Pakistan pulled off a stunning comeback in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. They beat Bangladesh by 11 runs. The win sets up a tense final with India on Sunday, September 28.
Bangladesh won the toss and chose to field. They struck fast, and Pakistan lost five wickets for 49 runs. Taskin Ahmed led the attack, taking three key wickets and keeping Pakistan under pressure in the first 10 overs.
Pakistan bounced back with strong lower-order hits. Mohammad Haris scored 31, Mohammad Nawaz 25, and Shaheen Afridi 19. This pushed the total score to 135 for 8 in 20 overs.
Bangladesh looked set for victory but faltered under pressure. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf never let them settle, making tight bowls and crucial wickets. In the end, Bangladesh finished 124 for 9, short of 11 runs. Pakistan’s win books a final against India, setting up a fierce clash.
Barcelona stayed unbeaten in LALIGA with a 3–1 win over Real Oviedo at the Carlos Tartiere stadium. Oviedo shocked the visitors in the first half when Alberto Reina scored after keeper Joan Garcia misplayed a pass.
Despite heavy pressure and three key saves by Aarón Escandell, the hosts could not add a second goal. The team struck back after the break. Eric Garcia equalised after Escandell tipped a shot onto the post. Robert Lewandowski then gave the lead with a header from Frenkie de Jong’s cross. In the final moments, Ronald Araujo sealed the win with Marcus Rashford’s corner.
On the other hand, Santi Cazorla, 40, made his first LALIGA start for the Asturian club. ‘I’m enjoying but suffering, we are making a massive effort as a team,’ he stated. The visitors remain second in LALIGA, two points behind Real Madrid, while Oviedo stay in the drop zone with three points from six games.
The UEFA Champions League is fiercely competitive every year, but the 2025/26 season might be the toughest one to predict. The most talented clubs are looking for a shot at European glory with a Champions League victory.
Before diving into the clubs that could compete, look first into the criteria behind a successful club in Europe.
What makes a club a top contender for the UCL?
Winning the Champions League is one of the most demanding challenges in football. Only clubs with a specific blend of qualities can consistently compete for the trophy. Here are some points to look into:
Squad depth – When a club has a deep squad filled with talented players, they are favoured to win more matches. Even if important players suffer major injuries, the squad depth could help them since there won’t be a big drop-off from one player to the backup option.
Elite managerial leadership – A good manager makes the difference, as any tactically astute coach can outwit the best in high-pressure knockout matches. Talented players are always present, but a manager’s tactics could separate one club from the others.
European experience – Playing well in past Champions League campaigns matters, as they will be better equipped to handle the unique demands of playing during Champions League nights. If they have a good history in Europe, they should be able to play well in the UCL’s 2025/26 season.
Tactical flexibility – When the club can play any style possible, that could make them one of the favourites, as they can compete against any opponent and their unique styles. Being pragmatic can lead to a successful run for any manager.
The top contenders
Here are the best clubs that could win the 2025/26 Champions League:
Liverpool
The defending champions from the 2024/25 Premier League season, Liverpool, already have one of the best squads in Europe. With the addition of players like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz on club-record fees, they have the top-level talent that can separate them from the rest of the field.
They have mostly a successful squad, but they still have three members of the squad that won the 2019 Champions League with Mohamed Salah, Alisson, and captain Virgil Van Dijk. The Reds have some of the most talented squads in the world, and it will be difficult to beat them, especially with their firepower in the attack.
Defensively, they might have some issues, but they could always outgun their opponents. Salah, Isak, and Hugo Ekitike are a fantastic trio, and they should be able to score multiple goals across the competition.
Arsenal
After a superb summer window in 2025, Arsenal have reloaded and are ready to become winners in both their domestic and continental competitions. The same core is still present with star players like Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Gabriel, and William Saliba.
