Fatima Sana wins toss, elects to bat against Team India

In the Women's T20 Asia Cup 2026 match against Team India, Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana has won the toss and elected to bat first at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.

After winning the toss, Pakistan's skipper Sana said, "We're gonna bat first because we want to put a maximum total here. [Did the last game influence this decision?] Yeah, because we know we have a good bowling side, so we will try to restrict them. [How have you addressed the batting wobble?] We had a good chat with the team and we just want to play according to the pitch. [Any changes?] No, we have the same team". likesport.biz

On the other hand, Team India's captain Harmanpreet Kaur said, "[Happy to be chasing today?] Definitely. Our bowling is doing great in this tournament and good getting the opportunity to bowl first. [How challenging is chasing?] I think while batting it's always about giving ourselves some time and then going for your shots. And I think the first two games we did really well in that department and hopefully we'll continue. [On leading for the 150th time in T20Is] Great achievement. But the key is keep enjoying yourself on the field and that is a key, I try to keep up with that. [What score would you like to chase?] We'll try to restrict them for a short total, so there won't be pressure while chasing. [Any changes from the last game?] No, we're going with the same eleven".

In the ongoing Women's T20 Asia Cup, Team India is in the top position in the points table of Group A. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side has a net run rate (NRR) of +5.775 and four points. On the other hand, Pakistan is placed in the second position with a net run rate (NRR) of +1.750 and two points.

The semi-finals of the continental event are scheduled to be played on September 10 and 11. The title clash will be played on September 13.

Women's T20 Asia Cup 2026, IND W vs PAK W: Confirmed Playing XIs

India: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Richa Ghosh (WK), Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Nandani Sharma, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud.

Pakistan: Muneeba Ali (WK), Shawaal Zulfiqar, Gull Feroza, Ayesha Zafar, Sadaf Shamas, Fatima Sana (C), Umm-e-Hani, Eyman Fatima, Tuba Hassan, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal.

Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage has made waves in the athletics world by securing the Diamond League Final javelin title in Brussels, throwing an incredible 89.04 meters in his third attempt. This victory signifies his second major achievement in a breakout season, following his Commonwealth Games gold medal earlier this year. With his sights set on the Asian Games, Pathirage continues to rise in prominence.

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 5 (ANI): As India’s veteran seamer Mohammed Shami prepares to feature in his 100th first-class match in Sunday’s Duleep Trophy final, he described the milestone as a proud and special moment, reflecting on a journey defined by hard work, challenges, learning and unforgettable memories.

He expressed gratitude to the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), as well as his family, friends, coaches, teammates and supporters for their unwavering love and support, while vowing to continue the journey with gratitude.

Shami, who has 99 first-class appearances to his name, has claimed 382 wickets in his career, including career-best figures of 8/90 in an innings, underscoring his long and distinguished domestic career.

Shami will be in action for East Zone on Sunday when they take on South Zone in the Duleep Trophy final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

“Completing 100 First-Class matches is a very special and proud moment for me. This journey has been filled with hard work, challenges, learning and unforgettable memories. I am truly grateful to the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) for felicitating me on this special milestone, and a heartfelt thank you to my family, & friends, coaches, teammates, supporters and everyone who has been a part of this journey for their love and support throughout my journey. 100 matches, countless memories and the journey continues. Alhamdulillah!" Shami wrote in an Instagram post.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Dc6QVPyEk7R/?img_index=8&igsi=ajI2M2p1M3dsNHpt

In the ongoing Duleep Trophy, Shami has picked up five wickets at an impressive average of 28.80, with his best figures of 3/56.

The veteran pacer has played a key role in East Zone’s run to the final, claiming five wickets across two innings as they knocked defending champions Central Zone out of the competition.

Despite being out of the national setup, Shami has continued to feature in domestic and first-class cricket as he works towards regaining full fitness and mounting a bid for another India recall. (ANI)

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Ysyk-Kol [Kyrgyzstan], September 6 (ANI): As part of the cultural program of the 6th World Nomad Games, a collection of 16 monumental stone sculptures has been created at the Centre for Nomadic Civilisation in the village of Ornok, Issyk-Kul region, as per the Kabar News Agency.

The sculptures celebrate the history, culture, and philosophy of nomadic civilisation.

The sculptures were created especially for the Games and will remain at the Centre as part of its permanent open-air art collection, according to the World Nomad Games 2026 Media Headquarters, as quoted by the Kabar News Agency.

The project followed a competitive selection process organised as part of the Games’ cultural program. More than 75 proposals were received, from which a special commission selected 16 projects to be brought to life in stone.

Following the selection process, the participating sculptors travelled to Ornok, where they spent a month creating their works in the run-up to the Games. Uzgen travertine was chosen as the primary material, enabling the artists to create large-scale monumental compositions.

All 16 sculptures have now been installed on the grounds of the Centre. Their themes reflect the history, traditions, spiritual values, and worldview of nomadic peoples.

Among the works are “Ozök" (“Basis"), “Return of the Nomads," “Tradition," “Nomadic Spirit," “Zhargylchak," “Music," “Freedom," “Sayapker," “Shaman," “Toguz Kyrgool," and “Meikindik," among others, as per the Kabar News Agency.

Sculptor Bakyt Imanbaev presented “Zhargylchak," a decorative composition inspired by a traditional household tool once used by Kyrgyz women. The zhargylchak played an important role in nomadic daily life, serving to process grain and prepare flour and talkan.

Imanbaev said he first sketched the concept while studying at the Kyrgyz State Art Academy. The original work was later purchased by a foreign tourist. Given the opportunity to take part in the sculpture symposium, he revisited the idea, noting that its concept closely aligned with the theme of nomadic civilisation, as per the Kabar News Agency.

One of the project’s key works, “Ozök," explores the roots and foundations of nomadic culture. The composition blends traditional ornamental elements with contemporary artistic forms, highlighting the ongoing evolution of nomadic cultural heritage.

Organisers and participating artists stressed that the sculptures were created as permanent works rather than for a temporary exhibition and will remain at the Centre for visitors to experience.

“Today, when we look at balbals, we can determine the period and era to which they belong. In the same way, our compositions will tell future generations that the 6th World Nomad Games were held here in 2026 and convey the ideas we sought to express," Imanbaev said.

The collection is expected to support the development of the Centre for Nomadic Civilisation as an open-air museum, combining contemporary sculpture with the historical and cultural heritage of nomadic civilisation.

The 16 stone sculptures will remain on the Center’s grounds as a lasting cultural legacy of the 6th World Nomad Games and a reflection of how contemporary artists interpret and preserve the heritage of the nomadic world.

The 6th World Nomad Games are taking place in Kyrgyzstan from Aug. 31 to Sept. 6, 2026. The Games officially opened at Bishkek Arena in the capital on Aug. 31, while the main competitions are being held in the Issyk-Kul region from Sept. 1 to 6. More than 3,000 athletes representing 109 countries are taking part in the Games. (ANI)

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