Author: ali.hassan

LAHORE: The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee Najam Sethi on Saturday, congratulated the entire nation after the national men’s team topped the ODI rankings for the first time ever.

Babar Azam-led side were fifth in the rankings with 106 rating points – seven behind the then leader Australia – at the commencement of the series but the green shirts put on a dominant show in the first four ODIs to jump four places.

A thumping 102-run victory in the fourth ODI lifted the national team to 113.483 rating points and leapfrogged Australia to get a hold on to the spot in the ODI rankings for the first time.

Pakistan’s previous best ODI ranking was third, which they achieved in January 2007.

Meanwhile, on a historic day for Pakistan cricket, the PCB management committee chairman Najam Sethi congratulated the entire nation and credited captain Babar Azam and the coaching staff for the achievement.

“I congratulate the entire nation on becoming the world number one in the ODIs of Pakistan Cricket Team,” stated Sethi.

“Captain Babar Azam, the entire team and the coaching staff deserve congratulations on this momentous occasion. I am proud of this team and wish them all the best,” he added.

The PCB head then went on to express his hope that the national team’s training will be fruitful for them in the upcoming Asia Cup and ODI World Cup.

It is worth mentioning here that Pakistan need to complete a clean sweep over hapless New Zealand in a bid to retain their top spot. A loss, however, would see them slipping back to the third position.

KARACHI: Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq looked contented for playing an impactful role in the team’s victory despite falling prey to nervous nineties in the third PAK vs NZ ODI series on Wednesday.  

Imam scored 90 from 107 balls to help the Green Shirts beat New Zealand by 26 runs here at National Bank Cricket Arena and take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-game series.

“I am happy that our team have won today and I played my part in it, though every batsman feels a little bit disappointed when he gets out on the nineties,” he said in a post-match press conference.

Revealing that he was upset for missing out on his 10th ODI hundred, the left-hander claimed the situation required him to play his shots freely and not to slow down.

“I was acting according to the team’s plans because we wanted to get to 290 or 300.”

When asked about his on-field chemistry with skipper Babar Azam since the two gathered their ninth centurion stand in yesterday’s match, Imam replied, “It is because we both are playing together for so long and batted through every thick and thin.”

He, however, revealed that Babar and his opening partner Fakhar Zaman have very contrasting traits, and he enjoyed batting with both of them.

“Fakhar does not speak a lot and Babar does not remain quiet for long. It is fun batting with both of them because Babar is a good friend of mine and Fakhar has been batting with me since our time in domestic cricket.”

With ICC ODI World Cup in sight, Imam believed it was not appropriate to experiment with the team at this stage and has shunned the idea of including hard-hitters, Iftikhar Ahmed or Mohammad Haris, in the lower middle order.

“If I tell you honestly, I don’t think so, because we don’t have time to do experiments, and with Agha [Salman], Shadab [Khan] and [Mohammad] Nawaz, we have enough power-hitting in our ranks. We just need to give them confidence. Sometimes it is very different to come at number five or six and play only six or seven overs,” he said.

It is pertinent to mention Pakistan will play the last two matches against the visitors at the same venue on May 5 and 7.

READ: Huraira, Omair ton put Pakistan Shaheens in command on opening day

KARACHI: Pakistan wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan revealed that he was not happy batting at number five in ODIs while expressing his desire to get a promotion in the batting order.

Speaking in a media talk ahead of the third PAK vs NZ ODI, Rizwan claimed he was not satisfied with his current batting position in the 50-Over format, adding, ‘despite his wish to bat at no.4 he never complained about it with the captain or coach.”

“Frankly speaking, I am not happy with the fifth number because I want to play at no.4,” he told reporters on Monday.

“But it is not necessary that I get what I wish for. Captain and the coach do what they believe is suitable for the team.”

He, however, negated the impression he was pushing to get the desired batting position, adding, he has never complained or cried foul about it.

“My personal wishes do not matter. It happens many times that a player has his own aspirations but the captain and coach think otherwise because they have their own mindset.”

The wicket-keeper batter without naming anyone also disclosed that he was even asked to open for Pakistan by the previous management.

“I won’t take their names but I was even asked to open in ODIs by the people in previous tenures. They asked me to be prepared for any change even for the opening slot. I replied that would be your call.” he concluded.

Mohammad Rizwan, who bats as an opener alongside skipper Babar Azam in T20Is for Pakistan, in the longer white-ball format came down the batting order sometimes even at no.6.

It must be noted here that Pakistan are currently engaged in five-game ODI series against the Blackcaps. The Men in Green lead the series 2-0 following back-to-back wins in first two matches in Rawalpindi.

The two sides will now take on each other in the third fixture at the National Bank Cricket Arena as the action shifts to Karachi, which will host the remaining three ODIs on May 3, 5 and 7.

