Tag: Iftikhar Ahmed

MULTAN: Pakistan bowling unit decimated Nepal after centuries from captain Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed as the host kicked off their Asia Cup 2023 campaign with a statement 238-run victory.

Set to chase a mammoth 343, Nepal’s batting lineup failed completely and could only accumulate 104 before being bundled out in the 24th over.

The associate side got off to a poor start to the pursuit as they lost three wickets inside two overs with just 14 runs on the board.

Following the early slump, Aarif Sheikh and Sompal Kami stabilized the run chase with a gutsy 59-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

The pair frustrated the Pakistan bowlers before Haris Rauf provided a much-needed breakthrough by dismissing Aarif Sheikh, who could score 26 off 38 deliveries, hitting five boundaries.

Aarif’s dismissal sparked collapse and Nepal began to lose wickets at an alarming rate and consequently slipped from 73/3 to 104 all out.

Sompal Kami waged a lone battle for Nepal with a cautious 46-ball 28 which featured four boundaries.

Besides Sompal and Aarif, only Gulsan Jha (13) managed to make it into the double figures.

Shadab Khan led the bowling attack for Pakistan with 4/27, followed by two wickets each from Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf while Naseem Shah and Mohammad Nawaz made one scalp each.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan piled up a massive total of 342/6 in 50 overs at the back of a marathon 151-run knock by skipper Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed’s maiden century.

Babar Azam scored a classy 151, while Iftikhar Ahmed wreaked havoc on Nepal bowlers with an unbeaten 109.

The hosts Pakistan had a shaky start after winning the toss with both opening batters back to the pavilion inside seven overs with only 25 runs on board.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan then helped rebuild the innings as they added 86 runs for the third wicket before Mohammad Rizwan perished courtesy of a direct hit. He scored 44 runs off 50 deliveries with the help of six boundaries.

Agha Salman also followed him after adding only five runs to the total, leaving Pakistan at 124-4 in the 28th over.

Babar Azam was then joined by Iftikhar Ahmed on the crease, and together they exhibited a fiery batting display against Nepal bowlers.

They added 214 runs in only 131 balls for the fifth wicket, steering Pakistan to a mammoth total.

Babar Azam’s 131-ball 151 featured 14 boundaries and four sixes, whereas Iftikhar Ahmed scored 109 runs from 71 balls with the help of 11 boundaries and four sixes.

Nepal’s Sompal Kami picked up two wickets, while Karan KC and Sandeep Lamichhane contributed with one wicket each.

READ: Anamul Haque replaces Litton Das in Bangladesh squad for Asia Cup

Pakistan all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed has busted a false derogatory remark about the Indian cricket team, stating a professional cricketer would never make such a statement.

Social media went abuzz with a false Iftikhar Ahmed’s quote, according to which he allegedly said, “Whenever we have a match against India, it feels like we are playing with street children.”

Consequently, Iftikhar called out the X user for spreading the false news and also urged the social networking site to take tough action against such deceptive profiles.

“I’ve been made aware of this statement which I’ve never made. In fact, no professional cricketer will make such a statement. Please stop circulating false news & report this individual for spreading hate. @X @elonmusk please ban this account as people are misusing the blue tick.”

I’ve been made aware of this statement which I’ve never made. In fact, no professional cricketer will make such a statement. Please stop circulating false news & report this individual for spreading hate.@X @elonmusk please ban this account as people are misusing the blue tick. https://t.co/dmgDEfM9jp pic.twitter.com/fExqNRa9Zk

— Iftikhar Ahmad (@IftiMania) August 16, 2023

Notably, Iftikhar Ahmed’s stint with Colombo Strikers in the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023 ended on Tuesday as his team failed to finish in the top four of the five-match tournament.

He, alongside captain Babar Azam and other players, who were participating in the league will now join the rest of the national squad in Hambantota today.

