skywritg.com – Today’s Pulse & News Briefings

Jasprit Bumrah has consistently delivered match-winning performances against Pakistan in crucial encounters. From the World Cup clash in Ahmedabad to the T20 World Cup thriller in New York, Bumrah's game-changing spells have swung the momentum in India's favor. As India prepares to face Pakistan in Dubai, all eyes will be on Bumrah to replicate his heroics and silence his critics.

During India's Asia Cup practice in Dubai, Shubman Gill was hit on the hand, causing immediate concern as he left the field in pain. After medical attention and ice treatment, Gill returned to the nets, batting comfortably against both pace and spin. He concluded the session positively, even socializing before heading back to the dressing room.

India faced a scare ahead of their crucial Asia Cup match against Pakistan as Shubman Gill was struck on the hand during practice, causing visible discomfort. The team physio attended to him, and his condition is being closely monitored. This setback occurs just before the highly anticipated clash, adding pressure to India's preparations.

Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq believes Pakistan has a golden opportunity in the upcoming Asia Cup clash against India. He suggests Virat Kohli's absence makes India's batting line-up vulnerable if Pakistan's bowlers strike early. India's recent Asia Cup opener saw a dominant win against UAE, fueled by Kuldeep Yadav's spell and quickfire batting.

Aishanya Dwivedi, widow of a victim in the Pahalgam terror attack, has passionately appealed for a boycott of the upcoming India-Pakistan Asia Cup match, criticising the BCCI's decision and the silence of Indian cricketers. She questions the sponsors and broadcasters, urging fans to abstain from watching the game, fearing revenue will fund terrorism.

As India gears up to face Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, the match faces controversy due to terrorism concerns, exemplified by Punjab Kings' social media silence on Pakistan. A Supreme Court plea to cancel the match, citing recent terror attacks and the morale of armed forces, was denied. The clash sparks debate about sports and politics amidst strained relations.

As Pakistan gears up for the Asia Cup, coach Mike Hesson acknowledges India's confidence and strength, particularly their world-class spinners. He emphasizes Pakistan's focus on improving daily, highlighting the team's strong bowling attack led by Mohammad Nawaz. While recognizing the batting lineup's development, Hesson stresses the importance of collective performance in adapting to varying conditions in Dubai.

Kapil Dev urges the Indian team to prioritise cricket and disregard distractions ahead of their Asia Cup clash with Pakistan, emphasising the importance of focusing on performance amidst political tensions. India, fresh off a dominant win against UAE, face Pakistan in their first encounter since Operation Sindoor. Rashid Latif suggested India's willingness to play has diminished the match's hype.

Bangladesh kicked off their Asia Cup 2025 journey with a dominant seven-wicket victory over Hong Kong. Litton Das led from the front with a composed half-century, supported by Towhid Hridoy's unbeaten 35. Bangladesh's disciplined bowling attack, spearheaded by Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Rishad Hossain and Taskin Ahmed, restricted Hong Kong to 143.

The Supreme Court refused to urgently list a PIL seeking to cancel the India vs. Pakistan cricket match scheduled for the Asia Cup in Dubai. The petition, filed by law students, cited recent political tensions and terror attacks, arguing the match would compromise national dignity.

India initiated their 2025 Men's Asia Cup campaign with a dominant nine-wicket victory over the UAE, fueled by Abhishek Sharma's explosive batting. Chasing a modest target, India completed the chase in a record-breaking 4.3 overs. Kuldeep Yadav's exceptional four-wicket haul and Shivam Dube's three wickets restricted UAE to a mere 57.

Sanju Samson has secured his place in India's playing XI for their Asia Cup clash in Dubai, despite speculation surrounding Shubman Gill's return and Tilak Varma's presence. India has strategically bolstered their batting lineup by including Shivam Dube and surprisingly excluding Arshdeep Singh. India won the toss and chose to bowl first.

There could be a toss-up between Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy for the specialist spinner’s role, while the part-time left-arm spin of Abhishek Sharma could come in handy. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh are likely to share new-ball duties while Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube have been made to work on their bowling in the nets.

Shreyas Iyer disclosed a career-threatening back injury that led to paralysis in one leg and his subsequent omission from the BCCI's central contract list. Despite enduring excruciating pain and a year-long recovery after surgery, Iyer remains determined to regain his place in the Indian squad.

India, fresh off their T20 World Cup victory, are set to begin their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against hosts United Arab Emirates at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the defending champions aim for a record-extending ninth title. India holds a strong record with 24 wins since last year's global tournament.

Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma will most likely walk out to open in India's first match in the Asia Cup on Wednesday. It won’t be the first time the duo will open — they have been doing this since their U-14 days. Beyond being opening partners, they have been childhood friends and understand each other’s game as well.

Azmatullah Omarzai's explosive fifty off just 20 balls propelled Afghanistan to a formidable total against Hong Kong in their Asia Cup opener. Omarzai's record-breaking innings, surpassing Mohammad Nabi's previous best, helped Afghanistan score 78 runs in the final five overs. Poor fielding from Hong Kong, including multiple dropped catches, further aided Afghanistan's late-innings surge.

In Dubai, organisers strategically placed Afghanistan's Rashid Khan between India's Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan's Salman Ali Agha at the Asia Cup 2025 press conference. Yadav emphasized the importance of aggression for victory, while Agha left emotional regulation to his players. India, aiming for their ninth title, will face Pakistan on September 14.

Shreyas Iyer, fresh off leading Kolkata to an IPL title in 2024, surprisingly wasn't retained and was acquired by Punjab Kings for a hefty sum. He guided Punjab to the IPL final in 2025, crediting their support for his success. Despite a recent T20 Asia Cup snub, Iyer remains focused, now captaining India A.

Pakistan showcased their Asia Cup readiness by defeating Afghanistan in the tri-series final. Mohammad Nawaz's exceptional 5 for 19, including a hat-trick, dismantled Afghanistan for a mere 66. Earlier, Rashid Khan's 3 wickets restricted Pakistan to 141. Nawaz's all-round performance and Pakistan's dominant bowling display secured a convincing 75-run victory, boosting their confidence ahead of the Asia Cup.