Croatia legend Modric set to continue international career post WC; c…

Zagreb [Croatia], September 5 (ANI): Croatia legend Luka Modric will be continuing his international career after the FIFA World Cup, making himself available for UEFA Nations League fixtures against Czechia, FIFA World Cup champions Spain, and England, confirmed the country’s football governing body on Saturday.

Croatian Football Federation confirmed the availability of the 40-year-old football legend on their official X handle.

“#Croatia captain @lukamodric10 will be included in the upcoming national team squad for # NationsLeague encounters with Czechia, Spain, and England! Modrić has confirmed to head coach Slaven Bilić and HNS president Marijan Kustić his availability for the Nations League and is ready to continue his fascinating international career, with 202 caps and historic achievements," posted the federation’s account on their X handle. truewildslot.com

Speaking about Modric’s decision to continue, coach Bilic said, “Of course, this Luka’s decision makes me extremely happy, we are all aware what he brings to Croatia, both on and off the pitch. I am looking forward to working with him again, after 14 years, and we both share a strong ambition to keep Croatia a top, successful team, shoulder to shoulder with the best teams in the world"

Currently playing for AC Milan in Serie A, he has made two appearances in the new season, not having made any goals and assists so far.

In the FIFA World Cup this year, Modric captained his side to a round-of-32 finish, losing to Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal. In four matches, he produced five chances and delivered one assist.

UEFA Nations League 2026/27 will start from September 24 onwards. Croatia, the 2018 FIFA World Cup runners-up, finished as runners-up in the competition in 2022-23 edition, losing to Spain. (ANI)

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Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage has made waves in the athletics world by securing the Diamond League Final javelin title in Brussels, throwing an incredible 89.04 meters in his third attempt. This victory signifies his second major achievement in a breakout season, following his Commonwealth Games gold medal earlier this year. With his sights set on the Asian Games, Pathirage continues to rise in prominence.

Dubai [UAE], September 5 (ANI): Pakistan Women slumped to their lowest-ever total in T20Is after being bowled out for 55 against India in Dubai on Saturday.

The 55-run effort now tops Pakistan’s list of lowest all-out totals in the format, surpassing their previous lowest score of 56 against New Zealand in Dubai in 2024.

Pakistan’s six lowest all-out totals in T20Is are 55 against India in Dubai in 2026, 56 against New Zealand in Dubai in 2024, 60 against England in Taunton in 2009, 63 against India in Guangzhou in 2012, 65 against the West Indies in St Andrew’s in 2011 and 72 against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2018.

After Pakistan opted to bat first, openers Muneeba Ali and Shawaal Zulfiqar stitched a 27-run stand, but from there, it was a slow-burning punishment unleashed on Pakistani batters, who were skittled out for just 55 in 18.1 overs.

Muneeba Ali and Shawaal Zulfiqar made a cautious start, with Zulfiqar taking two overs to find her first boundary. In the third over, Pratika Rawal put down a straightforward chance off Kranti Gaud’s bowling, handing Muneeba a crucial lifeline.

The duo managed a boundary each before Shafali Varma clean bowled Muneeba Ali for a 15-ball 13, leaving Pakistan at 27/1 after 4.3 overs.

The following over, bowled by Shree Charani, further derailed Pakistan’s innings as she struck twice. Gull Feroza was caught by Nandini Sharma at the backward point for a three-ball duck before Charani trapped Shawaal Zulfiqar lbw for a run-a-ball 14 to end the over. Pakistan were reduced to 29/3 after six overs.

Spin continued to dominate the proceedings, with Shree getting her third wicket in the eighth over, removing Ayesha Zafar (2), while Prema Rawat got the wicket of Ayesha Zafar (3), and Deepti Sharma got the wicket of skipper Fatima Sana for a seven-ball duck. Pakistan was down and out at 35/6 in 9.1 overs.

Halfway through, Pakistan was 36/6, with Eyman Fatima (0*) and Umm-e-Hani (1*) unbeaten. Pakistan’s downslide continued, as Eyman Fatima (5) was run out by Bharti Fulmali and Deepti Sharma, sinking to 45/7 in 13.1 overs.

Prema Rawat got some success, as she added two more wickets to her tally, removing Umm-e-Hani (6) and Umm-e-Hani (0), sinking Pakistan to 54/9 in 16.3 overs.

Deepti Sharma got the final wicket, removing Tuba Hassan for nine in 16 balls; Pakistan was skittled out for 55 in 18.1 overs.

Charani (3/7) and Prema (3/9) were exceptional in their four-over spells, with Deepti getting two wickets and Shafali getting one. (ANI)

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India’s international friendly against Panama will now be played on September 25 at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium. The match was originally scheduled for September 26, but the date was moved forward by a day because the venue will be used for the Bengaluru Marathon on September 27.

The stadium will serve as the starting and finishing point of the race, making it difficult to hold the football match on the original date.

The match will be part of India’s busy international schedule and will be the first of three high-profile friendlies during the September-October FIFA international window. Panama, who featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will provide India with a strong test.

When will India vs Panama tickets go on sale?

The All India Football Federation has confirmed that tickets for the India vs Panama friendly will go live on the District platform next week. Fans looking to attend the match should check the official listing on the District platform for the sale date, ticket categories and prices.

How to book India vs Panama tickets?

Once the sale opens, people can visit District through its website or app and search for the India vs Panama match. They can then select the available ticket category, choose their seats and complete the payment. Fans should use the official ticketing platform rather than relying on unauthorised sellers or social media listings.

The AIFF has not yet announced the ticket prices or the exact time at which the Panama tickets will be released. Those details are expected to be made available through the official ticketing listing.

India’s other international friendlies

The Panama match will be followed by two major fixtures in Kolkata. India will face five-time world champions Brazil on October 3 at the Salt Lake Stadium before taking on two-time world champions Uruguay at the same venue on October 6.

The three matches are part of a new international schedule for the Indian team, with the AIFF choosing to prioritise these friendlies over participation in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup.

India had been scheduled to feature in the ASEAN Cup, but withdrew from the tournament after the AIFF decided to focus on the high-profile matches against Brazil, Uruguay and Panama. Bangladesh were invited to take India’s place in the competition.

The decision has drawn criticism, but the AIFF has maintained that the friendlies will give the Indian team valuable exposure against stronger opposition.