Sport Updates
Same-day match highlights, records, team news and results from across the sports you follow.
Mancini Returns to Italy Helm, Names 34-Man Squad With Nine Uncapped Players
Roberto Mancini has named a 34-man Italy squad for his first Nations League games since returning to the Azzurri bench, handing first senior call-ups to nine players as he looks to rebuild a side still reeling from a third straight World Cup absence. The uncapped newcomers include Bologna goalkeeper Massimo Pessina , Roma defender Daniele Ghilardi , Brentford full-back Michael Kayode , Monza defender Eddy Kouadio, Cagliari midfielder Alessandro Romano, Sporting CP's Issa Doumbia, Sassuolo striker Sebastiano Esposito, Napoli forward Antonio Vergara and Nurnberg's Mohamed Ali Zoma. Mancini also recalled Fiorentina's Nicolo Fagioli and Udinese's Nicolo Zaniolo, neither of whom had featured for Italy since October 2024, while leaving out striker Mateo Retegui despite four goals in seven Saudi Pro League appearances this season. Mancini, 61, returned to the Italy bench at the end of July on a contract running to 2030, taking over after a chaotic spell that saw Gennaro Gattuso step down following Italy's playoff exit to Bosnia and Herzegovina and a brief, failed attempt to appoint Andrea Pirlo collapse amid backlash over his commercial ties. The Azzurri now face a two-week international window with four fixtures. They host Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico on September 25, face Vincenzo Montella's Turkiye on September 28, travel to France on October 2, then host Turkiye again in Bologna on October 5.
Spain Name Nations League Squad With Four Changes From World Cup-Winning Group
Spain have named their squad for the defence of their World Cup title's follow-up assignment, the Nations League, with head coach Luis de la Fuente making four changes to the group that won the tournament in the United States this summer. Josep Martinez and Roberto Fernandez both earn their first senior call-ups, with Espanyol forward Fernandez the standout inclusion after scoring six goals in his first six La Liga appearances of the season. Dean Huijsen returns after missing the World Cup, while Fermin Lopez is recalled having been sidelined by injury during the tournament. The squad reflects several enforced changes, with Marcos Llorente omitted following his recent retirement from international football, while Joan Garcia misses out with a knee injury and Gavi remains unavailable, still serving a suspension for his conduct during the World Cup final. Celta Vigo's Borja Iglesias was also dropped from the World Cup squad. De la Fuente announced the squad from Ceuta in a show of support for the Spanish city, with the world champions set to wear two stars on their shirt for the first time when they open their Nations League campaign away to England at Wembley, before home fixtures against Croatia and the Czech Republic.
Brentford End 88-Year Wait With 3-0 Win Over Chelsea as Blues' Defensive Woes Deepen
Brentford ended an 88-year wait for a home win over Chelsea , beating them 3-0 at the Gtech Community Stadium for their first victory over the Blues on home turf since 1938, plunging Xabi Alonso's side into a deepening defensive crisis. Jaidon Anthony broke the deadlock with a close-range header in the 61st minute, converting after Jannik Schuster redirected a Mikkel Damsgaard corner. Igor Thiago doubled the lead soon after, ending his own seven-match goal drought by converting a rebound after Emiliano Martinez had saved his initial effort. Fabio Carvalho completed the rout with virtually the last kick of the match, tapping in Kevin Schade's cross for his first Premier League goal since a near year-long injury layoff. Jordan Henderson made his long-awaited Chelsea debut in midfield, appearing against the very club he represented on loan last season. The result leaves Chelsea winless in three straight league matches and has now conceded 12 goals , the most in the division, from their opening five fixtures, extending their run without a Premier League clean sheet to 21 consecutive matches . Brentford, unbeaten under new boss Keith Andrews, move provisionally into third place on nine points, with Chelsea's defensive frailties, further exposed by the continued absence of injured striker Joao Pedro, showing little sign of improving heading into the international break.
