MEN’S CRICKET: Saim Ayub smashed 82 from 71 balls and Abdullah Shafique hit an unbeaten 64 as Pakistan thumped world champions Australia by nine wickets on Friday morning to level their three match 50 over series at 1-1. Harris Rauf had earlier taken 5-29, with wicket-keeper Rizwan bagging six catches, as the Aussies collapsed to 163 all out. Australia currently sit second behind India in the one-day rankings, two places above Pakistan.
MEN’S RUGBY UNION: As the autumn internationals grab the headlines the English Premiership Rugby Cup continues its second round of fixtures on Saturday with defending champions Gloucester taking on the Cornish Pirates. The Pirates were thrashed 68-7 by Exeter in their opening game while Gloucester squeezed past neighbours Hartpury 31-26. Last season’s runners up Leicester, who lost their first game at Northampton, face Coventry at Welford Road.
MEN’S FOOTBALL: Lazio boast the only 100 per cent record in the Europa League after Pedro’s stoppage time strike sealed their 2-1 victory over Porto on Thursday evening. Second-placed Ajax remain unbeaten following their 5-0 stuffing of Maccabi Tel Aviv who sit joint bottom of the table with Dynamo Kyiv, 4-0 losers at home to Ferencvaros. Manchester United 2-0 win over Greece’s PAOK was their first success in the tournament’s group stages.
MEN’S RUGBY LEAGUE: St Helens have signed their second new assistant coach of the close-season after adding former Bradford boss Eamon O’Carroll to their management team. O’Carroll made almost 150 Super League appearances for Hull FC, Wigan and Widnes during his playing career. He joins England’s assistant coach Lee Briers to work under Paul Wellens as the ten-time Super League champions look to improve on last season’s 6th place.
