Author: ali.hassan

Pakistan Test squad will reach Melbourne on December 19 to partake in the second Test match of the three-match Test series, which is scheduled to start on December 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground

Pakistan Test squad will participate in the training session on December 21 in Melbourne before playing a two-day practice match against Victoria XI on December 22 and 23.

They will then take a day to rest before resuming their training at the MCG on December 25.

Meanwhile, the Australia team will report to Melbourne on December 23 and partake in the training session for two days before kicking off the Boxing Day Test on December 26.

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Australia are currently leading the Test series 1-0 after thumping Pakistan by a huge margin of 360 runs in the first Test match at Perth Stadium.

Australian bowlers bowled the Pakistan team for a meagre 89 runs in the second innings after setting a mammoth target of 450 runs to register a dominant victory.

Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh was adjudged man-of-the-match for his brilliant performance in both innings with scores of 90 and 63* as well as one wicket in the first innings.

Pakistan Test squad

Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafiq, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Nauman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Sajid Khan

READ: Nathan Lyon becomes the eighth bowler to take 500 wickets in Test cricket

HOUSTON: Shahram Changezi, Pakistan’s accomplished snooker and pool player has once again brought glory to the nation with his triumphant victory in the Texas Open Snooker Championship 2023.

The event took place in Q Billiards Hall in Houston; top players from the USA and other countries participated.

Shahram defeated Raed Shabib from Iraq in the quarter-final, Joey USA’s Torres in the semi-final and India’s Ahmed Mustafa in the final by 3–1 to wrap up the Texas Open Snooker Championship 2023 title.

Besides his monumental victory, Shahram Changezi made the highest break of the event by scoring 89 points and clinched the highest break trophy as well.

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Changezi also participated in the American 9 Ball Pool League in which 128 players participated. He demonstrated skills in the 9 Ball Pool as well and stood third.

Shahram Changezi has been an active member of the domestic snooker circuit and has represented Pakistan in many international events.

Due to his inclination towards pool as well, shahram opted to join American Pool league in 2018. He first appeared in the Chinese 8 Ball Pool Championship held in LA, USA where is reached quarter finals.

There onwards, he participated in international pool events every year and is now among top Fargo Rated players.

After clinching the Texas Open Snooker Championship 2023 title, Shahram urged the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) to promote pool in the country, highlighting the sports world wide popularity.

“I think PBSA should also start organising pool events and promote pool in country. Pool is widely played and is more entertaining than snooker. Pakistan is full of talent and I am sure by putting in little efforts in pool we can bring laurels to the nation,” said Changezi.

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PERTH: Pakistan Men’s Team director Mohammad Hafeez on Monday expressed his disappointment over the slow wicket in Canberra for Pakistan’s four-day practice match against the Australian Prime Minister’s XI.

The four-day match was played at Manuka Oval last week and ended in a draw after the last day was called off due to bad weather.

Addressing the media after Pakistan’s first practice session in Perth, Hafeez said, “I was surprised and disappointed at the four-day match surface offered at Canberra. It was a slow wicket that might be part of Australia’s strategy, but we are still fully ready for the series.”

Hafeez also stated that the Pakistan team is ready for the Test series challenge against Australia and vowed that they are not here to compete but to beat Australia.

Hafeez stated, “This Pakistan Test team is well settled and they have done well for the country in the past. It is heartening to see that these guys are excited to take on challenges and doing well in Australia will be a top priority.”

On the excitement to face Australia, Hafeez expressed confidence in beating the home team and said that Pakistan have enough talent to do that.

“We have ticked most of the boxes in our training. Everyone on the team is excited to showcase their ability and eager to win. Unfortunately, Abrar Ahmed is unfit but everyone else is fit and ready to take on Australia.”

Hafeez also talked about Nathan Lyon’s return to Australia’s Test team.

“Lyon is a great bowler. He has won Test matches for his team but we generally play off-spin well and we have scored a lot of runs against him in the last few series. I hope our batters will do well against him in this series as well.”

The first Test match between Pakistan and Australia will start at Perth Stadium on 14 December.

READ: Cricket Australia introduces Pakistan Bay in Perth Stadium

Cricket Australia on Monday announced a dedicated space for Pakistan cricket fans labelled as the ‘Pakistan Bay’ in Perth Stadium ahead of the first Test between Pakistan and Australia.

