Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund have advanced to the quarterfinals of the Champions League after thrilling victories in the round of 16.
Atletico Madrid’s Penalty Shootout Heroics
Atletico Madrid faced a tough challenge against Inter Milan, who had reached the final last season. The match went to penalties after a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
Inter took the lead through Federico Dimarco, but Antoine Griezmann quickly equalized. Memphis Depay’s late goal sent the match to extra time, where neither team could find a winner.
In the penalty shootout, Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak made crucial saves on Alexis Sanchez and Davy Klaassen. Intercaptain Lautaro Martinez then missed his penalty, sending Atletico through with a 3-2 victory.
Borussia Dortmund’s Convincing Win
Borussia Dortmund hosted PSV Eindhoven after a 1-1 draw in the first leg. On loan from Manchester United, Jadon Sancho scored an early goal to put Dortmund in control.
Despite PSV’s efforts to equalize, Dortmund held on to their lead. Marco Reus won the stoppage time victory, securing a 2-0 win and a place in the quarterfinals.
Quarterfinal Draw
In the quarterfinals, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund join Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and PSG. The draw for the next round will take place on March 17.
Mumbai, India – Musheer Khan, the young and talented batter from Jammu and Kashmir, has etched his name into the history books by breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record for the highest individual score in a Ranji Trophy final.
Khan’s remarkable innings of 260 not out came in the final of the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy, where Jammu and Kashmir faced off against Mumbai at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. After batting first, Mumbai posted a mammoth total of 544/7 declared, thanks to a century by Sarfaraz Khan.
In response, Jammu and Kashmir got off to a shaky start, losing their top three batsmen cheaply. However, Khan came to the crease and played a counter-attacking innings, taking the Mumbai bowlers to the cleaners. He hit 34 fours and 10 sixes in his marathon knock, which lasted for over 500 minutes.
Khan’s innings not only helped Jammu and Kashmir avoid an innings defeat, but it also put them in a strong position to win the match. At the end of Day 3, Jammu and Kashmir were trailing by just 100 runs, with Khan still unbeaten on 224.
On Day 4, Khan continued to bat aggressively, reaching his double century in style with a six off Mumbai captain Prithvi Shaw. He eventually fell for 260 not out, but by then he had already secured his place in Ranji Trophy folklore.
Khan’s innings broke Tendulkar’s previous record of 233 not out, which he scored for Mumbai in the 1999-2000 Ranji Trophy final against Karnataka. It is a remarkable achievement for Khan, who is still only 23 years old.
Emotional Reaction
After the match, Khan expressed his delight at breaking Tendulkar’s record.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” said Khan. “Sachin Tendulkar is my idol, so to break his record is a dream come true. I never thought I would be able to achieve something like this.”
Khan also praised his teammates for their support throughout the tournament.
“I couldn’t have done it without my teammates,” said Khan. “They all played their part and made this victory possible.”
Significance
Khan’s record-breaking innings is a significant moment for Jammu and Kashmir cricket. It is the first time that a player from the state has scored a double century in a Ranji Trophy final. It is also a testament to Khan’s immense talent and potential.
Khan is a rising star in Indian cricket, and his performance in the Ranji Trophy final has only enhanced his reputation. As a result, he is likely to be considered for inclusion in the Indian team for the upcoming Test series against Australia.
Conclusion
Musheer Khan’s record-breaking innings in the Ranji Trophy final is a reminder that anything is possible in cricket. With his talent, determination, and hard work, Khan has achieved something that many thought was impossible. He is an inspiration to young cricketers everywhere, and his story is sure to be told for generations to come.
The Delhi Capitals have suffered a significant setback ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, with star English batter Harry Brook expected to miss the tournament for personal reasons. Brook, who the Capitals acquired for a hefty ₹13.25 crore at the IPL 2024 auction, was unable to participate in the recent Test series in India and is unlikely to be available for the upcoming IPL season.
Jake Fraser-McGurk Emerges as Potential Replacement
In light of Brook’s absence, the Delhi Capitals are reportedly exploring Australian all-rounder Jake Fraser-McGurk as a potential replacement. Fraser-McGurk, who has previously represented the Capitals’ affiliate team, Dubai Capitals, in the ILT20, has impressed the franchise with his all-around abilities.
The 21-year-old left-handed batter and right-arm medium pacer made headlines in October 2023 when he smashed the fastest List-A century, reaching the milestone in 29 deliveries. He surpassed the previous record held by former South African great AB de Villiers, who had achieved a century in 31 balls.
