Cricket - Int News
Pakistan beat New Zealand by 9 runs to level T20 Series
Babar Azam (69 runs) and Shaheen (4 for 30) script Pakistan's victory in the fifth T20ISalman KhanLAHORE: Skipper Babar Azam (69 runs) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (4 for 30) guided Pakistan to a 9-run triumph in the fifth and last T20 International to square the tie 2-2 against New Zealand here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday night. Left-arm pacer Shaheen got the Man of the Match award and Player of the Series. Babar scored a 44-ball 69 to inspire his side to 178 for five and then Shaheen decimated New Zealand's middle-order to return figures of 4-0-30-4 as the tourists were bowled out for 169 with four balls to spare. Twelve months ago, the five-T20I series between the two sides had also ended in a 2-2 stalemate, while New Zealand won the series in their backyard earlier in January this year by 4-1.Babar scored at a strike-rate of nearly 157 and slapped six fours and two sixes until he was the third batter dismissed at the score of 123 in 15 overs. Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan continued Babar’s good work by helping Pakistan to collect 55 runs off the last five overs to reach a respectable score of 178 for five.Fakhar ended up with a 33-ball 44 with four fours and a six, while Shadab belted a six and four in a five-ball 15 not out. Usman Khan scored 31 off 24 balls with three fours and six, and added 73 runs for the second wicket with Babar after Saim Ayub had departed in the second over.In turn, New Zealand started off briskly and reached 81 for one in eight overs despite Shaheen sending Tom Blundell back to the pavilion in the first over. At that stage, Usama Mir sprang into action by dismissing Mark Chapman (12, 8b, 1x4) and Tim Seifert (52, 33b, 7x4s, 2x6s) in a space of 16 runs.Shadab Khan dismissed Michael Bracewell, and Imad Wasim had the better of Cole McConchie as New Zealand slipped to 103 for five before Shaheen picked up the scalps of Jimmy Neesham, Zakary Foulkes, and Ish Sohi, leaving New Zealand reeling at 137 for eight.Josh Clarkson and Ben Sears kept New Zealand’s hopes alive in the match when the tourists needed 12 runs off the last over with two wickets standing. However, Sears and last-man William O’Rourke were run-out in the last over bowled by Amir as New Zealand were bowled out for 169 in 19.2 overs to hand Pakistan a nine-run victory.
UAE beat Oman by 55 runs in final to qualify for the 2025 Asia Cup
Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE): The United Arab Emirates (UAE) cricket team qualified for the 2025 Asia Cup, a tournament they will participate in after nine long years, following a 55-run win over Oman in the ACC Men’s Premier Cup final.Their victory was backed by stupendous performances from skipper Mohammad Waseem as well as young batter Alishan Sharafu before pacer Junaid Siddique, in the company of Aayan Afzal Khan, led the bowling attack to help UAE win the final comfortably. Mohammad Waseem scored a blistering 56-ball-century and was well supported by his opening partner Alishan Sharafu who contributed 34 to their opening stand of 94 runs. After putting up 204 on the board, Junaid Siddique picked up three wickets for 38 runs in his four overs while Aayan Afzal Khan finished with figures of two for 29 to restrict Oman to 149-9 in their 20 overs, as they went on to avenge their defeat to Oman earlier in the tournament.Captain of the UAE team, Mohammad Waseem ended the ACC Premier Cup just nine runs behind his opening partner, leading his team by example. It hasn’t been too long since Waseem lit up the DP World ILT20 2024, where he set the tone at the top for his team, the MI Emirates, who won the championship. The powerful 30-year-old opener has made a habit of taking the attack to the opposition in the Finals of tournaments.
Update on Mohammad Rizwan and Mohammad Irfan Khan
Lahore (PR): PCB Medical Panel yesterday received radiology reports of Mohammad Rizwan and Muhammad Irfan Khan. After reviewing the reports and in consultation with the Pakistan team management, it has been decided to rest the two players from Thursday’s and Saturday’s T20Is against New Zealand. The two players will work on their rehabilitation with the PCB Medical Panel at NCA.
Pakistan beat New Zealand by 7 wickets in Second T20I
Sport Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: Pakistan defeated New Zealand by 7 wickets in the 2nd T20 International match here at Pindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday night.Pakistan Captain Babar Azam won the toss and decided to field first. New Zealand made 90 all out in 18.1 overs. Mark Chapman was the top scorer with 19 runs for New Zealand, as he hit 3 fours. Cole McConchie made 15 runs including 1 four, Dean Foxcroft got 13 runs on 14 balls with the help of 1 four and a huge six, and Tim Seifert smashed 12 runs with 1 four and 1 big six. Shaheen Shah Afridi achieved 3 wickets for 13 runs, Mohammad Amir and Shadab Khan shared 2 wickets each.Pakistan achieved their target in 12.1 overs by showing excellent batting. Mohammad Rizwan was the top scorer with 45 off 34 runs, as he hit 4 fours and 1 big six. Irfan Khan could make only 18 runs off 18 balls with 1 four and 1 six, Babar Azam hit 14 runs and smashed 3 fours. Ben Lister, Ish Sodhi, and Micheal Bracewell each took 1 wicket.Summarized scorecard:New Zealand (Batting) 90 all out in 18.1 OversMark Chapman (19 runs, 16 balls, 4x3, 6x0), Cole McConchie (15 runs, 18 balls, 4x1, 6x0), Dean Foxcroft (13 runs, 14 balls, 4x1, 6x1), Tim Seifert (12 runs, 10 balls, 4x1, 6x1)Pakistan (Bowling)Shaheen Shah Afridi (3 for 13), Mohammad Amir (2 for 13), Shadab Khan (2 for 15)Pakistan (Batting) 92 for 3 runs in 12.1 OversMohammad Rizwan (45 runs not out, 34 balls, 4x4, 6x1), Irfan Khan (18 runs, 18 balls, 4x1, 6x1), Babar Azam 9 14 runs, 13 balls, 4x3, 6x0)New Zealand (Bowling)Ben Lister(1 for 10), Ish Sodhi (1 for 18), Micheal Bracewell (1 for 19)
Pindi T20 Live: New Zealand make 90 runs in 18.1 overs
Abdul Jabbar FaisalRAWALPINDI: New Zealand bundled out on a meager total of 90 runs in 18.1 overs against Pakistan in the 2nd T20 match here at Pindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday night. Pakistan need just 91 runs in 20 overs.Pakistan (Playing XI): Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Iftikhar Ahmed, Irfan Khan, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman KhanNew Zealand (Playing XI): Michael Bracewell (captain), Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, James Neesham, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (Wicketkeeper), Ish Sodhi
Wicketkeeper batter, Azam Khan ruled out of New Zealand T20Is
Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: Burly wicketkeeper batter, Azam Khan has been advised to undergo a 10-day rest following radiology reports confirming a Grade One tear of his right calf muscle. Consequently, Azam will be unable to participate in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, which culminates in Lahore on April 27.According to media department of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Azam will now depart from the Pakistan men’s cricket team and report to the National Cricket Academy, where he will commence his rehabilitation process under the supervision of the PCB medical panel.It is pertinent to mention here that the discomfort in Azam's right calf was first noticed during batting practice in the pre-first T20I training session at the Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi.
Live from Pindi T20: Pakistan win the toss and elect to bowl first
Abdul Jabbar FaisalRAWALPINDI: Pakistan captain Babar Azam has won the toss and decided to field first in the 2nd T20 match against New Zealand here at Pindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday night.Pakistan (Playing XI): Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Iftikhar Ahmed, Irfan Khan, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman KhanNew Zealand (Playing XI):Michael Bracewell (captain), Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, James Neesham, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (Wicketkeeper), Ish Sodhi
WCL Surpassing $100K in Ticket Sales on Opening Day
Sports Bulletin ReportEdgbaston (UK): The World Championship of Legends has achieved an extraordinary milestone by surpassing worth 100K USD in ticket sales on its inaugural day, setting a new standard in the world of cricket.Firstly, the championship has received the prestigious approval of a Test Playing Nation, notably the England Cricket Board, establishing the Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham as its distinguished home. This endorsement has not only added prestige but also credibility to the championship, setting it apart from others in its category.One of the major highlights driving ticket sales is the highly anticipated clash between cricketing powerhouses India and Pakistan. This legendary rivalry has captured the imagination of fans globally, promising an electrifying atmosphere and unparalleled competition on the field.Furthermore, the championship boasts the largest pool of cricketers, including iconic names like Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Brett Lee, Shahid Afridi, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Jacques Kallis, Darren Sammy, and many others. This star-studded lineup promises high-quality cricket and unforgettable performances on the field.
Ihsanullah to visit UK for treatment of hand & wrist
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Fast bowler Ihsanullah left for Manchester, England, on Sunday morning for his crucial appointment on Monday with esteemed orthopedic surgeon, Professor Adam Watts, regarding his elbow injury. Professor Watts specialises in hand and wrist surgery, shoulder and elbow procedures, sports injuries, and trauma surgery.Ihsanullah's franchise, Multan Sultans, has collaborated with the PCB to secure this appointment. The PCB, as Ihsanullah’s parent body, will cover all expenses for his treatment and rehabilitation.
Pak-New Zealand T20I Series: PCB reveals Match Officials
Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today announced match officials for the Pakistan versus New Zealand five-match T20I series, which will roll into action on April 18 at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi.According to media department of PCB, Andy Pycroft, a member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, will lead the playing control team that includes five umpires, namely Ahsan Raza (elite panelist), Aleem Dar, Asif Yaqoob, Faisal Afridi and Rashid Riaz (all from the ICC’s international panel), who will share umpiring responsibilities.The Pindi Stadium will stage the opening three T20Is on 18, 20 and 21 April before action will move to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium where the last two matches will be played on 25 and 27 April.Umpire and match referee appointments:18 April – First T20I. Ahsan Raza and Aleem Dar (on-field umpires), Faisal Afridi (third umpire), Rashid Riaz (fourth umpire); Andy Pycroft (match referee)20 April – Second T20I. Asif Yaqoob and Aleem Dar (on-field umpires), Ahsan Raza (third umpire), Faisal Afridi (fourth umpire); Andy Pycroft (match referee)21 April – Third T20I. Ahzan Raza and Asif Yaqoob (on-field umpires), Rashid Riaz (third umpire), Aleem Dar (fourth umpire); Andy Pycroft (match referee)25 April – Fourth T20I. Faisal Afridi and Rashid Riaz (on-field umpires), Asif Yaqoob (third umpire), Ahsan Raza (fourth umpire); Andy Pycroft (match referee)27 April – Rashid Riaz and Faisal Afridi (on-field umpires), Aleem Dar (third umpire), Asif Yaqoob (fourth umpire); Andy Pycroft (match referee)
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