Pakistan Shaheens Archives

Pakistan Shaheens vs England Lions 50-over match in Abu Dhabi called off

ABU DHABI: Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have forced the cancellation of the second 50-over match between the England Lions and Pakistan Shaheens, which was scheduled for Sunday at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.

The decision has been taken following advice from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in view of the escalating situation in Abu Dhabi.

There will be no practice session as well, and the team has been advised to remain indoors.

The ECB confirmed that the decision comes after close consultation with UK government officials and security advisers, emphasising that the safety of players and support staff in the region remains the governing body’s top priority.

“The safety and security of our teams and staff is our top priority,” an ECB spokesperson said.

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“We are in contact with security experts and the Government in relation to current events in the Middle East, and are following official advice.”

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is also in regular contact with the ECB and continues to closely monitor the ever-changing situation.

As soon as the Middle East airspace reopens, the PCB will decide whether to bring the Shaheens squad back to Pakistan or continue with the series, considering the prevailing security scenario.

The decision comes in the wake of recent retaliatory strikes in the region, including areas near Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, heightening concerns for touring squads.

Despite these disruptions, the England Men’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has been cleared to travel to Mumbai for their semi-final fixture on Thursday.

READ: Former Pakistan captain weighs options to replace Salman Ali Agha

England Lions outplay Pakistan Shaheens in series opener

ABU DHABI: Asa Tribe’s 64* guided England Lions to a four-wicket win over Pakistan Shaheens in the opening T20 fixture here at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium Nursery One on Friday.

After being put into bat, Pakistan Shaheens posted 152 for seven in their allotted 20 overs.

Skipper Shamyl Hussain led from the front with 57 off 39 balls, including four boundaries and four maximums.

The opening stand of Shamyl and Maaz Sadaqat added 56, with Maaz Sadaqat scoring 17 from 18 balls.

Meanwhile, Saad Baig (21, 20b, 2x4s) and Abdul Samad (21,12b, 2x6s) provided momentum through the middle overs.

Arafat Minhas, coming to bat at number seven, finished strongly with an unbeaten 13 off nine balls, which included two fours, helping Shaheens cross the 150-run mark.

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For England Lions, James Coles and Saqib Mahmood picked up two wickets each.

Pakistan Shaheens made early inroads as Akif Javed struck twice inside the powerplay to remove Will Smeed and England Lions captain Jordan Cox, leaving the opposition under pressure in the chase.

Ahmed Daniyal, Saad Masood, and Sufiyan Muqeem chipped in with a wicket apiece, keeping Shaheens in the contest through the middle overs.

However, unbeaten 64 from Asa Tribe, including six fours and a six, took Lions over the line in 19.1 overs.

The second match will be played at the same venue on Sunday, March 22.

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Pakistan Shaheens squad announced for series against England Lions

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the 16-member Shaheens squad for the upcoming white-ball series against England Lions in Abu Dhabi.

The three-match T20 series will begin on Friday, 20 February, while the five-match 50-over series will be played from 27 February to 9 March.

All the matches are set to take place at the Stadium Oval in Abu Dhabi.

The Pakistan Shaheens squad will take part in a seven-day training camp from 11-17 February in Karachi before departing for the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Left-hand batter Shamyl Hussain is set to lead the Shaheens in both the T20 and 50-over series.

The squad features Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, player of the tournament in ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars, Maaz Sadaqat and left-hand batter Saad Khan.

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Pakistan U19 batter Sameer Minhas has also received the call-up for both series, along with his brother Arafat Minhas, as the duo make strong strides following their appearances in the ICC U19 World Cup and ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars, respectively.

Rohail Nazir and Saad Baig will take up the wicket-keeping duties, while Arafat, leg-spinner Saad Masood and left-arm wrist spinner Sufyan Muqeem form the spin contingent for the Shaheens.

Among the fast bowlers, Pakistan U19 pacer Ali Raza will be joined by Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Mohammad Salman and Shahid Aziz.

Sarfaraz Ahmed is set to be the mentor and team manager of the Pakistan Shaheens team for this tour.

Former Test player Ijaz Ahmed Jr will be the head coach, and he will be supported by former Pakistan international Mansoor Amjad (fielding coach) and former Test fast bowler Aizaz Cheema (bowling coach).

Pakistan Shaheens squad

Shamyl Hussain (captain), Abdul Samad, Arafat Minhas, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Salman, Rohail Nazir (wk), Saad Baig (wk), Saad Khan, Saad Masood, Sameer Minhas, Shahid Aziz, and Sufyan Moqim.

Player support personnel: Sarfaraz Ahmed (mentor & team manager), Ijaz Ahmed Jnr (head coach), Mansoor Amjad (fielding coach), Aizaz Cheema (bowling coach), Mohammad Tahir (physiotherapist) and Usman Hashmi (performance analyst)

Pakistan Shaheens vs England Lions Schedule

1st T20 – 20 February

2nd T20 – 22 February

3rd T20 – 24 February

1st 50-over – 27 February

2nd 50-0ver – 1 March

3rd 50-over – 4 March

4th 50-over – 6 March

5th 50-over – 9 March

READ: Salman Ali Agha settles Pakistan’s first-choice wicketkeeper debate

Stokes, Moeen added to England Lions coaching staff for Pakistan series

LONDON: Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali are set to join England Lions coaching staff for the upcoming white-ball series against Pakistan Shaheens, slated to commence in Abu Dhabi next month.

According to the England Cricket Board (ECB) press release, the tour involves three T20 matches, which will be followed by five 50 over fixtures.

Jordan Cox will captain the Lions in the T20s while Dan Mousley will take charge of the 50-over team.

“Jordan Cox and Dan Mousley will captain the England Lions’ T20 and 50-over squads respectively during next month’s white-ball series against Pakistan Shaheens in the United Arab Emirates,” the board said.

Following the announcement, ECB Men’s Performance Director, Ed Barney shared his views on the tour, emphasizing the tour as a buildup towards the 50 overs World Cup set to be held in 2027.

“It’s exciting to have such a strong England Lions squad selected. This group brings a real blend of proven performers, exciting talent who have performed over the winter and retains an eye on future best,” he said.

“With limited 50-over cricket on offer, this series combined with tours over the remainder of 2026 will give players the opportunity to develop and deliver as we build towards the 2027 ICC Men’s World Cup in South Africa,” he added.

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England Lions head coach Andrew Flintoff will oversee the coaching responsibilities that will also include Troy Cooley’s, who will be joining the team for the first time since returning to the ECB as Men’s Elite National Pace Bowling Lead.

Moreover, the coaching setup will also include Neil McKenzie, Sarah Taylor, Neil Killeen, former all-rounder Moeen Ali, Amar Rashid and England’s Test skipper Ben Stokes.

The opening match of the tour will commence on Friday 20 February 2026 at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi

T20 squad

Sonny Baker, Luc Benkenstein, James Coles, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox (c), Scott Currie, Calvin Harrison, Eddie Jack, Saqib Mahmood, Ben McKinney, Tom Moores, Dan Mousley, Matt Revis, Will Smeed, Nathan Sowter, Mitchell Stanley and Asa Tribe.

50-over squad

Sonny Baker, Luc Benkenstein, James Coles, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox, Scott Currie, Calvin Harrison, Eddie Jack, Ben McKinney, Dan Mousley (c), Liam Patterson-White, Matthew Potts, Matt Revis, James Rew, Mitchell Stanley, Asa Tribe and James Wharton.

READ: U19 World Cup: Australia edge West Indies to seal semi-final berth

Shaheens Beat Bangladesh A in super over to win Asia Cup Rising Stars

DOHA: Pakistan Shaheens defeated Bangladesh A in a thrilling super over to lift the Asia Cup Rising Stars here at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Chasing a stiff 126, Bangladesh crumbled under pressure and ended on a tie with 125-9 at the end of their innings.

Habibur Rahman Sohan and Jishan Alam added 22 for the opening wicket in 2.3 overs. Alam was trapped lbw for six off Arafat Minhas’ bowling, who sparked a collapse with his spin bowling.

Habibur Rahman (26 off 17 balls) was the second to go in the fourth over, followed by Mahidul Islam Ankon, who could not open his account.

Consequently, Bangladesh were reduced 36-3 in 4.2 overs.

Pakistan spinner continued to mount pressure with wickets at regular intervals as the Tigers slumped to 53-7 at the halfway stage of the innings.

However, it was Ripon Mondol’s and SM Meherob’s 37-run stand that took the score near the 100-run mark. Meherob departed after scoring 19 from 21 balls.

With this, the Tigers’ hopes falter not until Abdul Gaffar Saqlain, 16 from 12 balls. The right-hander tonked Shahid Aziz to three sixes to bring down the equation to seven from six balls.

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Yet, the match went into the super over with Bangladesh setting Pakistan a seven-run target, which they chased on the fourth ball, courtesy of Saad Massod’s boundary.

A gritty partnership between Rakibul Hasan and SM Meherob revived Bangladesh’s hopes. The pair added 37 valuable runs, taking the score to 88-7 by the 15-over mark.

Earlier, Bangladesh right-arm pacer Ripon Mondol took a three-wicket haul to bundle out Pakistan Shaheens’ innings for a mere total.

Put into bat first, Bangladesh skittled Pakistan for 125 in 20 overs.

Pakistan’s innings started on a poor note as opener Yasir Khan was sent back for a golden duck.

The Green Shirts were pegged back with another wicket in the next over as Mohammad Faiq was cleaned for a second-ball duck, leaving the side reeling at 2-2 in just 1.1 overs.

Following the early hiccups, Ghazi Ghori and Maaz Sadaqat tried to stabilize the innings with a brief 23-run stand, but Ghori’s sluggish nine-run knock ended when he was dismissed by Rakibul Hasan.

The slide continued as Bangladesh tore through the middle-order and reduced them to 49-4 at the end of the seventh over.

Arafat Minhas and Captain Irfan Niazi tried to arrest the slide but could not, and hence lost their wickets. As a result, Pakistan were 75-6 in 14.2 overs. However, Saad Masood played a vital innings that lifted them to a fighting total.

Masood struck three sixes and three fours on his way to 38 from 26 balls.

For Bangladesh, Ripon Mondol picked up three wickets, whereas Rakibul Hasan bagged two.

READ: Babar Azam equals Virat Kohli’s T20I half-centuries record

Bangladesh A win toss against Pakistan Shaheens in Asia Cup Rising Stars final

DOHA: Bangladesh A have won the toss and decided to bowl first against Pakistan Shaheens in the final of the Asia Cup Rising Stars here at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Playing XIs

Bangladesh A: 1 Jishan Alam, 2 Habibur Rahman, 3 Yasir Ali, 4 Akbar Ali (capt & wk), 5 Rakibul Hasan, 6 Mahidul Islam, 7 Meherob Hossain, 8 Mahfuzur Rahman, 9 Mrittunjoy Chowdhary, 10 Ripon Mondol, 11 Abdul Gaffar

Pakistan Shaheens: 1 Maaz Sadaqat, 2 Yasir Khan, 3 Mohammad Faiq, 4 Irfan Khan (capt), 5 Ghazi Ghori (wk), 6 Saad Masood, 7 Arafat Minhas, 8 Shahid Aziz, 9 Ahmed Daniyal, 10 Ubaid Shah, 11 Sufiyan Muqeem

Pakistan Shaheens are so far unbeaten in the tournament. They started their campaign with a 40-run victory over Oman, followed by an easy win.

They also defeated arch-rivals India A by eight wickets and then ended the group stage with another big win against UAE.

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Pakistan Shaheens reached the pinnacle clash after defeating Sri Lanka A in the semi-final.

On the contrary, Bangladesh A also remained impressive throughout the tournament, losing only one encounter against Sri Lanka A.

However, they kept their cool head in the semi-final against India A and clinched victory in the super over.

