Category: Top Picks

Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the wounded Shaheens and the wounded Lions respectively, are set to lock horns today in Abu Dhabi in what is shaping up to be a virtual knockout in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four.

Both sides arrive licking fresh wounds, Pakistan from a crushing defeat to India, and Sri Lanka from being outplayed by Bangladesh.

Another loss here will all but end the loser’s journey. Yes, a mathematical chance might still linger, but realistically, survival demands nothing less than victory.

For Pakistan, the scars of Sunday’s loss to their arch-rivals are raw. Their batting order crumbled, their self-belief dipped, and the questions around their firepower grew louder.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Sri Lanka, too, face their own crisis of confidence after faltering against a spirited Bangladesh. Both teams are not just fighting for progression; they are battling for pride.

Pakistan are likely to bring back middle-order batter Hassan Nawaz to the Playing XI, while Sri Lanka might be considering bringing spinner Maheesh Theekshana to challenge Pakistan’s already struggling batting line-up.

Notably, Pakistan have a slight edge historically, winning 13 games, while Sri Lanka managed 10 victories.

However, Sri Lanka have won the last five T20Is against Pakistan since October 2019.

Individually, the openers from both sides are in the spotlight. Pathum Nissanka and Sahibzada Farhan are the tournament’s second and third-highest run-scorers so far, while Kusal Mendis sits fifth.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

On the bowling front, Wanindu Hasaranga looms as Pakistan’s biggest headache. His record against them is devastating: 14 wickets in just five games at an average of 9.07. Pakistan’s well-documented struggles against quality wrist spin only magnify his threat.

Abrar Ahmed offers Pakistan their own spin option, but against Sri Lanka, a side raised on turning tracks, the real damage must come from Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf with the new ball.

Then there is the matter of Pakistan’s batting order. Against India, the constant chopping and changing backfired spectacularly. T20I is often a game of controlled chaos, but there must be a method to the madness.

Without clarity and intent at the crease, Pakistan might as well start packing their bags for an early flight home.

READ: Dunith Wellalage pays tribute to late father with emotional note

The fight details of the anticipated bout between Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis and Jake Paul have been confirmed following a faceoff in New York on Monday night.

Tank is the WBA lightweight world champion at 135 pounds, while Paul, who last fought Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in June, weighed just under 200 pounds.

“The fighters have agreed and the commission has approved a maximum weight of 195 pounds for this exhibition,” Nakisa Bidarian, the CEO of Most Valuable Promotions, told members of the media.

The fight is scheduled for November 14 at Kaseya Centre in Miami, Florida, and will be live on Netflix.

The bout will be contested over 10 three-minute rounds, and the fighters will be donning 12-ounce gloves.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“Ooh, man, at his walk-around weight, I’m not sure what that is,” Paul’s coach J’Leon Love told DAZN News, “maybe around 160.”

Davis possesses exceptional knockout power, with 28 of his 30 victories resulting in knockouts, giving him a knockout ratio of 93 percent.

“Sure, if it’s done right, his power should grow,” Love added. “I just think pure talent out of Gervonta, I don’t think anything will be massed or slowed down. I think he just has natural ability.

“But overall, Jake will be the one who has to adjust to his different speed, size, range, all those different factors.”

Davis and Paul will engage in another press conference on Tuesday evening in Miami.

READ: Dunith Wellalage pays tribute to late father with emotional note

Sri Lankan spinner Dunith Wellalage has shared a heartfelt message on social media following the passing of his father, Suranga Wellalage.

The former first-class cricketer passed away last week during Sri Lanka’s group-stage match against Afghanistan in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

The 22-year-old all-rounder took to Instagram and expressed 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.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dunith Wellalage (@dunith_08)

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.

“My heartfelt gratitude goes to the Sri Lanka Cricket Board, CDB Bank, Munchee, Moratuwa Police, Panadura Hospital, Colts Cricket Club, St. Sebastian College, St. Joseph’s College, and Prince of Wales’ College Old Boys’ Association for being there for me and my family,” he said.

He also acknowledged the guidance of former players, coaches, and national teammates, mentioning Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahinda Halangoda, and Charith Asalanka, among others.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“A special thank you to Sanath Sir, Mahinda Halangoda Sir, and the entire national coaching staff, as well as Charith Aiya and my brothers in the Sri Lanka National Team. Your presence, kindness, and guidance meant more to me than words can ever express,” he added.

Above all, Wellalage reserved his deepest gratitude for the people of Sri Lanka. “Your prayers, messages, and unconditional support reminded me that I am never alone,” he added.

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.

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

READ: Sahibzada Farhan reveals reason behind ‘unique celebration’ against India

Barcelona and Spain star Aitana Bonmati won the 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or at an awards ceremony in Paris on Monday, the third consecutive year she has taken the prize.

Bonmati edged out Mariona Caldentey, her teammate in the Spain side beaten on penalties by England in the Women’s Euro 2025 final in July.

The 27-year-old midfielder also lost the Women’s Champions League final with her club last season, at the hands of Caldentey’s Arsenal.

Bonmati was named player of the tournament at the Euros, despite not starting either of Spain’s first two matches as she recovered from a bout of viral meningitis.

“I am very proud,” said Bonmati, who credited her teammates for their role in her personal triumph.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“I think I am here for the third consecutive time because of the teams I play in, so all of this is because of them.”

Alessia Russo, one of the nominees from the triumphant England European Championship team, came in third place.

The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual prize in both men’s and women’s football, and Bonmati’s run of three in a row follows back-to-back victories for her Barcelona and Spain teammate Alexia Putellas.

Norway’s Ada Hegerberg and USA star Megan Rapinoe are the only other players to have won the Women’s Ballon d’Or since it was introduced in 2018.

The Ballon d’Or is voted for by a panel of journalists, one from each of the top 100 countries in the FIFA world rankings for the men, and from the top 50 for the women.

READ: PSG star Ousmane Dembele wins 2025 men’s Ballon d’Or

France forward Ousmane Dembele won the 2025 men’s Ballon d’Or on Monday, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), which secured the Champions League title last season.

Dembele, 28, pipped Barcelona and Spain teenage sensation Lamine Yamal to the prize at a ceremony in Paris and succeeds Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri, who won the trophy in 2024.

The former Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona winger, who was part of the France team that won the World Cup in 2018, scored 35 goals in all competitions as PSG won a French league and cup double as well as the Champions League for the first time in their history.

“I really don’t have the words. It was an incredible season with PSG,” said an emotional Dembele, who said his club coach Luis Enrique had been “like a father”.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“It is an individual trophy, but it was really the collective that won it,” added Dembele, who was one of nine members of the triumphant PSG team from last season nominated for the prize.

“The Ballon d’Or has not really been an objective for me in my career, but I worked hard for the team to win the Champions League.”

The 18-year-old Yamal, who was a teammate of Dembele’s at Barcelona when he first broke through in 2023, earlier won the Kopa Trophy for the best player aged under 21 – the second year running he has taken that award.

READ: Mohsin Naqvi urges Pakistan to play fearless cricket at Women’s World Cup

LAHORE: PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has urged the Pakistan women’s team to play fearless cricket at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, starting September 30 in India.

Mohsin Naqvi visited the Gaddafi Stadium following the conclusion of the Pakistan ODI series against South Africa.

Naqvi handed over the trophy to South Africa’s captain after the conclusion of the series and later met Pakistan women’s team players and coaches. He lauded the team’s performance and praised their fighting spirit.

The PCB chairman announced a cash prize of PKR 2 million for opener Sidra Amin in recognition of her back-to-back centuries during the series. In addition, all members of the women’s team will receive PKR 1 million each.

Wishing the team success ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup, Naqvi urged the players to play fearlessly and without pressure.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“Fight till the last ball. Success is always the result of teamwork,” he remarked.

For context, Pakistan will depart for Sri Lanka tomorrow to play the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. The mega event is scheduled to take place from 30 September to 2 November.

Pakistan will begin its campaign against Bangladesh on October 2 and will play all its games at R. Premadasa ICS, Colombo, at 3pm local time.

Pakistan team fixtures in ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025

• 2 October – vs Bangladesh
• 5 October – vs India
• 8 October – vs Australia
• 15 October – vs England
• 18 October – vs New Zealand
• 21 October – vs South Africa
• 24 October – vs Sri Lanka

READ: Mohammad Wasim backs Pakistan to shine at Women’s World Cup 2025

LAHORE: Pakistan women team head coach Mohammad Wasim expressed confidence on his side ahead of the ICC World Cup 2025 co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India.

The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 is scheduled to take place from 30 September to 2 November.

Ahead of the marquee event, Wasim remained confident despite Pakistan’s 2-1 loss to South Africa in the three-match ODI series concluded today.

“We have full confidence in our batters, and after today’s performance, the bowlers will also take a lot of confidence heading into the World Cup,” he told reporters.

“In the first two matches, the wickets were spin-friendly, similar to conditions in Sri Lanka. Ideally, it would have been good to prepare accordingly, but the positive side is that we will play at one venue, which gave us a bit of a home advantage,” he added.

He said that the ODI format suits the Pakistan women’s team and emphasized the outcome of the series, highlighting key areas for improvement.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“As I’ve said before, this format is best suited to our team, and you could see that in the qualifiers. Small margins make the difference.

That’s an area we need to improve—finishing close matches and holding our nerve in crunch situations. Hopefully, before the World Cup, we’ll get opportunities to sharpen that aspect, especially against varied opposition, ” Mohammad Wasim continued.

Mohammad Wasim talked about mental strength and praised Sidra Amin, who was outstanding with the bat against South Africa, scoring 293 runs in three matches with the help of two centuries and a half-century.

“We have batting, bowling, and fielding coaches, but mental strength is also very important. If needed, we will definitely consider bringing in experts to help players in that area.”

“Sidra Amin’s two centuries and a fifty show the kind of performances our players are capable of. We are heading in the right direction as a team,” he concluded.

For context, Pakistan will begin its campaign against Bangladesh on October 2, and will play all its games at R. Premadasa ICS, Colombo, at 3pm local time.

Pakistan team fixtures in ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025

• 2 October – vs Bangladesh
• 5 October – vs India
• 8 October – vs Australia
• 15 October – vs England
• 18 October – vs New Zealand
• 21 October – vs South Africa
• 24 October – vs Sri Lanka

READ: Six-star Sandhu seals consolatory win for Pakistan over South Africa

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca believes Cole Palmer will avoid groin surgery after the England forward was forced off during Saturday’s defeat against Manchester United.

Palmer has made just two Premier League starts this season and lasted only 21 minutes at Old Trafford before limping to the sidelines in a game Chelsea lost 2-1.

Asked whether the 23-year-old will need an operation on an injury that has been troubling him for a while, Maresca told reporters: “The medical staff, they didn’t mention to me about surgery.

“I don’t know if in the next days or the next weeks, but I don’t think so, to be honest.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“He made a huge effort on Saturday to try to play the game. He did the test, he was OK but not 100 percent. But he wanted to be there to help his team-mates and to be there in that kind of game.

“Unfortunately, it was painful so we decided to change it. And it’s more day-by-day, week-by-week, game-by-game to see how it is and then decide what we do.”

Palmer is likely to miss Chelsea’s League Cup third-round tie at third-tier Lincoln on Tuesday, with Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile also ruled out.

Maresca is likely to select several youth academy players but the Italian conceded it was a risky strategy given the potential for a cup upset against a team flying high in League One.

“These are the games that worry me most, because you can slip up very easily,” he said. “Football is full of these kind of games and I am very worried about that.”

READ: Sahibzada Farhan reveals reason behind ‘unique celebration’ against India

DUBAI: Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan explained his gun-fire celebration against India during the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours clash on Sunday.

Farhan notched up his maiden half-century against arch-rivals India and celebrated it in a unique way by mimicking his bat “firing runs like bullets,” a gesture that thrilled fans.

He top-scored with 58 from 45 balls, which helped Pakistan set a record total against India in T20Is.

However, it was not enough as India chased down the target in the second last overs, losing just four wickets in the process.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Speaking in the press conference ahead of the clash against Sri Lanka, Farhan spilled the beans on his celebration and stated that he does not care what people say about it.

“You’ll see more (sixes). It was just a moment thing. Normally, I don’t celebrate much even after scoring fifties, but suddenly I felt like doing it today. I don’t care what people make of it,” he said.

The right-hander also backed the team’s approach of playing an aggressive brand of cricket against all teams.

“And as for the rest, you know, cricket should be played aggressively against all teams, not just India. Today, we played that kind of aggressive cricket, ” he continued.

He also highlighted the missing link in Pakistan’s batting line-up and expressed confidence in correcting their mistakes.

“I think what we’ve been missing in recent matches is not making the most of the powerplay and losing early wickets. That puts pressure on the rest of the batting lineup.

Apart from Fakhar’s early dismissal, we didn’t lose wickets in the powerplay, and we scored around 90 runs in the first ten overs. That was excellent. Later in the middle overs, we collapsed a bit, but Inshallah we’ll fix that too,” Sahibzada Farhan concluded.

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

The Pakistan Junior Padel Team is set to participate in the FIP Junior World Cup in Reus, Spain, scheduled from September 26 to October 5.

The 10-member squad, led by Mir Saqib, will take part in three categories: U14, U16, and U18.

To bolster preparations, the Pakistan Padel Federation has appointed Spanish coach Javier Navas Mendez, who will join the team in Spain and later visit Pakistan in October for training camps.

Ahead of the main event, Pakistan will participate in the qualifying rounds, which will be played from September 26 to 28, where they are grouped with teams from Egypt, the UAE, Senegal, Qatar, Japan, Iran, and Lebanon.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by FIP (@padelfip)

The top teams from each group will advance to the final, with the winner securing a spot in the main draw.

For context, the FIP Junior World Cup 2025 will feature teams from 36 countries, making it a record-breaking edition. The tournament will be held across three venues in Reus, Spain, with the final phase kicking off on September 29.

The event is being staged by the International Padel Federation in collaboration with Premier Padel Spain.

Pakistan Padel Team Players:

Under 14: Azhar Ahmed Allawala, Shakir Ullah, Muhammad Bin Haris, Rayyan Faizan

Under 16: Mueez Usman, Asher Usman Allawala

Under 18: Ayaan Saeed, Muhammad Omer Qamar, Mir Saqib (Captain), Samer Zaman

Reserves: Rayyan Ahmedani, Khowja Faiz

READ: Nashra Sandhu breaks Sana Mir’s long-standing record