Tag: PAK vs NZ

RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi held a high-profile meeting involving national men’s cricket team captain Babar Azam ahead of the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand.

According to the details, the meeting was also attended by national selector Wahab Riaz and head coach Azhar Mahmood.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Mohsin Naqvi confirmed holding a meeting by sharing a picture with the “national team officials”.

“Discussion with national team officials about the upcoming Pak vs NZ series,” wrote Naqvi.

Discussion with national team officials about the upcoming Pak vs NZ series. pic.twitter.com/m4692RElAf

— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) April 17, 2024

 

The agenda of the high-profile meeting, however, is yet to be known.

For the unversed, the five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand will commence on April 18 at Pindi Cricket Stadium here.

But the first three T20Is of the series are likely to be affected by rain.

According to weather forecasts, there could be heavy rain in Islamabad and Rawalpindi throughout this week.

There are 60 per cent chance of rain, during the day and 80 per cent at night on April 18 when the first T20I shall be played.

The rain probability increases to 84 on April 20 before it significantly drops down to 20 per cent on April 21.

The two teams will then travel to Lahore to compete in the remaining two T20Is on April 25 and 27 respectively at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Pakistan squad

Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, Irfan Khan Niazi, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan

Reserves: Haseebullah, Mohammad Ali, Agha Salman, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Wasim Jr.

New Zealand squad

Michael Bracewell (c), Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (WK), Ish Sodhi, Tom Blundell, Zak Foulkes.

Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I series schedule

April 18 — 1st T20I, Rawalpindi

April 20 — 2nd T20I, Rawalpindi

April 21 — 3rd T20I, Rawalpindi

April 25 — 4th T20I, Lahore

April 27 — 5th T20I, Lahore

READ: PCB unveils commentary panel for Pakistan-New Zealand T20Is

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday, announced the star-studded commentary panel for the upcoming five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand.

The commentary panel features renowned voices including Waqar Younis, Bazid Khan, Urooj Mumtaz, Lisa Sthalekar and Chris Harris.

Zainab Abbas will be the presenter during the course of the five-match series.

📢 Announcing the announcers 📢

The commentary panel for the #PAKvNZ T20I series 🤩#AaTenuMatchDikhawan pic.twitter.com/XS5sL7I4nh

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) April 17, 2024

 

For the unversed, Pakistan will host New Zealand for a five-match T20I series, scheduled to run from April 18.

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Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium will host the opening three T20Is between Pakistan and New Zealand on 18, 20 and 21 April before action shifts to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium where the last two matches will be played on 25 and 27 April.

Pakistan squad

Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, Irfan Khan Niazi, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan

Reserves: Haseebullah, Mohammad Ali, Agha Salman, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Wasim Jr.

New Zealand squad

Michael Bracewell (c), Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (WK), Ish Sodhi, Tom Blundell, Zak Foulkes.

Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I series schedule

April 18 — 1st T20I, Rawalpindi

April 20 — 2nd T20I, Rawalpindi

April 21 — 3rd T20I, Rawalpindi

April 25 — 4th T20I, Lahore

April 27 — 5th T20I, Lahore

READ: Azhar Mahmood hints at resting Babar Azam in New Zealand T20Is

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan cricket team’s head coach Azhar Mahmood said that captain Babar Azam could also be rested as part of the rotation policy and to refine the team’s combination.

Addressing a presser in Rawalpindi, Azhar Mahmood said that any player including Babar Azam could be rested during the five-match series, depending on the situation.

“As per policy, we will try to select the best 11 best available players for every match while keeping the conditions in mind,” he added.

To a question, Azhar Mahmood said the team’s management has not decided on the opening pair yet.

“We have not finalised who would be opening the inning. It (opening pair) could be Babar-Saim, Saim-Rizwan and even Fakhar Zaman can also open the inning,” he added.

The head coach also expressed confidence in his team’s capabilities, emphasising the squad’s robust composition and strategic preparations for their upcoming home series against New Zealand.

