Cricket

Persistent rain has washed out the entire first day of the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, leaving the teams frustrated and the series in limbo.The umpires made an inspection at noon, despite the relentless downpour, and decided to abandon play for the day. The chances of any cricket being played were so slim that the teams had not even bothered to leave their hotel.The forecast for the remainder of the day is equally bleak, with more rain expected. The outlook for tomorrow is also not promising, with overcast conditions predicted for much of the day.The teams had already been forced to cancel their practice sessions on Thursday due to the inclement weather.Bangladesh currently hold a 1-0 lead in the two-match series after securing their maiden Test victory over Pakistan in the previous encounter. Pakistan had fielded an all-pace attack in that match, but have included legspinner Abrar Ahmed in their squad for this Test.Bangladesh, meanwhile, are expected to recall Taskin Ahmed to replace fellow fast bowler Nahid Rana. However, the final playing XIs will not be known until at least Saturday morning.Originally scheduled to be played in Karachi, this Test was shifted to Rawalpindi due to ongoing construction at the National Stadium.With the first day of the Test washed out, the series is now in jeopardy. The teams will be hoping for a break in the weather on Saturday, but the forecast is not encouraging.

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has cautioned against underestimating Bangladesh ahead of India's upcoming series against the Asian side. Raina believes Bangladesh possesses a formidable bowling attack and that the series will serve as valuable practice for India's upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy.Raina, speaking at a Legends League Cricket (LLC) event in Delhi, emphasized the importance of red-ball cricket in preparing for Test matches. He praised the BCCI's initiative to include top players in the Duleep Trophy, which will begin on September 5, 2024."You cannot take Bangladesh lightly as they have a fine spin bowling attack and some good players who have done well for a long time," Raina said. "This series will be a fine match practice for the tour to Australia."The Duleep Trophy will feature star Indian batters such as Rishabh Pant, Ishan Kishan, and Shubman Gill. India will then face Bangladesh in a two-match series from September 19 to October 1, with Bangladesh's spinners, including Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, expected to pose a significant challenge.Raina also lauded Rishabh Pant's performance in India's T20 World Cup triumph, highlighting his passion, hard work, and determination. Pant was India's third-highest run-getter in the tournament, amassing 171 runs and contributing with 14 dismissals behind the stumps.Regarding the Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Raina expressed his preference for traditional cricket with 11 players. He believes the rule adds complexity to the game but prefers the simplicity of the old school approach.Legends League Cricket will be played in India and Qatar from September 11 to October 5 this year.

Shahid Afridi: A Grandfather and a Cricket CriticFormer Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi is celebrating a personal milestone while simultaneously voicing concerns over his country's performance in Test cricket.Afridi's family recently welcomed a new member with the birth of his grandson, Aliyaar Afridi, son of Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi and Ansha Afridi. The news was met with widespread congratulations, and images and videos of Afridi with his grandson quickly circulated online.Despite the joyous occasion, Afridi remains engaged with the state of Pakistan cricket. Following Pakistan's heavy defeat against Bangladesh in the first Test match in Rawalpindi, Afridi publicly criticized the team's strategy.Afridi questioned the choice to prepare a pitch that didn't favor Pakistan's strengths, specifically expressing concern over the inclusion of four fast bowlers while omitting a specialist spinner."A 10-wicket defeat raises serious questions about the decision to prepare this type of pitch, select four fast bowlers and leave out a specialist spinner. This to me clearly shows a lack of awareness about home conditions. That said, you cannot take the credit away from Bangladesh for the brand of cricket they played throughout the Test," Afridi wrote on X.Afridi's comments sparked debate on social media, with some fans agreeing with his assessment and others defending the team's selection.Despite the criticism, Afridi remains a prominent figure in Pakistan cricket. He is known for his aggressive batting style and his ability to inspire his teammates. He is also a vocal advocate for the development of young cricketers in Pakistan.As Afridi celebrates a new generation within his family, he continues to actively engage with the sport, unafraid to voice his opinions and spark debate on strategic decisions made by the national team.

Pakistan's humiliating 10-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test at Rawalpindi has sparked outrage among fans and former players alike. Ahmad Shahzad, a veteran Pakistani cricketer, has taken to social media to criticize Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi for his handling of the team.Shahzad questioned Naqvi's understanding of cricket and expressed disappointment with his leadership decisions. He highlighted Pakistan's historic first-ever Test defeat to Bangladesh as a testament to Naqvi's ineffectiveness."This is what happens if you don't make changes in time. You got scared and you did not make decisions," Shahzad tweeted.Shahzad continued his criticism by questioning Naqvi's effectiveness since assuming the role of PCB chairman earlier this year. "I was told that Mohsin Naqvi was a brave, resolute, and shrewd man with extreme power when he became the PCB chief. It was being said that if anyone could change the PCB, it would be Naqvi. But we have not seen it yet, and whatever he has done so far, this much is clear that Mohsin Naqvi has absolutely no idea about cricket," Shahzad wrote.Naqvi took over the PCB with promises of significant changes following Pakistan's disappointing performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup, especially after their loss to India. However, Shahzad pointed out that Naqvi's promises of reform have not materialized."When you lost to India in the T20 World Cup 2024, to keep people quiet, you said that you will do a surgery on Pakistan cricket. But you failed to do it. You lied to people just like others in the past. What did you think? That you would buy time? That after you beat Bangladesh in the Test series, people will go a little quiet and then you will implement your changes, but that did not happen," he said.The defeat has increased scrutiny on Pakistan's cricket setup, as they have now lost four consecutive Test matches, including a 3-0 series whitewash against Australia earlier this year. Their last home Test win was against South Africa in early 2021. These ongoing struggles have led to growing frustration among fans and commentators, questioning the direction of the team under current management.Shahzad also criticized the enduring influence of certain individuals within Pakistan cricket, suggesting a stagnation in the sport's governance. "The people that have been running Pakistan cricket for the last 12-15 years, they are still calling the shots. It has culminated in Bangladesh beating Pakistan for the first time in a Test match. I have never seen this in my life," he remarked.

Pakistan's slow over rate during the opening Test match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi has cost them dearly, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) docking six World Test Championship (WTC) points. The Shan Masood-led side was found guilty of being six overs short during the encounter, resulting in the penalty. Pakistan also lost 30% of their match fee after Masood pleaded guilty to the offenses and accepted the proposed sanctions.Bangladesh, too, faced consequences for their slow over rate, losing three WTC points and 15% of their match fee. Despite the setbacks, Pakistan remains in eighth place in the WTC standings, while Bangladesh has dropped to seventh. South Africa has moved up a spot to sixth.In a separate incident, Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was fined 10% of his match fee and given a demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct. Shakib threw the ball at Mohammad Rizwan during the 33rd over of the second innings.On the field, spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan played pivotal roles in securing Bangladesh's historic 10-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first Test. Mehidy claimed 4-21, while Shakib took 3-44, triggering a Pakistan collapse on the fifth day. The home side was dismissed for 146 runs in 55.5 overs, leaving Bangladesh with a modest target of 30 runs.Openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam chased down the target in just 6.3 overs, with Zakir hitting the winning boundary. The victory marked Bangladesh's first-ever Test win over Pakistan, a significant milestone for the team.

The prospect of an India vs Pakistan World Test Championship (WTC) final remains a tantalizing possibility, but recent results have made it an increasingly unlikely scenario. Pakistan's historic defeat to Bangladesh in Rawalpindi has further diminished their already slim chances of reaching the WTC final.Pakistan currently languishes in eighth position on the WTC points table, with just two wins in six matches and a winning percentage of 30.56. This significant decline in form, especially in red-ball cricket, has left them with a steep mountain to climb if they hope to reach the WTC final.Pakistan still have eight Tests remaining in the current WTC cycle. To have a strong chance of making the final, they would need to win all of these matches. This task will be challenging, as they face tough opponents, including England, West Indies, and South Africa, with the series against the Proteas being played away from home.Meanwhile, India and Australia remain the favorites to face each other again in the WTC final next year. Both teams are at the top of the standings with a considerable lead. India lead with six wins in nine matches and a winning percentage of 68.52, while defending champions Australia are just behind with eight wins in 12 matches and a percentage of 62.50. The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy later this year will be crucial for both teams as they aim to secure their places in the final.Bangladesh's recent victory over Pakistan has moved them up to sixth place in the points table, with two wins in five matches and a winning percentage of 40.00. This victory marks a significant improvement for Bangladesh in Test cricket.In another notable match, England defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets in the first Test, climbing from seventh to fourth in the WTC points table. This result caused Sri Lanka to slip to the fifth position.While an India vs Pakistan final remains a tantalizing prospect, Pakistan's path to the WTC final now appears increasingly improbable given their current position and recent performances.

