Asia Cup 2025 2 - The Latremie Post

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

Asia cup, India vs Bangladesh: Dissecting key player battles

**Asia Cup 2025: India vs Bangladesh – Dissecting Key Player Battles**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Sep 23, 2025, 02:06 PM IST*

India is all set to face Bangladesh in a crucial Super Four clash of the Asia Cup 2025. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, at the Dubai International Stadium, with the action starting at 8 PM IST.

Coming off a thrilling victory over Pakistan in their previous Super Four encounter, India remains unbeaten and looks to continue their winning streak against Bangladesh. Here, we break down the key player battles that could shape the outcome of this exciting fixture.

### 1. Abhishek Sharma vs Taskin Ahmed
Indian opener Abhishek Sharma has been a formidable force during the tournament’s powerplay. An impressive 132 of his 173 runs so far have come in the first six overs, striking at a remarkable rate of 216.39, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Taskin Ahmed, known for his knack for picking wickets early, will bear the responsibility of breaking Sharma’s aggressive start. The Bangladeshi pacer has taken 38 powerplay wickets in T20Is at an economy rate of 6.79, making this a compelling contest.

### 2. Litton Das vs Jasprit Bumrah
Bangladesh skipper Litton Das will be expected to lead the batting charge for his side. However, India’s spearhead Jasprit Bumrah could pose a significant challenge with his pace and precision.

Bumrah will be eager to bounce back after a tough outing against Pakistan, where he went wicketless and conceded 45 runs in four overs. Interestingly, Bumrah has not dismissed Litton Das even once in six international innings, adding an intriguing edge to this battle.

### 3. Towhid Hridoy vs Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav has arguably been the standout bowler of the tournament so far, claiming nine wickets at an economy rate of 6.00. His effectiveness in the middle overs has often triggered batting collapses.

Towhid Hridoy, fresh off a match-winning 58 against Sri Lanka, will need to find a way to counter Kuldeep’s left-arm spin threat. It’s worth noting that Hridoy has been dismissed by left-arm spinners eight times in 21 T20I innings, highlighting a potential vulnerability.

### 4. Suryakumar Yadav vs Mustafizur Rahman
Another key duel to watch is between India’s dynamic batter Suryakumar Yadav and Bangladesh’s crafty left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman.

Suryakumar, who was dismissed for a duck in India’s last match against Pakistan, will be keen to make amends with a strong performance. Mustafizur’s variations and accuracy have troubled many batsmen, and notably, he has dismissed Suryakumar twice in four T20I encounters, making their face-off particularly enticing.

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With these exciting individual battles set to unfold, the India vs Bangladesh Super Four clash promises to be a thrilling contest that could significantly impact the path to the Asia Cup final. Fans can look forward to high-quality cricket under the lights at Dubai International Stadium.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/asia-cup-india-vs-bangladesh-key-player-battles/story

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

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

Asia Cup: Sahibzada Farhan’s gun gesture after half-century draws flak

**Asia Cup 2025: Sahibzada Farhan’s Gun Gesture After Half-Century Draws Flak**

*By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 21, 2025, 09:53 pm*

Pakistan cricketer Sahibzada Farhan has come under widespread criticism for his controversial celebration during the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 clash against India. After scoring a well-crafted half-century, Farhan made a gun-firing gesture towards his dugout, a move that has sparked outrage, especially in light of the recent tragic Pahalgam terror attack.

### The Incident

Farhan reached his 50 with style by smashing a huge six off India’s Axar Patel in the 10th over, injecting momentum into Pakistan’s innings. However, his subsequent celebration – mimicking a firing gun towards his teammates – immediately drew heavy criticism on social media. The gesture was seen as insensitive, given that just months earlier, the Pahalgam terror attack claimed the lives of 26 innocent Indian tourists, an act attributed to Pakistan-based militants.

### Public Reaction

Social media users expressed strong disappointment and outrage over Farhan’s actions. One fan remarked, “Disappointed with Sahibzada Farhan’s gun gesture after his 50 in the Ind vs Pak match. Felt like a jab at India’s hospitality.” Another user commented, “Sahibzada Farhan showing how his brothers killed innocent tourists in Pahalgam through his half-century celebration.”

### Match Summary

In the cricketing action at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, Pakistan lost three wickets during the powerplay overs. Sahibzada Farhan eventually fell to Shivam Dube for 58 runs off 45 balls. Earlier, Dube had also dismissed Pakistan’s Saim Ayub, who scored 21 runs.

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman’s innings ended controversially when he was caught behind off Hardik Pandya’s bowling, with Sanju Samson taking the catch. Later, Kuldeep Yadav claimed the wicket of Hussain Talat, as India sought to keep Pakistan’s scoring in check in this crucial Super 4 encounter.

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The incident involving Farhan has overshadowed the thrilling cricket on display and has raised questions about sportsmanship and sensitivity in moments of celebration.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/pakistan-cricketer-sahibzada-farhan-s-gun-gesture-anger-fans/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