Saturday, September, 05,2026

Latest News

HOW READY IS INDIA FOR THE ASIAN GAMES?

With the Asian Games just around the corner, the W o m e n ’ s Asia Cup is more than another tournament on India’s calendar. For Harmanpreet Kaur’s side, every competitive game in Dubai is an opportunity to fine-tune combinations and build momentum before the real challenge begins.

India made the perfect start, beating Thailand by 94 runs and then crushing Hong Kong by 137 runs to become the first team to book a place in the semifinals. But there is also an obvious caveat. Neither opponent was expected to seriously stretch India. The matches have given the team plenty of time in the middle and plenty of confidence, but they have not yet provided the kind of pressure that reveals where a team really stands.

That changes with Pakistan as India will meet their arch-rivals in their final league game in Dubai on Saturday, and for the first time in this Asia Cup there is a genuine test waiting for them. The result will not decide India’s place in the semi-finals, which is already secured, but the match could be far more valuable than a routine group-stage win. It gives India an opportunity to test themselves against a side with greater quality and, naturally, a very different kind of pressure.

There have already been plenty of encouraging signs. Against Thailand, Shafali Verma provided the early fireworks with 64 off 36 balls as India posted 159 for nine before bowling Thailand out for 65. It was not the cleanest batting performance, particularly through the middle order, but the bowling attack ensured India were never really threatened.

Against Hong Kong, Smriti Mandhana smashed 124 off just 64 balls, an innings that rewrote several record books. She became the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket, overtaking Mithali Raj, and also moved to the top of the list for most international centuries with 18. Her assault powered India to 193 for five before the bowlers completed another emphatic victory.

Two matches into the Asia Cup, Mandhana is India’s leading run-scorer with 143 runs, while Shafali has 92. The bigger encouragement for India, though, is that their success has not depended on one player.

Deepti Sharma has been central to that balance. She has already made a significant impact with the ball and is now the leading wicket-taker in women’s T20 internationals. Against Hong Kong, her three wickets were part of a spin-dominated attack that bowled the opposition out for just 56.

But there have been small warning signs too. India’s batting did wobble after a strong start against Thailand, and that is precisely the sort of weakness a stronger opponent can expose. The Pakistan game therefore arrives at an interesting point in India’s campaign.

Pakistan, led by Fatima Sana, will also be looking to use the Asia Cup as preparation for the Asian Games, making this tournament an important part of their build-up as well. For Pakistan, the game is also an opportunity to change the narrative. History, after all, is overwhelmingly on India’s side. The two teams have met 17 times in women’s T20Is, with India winning 14 and Pakistan three. India have won the last four meetings, including their most recent encounter at the Women’s T20 World Cup in June, when they won by 64 runs after posting 170 for six and bowling Pakistan out for 106.

The Asia Cup record is even more one-sided. India have won 12 of the 13 T20 matches against Pakistan, with Pakistan’s only victory coming in 2022. Yet there is something about an India-Pakistan cricket match that makes the form guide feel slightly less important. Harmanpreet has acknowledged that these matches carry a different kind of pressure because so many people are watching. Her message to the team has been to focus on the process rather than allow the weight of the fixture to take over.

There is also the memory of the last Asia Cup. India had dominated the competition for years and have won the tournament seven times, but Sri Lanka lifted the trophy in 2024 after beating India in the final. This time, India have begun with the clear intention of reclaiming it.

