Sanju Samson and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Image: X)

NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Ajinkya Rahane believes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s time will come, but feels India should currently stick with the top-three combination that delivered the 2026 T20 World Cup title, backing Sanju Samson to reclaim his place alongside Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan.Samson, who was named Player of the Tournament during India’s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign, was dropped after a string of low scores on the tour of England. Sooryavanshi was subsequently handed his international debut in Manchester and also opened during the T20Is against Zimbabwe.With Samson now recalled for the three-match home series against Afghanistan, beginning at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday, Rahane believes the experienced batter should return to the top order.“I feel the top three should be the same that played in the World Cup. Samson has done well, but he got dropped after two or three bad innings. I want him to get another chance. Abhishek and Ishan also did well for us,” Rahane said in a video on his YouTube channel on Friday.“Vaibhav will get his opportunities, and his time will come. But for now, I feel the top three should be Samson, Abhishek, and Ishan, who were our contributors in the World Cup,” he added.

‘He should just play his game’

Rahane welcomed Samson’s return while pointing to the batter’s impact during India’s World Cup-winning campaign.“I am happy to see Sanju Samson back in the team. He was the ‘Man of the Series’ in the World Cup. It has been up and down, and things were happening to him that were not in his control. But he is a match-winner, and his return strengthens the team,” Rahane said.For Sooryavanshi, Rahane’s message was one of patience and freedom. The 15-year-old has made a rapid rise through domestic and franchise cricket, but the former India batter believes the teenager should not overthink his early international career.“I think he should just play his game right now. He should back the game that led him to come into the Indian team. It is a very early stage for him in his career and in international cricket,” Rahane said.“As of now, there is no need for him to think a lot, and he should be set free. His game will eventually change after two or three years, as much as he keeps playing. It will be important for him to maintain balance. Apart from cricket skills, it is important to stay balanced off the field. That will be a challenge for him.”

Sooryavanshi’s record-breaking rise

Sooryavanshi has already provided plenty of evidence of his ability. During the Duleep Trophy, he became the youngest player to score a half-century in the competition, reaching the landmark at 15 years and 175 days.He made 92 off 81 balls for East Zone, reaching his fifty from just 42 deliveries and breaking a 57-year-old record previously held by Laxman Singh, who was 16 years and 23 days old when he scored his Duleep Trophy fifty in 1969.Rahane believes the teenager’s next challenge is not proving his talent but maintaining the mental stability needed to handle his rapid rise.“If we talk about cricket skills, we saw how well he batted in the IPL and scored consistently. He scored for India A and also made runs for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy,” Rahane said.“He has shown consistency. The only thing for him will be to stay mentally balanced and stable so that he can continue operating the way he does. Yes, he will have to make some tweaks in his game, but there is time for that,” he concluded.

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jonathan Kuminga poses with his jersey during an NBA basketball news conference at Target Center, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt)

MINNEAPOLIS— Jonathan Kuminga took to heart the hard sell from some of the most important members of the Minnesota Timberwolves to complete their starting lineup and help them chase an NBA championship.

The on-court fit was there, of course. The chance to join a winner was, too. But the extra efforts and meaningful connections by the Timberwolves with the 23-year-old Kuminga made his decision about where to play this season clear, even if he could’ve made more money elsewhere.

READ: NBA: Jonathan Kuminga, Timberwolves agree to 2-year, $12.4M deal

From president of basketball operations Tim Connelly to basketball operations assistant Alonzo Gee visiting him in Miami, to receiving regular phone calls from star guards LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards, Kuminga quickly realized the strength of their interest in him.

“Especially Ant, he called me every single time. He checked up on me, and he was a very, very genuine person. He didn’t have to do that,” Kuminga said on Thursday at Target Center during an introductory news conference. “That just shows how much he wants to bring me over here.”

The chats transcended basketball, too, from raising young children to going fishing.

“Them wanting me to be here, it felt real, and they were very genuine people, and these are people you could sit down with and have a conversation,” Kuminga said. “I think that’s when I felt the vibe.”

After the Wolves traded Julius Randle and Naz Reid as part of the blockbuster acquisition of Ball, they were left with a gaping hole at the power forward position. They took a swing at signing LeBron James, even though they knew it was a long shot.

But the opportunity to use their limited salary cap space on a two-year, $12.4 million contract for a young multi-skilled player like Kuminga was too good to miss. The solid relationship that already existed with his agent Aaron Turner helped build the foundation of a deal.

