Dinesh Karthik has joined Sharjah Warriorz for the DP World ILT20 season.

The former India batsman-wicketkeeper was introduced as a replacement one day prior to the first player auction for the ILT20.

Dinesh Karthik, a former India batsman and wicketkeeper, has joined Sharjah Warriorz for the forthcoming ILT20 season in the United Arab Emirates. Prior to the league’s first player auction on October 1. Warriorz announced Karthik as a replacement for Sri Lankan batsman and wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis.

While serving as a batting coach and consultant for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Karthik, 40 will rejoin with the big-hitting Tim David with whom he won the 2025 Indian Premier League at Warriorz.

Karthik released a statement saying, “I am thrilled to be joining the Sharjah Warriorz team for the DP World ILT20 tournament.” I’m glad to be here, and I know they’re a young team hoping to accomplish some unique things. One of those famous venue. Where one usually desires to play is Sharjah. Being a part of the Sharjah Warriorz franchise is an absolute dream come true.

Dinesh Karthik

JP Duminy, the head coach of the Warriorz, welcomed Karthik onto the team. When it comes to T20 cricket, Dinesh Karthik is among the most seasoned players and has a really creative mind. I’m happy to have him on our side, Duminy added. He has demonstrated his batting prowess to the entire world, and his explosive style, lively demeanor, and wealth of knowledge will undoubtedly help the younger players throughout the competition. I’m excited to collaborate with him in-depth.

Karthik will be playing in franchise cricket for the fourth time outside of the IPL. He previously played for the Paarl Royals in the 2025 SA20, the Southern Superstars in the 2024 Legends League, and the Bangla Tigers in the 2024 Abu Dhabi T10. In June 2024, Karthik retired from Indian and international cricket to venture into the world franchise circuit.

Karthik has many years of T20 experience; in 412 games thus far. He has scored 7537 runs with a strike rate of 136.66 and an average of 27.01. He participated in the IPL for six clubs. Including the top-seeded Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He was also one of the IPL’s fittest players, missing just two games in 17 seasons.

In the upcoming ILT20 season, Karthik might play either with or against his old teammate from Tamil Nadu and India, R Ashwin. Ashwin, the only player with a base price in six figures, has the highest base price going into the ILT20 auction. Piyush Chawla, a former legspinner for India. is also on the shortlist for the auction, with a starting price of $40,000.

Mendis has pulled out, as has all-rounder Dasun Shanaka. Who was previously kept by the reigning champions Dubai Capitals, as the LPL 2025 clashes with the ILT20.

Chris Woakes Announces Retirement from International Cricket 🏏

England all-rounder Chris Woakes has officially announced his retirement from international cricket. Bringing the curtains down on a remarkable career that spanned over a decade.

Chris Woakes, known for his swing bowling and reliable lower-order batting, represented England across all three formats and played a pivotal role in some of the team’s most memorable victories. A World Cup winner in 2019, he was often regarded as one of England’s most dependable all-rounders. Delivering consistently with both bat and ball.

During his career, Woakes claimed crucial wickets with the new ball. Excelled in English conditions, and provided depth to the batting order with several match-saving contributions. His calm presence in pressure situations earned him respect from teammates and fans alike.

Reflecting on his decision, Woakes expressed gratitude towards the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB). His teammates, family, and supporters for standing by him throughout his journey. While stepping away from the international stage. He is expected to continue playing in domestic cricket and franchise leagues around the world.

🏆 Career Highlights

2019 ICC Cricket World Cup Winner – Woakes played a crucial role in England’s historic triumph, particularly in the semi-final against Australia. Where he dismantled the top order with the new ball.

Ashes Performances – His ability to trouble Australian batters in English conditions made him one of the go-to bowlers in Ashes contests.

All-Round Contributions – Beyond his bowling, Woakes often chipped in with handy runs down the order, including a Test century against India at Lord’s.

Hampshire Face Up to Relegation Nightmare After Surrey Defeat

Hampshire now find themselves staring at the real possibility of relegation from Division One of the County Championship following a gutting loss to Surrey.

