Category: Cricket

Paceman Blair Tickner took four quick wickets as New Zealand held their nerve to beat Bangladesh by 26 runs and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match one-day international series on Friday.

Chasing 248 on a slow surface at the Mirpur stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh, lost their last six wickets for just 37 runs and were bowled out for 221 off 48.3 overs.

Bangladesh were off to a shaky start after pacer Nathan Smith struck twice off consecutive deliveries in the third over, removing Tanzid Hasan Tamim (2) and Najmul Hossain Shanto for a duck.

Smith could have had another wicket when Saif Hassan edged one to first slip, but Henry Nicholls spilled a simple chance.

Saif made the most of the reprieve, scoring 57 off 76 balls for his second ODI half-century, and adding 93 runs with Litton Das to revive the innings.

Litton contributed a patient 46 off 68, but both fell at crucial moments.

Saif was caught while trying to pull Will O’Rourke, and Litton was undone by Dean Foxcroft’s turning off spin.

Towhid Hridoy kept Bangladesh in the hunt with a composed 55 off 59 balls, registering his 12th ODI half-century.

He shared a steady stand with Afif Hossain, who was out for 27 while attempting a big hit off Jayden Lennox.

With the required rate climbing, Tickner removed Mehidy Hasan Miraz before sending back Rishad Hossain and Shoriful Islam off successive balls in the 46th over.

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Tickner also got rid of Taskin Ahmed to ensure a fine win for the Kiwis with nine balls to spare.

Earlier, Bangladesh bowlers produced a disciplined performance to restrict New Zealand to 247-8 after the visitors opted to bat first.

Shoriful impressed on his return, removing Nick Kelly early and conceding just nine runs in his opening five overs.

Shoriful was drafted in the squad at the last minute to replace Mustafizur Rahman, who has a knee injury.

Nicholls anchored the New Zealand innings with a composed 68 and shared useful stands with Will Young (30) and Tom Latham (14) before falling to Rishad Hossain, who picked up two key wickets.

Foxcroft’s aggressive 59 off 58 balls and Nathan Smith’s unbeaten 21 provided late impetus to the New Zealand innings.

READ: Australia confirm schedule for historic Bangladesh white-ball tour

KARACHI: Usman Tariq’s three wickets, backed by Rilee Rossouw’s unbeaten half-century, propelled Quetta Gladiators to a six-wicket win over Lahore Qalandars in the 26th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Friday.

The Gladiators chased down 135 in 16.2 overs, losing only four wickets in the process.

Lahore Qalandars piled on a miserable start on Quetta Gladiators as they lost their openers in the first two overs. Shamyl Hussain was caught for a duck while Shakeel was run out for one.

With the side in deep trouble at 11-2, Hassan Nawaz and Rilee Rossouw launched a recovery, forging a 104-run partnership that took the game away from Qalandars.

The pair batted with great composure and took the score to 115 in 13.4 overs. Nawaz made 49 off 32, striking two sixes and six fours.

Meanwhile, Rossouw remained until the end, ensuring his team crossed the line. The left-handed batter struck five fours and two sixes in his 60* off 49 balls.

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For Lahore Qalandars, Sikandar Raza, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf picked up one wicket each.

Earlier, a three-wicket haul from Usman Tariq bundled out Lahore Qalandars for a mere total. Qalandars could not capitalize on the decision to bat first as were bowled out for 134 on the final ball of the innings.

Mohammad Naeem and Fakhar Zaman added 20 for the opening wicket partnership before both batters fell in quick succession.

Naeem made four while Fakhar hit three boundaries in his 20 from 11 balls.

Quetta Gladiators continued to check Qalandars’ progress as they lost their third wicket in the powerplay. Charith Asalanka was caught for six as the defending champions were reduced to 36-3 in 4.4 overs.

The Qalandars continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, with none of their batters getting going. At the halfway mark of the innings, they were in dire straits with six down for 60 runs.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Haseebullah Khan top-scored with 33 off 37 balls, hitting four boundaries.

