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Smriti Mandhana's Record 124 Makes Her Leading Century-Maker in Women's International Cricket
Smriti Mandhana smashed a scintillating 124 off 64 balls against Hong Kong-China in Dubai, rewriting several pages of the record books in a single innings at the Women's T20 Asia Cup. The knock, laced with 14 fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 193.75, is now the highest individual score in Women's T20 Asia Cup history , surpassing Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu's unbeaten 119 against Malaysia in 2024. It also stands as the highest score by any Indian batter in Women's T20Is, and made Mandhana the first Indian woman to score two centuries in the format. The innings carried even greater significance in the context of her career: it was Mandhana's 18th international century , moving her past Australia's Meg Lanning to become the outright leading century-maker in women's international cricket history . In the same innings, she also passed Mithali Raj's tally of 10,868 international runs to become India's all-time leading run-scorer in women's cricket. Opening alongside Shafali Verma, who made 28, Mandhana anchored India to 193 for 5, a total Hong Kong never threatened as India bowled them out for 56 to win by 137 runs and seal their place in the semi-finals. True to form, the India vice-captain remained grounded afterward. "I didn't know all of this happened," she said. "It's really hard for me to play slower bowlers, but credit to them. They were really disciplined in the powerplay."
Smriti Mandhana's 124 Powers India to 137-Run Win Over Hong Kong, Seals Knockout Spot
Smriti Mandhana produced a career-defining innings as India Women thrashed Hong Kong, China Women by a massive 137 runs in Dubai, sealing India's place in the knockouts with a game to spare. Sent in to bat, India were given a blistering platform by Mandhana, who smashed 124 off just 64 balls studded with 14 fours and 7 sixes — her highest T20I score. The knock also carried huge statistical weight: Mandhana became India's all-time leading run-scorer in women's international cricket , surpassing Mithali Raj's tally of 10,868, and now has the most sixes for India Women in the format , going past Harmanpreet Kaur. Shafali Verma supported with a quickfire 28, as India posted a daunting 193/5 . Hong Kong's chase never got going. India's bowlers ran through the top order, with Deepti Sharma — playing her 150th T20I earlier in the tournament — picking up 3/9, while Nandani Sharma, Shree Charani and Prema Rawat claimed two wickets apiece. Hong Kong lost their last six wickets for just four runs, folding for 56 in 16.2 overs . This is now India Women's second-biggest win by runs margin in T20I history. Mandhana was named Player of the Match, and India move top of Group A with two wins from two.
VVS Laxman to Coach India Men's Team at 2026 Asian Games, Gambhir Stays for West Indies Series
VVS Laxman will coach India's men's cricket team at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, stepping in for regular head coach Gautam Gambhir , who stays back to lead the senior side through their home ODI series against the West Indies. The Sports Ministry's official list of coaches and support staff has confirmed Laxman, currently Director of Cricket at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, as the men's head coach for the Games. He will be assisted by Sunil Joshi as bowling coach, Hrishikesh Kanitkar as batting coach, and Subhadeep Ghosh , with Maroof Fajandar named team leader. It is a role Laxman knows well, having previously guided India's men's team to gold at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games . The arrangement stems from a direct schedule clash: India's cricket competition at the Asian Games runs September 24 to October 3 , while the home ODI series against West Indies begins September 27 , forcing the BCCI into its now-familiar split-coaching model. Gambhir will remain with the senior team for the white-ball series, while Shreyas Iyer leads the Asian Games squad under Laxman. On the women's side, Amol Muzumdar continues as head coach for the Games, assisted by bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi and fielding coach Munish Bali, with Harmanpreet Kaur set to captain that side as India defend both the men's and women's titles won in Hangzhou.