Bangladesh has achieved a historic triumph in Test cricket, securing their first-ever victory against Pakistan in the first Test match at Rawalpindi on August 25, 2024. This momentous win marks a significant milestone for Bangladesh's cricket team, breaking Pakistan's dominance in the format.Pakistan, batting first, declared their innings at 448 for 6, with Saud Shakeel (141) and Mohammad Rizwan (171) leading the charge. Bangladesh responded with a determined batting performance, led by Shadman Islam (93), Mominul Haque (50), and a brilliant partnership between Mushfiqur Rahim (191) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (77). Bangladesh's total of 565 gave them a 117-run lead.In Pakistan's second innings, Bangladesh bowlers tightened their grip, dismissing wickets at regular intervals. Mohammad Rizwan (51) once again provided some resistance, but Pakistan's batting collapsed, losing 8 wickets for just 80 runs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz (4 for 21) and Shakib Al Hasan (3 for 44) were the main wicket-takers for Bangladesh.Bangladesh's openers, Tamim Iqbal and Najmul Hossain Shanto, chased down the target of 30 with ease, securing a historic 10-wicket victory. This triumph is a testament to Bangladesh's growing strength in Test cricket and their ability to compete with the top teams in the world.

Bangladesh's bowlers tightened their grip on the second Test against Pakistan in Dhaka, dismissing key batsmen and putting the visitors under pressure. Mehidy Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan shared five wickets between them, while Nahid Rana chipped in with a crucial scalp.Pakistan resumed their second innings at 188/2, trailing by 114 runs. However, they lost Abdullah Shafique (23) and Agha Salman (0) in quick succession, both falling to Mehidy. Shakib then removed Mohammad Rizwan (29) and Shaheen Afridi (10) to leave Pakistan reeling at 199/6.Rizwan, who had been Pakistan's top scorer in the first innings, was particularly unlucky. He was initially given not out after being hit on the pad by Shakib, but the decision was overturned on review.Mehidy continued to impress, bowling with accuracy and control. He dismissed Rizwan with a well-flighted delivery that turned sharply and took the outside edge. Shakib, on the other hand, used his experience to outfox Shafique and Afridi.Nahid Rana provided valuable support, removing Salman with a delivery that kept low and trapped him in front. Pakistan's hopes now rest on captain Babar Azam and Faheem Ashraf, who are unbeaten on 13 and 10 respectively.Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be confident of wrapping up the match quickly. They have a significant lead of 114 runs and a potent bowling attack that has already taken 10 wickets.

The Indian cricket team is gearing up for a busy Test season, with a two-match series against Bangladesh in September, followed by a three-match series against New Zealand and a five-match series against Australia.Captain Rohit Sharma has already begun his preparations for the upcoming challenges. Videos on social media show Sharma engaged in intense training sessions with India's assistant coach Abhishek Nayar. The sessions include rigorous cardio exercises in a park.Nayar, who joined the Indian support staff last month, has been working closely with Sharma. The skipper's last Test appearance for India was in March 2024 against England, where he scored a century in the first innings.The Bangladesh series will be a good warm-up for India before they face New Zealand and Australia. Bangladesh has improved significantly in recent years and will pose a tough challenge.The New Zealand series will be a stern test for India. The Kiwis are one of the top Test teams in the world and will be looking to avenge their defeat in the World Test Championship final last year.The Australia series will be the ultimate challenge for India. The Aussies are the current World Test champions and have a formidable record at home. India will need to be at their best to win the series.The upcoming Test season will be a crucial one for India. They will be looking to build on their success in the World Test Championship and establish themselves as the best Test team in the world.