Collapse in Chase Leaves Them Teetering

In their second innings, chasing 181, Hampshire imploded from 61 for 0 to being all out for 160 — a collapse that sealed their 20-run defeat. On debut for Surrey, leg-spinner Rahul Chahar wreaked havoc, picking up 7 for 45 to rip through the Hampshire lineup.  That spell has left Hampshire’s survival hopes hanging by a thread.

Relegation Scenarios & Dependencies

Hampshire’s fate is now not entirely in their hands. If they lose and Durham avoid defeat to Yorkshire, Hampshire will be relegated.  A draw in the Durham vs Yorkshire match might be enough to condemn Hampshire, depending on the points tally. The bad light that halted play with Hampshire still 33 runs short and one wicket in hand adds another cruel twist to their plight.

Broader Troubles & Penalties

This season has already been tough for Hampshire. Earlier on, they were docked eight points following a pitch rating violation in a match vs Sussex, compounding their troubles in the relegation battle. Moreover, in the past fortnight, the club have lost multiple finals in other competitions. Adding to the sense that things have not gone their way.

Asia Cup 2025: Super Four, India vs Sri Lanka Match Prediction

India vs Sri Lanka: The sixth game of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours stage will pit India (IND) against Sri Lanka (SL) on Friday, September 26 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.

The sixth game of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours stage will pit India against Sri Lanka on Friday, September 26 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. India has already advanced to the final and Sri Lanka has been eliminated. Hence the match is a dead rubber.

India defeated Bangladesh by a commanding 41 runs to make it two wins in two Super Fours games and guarantee their place in the summit match. Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Axar Patel’s bowling performances. Together with Abhishek Sharma’s 75 off 37 balls. Made sure the Men in Blue kept their winning streak going. Suryakumar Yadav’s side is currently four points ahead and has a good net run rate. Before the title game. They might use this match to refine their combinations.

Sri Lanka, on the other side, had a poor campaign, losing close matches against Pakistan and Bangladesh. They have officially been eliminated from the competition after two games with zero points.

India vs Sri Lanka Match Details:

Match: India vs Sri Lanka, Super Four, Match 18, Asia Cup 2025

Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium

Date & Time: Friday, September 26, 8 PM (IST)

Live Broadcast and Streaming: Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV, FanCode & YuppTV

Pitch Report:

The current continental championship has seen recent matches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium that have been hitter-friendly. It has been difficult for hitters to score runs in the middle overs. However, they have found it easier to play freely during the death overs and powerplay. It is anticipated that the pitch will be more helpful to the pursuing teams. Poor bowlers and inconsistent bowlers have been punished, and the upcoming match is anticipated to follow suit.

IND vs SL Head-to-Head Record:

Matches Played: 32

IND Won: 21

SL Won: 09

No Result: 01

Tied: 01

India vs Sri Lanka Predicted Playing 11:

India:

Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson(w), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakaravarthy

Sri Lanka:

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka(c), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, and Nuwan Thushara

đź”® Match Prediction

India enter this contest as strong favorites, having already secured a place in the finals with consistent performances across departments. Sri Lanka, struggling for form and already out of contention. Will play for pride. With superior batting depth and bowling variety. India are likely to win this match comfortably.

👉 Prediction: India to win by 5–7 wickets or 20–30 runs.

Pakistan vs Bangladesh Prediction, Match 5, Super Four, Asia Cup 2025

Pakistan vs Bangladesh Match Preview:

Pakistan vs Bangladesh: Pakistan will play Bangladesh in the fifth game of the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four Round at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, September 25. This match will determine which side advances to the final. Against Bangladesh, Pakistan has won 20 of 25 Twenty20 International matches. One of Bangladesh’s five victories occurred in the 2016 Asia Cup.

In their last game against Sri Lanka, Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl. Sri Lanka scored 133 runs while losing eight wickets. In four overs, Shaheen Afridi took three wickets for 28 runs while dominating with the ball. Prior to Farhan’s loss in the sixth over, Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan combined for 45 runs for the first wicket. For just 12 runs, Pakistan lost the next three wickets. Pakistan crossed the finish line with five wickets remaining thanks to a 58-run partnership between Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz.

In their last match against India, Bangladesh chose to bowl after winning the toss. India lost six wickets while scoring 168 runs overall. The best bowler was Rishad Hossain, who claimed two wickets for 27 runs in three overs. Bangladesh lost the match by 41 runs after being bowled out for 127 runs in 19.3 overs. With 69 runs off 51 deliveries, Saif Hassan was the team’s top scorer. The only other batter to score in double figures was him.

