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Tag: Pakistan national cricket team

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Shane Watson yet to decide on Pakistan coaching role despite PCB’s acceptance of demands | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Former Australian cricketer Shane Watson remains undecided on accepting the role of head coach for the Pakistan cricket team, despite the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) agreeing to his remuneration terms.Sources within the board revealed that Watson has demanded an annual salary of $2 million, roughly equivalent to 46 million rupees per month, marking the highest fee ever proposed for a foreign coach. This demand surpasses the compensations received by previous foreign coaches of Pakistan."Considering his young family in Australia and commitments in the USA Major League, he is assessing his options. The board expects him to dedicate ample time to Pakistan, aiding in talent discovery and domestic grooming," the source explained.Watson's deliberation on signing the contract is in...
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Pakistan Cricket Board ends association with foreign coaches amid team’s poor performance | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: In the wake of the Pakistan cricket team's lackluster performances, including a disappointing World Cup campaign, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to part ways with foreign coaches Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn, and Andrew Puttick. The decision comes as the board seeks to revamp the coaching setup following the team's struggles.PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf and chief operating officer Salman Naseer will reportedly negotiate a final settlement with the trio.The foreign coaches, who were part of the Pakistan team management during the Asia Cup and World Cup, had taken vacations upon their return to Lahore from India, only to be informed that their services were no longer required with the national team.Initially, the PCB had intended to assign the trio to the National Cr...
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AUS vs PAK | Josh Hazlewood has Pakistan reeling after Jamal’s third Test heroics

Australia’s Josh Hazlewood celebrates with teammates after a wicket on day 3 of the third Test against Pakistan in Sydney on January 5, 2024. | Photo Credit: AFP Josh Hazlewood claimed three wickets in an electrifying over to bowl Australia into a potential winning position over Pakistan in an absorbing third Test in Sydney on January 5, 2024. Paceman Hazlewood ripped through to reduce the tourists from 67 for four to go to the close on the third day at 68 for seven, a lead of 82, on a deteriorating Sydney Cricket Ground pitch. Pakistan’s last genuine hopes of building a challenging target for Australia to chase in the fourth innings hinge on Mohammad Rizwan, who is six not out, and bowling hero Aamer Jamal, who is yet to score. Hazlewood swung the contest, taking 4-9 off five overs, a...
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AUS vs PAK | Cummins the hero as Australia beats Pakistan to clinch series

Australian players celebrate their victory over Pakistan on the fourth day of their cricket test match in Melbourne, on December 29, 2023. | Photo Credit: AP A fired-up Pat Cummins bagged five wickets and 10 in the match to earn Australia a nail-biting 79-run win in the second Test and clinch the series against a battling Pakistan on December 29. Set 317 for victory, the visitors put up a stellar fight as they chased their first Test triumph in Australia since 1995. But they were dismissed for 237, with the last five wickets falling for 18 runs. Australian skipper Cummins was the chief destroyer, taking 5-49 to go with his first innings 5-48 -- only the second 10-wicket haul of his Test career. Mitchell Starc chipped in with 4-55 as the tail collapsed after Shan Masood (60), Agha Salma...
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Australia recovers from poor second-innings start to lead by 241 runs over Pakistan in second Test

Australian batsmen Steve Smith and Mitch Marsh are seen during their partnership on day 3 of the second Test against Pakistan in Melbourne on December 28, 2023. | Photo Credit: AFP Australia lost its first four wickets for 16 runs in its second innings but a 153-run stand between Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh had the hosts in a good position with two days to play in the second cricket test against Pakistan.Marsh was out for 96 and Smith for 50 to leave Australia at 187-6 at stumps on December 28 and with a 241-run lead going into the fourth day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.Marsh fell just short of his fourth test century after Salman Ali Agha hung onto a spectacular diving catch in the slips. Smith battled his way to his first test 50 since the Ashes from 176 balls, the second-slow...
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Marnus Labuschagne cleared for ‘Boxing Day’ Test after nasty blow | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Australia's Marnus Labuschagne, determined to overcome a nasty blow to his pinky finger in the series-opening victory against Pakistan, has been given the green light to play in the upcoming 'Boxing Day' Test. Labuschagne, struck on the right hand by debutant Khurram Shahzad in the second innings in Perth, received medical attention and humorously downplayed the significance, saying, "It’s going to have to take something pretty serious to have me miss a game."All-rounder Cameron Green, eager to reclaim his spot in the starting XI, extended his best wishes to Labuschagne before the medical assessment.Labuschagne jokingly recounted their interaction, stating, "He just said, 'I hope it all goes well, good luck.' I just said, 'It’s not going to make a difference, mate.'"Labuschag...
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AUS vs PAK first Test | Pakistan digs in as Lyon edges closer to 500 Test wickets

Nathan Lyon moves with three wickets of joining the elite 500 club on December 15 as Pakistan dug deep to stay in touch on day two of the opening Test in Perth. | Photo Credit: AP Australian spin king Nathan Lyon moved to within three wickets of joining the elite 500 club on December 15 as Pakistan dug deep to stay in touch on day two of the opening Test in Perth. At stumps, the visitors were 132-2, trailing by 355, with a dogged Imam-ul-Haq not out 38 and nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad on seven after they lost skipper Shan Masood late on. But it was a slow grind with their runs coming off 53 overs after Aamer Jamal took 6-111 on debut to help dismiss the hosts for 487. Mitchell Marsh starred with 90 after David Warner’s defiant 164 on day one. Abdullah Shafique was the first to fall in...
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Pakistan name two debutants in playing XI for 1st Test against Australia | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: On the eve of the first Test against Australia, Pakistan unveiled their playing XI, featuring two Test debutants and the return of key players. Shan Masood, leading the team as skipper for the first time, has made significant changes to the squad for the Perth Test.All-rounder Aamir Jamal and right-arm pacer Khurram Shahzad are set to make their Test debut in this clash.Aamir Jamal previously made his international debut for Pakistan in 2022 against England and also represented the team at the 19th Asian Games. Khurram Shahzad is making his first appearance for the national Test team.In addition to the debutants, some players are making a comeback after a year of absence from red-ball cricket. Faheem Ashraf is returning to the team, donning the white jersey, while experienced...
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‘It’s not a crime to make mistakes…’: Mickey Arthur backs Pakistan captain Babar Azam | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: In the aftermath of Pakistan's World Cup campaign concluding with a 93-run defeat against England, team director Mickey Arthur has come to the defence of skipper Babar Azam. Speculations had been circulating that Babar might step down from the captaincy after the tournament, fueled by criticism from former Pakistan players regarding his leadership decisions.Addressing the media in the post-match press conference, Arthur expressed his support for Babar, emphasising the learning curve that comes with captaincy.Despite criticism and rumours surrounding Babar's potential resignation, Arthur asserted that making mistakes is part of the process."We were a real tight-knit unit. I get behind Babar. Babar is very, very close to me. He's a young guy that needs to be taken on the journe...
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‘Pool of players…’: Experts explain what Pakistan need to learn from India after World Cup debacle | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan captains lamented that their team made no improvement in the last four years, from the 2019 World Cup to the ongoing edition, after they found themselves in similar situations of failing to progress into the knockout stages due to inferior net run rate. Pakistan must defeat England in Kolkata by an almost unthinkable 287 runs in order to move up to the No.4 semifinal slot on net run-rate, ahead of New Zealand. The Pakistani team, which has only advanced to one World Cup semifinal (in 2011) after losing to Australia in the championship game in 1999, was in a similar situation at the 2019 World Cup. In order to eliminate the Black Caps from the semifinals, it had to defeat Bangladesh by over 300 runs in the final league game, but it was unable to accomplish that...
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New Zealand seek World Cup reboot, bowling mojo for must-win match against Sri Lanka | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: New Zealand's once-dominant campaign in the World Cup has hit a disheartening flatline, and they are in dire need of a reboot as they face a must-win match against Sri Lanka. After an early run of success, the Kiwis are now struggling with only eight points and a precarious position, aware that a defeat or washout could end their journey in the tournament.Currently in fourth place on the table, New Zealand faces stiff competition from Pakistan and Afghanistan, who also have eight points each.Pakistan and Afghanistan have the potential to reach 10 points with wins in their final league matches against England and South Africa, respectively. With that in mind, New Zealand has to secure a substantial victory to maintain their Net Run Rate advantage as well.While the situation is...
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PAK vs BAN | Pakistan bowlers bundle out Bangladesh for 204

Pakistan players celebrate a wicket during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 against Bangladesh in Kolkata on October 31, 2023. | Photo Credit: AP After electing to bat first, Bangladesh batsmen were in for some trouble with accurate bowling from the Pakistan pace bowlers during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match in Kolkata on October 31, 2023.Sri Lanka was dismissed for 204 in 45.1 overs.Fast bowler Shaheeh Shah Afridi was particularly exceptional bowling good lengths and troubled the Bangladeshi batsmen. Shaheen Afridi removed Tanzid Hasan (0) in the first over to give Pakistan the first blood. Shaheen Afridi thus became the fastest Pakistani bowler to take 100 ODI wickets in just 50th innings overtaking Saqlain Mushtaq who crossed the milestone in 53 matches.Litton Das (45), Mahmudul...
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World Cup: Struggling Shadab Khan cuts out social media | Cricket News – Times of India

Leggie wants to keep negativity away as team tries to fight backCHENNAI: Pakistan allrounder Shadab Khan's report card in the ongoing World Cup has been below par. In the four matches that he has played, Shadab picked only two wickets and scored just 75 runs. His performance has invited a lot of bad press.The 25-year-old leg-spinner had no qualms in admitting that his bowling has not been up to the mark.On Thursday, at the pre-match press conference ahead of the crucial clash againstSouth Africa at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Shadab said the criticism that he has been receiving is valid."I'm not performing well in such a big tournament, but it's not like I'm always the same. There are always ups and downs in cricket. I am not doing well, but the rest of the bowlers are bowling really well i...
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ICC World Cup | What went wrong for Pakistan national cricket team

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has scored only two fifties in this World Cup. His captaincy has been questioned and he has faced accusations of lacking aggression in field settings | Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam Pakistan’s chances of making the semifinals of the Cricket World Cup are on a knife-edge after their eight-wicket defeat to Afghanistan.It was the team’s third successive loss at the tournament after two opening wins. AFP Sport looks at three problem areas for Babar Azam’s faltering team:World class bowling looks ordinaryPakistan’s bowling was touted as world class before the Asia Cup and when they restricted a strong India side to 266 all out in a washed out game at Pallekele, commentators saw it as a major warning to World Cup rivals. But two weeks before the showpiece even...
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ICC World Cup: PAK vs AFG | Our bowling was not up to the mark, says Babar Azam

Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam reacts after his team’s defeat during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match against Afghanistan in Chennai on October 23, 2023. | Photo Credit: AP A disappointed Pakistan captain Babar Azam on Monday admitted that his side's bowling attack was not up to the mark after Afghanistan beat them by eight wickets in yet another World Cup upset in Chennai. Afghanistan chased down the target of 283 with six balls to spare with openers Ibrahim Zadran (87 off 113 balls) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65 off 53 balls) setting up the win. One-down Rahmat Shah and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi chipped in with 77 not out and 48 not out respectively as Afghanistan continued their giant-killing spree. They had shocked defending champions England earlier in the tournament. The stunn...
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ICC World Cup | Pakistan inspired by Saeed Anwar’s Chennai magic

Pakistan opening batsman Saeed Anwar is seen during his monumental knock of 194 against India in Chennai on May 21, 1997. | Photo Credit: The Hindu ArchivesN Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq will channel the spirit of record-setting compatriot Saeed Anwar and his country’s winning relationship with Chennai on October 23 in an effort to revive the team’s World Cup campaign.Pakistan tackle Afghanistan at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium where in 1997, flamboyant left-handed opener Anwar hit a monumental 194 against India. At the time it was the highest individual ODI score while Anwar’s heroics also gave Pakistan a 35-run win over their arch-rivals. Pakistan maintained their two-game undefeated run at the stadium with a six-wicket win over India in 2012. “We have a great record at this venue, so ...
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ICC World Cup | Afghanistan coach Trott hopeful of win against under-pressure Pakistan

Afghanistan player Rahmanullah Gurbaz and coach Jonathan Trott during a practice session ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match against Pakistan in Chennai. | Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam Head coach Jonathan Trott is hopeful Afghanistan can keep their World Cup campaign alive by pulling off a win against an under-pressure Pakistan, having come agonisingly close to defeating them earlier this year. The 42-year-old added that the passionate rivalry between the two teams, who are desperate to win, would make it an enthralling contest in Chennai on October 23. "I think for them (Afghans), it's a rivalry that excites them. It's a rivalry that sometimes in the past has been very passionate," Trott said at the pre-match press conference on October 22. "But I'm sure we'll see an ex...
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Netherlands elects to bowl against Pakistan in World Cup

A view of the Rajiv Gandhi stadium in Hyderabad before the start of the Pakistan-Netherlands ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match, on October 6, 2023 | Photo Credit: Nagara Gopal Netherlands won the toss and elected to bowl against Pakistan in their opening ODI World Cup match in Hyderabad on October 6. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali are back in the playing eleven for Pakistan.For live updates click herePakistan enters the match as the overwhelming favourite .Pakistan will be counting on Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Shadab Khan to perform at their peak levels given the high-scoring potential of the Hyderabad wicket, which was evident in the warm-up games.The Dutch will need to lead Pakistan at the appropriate times and then maintain that lead in order to win the game. Speaking at t...
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Asia Cup 2023 | Rain delays toss in Sri Lanka-Pakistan virtual semifinal clash

Ground staff cover the field as rain delays the start of the Asia Cup 2023 super four one-day international (ODI) cricket match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on September 14, 2023. | Photo Credit: AFP Rain delayed the toss of the winner-takes-all Super Four clash at the Asia Cup between Sri Lanka and Pakistan in Colombo on September 14.The match is effectively a semifinal with the winner to meet India in the final of the 50-over tournament, a prelude to the ODI World Cup starting in October. Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam and teammate Shaheen Shah Afridi gesture as rain delays the start of the Asia Cup 2023 super four one-day international (ODI) cricket match against Sri Lanka in Colombo on September 14, 2023. | Photo Credit: AFP Rain has played ...
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Asia Cup 2023 | India seeks answer to Rahul-Kishan riddle ahead of high-voltage Pakistan clash

The Indian team management's predicament to choose between KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan will be the dominating theme amid the usual edgy emotional quotient, when they face arch-rivals Pakistan in the most-awaited Super 4 match of the Asia Cup in Colombo on September 10.Alongside focusing on the team goals, the Indian management will want to assemble the best possible 11 in the park against Pakistan, whom the Rohit Sharma-led outfit is facing for the second time in the event.But for that, they need to find answers for the aforementioned puzzle, and hope that rains will stay away despite adding a controversial reserve day to the match on Monday. The return of Rahul to the squad has widened the pool of players to select from, but that has also given them a happy headache. Kishan has impressed...