“The composition of our team, with its blend of experienced batters, agile fast bowlers, and versatile all-rounders, fills me with great confidence,” the coach said.

Azhar Mahmood was of the view that the return of experienced players like all-rounder Imad Wasim and fast bowler Mohammad Amir boosted the team. “Their comeback will undoubtedly bolster our team’s strength,” he stated.

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To a question, he regarded the New Zealand team players as future stars while dismissing the impression of “B Team” sent to play against Pakistan.

“The date indicates that they have a great deal of domestic cricket experience. They are their finest player, and no team is weak in T20s. This is the New Zealand team, and they are playing Pakistan,” Azhar Mahmood added.

The head coach said that fast bowler Shaheen Afridi is completely fit and available for the series starting from April 18.

Pakistan squad

Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, Irfan Khan Niazi, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan

Reserves: Haseebullah, Mohammad Ali, Agha Salman, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Wasim Jr.

New Zealand squad

Michael Bracewell (c), Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (WK), Ish Sodhi, Tom Blundell, Zak Foulkes.

Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I series schedule

April 18 — 1st T20I, Rawalpindi

April 20 — 2nd T20I, Rawalpindi

April 21 — 3rd T20I, Rawalpindi

April 25 — 4th T20I, Lahore

April 27 — 5th T20I, Lahore

READ: Trophy for Pakistan-West Indies ODI series unveiled

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

KARACHI: Pakistan all-format captain Babar Azam has dispelled the impression of a rift between the players of the national team, saying, ‘The unity of the team is intact and there are no differences in the team at all.’

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq posted a tweet on Sunday, believed to be an indirect way of venting out his anger for being benched in the fourth and fifth ODI of the recently concluded PAK vs NZ ODI series.

“Life is an unexpected journey so never expect anything from anyone”. Be patient, Allah is watching,” he wrote.

“Life is an unexpected journey so never expect anything from anyone”. Be patient, Allah is watching❗️

— Imam Ul Haq (@ImamUlHaq12) May 7, 2023

When Babar was asked about Imam’s cryptic tweet during the post-match press conference on Sunday, he replied he had not seen the tweet and would see it later.

“No one gets angry in this team. The unity of our team is phenomenal and it will remain like this,” he added.

“And when something like this happens we try to keep to ourselves because the trust level between us is quite good.”

The 28-year-also also shrugged off the reports that Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to retain him as the captain till the ODI World Cup later this year, saying, he had not been informed.

“I am not aware if the board has made that decision. There hasn’t been any communication with me in this regard.”

However, while commenting on Pakistan’s possible squad for the mega event, Babar said he and the management had 15 to 20 players in mind whose names would only be revealed before the World Cup.

“Every match before the World Cup is important for us and we are trying to utilize it,” he said.

Elaborating on the team’s performance in the recently concluded five-game ODI series against New Zealand, the Pakistan captain said, “There were many positives and we were able to check on our bench strength in the series”

“We tried to clean sweep the Black Caps but the way we planned, we couldn’t finish it that way.”

“We planned to finish the series on a better note; however, early wickets led to our defeat,” he lamented.

Tom Latham-led New Zealand took a 47-run consolation win in the final ODI at National Bank Cricket Arena on Sunday to deny Pakistan a 5-0 clean sweep in the series.

The defeat dethroned Pakistan from the No.1 spot in the ODI rankings which they achieved for the first time in history following their dominant win in the fourth ODI on Friday.

READ: PAK vs NZ: New Zealand team leaves after concluding Pakistan tour

KARACHI: New Zealand’s Men’s cricket team left for their country in the wee hours of Monday morning soon after concluding the final match of the PAK vs NZ ODI series. 

The Blackcaps played five T20Is and as many ODIs between April 14 and May 7 during their second visit to Pakistan this year.

Taking to Twitter, the visitors thanked Pakistan for hosting them as the Kiwis ended their recent tour not as successful as the previous one.

Thanks for having us for the last month Pakistan! Homeward bound after 10 matches against @TheRealPCB and time in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Karachi. #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/ChVF3VQG3n

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) May 8, 2023

Under the captaincy of Kane Williamson, New Zealand beat Pakistan 2-1 in a three-match ODI series earlier in January after the Tim Southee-led Test team drew the two Tests.

On Sunday, the Blackcaps claimed a consolation win in the five-game PAK vs NZ ODI series here at the National Bank Cricket and denied Pakistan a 5-0 clean sweep, which would’ve maintained the Green Shirts’ top spot on the ODI rankings.

Pakistan became the No.1 ODI team for the first time since the advent of the ICC Rankings system in January 2005 after their dominant 102-run victory in the fourth ODI on Friday.

In the T20I series, the touring side managed to level the series 2-2 despite trailing 2-0 after the first two matches.

READ: PAK vs NZ: Iftikhar blitz in vain as New Zealand down Pakistan in fifth ODI

KARACHI: Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar Azam’s magnificent century bolstered the home side to breeze past New Zealand in the fourth PAK vs NZ ODI and claimed the top spot in the ICC ODI Team Rankings.

Watch PAK vs NZ Live Match in HD Streaming

The fourth PAK vs NZ ODI of the five-match series was played here at the National Bank Cricket Arena here on Friday.

New Zealand captain Tom Latham opted to bowl first after the coin flipped in his favour. Pakistan, in response, piled up a massive total on the scoreboard on the back of a brilliant century by their captain Babar Azam.

Babar smashed 10 boundaries on his way to top score for Pakistan with a 117-ball 107.

Besides him, Salman Ali Agha was the other notable run-getter for the hosts as he smashed his second half-century in the format.

Agha played a brisk 58-run knock in just 46 deliveries with the help of four boundaries and two sixes.

The target set by the green shirts turned out to be too much for New Zealand as they succumbed to their fourth straight defeat in the ongoing five-match series despite a brilliant half-century by their skipper Latham.

Latham remained the top scorer for the touring side with a 76-ball 60, which featured five boundaries.

KARACHI: Pakistan captain Babar Azam notched up his 18th century and powered Pakistan to thrash New Zealand by a massive margin of 102 runs in the fourth PAK vs NZ ODI of the five-match series here on Friday.

With their dominant 102-run victory over hapless New Zealand, Pakistan claimed the top spot in the ODI Team Rankings for the first time in history.

Congratulations, Pakistan 🎉

They go to the top of the @MRFWorldwide ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings 🙌 pic.twitter.com/GUq2CjOEoK

— ICC (@ICC) May 5, 2023

Set to chase a mammoth 335, New Zealand’s batting lineup crumbled and bundled out for a meagre 232 in the 43rd over despite their skipper Tom Latham’s 60 and thus handed a massive 102-run victory to the home side.

The touring side had a cautious start to the run chase as their openers Will Young (15) and Tom Blundell raised 36 runs for the first wicket before the latter fell victim to Mohammad Wasim Jr in the eighth over.

New Zealand then endured another setback in the form of Tom Blundell, who could score 23 off 29 before handing a simple catch to Iftikhar Ahmed off Haris Rauf in the ninth over.

Following the slump, New Zealand captain Latham and Daryl Mitchell looked to anchor the run chase as they stitched a vital 83-run partnership for the third wicket.

The duo appeared to have settled down and were eyeing to race up the run rate but Mitchell faltered against Usama Mir and walked back after managing to score 34 off 48 and hit a boundary.

Latham was then involved in yet another crucial partnership for New Zealand as he, alongside Mark Chapman, added 55 runs to the total amid their fourth-wicket stand.

Their stand was turning out to be a game changer as Chapman – the core aggressor – was taking the Pakistan bowlers to the cleaners before Latham faltered against Pakistan.

