Pakistan spinner Nashra Sundhu produced one of the standout bowling performances of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026, taking six wickets for just seven runs against Hong Kong, China to help Pakistan secure a 72-run victory and a place in the semi-finals.

Pakistan posted 143/8 in 20 overs before Sundhu’s remarkable spell dismantled Hong Kong’s chase. The hosts were bowled out for 71 in 19 overs, giving Pakistan a comfortable win in their final Group A match.

Sundhu Records Best Figures by Pakistan Women’s T20I Bowler

Sundhu returned figures of 4-0-7-6, surpassing Omaima Sohail’s previous Pakistan women’s T20I record of 5/13, achieved against Sri Lanka in 2022.

It was also Sundhu’s maiden five-wicket haul in T20Is, with her six-wicket performance becoming the best bowling figures by a Pakistan women’s cricketer in the format. 

Her spell came while Pakistan were defending a target of 144. She consistently broke partnerships and prevented Hong Kong from building any momentum during the chase.

Hong Kong Collapses for 71

Hong Kong struggled from the beginning of their innings. Kary Chan offered some resistance with 30 runs, but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.

Sundhu was at the centre of the collapse as Hong Kong eventually slipped to 71 all out in the 19th over. Her six wickets accounted for more than half of Hong Kong's dismissals and effectively ended the contest. 

Pakistan Post 143 Despite Joyleen Kaur’s Four Wickets

Earlier, Pakistan chose to bat and made 143/8 from their 20 overs.

Shawaal Zulfiqar top-scored with 47 off 35 balls, while Ayesha Zafar contributed 26 from 19 deliveries. Captain Fatima Sana remained unbeaten on 24 off 24 balls. 

Hong Kong bowler Joyleen Kaur was the most successful bowler for her side, finishing with 4/19. Despite her efforts, Pakistan managed to put up enough runs for their bowlers to defend. 

18 Dot Balls Highlight Sundhu’s Control

Sundhu’s figures were particularly impressive for the control she maintained throughout her four-over spell. She conceded only seven runs while taking six wickets, leaving Hong Kong with little opportunity to recover once the wickets started falling.

The performance also earned her the Player of the Match award. 

Pakistan Finish Second in Group A

The victory gave Pakistan four points from three matches, with two wins, and secured second place in Group A behind India.

Pakistan’s progression came after a campaign that included a heavy defeat against India, but the team bounced back strongly against Hong Kong in its final group fixture.

Sri Lanka Await in Semi-Final

Pakistan will now face Sri Lanka in the second semi-final on September 11. Sri Lanka had already secured their place in the last four, while Pakistan confirmed their qualification with the Hong Kong victory. 

Sundhu’s record-breaking spell gives Pakistan a significant bowling highlight heading into the knockout stage, although the semi-final will present a much tougher challenge.

South Zone reached 115/2 by lunch on Day 3 of the Duleep Trophy 2026 final against East Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday. South Zone remained 593 runs behind East Zone, which had posted a mammoth 708 all out in its first innings. 

Devdutt Padikkal led the South Zone response with an unbeaten 58, while Shaikh Rasheed was not out on 22 at the lunch interval. Narayan Jagadeesan contributed 32 before being dismissed, while Ricky Bhui fell for 1.

Padikkal anchors South Zone’s reply

South Zone made a difficult start to its first innings after losing Bhui early. Jagadeesan then added 32 before Shikhar Mohan dismissed him, leaving South Zone with two wickets down.

Padikkal, however, settled into the innings and reached his half-century, helping South Zone negotiate the East Zone attack without further damage before lunch.

Mukesh Kumar and Shikhar Mohan had taken one wicket apiece for East Zone.

