skywritg.com – Today’s Pulse & News Briefings

Amidst Asia Cup tensions, Shashi Tharoor advocates separating sports from politics, recalling past instances of India-Pakistan matches during conflict. The BCCI have lodged a complaint against Pakistani players for provocative actions, including gestures referencing military clashes. Pakistan's board retaliated with a complaint against Suryakumar Yadav.

India may be unbeaten in the Asia Cup, but their fielding has been a major concern, with 12 catches dropped so far, nine in the last two games. Varun Chakravarthy admitted there can be no excuses and stressed the need to improve ahead of the final, even as he detailed how bowling adjustments and match experience are boosting his confidence.

India secured their Asia Cup 2025 final berth with a dominant 41-run victory over Bangladesh in Dubai, despite Sanju Samson's mixed performance, where he dropped a catch and didn't get to bat. Suryakumar Yadav's team posted 168/6, powered by Abhishek Sharma's explosive 75, while Bangladesh faltered in their chase, managing only 127.

Speculation arose about a potential handshake snub between India and Bangladesh after their Asia Cup match. Visuals confirmed the teams exchanged handshakes, maintaining sporting spirit. Abhishek Sharma's explosive innings and strong bowling performances led India to victory. India secured a spot in the final. Bangladesh will face Pakistan to determine the other finalist, raising hopes for another India-Pakistan match.

In a crucial Asia Cup Super Four match, Pakistan's bowlers dominated Sri Lanka, restricting them to 133/8. Shaheen Afridi led the attack with three wickets, supported by Haris Rauf and Hussain Talat. Abrar Ahmed's economical spell and his imitation of Hasaranga's celebration added spice to the contest, leaving Sri Lanka with a below-par total to defend.

India's assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, addressed Sahibzada Farhan's controversial celebration, emphasising India's focus on maintaining composure and playing cricket. He acknowledged Pakistan's strong start but praised India's comeback and commitment to winning. Doeschate also discussed Sanju Samson's role at No. 5, expressing confidence in his ability to adapt and contribute to the team's success in the future.

Harbhajan Singh criticized Pakistani players after their Asia Cup performance. India defeated Pakistan in both encounters. Singh highlighted the experienced players' failure to deliver. He pointed out their focus on verbal tactics over actual performance. Indian batsmen dominated, forming strong partnerships. Pakistani bowlers struggled to take wickets. Singh emphasized the importance of on-field performance over off-field aggression.

Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf ignited controversy during the Asia Cup Super 4s match against India with politically charged gestures, including mimicking fighter jet crashes and displaying '6-0' signals towards Indian fans, referencing unverified claims about downing Indian jets during Operation Sindoor.

Abhishek Sharma's explosive 74 off 39 balls propelled India to a six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super Four clash. Sharma broke Yuvraj Singh's record for the fastest T20I half-century by an Indian against Pakistan, reaching the milestone in just 24 balls.

Imran Khan, the jailed former PM, has taken a dig at PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi following Pakistan's losses to India in the Asia Cup. Khan sarcastically suggested that Pakistan could only win if Gen Asim Munir and Naqvi opened, with other officials as umpires.

India defeated Pakistan by six wickets in a thrilling T20 Asia Cup match in Dubai, achieving their highest successful T20I chase against their rivals. Abhishek Sharma's explosive 74 set the stage, supported by Shubman Gill's 47. Tilak Varma's composed 30 sealed the victory, earning him the 'Impact Player' award. India's next challenge is against Bangladesh on Wednesday.

India's young batting stars, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, propelled their team to a dominant six-wicket victory against Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super 4 clash. Their fearless approach and exceptional skill earned praise from Pakistani legends Misbah-ul-Haq and Shoaib Malik.

Former skipper Rashid Latif blasted Pakistan’s “timid” batting after their Super 4s loss to India, saying the middle order lacked intent and wasted overs. He criticised Sahibzada Farhan, Hussain Talat, and Mohammad Nawaz for slow scoring, adding, “Better to get out playing shots than waste time. That’s why I don’t trust their batting or bowling."

During the Asia Cup Super 4s match between India and Pakistan, Pakistani players Farhan and Rauf made controversial gestures. Farhan's gun-like bat celebration and Rauf's provocative signal towards Indian fans sparked criticism. Rauf's gesture referenced unverified claims of downing Indian jets, while the match also featured a heated exchange between Rauf and Indian opener Sharma, overshadowing India's victory.

The India-Pakistan Asia Cup Super Four match ignited with drama as Indian openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill aggressively targeted Shaheen Afridi. Abhishek started with a six and some words, while Gill later punctuated a boundary with a pointed gesture. Their aggressive approach set the tone for India's chase of Pakistan's 171/5, signaling a tough night for Pakistan's key bowler.

The India versus Pakistan Asia Cup match faces controversy. Karachi Kings' poster excludes India, sparking outrage. Earlier, India won against Pakistan, but handshakes were declined. A plea to cancel the match reached the Supreme Court due to terrorism concerns. Despite issues, anticipation for the cricket match remains high. Fans await the high-voltage clash.

Bangladesh clinched a narrow four-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup Super Fours, fueled by impressive half-centuries from Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy. Sri Lanka posted 168/7, highlighted by Dasun Shanaka's explosive 64, but Bangladesh successfully chased it down, reaching 169/6 in 19.5 overs. Despite some late-order jitters, Bangladesh held their nerve to secure the win.

Pakistan have cancelled its pre-match press conference before their Asia Cup Super Four clash against India, marking the second consecutive time they've skipped media duties. This follows a dispute with match referee Andy Pycroft over a handshake controversy during their previous encounter. The PCB's request to remove Pycroft was rejected, leading to heightened tensions and potential ICC action against Pakistan.

Despite recent controversies and objections from the Pakistan Cricket Board regarding Andy Pycroft's conduct, the ICC has appointed him as the match referee for the crucial Asia Cup 2025 Super 4s match between India and Pakistan. This decision follows PCB's allegations and a subsequent threat to withdraw from the tournament, which was later resolved through negotiations.

Ahead of India’s blockbuster clash with Pakistan in the Asia Cup, captain Suryakumar Yadav avoided naming the opponent but promised 1.4 billion Indians a “fantastic Sunday.” High on nationalistic fervour, Surya urged his team to shut out outside noise, focus on their preparations, and play with intensity.