Sport Updates
Same-day match highlights, records, team news and results from across the sports you follow.
Ishan Kishan's 350-Run Match Puts East Zone on Verge of Duleep Trophy Title
East Zone all but sealed the Duleep Trophy title, extending their lead to a massive 584 runs on Day 4 of the final against South Zone in Chennai, with captain Ishan Kishan continuing his extraordinary run with the bat. South Zone were bowled out for 336 in the morning session, with captain Tilak Varma agonisingly dismissed for 99, mistiming a return catch and missing out on his ninth first-class century by a single run. Mukesh Kumar led the attack with 3 for 62, giving East Zone a first-innings lead of 372. Rather than enforce the follow-on, East Zone chose to bat again, and despite early wickets, Kishan and Shikhar Mohan (52) added an unbroken century stand, with Kishan blasting 80 off 98 balls to take his match tally to 350 runs , following his first-innings 270, itself the second-highest individual score in Duleep Trophy final history behind Raman Lamba's 320 in 1987-88. The innings also saw Kishan pass 4,000 career first-class runs, taking his tally to 4,302 with 10 centuries and 20 half-centuries in the format. With East Zone's lead now standing at 584 with five second-innings wickets in hand, South Zone face a near-impossible task to save the match, let alone chase down the target, on the final day.
Adam Zampa Signs Two-Year Deal With Hobart Hurricanes Ahead of BBL 2026-27
Adam Zampa has signed a two-year deal with the Hobart Hurricanes ahead of the 2026-27 Big Bash League , moving from Melbourne Renegades via the league's free-agent market to become just the fourth player in BBL history to represent five different clubs. The move, covering both the BBL|16 and BBL|17 seasons, was enabled by the league's revised contracting rules after the overseas player draft was scrapped, freeing up salary cap space that allowed Hobart to move for Australia's leading T20I wicket-taker. Zampa brings 138 wickets from 121 BBL appearances at an average of 23.42, the most by any spinner in the tournament's history, joining an already strong Hurricanes attack led by captain Nathan Ellis alongside Riley Meredith and Billy Stanlake. "There's a lot of quality in the group and hopefully I can come in, play my role and help the team have another successful season," Zampa said, crediting his relationship with Ellis as central to the decision. "I think I've gone to a lot of teams for the people that are there, and that's always an important decision in my decision-making." Hurricanes general manager Adam Beams called him "arguably the biggest name available on the market." Zampa did note that despite the contracting overhaul, he feels overseas players continue to benefit more than local talent under the new system. The move comes as the BBL undergoes wider structural change, with Cricket Australia approving the league's privatisation on September 8, and Melbourne Renegades set to become the first franchise sold under the new ownership model.
Root Chases Outright Fifty Record as England Eye Clean Sweep in Series Decider
England begin the series-deciding third Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston today, looking to complete a 3-0 clean sweep after dominant wins at Headingley and Lord's, while captain Joe Root chases a piece of history. Root arrives at Edgbaston level with Sachin Tendulkar on 68 Test half-centuries , the all-time record, after reaching the landmark during his 66 at Headingley in the series opener. One more fifty at Edgbaston would take him to the outright record, extending a run of consistency that has seen him reach 50-plus scores in 42 innings as England captain, fifth on that particular all-time list behind Graeme Smith's 61. Pakistan, already staring down a series defeat, have handed coaching responsibilities for the decider to white-ball coach Mike Hesson following sweeping mid-series changes that saw seven players dropped and five uncapped cricketers added to the squad after the heavy defeats in the first two Tests. The visitors will be desperate to avoid a whitewash on English soil as the series draws to a close.
Bangladesh Beat UAE by 34 Runs, Book Semi-Final Date With India
Bangladesh Women held their nerve to beat United Arab Emirates Women by 34 runs in Dubai, sealing a spot in the Women's Asia Cup 2026 semi-finals where they will face India. Sent in to bat after UAE won the toss, Bangladesh lost both openers cheaply before Sharmin Akhter (38 off 31) and Nigar Sultana (23) rebuilt the innings. Suraksha Kotte picked up 3/11 for UAE, but Bangladesh still posted a competitive 103/7 . UAE's chase never found rhythm. Marufa Akter struck early to remove captain Esha Oza, and Rabeya Khan (3/14) and Nahida Akter (2/18) kept picking up wickets through the middle overs. Heena Hotchandani's 18 was the best of a struggling batting effort as UAE were restricted to 69/9 , falling well short of the target. The result confirms Bangladesh as the second semi-finalist from Group B, joining group toppers Sri Lanka. Bangladesh will now take on India Women in Semi-Final 1 on September 10, while Sri Lanka face Pakistan in Semi-Final 2 the following day.
India and Pakistan Advance from Group A as Women's Asia Cup 2026 Semi-Finalists Take Shape
India Women and Pakistan Women have advanced to the Women's Asia Cup 2026 semi-finals from Group A, with the group stage now complete after Pakistan's 72-run win over Hong Kong, China sealed the second spot. India finished top of the group unbeaten, winning all three of their matches — over Thailand, Hong Kong and Pakistan — to finish with 6 points and a commanding +5.471 net run rate, headlined by Smriti Mandhana's record-breaking 124 against Hong Kong. Pakistan take the second semi-final spot despite a shock defeat to India, bouncing back with big wins over Thailand and Hong Kong to finish on 4 points and +0.927 NRR. Nashra Sandhu's career-best 6/7 in the final group match was pivotal in seeing off Hong Kong's challenge. Thailand Women and Hong Kong, China Women are eliminated after finishing third and fourth respectively, with one win and no wins from three games. Pakistan will now face Group B toppers Sri Lanka Women in Semi-Final 2, while India await their Group B opponents, to be decided when Bangladesh take on UAE.
Nashra Sandhu's Career-Best 6/7 Sinks Hong Kong as Pakistan Seal Semi-Final Spot
Nashra Sandhu produced career-best figures of 6 for 7 — the best bowling figures ever by a Pakistan bowler in T20Is — as Pakistan Women thumped Hong Kong, China Women by 72 runs in Dubai to book their spot in the Women's Asia Cup 2026 semi-finals. Sent in to bat after winning the toss, Pakistan built a competitive total on the back of a fine 47 from Shawaal Zulfiqar and 26 from Ayesha Zafar. Captain Fatima Sana finished unbeaten on 24 to power Pakistan to 143/8 , despite Joyleen Kaur picking up 4/19 for Hong Kong. Hong Kong's chase fell apart almost immediately, losing both openers for just a run inside the first over. Kary Chan fought a lone battle at No. 4, top-scoring with 30, but found little support as Nashra Sandhu ran through the middle and lower order, taking six of the last seven wickets to fall. Hong Kong were bowled out for just 71 in 19 overs , ending their campaign without a win. Sandhu was named Player of the Match. Pakistan now progress to face Sri Lanka Women in Semi-Final 2, while India Women await their opponents from Group B, to be decided when Bangladesh face UAE.
Ishan Kishan Smashes Double Century, Fifth Batter Ever to Do So in Duleep Trophy Final
Ishan Kishan smashed a stunning double century on Day 2 of the Duleep Trophy final, reaching 200 off 270 balls to become just the fifth batter in Duleep Trophy final history to achieve the feat, and the first East Zone wicketkeeper-batter to do so. Kishan, who had ended Day 1 unbeaten on 111, continued his charge into the second day, first crossing his previous best Duleep Trophy score of 112, then bringing up the milestone with a boundary off Devdutt Padikkal. It marks the third double century of his career, following a 273 against Delhi in the 2016 Ranji Trophy and a 210 against Bangladesh in a 2022 ODI. Along the way, he shared a 202-run stand with fellow centurion Kumar Kushagra , who fell for 101, before continuing to build with Anukul Roy as East Zone surged past 550 runs. Only Arun Lal (twice, in 1986-87) and Saba Karim (unbeaten, 1995-96) had previously scored double centuries for East Zone in a Duleep Trophy final, making Kishan just the third player in the zone's history and the fifth overall across the tournament's history to reach the landmark in a final. The knock puts East Zone in a commanding position, with South Zone facing a daunting task to stay competitive as the captain continues to bat freely against an increasingly tired bowling attack.
Bharat Arun Backs Mohammed Shami for India Comeback After 100th First-Class Match
Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun has publicly backed Mohammed Shami for a potential India recall, speaking as the pacer reached his 100th first-class appearance in the Duleep Trophy final between East Zone and South Zone in Chennai. "It is actually befitting for Shami. 100 first-class matches with what he loves most, the red ball," Arun said. "He loves bowling. It doesn't matter whether it is in the nets or in the middle of a game. You give him the red ball, or any ball for that matter, he would mark his run-up and start bowling." Shami has continued to produce strong numbers on the domestic circuit despite his absence from the national side, taking 37 wickets in seven matches for Bengal in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy at an average of 16.72, along with 15 wickets in seven Vijay Hazare Trophy games. He also picked up five wickets across the Duleep Trophy semi-final against Central Zone, showing he can still bowl long, effective spells. The 36-year-old has not played for India since the 2025 Champions Trophy final, where he finished as the tournament's leading wicket-taker with nine scalps, having earlier taken 23 wickets in seven matches before an ankle injury and subsequent surgery ruled him out for nearly a year. His continued domestic form and Arun's endorsement will fuel speculation over a possible international return.
Ishan Kishan's Century Headlines Milestone-Filled Day 1 of Duleep Trophy Final
Ishan Kishan struck an unbeaten 111 to guide East Zone to a commanding 385 for 4 on Day 1 of the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone in Chennai, a milestone day that also saw Karnataka's Shreyas Gopal reach his 100th first-class appearance. Winning the toss and batting first, East Zone were given a solid platform by Abhimanyu Easwaran (72) and 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (44), before Shikhar Mohan added a composed 85. Captain Kishan then took control in the final session, reaching his tenth first-class century off just 122 balls, striking 14 fours and two sixes, while also passing 4,000 career first-class runs during the innings. He finished the day unbeaten on 111 off 135 balls, sharing an unbroken 144-run stand with Kumar Kushagra (63 not out). The occasion doubled as a landmark for South Zone's Shreyas Gopal , who took the field for his 100th first-class match alongside East Zone's Mohammed Shami, who reached the same milestone in the same fixture. "It's pretty surreal to play a 100th first-class game, and the Duleep Trophy final makes it even more special," Gopal said, reflecting on a career that began in 2013. Chama Milind was South Zone's most successful bowler with 2 for 56, but found little else to trouble a dominant East Zone batting effort.
Dunkley's Century Seals England's 3-0 Sweep as Ireland's Arlene Kelly Bows Out
England Women completed a 3-0 ODI series sweep of Ireland , thrashing them by 114 runs at Worcester behind a superb century from Sophia Dunkley , in a match that also marked the international retirement of Ireland stalwart Arlene Kelly . Dunkley made 119 off 100 balls, her second ODI century, surviving an early review for lbw before dominating a 110-run stand with Jodi Grewcock (35) as England posted 291. A late collapse saw the last six wickets fall for just 31 runs, but the total was always going to be competitive. Ireland were bowled out for 177 in 44.2 overs, with Amy Hunter top-scoring on 39 and Mady Villiers and Lauren Filer taking three wickets apiece for England. The result completed a comprehensive series sweep for Charlie Dean's side to close out England's international summer, with their next fixtures not until the Champions Trophy in February. The match doubled as a farewell for Arlene Kelly , who announced her retirement from international cricket after the game. The New Zealand-born all-rounder leaves with 110 caps and 135 wickets for Ireland, the third-highest tally in the country's history behind Isobel Joyce and Laura Delany, since making her debut in June 2022. "It's been an absolute privilege to represent Ireland over the past four-and-a-half years," Kelly said, adding she would return to New Zealand to be closer to family. She was named Cricket Ireland's Women's International Player of the Year in 2023 and captained the side when required in 2025.
South Africa Beat Zimbabwe by 48 Runs to Win Namibia T20I Tri-Series
South Africa completed a dominant tri-series campaign, beating Zimbabwe by 48 runs in the final at the Namibia Cricket Ground to lift the T20I Tri-Series trophy, their third win over Zimbabwe in eight days. Batting first after being sent in, South Africa posted 205 for 5 behind a blistering 24-ball fifty from opener Jordan Hermann , who finished with 53 off 29 balls in an 84-run opening stand with Connor Esterhuizen (32). Dewald Brevis (32) and Rubin Hermann (27) kept the tempo up in the middle overs to push South Africa past 200, despite the side missing Lhuan-dre Pretorius through a groin niggle. Zimbabwe's chase fell apart early, slipping to 61 for 7 before Brad Evans produced a defiant unbeaten 56 in a 52-run ninth-wicket stand with Kundai Matigimu that briefly threatened to make a match of it. But captain Bjorn Fortuin (3/24) and Duan Jansen (3/38) shared six wickets to bowl Zimbabwe out for 157 in 18 overs. Jansen finished as the tournament's leading wicket-taker with 11 dismissals. The tri-series served as a warm-up event for co-hosts South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia ahead of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, with South Africa now moving on to a three-match bilateral ODI series against hosts Namibia, with Fortuin continuing as captain.
Harshitha Samarawickrama's 48* Seals Sri Lanka's 4-Wicket Win Over Bangladesh, Books Semi-Final Spot
Sri Lanka Women pulled off a nervy 4-wicket win over Bangladesh Women in Dubai, sealing an unbeaten group stage and a place in the Women's Asia Cup 2026 semi-finals alongside India. Sent in to bowl after winning the toss, Sri Lanka were given a real fight by Bangladesh, who posted 114/8 thanks to a fine 34 from Sobhana Mostary and a quickfire 26 from Dilara Akter. Chamudi Praboda , just 17, was the standout with the ball, claiming 3/21 as Sri Lanka's spinners pegged Bangladesh back after a promising middle-overs phase. The chase swung wildly. Sri Lanka slumped to 44/5 inside 10 overs as Marufa Akter ran through the top order, leaving the defending champions staring at an upset. Harshitha Samarawickrama then produced the innings of her career, combining with Nilakshika Silva in a 38-run stand before finishing unbeaten on 48 off 37 , striking two sixes in the death overs — including one off Nahida Akter in the penultimate over — to guide Sri Lanka home with 4 balls to spare at 115/6 . Samarawickrama was named Player of the Match. Both India and Sri Lanka now go into the semi-finals unbeaten, having topped their respective groups with three wins from three.
Mohammed Shami to Play 100th First-Class Match in Duleep Trophy Final
Mohammed Shami is set to make his 100th first-class appearance for East Zone in Sunday's Duleep Trophy final against South Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, becoming just the sixth Indian bowler to reach the milestone. The 36-year-old pacer arrives at the landmark with 382 wickets from 99 matches and career-best figures of 8/90, having played a key role in East Zone's run to the final with five wickets across two innings in the semi-final win over defending champions Central Zone. The Cricket Association of Bengal felicitated Shami ahead of the occasion, presenting him with a signed "No. 100 Bengal" jersey and a silver plaque from CAB president Sourav Ganguly, who called it "a fitting reward for the veteran pacer's remarkable longevity." "Completing 100 First-Class matches is a very special and proud moment for me," Shami wrote on Instagram. "This journey has been filled with hard work, challenges, learning and unforgettable memories." Shami last played for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final, where he finished as the tournament's leading wicket-taker with nine scalps, and remains outside the national setup while continuing to play domestic cricket in pursuit of another international recall. The final runs from September 6 to 10, with East Zone captained by Ishan Kishan and featuring vice-captain Vaibhav Sooryavanshi among a squad hoping to add the Duleep Trophy to Shami's landmark occasion.
Shafali Verma's Record 3,000 T20I Runs Highlights India's Demolition of Pakistan
India completed a perfect Women's Asia Cup group stage, thrashing Pakistan by seven wickets in Dubai after bowling their rivals out for just 55 , their lowest-ever T20I total, in a match that also produced a landmark individual record. Opener Shafali Verma became the youngest and fastest woman to reach 3,000 T20I runs , needing just seven off the first two balls of India's chase to get there. She achieved the milestone at 22 years and 220 days, and in just 2,182 balls faced, both records previously held by Alyssa Healy and Gaby Lewis respectively. She is now the third Indian, after Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, to reach the landmark. Pakistan's innings collapsed entirely, with Shree Charani and Prema Rawat taking three wickets apiece and Deepti Sharma adding two more. India knocked off the target in just 8.4 overs, with captain Harmanpreet Kaur unbeaten on 18 and Deepti Sharma finishing on 12 not out. The win completes a clean sweep of three wins from three in the group stage for India, having also beaten Thailand and Hong Kong, and extends their dominant head-to-head record over Pakistan in Women's T20I cricket. India now progress to the semi-finals as the tournament's in-form side, while Pakistan face a must-win match against Hong Kong to keep their own qualification hopes alive.
India Bowl Out Pakistan for 55, Cruise to 7-Wicket Win in Women's Asia Cup 2026
India Women made light work of the biggest game of the group stage, thrashing Pakistan Women by 7 wickets in Dubai to seal top spot in Group A of the Women's Asia Cup 2026 , having already qualified for the semi-finals. Pakistan captain Fatima Sana won the toss and chose to bat, but the decision backfired badly. India's bowlers were relentless from the start, with Shree Charani (3/7) and Prema Rawat (3/9) sharing six wickets between them as Pakistan collapsed from 27/0 to be bowled out for just 55 in 18.1 overs — their lowest-ever T20I total. India's chase was a formality despite an early wobble. Fatima Sana struck back with the ball, picking up 3/17 including the wickets of Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana inside the powerplay. But Harmanpreet Kaur (18* off 18) and Deepti Sharma (12* off 14) steadied things, finishing the chase in style with Harmanpreet slog-sweeping the winning six in just 8.4 overs . Shree Charani was named Player of the Match. India move to three wins from three and finish the group stage unbeaten, while Pakistan will need to beat Hong Kong, China in their final group game to secure a semi-final spot.
Harmanpreet Kaur Becomes First Cricketer Ever to Captain in 150 T20Is
Harmanpreet Kaur has become the first cricketer in history, male or female, to captain in 150 T20 Internationals , reaching the landmark during India's Women's Asia Cup clash against Pakistan in Dubai. India's captain since 2012, Harmanpreet entered the match on 149 games as skipper with a record of 86 wins and 57 losses. "Great achievement. But the key is to keep enjoying yourself on the field, and that is a key; I try to keep up with that," she said at the toss. She stands well clear of the next-best captains in the format: Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu (121) among women, and Namibia's Gerhard Erasmus (91) among men. The milestone came in a match already stacked with individual landmarks. It followed shortly after teammate Deepti Sharma became the leading wicket-taker in Women's T20I history, while Smriti Mandhana entered the contest just 78 runs short of overtaking Suzie Bates as the format's all-time leading run-scorer. Pakistan's Muneeba Ali also had milestones of her own in sight, two matches away from a century of T20I appearances. India had already secured their Women's Asia Cup semi-final berth prior to the Pakistan match, following wins over Thailand and Hong Kong, extending a dominant head-to-head record over their rivals that now stands at 14 wins from 17 T20I meetings.
Pretorius' Maiden Century Sends South Africa Into Tri-Series Final After Namibia Thriller
South Africa survived a stern chase from Namibia to win by 11 runs in a 445-run thriller at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek, sealing their place in Sunday's final against Zimbabwe in the T20I tri-series. Put in to bat, South Africa exploded through a 156-run opening stand between Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Connor Esterhuizen . Esterhuizen blazed 88 off just 40 balls, striking six fours and eight sixes, while Pretorius made amends for missing out on a century three days earlier against Zimbabwe (he was dismissed for 94), reaching his maiden T20I hundred with a six in the final over before falling for 101 off 53 balls. South Africa finished on 228 for 4, their fifth-highest T20I total. Namibia refused to fold under the daunting target, with Jan Frylinck (72 off 36) and Louren Steenkamp (61 off 44) putting on 119 for the first wicket to keep the hosts in touch deep into the chase. But South Africa's bowlers held their nerve at the death, with Nqobani Mokoena finishing with 2 for 43 including the crucial last wicket, as Namibia fell agonisingly short on 217 for 3. The result ends an impressive home campaign for Namibia, who had already beaten South Africa earlier in the series and pushed Zimbabwe to a last-ball finish, but it is South Africa who advance to face Zimbabwe in Sunday's decider.
