Category: Sport

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Wellington Phoenix have fallen to their heaviest defeat of the A-League season, thumped 5-1 by Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.

Ramy Najjarine drew the Phoenix level at 1-1 midway through the first half but the hosts scored goals either side of halftime take a two goal lead.

The Victory extended their advantage before the hour mark and added a fifth goal in the 90th minute.

Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano said the team’s defence was poor.

“I had a quick look at the goals that we conceded and I think every goal was preventable,” he said.

“The first goal was taken well. It was a good header but just sloppy second phase awareness for the first two goals. And then the third, fourth and fifth goals were for me comical. Especially coming out at halftime, the lack of pressure on the ball, being aware of where their dangers were and we weren’t protecting the space like we’d spoken about.

“And just the timing of the goals like straight after halftime to make it 3-1. Uncharacteristic goals…and we should have managed defensively a lot better.”

The result drops the Phoenix to 10th on the ladder, three points outside the top six.

Italiano believes it was an “off day” for his side and they can still turn around their fortunes.

“Simply it comes down to focus for 90 minutes and nothing else.

“We’re in most games for a large part. Tonight…was probably the first game that got away from us very early. It’s just staying in those moments and making sure that we don’t make basic errors and mistakes and there’s a lack of application.

“If we can eliminate that then we can still achieve good things this season.”

Italiano made one enforced change to the starting XI with 18-year-old goalkeeper Eamonn McCarron named to make his A-League starting debut in place of Josh Oluwayemi, who suffered an injury early in the 3-1 win over Central Coast prior to Christmas.

Alby Kelly-Heald, Xuan Loke and reserve team fullback Ryan Lee were promoted to the bench.

The Phoenix have little time to dwell on the defeat as they will travel to Brisbane prepare for Saturday’s match against the Roar.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Controversies, comebacks, suspensions, breakthrough wins and a near perfect seasons, there have been some truly massive sport’s stories involving New Zealanders this year.

RNZ sport looks back at some of the biggest Kiwi sports stories of 2025.

Geordie Beamish’s dramatic tumble

New Zealand track runner Geordie Beamish took a tumble at the World Championships in Tokyo in September, which could have ended badly.

Beamish fell during the heats of the 3000m steeplechase after tripping over a barrier on the final lap, and a rival runner’s spiked foot briefly made contact with his face.

Fortunately, Beamish was able to recover and finished second in the heat, after sustaining a couple of scratches to his face.

Two days later, he went on to stun the field in the final, beating hot favourite and two-time Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali of Morocco to claim gold.

In doing so, the 29-year-old won New Zealand’s first-ever track gold at a World Championships.

Dame Noeline Taurua and the saga of the Silver Ferns coach

What began as a quietly handled cultural review spiralled into one of the biggest controversies in New Zealand netball history. Tensions erupted into public view in September, when Netball NZ abruptly stood down Dame Noeline and her coaching staff just days out from the Taini Jamison series against South Africa.

The move followed a breakdown in talks over proposed changes to the Silver Ferns programme.

The impasse meant Netball NZ made the decision to extend Taurua’s suspension until the end of the year, sidelining the veteran coach from the Constellation Cup series against Australia and next month’s UK tour.

Months earlier, a group of up to seven players had raised concerns about the team environment, prompting Netball NZ to commission a ‘cultural review’. But Taurua and her coaching team of Debbie Fuller and Briony Akle pushed back, forcefully rejecting the findings and the process of the review.

After 51 days, Dame Noeline was reinstated as Silver Ferns coach, but would remain grounded for the end of season Northern Tour while the parties implemented agreed upon changes.

It is understood the changes being worked through involve a re-jig of the Ferns’ management team and a change in the “psych model” for tours.

Auckland FC rise to the top in their inaugural season

Established in March 2024, the club spent money to make sure they made an immediate impact in their inaugural season in the A-League, but not many would have expected them to have achieved what they did.