Notably, a number of cricketers from Pakistan’s squad for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan and the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023 departed for the Island nation.

Nine Pakistani players departed from Allama Iqbal International Airpot, Lahore this afternoon, including Abdullah Shafique, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Faheem Ashraf, M Rizwan, Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi.

Meanwhile, vice-captain Shadab Khan will fly from Karachi to join the team in Sri Lanka, whereas his fellow leg spinner Usama Mir, who was participating in The Hundred will join the team from the United Kingdom (UK).

Pakistan team is scheduled to play a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in Sri Lanka on August 22, 24 and 26. The first two ODI will take place in Hambantota, while the third game will be played in Colombo.

The upcoming series is the first bilateral ODI series between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Before that, they played only four ODIs and Pakistan remained unbeaten in all.

Afterwards, the Pakistan team will Pakistan will face Nepal in the curtain raiser of the Asia Cup, starting on August 30 at Multan Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan’s Squad for the Afghanistan Series:

Openers: Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq

Middle order: Babar Azam (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Tayyab Tahir and Saud Shakeel

Wicketkeepers: Mohammad Rizwan and Mohammad Haris

Spinners: Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Mohammad Nawaz and Usama Mir

Pace all-rounder: Faheem Ashraf

Pacers: Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi

READ: Tickets for Asia Cup 2023 Sri Lanka leg go on sale

KARACHI: New Zealand opener Will Young heaped praises on hard-hitting Pakistan batter Iftikhar Ahmed for his courageous knocks against the Blackcaps during the recently concluded white-ball series between the two sides. 

Pakistan’s lone warrior in the final ODI on Sunday, Iftikhar, smashed an unbeaten 94 from 72 balls to keep the opposition on their toes despite the top-order collapse. His heroic knock eventually went in vain as Pakistan were all-out for 252 while chasing 300.

Earlier in the T20I series, he also played a similar knock when he thrashed a blistering 60 in just 24 balls in the third game in Lahore but could not sail his side to the finish line.

The grit shown by Iftikhar did not go unnoticed as the Kiwi player Young spoke highly of his knock, claiming he was distressed after dropping the former on 60.

“He is an amazing player. I can recall a couple of knocks when he almost won the game singlehandedly” said Young in the post-match press conference.

“I think the game is never over when Ifitkhar is at the crease. And when I dropped him on 60 at point, my heart was pumping”

Young, who starred with a brilliant 87-run knock, said he was happy with the team’s victory and the way he played in the final ODI.

“We were able to take wickets today which we were not able to do in the previous game and managed to put pressure on the opposition,” he added

Commenting on the importance of the Pakistan tour before the World Cup – scheduled later this year in India – he said, “Playing in the subcontinent condition will help us a lot preparing for the mega event”.

Furthermore, the right-hander also hailed the local crowd for their support and lauded Pakistan for its great hospitality.

“They were obviously home fans but they were nice and friendly to us as well. And the way we were treated in hotel rooms at various hotels was outstanding,” he said.

“Hospitality was great,” he remarked.

New Zealand concluded their second tour of Pakistan this year on Sunday with a consolation 47-run win in the final ODI at National Bank Cricket Cricket to avoid the 5-0 series whitewash.

The tour commenced on April 24 with a five-game T20I series in Lahore and Rawalpindi. Despite falling behind 2-0 after the first two games, the visitors managed to tie the series at 2-2.

READ: No fissure in the team, claims Babar after Imam’s cryptic tweet

LAHORE: In-form all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed replaced injured Haris Sohail in Pakistan’s ODI squad for the last three PAK vs NZ ODI matches in Karachi, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Saturday.

According to the details, left-arm middle-order batter Haris Sohail, who succumbed to an injury amid the team’s scheduled practice session ahead of the five-match ODI series against New Zealand, has been replaced by in-form all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed.

Notably, Haris suffered a nasty collision with his teammate Shadab Khan in the training session and landed awkwardly on his left shoulder.

The batter was then taken to a local hospital in Rawalpindi and underwent scans.

“Pakistan batter Haris Sohail landed awkwardly on his left shoulder during a fielding drill today,” stated PCB in a statement.

“His initial scans at a local hospital were satisfactory. The medical team will assess him before the first One-Day International tomorrow to determine his participation in the match,” the statement added.

Following his inclusion in the ODI squad, Iftikhar will join the national contingent in Karachi, where the last three fixtures of the PAK vs NZ ODI series will be played on May 3, 5 and 7.

A sensational bowling performance by young pacer Naseem Shah and a magnificent century in the run chase by Fakhar Zaman propelled the home side to a resounding five-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first ODI to script a winning start to the series.

With the ICC ODI World Cup scheduled this year in India, the series provide a launching pad for the two teams to begin their preparations for the megaevent.

Pakistan ODI Squad: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Ihsanullah, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Usama Mir, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood and Mohammad Wasim Jnr.

DUBAI: Middle-order batter Iftikhar Ahmed has achieved the career-best position in the latest ICC T20I rankings after his blistering knocks in the recently-concluded PAK vs NZ T20I series. 

Iftikhar moved six places to equal 38th and is the third-highest-ranked Pakistan batter after Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan on the current list of T20I batters.

The right-hander scored 36 from 22 in the final T20I on Monday while he baton-charged  Kiwi bowlers in the third match when he smashed a quickfire 24-ball 60. The visitors survived Iftikhar’s brilliance to win that match before beating Pakistan in the final match to level the five-game series 2-2.

Wicket-keeper batter Rizwan, however, retains his second position on the rankings as he closes in on India’s Suryakumar Yadav, who remains the No.1-ranked T20I batter with 906 rating points.

Rizwan thrashed an unbeaten 98 in the last match and ended the series as the leading run-scorer for Pakistan. He rose from 798 to 811 points, bringing down the difference between him and Yadav to less than 100.

Skipper Babar, on the other hand, holds onto third place on the latest T20I rankings, although the right-hander dropped 13 rating points to 756 points after he managed just 19 runs in the fifth match against Kiwis.

The big mover for Pakistan in the latest rankings was all-rounder Imad Wasim, who produced impressive performances with both bat and ball during the series.

“Imad scored 31 in the fifth and final game of the series, but it was his eight wickets at an average of 10.37 during the series that really stood out and the 34-year-old was rewarded on both the bowler and all-rounder rankings.” said the International Cricket Council’s media release on Wednesday.

Imad made his way into the top 100 on the latest rankings for T20I bowlers rankings and also climbed 44 places to joint-24th on the all-rounders’ list.

Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan holds the highest rank on the T20I bowler charts, while Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan remains the No.1 ranked all-rounder.

Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Mark Chapman, who was the leading run-getter in the PAK vs NZ T20I series, was awarded for his sensational form as he moved up 45 places to a career-best 35th overall.

Chapman hit a match-winning hundred in that fifth game of the series to help New Zealand draw the series.

READ: Pakistan U19 team departs for Bangladesh tour

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi heaped praises on Iftikhar Ahmed after he played a blistering knock against New Zealand in the third PAK vs NZ T20I on Monday in Lahore. 

Afridi, dubbed as ‘Boom Boom’ back then for his aggressive batting style,  has awarded that label to the right-hander for his quickfire 60 in just 24 balls, smashing three fours and six maximums.

Taking to Twitter, legendary all-rounder Afridi lauded Iftikhar’s powerful knock which eventually went in vain since New Zealand edged the Green Shiirts by four runs to stay alive in the series.

“You are not chacha (uncle) for me @IftiAhmed221 you are boom boom but I wish that you had finished the match and make yourselves a memorable inning. Overall well played, it was good cricket over all, the fans enjoyed.” tweeted Afridi

You are not chacha for me @IftiAhmed221 you are boom boom but I wish that you had finished the match and make yourselves a memorable inning. Overall well played, it was good cricket over all, the fans enjoyed. Well done @TheRealPCB and thank you for coming @BLACKCAPS to 🇵🇰

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) April 17, 2023

Furthermore, he expressed gratitude to Blackcaps for their historic visit to the country and also lauded Pakistan Cricket Board.

“Well done @TheRealPCB and thank you for coming @BLACKCAPS to Pakistan,” he added.

It must be noted here that New Zealand won their maiden T20I against Pakistan on the latter’s home soil last night and reduced the hosts’ advantage to 2-1 in the five-game series.

Set to chase 164, Pakistan failed just five short of victory as the home side could raise 159 before bundling out on the final delivery despite Iftikhar’s quickfire 60.

Both teams now travel to Rawalpindi for the fourth and fifth T20I on April 20 and 24 at Pindi Cricket Stadium.

READ: PAK vs NZ Live: Iftikhar blitz in vain as New Zealand edge Pakistan

LAHORE: Middle-order batter Iftikhar Ahmed took exception to the criticism hurled at Pakistan captain Babar Azam, calling it a ‘sin’. 

Iftikhar, who represents Quetta Gladiators in the ongoing Pakistan Super League season 8, comes out in support of star batter Babar, saying the ones who criticize him ‘should look at their stature first,’ without naming anyone.

“I believe criticising a player like Babar is just like committing a sin,” he said in an interview with a local news channel on Wednesday.

“Everyone knows that there is no other player like Babar in the world,” he claimed.

“See your level first before passing comments on Babar. First, make yourself a cricketer like him and then criticise. I believe criticising Babar is a sin,” he reiterated.

It may be noted here that Babar is often criticised for his low strike rate in the shortest format of the game. Some cricket analysts and fans also point fingers at his on-field decisions as a captain.

However, the right-handed batter led Pakistan to the semifinals in two successive T20 World Cups -2021 and 2022 – and finished as runner-ups in the latter.

READ: Malan ton gives England thrilling win over Bangladesh

KARACHI: Pakistan’s in-form batter Iftikhar Ahmed has departed for Bangladesh to represent Fortune Barishal in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

Iftikhar, who is in red-hot form, returned to Bangladesh after his batting exploits in the exhibition match at Quetta’s Bugti Stadium against Peshawar Zalmi on Sunday.

According to the sources, the right-handed batter will represent the Barishal in one more match before eventually travelling back to the country for the upcoming eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Amid his brilliant 50-ball 94, Iftikhar also thwacked six consecutive sixes to left-arm pacer Wahab Riaz to boost his PSL side Quetta Gladiators’ total to 184/5, which in the end, turned out to be sufficient as the Zalmi fell three short.

Meanwhile, following his heroics in the exhibition match, the middle-order batter has departed for Bangladesh via Dubai.

Taking to Twitter, Iftikhar thanked the people of Quetta for their love and respect while expressing his desire to continue his momentum.

“Thank you, Quetta for the love and respect. Transit in Dubai – heading to Bangladesh for one more game tomorrow,” wrote Iftikhar.

“Hoping to continue my momentum for my team Fortune Barishal and end on a high note, In sha Allah,” he added.

Thank you #Quetta for the love and respect.

Transit in #Dubai – heading to #Bangladesh 🇧🇩 for one more game tomorrow. Hoping to continue my momentum for my team Fortune Barishal and end on a high note, In sha Allah. #IftiMania pic.twitter.com/vQugJrY3H4

— Iftikhar Ahmad (@IftiMania) February 6, 2023

 

It is pertinent to mention that the PSL 8 will embark on February 13 in Multan with home side Multan Sultans taking on defending champions Lahore Qalandars in the curtain raiser, followed by a glittering opening ceremony.

Meanwhile, Iftikhar’s Gladiators will start their PSL 8 campaign against Multan Sultans on February 15.

READ: Tagenarine Chanderpaul hits unbeaten double ton for West Indies

QUETTA: Fast bowler Wahab Riaz hailed Iftikhar Ahmed for his batting onslaught during the PSL exhibition match between Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi on Sunday, which witnessed an impeccable six maximums in an over by the latter. 

Iftikhar, who smoked Wahab for six sixes in the final over of the first innings, played an astounding knock of unbeaten 94 runs to help Galadiators seal a tense three-run win over Zalmi.

Taking to Twitter after the match, Wahab said he was disappointed over his bowling but at the same time ‘happy’ for Iftikhar for the way he batted.

“Wonderful display of batting by @IftiAhmed221. Unbelievable shots and the command he has shown was amazing. I’m disappointed but happy for you brother. Keep going!” he tweeted.

Wonderful display of batting by @IftiAhmed221. Unbelievable shots and the command he has shown was amazing. I’m disappointed but happy for you brother. Keep going!

— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) February 5, 2023

 

Set to chase a mammoth target of 185, Peshawar Zalmi fell short of the target despite a promising start by young Mohammad Haris and skipper Babar Azam.

Haris made 53 from 35 balls while Peshawar and Pakistan captain Babar scored 23 from 18 balls. Star all-rounder Shahid Afridi played a short cameo of 17-ball 25 amid roars and loud cheers by the enthusiastic Quetta crowd.

For Quetta, Mohammad Hasnain led the bowling charge as he picked up three wickets for 30 runs in his four overs, while player of the match Iftikhar also had two wickets to his credit besides his batting exploits.

Earlier, Veteran pacer Wahab provided Zalmi with early breakthroughs, dismissing Ahsan Ali and Umar Akmal in the second over after skipper Babar elected to field first. He took three wickets but conceded 47 runs in his full quota of four overs.

Gladiators fought back in the second half of the innings to post a respectable total on the board with Iftikhar firing in with his massive hits and keeping jam-packed Bugti Stadium on its toes.

Khusdhil Shah, on the other hand, contributed 36 from 24 balls before he fell prey to Wahab in the 18th over.

Quetta Captain Sarafaraz, however, managed just four from 12 balls before he was knocked out by Aamer Jamal.  who could only score four runs, was cleaned up by Aamir Jamal. Abdul Wahid Bangalzai scored 28 in 19.

READ: Pakistan to play three T20Is against Afghanistan in Sharjah next month

DHAKA: Pakistan’s in-form batter Iftikhar Ahmed has departed for Pakistan following his brilliant campaign for Fortune Barishal in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

Iftikhar, who represented the Barishal in the ongoing BPL, has been scintillating with the bat as the right-handed batter was the second-highest run-getter in the ongoing tournament with 347 runs in 10 innings including a century and three half-centuries.

According to the details, the all-rounder, who will represent Quetta Gladiators in the upcoming eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is travelling back to Pakistan in a bid to participate in his PSL side’s home exhibition match against Peshawar Zalmi on Sunday (February 5).

Taking to Facebook, Iftikhar’s BPL franchise Barishal posted a picture of him departing for his homeland.

“We are sorrowed to announce that our Southern Army Iftikhar Ahmed has left Dhaka to join Quetta Gladiators camp for the upcoming PSL tournament,” said Barishal in a statement.

“Thanks for everything champ, thanks for all of the great memories which we’ve achieved through you as well as which was impossible without you.

“Your name will remain forever in the heart of Barishal Citizen. Wish you a great career in future.

“Once a Southern Army, Always a southern Army.”

It is pertinent to mention that the PSL 8 will embark on February 13 in Multan with home side Multan Sultans taking on defending champions Lahore Qalandars in the curtain raiser, followed by a glittering opening ceremony.

Meanwhile, Iftikhar’s Gladiators will start their PSL 8 campaign against Multan Sultans on February 15.

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