Babar Azam's participation in Pakistan's opening Test against England remains uncertain as the team waits for medical clearance on his injured right hand. Babar suffered an impact injury to his finger while batting during Pakistan's second Test against the West Indies. The problem was aggravated during Pakistan's warm-up match against the Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham, where he was struck on the hand again and retired hurt. The Pakistan Cricket Board described his decision to leave the warm-up as a precautionary measure. Babar did not return to the field for the remainder of the match. Pakistan arrived in Leeds on Sunday and held their first training session at Headingley on Monday, just two days before the start of the three-match Test series. Babar did take part in some batting practice in the nets, but his session was brief. Pakistan seamer Mohammad Abbas said the final decision on Babar's availability would be made after consultation with the medical panel and selection committee. "Whether he plays or not will be a decision taken on match day," Abbas said. "He did a few throwdowns and some batting practice today. But we'll have to follow medical advice for it." If Babar is ruled out, Saud Shakeel and Awais Zafar could both feature in Pakistan's middle order. Shakeel missed the recent West Indies series but strengthened his case with a century in the warm-up game, while Zafar made his Test debut in the second Test against the West Indies. Shan Masood Provides More Positive Update Pakistan have received a more encouraging update regarding Shan Masood. The Test captain suffered a fractured finger during the first Test against the West Indies and subsequently missed the second match. Masood was also absent from Pakistan's warm-up game in Beckenham, but he has since made progress in training. He spent a longer period batting in the nets during Monday's session and appeared comfortable. "With Shan, too, we're just going to rely on the medical advice," Abbas said. "Shan practiced for the whole session and looked very good." Leadership Question for Pakistan Babar's potential absence could also create a leadership dilemma for Pakistan. He took over as Test captain from Shan Masood at the beginning of the West Indies series. During Babar's absence in the Beckenham warm-up, Pakistan were led by T20I captain Salman Agha. However, Agha has yet to captain Pakistan in Test cricket. With the opening Test against England approaching, Pakistan are therefore facing two key fitness decisions, with Babar's finger injury likely to be the biggest selection concern. The final call on his availability is expected on match day after the medical team's assessment.

England have announced a youthful, forward-looking squad for their three-match ODI series against Ireland, with regular captain Nat Sciver-Brunt rested as part of her ongoing injury management. Sciver-Brunt has been managing a calf problem throughout the summer, which previously ruled her out of the opening three group matches of the T20 World Cup. She also missed several matches in The Hundred before returning to help Trent Rockets win the women's title on Sunday. The England captain had already indicated that she was likely to miss the Ireland series, which begins on September 1. The England and Wales Cricket Board has now confirmed that Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Bell and Amy Jones will all sit out the three ODIs. In Sciver-Brunt's absence, Charlie Dean will once again take charge of the side. Dean impressed during the summer while leading England against New Zealand and during the T20 World Cup, and the Ireland series will provide her with another opportunity to develop her leadership skills. Alice Capsey has been named as England's designated wicketkeeper for the series. Head coach Charlotte Edwards has used the opportunity to broaden England's playing pool, with eight members of the 15-player squad having featured at the T20 World Cup. Grace Potts and wicketkeeper-batter Kira Chathli are the only uncapped players in the squad, although both have previously been included in England squads this season. Allrounder Charis Pavely has also been selected after making her T20I debut against Ireland in 2024. Meanwhile, seamer Ryana MacDonald-Gay returns to the international setup after an 18-month absence following her recovery from a lower-back injury suffered in 2025. Edwards said the series would give England's emerging players an important opportunity to showcase their skills in the 50-over format after a season dominated by T20 cricket. With the T20 World Cup now behind them, England will use the Ireland series to assess their depth and give promising players valuable international experience ahead of future selection battles. England Women's Squad for Ireland ODI Series Charlie Dean (captain) Maia Bouchier Alice Capsey Kira Chathli Tilly Corteen-Coleman Sophia Dunkley Lauren Filer Dani Gibson Jodi Grewcock Freya Kemp Ryana MacDonald-Gay Charis Pavely Grace Potts Mady Villiers Issy Wong The three-match ODI series against Ireland begins on September 1, with England looking to build squad depth while several senior players are rested.