Under the guidance of Steve Corica, Auckland FC went through the 24-25 season with just three losses in the regular competition, finishing five points clear at the top of the standings to claim the Premiership title.

Auckland FC didn’t lose their first game until round nine and by then the city was well an truly behind them.

They beat Wellington Phoenix three times in the New Zealand derby and averaged 18,000 fans at their home games.

With just one loss at home in the regular season the city jumped on their magical run as they became the number one attraction in town.

Captain Hiroki Sakai finished third in the Johnny Warren Medal voting with Guillermo May sixth equal, while Corica was named Coach of the Year and Alex Paulsen Goalkeeper of the Year.

Unfortunately their golden run came to an end in the semi-finals of the play-offs, as they were beaten by Melbourne Victory over two legs.

Ryan Fox wins twice on the PGA Tour

It had been 20 years since a New Zealand golfer had won on the PGA Tour and Ryan Fox managed to do that twice during the year.

After a successful run on the European (World) Tour Fox headed to the USA and in his second full season in the world’s toughest championship he tasted success.

He won the Myrtle Beach Classic in South Carolina in May and the Canadian Open in June and finished in the top 40 in the overall season standings.

Those results have now given him some security on the PGA Tour for the next couple of years.

With ten victories world-wide Fox is one of New Zealand’s most successful golfers.

Success in majors is now the aim for the 38 year old.

Special mention to Steve Alker who won twice on the Champions Tour (seniors), had 18 top ten finishes and finished second in the season-ending ranking.

Hayden Wilde completes courageous comeback

New Zealand triathlete Hayden Wilde was crowned king of the T100 World Triathlon series, after rounding out his season in perfect style.

Wilde won the final race in the Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship in sweltering conditions, capping his sixth victory of the season.

The victory in the grand final secured him the overall world title for the 2026 season.

However, it was his comeback from a horror bike crash in May that was the bigger story.

Wilde broke several ribs, had a broken scapula, and a punctured lung after being knocked off his bike by a truck while on a training ride in Tokyo.

Wilde returned to racing less than 100 days after the Japan crash, marking a winning comeback with victory at the T100 London race.

He would go on to win several more rounds before taking the season finale and the overall title.

Liam Lawson completes first full season in F1

While Liam Lawson may not have won any races, or even stepped on a podium, the young New Zealander certainly spent plenty of time in the sporting headlines.

The 23-year-old started 2025 in the Red Bull team but struggled to make an impression alongside team-mate and world champion Max Verstappen.

He was demoted to the junior Racing Bulls team after just two rounds and replaced by Yuki Tsunoda.

It wasn’t until the round eight in Monaco where he grabbed his first points, finishing eighth after sacrificing a higher finish by following team orders.

His best run of results came in the middle of the season with a sixth in Austria and a fifth in Azerbaijan.

For the rest of the season Lawson scrapped for points and his survival in the sport.

His efforts were rewarded before the final round in Abu Dhabi when his seat in Racing Bulls was confirmed for 2026, while Tsunoda was relegated to reserve driver.

The pressure remains on the Lawson who now needs consistency to realise his dream of being the best in the world.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

A stunning century from White Fern Amelia Kerr has helped the Wellington Blaze to a 49-run victory over the Auckland Hearts in the women’s Super Smash.

Kerr completed her first century in top level T20 cricket as the defending champions picked up their second win of the competition.

The 25 year old finished unbeaten on 106 as the home side made 184 for two at the Basin Reserve.

Her century came off 59 deliveries and her innings included 17 fours and one six.

Kerr and fellow White Fern Georgia Plimmer put on 155 for the opening partnership, a Blaze record.

Plimmer made 62 off 53 deliveries.

Bree Illing and Amie Hucker picked up a wicket each for Auckland.

In reply, Auckland scored freely as they started their chase but lost regular wickets and were dismissed in the last over for 135.

