabbir Hussain and Rana Shahzad Akhtar were elected unopposed.  The Election Commission has made it clear that the electoral process is being carried out in accordance with full transparency, the Constitution of the Federation, the relevant rules and regulations and the National Sports Policy 2005.

Lahore(PR): The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has named a squad for the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, set to take place in Jakarta, Indonesia from June 29 to July 5.Pakistan has been drawn into Group E alongside Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, and Kyrgyzstan. The team will open its campaign against Chinese Taipei on June 29, followed by matches against hosts Indonesia on July 2 and Kyrgyzstan on July 5.To gear up for the qualifiers, the squad will hold a preparatory training camp under the guidance of Head Coach Adeel Rizki at Jinnah Stadium, Islamabad, from June 19 to 26.Goalkeepers: Jennah Farooki, Nisha Ashraf, Zeeyana JivrajDefenders: Aliya Sadiq, Layla Banaras, Maria Khan (C), Nizalia Siddiqui, Sophia QureshiMidfielders: Amina Hanif, Azwa Chaudhry, Marsha Malik, Rameen Fareed, Sanah Mehdi, Suha HiraniForwards: Anmol Hira, Aqsa Mushtaq, Isra Khan, Mariam Mahmood, Nadia Khan, Zehmena Malik, Zulfia Nazir

London(SBR): South Africa ended 27 years of hurt by beating Australia at Lord’s to win the ICC World Test Championship 2025.Aiden Markram’s majestic 136 led the way as the Proteas sealed a five-wicket victory to lift this trophy for the first time and end a drought stretching back to the 1998 Champions Trophy.Australia did not give up without a fight, claiming the scalps of Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs before Markram was caught at mid-wicket with just six runs required having taken his side within touching distance.It was left to David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne to complete the job and spark joyous scenes from the sizable South African contingent inside the Home of Cricket, Verreynne hitting the winning runs to seal a memorable triumph.South Africa resumed on 213 for two, needing 69 more to seal the deal, and would have been pleased to see the early morning cloud give way to sunshine when they took to the field in North-West London.But Australia began in typically determined fashion and claimed the early breakthrough they required in the third over of the morning, Pat Cummins finding Bavuma’s edge when the Proteas skipper had added just a single to his overnight score of 65.The incoming Stubbs survived an Australian review for lbw when the ball was shown to be missing leg stump, with Markram dispatching the next ball to the mid-wicket boundary to take the runs required to 50.Australia’s bowlers continued to steam in and gave themselves a sniff when Starc delivered a beauty which cleaned up Stubbs and left South Africa 241 for four.The same bowler soon struck Bedingham on the pads and Australia again went upstairs. Replays showed the impact was outside the line of off-stump, however, and the 2023 champions found themselves out of reviews.Markram and Bedingham played sensibly to inch South Africa towards their place in the history books. The pair rotated the strike effectively and played with a calm which belied the pressure of the situation, Bedingham driving Cummins gloriously down the ground to move the target within 20.Australia took the new ball with 14 required and Markram greeted it dismissively, whipping Hazlewood through the leg-side for four from the first delivery of the 81st over.That brought South Africa to the brink but Markram was unable to finish the job he had played such a key role in orchestrating, chipping Hazlewood to Travis Head.Verreynne joined Bedingham and the wicketkeeper struck the final blow in the 84th over, driving Starc through the off-side to begin the celebrations and ensure these 11 names will be etched into South African cricketing folklore for generations to come.Scores in briefAustralia v South Africa – ICC World Test Championship Final 2025, Lord’s – Day FourAustralia 212 all out in 56.4 overs (Beau Webster 72, Steve Smith 66; Kagiso Rabada 5/51, Marco Jansen 3/49) and 207 all out in 65 overs (Mitchell Starc 58 not out, Alex Carey 43; Kagiso Rabada 4/59, Lungi Ngidi 3/38)South Africa 138 all out in 57.1 overs (David Bedingham 45, Temba Bavuma 36; Pat Cummins 6/28, Mitchell Starc 2/41) and 282/5 in 83.4 overs (Aiden Markram 136, Temba Bavuma 66; Mitchell Starc 3/66, Josh Hazlewood 1/58)Result: South Africa win by five wickets

LAHORE(PR): The Bank of Punjab Junior National Tennis Championship 2025 officially commenced on Thursday at the Punjab Tennis Academy, Bagh-e-Jinnah, Lahore, amidst a vibrant and well-attended opening ceremony. The tournament was inaugurated by Rashid Malik (Tamgha-e-Imtiaz), Senior Executive Vice President of the Punjab Lawn Tennis Association (PLTA), who graced the occasion as the chief guest. Also present were Omer Dilshad, Mehboob Waheed, and Faheem Siddiqui, the tournament coordinator.  The ceremony began with the introduction of all participating players to the chief guest, who then proceeded to witness a men’s singles match, appreciating the talent and determination displayed by the young competitors. His presence and encouragement were a morale booster for the budding tennis stars competing for national glory. More than 20 matches were played on the opening day of the championship across various age categories, with top seeds asserting their dominance and progressing comfortably to the second round.  In the boys’ U-18 category, Mohammad Omar Ali overcame a tough challenge from Ahad Usman, winning 3-6, 6-3, 3-1 (retired). Zohaib Afzal Malik delivered a flawless performance, defeating Zayd Zaman 6-0, 6-0, while Ohad-e-Mustafa cruised past Reehan Khan with a 6-1, 6-2 victory. Omer Jawad also advanced, outplaying Junaid Khan 6-1, 6-2 in a commanding display. The boys’ U-14 category also witnessed exciting matches. Ahmad Fareed Yawar secured a win over Ahmad Khuda Bakhsh with a scoreline of 4-0, 1-0 (retired), and Ibraheem Gill outclassed Ali Muntazim 4-0, 4-0. Aliyan Ali defeated M. Ehsan Bari 4-0, 4-1, while Ohad-e-Mustafa showed his versatility by defeating Shazain Faisal 4-1, 4-1. In the final notable match of the day, Omer Zaman triumphed over Hamza Ali Jutt with an impressive 4-1, 4-0 score.

