Cricket

Lauren Bell, England's pace spearhead, has vowed to maintain an aggressive approach with the ball, aiming to "attack the stumps" as a default strategy. This approach will be crucial for England's success in the remaining T20I series against Pakistan and in the upcoming T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, where slow, low wickets are expected.Bell's determination stems from a rusty first spell in the opening T20I against Pakistan, where she conceded 12 runs in her first over. However, she bounced back strongly, dismissing three batters and helping England secure a 53-run victory.Despite acknowledging flaws in England's performance, Bell emphasized that their execution, rather than intent, was the issue. She believes that the team's depth and character allowed them to overcome a shaky start and ultimately prevail.With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, Bell is adamant that England will not abandon their aggressive approach, which has been instilled by head coach Jon Lewis. She recognizes that failures may occur, but the team remains committed to their attacking style of play.Under Lewis' guidance, Bell has emerged as England's attack leader, a role she embraced during last summer's Ashes. Despite a challenging moment in the series, she has gained confidence from the support of her captain and coach.Bell's decision to prioritize international cricket over a lucrative WPL deal reflects her commitment to leading England's bowling attack. While acknowledging the potential benefits of playing on subcontinental pitches in the WPL, she believes that her focus must remain on international success.As England prepares for the Bangladesh World Cup, Bell recognizes the importance of adapting to the slow, low conditions. She emphasizes the need to keep the stumps in play and bowl with pace-off.Bell's determination to attack the stumps and maintain consistency will be key for England's success in the remaining Pakistan series and the upcoming T20 World Cup. Her aggressive approach and leadership will be crucial as the team aims to overcome the challenges of subcontinental wickets and emerge victorious.

In a thrilling encounter in Dublin, Pakistan's captain Babar Azam etched his name into the record books, surpassing Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli's milestone in the third Twenty20 International (T20I) against Ireland.After losing the series opener, Pakistan bounced back with two consecutive victories to clinch the series. In the third T20I, they triumphed over the hosts by six wickets, thanks to a scintillating performance from Babar.The Pakistani skipper was in imperious form, smashing five maximums and six boundaries in his blistering 75 off just 42 deliveries. With this knock, he became the batter with the most T20I runs in excess of 50.Babar's 39th T20I fifty surpassed Kohli's tally of 38 and India captain Rohit Sharma's 34. The Pakistani star also became the first batter from his country to score 25 runs in an over. He achieved this feat by hitting four sixes off Benjamin White's over, adding a single to complete the remarkable feat.Babar and Mohammad Rizwan (56) shared a mammoth 139-run partnership for the second wicket, laying the foundation for Pakistan's victory. This was the 10th century partnership between the two Pakistani batters in T20Is, making them the first pair to achieve this milestone. They also became the first pair to accumulate 3,000 runs in partnership.In comparison, India's opening pair of Rohit and KL Rahul have five-century partnerships in the shortest format, while Ireland's experienced duo of Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie have amassed 2,043 runs together.Pakistan will now head to England for a four-match T20I series, their final opportunity to fine-tune their squad before the World Cup. The series against England will commence on May 22 at Headingley Carnegie, with the final match scheduled for May 30 at The Oval in London.

Cricket Ireland has confirmed a historic first men's tour of Pakistan in August and September 2024. The series will feature three T20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One-Day Internationals (ODIs), marking a significant milestone in the development of Irish cricket.The tour was originally scheduled for September 2025 as part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP). However, following discussions between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Cricket Ireland Chair Brian MacNeice, the series was brought forward to 2024.The decision to tour Pakistan is a testament to the growing strength of Irish cricket and the improving security situation in the country. Ireland Women successfully toured Pakistan in November 2022, playing three ODIs and three T20Is.The PCB initially released a statement suggesting that Ireland would also play a Test series in Pakistan, but this was later denied by both the PCB and Cricket Ireland. A Cricket Ireland spokesperson stated that the details of the tour's fixture list would be discussed by the two boards in the future.The Pakistan men's team is currently in Ireland for a three-match T20I series. The sides have split the first two games 1-1, with the series decider scheduled for Tuesday.The upcoming tour of Pakistan will be a major test for Ireland, who have never played a Test match in the country. It will also provide a valuable opportunity for the Irish players to experience the passionate and knowledgeable Pakistani cricket fans.

Pakistan Pacer Shaheen Afridi Faces Misbehavior from Afghan Fan in DublinDuring Pakistan's second T20I match against Ireland in Dublin, an Afghan fan reportedly engaged in inappropriate behavior towards star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi. The incident occurred as Afridi made his way from the dressing room to the field.Initially, Afridi ignored the fan's foul language. However, when the fan persisted, Afridi alerted security personnel. The security team swiftly intervened and removed the fan from the ground.The incident marred an otherwise successful outing for Pakistan. Babar Azam's team chased down Ireland's competitive total of 193/7 with ease, thanks to a 140-run partnership between Mohammad Rizwan (75*) and Fakhar Zaman (78). The victory marked a record-breaking 45th T20I triumph for Babar Azam as captain.Afridi also achieved a significant milestone during the match, reaching 300 wickets in international cricket. He dismissed Ireland captain Paul Stirling to reach the landmark. Overall, he finished the game with figures of 3/40 in his four-over spell.Despite Babar Azam's early dismissal, Rizwan and Fakhar took control of the chase. Fakhar showcased his power-hitting abilities with six sixes, while Rizwan provided steady support. The pair put up 140 runs in quick succession, effectively ending Ireland's hopes.Fakhar's dismissal in the 15th over gave Ireland a glimmer of hope, but Azam Khan's unbeaten 30 from just 10 deliveries guided Pakistan home. The seven-wicket win leveled the series 1-1.The series will be decided in the third and final game, which will be played in Dublin on Tuesday.

Pakistan's former cricket board chairman, Ramiz Raja, has expressed his disappointment with the performance of the team's bowlers in the second T20I against Ireland. Despite Pakistan's comprehensive victory, Raja criticized the bowlers for conceding 162 runs in the first innings.Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, and Abbas Afridi combined to give away runs at a hefty economy rate, with Shaheen and Amir proving particularly costly. Shaheen conceded 49 runs in his four-over spell, while Amir gave away 44 runs.Raja believes that Pakistan's bowlers have been struggling since last year's World Cup in India. He pointed out that the team's success has been built on the strength of its pacers, but they have been inconsistent in recent times."Pakistan's top bowlers giving away so many runs against Ireland, then it will become hard for the team in future," Raja said. "Pakistan's forte, and success are based on the bowlers, especially pacers, they have been struggling since last year's World Cup in India. Two balls are good and then three deliveries are bad, this makes the situation tough."Pakistan's decision to bowl first backfired as Ireland posted a competitive total of 193/7. Lorcan Tucker led the charge with 51 runs, while Harry Tector and Curtis Campher provided valuable support.In reply, Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman laid the foundation for Pakistan's chase with half-centuries. Azam Khan then sealed the victory with three consecutive sixes.The series is now level at 1-1, with the third and deciding match scheduled for Tuesday at the Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin.

Pakistan's thrilling victory over Ireland in the second T20I leveled the three-match series at 1-1, but it was match-winner Mohammad Rizwan's heartfelt acknowledgment of Virat Kohli that stole the hearts of the Indian batting legend's fans.Rizwan, who played a pivotal role in Pakistan's comeback win, praised Kohli's influence on Pakistani batsmen. "We have learnt a lot of things from Virat Kohli; I respect him," said Rizwan, who is one of only two batters to average above 50 in T20Is.Pakistan's run-chase got off to a shaky start, but Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman launched a counter-attack, adding 140 runs for the third wicket. Rizwan's unbeaten 75 off 46 balls and Zaman's 78 off 40 balls powered Pakistan to a seven-wicket victory.Rizwan's admiration for Kohli highlights the respect and camaraderie that exists between the two cricketing nations. Kohli, who averages 51.75 in T20Is, has been a role model for many young batsmen, including Rizwan.The T20 World Cup is just around the corner, and both India and Pakistan are in the same group. Their highly anticipated clash on June 9 in New York is sure to be a thrilling encounter.Pakistan will play a decisive third T20I against Ireland on May 14 before heading to England for four T20Is. They will then fly to the US for the T20 World Cup, where they will face their arch-rivals India in a match that promises to be one of the highlights of the tournament.

Zimbabwe's captain, Sikandar Raza, opted to field first against Bangladesh in the fifth and final T20I match in Dhaka. The visitors made one change to their lineup, bringing in Sean Williams for Richard Ngarava.Bangladesh, who have already secured the series 4-0, made three changes to their team. Mahmudullah, Mahedi Hasan, and Mohammad Saifuddin replaced Taskin Ahmed, Tanvir Islam, and Tanzim Hasan.Bangladesh XI:1. Tanzid Hasan2. Soumya Sarkar3. Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt)4. Towhid Hridoy5. Shakib Al Hasan6. Mahmudullah7. Jaker Ali (wk)8. Mahedi Hasan9. Rishad Hossain10. Mohammad Saifuddin11. Mustafizur RahmanZimbabwe XI:1. Brian Bennett2. Tadiawanashe Marumani3. Sikandar Raza (capt)4. Sean Williams5. Clive Madande (wk)6. Ryan Burl7. Johnathan Campbell8. Luke Jongwe9. Wellington Masakadza10. Faraz Akram11. Blessing MuzarabaniThe match marks the end of a successful tour for Bangladesh, who have dominated Zimbabwe throughout the series. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will be looking to salvage some pride and end the tour on a positive note.

Cricket, a game of intense competition and skill, often provides moments of hilarity and amusement. During the fourth T20I between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in Dhaka, an incident occurred that left both players and commentators in disbelief.In the final over of Bangladesh's innings, Blessing Muzarabani bowled a slower ball to Tanvir Islam. Islam defended the ball to Muzarabani's right, who missed an opportunity to run out Mustafizur Rahman. The ball reached third man, and the batters attempted a second run. However, Mustafizur had run a considerable distance, making it an easy run-out at the bowler's end.As the throw came from third man to the non-striker's end, Jonathan Campbell fumbled but still had ample time to run out Mustafizur. However, in a comical turn of events, Campbell under-armed the ball from a few meters away and missed the stumps. The Zimbabwean players and commentators were left in disbelief at the missed opportunity.Campbell could have easily dived and removed the stumps, but his close-range miss provided a moment of laughter and amusement. Bangladesh went on to win the match by five runs, securing the series victory after winning the first three matches. Zimbabwe will wrap up their tour with the fifth and final match of the series in Dhaka on Sunday.

Babar Azam Equals Virat Kohli's Record in Ireland's Victory Over PakistanIn a thrilling Twenty20 International (T20I) encounter in Dublin, Ireland secured a historic five-wicket victory over Pakistan, marking their first triumph against the visitors in 17 years. However, Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, found solace in a personal milestone.Azam's scintillating 43-ball 57 propelled Pakistan to a competitive total of 182/6. His knock not only guided his team to a respectable score but also etched his name alongside Indian batting legend Virat Kohli in the record books.With this fifty, Azam equaled Kohli's remarkable feat of most fifty-plus scores in men's T20Is. Both players now boast an impressive tally of 38 such scores. While Kohli has amassed 37 fifties and a century, Azam has registered 35 half-centuries and three centuries.Despite their shared record, Kohli and Azam possess distinct batting styles. Kohli is renowned for his unwavering consistency across all formats, with an exceptional record in both Test and limited-overs cricket. His ability to chase down targets and adapt to diverse situations makes him a formidable batsman.On the other hand, Azam has garnered acclaim for his elegant stroke play and solid technique. He has excelled in limited-overs cricket, consistently delivering impressive performances for Pakistan. His proficiency in handling both pace and spin bowling has made him a pivotal player for his team.Statistically, Kohli holds an edge over Azam in terms of average and centuries across formats. However, both players have carved their own unique paths and contributed significantly to their respective teams' successes.While Kohli has established himself as a global icon with a proven track record, Azam has showcased immense potential and continues to impress with his batting prowess. The highly anticipated T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan on June 9 promises to be a captivating spectacle.Ireland's victory in Dublin has given them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series against Pakistan. The two teams will also face off in the group stage of next month's T20 World Cup in the United States and the West Indies.