India will take on China in their final Super 4s match in the Hockey Asia Cup 2025 on Saturday. The Harmanpreet Singh-led side enters the contest with good momentum, having defeated Malaysia in their previous match. The last time India played against China, the hosts came out on top, winning the contest 4-3. If India wins against China, then it would guarantee them a spot in the final, as no other team can reach seven points.
India will take on China in the Hockey Asia Cup on Saturday. (PTI)
A draw will also be enough for India to make it to the final. However, a loss will make things interesting, as the result of the Malaysia versus Korea match will affect the outcome.
If Malaysia wins and India loses, the former will join China on 6 points, leading to these two teams squaring off in the summit clash. If India loses and the match between Malaysia and Korea ends as a draw, then the goal difference would come into the mix.
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) will hold its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on September 15, 2025, with most analysts expecting the policy rate to remain unchanged.
According to statement released on Friday, a poll conducted by Topline Securities showed that 72% of market participants anticipate no change in the policy rate, compared to 37% in the previous poll. The sharp rise in expectations for a status quo reflects concerns that recent floods could fuel food and overall inflation in the coming months by damaging crops and disrupting supply chains.
“While 28% are expecting a cut of 25bps and above. Within this, 6% are expecting 25bps cut, 13% are expecting 50bps cut and 9% are expecting 100bps cut,” said Topline Securities.
Historical data underscores the risks. During the 2010-2011 floods, the cultivated area for major crops such as wheat, rice, and cotton declined between 3% and 18%. Rice production fell nearly 30% in FY11, according to the Economic Survey of Pakistan.
“We also expect central bank to maintain status quo in upcoming meet owing to possible inflation risks emanating from recent floods and rising imports,” said Topline Securities.
Gold prices in Pakistan extended their hiking streak on Friday, mirroring the surge in the international market where bullion rallied to fresh highs. The global price of gold climbed close to the $3,600 per ounce mark after weak US jobs data boosted expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut, providing further momentum to the metal’s safe-haven appeal.
In the local market, gold prices jumped by Rs1,200 per tola, taking the new all-time high to Rs377,900. Similarly, the price of 10-gram gold rose by Rs1,029 to settle at Rs323,988, according to rates shared by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA). This comes after Thursday’s session, when gold prices held steady at Rs376,700 per tola.
Spot gold was up 1.4% at $3,596.49 per ounce, as of 1402 GMT, having hit a record $3,596.76 earlier. The metal is now on track for its strongest weekly gain in nearly four months, according to Reuters. US gold futures for December delivery rose 1.3% to $3,653.30.
“The international rally remains robust,” noted Adnan Agar, Director at Interactive Commodities. Gold’s low for today was $3,540, and its high reached $3,597. The data that came into the market strongly supported gold, which is why prices pushed higher. On Monday,
there’s a strong chance of further upside, he said.
However, Agar cautioned that the sharp upward run without any significant pullback also raises the likelihood of a correction. “At the very least, we may see a $70 to $100 adjustment in the coming days before the rally resumes.” Internationally, people are targeting $3,700, but targets keep getting revised as gold continues to defy expectations, he explained.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani rupee extended its upward trend against the US dollar on Friday, recording a modest appreciation of 0.01% in the inter-bank market.
By the day’s close, the currency stood at 281.65, strengthening by two paisa compared to the previous session. This marked the rupee’s 21st straight session of gains against the greenback.
A day earlier, the local unit had closed at 281.67.
“At the end of the trading session, PKR appreciated by 0.01% DoD against the greenback to settle at 281.65, whereas it has depreciated by 1.10% CYTD and appreciated by 0.75% FYTD,” commented Ismail Iqbal Securities.
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) raised Rs654.28 billion through an auction of Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIBs) held on September 5, 2025. The auction saw strong demand across tenors, with the highest amount of Rs280 billion accepted for the 15-year bond at a cut-off yield of 12.38%. Significant amounts were also raised in the 10-year (Rs207.86 billion at 12.04%), 5-year (Rs114.99 billion at 11.44%), 2-year (Rs43.29 billion at 11.20%), and 3-year (Rs8.15 billion at 11.14%) tenors.
