Cricket

Pakistan's T20 World Cup campaign has been marred by inconsistency and internal divisions, leaving their Super Eight qualification hopes hanging by a thread.Captain Babar Azam's leadership has come under scrutiny, with reports of two factions within the team: one led by Azam, Mohammed Rizwan, and Shadab Khan, and another including recently sacked Shaheen Shah Afridi. This lack of unity has contributed to Pakistan's poor performances on the field.In their opening match against the USA, Pakistan failed to defend a total of 159, losing in a Super Over. Against India, they were restricted to 113 for 7 while chasing a modest target of 120.Pakistan's qualification chances now rest on defeating Canada and Ireland by large margins and hoping that the USA loses heavily to India and Ireland. However, even in this scenario, Pakistan's dismal net run rate (-0.150) compared to the USA's healthy run rate (+0.626) makes their task extremely difficult.The 2009 champions have looked far from their formidable past, with none of their departments clicking so far. Babar Azam and Shadab Khan have scored runs, but the rest of the batting lineup has struggled. The bowling attack has also been inconsistent, failing to contain opposition batters effectively.Pakistan's fate now lies in the hands of other teams and a stroke of luck. They must win their remaining matches convincingly and hope for favorable results elsewhere to keep their Super Eight hopes alive.

Pakistan's dismal performance against India in the ongoing T20 World Cup has drawn sharp criticism from former wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal. Akmal lambasted the team, calling them a "club team" and questioning their ability to handle pressure.After Naseem Shah's impressive bowling restricted India to 119, Pakistan seemed poised to chase down the target comfortably. However, a batting collapse triggered by Mohammad Rizwan's dismissal saw the team crumble. India's Jasprit Bumrah played a pivotal role in the victory, showcasing exceptional bowling skills.Akmal expressed his disappointment, stating that Pakistan's players appeared overwhelmed by the pressure. He emphasized that India would have chased the target effortlessly if they had been in Pakistan's position. "They were under pressure, and it felt like they didn't know how to play," Akmal said. "Very shameful performance from the Pakistan team."Akmal also praised India's Rishabh Pant, who played a crucial role in India's recovery from a middle-order collapse. Pant's 42 runs off 31 deliveries helped India reach a respectable total. Akmal used Pant's performance as an example to criticize Pakistan's selection process."You lost the chance to defeat a team like India just because of your mistakes," Akmal said. "The way Pant has come back is incredible. He worked hard, followed a process, and returned to the playing XI. This is how players should make a place in their team and not like ours."Akmal's comments highlight the growing concerns over Pakistan's performance in the T20 World Cup. With two wins from two matches, India is in a strong position, while Pakistan faces an uphill battle to qualify for the semi-finals.

India's batting stars are eager to break free from the constraints of the much-criticized drop-in pitch and unleash their full potential against an impressive but inexperienced USA team in their T20 World Cup group league match in New York on June 12. India, classified as A1, needs just one more win to secure their Super Eight berth. Despite the inconsistent nature of the Nassau County track, they are determined to avoid a repeat of their match against Pakistan, where they lost their last seven wickets for a mere 28 runs.Against USA, India's approach could be high-risk, similar to their strategy against Pakistan, but with potentially higher rewards. While their dreams of representing India remain unfulfilled, a spirited group of Indian Americans will take the field against their country of birth. Players like Saurabh Netravalkars and Harmeet Singhs will once again aim to be the proverbial David against the Goliaths of the game.Although the pitch has significantly reduced the gap between teams, the USA, a diverse mix of eight Indians, two Pakistanis, a West Indian, a New Zealander, a South African, and a Dutch player, may find the gulf with India too wide to bridge. They have not received significant airtime on American channels, nor have major newspapers devoted much attention to them, even after their Super Over victory over Pakistan. However, Wednesday could be the day when their adopted country takes note of their performance.Monank Patel, Harmeet, Netravalkar, Jessy Singh, and Noshtush Kenjige all have their own Indian stories to tell. While India boasts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rishabh Pant in its ranks, the USA team's presence adds a touch of endearment to the match.It's not every day that one gets the opportunity to bowl at Kohli and Sharma or face Bumrah, even if it's far from a pleasant experience. But it's an experience nonetheless, and one that will last a lifetime. For India, it will be their last match in the 'Big Apple' extension, and one where they wouldn't mind batting first. If India bowls first, there's a high chance that USA might not be able to reach the three-figure mark against Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Ravindra Jadeja.There will be some beautiful and emotional subplots as well. If Netravalkar gets a chance to bowl to his former Mumbai teammate Suryakumar Yadav, with whom he played in Mumbai U-15, Ranji, and Vijay Hazare Trophy, it will be a special moment. "It will be an emotional moment to play against India and especially Surya as we go back a long way," Netravalkar said recently.For the two left-arm spinners Harmeet and Kenjige, the challenge of trying to keep Rishabh Pant quiet will be on a completely different level. Both Harmeet and Kenjige will try to maintain dart-like accuracy, but that could well be dismantled by Pant, who is sure to use his feet.For Ali Khan, his extra pace and the bounce he extracts from even benign surfaces would certainly provoke Rohit to use his pull shot frequently. There's Nitish Kumar, who could be cheeky with his shot selection and prove to be a thorn in India's flesh.In the first game, India's weakest link was Shivam Dube. The Chennai Super Kings' most valued 'Impact Player' is finding it tough on two-paced tracks where the ball is gripping and coming late onto the bat. But unlike tactician-par-excellence Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who could bench him during CSK's bowling in the IPL, national skipper Rohit Sharma doesn't have such luxury and needs to hide him in areas of the field where the ball is expected to travel less. Dube is a monstrous hitter of spinners on good flat decks, and his military medium seam-up stuff does give the Indian skipper cushion to maneuver with the bowling combination. But in a format like T20, the team management, which asked for Dube at the expense of Rinku Singh, would want him to come good. Else, there is Yashasvi Jaiswal in the 15, who is a way more rounded batter than the big-bodied Mumbaikar.Two wrist spinners, Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, should be given some game time or else they might just enter the Super Eights a bit undercooked in the Caribbean where the pitches will be more spin-friendly.

