Justin Verlander is one of the oldest players in MLB, but it doesn't seem as if he's ready to call it a career just yet. Now in the midst of his 20th season, Verlander notched his 3,500th strikeout on Sunday, and is on the verge of moving into the ninth all-time in the category. And despite not picking up a win until his 17th start of the year, he's expecting to be back on the mound in 2026.
Speaking with , Verlander acknowledged his desire to continue pitching in 2026.
"I mean, I'd like to," he said. "At this point in my career, if something goes really wrong, I'm not going to rehab a surgery or anything. I always understand that it could be it, but I think physically, I've shown some good health this season. As I've been on the mound, things have started to get better and better. To me, that's a good sign with all the work I put in after my nerve injury last year, which notoriously takes a long time. The ball's rolling in the right direction, and I would like to continue pitching. You never know. It's a fickle game too, but I think the stuff is still there."
It's not something he's shied away from in the past, and 20 starts into his age-42 season, it's clear Verlander believes he has another year left in him, if not more. Of course, he was ready to admit that a significant injury could change those plans, but if he's blessed with a clean bill of health, he sees no reason why he can't contribute so long as he still has the stuff on the mound.
In 2025, Verlander owns a 4.53 ERA with 87 strikeouts in 99 1/3 innings. He signed a one-year, $15 million deal with the Giants in the offseason, so he'll be back in free agency again in the winter, where he'll be hoping at least one team has interest in adding him to the back end of their rotation for what would be his age-43 season.
The Colorado Rockies aren't the most talented team in MLB, but it's the self-inflicted wounds that truly separate this team from the rest of the league's bottom feeders.
A prime example of that could be seen Sunday, late into the Rockies' 5–1 loss to the Orioles at Camden Yards in Baltimore. Jaden Hill was on the mound in the eighth inning with a runner on second base when a pitch got away from him and reached the backstop.
Hill was frustrated with his lack of control and lost focus on the game while catcher Austin Nola corralled the wild pitch. Amid his frustrations, Hill failed to pay attention to Gunnar Henderson who had moved over to third base on the wild pitch, and he didn't notice the Orioles' shortstop break for home plate until it was too late.
Because of Hill's lack of focus and effort, Henderson was able to score from second on the passed ball in what was truly a humbling and embarrassing display from Colorado.
It's moments like those that perfectly sum up what has led the Rockies to a 27-78 record and one of the worst seasons in recent memory.
Everton are now reportedly keeping close tabs on a Premier League gem who’s been compared to Aston Villa’s Jadon Sancho.
Everton ready to pounce in Zirkzee race
Everton’s January transfer window may well centre around Premier League talent. The Toffees already enjoyed great success in the summer when they welcomed out-of-favour stars Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Now, The Friedkin Group could look to repeat that act of genius.
Despite the fact that Thierno Barry finally scored his first goal for the club against Nottingham Forest last time out, it seems as though those in Merseyside still intend to target an attacking reinforcement.
Reports have even gone as far as to claim that they’re ready to pounce in the race to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United in January. The forward has fallen down the pecking order since the arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, but could have his season saved by the Toffees.
Zirkzee may have struggled at Old Trafford, but Grealish and Dewsbury-Hall are living proof that a move to Merseyside can quickly revive a career.
Patrick Boyland heaps praise on "brilliant" Everton star who gave Barry first goal
The Toffees made it back-to-back wins.
ByTom Cunningham 6 days ago
Even if Barry now kicks on, David Moyes could do with that extra attacking addition, given that Beto is yet to show signs that he’ll become a viable goalscoring option for Everton.
That’s not to say Zirkzee is their only target, however. Alongside the Man United forward, the Toffees have also reportedly set their sights on signing Chelsea’s young, versatile winger, Tyrique George.
Like Zirkzee, the youngster has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge and is now looking to leave Chelsea when the winter window swings open in less than a month.
Everton keeping close tabs on Tyrique George
According to TeamTalk, Everton are now eyeing a move to sign George and have joined Leeds United in the early race to secure the 19-year-old’s signature.
Compared to Sancho by Italian media, George wouldn’t be the first struggling Chelsea star to find life at Everton. His former teammate, Dewsbury-Hall has undeniably thrived since arriving in Merseyside.
Ultimately, fresh faces have forced George down the pecking order in West London, but Enzo Maresca was certainly impressed by the teenager last season.
The Chelsea boss told reporters after George’s display against Man United in May: “Very good. Very good. Brave. He was a threat in behind. Not easy for him because on the other side you have Maguire, you have Lindelof, you have Shaw.
