Tag: Pakistan Shaheens

KENT: Pakistan Shaheens’ batter Haider Ali has credited strong communication and tactical planning with skipper Saud Shakeel for their match-winning partnership in the opening one-day match against the Professional County Club Select XI.

Speaking after the five-wicket victory at Kent County Cricket Ground in Beckenham, Haider revealed that the early loss of wickets had put him under pressure when he walked out to bat.

“There was pressure when I came in to bat. We had lost three wickets quickly, so my focus was on building a solid partnership with Saud and staying at the crease as long as possible,” Haider said.

The pitch, he noted, wasn’t easy to bat on early in the innings due to overhead conditions. However, he emphasised that professional players are expected to adapt.

“The pitch was a bit tricky in the beginning, and weather conditions were also a factor, but professionals learn to adapt,” he said.

“Saud and I communicated well; we’ve played together before, so the understanding was already there,” he added.

Haider Ali shared that the duo decided to be smart with their shot selection and target specific bowlers and overs.

“There was wind blowing from one side, so we picked the bowlers and overs where we would attack and try to get the runs we needed. Saud is always supportive and guides a lot during batting,” he further stated.

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The right-hander played a crucial role in the chase, scoring 71 off 56 balls with five boundaries and three sixes.

His 129-run stand with captain Saud Shakeel helped rescue the Shaheens after a top-order wobble had left them struggling at 32 for three in 5.1 overs.

The Shaheens were chasing a revised target of 204 in a rain-hit contest reduced to 28 overs per side.

After Haider’s dismissal in the 24th over, Maaz Sadaqat and later Shahid Aziz stepped in to support Saud, who anchored the innings with an unbeaten 72 off 72 balls.

Shahid chipped in with a valuable 21* off 11 balls to see the team home on the second-last delivery.

Earlier, Professional County Club Select XI were bowled out for 187 in 27.4 overs, with opener Will Smeed top-scoring with 84.

Maaz Sadaqat claimed 3 for 28, while Saud and Faisal Akram bagged two wickets each.

The second match of the three-game series will take place at the same venue on Friday, with the first ball to be bowled at 3pm PKT.

READ: Former Pakistan pacer blasts Mike Hesson after series loss to Bangladesh

KENT: Skipper Saud Shakeel and Haider Ali struck half-centuries to guide Pakistan Shaheens to a five-wicket win on the DLS method over the Professional County Club Select XI here on Tuesday.

In the rain-affected match at the Kent County Cricket Ground in Beckenham, which was reduced to 28 overs per side, Shaheens were handed a revised target of 204.

During the run chase, both Shaheens openers, Ali Zaryab (8) and Azan Awais (8) were dismissed in the fourth over.

Omair Bin Yousuf, coming in at number three, was also dismissed early, scoring just two off four balls, leaving Shaheens struggling at 32 for three in 5.1 overs.

At that critical juncture, captain Saud Shakeel was joined by Haider Ali and the pair took control of the innings.

They played with authority and put together a match-defining 129-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Haider struck five fours and three sixes in his 56-ball 71.

After Haider’s dismissal in the 24th over, with Pakistan Shaheens still requiring 43 runs for victory, Maaz Sadaqat joined the captain at the crease.

However, Maaz was dismissed after scoring five off eight balls, with the visitors still needing 30 from the final 15 deliveries.

At that stage, Shahid Aziz joined Saud and the duo kept their nerves, guiding the side home on the penultimate delivery of the match.

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Shahid remained unbeaten on 21 off 11 balls, hitting a four and a six, while captain Saud’s unbeaten knock of 72 came off 72 balls and included four boundaries.

For the Professional County Club Select XI, Tom Lawes was the most successful bowler, claiming two wickets for 38 runs.

Earlier, after electing to bat first, Professional County Club Select XI were bowled out for 187 in 27.4 overs.

Opening batter Will Smeed was the top scorer with a 62-ball 84, which included 10 fours and two sixes.

