Harmanpreet Kaur-led India will look to defend its Asian Games cricket gold medal against Sri Lanka in the final at Nagoya’s Korogi Athletic Park.
India has impressed, with Shafali Verma’s record-breaking century and Deepti Sharma’s contributions driving the campaign.
Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings have appointed former India pacer Zaheer Khan as head coach for IPL 2027, replacing Stephen Fleming. India’s men’s cricket team will assemble in Thiruvananthapuram ahead of the West Indies ODI series.
The Asian Games action continues with India’s men’s kabaddi team defeating Japan, while the women’s hockey team opened its campaign with a 17-1 victory over Indonesia.
Here is your daily wrap from the world of sports in the Sports Bulletin for september 22.
Harmanpreet Kaur And Co Eye Consecutive Asian Games Gold
Harmanpreet Kaur’s India aims to defend its Asian Games gold medal against Sri Lanka at Nagoya’s Korogi Athletic Park. After convincing wins over Japan and Bangladesh, India relies on top-scorer Shafali Verma and spinner Deepti Sharma. Sri Lanka, led by Chamari Athapaththu following her match-winning 82 against Pakistan, hopes to pull off an upset. The gold medal match starts at 10:30 AM IST, broadcasting live on Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV, with India entering as strong favorites to maintain continental dominance.
India Team To Assemble In Thiruvananthapuram For West Indies Series
The Indian ODI squad will assemble in Thiruvananthapuram on September 23 for a three-match home series against West Indies, starting September 27. Shubman Gill leads the 15-member squad alongside vice-captain KL Rahul, with senior stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returning. Uncapped players Auqib Nabi and Naman Dhir earned maiden call-ups. Following matches in Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati (Sept 30), and New Chandigarh (Oct 3), India will play a five-match T20I series beginning October 6 in Lucknow.
Zaheer Khan Appointed Head Coach Of CSK
Chennai Super Kings have appointed former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan as their head coach for IPL 2027. He succeeds Stephen Fleming, who ended an 18-year association with the franchise after guiding them to five titles.
Zaheer brings vast management experience to his biggest IPL coaching role yet, having previously served in senior cricket development roles with Mumbai Indians and as a mentor for Lucknow Super Giants. Khan expressed his excitement to join the legacy franchise.
Shafali Verma Maiden Asian Games Century
India opener Shafali Verma made history by smashing an unbeaten 100 off 49 balls against Bangladesh in the Asian Games 2026 semi-final, becoming the first woman to score a century in Asian Games cricket.
Her maiden T20I century, featuring 9 sixes and 3 fours, powered India to 195/4 and a 114-run victory. Shafali also became the second Indian after Yashasvi Jaiswal to score an Asian Games ton and set a new record for the most T20I sixes by a female cricketer in a calendar year (35).
India Defeat Japan In Men’s Kabaddi at Asian Games
Defending champions India launched their Asian Games 2026 men’s kabaddi title defense with a crushing 49-24 victory over hosts Japan in their Group A opener. Led by skipper Sunil Kumar, India took control early as dynamic raiding from Ashu Malik, Ayan Lohchab, and Devank Dalal built a commanding 31-9 halftime lead and forced three All-Outs. Despite a disciplined second-half fightback from Japan, India comfortably contained the hosts to secure a dominant victory.
India Women’s Hockey Team Beat Indonesia 17-1
India’s women’s hockey team kickstarted their Asian Games 2026 campaign with a dominant 17-1 victory over Indonesia in their Pool A opener. Former captain Rani Rampal starred with a hat-trick, while Deepika and Sangita Kumari scored three goals each to spearhead India’s relentless attacking display. India established complete control early on, taking a commanding 8-0 lead by halftime. Indonesia managed a consolation goal late in the third quarter, but India easily sealed an overwhelming opening win.