Will New Zealand Hit Rock Bottom or Channelise the Inner Inspiration in Pakistan?
Veteran batter returns as Pakistan announce squad for New Zealand ODIs
I want to create two teams for Pakistan before my tenure ends: Shahid Afridi
Pakistan National T20 Cup 2022: Balochistan & Central Punjab pick sensational wins over Northern and Sindh
Balochistan and Central Punjab outclassed Northern and Sindh respectively to register victories in their respective matches.
Rashid Latif bats for Haris Sohail's inclusion in the Pakistan team
Latif feels Haris still owns a spot in the Pakistan team.
Haris Sohail ruled out of ODI series against England due to injury
Pakistan’s Haris Sohail has been ruled out of the three-match ODI series against England slated to begin on Thursday (July 8, 2021). Sohail had picked up a hamstring injury during the practice session last week. A Grade 3 tear has been revealed after an MRI was conducted on Wednesday. He will return to Pakistan and will be under a four-week rehabilitation program at the National High Performance Centre in Lahore. Sohail expressed his disappointment at missing out on playing in England. "I was keenly looking forward to the ODIs as part of my objective to contribute in the side's success and also cement my position in the side," the batsman said. "In this background, I am disappointed that my tour has been cut-short, but I will return to Lahore and undergo a rehabilitation programme so that I can fully recover for the 2021-22 season." While the first ODI takes place in Cardiff, the second and third encounter will take place in London and Birmingham respectively. The two sides will then move to Nottingham where they will play the first T20I of the three-match series before moving to Leeds for the second match. The final T20I will be held in Manchester.
Haris Sohail unlikely to play first ODI against England, remains doubtful for entire series
In what could be a big blow for Pakistan ahead of their limited-overs series against England, middle-order batsman Haris Sohail is unlikely to take part in the opening ODI slated to be played on Thursday. He also remains highly doubtful for the remaining two matches as well. The stylish left-handed batsman complained of an injury in his right leg and had to subsequently miss the practice sessions and both intrasquad games in Derbyshire. Sources close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said that Sohail will undergo an MRI scan and is already under the rehabilitation process and doesn’t seem fit to take part in the first ODI. "He has a leg injury and is unlikely to take part in the first ODI and could even miss out on the remaining two matches," the source was quoted as saying by Sportstar. With Haris Sohail missing out in all probability, Pakistan could hand potential debuts to two players. Abdullah Shafique or batting all-rounders like Saud Shakil and Agha Salman could be in line to make their international debuts. Meanwhile, Sohaib Maqsood who returned to the team after a hiatus owing to his stupendous run of form in the recently concluded PSL is expected to get a look in. Coming back to Haris Sohail, the southpaw suffered a back injury during the tour of South Africa in 2019 and had to subsequently fly back home from the Rainbow nation. He also flew back to Pakistan midway through the tour of New Zealand.
ENG vs PAK | Haris Sohail yet to recover from leg injury, MRI scan on July 6 to decide fate
Pakistan middle-order batsman Harris Sohail has not recovered from his leg injury and continues to feel pain in his right leg, the Pakistan Cricket Board said in its injury update. The board also said that the left-hander will not take part in practice sessions scheduled on July 5 and 6 in Derby after missing out from the intra-squad game last week. However, he has not been ruled out of the first ODI of the series against England starting July 8 and any decision on his availability will be taken after the MRI scan scheduled to take place on July 6 in Cardiff. The members of the Pakistan squad have arrived in the UK for a three match-long ODI and T20 series under the leadership of Babar Azam. The remaining ODIs of the series will be played in London and Birmingham on July 10 and 13 respectively. The T20I series will follow the ODI series and will start on July 16 and conclude on July 20.
Yusuf Pathan among other big players to register for 2nd edition of Lanka Premier League
Former India all-rounder Yusuf Pathan who retired from all forms of cricket earlier this year has registered for the second edition of the Lanka Premier League. A brute of a hitter of the cricket ball, Yusuf Pathan played for the India Legends in the Road Safety World series earlier this year after announcing his retirement. The older of the Pathan brothers, Yusuf will look to find a spot in the competition. His younger brother Irfan Pathan was part of the inaugural edition as he plied his trade for the Kandy Tuskers. Apart from Yusuf Pathan, star Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has also registered for the upcoming edition of the LPL. Several other big names have also registered for the tournament. South African white-ball skipper Temba Bavuma along with two of the South African leading spinners Keshav Maharaja and Tabraiz Shamsi has also registered their names for the competition. Former South African speedster and currently an Australian citizen Morne Morkel has also made himself available for the tournament and will look to find a spot in any of the teams. Among the Australian players, James Faulkner will be one of the most sought after players especially after his brilliance in the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL). His Australian mates Ben Dunk, Usman Khawaja and Callum Ferguson have also registered their names for the event. Like most other T20 leagues across the world, the West Indies players will be a star attraction of the torment with several of them registering their names. "Last year's success has certainly made a difference with more players from many cricket playing countries looking forward to play in the LPL, which is a very good sign for the League and Sri Lanka cricket." SLC Vice President Mr Ravin Wickremaratne was quoted as saying by ESPN Cricinfo. Here are some of the big names from different countries who have registered for this tournament West Indies- Dwayne Smith, Sheldon Cottrell, Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Rampaul, Sherfane Rutherford, Rayad Emrit, Denesh Ramdin, Rovman Powell Bangladesh- Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Soumya Sarkar, Taskin Ahmed, Liton Das, Mahmudullah India- Yusuf Pathan Australia- James Faulkner, Callum Ferguson, Ben Dunk, Usman Khawaja, Ben Cutting South Africa: JJ Smuts, David Wiese, Morne Morke, Rilee Rossouw, Tabraiz Samsi, Hardus Viljoen, Rassie Van Der Dussen, Keshav Maharaj Pakistan- Harris Sohail, Mohammad Irfan, Sohain Maqsood, Shan Massod, Anwar Ali, Ammad Butt Afghanistan- Naveen Ul Haq, Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Shehzad, Hazratullah Zazai, Qais Ahmad, Usman Shinwari, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Najibullah Zadran.