Captain Maddy Green top scored with 39, while Xara Jetly grabbed three wickets and Jess Kerr and Nicole Baird took two each for Wellington.

Wellington top the table with two wins, while Auckland have a no-result and a loss.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Fiji football star Roy Krishna has signed with Bula FC for the inaugral season of Oceania’s first ever professional football league.

The Suva-based club announced the star signing on boxing day.

“We are thrilled to announce the signing of Roy Krishna, a football legend, who officially joins Bula FC today!”

In a statement the club said Roy Krishna’s journey began in Labasa, where he honed his skills at All Saints High School before making his mark with Labasa FC and the Fiji national team, earning over 60 caps and Oceania top goal scorer.

His path led him to international success, playing for top clubs such as Waitakere United, Auckland City and Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand, and ATK, Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru, and Odisha in the Indian Super League.

A defining moment came in 2019 when Roy won the prestigious Johnny Warren Medal as the A-League’s best player, finishing that season as the top scorer.

Despite offers from abroad, Roy chose to return home this year.

“It’s been an amazing journey playing abroad, but there’s something special about coming back home. It’s where my roots are, and I’m excited to give back,” Krishna said.

“This team is full of young, hungry players with immense potential. I’m here not just to play, but to guide them and show them what it takes to succeed.”

Krishna said his decision to return to Fiji is driven by a desire to contribute to the growth of football in Fiji.

“It’s not just about me; it’s about creating something lasting. I want these young players to achieve even more than I did, and I’m here to help them get there,” he said.

After years playing his trade abroad, Krishna said he is also excited to spend more time with his wife and daughter, who have supported him throughout his career.

“Finally being able to share my days with them here is truly the icing on the cake.”

Bula FC said Roy Krishna will wear the number 21 jersey for Bula FC.

“We can’t wait to see his leadership, experience and talent help elevate the club to new heights.”

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Wellington Phoenix women have signed White Ferns midfielder Emma Pijnenburg for the rest of the A-League season.

The 21 year old replaces Alyssa Whinham, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in round three.

Pijnenburg returns to New Zealand having secured a release from Feyenoord Rotterdam after three years with the Dutch Vrouwen Eredivisie club.

Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman is thrilled to be able to pick up Pijnenburg.

“The club believes in developing and investing in Kiwi talent and Emma is one the country’s brightest,” Priestman said.

“Emma is a technically and athletically gifted player, and I’m really excited to see her play for the Phoenix.

“She’ll complement the midfielders we already have in our squad and will give us great flexibility and options.”

Pijnenburg arrived in New Zealand last week and spent Christmas with her family in Auckland before joining the Phoenix.

“It doesn’t feel like I’m joining a new team because I know so many of the players,” Pijnenburg said.

Pijnenburg moved to the Netherlands as an 18-year-old to live out her dream of playing professionally in Europe.

The seven-cap Fern says it was an amazing experience playing for Feyenoord, but she was unable to say no to the opportunity to sign with New Zealand’s only professional women’s team.

“I’m after some more consistent playing time and I’ve heard really good things about Bev, the style that the Phoenix play and what they’re trying to do.

Pijnenburg believes she suits the way Priestman wants to play and is driven to be part of the first Nix women’s team to qualify for the finals.

“I’m a technical player. I want to get on the ball and connect players around the field.

“And I always look to go forward. I like that style of football and I think that matches what Bev wants from me.”

Emma Pijnenburg will wear the no. 32 shirt for the Wellington Phoenix, which is also her squad number for the Football Ferns.

The Phoenix plan to announce a further women’s signing early in 2026.

The Phoenix sit ninth on the A-League table and play at Western Sydney on Tuesday.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Coach Giancarlo Italiano is adamant the Wellington Phoenix can change their “atrocious record” at AAMI Park as they strive to snap a 23-match winless streak at the ground and push themselves into playoff contention.

The New Zealanders take on Melbourne Victory on Monday night in Melbourne.

