Pakistan’s resounding triumph in the 2025 Sharjah T20I Tri-Series culminated with a dominant 75-run win over Afghanistan in the final, sending a strong signal ahead of the Asia Cup. The team laid a solid foundation with impressive performances in the round-robin stage, including a significant 31-run victory over UAE and a commanding knockout of Afghanistan by 39 runs in the opener. In the final, Mohammad Nawaz stole the show, delivering a five-wicket haul that featured a sensational hat-trick, dismantling the Afghan chase and earning acclaim as Player of the Match—and ultimately Player of the Series. Pakistan’s bowling unit collectively showcased discipline and execution on the turning Sharjah surfaces, while Fakhar Zaman and Salman Agha provided crucial impetus with the bat.
The victory not only boosted team morale but also served as a powerful statement of tactical readiness for the Asia Cup, set to begin imminently. Captain Salman Agha’s leadership and decision-making, particularly his two-spinner strategy, paid dividends throughout the series. Team spirit was also on display off the field—all-rounder Faheem Ashraf humorously quipped that with star players like Babar Azam and Rizwan absent, highlighting confidence and unity in the squad. Overall, Pakistan’s dominant campaign ended on a high, positioning them as formidable contenders in the upcoming continental showdown.
Proteas Prevail, ‘Rippers’ Rally: SA Edges England 2-1 in Thrilling ODI Series
South Africa Clinch Series in Nail-Biting Fashion
South Africa sealed their first bilateral ODI series win on English soil in 27 years, capturing the first two games of the series—the second concluded in a heart-stopping five-run victory at Lord’s setting up an unassailable 2-0 lead. Their decisive win was built on a strong batting foundation, with Matthew Breetzke’s explosive 85 anchoring the innings and showcasing the Proteas’ rising depth.
Captain Temba Bavuma’s leadership was lauded, as the milestone win marked a historic moment for South African cricket in England. Consistently throughout the series, Keshav Maharaj impressed in his dual roles, emerging as the standout player with both ball and discipline, ultimately earning the Player of the Series award. South Africa’s triumph was built on grit, adaptability, and clutch performances—as England’s bowling attack struggled under pressure. That win not only clinched the ODI series but also injected real belief and momentum into the Proteas’ white-ball campaign.
England’s Response: Record Rout but Too Little, Too Late
Despite the series setback, England delivered a devastating performance in the final ODI, posting 414/5—their powerhouse innings led by centuries from Joe Root and the young Jacob Bethell, alongside impactful cameos from Jos Buttler and Jamie Smith. In reply, England’s bowlers ran rampant, Jofra Archer’s fiery spell (4-18) and contributions from Adil Rashid dismantled South Africa for just 72, marking the largest winning margin in men’s ODI history (342 runs).
While the thrashing offered a measure of redemption, the result came in a dead rubber, as the series had already slipped away—a bittersweet end for the hosts. This emphatic win gives England a psychological boost and some confidence heading into the upcoming T20 series—but it doesn’t erase the disappointment of the earlier losses. Interestingly, Joe Root ended the series as England’s most prolific run-scorer (175 runs overall), while Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid topped the wicket charts (8 each)—barely enough to tilt the series in England’s favour. Ultimately, the 2-1 series outcome underscores South Africa’s resilience and England’s inconsistency leaving both teams with clear talking points as they turn their gaze to the T20 contests ahead.
Asia Cup 2025 Takes Flight: T20 Titans Set to Light Up the UAE
The countdown is on—Asia Cup 2025 is officially launching this September 9 in the UAE, promising a fiery T20 extravaganza that will stretch across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah until the final on September 28. The tournament opens with an eclectic Group B clash featuring Afghanistan vs Hong Kong, a fitting curtain-raiser to kick off the action. This match marks the first of 19 high-octane encounters designed to crown Asia’s T20 champion in true style.
Hot on its heels, Group A action ignites with India vs UAE on September 10 at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium—an immediate test for the defending champions. It sets the tone not just for India’s quest for a record ninth title, but also underscores the competitive heat that each opening game brings. With regional pride, rising stars, and T20 superpowers all in the mix, the kickoff matches promise to be a captivating prologue to what could be the most thrilling instalment of Asia Cup cricket yet.
