Sports News from Friday, February 21st, 2025

South Africa opener Ryan Rickelton scored a maiden One-Day International century with a fluent 103 as his side eased to a 107-run win over Afghanistan in their opening Champions Trophy Group B fixture at the National Stadium in Karachi on Friday.

Russian teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva continued her giant-slaying exploits at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships by upsetting Kazakhstan's sixth seed Elena Rybakina 6-4 4-6 6-3 in the semi-finals on Friday.

Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step) has won the UAE Tour's stage 5, ahead of Italian riders Matteo Malucelli (XDS Astana Team) and Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek).

Champions League holders Real Madrid will play local rivals Atletico Madrid in the last 16 of the competition while Bayern Munich were drawn against Bundesliga title challengers Bayer Leverkusen on Friday.

The UAE Football Association has submitted an official bid to host the 2031 Asian Cup.

World number three Carlos Alcaraz was left ruing a mistake that let Jiri Lehecka off the hook in the third set and allowed the Czech to fight back and claim a 6-3 3-6 6-4 victory in the Qatar Open quarter-finals on Thursday.

World heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois has withdrawn from his scheduled title defence against Joseph Parker on Saturday after falling ill.