However, the rest of the squad has been refined, as they are looking to establish themselves as the best defensive side in Europe. Manager Mikel Arteta is a pragmatic coach, so he prefers a defensive style. Despite that focus, he still made improvements to the attack with the additions of Viktor Gyökeres, Ebere Eze, and Noni Madueke.
In terms of squad depth, Arsenal are near or at the very top of Europe. Arteta has all the tools at his disposal now; all he has to do is lead his team to the promised land. They need to score goals, as their defence can propel them to shut out opponents. However, they must improve their attack to have a chance at winning their first UCL trophy.
Real Madrid
The club with the record-setting 15 UCL trophies, Real Madrid, is once again one of the favourites. With players like Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr., the club will always be a top contender. They have the firepower to beat any team, as they have also worked on their defence and midfield in the summer of 2025.
They are not as inevitable as the mid-2010s Real Madrid squads, but this club could still win their 16th title. Los Blancos are one of the toughest sides in Europe, and they will continue to play their hearts out until the final whistle is blown.
Real Madrid are on a redemption journey after being trumped by Arsenal in the 2024/25 season, so they will look to stay and compete. It will be challenging, but anything is possible with Real Madrid, especially with Xabi Alonso at the helm.
Paris Saint-Germain
The current title holders, Paris Saint-Germain, have all the talent to compete with the rest of Europe. Players like Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are immense threats to any club. The attack is rock-solid, and their defence has been hit a bit with Gianluigi Donnarumma’s exit.
However, PSG still have the quality and experience to become winners again. They will mostly focus on the UCL to keep their legacies as the titleholders and do it a second time. Luis Enrique has done a great job during his managerial stint in Paris, and he will look to keep adding to his accolades.
Barcelona
In terms of attack, Barcelona have one of the most powerful in Europe. With players like Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski, Barça are tough to go against. Add Marcus Rashford to that, and you have a fantastic attack that could beat any team in the world.
With Lewandowski and manager Hansi Flick’s experience, they could lead this team to the promised land. They already won in 2020 with Bayern Munich, so they will look to do that again, this time for Barcelona, who have not won since 2015.
New Zealand has an underrated history in the sport of cricket. Over the decades, the Kiwis have produced world-class talent who have shaped their national team. Players from the Black Caps have been influential in global cricket, but a certain few have stood out.
Before diving into the Black Caps’ history, first identify what makes a good cricketer.
What makes a top cricketer?
Defining greatness in cricket goes beyond the statistics. A top cricketer is someone who consistently performs at the highest level, even under the most intense pressure possible. Here are the criteria you should be aware of when gauging New Zealand’s best cricketers:
Consistency – Their performances consistently prove effective during matches across various formats. With that kind of consistency, they become essential to the team. If they keep staying on that level, they will reach the superstar status that they deserve.
Technical skill – A cricketer should adapt their game, whether that is through mastery of bowling or a batsman finding gaps in the field. Technical skills can be challenging to build up. However, those cricketers who possess it have diligently honed their skills to become accomplished athletes, thereby earning their rightful place.
Adaptability – To shine in cricket, you must be adaptable across pitches, formats, and when playing against top-tier opponents.
Mental toughness – Having a strong mind separates the good from the great, as cricket demands focus and resilience. They usually thrive in high-pressure moments.
Leadership and influence – A top cricketer should be able to influence the match with performances on the field and in the dressing room.
The best candidates for New Zealand
Here are some of the cricketers from New Zealand that fit the criteria:
Richard Hadlee
Widely regarded as New Zealand’s greatest cricketer, Sir Richard Hadlee is one of the best fast bowlers in the history of cricket. He was the first bowler in Test history to claim 400 wickets, a milestone that cemented his legacy.
He is known for accuracy, pace, and the ability to swing the ball in both ways. Hadlee was a menace against the world’s best batsmen in the 1970s and 1980s. He was one of the most consistent players for the Black Caps, as he could influence the matches through his bowling, but he was also a capable batsman.
Hadlee turned matches with his quick runs. The well-rounded performances helped New Zealand rise to become a top competitive nation. The Kiwis started believing that New Zealand could compete with the giants of the sport, and they were proven right with their record with Hadlee.
As he ended his career, he was knighted, as he has been the benchmark for excellence in New Zealand sport.
Martin Crowe
Remembered by many as one of New Zealand’s most elegant and technically gifted batsmen, Martin Crowe was a fantastic player. During his career, New Zealand often lacked depth in their batting order, but Crowe was always reliable. During his career, he scored over 5,000 runs in Test cricket and played many match-winning innings.
Beyond his dominance over bowlers with both grace and precision, leadership was a big part of Crowe’s legacy. As a captain, he innovated some strategies for the Black Caps, especially in the one-day international (ODI) format. In 1985, Crowe was the Wisden Cricketer of the Year, a rare honour for a Kiwi player.
Despite the injuries he suffered, Crowe had a strong influence as a batsman, captain, and commentator after his career. He left an enduring legacy in the world of cricket that most people won’t forget.
Kane Williamson
The modern embodiment of New Zealand cricket, Kane Williamson, is the best representative of 21st-century Kiwi cricket. As one of the calmest and most composed cricketers on the field, Williamson fits the bill as one of the best players in the country’s history.
He is the highest run-scorer in Test cricket, but he is effective across many formats. Williamson has been the anchor for Test innings to guide run chances in ODIs and T20s, which has made him one of the most versatile players in the 21st century.
As the captain, New Zealand led the Black Caps to winning the World Test Championship in 2021. That was the country’s greatest achievement in its history in cricket. Williamson was a big part of that, as he contributes on the field and is also the loudest voice in the dressing room.
Brendon McCullum
A transformative player, Brendon McCullum is known for a fearless attacking style. He redefined how the Black Caps approached the game, as he set the record for the fastest Test century, doing so with only 54 balls in 2016. McCullum is one of the most explosive batsmen in Black Caps history, which is influential for the country.
During his time as captain, he instilled an aggressive style with a positive mindset within the team. They reached the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final during his captaincy, which they did by being fearless, as McCullum encouraged them to keep fighting.
The aggressive philosophy was a big part of their success, and McCullum was the catalyst for that through his leadership and his performances.
Daniel Vettori
Making his debut at only 18, Daniel Vettori amassed over 700 international wickets, which proved his skill and consistency. He was not only a bowler, as he was also a talented batsman. With his genuine skill as an all-rounder, he became such a top player.
He served as captain and was known for being a smart and calm player. He was admired for his professionalism and leadership, which helped him become a shining example for younger players. The long career made him iconic for the Black Caps, and a vital figure for the program for over a decade.
UEFA and FIFA are facing strong calls to ban Israel from football events after claims of war crimes in Gaza. Talks are now taking place at the top level of European football, though no ruling has been made yet.
UN experts have urged sanctions after a commission accused Israel of genocide, a charge that Israel denies while its fight with Hamas goes on. Some football fans have already protested.
During a Europa League game in Greece on September 24, PAOK fans booed Maccabi Tel Aviv players, waved Palestinian flags, and raised a banner saying ‘Show Israel the red card.’
Greek police detained protestors before the match, while Israeli fans were kept behind barriers for safety. Critics, like MP Ayoub Khan, have called on Aston Villa to refuse to play Maccabi in their upcoming clash.
However, lawyers for Israel argue that football clubs should not face blame for war. UEFA has not made a final stand, but past cases, like Russia’s ban, add weight to the debate.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended USA Cricket’s membership with immediate effect. This follows years of the latter’s ‘repeated and continued breaches of its obligations as [an] ICC Member.’ The decision came on Tuesday, September 23, with the ICC saying the body failed to meet key standards.
The main issues include weak governance, loss of trust, and the lack of recognition from the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee. The ICC stressed that these failures hurt the sport’s image and had to be addressed.
US teams stay on track
Despite the suspension, US national teams can still play in ICC events. The organisation didn’t stop them from playing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Players and fans will see no change in the teams’ path to major events.
To guide reforms, the ICC will set up a Normalisation Committee to manage US cricket during this period. This group will oversee day-to-day work and ensure the body is ready for its suspension to be lifted and membership to be restored.
Oracle Red Bull Sim Racing and Rokt have set up an all-female squad to race in the British F4 Esports Series. Six drivers were selected, including two from Rokt’s Rokt the Rig programme. The launch demonstrates a push to support more women in sim racing.
At Red Bull Technology Campus in Milton Keynes, the new squad completed a week-long boot camp, honing their skills under the guidance of two-time Porsche Esports Supercup Champion Sebastian Job. Julia George, Director of Partnerships at Red Bull Tech Group, said: ‘The aim of the Rokt the Rig programme is to provide female esports talent with the opportunity to develop and hone their skills in a professional, competitive setting.’
The 2025 British F4 Esports Series commenced on September 24 with a £5,000 prize pool, featuring representatives from Ferrari, Alpine, and Aston Martin on the grid.
Riot Games has launched a new closed beta of its Partner Program, set to support content creators of League of Legends (LoL), VALORANT, and Teamfight Tactics (TFT). The move comes years after Riot paused the League Partner Program back in 2018.
The program is currently invite-only. A small group of creators from various regions are set to test out new perks. On their website, Riot shared that they aim to build a ‘meaningful and intentional’ system for their creators. The updated version is designed to give them more perks, rewards, and tools.
Starting in late October, early benefits will begin rolling out. Game partner titles such as ‘Like, Comment, Subscribe’ for LoL, a ‘VALORANT Partner’ for VAL, and a unique Little Legend title for TFT are only a few.
The program is still in its early phase, and Riot noted that features may change as they collect feedback. The Partner Program beta will remain invite-only until late 2026. Riot thanked its fans and creators for their ‘patience, passion, and creativity’ over the years.
Pakistan scraped past Sri Lanka by five wickets in a tense Super Four clash at Abu Dhabi on September 23. Choosing to bowl first, they held Sri Lanka to 133/8. Shaheen Shah Afridi led the charge, taking 3/28. Sri Lanka began well, posting 53 in the powerplay. However, they lost three key wickets early, which slowed their push.
Kamindu Mendis tried to steady the innings with 50, but wickets fell at a steady clip. Asalanka and Shanaka fell in back-to-back deliveries, stopping any late surge. Shaheen trapped Mendis in the penultimate over, ending Sri Lanka’s chance of a strong finish.
Chasing 134, Pakistan began well but fell to 80/5. They lost four wickets in 17 balls. A 58-run stand between Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz steadied the chase. That shifted the target from 26 off 24 balls to just 14 off 18, before Nawaz’s three sixes sealed the chase with two overs left. This helped Pakistan reach the target with two overs to spare.
The win keeps Pakistan in the race for the Asia Cup final. Sri Lanka now faces a difficult path after two Super Four losses. India and Bangladesh, both unbeaten, clash in Dubai on September 24. The top two teams will meet in Sunday’s final.
Chelsea dodged a major upset in the Carabao Cup as Tyrique George scored and assisted another, securing a 2-1 victory over Lincoln City. Lincoln, third in League One, led at half-time after Rob Street took advantage of a stray Enzo Fernandez pass.
The Imps pressed hard and caused Chelsea problems with long throws and strong play. Lewis Montsma nearly gave Lincoln an early lead when his low strike hit the post, while keeper Filip Jorgensen struggled to deal with crosses and high balls. Lincoln’s constant pressure tested Chelsea’s defence, and the Imps had several near chances in the first half.
Chelsea struck back early in the second half. George fired a stinging shot in the 48th minute, then shortly after set up Facundo Buonanotte, who ran through tackles to score the winner in the 50th minute. Lincoln kept fighting, but Chelsea held on to reach the fourth round, leaving the League One side to rue missed chances and lost opportunities in front of goal.
