Cricket

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka LIVE Updates: India-Pakistan Final Looms in ACC Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia CupThe stage is set for a potential India vs Pakistan final in the ACC Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup on Sunday. However, both teams must first overcome their respective semi-final opponents, Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan, on Saturday.Pakistan Shaheens, the defending champions, will face Sri Lanka A in the first semi-final at the Al-Amerat Ground in Oman. The two teams have met twice in the tournament so far, with Pakistan winning both encounters.Sri Lanka A, led by Charith Asalanka, will be looking to avenge those defeats and reach their first final in the competition. They have been in impressive form throughout the tournament, winning four of their five matches.Pakistan Shaheens, captained by Mohammad Haris, will be confident of continuing their winning streak. They have a well-balanced team with a strong batting lineup and a potent bowling attack.The second semi-final will see India A take on Afghanistan. India A, led by Yash Dhull, have been the most dominant team in the tournament, winning all five of their matches. They will be the favorites to reach the final.Afghanistan, led by Noor Ahmad, will be hoping to cause an upset. They have shown glimpses of their potential in the tournament, but they will need to play their best cricket to beat India A.The winner of the two semi-finals will meet in the final on Sunday. A repeat of last year's final, when Pakistan beat India to win the Emerging Asia Cup title, is a possibility.

India's Emerging Team continued their impressive run in the Emerging Teams Asia Cup, securing a dominant seven-wicket victory over UAE in Al Amerat, Oman. This triumph marks their second consecutive win in the tournament, following their narrow seven-run victory over Pakistan in the opener.Opener Abhishek Sharma played a pivotal role in India's success, smashing a scintillating half-century in just 24 deliveries. His blistering knock included five fours and four sixes, setting the tone for India's chase. Skipper Tilak Varma also contributed with a steady 21 off 18 balls.UAE, opting to bat first, struggled to gain momentum against India's formidable bowling attack. Seamer Rasikh Salam emerged as the star performer, claiming three wickets in his opening over. Ramandeep Singh also chipped in with two strikes, as India bundled out UAE for a meager 107 in 16.5 overs.UAE skipper Basil Hameed and Rahul Chopra provided some resistance with a 41-run partnership, but Abhishek's brilliance broke the alliance. Chopra's valiant 50 off 50 balls proved to be a lone bright spot for UAE.With a target of 108, India's chase was a mere formality. Ayush Badoni sealed the victory with a six and a four, completing the chase with 55 balls remaining.India's dominance in the tournament is evident, as they currently top Group B with four points. They will face hosts Oman in their final group game on Wednesday, aiming to maintain their winning streak and secure a place in the semifinals.

Pakistan A captain Mohammad Haris has revealed a surprising directive within his team for the Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup: a ban on discussing India in the dressing room. This unprecedented measure aims to alleviate the intense pressure that often accompanies matches against their arch-rivals.Haris, who has represented Pakistan in both ODIs and T20Is, explained the rationale behind the ban. "We don't have to think (only) about India, we have to think about other teams as well," he said. "It creates so much pressure that mentally you are thinking about India, India. We have to face other teams as well."The 23-year-old captain believes that focusing solely on India can be detrimental to the team's performance. "So this team is currently banned (from talking about India). We have not talked about India so far in the dressing room. Not just India, we have to respect other teams as well."Pakistan A will face India A in their tournament opener on October 19. The other teams in their group are UAE and Oman. India will be led by middle-order batsman Tilak Varma, who has already played for the senior team in both ODIs and T20Is. Opener Abhishek Sharma will serve as Varma's deputy.Haris's revelation has sparked a range of reactions on social media. Some have praised the decision as a wise move that will help the team focus on their other opponents. Others have questioned the necessity of such a ban, arguing that it could create an unnecessary sense of mystery and tension.Regardless of the differing opinions, the ban on discussing India in the Pakistan A dressing room is a clear indication of the intense rivalry between the two nations. It remains to be seen whether this strategy will prove successful in helping Pakistan A achieve their goals in the tournament.

Tilak Varma, a rising star in Indian cricket, has been appointed as the captain of India A for the upcoming Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, scheduled to commence in Oman on October 18. Varma, who has already made his mark in international cricket with four ODI and 16 T20I appearances, will lead a squad that boasts a blend of experience and youthful exuberance.Joining Varma in the leadership group are Abhishek Sharma and Rahul Chahar, both of whom have represented India at the international level. The batting contingent is bolstered by players who have showcased their talent in the Indian Premier League (IPL), including Ayush Badoni, Ramandeep Singh, Prabhsimran Singh, Nehal Wadhera, and Anuj Rawat.The bowling attack is equally impressive, featuring R Sai Kishore, Hrithik Shokeen, Rasikh Salam, Vaibhav Arora, and Aaqib Khan. All-rounders Nishant Sindhu, a member of India's victorious Under-19 World Cup squad in 2022, and Anshul Kamboj, who impressed in the recent Duleep Trophy, add depth to the team.India A will kick off their campaign against Pakistan A on October 19. Oman and UAE are the other two teams in their group. This tournament marks a departure from previous editions, which were played in the 50-over format. India emerged victorious in the inaugural edition in 2013, while Pakistan has claimed the title in the last two tournaments.The Emerging Teams Asia Cup provides a valuable platform for young and emerging players to showcase their skills and gain experience at the international level. India A will be eager to make a strong impression under the leadership of Tilak Varma and challenge for the title.