The craze for Babar Azam was clearly visible at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Spectators in the gallery were eagerly waiting to see him bat as soon as possible. When Shan Masood, Pakistan's Test team captain, lost his wicket unexpectedly, it was celebrated loudly by the crowd as Babar was the man to bat next. 

On the turning pitch of Gaddafi Stadium, the home team batted with pure confidence on Day 1 of the first test of the Pakistan vs South Africa 2-match Test series. After the early dismissal of Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq and Masood drove the innings nicely. Even on Day 1, spinners were getting a lot of turns from the crease, so batting was not easy enough. Patiently, they built a 161-run partnership together. 

But the crowd perhaps did not have that amount of patience. A part of the crowd came to see the match live from the ground only for Babar Azam. They showed their support for the batter through posters while Masood, the captain of team Pakistan, was batting. The scene was new for former South Africa international Shaun Pollock. During the commentary work, he said on air, "I can't believe that they (crowd) want the captain of Pakistan to get out just to see Babar Azam at the crease."

Read More: IND-W vs AUS-W ICC Women's World Cup 2025: India vs Australia Toss Update and Playing XIs

Pakistan's own fans cheering for captain's wicket

You won't see this any where.

He earned that with so many performances ♥️pic.twitter.com/SadhdkS11F

— Hassan Abbasian (@HassanAbbasian) October 12, 2025

The crowd cheered the moment when Prenelan Subrayen took Masood's wicket. The experienced batter took a review, but that did not work in favor of him, and he had to make way for the next batsman, Babar Azam. Masood departed after a well-made 76 off 147 deliveries with nine boundaries and one six. 

For Babar Azam, it was another disappointing knock. He started well but again could not convert the momentum for a big inning. Babar lost his scalp for only 23 runs against 48 balls. As soon as Babar lost his wicket, a part of the crowd left the gallery.

Could the run-out of Yashasvi Jaiswal be avoided? Did Captain Shubman Gill make a wrong decision by not running between the stumps when his batting partner was on 175 individual runs? 

These kinds of questions are roaming around the corners of social media platforms after the young opener got run out during the India vs West Indies 2nd Test match in Delhi. Former India cricketer and now cricket expert Sanjay Bangar has analyzed the run-out of Yashasvi Jaiswal. Bangar thinks that the run-out of Jaiswal could be avoided if Gill desired to put in a little bit more effort. 

Jaiswal was batting on 175, only 25 runs away from a well-deserving double hundred. On the second ball of the 92nd over, he decided to snatch a quick single. He pushed the delivery from Jayden Seales on the off side and started to run for one run. Shubman Gill, on the non-striker's end, started to run as well but soon turned back. By the time Jaiswal was down the half line of the pitch. An easy run out for the West Indies. Jaiswal had to return after scoring 175 runs against 258 runs with 22 boundaries. 

Read More: [WATCH] Rohit Sharma loses cool at security guard during net session ahead of Australia ODIs

Sanjay Bangar's straight opinion: Gill's fault

Showing the highlights of the run-out, Sanjay described that Shubman Gill started to run but soon decided to return to his crease. The ball travelled fast to the fielders. Gill perhaps kept one eye on the fielder and another eye on Jaiswal's momentum. Watching the pace of the ball on the ground, Gill stepped back. By then, Jaiswal had already covered a fair amount of the pitch. 

After describing the scenario, the former cricketer opined that as the call was from the striker's end, Gill should have provided Jaiswal more support instead of moving back. "For me, it was a fault from Shubman Gill," Sanjay Bangar said.  

🚨 Sanjay Bangar blamed Gill for Jaiswal's run out on 175 pic.twitter.com/PCrm59HnR0

— ADITYA 🇮🇹 (@Wxtreme10) October 11, 2025

September 20, 1998- birthday of Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan, who made his international debut for his nation at the age of only 17 and became one of the most prolific spinners in international cricket.

Now, he is 26, captain of Afghanistan, and is considered the legend of Afghanistan cricket. He is one of the first few Afghan cricketers who gained the superstar status. He is someone who can produce a huge amount of spin; his ability to generate pace on the air often proved enough to trouble the batters, accompanied by his venomous googly.

Rashid was just 17 when he made his ODI debut on Afghanistan's tour of Zimbabwe in October 2015. Three years later, in 2018, he became the youngest cricketer to top the ODI bowling rankings, the youngest man to captain an international side, and the fastest to 100 ODI wickets. Afghanistan quickly climbed up the international cricket rankings and became a Test-playing nation.

Read More: Devdutt Padikkal scores 150 runs during IND A vs AUS A 1st unofficial Test in Lucknow

In every format, Rashid Khan left his mark

During their first Test victory against Afghanistan, Khan took five second-innings wickets. When they defeated Bangladesh in a Test match, Rashid again played a pivotal role behind the infamous win. He scored a fifty and took a total of 11 wickets to secure the win. As of now, in 6 tests, the ace spinner has 45 wickets in his bag. In One Day International cricket, the spinner claimed 199 scalps in 114 wickets at an economy rate of 4.24.

And in T20 Internationals, the star Afghan cricketer took 173 wickets in 103 matches at an amazing economy rate of 6.12. Because of his exceptional skills, Rashid became a top pick for multiple franchises of various T20 leagues. So far, he has taken part in 12 different T20 leagues across the globe, including the Indian Premier League. 

Southern Brave Women chased down 126 with one over left to win by 8 wickets. Their bowlers first kept Spirit to a low score, and then Laura Wolvaardt’s unbeaten half-century made the chase easy. Spirit struggled for runs and kept losing wickets. Cordelia Griffith fought hard with 44, and Charli Knott hit 36, but no one else could stay long.

Mady Villiers took 3 wickets for Brave and Lauren Bell also bowled well. Brave started strong with Maia Bouchier scoring 43. Laura Wolvaardt stayed till the end with a fine 56 not out, and Sophie Devine added the finishing touches. Only Issy Wong took wickets for Spirit, but Brave never looked in trouble and won easily.

ALSO READ: "Northern Superchargers Ne Oval Invincibles Ko Hila Dala! NortheSuperchargers Ki Zabardast Batting Se Dhamaakedar Jeet"- Fans Celebrating as Northern Superchargers Crushes Oval Invincibles by 16 runs

Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to commence from September 9. India are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, UAE and Hong Kong. India will play against Pakistan on September 14 and as soon as the scheduled was out, Indian fans condemned the move. The uproad came at the back of war that broke out between India and Pakistan in May 2025.

Recently, India Champions who were part part of World Champions League 2025 boycotted from playing against Pakistan and walked out of the league. The move was working welcomed by several fans on twitter. As it stands out, India will be facing Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 and fans have shown apprehensions regarding the fixture.

See Also: “All of the UK has complained….”- Former Indian cricketer shares fun behind the scenes moments of India vs England series

With the growing tensions between the country, the Asia Cup 2025 will be held solely in Dubai. India and Pakistan will take on each other at the Dubai International Stadium on September 14. The current edition of Asia Cup will be held in the T20 format keeping in mind the upcoming T20 World Cup. The T20 World Cup 2026 will be held in India in June and this will be the only second time India will be hosting a World Cup in this format.

𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚'𝐬 𝐛𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞! 🏏 🌏

Presenting the Indian squad for the ACC Men's Asia Cup 2025.

Watch the #ACCMensAsiaCup2025 staring on Sept 9, LIVE on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu), Sony Sports… pic.twitter.com/NnJhAJtw0G

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) August 19, 2025

Here’s how Twitter users reacted: 

How cleverly now the flags for #IndvsPak are of #bcci and #pcb and not the typical country.
people must be smart enough to understand this right?
r i g h t ?#shamelessbcci #patheticindiangovernment https://t.co/MVhsx9oZdJ

— I'm (@greecedawg) August 21, 2025

@mansukhmandviya @narendramodi @AmitShah
Had it been the World Cup we would have understood. What's the majboori for playing Asia Cup?
Nothing with Pakistan. Plain& simple. Is money endorsement more important than our soldiers & country men who died on borders.#BoycottAsiaCup https://t.co/EhDpYOtO5h

— anonymous (@anonymous22412) August 21, 2025

Bottom line is no one cares about Pahalgam terrorist attack by Pakistan.

No Government, politician, Channel, OTT platforms, Cricket Board, Cricketers, Ad agency .

No one.

SHAME ON EVERYONE.

BOYCOTT PAK & ASIA CUP !#BoycottAsiaCup @BCCI@PMOIndia@HMOIndia@narendramodi…

— Bacon🐷 (@Nature0910) August 21, 2025

Hilariously Stupid.
Pakistan and India Haven't played any bilateral series 2012-2013.
The ONLY Question is Why India is playing in Asia Cup 🆚 Pakistan? https://t.co/tB75HU8lCR

— Pakistan Cricket Team USA FC (@DoctorofCricket) August 21, 2025

So Govt. Of India has given clearance to play Asia Cup..Don't blame BCCI now

— Misal (@MisalMum) August 21, 2025

Adverse weather conditions forced BCCI to reschedule their timings for the squad announcements for the Asia Cup 2025 and ICC Women's ODI World Cup. As per the original schedule, the press conference is scheduled to start at 1 PM. Now, according to the latest updates, the press conference is rescheduled to begin at 2 PM, one hour later than the previously announced time. From 2 PM, BCCI will reveal the squad for the Asia Cup 2025.

The media interaction will be conducted by the chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, and T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav. As per reports, Yadav and Agarkar have already reached into the board's Mumbai-based headquarters, but the other officials related to the press conference have yet to arrive at the place. The squad announcement of the Asia Cup 2025 will be accompanied by the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 15-member announcement.

Read More: WATCH: Suryakumar Yadav arrives early for selection meeting despite heavy rain in Mumbai

The Neetu David-led selection committee will unveil the women's squad for the ICC title race. In both of the highly anticipated tournaments, India will start their campaign as one of the favorites to win the trophy. And in both competitions, India is scheduled to face their archrivals, Pakistan. 

🚨 𝗦𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗗 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 🚨

The Road to World Cup begins for #TeamIndia as the Men’s Asia Cup 2025 & ICC Women's World Cup 2025 squads will be announced! 😍

Don't miss the official squad announcement LIVE on TUE, AUG 19, 2 PM 👉 https://t.co/kwwh4UUSWe pic.twitter.com/4bKXQ5fI7Z

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) August 19, 2025

ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, Team India’s schedule:

30 September – India vs Sri Lanka – Bengaluru

5 October – India vs Pakistan – Colombo

9 October – India vs South Africa – Vizag

12 October – India vs Australia – Vizag

19 October – India vs. England – Indore

23 October – India vs. New Zealand – Guwahati

26 October – India vs. Bangladesh – Bengaluru

India's Asia Cup 2025 schedule:

September 10: v UAE, Dubai

September 14: v Pakistan, Dubai

September 19: Oman, Abu Dhabi

An unpredictable incident at The Hundred 2025 tournament. England and Sussex fast bowler Tymal Mills had an intention to use an OnlyFans sticker on his bat. But the governing body did not allow him to use the OnlyFans logo on his bat during a match of the tournament.

The English fast bowler, who is known for his skill in bowling death overs, has recently joined OnlyFans, a social media platform that is often associated with adult content. Recently, multiple personalities from the sports industry joined the platform to connect more with their followers. Mills insists that he is not going to post any exploit content on the social media platform, joining mostly to engage with fans and share details of cricket and lifestyle. 

According to reports published by international media houses, Mills approached the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for permission to use an OnlyFans logo on his bat during The Hundred match. But the cricket governing body quickly turned down his request, as the social media platform does not align with The Hundred’s family-friendly image.

Read More: 'You can’t pick and choose your matches...' - former India skipper slams workload management of Jasprit Bumrah

Why the renowned cricketer joins the social media platform?

Cricket fans are starting to wonder why the pacer joined the platform. Mills claimed that he has a plan to use the platform to uphold insights of cricket and lifestyle content and has no intention to post any kind of adult material. 

"I know exactly what people might think and what they are best known for. But I’ll be putting out content about cricket, and maybe a little bit of lifestyle too... I’m the first cricketer, and they’re trying to break into team sports. It’s ground zero in that regard, and I’m very excited. "I want to be brave," Tymal Mills said. 

Mohammad Azharuddin is actually not pleased about Jasprit Bumrah's workload management issue. The former India skipper said that when someone commits to playing for the country, then they have to be ready to play in any condition. Before the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar trophy, head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced that Bumrah would play in 3 out of 5 matches. Bumrah in reality played in the first, third, and fourth matches of the series and missed out on the series decider fifth match, where Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna bowled well to claim a much-needed win. Azharuddin slammed the Indian team management for not picking up Jasprit Bumrah for crucial matches of the series. 

"If there is an injury issue, then the Board and the player have to decide. However, I feel once you are in the team, you can’t pick and choose your matches. There is a workload, but at this level, you have to manage it. You are playing for the country. It was a different story that Siraj, along with Prasidh (Krishna) and Akash Deep, rose to the occasion, and we were fortunate that we could win without Bumrah, but what happens if India needs Bumrah badly in a particular situation?" The former cricketer raised the question during an interview. 

Bumrah took a couple of five-fors in the series during the first and third tests, where, on both occasions, the brigade in blue left the fields as the losing team. In those three matches against England, the 31-year-old bagged 14 wickets at an average of 26. 

Read More: 'Baby AB in ABD mode' - Fans react as Dewald Brevis becomes youngest South African to score century in T20I

'Siraj is the new superstar'

Azharuddin did not forget to praise Mohammed Siraj for his brilliant match-winning spell at The Oval. The right-arm pacer finished as the highest wicket-taker in the series by taking 23 wickets in five matches at an average of 32.43. For the former India international, Siraj is now a superstar of Indian cricket. 

"That spell at the Oval was incredible. He took on the responsibility admirably in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. He came hard at the England batters and bowled with a lot of intensity. He is clearly the new superstar of Indian sport," he added.

Australia get off to a strong start with both batting and bowling falling in place nicely. Tim David in particular has now started to bat big expanding his effective period in a game and that gives the team a lot more depth to work with.

AUS vs SA Match Details

Date: August 12th, 2025

Time:  2:45 PM IST

Venue: Darwin

AUS vs SA Weather Report

Rain could make an appearance across the game

AUS vs SA Pitch Report

Batting first could be a better choice on wearing surfaces likely in the tournament.

See Also: Shikhar Dhawan confirms unavailability

AUS vs SA Head to Head

AUS vs SA Predicted Playing XI

Australia Playing XI 

Mitchell Owen, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Cooper Connelly/ Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa, Nathan Ellis, Ben Dwarshius

SA Playing XI

Ryan Rickleton, Lhuan de Pretorious, Aiden Markaram, Tristin Stubbs, Rassie van Der Dussen, Dewald Brewis, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, George Linde, Nandre Burger

South Africa vs Australia: Players to Watch

Ryan Rickleton

Ryan Rickleton is making it big with his impactful 30s. He is a key silent starter and his role has been pretty simple but effective in the limited games he has played so far.

Mitchell Owen

Owen may not get to start straightaway but he is one that Australia will be keeping an eye on. He knows how to build an innings and also goes at a brisk pace for certain helping his chances.

Australia vs South Africa Match Tips

South Africa and Australia both look even on paper but home advantage and momentum should keep Australia marginally in front.

Match Prediction: Australia Will Win the Match

AB de Villiers spoke about a big mistake made by the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) during the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025. In a recent podcast, the former batter was asked about some decisions taken by the Delhi team in the past.

"Both. Imagine both Virat and myself there. But I was very happy to move to RCB. What a great city, what great fans. I think I will be involved with them in the future, but I can’t say when. I would love to coach them one day, but I don’t know yet what role they would want me to take or if I’m ready for it. I just want to keep my relationship with them healthy for the rest of my life," he said.

The African legend played for RCB until the 2021 season. He featured in 157 matches for the team, scoring 4,522 runs at an average of 41.10 and a strike rate of 158.33, with two hundreds. Overall, he scored three IPL hundreds, with his first coming for the Delhi Daredevils in 2009.

Also Read -WATCH: Dhruv Jurel's stunning dive catch ends Joe Root's magnificent 105 on Day 4 of ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test

AB de Villiers regrets not winning an IPL title with RCB

RCB reached the IPL final in 2016. They came close to winning but fell short. Despite playing many seasons for the team, AB de Villiers could not win an IPL trophy and regrets it.

"I will always regret that. The 2016 final still hurts because we were so close. I felt we were the better team and should have won. But that’s sport—full of ups and downs and surprises. That’s why fans love it so much," he said.

In the 2016 final, RCB faced SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Bengaluru. SRH batted first and scored 208/7. Virat Kohli (54) and Chris Gayle (76) gave RCB a flying start, adding 114 runs for the first wicket in just 10.3 overs. It looked like RCB would easily chase the target.

However, after Kohli and Gayle got out, the rest of the team collapsed. They ended on 200/7, falling nine runs short of the title. AB de Villiers was the third-highest run-scorer of that season, with 687 runs from 16 matches.

AB de Villiers Shines as South Africa Champions Win WCL 2025

Mr. 360 of cricket rolled back the years with a brilliant performance to lead South Africa Champions to the WCL 2025 title. He was named Player of the Tournament after scoring his third century of the event, an unbeaten knock in the final against Pakistan.