Pakistan mentor Matthew Hayden is backing struggling captain Babar Azam to produce something special in the knockout stages of the Twenty20 World Cup, starting in Wednesday's semi-final against New Zealand.
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya added another milestone to his name, completing 200 international wickets
A burgeoning third wicket stand between Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique had kept Pakistan in the contest and the duo continued to frustrate Australia when play resumed.
Fascinating numbers from the India-Pakistan iconic cricket rivalry.
The 53-year-old said he had immense respect for some of the Indian players of his generation but never showed it on the field.
'Shaheen's absence big setback for Pakistan'
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to investigate a case involving a UK-based Pakistani agent, Mughiz Ahmad Shearachiikh, who has been suspended by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for breaching its anti-corruption code. Shearachiikh and his company, International Cricketers Association (ICA), had signed several centrally contracted Pakistani players last year.
New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson was ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy with a foot injury on Tuesday in a major blow for the Black Caps.
'Pakistan can beat any team on any given day'
Even though IPL is widely regarded as the top T20 tournament worldwide, Hasan is optimistic that despite the scheduling clash, viewers will prefer to watch PSL if the players up the ante and perform better.
Pakistan were all out for 260 in 47.2 overs with Babar Azam (64) and Khushdil Shah (69) scoring half-centuries but the hosts never looked in the hunt.
Babar Azam announced that he will be stepping down as the white-ball captain of the Pakistan cricket team, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan is likely to take his place
Babar Azam's glorious unbeaten 102 kept Pakistan alive but Australia remained on course for victory in the second Test in Karachi on Tuesday.
Pakistan have rebounded superbly and bring momentum into Sunday's final against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Pakistan and Bangladesh will face off in a dead rubber match in the Champions Trophy on Thursday, both teams looking to salvage some pride after disappointing tournament performances. Both teams have suffered heavy defeats to New Zealand.
The Pakistan cricket team left for Dubai for the marquee Champions Trophy clash against arch-rivals India without opener Fakhar Zaman, who suffered an injury during the opening match against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19. The left-handed batter has been replaced by Imam-ul-Haq in Pakistan's squad.
'There was no need for him to interfere with the progress of the ball.'
In the bowling rankings, Keshav Maharaj and Matt Henry have broken into the top five
While Kohli has slipped to 10th on the ICC rankings, the Indian great continues to hold a remarkable Test batting record. He has scored 27 Test centuries and 28 half-centuries and currently has a Test batting average of just under 50.
Babar Azam now leads the Indian captain by eight points
Babar Azam became the first batsman to twice score three consecutive centuries
Virat Kohli could line up beside Pakistan skipper Babar Azam in the same team next year
'India is a strong team. Pakistan is inconsistent.'
The left-handed batter suffered a muscular strain while fielding in the opening over against New Zealand at Karachi's National Bank Stadium on February 19.
Two-time World Cup winner and ICC Hall of Famer Lisa Sthalekar has revealed the first five players she would select if choosing a dream ODI XI with the World Cup 2023 just a month away.
Babar Azam's mother was on a ventilator when the Pakistan skipper went about leading his team to a thumping victory over arch-rivals India in their T20 World Cup match in Dubai on Sunday.
'There are matches immediately after Netherlands, so it's unlikely there will be time for changes'
While India are on a high after a measured six-wicket win over a sprightly Bangladesh, Pakistan are evidently tense after the 60-run loss in the tournament-opener to New Zealand.
"Off the field when we meet, we meet very warmly. We want to meet nicely. On the field, we play with intensity," stated the batter when asked about the camaraderie between the Pakistani and Indian players.
According to sources aware of developments in the Board, a few players are contemplating if they should travel to New Zealand.
India captain Rohit Sharma, who led the team to their second ICC T20 World Cup title last June, has been named skipper of the ICC Men's T20I Team of the Year 2024.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday demoted premier pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi to Category B from Category A, and did not offer central contracts to senior players Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed and Osama Mir for the 2024-25 season.
Babar smashed an unbeaten 105 and opener Imam-ul-Haq made 89 not out
Pakistan's batting crumbled against New Zealand's pace attack and they were all out for 91 in 18.4 overs. In reply, New Zealand easily chased down the total, getting to 92 for 1 in just 10.1 overs.
Kohli found support from the Pakistani star batter, who indicated that an athlete has to be really strong to overcome failures.
The home side are chasing a modest target of 148 after bowling out Pakistan for 237 and if they win will be assured a place in the WTC final at Lord's.
A fiery century by Hasan Nawaz and top-class performances from pacers helped Pakistan keep the series alive
Babar Azam would have to learn from how Kohli had handled his captaincy responsibilities.
At stumps, Pakistan's score read 145/3 with Fawad and Babar unbeaten on 42 and 77 runs respectively. For South Africa, Keshav Maharaj picked two, Anrich Nortje took one while Kagiso Rabada went wicketless.
The Pakistani skipper was asked whether there was any message given by the prime minister ahead of their Super 12 game against India.
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