The Phoenix are currently ninth, level on points with the Victory, with three wins from nine games.

Italiano is confident they can climb the ladder and claim back-to-back wins following their triumph over Central Coast before Christmas.

“It was good for the boys to get away, enjoy Christmas,” Italiano said.

“Training’s been really good this week and we’ve got two hard games now, against Victory and Brisbane.

“The refresh has come at the right time.”

The game shapes as a huge opportunity for teenage goalkeeper Eamonn McCarron, who is set to play with Josh Oluwayemi unavailable through injury.

McCarron replaced Oluwayemi last Sunday against the Mariners, but this would be his first professional start.

“Joshy won’t travel. It’s precautionary at the moment. I think he needs another week of rehab before he starts being available for first team selection,” Italiano said.

“[Eamonn’s] done well enough in training and the game to show that he can hold his spot. It gives Alby a chance to come up to the bench, which is good for him because he’s been training really hard.

“It’s good to have three goalkeepers of that pedigree.”

Challenges don’t come much bigger than a trip to Melbourne, particularly for a Phoenix side who have a dismal record at AAMI Park.

The Phoenix have won just three of the 39 games they’ve played at the venue against Victorian A-League opposition and haven’t won there since 2017.

Italiano concedes it will be tough.

“I think Victory are a very well rounded squad, they have some good depth, especially up front. Mata’s been very effective. He’s got a little more freedom in the ten. Players like Velupillay, very dangerous.

“Good players, good solid squad, they’ll be very tough to beat.”

The Phoenix could rise as high as fourth with a win, or slip as low as eleventh with a loss.

“To throw a blanket and a generalisation that certain teams are easier than others, it’s not reflective of where the league is. It’s so close at the moment, from top to bottom.

“We lose one game, we go back to the bottom of the table. We win one game, back in contention for the six. Going to games, thinking you’re going to win easily, I think those days are gone.”

Italiano is convinced that this set of players will help the club challenge for the playoffs.

“I have more belief in this team than I have in my seven years here. As a collective, I think the team is very good.

“You can argue that the team is a little bit of a misfit team, in terms of where players have come from, their trajectory and where they’ve played before.

“There’s a lot of boys here who have a lot to prove. For everything that’s been said about our team over the year, I think we’ve been in every game.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Former Black Caps allrounder Doug Bracewell has announced his retirement from all cricket.

The 35-year-old debuted as an 18-year-old for Central Districts in late 2008, when he was already a New Zealand Under 19 representative.

Just three years later he made his ODI, T20 International and Test debuts for the Black Caps.

In just his third Test appearance, in 2011, he famously helped New Zealand to beat Australia in Hobart with a man-of-the-match performance, taking 6 for 40 in the nail-biting last innings to help New Zealand to a seven run victory.

They remain his best figures for the Black Caps in an international career that went on to encompass 28 Tests, 21 One-Day Internationals, and 20 T20 Internationals for New Zealand between the 2011/12 and 2022/23 seasons, as well as 77 first-class, 57 one-day and 72 T20 caps for Central.

He also had stints in England’s County Cricket for Essex and Northamptonshire, with Delhi Daredevils in the IPL and the Joburg Super Kings in South Africa.

However, a persistent rib injury means he has not been in action for Central Districts this season, meaning his 206th and final appearance in the Central jersey goes down in the almanacks as their first T20 at the Global Super League, in Guyana in July.

Bracewell said he would miss playing for Central.

“It’s been a proud part of my life, and something I aspired to as a young cricketer.

“I will always be grateful for the opportunities I have had through cricket, and the chance to play for my country, as well as for Central Districts, throughout my domestic career.

“I would like to take this time to acknowledge all the teammates I have played alongside, and the coaches and management who have been on this journey with me, for everything they have done for me.

“It’s a privilege to play first-class and international cricket, and I’m grateful to have played and enjoyed the game for as long as I have.”

