Fatima Sana Appointed Pakistan Women's T20 World Cup Captain

Fatima Sana Appointed Pakistan Women’s T20 World Cup Captain

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed fast bowler Fatima Sana as the captain of the 15-member squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in October. Sana takes over the captaincy from all-rounder Nida Dar.

This will be the first time that the 22-year-old Sana will lead Pakistan in T20Is and at any ICC event. She has previously captained the national team twice in ODIs, including a memorable Super Over victory against New Zealand at Hagley Oval when she stood in for the concussed Dar.

Apart from the captaincy change, the Pakistan squad remains largely unchanged from the one that toured Sri Lanka for the Women’s T20 Asia Cup last month. The only alteration is the inclusion of batter Sadaf Shamas, who was also part of the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2023, in place of wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi.

Ten players from the previous T20 World Cup assignment in 2023 have been retained in the 15-member squad. These include Aliya Riaz, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sandhu, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Tuba Hassan, Shamas, Dar, and Fatima. Left-arm spinner Sadia’s selection is subject to fitness, while uncapped left-arm seamer Tasmia Rubab has also been included in the squad.

Pakistan has also named Alvi, who was omitted from the main squad, as the traveling reserve. Rameen Shamim and Umm-e-Hani are the non-traveling reserves.

The Women’s T20 World Cup will commence in the UAE on October 3. Pakistan has been placed in Group A alongside Australia, India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka. The revised schedule for the tournament has yet to be announced after it was shifted from Bangladesh last week.

Pakistan's Home Advantage Hopes Dashed in First Test Against Bangladesh

Pakistan’s Home Advantage Hopes Dashed in First Test Against Bangladesh

Pakistan’s hopes of winning the first Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi were dashed after the visitors took an unexpected first innings lead of 117 runs. The lead has given Bangladesh a glimmer of hope for a victory, while Pakistan’s pacer Naseem Shah has criticized the pitch for not providing the home advantage they desired.

After the end of the fourth day’s play on Saturday, Shah called out the board for not creating a pitch that could give the hosts the advantage they sought. “We have had enough series where we had such pitches,” Shah said in the post-match press conference. “They did their best to prepare a pitch that was helpful, but I think because of the heat, or excessive sunshine, the surface wasn’t quite helpful.”

Shah emphasized the need for home advantage, stating that it is crucial to get a match result at any cost. “We didn’t get the help we expected from the pitch,” he said. “But everyone tried their best.”

In the second innings on Day 4, Pakistan started badly when opener Saim Ayub was dismissed for just a single. However, Mushfiqur Rahim played a brilliant innings, adding 114 with Liton Das for the sixth wicket and then a record 194 for the seventh wicket with Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Bangladesh’s previous Test best against Pakistan was the 555-6 they made at Khulna in 2015.

Pakistan will need to bat aggressively in the second innings to chase down the target and avoid defeat. The match is evenly poised, and either team could emerge victorious.

Mohammad Rizwan's One-Handed Stunner Breaks Bangladesh's Resistance

Mohammad Rizwan’s One-Handed Stunner Breaks Bangladesh’s Resistance

Mohammad Rizwan’s stunning one-handed catch on Day 3 of the first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh has left fans and experts in awe. The wicketkeeper’s brilliance dismissed Zakir Hasan, providing Pakistan with a crucial breakthrough.

Bangladesh openers Hasan and Shadman Islam had added just four runs on Day 3 before Naseem Shah’s delivery found Hasan’s outside edge. Rizwan, alert behind the stumps, dived to his left and completed a spectacular one-handed catch.

The catch was a testament to Rizwan’s exceptional reflexes and athleticism. It also highlighted the importance of wicketkeeping in Test cricket, where every dismissal can turn the tide of the match.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam fought valiantly, scoring a half-century to lead his team to 134-2 at lunch on Day 3. The left-hander, along with Mominul Haque, defied Pakistan’s pace attack on a Rawalpindi pitch that had slowed down considerably.

The visitors still trail Pakistan’s first innings total of 448-6 by 314 runs with eight wickets intact. However, the unbroken third-wicket stand between Islam and Haque has given Bangladesh hope of a comeback.

Pakistan employed all four pacers but missed the services of a frontline spinner. Part-time slow bowler Agha Salman has made little impact so far.

The match resumed at 27-0, with Bangladesh losing Zakir Hasan to Rizwan’s catch in Naseem Shah’s fifth over. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto was also dismissed for 16, leaving the visitors on 53-2.

Haque has batted with confidence, hitting four boundaries. Islam, on the other hand, reached his third Test half-century with a boundary off Naseem Shah’s last delivery before the interval.

The match is evenly poised, with both teams having their chances. Pakistan will be looking to build on their first innings lead, while Bangladesh will aim to continue their recovery and set a challenging target for the hosts.

Pakistan Test Captain Shan Masood's Dressing Room Outburst Goes Viral

Pakistan Test Captain Shan Masood’s Dressing Room Outburst Goes Viral

Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood’s frustration boiled over in the dressing room during the third day of the first Rawalpindi Test against Bangladesh. A video of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, shows Masood engaged in an animated discussion with head coach Jason Gillespie, a legendary Australian pacer.

While the exact reason for Masood’s anger is unclear, fans have speculated that it may have been related to Babar Azam’s dropped catch on the fourth day of the match. However, the video of Masood’s outburst is from the third day, indicating that the two incidents are unrelated.

On the fourth day, Azam dropped an easy chance at leg slip off the bowling of Agha Salman, giving Mushfiqur Rahim a reprieve. Rahim went on to score a brilliant 191, giving Bangladesh an outside chance of a maiden victory over Pakistan.

The dropped catch has raised questions about Azam’s form and focus, as he has struggled with the bat in recent matches. Masood’s outburst, meanwhile, highlights the pressure and frustration that the Pakistan team is facing in this crucial Test match.

Pakistan, who have lost 12 of their 13 Tests against Bangladesh, are trailing by 94 runs after Bangladesh posted a first-innings total of 565. The home team will need to bat well in their second innings to avoid defeat and level the series.

Umpire Anil Chaudhary Slams Mohammad Rizwan's Excessive Appealing

Umpire Anil Chaudhary Slams Mohammad Rizwan’s Excessive Appealing

Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan’s Excessive Appealing Draws Criticism from Umpire Anil Chaudhary

Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s wicket-keeper, has gained notoriety for his incessant appeals from behind the stumps during matches. This behavior has often drawn the ire of umpires, opponents, and fans alike.

Indian umpire Anil Chaudhary, who has officiated in over 50 international matches across formats, recently shared his thoughts on Rizwan’s tendency to appeal frequently. Chaudhary described Rizwan as someone who “keeps jumping like a pigeon” from behind the stumps.

“He appeals a lot. I even told my fellow umpire to stay aware. Har ball pe chillata hai (He keeps shouting on every ball). Isn’t he the one who puts something like a lipstick? He keeps jumping like a pigeon,” Chaudhary said in a YouTube podcast.

Chaudhary emphasized that a good umpire knows how to handle keepers like Rizwan. “If the umpire is good, these keepers are losers. Aur itna technology aa gaya hai, kyun apna beizatti karwa rahein ho? Ulta seedha nikla jayega, toh log aap hi ka mazak udayenge (When technology has evolved so much, why do you have to make yourself look bad? People tend to make fun of such things),” he added.

Rizwan’s excessive appealing has been a topic of discussion for some time. In 2021, former England captain Michael Vaughan criticized Rizwan’s behavior, calling it “embarrassing.”

Despite the criticism, Rizwan has continued to appeal frequently. In Pakistan’s first Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, Rizwan scored an unbeaten 171 in the first innings. However, Bangladesh responded strongly with a total of 565 all out, taking a 117-run first innings lead.

Pakistan Pacer Shaheen Afridi and Wife Welcome Baby Boy

Pakistan Pacer Shaheen Afridi and Wife Welcome Baby Boy

Shaheen Shah Afridi and Ansha Afridi Welcome Their First Child, Ali Yar

Pakistan’s star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi and his wife, Ansha Afridi, have welcomed their first child, a son named Ali Yar. The joyous news was shared by the Afridi family on social media, eliciting an outpouring of love and well wishes from fans and supporters worldwide.

Afridi, known for his exceptional bowling skills, couldn’t contain his excitement during the first Test match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. After taking the wicket of Hasan Mahmud on the fourth day of the game, he celebrated by mimicking cradling a newborn in his arms. This heartwarming gesture captured the attention of spectators and reflected the young father’s immense love and affection for his child.

The couple’s journey to parenthood began in 2021 when Afridi got engaged to Ansha, the second-eldest daughter of former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi. Their nikah took place in a private ceremony in February 2022, followed by a week of wedding celebrations and Ansha’s rukhsati in September 2023.

The arrival of Ali Yar has brought immense joy to the Afridi family and the Pakistani sports community. Arshad Nadeem, who recently won the gold medal in men’s javelin at the Paris Olympics 2024, took to social media to congratulate Shaheen and Ansha on their new role. Nadeem also wished Shahid Afridi on becoming a grandfather, showcasing the camaraderie and support within the Pakistani sports fraternity.

Shaheen Shah Afridi’s exceptional talent and dedication have made him one of the most promising young bowlers in the world. His wife, Ansha, has been a constant source of support throughout his career. The couple’s first child, Ali Yar, is sure to bring even more happiness and fulfillment to their lives.

Pakistan Assistant Coach Azhar Mahmood Denies Travel Expense Allegations, Threatens Legal Action

Pakistan Assistant Coach Azhar Mahmood Denies Travel Expense Allegations, Threatens Legal Action

Assistant coach Azhar Mahmood has vehemently denied allegations that the families of players and coaching staff traveled with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) team at the board’s expense. Mahmood has threatened legal action against those responsible for spreading these “false allegations.”

The allegations surfaced on social media, sparking widespread speculation. Mahmood took to Twitter to denounce the claims, stating that “this culture of falsely accusing and misleading people to believe a false narrative is now getting ridiculous and dangerous.” He emphasized that “speaking without evidence and misconstruing facts is a criminal offense.”

Mahmood’s statement comes amid a string of controversies surrounding the Pakistan team following their disappointing performance at the T20 World Cup. The team crashed out of the group stage, losing to hosts USA in the points table.

Mahmood expressed his dismay at the spread of falsehoods for personal gain. “Pursuing an increase in followers and media attention by spreading falsehoods is downright unacceptable,” he said. He vowed to pursue legal action against those responsible for making false allegations against him and his family.

Mahmood’s statement follows reports that captain Babar Azam will also take legal action against former cricketers and YouTubers who have accused him of misconduct during the tournament.

The PCB has not yet commented on the allegations. However, the team’s poor performance at the World Cup has raised questions about the team’s management and preparation.

Pakistan's Pitch Surprise: Rawalpindi Surface Baffles Assistant Coach

Pakistan’s Pitch Surprise: Rawalpindi Surface Baffles Assistant Coach

Pakistan’s assistant coach, Azhar Mahmood, expressed surprise at the unexpected behavior of the Rawalpindi pitch during the third day of the Test match against Bangladesh. Pakistan had anticipated a seam-friendly surface, but the pitch proved to be slow and low, favoring the batters.

Mahmood revealed that Pakistan’s decision to field an all-pace attack was based on their belief that the pitch would aid seam bowling. However, the pitch dried out quickly, altering its characteristics. “We were hoping for pace and bounce, but the wicket dried out faster than we expected,” Mahmood said.

Pakistan’s frustration was evident as Bangladesh ground through the early sessions, accumulating runs at a slow pace. Despite regular wickets, an unbeaten 98-run partnership between Litton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim dashed Pakistan’s hopes of securing a substantial lead.

Mahmood acknowledged that the pitch was not the sole factor in Bangladesh’s success. Pakistan’s bowling discipline deteriorated in the final overs, allowing the batters to score freely. “We were not disciplined enough in the last 12 overs,” Mahmood admitted.

The assistant coach also expressed mild bemusement at the pitch’s unexpected behavior. “Anyone who looked at the wicket would have thought it would be a seaming track,” Mahmood said. “We didn’t make a mistake reading the pitch, it just didn’t play like we thought it should.”

Pakistan has been working with Australian curator Tony Hemmings to improve the pitches at Rawalpindi. Mahmood indicated that they will continue to seek Hemmings’ expertise to create surfaces that suit their plans.

Babar Azam's Test Captaincy Return Demanded by Fans Amidst Pakistan's Struggles

Babar Azam’s Test Captaincy Return Demanded by Fans Amidst Pakistan’s Struggles

Babar Azam’s Return to Test Captaincy Demanded by Fans Amidst Pakistan’s Struggles

Babar Azam, the star Pakistani batter, has emerged as the popular choice among fans to reclaim his former role as Test captain, despite not currently holding the position. During the third day of the first Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, a video captured the crowd’s fervent support for Babar’s return to leadership.

The video, which has gone viral on social media, showcases the spectators’ unwavering admiration for the talented batsman. The stump microphone clearly recorded the crowd’s chant, which reverberated through the stadium: “Humara Kaptaan Kaisa Ho? Babar Azam Jaisa Ho.”

Babar’s decision to step down as Pakistan’s captain across all formats came after a disappointing performance in the ODI World Cup held in India last year. Shaheen Afridi, who took over as the new skipper, faced challenges and was subsequently removed from the role. Babar was then reinstated as the leader of the Men in Green in the white-ball formats.

Meanwhile, Shan Masood remains the captain of Pakistan’s red-ball team but is yet to secure his maiden victory in the longest format of the game.

The match between Pakistan and Bangladesh witnessed a spirited fightback from the visitors, with four of their top seven batters scoring defiant fifties. Bangladesh reached 316-5 in response to Pakistan’s 448-6 declared.

Babar Azam’s potential return to Test captaincy has sparked discussions among fans and experts. Some believe that his experience and leadership qualities would benefit the team, while others argue that it may disrupt the current setup.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet made any official announcement regarding Babar’s future as Test captain. However, the crowd’s enthusiastic support for his return is a clear indication of his popularity and the high regard in which he is held by Pakistani cricket fans.

Rizwan Scripts History, Ends Pakistan's 15-Year Wait for 150+ Test Score

Rizwan Scripts History, Ends Pakistan’s 15-Year Wait for 150+ Test Score

Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan etched his name in the annals of Test cricket history on Thursday, becoming the first wicketkeeper-batter from his nation to score 150 or more since Kamran Akmal in 2009. Rizwan’s unbeaten 171 against Sri Lanka in the ongoing first Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium marked a significant milestone for Pakistan, ending a 15-year wait for such a feat.

Rizwan’s innings was a testament to his resilience and determination. After Pakistan lost three wickets for just 16 runs on Wednesday, Rizwan and Saud Shakeel steadied the ship with a 98-run partnership. Rizwan then went on to forge a mammoth 240-run stand with Shakeel, who also scored a brilliant 141.

Rizwan’s knock was a masterclass in batting. He played with patience and precision, accumulating runs steadily while also punishing loose deliveries. His innings included three towering sixes and 11 boundaries, showcasing his power and finesse.

Despite Rizwan’s heroics, Pakistan captain Shan Masood declared the innings at 448/6 late in the final session, denying Rizwan a double century. However, Rizwan’s contribution was pivotal in giving Pakistan a commanding position in the match.

Bangladesh openers Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan negotiated 12 overs of pace without any trouble, leaving Pakistan with work to do on Day 3. The Rawalpindi pitch has not provided much assistance to the bowlers so far, but Pakistan will hope that their bowlers can make inroads into the Bangladesh batting lineup.

Rizwan’s achievement is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has established himself as one of the most consistent and reliable wicketkeeper-batters in the world, and his latest feat is a testament to his exceptional talent.

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