“He was fighting against important defenders. But again, we tried to find a solution with a player from the academy. Overall I think also he had the penalty moment, so he works quite good.”
Whether it’s Everton or Leeds, both would benefit from George’s arrival in the January transfer window and the striker himself desperately needs senior minutes if he is to kick on.
Chelsea made their return to Premier League football in fine fashion on Saturday afternoon, comfortably dispatching Burnley 2-0.
That victory, followed by the rest of Saturday’s results, has left the Blues as the closest competitor to Arsenal, sitting six points off them and facing them on Sunday.
However, while Enzo Maresca has a squad full of incredible players, some might argue that they are just a bit short in certain areas compared to the Gunners.
Fortunately, that looks like something Chelsea are looking to address, as reports have linked them with one of Arsenal’s transfer targets, someone who could help make them serious title contenders.
Chelsea enter race for Arsenal target
Even with the transfer window not opening for over a month, Chelsea have already been linked with a plethora of unreal, difference-making players.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
For example, while he’s inexperienced, Juventus’ Kenan Yıldız would be an excellent signing for the Blues, having already scored three goals and registered four assists in 15 games this season.
Likewise, Antoine Semenyo, who is one of the most sought-after players in the country at the moment, would be an incredible addition to Maresca’s side.
However, if a player is going to come in and help turn the Blues into serious title contenders this season, they are likely going to be a defender, like Murillo.
Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Chelsea are one of several sides interested in the Brazilian international.
Alongside the West Londoners, Arsenal and Barcelona have also been credited with interest in the 23-year-old centre-back, who Nottingham Forest value at up to €90m, which is about £79m.
Therefore, it could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Murillo’s ability and potential, Chelsea should fight for him, especially as he could help make them serious title contenders.
Why Murillo could help Chelsea win the Premier League
As things stand, Chelsea are currently second in the Premier League, six points behind Arsenal, having scored just a single goal fewer than them.
However, while their attack is certainly comparable, the Blues have conceded 11 goals to the Gunners’ six, and you are conceding almost twice as many goals as your rivals, you aren’t going to finish above them in the table.
Now, one of the key reasons for the West Londoners’ middling defensive record – in the context of a title challenge – is that their best centre-back, Levi Colwill, has been out for the whole season so far, and the likes of
Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah have not been anywhere near the same level in his absence.
Therefore, for Maresca’s side to become true contenders for the league, they need more and higher-quality defensive reinforcements, which is where Murillo comes in.
Despite having practically no stability at Forest this season, the Brazilian titan has still put up some seriously impressive underlying numbers.
According to FBref, he ranks in the top 3% of centre-backs in the league for blocks, the top 5% for interceptions and successful take-ons, the top 7% for ball recoveries, the top 9% for shot-creating actions, the top 11% for through balls and more, all per 90.
Murillo’s Scout Report
Statistics
Per 90
Percentile
% of Dribblers Tackled
100.0%
Top 2%
Blocks
1.83
Top 3%
Shots from Free Kicks
0.12
Top 5%
Interceptions
2.07
Top 5%
Successful Take-Ons
0.49
Top 5%
SCA (Defensive Action)
0.12
Top 7%
Passes Blocked
0.85
Top 7%
Ball Recoveries
4.87
Top 7%
Shot-Creating Actions
1.46
Top 9%
Tkl+Int
3.65
Top 9%
Goals/Shot
0.25
Top 11%
Goals – xG
+0.09
Top 11%
Non-Penalty Goals – npxG
+0.09
Top 11%
Passes Attempted (Long)
9.99
Top 11%
Through Balls
0.24
Top 11%
SCA (Live-ball Pass)
1.10
Top 11%
SCA (Dead-ball Pass)
0.12
Top 11%
Progressive Passes
4.87
Top 13%
SCA (Shot)
0.12
Top 13%
Tackles (Att 3rd)
0.24
Top 13%
Goals
0.12
Top 15%
All Stats via FBref
Add to that the fact that he played a massive role in the Tricky Trees having one of the best defensive records in the country last season, and it’s easy to see why one analyst made the bold claim that he’s “one of the best defenders in the Premier League.”
On top of all of that, the “monstrous” international, as dubbed by journalist Ryan Taylor, is both young at just 23 and experienced, having made 87 appearances for Forest, 27 for Corinthians and one for Brazil.