In a separate move to manage liquidity, the SBP injected funds into the banking system through two types of Open Market Operations (OMOs). A Shariah-compliant Mudarabah-based OMO injected Rs153.30 billion at rates between 11.13% and 11.14% for 7-day and 14-day tenors. Simultaneously, a conventional Reverse Repo (Injection) operation added Rs113.30 billion at slightly lower rates of 11.01% for 14-day and 11.06% for 7-day tenors.
Michael Saylor’s Strategy (MSTR) missed out on being added to the S&P 500 index on Friday, despite hopes of inclusion after the company posted one of the strongest quarters in its history and met all criteria for joining the index.
The stock of the largest corporate bitcoin BTC$111,166.03 holder declined nearly 3% after market hours, erasing all of Friday’s gains. The inclusion would have been a significant milestone for the company and for the industry as it would have exposed millions of average investors and portfolio managers to the company, potentially acting as a bullish catalyst.
In a surprise move on Friday, the digital trading platform Robinhood (HOOD), with growing crypto ambitions, was included in the S&P 500 index, driving the stock 7% higher after the market close. The changes will go into effect on September 22.
Before Friday, only two crypto-linked stocks were part of the index: Crypto exchange Coinbase (COIN) and Jack Dorsey’s Block (XYZ). Robinhood will now be added to this coveted list.
Read more: Strategy Qualifies for S&P 500, Inclusion Decision Could Come on Friday
Candida is a yeast that can cause infections ranging in severity. Antifungal resistance among Candida is growing, particularly for specific species such as Candida auris and Candida parapsilosis. These two species also spread more easily between patients in healthcare settings compared to other species of Candida. Awareness of this issue is essential for clinicians, as it can guide testing practices and clinical treatment decisions.
During this COCA Call, presenters will share current evidence demonstrating the increase in antifungal resistance among C. auris and C. parapsilosis and discuss recommendations for testing and treatment.
Webinar
Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025
Time: 2:00-3:00 P.M. ET
A few minutes before the webinar begins, please click here to join.
Presenters
Dallas Smith, PharmD, MAS Epidemiologist Mycotic Diseases Branch Division of Foodborne Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Meghan Lyman, MD Acting Deputy Branch Chief Mycotic Diseases Branch Division of Foodborne Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Call Objectives
COCA Call Objectives
At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to accomplish the following:
Cite background information on the topic covered during the presentation.
Discuss CDC’s role in the topic covered during the presentation.
Describe the topic’s implications for clinicians.
Discuss concerns and/or issues related to preparedness for and/or response to urgent public health threats.
Promote health improvement, wellness, and disease prevention in cooperation with patients, communities, populations at higher risk, and other members of an interprofessional team of healthcare providers.
Activity-specific Objectives
Describe the increasing prevalence of resistant Candida species.
Explain the epidemiology of emerging resistant Candida.
Outline appropriate testing including species identification, antifungal susceptibility testing, and whole genome sequencing.
Summarize treatment options and resources for resistant Candida species.
Continuing Education
Instructions for Obtaining Continuing Education (CE)
To receive continuing education (CE) for WC4520R-091825—The Path of Yeast Resistance: Drug-resistant Candida on the Rise, please visit CDC TRAIN and search for the course in the Course Catalog using WC4520R-091825. Follow the steps below by October 20, 2025. The registration code is COCA091825.
To receive continuing education (CE) for WD4520R-091825—The Path of Yeast Resistance: Drug-resistant Candida on the Rise, please visit CDC TRAIN and search for the course in the Course Catalog using WD4520R-091825. Follow the steps below between October 21, 2025, and October 21, 2027.
Register for and complete the course.
Pass the post-assessment at 75%.
Complete the evaluation.
Visit Your Learning to access your certificates and transcript.
Accreditation Statements
CDC is a Jointly Accredited Provider of Interprofessional Continuing Education.
CPE: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designated this Knowledge-based event for pharmacists to receive 0.1 CEUs in pharmacy education. The Universal Activity Number is JA4008229-0000-25-050-L04-P and enduring JA4008229-0000-25-051-H04-P.
CME: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
AAPA CME: Credit Designation Statement – Live The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been authorized by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 1 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.
CNE: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designates this activity for 1 nursing contact hours.
CEU: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is authorized by IACET to offer 0.1 CEUs for this program.
CECH: Sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES®) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES®) to receive up to 1 total Category I continuing education contact hours. Maximum advanced level continuing education contact hours available are 1. Continuing Competency credits available are 1. CDC provider number 98614.
AAVSB/RACE: This program has been submitted (but not yet approved) for 1 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB RACE approval; however, participants should be aware that some boards have limitations on the number of hours accepted in certain categories or restrictions on certain methods of delivery of continuing education.
For Certified Public Health Professionals (CPH): The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a pre-approved provider of Certified in Public Health (CPH) recertification credits and is authorized to offer 1 CPH recertification credits for this program.
DISCLOSURE: In compliance with continuing education requirements, all planners and presenters/moderators must disclose all financial relationships, in any amount, with ineligible companies over the previous 24 months as well as any use of unlabeled product(s) or products under investigational use.
CDC, our planners, and presenters/moderators wish to disclose they have no financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.
Content will not include any discussion of the unlabeled use of a product or a product under investigational use with the exception of Dr. Meghan Lyman’s discussion of several antifungal medications in clinical trials for C. auris and availability of use under expanded access programs.
CDC did not accept financial or in-kind support from ineligible companies for this continuing education activity.
CDC complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, or sex. To learn more visit: https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/nondiscrimination/index.html
Tennis-Power struggle in US Open final as Sabalenka faces Anisimova
NEW YORK, Sept 5 – A showdown between two of tennis’ heaviest hitters awaits fans in Saturday’s U.S. Open women’s final, where Amanda Anisimova will hope to derail Aryna Sabalenka’s title defence while chasing Grand Slam redemption.
Few predicted the American would return to a major final so soon after her crushing 6-0 6-0 defeat by Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon, but Anisimova proved the doubters wrong by ousting the architect of her misery in the quarter-finals.
She brings to the court a similar skill set as Sabalenka, with tremendous power from the baseline, a lethal forehand and big serve that have overwhelmed opponents through the draw and their three-set comeback wins in the semi-finals.
While Anisimova holds a 6-3 edge in their head-to-head, world number one Sabalenka has become one of the most dependable forces on the hardcourt Grand Slam stage.
The Belarusian claimed back-to-back Australian Open titles in 2023 and 2024 before her U.S. Open triumph last year, and now bids to become the first woman to defend the crown at Flushing Meadows since Serena Williams in 2012–14.
Despite her consistency, having reached her third Grand Slam final of 2025 and a third straight in New York, the 27-year-old remains in the hunt for her first major of the season, after falling to Madison Keys in Melbourne and Coco Gauff in Paris.
“I’m super excited to give myself another opportunity, another final,” Sabalenka said after her semi-final win over Jessica Pegula.
“If I’ll be able to hold that trophy, it’s going to mean a lot for me. I’ll be just the happiest person on earth probably.”
Standing between Sabalenka and a fourth Grand Slam crown is a resurgent Anisimova, who arrives brimming with confidence after toppling four-time major winner Naomi Osaka in the semi-finals just a day after exacting sweet revenge on Swiatek.
The 24-year-old, set to rise to world number four next week, knows how to hurt Sabalenka, having stunned her less than two months ago in the Wimbledon semi-finals.
“I felt like in that match at Wimbledon, I was doubting a lot my decisions, and that was the main thing that was bringing a lot of unforced errors,” Sabalenka added on that match.
“I gave her a lot of opportunities, and of course, she played incredible tennis … the key for me is going to be just go out there, of course, obviously fight, but trust my decisions and go after my shots.”
For Anisimova, Saturday is more than a shot at a maiden major, it is the culmination of a long climb back to the top.
The 24-year-old returned to the spotlight in 2024 after an eight-month break to prioritize her mental health, and now she is surging again on the sport’s biggest stage.
