Shafali Verma heads into the Women's Asia Cup semi-final against Bangladesh in strong touch, with 104 runs from three matches and a settled opening partnership beside Smriti Mandhana. India look well positioned, but the middle order still needs to prove it can absorb knockout pressure.

Bangladesh defended just 103 to beat the UAE by 34 runs and secure the final semi-final place at the Asia Cup. Rabeya Khan's 3/14 drove the defence, and the result sets up a high-pressure semi-final against India.

Jordan Hermann matched the men's ODI debut scoring record with 150 off 126 balls, and South Africa converted that dominance into a 99-run win over Namibia. The innings highlighted how far South Africa's top-order ceiling can rise when they get an early platform.

Pakistan's debut pacer Razaullah was the standout on day one at Edgbaston, even though England still closed on 156/4 after Pakistan were bowled out for 133. The spell was a genuine fast-bowling positive, but it did not change the overall tilt of the Test.

Kevin Pietersen joins England as specialist mentor as the team builds toward the 2027 World Cup cycle.

Afghanistan's October-November schedule now includes a Test, an ODI tri-series, three T20Is and two Tests against Zimbabwe.

Connor Esterhuizen and Lhuan-dre Pretorius climbed sharply after strong tri-series returns, while Namibia also earned ranking gains.

England built a 320-run first-innings lead before quick wickets and rain left Pakistan under severe pressure.