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DUBAI: India captain Suryakumar Yadav opened up on the tactical decision to promote all-rounder Shivam Dube to the No. 2 position during their clash against Bangladesh in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours.

India thumped Bangladesh by 41 runs to seal a place in the final, courtesy of Abhishek Sharma’s sublime knock and Kuldeep Yadav’s guile with the ball.

Abhishek’s golden run in the tournament continued as he slammed 75 off just 37, plundering five sixes and fours, which set the tone for India to post a strong total.

With the ball in hand, Kuldeep Yadav continued to impress and took a three-wicket haul, which rattled Bangladesh’s batting lineup.

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Meanwhile, after a solid opening partnership of 77 runs in 6.2 overs, Shivam Dube was sent up the order in a bid to accelerate the scoring.

During the post-match presentation, Suryakumar shed light on the move and emphasized the match-up plan.

“They [Bangladesh] had a left-arm spinner and a leg-spinner, and Dube was the perfect match-up. His entry point (between overs 7-15) was also perfect. It did not go well, but going ahead, we will definitely try doing that,” he revealed.

He also talked about conditions and the total that India set on the board while highlighting the middle overs bowling key to their success in defending any total.

“If the outfield would have been really fast, it would have been 180-185. If we can bowl 12-14 good overs, we can defend any total,” Suryakumar continued.

“We did not get to bat first in the tournament, and that too in a crucial match. It was important to bat in the Super Four and how we do. The wicket was a little slower in the second innings (in the game on September 14 as well), and that is what happened tonight as well, with no dew, ” he concluded.

READ: Confident Jaker targets Pakistan clash to seal Asia Cup 2025 final berth

DUBAI: Bangladesh stand-in skipper Jaker Ali expressed confidence in his side despite their loss to India in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) on Wednesday.

India thumped Bangladesh by 41 runs to seal a place in the final, courtesy of Abhishek Sharma’s sublime knock and Kuldeep Yadav’s guile with the ball.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh, who were bowled out for 127 runs in 19.3 overs, still have a chance to qualify if they beat Pakistan in the game to be played tomorrow at the same venue.

Saif Hassan remained the lone bright star. The right-hander kept Bangladesh in the hunt with excellent ball striking. His valiant 69 from 51 balls was studded with five sixes and three fours.

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Speaking in the post-match presentation, Jaker shed light on the team’s performance and backed them to put in a strong showing in tomorrow’s clash.

“All credit goes to the boys. They are adjusting well. After ten overs, they bowled really well. We can take lots of things from this game. We have another game tomorrow,” he said.

“We have to keep in our mind that we can win this match and qualify for the final. We will talk with the team management, and let’s see what combination they give. We will give our best tomorrow,” he said.

READ: Dominant India defeat Bangladesh to book final spot, Sri Lanka crash out

DUBAI: Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman surpassed former captain Shakib Al Hasan to become the highest wicket-taker for his country in the T20I format on Wednesday.

The left-arm pacer surpassed his compatriot during Bangladesh’s clash against India in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 played here under lights at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS).

Mustafizur removed Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav in the 12th over, which marked his 150th scalp in the T20Is.

With this wicket, he climbed the ladder of the most wickets in the shorter format and surpassed Shakib’s tally of 149 wickets in 126 innings.

Most wickets for Bangladesh in Men’s T20Is

Mustafizur Rahman – 150 wickets in 117 innings
Shakib Al Hasan – 149 wickets in 126 innings
Taskin Ahmed – 99 wickets in 79 innings
Mahedi Hasan – 61 wickets in 64 innings
Shoriful Islam – 58 wickets in 52 innings

The 30-year-old now sits in the third position with only Tim Southee and Rashid Khan being ahead of him.

Most wickets in men’s T20Is

Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – 173 wickets in 103 innings
Tim Southee (New Zealand) – 164 innings in 123 innings
Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh) – 150 wickets in 117 innings
Ish Sodhi (New Zealand) – 150 wickets in 121 innings
Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) – 149 wickets in 126 innings

Despite his clinical bowling effort, India emerged victorious by 41 runs, sealing a final berth in the Asia Cup 2025.