Match Prediction:

In the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match in Dubai, Pakistan and Bangladesh face off against one another. Both teams need to win this game to seal their place in the final because they have been inconsistent thus far. We predict a close match, although when comparing the two teams, Pakistan looks to have a slight advantage.

PAK vs BAN Super Four, Match 5 Match Details:

Match: Pakistan vs Bangladesh Super Four, Match 5

Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Date: 25 September 2025

Time: 8:00 PM (IST)

Live Streaming: Sony LIV.

Pitch Report:

Recent games in the ongoing continental competition have been played in a batter-friendly atmosphere at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Batters have found it easier to play freely during the powerplay and the death overs, but scoring in the final overs has been difficult. The teams pursuing here should find the pitch more helpful. Inconsistent bowlers or those who produce bad balls have been disciplined, and the upcoming match is predicted to follow suit.

Pakistan vs Bangladesh Head-to-Head Record:

Matches Played: 25

PAK Won: 20

BAN Won: 05

PAK vs BAN Predicted Playing 11

Pakistan:

Salman Agha(c), Mohammad Haris(w), Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed

Bangladesh:

Jaker Ali(w/c), Mohammad Saifuddin, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nasum Ahmed, and Mustafizur Rahman

IND vs BAN Match Prediction, who will win today Super Four match 4?

The fourth game of the Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours stage will pit India (IND) vs Bangladesh (BAN) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, September 24. Both teams have won the Super Fours opening match, and the Indians are currently leading the pack.

India beat Pakistan by six wickets to take the lead in the Super Four points standings. The Men in Blue defeated their closest rivals for the second time in the competition thanks to a scorching knock from Abhishek Sharma. To guarantee their spot in the championship game, the team captained by Suryakumar Yadav will try to win another game. It is interesting that in this Asia Cup edition, the Indians have won four of their games.

In the meantime, Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka to begin their Super Four campaign. Building on this momentum, they aim to defeat India and increase their chances of making it to the championship game. The Bangla Tigers would have a much better chance of winning the final match, which is scheduled to take place at the same location less than a week later, if they defeated the Men in Blue.

IND vs BAN Match Details:

Match: India vs Bangladesh (IND vs BAN)

League: Asia Cup 2025

Date: Wednesday, 24th September 2025

Time: 08:00 PM (IST) – 02:30 PM (GMT)

Match Prediction:

India beat Pakistan by six wickets to take the lead in the Super 4 points rankings. For the second time in the tournament, Team India knocked out their closest rivals thanks to an outstanding performance by Abhishek Sharma. To guarantee a spot in the final, the Suryakumar Yadav-led squad will be hoping to win another game. It’s important to remember that India has won four of the four Asia Cup games that have been played thus far.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, overcame Sri Lanka to start their Super 4 campaign. They will try to keep up this momentum by defeating India in order to increase their chances of making it to the final. The Bangladesh Tigers’ prospects of making it to the final, which will take place on the same field less than a week later, would be greatly increased with a victory over India.

IND vs BAN win percentage stands at 88% in favor of IND.

Today’s Match Prediction: India to Win.

Head to Head:

BAN vs IND Head-to-Head Records: In 17 Twenty20 matches, India and Bangladesh have met each other. India has won 16 of these 17 games, while Bangladesh has only won one.

Team: Match Win

IND: 16 Won

BAN: 1 Won

IND vs BAN Pitch Report:

Both batters and bowlers have the same chance to use the pitch at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Fast bowlers are expected to take advantage of the new ball in the first part of the game because they have a lot of swing. Conversely, the even surface makes it difficult for spinners to obtain a firm hold. On this track, though, batters will have the advantage for the most of the game after the first few overs. At this site, the team that wins the coin toss could want to choose to bowl first.

Weather Report:

There will be clear conditions during the match in Dubai, AE. On the day of the match, temperatures are predicted to be around 24°C with 59% humidity and winds of 22.5 km/h. Also, there is 10 KM of visibility. The chance of rain during the game is 79%.

IND vs BAN Predicted Playing 11

India:

Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakravarthy

Bangladesh:

Litton Das (c & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Mustafizur Rahman

Asia Cup 2025: Super Fours, PAK vs SL Match Prediction

PAK vs SL: In the 15th match of the 2025 Asia Cup, Pakistan (PAK) will play Sri Lanka (SL) on Tuesday, September 23 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Pakistan, coached by Salman Ali Agha, would be down in confidence following their second Asia Cup defeat to bitter rivals India. Their Super Fours debut matchup was this one. Tuesday’s victory would help the Men in Green get their campaign back on track.

After losing to Bangladesh in their first Super-Four match, Sri Lanka is in a precarious position. They failed to defend a target of 169 runs and lost by four wickets. Sri Lanka had won all three of their group stage games before to the match against Bangladesh. The Lankan Lions might be eliminated from the tournament after another loss.

PAK vs SL Match Details:

Match: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka (PAK vs SL)

League: Asia Cup 2025

Date: Tuesday, 23rd September 2025

Time: 08:00 PM (IST) – 02:30 PM (GMT)

Pitch Report:

Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium has played host to seven of the 2025 Asia Cup’s matches thus far. Approximately 165 is the average score in the first inning. Batting first has helped teams win four of the seven games. On Tuesday, bowlers are anticipated to have the advantage. For the teams, holding onto wickets through the middle overs may prove beneficial.

PAK vs SL Head-to-Head Record:

Matches Played : 23

Won by Pakistan: 13

Won by Sri Lanka: 10

PAK vs SL Match Prediction & Analysis:

As we watch competition games in the Super Fours, the Asia Cup 2025 is getting more competitive. For both Pakistan and Sri Lanka, their third Super Four match will be very important. Sri Lanka got a loss against the Bangladeshis, and Pakistan lost the most recent match against the Indians. Both teams will give it their all in order to win because it is a game they must win.

Pakistan has a strong history here, having won their last six meetings. It contains the three matches they have played against the Sri Lankans. The team will have an advantage due to their strong batting order. It would be intriguing to see if the Sri Lankans can break the curse and win this match because they have had trouble in Abu Dhabi in the past.

Predicted Playing XIs

Pakistan (PAK):

Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (C), Hasan Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed.

Sri Lanka (SL):

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (C), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, and Nuwan Thushara.

R. Ashwin will participate in the ILT20 and BBL.

R Ashwin no longer has to choose between the UAE and Australia. As a replacement to having to decide between the ILT20 and the Big Bash League (BBL), it looks like to be a double dose, or twin assignments. Due to difficulties with scheduling at the end of the year. The experienced spinner would have been forced to choose between the two. But it is quite likely that he will play in both.

One of the best spinners in India has signed up for the ILT20 auction and will probably play in the BBL in Australia as well. Numerous teams have made offers to him, including Tim Paine’s Adelaide Strikers, Ricky Ponting’s Hobart Hurricanes, and both the Sydney teams (Sixers and Thunder). Naturally, he will have to select one of them.

R. Ashwin 

Players who are still participating in Indian tournaments under the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are not permitted to participate in foreign leagues. But Ashwin, who declared his retirement from the IPL in August, is taking full use of this opportunity. He has finally signed up for the October 1 auction. After a lengthy period of negotiations with the ILT20 organizers. He is anticipated to formally sign with one of the four teams listed above. But he has also been in discussions with a few BBL teams.

Managing the schedule of the back-to-back events will be extremely difficult because some of the tournaments’ fixtures may conflict. While the BBL begins on December 14 and ends on January 25, the ILT20 takes place from December 2 to January 4. Currently, Ashwin will begin with the ILT20 before traveling to Australia for the BBL. Where he will have restricted availability this year.

Since all six teams have finished their direct signings, there was no direct admission into the ILT20 this year. “I signed up to participate in the auction. Ashwin confirmed his participation in the auction. Which is taking place for the first time in the UAE league’s four seasons. Saying, “Hopefully, one of the six franchises will be interested in bidding for me.”

Though there are hints that something may be decided in a few days. Ashwin remained silent over the BBL developments.

Regarding other international leagues, Ashwin is probably going to play in The Hundred in the UK or Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA. Of all, there is still time to finish those tournament procedures.

Asia Cup 2025: Match 12, India vs Oman Match Prediction

India vs Oman: India and Oman square off in Asia Cup 2025 match No. 12 on Friday, September 19, at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

The first team to advance to the 2025 Asia Cup Super-Four stage was India. They defeated the UAE by nine wickets to begin their campaign. In their next match, the Men in Blue beat their bitter rivals, Pakistan, by seven wickets. Going into this match, Suryakumar Yadav and company are overwhelming favorites. For this unimportant match, they may rest a few of their players. Jasprit Bumrah might be replaced by Arshdeep Singh in a match.

Oman wasn’t playing hard in the first two games. They were defeated by 93 runs against Pakistan. Jatinder Singh and his team were eliminated from the tournament after losing by 42 runs in their next encounter against the United Arab Emirates. Oman wants to play well against a dominant Indian team in order to close up their season.

India vs Oman Match Details:

Match: India vs Oman, Match 12, Asia Cup 2025

Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Date & Time: Friday, September 19, 8:00 PM (IST)

Live Broadcast and Streaming: Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV

Sheikh Zayed Stadium Pitch Report:

The average first-inning score in the first five 2025 Asia Cup games at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi is about 160. In three of the five games, the club that bats first has won. At this location, winning the toss and starting with the batsman could be a smart move.

India vs Oman Head to Head:

There has never been a T20I match between India and Oman.

IND vs OMN Predicted Playing XIs

India (IND):

Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (WK), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah/Arshdeep Singh, and Varun Chakaravarthy.

Oman (OMN):

Jatinder Singh (C), Aamir Kaleem, Hammad Mirza, Wasim Ali, Shah Faisal, Aryan Bisht, Vinayak Shukla (WK), Jiten Ramanandi, Hassnain Shah, Shakeel Ahmed, and Samay Shrivastava.

IND vs OMA: Who Will Win?

The overwhelming favorite to win this match is India. They should easily win this game because they are a far more powerful team than Oman in every area of the game.

Place your money on India winning.

IND vs OMA win percentage stands at 97% in favor of IND.

Today’s Match Prediction: India to Win.

Asia Cup 2025: Match 11, Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Match Prediction

Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan: SL and AFG square off in Asia Cup 2025 match No. 11 on Thursday, September 18, at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Sri Lanka defeated Hong Kong by four wickets after winning Bangladesh by a stunning six wickets to begin the campaign. Afghanistan is currently in a difficult situation after winning one game and losing another. They need to win this game in order to go to the Super Four; if they lose, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will advance to the next round.

Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Match Details:

Match: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Match 11, Asia Cup 2025

Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Date & Time: Thursday, September 18, 8:00 PM (IST)

Live Broadcast and Streaming: Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV

Sheikh Zayed Stadium Pitch Report:

Abu Dhabi has so far rewarded brave batsmen in the Asia Cup, but the pitches have also been helpful to bowlers. Temperatures are expected to rise. At this location, the first-inning average has been around 135, and the side that wins the toss will choose to bowl first.

SL vs AFG Head to Head

Matches Played : 08

Won by Sri Lanka: 05

Won by Afghanistan: 03

Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Match Prediction – Asia Cup 2025

Sri Lanka and Afghanistan face off in a high-stakes Group B clash of the Asia Cup 2025. Both sides have shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency will be the key in this encounter.

Sri Lanka enter as the more balanced team, with experienced batters like Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka, along with match-winning all-rounders and a strong spin attack led by Wanindu Hasaranga. Their batting depth and bowling variety give them an edge in pressure games.

Afghanistan, on the other hand, rely heavily on their spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi to stifle Sri Lanka’s batters. Their openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran will be crucial in setting up a competitive total.

On paper, Sri Lanka look slightly stronger due to their experience in big tournaments. However, Afghanistan’s fearless style of play and world-class spinners make them capable of pulling off an upset.

👉 Prediction:

  • Favorites: Sri Lanka 🟡
  • Dark Horses: Afghanistan 🔵
  • Expected Result: Sri Lanka to win, but Afghanistan’s spinners could make it a thriller.

SL vs AFG Predicted Playing XIs

Sri Lanka (SL):

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka(c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, and Nuwan Thushara

Afghanistan (AFG):

Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan(c), Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, and Fazalhaq Farooqi