“Just kind of being ourselves and telling him how we envisioned our team helping him and how we envisioned him helping our team,” Connelly said. “Just trying to be honest and as clear and transparent as possible.”

Kuminga, who was drafted by the Golden State Warriors with the seventh overall pick in 2021 that originally belonged to the Wolves, won an NBA title as a rookie. The native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo started 46 games and averaged a career-high 16.1 points per game in 2023-24.

He missed much of the following season with a right ankle injury, though, and then fell out of coach Steve Kerr’s rotation in 2025-26, before being traded to the Atlanta Hawks.

With a player option on his contract for the second year, Kuminga won’t have to wait long to cash in if he stays healthy and performs well. The question about how the new-look Wolves will share the ball beyond the volume-shooting backcourt has yet to be answered, with small forward Jaden McDaniels also in the mix for regular touches. Ayo Dosunmu, acquired from the Bulls at last season’s trade deadline, also brings scoring off the bench.

But Edwards has led an offseason push to make the Wolves a more connected team, both off the court and on it. Kuminga’s athleticism and intensity ought to help their defense as much as their offense.

“I know what it takes to win, and I think just me including myself with those guys, I think we have a chance of going far,” Kuminga said. “I think just me bringing my mentality to what they have already, I think we can do such a great job out here.”

Less than two months after his maiden race start, Castillo King is preparing to face some of the premier three-year-olds in the Run To The Rose. Jockey Tommy Berry suggests the colt is up to the challenge, provided a crucial condition is met.

The Michael Freedman-trained galloper has drawn barrier 12 of 13 for Saturday’s 1200m sprint. Facing a quality field that includes Group 1-winning juveniles Fireball and Tron Bolt, Berry highlighted the absolute necessity for Castillo King to encounter some luck in the initial stages of the race.

“We had to ride him quiet from a poor alley last start and we were hoping he drew well this start because we wanted to be prominent on him,” Berry stated. “I’m just disappointed with the draw. I still wouldn’t think, this weekend, we’d ride him quiet, only for the fact he is there to run well.

“He’s been working well, so we’d want to still be positive on him and hope for a bit of luck. If we get the luck, he’s going to be right in the finish.”

After an impressive victory at Warwick Farm on debut in July, Castillo King settled in the second half of the field, making ground to finish fourth behind Chilly Girl in the Rosebud (1100m) last month.

Freedman has opted for a spaced race program for the colt, and Berry believes his athletic build means he will handle the Run To The Rose race conditions effectively when racing fresh.

“He’s not a big, gross horse so we weren’t worried about the month between runs with him,” he commented. “He’s working really well at home. He had a few days in the paddock after his last run and he’s spot-on.

“He’ll have no excuses on the weekend bar bad luck, but if we get a bit of luck in the first furlong, I guarantee he’ll be in the finish.”

While Berry has been aboard Castillo King for his two career starts, he will ride Hidrix for the first time in the Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m), another significant three-year-old event.

The Canonbury Stakes (1100m) winner resumed with a solid fifth place against older horses in benchmark grade last month. From barrier four, Berry suggests Hidrix is drawn perfectly to get an ideal run.

“The barrier is probably imperative so he can get a nice run behind the speed,” he said. “His run was really good first-up when he went back to the inferior ground on the inside.

“I saw him the other morning and he’s in great order. He’ll appreciate the step up in distance as well.”

Want to get involved with the action? Check out the latest racing betting markets for the Run To The Rose.

Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott are preparing to send six horses to Rosehill, with five of them entered in stakes races. Among these are four promising three-year-olds aiming to showcase their potential for the spring racing season.

The Golden Rose aspirations for Plagiarism and Revengeance will be put to the test in the Run To The Rose (1200m). Meanwhile, I’m Ya Huckleberry has the opportunity to stake his claim for that race with a strong showing in the Ming Dynasty Quality Handicap (1400m).

Their stablemate Savagram is also set to compete in the Ming Dynasty. As a half-brother to the Derby winner Major Beel, Savagram is being considered for a potential campaign towards the Spring Champion Stakes (2000m).

I’m Ya Huckleberry joins the three-year-old feature races after being sidelined by a fetlock injury that occurred following his debut second in the Breeders’ Plate (1000m) last spring. He achieved his maiden victory at Wyong last month, and Bott is keen for him to race on the larger Rosehill track.

