Abbas Afridi leads Pakistan’s young guns to Hong Kong Sixes 2025 as fans eye redemption after two runner-up finishes.

Abbas Afridi Leads Pakistan Squad to Hong Kong Sixes 2025

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India delivered a complete performance under lights at the HPCA Stadium, overpowering South Africa by 7 wickets in the 3rd T20I to take a 2&ndash;1 lead in the five-match series. The result reflected India&rsquo;s control across both innings, shaped by incisive bowling and a fearless opening stand that removed any doubt early in the chase.

<h2>Seam, Swing, and South Africa&rsquo;s Early Trouble</h2>

India&rsquo;s decision to bowl first proved decisive on a pitch that offered movement and carry from the opening over. Arshdeep Singh struck with discipline and intent, drawing false shots with late swing and tight lines. Harshit Rana complemented him by hitting the deck hard and forcing batters into rushed decisions.

South Africa never found stability during the powerplay. Early wickets pushed them into recovery mode before the innings had settled. Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav tightened the screws through the middle overs, cutting off scoring options and forcing South Africa into low-percentage shots.

<h2>Markram Fights Alone as Collapse Deepens</h2>

Aiden Markram showed composure and clarity while wickets fell relentlessly around him. He paced his innings with intelligence, rotated strike when boundaries dried up, and punished errors with authority. His 61 from 46 balls carried South Africa through moments that otherwise threatened complete collapse.

Donovan Ferreira provided some resistance, yet partnerships never developed long enough to shift momentum. India&rsquo;s bowlers attacked relentlessly, refusing to release pressure at any stage. The final phase proved decisive as South Africa lost their last six wickets for minimal returns, folding for 117 exactly at the end of their twentieth over.

<h2>India&rsquo;s Bowling Unit Delivers Collective Impact</h2>

India&rsquo;s bowling success rested on balance rather than brilliance from any single individual. Arshdeep Singh finished with 2 for 13, setting the tone early and closing overs cleanly. Harshit Rana claimed two crucial wickets despite conceding runs during aggressive spells.

Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav operated with control and variation, each picking up two wickets while conceding very little. Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube chipped in effectively, maintaining pressure through disciplined lengths rather than raw pace.

Pandya reached a landmark moment during the innings, becoming the first fast-bowling all-rounder in men&rsquo;s T20I history to complete 1,000 runs and 100 wickets. The achievement came quietly, fitting a performance built on collective execution rather than individual spotlight.

<h2>Explosive Opening Stand Ends the Contest Early</h2>

India&rsquo;s chase began with intent and clarity. Abhishek Sharma attacked from the outset, trusting his instincts and exploiting the field restrictions. His 35 from 18 balls set the tempo and forced South Africa into defensive placements far earlier than planned.

Shubman Gill played the perfect counterbalance, anchoring the innings with patience and clean timing. The pair added 60 runs at speed, draining belief from the South African camp before the halfway mark of the chase.

By the time Abhishek departed, the equation no longer offered South Africa a realistic hope. Gill continued calmly until his dismissal, ensuring the required rate never climbed into dangerous territory.

<h2>Tilak and Dube Finish Without Drama</h2>

Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube handled the closing stages with assurance and composure. Tilak&rsquo;s unbeaten 26 reflected maturity beyond his years, built on clean placement rather than force. Dube supported him comfortably, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries when offered.

India crossed the line in the 16th over, finishing at 120 for three with 25 balls remaining. The ease of the chase highlighted the gap between the sides on the night.

<h2>A Statement Win Before the Series Climax</h2>

The victory carried significance beyond the margin. India adapted better to conditions, read the surface accurately, and executed plans with clarity. South Africa struggled to respond once early pressure exposed their fragile middle order.

With the series now tilted in India&rsquo;s favor, attention shifts to Lucknow, where the 4th T20I will test South Africa&rsquo;s ability to rebound quickly. India, meanwhile, carries momentum, balance, and confidence into the remaining fixtures.

