Tag: Asia Cup 2025

ABU DHABI: Afghanistan have won the toss and opted to bat first against Sri Lanka in the 11th fixture of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 here at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Thursday. 

Playing XIs

Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (capt), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara

Afghanistan XI: Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (capt), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD:

Both teams have squared off eight times in the T20I format, with the Islanders heading the record with five wins, followed by the Afghan team with three.

Matches 8, Afghanistan 3, Sri Lanka 5

READ: Mickey Arthur baffled by Babar Azam’s absence from Asia Cup squad

DUBAI: Pakistan cricket team manager Naveed Akram Cheema on Thursday called on Sri Lankan umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge at a Dubai hospital after the official was struck by a ball during the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 clash.

Ruchira, hailing from Sri Lanka, was struck on the head during the Pakistan-UAE clash on Wednesday, September 17.

The incident happened on the last ball of the sixth over of UAE’s innings when Pakistan’s Saim Ayub threw the ball back to the bowler, unfortunately, it hit one of the on-field umpires, Richard Palliyaguruge.

Following this, the umpire looked in utter discomfort and walked off the field after the physio’s attention.

Naveed Akram Cheema presented a bouquet to the Sri Lankan umpire on behalf of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Mohsin Naqvi.

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During his visit, the team manager inquired about the well-being of umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge and expressed his best wishes for his recovery.

On this occasion, Palliguruge expressed his gratitude and praised the Pakistan team and people.

“Pakistan has always received love from the team and the people,” he said.

For context, Pakistan outplayed UAE in the 10th fixture of the Asia Cup 2025. Green Shirts secured a 41-run victory, which advanced them to the Super Fours of the continental tournament.

Pakistan will once again face arch-rivals India on Sunday, September 21,  having previously played them in the group stage fixture.

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Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur has voiced his astonishment over the absence of star batter Babar Azam from the national T20I side during the ongoing ACC Asia Cup 2025.

Babar, currently the second-highest run-scorer in T20 internationals, has not featured in the format since Pakistan’s three-match away series against South Africa in December last year.

Despite his stature and experience, the selectors opted against recalling him for the Asia Cup, signalling their intent to build a younger core ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Arthur, who guided Pakistan to Champions Trophy glory in 2017, openly criticised the move on social media after the Green Shirts’ batting struggles against the UAE on Wednesday.

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“How Babar is not in this batting line up is totally beyond me!” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

In their crucial group-stage clash against the UAE, Pakistan managed only 146-9 before their bowlers secured a 41-run win to seal Super Four qualification.

The batting frailties, however, have been a recurring theme. Pakistan’s highest total so far, 160/7 against Oman, relied heavily on Mohammad Haris’s late counterattack after yet another middle-order wobble.

Against India, their batting shortcomings were exposed further, collapsing to 127/9 in 20 overs in a one-sided defeat.

READ: Brisbane Heat hails Shaheen Afridi’s all-round brilliance in Asia Cup

Big Bash League (BBL) franchise Brisbane Heat has lauded Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi for his standout all-round performances in the ongoing ACC Asia Cup 2025.

Shaheen has made a strong impact with both bat and ball in recent outings. Against India, he smashed a quickfire 33 off just 16 deliveries, including four sixes, at a strike rate of 206.25. Although wicketless on that occasion, his cameo kept Pakistan in contention in what turned out to be a low-scoring defeat.

In Pakistan’s must-win clash against the UAE, he once again rose to the occasion. Coming in during a collapse, he struck 29 off 14 balls with three boundaries and two sixes, lifting Pakistan to 146/9 in 20 overs.

With the ball, he followed it up with a decisive spell of 2/16 in three overs, helping bowl UAE out for 105 and sealing Pakistan’s place in the Super Four.

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Impressed by his all-round display, Brisbane Heat took to social media to applaud their upcoming recruit, posting: “The Eagle! A true all-rounder performance on the big stage. #AsiaCup” alongside a photo of Shaheen.

Shaheen was the first overall pick in the BBL player draft on June 19 and will represent Brisbane Heat in the 15th edition of the tournament later this year.

The draft saw six of the eight franchises target Pakistan players, with wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan snapped up third in the platinum category, while England’s Luke Wood went second.

This marks Shaheen’s maiden BBL stint, though he is no stranger to franchise cricket, having previously featured in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), ILT20, and The Hundred.

The 2025–26 BBL season will run from December 14 to January 25, 2026, featuring 44 matches.

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Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has expressed surprise over the post-match remarks of national T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha following victory against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the ACC Asia Cup 2025.