Brook’s Disappointing IPL 2023 Performance
Despite his hefty price tag, Brook’s performance with the Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2023 fell short of expectations. In 11 SRH matches, Brook scored only 190 runs, failing to make a significant impact.
Rishabh Pant’s Return to Action
While the Capitals will miss Brook’s presence, they will be boosted by the return of captain Rishabh Pant, who is set to make his long-awaited comeback to the cricket field after enduring a life-threatening road accident that kept him sidelined for 14 months. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has granted Pant permission to represent the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024.
Delhi Capitals’ Full Squad for IPL 2024
The Delhi Capitals’ entire squad for IPL 2024 includes:
Rishabh Pant (c)
Pravin Dubey
David Warner
Vicky Ostwal
Prithvi Shaw
Anrich Nortje
Abishek Porel
Kuldeep Yadav
Axar Patel
Lungi Ngidi
Lalit Yadav
Khaleel Ahmed
Mitchell Marsh
Ishant Sharma
Yash Dhull
Mukesh Kumar
Harry Brook (likely to miss)
Tristan Stubbs
Ricky Bhui
Kumar Kushagra
Rasikh Dar
Jhye Richardson
Sumit Kumar
Shai Hope
Swastik Chhikara
Conclusion
The Delhi Capitals’ absence of Harry Brook is a significant blow to their hopes of winning their maiden IPL title. However, the franchise will be confident in its ability to overcome this setback and challenge for the championship with a strong and experienced squad led by Rishabh Pant.
The Hong Kong T20I Tri-Series 2024, held from March 10 to 13, provided a valuable platform for three developing cricket nations—Hong Kong, Nepal, and Papua New Guinea—to showcase their talent and gain experience in the T20 format.
Tournament Format:
The tri-series followed a round-robin format, with each team playing each other once. The top two teams Hong Kong Vs Nepal, based on points secured in the round-robin stage, qualified for the final, while the team finishing third played Hong Kong A in a third-place playoff.
Participating Teams:
Hong Kong: The hosts, currently ranked 21st in the ICC Men’s T20I team rankings, entered the tournament to improve their performance and gain valuable experience against higher-ranked teams.
Nepal: Ranked 16th in the T20I rankings, Nepal was considered the favorite, having recently reached the final of the Nepal T20I Tri-Series 2024 at home.
Papua New Guinea: Ranked 19th, PNG looked to showcase their potential and challenge the other teams in the series.
Full Schedule and Match Timings:
Date
Match
Venue
Time (IST)
March 10
Hong Kong vs Nepal
Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground
11:00 AM
March 11
Nepal vs Papua New Guinea
Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground
6:30 AM
March 11
Hong Kong vs Papua New Guinea
Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground
11:30 AM
March 12
3rd Place Playoff (TBC vs Hong Kong A)
Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground
6:30 AM
March 13
Final (Top 2 teams)
Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground
11:30 AM
All Team Player name
Hong Kong:
Nizakat Khan (c)
Babar Hayat (wk)
Ahan Khan
Kinchit Shah
Christopher Carter
Mohammad Ghazanfar
Ehsan Khan
Aizhan Javed
Nadeem Ahmed
Tanveer Ahmed
Haroon Arshad
Zahir Khan
Nepal:
Rohit Paudel (c)
Aasif Sheikh
Kushal Bhurtel
Dipendra Singh Airee
Sharad Vesawkar
Gyanendra Malla
Aarif Sheikh
Karan KC
Sandeep Lamichhane
Kamal Singh Airee
Bikram Sob (wk)
Surya Tamang
Papua New Guinea:
Assad Vala (c)
Tony Ura (wk)
Charles Amini
Lega Siaka
Kiplin Doriga
Chad Soper
Damien Ravu
Nosaina Pokana
Riley Hekure
Gaudi Toka
Sewa Gaudi
Douglas Yanuka
Match Highlights:
The opening match between Hong Kong and Nepal was abandoned due to rain.
Nepal dominated the remaining matches, showcasing their batting prowess and clinical bowling attack.
Opener Aasif Sheikh emerged as the leading run-scorer in the series, amassing 123 runs in two innings.
Leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane continued his impressive form, picking up 5 wickets in the tournament.
Papua New Guinea displayed glimpses of their potential, particularly in their close encounter against Hong Kong in the second match.
Final Standings:
Nepal (2 wins)
Hong Kong (1 win – qualified for final based on net run rate)
Papua New Guinea
Final – Nepal vs Hong Kong:
The final, played on March 13, witnessed a dominant performance by Nepal.
