Tag: Pakistan

KARACHI: Pakistan team skipper Fatima Sana scripted history after smashing the fastest half-century in Women’s T20Is against Zimbabwe at the National Bank Stadium on Friday.

Sana reached the milestone in the final over of the innings. In doing so, she broke New Zealand’s Sophie Devine’s record of an 18-ball fifty, which was set against India in 2015.

Moreover, she now holds the record for the fastest fifty by a Pakistani batter, both men’s and women’s T20Is.

Fatima eventually finished on unbeaten 62 from just 19 balls, including 10 fours and two sixes. The notable highlight of her innings was a 24-run over against Nomvelo Sibanda, duirng which she strucl three fours and two sixes.

Fastest fifties in WT20Is

Pakistan — Fatima Sana 15 balls against Zimbabwe

New Zealand — Sophie Devine 18 balls against India

Australia — Phoebe Litchfield 18 balls against West Indies

India — Richa Ghosh 18 balls against West Indies

Her blistering knock helped Pakistan post a strong total of 223 at the end of 20 overs. Saira Jabeen also chipped in with a 50 not out off 32 balls, featuring eight fours.

Fastest fifties for Pakistan in T20Is

Fatima Sana 15 balls against Zimbabwe in 2026
Shoaib Malik 18 balls against Scotland in 2021
Shadab Khan 20 balls against South Africa in 2022
Nida Dar 20 balls against South Africa in 2019
Iftikhar Ahmed 20 balls against New Zealand in 2023

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Muneeba Ali (wk), Ayesha Zafar, Natalia Pervaiz, Saira Jabeen, Iram Javed, Fatima Sana (c), Eyman Fatima, Rameen Shamim, Nashra Sandhu, Tuba Hassan and Sadia Iqbal.

Zimbabwe: Beloved Biza, Natasha Mtomba, Runyararo Pasipanodya, Kelis Ndhlovu, Adel Zimunu, Vimbai Mutungwindu (wk), Michelle Mavunga, Nomvelo Sibanda (c), Lindokuhle Mabhero, Kudzai Chigora and Olinda Chare.

READ: White-ball camp ahead of Australia series commences in Lahore

LAHORE: Pakistan’s white-ball preparatory camp for the three-match series against Australia began on Friday at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

As per the details, the 28 players participating in the camp took one-on-one sessions with NCA coaches. The players also underwent various skills and fitness-oriented tests.

Additionally, the PCB medical staff reviewed the players’ fitness and physical parameters.

It is worth noting that the seven-day camp will conclude on May 21, with players participating in training sessions and practice matches.

The camp also includes Pakistan Under-19 fast bowlers Abdul Subhan and Ali Raza, who represented the country in the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup staged in Zimbabwe and Namibia earlier this year.

During the camp, the NCA coaching staff will work closely with Pakistan’s white-ball team management to fine-tune players’ preparations for the upcoming series.

Pakistan will host Australia for three ODIs in Rawalpindi and Lahore between May 30 and June 4. All three matches are scheduled to begin at 4:30pm local time, with the toss set for 4pm.

Players participating in White-ball camp

Aamir Jamal, Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Arafat Minhas, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Hamza Nazeer, Haris Rauf, Hunain Shah, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Faik, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Saad Baig, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan, Shamyl Hussain, Sufiyan Muqeem and Usman Khan.

READ: PCB announces Pakistan U19 tour of England

SYLHET: Pakistan’s red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has come out in support of wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan despite a disappointing all-round showing in the opening Test against Bangladesh in Mirpur.

Rizwan scored 59 and 15 in the match, which Pakistan lost by 104 runs, but struggled to make an impact in a game where Pakistan failed to complete a 268-run chase in the fourth innings.

Beyond the batting figures, Rizwan also had a difficult outing behind the stumps, with missed chances, dropped catches and a stumping opportunity going down, allowing Bangladesh to extend their advantage at crucial stages.

Addressing the media ahead of the second Test in Sylhet, Sarfaraz defended his senior wicketkeeper and expressed confidence in a strong response.

“Rizwan has been a brilliant wicket-keeper for Pakistan. Yes, he did not perform up to the mark, but these things happen in cricket,” Sarfaraz said.

“[As a former wicket-keeper] I also understand that when you play a format after a long time, these things often happen. But I am hopeful that in the next match, he will perform well for Pakistan with both his batting and wicketkeeping.”

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Interestingly, Sarfaraz Ahmed was also seen working closely with Mohammad Rizwan during training sessions, offering guidance and support to help him correct the mistakes from the previous Test.

The Pakistan head coach also reflected on his side’s disappointing performance in the first Test but stressed that the team remains focused on a response in the second match of the series.

“After the first Test we are very disappointed as a unit, but remain confident of a comeback in the next game,” he added.

Sarfaraz also addressed external criticism following Pakistan’s defeat, stating that the dressing room remains unaffected by outside noise.

“Criticism is nothing new for us when performances go wrong, and remarks from former players do not impact us,” he said.

“We are also not focused on social media talk; our attention is fully on the next match. I expect senior players to take responsibility, and we will have discussions after the game as planned.”

READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed confirms Babar Azam’s availability for second Bangladesh Test

KARACHI: Eyman Fatima’s unbeaten 79, supported by a resounding bowling performance, sealed a 67-run victory for Pakistan over Zimbabwe in the second T20I of the three-match series.

Opting to bat first under lights at the National Bank Stadium, Pakistan amassed 170-4 in 20 overs, largely due to Eyman Fatima’s fighting maiden half-century.

Pakistan were put under pressure from the visitors right from the start, reducing them to 35-2 at the end of the powerplay.

Inform batters Ayesha Zafar and Gull Feroza departed after managing nine and four respectively. The home side’s woes were further compounded when Iram Javed fell after scoring only five in the seventh over.

However, Eyman Fatima held the innings together by stitching two crucial partnerships. She first paired up with Muneeba Ali for a 46-run stand, bringing the total to 92 in 13.2 overs. Ali made 36 off 33 with the aid of four boundaries.

The highlight of the innings was an unbeaten 78-run partnership between Nataliya Pervaiz and Eyman Fatima off 40 balls, which powered Pakistan into a strong position.

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Eyman did the bulk of the scoring while Nataliya played the second fiddle. The former hit 10 fours and four sixes in her 79* off 43 balls. Nataliya struck three fours in her 24 from 19 deliveries.

For Zimbabwe, Precious Marange, Lindokuhle Mabhero, and Michelle Mavunga scalped one wicket each.

In reply, Zimbabwe batters never got going as they could only muster 103-8 at the end of 20 overs.

Pakistan bowlers piled pressure on the opposition batters with early wickets.

Fatima Sana and Tuba Hasan started the proceedings for the home side, removing the top-three batters inside the first six overs. The visitors’ slide continued as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Eventually, Zimbabwe fell way short with their skipper Nomvelo Sibanda remaining unbeaten on 18.

For Pakistan, Nashra Sandhu remained the pick of the bowlers, picking up two wickets.

With this victory, Pakistan sealed the T20I series with one match remaining.

READ: Derbyshire name Sufyan Moqim’s replacement for T20 Blast

LAHORE: The physical tickets for the three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Australia will go on sale from Friday, 22 May, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Thursday.

According to the PCB, online tickets can be availed from pcb.tcs.com.pk from 1pm onwards, whereas the physical tickets will be available across 16 TCS Express Centers in three cities — Lahore (8 outlets) , Rawalpindi (5) and Islamabad(3).

The board has kept the ticket prices at an ‘affordable rate’, starting from PKR 200.

“To encourage fans to turn up in huge numbers, ticket prices have been set at an affordable rate, starting from PKR 200,” the PCB said in a press release statement.

“General enclosure tickets will be priced at PKR 200, first-class enclosures at PKR 300, premium tickets at PKR 400, and VIP tickets at PKR 500. For the Rawalpindi fixture, VIP gallery seats will be available at PKR 1,500,” it added.

 

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Moreover, VIP enclosures at the Iqbal End are set at PKR 1,000. The seats at the Jinnah End are priced at PKR 1,500.

Details of Corporate hospitality packages will also be available, with further information available through the PCB Head Office.

The ODI series will commence on Saturday, 30 May, with the first ODI taking place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while the second and third ODIs will be played on 2 and 4 June, respectively, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

For the unversed, it will be Australia’s first bilateral ODI series in Pakistan since March-April 2022. The series is a continuation of Australia’s tour of Pakistan for a three-match T20I series in January and February, where Pakistan completed a 3-0 clean sweep over them.