Ishan Kishan’s 270 sets up East Zone’s huge total

East Zone's imposing first-innings total was built around captain and wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan’s 270 off 334 balls. His marathon innings included 30 fours and seven sixes and lasted more than eight hours across nearly two days. (Wisden)

Kishan’s double century was the defining performance of the innings and put East Zone firmly in control of the final. He became only the seventh batter to score a double century in a Duleep Trophy final and the first East Zone captain and wicketkeeper to achieve the feat. (Wisden)

Kushagra adds century, East Zone crosses 700

Kumar Kushagra provided strong support to Kishan with 101, while Shikhar Mohan scored 85 and Abhimanyu Easwaran made 72.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also made an attacking 44, helping East Zone maintain a high scoring rate. East Zone eventually finished with 708 runs in 163 overs, giving South Zone a huge first-innings deficit to overcome. (India Today)

The 708 is among the highest team totals in the history of the Duleep Trophy final, underlining East Zone’s dominance with the bat. (Wisden)

South Zone bowlers struggle to contain East Zone

South Zone’s bowling attack struggled to make regular breakthroughs during East Zone’s marathon innings.

Tripurana Vijay was the leading wicket-taker with four wickets, while Chama Milind and Shreyas Gopal claimed two each. Shaikh Rasheed also took one wicket, while Abhimanyu Easwaran was run out.

India pacer Mohammed Siraj went wicketless, adding to South Zone’s difficulties on a pitch that offered limited assistance to the bowlers. Reports described the surface as heavily favouring batting. (Rediff)

South Zone face uphill battle in final

With East Zone holding a 593-run lead at lunch on Day 3, South Zone faces a significant challenge simply to stay competitive in the title clash.

The immediate priority will be for Padikkal and Shaikh Rasheed to build a substantial partnership and reduce the first-innings deficit. East Zone, meanwhile, will look to maintain pressure and force a result after its commanding batting performance.

The final remains heavily tilted in East Zone’s favour, although South Zone still has a long first innings ahead.

Bengal leg-spinner Rohit Yadav has been withdrawn from India’s Under-19 squads for the upcoming home series against Australia after discrepancies were found in his age-related records. The BCCI has named Saurashtra’s Aryan Savsani as his replacement in the One-Day squad and Haryana’s Tanmay Baloda for the Multi-Day team. 

The BCCI’s Junior Cricket Committee announced the changes on Tuesday. Rohit had initially been selected for both the One-Day and Multi-Day fixtures against Australia U-19, which will be played in Rajkot and Ahmedabad. 

Rohit withdrawn after age discrepancy

According to the BCCI, Rohit was removed from both squads because of age discrepancies. The board’s latest official release confirms his withdrawal but does not provide details of the documents or the specific discrepancy. 

Reports based on the Cricket Association of Bengal’s (CAB) verification process say Rohit was handed a two-year banafter irregularities were detected during a pre-season documentation review. He had been part of India’s U-19 tour of Sri Lanka in July. 

The reported discrepancy in his age is 27 months, according to information attributed to the CAB. The episode is part of a wider scrutiny of age-related documentation in Bengal age-group cricket.

Aryan Savsani gets One-Day opportunity

The BCCI has selected Aryan Savsani of the Saurashtra Cricket Association to replace Rohit in the One-Day squad.

Savsani joins a squad led by Lakshya Raichandani, with Yashbardhan Chauhan serving as vice-captain. The team also includes Aaryavir Sehwag and Anvay Dravid, who were part of the original squad announced last month. 

For Savsani, the late change provides an opportunity to be part of an India U-19 side facing Australia in a three-match One-Day series.

Tanmay Baloda added to Multi-Day team

Tanmay Baloda of Haryana Cricket Association has been brought into the Multi-Day squad in place of Rohit.

The longer-format team will be captained by Yashbardhan Chauhan, with Lakshya Raichandani as his deputy. The squad also features two wicketkeepers — Manav Krishna and Abhipray Biswas. 

The two replacements mean Rohit’s place has been filled separately in each format rather than by a single player.

Australia U-19 series schedule

India U-19 will host Australia U-19 for three One-Day matches and two Multi-Day fixtures.

The three One-Day games will be played in Rajkot on September 18, 21 and 23. The first Multi-Day fixture will also be held in Rajkot from September 27 to 30, while the second will take place in Ahmedabad from October 5 to 8. 

The series is part of India’s preparation and development programme for its next generation of international cricketers.