Esha Oza Guides UAE to 6-Wicket Win Over Indonesia in Women's Asia Cup 2026
United Arab Emirates Women bounced back from their opening defeat, chasing down a modest target with plenty to spare to beat Indonesia Women by 6 wickets in Dubai. Sent in to bowl after winning the toss, UAE ran through Indonesia's batting with a disciplined display. Suraksha Kotte struck twice in the powerplay to reduce Indonesia to 1/2, and Ni Putu Ayu Nanda Sakarini 's battling 39 was the only real resistance as the rest of the order struggled. Esha Oza and Heena Hotchandani picked up two wickets apiece as Indonesia were bowled out for just 71 in 19.4 overs . UAE's chase was never seriously threatened. Captain Esha Oza led from the front with 30 off 29 balls, while Rinitha Rajith (22) kept the scoreboard ticking in a 45-run stand for the second wicket. Indonesia's spinners fought back briefly, with Sofia Velic and Ni Kadek Ariani sharing three wickets, but Samaira Dharnidharka saw UAE home with an unbeaten 8, finishing on 75/4 in 13.1 overs . Oza was named Player of the Match for her all-round effort (30 off 29, 2/11). UAE move to two points from two games, while Indonesia remain winless after three matches and will look to salvage pride in their remaining fixtures.
Deepti Sharma Becomes Leading Wicket-Taker in Women's T20I History With 174 Scalps
Deepti Sharma has become the leading wicket-taker in Women's T20 International history, reaching 174 wickets after adding three more scalps in India's win over Hong Kong at the Women's Asia Cup, moving clear of Thailand's Thipatcha Putthawong. The milestone was first set up during India's tournament opener against Thailand, when Deepti produced a stunning spell of 3 for 0 in just 1.1 overs to move to 171 wickets and overtake Putthawong, the landmark arriving in her 150th T20I appearance. It was the most economical three-wicket haul by any Indian bowler in the format's history. She has since extended her lead further with three more wickets against Hong Kong. Deepti also became just the third Indian, after Harmanpreet Kaur (203) and Smriti Mandhana (172), to play 150 or more T20Is, and the 12th woman cricketer overall to reach that landmark. "More than 150 wickets, it's a proud feeling to wear the Indian jersey with the Indian logo. It's about doing the right things as an Indian player," she said, reflecting on the achievement. The 27-year-old off-spinner's record comes in the same tournament that has already produced Smriti Mandhana's record-breaking 124, giving India's spin and batting attack a share of the individual headlines as the side marches unbeaten toward the semi-finals.
India to Play Historic First-Ever T20I Against Japan on September 22
India will play a historic one-off T20I against Japan on September 22 at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture, marking the first-ever meeting between the two nations in international cricket. Dubbed the Suzuki Cup , the match has been organised by the BCCI and the Japan Cricket Association to launch celebrations for the 75th anniversary of India-Japan diplomatic relations . The fixture forms the flagship event of "Sport 75," a bilateral sporting initiative that followed a summit agreement between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The game kicks off at 1:00 PM local time (9:30 AM IST). "The BCCI is delighted to be part of this historic occasion as the Indian and Japanese men's teams come together for a special T20 International in Japan," said BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia. JCA CEO Naoki Miyaji called the visit of the reigning world champions "a landmark moment for cricket in Japan," with organisers planning to expand the venue's usual 500-person capacity to as many as 2,000 to accommodate demand. The match effectively serves as a warm-up for Shreyas Iyer's India squad ahead of the Asian Games , where they arrive as defending gold medallists and have already secured a direct berth in the quarterfinal on September 28 owing to their higher ranking. Japan, unbeaten in eight of ten T20Is played in 2026, will be playing their first-ever match against a full ICC member nation.
