Sports Bulletin Nov 15: Lakshya Sen Wins Japan Masters, India Clinch U19 Asia Cup, Portugal Suffer Defeat

New Delhi, Nov 15: Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen continued his remarkable run of form, clinching the Kumamoto Masters Japan Open title with a stunning comeback victory over Japan’s Koki Watanabe. Building on his recent Hylo Open triumph, Sen secured his second consecutive BWF title, further strengthening his credentials on the international circuit.

Meanwhile, Indian cricket witnessed a memorable triumph as the U19 team defeated arch-rivals Pakistan in a thrilling ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 final. India pulled off a dramatic one-wicket victory while chasing 338, with Mohit Ulva emerging as the hero with an unbeaten 49.

Elsewhere, Portugal endured a disappointing night, suffering a 4-1 defeat against Denmark in the UEFA Nations League. The loss came amid celebrations honouring Cristiano Ronaldo’s international retirement, turning what was meant to be a special occasion into a difficult evening for Portuguese football.

Here is the daily sports wrap in the Sports Bulletin for November 15.

Lakshya Sen Continues Winning Run With Japan Masters Title

Lakshya Sen secured a historic victory at the Kumamoto Masters S500 by staging a brilliant comeback against Japan’s Koki Watanabe, winning 13-21, 21-18, 21-14 in 64 minutes. Building on his recent Hylo Open triumph, this hard-fought win marks his second consecutive BWF title and makes him the first Indian men’s singles player to claim the Kumamoto crown. The victory also improves his head-to-head record against Watanabe to 5-3, capping off an exceptional run of form ahead of the World Tour Finals.

India Beat Pakistan In Thrilling U19 Championship Final

India pulled off a stunning one-wicket victory over Pakistan to win the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 final. Chasing a massive target of 338, India slipped before a remarkable lower-order fightback. Number 10 batsman Mohit Ulva played a heroic, unbeaten 49 off 26 balls, smashing a boundary off the final delivery to secure a record-breaking chase at 339/9. Captain Lakshya Raichandani (80) and Aaryavir Sehwag (58) also anchored the historic triumph after Pakistan posted 337/9.

Portugal Suffer First Defeat Since Cristiano Ronaldo’s Retirement

Portugal suffered their heaviest-ever competitive home defeat, losing 4-1 to Denmark in the UEFA Nations League on a night meant to celebrate Cristiano Ronaldo’s international retirement. Despite pre-match tributes honoring the legendary forward, goals from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, a brace by Rasmus Hojlund, and a strike from Joachim Andersen sealed a resounding win for Denmark, with Bernardo Silva scoring a late consolation. The dismal result was further overshadowed by manager Jorge Jesus’s sharp post-match remarks regarding Ronaldo’s recent departure.

Harshal Patel Nears SRH Exit As Gujarat Titans Eye Signing

Two-time IPL Purple Cap winner Harshal Patel is set to move from Sunrisers Hyderabad to the Gujarat Titans in an all-cash trade worth ₹4 crore ahead of the IPL 2027 season. The fee is half of the ₹4 crore reduced amount SRH originally paid for him. After an impressive 16-wicket campaign in 2025, Harshal’s playing time dropped significantly in 2026. This trade offers the Ahmedabad-born pacer a homecoming, adding veteran experience to the Titans’ pace attack.

India Edge Bhutan To Secure SAFF Championship Qualification

Defending champions India edged past Bhutan 2-1 in a tense semi-final at the National Stadium in Dhaka to secure their spot in the SAFF Championship 2026 final. Goals from Vishnu PV (9th minute) and captain Chinglensana Singh Konsham (27th minute) gave India a comfortable first-half lead. Although Bhutan mounted a strong fightback with a 48th-minute goal by Kinzang Tashi Tobden, the Blue Tigers held on under pressure to set up a title clash against Pakistan.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Becomes Youngest-Ever Captain In Men’s T20 Cricket

Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has made history by becoming the youngest-ever captain in men’s T20 cricket. At just 15 years and 232 days old, he led Bihar in their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match against Saurashtra, breaking the previous record held by Croatia’s Zach Vukusic. Although he scored 18 off 12 balls with the bat, this milestone marks another major step in the extraordinary rise of the young prodigy, who is also set to feature for India A.