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Tough series when it comes to Pakistan: Charith Asalanka warns ahead of 3-match ODI showdown

Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka believes the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan will test his team’s resilience, especially on Pakistan’s home turf.

Published

3 months ago

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Charith Asalanka warns ahead of Pakistan ODI series 2025 – “It’s always tough in Pakistan”
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka says facing Pakistan on their home soil will be a “tough but exciting challenge” ahead of the ODI series.

The cricketing world turns its attention to Islamabad, where Sri Lanka and Pakistan are all set to clash in a highly anticipated three-match ODI series beginning November 11, 2025. As both teams gear up for a competitive encounter, Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka has already set the tone, acknowledging the tough challenge that awaits them.

In a pre-series statement, Asalanka remarked, “That’s always a tough series when it comes to Pakistan, their home, their conditions.” His words echo the respect and realism that have long defined Sri Lanka’s approach to international cricket.

The Sri Lankan skipper, known for his calm leadership and consistent batting performances, also emphasized his team’s recent form, saying, “We played 30–45 days ago in Zimbabwe and did really well, especially our ODI side has been performing strongly.”

The Road to Pakistan: Sri Lanka’s Confidence Boost

Sri Lanka enters this series on a confident note after registering a 2-0 clean sweep against Zimbabwe in their last ODI series in August. That victory was fueled by an extraordinary display from Pathum Nissanka, who earned the Player of the Series award. The 25-year-old opener, often regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s most technically sound batsmen, will once again play a crucial role in providing early stability against Pakistan’s fiery pace attack.

Charith Asalanka warns ahead of Pakistan ODI series 2025 – “It’s always tough in Pakistan”

Besides Nissanka, the squad also includes the reliable wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis, all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, and spin maestro Maheesh Theekshana — each known for delivering under pressure.

However, Sri Lanka’s preparation took a slight hit when their young fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana was ruled out due to an upper respiratory tract infection. The management replaced him with Asitha Fernando, whose pace and swing could be pivotal in Pakistani conditions.

Pakistan’s Home Advantage and Winning Momentum

On the other side, Pakistan, led by the dynamic left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi, is looking to continue its winning momentum after a 2-1 ODI series win against South Africa earlier this month. Pakistan’s squad is brimming with experience and depth — including prolific batsmen like Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, along with dependable wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan.

The team’s bowling unit, anchored by Haris Rauf and young gun Naseem Shah, makes Pakistan one of the most lethal bowling sides in world cricket. Their familiarity with home pitches, which often favor seamers early and spinners later, could give them a crucial edge.

Historical Context: The Rivalry Rekindled

The last time these two Asian powerhouses met was during the 2023 Asia Cup Super Fours, where Pakistan edged out Sri Lanka in a dramatic finish to reach the final. That loss still lingers in the minds of Sri Lankan players, making this ODI series more than just another bilateral contest — it’s a chance for redemption.

Charith Asalanka warns ahead of Pakistan ODI series 2025 – “It’s always tough in Pakistan”

Both sides share a storied rivalry that stretches back to the 1970s, filled with unforgettable moments — from Sanath Jayasuriya’s blistering centuries to Wasim Akram’s match-winning spells. This series, while not as high-profile as the World Cup or Asia Cup, carries the same intensity and regional pride.

Sri Lanka’s Strategy: Balancing Spin and Youth

Under Asalanka’s leadership, Sri Lanka appears keen on building a balanced squad that blends youth and experience. Their spinners — Hasaranga, Theekshana, and Jeffrey Vandersay — are expected to play a vital role in the middle overs, especially against Pakistan’s middle-order hitters.

In batting, Asalanka himself, along with Sadeera Samarawickrama and Kamindu Mendis, will shoulder the responsibility of keeping the scoreboard ticking. Their ability to adapt to the pace and bounce of Pakistani pitches will be key.

Pakistan’s Line-up: Power Meets Precision

Pakistan’s batting order, stacked with the likes of Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Mohammad Rizwan, remains one of the strongest in ODI cricket. Their consistency and adaptability have turned them into a formidable force at home. Meanwhile, their spin duo of Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Ali Agha offers balance, especially in middle overs where containment becomes crucial.

