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Debate: Were India right not to shake hands with Pakistan in the Asia Cup?

Charbel Coorey
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Debate: Were India right not to shake hands with Pakistan in the Asia Cup?

India refused to shake hands with Pakistan before and after their seven-wicket win in their Asia Cup clash in Dubai.

The meeting between the two nations was the first since the Pahalgam terror attack in April. Fans, victims, and politicians had called for a boycott and questioned why the match even went ahead. Team India’s response was to not shake hands after agreeing with the government and BCCI.

“Our government and BCCI – we were aligned today,” Suryakumar said at his post-match press conference, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “Rest, we took a call [about not shaking hands]. We came here to just play the game. We have given a proper reply.”

Pakistan coach Mike Hesson expressed disappointment, stating his team were ready to shake hands. Captain Salman Agha then did not make an appearance for the post-match interview.

“We were ready to shake hands at the end of the game, we obviously are disappointed that our opposition didn’t do that. We sort of went over there to shake hands and they’d already gone into the changing room,” Hesson said.

“That was a disappointing way for the match to finish, and a match we were disappointed for the way we played, but we were certainly willing to shake hands.”

Reactions: India refuse to shake hands with Pakistan players before and after Asia Cup win

“This win is dedicated to the armed forces of India and the victims of the Pahalgam attack. Jai Hind,” wrote Suryakumar Yadav on X following the victory.

Predictably, the decision not to shake hands has led to mixed reactions. Some were in support of the move, while others lamented the lack of sportsmanship.

View: India were wrong to refuse handshakes

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi led the chorus of discontent around India’s decision. He believes politics should not be mixed with sports.

“Utterly disappointing to witness the lack of sportsmanship today,” he wrote on X. “Dragging politics into the game goes against the very spirit of sports. Lets hope future victories are celebrated by all teams with grace.”

Former Pakistan player Rashid Latif also spoke out in disappointment. “Yes you are India cricket, yes you are the best team in the world… but not to shake hands at the end of the game… shows your real colours!!! Pakistan players were waiting but Indian players went inside dressing room!! Where is ICC,” he wrote on X.

View: India did the right thing

Others were in support of India’s decision. Fans and pundits referred to social media posts and reactions published by Pakistani players soon after the attack, including from Faheem Ashraf and Abrar Ahmed.

In the match itself, India were far too good. Their well-rounded attack restricted Pakistan to 97/8 in the 18th over, with Shaheen Shah Afridi’s 16-ball 33* the only bright spot for Salman Agha’s team.

In response, Abhishek Sharma (31 off 13 balls) provided a rapid start in the powerplay. From there, Suryakumar Yadav led the way expertly to guide his team home by seven wickets and 25 deliveries to spare.

India are now through to the Super Four stage. Pakistan will confirm their passage to the next round if they beat the UAE on Wednesday.

Fans, victims, politicians call for boycott of India vs Pakistan Asia Cup match

Charbel Coorey
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0
Fans, victims, politicians call for boycott of India vs Pakistan Asia Cup match

India-Pakistan matches are typically source of high anticipation, but the calls for a boycott have been loud ahead of their 2025 Asia Cup clash. The two nations will meet on September 14, but talk of whether this match should be going ahead at all has dominated the conversation in the lead up.

On April 22, political tensions between India and Pakistan were amplified following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 innocent people. The attack, comdembed by by many countries around the world, led to closed borders, military conflict, and restricted trade in the following weeks.

Aishanya Dwivedi, wife of Pahalgam attack victim Shubham Dwivedi, has criticised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for going ahead with this match. She has also urged fans not to watch and questioned the priorities of the Indian players.

“I cannot understand this. I urge people to boycott this. Do not go to watch this and do not switch on your TV for this,” Dwivedi told ANI, as quoted by News18.

“BCCI should not have accepted a match between India and Pakistan…I think BCCI is not sentimental towards those 26 families and the martyrs of the Operation Sindoor.”

“What are our cricketers doing? It is said that cricketers are nationalists. It is viewed as our national game. Except for 1-2 cricket players, nobody stepped forward to say that we should boycott the match against Pakistan. BCCI cannot make them play at gu

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was also critical of the match going ahead.

“What is the need for the Prime Minister to organise a match with Pakistan? The whole country is saying that this match should not happen. Then why is this match being organised?,” he said, as quoted by Times of India.

“Playing a match with Pakistan is a betrayal of the country. Every Indian is extremely angry about this,” Kejriwal continued.

Calls to boycott India Pakistan match grow in lead up to Asia Cup match

Many fans on social media have expressed their view on the match. Other large accounts have announced they will boycott, while other prominent accounts, including Mufaddal Vohra, list other matches happening on Sunday 14 September without mentioning India vs Pakistan.

In the context of the Asia Cup, the winner of this clash will progress to the Super Four after India and Pakistan registered comfortable wins against UAE and Oman respectively.

BAN vs SL Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – Asia Cup 2025 5th Match

Robin Rounder
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0
BAN vs SL Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – Asia Cup 2025 5th Match

This ever-growing rivalry has another episode as Bangladesh take on Sri Lanka in the 5th game of the 2025 Asia Cup. The game will be played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on 13th September 2025 from 8:00 PM IST. 

