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Unimoni Asia Cup 2018: Full Schedule

The month of September brings us the best cricketing action when Asia’s biggest teams collide in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Six teams will be participating in this year’s Unimoni Asia Cup 2018, including India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the winner of qualifier’s round. The qualifying round has started on August 29 and we will get our sixth team on September 6.

Previously scheduled in India, the Asia Cup has been moved to UAE due to tensions in the political relationship between India and Pakistan. However, there is no denying that the most anticipated match will be India vs Pakistan. These archrivals met last time in Champions Trophy 2017.

Apart from that, it will be interesting to see which team goes through the qualifier round that will be played in Malaysia. As we prepare for 2019’s ICC Cricket World Cup, this tournament is not short of entertainment and fierce cricketing rivalry.

Here, we will take a look at the schedule of Unimoni Asia Cup 2018.

Group Stages

The Asia Cup will begin with six teams divided into two groups where top two teams will qualify for the next round. Group A includes India, Pakistan, and the qualifier, whereas Group B includes Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan.

We will start the Asia Cup on September 15 with a colossal battle between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at Dubai International Stadium. We will round up the group rounds on September 20 in Abu Dhabi.

The biggest attraction of the group stage remains ‘India vs Pakistan’ that will take place on September 19 in Dubai. We are pretty sure that this high octane match is going to create a massive buzz around the cricketing world.

The Full Schedule of the Group Stages

Saturday, SEPTEMBER 15

Group B – Bangladesh v Sri Lanka – Dubai

Sunday, SEPTEMBER 16

Group A – Pakistan v Qualifier – Dubai

Monday, SEPTEMBER 17

Group B – Sri Lanka v Afghanistan – Abu Dhabi

Tuesday, SEPTEMBER 18

Group A – India v Qualifier – Dubai

Wednesday, September 19

Group A – India v Pakistan – Dubai

Thursday, September 20

Group B – Bangladesh v Afghanistan – Abu Dhabi

The Super 4s

The Super 4s is somewhat like knockouts, but there is a catch. It will be played similar to league matches; each team will face other three teams once until we decide our two finalists. If India and Pakistan reach Super 4s, then they will meet here again.

The two teams coming out as the top will head to the showdown.

Here’s what Super 4s look like.

Friday, September 21

Group A Winner vs Group B Runner-Up – Dubai

Group B Winner vs Group A Runner-Up – Abu Dhabi

Sunday, SEPTEMBER 23

Group A Winner vs Group A Runner-Up – Dubai

Group B Winner vs Group B Runner-Up – Abu Dhabi

Tuesday, September 25

Group A Winner vs Group B Winner – Dubai

Wednesday, September 26

Group A Runner-Up vs Group B Runner-Up – Abu Dhabi

The Final Showdown

After having the exhilarating group stages and Super 4s battle, we will be heading to the Final. The final will be held at Dubai International Stadium on September 28.

We are not sure about the final; we might get to see another great showdown between the archrivals or we might see an ‘upset’. However, the one thing we are sure about it that final is going to be a jam-packed event with lots of excitement and thrill.

Friday, September 28

Final – Dubai

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UFC – Fights Not to Miss This Summer

This summer, witness blood pumping, mind-blowing, and exhilarating fights with UFC! The rivalries get worse and fights dirtier as superstars collide in the biggest live events of UFC only on OSN.

UFC Fight Night 131: Rivera vs Moraes  

Jimmie Rivera from New Jersey, USA took on Marlon Moraes from Rio de Janerio, Brazil in a bantamweight bout in Utica, New York. Both of these badass fighters are ranked in top 5 of UFC’s bantamweight division as we expect a kickass victory, which will give them a shot at the title. That’s not all, we still have heavyweight Walt Harris battling with Danie Spitz; plus putting his 11-0 record on the line, Gregor Gillespie will take on Vinc Pichel who holds an outstanding MMA career of 11-1.

When & Where

June 2 on OSN Sports Action 2 HD 

·         Live prelims at 03:00 KSA

·         Live main card at 05:00 KSA

·         Primetime repeat at 18:30 KSA

 UFC 225: Whittaker vs Romero II

Recovering from a knee injury, Robert Whittaker will fist up with Olympic silver medalist Yoel Romero. On June 10th all eyes will turn to Whittaker’s freshly recovered knee and how Romero makes the most of it to take UFC middleweight championship from the defending champion.  More action coming to you live with Rafael dos Anjos goes head to head with bigmouth Colby Covington and from Chicago IL, former WWE superstar CM Punk will take on Mike Jackson in Octagon.

