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LEEDS: England strengthened their position in the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley on Thursday, reaching 409 runs in their first innings to secure a substantial 238-run lead after Pakistan were bowled out for 171. Pakistan’s bowlers managed to break through England’s batting line-up on the third morning, but the home side’s tailenders added valuable runs to push the total beyond the 400-run mark. England resumed the day on 366-8, with Jofra Archer and the lower order looking to extend their advantage. Archer remained unbeaten on 23, while Jamie Smith contributed 25 before being dismissed. Josh Tong was also removed after scoring eight. Earlier, England’s top and middle order had laid the foundation for the imposing total. Harry Brook missed out on a century but made a valuable 91, while Jordan Cox scored 73. Captain Joe Root continued his dependable form with 66, and Dan Lawrence added 51. The combined efforts of England’s senior batters ensured that Pakistan faced a demanding bowling assignment and left their opponents with a sizeable deficit to overcome. For Pakistan, Ali Usman emerged as the standout bowler. The spinner claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket, providing a major highlight for the visitors despite England’s strong batting performance. Khurram Shahzad supported him with three wickets, while Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali took one wicket each. Pakistan’s first innings had lasted only long enough to produce 171 runs, leaving their bowlers with the difficult task of restricting England and preventing the hosts from building an overwhelming advantage. England’s ability to extend their innings through the lower order proved particularly costly for Pakistan. Archer’s unbeaten 23 ensured that the hosts crossed the 400 mark, while the additional runs from Smith and Tong further increased the pressure on the visitors. With England now holding a 238-run lead, Pakistan face a challenging second innings. Their batters will need to produce a vastly improved performance if they are to prevent England from taking control of the Test. The Headingley contest has already produced a contrasting display from the two sides: England’s batting depth has stood out, while Pakistan’s Ali Usman has provided a significant individual breakthrough with his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket. The match remains a stern test of Pakistan’s resilience as they look to recover from their modest first-innings total and keep their hopes alive in the opening Test.

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has withdrawn its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, adding to the growing pressure on the football governing body’s chief ahead of next year’s presidential election. The decision follows Infantino’s controversial proposal involving private investment and the potential sale of stakes linked to the World Cup. The plan has faced strong opposition from several European football associations, raising fresh questions over FIFA’s governance and transparency. SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell confirmed on Monday that Scotland would not vote for Infantino at the next FIFA Congress. “The Scottish FA will not be voting for Gianni Infantino. That’s in line with the UEFA position, and we’ve maintained that stance throughout,” Maxwell said. Scotland has joined England, Ireland and Wales among European federations that have withdrawn their backing for the FIFA president. Infantino is facing mounting criticism after three football confederations accused him of “deception” over his private-investor World Cup proposal in an open letter published last week. The controversy has also placed greater attention on FIFA’s internal governance. SFA president Mike Mulraney currently serves as chair of FIFA’s finance committee. Maxwell said football administrators should focus on their responsibilities rather than remaining constantly in the public spotlight. He argued that FIFA needs stronger transparency, better governance and improved communication with its member associations. “There’s obviously been a fall-down in governance,” Maxwell said, adding that changes to FIFA’s structure and approach would need to be discussed. With opposition growing across Europe, Infantino faces an increasingly difficult challenge as he seeks to retain his position and secure another term at next year’s FIFA Congress.