After hours of uncertainty over whether the game would go ahead, Pakistan eventually took the field for their final group-stage clash and secured a commanding 41-run win to book their place in the Super Four.

Batting first, Pakistan managed 146-9 in 20 overs, courtesy of Fakhar Zaman’s half-century and a late rescue act from Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Zaman’s dismissal in the 14th over triggered a collapse, leaving Pakistan reeling at 110-7 in the 17th over.

But Shaheen’s unbeaten 29 off 14 balls, laced with three fours and two sixes, lifted the side to a competitive total, which the bowlers comfortably defended.

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While reflecting on the performance, Salman Ali Agha admitted in the post-match presentation that Pakistan’s batting remains a work in progress, particularly in the middle overs.

“We got the job done, but we still need to improve our batting in the middle order. That’s been a concern and something we need to work on,” Agha said.

“Apart from that, we did a good job. We haven’t batted at our best yet. We’re still just finding our way to 150. If we bat well in the middle overs, we can push it to 170 no matter the opposition.”

However, Misbah-ul-Haq offered a contrasting view, pointing out that Pakistan’s struggles often start right at the top rather than in the middle phase of the innings.

“It was very surprising to hear Agha say the problem lies in the middle overs. For me, our issues begin from the start,” Misbah said in an interview with a local sports platform.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

“Almost every game we lose our first two wickets early, so we’re effectively two down before the innings even settles.”

He further explained that this early collapse leaves Pakistan exposed once spinners come into the attack.

“In these conditions, once the circle opens up and spinners operate, scoring becomes tricky. If you’re already 0–2, then you’re going nowhere,” he added.

Pakistan, having sealed their spot in the Super Four, will now meet arch-rivals India in a high-voltage Asia Cup encounter on Sunday at the same venue.

READ: Saim Ayub equals Shahid Afridi’s unwanted T20I record

DUBAI: Pakistan opener Saim Ayub endured yet another nightmare outing at the Asia Cup 2025, falling for a two-ball duck against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

The 24-year-old left-hander, who had already registered golden ducks against Oman and India earlier in the tournament, was dismissed in identical fashion to his previous failures.

Facing Junaid Siddique in the opening over, Ayub attempted to cut a short and wide delivery but could only find Muhammad Rohid at deep third, leaving Pakistan rocked early in their must-win clash.

This dismissal carried a grim milestone. It marked Ayub’s eighth duck in T20 internationals, placing him level with former captain and iconic all-rounder Shahid Afridi on Pakistan’s all-time list of most ducks in the format.

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Umar Akmal tops the chart with 10, while Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, and Kamran Akmal are tied on seven.

Most T20I Ducks for Pakistan:

• Umar Akmal – 10 in 84 matches
• Shahid Afridi – 8 in 98 matches
• Saim Ayub – 8 in 44 matches
• Kamran Akmal – 7 in 58 matches
• Mohammad Hafeez – 7 in 119 matches
• Babar Azam – 7 in 128 matches

Adding to the unwanted tally, Ayub also became the 62nd batter in men’s T20I history to record three consecutive ducks.

He joins compatriots Mohammad Hafeez and Abdullah Shafique in this category, with Abdullah holding the dubious record of four in a row.

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DUBAI: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha vowed to improve middle-overs batting, stating that his side is ready for the India clash in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 Super fours.

Set 147-run target, UAE crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for 105 in 17.4 overs.

Despite restricting Pakistan to a low total, UAE batters failed to take advantage.

For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf bagged two wickets each.

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Salman emphasized the middle overs, highlighting them as a concern.

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“We got the job done, but we still need to improve our batting in the middle order. That’s been a concern and something we need to work on,” he said.

The 31-year-old praised Shaheen Afridi, who played a crucial role with an all-around performance.

“Apart from that, we did a good job. We haven’t batted at our best yet…we’re still just finding our way to 150. If we bat well in the middle overs, we can push it to 170 no matter the opposition. Shaheen’s batting has improved a lot–he’s already great with the ball,” he remarked.

Regarding the India clash, the skipper mentioned Pakistan’s performance in the past few months, stressing on

“Saim is someone who has been bringing us back into games and I hope he can continue like this till the end. We’re ready for any challenge and if we keep playing the way we have over the last four months, we’ll be good against any side,” Salman Ali Agha concluded.

READ: ‘Pakistan’s honour preserved’, says Mohsin Naqvi following Pycroft’s apology

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday said that the ‘nation’s honour is preserved’ after Zimbabwean match referee Andy Pycroft apologised to Pakistan cricket team manager and captain.

