Tag: Pakistan tri-series

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan were dealt a worrying blow on Thursday after star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi picked up a minor foot fascial injury ahead of their T20I tri-series fixture against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

In a brief statement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Shaheen is under the supervision of the medical team following the injury, with his participation in today’s match hanging in the balance.

“Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is currently under observation with the medical team after sustaining a minor foot fascial injury,” the PCB said.

“His condition is being closely monitored, and any decision regarding his availability will depend on his improvement and subsequent clearance from the medical team.”

With Shaheen unlikely to feature, Pakistan face a significant setback heading into a crucial contest, especially with the left-armer being a central figure in their T20I setup.

The squad, however, still carries pace options in Mohammad Wasim Jr., Naseem Shah and Salman Mirza, while Usman Tariq and Abrar Ahmed provide spin cover.

Pakistan opened their tri-series campaign on a positive note, defeating Zimbabwe by five wickets earlier this week after successfully chasing a 148-run target in 19.2 overs.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, stunned Sri Lanka in the following match, adding further intrigue to the points table.

Pakistan Squad for T20I Tri-Series

Salman Ali Agha (c), Hassan Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq.

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RAWALPINDI: Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza added another chapter to his remarkable T20I career on Thursday, becoming only the second bowler from his country to claim 100 wickets in the format during the tri-series fixture against Sri Lanka.

Raza hit the milestone in trademark style, cleaning up Kamindu Mendis for nine in his third over while defending 162.

With this wicket, the all-rounder joined teammate Richard Ngarava in Zimbabwe’s elite 100-wicket club, Ngarava currently leads the tally with 106 scalps.

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Most wickets for Zimbabwe in men’s T20Is:

• Richard Ngarava – 106 wickets in 89* matches

• Sikandar Raza – 100 wickets in 125* matches

• Blessing Muzarabani – 93 wickets in 83 matches

• Luke Jongwe – 66 wickets in 65 matches

• Tendai Chatara – 65 wickets in 60 matches

Notably, Raza has also become only the third player in men’s T20I history to score over 1,000 runs and take 100 wickets, joining Bangladesh star Shakib Al Hasan and Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi.

Shakib tops the list with 2551 runs and 149 wickets, followed by Nabi with 2417 runs and 104 dismissals. Raza sits firmly alongside them with 2823 runs to go with his newly completed century of wickets.

Catch Pakistan Tri-Series news updates here!

But the night belonged to him in more ways than one. Raza’s all-round brilliance powered Zimbabwe to a commanding 67-run win over Sri Lanka, earning him the Player of the Match award.

After being sent in to bat, Zimbabwe posted a competitive 162-8, built around Brian Bennett’s steady 49 and Raza’s explosive 47 off just 32 balls.

In reply, Sri Lanka never found momentum, folding for 95 as Zimbabwe sealed a comprehensive victory.

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RAWALPINDI: Sikandar Raza’s all-round show powered Zimbabwe to a commanding victory over Sri Lanka in the second match of the T20I tri-series here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Chasing 163, Sri Lanka’s batting line faltered and were bowled for only 95 on the last ball of the final over.

Zimbabwe bowlers inflicted a miserable start on them as the Irelanders were 25-3 in 6.1 overs.

Nissanka’s horror run on the Pakistan tour continued as he could not open his account, while Kusal Perera (4) followed him after in the second over. It was cheery on top for Chevrons as Kusal Mendis was run out after scoring six.

Zimbabwe continued with impressive bowling and did not allow any of the batters to settle, except skipper Dasun Shanaka, who remained the top-scorer.

Shanaka made 34 from 25 with the aid of two sixes and two fours.

Catch Pakistan Tri-Series news updates here

For Zimbabwe, Brad Evans starred with the ball and picked up three wickets. Richard Ngarava also chipped in with two, whereas Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, and Graeme Cremer scalped one apiece.

