Category: Sports

In a recent post-match presentation following Pakistan's 7-wicket victory in the second T20I against Ireland, Pakistan's wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan emphasized the significance of adapting to game conditions over merely focusing on batting averages. Rizwan, whose own T20I average stands at an impressive 50.38, alongside former Indian captain Virat Kohli, who boasts a remarkable average of 51.75. Reflecting on this achievement, Rizwan noted that while metrics like batting average are significant, a player's true value lies in their ability to adapt to match conditions, situations and the demands of the game. 'If you look at the average, you are an average player. If you look at the conditions and what the game demands, that will make you better,' Rizwan articulated during his post-match interview. He further acknowledged the influence of Virat Kohli on his approach to the game, expressing respect for the Indian cricket icon. Rizwan's comments shed light on how top cricketers should approach the ga me, emphasizing the importance of situational awareness and adaptability in delivering consistent performances on the field. Pakistan's premium wicket-keeper batter smashed 4 sixes and 6 fours in his scintillating innings of 75 runs off 46 balls where he remained not out. Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan accumulated a massive partnership of 140 runs during the Men in Green's run-chase of 194 against Ireland which is Pakistan's highest partnership for the third wicket in T20I cricket. Source: Pro Pakistani

National Football Challenge Cup came to a thrilling conclusion at Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad on Sunday, May 12, following twelve intense match days of action-packed football. In the final, WAPDA successfully defended their National Challenge Cup title by defeating the star-studded SA Gardens with a score of 1-0. The decisive goal came early in the match, with M. Yousaf Ahmed of WAPDA finding the back of the net in the 17th minute after smashing home a deflected freekick by Shayek Dost. SA Gardens fought valiantly, with Murtaza Hussain coming close to equalizing in the game's dying moments with a volley that narrowly missed the target. This victory marks WAPDA's consecutive National Challenge Cup titles, adding to their triumph in 2020 and solidifying their status as a dominant force in national football. Haroon Malik, the Chairman of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), Normalisation Committee graced the final match as the chief guest and presented medals and trophies to the participants. WAPDA capt ain, Rao Umer Hayat, was recognized as the Best Player of the tournament, while SA Gardens' goalkeeper, Salman Ul Haq 'Kaka', earned the title of Best Goalkeeper. Pakistan's left-winger Shayek Dost of WAPDA claimed the honor of Best Goal-scorer with 8 goals in the tournament, with HEC being awarded the Fair Play Trophy for their sportsmanship throughout the tournament. The football department of the Pakistan Army won the match against HEC to clinch the bronze medal for third place in the tournament finishing their campaign on a solid note. Pakistan's national team training camp is expected to start on May 15 under Stephen Constantine as the Shaheens prepare for the FIFA World Cup Qualifier match against Saudi Arabia on June 6 at the Jinnah Stadium. Source: Pro Pakistani

Pakistan's supremo Shahbaz Sharif has announced a substantial reward for the Pakistan national hockey team following their remarkable performance at the 30th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. Despite narrowly missing out on clinching the trophy, the team's journey to the final after 13 years was celebrated nationwide. The Prime Minister confirmed that each player of the Pakistan hockey squad will receive a prize money of Rs. 1 million rupees, recognizing their outstanding efforts and the historic achievement of reaching the Azlan Shah Cup final. The final match against Japan was an intense battle as the regulation time ended with a 2-2 score-line, leading to a nail-biting penalty shootout. Unfortunately for Pakistan, Japan emerged victorious in the shootout, securing a 4-1 win on penalties. Despite the defeat, Pakistan's performance throughout the tournament under their head coach Roelant Oltmans was commendable, reflecting the team's resurgence to reclaim its former glory in international hockey. The Pakistan Hock ey Federation (PHF) expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister's support and the recognition that the players received. PHF officials emphasized the importance of such incentives in motivating athletes and strengthening the country's sports infrastructure. This reward not only acknowledges the players' hard work but also serves as a catalyst for further development and investment in hockey at the grassroots level. Prime Minister Youth Program Chairman Rana Mashood, former captain Chaudhry Akhtar Rasool, Muhammad Saqlain, and Anjum Saeed were all present at the Lahore Airport to welcome their heroes as they returned home with the silver medal. Pakistan remained unbeaten in the group stage with 11 points while Japan topped the group with 13 points, however, the Shaheens fell short at the final hurdle in their quest to achieve glory. Source: Pro Pakistani