ICC Publishes Full Asian Games 2026 Cricket Guide as India Defend Both Titles
The ICC has published its full guide to cricket at the 2026 Asian Games , confirming the schedule and defending champions ahead of the sport's fourth appearance at the Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The women's tournament runs first, from September 17 to 22 , featuring eight teams, followed by the men's event from September 24 to October 3 with ten sides competing. Both tournaments are played in the T20I format at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Aichi Prefecture. India head into the Games as defending champions in both competitions, having swept gold in the men's and women's cricket events at Hangzhou 2023. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka qualified directly for the men's event as Asia's ICC Full Member nations, joined by hosts Japan and four sides who came through qualifiers in Singapore and Malaysia, including debutants Oman. In the women's competition, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka qualified directly alongside hosts Japan, with Thailand and Malaysia among the sides progressing through the Kuala Lumpur qualifiers. India's men's squad features star quicks Jasprit Bumrah and teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, while the women's squad includes top-10 ranked batters Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma and captain Harmanpreet Kaur, though it will be without Jemimah Rodrigues after she was ruled out with a high-grade hamstring tear. All matchdays will be double-headers, with cricket's return to the programme meaning action begins over a week before the Games' official opening ceremony on September 19.
Chamari Athapaththu's Hat-Trick and 7/5 Demolish Indonesia as Sri Lanka Win by 75 Runs
Chamari Athapaththu produced one of the great individual bowling performances in Women's T20I history, claiming a stunning 7 for 5 including a hat-trick as Sri Lanka Women crushed tournament debutants Indonesia Women by 75 runs in Dubai. Sent in to bat after Indonesia won the toss, Sri Lanka were given a platform by Nilakshika Silva , who top-scored with a superb 50 off 35 balls down the order, striking three fours and a six to lift Sri Lanka to 124/7 . Ni Luh Dewi was the pick of Indonesia's bowlers with 3/32. Indonesia's chase never got going. After Athapaththu removed both openers inside the powerplay, the required rate spiralled out of reach as Sri Lanka's spinners strangled the innings. Athapaththu then produced a spell for the ages in the 19th over — Ni Kadek Ariani, Sang Maypriani and Dara A Laksmi Paramitha all fell in three balls to complete a hat-trick, wrapping up her maiden five-wicket haul and finishing with the best T20I bowling figures ever recorded by a Sri Lankan. Indonesia were bowled out for just 49 in 18.3 overs . Sri Lanka move to two wins from two, while Indonesia — playing their first-ever Women's Asia Cup match — will look to regroup for their final group game against UAE.
Bangladesh Name Full-Strength Squad for Asian Games, Litton Das Returns as Captain
Bangladesh have named a full-strength 15-member squad for the men's cricket event at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with Litton Das returning to lead the side after recovering from a hamstring injury. Najmul Hossain Shanto and pacer Hasan Mahmud have both been recalled after extended absences from the T20I format, while Towhid Hridoy has been named vice-captain. Litton missed Bangladesh's recent T20I series against Zimbabwe and Australia through injury, but resumes captaincy duties for the continental event, which begins September 17. Squad: Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy (vc), Mosaddek Hossain, Yasir Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Mohammad Saifuddin, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud. Bangladesh enter the tournament with direct entry to the quarterfinals alongside India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and hosts Japan, with all matches staged at Korogi Sports Park. The side opens its campaign in the quarterfinal on September 28 against the winner of Group B, aiming to improve on their bronze-medal finish at the previous edition, where they were beaten to gold and silver by India and Sri Lanka respectively.
England Drop Brydon Carse for Final Pakistan Test Amid Police Investigation
England have left Brydon Carse out of their squad for the third and final Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston, with the seamer remaining under police investigation following an arrest outside a Derby nightclub on August 22. Carse, 31, was already omitted from the second Test at Lord's after Derbyshire police confirmed they were investigating allegations of assault. He has continued playing for Durham, taking match figures of 4-95 against Gloucestershire, but was left out of their subsequent fixture against Northamptonshire and has not been recalled to the national side. Uncapped pacer Sonny Baker , who replaced him for the Lord's Test, retains his place, while Matthew Fisher is the only change to an otherwise settled squad as England chase a 3-0 series sweep. England squad: Joe Root (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue. Pakistan, meanwhile, have taken drastic action after being thrashed in the first two Tests, dropping seven players including Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha , calling up five uncapped cricketers, and parting ways with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, with white-ball coach Mike Hesson stepping in for the decider starting September 9.
Towhid Hridoy Smashes Bangladesh-Record 350 Not Out for Bangladesh A
Towhid Hridoy smashed an unbeaten 350 for Bangladesh A against South Africa A in Potchefstroom, rewriting the national first-class record book in the process. The innings, spread across 481 balls, saw Hridoy surpass Tamim Iqbal's previous Bangladeshi first-class record of 334, set for East Zone against Central Zone in the 2019 Bangladesh Cricket League. Hridoy also became the first Bangladeshi batter to score a triple-century in first-class cricket outside the country , reaching 300 from 450 balls and weathering a tense passage around the 290s when South Africa A took the second new ball to try to break his rhythm. Bangladesh A eventually declared on 676 for 8 , with Rejaur Rahman unbeaten on 31 after a crucial late partnership that allowed Hridoy to bat through to the close. He had the opportunity to push on toward 400 but opted to declare with the team's position in mind rather than chase the individual milestone further. The knock caps a breakout run of red-ball form for the 25-year-old, who has primarily been known for his white-ball exploits since debuting for Bangladesh in 2023, and adds another marker to a year in which he has also been named Bangladesh's Asian Games vice-captain.
India to Host Inaugural ICC Women's Champions Trophy 2027 in Mumbai and Vadodara
India will host the inaugural ICC Women's Champions Trophy 2027 , with the six-team tournament relocated after being stripped from original hosts Sri Lanka. All matches of the maiden edition will be played across two venues: the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai and the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium in Vadodara, running from February 14 to 28, 2027 . The tournament was originally awarded to Sri Lanka, but was relocated after Sri Lanka Cricket continued to work through governance reforms outlined at the ICC's Annual Conference in July. The ICC evaluated Bangladesh, India and South Africa as potential replacement hosts before recommending India, a decision ratified by the ICC Board on September 1. Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka have qualified for the six-team event based on the ICC Women's T20I Team Rankings as of the July 6 cut-off, with Sri Lanka still competing as a participating nation despite losing hosting rights. The 16-match tournament will be played in the T20I format, with all six sides playing in a round-robin league stage before the top two advance to the final on February 28. ICC Chairman Jay Shah called it "an exciting new chapter for women's cricket," adding that a marquee ICC women's event now taking place every year would "build greater momentum" and "create a stronger rhythm for the women's game." It marks the fourth ICC event hosted by India in as many years, following the 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup and the men's ODI and T20 World Cups.
Brad Evans Stars as Zimbabwe Edge Namibia by 5 Runs in Tri-Series Thriller
Zimbabwe held off a stunning fightback from hosts Namibia to win by 5 runs in a thrilling third match of the T20I tri-series at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek, with Brad Evans starring with both bat and ball. Put in to bat, Zimbabwe recovered from 79 for 5 through a stunning 94-run seventh-wicket stand between Ryan Burl (57 not out) and Evans (37 not out) in just 48 balls, a Zimbabwe T20I record for the wicket, to post 195 for 6 . Namibia's chase looked over when they slipped to 68 for 5, but Zane Green (54) and Alexander Busing-Volschenk (56) launched a remarkable 110-run counterattack that briefly put the hosts firmly in control. With 16 needed off the final over, Evans held his nerve despite starting with a no-ball, running out Green off a direct hit before Busing-Volschenk was superbly caught behind. Namibia lost four wickets in the final five deliveries, including two run-outs, as they were bowled out for 190 with the last ball of the match. Evans finished with figures of 3 for 41 , earning the Player of the Match award for his all-round contribution. The result keeps the tri-series wide open, with all three sides now on two points apiece after two matches, though South Africa lead on net run rate. Namibia had opened the series with an 18-run win over South Africa, while Zimbabwe's win here came after their own opening defeat.