Afghanistan have named a youthful and largely inexperienced squad for the 2026 Asian Games, with top-order batter Darwish Rasooli appointed captain. The 15-member squad includes six uncapped players, while another five have fewer than 10 international appearances. Rasooli, Karim Janat and Najibullah Zadran are expected to provide valuable experience, with Nangeyalia Kharote the only other player in the squad to have more than 10 international caps. Kharote is also expected to lead Afghanistan’s spin attack during the tournament. The selection reflects Afghanistan’s desire to give opportunities to players who have impressed in domestic cricket, particularly the Shpageeza Cricket League (SCL), one of the country’s leading T20 competitions. SCL performers rewarded Mohammad Akram, the second-highest run-scorer in the most recent SCL season, has earned a place in the squad. Khalid Taniwal, who recorded the second-highest strike rate in the competition, has also been rewarded for his performances. Seam-bowling allrounder Ismat Alam is another notable selection. The 2026 SCL Player of the Tournament scored 294 runs at a strike rate of 168 and claimed nine wickets at an average of 16.77. Afghanistan have also included several promising young players with recent international or age-group success. Faisal Shinozada, who scored a century against India in the Under-19 World Cup semi-final in February, has been selected. Hassan Eisakhil, son of Afghanistan allrounder Mohammad Nabi, is another youngster included in the squad. Fast bowler Farmanullah also makes the team after an impressive performance in the recent one-day tri-series in Sri Lanka involving Sri Lanka A and India A. He finished as the leading wicket-taker with 10 wickets. Bowling attack Afghanistan have opted for a relatively small group of specialist spinners. Apart from Kharote, legspinner Arab Gul Momand is the only other specialist spinner in the squad. The pace-bowling department features Farmanullah, Abdollah Ahmadzai and Faridoon Dawoodzai, with allrounders Ismat Alam and Karim Janat providing additional seam-bowling options. The Asian Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 24 to October 3, 2026. Afghanistan will be hoping their blend of experienced internationals and emerging domestic talent can make an impact at the multi-sport event. Afghanistan squad for Asian Games 2026 Darwish Rasooli (captain), Mohammad Ishaq (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Akram, Hassan Eisakhil, Khalid Taniwal, Imran Mir, Faisal Shinozada, Najibullah Zadran, Farmanullah, Ismat Alam, Karim Janat, Nangyal Kharoti, Arab Gul Momand, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Abdollah Ahmadzai.

The United States have secured their place in the 2027 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup after winning the Americas regional qualifier in the Cayman Islands. Led by Chetna Pagydyala, USA produced a dominant campaign, remaining unbeaten throughout the six-match tournament and finishing six points ahead of second-placed Canada. USA began their campaign with an eight-wicket victory over Canada and maintained their momentum throughout the competition. They recorded two wins each against Canada, Argentina and Next GenXI, a composite team featuring players from across the Americas region. The qualification marks USA’s third consecutive appearance at the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup. They previously reached the Super Six stage of the 2025 tournament in Malaysia, where India claimed the title. India have won both editions of the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup held so far, and USA will now have another opportunity to compete on the global stage in 2027. Mahek Desai stars with the ball Mahek Desai was one of the standout performers for USA during the regional tournament and was named Player of the Tournament after taking 16 wickets. Her bowling played a key role in USA’s unbeaten run and helped the side maintain control throughout the competition. USA are the third team to qualify for the 2027 tournament through regional qualification, joining Samoa, who qualified from the East Asia-Pacific region, and the United Arab Emirates, who secured the Asia qualification spot. The Africa and Europe regional qualifiers are scheduled to take place later this year. Pagydyala brings international experience Captain Chetna Pagydyala brings significant international experience to the USA Under-19 squad. The left-handed batter also featured in the 2025 Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup. Pagydyala has already represented the USA at senior international level, having played 31 T20Is and three ODIs since making her international debut in September 2023. She made an immediate impact in ODI cricket, scoring a century on debut against Zimbabwe in October 2024. Pagydyala also represented the senior USA side at the 2025-26 Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in Nepal earlier this year, although the team failed to qualify for the main tournament. With their latest regional triumph, USA’s next generation of players now have another opportunity to establish themselves on the international stage. Their unbeaten run in the Cayman Islands has secured a place at the 2027 Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup and continued the country’s growing presence in women’s cricket.

Marnus Labuschagne’s place in Australia’s Test team is once again under serious scrutiny after coach Andrew McDonald admitted that the experienced batter “needs some big runs” following Australia’s disappointing defeat to Bangladesh in Darwin. Australia’s selectors are set to meet ahead of the second Test in Mackay, with Labuschagne and opener Jake Weatherald among the players facing the greatest pressure to retain their places. Labuschagne scored just 1 and 31 in the first Test, extending his century drought to 42 Test innings. His last Test hundred came in July 2023, and since then he has averaged only 25.32, with nine half-centuries but no century. The 32-year-old has already faced the axe once, having been dropped against the West Indies last year and sent back to domestic cricket to work on his batting technique. He responded impressively, scoring five centuries in nine innings for Queensland across Sheffield Shield and one-day cricket. Those performances earned him a recall for the Ashes, where he began with two half-centuries. However, his form has again deteriorated, with only 166 runs at an average of 18.44 across his last nine Test innings. Although Labuschagne has passed 30 in three of his last four innings, he has failed to convert those starts into substantial scores. McDonald acknowledged that the batter had shown signs of improvement in Darwin but stressed that runs remain the most important measure. “We want runs is the bottom line,” McDonald said. “He was moving well, clipping off his pads and getting back through the ball down the ground. But ultimately it’s 31. It’s not a big score.” The coach also defended the work being done with Labuschagne, saying some of the technical changes he had made appeared to have held up under the pressure of Test cricket. “We saw some change in the way that he played, so that’s good,” McDonald said. “But it is 31. He’s disappointed at that missed opportunity. He needs some big runs.” Labuschagne’s Test future at stake The decision over Labuschagne’s future carries greater significance than a routine selection call. If he is dropped for a second time within a year at the age of 32, after 64 Tests, there is growing concern that returning to the Test side could become increasingly difficult. Australia have also been keen for Labuschagne to regain his best form as they plan for the eventual departure of Steven Smith. With Smith’s Test future uncertain, Australia want an experienced batter capable of establishing himself at No. 3. Labuschagne’s position in the ODI side has also been important to Australia’s long-term planning, particularly with the next World Cup scheduled in South Africa next year. The selectors recently retained him for the Bangladesh limited-overs matches despite his poor international form, moving him down the order rather than dropping him altogether. McDonald accepted that there would be public calls for change after a heavy defeat. “The easy option is to call for change,” he said. “You lose the game. There’s going to be calls on some guys who aren’t performing to the levels that they would like or we would like.” Weatherald also under pressure Jake Weatherald is facing similar scrutiny after scores of 23 and 0 in Darwin. The opener now averages only 20.36 after 12 Test innings. Weatherald made significant technical adjustments following the Ashes in an attempt to avoid being trapped lbw. However, the changes may have affected his judgment outside off stump, with the batter nicking behind and chopping onto his stumps during the opening Test. McDonald said it was too early to determine whether the changes would succeed under sustained Test pressure. “There was some change to Jake in terms of where he lined up and his movement patterns,” he said. “It’s always hard to critique small sample sizes as to whether it holds up.” Australia’s replacement options If Australia decide to make changes to their batting order, the selectors have limited options available because no domestic cricket is currently being played during the Test series. Josh Inglis is the only specialist reserve batter in the 13-man squad, although he has batted in the top three just six times in first-class cricket. Matt Renshaw and Cooper Connolly are other options who trained with Australia’s extended squad before the series. Renshaw appears the most natural candidate for a top-three role. The 30-year-old scored three centuries in 10 Sheffield Shield innings last season and averaged 49.90, the highest average among the competition’s top 25 run-scorers. He also has an excellent record in Mackay, where he scored 170 and 135 in two of his three Shield innings. Connolly, meanwhile, is viewed as a longer-term option. The 22-year-old scored an ODI century against Bangladesh two months ago but has batted in the top three only once in first-class cricket and is yet to score a first-class century. Youngsters Sam Konstas and Campbell Kellaway are also being monitored, although they are more likely to be selected for Australia A’s tour of India in September. Australia facing a crucial selection decision McDonald acknowledged that Australia’s age profile and recent results would inevitably fuel debate about the direction of the team. “There’s always going to be calls for change on the back of a loss,” he said. “There’s going to be an emotion around that from the outside and even internally.” However, the coach stressed that Australia must focus on making the right decisions rather than reacting emotionally to one defeat. “Our guys sit in that change room at the moment, and they’re feeling it. You feel a Test loss. It means a lot to them to play for Australia,” McDonald said. Australia’s selectors now face a crucial decision ahead of the second Test in Mackay. For Labuschagne in particular, the next opportunity could be decisive as he attempts to revive his Test career and prove that he remains a key part of Australia’s future.

Tim Seifert produced a stunning 38-ball 72 to guide Manchester Super Giants to their maiden men’s Hundred title, defeating Trent Rockets by five wickets at Lord’s after chasing down 159 with two balls to spare. Seifert smashed seven sixes during his match-winning innings and capped a remarkable run of form that helped the Super Giants recover from a difficult start to the tournament. After losing three consecutive group matches and facing the prospect of elimination, Manchester won five games in a row to lift the trophy. The turnaround coincided with Jos Buttler taking over as captain following Aiden Markram’s departure from the tournament for personal reasons. Seifert was central to the revival, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer of the season and recording four half-centuries. Paul Walter also played a crucial role after being promoted to the top of the order. The Essex all-rounder struck 22 from 14 balls in the final, taking his season tally to 247 runs from five innings at a strike rate of 179. His opening partnership with Seifert provided the Super Giants with a powerful left-right combination. The pair added 66 runs from just 31 balls in the final. Seifert immediately attacked, hitting the first ball of the chase for four before launching another delivery for six. He continued his assault despite surviving a spectacular fielding effort when Finn Allen appeared to take a catch near the boundary. After a review, however, the ball was awarded six because Allen’s foot had brushed the advertising board. Seifert eventually fell for 72, joint-highest score in a Hundred final, but had already put Manchester firmly in control. Buttler contributed alongside him before falling for 26, while Leus du Plooy helped maintain the momentum. The Super Giants briefly threatened to throw the match away late in the chase. With three runs needed from the final nine deliveries, Heinrich Klaasen was caught at deep midwicket before Michael Bracewell was dismissed lbw by Mohammad Amir. Liam Dawson then missed twice against Ben Sanderson, but eventually found enough power to clear the boundary and seal victory with two deliveries remaining. Earlier, Trent Rockets made a competitive start after reaching 33 without loss during the powerplay. Their innings, however, was transformed by Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad, who removed both opening batters in a remarkable four-ball spell. Noor had endured a quiet tournament before the final, but delivered his best performance when it mattered most. He also dismissed Tim David, while Aneurin Donald’s aggressive 38 from 19 balls ended a dramatic middle-order collapse. The Rockets lost five wickets for just 47 runs during a 32-ball period, putting their innings under severe pressure. Jordan? Gregory then revived the Rockets with a powerful 32 from 16 balls, sharing a 46-run partnership with Mitchell Santner. Late boundaries from Santner and Craig Overton pushed Trent Rockets to 158. Sonny Baker claimed wickets with the final two deliveries of the innings, leaving the Rockets with what appeared to be a defendable total. But Seifert’s explosive innings changed the contest. His fearless batting broke the back of the chase and helped Manchester Super Giants complete one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Hundred history. The victory was particularly significant for Manchester, as neither the men’s nor women’s team had previously won a Hundred trophy. It also ended a long wait for silverware for the Super Giants franchise, which had gone seven IPL seasons and four SA20 campaigns without a title. For Seifert and Manchester Super Giants, the journey from three straight defeats to five consecutive victories ended in the perfect way — with a maiden Hundred championship at Lord’s.