 When & Where

 June 10 on OSN Sports Action 2 HD 

·         Live prelims at 03:00 KSA

·         Live main card at 05:00 KSA

·         Primetime repeat at 18:00 KSA

UFC Fight Night: Cowboys vs Edwards

On June 23rd, Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone the Octagon legend dukes it out with #14 ranked Jamaican Leon Edwards. The veteran fighter Cowboy will look to cement his record-breaking 21st win in UFC’s Octagon but will face a tough fight from Edwards who is on a five-fight winning streak and recently knocked out Poland’s Peter Sobotta in March. We also have Ovince Saint Preux on the cards taking Tyson Pedro and Jessica Rose battling with Jessica Eye for Women’s flyweight Bout.

When & where?

June 23 on OSN Sports Action 2 HD 

·         Live prelims at 13:00 KSA

·         Live main card at 15:00 KSA 

 UFC 226: Miocic vs Cormier

The toughest of them of all will survive as UFC Heavyweight Champion Stipe Miocic will take on the reigning UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Daniel ‘DC’ Cormier. Stipe Miocic is in scintillating form as he defeated Fabricio Werdum comprehensively for the Heavyweight title. DC will be making his first appearance for heavyweight since 2013 and has a chance to seal the fourth two-weight championship if he beats the current champion. Stipe will have an advantage over the bigger reach of 8-inches against shorter DC. On cards, we have another championship bout between UFC Featherweight Champion Max Holloways and the undefeated Brian Ortega. Ortega who has been in an impressive form will create a serious challenge for Holloways who is about to complete his 11-fight win streak.

When & where? 

July 8 on OSN Sports Action 2 HD 

·         Live prelims at 3:00 KSA

·         Live main card at 5:00 KSA

·         Primetime repeat at 18:00 KSA

Read more about UFC fights in our article.

 UFC 227: Dillashaw vs Garbrandt II

One of the most awaited matches of the season will kick off when TJ Dillashaw fists up with Cody Garbrandt II for UFC Bantamweight Championship. Down the memory lane, Dillashaw knocked out Cody Granbrandt at UFC 217 after months of words exchanged. This tie is going to heat up with two giants colliding inside the Octagon. Either of the fighters became daddy recently but they are showing no intentions to cool down the heat. On August 5th, things are about to get dirtier.  

When & where?  August 5 on OSN Sports Action 2 HD 

·         Live prelims at 3:00 KSA

·         Live main card at 5:00 KSA

·         Primetime repeat at 18:00 KSA

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Oscar hits and near-misses we love

Ah the Oscars! The biggest night in Hollywood; a glamorous show with stunning red carpet, amazing performances, and well, the acceptance speeches. (Who can forget Matthew McConaughey’s “alright, alright, alright!”)

The tears and joy, the hits and misses, let’s take a quick look at the Oscars 2017.

La La Land-Winner 2017

Did it win? Or not! Complete chaos in the Dolby Theater where everyone rolled their eyes.  The big blunder is unforgettable, yet La La Land did well at the Oscars, bagging awards for Best Actress for Emma Stone, best director, and best original music score. Directed by Damien Chazalle, it’s a story of actress Mia and musician Sabastian who fall in love while pursuing their dreams in Hollywood.

Fences- Winner 2017

A moving story of a struggling father who is trying to cope with his past and ambitious son. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by August Wilson, it’s a lovely story starring Denzel Washington, who also happens to be the director, and Viola Davis. Fences was nominated for 4 Oscars managing to win Best Supporting Actress for Viola Davis, unfortunately Denzel failed to get nominated for best actor.

Read more about Oscars movies in our article.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them-Winner 2017

We were never really done with Harry Potter and just in time, J.K. Rowling brings a spin-off of Harry Potter series. The story starts in 1926 when Newton ‘Newt’ Scamander arrives in New York to study the fantastical creatures. A niffler has escaped and we are no short of chaos. The movie managed to win an Academy Award for best costume design only losing the best production design to La La Land.

Passenger-Winner 2017

A story of two astronauts who are on a mission to discover a new planet with a 120-year-long voyage. A passenger is awoken 90 years early and they are bound to face an ethical dilemma, with a broken spaceship and android bartender. Passengers were nominated for the best original score and best production design.

Beauty and the Beast- Nominee 2018

This magical romantic movie was snubbed by the Oscars twice in spite of it’s nomination for best costume design and best production design. As surreal as the movie is it failed to win but remains a lovely movie, showcasing Disney’s never ending magic. Not to mention its melodious soundtrack.

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OSN associates with Netflix to sign Middle East’s first partnership deal

OSN, the leading entertainment network in the Middle East and North Africa, has signed its first partnership deal with Netflix, the globally leading internet entertainment service, setting the foundation for industry collaboration and integration.

The partnership comes at a time when demand for exclusive and relevant content across varied platforms is a growing customer need. In line with this partnership, a new OSN Box is set to be launched by the end of the second quarter through which OSN customers can enjoy access to Netflix’s incredible library of content. Additionally, they can pay their Netflix fees through one combined OSN bill.

The first of its kind partnership of the region showcases Netflix’s entertainment catalogue on the OSN screen across the region with a promise to provide something for everyone, anywhere, anytime and on demand.

Martin Stewart, CEO, OSN said: “The future of the entertainment industry in the MENA region will be shaped by providers who offer value and choice at every turn, and through this groundbreaking partnership with Netflix, we are demonstrating our customer-centric focus on delivering convenience and flexibility for all.”[L1] 

Neil Martin, Chief Commercial Officer of OSN, added: “The breadth of OSN’s programming portfolio in the region is unbeatable and cemented by long-term partnerships with major international studios such as Disney, HBO, NBC Universal, Fox, and Sony to name a few. Now with the addition of Netflix, OSN continues to ensure entertainment lovers in the region have more choice and easy access to a stellar line-up of unique content via one interface.”[L2] 

Maria Ferreras, VP Business Development for EMEA at Netflix, said: “With this regional partnership and thanks to hundreds of Netflix's original titles slated for 2018, OSN's customers will be able to seamlessly access and enjoy all the best entertainment in one place.”[L3] 

The contract will offer access to a pool of entertainment including top TV shows, Hollywood movies, stand-up comedy, independent films, documentaries; Netflix’s critically praised original programming and a wide variety of kid’s titles. Additionally, it will offer its customers access to exclusive series and films in Ultra HD 4K and HDR, such as the movies Bright starring Will Smith and Joel Edgerton. It will also include original Netflix award-winning shows such as, The Crown, House of Cards, Orange is the New Black and Stranger Things, the new cyberpunk noir Altered Carbon and global phenomena like Narcos and 13 Reasons Why. Additionally, Netflix’s first Arabic stand-up comedy named Adel Karam: live from Beirut is scheduled to launch shortly.

This OSN and Netflix partnership follows OSN’s collaboration with LAMSA, which is leading Arabic children’s entertainment platform of the region. With multiple collaborative deals, OSN promises its customers the most exclusive and latest entertainment and continued content leadership across all genres and demographics from the world’s most prestigious studios.

Notes for Editors –

1.      Media assets can be downloaded by clicking ‘Attachments’ tab below.

2.      For more information on OSN and WAVO, please contact

Zahabia Motiwala – Communications Director, OSN -zahabia.motiwala@osn.com- +971 (0) 367 7084

Robert Tasker – ASDA’A Burson Marsteller - robert.tasker@bm.com- +971 (0) 4 450 7600

Plagiarized -  [L1]Being a quote

 [L2]Plagiarized -  [L2]Being a quote

 [L3]Plagiarized -  [L3]Being a quote

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OSN launches new lifestyle channel, OSN Living HD

Let OSN entice, inspire and motivate you with a veritable smorgasbord of lifestyle programming premiering on its newest channel, OSN Living HD.

Whether you’re a travel-junkie or food fiend, design obsessed or hooked on home-improvement, OSN Living HD offers a great range of shows that will help you get your lifestyle fix.  

Enjoy on Channel 221 or watch anytime, anywhere and on your favorite device through OSN Play.

Tune in and share secrets with world-class chefs, like the UK’s Jamie Oliver, who in his show Jamie’s Comfort Food, takes viewers inside his home and shows them how to prepare culinary delights.

Or discover Canadian Chuck Hughes’ show where he travels the world and explores various cuisines. Satisfy your sweet tooth with Bake with Anna Olsen, or tune in to Arabic cooking competition, hosted by actress Pelin Karahan, featuring different chefs competing to cook regional and Arabic delights.

Discover architecture and all things property related with classy homes and great renovation ideas with shows such as Kevin McCloud’s Grand Designs UK.

With such a fantastic line up of shows OSN Living HD has a promising future ahead and may already be on par with other lifestyle channels such as TLC, Fashion TV and Nat Geo People.