Put into bat first, India were restricted to 168-6 in their 20 overs, despite Abhishek Sharma’s 75 from just 37 balls.

In reply, Bangladesh, having a contrary start to India, crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for 127 in 19.3 overs.

Kuldeep Yadav starred with the ball, taking an excellent three-wicket haul in his quota of four overs.

Bangladesh will now face Pakistan in a do-or-die clash in a bid to secure their spot in the continental tournament’s final.

READ: ‘Tigers who?’ Shaheen Afridi draws blank on Bangladesh nickname

DUBAI: Abhishek Sharma’s sizzling knock and Kuldeep Yadav’s spin magic propelled India past Bangladesh, securing a place in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 final here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) on Wednesday.  

Set 169, Bangladesh faltered in the chase and were bowled out for 127 in 19.3 overs,  making their upcoming clash against Pakistan a virtual knockout.

The Tigers had a contrary start, with Tanzid Hasan sent back in the second over for one.

After an early wicket, Saif Hassan paired up with Parvez Hossain Emon for a 42-run partnership, which steadied them in the chase.  However, Kuldeep Yadav provided India with a breakthrough with Pervez’s wicket. He was caught after scoring 21 from 19 with the aid of two fours and a six.

As a result, Bangladesh were 46-2 in 6.2 overs and were in dire need of a strong partnership. However, India’s spinners chipped in and took control of the match with wickets at regular intervals.

The spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakravarthy tore through the middle order, with Saif Hassan the lone bright star.

The right-hander kept Bangladesh in the hunt with excellent ball striking, not before being removed on the second ball of the 18th over. His valiant 69 from 51 balls was studded with five sixes and three fours.

For India, it was an all-round bowling effort with every main bowler having their name in the wickets column. Yet, Kuldeep Yadav stood out with three scalps in his four overs while giving away only 18.

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Earlier, Abhishek Sharma’s whirlwind 75 from 37 balls powered India to 168-6 in their 20 overs, thanks to a strong opening partnership between Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma.

The opening pair continued from where they left off against Pakistan, forging a 77-run stand in only 6.2 overs.

Abhishek’s dream run continued as he started to torment Bangladesh’s bowlers after a slow start in the opening overs.

The Men in Blue’s scorecard read 17 in three overs before Gill launched Nasum Ahmed for a four and six, with Sharma cashing in on the last ball with a six. The over yielded 17 runs and set the tone for what was to come next.

Both batters gained momentum and took 17 from the next over to give India a strong finish to the powerplay. However, Gill fell soon after the fielding restrictions were lifted. The right-hander made 29 from 19 with the aid of two fours and a six.

Bangladesh snared another wicket in the form of promoted batter Shivam Dube, who managed to score two.

Yet, India were cruising and were looking to post a near 200-run mark total; however, Abhishek Sharma’s run out in the 12th over controlled things for Bangladesh. The southpaw sublime knock featured five fewer sixes and six fours.

At this stage, India were 112-3 in 11.1 overs, with Bangladesh now taking control of the situation with regular wickets and eventually limiting them to a below-par total.

Hardik Pandya was caught on the last ball after scoring 39 from 29, striking four boundaries and a six.

Rishad Hossain remained the pick of Bangladesh’s bowlers, who chipped in with two wickets while giving away 27 runs in three overs.

READ: WATCH: Salman Ali Agha, team management console bereaved Wellalage

ABU DHABI: Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha and team management expressed their heartfelt condolences to Sri Lanka all-rounder Dunith Wellalage following the sudden death of his father.

Salman, alongside white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, PCB Chief Operating Manager Sumair Ahmed Syed, board advisor Salman Naseer, and team manager Naveed Akram Cheema, offered condolences to Sri Lankan spinner Dunith Wellalage.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shared a video on its social media handles in which the captain and management were seen consoling the 22-year-old.

Dunith Wellalage father, Suranga Wellalage, was a former first-class cricketer. He passed away last week during Sri Lanka’s group stage fixture against Afghanistan in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

After attending his father’s funeral, Dunith Wellalage rejoined the national squad for their Super Four fixture against Bangladesh, which Sri Lanka lost.

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The 22-year-old all-rounder also penned an emotional note and took to Instagram to express his grief while extending gratitude to everyone who supported him through the tragedy.

“I want to take a moment to sincerely thank everyone who stood by me and my family during the most painful time of my life, after the passing of my beloved father,” Wellalage wrote.

“Losing him has left a void that can never be filled, but the love, strength, and support I received gave me the courage to keep moving forward.”

He especially thanked Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), his sponsors, law enforcement authorities, medical staff, as well as his former schools and clubs for standing by his family.

The young spinner vowed to continue chasing his cricketing dreams to fulfill his father’s wish. “My father’s dream was for me to continue this journey, and with all of you beside me, I will do everything I can to honor him,” he said.

READ: Barcelona coach Flick opens up on Yamal’s Ballon d’Or disappointment

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal will be driven to greater heights after being beaten to the Ballon d’Or by Ousmane Dembele, the club’s coach Hansi Flick said Wednesday.

The 18-year-old winger finished second behind Paris Saint-Germain attacker Dembele at the glitzy gala in Paris on Monday in the battle to be crowned the world’s best player, but won the Kopa Trophy for best young player.

“I spoke with him yesterday, and I think he sees it (in the) right (way), so it’s for him also motivation for the next years,” Flick told a news conference.

“Dembele, he deserved it also, it’s a vote and a lot of things can happen, and I think he accepted this in a good way, and he’s motivated to show it this season.

“Maybe next season he also will be an option for the Ballon d’Or, but I really appreciate that a lot of players from our team are in this situation, and it’s great for our team. It shows a lot how your last season was, and this is also our goal for this season.”

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Yamal starred as Barcelona won a domestic treble of La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.

The winger is set to miss Thursday’s clash at Real Oviedo with a groin issue as the champions try to keep pace with La Liga leaders Real Madrid, who beat Levante on Tuesday to move five points clear of Barca.

Last season the Catalans struggled in games without the teenager but they thrashed Valencia and Getafe without him in their previous two games.

“I’m really happy, I never think about which player we are missing, I only focus on the team we have,” said Flick.

“Which players are the options for being in the starting XI… I’m happy with my team. It makes no difference; every starting XI can win matches. It’s not a big problem.”

Midfielder Gavi is out for the next four to five months after undergoing knee surgery on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old missed nearly a year after a knee ligament tear in November 2023.

“We have to take care of him, we have to go step by step, because he is 21 years old and he has a huge career in the next 10 to 15 years,” said Flick.

“He’s a player with a big, big heart, he’s a player with a lot of emotion, he’s a player who lives… I wouldn’t say dies, for this club, but he’s like this and I’m really happy to have him on my team.

“Of course, we are waiting until he’s back, it’s not easy for this team, because he has a huge quality for us, but every one of us will support him, will help him to reach his level again, and this is our goal now for him.”

READ: ‘Tigers who?’ Shaheen Afridi draws blank on Bangladesh nickname

DUBAI: Bangladesh have won the toss and opted to bowl first against India in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four encounter here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) on Wednesday.

Playing XIs

Bangladesh XI: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali (capt & wk), Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman

India XI: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD: 

India and Bangladesh have faced each other on 17 occasions in the T20I format, with India emerging as the far superior team with 16 wins.

Matches: India 16, Bangladesh 1

READ: ‘Tigers who?’ Shaheen Afridi draws blank on Bangladesh nickname

DUBAI: Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi shared a lighthearted moment when he forgot about Bangladesh’s nickname ‘Tigers’ ahead of their Super Four clash against them in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

Ahead of Pakistan-Bangladesh clash, Shaheen was asked about Pakistan’s playing XI against the ‘Tigers’.

“Tigers who?” the pacer laughed and replied, “I’ll ask the head coach—sorry, I don’t know.”

Looking ahead to the Bangladesh game, Shaheen said Pakistan were fully focused.

“Bangladesh are a good team and have been playing good cricket recently. In such games, you must land the first punch and not give them opportunities. We will have to play well in all three departments—batting, bowling and fielding—to win,” he told reporters.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

He also discussed the increased aggression from Pakistan’s fast bowlers, particularly against India in the Super Fours encounter.

“It’s nothing new. We’ve always been aggressive since the day we started playing cricket. That’s how fast bowling is played. When a fast bowler shows aggression, it lifts the energy of the whole team. There is no special plan for this—our job is to show aggression and take wickets,” he remarked.

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“Everyone has their own opinion, but our job is to play cricket. We won the tri-nation series; now we are here to win the Asia Cup. As a team, we are working hard to give Pakistan joy,” he added.

The 25-year-old shed light on his performances with the bat and ball that lifted Pakistan out of the trouble.

“My role is to give 100% in whatever position I’m asked to play—batting, bowling, or fielding. Even if I’m unwell or injured, I never show it. My focus is to keep the team’s morale high and play with full energy,” he said.

“If you are in the team, you should be ready to do everything—batting, bowling, and fielding. Everyone has to contribute in whatever role they are given so that Pakistan benefits,” he said.

READ: Shaheen Afridi sends Asia Cup warning as third India clash looms

The Afghanistan women’s refugee football team will make their international debut next month at a tournament in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), FIFA said on Wednesday.

The FIFA Council, at football’s world governing body, approved the creation of the refugee team in May as part of efforts to support women players inside and outside the country.

The Afghan side will feature in a competition in Dubai on October 23-29 that also includes the women’s teams of hosts the UAE, Chad, and Libya.

“Ensuring that all women have access to football is a priority for FIFA and a key element in shaping the future of our sport,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said.

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The Taliban authorities have been back in power for four years in Afghanistan after ousting a US-backed government and have drawn international criticism for their human rights record, particularly the treatment of women.

Women and girls are banned from most education and work, and also barred from parks and gyms.

Under Scottish coach Pauline Hamill the Afghan team have conducted talent ID camps, including in England and Sydney, to pick out players to represent the side.

READ: Shaheen Afridi sends Asia Cup warning as third India clash looms

Pakistan pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi has declared that his team will reach the ACC Asia Cup 2025 final and can beat India if the arch-rivals clash again.

Pakistan kept their campaign alive with a five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in a Super Four clash in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

India and Pakistan have met twice in this edition of the regional competition, but the neighbors have never played against each other in an Asia Cup final.

The regional tournament, played this time in the United Arab Emirates under the Twenty20 format, started in 1984, and this is its 17th edition.

Bangladesh, who face India on Wednesday and Pakistan on Thursday, stand in the way of the great rivals facing off in Sunday’s decider in Dubai.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

India are the holders and beat Pakistan in both previous matches, but Shaheen was in a bullish mood after taking 3-28 against Sri Lanka.

“They have still not reached the final. When they do, then we will see them,” said Shaheen of India.

“We are here to win the cup, whichever team comes in the final, we are ready to beat them.”

If both teams reach the final, India will once again start as strong favorites, having won 12 of 15 T20Is between the two countries.

India have also won the last seven internationals against Pakistan since September 2022, four T20Is and three one-day internationals.

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That sequence prompted India skipper Suryakumar Yadav to declare that India-Pakistan “is not a rivalry anymore”.

In both wins for India in the UAE, there were no handshakes, adding another layer to an already intense rivalry.

“It is his opinion that, let him say that,” said Shaheen of Suryakumar’s cutting comments.

“When they reach the final, then they will see. Our job is to win the Asia Cup, and we will make a complete effort to do that.”

READ: Abrar enters top five, Sahibzada becomes Pakistan’s best batter in T20I Rankings