The records point strongly towards India. Their tournament so far does too. But that is precisely why this game matters. After two comfortable wins against the minnows, India finally have an opponent capable of asking harder questions. And with the Asian Games waiting around the corner, those questions could be more useful than another easy victory.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Siddhaarth Mahan, The author is a prolific sports writer, presenter and creates digital sports programmes. He brings a storyteller’s touch for the game’s deeper narratives

Related News

visit e-papers

Daily Astro

05-09-2026

image

Aries

Ganesha says it will be an important day for you, Aries. Your energy and confidence are ready to take you to new heights. Today you will be able to express your thoughts with clarity, which will increase your communication skills. New opportunities may arise in the working areas, which you have to be ready to take advantage of. In social life, you can make new meetings, which will prove beneficial for you in the future. This day will be good for solving family issues, and you will be able to establish better relations with your close ones. In the field of health, take care of your routine and resort to yoga or meditation to relieve mental stress. Controlling your expenses will be a smart move, as any sudden financial need may arise. Overall, this day is for you to stay positive, just use your insight and energy properly.

image

Pisces

Ganesha says it is going to be a positive day for you. Your sensitivity and intuition will flourish today, allowing you to establish better connections between yourself and others. It is time to connect with someone or refresh old memories. Try to communicate with people close to you, as it will strengthen your relationships. In the field of work, your creativity will be cyclical today. If you are working on a project, your ideas will be new and full of innovation. Do not be afraid to share your ideas, it will give you positive feedback from your colleagues. In terms of financial condition, avoid any big investments. Small expenses will prove to be justified but think well before making any big decisions for the long term. In terms of health, focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise. For mental health, practicing meditation or yoga will help keep you stress-free.

image

Aquarius

Ganesha says new opportunities are likely to open up for you. You will be in a position to take your creative abilities to new heights. This is the time to share your ideas and make new plans. Your friends and family will support your ideas, so it will be beneficial to take their advice into account. Positive changes are possible in business. This is the right time to work on an important project. You will get an opportunity to use your skills and knowledge properly. But, be careful; in some cases, you will need to control your emotions. In personal life, relationships will deepen. You will try to spend more time with your loved ones. This is a good time for love and companionship. Enjoy emotional moments that will make your relationships stronger. Be health conscious. Dedication to yoga and meditation will give you mental peace. These activities will keep not only your body but also your mind active. Overall, today will be full of possibilities for you. Stay committed to your dreams and work on them.

image

Capricorn

Ganesha says your day is full of some new possibilities. You will experience grace and stability in your actions. This is the time to focus on your goals and work with determination to pursue your plans. You are likely to get success in your work, especially if you maintain your hard work and dedication. Positive changes can also be seen in your relationships. You will get a chance to spend time with family and listen to them, which will increase mutual understanding and depth. Focus on communication, as it will make your relationships stronger. However, it is also time to make monthly plans. Take care of your financial matters and try to save. This is the time when you can take concrete steps for your future. Your health condition is likely to remain normal but take some rest. Maintaining a mental balance will be important for you. Stay positive and keep faith in your actions!

image

Sagittarius

Ganesha says today will be full of new possibilities and positive energy for you. You will feel a rise in your confidence, which will keep you open to new opportunities. This is the right time to make an important decision. Your spirituality and intuition will be strong, which will enable you to understand and face difficulties. Spending time with friends and family will awaken a sense of happiness and satisfaction in your mind. Relationships with colleagues at work can take a new direction. Cooperation and communication will help solve problems. If you face an obstacle or challenge, remember that you can overcome it. In terms of health, you may need to make a little improvement in your routine. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will give you freshness and energy. Strengthening social relationships and contacting new people will also be beneficial today. This is the time for self-growth and positive change for you, so recognize the energy within you and use it properly.

image

Scorpio

Ganesha says today will be full of enthusiasm and energy. You will move towards achieving your goals, and your hard work will pay off. Social life will also be active; you will get a good chance to spend time with friends and family. In terms of health, take a little caution. Focusing on meditation and exercise will help reduce mental stress. This is also a good time to take up a new hobby, which can unleash your creativity. Take wise steps in terms of money. Make informed decisions while investing. For potential financial gains, take a look at past projects again. Your career is showing good signs of progress. Your ideas may be appreciated at the workplace, which will increase your confidence. Still, some issues may require restraint. Overall, today will prove to be positive and auspicious for you. Spend it with pride with your loved ones.

