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India beat Bangladesh by five wickets in Manchester on Thursday to bolster their hopes of a semi-final place at the Women’s T20 World Cup.

Chasing a modest target of 137 at Old Trafford, opener Shafali Verma struck 53 from 34 balls as India reached their target inside 17 overs.

India and South Africa are now effectively involved in a shoot-out for the second semi-final spot behind unbeaten Group A leaders Australia.

Victory left India two points clear of South Africa and Bangladesh in second spot, but their biggest clash in the tournament will come on Sunday against Australia, with a last-four place up for grabs.

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Bangladesh still have a slim mathematical chance of qualifying for the knockout stages, with their last pool match against South Africa, also at Lord’s on Sunday.

India will likely need to improve their fielding against six-time champions Australia after dropping four catches on Thursday, although Bangladesh were too weak to capitalise as they slumped to 136-8.

Spin again provided the bulk of India’s wickets, with Radha Yadav taking 3-28 and Shree Charani 2-21.

South Africa defeated Netherlands comprehensively by 88 runs at Bristol to boost their Net Run Rate.

Tazmin Britz struck a sublime 114* off 69 balls, including 15 fours and three sixes, propelling her side to massive 208 run total in 20 overs.

In reply, Netherlands were limited to 120-8 in 20 overs as Ayabonga Khaka starred with the ball, picking up a three-wicket haul.

READ: Mohammad Amir joins Nottinghamshire as local player for T20 Blast

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir is set to join Nottinghamshire Outlaws as a local player for the remainder of the T20 Blast 2026.

Nottinghamshire confirmed the signing in a detailed press release statement.

“Left-arm quick Amir, 34, has claimed 425 career Twenty20 wickets at an average of just 22.63 and an overall economy rate of 7.36 per over, with a best return of 6/17,” the statement read

“He is a two-time international trophy winner, having lifted the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy with Pakistan, both of which were hosted in England.”

Amir represented Pakistan in 159 international matches and picked up 271 wickets before calling it a day in 2024. Last month, he became a British Citizen after obtaining a UK passport.

He has been picked up as a replacement player for Afghanistan’s AM Ghazanfar, who has withdrawn from the tournament to manage his workload.

Following the announcement, Amir said he was looking forward to joining Notts and was eager to contribute.

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“I’m really excited to have joined Notts. I’ve heard lots of good things about this club, and I’m looking forward to it,” the press release statement quoted Amir.

“I have lots and lots of memories at Trent Bridge, and I know that T20 is all about entertaining the people, so I’ll be trying my best to do well for this team and make this crowd happy,” he added.

The 34-year-old said that the team had played the last three games really well and that he would try to help carry that momentum forward.

“The team have played the last three games really well, and I’ll be trying to help carry that momentum forward throughout the tournament.”

Outlaws have won three out of six games and are currently in second place in the North Group. Mohammad Amir will be in line to play their next game on Friday against the Kent Spitfires.

READ: Mike Hesson details blueprint for white-ball training at NCA

LAHORE: Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has shared details of a comprehensive training program for the white-ball preparatory camp currently underway at the National Cricket Academy.

Speaking to the PCB digital, Hesson discussed the white-ball preparatory camp in detail.

“The first couple of weeks of the white-ball camp have mainly been about medical testing and fitness assessments, which allow us to get a baseline of where the players are at,” he said.

Hesson said that the team would focus on skill development alongside fitness training from the following week.

“We also have time to make some real improvements from a conditioning point of view. From next week, we will start working on the skills side alongside fitness.”

The 51-year-old mentioned white-ball players playing across formats, noting that they have ample time to improve fitness.

“Most white-ball players, especially those involved in different formats, struggle to get a good block of training. A huge advantage for us is that we have almost three months where we can make some big gains from a conditioning point of view.”

He praised Dr. Javed Mughal — appointed as the Director of Medical and Sports Science PCB at the start of this year.

“Dr Javed Mughal has come in and set some high standards in terms of medical screening and conditioning. The players are finding it tough, which is no surprise. When you play for long periods, fitness levels can go down from a general conditioning and strength perspective.”

“To withstand the demands of international cricket, players have to be incredibly fit and strong. We are working on both areas,” the head coach added.

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Hesson revealed that every camp started with individual meetings involving players, the head coach, and NCA staff to formulate an Individual Performance Plan (IPP) for each player.

“We start every camp with individual meetings involving the player, the head coach, NCA staff, the conditioning and the medical teams. We are all working together to come up with an Individual Performance Plan (IPP) for every player.”