The New Zealand captain top-scored for his side with a 76-ball 60, which featured five boundaries.

New Zealand then succumbed to yet another massive blow when Usama castled the danger-man Chapman in the 36th over, who fell just four of his half-century.

He remained the notable run-getter for New Zealand with a brisk 46 off 33 deliveries, smashing four boundaries and three sixes.

Chapman’s dismissal triggered a match-defining collapse and New Zealand were soon bundled out in the 44th over.

Usama led the bowling attack for Pakistan with 4/43, followed by Wasim Jr’s 3/40, while Haris Rauf struck twice.

Put into bat first in the fourth PAK vs NZ ODI, the home side piled up a mammoth 334/6 in 50 overs at the back of a magnificent century-knock by their skipper Babar Azam.

Watch PAK vs NZ 4th ODI Live Match Streaming in HD

Earlier, the home side got off to an unwanted start as they lost their in-form opener, Fakhar Zaman (14) with just 36 runs on the scoreboard.

Following Fakhar’s early dismissal, Pakistan captain Babar walked into the middle and joined set batter Shan Masood to anchor the innings.

The pair batted sensibly and put their side in command with the 50-run partnership until Ish Sodhi deceived Masood in the 17th over to draw a much-needed breakthrough for the touring side.

The left-handed batter scored 44 off 55 deliveries, hitting seven boundaries.

Babar then put on a brief partnership with his T20I opening partner Mohammad Rizwan – promoted to bat at No. 4 – before a direct hit from Matt Henry marked the end of the latter’s gritty 24-run knock.

Babar then stitched a vital fourth-wicket partnership with Salman Ali Agha and dominated New Zealand bowlers as the pair added 117 runs at a decent pace with the latter being the core aggressor of the stand.

Agha put the touring side under immense pressure by smashing four boundaries and two sixes amid his 58-run knock, which ended after Henry pulled a stunning catch off his own bowling.

Making his return to the ODI side after a year hiatus, Iftikhar Ahmed took some time to settle before taking the New Zealand bowlers to the cleaners amid his 41-run stand with Babar.

Pakistan skipper then made history by becoming the fastest to score an 18th ODI century amid his sixth-wicket stand with Iftikhar.

Meanwhile, Iftikhar, who was breathing fire, skied one off Henry in the 47th over before walking back to the pavilion after scoring 28 off just 22 deliveries, laced up with five boundaries.

Babar Azam’s stay at the crease remained brief after Iftikhar’s dismissal as he perished in the next over after top-scoring for his side.

He whacked 10 boundaries amid his magnificent knock of 107 in 117 deliveries.

Following Babar’s departure, unbeaten cameos from Mohammad Haris (17 off eight) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (23 off seven) made sure the hosts finished their innings on a high.

KARACHI: Pakistan are well on track to become the No.1 ODI team for the very first time after they took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the PAK vs NZ ODI series with two games to spare. 

Wins in the remaining two matches on May 5 and 7 will take the Green Shirts to the top of the ICC ODI team rankings which will be a historic first for Pakistan, surpassing their previous best as number three on a number of occasions.

Currently, the Men in Green are placed third on the ICC ODI rankings with 112 rating points, one behind the first and second-ranked Australia and India (113).

With the team in a great vein of form, Babar Azam and company would not be willing to settle down with just a series triumph, which came after a long wait of 12 years against the Blackcaps.

“We have to continue this performance and make it a five-nil,” said Babar in the post-match presentation after Pakistan took the series-deciding victory in the third ODI at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi on Wednesday.

The skipper and opener Imam led the charge for the Green Shirts in yesterday’s encounter as they beat New Zealand by 26 runs after setting a respectable 288-run target.

Imam-ul-Haq smashed seven boundaries and a six on his way to top score for Pakistan with a 107-ball 90.

Babar Azam, on the other hand, was also impressive with the bat as he notched up 54 runs in 62 balls, laced up with three boundaries and a six.

The target set by the green shirts turned out to be too much for New Zealand as they succumbed to their third straight defeat in the ongoing five-match series despite a brilliant start by their openers – Will Young and Tom Blundell.

Blundell remained the top scorer for the touring side with a 78-ball 65, which featured seven boundaries.

Both teams will now take on each other on Friday in the fourth ODI before playing the final ODI on Sunday at the same venue.

READ: Haaland sets Premier League record of 35 goals in a season

KARACHI: Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam starred as Pakistan thrashed New Zealand by 26 runs in the third PAK vs NZ ODI to record a historic series victory over the visitors at the National Bank Cricket Arena here on Wednesday.

Pakistan’s ODI series victory over New Zealand marked their first win over the opposition after a 12-year hiatus.

Set to chase 288, New Zealand bundled out for 261 in the final over and thus succumbed to their third consecutive defeat in the five-match series against Pakistan.

The touring side had a flying start to the run chase as their openers – Will Young and Tom Blundell – laid a solid foundation with an 83-run partnership.

The duo dominated the home side bowlers until the 16th over before a direct hit from Salman Ali Agha marked the end of Young’s knock, who scored 33 off 41 deliveries.

Blundell then stitched a brief partnership with in-form Daryl Mitchell as the pair could raise 30 runs before the latter fell victim to Mohammad Wasim Jr after scoring 21 off 24.

Wasim Jr then played his part in drawing another breakthrough for Pakistan as his brilliant fielding effort in the deep caught Blundell well short of his crease.

The right-handed remained the top scorer for New Zealand with a 78-ball 65, which featured seven boundaries.

New Zealand captain Tom Latham, who demoted himself in the batting order, put on brief partnerships with Mark Chapman (13) and Henry Nicholls (1) before finally perishing in the 42nd over after playing a cautious knock of 45 runs in 60 balls.

Debutant Cole McConchie then took the reigns of New Zealand pursuit after Latham’s dismissal but fell short of steering his team home as he received no support from the other end as New Zealand tailenders crumbled against a ruthless Pakistan bowling attack.

The right-handed batter made an unbeaten 64 in 45 balls with the help of six boundaries and two sixes.

For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr and Naseem Shah bagged two wickets each while Agha Salman had a scalp to his credit.

Put into bat first in the third PAK vs NZ ODI, Pakistan pile a massive total on the scoreboard at the back of a brilliant 90-run knock by Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam’s 56.

The home side had an unwanted start to their innings as they lost their in-form opener, Fakhar Zaman for just 19 in the ninth over as Matt Henry struck gold for New Zealand.

After losing their in-form batter Pakistan soon got their dependable pair – Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq – anchoring the proceedings as the duo stitched their eighth 100-run partnership and put the hosts in command.

The pair was looking solid to take the game away from New Zealand until Henry castled Babar in the 29th over – soon after he amassed his 26th half-century.

Babar Azam smashed three boundaries and a six on his way to a 62-ball 54.

Imam-ul-Haq then found brief support in the form of Abdullah Shafique, who could score 19 off 23 before falling to Cole McConchie, who bagged his maiden wicket in the format.

The left-handed opener then found himself in agony as he fell just 10 short of his well-deserved century after Adam Milne’s in-swinging delivery outclassed him in the 38th over.

The back-to-back dismissals, however, did not Pakistan much as a vital 54-run partnership between Agha Salman and Mohammad Rizwan kept the home side in the hunt for a big total.

Salman scored 31 off 29 while Rizwan made 32 off 34 deliveries before they fell in the 46th and 47th over respectively.

Brief yet crucial cameos by Shadab Khan (21 off 10) and Mohammad Nawaz (11 off nine) bolstered Pakistan’s total at the backend as the pair raised 25 runs in the last 13 deliveries.

Right-arm quick Henry led the bowling attack for New Zealand with three wickets while his new-ball partner Milne bagged two. McConchie, on the other hand, had a scalp to his name.