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“Need yorkers from both ends” – Irfan Pathan’s massive statement on India’s playing XI ahead of Asia Cup 2025 final

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Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has urged Team India to retain Arshdeep Singh in the playing XI for the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan. According to Pathan, the Men in Blue must be prepared for situations where they need two bowlers capable of delivering yorkers from either end during the death overs.

India secured a thrilling victory over Sri Lanka in a Super Over in the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 match held in Dubai on Friday, September 26. Batting first, India posted a total of 202-5, and Sri Lanka matched the score in reply. While Arshdeep was expensive in his initial four overs, he turned the game around in the Super Over by bowling impeccable yorkers and conceding only two runs. His outstanding performance ensured an easy win for India in the tiebreaker.

The left-arm pacer got his chance to play largely because a couple of regular players were rested for the game. With India having already qualified for the Asia Cup 2025 final, Jasprit Bumrah and Shivam Dube were both rested in the match against Sri Lanka, allowing Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana to feature.

Despite having played just two matches in the tournament so far, Irfan Pathan strongly backs Arshdeep’s inclusion in the playing XI for the final against Pakistan on Sunday, September 28. Speaking during a discussion on Sony Sports Network, the former all-rounder highlighted the importance of the 26-year-old pacer’s skills in high-pressure situations.

“First things first, he’s like ice. When the pressure is on, he asks for the ball and bowls. In the end overs, he is ready to bowl his yorkers. He bowls yorkers in tandem with Jasprit Bumrah when both play together. He is a bowler of that quality. For me, it’s nothing new. I have been saying from the first day that he should be in the playing XI,” Pathan explained.

He further added, “There are situations when you need yorkers from both ends. Today, the match went on till the very end. But, the Indian team’s thinking is that we need a long batting line-up. So, Shivam Dube is playing as an all-rounder. Since he is playing, Arshdeep is not finding a place. He will always be there in my playing XI.”

In the Super Over against Sri Lanka, Arshdeep made an immediate impact by dismissing Kusal Perera with the very first ball, having him caught at deep point. On the penultimate ball, Dasun Shanaka mistimed a full and wide delivery, sending it to deep backward point for another wicket.

A striking irony surrounds Arshdeep Singh’s current status in the team since he is India’s leading wicket-taker in T20 Internationals. The Punjab-born bowler has claimed 101 wickets in 65 matches at an impressive average of 18.76 and an economy rate of 8.37. He also has two four-wicket hauls to his name.

Hardik Pandya is the next highest Indian wicket-taker in the format with 98 wickets, followed by Yuzvendra Chahal (96), Jasprit Bumrah (94), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (90), and Kuldeep Yadav (82).

With such credentials, there is a strong case for Arshdeep Singh to be retained in the playing XI for the Asia Cup final as India prepare to take on arch-rivals Pakistan.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-irfan-pathan-arshdeep-singh-india-playing-xi-asia-cup-2025-final-pakistan

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‘Please Take This As A Cricketing Observation’: Mohammad Kaif Clarifies His Tweet After Jasprit Bumrah Calls His Assessment ‘Inaccurate’ Amid Asia Cup 2025

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Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has politely responded to Jasprit Bumrah’s remarks regarding his observation about Suryakumar Yadav’s utilization of the pacer, calling the comment inaccurate. Kaif clarified that his statement was merely a cricketing observation made as a well-wisher and admirer, and was not intended to be critical.

In the ongoing Asia Cup, Suryakumar Yadav often bowls three overs upfront of Bumrah, which leaves the right-arm speedster with only one over at the end. Although Bumrah has struggled slightly at times, he has still delivered crucial performances for the Indian team. The Ahmedabad-born bowler remains the second-highest wicket-taker for India in the competition, with five wickets in four matches.

Earlier, Bumrah retweeted Kaif’s tweet and wrote, “Inaccurate before, inaccurate again.” Responding to Bumrah on X, Kaif maintained a respectful tone: “Please take this as a cricketing observation from a well-wisher and an admirer. You are Indian cricket’s biggest match-winner and I know what it takes to give it all when on field wearing India colours.”

In India’s recent match against Bangladesh, Jasprit Bumrah played a key role in their 41-run victory. Despite having leaked over 40 runs against Pakistan in an earlier game, Bumrah was in top form against Bangladesh, finishing with impressive bowling figures of 4-0-18-2. His disciplined bowling helped the Men in Blue defend a modest total of 168, restricting Bangladesh to 127.

India’s batting in the match was largely led by Abhishek Sharma, who smashed 75 runs off just 37 deliveries, continuing his formidable form in the tournament. Although India’s finish was not as strong as fans might have hoped, the team maintained control throughout. Bangladesh started positively but lost regular wickets, with Kuldeep Yadav shining as the pick of the Indian bowlers by claiming three wickets.

Looking ahead, India is set to face arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup final on September 28, Sunday, in Dubai. Before that high-stakes encounter, the Men in Blue will use their game against Sri Lanka to fine-tune their preparations and strategies.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/please-take-this-as-a-cricketing-observation-mohammad-kaif-clarifies-his-tweet-after-jasprit-bumrah-calls-his-assessment-inaccurate-amid-asia-cup-2025

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‘Kya Gali Ki Team Hai’: Mohammad Haris Trolled For Poor Game Awareness In PAK vs BAN Super 4 Asia Cup 2025 Clash; Video

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Pakistan keeper-batter Mohammad Haris faced criticism on social media after failing to ground his bat before taking off for a second run during the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 match against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium.

A video of the incident quickly surfaced online, with replays clearly showing that the right-handed batter had not grounded his bat. The moment occurred in the 11th over of the innings bowled by Mahedi Hasan. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha took a big stride forward and flicked the ball to long-on. Both Pakistan batters sprinted quickly as Bangladesh fielder Rishad Hossain misfielded, allowing Pakistan to take two runs. However, the replays highlighted Haris’s lack of awareness for not properly grounding his bat before running.

Watch the video below to see the moment:

[Insert Video]

Here are some reactions from netizens regarding the incident:
[Insert Social Media Reactions]

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### Match Overview

Bangladesh won the toss and opted to field first at the Dubai International Stadium. Litton Das continued to remain on the sidelines as Jaker Ali won the toss for the second consecutive day in the Asia Cup 2025 and chose to bowl first.

Bangladesh made three changes to their playing XI, while Pakistan kept their side unchanged.

**Pakistan (Playing XI):**
Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (w), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

**Bangladesh (Playing XI):**
Saif Hassan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali (w/c), Nurul Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman.

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### Innings Summary

The Men in Green lost the in-form Sahibzada Farhan early, with Taskin Ahmed dismissing him in the very first over. Pakistan struggled to build any momentum and eventually finished their innings at 135/8.

Mohammad Haris was the top scorer for Pakistan, managing a quickfire 31 runs off just 23 balls, providing some resistance for the bowlers to defend.

With 136 runs needed in 20 overs, Pakistan’s bowling attack will need to put in an exceptional performance to keep Bangladesh from chasing down the target.

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The winner of this crucial match will face Team India in the Asia Cup final on Sunday, September 28.

Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from the Asia Cup 2025.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/kya-gali-ki-team-hai-mohammad-haris-trolled-for-poor-game-awareness-in-pak-vs-ban-super-4-asia-cup-2025-clash-video

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PAK vs BAN, Asia Cup 2025, Super 4: No Litton Das Again, Bangladesh Opt To Bowl First In Virtual Semi-Final In Dubai, Pakistan Unchanged

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**Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan and Bangladesh Face Off in Crucial Super 4 Clash at Dubai International Stadium**

Litton Das remains on the sidelines as Jaker Ali continues to lead Bangladesh, having won the toss for the second consecutive day in the Asia Cup 2025. In a strategic move, Jaker Ali opted to bowl first at the Dubai International Stadium.

**Team Updates**

Bangladesh have confirmed three changes to their playing XI, while Pakistan maintain an unchanged lineup.

**Pakistan (Playing XI):** Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (w), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

**Bangladesh (Playing XI):** Saif Hassan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali (w/c), Nurul Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman.

**Match Preview**

Pakistan and Bangladesh will lock horns at the electric atmosphere of the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday, September 25, to determine the second finalist of Asia Cup 2025. The winner will face Team India, who advanced to the final by defeating Bangladesh at the same venue on Wednesday.

Two-time Asia Cup champions Pakistan regained significant confidence after their five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in their second Super 4 game held in Abu Dhabi. Their consistent bowling attack and electric fielding were major highlights of the win. However, the batting lineup still requires improvement, particularly the middle order, which has shown signs of instability.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, face a quick turnaround after their 41-run defeat to Sri Lanka. The Tigers impressed with their bowling and fielding efforts, successfully restricting the formidable Indian batting lineup to below 170 runs in their previous match. When it came to batting, however, none of the Bangladeshi batters could make a significant impact except Saif Hassan, who stood out as the lone warrior with a resilient 69.

A key point of interest remains whether Litton Das will make a return to the Bangladesh side after missing the clash against India due to a side strain.

Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling encounter between Pakistan and Bangladesh as they battle it out for a spot in the Asia Cup 2025 final.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/pak-vs-ban-asia-cup-2025-super-4-no-litton-das-again-bangladesh-opt-to-bowl-first-in-virtual-semi-final-in-dubai-pakistan-unchanged

asia cup, bangladesh, cricket, injury, sports

Asia Cup: Injury scare for Bangladesh as Litton Das struggles

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**Asia Cup: Injury Scare for Bangladesh as Litton Das Struggles**

*By Gaurav Tripathi | Sep 23, 2025, 02:07 PM*

Bangladesh face a potential injury setback ahead of their crucial Super Four clash against India. Captain Litton Das suffered a back strain during a training session at the ICC Academy Ground on September 22.

The injury occurred when Litton felt discomfort on the left side of his waist while attempting a square cut in the nets. After experiencing the pain, he promptly withdrew from the session and was assessed by team physio Bayzid ul Islam.

### Medical Assessment Pending

A Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official told Cricbuzz, “We will have a look at him (Litton) today because from outside he looks quite okay, but we need to conduct a medical assessment before making a final call.” Although Litton did not show major signs of discomfort after the incident, his absence in the upcoming match would be a significant blow for Bangladesh.

### Leadership Void for Bangladesh

If Litton Das is ruled out, Bangladesh could face a leadership crisis. The BCB has not yet named a deputy captain for the tournament, creating uncertainty about who would lead the side in his absence.

Despite this injury scare, Bangladesh started their Super Four campaign on a strong note, securing a convincing victory over Sri Lanka.

### Litton Das’s Form in the Tournament

Litton’s performance so far in the Asia Cup has been somewhat inconsistent. After a match-winning 59 against Hong Kong in Bangladesh’s opener, he scored 28 against Sri Lanka. However, he then managed just 9 runs versus Afghanistan and 23 in another game against Sri Lanka, showing a tendency to throw away his starts.

Bangladesh will be hoping for a speedy recovery for their captain as they prepare for their high-stakes encounter against India.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/injury-scare-for-litton-das-ahead-of-india-game/story

asia cup, cricket, india, pakistan, sports

Presenting most expensive spells of Jasprit Bumrah in T20Is

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**Most Expensive Spells of Jasprit Bumrah in T20I Cricket**
*By Parth Dhall | Sep 22, 2025, 6:09 PM*

India recently overcame Pakistan in a thrilling Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Men in Blue successfully chased down a target of 172 in just 18.5 overs, once again showcasing their dominance in the format. Earlier, Sahibzada Farhan’s 45-ball 58 had powered Pakistan to a competitive total of 171/5 in 20 overs. In a surprising turn of events, India’s premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah was hit for 45 runs in his four overs.

Here’s a look at the most expensive spells Bumrah has bowled in T20I cricket:

### 1. 50 Runs vs Australia, Hyderabad, 2022
The only time Jasprit Bumrah has conceded 50 or more runs in a T20I was during the 2022 match against Australia in Hyderabad. The right-arm seamer gave away 50 runs without taking a wicket. Australia posted a strong total of 186/7 in their 20 overs. Despite Bumrah’s expensive spell, India managed to chase down the target, winning the match by six wickets with a ball to spare. Notably, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav both scored half-centuries to anchor the chase.

### 2. 47 Runs vs West Indies, Lauderhill, 2016
In his debut year at the international level, Bumrah experienced a challenging outing against the West Indies in Lauderhill. He conceded 47 runs but picked up two wickets. The West Indies capitalized on this to post a massive 245/6 in their 20 overs. India came agonizingly close, thanks to KL Rahul’s unbeaten 110, but ultimately lost the match by just one run.

### 3. 45 Runs vs New Zealand and Pakistan
Bumrah’s recent spell against Pakistan in Dubai, where he was taken for 45 runs, ranks as his joint third-most expensive in T20Is. He conceded the same number of runs against New Zealand during the 2020 Hamilton T20I as well. In both matches, Bumrah went wicketless. Despite this, India managed to defeat New Zealand in a thrilling one-over eliminator (Super Over) following the Hamilton game.

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Jasprit Bumrah is widely regarded as one of the best T20 bowlers in the world, and these few expensive spells are exceptions in an otherwise impressive career. His ability to bounce back and deliver in crucial moments remains a key asset for the Indian cricket team.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/most-runs-conceded-by-jasprit-bumrah-in-a-t20i/story

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Asia Cup 2025: Andy Pycroft, Who PCB Requested To Be Removed Over Handshake Row, Set To Officiate IND vs PAK Super 4 Clash, Claims Report

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Zimbabwean match referee Andy Pycroft, who the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) requested to be banned from Asia Cup 2025 following the controversial handshake incident, will reportedly officiate the Super 4 match between Pakistan and India on Sunday, September 21.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected PCB’s request to ban Pycroft from the remainder of the tournament. Despite the controversy, Pycroft officiated Pakistan’s recent match against the UAE without any changes.

The controversy arose after the Group stage match between India and Pakistan, when the PCB released a statement claiming that Pycroft had instructed captains Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands. Pakistan was visibly upset over the Indian players not shaking hands, with Agha notably skipping the post-game presentation duties in protest.

Before the match against the UAE, the PCB had formally written to the ICC requesting Pycroft’s ban, citing a violation of the spirit of cricket. The Pakistan vs. UAE match was also surrounded by rumors of a potential boycott from Pakistan’s side. However, after an hour’s delay, the game proceeded as scheduled.

Looking back at recent performances, both Team India and Pakistan secured victories in their previous matches. India defeated Oman, while Pakistan managed a 41-run win over the UAE. Though Pakistan will draw confidence from their recent win, they face a challenging task in overcoming the formidable Indian side.

In their Group Stage encounter, the Men in Blue outplayed Pakistan comprehensively, winning by seven wickets. While India rested key players Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy against Oman, both are expected to return for the high-stakes clash with Pakistan.

For Pakistan to triumph over India, they will need to deliver an exceptional performance. The Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup kicks off on Sunday with Sri Lanka facing Bangladesh, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling tournament phase.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/asia-cup-2025-andy-pycroft-who-pcb-requested-to-be-removed-over-handshake-row-set-to-officiate-ind-vs-pak-super-4-clash-claims-report