He praised Pakistan’s emerging talent, adding that the squad for the Asian Games had a promising blend of youth and experience.

“It is exciting to work with a lot of the U19 talent. I met with Sameer Minhas and Farhan Yousaf and have also been involved with Ali Raza and Abdul Subhan over the last month or so. It is great to expose them to the levels they need to reach. We need to give them experience and challenge them so that when they get the opportunity to play for Pakistan.”

“We have time to put a lot of good work into the squad for the Asian Games. It is an exciting squad with a good mix of experience and youth. There are some recent U19 players, while there are also players who have been part of squads but have not had many playing opportunities.

“This is a great chance for us to expose them to the next level and see how they respond, especially with the World Cup in mind in around a year and a half,” he concluded.

READ: Mexico thump Czechia to keep perfect World Cup record in Group A

Co-hosts Mexico cemented top place in Group A of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 with a perfect record as they defeated Czechia 3-0 in the Estadio Azteca on Wednesday.

Mexico move on to a last-32 match in the same stadium on June 30, while the Czechs return home after finishing bottom of the group.

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Mateo Chavez gave Mexico the lead in the 55th minute, and Julian Quinones took advantage of disarray in the Czech defence six minutes later to extend the lead.

Alvaro Fidalgo completed a sparkling evening for the Mexicans as he smashed in a cross four minutes into added time.

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Mexico even brought on goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa as a second-half substitute, allowing the veteran to play in a sixth World Cup finals at the age of 40.

READ: South Africa stun South Korea to make World Cup history

South Africa beat South Korea 1-0 on Wednesday to reach the FIFA World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history, an astonishing turnaround after a dismal opening defeat in the 2026 edition.

The Bafana Bafana, playing in a World Cup for the first time since they hosted it in 2010, were widely written off after their 2-0 loss to Group A winners Mexico in the tournament’s curtain-raiser.

But they battled to a draw against the Czech Republic and came out on top of what was effectively a shootout with South Korea for second place in Monterrey, thanks to Thapelo Maseko’s second-half strike.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos said it was difficult to put his side’s achievement into words.

“We scored that goal, and it was 20 minutes of heartbeating and hoping that the game would be finished as soon as possible,” said the Belgian.

“So yes, we are in the second round. It’s historic. But I’m very happy for the guys. I’ve worked with them for five years. And what we did in those five years is amazing.”

South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo made a shock call by leaving captain Son Heung-min — considered by many to be Asia’s greatest-ever player — out of the starting line-up.

The Asian team started strongly, with stand-in captain Kim Min-jae’s powerful header blocked on the goalline by Aubrey Modiba before Lee Kang-in flashed wide.

South Africa quickly settled, playing with hunger and adventure, but their finishing was wasteful.

They seemed certain to take the lead in the 30th minute when the ball fell to Evidence Makgopa after South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu parried Thalente Mbatha’s shot.

But Makgopa could only tamely poke the ball straight at the goalkeeper from close range.

Son came on at the start of the second half, one of three changes made by coach Hong as he sought to change the script.

Early in the second period, Maseko squandered another good position while South Korea forward Oh Hyeon-gyu tested goalkeeper Ronwen Williams at the other end.

As news filtered through from Mexico City that the host nation were leading against the Czech Republic, there was an added sense of urgency.

South Africa seized their moment with Tshepang Moremi crossing to Maseko, who this time kept his cool, firing home inside the near post in the 63rd minute.

South Korea pushed hard in the closing stages but ran out of time, meaning South Africa will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on June 28.

Co-hosts Mexico topped the group with nine points after winning all three of their matches.

READ: Morocco overcome Haiti to reach World Cup knockouts

Morocco twice overcame the shock of conceding to Haiti to win a FIFA World Cup 2026 thriller 4-2 in Atlanta on Wednesday, but missed out on top spot in Group C to Brazil.

Haiti bowed out with their first World Cup goals for 52 years, as a Yassine Bounou own goal and Wilson Isidor’s stunning strike twice gave them the lead.

Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari, with his third goal in as many games at the World Cup, levelled before half-time.

Soufiane Rahimi was nearly brought to tears when the 30-year-old’s deflected effort found the top corner to give Morocco the lead before Gessime Yassine rounded off the scoring.

But Morocco missed out on top spot in the group to Brazil on goal difference, meaning they will head to Monterrey for a likely meeting against the Netherlands or Japan on Monday.

Despite bowing out without a point, Haiti’s performances at their first World Cup since 1974 have done a nation gripped by poverty proud.

Les Grenadiers were already eliminated after losing to Scotland and Brazil, but the thousands of Haitian expats in the stands at Atlanta were undeterred as every attack was met with deafening cheers.

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Morocco boss Mohamed Ouahbi made four changes to the side that had impressed in holding Brazil and beating Scotland in their opening two games, and the Atlas Lions started sloppily.

Haiti’s long wait for a goal on the global stage was ended after just 10 minutes when Jean-Kevin Duverne got the by-line, and Lenny Joseph flicked his cross into the net via a deflection off Bounou.

Hakimi has continued to captain Morocco despite learning mid-tournament that he is to face a trial on rape charges in France.

The reigning African footballer of the year stormed forward from right-back at every opportunity and was in the right place to equalise on 39 minutes.

In his final game for Haiti, 38-year-old goalkeeper Jonny Placide could only parry Bilal El Khannouss’ strike, and Hakimi had a simple task to force the ball over the line.

Within four minutes, though, Haiti had restored their lead in far more spectacular fashion.

Sunderland striker Isidor pounced on a loose ball and let fly from outside the area with a shot that arrowed into the top corner.

Hakimi and Ouahbi were visibly angered by conceding for a second time, but the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists responded before half-time.

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Saibari stroked home his third goal of the tournament with a cool finish from Hakimi’s low cross.

Brahim Diaz nearly even gave Morocco a half-time lead when his curling effort shaved the post to end a thrilling first half.

With Brazil cruising to victory over Scotland in Miami, Morocco knew only a comprehensive victory would secure them top spot in Group C.

Ouahbi began turning his attention to the last 32 as Bayern Munich-bound Saibari and Real Madrid’s Diaz were replaced with over 20 minutes remaining.

But two of his substitutes came on to win the game for Morocco.

Rahimi’s powerful strike from a corner flew into the top corner via a deflection off a desperate Haiti defender.

He then turned provider by robbing possession on the Haiti by-line and crossing for Yassine to roll into an empty net.

READ: Neymar returns as Brazil cruise past Scotland to reach Round of 32

MIAMI: Neymar made his first appearance of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after recovering from injury as Brazil secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Scotland to book their place in the Round of 32 on Wednesday.

The 34-year-old forward, who had not featured in Brazil’s opening two matches due to a calf injury sustained in May, came off the bench in the 76th minute at Hard Rock Stadium to mark his long-awaited return to international action.

While Neymar’s comeback drew significant attention, it was Vinicius Junior who stole the show with a brilliant first-half display that put Brazil firmly in control of the contest.

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The Real Madrid winger gave the five-time world champions an early breakthrough in the seventh minute, finishing off a swift attacking move to hand his side the advantage.

Vinicius thought he had doubled Brazil’s lead midway through the first half when he found the net again in the 22nd minute. However, a VAR review ruled the effort out for offside, much to Scotland’s relief.

The setback did little to slow the Brazilian star down as he struck once more in first-half stoppage time, restoring his place on the scoresheet and giving Brazil a commanding 2-0 lead heading into the interval.

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Scotland struggled to contain Brazil’s attacking threat throughout the evening and found themselves further behind on the hour mark when Matheus Cunha added a third goal.

The striker, who had already impressed with a brace against Haiti in Brazil’s previous match, continued his fine form by extending the South Americans’ lead and effectively putting the result beyond doubt.

With the game comfortably under control, head coach Carlo Ancelotti introduced Neymar in place of Cunha in the 76th minute, allowing the veteran forward to make his first appearance of the tournament.

READ: England’s Rice, James face fitness test ahead of Panama clash

New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson will miss the series-deciding final Test against England at Trent Bridge as a fitness precaution, captain Tom Latham said on Wednesday.

The towering paceman, nearly 7 feet (2.13 metres) tall, took 10 wickets at an impressive average of 24.20 in the opening two Tests of a three-match series, all square at 1-1 heading into the start of Thursday’s match in Nottingham.

Jamieson has recovered from a succession of back injuries and, having sent down 65 overs at Lord’s and the Oval in the first two Tests, the most of any bowler on either side, he has been removed from contention at Trent Bridge in a bid to manage his workload.

“KJ won’t be available for selection, the plan was always for him to play two Test matches,” Latham told reporters at Trent Bridge on Wednesday.

“He’s certainly not injured; there’s nothing to worry about. We know the road he’s had over the last two or three years, and for him to get back to this point, to be able to play two matches, has been a win for us and a win for KJ.”

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Blair Tickner is in contention as a replacement seamer, while New Zealand are also considering recalling fit-again left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, given the forecast for unusually hot and dry conditions in Nottingham.

Severe heat warnings are in place for the first two days, but Test cricket regularly takes place in soaring temperatures, with a sanguine Latham insisting: “I wouldn’t say it’s a concern.

“As international cricketers, we’re used to playing around the world in pretty hot and humid conditions,” he added.

“From a hydration point of view, it’s important to stay in touch with that and give yourself the best chance of performing over the five days.”

READ: England beat West Indies to reach Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final

MIAMI: Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has named Neymar among the substitutes for Wednesday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C clash against Scotland, with the veteran forward set to make his long-awaited return after recovering from a calf injury.

The five-time world champions have made just one change to the side that defeated Haiti 3-0 in their previous outing, with teenage forward Rayan replacing the injured Raphinha in the starting lineup.

Raphinha was forced off during the first half against Haiti after suffering an injury, prompting Ancelotti to hand Rayan a starting role alongside Vinicius Junior and Matheus Cunha in Brazil’s attacking trio.

The 19-year-old impressed after coming off the bench in Brazil’s last match and now gets the opportunity to start in a crucial fixture as the South Americans look to secure top spot in Group C.

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Neymar, meanwhile, has been included in the matchday squad after missing Brazil’s opening two matches of the tournament.

The 34-year-old has been sidelined since suffering a calf injury more than a month ago and will begin on the bench despite recently returning to full training.

Brazil enter the contest in strong form after bouncing back from a 1-1 draw against Morocco with a convincing victory over Haiti. Matheus Cunha starred in that match with a brace, while Vinicius Junior also found the net.

Scotland, on the other hand, have made four changes to their starting XI as they seek a result that could boost their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage.

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Lawrence Shankland, Ben Gannon-Doak, Scott McKenna and Kenny McLean have all been drafted into the lineup, replacing Grant Hanley, Kieran Tierney, Ryan Christie and Che Adams.

The Scots began their campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Haiti before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Morocco, with Ismael Saibari’s early strike proving decisive.

Brazil currently sit at the top of Group C on goal difference, level on points with Morocco, and need a positive result to strengthen their chances of advancing as group winners.

Brazil Starting XI: Alisson, Danilo, Gabriel Magalhaes, Marquinhos, Douglas Santos, Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Lucas Paqueta, Rayan, Vinicius Junior, Matheus Cunha.

Scotland Starting XI: Angus Gunn, Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay, John McGinn, Jack Hendry, Ben Gannon-Doak, Lewis Ferguson, Lawrence Shankland, Nathan Patterson, Kenny McLean, Scott McKenna.

READ: Qatar eliminated as Bosnia-Herzegovina keep knockout hopes alive

Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s fine innings at the top of the order laid the foundation for England’s 38-run win over the West Indies at Lord’s on Wednesday as the tournament hosts moved into the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup.

Wyatt-Hodge’s 65 was the cornerstone of England’s 186-7 also featuring a useful 43 from former captain Heather Knight.

West Indies never truly threatened a target of 187 and finished on 148-5 in their 20 overs, with Chinelle Henry’s unbeaten 51 ensuring they batted out their full allocation even if they rarely threatened to get the runs they required.

Victory saw England, without a major women’s trophy since winning the 2017 50-over World Cup on home soil, make it four wins out of four at this tournament.

Wyatt-Hoge struck eight fours in a fine 42-ball innings before she was run-out by team-mate Knight, who helped bolster England’s total and once the hosts removed Hayley Matthews in contentious fashion for 14, the result was rarely in doubt

England’s win, achieved without injured captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, and ahead of their final pool fixture with New Zealand, has secured a last-four berth.

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West Indies’ hopes were all but dashed when Matthews was given out caught behind by wicket=keeper Amy Jones off Linsey Smith.

England reviewed the original not out decision and while a spike was visible on UltraEdge, there was a gap between bat and ball.

Nevertheless, TV umpire Nimali Perera eventually ruled in England’s favour much to Matthews’s evident despair.

Matthews fell for 14 off 17 balls, but only after a brief show of dissent on the field before she continued her complaints with match referee Shandre Fritz.

Without captain Matthews, West Indies quickly collapsed to 69-4 after a fine catch on the boundary rope by Alice Capsey gave stand-in skipper Charlie Dean the first of two wickets.

READ: England’s Rice, James face fitness test ahead of Panama clash