Pakistan and Oman will lock horns at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday, (Sep 12) in match four of the Asia Cup 2025. This will be the first game of the tournament for both teams, and they will be aiming to start strong. Pakistan comes into the match with high confidence after recently winning the UAE T20I Tri-Series. They have experience and form on their side. For Oman, this is a big moment. It’s their first-ever appearance in the Asia Cup, and they will be looking to make an impact against a top team like Pakistan. Before the game gets underway, let’s glance at the key stats below.
PAK vs OMA: Head-to-Head Record
This will be the first time Pakistan and Oman take on each other in T20Is.
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Ground Stats – Dubai International Stadium
Highest Team Score:India: 212/2 vs Afghanistan (Sep 8, 2022)
Lowest Team Score: West Indies: 55 all out vs England (Oct 23, 2021)
Biggest Win by Runs: India: Won by 101 runs vs Afghanistan (Sep 8, 2022)
Closest Win at Dubai: UAE: Won by 2 runs vs Kuwait (Dec 21, 2024)
Recent Results in Dubai International Stadium (Last 5 Matches)
India beat UAE by 9 wickets – Sep 10, 2025
UAE beat Kuwait by 2 runs – Dec 21, 2024
Scotland beat UAE by 32 runs – Mar 14, 2024
Scotland beat UAE by 9 runs – Mar 13, 2024
UAE beat Scotland by 8 wickets – Mar 11, 2024
Pitch Report – Dubai International Stadium
The surface at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium traditionally leans on the dry side, where stroke play can be challenging as the ball grips and holds after pitching. Spinners tend to come into play as the innings progress, while seamers often find early movement and bounce with the new ball.
Type 2 diabetes is commonly associated with high blood sugar, heart disease, and kidney problems, but the liver is often overlooked. This vital organ processes sugars, fats, and toxins, and when blood sugar remains high or sugar intake is excessive, it becomes overloaded. Over time, fat accumulates in liver cells, triggering inflammation and potentially leading to long-term damage. Conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are increasingly common in people with type 2 diabetes. Recognising the impact of sugar and diabetes on liver health is crucial for prevention, effective management, and maintaining overall metabolic wellbeing.
The impact of high sugar on liver health: NAFLD, fibrosis, and cirrhosis
Excessive consumption of dietary sugars, particularly fructose, plays a significant role in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Unlike glucose, fructose is metabolised almost entirely by the liver, where it is converted into fat through a process called lipogenesis. Over time, this fat accumulates in liver cells, triggering inflammation and oxidative stress, which can impair normal liver function. If left unchecked, this can progress to more severe liver conditions, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and cirrhosis.The study The Impact and Burden of Dietary Sugars on the Liver emphasises the link between high sugar intake and liver damage, particularly in populations consuming large amounts of sugary drinks and processed foods. High sugar consumption also worsens insulin resistance, a key factor in type 2 diabetes, further compounding liver injury. Reducing dietary sugar, particularly added and free sugars, is therefore a crucial step in protecting liver health, preventing metabolic complications, and improving long-term wellbeing.
