Cricket

The Indian cricket team's impressive performance at the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup continued with a thrilling victory over Pakistan in the semi-final. Led by Tilak Varma, the team has showcased exceptional talent and determination throughout the tournament.In the crucial match against Pakistan, India's openers, Abhishek Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh, provided a solid start, scoring 68 runs in the powerplay. However, Pakistan's left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem struck on his first ball, dismissing Abhishek. Muqeem's fiery send-off sparked controversy, drawing criticism from former Pakistan captain Basit Ali.Ali expressed his disappointment with Muqeem's behavior, stating that it was disrespectful and unbecoming of a young player. He emphasized the importance of teaching young players to respect their opponents and maintain a sportsmanlike spirit.Despite the setback, India fought back with resilience. Tilak Varma top-scored with 44 runs, while Prabhsimran Singh and Abhishek contributed crucial cameos. India posted a competitive total of 183 for 8 in 20 overs.In response, Pakistan fought valiantly, but India's bowlers proved too strong. Anshul Kamboj emerged as the top wicket-taker with three scalps, while Rasikh Dar Salam and Nishant Sindhu claimed two wickets each. India's remarkable comeback secured a well-deserved victory.The Indian team's success in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup is a testament to the depth of talent and the bright future of Indian cricket. The players have demonstrated their skills, determination, and ability to perform under pressure. As they continue their journey, they will undoubtedly face new challenges, but their talent and resilience will serve them well.

Pakistan's relentless pursuit of a turning track for the final Test against England in Rawalpindi has reached unprecedented levels. With the second Test in Multan concluding in a predictable manner, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has spared no effort in preparing a surface that will favor their spinners.Before the second Test ended, officials were already dispatched to Rawalpindi to oversee the pitch preparation. Post-match, Shan Masood expressed his desire for a turning surface. Giant heaters and windbreakers were strategically placed around the pitch to accelerate the deterioration process.England, on the other hand, has taken note of Pakistan's tactics. Harry Brook believes the Pindi surface has been "raked" to hasten its breakdown. In response, England has named a playing XI with only one specialist seamer, Gus Atkinson, and legspinner Rehan Ahmed.Pakistan's extreme measures stem from the fact that the Pindi pitch naturally favors fast bowlers. Unlike in Multan, where a used surface was available, the PCB is attempting to alter the surface's behavior. Masood and Saud Shakeel have acknowledged that Pindi has historically not been conducive to spin.However, Pakistan's recent success on a crumbling track in Multan has emboldened them to seek a similar advantage in Rawalpindi. Shakeel emphasized the importance of adapting pitch preparation to the opposition and series.Pakistan's shift towards spin-friendly pitches is a departure from their previous strategy of preparing seam-friendly surfaces to develop their young fast bowlers. However, a prolonged winless streak at home has forced a rethink.The PCB now recognizes the need to tailor pitches to specific series and opponents. Shakeel believes that preparing for SENA conditions can be done through practice and first-class cricket, while home pitches should be designed to exploit the opposition's weaknesses.Pakistan has yet to name their XI for the final Test, but the inclusion of three spinners remains a possibility. Legspinner Zahid Mahmood's ineffectiveness in Multan could slightly increase the chances of a specialist seamer being selected.

England's spin trio of Rehan Ahmed, Shoaib Bashir, and Jack Leach will take on Pakistan's spinners on a Rawalpindi pitch that has been prepared to favor the home team's slow bowlers. The move is a gamble, as it leaves England with only two fast-bowling options in Gus Atkinson and Ben Stokes.Ahmed, who made his Test debut in Pakistan two years ago, has been recalled to the side after a disappointing tour of India earlier this year. He will be expected to provide England with a third spin option alongside Bashir and Leach.Pakistan has gone to great lengths to dry out the pitch in Rawalpindi, using rakes, fans, and heaters. The move is an attempt to replicate the conditions in Multan, where Pakistan won the second Test by 152 runs on a recycled strip.England's decision to field three spinners is a risk, but it is one that they believe is necessary. The pitch in Rawalpindi has historically suited seam over spin, but it has also been among the world's best for batting since its return to staging Tests in 2019.England will need to bat well on the first few days of the Test if they are to avoid falling behind. The pitch is expected to turn earlier than usual, which could give Pakistan's spinners a chance to make early inroads.Harry Brook, who was dismissed for 9 and 16 by Pakistan's spinners in the second Test, believes that Sajid Khan and Noman Ali will play a "massive part" in Rawalpindi. "I've spoken to a few of the lads about gameplans and how we're going to go about it," he said. "Hopefully, it pays off and I play a big part in the game."England's team for the third Test is as follows:1. Zak Crawley2. Ben Duckett3. Ollie Pope4. Joe Root5. Harry Brook6. Ben Stokes (capt)7. Jamie Smith (wk)8. Gus Atkinson9. Rehan Ahmed10. Jack Leach11. Shoaib Bashir

