Category: Sports

Pakistan cricket team's all-rounder Shadab Khan gave an interview after the conclusion of the third T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand where he expressed his opinion about his batting number preference. 'I batted at 3 and 4 in the PSL, where I feel comfortable. However, I'm okay with being a floater,' as Shadab captained his franchise, Islamabad United, to victory in Pakistan Super League, Season 9. Shadab was one of the leading run-scorers batting in the upper-order in the PSL 9, but his national team batting number isn't as flashy. The flamboyant all-rounder explained, 'My approach is to score quick runs whenever I get the chance. In T20s scoring consistently isn't hard, but delivering impactful performances is the real challenge.' Shadab began his career in PSL by batting lower down the order, but slowly and steadily he has made himself capable of higher-order batting. His impressive performances with the bat in the upper order guided Islamabad United to their third PSL title in history. The leg-s pinner was removed as the vice-captain of the national T20I side and replaced by Mohammad Rizwan under the tenure of Shaheen Shah Afridi, and later on Babar Azam. Source: Pro Pakistani

New Zealand defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in third T20 match in Rawalpindi on Sunday. Playing first, Pakistan scored 178 runs in stipulated 20 overs for the loss of four wickets. From Green Shirts, Shadab Khan remained top scorer with 41 runs. In reply, Kiwis achieved the target in 18.2 overs for the loss of three wickets. Highest scorer of the match was Mark Chapman who scored 87 runs. The series is levelled at 1-1, with two matches remaining. The next match will be played on Thursday in Lahore, while the last match of the series will be played on the same venue on Saturday. Source: Radio Pakistan

West Indies women beat Pakistan women by two wickets in the second One-Day International of three match series at Karachi today. Batting first, Pakistan scored 223 runs all out in 48.5 overs. In reply, West Indies chased the target in stipulated fifty overs. Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan take on New Zealand in the second of the five-match T20I series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium as the Green Shirts and the Kiwis prepare for the 2024 T20 World Cup in United States and West Indies. The first match of the series was abandoned due to rain, as the Black Caps came out to bat but could only do so for two balls before rain started. Prior to the series, the Pakistan Cricket Board released Babar Azam's statement, 'This five-match T20I series holds a lot of importance for us as we look forward to preparing for the all-important mega-event. We had a great fitness camp in Kakul and are looking forward to express ourselves as a unit.' 'New Zealand will challenge us at different points in the series, serving as a fine workout for the Pakistan side. The prospect of having a blend of youth and experience in the side excites me as a leader.' The Kiwi skipper, Michael Bracewell, gave his input, 'I'm proud to be leading the team on this tour. We'll look to play entertaining cricket as a side a nd take the game forward. Most of the players in our squad have played a lot of T20 Cricket growing up and they are very well equipped with the knowledge of this format. Pakistan are a formidable side at home and we'll look to put challenges in their backyard.' The series will be shown live on A Sports HD and Geo Super, while ARY ZAP, Tamasha and Tapmad will livestream across the country. Source: Pro Pakistani

Chances for the 2nd T20I match between Pakistan and New Zealand seemed gloomy a few days back, but the weather predictions have changed and the whole quota of 40 overs are expected to be played on April 20. The first T20I match could last only two balls, as the Kiwis came out to bat and initiated their innings through a leg-bye. Fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, took the wicket of Tim Robinson on the second ball before rain came back into play and disrupted the rest of the day. The match ended as a No Result. Based on the current predictions, there is a 4-6% chance of rain during the playing hours of the 2nd T20I. The precipitation chances for the whole day stand at 32% while the humidity remains close to 60%. The temperature during the playing hours is expected to stay in the lower 20's °C. Pakistan is expected to go with the same lineup that played in the 1st T20I as the three debutants - Abrar Ahmed, Irfan Khan and Usman Khan - didn't get an opportunity to showcase their skills. It would be quite unus ual if the Kiwis drop Tim Robinson after one failure, so an identical lineup should be expected. The second T20I match will be played in Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on April 20 from 7:30 PM (Local Time). Source: Pro Pakistani

Pakistan's first T20I match against New Zealand was washed out due to rain in Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium with only two balls being bowled resulting in the match getting abandoned. Shaheen Shah Afridi bowled just two deliveries in the opening over and picked up a wicket. Still, the rain forced the match into a no-result, disappointing the fans who awaited the highly anticipated match. With a thrilling showdown expected under the floodlights tonight, the fans are gearing up for an electrifying display of skill and individual brilliance. However, the final composition of Pakistan's playing eleven remains a subject of intrigue, with Imad Wasim not being selected in the last match many former cricketers criticized the team selection and raised questions of why he was selected in the squad if the management did not want to play him in the eleven. The trio of Usman Khan, Irfan Khan Niazi, and Abrar Ahmed made their debuts in the last match while Mohammad Amir made a comeback in the team after a four-year absenc e from international cricket. Pakistan's main concern is the top order. Which opening pair will be tried is yet to be seen as Babar Azam has been utilized at one-down profusely with Saim Ayub and Mohammad Rizwan as the opening pair. Alongside Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed is another option in the ranks who can be useful in the rainy and overcast conditions in Rawalpindi as the Green Shirts are likely to go with two specialist spinners in the team. The Men in Green will face the Kiwis at 7 pm tonight at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Here is the expected playing XI: Babar Azam Saim Ayub Mohammad Rizwan Usman Khan Iftikhar Ahmed Irfan Khan Niazi Shadab Khan Shaheen Shah Afridi Naseem Shah Mohammad Amir Abrar Ahmed Source: Pro Pakistani