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India have reached the final of the U18 Hockey Asia Cup 2026 after a 5-3 win over Pakistan in a nail-biting second semi-final of the tournament. Both teams started the knockout match with high energy and attacking play, making it a fast and intense opening quarter.

India got a penalty stroke after Pakistan&rsquo;s review failed to change the on-field decision. Purti Ashish Tani stepped up and scored from the spot in the 12th minute to put the Indian team ahead early.

Pakistan pushed back in the second quarter and won several penalty corners, but they could not turn any of them into goals. But then, Adeel came up with a fine finish in the 27th minute, helping the green shirts level the score at 1-1 before half-time.

The third quarter had India going on the attack more often, while Pakistan stayed organized and looked threatening on counter-attacks. India moved back in front in the 35th minute through Ali Shahrukh, who produced a scintillating strike to make it 2-1. Pakistan replied quickly, with Muhammad Farhan Aslam scoring in the 37th minute to level things again at 2-2.

Pakistan then took the lead in the 42nd minute when Uzair Ahmed scored from a penalty corner, making it 3-2 as they went into the final quarter.

However, the last quarter went India&rsquo;s way. Purti Ashish Tani brought the game level again in the 38th minute from a penalty corner, then completed his hat-trick in the 53rd minute to put India ahead 4-3. The ace striker then scored again in the final moments, as India took charge of the match and wrapped up a 5-3 win over the archrivals. They will now meet Japan in the all-important U18 Hockey Asia Cup final on Saturday, which is expected to be a thrilling contest.

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India defeated Pakistan in the latest U18 Hockey Asia Cup semi-final. The game remained highly competitive from the beginning, but India finally came ahead in the last quarter with back-to-back goals.

India Secure Final Spot with Win Over Pakistan in U18 Hockey Asia Cup Semi Final

Shashini Gimhani has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Women&rsquo;s T20 World Cup 2026 after suffering a lower-back injury in training. She won&rsquo;t take part in the tournament and has been replaced by right-arm seamer Chethana Vimukthi.

Vimukthi is still waiting for her T20I debut for Sri Lanka, but she has already played three ODIs, all against New Zealand in March 2025. Earlier this year, she also took part in the Women&rsquo;s Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament and featured in one T20 match for Sri Lanka A.

The 15-member Sri Lanka squad left for the UK on June 2. Chamari Athapaththu will lead the side and is set to play her tenth T20 World Cup.

Sri Lanka enter the tournament after a clean sweep in their recent T20I series and will be hoping to keep that form going into the World Cup. They are placed in a tough Group 2 that includes hosts England, defending champions New Zealand, West Indies, Ireland and Scotland.

They start their campaign against England at Edgbaston on June 12, followed by a clash with New Zealand in Southampton on June 16.

After that, they take on West Indies and Ireland in Bristol on June 21 and June 23, before wrapping up the group stage against Scotland in Manchester on June 26.

<h2>Sri Lanka Updated Squad for ICC Women&rsquo;s T20 World Cup 2026</h2>

Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya, Chethana Vimukthi.

Sri Lanka have suffered a major setback ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, as Shashini Gimhani has been ruled out of the tournament due to lower back injury.

Sri Lanka Face Fresh Injury Setback Ahead of Women's T20 World Cup

India head coach Gautam Gambhir is backing the new ICC plan to switch red ball with pink ball in test internationals. He said the move by the global cricket governing body is a right call, as it will give teams a chance to get a result in the match.

Speaking on the eve of India&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/india-vs-afghanistan-only-test-preview/6130-2-0">one-off test</a> against Afghanistan, Gautam Gambhir threw his weight behind the ICC call, saying this move will help both teams to play with better motivation.

&nbsp;&quot;I love that because I&#39;ve always believed that if there&#39;s an opportunity to get a result, you should always have that opportunity.&rdquo; said Gautam Gambhir while talking to the reporters.

&ldquo;Imagine if you are playing the last Test match before the World Test Championship final and you have the chance to win that Test match to qualify, and because of bad light, it&#39;s not happening. So I&#39;m all for it.&quot; added Gautam Gambhir.

He then gave the example of the World Test Championship, saying it is a tournament for which teams work very hard, so getting the fair chance to play all its matches is certainly a great idea.

&quot;If there&#39;s an opportunity to get the result, if both teams agree to it&hellip; I know it could be a little unfair and difficult for the players, but imagine working hard for two years and the last Test match before the World Test Championship final, if you don&#39;t play five days because of bad light, how unfair that could be.&rdquo; said India head coach Gautam Gambhir.

&ldquo;So I think it&#39;s a proactive move, it&#39;s a positive move, and, hopefully, the teams will start taking it in a positive way.&quot; added Gautam Gambhir.

He further said that India is optimistic to reach the WTC final, as the team has the hunger to bring the prestigious test mace home.

&quot;Till you have the opportunity to qualify for the World Test Championship final. You are always optimistic because we know the kind of quality we have and the kind of talent we have. I don&#39;t think there is any reason not to believe that we cannot win the World Test Championship and that is what not only we but everyone sitting in the dressing room believes.&rdquo; said Gautam Gambhir.

&quot;Yes, we can have one-odd bad series here and there but we know the kind of talent and how much hunger we have in the dressing room.&quot; added Gautam Gambhir.

Gautam Gambhir is backing the ICC call to change red-ball with pink-ball in test cricket. He said the move will give both teams a fair chance to play for a result in the test match.

Gautam Gambhir Throws Support Behind Pink-Ball Change in Test Cricket

The day began with England&#39;s bowlers completing New Zealand&#39;s first innings for 113. The visitors resumed, hoping to build on the resistance shown by <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/jamieson-strikes-early-as-rain-interrupts-englands-start-against-new-zealand-at-lords/6109-5-0">Kyle Jamieson</a>, but Josh Tongue struck immediately by dismissing Glenn Phillips with the first ball of the morning.

Jamieson continued to fight back aggressively, finishing unbeaten on 38 and helping New Zealand pass the 100-run mark. However, the visitors could not avoid a first-innings deficit as they were bowled out in 29.5 overs.

England&#39;s attack was once again led by <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/england-dominate-new-zealand-as-ollie-robinson-claims-five-wicket-haul-at-lords/6132-5-0">Ollie Robinson</a>, whose five-wicket haul proved crucial in giving the hosts a valuable 27-run advantage.

<h2>Gay Impresses on Test Debut</h2>

England&#39;s second innings started positively as Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay added the first fifty-run partnership of the match. Duckett contributed 33 before falling with the score on 50.

Debutant Emilio Gay continued to look composed at the crease and reached his maiden Test fifty from 84 deliveries, striking seven boundaries along the way. England crossed the 100-run mark in 26.4 overs and appeared well placed to set New Zealand a daunting target.

However, the visitors fought back through the middle session. A series of wickets and several successful reviews created pressure, reducing England&#39;s momentum after a promising start.

<h2>New Zealand Fight Back Before England Reach 226</h2>

England&#39;s batting line-up failed to fully capitalize on its strong position. By tea, the hosts had slipped to 166 for 6 despite useful contributions from Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson.

The lower order managed to add important runs, with Smith playing a valuable hand and helping <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/new-zealand-rip-through-england-as-hosts-slip-to-946-on-rain-affected-day-at-lords/6110-5-0">England</a> move beyond the 200-run mark. Yet New Zealand&#39;s bowlers continued to strike at regular intervals.

England were eventually dismissed for 226 in 56 overs, setting New Zealand a challenging target while extending their overall lead significantly.

<h2>Visitors Under Pressure at Close</h2>

New Zealand&#39;s second innings began with difficulty as England&#39;s seamers once again found movement and control under the Lord&#39;s conditions.

The tourists lost three wickets before the close, leaving their chase in serious trouble. Kane Williamson survived one review but was eventually dismissed, while Devon Conway remained unbeaten on 12 at stumps.

At the end of Day Two, New Zealand were 36 for 3 after 11.5 overs, still requiring a major partnership to keep their hopes alive in the match.

With England holding the upper hand and their bowlers continuing to exploit the conditions effectively, the hosts will head into Day Three confident of pushing for victory in the opening match of the England vs New Zealand series.

England extended their control of the first Test at Lord’s before reducing New Zealand to 36-3 at stumps on Day Two.

England Dominate Day Two as New Zealand Slip to 36-3 in Lord’s Test

Italy&#39;s Matteo Arnaldi will not take part in his scheduled <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/who-will-play-the-final-french-open-mens-semi-finals-promise-massive-drama/6131-4-0">French Open semi-final</a> after illness forced him to withdraw shortly before the match, sending compatriot Flavio Cobolli directly into the championship match at Roland Garros.

The withdrawal ended what had been the most successful Grand Slam campaign of Arnaldi&#39;s career. The 25-year-old arrived in Paris without a previous major quarter-final appearance but produced a series of strong performances to reach the last four for the first time.

Tournament officials confirmed the semi-final would not be played after Arnaldi reported being unwell on Friday. The Italian later explained that a virus had left him unable to compete.

&quot;I tried to see if I could get on court but every time I get up I feel dizzy. It was the right decision to take,&quot; Arnaldi said.

&quot;I just know I can&#39;t move, I can&#39;t eat and I can&#39;t drink - there was no way I was able to play.&quot;

The late withdrawal came after an exhausting run through the draw. Arnaldi had spent nearly 20 hours on court during the tournament, the highest total recorded by a men&#39;s semi-finalist at a Grand Slam since 1991.

His absence means Flavio Cobolli advances to the biggest match of his career without striking a ball in the semi-final. The 24-year-old, seeded 10th in Paris, will now face Alexander Zverev in Sunday&#39;s title match after the German overcame Jakub Mensik in the other semi-final.

Cobolli acknowledged the difficult circumstances surrounding his progress.

&quot;It is so, so tough. When he came to see me, I almost cried,&quot; he said.

The two Italians later appeared together before reporters, where Arnaldi revealed the illness began overnight and worsened throughout Friday. Despite efforts to recover in time, he was unable to eat, drink or train ahead of the match.

&quot;It&#39;s difficult to be here - this is not want I wanted to do,&quot; Arnaldi said.

&quot;I hoped it was something from dinner but throughout the day I couldn&#39;t eat or drink and kept going to the bathroom.

&quot;Withdrawing from a first Grand Slam semi-final is not what you wish to anybody.&quot;

French Open organisers also confirmed that spectators holding tickets for the cancelled semi-final would receive full refunds.

&quot;I feel sorry for everyone who came to watch,&quot; added Arnaldi.

Matteo Arnaldi withdraws due to virus ahead of the Roland Garros semi final, meaning Flavio Cobolli reaches French Open finals to take on Alexander Zverev.

Arnaldi Withdraws Due to Virus as Cobolli Reaches French Open Finals

Alexander Zverev moved within one victory of a maiden Grand Slam title after defeating Jakub Mensik in the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/who-will-play-the-final-french-open-mens-semi-finals-promise-massive-drama/6131-4-0">French Open semi-finals</a>, securing his place in Sunday&#39;s championship match at Roland Garros.

The German second seed overcame a brief mid-match setback to defeat Mensik 7-5, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 and advance to his second consecutive French Open final. It will be the fourth Grand Slam final of his career as he continues his pursuit of a first major singles crown.

<h2>Zverev Responds After Third-Set Setback</h2>

For much of the contest, Zverev&#39;s experience proved decisive against a player making his first appearance in a Grand Slam semi-final. After edging a competitive opening set, he quickly established control in the second before Mensik mounted a response to extend the match.

The Czech youngster raised his level after falling two sets behind and capitalised on a dip from Zverev to claim the third set. However, the world No. 3 regained momentum early in the fourth, creating the separation he needed to close out the match without being dragged into a deciding set.

Speaking after the win, Zverev acknowledged the challenge posed by his opponent.

&quot;He [Mensik] beat so many unbelievable players and I knew it was going to be the toughest challenge I had so far. I managed, I won, and I am happy,&quot; Zverev said.

&quot;He started playing amazing in the third set. He stepped up to another level. This is a Grand Slam. Opponents are going to play better, and you have to deal with it &ndash; and I did.&quot;

<h2>Alexander Zverev reaches French Open Final</h2>

The victory means Alexander Zverev reaches French Open Final for the second year running after finishing runner-up in the tournament last season. He previously fell short against Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 title match and has also lost Grand Slam finals at the US Open and Australian Open.

Zverev will now face Flavio Cobolli, who progressed to the final after compatriot Matteo Arnaldi withdrew before their semi-final due to illness.

<h2>Alexander Zverev Won French Open Semi-final</h2>

With several leading contenders already eliminated from the tournament, Zverev entered the latter stages as one of the favourites for the title. By ensuring Alexander Zverev won the French Open Semi-final, the 29-year-old kept alive his bid to become the first German man since Boris Becker to win a Grand Slam singles title.

The result also means Alexander Zverev defeats Jakub Mensik to move one step closer to the biggest achievement of his career, with Sunday&#39;s final offering another opportunity to break his Grand Slam drought.

Alexander Zverev defeats Jakub Mensik in a four-set battle at Roland Garros. See how the German star survived a late scare to reach the clay court final.

Alexander Zverev Won French Open Semi-final to Keep Grand Slam Hopes Alive

Pakistan&#39;s preparations for the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/icc-women-s-t20-world-cup-2026/411/1">ICC Women&#39;s T20 World Cup</a> have entered their final phase after the Pakistan women&#39;s team reaches England for the World Cup ahead of the tournament&#39;s opening week.

Led by captain <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/fatima-sana-hopeful-for-a-strong-t20-world-cup/5946-5-0">Fatima Sana</a>, the squad arrived in Nottingham on Friday and will now shift its focus to practice matches and training sessions in Derby before the competition begins. Pakistan are scheduled to play warm-up fixtures against Sri Lanka and Scotland before their opening group-stage encounter.

The team&#39;s arrival comes days after a difficult T20I tri-series in Ireland, where Pakistan finished without a victory. Despite the results, the management has retained faith in the core group selected for the global event, with the coaching staff expected to use the warm-up games to finalize combinations and assess player roles.

<h2>India Clash Headlines Group-Stage Schedule</h2>

<a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/womens-t20-world-cup-2026-india-vs-pakistan-june-14-edgbaston/3863-5-0">Pakistan</a> have been placed in Group A and face a demanding schedule in the opening round. Their campaign begins with a high-profile meeting against India at Edgbaston on June 14, before further matches against South Africa, Bangladesh, Australia and the Netherlands.

The fixtures will take the team across multiple venues in England, including Birmingham, Southampton, Leeds and Bristol, as they seek a place in the knockout stage.

<h2>Final Preparations Underway</h2>

The arrival means the Pakistan squad reaches England with just over a week remaining before their first World Cup fixture. The players are expected to undergo recovery and conditioning work before returning to full training over the weekend.

Pakistan have retained a mix of experienced internationals and younger players in the 15-member squad. Alongside captain Fatima Sana, the traveling group includes Aliya Riaz, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal and Tuba Hassan.

Several reserve players have also traveled as part of the wider contingent, giving the team management additional options should changes be required during the tournament.

With the warm-up phase set to begin, Pakistan will now turn their attention to adapting to local conditions before the start of the ICC Women&#39;s T20 World Cup in England and Wales.

<h2>Pakistan Squad for ICC Women&#39;s T20 World Cup 2026</h2>

Fatima Sana (c), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba Hassan.

Reserves: Amber Kainat, Momina Riasat, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah and Umm-e-Hani.

The Pakistan women's team reaches England for World Cup 2026. Led by Fatima Sana, the squad landed in Nottingham to kick off crucial warm-up fixtures in Derby before facing India.

Pakistan Women's Team Reaches England for T20 World Cup 2026

England seized control of the contest thanks to an outstanding performance from Ollie Robinson, who returned career-best Test figures of 5-39 during New Zealand&rsquo;s first innings. Playing his first Test after a lengthy absence from the side, Robinson dismantled the visitors&#39; batting lineup and ensured England gained a crucial first-innings advantage.

His impact began on the opening evening when he ripped through New Zealand&rsquo;s top order with a sensational spell that produced 4 for 10 from six overs. Robinson completed his five-wicket haul on the second morning by dismissing Matt Henry, sending England into a commanding position as New Zealand were bowled out for 113.

<h2>New Zealand Recover After Early Collapse</h2>

The visitors appeared headed for an even lower total after slipping to 29 for 6. However, Glenn Phillips and Kyle Jamieson provided some resistance to reduce the damage.

Phillips contributed a brisk 34 before Josh Tongue struck immediately on Day Two, bowling him with the first delivery of the morning. Tongue then removed Nathan Smith, who left a delivery that jagged back sharply and crashed into the stumps.

Despite the setbacks, Jamieson played an aggressive innings of 38 not out from 29 balls. The fast-bowling all-rounder counterattacked with authority, launching Tongue over the pavilion for the first six of the match before striking Robinson for back-to-back sixes as England targeted the lower order with short-pitched bowling.

A 26-run stand with Will O&rsquo;Rourke added valuable runs before Gus Atkinson trapped O&rsquo;Rourke, while Robinson wrapped up the innings by removing Henry.

<h2>England Build on Their Advantage</h2>

Trailing by 27 runs after New Zealand&rsquo;s innings ended, England&rsquo;s openers quickly shifted momentum further in the hosts&rsquo; favour.

Ben Duckett and Test debutant Emilio Gay put together the first half-century partnership of the match. Duckett benefited from an early reprieve when Rachin Ravindra dropped him on 12, and the left-hander capitalized with a quick 33.

However, Will O&rsquo;Rourke eventually dismissed Duckett shortly before lunch when a wide delivery induced an edge that Glenn Phillips safely collected in the gully.

Gay remained unbeaten on 24 at the interval, while Jacob Bethell was unbeaten on 8. England reached 72 for 1 by lunch, extending their overall lead to 99 runs and placing themselves firmly in command of the first Test in the England vs New Zealand series.

Ollie Robinson’s brilliant five-for and England’s strong batting response helped the hosts secure a 99-run lead over New Zealand in the first Test at Lord’s.

England Dominate New Zealand as Ollie Robinson Claims Five-Wicket Haul at Lord’s

Real Madrid have completed one of the most talked-about moves of the summer, securing the services of Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate on a contract that runs until June 2030.

The agreement has been finalized, with the French international expected to officially join the club following Real Madrid&#39;s presidential elections. The move marks another significant addition to Madrid&#39;s squad as the Spanish giants continue planning for the future.

For Liverpool, the departure represents a major setback. Konate developed into one of the club&#39;s most reliable defenders during his time at Anfield, forming a strong partnership at the heart of the back line and playing a key role in several important campaigns.

<h2>A Major Defensive Addition for Madrid</h2>

The Real Madrid transfer news has quickly become one of the biggest talking points across European football. Club president Florentino Perez is reportedly set to present Konate as one of the first major signings of the next chapter at the Santiago Bernabeu.

At 27, the French defender arrives with experience at the highest level. His physical presence, pace, and ability on the ball make him an ideal fit for Madrid&#39;s long-term plans.

The Ibrahima Konate transfer also underlines Real Madrid&#39;s determination to strengthen a squad already packed with elite talent. Meanwhile, the Real Madrid transfer news will leave Liverpool supporters wondering how the club plans to replace such an influential figure.

With the Ibrahima Konate transfer now agreed, attention turns to the official unveiling. One thing is certain: Madrid have landed one of Europe&#39;s most sought-after defenders, while Liverpool face the challenge of filling a significant gap in their defense.

Real Madrid have agreed a deal for Ibrahima Konate until 2030, with the Liverpool defender set to become the club's latest signing.

Real Madrid Seal Ibrahima Konate Deal Until June 2030

Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali has congratulated the national side on their latest success against Australia but believes the celebrations should remain short-lived.

Pakistan secured another memorable chapter in the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/pakistan-defeat-australia-in-3rd-odi-match/6121-5-0">Pakistan vs Australia ODI Series</a>, collecting their third consecutive one-day international series victory over the Australians. While the result drew praise from supporters and former players alike, Azhar used the moment to underline a concern that has followed Pakistan cricket for years.

Writing on X, the former captain applauded several standout displays during the series and acknowledged the team&#39;s progress. Yet his focus quickly turned toward a larger objective.

&ldquo;Series won, congratulations Pakistan. A lot of encouraging performances throughout the series, but the bigger challenge still lies ahead,&rdquo; Azhar wrote.

His comments come at a time when discussions about the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 are already gathering momentum. Pakistan have often looked sharp in bilateral contests, only to struggle when global tournaments arrive. Azhar believes that pattern must change.

<h2>Azhar Urges Long-Term World Cup Planning</h2>

According to Azhar, every major decision from this point forward should be linked to preparations for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027. He stressed that selectors and team management need a clear direction, with continuity and planning taking priority over short-term experimentation.

&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve consistently shown we can compete in bilateral cricket but the real test is translating that success to ICC tournaments. Hopefully the World Cup remains the priority in every selection and planning decision moving forward,&rdquo; he added.

Pakistan&#39;s latest triumph was built on a disciplined bowling effort. Australia were dismissed for 157 in 42 overs after struggling against both pace and spin. Shaheen Shah Afridi led the charge with figures of 3 for 30, while Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan chipped in with two wickets each.

Josh Inglis fought hard for Australia with 65 runs, but the home side never managed to establish complete control. Gasps echoed around the stadium whenever wickets fell in clusters, and the pressure kept mounting.

The chase was not entirely straightforward. Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals before Abdul Samad and Shadab Khan steadied the innings. Babar Azam top-scored with 40, while Shadab contributed a valuable 29 to guide the team home.

When the winning runs arrived, celebrations followed. Yet Azhar&#39;s message ensured attention quickly shifted beyond the Pakistan vs Australia ODI Series.

The victories matter. The confidence matters. But for Pakistan, the real judgment will come when the spotlight turns to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027.

Azhar Ali praised Pakistan’s ODI series win over Australia but warned that bigger challenges await as World Cup planning takes priority.

tapmad Secures FIFA World Cup Streaming Rights In Pakistan

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