Pakistan's quest for a decisive victory in the Test series against England has intensified as they meticulously prepare a spinning pitch at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Determined to replicate their success in the second Test, where spinners dominated, Pakistan has employed unconventional methods to dry out the surface.Industrial-sized fans and outdoor heaters have been strategically placed at both ends of the pitch, emitting hot air to accelerate the drying process. Windbreakers have been erected to retain the heat and further enhance the conditions for spin bowling.The Rawalpindi pitch has historically been known for its flat nature, offering minimal assistance to spinners. However, Pakistan's recent strategy has proven effective, with spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan claiming all 20 wickets in the second Test.In contrast, seam bowlers have traditionally performed better on this surface, averaging a wicket every 34 runs. However, Pakistan's captain, Shan Masood, has expressed his desire for an uncharacteristic pitch that favors spinners.England, on the other hand, anticipates a challenging surface, with head coach Brendon McCullum predicting it will be "the antithesis of a green seamer." The English team is prepared for another turner, but remains open-minded ahead of their training session on Tuesday.Notably, the Test strip is one of only three that has been cut across the square, potentially limiting the effectiveness of reverse swing for England's seamers. A grassy square and lush outfield may further hinder their ability to generate movement.As the decider approaches, both teams eagerly await the final condition of the pitch, which will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the series.

Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has advised Pakistan's Babar Azam to prioritize domestic cricket and focus on improving his fitness and mental resilience. Sehwag's comments come after Azam's recent struggles in international cricket, which culminated in his omission from the final two Tests against England.Despite facing criticism, Azam displayed resilience in the second Test, scoring a gritty 118 against a formidable English bowling attack. However, Sehwag believes that Azam needs to address his mental and physical well-being."Babar Azam should play domestic cricket now. He should work on his fitness, spend some time with family, then come back to international cricket as a physically fitter and mentally stronger player," Sehwag said.Sehwag emphasized that Azam's mental state has been significantly affected by the pressure and expectations placed upon him. "With expectations from Babar decreasing and his resignation from captaincy, it seems he has been more impacted mentally than in terms of technique. He needs to stay mentally strong. He's a talented player, and players like him tend to bounce back quickly," he added.While Azam's absence from the Test team raised eyebrows, Pakistan's spin duo of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan proved their worth, taking all 20 wickets in the second Test. Sajid's 7/111 in the first innings and Noman's 8/46 in the second innings played a pivotal role in Pakistan's 125-run victory, leveling the series at 1-1.The series decider will be played in Rawalpindi from October 24, with both teams aiming to secure a series victory.

Pakistan's spin duo of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali have etched their names in cricketing history by becoming the seventh pair of bowlers to capture all 20 wickets in a Test match. Their remarkable feat propelled Pakistan to a resounding 152-run victory over England in the second Test at Multan, setting up a thrilling winner-takes-all showdown in the series finale at Rawalpindi.Noman, the senior partner at 38, led the charge with a career-best 8-46 in England's second innings, while Sajid's 7-111 in the first innings laid the foundation for Pakistan's crucial 75-run lead. Their combined match figures of 11-147 and 9-204, respectively, highlight their dominance on a worn and turning Multan track.The spin pair's success stems from their contrasting styles and unwavering confidence. Noman's left-arm spin provides accuracy and control, while Sajid's off-spin generates sharp turn and bounce. Together, they kept the England batsmen guessing, exploiting the conditions to perfection."We bowled with a lot of confidence and his energy is always very high," Noman said of his partner. "Our plan was to keep it simple. We knew the England batsman would attack, so we were not distracted and kept it simple."Sajid, known for his flamboyant celebrations and immaculately groomed mustache, has become a fan favorite. "I followed my father in keeping a mustache," he said. "David Warner once said he was frightened of my mustache."Former Pakistan spinner Iqbal Qasim believes that Noman and Sajid complement each other perfectly. "Spin gives us the winning formula which we were not using," he said. "Noman and Sajid have matured with experience and can continue to give home wins like this."While it is too early to compare them to India's spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, Noman and Sajid have undoubtedly established themselves as a formidable force. Their performance in Multan has reignited Pakistan's hopes of a series victory and has set the stage for an epic showdown in Rawalpindi.

Pakistan's cricket team celebrated a resounding victory over England in the second Test in Multan, leveling the series 1-1 and ending an 11-match winless streak at home. The triumph marked the first win for Shan Masood as captain, who took over the reins last year.Masood's leadership was instrumental in Pakistan's strategic changes after their loss in the first Test. The team dropped Babar Azam and opted to play three spinners on a reused pitch. This move proved effective as England, resuming at 36-2, could only add 108 more runs.Spinner Noman Ali emerged as the hero for Pakistan, taking eight wickets in England's second innings with figures of 8-46. Sajid Khan supported him with 2-93, wrapping up England's innings at 144. Noman finished with a match haul of 11-147, while Sajid had 9-204. This was only the second time in Pakistan's history that two bowlers took all 20 wickets in a Test match.Noman Ali's performance was particularly impressive, as he dismissed key England batsmen Joe Root and Harry Brook. He also took the wickets of Jamie Smith, Captain Ben Stokes, Brydon Carse, Jack Leach, and Shoaib Bashir. This performance surpassed his previous best of 7-70 against Sri Lanka last year.Pakistan's bowlers dominated throughout the match, with Sajid Khan dismissing Ollie Pope early. England's position worsened at 78-5 when these key players were dismissed. Noman Ali continued to dominate, taking the remaining wickets to secure Pakistan's first home win in over three years.The decisive third and final Test will start on October 24 in Rawalpindi, where Pakistan will aim to seal the series victory.

The Quaid-e-Azam (QeA) Trophy, Pakistan's premier first-class tournament, remains in limbo as the 2024-25 season approaches without a clear start date. Despite Pakistan's ongoing bumper international Test season, the PCB has yet to announce a schedule for the domestic competition.A tentative schedule released by the PCB in August had the QeA beginning on October 20, but that date has passed without any official confirmation. A PCB official had previously stated that the tournament would adhere to its October 20 plan, but ESPNcricinfo has learned that the schedule is still awaiting approval from PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.The delay in announcing the QeA schedule has raised concerns among players and stakeholders. The tournament is crucial for players to prepare for international commitments, but its absence has left them without any domestic red-ball cricket ahead of England's ongoing three-Test tour.The lack of information about the QeA is in stark contrast to the fanfare surrounding the Champions One-Day Cup, which was held in September. The decision to host the one-day tournament in Pakistan's only free window until May meant that players would not be able to participate in domestic red-ball cricket before the England tour.Historically, the QeA has struggled to maintain a consistent schedule or format. However, the current delay is unprecedented, with the tournament typically having its schedule announced well before October. In the last 20 years, the QeA has only started later than October 26 twice.The situation is particularly concerning given Pakistan's busy Test schedule this season. They are currently halfway through seven home Test matches between August 2024 and January 2025, with two more Tests in South Africa at the turn of the year.The PCB has declined to comment on the reasons for the delay in approving the QeA schedule. However, budgetary approval is believed to be a factor, with the chairman having the final say on operational matters.

Pakistan's cricket team has finally broken a three-year drought on home soil, defeating England by 152 runs in the second Test in Multan. The victory levels the three-match series 1-1.The win is a significant achievement for Pakistan, which has struggled in recent years. The team's new selection committee made some bold changes to the squad for the last two Tests, dropping star batter Babar Azam and pacer Shaheen Afridi. The decision was met with mixed reactions, but it ultimately proved to be the right call.Noman Ali and Sajid Khan were the heroes for Pakistan, taking 8-46 and 2-93 respectively to wrap up England's second innings for 144. The visitors were set a daunting target of 297, which proved to be too much.The 152-run victory is Pakistan's first home win since February 2021. It is also a major boost for the team's confidence, which had been dented by a heavy defeat in the first Test.The final Test of the series will start in Rawalpindi on October 24. Pakistan will be hoping to complete a famous series victory over England.