Dharamshala witnessed a performance shaped by discipline, intent, and control. India did not chase the spectacular. They simply played smarter cricket, and the scoreboard told the story clearly.

India outplayed South Africa by seven wickets in the third T20I at Dharamshala, taking a 2–1 series lead after a complete bowling and batting display.

India Take 2–1 Lead With Dominant Win in Dharamshala

South Africa&rsquo;s innings showed some disappointment to the fans, finishing at 117 all out in 20 overs in the 3rd T20I.&nbsp;

Aiden Markram fought a lone battle, scoring the innings with a fighting 61 off 48 balls. He rotated the strike well and punished anything loose, but wickets fell at the other end. No other batsman matched the same intent; however, Donovan Ferreira somehow managed 20 runs. The last six wickets tumbled for a handful of runs, leaving the total far below par. To be honest, the disappointment among South African fans is clear, and it seems that they already know what the result is gonna come.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Indian bowlers look comfortable and calm as they have restricted the opponents to a low score. SA has scored above 200 in the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/sa-won-by-51-runs-in-2nd-t20i-against-india/2646-5-0">2nd T20I</a>, and this score seems an easy target for the Indian strong batting side.&nbsp;

Harshit Rana&rsquo;s incisive bowling removed top-order threats before they could settle as he took 2 crucial wickets. Arshdeep Singh maintained relentless pressure with his pace, swinging the ball late and forcing edges, and took 2 wickets for just 14 runs.&nbsp;

Hardik Pandya made his mark not just with wickets but with history. The all-rounder became the first fast-bowling T20I player to achieve 100 wickets and 1,000 runs. His clever variations and disciplined lengths stifled any momentum South Africa tried to generate, setting up a platform for India&rsquo;s spinners.

Kuldeep Yadav finished the job, claiming the final wickets with his slow left-arm spin. He ended with two wickets and ensured that South Africa never threatened to recover. The combination of pace, swing, and spin left the visitors rattled.

South Africa crumbled for 117 in the 3rd T20I despite a lone fighting fifty from Aiden Markram.

South Africa Collapses Against India in the 3rd T20I

India Under-19 posted 240 in 46.1 overs and bowled Pakistan Under-19 out for 150 in 41.2 overs to claim a convincing 90-run victory in the rain-reduced 49-over encounter. The match swung in India&rsquo;s favor through steady partnerships and a perfect bowling display in the end.

<h2>Mhatre Sparks Early Momentum</h2>

Pakistan Under-19 won the toss and chose to field on a pitch with patches of moisture from earlier rain. Indian Captain Ayush Mhatre hit boundaries and quick singles to reach 38 off just 25 balls.&nbsp;

After his dismissal, Indian middle-order batters struggled to form lasting partnerships. But, Aaron George anchored the innings with a composed 85 off 88 balls, in which he hit 12 fours and a six.

Kanishk Chouhan arrived in the final overs and changed the tempo, striking 46 runs off 46 balls. His boundaries lifted India to 240, giving the bowlers a target they could defend.&nbsp;

Mohammad Sayyam and Abdul Subhan had their moments, each taking three wickets, but India&rsquo;s late surge left Pakistan Under-19 with a formidable total to chase. Pakistan&rsquo;s Early&nbsp;

<h2>Wickets End Hope</h2>

Chasing 241, Pakistan Under-19 never got going as openers Usman Khan (16) and Sameer Minhas (9) fell cheaply, leaving the team 30 for 4.

Huzaifa Ahsan resisted with a fighting 70 off 83 balls, hitting nine boundaries and two sixes. He rotated the strike and punished anything loose, but wickets kept falling at the other end.&nbsp;

By the 41st over, the innings had folded for 150. The chase had slipped away after Pakistan Under-19 lost control early, and Ahsan&rsquo;s valiant effort remained a lone bright spot.

Kanishk Chouhan picked up three wickets for 33 runs, breaking key partnerships in the middle overs. Deepesh Devendran took 3 for 16 and created constant pressure on Pakistan&rsquo;s batters.