Wider age-verification issue in Bengal

Rohit’s case has emerged amid broader scrutiny of age documentation in Bengal cricket. Reports have said the CAB flagged dozens of players for discrepancies, including former India U-19 World Cup winner Ravi Kumar. 

However, individual cases should be distinguished from one another. A documentation discrepancy does not by itself establish deliberate manipulation unless the relevant disciplinary process determines that.

In Rohit’s case, the BCCI has confirmed his withdrawal from the Australia U-19 squads because of age discrepancies, while reports separately state that a two-year ban was imposed.

India U-19 One-Day Squad

Lakshya Raichandani (C), Yashbardhan Chauhan (VC), Rajat Baghel (WK), Aaryavir Sehwag, V.K. Vineet, Kushagra Ojha, Arjun Rajput, Manal Chauhan, Anvay Dravid (WK), V. Yashveer, Shavin Vinodh, Mohit Ulva, Chigurupati Venkata, Kavya Patel, Aryan Savsani. 

India U-19 Multi-Day Squad

Yashbardhan Chauhan (C), Lakshya Raichandani (VC), Sagar Virk, Kushagra Ojha, Manal Chauhan, Kush Patel, Manav Krishna (WK), Abhipray Biswas (WK), Ishan Om, Ayaan Akram, Pranav Ragavendra, Priyanshu Singh, Mohit Ulva, Aryan Yadav, Tanmay Baloda. 

Former US Open champion Iga Swiatek was knocked out of the 2026 US Open after China’s Zheng Qinwen produced another remarkable comeback to defeat the six-time Grand Slam champion 7-5, 6-3 in the fourth round.

Zheng recovered from 0-5 down in the opening set, winning seven consecutive games to turn the match around. The victory sent the Olympic champion into the quarter-finals, where she will face Elena Rybakina.

Zheng turns 0-5 deficit into stunning win

Swiatek appeared to be in complete control after racing to a 5-0 lead. However, Zheng refused to surrender and produced a remarkable seven-game winning streak to take the first set 7-5.

The Chinese player then broke Swiatek’s serve twice in the second set and completed a straight-sets victory in one hour and 56 minutes.

It was another comeback from 0-5 for Zheng. Just days earlier, she had recovered from the same deficit in the deciding set against Madison Keys, also saving a match point during that comeback. (US Open)

Swiatek, the 2022 US Open champion, left the court in tears after the defeat. She had won eight of her previous nine meetings with Zheng before this match. 

Qualifier Zheng reaches quarter-finals

Zheng entered the 2026 US Open through the qualifying draw after her ranking fell to No. 121 following surgery on her right elbow last year.

The 2024 Paris Olympic singles champion has now reached her third US Open quarter-final. She had previously been a finalist at the 2024 Australian Open but had not progressed beyond the quarter-final stage at the other Grand Slam tournaments. 

Her next opponent will be Rybakina, creating a quarter-final between two players who have already made major statements at this tournament.

Rybakina sweeps aside Osaka

Elena Rybakina defeated four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka 6-1, 6-4 in just 66 minutes to book her place in the last eight.

The second-seeded Kazakh controlled the match from the outset and now has an opportunity to move to world No. 1. A victory over Zheng in the quarter-final would be enough for Rybakina to take the top ranking from Aryna Sabalenka. 

Osaka’s movement was affected by an Achilles issue during the match, according to reports. Despite the defeat, the Japanese former champion had reached the fourth round after making a strong run through the tournament. 

Gauff sets up Andreeva quarter-final

Fourth seed Coco Gauff defeated fellow American Iva Jovic 6-1, 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals.

Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, controlled the opening set before Jovic mounted a stronger challenge in the second. The 18-year-old American, who was making her first appearance in the US Open fourth round, could not force a deciding set. 

Gauff will next face reigning French Open champion Mirra Andreeva.

Andreeva reaches first US Open quarter-final

Andreeva defeated Anastasia Potapova 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 in a match lasting nearly two and a half hours.