Her 2025 season already shines brightly, highlighted by a maiden WTA 1000 triumph in Doha back in February, and now capped by a second straight Grand Slam final after a gutsy win over two-time U.S. Open champion Osaka.
Anisimova displayed remarkable composure to hand the Japanese her first semi-final defeat in a Grand Slam, rallying from a set down in a near three-hour epic that stretched into the early hours of Friday.
“I just keep telling myself that I can do it, and I believe in myself,” Anisimova said. “I keep saying that over and over again.
“I have really worked on myself to really be able to handle those moments and to believe in myself … I have really done a better job of that, and especially since the Wimbledon final. I think I have really shifted with my attitude.”
Roared on by a partisan New York crowd, Anisimova will look to harness her momentum, while Sabalenka will aim to convert experience into dominance.
With the crown of the season’s final Grand Slam on the line, sparks are sure to fly at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Seven nations will look to dethrone India as continental champions when the Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) Asia Cup 2025 gets under way in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on September 9.
The tournament is traditionally held every two years, with Sri Lanka hosting the previous edition in 2023, when India beat the hosts to lift the crown in Colombo.
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Here’s a comprehensive guide to the Asia Cup 2025:
When and where will the Asia Cup be held?
The tournament will begin with Afghanistan taking on Hong Kong on September 9 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi and conclude with the final on September 28 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The two venues will host the entire tournament – comprising 19 matches – with Sharjah missing out.
What’s the full match schedule of the Asia Cup?
The full match schedule for the 2025 tournament can be accessed here.
Dubai International Stadium, located in Dubai’s Sports City, has a capacity of 25,000 and is the venue for the Asia Cup 2025 final [File: Altaf Qadri/AP Photo]
Why isn’t India hosting the Asia Cup?
India was slated to host the tournament as per the hosting rights schedule. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remains the official host of the tournament, it is being played in the UAE due to the recent conflict between India and Pakistan.
Before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, hosted by Pakistan, the two neighbours agreed to play each other only at neutral venues in international cricket tournaments. Due to the logistical complications and the compact nature of the competition, the ACC decided to organise the entire tournament in the UAE.
Which teams are participating in the Asia Cup 2025, and what’s the format?
The eight participating nations are divided into two groups:
Group A: India, Pakistan, Oman, UAE
Group B: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong
The tournament will be played in two group stages, followed by the final.
Following the initial group stage, the top two teams from each group will enter the Super Four phase, where all teams will face each other in a round-robin format.
The top two teams at the end of the Super Four will qualify for the final.
The full squads list for the eight teams can be accessed here.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤! 🏏
The ACC Men’s T20I Asia Cup kicks off from 9th to 28th September in the UAE! 🤩
Why is the Asia Cup being played in the T20 format?
Up until the 12th edition of the tournament, the Asia Cup was played in the 50-over one-day international (ODI) format. However, the ACC decided to switch the format to Twenty20 for the 2016 edition to help teams prepare for the 2016 T20 World Cup, as the Asia Cup preceded the ICC event by a few weeks.
Since then, the Asia Cup has alternated between the two white-ball cricket formats – T20 and ODI – to match the ICC World Cup that follows.
India’s win in Sri Lanka in 2023 was followed by the 50-over World Cup a month later, while this year’s tournament will be followed by the T20 World Cup in February 2026.
Why is Nepal not playing in the Asia Cup?
Five of the eight slots for the Asia Cup 2025 were reserved for the ACC’s permanent members: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The other three were allocated to the top three teams at the ACC Premier Cup 2024, where Nepal finished fourth.
When is India vs Pakistan, and will they really face each other three times?
India and Pakistan are no strangers to having the limelight shone on them at global events, especially cricket tournaments.
It is no longer a surprise when both teams are grouped together at mega events to ensure at least one India vs Pakistan sellout game, but organisers of the Asia Cup have done one better by trying to eke out one more match by introducing a round-robin style Super Four stage. This has resulted in both teams meeting twice in the past three Asia Cups.
However, fate and results have not gone the organisers’ way in the 16 previous editions of the tournament, as the teams have never met in the final.
