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Deadspin | Heat, Hawks clash with major playoff implications   Feb 20, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) shoots over Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (45) in the third quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images   The Miami Heat are guaranteed a fourth straight year in the play-in round, but — with one game left in the regular season — there’s still something for Miami to chase.  On Sunday night, the Heat (42-39) will host the Atlanta Hawks (46-35). If Miami beats Atlanta and Charlotte loses at the New York Knicks, the Heat will have home-court advantage against the Hornets in a do-or-die play-in game next week.  Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said he would’ve preferred to have made the playoff round outright, but …  “We’re there (in the play-in),” he said. “We still have an opportunity to get home court (against Charlotte). We want to maximize that opportunity.”  On Friday, the Heat broke a two-game losing streak with a 140-117 win at Washington. The Heat are just 4-10 over their past 14 games but are 7-1 in games in which they make at least 20 3-pointers.  Indeed, Miami shot 20 of 37 from deep on Friday, and the Heat did that despite playing without several key players who are injured: Tyler Herro (right foot), Norman Powell (groin), Davion Mitchell (right shoulder), Dru Smith (right foot), and Nikola Jovic (left ankle).  Their status for the game vs. the Hawks is uncertain, but the Heat have solid depth, as they showed on Friday with Simone Fontecchio and Pelle Larsson scoring 24 points each, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. adding 23. Bam Adebayo contributed 20 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.  Fontecchio, who has played 70 games this season, got just his ninth start of the campaign on Friday, and he earned praise from Spoelstra.  “He has always kept himself ready,” Spoelstra said. “He’s done a lot of things that have made me take notice. He’s one of our better rebounders. He gives us positional size, and he’s ignitable as a shooter. If he sees a couple go down, it can be an avalanche from there.”   Meanwhile, the Hawks have clinched their first playoff berth since 2023. Atlanta, the Southeast Division champion, will be seeded either fifth or sixth. The team’s first-round opponent will be either the Cavaliers if Atlanta holds on to the fifth seed, or the Knicks if the Hawks slip to sixth.  Atlanta, which has not won a playoff series since 2021, is led by Jalen Johnson, a first-time All-Star this season. He tops the Hawks in scoring (22.5 points per game), rebounds (10.3 per game), and assists (7.9).  Johnson had 18 points, nine rebounds, and two assists in just 25 minutes in Atlanta’s 124-102 playoff-clinching win over visiting Cleveland on Friday.  Dyson Daniels, CJ McCollum, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are three more Hawks players to watch.  Daniels had his second career triple-double on Friday with 13 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds. For the season, he averages 11.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.9 assists and a team-high 2.0 steals.  Alexander-Walker is second on the Hawks in scoring (20.8 ppg), and McCollum is third (18.7). McCollum scored a game-high 29 points on Friday.  “These guys believed we could do this,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said when asked about making the playoffs. “This year is about building a foundation. That, regardless of what happens going forward, is a win. We’re excited.”  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Heat #Hawks #clash #major #playoff #implications

