Faheem Ashraf Archives

Faheem Ashraf stars as Rangpur Riders outplay Sylhet Titans

SYLHET: Faheem Ashraf continued his impressive bowling with a three-wicket haul against Sylhet Titans to help Rangpur Riders secure a six-wicket win in the 10th match of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 here at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Rangpur Riders chased down the 145-run target with ease in 18.5 overs.

Dawid Malan (19) was removed early in the fourth over, bringing Liton Das and Towhid Hridoy to the crease, with both batters adding 23 for the second wicket partnership.

Hridoy fell in the seventh over for six, reducing Rangpur Riders to 44-2 in 7.5 overs.

However, Kyle Mayers and Das kept Sylhet bowlers at bay with a 34-run partnership as the scorecard read 78 in 13 overs.

But Saim Ayub and Ethan Brookes removed both set batters which brought their side back into game. At this stage, Rangpur Riders were 95-4.

Eventually, it was Mahmudullah and Khushdil Shah’s unbeaten half-century partnership that took them over the line.

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Mahmudullah made 34* from just 16 with the help of five fours and six, whereas Khushdil unbeaten 19, which included two fours and a six.

For Sylhet Titans Khaled Ahmed, Nasum Ahmed, Saim Ayub and Ethan Brookes picked up one wicket each.

Earlier, after being put into bat first, Sylhet Titans could only muster 144-8 at the end of their 20 overs.

Rangpur Riders inflicted a poor start as Sylhet Titans were reduced to 35-3 in 5.1 overs.

Parvez Hossain Emon and Afif Hossain tried to stabilize the innings with a 28-run partnership. But the former fell for 15 to put Rangpur Riders on top.

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With Titans 63-4, Afif partnered with Ethan Brookes, propelling the score to 129 in 17.2 overs.

However, Rangpur Riders effectively controlled the scoring rate in the final overs, preventing the opposition from setting a daunting target.

Afif made 46 from 31 balls while Brookes managed to add 30 to the total with the help of a six and two boundaries.

For Rangpur Riders, Faheem Ashraf put on a show with the ball, picking up three wickets in his quota of four overs. Mustafizur Rahman was equally good, snaring three wickets.

READ: Pakistan crush Afghanistan to reach U19 tri-series final

Faheem’s five-for powers Rangpur Riders to victory over Chattogram Royals

SYLHET: Pakistan all-rounder Faheem Ashraf delivered a devastating spell with the ball to steer Rangpur Riders to a commanding eight-wicket victory over Chattogram Royals in the fifth match of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 here on Monday.

Asked to bat first, Chattogram Royals never found momentum and were bundled out for 102 in 17.5 overs.

Opener Mohammad Naim provided the only real resistance, smashing a brisk 39 off just 20 balls, laced with seven boundaries and a six.

Mirza Baig added 20 from 24 deliveries, but the rest of the batting unit folded cheaply as Rangpur’s bowlers tightened the noose.

Faheem was the standout performer, ripping through the Royals’ middle and lower order with sensational figures of 5 for 17 in 3.5 overs.

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He was well supported by Mustafizur Rahman, who picked up two wickets, while Nahid Rana, Al Islam and Sufiyan Muqeem chipped in with a wicket apiece to ensure Chattogram never recovered.

Rangpur’s chase was equally authoritative. Openers Dawid Malan and Litton Das put the result beyond doubt with a fluent 91-run stand at the top.

Litton fell for 47 off 31 balls, striking four fours and two sixes, while Malan anchored the innings with a composed 51 from 48 deliveries, including five boundaries and a pair of sixes.

Although Mukidul Islam briefly lifted Chattogram’s hopes with figures of 2 for 5 in two overs, Rangpur Riders remained in complete control

Khushdil Shah and Mahmudullah calmly finished the job, guiding the Riders home in 15 overs to seal a comprehensive victory.

READ: ICC rates MCG pitch ‘unsatisfactory’ after two-day Ashes Test

Bangladesh survive Faheem Ashraf scare to clinch T20I series against Pakistan

MIRPUR: Bangladesh edged past Pakistan by eight runs to seal the T20I series, overcoming a late surge from Faheem Ashraf, whose gritty knock threatened to turn the tide in the second T20I of the three-match series here at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Tuesday.

Chasing a challenging 134-run total on a tricky surface, Pakistan were bowled out for 125 in 19.2 overs.

With this victory, Bangladesh clinched a T20I series for the first time against Pakistan.

Pakistan started poorly in the chase, losing half of the side in the first five overs. Saim Ayub (1) was run out, followed by Mohammad Haris, who was trapped in front for a golden duck in the second over.

Fakhar Zaman was also removed for eight while Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Nawaz were out without troubling the scorers as the home side reduced Green Shirts for 15-5 in only 4.4 overs.

