Tag: Asia Cup 2025

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has called for a clearly defined batting role for young wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris ahead of the national team’s Asia Cup 2025 opener against Oman.

Speaking on a local sports platform, Malik stressed the importance of continuity, suggesting that Pakistan must stick with the formula that recently helped them clinch the tri-nation T20I series against Afghanistan and the UAE.

“You’ve just won a series, and the combination that worked should mostly stay the same,” he stated.

“Keep it simple, if a right-hander gets out, Haris should come in at number three, while Fakhar Zaman shifts down. The pattern should remain right-hander for right-hander, left-hander for left-hander.”

The veteran all-rounder explained that Haris’s batting strengths are best suited to the powerplay and that pushing him too far down the order diminishes his effectiveness.

“He isn’t a natural power-hitter, so asking him to finish games doesn’t play to his strengths. He needs to face the new ball, make use of field restrictions, and bat with freedom. That’s when he can add value,” Malik added.

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Highlighting the 24-year-old’s numbers, Shoaib Malik noted that Mohammad Haris has enjoyed his best returns when batting at number three.

“If you look at his recent performances, he scored runs when he played at number three,” he stated.

“The combination hasn’t always worked smoothly, but it should be kept simple: right-hander for right-hander, left-hander for left-hander.”

Haris, who has featured in 28 T20Is, has one century to his name but has struggled in recent months.

He has scored only 54 runs in his last 11 innings, with a string of low scores against Bangladesh, West Indies, and during the recent tri-series.

Pakistan squad for Asia Cup 2025

Salman Agha (c), 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.

READ: Punjab Kings in hot water for subbing Pakistan from India match banner

The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Punjab Kings, dragged itself into controversy by snubbing Pakistan from the India’s Asia Cup 2025 match banner.

The arch-rivals are set to clash on September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium, for the first time since the cross-border tensions earlier this year.

Their banner featured a logo of the Indian cricket team, but their Sunday’s opponent, Pakistan, were left out of the post. Pakistan’s name was also missing from the caption.

“Game 2️⃣ for the defending champions. Let’s goooo 💪 #AsiaCup2025 #INDv,” the post caption stated.

Game 2️⃣ for the defending champions. Let’s goooo 💪#AsiaCup2025 #INDv pic.twitter.com/BgeoRfJjMo

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) September 11, 2025

This exclusion sparked widespread criticism from fans and cricket followers, who accused the franchise of being politically motivated and disrespectful towards Pakistan.

Some took a dig, stating that there was “fear in even mentioning Pakistan”, while others argued, “Why accept defeat before the match?

Some memers also stepped in with hilarious digs, such as India’s match is against John Cena, who is famous for this catch phrase, ‘You Can’t See Me’.

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This is not the first time controversy has marred an India-Pakistan clash in recent months.

During the second edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL), the India Champions refused to play Pakistan not only in the league-stage fixture but also in the semifinal.

READ: Pakistan players to watch out in Asia Cup 2025 clash against India

DUBAI: The biggest rivalry in world cricket returns as India and Pakistan are set to lock horns in the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 on September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

The game comes with added spice as it will be the first meeting between the two neighbours since the cross-border tensions earlier this year, heightening the stakes even further.

India hold the edge historically, with 10 wins in 19 Asia Cup encounters, while Pakistan have won six, and three ended without result. In the T20I Asia Cup, India lead 2-1.

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On paper, Suryakumar Yadav’s side look favourites, but when it comes to India-Pakistan contests, unpredictability is the norm.

Despite the absence of big names like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan still possess enough firepower to hurt India on their day.

Here are five Pakistani players who could tilt the balance.

Fakhar Zaman

Big matches and Fakhar Zaman often go hand in hand. His match-winning hundred in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against India remains fresh in memory.

While his T20I record against India is modest, just 38 runs in three innings, Fakhar has the ability to flip a game in one burst of form. India know well that if he gets going, he can be destructive.

Saim Ayub

Saim Ayub would be playing his first India clash, a true test of temperament at the highest stage.

With 318 runs in 14 innings this year at a strike rate of 134.17, Saim has shown flashes of brilliance.