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KARACHI: Pakistan and New Zealand cricket teams arrived in Karachi on Sunday to play the last three matches of the PAK vs NZ ODI series on May 3, 5, and 7, respectively, at National Bank Cricket Arena. 

Both teams landed at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport in the afternoon from Islamabad after playing the first two ODIs in Rawalpindi.

Rawalpindi hosted the two T20Is and as many ODI matches during New Zealand’s ongoing tour of the country.

As per the details, both teams will start their training for the remainder of the ODI series tomorrow at the venue.

It must be noted here New Zealand beat Pakistan 2-1 in their last ODI series earlier this year with all three matches held in Karachi.

On Saturday, Pakistan sealed a convincing win against the visitors in the second PAK vs NZ ODI to take a 2-0 lead in the series thanks to Fakhar Zaman’s marathon knock of unbeaten 180 runs.

The in-form opener struck his third-consecutive century and propelled Pakistan to an astonishing seven-wicket victory over the visitors last night.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam opted to bowl first after the coin flipped in his favour. New Zealand, batting first, put up a decent total on the scoreboard at the back of a brilliant century by Daryl Mitchell and a vital 98-run knock by skipper Tom Latham.

Mitchell smashed eight boundaries and three sixes on his way to top score for New Zealand with a 119-ball 129.

On the other hand, Latham fell just two short of his century as he scored 98 in just 85 balls, laced up with eight boundaries and a six.

The target set by New Zealand eventually proved insufficient for their bowlers to defend at the back of resounding knocks by their openers Fakhar Zaman and skipper Babar.

Fakhar Zaman continued his magnificent form to score his second-consecutive century and top-scored for Pakistan in the run chase.

Babar, however, looked confident to replicate Fakhar but fell short as he fell victim to Ish Sodhi after scoring an important 65 in 66 deliveries, hitting five boundaries and a six.

The two sides will now take on each other in the third fixture of the five-match ODI series on Wednesday.

READ: Fakhar Zaman bags multiple records in second PAK vs NZ ODI

LAHORE: In-form all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed replaced injured Haris Sohail in Pakistan’s ODI squad for the last three PAK vs NZ ODI matches in Karachi, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Saturday.

According to the details, left-arm middle-order batter Haris Sohail, who succumbed to an injury amid the team’s scheduled practice session ahead of the five-match ODI series against New Zealand, has been replaced by in-form all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed.

Notably, Haris suffered a nasty collision with his teammate Shadab Khan in the training session and landed awkwardly on his left shoulder.

The batter was then taken to a local hospital in Rawalpindi and underwent scans.

“Pakistan batter Haris Sohail landed awkwardly on his left shoulder during a fielding drill today,” stated PCB in a statement.

“His initial scans at a local hospital were satisfactory. The medical team will assess him before the first One-Day International tomorrow to determine his participation in the match,” the statement added.

Following his inclusion in the ODI squad, Iftikhar will join the national contingent in Karachi, where the last three fixtures of the PAK vs NZ ODI series will be played on May 3, 5 and 7.

A sensational bowling performance by young pacer Naseem Shah and a magnificent century in the run chase by Fakhar Zaman propelled the home side to a resounding five-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first ODI to script a winning start to the series.

With the ICC ODI World Cup scheduled this year in India, the series provide a launching pad for the two teams to begin their preparations for the megaevent.

Pakistan ODI Squad: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Ihsanullah, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Usama Mir, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood and Mohammad Wasim Jnr.

Pakistan’s elderly athlete and badminton champion Mahoor Shahzad’s father, Mohammad Shahzad, set an Asian record in Hong Kong Indoor Rowing Championship 2023. 

Sexagenarian Shahzad claimed three gold medals at the event and registered a new Asian record in the age group by clocking 1 minute and 32 seconds in the 500m race.

Meanwhile, he completed the 2000m race in 7 minutes and 12 seconds.

Shahzad won his third gold for taking out time in 2000 metres which was 90 per cent of the world record.

In February, Mahoor’s father had also won two gold medals in the indoor rowing championship held in Portugal.

It is important to note here that Mr Shahzad’s daughter Mahoor is the first ever badminton player to have the honour of representing Pakistan at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Indoor rowing also called ‘erging’ – named because of the equipment used for this type of sport, the ergometer – is a growing sport with competitions taking place all over the world.

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Faisalabad’s Mohsin Nawaz achieved an incredible milestone in the world of International F class shooting as he became the first Pakistani shooter to complete 400 shots in international matches, earning him the prestigious National Rifle Association (NRA) USA classification.

Mohsin has completed these shots by participating in two International competitions, Rocky Mountain at Montana and  NRA US Nationals.

The Pakistani shooter has also won multiple championships around the world and has made his country proud several times, not just internationally but also nationally.  He has won an incredible 25 medals on his home ground.

This achievement is a true testament to the skill, dedication, and hard work that Mohsin has put into his sport.

According to Nawaz, his goal is to discover and cultivate talent in Pakistan, particularly in the area of F-class long-range shooting. He aims to train students to compete in international championships and bring accolades for the country.

READ: PCB nominates Aleem Dar for ICC international panel of umpires

 

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Moin Khan commented on the rumours surfacing the internet regarding the potential international return of experienced left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir and subjected it to the latter’s performance.

Moin while talking to the media here responded to a question regarding the reports of Amir’s comeback to international cricket and termed the pacer a brilliant player.

“Mohammad Amir is a brilliant player. If his performance is good then he should definitely be added to the national team,” said Moin.

Notably, a report emerged on Sunday that Amir has been told to get ready for international cricket.

Reports further claimed that the national men’s team’s selection committee also contacted the pacer’s manager and asked him to prohibit Amir from making unnecessary statements on the media and focus on his performance.

According to the details, Amir also received a green signal to represent Pakistan in the forthcoming ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 in India.

It is pertinent to mention that Amir represented Pakistan in 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 50 T20Is. He last played an international match in Pakistan colours in 2020 before announcing his retirement citing his difference with the then team management led by the former chief selector and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq.

The left-arm pacer played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s last two ICC title victories – T20 World Cup 2009 and Champions Trophy 2017.

READ: Pakistan should not travel to India for World Cup: Moin Khan 

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Moin Khan on Monday, stated that Pakistan should not tour India for World Cup if the Indian team does not play their Asia Cup matches in Pakistan.

Moin interacted with the media here and commented on the most debated deadlock between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) over the Asia Cup and World Cup venue.

The former captain opined that the PCB should take a strong stance on the matter and not send the national team to India for World Cup if the Indian team does not come here to participate in the Asia Cup.

“If India does not come to Pakistan to play the Asia Cup, then Pakistan should not go either for the World Cup. I think Pakistan Cricket Board should oppose this,” said Moin.

“If India plays the Asia Cup at a neutral venue, Pakistan’s matches should also be held at a neutral venue,” he added.

Moin also stated that the BCCI can not impose its decision on other boards by extortion of money while also stating that the two cricket boards should resolve the deadlock by dialogue and called for cricket diplomacy between the two nations.

“India cannot impose its will on other cricket boards by extortion of money. Cricket should be played, and for this, there should be a discussion in the boards of India and Pakistan,” stated Moin.

“There should be cricket diplomacy between the two countries,” he concluded.

It is worth mentioning here that the upcoming edition of the Asia Cup and Pakistan’s participation in the Men’s ODI World Cup has been in jeopardy after the BCCI refused to tour Pakistan for the aforementioned tournament on political grounds.

The BCCI maintained their stance of not touring Pakistan for the Asia Cup, while the PCB was adamant that if they do not, then Pakistan might not travel to India for the World Cup in October-November.

The uncertainty around the 2023 Asia Cup began in October last year when the ACC president, and BCCI secretary, Jay Shah refused to send the Indian team to Pakistan and has since been trying to shift the tournament to a neutral venue.

Several ideas have been pitched to find a way through the long-persisted deadlock including the hybrid model to host the matches of Pakistan and India during the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup and Asia Cup at neutral venues.

However, the deadlock persisted after the BCCI flatly refused to accept the hybrid model and insisted on shifting the entire Asia Cup to a neutral venue and hosting all World Cup matches in Pakistan.

READ: Haider Ali joins Derbyshire for County Championship 2023 

Pakistan’s professional e-gamer Arslan Ash claimed another EVO trophy after defeating Meo-IL in a one-sided Grand Final of the Tekken 7 tournament at EVO Japan 2023 on Sunday. 

Arslan defeated his Korean counterpart 3-0 in the final to win the third trophy at the Evolution Championship Series (EVO).

Congratulations to @ArslanAsh95 on being your #EvoJapan2023 #TEKKEN7 Champion!

Tekken 7 Top 8 Results:

1 @ArslanAsh95
2 @WaMEOIL1
3 @rangchu123
4 @ohakonbanntiwa
5 @__gkEn__
5 @LowHigh92
7 @TK_SAINT
7 @Mulgold98https://t.co/pRm0CRum2y pic.twitter.com/SEEa7dg7G2

— Evo (@Evo) April 2, 2023

With the victory, he also equalled Korea’s Jae-Min “Knee” Bae’s record for the most number of EVO Championship victories. Knee won the trophy in Tekken Tag Tournament 2 in 2013 and for Tekken 7 in 2018 and 2022.

Previously,  the Pakistani gamer won the EVO Japan trophy in 2019.

It is pertinent to mention here EVO Japan is one of the popular fighting esports events of the year. The three-day competition took place between March 31 and April 2 with over 5,000 attendees.

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