The pattern continued till the final over for Qalandars, but thanks to some lusty blows from Usama Mir, who took them to a fighting total. Mir scored 22 from seven with the aid of three sixes.

For Quetta Gladiators, Jahandad Khan and Usman Tariq took three wickets each.

READ: Shahid Afridi voices concern as Shapoor Zadran battles illness

KARACHI: Lahore Qalandars have won the toss and have decided to bat first against Quetta Gladiators in the 26th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Friday.

Head to Head

Playing XIs

Quetta Gladiators: Shamyl Hussain, Saud Shakeel (capt.), Rilee Rossouw, Hassan Nawaz, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Bevon Jacobs, Jahandad Khan, Saqib Khan, Alzarri Joseph, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq

Lahore Qalandars: Mohammad Naeem, Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Charith Asalanka, Haseebullah (wk), Sikandar Raza, Daniel Sams, Mohammad Farooq, Shaheen Afridi (capt.), Usama Mir, Haris Rauf

READ: Shahid Afridi voices concern as Shapoor Zadran battles illness

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has expressed deep concern and extended his support for former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran, who is currently in critical condition in the hospital.

Afridi shared an emotional message on the social media platform X, revealing that he had spoken to Zadran’s brother and was deeply saddened upon learning about the former pacer’s health.

“Had a heartfelt call with Shapoor Zadran’s brother today. Truly saddened to hear about his condition. You’ve always been a fighter on the field, and I know you’ll fight this too. Praying for your speedy recovery,” Afridi wrote.

According to recent reports, the 38-year-old has been admitted to intensive care following a serious medical complication.

Updates from family members suggest his condition remains extremely critical, with doctors closely monitoring his progress during crucial periods of treatment.

Zadran, a left-arm pacer, represented Afghanistan in 44 One Day Internationals and 36 T20 Internationals, picking up 43 and 37 wickets respectively.

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He also featured in franchise cricket, including the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), where he claimed 10 wickets in eight appearances.

Over the course of a career spanning more than a decade, Zadran played a significant role in Afghanistan’s rise on the international stage.

He was part of multiple ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squads and etched his name in history during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he scored the winning runs in Afghanistan’s first-ever victory in the tournament.

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Cricket Australia (CA) have officially confirmed their schedule for a historic full men’s white-ball tour of Bangladesh in June 2026, marking the first such bilateral visit in 15 years.

According to the board’s statement, Australia will play six white-ball matches on the tour, three One Day Internationals (ODIs) followed by three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), in a short but significant subcontinent assignment.

“Australia will end a 15-year gap between one-day matches in Bangladesh this winter with confirmation of six white-ball fixtures in the country in June,” the statement said.

The tour comes after Australia’s last full ODI series in Bangladesh in 2011, when they completed a 3-0 sweep in Dhaka, a series remembered for standout batting performances from Shane Watson, Michael Clarke, and Michael Hussey.

Their most recent T20I tour of Bangladesh came in 2021, where they suffered a surprise 4-1 series defeat despite a debut hat-trick from Nathan Ellis.

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A key development this time is a new broadcast rights agreement, which ensures the series will be available to Australian audiences, unlike the 2021 tour, which was not televised live in Australia.

“With the tour to also include three T20I fixtures, a fresh broadcast rights agreement struck this week will mean there is no repeat of Australia’s previous tour, which was blacked out to Australian viewers, making this the first men’s white-ball bilateral series in Bangladesh that has been viewable in Australia since 2011,” the statement said.

Australia’s ODI leg will take place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, with matches scheduled on June 9, 11, and 14.

The T20I series will follow in Chattogram, with all three matches set to be played at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium on June 17, 19, and 21.

Australia men’s tour of Bangladesh 2026 schedule

June 9: 1st ODI, Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, Dhaka

June 11: 2nd ODI, Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, Dhaka

June 14: 3rd ODI, Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, Dhaka

June 17: 1st T20I, Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, Chattogram

June 19: 2nd T20I, Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, Chattogram

June 21: 3rd T20I, Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, Chattogram

READ: PCB, Cricket Australia in talks over white-ball series schedule in Pakistan

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Friday that it is investigating Cricket Canada over allegations of match-fixing, including the team’s loss to New Zealand at the recent T20 World Cup 2026, hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

The game in Chennai, which Canada lost by eight wickets, is under scrutiny following allegations of corruption highlighted in a documentary aired by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) on Thursday.