India Announce Squad for Afghanistan T20I Series, Shreyas Iyer to Lead From September 13
India have announced their squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan , with Shreyas Iyer continuing as captain and Tilak Varma retained as his deputy. The series will be played entirely at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi , beginning on September 13 , with the second and third T20Is following on September 15 and 17. It comes at a crucial time for India, arriving just days before the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, where cricket returns as a T20 medal event from September 24. The series will give the team management a final opportunity to fine-tune combinations before that continental assignment. India's squad: Shreyas Iyer (c), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma (vc), Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy*, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar*, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah*, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana* (* subject to fitness) The squad carries several names through from India's recent T20I assignments, with teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continuing to build on his maiden call-up earlier this year. Frontline pacer Jasprit Bumrah is included but listed subject to fitness, alongside all-rounder Washington Sundar, batter Nitish Kumar Reddy and pacer Harshit Rana. It will be just the second bilateral T20I series between the two nations, following India's 3-0 sweep of Afghanistan across Mohali, Indore and Bengaluru in January 2024.
Ben Stokes Returns to BBL, Signs Full-Season Deal With Adelaide Strikers
Ben Stokes has officially returned to the Big Bash League, signing with Adelaide Strikers for the entirety of the 2026-27 season in what stands as a marquee coup for the South Australian franchise. The deal is worth in the region of AU$500,000 (around US$360,000) , potentially making Stokes the most expensive overseas signing in the competition's history and comfortably eclipsing the previous top contract bracket of AU$420,000. It marks the first major overseas acquisition since the BBL reintroduced a direct-signing model this season, giving clubs greater freedom to negotiate and spend on international talent. The 35-year-old all-rounder will be available for the entire campaign, a rare commitment for a leading overseas player who would typically split his time across multiple franchise leagues. The season runs from December 12 to the finals on January 26, 2027, with Stokes' full availability owing largely to his retirement from Test cricket in June 2026, which freed up his calendar with no England red-ball commitments to balance. Adelaide Strikers beat out competition from Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Renegades to land his signature, with the South Australian Cricket Association having pursued him for some time. "I'm really excited to be joining the Adelaide Strikers for BBL|16," Stokes said in a statement. "I've always enjoyed playing in Australia, and when the opportunity came up to join the Strikers it was one I couldn't pass up." It will be Stokes' second stint in the tournament, having previously featured in four matches for Melbourne Renegades during the 2014-15 season. The Strikers have also added New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert as a further marquee signing for the campaign.
Bangladesh Thrash Indonesia by 71 Runs in Women's Asia Cup 2026
Bangladesh Women made a statement in their Women's Asia Cup 2026 opener, thrashing tournament debutants Indonesia Women by a massive 71 runs in Dubai. Sent in to bat after Indonesia won the toss, Bangladesh were kept quiet in the powerplay before Sobhana Mostary (40 off 42) provided the platform. Shorna Akter then produced a blistering finish, smashing an unbeaten 31 off just 18 balls in the death overs to power Bangladesh to 129/8 . Ni Kadek Ariani was the pick of Indonesia's bowlers with 3/28, including two wickets in the final over. Indonesia's reply never got going. Bangladesh's spinners strangled the chase from the start, with Nahida Akter the standout performer, finishing with 3/15 . Marufa Akter struck twice up front to set the tone, and a string of run outs compounded Indonesia's troubles as they were bowled out for just 58 in 17.3 overs — handing Bangladesh a dominant win to open their Group B campaign. Bangladesh sit top of Group B with two points, while Indonesia will look to regroup ahead of their next fixture.
Sri Lanka Women Crush UAE by 9 Wickets in Women's Asia Cup Opener
Defending champions Sri Lanka Women made an emphatic start to their Women's Asia Cup 2026 title defence, thrashing hosts United Arab Emirates by 9 wickets in Dubai, wrapping up the chase in just 7.5 overs for their biggest-ever win in T20Is by balls remaining. Put in to bowl first, Sri Lanka's attack gave UAE nothing to work with. Debutant Chethana Vimukthi was outstanding on her T20I debut, finishing with 3 for 16 and picking up the Player of the Match award, while Mithali Ayodhya also claimed 3 for 14. Sugandika Kumari chipped in with 2 wickets as UAE were bowled out for just 79 in 19.5 overs, with only Esha Oza (18) and Samaira Dharnidharka (17) offering any real resistance. The chase was a formality from the outset. Openers Imesha Dulani and captain Chamari Athapaththu raced to 57 in just 5.5 overs before Dulani was run out for 25. Athapaththu, however, continued in the same vein, striking 7 fours and 2 sixes for an unbeaten 48 off 25 balls , guiding Sri Lanka home at 80 for 1 with the game wrapped up in under 8 overs. Speaking after the win, Athapaththu praised her new-look pace attack, highlighting the impact of Vimukthi and Ayodhya after years of relying heavily on veteran Udeshika Prabhodini. UAE captain Esha Oza was candid in defeat, admitting her side's failure to post a competitive total left their bowlers with nothing to defend. Sri Lanka's dominant win sends an early statement in Group B, with defending champions looking every bit the team to beat as the tournament progresses.
ICC Strips Sri Lanka of 2027 Women's Champions Trophy Hosting Rights
The ICC has withdrawn Sri Lanka's hosting rights for the inaugural Women's Champions Trophy 2027 , citing concerns over government interference in the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). Sri Lanka had originally been selected to host the six-team tournament, scheduled for February 14-28, 2027 , which would have been the country's second ICC event in as many years following their co-hosting of the 2026 men's T20 World Cup. The tournament will now be moved to another venue, with the ICC expected to confirm the new host at its next board meeting. Prakash Shaffter, Secretary of the SLC Transformation Committee, confirmed the development, saying the event had been moved out of Sri Lanka, though the new venue was yet to be finalised. The decision stems from SLC currently being run by a government-appointed Transformation Committee, an arrangement the ICC does not recognise. The global body has refused to allow SLC representatives to attend ICC Board meetings since the committee took over, and reiterated in a July statement that elections needed to be held as soon as possible for the board to regain recognition. It is not the first time Sri Lanka has lost hosting rights over governance concerns, having also been stripped of the 2024 men's Under-19 World Cup in 2023 for similar reasons, with that tournament subsequently moved to South Africa. Beyond the hosting loss, the decision could also create uncertainty over Sri Lanka Women's own participation in the tournament, given the event is expected to feature the top-ranked sides in the world. The move is also likely to have a financial impact on SLC, which had been counting on the tournament as a source of revenue. The development comes in the midst of Sri Lanka's ongoing Women's Asia Cup campaign in the UAE, adding to a turbulent period for the country's cricket administration off the field even as the team continues to perform on it.
Ollie Robinson Overtakes Bumrah for Best Test Bowling Average in 112 Years
Ollie Robinson has produced one of the most remarkable statistical achievements in modern Test cricket, moving past Jasprit Bumrah to claim the best bowling average among bowlers with a minimum of 20 Tests over the last 112 years , following a four-wicket burst on day four of England's second Test win over Pakistan at Lord's. Robinson's wickets in Pakistan's second innings pushed his career average down to 19.53 from 23 Tests, edging past the previous benchmark of 19.79 held by Bumrah among bowlers who made their debuts after 2000. Wisden's managing editor Ben Gardner summed up the scale of the feat succinctly, noting that no one since the First World War has taken as many wickets at a better average. Robinson finished the match with figures of 8 for 35, his second successive Player of the Match award, and now has 99 Test wickets , just one shy of the milestone century. Applying the 20-Test qualification, which filters out bowlers from cricket's earliest, uncovered-pitch era who played only a handful of matches, Robinson now sits fifth in the entire history of Test cricket. The four names above him, W Barnes (15.54), SF Barnes (16.43), R Peel (16.98) and J Briggs (17.75), all finished their careers before the First World War, underlining just how rare Robinson's placing is by modern standards. The achievement has arrived in the middle of a stunning comeback summer for the seamer, who was recalled to the England side after a two-and-a-half-year absence. Since returning, Robinson has taken 23 wickets in his last three Tests at an extraordinary average of 8.35, a run of form that has been central to England's dominant start to the home summer against Pakistan. Bumrah's own mark of 19.79, built across 234 wickets in 52 Tests in some of the most demanding conditions in world cricket, remains far from diminished by Robinson's rise, but for now, the record belongs to the Englishman.
