skywritg.com – Today’s Pulse & News Briefings

Shivam Dube's crucial 33 not out and economical bowling in the Asia Cup final against Pakistan drew accolades from his former coach, Satish Samant. Samant praised Dube's journey, natural six-hitting ability, and dedication, attributing his success to hard work and the team management's unwavering faith. Dube's vital contribution filled the void left by Hardik Pandya's absence.

West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph will miss the upcoming Test series against India. A lower back injury has ruled him out of the two-match contest. Jediah Blades will replace Joseph for the series starting October 2 in Ahmedabad. Jason Holder declined selection as a replacement. The team also lost Shamar Joseph earlier due to injury.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar believes the upcoming ODI World Cup in India marks a watershed moment for women's cricket, predicting Harmanpreet Kaur's team can clinch their first global trophy on home soil. He highlighted Harmanpreet's impactful 2017 innings and Smriti Mandhana's grace, stressing the tournament's potential to inspire young girls and transcend barriers.

The Mumbai Cricket Association recently honoured ICC chairman Jay Shah for his extraordinary contributions to cricket. His decade-long leadership significantly strengthened domestic structures, enhanced the IPL, and notably reformed women's cricket. Shah's initiatives led to increased prize money and recognition, setting the stage for the record-breaking ICC Women's World Cup 2025.

Virat Kohli delighted fans by sharing an intimate new photograph with wife Anushka Sharma, quickly amassing over 5 million likes. The couple, recently seen in London with their son Akaay, continues to share glimpses of their family life. This follows Virat's heartfelt birthday tribute to Anushka in May, highlighting their enduring relationship since meeting in 2013.

Hardik Singh, Indian hockey vice-captain, recently mimicked Haris Rauf's plane-crash gesture. He discussed Pakistan's hockey performance against India. Hardik stated Pakistan has not won against India since 2014. He expressed contentment with his hockey career choice. India allows matches in multi-nation tournaments. Pakistan declined to take part in the Asia Cup in India.

Abhishek Bachchan humorously reacted after Shoaib Akhtar mistakenly referred to cricketer Abhishek Sharma as the actor during a live show discussing the India-Pakistan Asia Cup final. Akhtar's on-air blooper left panellists in splits, prompting Bachchan's witty reply on X, stating even he couldn't get out. This viral moment blended cricket and Bollywood ahead of the highly anticipated final.

In a thrilling Asia Cup Super Fours match, Pakistan overcame Bangladesh by 11 runs, securing their place in the final against India. Despite a shaky start and impressive bowling from Bangladesh, Pakistan's lower order propelled them to a total of 135. A stunning bowling effort helped them edge out Bangladesh to set up a final against rivals India.

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.

Following Pakistan's six-wicket defeat to India in the Asia Cup Super Four clash, captain Salman Agha acknowledged the debatable Fakhar Zaman dismissal but emphasised that the team's batting performance was the primary cause of the loss. He admitted that the team fell short of the expected score, while praising the team's bowling effort.

During the India-Pakistan Asia Cup Super Four clash in Dubai, tensions flared when Abhishek Sharma and Haris Rauf engaged in a heated exchange, prompting umpire intervention. This followed earlier verbal volleys between Indian openers and Pakistani bowlers, highlighting India's fearless approach in chasing Pakistan's total. The charged atmosphere and aggressive play underscored the intense rivalry, captivating the Dubai crowd.

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.

India survived a spirited scare from Oman in Abu Dhabi, scraping through with a 21-run win. Sanju Samson hit a scratchy fifty, Axar Patel sparkled, but Suryakumar Yadav baffled everyone by slotting himself at No. 11 without batting. Oman’s fight was led by veteran Aamir Kaleem (64) and Hammad Mirza (51), as they pushed India closer than expected.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has responded to the ICC's concerns regarding potential PMOA violations during a recent match. The PCB defended its media manager's actions, claiming authorised access and adherence to ICC protocols, while the ICC raised objections to filming a sensitive meeting and alleged blackmail. The situation remains tense, potentially leading to further action from the ICC.

Rashid Khan etched his name in Asia Cup T20I history, surpassing Bhuvneshwar Kumar as the highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets. His achievement came during Afghanistan's match against Bangladesh, where he took 2 crucial wickets. Despite a strong start from Bangladesh, Afghanistan's bowlers, including Rashid, restricted them to 154/5, showcasing their prowess in the tournament.

Australia A dominated day one of the first unofficial Test against India A, reaching 337/5. Opener Sam Konstas led the charge with a brilliant 109, supported by Campbell Kellaway's 88 and Cooper Connolly's 70. Harsh Dubey was the pick of the India A bowlers, claiming three wickets, while Gurnoor Brar and Khaleel Ahmed took one each.

Sourav Ganguly dismissed the India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash as one-sided, preferring to watch the Manchester derby. He cited a decline in Pakistan's team quality, stating the match no longer holds the competitive edge it once did. Ganguly also addressed the handshake controversy, emphasizing the need to end terrorism globally while deflecting questions about the players' actions to Suryakumar Yadav.

India dominated Pakistan in the Asia Cup clash on Sunday, securing a 7-wicket victory. Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the win to the armed forces and Pahalgam terror attack victims. Post-match, India's team skipped the customary handshake, and Pakistan's coach expressed disappointment.