Texas Gladiators Thrash Dallas Lonestars in NCL Sixty Strikes Opener

Texas Gladiators Thrash Dallas Lonestars in NCL Sixty Strikes Opener

The National Cricket League (NCL) Sixty Strikes kicked off with a thrilling encounter between Texas Gladiators CC and Dallas Lonestars CC. Texas, led by the legendary Shahid Afridi, emerged victorious by a comfortable margin of 42 runs.

Batting first, Texas posted a formidable total of 140/3 in their allotted 10 overs. Dawid Malan, the former England batter, was the star of the show, smashing a blistering 67 off just 26 deliveries. Malan and Kennar Lewis provided a solid start with a 34-run partnership, before Chris Green dismissed Lewis for 11.

Nick Kelly joined Malan at the crease and the duo continued the onslaught, taking Texas past the 100-run mark in the eighth over. Malan’s innings came to an end in the ninth over when Chris Wood dismissed him for 67. Kelly and Afridi then propelled Texas to a challenging total of 140 before Kelly was dismissed for 45 off 25 on the final ball of the innings.

Chasing 141 in 10 overs, Dallas got off to a promising start with Colin Munro and Sohaib Maqsood putting on a 69-run partnership. However, Munro was forced to retire hurt for 17, and Samit Patel was dismissed cheaply for 2. Maqsood continued to fight, scoring 67 off 36 balls, but his dismissal in the 10th over left Dallas with an uphill task.

Skipper Dinesh Karthik and Chris Green tried to salvage the situation, but Karthik was dismissed by Nisarg Patel, and Dallas’ innings ended at 98/3. Patel was the pick of the Texas bowlers, claiming two wickets for just 12 runs.

Texas Gladiators CC earned the crucial two points in the T10 series with their impressive victory. The tournament promises to be an exciting affair, with several top players from around the world participating.

Afridi's Record-Breaking Century: The Fastest in ODI History

Afridi’s Record-Breaking Century: The Fastest in ODI History

Shahid Afridi’s Blazing Century: A Record-Breaking Moment in ODI History

On October 4, 1996, the world of cricket witnessed a remarkable feat that would forever etch the name of Shahid Afridi in the annals of the sport. In a match against Sri Lanka at the KCA Centenary Tournament, the Pakistani all-rounder unleashed a blistering century that shattered the record for the fastest century in One Day Internationals (ODIs).

Afridi, batting at number three, was tasked with providing quick runs for Pakistan. He responded with an astonishing display of power hitting, reaching the century mark in a mere 37 balls. This eclipsed the previous record of 48 balls held by Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya.

Afridi’s innings was a symphony of destruction. He smashed 11 sixes, equaling Jayasuriya’s record for the most sixes in an ODI century knock. One over from Sri Lankan bowler Pramodya Wickramasinghe yielded 28 runs, a record at the time.

Afridi’s century propelled Pakistan to a formidable total of 371 for 9. Opener Saeed Anwar also contributed a century (115). Sri Lanka, despite a valiant effort from Aravinda de Silva (122), fell short by 82 runs.

Afridi’s record stood for 17 years until it was broken by New Zealand’s Corey Anderson in 2013. Anderson reached the century mark in 36 balls, one delivery faster than Afridi. However, South Africa’s AB de Villiers later surpassed Anderson with a stunning 31-ball century.

Afridi’s blazing century remains a testament to his exceptional talent and the impact he had on the game of cricket. It was a moment that showcased his raw power and the excitement he brought to the sport.

Shahid Afridi's Record-Breaking Century: The Sachin Tendulkar Bat Connection

Shahid Afridi’s Record-Breaking Century: The Sachin Tendulkar Bat Connection

Shahid Afridi’s Historic Century: The Sachin Tendulkar Bat Connection

Shahid Afridi, the former Pakistan all-rounder, holds a special place in cricket history for his blistering batting exploits. One of his most iconic achievements was scoring the fastest century in ODI cricket, a record he held for many years. However, behind this remarkable feat lies a fascinating story involving the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.