Following the shambolic batting display from the top order, Salman Ali Agha and Khushdil Shah attempted to stabilize the innings; however, their 15-run partnership took 28 balls, increasing the required run rate.

Pakistan captain Salman Agha perished after a sluggish knock of 9 runs off 23 balls while Khushdil could only manage to score 13 off 18 balls.

With Pakistan at 47-7 in 11.5 overs, Bangladesh’s victory was only a matter of time, until Faheem Ashraf’s resistance with the lower order.

The left-handed batter first forged a 41-run partnership with Abbas Afridi, who managed to score 17 with the aid of two sixes and four, bringing the score to 88 in 16.1 overs.

After Abbas’s removal, he put on another partnership of 33 runs with debutant Ahmed Daniyal. With 28 required off 12 balls, both batters took leg-spinner Rishad Hossain to the cleaners, accumulating 15 runs of the over.

However, Rishad cleaned up Faheem on the last ball to leave the equation at 13 from 6 balls. Ahmed Daniyal smashed a four on the first delivery, but he was out on the very next ball, giving Bangladesh a memorable series-clinching win.

Faheem Ashraf top-scored with 51 off 32 balls, with the help of four boundaries and an equal number of sixes, while Daniyal struck three fours in his valiant 17-run knock.

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For Bangladesh, Shoriful Islam was the standout bowler, taking three wickets, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Mahedi Hasan supported him well with two wickets apiece.

Jaker Ali was named as the player of the match for his impressive knock.

Earlier, all-round bowling effort from Pakistan booked Bangladesh for a meagre total.

Put into bat first, Bangladesh were bowled out for 133 on the last ball of the penultimate over, courtesy of an impressive bowling display from Pakistan.

Pakistan capitalized on the decision to bowl first, removing Bangladesh’s opener Mohammad Naim (3) in only the second over.

The Green Shirts were on the mark in the opening three overs, giving away only 14 runs, which restricted Tigers from scoring big amid the fielding restrictions.

However, Faheem Ashraf’s fourth over leaked 11 runs as Parvez Hossain Emon struck him for a six and four to take Bangladesh to 25-1. Consequently, it was Salman Mirza’s two-wicket fifth over that jolted back the home team.

The left-arm pacer first removed Bangladesh’s skipper Litton Das (8) on the first ball of the over, followed by the removal of Towhid Hridoy, who was run out courtesy of Salman Ali Agha’s direct hit from mid-off.

At the end of the powerplay, Bangladesh were 28-4 with previous match half-centurion Parvez Hossain Emon (13 off 14 deliveries) giving his wicket away.

The early wickets put Bangladesh in dire straits. A similar situation occurred to Pakistan in the opening T20I of the series.

However, a gutsy 53-run partnership between Jaker Ali and Mahedi Hasan lifted Bangladesh out of trouble, bringing the score to 81 in the 13th over.

Mahedi’s 33 off 25 balls featured two sixes and two fours. Following the partnership, the wickets continued to tumble in quick succession.

Meanwhile, Jaker Ali batted till the end, ensuring Bangladesh reached a decent total. His 55-run knock was laced with five sixes and a four.

For Pakistan, it was an all-round bowling effort. Abbas Afridi, Ahmed Daniyal, and Salman Mirza picked up two wickets each while Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf managed to scalp one apiece.

READ: Former Australia wicket-keeper reacts to India-Pakistan WCL match cancellation

‘Can’t expect him to hit six sixes in over’: Faheem Ashraf backs Babar Azam’s natural game

Pakistan all-rounder Faheem Ashraf has backed ace batter Babar Azam to play his natural game amid criticism surrounding his strike rate.

Babar Azam, who last featured for Pakistan in a T20I series against South Africa in December 2024, has been under the spotlight due to his strike rate.

The right-hander has also experienced a dip in form, with his last T20 half-century coming against Ireland in 2024.

Faheem, who recently appeared on a Podcast, openly discussed his cricketing career. While addressing the question regarding Babar Azam, Faheem stated that due to social media, Babar is trying to adjust his game.

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Now, social media and people are saying so much about Babar that he needs to change his game. For this reason, there are a lot of things that are not going in his favor.

“Earlier, Babar’s role was to build the innings, and the whole team was playing around him. If Fakhar Zaman played for a long time, then the match was ours. Now, our people have criticized Babar so much that he is trying to change his game, and for this reason, he is unable to perform in every match,” he said.

The right-hander mentioned criticism surrounding Babar Azam’s strike rate, stating that notable names in world cricket do not play with a strike rate of 200.

Speaking of his captaincy and match-winning abilities, he said, “Yes, we haven’t won any major event in his captaincy, but a player’s natural game should not change.”

“The way Babar plays his shots, if you demand that from me. That is wrong. Similarly, if you ask Babar to hit 6 sixes in an over. That’s wrong. If you ask Babar to stay out there and win the game. He will do it in his own way.” Faheem Ashraf concluded.

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‘Mind-boggling decision,’ Pakistan cricketer questions Faheem’s selection over Hasnain

Pakistan top-order batter Ahmed Shehzad has questioned the decision to play all-rounder Faheem Ashraf instead of fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain in the tri-nation ODI series final against New Zealand.

The Kiwi side outclassed Pakistan in the tri-nation series final as they chased the 243-run target at the loss of five wickets with 28 balls to spare at the newly renovated National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Friday.

After the loss, Ahmed Shehzad took to his official YouTube channel and criticised Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan’s decision to bat first.

“Pakistan’s bubble has burst ahead of the Champions Trophy,” said Shehzad.

“It was a mind-boggling decision [to bat first] because we had seen in the previous match that the pitch becomes better for batting at night.

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“The ball doesn’t grip the surface for spinners. Still, the Pakistan team decided to bat first. Brainless decision—no clue.”

The 33-year-old also slammed the team selection, criticising the ‘safe’ approach to strengthen batting at the expense of a specialist pacer.

“Pakistan captain wants to play safe with batting—whether it’s being a spinner short in the Champions Trophy squad or, in this match,” he stated.

“Playing [bowling all-rounder] Faheem Ashraf to strengthen the batting lineup at the expense of [fast bowler] Mohammad Hasnain, yet still using Ashraf for just two overs.

“In a final, you are making childish decisions… making so many mistakes in matches. You get a chance to win only when the opposition performs below par or doesn’t have their main players available.”

READ: Former cricketer urges Babar Azam to return at No. 3 in Champions Trophy

Mohammad Rizwan justifies Faheem Ashraf’s selection over Aamir Jamal

LAHORE: Pakistan white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan defended the selection of all-rounder Faheem Ashraf over Aamir Jamal while addressing the concerns regarding the national team’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Friday.

Last week, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the squad for the mega event, marking Ashraf’s return after a two-year absence.

The 31-year-old all-rounder’s inclusion in the squad also sparked outbursts from cricket fans and former cricketers who questioned his place in the team.

While addressing the media ahead of the tri-nation series against South Africa and New Zealand, Rizwan stated that the all-rounder was selected due to his performances in List A cricket.

“If you talk about Faheem Ashraf, his performance over the last two years has been good. His List-A average is around 46,” remarked Rizwan.

“Look, sometimes people think about how a certain player is making his comeback after a few years, but we make decisions considering the team requirements.”

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“We needed a fast-bowling all-rounder while Aamir Jamal was also a consideration but he [Faheem] was the best choice for us,” explained Rizwan.

The white-ball captain also reaffirmed the squad selection for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 by stating that as of now there aren’t any changes needed.

“The squad of Champions Trophy is in front of everyone, as of now there are no planned changes to the team,” said Rizwan.

For the unversed, Pakistan will begin their campaign in the much-anticipated Champions Trophy against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19.

Pakistan squad for tri-nation series and Champions Trophy 2025:

Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Usman Khan (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

READ: ‘King Karlega’: Rizwan Backs Babar Azam as Opener for Champions Trophy

Former Pakistan pacer questions Faheem Ashraf’s selection in Champions Trophy squad

Former Pakistan pacer Tanveer Ahmed questioned the inclusion of Faheem Ashraf in the national team for the much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Tanveer Ahmed while appearing on a TV show stated that the all-rounder was included in the squad despite his poor performance in his last 20 One Day Internationals (ODIs).

“He has just nine wickets in the last 20 innings, a batting average of only 10 in his last 34 innings and still he is included in Pakistan’s squad,” the former pacer said.

However, his co-host then mentioned that the allrounder’s performance in List A cricket in 2023-24 has played a pivotal role in his selection for the Champions Trophy.

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According to the co-host, the allrounder scored 454 runs in 11 innings at an average of 44 and took 19 wickets in 14 innings in List A cricket.

On the contrary, Tanveer Ahmed was of the view that Faheem Ashraf’s stats in international cricket mattered more than his List A record.

The former pacer also highlighted that opening batter Imam ul Haq and allrounder Aamer Jamal were not included in the squad despite better performances in domestic cricket.

Earlier, several former players including legendary cricketer Wasim Akram expressed their reservations about the inclusion of Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah in the Champions Trophy squad.

It is worth noting here that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on January 31 announced the Pakistan squad for the upcoming tri-nation series with New Zealand and South Africa and the Champions Trophy 2025.

Opening batter Fakhar Zaman made a return to the 15-member Pakistan squad alongside all-rounders Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf and batter Saud Shakeel.

Pakistan Squad for Tri-Nation Series and ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (wk)(c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Saud Shakeel, Naseem Shah, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Kamran Ghulam, Muhammad Hasnain, Usman Khan, Haris Rauf.

READ: Sri Lanka star batter announces retirement amid Australia Test series

Wasim Akram questions Faheem Ashraf’s selection in Champions Trophy squad

Former Pakistan captain and bowling great Wasim Akram opened up on the selection of the national squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, expressing grievance over the selection of Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah.

Pakistan announced their squad for the tri-nation series and the upcoming eight-team tournament on January 31.

While talking on the sidelines of the International League T20 (ILT20), Wasim Akram did not seem pleased with the selection of Faheem and Khushdil.

“I haven’t thought about the team announcement yet. But a couple of things that I have thought about. For instance, Faheem Ashraf is in the team. I wish him all the best.

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“He is a talented cricketer. But in the last 20 matches, his bowling average is 100 and he averages nine with the bat. He came out of the blue and Khushdil also came out of the blue,” the Sultan of Swing said.

Wasim Akram also shed light on Pakistan’s decision to select only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, for the much anticipated mega event.

“We are taking one spinner, a proper spinner especially knowing the conditions here in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). I think India has three to four spinners in their squad.

“There is a reason behind that they have selected this. Anyway, the team has been selected. I wish the Pakistan team all the best,” he remarked.

The former captain expressed his delight over the return of Fakhar Zaman, while suggesting who should open with Fakhar in the absence of injured Saim Ayub.

“And now there will be a problem of opening as well. Fakhar Zaman has been picked, thank God he is back in the squad. He is one of the main players in world cricket in white ball,” he added.

“I would like to see Mohammad Rizwan as a middle-order batter in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, while I will be backing Babar Azam as an opener.

“His technique is great, If Babar plays 50 overs, he will score 100 or more than that, and with that, the entire team’s batting will score around him. This is my thought.”

Pakistan Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

READ: Imam-ul-Haq breaks silence on Champions Trophy 2025 snub

Faheem Ashraf to lead Pakistan in Hong Kong World Sixes

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday announced that all-rounder Faheem Ashraf will lead the seven-member squad for the upcoming Hong Kong World Sixes.

The eight-team tournament, after a seven-year hiatus, will be played from 1 to 3 November at the Kowloon Cricket Club in Hong Kong.

Pakistan since the inception of the tournament in 1993 have won the tournament four times, while it has remained runners-up of the event five times, which includes qualifying for the final of the last edition held in 2017.

South Africa and England lead with the most Hong Kong Sixes titles, each winning five. Sri Lanka, Australia, India, and the West Indies have each won one title.

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Chairperson of Cricket Hong Kong, China, Burji Shroff, expressed excitement about the tournament’s return.

“We are excited to bring back this iconic event that showcases our city as a truly world city and a sporting capital of East Asia to the world and our cricket credentials,” said Burji Shroff.

“The strategic plan is to develop the Hong Kong Sixes into a global series, culminating every year with the grand finale at home.”

It’s worth noting that former Test wicketkeeper-batter Saleem Yousuf will travel with the side as manager.

Pakistan squad: Faheem Ashraf (captain), Aamer Yamin, Asif Ali, Danish Aziz, Hussain Talat, Muhammad Akhlaq (wk) and Shahab Khan

READ: Pakistan spinner Usman Qadir bids farewell to cricket career

I haven’t done justice to my talent: Faheem Ashraf

Pakistan all-rounder Faheem Ashraf recently stated that he is considering the ongoing Champions One-Day Cup as a platform that will pave the way for his comeback to the national team.

Faheem is representing Saud Shakeel-led Dolphins in the Champions One-Day Cup. he scored 35-ball 41 and took one wicket in Dolphins’ season opener against Panthers.

During an interview with a local news channel, the 30-year-old all-rounder expressed his dissatisfaction with his performances, highlighting the need for improvement. But he also acknowledged that at times his good performances were overlooked.

“A career has its ups and downs, but a good performance can open many doors. What’s destined will come, and if it’s not in your destiny, it won’t happen,” said Faheem.

“Perhaps I haven’t done justice to my talent. At times, it’s disappointing when, despite performing, opportunities don’t come your way. But I try to stay positive and avoid negative thoughts,” he added.

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Faheem also commented on the importance of the Champions One-Day Cup for him and other players, who are eyeing a comeback to the Pakistan team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

“Some will be trying to make a comeback, while others will be looking to cement their places. It’s an important opportunity for young players to perform and get noticed by selectors and franchise teams,” he stated.

“I’m aiming to perform well here and make a comeback for the Champions Trophy,” he further added.

He also shared that he will continue to serve the game of cricket until his fitness allows.

“As long as I have the energy, I will keep playing cricket. Once I no longer have that, I’ll step away from the game,” he concluded.

Notably, Faheem Ashraf last played for Pakistan in the Perth Test against Australia, while his last white-ball match was the Asia Cup 2023 clash against India.

READ: Former cricketer backs Mohammad Rizwan as future Pakistan captain