Sports

Mohammad Yousaf endorses Ramiz Raja’s statement about home pitches

Published

2 years ago

Farwa

After Raja, Yousaf emphasises making most of pitches for home series.
“Every home team makes pitches favourable for their players, so did we,” the batting coach reiterates.
“We had a look on the pitch today during training and it looks good,” says Yousaf regarding Karachi pitch.

KARACHI: Pakistan team’s batting coach Mohammad Yousaf has backed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja’s statement regarding taking “home advantage” while making pitches.

The first Test of the Pakistan vs Australia series in Rawalpindi ended in a draw and was followed by immense criticism due to the batting-friendly behaviour of the pitch throughout the tournament.

After Raja, Yousaf has also emphasised taking “home advantage” while making pitches for the series.

“Every home team makes the pitches favourable for their players, so did we,” the batting coach reiterated while talking to the press via a video link.

“Heavy rollers taken by Australia and the lack of sunlight are also the reasons behind such behaviour of the pitch. But teams prepare pitches at home according to their strength and our batters performed up to our expectations,” he shared.

Imam, Abdullah partnership

Yousaf praised the opening pair of Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique and said that “Pakistan’s Test batting future is bright”.

“Imam and Abdullah were absolutely fantastic with their batting performance,” he said while acknowledging their records.

The former cricketer revealed his coaching mantra and also shared his conversation with Abdullah after which the youngster scored his maiden Test hundred.

“I always believe in listening to the players more than telling them about the game. Abdullah and I had a conversation before the second innings and I tried to listen to him.

“He was keen towards his technique but just needed a breakthrough which he got in his second chance. And now, the results are in front of you,” the legendary cricketer told reporters.

Karachi Test

Yousaf predicted a result-oriented second Test after looking at the pitch during their training session here on Thursday.

“We examined the pitch today during training and it looks good. Karachi pitches have given results in the recent past and I hope the same happens this time around, too,” he said.

“Our preparations are complete and we are really looking forward to continuing our momentum. This Test championship series is important for both the teams and players know it very well,” he concluded.

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Saying goodbye to international cricket, Bismah Maroof

Published

4 days ago

Farwa

The decision to leave international cricket was made by Pakistani women’s cricket player Bismah Maroof on Thursday.

According to details, Maroof declared, “I am choosing to say goodbye to the sport, which I really enjoy. I have had a really memorable cricket journey.”

Saying, “The PCB, companions, family, and fans have always supported me,” she highlighted the importance of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and fans to her career.

With an average of 29.55, Maroof had scored 3369 runs in 136 WODIs while playing for Pakistan.

Throughout 140 WT20Is, Maroof averaged 27.55 and scored 2893 runs.

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For the Pakistani team’s T20I against New Zealand, Haseebullah has replaced Azam Khan.

Published

7 days ago

Farwa

In a brief press release, PCB said, “The national selection committee has announced wicketkeeper/batter Haseebullah as the replacement player for Azam Khan, who was sidelined from the T20I series against New Zealand due to a tear in his right calf muscle.”

The information indicates that Haseebullah will become a member of the Pakistan team following the third Twenty20 International, and he will be eligible to be selected for the two remaining Twenty20 Internationals, which are slated to take place in Lahore on Thursday and Saturday, respectively.

Earlier in the year, Haseebullah, 21, played in his only Twenty20 international match against New Zealand.

or the unfamiliar, Azam Khan was declared out of the whole series on Saturday after missing the first Twenty20 International because of pain in his right knee and right calf muscle.

According to PCB, “Azam Khan has been advised to undergo a 10-day rest following radiology reports confirming a Grade One tear of his right calf muscle.”

The announcement also stated, “Azam will therefore be unable to take part in the current Twenty20 International series against New Zealand, which concludes in Lahore on April 27.”

Notably, Mark Chapman’s incredible innings helped the visitors to an easy seven-wicket victory in the third Twenty20 International, tying the five-match series between Pakistan and New Zealand at one.

Pakistan team for the Twenty20 Internationals in New Zealand

Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Babar Azam (c), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, Irfan Khan Niazi, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan

Mohammad Ali, Agha Salman, Sahibzada Farhan, and Muhammad Wasim Jr. are the reserve players.

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Rain cancels out Pakistan vs. New Zealand’s opening Twenty20 international

Published

1 week ago

Farwa

As the rain returned, Shaheen Shah Afridi’s expertly timed in-swinger to dismiss Tim Robinson left only a two-ball match going on at the Pindi Cricket Stadium.

On-field umpires Aleem Dar and Ahsan Raza shook hands with the players and decided to call off the contest as soon as the rain started up again. Additionally, there was a thirty-minute delay in the planned fixture toss. Then, after winning the coin toss, Michael Bracewell, the captain of New Zealand, decided to bat first.

The players from both sides assembled shortly after for the national anthems, but more rain caused the proceedings to be postponed.

The match appeared likely to be called off before a ball was played due to the intensity of the second spell of rain. But after the rain stopped, the ground crew worked extremely hard, and the game might go into five overs.

The second game, which takes place at the same location on April 20, will pit the two teams against one another.