The 19-year-old, seeded fifth, recovered after losing the opening set to reach the US Open quarter-finals for the first time. The result keeps alive her possibility of winning both the French Open and US Open in the same season.

The match ended on a dramatic note when Potapova injured her left knee during the final game. After the match, Andreeva went around the net and embraced her opponent. (US Open)

Zverev advances in men’s draw

In the men’s singles, Alexander Zverev defeated Italy’s Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(3) to reach the quarter-finals.

The German fourth-round victory means Zverev has reached the quarter-finals at all four Grand Slam tournaments in 2026, making him the only male player to achieve that feat this year, according to the supplied match report and current tournament coverage. 

Zverev will next meet Botic van de Zandschulp, who defeated lucky loser Arthur Gea in a five-set battle lasting more than five hours. 

US Open Quarter-Final Matchups

• Qinwen Zheng vs Elena Rybakina

• Coco Gauff vs Mirra Andreeva

• Alexander Zverev vs Botic van de Zandschulp

• Other quarter-final pairings to be determined from the remaining fourth-round matches.

The 2026 US Open is now entering its decisive stage, with Zheng’s comeback against Swiatek and Rybakina’s dominant win over Osaka among the biggest developments of the women’s draw. 

Australia have retained Marnus Labuschagne in their 16-member Test squad for the upcoming three-match series in South Africa, despite the batter's prolonged struggle for runs. Chair of selectors George Bailey said the team remains confident that Labuschagne can still make a positive contribution.

Labuschagne's selection comes after another difficult series against Bangladesh last month. He scored just 36 runs across three innings — 1, 31 and 4 — as the two-Test series ended 1-1. His last Test century came in July 2023 during the Ashes in England.

Bailey acknowledged that Australia would like to see more runs from the right-hander but stressed that the team's batting struggles have been broader than one player.

“We're not shying away from the fact that we'd like some more runs from Marnus. That's clear, but we're also confident that he can still make a positive contribution to that squad,” Bailey said.

The selectors, however, have not guaranteed that Labuschagne will walk straight into the playing XI. Josh Inglis and young all-rounder Cooper Connolly are also part of the squad and provide alternatives in the batting group. Bailey indicated that there is still considerable time before the first Test for the final combination to be decided.

One factor that could work in Labuschagne's favour is that he has been left out of Australia's ODI squad for the upcoming white-ball fixtures in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Bailey believes the absence of the one-day schedule could allow Labuschagne to concentrate entirely on preparing for red-ball cricket.

“I think there's potentially a simplification or an ability to focus purely on red-ball cricket for him,” Bailey said, adding that Labuschagne would prepare specifically for the South Africa tour.

Australia have also added Connolly, spinner Matthew Kuhnemann and seamer Michael Neser to the squad. The full 16-player group will be led by Pat Cummins and includes senior figures such as Steve Smith, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

South Africa series schedule

The first Test will be played in Durban from October 9 to 13, followed by the second Test in Gqeberha from October 18 to 22. The third Test is scheduled for Johannesburg from October 27 to 31.The series is particularly significant in the World Test Championship cycle, with Australia currently occupying first place in the standings and South Africa in second. It will also be Australia's first Test tour of South Africa since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.For Labuschagne, the tour presents another opportunity to revive his Test career. He has never played a Test in South Africa, despite being born there and spending the first 10 years of his life in the countryFor now, the selectors have chosen continuity over a major change at No. 3. Whether Labuschagne converts that vote of confidence into a place in Australia's XI — and, more importantly, into runs — will become clearer as the tour approaches.

Indian cricket will enter new territory when Team India takes on Japan in a historic T20 clash ahead of the Asian Games 2026. The match, scheduled for September 22 at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture, will mark the first-ever meeting between the two teams in the shortest format.

The fixture is expected to serve as an important preparation event before the Asian Games, where cricket returns to the multi-sport competition. The match will also highlight Japan’s growing efforts to expand cricket’s presence in East Asia.

However, the historic contest has run into a broadcast challenge. According to reports, the Japan Cricket Association (JCA) is searching for a broadcast partner, with discussions reportedly underway with multiple companies.