JJ Gabriel Travels to Barcelona for Transfer Talks Amid Man United Registration Standoff
JJ Gabriel has travelled to Barcelona for direct talks over a potential transfer, the latest twist in the 15-year-old's escalating standoff with Manchester United over his future. Gabriel left the UK on Thursday, travelling via France before arriving in Catalonia, according to multiple reports. He formally requested United cancel his registration with immediate effect earlier in the week, a request the club has so far rejected while trying to persuade him to stay. Barcelona have shown genuine interest, previously inviting Gabriel for a facility tour in August 2024 where he met Lamine Yamal, while Real Madrid , Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be monitoring the situation closely. Gabriel holds an Irish passport, which would make him eligible to sign for an EU club once he turns 16 on October 6, even though players from the UK cannot typically move abroad before 18. United had been readying him for a first-team involvement in the Carabao Cup tie against Brighton before the situation escalated, and manager Michael Carrick has urged caution given Gabriel's age. "He's a young boy, JJ, and I think it's important we don't play anything out here," Carrick said. No agreement over his future has been confirmed, with United still hoping to keep hold of one of their most highly rated academy prospects.
Travis Head's Ton and Zampa's 200th Wicket Seal Australia's Record-Breaking Series Win Over Zimbabwe
Australia sealed their ODI series against Zimbabwe with a game to spare, crushing the hosts by 84 runs in Harare behind a record team total and twin individual milestones for Travis Head and Adam Zampa . Put in to bat, Head announced his return to form in style, smashing 112 off 84 balls , his eighth ODI century, sharing a rapid 130-run opening stand with stand-in captain Mitch Marsh, who added a half-century of his own. Cooper Connolly then chipped in with 78 and Ollie Peake blasted an 18-ball 41 not out to power Australia to 356 for 6 , their highest-ever ODI total against Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe's batters all got starts but none could kick on, eventually bowled out for 272. Adam Zampa reached a career milestone of his own during the innings, bowling Innocent Kaia with a superb googly to bring up his 200th ODI wicket , finishing with figures of 2 for 62. Josh Hazlewood, recalled for the match, took 2 for 48, while Connolly completed the win with the last two wickets in successive balls. The result gives Australia an unassailable 2-0 series lead, though it came with a concerning moment when fast bowler Billy Stanlake left the field with a side strain during his fifth over. "When big Billy went down, our part-time bowlers and allrounders really stepped up," said Marsh, with Australia using the tour as preparation ahead of their ODI World Cup title defence next year.
Jos Buttler Becomes First Player Ever to Reach 15,000 T20 Runs as England Seal Sri Lanka Series
Jos Buttler became the first player in history to reach 15,000 career T20 runs , reaching the milestone during England's six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in Cardiff that sealed a 2-0 series victory with a match to spare. Buttler brought up the landmark with a single in his 528th T20 appearance, moving past West Indies great Kieron Pollard's tally to stand alone at the top of the format's all-time run-scoring list. He contributed 30 off 16 balls at the top of the order as England chased down Sri Lanka's 145 for 9 with 47 balls in hand, with Tom Banton playing the standout innings of the night, an unbeaten 52 off 24 balls. "He has been phenomenal for 15 years and someone you want by your side and in the changing room," said captain Harry Brook, calling the milestone "ridiculous." Liam Dawson was named Player of the Match for figures of 3 for 32 with the ball, with Jofra Archer marking his 50th T20I cap by taking two wickets of his own. The win extends England's dominance over Sri Lanka in the format to 14 consecutive victories, continuing a red-hot run under head coach Brendon McCullum and new white-ball mentor Kevin Pietersen, with the series-deciding dead rubber to follow at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Ronaldo Named in Portugal Squad for Jorge Jesus's First Nations League Selection
Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Portugal's squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, retaining his place under new head coach Jorge Jesus as the European champions begin the defence of their title. Portugal open their Nations League title defence at home to Wales on September 24, before facing Norway home and away either side of a trip to Denmark in League A Group 4. Ronaldo continues to lead the line despite his advancing years, joined by fellow forwards Rafael Leao, who earns a recall despite limited game time at Galatasaray this season, and Goncalo Ramos, who has scored just once since becoming AC Milan's record signing. Squad: Diogo Costa, Rui Silva, Samuel Soares; Goncalo Inacio, Joao Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Nuno Tavares, Nuno Mendes, Renato Veiga, Ruben Dias, Tomas Araujo; Bruno Fernandes, Joao Palhinha, Joao Neves, Ruben Neves, Vitinha, Bernardo Silva; Cristiano Ronaldo, Fabio Silva, Francisco Trincao, Francisco Conceicao, Rafael Leao, Goncalo Ramos. The squad marks Jorge Jesus's first selection since taking charge of the national team, with Portugal looking to build on their European Championship triumph as they begin a new Nations League campaign.
