LIVE: Pakistan vs Bangladesh – 2025 Asia Cup Super Fours

Pakistan is making strategic moves to engage with the U.S. by focusing on critical minerals, hoping to attract attention from Trump and secure a $500 million deal. This approach highlights the importance of minerals diplomacy in international relations, but it also raises questions about Pakistan's ability to effectively leverage this opportunity for its benefit.

Muhammad Yunus, the interim leader of Bangladesh, recently discussed the ongoing challenges facing the country in an interview with NPR. A year after mass protests led to a significant regime change, Yunus is at the forefront of navigating this transition. His insights are crucial as they shed light on the political and social hurdles that Bangladesh must overcome to stabilize and progress.

Pakistan's cricket team is gearing up for a thrilling showdown in the Asia Cup, declaring their readiness to face India in the final. With a crucial eliminator match against Bangladesh on Thursday, the team's confidence is high, and fans are excited about the potential for a historic clash. This matters because it highlights the intense rivalry and competitive spirit in South Asian cricket, promising an electrifying final that could captivate millions.

India has secured a spot in the final of the 2025 Asia Cup after a thrilling 41-run victory over Bangladesh in the Super Fours. This win not only showcases India's strong performance but also highlights the team's resilience and skill as they aim for the championship title. Fans are excited to see how they will fare in the final, making this a significant moment in the tournament.

The recent defense pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan may seem significant, but it highlights the limitations Islamabad faces due to its domestic political and economic challenges. This situation raises questions about Pakistan's ability to influence the Middle East effectively, making the pact appear less impactful than it initially seems.

As the Asia Cup 2025 final approaches in Dubai, Al Jazeera provides a detailed breakdown of the qualification scenarios for the four competing teams. Understanding these scenarios is crucial for fans and analysts alike, as it highlights the stakes involved and the potential paths each team can take to secure a spot in the final.

Pakistan's recent victory over Sri Lanka by five wickets in the Asia Cup Super Fours match is a significant boost for the team, placing them second on the points table. This win not only enhances their chances of advancing but also highlights their competitive spirit in the tournament, while Sri Lanka's position becomes increasingly precarious.

The recent agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to form a collaborative defense alliance, often referred to as an 'Islamic NATO', is poised to significantly alter the geopolitical landscape. While Western nations were focused on a high-profile US presidential visit, this development could enhance security cooperation among Muslim-majority countries and shift power dynamics in the region. This alliance may not only bolster military ties but also foster economic partnerships, making it a crucial event that could reshape international relations.

Pakistan's national football teams are experiencing a resurgence, particularly with the inclusion of British-born players who are helping elevate the team's performance. After years of stagnation due to various challenges, including political issues and international bans, the Green Shirts are now climbing the rankings following their participation in the 2026 Asian Cup qualifiers. This revitalization is especially significant for the women's team, which had no matches from 2014 to 2022, marking a hopeful turn for football in Pakistan.

The recent heavy monsoon rains in northern India and Pakistan have led to devastating flooding, particularly in Punjab, where nearly 4 million people have been displaced and hundreds have lost their lives. This situation highlights the severe impact of climate change, exacerbated by the controversial opening of dams in India. The anger among residents reflects their frustration over the lack of preparedness and response to such natural disasters, making it a critical issue that demands attention and action.

The Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is set to take place in Abu Dhabi, with live updates available starting at 14:30 GMT. This match is significant as it showcases two strong cricketing nations competing at a high level, drawing attention from fans and analysts alike.

In a thought-provoking piece, Jonathan Liew critiques the populist right's admiration for Dubai, highlighting the stark contrast between its polished image and the underlying issues of inequality and repression. As politicians and influencers romanticize the emirate for its cleanliness and low crime rates, Liew warns that such aspirations could lead the UK down a troubling path. This matters because it challenges us to reflect on the values we prioritize in society and the potential consequences of emulating a model that may not align with our democratic principles.

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been sentenced to five years in prison for his involvement in a criminal conspiracy linked to illegal campaign financing from Libya's Muammar Gaddafi during his 2007 presidential campaign. This case highlights the ongoing issues of political corruption and the influence of foreign money in elections, raising concerns about the integrity of democratic processes in France and beyond.

President Donald Trump has reassured Arab leaders that he will prevent Israel from annexing the West Bank, a move that has raised concerns among many nations. This commitment is significant as it reflects the U.S.'s role in Middle Eastern diplomacy and aims to ease tensions in a region already fraught with conflict. By taking this stance, Trump is addressing fears of retaliation from Arab nations and supporting the recognition of Palestinian statehood, which could lead to a more stable future.

Andy Burnham has expressed his strong commitment to his role as the Mayor of Greater Manchester, stating his love for the job and his dedication to supporting the Labour Party. Despite recent disappointing news regarding the shelving of the Northern Powerhouse Rail project, Burnham remains optimistic about the future of the region. His passion for local issues highlights the ongoing challenges faced by northern cities in securing investment and infrastructure improvements, making his leadership crucial for Greater Manchester's development.

Starbucks has announced plans to lay off 900 workers and close several stores across Canada and the United States. This decision raises concerns about the company's future and the impact on employees and local communities. While the exact number of store closures remains unclear, this move reflects broader challenges in the retail sector, making it a significant development for both the company and its workforce.

Denmark is facing significant disruptions as drones have forced the closure of multiple airports, including Aalborg and Copenhagen. The country's defence minister has labeled this a professional hybrid attack, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. This incident not only affects travel plans for many but also raises concerns about national security and the potential for future attacks, making it a critical issue for both citizens and authorities.

Recent comments from President Trump wishing 'good luck' to Kiev have raised concerns across Europe regarding his approach to Ukraine. Analysts suggest that this could indicate Trump is trying to create a way out for himself, which might undermine support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict. This situation is significant as it could affect international relations and the stability of Eastern Europe, especially if it leads to a shift in US foreign policy.