He hasn’t set T20Is alight yet, but this is the kind of occasion where careers are defined. If he finds rhythm, India’s attack could be in trouble.

Mohammad Nawaz

Just months ago, Mohammad Nawaz wasn’t in Pakistan’s plans, struggling for form and consistency.

But since returning to the side after Shadab Khan’s injury, he has been outstanding, 20 wickets in 11 games at an average of 10.90, including a hat-trick and a five-wicket haul in the same match against Afghanistan.

Nawaz also has a history against India. In the 2022 T20 Asia Cup, he first rattled them with 3-33 in the group stage, including key wickets of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and then turned match-winner in the Super Four with a blistering 42 off 20. On current form, he can be a game-changer.

Shaheen Shah Afridi

Few Indian batters need reminding of what Shaheen Afridi can do with the new ball. His spell in the 2021 T20 World Cup, dismissing Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and later Virat Kohli, is etched in Indo-Pak cricketing folklore.

If conditions offer him any swing, Shaheen remains Pakistan’s biggest weapon and India’s biggest worry.

Haris Rauf

Mercurial but dangerous, Haris Rauf is the kind of bowler who can leak runs or rip through a line-up.

Against India, he has already taken seven T20I wickets in five matches. If his pace and yorkers click, he could easily tilt the contest Pakistan’s way. India will be wary of underestimating him.

While India are heavy favourites heading into Sunday’s blockbuster, Pakistan’s unpredictability means they can never be written off. With players like Fakhar, Saim, Nawaz, Shaheen, and Haris in their ranks, a surprise is never out of the question.

READ: Former captain picks key players for Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 clash against India

ABU DHABI: Bangladesh captain Litton Das shared his thoughts after a thumping win over Hong Kong in the third fixture of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 here at the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 here at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Set a partly 144-run target, Bangladesh hit the winning runs on the fourth ball of the 17th over, losing just three wickets in the process.

Litton played a vital role in Bangladesh’s win with a composed 59 off 39 balls with the aid of half a dozen boundaries and a six.

For his knock, Das was awarded the player of the match in Bangladesh’s opening win in the tournament.

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Litton Das underscored the importance of winning the first game and emphasized his team’s performance.

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“Very important to win the first game. Last couple of series, we have played good cricket. But in the Asia Cup, a little bit of pressure comes automatically, ” he said with a smile on his face.

The 30-year-old stressed on fast bowlers and Rishad Hossain, highlighting the conditions and venue.

Bangladesh restricted Hong Kong 143-7 in their 20 overs, mainly due to their fast bowlers, Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who picked up two wickets each.

Moreover, leg spinner Rishad Hossain was also good with the ball, picking up two wickets in his quota of four overs while giving away 31 runs.

“We played well today. Last couple of years, our pace department has done really well. We were looking for a leg-spinner, and Rishad, in the last two or three years has done well for Bangladesh.

It was not easy to hit every ball; the ground is big, so you have to play ones and twos,” he concluded.

READ: Asia Cup 2025: Litton, Tanzim star as Bangladesh ease past Hong Kong

DUBAI: A clinical bowling display followed by measured knocks from Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy powered Bangladesh to a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Hong Kong in the third fixture of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 here at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Set a partly 144-run target, Bangladesh hit the winning runs on the fourth ball of the 17th over, losing just three wickets in the process.

Bangladesh had a similar start to Hong Kong, losing two wickets inside the power play. Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan were removed cheaply after scoring 19 and 14 runs respectively.

With Bangladesh 47-2 in 5,4 overs, skipper Litton Das paired up with Towhid Hridoy and stitched a 95-run stand.

The duo batted calmly and helped their team go on to secure their first win of the tournament.

Das was bowled after making 59 off 39 deliveries, an innings laced with six boundaries and a six, while Towhid Hridoy remained unbeaten on 35 from 36 with the help of a four.

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For Hong Kong, Ateeq Iqbal picked up two wickets, whereas Ayush Shukla scalped one apiece.

Earlier, put into bat first, Hong Kong mustered 143-7 in their allocated 20 overs.