Side effects of excessive blood sugar on liver
1. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Excess fat accumulates in the liver, not caused by alcohol. Often silent in early stages, NAFLD can reduce liver efficiency, affect metabolism, and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.2. Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): A more severe form of NAFLD, where fat triggers inflammation, damaging liver cells. NASH may cause liver enlargement, mild discomfort, and can progress silently to scarring or cirrhosis if not managed.3. Fibrosis and cirrhosis: Chronic inflammation from fat and sugar-induced liver stress can lead to scarring (fibrosis). Over time, this may progress to cirrhosis, severely impairing liver function, reducing detoxification ability, and increasing susceptibility to infections.4. Increased risk of liver cancer: Persistent liver inflammation and cirrhosis raise the likelihood of hepatocellular carcinoma. People with type 2 diabetes and long-term NAFLD have a higher risk of developing liver cancer compared with the general population.Early stages often show no symptoms, but possible signs include:
Fatigue and weakness
Loss of appetite
Discomfort in the upper right abdomen
Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice) in advanced stages
Swelling in the legs or abdomen
Can liver damage be reversed
In the early stages of liver damage, the condition is often reversible. Reducing dietary sugar, achieving gradual weight loss, and engaging in regular exercise can significantly lower fat accumulation and inflammation in the liver. These lifestyle changes improve insulin sensitivity, support metabolic health, and can prevent progression to more severe disease. The liver has a remarkable capacity to regenerate, repairing damaged cells and restoring normal function if the injury has not advanced.However, once scarring (fibrosis) or severe cirrhosis develops, reversing the damage becomes much more difficult. At this stage, medical intervention may focus on managing symptoms, slowing disease progression, and preventing complications such as liver failure or cancer. The study The Impact and Burden of Dietary Sugars on the Liver highlights that early intervention, including sugar reduction and lifestyle modification, is crucial to preventing long-term liver damage and improving overall liver health.
Prevention and management tips
Control blood sugar: Regular monitoring and medication as prescribed.
Cut down on sugar: Reduce sugary drinks, desserts and added sugars.
Eat a balanced diet: More fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains.
Exercise regularly: Walking, swimming or cycling help burn fat and improve insulin sensitivity.
Maintain a healthy weight: Even 5–10% weight loss can improve liver health.
Regular check-ups: Blood tests and scans to monitor liver function.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine or treatment.Also read | Oesophageal cancer is on the rise: 5 early symptoms you must know
A father’s challenge begins Tinch’s journey to fastest hurdler in the world this year
In the end, the spark for Tinch to return to track came from some gentle banter with his father.
While sitting on the couch watching the 2020 NCAA Outdoor Championships, Tinch senior turned to his son and said, “You know, I just don’t think you got it no more”.
Buoyed by the challenge, Tinch found his spikes, went straight to track and ran a 13.27-second 110m hurdles.
It took another two years for the Wisconsin native to come back to athletics full-time after a friend recommended him to a coach at Pittsburg State in Kansas.
However, the transition wasn’t an easy one. At first, Tinch felt like an imposter.
But after lining up for his first race under his new coach, the feeling changed instantly to one of belonging.
“When the gun went off, that’s when I knew, I’m where I’m supposed to be,” he said.
Tinch’s rise since that day in 2023 to today has been sensational. He arrives at these world championships with a time of 12.87 seconds — the fastest in the world this year.
The 110m hurdles competition in Tokyo is expected to be a phenomenal battle, with Paris 2024 Olympic champion and three-time world championships gold medallist Grant Holloway finally showing small signs of fragility this season after years of absolute dominance.
Yet whatever happens, Tinch’s journey has been as much about discovering his true self as rediscovering his love for sport.
“Going home and working in paper factories, in cellphone stores, in moving companies, it was all fun,” he said. “But at the same time, I think that finding myself was the biggest part of all that.”
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday issued a high alert for flash floods in Balochistan, warning of heavy rains in several districts over the next 24 to 48 hours.
According to forecasts from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, torrential downpours are expected in Lasbela, Hub, Khuzdar, Awaran, Barkhan, Sui, Sibi, Dera Bugti, Naseerabad, Kohlu, Kalat, Zhob, Kech, Gwadar, Pasni, Ormara, Surab, and southern Washuk.
Authorities cautioned that flash flooding is highly likely in seasonal streams and rivers in Wadh, Khuzdar, Bela, Ormara, and Hingol Valley. The rising water could damage mud houses, crops, farmland, and rural roads, with villages near waterways facing the greatest risk.
The NDMA has directed local administrations to deploy rescue teams, prepare emergency shelters, and ensure arrangements for restoring road access in case of damage. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in flood-prone areas, and to stay away from weak structures, power poles, and trees.
