Tag: New Zealand vs Pakistan

LAHORE: Pakistan’s young right-arm pacer Mohammad Hasnain has been added to the list of probables for the home ODI series against New Zealand, scheduled in January 2023.

Briefly, after announcing the 21 probables for the ODI series against New Zealand, the Men’s Interim National Selection Committee has added young pacer Hasnain among the shortlisted players.

Earlier, Sindh’s explosive batter Sharjeel Khan, who last played an ODI back in 2017 was named among the probables, while Shan Masood has also been added to the set of players; having played his last ODI in 2019.

Former captain and wicketkeeper batter Sarfaraz Ahmed, who marked his return to Test cricket after a gap of more than three years, has not been named among the set of players.

The interim selection committee for men’s also named six uncapped players Abrar Ahmed, Ihsanullah, Aamer Jamal, Kamran Ghulam, Qasim Akram and Tayyab Tahir in the list of shortlisted players.

The final squad for the historic home ODI series will be announced following the conclusion of the ongoing Pakistan Cup and amid the second Test in Karachi, shared Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a press release.

“The selectors will announce the 16-player squad following the conclusion of the Pakistan Cup and during the second Test, which will also be played here from 2-6 January,” said PCB in a statement.

Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi (injured) and Zahid Mehmood, who were part of the squad for the ODI series against the Netherlands, have not been named in the probables list.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan will take on New Zealand in three ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League matches, which will be played at National Bank Cricket Arena, Karachi on January 9, 11 and 13 respectively.

PROBABLES:

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafiq, Abrar Ahmed, Aamer Jamal, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Ihsanullah, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Qasim Akram, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shan Masood, Sharjeel Khan and Tayyab Tahir

LAHORE: The Men’s Interim National Selection Committee on Wednesday announced 21 probables for the home ODI series against New Zealand, left-handed batter Sharjeel Khan included.

The interim selection committee for the national men’s team under the leadership of former captain Shahid Afridi named 21 probables for the home ODI series against New Zealand, scheduled to take place from January 9 to 13 in Karachi.

Former captain and wicketkeeper batter Sarfaraz Ahmed, who marked his return to Test cricket after a gap of more than three years, has not been named among the set of players, while his Sindh teammate Sharjeel, who last donned the national jersey in the fifty-over format in 2017 was named among the 21 probables.

Besides Sharjeel, Shan Masood who last played an ODI in 2019 has also been named among the 21 announced players that also feature six uncapped players Abrar Ahmed, Ihsanullah, Aamer Jamal, Kamran Ghulam, Qasim Akram and Tayyab Tahir.

The final squad for the historic home ODI series will be announced following the conclusion of the ongoing Pakistan Cup and amid the second Test in Karachi, shared Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a press release.

“The selectors will announce the 16-player squad following the conclusion of the Pakistan Cup and during the second Test, which will also be played here from 2-6 January,” said PCB in a statement.

Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi (injured) and Zahid Mehmood, who were part of the squad for the ODI series against the Netherlands, have not been named in the probables list.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan will take on New Zealand in three ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League matches, which will be played at National Bank Cricket Arena, Karachi on January 9, 11 and 13 respectively.

PROBABLES:

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafiq, Abrar Ahmed, Aamer Jamal, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Ihsanullah, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Qasim Akram, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shan Masood, Sharjeel Khan and Tayyab Tahir

READ: Let’s reminisce an eventful 2022 for Pakistan in international sports

KARACHI: Devon Conway and Tom Latham dominated Pakistan bowlers with an unbeaten 165-run opening stand to propel a comeback for New Zealand in the first Test, here at National Bank Cricket Arena on Tuesday

Kiwi openers were on the charge in the latter half of the day after Pakistan raised a respectable 438-run total in the first innings, thanks to the blistering century by all-rounder Salman Ali Agha on Day 2 of the opening Test.

Conway slammed 82 from 156 balls while Latham contributed 78 from 126 balls, as the two remained solid on crease till the close of the day’s play.

At 165 without loss, New Zealand have already gathered enough momentum to take the first-innings lead after overpowering the 273-run trail with Pakistan bowlers yet to find a breakthrough.

Earlier Salman Ali Agha shone in the first half of the afternoon session as claimed his first Test century to help Pakistan take a dominant position in the game.

Compounding the flourishing start provided by the skipper Babar Azam and Sarfaraz Ahmed on the opening day, Salman played a phenomenal knock of 155-ball 103 with help of 17 fours.

