Cricketer dies in Pakistan after being hit on head

Karachi

A cricketer in Pakistan has died after being hit on the head during a game in Mardan on Monday. Zubair Ahmed, who was part of Fakhar Zaman’s academy, was hit on the head by a bouncer. “Tragic death of Zubair Ahmed is another reminder that safety gear i.e. helmet must be worn at all times. Our sympathies with Zubair’s family,” the Pakistan Cricket Board said on Twitter. On Tuesday, Australia vice-captain David Warner was struck on the neck by a bouncer by Josh Hazlewood during a practice match. However, Warner is recovering well.

New York

Maria gets US Open wildcard for first post-ban Slam 

Five-time Major champion Maria Sharapova of Russia will play her first Grand Slam event since serving a 15-month doping suspension after receiving a wildcard into the US Open. The move by the US Tennis Association comes after Sharapova, ranked 148th this week, was rejected for a wildcard spot into the French Open and missed Wimbledon with a thigh injury. Sharapova tested positive for meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open and was suspended by the International Tennis Federation, a ban that ended in April. 

Cincinnati

Del Potro makes winning return to Cincinnati

Juan Martin del Potro made a winning return to the Cincinnati Open when the Argentine ground out a 3-6 7-6(1) 6-0 victory over 10th-seeded Czech Tomas Berdych to reach the second round on Tuesday. The 28-year-old, back in Cincinnati after a four-year absence from the US Open warmup event, powered down 17 aces to rally past Berdych. Leander Paes and Alexander Zverev went down 2-6 7-6(2) 10-6 to Feliciano Lopez and Marc Lopez in their first round match. Meanwhile, Rohan Bopanna and Ivan Dodig of Croatia have got a first round bye. 

Ahmedabad

Haryana, Tamil Thalaivas play out thrilling draw  

Haryana Steelers and Tamil Thalaivas played out a thrilling 25-25 draw in the Pro Kabaddi League here today. — Agencies