Cricket

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has expressed concern over the recent struggles of fast bowler Haris Rauf, urging him to seek proper guidance to regain his form. Rauf's poor run of form began during last year's World Cup, where he claimed 16 wickets in 9 matches but leaked runs throughout the campaign. He then missed Pakistan's Test tour of Australia to participate in the Big Bash League.Upon his return to the squad during Pakistan's recent 4-1 T20I series loss against New Zealand, Rauf managed to take seven wickets in four matches but conceded 162 runs. Afridi, speaking to a local news channel, expressed his bewilderment at Rauf's struggles and emphasized the need for guidance from senior players."Right now, Haris Rauf seems to be struggling with his bowling, and I'm not quite understanding it. He needs honest help at this moment, the guidance of seniors is necessary because we shouldn't sideline him completely," Afridi said.Afridi acknowledged Rauf's potential and his past contributions that resulted in 'great success' for the Pakistan team. He believes that Rauf will improve further by playing longer-format cricket, which will help him develop his bowling skills."He has given some fantastic performances for Pakistan. That boy will improve even more when he plays longer-format cricket. When he plays four-day cricket, his bowling will automatically improve, but right now, he needs our support," Afridi added.Rauf's struggles have led to his central contract being terminated by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) last week. The PCB stated that Rauf's contract was terminated on December 1, 2023, and he will not be granted a no-objection certificate (NOC) to play in any foreign league until June 30, 2024.The PCB's decision came after Rauf refused to feature in the Test series against Australia. The board provided Rauf with a chance for a personal hearing on January 30, but his response was found unsatisfactory.Rauf has played one Test, 37 ODIs, and 66 T20Is for Pakistan, taking 160 international wickets.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian spinner, has reached a significant milestone in his illustrious career by claiming his 500th Test wicket during the third match against England. This remarkable achievement has earned him a place among the cricketing greats, and former South Africa skipper AB de Villiers has heaped praise on Ashwin, labeling him a legend of the game.De Villiers, who has faced Ashwin's bowling firsthand, knows the challenges that the Indian spinner poses to batsmen. He described Ashwin as "one of the toughest bowlers I have ever played against," highlighting his natural variation, bounce, and subtle changes with his wrist. De Villiers also praised Ashwin's accuracy, knowledge of the game, and patience, which make him a formidable opponent.The South African legend advised England's batters to stay positive and use their feet a lot more against Ashwin in the remaining two Tests of the five-match series. He suggested that putting pressure on Ashwin by coming down the wicket, staying back deep in the crease, and working him to the leg side could be effective strategies to counter his bowling.De Villiers also took the opportunity to praise young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who slammed a double hundred in the second innings in Rajkot. He described Jaiswal as an "incredible player" with aggressive batting skills and a knack for putting pressure on the bowlers. De Villiers believes that Jaiswal has the potential to succeed in different conditions around the world, given his ability, talent, and mindset.Ashwin's 500th Test wicket is a testament to his skill, dedication, and longevity in the game. He has been a key player for India over the years, contributing with both bat and ball. De Villiers' praise for Ashwin is a fitting tribute to the Indian spinner's achievements and his status as a legend of the game.

The inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL) auction brought forth a unique set of challenges for England's star all-rounder, Nat Sciver-Brunt. While she secured a whopping £320,000 contract with Mumbai Indians, she had to balance her excitement with the reality of missing out on a T20 World Cup match and the potential impact on her England teammates.The scheduling conflict between the WPL and England's tour of New Zealand further complicated matters. Sciver-Brunt faced a difficult choice between financial gain and national duty. She ultimately decided to prioritize the WPL, acknowledging the financial implications and the opportunity to support her Mumbai team.England Women's head coach, Jon Lewis, also faced a dilemma as he had to manage the team's participation in the WPL while ensuring their preparation for the New Zealand tour. The situation highlighted the need for national boards to create a window for the WPL to avoid such clashes in the future.Sciver-Brunt's decision to join the WPL meant that she would miss the first three T20Is against New Zealand. However, she expressed confidence that this would provide an opportunity for other players to gain experience and showcase their skills. She also emphasized the importance of maintaining the focus on international cricket.The WPL auction also brought to light the issue of the terminology used to describe the process of acquiring players. Sciver-Brunt expressed discomfort with the term "being sold," highlighting the need for more appropriate language in the context of women's cricket.Sciver-Brunt's experience in subcontinental conditions, gained through her recent tours to India, is expected to benefit England in the upcoming T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and the 2025 World Cup in India. She also expressed her commitment to supporting her Mumbai team and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, drawing on her experience as a senior player in the England side.

In a thrilling encounter at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Karachi Kings secured their first victory in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 8, defeating Peshawar Zalmi by a convincing seven-wicket margin. The match witnessed a remarkable batting display from Kieron Pollard, who overshadowed Babar Azam's landmark achievement, while Peshawar Zalmi's batting lineup faltered under pressure.Chasing a modest target of 155 set by Peshawar Zalmi, Karachi Kings openers James Vince and Sharjeel Khan provided a solid start, putting on a 43-run partnership before Khan departed for 21. Vince continued his steady knock, accumulating 38 runs off 34 balls, while Babar Azam's younger brother, Umar Akmal, chipped in with a quickfire 20 off 13 deliveries.However, it was the power-hitting of Kieron Pollard that propelled Karachi Kings to victory. The West Indian all-rounder entered the crease with his team needing 73 runs off 48 balls and proceeded to unleash a brutal assault on the Zalmi bowlers. Pollard smashed four towering sixes and four boundaries in his blistering 21-ball 49, taking Karachi Kings home in just 16.5 overs.Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi, after being put into bat, struggled to build substantial partnerships. Babar Azam, the star batsman, played a lone hand, scoring 72 off 51 balls, including seven boundaries and two sixes. However, he lacked support from his teammates, as the Zalmi innings revolved around his brilliance.The Karachi Kings bowlers, led by left-arm pacer Mir Hamza, kept the Zalmi batters in check. Hamza claimed three wickets for 28 runs, including the prized scalp of Babar Azam, while Hasan Ali and Mohammad Nawaz picked up two wickets each.With this victory, Karachi Kings have two points from two games, while Peshawar Zalmi remains winless after two matches. The tournament promises to deliver more exciting contests as the teams vie for a place in the playoffs.

In a thrilling encounter, Afghanistan secured a narrow three-run victory over Sri Lanka in the third T20I match in Dambulla, ending the series on a high note. The match witnessed a flurry of runs and fierce knocks from both sides, with Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka leading the charge.Afghanistan, electing to bat first, got off to a blistering start thanks to Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai's aggressive batting. The duo put on an 88-run opening stand in just 48 deliveries, punishing the Sri Lankan bowlers to all parts of the ground. Gurbaz, in particular, looked in ominous touch, striking a 43-ball 70, while Zazai contributed with a brutal 45 off 22 balls.Sri Lanka's bowlers struggled to contain the Afghan onslaught, with none able to maintain an economy rate below eight. Angelo Mathews, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, and Akila Dananjaya all bore the brunt of the punishment, conceding more than 10 runs per over.After the dismissal of Gurbaz and Zazai, Afghanistan continued to maintain a healthy scoring rate, thanks to valuable contributions from Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, and debutant Mohammed Ishaq. Ishaq, in particular, played a crucial role in the final over, striking two boundaries to push Afghanistan's total to 209 for 5.In response, Sri Lanka got off to a solid start, with Nissanka leading the charge. The diminutive opener played a blistering knock of 60 off 30 deliveries, including six fours and three sixes, before retiring hurt due to a hamstring strain. Nissanka's departure was a significant blow to Sri Lanka's chase, but Kamindu Mendis kept them in the hunt with a valiant 65 off 39 balls.Despite Nissanka and Mendis' efforts, Sri Lanka fell just short of the target, finishing on 206 for 5. Dasun Shanaka and Mendis put on a quick-fire 35-run stand in the final overs, but it wasn't enough to seal the victory.In the end, Afghanistan's bowlers held their nerve, with Nabi and Rashid Khan picking up two wickets each. The win gave Afghanistan their solitary victory in the three-match series, while Sri Lanka secured the series 2-1.

Shubman Gill's resurgence in the ongoing Test series against England is a testament to his mental fortitude and ability to adapt to new challenges. After a lean patch spanning nine innings and the pressure of adjusting to the unfamiliar No. 3 slot, Gill has emerged as a key player for India, contributing significantly to the team's success with a string of impressive performances.Gill's transformation can be attributed to his ability to manage expectations and focus on the present moment. He recognized that the expectations he had set for himself were becoming a burden, leading to disappointment and affecting his performance. By adjusting his mindset and learning to let go of these expectations, Gill has been able to play with greater freedom and confidence.The 24-year-old's batting position at No. 3 has presented him with a different set of challenges compared to his preferred opening role. While he has experience batting in the middle order in domestic matches, the added responsibility of setting the tone or rebuilding an innings requires a different approach. Gill has shown maturity and adaptability in handling these situations, demonstrating his versatility as a batsman.Gill's innings in Visakhapatnam and Rajkot exemplify his ability to adapt to different match situations. In Visakhapatnam, he marshaled India's second innings, batting for almost 48 overs and guiding the team to a respectable total. In Rajkot, he played a supporting role to Yashasvi Jaiswal's aggressive century, ensuring that India maintained their dominance in the match.Gill's resurgence is a positive sign for India as they look to consolidate their position in the World Test Championship. His ability to score big runs and play according to the situation makes him a valuable asset to the team. If he can continue to perform consistently, India will be well-positioned to achieve success in the upcoming matches and secure a place in the final of the World Test Championship.

In a remarkable achievement, former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has etched his name in the history books by becoming the fastest batter to reach the milestone of 10,000 runs in the T20 format. This extraordinary feat was accomplished in a mere 271 innings, surpassing the previous record held by West Indies legend Chris Gayle, who took 285 innings to reach the same milestone. India's batting maestro Virat Kohli stands third on the list, having taken 299 innings to achieve this remarkable feat.Babar's journey to this historic milestone was marked by consistency and brilliance. Playing for Peshawar Zalmi in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL), he needed just six runs to set the world record. With nerves of steel and unwavering focus, he successfully achieved this milestone during a match against Karachi Kings, while also leading his team as captain.It is noteworthy that Babar narrowly missed reaching the milestone in the previous game against Quetta Gladiators, where he was dismissed for 68 runs. However, his determination and unwavering focus propelled him to become the 13th player overall to reach the coveted 10,000-run mark in the T20 format.Babar's achievement is even more remarkable considering that he is still only 28 years old, with many more years of cricket ahead of him. His ability to score runs at a rapid pace, coupled with his consistency and adaptability, makes him one of the most exciting and dangerous batters in the world today.Chris Gayle, the previous record holder, remains the leading run-scorer in T20 cricket, with an impressive tally of 14,562 runs. However, Babar's rapid ascent up the ranks suggests that he could potentially challenge Gayle's record in the years to come.Babar's achievement is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the sport. It is a moment of pride for Pakistan cricket and a reminder of the immense talent that exists within the country.

In a thrilling encounter at Wellington's Sky Stadium, Australia snatched a nail-biting six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the opening Twenty20 international. Chasing a challenging target of 216, the Aussies rode on Mitchell Marsh's blistering 72 and Tim David's last-ball heroics to seal a dramatic triumph.New Zealand, batting first, posted an imposing 215-3, powered by Rachin Ravindra's maiden T20I half-century (68 off 35 balls). The hosts' innings was characterized by aggressive strokeplay, with Glenn Phillips (43) and Mark Chapman (32) providing valuable contributions.Australia's chase got off to a solid start, with openers Travis Head (24) and David Warner (32) putting on a 46-run partnership. However, the introduction of spin stifled their momentum, as Ish Sodhi and Michael Bracewell picked up quick wickets to leave the visitors reeling at 68-3.Enter Mitchell Marsh, who took the New Zealand attack head-on. The Australian skipper unleashed a flurry of boundaries, smashing seven sixes and two fours in his 44-ball 72. He forged a crucial 42-run stand with Glenn Maxwell (25) before Josh Inglis (20) joined him in a 51-run partnership.With the match slipping away, Tim David stepped up to the plate. The hard-hitting all-rounder remained composed under pressure, striking a six and a boundary off the final two deliveries to seal a remarkable victory for Australia.New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner acknowledged the power of the Australian batting lineup, admitting that their inability to take wickets proved costly. The series now moves to Auckland for the remaining two T20Is, followed by a two-Test series.

In a remarkable display of power-hitting, Andhra batter Vamshhi Krrishna etched his name into the record books by becoming only the fourth Indian batsman to smash six sixes in an over during a Col CK Nayudu Trophy match against Railways in Kadapa on Wednesday.Krrishna's extraordinary feat, achieved on the fourth and final day of the encounter, saw him collect a staggering 36 runs in a single over bowled by Damandeep Singh. The right-handed batsman's breathtaking 64-ball 110 innings was highlighted by this stunning exhibition of clean striking.Krrishna's assault on Damandeep began with a slog-sweep that sailed over the deep mid-wicket fence. He then went downtown on the second ball, launching it over the long-on boundary. The third ball of the over was met with a powerful smash over the deep fence once again.The fourth and fifth deliveries of the over witnessed Krrishna's continued dominance, as he executed another slog sweep over the deep fence and a conventional sweep over the deep square-leg boundary, respectively.Krrishna capped off his extraordinary display of power-hitting by rocking onto the backfoot and clubbing the sixth ball of the over over the deep fence, leaving Damandeep shell-shocked and the crowd in awe.Despite Krrishna's heroics, the Andhra vs Railways match ended in a draw. After Railways posted a total of 378 in their first innings, Andhra responded with a mammoth 865 for 9, setting the stage for Krrishna's record-breaking feat.Krrishna's achievement places him in an elite group of Indian batsmen who have achieved the rare feat of hitting six sixes in an over. He joins the ranks of Ravi Shastri (1985), Yuvraj Singh (2007), and Ruturaj Gaikwad (2022), who have all accomplished this remarkable feat in the past.