Cricket

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider has hailed Mohammad Rizwan's appointment as Pakistan's white-ball captain, comparing his leadership style to that of legendary Indian skipper MS Dhoni.Rizwan's tenure began with a historic series victory in Australia, where Pakistan overcame a loss in the opener to win the subsequent two ODIs and seal the series 2-1. Haider believes Rizwan's 360-degree view of the field as a wicketkeeper-captain gives him an advantage in setting fields and guiding bowlers."A wicketkeeper-captain is a big help for a team," Haider said. "Rizwan is doing the same. He is an effective batter, a good wicketkeeper, and now, a captain. This can help the team immensely."Haider also noted the positive impact on Babar Azam's batting since relinquishing the captaincy. "Babar Azam was overburdened," Haider said. "The moment he gave up captaincy, his batting improved. Now we can see him playing freely, without any burden."The series also showcased the brilliance of pacer Haris Rauf, who claimed 10 wickets and was named Player of the Series. Haider attributed Rauf's growth to his experience bowling against Virat Kohli in the 2022 T20 World Cup."Bowling to Virat has made Haris Rauf a more mature bowler," Haider said. "That was a huge learning curve in his career, and I am certain he took many lessons from that match."Haider also expressed his desire for India to tour Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. "India should come to Pakistan," he said. "Let's forget everything and start afresh. Fans love India vs Pakistan cricket matches more than anything else in this world. Let's love the game, not politics."

Pakistan's white-ball captain, Mohammad Rizwan, has extended a warm invitation to the Indian cricket team to participate in the upcoming Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan in 2025. Rizwan's remarks come amidst ongoing uncertainties surrounding the tournament, with reports suggesting that India may refuse to tour Pakistan due to security concerns."KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav are welcome. Everyone who comes will be welcomed. And this isn't our decision; it's the PCB's decision. I hope that when they come, they will be welcomed," Rizwan stated ahead of Pakistan's T20I series against Australia.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly preparing a formal query for the International Cricket Council (ICC), seeking clarification on the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) stance. The ICC has yet to make a decision, but alternate options, including neutral venues in South Africa and the UAE, are reportedly being considered if India declines to play in Pakistan.The lack of bilateral series between India and Pakistan since 2012 has intensified the stakes around ICC events, which have been the only stage where the two teams meet. Last year's Asia Cup, which was supposed to be hosted solely by Pakistan, was split into a hybrid model, with India's matches held in Sri Lanka.This arrangement allowed India to avoid travelling to Pakistan, while Pakistan maintained partial hosting rights. The Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, would mark the return of the tournament to the ICC calendar after seven years and remains a potentially historic occasion for cricket in Pakistan.The PCB is determined to host the tournament successfully and has expressed confidence in its ability to provide a safe and secure environment for all participating teams. However, the BCCI's decision will ultimately determine whether the Champions Trophy can be held in Pakistan as planned.

Pakistan's white-ball captain, Mohammad Rizwan, exudes confidence in his team's ability to triumph in the upcoming T20 international series against Australia. His aspirations extend beyond victory, aiming for a clean sweep of the home team.Pakistan's recent ODI series triumph in Australia, their first since 2002, came as a surprise to many. The Australian team's decision to rest five senior players for the decider in Perth drew criticism from former players and disappointment from Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley.Pakistan's white-ball coach, Jason Gillispie, expressed disappointment over Cricket Australia's perceived lack of promotion for the Pakistan-Australia series.Rizwan believes that a united Pakistan team can achieve a whitewash in the T20 series. He emphasized the importance of appropriate conduct on tour, reminding players of their role as ambassadors for Pakistan."We must strive to win major titles like the World Cups and Champions Trophy to showcase the true potential of Pakistan cricket," Rizwan stated.He urged the team to break long-standing records of underperformance in various countries. Rizwan's leadership style involves consulting with players and officials to ensure clarity in decision-making.

Pakistan's historic ODI series victory over Australia has sparked jubilation among cricket enthusiasts, with former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar lauding the team's young guns. After 22 years, Pakistan emerged victorious on Australian soil, winning the final ODI encounter by 8 wickets and clinching the three-match series 2-1.Akhtar hailed the impressive performances of fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, recalling his own experiences during Pakistan's last ODI series win in Australia in 2002. "Outstanding win. After 22 years, we won against Australia. In 2002, I remember I was there. We had won a series in Gabba, and it took us 22 years for the players to win the series. And they did an amazing job. They played really well. There was an attitude change. Rizwan changed the attitude. Naseem, Haris, Shaheen. All of them played really well and at the same time they did a comprehensively good job," Akhtar said on his YouTube channel.Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan echoed Akhtar's sentiments, praising the bowlers for their exceptional performance. "Special moment for me, the nation will be very happy today, we didn't perform as per expectations in the last couple of years. I'm the captain only for the toss and presentations - everyone gives me suggestions on the field, the batting group and the bowling group," Rizwan said in the post-match presentation.Chasing a modest target of 141, Pakistan's openers, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, provided a solid foundation with an 84-run partnership. Rizwan and Babar Azam then guided the team to victory with an unbroken 58-run stand.Earlier, Australia's batting lineup faltered, with Sean Abbott emerging as the top scorer with 30 runs. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah claimed three wickets each, while Haris Rauf chipped in with two scalps.Rizwan dedicated the victory to the Pakistani fans, acknowledging their unwavering support despite recent setbacks. "All the credit to the bowlers, Australia in Australia isn't easy, the conditions suit their style of playing, but the bowlers were outstanding. Also credit to the two openers, they made the chases easy. They (fans) don't care a lot about the results, but the people back home are always behind us and I want to dedicate this victory to them," the wicketkeeper-batter added.Pakistan's historic ODI series win over Australia marks a significant milestone in the team's cricketing journey. The young players have demonstrated their potential and determination, and the future looks bright for Pakistan cricket.

Pakistan's stunning victory over Australia in the ODI series has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. The Mohammad Rizwan-led side, despite recent struggles, outplayed the hosts in a historic triumph.Australia's surrender of the series marks the first time in 22 years that they have lost an ODI series to Pakistan at home. The defeat was compounded by an unprecedented record: not a single Australian batter managed to score a half-century throughout the bilateral series.The absence of Australia's top players, who were rested ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, played a significant role in Pakistan's success. While the Australian team was being hammered in Perth, captain Pat Cummins was enjoying a Coldplay concert in Sydney.Cummins' decision to attend the concert while his team was struggling drew criticism from the Australian media. The Sydney Morning Herald questioned why Cummins was "at Coldplay while Australia were smashed," while The Australian labeled his absence a "cold start to summer."Former Australian captain Michael Clarke expressed concerns over the team management's decision to rest key players in the third ODI. He questioned why the team prioritized rest over a chance to secure the series win."I'm just a bit confused. With 11 days between now and the first Test, why can't the Aussie boys who are part of this Test series play in the one-dayer?" Clarke said.Pakistan's victory is a testament to their resilience and determination. They seized the opportunity presented by Australia's weakened team and played with unwavering focus and intensity. The series win is a major boost for Pakistan's confidence ahead of the upcoming Test series against Australia.

Mohammad Rizwan, the newly appointed captain of the Pakistan cricket team, has downplayed his role, stating that he is merely responsible for "toss and presentations." Despite his modest assessment, Rizwan has led Pakistan to a historic ODI series victory over Australia, marking their first such triumph in Australia in 22 years.In the post-match press conference, Rizwan emphasized the collective effort behind Pakistan's success. "I'm the captain only for the toss and presentations - everyone gives me suggestions on the field, the batting group and the bowling group," he said.Rizwan praised the bowlers for their exceptional performance, particularly in the challenging conditions of Australia. "Australia in Australia isn't easy, the conditions suit their style of playing, but the bowlers were outstanding," he remarked.The veteran cricketer also acknowledged the contributions of the openers, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, who set the tone for the chase with their solid starts. "Credit to the two openers, they made the chases easy," Rizwan said.Despite the team's recent struggles, Rizwan expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support of the Pakistani people. "I don't care a lot about the press, but the people back home are always behind us and I want to dedicate this victory to them," he added.Pakistan's victory was a testament to their resilience and determination. After losing the opening match in Melbourne, they bounced back with an emphatic win in Adelaide and sealed the series with a dominant performance in Perth.The series triumph is a significant achievement for Pakistan, who have struggled to find consistency in recent years. It will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they prepare for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in India later this year.

Pakistan all-rounder Kamran Ghulam expressed his disappointment over not receiving his debut cap during the first ODI against Australia in Melbourne. Ghulam, who made a century on his Test debut last month, was part of the playing XI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Monday, where Pakistan narrowly lost the series opener.Prior to his Test debut against England last month, where he replaced star batter Babar Azam, Ghulam had only played one international match. He made his ODI debut as a concussion substitute against New Zealand in Karachi on January 13, 2023, but did not get to bat or bowl.In a video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Ghulam recalled the events leading up to the first ODI in Melbourne. He revealed that Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan informed him that he would not be receiving a cap as he had already made his ODI debut last year."I was eagerly waiting, hoping that I'd get my debut ODI cap. But, Rizwan told me that 'you've already made your debut, so you won't be getting a cap'. My debut was in a concussion situation, but I was neither a bowler nor a batter. Haris Sohail had a concussion, although he went on to bat after that. I fielded for 50 overs," Ghulam said.Meanwhile, Pakistan named an unchanged side for the second ODI in Adelaide, with fast bowler Naseem Shah declared fit after leaving the field during the first match with a cramp. Australia made one change, bringing in veteran Josh Hazlewood in place of Sean Abbott to join Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matt Short opened the batting for Australia in the absence of Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head. They will be keen to make an impact after falling cheaply in the opening match.

Legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi has lauded Pakistan's dominant 9-wicket victory over Australia in the second ODI in Adelaide, praising newly-appointed captain Mohammad Rizwan while subtly criticizing former skipper Babar Azam.Afridi took to social media to express his admiration for the team's remarkable comeback performance, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership in motivating players. He wrote, "When a captain inspires, the team fires!"Pakistan's victory was spearheaded by paceman Haris Rauf's stunning 5-29, which restricted Australia to a mere 163 in 35 overs. Rizwan, making his debut as white-ball captain, made a significant impact with six dismissals behind the stumps, equaling the world record for most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in an ODI.Saim Ayub's blazing 82 and Abdullah Shafique's steady support sealed Pakistan's chase in just 26.3 overs. Afridi praised the team's overall performance, highlighting the contributions of Rizwan, Haris, Shaheen, Saim, and Abdullah.Afridi's comments come amidst speculation about Babar Azam's leadership style. The former skipper has faced criticism for his conservative approach and lack of aggression on the field. Afridi's praise for Rizwan's inspiring leadership suggests that he believes the new captain possesses the qualities necessary to lead Pakistan to success.Pakistan's victory in Adelaide has leveled the three-match ODI series 1-1. The final match will be played on Sunday in Perth, where Pakistan will aim to secure a series victory against the world champions.

Pakistan's Rizwan and Australia's Zampa Engage in Humorous Banter During Adelaide ODIThe second One-Day International (ODI) between Pakistan and Australia in Adelaide on Friday featured a lighthearted exchange between visiting skipper Mohammad Rizwan and Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa. The banter, captured on the stump microphone, quickly went viral on social media.Australia's innings took a dramatic turn when Haris Rauf's fiery spell of 5 for 29 reduced the hosts to a mere 163 all out in 35 overs. Amidst the intense action, a moment of levity occurred in the 34th over bowled by Naseem Shah.As Zampa attempted a pull shot, Shah's bouncer sailed past his bat. Rizwan, behind the stumps, appealed for an edge, but the umpire ruled it a wide for height."You heard something?" Rizwan inquired of Zampa."You are appealing for everything?" Zampa retorted.Undeterred, Rizwan playfully asked, "Should I take the review?"To Rizwan's surprise, Zampa replied, "Yes, you should."Heeding Zampa's advice, Rizwan signaled for the review. However, replays showed that the ball had not touched Zampa's bat before entering Rizwan's gloves.The exchange drew laughter from both players and the commentators. It highlighted the camaraderie and sportsmanship that can exist even in the midst of intense competition.