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is set to become a major destination for global jewellery tourism with the launch of SAJEX 2025. This significant event, running from 11 to 13 September 2025, is being hosted by the Consulate General of India, Jeddah, in collaboration with the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India (GJEPC).
SAJEX 2025 is a premier business-to-business (B2B) jewellery exhibition that aims to foster international collaboration, innovation, and business opportunities. As the event brings together prominent jewellers, designers, manufacturers, and industry leaders from around the world, it is expected to elevate Saudi Arabia’s position in the global jewellery market.
A Boost for Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Industry
Jeddah is not only a vital commercial hub in Saudi Arabia but also an emerging cultural and tourism destination. Hosting an event like SAJEX 2025 will attract global tourists and investors, making it a significant moment for both the local economy and the tourism industry. The exhibition will also showcase Saudi Arabia’s progress in becoming a key player in global trade and investment, particularly in sectors like jewellery and luxury goods.
The influx of international buyers, industry experts, and media during the exhibition will bring an estimated rise in tourism. The event will introduce tourists to the beauty of Jeddah, its rich culture, and the growing business opportunities in Saudi Arabia. As a growing tourism market, the Kingdom’s tourism ministry sees such exhibitions as critical for supporting Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the country’s economy and increase its non-oil revenues.
Saudi Arabia: A Growing Global Trade Hub
Saudi Arabia has emerged as a leader in the Middle East with a GDP of over $1.11 trillion, making it the largest economy in the Arab world. Its government has made considerable strides in enhancing the country’s infrastructure and regulatory framework, making it an attractive destination for international investors. With a population of 36 million and increasing foreign investments, the country is steadily positioning itself as a business-friendly nation.
This exhibition will not only advance the jewellery industry but also act as a key tourism driver, bringing thousands of visitors to the country. The exhibition is designed to provide a platform for networking, learning, and collaboration in the jewellery trade. As the event gains recognition, Jeddah will continue to draw both business and leisure tourists looking to explore the city’s cultural and historical significance.
Partnerships Strengthening Tourism Links
The Saudi Tourism Authority has partnered with the Consulate General of India and GJEPC to ensure the success of the exhibition and its role in promoting tourism. As part of this partnership, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Makkah Region Branch) has reached out to various local institutions, including the Saudi Tourism Authority, to foster collaboration between the tourism and business sectors.
By collaborating with local tourism boards and government agencies, SAJEX 2025 is not only strengthening the global trade network but is also ensuring that Jeddah becomes a global destination for jewellery tourism. This strategic collaboration will promote Saudi Arabia as a top-tier destination for both business and leisure tourism.
The Economic Impact of SAJEX 2025 on Local Tourism
The economic impact of SAJEX 2025 on the local tourism sector is already being anticipated. With more than 2,000 international visitors expected to attend the event, Jeddah’s hospitality sector will experience a boost in demand for accommodation, transportation, and tourism-related services. This increased visitor flow will have a direct impact on local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to retail and cultural attractions.
The event also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ongoing tourism development strategies, which include enhancing infrastructure and diversifying the economy. The rise of business tourism, exemplified by events like SAJEX 2025, will help boost Jeddah’s international profile, attract high-net-worth individuals, and encourage repeat visits from international buyers and investors. These factors collectively position the Kingdom as an attractive destination for both business and leisure travel.
Cultural Exchange and Global Connections
One of the highlights of SAJEX 2025 is the cultural exchange that accompanies the exhibition. As the event brings together key international stakeholders, it also fosters a space for dialogue and collaboration across cultures. With its rich history and stunning architecture, Jeddah provides the perfect backdrop for such an event, blending modernity and tradition. The cultural experiences offered alongside the exhibition, such as local culinary delights and visits to historical sites, will help showcase the cultural richness of Saudi Arabia.