Addressing the media in a press conference alongside former PCB chairmen Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi, Naqvi emphasized that cricket must remain free from politics, stressing that the game should not be turned into a political platform.

“Our focus should be on cricket, not politics. Sports and politics cannot go hand in hand; let’s keep cricket as a sport only,” Naqvi said.

“I consulted with former chairmen Najam Sethi and Ramiz Raja regarding the situation. Thank God, Pakistan’s honour has been preserved, and now we expect the team to perform at their best,” he added.

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Former PCB chairman Najam Sethi echoed Naqvi’s views, stating that cricket has won.

“Our stance has always been that politics should not interfere in sports. This has been our clear position from the start. Cricket has won, and we must continue the game. We accepted the apology in the spirit of sportsmanship.”

Ramiz Raja, meanwhile, called it a victory for Pakistan, stressing on team performance.

“This is a victory for Pakistan. Whatever emotions were hurt, the focus now must be on team performance. Cricket should remain cricket, not a political platform. Now everyone’s attention should be on cricket; the team must deliver on the field,” Raja stated.

For context, match referee Andy Pycroft apologised before the toss of Pakistan-UAE to the Pakistan cricket team’s manager and captain after the recent handshake row.

Acknowledging the incident of 14 September, Pycroft termed it a “miscommunication” and expressed regret over the matter.

Pycroft had previously instructed both captains not to shake hands during the high-profile India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash, a move that sparked outrage from the PCB.

READ: Andy Pycroft apologises to Pakistan captain, manager: PCB

DUBAI: Fakhar Zaman’s brisk half-century and a dominant bowling performance propelled Pakistan to the super fours, setting up another India clash in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

Pakistan will face India in the Super Fours on Sunday, September 21, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Set 147-run target, UAE crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for 150 in 17.4 overs.

Despite restricting Pakistan to a low total, UAE batters failed to take advantage. Alishan Sharafu and Mohammad Waseem added 21 for the first wicket before the former was castled by Shaheen on the score of 12.

Waseem followed him after making 14 from 15, whereas Saim bamboozled Muhammad Zohaib for four, which left UAE reeling at 37-3 in 5.3 overs.

Following the early wickets, Dhruv Parashar and Rahul Chopra forged a stand of 48 runs. However, the pair took 51 balls for their partnership, and with the required rate creeping up, the hosts slumped and lost wickets in a heave.

Chopra remained the highest scorer, making 35 runs with the aid of a four and a six.

For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf bagged two wickets each.

Earlier, Simranjeet Singh and Junaid Siddique combined to rattle Pakistan’s batting lineup, not before Shaheen Afridi’s lusty blows, which took them to a competitive total

UAE capitalized on the decision to bowl first as their bowlers displayed a commendable performance, limiting Pakistan to a modest 146-9 in 20 overs.

For Pakistan, it was a miserable start as Saim Ayub fell for his third consecutive and fifth duck in eight innings. Sahibzada Farhan followed him in the third over after managing to score five from 12 deliveries.

After Green Shirts were reduced to 9-2 in 2.4 overs, Fakhar Zaman and skipper Salman Ali Agha launched a brief recovery with a 61-run partnership.

The duo managed to take Pakistan out of trouble as the scorecard read 70 in 11 overs. However, the stand culminated as Salman Ali Agha’s sluggish knock ended, courtesy of a brilliant catch in the covers. He made 20 off 27 with the help of two fours.

The wicket gave UAE an opening, and the hosts penetrated through the middle order with quick strikes. Fakhar Zaman departed after scoring 50 off 36 balls, striking three maximums and two fours.

The wicket sparked a mini collapse until Shaheen Afridi’s cameo (29 off 14 balls), which took Pakistan to a respectable total.

For UAE, Junaid Siddique – who made early inroads with the new ball, remained the standout bowler with four wickets in his four overs. Simranjeet Singh was excellent as well with three scalps to his name in four overs.

Playing XIs

Pakistan XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (capt), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Khushdil Shah, Abrar Ahmed

UAE XI: Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Waseem (capt), Asif Khan,  Muhammad Zohaib, Harshit Kaushik, Rahul Chopra (wk), Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali,  Muhammad Rohid Khan, Simranjeet Singh,  Junaid Siddique

READ: Andy Pycroft apologises to Pakistan captain, manager: PCB

DUBAI: Pakistan beat UAE by 41 runs in the 10th fixture of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

UAE: 105 (17.4 Overs)

17.4: That’s it Pakistan seal a comprehensive victory over UAE

UAE: 103/7 (17 Overs)

Shaheen Afridi back into the attack

UAE: 97/6 (16 Overs)

Skipper Salman Ali Agha has the ball in his hand

UAE: 88/5 (15 Overs)

Abrar comes to bowl

UAE: 85/4 (14 Overs)

13.6: Rauf provides a vital breakthrough.