Pakistan's Test Losses Overtake Wins for First Time Since 1987
Pakistan's Test record has taken an unwanted historic turn, with their number of defeats exceeding their victories for the first time since 1987 , following their 194-run loss to England in the second Test at Lord's. The result leaves Pakistan with 154 Test defeats compared to 153 victories from 473 matches, with the remaining 166 games ending in draws. The last time Pakistan's losses outnumbered their wins was after a draw against England at The Oval in August 1987, when their record read 39 wins and 40 defeats from 170 Tests. Since then, Pakistan enjoyed nearly four decades in which victories consistently stayed ahead of losses, a run now brought to an end by a difficult run of results in the current era. The loss at Lord's also confirmed England's series win with a match to spare, continuing a torrid recent run for Pakistan in Test cricket, having also lost the series opener at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs. Ollie Robinson was the chief architect of both defeats, taking match figures of 8 for 35 in the second Test alone, as part of a remarkable comeback since being recalled to the England side. Pakistan's slide down the record books comes amid a broader period of transition for the side, and the numbers now serve as a stark marker of how far their fortunes have fallen since the high points of the late 1980s and early 1990s. With the third and final Test of the series still to come at Edgbaston starting September 9, Pakistan will have a chance to arrest the slide, even with the series already decided in England's favour.
Smriti Mandhana Becomes 2nd-Highest Run-Scorer in Women's Cricket, Deepti Sharma Plays 150th T20I
Smriti Mandhana etched her name further into the record books during India's Women's Asia Cup 2026 clash against Thailand in Dubai, becoming the second-highest run-scorer in women's international cricket , overtaking New Zealand great Suzie Bates . Mandhana needed just four runs to move past Bates' tally and reached the milestone with a boundary off Thailand spinner Phannita Maya in the second ball of India's innings. She was eventually run out for 19 off 10 balls, but the knock was enough to take her career international tally to 10,756 runs — now only behind former India captain Mithali Raj , who leads the all-time list with 10,868. The match also marked a special milestone for Deepti Sharma , who made her 150th T20I appearance — becoming only the third Indian woman after Harmanpreet Kaur (202) and Mandhana (171) to reach the landmark, and the 12th player globally to do so. Despite an explosive 64 off 36 balls from Shafali Verma, India were restricted to 159/9 by a disciplined Thailand bowling attack led by Suleeporn Laomi and Sunida Chaturongrattana, after India had raced to 108/2 at one stage before a late collapse.
India Women Thrash Thailand by 94 Runs in Women's Asia Cup 2026 Opener
India Women made a winning start to their Women's Asia Cup 2026 title defence, beating Thailand Women by 94 runs in Dubai. Shafali Verma led the way with the bat, and India's bowlers followed it up with a disciplined display in the field. Put in to bat after Thailand won the toss, India were powered by a brisk 64 off 36 balls from Shafali Verma, who struck eight fours and three sixes at the top of the order. Smriti Mandhana chipped in with 19, and Pratika Rawal added 22 on her T20I debut for the team, having been called up as a replacement for the injured Jemimah Rodrigues. India were eventually restricted to 159 for 9 , with Suleeporn Laomi the pick of Thailand's bowlers, finishing with 3 for 26. Chasing 160, Thailand never got their innings going. Kranti Gaud struck early with the new ball, and Nandni Sharma was the standout performer, taking 3 for 18 to rip through the middle order. Nannapat Koncharoenkai put up the lone fight for Thailand, top-scoring with 41 off 48 balls, but ran out of partners as wickets fell around her. Thailand were bowled out for just 65 in 16.1 overs, with Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani also among the wickets. The win gives India two points from their Group A opener and sends an early statement as the defending champions look to reclaim the title. India next face Hong Kong, China Women on September 3 , before a blockbuster group clash against arch-rivals Pakistan Women on September 5 , with both fixtures also to be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
England Beat Pakistan by 194 Runs to Seal Series Win at Lord's
England beat Pakistan by 194 runs in the second Test at Lord's, wrapping up the match inside four days to seal the three-match series with a game to spare, their first series win since December 2024. Set an imposing target of 389 for victory, Pakistan were bowled out for 194 around 45 minutes after tea, with Saud Shakeel leading the tourists' first real batting resistance of the series, falling agonisingly short of a century after being caught on the boundary for 97, the highest individual score for either side across the two matches so far. Pakistan were made to chase the target effectively a batter light, with opener Imam-ul-Haq unable to take any part in the innings after tearing his left calf on day one. Ollie Robinson was the architect of the win, following up his first-innings 4 for 11 with a devastating 4 for 24 on the final day for match figures of 8 for 35 , continuing his remarkable comeback summer since being recalled after a two-and-a-half-year absence from the side. Across his three Tests since returning, Robinson has now taken 23 wickets at an extraordinary average of just 8.35, and was a deserving Player of the Match for the second Test running. Jofra Archer offered strong support with the ball as Pakistan, who still haven't managed to post a 200 total in the series, once again found England's attack too hot to handle. The win means Joe Root has now won both Tests of his second stint as full-time England captain, having earlier led the side to an innings-and-103-run victory in the series opener at Headingley. It also continues an emphatic run of home form for England, whose bowlers have consistently exploited helpful conditions to dominate a struggling Pakistan batting unit throughout the series. The third and final Test doesn't get underway until September 9 at Edgbaston in Birmingham, with England already able to approach the finale with the series safely wrapped up.
Joe Root Overtakes Ricky Ponting as Highest Run-Scorer in Home Tests
Joe Root has become the highest run-scorer in Test cricket on home soil, overtaking Ricky Ponting's long-standing record during the second Test against Pakistan at Lord's, despite managing just 24 in the innings. Root now has 7,594 runs in home Tests for England, moving past Ponting's mark of 7,578 runs, which the Australian great compiled across 92 Tests on home soil in Australia. The milestone comes in fewer matches than Ponting needed, with Root reaching the tally in 87 home Tests, underlining the remarkable consistency he has shown throughout his career at English venues. Sachin Tendulkar sits third on the all-time list with 7,216 runs in home Tests for India, with Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene and South Africa's Jacques Kallis rounding out the top five. Root reached this new landmark needing just 79 runs coming into the series against Pakistan, having entered the campaign at Headingley with 7,500 home runs already banked, and duly crossed the mark during the tour. The achievement adds to an extraordinary year of milestones for the England captain, who earlier this year also became the second-highest run-scorer in Test history overall, moving past Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis and Ponting on the same day during a century against India at Old Trafford, leaving only Tendulkar's all-time record of 15,921 runs ahead of him. Root's form with the bat has been a matter of some scrutiny of late, but the numbers continue to tell their own story. Now the outright leading run-scorer in home Tests in the format's history, Root adds yet another significant chapter to a Test career already regarded as one of the greatest of the modern era, with England looking to build on their series lead over Pakistan at Lord's.
