Ponting joins Punjab Kings as head coach

New Delhi: Australian great Ricky Ponting was today appointed head coach of Punjab Kings, replacing compatriot Trevor Bayliss in the under-performing IPL franchise. The former Australian captain has made the switch to Punjab Kings from Delhi Capitals, a team he was part of for seven years.

Galle

Kamindu hundred steers Sri Lanka to 302/7 vs NZ

Kamindu Mendis maintained his red-hot form and struck a majestic 114 to power Sri Lanka to 302/7 against New Zealand on the opening day of the first Test. Electing to bat in the first match of the two-Test series, Sri Lanka slumped to 106/4 but Kamindu’s fourth Test hundred ensured the hosts breached the 300-mark.

Sharjah

Afghanistan enjoy easy ODI win over South Africa

Afghanistan earned a first ever ODI victory over South Africa as they romped to a comfortable six-wicket triumph in the first of the three match series. South Africa were bundled out for 106 in 33.3 overs, having slumped to 36/7 in the 10th over, leaving Afghanistan with a modest target which they easily reached in 26 overs.

Riyadh

Ronaldo gets new coach with Pioli hired by Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo has another new coach in Saudi Arabia. Al-Nassr appointed former AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli on Wednesday, a day after it fired Luis Castro. The 58-year-old Pioli led Milan to the Serie A title in 2022 and then took the team to the last-four of the Champions League in 2023 before leaving the club in May. Castro was fired after a slow start to the season.