Azam Khan recieves maiden Pakistan call up as PCB name squads for England and West Indies tour
Quetta Gladiators’ hard-hitting middle-order batsman and son of former Pakistan wicket-keeper batsman Moin Khan, Azama Khan has received his maiden Pakistan call up as the Pakistan Cricket Board announced squads for the team’s England and West Indies tour. The selection committee headed by Muhammad Wasim also recalled Middle-order batsman Haris Sohail, spinner Imad Wasim and fast bowlers Mohammad Abbas and Naseem Shah to various ODI and T20I squads as well. Among other important players in the side include Zahid Mahmood, who retained his place as Yasir Shah’s availability is still subject to fitness. Along with Zahid, left-arm spinner Nauman Ali and off-spinner Sajid Khan have also remained in the squad for the two Tests in Jamaica. Among uncapped players, Saud Shakeel and Salman Ali Agha have been named in the squads as well. “We have remained consistent in our selection and kept the same core of cricketers who have been in the set-up for a while,” Wasim said in a press release on the announcement of the squad. Talking about the return of various players, the selector further added, “Mohammad Abbas has regained his form, Naseem Shah and Haris Sohail have reclaimed the required fitness standards, while Imad Wasim has been recalled considering the T20 World Cup is likely to be held in the UAE and he enjoys an excellent record there.” The team will depart from UAE on June 25 after the completion of the PSL’s sixth edition. It will depart on its return journey from Jamaica, after completing both tours, on August 25. Squads (in alphabetical order): ODIs: Babar Azam (captain) (Central Punjab), Shadab Khan (vice-captain) (Northern), Abdullah Shafique (Central Punjab), Faheem Ashraf (Central Punjab), Fakhar Zaman (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Haider Ali (Northern), Haris Rauf (Northern), Haris Sohail (Balochistan), Hasan Ali (Central Punjab), Imam-ul-Haq (Balochistan), Mohammad Hasnain (Sindh), Mohammad Nawaz (Northern), Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper) (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Salman Ali Agha (Southern Punjab), Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper) (Sindh), Saud Shakeel (Sindh), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and Usman Qadir (Central Punjab). T20Is: Babar Azam (captain) (Central Punjab), Shadab Khan (vice-captain) (Northern), Arshad Iqbal (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Azam Khan (Sindh), Faheem Ashraf (Central Punjab), Fakhar Zaman (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Haider Ali (Northern), Haris Rauf (Northern), Hasan Ali (Central Punjab), Imad Wasim (Northern), Mohammad Hafeez (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Hasnain (Sindh), Mohammad Nawaz (Northern), Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper) (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper) (Sindh), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Sharjeel Khan (Sindh) and Usman Qadir (Central Punjab). Tests: Babar Azam (captain) (Central Punjab), Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper) (vice-captain) (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Abdullah Shafique (Central Punjab), Abid Ali (Central Punjab), Azhar Ali (Central Punjab), Faheem Ashraf (Central Punjab), Fawad Alam (Sindh), Haris Rauf (Northern), Hasan Ali (Central Punjab), Imran Butt (Balochistan), Mohammad Abbas (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Nawaz (Northern), Naseem Shah (Central Punjab), Nauman Ali (Northern), Sajid Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper) (Sindh), Saud Shakeel (Sindh), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Shahnawaz Dahani (Sindh), Yasir Shah (Balochistan, subject to fitness) and Zahid Mahmood (Southern Punjab).
Unstoppable Jamieson gives New Zealand clean sweep over Pakistan and no. 1 rank
New Zealand achieved a perfect ending to their Test home summer by bowling out Pakistan for just 186 and consigning them to an innings and 176-run defeat. The day was always expected to be a tough one for the visitors as Kyle Jamieson had looked threatening on day 3 itself and the likes of Tim Southee and Trent Boult were expected to have an impact at some stage. The first wicket, as expected, was of the night-watchman Mohammad Abbas who nicked one from Boult to wicketkeeper BJ Watling. Surprisingly, Abbas decided to review, only to find out that he indeed got an edge. Then came the most promising partnership of the day, between Abid Ali, the overnight batsman and Azhar Ali. The two played some delightful shots and resisted the Kiwi attack for 86 balls, scoring 29 runs together. But a magnificent one-handed catch from substitute Will Young ended that partnership. Young dived to his right and took a slightly aerial square drive by Abid with his right hand, giving Jamieson his second. He also dismissed Haris Sohail later and Pakistan were 4-down for just 79. However, Azhar Ali was playing really well and Pakistan’s hopes rested on him. Unfortunately, New Zealand, especially Jamieson, adopted a new strategy against him. The tall left-armer came round the wicket and started bowling at Azhar’s ribs. Eventually, the tactic worked as the former Pakistan captain moved towards the off side and fended a ball into the wicketkeeper’s gloves. With Azhar gone, Pakistan were pretty much done and dusted. Captain Mohammad Rizwan received a peach of a delivery as Jamieson got one ball to swing into the right-hander a long way and go through his defences to shatter the stumps. Jamieson eventually ended with 6/48 which, along with 5/69 in his first innings, gave him his first 10-wicket haul in a match. Some late fireworks were provided by Zafar Gohar but they were only dying flickers of a doomed flame. The match ended with him getting out for 37 as New Zealand achieved the top spot in ICC rankings, for the first time in their history. This also meant that they won all their home matches this season. Skipper Kane Williamson won the Man of the Series Award while Jamieson took home the Man of the Match trophy.
Gritty resistance by skipper Rizwan and Faheem saves Pakistan from follow-on
Pakistan was able to avoid the follow-on on day 3 of their first Test against New Zealand taking place at Mount Maunganui. But that would hardly compensate for the terrible collapse their batting order suffered in the morning session. At the start of play, hopes were high from Abid Ali and other batsmen of a fightback. But the New Zealand bowling attack showed why they have been so good in the last few years. On the same pitch where Pakistan's bowlers couldn't dislodge the masterful Kane Williamson and later, the gritty BJ Watling, the Kiwi pace attack ran riot. First, Kyle Jamieson ended Abid Ali's promising innings with a delivery that jagged back in and hit the stumps. The extra bounce generated by the tall bowler prevented Abid from coming forward and the ball went through his defences. Mohammad Abbas, the night-watchman, went soon after, edging a delivery from Trent Boult. Then, Tim Southee, on the brink of 300 Test wickets, got into the act. Azhar Ali, the mainstay of Pakistan's batting, was done in by a wonderful delivery that swung away just a little bit to take the edge of Ali's bat. Southee got his 298th scalp soon after when Haris Sohail sliced a delivery to gully. Pakistan were now tottering at 5/52. The new captain Mohammad Rizwan and Fawad Alam got together and showed some resistance. They put together 28 runs but then, Neil Wagner made an impact in his usual way. A short delivery got Fawad to attempt a pull. He only managed a faint top edge that was gleefully accepted by the wicketkeeper BJ Watling. At 80/6, Pakistan seemed set to follow on. But then Rizwan showed the same determined batting that has led him to the captaincy position. He teamed up with Faheem Ashraf who batted with such authority that he could easily have been mistaken for a top-order batsman. Ashraf was especially impressive with his pull shots, which were played in a most clinical manner. Rizwan, at the other end, also showed a solid technique and composure to keep his team from further harm. The conditions had become easier for batting and now, the New Zealand bowlers seemed much less menacing. There were a couple of chances. An aerial drive by Faheem was dropped at short cover, a difficult chance. An edge of Rizwan's bat went through the gap between slips and gully. Rizwan reached his fifty in 106 balls. Faheem also got to the milestone, in 87 balls. The two batsmen batted with much more application than was expected of them. They even dealt with the second new ball well. Eventually, what ended this brilliant partnership was some fielding brilliance. An attempted second run ended in disaster for the Pakistan captain as Mitchell Santner, who hardly bowled, sent a slingy, low arm throw from the deep that hit the stumps at non-striker end as Rizwan dived to make it to the crease, but was found short. The skipper departed for a well-made and fighting 71. This opened the door for New Zealand to wrap up Pakistan's innings before they could avoid the follow-on. Boult got a ball to swing back into right-hander Yasir Shah and smash the stumps. Shaheen Afridi parried an awkward bouncer to short-leg fielder Tom Latham. Meanwhile, Faheem saw an opportunity to get to his hundred. He had managed to take Pakistan past the follow-on mark. The lower order batsman seemed intent on getting his hundred before the close of the day's play. In the final over, he hit a boundary to move to 91, but Jamieson got a delivery outside off stump to just climb a little and take the edge. It was taken by Watling to end Pakistan's innings at 239, trailing the hosts by 192 runs. Jamieson finished with 3/35 off 23.2 overs in another impressive performance. Boult, Wagner, and Southee picked up two wickets each.