Bracewell retires as the one of the few modern allrounders in New Zealand to have achieved the first-class double of 4000 runs and 400 career wickets, with 3029 of those runs and 258 of the wickets having been for Central – the best all-round record in the team’s history.

Central Districts Cricket CEO Lance Hamilton thanked Bracewell for his loyalty and service to Central Districts Cricket over his extensive career.

“Doug’s playing record will speak for itself for decades to come, and the way he came back from a torn ligament in his knee in 2016, and further knee surgery in 2019, illustrated his determination.

“We wish Doug and his family all the best for the future.”

Central Districts Cricket will confirm a replacement on its 2025/26 season roster of contracted players in the coming weeks.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Master Lock Comanche took line honours in the 80th Sydney-Hobart ocean race on Sunday, ending LawConnect’s bid for a third straight title.

It was the fifth line honours victory in the 628-nautical-mile bluewater classic for the 100-foot supermaxi Comanche, which was skippered by Matt Allen and James Mayo.

The yacht crossed the finish line on the River Derwent in Tasmania’s capital Hobart in two days, five hours, three minutes and 36 seconds, greeted by beaming sunshine and hundreds of supporters.

Comanche holds the race record set in its 2017 victory when finishing in one day, nine hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds. Comanche also won line honours in 2015, 2019 and 2022.

Allen and Mayo navigated a tricky final day as the wind changed to a light northeasterly, the crew having earlier battled strong southerly winds over the first 24 hours after leaving Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day.

SHK Scallywag 100 overtook Comanche and LawConnect early on Sunday to lead for several hours working down Tasmania’s east coast, the three yachts within one mile of each other.

“We had a great lead during the race,” Comanche skipper Allen said. “It evaporated this morning, and we had to effectively restart.

“We’ve never seen anything like that in the Sydney to Hobart race where all the boats were so close together.”

LawConnect, seeking a third-straight line honours title under skipper Christian Beck, suffered a tear to its sail during the second night.

Beck said he considered retiring because significant repairs were needed that cost LawConnect the chance of a hat-trick.

Comanche soared clear as the lead trio neared Tasman Island and rounded for home, building a lead of nine nautical miles as they moved up the Derwent River.

“We wanted to really defend from inside the coast, closer to the coastline,” Allen said of Comanche’s tactics.

“That eventually worked for us, the breeze filled in from inshore and we got the lead back and just extended throughout the day.”

Allen and Mayo had to retire during the 2024 race due to significant mainsail damage.

This year’s race saw early southerly winds battering the 128-strong fleet and causing heavy seas.

Mayo said two of his crew were affected, one before they’d even left Sydney Harbour.

“Three minutes after the start we lost the bowman, he suffered a pretty bad injury, maybe some broken ribs,” Mayo said.

Another of their crew was hurt falling out of their bunk in rough seas.

LawConnect came in second, 47 minutes back from Comanche, while Scallywag was a further 24 minutes behind in third.

More than a quarter of the field had retired from the race by Sunday morning, either with boat damage or because their crews were suffering from severe sea sickness.

The overall winner of the race, taking into account handicap ratings such as yacht size, will be decided in the coming days.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Whether it was a watershed moment for a team, or an iconic individual performance, 2025 had its fair share of memorable sporting moments.

RNZ sport looks at this years more unforgettable moments across the globe.

Rory McIlroy cements place with greats

In April, Rory McIlroy cemented his legendary status in golf history when he won the 2025 Masters Tournament, fulfilling a lifelong dream after years of near-misses.

The emotional win marked his 17th attempt at Augusta National to finally secure the coveted Green Jacket and achieve a career Grand Slam, after a dramatic playoff win over Justin Rose.

The Northern Irish golfer shed tears of joy, calling it the best day of his golfing life after a rollercoaster final round that included a double-bogey but ended with a playoff birdie on the 18th hole.

