Tag: Benaud-Qadir Trophy

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s left-handed opener Imam-ul-Haq scored a magnificent century on his return to put the home side into the commanding position against Australia on the first day of the Rawalpindi Test, here on Friday.

Pakistan finished the first day of the Rawalpindi Test on a high; scoring 245/1 at the end of the first day. Imam, alongside Azhar, added 64 runs in the final session and extended their partnership to 140.

Imam, who last played a Test match in late 2019, scored a magnificent half-century on his return. He scored an unbeaten 132 off 271 balls; smashing 15 boundaries and two sixes.

His partner, Azhar, on the other hand, batted sensibly and scored a terrific half-century. The right-handed batter is currently unbeaten for 64. The southpaw faced 165 deliveries and hit five boundaries including a six in the course of his brilliant knock.

The two batters will now resume the proceedings for Pakistan at 245-1 on the second day of the first Test.

After opting to bat first in the historic Rawalpindi Test of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, Pakistani openers Imam and Abdullah provided a solid start to the home side; putting on an astonishing 105-runs partnership.

Abdullah Shafique, who was looking in top-notch remained unlucky as the right-handed batter missed on his well-deserved half-century after attempting to hit Nathan Lyon for a six on 44. He faced 105 deliveries in the course of his innings with the help of three boundaries and a six.

For Australia, only Lyon managed to make one scalp, while the rest of the Aussie bowlers went wicketless on the opening day.

PLAYING XIs

PAKISTAN: Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah

AUSTRALIA: Pat Cummins (c), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

RAWALPINDI: According to the weather forecast, the first Test of the historic Benaud-Qadir Trophy between Pakistan and Australia can be hindered by rain.

As per the BBC weather forecast, the rain is likely to come into play during the historic Rawalpindi Test – starting from tomorrow.

The weather is foreseen to remain clear for the opening day of the first Test, while on the second day the prospects of rain are likely to go up by eight percent.

In addition, the third day of the Rawalpindi Test has the highest chance of rain, with a probability of up to 68 percent, as scattered showers are expected to pour between 11 AM and midnight.

Rain probability will then decrease to 16 percent on the fourth day, with only light showers and a gentle breeze passing over Rawalpindi Stadium. Whereas, on the fifth day, the stadium will be covered by light clouds.

It is apropos to mention here that Australia is touring Pakistan after a gap of 24 years. The touring side will play three Tests which will take place in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi respectively. While the white-ball series which comprises three ODIs and one-off T20I will be played here.

READ: ‘Will decide the Playing XI after analyzing the pitch’ Pat Cummins

RAWALPINDI: Left-handed opener Shan Masood, who made his way back into the national side for the historic Benaud-Qadir Trophy, said representing Pakistan in any form is above all the rest.

Masood, who last played an international match for Pakistan in early 2021, had recently made his way back into the national squad for the historic Benaud-Qadir Trophy against Australia, said he is delighted to have come back into the national squad, and representing Pakistan is the foremost priority for the left-hander.

“I think nothing compares or is above than representing Pakistan in any form. It is a moment of joy and pride for me as I will be a part of the historic series,” he said.

“It feels great to share the dressing room with my teammates and make a comeback after almost a year. It feels surreal as it has been quite a long now since my last representation,” he said.

Shan further commented about the outcomes of the historic series, said no matter what the results will be, the team is preparing hard and will give their all in the field.

“We don’t have control over the outcome,” he remarked, “but we’re doing our best in the preparation and strive to do the same on the field.”

Shan went on to claim that the 32-years-old is ready to take on the field in the historic series if the opportunity arises.

“I’m giving it my all in the training sessions, and I believe I’m perfectly prepared to serve my country if the opportunity arises,” he concluded.

READ: PCB unveils commentary panel for Benaud-Qadir Trophy

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled the commentary and presenters panel for the upcoming Benaud-Qadir Trophy between Pakistan and Australia, Simon Katich and Rob Key also included.

In a press release, PCB revealed that former Australian and English cricketers and well-known commentators Simon Katich and Rob Key respectively will be commentating for the first time in Pakistan.

Katich will only commentate on the Benaud-Qadir Trophy and will be making his commentary debut in Pakistan, like his countryman Michael Kasprowicz.

The trio of Pakistan which includes Bazid Khan, Urooj Mumtaz, and Waqar Younis will commentate through the tour from 4 March to 5 April.

Sikandar Bakht and Zainab Abbas, on the other hand, will host the pre and post-match shows alongside Neroli Meadows, who will only be available for the first two Test matches.

Taking to Twitter, PCB Media revealed the commentary panel for the historic tour.

“Commentators for Benaud-Qadir Trophy announced,” the cricket board’s media handle wrote.

https://twitter.com/TheRealPCBMedia/status/1498995142426083328

It is apropos to mention here that Australia is touring Pakistan after a gap of 24 years. The touring side will play three Test matches which will take place in Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore respectively. A three-match ODI series and a lone-T20I will also be hosted in Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

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RAWALPINDI: Australian Test spinner Nathan Lyon has revealed that he wants Australia to whitewash Pakistan 3-0 in the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, commencing here on March 4.

Lyon, while talking to a virtual press conference revealed that he is hopeful of Australia whitewashing Pakistan 3-0 in the upcoming Benaud-Qadir Trophy.

“There is a lot of confidence in the team after the Ashes’ triumph. We take the field with a mindset to win every game. Our target is to whitewash Pakistan 3-0,” he said.

Lyon, however, said it will be challenging for the touring side as the Aussies are playing an away Test series after 2019.

“We will be playing Test cricket after 2019 in away conditions. So I think it will be challenging for us,” he said.

“However, we will take the field against Pakistan with a positive mindset,” he added.

Lyon also highlighted his eagerness to bowl to Pakistan’s ace batter Babar Azam, saying that he is looking forward to bowling to Babar.

“I think Babar Azam is one of the greatest batters in modern cricket currently. I can not wait to bowl him in the Test series,” he said.

The Australian off-spinner and the former pitch curator also commented on the pitch for the Rawalpindi Test said he expects the pitch at Rawalpindi Stadium to be “pretty nice to bat on” for the first couple of days before taking some spin.

“Right now the pitch is shining, the first two days will help the batting, while it may also assist the spin later,” he said.

Lyon, on the other hand, remained tight-lipped on the idea of playing with two spinners, while also hinting towards part-timers Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.

The right-arm spinner also revealed that the 34-years-old is feeling proud to tour Pakistan for the historic tour.

“I am very happy and proud to be a part of the team that is coming to Pakistan after 24 years,” he said.

“Australia playing cricket in Pakistan is important for world cricket and Pakistani cricket fans. Not only in Australia but also in Pakistan, Australian players can become role models by playing cricket in the country,” he added.

It is apropos to mention here that the Benaud-Qadir Trophy will roll into action from March 4. The three-match series will take place in Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore respectively.

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RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Cricket Australia (CA) announced the introduction of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, here on Wednesday.

In a PCB released statement, the cricket board announced the introduction of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy to celebrate Australia’s first Test series in Pakistan in 24 years. This will be a perpetual Trophy and will be presented at the end of each men’s Test series played between the Pakistan and Australia cricket teams.

This is a perennial trophy that will be given out at the conclusion of each men’s Test series between Pakistan and Australia.

Richie Benaud and Abdul Qadir were two skilled, illustrious, and well-respected cricketers who served the game with honor, pride, and distinction in different eras.

Benaud took 248 wickets in 63 Tests from 1952 to 1964, while Qadir debuted in Test cricket in 1977 and concluded with 236 wickets in 67 Tests by 1990. Benaud was recognized in the ICC Hall of Fame in 2009, and Qadir was inducted into the PCB Hall of Fame in 2021, for their individual heroics, achievements, and accomplishments.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Babar Azam and his Australian counterpart Pat Cummins unveiled the Benaud-Qadir Trophy at the Pindi Cricket Stadium ahead of the first Test, which commences on Friday.

At the unveiling of the inaugral Benaud-Qadir Trophy, Pakistan captain Babar said it will be an honor for him to lead Pakistan in the Benaud-Qadir Trophy.

“I am honoured that I will be leading the Pakistan team in the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, we will try and give performances that will be a tribute to these two legends who will always remain legends of the game,” he said.

Babar’s Australian counterpart Cummins on the other hand, said it will be a huge honour for him as well to compete for the first ever Benaud-Qadir Trophy.

“To be able to compete for the Benaud-Qadir Trophy for the first time is a huge honour. As current players, we really are standing on the shoulders of these greats of the past who helped to grow and popularize the game in years gone by, and if my team can collect that trophy at the end of this series then it really would be the perfect end to the Test part of this historic tour,” he remarked.

Taking to Twitter, PCB also shared the introduction of the historic Benaud-Qadir Trophy.

.@TheRealPCB and @CricketAus introduce Benaud-Qadir Trophy for #PakvAus Test series
Cummins: To be able to compete for the Benaud-Qadir Trophy for the 1st time is a huge honour
Babar: I am honoured that I will be leading the Pakistan team in the Benaud-Qadir Trophy#BoysReadyHain pic.twitter.com/B7ki5hCNJs

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) March 2, 2022

 

On this occasion CEO of PCB, Faisal Hasnain said there could be no better way to mark the revival of Pakistan-Australia Test rivalry in Pakistan.

“There can be no better way to celebrate and mark the revival of Pakistan-Australia Test rivalry in Pakistan by launching the trophy in the names of two absolute legends and icons of this great game – Richie Benaud and Abdul Qadir,” he said.

“The launch of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy will add further context and spice to the Pakistan-Australia Test series, which historically have been well-contested and hard-fought. I am confident that players from either side will draw further inspiration from this initiative and would want to be the first to put a hand on the trophy,” he added.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Benaud-Qadir Trophy will commence on March 4 to March 25 in Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore.

READ: Trophy for Pakistan-Australia Test series unveiled