Tag: PakvNz

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC), on Monday, reprimanded the Pakistan men’s cricket team for maintaining a slow over-rate during the third ODI against New Zealand.

According to the ICC, match referee Jeff Crowe from the Elite Panel imposed the sanction after Pakistan fell one short of the required target, even after considering time allowances.

Under Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which deals with minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for each over their side fails to complete in the stipulated time.

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Given that Pakistan was one over behind, the team has been handed a 5 per cent deduction from their match fee.

Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, accepted the charges and penalties, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.

It is pertinent to mention that this is the third consecutive time the Pakistan team has been fined. The Green Shirts could not complete their overs in the first and second ODIs as well.

The Pakistan team was fined 10 per cent and 5 percent respectively, in the opening two matches against New Zealand.

For the context, this marks the fourth successive instance that Pakistan has been docked for maintaining a slow-over rate against New Zealand.

The Pakistan team was also fined for a slow over-rate in the opening match of the 2025 Champions Trophy, which was also against the Black Caps.

READ:Former pacer set to join Bangladesh as bowling coach ahead of Pakistan tour

Former cricketer Salman Butt has raised his concerns over the selection of Pakistan cricket team for the T20I series against New Zealand, stating that it is unfair to judge the players in alien conditions.

Pakistan’s inexperienced team lost the five-match T20I series by a 4-1 margin against New Zealand.

The Green Shirts could secure only one victory in the third match, thanks to a sublime century from opener Hasan Nawaz.

Except for one match, New Zealand completely dominated Pakistan in all departments of the game. The Pakistani batting line-up, comprising emerging batters, faltered and could not take the team out of trouble.

On the bowling side, the Pakistani bowlers also faced challenges in restricting the New Zealand batting line-up.

While speaking on a digital platform, Salman Butt highlighted the inexperience of T20 players, stating that it’s is too early to judge them.

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“It is too early for us to judge the T20 players. You have sent them at a place where they have no experience. Play them in the Bangladesh series in conditions where they have performed previously, ” he said.

The former opener added that the upcoming World Cup will be in Asian conditions, and the players sent to New Zealand should be tested here.

“Even the World Cup will be in similar conditions, judge them on performance here, otherwise it is like you are going into Islamiat exam with preparation of Chemistry’s exam,” said Salman.

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After a dismal white-ball tour, the national cricket team squad departed from New Zealand to Pakistan on Sunday.

The Pakistan team is set to arrive home via Dubai in two batches. The first group of players is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad tomorrow afternoon.

The second group will reach Lahore during the night between 6 and 7 April.

It is pertinent to mention that the Pakistan team had a forgettable white-ball tour of New Zealand.

Green Shirts lost the T20I series 4-1 and suffered a 3-0 whitewash in the ODI series.

The Pakistan team lost the third ODI by 43 runs, thanks to a disciplined all-round performance from New Zealand at Bay Oval on Saturday.

The game was shortened to 42 overs per side following a weather delay and damp pitch conditions.

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While chasing a target of 265, the Men in Green were bowled out for 221 in 40 overs. Ben Sears was once again the tormentor-in-chief, picking up his second five-wicket haul of the series.

Following the match, Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan urged fans and his team to move on from the forgettable white-ball tour.

Speaking at the post-match presentation after Pakistan’s defeat in the final ODI at Mount Maunganui, Rizwan called for a shift in mindset, urging his teammates and fans to focus on the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10.

“After the Champions Trophy and this series, we’ll leave the past behind,” he said. “PSL is a big tournament for us, and hopefully, we’ll give the people something to cheer about.”

Prior to a disastrous tour of New Zealand, Pakistan were knocked out from the first round of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 last month.

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Former cricketer Basit Ali has criticized the Pakistan cricket team’s poor performance against New Zealand, stating that their downfall began after the Asia Cup 2023 group stage match against India.

While speaking on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali remarked that the Green Shirts’ decline started the day Indian batters hammered Pakistani bowlers in the Asia Cup.

Pakistan suffered a crushing defeat by 228 runs in the fourth match against arch-rivals India, thanks to sublime centuries from KL Rahul and Virat Kohli.

“The first match of the Asia Cup against India got washed out because of rain. The way Virat and Rahul hammered our bowlers, since then neither Pakistan’s batting nor bowling has stabilised. In last year’s T20 World Cup, we couldn’t chase 119,” he said.

He warned that if the national team continues to play like that, they may have to play qualifying rounds to secure a spot in major tournaments.

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“If we don’t make decisions and improve our base, we will have to play qualifying rounds,” he remarked.

“We lost all 10 wickets to pacers. Our top-order batters got out early. Talent has finished in Pakistan. Pakistan’s cricket starts with Babar Azam’s name and ends with it,” Basit further stated.

It is pertinent to mention that after a dismal performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Men in Green suffered a 4-1 in the T20I series against New Zealand.

Aiming to bounce back in the One Day International series, Pakistan instead lost the first two matches by 73 and 84 runs, respectively, conceding the three-match series 2-0 with one game remaining.

