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Bangladesh produced a remarkable batting display against Australia in the Darwin Test, taking a commanding 228-run first-innings lead despite Josh Hazlewood’s six-wicket haul. Bangladesh were bowled out for 426 after showing tremendous resilience against Australia’s pace attack. Mehidy Hasan Miraz played the starring role in the lower order, frustrating the Australian bowlers for nearly 50 overs and completing his 12th Test half-century. Hazlewood eventually ended Mehidy’s stubborn resistance after lunch on the third day before removing Taijul Islam’s partner, completing six wickets in the innings. His performance also brought a major personal milestone as he became only the ninth Australian bowler to reach 300 Test wickets. The fast bowler also claimed his 14th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Remarkably, all four wickets to fall during the third day belonged to Hazlewood, keeping Australia in the contest despite Bangladesh’s substantial advantage. Mehidy was well supported by Mahmoud, Taijul Islam and Taskin Ahmed as Bangladesh continued to stretch Australia’s bowling attack. The visitors also benefited from Australia’s fielding lapses, with the hosts dropping five catches during the innings. Earlier, Bangladesh had built a strong platform through Tanzid Hasan’s maiden Test century and a determined half-century from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. Australia’s first innings had already ended in disappointment after Hasan Mahmud claimed six wickets, exposing weaknesses in the home side’s batting. Bangladesh’s huge lead now puts Australia under considerable pressure. With their bowlers needing early breakthroughs, the hosts face a demanding task to recover momentum and keep the Darwin Test within reach.

Pakistan’s tennis stars have delivered a memorable performance at the ITF Masters World Championships in Lisbon, Portugal, winning an impressive four medals and adding another chapter to the country’s international tennis story. The biggest highlight came from veteran tennis star Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, who successfully defended his world title in the 40+ mixed doubles category. Partnering Austria’s Nina Hermann, Qureshi defeated the top-seeded Portuguese pair in a closely fought final to retain the championship for a second consecutive year. The victory marked another significant milestone in Qureshi’s long and distinguished international career. His achievement also underlined his enduring competitiveness on the world stage, even after decades of representing Pakistan at major international events. Pakistan’s medal tally grew further in the men’s 45+ doubles category, where Qureshi and fellow veteran Aqeel Khan combined to secure a silver medal. Their run demonstrated the experience and consistency of Pakistan’s senior tennis players against strong international opposition. The national team also added another silver medal in the men’s 45+ World Team Championship, giving Pakistan a strong finish in the team competition. Aqeel Khan completed Pakistan’s four-medal haul by winning bronze in the 40+ mixed doubles event. His podium finish ensured that Pakistan’s campaign ended with medals across both individual and team competitions. The results in Lisbon are a significant boost for Pakistani tennis, particularly in the Masters categories, where experienced players continue to compete at the highest international level. Qureshi’s successful title defence stands out as the headline achievement, but the combined medal haul highlights the depth of experience within Pakistan’s veteran tennis ranks. With four medals secured, Pakistan’s performance in Lisbon offers a timely reminder that the country’s tennis talent continues to make its mark beyond the domestic circuit.

Former India captain and ex-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has spoken publicly about receiving alleged death threats, saying the matter has been reported to police and that he expects authorities to take appropriate action. Ganguly addressed the issue while speaking to reporters at the opening of a store in Kolkata on Friday. The former India skipper confirmed reports that he had been receiving threatening messages for several months. According to Ganguly, the alleged threats have continued for around six months. He said the matter is now in the hands of law enforcement and expressed hope that police would investigate the case and resolve it soon. “I have security,” Ganguly said, indicating that protective arrangements were already in place. He also appeared confident that authorities would take the necessary steps to address the situation. Reports said Ganguly and members of his family have lodged a formal complaint with the Thakurpukur police station in Kolkata. The complaint reportedly details a series of threatening letters allegedly received over the past six months. The situation reportedly escalated after two recent letters allegedly contained highly threatening language, including demands to “finish” and “kill” him. Following the latest messages, Ganguly’s family approached police for assistance. The former cricketer has not publicly identified anyone who may be behind the alleged threats, and authorities are expected to investigate the source and circumstances surrounding the letters. Ganguly, one of India’s most influential cricket figures, enjoyed a distinguished international career before moving into cricket administration. He captained India during a transformative period and later served as president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. The reported threats have added an unexpected security concern to the life of the celebrated sports figure. With a formal complaint now lodged, attention is likely to remain on the police investigation and any developments that may emerge from it.

Pakistan’s spin-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has been ruled out of the National Champions Cup after suffering a fracture to the middle finger of his right hand. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the injury on Friday, revealing that Nawaz is expected to remain away from competitive cricket for at least three weeks. Nawaz sustained the injury while fielding during the National Champions Cup match between Pakistan Gold and Pakistan Blues at Multan Cricket Stadium on August 12. Despite hurting his finger, the experienced all-rounder remarkably completed his full 10-over spell. His efforts, however, could not prevent Pakistan Gold from suffering a six-wicket defeat against Pakistan Blues. Medical scans conducted on August 13 confirmed the fracture, forcing Nawaz to withdraw from the ongoing domestic competition. The setback comes at an inconvenient time for the left-arm spinner, who has remained an important part of Pakistan’s experienced white-ball setup. According to the PCB, Nawaz will report to the board’s Sports and Exercise Medicine Department after two weeks. He will then undergo rehabilitation under medical supervision, with his recovery closely monitored before a decision is made regarding his return to competitive cricket. The medical team will assess his progress throughout the rehabilitation process, while the priority will be ensuring that the finger has recovered sufficiently before he resumes full cricketing activities. Nawaz’s absence is a blow to his team’s campaign in the Champions Cup, where the tournament provides Pakistan’s established players and emerging talent with valuable competitive exposure. For Nawaz, the immediate focus will now shift from domestic cricket to recovery. The three-week initial timeline could change depending on how he responds to treatment and rehabilitation. The PCB is expected to provide further updates on his fitness as he progresses through the recovery programme.

Pakistan’s women’s netball team produced a memorable performance in Hong Kong, defeating Thailand 55-50 in the final of the 2026 Asian Netball Championship Plate Division. The closely contested victory saw Pakistan maintain their composure throughout the match, with disciplined play and strong teamwork helping them secure the championship title. Pakistan’s players showed determination from the opening stages, matching Thailand’s intensity while making the most of their scoring opportunities. Their coordinated passing, defensive organisation and collective effort eventually gave them the edge in a five-point victory. The triumph also brings an important reward beyond the title. By winning the Plate Division, Pakistan have qualified for the Cup Division of the next Asian Netball Championship, scheduled to be held in Singapore in 2028. The achievement is a significant boost for women’s netball in Pakistan and provides the national team with a stronger platform to compete at the top level of Asian netball. Several players played key roles during the successful campaign. Saba Noor Anwar, Maya, Lia Raza Shah, Hina Chaudhry, Serena Naseem, Jasmine, Farah, Noor-ul-Ain and Samaya Safdar all contributed to Pakistan’s impressive final performance. The team’s success was built around teamwork, discipline and determination, allowing them to withstand Thailand’s challenge and finish the tournament on a high. The 55-50 victory will now give Pakistan renewed confidence ahead of the next Asian championship cycle. With qualification for the 2028 Cup Division secured, the national side has a valuable opportunity to build on this breakthrough and compete for an even bigger prize in Singapore.

Pakistan’s veteran tennis stars Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan produced a dramatic comeback to reach the men’s 45+ doubles semifinals at the ITF Masters World Championship. The Pakistani pair defeated Spain’s Francisco Xavier Martinez Vina and Pedro Nieto Oriana in a thrilling quarterfinal that went down to a deciding match tiebreak. After losing the opening set 6-7, Aisam and Aqeel refused to let the match slip away. They raised their intensity in the second set, saving two match points before forcing the contest into a tiebreak. The Pakistanis held their nerve when it mattered most, winning the second-set tiebreak 7-6 to level the contest and set up a decisive match tiebreak. They then produced their best tennis of the match, racing to a commanding 10-2 victory in the deciding breaker to complete an impressive turnaround. The result sends the experienced Pakistani duo into the semifinals, where they will face a Ukrainian pair for a place in the final. The success also adds to an already impressive campaign for both players. Aisam and Aqeel have reached the semifinals in mixed doubles as well, although they are competing with different partners. Aqeel has advanced alongside Germany’s Eline Aranas Roth, while Aisam has reached the mixed doubles semifinals with Austria’s Nina Hermann. For Aisam, the tournament continues to underline his remarkable longevity in international tennis. The former Pakistan Davis Cup star remains a major presence in the Masters circuit, while Aqeel’s performances have further strengthened Pakistan’s challenge in Lisbon. Their latest comeback will give the pair considerable confidence heading into the semifinals. After surviving two match points and overturning a first-set defeat, Aisam and Aqeel now stand just one victory away from reaching the championship final. Pakistan will be hoping the experienced duo can carry their momentum into the next round and add another major achievement to their impressive Masters campaign.

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has withdrawn its previous support for Gianni Infantino’s bid to remain FIFA president, adding to growing pressure on the football governing body’s leadership. The FAI confirmed the decision after a board meeting and said it had formally written to FIFA to explain why it was rescinding a letter of support issued earlier this year. The association cited concerns over governance, transparency and the lack of meaningful consultation. The decision comes amid a widening dispute over FIFA’s leadership and a controversial proposal involving the commercial rights of the World Cup. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have criticised Infantino’s handling of the issue, accusing FIFA of a serious breakdown in trust. Ireland’s move represents another setback for Infantino as he seeks another term in office at the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027. New Zealand has also withdrawn its backing, while several European associations have publicly opposed Infantino’s leadership. Northern Ireland’s football association, meanwhile, has backed UEFA’s position and said it would continue engaging on issues related to football governance. The contrasting positions on the island underline the wider divisions emerging within international football. Despite the growing opposition, Infantino retains support from several influential football bodies, including the African confederation and a number of Arab football associations. The FIFA presidency therefore remains a closely contested political battle rather than a settled outcome. With more national associations reassessing their positions, the dispute is expected to remain a major issue ahead of the 2027 FIFA election. Ireland’s decision further highlights the mounting calls for greater transparency, consultation and accountability in the governance of world football.