Trent Rockets underlined their dominance in the Women's Hundred with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Sunrisers Leeds at Lord's, chasing down a modest target of 92 with 46 balls to spare. Sunrisers were bowled out for just 91 after a dramatic batting collapse, with Trent Rockets' bowlers sharing the wickets. Kim Garth, Samantha Bates, Charley Phillips and Georgia Adams claimed two wickets apiece as Sunrisers repeatedly lost clusters of wickets. The defining performance came from Adams, who once again delivered on the big stage. The allrounder, appearing in her fifth Hundred final in six editions, finished with excellent figures of 2 for 9 from 15 balls and also produced two outstanding pieces of fielding. Adams first removed the dangerous Phoebe Litchfield with a superb catch at short third before later playing a key role in the run-out of Jess Jonassen, who was dismissed for a duck. Garth sparks early collapse Sunrisers initially threatened to make a strong start when Litchfield struck four and six in the opening three balls she faced. However, Garth quickly changed the momentum. Bryony Smith attempted to clear the inner ring but found Nat Sciver-Brunt at cover. Lauren Winfield-Hill then fell to Garth after edging to backward point, leaving Sunrisers in trouble. Litchfield was the next to go. Anticipating a ramp shot, Adams moved finer before the delivery and took a sharp catch at gully off Phillips. Sunrisers finished the powerplay at 26 for 3. The pressure continued after the break. Phillips bowled Deepti Sharma for 12 after the batter made room and deflected a full delivery onto her stumps. Adams then delivered the crucial blow, dismissing Annabel Sutherland for 25 from 23 balls. The batter attempted an ambitious sweep but was beaten by the dipping offbreak and was stumped well short of her crease. Sunrisers slipped to 58 for 5 and never recovered. Adams later bowled Kate Cross off an inside edge, while her fielding remained equally impressive. She produced a full-length dive at cover and a precise throw that helped run out Jonassen for a duck. Dani Gibson provided a brief late spark with four boundaries, including three in succession, but Garth and Ashleigh Gardner combined to end her resistance. Gardner corrected her line and Garth completed an excellent catch at point. Sunrisers eventually folded for 91, leaving the Rockets with a straightforward chase. Dunkley and Mooney make light work of chase The target proved far too small to defend. Sophia Dunkley and Beth Mooney immediately put Sunrisers under pressure, racing to a 69-run opening partnership from just 40 balls. Dunkley attacked from the outset, striking boundaries and clearing the ropes twice. Mooney was equally assured, finding the gaps and punishing loose deliveries. The Rockets reached 45 without loss at the end of the powerplay and had effectively settled the contest. Dunkley eventually fell for an entertaining 41 from 23 balls, while Annabel Sutherland briefly added to Sunrisers' hopes by dismissing Nat Sciver-Brunt for 4. But the result was never seriously in doubt. Gardner then finished the chase in style, driving Jess Jonassen through the covers for the winning boundary. Trent Rockets reached 92 for 2 with 46 balls remaining. The emphatic victory extended the Rockets' remarkable run and reinforced their status as the standout team of the competition. Having entered the final on a six-match winning streak, they produced another clinical performance when it mattered most, with their bowlers dismantling Sunrisers before their batters completed the job with ease.

