Vaibhav Suryavanshi (ACC Photo)

NEW DELHI: Pakistan drew first blood in the high-voltage ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 clash against India as pacer Mohammad Sayyam produced an early breakthrough to dismiss the in-form Vaibhav Suryavanshi for just five runs at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!There was wild celebration from the Pakistan camp as Sayyam struck with a decisive delivery to remove India’s most dangerous batter cheaply.

The Pakistan dugout rose to its feet and applauded as Suryavanshi, who had tormented bowlers in the previous match, was sent back early. Sayyam bowled a probing delivery that Suryavanshi failed to judge properly, resulting in a simple catch to the bowler in his follow-through.After completing the catch, Sayyam threw the ball into the air and leapt in celebration, with his teammates rushing in to hug him as Pakistan celebrated a massive early success against their arch-rivals.Earlier, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf won the toss and opted to bowl first. The much-anticipated India U19 vs Pakistan U19 contest was reduced to 49 overs per side after rain delayed the start of play.Watch the video hereIndia, led by Ayush Mhatre, entered the match brimming with confidence after registering a commanding 234-run victory over UAE in their tournament opener on December 12. Suryavanshi had been the standout performer in that match, earning the Player of the Match award for his sensational 171 off 95 balls, an innings that featured nine fours and 14 sixes. His knock powered India to a mammoth 433 for 6, before UAE were restricted to 199 for 7.Pakistan U19, meanwhile, also came into the contest on the back of a dominant opening win. They thrashed Malaysia U19 by 297 runs, with Sameer Minhas producing a superb unbeaten 177 off 148 deliveries, including 11 fours and eight sixes, to earn the Player of the Match honour.Minhas’ innings helped Pakistan post 345 for 3, after which Malaysia were skittled out for just 48 runs, with Mohammad Sayyam and Ali Raza picking up three wickets apiece, underlining Pakistan’s bowling firepower ahead of the India clash.Pakistan U19 (Playing XI): Usman Khan, Sameer Minhas, Ali Hassan Baloch, Ahmed Hussain, Farhan Yousaf(captain), Hamza Zahoor(wicketkeeper), Huzaifa Ahsan, Niqab Shafiq, Abdul Subhan, Mohammad Sayyam, Ali Raza.India U19 (Playing XI): Ayush Mhatre (captain), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Aaron George, Vihaan Malhotra, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu(wicketkeeper), Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan Patel, Deepesh Devendran, Kishan Kumar Singh, Henil Patel.

As the new year approaches, a clear theme is emerging on Wall Street, the technology giants that powered the bull market may no longer dominate market gains.Strategists at firms such as Bank of America and Morgan Stanley are advising clients to look beyond the so-called Magnificent Seven, a group that includes Nvidia and Amazon and shift toward less popular sectors. Health care, industrials and energy are now among the preferred picks for 2026, Bloomberg reported.For years, Big Tech stocks were seen as a safe bet, backed by strong balance sheets and robust profits. But doubts are growing over whether the sector can continue to justify its high valuations and heavy spending on artificial intelligence. Tech stocks have surged nearly 300% since the bull market began three years ago, but recent earnings from AI-linked firms Oracle and Broadcom, which fell short of lofty expectations, have added to investor unease.

Rotation away from big tech?

At the same time, optimism around the broader US economy is building, encouraging investors to rotate into lagging segments of the S&P 500 at the expense of megacap tech. “I’m hearing about people taking money out of the Magnificent Seven trade, and they’re going elsewhere in the market,” Craig Johnson, chief market technician at Piper Sandler & Co told Bloomberg.“They’re not just going to be chasing the Microsofts and Amazons anymore, they’re going to be broadening this trade out,” Johnson added. Signs of this shift are already visible. Investors are moving into undervalued cyclical stocks, small caps and economically sensitive sectors. Since US equities hit a near-term low on November 20, the small-cap Russell 2000 Index has risen 11%, while a Bloomberg gauge of the Magnificent Seven has gained roughly half that amount. Over the same period, the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index has outperformed the traditional, market-cap-weighted index.Strategas Asset Management expects this trend to continue. Chairman Jason De Sena Trennert said the firm sees a “great sector rotation” into this year’s underperformers, such as financials and consumer discretionary stocks, in 2026. Morgan Stanley’s research team echoed that view in its year-ahead outlook.“We think Big Tech can still do OK but will lag these new areas, most notably consumer discretionary, especially goods and small- and mid-caps,” Michael Wilson, Morgan Stanley’s chief US equity strategist and chief investment officer told Bloomberg.Wilson said the broadening of market leadership could be supported by an “early-cycle backdrop,” following an economic trough in April. Such phases typically benefit cyclical sectors like financials and industrials. Bank of America’s Michael Hartnett said markets are already positioning for a “run-it-hot” strategy in 2026, rotating into ” Main Street” mid caps, small caps and micro caps from Wall Street megacaps.Fundamentals appear to support the case for a broader rally. Earnings growth for the S&P 493, the index excluding the seven largest companies, is expected to rise to 9% in 2026 from 7% this year. Meanwhile, the earnings share of the top seven firms is projected to fall to 46% from 50%, according to Goldman Sachs.Still, some investors want more proof. Michael Bailey, director of research at FBB Capital Partners, said investors will look for confirmation that the S&P 493 can meet or beat earnings expectations. “If jobs and inflation data remain status quo and the Federal Reserve is still easing, we could see a bullish move in the 493 next year,” he said. The Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the third straight time this week and signaled another reduction next year.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market and other asset classes given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

NEW DELHI: The BJP on Saturday launched a sharp attack on West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee over the chaos at Kolkata’s Salt Lake stadium during Argentine football star Lionel Messi’s appearance, with Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari accusing the state government of gross mismanagement and making three demands, including Banerjee’s resignation.Reacting to the disorder at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Adhikari posted on X, saying, “Shame on you, Mamata Banerjee ! The ‘Khela Hobe’ Circus Turns into a TMC Loot-Fest at Yuva Bharati ! What a pathetic spectacle in Kolkata today ! Our football-crazed Bengali Fans, dreaming of a glimpse of the GOAT Lionel Messi, shelled out thousands for tickets, only to be treated like second-class citizens in their own state.“He alleged that while senior Trinamool Congress leaders and their associates surrounded Messi, ordinary fans were left disappointed. “While Arup Biswas, Sujit Bose, and their bootlicking entourage of 100+ VIP vultures swarmed Messi like leeches on a bloodbath, the real fans? Stuck in galleries, staring at a measly 5-7 minutes on a giant screen ! No direct view, just betrayal,” he wrote.

Adhikari also accused organisers and the state administration of exploiting spectators. “And get this: Water bottles banned inside, forcing desperate fans to cough up ₹200 for a ₹20 bottle? Classic TMC extortion racket !” he said, adding that the event had been turned into a political photo opportunity and profit exercise. “This isn’t just mismanagement; it’s a criminal assault on West Bengal’s pride and betrayal of our passionate football lovers. Enough is enough !”Listing his demands, Adhikari said, “FULL 100% REFUND for every gallery ticket holder, return every paisa you stole,” called for the “IMMEDIATE ARREST of Sports Minister Arup Biswas, Fire Minister Sujit Bose, and sham organizer Shatadru Dutta,” and asserted that “MAMATA BANERJEE MUST RESIGN for dragging West Bengal’s name through the mud on the global stage.”The BJP leader’s remarks came hours after chaos erupted at the stadium, where thousands of fans protested after failing to get a clear view of Messi during the much-publicised event. Messi, accompanied by Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, arrived at the venue around 11.30 am but remained tightly cordoned off by security and VIPs. His brief appearance and early exit sparked anger among spectators, leading to vandalism, slogan-shouting and a police baton charge to control the crowd.Meanwhile, BJP MP and spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi in a press conference said, “The kind of mismanagement and sophistry took place, ashamed every Indian… Mamata Banerjee tweeted that she is ‘deeply disturbed by this event’, but I want to clear that it is West Bengal which is deeply devastated under your rule… This is the evidence of the tragic situation the state has reached… Similar situation happened in Bengaluru after IPL and in Tamil Nadu as well... This shows that the leadership in these states consider itself above the law… This shows the character of all the leaders of INDI alliance…” Following the incident, Banerjee expressed shock over the mismanagement and ordered a high-level enquiry. In a post on X, she apologised to Messi and football fans, saying, “I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake stadium.” She announced that a committee headed by retired Calcutta High Court judge Justice Ashim Kumar Ray would investigate the episode, fix responsibility and recommend corrective measures.The disorder also drew criticism from Bengal governor C V Ananda Bose, who termed it a dark day for Kolkata’s sports culture and called for action against the organisers. Ticket prices for the event ranged from Rs 4,500 to Rs 10,000, and many fans said they had spent large sums only to leave disappointed.The episode has since escalated into a political flashpoint, with the BJP accusing the Trinamool Congress of turning a marquee sporting event into what Adhikari described as a “corrupt circus,” while the state government has promised accountability through a formal probe.

Image: X@/IsraelWarRoom, AP

The Israeli military said it killed Raad Saad, a senior commander of Hamas’s Qassam Brigades, in a targeted strike on a car in the Gaza Strip on Saturday. According to Israeli authorities, Saad played a key role in planning the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered the ongoing two-year conflict in Gaza.The strike marks the most high-profile assassination of a senior Hamas figure since a ceasefire was declared two months ago.

The strike targeted a vehicle travelling along Rashid Road on the Hamas-controlled side of the Gaza ceasefire line, Palestinian media reported, citing four people killed and more than 20 injured. In a joint statement, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and defence minister Israel Katz said Raad Saad was killed in retaliation for an earlier incident in which two Israeli troops were injured by an explosive in southern Gaza.Saad “was one of the architects of the October 7 massacre and in recent days had been engaged in restoring the terror organization and in planning and carrying out attacks against Israel, as well as rebuilding an attack force, in blatant violation of the ceasefire rules and Hamas’s commitments to respect President [Donald] Trump’s plan,” Netanyahu and Katz stated, as cited by Times of Israel.Netanyahu stated that he and the defence minister had personally authorized the operation to assassinate Saad.Saad, a long-time Hamas member, had gradually risen through the ranks to become the second-in-command of the group’s armed wing, according to two Arab intelligence officials, as cited by NYT. According to the Israeli military, Saad founded and commanded Hamas’s Gaza City Brigade and played a key role in establishing the group’s naval force. He was later appointed chief of Hamas’s operations headquarters.In that role, Saad helped plan the group’s operation to infiltrate Israel and target the IDF’s Gaza Division, known to the military as “Jericho’s Walls.” The operation was launched on October 7, 2023, triggering the ongoing conflict in Gaza.Saad, as operations chief, helped establish Hamas’s elite Nukhba Force, which led the October 7 invasion of Israel. In 2021, he was removed from his position as operations chief by then-Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, reportedly due to personal disagreements.Following his dismissal, Saad continued to serve in other roles within Hamas’s military wing, most recently as chief of the group’s weapons manufacturing headquarters and as a deputy to Hamas’s most recent military chief, Izz al-Din Hadadd.Saad survived multiple Israeli assassination attempts, including the most recent in June 2024. He was reportedly at Gaza City’s Shifa Hospital during an Israeli raid in March of that year but is believed to have escaped unharmed.Saad’s arrests date back decades: he was jailed by Israel in 1990 for his involvement with Hamas and later detained by the Palestinian Authority in the late 1990s, as cited by Times of Israel.The assassination of Saad could further strain the fragile truce between Israel and Hamas, which has already been tested by repeated bouts of violence.The truce has not fully halted the fighting. According to local health officials, Israeli attacks have killed more than 300 Palestinians, including children, since the agreement took effect. The Israeli military reports that at least three Israeli soldiers have also been killed in combat.

South Africa Women began the ODI series on a confident note, registering a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Ireland Women in the first ODI at Buffalo Park. After opting to bat first, Ireland put up a fighting total, but a disciplined bowling effort followed by a composed chase, led by Sune Luus, ensured a comfortable win for the hosts.

Ireland struggle to build momentum despite steady contributions

Ireland Women’s innings of 209 for 7 in 47 overs was built on several starts but lacked a defining partnership. Openers Sarah Forbes and Gaby Lewis looked to settle in, with Forbes anchoring the innings through a patient 42 off 71 deliveries. Amy Hunter added stability in the middle order with a fluent 32, while Orla Prendergast and Laura Delany provided brief bursts of momentum. Rebecca Stokell’s 39 off 48 balls towards the end helped Ireland push past the 200-run mark, but regular wickets prevented them from accelerating in the final phase.

South African bowlers apply consistent pressure

The South African bowling unit kept things tight throughout, ensuring Ireland never fully broke free. Nonkululeko Mlaba was the standout performer, claiming 3 for 43 with her accurate left-arm spin. Tumi Sekhukhune chipped in with two crucial wickets, while Sune Luus and Miane Smit contributed with one wicket apiece. Although Ayanda Hlubi and Eliz Mari Marx went wicketless, they played their part by controlling the run flow during key spells.

Also READ: Lizelle Lee powers Hobart Hurricanes to first-ever WBBL title with dominant win over Perth Scorchers in final

Sune Luus and Smit seal the game with an unbroken stand

Chasing 210, South Africa Women made a brisk start, with Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits laying a solid foundation at the top. Wolvaardt struck six boundaries in her quick 31 off 24 balls, while Brits complemented her with a steady 27. Lara Goodall added another useful contribution, ensuring the hosts stayed well ahead of the required rate.

The chase was expertly guided to completion by Luus and Smit, who combined calmness with controlled aggression. Luus anchored the innings with a composed 66 off 72 balls, while Smit played a mature knock of 56 from 70 deliveries. Their partnership took the game away from Ireland, as South Africa reached 211 for 3 in just 36.5 overs.

Ireland’s bowling attack found it difficult to contain the South African batters once the set players settled in. Cara Murray was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Prendergast claimed one. Despite some economical spells, the lack of sustained pressure allowed South Africa to cruise to the target. Luus capped off a memorable outing with both bat and ball, earning the Player of the Match award.

Also READ: India hand maiden T20I call-ups to G Kamalini and Vaishnavi Sharma for Sri Lanka series

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

The Big Bash League 2025-26 season kicks off with the fiercest rivalry in Australian cricket as the Perth Scorchers take on the Sydney Sixers in the first match of BBL|15 at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Both teams will be determined to start the new campaign with a decisive victory. The Scorchers, playing at their fortress, missed the playoffs last year and will be fired up to reclaim their crown. The Sixers, bolstered by the marquee signing of Babar Azam, have the experience but must overcome their recent struggle for consistency in the knockout stages. This promises to be a spectacular contest between the league’s two most successful franchises.

PS vs SS, BBL|15: Match details

• Date and Time: December 14 (Sunday); 1:45 pm IST / 8:15 am GMT / 4:15 pm Local
• Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
• Head-to-Head Record in BBL: Matches played: 29 | Perth Scorchers won: 16 | Sydney Sixers won: 12 | No result/Tied: 1

Optus Stadium Pitch Report

The Optus Stadium in Perth is globally recognized for its rapid pace and high bounce, which strongly favors the fast bowlers. While this challenge makes scoring tough initially, batters who settle in can exploit the quick outfield. The pitch has historically been a high-scoring ground, though the average first innings score has varied, currently sitting around 160-170, a score that is considered competitive. Significantly, the chasing team has a strong advantage here, winning approximately 63% of matches due to the evening conditions. Therefore, the captain winning the toss is highly expected to elect to bowl first and back their star-studded batting lineup to chase down the target.

Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Sixers: Team dynamics and key players

Perth Scorchers: The Scorchers are near full strength at home, where they are traditionally dominant. The team’s batting is explosive, led by the Australian T20I captain Mitchell Marsh and the aggressive Kiwi opener Finn Allen, who will look to make a significant impact in the powerplay. Their pace attack, featuring the likes of Jhye Richardson, is elite and perfectly suited to the pace and bounce of the Optus surface. With their core players available, Perth will rely on their home advantage and strong pace bowling to dominate.

Sydney Sixers: The Sixers’ batting unit has received a massive boost with the addition of Pakistan superstar Babar Azam, who will anchor the innings alongside the dynamic Harjas Singh. Skipper Moises Henriques and Jordan Silk provide crucial middle-order stability. Their bowling attack remains robust, led by the experienced Ben Dwarshuis and Sean Abbott. However, the absence of an established, wicket-taking frontline spinner may expose them in the middle overs, a weakness the Scorchers will look to exploit in their home conditions.

Also READ: BBL|15: Check out the full list of Pakistan and Bangladesh players playing in the Big Bash League

PS vs SS, BBL|15: Today’s Match Prediction

This opening match features the two titans of the league, promising a tight contest. The Sixers have a superior recent head-to-head record (3-2 in the last five), but the Scorchers’ exceptional record at Optus Stadium and their pace-bowling friendly conditions make them formidable. The Scorchers’ all-round balance and familiarity with the pitch give them a decisive edge in the season opener.

Case 1:

• Perth Scorchers wins the toss and bowls first
• Sydney Sixers’ powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
• Sydney Sixers’ total score: 155-175

Case 2:

• Sydney Sixers wins the toss and bats first
• Perth Scorchers’ powerplay score: 55-65 (6 overs)
• Perth Scorchers’ total score: 170-190

Match result: Perth Scorchers  to win the contest

Also READ: BBL|15: Cricket Australia unveils full schedule for Big Bash League 2025-26