“The ACU (anti-corruption unit) is aware of the programme broadcast by CBC,” Andrew Ephgrave, interim general manager of the ICC’s Integrity Unit, said in a statement.

The documentary by the public broadcaster made wide-ranging accusations of corruption and poor governance against Canada Cricket.

In the Chennai game, suspicion is focused on the fifth over bowled by captain Dilpreet Bajwa during New Zealand’s chase, according to the ESPN Cricinfo website.

He started with a no-ball, bowled a wide, and ended up conceding 15 runs in the over.

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Canada scored 173 for four wickets in 20 overs, while New Zealand replied with 176 for two off 15.1 overs.

The ICC, the game’s world governing body, is also investigating a telephone call involving then-Canada coach Khurram Chohan in which he claims that senior board members put pressure on him to select certain players, it said.

“Governance matters in relation to ICC Members are considered by the ICC, where they fall under its jurisdiction, in accordance with the ICC’s standard constitutional processes,” Ephgrave said.

Cricket Canada said it was treating the matter with “utmost importance”.

“Recent promotional material alludes to allegations related to organized crime and match-fixing — issues that Cricket Canada takes extremely seriously,” the organisation said on its website.

“Where matters are raised, we are committed to reviewing them responsibly and taking appropriate steps as needed.”

READ: PCB, Cricket Australia in talks over white-ball series schedule in Pakistan

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in active discussions with Cricket Australia (CA) regarding the scheduling of Australia’s upcoming white-ball tour of Pakistan, with both boards working to finalise dates and venues.

According to sources, Pakistan are set to host Australia for a three-match One Day International (ODI) series, with the visitors expected to arrive towards the end of May.

The matches are tentatively planned between May 31 and June 5, with one fixture likely to be held in Rawalpindi and the remaining two in Lahore.

Australia last toured Pakistan earlier this year in January, when they featured in a three-match T20I series.

Following their Pakistan assignment, they are scheduled to travel to Bangladesh for another white-ball tour, with the first ODI there expected to begin on June 9.

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Pakistan, meanwhile, are gearing up for a busy international window. Before hosting Australia, they are set to tour Bangladesh for a two-match Test series, provisionally scheduled from May 8 to 20.

This will mark their first red-ball assignment since their home series against South Africa in October last year, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Looking further ahead, Pakistan’s schedule in the ongoing ICC Future Tours Programme (2023–27) includes a tour of the West Indies for a two-Test series in July-August, followed by a three-match Test series in England from August 19 to September 13.

Later in the cycle, Sri Lanka are set to visit Pakistan for a two-Test series in November, while New Zealand are scheduled to tour in March 2027 for another red-ball assignment.

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Former Test cricketers Umar Gul and Asad Shafiq are likely to be added to Pakistan’s coaching setup for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh, as the team prepares for its first red-ball assignment in several months.

According to sources, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering a revamped coaching panel for the two-match Test series, with Gul expected to take charge as bowling coach, while Shafique is set to be appointed batting coach.

In addition, Abdul Saad is also in line to join the men’s setup as fielding coach, having previously worked with Pakistan’s women’s team in the same role.

Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is tipped to lead the coaching group as head coach for the Bangladesh tour, marking a significant shift in the team’s backroom staff.

The Test series, provisionally scheduled from May 8 to 20, will be Pakistan’s first outing in the format since their home series against South Africa in October last year.

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Preparations for the tour are already underway, with an 18-player training camp currently in progress at the National Cricket Academy.

The camp is set to continue until April 20, with selectors closely monitoring performances before finalising the squad.

Pakistan are expected to depart for Bangladesh on May 3, while discussions regarding the final squad composition and support staff appointments remain ongoing.

The red-ball camp features a mix of emerging and experienced domestic performers, including Mohammad Huraira, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan and Rohail Nazir, as the team looks to build depth ahead of a crucial phase in the ICC World Test Championship cycle.

Players participating in red-ball camp: Afaq Afridi, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Hasan Raza, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Suleman, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Musa Khan, Mushtaq Ahmed, Naqeebullah, Niaz Khan, Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir, Saad Khan, Saifullah Bangash, Sajid Khan, Salman Khan and Waqar Ahmed.

READ: Salman Ali Agha hints at T20I break ahead of ODI World Cup 2027

KARACHI: Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has indicated that he could step away from the shorter format for a period as he looks to manage his workload and refocus on long-term goals, particularly the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027.

Speaking after Karachi Kings’ clash against Islamabad United in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11, the Pakistan T20I captain opened up about his recent struggles and evolving priorities across formats.

Agha admitted that his performances in both franchise and international cricket have not met expectations, prompting him to reassess his approach moving forward.

“There is a lot of concern. I have been thinking that my T20 World Cup did not go the way I wanted, and my PSL has also not been as good as I expected,” he said during the post-match press conference.

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The right-handed batter highlighted that Pakistan do not have a packed T20I calendar in the coming months, which could allow him the flexibility to shift focus towards red-ball and 50-over cricket after the PSL concludes.

“I think the World Cup 2027 is still far away. And we don’t have T20Is until December, so after this PSL, the focus will naturally move towards ODIs and Test matches,” he added.

“If I feel that taking a break from T20s will help me prepare better for the ODI World Cup, then I will definitely consider it.”

Salman Ali Agha underlined the significance of the 50-over World Cup in shaping his career ambitions, making it clear that he is prepared to make tough decisions if it enhances his chances of performing on the global stage.

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“The 50-over World Cup is always very special for any player, and it will be special for me as well. If I have to do anything, I will do it to perform well,” he stated.

The upcoming 2027 edition of the tournament is scheduled to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, with 14 teams set to compete across multiple venues.

Currently featuring in his first PSL season for Karachi Kings, Agha has endured a modest run, scoring 84 runs in six matches at an average of 14.00, while also picking up three wickets. His struggles were also evident during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where he managed just 60 runs in six innings.

READ: PSL 11: Glenn Maxwell creates history with rare T20 milestone

Karachi Kings top-order batter Salman Ali Agha blamed the lack of execution for his side’s eight-wicket defeat to Islamabad United in the 25th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. 

Kings endured a difficult outing against United, as they were completely outplayed across all departments of the game.

Asked to bat first, Karachi Kings scored 150-6 in 20 overs. Reeza Hendricks remained the top-scorer with 51 from 44 balls, including four boundaries.

Islamabad United chased down the 151-run target in 16 overs, thanks to composed half-centuries from Sameer Minhas and Devon Conway.

Agha reflected on the shortcomings in the post-match press conference, rueing the lackluster performance in every department of the game.

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“We have not played good cricket in all departments,” he told reporters.

“We have won three matches and lost three as well. We still have four matches left, and with one win and one loss, momentum could shift, ” he continued.

The 32-year-old also revealed the reason behind the change in his regular batting spot.

“I am also playing at number three for my franchise team. Because of the left and right-hand combination, I changed my batting position today,” the 32-year-old explained.

Salman Ali Agha mentioned that they might have scored between 170 and 180 runs and could have capitalized on the fielding restrictions.

“We probably did not take momentum from the powerplay. In my opinion, we should have scored around 170 runs. We could not stick to our plans. If we had taken wickets in the powerplay, the result could have been different,” he remarked.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Salman Ali Agha is not having a great tournament, as he has only managed 84 runs in six matches so far.

“I am not converting my twenties into bigger scores, which I should be doing. I know my PSL has not gone well after the T20 World Cup,” he admitted while hinting that he might take a rest from the limited-overs cricket in a bid to focus on the ODI World Cup.

“This year, Pakistan does not have much T20 cricket. If I have to take rest from T20s for the ODI World Cup, I can think about it.  I think a 50-over World Cup is off great importance for every player,” Agha concluded.

READ: Moeen Ali rues batting display after defeat to Islamabad United