December 23, 2024
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Shoaib Malik suggests Babar Azam to bat at number three after series loss vs England

Shoaib Malik suggests Babar Azam to bat at number three after series loss vs England

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Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik has suggested Babar Azam to bat at number three following the nation’s 0-2 series loss against England on Thursday, May 30 ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. Notably, during the fourth and final game of the series played at the Kennington Oval in London, Pakistan suffered a dramatic middle-order collapse as they failed to make the most of the good start by the opening pair of Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. After being put in to bat first by England, Babar and Rizwan added 59 runs for the first wicket off 36 balls. However, the middle order failed to build on the good beginning as the visitors lost a flurry of wickets in the middle overs to be left reeling at 86/5 after 10.2 overs. A crucial innings by Usman Khan of 38 (21) guided his team to a total of 157. However, it didn’t prove to be enough for England who won the match by seven wickets. Following Pakistan’s loss, Shoaib Malik took to his X account and suggested captain Babar to bat at number three saying that the team needs his guidance in the middle overs. “Tough series! Remember: we’ve been in tough spots before & came out stronger! IMO Babar should bat at no 03! We need someone in the middle overs to rotate strike, you are our best option, with your guidance our middle order will do a lot better,” wrote Shoaib on his X account. Babar batted at number three in the second T20I of the series and scored 32 (26) with Saim Ayub opening the innings alongside Rizwan. In his career, the Pakistan skipper has batted on 28 occasions at the three spot scoring 1067 runs at an average of 46.39 and a strike rate of 129.64 with 11 fifties to his name. Malik asks Shadab and Azam to not lose confidence Meanwhile, Malik also backed youngster Azam Khan and all-rounder Shadab Khan calling them ‘vital’ for the team. He asked the duo not to lose their confidence and keep their morale high heading into the T20 World Cup 2024. “Azam & Shadab, you two are vital for our team, don’t lose confidence, play with heart, you are match winners. Going into the World Cup, keep you morale high, We’ve got this!,” he added. – Tough series! Remember: we’ve been in tough spots before & came out stronger!IMO Babar should bat at no 03! We need someone in the middle overs to rotate strike, you are our best option, with your guidance our middle order will do alot better.Azam & Shadab, you two areâ€æ — Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) May 30, 2024 Following the series loss, Pakistan will be next seen taking on the US in their opening game of the T20 World Cup 2024 on June 6. The Babar Azam-led side will next take on arch-rivals India on June 9 at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. Published By: Rishabh Beniwal Published On: May 31, 2024

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Salt, bowlers star as England crush Pakistan in fourth T20I to take series 2-0

Salt, bowlers star as England crush Pakistan in fourth T20I to take series 2-0

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Pakistan were handed a crushing seven-wicket defeat by England in the fourth and final T20I of the series on Thursday, May 30 at Kennington Oval, London. As a result, the Jos Buttler-led side clinched the series by a margin of 2-0 to finish their T20 World Cup 2024 preparations on a high. After being put in to bat first, the visitors were bundled out for just 157 in 19.5 overs as all the English bowlers hared the wickets among them. In reply, the hosts made a mockery of Pakistan’s total chasing down the target in just 15.3 overs and sealed the series. The series brought an end to the preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup for both teams as they will straight away get on with their campaign in the mega event next month. Earlier in the day, after being asked to bat first, Pakistan got off to a good start by their famed opening duo of captain Babar Azam (36 off 22) and Mohammad Rizwan who added 59 runs for the first wicket off 35 balls. However, after their stand was broken by Jofra Archer, who dismissed Babar in the last over of the powerplay, Pakistan’s middle order crumbled against the spin trio of Adil Rashid (2/27), Moeen Ali (1/23, 2 overs) and Liam Livingstone (2/17, 3 overs). Usman Khan’s counter-attack in the middle overs Fakhar Zaman (9 off 9), Shadab Khan (0 off 1) and Azam Khan (0 off 5) returned to the pavilion cheaply leaving their side reeling at 86/5. Usman Khan tried his best to get Pakistan out of their ‘hell hole’ with a crucial innings of 38 (21) laced with three fours and two sixes. The 29-year-old holed out against Livingstone in the 15th over and two balls later Shaheen Afridi also lost his stumps against the off-spinner as Pakistan were left staring down the barrel on 126/7. Jos Buttler and Philip Salt’s electrifying start Iftikhar Ahmed (21 off 18), Naseem Shah (16 off 18) and Haris Rauf (8 off 7) occupied the crease for the last five overs to take their team’s total to 157. In the second innings, England captain Jos Buttler (39 off 21) and his opening partner Philip Salt (45 off 24) came out with a clear intent of chasing down the target quickly adding 82 runs for the wicket off just 38 balls. Following their dismissals, Will Jacks (20 off 18), Jonny Bairstow (28* off 16) and Harry Brook (17* off 14) guided England home in just 15.3 overs and sealed a seven-wicket win. Speedster Haris Rauf was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan who accounted for all three wickets to fall giving away 38 runs in 3.3 overs. Adil Rashid was awarded Player of the Match for registering figures 2/27 in four overs. Meanwhile, Pakistan will start their World Cup campaign against the USA on June 6 while England will take on Scotland on June 4. Published By: Rishabh Beniwal Published On: May 31, 2024

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'Best example of nepotism': Pakistan's Azam Khan brutally roasted after another flop show | Cricket News

‘Best example of nepotism’: Pakistan’s Azam Khan brutally roasted after another flop show | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s keeper-batter Azam Khan was in the line of fire on Thursday after his side succumbed to a crushing seven-wicket defeat in the fourth and final T20I against England at the Oval. Azam, who scored a five-ball duck and then dropped a couple of sitters behind the stumps drew flak on social media as his torrid run with both bat and gloves continued.The 25-year-old has had a string of low scores recently and has been poor behind the stumps as well and after his dull outing in Pakistan’s final T20I game before the T20 World Cup, questions over his selection and spot in the side were raised on social media. With the defeat, Pakistan lost the T20 series 2-0 as the first and third games in Leeds and Cardiff were washed out. England, on the other hand, now will head into the defense of its T20 World Cup title on the back of a series win over Pakistan. In the final game, after restricting Pakistan to 157 all out, England powered to its target with 27 balls remaining largely thanks to Phil Salt’s 45 and captain Jos Buttler’s 39 in their opening stand of 82 off 38 balls. The T20 World Cup staged jointly in the United States and the Caribbean starts Saturday, with England’s opening match against Scotland in Barbados on Tuesday and Pakistan playing for the first time on June 6 against the US.

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England head into T20 World Cup title defense with 2-0 series win over Pakistan | Cricket News

England head into T20 World Cup title defense with 2-0 series win over Pakistan | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Defending champions England blew away Pakistan by seven wickets at The Oval on Thursday in their final match before commencing their defense of the T20 World Cup title.Pakistan were restricted to a modest 157, largely due to the efforts of leg-spinner Adil Rashid, who claimed 2 for 27, earning him the player-of-the-match award.England’s chase got off to a blistering start with Phil Salt (45) and captain Jos Buttler (39) putting on a rapid 82-run opening partnership in just seven overs.The match concluded with Harry Brook hitting a six off paceman Haris Rauf, who was the standout bowler for Pakistan with figures of 3 for 38. England reached their target with more than three overs to spare.The victory secured a 2-0 win for England in the four-match T20 series after the games at Headingley and Cardiff were washed out.“We have worked hard in training and there is a good feeling around the squad,” Buttler told Sky Sports.“Guys are all stepping up and performing.”Buttler was leading England after his wife gave birth to the couple’s third child following his dashing 84 in the hosts’ 23-run win in the second T20 at Edgbaston.Earlier, Pakistan had made a promising start, reaching 59 for no loss after losing the toss in overcast conditions at The Oval.However, they experienced a collapse, slumping to 86 for 5. The slide began when captain Babar Azam was caught at slip for a well-made 36 off fast bowler Jofra Archer, while fellow England quick Mark Wood claimed two wickets with well-directed bouncers.“It would have been nice to get two more games in to expose a few guys to different situations,” Buttler added.“But we have really good experience in the group and a lot of guys have been playing in the IPL (Indian Premier League), so we are not short of cricket.”England will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Scotland in Barbados on June 4 while 2009 champions Pakistan will face co-hosts the United States in Dallas two days later.

