Cricket

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.

Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed disappointment over the absence of star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan from the first Test against South Africa, which was expected to be Shakib's farewell match. However, Shanto emphasized the team's focus on the upcoming series.Shakib's absence stems from protests in Dhaka against his involvement in politics. The government advised against his arrival, citing security concerns. "It is unfortunate. It should have happened," said Shanto. "But we can't dwell on it. We have to concentrate on the two Tests."Shanto acknowledged the challenge of replacing Shakib, who has been a pivotal figure for Bangladesh. "It's tough to match him," he said. "He allowed us to play an extra batter or bowler. Now, the No. 7 spot becomes crucial."Mehidy Hasan Miraz is expected to step into Shakib's role. "Miraz has shown he can do it," said Shanto. "He's bowling and batting superbly. He's taking on more responsibility and has improved his batting."Uncapped left-arm spinner Hasan Murad has been called up to replace Shakib. Shanto praised Murad's first-class record and expressed confidence in his spin attack. "We have four quality spinners," he said. "Murad deserves his selection. Nayeem has also played well recently."Bangladesh enter the series after a 2-0 victory in Pakistan and a 2-0 defeat in India. Shanto believes the team can build on their recent performances. "We're confident," he said. "We have a good team and we're ready for the challenge."

New Zealand has achieved a historic victory on Indian soil, breaking a 36-year drought with an eight-wicket triumph in the opening Test match. The Black Caps now lead the three-match series 1-0.After India's dismal performance in the first innings, where they were bowled out for a mere 46, New Zealand responded with a solid 402. The hosts, however, fought back in the second innings, posting a challenging 462.Needing 107 runs to win on the final day, New Zealand faced a hostile opening spell from Jasprit Bumrah. However, Will Young (48 not out) and Rachin Ravindra (39 not out) steadied the ship, adding 75 runs for the third wicket to guide the team to victory in just 27.4 overs.New Zealand's last Test triumph in India came way back in 1988 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where they defeated the hosts by 136 runs. India had won that three-Test series 2-1.The second Test of the series is scheduled to begin in Pune on October 24.

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli's passionate appeal to the Bengaluru crowd on Day 5 of the first Test against New Zealand has ignited social media. With India needing 10 wickets to secure victory, Kohli's animated gestures urging the fans to cheer louder have gone viral.Kohli's leadership and influence were evident as he joined an elite group of cricketers by scoring his 9,000th Test run during the match. His fluent 70 on Day 3 showcased his class and determination, especially after being dismissed for a duck in the first innings.Kohli's partnership with Sarfaraz Khan (136 runs) revived India's innings, highlighting his ability to adapt and contribute in different batting positions. His half-century off 70 balls included five boundaries and a majestic six, reaching the 9,000-run milestone in 197 innings.Kohli's achievement places him among the greats of the game, becoming the 18th player to reach 9,000 Test runs. He joins Joe Root and Steve Smith as the only active players in this exclusive club, and is the fourth Indian to achieve the feat after Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.Kohli's next target is to surpass Graeme Smith on the all-time run-scoring list, while within the Indian context, he needs 1,100 more runs to overtake Gavaskar for third place. With two more Tests against New Zealand and a five-Test series in Australia on the horizon, Kohli is poised to continue his ascent in the rankings.Kohli's passionate appeal to the crowd and his remarkable achievement on the field have once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the sport and his ability to inspire both his teammates and the fans.

Virat Kohli, the talismanic Indian cricketer, has always held Test cricket in the highest regard, considering it the ultimate test of a player's skill, character, and mental fortitude. Throughout his illustrious career, Kohli has consistently emphasized the unique challenges posed by the longest format of the game, which demands adaptability, resilience, and unwavering focus.Beyond his exceptional batting prowess, Kohli's on-field demeanor has become synonymous with his aggressive and passionate approach to the game. One of his signature gestures is the energetic crowd interaction, where he turns towards the stands and pumps up the spectators, urging them to amplify their support. This act of rallying the crowd is a testament to Kohli's deep connection with fans and his ability to harness their energy to fuel his own performance and that of the team.Kohli's crowd interaction is particularly evident during pivotal moments in matches, especially in high-pressure situations. Whether it's encouraging support during a crucial partnership, celebrating a key wicket, or raising the energy during tense periods, Kohli's ability to involve the fans plays a significant role in creating an intense atmosphere. His charisma and emotional expressions on the field not only lift the morale of the team but also amplify the excitement in the stadium.This crowd interaction is one of the many reasons Kohli has such a strong bond with Indian cricket fans, who see him as not just a player but a passionate leader who thrives on the collective energy of the team and the spectators. His ability to connect with the crowd and channel their support into his own performance is a testament to his exceptional leadership qualities and his deep understanding of the game.

Shreyas Iyer's 2024 has been a rollercoaster ride, filled with both setbacks and triumphs. After being dropped from the Test side and losing his BCCI central contract, Iyer bounced back to lead Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL title and win the Ranji Trophy with Mumbai.Iyer's biggest challenge this season was to overcome back issues and regain his fitness. He embarked on a rigorous training regimen, focusing on long-distance running and pushing his body to its limits. The results were evident in his performances, as he scored four half-centuries and a century in his last 11 innings.His century against Maharashtra was particularly significant, as it was his first in first-class cricket in nearly three years. Iyer expressed his delight at the achievement, saying, "Coming back after a very long time, obviously I was feeling a bit down with my injuries, but now getting a century after a very long time, it's a great feeling."Iyer is now eager to make a Test comeback, but he acknowledges that his fitness will be a key factor. He said, "I am absolutely keen for a [Test] comeback but yeah, as we say, control the controllables and my job is to keep performing and keep participating as much as possible and also see with that my body is in best shape."Iyer revealed that he had doubts about his back injury recurring after his surgery last year. However, he has since overcome those fears through intensive training. He said, "There was this phase where I was feeling that it might occur again. But yeah, I trained a lot to see to it that I have optimum fitness and obviously it comes here and there, but now my capacity has improved a lot."Iyer's fitness issues have led to some inaccurate perceptions about his ability to play Test cricket. He said, "See, I had addressed my feeling during the longer format and things didn't go my way. But I've also addressed it in the previous interviews I've given and I'm in a good space right now."Iyer has also had to adjust his approach to the red-ball format, given the defensive fields teams now employ. He said, "Nowadays when the teams come up, they straightaway put a defensive field right from ball one. So I was just trying to take some time, in between trying to play more balls than scoring shots, so that was my plan."Despite the challenges, Iyer remains optimistic about his future. He said, "You win three championships in a year, and what else can you ask for? All I see is the positive things over here and that is winning the trophy and that's what I want."

Virat Kohli's return to form in the second innings of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru has ignited hope among Indian cricket fans. After a prolonged slump, Kohli's well-crafted 70-run knock marked a significant milestone in his Test career.Kohli's struggles in Test cricket had become a major concern, with his last fifty coming in 2022. His inability to counter outside-off deliveries from pacers and off-spinners had been a recurring issue. However, against New Zealand, Kohli showcased his vintage form, executing flawless cover drives and displaying impeccable timing.The knock was crucial not only for Kohli's personal confidence but also for India's match situation. After being dismissed cheaply in the first innings, Kohli's contribution in the second innings helped India build a substantial lead.Kohli's resurgence is a timely boost for India, who have a busy Test schedule ahead. The team will face New Zealand in the remaining two Tests before embarking on a five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia. Kohli's impressive record against Australia on their home turf bodes well for India's chances.Despite his recent form, Kohli's overall numbers in Test cricket since the launch of the World Test Championship in 2019 have been underwhelming. He ranks 13th on the list of most runs scored, with an average of 38.77. However, his performance in the current ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 has been more encouraging, with an average of 48.90.As India aims to secure their maiden WTC title, Kohli's continued form will be crucial. His experience and ability to score runs in challenging conditions will be invaluable for the team.

India's Historic Low: A Tale of Collapse and ResilienceTwo weeks ago, the Indian cricket team basked in glory after crushing Bangladesh in the second Test at Kanpur. However, their fortunes took a dramatic turn in Bengaluru, where they suffered their lowest Test total on home soil.Batting first, India crumbled to a mere 46 against New Zealand, a score that shattered their previous record of 75 all out against the West Indies in 1987. The collapse sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, with Cricket Australia sarcastically asking, "Is 'All Out 46' the new 'All Out 36'?"Historically, teams dismissed for less than 50 runs in an innings have never won a Test match. Only once has a team managed to draw, with Australia achieving this feat in 1902.The Birmingham Miracle: Australia's 36 and a DrawIn the annals of Test cricket, the Birmingham Test of 1902 stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Australia, touring England, were bowled out for a shocking 36 in just 90 minutes, with Yorkshire's Wilfred Rhodes claiming an astonishing 7 for 17.Despite the humiliating collapse, Australia refused to surrender. Forced to follow on, they held their ground for 28 overs, losing only two wickets. Rain played a crucial role in their survival, as a downpour rendered the wicket unplayable and prevented England from securing a victory.A Series of ExtremesThe Birmingham Test was a microcosm of the entire 1902 series between Australia and England. The Australians, despite their low score in Birmingham, went on to win the series 2-1. They lost only two of the 39 matches played during the tour, showcasing their remarkable resilience and determination.Lessons from HistoryIndia's recent collapse serves as a reminder that even the most formidable teams can experience setbacks. However, the story of Australia's 36 in Birmingham offers hope that even in the face of adversity, resilience and determination can prevail.As India seeks to bounce back from their historic low, they can draw inspiration from the Australians of 1902. By embracing the lessons of history, they can overcome this setback and emerge stronger than ever before.

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.