Bangladesh defeated Hong Kong by seven wickets in their first game of the tournament. It was a comprehensive victory with their bowlers doing a good job and the middle order (Litton Das 59 runs and Towhid Hridoy 35* runs) seeing their side over the line. Tanzid Hasan Sakib (2 wickets), Taskin Ahmed (2 wickets) and Rishad Hossain (2 wickets) were the successful bowlers for Bangladesh. 

The batters, especially the openers looked a bit scratchy in the first match. Towhid Hridoy too took 36 deliveries for his 35 runs. Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka 2-1 in a 3-match T20I series in July this year and they’ll look to register their second consecutive win in this Asia Cup.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, recently defeated Zimbabwe in a 3-match T20I series. They have been in good form as a side in the shortest format but consistency, especially in away conditions, has been an issue. The likes of Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis will be the key players for them with the bat. Kamil Mishara and Kusal Perera will be important too. 

Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera are the main bowlers for Sri Lanka. They have a pretty balanced squad with good batting depth. Sri Lanka will be eyeing a win to kickstart their campaign in a tough Group B.

Asia Cup 2025 5th Match: BAN vs SL Probable Playing XIs

Bangladesh: 1. Parvez Hossain Emon, 2. Tanzid Hasan, 3. Litton Das (c & wk), 4. Towhid Hridoy, 5. Shamim Hossain, 6. Jaker Ali, 7. Rishad Hossain, 8. Mahedi Hasan, 9. Taskin Ahmed, 10. Mustafizur Rahman, 11. Tanzid Hasan Sakib

Sri Lanka: 1. Pathum Nissanka, 2. Kusal Mendis (wk), 3. Kamil Mishara/Kusal Perera, 4. Charith Asalanka (c), 5. Kamindu Mendis, 6. Dasun Shanaka, 7. Wanindu Hasaranga, 8. Dushmantha Chameera, 9. Maheesh Theekshana, 10. Matheesha Pathirana, 11. Nuwan Thushara 

Sheikh Zayed Stadium Abu Dhabi Pitch Report and Weather

The pitch was a good one for batting in the first two games played here. The average first innings score has been 165 runs but expect it to be around 170-180 in this match. The new ball will move around a bit but the batters can play their shots trusting the pitch. Bigger boundaries will also aid the spinners.

Teams will prefer chasing but batting first won’t be a bad option here. 

Fantasy Cricket Tips for BAN vs SL: Players to Watch/Key Stats

Note: Try to pick more batters and all-rounders if you are playing on Dream11. The new point system rewards the batters heavily.

Top Wicket-Keeper Picks:  

  • Litton Das scored 59 runs in the last match. He’s been the best batter for his side and a lot will be on his shoulders in this match. Litton is a good player of both pace and spin and will be a good C/VC pick too.
  • Kusal Mendis averages 44.10 against Bangladesh in 12 T20Is at a strike rate of 159.80 including seven fifties. He will be a must in your fantasy teams in this match. 

Key batter picks: 

  • Kusal Perera has scored 390 runs in 11 T20Is against Bangladesh at an average of 35.50 including five fifties. He bats aggressively and will be a key batter for his team against Bangladesh’s spinners.
  • Pathum Nissanka was in decent form in the recent series against Zimbabwe. He scored 55, 8 and 33 in the three matches. He will open the innings for Sri Lanka and can score big on his day. Nissanka will be a good fantasy pick.

Top all-rounder picks: 

  • Mahedi Hasan will be a key bowler for Bangladesh considering Sri Lanka’s left-hand heavy batting line-up. The off-spinner can bowl in any phase of the innings and is capable with the bat too. Try him as captain in some of your teams. 
  • Rishad Hossain has 10 wickets against Sri Lanka in seven T20Is at an economy of 6.53 and a strike rate of 15.80. He can tonk the ball if he gets the chance to bat. He will be another top C/VC option.
  • Wanindu Hasaranga will lead Sri Lanka’s spin attack. He is a genuine wicket-taker who can go through any batting lineup on his day. Hasaranga is handy with the bat and will be the default C/VC choice for this match.

Key bowler picks: 

  • Tanzim Hasan Sakib will bowl with the new ball and then towards the end for Bangladesh. He hits the deck hard and has a good back of the hand slower delivery. He picked up two wickets in the last match against Hong Kong including a maiden over.  
  • Mustafizur Rahman is another solid option for your fantasy teams. He has been in good form lately, picking up wickets with the new ball and in the death overs. 
  • Nuwan Thushara has 12 wickets to his name in five T20Is against Bangladesh including a 5-wicket haul. He nails the yorker with both the new ball and then towards the end of the innings. He can be a game changer in fantasy cricket.

Other Players to Consider for Your Fantasy Cricket Team 

  • Matheesha Pathirana has been off colour for some time now but he picks up wickets in clusters on his day. Try him as c/vc in your fantasy teams.
  • Taskin Ahmed picked up 72 Dream11 points against Hong Kong.

Other picks you can consider: 

  • Shamim Hossain
  • Charith Asalanka
  • Parvez Hossain Emon

Asia Cup 2025 5th Match: BAN vs SL Dream11 Prediction

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams. 

Option 1:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible Playing XIs, Abu Dhabi Pitch Report, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Dream11 Prediction for the 5th match of 2025 Asia Cup BAN vs SL
Asia Cup 2025 5th Match: BAN vs SL Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible Playing XIs, Abu Dhabi Pitch Report, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Dream11 Prediction for the 5th match of 2025 Asia Cup BAN vs SL
Asia Cup 2025 5th Match: BAN vs SL Dream11 Prediction

Asia Cup 2025 5th Match: BAN vs SL Match Prediction: Who will win?

Bangladesh are coming to this game on the back of a comprehensive win against Hong Kong and they also won the last series against Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, did well in the series against Zimbabwe but they weren’t near their best as a side. It will be a neck-to-neck contest but expect Bangladesh to win this one.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

“Best spinner in the world” – Mike Hesson’s huge praise for Mohammad Nawaz

Tarkesh Jha
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0
“Best spinner in the world” – Mike Hesson’s huge praise for Mohammad Nawaz

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has turned up the heat in the 2025 Asia Cup, claiming that Mohammad Nawaz is the best spinner in the world right now.

Hesson named Nawaz alongside Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem as his key spinning options for the tournament. He said that over the past six months, Nawaz has been ranked that way, which raises eyebrows, because the latest official rankings don’t place him near the top tier.

Pakistan coach Mike Hesson heaps praise on Mohammad Nawaz

“I guess the beauty of our side is we’ve got five spinners. We’ve got Mohammad Nawaz, who’s the best spin bowler in the world at the moment, and he’s been ranked that way over the last six months since he’s come back on the side,” said Hesson in a press conference ahead of Pakistan’s clash with Oman, as quoted by Hindustan Times.

“And obviously, we have Abrar and Sufiyan. Saim Ayub is now in the top 10 all-rounders in the world. And Salman Ali Agha has hardly bowled, and he’s also the Test spinner for Pakistan. So, you know, we’ve got a lot of spin bowling options, if we think conditions suit that.”

In contrast, Kuldeep Yadav is ranked lower and Varun’s performance curve is still steep. Nawaz has played a greater number of T20Is lately, with more consistent spells, though he hasn’t always grabbed the limelight. Hesson emphasised Pakistan is well stocked in spin, “We have five spinners. If conditions suit spin, we’re ready,” he said.

For India, the response will come via the pitch and the match. Kuldeep and Varun will need to back up their reputations with wickets and clutch spells. The statement also shifts the narrative somewhat. Once, spin was the domain where India claimed mastery. Pakistan’s spin depth is being framed not as support, but as a strength to match India head-on.

“We’ve got Mohammad Nawaz, who’s the best spin bowler in the world at the moment, and he’s been ranked that way over the last six months since he’s come back on the side”

Pakistan coach mike hesson

What remains to be seen is how Nawaz performs when the pressure peaks. Ranking shifts, matchups, and pitch conditions all will play a role. But with Hesson’s backing, the expectations are solid.

India and Pakistan will face off on the cricket field on September 14 in Dubai amid heightened tensions between the two countries of late. 

PAK vs OMN Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – Asia Cup 2025 4th Match

Charbel Coorey
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0
PAK vs OMN Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – Asia Cup 2025 4th Match

The 4th match of the 2025 Asia Cup sees Pakistan take on Oman for the first time ever in T20Is. It is also the latter’s first-ever appearance in the Asia Cup, and they will want to make the most of their opportunity.

Oman come into this tournament with quite a different squad to last year’s T20 World Cup. There have been pay disputes in between, but they have a renewed sense of focus now with those issues sorted. Skipper Jatinder Singh will be key in leading from the front, along with their middle order who can contribute with bat and ball.

It certainly won’t be easy first up for Oman against an improved Pakistan, who have won 10 of 14 T20Is under new coach Mike Hesson. This includes a tri-series victory only a few days ago. There is a greater emphasis on intent with the bat – a stark contrast to the safe approach they adopted over numerous years.

In this article, we will look at the possible playing XIs, Dubai pitch report, fantasy cricket tips and Dream11 prediction for the 4th match of the 2025 Asia Cup between between Pakistan and Oman.

Asia Cup 2025 4th Match: PAK vs OMN Probable Playing XIs

There is doubt over Salman Agha’s participation in this match. The captain was pictured with a bandage on his neck after experiencing a mild spasm, according to Pakistani media reports. However, he is expected to play.

Pakistan: 1. Sahibzada Farhan, 2. Saim Ayub, 3. Fakhar Zaman, 4. Salman Agha Salman (c), 5. Mohammad Haris (wk), 6. Hasan Nawaz, 7. Mohammad Nawaz, 8. Faheem Ashraf/Sufiyan Muqeem, 9. Shaheen Shah Afridi, 10. Haris Rauf, 11. Abrar Ahmad

Oman haven’t played a T20I since February and there a lots of changes from their 2024 T20 World Cup team. Here is the XI they could go with.

Oman: 1. Jatinder Singh (c), 2. Aamir Kaleem, 3. Hammad Mirza, 4. Mohammad Nadeem, 5. Vinayak Shukla (wk), 6. Hassnain Shah, 7. Ashish Odedara, 8. Shakeel Ahmad, 9. Aryan Bisht, 10. Sufyan Mehmood, 11. Samay Shrivastava

Dubai International Stadium Pitch Report and Weather

The Indian seamers and spinners found joy on the Dubai track, although the inexperienced UAE batsmen were no match. Expect the captain who wins the toss to field as there should be some movement upfront with the new ball.

The chasing team won 11 of 15 matches in the 2025 ILT20 tournament. Another hot and clear night is forecast.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for PAK vs OMN: Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top wicket-keeper picks:

  • Sahibzada Farhan had a poor tri-series (63 runs at 12.60). However, given he opens the batting, he still provides decent fantasy value. He is capable of performing as he scored the most runs in PSL 2025 (449) at an average of 37.41 and strike rate of 152.20.

Key batter picks:

  • Fakhar Zaman is a solid c/vc option for Dream11 especially if Pakistan bats first. The experienced left-hander recently struck 77* against UAE, along with starts (25 and 27) against Afghanistan.
  • Jatinder Singh is Oman’s highest-ever run-scorer in T20Is with 1,399 at an average of 24.54 and strike rate of 118.55. Getting through the powerplay will be crucial for the Oman skipper.

Top all-rounder picks:

  • Mohammad Nawaz is a solid c/vc option in Dream11 whether Pakistan bowl or bat first. If Pakistan bat first, Nawaz will likely have more of an opportunity with the willow. If they bowl first, he will be one of the key bowlers. The spinner took the most wickets in the recent UAE tri-series (10) at an average of 11.70 and economy of 6.88.
  • Saim Ayub can give Pakistan a fast start, especially if chasing. He had a quiet UAE tri-series with 111 runs at an average of 22.20, so his form isn’t crash hot at the moment. He was handy with the ball, with an economy of just 6.00 in 14 overs.
  • Aamir Kaleem opened the batting for Oman in the T20Is against the USA earlier this year. If he opens again, he can provide strong fantasy value as he also bowls left-arm spin. He has 41 T20I wickets at an average of 20.02 and strike rate of 16.

Key bowler picks:

  • Shaheen Shah Afridi is a genuine c/vc option in Dream11 if Pakistan bowl first. His matchup against Jatinder Singh is one to watch. The Oman captain has been dismissed 19 times by left-arm pace at an average of 15.05 in all white-ball internationals since the start of 2020.
  • Haris Rauf will test the Oman players with his pace. Since the start of 2024, Rauf has taken 93 wickets in 65 T20s at a strike rate of 14.5. He concedes a high 9.16 per over in this period, but he is a wicket-taker.
  • Abrar Ahmed can test the Oman players with his spin. He took six wickets in two matches in the recent tri-series (avg. 4.33, econ. 3.25). Also, Abrar bowled well in the 2025 PSL, taking 17 wickets at an economy of 7.34.

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

  • All-rounders provide the best value for Oman for Dream11. Mohammad Nadeem can bat anywhere in the middle order and has 34 T20I wickets at a strike rate of 24.7.
  • Vinayak Shukla is a player to watch. He can provide impact for Oman with the bat. He has scored 190 runs in eight T20Is at an average of 31.66 and strike rate of 146.15.

Other Stats and Facts

  • This will be the first T20I between Pakistan and Oman.
  • Shaheen Shah Afridi took the most wickets in PSL 2025. The left-armer picked up 19 wickets at an average of 16.42, striking every 12.68 deliveries.
  • Fakhar Zaman scored 439 runs in PSL 2025 at a strike rate of 152.96. Only Sahibzada Farhan scored more runs in the tournament.

Asia Cup 2025 4th Match: PAK vs OMN Dream11 Prediction

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams. 

Option 1:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Dubai Pitch Report and Dream11 Prediction for the 4th match of Asia Cup 2025 between PAK and OMA.
Asia Cup 2025 4th Match: PAK vs OMN Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Dubai Pitch Report and Dream11 Prediction for the 4th match of Asia Cup 2025 between PAK and OMA.
Asia Cup 2025 4th Match: PAK vs OMN Dream11 Prediction

Asia Cup 2025 4th Match: PAK vs OMN Match Prediction: Who will win?

Pakistan will win this match.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

List of lowest scores against India in T20s

Tarkesh Jha
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0
List of lowest scores against India in T20s

India began their Asia Cup 2025 campaign ruthlessly, dismantling the hosts, the United Arab Emirates, for just 57 in Dubai. Opting to bowl first in the group-stage clash, India’s attack was relentless, rolling the UAE for just 57 in 13.1 overs.

UAE had begun brightly through opener Alishan Sharafu, who struck 22 off 16 balls, but once he fell, the innings collapsed dramatically. None of the other batters could resist the pace and spin variations India unleashed, highlighting the gulf in quality on the day.

The 5 lowest scores against India in T20 Internationals

The previous record was New Zealand’s 66 all out at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, in 2023. With this, Ireland’s 70 all out in 2018 drops to third, while England’s 80 all out in 2012 slides further down the list. Here’s the updated list of the lowest innings totals ever recorded against India in men’s T20Is:

1. UAE – 57 all out, Dubai, 2025

India’s bowlers were merciless as they tore through the UAE’s line-up in just 13.1 overs during the Asia Cup group-stage clash. Alishan Sharafu’s 22 off 16 was the only resistance as wickets tumbled rapidly after his dismissal. Seven wickets fell for just 20 runs, highlighting India’s stranglehold.

2. New Zealand – 66 all out, Ahmedabad, 2023

At the Narendra Modi Stadium, India’s pace attack buried New Zealand in a bilateral series decider. The visitors folded inside 13 overs, with Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh leading the demolition. The 66-run total stood as the lowest against India until the UAE’s collapse two years later.

3. Ireland – 70 all out, Malahide, 2018

In Dublin, Ireland, they were outclassed by India’s pace-spin combination. Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal shared seven wickets between them, leaving Ireland reeling. The hosts never recovered after losing early wickets and were bundled out inside 13 overs.

4. England – 80 all out, Colombo, 2012

One of England’s most forgettable T20I outings came during the 2012 T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka. Harbhajan Singh’s spin masterclass rattled their middle order, while Piyush Chawla added pressure. England were dismissed inside 15 overs, registering 80, then the lowest score against India at the time.

5. UAE – 81/9, Mirpur, 2016

Back in the 2016 Asia Cup at Mirpur, the UAE again found themselves struggling against India’s disciplined bowling. The innings never gathered momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals. Despite batting the full 20 overs, the UAE managed only 81/9 and India comfortably chased the target in 10.1 overs, sealing a nine-wicket win.

Such figures give a much-needed boost to the Indian team, which has stepped out for its first ICC tournament without two star veterans, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. It will be interesting to see how the series unfolds under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill. 

BAN vs HK Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – Asia 2025 3rd Match

Robin Rounder
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0
BAN vs HK Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – Asia 2025 3rd Match

Bangladesh and Hong Kong will lock horns in the 3rd match of the 2025 Asia Cup. The game will be played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on 11th September 2025 from 8:00 PM IST. 

Lately, Bangladesh have been in good form in the shortest format. They defeated the Netherlands in their last T20I series and enjoyed success against Pakistan as well. The conditions in the Asia Cup will be different from what they had in their last two respective T20I series, but they will be eager to do well here as well. 

The likes of Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain have done well in T20s and will be the key players for Bangladesh in this match and the tournament. Taskin Ahmed, Litton Das, Mustafizur Rahman and Mahedi Hasan will have to be consistent if their team is to do well. Bangladesh will start as the favorites against Hong Kong, but they’ll have to be on their toes as you can’t take any side for granted in cricket and particularly in T20s.

Hong Kong, on the other hand, will be determined to win this game. The likes of Kinchit Shah, Babar Hayat, Ehsan Khan and Zeeshan Ali will be the most important players for them. They have got some big hitters in their side and their spin attack will be the key for them in this game and the entire tournament. 

Hong Kong lost their first game of Asia Cup 2025 against Afghanistan by 94 runs. Their batters failed to get going and they were sloppy in the field as well. They will look to turn things around in this match.

Asia Cup 2025 3rd Match: BAN vs HK Probable Playing XIs

Bangladesh: 1. Parvez Hossain Emon, 2. Tanzid Hasan, 3. Litton Das (c & wk), 4. Towhid Hridoy, 5. Shamim Hossain, 6. Jaker Ali (wk), 7. Rishad Hossain, 8. Mahedi Hasan, 9. Taskin Ahmed, 10. Mustafizur Rahman, 11. Tanzid Hasan Sakib

Hong Kong: 1. Zeeshan Ali (wk), 2. Anshuman Rath, 3. Babar Hayat, 4. Nizakat Khan, 5. Kalhan Challu, 6. Kinchit Shah 7. Yasim Murtaza (c), 8. Aizaz Khan, 9. Ehsan Khan, 10. Ayush Shukla, 11. Ateeq Iqbal 

Sheikh Zayed Stadium Abu Dhabi Pitch Report and Weather

The pitch is expected to be a good one for batting. The ball will come onto the bat nicely allowing the batters to play their shots. There will be movement for the pacers with the new ball and the big boundaries will keep the spinners in play. Dew shouldn’t be a big factor here compared to other venues in the UAE. 

Teams will prefer chasing but batting first won’t be a bad option here. Scores in the range of 150-170 are expected.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for BAN vs HK: Players to Watch/Key Stats

Note: Try to pick more batters and all-rounders if you are playing on Dream11. The new point system rewards the batters heavily.

Top Wicket-Keeper Picks:  

  • Litton Das scored 145 runs in three innings in the last series against the Netherlands. He’s the most experienced batter for his side and Litton will be a must in your fantasy teams. He will fancy his chances against Hong Kong in this match.
  • Zeeshan Ali will open the innings for Hong Kong and will be another good pick in fantasy cricket. He will be a top differential pick for this match as he likes to bat aggressively and can fetch a lot of points on his day.

Key batter picks: 

  • Babar Hayat couldn’t get going in the first game but he scored 39 runs. He likes to bat aggressively and take on the bowlers. He will be a key player for his side with the bat.
  • Tanzid Hasan has scores of 73*, 29, and 54* in his past three T20Is.
  • Parvez Hossain Emon likes to attack from the first ball and he’s been in good form as well. He had a quiet series against the Netherlands but he scored 56* in one of the T20Is against Pakistan.

Top all-rounder picks: 

  • Mahedi Hasan will bowl 2-3 overs in the powerplay and can pick up wickets in clusters on his day. He is capable with the bat as well. Mahedi will bowl his full quota and will be an excellent captain pick on Dream11. 

Key bowler picks: 

  • Tanzim Hasan Sakib will bowl with the new ball and then towards the end for Bangladesh. He hits the deck hard and has a good back of the hand slower delivery. He can trouble the Hong Kong batters.  
  • Mustafizur Rahman is another must in your fantasy teams. He has been in good form lately, picking up wickets with the new ball and in the death overs. 

Other Players to Consider for Your Fantasy Cricket Team 

  • Ehsan Khan bowled well in the first game and picked up one wicket. He will fancy his chances against Bangladesh’s batting unit which has a few lefties there.
  • Expect Rishad Hossain to test the HK batters with his height and control. Legspin will be a big test for the HK side.

Other picks you can consider: 

  • Ayush Shukla
  • Kinchit Shah

Asia Cup 2025 3rd Match: BAN vs HK Dream11 Prediction

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams. 

Option 1:

Screenshot of team from Dream11 app. Fantasy Cricket Tips, Dream11 Prediction, Possible XIs & Abu Dhabi Pitch Report for Asia Cup 2025 3rd match between BAN and HK.
Asia Cup 2025 3rd Match: BAN vs HK Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

Screenshot of team from Dream11 app. Fantasy Cricket Tips, Dream11 Prediction, Possible XIs & Abu Dhabi Pitch Report for Asia Cup 2025 3rd match between BAN and HK.
Asia Cup 2025 3rd Match: BAN vs HK Dream11 Prediction

Asia Cup 2025 3rd Match: BAN vs HK Match Prediction: Who will win?

Bangladesh will start off as the clear favourites to win this game. They have good depth and quality in their side compared to Hong Kong. Hong Kong will have to be at their best as a team in this match.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

ECB Chair declares The Hundred a clear challenger to the IPL

Tarkesh Jha
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ECB Chair declares The Hundred a clear challenger to the IPL

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chair Richard Thompson has delivered a bold message, i.e., The Hundred is positioning itself as a direct rival to the IPL. In a video interaction posted on Sky Sports Cricket’s social media channel, Thompson signaled growing confidence in the 100-ball competition’s global positioning.

Thompson called The Hundred a clear challenger brand to the IPL, outlining the board’s ambition to elevate the format beyond its current boundaries. Though it’s still early days, the declaration reflects how The Hundred is increasingly viewed as a product with long-term global ambitions.

The Hundred is the next best after the IPL – Richard Thompson

The IPL remains the gold standard of franchise T20 cricket both in terms of financial muscle and international popularity. Yet, the ECB sees room for alternatives. Thompson’s remark underlines a strategic shift. The Hundred aims to offer something different, a unique style of entertainment, flexible scheduling, and an audience-centric model characterized by shorter, sharper gameplay.

“We have owners who have very deep pockets. These individuals are very determined to turn this into the world class tournament that it really will become now,” Thompson said on Sky Sports Cricket.

“We are the clear challengers brand to the IPL. The quality of people that have chosen to invest have a real ambition to turn this into something very special.”

The Hundred has tried to blur traditional boundaries, offering family-focused timings, gender-balanced fixtures, and rapid-fire innings. If the ECB positions The Hundred as a challenger rather than a companion to the IPL, it raises both expectations and stakes.

Fans react to Thompson’s claim on The Hundred

Still, the challenge is steep. The IPL rakes in major broadcast revenue, global viewership, and star power. For The Hundred to compete, it must secure both international participation and consistent viewer interest. That means attracting marquee overseas players and ensuring continuity in fan engagement, broadcast reach, and financial backing.

Richard Thompson’s statement sets the tone and raises questions. Will The Hundred expand its influence overseas? Can it sustain momentum beyond the limited seasons? How will its board balance innovation with stability?

Fans have had their say, with many questioning Thompson’s stance. “This is delusional. Next season, 23% of Hundred teams will be named after IPL franchises. There’s a word for that and it isn’t challenger. It’s subservience,” wrote one fan.

Full list of SA20 2026 squads: Who is the most expensive player?

Tarkesh Jha
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Full list of SA20 2026 squads: Who is the most expensive player?

The SA20’s fourth auction in Johannesburg has wrapped, and teams are now locked and loaded for the upcoming season. Six franchises – Pretoria Capitals, Joburg Super Kings, MI Cape Town, Durban’s Super Giants, Paarl Royals, and Sunrisers Eastern Cape, have unveiled their squads following an exhilarating bidding round.

Dewald Brevis the most expensive player in SA20

Pretoria Capitals turned heads by breaking the SA20 transfer record, snapping up explosive young batter Dewald Brevis for a staggering R16.5 million (approx. US$942,000). Coached by Sourav Ganguly, the Capitals are pulling no punches in building a strong unit. Durban’s Super Giants, in turn, secured seasoned campaigner Aiden Markram for R14 million, underscoring their ambition for dominance. They also pack depth with players like Jos Buttler and Heinrich Klaasen, complementing local stars.

At MI Cape Town, champions of 2025, captain and Afghan spin sensation Rashid Khan anchors a potent lineup. Support comes from the likes of Dewald Brevis, Kagiso Rabada, and Trent Boult, offering a mix of brutality and control. The Sunrisers Eastern Cape, led by Aiden Markram, maintain a balance of experience and youth, adding someone like Marco Jansen in pace, with smart depth across formats.

Joburg Super Kings bring their trademark experience, fielding veterans like Faf du Plessis, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, and Imran Tahir, ready for a turnaround after last season’s finish. Further squad details emerged via verified sources: Paarl Royals have reinforcements like Dinesh Karthik, and Sunrisers retain talent such as Noor Ahmad and Sunil Narine.

SA20 2026 Full Squads

With strong cores, star power, and balanced support players, these squads promise aggressive competition ahead of season four. The BBL and IPL-inspired franchises of SA20 are showing they can deliver a global-standard T20 product.

With the bidding to fill 84 slots across six teams now complete, here’s how the squads shape up ahead of the league’s fourth season:

MI Cape Town: Trent Boult, Rashid Khan, Ryan Rickleton, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Nicholas Pooran, Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks, Dwaine Pretorius, Tristan Luus, Jason Smith, Tom Moores, Dane Piedt, Tian van Vuuren, Dan Lategan, Tabraiz Shamsi, Karim Janat, Jacques Snyman.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape: Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Jonny Bairstow, AM Ghazanfar, Adam Milne, Quinton de Kock, Matthew Breetzke, Anrich Nortje, Senuran Muthusamy, Patrick Kruger, Lutho Sipamla, Mitchell van Buuren, Jordan Hermann, Beyers Swanepoel, James Coles, Chris Wood, Lewis Gregory, CJ King, JP King.

Joburg Super Kings: Faf du Plessis, Donovan Ferreira, James Vince, Akeal Hosein, Richard Gleeson, Wiaan Mulder, Nandre Burger, Prenalen Subrayen, Dian Forrester, Steve Stolk, Janco Smit, Neil Timmers, Shubham Ranjane, Brandon King, Rilee Rossouw, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Imran Tahir, Reece Topley.

Pretoria Capitals: Andre Russell, Will Jacks, Sherfane Rutherford, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Dewald Brevis, Lizaad Williams, Craig Overton, Saqib Mahmood, Codi Yusuf, Connor Esterhuizen, Bryce Parsons, Gideon Peters, Junaid Dawood, Will Smeed, Meeka-eel Prince, Bayanda Majola, Wihan Lubbe, Sibonelo Makhanya.

Paarl Royals: Lhuan-dre Pretorius, David Miller, Bjorn Fortuin, Rubin Hermann, Sikandar Raza, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, Ottneil Baartman, Gudakesh Motie, Delano Potgieter, Kyle Verreynne, Keagan Lion-Cachet, Asa Tribe, Hardus Viljoen, Jacon Johannes Basson, Dan Lawrence, Eshan Malinga, Nqobani Mokoena, Vishen Halambage, Nqaba Peter.

Durban’s Super Giants: Noor Ahmad, Heinrich Klaasen, Sunil Narine, Jos Buttler, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Devon Conway, Gerald Coetzee, David Bedingham, Marques Ackermann, Eathan Bosch, Andile Simelane, Tony de Zorzi, Dayyaan Galiem, Taijul Islam, Evan Jones, Gysbert Wege, David Wiese, Daryn Dupavillon.

IND vs UAE Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – Asia Cup 2025 2nd Match

Charbel Coorey
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IND vs UAE Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – Asia Cup 2025 2nd Match

The 2nd match of the 2025 Asia Cup sees tournament favourites India looking to flex their might against UAE. The hosts showed promise in the recent tri-series, most notably pushing Afghanistan all the way a few days ago in Sharjah. They ultimately fell short, but the learnings can hold them in good stead.

However, it gets no tougher than India. Suryakumar Yadav’s team is the best in the world in this format, with even quality talent like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer unable to find a spot in the squad. Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma present an excellent opening combination that can complement each other well, followed by a powerpacked middle order.

For the UAE batters, they face a huge task in overcoming an Indian attack spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and supported by outstanding spinners. Alishan Sharafu, Asif Khan and skipper Muhammad Waseem have a lot of the lifting to do.

The latter is very confident, telling ESPNcricinfo that “we [UAE] can beat anyone in this format. It comes down to what kind of cricket we play on the day, and whether we apply ourselves the way we’ve planned it. We can absolutely inflict an upset on one of India or Pakistan. We could beat Oman and we’ll target one of these two and eye a run to the Super Four.”

Such a result would be an unbelievable achievement. It is far-fetched given India and Pakistan are the heavy favourites to get out of Group A, but the first step is belief.

Asia Cup 2025 2nd Match: IND vs UAE Possible Playing XIs

The big questions for India is whether Sanju Samson plays plus who occupies the number eight spot. If Samson plays, he could slot in at five ahead of Jitesh Sharma. However, Jitesh showed promising signs in IPL 2025, hitting 261 runs for title-winning RCB at an average of 37.3 and strike rate of 176.4.

India: 1. Abhishek Sharma, 2. Shubman Gill, 3. Tilak Varma, 4. Suryakumar Yadav (c), 5. Jitesh Sharma/Sanju Samson (wk), 6. Hardik Pandya, 7. Axar Patel, 8. Harshit Rana, 9. Kuldeep Yadav, 10. Jasprit Bumrah, 11. Varun Chakravarthy

UAE are likely to open with Alishan Sharafu, as was the case in the recent tri-series. The likes of Muhammad Rohid, Haider Ali, and Junaid Siddique have key roles in the bowling attack.

UAE: 1. Muhammad Waseem (c), 2. Alishan Sharafu, 3. Rahul Chopra (wk), 4. Asif Khan, 5. Muhammad Farooq, 6. Harshit Kaushik, 7. Muhammad Zohaib, 8. Muhammad Jawadullah/Saghir Khan, 9. Haider Ali, 10. Junaid Siddique, 11. Muhammad Rohid

Dubai International Stadium Pitch Report and Weather

According to ESPNcricinfo, the pitches in Dubai are likely to be more pace-friendly than the 2025 Champions Trophy where India played four spinners.

In the ILT20 earlier this year, the chasing team won 11 of 15 matches. Expect the captain who wins the toss here to chase. A very hot and clear evening is forecast.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for IND vs UAE: Top Picks/Key Players to Watch

Top wicket-keeper picks:

  • It’s safer to pick an Indian wicket-keeper if they bat first. If India are required to chase, it is unlikely the keeper-batsman will get a decent opportunity to bat.
  • Rahul Chopra missed out in his last two T20Is but has a 35-ball 52* recently against Afghanistan.

Key batter picks:

  • Abhishek Sharma has smashed 535 runs in 16 T20Is since the 2024 T20 World Cup. He is averaging 33.43 with a strike rate of 193.84 in this period. When he crosses 20, he then strikes at 201.
  • Shubman Gill is a prolific run-scorer across all formats. Since 2022, Gill has scored 2,249 runs in the IPL at a strike rate of 149.79. If he gets to bat in the second-half of the innings, he can go really big as he strikes at 176.7 between overs 10 and 20 in the IPL in the past three seasons.
  • Suryakumar Yadav has struck 16 consecutive 20+ scores in T20s, which is a record.

Top all-rounder picks:

  • Hardik Pandya can challenge UAE with his hit-the-deck style bowling, especially as the third seamer. Also, Hardik can finish very strongly with the bat, especially if India set a score.

Top bowler picks:

  • Jasprit Bumrah is a genuine c/vc option in your Dream11 teams. The champion fast bowler will test UAE upfront and at the backend of the innings.
  • Varun Chakravarthy was outstanding at Dubai in the 2025 Champions Trophy earlier this year. Whether this surface will have as much spin remains to be seen, but his control and accuracy makes him an attractive fantasy pick.
  • Kuldeep Yadav can test UAE with his variations in pace and off the surface. He can find plenty of joy especially if the fast bowlers make early inroads.

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

  • Muhammad Waseem has a huge task on his hands in dealing with India’s fast bowlers up front. However, Waseem is UAE’s most experienced player and is coming off 163 runs at 40.75 with a strike rate of 158.25 in the recent tri-series.
  • Haider Ali was UAE’s highest wicket-taker in the recent tri-series (6) at an average of 16.66 and economy of 6.25.
  • Tilak Varma is an excitement machine with two T20I centuries already to his name.
  • Harshit Rana is a wicket-taker and can test the UAE batsmen with his pace.
  • Saghir Khan is a solid pick among the UAE team. He took five wickets in two matches in the recent tri-series.

Asia Cup 2025 2nd Match: IND vs UAE Dream11 Prediction

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams. 

Option 1:

Dream11 Prediction Screenshot, Fantasy Cricket Tips & Dubai Pitch Report for the 2nd match of the 2025 Asia Cup between India and UAE.
Asia Cup 2025 2nd Match: IND vs UAE Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

Dream11 Prediction Screenshot, Fantasy Cricket Tips & Dubai Pitch Report for the 2nd match of the 2025 Asia Cup between India and UAE.
Asia Cup 2025 2nd Match: IND vs UAE Dream11 Prediction

Asia Cup 2025 2nd Match: IND vs UAE Match Prediction – Who will win?

India to win comfortably.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

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