Sports News from Thursday, January 29th, 2026

Saim Ayub produced a brilliant all-round display to power Pakistan to a 22-run victory against a largely second-string Australia in the first Twenty20 international between the teams in Lahore on Thursday.

Elina Svitolina set up a blockbuster rematch of the 2023 final at Melbourne Park by battling past American Jessica Pegula 6-3 7-6(7), as the Russian-born Kazakh ramped up her own quest for a second major title following her 2022 Wimbledon triumph.

Aryna Sabalenka swept to her fourth successive Australian Open final with a 6-2 6-3 win over Ukrainian Elina Svitolina on Thursday.

All-rounder Sophie Molineux will take over as Australia captain when Alyssa Healy retires at the end of the upcoming home series against India, Cricket Australia said on Thursday.

New Zealand has thumped India by 50 runs in the fourth Twenty20 International to earn their first win of the five-match series in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday.

Real Madrid has missed out on automatic qualification for the Champions League knockout rounds as they crumbled to a 4-2 defeat at Benfica on a frenetic final night of group-stage action across Europe on Wednesday.