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The National
12 hours ago
- Sport
- The National
Pakistan showed pragmatism by recalling Shaheen Afridi and resisting major changes after Bangladesh T20 defeat
Shaheen Afridi has been recalled to Pakistan's T20I squad for a three-match series against West Indies which begins in Florida on Friday. Widely seen as the country's best fast bowler over the past five years, Shaheen was struggling to find rhythm in the recent T20 Internationals. For that reason, he was either rested or dropped for Pakistan's last two T20 series (at home and away against Bangladesh). Shaheen had an alarming dip in his form in the format. Post T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA, the left-arm quick took just six wickets at an average of 49.83 and went wicketless in six of the nine T20Is. However, after his Pakistan Super League heroics, where he led his team Lahore Qalandars to a third PSL title in four years and finished as the tournament's top wicket-taker with 19 scalps at an economy rate of 7.76, it was just a matter of time before he was recalled into the side. Shaheen's knack for striking early was on display in the recent PSL as he claimed five wickets in the first over of the innings and went at just 5.58 per over. Notably, 10 of his 19 wickets came during the last four must-win matches, underlining his ability to deliver under pressure. As Shaheen is a new-ball specialist, his return has come at the expense of losing Salman Mirza, another Lahore Qalandars new-ball bowler, who in his debut T20I series against Bangladesh grabbed seven wickets in three matches with an economy of 5.21. In most teams, such squad rotations are seen as routine. But in Pakistan, where recency bias often overrides long-term thinking and emotion-driven decisions can complicate selection, this sparked a debate. In fact, reactions on social media would make one believe Pakistan had dropped a legend like Wasim Akram. Such overreactions highlight why players in Pakistan are reluctant to rest and often continue playing without their workload being managed because newcomers can get preference after performing in low-stakes series. Though Mirza's seven wickets came against a 10th ranked team and on substandard pitches, the possibility of him and Shaheen bowling together for Pakistan in the near-future cannot be ruled out, especially considering the lack of new-ball bowling options in the country. Since the start of 2024, Pakistan's opening bowlers have gone at 8.09 an over, the worst analysis for a Test playing nation in men's T20 Internationals. Pakistan's economy in powerplay during this period is also third worst (8.70), behind only West Indies (9.06) and England (9.42). A major factor behind Pakistan's poor numbers at the start of the innings is use of part-time bowlers or those who are in the team due to bowling being their secondary skill. Under the new leadership of head coach Mike Hesson and captain Salman Agha, Pakistan have played six T20Is, all of which featured the new ball being shared by bowlers selected primarily for their batting: Saim Ayub, Faheem Ashraf and Agha himself. The trio of Saim, Faheem and Agha also bowled 15 out of 36 overs in the powerplay in the recent six T20Is. Faheem accounted for 17 wickets in the recent PSL, so there can be an argument that he qualifies as a bowler, but it must not be forgotten that those 17 wickets came with an economy of 11.19, the worst among 28 bowlers in the tournament who bowled at least 20 overs. For years, Pakistan have been labeled as a conservative batting side in the powerplay. That idea is beginning to change with the introduction of aggressive batters like Saim, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Haris and Hasan Nawaz. But there is a risk that, while modernising their batting, Pakistan may now become a defensive bowling side if underpowered bowlers continue to bowl in the powerplay. The hope is that the 41 per cent of overs bowled by weaker bowlers during powerplay is only an experiment rather than a long-term strategy. With a packed T20 schedule ahead, the management and the selectors do have room to try combinations. That flexibility may also explain why the batting unit wasn't overhauled despite the recent series defeat in Bangladesh. It is worth noting that some of the best sides like Australia, England and New Zealand have struggled in Bangladesh in recent years due to the slow and low pitches. Bangladesh's home conditions have faced repeated criticism for stifling batting development, which is evident from their record as the third-best home side and second-worst away team over the last four years. For once, Pakistan selectors and management deserve credit for showing restraint. They resisted the urge to make reactionary changes, stuck with the new attacking batting group and reinstated experienced bowlers like Shaheen and Haris Rauf. That patience might again be tested in Florida. In the recent edition of Major League Cricket, the average first innings total in Florida was just 147, significantly lower than the 190-plus average totals in Dallas and Oakland (San Francisco). For Pakistan, that means the upcoming series could be another tough test but also an opportunity to finalise their best squad before marquee events like the Asia Cup in the UAE and the T20 World Cup early next year.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Rizwan to lead Pak in ODIs against WI
Captain Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi must lift their game to bring success to Pakistan on the West Indies tour. PHOTO: AFP Wicket-keeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan will lead Pakistan in the three-match ODI series against West Indies as the Men's National Selection Committee named a 16-member ODI squad on Friday. The series will be played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad & Tobago on 8, 10 and 12 August. Right-handed batter Hasan Nawaz is the only uncapped player in the ODI squad, while Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi are part of the ODI squad. Pakistan will also play three T20Is against the West Indies, scheduled on 31 July, 2 and 3 August, at the Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill, USA. Salman Ali Agha will captain the T20I side, while fast bowlers Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi return to the squad in this format. Following the conclusion of the three-match T20I series in Bangladesh, Pakistan team will arrive in the USA on Sunday, 27 July. Usman, Imam, Khushdil, Wasim