Earlier, Brian Bennett’s 49 from 42 and Sikandar Raza’s brisk 47 off 32 helped Zimbabwe post a respectable total.

Put into bat first, Zimbabwe managed to score 162-8 at the end of their 20 overs.

Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani added 26 for the opening wicket in 3.1 overs before the latter was caught and bowled for 10 off Maheesh Theekshana’s bowling.

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Brendan Taylor was the second to go after managing just 11 from nine, bowled by Eshan Malinga to leave Chevrons 40-2 in 5.3 overs.

With two wickets down in the power play, skipper Sikandar Raza arrived at the crease and stitched a 61-run partnership with Bennett. The pair took the score over the 100-run mark in 12 overs before Wanindu Hasaranga broke the threatening stand.

Bennet hit five fours and a six in his knock. Zimbabwe were eyeing a big total with wickets in hand; however, the Islanders made a strong comeback with quick wickets in the last phase of the innings.

For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga remained the pick of the bowlers with three wickets to his name. Eshan Malinga also supported him well with two scalps.

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RAWALPINDI: Sri Lanka have won the toss and decided to bowl first against Zimbabwe here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Playing XIs

Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brendan Taylor (wk), Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (capt), Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Graeme Cremer

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Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (capt), Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga

Head to Head

Both teams have faced each other 10 times in the shorter format, with the Islanders winning seven of those matches, while the Chevrons have won three.

Matches 10: Sri Lanka 7, Zimbabwe 3

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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday hosted a luncheon in honor of the Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe cricket teams participating in the ongoing T20I tri-nation series.

The reception was held at the Prime Minister’s House in the federal capital, attended by various dignitaries, including Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

On this occasion, Shehbaz Sharif praised the teams for showing their skill and passion for the game.

“The passion, skill, and dedication shown by the cricket teams of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe in participating in the tri-nation Series in Pakistan is commendable,” PM told the players.

“All the players are representing their respective countries in the best possible way,” he said.

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The PM further said that the steady return of international cricket highlighted Pakistan’s positive image.

“I hope the matches set a standard of sportsmanlike spirit that becomes a guiding light for our younger generation,” he remarked.

“The continuous hosting of international cricket in Pakistan reflects the nation’s positive image, as well as its peace and stability,” he stated.

He noted that cricket would continue to strengthen friendship and cooperation among the three nations, and said Pakistan looked forward to hosting more international teams in the same spirit.

“I believe that cricket will further strengthen friendship and mutual co-operation among the three nations. Pakistan looks forward to hosting international teams in the same spirit in the future,” he concluded.

For the unversed, the tri-series commenced on November 18 and will run until November 29. Each side is scheduled to play four league matches, with the top two teams meeting in the final.

T20I Tri-Series Schedule:

• November 18: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
• November 20: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe
• November 22: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
• November 23: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
• November 25: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe
• November 27: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
• November 29: Final

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RAWALPINDI: Pakistan star batter Babar Azam has surpassed the former captain Shahid Afridi to achieve an unwanted record in T20I cricket during the tri-series match against Zimbabwe at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

The right-handed batter, who had recently starred with a match-winning half-century in the T20I series decider against South Africa, was caught off guard by Brad Evans’ length delivery, which sharply nipped back after pitching and struck his back knee, sending him back to the pavilion without scoring.

This recent three-ball duck saw him overtake Shahid Afridi on Pakistan’s unwanted T20I ducks leaderboard.

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With this, Babar now has nine ducks in 132 T20I matches, surpassing Afridi’s eight and placing him third on Pakistan’s list of most T20I ducks, behind Umar Akmal and Saim Ayub, who each have 10.

Most Ducks for Pakistan in T20Is

• Umar Akmal – 10 ducks in 84 matches
• Saim Ayub – 10 ducks in 52* matches
• Babar Azam – 9 ducks in 132* matches
• Shahid Afridi – 8 ducks in 98 matches
• Kamran Akmal – 7 ducks in 58 matches
• Mohammad Hafeez – 7 ducks in 119 matches

Despite Babar’s duck, Pakistan chased down the 148-run target against Zimbabwe in 19.2 overs after losing five wickets.

Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan stitched a vital 61-run stand after the Green Shirts were reduced to 54-4 in 9.3 overs.

Fakhar played a 32-ball 44, which included two sixes and two fours; meanwhile, Usman remained unbeaten after a gutsy 37 off 28 with the help of three boundaries.

READ: “We need to be ruthless in powerplay,” says Agha after Zimbabwe win

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has urged the need to show intent in the opening six overs after his side secured a five-wicket victory against Zimbabwe.

Pakistan chased down the 148-run target in 19.2 overs, losing five wickets in the process in the opening match of the tri-series here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan played a vital role after the Green Shirts were reduced to 54-4 in 9.3 overs.

The duo stitched a vital 61-run stand. Fakhar’s 32-ball 44 included two sixes and two fours, while Usman Khan’s gutsy 37 from 28 featured three fours.

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Agha emphasized a better start and hailed the spinners’ role in the team’s victory.

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“It was a close game, we didn’t start well bowling and bat, and when you don’t start well, it tends to get close,” he said.

“The spinners have been doing well for that last 4-5 months, whoever comes, and they’re the ones that put us back in the game,” Agha maintained.

He noted that the pitch was on the low-scoring side, and his side was pleased with the bowling in the second half of Zimbabwe’s innings.

“When we came last night and saw the pitch, I knew it wasn’t going to be very high scoring, lately it’s not been in Pindi. It’s a 160-180 kind of a pitch, but we bowled really well. Was very happy to chase 147,” the skipper revealed.

Catch Pakistan Tri-Series news updates here

Salman Ali Agha stressed the need to capitalize on the first six overs of the game.

“We need to start well, bowling or batting. The powerplay we need to be ruthless. That’s what I’m going to talk about,” he concluded.

READ: Tri-Series: Nawaz reflects on Pakistan’s victory over Zimbabwe

RAWALPINDI: Mohammad Nawaz opened up after his all-round brilliance guided Pakistan to a five-wicket victory against Zimbabwe.

Pakistan chased down the 148-run target in 19.2 overs, losing five wickets in the process in the opening match of the tri-series here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan played a vital role after the Green Shirts were reduced to 54-4 in 9.3 overs.

The duo stitched a vital 61-run stand. Fakhar’s 32-ball 44 included two sixes and two fours, while Usman Khan’s gutsy 37 from 28 featured three fours.

With Green Shirts requiring 33 from 24 balls, Mohammad Nawaz walked in and forged a 36-run partnership alongside Usman that helped his side cross the finishing line.

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Nawaz hit two fours and a six in his 21 from only 12 balls, while Usman Khan’s gutsy 37 from 28 featured three fours.

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Nawaz reflected on his performance, calling the win a confidence booster for the team.

“I am feeling good, and starting the series well gives you good confidence as a team,” he said.

Regarding the conditions, he highlighted the role of pitch and his game plan.

Zimbabwe were off to a flyer as they posted 71 in just eight overs. However, things started to turn in Pakistan’s favour when the spinners came to bowl. It was Nawaz’s four overs that turned the momentum in the home side’s favor.

Catch Pakistan Tri-Series news updates here!

“Can be a little difficult sometimes, still, as a bowler, I was just trying to stick to my plan. And the pitch was helping a little as well,” he said. [The pitch ] was a little different. Rawalpindi is my home ground, and usually high scoring. But today it played different,” he continued.

The 31-year-old said he is confident in his game but also emphasized adaptability in T20 cricket.

“I feel I’m at the top of my game, but T20 cricket momentum can change in one or two overs, so you have to be on top all the time and keep reading the situation of the game. That’s what we did well today, I think. I also want to dedicate this award to my family and kids,” he concluded.

