Cricket

Pakistan, led by captain Babar Azam, opted to field first in the second T20I against New Zealand in Rawalpindi on Saturday. The decision came after Pakistan won the toss, hoping to capitalize on the favorable conditions for bowling.Pakistan fielded an unchanged lineup from the first T20I, which was abandoned due to rain after only two deliveries. The team's batting order remains unchanged, with Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmed taking the field.New Zealand, on the other hand, was forced to make one change to their XI. Right-arm medium-pace bowler Josh Clarkson was ruled out due to illness and was replaced by offspin-bowling allrounder Cole McConchie. McConchie has played nine T20Is for New Zealand, most recently against the United Arab Emirates in August 2023.Despite his limited batting contributions, McConchie has proven to be a reliable bowler, with seven wickets at an average of 22.71 and an economy rate of 7.17. His inclusion in the team is expected to provide New Zealand with additional bowling options.Meanwhile, Pakistan suffered a setback with the news that wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan has been ruled out of the entire series. Radiology reports confirmed a grade one tear in his right calf muscle, forcing him to miss the remaining matches.With the weather forecast predicting clear skies for the second T20I, both teams will be eager to secure a victory and gain an advantage in the three-match series. Pakistan will look to their experienced bowling attack to restrict New Zealand's batting, while the visitors will aim to put up a competitive total and test Pakistan's batting lineup.

Pakistan vs New Zealand 2nd T20I: Rain Washes Out Second Match of SeriesThe highly anticipated second T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand was unfortunately washed out due to persistent rain, leaving fans disappointed and the series opener still undecided.The match, scheduled for Saturday at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, was delayed by 30 minutes due to rain. New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell won the toss and elected to bat, but only two deliveries were possible before the heavens opened up again.Pakistan had made three changes to their team, handing T20I debuts to batsman Usman Khan, spinner Abrar Ahmed, and all-rounder Muhammad Irfan Khan. New Zealand also made one change, with Robinson making his debut.Veteran pacer Mohammad Amir, who had announced his retirement in 2019, made a surprise return to the Pakistan team. However, he was unable to make an impact as rain intervened after he dismissed Tim Robinson on the second ball of the match.The rain continued to pour for over two hours, forcing the umpires to abandon the match. The series now stands at 0-0, with the third T20I scheduled for Sunday at the same venue.Key Details:* The Pakistan vs New Zealand 2nd T20I was washed out due to rain.* The match was delayed by 30 minutes before being abandoned.* Only two deliveries were possible before the rain returned.* Pakistan made three changes to their team, while New Zealand made one.* Mohammad Amir made a surprise return to the Pakistan team.* The series now stands at 0-0, with the third T20I scheduled for Sunday.

Pakistan and New Zealand will clash in the first T20I of a five-match series at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, April 18. The series marks the return of Babar Azam as captain after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reversed its decision to appoint Shaheen Shah Afridi as skipper.Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, who recently came out of retirement, will also make their international comebacks in this series. New Zealand, on the other hand, has arrived in Pakistan with an understrength squad due to the Indian Premier League (IPL).The Black Caps are missing nine top players, including skipper Kane Williamson, who are currently playing in the IPL. Stand-in captain Michael Bracewell believes this is an opportunity for younger players to showcase their talent.

The highly anticipated five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand is set to commence on April 18 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. However, the series is facing a potential threat from inclement weather, with Geo News reporting that Rawalpindi is expected to experience rainfall and thunderstorms throughout the week.The New Zealand team arrived in Islamabad on Sunday, eager to fine-tune their squad ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 in June. The Kiwis have named experienced all-rounder Michael Bracewell as their skipper for the tour, as the majority of their players are currently involved in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Pakistan, on the other hand, will be led by Babar Azam, who recently regained the captaincy of the white-ball format. The Men in Green will be looking to avenge their 4-1 T20I series defeat against the Blackcaps earlier this year.The series will also mark the return of star pacer Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim, who have reversed their retirements and made sensational comebacks to the Pakistan squad. Former fast bowler Azhar Mahmood has been appointed as the head coach for the series, while Wahab Riaz will serve as the senior team manager.Both teams have announced their squads for the five-match series:Pakistan:* Babar Azam (c)* Abrar Ahmed* Azam Khan* Fakhar Zaman* Iftikhar Ahmed* Imad Wasim* Mohammad Abbas Afridi* Mohammad Rizwan* Mohammad Amir* Irfan Niazi* Naseem Shah* Saim Ayub* Shadab Khan* Shaheen Afridi* Usman Khan* Zaman Khan* Usama MirNew Zealand:* Michael Bracewell (c)* Tom Blundell* Mark Chapman* Josh Clarkson* Jacob Duffy* Dean Foxcroft* Ben Lister* Cole McConchie* Zack Fowlkes* Jimmy Neesham* Will O'Rourke* Tim Robinson* Ben Sears* Tim Seifert* Ish SodhiWith both teams eager to prove their mettle and prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup, the five-match series promises to be an exciting and competitive affair. However, the weather conditions could play a significant role in determining the outcome of the matches.

England's Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sophie Ecclestone orchestrated a dominant bowling performance to secure a comprehensive five-wicket victory over New Zealand in the final T20I of the series. The triumph sealed a 4-1 series win for England.Sciver-Brunt's early breakthroughs left New Zealand reeling at 23 for 3. She dismissed openers Suzie Bates and Maddy Green before trapping Amelia Kerr lbw. Ecclestone then took over, claiming the wickets of Katey Martin and Hannah Rowe to reduce the hosts to 69 for 5.However, 19-year-old Izzy Gaze played a defiant innings, scoring an unbeaten 51 to rescue New Zealand. She shared a crucial 56-run partnership with Brooke Halliday for the sixth wicket.In reply, England lost early wickets but Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight steadied the ship with a 57-run stand. Sciver-Brunt fell for 31, but Knight remained unbeaten on 35 to guide England to victory.Ecclestone finished with figures of 3 for 30, while Sciver-Brunt claimed 2 for 24. Gaze's half-century was in vain as England secured a comfortable win.The two teams will now face off in a three-match ODI series, starting in Wellington on Monday.

England's Maia Bouchier emerged as a batting sensation, guiding her team to a commanding 47-run victory over New Zealand in the third T20I in Wellington. Bouchier's blistering 91 propelled England to a formidable 177 for 3, setting an insurmountable target for the hosts.Bouchier, promoted to open the innings, seized the opportunity with aplomb. Despite an early reprieve on 5, she unleashed a destructive display, reaching her maiden T20I half-century in just 33 balls. Her innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, featuring a magnificent straight six off Hannah Rowe.Bouchier's dominance continued as she forged a 75-run partnership with Alice Capsey. Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight provided the late fireworks, adding 34 runs off just 14 balls. England's aggressive approach saw them amass 65 runs in the final five overs, leaving New Zealand with a daunting chase.New Zealand's hopes were dealt a major blow when captain Sophie Devine suffered a quad strain while bowling. Her absence was keenly felt as the hosts struggled to keep pace with England's imposing total. Bernadine Bezuidenhout and Amelia Kerr provided some resistance, but Charlie Dean's four-wicket haul extinguished any hopes of a comeback.Dean's impressive performance highlighted England's bowling strength. Sophie Ecclestone, returning to international duty, was typically economical, despite a rare fielding lapse. Lauren Bell's early strike on Suzie Bates further weakened New Zealand's batting lineup.Bouchier's outstanding innings and England's collective dominance secured a series-clinching victory. The visitors' aggressive approach and clinical execution proved too much for a depleted New Zealand side.

England's Heather Knight once again proved her mettle as she guided her team to a 15-run victory over New Zealand in the second T20I in Nelson. Knight's unbeaten 56* lifted England from a precarious 77 for 6 to a competitive 149 for 7.New Zealand's chase started promisingly with Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr at the helm. However, the return of England's frontline spinners, Charlie Dean, Linsey Smith, and Sarah Glenn, proved decisive. Dean and Glenn had earlier played crucial roles with the bat, supporting Knight's rescue act.Smith, making her international comeback after nearly five years, made an immediate impact by dismissing Suzie Bates with her first delivery. Dean then removed Devine, while Gibson's dismissal of Kerr proved to be the turning point.As the asking rate climbed, New Zealand's middle and lower order crumbled under the pressure. Maddy Green's struggles continued, and Lauren Bell claimed two wickets in three balls to seal the victory for England.Knight's innings was a masterclass in composure and adaptability. She played alongside Dean and Glenn to stabilize the innings and then accelerated the scoring rate in the final overs. Her ability to adapt to the situation and play according to the team's needs is a testament to her leadership qualities.England's spinners were the stars of the show, with Dean, Smith, and Glenn combining for figures of 12-0-74-4. Their ability to control the run rate and pick up crucial wickets proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Sri Lanka's express pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of the third and final T20I against Bangladesh on Saturday due to a grade one hamstring injury. The setback comes as a blow to the Sri Lankan team, who are looking to clinch the series after the teams shared the first two matches.Pathirana, known for his lightning-fast deliveries, sustained the injury during the second T20I on Thursday. He was seen clutching his left hamstring while attempting to complete his fourth over, forcing Angelo Mathews to bowl the final two deliveries.The 19-year-old has been a key figure for Sri Lanka in the series, showcasing his raw pace and ability to generate steep bounce. In the first T20I, he conceded 56 runs in four overs, but bounced back in the second match with figures of 2 for 28 from 3.4 overs.Sri Lanka's team management will now have to find a suitable replacement for Pathirana in the final match. Nuwan Thushara, who also bowls with a round-arm action, is the closest like-for-like option in the squad, although he lacks the same blistering pace. Other seamers in contention include left-armers Binura Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.The injury to Pathirana is a concern for Sri Lanka, especially considering his importance to the team's plans for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). Pathirana is the designated death bowler for Chennai Super Kings, who begin their IPL campaign on March 22.With the series tied 1-1, the third T20I in Sylhet on Saturday promises to be a thrilling encounter. Sri Lanka will be eager to secure a series victory, while Bangladesh will be determined to end the series on a high.