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Tag: Fakhar Zaman

  • Fitness Fiasco Rocks Pak Cricket: Babar, Fakhar’s T20 WC Selection Queried

    In a damning expose, Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign is under scrutiny for allegedly fielding unfit stars Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman. The controversy questions the very foundations of the team’s preparation and medical oversight.

    Aaqib Javed’s press conference bombshell demanding a PCB probe set the tone, backed by Dr. Javed Mughal’s critique from the medical panel. Details emerged that Babar’s injury severity was underestimated pre-tournament, resulting in his National T20 Cup absence. Fakhar’s chronic issues were similarly overlooked.

    Team physio Cliff Deacon is at the epicenter, criticized for past leniency with injured athletes. Selectors point to his clearances as their guiding light, yet the narrative of favoritism persists.

    The PCB vows a comprehensive review, with potential repercussions including suspensions or policy reforms. As Babar intensifies rehab for PSL captaincy duties with Peshawar Zalmi starting March 26, fans and experts alike demand systemic change to prevent future fitness gambles that jeopardize national prospects.

  • Afridi’s Verdict: Shadab Khan Out of Pakistan Team and Captaincy Race

    Echoes of disappointment linger after Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Super 8 exit, prompting Shahid Afridi to eviscerate Shadab Khan’s credentials. In a no-holds-barred Sama TV interview, the ex-skipper stated flatly: ‘Based on performances, he doesn’t belong in the team—captaincy is laughable.’

    Fourth consecutive ICC event semifinal drought has Agha’s job on the line, with Shadab and Shaheen tipped as replacements. Afridi, however, sees no silver lining in Shadab’s 118 runs and five wickets from seven outings.

    He lambasted the support ecosystem: ‘Mike Hesson mentored him at PSL’s Islamabad United, then as national coach, showers opportunities. I foresaw captaincy potential, but World Cup exposed him—not worthy of XI spot.’ Pakistan’s journey: upbeat starts vs Netherlands, USA, Namibia; crushed by India; Super 8 woes with rain vs Netherlands, England loss, insufficient Sri Lanka win.

    Instability reigns—Agha, the fourth T20 captain in a year, averaged a woeful 10 with 60 runs. Afridi urges bold moves, backing opener Fakhar Zaman for his attacking flair: ‘Current form demands aggression; Fakhar’s our man.’

    Pakistan must confront these realities head-on. PCB’s upcoming reshuffles on leadership and selection could mark a turning point, with Afridi’s influential voice pushing for merit-based revival to restore the team’s global edge.

  • Fakhar Zaman: Ashwin’s Key Advice for Pakistan vs England T20 World Cup Game

    Tuesday’s Super 8 thriller pits Pakistan against England in T20 World Cup 2026, a must-win after New Zealand rainout. R Ashwin, the Indian spinning oracle, champions Fakhar Zaman’s return to the playing XI, specifically in middle-order fireworks.

    Tournament goalless so far for Fakhar, who notched 20 runs in two recent home T20Is vs Australia. Selected against New Zealand, downpour ensured zero play.

    From 2017 T20I debut, he’s crafted 2,385 runs in 118 games (avg 23.38, 13×50), plus 92 ODIs and 3 Tests—a treasure trove of experience.

    Via X, Ashwin implores: Pakistan, get real about the Cup—bat Fakhar mid-order. Sweeps vs Rashid/Dawson, footwork mastery to shred England in overs 7-15.

    He spotlights Nepal’s Rashid rout: 42/3 overs, no scalps. Wagon wheel wisdom: Step out, hammer square boundaries into prime zones. Other teams, take note.

    Under Salman Agha’s helm, this tweak could transform fortunes. Ashwin’s analysis blends stats, strategy, and instinct, echoing Nepal’s upset formula. England spinner-heavy? Fakhar’s the antidote. As Super 8 heats up, Pakistan’s bold call on Zaman might define their campaign’s arc—from setback to surge.

  • Fakhar Zaman Returns as Pakistan Tweaks Squad for Sri Lanka & Tri-Series

    In a surprising turn of events, Pakistan cricket has reshuffled its white-ball squads just before their home series against Sri Lanka and a tri-nation T20I event. Young batter Hasan Nawaz has been released from national duty to focus on the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, which resumes on November 11. This decision opens up an opportunity for the comeback of flamboyant opener Fakhar Zaman into the T20 International side.

    While a direct replacement for Hasan Nawaz in the ODI squad has not been announced, Fakhar Zaman’s inclusion in the T20I squad marks his return to the shortest format since the Asia Cup 2025 final. The 33-year-old has a history of impactful performances and will look to regain his rhythm. His recent ODI stint against South Africa saw him accumulate 45 runs over three matches, including a couple of dismissals for zero.

    The packed white-ball schedule for Pakistan includes a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi from November 11-15. Subsequently, the team will compete in a tri-nation T20I series involving Zimbabwe, running from November 17 to 29 across Rawalpindi and Lahore. These series are crucial for Pakistan’s preparations and will offer a strong test of their squad depth and strategy.

  • India Wins Asia Cup 2025 After Thrilling Final Against Pakistan

    In a highly anticipated final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India defeated Pakistan to win the Asia Cup 2025. Pakistan, batting first, posted a score of 146 runs, with Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman leading their batting effort with scores of 57 and 46, respectively. India experienced a challenging start, losing key batsmen Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Shubman Gill early in their innings. Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson then combined to steady the innings. Later, Sanju Samson was dismissed for 24 by Abrar Ahmed. Shivam Dube then formed a partnership with Tilak Varma, who scored a half-century. The game reached a critical juncture when India needed 24 runs from 14 balls. With the tension mounting, Shivam Dube hit a six to reduce the pressure, but was then dismissed. Rinku Singh came in to bat, and eventually, Tilak Varma’s crucial six sealed India’s victory.

  • India vs. Pakistan: Salman Agha’s statement sparks debate after Pakistan’s defeat, umpire’s call questioned.

    India secured a 6-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Super-4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025. Pakistan had made substantial changes to their team for the match, including alterations to their opening pair. Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan were chosen to open for Pakistan. Their initial performance gave the impression that Pakistan’s revised strategy was successful. However, in the third over of the innings, Fakhar Zaman was caught behind off a Hardik Pandya delivery. This dismissal marked the first setback for Pakistan. After the match, Pakistan captain Salman Agha shared his views on the situation.

    Salman Agha raised questions regarding the umpire’s decision.

    After the Super-4 match, Salman Agha was questioned regarding Fakhar Zaman’s dismissal, and the Pakistan captain criticized the umpire’s decision. Before discussing what Salman Agha said, it is important to understand the events on the field. How was Fakhar Zaman dismissed?

    The events surrounding Fakhar Zaman’s dismissal.

    During the third over of Pakistan’s innings, a delivery from Hardik Pandya edged off Fakhar Zaman’s bat and went directly to the wicketkeeper, Sanju Samson, who completed the catch. Samson appealed for the dismissal. The field umpire sought the assistance of the third umpire to review the legitimacy of the catch. The third umpire reviewed the footage from different angles and determined that Fakhar Zaman was out. The Pakistani batsman seemed dissatisfied with the third umpire’s decision.

    Was it a mistake by the umpire to declare Fakhar Zaman out?

    Fakhar Zaman was playing well, and his dismissal was a significant setback for Pakistan. Salman Agha commented on the matter after the match, stating that, in his opinion, the ball had bounced before reaching the wicketkeeper. He suggested that the umpire might have made an error.

    This is a recurring problem for the Pakistan team.

    This is the second time in the Asia Cup 2025 that the Pakistani team has responded to their defeat in this manner. The Pakistani team, who questioned the third umpire’s decision in the Super-4 match, had requested the removal of the match referee after losing the group stage match. This behavior clearly highlights a recurring issue for Pakistan. As for Fakhar Zaman’s dismissal, it was a clear dismissal, as the ball directly went into the hands of wicketkeeper Sanju Samson.

  • India vs Pakistan: Predicted Playing 11 for Pakistan – Will the Opening Combination Change?

    The Asia Cup 2025 has featured exciting contests, and now the Super-4 stage is in progress, with teams vying for a spot in the final. The highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan is set to be the second game in this stage. Pakistan will be looking to avenge their group stage loss to India, a challenge they are well aware of. They may introduce several changes in their playing 11 for this crucial encounter.

    Several adjustments are expected in the Pakistan team for the match against India. Based on recent performances, the opening partnership could be altered. Sam Ayub, the young opener, has been struggling, getting out for zero runs in three matches straight. This may lead to him dropping down in the batting order. Despite his bowling contributions with six wickets, his batting form could result in a shift to the middle order.

    Fakhar Zaman might get a chance to open the innings, having played this role previously and showing good form. Mohammad Haris, known for his wicketkeeping and batting skills, could also be considered. He currently bats in the lower order but has opened in the past.

    Haris Rauf is likely to be included in the playing 11 after missing the group stage game against India. His strong bowling performance in Pakistan’s recent match, with two wickets, makes him a strong contender. However, the Dubai pitch often favors spinners, which influenced Pakistan to field only one fast bowler in the previous game, leading to a seven-wicket defeat.

    **Possible Pakistan Playing XI:**
    Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Sam Ayub, Khushdil Shah, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

  • Pakistan Advances to Asia Cup 2025 Super 4, Eliminating UAE

    The group stage of the Asia Cup 2025 has reached its final stage. Pakistan has secured a place in the Super 4 stage after defeating the UAE. The match between Pakistan and the UAE was a crucial one, as the winner would proceed to the next round with India.

    Pakistan won the match after batting first and scoring 146 runs. Fakhar Zaman scored a half-century, and Shaheen Shah Afridi contributed with 29 runs. Pakistan’s bowlers performed well, restricting the UAE to 105 runs, resulting in a 41-run victory. To reach the Super 4, Pakistan needed to win this match. The team had won one match out of two before this game, while the UAE had won one match and lost another. Pakistan secured its place in the Super 4 with 4 points from two matches in Group A. The UAE finished third with 2 points from 3 matches.

  • Pakistan Defeats UAE, Advances to Super 4 in Asia Cup After Match Drama

    The Pakistan cricket team overcame a challenging situation to defeat the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Asia Cup 2025, securing their place in the Super 4 stage. The victory came after facing controversies, disputes, and threats from the team. The Pakistan team had requested that match referee Andy Pycroft be removed. The Pakistan team initially threatened to boycott the match but was eventually forced to play. The team struggled with their batting, which could have led to a loss but the bowlers helped them to win by 41 runs, getting a Super 4 berth.

    The match at the Dubai International Stadium on September 17th was filled with tension. The Pakistan team and their cricket board wanted match referee Andy Pycroft removed after a disagreement. The ICC refused their demand. Pakistan threatened to boycott the match, causing a delay. The situation was resolved, and the match went ahead.

    Pakistan’s batting woes continued with opener Saim Ayub getting out without scoring for the third time in a row. Other batsmen didn’t perform well and wickets fell regularly. Pakistan lost six wickets for just 93 runs by the 15.1st over. Fakhar Zaman played a good innings of 50 runs in 36 balls, but the other batsmen failed.

    Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi rescued the team with 29 runs in 14 balls, taking the score to 146. Junaid Siddique took 4 wickets and Simranjeet took 3 for UAE.

    UAE’s Alishan Sharafu started aggressively but was bowled in the third over. Captain Muhammad Wasim was dismissed. Rahul Chopra and Dhruv Parashar had a slow partnership, but the innings ended at 105 runs. Shaheen, Haris Rauf, and Abrar each took 2 wickets. Pakistan and India both moved on to the Super 4 stage.

  • Abrar Ahmed’s Dominant Bowling Performance Secures Pakistan’s Win Against UAE, Threatens India in Asia Cup

    In a thrilling display during the tri-series held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Pakistan’s spin bowler, Abrar Ahmed, delivered an outstanding performance, guiding his team to the final. Ahmed’s bowling against UAE was exceptionally economical, with 15 out of 24 balls resulting in no runs scored. His impressive performance included taking four wickets, which significantly contributed to Pakistan’s consecutive victory over UAE. This win also marked the UAE’s third consecutive loss, effectively eliminating them from the series, following their prior defeat against Afghanistan.

    Abrar Ahmed, who made his debut in the UAE tri-series, fully capitalized on the opportunity. UAE, in pursuit of a target of 172 runs, initially had a promising start from their openers. However, Abrar Ahmed disrupted this momentum by dismissing the in-form captain, Muhammad Waseem (19). Subsequently, he further solidified Pakistan’s position by claiming two wickets within two balls in the 13th over.

    Abrar Ahmed’s figures in the match were remarkable, as he conceded only 9 runs in 4 overs while securing 4 wickets. He managed to dismiss three UAE batsmen within a span of 8 balls. Earlier in the match, Pakistan’s batsman Fakhar Zaman had achieved a half-century.

    In the fifth match of the series, Pakistan, after choosing to bat first against UAE, faced an unstable beginning, losing 5 wickets at a score of only 80 runs. Fakhar Zaman and all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz then stabilized the innings, forming an unbroken partnership of 91 runs off 51 balls for the fifth wicket. Consequently, Pakistan set a target of 171 runs for the loss of five wickets in 20 overs against UAE.

    Fakhar Zaman’s innings was highlighted by an unbeaten 77 runs from 44 balls, including 10 fours and 2 sixes. Mohammad Nawaz contributed with an unbeaten 37 runs from 27 balls, consisting of 3 fours and 2 sixes. The remaining batsmen struggled to stay at the crease. Haider Ali took 2 wickets for UAE, with Junaid Siddiqui, Muhammad Rohid, and Dhruv Parashar each claiming a wicket. UAE’s chase started positively.

    UAE, targeting 172 runs, initiated their chase with a promising start. A partnership of 41 runs was built between captain Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu for the initial wicket. However, Abrar Ahmed’s impact was evident when he dismissed Muhammad Waseem, who scored 19 runs off 19 balls. Subsequently, UAE’s batting faltered, resulting in a total of 140 runs for 7 wickets in 20 overs.

    Alishan Sharafu led UAE’s scoring with 68 runs from 51 balls, featuring 4 fours and 4 sixes. Dhruv Parashar remained unbeaten with 18 runs. Besides Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz secured a wicket each for Pakistan.