Sports from Monday, August 18th, 2025

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been told to improve his batting against spin and boost his overall strike rate to be considered for Twenty20 Internationals, coach Mike Hesson said.

Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori headed home an early corner, aided by a weak challenge from goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, to earn a 1-0 victory at Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday, spoiling the hosts' season opener.

Al Wahda and Khorfakkan led the first round of the ADNOC Professional Football League, with Al Wahda defeating Ajman 2-0 and Khorfakkan beating Al Jazira 3-2 during their matches on Sunday.

UAE's Khamzat Chimaev has become the new UFC middleweight champion after a dominant display against title holder Dricus Du Plessis during the UFC 319 at the United Center in Chicago.