Dhruv Parashar 20 (23b 1×4 0x6) SR: 86.95

Haris comes back

UAE: 80/3 (13 Overs)

Abrar to continue

UAE: 74/3 (12 Overs)

Saim to bowl his final over

UAE: 66/3 (11 Overs)

Abrar Ahmed returns

UAE: 61/3 (10 Overs)

Saim Ayub to bowl his third over

UAE: 56/3 (9 Overs)

Nawaz continues

UAE: 46/3 (8 Overs)

Saim to continue

UAE: 42/3 (7 Overs)

Nawaz comes back

UAE: 38/3 (6 Overs)

Saim Ayub introduced into the attack for the first time

UAE: 37/2 (5 Overs)

Abrar Ahmed to bowl his first over of the night

UAE: 35/1 (4 Overs)

Haris Rauf comes into the attack

UAE: 23/1 ( 3 Overs)

Shaheen to continue

UAE: 19/0 (2 Overs)

Mohammad Nawaz comes to bowl

UAE: 6/0 (1 Overs)

Alishan Sharafu and Mohammad Waseem to open the batting for UAE. Shaheen Shah Afridi will take the new ball.

PAKISTAN vs UAE (2nd INNINGS)

DUBAI: Pakistan set UAE a target of 147-runs in the 10th fixture of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 here at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

PAK: 146/9 (20 Overs) 

Muhammad Rohid to close out the innings

PAK: 128/8 (19 Overs) 

Junaid Siddique

PAK: 118/7 (18 Overs) 

Haider Ali to bowl his final over

PAK: 110/7 (17 Overs) 

Junaid Siddique comes back

PAK: 105/6 (16 Overs) 

Simranjeet to bowl his final over.

PAK: 93/5 (15 Overs) 

Parashar continues

PAK: 88/5 (14 Overs) 

13.4: Another one bites the dust.

Hasan Nawaz 3 (4b 0x4 0x6) SR: 75

13.1: Fakhar is caught at covers. Big wicket for UAE

Fakhar Zaman 50 (36b 2×4 3×6) SR: 138.88

Simranjeet comes back

PAK: 86/3 (13 Overs) 

Parashar continues

PAK: 75/3 (12 Overs) 

Haider is back into the attack

PAK: 70/3 (11 Overs) 

Parashar comes back

PAK: 67/2 (10 Overs) 

Simranjeet continues

PAK: 61/2 (9 Overs) 

Haider to continue

PAK: 50/2 (8 Overs) 

Simranjeet Singh into the attack

PAK: 44/2 (7 Overs) 

Haider Ali comes to bowl

PAK: 39/2 (6 Overs) 

Rohid continues

PAK: 31/2 (5 Overs) 

Dhruv Parashar comes to bowl

PAK: 17/2 (4 Overs) 

Rohid continue

PAK: 11/2 (3 Overs) 

2.4: UAE is on a roll here. Another one for the hosts

Sahibzada Farhan 5 (12b 0x4 0x6) SR: 41.66

Junaid to continue

PAK: 9/1 (2 Overs) 

Muhammad Rohid to bowl from the other end.

PAK: 3/1 (1 Over) 

0.5: Saim tries to go big, and it’s straight into the hands. Another duck for the left-hander.

Saim Ayub 0 (2b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0

Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub to open the innings for Pakistan. Junaid Siddique will take the new ball.

PAKISTAN vs UAE (1st INNINGS)

DUBAI: UAE have the won the toss and opted to bowl first against Pakistan in the crucial encounter of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 here at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Playing XIs

Pakistan XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (capt), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Khushdil Shah, Abrar Ahmed

UAE XI: Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Waseem (capt), Asif Khan,  Muhammad Zohaib, Harshit Kaushik, Rahul Chopra (wk), Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali,  Muhammad Rohid Khan, Simranjeet Singh,  Junaid Siddique

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD:

Pakistan and the UAE have faced each other twice in the T20I format. Pakistan emerged victorious on both occasions.

Matches 2, Pakistan 2, UAE  0

READ: Andy Pycroft apologises to Pakistan captain, manager: PCB