Chouhan earned Player of the Match honors for his all-round contribution.

India Under-19 posted 240 and bowled Pakistan Under-19 out for 150 to claim a 90-run victory in a rain-reduced 49-over clash, with standout performances from Mhatre, George, and Chouhan.

India Under-19 Win by 90 Runs in Rain-Shortened Encounter

The competition in the Sydney Thunder team is tough, and David Warner is well aware of this fact. He is looking forward to this challenge as an opportunity to bat in the middle order, so that a correct balance in the batting order can be maintained. He is looking at everything with an open mindset to give Thunders a best chance in this year&rsquo;s Big Bash League.

The Sydney Thunder team management is currently discussing the option of adding a potent left-handed batter to the middle order. Unfortunately, they do not have many options, as the majority of their middle-order players are right-handed batters.

David Warner is therefore looking forward to batting in the middle order to help maintain a balance in the team. He is open to considering all kinds of suggestions, as discussions to solve the puzzle are currently underway.

&quot;That&#39;s more for a match-up and strategic point of view. We don&#39;t have that left-hander in the middle [order] that we&#39;ve been looking for. It&#39;s a conversation we&#39;re having at the moment.&quot; said David Warner while talking to the reporters.

Speaking about young Sam Konstas, who recently scored a century in Sheffield Shield cricket, Warner said that he is performing well at the moment, making his case strong in front of the national selectors. He advised Konstas to stay focused on scoring runs, as it will give him a best chance to make a comeback to the side.

&quot;The best form of currency is runs and he&#39;s doing that at the moment. When you do get thrown in the limelight, it can be a deer in the headlights. You can get overwhelmed and sucked into the hype around everything. But he has great support around him that will keep him level-headed.&quot; said David Warner.

He then said that Konstas should back his natural game without listening to too much outside noise. He also urged the team to help Konstas find his natural game, as he could become a great asset for them.

&quot;You just have to allow him to keep playing his natural game. He had his taste of Test cricket last year, he probably got a lot of advice, as you do as a youngster. But as a youngster you have to try to take on board what you think is required for you.&rdquo; said David Warner.

He added that Konstas should stick to his game by backing his core skills. He believes Konstas is a special talent who should be protected by the team by showcasing faith in him.

&quot;You have to stick true to what you believe in and how you go about your game. He might have changed things. For us, it&#39;s about protecting him and making sure he&#39;s enjoying the game.&quot; added David Warner.

<h2>Staying Determined to Claim the BBL Title</h2>

Warner then spoke about the Thunder&rsquo;s campaign in last year&rsquo;s BBL. He said the team reached the final after winning several close games, which was not a fully satisfactory performance. He is now looking forward to improved performances this year by playing proactive cricket from the start.

&quot;The way we played, we didn&#39;t expect to make the final. We were very scrappy, we won a lot of close games. We didn&#39;t play a complete game ... there [which] was a bit of a surprise - but it wasn&#39;t a surprise in terms of the way we&#39;re passionate about our team.&quot; said David Warner.

Talking about the Thunder&rsquo;s first game against the Hobart Hurricanes on Tuesday, Warner said the team should play with the same bold attitude without dwelling on last year&rsquo;s final result. He wants the Thunder to win the match convincingly to send a strong statement to the other teams for the rest of the tournament.

&quot;I want the guys to look at it as making a statement to the rest of the BBL. Each season, what&#39;s important is that we rock up with the same attitude and ... what can we do better?&quot; concluded David Warner.

After losing last year&rsquo;s final, Sydney Thunder is confident to win this year&rsquo;s tournament by delivering a better performance. It would be interesting to see how they will start their campaign this Tuesday against Hurricanes, as they are also entering the tournament with full force to defend their title.

David Warner is ready to bat in the middle order for Sydney Thunder. He is looking forward to take on the challenge to maintain a balance in the batting order.

Warner Ready to Bat in Middle Order to Boost Sydney Thunder

India won the toss and chose to field first on a clear evening at Dharamsala, with dew expected to influence the later stages of the match. The Himachal pitch looked good for batting, but India&rsquo;s new-ball options were tasked with testing the South African top order early.

