Cricket

Australia vs Pakistan: Green and Gold Aim for 14th Consecutive T20 World Cup WinDubai, 6pm local timeAustralia, the reigning T20 World Cup champions, will face Pakistan in a highly anticipated clash on Friday. The match will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with the first ball scheduled for 6pm local time.Australia, led by Alyssa Healy, are the clear favorites heading into the match. They are the only unbeaten team in Group A, having recorded impressive victories over Sri Lanka and New Zealand. Pakistan, on the other hand, have won one and lost one of their two matches so far.Australia's batting lineup is one of the most formidable in the tournament. Beth Mooney, the reigning Player of the Tournament, has been in excellent form, while Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry are also capable of match-winning performances. Pakistan's bowling attack will need to be at their best to contain the Australian batters.Pakistan's batting has been inconsistent so far in the tournament. Muneeba Ali, the captain, has been the only batter to score consistently. The team will need their other batters, such as Nida Dar and Omaima Sohail, to step up and contribute.Australia's bowling attack is also strong, with Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown, and Sophie Molineux all capable of taking wickets. Pakistan's batters will need to be patient and disciplined in order to build a competitive total.The match is expected to be a close and exciting contest. Australia will be looking to extend their winning streak to 14 matches, while Pakistan will be determined to upset the champions and boost their chances of reaching the semi-finals.

England's relentless dominance against Pakistan continued on Day 4 of the Multan Test, as they etched their name in the history books with a world-record partnership. Joe Root and Harry Brook forged an unprecedented 454-run stand for the fourth wicket, shattering the previous record of 449 set by Adam Voges and Shaun Marsh in 2015.This remarkable partnership is not only the highest for the fourth wicket in Test history but also the highest ever for any wicket by a pair away from home. It also surpasses the previous highest partnership against Pakistan, set by Australia in 1934.Root, who recently surpassed Alastair Cook as England's all-time leading Test run-scorer, looked set to challenge Brian Lara's 400-run total. However, he was dismissed for 262 by Agha Salman, just after he and Brook had broken the world record.Despite Root's departure, England's momentum remained unabated. Earlier on Wednesday, Root had achieved another significant milestone by becoming England's highest run-scorer in Test cricket, surpassing Cook's tally.In his illustrious career, Root has amassed over 20,000 runs in 350 international matches, including 51 centuries and 108 half-centuries. His record-breaking performance in Multan has elevated him to the fifth-highest run-scorer in Test history, surpassing cricketing legends like Younis Khan, Sunil Gavaskar, Brian Lara, and Mahela Jayawardene.Root's remarkable achievement is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. As he continues to climb the ranks of Test cricket's all-time greats, England will undoubtedly look to him for further inspiration and success in the years to come.

Joe Root's masterful double century on the fourth day of the opening Test against Pakistan in Multan has etched his name into the annals of cricketing history. Resuming on 176, Root displayed unwavering composure and patience, reaching his double century off 305 deliveries with just 14 boundaries.This remarkable feat marks Root's sixth double century in Test cricket, surpassing the likes of Rahul Dravid, Alastair Cook, and Graeme Smith, who each scored five double centuries. By joining this elite group, Root now stands alongside legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Ricky Ponting, Marvan Atapattu, Kane Williamson, Javed Miandad, and Younis Khan.Root's double century was a testament to his exceptional technique and unwavering concentration. He played with a calm assurance, unfazed by the pressure of the occasion. His innings was characterized by a combination of elegant drives, deft flicks, and powerful pulls.As Root reached his double century, the Multan Cricket Stadium erupted in applause. The England captain removed his helmet, kissed the badge, and raised his bat in celebration. His teammates rushed onto the field to congratulate him on this historic achievement.Root's double century has not only cemented his status as one of the greatest batsmen of his generation but has also given England a significant advantage in the Test match. With Pakistan still trailing by a substantial margin, Root's innings has put England in a commanding position to secure a victory in Multan.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering three options for the hosting of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to be held in Pakistan. The tournament is set to commence in February 2025.According to sources, the ICC is exploring the following options:1. Hosting the tournament in Pakistan as planned: This would mark Pakistan's first major ICC event since the 1996 ODI World Cup, which it co-hosted with India and Sri Lanka.2. Hybrid model: Under this scenario, matches involving India and the knockout stages would be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), while the remaining matches would take place in Pakistan.3. Hosting the tournament outside Pakistan: If this option is chosen, potential hosts include Dubai, Sri Lanka, or South Africa.Pakistan has not hosted any major ICC events since the 2009 terror attack on the Sri Lankan team bus. The 2011 Champions Trophy was subsequently moved to India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.India has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, but Pakistan has visited India on three occasions since then: for a white-ball series in 2012-13, the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup, and the 2023 ODI World Cup.The ICC's decision on the hosting of the 2025 Champions Trophy is expected to be made in the coming months.