Now, with all that said, there is still a chance the Sao Paulo-born star wouldn’t be a starter when everyone in Maresca’s side is fit, but he would be an exceptional cover, and all title-winning sides need that.
Ultimately, it wouldn’t be cheap, but Chelsea should do what they can to sign Murillo, as he could be one of the final pieces to Maresca’s puzzle.
Chelsea now ahead of Arsenal in race for "unpredictable" striker, talks opened
The Blues have taken the lead in the race for a new centre-forward
علق إيهاب أبو جزر المدير الفني لـ منتخب فلسطين على الفوز على قطر في افتتاح مشوار بلاده ببطولة كأس العرب 2025.
وتمكن منتخب فلسطين من تحقيق الفوز على نظيره منتخب قطر، في افتتاح مشوار المنتخبين في المواجهة التي جمعت بينهما بالجولة الأولى من مرحلة المجموعات لـ كأس العرب.
فيديو | بالنيران الصديقة.. منتخب فلسطين يحقق فوزًا مثيرًا على قطر في كأس العرب
وقال إيهاب أبو جزر في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة دبي الرياضية: “الحمد لله حققنا فوزا تاريخيا، وأول فوز لنا في البطولة، سعداء جدًا، اللاعبون رجال، كانوا أبطالا بكل ما تحمله الكلمة من معنى”.
وأكمل: “تمكننا من أن نخطف فوزًا ثمينًا من منتخب قوي، المنتخب القطري بطل آسيا، وهذا فوز مهم جدًا بالنسبة لنا، والحمد لله ثلاث نقاط مهمة بالنسبة لنا، ونحن نجدد في المنتخب ونمر بفترة انتقالية، ولكن الحمد لله حققنا فوزًا ثمينًا”.
وأتم: “نهدي الفوز لكل الشعب الفلسطيني ولكل شهدائنا وجرحانا، نهديه لغزة العزة، وقبل المباراة تلقينا العديد من الاتصالات من غزة، ولحظة الهدف صفّقت لنا كل الخيام في غزة”.
Yan Diomande, the breakout star of the Bundesliga this season, has been sensational for RB Leipzig since making the switch from La Liga in the summer. His performances, per reports from Germany, have attracted the interest of Liverpool, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. The teenager has been predicted to become as good as Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.
Diomande taking the Bundesliga by storm
Diomande has been in astonishing form of late, registering three goals and as many assists in his previous three Bundesliga fixtures. Having made 10 appearances in the league, of which he has started in six, the Ivorian wonderkid has a direct goal involvement every 89 minutes, which are staggering figures for any player, especially someone who has spent less than a year in Europe and will only turn 19 on Friday.
Diomande's rise has been nothing short of spectacular. Having made his professional debut at the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Madrid in March 2025, while still on the books of Leganes, it was at the age of 15 that the talented youngster took his first steps towards becoming a professional footballer. In 2022, the Abidjan-born winger moved to the USA, joining the DME Academy in Florida. During his three-year stay in the States, he gained experience and honed his skills with the Yulee High School varsity team, as well as United Premier Soccer League side Frenzi. While being associated to the DME Academy, he even attended trials at Scottish Premiership side Celtic.
However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for the youngster. “I went to the USA to study and play football,” Diomande told in October. “I tried out for a few [MLS] teams like the Colorado Rapids and Charlotte FC, but it didn’t work out. I eventually realised that [the USA] wasn’t quite right for me. Football doesn’t have the same status there as basketball or American football.”
His ravishing displays and mighty impact in the final third for Leipzig have not gone unnoticed. According to , scouts from Europe's biggest clubs are regularly in attendance for the German outfit's matches. Diomande's videos have especially been requested to monitor and evaluate the teenage sensation. The report adds the likes of Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool, City and PSG are keeping tabs on Diomande, with the unanimous belief that he has the potential to scale the same heights as Mbappe and Dembele.
It is likely that one of the top clubs will make a move for Diomande next summer, but Leipzig managing director Marcel Schafer is keen on ensuring the player remains at the club to continue his development.
"If that were to happen, it would be another validation of our work," Schafer toldrecently"However, we are firmly planning with our current squad beyond the summer and have always emphasized our intention to build a new core group after the restructuring. This core group is currently taking shape and will bring us a great deal of satisfaction.
“Yan has settled in very quickly with us in the Bundesliga. Especially considering he’s still in his first year as a professional and is very young. He’s on the right track, but like all our other players, he still has a lot of potential for development. We’re very much looking forward to realizing that potential together in the coming years.”