Hamza Shaikh also made a notable contribution, scoring 44 off 51 balls with six boundaries.

For Shaheens, Maaz Sadaqat was the most successful bowler, finishing with figures of 3 for 28.

Saud Shakeel and Faisal Akram supported well with their left-arm spin, picking up two wickets apiece.

Pakistan Shaheens and Professional County Club Select XI will now feature in the second one-day match of the three-match series at the same venue on Friday, with the first ball to be bowled at 3pm PKT.

READ: Former Pakistan pacer blasts Mike Hesson after series loss to Bangladesh

KENT: Pakistan Shaheens have been dealt an early blow on their England tour, as off-spinner Sajid Khan has been ruled out after sustaining a thumb injury during training on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old suffered a fracture to his right thumb while training at Tonbridge School Ground, just hours before Pakistan Shaheens’ opening one-day match against the Professional County Club Select XI at Kent County Cricket Ground in Beckenham.

Following a medical assessment, Sajid is set to return to Pakistan on the earliest available flight.

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Sajid Khan will undergo further treatment and rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore.

No replacement will be called up for the remainder of the tour, the team management confirmed.

Pakistan Shaheens are scheduled to play three 50-over matches against the Professional County Club Select XI from July 22 to 27.

Pakistan Shaheens Squad: Saud Shakeel (captain), Ali Zaryab, Azan Awais, Faisal Akram, Haider Ali, Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Suleman, Mubasir Khan, Musa Khan, Mushtaq Ahmed, Omair Bin Yousuf, Rohail Nazir (wicket-keeper), Sajid Khan, Shahid Aziz, Shamyl Hussain, Ubaid Shah.

Player Support Staff: Imran Farhat (head coach), Rehan Riaz (bowling coach), Mohtashim Rasheed (fielding coach), Usman Hashmi (analyst), Ali Sufyan (physio).

One-Day Series Schedule:

• July 22 – vs Professional County Club Select XI, Beckenham (11:00am local)
• July 25 – vs Professional County Club Select XI, Beckenham (11:00am local)
• July 27 – vs Professional County Club Select XI, Hove (11:00am local)

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BECKENHAM: Pakistan Shaheens captain Saud Shakeel has expressed strong confidence in his side’s preparations on the eve of commencement of their multi-format tour of England, scheduled to get underway tomorrow.

While speaking on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) digital platform, Saud Shakeel mentioned the players’ progress and England’s condition.s

“It takes a couple of days to get used to the conditions of England because the ball tends to move here early on. Regardless of the opportunities we had to prepare, we are progressing well. Since we will start the tour with one-day matches, we started training with the white ball,” he said.

“There were some weather hindrances; it rained a couple of days, but whatever opportunities we got, we utilised them well,” he added.

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The Southpaw emphasized Pakistan Shaheens’ bench strength, deeming it crucial for youngsters, while lauding the bench strength of the opposing team.

“They have quite a good bench strength as well. They pick players whom they are looking at for the England team, and our situation is also the same. So, I think it will be a good series,” Shakeel explained.

“We have very talented youngsters, and they all have the opportunity to perform well here and attract the selectors. Performing on such tours gives a different kind of confidence, and after that is international cricket. So, it is a good sign and more such tours should be organised,” Saud Shakeel concluded.

For the unversed, Pakistan Shaheens will kick off their tour of England with a three-match one-day series against Professional County Club Select XI, scheduled to run from July 22 to 27.

Pakistan Shaheens Squad:

Saud Shakeel (c), Ali Zaryab, Azan Awais, Faisal Akram, Haider Ali, Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Suleman, Mubasir Khan, Musa Khan, Mushtaq Ahmed, Omair Bin Yousuf, Rohail Nazir (wicket-keeper), Sajid Khan, Shahid Aziz, Shamyl Hussain, and Ubaid Shah

READ: Veteran spinner returns as England reveal playing XI for fourth Test against India

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-member squad for the Pakistan Shaheens, led by captain Muhammad Irfan Khan, to participate in the Top End T20 Series in Darwin, Australia.