In 1996, Afridi smashed a 37-ball century against Sri Lanka in Nairobi, setting a new benchmark for the fastest ODI ton. This achievement earned him the nickname “Boom-Boom” and cemented his status as one of Pakistan’s finest attacking batters.

But what many may not know is that Afridi used Sachin Tendulkar’s bat to achieve this historic milestone. In a YouTube video, Afridi revealed that he had received the bat from Waqar Younis, who had asked him to use it in the match.

“I have safely kept the bat with which I played my first innings. The bat created history. It was Sachin’s bat and he is one of my favorite players, and I created a world record from his bat,” Afridi said.

Afridi’s former teammate, Azhar Mahmood, also shed light on the significance of the Sachin Tendulkar bat. He recalled that the Sri Lankan openers were known for their aggressive batting, and Pakistan needed someone to counter them. Afridi, who was primarily a bowler, was given the opportunity to bat at number three.

“Afridi went against the spinners, murdering everyone in the nets,” Mahmood said. “Next day, we got the game against Sri Lanka and they said he (Afridi) is batting at number three. I think Waqar (Younis) got a bat from Sachin (Tendulkar), he used the great Sachin’s bat and managed to get a hundred and after that, he became a batsman.”

Afridi’s century not only broke the record for the fastest ODI ton but also transformed his career. He went on to become a prolific batsman, known for his explosive hitting and match-winning performances.

The story of Afridi’s century and the Sachin Tendulkar bat is a testament to the camaraderie and respect that exists within the cricket fraternity. It also highlights the impact that a simple gesture can have on a player’s career and the enduring legacy of legends like Sachin Tendulkar.

Shahid Afridi: Grandfather and Pakistan Cricket Critic

Shahid Afridi: Grandfather and Pakistan Cricket Critic

Shahid Afridi: A Grandfather and a Cricket Critic

Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi is celebrating a personal milestone while simultaneously voicing concerns over his country’s performance in Test cricket.

Afridi’s family recently welcomed a new member with the birth of his grandson, Aliyaar Afridi, son of Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi and Ansha Afridi. The news was met with widespread congratulations, and images and videos of Afridi with his grandson quickly circulated online.

Despite the joyous occasion, Afridi remains engaged with the state of Pakistan cricket. Following Pakistan’s heavy defeat against Bangladesh in the first Test match in Rawalpindi, Afridi publicly criticized the team’s strategy.

Afridi questioned the choice to prepare a pitch that didn’t favor Pakistan’s strengths, specifically expressing concern over the inclusion of four fast bowlers while omitting a specialist spinner.

“A 10-wicket defeat raises serious questions about the decision to prepare this type of pitch, select four fast bowlers and leave out a specialist spinner. This to me clearly shows a lack of awareness about home conditions. That said, you cannot take the credit away from Bangladesh for the brand of cricket they played throughout the Test,” Afridi wrote on X.

Afridi’s comments sparked debate on social media, with some fans agreeing with his assessment and others defending the team’s selection.

Despite the criticism, Afridi remains a prominent figure in Pakistan cricket. He is known for his aggressive batting style and his ability to inspire his teammates. He is also a vocal advocate for the development of young cricketers in Pakistan.

As Afridi celebrates a new generation within his family, he continues to actively engage with the sport, unafraid to voice his opinions and spark debate on strategic decisions made by the national team.

Pakistan Cricket in Crisis: Afridi Slams PCB's Constant Changes

Pakistan Cricket in Crisis: Afridi Slams PCB’s Constant Changes

Pakistan’s dismal performance at the T20 World Cup 2024 has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. The Babar Azam-led side crashed out of the competition in the group stages, suffering humiliating defeats against the United States and India. Despite victories against Canada and Ireland, it was too little too late for Pakistan.

The result has sparked a massive backlash from fans and prompted significant changes within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq have been sacked as selectors, while Babar Azam’s future as captain remains uncertain.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has criticized the PCB’s constant changes, arguing that they have negatively impacted the team’s performance. Afridi emphasized the need for stability and consistency, stating that teams require time to adapt to new systems.

“When you change or bring in any new structure, you must give the system time. Every year, a new chairman comes, and a new system is introduced. Things don’t work this way,” Afridi told Sports24.

Afridi called for a collaborative approach, involving senior board members and players, to develop a long-term plan for the team. He believes that frequent changes create confusion and hinder progress.

Meanwhile, the PCB has denied No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi to participate in the Global T20 League. The board cited Pakistan’s busy international schedule as the reason for the decision.

The PCB’s decision has raised concerns about the availability of key players for the upcoming season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The PSL is a major domestic tournament that attracts top players from around the world.

Pakistan’s poor performance at the T20 World Cup and the subsequent changes within the PCB have raised questions about the team’s future. The PCB must address the concerns raised by Afridi and other former players to ensure that Pakistan regains its status as a cricketing powerhouse.

Rohit Sharma's Call for India-Pakistan Bilaterals Draws Praise from Afridi

Rohit Sharma’s Call for India-Pakistan Bilaterals Draws Praise from Afridi

India’s Test cricket captain, Rohit Sharma, has expressed his desire to resume bilateral series with Pakistan, citing the potential benefits for the format. This statement has garnered a positive response from former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, who believes sports can bridge the gap between the two nations.

Rohit’s comments came during a discussion on the Club Prairie Fire podcast, where he acknowledged Pakistan’s strong bowling lineup and the competitive nature of their matches. He emphasized that playing Pakistan overseas would be a “great contest” and would benefit Test cricket.

Afridi praised Rohit’s “positive statement,” stating that it aligns with his belief that sports can foster better relations between India and Pakistan. He highlighted the historical role of cricket in building bridges between the two countries and expressed his hope that bilateral series would resume.

The last bilateral series between India and Pakistan was held in 2007-08. Since then, political tensions have prevented the resumption of regular matches. However, both teams have faced each other in ICC tournaments, including the ODI World Cup last year, where India emerged victorious.

The two sides are scheduled to meet again during the T20 World Cup later this year, with their match set to take place in New York on June 9. This encounter is highly anticipated by fans of both countries and could serve as a catalyst for further dialogue and cooperation.

Rohit’s statement and Afridi’s response have reignited hopes for the resumption of bilateral series between India and Pakistan. While political factors remain a challenge, the desire for sporting competition and the potential benefits for Test cricket could provide a compelling case for overcoming these obstacles.

Shahid Afridi Defends Shaheen Shah Afridi Amidst Captaincy Rumors

Shahid Afridi Defends Shaheen Shah Afridi Amidst Captaincy Rumors

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has vehemently defended his son-in-law, Shaheen Shah Afridi, amidst rumors of his potential removal as the national T20 captain. Afridi emphasized the importance of providing Shaheen with ample time to prove his worth.

“If you appoint someone as captain and entrust them with responsibility, you must also grant them time,” Afridi asserted. He criticized the tendency in Pakistani cricket to overhaul the system with every change in leadership. “Whoever takes charge believes their approach is the best for Pakistan cricket,” he lamented.

Afridi believes Shaheen deserves a fair chance to demonstrate his capabilities. “If you change the captain, it implies either the initial decision to appoint him was flawed or the current decision to replace him is misguided,” he reasoned.

Afridi played a pivotal role in Shaheen’s appointment as T20 captain after Pakistan’s disappointing performance at the 2023 ODI World Cup. Babar Azam was subsequently removed as white-ball captain, and he later resigned from the red-ball captaincy.

Afridi also advocated for the appointment of a high-profile foreign coach, such as Andy Flower, who possesses a proven track record. However, he stressed the importance of having a Pakistani support staff to foster the development of local talent.

Regarding the inclusion of Imad Wasim and Muhammad Amir in the national training camp, Afridi expressed reservations about their fitness. “It would have been prudent to assess their fitness first,” he said. However, he acknowledged that if they can endure the rigorous two-week camp in Kakul, they will emerge as exceptional players.

Amir, who recently returned from retirement, has also voiced his support for Shaheen as T20 captain. “Shaheen is not lacking in ability, and I believe he should be given time to prove himself,” he tweeted.

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