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RAWALPINDI: Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan’s calculated knocks led Pakistan to a win against Zimbabwe in the opening match of the T20I tri-series here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Chasing a stiff 148, Pakistan hit the winning runs on the loss of five wickets with four balls to spare.

Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub started well in pursuit of the chase, adding 27 in 4.1 overs. The stand broke with Farhan’s wicket, who made 16 from 15 balls.

The hosts were pegged back with two more wickets in quick succession, which reduced them to 30-3 in 5.4 overs. Babar Azam was trapped lbw for a duck, while Salman Agha could only manage to score one.

With wickets tumbling, Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman tried to arrest the slide and stitched a brief 24-run partnership. The stand brought the total to 50-run runs at the end of nine overs.

Catch Pakistan Tri-Series news updates here!

However, Zimbabwe mounted further pressure through Saim’s wicket, who scored 22 from 26, striking four fours and a six.

Yet Pakistan thrived, courtesy of Fakhar Zaman’s and Usman Khan’s match-winning partnership of 61 runs. The duo batted responsibility and helped the home side cross the 100-run mark at the end of the 15th over.

Fakhar’s 32-ball 44 included two sixes and two fours. With Green Shirts requiring 33 from 24 balls, Mohammad Nawaz walked in and forged a 36-run partnership that helped his side cross the finishing line.

Nawaz hit two fours and a six in his 21 from only 12 balls, while Usman Khan’s gutsy 37 from 28 featured three fours.

For Zimbabwe, Brad Evans remained the standout bowler and picked up two wickets.

Earlier, Pakistan spinners bowled economical spells to restrict Zimbabwe from scoring a formidable total.

Put into bat first, Zimbabwe managed to score 147-8 at the end of their 20 overs despite a solid start.

Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani put on a 72-run partnership in just eight overs. Both players batted briskly in the power play, amassing 13 from skipper Shaheen Afridi’s opening over.

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The duo took on fast bowlers and took advantage of the fielding restrictions, scoring 11 and 17 from Saim Ayub’s fifth and Abrar Ahmed’s sixth over.

As a result, the visitors were 59 at the end of the power play.

However, it was Mohammad Nawaz who not only halted the scoring but also broke the partnership with Marumani’s wicket. He hit three fours and a six in his 30 from 22 balls.

Brendan Taylor was the second wicket to fall, courtesy of a run that sparked a collapse and halted Zimbabwe’s progress. Taylor departed after scoring run a ball 14. Consequently, they were reduced to 91-2 in 11 overs.

After 10 overs, the Green Shirts put on brakes on the visitors’ scoring rate and never allowed them to recover. Brian Bennett remained the top scorer with 49 from 36, laced with eight fours.

For Pakistan, Mohammad Nawaz picked up two wickets, whereas Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub scalped one apiece.

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RAWALPINDI: Pakistan have won the toss and decided to bowl first against Zimbabwe in the opening match of the tri-series here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Playing XIs

Pakistan XI: 1 Sahibzada Farhan (wk), 2 Saim Ayub, 3 Babar Azam, 4 Salman Ali Agha (capt), 5 Usman Khan (wk), 6 Fakhar Zaman, 7 Mohammad Nawaz, 8 Faheem Ashraf, 9 Shaheen Shah Afridi, 10 Mohammad Salman Mirza, 11 Abrar Ahmed

Zimbabwe XI: 1 Brian Bennett, 2 Ryan Burl, 3 Sikandar Raza (capt.), 4 Bradley Evans, 5 Brendan Taylor (wk), 6 Tadiwanashe Marumani, 7 Tashinga Musekiwa, 8 Tony Munyonga, 9 Graeme Cremer, 10 Tinotenda Maposa, 11 Richard Ngarava

Head-to-Head Record

Pakistan and Zimbabwe have faced each other 21 times in T20I cricket, with Green Shirts emerging victorious on 18 occasions.

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