Category Archives: sports

football, liverpool, sports

Liverpool star makes ‘massive’ Alexander Isak claim as classy Giovanni Leoni gesture revealed

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Cody Gakpo has reacted to Alexander Isak scoring his first Liverpool goal and Giovanni Leoni suffering an ACL injury ahead of the Reds’ trip to Crystal Palace this weekend.

The Liverpool forward sent a heartfelt message to team-mate Giovanni Leoni after the teenager was struck down by a serious ACL injury. The Italian defender impressed on his Reds debut against Southampton in midweek, only to be injured after landing awkwardly late in the second half.

Leoni was stretchered off the pitch, and it has since been confirmed that he has suffered an ACL injury. Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted at his pre-match press conference on Friday that the young defender faces up to a year on the sidelines.

Leoni took to social media on Thursday to thank the Liverpool fanbase for their support following his injury. Several of his team-mates also offered their own messages of encouragement to the promising defender.

The Reds return to action on Saturday evening as they travel to face Crystal Palace. Ahead of the match, Gakpo shared how the Liverpool squad plan to support Leoni through his lengthy injury lay-off.

“It’s always sad to see that something like that happens,” Gakpo said. “We will try to be there for him as much as we can and to help him through this difficult period.”

Leoni was one of ten new signings at Liverpool this summer as the club embarked on a £450 million spending spree. Breaking the British transfer record twice to sign Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, the latter opened his account for Liverpool last time out against Southampton.

Having seen Isak regularly torment Liverpool in the past while playing for Newcastle United, Gakpo is delighted to now call the striker a team-mate. He also made a positive prediction for the impact of Liverpool’s record signing following his first goal for the club.

“That’s obviously massive for him, as well as for us,” Gakpo told the club website. “I think everybody knows how good he can be. We saw him in the Newcastle team scoring a lot of goals and hopefully he can do that for us as well. A very good player on the ball, off the ball. I’m very happy that he’s here.”
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-star-makes-massive-alexander-32562196

british football, europa league, football, sports

Friday’s briefing: John McGinn gives Villa victory and more woe for Rangers

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Aston Villa secured their first win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Bologna in their Europa League opener at Villa Park.

### John McGinn Earns Aston Villa’s First Win

John McGinn’s early strike earned Aston Villa a much-needed victory in a hard-fought contest. Under Unai Emery, who is aiming to win the Europa League for a fifth time, Villa finally found the net at home after scoring only twice in their first six games of the season—both goals coming away from Villa Park.

Ollie Watkins came off the bench and had a penalty saved in the second half, prolonging his goal drought for the campaign. Meanwhile, Bologna goalkeeper Marco Bizot made several important saves but couldn’t prevent Villa from claiming the win.

—

### Oh Hyeon-gyu Turns Up the Heat at Ibrox

Genk defeated 10-man Rangers 1-0 at Ibrox, with former Celtic striker Oh Hyeon-gyu scoring the decisive goal after missing an earlier penalty. The Belgian visitors hit the woodwork in the first half, and Rangers midfielder Mohamed Diomande was shown a straight red card in the 41st minute.

In added time, Rangers keeper Jack Butland saved a penalty from Oh, but the striker eventually broke the deadlock in the 55th minute with a close-range finish.

Rangers manager Russell Martin, who recently received some relief following a 2-0 win over Hibernian, remains under pressure as disgruntled fans voiced their frustrations at the final whistle.

—

### William Saliba Agrees New Arsenal Contract

Arsenal defender William Saliba has agreed to a contract extension, according to the PA news agency. Reports indicate the France international has signed a five-year deal, keeping him at the club until 2030.

Saliba’s previous contract was set to expire in 2027. His impressive performances for the Gunners have reportedly attracted interest from Real Madrid.

The 24-year-old joined Arsenal from St Etienne in July 2019 but spent the following season on loan in France, with additional loan spells at Nice and Marseille. Since establishing himself at Emirates Stadium, Saliba has earned 28 caps for France and scored seven goals in 139 appearances across all competitions.

—

### Rio Ngumoha Signs First Professional Contract with Liverpool

Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha has signed his first professional contract, just a month after turning 17. The winger, who arrived from Chelsea a year ago, has quickly risen through the ranks and earned a three-year deal with the Reds.

Ngumoha became Liverpool’s youngest goal-scorer at 16 years and 361 days after netting the match-winner against Newcastle in August. He has made five senior appearances, including his debut in the FA Cup third-round tie against Accrington last January.

After impressing in pre-season, Ngumoha was promoted to head coach Arne Slot’s first-team squad. His Premier League debut was highlighted by a last-minute winner against Newcastle at St James’ Park. Additionally, his recent substitute appearance in Liverpool’s Champions League win over Atletico Madrid marked him as the club’s youngest player in European competition history.

Off the pitch, Liverpool announced a record 1,114 lifetime bans have been issued for ticket touting, with nearly half imposed following the discovery of mass manipulation of software last season.

—

### What’s On Today?

Friday night’s live Sky Bet Championship action features promotion hopefuls Leicester City visiting West Bromwich Albion.

In Scotland, Ayrshire rivals Auchinleck Talbot and Cumnock Juniors meet in the first round of the Scottish Cup at Beechwood Park.

Ahead of this weekend’s Premier League fixtures, several clubs including Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham will hold press conferences.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/fridays-briefing-john-mcginn-gives-villa-victory-and-more-woe-for-rangers-1811284.html

animal health, entertainment, sports

‘We Don’t Know Whether…’: F1 Ferrari Driver Lewis Hamilton Shares Emotional Update Of His Dog Roscoe’s Health Battle

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**Lewis Hamilton Shares Heartfelt Message as Beloved Dog Roscoe Battles for Life**

Formula 1 legend and Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton has opened up on Instagram about his beloved dog, Roscoe, who is currently fighting for his life. In a deeply emotional post, Hamilton revealed that Roscoe was hospitalized after suffering from pneumonia and experiencing severe breathing difficulties.

Hamilton explained that Roscoe, a familiar and adored companion to fans both on and off the racing circuit, was sedated by veterinary staff to undergo necessary medical checks. Tragically, during the procedure, Roscoe’s heart stopped. Thanks to emergency efforts, the medical team managed to revive him, but he is now in a coma.

“Please keep Roscoe in your thoughts,” Hamilton wrote. “I want to keep you all updated. Roscoe caught pneumonia again and was struggling to breathe. He was admitted into hospital and sedated to calm him while they did checks on him and during the process his heart stopped. They managed to get a heartbeat back and now he’s in a coma. We don’t know whether he will wake from this. Tomorrow we’ll try to wake him up. I’m by his side and want to thank you all for your prayers and support.”

The Formula 1 community and fans worldwide have flooded social media with messages of support and prayers, expressing hope for Roscoe’s recovery. As the racing world focuses on upcoming Grand Prix action, many are keeping a close eye on Hamilton’s updates, hoping for positive news about the pup who has been a significant part of his journey.

Hamilton’s post not only provides insight into the difficult moments he is facing but also highlights the deep emotional connections athletes share beyond the racetrack.

—

**Lewis Hamilton Executes Dramatic 360-Degree Spin During Dutch Grand Prix Practice, Escapes Unscathed**

During the first practice session of the Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort, Lewis Hamilton provided a dramatic moment as his Ferrari spun 360 degrees at the iconic banked Turn 3.

The seven-time world champion lost control of the rear end while navigating the tight, steeply cambered corner but impressively managed to recover without any contact or major damage to his car.

The incident occurred midway through the session, which had already been challenging for many drivers due to the circuit’s technical layout and unpredictable grip levels. Approaching Turn 3, Hamilton appeared to misjudge his entry speed slightly, sending his rear tyres sliding and causing the car to rotate completely on the spot.

In a moment that had spectators holding their breath, Hamilton kept his composure. The Ferrari momentarily pirouetted on the tarmac before coming to a brief halt and continuing without stalling or striking the barriers.

Engineers on the pit wall and fans alike were relieved to see the Briton regain control with minimal drama, showcasing his razor-sharp reflexes and decades of driving experience.

Despite the spin, Hamilton’s Ferrari escaped with no visible damage, and he returned to the pits shortly afterward for routine checks. His radio message to the team was calm and focused, indicating he was ready to get back to business.

The Dutch Grand Prix weekend is especially critical for Hamilton and Ferrari, who are aiming to build momentum in the latter part of the 2025 season. While the first practice session didn’t go entirely to plan, Hamilton’s quick thinking may have saved the team from an early setback.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/we-dont-know-whether-f1-ferrari-driver-lewis-hamilton-shares-emotional-update-of-his-dog-roscoes-health-battle

international relations, politics, sports

Suryakumar Yadav Fined 30% Of His Match Fees For His Tribute To Indian Armed Forces After India Vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Clash

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Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has been fined 30 percent of his match fee for comments made after the Asia Cup group league match against Pakistan, tournament organisers announced on Friday.

The penalty follows Suryakumar’s remarks alluding to the military skirmish between India and Pakistan in May. Pakistan had filed a complaint with the ICC, accusing him of making political comments after he dedicated India’s win over their archrivals on September 14 to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and the Indian armed forces.

Suryakumar pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was reportedly instructed to refrain from making any statements that could be interpreted as political for the remainder of the tournament. The hearing was conducted by ICC match referee Richie Richardson.

Tensions between the two teams have been high throughout the tournament. The situation escalated when India refused to engage in the traditional handshake with Pakistani players at the toss and after the games, as a gesture of solidarity with the Pahalgam victims.

(Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/suryakumar-yadav-fined-30-of-his-match-fees-for-his-tribute-to-indian-armed-forces-after-india-vs-pakistan-asia-cup-2025-clash

asia cup, batting, cricket, india, 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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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

business, cricket, local sports, sports

Kanga League: Vinayak Bhoir’s All-Round Efforts Help Islam Gymkhana Brush Aside Khar Gymkhana

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All-rounder Vinayak Bhoir played an impressive role with both bat and ball to help Islam Gymkhana secure a win against Khar Gymkhana by gaining the first innings lead in a B Division match of the MCA Dr. H. D. Kanga Cricket League. The match was played at the Islam Gymkhana ground on Wednesday.

Sent in to bat first, Islam Gymkhana amassed a total of 192 runs for 9 wickets in 34.3 overs. Middle-order batsman Bhoir smashed a quick 73 runs off 59 balls, including four boundaries and six sixes. Khar Gymkhana’s medium pacer Abdul Khan was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 6 wickets for 45 runs.

In response, Islam Gymkhana’s bowling attack, led by medium pacer Javed Khan and left-arm spinner Vinayak Bhoir, dismantled Khar Gymkhana. Javed Khan took 4 wickets for 30 runs, while Bhoir picked up 3 for 35. They bowled out Khar Gymkhana for 127 runs in 39.5 overs, gaining a crucial first innings lead.

Islam Gymkhana started their second innings strongly, reaching 25 for 2 in 4.4 overs.

**Brief Scores – B Division:**

– Young Comrade CC: 98 all out in 31.2 overs (Shameet Shetty 28; Sachin Gupta 3/20) & 65 for 5 in 22.5 overs (Mayuresh Tandel 37)
Vs Sind SC: 128 for 4 declared in 30.2 overs (Sai Chavan 45, Sujay Thakkar 28; Shameet Shetty 3/45)
*Result:* Sind SC won on 1st innings lead.

– New Hindu CC: 172 all out in 53.5 overs (Vinay Kunwar 36, Rohit Shukla 28; Sachin Solanki 4/44, Vedant Gurav 3/27)
Vs Sainath SC: 97 all out in 24.2 overs (Jigar Rana 36; Rajesh Sardar 5/23, Jugraj Mehta 4/22)
*Result:* New Hindu CC won on 1st innings lead.

– Islam Gymkhana: 192 for 9 in 34.3 overs (Vinayak Bhoir 73, Sufiyan Shaikh 28, Shashwat Pathak 25; Abdul Khan 6/45) & 25 for 2 in 4.4 overs
Vs Khar Gymkhana: 127 all out in 39.5 overs (Swayam Waghmare 42; Javed Khan 4/30, Vinayak Bhoir 3/35, Hitesh Kadam 3/52)
*Result:* Islam Gymkhana won on 1st innings lead.

– Goregaon Sports Club: 116 all out in 39.4 overs (Rohan Bhosale 43; Kunal Thorat 7/20) & 20 for no loss
Vs Shivaji Park Youngsters SC: 120 for 6 declared in 29 overs (Shubham Shinde 50)
*Result:* Shivaji Park Youngsters won on 1st innings lead.

– Muslim United SC: 195 for 9 in 39.5 overs (Shashikant Kadam 77, Mahamad Yaseen Saudagar 34; Khizar Dafedar 4/55, Harsh Mendon 3/27)
Vs Dadar Union SC: 134 for 6 in 29 overs (Ashay Akre 45, Aadit Degaonkar 31)
*Result:* Match drawn.

– Payyade SC: 144 all out in 41.2 overs (Omkar Ghule 29, Vicky Patil 27, Vedant Gadia 26; Anikit Vishwakarma 3/16, Jagdish Jadhav 3/34, Sandeep Pawar 3/53)
Vs United Cricketers: 118 for 6 in 39.1 overs (Prithvik Pandit 45, Darshan Kamthe 27; Ajay Mishra 5/28)
*Result:* Match drawn.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/kanga-league-vinayak-bhoirs-all-round-efforts-help-islam-gymkhana-brush-aside-khar-gymkhana

american football, entertainment, sports

Loser of the Ravens-Chiefs matchup faces difficult road to Super Bowl contention

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The Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens entered the season with Super Bowl-or-bust goals. One of them will be 1-3 after this week’s matchup—unless the game ends in a tie.

Coming off a 38-30 loss at home to Detroit on Monday night, Baltimore will travel to Kansas City to face the Chiefs on Sunday in a critical showdown for both teams. Historically, only the 2001 New England Patriots have started 1-3 and gone on to win the Super Bowl, underscoring the challenge ahead for the losing side.

“I feel like the way we performed was a hole; a huge hole, but it’s still the beginning of the season,” Lamar Jackson said after being sacked seven times by the Lions. “We have a lot of work to do, and we just have to execute.”

This Sunday’s game will feature a unique quarterback duel. According to NFL research, the Jackson-Mahomes matchup will be the first between multiple-time MVP quarterbacks in which both entered the game with losing records for the season. It also marks the first time multi-time MVP QBs face off with a combined record below .500.

### AFC Struggles Continue

The AFC is off to a surprisingly slow start this year. Only six teams in the conference hold a winning record, including just three playoff qualifiers from last season: the Buffalo Bills (3-0), Los Angeles Chargers (3-0), and Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1).

In contrast, all seven NFL playoff teams from the NFC in 2024 currently boast winning records, joined by three additional clubs. Except for the Houston Texans (0-3)—two-time defending AFC South champions—no team truly needs to panic yet.

Houston is in a particularly difficult spot, trailing division rivals Indianapolis (3-0) and Jacksonville (2-1), both playing well early on.

Despite Baltimore’s tough road ahead, Bet MGM Sportsbook still ranks the Ravens with the second-best odds to win the Super Bowl, trailing only Philadelphia. The Bills currently lead the betting odds, while the Eagles (3-0) and Packers (2-1) are tied for third. Interestingly, Philadelphia’s odds dropped slightly even as the Eagles remain undefeated.

### Quarterback Carousel Heating Up

The NFL trade deadline isn’t until November 4, but some teams are already eyeing quarterback options.

The New York Giants could be contacted about Russell Wilson or Jameis Winston, as rookie Jaxson Dart has taken the lead role there. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals, who went 4-3 with Jake Browning filling in for an injured Joe Burrow last season, suffered their worst loss in franchise history—a 48-10 defeat against Minnesota.

Browning is familiar with coach Zac Taylor’s offense, but Russell Wilson might bring a spark, especially throwing to top receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Wilson notably threw for 450 yards against the Cowboys in Week 2, indicating he could be productive if moved.

### Throw Eagles Throw

Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts had zero touchdown passes in the first 10 quarters of the season before the Eagles fell behind the Rams by 19 points. The offense then opened up dramatically.

Hurts completed 17 of 24 passes for 209 yards and three touchdowns in the second half, helping Philadelphia secure a 33-26 victory, capped by Jordan Davis’ blocked field goal.

Why was the passing attack stagnant early on?

“We want to be the aggressive person, right? The word this past week for the offense when I spoke to the offense was ‘attack,’” offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo explained. “We want to be in attack mode, and going into the game, that was what we wanted to do. The first drive was a good drive. We went for it on fourth down, we threw the ball down into the red zone at the goal lines. We were in attack mode.

“We got stuck in those weird situations where we just couldn’t get it out of there and get it going. And then the second half, obviously, we had to play a little bit differently, but we were able to get it going.”

### Rookie Bond

Texans rookie wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel have developed a close friendship dating back to their time at Iowa State. Their tight-knit relationship has only grown stronger since Houston selected Higgins in the second round and Noel in the third round of the NFL Draft.

The duo shares a love of fishing and started a “J&JFishinn” TikTok channel while in college. Although their NFL careers demand their full attention now, they still hope to find time to fish whenever possible.

In the first three games, Higgins has recorded four catches for 65 yards, while Noel has two receptions for 11 yards.

—

*On Football* analyzes the biggest topics in the NFL from week to week. For more in-depth NFL analysis, [head here](https://apnews.com/hub/nfl).

—

*AP NFL:* https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
https://wgntv.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-loser-of-the-ravens-chiefs-matchup-faces-difficult-road-to-super-bowl-contention/

football, international competition, sports

Israeli flag football teams kick off Euros

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Israeli Flag Football Teams Kick Off Euros with Momentum and Drive

Israel enters the flag football European Championship tournament with strong momentum and determination. The men’s team is currently ranked eighth globally, while the women’s team holds the 17th spot in the world rankings.

The Israeli men got off to a hot start at the championship on Thursday, securing blowout victories over Slovakia and Sweden to open the tournament on a high note.

Photo credit: Giulio Busi/Courtesy

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-868622

asia cup, cricket, 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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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]

—

### 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.

—

### 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.

—

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

asia cup, bangladesh, cricket, international matches, 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

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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