Hong Kong started poorly as they lost two wickets inside 4.4 overs. Anshy Rath (4) departed on the third ball of the second over, whereas Babar Hayat was cleaned after making 14 off 12.

As a result, Hong Kong were 30-2 with Zeeshan Ali and Nizakat Khan on the crease. Both batters paired up and batted cautiously to lift their team out of trouble.

The duo added a 41-run partnership for the third wicket, which took Hong Kong’s total to 71 in 11.3 overs. However, Tanzim Hasan Sakib broke the partnership and provided Bangladesh with a much-needed breakthrough.

Zeeshan perished after making 30 off 34 balls, with the help of a six and three boundaries.

Despite the wicket, Hong Kong kept cruising until the first ball of the 17th over. The 46-run stand between Yasim Murtaza and Nizakat Khan ended, which helped Bangladesh in restricting Hong Kong from going past the 150-run mark.

Yasim Murtaza made 28 from 19 balls, hitting two sixes and the same number of fours, whereas Nizakat Khan top-scored with 42 off 40 deliveries with the aid of two fours and a six.

For Bangladesh, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Rishad Hossain and Taskin Ahmed picked up two wickets each.

Playing XIs

Bangladesh XI: Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Litton Das (capt & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman

Hong Kong XI: Zeeshan Ali (wk), Anshy Rath, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Kalhan Challu, Kinchit Shah, Yasim Murtaza (capt), Aizaz Khan, Ayush Shukla, Ateeq Iqbal, Ehsan Khan

READ: Mike Hesson breaks silence on Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan strike rates

DUBAI: Bangladesh have won the toss and opted to bowl first against Hong Kong in the third fixture of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 here at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Playing XIs

Bangladesh XI: Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Litton Das (capt & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman

Hong Kong XI: Zeeshan Ali (wk), Anshy Rath, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Kalhan Challu, Kinchit Shah, Yasim Murtaza (capt), Aizaz Khan, Ayush Shukla, Ateeq Iqbal, Ehsan Khan

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD: 

Both teams have only met once in the T20I format which was way back in the 2014 T20 World Cup. Interestingly, Hong Kong won that game after skittling Bangladesh for 108 runs and winning the encounter by 2 wickets.

Matches 1, Bangladesh 0, Hong Kong 1

READ: Focused Pakistan ready to take on confident India: Mike Hesson

DUBAI: White-ball head coach Mike Hesson has said that Pakistan is geared up to take on the strong Indian team in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 block-buster clash, which will be played on Sunday here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS). 

Before taking on India, Pakistan will play Oman tomorrow at the same venue in their opening match of the tournament.

Speaking to the media ahead of the opening game, Hesson talked about the highly anticipated game against arch-rivals India on Sunday, September 14.

“I’ve certainly watched many games from afar and I have also commentated. So, being on the other side of the fence and right amongst such a highly charged event is going to be exciting,” he told reporters.

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“From my perspective, just like any final or world event, it’s about keeping everybody focused on the job at hand. That’ll be no different this weekend. We know India are hugely confident, and rightfully so, in terms of how well they’ve played,” he added.

Hesson stated that Pakistan is focused on maintaining composure despite huge game against India.

“But we’re focused on improving as a team day by day, not getting too far ahead of ourselves. We’re well aware of the enormity of the task, but we’re also looking forward to the challenge ahead,” Hesson explained.

Regarding the playing XI against Oman, Hesson said that the wicket is different from Sharjah, where they emerged victorious over spin-heavy Afghanistan in the T20I tr-series final.

Furthermore, he also praised Mohammad Nawaz and labelled him as a world-class bowler.

“We haven’t finalized the XI yet. Part of that process is coming and looking at the wicket, which I’ve done today. It’s very different to Sharjah, particularly in terms of the abrasiveness of the grass,” Hesson revealed.

“Mohammad Nawaz is currently ranked as the best spin bowler in the world since returning to the side. We’ve also got Abrar and Sufiyan doing well, Saim is in the top 10 all-rounders, and Salman Ali Agha,” he concluded.

READ: India-Pakistan Asia Cup tickets see price cut after slow sales

DUBAI: Organisers have reduced ticket prices for the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 match between arch-rivals Pakistan and India, scheduled to take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 14.

