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DUBAI: India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has brushed aside major injury concerns surrounding Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan, scheduled on Sunday.

Hardik sparked alarm on Friday when he clutched his left hamstring and walked off the field after bowling just one over against Sri Lanka.

The all-rounder struck with his very first delivery, removing Kusal Mendis for a golden duck, but did not return for the remainder of the innings.

“Hardik had cramps. He will be assessed tonight and tomorrow morning, and we’ll then take a call,” Morkel clarified at the post-match press conference.

Abhishek Sharma also caused concern after showing visible discomfort in the ninth over while sprinting, clutching his right thigh. He exited the field in the 10th over and did not return, receiving ice treatment and pickle juice for cramps.

Substitutes Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, and Jitesh Sharma rotated on the field, while Tilak Varma also briefly went off before returning.

With Friday’s clash extending into a Super Over, Morkel emphasised that recovery, not training, will be India’s priority heading into the final.

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“The key for the boys is to rest. They’re already in ice baths, and the recovery started straight after the match. Sleep, rest, and staying off the feet will be crucial,” he said.

“There will be individual pool sessions and massages before the guys get mentally ready for Sunday. It’s a quick turnaround, so playing smart is the key. There will certainly be no training.”

The coach also addressed the pressure on young pacers Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, who went for a combined 100 runs in eight overs against Sri Lanka.

While acknowledging their struggles, Morkel praised Arshdeep for holding his nerve in the Super Over to secure India’s win.

“In our environment, we want to move away from an excuse culture. The effort the boys put in at training, we expect them to deliver,” he added.

“Yes, lack of game time can be a factor, but nothing beats being out there in the middle. Right now, things aren’t happening for them, but they’re all X-factor players and match-winners.”

READ: Nissanka ton in vain as India edge Sri Lanka in Super Over

Defending champions India survived a scintillating century by Pathum Nissanka to edge out Sri Lanka in a Super Over after their Asia Cup match ended in a tie on Friday.

India, who had already booked their place in the final against Pakistan, posted an impressive 202-5.

In reply, however, Nissanka hammered 107 off 58 balls to lead Sri Lanka’s chase which also ended on 202-5 in the last Super Four contest of the regional tournament in Dubai.

Sri Lanka managed just two runs from their Super Over, which was bowled by Arshdeep Singh.

Kusal Perera sliced the first ball to deep point, and Dasun Shanaka’s dismissal from the fifth ball marked the end of the innings.

It took India skipper Suryakumar Yadav just one ball to settle the match, which meant his side remained unbeaten in six matches ahead of the final against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday at the same venue.

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Nissanka stood out with his first T20 century, laced with seven fours and six sixes, and his 127-run second-wicket partnership with left-hander Perera, who made 58.

Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy broke the stand with the wicket of Perera as slow bowlers got India back into the game.

With 12 to get off the last over, Harshit Rana dismissed Nissanka on the first ball and restricted Sri Lanka to 11, sending the match into a Super Over.

Put in to bat, India posted a challenging total after opener Abhishek Sharma hit 61 off 31 balls.

The left-handed Abhishek set the tone with a 59-run second-wicket stand with Suryakumar, who fell after a scratchy 12.

Abhishek, who has a strike-rate of over 200 in the regional tournament, reached his third successive fifty with two straight boundaries to take the attack to the opposition.

Skipper Charith Asalanka cut short Abhishek’s blitz before Tilak Varma and wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson put on 66 for the fourth wicket.

India lost two more wickets, including Samson for 39, but Varma, who hit 49, and fellow left-hander Axar Patel, with 21, steered the team past 200.

READ: Major blow to West Indies as Shamar Joseph ruled out of India Tests

In a major blow for West Indies, fast bowler Shamar Joseph has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against India.

The news came via Cricket West Indies (CWI) social media handle, which stated that the pacer has been out of the series due to an injury.  However, the board did not disclose the nature of the injury.