Brydon Carse's maiden Test wickets in Multan were a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite the oppressive heat and a two-day trial, Carse emerged with a sense of pride and accomplishment.Carse's debut performance was marked by patience and perseverance. After a first-day lbw verdict against Shan Masood was overturned on review, he remained undeterred. In his final two spells, he claimed the wickets of Naseem Shah and Aamer Jamal, capping off a spirited effort in challenging conditions.England's bowlers faced an uphill battle against Pakistan's imposing first-innings total of 556. However, they maintained their discipline until the end, preventing a more significant deficit. Carse acknowledged the physical toll the heat and wicket took on the team, but emphasized the importance of hydration and recovery.Despite the absence of reverse-swing, Carse remained optimistic about England's chances. He believes that if the ball starts reversing in the second innings, they can set different fields and put pressure on Pakistan's attack.Reflecting on his maiden Test stint, Carse admitted to feeling disappointed by the overturned lbw appeal against Masood. However, he and his teammates remained focused on their task, and his breakthrough moment came when Naseem Shah edged a lifter to Harry Brook at leg slip.England faces an uphill battle in the match, but Carse remains confident. He believes that Zak Crawley's flying start to their first innings provides a glimmer of hope. With two full days of cricket remaining, Carse is determined to fight for a positive result.

India's Arundhati Reddy Reprimanded for Fiery Send-Off in Women's T20 World CupIndian pace bowler Arundhati Reddy has been reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the Women's T20 World Cup Group A match against Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday.Reddy was found to have violated Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which prohibits "using language, actions, or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match."The incident occurred in the 20th over of Pakistan's innings when Reddy dismissed all-rounder Nida Dar and gestured towards the pavilion. Reddy admitted the offense and accepted the sanction proposed by Shandre Fritz of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, avoiding the need for a formal hearing.In addition to the reprimand, Reddy has received one demerit point, marking her first offense in a 24-month period. The charge was leveled by on-field umpires Eloise Sheridan and Lauren Agenbag, along with third umpire Jacquline Williams and fourth umpire Claire Polosak.Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50% of a player's match fee, and one or two demerit points. Reddy's reprimand serves as a warning and a reminder to players to maintain appropriate conduct on the field.The incident highlights the importance of sportsmanship and respect in cricket. While competitive spirit is essential, players must adhere to the rules and regulations to ensure a fair and enjoyable game for all involved.

India's Women's T20 World Cup campaign got off to a shaky start with a narrow six-wicket victory over Pakistan in Dubai. Despite a modest target of 106 runs, India struggled to chase it down, eventually reaching the mark in 18.5 overs. This result leaves India in fourth place in Group A, with their hopes of reaching the semifinals hanging in the balance.India's chances of advancing to the knockout stage suffered a significant blow with their crushing 58-run defeat to New Zealand in their opening match. Only two teams from each group will progress to the semifinals, making it imperative for India to secure victories in their remaining matches against Sri Lanka and Australia.To qualify for the semifinals, India must not only win their remaining games but also focus on winning by substantial margins to improve their run rate, which took a hit after the loss to New Zealand. Defeating Australia will be a formidable task, but the playing conditions in Dubai may give India a slight advantage.If India emerges victorious in all their remaining games and New Zealand manages to beat Australia, both India and New Zealand should progress to the semifinals. However, if Australia triumphs in all their matches, including the one against India, then the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side would have to rely on Sri Lanka and Pakistan defeating New Zealand in their remaining encounters. In this scenario, India would have two wins, assuming they beat Sri Lanka, along with Pakistan, while New Zealand would be limited to a single victory. The team with a superior run-rate between India and Pakistan would then secure a spot in the semifinals.As the tournament progresses and all teams have played a minimum of three games, additional qualification scenarios might arise, providing more clarity on the situation.

Arundhati Reddy's Stellar Performance Propels India to Victory over Pakistan in Women's T20 World CupIn a thrilling encounter at the Women's T20 World Cup, India's Arundhati Reddy emerged as the star performer, delivering an exceptional bowling display to restrict Pakistan to a modest total of 105/8. Reddy's impressive figures of 3/19 played a pivotal role in India's eventual victory.Reddy's impact was immediate, as she dismissed Omaima Sohail (3) and Aliya Riaz (4) in quick succession. Her most significant contribution came in the final over, when she clean bowled Pakistan's experienced batter Nida Dar. Reddy's aggressive delivery rattled Dar's stumps, sending her back to the pavilion.The Indian bowlers, as a collective, adapted well to the pitch conditions after conceding 160 runs against New Zealand in their opening match. They effectively took pace off their deliveries, making it challenging for the Pakistani batters to score freely. This strategy resulted in a remarkable 58 dot balls being delivered by the Indian bowlers.Pakistan's powerplay was particularly ineffective, as they managed only 29 runs for the loss of two wickets. The Indian bowlers maintained their dominance throughout the innings, restricting Pakistan to a below-par total. Despite Nida Dar's valiant effort of 28 runs off 34 balls, Pakistan struggled to push the ball into the gaps.Reddy's outstanding performance was a testament to her skill and determination. Her ability to adapt to different conditions and execute her plans effectively proved invaluable for India. The victory over Pakistan has boosted India's confidence as they look to progress further in the tournament.

In the scorching heat of Dubai, Pakistan's captain Fatima Sana made a crucial decision to bat first against India in their Group A encounter of the Women's T20 World Cup 2024. The match marked the first meeting between the two arch-rivals in the tournament.Both teams entered the contest with minor injury concerns. Pakistan's Diana Baig, who suffered a calf injury in their previous match against Sri Lanka, was replaced by legspinner Syeda Aroob Shah. This left Sana and Aliya Riaz as the only seam bowlers in Pakistan's XI, which featured six spinners.India, on the other hand, brought in S Sajana to replace the injured Pooja Vastrakar. Sajana's inclusion slightly extended India's batting depth but came at the expense of a seam bowler. The all-rounder had recently gained attention for hitting a last-ball six for Mumbai Indians in the WPL 2024 opener.The match was played on a fresh pitch with almost equidistant square boundaries (61m and 60m). The longest hit was straight down the ground, measuring 73m. The temperature hovered around 37 degrees Celsius, adding to the physical challenge for both teams.Pakistan's batting lineup featured Muneeba Ali as the wicketkeeper, followed by Gull Feroza, Sidra Amin, Omaima Sohail, Nida Dar, Tuba Hassan, Fatima Sana, Aliya Riaz, Syeda Aroob Shah, Nashra Sandhu, and Sadiq Iqbal.India's batting order consisted of Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Deepti Sharma, S Sajana, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Asha Sobhana, and Renuka Singh.The match promised to be a thrilling encounter between two of the top teams in women's cricket. Pakistan would look to upset India and secure a crucial victory in their quest for a semifinal berth, while India aimed to maintain their dominance and extend their winning streak in the tournament.