Sports
Usman Tariq backs Babar and Shaheen ahead of do-or-die Namibia clash
Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq has defended senior duo Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi despite their recent poor form, ahead of Pakistan’s must-win clash against Namibia on Wednesday at the Sinhalese Sports Club.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Tariq praised the contributions of Pakistan’s senior players and outlined the team’s mindset, stressing the importance of experience while noting cricket’s unpredictability.
“Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi have won many matches for us. Winning and losing are part of the game. Going forward, you will see us play well,” Tariq said.
He further addressed the team’s approach to setbacks and the learning process after a defeat, highlighting the importance of reflection and moving forward.
“After the match, the discussion is always about what mistakes we made. If one match doesn’t go well, that’s part of the game,” he stated.
The right-arm spinner reflected on the team’s recent struggles and the importance of learning from past errors. He emphasised the proactive steps they have taken to address shortcomings.
“Problems arise when you don’t work on your mistakes. We have worked on our mistakes. If we don’t repeat them, there won’t be any problem,” he said.
He also spoke about handling high-pressure situations on the field, explaining that staying composed is crucial for performance.
“Feeling pressure is normal. Controlling pressure is part of the job, and we have worked on that. But right now, there is no pressure. I didn’t feel that the team was under pressure,” he concluded.
In their previous outing, the 2009 champions opted for a spin-heavy attack after winning the toss and electing to field.
However, the strategy backfired as India’s batting, led by a blistering half-century from Ishan Kishan, propelled them to 175/5 in 20 overs.
Pakistan’s spin duo, Abrar Ahmed and experienced all-rounder Shadab Khan, struggled. Abrar conceded 38 runs in three overs, while Shadab leaked 17 runs in a single over, with neither claiming a wicket.
Among the pacers, Shaheen Afridi was the only one to make a notable impact, returning figures of 1/31 in two overs. Captain Salman Ali Agha later described it as an “off-day.”
The Green Shirts’ batting also faltered under pressure, being bowled out for 114 in 18 overs after a disastrous start to the chase.
Earlier in the tournament, Salman Mirza impressed in Pakistan’s opening match against the Netherlands, picking up 3/24 in four overs. In 14 T20Is for Pakistan, he has taken 22 wickets at an economy rate of 6.36.
Currently, Pakistan sits third in the Group A points table with two wins and one defeat from three matches, with a net run rate of -0.403.
A win against Namibia would secure six points, putting them in the second spot and overtaking the USA, who have two wins and two losses with four points and a net run rate of 0.788, ensuring progression to the Super Eight stage.
Sports
PSL 11: Multan Sultans win toss, opt to bowl first against Rawalpindiz
Multan Sultans have won the toss and elected to bowl first against Rawalpindiz in the 14th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Monday.
This will be the first time both Sultans and Pindiz face each other in the PSL.
Playing XIs
Multan Sultans: Steven Smith, Sahibzada Farhan, Josh Philippe (wk), Shan Masood, Ashton Turner (c), Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Nawaz, Peter Siddle, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Muhammad Ismail and Faisal Akram.
RawalPindiz: Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Yasir Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings, Abdullah Fazal, Dian Forrester, Rishad Hossain, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Amir Khan and Asif Afridi.
This is a developing story and is being updated with further details.
Sports
BYU women’s basketball star explains religious reason why team didn’t practice before tourney win
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The BYU Cougars women’s basketball team was on the outside looking into the NCAA Tournament this season despite going 26-12 under head coach Lee Cummard.
The Cougars played well enough to earn an invitation to the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament, where the team was able to knock out the Kansas Jayhawks last week before losing to the Columbia Lions on Wednesday.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
BYU Cougars guard Delaney Gibb brings the ball upcourt against the TCU Horned Frogs during the second half at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo., on March 6, 2026. (Nick Tre Smith/Imagn Images)
BYU drew attention for an interesting and faith-based, decision ahead of their 70-67 win over Kansas. The team didn’t practice because it was a Sunday.
Delaney Gibb, who led the team in scoring, explained it was for religious reasons that the team doesn’t practice on Sundays.
“When you look at it from a perspective of our team and our culture we’ve built and the faith that we have it’s a day that we get to have a different perspective on life,” Gibb said, via the school’s website. “There’s things that are bigger than basketball and Jesus Christ and having faith in Him is something that’s bigger than basketball.”

BYU’s Delaney Gibb speaks to media during Big 12 Women’s Basketball Media Day at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo., on Oct. 21, 2025. (Sophia Scheller/Imagn Images)
SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM POSTS ‘JESUS IS KING’ MESSAGE AS WNBA NEGOTIATIONS HEAT UP AHEAD OF CBA DEADLINE
Gibb scored 12 points in the three-point victory. Sydney Benally added 15.
The sophomore’s remarks went viral during the week.
Unfortunately, for the Cougars, BYU lost to the Lions in their next game.
Gibb is likely to return for her junior season. She was named to the All-Big 12 Conference First Team after being named the 2025 Big 12 Conference Freshman of the Year.

BYU guard Delaney Gibb drives the ball against the TCU Horned Frogs during the second half at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo., on March 6, 2026. (Nick Tre Smith/Imagn Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
During the 2025-26 season, Gibb averaged a team-leading 18.3 points per game. She also averaged 5.1 rebounds.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Sports
Transfer rumors, news: Premier League clubs on Vinicius Jr. alert, PSG, Bayern keen
Some of Europe’s top clubs have been sounded out about a deal for Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. this summer, while Madrid are increasingly confident of sealing a move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.
Transfers home page | Men’s winter grades | Women’s grades
TRENDING RUMORS
– Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have been contacted by intermediaries regarding a possible move for Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. this summer, according to TEAMtalk. Some of Europe’s top clubs have been sounded out about a deal as the winger enters the final year of his contract, while the Saudi Pro League is also ready to move if any opportunity arises. Contract talks with the 25-year Brazil international have stalled for the past few months and sources recently told ESPN that negotiations may not resume until after the 2026 World Cup, though the player has reiterated that he wants to stay.
– Real Madrid are increasingly confident of sealing a move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri this summer, claims TEAMtalk. Rodri, 29, has reportedly held discussions with City about the possible terms for an exit this summer and, while he continues to be linked with a move to the Bernabeu, Real Madrid won’t “pay over the odds” to bring the Spain international to the club. An offer of €60 million will reportedly be enough to do a deal.
– AS reports that Real Madrid are open to a potential exit for Eduardo Camavinga, with PSG monitoring the midfielder’s situation. The 23-year-old has been with Los Blancos since 2021, but has struggled to make himself a regular starter since joining from Rennes. A switch back to Ligue 1 could reignite his career once again, though Madrid would want to make a profit on the €40 million they paid to sign him five years ago.
– Arsenal are soon expected to make a formal approach to sign Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane, according to Christian Falk. The Gunners have been linked with a €65 million move for the 19-year-old, with an offer expected in the coming weeks. The Cameroon international has made 40 appearances across all competitions this season, with seven goals and eight assists to his name, with Bayern Munich also reported be monitoring his progress.
– RB Leipzig are discussing a new contract with €80 million-rated winger Yan Diomande that could include a release clause, amid links with a move to the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United, says Fabrizio Romano. Diomande, 19, has shot to prominence this season with some fine displays, but Leipzig are keen to let him develop even further.
EXPERT TAKE
ESPN’s Madrid correspondent Alex Kirkland explores the future for Vinicius Junior.
Vinicius Junior’s situation at Real Madrid has, in many ways, changed radically over the course of the season — but the bottom line is that his contract is still due to expire in 2027 and there’s been no progress on an extension.
The first half of 2025-26 was perhaps the most turbulent time of Vini’s career at Madrid, losing his place as a guaranteed starter under then coach Xabi Alonso, going three months without scoring, and becoming the public face of dressing room unrest with his reaction at being substituted early in October’s Clásico.
Since January, and the arrival of Álvaro Arbeloa, it’s been a very different story. Arbeloa has talked up Vinicius at every opportunity and he’s been rewarded on the pitch, with the forward nearing career-best form with back-to-back, decisive braces last month against Manchester City and Atletico Madrid.
But still, the clock is ticking on that contract extension. ESPN reported that a renewal was near impossible with Alonso in charge, but that is no longer an issue. Vinicius loves playing for Madrid and the club would like him to stay; the remaining issue is the gap between Vinicius’ wage demands and what the club are willing to offer.
Madrid would do anything to avoid losing him on a free transfer in 2027, so the situation has to be resolved, one way or the other, this summer. ESPN has reported that a move to Saudi Arabia would not appeal to Vinicius, leaving PSG or the Premier League as the only realistic remaining options.
But at this stage, given his improved form, and Madrid’s desire to keep him and avoid the nightmare scenario of a free transfer, the most likely scenario feels like the club going the extra mile to offer a deal structured with enough variables and bonuses to reach the kind of total package Vinicius and his camp would be happy with.
OTHER RUMORS
1:51
Hutchison doubtful about Arne Slot’s Liverpool future
Don Hutchison believes Arne Slot won’t be Liverpool manager at the start of next season following their FA Cup exit to Manchester City.
– Liverpool could sign Al Hilal forward Marcus Leonardo, 22, to replace Mohamed Salah this summer. (GMS)
– Manchester United are among the clubs keen to sign Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana, 24. (Football Insider)
– Spain forward Dani Olmo is not planning on leaving Barcelona this summer, amid links with a move to the Saudi Pro League. (Fabrizio Romano)
– AC Milan are pushing to sign midfielder Leon Goretzka as a free agent when he leaves Bayern Munich in the summer, ahead of Premier League competition. (Calciomercato)
– Italy midfielder Manuel Locatelli is closing in on a contract renewal with Juventus until 2030. (Tuttosport)
– Liverpool are keen on Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba and Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon as part of a summer rebuild. (Ekrem Konur)
– Manchester City, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are all showing interest in Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong, amid his lack of game time for the Blues. (Ekrem Konur)
– Harry Wilson is on Tottenham’s shortlist of transfer options this summer, as he looks set to become a free agent at the end of his contract at Fulham. (Ekrem Konur)
– Antonio Rudiger is progressing in talks to extend his contract at Real Madrid, as he nears the final 12 months of his deal with Los Blancos. (Nicolo Schira)
– Barcelona and PSG are both interested in 16-year-old Mali wonderkid Aboubacar Maiga, who plays for Academy Africa Foot, as an option for the future. (Sport)
-
Sports1 week agoUSMNT handed reality check by Doku, Belgium ahead of World Cup
-
Sports1 week ago2026 NCAA men’s hockey tournament: Schedule, results
-
Uncategorized4 days ago
[CinePlex360] Please moderate: “Trump signals p
-
Entertainment3 days agoJoe Jonas shares candid glimpse into parenthood with Sophie Turner
-
Tech3 days agoOur Favorite iPad Is $50 Off
-
Uncategorized1 week ago
[CinePlex360] Please moderate: “Further tariff
-
Entertainment1 week agoThe Avett Brothers’ bassist explains why he wrote a book about John Quincy Adams
-
Sports1 week agoMan City show why they are worthy WSL title winners as tired United wilt