India Face Pakistan in Asia Cup Blockbuster, Already Through to Semi-Finals
India face bitter rivals Pakistan in the marquee group-stage fixture of the Women's Asia Cup on Saturday, with the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side already through to the semi-finals. India secured their spot in the last four with a dominant 137-run win over Hong Kong , built around Smriti Mandhana's record-breaking 124, which took her past two centuries at this year's tournament and made her the leading century-maker in women's international cricket history. Having also beaten Thailand in their opening match, India go into the Pakistan clash unbeaten and already qualified, giving them the freedom to fine-tune combinations ahead of the knockout stage. Pakistan, meanwhile, will be looking to boost their own semi-final chances and end a run without a Women's Asia Cup title, having finished runners-up on previous occasions. The India-Pakistan rivalry remains one of the biggest draws in women's cricket, with this fixture expected to be among the most-watched matches of the tournament regardless of the standings. The match takes place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, September 5, with the semi-finals following on September 10 and 11 and the final on September 13.
Kusal Mendis and Binura Fernando Ruled Out of England Tour, Asalanka to Captain
Sri Lanka have suffered a double injury blow ahead of their three-match T20I series in England, with captain Kusal Mendis and pacer Binura Fernando both ruled out, forcing Charith Asalanka into the captaincy. Both players picked up their injuries during the Lanka Premier League 2026: Mendis is still undergoing rehabilitation for a right hamstring problem, while Fernando is recovering from a back injury. Neither is expected to be fit in time for the tour, which begins September 15. Sri Lanka Cricket has responded by naming Pavan Rathnayake as Mendis' replacement and Dilshan Madushanka in for Fernando. With Mendis unavailable, Asalanka , who had been serving as vice-captain for the tour, steps up to lead the side across all three T20Is, scheduled for Southampton, Cardiff and Manchester. Mendis remains in contention to return for the subsequent ODI leg of the tour, which runs from September 22 to 27. Dasun Shanaka, who led Sri Lanka at this year's T20 World Cup, has also been recalled to the ODI squad for the first time since January 2024.
Issy Wong's Maiden Five-For Seals England Women's ODI Series Win Over Ireland
England Women sealed an unassailable 2-0 lead in their ODI series against Ireland with a comfortable six-wicket win in Derby, built around Issy Wong's maiden international five-wicket haul. Wong, playing just her sixth ODI, produced career-best figures of 5 for 33 , dismissing Ireland captain Gaby Lewis by knocking over her leg stump before running through the lower order. Ireland, who had posted 281 in the series opener, collapsed to 165 all out after losing their last six wickets for just 25 runs. Mady Villiers and Tilly Corteen-Coleman chipped in with two wickets apiece as the home attack delivered a far sharper performance than in the first match. England's chase was never seriously threatened, reaching 166 for 4 in 23 overs with 27 overs to spare. Maia Bouchier, fresh off a century in the opener, again set the tone with 45 off 31 balls, before Dani Gibson finished unbeaten on 36 to seal victory with a six. "I had a really good chat with our media man, Dean, who helped flip my mindset," Wong said afterward, crediting a shift toward bowling inswingers for her breakthrough performance. The result gives England an unassailable series lead with one match remaining, at Worcester on Sunday, as they look to complete a clean sweep of the three-match series.
Dasun Shanaka Smashes Fastest Century in CPL History, Finishes 121* Off 43 Balls
Dasun Shanaka smashed the fastest century in Caribbean Premier League history, reaching three figures off just 39 balls for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots against St Lucia Kings at Warner Park. Promoted to bat at No. 3 on the advice of captain Jason Holder and the coaching staff, the Sri Lankan all-rounder walked in with the Patriots on 89 for 2 in the 10th over and proceeded to demolish the Kings' bowling attack, reaching his century with back-to-back sixes off the first two balls of the final over. He finished unbeaten on 121 off 43 deliveries , striking 12 sixes and eight fours at a strike rate of 281.40, breaking the previous CPL record of a 40-ball century jointly held by Andre Russell, Tim Seifert and Shimron Hetmyer. The innings propelled the Patriots to 235 for 4, a total the Kings never threatened as they were bowled out for just 98 in 13.5 overs, handing St Kitts a commanding 137-run victory . "This thing was due for a long time, and really happy, you know, it came out from me today," Shanaka said afterward, revealing he had been working on his basics in the nets despite a modest run in the tournament coming into the innings. The knock continues a red-hot CPL 2026 for the 34-year-old, who has now amassed 255 runs at a strike rate of nearly 230 across seven outings, cementing his place as one of the tournament's standout overseas performers this season.