Nepal posted a mammoth total of 198/6 on the board, with contributions from Aasif Sheikh (54 runs) and Kushal Bhurtel (47 runs).
Hong Kong’s chase faltered early, and they were eventually bundled out for 105 runs.
Nepal emerged victorious by a convincing margin of 85 runs, securing their first title in the T20I Tri-Series format.
Live Streaming and Fan Engagement:
The Hong Kong T20I Tri-Series 2024 was primarily broadcast on the FanCode app and Cricbuzz.
Hong Kong T20I Tri-Series 2024 previous performance
Building upon the previous information, let’s delve deeper into the Hong Kong Vs Nepal T20I Tri-Series 2024:
Individual Performances:
Hong Kong: While the team’s overall performance fell short of expectations, some individual players were impressed.
Nizakat Khan (captain): Scored a crucial 49 runs in the second match against Papua New Guinea, showcasing his leadership qualities.
Mohammad Ghazanfar: The left-arm spinner displayed his potential, picking up 3 wickets in the tournament.
Papua New Guinea:Â Despite not reaching the final, PNG players showed glimpses of talent.
Tony Ura (wicket-keeper): Played a vital role behind the stumps and chipped in with valuable runs.
Lega Siaka: The all-rounder displayed his skills with both bat and ball, contributing significantly in the second match.
Impact on Teams:
Nepal:Â The series provided a crucial confidence boost for Nepal as they prepare for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup qualifiers.
Youngsters like Kushal Bhurtel and Aarif Sheikh gained valuable experience playing against international opposition.
Hong Kong: While they couldn’t secure a series victory, the hosts identified areas for improvement and gained exposure to a competitive environment.
The experience will be valuable for their future endeavors in the T20 format.
Papua New Guinea: Despite not winning a match, PNG gained valuable experience playing against higher-ranked teams.
The series exposed their weaknesses and highlighted areas where they can focus on improvement.
Future Prospects:
The Hong Kong T20I Tri-Series 2024 was a stepping stone for the participating teams.
Nepal:Â They will look to build on their momentum in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup qualifiers and aim for a spot in the main tournament.
Hong Kong:Â The team will strive to improve their ranking and performance in future international
.
Continued participation in such tournaments will give them valuable exposure and hone their skills.
Papua New Guinea: PNG will utilize what they have learned from this series to climb the ICC T20I rankings and challenge established teams in future encounters.
Additional Points of Interest:
Pitch and weather conditions: The series was played on a batting-friendly pitch at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground. Hot and humid weather conditions throughout the tournament preferred batters.
Fan Engagement: Despite the limited local viewership due to the early morning timings of some matches, social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook witnessed discussions and updates from fans following the series.
Conclusion:
The Hong Kong T20I Tri-Series 2024 provided a platform for developing cricket nations to showcase their talent and gain valuable experience in the international arena. Nepal’s dominance and individual player performances were key takeaways from the tournament. The learnings from this series will undoubtedly propel these teams forward in their cricketing journey.
In a testament to the growing cricketing ties between New Zealand to Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have announced a five-match T20I series to be played in Pakistan from April 14 to 27, 2024.
This tour marks the Blackcaps’ third visit to Pakistan in less than two years, following their successful tours in December 2022/January 2023 and April 2023. The upcoming series will provide both teams valuable preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup later this year.
Schedule and Venues
The New Zealand team will arrive in Islamabad on April 14 and play three T20Is at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on April 18, 20, and 21. Following that, both sides will move to Lahore, where they will play the remaining two T20Is of the series on April 25 and 27, respectively.
All five matches of the T20I series will begin at 7 pm PKT. Ticket prices for the series will be affordable so that fans can watch their favorite players in action. Tickets will be available at selected TCS outlets and online.
Significance of the Tour
This tour is significant in terms of cricketing action and symbolizes the deep-rooted ties and mutual respect that define the relationship between Pakistan and New Zealand. The PCB and NZC have worked closely to ensure a safe and successful tour for the Blackcaps.
Usman Wahla, Director – International Cricket, PCB, expressed his delight at hosting the New Zealand team again. He said, “This tour symbolizes the deep-rooted ties and mutual respect that define the relationship between our two cricketing nations. Our avid cricket fans and the people of Pakistan will welcome the New Zealand team again, and we hope to have yet another competitive series, which is a key part of our buildup to this year’s ICC T20 World Cup.”
