Pace bowler Mohammad Amir is fit and will play for Pakistan in the Champions Trophy final at The Oval on Sunday, coach Mickey Arthur has told a news conference.
A back spasm kept Amir out as Pakistan defeated hosts England brilliantly on Wednesday but Arthur is now pinning his hopes on a full-strength attack to contain India's batsmen better than most other sides have managed so far.
"If we can get amongst them with the new ball, we can expose the middle order that hasn't batted much in this competition, so that's pretty much our aim and focus," the South African Arthur said on Saturday.
Arthur believes that the way his players recovered from a heavy defeat by India in the group stage with impressive victories over South Africa and England proves that it was merely "an aberration".
"That was something we hadn't prepared for," he said.
"We knew how hard the guys had prepared. So what we've produced after that doesn't come as any surprise because that's how we trained, and that's what we worked at.
"It was very disappointing to see that go wrong in the Indian game. But we've closed the chapter on that. We're now moving forward. And the guys have played really well."
With eight wins in the teams' previous 10 World Cup and Champions Trophy meetings, India are firm favourites but Arthur has taken confidence from their defeat in the group stage by Sri Lanka.
"Sri Lanka batted exceptionally well there. They played fielders' cricket. They took the game on. But we've got to look at our strengths, and our strength has been the fact that we've been able to take wickets consistently through the middle periods.
"We've got to play to our strengths, and our strength certainly is with the ball. I said it before the England game, if we put our "A" game together and do the basics well, we can beat anybody."
As for the intense pressure that will surround the final, Arthur said he hoped his young players could draw on their experience of the Pakistan Super League.
"Exposure to high-pressure situations is what India have had above Pakistan," he said.
"The PSL has been a very, very successful competition. So that exposes more and more young players to pressure situations, and I think the more we can expose our guys to those situations, the better results we get out on the ground."
The 14-year-old, who had earlier drawn attention with a 35-ball century last month, made 57 off 33 balls to help Rajasthan chase down 188 with 17 balls remaining. (Photo: Getty Images)
VAIBHAV SURYAVANSHI scored a half-century as Rajasthan Royals ended their IPL campaign with a six-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday.
The 14-year-old, who had earlier drawn attention with a 35-ball century last month, made 57 off 33 balls to help Rajasthan chase down 188 with 17 balls remaining in New Delhi.
Suryavanshi, who began his IPL career by hitting his first ball for six and played a key role in the chase, hitting four fours and four sixes in his innings.
"I don't have words for Vaibhav, he can hit a slower ball over cover," Rajasthan captain Sanju Samson said.
"Today when the middle overs were going on, he was going with his job very smartly. He has game awareness at such a young age."
Dhruv Jurel remained unbeaten on 31 off 12 balls to finish the chase.
Both teams were already out of the playoff race. Rajasthan stayed ahead of Chennai, which was bottom of the table with four wins from 14 matches.
Chennai, led by MS Dhoni, who is 43, have one league game remaining.
Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings have secured play-off spots. Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals are still in contention for the final place.
Chennai had opportunities in the match, including a double strike by Ravichandran Ashwin, who removed Samson (41) and Suryavanshi in the space of five balls.
Jurel responded with boundaries in the next over, and even after Riyan Parag was dismissed, Rajasthan completed the chase.
Jurel hit the winning six, with Shimron Hetmyer not out on 12 at the other end.
Yashasvi Jaiswal made 36 off 19 balls and added 37 for the opening wicket with Suryavanshi.
Mhatre leads Chennai recovery
Chennai posted 187-8 after falling to 78-5 in under eight overs, batting first on a hot and humid day in Delhi.
"If you look at the amount of runs we had put on the board, it was very good," said Dhoni. "But you got to see the wickets column as it puts pressure on the lower-middle order that you might not bat 20 overs."
Teenager Ayush Mhatre made 43 off 20 balls, lifting Chennai after two early wickets. His dismissal started a collapse.
Mhatre, who has a top score of 94 in his debut year, hit eight fours and one six before being dismissed by Tushar Deshpande.
Wanindu Hasaranga dismissed Ashwin, and Yudhvir Singh claimed his third wicket by removing Ravindra Jadeja as Chennai lost five wickets in 7.4 overs.
Dewald Brevis scored 42 and shared a 59-run stand with Shivam Dube, who made 39, to rebuild the innings.
Rajasthan bowlers restricted Chennai to 17 runs in the final three overs.
Akash Madhwal took 3-29 and was named player of the match.
The IPL resumed on Saturday after being paused due to the conflict between India and Pakistan. The final is now scheduled for 3 June in Ahmedabad.
Helldivers 2 has delivered one of its most impactful updates yet with the arrival of the Illuminate invasion on Super Earth. As players scramble to defend humanity's homeworld from total annihilation, the game's community has responded with renewed enthusiasm, and its player count has soared. Here are seven reasons why this update has reignited interest in the game.