So yes, India and Pakistan could face each other thrice at the Asia Cup. Their first and most definite meeting is in Group A on September 14 in Dubai. Should they both qualify for the Super Four stage, they will meet again on September 21 at the same venue.
The September 28 final offers cricket fans the chance of a third India vs Pakistan match in two weeks – should both teams qualify.
Virat Kohli, centre, scored a century against Pakistan in the teams’ last meeting in the Asia Cup 2023 in Colombo, Sri Lanka [File: Surjeet Yadav/Getty Images]
Who are the top players to watch at the Asia Cup 2025?
Abhishek Sharma (India): The fact that the young top-order batter has managed to carve a spot in a highly competitive T20 Indian batting lineup is enough to mark Sharma as one to watch in the Asia Cup. The 24-year-old boasts the highest career strike rate of 193 among all batters in T20s and backs it up with two centuries and half-centuries in the format.
Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): Often regarded as arguably the best T20 bowler, the Afghanistan captain consistently makes the list of top players at the end of any tournament he participates in. Rashid, who will turn 27 during the Asia Cup, has nearly 10 years of T20 international experience and is not afraid of using it as both an all-rounder and a leader.
Hasan Nawaz (Pakistan): Pakistan have often been criticised for their batters’ inability to match modern-day T20 batting strike rates, but in Nawaz, they seem to have found a solution to this problem. The 23-year-old has a strike rate of 174, with a T20 hundred and two fifties in his 16 matches.
Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka): If Sri Lanka are to match India and win a record-equalling seventh Asia Cup crown, their top-order batters will need to score consistently. Nissanka could prove to be just the player to do it as he enters the tournament in excellent run-scoring form as an opener. He has scored 30 or more runs in eight of his last 10 T20 innings, including three fifties.
Taskin Ahmed (Bangladesh): The right-arm pacer is a mainstay of the Bangladesh side, thanks to his cross-format consistency. He is a standout performer in T20s, though, with a bowling strike rate of 17.5 and an average of 22. Taskin comes into the tournament on the back of a couple of good home series against Pakistan and the Netherlands.
Which top players will miss the Asia Cup?
Some of the biggest names in Asian cricket will be absent from the tournament. These are:
Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Muhammad Rizwan (Pakistan)
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Bangladesh)
Rishabh Pant (India)
Mohammed Siraj (India)
Angelo Mathews (Sri Lanka)
Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan was the top run-scorer at the Asia Cup 2022 in the UAE [File: Satish Kumar/Reuters]
What’s the history, and who are the past winners of the Asia Cup?
The ACC was formed in 1983 with the aim of expanding cricket in the continent and bringing the regional teams together through tournaments such as the Asia Cup. The first edition was held in 1984 in the UAE, where India emerged victorious ahead of Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the ODI tournament.
The tournament remained biennial until 1990, when Pakistan pulled out over the fractious nature of its relationship with India over the conflict in Kashmir. Politics continued to find its way into sport, and the subsequent Asia Cup, in 1993, was called off as the South Asian giants were unable to mend their ties. While India travelled to Pakistan for the 2008 edition, the UAE has hosted the tournament twice in the past three editions as a neutral host.
Holders India are the most successful team, having won the title on eight occasions. Sri Lanka are not far behind, with six titles to their name.
Afghanistan and Bangladesh have never won the title, but with Sri Lanka and two-time winners Pakistan struggling in 2025, this tournament may represent their best-ever opportunity to win an Asia Cup crown.
Here’s the complete list of past champions:
1984: India
1986: Sri Lanka
1988: India
1990–91: India
1995: India
1997: Sri Lanka
2000: Pakistan
2004: Sri Lanka
2008: Sri Lanka
2010: India
2012: Pakistan
2014: Sri Lanka
2016: India
2018: India
2022: Sri Lanka
2023: India
India beat Sri Lanka by 10 wickets to win the Asia Cup 2023 in Colombo [File: Eranga Jayawardena/AP Photo]
How can fans buy tickets for the Asia Cup?
Tickets can be bought online or in person at one of the booths at both venues in the UAE.
How to follow and stream the Asia Cup live?
Al Jazeera will provide live text and photo commentary of a selection of games, including India vs Pakistan and the final.
