Cricket

Pakistan's disappointing loss to India in the Asia Cup has been attributed to poor decision-making, according to coach Gary Kirsten. Despite having the upper hand for much of the match, Pakistan faltered in the final overs, allowing India to snatch victory.Kirsten acknowledged that the target of 120 was challenging, but he believed Pakistan had the game in control at 72 for 2 with six overs remaining. However, a series of poor decisions cost them dearly."Decision-making," Kirsten emphasized. "Maybe not so great decision making. You have got the game on, run a ball, eight wickets in hand, decision making at that point. That's the game. That's international cricket for you. You make mistakes like that, you are going to pay."Mohammad Rizwan's dismissal, trying to slog the first ball of a new Jasprit Bumrah spell, proved pivotal. Bumrah, who won his second Player-of-the-Match award in two matches, commended the calmness shown by India's bowling unit despite the easing batting conditions."The biggest positive for us was the calmness because when we were batting in the morning, there was a lot more help," Bumrah said. "And when we started bowling, the skies cleared up and the ball stopped seaming and there wasn't a lot of lateral movement. So, we had to be more consistent and more accurate and we as a unit were very calm and very clear on what we wanted to do."Bumrah emphasized the importance of staying focused and avoiding emotional distractions. "I was trying to focus on what is the best option over here on a wicket like this," he said. "How do I make shot-making difficult? What are the best options for me? So that way, I try to stay in the present and focus on what I have to do."Kirsten acknowledged that Pakistan's chances of reaching the Super 8s now depend on other teams' results. However, he stressed the need for significant improvement in their performance."We had that game for 35 of the 40 overs," Kirsten said. "We played good cricket, we did everything we needed to."Kirsten admitted that he needs time to understand the players and get the best out of them. "Everyone's responsible," he said. "We accept the loss and we take the heat because the team has not done well. And we will do what we can to try and rectify it."

The 2011 ODI World Cup semi-final between India and Pakistan in Mohali was a momentous occasion that left an indelible mark on the players and fans alike. The then India coach, Gary Kirsten, and his staff recognized the significance of the match and gave the players space to reflect on its magnitude."After the show [a presentation by the team analyst] is over, Gary says the support staff is mostly non-Indian," writes R Ashwin in his book "I Have The Streets." "They value this team, and it's a big game for them too, but they can't even begin to imagine how big playing Pakistan in a World Cup is for us players. He says they're all leaving now, so we can be alone and conduct the rest of the meeting ourselves."The meeting, held two hours before the match, was charged with emotion. Sachin Tendulkar delivered a rousing speech, expressing his anticipation for the past two-three years of facing Pakistan in the semi-final or final and lifting the trophy. The players left the meeting with goosebumps, their hearts filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation.In 2011, such matches were rare and highly anticipated. However, the advent of frequent World Cups and the strategic planning of groups to ensure India and Pakistan play in the league stage has somewhat diminished the edge of these encounters.Despite the increased frequency, the results in 'big matches' have become a burden for the current Indian team. However, Rohit Sharma, the current captain, believes that the team's approach has not changed significantly."Nothing has changed from last seven months because we played them [Pakistan] in the Asia Cup, the ODI World Cup, and now the T20 World Cup," said Rohit. "Earlier it was a different ball game because we used to play them every maybe once in four years, or two years, now it's a different ball game. We literally played seven months back in Asia Cup and the World Cup and here we are again now."Rohit emphasizes the importance of staying present and focusing on the immediate task at hand, rather than dwelling on the larger implications of the match. "I think what's more important for me is to just think about what I need to do right now, or this particular over - not to even think of how much do we need to get after 20 overs, or how much we need to bowl them out for. I think it's about that one over, how we want to finish that over, staying in the present, and literally just nailing down maybe over by over, and think about what you need to do in that particular over, and that is where the skill of captain comes into play."Gary Kirsten, who coached India in 2011 and is now Pakistan's coach in 2024, believes that the players have a deep understanding of each other's game and that the focus should be on executing their own plans effectively. "I think these players have seen enough of each other and how they play," he said. "In the end we want to make sure that we get our game right. Look at the conditions and what is required on the conditions because I think that's going to be a big day tomorrow."Kirsten also noted the different atmosphere of the match being played outside of India or Pakistan. "I think it is a little bit different because it's not in India or Pakistan," he said. "I went for a ride early this morning, which I like doing most mornings, and I certainly rode around the stadium a little bit and I kind of felt that there's going to be a good vibe there tomorrow. So that's going to be exciting for us all to have that many people that have come out to support the two teams."As the two teams prepare to face off once again, the legacy of the 2011 semi-final will undoubtedly be on their minds. While the stakes may have changed, the passion and intensity of the rivalry remains as strong as ever.

Pakistan's head coach Gary Kirsten exudes confidence ahead of their highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals India in the T20 World Cup. Despite a disappointing start to the tournament, Kirsten believes his team will be fully motivated for the crucial encounter.The match, scheduled for Sunday at the Nassau County stadium in New York, holds immense significance for both teams. Pakistan, the finalists of the previous edition, will be eager to bounce back from their opening setback against the USA. India, on the other hand, will be looking to maintain their winning momentum after securing victories in their warm-up matches.Kirsten emphasized that the team's motivation is at an all-time high and that they are focused on putting their best foot forward against India. He acknowledged the challenging nature of the pitch at the venue but stressed that Pakistan will adapt and execute their game plan effectively.The former Indian coach also downplayed the potential advantage India may have due to their prior experience in New York. He stated that Pakistan will rely on their own skills and strategies to put pressure on the opposition.Kirsten highlighted the importance of a collective team effort, emphasizing that individual performances alone will not suffice. He expressed confidence in Pakistan's pace bowling strength but also emphasized the need for a balanced approach, covering all bases with spin options, seam options, and a deep batting line-up.Despite the setback against the USA, Kirsten remains optimistic about Pakistan's chances in the tournament. He believes that the team has learned from their mistakes and is determined to make a strong statement against India.

Pakistan Cricketers Gear Up for T20 World Cup Opener Against United StatesPakistan's cricket team is preparing for their first match in the T20 World Cup, scheduled for Thursday against the United States. Led by captain Babar Azam and coach Gary Kirsten, the team appears relaxed despite a challenging build-up to the tournament, including a 0-2 loss in a four-match T20I series against England.Despite the setbacks, Pakistan remains a formidable opponent, capable of defeating any team on their day. In a video shared by Usman Khan on his social media handle, the team is seen bonding over a meal in the United States. The video features Azam, Kirsten, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Wahab Riaz, Naseem Shah, and Azam Khan, among others.Khan humorously addresses his teammates, sharing his shopping experiences in the US and expressing his amusement at a teammate wearing an expensive shirt. The video highlights the team's camaraderie and positive spirit ahead of the tournament.After their opening match against the US in Dallas, Pakistan will face their arch-rivals India in New York on Sunday. The match is expected to be a highly anticipated clash between the two cricketing powerhouses.Pakistan's unpredictable nature makes them a dangerous opponent in the T20 World Cup. With a talented squad and a relaxed mindset, they have the potential to surprise their opponents and make a deep run in the tournament.

Gary Kirsten, the former South African opener, has made a significant impact on Indian cricket as the coach of the Indian national team from 2008 to 2011. During his tenure, India won the 2011 World Cup, and Kirsten was widely praised for his calm demeanor and man-management skills.After a successful stint with Gujarat Titans in the IPL, Kirsten has now taken on the role of Pakistan's white-ball coach. This move has raised questions about whether he could provide Pakistan with an advantage over India in their upcoming T20 World Cup clash.However, experts believe that Kirsten's knowledge of Indian players is unlikely to give Pakistan a significant edge. Paddy Upton, who worked with Kirsten as part of the Indian team's support staff, believes that video analysis and data on all players are readily available to all opponents.Instead, Kirsten's strengths lie in his man-management skills and his ability to build strong relationships with players. He is known for his process-driven approach, focusing on the fundamentals and avoiding aimless practice.Kirsten is also not afraid to have tough conversations when necessary. He famously told Yuvraj Singh that he was fitter than the left-hander at the age of 41, which motivated Singh to improve his off-field choices and ultimately led to his man-of-the-series performance in the 2011 World Cup.Upton believes that Kirsten's experience of working in a foreign culture and his ability to understand the emotions and fanaticism of fans and media will be valuable assets for Pakistan. Agoram highlights Kirsten's ability to invest time and energy in player-coach relationships, which will be crucial in building trust and getting players to buy into his plans.Overall, while Kirsten's knowledge of Indian players may not provide Pakistan with a significant advantage, his man-management skills and his ability to create a positive and supportive environment will be invaluable to the team.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup hopes rest on the shoulders of skipper Babar Azam, who aims to break the team's semi-final and runner-up jinx. Despite a chaotic build-up, Azam remains optimistic, believing it's their turn to lift the trophy.Pakistan's preparations have been marred by captaincy changes and coaching staff overhauls. However, the appointment of Mohsin Naqvi as PCB chairman and the inclusion of Gary Kirsten as white-ball coach have brought stability.The team has also bolstered its bowling attack with the return of Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah remain key figures, while Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan provide spin options.Pakistan's batting, however, remains a concern. Despite the world-record partnership between Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, the team has struggled to post totals over 200. Saim Ayub is expected to break up the opening partnership, while Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Azam Khan, and Iftikhar Ahmed form a formidable middle-order.Consistency has been a major issue for Pakistan, who have shown flashes of brilliance but also inexplicable collapses. If they are to challenge for the title, their batters must step up and match the performances of their bowlers.Pakistan faces a tough group stage, with India, the United States, Canada, and Ireland as their opponents. A potential clash with India in New York could be a pivotal moment, as Pakistan has only won one of seven T20 World Cup matches against their arch-rivals.Despite the challenges, Azam is confident in his team's ability to return with the trophy. With a balanced squad and a renewed sense of purpose, Pakistan will be determined to make the third time lucky at the T20 World Cup.

Pakistan's recent loss to Ireland has prompted a shift in their batting strategy, with the team now aiming to adopt a more aggressive approach when batting first. This new mindset is expected to be showcased in the upcoming T20I series against England, the reigning T20I world champions.Pakistan's top order has come under scrutiny for their lack of intent when batting first, with the team struggling to post competitive totals. However, after the Ireland defeat, the team has resolved to target scores of 200 or more when batting first.Central to this new approach will be captain Babar Azam, who has been urged to play with greater freedom. Incoming coach Gary Kirsten has praised Azam's abilities but believes he can be even more effective if he is allowed to express himself more fully.Despite the team's recent struggles, Fakhar Zaman remains confident in their ability to turn things around. He believes that the team's new mindset and the arrival of Kirsten will help them improve their performances.Zaman has also highlighted the emergence of Saim Ayub at the top of the order, which has allowed him to move down to the No. 4 position. He believes that this new role will allow him to make a greater impact on the team's performance.With the T20 World Cup approaching, Pakistan is eager to find their best form. The upcoming series against England will provide a crucial test for the team's new approach and will give them an opportunity to fine-tune their preparations for the tournament.

Pakistan's cricket landscape has undergone significant transformations in the lead-up to the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup. Despite the presence of seasoned captain Babar Azam, the team has witnessed a series of changes in leadership, selection, and coaching.Since the 2022 T20 World Cup final loss to England, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed four chairmen and overhauled the selection panel. The experiment with Shaheen Shah Afridi as captain was short-lived, and a new limited-overs head coach, South African Gary Kirsten, joined the team just weeks before the World Cup.Pakistan's preparations have been marked by inconsistent performances. They suffered a heavy defeat in the away series against New Zealand, drew the home series 2-2, and lost the T20 series against Afghanistan 1-2. A shock defeat to Ireland was followed by two victories, resulting in a 2-1 series outcome.Despite the off-field turmoil, Pakistan remains a formidable force in the T20 World Cup. They have reached the semifinals three times and won the title in 2009. Kirsten's coaching has emphasized team unity and playing for the badge rather than individual glory.Pakistan's bowling depth is a major asset, with Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Amir all in good form. However, the top-order batting remains a concern, with Saim Ayub yet to establish himself as a reliable opener alongside Babar Azam.The India-Pakistan match on June 9 in New York is highly anticipated, with both teams expected to progress to the Super 8 round. Babar Azam will become the first player to captain a nation in three consecutive T20 World Cups. He will be hoping to lead Pakistan to their second title, having come close in 2021 and 2022.

Pakistan's white-ball cricket team has welcomed Gary Kirsten as their new head coach ahead of the T20I series against England. Kirsten's arrival in Leeds was marked by a warm reception from captain Babar Azam and the support staff, a moment that has since gone viral on social media.Kirsten, a 56-year-old South African, brings extensive coaching experience, having previously led both India and South Africa. His appointment as the white-ball coach, along with Jason Gillespie as the red-ball coach, was confirmed last month.Under Kirsten's guidance, Pakistan aim to build on their recent successes in T20 World Cups, having reached the semifinals in 2021 and the final in 2022 against England.Kirsten's first challenge will be the four-match T20I series against England, a critical preparation phase for the T20 World Cup next month in the Caribbean and the United States. Pakistan's final 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup will be announced following the first T20 against England next Tuesday in Leeds.In addition to Kirsten, the PCB has made strategic appointments to strengthen the coaching staff. Simon Helmot has been appointed as the fielding coach, and David Reid will serve as the mental performance coach. Reid is set to join the team next Monday, while Helmot will team up with the squad on May 31 after the T20 series against England.Kirsten expressed his enthusiasm for returning to international coaching. "I've missed the experience of coaching at the international level and nurturing talented players to reach their full potential," Kirsten said in a press release from the PCB. "I'm committed to working closely with the (Pakistan) team to elevate their game and bring joy to fans around the world."The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shared a photo on its official social media handle, capturing Kirsten with the captain and other members of the support staff. The video of the welcome has generated significant buzz, highlighting the excitement around Kirsten's two-year assignment with the team.