Category: Top Picks

JOHANNESBURG: South Africa star batter Quinton de Kock was named in the Proteas squad for the upcoming tour of Pakistan after reversing his retirement from One-Day international (ODI) cricket.

The 32-year-old announced his retirement from Test cricket in 2021 and ended his ODI career following the 2023 World Cup.

He last played for South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024, held in the West Indies, where they lost to India in the final.

Now, the wicket-keeper has been included in the South Africa squad for the ODI and T20I series against Pakistan, which is set to commence on October 28.

The left-handed batter boasts an impressive average of 45.74, having amassed 6770 runs in 155 ODIs with 21 centuries and 30 half-centuries.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Following the squad announcement, Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad called the ace batter’s return a significant boost for South Africa.

“Quinton’s return to the white-ball space is a major boost for us,” said Conrad. “When we spoke last month about his future, it was clear that he still has a strong ambition to represent his country.

“Everyone knows the quality he brings to the side, and having him back can only benefit the team,” he added.

South Africa Test squad

Aiden Markram (capt), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj*, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne

T20I squad

David Miller (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams

South Africa ODI squad

Matthew Breetzke (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile.

READ: Sahibzada Farhan breaks Abhishek Sharma’s six-hitting record

DUBAI: Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan on Sunday broke India’s Abhishek Sharma’s record during the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Sahibzada top-scored for Pakistan with a 58 off 45 balls. He struck three sixes and five fours in his impressive knock.

In doing so, he surpassed Abhishek Sharma’s tally for the most T20 sixes in a calendar year. The right-hander now has 88 sixes to his name — the most by an Asian batter in a single year.

Most T20 Sixes Hit in a Calendar Year by an Asian Batter

88 – Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan) in 2025 (34 inns)*

87 – Abhishek Sharma (India) in 2024 (38 inns)

85 – Suryakumar Yadav (India) in 2022 (41 inns)

82 – Mohammad Waseem (UAE) in 2024 (45 inns)

81 – Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan) in 2024 (52 inns)

Overall, Sahibzada Farhan sits fourth on the global list of six-hitters in 2025.

Most T20 Sixes in 2025 

103 sixes – Nicholas Pooran (West Indies)  49 inns

99 sixes – Karanbir Singh (Austria)  28 inns

88 sixes – Dewald Brevis 32 inns

88 sixes – Sahibzada Farhan 34 inns

Despite Sahibzada Farhan’s record-breaking, India cruised to a comprehensive six-wicket victory, courtesy of Abhishek Sharma’s sublime knock.

He added 105 for the opening wicket with Shubman Gill in just 59 balls, leaving Pakistan bowlers deflated.

The left-hander went on to smash 74 off just 39 balls, studded with five towering sixes and six boundaries. For his outstanding knock, the southpaw was named player of the match.

READ: India-Pakistan isn’t a rivalry anymore: Suryakumar Yadav

DUBAI: Suryakumar Yadav has brushed aside the talk of rivalry between India and Pakistan after his side’s comprehensive six-wicket win in the Super Fours of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

India dominated Pakistan and secured their second win over the arch-rivals in the space of a week.

Abhishek Sharma’s ruthless knock was the highlight of the match which steered India to a commanding victory despite their sloppiness in the field during Pakistan’s innings.

After dropping the catches in the field, Abhishek went to score a sublime 74 from 39 balls, laced with five effortless sixes and half a dozen fours.

For Pakistan, Sahibzada Farhan was the lone bright star, scoring 58 off 45 balls.

Suryakumar Yadav addressed a question regarding the India-Pakistan rivalry in the post-match press conference.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“Standards and rivalry are the same. According to me, if two teams play 15-20 matches and if [head-to-head] it is 7-7 or 8-7, then that is called a rivalry. But 13-0, 10-1….I don’t know what the stats are. But this is not a rivalry anymore,” he told reporters.

He called the middle overs after the drinks break as the turning point of the match during Pakistan’s innings.

“According to me, the turning point was in the first drinks in the first innings. People changed their body language after that. You always see the game changes generally after the powerplay.

“But today, the game changed after ten overs, when the bowlers changed their line and lengths, understood what was needed in that situation, and showed a little more energy,” he continued.

The skipper praised Indian spinners and highlighted Shivam Dube’s spell, which turned the game on its head.

“The spinners bowled well. And according to me, Shivam Dube’s spell, you can say that it was a turning point,” he concluded.

READ: ‘Yet to play a perfect game,’ admits Salman Ali Agha after India defeat

DUBAI: The Pakistan men’s cricket team achieved a few milestones against arch-rivals India despite their defeat in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

After being invited to bat first, Pakistan’s new opening duo of Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan made a strong start, accumulating 21 runs before Fakhar was dismissed by Hardik Pandya in the third over due to a controversial call by the third umpire.

Fakhar managed to score 15 runs off just nine balls, including three boundaries.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Farhan continued to push the pace for Pakistan, teaming up with Saim Ayub to add another 34 runs.