Rain-Hit Day 3 at Lord's: England Stretch Lead to 357 Despite Repeated Interruptions
Persistent rain and bad light cut short day 3 of the second Test between England and Pakistan at Lord's, but the hosts still managed to stretch their lead to a commanding 357 runs before play was abandoned for the day. Play didn't get underway until 2:20pm local time after morning showers delayed the start. England resumed their second innings on 81 for 3, with Emilio Gay unbeaten on 30 and Harry Brook not out on 7. The hosts lost their fourth wicket within the first ten balls after the restart, with Gay dismissed shortly after play resumed. Mohammad Abbas was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers, picking up 3 wickets for 48 runs and giving the tourists something to cheer amid tough batting conditions for England. Dan Lawrence anchored the innings from the other end, battling through the difficult, overcast conditions to reach an unbeaten half-century by the close. England finished the day at 290 and 177 for 7 , with Pakistan's first-innings 110 now well behind them. Bad light forced the umpires to call an early end to play at 6:32pm, with Pakistan facing an increasingly daunting target heading into the remaining two days. England lead the three-match series 1-0 , having already sealed a dominant innings-and-103-run win in the series opener at Headingley. With two days still to play, Pakistan will need something special with both bat and ball to avoid falling further behind in the contest at the home of cricket.
Sri Lanka Thrash UAE by 9 Wickets in Women's Asia Cup 2026
Sri Lanka Women made a statement in their Women's Asia Cup 2026 opener, thrashing United Arab Emirates Women by 9 wickets in just 7.5 overs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium — their biggest win by balls remaining in T20I history. Put in to bat after Sri Lanka won the toss, UAE never found any rhythm against a disciplined Lankan attack. Mithali Ayodhya (3/14) and Chethana Vimukthi (3/16) shared six wickets between them as UAE lost regular wickets throughout, with only Esha Oza (18) and Samaira Dharnidharka (17) managing to get starts. UAE were bowled out for just 79 in 19.5 overs. The chase was a formality. Openers Imesha Dulani and captain Chamari Athapaththu raced to 57 inside six overs before Dulani was run out for 25. Athapaththu carried on regardless, finishing unbeaten on a blistering 48 off just 25 balls with seven fours and two sixes, sealing the win alongside Sanjana Kavindi to wrap up the chase in 7.5 overs. Sri Lanka open their Group B campaign with two points and a massive net run rate boost, while UAE will look to regroup when they face Indonesia Women next.
Prasidh Krishna Named India's Impact Player of the Series Against Sri Lanka
Prasidh Krishna has been named India's Impact Player of the Series following the team's 1-0 Test series win over Sri Lanka, recognised for a standout showing with the ball across the two-match tour. The pacer finished with seven wickets at an average of 24.57 , with best figures of 3 for 52, playing a crucial role as India's leading fast-bowling option in the absence of the injured Jasprit Bumrah. He picked up three wickets in the first innings of both Tests, repeatedly breaking key partnerships for Sri Lanka despite bowling for long spells in demanding subcontinental heat. The award was presented by Team India's Performance Analyst Hari Prasad Mohan , who praised the seamer's discipline and analytical approach off the field. "The impact player of the series goes to someone who had put the hard yards, made the ball talk, kept asking the right questions to the batters, even in these adverse conditions," Mohan said, adding that Prasidh had constantly sought out data throughout the tour to refine his bowling strategies, joking that he could have a second career as an analyst. Receiving the honour, Prasidh was quick to credit the wider squad and support staff for their efforts behind the scenes. "Nothing would be possible without each one of you," he said, pointing to the demanding practice sessions held in Galle and Colombo throughout the tour. Former India spinner R Ashwin also separately singled out Prasidh as the standout positive for India from the series, rating his contribution above both Devdutt Padikkal's twin centuries and Manav Suthar's impressive Test debut, given the added difficulty of bowling pace on subcontinental surfaces with limited prior experience in Indian conditions. India's spin department also played a major role in the series win, with Manav Suthar finishing as the standout wicket-taker overall with 16 scalps including a memorable 10-wicket haul on debut, while Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with eight wickets across the two Tests.