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Pak vs SL: ‘Didn’t feel unsafe’, Babar Azam rebuffs security concerns in Sri Lanka

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  • Babar Azam says “Sri Lanka Cricket has looked after us really well and security provided to us is great”.
  • Says team will try their best to perform well in series and is well prepared for task.
  • Says, “I sent a message to Kohli to extend him support.”

GALLE: Pakistan skipper Babar Azam Friday expressed confidence in the security arrangements for the national Test squad that is visiting Galle for a Test series, as Sri Lanka goes through countrywide protests against the president and prime minister seeking their resignations.

Speaking to the press ahead of the first of the two-match series slated to begin July 16 at Galle International Stadium, Babar said that the team is being “looked after well” by the local authorities.

The squad arrived in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo last week when the economic crisis sparked protests there, forcing Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign as the country’s president. The team played a three-day warm-up match in the capital and then travelled to Galle.

“We didn’t feel unsafe here in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Cricket has looked after us really well and the security provided to us is great,” the Pakistani captain said, adding they also played a warm-up game there so everything was fine and they were focused on the series.

“There were no hurdles that made us feel unsafe.”

The star batter said Sri Lankan people love cricket and they saw a lot of enthusiasm in the Test series against Australia.

“We hope fans will come to the stadium in this series as well.”

‘We are prepared for Test series’

The Pakistani captain said that the team will try its best to perform well in the series and was well prepared for the task.

“I like the ground in Galle. The Sri Lankan team is very tough in home conditions,” Babar Azam said, adding that Australia’s series first gave the team an idea of what the conditions would be like.

“We have come here to play after a long time, we have done our homework.”

Galle pitch supports spinners a lot, the skipper said. “Sri Lankan spinners are very good and we have prepared accordingly.”

Defending the inclusion of Yasir Shah in the squad, Babar said he has come back after hard work and hoped that he will give a tough time to the rival team.

‘Virat Kohli needs support’

In a message of support to former Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who is going through a rough patch, Babar said that as a player, he knows how to get through and out of tough situations.

“Players need sport at such a time, I sent a message to Kohli to give him support.”

Babar said that Kohli was a great player and played a lot of cricket.

“Virat Kohli knows how to get out of these things, it takes time but we should lend him support so he comes of out it sooner than earlier,” he concluded.

On late Thursday, Babar tweeted a photo with Kohli and extended his support to the former Indian skipper. “This too shall pass. Stay strong,” Babar had written for Kohli who last made his international century in 2019. 

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With a resounding victory, Pakistan wins the Blind T20 World Cup.

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Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by a resounding 10-wicket margin in the final to win the Blind T20 World Cup. In just 11 overs, the home team chased down a target of 140 runs, demonstrating their superior skill and coordination.

The game’s star was Nisar Ali, who gave an incredible batting effort. He ensured a smooth and conclusive victory for Pakistan by smashing an undefeated 72 runs off just 31 balls.

With the win, Pakistan’s stellar record in blind cricket gains yet another honor, solidifying its supremacy in the game.

Supporters nationwide rejoiced after the team’s outstanding accomplishment.

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As Pakistan defeats Zimbabwe in the opening Twenty20 International, bowler Tayyab Tahir shines.

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BULAWAYO: Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by 57 runs in the opening Twenty20 International of the three-match series on Sunday thanks to an unbeaten 39-run performance from Tayyab Tahir and a combined bowling effort.

Muhammad Irfan Khan (27*) and Tayyab Tahir contributed an outstanding 65-run fifth-wicket partnership off 34 balls, which helped Pakistan reach 165-4.

After reaching 60 for two in their PowerPlay, which was eight runs more than Pakistan, Zimbabwe lost pace and was dismissed for 108 in 15.3 overs.

Abrar Ahmed finished with three for 28 after taking two wickets in his second over, while Sufyan Moqim enthralled the middle order with his left-arm wrist spin bowling, finishing with figures of 4-0-20-3. Haris Rauf scored 17 runs while taking two wickets.

Pakistan got a strong start, reaching 52 for 1 at the end of the powerplay overs. After that, they were stifled for runs as the following 11 overs produced 69 runs at a cost of three wickets.

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Nevertheless, Irfan and Tayyab contributed 44 runs from the final three overs to give the total some steadiness. In his 25-ball 39 not out, Tayyab hit four fours and a six, and Irfan hit three fours in his 15-ball 27.

Usman Khan with a 30-ball 39 with two fours and two sixes and Saim Ayub (24) were the other notable run scorers, while Omair Bin Yousuf scored 16 and captain Salman Ali Agha scored a 19-ball 13.

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza was the most impressive bowler, taking one for 14 from his four overs, while fast bowlers Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani collectively conceded 82 runs from their eight overs.

Pakistan’s starting lineup includes: Omair Bin Yousuf, Salman Agha (c), Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Usman Khan (wk), and Saim Ayub.

Tawandanashe Marumani (wk), Tashinga Musekiwa, Richard Ngarava, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Brain Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, and Clive Madande make up Zimbabwe’s starting lineup.

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Finalizing the Pakistani team for the tour of South Africa

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The last rounds of the selection process have begun for Pakistan’s national team for the forthcoming tour of South Africa. According to sources, the T20 series will continue the tradition of developing up-and-coming talent by providing opportunities for young players.

Senior bowlers and batters might be rested for the Twenty20 series, while Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi are anticipated to participate in the One-Day International series, according to insiders.

It is likely that Fakhar Zaman will rejoin the white-ball team, and Imam-ul-Haq will be considered for the Test team.

In order to prepare for the difficult conditions, plans are also in motion to conduct a training camp for the Test team in South Africa.

There will be three ODIs, three T20s, and two Test matches during Pakistan’s trip of South Africa.

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