Cricket

England's historic Test victory over Pakistan in Rawalpindi marked a significant milestone in the annals of cricket. The hosts, despite posting a formidable 579 runs in their first innings, succumbed to an innings and 47-run defeat, becoming the first Test-playing nation to suffer such a fate after scoring over 500 runs in the opening innings.Pakistan's batting woes continued on the final day as they were bowled out for 220 within the first session. Salman Ali Agha (63) and Aamer Jamal (55 not out) provided some resistance with their fighting half-centuries, but it was not enough to prevent England from securing a memorable triumph.Left-arm spinner Jack Leach played a pivotal role in England's victory, claiming all three wickets on the final morning to finish with figures of 4/30. Fast bowlers Gus Atkinson and debutant Brydon Carse had earlier dismantled Pakistan's top order on Day 4.The result extended Pakistan's dismal run in Test cricket under captain Shan Masood, who has now overseen six consecutive defeats. It was also Pakistan's seventh loss at home in 11 Test matches.Pakistan's last Test victory came in July 2023, when they defeated Sri Lanka by an innings and 222 runs in Colombo. Since then, they have played six Test matches and lost all.The defeat in Rawalpindi also marked Pakistan's seventh consecutive Test loss at home, a streak that dates back to February 2021. Their last home victory came against South Africa in Rawalpindi, a staggering 1342 days ago.England's victory, on the other hand, was a testament to their resilience and determination. They had been outplayed by Pakistan in the first innings, but they fought back admirably to secure a famous win.

Pakistan's hopes of salvaging the Multan Test against England dwindled further as the visitors piled on a mammoth 823/7d in their first innings, leaving the hosts with a daunting task to avoid a crushing defeat.Despite posting a formidable 556 in their first innings, Pakistan's bowlers were unable to contain the English onslaught, with Harry Brook and Joe Root amassing a record-breaking 454-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Brook (317) and Root (262) both registered career-best scores on a flat Multan pitch, feasting on the Pakistani bowling attack.The Pakistan bowlers endured a torrid time, with six of them conceding over 100 runs in an innings for the first time in 20 years and only the second time in Test cricket history. Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Aamer Jamal, Saim Ayub, Abrar Ali, and Salman Ali Agha joined an infamous group of bowlers who conceded centuries in an innings.England resumed Day 4 on 492-3 and continued their relentless scoring, adding 166 runs in 29 overs in the first session. Root and Brook remained unyielding, despite Pakistan's defensive leg-side bowling.Root's previous best of 254 was also against Pakistan in Manchester in 2016. Brook, in his maiden Test double hundred, displayed equal dominance, hitting 20 boundaries and a six off just 245 balls. His previous best was 186, scored against New Zealand at Wellington last year.Pakistan's only glimmer of hope came in the first hour when Root, on 186, failed to keep down a pull shot off Shah. However, Babar Azam dropped a regulation chance at mid-wicket, allowing Root to continue his onslaught.Root eventually completed his sixth Test double-century, which came in 517 minutes off 305 balls. Pakistan were without frontline spinner Abrar Ahmed, who suffered a fever and did not take the field on Thursday.With England's massive lead, Pakistan face an uphill battle to avoid a heavy defeat in the Multan Test.

England's relentless dominance against Pakistan continued on Day 4 of the Multan Test, as they etched their name in the history books with a world-record partnership. Joe Root and Harry Brook forged an unprecedented 454-run stand for the fourth wicket, shattering the previous record of 449 set by Adam Voges and Shaun Marsh in 2015.This remarkable partnership is not only the highest for the fourth wicket in Test history but also the highest ever for any wicket by a pair away from home. It also surpasses the previous highest partnership against Pakistan, set by Australia in 1934.Root, who recently surpassed Alastair Cook as England's all-time leading Test run-scorer, looked set to challenge Brian Lara's 400-run total. However, he was dismissed for 262 by Agha Salman, just after he and Brook had broken the world record.Despite Root's departure, England's momentum remained unabated. Earlier on Wednesday, Root had achieved another significant milestone by becoming England's highest run-scorer in Test cricket, surpassing Cook's tally.In his illustrious career, Root has amassed over 20,000 runs in 350 international matches, including 51 centuries and 108 half-centuries. His record-breaking performance in Multan has elevated him to the fifth-highest run-scorer in Test history, surpassing cricketing legends like Younis Khan, Sunil Gavaskar, Brian Lara, and Mahela Jayawardene.Root's remarkable achievement is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. As he continues to climb the ranks of Test cricket's all-time greats, England will undoubtedly look to him for further inspiration and success in the years to come.

