Pakistan beats Bangladesh by 11 runs, sets up India final
Pakistan pulled off a stunning comeback in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. They beat Bangladesh by 11 runs. The win sets up a tense final with India on Sunday, September 28.
Bangladesh won the toss and chose to field. They struck fast, and Pakistan lost five wickets for 49 runs. Taskin Ahmed led the attack, taking three key wickets and keeping Pakistan under pressure in the first 10 overs.
Pakistan bounced back with strong lower-order hits. Mohammad Haris scored 31, Mohammad Nawaz 25, and Shaheen Afridi 19. This pushed the total score to 135 for 8 in 20 overs.
Bangladesh looked set for victory but faltered under pressure. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf never let them settle, making tight bowls and crucial wickets. In the end, Bangladesh finished 124 for 9, short of 11 runs. Pakistan’s win books a final against India, setting up a fierce clash.
Shining examples: The best New Zealand cricketers of all time
New Zealand has an underrated history in the sport of cricket. Over the decades, the Kiwis have produced world-class talent who have shaped their national team. Players from the Black Caps have been influential in global cricket, but a certain few have stood out.
Before diving into the Black Caps’ history, first identify what makes a good cricketer.
What makes a top cricketer?
Defining greatness in cricket goes beyond the statistics. A top cricketer is someone who consistently performs at the highest level, even under the most intense pressure possible. Here are the criteria you should be aware of when gauging New Zealand’s best cricketers:
Consistency - Their performances consistently prove effective during matches across various formats. With that kind of consistency, they become essential to the team. If they keep staying on that level, they will reach the superstar status that they deserve.
Technical skill - A cricketer should adapt their game, whether that is through mastery of bowling or a batsman finding gaps in the field. Technical skills can be challenging to build up. However, those cricketers who possess it have diligently honed their skills to become accomplished athletes, thereby earning their rightful place.
Adaptability - To shine in cricket, you must be adaptable across pitches, formats, and when playing against top-tier opponents.
Mental toughness - Having a strong mind separates the good from the great, as cricket demands focus and resilience. They usually thrive in high-pressure moments.
Leadership and influence - A top cricketer should be able to influence the match with performances on the field and in the dressing room.
The best candidates for New Zealand
Here are some of the cricketers from New Zealand that fit the criteria:
Richard Hadlee
Widely regarded as New Zealand’s greatest cricketer, Sir Richard Hadlee is one of the best fast bowlers in the history of cricket. He was the first bowler in Test history to claim 400 wickets, a milestone that cemented his legacy.
He is known for accuracy, pace, and the ability to swing the ball in both ways. Hadlee was a menace against the world’s best batsmen in the 1970s and 1980s. He was one of the most consistent players for the Black Caps, as he could influence the matches through his bowling, but he was also a capable batsman.
Hadlee turned matches with his quick runs. The well-rounded performances helped New Zealand rise to become a top competitive nation. The Kiwis started believing that New Zealand could compete with the giants of the sport, and they were proven right with their record with Hadlee.
As he ended his career, he was knighted, as he has been the benchmark for excellence in New Zealand sport.
Martin Crowe
Remembered by many as one of New Zealand’s most elegant and technically gifted batsmen, Martin Crowe was a fantastic player. During his career, New Zealand often lacked depth in their batting order, but Crowe was always reliable. During his career, he scored over 5,000 runs in Test cricket and played many match-winning innings.
Beyond his dominance over bowlers with both grace and precision, leadership was a big part of Crowe’s legacy. As a captain, he innovated some strategies for the Black Caps, especially in the one-day international (ODI) format. In 1985, Crowe was the Wisden Cricketer of the Year, a rare honour for a Kiwi player.
Despite the injuries he suffered, Crowe had a strong influence as a batsman, captain, and commentator after his career. He left an enduring legacy in the world of cricket that most people won’t forget.
Kane Williamson
The modern embodiment of New Zealand cricket, Kane Williamson, is the best representative of 21st-century Kiwi cricket. As one of the calmest and most composed cricketers on the field, Williamson fits the bill as one of the best players in the country’s history.
He is the highest run-scorer in Test cricket, but he is effective across many formats. Williamson has been the anchor for Test innings to guide run chances in ODIs and T20s, which has made him one of the most versatile players in the 21st century.
As the captain, New Zealand led the Black Caps to winning the World Test Championship in 2021. That was the country’s greatest achievement in its history in cricket. Williamson was a big part of that, as he contributes on the field and is also the loudest voice in the dressing room.