MULTAN: Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi believes the National Champions Cup 2026 has played an important role in helping the national selectors assess players ahead of the ICC World Cup 2027. Shaheen, who led Pakistan Gold during the tournament, said the competition provided valuable opportunities to examine the fitness, form and potential of players who could become part of Pakistan’s ODI plans. Pakistan Gold endured a difficult start, losing their opening two matches, but produced a convincing turnaround against Pakistan Whites. Shaheen spearheaded the bowling attack, taking three wickets as Whites were dismissed for 172. Gold then chased down the target comfortably in the 28th over to secure a place in the final on the basis of a superior net run rate. They finished level on two points with Pakistan Blues and Whites but advanced because of their better NRR. Speaking to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s digital platform, Shaheen admitted that his team had struggled initially but said the players responded when qualification was still within reach. “The first two games were not in our favour, but we then sensed an opportunity to qualify,” he said, explaining that the team had decided to bowl first against Whites to maximise their chances. Shaheen praised his teammates for their disciplined display and singled out Fakhar Zaman for his impressive batting during the tournament. He also highlighted the broader importance of the Champions Cup, saying the competition allowed Pakistan to test players in competitive conditions rather than relying solely on domestic performances. “The tournament has been very good,” Shaheen said, noting that several close matches had provided valuable experience. According to the left-arm pacer, the event also helped the team management gauge players’ fitness levels and evaluate the available talent pool. With the 2027 World Cup approaching, Shaheen believes the Champions Cup has therefore served as more than just a domestic competition. It has offered Pakistan an early opportunity to identify reliable options, build depth and prepare a stronger ODI squad for the global event.

AMSTELVEEN: England produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat India 4-2 in a thrilling Pool D encounter at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 at the Wagener Stadium on Monday. India appeared to be in control for much of the opening half and went into the interval with a 2-1 advantage. However, England completely changed the momentum after the break, scoring three unanswered goals across the third and fourth quarters to secure a memorable victory. The result extended England’s perfect start to the tournament. They now have two wins from two matches and sit at the top of Pool D, strengthening their position as one of the teams to watch in the competition. For India, the defeat continued a long wait for a World Cup victory against England. Their last win over the English side at the global tournament came back in 1994. India had started their campaign confidently, beating Wales 3-1. Captain Harmanpreet Singh converted two penalty corners, while Sanjay added another goal from a set-piece to give his side an encouraging opening victory. England, meanwhile, began the World Cup with an impressive 4-1 victory over Pakistan before carrying that momentum into Monday’s clash. India remain second in Pool D with three points. Their next match will be a highly anticipated encounter against arch-rivals Pakistan, while England will meet Wales in their next group fixture. India’s hockey team are still searching for a second World Cup title, having last lifted the trophy in 1975. They endured a disappointing campaign in the 2023 edition on home soil, finishing ninth. Elsewhere, France and Malaysia played out an entertaining 3-3 draw in Pool B. France’s Timothée Clement scored late in the final quarter to rescue a point. In the women’s tournament, Argentina defeated Germany 3-2, while the Netherlands beat Australia 4-2.

MULTAN: Pakistan Greens captain Shadab Khan believes his bowling is steadily improving as his unbeaten side prepares to face Pakistan Gold in the final of the National Champions Cup 2026. Greens have enjoyed an impressive run through the tournament, winning all three of their matches under Shadab’s leadership. Their consistent performances have also been powered by a strong batting display from Fakhar Zaman, who has emerged as one of the competition’s standout performers. Fakhar has scored two successive centuries and currently leads the tournament’s run-scoring charts with 238 runs at an outstanding average of 119. Shadab praised his team’s overall approach, saying the players had adapted well to local conditions and successfully carried forward the work completed during the recent National Cricket Academy (NCA) white-ball camp. “Our attitude in the field has been really good,” Shadab told the Pakistan Cricket Board’s digital platform. He said the squad contained several players familiar with the conditions and credited the entire team for building on their preparations at the NCA. “The whole team has put in a great effort and for me they all stand out,” the all-rounder added. Despite Greens’ unbeaten record, Shadab is not taking Gold lightly. He warned that their opponents’ route to the final made them particularly dangerous, with Gold securing qualification after taking advantage of a narrow opportunity. “We will try to keep things simple in tomorrow’s final while also knowing that a team like Gold that got into the final through a small opportunity can be dangerous,” he said. The final will provide another important test for Shadab, who is looking to make a bigger contribution with both bat and ball. He has so far taken two wickets in three matches, while his batting scores have included an unbeaten 34, 61 and seven. Shadab said he was encouraged by the gradual improvement in his bowling and remained focused on contributing whenever his team needed him. “I feel my bowling is also improving gradually, and with the bat I try to stand up whenever the team needs me,” he said. With Fakhar in outstanding form and Greens carrying an unbeaten record, Shadab’s side will enter the final with confidence. However, the captain knows Gold can upset the odds if his players lose focus in the decisive contest.

LEEDS: Pakistan captain Babar Azam’s participation in the opening Test against England has become uncertain after the star batter suffered a blow to his hand during a practice match against the PCC Select XI. Babar was batting on five in the 39th over when a delivery from fast bowler Manny Lumsden struck his hand. The right-hander immediately appeared uncomfortable and received treatment from the team’s medical staff before retiring hurt. The Pakistan Cricket Board later advised Babar to rest as a precaution, but a final decision on his availability for the first Test has not yet been made. The development comes at a crucial moment for Pakistan, with the three-match Test series against England scheduled to begin on Wednesday at Headingley. Babar had returned as Pakistan’s Test captain earlier this year and was selected to lead the side throughout the England tour. Babar’s possible absence would be a significant concern for Pakistan, particularly given his importance in the middle order and his leadership role. The team management is expected to take no risks with the experienced batter and will assess his condition before confirming the playing XI. Babar briefly took part in a training session at Headingley on Monday, offering some encouragement to Pakistan. However, his availability is expected to be assessed again after Tuesday’s practice session, when the medical team should have a clearer picture of his recovery. Meanwhile, Shan Masood has also resumed training in Leeds and could feature in the opening Test. Shan had been sidelined after fracturing a finger while batting during the first Test against the West Indies in Tarouba. Despite the injury, he returned to the crease in the second innings but was unable to bat in his regular position. Subsequent scans confirmed the fracture, ruling him out of the second Test. Pakistan will hope both senior batters are fit as they prepare for a demanding series in England. The first Test is scheduled for August 19-23 at Headingley, followed by matches at Lord’s and Edgbaston. With the opener only days away, Babar’s fitness has emerged as one of the biggest talking points around Pakistan’s preparations. The team will await medical clearance before deciding whether its captain is ready to take the field. Pakistan squad Babar Azam (c), Aamir Jamal, Ali Usman, Abdullah Shafique, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel* (subject to fitness), Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.

MELBOURNE: Australia have made a change to their squad for the second Test against Bangladesh, dropping opener Jake Weatherald and recalling Matt Renshaw after a shock nine-wicket defeat in Darwin. Weatherald’s removal is the only change to Australia’s 13-man squad, but it could have wider implications for the team’s batting order. The 30-year-old struggled in the opening Test, scoring 23 in the first innings before being dismissed for a duck in the second. His difficult start has added to concerns over his Test credentials. Weatherald has now played six Tests and has managed 224 runs at an average of 20.36, leaving selectors with little choice but to make a change as Australia look to level the two-match series. Renshaw, meanwhile, returns to the Test setup after an absence of more than three years. The left-hander last played a Test for Australia in 2023 and has earned his recall after an impressive Sheffield Shield campaign. The Queensland batter scored 499 runs in six Sheffield Shield matches last season at an average of 49.90, including three centuries. His domestic form had already put him firmly in contention for a return to the national red-ball side, and the latest selection gives him another chance to revive his Test career. Renshaw’s return could also add experience and stability to an Australian batting line-up that was exposed by Bangladesh in Darwin. Australia were beaten by nine wickets in the first Test, suffering a result that put Bangladesh 1-0 ahead in the series. Travis Head is expected to continue opening the innings, while Renshaw is in line to partner him at the top of the order. The combination will be closely watched as Australia attempt to respond to their unexpected home defeat. Attention will also remain on Marnus Labuschagne, who is under pressure to produce a substantial score. Labuschagne managed only 32 runs across the first Test, and his place is increasingly being discussed amid competition for batting positions. Australia will need a much stronger collective performance in the second Test. Bangladesh demonstrated in Darwin that they can challenge the hosts in their own conditions, making the upcoming contest an important test of Australia’s ability to recover quickly. The second Test is scheduled to begin in Mackay on Saturday, with Australia aiming to draw the series and Bangladesh seeking another historic result. The changes ensure the second Test will carry significant pressure for Australia’s top order. Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster