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The Kiwis wobbled in the chase of 179 runs as their batsmen capitulated under pressure against Shaheen Shah Afrid and spin trio of Usama Mir, Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim as they fell 9 runs short to give Pakistan a face saving win to draw the five-match series 2-2 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday night

The Kiwis faced a challenge in their pursuit of 179 runs as their batsmen struggled under pressure against Shaheen Shah Afridi and the spin trio of Usama Mir, Shadab Khan, and Imad Wasim. They fell short by 9 runs, granting Pakistan a face-saving victory to level the five-match series 2-2 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday night.

Interestingly, this was the third consecutive match where the opposition was tasked with chasing 179 runs. Only once, in the third T20I at Rawalpindi, did New Zealand manage to surpass this target against Pakistan. In the other two instances (both at the Gaddafi Stadium), Pakistan (174) and New Zealand failed to achieve victory.

In the chase of 179, Tim Seifert led the charge with a brisk knock of 52 runs off 33 balls in the top-order. However, his dismissal in the ninth over opened the floodgates for the Pakistani bowlers, as no other batsman could capitalize on the early advantage. Only captain Michael Bracewell, scoring 23 runs off 21 balls, and Clarkson, contributing 38 runs off 26 balls, showed some resistance and purpose, while the rest of the batting lineup faltered, leaving New Zealand in a precarious position. Tom Blundel managed 4 runs off 4 balls, Mark Chapman scored 12 runs off 12 balls, Cole McConchie could only muster 1 run off 2 balls, James Neesham scored 16 runs off 8 balls, Ish Sodhi contributed 3 runs off 4 balls, Zakaray Foulkes was dismissed for a duck off 1 ball, Ben Sears scored 6 runs off 7 balls, and R’ourke was dismissed without facing a ball.

Usama Mir proved to be the key for Pakistan, weaving a web of spin against the Kiwis and claiming back-to-back wickets in his second and third over. Mir bowled a wicket-maiden over in which he dismissed Seifert and also got the better of Chapman in his third over, making significant contributions to Pakistan’s bowling effort.

Shaheen Shah Afridi emerged as the most successful bowler for Pakistan, claiming four wickets for 30 runs. Afridi continued his impressive form by taking a wicket in his very first over, and later in the match, he decimated the New Zealand batting line-up by picking up three more wickets in his last two overs.

Shadab Khan proved economical, conceding 15 runs in his two overs while also taking the crucial scalp of Bracewell. Imad Wasim made an impact with a wicket on his first ball, conceding just five runs in his solitary over. However, Abbas Afridi had a tough outing, conceding 24 runs in his two overs.

Pakistan experienced yet another unsatisfactory start to their innings when Saim fell cheaply. However, Babar Azam and Usman Khan formed a valuable partnership, adding 73 runs off 44 balls for the second wicket after the early dismissal of Saim Ayub, who scored 1 run off 5 balls in the second over.

Babar Azam played a pivotal role, scoring 69 runs off 44 balls and registering the first fifty of the series while anchoring the innings effectively.

Fakhar Zaman initially struggled at the crease but found his rhythm after Babar Azam’s departure in the 15th over, contributing 43 runs off 33 balls. Shadab Khan played a quickfire innings of 15 runs off five balls, helping Pakistan reach an identical total for the second time in a row.

Iftikhar Ahmed, however, failed to make an impression throughout the series, managing just 6 runs off 7 balls.

O’Rourke delivered an impressive bowling performance, conceding only 25 runs for one wicket. Zakaray Foulkes, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, and James Neesham also claimed one wicket each for New Zealand.

Shaheen Shah Afridi was honored as the Player of the Match for his match-defining spell of 4 wickets for 30 runs. Additionally, he was awarded the Man of the Series for his outstanding performance throughout the series, claiming a total of eight wickets in three matches.

ICC Asia is pleased to announce the launch of its Asia Cricket Week, to take place from 28 April to 5 May 2024

The Week is a celebration of the diverse forms of sports in the region. Activities during this time span from a women’s trainer workshop in Kuala Lumpur, cricket clinics and workshops in Nepal, community outreach programs in Singapore, to foundation coaching courses for school Physical Education teachers in Uzbekistan. Additionally, the UAE hosts a men’s U19 inter-Emirates event.

This week is particularly thrilling for women’s cricket in the region. In Iran, a women’s tournament kicks off in Tehran, while Qatar and Malaysia launch their Women’s Super League. The league features five teams competing in 14 matches, all of which can be watched live on ICC.tv.

For the first time ever, Kuwait will host Bahrain in the “Yalla Shabab” (Let’s Go Guys) series from April 25 to 27 at Sulaibiya Cricket Ground.

This three-match T20 series, featuring 100% indigenous Arab players, aims to foster local support in preparation for the 2030 and 2034 Asian Games in Doha and Riyadh, respectively.

In Hong Kong, the hosts and China will hold their men’s and women’s Premier League Finals Day on May 5. Both games will be broadcast live locally, aiming to promote the sport and encourage fan support for both men’s and women’s cricket in the region.

The ICC’s Criiio training and education program will be active in Bahrain, Mongolia, Qatar, and Tajikistan. Additionally, junior cricket and school events will be hosted in Cambodia, China, the Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand.

This special week of cricket aligns with the United Nations’ recognition of April 6 as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.

The initiative aims to bolster the cricketing spirit across the region, promoting sportsmanship and unity. In light of this, ICC Asia has encouraged its members to participate by organizing cricket-related events and meetings during this period.

Aminul Islam, Regional Manager of ICC Asia, expressed his satisfaction, stating: “The enthusiastic response has been truly overwhelming, and we are thrilled with the buy-in from our members. The unique combination of broad reach, the power to overcome barriers, and the capability for low-cost, high-impact engagement makes Asia Cricket Week an effective tool in achieving our development goals. We are deeply impressed by the depth and breadth of each program designed by our members. Their genuine interest and dedicated efforts fill us with optimism for the future.”

A maiden T20I 51 (36) by opener Tim Robinson and spirited bowling from the fast-bowling duo of O’Rourke and Sears helped New Zealand beat Pakistan by 4 runs in the fourth match and lead the five-match T20I series 2-1 at the Gaddafi Stadium here on Thursday night

New Zealand secured a narrow victory against Pakistan by 4 runs in the fourth match of the five-match T20I series at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday night. Opener Tim Robinson impressed with a maiden T20I half-century, scoring 51 runs off 36 balls. Additionally, the fast-bowling pair of O’Rourke and Sears delivered spirited performances with the ball, contributing significantly to New Zealand’s success. With this win, New Zealand now leads the series 2-1.

Youngsters O’Rourke and Ben Sears emerged as the standout performers with the ball, displaying remarkable economy rates of 3-27 and 2-27, respectively. Their impressive bowling efforts played a crucial role in restricting Pakistan to 174-8 in their pursuit of a target of 179. Despite bowling in front of a capacity crowd at the Gaddafi Stadium, they maintained their composure and delivered exceptional performances.

Their efforts not only helped New Zealand take the lead in the series but also surprised local cricket pundits who had predicted a whitewash for the inexperienced visiting Kiwi side. Although experienced bowlers Michael Bracewell and James Neesham chipped in with a wicket each, conceding 31 and 21 runs off their allocated overs, respectively, it was the youthful duo of O’Rourke and Sears who stole the limelight.

However, Jacob Duffy and Ish Sodhi couldn’t make much of an impact, conceding 42 and 21 runs in their respective six wicketless overs. Despite this, New Zealand managed to put up a commendable performance, showcasing the talent and potential within their squad.

Right from the outset of the innings, the Kiwi bowlers displayed freedom and ferocity, applying consistent pressure on the Pakistani batsmen. This strategy resulted in regular wickets, keeping Pakistan under constant pressure throughout their innings. New Zealand executed a discernible plan against the Pakistani batsmen, which proved successful.

In their chase of 179, Pakistan faced setbacks early on, losing both openers Babar Azam (5 off 5 balls) and Saim Ayub (20 off 15 balls) within the powerplay. The loss of Usman Khan (16 off 11 balls) in the following over further intensified the pressure on Pakistan, leaving them reeling at 46-3. This early collapse hindered Pakistan’s pursuit of the target, putting them on the back foot in the match.

Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan took charge of the innings, but Shadab’s departure for 7 runs off 8 balls in the 10th over left his partner alone with the team total at 79-4. Fakhar and Iftikhar formed a partnership, adding 59 runs off 41 balls, providing Pakistan with hope of reaching the target. However, those hopes were dashed with the dismissal of Iftikhar Ahmed for 23 runs off 20 balls. Despite Fakhar Zaman’s valiant effort of 61 runs off 45 balls, his departure in the 18th over diminished any remaining hopes. Imad Wasim contributed with 22 runs off 11 balls in an attempt to steer Pakistan to victory, but the task proved too challenging, especially after all-rounder Abbas Afridi was run out for 1 run off 2 balls. Pakistan ultimately fell short by four runs.

In the earlier stages of the match, the Kiwis enjoyed their best opening start of the series so far, with Blundel and Robinson scoring 56 runs in the first five overs of the powerplay. The duo laid a solid foundation, with 56 runs on the board for the first wicket before Tom Blundel was dismissed for 28 runs off 15 balls.

Dean Foxcroft made a valuable contribution with 34 runs off 26 balls, including three sixes. Mark Chapman, the hero of the third T20I, managed to score only 9 runs off as many balls before being dismissed by a spectacular catch from Shadab Khan off Iftikhar Ahmed’s bowling. Tim Robinson took 36 balls to reach his maiden fifty, scoring a patient 51 runs. The Kiwis accumulated 93 runs in the first 10 overs, reaching the 100-run mark in 11.2 overs off 69 balls. Captain Michael Bracewell played a steady innings, scoring 27 runs off 20 balls, steering his team to a total of 180 runs, which he had set as the target for his team at the toss.

Bracewell and James Neesham (11 off 11 balls) combined for a crucial partnership of 37 runs for the sixth wicket, after New Zealand had lost five wickets for 132 runs in 14.3 overs. However, Neesham couldn’t make a significant impact with the bat. Josh Clarkson fell to the first ball he faced, dismissed by a searing yorker from Abbas Afridi, while Ish Sodhi was the last batsman to be dismissed off the final ball of the innings, falling to Mohammad Amir’s slower delivery.

The Kiwis made a promising start in the first half of their innings, scoring 93 runs for the loss of one wicket. However, they struggled to accelerate as desired in the second half, managing only 85 runs and losing six wickets in the process. The Black Caps concluded their innings at 178-7, setting a target of 179 for Pakistan to chase.

Abbas Afridi stood out as the most effective bowler for Pakistan, claiming three wickets for 20 runs off three overs. Mohammad Amir, Zaman Khan, Usama Mir, and Iftikhar Ahmed also contributed with one wicket each, conceding 32, 35, 43, and 14 runs respectively. Zaman Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed bowled three and two overs each. Imad Wasim remained wicketless, conceding 32 runs off his allocated four overs.

Pakistan made four changes in the team, incorporating Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim, Usama Mir, and Zaman Khan, as part of their rotation policy, aiming to provide opportunities to all players in their quest to find a formidable combination for the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup in West Indies and USA 2024. However, these alterations in combinations have yet to yield the desired results. Pakistan will face New Zealand in the final match of the series at the same venue on April 27 (Saturday) at 7:30 p.m. They hope to secure a series-leveling victory, while the Black Caps will be determined to clinch the series win.

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier commenced in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. Sri Lanka and Ireland emerged victorious in the opening matches held at Tolerance Oval and Zayed Cricket Stadium, respectively.

Sri Lanka defeated Thailand, while Ireland triumphed over the hosts, United Arab Emirates (UAE), with both teams securing convincing wins. Eimear Richardson showcased an outstanding all-round performance for Ireland at Zayed Cricket Stadium.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers delivered an exceptional performance, restricting Thailand to just 55 runs at Tolerance Oval. In the match between Ireland and UAE, Esha Oza’s aggressive start for UAE was countered by Alana Dalzell, who ultimately claimed her wicket in the second over. Despite a solid partnership between Theertha Satish and Khushi Sharma, UAE’s innings collapsed rapidly, going from 64/1 to 77/7 within five overs, as Arlene Kelly, Cara Murray, and Richardson contributed to Ireland’s success.

Despite a promising start, UAE’s lower order struggled, finishing at 105/9 in 20 overs. Kelly and Richardson stood out among Ireland’s bowlers, each claiming two wickets. In response, Ireland’s opening pair of Amy Hunter and Gaby Lewis made a brisk start, adding 52 runs in the Powerplay. Although Lewis departed after the sixth over, Oza’s consecutive dismissals of Laura Delany and Rebecca Stokell caused Ireland to stumble to 68/4.

However, Orla Prendergast, supported by Richardson, stabilized Ireland’s innings. The duo remained unbeaten, securing victory with over three overs to spare. The final scoreboard read: Ireland defeated UAE by six wickets.

Score Board:
UAE: 105 for 9 in 20 overs (Khushi Sharma 24, Theertha Satish 22; Arlene Kelly 2-12, Eimear Richardson 2-15)
Ireland: 106 for 4 in 16.1 overs (Gaby Lewis 27, Amy Hunter 25, Eimear Richardson 22*; Esha Oza 3-13)

Player of the match: Eimear Richardson

Pakistan Captain Babar Azam on Wednesday said that there was no communication gap on the rotation and switching of roles of the players in the tea

Pakistan Captain Babar Azam clarified on Wednesday that there was no communication gap regarding the rotation and switching of roles among players in the team.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Gaddafi Stadium, Babar Azam stated that the team management was in search of the optimal combination for the first four positions in the team ahead of the ICC mega event next month. He emphasized that the players were fully briefed and involved in the decision-making process.

The Green Shirts are set to take on the Black Caps in the fourth T20I of the five-match series at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

Babar Azam outrightly dismissed media speculation suggesting that some players were discontented with the switching of batting positions during the New Zealand series. He affirmed his steadfastness in making decisions that he believed were in the team’s best interest, expressing his indifference towards criticism. Regarding the loss against New Zealand in the last T20I, he downplayed its significance, stating it didn’t cause much concern.

Babar Azam emphasized the unity within the team, asserting that there was no room for misunderstandings. He highlighted that a defeat did not imply any discord among the players.

Babar Azam addressed the loss against the young New Zealand side in the 3rd T20I of the series, stating that it wasn’t solely due to expensive bowling spells by Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi, but rather a collective effort from the entire team that fell short against the opposition.

“We win and lose as a team, and this isn’t a time for pointing fingers,” Babar remarked. “We have confidence in each other as a team,” he asserted.

Expressing hope for Mohammad Rizwan’s swift recovery from his injury, Babar anticipated his participation in the Ireland tour next month, well ahead of the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup in West Indies and USA. He emphasized Rizwan’s integral role in the team and his remarkable performances.

Wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan and all-rounder Irfan Khan Niazi were rested due to hamstring injuries for the remaining two matches of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand.

Addressing the injuries, Babar Azam clarified that the two-week long fitness camp at the military academy Kakul was not the cause of the hamstring injuries to Azam Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, and Irfan Khan Niazi. He emphasized that injuries are an inherent part of the game and assured that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) ensured comprehensive care for all players. Babar Azam reiterated that the fitness regime is maintained throughout the year and the Kakul Camp was not responsible for the injuries.

Karachi, Lahore and Multan have won their matches by defeating their rivals during National Women’s One-Day Cricket Tournament played at different sites in Faisalabad on Wednesday

On Wednesday, Karachi, Lahore, and Multan emerged victorious in their matches, defeating their opponents in the National Women’s One-Day Cricket Tournament held at various venues in Faisalabad.

In one of the matches at Iqbal Stadium, Karachi clashed against Rawalpindi, securing a victory with a 36-run lead. Opting to bat first, Karachi posted a total of 190 runs on the board. Horina Sajjad played a stellar innings, scoring 76 runs with the aid of 7 sixes, while Aroob Shah contributed 44 runs. Rawalpindi’s Hamna Bilal managed to take 4 wickets for 25 runs.

Despite their best efforts to chase the target, Rawalpindi managed to score only 154 runs with a loss of 9 wickets. Maham Anees was the standout performer for Rawalpindi, scoring 56 runs, while four of their batswomen were run out. Anoosay Nasir of Karachi claimed 2 wickets, and Horina Sajjad was named the player of the match.

In another match at Jawad Club Ground, Lahore secured a commanding victory over Quetta by a margin of 88 runs. Opting to bat first, Lahore posted a total of 199 runs with the loss of 9 wickets in their allotted 50 overs.

Kainat Hafeez emerged as the top scorer for Lahore, contributing 58 runs, while Naureen Yaqoob added 31 runs to the total. Ayesha Amjad of Quetta was the most successful bowler, claiming 4 wickets for 44 runs.

In their chase, the Quetta team was dismissed for 111 runs, with 28 extra runs contributing significantly to their total. Naureen Yaqoob of Karachi showcased her all-round skills by taking 3 wickets for 22 runs, earning her the player of the match award.

In the third match held at Boharanwali Ground, Multan secured a victory over Peshawar by 4 wickets. Opting to bat first, Peshawar’s entire team was dismissed for 101 runs, with Alina Shah top-scoring with 50 runs. Noor-ul-Eman of Multan impressed with the ball, taking 5 wickets.

In response, Multan displayed an excellent performance, reaching the target with a loss of 6 wickets.

In the match, Tasmia Rubab of Multan played a crucial innings, scoring 26 runs and remaining unbeaten. Momina Riyasat of Peshawar showcased her bowling prowess by taking 3 wickets during the game.

Captain Babar Azam disagrees, preferring Rizwan to step in if Fakhar Zaman underperforms.

In a significant development, sources reported on Tuesday that the management of the national cricket team is considering changing Mohammad Rizwan’s batting order.

While most of the management supports this change, Captain Babar Azam disagrees, preferring Rizwan to step in if Fakhar Zaman fails to perform.

However, Rizwan is hesitant about the shift as he aims to maintain his outstanding performance. With Fakhar Zaman absent from the ongoing series against New Zealand, the inclusion of Usman Khan is being considered for the number 3 spot.

Additionally, Rizwan may be sidelined for the remaining T20Is due to a hamstring injury sustained during the third T20 against New Zealand. The team management is awaiting Rizwan’s scan results to determine his availability.

New Zealand’s Mark Chapman’s exceptional performance has helped them level the five-match T20I series.

The upcoming matches are scheduled for April 25 and 27 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Following the New Zealand series, Pakistan is scheduled to play three T20Is against Ireland and four T20Is against England overseas.

Shadab Khan through his fiery performance helps Pakistan score 178 runs in the first inning of the T20I match being played at Rawalpindi Stadium.

In the third T20I match at Rawalpindi Stadium on Sunday, Pakistan set a target of 179 runs for the Kiwis. Shadab Khan’s impressive performance, scoring 41 runs off 20 balls, helped Pakistan establish a strong position. Despite the early dismissal of Babar Azam, who scored 37 off 29 balls, Pakistan’s innings progressed steadily thanks to Shadab Khan and later Saim Ayub’s contributions. However, Pakistan faced some challenges during their innings, losing four wickets while scoring 178 runs. The Kiwis won the toss and opted to bowl first, a strategic decision aimed at securing victory.

Pakistan currently leads the five-match series 1-0.

Playing XIs:

Pakistan:
1. Babar Azam (capt)
2. Saim Ayub
3. Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
4. Usman Khan
5. Iftikhar Ahmed
6. Muhammad Irfan Niazi
7. Shadab Khan
8. Shaheen Shah Afridi
9. Naseem Shah
10. Mohammad Abbas Afridi
11. Abrar Ahmed

New Zealand:
1. Tim Robinson
2. Tim Seifert (wk)
3. Mark Chapman
4. Dean Foxcroft
5. Cole McConchie
6. James Neesham
7. Michael Bracewell (capt)
8. Jacob Duffy
9. Ish Sodhi
10. Zak Foulkes
11. Will O’Rourke

Gull Feroza’s century helped Multan beat Rawalpindi by 141 runs in the second round match of the National Women’s One-Day Tournament, played at the Bohranwali Cricket Ground, here on Friday

In the second round match of the National Women’s One-Day Tournament, Gull Feroza’s century propelled Multan to a 141-run victory over Rawalpindi at Bohranwali Cricket Ground on Friday.

Batting first, Multan posted a formidable total of 240 for seven in 50 overs, with opener Gull Feroza scoring a magnificent 142 off 140 balls. Rawalpindi’s captain Humna Bilal was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets for 25 runs.

In response, Rawalpindi faltered against Multan’s bowling attack, managing only 99 runs in 25.5 overs. Noor-ul-Iman and Tasmia Rubab took five wickets between them, restricting Rawalpindi’s innings.

At Iqbal Stadium, Quetta secured a 16-run victory over Peshawar, thanks to Rameen Shamim’s all-round performance. Quetta posted 175 runs batting first, and Peshawar fell short, getting bowled out for 159 runs in 47 overs.

In another match at Jawad Sports Complex Ground, Lahore scored 138 for four in 43 overs, with Iram Javed top-scoring with an unbeaten 49. Rain interrupted play, and when it resumed, Karachi were set a revised target of 167 in 43 overs. Karachi fell short by just one run, getting bowled out for 166 runs in 43 overs.

The super over was dominated by Lahore, who chased down the target of two runs in just four balls without losing any wickets.

Here are the scores in brief:

Multan beat Rawalpindi by 141 runs at Bohranwali Cricket Ground

Player of the Match: Gull Feroza (Multan)

Quetta beat Peshawar by 16 runs at Iqbal Stadium

Player of the Match: Rameen Shamim (Quetta)

Match Tied – Lahore beat Karachi in the Super Over at Jawad Sports Complex

Player of the Match: Iram Javed (Lahore)

Next round fixtures: Quetta vs. Karachi at Bohranwali Cricket Ground; Lahore vs. Multan at Iqbal Stadium; Rawalpindi vs. Peshawar at Jawad Sports Complex Ground.

Pakistan’s opening pair is expected to be led by skipper Babar Azam alongside Saim Ayub, with Mohammad Rizwan likely to bat at number three.

Pakistan is gearing up for the second T20I match against New Zealand, scheduled to be held in Rawalpindi on Saturday (tomorrow).

The opening partnership is anticipated to be spearheaded by skipper Babar Azam alongside Saim Ayub, while Mohammad Rizwan is expected to bat at number three.

In the middle order, Usman Khan and Muhammad Irfan Khan are likely to provide a blend of stability and aggressive batting.

The team’s all-round capabilities will be reinforced by the presence of Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan, adding depth to both the batting and bowling line-ups.

The pace attack will be led by Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Amir, the latter making a comeback to the squad after a four-year absence.

Spin bowling will be crucial, with Abrar Ahmed looking to challenge the New Zealand batsmen with his array of variations.

In the first T20I match, debutants Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, and Muhammad Irfan Khan were set to make their T20I debuts but couldn’t display their talents due to persistent rain. The match was abandoned after just two deliveries.

Following the disappointing washout, fans are hopeful for a complete game as the weather forecast predicts a decrease in rain chances.

Probable Playing XI:

Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed

Here’s the updated Pakistan squad:

Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, Irfan Khan Niazi, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan