Glenn Maxwell labels Babar, Shaheen as major threats ahead of Pakistan’s tour of Australia

Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has labelled Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi as major threats for the home side in the upcoming white-ball series.

Pakistan is set to tour Australia in November for a six-match white-ball series, which will embark with the ODI series on 4 November.

The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will host the series opener, while the subsequent matches are scheduled on November 8 and 10 in Adelaide and Perth, respectively.

The ODI series will be followed by a three-match T20I series, scheduled to commence on November 14.

Glenn Maxwell, while talking to the media in Melbourne, highlighted the unpredictability of Pakistan and labelled the Green Shirts as a dangerous opposition.

“The Pakistan team can be very dangerous at different times. They have been challenging opponents for us in the past,” stated Maxwell.

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“When you’re playing against a team like Pakistan, they can be unpredictable, which makes it so hard to play against them, you never know what to expect from them.”

Maxwell then heaped praise on Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam and pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi. He emphasized that the Australian team should effectively deal with the challenge posed by Babar and Shaheen in the upcoming series.

“They’ve got some world-class players, we’ve got to keep an eye on Babar Azam, he is a superstar player, and Shaheen Afridi, he is a magician with the new ball,” the all-rounder said.

“We are not taking this series lightly. We are preparing for the series; we need to deliver our best to get the upper hand against Pakistan.”

Schedule of Pakistan’s white-ball tour to Australia

Pakistan vs Australia ODI series schedule:

November 4: First ODI at MCG, Melbourne
November 8: Second ODI at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
November 10: Third ODI at Perth Stadium, Perth

Pakistan vs Australia T20I series schedule:

November 14: First T20I at The Gabba, Brisbane
November 16: Second T20I at SCG, Sydney
November 18: Third T20I at Bellerive Oval, Hobart

READ: England captain wary of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah threat in first Pakistan Test

Usman Wazeer knocks out Indian boxer in just 65 seconds

BANGKOK: Pakistani boxer Usman Wazeer knocked out Indian opponent Thehlak Selvam in the first round of the highly-anticipated bout of the World Youth Boxing Championship here on Thursday.

Usman was too hot to handle for India’s Thehlak as he took just one minute and five seconds to deliver a TKO in the six-round welterweight bout, held at Space Plus boxing arena here.

Usman took control of the bout with early strikes which were so lethal that Thehlak was struggling to withstand and was visibly in severe pain. Usman seized the opportunity to deliver another strong strike, resulting in his opponent falling on the mat.

As a result, the referee, on technical grounds, declared Usman Wazeer the winner.

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The victory was Usman’s 14th consecutive in professional boxing, indicating his dominance in the sport.

Earlier this year, Usman outclassed Thailand’s Jatsada Pithakdantha by TKO in the third round.

Usman has won several prestigious titles in his budding career including World Youth Title, Asian Title, and Middle East Title. He also boasts an astounding 71 per cent knockout ratio with the latest being his 10th in the professional career.

In his victory speech, Usman requested India’s Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and called for peace and harmony between the two neighbouring countries.

READ: Pakistan make one addition to squad for first Test against England

India’s Chawla beats Asjad Iqbal in World 6 Red Snooker Championship final

ULAANBAATAR: Pakistani cueist Asjad Iqbal had an agonizing end to his IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship campaign as he succumbed to a 6-2 defeat against India’s Kamal Chawla in the final here on Wednesday.

In-form Asjad started the high-stakes match on a high as he won the first two frames to take an early advantage.

But Kamal Chawla, unfazed by Asjad Iqbal’s flying start, won six consecutive frames and claimed the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship title, while the Pakistani cueist settled for a silver medal.

Asjad stormed into the final after registering a thumping victory over India’s Malkeet Singh in the semi-final on Tuesday.

Asjad triumphed over Malkeet with a score of 6-0 in the semi-final clash to secure his spot in the final.

Earlier that day, Asjad Iqbal shocked the world as he registered an upset victory over the defending champion Michael Georgiou in the quarter-finals with the frame scores of 38-15, 0-38, (40)41-0, (43)43-12, (55)62-0, 12-31, 38-0.

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Previously, Asjad Iqbal secured his spot in the quarter-final with a hard-fought 5-3 victory over Mongolia’s Lkhagvasuren Tumurchudur. The frame scores were 73-0, 08-56, 02-54, 57-18, 34-21, 44-0, 05-55, 36-04.

On the other hand, another Pakistani cueist Awais Muneer crashed out of the tournament after suffering a close defeat against Iran’s Siyavosh Mozayani.

Asjad earned a direct qualification for the pre-quarterfinal while Awais advanced to the last 20.

Asjad Iqbal triumphed over India’s Pandurangaiah 4-1, with frame scores of 41-32, 35-36, 75-08, 50(50)-09, 35-22.

It is worth mentioning here that prior to the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship, Pakistan cueists Asjad Iqbal and Awais Munir participated in the IBSF Mongolia Snooker World Cup 2024.

The national players fared well in the tournament with Asjad securing the bronze medal.

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Asjad Iqbal stuns defending champion Michael Georgiou to reach World 6 Red Snooker Championship semi-final

ULAANBAATAR: Pakistani cueist Asjad Iqbal shocked the world as he registered an upset victory over the defending champion Michael Georgiou to qualify for the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship semi-final here on Tuesday.

In the quarter-final match, Asjad came out victorious with a score of 5-2 against Georgiou. The frame scores were as follows: 38-15, 0-38, (40)41-0, (43)43-12, (55)62-0, 12-31, 38-0.

Previously, Asjad Iqbal secured his spot in the quarter-final with a hard-fought 5-3 victory over Mongolia’s Lkhagvasuren Tumurchudur. The frame scores were 73-0, 08-56, 02-54, 57-18, 34-21, 44-0, 05-55, 36-04.

Asjad is now set to face India’s Malkeet Singh in the semi-final of the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship later today.

On the other hand, another Pakistani cueist Awais Muneer crashed out of the tournament after suffering a close defeat against Iran’s Siyavosh Mozayani.

Asjad earned a direct qualification for the pre-quarterfinal while Awais advanced to the last 20.

Asjad Iqbal triumphed over India’s Pandurangaiah 4-1, with frame scores of 41-32, 35-36, 75-08, 50(50)-09, 35-22.

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Meanwhile, Awais Munir defeated Singapore’s Jia Jun Ong with the scoreline of 63-0, 65-0, 0-56, 36-02, 35-26.

However, in his next match, he was defeated by Israel’s Shachar Ruber. The frame scores were as follows: 16-43(43), 53-12, 43(43)-13, 8-64(64), 33-21, 12-40, 40-10.

Asjad Iqbal continued his dominant run as he edged past Iraq’s Alijalil Ali 4-3 with the frame scores of 39-23, 30-34, 66-0, 0-41, 1-54, 39-29, 63(58)-0.

A total of 40 players, participating in the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship, are divided into four groups. The top two players from each group will advance to the knockout stage.

The knockout stage matches will begin on September 22, with the last 20 and 16 rounds. The quarterfinals and semi-finals will take place on September 24, with the final match on September 25.

It is worth mentioning here that prior to the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship, Pakistan cueists Asjad Iqbal and Awais Munir participated in the IBSF Mongolia Snooker World Cup 2024.

The national players fared well in the tournament with Asjad securing the bronze medal.

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Asjad Iqbal, Awais Iqbal advance to knockout stage of World 6 Red Snooker Championship

ULAANBAATAR: Pakistan cueists Asjad Iqbal and Awais Munir continued their good form in the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship campaigns as they qualified for the knockout stage here on Sunday.

Asjad earned a direct qualification for the pre-quarterfinal while Awais advanced to the last 20.

Asjad Iqbal triumphed over India’s Pandurangaiah 4-1, with frame scores of 41-32, 35-36, 75-08, 50(50)-09, 35-22.

Meanwhile, Awais Munir defeated Singapore’s Jia Jun Ong with the scoreline of 63-0, 65-0, 0-56, 36-02, 35-26.

However, in his next match, he was defeated by Israel’s Shachar Ruber. The frame scores were as follows: 16-43(43), 53-12, 43(43)-13, 8-64(64), 33-21, 12-40, 40-10.

Asjad Iqbal continued his dominant run as he edged past Iraq’s Alijalil Ali 4-3 with the frame scores of 39-23, 30-34, 66-0, 0-41, 1-54, 39-29, 63(58)-0.

Yesterday, Asjad Iqbal and Awais Munir made triumphant starts to their respective IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship campaigns.

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Asjad secured a comfortable 4-1 victory over Mongolia’s Ulziitogtokh Davaasuren. Asjad dominated his opponent in all departments and also registered two 75-plus breaks.

The scoreline of his thumping victory read: 50-18, 75(75)-0, 82(75)-0, 0-73(73), 64(61)-0.

Meanwhile, Awais came from behind to claim a 4-2 victory over Mongolia’s Mendsaikhan Bat-Erdene.

He displayed nerves of steel after being two frames down and won three consecutive frames to seal the victory. The scoreline of his stunning win read: 64(64)-0, 20-45, 0-54(47), 54-10, 53-21, 46-15.

A total of 40 players, participating in the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship, are divided into four groups. The top two players from each group will advance to the knockout stage.

The knockout stage matches will begin on September 22, with the last 20 and 16 rounds. The quarterfinals and semi-finals will take place on September 24, with the final match on September 25.

It is worth mentioning here that prior to the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship, Pakistan cueists Asjad Iqbal and Awais Munir participated in the IBSF Mongolia Snooker World Cup 2024.

The national players fared well in the tournament with Asjad securing the bronze medal.

READ: PCB to host Connection Camp tomorrow to map out Pakistan cricket’s future

Pakistan cueists script triumphant start to IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship

ULAANBAATAR: Pakistan cueists Asjad Iqbal and Awais Munir on Saturday, made triumphant starts to their respective IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship campaigns.

Asjad secured a comfortable 4-1 victory over Mongolia’s Ulziitogtokh Davaasuren. Asjad dominated his opponent in all departments and also registered two 75-plus breaks. The scoreline of his thumping victory read: 50-18, 75(75)-0, 82(75)-0, 0-73(73), 64(61)-0.

Meanwhile, Awais came from behind to claim a 4-2 victory over Mongolia’s Mendsaikhan Bat-Erdene. He displayed nerves of steel after being two frames down and won three consecutive frames to seal the victory. The scoreline of his stunning win read: 64(64)-0, 20-45, 0-54(47), 54-10, 53-21, 46-15.

Asjad Iqbal will now face India’s Pandurangaiah while Awais Munir will lock horns with Singapore’s Jia Jun Ong on the second day of the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship on Sunday.

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Later in the day, Asjad Iqbal is scheduled to face Iraq’s Alijalil Ali while Awais will square off against Israel’s Shachar Ruber.

A total of 40 players, participating in the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship, are divided into four groups. The top two players from each group will advance to the knockout stage.

The knockout stage matches will begin on September 22, with the last 20 and 16 rounds. The quarterfinals and semi-finals will take place on September 24, with the final match on September 25.

It is worth mentioning here that prior to the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship, Pakistan cueists Asjad Iqbal and Awais Munir participated in the IBSF Mongolia Snooker World Cup 2024.

The national players fared well in the tournament with Asjad securing the bronze medal.

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Pakistan’s Asjad Iqbal qualifies for Mongolia World Cup semi-finals

ULAANBAATAR: Pakistani cueist Asjad Iqbal qualified for the semi-final of the ongoing IBSF Mongolia Snooker World Cup 2024 after defeating China’s Gao Yang in the quarter-final here on Wednesday.

Asjad Iqbal made a brilliant start as he won the first frame with a score of 76-0. However, Gao Yang made a resounding comeback winning the next two frames with scores of 25-64, 0-135(135).

The Pakistani cueist then took the lead with a victory in the fourth frame 81(76)-34, followed by a 65-64 victory in the next frame.

The Chinese cueist once again levelled the scores with 50(50)-69(69), but Asjad Iqbal triumphed with the victory in the last frame 69-50.

Meanwhile, in another quarter-final clash, Iran’s Ali Gharahgozlou defeated Pakistan’s Awais Munir 4-2. The frame scores were 68-60, 66(58)-64(55), 8-78, 37-65, 66(53)-23, 111(65)-09.

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Asjad Iqbal will next face Michael Georgiou of Cyprus in the semi-final of the Mongolia Snooker World Cup.