Despite the global hype and heightened anticipation fueled by recent cross-border tensions, tickets for the marquee encounter remain widely available.

The organisers were prompted to lower prices after receiving complaints from fans over steep costs.

Standard tickets, originally priced at 475 dirhams, have now been reduced to 350 dirhams.

Meanwhile, premium enclosures remain the slowest to sell, with a significant number of seats still unsold less than a week before the high-voltage contest.

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Officials admitted they were surprised at the slower-than-expected demand for a fixture that has historically drawn massive crowds and global attention.

On the field, India head into the clash in fine form after dismantling the UAE in their opening match.

The Men in Blue bowled out the hosts for just 57 runs before cruising to victory by nine wickets in just 4.3 overs.

Pakistan, meanwhile, will launch their campaign against Oman at the same venue on Friday before turning their focus to the arch-rival showdown.

India and Pakistan have locked horns 13 times in T20Is, with India dominating the rivalry with 10 wins compared to Pakistan’s three.

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: Salman Ali Agha faces injury scare ahead of Asia Cup opener

DUBAI: Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha raised slight fitness concerns on Wednesday ahead of the ACC Asia Cup 2025 clash against Oman.

Salman sat out a major portion of the team’s training session at the ICC Academy due to a neck spasm.

He was spotted with a bandage around his neck and appeared cautious with his movements.

Unlike his teammates, who went through stretching drills, warm-ups, and a light football routine, the captain avoided putting any pressure on himself.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later confirmed through its media manager that Salman is suffering from a mild spasm, stressing that there are no serious fitness concerns.

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His absence from the session was precautionary, and he is expected to resume full training soon.

Team management remains confident that the captain will be fully fit for Pakistan’s upcoming fixtures, including the high-stakes clash against India on September 14.

The development comes just after Pakistan clinched the tri-nation T20I series in Sharjah, where they defended a modest 142-run total to bundle out Afghanistan for just 66 runs in the final.

The men in green will now begin their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against Oman at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Pakistan squad for Asia Cup 2025

Salman Ali Agha (c), 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.

READ: ICC names all-female match officials panel for Women’s World Cup 2025

Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed his excitement over the prospect of Pakistan’s mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed going up against India’s batting line-up in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 clash.

The two arch-rivals meet on September 14 in Dubai in what promises to be the most anticipated fixture of the tournament.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin praised Abrar’s skillset but cautioned that he will face a major test against India’s in-form batters.

“I am definitely looking forward to the contest between Abrar Ahmed and our Indian team,” he said.

“In modern-day cricket, it’s difficult to bowl as slowly as he does, but recently, Abrar produced a match-winning performance by picking up four wickets against the UAE. He bowls googlies, carrom balls, and other variations.

“Still, he must find a way to succeed against India.

“Another challenge is that Pakistani players don’t get the opportunity to play against Indians, as they are not part of the IPL. For Abrar, this will be a learning curve, but he has all the tools required.”

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Ravichandran Ashwin also highlighted Sahibzada Farhan’s fearless approach at the top of the order, likening him to India’s Abhishek Sharma.

“Pakistan has exceptional talent. One such player is Sahibzada Farhan, who plays in a style similar to Abhishek Sharma, attacking bowlers right from the start,” he noted.

“With Mike Hesson now in charge and Salman Ali Agha leading as captain, Pakistan is clearly trying to embrace a more explosive brand of cricket.”

He pointed out that the side’s new model leans heavily on aggressive batters such as Fakhar Zaman, Haris, and Saim Ayub.

“Personally, I believe Fakhar is the best batter in the Pakistan side. Then there’s Saim Ayub, who also contributes with the ball,” he added.

“But the team often collapses after strong starts, sometimes finding themselves 80 for 5 before scrambling to 140. To really challenge India, you need at least 180.”

Looking at the bigger picture, the veteran off-spinner was blunt about India’s prospects.

“The best-case scenario for any team is to bowl first and restrict India to a modest score. But honestly, I don’t think any side really stands a chance against India in this Asia Cup,” he concluded.

READ: India rewrite record books with crushing victory over UAE