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Pakistan Shaheens edge past Sri Lanka A in Asia Cup Rising Stars semi-final

DOHA: Pakistan Shaheens marched into the final of the ACC Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship after grinding out a tense five-run win over Sri Lanka A in the second semi-final at West End Park International Cricket Stadium on Friday.

The hard-fought victory sets up a title clash against Bangladesh A at the same venue on Sunday.

Defending a modest 154, Pakistan Shaheens leaned heavily on their spin duo of Sufiyan Muqeem and Saad Masood, who combined to choke Sri Lanka A’s chase and shared six wickets between them.

Despite a late surge from Milan Rathnayake, Sri Lanka A were bundled for 148 on the final ball of their innings.

Sri Lanka A looked dangerous early on, racing to 29 in just two overs as Lasith Croospulle launched a whirlwind assault, smashing 27 off seven balls with three sixes and two fours.

Shahid Aziz dismissed him to stem the momentum, but the visitors maintained a tempo through Vishen Halambage, who scored 29 off 27 before becoming Muqeem’s first victim.

Halambage’s wicket opened the floodgates. Sri Lanka A unravelled in the middle overs, losing wickets in clusters and slipping from a position of control to 99-8 in the 14th over.

With the match seemingly drifting away, Milan Rathnayake engineered a spirited fightback.

He carried the chase deep, lifting his side from the brink and leaving Sri Lanka A needing eight off the final four deliveries.

But the Shaheens’ bowlers held their composure, closing out the final moments to seal a narrow but vital win. Rathnayake finished with a valiant 40 off 32, striking five fours and a six.

For Pakistan, Muqeem and Masood claimed three wickets each, while Ahmed Daniyal, Shahid Aziz and Ubaid Shah contributed one apiece.

Earlier, after being asked to bat, Pakistan Shaheens posted 153-9 in an innings marked by bursts of momentum and an untimely collapse.

Openers Mohammad Naeem (16 off 15) and the in-form Maaz Sadaqat (23 off 11) provided a bright start with a rapid 30-run partnership.

But once the pair fell in quick succession, Pakistan lost their footing, crashing to 62-5 inside eight overs.

A much-needed recovery came through Saad Masood and Ghori, who stitched together 47 runs for the sixth wicket to stabilise the innings.

Masood’s patient 22 off 25 ended in the 16th over, but Daniyal’s explosive cameo, 22 off just eight deliveries, featuring three sixes, gave the Shaheens crucial late runs.

Ghori anchored the innings till the end, remaining unbeaten on 39 off 36 with two fours and a six, guiding the side to a defendable total.

For Sri Lanka A, Madushan starred with the ball, claiming four wickets, while Traveen Mathew picked up three. Rathnayake and Dunith Wellalage added a wicket each.

READ: Bangladesh A edge India in Super Over to reach Asia Cup Rising Stars final

Dominant Pakistan crush UAE in Asia Cup Rising Stars

DOHA: Pakistan Shaheen’s Maaz Sadaqat continued his brilliant run in the tournament, leading his side to a comprehensive victory over UAE in the ninth match of the Asia Cup Rising Stars here at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

With only 60 required to chase in 20 overs, Pakistan eased past the opponents in only 5.1 overs, losing just one wicket in the process.

Mohammad Naeem was the solitary wicket to fall for Shaheens after managing to score just six from five deliveries.

However, Maaz and Ghazi Gori added a 54-run partnership for the second wicket to take their team home.

Maaz Sadaqat showcased his batting prowess again and hit 37* from just 15 balls. The left-handers’ knock featured four boundaries and three sixes. Ghazi, who was promoted to the order, made 16 from 12 with the help of three fours.

For UAE, fast bowler Muhammad Rohid picked up one wicket.

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Earlier, UAE could not capitalize on the decision to bat first as their innings folded for just 59 in 18 overs.

Shaheens remained dominant from the start and picked up four wickets in the powerplay, which reduced UAE to 24-4.

It was an abysmal performance from UAE batters as Syed Haider remained the top-scored with 20 from 19 balls.