Islamabad (Sports Desk): Nathan Lyon believes the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 represents a significant step in Australia's quest to become one of the all-time great Test teams.The 37-year-old off-spinner is part of Andrew McDonald’s squad to take on South Africa at Lord’s in the finale of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle.Australia will be looking to defend the title they won in 2023 after beating India by 209 runs at The Oval, and Lyon, who took the match-winning wicket of Mohammed Siraj in that victory, wants to build on the progress that has been made since then.“It is important that we look at this week as a celebration piece,” he said.“We’ve done incredibly well over the last couple of years, at home and away, and that is something that as a team, we should be really proud of.“In my eyes, we’re on a journey to becoming a great Australian team. We’re not there yet, I’m well aware of that, but that’s our goal too.“This game is another step up that ladder.”Australia finished second in the league table during the 2023-25 WTC cycle, having claimed 67.54 per cent of the points on offer to them.They were also the only nation not to lose a series in that time, winning four of the six series they played.Their percentage was only bettered by the table-topping Proteas’ 69.44 per cent.Lyon, a New South Wales native, has taken 56 wickets against South Africa in 18 matches during his career and expects nothing less than a fierce contest with the side captained by Temba Bavuma.“Yes, we’ve been here before, but South Africa qualified first during this World Test Championship,” he continued.“Throughout these two years, they’ve done something really well to finish top, and so they deserve that home changing room leading into this game.“It’s international cricket. We’re expecting an extremely hard challenge and there’s going to be a lot of problems out there, but we’re going to have to be good enough to solve those problems ASAP.”Australia have plenty of firepower within their bowling ranks for this match, with five of those selected within the top 14 of the ICC Men’s Test Bowling rankings.Lyon himself sits fifth on that list, with captain Pat Cummins in third, Josh Hazlewood in fourth, with Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland in 11th and 14th, respectively.Cummins (73), Starc (72) and Lyon (66) also currently occupy positions two through four on the leading wicket-takers list for this edition of the WTC, with only India’s Jasprit Bumrah ahead of them with 77 wickets.The presence of multiple experienced and skilled bowlers in the Australian camp is only improving the standards in training, revealed Lyon.“As a bowling squad, we are very proud of where we are currently at,” he said.“But we’re not leaving any stone unturned and we’re still trying to get better as a bowling group.“I feel that spurs each and every one of us on to get better.”Australia last played Test cricket in England during the 2023 Ashes series – the opening contest of the 2023-25 WTC cycle – but many from the squad have since taken the opportunity to return to play on the shores of the old rival.Lyon played for Lancashire in 2024, while Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green and Beau Webster have represented Glamorgan, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire, respectively, this season.Green’s stint in England has been particularly impressive, with the all-rounder plundering 467 runs in just five County Championship Division 2 matches at an average of 66.71.He has also scored three hundreds, including match-winning knocks of 128 and 67 not out against Kent in mid-May.And Lyon feels the 26-year-old will learn a lot from his stint in the West Country.“It’s been amazing to have Greeny over here,” he added.“I think he’s played four or five games for Gloucestershire and done really well. So, hopefully, that gives him the confidence to pick things up from where he left off.“It’s important, especially for the younger players, like Greeny, to come over here and play county cricket.“I feel like you get a lot of understanding of how the game is played over here in these conditions, how the Dukes ball moves around and how the overhead conditions play a role.”

Lausanne, Switzerland(PR):  Monday's lone FIH Hockey Pro League fixture offered plenty of drama in an enthralling clash in Amsterdam. The Netherlands men did just enough to complete the double over India and stretch their lead at the top of the table.(Men's) Netherlands 3 – 2 IndiaThe Netherlands boosted their title hopes with a riveting 3-2 win over a fired-up Indian side who were left to rue a poor conversion rate from their nine penalty corners.Both teams created great scoring opportunities in the opening quarter, Abhishek and Shilanand Lakra missing narrowly for India, and Tjep Hoedemakers clattering one into the post for the Netherlands. India held the initial advantage, though, making numerous pass intercepts and one-on-one steals that led to regular circle entries.India carried their momentum into the second period and went ahead in the 20th minute. Playing in his 100th match for India, Abhishek sent a blistering strike into the roof of the net. The Dutch gradually settled into the game, though, and equalised four minutes later. Captain Thierry Brinkman crabbed some distance along the baseline before popping the ball across goal for Thijs van Dam to swat it in from waist height. The scores were locked 1-1 at half time.Tjep Hoedemakers gave the hosts the lead in the 33rd minute, when his high-quality deflection from close range gave goalkeeper Pathak no chance to adjust his angles. Pathak got a good touch to disrupt the Dutch a couple of minutes later, though, and India finished the third period in the ascendancy with a flurry of attacks and penalty corners.With just one goal separating the teams, there was no thought of playing conservatively in the final quarter. Both teams had chances before Jugraj Singh equalised for India with a 54th-minute drag flick. Kumar Upadhyay Lalit then very nearly upset the home fans, stealing a loose ball off the last Dutch defender, but his cheeky lobbed shot was gloved away by a frantically backpedalling Maurits Visser. The winning goal came with just three minutes remaining, when Jip Janssen's drag flick sealed the victory for the Dutch.