“He’s a big striding horse, so the bigger track will be more suitable for him, and getting out to 1400 metres,” Bott stated. “The thought process is he’s got that natural speed and being able to sustain that over 1400 metres, 1600 metres as opposed to 1200 is going to be what hopefully separates him when he can get to a good level.”

An increase in distance is also expected to benefit Savagram, who finished fourth last start behind Plagiarism in the Up And Coming Stakes (1300m). Bott felt the colt’s inexperience was apparent in that run.

Plagiarism will be striving for a repeat of that performance in the Run To The Rose (1200m), where he is anticipated to have a fitness edge over several of the leading contenders. “He’s gone to the Run To The Rose for that reason. He’s pretty conditioned for a tougher race like that, particularly with where he’s at in this ‘prep’ having had two runs over 1300 metres and dropping back to 1200,” Bott explained. “Traditionally, it’s the main lead-up to the Golden Rose and he certainly put himself in contention at his last start. We wanted to give him that chance.”

Bott also suggested that punters should be forgiving of Revengeance, who tired late in the San Domenico Stakes (1200m) upon his return from an extended break. While he expects the colt to improve further after Saturday’s run, he has not ruled out aiming him at the Group 1 feature in two weeks. “I still don’t think it’s necessarily the right race (on Saturday) yet, but it’s the right stepping stone to get back,” Bott said. “If we need to readjust after this we can, but at this stage he’s on a path to the Golden Rose.”

Stardom completes Tulloch Lodge’s black-type contenders in Sydney when she contests the Sheraco Stakes (1200m), aiming to prove her narrow second in the Toy Show Quality (1100m) was not a fluke. Although she started at long odds that day, Bott indicated her performance was not a surprise to the stable, and she has continued to develop positively. “She used to be in a bit of a rush, but she is harnessing things much better,” he commented. “She’s got to improve again off that personal best, but I’m really happy with her. She’s going great.”

Bet on the Golden Rose with leading Australian betting sites.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (left) and Sanju Samson.© AFP

Michael Carrick believes Manchester United have raised the expectations of the club since he returned to Old Trafford with a derby win in January.

Carrick faces Manchester City for the second time as a manager on Sunday after leading United back into the Champions League, a year after they finished 15th in the Premier League.

They came third last season, only one place behind their neighbours, and after Carrick beat Pep Guardiola’s City in his first game back in charge, he has gone on to earn the manager’s job and increase the demands put on United now.

“I think going into the Champions League game and talking about the expectation there, I think it’s a really good thing that it’s shifted in a way, and all of a sudden there’s different things asked of us now to maybe what was a few months ago, and we’re in the Champions League,” Carrick said.

“That in itself shows the steps we’ve made, and we need to be in the latter stages of that, and then the expectations around that.”

While Carrick tasted victory in his first derby in charge, he feels it is no guarantee his side make it a double when they meet Enzo Maresca’s City at Old Trafford.

“I think there’s no way we’re assuming we won last year, we’ll do the same things and everything will be the same,” he explained.

Carrick is waiting to see if Luke Shaw will be fit enough to feature after he sat out Thursday’s 4-0 win over Sabah in the Champions League.

He added: “We’ll have to see. We just kind of looked after him a little bit. He wasn’t quite ready for it 100 percent, so we didn’t risk it.”

Michael Carrick will face Man City for the second time as Man Utd head coach after he beat Pep Guardiola’s side in his first game in charge in January.

Michael Carrick will celebrate eight months in charge of Manchester United on Sunday with a repeat of the fixture that marked the start of his journey to landing the head coach role on a permanent basis.

Carrick was the short-term interim when he was given the keys to Old Trafford on January 13, but a home victory against Manchester City five days later was the first sign that he might just be in with a chance of extending that stay.

A two-year contract followed when he steered United to third and a return to the Champions League but the 45-year-old is adamant his own approach to the job hasn’t changed, from his first week preparing to face City to this week when he does so with his feet under the table.

After a stint managing Middlesbrough in the Championship, Carrick’s ascension to permanent United head coach looked unlikely until he started to deliver results, but he knows how quickly things can change and will continue to plan for the long-term, even if he knows his own stay in the dugout could end at any moment.

“I think I said it pretty early on, I was always planning to be – all the decisions we were making were if we were going to be here for a period of time. I never knew how long that was going to be, I still don’t!” said Carrick.

“But you’re always planning to what the future, what we want it to look like and the direction we want to go, and that was from day one. Obviously, it was quick and it was a turnaround and there was a bit of, as I’ve just said, around that game where it was a bit of an unknown, to be honest with you.

“The performance the lads gave was incredible with all that, but there was definitely always – has been, always will be for me – from the start was planning to try and get this club to where we want to get it in the long term.”

The 2-0 win back in January was thoroughly deserved for Carrick’s side, with goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu sealing victory. They built on that by winning against Arsenal at the Emirates a week later.

But plenty has changed since then, not least Enzo Maresca replacing Pep Guardiola at the Etihad, and Carrick knows his second derby in charge of United could be very different to the first.

“It’ll definitely be different, just because no two games are ever the same,” he said. “I think there’s no way we’re assuming we won last year, we’ll do the same things and everything will be the same.

“I understand the expectation that was quite fresh, everything was new, there was a bit of didn’t really know where it was going to go, and players, maybe myself, coaches, obviously you guys, you were all waiting to see how it would go, and it was quite a quick turnaround.

“I think the confidence that we’ve built over a period of time and feel like we’re getting better all the time, I think that helps us. We know it’s a big game, we know it’s an important game. There’s a lot riding on it, it’s pretty obvious to say, but we’re looking forward to it. We’ve got a short space of time to recover and prepare for it, but we’ll make the most of it.”

Throughout the 2026 college football season, I’ll be giving you my just-for-fun picks for contests involving the best teams in the West across five conferences.

Last week, I improved my record to 9-3 in these fearless picks, missing on just San Jose State, which lost to EMU, and Wyoming, which lost to Colorado State.

This week, I am making picks for the following 10 games:

• Arizona State at Texas A&M
• Washington State at Kansas State
• Oregon at Oklahoma State
• Arizona at BYU
• Cal at Syracuse
• Utah State at Washington
• Memphis at Boise State
• San Diego State at UCLA
• Texas Tech at Oregon State
• Arkansas at Utah

You will also want to read Stephen Vilardo’s Big Ten Previews, Dane Miller’s Big 12 column, and my Pac-12 Previews.

Let’s get on to my picks!

Arizona State at No. 10 Texas A&M

Saturday, September 12
9:00 AM PT, ABC

This is a find-out-about-yourself matchup for Arizona State. And the Sun Devils could pull this one off.

Both squads destroyed opponents below their pay grade in week one, but this is the kickoff for both teams.

ASU quarterback Cutter Boley has the opportunity to go back to the SEC and get a dub. Boley needs to keep his confidence up before entering Big 12 play. But this should prove tricky because Texas A&M features one of the best secondaries in the country.

TAMU’s Marcus Ratcliffe and Dalton Brooks are the key to this contest. This safety duo should limit big plays and force the Sun Devils into long drives; they combined for 127 tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss in 2025.

Arizona State has some advantages, however. Their defensive front should be able to make plays against an Aggies offensive line that lacks continuity, as they’re replacing four players from this unit a year ago.

Defensive linemen C.J. Fite, Zac Swanson, and/or Jalen Thompson have to impact the game.

On offense, ASU needs players like Reed Harris, Omarion Miller, and Grayson Rigdon to win some one-on-one battles. Two good safeties, Kyle Field, too much.

The OG 12 kill the devil.

Texas A&M 35, ASU 24

Washington State at Kansas State

Saturday, September 12th
9:00 AM PT, TNT

Washington State played decently in their opener against Washington. It hurt the eyes, but the Cougars were a third-down stop away from an opportunity to tie the game.

If WSU wants to find success this weekend, however, they need to find a playmaker on offense. That side of the ball proved non-existent until the fourth quarter last week.

The Cougs also lost their top receiver in Tony Freeman, who is also their best offensive player.

The key to their matchup against Kansas State is to run the ball more efficiently. The Wildcats feature one of the best defensive ends in the Big 12, Wendell Gregory. If they don’t keep Gregory off balance, it’ll be a repeat of the Apple Cup.

WSU can hang, but can they win?

Kansas State 31, WSU 21

No. 6 Oregon at Oklahoma State

Saturday, September 12
9:00 AM PT, ESPN

The Cowboys lost by 14 points against Tulsa in Week One.  The key for OSU in this contest is to hold the Ducks to field goals and hope to connect on a few big throws.

The ‘Boys are in the midst of a transition with new Head Coach Eric Morris, but they brought over some talented wideouts from North Texas. They also held Tulsa to one of 11 on third downs.

Back to life, back to reality. UO is pissed off after Boise State nearly did it again. Dante Moore shined in the opener against a well-coached defense; it’ll happen again against Oklahoma State. Moore threw for 378 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions in week one.

Other Duck standouts included Jordon Davison and Jeremiah McClellan. Dakorien Moore also had a big afternoon highlighted by the game-winning touchdown reception.

The Ducks also boast five preseason Big Ten First-Team selections on defense. Koi Perich led Oregon with 11 tackles against the Broncos, while three other players recorded one sack apiece.

There is a 99.9 % chance the Ducks win this contest, but they still have to play. The Pokes will wish they didn’t.

Oregon 42, Oklahoma St 14

Arizona at No. 15 BYU

Saturday, September 12
12:30 PM PT, FOX

This game should be an epic rematch of last year. Arizona was beating BYU by 14 points in the fourth quarter, but the Cougars made a comeback and won in double overtime.

In the sequel, Noah Fifita is looking for revenge. Fifita is the best signal-caller in the conference, and he’ll be ready for the environment. He’ll need some help, though; the Cougs have a dirty defense with playmakers at every level.

Bodie Schoonover is a problem at defensive end. The Cougars also have Cade Uluave in the linebacking corps. Uluave was first-team All-ACC with Cal in 2025. BYU’s secondary is experienced and returns two starters from last year’s unit.

Gio Richardson shined in the opener for the Wildcats, but Tre Spivey and Chris Hunter III will need to contribute as well. If UA struggles to move the ball, BYU will likely wear out Arizona’s defense by the fourth quarter.

Bear Bachmeier, LJ Martin, and the Cougar offensive line help fuel a potent rushing attack. BYU needs a wideout to step up with Chase Roberts moving on, though. If they don’t find an explosive player, the Cats could pounce.

BYU almost lost their undefeated season in the desert in 2025, and they’ll run it back at home.

BYU 24, Arizona 17

Cal at Syracuse

Saturday, September 12th
12:30 PM PT, ACC Network

This is a crucial moment for Cal. The opening week loss to UCLA hurt, but it isn’t a disaster yet. A loss to Syracuse would be that disaster. And it’s worrisome because of Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele’s ankle injury.

Luckily for the Golden Bears, they have a better team than in 2025. Adam Mohammed is the type of back who can take over a contest. He finished with 35 touches, 166 total yards, and one touchdown in the opener.

Complementing him are Ian Strong, Chase Hendricks, and Dorian Thomas. The return of Thomas is vital at tight end; he was a first-team All-Mountain West selection a year ago.

The depth at receiver should also benefit Cal in this contest, but they have to throw away from Chris Peal, a Phil Steele Preseason All-American at cornerback. He’s probably their best player on defense, but other names to know are Antoine Deslauriers, Rashard Perry, and Keyshawn Johnson.

Offensively, the Orange will lean heavily on quarterback Steve Angeli. Angeli missed most of last season with an Achilles injury after leading them to a 3-1 start. Most of SU’s main offensive pieces are coming off a hobbled year and lack game reps.

The Bears go herbivore.

Cal 35, Syracuse 20

Utah State at No. 19 Washington

Saturday, September 12
12:30 PM PT, BTN

This is going to be a bad experience for Utah State fans.

Washington’s coming off an Apple Cup victory in which they feel they underperformed. They will be motivated, angry, and confident. The only chance the Aggies have in this contest is to get their passing attack going from the jump.

McCae Hillstead threw three interceptions in the opener, and if he throws one in this contest, it’s too many. The Huskies forced two picks in week one. Javen Jacobs is a solid running back, but he probably won’t have room to do much. USU lacks experience at their offensive tackles, which UW will expose.

The Dawgs still need to find more skill-position players. They struggled to create separation and score points in the opener, and they’re still figuring out how to replace Jonah Coleman and Denzel Boston. They’re also without Jayden Limar and Quaid Carr, which means they’re on their third-string halfback.

Chris Lawson and Rashid Williams combined for seven catches, 161 receiving yards, and one touchdown in the opener. They’ll be looking for a bigger contribution from Dezmen Roebuck.

Washington’s the better team here, and they’re going to snowplow Utah State.

Washington 45, Utah St 10

Boise State 28, Memphis 13

San Diego State at UCLA

Saturday, September 12th
4:15 PM PT, Big Ten Network

This is another game that could transform the perception of the Pac-12, one way or the other—especially after UCLA’s win at Cal.

If San Diego State gets thrashed by the Bruins, some will argue that the conference is pretty much the same as the Mountain West, except for Boise State.

But if the Aztecs win, the Pac-12 feels more credible.

The key to this contest is for SDSU to find their identity. If the offense can replicate what it did against Portland State, then Aztec FAST is coming to life. But Jayden Denegal will need to do more to knock off the Bruins.

It feels unlikely that SDSU will be able to run for 237 yards again. UCLA only allowed 119 yards against the Bears, and Cal running back Adam Mohammed is a bruiser with speed who can play.

Denegal needs to make some downfield throws to keep the Aztecs in this matchup. UCLA scored 45 points against Cal, and Nico Iamaleava had an off game.

San Diego State will also need to find a way to stop the Bruins halfback duo of Wayne Knight and Anthony Woods. They combined for 189 rushing yards and five touchdowns in the opener. This is concerning because SDSU only returns two starters on defense.

If the Aztecs are going to pull off the upset, they’ll need other skill players to support Lucky Sutton and Denegal.

No one needs this more than the Aztecs, but UCLA isn’t the third-best team in SoCal.

UCLA 38, SDSU 21

No. 13 Texas Tech at Oregon State

Saturday, September 12th
4:30 PM PT, CBS

Oregon State made a marvelous comeback against Houston.

If Amare Thomas didn’t make an elite catch in the fourth quarter, the game could’ve swayed. The Beavers’ offense had some crests and troughs in their initial outing.

OSU has to find a way to move the ball on the ground better. The Beavs only finished with 26 total yards rushing. The number looks worse because of four sacks, but they got stuffed.

However, on the positive side, Oregon State quarterback Braden Atkinson might be a stud. If he can play the way he did against the Cougars, anything could happen this week.

Arkansas at No. 20 Utah

Saturday, September 12
7:15 PM PT, FOX

This is a nifty non-conference matchup. Arkansas heads into Salt Lake City looking to play better than they did in Week One. The Razorbacks beat North Alabama by 17, but they had eight penalties, three turnovers, and only scored one touchdown in six red zone attempts.

Utah decimated Idaho 66-14. Morgan Scalley’s debut went a bit smoother than Kyle Whittingham’s.

Scalley’s Utes should be able to capitalize against a U of A offense that struggles to run the ball. They only averaged three yards per carry against the Lions, and no back finished with more than 50 rushing yards. If they couldn’t generate a push against UNA, the Utes should be alright.

On offense, as long as U or U’s offensive line protects Devon Dampier, they should cruise. But this isn’t a guarantee. Utah’s still in the process of rebuilding their offensive line, though they return two key pieces this week in Keith Olson and Isaiah Garcia.

Even if the line underwhelms, the combination of Wayshawn Parker and Dampier should move the ball. Braden Pegan also played well at wideout in week one.

Arkansas has enough talent to compete, but will lose.

Utah 38, Arkansas 20

Writes about football and basketball as a Senior Writer and hosts “The Nick Bartlett Show” for SuperWest Sports.

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The first goal arrived in the seventh minute. By half-time, India had 10. When the quarterfinal ended, Pakistan had conceded 19 without reply as India stormed into the semifinals of the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2026 in China on Thursday.

The emphatic victory kept India on course for a third successive title, following their triumphs in 2023 and 2024. They will face the winner of the South Korea-Malaysia quarterfinal for a place in the final.

Sahu opens the floodgates

Pooja Sahu broke the deadlock in the seventh minute, setting off a relentless scoring sequence that left Pakistan struggling to contain the defending champions.

India struck at regular intervals, with Sanika Mane scoring twice as the lead swelled to 10-0 before the break. Pakistan could find neither a way to halt India’s attacks nor a goal to interrupt their dominance.

By half-time, the contest had become a question of how many India would score.

Nine more goals after the break

The interval brought Pakistan little respite. India added nine more goals in the second half, with Pooka Malik scoring a hat-trick and Supriya and Purnima Yadav contributing two goals apiece.

Pakistan remained unable to respond as India maintained their attacking pressure through another punishing half.

Third successive title in sight

The quarterfinal rout followed a strong group-stage campaign in which India beat Japan, Malaysia and South Korea to finish top of their group.

Now, one of those familiar opponents awaits in the semifinals. Having swept past Pakistan, India are two victories away from completing a hat-trick of Women’s Junior Asia Cup titles.