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Asia Cup 2025: Matheesha Pathirana ruled out of Pakistan clash

**Asia Cup 2025: Why Matheesha Pathirana Will Miss Pakistan Clash**

*By Parth Dhall | Sep 23, 2025, 07:34 PM*

In a major setback for Sri Lanka, star pacer Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of their crucial Super 4 clash against Pakistan in the 2025 Men’s T20 Asia Cup. The announcement came from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) just before the toss at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

The board confirmed that Pathirana is unwell and currently undergoing medical treatment. This is a significant blow as both Pakistan and Sri Lanka had lost their opening Super 4 matches, making this encounter a must-win for both sides.

### Team Adjustments and Pathirana’s Absence

SLC stated that Pathirana missed the team practice sessions over the last two days due to his illness and will not be available for selection for today’s game against Pakistan. There is no indication yet about his potential return in the remainder of the tournament.

Known for his distinctive slingy bowling action, Pathirana has been an X-factor for Sri Lanka in white-ball cricket. Despite battling recurring injuries throughout his career, he remains one of the team’s most effective pacers.

### Pathirana’s Performance and Career Stats

Pathirana played only one match in this Asia Cup, where he recorded figures of 0/42 against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi. Over his T20 International career, he has claimed 31 wickets at an impressive average of 18.25, highlighting his impact at the international level.

Sri Lanka will now have to adjust their bowling lineup in Pathirana’s absence as they look to bounce back against Pakistan in this critical Asia Cup fixture.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/asia-cup-matheesha-pathirana-to-miss-pakistan-match/story

Will EU Missions’ momentum carry them beyond 2030?

Plans by the European Commission to stop financing the EU Missions through Horizon Europe in 2030 are not winning unanimous support. While some stakeholders believe that the momentum of these initiatives will carry them forward, others worry that discontinuing funding could undermine the progress made so far.

Ending funding in 2030 risks jeopardizing advancements just as many initiatives begin to deliver tangible results, said Pirita Lindholm, director of the European Regions Research and Innovation Network (ERRIN). She emphasized that tackling societal challenges does not end in 2030; continued support is essential to maintain momentum.

Launched in 2021, the five EU Missions are large-scale initiatives designed to address some of the European Union’s greatest challenges. These include climate change, cancer, ocean restoration, soil health, and the development of climate-neutral and smart cities. Each mission was given clear goals to guide their impactful work.
https://sciencebusiness.net/news/r-d-funding/missions/will-eu-missions-momentum-carry-them-beyond-2030

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

T20 Asia Cup 2025 first stage and tri-series round up

**T20 Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan’s Journey and Performance Analysis**

The T20 Asia Cup 2025 is currently underway in the UAE, with Pakistan entering the tournament on the back of a confident and impressive run, having recently won the T20 Tri-Nation Series. Their triumph in the final against Afghanistan was a significant morale booster, setting high expectations for their Asia Cup campaign.

### Pakistan’s Asia Cup Campaign So Far

Pakistan kicked off their Asia Cup journey against Oman, delivering a commanding performance. Batting first, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 160/7. Wicketkeeper-batsman Muhammad Haris, batting at number 3, impressed with a brilliant 66 off 43 balls, striking at an impressive rate of 153.48, including 3 sixes and 7 boundaries.

The bowling unit then dismantled Oman’s batting lineup, bowling them out for a mere 67 runs in just 16.4 overs. The highlight was Pakistan’s spin attack combination — the spin trio of Muhammad Nawaz, Sufyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed — alongside the experienced Saim Ayub, who collectively shared the wickets and flattened the opposition with great control.

### Clash Against India: A Need for Improvement

Pakistan’s second match saw a tough rivalry clash against arch-rivals India, where unfortunately, Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat. Opting to bat first, Pakistan managed only a below-par 127/9. Nevertheless, Shaheen Afridi’s quickfire cameo of 33 not out off just 16 balls, featuring 4 sixes, was a silver lining batting at number 9.

India chased down the modest target comfortably in 15.5 overs, led by skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten 47 off 37 balls. Notably, Shaheen Afridi targeted the key Indian bowlers, including Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, hitting powerful sixes and boundaries. This signified that these bowlers can be vulnerable and are targetable, raising questions about Pakistan’s top-order batsmen’s struggles.

### Batting Concerns and Strategy Suggestions

It becomes clear that Pakistan’s batting approach needs urgent revision. The current “kamikaze” style is self-destructive and ineffective against disciplined bowling attacks. Instead, Pakistan should adopt a balanced method combining flair with stability, mixing strike rotation with boundary hitting.

A one-dimensional assault won’t suffice; calculated aggression anchored by strategic innings-building is essential to set or chase formidable totals. Proper cricketing shots and shot selection must be emphasized. For example, had Pakistan posted around 170 against India, the chase could have been far more challenging for their opponents, given Pakistan’s dynamic bowling arsenal featuring both pace and spin options.

Shaheen Afridi was the standout bowler for Pakistan in this match, taking 3 wickets for 28 runs in 4 overs. However, the batting line-up must consistently provide defendable totals for such a well-rounded bowling unit.

### Team Composition and Batting Order Adjustments

Wicket-taking spinner Sufyan Muqeem remains a vital asset for Pakistan and deserves continued backing with consistent opportunities. Meanwhile, Saim Ayub has struggled with the bat, registering three consecutive ducks in Asia Cup games. It may be worth experimenting by promoting Fakhar Zaman — who is in good form — to an opening position and pushing Ayub to number 3. Fakhar has a successful history opening for Pakistan and can stabilize the top order.

Pakistan’s latest match in the initial round against UAE was a must-win, and they delivered, progressing to the Super Four stage. Despite Saim Ayub’s continued batting woes, Fakhar Zaman scored a crucial 50 off 36 balls, anchored by Shaheen Afridi’s explosive 29 off 14 from the lower order. Pakistan posted 146/9, then restricted UAE to 105, with the bowling attack once again firing on all cylinders.

### Reading Spin: An Area for Improvement

One noticeable challenge for Pakistan’s batsmen has been reading spin bowling from the hand. Except for Captain Salman Agha, most have had difficulty adjusting to variations. The batsmen should train more on reading the spin from the pitch and preparing for the deliveries accordingly.

Additionally, reconsidering the batting order to maximize player strengths could be beneficial. For example, opening with Muhammad Haris and Fakhar Zaman could best utilize Haris’ timing and skill during the powerplay overs. Haris’ courageous innings of 41 runs off 20 balls in Auckland against New Zealand in 2024 showcased his ability to accelerate and clear the boundary efficiently.

### Looking Ahead: Super Four Round and Final Thoughts

Pakistan’s first Super Four match will be a high-octane rematch against India on September 21. Learning from previous encounters and refining their batting approach will be crucial.

Reflecting on their recent Tri-Nation Series final victory against Afghanistan in Sharjah, Pakistan displayed sheer dominance. Facing a spin-friendly and tricky surface, Pakistan managed a respectable 141/8 batting first. Coach Mike Hesson and Skipper Salman Agha were confident that the total would be challenging for Afghan batsmen.

In response, Afghanistan was bowled out for just 66 runs in 15.5 overs. The specialist spin trio of Nawaz, Abrar, and Muqeem were instrumental, with Muhammad Nawaz particularly standing out, claiming 5 wickets including a hat-trick, while maintaining an economy rate of 4.75. Nawaz also contributed with a valuable 25-run cameo earlier. Pakistan’s spin-heavy strategy effectively gave Afghanistan a taste of their own medicine on home conditions.

### Conclusion

Pakistan’s campaign in the T20 Asia Cup 2025 has been a mixture of dominance and areas requiring improvement. Their bowling attack, especially the spinners, has been exceptional and remains a key strength. However, the batting lineup must overcome its vulnerabilities by adopting a more balanced and strategic approach.

The upcoming matches in the Super Four stage present Pakistan with an opportunity to build momentum and showcase their full potential. With tactical adjustments and consistent performances, Pakistan can emerge as a formidable contender in this edition of the Asia Cup.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1345092-t20-asia-cup-2025-first-stage-and-tri-series-round-up

Britain’s MI6 set to attract spies from around the world

A new dark web portal launched on Friday aims to recruit spies from around the world for Britain, utilizing MI6’s new secure messaging platform called Silent Courier. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) revealed that the initiative targets recruitment of agents in Russia as well as other locations by harnessing the anonymity of the dark web for the first time.

Instructions on how to access the portal will be publicly available on MI6’s verified YouTube channel, as the UK proactively reaches out to potential new agents in various parts of the world.

“As the world changes, and the threats we’re facing multiply, we must ensure the UK is always one step ahead of our adversaries,” said Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. “Our world-class intelligence agencies are at the coalface of this challenge, working behind the scenes to keep British people safe. Now we’re bolstering their efforts with cutting-edge tech so MI6 can recruit new spies for the UK, in Russia and around the world.”

Silent Courier will enable anyone, anywhere in the world, who has access to sensitive information relating to terrorism or hostile intelligence activity, to securely contact the UK and offer their services.

The MI6 dark web portal builds on a similar approach taken by America’s Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), which published videos on social media channels to target potential Russian spies in 2023.

*This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, and data accuracy. Mid-day management and mid-day.com reserve the sole right to alter, delete, or remove (without notice) the content at their absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/britains-mi6-set-to-attract-spies-from-around-the-world-23594919

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

World Athletics Championships: Neeraj Chopra finishes a disappointing 8th

**World Athletics Championships: Neeraj Chopra Finishes a Disappointing 8th**

*By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 18, 2025, 05:53 PM*

India’s star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra had a challenging day at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, finishing eighth in the men’s javelin final. This marks Chopra’s first medal-less finish at a World Championship since 2017. His best throw of the day measured 84.03 meters.

Chopra had successfully qualified for the finals by surpassing the automatic qualification mark of 84.50 meters with his very first throw in Group A. However, he wasn’t able to replicate or build upon that performance during the final.

### Championship Results: Walcott Claims Gold

The gold medal was claimed by Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott, who delivered a season-best throw of 88.16 meters. Walcott is a former Olympic champion, having triumphed at the London 2012 Games. This win represents Trinidad and Tobago’s first-ever gold medal in men’s javelin at the World Championships.

Grenada’s Anderson Peters secured the silver medal with a throw of 87.38 meters, while the bronze went to the USA’s Curtis Thompson, who achieved an effort of 86.27 meters.

### Rising Star Sachin Yadav Shines with 4th Place Finish

Another promising performance came from Indian javelin thrower Sachin Yadav. He finished fourth, setting a personal best with a throw of 86.27 meters on his very first attempt. Yadav was the only Indian to qualify for the sixth and final round of throws.

His performance was a surprise highlight of the final, as he outperformed notable competitors such as Germany’s Julian Weber (86.11 meters) and the reigning Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem (82.75 meters).

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Despite Chopra’s unexpected setback, India’s javelin scene is showing strong potential, highlighted by Yadav’s impressive emergence on the world stage. Fans will be looking forward to their performances in upcoming events.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/neeraj-chopra-finishes-8th-in-budapest/story