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RAWALPINDI: Pakistan have won the toss and opted to bat first in the T20I tri-series clash against Zimbabwe at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium here on Sunday.

Playing XIs

Zimbabwe: 1 Brian Bennett, 2 Tadiwanashe Marumani, 3 Brendan Taylor (wk), 4 Sikandar Raza (capt.), 5 Ryan Burl, 6 Tony Munyonga, 7 Tashinga Musekiwa, 8 Brad Evans, 9 Tinotenda Maposa, 10 Richard Ngarava, 11 Wellington Masakadza

Pakistan: 1. Saim Ayub, 2. Sahibzada Farhan, 3. Babar Azam, 4. Salman Ali Agha, 5. Usman Khan, 6. Fakhar Zaman, 7. Muhammad Nawaz, 8. Faheem Ashraf, 9. Mohammad Wasim, 10. Naseem Shah, 11. Usman Tariq

HEAD TO HEAD

Pakistan and Zimbabwe have faced each other 22 times in T20I cricket, with the Green Shirts emerging victorious on 19 occasions.

Catch Pakistan Tri-Series news updates here!

Pakistan have remained unbeaten in the tri-series, opening their campaign on a positive note, defeating Zimbabwe by five wickets earlier this week after successfully chasing a 148-run target in 19.2 overs.

They also defeated Sri Lanka comprehensively by seven wickets in their second fixture.

Before that, the Green Shirts, continuing their good white-ball form at home, whitewashed Sri Lanka 3-0 in the ODI series.

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RAWALPINDI: Sahibzada Farhan’s whirlwind knock and Mohammad Nawaz’s three-wicket haul powered Pakistan to a resounding win over Sri Lanka in the third fixture of the T20I Tri-Series here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday. 

Set only 129, Pakistan sealed victory on the third ball of the 15th over, losing just three wickets in the process.

Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub were off to a flyer, adding 47 in only five overs. Farhan remained the core aggressor while Saim milked the scoring with singles.

The partnership was broken with Saim’s wicket, who made 20 off 18 with the aid of four boundaries.

Meanwhile, Farhan continued to charge and stitched another 69-run partnership with Babar Azam, who played second fiddle in the stand.

Eventually, Green Shirts reached the target without major hiccups, with Sri Lanka taking two more wickets in the shape of Babar Azam (16) and Salman Ali Agha for a golden duck.

Catch Pakistan Tri-Series news updates here

Farhan top-scored with 80 off just 45 deliveries, studded with five sixes and half a dozen fours.

For Sri Lanka, Dushmantha Chameera picked up two wickets.

Earlier, Pakistan left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz bowled a clinical spell, picking up a three-wicket haul to limit Sri Lanka for a modest total.

Sri Lanka could not capitalize on the decision to bat first as they huffed and puffed to 128-7 in their 20  overs, thanks to Janith Liyanage’s valiant 41 from 38 balls.

Kamil Mishara and Pathum Nissanka provided a decent start with a 31-run stand in 3.1 overs. Mishara looked promising before getting caught on 22 from 12 with the help of two sixes and two fours.

Kusal Mendis was run out soon after for just three with the Islanders 38-2 in 5.4 overs. Meanwhile, Nissanka, trying to regain form, played 22 and was caught after scoring 17 from 23 deliveries with the help of only a single boundary.

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As a result, the visitors were 60-3 in 8.1 overs before a middle-order collapse saw them reeling 86-6 in 13.3 overs.

Nawaz remained the architect of the collapse, including two in an over which left Sri Lanka searching for answers. However, it was Janith Liyanage’s knock lower down the order that provided his side some respite. He hit three fours and a six in his knock.

For Pakistan, Mohammad Nawaz topped the wickets chart with three wickets in his quota of four overs. Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, and Salman Mirza also chipped in with one wicket apiece.

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RAWALPINDI: Pakistan were dealt a worrying blow on Thursday after star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi picked up a minor foot fascial injury ahead of their T20I tri-series fixture against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

In a brief statement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Shaheen is under the supervision of the medical team following the injury, with his participation in today’s match hanging in the balance.

“Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is currently under observation with the medical team after sustaining a minor foot fascial injury,” the PCB said.

“His condition is being closely monitored, and any decision regarding his availability will depend on his improvement and subsequent clearance from the medical team.”

With Shaheen unlikely to feature, Pakistan face a significant setback heading into a crucial contest, especially with the left-armer being a central figure in their T20I setup.

The squad, however, still carries pace options in Mohammad Wasim Jr., Naseem Shah and Salman Mirza, while Usman Tariq and Abrar Ahmed provide spin cover.

Pakistan opened their tri-series campaign on a positive note, defeating Zimbabwe by five wickets earlier this week after successfully chasing a 148-run target in 19.2 overs.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, stunned Sri Lanka in the following match, adding further intrigue to the points table.

Pakistan Squad for T20I Tri-Series

Salman Ali Agha (c), Hassan Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq.

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday confirmed the date for the much-anticipated auction for the two new Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises, which will be part of season 11 in 2026.

The cricket board announced that the auction will be held on 6 January 2026, marking a major step in the league’s expansion roadmap.

In an official statement, the board termed the upcoming auction a “significant milestone” in the PSL’s evolution, emphasising that the addition of two new teams will open fresh commercial avenues while deepening fan engagement across the country.

The PCB reiterated that only technically qualified bidders will be invited to the auction, and the successful bidders will then be granted the right to choose their preferred city/team name from the pool of shortlisted locations.

The six cities currently under consideration are Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad and Gilgit.

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Highlighting the league’s growing stature globally, the PCB noted:

“The HBL PSL, now recognised as one of the premier T20 leagues, continues to grow in commercial strength, fan following and overall impact. We look forward to welcoming new stakeholders to the PSL ecosystem.”

Thursday’s announcement also comes on the heels of recent confusion triggered by social media reports claiming that the two new team names had already been finalised.

Rumours had suggested that Faisalabad and Gilgit were the frontrunners.

However, the PCB dismissed those claims, clarifying once again that franchise names will only be determined after the auction and strictly in accordance with the procedure outlined in the official bid documents.

READ: Sikandar Raza reaches major T20I milestone in Sri Lanka win

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has responded to swirling rumours suggesting that Gilgit and Faisalabad have been finalised as the two new teams for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11.

Social media was abuzz on Wednesday with claims citing unnamed sources that the two cities had been officially selected.

However, the PCB strongly refuted these reports through a statement issued on Thursday. They clarified that the final decision on team names rests with the successful bidders.

“The PCB refutes news circulating in the media regarding the finalisation of the two city names for the new HBL PSL franchises,” the board said.

“The PCB would like to clarify that, as per the process, the successful bidders will have the right to choose a team name.”

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Earlier this month, the PCB had shortlisted six cities for consideration: Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, Faisalabad, Gilgit, and Rawalpindi.

The cricket board reiterated that successful bidders will have the option to select their team from these six cities.

“The PCB is pleased to note and welcomes the growing interest in the acquisition of team franchise rights for two new teams for future editions of the HBL PSL,” the statement added.

The public advertisement inviting bids for the new franchises was published on November 15, 2025. The deadline for submitting technical proposals is December 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

The PCB also stressed that information from any other source should not be considered official.

READ: Shubman Gill ruled out of second Test against South Africa: report

RIYADH: Pakistan Javelin Ace added another feather to his cap by winning a gold medal at the sixth edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games here at the Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Stadium on Wednesday.

Arshad secured the gold with an 83.05 throw on his second attempt. The ace thrower did not have the best of starts as he hit the 74-meter mark in his first attempt and crossed the 80m barrier in the second attempt.

His fourth attempt yielded a 77.06m throw, while the fifth resulted in a foul. He finished his campaign with a 77.98m throw.

Meanwhile, another Pakistan athlete, Muhammad Yasir Sutlan, clinched silver with a 74.43m throw. Nigeria’s Samuel Kure bagged a bronze with 75.46m.

Apart from Arshad, no other participating athlete could cross the 80-meter mark in their six attempts. Yasir Sultan remained the second-best thrower, hitting a 76.04-meter mark in his final attempt.

Final Javelin Standings:

Arshad Nadeem – 83.05m
Samuel Kure – 75.46m
Yasir Sultan – 74.43m

The men’s Javelin throw competition featured eight competitors from six countries, including Arshad Nadeem and Yasir Sultan from Pakistan.

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Earlier, Pakistan’s Qudrat Ullah and Fatima Zahra clinched bronze medals after bowing out in the semi-finals of the boxing.

Qudrat clinched a Bronze medal in men’s 55kg boxing after suffering defeat from Egypt’s Amir Mohamed Farag Ahmed Kelany in the semi-final, whereas 19-year-old Fatima was also defeated by an Egyptian opponent in the semi-final.

Qudrat reached the semi-final after defeating Sudan’s Mohamed Othman 10-0 in the quarter-final. While Fatima crushed Algeria’s Hamda Melissa 5-0 in the 60kg quarter-final.

Besides this, Pakistan’s Arusha Saeed also secured a bronze medal in the women’s 57kg Kurash event. The victory marked Pakistan’s first accolade in the event.

For the unversed, the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games are currently held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 7 to 21, 2025, featuring athletes from across the Muslim world competing in a range of sports.

The games also marked a return to Saudi Arabia, which hosted the first edition in 2005 across the cities of Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, and Taif.

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DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday unveiled the full schedule for the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, confirming that arch-rivals Pakistan and India will not meet in the group stage.

The absence of the marquee fixture stands out, especially given how often the two sides are deliberately placed together in ICC youth and senior events to tap into the rivalry’s unmatched global pull.

Set to run from 15 January to 6 February 2026 in Namibia and Zimbabwe, the 16th edition of the U19 World Cup will continue with its familiar format: 16 teams, four groups, 41 matches, and a Super Six stage leading into semi-finals and a final.

The sides will begin arriving on 8 January for warm-ups scheduled from 9–14 January.

The opening day features India vs USA, co-hosts Zimbabwe vs Scotland, and newcomers Tanzania vs West Indies. Tanzania will be making their debut, while Japan return after last featuring in 2020.

Pakistan begin their campaign on 16 January against England in Harare, followed by fixtures against Scotland (19 Jan) and Zimbabwe (22 Jan).

Matches will be split across five venues: Harare Sports Club, Takashinga Sports Club, Queens Sports Club, Namibia Cricket Ground, and HP Oval.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah hailed the tournament’s legacy of shaping future stars, noting its role in introducing talents ranging from Brian Lara and Sanath Jayasuriya to Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, and Shubman Gill.

“The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup has long been the cradle of greatness, a tournament that reveals not just the next generation of cricketers, but the next generation of icons,” said Jay Shah.

“From Brian Lara and Sanath Jayasuriya to Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith and Shubman Gill, the event has consistently shaped the future of our sport.

“As we look ahead to the 2026 edition in Zimbabwe and Namibia, we are excited to provide young cricketers with a world-class platform that mirrors the standards and pressures of senior international cricket.

“This tournament is where dreams are ignited, rivalries are born, and the global cricketing landscape begins to take its next form.

“We are especially pleased to welcome Tanzania as they make their debut and join a truly global field of teams.

“I extend my warmest wishes to all participating squads as they embark on this remarkable journey, representing their countries with pride and promise.”

Group A comprises the most successful side in the tournament’s history, India (five titles), the 2020 winners, Bangladesh, the USA, and New Zealand; meanwhile, Group B has co-hosts Zimbabwe, Pakistan, England, and Scotland.

Moreover, Group C comprises the defending champions Australia, Ireland, Japan, and Sri Lanka, while Group D has Tanzania, the West Indies, Afghanistan, and South Africa.

ICC U19 World Cup 2026 schedule

• 15 January, USA v India, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
• 15 January, Zimbabwe v Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
• 15 January, Tanzania v West Indies, HP Oval, Windhoek
• 16 January, Pakistan v England, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
• 16 January, Australia v Ireland, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
• 16 January, Afghanistan v South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek
• 17 January, India v Bangladesh, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
• 17 January, Japan v Sri Lanka, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
• 18 January, New Zealand v USA, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
• 18 January, England v Zimbabwe, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
• 18 January, West Indies v Afghanistan, HP Oval, Windhoek
• 19 January, Pakistan v Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
• 19 January, Sri Lanka v Ireland, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
• 19 January, South Africa v Tanzania, HP Oval, Windhoek
• 20 January, Bangladesh v New Zealand, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
• 20 January, Australia v Japan, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
• 21 January, England v Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
• 21 January, Afghanistan v Tanzania, HP Oval, Windhoek
• 22 January, Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
• 22 January, Ireland v Japan, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
• 22 January, West Indies v South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek
• 23 January, Bangladesh v USA, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
• 23 January, Sri Lanka v Australia, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
• 24 January, India v New Zealand, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
• 24 January, A4 v D4, HP Oval, Windhoek
• 25 January, Super Six A1 v D3, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
• 25 January, Super Six D2 v A3, HP Oval, Windhoek
• 26 January, B4 v C4, Harare Sports Club, Harare
• 26 January, Super Six C1 v B2, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
• 26 January, Super Six D1 v A2, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
• 27 January, Super Six C2 v B3, Harare Sports Club, Harare
• 27 January, Super Six C3 v B1, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
• 28 January, Super Six, A1 v D2, Harare Sports Club, Harare
• 29 January, Super Six D3 v A2, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
• 30 January, Super Six D1 v A3, Harare Sports Club, Harare
• 30 January, Super Six B3 v C1, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
• 31 January, Super Six B2 v C3, Harare Sports Club, Harare
• 01 February, Super Six B1 v C2, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
• 03 February, First semi-final, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
• 04 February, Second semi-final, Harare Sports Club, Harare
• 06 February, Final, Harare Sports Club, Harare

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RAWALPINDI: Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan’s calculated knocks led Pakistan to a win against Zimbabwe in the opening match of the T20I tri-series here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Chasing a stiff 148, Pakistan hit the winning runs on the loss of five wickets with four balls to spare.

Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub started well in pursuit of the chase, adding 27 in 4.1 overs. The stand broke with Farhan’s wicket, who made 16 from 15 balls.

The hosts were pegged back with two more wickets in quick succession, which reduced them to 30-3 in 5.4 overs. Babar Azam was trapped lbw for a duck, while Salman Agha could only manage to score one.

With wickets tumbling, Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman tried to arrest the slide and stitched a brief 24-run partnership. The stand brought the total to 50-run runs at the end of nine overs.

Catch Pakistan Tri-Series news updates here!

However, Zimbabwe mounted further pressure through Saim’s wicket, who scored 22 from 26, striking four fours and a six.

Yet Pakistan thrived, courtesy of Fakhar Zaman’s and Usman Khan’s match-winning partnership of 61 runs. The duo batted responsibility and helped the home side cross the 100-run mark at the end of the 15th over.

Fakhar’s 32-ball 44 included two sixes and two fours. With Green Shirts requiring 33 from 24 balls, Mohammad Nawaz walked in and forged a 36-run partnership that helped his side cross the finishing line.

Nawaz hit two fours and a six in his 21 from only 12 balls, while Usman Khan’s gutsy 37 from 28 featured three fours.

For Zimbabwe, Brad Evans remained the standout bowler and picked up two wickets.

Earlier, Pakistan spinners bowled economical spells to restrict Zimbabwe from scoring a formidable total.

Put into bat first, Zimbabwe managed to score 147-8 at the end of their 20 overs despite a solid start.

Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani put on a 72-run partnership in just eight overs. Both players batted briskly in the power play, amassing 13 from skipper Shaheen Afridi’s opening over.

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The duo took on fast bowlers and took advantage of the fielding restrictions, scoring 11 and 17 from Saim Ayub’s fifth and Abrar Ahmed’s sixth over.

As a result, the visitors were 59 at the end of the power play.

However, it was Mohammad Nawaz who not only halted the scoring but also broke the partnership with Marumani’s wicket. He hit three fours and a six in his 30 from 22 balls.

Brendan Taylor was the second wicket to fall, courtesy of a run that sparked a collapse and halted Zimbabwe’s progress. Taylor departed after scoring run a ball 14. Consequently, they were reduced to 91-2 in 11 overs.

After 10 overs, the Green Shirts put on brakes on the visitors’ scoring rate and never allowed them to recover. Brian Bennett remained the top scorer with 49 from 36, laced with eight fours.

For Pakistan, Mohammad Nawaz picked up two wickets, whereas Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub scalped one apiece.

READ: Babar Azam fined for ICC Code of Conduct breach in third Sri Lanka ODI

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan have won the toss and decided to bowl first against Zimbabwe in the opening match of the tri-series here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Playing XIs

Pakistan XI: 1 Sahibzada Farhan (wk), 2 Saim Ayub, 3 Babar Azam, 4 Salman Ali Agha (capt), 5 Usman Khan (wk), 6 Fakhar Zaman, 7 Mohammad Nawaz, 8 Faheem Ashraf, 9 Shaheen Shah Afridi, 10 Mohammad Salman Mirza, 11 Abrar Ahmed

Zimbabwe XI: 1 Brian Bennett, 2 Ryan Burl, 3 Sikandar Raza (capt.), 4 Bradley Evans, 5 Brendan Taylor (wk), 6 Tadiwanashe Marumani, 7 Tashinga Musekiwa, 8 Tony Munyonga, 9 Graeme Cremer, 10 Tinotenda Maposa, 11 Richard Ngarava

Head-to-Head Record

Pakistan and Zimbabwe have faced each other 21 times in T20I cricket, with Green Shirts emerging victorious on 18 occasions.

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LAHORE: Former captain Azhar Ali has resigned from his positions within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), stepping down both as a member of the national men’s selection committee and as the Head of Youth Development, sources confirmed on Tuesday.

He had joined the national selection committee in October 2024 alongside former ICC elite umpire Aleem Dar and ex-Test pacer Aqib Javed. The trio joined Asad Shafiq, who was already serving on the panel.

Their arrival came at a turbulent time for Pakistani cricket, following the innings defeat in the Multan Test against England.

The revamped panel quickly made headlines when it opted for bold changes, dropping star batter Babar Azam and premier pacers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah from the remaining two Tests of the series.

The move sparked widespread debate but ultimately proved decisive as Pakistan bounced back to seal an impressive 2-1 series win.

A month later, in November 2024, the PCB appointed Azhar as the Head of Youth Development following a formal recruitment process.

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The role placed him at the heart of Pakistan cricket’s future planning: overseeing grassroots structures, designing long-term development pathways and shaping talent progression from junior to elite levels.

Azhar’s exit from both roles comes as a surprise, given the board’s emphasis on strengthening its development framework. The PCB has not yet issued an official statement regarding his resignation or the reasons behind it.

A respected figure in Pakistan cricket, Azhar Ali enjoyed a distinguished international career from 2010 to 2022, earning 97 Test and 53 ODI caps.

He captained Pakistan in nine Tests and 31 ODIs and played a central role in the country’s historic ICC Champions Trophy triumph in 2017.

Statistically, Azhar stands among Pakistan’s modern greats. With 7,097 runs in 96 Test matches at an average of 42.49, he is the nation’s fifth-highest Test run-scorer.

He is standing only behind Younis Khan, Javed Miandad, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Yousuf. His career included 19 centuries and 34 half-centuries, beginning with a maiden Test fifty just two matches after debuting at Lord’s in 2010.

READ: Two Sri Lanka players ruled out of Pakistan Tri-Series