In a gripping opening match of the ACC T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024, India staged a remarkable comeback to secure a thrilling victory against Pakistan Shaheen. The Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 contest unfolded on Saturday in Al Amerat, where India's talented fast bowler, Anshul Kamboj, emerged as the standout performer, claiming three pivotal wickets and showcasing exceptional skills by defending 17 runs in the final over, ultimately leading India A to a spectacular seven-run triumph. Batting first, India laid a solid foundation with an impressive total of 183 runs for the loss of eight wickets. Captain Tilak Varma played a pivotal role, leading from the front with a polished knock of 44 runs off 35 deliveries. His innings was characterized by a blend of strategic shot selection and aggressive intent. Openers Abhishek Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh also made significant contributions, both scoring brisk thirties that propelled India to a competitive score. Their quickfire partnerships helped build momentum and set the stage for a challenging chase. In response, Pakistan Shaheen's innings began under pressure, thanks to Kamboj's fiery bowling during the powerplay. He struck early, dismantling the opposition's top order with two crucial wickets, putting Pakistan on the back foot. As the match progressed, the tension mounted, with both teams vying for control. Also Read: 'Things didn't go my way': Test comeback on Iyer’s mind amid injury setbacks The climax of the encounter unfolded in the final over, where Kamboj's nerves of steel came to the fore. Defending 17 runs, he displayed remarkable composure, executing his bowling plans with precision. With every delivery, the pressure on Pakistan grew, and Kamboj’s strategic variations proved instrumental in sealing the win for India. This victory not only marked a triumphant start for India A in the tournament but also highlighted the depth of talent in the emerging players’ roster. Anshul Kamboj’s all-round performance, combined with the solid batting foundation laid by the top order, exemplified the team's potential. As India A looks to build on this momentum, the combination of youthful exuberance and seasoned leadership under Varma bodes well for their prospects in the tournament.
19 October,2024 11:03 PM IST | Oman | mid-day online correspondentMumbai batter Shreyas Iyer on Saturday expressed his desire to make a comeback to the Indian Test squad, emphasising the hard work he has put into cultivating patience and resilience for the longer format after undergoing back surgery. The 29-year-old, who had been battling a recurring back injury for which he underwent surgery last year, scored his first century in red-ball cricket since his Test debut nearly three years ago during the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 second-round match against Maharashtra. His last first-class ton was against New Zealand in the Kanpur Test in November 2021. "It feels special, 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 overall," Iyer told reporters at the end of day's play. "I am absolutely keen for a comeback, but as we say, control the controllables, and my job is to keep performing, and keep participating as much as possible and also see to it that my body is in best shape." Iyer, who was also dropped from the BCCI central contract list earlier this year, last featured in the home Test series against England in February, and although he participated in the ODI series against Sri Lanka in August, he emphasised his strong desire to play red-ball cricket. "Absolutely (the drive is still to play Tests). That's why I've been playing. I mean, or else I would have given a reason and sat out." Also Read: Sarfaraz Khan asserts his position as a first XI contender with majestic 150 In the last five first-class games, including in the Duleep Trophy, Irani Trophy and Ranji Trophy 2024-25, Iyer has scored three fifties and a 40 in 10 innings. Asked about missing out on the Test team, Iyer said, "I had addressed my feeling during the longer format and things didn't go my way. But I'm in good space right now. I'm doing what I'm meant to do. "All the matches I've played right now in the past have helped me gain that fitness level as well, along with my training program. This is my seventh match on the trot and the body has taken a lot of load at the same time. So, we have to manage here and there and see to it that I strategise in terms of how I play. "I have to be smart in terms of what decisions I take. I need to see to it that my body is in best shape possible and I have to decide according to that. I have to listen to my body because I know the amount of threshold I've carried over the last few years and, based on that, I'll be taking the right decision, and I hope that my team will also back (me)." Iyer made a comeback in the Asia Cup last year after recovering from a back injury and went on to participate in the ODI World Cup in October-November. In early 2024, he was selected for the first two home Tests against England but was subsequently omitted from the remaining three matches. Also Read: Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Mumbai’s Thakur anticipates intense rivalry in Maharashtrian derby Asked if he fears the injury could come back, he said, "Not anymore." "The surgery was last year, and after that I played the World Cup, Asia Cup, and many more matches. There was this phase where I was feeling that it might occur again, but 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, who led the Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL title earlier this year, spoke about his training post the back surgery. "I improved my long-distance running. Increased my patience as well in terms of the longer format. I did intensive training like, I was stressing up my body, pushing my body 400-800 metres of running. I was trying to push my limits, and seeing to it that I was at the best fitness possible." Joining hands with his 17-year-old teammate Ayush Mhatre, the pair put up a 200-run stand, helping Mumbai take a sizeable lead. "Nowadays, when the teams come up they straight away 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, play session by session, and try to see how much my body can take." (With agency inputs)
19 October,2024 09:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe anticipated rain has held off in Bengaluru, allowing the IND vs NZ 1st Test to progress to a point where either team could win, with New Zealand currently in a favorable position. However, weather conditions might still play a decisive role. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), after rain cut short play on the fourth day, Sunday's forecast predicts a generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers. Similarly, Accuweather forecasts thunderstorms in the area late Saturday night through Sunday evening. Given the match situation, New Zealand will resume their innings needing 107 runs with all ten second-innings wickets in hand. This forecast could work to India's advantage, potentially limiting the time available for New Zealand to chase the target. Conversely, New Zealand, eager to overturn their recent 2-0 Test series loss in Sri Lanka and defy their underdog status in this series, will hope for enough clear weather to achieve their goal, as per ESPNcricinfo. Rain is getting heavier and heavier. Increase brightness to max to feel it. No possibility of play before 1:30 pm.#INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/FP1huhNrj9 — Aman (@CricketSatire) October 19, 2024 The first day of the IND vs NZ 1st Test saw no play due to persistent rain, which kept the covers on all day. Play commenced the following morning under overcast skies, and New Zealand's fast bowlers quickly capitalized on the conditions, dismissing India for a mere 46 runs in 31.2 overs. New Zealand then posted a formidable 402, with India responding with 462, leaving New Zealand a target that, on paper, seems modest. Fortunately, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is equipped with a world-class drainage facility and a subsurface aeration system designed to allow play to resume swiftly after rain stops. This advanced system ensures that any rain interruptions can be managed effectively, keeping hopes alive for a result in this intriguing Test match. Also Read: Rishabh Pant eclipses MS Dhoni in a milestone during breezy knock against Kiwis Coming to the fourth day of the match, India, who were going great guns in their second innings and were 407-3 at one point, lost seven wickets in less than 60 runs. The dismal performance in the first innings, when they could score only 46 runs, continues to haunt them. Sarfaraz Khan continued his good form and notched up 150. Rishabh Pant also made valuable contribution of 99. KL Rahul failed to be among runs. India's troubles mounted as New Zealand bowlers made good use of new ball in the post-Tea session. Ravindra Jadeja was the first to fall, dismissed by William O' Rourke for 5. India managed to reach 450 in 94.5 overs but the wickets kept tumbling. When Ravichandran Ashwin was dismissed, India had scored 458 runs. Jasprit Bumrah followed soon after, dismissed for a duck by Matt Henry, reducing India to 462/9. Mohammed Siraj also fell for a duck just two balls later, with Henry claiming his third wicket. Kuldeep Yadav remained unbeaten on 6, struggling to score as the ball was stopping on the wet outfield. Both William O' Rourke and Matt Henry ended with three wickets each, while Tim Southee picked up one. Ajaz Patel and Glenn Phillips, also made contributions, taking two and one wicket respectively. This effort by New Zealand's fast bowling unit, claiming 17 wickets, is the most by a visiting side in a Test match in India since South Africa took 19 wickets in Ahmedabad in 2008. As New Zealand openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway came out to bat, they only faced four deliveries from Jasprit Bumrah before bad light stopped play for the day. Latham survived a scare ball when a Bumrah delivery pitched outside off. India lost the review. With New Zealand keen to make 107 runs, India have their task cut out to take all ten wickets. (With agency inputs)
19 October,2024 09:21 PM IST | Bengaluru | mid-day online correspondentSarfaraz Khan tore his helmet away and roared like a gladiator as his backfoot punch off Tim Southee touched the ropes. The unbridled celebration was after his emotionally-layered maiden Test hundred, but it was also a statement. Sarfaraz was loudly telling the world that he is no longer a replacement, but a firm contender for a slot in the first eleven even when Shubman Gill's stiff neck is healed. It would have been the moment Sarfaraz and his cricket tragic father Naushad was hoping to see when they started the journey in the modest maidans of Mumbai. Sarfaraz has not forgotten those days either – a stingy childhood and travelling to nets at Shivaji Park in a crammed Mumbai local. “I talk to my father quite often since he keeps me motivated all the time. I felt good since it was my maiden century playing for India. It has been a dream for me since childhood. Extremely happy,” Sarfaraz almost choked on words during the post-day press meet. Touching his dream point was not easy either. The 26-year-old had to survive body-shaming for his rotund figure and social media’s holier-than-thou judgment of his finger-pointing celebration one time. Perhaps, it made him walk through his catharsis and taught him to value life and cricket better. “I always keep this in mind that tomorrow is uncertain. It's happened in the past that while thinking about tomorrow, my present was hampered. So, I try to stay in the present,” he opened up his philosophical side. But it cleverly masked his cricketing smarts, acquired from the highly practical world of Mumbai cricket. Also Read: Rishabh Pant eclipses MS Dhoni in a milestone during breezy knock against Kiwis It reflected in the way he handled strapping New Zealand pacer William O’Rourke during the IND vs NZ 1st Test. O’Rourke hit the hard lengths and tried to bounce out Sarfaraz as he did against Virat Kohli. But the Mumbai man used late or upper cuts to nullify those grunt balls from the Kiwi. He plays those shots in a peculiar manner – a static foot giving him balance while quick hands send the ball into the wide arc between point and deep third man. It has no mention in a coaching manual but is effective as evidenced by his success on this day. Out of the 150 in the IND vs NZ 1st Test, he scored 83 runs on the off-side and in that 58 flowed through the aforementioned region. “I like playing the balls that rise high. I have a bouncy wicket back at home (Mumbai), and I play regularly there, and the bounce easily allows me to cut it. “They (Kiwis) were trying to ball short at me outside the off, and I simply played accordingly. It was fun,” Sarfaraz explained. But for O’Rourke it was not fun as Sarfaraz carted him for 39 runs off 35 balls with six fours. The Kiwi admitted it candidly. “He played me really well. With that angle of me sort of falling away, it opens up that little dab shot. We thought maybe we could have been in the game a little bit, but he played it so well. “Obviously, one of his strengths is that (late cut). So, I would have liked to be a little bit tighter, but I was missing a little bit wide (of off-stump) and he put me away. So, credit to him,” said O’Rourke. Also Read: Mhatre tons it on! Sarfaraz displayed his maturity while shielding Rishabh Pant, with whom he added 177 runs for fourth wicket, during the early part of their association. Pant was reeling a bit from that blow to his knee and was struggling to find his range initially. Hence, Sarfaraz fronted up more to New Zealand pacers in the first hour and waited till the visitors introduced spinners to give more strike to his partner. “I was trying to give Pant the strike while the left-arm spinners were bowling. I knew he would be hitting them out. We were trying to create pressure from both ends for the bowlers as I was also countering the pace attack well,” he chuckled. But New Zealand are just 107 runs away from a Test victory in India after 36 years after taking seven wickets for 54 runs to bundle out India for 462. Sarfaraz has not given up hope. “It is not an easy wicket to bat on. I don't think the game is out of our hands yet. The ball is still cutting in and out. “So, if we manage to get two to three wickets of theirs (NZ's) early on, even they could be in a similar situation (collapse),” he chimed in. After all, who knows better than Sarfaraz the value of not losing hope. (With agency inputs)
19 October,2024 08:13 PM IST | Bengaluru | mid-day online correspondentFans of Shakib Al Hasan, a Bangladeshi politician and cricketer, on Friday gathered outside the Mirpur Cricket Stadium in the capital Dhaka to protest ahead of the BAN vs SA Test series at home. Shakib flew from the United States to join the Bangladesh team but cancelled the trip to Dhaka while he was in Dubai due to 'security concerns'. The development shocked the Shakib fans and hundreds of his supporters began gathering outside Mirpur Stadium, one of the venues of the BAN vs SA Test series that is to begin on Monday. "I am a big fan of Shakib Al Hasan. You can not exclude Shakib from the Bangladesh team, because he is one of the best cricketers in the world. I do not believe that he did any crime as he was abroad during the movement. Why he was barred from coming home", said a fan wearing a Bangladesh jersey while hundreds of his supporters shouted "Shakib Shakib Shakib". "Why will Shakib say goodbye to cricket from Kanpur (India)? He will say goodbye from Mirpur as he wishes", said another supporter. The supporters see the challenges of Bangladesh cricket in the post-Shakib era. "Without Shakib, the Bangladesh team is immobile", said a fan. Also Read: Shakib apologises for silence during unrest, eyes home farewell against South Africa Notably, Shakib officially joined the Awami League party in 2023. He filed the nomination from the Magura-1 parliamentary seat as an Awami League candidate to contest in the 2024 Bangladesh general election, which he won. Students stood against regime’s plot to keep country’s best cricketer out of the country with excuse of mob violence Students protested against the excuse of mob violence used by sports advisor to bar Bangladesh’s best cricketer Shakib Al Hasan from travelling to Bangladesh… — Sajeeb Wazed (@sajeebwazed) October 18, 2024 Shakib Fans Today At Mirpur Protest Vs Mob Culture Which Prevented Shakib From Coming To Bangladesh #BanvSA pic.twitter.com/ww6vtzK8Kq — বাংলার ছেলে 🇧🇩 (@iSoumikSaheb) October 18, 2024 Two months ago, a student-led movement ousted Bangladesh's Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, after weeks of protests and clashes that killed over 600 people. Hasina, 76, fled to India on August 5 and an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus was formed. Awami League leaders and supporters, including Sheikh Hasina, are facing dozens of cases of allegedly committing crimes during the July-August uprising. Sakib Al Hasan is one of the accused in the cases but he wished to say cricket goodbye after the test series against South Africa. He sought security. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) responded positively and announced the team including Shakib Al Hasan. Sakib flew from the USA but he abounded home coming during a stopover in Dubai due to security concerns. BCB announced the appointment of former West Indies batter Phil Simmons as the head coach of the national men's cricket team after suspending Chandika Hathurusinghe, due to misconduct. (With agency inputs)
19 October,2024 07:44 PM IST | Dhaka | mid-day online correspondentEngland captain Ben Stokes expressed his thoughts on the team's approach and the missed opportunities in their loss to Pakistan by 152 runs in the second Test in Multan. Speaking after the match, Stokes defended his team's strategy and highlighted the challenges posed in the game. When asked if England could have changed their approach slightly, Stokes responded firmly, "No, not at all. If you look throughout the Test match, the guys who had success from our side and Pakistan's side were the ones who put the spin bowlers under pressure. Ben Duckett's first innings hundred showed us the way. The sweep shots made it very difficult to control the run-rate and set fields to. When you get extreme conditions like that, you got to find a way to negate that spin which we managed to do in some good parts, but we'd have liked to go on, especially myself and a couple of guys who got starts." Reflecting on the missed chances, particularly dropping Agha Salman twice, Stokes emphasized the importance of taking opportunities, "I don't like to live by hindsight. It just proves how important taking the chances are out here. You don't get them very often behind the wickets. You take those chances, the game might look a little different." Also Read: Comedy of errors! Hilarious stumping as Ben Stokes loses bat and balance in one motion; WATCH Stokes also praised the efforts of his seamers, Matthew Potts and Brydon Carse, who toiled tirelessly in tough conditions, "In conditions like these, spinners will get spoken about a lot. Matthew Potts and Brydon Carse kept charging in spell after spell, ball after ball and created so much atmosphere when the spinners needed a break. That's what you want. There's a lot that we look in terms of attitude, they both certainly showed that. They constantly felt that they were a big threat which massively helps." Acknowledging the physical demands of the match, Stokes noted, "Good to get through this game, worked hard to get fit for this game. Nothing can prepare you for standing in the field for as long as we did and in this heat. Looking forward to the next week now. It's been a great series so far." Coming to the match, Pakistan kept a tight leash on the match after staging a comeback as they brought about a mid-order collapse for the visitors in the first innings. The resounding victory came after Pakistan lost the first Test match by an innings. England faltered in their final innings, managing only 144 runs chasing a target of 297. England resumed Day 4 with a score of 36/2, but their innings quickly unravelled. Sajid Khan struck early, dismissing Ollie Pope for 22, setting the tone for the day. The in-form Joe Root soon followed, falling to Noman Ali for 18, leaving England struggling at 55/4. Harry Brook, who previously scored a triple century on this ground in the first Test, could only muster 16 runs before being dismissed by Noman Ali. Jamie Smith was trapped for 6, marking Noman's fourth wicket of the innings. Captain Ben Stokes attempted a counter-attack, scoring a resilient 37, but his departure at 125/7 marked the beginning of the end for England. Brydon Carse (27), Jack Leach (1), and Shoaib Bashir (0) were quickly sent back to the pavilion, all falling to Noman Ali's masterful bowling. Noman Ali delivered a career-best performance in the Multan Cricket Stadium, claiming 8/46 in the second innings. His remarkable effort brought his match total to 11 wickets for 147 runs, showcasing his dominance. Sajid Khan, who took 7 wickets in England's first innings, added 2 more in the second. His pivotal role in dismantling the English batting lineup earned him the Player of the Match award. This is Pakistan's first victory at home since February 2021. The team last won a test match at home in Rawalpindi as they defeated South Africa. Pakistan have played 11 Tests on their home soil since February 2021 and four of them have resulted in a draw while they have lost eight matches. Pakistan and England will clash in the third and final Test at Rawalpindi from October 24. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 October,2024 07:37 PM IST | Multan (Pakistan) | ANIPakistan player Sajid Khan was named Player of the Match following Pakistan's impressive victory over England by 152 runs in the second Test in Multan, levelling the series 1-1. Reflecting on the team's performance, Sajid expressed gratitude to the fans and highlighted the collective effort that led to their success. "We lost the last two series, we just backed our process. Thanks to the Multan crowd for all the support," Sajid said in the post-match presentation. He emphasized the importance of Noman Ali's experience and contributions to the team. "Noman is one of the most experienced players in our team, he shares his experience with all of us and he's played everywhere. I got the wickets in the first innings, he got the wickets in the second. Our combination was good." Sajid also touched on the significance of their batting efforts, "First innings, I got out early and he (Noman) scored. In the second innings, I batted below him and it was important to support Agha bhai. Agha played one of the best innings." He commended Kamran Ghulam's performance on debut and acknowledged their friendship, "Kami (Kamran Ghulam) played superbly on debut, he's one of my best friends as well and congratulations to him." Coming to the match, Pakistan kept a tight leash on the match after staging a comeback as they brought about a mid-order collapse for the visitors in the first innings. Also Read: Pak match-winner Noman Ali’s last-minute spot raises eyebrows after test failure The resounding victory came after Pakistan lost the first Test match by an innings. England faltered in their final innings, managing only 144 runs chasing a target of 297.England resumed Day 4 with a score of 36/2, but their innings quickly unravelled. Sajid Khan struck early, dismissing Ollie Pope for 22, setting the tone for the day. The in-form Joe Root soon followed, falling to Noman Ali for 18, leaving England struggling at 55/4. Harry Brook, who previously scored a triple century on this ground in the first Test, could only muster 16 runs before being dismissed by Noman Ali. Jamie Smith was trapped for 6, marking Noman's fourth wicket of the innings. Captain Ben Stokes attempted a counter-attack, scoring a resilient 37, but his departure at 125/7 marked the beginning of the end for England. Brydon Carse (27), Jack Leach (1), and Shoaib Bashir (0) were quickly sent back to the pavilion, all falling to Noman Ali's masterful bowling. Noman Ali delivered a career-best performance in the Multan Cricket Stadium, claiming 8/46 in the second innings. His remarkable effort brought his match total to 11 wickets for 147 runs, showcasing his dominance. Sajid Khan, who took 7 wickets in England's first innings, added 2 more in the second. His pivotal role in dismantling the English batting lineup earned him the Player of the Match award. This is Pakistan's first victory at home since February 2021. The team last won a test match at home in Rawalpindi as they defeated South Africa. Pakistan have played 11 Tests on their home soil since February 2021 and four of them have resulted in a draw while they have lost eight matches. Pakistan and England will clash in the third and final Test at Rawalpindi from October 24. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 October,2024 07:35 PM IST | Multan (Pakistan) | ANIThe absence of all-rounder Cameron Green will change Australia's bowling dynamics for the upcoming five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy and may increase spinner Nathan Lyon's workload, according to star pacer Mitchell Starc. Green will undergo surgery to address his back-related troubles which will keep him out of action for at least six months. While Australia have another all-round option in Mitchell Marsh ready to share the workload, Starc admitted that Green's unavailability changes the equation. "It will always change the dynamic when you take a genuine allrounder like a Cameron Green, or with England when you take a Ben Stokes, out," Starc was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo. "When you have that genuine allrounder who has been part of a group for a while ... you get into a bit of a routine of having that extra bowling option. "I don't know what the dynamic of that line-up is going to be, there is a lot of talk around that opening spot and Mitch (Marsh) bowling as well," he said. Starc said the issue isn't something which Australia have not dealt before. "It's not completely foreign. We've had series in the past where we haven't had an allrounder at all," he said. "We've had to take some of that workload, and Gaz (Nathan Lyon) has probably had to bowl a bit extra as well. "That's been the mindset for a number of years now, with overseas tour or a home series and the mentality of how gruelling a summer or series can be." Also Read: Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Australia reassesses seam options following Cameron Green's injury Starc said the gap days between the five Tests against India will be crucial for the bowlers as Australia look to reclaim hold on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for first time in a decade. "It's been spoken about, if you have four or five Tests that go four days, the extra day between games" There is obviously a big gap between the first and second Test and the third and fourth Test. That may play a part as well," he said. "We don't know what wickets we'll get, we don't know how successful or unsuccessful we will be." "There are too many factors to sit here at the start and say this is what is going to happen. But there are certainly times where you feel the grind of five Tests." Starc backed young batter Sam Konstas to excel at the highest level after impressive returns in Sheffield Shield. "There's no reason (for him) not to (handle it). He's obviously got the talent, got the work ethic, he's a lovely young man. Time will tell. If he's not picked this summer then I am sure runs on the board will help him in the long run," he said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 October,2024 07:34 PM IST | Sydney | PTILeft-arm spinner, Noman Ali who took 11 wickets to lead Pakistan much-needed win over England in the PAK vs ENG 2nd Test at Multan, was included in the playing XI at the insistence of the selectors after failing a fitness test, a source in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed. Noman had twice failed the fitness test conducted by the PCB team trainers but senior selector and former pace bowler, Aaqib Javed insisted on his selection for the PAK vs ENG 2nd Test, the source said. Pakistan won the match by 152 runs to square the three-match series on Friday with Ali taking 8/46 to finish with a match haul of 11 wickets as England were bowled out for 144 inside the first session on Day 4 on a tailor-made dry wicket. Off-spinner Sajid Khan took nine wickets in the match. "Before the match, Noman was asked to appear for a fitness test where he and even leg-spinner Zahid Mahmood were unable to complete a two kilometre run in eight minutes," the source said. "The team management, which is strictly following a policy of enforcing certain fitness standards, was in a quandary after it was decided to use the same pitch on which the first Test was played," the source added. He said that Noman and Zahid had also failed the same fitness test before first match in Multan and were released from the squad. Also Read: PCB not willing to move Champions Trophy 2025 final out of Lahore England had won the first Test by an innings and 47 runs. "It was Aaqib and the other selectors, including Azhar Ali, who convinced the team management that both spinners should be played despite their fitness problem and the PCB chairman backed them," he added. The source added that Aaqib convinced the chairman that the only way Pakistan could win on a pitch assisting slow bowlers was through its spinners. (With agency inputs)
19 October,2024 07:30 PM IST | Multan | mid-day online correspondentNew Zealand hit back after smashing knocks from Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant on a rain-curtailed day four of the IND vs NZ 1st Test on Saturday, with the tourists needing 107 for victory. Fast bowlers Matt Henry and William O'Rourke took three wickets each to bowl out India for 462 in the final session in Bengaluru. New Zealand skipper Tom Latham and Devon Conway came out to bat but only four balls were bowled and no runs were scored before bad light forced the players off, a heavy downpour began and stumps were called. Rain also interrupted play towards the end of the first session of the IND vs NZ 1st Test, with around two hours lost on an action-packed day. Sarfaraz, who struck 150, and the left-handed Pant, who hit 99, put on 177 runs for the fourth wicket to overhaul India's big deficit of 356 before the second new ball did the trick for the Black Caps. Sarfaraz, a middle-order batter who hit his first ton in four Test appearances, fell soon after reaching 150 when he was caught at cover off Tim Southee. O'Rourke denied Pant his century with a delivery from around the wicket that took the edge of the bat and rattled the stumps and then got KL Rahul out for 12 on the stroke of tea. Pant came in to bat after resting on day three with a knee injury. Also Read: Rishabh Pant eclipses MS Dhoni in a milestone during breezy knock against Kiwis It was the same knee he hurt in a serious car crash in December 2022 that forced him out of action for more than a year. Wickets kept tumbling as O'Rourke sent back Ravindra Jadeja and Henry wrapped up the innings with two in one over. Before lunch, Sarfaraz punched a boundary off the back foot through cover off Southee to raise his ton, earning a hug from Pant and a standing ovation from fans and teammates. India were bowled out for 46 in the first innings, their lowest total at home. New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra then put the tourists ahead with 134, steering them to 402 all out. The opening day's play was washed out due to rain. India were all out for just 46 in their first innings, while New Zealand responded with 402. Brief scores: India 46 & 462 all out in 99.3 overs (Rohit Sharma 52, Virat Kohli 70, Sarfaraz Khan 150, Rishabh Pant 99; Ajaz Patel 2/100, William O'Rourke 3/92, Matt Henry 3/102 ) vs New Zealand 402. (With agency inputs)
19 October,2024 05:43 PM IST | Bengaluru | mid-day online correspondentRishabh Pant on Saturday rewrote history books by becoming the fastest Indian wicketkeeper to amass 2500 Test runs during the ongoing IND vs NZ 1st Test at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Achieving this milestone in just 62 innings, he surpassed the previous record held by MS Dhoni, who reached the mark in 69 innings, and Farokh Engineer, who had recorded it in 82 innings. Notably, Pant is the first Indian wicketkeeper in the 92-year history of Indian cricket to cross the 2500-run threshold in under 65 innings. Pant's impressive feat came during a spirited Indian fightback, as the team reached 344 at the cost of three wickets before rain forced an early lunch. His aggressive innings of 53 off 56 balls played a crucial role in revitalizing India’s momentum, alongside Sarfaraz Khan, who celebrated his maiden Test century. Resuming Day 4 of the IND vs NZ 1st Test at 231 for the loss of three wickets, Pant and Sarfaraz were tasked with steering India closer to their target. Also Read: India must use Pant’s aggression Despite nursing a knee injury sustained while keeping on Day 3, Pant displayed no signs of discomfort, unleashing his signature aggressive style. After a measured start, he mounted a counter-attack, striking two sixes off left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel in rapid succession, followed by a series of exquisite drives and sweeps. Pant reached his 12th Test fifty in just 55 balls, highlighted by a stunning cover drive off Glenn Phillips that exemplified his controlled aggression. The partnership with Sarfaraz, which yielded 113 runs in just 22 overs, was pivotal in stabilizing the innings and setting India on course for a potential lead. While Sarfaraz, in only his fifth Test, shone brightly with a masterful century, Pant's contribution was equally essential in fortifying the innings. The 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has established himself as a cornerstone of India’s Test lineup since his debut in 2018, delivering several match-winning performances in challenging overseas conditions, including memorable innings in Australia and England.
19 October,2024 04:01 PM IST | Bengaluru | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
