asia cup 2 - The Latremie Post

Who has scored the fastest fifty in India-Pakistan T20Is?

**Who Has Scored the Fastest Fifty in India-Pakistan T20Is?**

*By Gaurav Tripathi | Sep 22, 2025, 09:51 PM*

In a spectacular display of batting prowess, Abhishek Sharma registered the fastest half-century for India against Pakistan in T20 Internationals. The left-handed batsman achieved this feat in just 24 balls during the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 Super 4s match held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

This remarkable innings catapulted Abhishek Sharma up the ranks of the quickest fifties in India-Pakistan T20I encounters. Let’s take a look at the leading batters who have recorded the fastest fifties in this high-octane rivalry.

### #3 Yuvraj Singh – 29 balls
Abhishek’s blazing 24-ball fifty helped him surpass Yuvraj Singh, who previously held the second spot with a 29-ball half-century. Yuvraj’s innings came during the 2012 match in Ahmedabad, where he batted at number four and scored 72 runs off just 36 balls. His knock was studded with four boundaries and seven sixes, guiding India to a total of 192/5. India eventually secured an 11-run victory in that thrilling contest.

### #2 Abhishek Sharma – 24 balls
Abhishek Sharma’s electrifying innings is now ranked second on this elite list. Chasing a target of 172 runs, India got off to a flying start with Abhishek dominating alongside Shubman Gill in an explosive opening partnership of 105 runs in just 9.5 overs. Abhishek’s powerful display included six fours and five sixes before he was dismissed for 74 off 39 balls. His heroics were instrumental in India sealing victory in the 19th over.

### #1 Mohammad Hafeez – 23 balls
Topping the list is former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez, who holds the record for the fastest fifty in India-Pakistan T20Is, reaching the milestone in only 23 balls. Hafeez’s innings also came in the memorable 2012 Ahmedabad match, where he batted at number four while chasing a massive target of 193 runs. When he walked to the crease, Pakistan was 84/2.

Hafeez blasted runs with ease, scoring 55 off 26 balls, including six fours and three sixes. Despite his valiant effort, Pakistan fell short, finishing at 181/7. Nevertheless, Hafeez’s knock remains the fastest fifty in this iconic cricketing rivalry.

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Abhishek Sharma’s record-breaking innings in the Asia Cup 2025 adds a thrilling new chapter to the historical India-Pakistan T20I clashes. Fans eagerly await more such explosive performances in the matches to come.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/fastest-fifties-in-india-vs-pakistan-t20is-by-balls/story

Suryakumar Yadav records his 23rd duck in T20s: Key stats

**Suryakumar Yadav Records His 23rd Duck in T20s: Key Stats**

*By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 22, 2025, 01:33 AM*

Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav endured a disappointing outing as he recorded his 23rd duck in T20 cricket. The 35-year-old was dismissed for a three-ball duck against Pakistan during a crucial Super 4 match at the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 held in Dubai.

The wicket fell in the 11th over of India’s innings when Pakistan’s Haris Rauf delivered a full ball outside off stump, angled in. SKY attempted his trademark leg-side flick but managed only a leading edge, resulting in an easy catch by Abrar Ahmed.

Despite Suryakumar’s early dismissal, India successfully chased down the target of 172 runs, winning the match by 6 wickets.

**Suryakumar Yadav’s Duck Record in T20s**

According to ESPNcricinfo, this was SKY’s 6th duck in T20 Internationals. The match marked his 87th T20I appearance and 82nd inning played. Notably, this was his first duck against Pakistan in seven T20I matches.

His previous ducks in T20Is came against Australia (1), England (2), Ireland (1), and New Zealand (1).

Overall, across all T20 matches, Suryakumar Yadav has now registered 23 ducks in 329 matches and 304 innings.

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Stay tuned for more updates and insights from the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/suryakumar-yadav-registers-duck-versus-pakistan-in-asia-cup/story

Asia Cup: Abhishek Sharma makes records with 74 versus Pakistan

**Abhishek Sharma Shines Against Pakistan in Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025**

*By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 21, 2025, 11:53 pm*

Indian opener Abhishek Sharma delivered a spectacular performance against Pakistan in the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Super 4 clash between the two cricketing giants saw Pakistan post a competitive total of 171/5 in their 20 overs. In response, Abhishek, alongside Shubman Gill, put on a commanding 105-run opening partnership.

India, however, faced a setback when Abhishek was dismissed at 123/3. The talented batter finished with an impressive 74 runs off 39 balls.

### Abhishek’s Gutsy Knock

Abhishek set the tone for India’s chase by smashing a six off the very first ball, targeting Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi. From there, he never looked back. With Shubman Gill at the other end, the duo dominated the Pakistani bowling attack, helping India reach 69 runs in the powerplay.

Abhishek reached his half-century in just 24 balls, doing so by the 8th over. His aggressive approach kept India in the hunt until he finally fell for 74.

### First-Ball Sixes on Two Occasions

Notably, Abhishek has now hit six off the first ball of India’s innings twice in T20 internationals. Prior to this match, he achieved the feat during India’s Asia Cup Group A game against UAE on September 10, also held in Dubai.

According to Cricbuzz, Abhishek is the **only Indian batter to hit first-ball sixes twice in T20Is**. Other Indian players like Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sanju Samson have managed it once.

### Milestone: 50+ T20I Sixes

Abhishek’s innings included six fours and five sixes, helping him exceed the milestone of 50 sixes in T20 internationals. The second six of his innings marked the record, bringing his tally to 53 sixes.

### Second-Fastest Fifty in India vs Pakistan T20Is

Abhishek’s 24-ball fifty is the **second-fastest fifty in all India vs Pakistan T20 matches**. Here’s how it ranks:

– 23 balls – Mohd Hafeez, Ahmedabad 2012
– 24 balls – Abhishek Sharma, Dubai 2025*
– 29 balls – Yuvraj Singh, Ahmedabad 2012
– 32 balls – Iftikhar Ahmed, Melbourne 2022
– 33 balls – Misbah-ul-Haq, Durban 2007

### Highest Opening Stand for India vs Pakistan (T20Is)

The 105-run stand between Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill is now the highest opening partnership for India against Pakistan in T20 internationals. The previous record was 77 runs, set by Gautam Gambhir and Ajinkya Rahane in Bengaluru, 2012.

### Additional Stats and Highlights

– This was Abhishek’s **3rd T20I fifty** in his 21st international T20 appearance.
– He has scored 708 runs at an average of 35.40 in T20 internationals, with a strike rate of 197.21.
– According to ESPNcricinfo, Abhishek played his **150th T20 match** (including domestic leagues).
– Across all T20 matches, he has accumulated 4,207 runs at an average of 31.87 from 146 innings.
– This innings also marked his 23rd fifty in all T20 formats, including 7 centuries.
– Abhishek now owns 255 sixes in T20 cricket overall.

Abhishek Sharma’s outstanding performance in the high-pressure encounter against Pakistan highlights his rising stature in the world of T20 cricket. Fans will be eagerly awaiting more fireworks from this promising southpaw in the upcoming matches.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/abhishek-sharma-hammers-74-versus-pakistan-in-asia-cup-2025/story

Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage loses father during Asia Cup match

**Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage Loses Father During Asia Cup Match**

*By Rajdeep Saha | September 19, 2025, 02:25 AM*

Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage endured a heartbreaking personal loss on Thursday, September 18, when his father, Suranga Wellalage, passed away due to a heart attack. The tragic news came while Dunith was representing Sri Lanka in their Asia Cup 2025 group-stage match against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Dunith learned of his father’s death after the match, which Sri Lanka won by six wickets with eight balls to spare. Former cricketer and broadcaster Russell Arnold confirmed the news on air following Sri Lanka’s victory over Afghanistan.

Reports from Sri Lankan media indicate that Dunith was informed about Suranga’s passing shortly after the successful chase of 170 runs. A photo shared by journalist Damith Weerasinghe showed the team manager consoling a visibly shaken Dunith by putting an arm around him.

### A Legacy Remembered

Suranga Wellalage was remembered fondly by Russell Arnold, who recalled Suranga as a talented cricketer and captain of one of Sri Lanka’s top school teams, Prince of Wales College. Arnold himself captained St Peter’s College during the same era.

Suranga’s sudden passing has understandably cast a shadow over Dunith’s participation in the remaining Asia Cup matches. Sri Lanka is scheduled to play three more games: against Bangladesh on September 20, Pakistan on September 23, and India on September 26.

### Dunith Wellalage’s International Career

Thursday’s match against Afghanistan marked only Dunith’s fifth T20 International and his first appearance in the Asia Cup 2025 tournament. He holds seven T20I wickets at an average of 20.

In the ODI format, Dunith has played 31 matches and taken 39 wickets with an average of 29.10. His best bowling figures in ODIs came in August 2024, when he took 5/27 against India in Colombo. During the 2023 Asia Cup (ODI format), he also made headlines by claiming five wickets for 40 runs against India.

Wellalage has appeared in one Test match but is yet to take a wicket in that format.

### Performance Against Afghanistan

During the match against Afghanistan, Dunith bowled well initially, reducing the opposition to 114/7 in the 17th over. Afghanistan stood at 137/7 after 19 overs, with Rashid Khan dismissed for 24.

However, the final over proved costly as Mohammad Nabi hit Dunith for five sixes, helping Afghanistan score a staggering 32 runs in that over, which included a no-ball and a single run on the last delivery. Afghanistan’s final total was 169/8.

Dunith finished with figures of 1/49 from his four overs, making a valuable contribution to Sri Lanka’s successful chase.

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The cricketing community and fans alike extend their condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family during this difficult time, while supporting him as he continues to represent Sri Lanka on the international stage.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/sri-lanka-allrounder-dunith-wellalage-s-father-passes-away/story

Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage loses father during Asia Cup match

**Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage Loses Father During Asia Cup Match**

*By Rajdeep Saha | September 19, 2025, 02:25 AM*

Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage endured a heartbreaking personal loss on Thursday, September 18, when his father, Suranga Wellalage, passed away due to a heart attack. The tragic news reached Dunith while he was representing Sri Lanka in their Asia Cup 2025 group-stage match against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Dunith was informed about his father’s demise only after the match, which Sri Lanka won by six wickets with eight balls to spare.

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**Confirmation and Reactions**

Former cricketer and broadcaster Russell Arnold confirmed the sad news on-air following Sri Lanka’s victory over Afghanistan. Sri Lankan media reports revealed that Dunith was notified about the passing shortly after the team successfully chased down a target of 170 runs.

A poignant moment was captured by journalist Damith Weerasinghe, who shared a photo showing the Sri Lankan team manager comforting a visibly shaken Dunith, putting an arm around him.

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**Remembering Suranga Wellalage**

Suranga Wellalage’s passing casts a somber shadow over Dunith’s ongoing participation in the Asia Cup. Russell Arnold fondly remembered Suranga as a talented cricketer, highlighting his role as captain of Prince of Wales College — one of Sri Lanka’s premier school teams — during Arnold’s own captaincy tenure at St. Peter’s College.

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**Impact on Asia Cup Participation**

The loss inevitably raises questions about Dunith’s involvement in Sri Lanka’s remaining Asia Cup matches. Sri Lanka is scheduled to face Bangladesh on September 20, Pakistan on September 23, and India on September 26.

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**Dunith Wellalage’s International Career**

Thursday’s match against Afghanistan marked only Dunith’s fifth T20 International and his first outing in the Asia Cup 2025 tournament. He currently holds 7 T20I wickets at an average of 20.00.

In One Day Internationals (ODIs), Dunith has featured in 31 matches. His standout performance includes best bowling figures of 5/27 during the third ODI against India in Colombo in August 2024. He has claimed 39 ODI wickets at an average of 29.10 overall. Notably, during the 2023 Asia Cup (ODI format), he took five wickets for 40 runs against India. Dunith has also played in one Test match, though he did not take any wickets in that format.

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**Performance Against Afghanistan**

In the match versus Afghanistan, Dunith conceded 32 runs in the 20th over. Afghanistan’s innings was struggling at 114/7 by the 17th over following the dismissal of Rashid Khan for 24 runs. They moved to 137/7 in the 19th over.

However, Afghan batsman Mohammad Nabi launched an onslaught in the final over, hitting five sixes off Wellalage’s bowling. The final over yielded a massive 32 runs, which included a no-ball and a single on the last delivery, bringing Afghanistan’s total to 169/8.

Despite the expensive final over, Dunith delivered a generally steady bowling performance, finishing with figures of 1/49 from his 4 overs.

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Sri Lanka’s journey in the Asia Cup continues amid emotional challenges for Dunith Wellalage. Fans and teammates alike are hopeful for his strength and success in the upcoming matches.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/sri-lanka-allrounder-dunith-wellalage-s-father-passes-away/story

Afghanistan eliminated from Asia Cup after Sri Lanka defeat: Stats

**Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Qualify for Super 4; Group B Sees Exciting Performances**

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have secured their places in the Super 4 stage of the tournament, with Sri Lanka winning all three of their matches to top Group B. Bangladesh, who were eagerly awaiting this result, join Sri Lanka at the expense of Afghanistan, who have been eliminated. Earlier, Hong Kong was also ousted from the competition.

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### Afghanistan’s Thrilling Final Over Powered by Nabi

Afghanistan’s innings saw wickets tumbling at regular intervals, reducing them to a precarious 114/7 in the 17th over following Rashid Khan’s dismissal for 24 runs. However, a spectacular final over from Mohammad Nabi turned the tide, as he blasted Dunith Wellalage for five sixes, scoring a massive 32 runs—including a no-ball and a single on the last delivery.

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### Nabi Equals Afghanistan’s Fastest T20I Fifty Record

Nabi completed his half-century in just 20 balls, matching Azmatullah Omarzai’s record for the fastest T20I fifty by an Afghanistan batter. He was eventually run out for 60 off 22 balls, which included three fours and six sixes. Nabi’s quickfire 55-run partnership with Noor Ahmad for the eighth wicket also added lively momentum, with Noor scoring 48 off just 14 balls.

**Fastest T20I fifties for Afghanistan (by balls faced):**
– 20 balls – Azmatullah Omarzai vs Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, 2025
– 20 balls – Mohammad Nabi vs Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi, 2025
– 21 balls – Mohammad Nabi vs Ireland, Greater Noida, 2017
– 21 balls – Gulbadin Naib vs India, Bengaluru, 2024

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### Nabi Achieves Another Milestone

According to Cricbuzz, Mohammad Nabi is just the third player from a Full Member nation to score a 50-plus in Men’s T20 Internationals after turning 40 years old. The list includes:

– Chris Gayle (41 years 294 days): 67 vs Australia, Gros Islet, 2021
– Mohammad Nabi (40 years 260 days): 60 vs Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi, 2025
– Mohammad Hafeez (40 years 64 days): 99* vs New Zealand, Hamilton, 2020

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### Nabi’s Career Highlights and Records

Playing his 139th T20I match, Nabi has amassed 2,357 runs from 130 innings at an average of 22.44, with this innings marking his seventh T20I fifty and first against Sri Lanka. He has hit 117 sixes according to ESPNcricinfo. In overall T20 cricket, Nabi has crossed 6,500 runs, totaling 6,516 runs at an average of 21.08 with 18 fifties.

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### Thushara Nuwan Claims Third Four-Wicket Haul in T20Is

Sri Lankan pacer Thushara Nuwan impressed with figures of 4/18, bringing his wicket tally to 35 from 25 T20Is at an average of 18.28. This marked his third four-wicket haul in T20Is and he also has one five-wicket haul to his name.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Thushara has now taken 169 wickets in 127 T20 matches at an average of 19.71, including five four-wicket hauls and two fifers.

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### Notable Bowling Feats by Thushara

– This is Thushara’s second four-wicket haul against Afghanistan; he has 8 wickets at 10.37 in three T20Is versus them.
– He is the second Sri Lankan pacer to take a four-wicket haul in the Men’s T20 Asia Cup, following Pramod Madushan’s feat against Pakistan in 2022.

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### Sri Lanka Ace the Chase with a Brilliant Mendis Performance

Kusal Mendis starred with the bat for Sri Lanka, remaining unbeaten on 74 runs from 52 balls, hitting 10 fours. After early wickets fell (Pathum Nissanka for 22 and Kamil Mishara for 47/2), Mendis steadied the innings. He shared a 45-run partnership with Kusal Perera for the third wicket and a further 27 runs with Charith Asalanka.

Kamindu Mendis contributed an unbeaten 26, ending with a 52* run partnership alongside Mendis.

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### Mendis Surpasses 5,000 Runs in T20 Cricket

With his stellar innings, Kusal Mendis passed the milestone of 5,000 runs in men’s T20 cricket, becoming the fifth Sri Lankan to achieve this feat. He joins an elite group including Kumar Sangakkara (6,937 runs), Mahela Jayawardene (5,479 runs), Tillakaratne Dilshan (5,193 runs), and Dinesh Chandimal (5,131 runs).

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### Mendis’ Career Batting Stats

Kusal Mendis’ unbeaten 74* has taken his career T20 runs to 5,067 at an average of 30.16, including 35 fifties and 2 centuries. In T20 Internationals specifically, he has scored 2,164 runs for Sri Lanka in 90 innings at 26.07, hitting 17 fifties.

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### Mohammad Nabi Shines with the Ball

Aside from his batting heroics, Nabi was also Afghanistan’s pick of the bowlers, delivering 3 overs for 1/20. The seasoned campaigner has now picked up 102 wickets in T20 Internationals at an average of 27.86 from 139 matches and 128 innings.

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**In summary, the Super 4 stage will feature some of the tournament’s best talents, with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh advancing from Group B. Standout performances from players like Mohammad Nabi and Kusal Mendis have set the tone for an exciting remainder of the tournament.**
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/sri-lanka-vs-afghanistan-asia-cup-t20-report-and-stats/story

Best bowling figures for UAE in T20 Asia Cup

**Best Bowling Figures for UAE in T20 Asia Cup**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Sep 18, 2025 | 01:15 pm*

In a stunning display of bowling prowess, United Arab Emirates (UAE) pacer Junaid Siddique claimed four wickets against Pakistan in the ongoing Men’s T20 Asia Cup. The match, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, witnessed Siddique’s exceptional bowling figures of 4/18 in his four overs, though it came in a losing cause.

### #1 Junaid Siddique – 4/18 vs Pakistan in 2025
Siddique’s stellar performance helped UAE restrict Pakistan to a modest total of 146/9. He began his wicket-taking spree by dismissing opener Saim Ayub for a two-ball duck. The pacer then removed Sahibzada Farhan for five runs in the third over, followed by dismissals of Mohammad Nawaz and Mohammad Haris later in the innings.

Despite Siddique’s impressive 4/18 from four overs, UAE fell short and lost the game by 41 runs.

### #2 Junaid Siddique – 4/23 vs Oman in 2025
Interestingly, Siddique had bettered his own record for the best bowling figures by a UAE bowler in the tournament just prior to the Pakistan game. Against Oman in Abu Dhabi, chasing a target of 173, Siddique struck early by dismissing both openers during the powerplay. He then picked up two more wickets to finish with figures of 4/23 from four overs.

His brilliant bowling effort powered the UAE to a convincing 42-run victory.

### Did You Know?
No other UAE bowler besides Junaid Siddique has taken at least four wickets in a T20 Asia Cup innings.

Before the 2025 edition, the best bowling figures for a UAE bowler in the competition were held by Mohammad Naveed, who claimed 3/24 against Hong Kong in the 2016 match at Fatullah.

Junaid Siddique’s remarkable performances in the 2025 T20 Asia Cup have clearly set a new benchmark for UAE bowling excellence in the tournament’s history.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/best-bowling-figures-by-uae-bowlers-in-t20-asia-cup/story