India 460 for 9 (Padikkal 167, Rahul 82, Jurel 51; Jayasuriya 4-109, Nuwantha 3-175) vs Sri Lanka Sri Lanka’s spin duo of Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha shared seven wickets as India continued to build a formidable first-innings total on another rain-affected day of the Test. Only 43 overs were possible after rain washed out the first half of play, but India still reached 460 for 9. Devdutt Padikkal was the standout performer, converting his overnight score of 131 into an impressive 167. Dhruv Jurel also made a valuable contribution with a composed half-century, while Keshara Nuwantha produced a much-improved spell on only his second day of Test cricket. India resumed on 288 for 2 with an aggressive approach, seemingly aware of the time already lost to rain and the uncertain forecast for the remainder of the Test. Rishabh Pant immediately attacked, hitting a boundary from the first ball he faced, but his stay was short-lived. He attempted another aggressive shot and was caught at wide mid-off. Sri Lanka then made an important breakthrough by taking the second new ball as soon as it became available, seven overs into the day. Nuwantha continued with the new ball and found both sharp turn and useful variation while maintaining better accuracy. He soon dismissed KL Rahul, who had returned after cramps interrupted his innings on the opening day. Rahul, who had made 82, was caught at bat-pad off a sharp offbreak. Nuwantha then trapped Ravindra Jadeja lbw, giving Sri Lanka a crucial period of control. At the other end, Padikkal remained in complete command. He used the depth of his crease effectively against the spinners and brought up his 150 with a confident flick off Asitha Fernando. However, his excellent innings finally ended when Jayasuriya produced a delivery that held its line, leaving Padikkal stranded outside his crease. With India reduced to 377 for 6, Sri Lanka had an opportunity to restrict the hosts. That hope was quickly diminished by a 55-run partnership between Jurel and Manav Suthar. Jurel's innings was understated but highly effective. He quietly accumulated runs and reached his half-century with another single, while two powerful pulls off Lahiru Kumara provided the most eye-catching moments of his knock. Jayasuriya then produced one of the deliveries of the day, turning the ball from leg stump to induce a stunning slip catch by Dhananjaya de Silva soon after Jurel reached his fifty. India subsequently promoted Mohammed Siraj up the order in search of quick runs. Siraj responded by launching Nuwantha for a huge six before falling to a slower delivery from Asitha Fernando. Suthar also departed late in the day, hitting Jayasuriya straight to long-on as the final overs disappeared. Despite losing seven wickets to Sri Lanka's spinners, India finished the rain-shortened day in a commanding position at 460 for 9. With further rain interruptions possible, the visitors will now hope to wrap up the innings quickly before attempting to make early inroads into Sri Lanka's batting.

Pakistan have dropped experienced fast bowler Diana Baig from their squads for the upcoming Women's Asia Cup and Asian Games, signalling a potential shift in the team's T20 plans. Baig, who made her T20I debut in 2015, was also left out of Pakistan's recent three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka after struggling for form during the T20 World Cup. She failed to make an impact after being brought into the playing XI against Australia and the Netherlands. Experienced all-rounder Aliya Riaz is another notable absentee from Pakistan's Asia Cup squad. However, she has been included in the 15-member squad for the Asian Games. Riaz's place came under pressure following a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign in which she scored just 37 runs in four matches. Her fielding also attracted criticism after she dropped several important catches at crucial moments. Pakistan have instead opted for a younger pace-bowling group. Saira Jabeen, Tasmia Rubab and Waheeda Akhtar have been included alongside captain Fatima Sana, who returns to lead the side in both tournaments after being given permission to skip the Sri Lanka series to play in The Hundred. Jabeen has been selected for both tournaments, while Waheeda is part of the Asia Cup squad and Tasmia has been selected for the Asian Games. The selections indicate that Pakistan are looking beyond Baig as they prepare to rebuild their T20I side. There are three changes between the squads named for the two tournaments. Wicketkeeper Najiha Alvi and left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal have been selected only for the Asia Cup, while Aliya Riaz returns for the Asian Games squad. The Pakistan Cricket Board said the Asian Games squad had been submitted in June. As a result, Riaz's inclusion in that squad came before her poor performances at the T20 World Cup and does not necessarily indicate that she remains part of Pakistan's immediate T20 plans. Pakistan have struggled in the format recently, winning just two of their last 10 completed T20Is. They lost four of their five matches at the T20 World Cup, with their only victory coming against the Netherlands. They then lost the first two matches of their series in Sri Lanka before claiming a consolation win in the final game. Their struggles had begun even before the World Cup, with defeats against West Indies and Ireland in a preparatory tri-nation series in Dublin. Pakistan's Asia Cup campaign Pakistan have been placed in a group alongside India, Hong Kong and Thailand at the Asia Cup. They will begin their campaign against Thailand on September 1 before facing arch-rivals India on