Asalanka’s acknowledgment of Pakistan’s strength highlights his respect for their recent form: “Pakistan played good cricket in their last series, and we too. It will be a good contest.”

Fans Anticipate Fireworks in Islamabad

Cricket enthusiasts from both nations are eagerly waiting for the series to unfold. Tickets at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium have sold rapidly, with fans expecting classic encounters between Pakistan’s pace battery and Sri Lanka’s technically refined batters.

The excitement doesn’t end there — once the ODI series concludes on November 15, the action will shift to a tri-series starting November 17, featuring an additional Asian contender, making it a packed month for cricket lovers.

For Sri Lanka, this series will not only test their form but also their ability to adapt quickly to different conditions — a crucial skill ahead of next year’s ICC Champions Trophy 2026.

Asalanka’s candid words — “It’s always a tough series when it comes to Pakistan” — perfectly sum up what lies ahead: a battle of grit, skill, and regional supremacy.

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Caleb Williams Impresses, but the Bears’ Late-Game Decisions Raise Eyebrows

One impossible touchdown changed everything — but Chicago’s season may have been decided by what happened next

Published

5 days ago

on

January 30, 2026

By

Caleb Williams’ miracle touchdown gave the Bears hope — and a decision that will be debated for years

For one breathtaking moment, football stopped making sense.

With seconds left in a divisional-round playoff game, Caleb Williams launched a prayer — a 50-plus-yard, off-balance, back-foot moon shot — and somehow, impossibly, it found Cole Kmet in the end zone. It was the kind of touchdown that instantly joins NFL folklore, the sort of play fans remember for decades.

Suddenly, the Chicago Bears were one extra point away from tying the Los Angeles Rams — a scenario no one could have imagined just moments earlier.

And that’s when the question arrived, loud and unavoidable:

Why not go for two?

The dream-big argument

If Chicago converts the two-point try, the Rams are done. Season over. The Bears move one game away from the Super Bowl, potentially facing either a second-year quarterback or an injury replacement in the AFC. No matchup in the NFL is easy, but this was a window — and those windows don’t stay open long.

Ask Aaron Rodgers or Dan Marino how rare Super Bowl chances truly are. Between them, 38 seasons, one Super Bowl appearance each. Even greatness doesn’t guarantee multiple shots.

Momentum, belief, shock value — everything screamed end it now. One play. One decision. Push all the chips to the middle.

But football decisions aren’t made in the clouds. They’re made in film rooms.

Caleb Williams’ miracle touchdown gave the Bears hope — and a decision that will be debated for years


Why Chicago didn’t gamble

Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson didn’t flinch. Replays showed him calm, unmoved, almost indifferent to the miracle unfolding. He knew the touchdown created options — but also responsibility.

Because miracles don’t stack.

Just minutes earlier, Chicago had first-and-goal at the Rams’ 5-yard line. Three ineffective runs by De’Andre Swift and a failed fourth-down pass told Johnson everything he needed to know about his short-yardage confidence.

After the game, Johnson explained it plainly.

“Our goal-to-go situations hadn’t gone very cleanly,” he said. “Our inside-the-5 plan hadn’t worked out like we hoped. I just felt better about taking our chances in overtime.”

There was also time left — 13 seconds and two Rams timeouts. One explosive play, maybe a penalty, and Los Angeles could still have stolen it with a field goal even after a failed conversion.

So Chicago chose survival over glory.

How it unraveled anyway

The Bears lived to fight in overtime — and then watched their season collapse anyway. A brutal interception. A defensive breakdown. Game over.

And just like that, Williams-to-Kmet joined a heartbreaking fraternity: iconic plays that didn’t change the ending. Think Kurt Warner to Larry Fitzgerald in Super Bowl XLIII. Think Julio Jones and that impossible toe-tap in Super Bowl LI.

Legendary moments — frozen in time — attached to losses.

So… was it the wrong call?

Emotionally? Maybe.

Strategically? Probably not.

Coaches don’t get paid to chase vibes. They get paid to trust evidence. And Chicago’s evidence said a single, all-or-nothing snap wasn’t the best bet.

That doesn’t make it satisfying. It just makes it honest.

