Tim Cone unfazed as Gilas Pilipinas heads to Asian Games off blowout losses

Pakistan has once again stamped its authority on the international youth Scrabble scene, winning the World Youth Scrabble Championship team title for a record seventh time after an impressive campaign. The 21st edition of the championship featured 183 players from 11 countries, with Pakistani youngsters producing a series of standout performances across different age categories. Pakistan finished first in the team competition, while Australia’s Dineth Fernando claimed the overall individual world title. Three Pakistani players also secured places among the top 10 in the individual standings. The country’s success extended across several age groups. Ahmed Salman captured the Under-16 world title, while Ahad Sault Fatimi emerged champion in the Under-14 category. Pakistan also celebrated success in the Under-12 competition, where Mustafa Farhan finished as runner-up. One of the most remarkable performances came from Pakistan’s youngest competitor, Taimur Wasim, who won the Under-10 world title. Taimur’s latest triumph adds another chapter to his rapidly growing Scrabble record. The young player had already impressed last year by winning the Under-8 world championship, and he has now moved up an age group while continuing his winning run. The results underline the depth of young Scrabble talent in Pakistan, with players competing successfully against strong international opposition. Winning the team championship for the seventh time is particularly significant, reinforcing Pakistan’s reputation as one of the leading nations in youth Scrabble. The strong showing across multiple age categories also suggests a promising future for the country’s Scrabble programme, as a new generation of players continues to make its mark on the global stage.

The body of Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi, who went missing following a deadly avalanche on Broad Peak, has been recovered by local volunteers and brought down to the mountain’s base camp, the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) said on Thursday. The recovery brings some closure to the family and friends of Sakhi, who was among a 10-member international expedition caught in the avalanche on July 30. The expedition was led by renowned British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, who was accompanied by six elite Nepali guides and other international climbers. The group lost contact after the avalanche struck the mountain, one of the highest peaks in the world. Purja’s company later confirmed that there were no survivors from the expedition. Seven bodies had previously been recovered, while the search for Sakhi, American climber Sarah Mallory Geis, and Nepalese climber Nawang Thindu Sherpa was suspended last week because of the continuing danger of fresh avalanches. On Thursday, ACP member and Pakistani mountaineer Naila Kiani confirmed that Sakhi’s remains had been found by a group of local volunteers from Shigar. According to Kiani, Muhammad Nadeem, Muhammad Bashir and Abuzar were searching the area on their own initiative when they spotted the body. They immediately alerted other people in the area before working with fellow volunteers to bring the remains down from Camp 1. The body was located at an altitude of around 5,600 metres before being transported to Broad Peak Base Camp. ACP General Secretary Ayaz Shigri told Dawn that the body would be transported to Skardu by Pakistan Army helicopter, provided weather conditions allowed an air operation. The recovery operation remains challenging because of unstable conditions on the mountain. Shigri said the bodies of the two remaining missing climbers had not yet been found. He added that rescue teams would resume their search once weather conditions improve and authorities determine that the area is safe for rescuers. Broad Peak, located in the Karakoram range of Gilgit-Baltistan, is known for its extreme altitude, unpredictable weather and difficult climbing conditions. The latest tragedy once again highlights the risks faced by mountaineers attempting some of the world’s highest peaks. For Sakhi’s loved ones, however, the recovery of his body provides an important final step after weeks of uncertainty. The focus now shifts to bringing him home safely and continuing efforts to locate the two climbers who remain missing.

Sunrisers Leeds produced one of the most breathtaking batting displays in the history of The Hundred, smashing multiple tournament records in a dominant 37-run victory over London Spirit at Headingley to keep their playoff hopes alive. The home side unleashed an extraordinary batting performance, piling up 241-2, the highest team total ever recorded in The Hundred. Their relentless assault left London Spirit’s bowlers with no answers and thrilled the Headingley crowd with a spectacular display of power-hitting. The foundation for the record-breaking total was laid by openers Ryan Rickelton and Mitchell Marsh, who stitched together a stunning 148-run opening partnership—the highest first-wicket stand in the tournament’s history. Rickelton anchored the innings with a magnificent unbeaten 94 off 42 balls, combining elegant stroke play with aggressive intent. Marsh provided the perfect support, blasting 76 from just 37 deliveries as the pair dominated from the outset and set the tone for an unforgettable innings. If the opening partnership put Sunrisers Leeds in command, Harry Brook ensured the match entered the record books. The England star produced a breathtaking cameo, racing to the fastest half-century in The Hundred history. Brook reached his fifty in only 15 balls before finishing with a blistering 55 from 18 deliveries, an innings decorated with five fours and five towering sixes. His fearless stroke play electrified the crowd and pushed Sunrisers Leeds beyond the 240-run mark, establishing a new benchmark for batting excellence in the competition. Faced with a daunting target, London Spirit fought hard but never seriously threatened to chase down the mammoth total. Sunrisers Leeds maintained control throughout the contest to secure a convincing 37-run victory, earning two crucial points in the race for the knockout stage. The result keeps Sunrisers Leeds firmly in playoff contention, while London Spirit remain seventh in the standings with their qualification hopes becoming increasingly difficult. The match will be remembered as one of the greatest batting performances in The Hundred’s short history. Between Rickelton’s classy unbeaten knock, Marsh’s explosive support and Brook’s record-shattering fireworks, Sunrisers Leeds delivered a performance that showcased the entertainment and attacking spirit of the competition. With the business end of the tournament approaching, the record-breaking victory could prove to be the momentum boost Sunrisers Leeds need in their pursuit of the championship.

NEW DELHI: India have turned to middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan as their injury problems continue to pile up ahead of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, bringing the right-hander into the squad as a replacement for Sai Sudharsan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Sudharsan has been ruled out after suffering a stress reaction in his right foot. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and has reportedly shown significant improvement. Sarfaraz’s inclusion gives India another experienced domestic performer as the team prepares for an important World Test Championship assignment. The 28-year-old made his Test debut in 2024 and has so far played six Tests, scoring 371 runs at international level. His record includes one century and three half-centuries, highlighting his ability to make an impact when given opportunities in the longer format. Sarfaraz has also remained a prolific performer in India’s domestic cricket. During the 2025 Ranji Trophy season, he represented Mumbai in seven matches and accumulated 429 runs, strengthening his case for another opportunity at Test level. His return comes at a challenging time for India, who are dealing with injuries to several important players. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Washington Sundar are also among the players whose fitness has become a concern ahead of the Sri Lanka tour. The changes have added uncertainty to India’s final combination, particularly in the batting and bowling departments. Sarfaraz’s selection could provide the team with additional depth in the middle order as the management assesses its options. India and Sri Lanka are scheduled to play the opening Test in Galle on August 15, followed by the second Test at the SSC Ground in Colombo from August 23. The two-match series carries added significance because it forms part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. Both sides will therefore be looking to begin the campaign strongly and collect valuable points. For Sarfaraz, the opportunity arrives at a crucial moment. After producing strong numbers in domestic cricket and making a promising start to his international career, his inclusion gives him another chance to establish himself in India’s Test middle order. With injuries already forcing India to rethink their plans, Sarfaraz could now find himself at the centre of attention when the first Test begins in Galle.