United States President Donald Trump’s administration has asked lawmakers to clear the sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia for an estimated $24.3bn.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region,” the State Department said in a statement on Thursday.

The administration said the sale of the jets, the most advanced fighter aircraft the US has, would “not alter the military balance in the region” in keeping with longstanding US policy that Israel must have a military edge over potential regional adversaries.

The announcement comes after the Houthis in Yemen claimed on Wednesday they shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over Marib, a key city in their battle against Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces. The group released video of fighters in the city standing before burning wreckage of what appeared to be a US-made F-15 fighter jet with Saudi Arabian markings.

The Houthis claim the aircraft was shot down with a “locally made” surface-to-air missile, which would mark a dramatic change in the group’s ability to wage war in the area. Until now, Saudi Arabia’s military has enjoyed relative air superiority in Yemen, and has relied heavily on its ability to carry out air strikes in the neighbouring country.

Intensifying fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis reportedly killed at least five people, including three children, on Thursday.

[Aljazeera]

Consecutive thrashings in three days saw England take the T20I series against Sri Lanka with a game to spare. Thursday’s victory was just as one-sided as the opener at the Utilita Bowl, which they took by 119 runs; in Cardiff, Harry Brook’s side reached a lacklustre target of 146 with 47 balls to spare, with Tom Banton unbeaten on 52 off 24 for the conclusion as England took an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Brook was able to give his team their usual chasing privileges at Sophia Gardens. They punched their ticket once more for a 10th win in 12 completed T20Is at this venue. Their overall record has extended to 22 wins from 25 completed matches since Brook took over last June.

Sri Lanka’s stand-in skipper Charith Asalanka also wanted to bat second to make use of the shorter, straight boundaries, a fact Sri Lanka seemed to forget when setting a total. Their paltry 145 for 9 was baffling: barring Pathum Nissanka’s 37 from 21 and Kamindu Mendis’s 12 off 8, there was no urgency or attempt at ingenuity.

Nissanka lifted them to 55 for 0 after the first five overs, but they were held hostage for the final 15, returning 90 for 9. That included just seven runs from the final three overs, including a wicket-maiden in the 19th for Sonny Baker.

That initial burst of scoring was capped with a 17-run over off Will Jacks, who failed to hide the short, straight hit from the River Taff End. Liam Dawson then removed Lahiru Udara and Kamil Mishara in consecutive balls in the final Powerplay over.

That proved to be the end of Sri Lanka’s impetus, and this contest. Asalanka’s 31 and Wanindu Hasaranga’s 27 came in the face of an exceptionally professional middle-overs display from Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid and Dawson, who finished with 3 for 32 to earn player-of-the-match honours.

Aneurin Donald, as the hometown hero returning to his boyhood county, Glamorgan, had the crowd with him, managing to better his debut knock with 21 off 13 this time but struggled to get his timing right.

Buttler initially had no such issues, carrying over his form from the 80 struck on Tuesday. He wasted no time getting to 30, moving to 15,000 runs in all T20, reclaiming the outright lead, now one ahead of Kieron Pollard. That included taking 16 off the second over from left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka, brought into the XI with debutant Tharindu Rathnayake, as spinners Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theeskshana made way.

With Buttler removed, and Brook dismissed for the first time in four innings – his 23 today taking his aggregate in that stretch to 311 runs – there was a hint of jeopardy at 79 for 3 after seven overs. But with 69 required from the remaining 78 balls, England’s middle order could decided between themselves who was going to see it home with a score of note.

In the end, it was Banton, adding another finishing cameo to his catalogue. He ticked over a fifth half-century from 24 deliveries before a succession of no-balls and wides was followed by Jacks’s lame tuck into midwicket for an underwhelming finish.

The silent “W” in the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) was represented in the first T20I on Tuesday by Aneurin Donald.  It was the first time since 2005 that an England team has featured a product of Glamorgan. This evening, however, was that much more special.

Born in Swansea, Donald – who hails from a family with deep roots in the game – stepped out at Cardiff to an emotional home coming. Even Kevin Pietersen, who presented Donald his maiden cap, referenced it ahead of Southampton. This, really, meant more.

It was with Glamorgan that Donald made his domestic debuts, before leaving to join Hampshire in 2015. The route to this point, back at Sophia Gardens as a Welshman of international repute, has been long, and riddled with doubt.

Donald was not quite able to grab the night for himself. With a low crowd, and against poor opposition, it felt like the evening needed him to be the story. But a lap over fine leg for six, and two fours – all in a row against Dushmantha Chameera – did get the Welsh support vibing with him a little more.

