The Bharatiya Janata Party government in West Bengal on Wednesday made it mandatory for persons to obtain a certificate before slaughtering animals such as buffaloes, cows and bulls. The administration barred public slaughter of the animals and said officials carrying out inspections to enforce the
The United Arab Emirates said on Thursday (May 14, 2026) it "denies reports" that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited the country, after Mr. Netanyahu's office said he had met with the UAE President during the war with Iran. Mr. Netanyahu's office said on Wednesday (May 13
Lucknow, May 14 (PTI) Still in the hunt for a playoff berth despite an erratic campaign, Chennai Super Kings will look to continue their recent resilient run when they take on the already-eliminated Lucknow Super Giants in an IPL match here on Friday.Lucknow
For the past few years, millets have enjoyed a remarkable glow-up. Once considered humble staples in many Indian homes, grains like bajra, jowar and ragi are now being marketed as modern superfoods—pitched as the answer to everything from weight loss and diabetes to better digestion and heart
Iran could be only weeks away from producing weapons-grade uranium, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright warned lawmakers, raising fresh concerns over Tehran’s nuclear programme amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee
India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final: 5 Key Battles To Watch Out For
India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final: Rivalry, Politics and Heat - 5 Key Battles That Will Decide The Clash
While Saim Ayub has had a tough Asia Cup as a batter, his bowling has been valuable to Pakistan, with crucial wickets taken in the powerplay.
In a historic first, arch-rivals India and Pakistan are set to clash in the ACC Men's Asia Cup 2025 final after 41 years of tournament's history. India enters the decider unbeaten, while Pakistan has lost twice, both times to the Men in Blue during this tournament. The buildup to this marquee match has been intense, fueled by events since their initial meeting on September 14.
These Five Battles Can Decide The Game
Abhishek Sharma vs Shaheen Afridi
One of the crucial contests to watch will be between India opener Abhishek Sharma and Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi. Abhishek has been in blazing form, hitting boundaries off Shaheen's first balls in both previous encounters in this Asia Cup edition. Statistically, Abhishek leads in their direct confrontations, amassing 31 runs off 14 balls at a strike rate above 220. Sharma is currently the tournament's highest run-scorer, while Afridi ranks third among wicket takers. The outcome of this opening battle could be pivotal for both teams. Abhishek is the highest run scorer of this tournament and Shaheen has looked wanting against him. Shaheen is known for rattling stumps of openers ; he did it with Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul during Pakistan's 2021 T20 WC Win.
Add Zee News as a Preferred Source
ALSO READ - 7 Pakistan Cricketers Who Posted Anti-India Remarks During Operation Sindoor; Two Are In Asia Cup 2025 Squad
Suryakumar Yadav vs Haris Rauf
Pakistani pacer Haris Rauf got the upper hand against Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav in their Super 4 encounter. Despite Surya's underwhelming form in the tournament, his role batting at number three will be critical in the final. Rauf delivered a brilliant performance against Bangladesh, taking three key wickets to help secure a low-scoring victory. Though their head-to-head T20I stats are limited (Surya has scored 11 runs off 10 balls with an average of 3.7), Rauf has dominated. If Yadav can overcome Rauf's challenge, he could help push India to a stronger position in this high-pressure contest .
Fakhar Zaman vs Jasprit Bumrah
This battle between Pakistan's best batter Fakhar Zaman and India's premier bowler Jasprit Bumrah promises fireworks. Bumrah has never dismissed Zaman in international cricket, but their overall head-to-head across formats includes Zaman scoring 41 runs off 64 balls at a strike rate of about 69. Bumrah, after a rare expensive outing conceding 45 runs against Pakistan, bounced back with a superb 2/18 performance against Bangladesh. This duel is expected to be among the most critical in the final . 2017 Champions Trophy final memories is still fresh in each cricket fan's mind.
Varun Chakravarthy vs Sahibzada Farhan
Pakistani opener Sahibzada Farhan impressed with a fifty in the previous game against India. His performance through the middle overs will be tested against India's mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy. Although Chakravarthy went wicketless in the Super 4 match versus Pakistan, he was highly effective in controlling the run rate, conceding just 25 runs. Pakistan's batters struggled to decode his bowling, making this matchup vital for India's bowling strategy in the final .
Shubman Gill vs Saim Ayub
While Saim Ayub has had a tough Asia Cup as a batter, his bowling has been valuable to Pakistan, with crucial wickets taken in the powerplay. Indian vice-captain Shubman Gill fell victim to Ayub's away turner in the league stage but reversed the fortunes in the Super 4 game, intensifying their head-to-head battle. Gill's record against off-spinners in T20 cricket is mixed: he scores at a strike rate of 152 but averages only 16 and has been dismissed five times in 14 innings against this bowling style. In this Asia Cup, he scored 31 off 17 balls against Ayub at a strike rate of 177.8. The early powerplay contest between these two could be a critical factor in deciding the match . The tournament has gone average considering Gill's standards.
Team News
Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma experienced cramps and missed parts of India's chase against Sri Lanka but are expected to be available for the final. Jasprit Bumrah and Shivam Dube, rested in the last game, are set to return, with Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana making way. Pakistan, looking to accelerate through the middle overs, considered recalling Hasan Nawaz after his three-game absence but are likely to rely on the combination that succeeded during the Super Four stage.
Predicted Indian XI: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.
Predicted Pakistan XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Agha (capt), Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
Source: ZeeNews
Related Posts: Saim, Farhan Star As Pakistan Seal 2-1 Series Win Against West Indies South African Spinner Subrayen Receives All-Clear From ICC to Resume Bowling CSK’s bowling woes deepen as Gavaskar flags early-season warning signs Battle for spin bowling supremacy on cards as England take on Lanka in Super 8s Jasprit Bumrah Spotted Bowling At Vijay Hazare Trophy Nets As T20 World Cup Varun Chakravarthy extends lead at top of ICC T20I bowling rankings South Africa Spinner Reported For Suspect Bowling Action After Record Win Over Australia 2/10' - how England's bowling unravelled in Sydney Bowling groups have to be detailed in IPL because of how powerful batting units are SRH bowling unit is not as weak as you think
Moving on from his controversial past, England call back pacer and call him 'world class'During the India tour in 2024, the fast bowler ran his mouth on a podcast, and on the field of play performed terribly. Updated on: May 14, 2026 10:49 AM IST Written by Prateek Srivastava Share via Copy link
6 hours ago
India on Wednesday banned exports of raw, white and refined sugar with immediate effect until September 30, as the government moved to contain domestic prices and protect supplies amid uncertainty linked to the war in West Asia, Reuters reported
6 hours ago
Heavy security at AIADMK headquarters in Chennai following internal splitThe party is currently facing a significant internal rift, with one faction led by its general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and a dissident group. Updated on: May 14
6 hours ago
Sugar stocks traded lower on Thursday after the Centre banned sugar exports with immediate effect till September 30, 2026, in a move aimed at ensuring adequate domestic availability and controlling prices. Following the announcement, shares of major sugar companies came under pressure and traded
6 hours ago
Had there been morality, NEET paper would not have leaked: Rajasthan GovernorHad there been morality, NEET paper would not have leaked: Rajasthan Governor Published on: May 14, 2026 12:45 AM IST PTI Share via Copy link Kota, If there had been any morality, the NEET paper would not have leaked
6 hours ago
The central government has banned sugar exports with immediate effect till September 30, 2026, or until further orders, in a move aimed at safeguarding domestic supplies and ensuring food security amid concerns over production and availability
6 hours ago
As US President Donald Trump touches down in Beijing, Iran expresses hope that Xi Jinping will push for a solution to the Hormuz crisis. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Dr Kazem Gharibabadi, told CNN-News18 during a media interaction that since China too was suffering because of the Hormuz naval
6 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Was your cabin suitcase stopped at the boarding gate again? Here’s how to avoid getting gate checked at the airportKeep your cabin suitcase with you by packing smarter using a
6 hours ago
As global health authorities continue to monitor the situation, the hantavirus outbreak linked to the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius has escalated, with nine confirmed cases reported so far and more expected in the coming weeks. Around 150 passengers and crew members have now begun returning
6 hours ago
An Indian woman travelling through Southeast Asia has shared her frustrating experience of allegedly being stopped from boarding a flight to Cambodia despite carrying valid documents and proof of funds. In an Instagram video, the traveller claimed she was asked to show hundreds of dollars in cash
6 hours ago
ChudTheBuilder update: What charges is streamer facing after shooting? Attempted murder, aggravated assault and moreChudTheBuilder, whose real name is Dalton Eatherly, has been charged in connection to a shooting outside a Tennessee courthouse. Published on: May 14
6 hours ago
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America faces a significant risk from soaring temperatures. Scientists warn that many matches could be played in dangerous heat conditions, potentially impacting player welfare and performance. Some games may even require postponement
6 hours ago
Kannada actor-producer Dileep Raj’s sudden death left everyone shocked and numb. Raj passed away in the wee hours of Wednesday due to a cardiac arrest. As the nation mourns the actor’s death, a new report has revealed some shocking details. If a report by Udayavani is to be believed
6 hours ago
Haryana Board HBSE 10th Class Result 2026 Date, Time, Direct Link at bseh.org.in Live Updates: The Board of School Education Haryana (BSEH) is all set to announce the HBSE Class 10 Result 2026 today, May 14. It will be released at noon. Once out
6 hours ago
A South Carolina court has overturned the 2023 murder convictions of Alex Murdaugh, a disgraced lawyer who was convicted of killing his wife and son. The state's supreme court on Wednesday ordered a new trial for Murdaugh over the June 2021 killings
6 hours ago
On a new TV tech turf, Xiaomi S Mini LED TV 75 makes a strong case for dominanceFor a TV with flagship aspirations taking the battle to Samsung and others, Xiaomi’s hardware foundation is overlaid with attentive image processing Published on: May 14
6 hours ago
Gurgaon man worked as Uber driver to pay rent and EMIs after being fired suddenlyThe Gurgaon man shared that the aftermath of being fired from the company where he had worked diligently and loyally was brutal. Published on: May 14, 2026 10:17 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link "Loyalty
6 hours ago
A woman who fought breast cancer comes back stronger and shares her story in a powerful reel. As one scrolls down @sriorcoimbatore page on Instagram, another reel pops up. It offers a simple advice on maintaining a healthy weight with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables
6 hours ago
Absence of minister affecting General Education Dept functioning: CPI(M) leader SivankuttyAbsence of minister affecting General Education Dept functioning: CPI(M) leader Sivankutty Published on: May 14, 2026 9:05 AM IST PTI Share via Copy link Thiruvananthapuram
6 hours ago
In a thrilling encounter, Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr team clinched a 1-1 draw against rivals Al-Hilal thanks to a last-minute own goal. With the Saudi Pro League title hanging in the balance, Al-Nassr remains in the lead by a five-point margin
6 hours ago
Oklahoma man to be executed for killing ex-girlfriend, her 7-month-old daughterRaymond Johnson, 52, was scheduled to receive a lethal injection at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary. Updated on: May 14, 2026 10:59 AM IST AP Share via Copy link An Oklahoma man convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend and
6 hours ago
Senior Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan lauded the party's High Command for its transparent selection process for Kerala's next Chief Minister. He stated Rahul Gandhi was directly involved. Radhakrishnan expressed happiness with the democratic procedure
6 hours ago
LinkedIn Layoffs: The cuts are part of an internal reorganisation aimed at focusing resources on areas of stronger business growth, rather than a response to AI replacing roles. Microsoft-owned professional networking platform LinkedIn is preparing to reduce its workforce by around 5% as part of a
6 hours ago
Nahan (HP), May 14 (PTI) A suspect has been taken into custody after a woman’s partially burnt body was found in a forest near a police battalion camp in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmour district, police said. The body of the woman, who is stated to be in her late 30s
6 hours ago
Marathi signboards within a month or 'Shiv Sena-style' action: Mumbai deputy mayor to shops, hotelsThe Mumbai deputy mayor warned of a ‘Shiv Sena-style’ action if establishments fail to install prominently visible Marathi signboards. Updated on: May 14
6 hours ago
P. Krishnakumar, who guided Jammu and Kashmir to a historic maiden Ranji Trophy triumph this year as the side’s bowling coach, is also in line to be the third fast bowling coach. Former India pacers VRV Singh and Lakshmipathy Balaji will reportedly join the Board of Control for Cricket in
6 hours ago
Gold, Silver Rate Today May 14: Check 18, 22, 24 carat Gold prices in Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata Gold, Silver Rate Today, May 14: Gold prices continue to witness fluctuation amid the ongoing US war against Iran, causing uncertainty across the world markets. Earlier on Wednesday
6 hours ago
