India vs Japan, England Squad And Dasun Shanaka Record– September 4 Cricket Highlights

England squad and Dasun Shanaka [Source: AFP, @mufaddalvohra/X]

The BCCI has announced a historic India vs Japan match. The ECB has unveiled the entire England squad for the home series against Sri Lanka. In other news, Dasun Shanaka has scripted a huge CPL record.

Capping an eventful day in the world of cricket, here we take a look at five of the biggest cricketing news that emerged out of Friday, September 4. 

Jacob Bethell, Phil Salt ruled out of England squad for Sri Lanka series

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced 16-player England squads for their upcoming home T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka. Both Jacob Bethell and Phil Salt failed to find a place in the team owing to their respective injuries. 

Also Read- Sri Lanka Captain Ruled Out Of T20I Series vs England; Replacement Picked

Harry Brook will continue to lead the national side and will be accompanied by Jos Buttler, Joe Root, Jofra Archer among others. Uncapped stars Aneurin Donald and Henry Crocombe received their maiden call-ups in the T20I and ODI sides respectively. 

Dasun Shanaka slaps fastest CPL century vs St Lucia Kings

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots mounted 235-4 in 20 overs against the St Lucia Kings in match number 25 of the CPL 2026 season. Batting at number four, Dasun Shanaka blasted 121* runs off just 43 balls with eight boundaries and 12 huge sixes in Basseterre.

Shanaka raced to his century from just 39 deliveries, thus breaking the record of Andre Russell and Tim Seifert to notch up the fastest hundred in CPL history.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius helps South Africa break Namibia curse

South Africa overcame Namibia by 11 runs in a high-scoring thriller in Windhoek in the sixth match of the Namibia T20I tri-series. Young Proteas opener Lhuan-dre Pretorius charted his maiden T20I century by cracking 101 runs off just 53 balls, and his opening partner Connor Esterhuizen made 88 off just 40 deliveries as the visitors mounted 228-4 in 20 overs.

Nqobani Mokoena later picked up two wickets in the game as South Africa surged to the top of the points table. 

BCCI announces historic India vs Japan T20I match

The BCCI has announced a historic Japan vs India match to commemorate the 75th anniversary of India-Japan’s diplomatic relations. The match will be played at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture on Tuesday, September 22 later this month, i.e., just before the 2026 Asian Games in the country. The two teams will face each other for the inaugural edition of the Suzuki Cup.

Pakistan players disappointed with PCB, says coach Mike Hesson

Pakistan’s newly appointed Test head coach Mike Hesson claimed that the Pakistan cricket team is “incredibly disappointed” with the latest developments in England. 

Hesson was likely referring to the sudden squad overhaul of the Pakistan side following their twin defeats to England at Leeds and Lord’s. The PCB released as many as seven players, and recalled Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal along with five uncapped stars in the team instead.

Also Read- Shubman Gill Joins Team For Sher-E-Punjab T20 League