When McIlroy ended his long wait for a fifth major title he joined the legendary club of Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Gene Sarazen as the sixth golfer to achieve the Career Grand Slam.

McIlroy was eight years old when, in a resurfaced BBC interview, he stated his ambition to “turn pro and win all the majors”.

Virat Kohli finally wins IPL crown

Indian legend Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket in May, bringing the curtain down on a career that spanned 14 years and included 123 Tests, in which he scored 9230 runs at an average of 46.85.

Having achieved just about everything in cricket, the one thing that alluded Kohli was an Indian Premier League (IPL) title.

But that changed in June when the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and their talisman ended a 17-season drought by winning their maiden IPL title after beating Punjab Kings by six runs in the final in Ahmedabad.

Kohli was in tears once he realised Bengaluru were about to shed the underachiever’s tag that has stuck to them since the inaugural 2008 edition of the league.

“This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team,” Kohli said after the game.

“It’s been 18 long years. I’ve given this team my youth, my prime and my experience. I’ve tried to win this every season when I come, and I gave it everything I have. And to finally have this moment come it’s an unbelievable feeling, I never thought this day would come.”

Kohli said the IPL triumph was “right up there” with all his other triumphs, while professing his love for Bengaluru and the franchise that “stood behind me”.

“I’ve stayed loyal to this team no matter what. I’ve had moments where I thought otherwise, but I stuck to this team. I stood behind them, they stood behind me. I’ve always dreamt of winning it with them.”

Duplantis soars high

Armand “Mondo” Duplantis was named the World Male Athlete of the Year for 2025 for his dominant pole vaulting season, where he remained undefeated in all competitions.

He also secured titles like the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year and European Athlete of the Year for 2025, capping a historic year in pole vaulting.

The high-flying Swede shattered his own world record four times in 2025 and stole the show at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in September, where he set a new world record at 6.30m during the final.

The 25-year-old two-time Olympic champion has a habit of breaking his world record one centimetre at a time and certainly draws a crowd wherever he competes.

Duplantis recently told a L’Equipe journalist that he likes to share the moment of breaking a world record with spectators in the stadium.

“They just want to see something that’s never been done before, and pushing the barrier, even if it’s just by 1cm. It allows me to share and create these moments with the fans and spectators.”

Red Roses take women’s rugby to new levels

England fulfilled what many saw as their destiny by winning the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in front of almost 82,000 fans at Twickenham, London.

That record crowd for a women’s 15s game was a watershed moment for the sport and the tournament’s success was as much about the number of fans who packed out the stadiums.

It will be fascinating to see where women’s rugby goes from here with the Red Roses arguably the most dominant force in the sport.

The Black Ferns won six of the last eight Women’s Rugby World Cups, but what is remarkable about England was a historic run of only one defeat in 63 matches leading up to the World Cup final.

It’s no secret that England are the best-funded team in women’s rugby and they delivered off the back of that, but other teams now need to catch up.

Having partly crowd-funded their way to the tournament in the first place, Canada simply being in the final was a win in itself.

It will require significant and sustained investment in professionalism and development pathways for other nations to compete with England.

Pitch perfect Shohei Ohtani

Japanese baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani made history with his bat and arm in 2025 as his team claimed a second consecutive World Series title.

The Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher enjoyed another successful MLB season, in which he posted 55 home runs during the regular season.

It was his post-season performance in October that many now regard as one of the best ever when he became the only player in league history to hit multiple home runs in a game he also pitched.

In that National League Championship Series game, he hit three home runs and threw six scoreless innings, carrying the Dodgers to a sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers to reach the World Series.

“If you think about it in terms of a single game, I’d say that’s probably true,” he said of his achievement.

Ohtani secured his fourth National League Most Valuable Player award and was recently named the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for the fourth time, a record he now shares with sporting greats LeBron James and Tiger Woods.

At 31, he is gearing up to help defending champions Japan at next year’s World Baseball Classic and already has an eye on baseball’s grand return to the Olympic stage at LA28.

India’s historic Women’s Cricket World Cup win

Cricket-mad India has well and truly woken up to its women cricketers after the national side claimed their maiden 50-overs World Cup title.

India stunned seven-times champions Australia in the semi-finals and outplayed South Africa in the 2 November final in front of a delirious capacity crowd in Navi Mumbai.

The brand value of India’s top women cricketers has also gone through the roof following their fairytale World Cup triumph on home soil with top sports marketing experts calling it a “watershed moment” for the sport.

Since that victory, the phone has not stopped ringing for 36-year-old captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her team-mates.

Within hours of the final South African wicket falling, Kaur was beaming from the front pages of newspapers after being unveiled as brand ambassador for a real estate developer.

“It’s a watershed moment for women’s cricket and also women’s sports because now all these girls have become household names,” managing director and co-founder of Baseline Ventures Tuhin Mishra told Reuters.

Mandhana’s social media footprint is 14 million and climbing.

Cristiano Ronaldo turns back the clock

Portugal football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo rolled back the years in November with a spectacular overhead bicycle kick for his side in the Saudi Pro League.

The 40-year-old kicked one of the goals of the season with his 96th-minute wonder strike for Al Nassr FC.

“Best caption wins!” the five-time Ballon d’Or winner wrote on X after his side’s 4-1 win.

The stunning strike was Ronaldo’s 954th career goal and was similar to his iconic bicycle kick for Real Madrid in a UEFA Champions League quarterfinal match against Juventus in 2018.

Ronaldo, who is also the top men’s scorer in history with 143 international goals, is set to feature at next year’s FIFA World Cup.

Assuming he takes part, Ronaldo would become the first player in history to play in six World Cups.

New F1 champion crowned

McLaren’s Lando Norris sobbed tears of joy and relief as he won the Formula One championship for the first time in early December, ending Max Verstappen’s four-year reign.

Norris became Britain’s 11th Formula One world champion at the age of 26, with a nervy third place at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Red Bull’s Verstappen, who ended the campaign with the most wins (eight), triumphed in the season-ender with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri second.

Formula one bosses would have been thrilled that three contenders were still in the hunt at the final grand prix of the year.

Norris went in the favourite in the three-way showdown, 12 points clear of Verstappen and 16 points clear of Piastri.

In the end just two points separated Norris from Verstappen, who finished the season strongly and threatened to spoil the Brit’s party.

McLaren, who secured the constructors’ championship in October for the second year in a row, won both titles in the same season for the first time since 1998.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

The year 2025 will not go down as a golden period for the UFC.

A dearth of star power, GOATS turned to ducks, a dis-interested president, a plethora of eye pokes, injuries, lacklustre PPV’s, waning competition, inconsistent judging, inactive champions, and plenty of Trump pandering made for a forgettable 12 months in the world’s premier combat sports promotion.

However, the fight game still can’t help but deliver highlight reel moments.

Sports reporter Jonty Dine takes a look back at the year that was.

Eyes wide shut

The blight that continues to plague the UFC, most egregiously in the biggest fight of the year which came to a depressingly premature end, as Cyril Gane went two knuckles deep into Tom Aspinall’s eye sockets, rendering him unable to see and unable to continue in the highly anticipated heavyweight clash.

Heavyweight held hostage

The supposed GOAT of the game proved he was anything but a fighting champion as Jon Jones continuously ducked the number one contender in Aspinall for what should have been a mandatory unification bout before inexplicably retiring and vacating with just one defence over a 42 year old Stipe Miocic.

Islam underwhelms at welterweight

What should have been the biggest moment of the year as the pound for pound greatest Islam Makhachev ascended to double champ status, but was undercut by a ‘lay and pray’ performance by the Daegestani, as he smothered his way to the win over fan favourite Jack Della Maddalena.