Looking Ahead: SAJEX 2025’s Lasting Impact on Saudi Tourism
As SAJEX 2025 continues to unfold, its impact on both the jewellery industry and tourism in Jeddah will grow. The exhibition serves as a catalyst for bringing the world’s attention to Saudi Arabia’s growing jewellery market and tourism offerings. It will not only reinforce the cultural and economic ties between India and Saudi Arabia but also elevate the Kingdom’s profile as a leading destination for global tourism.
In the years to come, events like SAJEX 2025 will continue to play an essential role in driving business tourism, supporting the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, and enhancing Jeddah’s stature as a key tourism hub in the Middle East.
Long-Term Tourism Impact and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
SAJEX 2025 in Jeddah is a milestone event, marking Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global trade and tourism. Through this event, Saudi Arabia’s jewellery market is set to flourish, bringing in both tourists and investors. As global interest in Jeddah’s growing economy and cultural richness increases, the city is poised to become a top destination for business tourism, contributing to the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 goals.
Sydney Sweeney, the actress who made controversial headlines, ditched her denim outfits for boxing gloves at the Toronto International Film Festival, with the film ‘Christy.’ Days after the film premiere at the prestigious festival, the actress posted the trailer on her social media. While the actress gained quite a few compliments for her transformation, the film has received mixed comments.
About the ‘Christy’ trailer
Directed by David Michôd, the trailer begins with a stunning introduction of the character that Christy fights in all pink. After a couple of punches and running around the town for training, the film dives deeper into the rabbit hole with relationship issues and figuring out her life after getting knocked down in a significant fight. Taking a harsh turn, Christy’s life slowly changes with her manager-turned-husband, Jim (played by Ben Foster). The film is based on the real-life story of the prolific professional boxer, Christine Renea Salters. Sydney Sweeney wrote, “this one’s for you, christy 🥊 the @christy.movie trailer is finally here. see the film in theaters nov 7”
Comments about the film
In the mixed reviews, some applauded Sydney Sweeney for giving an Oscar-worthy performance, while others denounced the film, claiming that it is like any other boxing film. Many even announced that the actress looks unrecognisable in the film. After the film’s premiere, one wrote, “Swoley Swe—I mean Sydney Sweeney is fantastic in CHRISTY but Christy Salters deserved a knockout of a biopic than this conventional and calculated Oscar-baity flick.”Another mentioned, “CHRISTY – I’m allowed at least one crazy hyperbolic festival take, and mine is that Ben Foster and Sydney Sweeney are both Oscar winners after today.”A third viewer said, “World premiere hype was glowing, but I thought Christy was good, not great. It tries to subvert the action-biopic formula but never fully lands. Sydney Sweeney is solid, though not at her best. Safe, predictable-but still worth a watch.”Meanwhile, a fourth user opined, “Sydney Sweeney is a revelation in #Christy, with the goods to punch her way into the Oscar race for her first best actress nom. Her best performance yet.”
Emergency responders with a mother and child in an Ebola treatment centre in the DRC in 2019.
At least 68 people are suspected of Ebola in four districts of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Kasai state, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
Twenty cases have been confirmed and 16 people have died since the DRC declared the outbreak on 4 September, Africa CDC’s Dr Ngashi Ngongo told a media briefing on Thursday.
The first case was identified at the Bulape General Referral Hospital, and a nurse and laboratory technician who attended to the patient have also since died, said Ngashi.
Although this is the 16th Ebola outbreak in the DRC since 1976, it appears to be “a new zoonotic spillover” with sequencing showing that the strain is most similar to the 1976 outbreak rather than recent outbreaks, added Ngongo.
He added that, because of the remote nature of the outbreak, getting samples to laboratories “really takes time”.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has airlifted 12 tonnes of outbreak control materials, including personal protective equipment, patient isolation materials, water, sanitation and hygiene supplies to support clinical care and protect frontline health workers.
“The affected localities are hard to reach. We are working round the clock to rapidly roll out response measures to ensure robust outbreak control to stop the virus from spreading further and save lives,” said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
Vaccination of health workers
Meanwhile, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is assisting the health ministry and the WHO to set up and manage a treatment centre at Bulape Hospital.