Recent History
New Zealand’s previous tours of Pakistan have been memorable and helped strengthen the cricketing ties between the two nations. In December 2022/January 2023, the Blackcaps played two Tests and three ODIs in Pakistan, marking their first Test series since 2003.
Later that year, they traveled to Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi in April to feature in 10 white-ball matches. The series was closely fought, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination.
Conclusion
The upcoming five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand promises to be another exciting chapter in the cricketing history between the two nations. Fans can expect a competitive and entertaining series with both teams looking to fine-tune their preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup. The tour is also a testament to the growing cricketing ties between Pakistan and New Zealand, and it will strengthen the bond between the two countries.
The Scotland national cricket team visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in March 2024, and the final T20I is scheduled for Thursday, March 14th. The tour culminated in a three-match T20 International (T20I) series following the conclusion of the second round of the 2023-2027 ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 tournament, which also featured both teams.
Pre-Series Buzz
This T20I series held significance for both sides. Scotland, ranked 14th in the ICC T20I rankings, aimed to gain crucial points towards automatic qualification for the 2024 T20 World Cup. The UAE, ranked 19th, sought to continue developing and challenging a higher-ranked opponent.
The recent tri-series played as ODI matches, between both teams scotland vs UAE in the UAE offered some insights. Scotland emerged victorious in the tri-series, showcasing its batting prowess. However, the UAE displayed its bowling strengths, particularly in its close win against the Scots.
After electing to bat first, Scotland posted a competitive total of 163 runs, with contributions from Michael Jones (42) and Calum MacLeod (38).
The UAE batsmen responded with determination. Openers Muhammad Waseem (54) and Chirayu Amin (47) laid a solid foundation.
Despite a late Scottish fightback, the UAE narrowly won by two wickets with one ball to spare, thanks to a crucial cameo from Basil Shahzad (22*).
Match 2:
The second T20I, played on March 10th, 2024, saw Scotland bounce back emphatically.
Electing to field first, their bowlers restricted the UAE to a modest score of 128 runs. Brad Wheal (3/21) and Mark Watt (2/17) were the pick of the Scottish bowlers.
In reply, Scotland chased the target comfortably with seven wickets and seven overs to spare. George Munsey (56*) and Kyle Coetzer (38) anchored their chase with composed knocks.
Match 3:
The series decider, held on March 14th, 2024, was a tense affair.
Scotland, batting first, set a target of 146 runs. Opener Matthew Cross top-scored with 48 runs.
The UAE batters showed immense grit in their pursuit. Opener Muhammad Waseem again played a crucial knock (43), but wickets fell regularly.
The match went down to the wire, with Scotland securing a narrow 4-run victory.
The Decisive Finale:
With the series tied 1-1, the final T20I promises to be thrilling. Both teams scotland vs UAE will be aiming to clinch the series victory.
Date & Time: Thursday, March 14th, 2024 (3:00 PM PST, 11:30 PM GMT)
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
Players to Watch:
Scotland:
George Munsey: The experienced batsman has been in good form throughout the tour, scoring a crucial half-century in the 2nd T20I.
Chris Greaves: The left-arm spinner has been Scotland’s leading wicket-taker in the series, showcasing his control and accuracy.
UAE:
Chirayu Amin: The right-handed batsman played a pivotal role in UAE’s victory in the 1st T20I and will be crucial again with his batting prowess.
Karthik Meiyappan: The young pacer is impressed with his pace and variations and is picking up crucial wickets in the series.
Importance of the Series:
This series holds significance for both teams:
Scotland: A series win would significantly boost Scotland as they continue their preparations for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup qualifiers.
UAE: Victory would solidify their position in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 standings and give them valuable momentum in the future.
Live Streaming and Fan Engagement:
The match will be broadcast of both match scotland vs UAE live on various channels, depending on the region. Fans can also follow the live score and commentary on websites and apps like https://www.espncricinfo.com/, https://www.cricbuzz.com/, and the official websites of the respective cricket boards.
Social media will be abuzz with fans expressing their support and predictions for the match.
Conclusion:
The Scotland tour of UAE 2024 has provided exciting cricket action and a platform for both teams to showcase their talent. During this close contest, the final T20I promises to be fans left on the edge of their seats.
FC Barcelona secured their place in the Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday with a 3-1 victory over Napoli at the Camp Nou.
The Catalan giants took an early lead through Ferran Torres in the 15th minute, and Joao Cancelo doubled their advantage just two minutes later. Napoli pulled one back through Amir Rrahmani in the 30th minute, but Robert Lewandowski sealed the win for Barcelona with a goal in the 83rd minute.
The victory was Barcelona’s first in the knockout stages of the Champions League since 2020, and it marked a significant step forward for the club under manager Xavi Hernandez.
Dominant Start
Barcelona started the match brightly and took the lead when Torres converted a cross from Ousmane Dembele. Cancelo made it 2-0 with a stunning strike from outside the box.
Napoli was stunned by Barcelona’s early dominance and struggled to create any clear-cut chances in the first half.
Napoli Fight Back
Napoli improved after the break and pulled one back through Rahmani, who headed home a corner from Piotr Zielinski.
The goal gave Napoli hope, and they pushed for an equalizer in the second half. However, Barcelona defended resolutely and limited Napoli to few clear-cut chances.
Lewandowski Seals the Win
Barcelona finally put the game to bed in the 83rd minute when Lewandowski scored his 25th goal. The Polish striker converted a cross from Raphinha to make it 3-1 and seal Barcelona’s place in the quarterfinals.
Xavi’s Delight
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez was delighted with his team’s performance.
“I’m thrilled with the team’s performance,” Xavi said. “We played a great game and deserved to win. We controlled the game from start to finish and created many chances.
“This is a big win for us. We’re back in the quarterfinals of the Champions League, and we’re now one step closer to our goal of winning the trophy.”
Napoli’s Disappointment
Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti was disappointed with his team’s performance but praised Barcelona for their quality.
“We didn’t play well tonight,” Spalletti said. We made too many mistakes and didn’t create enough chances.
“Barcelona is a great team, and they deserve to win. They were better than us in every aspect of the game.
“We’re disappointed to be out of the Champions League, but we can learn from this experience and come back stronger next season.”
Quarterfinal Draw
Barcelona will learn their quarterfinal opponents when the draw is made on Friday, March 17.
The cricketing world is exciting as Sri Lanka embarks on a thrilling tour of Bangladesh. The Sri Lanka Vs Bangladesh three-match One Day International (ODI) series promises high-octane action, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments. Let’s explore into the details of this charm contest.
Fixture Schedule:
First ODI:
Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Time: 02:00 PM IST / 08:30 AM GMT / 02:30 PM local
Venue: Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
Second ODI:
Date: Friday, March 15, 2024
Time: 02:00 PM IST / 08:30 AM GMT / 02:30 PM local
Venue: Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
Third ODI:
Date: Monday, March 18, 2024
Time: 09:30 AM IST / 04:00 AM GMT / 10:00 AM local
Venue: Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
Series Context:
The Sri Lanka cricket team arrives in Bangladesh with a point to prove. Their recent T20I series victory against the hosts has set the stage for an intense battle. As the teams gear up for the ODIs, fans can expect thrilling clashes, strategic duels, and standout performances.
Key Players to Watch:
Najmul Hossain Shanto (Bangladesh):
Shanto’sShanto’s form with the bat will be crucial for Bangladesh. Can he anchor the innings and provide stability?
Rishad Hossain (Bangladesh):
The all-rounder’s-rounder’s impressive showing in the T20Is has raised expectations. Will he continue to shine in the ODIs?
Sri Lanka’sLanka’s Bowling Attack:
Dushmantha Chameera, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Nuwan Pradeep will test Bangladesh’sBangladesh’s batting lineup.
Controversy and Drama:
The rivalry between these two teams Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh is never short of drama. From timed-out incidents to heated exchanges, emotions run high whenever they clash. Keep an eye out for any on-field fireworks!
Series Outcome:
While Sri Lanka clinched the T20I series, the ODIs present a fresh challenge.There will be a fierce battle for supremacy between the two teams. Who will emerge victorious? Only time will tell.
Stay tuned for live updates, thrilling moments, and cricketing magic as Sri Lanka Vs Bangladesh in this enthralling ODI series!
What is the history of Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh matches?
ODIs (One Day Internationals):
Total Matches Played: 53
Sri Lanka Wins: 42
Bangladesh Wins: 9
No Result: 2
Recent Result: Sri Lanka won by 21 runs in Colombo (September 2023).
In ODIs, Sri Lanka has maintained dominance over Bangladesh and has a strong track record. However, Bangladesh has shown resilience and occasional victories.
Tests:
Total Matches Played: 19
Sri Lanka Wins: 18
Bangladesh Wins: 1
Drawn Matches: 0
First Test Match: September 6, 2001
Last Test Match: May 15, 2022
Bangladesh’s most extended format has been challenging against Sri Lanka. Their sole Test victory came in Sri Lanka, but the Lankans have been formidable opponents.
T20Is (Twenty20 Internationals):
Total Matches Played: 12
Sri Lanka Wins: 8
Bangladesh Wins: 4
No Result: 0
First T20I: September 18, 2007
Last T20I: March 16, 2018
T20Is have seen a more balanced contest between the two teams, with both sides securing victories.
Sri Lanka has historically held the upper hand, but Bangladesh strives for breakthrough moments. As fans eagerly await the next clash, the rivalry remains intense!
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr crashed out of the Asian Champions League in the quarter-finals on Monday, losing 3-1 on penalties to Al-Ain of the United Arab Emirates.
Despite overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit to win 4-3 on the night, Al-Nassr’s hopes were dashed in the shootout, with imports Miroslav Brozovic, Alex Telles, and Otavio failing to score from the spot.
The pulsating encounter at Al-Awwal Park featured seven goals and a red card, but Al-Ain goalkeeper Khalid Eisa emerged as the hero. He saved Brozovic’s opening penalty and set the stage for his team’s victory.
Thrilling First Half
Al-Ain, who had won the first leg 1-0, seized control of the match in the opening 45 minutes. Soufiane Rahimi, who scored the winner in the first leg, put the visitors ahead with a goal in the 28th minute. He doubled their lead just before halftime with a clinical finish.
Al-Nassr, however, refused to give up. Abdulrahman Ghareeb pulled one back for the hosts five minutes into injury time, giving them a glimmer of hope heading into the second half.
Second-Half Comeback
Al-Nassr continued to press forward after the break, and their efforts were rewarded in the 51st minute when Al-Ain goalkeeper Khalid Eisa deflected Otavio’s low drive into his own goal.
The equalizer came in the 72nd minute, courtesy of a low free kick from Alex Telles that flew through a crowd of players and beat Eisa.
Extra Time and Penalty Shootout
The match remained level at 3-3 after 90 minutes, sending it into extra time. Al-Nassr’s hopes blew when Ayman Yahya was sent off for a reckless tackle in the 98th minute.
A minute later, Al-Ain thought they had won it when Sultan Al Shamsi capitalized on a handling error by Al-Nassr goalkeeper Raghid Najjar. However, Ronaldo kept his team alive by scoring a penalty in the 120th minute after being brought down in the area.
The match went to a penalty shootout, and Al-Ain held its nerve. Rahimi, Kaku, and Al Shamsi all converted their spot-kicks, while Brozovic, Telles, and Otavio missed for Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo’s Disappointment
The defeat was a significant disappointment for Ronaldo, who had joined Al-Nassr in January to win the Asian Champions League for the first time.
The Portuguese superstar scored four goals in the competition this season, but he could not inspire his team to win in the crucial quarter-final.
Al-Ain’s Historic Achievement
Al-Ain’s victory was a historic achievement for the club. It was their first time reaching the semi-finals of the Asian Champions League since 2016.
They will now face Al-Hilal or Al-Ittihad from Saudi Arabia in the semi-finals next month.
In a thrilling encounter, the Multan Sultans vs Quetta Gladiators by a commanding 79 runs, securing their place among the top two teams in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Match Summary
Batting first, the Sultans posted an impressive total of 185 for 4, thanks to half-centuries from captain Mohammad Rizwan (69) and Johnson Charles (53). Iftikhar Ahmed provided a late flourish with a quickfire 20 off eight balls.
In response, the Gladiators’ chase faltered early as Jason Roy and Saud Shakeel departed cheaply. David Willey and Usama Mir shared six wickets between them, dismantling the Gladiators‘ batting lineup and dismissing them for a mere 106 runs in 15.5 overs.
Player Performances
Mohammad Rizwan was named Player of the Match for his all-around performance, scoring 69 runs and taking two catches. David Willey and Usama Mir were the Sultans’ standout bowlers, claiming three wickets each.
Implications
With this victory, the Sultans have cemented their position as one of the favorites for the PSL title. They will now face Peshawar Zalmi in the Qualifier on Thursday, with the winner advancing to the final.
Despite the loss, the Gladiators still have a chance to qualify for the playoffs. They will meet Islamabad United in the Eliminator on Thursday, and the winner will advance to the second Qualifier.
Conclusion
The Multan Sultans’ clinical performance has sent a strong message to their rivals. With a well-balanced team and a solid top order, they are a force to be reckoned with in the PSL. The Gladiators, on the other hand, will need to regroup and find their form if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