Tuchel Recalls Palmer and Alexander-Arnold, Hands Rio Ngumoha First England Call-Up
Thomas Tuchel has named his first England squad since the World Cup, recalling Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold after both missed the tournament, while handing Rio Ngumoha a first senior call-up, for Nations League fixtures against Spain, Czechia and Croatia. Alexander-Arnold's return is notable given the Real Madrid full-back's difficult start to life in Spain, while Palmer comes back into the fold after a strong start to the new season with Chelsea, scoring four goals and adding two assists in his first six appearances. Dominic Calvert-Lewin also earns a recall following a hot streak at Leeds. The headline new name is Rio Ngumoha , the 18-year-old Liverpool winger, who becomes the only player in the squad receiving a first senior call-up, having impressed in limited senior appearances including a Champions League outing against Atletico Madrid. Bournemouth's Alex Scott , Newcastle's Lewis Hall, Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly and Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite also return to the fold after being left out of the World Cup squad. Full squad: Jordan Pickford, Jason Steele, James Trafford; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarrad Branthwaite, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Guehi, Lewis Hall, Ezri Konsa, Tino Livramento, Nico O'Reilly, Jarrell Quansah; Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Alex Scott; Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Rio Ngumoha, Marcus Rashford, Morgan Rogers, Bukayo Saka. Phil Foden, Harry Maguire and Morgan Gibbs-White are among the notable absentees as England begin preparations for their Nations League fixtures. Ben White and Reece James both missed out through injury, with Tuchel declaring White unavailable despite a more positive fitness update from Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. "He was unfortunately not available for the World Cup and he is not available now," Tuchel said of White, who has been managing a groin issue.
Shafali Verma Shines With Bat and Ball as India Beat Japan at Asian Games
Shafali Verma played a star role in India's big win over Japan in the Asian Games quarter-final, taking two wickets with the ball before scoring an unbeaten 40 to finish the chase. Bowling alongside Shree Charani, who took four wickets, Shafali picked up two wickets to help bowl Japan out for just 57. She then opened the batting for India's chase and took the game away from Japan quickly, hitting an unbeaten 40 off just 15 balls , with four boundaries and two sixes. She finished the match herself, hitting a six to seal the win with 90 balls still left. The all-round show continues a great run of form for the 22-year-old, who was also a key player in India's title win at the Women's Asia Cup earlier this month. She remains one of the most exciting players in India's squad as the team chases gold at the Asian Games.
Clearlake Capital Completes Full Takeover of Chelsea in £950m Deal, Boehly Departs as Chairman
Clearlake Capital has taken full ownership of Chelsea , completing the acquisition of Todd Boehly and Mark Walter's combined stakes in a deal reportedly worth £950 million , valuing the club at around £5 billion including debt. Clearlake, led by Behdad Eghbali and Jose E. Feliciano, previously held a 61.5% majority stake since the consortium's £2.5 billion purchase of the club from Roman Abramovich in 2022. Boehly and Walter each owned roughly 12.8%, with Boehly serving as the club's public-facing chairman throughout. Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss, who also owned a 12.8% stake, will remain as a minority investor and "important stakeholder." "It has been an honour to serve as Chairman of Chelsea Football Club," Boehly said in a statement, thanking the Premier League, coaches, players and fans, and expressing confidence the club was "well positioned for continued success under Clearlake's leadership." Clearlake co-founders Eghbali and Feliciano said their focus would be "to continue investing in the Club's infrastructure, sporting performance, player development and delivering long-term success," with Chelsea confirming there would be no changes to day-to-day operations, leadership or strategy. The deal ends a period of reported boardroom tension between the two camps over recent years, including disagreements on the club's stadium future, and comes with new head coach Xabi Alonso overseeing an unbeaten start to the Premier League season.