The Black Caps outplayed Pakistan in all departments of the game, further exposing the national team’s struggles.

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DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC), on Thursday, reprimanded the Pakistan men’s cricket team for maintaining a slow over-rate during the second ODI of their three-match series against New Zealand.

According to the ICC, match referee Jeff Crowe from the Elite Panel imposed the sanction after Pakistan fell one short of the required target, even after considering time allowances.

Under Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which deals with minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for each over their side fails to complete in the stipulated time.

Given that Pakistan was one over behind, the team has been handed a 5 per cent match fee deduction.

Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, accepted the charges and penalties, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.

This comes on the back of another over-rate issue during the first ODI, where the team was penalized with a 10 per cent fine of their match fee for being two overs short of the required target.

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It is pertinent to mention that after a 4-1 drubbing in the T20I series, the Men in Green carried their poor form into the ODIs, losing the opening matchfirst ODI by 73 runs before conceding the series with an 84-run defeat in the second match on Wednesday.

The loss handed New Zealand an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Chasing 293, Pakistan crumbled to 208 all out, with only Faheem Ashraf (73 off 80) and Naseem (51 off 44) offering resistance.

The duo stitched a crucial 60-run stand for the ninth wicket, briefly giving Pakistan a glimmer of hope.

With Pakistan already trailing 2-0 in the series, they now face the daunting task of avoiding a clean sweep in the final ODI, scheduled in Mount Maunganui on April 5.

Pakistan squad for ODI series against New Zealand

Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr., Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir, Haris Rauf, and Usman Khan.

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HAMILTON: Pakistan cricketers, including Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Haris Rauf, and others, extended their heartfelt wishes to the entire Muslim community on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

In a video released on the official social media platforms by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the Pakistani cricketers extended their wishes and gave important messages to the nation on Eid.

The national team is currently in New Zealand for a three-match ODI series.

During the practice session at Hamilton ahead of the second ODI, Pakistani skipper Mohammad Rizwan wished the whole Muslim community on the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-fitr.

“A very happy to eid to the whole Muslim community,” said Rizwan.

Besides Rizwan, vice-captain Salman Ali Agha, opening batter Imam-ul-Haq, and ace pacer Haris Rauf also wished ‘Eid Mubarak’ to all the Muslims around the world, praying for peace, prosperity, and happiness for everyone.

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It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan lost the first ODI of the three-match series against New Zealand by 73 runs.

Chasing a daunting 345-run target, Pakistan faltered under the pressure of New Zealand’s pace attack, folding for 271 in 44.1 overs.

Pakistan’s chase began on a promising note as debutant Usman Khan and Abdullah Shafique put together a brisk 83-run opening stand.

Both batters looked aggressive, setting a solid platform before Nathan Smith broke the partnership in the 13th over, removing Usman for 39. Skipper Michael Bracewell then dismissed Abdullah for 36 in the 16th over, reducing Pakistan to 88-2.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan attempted to rebuild with a 76-run partnership, keeping hopes alive. However, debutant Muhammad Abbas struck in the 29th over to dismiss Rizwan for 30, leaving Pakistan at 164-3.

Babar, showing his trademark composure, anchored the innings with Salman Ali Agha in an 89-run stand.

The former captain reached his 36th ODI fifty, scoring a fluent 78, but his dismissal in the 39th over to Will O’Rourke tilted the momentum firmly in New Zealand’s favor.

Pakistan’s collapse began soon after as Tayyab Tahir was run out in the 40th over, followed by a golden duck for Irfan Khan Niazi.

Smith then returned to clean up the tail, dismissing Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf in the 43rd over.

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Pakistan cricket team has arrived in Hamilton from Napier to play the second ODI against New Zealand as part of their ongoing tour.

The team is scheduled to participate in a practice session tomorrow at 10 am local time.

The much-anticipated second ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand is set to take place on April 2 in Hamilton. After a competitive first match, both teams are gearing up for another thrilling encounter.

The team management is focused on refining strategies ahead of the crucial fixture.

Pakistan lost the first ODI of the three-match series against New Zealand by 73 runs.

Chasing a daunting 345-run target, Pakistan faltered under the pressure of New Zealand’s pace attack, folding for 271 in 44.1 overs.

Pakistan’s chase began on a promising note as debutant Usman Khan and Abdullah Shafique put together a brisk 83-run opening stand.

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Both batters looked aggressive, setting a solid platform before Nathan Smith broke the partnership in the 13th over, removing Usman for 39. Skipper Michael Bracewell then dismissed Abdullah for 36 in the 16th over, reducing Pakistan to 88-2.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan attempted to rebuild with a 76-run partnership, keeping hopes alive. However, debutant Muhammad Abbas struck in the 29th over to dismiss Rizwan for 30, leaving Pakistan at 164-3.

Babar, showing his trademark composure, anchored the innings with Salman Ali Agha in an 89-run stand.

The former captain reached his 36th ODI fifty, scoring a fluent 78, but his dismissal in the 39th over to Will O’Rourke tilted the momentum firmly in New Zealand’s favor.

