India captain Suryakumar Yadav has a mantra on how to shut out the outside noise ahead of the Asia Cup Super-Four match against Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday: “Close your room, switch off your phone and sleep.

India’s spinners scripted a seven-wicket win over archrival Pakistan in the Asia Cup on Sunday with 25 balls remaining.

India’s preparations for their high-stakes Super Fours showdown against Pakistan have hit a potential snag, with all-rounder Axar Patel emerging as an injury concern following a nasty fall during their final group-stage match against Oman in Abu Dhabi.

Pakistan set up another meeting against India with a 41-run victory over the United Arab Emirates at the Asia Cup.

Saudi Arabia will defend Pakistan in the event of India declaring war on its neighbour, Pak Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told reporters in Islamabad, emphasising the 'strategic mutual assistance' component of the deal two countries signed this week.

The highlights this week: The Indian national cricket team snubs Pakistan on the pitch, Nepal swears in interim leader Sushila Karki after mass protests forced the prime minister to resign, and U.S. hostage envoy Adam Boehler returns to Kabul.

India said on Friday it hoped Saudi Arabia would keep in mind mutual interests and sensitivities between the two countries, two days after Riyadh signed a mutual defence pact with New Delhi's old foe Pakistan.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Friday said that Saudi Arabia has committed to defending Pakistan if India were to declare war against it. This affirmation highlights the 'strategic mutual assistance' component of a new defense agreement signed between the two nations this week.

The old security order is crumbling fast as the US’ guarantees are proving to be worthless. While these two countries have long-standing security ties, the new pact has its roots in the expanding West Asian conflict.

Seven hours before the India-Pakistan Asia Cup cricket match in Dubai on September 14, banned terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed held a recruitment drive in Pak's remote Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.