September 5. Their final group-stage match will be against Hong Kong on September 7. Asian Games campaign At the Asian Games later in September, Pakistan are scheduled to play Thailand in the fourth quarter-final on September 17. The selections for both tournaments suggest Pakistan are beginning to look toward a new generation of players while reducing their reliance on some of their more experienced campaigners. Pakistan women's squad for Asia Cup Fatima Sana (captain), Ayesha Zafar, Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Momina Riasat, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wicketkeeper), Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar. Reserves: Tasmia Rubab, Humna Bilal, Maham Anees, Sadaf Shamas Pakistan women's squad for Asian Games Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Humna Bilal, Momina Riasat, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wicketkeeper), Nashra Sundhu, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan and Umm-e-Hani. Reserves: Natalia Parvaiz, Waheeda Akhtar, Sadia Iqbal, Syeda Aroob Shah, Rameen Shamim

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto hailed his team’s collective effort after Bangladesh secured a historic nine-wicket victory over Australia in the first Test in Darwin, saying the entire squad deserved the Player-of-the-Match award. The victory was Bangladesh’s first-ever Test win on Australian soil and came in only their third Test match in the country. Fast bowler Hasan Mahmud was officially named Player of the Match after taking nine wickets, but Shanto credited the whole team for the memorable achievement. Shanto reserved particular praise for Bangladesh’s fast bowlers Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain, whose incisive bowling on the opening day set the tone for the match. The trio dismissed Australia for 198 after Shanto lost the toss. “If you look at the first session of the match, I think the way Hasan, Taskin and Ebadot bowled, that set the tone for this match,” Shanto said. Hasan was especially impressive, continuing a strong run of performances that included county cricket in England before the tour. Shanto noted that Hasan’s experience in similar conditions helped him make an immediate impact in Darwin. Bangladesh’s fast bowlers took all 10 Australian wickets in an innings for only the second time in the country’s Test history. The spin department also played a crucial role. Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed his 15th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, while Taijul Islam made a vital contribution with both bat and ball. Taijul dismissed Marnus Labuschagne at a crucial stage of Australia’s second innings despite carrying a finger injury. Shanto praised the experience of his two senior spinners and their ability to adapt to the conditions. “I thought Miraz used the conditions pretty well, especially in the second innings,” he said. “They have their experience. They have played a lot of Test matches and they know their role.” Bangladesh’s batting effort was equally significant. Tanzid Hasan scored his maiden Test century in just his second match, while the lower order helped Bangladesh build a commanding first-innings total of 426. Shanto was particularly proud of the resilience shown by the tailenders, who remained at the crease for 52.3 overs. “I think the Bangladesh team should be given the Player-of-the-Match trophy. Everyone contributed in some way or other,” Shanto said. He also singled out Tanzid’s century and Miraz’s all-round performance, while praising Hasan Mahmud, Taijul, Taskin and Ebadot for their valuable runs down the order. “I'm really proud of the way our lower order batted in this game,” Shanto said. “We usually don't get a lot out of their batting, so this was a really important contribution in this game.” The victory came after a difficult preparation period for Bangladesh. They had been bowled out for just 54 in their only practice match in Darwin and had suffered an innings defeat against Zimbabwe in their previous Test. However, Shanto said the team refused to allow those setbacks to affect their confidence. “We spoke about our mistakes, but we were also giving everyone a chance to bat and bowl in that game,” he said, emphasizing that the practice match was treated as preparation rather than a reflection of the team’s potential. Bangladesh also drew confidence from their 2-0 Test series victory over Pakistan in May, which remained in the players’ minds despite the subsequent defeat to Zimbabwe. Ahead of the Australia tour, Shanto said the team had discussed the rarity of playing in Australia, particularly for a generation of Bangladesh cricketers who had never experienced a Test tour there. Rather than worrying about Australia’s world-class batting and bowling attacks, Bangladesh focused on embracing the challenge. “We wanted to enjoy doing these things rather than feel worried about the conditions,” Shanto said. “We accepted the challenge, which showed in the way we adapted and enjoyed in this Test match.” Following the historic victory, Shanto said the team received congratulations from Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the Bangladesh Cricket Board president and the home minister. He also encouraged the players and supporters to celebrate the landmark achievement. “I prefer keeping myself grounded. It is my nature,” Shanto said. “We should definitely celebrate this win. We get these moments very few times in our life, so we should spend the whole day in celebrating this win.” The result marks a landmark moment for Bangladesh cricket and gives the team significant momentum as they continue their Test tour of Australia.