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Tag: Babar Azam

  • Australia’s squad for ODI, T20 arrives in Lahore

    Australia’s squad for ODI, T20 arrives in Lahore

    Australian team of 14 members for One Day International (ODI) and T20 matches has arrived in Lahore. According to details, the team landed at Allama Iqbal International Airport on a chartered flight.

    Three ODIs and one T20 match are scheduled between Pakistan and Australia which will start by next week. The squad will start training on Sunday for the ODI Series. The ODI series will start from March 29.

    According to the Australian Cricket Board, Aaron Finch will lead the squad, while David Warner, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitch Starc, and Glenn Maxwell will not be part of the squad for International ODIs and one T20 match.

    Kane Richardson who got injured last week will be replaced by Ben Dwarshuis.

    Australia’s ODI and T20 squad: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Ben McDermott, Ben Dwarshuis, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

    Last week, Pakistan also announced its squad for ODIs and one T20 match. Babar Azam will lead the team in both series.

  • ‘The greatest’, Babar Azam scores Test century after two years

    ‘The greatest’, Babar Azam scores Test century after two years

    Though Pakistan’s victory is uncertain in the second match between Pak and Australia, Pakistan’s cricket team captain Babar Azam is in action today.

    Azam scored a Test century after a gap of two years in the match.

    The Pakistani skipper completed the century in the 78th over, as soon as he hit the ball, the crowd and his teammates lauded the skipper for his “epic” century.

    https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB/status/1503708175861747716?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1503708175861747716%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.geo.tv%2Flatest%2F405334-pak-vs-aus-babar-azam-scores-first-test-century-after-two-years

    The Pakistani skipper completed a century in the 78th over and as soon as he hit the ball, the crowd and his teammates lauded the skipper for his “epic” century.

    Currently, Pakistan is chasing a 506-run target with Babar at the crease and opener Abdullah Shafique with 8 wickets at hand.

    Pakistan has only a day (tomorrow) to win.

    Several tweets have been posted to praise the cricket star.

    https://twitter.com/ThisHaroon/status/1503706519661166604?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1503706519661166604%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.geo.tv%2Flatest%2F405334-pak-vs-aus-babar-azam-scores-first-test-century-after-two-years
    https://twitter.com/Arshadkhan_ofcl/status/1503715987677450251?s=20&t=1tinYb9Da_G1TqXQmBOSuw

  • ICC rates Pindi wicket below average, Babar Azam defends

    The Inter­national Cricket Council (ICC) rated the first Test match between Pakistan and Australia pitch “below average” and penalised it with one demerit point after the match ended in a dull draw earlier this week in Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

    In a report, Ranjan Madugalle, the ICC match referee for the Pak-Aus Test series said, “The pitch did not have a great deal of pace and bounce in it for the seamers nor assisted the spinners. In my view, this does not represent an even contest between bat and ball. Therefore, in keeping with the ICC guidelines, I rate this pitch as below average.”

    In response, The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) claimed that no Pakistani venue has received a demerit point before. However, it accepts ICC’s decision and has given assurance of the quality of pitches in upcoming matches.

    It is pertinent to mention that demerit points remain active for a rolling five-year period. When a venue gets five demerit points, it is suspended from hosting international cricket matches for one year.

    Pakistani skipper Babar Azam has defended the Rawalpindi pitch. The cricketer said that no matter how a pitch is it is important for players to perform on it.

    However, Australian opener David Warner said that he is hopeful of a result-producing wicket in Karachi Test against Pakistan which is going to be played tomorrow (Saturday).

    After the Rawalpindi draw match, Federal Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry criticised PCB for “choosing a dead wicket” in the historic Test Match.

  • ‘The man who made spin cool’: Cricket legend Shane Warne passes away at 52

    ‘The man who made spin cool’: Cricket legend Shane Warne passes away at 52

    Australian cricket legend Shane Warne died on Friday at the age of 52.

    Warne’s management released a brief statement confirming the news. “Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived,” said the statement.

    “The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course.”

    Warne is regarded as one of the finest leg-spin bowlers of all time, bagging 708 Test wickets in a career that spanned from 1992 to 2007.

    Following the news of Shane Warne’s death, cricketers and fans from all over the world started expressing their grief and sadness over his demise.

    Pakistan captain Babar Azam, tweeted, “He literally inspired generations with his magical leg-spin. You’ll forever be missed.”

    Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi tweeted, “The game of cricket has lost what I consider a university of leg-spin bowling today. I was inspired by his bowling from the start of my career and it was always a privilege to play against him.”

    https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial/status/1499756145371668485

    Pakistan’s former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar in a video message said, “It’s going to take a long time to get over this loss.”

    Australia opener David Warner grieved the loss of “two legends” — Warne and Marsh — saying that they had left too soon.

    “I’m lost for words, and this is extremely sad,” he tweeted.

    Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag said: “One of the greatest spinners, the man who made spin cool, superstar Shane Warne is no more.”

    West Indian cricketer Chris Gayle tweeted, “RIP LEGEND.”

    Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara also expressed disbelief, saying that he was “absolutely shocked and gutted” to hear about the death of a “legend and friend”.

    Waqar Younis shared similar sentiments and said it was a “very, very sad day for our cricket community. The biggest superstar of my generation [is] gone”.

  • ‘Historic moment in Pakistan cricket,’ says PCB CEO Faisal Hasnain as Pakistan and Australia series kicks off

    ‘Historic moment in Pakistan cricket,’ says PCB CEO Faisal Hasnain as Pakistan and Australia series kicks off

    After 24 years, Pakistan and Australia are playing the first Test match of the PakvsAus series today (March 4) in Rawalpindi. Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat. Team Australia arrived in Pakistan on Sunday (February 27) for their first tour since 1998 and will play three Tests, three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and a T20I.

    “The pitch looks nice so we’ll try to put runs on the board,” said Pakistan skipper Babar Azam. He also predicted that our spinners would play a key role in the first match of the three-Test series.

    Babar Azam and Pat Cummins are leading their sides in the first Test of the three-match Benaud-Qadir ICC World Test Championship series match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) CEO Faisal Hasnain said in a press conference today (Friday) that Pakistani cricket fans have waited 24 years for this moment. He expressed gratitude to the Australian Cricket Team for their tour to Pakistan.

     Naseem Shah has been included in the squad for the first Test against Australia after bowler Haris Rauf tested positive for Covid-19.

    Test squads for Rawalpindi match

    Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam (c), Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah

    Australia: Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

    Test schedule:
    • 1st Test, Rawalpindi: March 4-8
    • 2nd Test, Karachi: March 12-16
    • 3rd Test, Lahore: March 21-25
  • Lahore’s Fakhar Zaman makes new record in PSL, leaves Babar behind

    Lahore’s Fakhar Zaman makes new record in PSL, leaves Babar behind

    Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Lahore Qalandars’ batter Fakhar Zaman has registered a new record to his name and has left Babar Azam behind him after scoring the most runs in a PSL edition.

    In the ongoing PSL 2022 matches, in the match against Multan Sultans, Zaman broke Azam’s record of 554 runs in 2021 PSL.

    The swashbuckling opener made a staggering 63-run knock and his innings was laced with two fours and four maximum, which increased his runs to 584 runs in PSL 2022 while Multan Sultans’ skipper Mohammad Rizwan is right behind him with 532 runs to his name.

    Earlier, Zaman achieved the milestone of becoming the second-highest run-getter in the entire history of PSL after racking up 1,935 runs.

    Sultans made 163 for the loss of two wickets in their innings while in reply, Qalandars were cruising nicely at 102/3 in the 14th over before they suffered a collapse and ultimately finished at 135/9.

    Read More – Rilee Rossouw, Mohammad Rizwan power Multan Sultans into second consecutive final

    The half-century against Multan was Fakhar’s 8th score of 50 so far in this edition of PSL, which is also the most numbers of 50+ scores in a single edition of PSL.

    Previously, the record was with Babar who had seven scores of 50.

    Interestingly, Multan Sultans’ Mohammad Rizwan has also scored 7 scores of 50 this season, and he can break Fakhar Zaman’s record.

  • ‘Will come back stronger’: Babar Azam’s note after unsuccessful PSL stint

    ‘Will come back stronger’: Babar Azam’s note after unsuccessful PSL stint

    Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar Azam, who was leading Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Karachi Kings for the first time, did not have a great season this year and Kings lost nine out of 10 matches in this year’s edition, making an unwanted record.

    After their last defeat by the hands of Quetta Gladiators, Babar took to Twitter and penned a note in which he pledged to “come back stronger”.

    “We did not hold up our end. Lots to reflect, learn & improve from this entire experience of #PSL7. In sha Allah, we will come back stronger. Also, quite grateful to all the fans for their immense support and belief,” he tweeted.

    Karachi Kings was not only the team to have the longest streak of defeats with eight consecutive losses in the tournament but it created another unwanted PSL record on Sunday after losing to Quetta Gladiators.

    The Gladiators thrashed Kings by 23 runs in match 28 of the PSL at the Gaddafi Stadium, after which the team was also eliminated from the race to the playoffs in the tournament, with only two points in 10 games.

  • Babar Azam is the best player in the world, says Saqlain Mushtaq

    Babar Azam is the best player in the world, says Saqlain Mushtaq

    Head Coach of Pakistan cricket team Saqlain Mushtaq has said that Babar Azam is the best player in the world.

    The head coach of the national team said that when cricket started, it was his dream to play for Pakistan. He wanted to serve Pakistan even after retirement.

    While talking about Australia’s tour to Pakistan, he said that the arrival of the Australian cricket team in Pakistan is welcome, for which he is grateful to Australia and Government of Pakistan. Saqlain said the whole nation is looking forward to this tour.

    Mushtaq said that they will form their own team keeping in view the Australian team, the home series is beneficial for the national side but Australia is the top team at the moment, they are planning for the series.

    In response to a question, the head coach said: “Captain Babar Azam is the best player in the world, he has given very good performances in the past also, Babar Azam plays every format and bowling well.”

    He said that if there are no good spinners now, then there will be in the future. “My thinking about spinners is very positive.” He also added that we will see which pitch will support us.

    Talking about Mohammad Yousuf, he added that he believes in his expertise, he is also working for high performance center. “We have to complete our preparations.”

    The Australian cricket team is scheduled to tour Pakistan in March and April 2022 to play three Tests, three One Day Internationals (ODIs), and one Twenty20 International (T20I) match.

  • Wasim Akram clarifies what he was saying to Babar Azam

    Wasim Akram clarifies what he was saying to Babar Azam

    After a huge amount of criticism on social media, former Pakistan pacer and Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Karachi Kings’ president Wasim Akram responded to the backlash and has clarified what exactly he was saying to captain Babar Azam in the match against Multan Sultans.

    Read More – ‘Aap log dil bura na kareyn’: Babar Azam’s father comes to son’s defence

    Taking to Twitter, Akram wrote: “Hello! Surprised to see reactions on my talking to Babar at the boundary last night. What I was saying was ‘why our bowlers are not bowling yorkers or slower ones offside off’. Nothing else.”

    He further added that Babar is a “wonderful boy” and has tried his best.

    Wasim Akram said that he asked Babar about what he will have for dinner.

    Earlier, a video of Wasim and Babar was doing the rounds on social media, in which the veteran cricketer can be seen talking harshly to the Pakistan skipper.

    Meanwhile, it is pertinent to mention here that Kings lost their eighth consecutive match by the hands of Multan Sultans at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Wednesday.

  • ‘Aap log dil bura na kareyn’: Babar Azam’s father comes to son’s defence

    ‘Aap log dil bura na kareyn’: Babar Azam’s father comes to son’s defence

    Following Karachi Kings’ eighth consecutive loss at the hands of Multan Sultans on Wednesday at the Gaddafi Stadium, people severely criticised Babar Azam for his performance and his form in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2022. Babar’s father defended his son and requested fans not to lose hope in him.

    Azam Siddique, who is always bucking his son up regardless of how well or otherwise he performs, opened up on the matter in his latest Instagram post, but with a positive mindset.

    Siddique admitted that Babar is out of form these days, but said that the star cricketer of the nation never panics.

    “He neither stops working hard nor does he despair of Allah’s mercy.”

    Siddique said that Babar is trying his best but it is known that even the best of the best sportsmen get out of form.

    He said that they are content with God’s will and pray that may the Almighty restore Babar’s form soon before the national squad faces Australia in the upcoming home series.

    Siddique also consoled Babar and Karachi Kings’ fans not to get disheartened, assuring that the cricketer is working as hard as he did in the past and will get into form very soon.

    The ill-fated Kings’ were eliminated from the title race of the PSL’s seventh edition after their seventh consecutive defeat, handed down to them by Islamabad United on Sunday.

    The franchise broke their own unwanted record after losing by seven wickets against Sultans last night.