Caleb Williams’ miracle touchdown gave the Bears hope — and a decision that will be debated for years


What this moment really means for Chicago

The Bears don’t leave this game empty-handed. They leave with something rarer than a win: belief.

You can’t build a franchise on miracle throws — but you can build a culture on refusing to quit. This team fought until the very last second, and that matters more than fans often admit.

Williams will be just 24 entering the 2026 season. Think about what he might look like at 27, 28, 29. There are no guarantees — Rodgers and Marino taught us that — but this is as good a foundation as any team could ask for.

Years from now, if Chicago is lucky, Williams-to-Kmet won’t be remembered as a cruel “what if.”

It will be remembered as the beginning.

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A Strong Night for Caleb Williams Ends With Doubts About the Bears’ Late Decisions

One impossible touchdown changed everything — but Chicago’s season may have been decided by what happened next

Published

1 week ago

on

January 27, 2026

By

Caleb Williams’ miracle touchdown gave the Bears hope — and a decision that will be debated for years

For one breathtaking moment, football stopped making sense.

With seconds left in a divisional-round playoff game, Caleb Williams launched a prayer — a 50-plus-yard, off-balance, back-foot moon shot — and somehow, impossibly, it found Cole Kmet in the end zone. It was the kind of touchdown that instantly joins NFL folklore, the sort of play fans remember for decades.

Suddenly, the Chicago Bears were one extra point away from tying the Los Angeles Rams — a scenario no one could have imagined just moments earlier.

And that’s when the question arrived, loud and unavoidable:

Why not go for two?

The dream-big argument

If Chicago converts the two-point try, the Rams are done. Season over. The Bears move one game away from the Super Bowl, potentially facing either a second-year quarterback or an injury replacement in the AFC. No matchup in the NFL is easy, but this was a window — and those windows don’t stay open long.

Ask Aaron Rodgers or Dan Marino how rare Super Bowl chances truly are. Between them, 38 seasons, one Super Bowl appearance each. Even greatness doesn’t guarantee multiple shots.

Momentum, belief, shock value — everything screamed end it now. One play. One decision. Push all the chips to the middle.

But football decisions aren’t made in the clouds. They’re made in film rooms.

Caleb Williams’ miracle touchdown gave the Bears hope — and a decision that will be debated for years


Why Chicago didn’t gamble

Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson didn’t flinch. Replays showed him calm, unmoved, almost indifferent to the miracle unfolding. He knew the touchdown created options — but also responsibility.

Because miracles don’t stack.

Just minutes earlier, Chicago had first-and-goal at the Rams’ 5-yard line. Three ineffective runs by De’Andre Swift and a failed fourth-down pass told Johnson everything he needed to know about his short-yardage confidence.

After the game, Johnson explained it plainly.

“Our goal-to-go situations hadn’t gone very cleanly,” he said. “Our inside-the-5 plan hadn’t worked out like we hoped. I just felt better about taking our chances in overtime.”

There was also time left — 13 seconds and two Rams timeouts. One explosive play, maybe a penalty, and Los Angeles could still have stolen it with a field goal even after a failed conversion.

So Chicago chose survival over glory.

How it unraveled anyway

The Bears lived to fight in overtime — and then watched their season collapse anyway. A brutal interception. A defensive breakdown. Game over.

And just like that, Williams-to-Kmet joined a heartbreaking fraternity: iconic plays that didn’t change the ending. Think Kurt Warner to Larry Fitzgerald in Super Bowl XLIII. Think Julio Jones and that impossible toe-tap in Super Bowl LI.

Legendary moments — frozen in time — attached to losses.

So… was it the wrong call?

Emotionally? Maybe.

Strategically? Probably not.

Coaches don’t get paid to chase vibes. They get paid to trust evidence. And Chicago’s evidence said a single, all-or-nothing snap wasn’t the best bet.

That doesn’t make it satisfying. It just makes it honest.

Caleb Williams’ miracle touchdown gave the Bears hope — and a decision that will be debated for years


What this moment really means for Chicago

The Bears don’t leave this game empty-handed. They leave with something rarer than a win: belief.

You can’t build a franchise on miracle throws — but you can build a culture on refusing to quit. This team fought until the very last second, and that matters more than fans often admit.