Meanwhile, the 22-year-old uncapped all-rounder Johann Layne has been named as Joseph’s replacement.

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Layne has so far played 19 first-class matches in which he has taken 66 wickets at an impressive average of 22.28. Besides this, he has 495 runs to his name at an average of 19.03.

For context, after the two Test matches against India, West Indies have a busy schedule ahead, as they are scheduled to play three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20Is, starting from October 18.

After the Bangladesh tour, the West Indies will head to New Zealand for an all-format tour.

Updated West Indies Test squad for India series

Roston Chase (capt), Jomel Warrican (vice-capt), Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Johann Layne, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales.

READ: Shoaib Akhtar confident Pakistan will ‘Nail It’ in Asia Cup final against India

DUBAI: Sri Lanka have won the toss and opted to bowl first against India in the last encounter of ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) on Friday.

More to follow…

Playing XIs

Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (capt), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara

India XI: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh

Head-to-Head Record

In head-to-head matches, India is ahead with 21 victories out of 31 encounters, whereas Sri Lanka have managed to secure a win in nine games.

Read More: Suryakumar found guilty of breaching ICC code of conduct in Pakistan clash

India captain Suryakumar Yadav has been found guilty of breaching the ICC code of conduct over his political comments during the India-Pakistan clash on September 14 in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

According to Cricinfo, the exact sanction that has been applied is not confirmed, but it is likely to be demerit points or a fine.After the sanction, India has appealed against the verdict.

Meanwhile, the report said that the verdict on Pakistan players Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan is awaited.

A day earlier, the Indian skipper was summoned by match referee Richie Richardson and ICC officials for a meeting at a local hotel in Dubai regarding this matter.

During the meeting, Yadav was advised to refrain from making political comments in the future. However, the report indicated that it is unclear whether Suryakumar faced any other sanctions.

The controversy arose after the BCCI emailed its complaint to the ICC earlier this week, pointing to Farhan’s celebration and Rauf’s actions as “provocative.”

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Yesterday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also lodged an official complaint against Yadav’s comments following India’s victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 group stage match on September 14.

The PCB’s complaint said that Yadav had politicized cricket and breached the ICC’s code of conduct on neutrality.

The matter stems from Yadav dedicating the win to “the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack,” which took place earlier this year in April, triggering renewed cross-border tensions.

“Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery,” Yadav said during the post-match presentation.

“Hope they continue to inspire us all, and we give them more reasons on the ground whenever we get an opportunity to make them smile.”

READ: Haris Rauf, Sahibzada Farhan defend actions in ICC hearing over BCCI complaint

DUBAI: Pakistan cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan appeared before ICC match referee Richie Richardson on Friday after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) lodged an official complaint against the duo over their on-field gestures during the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash.

According to sources, both players submitted written responses and defended their actions during the hearing. Richardson reportedly questioned them in detail about the incidents.

Sahibzada Farhan rejected the allegation that his half-century celebration carried political undertones.

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The opener had mimicked firing a machine gun with his bat after reaching fifty, a move that drew heavy criticism on social media.

Farhan, however, clarified that his gesture was cultural rather than political.

“In Pashtun traditions, this is how celebrations are done,” he is said to have told the referee.

Haris Rauf, meanwhile, was pressed on the six-finger gesture he made while fielding on the boundary.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

The pacer challenged the claim, asking officials directly, “Tell me, what do you people think this means?”

He further argued in his written response that there was no evidence to back the allegations. Richardson, however, did not comment on Rauf’s counter-question, sources said.

The controversy arose after the BCCI emailed its complaint to the ICC earlier this week, pointing to Farhan’s celebration and Rauf’s actions as “provocative.”

The match in question, played on September 21, saw several heated exchanges between players on both sides, amplifying the tension around the rivalry.

READ: Shoaib Akhtar confident Pakistan will ‘Nail It’ in Asia Cup final against India

Club captain Marquinhos has joined the growing list of big-name absentees for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after suffering a thigh issue, the European champions announced on Friday.

The 31-year-old Brazilian defender “will undergo treatment on a left thigh injury over the next few weeks”, PSG announced on their website.

The latest injury blow for Luis Enrique’s side comes in the wake of injuries to stars Joao Neves and Desire Doue, as well as recent Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele.

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PSG did not specify when Marquinhos picked up the injury, with the centre-half playing the full 90 minutes of his side’s last outing, a 1-0 defeat at arch-rivals Marseille on Monday in which Marquinhos scored an own goal.

When contacted by AFP, PSG did not immediately respond.

Bradley Barcola was, however, present at Friday’s training session ahead of PSG’s league meeting with Auxerre this weekend, after having missed the Marseille defeat due to muscle fatigue in his thigh.

PSG then next face Barcelona at home in the Champions League on Wednesday, before travelling to Lille in Ligue 1 action on October 5.

READ: La Liga champions Barcelona claim comeback win at Real Oviedo

Headers from Robert Lewandowski and Ronald Araujo helped Barcelona make a 3-1 comeback victory at minnows Real Oviedo on Thursday in La Liga.

The Catalans, who fell behind after a mistake from goalkeeper Joan Garcia allowed Alberto Reina to score the opener from 40 yards out, levelled through Eric Garcia early in the second half.

Substitute Lewandowski nodded Hansi Flick’s side in front, and Araujo made the game safe late on as he headed home Marcus Rashford’s corner.

Barcelona, second in the table, trail leaders Real Madrid by two points after Xabi Alonso’s side maintained their 100 percent start with a win at Levante on Tuesday.

Despite missing star winger Lamine Yamal, Barca recorded their fourth consecutive victory across all competitions without the teenager.

“In the second half, I said to my team, we have to continue, we have to play with calmness, to be convinced about playing with the ball, and we did it well,” said Flick.

Oviedo, back in Spain’s top flight for the first time since the 2000/01 campaign, lined up with 40-year-old great Santi Cazorla in midfield, making his first start of the season.

They could not contain Kylian Mbappe as Real Madrid visited the Carlos Tartiere stadium in August, but they mostly did a better job against the champions in front of a fine atmosphere.

Rashford started on the left wing after he was benched last weekend for turning up late for a team meeting, and came closest for Barcelona in the first half.

The on-loan Manchester United forward’s vicious effort was tipped away by Oviedo goalkeeper Aaron Escandell, who excelled despite the goals he conceded.

The Spanish stopper tipped away another Rashford effort from range and then thwarted the England international again from the rebound after Raphinha struck the post.

Barcelona were unsurprisingly dominant but Oviedo took the lead in the 33rd minute after a howler from visiting goalkeeper Joan Garcia.

Charging out of his box, he intercepted the ball but then passed straight to Reina, who fired into the empty net from long distance.

“I saw the goalkeeper’s mistake and I went first time, and in the moment I kicked it, I saw it was good,” Oviedo midfielder Reina told DAZN. “My first in the top flight, I’ll never forget it.”

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Flick said he would not be blaming his goalkeeper too harshly.

“It’s the style that we want him to play in, and it can happen,” explained Barca’s coach. “He’s a fantastic goalkeeper… one mistake and they use it, but it’s football.”

Hansi Flick sent on Frenkie de Jong at half-time and the Dutchman helped his side click into a higher gear.

Barcelona levelled through Eric Garcia, netting from close range after Escandell saved Ferran Torres’ effort from Ronald Araujo’s cross.

Escandell continued to frustrate the visitors, saving from Raphinha and Torres, but he could not keep out Lewandowski’s header to send Barca in front.

Five minutes after being brought on the Polish veteran produced an excellent header from De Jong’s cross which cracked against the underside of the crossbar on its way in.

Jules Kounde made a vital interception at the back to help keep Barca ahead before Araujo sealed the three points in the 88th minute when he nodded Rashford’s corner beyond Escandell.

“The changes were at the right time, with Frenkie and also with Lewy,” said Flick.

Lewandowski has largely been used as a substitute this season after starting the campaign with an injury.

“I’m patient, I’m not in a hurry, the season is long and we have a lot of games,” said the 37-year-old striker.

Oviedo’s goalscorer was content, despite the defeat.

“All footballers dream of nights like this, to play against these players and with these fans,” added Reina.

“It was a nice night, which didn’t end well but we enjoyed it as much as we could.”

Barcelona host Real Sociedad on Sunday at the Olympic stadium, after Real Madrid visit rivals Atletico Madrid on Saturday in a derby clash.

READ: Shoaib Akhtar confident Pakistan will ‘Nail It’ in Asia Cup final against India

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has thrown his weight behind the national team, urging them to carry the same fearless mindset from their win over Bangladesh into the blockbuster Asia Cup 2025 final against India.

Pakistan secured their spot in Sunday’s title match after narrowly defeating Bangladesh by 11 runs in a tense Super Four encounter, setting up the first-ever Asia Cup final against India in the tournament’s 41-year history.

Speaking to a local sports outlet, Akhtar advised the players to shed any inferiority complex and attack India head-on.

“Step out of that mindset, break their aura, and go in with the same attitude you had against Bangladesh, take them on, come at us, we’ll see. That’s the attitude you need,” Akhtar stressed.

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The former speedster emphasised that Pakistan’s focus must remain on wickets rather than survival.

“We don’t just have to complete 20 overs, we have to take wickets. When you go for wickets, even India will realise they can be rattled. And the moment Abhishek gets out within the first two overs, mark my words, they’ll be in real trouble,” he said.

Highlighting the need for self-belief, Shoaib Akhtar reminded the team not to get overwhelmed by India’s stature.

“Don’t focus on them being the number one team. Just ask yourself: what is my best? Whatever that is, put it out there. Play sensible cricket,” he added.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

Pakistan’s gritty win over Bangladesh was powered by Mohammad Haris’ 23-ball 31 and handy contributions from Mohammad Nawaz (25) and Shaheen Afridi (19), before the bowlers defended 135.

Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Saim Ayub all picked up two wickets each, while Nawaz struck once to restrict Bangladesh to 124 for 9.

Confident of Pakistan’s potential, Akhtar expressed complete faith in the men in green to deliver on the big stage.

“Pakistan has the ability to put up big scores and also bowl the opposition out — trust me, take my word for it. I feel 100% sure Pakistan is going to nail it,” he concluded.

READ: Irfan Pathan lauds Pakistan team after setting up Asia Cup final against India

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has lauded the Pakistan cricket team after their hard-fought victory over Bangladesh in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, sealing a historic final showdown with India in Dubai.

Pakistan held their nerve in a tense contest at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, edging Bangladesh by 11 runs to book their place in the final.

The result means India and Pakistan will meet in an Asia Cup final for the first time in 41 years, setting up a much-anticipated clash on Sunday.

Pathan, who has been a vocal supporter of India’s campaign, took to the social media platform X to acknowledge Pakistan’s progress, especially in the bowling department.

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“For the first time in Asia Cup history, we’ll see an India vs Pakistan final. India have shown their dominance, the gap with others is clear. Pak team, meanwhile, have shown improvement especially in the bowling department,” Pathan wrote.

Earlier, Pakistan managed 135 for 8 in their 20 overs after opting to bat first, with Bangladesh’s bowlers keeping things tight.

But Pakistan’s attack responded brilliantly, restricting Bangladesh to 124 for 9 in reply.

Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf bagged two wickets apiece, while Saim Ayub also impressed with two scalps, and Mohammad Nawaz added one.

READ: Spain star Sergio Busquets to retire after MLS season