The timing of the match has added to the complexity. The India-Japan men’s T20 clash is scheduled just two days before the Asian Games begin, creating logistical challenges for broadcasters and production teams.

Reports suggest that streaming options, including YouTube coverage, are being explored if a traditional television broadcast arrangement is not finalised. In India, FanCode is among the platforms linked with possible coverage, while discussions with other major broadcasters are also reportedly ongoing.

The broadcasting challenge has become more complicated because the women’s cricket competition at the Asian Games will also attract significant attention. India’s women’s team is considered among the favourites, and the women’s final is scheduled at a venue in Japan close to the timing of the men’s India-Japan fixture.

Beyond the broadcast issue, the match carries wider significance. The contest will be played for the Suzuki Cup and is linked with the “Sport 75” initiative, marking the upcoming 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Japan.

The fixture is also expected to support efforts to increase cricket’s popularity in Japan and strengthen sporting ties between the two countries.

What Happens Next

The final broadcast arrangement is expected to be confirmed closer to the match date. Both teams will also focus on preparations as they enter the Asian Games phase.

East Zone continued their dominance in the Duleep Trophy 2026 final as captain Ishan Kishan smashed a brilliant double century against South Zone on Day 2 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Kishan reached the milestone in style, hitting a boundary off Devdutt Padikkal’s bowling to complete his double hundred. The left-handed batter took 270 deliveries to reach the landmark and remained unbeaten as East Zone piled on the runs.

At the latest update, East Zone were 586/5 after 125.5 overs, with Kishan unbeaten on 231 runs. Anukul Roy was supporting him at the other end with a valuable contribution as the pair added a crucial partnership.

Earlier in the innings, South Zone managed to pick up the wicket of Kumar Kushagra after he scored a century. Tripurana Vijay provided the breakthrough by dismissing Kushagra for 101, but South Zone bowlers failed to stop East Zone’s scoring momentum.

East Zone had already built a strong foundation on Day 1. Young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi impressed with a quick 44, while Abhimanyu Easwaran scored 72 and Shikhar Mohan contributed 85 to put South Zone under pressure.

For South Zone, left-arm pacer Chama Milind was among the successful bowlers early in the innings, taking two wickets. However, the bowling attack struggled to contain Kishan, who converted the strong start into a massive individual score.

With East Zone approaching the 600-run mark, South Zone faced a difficult task of restricting the first innings lead. The possibility of a declaration remained open as East Zone looked to maximise their advantage before turning the pressure on South Zone’s batting line.

What Happens Next

South Zone will look for quick wickets if East Zone continue batting, while East Zone will aim to declare at a strong total and put pressure on South Zone’s top order.

Carlos Alcaraz continued his strong run at the US Open 2026 by defeating American Tommy Paul in straight sets to book his place in the men’s singles quarterfinals.

The second-seeded Spaniard beat Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in a match where the American initially challenged him with aggressive shot-making and support from the home crowd. However, Alcaraz gradually took control with his powerful baseline game and ability to turn defensive rallies into attacking opportunities.

Paul tried to put pressure on the defending champion early, but Alcaraz stayed composed during key moments. A late break in the opening set shifted momentum in the Spaniard’s favour, after which he controlled the match more effectively.

The victory extended Alcaraz’s impressive campaign in New York as he continued his pursuit of another US Open title.

Noskova reaches maiden US Open quarterfinal

In the women’s draw, Linda Noskova reached her first US Open quarterfinal after surviving a demanding three-set battle against Marta Kostyuk.The Wimbledon champion had to fight through difficult moments before securing her place in the last eight. The match tested Noskova’s endurance and composure as both players competed in long rallies and high-pressure situations.The result marked another major milestone for Noskova, who has continued to establish herself among the leading names in women’s tennis.

What happens next

Alcaraz will now prepare for his quarterfinal challenge as the tournament enters its decisive stage. Noskova will also look to continue her breakthrough run as she targets a place in the semifinals.With several top players still in contention, the final rounds of the US Open 2026 are expected to produce high-intensity contests.

