Cricket

India to Face Pakistan in Opening Match of 2024 U-19 Asia CupThe Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has unveiled the schedule for the 2024 Men's 50-over U-19 Asia Cup, set to take place from November 29 to December 8 in Dubai and Sharjah. India will kick off their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on November 30 at the Dubai International Stadium.India has been placed in Group A alongside Japan and hosts UAE. They will face Japan on December 2 and UAE on December 4, both matches to be played in Sharjah. The top two teams from both Group A and B will advance to the semi-finals on December 6 in Dubai and Sharjah, with the final scheduled for December 8 in Dubai.Group B features defending champions Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Nepal. The tournament will commence on November 29 with a match between Bangladesh and Afghanistan, followed by Sri Lanka and Nepal facing off on the same day.This edition marks the 11th Men's U-19 Asia Cup, which was first held in Bangladesh in 1989. Japan, Nepal, and UAE earned their spots in the tournament after qualifying through the 2023 ACC Men's Under-19 Premier Cup.Bangladesh are the reigning champions, having defeated UAE by 195 runs in the 2023 final. India holds the record for most titles with eight, while Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh have each won once. The last three editions of the tournament were held in the UAE, with India winning their most recent title there in 2021.The U-19 Asia Cup provides a platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent and gain valuable experience at the international level. It has been a stepping stone for many future stars, including Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, and Rashid Khan.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has vehemently denied media reports suggesting that it has agreed to a "hybrid model" proposed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the 2025 Champions Trophy. According to these reports, the BCCI had proposed that the Indian cricket team would play its matches at a neutral venue, a suggestion that was allegedly accepted by the PCB.However, PCB sources have categorically stated that the two cricket boards have not engaged in any discussions regarding a hybrid model and that no such plans are being considered for the tournament. Pakistan remains steadfast in its stance that it will host the tournament in its entirety at Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi."The hybrid model is not under consideration. It is documented that our position has not changed. People file stories claiming sources X Y Z. People file anything just to get some views. As of now, we haven't decided anything as far as the Champions Trophy. Our stand is as it is," a PCB source asserted.The political tensions between India and Pakistan have prevented the two teams from facing each other in a bilateral series for over a decade. While Pakistan participated in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, India has yet to confirm its participation in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year.Earlier, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the Federal Interior Minister, expressed confidence in a swift visa issuance process for Indian fans wishing to attend the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan. He conveyed this assurance during a meeting with a group of Sikh pilgrims from the United States.Naqvi expressed optimism that Indian fans would respond positively to the opportunity to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. "We will be keeping a special quota of tickets for Indian fans and we will try to make the visa issuance policy brisk," Naqvi stated.The PCB is eager to welcome Indian fans to Pakistan and witness the highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan in Lahore.

Australia's captain, Pat Cummins, is preparing for the highly anticipated five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India after a disappointing nine-wicket loss to Pakistan in the second ODI at Adelaide Oval. Pakistan's fast bowler Haris Rauf's impressive five-wicket haul dismantled the Australian batting lineup, restricting them to a mere 163 runs in 35 overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi's three wickets for 26 runs in eight overs further showcased Pakistan's fast-bowling dominance on the seam-friendly Australian pitches.In response, Pakistan's openers, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, provided a solid foundation with a 137-run partnership. Ayub, in particular, displayed his attacking prowess, scoring 82 runs off 71 balls, including six sixes and five fours. Spinner Adam Zampa claimed the only wicket for Pakistan, dismissing Ayub in the 21st over. Babar Azam (15 not out) and Shafique (64 not out) guided Pakistan to a resounding nine-wicket victory, leveling the three-match series 1-1.Australia will be without several key players, including Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith, for the series decider in Perth on Sunday. Cummins, who bowled seven wicketless overs, acknowledged Australia's shortcomings, particularly in batting. "We should have done better and scored more than 160," he said.In Cummins' absence, wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis will lead the side in Perth as the BGT-bound squad shifts its focus to the red-ball format. "We have a week at home. Good training sessions needed, mind now switches to the red ball," Cummins said.The first Test between India and Australia will commence in Perth on November 22.

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.

Pakistan faces an uphill battle to keep the ODI series against Australia alive when they clash at the Adelaide Oval on Friday. Despite a valiant effort in the first game, Pakistan fell short of an improbable victory and will need to regroup and find a way to overcome their poor record against the Aussies.Pakistan's bowlers, led by Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, impressed with their fiery pace and short-pitched tactics at the MCG. However, they will need to adjust their approach on the smaller Adelaide Oval, where boundaries are easier to come by. A disciplined line and length will be crucial against Australia's explosive batting lineup.Australia, on the other hand, will be looking to wrap up the series and give their Test stars a final hit-out before the upcoming series against India. Skipper Pat Cummins, Steven Smith, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Marnus Labuschagne will all be eager to make a statement before the red-ball battle.While Australia's batting was not entirely convincing in the first game, they will be confident of putting up a strong total on a ground that favors batsmen. Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk will be vying for a spot in the XI, with Short having the edge after his recent performances against England.Pakistan's batting, on the other hand, struggled in the challenging conditions at the MCG. Babar Azam was the lone bright spot, showcasing his class with an elegant 37. He will be key to Pakistan's hopes of posting a competitive total.Josh Hazlewood is expected to return to the Australian lineup, replacing Sean Abbott. Pakistan may also consider playing a frontline spinner in Adelaide, given Naseem Shah's cramps in the first game.Despite its reputation as a batting paradise, the Adelaide Oval has been tough to bat on in recent times. However, the surface is usually flatter for white-ball cricket, and the short square boundaries will encourage aggressive batting.Pakistan will need to defy history and overcome their poor record against Australia to keep the series alive. They will need to find a way to contain Australia's explosive batting lineup while also posting a competitive total of their own.

Pakistan's audacious short-ball strategy on the fast and bouncy MCG pitch nearly pulled off a remarkable upset in the first ODI against Australia. However, experts believe that the tactic may not be as effective at the Adelaide Oval, known for its batting-friendly conditions.Pakistan's pace attack, led by Haris Rauf, unleashed a barrage of short-pitched deliveries that rattled Australia's top order. Rauf's fiery spell, which included the dismissals of Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell, had the pro-Pakistan crowd on their feet.Despite the success of the short-ball approach, Australia's captain Pat Cummins remained composed and guided his team to a two-wicket victory. However, the tactic is unlikely to be as effective at the Adelaide Oval, which has shorter square boundaries and a reputation for being a haven for batters."Pakistan's tactics [in Melbourne] bowling pretty short," said Australia opener Matt Short. "But I think they may have to change that a little bit at this ground with the shorter square boundaries which are the complete opposite to the 'G. It's always a nice ground to bat on."Short, who is vying to replace David Warner as Australia's permanent ODI opener, is eager to return to his home ground, where he has excelled for the Adelaide Strikers in the BBL. "It's going to feel quite comfortable down there opening the batting, that's for sure," said Short. "It's my favourite ground in the world to play at."Despite a disappointing start to the series, Short remains confident in his ability to cement his spot in the team. "I came into this series with high aspirations to try to cement my spot in the team," said Short. "I'm going to go out there and keep trying to be positive and play aggressive cricket. It should pay off at some stage."With Travis Head on paternity leave, Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk have formed a new opening duo. While Fraser-McGurk's aggressive style may complement Short's more measured approach, Australia's coaching staff is encouraging both players to play their natural game."The coaching staff give us both the licence to be free and play our shots," said Short. "Batting with Travis Head as well, if he goes [off] then I let him go and I do my thing."

Australia's triumph over Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) marked a historic milestone, solidifying their position as the most successful team against Pakistan in the ODI format. With a thrilling 2-wicket victory, Australia extended their winning streak to 71 matches against Pakistan, equaling West Indies' record.This victory was particularly significant as Australia achieved it in 28 fewer matches than West Indies. Australia's 71 wins have come in 109 matches, while Pakistan has managed only 34 victories. West Indies, on the other hand, required 137 games to reach the same tally.Australia's dominance in ODI cricket was further highlighted by Mitchell Starc's remarkable achievement. The left-arm speedster became the fastest bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets in Australia, surpassing the legendary Brett Lee. Starc achieved this milestone in just 54 innings, while Lee took 55 innings.Starc's performance in the series opener was a testament to his exceptional skills. He claimed three wickets for 33 runs in his 10-over spell, including the dismissals of openers Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub. His blistering pace and pinpoint accuracy proved too much for the Pakistani batsmen.Australia's victory not only extended their winning streak against Pakistan but also showcased the depth and talent of their squad. The team's ability to overcome adversity and secure a narrow victory is a testament to their resilience and determination.As the series progresses, Australia will look to maintain their dominance and secure a series victory. Pakistan, on the other hand, will be eager to bounce back and prove their mettle against one of the world's top teams.

Mitchell Starc's electrifying performance in the first ODI against Pakistan has reignited the excitement surrounding the Australian paceman. After a stellar Sheffield Shield performance, Starc's blistering pace and pinpoint accuracy left both opponents and observers in awe.On a lively MCG pitch, Starc tormented the Pakistani openers, beating them for pace and leaving them in his wake. He then proceeded to demolish the tail, lighting up the stumps with a thunderous delivery. His three maidens in the match marked a return to his dominant form.Starc's resurgence is a welcome sight for Australian cricket, especially after a challenging World Cup campaign last year. The physical issues that plagued him then seem to have subsided, as evidenced by his uninhibited training session at the MCG."I feel like the body is in a good space," Starc said. "I'm not really tweaking anything, but just focusing on a few things technically."The 32-year-old confirmed his participation in the next ODI in Adelaide but remained noncommittal about the Perth match. Josh Hazlewood is expected to join the squad for the second game, while a decision on Hazlewood's availability for both matches in Adelaide and Perth will be made later.Starc's return to form is a timely boost for Australia as they prepare for the upcoming Test series against India. His ability to generate pace and swing will be crucial in the challenging conditions of the subcontinent.

In a thrilling series opener at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia's Pat Cummins once again proved his mettle in a batting crisis, guiding the world champions to a tense two-wicket victory over Pakistan.Cummins, playing his first ODI since the 2023 World Cup, displayed nerves of steel with a crucial knock of 32 from 31 balls. His innings pushed Australia past Pakistan's modest total of 203 with 16.3 overs to spare.The hosts were in a precarious position at 155 for seven when Cummins arrived at the crease. Pakistan, energized by a three-wicket burst from Haris Rauf, sensed an opportunity for their first ODI win in Australia in nearly eight years.However, Cummins, who also claimed two wickets with the ball, rose to the occasion. He smashed a four past Mohammad Hasnain to level the scores and then punched a single to seal the victory.Mitchell Starc, who took three wickets, was named man-of-the-match for his impressive bowling performance.Pakistan's top batter, Babar Azam, returned to the lineup after being dropped for the second and third tests against England. He made 37 before being dismissed by Adam Zampa.Debutant Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique failed to impress as openers, both falling cheaply to Starc. Mohammad Rizwan top-scored for Pakistan with 44, while Irfan Khan made 22.Tail-enders Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan provided some late resistance with their slogging, but it was not enough to prevent Australia from securing the win.Australia were without four players from their World Cup-winning team, including David Warner, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, and Mitchell Marsh.Openers Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk failed to make a significant impact, while Steve Smith and Josh Inglis put on a brief partnership before falling to Pakistan's pacemen.Haris Rauf's spell, which included the dismissals of Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell, gave Pakistan hope. However, Cummins' heroics ultimately proved too much for the visitors.