image

Libra

Ganesha says today will be a very auspicious and positive day. You will get a chance to clarify your thoughts, which will bring stability to your personal and professional relationships. Your communication skills will increase, and this will open the doors of new possibilities for you. Your creativity and aesthetic sense will be especially strong today. If you are associated with any art or design, your work will be appreciated. This is the right time to express your feelings. If you are confused about a decision, trust your intuition; it will show you the right path. In terms of health, small changes can make your life better. Focus on regular exercise and a balanced diet. In love and relationships, a new understanding will develop, which will strengthen the mutual bond even more. Overall, this day is a sign of positive changes and new beginnings for you. Stay focused on your goals and recognize your inner strengths.

image

Virgo

Ganesha says today is a suitable day to highlight your cognitive abilities and business skills. Today, you will be full of clarity and precision in your actions, which will increase your value among your colleagues and superiors. There is a possibility of bringing some changes to your routine, which will bring positive results for you. This is a good time to improve relations with family members. Try to resolve any old disputes, and keep communication open. In terms of health, meditation and yoga will bring mental peace. Also, take some time out of your routine for exercise. From a financial point of view, this is the right time to make a good plan for the right investment. Take a good look at the options available to you and make a wise decision. Overall, today will prove to be a day of new possibilities and positive changes for you. Be full of confidence and stay focused on your goals.

image

Leo

Ganesha says today will be a day full of energy and inspiration. Your confidence will increase and your thoughts will come out with clarity. On this day, you will be able to see some new possibilities in your career, which will bring you hard work. Mutual understanding and harmony will increase your relationship, which will create a happy atmosphere among the family. This is a great time to express your thoughts clearly, so do not hesitate to communicate with your partner or friends. It is important to be health conscious, a little exercise and meditation will maintain your mental and physical health. Overall, this day will bring activity and positivity for you, so make the most of all the opportunities!

image

Cancer

Ganesha says it will be a day of information and communication for you. Your mind will be full of ideas and you will be able to express your ideas well. There is a possibility of some new opportunities in professional life, which can prove beneficial for you. It is a good time to strengthen relationships with your colleagues, so work together at the workplace. Your emotional state will also be strong. Time spent with family will give you satisfaction. If you have any old problem going on, then the right time is coming to solve it. However, you need to keep your emotions under control, so that you do not get agitated over small things. In terms of health, try to practice yoga and meditation. It will empower you both mentally and physically. Take informed decisions in financial matters; do not rush into any investments. In summary, this day will be all about communication and cooperation, which will lead to positive changes for you.

image

Gemini

Ganesha says there will be a new energy and freshness in your thoughts, which will make your personality even more attractive. Social contacts are likely to increase, which will expand your network. You will be inspired to spend blissful time with your friends and family. Some positive changes can also be seen in the business sector. The results of your hard work will gradually start coming, and this will motivate you to move forward. Keep in mind that while sharing your ideology, work with empathy, this will strengthen your relationship with colleagues. It is important to be health conscious. A little attention and relaxation will give you mental freshness. Practicing yoga or meditation will be beneficial for you. This day will be full of positivity and new possibilities for you. Express your mind openly and do not hesitate to adopt new ideas.

image

Taurus

Ganesha says it will prove to be a positive day for you, Taurus. You will feel energetic and full of confidence. The time has come to reap the fruits of your hard work and efforts. The workload may stress you for a while, but you will face all the challenges recognizing your strengths. Sweetness will also remain in your relationships. Spending time with your family and friends will be a source of joy for you. Conversation with someone special can give you a new vision and promote mutual understanding. A special occasion may be organized among friends or family, which will bring happiness and harmony to you. Moments spent with loved ones will give you mental peace. It is important to be health conscious. A little exercise or yoga will give peace to your mind and energy to your body. Your day will be full of happiness and positivity, just keep your thoughts and emotions balanced.

Gallery

05-09-2026