The hosts made two enforced changes: Axar Patel was ruled out due to illness, while Jasprit Bumrah returned home for personal reasons. Harshit Rana and Kuldeep Yadav were drafted in. South Africa made three changes in their playing XI, including Tristan Stubbs, who replaced David Miller; Corbin Bosch was selected in place of George Linde; and Anrich Nortje replaced Lutho Sipamla.&nbsp;

Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill opened for India, with Suryakumar Yadav leading the side from three. Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, and Shivam Dube occupied the middle order, while the bowling was led by Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy, supplemented by Kuldeep and Rana.

India&rsquo;s selection changes meant testing South Africa&rsquo;s batting against a reconfigured attack, while the visitors&rsquo; multiple adjustments suggested an intent to consolidate before conditions eased later in the evening.

The early overs promised a contest between India&rsquo;s new-ball pair and South Africa&rsquo;s openers, with tactical decisions likely to shape the innings. The session was set to reveal how the visitors would navigate the Dharamsala conditions and whether India&rsquo;s restructured bowling unit could make early inroads before the ball became easier to handle.

India won the toss and elected to bowl first in the 3rd T20I against South Africa at Dharamsala. Both teams made key changes ahead of a dew-affected evening encounter.

India Opt to Bowl First Against South Africa in 3rd T20I at Dharamsala

Usman Khawaja is confident to feature in the Adelaide test after regaining full fitness. The decision to include him in the final XI now rests with the team management, who are currently facing a tough selection dilemma. The left-handed opener is fully aware of this fact, which is why he has said that the final call is out of his hands.

Khawaja missed the second test at Brisbane after sustaining a back injury. In his absence, Travis Head opened the batting, giving Australia a blazing fast start in both innings. The selectors are therefore confused whether they should stick with the same Playing XI or include <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/khawaja-ruled-out-gabba-test-back-spasms-australia-selection-update/2516-5-0">Usman Khawaja</a> again in the squad.

While speaking to reporters about the situation, Khawaja said that he is hopeful of featuring in the next Test. He added that the decision to finalize the playing XI is not in his hands, and that the management will make the final call.

&quot;Obviously hope to play. I don&#39;t really know. Obviously, it&#39;s not my decision. The older I&#39;ve got, the more comfortable I&#39;ve got with things that I can control and things that I haven&#39;t.&rdquo; said Usman Khawaja while talking to the reporters.

&ldquo;I feel really good in terms of I&#39;m ready to go. The rest of it is not in my control. So, yeah, we&#39;ll see what happens.&rdquo; added Usman Khawaja.

He then talked about his fitness, saying that he is fully fit to play in the next Test against England at Adelaide. He further elaborated on his training schedule over the past week, during which he worked hard to regain his rhythm for the upcoming match.

&quot;I&#39;m feeling 100%. So unless something else [happens], but I felt 100% before Perth, too. It&#39;s just one of those things. I&#39;ve done everything. That&#39;s why I was training all last week. I was just doing rehab, which sucks because when you get injured, you have to do more, right.&rdquo; said Usman Khawaja.

He acknowledged that his body had been a bit overloaded over the past few weeks, which caused him to suffer a back spasm during the Perth test. However, the injury concern has now subsided, and he is feeling fit again.

&quot;I&#39;ve had a fair bit of load, but it&#39;s obviously what I wanted to just get as much as possible and I&#39;m running at 100% again and again. So everything&#39;s feeling pretty good again.&quot; said Usman Khawaja.

The left-handed batter then explained his different modes of batting. He explained how his skills can accommodate different situations that require a particular type of batting style. By backing those skills, he is confident to play at any position for Australia in the upcoming match.

&quot;I&#39;ve got gears when I want them. You&#39;ve got to find a way to be consistent for a long period of time, not just over a game or two. So I&#39;ve always been conscious of that. I can go out there and play more shots and I think I&#39;ve been scoring pretty [quickly]. So sometimes the game and the situation dictates that [and] the wickets dictate that. I think I just play the game, what&#39;s in front of me.&rdquo; said Usman Khawaja.

<h2>Strong Ability to Handle Spin Effectively</h2>

He further elaborated on his ability to play spin effectively during the middle overs. With that in mind, Khawaja believes he can bat comfortably at the number four or five position, where batters are often required to handle spin skillfully.

&quot;Normally people that open aren&#39;t as attuned to No. 5 as opening because they&#39;re not as good playing spin. But I&#39;ve proven I&#39;m one of the best players to spin in Australia. So, that&#39;s never been the issue. So I can bat anywhere.&quot; said Usman Khawaja.

Talking about the retirement plans, Khawaja said that he could have retired from international cricket two years ago. However, his services are still valued by the team, so he is hanging around to give his best for the Australia team as long as they need him.

&quot;I could have retired two years ago. I could have retired at any time. But I&#39;m still valued by the team. I&#39;m still asked to be here, to play. So I&#39;m here.&rdquo; said Usman Khawaja.

&quot;I&#39;m always mindful of the future, too. I always have been. I&#39;m not here to hang around. I&#39;m just here to enjoy my cricket. As long as I&#39;m valued, I&#39;m here. I&#39;m doing my job. And I&#39;ve done quite well over the last few years.&quot; concluded Usman Khawaja.

Usman Khawaja is looking forward to returning in the Adelaide test, as he has regained full fitness. He said the selection decision is not in his hands and team management will make the final call.

Khawaja Confident for Adelaide Comeback After Regaining Fitness

Melbourne Renegades General Manager James Rosengarten has said that fans are eagerly waiting to see Mohammad Rizwan in Renegades colors. His arrival in the team has raised expectations among supporters, which is why everyone is waiting to see him in action.

It should be noted that <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/mohammad-rizwan-marks-100th-odi-with-match-winning-knock/2309-5-0">Mohammad Rizwan</a> is set to feature in the BBL for the first time, so cricket fans across Australia are looking forward to his performances in the upcoming edition of the tournament.

Speaking to the media, Melbourne Renegades General Manager James Rosengarten said that the arrival of Pakistan&rsquo;s stars in the BBL has taken the league&rsquo;s profile to another level. The upcoming edition has therefore become very exciting, as fans want to see these global superstars in action for their favorite BBL teams.

&ldquo;The Big Bash League is just days away, and the inclusion of Pakistan&rsquo;s superstar players has truly taken the tournament to another level,&rdquo; said Melbourne Renegades General Manager James Rosengarten.

&ldquo;For the first time, players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf will represent different teams, and that has created huge anticipation.&rdquo; added James Rosengarten.

He then spoke about the anticipation among Melbourne fans, saying that excitement has grown since news of Mohammad Rizwan joining the Melbourne Renegades emerged in the media. This is largely because Australian fans have never seen Rizwan feature in the BBL before. As a result, his appearance in Renegades colors in the upcoming edition has created a buzz in Melbourne.

&ldquo;In Australia, and especially in Melbourne, Pakistani fans are eagerly waiting for the Big Bash League. The fan clubs are ready, everyone is waiting to see when Mohammad Rizwan will step onto the field.&rdquo; said James Rosengarten.

Speaking about the importance of Mohammad Rizwan, James Rosengarten said that he forms the core of the Renegades&rsquo; batting lineup and is therefore a vital part of the team.

&ldquo;The combination of Mohammad Rizwan and Tim Seifert is very important for our team,&rdquo; said Mohammad Rizwan.

He then highlighted the importance of another young Pakistani cricketer, Hasan Khan, in BBL 15. He said the youngster will be closely watched by many fans who are looking forward to his performances.

&ldquo;Along with that, young Pakistani cricketer Hasan Khan will also be a major point of interest this season.&rdquo; said James Rosengarten.

<h2>Melbourne Renegades Ready to Compete Against Top Pakistan Players</h2>

The upcoming BBL15 will also feature other Pakistan superstars, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and more others. James Rosengarten acknowledged that these players will elevate the competition of the league, so Melbourne Renegades are certainly ready to compete against them in the upcoming matches.

&ldquo;Babar Azam will be playing for Sydney Sixers, but we will step onto the field fully prepared. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf will bring serious pace, but our batters will be ready to compete.&rdquo; said James Rosengarten.

When asked whether he could sign one more player from Pakistan if given the opportunity, Rosengarten said that he would love to draft Saim Ayub into the team.

&ldquo;If I had the opportunity to draft one more Pakistani player, I would definitely choose Saim Ayub,&rdquo; said James Rosengarten.

He then thanked Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi for allowing Pakistan players to participate in the league. He said the decision to issue NOCs to all the participating players is encouraging, showcasing the trusted relationship between PCB and Cricket Australia.

&ldquo;I want to thank PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The decision to issue No Objection Certificates (NOC) to so many Pakistani superstars is very encouraging. The cricketing relationship between Pakistan and Australia is becoming stronger with each passing day.&rdquo; concluded James Rosengarten.

Melbourne Renegades General Manager James Rosengarten expressed excitement about the arrival of Mohammad Rizwan, saying that his performances are eagerly awaited by fans.

Rizwan Set to Thrill Renegades Fans, Says GM James Rosengarten

Dubai Capitals produced a composed all-round performance to defeat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by nine runs in a high-intensity <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/international-league-t20-2025-26/23">International League T20</a> 2025-26 contest, turning early setbacks into decisive momentum. A near-century from Shayan Jahangir and disciplined bowling at the back end shaped a result that stayed alive until the final overs.

<h2>Jahangir Anchors Capitals Recovery After Early Damage</h2>

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders started sharply after winning the toss and choosing to field, striking twice inside the opening overs. Dubai Capitals slipped to 4 for 2, facing immediate pressure against a lively new-ball spell that exposed early nerves.

Shayan Jahangir responded with calm authority and clear intent, refusing to retreat into damage-control mode. He rotated strike early, punished width without risk, and rebuilt the innings with a partnership that restored belief inside the Capitals camp. Jahangir controlled the tempo through the middle overs, ensuring the run rate never stalled despite the early collapse.

His innings gathered pace after the halfway mark, where timing replaced brute force. Boundaries arrived through placement rather than desperation, keeping the Knight Riders fielders chasing rather than dictating. Jahangir fell agonizingly short of a deserved hundred, dismissed for 99 off 54 balls, but his work had already reshaped the match.

Support from the middle order ensured the momentum stayed intact. Late acceleration lifted Dubai Capitals to a formidable 196 for 5, a total that reflected recovery, clarity, and controlled aggression across all phases.

<h2>Knight Riders Stumble Early as Pressure Builds Quickly</h2>

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders never found an early rhythm in response. Dubai Capitals attacked with intent, striking regularly and forcing the chase into constant recalculation. The scoreboard pressure showed immediately, with the Knight Riders slipping to 73 for 4 and losing shape during the critical middle overs.

Boundaries came sporadically, while singles demanded risk against tight lines and sharp fielding. The required rate climbed steadily, removing any margin for error and turning every over into a must-win exchange.

Andre Russell attempted to wrestle momentum back through power and presence. His 53 off 33 balls carried hope, lifting the crowd and briefly tilting the balance. Russell targeted straight boundaries and punished missed lengths, forcing Capitals bowlers to adjust under stress.

<h2>Capitals Bowlers Close the Door at the Death</h2>

Dubai Capitals&#39; bowlers held lengths, varied pace intelligently, and protected boundaries with precision. Each over reduced options for the Knight Riders, who needed sustained acceleration but never secured it.

Wickets at crucial moments halted partnerships before they settled. Yorkers landed when required, slower balls disrupted timing, and fielders backed the plan with clean execution. Russell&rsquo;s dismissal removed the final major threat, swinging control decisively back toward the Capitals.

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders finished on 187 for 8, falling short despite late resistance. The 9-run margin reflected discipline rather than dominance, rewarding the side that managed pressure better across all twenty overs.

<h2>Capitals Gain Momentum as Knight Riders Reflect</h2>

Dubai Capitals earned this victory through composure, adaptability, and clarity of roles. Jahangir&rsquo;s innings provided foundation and belief, while the bowling unit delivered under sustained pressure. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders showed fight but paid heavily for early losses and missed moments.

In a tournament defined by fine margins, Dubai Capitals walked away with momentum, confidence, and a performance built on smart cricket rather than spectacle alone.

Shayan Jahangir’s 99 and disciplined bowling helped Dubai Capitals secure a nine-run victory over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in a tense ILT20 match.

Dubai Capitals Beat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 9 Runs in ILT20 Thriller

Two contrasting Under-19 contests shaped an eventful day in the youth tournament as Bangladesh Under-19 pulled off a tense chase against Afghanistan, while Sri Lanka Under-19 opened their campaign with a ruthless win over Nepal. One match demanded composure under pressure, while the other ended almost before it began.

<h2>Bangladesh U19 Edge Afghanistan in High-Scoring Thriller</h2>

Bangladesh Under-19 showed composure and depth to chase down a demanding target against Afghanistan Under-19, winning by three wickets in a high-scoring Group B encounter.

Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat, backing their batters on a good surface. Their decision paid off through disciplined accumulation rather than reckless hitting. Afghanistan&#39;s top-order was also stunning today, where batsmen rotated strike well and posted a strong 283 for 7 from their 50 overs.

Bangladesh seemed to face early pressure at the start of the chase as Afghanistan&rsquo;s bowlers kept the things tight for them throughout the innings. But, Bagadeshi batters managed to get the things right, however, wickets fell at regular intervals, refusing to let Bangladesh settle completely.

The defending champions responded with calm partnerships through the middle overs. Their batters didn&#39;t panic at all, and picked their boundary options wisely.

With the match drifting towards the final overs, Bangladesh held their nerve better. The lower middle-order also kept the things right for the team, rotated strike smartly, and avoided risky strokes. The winning runs came with seven balls remaining as Bangladesh reached 284 for 7 in 48.5 overs.

The result delivered a crucial early boost for Bangladesh in a group that promises tight finishes and little margin for error.

<h2>Sri Lanka U19 Run Through Nepal in One-Sided Contest</h2>

Sri Lanka Under-19 sent a clear warning to the rest of the competition with a crushing eight-wicket victory over Nepal Under-19 in their opening match.

In this match, Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl, a decision that proved right, making the chase an easy one for them. Nepal struggled right from the start of the match, where Sri Lankan bowlers&#39; sharp swing added constant pressure for them.&nbsp;

Spinner Sethmika Seneviratne led the demolition with a superb five-wicket haul. His pace and swing didn&#39;t allow batters forward to play free hand throughout the innings as his figures of 5 for 25 broke the backbone of Nepal&rsquo;s innings.

Nepal never recovered after losing early wickets and eventually collapsed for 82 all out in just 28.5 overs. This low total reflected Sri Lanka&rsquo;s control and at the same time, Nepal&rsquo;s disappointment while facing Sri Lankan bowlers.&nbsp;

The chase lasted barely over fourteen overs, where Sri Lanka batted with restraint, avoided unnecessary risks, and closed the match without drama. They reached 84 for 2 in only 14.5 overs, sealing victory with 211 balls to spare.

<h2>A Day of Contrast Sets the Tone</h2>

The two matches offered a sharp contrast in styles and outcomes. Bangladesh relied on patience and temperament under pressure, while Sri Lanka flexed authority through discipline and execution.

Both results provided the early narrative of the tournament, where Bangladesh showed they can absorb pressure, and Sri Lanka made it clear that they can overwhelm opponents quickly.

Bangladesh U19 edged Afghanistan U19 by three wickets in a tense chase, while Sri Lanka U19 crushed Nepal by eight wickets on an action-packed matchday.

Bangladesh U19 Win Thriller as Sri Lanka U19 Dominate Nepal

The curtain came down on the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/35th-national-games-2025/244/1">35th National Games</a> on Saturday as Pakistan Army stamped its authority on the biggest domestic sporting event in the country. Karachi hosted the Games from December 6 to December 13, marking Sindh&rsquo;s return as host after an 18-year gap and delivering a week of intense, competitive sport across multiple venues.

Pakistan Army finished on top of the medal table by a wide margin, lifting the overall championship trophy and reaffirming its dominance in national multi-sport events. WAPDA secured second place with consistent performances across disciplines, while Pakistan Navy completed the podium with a strong third-place finish.

<h2>Army Set the Benchmark Across Disciplines</h2>

Pakistan <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/national-games-2025-army-expand-medal-lead/2645-5-0">Army</a> controlled the Games from the opening days and never allowed rivals to close the gap. Their athletes collected close to 200 gold medals and crossed an overall tally of more than 350 medals. The depth of talent, preparation, and institutional backing showed clearly across nearly every sport on the schedule.

Army athletes dominated boxing, rowing, shooting, women&rsquo;s football, and softball, often sweeping podium finishes. Their consistency across individual and team events ensured that the title race ended early, long before the final medals were decided.

Jehanara Nabi delivered one of the standout individual performances of the Games. The Olympian swimmer claimed eight gold medals and thrilled spectators with her control, speed, and composure across multiple races. Her haul reflected both elite preparation and long-term athlete development within the Army system.

<h2>WAPDA and Navy Hold Their Ground</h2>

WAPDA finished second with approximately 85 gold medals and more than 230 medals overall. Their athletes performed strongly in athletics, swimming, and combat sports, often pushing Army competitors deep into finals. WAPDA relied on balance rather than dominance, and that approach kept them clear of the chasing pack.

Pakistan Navy secured third place with an estimated 110 medals. Navy teams showed strength in aquatic sports and team events, while several young athletes used the Games as a breakthrough platform. Their finish reinforced Navy&rsquo;s steady rise in domestic competition over recent years.

<h2>Punjab Lead Provincial Challenge</h2>

Among provincial teams, Punjab emerged as the strongest unit and finished high on the overall standings. Punjab athletes delivered medals across athletics, wrestling, and weightlifting, continuing the province&rsquo;s tradition of producing competitive all-round performers.

<a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/35th-national-games-begin-in-karachi-with-11000-athletes-and-officials/2571-5-0">Host</a> Sindh enjoyed key moments during the Games, including winning the first gold medal in women&rsquo;s netball. Home crowds backed local athletes throughout the week, especially during team events and evening finals.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan showed improvement in selected disciplines but lacked depth across the full program. Their athletes competed with energy and intent, though medal counts reflected resource gaps when compared with departmental teams.

<h2>Smaller Units Fight With Spirit</h2>

Teams such as Railways, Police, Islamabad, Gilgit Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir finished lower on the table but competed with clear commitment. Several athletes from these regions reached finals and semifinals, gaining valuable exposure against elite opponents.

Officials and coaches acknowledged the effort from smaller units, while also highlighting the need for better facilities, coaching access, and competition pathways at grassroots levels.

<h2>Games End With Bigger Questions Ahead</h2>

The 35th National Games delivered scale, competition, and moments of excellence, yet they also exposed the widening gap between departmental teams and provincial setups. Pakistan Army&rsquo;s dominance reflected planning and investment rather than short-term form.

As the Games conclude, attention now shifts toward athlete development, funding balance, and sustained competition structures. Pakistan&rsquo;s sporting future demands consistency, opportunity, and long-term vision beyond medal tables.

The National Games closed with celebration, pride, and reflection, leaving behind champions, emerging talent, and a clear roadmap for what comes next.

Pakistan Army finished on top as the 35th National Games concluded in Karachi, with WAPDA second and Navy third after a week of intense competition.

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