Jr, Irfan axed Several key players, including Salman Mirza, Akif Javed, and Imam-ul-Haq, have been dropped from Pakistan's squad. In the T20I squad, young pacers Abbas Afridi, Salman Mirza, and Ahmed Daniyal have been dropped. All three had featured in the recent three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, where Pakistan suffered a 2-1 defeat in Mirpur. Salman Mirza's exclusion raised eyebrows, as he was Pakistan's top wicket-taker in the series, finishing with seven wickets in three games at an impressive economy rate of 5.21. Ahmed Daniyal, who also made his debut in that series, picked up three wickets in two matches at an economy rate of 5.57 and chipped in with 17 valuable runs at a strike rate of 154.54. Abbas Afridi, known for his performances in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), could not make a significant impact and has also been left out of the touring party. In the ODI squad, several players from the team that faced New Zealand earlier this year have been dropped. Akif Javed, Usman Khan, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Irfan Khan, Haris Rauf and Tayyab Tahir are all missing from the 16-member squad for the three-match series. Imam-ul-Haq, who made a comeback in Pakistan's ODI setup against New Zealand, has not been included. Similarly, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Akif Javed, Usman Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Irfan Khan and Tayyab Tahir, who were expected to be part of Pakistan's long-term plans, have also failed to retain their places. Young pacer Akif Javed, who impressed in the New Zealand series earlier this year by taking seven wickets in three games at an average of 23.57, has also been left out of the squad. Another notable exclusion from the ODI squad is Khushdil Shah, who last featured in the Champions Trophy match against India, where he scored 38 runs to help Pakistan reach a respectable total. He also claimed one wicket in that game. Wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan has also been dropped from the squad without being given a proper chance in the ODI team. He featured in just two matches, scoring 51 runs. Pakistan's tour of the West Indies will begin with three T20Is in Lauderhill, USA, followed by three ODIs in Trinidad & Tobago. 16-member squad for ODIs: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sufyan Moqim 15-member squad for T20Is: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wicket-keeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sufyan Moqim Team management: Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Hanif Malik (batting Coach), Shane McDermott (fielding Coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Irtaza Komail (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur).
Express Tribune
7 days ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Mirza, Farhan star as Pak beat BD
Pakistan's Salman Mirza (R) celebrates after taking the wicket of Bangladesh's Jaker Ali (L) during the third and final Twenty20 international at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Thursday. Photo: AFP Paceman Salman Mirza grabbed three wickets and opener Sahibzada Farhan struck an aggressive fifty in Pakistan's consolation 74-run win in the third T20 on Thursday as Bangladesh took the series 2-1. Mirza, playing only his third international, demolished Bangladesh's top order with figures of 3-19 as the home team was bowled out for 104 in 16.4 overs in Dhaka. Farhan's 41-ball 63 studded with five sixes and six fours got Pakistan off to a strong start and Hasan Nawaz clubbed 33 off 17 balls to help them to 178-7 after they were sent in to bat. Mirza struck with the second ball of the innings, dismissing Tanzid Hassan caught behind for nought which triggered a batting collapse. Only Mohammad Saifuddin contributed a score of note as he made an unbeaten 35. Mohammad Naim (10) was the only other Bangladesh batsman to reach double figures. Seamer Faheem Ashraf took 2-13 and Mohammad Nawaz wrapped up the win with the final two wickets. Having already won their first-ever T20 series against Pakistan with victories in the first two matches, Bangladesh rested five of their main players including spearhead Mustafizur Rahman. Pakistan had scored 110 and 125 in the first two matches — also in Dhaka — losing by seven wickets and eight runs respectively. Farhan, who replaced Fakhar Zaman as one of two changes for Pakistan, put on 82 for the opening stand with Saim Ayub (21). Farhan fell in the 12th over to spinner Nasum Ahmed who finished with 2-22 in his four overs. Pace bowler Taskin Ahmed took 3-38. Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with 27 off 16 balls down the order to help Pakistan add 46 runs in the last five overs. Pak, Afghanistan, UAE in 'final talks' over tri-nation series The arrangements for a tri-nation series involving Pakistan, Afghanistan and the UAE have entered their final stages, with an official announcement expected after the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting, sources said on Thursday. According to insiders, discussions regarding the series will be finalised on the sidelines of the ACC sessions. The complete schedule and venues are likely to be revealed once the meeting concludes. Sources further indicated that the tri-series will be held in the UAE ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. Initially, Pakistan was scheduled to host Afghanistan in a bilateral series this August. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) proposed converting the series into a tri-nation event and moving it to the UAE. The objective of hosting the series in the UAE is to help players adapt to the conditions ahead of the Asia Cup. It is to be noted that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the ACC is set to take place in Bangladesh today, with an overwhelming majority of member nations confirming participation. Out of the 25 ACC members, 24 have confirmed their attendance, far exceeding the required quorum of 13 in what is being hailed as a major diplomatic success for ACC President Mohsin Naqvi. Despite initial resistance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), and Oman Cricket over the venue, Naqvi's persistent efforts ensured that the AGM would proceed as scheduled in the Bangladeshi capital. Significantly, India is also participating in the meeting virtually, with BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla expected to attend online a marked shift from the board's earlier stance.