Deadspin | Heat, Hawks clash with major playoff implications
Deadspin | Heat, Hawks clash with major playoff implications   Feb 20, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) shoots over Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (45) in the third quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images   The Miami Heat are guaranteed a fourth straight year in the play-in round, but — with one game left in the regular season — there’s still something for Miami to chase.  On Sunday night, the Heat (42-39) will host the Atlanta Hawks (46-35). If Miami beats Atlanta and Charlotte loses at the New York Knicks, the Heat will have home-court advantage against the Hornets in a do-or-die play-in game next week.  Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said he would’ve preferred to have made the playoff round outright, but …  “We’re there (in the play-in),” he said. “We still have an opportunity to get home court (against Charlotte). We want to maximize that opportunity.”  On Friday, the Heat broke a two-game losing streak with a 140-117 win at Washington. The Heat are just 4-10 over their past 14 games but are 7-1 in games in which they make at least 20 3-pointers.  Indeed, Miami shot 20 of 37 from deep on Friday, and the Heat did that despite playing without several key players who are injured: Tyler Herro (right foot), Norman Powell (groin), Davion Mitchell (right shoulder), Dru Smith (right foot), and Nikola Jovic (left ankle).  Their status for the game vs. the Hawks is uncertain, but the Heat have solid depth, as they showed on Friday with Simone Fontecchio and Pelle Larsson scoring 24 points each, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. adding 23. Bam Adebayo contributed 20 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.  Fontecchio, who has played 70 games this season, got just his ninth start of the campaign on Friday, and he earned praise from Spoelstra.  “He has always kept himself ready,” Spoelstra said. “He’s done a lot of things that have made me take notice. He’s one of our better rebounders. He gives us positional size, and he’s ignitable as a shooter. If he sees a couple go down, it can be an avalanche from there.”   Meanwhile, the Hawks have clinched their first playoff berth since 2023. Atlanta, the Southeast Division champion, will be seeded either fifth or sixth. The team’s first-round opponent will be either the Cavaliers if Atlanta holds on to the fifth seed, or the Knicks if the Hawks slip to sixth.  Atlanta, which has not won a playoff series since 2021, is led by Jalen Johnson, a first-time All-Star this season. He tops the Hawks in scoring (22.5 points per game), rebounds (10.3 per game), and assists (7.9).  Johnson had 18 points, nine rebounds, and two assists in just 25 minutes in Atlanta’s 124-102 playoff-clinching win over visiting Cleveland on Friday.  Dyson Daniels, CJ McCollum, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are three more Hawks players to watch.  Daniels had his second career triple-double on Friday with 13 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds. For the season, he averages 11.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.9 assists and a team-high 2.0 steals.  Alexander-Walker is second on the Hawks in scoring (20.8 ppg), and McCollum is third (18.7). McCollum scored a game-high 29 points on Friday.  “These guys believed we could do this,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said when asked about making the playoffs. “This year is about building a foundation. That, regardless of what happens going forward, is a win. We’re excited.”  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Heat #Hawks #clash #major #playoff #implicationsFeb 20, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) shoots over Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (45) in the third quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Miami Heat are guaranteed a fourth straight year in the play-in round, but — with one game left in the regular season — there’s still something for Miami to chase.

On Sunday night, the Heat (42-39) will host the Atlanta Hawks (46-35). If Miami beats Atlanta and Charlotte loses at the New York Knicks, the Heat will have home-court advantage against the Hornets in a do-or-die play-in game next week.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said he would’ve preferred to have made the playoff round outright, but …

“We’re there (in the play-in),” he said. “We still have an opportunity to get home court (against Charlotte). We want to maximize that opportunity.”

On Friday, the Heat broke a two-game losing streak with a 140-117 win at Washington. The Heat are just 4-10 over their past 14 games but are 7-1 in games in which they make at least 20 3-pointers.

Indeed, Miami shot 20 of 37 from deep on Friday, and the Heat did that despite playing without several key players who are injured: Tyler Herro (right foot), Norman Powell (groin), Davion Mitchell (right shoulder), Dru Smith (right foot), and Nikola Jovic (left ankle).

Their status for the game vs. the Hawks is uncertain, but the Heat have solid depth, as they showed on Friday with Simone Fontecchio and Pelle Larsson scoring 24 points each, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. adding 23. Bam Adebayo contributed 20 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.

Fontecchio, who has played 70 games this season, got just his ninth start of the campaign on Friday, and he earned praise from Spoelstra.


“He has always kept himself ready,” Spoelstra said. “He’s done a lot of things that have made me take notice. He’s one of our better rebounders. He gives us positional size, and he’s ignitable as a shooter. If he sees a couple go down, it can be an avalanche from there.”

Meanwhile, the Hawks have clinched their first playoff berth since 2023. Atlanta, the Southeast Division champion, will be seeded either fifth or sixth. The team’s first-round opponent will be either the Cavaliers if Atlanta holds on to the fifth seed, or the Knicks if the Hawks slip to sixth.

Atlanta, which has not won a playoff series since 2021, is led by Jalen Johnson, a first-time All-Star this season. He tops the Hawks in scoring (22.5 points per game), rebounds (10.3 per game), and assists (7.9).

Johnson had 18 points, nine rebounds, and two assists in just 25 minutes in Atlanta’s 124-102 playoff-clinching win over visiting Cleveland on Friday.

Dyson Daniels, CJ McCollum, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are three more Hawks players to watch.

Daniels had his second career triple-double on Friday with 13 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds. For the season, he averages 11.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.9 assists and a team-high 2.0 steals.

Alexander-Walker is second on the Hawks in scoring (20.8 ppg), and McCollum is third (18.7). McCollum scored a game-high 29 points on Friday.

“These guys believed we could do this,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said when asked about making the playoffs. “This year is about building a foundation. That, regardless of what happens going forward, is a win. We’re excited.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Heat #Hawks #clash #major #playoff #implications

Feb 20, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) shoots over Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (45) in the third quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Miami Heat are guaranteed a fourth straight year in the play-in round, but — with one game left in the regular season — there’s still something for Miami to chase.

On Sunday night, the Heat (42-39) will host the Atlanta Hawks (46-35). If Miami beats Atlanta and Charlotte loses at the New York Knicks, the Heat will have home-court advantage against the Hornets in a do-or-die play-in game next week.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said he would’ve preferred to have made the playoff round outright, but …

“We’re there (in the play-in),” he said. “We still have an opportunity to get home court (against Charlotte). We want to maximize that opportunity.”

On Friday, the Heat broke a two-game losing streak with a 140-117 win at Washington. The Heat are just 4-10 over their past 14 games but are 7-1 in games in which they make at least 20 3-pointers.

Indeed, Miami shot 20 of 37 from deep on Friday, and the Heat did that despite playing without several key players who are injured: Tyler Herro (right foot), Norman Powell (groin), Davion Mitchell (right shoulder), Dru Smith (right foot), and Nikola Jovic (left ankle).

Their status for the game vs. the Hawks is uncertain, but the Heat have solid depth, as they showed on Friday with Simone Fontecchio and Pelle Larsson scoring 24 points each, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. adding 23. Bam Adebayo contributed 20 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.

Fontecchio, who has played 70 games this season, got just his ninth start of the campaign on Friday, and he earned praise from Spoelstra.

“He has always kept himself ready,” Spoelstra said. “He’s done a lot of things that have made me take notice. He’s one of our better rebounders. He gives us positional size, and he’s ignitable as a shooter. If he sees a couple go down, it can be an avalanche from there.”

Meanwhile, the Hawks have clinched their first playoff berth since 2023. Atlanta, the Southeast Division champion, will be seeded either fifth or sixth. The team’s first-round opponent will be either the Cavaliers if Atlanta holds on to the fifth seed, or the Knicks if the Hawks slip to sixth.

Atlanta, which has not won a playoff series since 2021, is led by Jalen Johnson, a first-time All-Star this season. He tops the Hawks in scoring (22.5 points per game), rebounds (10.3 per game), and assists (7.9).

Johnson had 18 points, nine rebounds, and two assists in just 25 minutes in Atlanta’s 124-102 playoff-clinching win over visiting Cleveland on Friday.

Dyson Daniels, CJ McCollum, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are three more Hawks players to watch.

Daniels had his second career triple-double on Friday with 13 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds. For the season, he averages 11.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.9 assists and a team-high 2.0 steals.

Alexander-Walker is second on the Hawks in scoring (20.8 ppg), and McCollum is third (18.7). McCollum scored a game-high 29 points on Friday.

“These guys believed we could do this,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said when asked about making the playoffs. “This year is about building a foundation. That, regardless of what happens going forward, is a win. We’re excited.”

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper power Phillies past D-backs <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28707691.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28707691.jpg" alt="MLB: Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 11, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Bryce Harper (3) hits a home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper hit back-to-back home runs to highlight the Philadelphia Phillies’ 4-3 victory over the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday afternoon.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Taijuan Walker (1-2) bounced back after a rough first inning to get the Phillies through five frames. He gave up two runs – both in the first – on four hits and two walks, striking out six to help Philadelphia snap a three-game slide.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Adrian Del Castillo had three hits and Ketel Marte homered for Arizona, which had won five of its previous six games. Diamondbacks starter Brandon Pfaadt (0-1) gave up four runs – three earned – and five hits over six innings, walking three and striking out six.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Arizona got off to a great start, as Marte hit Walker’s third pitch of the game over the wall in right-center field for a 1-0 lead.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Corbin Carroll followed with a walk and advanced on a groundout. The next hitter was Del Castillo, who delivered an RBI single to make it 2-0.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Philadelphia went down quietly against Pfaadt in the first and second innings before an error by shortstop Geraldo Perdomo led to a four-run rally in the third.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-7"> <p>After Alec Bohm reached on Perdomo’s miscue, Justin Crawford singled and Trea Turner struck out. Pfaadt then tried to get a 1-0 changeup past Schwarber, who launched it into the seats in right field to put the hosts ahead.</p> </section> <section id="section-8"> <p>Two pitches later, Harper sent a fastball into the Phillies’ bullpen in right-center, making it 4-2.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Schwarber’s fourth home run and Harper’s third of the season proved to be enough support for Walker, who induced a double play to get through the fifth.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Tim Mayza, Orion Kerkering and Jose Alvarado combined to get through the sixth and seventh innings.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Brad Keller ran into some two-out trouble in the eighth, as he allowed a walk and two hits – including Jose Fernandez’s single that sliced Arizona’s deficit to 4-3. However, Keller struck out Nolan Arenado with the tying run on third base to end the inning.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Jhoan Duran had no issues in the ninth, retiring the side in order for his fifth save.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Kyle #Schwarber #Bryce #Harper #power #Phillies #Dbacks

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Alex Sarama was relatively unknown when the Portland Fire announced he’d be their first-ever head coach. But, on Wednesday, when the WNBA announced that Sarama was named Coach of the Month, it came as no surprise. Sarama led the Fire to a 6-4 record in May and several improbable victories, while making a name for himself in broad basketball circles.

At just 30 years old, Sarama was an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers and became the director of player development.

He joined NBA Europe in 2020, became a Paris Basketball player improvement specialist in 2022, and was the director of methodology for the British Basketball League’s London Lions in 2023. In the 2023-2024 season, Sarama was an assistant coach for the Rip City Remix, the Portland Trail Blazers’ G League affiliate. Then, in 2024, he became an assistant for the Cavaliers.

Sarama is unique in that he is an advocate of the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) to skill acquisition and practice design, a methodology that emphasises decision-making, adaptability, and game-representative learning environments rather than isolated and repetitive drills.

Sarama has cancelled morning shootarounds, had Fire players practice with just socks, and simulated specific drills with different constraints to emulate late-game scenarios.

The Fire are 6-5 and owners of the league’s 8th-best record, despite being one of two WNBA expansion teams. In May, they went 6-4, accruing two wins over the New York Liberty and a win over the Indiana Fever, among other star-studded squads.

On the court, Portland has been led by Carla Leite, who is averaging 15.2 points and 5.2 assists per game, both team-highs.

Bridget Carleton, selected No. 1 overall in the WNBA’s expansion draft, is averaging 14.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game, while Emily Englster has been the top shot blocker in the league, averaging 2.3 blocks per game. Engstler is also averaging 9.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 assists per game. And, Sarah Ashlee Barker has been huge off the bench, averaging 10 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.

In a video shared by the Fire, Sarama credited the players and his staff for his first-ever Coach of the Month honor.

“This isn’t possible without incredible players. This is really because of you guys, number one,” he said. “Everything we’ve asked you to do, you guys have done times a thousand. I couldn’t be more proud to coach you guys. This is going to be such a fun ride.”

“Secondly, it’s staff of the month. Not coach of the month. That’s everyone. Front office, performance, the incredible coaching staff we have. It’s every single one of us here.”

#WNBA #named #Coach #Month #welldeserved">The WNBA just named a Coach of the Month, and it’s well-deserved  Alex Sarama was relatively unknown when the Portland Fire announced he’d be their first-ever head coach. But, on Wednesday, when the WNBA announced that Sarama was named Coach of the Month, it came as no surprise. Sarama led the Fire to a 6-4 record in May and several improbable victories, while making a name for himself in broad basketball circles.At just 30 years old, Sarama was an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers and became the director of player development.He joined NBA Europe in 2020, became a Paris Basketball player improvement specialist in 2022, and was the director of methodology for the British Basketball League’s London Lions in 2023. In the 2023-2024 season, Sarama was an assistant coach for the Rip City Remix, the Portland Trail Blazers’ G League affiliate. Then, in 2024, he became an assistant for the Cavaliers.Sarama is unique in that he is an advocate of the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) to skill acquisition and practice design, a methodology that emphasises decision-making, adaptability, and game-representative learning environments rather than isolated and repetitive drills.Sarama has cancelled morning shootarounds, had Fire players practice with just socks, and simulated specific drills with different constraints to emulate late-game scenarios.The Fire are 6-5 and owners of the league’s 8th-best record, despite being one of two WNBA expansion teams. In May, they went 6-4, accruing two wins over the New York Liberty and a win over the Indiana Fever, among other star-studded squads.On the court, Portland has been led by Carla Leite, who is averaging 15.2 points and 5.2 assists per game, both team-highs.Bridget Carleton, selected No. 1 overall in the WNBA’s expansion draft, is averaging 14.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game, while Emily Englster has been the top shot blocker in the league, averaging 2.3 blocks per game. Engstler is also averaging 9.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 assists per game. And, Sarah Ashlee Barker has been huge off the bench, averaging 10 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.In a video shared by the Fire, Sarama credited the players and his staff for his first-ever Coach of the Month honor.“This isn’t possible without incredible players. This is really because of you guys, number one,” he said. “Everything we’ve asked you to do, you guys have done times a thousand. I couldn’t be more proud to coach you guys. This is going to be such a fun ride.”“Secondly, it’s staff of the month. Not coach of the month. That’s everyone. Front office, performance, the incredible coaching staff we have. It’s every single one of us here.”  #WNBA #named #Coach #Month #welldeserved

Five-time champion India booked its place in the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship with a hard-fought 1-0 win over a resolute Bhutan in the second semifinal on Wednesday.

India, which found the winner through Sanfida Nongrum in the 60th minute, will meet defending champion Bangladesh in the title clash at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday.

Having scored 14 goals in two group-stage matches, the host was expected to dominate, but Bhutan once again showed the defensive discipline that had taken it to a third successive semifinal appearance.

Ranked 69th in the FIFA rankings, India controlled possession for long periods but found it difficult to break down Bhutan’s compact backline in a goalless first half.

The Blue Tigresses created chances through Karishma, Soumya Guguloth and Aveka Singh, but poor finishing and alert goalkeeping kept the scores level at the break.

Bhutan, meanwhile, remained a threat on the counterattack and squandered a couple of promising opportunities of its own.

India finally found the breakthrough when Sanfida scored after sustained pressure, giving the host the lead it had been searching for throughout the contest.

Coach Crispin Chhetri then introduced experienced attackers, including Manisha Kalyan and Pyari Xaxa, as India looked to put the game beyond Bhutan. However, Bhutan refused to back down and continued to test the Indian defence on the break.

The host created several openings in the closing stages but was unable to add to its tally.

ALSO READ: India vs Bhutan as it happened, highlights and facts

Bhutan, despite its determination, lacked the finishing touch required to force extra time as India held on for a narrow victory.

The Blue Tigresses are now one win away from reclaiming the title it last won in 2019.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh beat Nepal 2-1 in the first semifinal to reach a third consecutive SAFF Women’s Championship final after substitute Sagorika scored a stoppage-time winner.

Bangladesh won the previous two editions, held in 2022 and 2024.

Published on Jun 03, 2026

#SAFF #Womens #Championship #India #scrapes #Bhutan #face #Bangladesh #title">SAFF Women’s Championship 2026: India scrapes past Bhutan 1-0, to face Bangladesh for title  Five-time champion India booked its place in the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship with a hard-fought 1-0 win over a resolute Bhutan in the second semifinal on Wednesday.India, which found the winner through Sanfida Nongrum in the 60th minute, will meet defending champion Bangladesh in the title clash at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday.Having scored 14 goals in two group-stage matches, the host was expected to dominate, but Bhutan once again showed the defensive discipline that had taken it to a third successive semifinal appearance.Ranked 69th in the FIFA rankings, India controlled possession for long periods but found it difficult to break down Bhutan’s compact backline in a goalless first half.The Blue Tigresses created chances through Karishma, Soumya Guguloth and Aveka Singh, but poor finishing and alert goalkeeping kept the scores level at the break.Bhutan, meanwhile, remained a threat on the counterattack and squandered a couple of promising opportunities of its own.India finally found the breakthrough when Sanfida scored after sustained pressure, giving the host the lead it had been searching for throughout the contest.Coach Crispin Chhetri then introduced experienced attackers, including Manisha Kalyan and Pyari Xaxa, as India looked to put the game beyond Bhutan. However, Bhutan refused to back down and continued to test the Indian defence on the break.The host created several openings in the closing stages but was unable to add to its tally.ALSO READ: India vs Bhutan as it happened, highlights and factsBhutan, despite its determination, lacked the finishing touch required to force extra time as India held on for a narrow victory.The Blue Tigresses are now one win away from reclaiming the title it last won in 2019.Earlier in the day, Bangladesh beat Nepal 2-1 in the first semifinal to reach a third consecutive SAFF Women’s Championship final after substitute Sagorika scored a stoppage-time winner.Bangladesh won the previous two editions, held in 2022 and 2024.Published on Jun 03, 2026  #SAFF #Womens #Championship #India #scrapes #Bhutan #face #Bangladesh #title

India vs Bhutan as it happened, highlights and facts

Bhutan, despite its determination, lacked the finishing touch required to force extra time as India held on for a narrow victory.

The Blue Tigresses are now one win away from reclaiming the title it last won in 2019.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh beat Nepal 2-1 in the first semifinal to reach a third consecutive SAFF Women’s Championship final after substitute Sagorika scored a stoppage-time winner.

Bangladesh won the previous two editions, held in 2022 and 2024.

Published on Jun 03, 2026

#SAFF #Womens #Championship #India #scrapes #Bhutan #face #Bangladesh #title">SAFF Women’s Championship 2026: India scrapes past Bhutan 1-0, to face Bangladesh for title

Five-time champion India booked its place in the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship with a hard-fought 1-0 win over a resolute Bhutan in the second semifinal on Wednesday.

India, which found the winner through Sanfida Nongrum in the 60th minute, will meet defending champion Bangladesh in the title clash at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday.

Having scored 14 goals in two group-stage matches, the host was expected to dominate, but Bhutan once again showed the defensive discipline that had taken it to a third successive semifinal appearance.

Ranked 69th in the FIFA rankings, India controlled possession for long periods but found it difficult to break down Bhutan’s compact backline in a goalless first half.

The Blue Tigresses created chances through Karishma, Soumya Guguloth and Aveka Singh, but poor finishing and alert goalkeeping kept the scores level at the break.

Bhutan, meanwhile, remained a threat on the counterattack and squandered a couple of promising opportunities of its own.

India finally found the breakthrough when Sanfida scored after sustained pressure, giving the host the lead it had been searching for throughout the contest.

Coach Crispin Chhetri then introduced experienced attackers, including Manisha Kalyan and Pyari Xaxa, as India looked to put the game beyond Bhutan. However, Bhutan refused to back down and continued to test the Indian defence on the break.

The host created several openings in the closing stages but was unable to add to its tally.

ALSO READ: India vs Bhutan as it happened, highlights and facts

Bhutan, despite its determination, lacked the finishing touch required to force extra time as India held on for a narrow victory.

The Blue Tigresses are now one win away from reclaiming the title it last won in 2019.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh beat Nepal 2-1 in the first semifinal to reach a third consecutive SAFF Women’s Championship final after substitute Sagorika scored a stoppage-time winner.

Bangladesh won the previous two editions, held in 2022 and 2024.

Published on Jun 03, 2026

#SAFF #Womens #Championship #India #scrapes #Bhutan #face #Bangladesh #title

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