A scuffed heave off Eshan Malinga – misreading a slower ball – saw him depart for just 21 in a low run-chase. But it was an important cameo in the bigger picture.

“I’ve got the opportunity to fly the flag for everyone that’s put some time and energy into me, but not just that, the wider Welsh game,” Donald told the BBC in the lead-up to this match. “It’s an added responsibility but I’m determined to try and fly the flag.”

If you really squint, Pathum Nissanka’s breezy innings could be seen as a silver lining.

Two months on from surgery to his right wrist – which took place in London – the 28-year old produced his most recognisable innings since returning to competitive action at the end of August.

Having missed the Test series against India, and the Lanka Premier League, a couple of T20s for Nondescripts and a couple of hits against England Lions meant he looked understandably rusty in Southampton. Sri Lanka were a doubt to challenge their 255 target, and certainly not when their best batter managed just 12 from 11.

Here in Cardiff, there was a return close to the norm. He was a cut above his teammates, a chasm initially exaggerated at first by Lahiru Udara struggling at the other end, who at one point had 1 off 9 balls.

It was clear Nissanka was central to any respectable total. The only batter sharp enough to use his feet, and create different angles, Jofra Archer was taken for 14 in his opening over. After a flick around the corner, Nissanka charged and cut square before lapping the final ball over his shoulder, crouching to send England’s fastest quick inside the man at short fine.

The problem was always going to be the other end, and consecutive dismissals in the final over of the Powerplay summed that up. After the six-over mark, Sri Lanka were 56 for 2, with 33 contributed by Nissanka, having only faced 13 balls with the fielding restrictions. If that felt like a waste, then his dismissal at the end of the 9th certainly was, having added just 4 runs in eight more balls.

Remarkably, he was the only Sri Lanka batter to target the short, straight boundaries when he hit Will Jacks for a straight six at the start of the fourth over.

Scores:
England 146 for 4 in 12.1 overs  (Jos Buttler 30, Aneurin Donald 21, Harry Brook 23, Tom Banton 52*, Jordan Cox 12; Dushmantha Chameera 1-29, Wanidu Hasaranga 1-42, Eshan Malinga 1-27, Tharindu Rathnayake 1-25) beat Sri Lanka 145 for 9 in 20 overs (Pathum Nassanka 37, Lahiru Udara 21, Charith Asalanka 31, Kamindu Mendis 12, Wanidu Hasaranga 27; Sonny Baker 1-15, Joffra Archer 2-34, Liam Dawson 3-32, Jamie Overton 2-23, Adil Rashid 1-18) by six wickets

[Cricinfo]

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Tavengwa Mukuhlani as its Deputy Chairperson through November 2027.

Mukuhlani, who currently serves as the Chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket and represents the nation on the ICC Board, is set to take over the position from Imran Khwaja, following the latter’s departure.

Mukuhlani serves on the ICC Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) and Nominations Committees, and he chairs the HR and Remuneration Committee. He will become the first Zimbabwean to be appointed as the Deputy Chair of the ICC.

His appointment comes at a pivotal moment for African cricket as Zimbabwe prepare to co-host the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 alongside South Africa and Namibia. Leveraging his extensive leadership at Zimbabwe Cricket and regional expertise, Mukuhlani will provide valuable direction as the ICC brings the flagship tournament back to Africa for the first time in 24 years.

ICC Chairman, Jay Shah said, “I warmly congratulate Tavengwa Mukuhlani on his appointment as Deputy Chair of the ICC.  “His experience in cricket administration, understanding of the global game and commitment to its development will be invaluable to the ICC Board.

“Tavengwa has earned the confidence of his fellow Directors, and I look forward to working closely with him to strengthen cricket across our Members and create greater opportunities for the game to grow worldwide. His election is also a significant milestone for Zimbabwe, as he becomes the first Zimbabwean to serve as Deputy Chair.

“With cricket expanding globally and returning to the Olympic Games, strong leadership will be vital. I wish Tavengwa every success in his new role.”

Tavengwa Mukuhlani said, “I am deeply honoured by the confidence placed in me by my fellow ICC Board Directors and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Deputy Chair of the ICC. “I look forward to working closely with our Chairman, Mr. Jay Shah, whose leadership, energy and ambition have brought a clear sense of purpose to the ICC, with a strong focus on growing cricket, creating opportunities for our Members and reaching new audiences and markets.

“Cricket is entering an exciting period, particularly with its return to the Olympic Games and continued global expansion. I look forward to supporting our Chairman, Mr. Jay Shah and fellow board directors in advancing our shared priorities and serving the best interests of cricket globally.”

[ICC]