India Women Rout Japan by 90 Balls to Spare, Charani's 800-Point Milestone Caps Dominant Run
India Women thrashed Japan by eight wickets in their Asian Games quarter-final, sealing victory with a record 90 balls to spare to book a semi-final date with Bangladesh on September 20. Put in to bowl after winning the toss, India ran through Japan's batting with a disciplined spin display, with Shree Charani the standout performer, returning superb figures of 4 for 10 from her four overs. Shafali Verma chipped in with two wickets, while Shreyanka Patil and Deepti Sharma took one apiece as the hosts were bowled out for just 57 in 19.5 overs, with only Ayaka Kato-Stafford's 25 offering any real resistance. India made light work of the modest target, racing to 59 for 2 in just five overs. Shafali Verma provided the fireworks with an unbeaten 40 off 15 balls, striking four fours and two sixes, and fittingly sealed the win with a six over long-on. The margin of 90 balls remaining stands as India's largest-ever victory by balls remaining in Women's T20I history. The win came on the back of a landmark individual milestone for Charani, who recently became the first Indian woman to cross 800 rating points in the ICC Women's T20I bowling rankings, reaching a career-best 804 following her four-wicket haul in the Asia Cup final win over Sri Lanka, surpassing Mithali Raj's previous Indian record of 780 points.
FA's Debbie Hewitt Demands FIFA Release Documents on World Cup Sell-Off Plan and Balogun Decision
English FA chairwoman Debbie Hewitt has formally demanded that FIFA president Gianni Infantino release all background documents relating to a controversial plan to sell a stake in the World Cup, as well as correspondence concerning the decision to overturn USA forward Folarin Balogun's one-match suspension during last summer's tournament. In a letter first reported by The Times, Hewitt, who also serves as a FIFA vice-president, asked for full transparency to be provided to FIFA council members on both matters ahead of the council's next meeting on October 15. The request adds English football's weight to growing scrutiny of Infantino's leadership, with the sell-off plan and the Balogun ruling both having drawn criticism from within the game's governing bodies. The demand lands on the same day UEFA vice-president Laura McAllister said Infantino's proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup "struck at the very heart of the principles of the game," with UEFA now pursuing legal action against the FIFA president. Infantino has confirmed he will stand for re-election to a further four-year term as FIFA president next year, setting up a tense build-up to that vote amid mounting institutional pressure over his recent decisions.
Mat Ryan Axed From Australia Squad as Popovic Bloods Seven Uncapped Players for Brazil Friendlies
Mat Ryan has been left out of Australia's squad for the historic double-header against Brazil , with head coach Tony Popovic handing opportunities to seven uncapped players in his first squad announcement since the World Cup. The former Socceroos captain is the headline omission from the 26-man group named for the September 25 (Townsville) and September 29 (Brisbane) friendlies, Australia's only home fixtures before the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Popovic retained 16 players from the World Cup squad but has clearly begun looking beyond several fringe options, with Cammy Devlin, Awer Mabil, Kai Trewin, Nishan Velupillay, Mat Leckie and Ajdin Hrustic all also dropping out. Injuries to Jordy Bos, Cameron Burgess and Cristian Volpato further reshaped the squad, with Bos' younger brother Kasey Bos among the uncapped newcomers earning a call-up. Middlesbrough's Riley McGree and Nashville SC's Patrick Yazbek both return to the fold after long-term injuries, while the friendlies against Brazil, who Australia have never previously faced, offer a rare opportunity for Popovic to blood new talent and gather intelligence ahead of Asian Cup qualification, with the matches doubling as a major box-office draw for Australian football fans.
