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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.

Catch all FIFA World Cup 2026 live updates here!

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.

Catch all FIFA World Cup 2026 live updates here!

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.

Catch all FIFA World Cup 2026 live updates here!

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.

Catch all FIFA World Cup 2026 live updates here!

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

Bosnia-Herzegovina are on the verge of reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time after beating 2022 hosts Qatar 3-1 in their final Group B match on Wednesday.

Bosnia move onto four points and are in a strong position to be one of the best eight third-placed teams to progress to the last 32.

Qatar, meanwhile, exited at the group stage, just as they did four years ago.

Goals from Bosnia’s youngest-ever World Cup player, 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic, and an own goal by Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada looked to have put the European side in the box seat.

However, Qatar made a game of it when 35-year-old Hassan al-Haydos, their most capped player, pulled one back late in the first half.

Ermin Mahmic then put the game beyond the Qataris when he scored for the second successive match in the 80th minute.

Bosnia flew out of the blocks as soon as the whistle went, testing Abunada twice inside the first four minutes.

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First Abunada denied Ermedin Demirovic’s fierce drive and then he tipped away Ivan Sunjic’s shot.

Bosnia’s dominance finally paid off but it was not to be 40-year-old talisman Edin Dzeko who broke the deadlock but the sublimely-talented teenage left wing.

Abunada was unable to do anything about Alajbegovic’s screamer from outside the area, after he had beaten two players.

The youngster was mobbed by his team-mates and once they had trotted back to the halfway line he stood and milked the moment, putting a finger to his lips.

Dzeko, winning his 150th cap, came more and more into the game and not wishing to have his thunder stolen by the new kid on the block he played an integral role in their second five minutes later.

His shot took a wicked deflection off al-Brake and then Abunada on its way into the net.

Dzeko was well into his stride now and he broke clear a few minutes later, his shot beating Abunada but rebounding off the post.

Bosnia’s earlier sprightliness dipped in the heat, and it was the doyen of Qatari football, Al-Haydos, who repaid coach Julen Lopetegui’s faith in slotting home in the 42nd minute.

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The Bosnian defence failed to learn from that and in time added on they had the far post to thank for keeping their noses in front as Pedro Miguel’s shot came back off it.

Al-Haydos’s World Cup, and perhaps his distinguished international career, ended in tears as he trudged disconsolately off the pitch injured in the 55th minute.

Chances were few and far between until Esmir stole in from the right wing and came close to emulating Alajbegovic’s effort but Abunada turned it away for a corner.

Bosnian frustration gave way to ecstasy when Mahmic prodded the ball home — the scorer ripping his shirt off in celebration and the 21-year-old paid little notice to being booked for it.

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

Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi fired Switzerland to top spot in FIFA World Cup Group 2026 B on Wednesday with a 2-1 win over Canada as the co-hosts also ensured a historic spot in the knockout rounds.

With the top two teams in the pool meeting in Vancouver, both knew that a victory would ensure first place in the group and, in theory, a kinder draw in the knockout stages.

Vargas and Manzambi’s second-half strikes were enough to ensure the Swiss finished on seven points, while Promise David pulled a goal back in the final 15 minutes for Canada, but they finished up three points behind their opponent and reached the last 32 for the first time in their history.

Prior to the 2026 edition, the North Americans had never won a match at a finals but with their second-placed finish in the pool they will play the runner-up from Group A on Sunday in Los Angeles.

Switzerland will meet one of the best third-placed sides next week.

Bosnia-Herzegovina wrapped up third in Group B thanks to a 3-1 win over Qatar and will face an anxious wait to see if their four points are enough to extend their stay at the World Cup.

Catch all FIFA World Cup 2026 live updates here!

Prior to kick-off, Canada midfielder Ismael Kone entered the pitch in a wheelchair after suffering a leg break in Canada’s 6-0 demolition of Qatar last week and was treated to a standing ovation by the spectators at BC Place Vancouver.

Breel Embolo was presented with a golden chance to open the scoring for the Swiss after 10 minutes, but could only fire straight at the goalkeeper before Manzambi struck the rebound into the chest of a defender.

Canada’s first big opportunity to break the deadlock arrived just after the half-hour as striker Cyle Larin cut in on his right foot and tried to bend the ball beyond Gregor Kobel.

The Swiss stopper was called into action again shortly before half-time as he dropped down to his right to palm a tame Ali Ahmed effort wide of his near post.

After an entertaining first half, the match sparked into life seconds after the interval as Vargas gave Switzerland lift-off.

A simple ball down the line released Manzambi, whose cross from the right evaded everyone until the 27-year-old popped up in acres of space at the back post and took an excellent first touch before rifling past Maxime Crepeau.

Manzambi then put the cherry on a fine performance as he netted his third of the tournament on 57 minutes, profiting from some poor goalkeeping to squeeze in a right-footed shot after decent hold-up play on the edge of the box by Embolo.

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Canada boss Jesse Marsch responded by making three substitutions, including sending on LAFC midfielder Stephen Eustaquio.

Jonathan David, who scored a hat-trick in Canada’s last outing, turned sharply in the Swiss box and fired an effort at goal as the co-hosts tried to get a foot back in the match before the second hydration break, but Nico Elvedi flung himself in the ball’s path.

But moments after the three-minute break, Promise David, who had just entered the field, gave Canada hope as he stretched to turn in a sublime ball from Nathan Saliba.

The goal set up a grandstand finish with a leveller for Canada certain to send them through as group winners.

The Canadians came close from a couple of set-pieces at the match’s climax but Switzerland held on to claim top spot.

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