“We helped reinforce triage protocols, supplied essential medicines and personal protective equipment, and conducted training in infection prevention and control, and symptomatic care,” said Brice de le Vingne, MSF’s emergency coordinator.
“Currently, a dozen MSF staff are present in Bulape, and we are sending in more people and tonnes of medical materials,” he added.
“We’re working hand in hand with Congolese health authorities to evaluate needs on the ground and determine where our support might also be required – such as in surveillance, community engagement, or vaccination.”
Around 68 health workers have already been vaccinated from a store of 2,000 vaccines held by the DRC.
The Africa CDC says that the outbreak poses “a major threat to national health systems and neighbouring countries, particularly Angola”.
Bulape town has been put under confinement by the state governor, and people are not allowed to move around freely.
While contract tracing was happening, it needed to reach more people, said Ngongo.
The WHO is working with 10 countries neighbouring the DRC to increase disease surveillance and contingency planning.
For example, in Angola, WHO is supporting the national authorities increase preparedness, especially in Lunda Norte Province, which borders Kasai Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Ebola virus disease is a rare but severe and often fatal illness in humans. Humans contract the virus from infected animals, while human-to-human transmission is through direct contact with blood or body fluids of an infected person, objects that have been contaminated with their body fluids or from the body of a person who has died from Ebola.
Image Credits: UNICEF/Tremeau .
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A man walks past a logo of SK Hynix at the lobby of the company’s Bundang office in Seongnam on January 29, 2021.
Jung Yeon-Je | AFP | Getty Images
South Korean memory chipmaker SK Hynix said Friday that it was ready for mass producing its next-generation high-bandwidth memory chips, staying ahead of rivals, and sending the company’s stock soaring.
HBM is a type of memory that is used in chipsets for artificial-intelligence computing, including in chips from global AI giant Nvidia — a major client of SK Hynix.
SK Hynix said earlier this year that it had shipped samples of its HBM4 chips to customers, as it sought to beat competitors including Samsung Electronics and Micron Technologies.
According to its announcement Friday, the company has finished its internal validation and quality assurance process for HBM4 and is ready to manufacture those at scale.
“Completion of HBM4 development will be a new milestone for the industry,” Joohwan Cho, head of HBM development at SK Hynix, said.
HBM4 is the sixth generation of HBM technology — a type of Dynamic Random Access Memory, or DRAM. DRAM can be found in personal computers, workstations and servers and is used to store data and program code.
SK Hynix’s latest HBM4 product has doubled bandwidth and increased power efficiency by 40% compared to the previous generation, according to the company.
Notably, HBM4 is expected to be the main AI memory chip needed for Nvidia’s next-generation Rubin architecture — a more powerful AI chip for global data centers — said Dan Nystedt, vice-president at TriOrient, an Asia-based private investment firm with a focus on semiconductors.
“SK Hynix is a key supplier for Nvidia, and the announcement shows it remains far ahead of rivals,” he said.
Samsung Electronics and Micron have struggled to catch up to SK Hynix in HBM, as it builds on its segment leadership and benefits from being Nvidia’s main HBM supplier.
Micron has also shipped samples of its HBM4 products to customers, while Samsung has reportedly been working to get its HBM4 chips certified by Nvidia. However, analysts expect SK Hynix’s dominance to persist into next year.
This company’s shares rose more than 7% Friday to hit their highest since 2000, following its chip announcement, bringing year-to-date to nearly 90%. Shares of Samsung Electronics and Micron have risen over 40% and nearly 80% in 2025, respectively.
SK Hynix posted record operating profit and revenue for its June-quarter, thanks to strong HBM demand, which accounted for 77% of its overall revenues.
The company expects to double HBM sales for the full year compared to 2024, and for demand from AI to continue to grow into 2026.
