Sports At A Glance: Babar Quits ODI, T20I Captaincy; Sinner Sets Up Title Date With Alcaraz

New Delhi, Oct 2: Amid Babar Azam's struggles with the bat, the Pakistan star has become a constant target for trolls on social media. As the batter stepped down as the captain of Pakistan's ODI and T20I team, social media was abuzz with brutal messages.

Babar took to X to announce resigning from the post in ODIs and T20Is, adding that he had informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the team management of his decision in September.

Following this, a number of fans started trolling the cricketer. "Babar Azam stepped down from ODI & T20I captaincy. (sad day for other cricket teams)," wrote one.

Another said, "Babar Azam resignations: 2. Babar Azam Trophies Won in 6 Tourn: 0." "Babar Azam stepped down as Pakistan captain again. He Is looking for his personal growth , not the Team's growth," added one user.

Notably, it is the second time in less than a year that Babar has resigned from the captaincy of the senior national men's team. Babar stepped down as the captain of all three formats after Pakistan's dismal performance in the ODI World Cup in India in October-November last month.

Team England Arrive In Multan

England men’s Test team have arrived in Multan ahead of a three-match series against Pakistan. England will play the first two Tests in Multan, starting October 7 and 15, respectively, followed by a match in Rawalpindi beginning October 24.

The PCB shared a video of the Ben Stokes-led side arriving in the country and receiving a traditional welcome on their way of checking into the hotel. “England's Test team receives a traditional welcome as they arrive in Multan!” wrote the PCB on its X account.

England had clinched a 3-0 victory over Pakistan on their last trip in the country in December 2022.

The upcoming Tests in Multan and Rawalpindi are a part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. England are at fourth place in the WTC standing with 42.19 point percentage, while Pakistan are at 19.05 point percentage to be at eighth position.

Jaiswal, Siraj Share Best Fielder Medal

Left-handed opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and fast-bowler Mohammed Siraj were jointly awarded the best fielder medal at the conclusion of India’s 2-0 series win over Bangladesh, after claiming a whirlwind seven-wicket win at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur.

In a video posted on 'bcci.tv', India’s fielding coach T Dilip revealed Jaiswal and Siraj beat competition from captain Rohit Sharma and batter KL Rahul to grab the best fielder in the series honour.

China Open Tennis: Sinner To Meet Alcaraz In Final

Chinese wildcard player Buyunchaokete's impressive run at the 2024 China Open ATP and WTA event came to an end in Beijing Tuesday, after he lost to World No. 1 Jannik Sinner of Italy in the men's singles semifinals.

Having entered the tournament ranked 96th in the world, Buyunchaokete secured his spot in the semifinals by defeating fourth-seeded Andrey Rublev of Russia in straight sets.

Despite a spirited performance, the 22-year-old was unable to overcome the top-seeded Italian, losing 6-3, 7-6(3).

Chinese veteran Zhang Shuai, who suffered a 24-match losing streak before the China Open, stunned 23rd-seeded Magdalena Frech of Poland 6-4, 6-2 to reach the women's singles quarterfinals.

By breaking into the last eight of the China Open for the third time, after previous appearances in 2016 and 2018, Zhang will next face Spain's Paula Badosa, who defeated world No. 3 Jessica Pegula of the United States in the round of 16.

(IANS)