The T20 World Cup, hosted by the US and the Caribbean islands, witnessed a thrilling encounter between India and Pakistan, with former champions Yuvraj Singh and Shahid Afridi in attendance as ICC ambassadors.Pakistan dominated the early stages of the match, reaching 73 for 2 in 12.1 overs. However, Hardik Pandya's dismissal of Fakhar Zaman triggered a collapse, with Jasprit Bumrah's return in the 15th over proving decisive. Pakistan lost wickets in quick succession, eventually falling short by six runs at 113 for 7.In a video shared on social media, Afridi expressed his disappointment to Yuvraj, who had prematurely congratulated Pakistan when they needed 40 runs with seven wickets in hand. Afridi reminded Yuvraj that 40 runs were still a significant target on that pitch.Pakistan's defeat leaves them in a precarious position after their shock loss to USA in their opening match. They must now beat Canada in their next match to stay alive in the tournament.Despite the rivalry between India and Pakistan, Yuvraj and Afridi emphasized the importance of maintaining their friendship. "Winning and losing is part of the game," said Yuvraj. "What's important is that our bonhomie should continue."Pakistan will face Canada in New York on Tuesday, while India will take on South Africa in a crucial match on Wednesday.

Pakistani YouTuber Shot Dead by Security Guard in New York Ahead of India-Pakistan T20 World Cup MatchA tragic incident has occurred in New York City, where a Pakistani YouTuber named Saad Ahmed was shot and killed by a security guard on June 9, 2024. The incident took place in the lead-up to the highly anticipated T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan.According to reports, Ahmed was filming a video segment for his YouTube channel in Nassau County Stadium, where the match was scheduled to be played. He approached a security guard for an interview, but the guard refused to be filmed. Ahmed persisted, and the guard eventually lost his temper and shot him.Ahmed was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. A friend of Ahmed's stated that he was the sole breadwinner for his family.CCTV footage from the area shows Ahmed interacting with the guard before the shooting. The guard has been arrested by the police and is reportedly claiming that he fired in self-defense.The incident has sent shockwaves through the Pakistani community and the cricketing world. Pakistan lost the match to India by 6 runs, and are now on the brink of elimination from the T20 World Cup.

Australia, the tournament favorites, will face Namibia in a crucial Group B clash of the T20 World Cup on June 12. The Aussies, who have won their first two matches, are aiming to secure a Super Eight berth with a victory.Australia's batting lineup has been in top form, with David Warner leading the charge. Warner, who is playing his last World Cup for Australia, has scored 97 runs in the tournament at a strike rate of 141.79. Travis Head has also been impressive, providing explosive starts alongside Warner.Namibia, on the other hand, will need their veteran all-rounder David Wiese to step up. Wiese, who has faced Australia four times in T20Is, will be crucial to Namibia's chances of an upset. Left-arm spinner Bernard Scholtz, who has been economical in the tournament, will also be a key player for Namibia.In their only previous T20 meeting, Australia defeated Namibia by seven wickets in a warm-up game two weeks ago. However, Namibia will be hoping to put up a better fight this time around.The match will be a must-win for Sri Lanka, who have lost their first two matches in Group D. The former champions will face Nepal, who lost their only match so far. A win for Sri Lanka will keep their hopes of reaching the Super Eight alive, while a loss would effectively end their campaign.Sri Lanka's batting has been a major concern, with the team struggling to score runs. Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka have been the only consistent performers, but the rest of the lineup has failed to deliver.Nepal, on the other hand, will be looking to cause an upset. The team has some talented players, including Rohit Paudel and Kushal Bhurtel, who can be dangerous on their day.The match between Sri Lanka and Nepal is a must-win for both teams, and it promises to be a close and exciting contest.

India's thrilling six-run victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup was a testament to the team's resilience and the brilliance of its individual players. After a shaky start with the bat, India's bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah's three-wicket haul, kept Pakistan in check. Rishabh Pant's counter-attacking knock of 42 and Axar Patel's crucial 20 runs at number four proved decisive.In a post-match interview, Axar revealed that his promotion to the batting order was made easier by Pant's jovial demeanor. "He was joking around and having fun between deliveries," said Axar. "He knew that I would become a little easy."Axar's bowling plan against Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim was to avoid giving him any balls in his range. "I talked to Rohit bhai and told him I would bowl in the cut," said Axar. "If he hits the four on the cut or the cover, then it is okay. Because that is a very difficult shot."Pant, who took three crucial catches in the game, said his gameplan was to play with a positive mindset. "India-Pakistan is always a match of pressure," said Pant. "We were talking to each other and we were getting comfortable with each other. We did not think much about the situation."Mohammed Siraj, who scored valuable runs in the end, said he has been practicing his batting a lot in the nets. "All the runs made by the tailenders are very crucial at the end of the day," said Siraj. "I am very happy with those seven runs and I won the match."Regarding his bowling plan, Siraj said he wanted to keep things simple. "My only plan was to get a low score," said Siraj. "I do not try too much. I keep a simple plan and execute it wherever I can."India's victory was a collective effort, with each player contributing in their own way. Bumrah's match-winning spell, Pant's counter-attacking knock, Axar's crucial runs, and Siraj's valuable runs and wickets were all key factors in India's success.

Mohammed Siraj's Crucial Batting Contribution Propels India to Victory Over PakistanIn a thrilling encounter at the T20 World Cup, India's Mohammed Siraj played a pivotal role in his team's six-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan. Despite not being known for his batting prowess, Siraj's seven-run contribution with the bat proved to be the difference between victory and defeat.Coming in at number 11, Siraj faced a barrage of yorkers from Pakistan's pacers. However, he displayed remarkable composure and determination, fending off the deliveries and accumulating three doubles and a single off seven balls. This effort marked only the third time Siraj had batted in a T20I, and it resulted in his highest score in the format.Siraj's runs were crucial in a low-scoring game where every run counted. His ability to rotate the strike and keep the scoreboard ticking put pressure on Pakistan's bowlers and ultimately contributed to India's narrow victory."I have practiced a lot for it in the nets, even in the IPL," Siraj said after the match. "Whatever runs the tailenders score are very crucial at the end of the day. At the end, it became clear how important my seven runs were. I am very happy with those seven runs and the win."Siraj's all-around performance was not limited to his batting. Despite not taking any wickets, he was economical with the ball, conceding just 19 runs in his four overs. His ability to maintain pressure on the opposition played a key role in India's victory."India and Pakistan have a big rivalry, it's a big occasion," Siraj said. "My plan was that because it's a small total, I should not try too much, keep it simple and execute it well. I just wanted to keep bowling at the same spot."Siraj's contributions, both with the bat and ball, showcased the importance of every player's efforts in high-stakes matches. His performance was a testament to his hard work and dedication, and it played a crucial role in India's victory over Pakistan.

As Pakistan's cricket team struggles in the T20 World Cup 2024, former star Umar Akmal has sparked controversy on social media by flaunting his abs. Amidst criticism of Pakistan's poor fitness standards, Akmal's post has raised questions about his physical condition and his exclusion from the national team.Akmal, who has been out of the Pakistan team for some time, shared a photo on Twitter showcasing his toned physique. The post was accompanied by the caption, "Attention please. This is for those who think I am not fit."However, fans were skeptical of Akmal's claims, with some suggesting that the abs in the picture were fake or AI-generated. Others pointed out grammatical errors in his caption.The controversy surrounding Akmal's post highlights the ongoing debate about fitness in Pakistan cricket. Many current players, including Azam Khan, have been criticized for their poor physical condition.Pakistan's recent performances in the T20 World Cup have further fueled criticism of the team's fitness. After losing their first two matches, Pakistan legend Wasim Akram called for a complete overhaul of the team."Enough is enough. We need changes now. Bring in a new team, six to seven players and then back them through losses so they can develop as a team," Akram said.Akmal's post has reignited the discussion about fitness and its importance in cricket. While some fans believe that Akmal's physique proves his fitness, others remain unconvinced. The controversy is likely to continue as Pakistan's cricket team faces an uncertain future.