Sports Updates

  The India vs Afghanistan Asian Games 2026 cricket quarter-final was scheduled for September 28 at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan. The match was expected to be an important knockout clash as India began their campaign to defend the men’s cricket gold medal won at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games. However, persistent rain eventually forced the quarter-final to be abandoned without a result, with India progressing to the semi-finals on the basis of the tournament’s qualification rules and their superior ICC ranking. India vs Afghanistan Asian Games 2026 Quarter-Final India entered the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket competition directly at the quarter-final stage because of their continental T20I ranking. The team is led by Shreyas Iyer and includes several established T20 players, including Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar. Afghanistan, meanwhile, reached the knockout stage after finishing second in Group A. Nepal...

WWE is expecting a stronger finish to 2026 on the sponsorship front, with TKO President and COO Mark Shapiro projecting a significant increase in partnership revenue during the second half of the year. Shapiro has indicated that the slower growth seen during the opening months of 2026 was largely linked to WWE’s busy international schedule rather than weaker demand from advertisers. The comments come as TKO Group Holdings continues to expand WWE’s commercial business by bringing in new sponsors, renewing existing partnerships and creating larger advertising packages around its programming and live events. WWE Sponsorship Revenue Expected to Accelerate According to Mark Shapiro, WWE’s partnership revenue increased by 2% in the first quarter of 2026 and 8% in the second quarter. He explained that WWE’s extensive international event schedule during the first half of the year restricted the number of global partnership opportunities available to advertisers. However, Shapiro expects the tr...

  Shafali Verma created history at the 2026 Asian Games by becoming only the second Indian cricketer to score a century in the competition. The explosive India opener smashed an unbeaten 100 off just 49 balls against Bangladesh in the women’s cricket semi-final, joining Yashasvi Jaiswal in an exclusive list of Indian batters to achieve an Asian Games hundred. Her sensational knock not only helped India reach the gold medal match but also added another major milestone to Shafali Verma’s growing international career. Shafali Verma Smashes 49-Ball Century Playing in the Asian Games 2026 semi-final, Shafali Verma produced an aggressive batting masterclass against Bangladesh. She remained unbeaten on 100 from 49 deliveries, striking three fours and nine sixes during a breathtaking innings. Shafali's ability to attack from the beginning gave India the perfect platform in the knockout match. Her century came at a remarkable strike rate of more than 200 and powered India to a massive 195/4...

  Afghanistan spin superstar Rashid Khan has named Virat Kohli as the toughest batter he has ever bowled to, highlighting the former India captain’s remarkable ability to punish even the smallest bowling errors. Rashid made the revelation during a conversation with former India opener Aakash Chopra on the podcast Baith & Bol with Aakash Chopra . When asked about the most challenging batter of his career, the Afghanistan leg-spinner singled out Kohli and explained why facing him demands almost perfect execution. Rashid Khan Picks Virat Kohli as His Toughest Batter According to Rashid Khan, Virat Kohli has been particularly challenging because he does not simply look to survive against quality spin. Instead, he actively searches for scoring opportunities and can turn a slightly inaccurate delivery into a boundary. Rashid explained that bowling his best line and length against Kohli is essential because even a small mistake can be punished. The spinner also pointed out that Kohli'...

  India head coach Gautam Gambhir has explained why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will have to wait for his next opportunity in the T20I team , despite the teenager's impressive performances in recent months. The 15-year-old batter was not included in India's playing XI during the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. Instead, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma continued as India's opening combination, with both players making a significant impact during the series. Gautam Gambhir Wants Vaibhav Sooryavanshi To Be Patient Gambhir acknowledged Sooryavanshi's talent but stressed that international cricket requires patience and consistent performances over a longer period. The India coach explained that players who have performed consistently for two or three years will naturally be ahead of someone who has only recently entered the international setup. He also made it clear that this applies regardless of a player's age. Sooryavanshi made his India debut against England e...

  Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina’s squad for an emotional international farewell against Benin on October 6, 2026. The friendly will take place at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires and is expected to mark Messi’s final appearance in an Argentina shirt following his decision to retire from international football. The Argentina captain announced his international retirement after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable 21-year journey with the national team. However, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has arranged one final opportunity for supporters to see the legendary forward represent his country on home soil. Messi Set for Argentina Farewell Against Benin Messi has been included in Argentina’s squad for the October international window, but his involvement is specifically planned for the farewell fixture against Benin. FIFA confirmed that the match will be played on October 6 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. AFA president Claudio T...