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LAHORE: Pakistan Test skipper Shan Masood has unveiled the key to his team’s success in the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, which begins tomorrow here at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Speaking at the pre-series press conference, Shan emphasized a result-oriented approach and revealed Pakistan’s mantra for winning the Test series.

“We don’t want flat tracks where matches end in draws. “Sometimes you sacrifice runs to create situations where 20 wickets are possible,” he told reporters.

While speaking on Babar Azam and his own performance, he highlighted small but vital contributions with the bat.

“In such conditions, even a fifty can be a match-defining contribution. Performance should be judged in context — it’s about winning moments, not averages,” he said.

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Shan also praised World Test Champions South Africa, calling them a world-class side.

“To play in our home conditions against them is a great opportunity for us. Any challenge in the Test championship is always going to test you, but for us, it allows us to measure ourselves against the best team in the world, and hopefully, we can put in a good performance, and we will know that we are right up there, and we are right up in the rankings,” he remarked.

He also mentioned a strong start in the new WTC cycle, stating that they want to fully capitalize on the home advantage, citing the performances of winning teams at their home.

“The idea is to use our home advantage wisely. It is very important, and I think, if you look at the teams that have played the final and won the championship, they have done well in their home conditions,” he said.

“For us, it is about finding that improvement at home, and it is very important to start off well, ” he concluded.

READ: Aiden Markram sets sights on Babar Azam’s prized wicket

LAHORE: South Africa stand-in skipper Aiden Markram has heaped high praise on Pakistan ace batter Babar Azam, admitting that they will be targeting his key wicket in the series.

South Africa’s stand-in skipper Aiden Markram has lavished praise on Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam, admitting that his will be one of the key wickets they’ll be targeting in the series.

Speaking in the pre-match press conference, Markram shed light on the team’s preparations and Pakistan’s spin challenge, including Babar’s wicket.

“He needs no introduction. Babar’s wicket will be a big one for us, and one of the bowlers will try to get him and work out,” he remarked.

Markram expressed his excitement about the upcoming spin challenge, stating that despite not being heavily exposed to conditions, they are ready to take on the hosts.

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“Naturally, we’re looking forward to the challenges Pakistan will pose in terms of spin-friendly tracks, as we assume.”

“As a team not heavily exposed to these conditions, it’s going to be exciting and a great opportunity for us to get things right here. So we’re putting a lot of focus into that, and ultimately we want to string together five good days of cricket in the first Test,” he continued.

The 31-year-old mentioned that the England series against Pakistan last year and admitted that Pakistan will fully capitalize on home advantage.

“We expect the conditions to spin — we saw how things turned in the England series. Pakistan will obviously try to win, which is completely fair, and we look forward to that challenge.

We’ll have another look at the wicket today and hopefully get a clearer picture before finalising everything for tomorrow,” Markram remarked.

World Test Champions South Africa will be without their regular captain, Temba Bavuma, who was ruled out of the tour due to an injury. However, Aiden Markram lamented his absence and aimed to give their best in challenging circumstances.

“Of course, we’ll miss Temba a lot — he’s our leader, and there’s no need to even introduce him,” he said of Bavuma.

Pakistan and South Africa will face off in the first tomorrow at the Gaddafi Stadium, marking the start of both teams’ campaign in the World Test Championship (WTC). 2025-27 cycle.

READ: WATCH: Pakistan, South Africa series trophy unveiled

LAHORE: The trophy for the forthcoming Pakistan-South Africa Test series has been unveiled here at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) headquarters on Saturday.

Both captains, Shan Masood of Pakistan and South Africa’s Aiden Markram, were present at the PCB’s headquarters for the trophy unveiling ceremony.

 

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PCB released a video of both captains posing with the trophy via social media handles.

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“VGOTEL Mobile Presents @bank_alfalah Pakistan vs South Africa Test Series 2025 trophy unveiled at National Cricket Academy, Lahore. Hear from the captains ahead of the first Test,” PCB wrote on its social media handle.

The first match of the two-Test series will be played from October 12 at Gaddafi Stadium, followed by the second Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 20 to 24.

For the unversed, this will be the Proteas’ first tour of Pakistan since January 2021, when they suffered a 2-0 defeat.

Both teams bolster experienced players in their squad; however, South Africa will be without their regular skipper, Temba Bavuma. Bavuma was ruled out of the tour due to an injury, with Aiden Markram replacing him as captain.

South Africa’s Test Squad

Aiden Markram (c), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj (second Test only), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, and Kyle Verreynne.

Pakistan Squad

Shan Masood (capt), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afridi, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi

Pakistan vs South Africa fixtures

Oct 12-16: 1st Test, Lahore
Oct 20-24: 2nd Test, Rawalpindi
Oct 28: 1st T20I, Rawalpindi
Oct 31: 2nd T20I, Lahore
Nov 1: 3rd T20I, Lahore
Nov 4: 1st ODI, Faisalabad
Nov 6: 2nd ODI, Faisalabad
Nov 8: 3rd OD, Faisalabad

READ: National cricketers undergo intense training ahead of South Africa series

GUWAHATI: Skipper Sophie Devine’s and Brooke Halliday’s composed half-centuries, followed by a clinical bowling performance, sealed a comprehensive 100-run victory over Bangladesh in the ICC Women’s World Cup here at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Set 229, Bangladesh were bowled out for a mere 127 in 39.5 overs.

New Zealand inflicted a poor start on Bangladesh as they removed openers Rubya Haider and Sharmin Akhter for four and three runs respectively.

The early wickets did not allow Bangladesh’s middle-order batters to settle as BlackCaps bowlers cut through the batting lineup.

Fahima Khatun top-scored with 34 from 80 balls with the help of two fours. She was the highlight of Bangladesh’s innings, adding a string of partnerships later down the order, which helped them cross the 100-run mark.

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Eventually, New Zealand bowled them out for a modest score, resulting in their first victory of the tournament.

For the Blackcaps, Jess Kerr and Lea Tahuhu picked up three wickets each.

Earlier, after opting to bat first, New Zealand posted 227-9 in their 50 overs, thanks to Devine and Halliday’s 112-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Bangladesh kept it tight from the start, leaving them reeling at 38-3 in 11 overs. However, the duo’s partnership drove New Zealand and helped them reach a respectable total.

Devine made 63 from 85, striking two sixes and two fours, whereas Halliday struck five fours and a six on her way to 69 from 104 balls.

For Bangladesh, Rabeya Khan remained the standout bowler, picking up three wickets in her quota of 10 overs while giving away 30 runs.

Playing XIs

READ: Pakistan, India to lock horns in Sultan of Johor Cup 2025

JOHOR BAHRU: Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are set to face off in the  Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 on October 14 in Malaysia.

The tournament, which started in 2011, is a week-long annual U21 international men’s hockey tournament that is held at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Malaysia.

The Sultan of Johor Hockey Cup features six top international teams — Pakistan, Australia, Great Britain, India, Malaysia, and New Zealand.

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Great Britain will enter the field to defend its title, having defeated Australia last year in the final, marking their fourth title victory in the tournament’s history. The tournament will run from October 11 to 18.

Pakistan will begin its campaign against hosts Malaysia on October 11, followed by a match against Great Britain the next day. After a rest day, the Green Shirts will face India on October 14.

Pakistan will play New Zealand on October 15 and finish their group-stage matches against Australia on October 17. The final and classification matches of the tournament will be played on October 18.

Pakistan Squad for Sultan of Johor Cup

Ali Raza, Muhammad Faizan Janjua, Muhammad Sufyan, Muhammad Wasim, Samiullah, Muhammad Nadeem Khan, and Zakaria Hayat Aqeel Ahmed, Muhammad Imad, Abdul Hanan Shahid, Ali Murtaza, Rana Muhammad Walid Ashraf, Hamza Fayyaz, Abdul Qayyum, Muhammad Usman, Ashraf, Basharat Ali, and Muhammad Shaheer.

Reserves

Yasir Sanawar and Muhammad Hassan

READ: Jaiswal’s 173* powers India to 318 against listless West Indies

LAHORE: Pakistan squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa underwent a three-hour training session here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

Pakistan cricketers sharpened their fielding, batting, and bowling skills with a three-hour session under the supervision of coaches.

The first Test match between Pakistan and South Africa will commence on October 12, with the series marking the start of the World Test Championship (WTC) for both teams.

South Africa will defend the WTC title after defeating Australia in June 2025.

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The second match of the series will take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 20 to 24 October. This will be the Proteas’ first tour of Pakistan since January 2021, when they faced a 2-0 defeat.

Shan Masood will continue to captain Pakistan with an experienced batting order shaping the lineup of the home team, while the visitors will be without their regular captain, Temba Bavuma, who was ruled out due to an injury.

Pakistan’s interim red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood has backed the home side, hinting that the pitches will not be as rank turners as they were during England’s visit to Pakistan last year.

However, the Proteas have come with ample spin resources in their arsenal to challenge Pakistan on spin-friendly tracks.

South Africa’s Test Squad

Aiden Markram (c), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj (second Test only), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, and Kyle Verreynne.

Pakistan Squad

Shan Masood (capt), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afridi, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi

Pakistan vs South Africa fixtures

Oct 12-16: 1st Test, Lahore
Oct 20-24: 2nd Test, Rawalpindi
Oct 28: 1st T20I, Rawalpindi
Oct 31: 2nd T20I, Lahore
Nov 1: 3rd T20I, Lahore
Nov 4: 1st ODI, Faisalabad
Nov 6: 2nd ODI, Faisalabad
Nov 8: 3rd OD, Faisalabad

READ: Jaiswal’s 173* powers India to 318 against listless West Indies

England Test team vice-captain Harry Brook believes Australia ace bowler Pat Cummins’ injury could play into their hands, giving them an extra advantage going into the Ashes 2025.

Cummins is in a race against time to be fit for the first Ashes Test, and according to some reports, he could be ruled out of the series due to a lower back stress injury, suffered earlier this year.

Earlier today, Australia’s head coach, Andrew McDonald, also hinted that Cummins needs at least “four, four-and-a-half weeks” of bowling in the nets to get ready, which has not started yet.

Speaking ahead of the New Zealand tour, Brook hailed Cummins’ bowling and stated that his exclusion from the playing XI will give England an advantage.

“Obviously he is an amazing bowler and has been for many years; he bowls at high pace with high skill,” Brook said at the Professional Cricketers’ Association Awards on Thursday.

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“With him out of their side for the first game, from [the reports] we’ve seen, hopefully that plays into our hands.”

However, the right-hander also mentioned Australia’s bowling depth, emphasizing the threat the likes of benched players pose for them.

“But they have a hell of a lot of good, quick bowlers out there. Guys who can come into the side and, when their tails are up, they can plough through teams. So we can’t take anybody lightly.”

Brook also backed Ben Stokes to feature in all five Tests despite having fitness concerns in the past year. He praised the skippers’ character and mentioned their performances despite having injuries.

“It’s an honour to have any leadership role. But it’s not something that I’m biting at the bit to do. If you want it too much, then it’s not a good thing. And I see Stokesy playing all five Tests, if I’m being honest. I think he’ll power through even if he has a little niggle.

“Everybody in the world knows what he’s like, his character, and the way that he just cracks on. That is the way that the team is built now; everybody keeps going. If you do have a little niggle, just power through – and that is what he does so well.

He further mentioned about Stokes’ bowling long spells and revealed what he would say if it gets too much on him.

“Because he wants to bowl long spells, that can sometimes be to his detriment. But he told us last year as a group that if he gets into a position like that again, then go up and have a word with him.”

The opening Ashes Test between England and Australia will commence on November 21 at Perth Cricket Stadium.

READ: ‘Age is just a number’: Azhar Mahmood on Asif Afridi’s inclusion in Pakistan’s squad

Aryna Sabalenka powered into her 11th semi-final of the year and a clash with Jessica Pegula after a 6-3, 6-3 win over Elena Rybakina at the Wuhan Open on Friday.

The world number one remains unbeaten in four tournament appearances at the event and will take a 20-0 record into her showdown with Pegula on Saturday.

American third seed Coco Gauff was also victorious, 6-3, 6-0 against Laura Siegemund to reach the last four in Wuhan for a second straight year.

Defending champion Sabalenka improved to 8-5 head-to-head against Kazakhstan’s Rybakina, whose bid for a WTA Finals berth has taken a hit.

“Elena is a great player, very nice girl and always tough to play against,” said Sabalenka, the US Open champion.

“We have a really huge history against each other, always great battles. She always pushes me to the limit to get the win.

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“I’m super happy with the performance today.”

A rock-solid Sabalenka claimed a timely break of serve in game eight on her way to forging a one-set lead in 43 minutes in temperatures above 30C.

Continuing to showcase some impressive all-court prowess, Sabalenka broke twice in the second frame to build a 4-1 advantage.

Rybakina, the eighth seed, narrowed the deficit by getting one of the breaks back but couldn’t stop Sabalenka from marching into the final four and extending her winning streak to 10 matches.

Sixth-seeded Pegula recorded her 50th win of the season with a 2-6, 6-0, 6-3 victory over Katerina Siniakova to reach a third consecutive semi-final, following Beijing and the US Open.

Pegula’s last seven matches were all three-setters, contested within a 16-day period, and the American was successful in six of them.

“I guess I’m in really good shape,” said the 31-year-old.

“I definitely don’t think I need to play any more matches or work on any physical stuff because I’ve been able to battle through these matches and play very well.”

She added: “Obviously I wish maybe it was more straightforward for my mental and physical state.

“But if I win every match for the rest of my life in three sets I think I’ll be pretty happy.”

Pegula’s left thigh was taped during her quarter-final but she told reporters it was just a precautionary measure and she felt “just a niggle” from playing too many long matches.

Unlike Pegula, Gauff has been breezing through her matches, and has dropped a mere nine games across three rounds so far in Wuhan.

The 21-year-old from Florida converted five of eight break points against Siegemund and completed the victory in 85 minutes.

“I think I had chances in the first set to even have a greater lead, so I think I just capitalised more on those chances in the second set,” said Gauff, who awaits Iga Swiatek or Jasmine Paolini in the final four.

READ: De Klerk stars as South Africa edge India in Women’s World Cup

VISAKHAPATNAM: India were in sight of their third consecutive win until Nadine de Klerk’s late onslaught in the final overs helped South Africa edge past the hosts in a close finish here on Thursday.

Set 252 in the 10th fixture of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, South Africa sealed victory in the second last over, losing seven wickets in the process.

The Proteas had a poor start as they lost opener Tazmin Brits and Sune Luus departed in the first five overs.

Following the early hiccup, Marizanne Kapp and Laura Wolvaardt added 39 for the third wicket. Kapp scored 20 from 25 balls.

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However, Kapp’s dismissal sparked a mini-collapse and left South Africa reeling 81-5 in 19.4 overs.

Yet, skipper Laura Wolvaardt, who made 70 from 111 balls with the help of eight fours, held South Africa’s innings together with a string of partnerships.

But it was Nadine de Klerk’s 84 from 54 balls, striking five sixes and eight fours, which took them over the line.

For India, Sneh Rana and Kranti Gaud picked up two wickets each.

Earlier, after being put into bat, India were bowled out for 251 in 49.5 overs, thanks to Richa Ghosh’s rescuing act.

She made 94 from just 77 balls, studded with 11 fours and four sixes. India were in deep trouble at 102-6 in 26 overs when Gosh arrived.

For South Africa, Chloe Tryon remained the standout bowler, picking up three wickets.

READ: Solano proud of Pakistan’s fighting display against Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan football team head coach Nolberto Solano has lauded the national team and their fighting spirit following their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier clash against Afghanistan.

Pakistan ended its eight-match losing streak in a goalless draw with Afghanistan here at the Jinnah Stadium on Thursday.

Pakistan dominated throughout the match; however, Otis Khan missed a vital chance, squandering a penalty in the 65th minute, which denied them all three points at the end of the game

Green Shirts will now travel to Kuwait for the away fixture against Afghanistan on October 14. The winner of the group advances to the tournament finals in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Solano mentioned the delayed arrival and praised the players’ performance, particularly in the second half of the match.

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“First of all, I’m really pleased with the team, with all the boys. With all the small issues we had, especially with some players arriving a little late, it’s not easy,” he told reporters.

But I was very pleased with their attitude today, especially when the players came on in the second half.”

He rued the missed chance and heaped praise on players for showing determination.

“I believe we dominated the match for most parts of the game and were a very solid team. Like the players, I’m disappointed we couldn’t take all three points not just because of the missed penalty, but because we had other chances as well.

Honestly, these guys are doing their best, and I’m proud of them,” Solano continued.

“It’s not easy for these guys traveling 15, 19, or even 20 hours to arrive in Pakistan a day before the match. They didn’t have much time to train together, but I had confidence in them,” he explained.

Nolberto Solano aimed for a strong showing in Pakistan’s next away encounter against Afghanistan while mentioning the pride of players on representing their country.

“We’ll prepare in the same way. We need to check how the boys are physically and mentally after traveling from different parts of the world.

I was very impressed with most of them, especially as it was my first time seeing some of them play. We’ll build on this performance for the next match on Tuesday,” he concluded.

READ: Mbappe ‘relaxed’ and ready to play in France’s World Cup qualifiers