Cricket

Pakistan's all-rounder Fawad Alam has highlighted the significance of neutralizing the impact of Indian stalwarts Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah in their upcoming high-stakes T20 World Cup encounter on Sunday. A victory against their arch-rivals is crucial for Babar Azam's team to regain momentum in the tournament.The contrasting starts to the competition for the two sides have set the stage for an intriguing clash. India commenced their campaign with a commanding eight-wicket triumph over Ireland, while Pakistan suffered a stunning defeat against co-hosts USA, with the match being decided in a dramatic Super Over.Alam, who has represented Pakistan in 19 Tests, 38 ODIs, and 24 T20Is, emphasized the need for left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir to deliver a match-turning performance against India, similar to his burst against them in the Champions Trophy final 2017. He also expressed confidence in captain Babar Azam, who has a decent record against India.Despite Amir's ordinary Super Over against the USA, Alam warned against writing him off, stating that he remains Pakistan's best and most experienced bowler. However, Alam acknowledged that losing to the USA was unacceptable and that Pakistan would feel pressure against India.Alam also expressed concerns about Pakistan's lack of good spin options, particularly with Imad Wasim's injury and Shadab Khan's poor form. He noted that India's bowling attack, featuring Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, and Kuldeep Yadav, poses a significant threat.The left-arm spinner also criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) for not inspecting the drop-in pitch in New York well in advance of the tournament. He questioned why games were not hosted in Dallas or Florida, where the wickets were better prepared.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's seasoned spinner, has predicted the four teams he believes will advance to the semi-finals of the ongoing T20 World Cup in the UAE and West Indies. Notably, Pakistan, the 2009 champions and last season's runners-up, were not included in Ashwin's selections.Ashwin expressed his support for England, Australia, West Indies, and India to reach the semi-finals of the T20 extravaganza. He revealed his picks through a humorous video on social media that has gone viral.Pakistan has had their worst start in T20 World Cup history, losing their tournament opener to the United States in Dallas on June 6. The match's outcome was determined in a Super Over after both teams finished with tied scores after 40 overs.Babar Azam scored 44 off 43 as Pakistan posted 159 for 7 after being invited to bat first. Pakistan was 26 for 3 in 4.4 overs before Babar and Shadab Khan rescued the team with a 72-run partnership. Shaheen Afridi's unbeaten 23 off 16 also played a crucial role in Pakistan's competitive total. Nosthush Kenjige was the standout bowler, taking 3 for 30 in four overs.Chasing 160, the USA finished on 159 for 3 in their allotted 20 overs. With the hosts needing 5 runs to win off the final ball, Nitish Kumar hit Haris Rauf for a four to force a Super Over.The USA set Pakistan a target of 19 runs in the Super Over, but Pakistan could only manage 13 in response.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has raised concerns with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the pitch conditions at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York ahead of India's highly anticipated match against Pakistan on June 9.The issue arose after Indian captain Rohit Sharma suffered a blow to his thumb during a practice session. Sharma had also experienced discomfort in his arm during India's match against Ireland, forcing him to retire hurt. Notably, Sharma was not the only player affected by the unpredictable bounce of the pitch. Star batter Virat Kohli also faced difficulties while batting in the nets.The pitch has been a major talking point in the tournament, with teams struggling to score runs consistently. In the six innings played at the stadium so far, only two teams have managed to cross the 100-run mark. Former players have expressed concerns that the low-scoring conditions may hinder the promotion of cricket in the American market.The four drop-in pitches at the venue, installed under the supervision of Adelaide Oval groundsman Damian Hough, have yet to settle down properly. The uneven bounce has raised safety concerns for batters, particularly after Sharma's injury."I don't know what to expect from the pitch to be honest. We will prepare as if the conditions are going to be like this (for Pakistan game). This is going to be a kind of game where all XI of us will need to contribute," Sharma said after the Ireland match.The ICC has acknowledged the concerns and released a statement addressing the issue. "The ICC recognize that the pitches used so far at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium have not played as consistently as we would have all wanted," the statement read.Meanwhile, the Pakistan team is yet to acclimatize to the conditions at Nassau Stadium. They arrived in New York after their surprising defeat to tournament debutants USA and took the next day off.

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has raised concerns over India's decision to open with Virat Kohli in the T20 World Cup, labeling it a "significant mistake." Akmal believes Kohli should be positioned at No. 3, where he can anchor the innings and guide the team through the middle overs.Akmal's criticism stems from Kohli's dismissal for just 1 run off 5 balls in India's tournament opener against Ireland. Despite this setback, the Indian team management appears set to continue with this batting order for their crucial match against Pakistan on Sunday.Akmal argues that Kohli's experience as an opener for his IPL franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, does not translate to the international stage. He points out that Kohli's role in the IPL is to provide a quick start, while in the T20 World Cup, India needs him to play a more substantial role."Virat Kohli can take the pressure at No.3 and finish the match. That is very important for Team India," Akmal said. "If India stick to this batting order (of Kohli) opening, then they may get stuck at some point."Akmal also criticized the quality of the pitches in New York, calling on the ICC to ensure better playing surfaces for the marquee matches. "ICC will have to produce better pitches for big matches. Otherwise, people will go away from this World Cup," he warned.As India prepare for the high-stakes clash against Pakistan, all eyes will be on their batting order and whether they stick with Kohli as an opener. Akmal's comments have sparked a debate among cricket experts, with some agreeing with his assessment and others defending India's decision.

Pakistan's Tactical Blunders Cost Them in Shock Defeat to USAFormer Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh has criticized Pakistan's tactical shortcomings in their surprising defeat to T20 World Cup debutants USA. Pakistan, after setting a target of 160, failed to defend it, leading to a Super Over where they ultimately fell short.Yuvraj questioned Pakistan's decision to exclude Fakhar Zaman from the strike during the crucial Super Over. "I don't understand why dint @FakharZamanLive take strike to a lefty seamer - when it is easier for a left hander to hit through the angle that bowler is tryin to create," Yuvraj posted on Twitter.Yuvraj also praised the USA's smart decisions under pressure, particularly captain Monank Patel's leadership. He emphasized that Pakistan's upcoming match against India is now a must-win.Pakistan captain Babar Azam expressed disappointment in his team's failure to capitalize during the powerplay and middle overs. "First 6 overs while batting we didn't capitalise. Back to back wickets always put you on the back foot, as a batter you need to step up and build partnerships. We were not up to the mark in the first 6 overs with the ball. Our spinners also did not take wickets in the middle overs so these things cost us," Babar stated after the loss.Pakistan's next challenge is against arch-rivals India in a high-stakes T20 World Cup Group A match on Sunday in New York.

India's Captain Rohit Sharma Suffers Thumb Injury Ahead of Pakistan ClashIndian cricket captain Rohit Sharma sustained a left thumb injury during a practice session on Saturday, casting a shadow over his participation in the highly anticipated match against Pakistan on Sunday.The incident occurred when Sharma, 37, was struck on the thumb during a net session. The team's medical staff immediately attended to him, and after an assessment, Sharma resumed batting practice.The injury is a concern for India, as Sharma is a key player in the team's batting lineup. He scored 52 runs off 37 balls in India's opening match against Ireland, but was forced to retire hurt after the 10th over due to the injury.The condition of the pitch at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, where the India-Pakistan match will be played, has been a topic of discussion. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has acknowledged that the pitches at the venue have not performed as consistently as anticipated."T20 Inc and the ICC recognise that the pitches used so far at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium have not played as consistently as we would have all wanted," the ICC said in a statement.The grounds team at the stadium is reportedly working diligently to address these concerns and enhance the quality of the pitches for the remainder of the tournament.Despite the injury, Sharma is expected to play in the match against Pakistan. However, his fitness will be closely monitored, and if necessary, he could be replaced by vice-captain KL Rahul.The India-Pakistan match is one of the most eagerly awaited matches in the T20 World Cup. The two teams have a long history of rivalry, and the match is always a high-stakes affair.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup campaign got off to a disastrous start with a shock Super Over defeat to USA, leaving captain Babar Azam visibly shaken and disappointed. Azam admitted that his team had underestimated their opponents, leading to a lackluster performance across all aspects of the game.Azam's post-match comments reflected the collective disappointment and frustration within the Pakistani camp. He acknowledged that the team's complacency had cost them dearly in a crucial tournament opener. However, his public criticism of his players did not go well with former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik.Karthik believes that a skipper should find ways to support his players, even in the face of adversity. He argued that Azam's comments in the press conference would undoubtedly demoralize the players ahead of their high-octane encounter against arch-rivals India on Sunday."As a leader, you need to find a way to be diplomatic in press conferences, somehow find a way to back your players," Karthik told Cricbuzz. "Inside the four walls of the dressing room, you can say what you want and have a go at a few people, but you need to find a way to back your players."Karthik pointed out that Azam's comments in the press conference would undoubtedly demoralize the players ahead of their high-octane encounter against arch-rivals India on Sunday."I fear Pakistan players reading it, which they will be, will feel he's 'letting us down'," Karthik said. "The way he's conducted himself at the field, having a go after the boundaries or his shoulders dropping, isn't a sign of a good leader."Karthik believes that Azam needs to find a way to find body language to suggest he's fine with whatever's happening, and they can come around. "Yes, showing disappointment is fine, but there's a way to show it where the players don't get even more nervous than they already are," he said.

USA's Historic T20 World Cup Victory Opens Doors for Cricket GrowthUnited States captain Monank Patel expressed his belief that their historic T20 World Cup victory over Pakistan will have a profound impact on the development of cricket in the country. Patel emphasized the need for the team to remain focused and manage their emotions as they prepare for their next challenge against India.The co-hosts USA stunned former champions Pakistan in a thrilling Super Over on Thursday, sending shockwaves through the cricketing world. The victory marked a significant milestone for USA cricket, which is still in its early stages of development."Beating Pakistan in the World Cup is going to open many doors for us," said Patel. "The World Cup itself (hosting) is a big achievement, and then performing here as a team, it helps us to grow the cricket in USA. I would say it's a big day for Team USA and I would say not just for USA, for the USA cricket community too."Patel, who played a crucial knock of 50 runs in the victory, highlighted the importance of staying grounded despite the euphoria surrounding their triumph. "We don't want to keep our emotion too high or low," he said. "We'll make sure that we'll enjoy it (the win) and make sure that next day we come fresh."Despite leading Group A with four points, Patel downplayed the significance of Super 8 qualification. "We are not worried about what people are saying (that their wins are fluke)," he said. "We know what we have worked and what capability we have. We don't even want to think about the Ireland (match) right now. So, Super 8 is far ahead. We just focus on the particular game."The team's victory has been met with widespread praise and recognition. Patel expressed his gratitude for the support they have received. "Obviously, everyone is happy, enjoying with their teammates and their family and friends," he said.The USA team will now face another formidable opponent in India on June 12. Patel acknowledged the challenge ahead but remained confident in his team's abilities. "Our focus would be on playing against India now," he said. "But we don't want to keep our emotion too high or low. We'll make sure that we'll enjoy it (the win) and make sure that next day we come fresh."

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has expressed concerns about Babar Azam's leadership abilities and Pakistan's preparedness for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Latif believes that Azam lacks the experience and composure to handle the pressure of high-stakes matches, particularly against India.Latif also highlighted India's superior bowling attack, led by Kuldeep Yadav, as a key factor in their favor. He pointed out that Pakistan's bowling unit has been weakened by injuries and fitness issues, leaving them vulnerable in the middle overs.Latif criticized the timing of Gary Kirsten's appointment as Pakistan's head coach, arguing that he has not had enough time to build a rapport with the players. He also expressed admiration for Virat Kohli's popularity and his ability to inspire his teammates.Latif emphasized that Azam's growth as a captain depends on having a stronger supporting cast. He noted that Azam often lacks the support of his teammates, unlike Kohli, who has a more experienced and talented squad around him.Latif's comments raise questions about Pakistan's chances in the T20 World Cup. While they have a talented team, their lack of preparation and leadership concerns could hinder their progress. India, on the other hand, appears to be a more balanced and confident unit, making them the favorites in the upcoming clash between the two arch-rivals.