MEN’S FOOTBALL: Argentina celebrated their qualification for the 2026 World Cup finals with a 4-1 thumping of Brazil in Buenos Aires on Wednesday.

Brazil currently sit fourth in the South American group behind Uruguay and Ecuador, who drew 0-0 with bottom team Chile.

The group’s other fixtures saw Venezuela boost their qualifying hopes after Salomon Rondon scored in their 1-0 win over Peru and Colombia drew 2-2 with Paraguay.

CRICKET: New Zealand begin a three-match one-day series against Pakistan in Napier tomorrow, having eased to a 4-1 victory in their Twenty20 matches.

Wednesday’s dead rubber game saw Pakistan fall to another heavy defeat with the Kiwis losing only two wickets in chasing down their below par total of 128-9 with exactly 10 overs to spare.

Opener Tim Seifert smashed 10 sixes in an unbeaten 97 off just 38 balls to claim the man of the match award.

MEN’S FOOTBALL: Reading are in “close dialogue” with the EFL in a bid to avoid being suspended from the league next month.

The club could face suspension if owner Dai Yongge does not sell by April 5.

The league ordered Yongge to divest after disqualifying him under its owners’ and directors’ test. 

Today the club said exclusive dialogue with a potential purchaser — reported to be US businessman Robert Platek — was ongoing, but they are also seeking to stave off the threat of suspension if the sale is not complete by April 5.

MEN’S BASKETBALL: Super League action resumes this evening with Cheshire Phoenix up against the Surrey 89ers before form-team Manchester, who have won their last four games under new boss Herman Mandole, visit Bristol.

Elsewhere tonight bottom of the table Caledonia Gladiators welcome Leicester to East Kilbride while second-placed Sheffield are in Newcastle.

League leaders London Lions, who are eight points clear at the top, are not in action this weekend.