Previously, Asjad Iqbal defeated Hong Kong’s Chang Yu Kiu in the pre-quarter-final match with a score of 4-1.

He lost the first frame 08-89, however, he staged a comeback, winning the next four frames with scores of 74-62(62), 71-12, 57-46, and 71(68)-24.

Awais Munir edged past another Hong Kong cueist Chau Hon Man 4-2. The frame scores were 44-81, 80-08, 17-65, 88-42, 85(79)-05 and 66-34.

Asjad also registered an upset victory over world champion Ali Al Obaidli on Sunday with scores of 59-36, 26-63, 58-19, and 70-58 earning direct qualification for the pre-quarter round.

READ: Gary Kirsten emphasizes the need for ‘fine-tuning’ in Pakistan players

ICC delegation visits National Stadium to review Champions Trophy arrangements

The International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation visited the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday to review the arrangements for the upcoming Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

The delegation reached Karachi last night and visited the National Stadium this morning, inspecting the ongoing construction work and preparation for the Champions Trophy.

After Karachi, the ICC delegation will then travel to Islamabad and Lahore for the next phase of the inspection. They will prepare the complete report of venues and preparation after completing the visit.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025  is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the BCCI seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

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Remember, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.

Further reports claimed that the board has formally proposed Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.

However, Geoff Allardice, the CEO of the International Cricket Council (ICC) refuted the reports, stating that no teams have indicated any hesitation in participating in the tournament.

During a media briefing in Dubai for the Women’s T20 World Cup, Allardice expressed satisfaction about Pakistan as the venue for the tournament. He further highlighted the ICC’s confidence in Pakistan’s ability to host the Champions Trophy.

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ICC delegation to visit Karachi’s National Stadium to review Champions Trophy arrangements

The International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation is set to visit Karachi’s National Stadium to review the arrangements for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

The six-member delegation will reach Karachi tonight and will visit the National Stadium tomorrow to inspect the ongoing construction work and preparation for the Champions Trophy.

The six-member delegation includes event organizers and security representatives, who will also meet representatives of law enforcement agencies in Karachi.

The ICC delegation will then travel to Islamabad and Lahore for the next phase of the inspection. They will prepare the complete report of venues and preparation after completing the visit.

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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025  is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the BCCI seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

Remember, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.

Further reports claimed that the board has formally proposed Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.

Geoff Allardice refuted the reports, stating that no teams have indicated any hesitation in participating in the tournament.

During a media briefing in Dubai for the Women’s T20 World Cup, Allardice expressed satisfaction about Pakistan as the venue for the tournament. He further highlighted the ICC’s confidence in Pakistan’s ability to host the Champions Trophy.

READ: Sharjah Cricket Stadium to host 250th ODI with Afghanistan-South Africa clash

Asjad Iqbal stuns world champion Ali Al Obaidli in Mongolia World Cup

ULAANBAATAR: Pakistani cueist Asjad Iqbal shocked the world as he registered an upset victory over world champion Ali Al Obaidli during the ongoing Mongolia Snooker World Cup 2024 here on Sunday.

Asjad Iqbal secured the 3-1 victory with scores of 59-36, 26-63, 58-19, and 70-58 earning direct qualification for the pre-quarter round.

Meanwhile, another Pakistani cueist Awais Munir defeated Iran’s Siyavosh Mozayani with a 3-1 margin. The frame scores were 09-63, 78-34, 59-50, 73-13.

Prior to that, Awais Munir defeated Mongolia’s Kash Uchjir in his first match of the Mongolia Snooker World Cup with frame scores of 60-17, 62-12, and 81-09.

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He continued his winning ways in the second game as he edged past Oman’s Hussain Al-Wati with the scores of 68-06, 10175-12, and 83-15.

Meanwhile, Asjad Iqbal kicked off his campaign with a victory over Mongolia’s Batarkhuu Naranhuu with a score of 3-0. The frame scores were 71-38, 71-51, and 110-32.

He faced Japan’s Junji Miyazawa in his second match, winning again without dropping a frame, with the scores of 68-18, 63-11, and 83-01.

Awais Munir and Asjad Iqbal departed from Karachi on Thursday to participate in the Mongolia World Cup as well as the World 6-Red Snooker Championship. Notably, both events are scheduled to take place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from 15-22 September.

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