1. The arrival of the Illuminate on Super Earth
The biggest narrative twist yet sees the Illuminate—a mysterious alien faction—launching a direct assault on Super Earth. This storyline escalation marks the highest stakes the game has presented, as earlier territories such as Mars and its colonies have already been obliterated. For long-time players, this represents the climax of the ongoing war and a must-play event.
2. Massive player count spike
Following the update's release, Helldivers 2 witnessed a dramatic surge in players. Steam concurrency hit over 124,000 at 9:30 AM ET, with numbers continuing to climb, approaching the highs seen during Illuminate’s first appearance in December 2024. This resurgence signals a renewed interest from both returning and new players.
3. New weapons and gear
With the new update, players have access to an arsenal of fresh weapons, offering new ways to approach battles against the Illuminate forces. This has reinvigorated gameplay and allowed veterans to experiment with tactics, while offering new players a variety of engaging loadouts right from the start.
4. Introduction of new Illuminate units
The Illuminate faction has been significantly expanded with new enemy units. These formidable adversaries present unique challenges that differ from the previously encountered Terminid and Automaton enemies. The varied combat styles and threats posed by the Illuminate have added depth and variety to missions.
5. Urban warfare on new city maps
A notable addition in this update is the introduction of city maps. These urban environments change the flow of gameplay, offering vertical combat, tighter corridors, and strategic chokepoints. It’s a refreshing change from the usual battlefield layouts, demanding more coordinated team strategies.
6. A shared narrative that drives engagement
Helldivers 2 continues to prove the power of community-driven storytelling in live service games. The ongoing narrative, shaped by collective player success or failure, creates a shared sense of urgency and consequence. The current threat to Super Earth has rallied the player base, echoing the excitement of previous key events.
- YouTubeYouTube/ HELLDIVERS™ 2
7. A testament to Arrowhead’s success
Despite not being a Sony in-house studio, developer Arrowhead has managed to maintain one of the most successful live service games of recent years. With consistent updates and community engagement, Helldivers 2 has defied the trend of short-lived online games. The studio has even announced its next title will be independently funded, underscoring the game's commercial success.
With the Illuminate knocking on the door and Super Earth under siege, Helldivers 2 is experiencing a revival that few live service games manage months after launch. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer, now is a prime time to suit up and defend humanity.
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Goodge’s support team said he ran close to 100km a day
British endurance runner William Goodge has claimed a new world record after completing a run across Australia in just 35 days, covering a distance of approximately 3,800km.
The 31-year-old athlete began his journey on 15 April from Cottesloe Beach in Perth and reached Bondi Beach in Sydney on 20 May. If verified, his run would set a new record for the fastest-ever crossing of Australia on foot, surpassing the previous record of 39 days set by Chris Turnbull in 2023.
Goodge’s support team said he ran close to 100km a day—the equivalent of two-and-a-half marathons—across challenging terrain, including the remote and arid Nullarbor Plain. The run is yet to be officially verified by Guinness World Records.
Originally from Bedfordshire, William Goodge began running marathons following the death of his mother, Amanda, from cancer in 2018. His transcontinental run aimed to raise funds for cancer charities in the UK, US, and Australia.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast a day after completing the run, Goodge described the experience as "the toughest thing I've ever done". He battled physical and mental strain throughout the 35 days, losing several toenails, suffering from rotting feet, and experiencing bone pain severe enough to cause hallucinations.
“It was full-on from start to finish,” he said, highlighting the early days and the crossing of the Nullarbor as particularly gruelling. Despite the conditions, he said he was “feeling very comfortable” after finishing.
Upon completing the journey, William Goodge placed flowers on the sand at Bondi Beach in memory of his late mother. “She was the most special person in my life,” he told Guardian Australia. “She would be proud of everything I’ve done—she’d also be concerned.”
Goodge credited his mother’s strength during her illness as motivation to keep going. “In the moments where it's tough, I think back to those times. I think about the woman she was, how she handled herself, and how she supported me,” he said in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald.
During the run, Goodge said he encountered much of Australia’s iconic landscape and wildlife, though many animals were seen as roadkill along his path.
Questions have been raised within the running community regarding the accuracy of tracking data during the run. Some observers pointed to inconsistencies in his speed and heart rate records. However, Goodge’s agent told Canadian Running that he "stands by his record keeping" and maintained that “he is taking every single step”.
William Goodge also claims the title of the fastest British man to run across the United States, completing a 55-day run from Los Angeles to New York in a previous endurance challenge.
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Abhishek reached his fifty in 18 balls, hitting five sixes including three in a row off Ravi Bishnoi. (Photo: Getty Images)
ABHISHEK SHARMA scored 59 off 20 balls to help Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Lucknow Super Giants by six wickets on Monday, ending Lucknow’s chances of making the IPL playoffs.