Consequently, Pakistan wrapped up the batting powerplay at 55/1. This score of 55 marks their highest powerplay total against India in men’s T20Is, surpassing the previous record of 54 set during the second T20I of the two-match series in Ahmedabad in 2012.

Highest Powerplay totals for Pakistan against India in T20Is

55 runs in Dubai, 2025
54 runs in Ahmedabad, 2012
53 runs in Johannesburg, 2007
44 runs in Dubai, 2022

Moreover, Pakistan also posted their highest total against India. Pakistan posted 171-5 in their allocated 20 overs.

The Men in Green surpassed their previous total of 159-8 that they made against them in 2022.

Highest T20I totals for Pakistan vs India (batting first):

171-5, Dubai 2025
159-8, Melbourne 2022
147, Dubai 2022
130-7, Mirpur 2014

Yet, India defeated Pakistan by six wickets for the second time in a week in the continental tournament.

Farhan top-scored with 58 from 45 balls with the help of five fours and three sixes, which helped Pakistan reach 171 on the board in their 20 overs.

For India, it was Abhishek Sharma’s ruthless knock that steered them to a commanding victory despite their sloppiness in the field during Pakistan’s innings.

After dropping the catches in the field, Abhishek went to score a sublime 74 from 39 balls, laced with five effortless sixes and half a dozen fours.

India eventually chased down the target on the last ball of the 19th over with Tilak Varma scoring 30 off 19 alongside Haridk Pandya, who made seven.

READ: WATCH: Sahibzada Farhan celebrates fifty with firing gun celebration

DUBAI: Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan celebrated his maiden half-century against India in a unique style during the Super Four match of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Farhan reached his half-century in dominant fashion, smashing a six off Axar Patel on the third delivery of the 10th over. After reaching the milestone, he celebrated uniquely, mimicking his bat “firing runs like bullets”.

The right-handed batter’s innings included five boundaries and three sixes, showcasing an aggressive and confident approach against India’s bowling attack.

Despite his knock, India defeated Pakistan by six wickets for the second time in a week in the continental tournament.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Farhan top-scored with 58 from 45 balls with the help of five fours and three sixes, which helped Pakistan reach 171 on the board in their 20 overs.

For India, it was Abhishek Sharma’s ruthless knock that steered them to a commanding victory despite their sloppiness in the field during Pakistan’s innings.

After dropping the catches in the field, Abhishek went to score a sublime 74 from 39 balls, laced with five effortless sixes and half a dozen fours.

India eventually chased down the target on the last ball of the 19th over with Tilak Varma scoring 30 off 19 alongside Haridk Pandya, who made seven.

For Pakistan, Haris Rauf picked up two wickets while Faheem Ashraf and Abrar Ahmed managed to scalp one apiece.

READ: ‘Yet to play a perfect game,’ admits Salman Ali Agha after India defeat

DUBAI: Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha opened up after his side’s six wicket defeat against arch-rivals India in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

This was Pakistan’s second loss against India in a week, having previously beaten by seven wicket in the group stage fixtures of the continental tournament.

For India, it was Abhishek Sharma ruthless knock that steered them to a commanding victory despite their sloppiness in the field during Pakistan’s innings.

After dropping the catches in the field, Abhishek went to score a sublime 74 from 39 balls, laced with five effortless sixes and half a dozen fours.

For Pakistan, Sahibzada Farhan was the lone-bright star, scoring 58 off 45 balls.

Speaking in the post match press-presentation, Agha said that Pakistan is yet to play at their best while mentioning that India took the game away in the powerplay.

“We are yet to play a perfect game, but we’re getting there. It was a great contest, though they really took the game away in the powerplay,” he said.

The skipper mentioned they were 10-15 runs short, particularly after the start they have got in the first 10 overs.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“We didn’t put enough runs on the board. At 91/2 after 10 overs, we should have pushed for 10–15 more. Still, 171 is a challenging total.

“Credit to them — their powerplay batting made the difference in the end.
In T20 cricket, if your bowlers are going for runs, you have to make changes. It’s about finding the right man at the right time,” Agha explained.

Despite the defeat, he remained confident, emphasizing the players contributions as a plus point and backed Pakistan for their next game against Sri Lanka.

“There are positives for us. Fakhar and Farhan batted well, Haris Rauf and Faheem Ashraf bowled strongly.

We’re still very much in it and looking forward to our next game against Sri Lanka,” he concluded.

READ: WATCH: Shaheen, Rauf engage in war of words with Sharma

DUBAI: Pakistan left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi were involved in a heated exchange with India’s opener Abhishek Sharma during the Super Fours second match in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

The incident happened during the opening ball of India’s innings when Sharma tonked Afridi for a six.

After conceding a six, Shaheen exchanged words with Abhishek during his follow-through. In reply, the soutpaw said something to Shaheen that did not sit well with him.

Later on, speedster Haris Rauf was also seen saying a few words to Abhishek Sharma.