Brendon McCullum
A transformative player, Brendon McCullum is known for a fearless attacking style. He redefined how the Black Caps approached the game, as he set the record for the fastest Test century, doing so with only 54 balls in 2016. McCullum is one of the most explosive batsmen in Black Caps history, which is influential for the country.
During his time as captain, he instilled an aggressive style with a positive mindset within the team. They reached the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final during his captaincy, which they did by being fearless, as McCullum encouraged them to keep fighting.
The aggressive philosophy was a big part of their success, and McCullum was the catalyst for that through his leadership and his performances.
Daniel Vettori
Making his debut at only 18, Daniel Vettori amassed over 700 international wickets, which proved his skill and consistency. He was not only a bowler, as he was also a talented batsman. With his genuine skill as an all-rounder, he became such a top player.
He served as captain and was known for being a smart and calm player. He was admired for his professionalism and leadership, which helped him become a shining example for younger players. The long career made him iconic for the Black Caps, and a vital figure for the program for over a decade.
ICC suspends USA Cricket's membership after rule breaches
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended USA Cricket’s membership with immediate effect. This follows years of the latter’s ‘repeated and continued breaches of its obligations as [an] ICC Member.’ The decision came on Tuesday, September 23, with the ICC saying the body failed to meet key standards.
The main issues include weak governance, loss of trust, and the lack of recognition from the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee. The ICC stressed that these failures hurt the sport’s image and had to be addressed.
US teams stay on track
Despite the suspension, US national teams can still play in ICC events. The organisation didn’t stop them from playing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Players and fans will see no change in the teams’ path to major events.
To guide reforms, the ICC will set up a Normalisation Committee to manage US cricket during this period. This group will oversee day-to-day work and ensure the body is ready for its suspension to be lifted and membership to be restored.
Pakistan edge Sri Lanka in Super Four thriller at Abu Dhabi
Pakistan scraped past Sri Lanka by five wickets in a tense Super Four clash at Abu Dhabi on September 23. Choosing to bowl first, they held Sri Lanka to 133/8. Shaheen Shah Afridi led the charge, taking 3/28. Sri Lanka began well, posting 53 in the powerplay. However, they lost three key wickets early, which slowed their push.
Kamindu Mendis tried to steady the innings with 50, but wickets fell at a steady clip. Asalanka and Shanaka fell in back-to-back deliveries, stopping any late surge. Shaheen trapped Mendis in the penultimate over, ending Sri Lanka’s chance of a strong finish.
Chasing 134, Pakistan began well but fell to 80/5. They lost four wickets in 17 balls. A 58-run stand between Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz steadied the chase. That shifted the target from 26 off 24 balls to just 14 off 18, before Nawaz’s three sixes sealed the chase with two overs left. This helped Pakistan reach the target with two overs to spare.
The win keeps Pakistan in the race for the Asia Cup final. Sri Lanka now faces a difficult path after two Super Four losses. India and Bangladesh, both unbeaten, clash in Dubai on September 24. The top two teams will meet in Sunday’s final.
Imran Khan lashes out at cricket board after back-to-back losses
Jailed former Prime Minister and ex-cricketer Imran Khan lashes out at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after the team lost twice to India in the Asia Cup. He said Pakistan had little chance to win with the board running the way it is.
Khan mocked the management, saying the only way to beat India was if PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Army Chief General Asim Munir walked out as openers, with top judges and election chiefs as umpires. His sister Aleema Khan said he made the joke after she told him about the defeats.
The 1992 World Cup-winning captain blamed Naqvi for the fall of Pakistan cricket. He pointed to weak leadership and favouritism as the main reasons. He also claimed that General Munir meddled in the 2024 elections, affecting his party’s win.
His words show his anger at the state of Pakistan cricket and the wider political dispute.
Defending champion India defeats Pakistan in Asia Cup Super Four clash
India won over Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super Four, sealing a six-wicket victory after a tense chase in Dubai. Pakistan batted first and built a steady start through Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub, who scored 72 runs for the second wicket.
Farhan reached 58 from 45 balls before falling, and the innings slowed in the middle overs. Late hitting from Salman Ali Agha and Faheem Ashraf lifted the score to 171 for five.
India answered with power at the top. Abhishek Sharma struck quick runs, smashing a half-century in only 24 balls. He and Shubman Gill shared a 105-run stand, with Gill adding 47 off 28 deliveries. Pakistan struck back when Faheem bowled Gill, and Haris Rauf removed captain Suryakumar Yadav for a duck.
Still, India held control. Tilak Varma struck off Shaheen Afridi in the final overs, sealing the game. It marked India’s second win over Pakistan in the tournament.
Five unforgettable final over finishes that shook cricket fans
Careful planning, great players, and a bit of luck are all factors that determine the outcome of any matchup. One side will always have more of either element and end up dominating with a decisive lead. The fun starts when both sides have equal strengths, leading to an exciting clash where every over counts down to a thrilling finish.
These are the matches that go down in history, where the winner is decided by a nail-biting final over finishes. Learn about five of the top stories cemented in history as some of the most unforgettable examples right here:
England vs Australia (2005 Ashes)
The second Test of the 2005 Ashes at Edgbaston produced one of the most dramatic finishes in cricket history. England had set Australia 282 to win, and the match came down to the final over on 6 August 2005. The crowd held its breath as Australia pushed for a narrow victory, needing just a few runs with only one wicket left.
England’s Andrew Flintoff had already made his mark with both bat and ball, while Simon Jones and Steve Harmison also played vital roles earlier in the match. In the tense final moments, it was Michael Kasprowicz and Brett Lee who fought bravely for Australia, edging closer with each run. Kasprowicz battled bravely, nearly completing a famous chase.
Steve Harmison trapped Kasprowicz with a short delivery that was caught by Geraint Jones. England won by two runs, one of the narrowest margins in Test history, a victory that evened the series and shifted momentum in what became one of cricket’s greatest contests.
India vs Pakistan (2007 ICC World Twenty20)
The final of the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 in Johannesburg on 24 September delivered a finish worthy of cricket’s fiercest rivalry. India set Pakistan 158 to win, but the contest boiled down to a nail-biting last over that stunned the packed stadium. India’s innings had been anchored by Gautam Gambhir, who struck 75, while Rohit Sharma provided a late flourish.
Pakistan fought back with Misbah-ul-Haq at the crease, bringing the target down to just 13 runs needed off the final over. He hit a six off Joginder Sharma and looked set to finish the match. India claimed a five-run victory in one of the most tense finals ever played.
It was the first ICC World Twenty20 title for India, remembered for its extraordinary climax and the rise of a new generation. Their victory led to a strong, dedicated following that laid the foundation for the country’s domestic cricket league, which is now an undisputed giant in the sport.
Sri Lanka vs India (2014 ICC World Twenty20)
The 2014 ICC World Twenty20 final in Dhaka on 6 April ended with Sri Lanka finally lifting a long-awaited trophy. Chasing 131 to beat India, the match concluded with a calm but decisive finish in the final overs as Sri Lanka’s experienced campaigners sealed the win.
India’s batting had been built on Virat Kohli’s 77, but the lack of late acceleration left Sri Lanka a reachable target. Lasith Malinga and Nuwan Kulasekara had earlier restricted India with the ball, ensuring the contest would remain balanced. Kumar Sangakkara led the chase in his final T20 international, partnering with Thisara Perera.
Sangakkara finished unbeaten on 52, while Perera struck crucial blows to chase down the target in the 18th over. Sri Lanka triumphed by six wickets, finishing 134 for 4, ending a streak of four previous ICC final losses.
England vs New Zealand (2019 Cricket World Cup)
The 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup final at Lord’s on 14 July had both teams tied twice, once in regular play and again in the super over. Ben Stokes led Team England, anchoring the innings with 84 not out under immense pressure.
Jos Buttler also played a vital role, while Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer kept England in the game with the ball. New Zealand had Kane Williamson and Martin Guptill carry the weight of expectation, while Jimmy Neesham nearly won it for New Zealand in the super over.
In the end, England were crowned champions based on the boundary count after both teams scored 15 in the super over, making it the national team’s first-ever World Cup triumph. The match is still regarded as the most dramatic one-day international in cricket history, not just for English and New Zealanders, but worldwide.
Barbados Tridents vs Guyana Amazon Warriors (2019 CPL)
The 2019 Caribbean Premier League final at Brian Lara Academy on 12 October ended Guyana Amazon Warriors' unbeaten campaign. Barbados Tridents, who had been written off earlier in the tournament, produced a defiant finish to claim their second Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title.
The Tridents’ innings revolved around Jonathan Carter, who struck a rapid 50 not out from 26 balls. Ashley Nurse and Raymon Reifer provided support, while Jason Holder’s leadership shaped the bowling plan. For the Warriors, Brandon King’s 43 was the highlight, though the chase faltered against disciplined bowling from Reifer, Harry Gurney and Nurse.
Barbados Tridents posted 171/6 and then restricted Guyana Amazon Warriors to 144/9. It ended Guyana’s 11-match winning streak and marked their fifth loss in the CPL final.
Final over finishes: Anything can happen at the last second
Final overs are the hardest test of a cricketer’s skill and composure. Each delivery determines the result, shifts momentum, and ultimately decides the winner. These moments show the balance between clear decision-making and strength, where bowlers must defend narrow leads and batters push for difficult runs.
Cricket is built on uncertainty, and no stage shows this more clearly than the last over. Every ball matters until the end, and no side is safe until the final delivery. From record chases to sudden losses, these finishes explain why the sport continues to attract strong attention worldwide.
Why Jacques Kallis deserves more respect as a top cricketer
South Africa still has one of the most talent-laden cricketing countries in the world. The country has produced amazing players over the years, including Jacques Kallis. Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting sees Kallis as an underrated player in the sport’s history.
While Kallis is a strong name in cricket history, he is often overlooked as one of the best players ever. Here are the reasons why he deserves to get more respect:
Superb batting credentials
Kallis stands tall as one of cricket’s greatest batsmen with an impressive record. He amassed over 13,000 runs in Test cricket, which makes him one of the best run-getters in the game’s history. That is the same with one-day internationals (ODIs), where he scored over 11,500 runs.
That proved he was a remarkably versatile player who was consistent across cricket formats. Few players have maintained balanced production across formats. Across the many pitches and formats, Kallis was excellent and made sure he was one of the most reliable batsmen of his generation.
Kallis was so good that he earned Ponting’s respect, even calling him the best cricketer ever. He said, ‘Jacques Kallis is the full stop for me. Thirteen thousand runs – 44 or 45 Test centuries and 300 wickets. He has had an amazing career. You can take 300 Test wickets, and you can score 45 Test centuries but to do both feats at the same time is amazing. Jacques has done both’.
All-round skills with bowling and fielding
Beyond the batting, Kallis was a talented all-rounder with contributions that were often decisive. He claimed over 250 wickets in Tests, as he operated well as a fourth seamer with the ability to swing the ball and maintain the pressure on the rival batsmen.
His bowling average highlighted his value, as he was more than a part-time option on that side of the game. Kallis could turn the match when called upon, as he completed many sharp catches, proving his all-around brilliance.
The combination of batting, bowling, and fielding made sure that South Africa was a formidable force. They had a complete cricketer in their ranks, and Kallis proved he was among the best.
Kallis remains unappreciated
Despite all the staggering achievements, Kallis is often overlooked in discussions about the greatest players in cricket’s history. With names like Ricky Ponting, Brian Lara, and Sachin Tendulkar becoming popular on a global scale, Kallis has become forgotten.
He was not the flashiest player, as he had a calm and workhorse-like approach. However, his contributions to South African cricket remain, and he proved he is deserving of more recognition than he has received over the years after he retired in 2014.
Bethell to lead England as the youngest captain against Ireland
Jacob Bethell will captain England in the T20 series against Ireland, becoming the youngest man to lead the side at 21 years old. He stepped in with Harry Brook rested, taking charge in the first of three matches in Malahide, just north of Dublin. The role marks a quick rise for Bethell, who only made his England debut last year in September.
Bethell said he was surprised when Brendon McCullum called to tell him he would be the skipper. He noted that no clear reason was given, but he believes it shows trust from the staff. He also said he looks forward to handling the pressure of fast-paced games and hopes to guide the squad with calm, effective man-management.
Furthermore, he has experience as captain of the England Under-19s and scored his first professional century last month. Ireland, missing Josh Little through injury, still poses threats with Harry Tector and Paul Stirling. The series begins on Wednesday, September 17.
Lancashire have openly expressed that they are unhappy about Liam Livingstone’s dismissal during their T20 Blast semi-final against Somerset. Livingstone was given out lbw while on 29 runs. He quickly requested a review because he thought he had hit the ball.
After looking at the replays and using UltraEdge, TV umpire Sue Redfern decided there was no contact with the bat. At that point, Lancashire were 102 for 3 and still chasing strongly. After Livingstone’s dismissal, the rest of the team fell and lost seven wickets for just 57 runs.
On top of these hurdles, they’re also suffering performance-wise as six key players are still not back with them. The absentees include Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Saqib Mahmood, and Luke Wood.
Though frustrated, the team urged the fans to refrain from speaking sexist comments against Redfern. ‘Such behaviour is unacceptable, does not reflect the values of our club or the wider Red Rose family, and has no place in the game,’ the team said in a statement from their official X account.