The Pakistan Shaheens will kick off the tournament with their opening match against Bangladesh ‘A’ on August 14 at TIO Stadium in Darwin. The tournament is scheduled to take place from August 14 to 24.

The 15-member squad announced includes Abdul Samad (five T20Is), Faisal Akram (three ODIs), Haider Ali (two ODIs, 35 T20Is), Mubasir Khan (one T20I), all featured for Pakistan men’s team previously, while Ahmed Daniyal and Mohammad Salman Mirza are part of Pakistan T20I squad for upcoming Bangladesh series.

Shaheens’ second fixture in the T20 tournament will be against Scorchers at the TIO Stadium on 16 August, with the first ball set to be bowled at 4pm local time.

The third Shaheens’ encounter in the tournament will be against Renegades on 18 August at the same venue, with the first ball to be bowled at 6pm local time.

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On 19 August, Pakistan Shaheens will take on Kingsmen at the DXC Arena, with the first ball to be bowled at 1pm local time.

Shaheens’ fifth fixture in the event will be against Strikers at the DXC Arena, with the first ball to be bowled at 7pm.

The sixth and final fixture of Shaheens will be against Nepal on 22 August at the DXC Arena, with the first ball to be bowled at 7pm local time.

The semi-finals and final of the event are scheduled for 24 August. The training camp for the Darwin-bound squad will be announced in due course.

Pakistan Shaheens’ squad for Top End T20 Series

Muhammad Irfan Khan (captain), Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haider Ali, Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wicket-keeper), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Mubasir Khan, Saad Masood, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Shahid Aziz, Ubaid Shah, and Yasir Khan

Team management: Ghulam Ali (head coach), Sami Ullah Niazi (bowling coach), Mansoor Amjad (fielding coach), Muhammad Ibrahim (analyst) and Muhammad Aleem (physio)

Pakistan Shaheens fixtures:

14 Aug – vs Bangladesh ‘A’, TIO Stadium (7pm local time)

16 Aug – vs Scorchers, TIO Stadium (4pm local time)

18 Aug – vs Renegades, TIO Stadium (6pm local time)

19 Aug – vs Kingsmen, DXC Arena (1pm local time)

20 Aug – vs Strikers, DXC Arena (7pm local time)

22 Aug – vs Nepal, DXC Arena (7pm local time)

24 Aug – Semi-finals and final

READ: England edge ahead of India on another evenly matched day

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday announced the Pakistan Shaheens 18-member squad for the multi-format tour of England, set to commence later this month.

Pakistan Shaheen are scheduled to play two three-day matches and three 50-over matches. The dates and venues for the fixtures will be announced in due course.

Pakistan Test team vice-captain Saud Shakeel is set to lead the squad, joined by experienced Sajid Khan and Mir Hamza.

The squad will include 14 emerging players, featuring 11 players under the age of 25. Additionally, the squad also features some of the top performers from the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, which is Pakistan’s premier first-class tournament.

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“Saud Shakeel (19 Tests) is set to lead the team, while he will be joined by three other Test-capped players in Mir Hamza (seven Tests), Musa Khan (one Test) and Sajid Khan (12 Tests),” the board said in a statement.

“Among other players, Azan Awais (844) and Maaz Sadaqat (646), who finished as the leading run scorers, respectively, in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2024-25, have been selected,” it added.

The 23-year-old Rohail Nazir will perform the duties as a wicket-keeper, while Mushtaq Ahmed was rewarded for his stellar performances in domestic cricket.

The spin department consists of left-arm wrist spinner Faisal Akram and Mehran Mumtaz, along with all-rounder Mubasir Khan.

The squad is set to practice at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Center in Karachi before departing for England on 16 July.

Pakistan Shaheens Squad

Saud Shakeel (c), Ali Zaryab, Azan Awais, Faisal Akram, Haider Ali, Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Suleman, Mubasir Khan, Musa Khan, Mushtaq Ahmed, Omair Bin Yousuf, Rohail Nazir (wicket-keeper), Sajid Khan, Shahid Aziz, Shamyl Hussain and Ubaid Shah.

Player support personnel

Imran Farhat (head coach), Rehan Riaz (bowling coach), Mohtashim Rasheed (fielding coach), Usman Hashmi (analyst), and Ali Sufyan (physio)

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The schedule for the Top End T20 Series 2025 has been revealed, featuring the Pakistan Shaheens, alongside a record 11 teams, set to begin from 14 August at Darwin.

The tournament will feature five Big Bash League (BBL) academy teams, three international A sides, and several regional teams from Australia.

Among the international teams, Nepal, Pakistan Shaheens, Bangladesh ‘A’, and Chicago Kingsmen will be facing off against Australia’s ACT Comets and NT Strike.

The BBL teams include academy teams from Hobart Hurricanes, Perth Scorchers, Melbourne Stars, and Melbourne Renegades.

Pakistan will face Bangladesh ‘A’ in the tournament opener on August 14 at the TIO Stadium in Darwin.

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The Men in Green will then face the Perth Scorchers on 16 August and the Melbourne Renegades two days later, followed by a match against the Perth Scorchers on 20 August. The Shaheens will play their final game against Nepal on August 22.

The semifinals and final of the series will be played on 24 August at the DXC Arena in Darwin.

Schedule For Top-End T20 Series 

Pakistan vs Bangladesh, TIO Stadium, Thu 14 Aug

Pakistan vs Scorchers Academy, TIO Stadium, Sat 16 Aug

Renegades Academy vs Pakistan, TIO Stadium, Mon 18 Aug

Kingsmen vs Pakistan, DXC Arena, Tue 19 Aug

Pakistan vs Strikers Academy, DXC Arena, Wed 20 Aug

Pakistan vs Nepal, DXC Arena, Fri 22 Aug

Semi-Final 1: 4th vs 1st DXC Arena, Sun 24 Aug

Semi-Final 2: 3rd vs 2nd Gardens

Final DXC Arena

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LAHORE: Pakistan Shaheens will return to Darwin for the third successive year to take part in the Top End T20 Series, the country’s cricket board confirmed on Tuesday.

This year’s edition of Top End T20 Series will take place in Darwin from 14 to 24 August, with Pakistan Shaheens taking on Bangladesh A in the opening match of the tournament on 14 August at the TIO Stadium.

The event will feature 11 teams with 36 T20 fixtures to be played across five venues, including DXC Arena, TIO Stadium, Gardens Oval, Cazaly’s Arena and Freds Pass.

In the 2023 edition, Pakistan Shaheens qualified for the final, while in last year’s event, they featured in the first semi-final.

“We are pleased to confirm Pakistan Shaheens’ participation in the Top End T20 Series for the third consecutive year,” said PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed.

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“This tournament continues to serve as a platform for our emerging cricketers to gain valuable exposure and experience in competitive conditions.

“We are grateful to Northern Territory Cricket for their continued collaboration and for providing a professional and high-quality tournament that contributes significantly to the growth of our emerging talent.”

Meanwhile, Northern Territory (NT) Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey expressed his delight at welcoming the Pakistan Shaheens to the Top End T20 Series.

“We are once again delighted to welcome our good friends the PCB and BCB to Darwin, where it is an honour and privilege to host two genuine giants of the game,” he said.

“The Top End T20 Series was created as a vehicle to market and promote the Northern Territory as a destination to visit, live, work or study, and I don’t think there is a sport in the Territory that can connect with a bigger audience.”

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DUBAI: Mohammad Haris 76 and Mubasir Khan 63 helped Pakistan Shaheens secure a convincing seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the fourth warm-up match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 here at the ICC Academy on Monday.