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Babar Azam closes in on Virat Kohli's all-time T20I record after completing 4000 runs

Babar Azam closes in on Virat Kohli’s all-time T20I record after completing 4000 runs

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Pakistan white-ball captain Babar Azam has closed in on star Indian batter Virat Kohli’s all-time T20I record after completing 4000 runs during the 4th T20I against England on Thursday. Babar became only the second batter after Kohli to complete 4000 runs with his 13th run in the fourth T20I at Kennington Oval in London. Kohli reached the milestone in 107 innings, 5 innings quicker than Babar. England vs Pakistan, 4th T20I: Live Updates Babar Azam showcased his batting prowess with a scintillating 36-run innings off just 22 balls. Demonstrating his class and aggressive intent, Babar’s knock included five elegant fours and a towering six, leading to a strikingly high strike rate of 163.64. Babar’s performance was pivotal in Pakistan’s strong start, as he and fellow opener Mohammad Rizwan built a solid foundation with a 59-run partnership for the first wicket. HIGHEST RUN SCORER IN T20IS 1. Virat Kohli – 4037 runs in 117 matches 2. Babar Azam – 4022 runs in 119 matches3. Rohit Sharma – 3974 runs in 151 matches4. Paul Stirling – 3589 runs in 142 matches5. Martin Guptill – 3531 runs in 122 matches Playing his 119th T20I and 112th innings, Babar’s current tally stands at an impressive 4,023 runs, maintaining a robust average of 41.05 and a strike rate of 130.15. This achievement places him amongst the elite in the world of T20 cricket. Babar has registered three centuries and 36 fifties, underscoring his ability to play both anchoring and aggressive roles as the situation demands. Additionally, Babar has become the first and only batter to hit over 400 fours in T20Is, with 432 boundaries to his name, further showcasing his technical finesse and precision. During this match, Babar also surpassed Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma’s tally of 3,974 runs, further cementing his place in the upper echelons of T20 cricket. Despite this achievement, he still trails behind India’s Virat Kohli, who remains the top scorer in T20Is with 4,037 runs at an average of 51.75. Published By: Saurabh Kumar Published On: May 30, 2024

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Babar Azam becomes second player after Virat Kohli to achieve historic milestone in T20I cricket – India TV

Babar Azam becomes second player after Virat Kohli to achieve historic milestone in T20I cricket – India TV

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Image Source : GETTY Babar Azam during the 4th T20I game against England in London on May 30, 2024 Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam scripted history after scoring three runs in the fourth T20I against England at The Oval on Thursday, May 30. Babar became the first Pakistani cricketer to record 4,000 runs in T20I cricket history and the second after India’s Virat Kohli. The in-form batter missed Virat Kohli’s all-time record for the most runs in the shortest format by just 14 runs. Babar has scored 4,023 runs in 112 T20I innings and will battle with Kohli for the top spot in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Babar surpssed Indian cricket team skipper Rohit Sharma in the top run-getters chart after scoring 32 runs in the second T20I against England. First and third matches of the series were washed out due to rain and denied Babar to dethrone Virat before the T20 World Cup 2024. Kohli has been dominating the top spot despite playing just two T20Is after the T20 World Cup 2022. Kohli has also played less matches than Babar and boasts comparatively better batting average and strike rate in T20Is.  Most runs in T20I cricket Virat Kohli – 4037 runs in 109 innings Babar Azam – 4023 runs in 112 innings Rohit Sharma – 3974 runs in 143 innings Paul Stirling – 3589 runs in 141 innings Martin Guptill – 3531 runs in 118 innings Meanwhile, Babar promoted himself to open with Mohammad Rizwan and gave Pakistan a stunning start in powerplay. The in-form duo added 59 runs for the opening wicket before Babar’s dismissal on the last ball of the powerplay overs.  More to follow…

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India Vs Pakistan: 'Safest place to be will be ...': Nassau police chief on ISIS-K's 'Lone Wolf' attack threat for India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match | Cricket News

India Vs Pakistan: ‘Safest place to be will be …’: Nassau police chief on ISIS-K’s ‘Lone Wolf’ attack threat for India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Ahead of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan on June 9, significant security measures are being implemented at Eisenhower Park stadium in New York, as stated by Patrick Ryder, the Nassau County Police Department Commissioner. The match, which is anticipated to draw a large audience due to the longstanding rivalry between the two teams, has prompted authorities to enhance security protocols following reports of potential threats. SEE ALSO: T20 World Cup Schedule According to ESPNCricinfo, the security increase comes after certain threats were identified, though the governor’s office has clarified that, based on current intelligence, there is no credible threat to public safety.“When you have got a game and a crowd as big as this, everything is credible. We will go through every fine detail when it comes to the security and safety of the residents here in Nassau County. I can guarantee you this is the largest security we have ever had to do in this county’s history, and I can also guarantee you the safest place to be in Nassau County on June 9 will be inside that stadium,” said Commissioner Ryder.To facilitate these measures, Eisenhower Park will be closed to the public from early morning until the evening of the match day, with access to the stadium controlled through metal detectors. Restrictions on bags and drones will be enforced, and parking will be limited to VIP ticket holders, with alternative arrangements made for other spectators. The police presence will be significant, both on the ground and in the air, with coordination among federal, state, and local partners, including transit police. The security plan extends beyond the local efforts, with the New York State Police engaged in elevated security measures as directed by Governor Kathy Hochul. These measures include increased law enforcement presence, advanced surveillance, and thorough screening processes, underscoring the commitment to public safety.The International Cricket Council (ICC) has also assured that security will be robust throughout the tournament at all venues, with a comprehensive security plan in place. The ICC works closely with host country authorities to monitor and evaluate global security, ensuring that risks are appropriately mitigated.The match at Eisenhower Park Stadium is part of a series of eight ICC T20 WC matches hosted in the area, highlighting the significance of the event. The governor of New York and the ICC have both expressed their commitment to ensuring that the Cricket World Cup is a safe and enjoyable experience for all involved.(Inputs from ANI)

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Wary of Virat Kohli threat at T20 World Cup, Pakistan's Babar Azam says, we will... | Cricket News

Wary of Virat Kohli threat at T20 World Cup, Pakistan’s Babar Azam says, we will… | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Pakistan captain Babar Azam revealed on Monday that his team is meticulously planning their strategies to counter the formidable presence of star Indian batsman Virat Kohli in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup showdown between the two cricketing giants.The much-anticipated clash is set to ignite passions as it unfolds in the vibrant atmosphere of West Indies/USA later this year.Speaking ahead of his team’s T20I series against Ireland scheduled to commence from March 10, comprising three exhilarating matches to be held in Dublin, Babar emphasised the significance of devising a comprehensive game plan to neutralise Kohli’s impact on the field.The marquee encounter between Pakistan and India, slated for June 9 in New York, promises to be a spectacle for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.Recalling the intensity of their previous T20 Cup encounter in 2022, Babar reminisced about Kohli’s memorable innings, where he orchestrated a remarkable unbeaten knock of 82 runs off just 53 deliveries.Kohli’s masterclass, adorned with six boundaries and four towering sixes, steered India through a nerve-wracking run-chase of 160 runs, rescuing them from a precarious position of 31/4 at one juncture.Speaking at the media conference in Dublin on Monday, Babar said that though the team does not plan against one particular player, but they will be planning against Kohli, who he called as “one of the best players.”“As a team, you always plan against different teams and according to their strengths. We do not plan anything against one player. We plan for all 11 players. We do not know much about the conditions in New York and we will plan accordingly. He [Virat Kohli] is one of the best players and we will plan against him as well,” he said.Kohli’s prowess against Pakistan in T20Is is nothing short of remarkable. Across 10 encounters, he has amassed a staggering total of 488 runs, boasting an impressive average of 81.33 and a blistering strike rate exceeding 123.Kohli’s consistency is evident in his tally of five half-centuries against the arch-rivals, showcasing his ability to dominate the opposition’s bowling attack with finesse.In the T20 WC, India and Pakistan are in Group A along with Ireland, Canada and USA. Pakistan will start its campaign against the USA on June 6.Here is the schedule for Pakistan’s tour to Ireland and England ahead of the T20 World Cup:Ireland series: May 10: First T20I, Dublin; May 12 Second T20I, Dublin; May 14: Third T20I, DublinEngland series: May 22: First T20I, Leeds; May 25: Second T20I, Birmingham; May 28: Third T20I, Cardiff; May 30: Fourth T20I, London.Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (C), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan.(With ANI inputs)

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Babar Azam expresses confidence in Gary Kirsten's appointment, assures team unity ahead of T20 World Cup | Cricket News

Babar Azam expresses confidence in Gary Kirsten’s appointment, assures team unity ahead of T20 World Cup | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Pakistan‘s limited overs captain, Babar Azam, shared his positive outlook on the recent appointment of Gary Kirsten as the head coach of Pakistan’s white-ball side, expressing optimism about the potential impact on the team’s performance.“Gary Kirsten is a very experienced coach, and his presence should be beneficial for us all. He is already taking a lot of interest in the planning for the World Cup and discussing strategy with the team management,” Babar stated during a media conference in Lahore.Babar emphasized Kirsten’s active involvement in strategizing for the upcoming World Cup, highlighting his regular communication with the team management and indicating a collaborative approach towards planning and preparation.”Babar assured that Kirsten’s arrival would enhance the team’s coordination and planning, with a clear focus on optimizing the squad’s performance in the global tournament. He dismissed concerns over selection issues, affirming that decisions would prioritize the team’s interests and cohesion,” the captain added.Addressing the integration of young players into the squad, Babar stressed the importance of providing them with ample opportunities to settle into international cricket, reaffirming the team management’s commitment to supporting and nurturing emerging talents ahead of the World Cup.“I think there is little time for rotation now because the World Cup is around the corner, and in the remaining matches. We will try to give the team we want to play with in the World Cup a proper opportunity,” Babar commented.Looking ahead to potential matchups, Babar acknowledged the challenge posed by India’s Virat Kohli but affirmed the team’s comprehensive planning against all opposing players, emphasizing the team’s collective strategy and preparation to counter the strengths of each opponent.“The thing is, we plan against all eleven players of a team, and we don’t know much about how the conditions will be in New York. But yes, he [Kohli] is one of the best players, and we will plan against him as well,” Babar said.Babar also dispelled any rumors of internal rifts within the team, emphasizing unity and mutual support among players. Expressing his excitement for his second stint as Pakistan captain, Babar credited the team’s success to collective effort and emphasized the backing received from the cricket board.(With inputs from PTI)

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Babar Azam backs Gary Kirsten to lead a positive change in Pakistan cricket

Babar Azam backs Gary Kirsten to lead a positive change in Pakistan cricket

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Pakistan’s cricket team skipper Babar Azam addresses a press conference ahead of the T20 series against Ireland, England and the T20 World Cup, in Lahore, Pakistan, on May 6, 2024. | Photo Credit: AP Pakistan limited overs skipper Babar Azam is optimistic that Gary Kirsten’s appointment as head coach of Pakistan’s white ball side will certainly improve its performance. The South African was roped in as the team’s limited overs head coach last month on a two-year contract, and this would be his third outing as an international coach, having guided India (2008-11) and South Africa (2011-13). “He (Kirsten) is a very experienced coach, and his presence should be beneficial for us all. He is already taking a lot of interest in the planning for the World Cup and discussing strategy with the team management,” Babar told a media conference in Lahore on Monday. Babar said Kirsten was in touch with the side daily, receiving reports about what they were doing and how they were planning things. “He (Kirsten) shares his plans with us, discussions are happening with coaches about our planning, and we update him on net practice plans, like how the bowling practice went today,” he said. Babar said there was already steady line of communication between him and Kirsten and he is looking forward to his arrival. The Pakistan skipper also dismissed concerns over some selections as the squad leaves for Ireland. Pakistani selectors will finalise the final 15-member squad for the global tournament from the same 18 players based on the form and fitness of players in Ireland and England. Kirsten is expected to join the team in England. “There is no issue about the top order as to who will open from amongst me, Rizwan, Saim or Fakhar. All decisions will be based on keeping in mind the team’s interests. There is no confusion there,” Babar said. He clarified that young and new players like Ayub, Azam, Irfan Khan and Usman Khan would require time to settle down in international cricket, and the management would back them completely in the lead-up to the World Cup. “I think there is little time for rotation now because the World Cup is around the corner, and in the remaining matches. We will try to give the team we want to play with in the World Cup a proper opportunity,” Babar continued. “We will sort out whatever our bowling and batting combination is, and we have almost done that. We will play with our best possible XI in the remaining matches.” Will plan against Kohli Asked if Pakistan was specifically strategizing to stop India’s in-form batter Virat Kohli from scoring against them, Babar said that as a team, one always looked at the best players in an opposing team as the aim was to win against eleven players. “The thing is, we plan against all eleven players of a team, and we don’t know much about how the conditions will be in New York. But yes, he [Kohli] is one of the best players, and we will plan against him as well,” Babar said. No rifts in team Babar also made it clear there were no internal rifts in the team over the captaincy issue, and he was also excited about his second stint as Pakistan captain. “Whatever success I achieved previously as captain was because of the players who supported me, and the same is true now. Important is the board is backing us completely to do well,” he concluded.

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