The first Test, which is also labelled the ‘West Test’ will kick off the three-match Test series from December 14 in Perth Stadium.

Cricket Australia has reserved two stands surrounding the Pakistan team’s dressing room for Pakistan cricket fans.

This dedicated area has been named “Pakistan Bay” and will serve as a focal point for their fans to passionately support the Green shirts.

It is worth noting that the Pakistan Bay has been designated as an alcohol-free zone, ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere.

Moreover, Pakistani tea, halal food, and desi cuisines will also be available for the fans at Pakistan Bay.

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Pakistani cricketers Hasan Ali and Saim Ayub have invited fans to join a walk organized by Cricket Australia on the first day of the match.

The walk will commence from the famous Sailani Avenue, and lead the participants to the Perth Stadium.

Cricket Australia has announced that it will offer Pakistan Bay tickets at lower prices than the standard AUD 30 tickets for the West Test match.

Additionally, children under the age of four can enter the stadium for free, while tickets for children aged four to fifteen will start at AUD 10.

Notably, more than 18000 tickets have already been sold for the much-awaited clash and the demand for the tickets has been high since the Pakistan team arrived in Australia.

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Right-arm off-spinner Sajid Khan is reportedly likely to be called up to Pakistan’s Test squad in Australia ahead of the first Test, commencing on December 14 in Perth.

Reports suggest that Sajid Khan was contacted by team management to prepare himself after spin bowler Abrar Ahmed suffered an injury on the third day of a four-day game against Prime Minister’s XI.

Abrar Ahmed complained of discomfort in his right leg after bowling eight overs on the third day and was taken off the field.

Following his complaint, Abrar Ahmed was sent for an MRI scan. Further details will be shared in due course after the medical panel assesses the MRI reports.

The selection committee will take a final decision on Sajid Khan’s inclusion after Abrar Ahmed’s MRI reports.

The four-day game was scheduled as part of Pakistan’s preparation ahead of their three-match Test series against Australia.

The Prime Minister’s XI is currently trailing Pakistan by just 24 runs after the third day of the four-day game against Pakistan, courtesy of Matt Renshaw’s unbeaten century.

Prime Minister’s XI resumed from their score of 149-2 in 60 overs with Matt Renshaw and Cameron Green on the crease.

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Right-arm seamer Faheem Ashraf provided the first breakthrough of the day for Pakistan, dismissing Green (46) to break the 86-run stand.

Nathan McSweeney then joined Renshaw on the crease and they stitched a commanding partnership of 120 runs, mounting pressure on the Pakistan bowlers as the trail steadily decreased.

Imam-ul-Haq claimed the second first-class wicket of his career as Mir Hamza took a stunning catch to help break the formidable partnership.

McSweeney walked back to the pavilion after scoring 40 from 105 deliveries, including three fours.

Renshaw batted through the day to reduce the trail for the Prime Minister’s XI, bringing it down to just 24.

His undefeated knock of 136 from 337 balls, including eight boundaries and a six, made sure Pakistan bowlers toiled throughout the day.

Prime Minister’s XI will start Day four in a commanding position with the unbeaten centurion Renshaw and Beau Webster (21 not out, 86b, 1×6) on the crease.

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Pakistan-born Riazat Ali Shah from Uganda national cricket team has expressed his desire to play against Babar Azam and Virat Kohli in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Uganda have recently booked their tickets for the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA after a top-two finish in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Region Qualifier.

Uganda’s allrounder Riazat Ali Shah, who hails from Gilgit, while talking to ARY News opened up about his wish to play against Azam and Kohli.

“It is an honour for me to play in the T20 World Cup for Uganda,” said Riazat Ali Shah.

“I wish that my team [Uganda] gets placed in the same group as India and Pakistan in T20 World Cup,” he added.

“I want to play against Babar Azam and Virat Kohli,” he concluded.

Upon being asked, Riazat Ali Shah shared which players are his ideals in batting and bowling.

“I like Wasim Akram in bowling and Kevin Pietersen in batting.”

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Notably, this will be the first-ever appearance of Uganda in an ICC World Cup event as they will become only the fifth African nation to feature in the T20 World Cup.

During the T20 World Cup Africa Region Qualifiers, Uganda overcame Tanzania in their opening game by a comfortable margin of eight wickets.

However, in the next game, a brilliant 4/17 from Namibian all-rounder David Wiese handed them a six-wicket defeat.