Joe Root's masterful double century on the fourth day of the opening Test against Pakistan in Multan has etched his name into the annals of cricketing history. Resuming on 176, Root displayed unwavering composure and patience, reaching his double century off 305 deliveries with just 14 boundaries.This remarkable feat marks Root's sixth double century in Test cricket, surpassing the likes of Rahul Dravid, Alastair Cook, and Graeme Smith, who each scored five double centuries. By joining this elite group, Root now stands alongside legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Ricky Ponting, Marvan Atapattu, Kane Williamson, Javed Miandad, and Younis Khan.Root's double century was a testament to his exceptional technique and unwavering concentration. He played with a calm assurance, unfazed by the pressure of the occasion. His innings was characterized by a combination of elegant drives, deft flicks, and powerful pulls.As Root reached his double century, the Multan Cricket Stadium erupted in applause. The England captain removed his helmet, kissed the badge, and raised his bat in celebration. His teammates rushed onto the field to congratulate him on this historic achievement.Root's double century has not only cemented his status as one of the greatest batsmen of his generation but has also given England a significant advantage in the Test match. With Pakistan still trailing by a substantial margin, Root's innings has put England in a commanding position to secure a victory in Multan.

Brydon Carse's maiden Test wickets in Multan were a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite the oppressive heat and a two-day trial, Carse emerged with a sense of pride and accomplishment.Carse's debut performance was marked by patience and perseverance. After a first-day lbw verdict against Shan Masood was overturned on review, he remained undeterred. In his final two spells, he claimed the wickets of Naseem Shah and Aamer Jamal, capping off a spirited effort in challenging conditions.England's bowlers faced an uphill battle against Pakistan's imposing first-innings total of 556. However, they maintained their discipline until the end, preventing a more significant deficit. Carse acknowledged the physical toll the heat and wicket took on the team, but emphasized the importance of hydration and recovery.Despite the absence of reverse-swing, Carse remained optimistic about England's chances. He believes that if the ball starts reversing in the second innings, they can set different fields and put pressure on Pakistan's attack.Reflecting on his maiden Test stint, Carse admitted to feeling disappointed by the overturned lbw appeal against Masood. However, he and his teammates remained focused on their task, and his breakthrough moment came when Naseem Shah edged a lifter to Harry Brook at leg slip.England faces an uphill battle in the match, but Carse remains confident. He believes that Zak Crawley's flying start to their first innings provides a glimmer of hope. With two full days of cricket remaining, Carse is determined to fight for a positive result.

South Africa and England, two formidable teams in women's cricket, clashed in a highly anticipated match in Sharjah. South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt, after winning the toss, opted to bat first on a pitch expected to favor slow bowlers. England's captain, Heather Knight, concurred with Wolvaardt's decision, indicating that she would have also chosen to bat.Both teams entered the match with impressive victories in their opening encounters. South Africa had comfortably defeated West Indies, while England had effortlessly overcome Bangladesh. Consequently, neither side made any changes to their starting lineups, both opting for a spin-heavy approach.The winner of this crucial match would ascend to the top of Group B. South Africa's batting lineup featured Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Derckson, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, and Ayabonga Khan.England's batting order consisted of Maya Bouchier, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Heather Knight, Alice Capsey, Amy Jones, Danielle Gibson, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, and Linsey Smith.The match promised to be a thrilling contest between two evenly matched teams. The outcome would have a significant impact on the standings in Group B and the teams' chances of advancing to the knockout stages.

England Elects to Bat First Against Bangladesh in T20 World Cup OpenerIn their opening match of the T20 World Cup, England has opted to bat first after winning the toss at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Captain Heather Knight explained that the absence of dew and the ease of defending a total influenced their decision.England's lineup features a formidable four-woman spin attack, with Linsey Smith, Danielle Gibson, and Nat Sciver-Brunt joining Charlie Dean and Sophie Ecclestone. Smith, who has been tipped as a potential opening bowler, was preferred over Lauren Bell.Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana acknowledged that her team would have made the same choice, having successfully batted first against Scotland in their tournament opener. They have made one change to their side, bringing in Dilara Akter at the top of the order in place of Murshida Khatun."We have a very good bowling attack and will look to restrict them to a total that we can chase," Sultana said.Bangladesh secured a 16-run victory over Scotland in the tournament's opening match, marking their first T20 World Cup win in a decade. However, they have a losing record against England in T20Is, having been defeated on all three previous occasions, including at the 2018 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean.

Australia vs Sri Lanka: Aussies Aim to Extend DominanceAustralia, the reigning T20 World Champions, will face Sri Lanka in a crucial Group 1 encounter in Sharjah. The Aussies have never lost to Sri Lanka in T20Is, and they will be looking to maintain their perfect record.Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are under pressure after losing their tournament opener to Pakistan. They will need to improve their fielding and batting if they want to challenge Australia.Australia's strength lies in their all-rounders, who can contribute with both bat and ball. Beth Mooney, the Player of the Tournament in the 2023 edition, will be key for Australia. She has been in good form in the lead-up to the tournament, scoring a half-century in the warm-up against England.Sri Lanka will rely on their captain, Chamari Athapaththu, to lead the charge. Athapaththu is a dangerous batter who can take the game away from the opposition. She will need support from her teammates, especially Nilakshika Silva and Vishmi Gunaratne.The match is expected to be a close contest, with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses. Australia will be the favorites, but Sri Lanka will be determined to prove that they can compete with the best.Bangladesh vs England: England Eye Dominant StartBangladesh will face England in a Group 2 match in Sharjah. Bangladesh started their tournament with a win against Scotland, but they will face a much tougher challenge against England.England are one of the favorites to win the tournament, and they have a strong team on paper. They have a good mix of experience and youth, and they are led by the experienced Heather Knight.Bangladesh will need to play their best cricket if they want to beat England. They will need to bat well and restrict England's scoring. Nigar Sultana, the Bangladesh captain, will be key for her team. She is a good all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball.England will be confident of victory, but they will not underestimate Bangladesh. They know that Bangladesh can be a dangerous team on their day.The match is expected to be a competitive one, with both teams having a chance of winning. England will be the favorites, but Bangladesh will be determined to cause an upset.

The Women's T20 World Cup 2024 is fast approaching, and excitement is building worldwide for this highly anticipated cricketing spectacle. Six-time champions Australia enter the tournament as firm favorites to defend their title, boasting a well-balanced side led by Alyssa Healey.India, on the other hand, will be eager to build on their impressive start to the World Cup campaign, having defeated West Indies and South Africa in convincing fashion in the warm-up fixtures. However, they face a tough group that includes Australia, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka, leaving plenty of room for upsets.The change of venue from Bangladesh to the UAE has sparked discussions among experts. Georgie Heath, a Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Foundation ambassador, believes it will impact team strategies. England, for instance, has opted for a spin-heavy attack, while Australia has gone more seam-heavy.The UAE's batter-friendly conditions are expected to lead to higher scores and more attacking batting. Sri Lanka, with explosive batters like Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama, could benefit from this change.Despite Australia's dominance, Heath believes there are teams that can challenge them. England, with its world-class spinners Sophie Ecclestone and Sarah Glenn, could be a force to be reckoned with. Sri Lanka, having won the Asia Cup and impressed in recent matches, is also a dark horse.India, despite their recent near misses, have yet to find the winning habit. Heath believes they need to overcome their tendency to fail at the final hurdle and develop a killer instinct.Pakistan, on the other hand, is struggling to find consistency and a winning formula. They have a young captain in Fatima Sana, but she may lack the experience and leadership qualities needed to guide the team.The Women's T20 World Cup 2024 promises to be an exciting and unpredictable tournament, with several teams capable of challenging Australia's dominance. The change of venue and the emergence of dark horses add an extra layer of intrigue to this highly anticipated event.