East Zone reached 133/2 at lunch on the opening day of the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday. East Zone, led by Ishan Kishan, elected to bat first after winning the toss, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhimanyu Easwaran opening the innings. 

The morning session belonged largely to the East Zone openers, who put South Zone under pressure with an attacking start. Sooryavanshi continued his impressive run in the tournament before falling for 44 off 37 balls. His innings included five fours and one six.

Sooryavanshi misses out on another half-century

The 15-year-old batter once again showed his aggressive approach in red-ball cricket. Sooryavanshi had already made headlines in the semifinal against Central Zone, scoring 92 off 81 balls in the first innings and 40 in the second.

His 92 also made him the youngest batter to score a fifty in Duleep Trophy history. 

Against South Zone, however, he could not convert his fast start into another major score. His dismissal left East Zone with two wickets down before the lunch interval.

Easwaran scores 72

Abhimanyu Easwaran provided the other major contribution at the top of the order. The experienced opener scored 72 before being dismissed, giving East Zone a strong platform in the first session.

Easwaran's innings was particularly important after the opening pair had established a century partnership. The combination of his controlled batting and Sooryavanshi's attacking strokeplay helped East Zone maintain a healthy scoring rate.

Shami reaches 100 first-class matches

The final is also a landmark occasion for Mohammed Shami, who is making his 100th first-class appearance for East Zone.

The veteran fast bowler entered the match with 99 first-class games and 382 wickets. He had also played an important role in East Zone's semifinal victory over defending champions Central Zone, taking five wickets across the two innings. 

Ahead of the milestone, the Cricket Association of Bengal honoured Shami with a special No. 100 jersey signed by former India captain Sourav Ganguly, along with a signed cricket ball and silver plaque. Shami also cut a cake to mark the occasion.

East Zone eye strong first innings

East Zone's place in the final came after a four-wicket victory over Central Zone in the semifinal. South Zone, meanwhile, defeated North Zone by seven wickets to book their place in the title clash. 

The final is being played over five days in Chennai, with both teams looking to finish the domestic first-class tournament with the Duleep Trophy title.

For East Zone, the early contributions from Sooryavanshi and Easwaran have provided a solid start, while the middle order will now be tasked with converting that platform into a substantial first-innings total.

South Zone will look to make early inroads after lunch, with the likes of Mohammed Siraj leading their bowling attack and captain Tilak Varma overseeing the side. The final also provides an opportunity for several players to strengthen their claims for future India A selection. 

India produced a dominant bowling performance to beat Pakistan by seven wickets in the Women's Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday. Pakistan were bowled out for just 55 runs in 18.1 overs, their lowest-ever total in Women's T20 International cricket. India chased down the target in only 8.4 overs for the loss of three wickets. 

The victory also produced two major individual milestones. Shafali Verma became the youngest player to reach 3,000 Women's T20I runs, while India captain Harmanpreet Kaur became the first cricketer, male or female, to captain in 150 T20I matches. 

Pakistan collapse after 27-run opening stand

Pakistan made a steady start after opting to bat first, with Muneeba Ali and Shawaal Zulfiqar putting together 27 runs for the opening wicket.

The innings then collapsed rapidly. Muneeba was dismissed for 13, while Shawaal made 14. Pakistan subsequently lost wickets at regular intervals and were eventually bowled out for 55 in 18.1 overs.

The total surpassed Pakistan's previous lowest Women's T20I score of 56, which came against New Zealand in 2024. 

Indian spinners dominate

India's spin attack was central to Pakistan's collapse. Shree Charani and Prema Rawat took three wickets each, while Deepti Sharma claimed two.

Charani finished with figures of 3/7 and was named Player of the Match, while Rawat returned 3/9. India's bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings and prevented Pakistan from building a competitive total. 

Pakistan's collapse was particularly sharp after the opening partnership. The team went from 27 without loss to a precarious position as wickets fell in clusters. 

Shafali completes 3,000 T20I runs

India's chase began with another milestone for Shafali Verma.

The opener hit Pakistan's Sadia Iqbal for a six from the first delivery of the innings and then took a single from the next ball to complete 3,000 Women's T20I runs.

At 22 years and 220 days, Shafali became the youngest player to reach the landmark, overtaking Ireland's Gaby Lewis, who had reached 3,000 runs at 24 years and 347 days. She also became the fastest player to the milestone in terms of balls faced, reaching it from 2,182 deliveries.

Shafali's six off the opening delivery was also her second such six in Women's T20I cricket, with both coming against Pakistan's Sadia Iqbal. 

Harmanpreet makes captaincy history

The match was another landmark occasion for Harmanpreet Kaur.

Leading India against Pakistan, Harmanpreet completed her 150th T20I as captain, becoming the first cricketer in men's or women's international cricket to reach the milestone. Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu is next on the list with 121 matches as captain, according to the figures cited in reports. 

Harmanpreet then contributed with the bat, remaining unbeaten on 18 as India completed the chase.

India finish the chase in 8.4 overs

India lost three wickets during the chase, with Pakistan captain Fatima Sana claiming all three. However, the small target meant Pakistan could not build enough pressure.

India reached 57/3 in 8.4 overs, with Harmanpreet and Deepti Sharma unbeaten at the end. Harmanpreet finished with 18 not out, while Deepti remained unbeaten on 12. 

The seven-wicket victory strengthened India's position in Group A and extended its winning run in the tournament. Pakistan, meanwhile, will look to recover in its next league match against Hong Kong on September 7.

India spinner Sree Charani heaped praise on teammate Prema Rawat, describing her as a “natural talent” after the pair combined to dismantle Pakistan’s batting lineup in the Women’s Asia Cup clash.

India registered a commanding seven-wicket victory over Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium after restricting their rivals to just 55 runs. Charani and Rawat picked up three wickets each, leading India’s dominant bowling performance.

Charani, who produced a match-winning spell, said Rawat’s ability to adapt quickly and deliver under pressure makes her a special player. The left-arm spinner highlighted the youngster’s natural skill and confidence while praising her contribution to India’s success.

Pakistan struggled throughout their innings as India’s spinners maintained constant pressure. Along with Charani and Rawat, Deepti Sharma also played a crucial role by taking two wickets as Pakistan’s batting order collapsed.

Chasing a modest target, India completed the run chase comfortably in just 8.4 overs, losing three wickets in the process. The victory strengthened India’s position in the tournament and underlined the team’s strong bowling depth.

For Charani, the performance was another step forward in her growing international career. The young spinner has emerged as one of India’s promising bowling options, while Rawat’s breakthrough performances have added another dimension to the team’s spin attack.

The victory also highlighted India’s ability to dominate high-pressure matches through disciplined bowling and effective use of spin conditions.

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka faced an unusual distraction during her US Open campaign when she stopped play briefly to alert the umpire about a strong marijuana smell on court.

The incident happened during her third-round match against Kamilla Rakhimova at Louis Armstrong Stadium. Sabalenka was leading early in the opening set when she approached chair umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore and pointed out the odour, saying it was affecting her concentration.

“Someone is smoking weed… would you mind, because it’s so strong,” Sabalenka told the umpire during the interruption. Tournament officials looked into the matter, but no specific person was identified or removed from the venue.

Despite the unusual interruption, Sabalenka regained focus and defeated Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 6-4 to continue her US Open title defence.

After the match, Sabalenka clarified that she was not objecting to people enjoying themselves but requested spectators avoid smoking near tennis courts because it can distract players during competition.

“I just hope they are a bit more aware of that stuff,” Sabalenka said while discussing the incident. She suggested that wind may have carried the smell into the stadium from outside areas.

The issue of cannabis odour has been reported at the US Open in previous years as well. While recreational cannabis use is legal in New York, smoking is prohibited inside the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where the tournament is held. Officials said they continue to maintain a smoke-free environment at the venue.

Sabalenka, the defending championin New York, remains one of the leading contenders for the women’s singles title as she continues her bid for another US Open crown.