Chamari Athapaththu's 63 Powers Sri Lanka to 86-Run Win Over Malaysia, Into Asian Games Semis
Sri Lanka Women cruised into the semi-finals of the Women's Asian Games 2026 , beating Malaysia Women by 86 runs in the third quarter-final at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin. Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat, and skipper Chamari Athapaththu set the tone with a blistering 63 off just 37 balls, striking seven fours and three sixes. Kavisha Dilhari kept the tempo going at the other end with an unbeaten 44, while Harshitha Samarawickrama chipped in with 25 as Sri Lanka posted a commanding 160 for 4 . Nurin Imanina was the pick of Malaysia's bowlers, finishing with 3 for 29. Malaysia's chase never got going. Malaysia lost Ainna Hamizah Hashim in the very first over, run out without scoring, and the required rate quickly spiralled out of reach. Winifred Duraisingam (28) and Mahirah Izzati Ismail (24) tried to rebuild but could not force the pace, with Sri Lanka's bowlers sharing the wickets around. Mithali Ayodhya , Kavisha Dilhari and captain Chamari Athapaththu all picked up two wickets apiece as Malaysia folded to 74 for 7 . The result sends Sri Lanka to the top of the points table on net run rate, level on points with Pakistan, and books their place in Sunday's semi-final. Malaysia's campaign, by contrast, ends at the quarter-final stage, with the defeat leaving them bottom of the standings.
India Smash New T20I Powerplay Record With 100/0 Against Afghanistan
India set a new team record for their fastest-ever start to a men's T20I innings, racing to 100 without loss inside the powerplay against Afghanistan in the third and final T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. Openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson put on a blistering opening stand, taking apart Afghanistan's new-ball and spin options alike from the very first over. Sharma alone contributed 76 off just 22 balls during the phase, while Samson kept the scoreboard ticking at the other end, with neither batter separated as India brought up the milestone inside the first six overs, a mark no Indian top order had previously reached in the format. The record-breaking start set the platform for India's eventual total of 221 for 7, with Sharma going on to complete the fastest T20I century ever by an Indian batter in the same innings. The powerplay landmark underlines the growing firepower of India's white-ball top order heading into the Asian Games, with the series ending in a 3-0 sweep of Afghanistan.
Anthony Elanga Set for Six-to-Eight Week Absence With Hamstring Injury
Newcastle face a significant absence for Anthony Elanga , with the winger set to be sidelined for six to eight weeks after suffering a hamstring injury during last weekend's defeat at Leeds, confirming head coach Matthias Jaissle's earlier fears that the issue "doesn't look good." Elanga was unable to continue after picking up the injury at Elland Road and was withdrawn during a difficult evening for Jaissle's side. The extended timeline is a major blow given the impact the Sweden international has made since his summer arrival, scoring against both Liverpool and Tottenham and being named the Premier League's August Guinness Goal of the Month winner, with his pace and directness central to Jaissle's aggressive, transition-based style. A six-to-eight-week absence threatens to rule Elanga out of a significant chunk of Newcastle's autumn schedule, with a possible return timeline pointing to sometime after the next international break. Newcastle will be cautious with his recovery given the variability of hamstring injuries, with Jacob Murphy the likely beneficiary of the extended absence in the meantime. Elanga has also withdrawn from Sweden's squad for the upcoming Nations League double-header against Romania and Poland, with head coach Jaissle set to have the player undergo a fresh MRI next week to help determine the full extent of the issue.
Joan Garcia Ruled Out Three Weeks With Knee Injury Amid Barcelona's 7-2 Racing Santander Rout
Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia will be sidelined for around three weeks after suffering a meniscus injury in his right knee, a fresh blow that arrived in the middle of a stunning 7-2 rout of Racing Santander that kept Barcelona's perfect start to the season intact. Garcia slipped on the wet artificial turf chasing a ball near his own box late in the first half and was replaced by Wojciech Szczesny at the interval. Medical tests on Thursday confirmed the meniscus tear, though reassuringly it affects his right knee rather than the left knee that required surgery last season, meaning no operation is currently needed. The timing works in Barcelona's favour, with Garcia set to miss Saturday's trip to Sevilla before using the international break to continue his recovery, putting him on course to be fit for the visit of Getafe on October 10. Szczesny is expected to deputise in goal in the meantime, with new summer signing Dominik Livakovic also available, as Hansi Flick's side continue chasing a perfect record atop La Liga.