‘I can’t wait to go to war for you’

Sean Strickland has always written cheques with his mouth that his fighting style couldn’t cash but his talk in the build up to his title bout with Du Plessis reached a new low as he promised a bloody battle for the ages, only to jab and teep his way to a one sided decision loss in a five-round snoozer.

The Chimaev era

It was inevitable after his rampaging, record-breaking entrance into the promotion that Khamzat Chimaev would one day be champion. However, it took years of cancelled fights, missed weight cuts, and faux retirements until he finally won the strap, dismantling Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319.

Stonehands crumbles

The one shining light in the UFC over the past 12 months has been the incredible rise of Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira. Dismantling his competition in cold, and exhilarating fashion. But after conquering a second division, his run was unceremoniously halted by Magomed Ankalaev in a decision loss at UFC 313.

Return of Poatan

However, the age of Ankalaev was short lived as Pereira regained his throne in vicious style at UFC 320, needing just 90 seconds to send the champ crumbling to the canvas after weeks of the Russian trash talking. Karma? Chama!

Unexpected bloodbaths

While plenty of bouts didn’t live up to the hype this year, a few which flew under the radar in the build up became absolute classics. Josh Van and Brandon Royval put on a barnburner at UFC 317 while Jiri Procházka produced back to back bangers against Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr.

The Baddy gets good

Entering the UFC with a heap of hype, Paddy Pimblett was quickly brought down to earth after some lacklustre performances against low-ranked competition. However, ‘the Baddy’ proved he is more than just a haircut as he destroyed former lightweight title contender Michael CHandler at UFC 314, earning a title eliminator in the process.

Merab mauls O’Malley again

So desperate were the UFC for the Suga Show to carry the division, they gifted Sean O’Malley a rematch at UFC 316 only for him to be even more humiliated by a second serious whooping at the hands of the champion Merab Dvalishvili.

Endangered Kiwis

An unsuccessful title bid, a grudge match loss, and a failed comeback made for a tough year for New Zealand MMA. Kai Kara-France fell to the suffocating style of Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 317, Dan Hooker was choked out by Arman Tsarukyan and Israel Adesanya was knocked out cold at the hands of Nassourdine Imavov.

A shining light-heavyweight

First taking a decision win over former champion Jan Blachowicz in March, backed up by an emphatic first round knockout of American Dominick Reyes in September, Carlos ‘the Black Jag’ Ulberg is carrying the New Zealand flag as he has surged to title contention. Elsewhere in the division, fellow CKB product Navajo Stirling is making his rise through the ranks, picking up another two wins in 2025 to take his unblemished record to 8-0.

Harrison proves the hype

In what could be the closest the UFC will come to their never-ending quest to replace Ronda Rousey, Kayla Harrison arrived in style, submitting Julianna Pena at UFC 316 to declare herself a potential superstar of women’s MMA.

Bo loses his O

Another hype job fallen flat, the decorated wrestler tasted his first loss inside the octagon in May against a resurgent Reinier de Ridder courtesy of a crisp knee to the gut which is exactly how Dana White felt seeing his potential future cash cow crumble to the canvas.

Champ goes from cage to court

While he has ensured the fans soured on him quickly due to his embarrassing Connor McGregor impressions and social media antics, Illia Topuria continues to prove he is on an elite level after a crushing win over Charles Oliveria at UFC 317. However, it would be the sole time El Matator was sighted in 2025 and he has since taken a hiatus to focus on a court battle with his ex wife.

Black Beast stands alone

KO king Derek Lewis needed just 35 seconds to shut Tallision Texeria’s lights out and register his 16th knockout in his storied UFC career, the most in UFC history.

Volk smash

After being finished by back to back knockouts at the hands of current champions Illia Topuria and Islam Makhachev, many saw Alexander ‘The Great’ Volkanovski’s time at the top as over. But the Aussie lived up to his moniker at UFC 314 as he ascended back to the top of featherweight in a clinic against Diego Lopes.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand