Babar Azam Closes Gap on Suryakumar Yadav in T20I Rankings

Babar Azam Closes Gap on Suryakumar Yadav in T20I Rankings

Pakistan’s Babar Azam has made significant strides in the ICC Men’s T20I batter rankings, closing the gap on India’s Suryakumar Yadav at the summit. Azam’s impressive performance in the recently concluded series against New Zealand, where he amassed 125 runs in four innings, has propelled him to fourth place in the rankings.

Azam’s consistent batting displays have earned him a 10-point boost in his rating, bringing it to 763. He now trails Yadav by just 98 rating points, setting the stage for an intriguing battle for the top spot ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June.

Azam’s teammate Fakhar Zaman has also made notable progress, climbing 10 places to 62nd position. Zaman’s aggressive batting style yielded 104 runs in the series, showcasing his ability to contribute to Pakistan’s batting lineup.

New Zealand’s Tim Seifert has emerged as a standout performer in the latest rankings update. The right-hander’s impressive 85 runs in the series, compiled at a strike rate of 144.06, have seen him jump seven places to equal seventh position.

The T20I bowler rankings have also witnessed some notable changes. Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi has moved up three places to 14th position after claiming eight wickets in four matches against New Zealand.

With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup approaching, the latest rankings update provides a glimpse into the form and potential of the world’s leading T20I players. Babar Azam’s resurgence and the rise of other talented individuals promise an exciting tournament filled with intense competition and thrilling performances.

Devon Conway Returns for New Zealand's 2024 T20 World Cup Squad

Devon Conway Returns for New Zealand’s 2024 T20 World Cup Squad

Devon Conway has been included in New Zealand’s provisional 15-man squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, with Kane Williamson named as captain. The experienced squad also features veterans Tim Southee and Trent Boult, while Rachin Ravindra and Matt Henry are the only uncapped players.

Conway’s inclusion comes after he was ruled out of the IPL due to a thumb injury. Williamson, meanwhile, returns to lead the side after missing New Zealand’s last two T20I series.

Fast bowler Adam Milne was ruled out after ankle surgery, while Kyle Jamieson remains unavailable due to a stress fracture in his lower back. Finn Allen has recovered from a back injury, while Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, and Ish Sodhi are the only players from the Pakistan tour who have made the squad.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead believes the squad has all bases covered. “We expect varied conditions in the West Indies and have selected a squad that can adapt,” he said. “Matt Henry has worked hard to earn his recall, while Rachin Ravindra has impressed in recent months.”

Pakistan to Tour New Zealand for ODIs and T20Is in 2025

Pakistan to Tour New Zealand for ODIs and T20Is in 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the national team will embark on a tour of New Zealand in 2025, featuring three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). This will be the sixth series between the two nations since 2023.

The tour was finalized during a meeting between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) CEO Scott Weenink in Lahore. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the ongoing five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand.

It was agreed in principle that the tour will take place after the 2025 Champions Trophy, which Pakistan is scheduled to host. The meeting was also attended by PCB COO Salman Naseer and Director International Cricket Usman Wahla.

As per the existing ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP), New Zealand is also scheduled to tour Pakistan for a tri-nation series before the Champions Trophy.

New Zealand visited Pakistan twice in 2022/23 for a Test and white-ball series, while Pakistan toured New Zealand in January 2023 for a five-match T20I series.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the country’s interior minister, requested the NZC official to convey the secure environment in Pakistan for international cricket to other ICC members.

“The PCB chief spoke in reference to Pakistan hosting the Champions Trophy early next year and the need for all participating nations to play in Pakistan without any concerns at all,” a source said.

The PCB is keen to showcase Pakistan’s ability to host major international cricket events, and the upcoming Champions Trophy will be a significant opportunity to do so. The board is confident that the tour by New Zealand will further enhance the country’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination for cricket.

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.

Pakistan-New Zealand T20I Series Faces Rain Threat

Pakistan-New Zealand T20I Series Faces Rain Threat

The highly anticipated five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand is set to commence on April 18 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. However, the series is facing a potential threat from inclement weather, with Geo News reporting that Rawalpindi is expected to experience rainfall and thunderstorms throughout the week.

The New Zealand team arrived in Islamabad on Sunday, eager to fine-tune their squad ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 in June. The Kiwis have named experienced all-rounder Michael Bracewell as their skipper for the tour, as the majority of their players are currently involved in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Pakistan, on the other hand, will be led by Babar Azam, who recently regained the captaincy of the white-ball format. The Men in Green will be looking to avenge their 4-1 T20I series defeat against the Blackcaps earlier this year.

The series will also mark the return of star pacer Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim, who have reversed their retirements and made sensational comebacks to the Pakistan squad. Former fast bowler Azhar Mahmood has been appointed as the head coach for the series, while Wahab Riaz will serve as the senior team manager.

Both teams have announced their squads for the five-match series:

Pakistan:

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

New Zealand:

* Michael Bracewell (c)
* Tom Blundell
* Mark Chapman
* Josh Clarkson
* Jacob Duffy
* Dean Foxcroft
* Ben Lister
* Cole McConchie
* Zack Fowlkes
* Jimmy Neesham
* Will O’Rourke
* Tim Robinson
* Ben Sears
* Tim Seifert
* Ish Sodhi

With both teams eager to prove their mettle and prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup, the five-match series promises to be an exciting and competitive affair. However, the weather conditions could play a significant role in determining the outcome of the matches.

Finn Allen, Adam Milne Ruled Out of Pakistan Tour, T20 World Cup Hopes in Doubt

Finn Allen, Adam Milne Ruled Out of Pakistan Tour, T20 World Cup Hopes in Doubt

New Zealand’s T20 World Cup preparations have suffered a setback with the injuries to Finn Allen and Adam Milne, who have been ruled out of the upcoming tour of Pakistan.

Allen, a dynamic opening batter, sustained a back injury during training, while Milne, a fast bowler, picked up an ankle problem. Their absence raises concerns about their availability for the T20 World Cup, which begins in October.

Tom Blundell, the Test wicketkeeper, and uncapped allrounder Zak Foulkes have been called up as replacements. Blundell has previous T20I experience, while Foulkes impressed with his performances for Canterbury in the Super Smash.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead expressed sympathy for Allen and Milne, acknowledging their contributions to the team’s T20 success since the last World Cup. He stated that the medical staff would work closely with both players to facilitate their recovery and return to cricket.

Foulkes, a 21-year-old, has shown promise with his bowling skills, particularly in T20 cricket. Stead praised his impressive season with Canterbury, where he was their leading wicket-taker in all three competitions.

New Zealand’s T20 World Cup squad is expected to be announced by May 1, with the final 15 to be confirmed by May 25. The injuries to Allen and Milne could impact the team’s selection decisions, especially regarding the number of fast bowlers included.

The Pakistan tour was already set to be without nine players due to IPL commitments, while Will Young, Tom Latham, and Tim Southee were also unavailable. Michael Bracewell will captain the side, which also includes uncapped batter Tim Robinson.

Legendary New Zealand Leg-Spinner Jack Alabaster Passes Away at 93

Legendary New Zealand Leg-Spinner Jack Alabaster Passes Away at 93

Former New Zealand leg-spinner Jack Alabaster, a legendary figure in the country’s cricketing history, passed away at the age of 93 on Tuesday night in Cromwell, U.K. Alabaster’s demise has left a void in the cricketing fraternity, as he was widely regarded as one of the finest spinners to emerge from New Zealand.

Alabaster’s cricketing journey began with Otago in domestic cricket, where he made a significant impact with his exceptional leg-spin bowling. His impressive performances earned him a call-up to the national team in 1955, and he went on to represent New Zealand in 21 Test matches over the next 17 years.

During his Test career, Alabaster claimed 49 wickets at an average of 38.02, showcasing his ability to deceive batsmen with his subtle variations and accurate line and length. He played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s first four Test victories, including a historic maiden Test win against South Africa in 1961-62.

In that memorable Test, Alabaster produced a match-winning performance, claiming 8/180 in the third innings. His exceptional bowling helped New Zealand overcome a 30-run deficit in the first innings and secure a famous victory. Alabaster’s contribution to New Zealand’s cricketing success cannot be overstated.

Apart from his Test exploits, Alabaster also represented New Zealand in numerous other international matches, including tours of India, Pakistan, England, South Africa, and the West Indies. He was a key member of the New Zealand team that toured the West Indies in 1971-72, where he had the privilege of bowling to the legendary Garry Sobers.

Alabaster’s legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements. He was a respected figure in the cricketing community, known for his humility, sportsmanship, and unwavering dedication to the game. His passing has been met with heartfelt tributes from former teammates, opponents, and cricket enthusiasts alike.

England Clinch T20I Series Win Over New Zealand with Clinical Performance

England Clinch T20I Series Win Over New Zealand with Clinical Performance

England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sophie Ecclestone orchestrated a dominant bowling performance to secure a comprehensive five-wicket victory over New Zealand in the final T20I of the series. The triumph sealed a 4-1 series win for England.

Sciver-Brunt’s early breakthroughs left New Zealand reeling at 23 for 3. She dismissed openers Suzie Bates and Maddy Green before trapping Amelia Kerr lbw. Ecclestone then took over, claiming the wickets of Katey Martin and Hannah Rowe to reduce the hosts to 69 for 5.

However, 19-year-old Izzy Gaze played a defiant innings, scoring an unbeaten 51 to rescue New Zealand. She shared a crucial 56-run partnership with Brooke Halliday for the sixth wicket.

In reply, England lost early wickets but Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight steadied the ship with a 57-run stand. Sciver-Brunt fell for 31, but Knight remained unbeaten on 35 to guide England to victory.

Ecclestone finished with figures of 3 for 30, while Sciver-Brunt claimed 2 for 24. Gaze’s half-century was in vain as England secured a comfortable win.

The two teams will now face off in a three-match ODI series, starting in Wellington on Monday.

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