Shaheens chased a meagre total of 203 runs in 34 overs on the loss of three wickets.

Sahibzada Farhan (23) and  Azan Awais (31) added 29 for the wicket before being dismissed quickly by Bangladesh fast bowlers.

Haris and Mubasir formed a formidable stand of 137 runs on the fourth wicket, leading their team to a victory.

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Earlier, Bangladesh’s batting unit scored a mere 202 in 38.2 overs courtesy of Usama Mir’s spin bowling.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz remained the top-scorer for Bangladesh with 44, followed by Soumya Sarkar (35) and Tanzim Hasan Sakib (30).

Usama was the standout bowler for the Pakistan Shaheens, picking up four wickets for just 43 runs, followed by right-arm pacer Musa Khan, who bagged two wickets.

In another warm-up match, South Africa beat Pakistan Shaheens by three wickets, courtesy of an all-round batting performance.

The Proteas chased the mammoth 323 runs, losing seven wickets with six balls to spare.

The warm-up match marked the return of South African premier players, who were unavailable for the recently concluded tr-nation series.

Ryan Rickelton (57), Tony de Zorzi (55), Rassie van der Dussen (62), and Aiden Markram hit form with brisk half-centuries before Wiaan Mulder provided the final touches with his quick-fire cameo of 42 from 30 deliveries, laced with three fours and three sixes.

Niaz Khan and Mehran Mumtaz were stand-out bowlers for Shaheens, bagging two wickets each.

For the unversed, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named the three Shaheens squads that will feature in the Champions Trophy 2025 warm-up matches in the build-up to the main event, which will take place from 19 February to 9 March.

Schedule of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 warm-up matches featuring Pakistan Shaheens:

14 February – vs Afghanistan, Gaddafi Stadium (1400-2130)

17 February – vs South Africa, National Stadium Karachi (1400-2130)

17 February – vs Bangladesh, ICC Cricket Academy (1400-2130)

READ: South Africa outplay Pakistan Shaheens in Champions Trophy warm-up

KARACHI: South Africa beat Pakistan Shaheens by three wickets in the third warm-up match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 courtesy of an all-round batting performance.

The Proteas chased the mammoth 323 runs, losing seven wickets with six balls to spare.

The warm-up match marked the return of South African premier players, who were unavailable for the recently concluded tr-nation series.

Ryan Rickelton (57), Tony de Zorzi (55), Rassie van der Dussen (62), and Aiden Markram hit form with brisk half-centuries before Wiaan Mulder provided the final touches with his quick-fire cameo of 42 from 30 deliveries, laced with three fours and three sixes.

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Niaz Khan and Mehran Mumtaz were stand-out bowlers for Shaheens, bagging two wickets each.

Earlier, the Shaheen posted 322-8 in their allocated 50 overs with the help of Muhammad Hurraira’s majestic century.

Huraira (110) and Imam-ul-Haq (98) posted a 163-run stand for the second wicket.

Huraira, whose innings included 12 fours and one six, was bowled by Marco Jansen, while van der Dussen ran out Imam on the cusp of a century.

Middle-order batter Maaz Sadaqat (28)  and Saad Khan (30) formed a crucial 48-run partnership for the fifth wicket, which helped Shaheens reach a big total.

Wiaan Mulder was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 for 27 in his five overs. South Africa front-line bowler Kagiso Rabada went wicket-less in his eight overs, while Jansen chipped in with two wickets.

For the unversed, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named the three Shaheens squads that will feature in the Champions Trophy 2025 warm-up matches in the build-up to the main event, which will take place from 19 February to 9 March.

Schedule of ICC Champions Trophy warm-up matches featuring Pakistan Shaheens:

14 February – vs Afghanistan, Gaddafi Stadium (1400-2130)

17 February – vs South Africa, National Stadium Karachi (1400-2130)

17 February – vs Bangladesh, ICC Cricket Academy (1400-2130)

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