Vinicius Junior and Mbappe, Diomande's role models
Diomande, a left winger, will draw obvious comparisons to some of the biggest names who are playing or have played in the same position, such as Vinicius Junior and Mbappe. In the same interview with , Diomande confessed that he wants to model his game after the Real Madrid No.7, while also adding that he loves Mbappe's mentality.
“I think Vinicius Junior is the best player in comparison,” Diomande said. “When it comes to mindset, my role model is Kylian Mbappe. I think you must have a good mentality. I think if your heart and mind are okay, then you will be okay overall. I try to work on that the most.
“I like to model myself on many players. My country has many good examples. Players who played with power, such as Gervinho, Yaya Toure, and Max Gradel, but my dream player isn’t from my country. My favorite player is Cristiano Ronaldo.”
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Getty Images SportLeipzig have slapped an enormous €100m price tag on Diomande
Leipzig signed Diomande for just €20 million (£17m/$23m) over the summer. His contract, which runs until 2030, does not include a release clause. As such, Die Roten Bullen have slapped a gargantuan €100m (£88m/$116m) price tag on the player, according to
Aston Villa are now preparing an ambitious January move to sign a “seriously impressive” midfielder, with his current club now willing to cash-in for £30m.
Villa looking to bolster options in midfield amid Elliott uncertainty
Despite Harvey Elliott making a solid start to life at Villa Park, scoring on his first start in the EFL Cup defeat at Brentford, his future is now in doubt, with Unai Emery unwilling to give the midfielder any game time as of late.
As there is an obligation to buy clause is activated if the 22-year-old plays in just ten matches this season, he has fallen down the pecking order considerably, and there are now major doubts over whether the Liverpool loanee will remain at Villa beyond January.
As such, Emery may need to bring in another midfielder in the upcoming transfer window, and there has now been a new update on the Villans’ pursuit of Anderlecht midfielder Nathan De Cat.
According to a report from Caught Offside, Aston Villa are now preparing an ambitious January move to sign De Cat, and they are keen to accelerate talks, amid growing interest from elsewhere, with Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich and Brighton also in the race.
Scouts from across Europe have been left impressed by the Anderlecht maestro, and the Belgian club would be willing to cash-in for the right fee, with a £30m asking price being touted.
The Villans are now readying a bid of €22m – €25m (£19m – £22m) up front, such is their level of interest in the youngster, who has been likened to Manchester City star and 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.
Aston Villa plotting £18m bid for "tremendous" defender, Martinez is a big fan
The Villans are planning a move for a new centre-back, who is also being targeted by Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.
By
Dominic Lund
Nov 27, 2025
"Seriously impressive" De Cat is one for the future
The 17-year-old is held in very high regard by scout Ben Mattinson, who took to X to provide an overview of his key strengths earlier this year.
Although he is still very young, the teenager, who stands at a towering 6’4, has already established himself as a key player for Anderlecht, making 20 appearances across all competitions this season.
Given that the Belgian is yet to prove himself in a major European league, he may not yet be at the level to make an instant impact at Aston Villa, but the starlet has the makings of a future star, and it is little wonder so many top clubs are keen.
She bagged the best figures for Australia in women’s ODIs and the first seven-wicket haul at a Women’s World Cup
Alan Gardner25-Oct-2025
Alana King took the best figures for Australia in women’s ODIs•ICC/Getty Images
Australia 98 for 3 (Mooney 42) beat South Africa 97 (King 7-18) by seven wicketsAlana King reigned supreme as defending champions Australia finished the Women’s World Cup group stage in dominant fashion with a crushing seven-wicket win over South Africa in Indore. Australia will now take on hosts India in the second semi-final in Navi Mumbai on October 30, while South Africa will travel to Guwahati to face England in the first semi on October 29.King claimed Australia’s best figures in women’s ODIs, and the first seven-wicket haul at a Women’s World Cup, as South Africa were rolled for 97 with a whopping 26 overs to spare. Across the men’s and women’s game, King’s figures of 7 for 18 put her second only to Glenn McGrath (whose 7 for 15 came against Namibia in 2003) in the history of 50-over World Cups.Related
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King, who took four wickets without giving up a run in her first 15 balls, proved almost impossible for South Africa to play on a surface that gripped from an early stage. She conceded only nine scoring shots across seven overs of mesmerising control, hitting the stumps four times in a bewitching display that took her to third on this edition’s wicket-taking list.Only three South Africa batters managed to reach double-figures in an innings that provided uncomfortable reminders of the collapse for 69 in their opening group game against England, whom they will play again in the semi-final.Australia lost two early wickets – Phoebe Litchfield edging an expansive drive to slip before Nadine de Klerk’s flying catch saw off Ellyse Perry – but the result was never in doubt thereafter as Georgia Voll and Beth Mooney put on a stand of 76 in 65 balls. Mooney departed with 11 still needed but Voll finished unbeaten on 38 as Australia romped home with more than 33 overs unused.Asked to bat in muggy, overcast conditions, South Africa were given a good start by captain Laura Wolvaardt, who looked in excellent touch while striking seven boundaries in her 31 off 26 balls. She had scored all but one run of the opening stand, and South Africa imploded spectacularly after her dismissal to Megan Schutt in the seventh over.From 42 for 2 at the end of the powerplay, they were 43 for 4 after King’s first over, and then 60 for 6 midway through her third. De Klerk survived the hat-trick by edging another sharp legbreak for four, and Sinalo Jafta counterpunched with a brisk knock of 29 off 17. But King cleaned up Jafta to complete a five-wicket haul, then removed Masabata Klaas’ off stump as a bamboozled South Africa slipped to 88 for 8 and then 97 all out. King, appropriately, finished the innings by spinning one through de Klerk for her seventh.Alana King bagged her second ODI five-for•ICC/Getty ImagesKing’s haul showcased her supreme command of flight and turn. She was, however, aided and abetted by South Africa’s seemingly unwavering commitment to attacking shots. Sune Luus tried to take her on second ball, only managing to top-edge a slog-sweep to mid-on, while Annerie Dercksen saw her leg stump uprooted when aiming an expansive drive down the ground.Marizanne Kapp was almost dismissed twice in the space of her four balls from King, lucky initially to see a leading edge clear the bowler before slashing limply to backward point. Chloe Tryon flipped her first ball to midwicket, after the dismissal of Dercksen; having taken King for back-to-back fours down the ground and through third (accounting for 40% of the runs King conceded), Jafta’s off stump was toppled as she went for another heave across the line.King’s rampage was briefly interrupted by Ashleigh Gardner getting in on the act, having Ayabonga Khaka bowled playing down the wrong line. Nonkululeko Mlaba survived when nicking King behind, the catch deflecting over slip off Mooney’s gloves, but Australia’s spin queen was not to be denied.Both teams had already qualified for the semi-finals, but South Africa’s rapid demise meant they bookended the group stage with two of the four shortest completed innings at Women’s World Cups.Tahlia McGrath, who again deputised for Alyssa Healy as Australia’s captain continued her recovery from a calf strain, said at the toss the group leaders were “getting closer” to their best after a hard-fought win over England at Holkar Stadium in midweek. This performance suggested they are ominously close.Wolvaardt, having admitted she, too, would have preferred to bowl, did her best to stand up with the bat. She capitalised on a poor second over from Schutt to peel off four boundaries, and looked in serene touch – in contrast to her partner, Tazmin Brits, who was 1 off 14 balls when Wolvaardt spooned to midwicket. King, in her first act of wizardry for the day, did brilliantly to get her fingers under the ball.Luus got off the mark with a toe-ended boundary and Brits found her timing to flick Kim Garth through midwicket, but 42 for 1 was about as good as it got for South Africa. In the final over of the powerplay, Brits was pinned in front of the stumps by a Garth legcutter that stayed low – and then it was over to King to crown proceedings with a regal display.
Presidente, atacante, senador e modelo. Estas são as funções de Romário no America, segundo o próprio. Nesta segunda-feira (6), o clube carioca lançou os novos uniformes visando a temporada de 2024 e contou com a presença do Baixinho. Confira a coleção no player acima.
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Durante o evento, Romário revelou a dificuldade que é acumular funções, brincou com os jogadores que foram os modelos e ainda se emocionou ao falar de Romarinho, seu filho.
– É muita função, muita situação. Realmente não sei se vou conseguir administrar tudo isso – brincou Romário.
Ao falar de Romarinho, Romário foi aos prantos. O desejo maior desejo do Baixinho era poder atuar ao lado do filho. Confira o vídeo abaixo.
É um orgulho ver você vestindo a camisa do America e, por causa de você, vou voltar a ter oportunidade de jogar. Cinco, dez, 15 minutos, depende do treinador. A gente já tá conversado, aquele papo que a gente já sabe como é que funciona (risos). Enfim, cara. Que orgulho poder ter você no America. Tenho certeza que quando você entrar em campo, independente de qualquer coisa, você vai dar a vida pelo teu pai e pelo teu avô
afirmou o Baixinho
Nova parceira do clube, a Inove Mais Benefícios oferece uma variedade de serviços, descontos e seguros com enorme percepção de valor a um preço acessível, reforçando a fidelidade dos clientes empreendedores. E conta com um marketplace que tem milhares de opções em saúde, educação, lazer e bem-estar.
continua após a publicidade
– É uma honra ver a marca da Inove Mais Benefícios estampada numa camisa de tanta tradição quanto a do America. Estamos muito felizes por apoiar esse projeto que vai levar o America de volta à elite do futebol carioca, que é onde o clube merece estar – afirma Patrick Burnett, CEO da empresa. E completou:
– A Inove Mais Benefícios está aqui porque existe sinergia com a nossa estratégia de marketing e porque acredita muito no America: na instituição, na liderança do presidente Romário, na diretoria e, acima de tudo, na equipe e na torcida.
continua após a publicidade
O primeiro desafio do America será na Série A2 do Campeonato Carioca será contra o Petrópolis. O Mecão viaja nesta terça-feira para a Granja Comary, onde fará um período de treinos e volta na véspera da estreia.
Fakhar Zaman, who suffered a hamstring injury in the first week of August, has recovered and is part of the squad
Danyal Rasool17-Aug-2025Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have not been selected in Pakistan’s T20I squad for the upcoming Asia Cup in the UAE. Fakhar Zaman, who suffered a hamstring injury in the first week of August, has recovered and is part of the side.Salman Agha will lead the 17-member squad, which will also participate in the tri-series against UAE and Afghanistan in the lead-up to the Asia Cup.Babar last played a T20I in December 2024. In PSL 2025, he scored 288 runs in ten innings for Peshawar Zalmi. It included knocks of 56*, 53* and 94 but his overall strike rate was 128.57. He was part of the recent ODI series against West Indies where he had scores of 47, 0 and 9.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Rizwan, like Babar, has not been part of Pakistan’s recent T20I squads for the home and subsequent away series against Bangladesh, followed by the T20Is in the West Indies. He made 53 in the opening game of the ODI series against West Indies, followed by scores of 16 and 0.Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson said Babar had been challenged with improving his T20 game. I think it’s really harsh to challenge a player on their form on three games,” he said at a press conference. “Babar played nicely in the first ODI but missed out on the next two. There’s no doubt Babar’s been asked to improve in some areas around taking on spin and in terms of his strike rate. Those are things he’s working really hard on.”But at the moment, the players we have have done exceptionally well. Sahibzada Farhan has played six games and won three Player of the Match awards. A player like Babar has an opportunity to play in the BBL and show he’s improving in those areas in T20s. He’s too good a player not to consider.”Shaheen Afridi, who had also found himself out of favour in T20 cricket of late, retained his place for the tri-series and the Asia Cup, though Naseem Shah missed out once again. Naseem is currently in action in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).Lahore Qalandars fast bowler Salman Mirza, who was Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker with eight against Bangladesh in the away T20I series, was included in the side. Ahmed Daniyal, who also impressed briefly, though was not part of the squad. Both specialist wristspinners – Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem, kept their place.The squad is something of an amalgamation of the sides that have played T20I cricket under Hesson in the three T20I series over the summer. The recent ODI series – which Pakistan lost 2-1 in the Caribbean – appears not to have influenced decision making either way. Hesson said he intended to stick to the aggressive top-heavy approach he has championed in the format, and repeated that Pakistan’s game was suited to such a style.”We were challenged with three different surfaces [in each of the three series]” Hesson said. “In Lahore, the surfaces were flat and the batting excelled. We went to Bangladesh where they were incredibly challenging and low-scoring games. Our top order sets the game up. All the games we won the top order performed really well. The third game in the West Indies, our openers put on 140 [138]. We need that at a run rate that gets us ahead of the game. T20 is all about setting the game up and being ahead of the game all the time in case you get yourself out. From a batting point of view we’ve got a line-up that can continue to do that.”The tri-series in the UAE between the hosts, Afghanistan and Pakistan will serve as a warm-up to the T20 Asia Cup, which will begin on September 9. Pakistan have never won the T20 version of that tournament; they reached the final when it was last played in 2022.
Pakistan squad for the UAE tri-series and Asia Cup
Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem