Tag: Australia vs Pakistan

DUBAI: Pakistan’s middle-order batter Asif Ali is enjoying his time while flying a kit as the Pakistan team took off day from cricket.

In an Instagram post, Asif shared a video while flying a kite to have some memorable leisure.

 

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It must be noted here that Asif led Pakistan to back-to-back wins against New Zealand and Afghanistan in T20 World Cup 2021.

Asif struck 27 off 12 balls in crunch moments to win the match for Pakistan against New Zealand. The powerful inning was followed by yet another eye-catching knock from him including four sixes in the 19th over to seal an important third victory in the extravaganza against Afghanistan.

Pakistan remained the only unbeaten team in the mega event and will play against Australia in the second semi-final on November 11 at Dubai International Stadium.

READ: Asif Ali nominated for ICC Men’s Player of October

DUBAI: Pakistan’s skipper Babar Azam believes that not all 11 players of a team can perform at the same time and it’s the captain’s responsibility to back those who are in bad touch. 

Speaking to the media before the all-important T20 World Cup semi-finals, Babar hinted at no change in the Pakistan team for their knock-out game against Australia on November 11 here at Dubai International Stadium.

“Not all 11 players can perform at the same time. Those who are not performing, we need to back them. The captain is responsible to give confidence to his players and try to make a calm environment around them,” he said.

“As far Hasan Ali is concerned, he is a match-winner and won many matches and a tournament for Pakistan. I know his current form is not good but being a captain, I can’t even think of dropping him at this stage. I know his strength, he is a big-match player and I hope he will perform against Australia in the semi-final,” the skipper answered a question.

Babar was also asked about out-of-touch Fakhar Zaman and the skipper’s answer was the same.

Moreover, the Pakistani captain is confident to continue their unbeaten performance in the tournament by overcoming the weakness in the available time before the semi-final.

“See, there is always room for improvement. And to improve, you sit down with your players and management, talk about those weaknesses and try to find out solutions. I believe in this team and we can do it. We will try to counter our weaknesses and give our hundred percent in the semi-final,” he said.

Meanwhile, Babar urged Pakistani fans to pray for the Pakistan team as they aim for a solid performance against Australia. “I am thankful to all the fans for their support. We gave our best and will try to continue the same momentum. I want all the fans to pray for us and support us in the big game,” he concluded.

READ: Australia confirm their tour to Pakistan after 23 years 

LAHORE: Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed their tour to Pakistan after 23 years, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Monday. 

According to the details released by the PCB, Australia will come to Pakistan in March-April to play three Tests, as many ODIs and only T20I.

The Tests will take place in Karachi (3-7 March), Rawalpindi (12-16 March) and Lahore (21-25 March), while Lahore will be the venue for the four white-ball matches to be played from 29 March to 5 April.

The Tests will be played as part of the ICC World Test Championship, while the ODIs will be connected to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League – a 13-team event from which the seven highest-placed sides and the hosts, India, will qualify directly for the event proper in 2023.

PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja: “I am delighted to welcome Australia to Pakistan. From a personal point of view, it pleases me no end that we’ll be engaged in a three-Test match series, connoisseurs delight.

“Australia are one of the high-performing sides and them playing in our backyard for the first time after a gap of 24 years will be a special treat for the fans.

“Likewise, it will be a great opportunity for the Australia cricketers to not only play at our iconic venues but also feel and enjoy the respect, love and hospitality that this great country offers, something which most of their previous generation of cricketers missed out by playing offshore.”

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Nick Hockley: “Cricket Australia is excited about the prospect of touring Pakistan next year for what will be a highly anticipated series in a country so incredibly passionate about the game and their national team.

“Pakistan is a formidable opposition with an exceptionally talented team, as evidenced by their dynamic performances in the current ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the UAE.

“We thank the PCB for their considerable efforts in planning for the tour and look forward to continuing to work closely over the coming months to finalise the necessary operations, logistics, security and Covid-19 protocols.

“The safety and welfare of our players and staff remains our number one priority, and we will continue to work with the PCB and relevant agencies to ensure that appropriate and sufficient arrangements are put in place for the tour.”

READ: Fans cheer up for ‘Unbeaten Pakistan’ in T20 World Cup 2021