Business Recorder
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Business Recorder
Pakistan keep Bangladesh down to 133 in second T20I
DHAKA: Pacers Salman Mirza and debutant Ahmed Daniyal grabbed two wickets apiece to restrict Bangladesh to 133 all out in the second Twenty20 international in Dhaka on Tuesday. Mirza finished with 2-17 and Daniyal took 2-23 after Pakistan won the toss and sent Bangladesh into bat on another slow-paced pitch. Jaker Ali hit a fiery 48-ball 55 for his third T20I fifty, smashing five sixes and a boundary before holing out off the final delivery of the 20th over. Fast bowler Abbas Afridi also grabbed 2-37. Bangladesh lead the three-match series 1-0 after winning the first match – also at the same venue – by seven wickets. Clinical Bangladesh thump sloppy Pakistan in first T20I Bangladesh had lost four wickets by sixth over for 28 before Jaker and Mahedi Hasan revived the innings with a 53-run stand for the fifth wicket. Mahedi scored a 25-ball 33 with two sixes and as many boundaries.
Express Tribune
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Emon stars as BD stun Pakistan
Bangladesh's Parvez Hossain Emon celebrates after scoring a half-century during the first Twenty20 international cricket match against Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on July 20. PHOTO: AFP Bangladesh secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Sunday, thanks to a match-winning half-century from Parvez Hossain Emon. Chasing a modest target of 111, the hosts suffered early setbacks as debutant Salman Mirza struck twice in his opening spell. He removed Tanzid Hasan for just one run in the first over and followed it up with the wicket of Bangladesh skipper Litton Das — also for one — in his second over, leaving the home side struggling at 7-2 in 2.2 overs. Parvez Hossain and Towhid Hridoy then steadied the innings with a crucial 73-run partnership for the third wicket, rebuilding Bangladesh's chase after the early collapse. The stand was eventually broken by Abbas Afridi, who dismissed Hridoy for 36 off 37 balls, with Bangladesh at 80-3 in 12.3 overs. Emon continued his fine form, anchoring the chase with a composed knock. He brought up his second T20I fifty and remained unbeaten on 56, guiding Bangladesh to victory in 15.3 overs. Jaker Ali chipped in with 15 off 10 deliveries to help Bangladesh take a 1-0 lead in the series. For Pakistan, Salman Mirza impressed on debut with figures of 2/23 in 3.3 overs, while Abbas Afridi picked up one wicket. Batting first, Pakistan showed early promise through openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, who found boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking. However, the momentum quickly faded. Saim was dismissed for six by Taskin Ahmed in the second over, and Mohammad Haris followed soon after, hitting a boundary off Mahedi Hasan before being bowled on the next ball. Skipper Agha Salman struggled to get going and fell to Tanzim Hasan Sakib for just three. The pressure mounted as Mustafizur Rahman removed Hassan Nawaz for a duck, reducing Pakistan to 41-4. Mohammad Nawaz's run-out due to a miscommunication further dented Pakistan's hopes, leaving them at 46-5 in 7.4 overs. Fakhar Zaman was the standout performer, scoring a resilient 44 off 34 balls. However, his innings was cut short following another mix-up, this time with Khushdil Shah, resulting in a run-out at 70-6. Abbas Afridi offered some late resistance, smashing three sixes, while Khushdil tried to stabilise the innings. Their 33-run stand was broken when Mustafizur dismissed Khushdil for 17, leaving Pakistan at 103-7 in 16.2 overs. Taskin Ahmed returned to dismantle the lower order, dismissing Faheem Ashraf (5), running out debutant Salman Mirza for a duck, and eventually removing Afridi for 22 to wrap up the innings. Pakistan were bowled out for 110 in 19.5 oversmarking their lowest T20I total against Bangladesh. Taskin Ahmed led the bowling charge with figures of 3 for 24, while Mustafizur Rahman claimed 2 for 29. Mahedi Hasan and Tanzim Hasan Sakib chipped in with a wicket apiece. It is pertinent to mention that the second T20I of the series will be played at the same venue on Tuesday.