Batting Maestro Babar Azam, who dominated the first day with his stellar performance had to walk back in the very first over without adding a run to his overnight score of 161 when he edged the ball to the wicketkeeper, Tom Blundell, off Kiwi captain Tim Southee’s bowling.

Returning Sarfaraz, however, made a remarkable comeback in the Test side after four years as he made 86 from 153 balls.

Southee remained the leading wicket-taker for New Zealand as he grabbed three while Ish Sodhi, Ajaz Patel and Michael Bracewell made two scalps each.

Pakistan added 121 runs to their overnight total of 317 with 100 coming out of just Salman’s bat.

Nauman Ali, who batted for almost 15 overs and made only 7 runs frustrated the Kiwi bowlers with his solid defence after Babar’s early dismissal. He stood firm alongside Salman for the most part of the opening session when the two gathered 54 runs from 157 balls.  before Wagner finally found the breakthrough with a short-pitch delivery to remove him.

Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, then went on to bring Mohammad Wasim’s demise(2 from 5) and earned his first test wicket in four years. Sodhi took his second after Lunch interval when he trapped Mir Hamza on his pads.

Southee, however, brought the curtains down for Pakistan when he stuck centurion Salman on his back pad off a good-length delivery.

 

KARACHI: The chair of the interim selection committee of Pakistan Men’s cricket Shahid Afridi commented on the national team’s performance on the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand.

The home side had a deplorable start to their proceedings as they were four down for a mere 110 runs, courtesy of some loose shots from the top-order batters.

However, despite the early slump, Pakistan managed to finish the opening day on a high at the back of an astounding fifth-wicket partnership between Babar Azam and Sarfaraz Ahmed.

The duo added a mammoth 196 runs amid the stand and defied the early horror.

Sarfaraz, who was making his return to the Test side after a gap of more than three years, made the most of the opportunity and smashed a valiant knock of 86 runs and was immensely praised by fellow cricketers and cricket fans.

Notably, the interim chief selector of the men’s team Shahid Afridi also took to his Twitter to appreciate wicketkeeper batter Sarfaraz and captain Babar and was also pleased with the team’s overall performance.

“Pleased with Pakistan’s performance today, great comeback after the early loss of wickets,” wrote Afridi on Twitter. “Special praise for Babar for another outstanding innings.

“Sarfaraz proved his selection right, excellent performance for him under pressure.”

Pleased with Pakistan's performance today, great comeback after the early loss of wickets. Special praise for Babar for another outstanding innings. Sarfaraz proved his selection right, excellent performance for him under pressure.

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) December 26, 2022

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan will now resume their first innings on 317/5 on the second day of the ongoing first Test. Captain Babar was unbeaten at 161 with newly-joined Salman Ali Agha (3*).

READ: ‘It was like a debut match,’ Sarfaraz Ahmed on his Test return 

KARACHI: Pakistan wicketkeeper batter Sarfaraz Ahmed opened up on his comeback into Test cricket after a gap of almost four years and asserted it felt like a debut match for him.

Sarfaraz, who gained attention for his sensational 86-run knock in the first Test on home soil, stated his heart was pounding as he came onto the field amid a scheduled press conference following the first day’s action.

“Look, if you ask about how I was feeling when I played the first three deliveries and if someone had checked my heartbeat at that time then probably the meter would have exploded,” shared Sarfaraz.

“So, my heart was beating so fast and it was a similar feeling to that of making your debut as I was playing a Test match after a very long time and the match too was in crunch position at that moment.

“So, when we walked into the pavilion for the lunch break, boys who have played alongside me, noticed my nervousness and were telling me to get normal and I also told them that my heart is beating so fast.

“But, when I went onto the field Babar gave me a lot of confidence as a senior player and carried me with great determination as I also needed confidence at that time and most importantly the Almighty Allah gave me respect.”

The right-handed batter also provided an update on his injury, which he sustained due to a cautious diving effort amid his 86-run knock against the touring side by claiming he is feeling much better now.

“I hurt my knee when I dove and I was experiencing a sharp pain because of that but thanks to Almighty Allah I am feeling much better now,” shared Sarfaraz.

It is pertinent to mention that Sarfaraz helped skipper Babar Azam in defying the early collapse and put Pakistan into a commanding position at the stroke of stumps on Day 1 against New Zealand.

Sarfaraz scored 86 runs before falling to Ajaz Patel in the closing minutes of the opening day and offered a helping hand to Babar (161*) in stitching a valiant fifth-wicket partnership.

The duo added 194 runs for the fifth wicket and strengthened Pakistan’s position over New Zealand in the ongoing first Test.

READ: Twitter erupts as Sarfaraz Ahmed makes Test return in style 

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who made his return to Test cricket after a gap of more than three years, made headlines after his brilliant knock of 86 in the first Test against New Zealand. 

The wicketkeeper batter made his Test return in style; scoring his first-ever half-century on home soil which was his 19th overall in the longest format.

His crucial knock of 86 turned out to be a game-changer for Pakistan as they defied top-order collapse and recovered to finish the first day on a high.

Pakistan were 110/4 when Sarfaraz joined his captain Babar Azam in the middle and stitched a match-saving 194-run partnership for the fifth wicket before falling to Ajaz Patel in the closing overs of the first day’s play.

The right-handed batter scored 86 off 153 balls, laced with eight boundaries.

Sarfaraz’s brilliance inspired his former teammate Wahab Riaz, who termed Sarfaraz’s knock a special one and extended his best wishes to the latter.

“What a comeback innings for [Sarfaraz Ahmed]. [You have] always been a special player,” wrote Riaz on his Twitter.

“Never easy to b on the bench for so long & on the return [you] express yourself. Lots of prayers,” he added.

What a comeback innings for @SarfarazA_54 . U hve always been a special player. Never easy to b on the bench for so long & on a return u express urself . Lot of prayers

— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) December 26, 2022

 

Besides Wahab, Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan also wished Sarfaraz for scoring a brilliant half-century in his 50th Test match.

“50 in 50th Test for kaptaan. Well played saifi bhai,” wrote Shadab.

Meanwhile, Sarfaraz also became a top trend on Twitter following his remarkable comeback knock and received immense appreciation from cricket fans.

Here’s how they reacted:

Outstanding come back from former captain on his home ground after 3 years. 🇵🇰💪#SarfarazAhmed pic.twitter.com/tY6cv45Y6w

— Saboor Shahzad (@SaboorShahzad) December 26, 2022

https://twitter.com/Saddique_Rao/status/1607360515138850816

What a comeback Saifi bhai! #SarfarazAhmed #PakvsNZ #Cricket pic.twitter.com/10qKoLM6IN

— Ali Waqar (@imAliwaqar) December 26, 2022

It would be a long walk for Sarfaraz but what a comeback captain. A brilliant innings when Pakistan was in trouble give support to Babar you don't need to be ashamed keep your head up #SarfarazAhmed pic.twitter.com/xomPc1fI7N

— Muhammad Hassan Mustafa (@BEASTHASSAN10) December 26, 2022

https://twitter.com/Beingmuslim92/status/1607359539187453953

Back with a Bang!!!! Excellent knock by our very own kaptaaan. #SarfarazAhmed

— Maria Anjum (@MariaAnjum11) December 26, 2022

It is pertinent to mention that Sarfaraz last played a Test match back in 2019 against South Africa when he bagged a golden duck in the second innings of the match.

READ: Babar, Sarfaraz defy early collapse to take Pakistan on top in Karachi Test

KARACHI: The trophy for the two-match Test series between Pakistan and New Zealand has been unveiled on Sunday here at National Bank Cricket Arena, ending 32 years of wait for the venue to host Kiwis in a Test match.

The glittering trophy was revealed by Pakistan’s skipper Babar Azam and his New Zealand counterpart Tim Southee as both the captains posed with the trophy.

Earlier, both teams held final practice sessions ahead of the first Test; commencing on December 26 (tomorrow). Players from both teams participated in rigorous batting, bowling, and fielding drills, meanwhile the management and captains of the two sides assessed the pitch keenly in order to make their best move in the series.

🏆🇵🇰🇳🇿

Trophy unveiled for KFC Presents DAFANEWS Pakistan Vs New Zealand Test Series 2022-23#PAKvNZ | #TayyariKiwiHai pic.twitter.com/nnhlC69PEK

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 25, 2022

Earlier in a press talk, Pakistan’s captain hoped that his team would make a comeback in the upcoming home Tests after disappointing results in the recently concluded Test series when England handed Pakistan its first-ever 3-0 home series whitewash.

It is pertinent to mention that New Zealand are on a historic tour to Pakistan to play two Tests and a three-match ODI series from December 26 2022 to January 13 2023.

The National Bank Cricket Arena will host all five matches of New Zealand’s historic series after the second Test has been shifted from Multan due to deteriorating weather conditions.

READ: ‘Our job is to perform on ground’ Babar hopes comeback in NZ Tests

LAHORE: The Men’s interim selection committee led by former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has added Mir Hamza, Sajid Khan and Shahnawaz Dahani to the Pakistan Test squad for the two-match series against New Zealand, scheduled to commence on Monday.

According to the PCB, the decision came into effect after the interim selection committee led by Afridi held a meeting here who, along with Pakistan captain Babar Azam, joined the session through a video link.

In a PCB released statement, Afridi shared that all the members of the interim selection committee mutually agreed upon the need of strengthening the bowling attack of the national team, thus, came up to the conclusion of adding three bowlers to the already announced squad.

“We had a good discussion on the squad and agreed we needed to strengthen our bowling department to give ourselves the best chance of taking 20 wickets in a match. As such, and taking into consideration recent form and performances, we have added fast bowlers Mir Hamza and Shahnawaz Dahani, and off-spinner Sajid Khan,” said PCB in a statement.

“I am confident the inclusion of three additional bowling resources will give Babar Azam more options to field the best available squad for the first Test,” the statement added.

Hamza had a decent four-match stint in the recently-concluded Quaid-e-Azam Trophy; taking 16 wickets, while Sajid bagged 21 wickets in seven matches. Meanwhile, Dahani could only make two appearances in the premium first-class tournament due to national duty.

Hamza played his first and only Test against Australia in 2018 while Sajid’s seventh and last Test was against Australia earlier this year in Lahore. Whereas, is yet to make his debut in Tests.

Pakistan Test Squad

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shan Masood and Zahid Mehmood

READ: PAK v NZ: PCB puts tickets on sale for first Test in Karachi 

KARACHI: The tickets for the final Test between Pakistan and New Zealand, scheduled from December 26 to 30 at National Bank Cricket Arena Karachi, will be available for purchase from Saturday.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday announced it had kept the ticket prices at nominal rates, starting from Rs150, in order to ensure that the action would be accessible for all cricket fans.

According to the details, the ticketing price for the General enclosure – Muhammad Brothers and Intakhab Alam – has been set ticket at PKR150, and a First-Class enclosure – Asif Iqbal, Waqar Hassan and Majid Khan– ticket is for PKR250.

Meanwhile, a Premium enclosure – Imran khan, Quaid, Wasim Akram and Zaheer Abbas – is for PKR300 and a VIP enclosure – Hanif Muhammad, Javed Miandad and Fazal Mehmood – is for PKR500.

🎟️ Tickets go on sale for first #PAKvNZ Test 🎟️

More details ➡️ https://t.co/AUvTgv1HxW#TayyariKiwiHai pic.twitter.com/kqeGs9SpSD

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 24, 2022

 

The physical tickets can be purchased from Asghar Ali Shah Stadium in Nazimabad, RJ Mall (Pakistan Physical disability cricket association) and Sector-35-F, Korangi n0.4.

Furthermore, van booths at Boat Basin, Clifton will also be set up by the PCB, through BookMe, to further facilitate the fans in obtaining the tickets.

It is pertinent to mention that New Zealand are on a historic tour to Pakistan to play two Tests and a three-match ODI series from December 26 2022 to January 13 2023.

The National Bank Cricket Arena here will host all five matches of New Zealand’s historic series after the second Test shifted to here; citing the deteriorating weather conditions in Multan.

READ: Bangladesh bowlers rattle India to leave match hanging in the balance

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday, confirmed that the second Test of the upcoming historic home series against New Zealand has been shifted from Multan to Karachi.

According to the PCB, the decision was taken citing the deteriorating weather condition in Multan and both cricket boards have mutually agreed to shift the venue.

Earlier, the sources privy to the matter told A Sports that the PCB proposed a request to the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) to change the venue for the second Test.

Besides the change in venue, the second Test and upcoming ODI series between the two teams have also been advanced by a day.

“It has also been agreed between the two boards that the second Test and the three ODIs will now be brought forward by a day, meaning the second Test will commence on 2 January with the three ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League fixtures to be played on 9, 11 and 13 January,” said PCB in a statement.

Notably, flight operations in Multan are already disturbed due to dense smog which can also pose a dent to the playing overs in the city.

It is pertinent to mention that the English team also experienced a flight delay on their way back from Multan to Karachi due to dense smog in the prior-mentioned city.

Revised itinerary:

26-30 December – 1st Test, Karachi
2-6 January – 2nd Test, Karachi
9 January – 1st ODI, Karachi
11 January – 2nd ODI, Karachi
13 January – 3rd ODI, Karachi

READ: Haris Rauf ties knot with class fellow in a star-studded Nikah ceremony