Cricket

Pakistan's wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan has faced criticism for his poor performance in the recent T20I series against England. Despite his inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad, his form and fitness have raised concerns among fans and experts.Khan scored only 11 runs in two matches and dropped several catches, leading to questions about his selection. Former selectors have suggested that he is out of shape for international cricket.However, Pakistan captain Babar Azam has defended Khan, urging fans to support the team's selections. He emphasized the need to back players who have been chosen for the World Cup.During the fourth T20I, Khan appeared visibly dejected after dropping catches. Babar consoled him, a gesture that has been praised on social media.Khan's struggles are not isolated. Captain Babar and star batter Mohammad Rizwan have also faced scrutiny for their low strike rates.Pakistan faces a challenging task in the T20 World Cup, placed in Group A alongside India, Canada, USA, and Ireland. They will open their campaign against USA on June 6, followed by the highly anticipated clash with India on June 9.The Pakistan squad for the T20 World Cup includes:* Babar Azam (c)* Abrar Ahmed* Azam Khan* Fakhar Zaman* Haris Rauf* Iftikhar Ahmed* Imad Wasim* Mohammad Abbas Afridi* Mohammad Amir* Mohammad Rizwan* Naseem Shah* Saim Ayub* Shadab Khan* Shaheen Shah Afridi* Usman KhanPakistan will need to improve their performances significantly to advance from their group and make a deep run in the tournament.

Pakistan's recent 2-0 T20I series loss to England has raised concerns among cricket enthusiasts, with former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja expressing his dissatisfaction with the team's management. Raja criticized the team's experimentation and lack of a consistent approach, which he believes has hindered their performance.In the fourth T20I at Kennington Oval, England dominated Pakistan in all aspects of the game, chasing down a target of 158 with ease. Pakistan's batting lineup lacked power in the middle order, while their pace bowlers failed to provide the necessary support.Raja expressed his concerns about the constant changes in Pakistan's white-ball setup. He criticized the management for experimenting with the team's composition, which has led to a lack of stability and consistency."They should stop experimenting with the team. Go into a game with a proper combination. You need to get out of the phobia of strike rate because you don't have that kind of players. Aapne is team ka satyanash kar diya hai (You have completely made a cock-up of this team)," Raja said on his YouTube channel.Raja also questioned the decision to introduce Saim Ayub as an opening batsman, which disrupted the successful partnership between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Ayub's performance at the top of the order has been underwhelming, and Pakistan's middle-order batsmen have also struggled to contribute consistently."You have ruined the team by breaking the opening pair (of Babar and Rizwan). The role of the middle order is not defined. You have put all-rounders in the middle and two wicket-keepers are playing. You are changing the fast bowlers. Your spinners don't spin the ball and don't have the confidence. You put Imad Wasim out of the playing XI. There is no sideways movement and you have completely dismantled the team just before the T20 World Cup," he added.Pakistan's batting woes were evident in their recent T20I series against New Zealand. Ayub struggled to find form initially but showed some improvement in the first match. However, his overall performance was underwhelming, and Pakistan's middle-order batsmen failed to step up.Heading into the upcoming T20 World Cup, Pakistan finds itself in a challenging position. They are placed in Group A alongside India, Canada, USA, and Ireland. Their journey begins with a match against the USA at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas on Thursday.

Pakistan's young fast bowler Naseem Shah has won hearts with his heartwarming gesture towards a disappointed young fan. During a recent meet-and-greet session, the fan was unable to secure an autograph from captain Babar Azam. Noticing the child's dejection, Naseem stepped in to console him."Is this Babar's?" the young fan asked Naseem, referring to an autograph."Yes, this is Babar's. Now be happy, okay!" Naseem replied, signing the autograph on behalf of the captain.Naseem's act of kindness has gone viral on social media, with fans praising his humility and compassion. He was also seen clicking pictures and signing autographs for other children, spreading joy and creating lasting memories.Naseem's gesture is a testament to his character and his understanding of the importance of fan engagement. It also highlights the growing popularity of the young pacer, who has quickly become a fan favorite.Despite his recent struggles on the field, Naseem remains a vital part of Pakistan's bowling attack. He made his comeback into the side last month after recovering from a shoulder injury that had sidelined him since September 2023.Naseem's return to form will be crucial for Pakistan's chances in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The team will be looking to him to provide early breakthroughs and contain the opposition's scoring rate.With his talent, determination, and now his reputation as a compassionate role model, Naseem Shah is poised to become a global star in the world of cricket.

Pakistan's cricket team faces a crucial test as they prepare for the ICC T20 World Cup, beginning on June 1. After a disappointing loss to England in the 2022 final, Pakistan has struggled to find consistency, winning only one of their six bilateral T20I series since then.Form and Talking Points:Pakistan's recent performances have raised concerns about their form and approach. The team's batting has been heavily reliant on captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, who have often played with conservative strike rates. The team's middle order has also struggled to contribute consistently.On the bowling front, Pakistan's pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf has been impressive, but the team has lacked depth in their spin department. The return of Imad Wasim and pacer Mohammad Amir from retirement could provide some much-needed experience and variety.Key Performers:Despite their recent struggles, Pakistan boasts several talented players who could make a significant impact at the World Cup. Babar Azam remains one of the world's best batters, while Rizwan is a reliable wicketkeeper and opener. Fakhar Zaman has shown glimpses of his destructive potential, and Shaheen Afridi is a world-class fast bowler.Squad:Pakistan's squad for the World Cup includes:* Babar Azam (c)* Abrar Ahmed* Azam Khan* Fakhar Zaman* Haris Rauf* Iftikhar Ahmed* Imad Wasim* Mohammad Abbas Afridi* Mohammad Amir* Mohammad Rizwan* Naseem Shah* Saim Ayub* Shadab Khan* Shaheen Shah Afridi* Usman KhanOutlook:Pakistan's chances at the World Cup will depend on their ability to find consistency and improve their strike rate in batting. The team's bowling attack is strong, but they will need to find a reliable spin option to complement their pace trio. With a talented squad and a history of success in major tournaments, Pakistan remains a contender for the title.

Mark Wood's Unplayable Delivery Stuns Azam Khan in England's T20I VictoryEngland's Mark Wood unleashed an astonishing delivery that left Pakistan's Azam Khan bewildered during the fourth T20I at the Oval on Thursday. Wood's 88.4mph rocket stunned Khan, forcing him to take evasive action and ultimately leading to his dismissal.The incident occurred in the 11th over of Pakistan's innings. Wood charged in and delivered a vicious bouncer that angled in from back of length. The ball rose sharply and hurried onto Khan, who was caught off guard. Khan attempted to duck out of the way, but the ball kissed his glove and looped off his shoulder to England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler.The unplayable delivery sent Khan packing for a five-ball duck. The dismissal was a testament to Wood's exceptional pace and accuracy. The England speedster has been in impressive form throughout the series, consistently troubling Pakistan's batters with his raw pace and movement.In the match, England restricted Pakistan to 157 all out, with Wood claiming two wickets. England then chased down the target with 27 balls remaining, securing a 2-0 series victory over Pakistan. The win gives England a boost of confidence heading into the defense of its T20 World Cup title.Wood's delivery has been widely praised by cricket experts and fans alike. It is a reminder of the devastating impact that a well-executed bouncer can have on a batter. The dismissal also highlights the importance of quick reflexes and anticipation in the game of cricket.

Pakistan's wicket-keeper batter Azam Khan has come under fire from fans after a disappointing performance in the fourth T20I against England on Thursday. Khan was dismissed for a duck after facing just five deliveries and dropped two easy chances while fielding.Khan's poor performance has sparked outrage among fans, who have criticized his selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Many believe that Khan's inclusion in the squad is a result of nepotism, as he is the son of former Pakistan captain Moin Khan."Azam Khan is the best example of nepotism in our country," tweeted Mubasher Lucman. "Mediocrity rules here in every department. Shameless people who persisted with him must be charged and sentenced. This is a criminal act, not a simple mistake."Khan's struggles have been evident in recent matches. He has failed to make a significant contribution with the bat and has been criticized for his poor fielding."Azam Khan is an embarrassment to international cricket," tweeted Yang Goi.England's victory in the fourth T20I was a comprehensive display of their all-round strength. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid was named player of the match after taking 2-27 from his four overs, while Phil Salt and Jos Buttler provided a blistering start to England's chase with an opening stand of 82.Harry Brook finished the game with a six off paceman Haris Rauf, who was the pick of the Pakistan attack with 3-38. England finished on 158-6 to win with more than three overs to spare.The victory gave England a 2-0 triumph in the four-match T20 series, with games at Headingley and Cardiff washed out without a ball bowled."We have worked hard in training and there is a good feeling around the squad," Buttler told Sky Sports.

Defending T20 World Cup champions England showcased their dominance with a resounding seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in their final warm-up match at The Oval. The triumph capped off a 2-0 series win for England, who will now turn their attention to the upcoming global tournament.Pakistan's innings got off to a promising start, with openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan putting on a 59-run partnership. However, England's bowlers, led by leg-spinner Adil Rashid, applied pressure and triggered a collapse. Rashid claimed two crucial wickets, while Jofra Archer and Mark Wood also chipped in with key dismissals. Pakistan was eventually restricted to a modest 157.England's chase was a clinical display of batting prowess. Phil Salt and Jos Buttler, who was captaining the side in place of the rested Eoin Morgan, put on a blistering 82-run opening partnership in just seven overs. Salt departed for 45, but Buttler continued his impressive form, scoring 39 before being dismissed.Harry Brook, who has been in excellent touch for England in recent matches, provided the finishing touches with a six off Haris Rauf. England reached their target with more than three overs to spare, securing a comprehensive victory.Rashid was named player of the match for his economical spell of 2 for 27. Buttler praised his team's performance, highlighting the hard work and positive atmosphere within the squad. He also acknowledged the experience of his players, many of whom have featured in the Indian Premier League.England will now head to Barbados for their T20 World Cup opener against Scotland on June 4. Pakistan, the 2009 champions, will face co-hosts the United States in Dallas two days later.

England, led by returning captain Jos Buttler, have opted to field first against Pakistan in the fourth T20I at the Kia Oval. The decision was influenced by overcast skies and the threat of rain, as confirmed by Buttler.England have made one change to their lineup, with Mark Wood replacing Reece Topley. Jofra Archer retains his place in the side, while Sam Curran, the Player of the Tournament in England's T20 World Cup triumph, remains on the sidelines.Pakistan, who need a victory to keep their series hopes alive, have also made two changes. Usman Khan replaces the out-of-form Saim Ayub at the top of the order, while Naseem Shah comes in for Imad Wasim, who is experiencing discomfort in his ribcage.The match marks the return of the opening partnership between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, after Pakistan's experiment of separating the duo failed.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has urged fans to rally behind the national team throughout the upcoming T20 World Cup, regardless of the outcome. With the tournament set to commence in two days, Naqvi emphasized the importance of unwavering support for the players."Support the team and assure them that we [the fans] are with you [the team] whether you win or lose," Naqvi told the media in London. "I just want to request one thing which we really need for the next four weeks. Let us all support our players."Pakistan's preparations for the World Cup have been hampered by rain-affected matches in their ongoing T20I series against England. However, Naqvi expressed confidence in the team's strategy and urged the players to perform to their potential."Overall, a strategy is in place that they don't have to panic and give their best [on the field]," Naqvi said.Pakistan's squad for the World Cup features a pace-laden attack, a departure from the trend of other teams opting for more spinners. Naqvi defended this decision, stating that the team has a plan in place."We have a strategy in place. We have a plan. We have a combination. We have a team. We have a captain. We have a coach. We have a management. We have everything in place," Naqvi said.Pakistan is placed in Group A and will face co-hosts USA in their opening match on June 6. The team will be looking to make a strong start to their World Cup campaign and secure a place in the Super 12 stage.