Williams will be just 24 entering the 2026 season. Think about what he might look like at 27, 28, 29. There are no guarantees — Rodgers and Marino taught us that — but this is as good a foundation as any team could ask for.

Years from now, if Chicago is lucky, Williams-to-Kmet won’t be remembered as a cruel “what if.”

It will be remembered as the beginning.

Continue Reading

Sports

Caleb Williams Did His Part But Did the Bears Overthink the Finish

One impossible touchdown changed everything — but Chicago’s season may have been decided by what happened next

Published

2 weeks ago

on

January 21, 2026

By

Caleb Williams’ miracle touchdown gave the Bears hope — and a decision that will be debated for years

For one breathtaking moment, football stopped making sense.

With seconds left in a divisional-round playoff game, Caleb Williams launched a prayer — a 50-plus-yard, off-balance, back-foot moon shot — and somehow, impossibly, it found Cole Kmet in the end zone. It was the kind of touchdown that instantly joins NFL folklore, the sort of play fans remember for decades.

Suddenly, the Chicago Bears were one extra point away from tying the Los Angeles Rams — a scenario no one could have imagined just moments earlier.

And that’s when the question arrived, loud and unavoidable:

Why not go for two?

The dream-big argument

If Chicago converts the two-point try, the Rams are done. Season over. The Bears move one game away from the Super Bowl, potentially facing either a second-year quarterback or an injury replacement in the AFC. No matchup in the NFL is easy, but this was a window — and those windows don’t stay open long.

Ask Aaron Rodgers or Dan Marino how rare Super Bowl chances truly are. Between them, 38 seasons, one Super Bowl appearance each. Even greatness doesn’t guarantee multiple shots.

Momentum, belief, shock value — everything screamed end it now. One play. One decision. Push all the chips to the middle.

But football decisions aren’t made in the clouds. They’re made in film rooms.

Caleb Williams’ miracle touchdown gave the Bears hope — and a decision that will be debated for years


Why Chicago didn’t gamble

Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson didn’t flinch. Replays showed him calm, unmoved, almost indifferent to the miracle unfolding. He knew the touchdown created options — but also responsibility.

Because miracles don’t stack.

Just minutes earlier, Chicago had first-and-goal at the Rams’ 5-yard line. Three ineffective runs by De’Andre Swift and a failed fourth-down pass told Johnson everything he needed to know about his short-yardage confidence.

After the game, Johnson explained it plainly.

“Our goal-to-go situations hadn’t gone very cleanly,” he said. “Our inside-the-5 plan hadn’t worked out like we hoped. I just felt better about taking our chances in overtime.”

There was also time left — 13 seconds and two Rams timeouts. One explosive play, maybe a penalty, and Los Angeles could still have stolen it with a field goal even after a failed conversion.

So Chicago chose survival over glory.

How it unraveled anyway

The Bears lived to fight in overtime — and then watched their season collapse anyway. A brutal interception. A defensive breakdown. Game over.

And just like that, Williams-to-Kmet joined a heartbreaking fraternity: iconic plays that didn’t change the ending. Think Kurt Warner to Larry Fitzgerald in Super Bowl XLIII. Think Julio Jones and that impossible toe-tap in Super Bowl LI.

Legendary moments — frozen in time — attached to losses.

So… was it the wrong call?

Emotionally? Maybe.

Strategically? Probably not.

Coaches don’t get paid to chase vibes. They get paid to trust evidence. And Chicago’s evidence said a single, all-or-nothing snap wasn’t the best bet.

That doesn’t make it satisfying. It just makes it honest.

Caleb Williams’ miracle touchdown gave the Bears hope — and a decision that will be debated for years


What this moment really means for Chicago

The Bears don’t leave this game empty-handed. They leave with something rarer than a win: belief.

You can’t build a franchise on miracle throws — but you can build a culture on refusing to quit. This team fought until the very last second, and that matters more than fans often admit.

Williams will be just 24 entering the 2026 season. Think about what he might look like at 27, 28, 29. There are no guarantees — Rodgers and Marino taught us that — but this is as good a foundation as any team could ask for.

Years from now, if Chicago is lucky, Williams-to-Kmet won’t be remembered as a cruel “what if.”

It will be remembered as the beginning.

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