Pakistan Faces Humiliating Defeat Prediction in 2026 World Cup

Pakistan Faces Humiliating Defeat Prediction in 2026 World Cup

Pakistan’s cricket team has endured a tumultuous period, marked by disappointing performances in major tournaments and a recent Test defeat against Bangladesh. The team’s struggles have prompted widespread criticism, with former fast bowler Mohammad Asif issuing a stark warning.

Asif predicts that Pakistan will face another humiliating defeat against the United States in the 2026 T20 World Cup if they fail to address their shortcomings. “We lost to the USA, who were playing in the T20 World Cup for the first time,” Asif said. “The way the situation is going at this moment, the USA will beat Pakistan in the next World Cup, in 2026. I’ll guarantee you that.”

Asif believes that Pakistan needs a complete overhaul, including changes to the captaincy, coaching staff, and player roster. He emphasizes the need for long-term planning and investment in a specific squad. “Before the 2026 World Cup, we have to change the captain, coach, and the players,” Asif said. “There needs to be planning for the two years that this is the team, this is the 20 players we want to work with.”

Asif’s comments highlight the growing frustration among Pakistani fans and experts. The team’s recent performances have fallen short of expectations, and there is a sense that drastic measures are needed to turn things around. Asif’s prediction serves as a wake-up call for the Pakistan Cricket Board and the team itself, urging them to take immediate action to avoid further embarrassment on the international stage.

Indian Stars Shine in WBBL Overseas Draft

Indian Stars Shine in WBBL Overseas Draft

The second Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) overseas draft witnessed a surge of Indian talent, with Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma headlining the platinum-round picks. Rodrigues reunited with Jess Jonassen at Brisbane Heat, while Deepti joined Melbourne Stars, where she will play alongside Meg Lanning.

Hobart Hurricanes, with the first pick, drafted in Danni Wyatt after losing out on Sophie Ecclestone, Heather Knight, and Laura Wolvaardt to retention picks. Melbourne Renegades opted for Deandra Dottin in the platinum category, while Hayley Matthews was allocated a gold category as their second-round pick.

Heat drafted in Shikha Pandey, marking her maiden WBBL season. Melbourne Stars also selected wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia as their third pick. Perth Scorchers, with Sophie Devine as their pre-signed captain, drafted in D Hemalatha, who has played alongside Beth Mooney at Gujarat Giants in the WPL.

Adelaide Strikers’ third pick was Ireland allrounder Orla Prendergast, who has captained Ireland in ODIs. Sydney Sixers, with Amelia Kerr as a gold-category pick, could have a potent spin-bowling combo with Ecclestone.

The presence of six Indians in the WBBL is the most for an edition of the tournament. This influx of Indian talent highlights the growing strength of women’s cricket in India and the WBBL’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Pakistan's Shahzad and Hamza Rip Through Bangladesh Top Order

Pakistan’s Shahzad and Hamza Rip Through Bangladesh Top Order

Pakistan’s bowling attack dominated the morning session of the third day in the second Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, leaving the visitors reeling at 75 for 6 at lunch. Khurram Shahzad and Mir Hamza wreaked havoc on the Bangladesh top order, claiming six wickets in the first hour.

Shahzad, bowling with precision from around the wicket, targeted the stumps and reaped the rewards. He dismissed Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, and Najmul Hossain Shanto in quick succession, leaving Bangladesh in tatters at 20 for 4.

Hamza joined the party, trapping Mominul Haque in front of the stumps and inducing a thin edge from Mushfiqur Rahim to Mohammad Rizwan. Shakib Al Hasan’s dismissal to Shahzad left Bangladesh on the brink of collapse at 26 for 6.

However, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Litton Das showed some resilience, adding 49 runs for the seventh wicket. Mehidy was the aggressor, hitting four boundaries off Hamza and Mohammad Ali. Litton provided support, contributing a neat clip off Shahzad.

With the pitch easing and the Pakistani bowlers losing their initial venom, Mehidy and Litton managed to survive until lunch. Bangladesh still trail Pakistan by 199 runs and need 50 runs to avoid the follow-on.

Salman Ali Agha Defends Babar Azam Amidst Test Struggles

Salman Ali Agha Defends Babar Azam Amidst Test Struggles

Pakistan’s all-rounder Salman Ali Agha has come to the defense of star batter Babar Azam following another disappointing innings in the second Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. Babar’s struggles in the series have raised concerns, but Agha remains confident in his teammate’s ability to bounce back.

Babar’s lean patch in Test cricket has seen his average dip below 45, with his last score over fifty coming in late 2022. In the ongoing series, he has been dismissed for a duck, 22, and 31, contributing to Pakistan’s struggles.

Despite Babar’s poor form, Agha believes it is only a temporary phase. “Babar Azam is a world-class player,” Agha said. “As a cricketer, you go through these phases. He has scored consistently throughout the last five years. Soon, we will see him scoring big runs for Pakistan again.”

Agha emphasized the importance of supporting Babar during this difficult period. “There are 10 other players in the team, you should focus on them,” he said. “It’s fine if he’s struggling. He will return to scoring big runs very soon.”

Babar’s struggles have coincided with Pakistan’s poor performance in the series. After losing the first Test by 10 wickets, Pakistan collapsed from 179/4 to 274 all out in the second Test, highlighting the team’s batting woes.

Despite the setbacks, the team management and Babar’s teammates remain confident in his abilities. Head coach Saqlain Mushtaq has backed Babar to regain his form, while captain Azhar Ali has praised his work ethic and determination.

Babar Azam is regarded as one of Pakistan’s finest batters, and his return to form is crucial for the team’s success. With the third and final Test of the series still to come, Babar will have an opportunity to prove his critics wrong and lead Pakistan to a series victory.

Gambhir's Coaching Tenure: Rhodes Urges Patience Amidst Mixed Results

Gambhir’s Coaching Tenure: Rhodes Urges Patience Amidst Mixed Results

Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as India’s head coach has witnessed a contrasting start, with a resounding T20I series triumph in Sri Lanka followed by a disappointing ODI series loss. However, former South African fielding legend Jonty Rhodes believes that these early results should not raise concerns among Indian fans and administrators.

Rhodes emphasizes that any transition in leadership requires time for adjustment. He notes that India possesses the talent and depth to support Gambhir’s coaching journey, allowing him to quickly establish his authority and achieve success.

Rhodes’ experience working with Gambhir at the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has given him insights into the former India opener’s character. He describes Gambhir as a passionate individual who strives for excellence both on and off the field.

“He doesn’t expect players to do something that he never did or he won’t do,” Rhodes said. “He’s somebody who’s not gonna be lenient with anybody unless it’s required because he’s expecting.”

Rhodes believes that Gambhir’s unwavering pursuit of excellence and winning attitude will ultimately benefit the Indian team. He emphasizes that Gambhir’s focus is not on personal glory but on the team’s success.

India’s next assignment under Gambhir will be the two-Test series against Bangladesh later this month. Rhodes is confident that Gambhir will continue to learn and adapt as a coach, and that the team will eventually find its rhythm under his guidance.

Suryakumar Yadav Faces Injury Scare, May Miss Duleep Trophy and Bangladesh Tests

Suryakumar Yadav Faces Injury Scare, May Miss Duleep Trophy and Bangladesh Tests

Indian cricket team’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav is facing a potential setback as he may miss the upcoming Duleep Trophy due to an injury concern. According to a report by Times Of India, Yadav has checked into the National Cricket Academy (NCA) after suffering an injury to his right thumb during a match against TNCA XI on Thursday.

The injury comes at an unfortunate time, with the Duleep Trophy scheduled to begin in less than a week. Yadav’s absence would be a significant blow to the tournament, as he is one of the most in-form batters in the country.

The injury also raises concerns for the Indian cricket team, who will be facing Bangladesh in a two-match Test series in September. Yadav has expressed his desire to earn a spot in the Test team, and his absence from the Duleep Trophy could hinder his chances.

Yadav has played only one Test match for India, against Australia in February 2023, where he scored eight runs. However, he has an impressive record in first-class cricket, having scored 5,628 runs in 82 matches with an average of 43.62.

With Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, KL Rahul, and Rajat Patidar also vying for a spot in the Test team, Yadav acknowledges the challenge ahead of him. “There are a lot of people who have worked really hard to earn their place and even I want to earn that spot again,” Yadav said.

The extent of Yadav’s injury is not yet known, and it remains to be seen whether he will be fit enough to participate in the Duleep Trophy or the Test series against Bangladesh.

Duleep Trophy Returns to Assess Bowlers Ahead of India's Busy Test Schedule

Duleep Trophy Returns to Assess Bowlers Ahead of India’s Busy Test Schedule

The Duleep Trophy, a prestigious domestic cricket tournament in India, is set to kick off the 2024/25 season on September 5. The tournament will feature many players from India’s current Test team and those close to national selection, providing a crucial platform for selectors to assess their performances.

The Duleep Trophy has undergone several format changes over the years, including a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The new format features four teams, labeled A, B, C, and D, with the top two teams advancing to the final. This revamped format aims to provide bowlers with ample opportunities to showcase their skills ahead of India’s busy Test schedule.

According to former India’s men’s bowling coach Bharat Arun, the Duleep Trophy offers an ideal opportunity to assess bowlers before India plays ten Tests by January 7, 2025. “It provides an opportunity for all the cricketers to have enough number of overs under the belt. Also, it’s a great process to see how they fare with the red ball,” said Arun.

The Duleep Trophy’s format change coincides with a new structure for the Ranji Trophy, India’s premier domestic first-class cricket tournament. The Ranji Trophy will be split into two phases, with the first phase featuring five group matches. The second phase, including the last two group stage games and the knockouts, will commence after the Vijay Hazare Trophy ends on January 18, 2025.

Arun believes that the new Ranji Trophy format will benefit players by providing them with more competitive matches against teams of equal strength. “It would work because you are playing more against teams that are equals rather than you pit it against someone who’s well below the expected standards,” said Arun.

The Duleep Trophy and Ranji Trophy format changes aim to enhance the quality of domestic cricket in India and provide players with the best possible preparation for international competition. The tournaments will serve as a crucial stepping stone for aspiring cricketers to showcase their talents and earn a place in the national team.

Pakistan's Fielding Horrors Continue as Shakeel Drops Simple Catch

Pakistan’s Fielding Horrors Continue as Shakeel Drops Simple Catch

Pakistan’s fielding woes continued to haunt them in the second Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on Saturday. Saud Shakeel dropped a regulation catch at fifth slip, giving Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam a lifeline on the first ball of their innings. The missed opportunity drew a visible reaction of disappointment from captain Shan Masood and even the commentators.

The incident occurred during the second day of the match, after Pakistan had been bowled out for 274 in their first innings. Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the star performer for Bangladesh, claiming a five-wicket haul to restrict Pakistan’s total.

Shakeel’s dropped catch allowed Islam to remain at the crease, and Bangladesh ended the day on 10-0. However, it was Bangladesh’s bowlers who had the upper hand throughout the day.

Mehidy dismissed Masood for 57 and Saim Ayub for 58, while Taskin Ahmed took 3-57. The duo’s efforts helped Bangladesh gain a strong position in the match, despite the dropped catch.

The video of Shakeel’s missed catch has gone viral on social media, highlighting Pakistan’s ongoing fielding struggles. The team has been plagued by dropped catches and misfields in recent matches, which have cost them valuable wickets and runs.

Pakistan will need to improve their fielding significantly if they want to level the series against Bangladesh. The third and final Test is scheduled to begin on September 4 in Karachi.

Rohit Sharma: Forgetful but Brilliant Cricketer

Rohit Sharma: Forgetful but Brilliant Cricketer

Rohit Sharma, the Indian cricket team’s captain, is renowned for his calm demeanor and exceptional cricketing intellect. However, he also has a playful reputation for being forgetful. This quirky trait has been humorously highlighted by several cricketers, including Virat Kohli, who has mentioned Rohit’s tendency to misplace items.

Despite his forgetfulness, Indian umpire Anil Chaudhary asserts that Rohit possesses a sharp and intelligent cricketing mind. “Rohit may seem casual, but he’s a very smart player,” Chaudhary said. “His game sense is very good.”

Chaudhary also praised Rohit’s batting skills, saying that he has an incredible “ball-sense.” “He knows exactly when to move forward on a ball,” Chaudhary said. “Look at his short-arm pull shot. Unbelievable!”

Chaudhary recalled a match where Rohit scored over 200 runs, smashing bowlers all around the park. “The balls that were yorkers for others, he was hitting those for sixes,” Chaudhary said. “He’s in a different class.”

“On the day he’s in his flow, he’s a one-man army,” Chaudhary said. “His batting is of a different class. When he’s batting, it feels great to watch.”

Bangladesh Dominates Day 2 of Second Test Against Pakistan

Bangladesh Dominates Day 2 of Second Test Against Pakistan

Bangladesh has seized control of the second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, thanks to a dominant bowling performance on Day 2. After Pakistan’s solid start, Bangladesh’s bowlers chipped away at the wickets, restricting the hosts to 274 all out.

Taskin Ahmed set the tone early, dismissing Abdullah Shafique in the first over. Shan Masood and Saim Ayub steadied the innings, but Mehidy Hasan’s twin strikes shifted the momentum. Saud Shakeel and Babar Azam fell cheaply, leaving Pakistan in trouble.

After the break, Nahid Rana dismissed Mohammad Rizwan, opening the door for Bangladesh. Agha Salman played a defiant knock of 54, but Mehidy Hasan’s five-wicket haul ended Pakistan’s resistance.

Bangladesh’s bowlers were relentless, with Taskin Ahmed taking 3-57 and Mehidy Hasan claiming 5-61. The visitors finished the day on 10-0, despite a dropped catch off the first ball.

Pakistan, trailing in the series, faces an uphill battle to force a result. With rain expected on the last two days, they need to make the most of the new ball and early movement on Day 3.

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