The African side made a comeback in grand style in the next game, defeating the Test-playing Zimbabwe by five wickets.

While skipper Sikandar Raza’s 48* starred for his side, Uganda’s bowling effort led by Dinesh Nakrani (3/14), restricted the Chevrons to 136/7.

During the chase, the Cricket Cranes were guided by Riazat Ali Shah (42) and Alpesh Ramjani (40). They won with five wickets to spare in a major cricketing upset.

Lifted by this effort, the side then overcame Nigeria with ease. They followed up with a 33-run win over Kenya, to have one foot into the T20 World Cup.

They ensured the same with a comfortable nine-wicket win over Rwanda. They rendered a top-notch bowling effort, which bowled out Rwanda for merely 65.

The target was then chased down by the ninth over mark.

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CANBERRA: Pakistan’s Test captain Shan Masood has revealed the batting order for the upcoming three-match Test series against Australia, which will see him playing at number three.

Shan Masood talked to the media after the trophy unveiling ceremony for the four-day match between Pakistan and Australian Prime Minister XI, which is set to start tomorrow.

The newly appointed Pakistan’s Test skipper stated that Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique will continue to open the innings while Babar Azam will bat at number four.

“We will continue with the same batting order from the last Test series. Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique are settled as opening batters for over a year,” said Shan Masood.

“Babar Azam is our main batter and he has been playing at number four in Test cricket, so we will plan our batting around him.”

Shan Masood further opened up about his position and the role of two wicketkeepers in the squad.

“I played at number three since my comeback to the Test side, so I will continue in that role, while Sarafraz Ahmed will be our first-choice wicketkeeper,” stated Masood.

“However, we can play both Sarfaraz and Mohammad Rizwan, depending on conditions where one can play as a batter.”

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He also showed confidence in Pakistan’s bowling attack and hoped that it would pose a threat to Australian batters.

“We have got a balanced pace attack led by Shaheen Afridi, with each bowler posing a different threat.”

“Mir Hamza and Khurram Shahzad are proven performers in our domestic circuit, having the ability to make a mark in Australia.”

“Mohammad Wasim Jr. can provide us extreme pace with reverse swing, supported by all-rounder Aamer Jamal who also bowls with good pace. While Faheem Ashraf is a seasoned all-rounder who has done well in Test cricket.”

Pakistan’s captain also praised Australian batter David Warner for his impressive Test career, which may come to an end after the upcoming Test series.

“David Warner has been a great servant to not only Australia but world cricket. We wish him the best of luck but we will make sure to make his last series challenging.”

“Australia have an overall balanced side and one of the best bowling attack in the world. We have to play our brand of cricket in all three departments to challenge them and I believe we have a team which can do that,” Shan Masood concluded.

Pakistan and Australia will square off in the first Test match in Perth from 14-18 December 2023.

The second Test match will be played in Melbourne, from 26 to 30 December, while Sydney will host the last game of the tour from 3 to 7 January 2024.

READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed upbeat for tough challenge in Australia Tests

CANBERRA: Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is ready to face the challenges that lay ahead in the upcoming four-day game against Australian Prime Minister XI.

Sarfaraz Ahmed while talking to the media, recalled the inspiring innings of Chris Gayle at Manuka Oval and stressed the importance of the match against PM XI.

“I remember watching Chris Gayle’s incredible innings of 200 runs against Zimbabwe at Manuka Oval. Now, as we brace ourselves for a four-day clash in Canberra against Australia, the weather seems to be good,” said Sarfaraz Ahmed.

“This match holds an immense significance as it kickstarts the three-match test series against the formidable Australian team.”

Expressing his confidence, Sarfaraz highlighted the strength of the Pakistani lineup.

“Australia boasts good batters, but we are no less. With Abdullah, Babar, Imam, Saud, and Agha in our ranks, we are well-equipped for the challenge,” he declared.

Sarfaraz further praised the quality of Pakistan’s bowlers in the Test squad.

“Shaheen and Hasan are exceptional, and we have the likes of Mir Hamza, Khurram Shehzad, and Fahim, who have proven their mettle in domestic competitions.”

The former captain then took a moment to extend his congratulations to the newly-appointed Test captain Shan Masood and acknowledged his leadership.

“It’s always an honour to lead your country, and I want to congratulate Shan Masood for his role,” said the wicketkeeper batter.

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“The camaraderie between Babar Azam, Muhammad Hafeez, and Shan Masood is a testament to the strong bond within our camp.”

Sarfaraz Ahmed concluded with the humble mention that he is ready to play any role for the team in Australia.

“I am happy to play any role – whether as a batter or a wicket-keeper – in contributing to the success of the team.”

Pakistan and Australia will square off in the first Test match in Perth from 14-18 December 2023.

The second Test match will be played in Melbourne, from 26 to 30 December, while Sydney will host the last game of the tour from 3 to 7 January 2024.

Pakistan squad

Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi

Australia squad

David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Cameron Green, Lance Morris

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Pakistan’s left-arm pace bowler Shaheen Afridi expressed his desire to spoil Australian opening batter David Warner’s final Test series, starting with the Perth Test on December 14th.

David Warner was in scintillating white ball form at the recently concluded ICC World Cup 2023, scoring 535 runs at a 48.63 average for his side which won their sixth World Cup title.

However, Warner has scored just one Test century since early 2020 and averages only 28 since the 2019-2020 summer.

The 37-year-old batter has indicated he plans to quit the five-day game after the third Test against Pakistan at his home Sydney Cricket Ground.

Shaheen Afridi, while talking to the media before his side’s practice session in Canberra praised Warner for his stellar career but predicted that the southpaw will not have a ‘good end’ to his Test career.

“We would wish him good luck but we are not hoping for a good end for David Warner in his last Test series against us,” said Shaheen Afridi.

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Afridi also stressed the importance of the Australian series for Pakistan to hold on to their top spot in the World Test Championship’s points table.

“This is an important series for Pakistan as we are leading the World Test Championship’s point table at the moment,” he further added.

He further expressed his side’s readiness to take the challenge of facing Australia in their tough home conditions.

“We have played against the recently announced Australia’s 14-member squad, and we are all up for this challenge,” he affirmed.

Pakistan and Australia will square off in the first Test match in Perth from 14-18 December 2023.

The second Test match will be played in Melbourne, from 26 to 30 December, while Sydney will host the last game of the tour from 3 to 7 January 2024.

Pakistan squad

Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi

Australia squad

David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Cameron Green, Lance Morris

READ: Fatima, Shawaal lead Pakistan women to historic win over New Zealand

DUNEDIN: Pakistan women’s team created history on Sunday, defeating New Zealand women by seven wickets in the first T20I at the University of Otago Oval in Dunedin.

This marked the first win for the Pakistan women’s team over the New Zealand women – also known as White Ferns – in the T20I format.

Chasing 128 to win, Pakistan’s opening pair of Shawaal Zulfiqar and Muneeba Ali provided a decent 40-run start to the innings.

Muneeba (23 off 24, four fours) was the first batter to return to the pavilion.

At that stage, captain Nida Dar promoted herself up in the order and knitted 51 runs for the second wicket with right-handed batter Shawaal.

18-year-old Shawaal, playing her sixth T20I and first on New Zealand soil, scored her highest T20I score of 41 off 42 balls, smashing seven boundaries.

Following Shawaal’s departure at the end of the 13th over with 91 runs on the board, Nida too was dismissed after a quick-fire 23 off 14 balls, including a four and a six.

With back-to-back wickets falling, the experienced pair of Bismah Maroof and Aliya Riaz got together and guided the team to a seven-wicket win with 10 balls to spare.

Aliya returned unbeaten on 25 off 12 balls.

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Her innings included two fours and a six, the latter of which she struck on the second ball of the 19th over to finish the match.

Bismah was undefeated on 13 off 18 balls, hitting a four.

Earlier, after opting to bat first, the White Ferns were restricted to 127 for six courtesy of a fine bowling display by the touring side.

Right-arm fast Fatima Sana, who missed the Bangladesh tour due to injury, capitalised on the overcast conditions and bowled a spell of four overs, giving away only 18 runs and bagging three wickets.

Nida, Diana Baig and Aliya took a wicket each.

For New Zealand, Maddy Green was the top run-getter, scoring 43 not out off 28 balls, and hitting five fours.

Pakistan will now take on Whites Ferns in the second T20I on Tuesday, 5 December at the same venue.

The match will begin at 1300 local time, while the third and final T20I of the series will be played in Queenstown on Saturday, 9 December.

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