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Shafali stars with 64, Deepti strikes thrice as India storm into 10th Asia Cup final after 40-run win over Bangladesh | Cricket News

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Shafali stars with 64, Deepti strikes thrice as India storm into 10th Asia Cup final after 40-run win over Bangladesh
India are into the finals of Women’s Asia Cup 2026 (Image: IANS)

India produced another dominant performance with bat and ball to beat Bangladesh by 40 runs and storm into the final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday. After posting 149/6 in their 20 overs, India’s bowlers delivered under pressure to restrict Bangladesh to 109/7, successfully defending what initially appeared to be a modest total on a slow pitch.The victory extended India’s unbeaten run in the tournament and secured their place in a 10th successive Women’s Asia Cup final. They will face the winner of the second semi-final between defending champions Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the title clash on September 13.

Shafali’s blazing 64 lifts India

Bangladesh won the toss and opted to field, but Shafali Varma made the most of the opportunity to put India on the front foot.The explosive opener smashed 64 off 40 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes, as she held India’s innings together after vice-captain Smriti Mandhana fell for just two. Shafali rode her luck after being dropped three times but made Bangladesh pay with an attacking knock that gave India a competitive total.Captain Harmanpreet Kaur struggled for fluency but contributed 24 off 28 balls, including two sixes, while Richa Ghosh added an important 21 off 16 deliveries. Deepti Sharma then provided the late impetus with a quick 13 off six balls, helping India finish just short of 150.

Deepti spins Bangladesh into trouble

Bangladesh needed 150 to reach the final but struggled to maintain momentum throughout their chase. Deepti Sharma once again proved the difference with the ball, claiming 3/26 in four overs and repeatedly breaking Bangladesh’s resistance.Nandani Sharma also impressed, taking 2/10 from two overs, including the final wicket of the innings. Bangladesh’s top order showed glimpses of resistance, with Dilara Akter scoring 21 off 26 balls and Shorna Akter hitting a brisk 22 off 18. But the batting line-up failed to absorb India’s sustained pressure.The Tigresses lost wickets at regular intervals as India tightened their grip on the chase. With the required rate climbing, Bangladesh could only reach 109/7 in 20 overs, falling 40 runs short.The innings ended in fitting fashion for India, with Nandani Sharma dismissing Rabeya Khan hit-wicket. Khan attempted to slog a slower delivery but ended up dislodging the stumps with her bat while completing the shot.

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India eye another Asia Cup title

India’s latest victory keeps their unbeaten campaign intact and sends them into yet another Asia Cup final. The seven-time champions will now await the winner of Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, with the final scheduled for September 13.

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3 Key Vikings on Offense vs. Packers

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The Minnesota Vikings start the 2026 season with a home game against their division rival Green Bay Packers. A mix of familiar and new faces will take the field in purple on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.

3 Key Vikings on Offense vs. Packers

I am picking three Vikings on offense who I think can play a particularly key role in the Vikings winning this game. Of course, anyone on the roster could have a big day and be the difference (while you would expect Justin Jefferson always to be key). However, these are three guys on offense who I think will be important to how this game plays out.

Kyler Murray

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants
Aug 15, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray (1) passes the ball against the New York Giants during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Minnesota’s 2025 season was completely derailed by substandard quarterback play from multiple QBs. The Vikings’ answer for that problem was to sign Kyler Murray in free agency. He’s a QB who should bring accurate passing as well as the athleticism to go off structure and make plays with both his arms and legs. Murray will be the center of attention on Sunday as onlookers will look to make a snap judgment as to whether he is the man who can make this Vikings team a contender – or at least playoff hopefuls. 

He can lead his team to a win if he can throw for 300+ yards, multiple passing touchdowns, and showcase some of that athleticism he is known for. If so, the excitement will start early. Conversely, if he has a quiet or bad game the knives will be out for a player who often draws criticism for not trying hard enough. Murray’s career has faltered after a bright start and he represents a cheap gamble, costing Minnesota just $1.3 million for the season. Both parties need it to work and a good start will be vital. 

Blake Brandel

Blake Brandel
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Blake Brandel (64) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

I’m not convinced that converting Blake Brandel to the full-time starting center was a wise idea. We get the first look at what that will look like in Week 1 where Brandel draws a favorable matchup to start the season. Without the injured Micah Parsons, Green Bay’s defensive line is not one of the league’s more formidable. Rookie nose tackle Chris McClellan will often line up opposite Brandel and he is a good size at 323 pounds, but Brandel needs to use his experience to get the better of him.

Devonte Wyatt will also be looking to disrupt things down the middle. A healthy Wyatt is a good interior pass rusher but his 2025 season was hindered by knee and ankle injuries. The Vikings need Brandel to pass this test as there will be sterner tests to come. If he can’t hold his own here there will be problems in Minnesota with no alternative on the roster worth pinning your hopes on. 

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Jordan Mason

NFL: Washington Commanders at Minnesota Vikings
Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (27) rushes the ball against the Washington Commanders during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

It’s become a yearly discussion since Kevin O’Connell became the head coach in Minnesota, but his offense needs to establish a more dominant run game. There have been times when the rushing attack has been good, at other times it has been bad, but all too often it has been overlooked/abandoned. Dominating on the ground can set the tone for an offense and the man to do that for Minnesota is Jordan Mason. This year there should at a minimum be an equal share of carries between Mason and Aaron Jones with Jones entering the twilight of his career.

For me, Mason, who led the team with six touchdowns and averaged 4.8 yards per carry last season should lead the ground attack. His limitations as a pass catcher mean there is still plenty of room for Jones in the offense. However, in Week 1, I want to see the Vikings make a statement with their run game and a lot of that should fall on the shoulders of Mason.


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Golden Knights sign Braeden Bowman to six-year contract extension

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Forward Braden Bowman has signed a six-year, $20.4 million contract extension, the Golden Knights announced Thursday.

With still one year remaining on his two-year, entry-level deal, Bowman’s new contract will take effect next season.

Bowman, 23, made his NHL debut with the Golden Knights last season, recording 26 points (eight goals and 18 assists) in 54 games. He was a healthy scratch during the playoffs but did appear in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final as the Golden Knights lost to the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Kitchener, Ont., native has also appeared in 88 career AHL games, all with the Golden Knights’ affiliate, and has posted 62 points (26 goals and 36 assists).

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