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has etched his name into the T20I history books by claiming his 45th victory as captain. This remarkable milestone solidifies Babar's status as the most successful leader in the shortest format of the game. The record-breaking victory came during an intense T20I match against Ireland where Pakistan chased down a target of 194 in the 17th over. Babar now has 45 wins in 78 matches as Pakistan's captain, breaking Uganda's captain Brian Masaba's record of 44 victories in 56 matches. Afghanistan skipper Asghar Afghan also makes the list with 42 triumphs in 52 matches while England's most successful captain in modern-day cricket Eoin Morgan also has 42 victories in 72 matches under his name. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi presented a special jersey to white-ball cricket team captain Babar, with '45 wins' printed on the back. The Men in Green's victory against Ireland in the second T20 has helped the team level the series at 1-1, courtesy of Rizwan's blistering knock of 75 not out of 46 deliveries. Fakhar Zaman also smashed the bowlers all over the park while scoring 78 runs off 40 balls, however, the cameo by Azam Khan turned out to be a game-changer in the end as scored 30 runs off 10 deliveries to make the run-chase one-sided as Pakistan claimed victory by 7 wickets. Captains with most T20I wins: Captain Wins Matches Babar Azam 45 78 Brian Masaba 44 56 Aghar Afghan 42 52 Eoin Morgan 42 72 Source: Pro Pakistani

Former Pakistan Cricket Board PCB chairman Ramiz Raja has expressed serious concerns about Pakistan's chances in the upcoming T20I World Cup, claiming that the hosts United States might even beat the Men In Green in the opening game of their World Cup campaign. 'I'm fearing Pakistan team might even lose to the USA in the T20 World Cup. USA can be a surprise package for us.' Raja commented, acknowledging the growing prowess of emerging cricketing nations. He admitted that the way Pakistan is playing right now any team can beat them because there is non-existent cohesion in the team which makes them vulnerable against any opposition. Pakistan lost to Ireland in the first T20I of the three-match series in Dublin by 5 wickets but managed to win the game in the second T20I to level the series at 1-1. However, Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman's humungous partnership helped the team triumph over Ireland as they chased a target of 194 in the 17th over. The USA cricket team has indeed made strides in recent year s, bolstered by investments in infrastructure and talent development. Led by captain Monank Patel, the American squad has qualified for the T20 World Cup for the first time. Ramiz Raja's remarks indicate how unpredictable Babar Azam's men can be in the shortest format of the game considering that the team's consistency is the most concerning part. Pakistan will play the final T20 against Ireland tomorrow followed by a four-match T20 series in the last week of May just before their encounter with USA on June 6 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. Source: Pro Pakistani

Pakistan's third T20I match against Ireland will be held at the Clontarf Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, in their bid to prepare for the ICC T20 World Cup that will kickstart next month in the USA and the Caribbean. However, the final composition of Pakistan's playing eleven remains a subject of intrigue as the think tank can opt for three spinners while resting Naseem Shah to preserve the youngster before the T20 World Cup. Pakistan lost the first match against Ireland by 5 wickets but they made a strong comeback in the second T20I with a 7-wicket victory courtesy of a 140-run partnership for the third wicket between Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman. Saim Ayub and Mohammad Rizwan are likely to open the innings once again whereas Babar Azam will be utilized in the one-down position. Fakhar Zaman and Azam Khan can both play as floaters in any position in the batting line up with both players showcasing good performances at two-down. Iftikhar Ahmed and Imad Wasim are likely to play at 6 and 7 positions lower d own the batting order considering their invaluable ability to hit the ball out of the park in death overs. Pakistan can opt to field a lineup with three pacers in this match such as Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, and Abbas Afridi with the spin trio of Abrar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, and Shadab Khan to support the pacers on seaming wickets. The Men in Green will look to bounce back from their disappointing result in the first T20 match against Ireland as a series win against Ireland will give them a confidence boost before the four-match series against England. Here is the expected playing XI: Mohammad Rizwan Saim Ayub Babar Azam (c) Fakhar Zaman Azam Khan Iftikhar Ahmed Imad Wasim Shaheen Shah Afridi Abrar Ahmed Mohammad Amir Abbas Afridi Source: Pro Pakistani