Cricket

India's star-studded cricket team embarks on a quest to break their ICC trophy drought at the T20 World Cup, facing a spirited Ireland in their Group A opener on Wednesday. Despite being slightly underprepared and facing uncertainties about their optimal lineup, the "Men in Blue" are determined to shed their outdated approach.The team acknowledges the challenges of playing on an untested drop-in pitch, where scoring has been more difficult than in the recent Indian Premier League. However, their biggest concern lies in the burden of being favorites who have often failed to deliver under pressure.India's squad boasts experienced players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have won global silverware, but other talented individuals like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja are eager to lift a major trophy. The team's performance at last year's ODI World Cup was a reminder of their struggles to form a cohesive unit despite having exceptional players.Ireland, on the other hand, poses a significant threat with talented players like Paul Stirling, Josh Little, Harry Tector, and Andy Balbirnie. The condition of the Nassau County ground, with its slow track and subpar outfield, adds intrigue to how India will handle Irish left-arm spinner George Dockrell.India's spinners give them an edge over Ireland, but their pace attack seems weakened without Mohammed Shami. The team may need to sacrifice Yashasvi Jaiswal to accommodate Rohit and Kohli, while Rishabh Pant's performance at No.3 in a practice game has injected vitality. Hardik Pandya's bowling form could also impact India's prospects.Ireland's recent victory over Pakistan highlights their growing prowess in T20 cricket. Players like Little, Balbirnie, Stirling, and Tector pose a threat, and India will need to be at their best to overcome the challenge.

Pakistan's former cricket board chairman, Ramiz Raja, has expressed his disappointment with the performance of the team's bowlers in the second T20I against Ireland. Despite Pakistan's comprehensive victory, Raja criticized the bowlers for conceding 162 runs in the first innings.Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, and Abbas Afridi combined to give away runs at a hefty economy rate, with Shaheen and Amir proving particularly costly. Shaheen conceded 49 runs in his four-over spell, while Amir gave away 44 runs.Raja believes that Pakistan's bowlers have been struggling since last year's World Cup in India. He pointed out that the team's success has been built on the strength of its pacers, but they have been inconsistent in recent times."Pakistan's top bowlers giving away so many runs against Ireland, then it will become hard for the team in future," Raja said. "Pakistan's forte, and success are based on the bowlers, especially pacers, they have been struggling since last year's World Cup in India. Two balls are good and then three deliveries are bad, this makes the situation tough."Pakistan's decision to bowl first backfired as Ireland posted a competitive total of 193/7. Lorcan Tucker led the charge with 51 runs, while Harry Tector and Curtis Campher provided valuable support.In reply, Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman laid the foundation for Pakistan's chase with half-centuries. Azam Khan then sealed the victory with three consecutive sixes.The series is now level at 1-1, with the third and deciding match scheduled for Tuesday at the Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin.

Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, opted to field first after winning the toss in the second T20 international against Ireland at Clontarf. This crucial match holds significance for Pakistan, as a victory is essential to force a series decider.Pakistan made a strategic change to their lineup, replacing Shadab Khan with Mohammad Amir. Ireland also implemented a change, with Graham Hume stepping in for Barry McCarthy, who experienced back spasms.The toss was delayed by 45 minutes due to a sudden downpour, followed by intermittent drizzle that further postponed the start of play.Ireland's Batting Lineup:1. Paul Stirling (captain)2. Andrew Balbirnie3. Lorcan Tucker (wicket-keeper)4. Harry Tector5. George Dockrell6. Gareth Delany7. Curtis Campher8. Mark Adair9. Graham Hume10. Craig Young11. Ben WhitePakistan's Batting Lineup:1. Babar Azam (captain)2. Saim Ayub3. Mohammad Rizwan4. Fakhar Zaman5. Azam Khan6. Iftikhar Ahmed7. Imad Wasim8. Shaheen Afridi9. Naseem Shah10. Abbas Afridi11. Mohammad AmirWith the series on the line, both teams will be eager to secure a victory. Pakistan will look to their experienced bowlers, including Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Amir, to restrict Ireland's batting. Ireland, on the other hand, will rely on their top-order batsmen, such as Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie, to provide a solid foundation.

Pakistan's recent loss to Ireland in the first T20I of their three-match series has raised concerns about the team's preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Ramiz Raja, expressed his disappointment with the team's performance, particularly their drop to seventh position in the ICC T20 Rankings.Raja highlighted the team's weakened body language and questioned the frequent changes in captaincy and squad composition. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that "you can't defend losing against Ireland."Raja also raised concerns about Pakistan's batting lineup, pointing out the inconsistencies and lack of stability in the middle order. He questioned the team's ability to perform at the highest level, especially with the T20 World Cup looming."How will Pakistan win the World Cup?" Raja pondered, expressing doubts about the team's prospects given their current form. "You know the capability of the team and you want them to play like India, Australia or you want to produce a player like Travis Head."Raja's comments shed light on Pakistan's struggles, both in batting and bowling departments. Despite posting a competitive total of 182/6, Pakistan's bowlers failed to defend it, with issues like full tosses and overpitched deliveries plaguing their performance.Pakistan's loss to Ireland has exposed the team's weaknesses and raised questions about their ability to compete at the highest level. With the T20 World Cup just months away, the team will need to address these issues quickly if they want to be competitive in the tournament.

Babar Azam Equals Virat Kohli's Record in Ireland's Victory Over PakistanIn a thrilling Twenty20 International (T20I) encounter in Dublin, Ireland secured a historic five-wicket victory over Pakistan, marking their first triumph against the visitors in 17 years. However, Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, found solace in a personal milestone.Azam's scintillating 43-ball 57 propelled Pakistan to a competitive total of 182/6. His knock not only guided his team to a respectable score but also etched his name alongside Indian batting legend Virat Kohli in the record books.With this fifty, Azam equaled Kohli's remarkable feat of most fifty-plus scores in men's T20Is. Both players now boast an impressive tally of 38 such scores. While Kohli has amassed 37 fifties and a century, Azam has registered 35 half-centuries and three centuries.Despite their shared record, Kohli and Azam possess distinct batting styles. Kohli is renowned for his unwavering consistency across all formats, with an exceptional record in both Test and limited-overs cricket. His ability to chase down targets and adapt to diverse situations makes him a formidable batsman.On the other hand, Azam has garnered acclaim for his elegant stroke play and solid technique. He has excelled in limited-overs cricket, consistently delivering impressive performances for Pakistan. His proficiency in handling both pace and spin bowling has made him a pivotal player for his team.Statistically, Kohli holds an edge over Azam in terms of average and centuries across formats. However, both players have carved their own unique paths and contributed significantly to their respective teams' successes.While Kohli has established himself as a global icon with a proven track record, Azam has showcased immense potential and continues to impress with his batting prowess. The highly anticipated T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan on June 9 promises to be a captivating spectacle.Ireland's victory in Dublin has given them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series against Pakistan. The two teams will also face off in the group stage of next month's T20 World Cup in the United States and the West Indies.

Pakistan's selectors have made significant changes to their T20 squad for the upcoming series against Ireland and England. Leg-spinner Usama Mir has been dropped, while fast bowler Haris Rauf has been recalled.The selectors, Muhammad Yousuf, Abdul Razzaq, and Wahab Riaz, emphasized that the World Cup squad will be selected based on performances in these matches. The three-match series in Ireland begins on May 10, followed by four games in England from May 22.Wahab Riaz addressed concerns about the fitness of several players, including Muhammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, Azam Khan, and Irfan Khan Niazi. He expressed confidence that they will be fit for the upcoming matches.Regarding the recall of Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz explained that he is a backup for Haris Rauf. "If Haris is fit and performs well, he is our first choice. But if he doesn't come through, we have Hasan Ali," he said.Abdul Razzaq justified the omission of Usama Mir, stating that Pakistan already has Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed in the squad.Muhammad Yousuf defended the recent 2-2 result against New Zealand, emphasizing that it was the first time Pakistan fully implemented a rotation policy. He also acknowledged the need for players to be more innovative in their shot-making.Wahab Riaz highlighted the importance of removing insecurity and fear of failure from the players' minds. He emphasized that the selectors will not interfere in the captain's selection of the playing eleven.The selectors also defended Babar Azam's captaincy, expressing confidence in his improvement and experience.

Poor Weather Disrupts International Cricket Fixtures in UAEUnfavorable weather conditions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have forced the cancellation of the second One-Day International (ODI) between Afghanistan and Ireland and the postponement of the ICC ODI World Cup League 2 match between UAE and Scotland.The UAE vs Scotland game in Dubai was postponed on Friday due to severe weather conditions, as per a directive from the relevant government department. On Saturday, the Afghanistan Cricket Board announced the cancellation of the Afghanistan vs Ireland ODI in Sharjah due to heavy and persistent rain."The decision to call off the game was made after extensive discussions between the event's technical committee, match officials, and ground staff," the Afghanistan Cricket Board stated.Afghanistan currently holds a 1-0 lead in the series after their 35-run victory in the first ODI in Sharjah on Thursday. The third and final game of the series is scheduled to take place on March 12 at the same venue.Reports from UAE media outlets indicate that the inclement weather has led to flight cancellations and a yellow weather alert has been issued, suggesting the possibility of worsening conditions.In Abu Dhabi, thunder, lightning, and heavy rain have been reported, resulting in the suspension of bus services between Dubai and Sharjah. However, marine transport services in Dubai have resumed after morning disruptions.The weather conditions have significantly impacted international cricket fixtures in the UAE, highlighting the challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns.