Usman Wazeer to fight Indonesian boxer on September 26

Pakistan suffered a heavy eight-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in the second women’s ODI despite a brilliant unbeaten century from opener Sidra Amin. After being asked to bat first, Pakistan posted 273 for five in their 50 overs. Sidra led the innings with a composed 100 not out from 120 balls, striking 13 boundaries. It was her seventh century in women’s ODIs. Ayesha Zafar added 49 from 45 deliveries, while Muneeba Ali scored 45. Captain Fatima Sana contributed a quick 25 from 18 balls to help Pakistan reach a competitive total. Sri Lanka, however, produced a dominant response and chased down the target in just 46.5 overs, winning by eight wickets and drawing the three-match series level at 1-1. The hosts’ chase was built around a record partnership between Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama. The pair put together 203 runs, the highest partnership for any wicket in Sri Lanka’s women’s ODI history and the team’s first 200-plus stand in the format. Gunaratne played an aggressive innings, scoring 123 from 123 balls with 11 fours and a six. Samarawickrama remained unbeaten after reaching her century, while Kavisha Dilhari provided the finishing push with an unbeaten 40 from 33 balls. Pakistan made an early breakthrough when Fatima Sana dismissed Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu for just one run. However, Gunaratne and Samarawickrama quickly took control and kept Pakistan’s bowlers under pressure. Sidra said Pakistan had adapted well to the conditions but needed to improve their approach against Sri Lanka’s slower bowling. She also acknowledged that the bowling attack needed to be more disciplined in the decisive match. She said Pakistan would look to bowl straighter and target the stumps to restrict Sri Lanka’s batters from opening up and scoring freely. With the series tied 1-1, both teams will now compete in the final ODI with the series trophy at stake.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has officially unveiled its 20-member national squad and team management for the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026, signaling the country’s determination to make a strong impression on hockey’s biggest stage after securing qualification for the prestigious tournament. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) announced the squad on Wednesday, blending experienced international campaigners with a promising group of emerging young talents. The selection reflects the federation’s strategy of balancing experience with youth as Pakistan aims to revive its rich hockey legacy on the world stage. Squad The announced squad includes Waqar, Muhammad Abdullah, Muhammad Sufyan Khan, Moeen Shakeel, Abdul Waheed Ashraf Rana, Abdul Hanan Shahid, Zakariya Hayat, Arshad Liaqat, Adil Latif, Ahmed Nadeem, Ghazanfar Ali, Imad Shakeel Butt, Muhammad Hamaduddin Anjum, Rehman Abdul, Afraz, Umar Mustafa, Abu Bakar Mahmood, Ali Raza, Abdul Matan, and Muhammad Imad. Goalkeepers Among them, Waqar and Ali Raza have been named as the team’s two goalkeepers, entrusted with guarding Pakistan’s goal against some of the world’s strongest attacking sides. The Pakistan Hockey Federation also announced the complete support staff for the global event. Muhammad Owais Qarni will serve as team manager, while experienced Dutch coach Bob Johan Veldhof will lead the side as head coach. He will be assisted by British coach Christopher John Bowen and Pakistani assistant coach Adnan Zakir. Ashraf Sultan has been appointed as the team’s video technician to provide technical and tactical analysis throughout the tournament. PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani expressed complete confidence in the selected squad, saying the players have the talent, commitment and determination to compete at the highest level of international hockey. He extended his best wishes to both the players and the support staff, urging them to represent Pakistan with pride and passion. Wani also appealed to fans across the country to stand behind the Green Shirts and encourage them as they prepare for one of the sport’s biggest competitions. Pakistan, one of the most successful nations in hockey history, will be looking to regain its place among the world’s elite after qualifying for the World Cup. The upcoming tournament offers a valuable opportunity for the Green Shirts to showcase their progress and reignite hopes of restoring Pakistan’s former glory in international hockey. With a refreshed squad, experienced coaching staff and growing public support, expectations are rising that Pakistan can produce a memorable campaign at the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026.

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan’s hopes of returning to international cricket appear to have suffered a major setback after the government ruled out his comeback following his participation in a programme featuring former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. According to international media reports, Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Minister Aminul Haque said there was little scope for the government to continue taking a lenient approach towards the veteran cricketer after he appeared alongside Hasina at a media event. Shakib, 39, joined the programme by telephone while Sheikh Hasina addressed journalists in New Delhi on Wednesday. The event was held nearly two years after Hasina was removed from power following mass student-led protests. Speaking about Shakib’s situation, Haque indicated that the government had previously been willing to consider the cricketer’s case with patience and flexibility. However, he suggested that the latest development had changed the situation significantly. “We had been looking at the matter with considerable tolerance and flexibility,” the minister said, according to reports. “But after this, I do not think there is any room to look at the matter in the same way.” The minister further questioned Shakib’s prospects of representing Bangladesh again after his public association with Hasina. Shakib was previously a member of parliament for Hasina’s Awami League and had been politically associated with the former ruling party. His involvement in the programme has therefore attracted renewed scrutiny at a time when his future with the national team remains uncertain. The former Bangladesh captain has also been linked to legal proceedings arising from the deadly crackdown on protesters that preceded Hasina’s departure from power. Shakib has previously said he would be willing to return to Bangladesh and face the cases against him if adequate security were guaranteed. His current circumstances have made a return to international cricket increasingly complicated. Shakib is currently in Sri Lanka and remains among a group of individuals facing investigations connected to the violence during the protests. The latest government stance could now effectively close the door on a comeback for one of Bangladesh’s most successful cricketers. Shakib has enjoyed an illustrious international career, establishing himself as one of the country’s leading all-rounders across Test, ODI and T20I cricket. His experience and record have made him a significant figure in Bangladesh cricket for more than a decade. However, his political links and the legal controversy surrounding the events that followed Hasina’s removal have increasingly overshadowed his cricketing legacy. With the government now taking a much firmer position, Shakib’s return to the Bangladesh national team appears more uncertain than ever. The development could mark a dramatic and potentially final chapter in the international career of one of Bangladesh’s most celebrated cricketers.

Spain’s FIFA World Cup-winning defender Marc Cucurella has become known around the world for his distinctive long, curly hair. But behind the trademark look lies a deeply personal story of love, fatherhood and unwavering support for his family. Following Spain’s World Cup triumph over Argentina, renewed attention has focused on the emotional reason Cucurella has chosen to keep his hair long. According to media reports, the Spanish international deliberately leaves his curls untied during matches so that his eldest son, Mateo, who has autism, can easily recognize him on the pitch. For Cucurella, his hairstyle is far more than a fashion statement. It is a symbol of his bond with his son and a reminder of the responsibilities and love that come with being a father. The touching story has resonated with football fans around the world, offering a glimpse into the personal challenges the defender has faced away from the spotlight. Reports say Cucurella and his partner, Claudia Rodríguez, went through an emotionally difficult period after Mateo was diagnosed with autism. In an Amazon Prime documentary, Rodríguez recalled how the couple struggled when they realized their son was developing differently from other children. She revealed that the experience was emotionally overwhelming. There were days when Cucurella would take Mateo to school and return home in tears, all while the family was preparing to welcome their second child, Rio. Cucurella has also spoken openly about how difficult it was to come to terms with his son’s diagnosis. However, he said the experience strengthened his commitment to supporting his family through every challenge. As Spain celebrates its World Cup success, Cucurella’s story has become an inspiring reminder that behind every sporting hero is a personal journey filled with sacrifice, resilience and unconditional love. For many fans, his iconic hairstyle now represents something far greater than football—it reflects the enduring power of family.

CINCINNATI: World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka survived a tense challenge from Australia’s Talia Gibson on Sunday, needing six match points to secure a straight-sets victory and book her place in the third round of the Cincinnati Masters. Sabalenka eventually prevailed 6-2, 7-6 (7-2) in just under two hours on a windswept Grandstand Court, but the second set turned into a nerve-testing battle. The Belarusian appeared close to victory when she created five match points in the 12th game. Gibson, however, refused to surrender, saving all five before forcing the set into a tiebreak. Sabalenka kept her composure when it mattered most, dominating the tiebreak before sealing the match with a final winner. “I’m super tired; this is crazy weather,” Sabalenka said after the contest, praising Gibson for becoming more aggressive and putting greater pressure on her serve. The victory keeps Sabalenka’s bid for another deep Cincinnati run alive. She won the tournament in 2024 and is hoping to build momentum ahead of the US Open, where she will be chasing her first Grand Slam title of the 2026 season. Sabalenka has already captured three titles this year, although her most recent triumph came in Miami in March. Meanwhile, Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina advanced comfortably with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Taylor Townsend. The world No. 2 arrived in Cincinnati after finishing runner-up to Iga Swiatek in Toronto. French Open champion Mirra Andreeva produced an even more emphatic performance, crushing Oleksandra Oliynykova 6-1, 6-0 while saving all seven break points she faced. Defending champion Swiatek also moved forward, defeating Colombia’s Emiliana Arango 6-3, 6-0. American fourth seed Coco Gauff battled back from a slow start to defeat Liudmila Samsonova 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, winning the final five games. The day ended on a disappointing note for American Ben Shelton, however, as the world No. 6 was eliminated by Portugal’s Jaime Faria.