For Pakistan, Sufiyan Muqeem stood out among the bowlers, scalping three wickets in his quota of four overs. Maaz Sadaqat and Ahmed Daniyal picked up two apiece, while Arafat Minhas, Shahid Aziz, and Muhammad Shahzad also took one each.

With this win, semi-final-bound Pakistan Shaheens maintained their unbeaten run in the tournament.

The first semi-final of the tournament will be played on Friday, 21 November.

READ: Pakistan suffer injury blow ahead of T20I tri-series opener

Pakistan Shaheens thump India A to reach Asia Cup Rising Stars semi-final

DOHA: All-round Maaz Sadaqat propelled Pakistan Shaheens to a victory over India A here at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Pakistan chased down the mere target of 137 with ease, losing just two wickets in the process with 40 balls to spare.

Maaz Sadaqat top-scored with 79* from 47 deliveries, studded with seven fours and four maximums, whereas Mohammad Faiq remained unbeaten on 16 from 14 balls with the help of a boundary and a six.

Saqadat added a 55-run partnership with Mohammad Naeem for the opening wicket in 5.3 overs. Naeem was caught by Naman Dhir after scoring 14 from 10 balls with the help of a six and a four.

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Meanwhile, Sadaqat continued and registered his second half-century in the tournament. He, alongside Yasir Khan, brought the score to 94 in 9.3 overs. Yasir was dismissed after making 11 from 9, hitting two boundaries.

Mohammad Faiq came in to bat alongside Sadaqat as Pakistan crossed the 100-run mark in the 10th over, getting closer to securing their second win of the tournament.

Sadaqat maintained his dominance, hitting a series of boundaries with Faiq, as Pakistan reached 130-2 in 13 overs.

For India, Suyash Sharma and Yash Thakur were solitary wicket takers.

Earlier, after being put into bat first, India’s innings folded for a mere 136 in 19 overs. Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Priyansh Arya put on a 30-run partnership for the first wicket in 3.2 overs before the latter was caught by Shahid Aziz’s bowling.

Suryavanshi and Naman Dhir paired up for the second wicket and brought the total to 79 in 8.1 overs before a collapse saw them bundled out before their 20 overs.

Suryavanshi made a brisk 45 from 28, striking five fours and three sixes, while Arya remained the second-highest scorer with 35 from 20 balls. Arya’s knock included half a dozen fours and a six.

For Pakistan, Shahid Aziz picked up a three-wicket haul, whereas Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood scalped two apiece.

Playing XIs

India A: Priyansh Arya, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Nehal Wadhera, Naman Dhir, Jitesh Sharma (capt, wk), Ramandeep Singh, Harsh Dubey, Ashutosh Sharma, Yash Thakur, Gurjapneet Singh, Suyash Sharma

Pakistan Shaheens: Yasir Khan, Muhammad Naeem, Muhammad Faiq, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghori, Muhammad Khan, Chadhry Masood, Shahid Aziz, Sufyan Muqeem, Ubaid Shah, Ahmad Latif

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Pakistan Shaheens win toss, bowl first against India A

DOHA: Pakistan Shaheens have won the toss and decided to bowl first against India A in the sixth fixture of the Asia Cup Rising Stars here at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Both sides have showcased dominant performances in their opening games, with India A demolishing UAE by a hefty margin of 149 runs, whereas Pakistan Shaheens outplayed Oman by 40 runs.

Playing XIs

India A: Priyansh Arya, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Nehal Wadhera, Naman Dhir, Jitesh Sharma (capt, wk), Ramandeep Singh, Harsh Dubey, Ashutosh Sharma, Yash Thakur, Gurjapneet Singh, Suyash Sharma

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Pakistan Shaheen: Yasir Khan, Muhammad Naeem, Muhammad Faiq, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghori, Muhammad Khan, Chadhry Masood, Shahid Aziz, Sufyan Muqeem, Ubaid Shah, Ahmad Latif

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, which will be held on 21 November. The final of the tournament will take place on Sunday, 23 November.

All matches will be staged at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha.

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