locknlockf2c.com – News Highlights & Timely Briefings

During the high-stakes India-Pakistan Asia Cup Super Four match, Pakistani opener Sahibzada Farhan ignited a viral moment by celebrating his half-century with a controversial AK-47 mimicking gesture. This bold display followed a powerful six off Axar Patel, sparking immediate reactions and dividing opinions online amidst the charged atmosphere of the high-profile cricket clash.

Hardik Pandya continued his impactful performances in India-Pakistan clashes by dismissing Fakhar Zaman in the Asia Cup Super Four match. Despite Zaman's aggressive start, Pandya's strategic bowling change led to a crucial breakthrough, unsettling Pakistan's momentum. This wicket extended Pandya's impressive record against Pakistan in T20Is, solidifying his role as a key bowler for India in high-pressure matches.

Aamir Kaleem, a 43-year-old opener, defied expectations with a resilient 64 against India in the Asia Cup, giving Oman a glimmer of hope for an upset. His partnership with Hammad Mirza threatened India's dominance before Hardik Pandya's catch turned the tide, securing a 21-run victory for India despite Oman's spirited chase.

Oman opener Aamir Kaleem etched his name in cricket history by becoming the oldest batter to score a half-century against India, surpassing a 79-year-old record. His impressive 64-run innings against India marked a historic moment, also making him the oldest to hit a T20I fifty against a full member nation.

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.

India's Asia Cup victory over Pakistan was marred by controversy as Pakistan's coach, Mike Hesson, expressed disappointment over India's refusal to shake hands post-match. Despite Suryakumar Yadav's match-winning performance and dedication of the win to armed forces, the absence of the customary handshake and an anthem mix-up added fuel to the rivalry.

Saim Ayub became the second Pakistani opener after Babar Azam to be dismissed for a golden duck against India in T20Is, falling to Hardik Pandya in the 2025 Asia Cup clash. Struggling with form, Ayub also registered a golden duck against Oman, highlighting a rough patch in his T20I career.

In a thrilling Asia Cup 2025 encounter, Shaheen Shah Afridi's explosive late hitting evoked memories of Shahid Afridi, rescuing Pakistan from a batting collapse against India. His unbeaten 33 off 16 balls, including four towering sixes, lifted Pakistan to 127/9 after India's bowlers had dominated. Shaheen's unexpected batting heroics added a spark to the high-stakes rivalry.

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.

Team India, fresh off a dominant win against UAE in their Asia Cup 2025 opener, is keenly observing Afghanistan, a formidable T20 opponent. Key players like Sanju Samson and Hardik Pandya were seen analyzing Afghanistan's net practice, focusing on their explosive batting and diverse bowling attack.

Shivam Dube, previously sidelined as a bowler due to the IPL's Impact Player rule, is now being utilized as a genuine bowling option for India under the new coaching regime. He showcased his improved skills against UAE, taking 3 for 4, his best international figures.

The IPL's 'all-rounder killer' rule has clipped his bowling wings, but with backing from the Indian team management, Shivam Dube is finding room to work on his secondary skill. In the Asia Cup opener against the UAE, Dube took three wickets in an encouraging two-over spell in Dubai.

Shivam Dube dismissed comparisons with Hardik Pandya, emphasizing his respect and learning from the star all-rounder. In the Asia Cup opener, India chose Dube over Arshdeep Singh, a strategic move that bolstered the batting lineup.

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.

Jasprit Bumrah's return for India's Asia Cup opener against the UAE has sparked debate over workload management, following his absence from recent England Tests. Ajay Jadeja questioned deploying Bumrah in a low-pressure game, while Irfan Pathan advocated for his consistent availability throughout the series. India faces a balancing act in ensuring Bumrah's sharpness for major tournaments without risking early burnout.

India gears up for the T20 Asia Cup, aiming for their second title after their 2016 victory. Arshdeep Singh, with 99 T20I wickets, eyes a milestone as the team prepares to face UAE in their opener. The squad, led by Surya Kumar Yadav, includes key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya.

India embarks on a new T20I chapter at the Asia Cup, transitioning after the departure of key veterans. Suryakumar Yadav leads a talented squad, aiming to maintain dominance and fine-tune strategies for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The tournament, featuring intense rivalries and rising stars, is hosted in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with conditions favoring slower bowlers.

Hardik Pandya grabbed attention at the Asia Cup training by wearing a Richard Mille RM 27-04 watch, estimated at Rs 20 crore. This rare timepiece, one of only 50 made in collaboration with Rafael Nadal, overshadows the tournament's prize money. Team India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will begin their campaign on September 10.

Arshdeep Singh is on the cusp of becoming the first Indian bowler to claim 100 T20I wickets at the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai. India's campaign starts on September 10 against the UAE, followed by a high-stakes match against Pakistan on September 14. The squad includes Surya Kumar Yadav as captain and Shubman Gill as vice-captain.

India's Asia Cup 2025 preparations are in full swing as the BCCI and ACC revealed the team's official jersey through a dynamic video. Featuring captain Suryakumar Yadav and key players, the video emphasises the team's determination to defend their title.