Juventus and Crystal Palace Cruise in Europa League Openers, Celtic Suffer Another European Blow
The Europa League league phase opened with statement wins for several of the competition's bigger names, as Juventus thrashed NEC Nijmegen 5-0 and Crystal Palace marked their first-ever Europa League appearance with a 4-0 win over Lech Poznan. Juventus, playing continental football outside the Champions League for the first time in years after missing out last season, were far too strong for their Dutch visitors in Turin, with goals from Nico Gonzalez, Kerim Alajbegovic and Nick Woltemade, who scored his first goal since joining on loan from Newcastle. Conference League holders Crystal Palace made home advantage count at Selhurst Park, with Yeremy Pino, Chris Richards, a Jorgen Strand Larsen penalty and Eddie Nketiah all getting on the scoresheet. Bournemouth marked their first-ever European match in style, winning 2-1 away at Real Sociedad, while Celtic endured another chastening European night, losing 3-1 at home to Ferencvaros just days after a 3-0 derby defeat to Rangers, continuing a miserable run of European form for the Scottish champions following their earlier Champions League qualifying exit to LASK.
India Name Squad for Japan T20I and Asian Games, Vipraj Nigam Earns Maiden Call-Up
India have named their 14-player squad for the historic one-off T20I against Japan and the subsequent Asian Games campaign, with Shreyas Iyer continuing as captain and Tilak Varma as his deputy. The squad arrives with one change from its earlier composition, after Varun Chakravarthy was ruled out of both assignments with a side strain picked up during the Afghanistan series, with leg-spin all-rounder Vipraj Nigam handed a maiden international call-up as his replacement. Nigam first came to prominence during IPL 2025 with Delhi Capitals, and impressed further during India A's one-day tri-series in Sri Lanka in June, finishing as joint-highest wicket-taker. Squad: Shreyas Iyer (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (vc), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yash Thakur, Vipraj Nigam. India play Japan in Nisshin on September 22 in what will be the first-ever meeting between the two nations in international cricket, before their Asian Games campaign begins directly at the quarter-final stage on September 28, with the semi-finals on October 1 and medal matches on October 3, as India defend the gold they won at Hangzhou 2023.
India Complete 3-0 Series Sweep of Afghanistan with 127-Run Rout in Delhi
India completed a 3-0 series sweep over Afghanistan , sealing the finale with a thumping 127-run win at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi — their most emphatic performance of the series. Sent in to bat after Afghanistan won the toss, India were powered by an extraordinary innings from Abhishek Sharma , who smashed the fastest T20I century by an Indian batter — 108 off just 34 balls — laced with 9 fours and 11 sixes. Sanju Samson (50) provided able support in an 88-run opening stand, before India finished on 221/7 . Afghanistan never recovered from a top-order collapse, losing four wickets inside the powerplay for just 47. Nitish Kumar Reddy (3/25) and Ravi Bishnoi (3/26) shared six wickets between them as the innings folded for 94 in 14.1 overs . With the win, India extend their dominant head-to-head record over Afghanistan in T20Is and head into the Asian Games on the back of a clean-sweep series victory.
Abhishek Sharma Smashes Fastest-Ever T20I Century by an Indian Batter
Abhishek Sharma produced the fastest T20I century ever by an Indian batter, reaching three figures off just 30 balls during the third and final T20I against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. Opening the innings, Sharma raced to his fifty in only 16 balls before accelerating further, needing just 14 more deliveries to bring up his century. He was eventually dismissed for 108 off 34 balls , an innings built on 9 fours and 11 sixes at a strike rate north of 317. The knock comfortably eclipsed Rohit Sharma's previous Indian record of a 35-ball hundred against Sri Lanka in 2017, and stands as the fastest T20I century by a batter from any ICC Full Member nation — behind only Estonia's Sahil Chauhan (27 balls) and Turkey's Muhammad Fahad (29 balls) on the all-time list, which also includes Associate nations. It was Sharma's third T20I century, moving him behind only Rohit Sharma (5) and Suryakumar Yadav (4) on India's all-time list. His innings powered India to 221/7 , with Afghanistan set a stiff target of 222 to win the dead-rubber finale of the series.
Messi's 100th Inter Miami Goal Secures Campeones Cup Win Over Cruz Azul
Lionel Messi scored the 100th goal of his Inter Miami career as the club won its first-ever Campeones Cup , beating Mexican side Cruz Azul 2-0 at Nu Stadium in a fitting final for new head coach Cristian "Kily" Gonzalez's first match in charge. Messi headed in a Luis Suarez cross in the 24th minute for his landmark goal, reaching the century mark in just 115 appearances across all competitions for the club. Fittingly, the milestone came against the very same opponent he scored his first Inter Miami goal against, a stoppage-time free kick that won his debut match back in July 2023. Casemiro doubled the lead in the 81st minute, heading home a corner delivered by Messi himself. The win gives Inter Miami their first Campeones Cup title, extending Messi's remarkable trophy haul to 48 between club and country, with four of those coming in North America since his 2023 arrival, following the Leagues Cup in 2023, the Supporters' Shield in 2024 and the MLS Cup in 2025. The Argentine has now scored 23 goals in 2026 alone, with his tally split across 76 MLS goals, 14 in Leagues Cup action, eight in the Concacaf Champions Cup and one at the Club World Cup since joining the Herons.
Adeeb Usmani's 95 Seals UAE's 3-0 T20I Series Whitewash of Malaysia
UAE completed a 3-0 T20I series whitewash of Malaysia , winning the decider by 59 runs at Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur behind a sensational innings from wicketkeeper-batter Adeeb Usmani . Usmani, who only debuted for UAE earlier this year after becoming one of the first cricketers granted UAE citizenship, smashed 95 off 53 balls to set up the win, continuing an outstanding start to his international career that already includes a century and two other fifty-plus scores across his first eight ODIs. He proved an able deputy at the top of the order for regular opener Muhammad Waseem, who missed the series while playing in Europe's ETPL. The result caps a dominant tour for UAE, who also won the first two T20Is by six and seven wickets respectively, with Usmani's fine form running throughout the series. The bounce-back comes on the back of recent Asia Cup qualification heartbreak for the UAE, offering a timely confidence boost as the squad returns home, where several players will look to press their case for ILT20 contracts via an upcoming development tournament in Dubai.
Pakistan Women Edge Thailand by Three Wickets in Rain-Reduced Asian Games Thriller
Pakistan Women edged out Thailand by three wickets in a rain-reduced thriller at the Women's Asian Games, chasing down 92 in an 11-overs-per-side quarter-final cut short by a wet outfield at Korogi Sports Park. Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl, with Nannapat Koncharoenkai the standout for Thailand, top-scoring with 49 off 38 balls including seven fours, though she was eventually trapped lbw by Fatima Sana. A late flurry from captain Naruemol Chaiwai , 10 off just 3 balls with a four and a six, helped push Thailand to 91 for 4, with Fatima Sana (2/22) the pick of the Pakistan bowlers. The chase was far from smooth for Pakistan, who lost regular wickets throughout. Shawaal Zulfiqar struck 25 off 14 balls at the top, while captain Fatima Sana played a crucial hand with 21 off 13, and Tuba Hassan's late 13 off 7 helped steady the innings after a mid-innings wobble that saw Pakistan slip to 88 for 7. With the required rate mounting, Pakistan got over the line with two balls to spare, reaching 92 for 7 in 10.4 overs. The result sends Pakistan through to the semi-finals, while Thailand's promising campaign ends at the quarter-final stage despite Koncharoenkai's fine individual innings.