Sydney Thunder rope in Lauren Smith on two-year deal

India bowed out of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 after suffering 1-3 defeat against Chinese Taipei in their last Group C match at the Western Sydney Stadium in Sydney, Australia, on Tuesday.

A virtual final awaits the Indian senior women's national team, as they take on Chinese Taipei in their third and final Group C encounter of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026, at the Western Sydney Stadium in Sydney, Australia, on Tuesday.

Bethell's emergence as England's next all-format superstar continued as after an outstanding Sydney Ashes Test century, another century at another big stage, the T20 World Cup semifinal against India in front of a packed Wankhede, showcased his elite-level technique, mindset and nerves of steel. Despite wickets falling on the other side, the left-hander was relentless in his assault, scoring a 48-ball 105, with eight fours and seven sixes, which included a brutal beating of number one T20I bowler, Varun Chakravarthy.

The moment sparked a wave of scoreboard transformations across the country and around the world, signalling the start of the final run-up to one of the biggest sporting events of the year, as per the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Australia crushed Oman in a massive face-saving win at Pallekele on Friday, letting them end their campaign on a high with two wins and losses each. But their poor performances against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka raised concerns about the health of Aussie T20I cricket and whether they take the format seriously at all or not. Coming into the tournament, frontline pacers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins were ruled out due to injuries, and skipper Marsh missed out on two games due to a groin injury scare. Steve Smith was flown in as a replacement, but did not get even a single game to play.