This happened in the last over of the powerplay when Gill crunched Haris for a four and called out the pacer immediately, while Sharma at the non-striker’s end joined the sledging.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Haris Rauf faced the Indian openers, Sharma and Gill, prompting the on-field umpires to step in and defuse the situation.

Nonetheless, India cruised to a comprehensive win in the second last over on the loss of just four wickets. Tilak Varma made 30* not out off 19 balls, while Hardik Pandya remained unbeaten on seven.

Earlier, it was Abhishek Sharma’s onslaught that set the tone for India’s easy win. He, alongside Shubman Gill, made light work of the chase with a solid opening partnership of 105 runs.

Gill made 47 from 28 with the help of eight fours, while Sharma hit five sixes and six boundaries on his way to 74 from 39 balls.

READ: India outplay Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours

DUBAI: Abhishek Sharma’s imperious knock propelled India to a comprehensive win over Pakistan in the second match of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

India made light work of the chase, losing just four wickets and finishing with seven balls to spare.

In pursuit of the target, the Men in Blue openers came out all guns blazing, particularly Abhishek Sharma, whose effortless shots were a sight to watch.

The left-hander pummelled the Pakistan bowlers all around the park, powering India to 69-0 in the powerplay.

Even after the field restrictions were lifted, India’s onslaught continued with Sharma racing to his half-century in just 24 balls.

Pakistan finally got a breakthrough in the form of Shubman Gill, who was bowled by Faheem Ashraf for a well-made 47 from 28 balls. Gill crunched eight boundaries in his fluent knock.

Soon after, Suryakumar Yadav was sent back for a duck as Pakistan sensed an opening. At this stage, India were 106-2 in 10.3 overs.

However, Abhishek Sharma continued on his merry way and kept Pakistan bowlers at bay with sublime hitting.

With India requiring just 49 from 48 balls, Abhishek eventually departed, holing it out to long on. His 74 off 39 balls included five towering sixes and half a dozen fours.

The Men in Blue were over the line in the second last over, with ice-cool Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya adding 26* from 13 balls on the fifth wicket. Varma scored 30* off 19, whereas Pandya made seven not out.

For Pakistan, Haris Rauf picked up two wickets while Faheem Ashraf and Abrar Ahmed managed to scalp one apiece.

Earlier, Sahibzada Farhan’s gutsy half-century and Faheem Ashraf’s late cameo powered Pakistan to a strong total against India

Put into bat first, Pakistan racked up 171-5 in their 20 overs.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The new opening pair of Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan started solidly as they raced to 21 in 2.3 overs.

However, Hardik Pandya removed Zaman, who was looking dangerous after making 15 off nine balls. Yet, Pakistan charged and reached a decent score of 55 at the end of the powerplay with Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub at the crease.

The duo added another 38 before Saim was removed after trying to pull a shorter length delivery. He made 21 off 17 with the aid of a six and four. Meanwhile, Farhan held firm and reached his half-century in the process.

At this stage, Pakistan were 93-2 in 10.3 overs.

However, India fought back in the middle overs, taking wickets at regular intervals, which halted Pakistan’s progress. The Men in Blue struck on the first balls of the 14th and 15th over, respectively.

Farhan was the first to go, whereas Talat followed him after with a sluggish knock off 10 from 11 balls. Farhan remained the top-scorer with 58 from 45 balls, laced with three sixes and five fours.

Eventually, Pakistan reached a good score, courtesy of Faheem Ashraf’s cameo, who made 20 off eight, striking two sixes and a four.

For India, Shivam Dube remained the pick of the bowlers, picking up crucial two wickets in the middle overs with medium pace bowling. Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya picked one wicket each.

READ: ‘Pycroft is not a schoolteacher’ Ashwin slams Pakistan over handshake row

DUBAI: Dubai Police has issued a safety alert to the spectators ahead of the India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash, which is set to begin at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

The alert released on Sunday stated that spectators should check their tickets for validity and enter through the assigned gates.

According to the advisory, strict penalties apply for violations, including pitch invasions, carrying banned items, or abusive behavior, which can result in fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh30,000 and up to three months in prison.

For maximum outreach, the public safety alert was automatically delivered to all cellular phones within the vicinity of Dubai Sports City.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“Your adherence to the instructions of the police and private security is a means to protect everyone,” the advisory said.

“Ensure your ticket is valid… and enter through the gate assigned to you according to the organizers’ instructions. We appreciate your cooperation in making the championship safe and successful for everyone. (Dubai Police), ” it added.

Pakistan squad: Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.

India squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

READ: Pakistan seek redemption against India after handshake row

DUBAI: India have won the toss and opted to bat first against Pakistan in the second match of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup Super Fours here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat,  Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi

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

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD: 

Both teams have faced each other 14 times in the T20I format. India have won 11 out off 14 encounters, whereas Pakistan have only managed to secure three wins.

For context, Pakistan and India are set to face each other for the second time in the Asia Cup 2025. In their previous meeting, India comprehensively defeated Pakistan in a one-sided affair.

READ: Litton Das overtakes Shakib Al Hasan’s T20I record in Sri Lanka victory