Babar Azam's Frustration with Wahab Riaz Goes Viral

Babar Azam’s Frustration with Wahab Riaz Goes Viral

Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam’s frustration with former pacer Wahab Riaz has become a viral sensation on social media. The incident occurred during a six-hitting challenge between Pakistan’s senior men’s cricket team and its support staff.

Riaz, who is the chief selector of the Pakistan men’s cricket team but not part of the support staff, requested Babar to allow him to bat during the contest. However, the skipper visibly displayed his annoyance. Azhar Mahmood, Pakistan’s head coach for the recently-concluded New Zealand T20I series, intervened and pushed Riaz away.

The video of the incident, shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on April 25, has sparked discussions about the dynamics within the team. Some have speculated that Babar’s frustration may stem from Riaz’s role as chief selector, while others have suggested that it could be a reflection of the competitive nature of the challenge.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s T20I squad has been in impressive form, with skipper Babar Azam leading the charge. In the recently concluded fifth and final T20I against New Zealand, Azam scored a solid half-century (69 off 44 balls), while spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed four wickets (4-30). Pakistan ultimately emerged victorious by nine runs, squaring the series at 2-2.

The series provided both teams with valuable preparation for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup, which will be held in the United States and the West Indies in June. While Pakistan may be disappointed not to have secured a series win against a depleted New Zealand side, the visitors gained confidence from their bench strength.

Pakistan Clinches Thrilling T20I Victory Over New Zealand in Series Finale

Pakistan Clinches Thrilling T20I Victory Over New Zealand in Series Finale

Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam and pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi played pivotal roles in securing a thrilling nine-run victory over New Zealand in the fifth and final Twenty20 International (T20I) in Lahore on Saturday.

Azam’s solid half-century (69 off 44 balls) and Fakhar Zaman’s contribution (43 off 33 balls) propelled Pakistan to a competitive total of 178 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs. Afridi then showcased his exceptional bowling skills, claiming four wickets for 30 runs, restricting New Zealand to 169 all out in 19.2 overs.

The match remained tense until the final over, with New Zealand’s Josh Clarkson threatening an upset with his unbeaten 38. However, two crucial run-outs in Mohammad Amir’s over sealed the victory for Pakistan, much to the delight of the packed crowd at Gaddafi Stadium.

The series, which ended in a 2-2 draw, served as valuable preparation for both teams ahead of the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies in June. While Pakistan would have preferred a series win, they gained valuable insights into their squad’s strength and areas for improvement.

Afridi’s impressive performance continued in the final match, as he dismissed Tom Blundell for four in his first over, marking his 15th wicket in his opening over of a T20I and his 50th overall in T20 matches. Tim Seifert provided some resistance for New Zealand with a quickfire 33-ball 52, but Pakistan’s spinners, Usama Mir and Shadab Khan, played a crucial role in derailing the visitors’ chase.

Azam expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting their efforts to test different combinations and assess their bench strength ahead of the World Cup. New Zealand’s stand-in captain, Micheal Bracewell, acknowledged the competitive nature of the series and expressed his team’s satisfaction with the draw.

Hafeez Questions Reliance on Azam-Rizwan, Calls for Balanced Batting

Hafeez Questions Reliance on Azam-Rizwan, Calls for Balanced Batting

Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has sparked a debate by questioning the reliance on star openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to carry the entire team’s batting burden. Hafeez, who served as Pakistan’s team director in 2020, believes that the team needs a more balanced batting lineup.

During his tenure, Hafeez made a controversial decision to break up the Azam-Rizwan opening partnership, replacing Rizwan with Saim Ayub and dropping Azam to the number three spot. He argued that this change was necessary to spread the responsibility and create a more dynamic batting order.

“Babar and Rizwan are great players, but they do not represent the whole Pakistan team,” Hafeez said. “They cannot take the whole responsibility of the team upon their shoulders. I felt Saim Ayub as an opener was a solution for us.”

Hafeez explained that Azam has been batting at number three for several years and that moving him down the order would not significantly impact his performance. He also praised Ayub’s potential as an opener, despite his early failures.

“Saim must play as an opener in the T20 World Cup 2024 despite early failures,” Hafeez said. “He has the talent and the ability to succeed at the highest level.”

Hafeez’s comments come as Pakistan struggles in their ongoing T20I series against New Zealand. After winning the second match, Pakistan has lost two consecutive games, giving New Zealand an unassailable 2-1 lead.

The team’s batting has been inconsistent, with Azam and Rizwan failing to replicate their usual dominance. Hafeez’s suggestion to diversify the batting lineup could be a potential solution to Pakistan’s current struggles.

Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam: Hafeez Weighs In on the Comparison Debate

Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam: Hafeez Weighs In on the Comparison Debate

Virat Kohli and Babar Azam, two of the most celebrated batsmen in contemporary cricket, have often been compared for their exceptional skills and achievements. While both players have their own unique strengths and contributions, former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez believes that comparing them is unfair.

Hafeez, in a recent video, emphasized that both Kohli and Azam are exceptional players who have made significant contributions to their respective teams. He acknowledged Kohli’s remarkable consistency and achievements for India, while praising Azam’s efforts for Pakistan.

However, Hafeez cautioned against direct comparisons, stating that each player has their own style and has excelled in different situations. He believes that Azam, while a fantastic player, should not be expected to carry the entire burden of Pakistan’s batting. Instead, he should focus on adapting and enhancing his skills to meet the demands of modern cricket.

Statistically, Kohli holds an edge over Azam in terms of average and centuries across formats. However, Azam has shown immense potential and has consistently performed well for Pakistan, particularly in limited-overs cricket.

Ultimately, comparing Kohli and Azam is a matter of personal preference and the format of the game. While Kohli has proven his mettle across all formats over a longer period, Azam has demonstrated his exceptional batting abilities and continues to impress with his performances.

Wahab Riaz Requests Six-Hitting Contest, Pakistan Coach Intervenes

Wahab Riaz Requests Six-Hitting Contest, Pakistan Coach Intervenes

Pakistan’s Wahab Riaz Requests Six-Hitting Contest, Coach Intervenes

Former Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz recently made a lighthearted request to current captain Babar Azam, asking to participate in a six-hitting competition before the fourth T20I against New Zealand. The request, captured in a video shared on Pakistan Cricket’s official social media account, drew a chuckle from Azam and the team.

However, Pakistan’s head coach Azhar Mahmood stepped in to remind Riaz that management was not permitted to join the contest. Undeterred, Riaz quipped, “I would’ve hit bigger sixes.”

The video highlights the camaraderie between the former and current players of the Pakistan cricket team. Riaz’s request, though denied, served as a reminder of his competitive spirit and the close bond he shares with the team.

Injury Woes for Pakistan Ahead of Fourth T20I

Pakistan’s preparations for the fourth T20I against New Zealand have been hampered by injuries to wicketkeeper Mohammed Rizwan and all-rounder Irfan Khan. Both players sustained hamstring injuries during the third match in Rawalpindi.

The injuries are a significant blow to Pakistan, who are already without Azam Khan, who was ruled out before the series began due to a muscle tear. Haseebullah Khan, who was called up as a replacement, is expected to take on the wicketkeeping duties for the remaining two matches in Lahore.

New Zealand Level Series with Victory in Third T20I

New Zealand’s second-string team emerged victorious in the third T20I by seven wickets, leveling the five-match series at 1-1. The first match of the series was abandoned after just two balls due to rain, while Pakistan won the second match by seven wickets.

The fourth T20I will be played in Lahore on Friday, with the fifth and final match scheduled for Sunday. Pakistan will be looking to regain the lead in the series, while New Zealand will be aiming to secure their first series win in Pakistan since 2003.

Nazish Jahangir's Babar Azam Comment Sparks Social Media Storm

Nazish Jahangir’s Babar Azam Comment Sparks Social Media Storm

Pakistani actress Nazish Jahangir has sparked controversy on social media after her comments about national cricket team captain Babar Azam. The incident began when a fan asked Jahangir on Instagram if she would marry Azam. Jahangir’s response, “Mazraat hi karungi,” which translates to “Will say sorry,” ignited a firestorm of criticism.

The actress’s comment was widely interpreted as a rejection of Azam, leading to a barrage of negative reactions from his fans. Jahangir’s Instagram account was subsequently made private, but screenshots of her response continued to circulate online.

In an attempt to quell the backlash, Jahangir posted a story on Instagram stating that Azam was like a brother to her and that his fans were spreading negativity. However, her account was later made public again, and the aforementioned story was removed.

The controversy has cast a shadow over Azam’s recent reinstatement as Pakistan’s T20I captain. The team is currently engaged in a T20I series against New Zealand, with the third match taking place on Tuesday.

In the third T20I, New Zealand pulled off a stunning seven-wicket victory over Pakistan, thanks to an unbeaten 87 from Mark Chapman. Azam contributed 37 runs to Pakistan’s total of 178-4, but it was not enough to prevent the visitors from leveling the series at 1-1.

The controversy surrounding Jahangir’s comments has raised questions about the role of social media in the lives of public figures. It has also highlighted the intense scrutiny that athletes, particularly those in high-profile sports like cricket, face from fans and the media.

Pakistan's Batting Performance Praised Despite T20I Loss to New Zealand

Pakistan’s Batting Performance Praised Despite T20I Loss to New Zealand

Pakistan’s skipper Babar Azam expressed satisfaction with his team’s batting performance in the third T20I against New Zealand at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, despite their 7-wicket loss.

Azam, who scored a 37-run knock off 29 balls, acknowledged that Mohammad Rizwan’s injury in the first inning was a setback. Rizwan, who had scored 22 runs off 21 balls, was forced to retire hurt.

“We did well with the bat. I don’t think it [the slowdown] made much of a difference because we had caught up in the end. You can say we were ten runs short. Unfortunately, we had a bit of a setback with [Mohammad] Rizwan’s injury because it wasn’t easy for new batters. But Shadab recovered well and had an outstanding partnership with Irfan [Khan],” Azam said at the post-match presentation.

Azam praised the partnership between Shadab Khan and Irfan Khan, which helped Pakistan recover in the game. “In Pindi, 180-190 is a par score,” he added.

After winning the toss, New Zealand opted to field first. Saim Ayub (32) and Babar Azam opened the innings for Pakistan, putting on a 55-run partnership. Shadab Khan (41) was the standout batter for the hosts, while Irfan Khan (30) also contributed.

Ish Sodhi led the Kiwi bowling attack with two wickets, while Bracewell and Jacob Duffy took one wicket each.

In the run chase, Dean Foxcroft (31) and Mark Chapman (87) played a crucial 117-run partnership to guide New Zealand to a comfortable victory. Pakistan’s bowling performance was lackluster, with only Afridi and Shah taking wickets.

The five-match series is currently tied at 1-1, with both teams having won one game each.

Pakistan Opt to Bowl First in Second T20I Against New Zealand

Pakistan Opt to Bowl First in Second T20I Against New Zealand

Pakistan, led by captain Babar Azam, opted to field first in the second T20I against New Zealand in Rawalpindi on Saturday. The decision came after Pakistan won the toss, hoping to capitalize on the favorable conditions for bowling.

Pakistan fielded an unchanged lineup from the first T20I, which was abandoned due to rain after only two deliveries. The team’s batting order remains unchanged, with Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmed taking the field.

New Zealand, on the other hand, was forced to make one change to their XI. Right-arm medium-pace bowler Josh Clarkson was ruled out due to illness and was replaced by offspin-bowling allrounder Cole McConchie. McConchie has played nine T20Is for New Zealand, most recently against the United Arab Emirates in August 2023.

Despite his limited batting contributions, McConchie has proven to be a reliable bowler, with seven wickets at an average of 22.71 and an economy rate of 7.17. His inclusion in the team is expected to provide New Zealand with additional bowling options.

Meanwhile, Pakistan suffered a setback with the news that wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan has been ruled out of the entire series. Radiology reports confirmed a grade one tear in his right calf muscle, forcing him to miss the remaining matches.

With the weather forecast predicting clear skies for the second T20I, both teams will be eager to secure a victory and gain an advantage in the three-match series. Pakistan will look to their experienced bowling attack to restrict New Zealand’s batting, while the visitors will aim to put up a competitive total and test Pakistan’s batting lineup.

Pakistan vs New Zealand: Babar Azam Returns as Captain in T20I Series Opener

Pakistan vs New Zealand: Babar Azam Returns as Captain in T20I Series Opener

Pakistan and New Zealand will clash in the first T20I of a five-match series at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, April 18. The series marks the return of Babar Azam as captain after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reversed its decision to appoint Shaheen Shah Afridi as skipper.

Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, who recently came out of retirement, will also make their international comebacks in this series. New Zealand, on the other hand, has arrived in Pakistan with an understrength squad due to the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The Black Caps are missing nine top players, including skipper Kane Williamson, who are currently playing in the IPL. Stand-in captain Michael Bracewell believes this is an opportunity for younger players to showcase their talent.

Babar Azam Breaks Silence on Pakistan Captaincy Shuffle, Emphasizes Team Unity

Babar Azam Breaks Silence on Pakistan Captaincy Shuffle, Emphasizes Team Unity

Pakistan Cricket: Babar Azam Breaks Silence on Captaincy Shuffle and Team Dynamics

Amidst the recent captaincy shuffle in Pakistan’s cricket team, Babar Azam has addressed the media, shedding light on his relationship with former skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi and the team’s focus ahead of the upcoming T20 series against New Zealand.

Following Pakistan’s 1-4 defeat to New Zealand, Babar Azam was reinstated as captain, replacing Afridi. Reports emerged suggesting Afridi’s discontent with the abrupt leadership transition, compounded by enigmatic social media statements.

However, Babar Azam has emphasized the enduring bond between him and Afridi, asserting their mutual support for each other. “Shaheen and my bond is not recent, it goes back a long way. We support each other in every situation,” Babar clarified.

Looking ahead to the T20 series, Babar hinted at experimentation within the squad, emphasizing the team’s flexibility and the importance of nurturing young talent. “Our lineup is flexible. We’re trying to give opportunities to our young players and bench strength. You’ll see different combinations in this series,” Babar remarked.

Expressing satisfaction with the squad’s balance of youth and experience, Babar welcomed the inclusion of new faces, emphasizing the team’s collective support for players at all stages of their career. “I am very happy when I see a new player getting selected… We try to keep them in our wings,” Babar affirmed.

Babar’s comments suggest that Pakistan is prioritizing team unity and long-term development ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. The team’s focus on experimentation and nurturing young talent indicates a strategic approach to building a competitive squad for the future.

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