Chasing 206 for victory, Abhishek set the tone with an innings that included four fours and six sixes. Hyderabad reached the target with 10 balls remaining in Lucknow.
He was dismissed in the eighth over. Heinrich Klaasen, who made 47, and Kamindu Mendis, who retired hurt on 32, added 55 runs for the fourth wicket to take the team close to the target.
With the loss, Lucknow became the fifth team to be knocked out of the playoff race. Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals remain in contention for the final spot.
"Definitely it could have been one of our best seasons but coming into the tournament we had a lot of gaps, injuries," said Lucknow captain Rishabh Pant. "As a team we decided to not talk about that but it became difficult to fill those gaps."
Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have already qualified for the playoffs, which begin on May 29.
Sunrisers Hyderabad were already out of the race, but captain Pat Cummins said the win “gives (us) a lot of confidence for next year”.
Abhishek began attacking after losing his opening partner Atharva Taide, who was dismissed by New Zealand pacer Will O'Rourke on his IPL debut.
Abhishek reached his fifty in 18 balls, hitting five sixes including three in a row off Ravi Bishnoi. He hit one more six before being dismissed by leg-spinner Digvesh Rathi.
Hyderabad lost Ishan Kishan on 35 before Klaasen and Mendis steadied the chase. Klaasen missed out on a fifty while Mendis retired hurt with a foot injury. Nitish Reddy and Aniket Verma completed the chase.
Earlier, Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram added 115 runs for the opening wicket to set up Lucknow’s total of 205-7.
Marsh top-scored with 65, including six fours and four sixes, and Markram made 61. Nicholas Pooran contributed 45 off 26 balls.
The rest of the Lucknow batters could not reach double figures. Rishabh Pant was dismissed for seven, caught and bowled by Eshan Malinga.
Pant has scored just 135 runs in 11 innings this season. Lucknow had bought him for $3.21 million in the November auction.
The team also had injury concerns with pacers Avesh Khan and Mayank Yadav before and during the tournament.
Eshan Malinga finished with 2-28 from four overs.
Pooran was run out in the final over, where two run outs and another wicket fell.
The IPL resumed on Saturday after a pause due to a conflict between India and Pakistan. The final will now take place on June 3.
(With inputs from agencies)
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GTA 6 is poised to amplify that legacy on an even larger scale
Grand Theft Auto VI is not just another video game. With Rockstar Games at the helm and years of development behind it, the upcoming title is shaping up to be one of the most expansive and bold undertakings in entertainment history. Here are seven reasons why GTA 6 could become the most ambitious entertainment project ever.
1. Rockstar’s pursuit of ‘perfection’
According to Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive (Rockstar’s parent company), Rockstar Games is striving for “nothing short of perfection”. The studio is known for taking its time to refine every detail, ensuring the final product is polished to the highest standard, even if it means delaying release. Their commitment to quality is central to GTA 6’s grand ambitions.
- YouTubeYouTube/ CNBC
2. Record-breaking trailer launch
GTA 6’s debut trailer, released in December 2023, quickly became the most viewed video game reveal in YouTube history. It racked up over 93 million views within 24 hours, surpassing major music and entertainment videos. This massive response reflects the global excitement and places GTA 6 in a league of its own before launch.
3. A billion-dollar budget
Industry insiders estimate GTA 6’s development and marketing costs could exceed $1 billion, potentially making it the most expensive game ever made. This budget rivals blockbuster Hollywood productions and underlines how video games are now competing, and often leading, in the global entertainment space.
4. Revolutionary open-world design
Rockstar is reportedly building one of the most dynamic game worlds ever seen. GTA 6 is expected to feature an updated version of Vice City (inspired by Miami) and may include evolving environments, smarter AI, and complex NPC behaviours. This living, breathing world is designed to react more naturally to player actions, enhancing immersion.
5. First female protagonist in modern GTA
For the first time in the HD era of GTA, the game will feature a female lead character. This move not only marks a shift in representation but also signals Rockstar’s intent to evolve its storytelling and character dynamics, a key part of creating a more nuanced and engaging narrative experience.
6. Built for next-gen consoles
GTA 6 is being developed specifically for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, allowing Rockstar to push technical boundaries. Players can expect improved graphics, faster loading times, and more detailed worlds thanks to the hardware capabilities of new-gen consoles, making the game a leap forward from GTA V.
7. Cultural impact and legacy
Few games have had the lasting influence of Grand Theft Auto V, which sold over 190 million copies. With GTA 6, Rockstar is aiming even higher, not just in sales, but in cultural relevance. From music and fashion to internet memes and political satire, the GTA series has long influenced pop culture. GTA 6 is poised to amplify that legacy on an even larger scale.
GTA 6 is expected to release in 2025 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. If Rockstar delivers on its vision, it may redefine not just open-world gaming, but what’s possible across all forms of entertainment.