Pakistan’s collapse began soon after as Tayyab Tahir was run out in the 40th over, followed by a golden duck for Irfan Khan Niazi.

Smith then returned to clean up the tail, dismissing Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf in the 43rd over.

READ: Pakistan women cricketers extend Eid-ul-Fitr greetings to celebrants worldwide

NAPIER: Pakistan interim head coach Aqib Javed remained optimistic about Men in Green’s chances in the ODI series against New Zealand, starting on Saturday here at the McLean Park.

This will be Pakistan’s first ODI series after a dismal Champions Trophy 2025 performance.

Aqib remained positive about the outcome of the ODI series despite Green Shirts’ 4-1 defeat against New Zealand in the five T20Is.

He mentioned New Zealand’s favourable conditions as vital for Pakistani bowlers.

“The pitches here are similar to those in Australia and South Africa, where our fast bowlers dominated ”

The head coach welcomed senior players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan into the ODI setup, stating, “If we can restrict them under 200, our experienced batting lineup, with Babar [Azam] and Rizwan back in ODIs, should secure good results.”

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The 51-year-old highlighted Haris Rauf’s performance in the T20I series and asserted that he is the best option in these conditions.

“Even though we lost in the T20Is here, Haris proved why he’s the best option in these conditions, ” he remarked.

Aqib Javed stressed stability in the team after the addition of senior players while calling the ODI team settled.

“We carried four senior batters—Babar, Rizwan, Abdullah [Shafique], and Imam [Ul Haq]—because they provide stability. While we are making changes in T20s, our ODI setup is settled, ” he added.

Aqib Javed commented on Pakistan’s struggles during the Champions Trophy, emphasizing flat surfaces, but he remained hopeful about the team’s combination.

“We struggled on flat pitches in the Champions Trophy, but we have the right players for different conditions, ” he concluded.

Pakistan’s ODI squad against New Zealand: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir, Haris Rauf, Usman Khan.

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NAPIER: The Pakistan One Day International (ODI) squad assembled here on Thursday for the three-match series against New Zealand, which begins on 29 March.

The ODI team included Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan, and eight players from Pakistan’s T20 squad.

The national cricketers and management are seen greeting each other in a video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board on its social media ahead of the white-ball matches.

Earlier, PCB made two additions to the national ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand, bringing in fast bowler Haris Rauf and wicket-keeper Usman Khan.

Rauf was Pakistan’s most consistent bowler in the recently concluded T20I series, where the Green Shirts suffered a 4-1 defeat.

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He played a crucial role by taking eight wickets in four matches at an impressive average of 12.25, resulting in his inclusion in the ODI squad to strengthen Pakistan’s pace attack.

Meanwhile, Usman Khan has been added as a reserve wicket-keeper, with skipper Mohammad Rizwan continuing as the team’s primary choice behind the stumps.

The squad includes the above-mentioned Haris and Usman as well as Salman Ali Agha, Khushdil Shah, Irfan Khan Niazi, Abrar Ahmed, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Mohammad Ali.

Meanwhile, the remaining eight members of the T20I squad are set to depart from New Zealand for Pakistan via Dubai.

This group includes Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Umair Bin Yousuf, Hassan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris, Abbas Afridi, Abdul Samad, and Jahandad Khan.

The three-match ODI series between Pakistan and New Zealand will kick off on March 29 in Napier. The second match is scheduled for April 2 in Hamilton, while the series will conclude with the final ODI in Mount Maunganui on April 5.

Pakistan squad for ODI series against New Zealand

Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr., Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir, Haris Rauf, and Usman Khan.

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WELLINGTON: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha expressed his thoughts after a crushing defeat against New Zealand in the final match of the five-match T20I series here at Sky Stadium on Wednesday.

New Zealand successfully chased down a paltry 129-run target in 10 overs after losing two wickets to win the series 4-1.

Seifert led New Zealand’s charge with the bat, smashing 97 runs from 38 balls, which featured ten sixes and six boundaries.

While speaking in a post-match press conference, Agha highlighted the series’ positives and shortcomings, expressing confidence in the young players’ performance in the upcoming series.

“We had some positives. Our side’s ultimate focus is Asia Cup and World Cup, ” he said.

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The skipper commented on challenging conditions in New Zealand, noting that any Asian team that comes here faces difficulties.

“Obviously, the conditions here are not easy. We have seen that Asian team have faced difficulties in New Zealand,” said Agha.

Salman Ali Agha expressed confidence in the young batters’ ability to perform well in the upcoming series despite their poor outings in the previous matches.

“We have exciting youngsters, and when they will have experience, they will perform.”

“I am hopeful that these players will perform in the next series. They have a lot of potential. ” he added.

While reflecting on his own performance, the skipper stated that his performance doesn’t matter if the team loses.

“I can’t talk much about it. If my team loses, my performance doesn’t matter, ” he stated.

The 31-year-old batter remained firm about the Men in Green’s chances in the upcoming ODI series, emphasizing the experience in the 50-over squad.

“It’s a completely different team in the ODIs. Babar, Rizwan and Imam have played in New Zealand before. It will be a different ball game,” he concluded.

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