Pakistan-Australia Series schedule

30 May – First ODI, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
2 June – Second ODI, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
4 June – Third ODI, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

READ: Hunain, Sufiyan included in Pakistan white-ball camp for Australia ODIs

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 28-player white-ball training camp ahead of the upcoming ODI series against Australia, with emerging stars Hunain Shah and Sufiyan Muqeem among the notable inclusions.

The camp, which will be held at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore, is scheduled to begin on May 15 and conclude on May 21.

According to the PCB, the seven-day camp will feature training sessions and practice matches as Pakistan intensify preparations for the three-match home ODI series against Australia.

Muqeem and Hunain earned selection following impressive performances in the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11.

Left-arm spinner Muqeem finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets and played a key role in guiding Peshawar Zalmi to the title.

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Meanwhile, fast bowler Hunain claimed 17 wickets during the campaign to finish as the fourth-highest wicket-taker while representing runners-up Hyderabad Kingsmen.

The PCB further confirmed that the NCA coaching staff will work closely with Pakistan’s white-ball team management throughout the camp to monitor and prepare the players.

The training group also includes Pakistan Under-19 fast bowlers Abdul Subhan and Ali Raza, both of whom represented Pakistan in the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup earlier this year in Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Notably, underperforming opening batter Saim Ayub has been excluded from the camp.

Pakistan will host Australia for three ODIs in Rawalpindi and Lahore between May 30 and June 4. All three matches are scheduled to begin at 4:30pm local time, with the toss set for 4pm.

Players named in Pakistan white-ball camp: Aamir Jamal, Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Arafat Minhas, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Hamza Nazeer, Haris Rauf, Hunain Shah, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Faik, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Saad Baig, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan, Shamyl Hussain, Sufiyan Muqeem and Usman Khan.

READ: Ayesha Zafar makes history with T20I century against Zimbabwe

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday released the annual ODI rankings, with Pakistan slipping one place.

According to the ICC, the Champions Trophy 2025 winners, India, held firm in the top spot with their lead over New Zealand reduced from eight to five points.

“India have slipped from 119 to 118 points even as New Zealand have gained two points to move up to 113, with reigning World Cup champions Australia third with an unchanged 109 points,” the press release said.

Overall, there was only one change in the top 10, with South Africa moving ahead of fourth-placed Pakistan (98) to fourth position. The Proteas finished in fourth place with 102 rating points.

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In the women’s ODI rankings, the Pakistan team dropped one spot to eighth position with 72 rating points. The Green Shirts are on eighth spot in the T20I rankings.

Another noticeable change in the men’s ODI rankings was the gap between ninth-place Bangladesh and the West Indies, which increased to 10 points.

Sri Lanka stayed in sixth place in the annual update with 96 points, with Afghanistan and England close behind on 93 and 89 points, respectively.

Bangladesh remains in ninth place with 84 points, while the West Indies occupy the tenth position with 74 points.

In addition to this, Ireland have leapfrogged Zimbabwe to reach 11th position. The USA has moved up to 13th, above Scotland. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates now ranks above Canada in 19th position.

India are also the top-ranked team in the ICC Men’s T20I Rankings following the annual updates last week, while Australia leads the Test rankings. Australia holds the No. 1 position in both the Women’s ODI and T20I lists.

READ: Agha reveals Pakistan’s bold chase plan in Bangladesh Test

KARACHI: Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team produced a record-breaking performance to complete a 3-0 victory over Zimbabwe in the three-match ODI series at the National Bank Stadium.

After a dominant display in the third ODI on Saturday, Pakistan also climbed to second spot in the ICC Women’s Championship 2025-29 points table.

Zimbabwe’s decision to bat first in the final ODI backfired as they managed 222-9 in 50 overs. Beloved Biza remained the top-scorer for them, scoring 73 off 88 balls, including 12 fours. For Pakistan, Tasmia Rubab scalped three wickets.

In reply, Pakistan chased down the target in only 31.5 overs, losing one wicket in the process. Gull Feroza starred with the bat, notching up her second consecutive century. She remained unbeaten on 106 off just 92 balls, striking 16 fours.

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Meanwhile, Sadaf Shams also played well, hitting 13 fours in her 90 off 98 deliveries.

The opening pair continued their record-breaking form, powering Pakistan to several milestones during the series against Zimbabwe.

Their 90-run powerplay set a new benchmark for Pakistan Women in ODIs. The duo also equalled the record for the most century partnerships by a Pakistan Women’s opening pair (three), matching the record held by Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin.

Both batters recorded the most runs by a pair in a bilateral ODI series with 571 runs, registered three consecutive 150-plus stands, and produced the second-highest partnership for any wicket for Pakistan Women in ODIs (220 runs).

Sadaf Shamas became the first Pakistani batter to score five successive fifty-plus scores in Women’s ODI, while Gull Feroza broke her own record for the fastest century by a Pakistan Women batter, reaching the milestone in 83 balls.

Gull Feroza also became only the second Pakistani player to score back-to-back centuries in Women’s ODIs, as Pakistan finished with the highest successful chase run-rate of 7.06 in a 200-plus target.

READ: Bangladesh name ICC Women’s T20 World Cup squad

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is reportedly exploring the possibility of hosting Pakistan for a five-match Test series during the next cycle of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), marking what could become a historic revival of a long-format rivalry.

According to reports, the proposed series would take place in the upcoming WTC cycle, which begins with England’s home Ashes next summer.

If finalised, it would be the first five-match Test series between the two countries since 1992, when Pakistan secured a memorable 2-1 series victory over England away from home.

The development comes amid a significant shift in the ECB’s scheduling strategy, with the board reportedly moving away from the traditional model of reciprocal home-and-away tours.

Reports suggest the ECB has already opened discussions with both South Africa and Pakistan regarding potential five-match Test tours of England in the coming years.

At the same time, England’s future away tours to nations such as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh could reportedly be reduced to a single Test match alongside white-ball fixtures, which are viewed as more commercially beneficial for host boards.

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The proposed changes are linked to the ICC’s plans to expand the WTC structure to include all 12 Test-playing nations, with Ireland and Zimbabwe expected to join a unified division for the first time.

Under the new model being discussed, single Test matches would carry WTC status, removing the current requirement of a minimum two-match series for championship points. That adjustment could pave the way for England to play a Test in Zimbabwe for the first time since the 1996-97 tour.

The ECB is understood to support the idea of one-off Tests, believing the format could help smaller cricketing nations remain active in red-ball cricket while also allowing major boards greater flexibility in arranging marquee series.

Internal ECB research has reportedly shown that Test cricket continues to be the most popular format in England across all age groups, encouraging the board to pursue longer home series similar to those regularly played against Australia and India.

The board has already proposed a five-Test home series against South Africa in 2032, with plans to repeat the arrangement in 2036. Pakistan are reportedly being considered as an alternative option should those discussions not materialise.

READ: Mushfiqur Rahim breaks Tamim Iqbal’s record during Mirpur Test

MIRPUR: Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has expressed confidence in his fast bowlers on the eve of the opening Test against Pakistan.

Shanto admitted the strength of Pakistan’s pace attack over the years but also backed his own fast bowlers, citing their performances over the past couple of seasons.

“Pakistan’s pace bowling is traditionally very strong; there is no doubt about that,” Shanto said.

“However, considering how our pacers have performed over the last few years, I would say our pace attack is perhaps slightly ahead,” he insisted.

The left-hander also mentioned the improvement in fast bowlers, noting that it provides him with added comfort as skipper.

“Our pacers have improved immensely in terms of skill, which gives me an extra cushion as a captain,” he said.

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The 27-year-old also highlighted the importance of racking up runs on the board in the first innings and said a balanced pace and spin attack would be key to success.

“I personally want the batters to take up the challenge of putting up a big first-innings total. A proper combination of pace and spin will be key to our success.”

Najmul Hossain spoke about speedster Nahid Rana, praising his work ethic while noting that he has yet to make his mark.

Shanto also spoke about fast bowler Nahid Rana, praising his work ethic and expecting him to thrive in the upcoming Test series.

“I have known Rana since his early days, and I am aware of his work ethic,” Shanto noted.

“For a captain, having a genuine tearaway in the side is always a massive plus. He is in great rhythm, and I expect him to hit his peak in this series,” Najmul Hossain Shanto concluded.

READ: Shan Masood downplays ‘revenge’ talk ahead of Bangladesh series