Massive challenges for Pakistan as they face injury-hit New Zealand in ICC Champions Trophy opener

By Ehsan Qureshi at National Stadium, Karachi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Massive challenges await the defending champions, Pakistan, as they launch their campaign in 9th edition of the ICC Champions Trophy with a fixture against New Zealand in the tournament opener on February 19. Pakistan have already suffered back-to-back defeats against New Zealand in the recently concluded tri-series, with South Africa being the third participant. 

After suffering a defeat in the opening match at Lahore, they were later also outplayed in the final by the same opponents at the upgraded National Stadium, Karachi, where the opening match of the Champions Trophy is being staged. 

Despite having suffered injuries to their spearhead, Lockie Ferguson, and another promising speedster, Ben Sears, the Black Caps, captained by Mitchell Santner, have gained vital experience and acclimatize well to the conditions in Pakistan as they extended their purple patch by also winning the warm-up match against Afghanistan even when resting a couple of big guns, including star batter, Kane Williamson. 

Pakistan’s only heart-warming win came against South Africa whom they outgunned by five wickets with skipper Muhammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha notching up wonderful centuries. 

They shared a record 260-run second wicket stand after they the hosts had been reduced to 93 for three. It was a fabulous win for green shirts as South Africa had rested their premier fast bowler, Kagsio Rabada. 

The big boost for the home side is the form of Salman Agha. He has improved in leaps and bounds as a batting all-rounder during the last few months. He will be needed to fire on all cylinders if Pakistan have to defend the title successfully. 

Pakistan’s major worries revolve around bowling death overs where pacemen Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah have been leaking far too many runs. Haris Rauf seems all set to return to the team after side strain in the opening match of tri-series. 

The performances of the home side have been roller-coaster at times in the recent past but they continue to be unpredictable and inconsistent during crunch situations. The Pakistan team has faced criticism for selecting with only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, in the 15-member squad. The recalling of all-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah after gap of a few years has also been questioned. 

Pakistan top-batter Babar Azam’s form has also been a cause of major concern to the Pakistan team. He been slotted to open the innings with left-handed Fakhar Zaman after in-form opener, Saim Ayub, suffered serious leg-injury during the South African tour. Babar could muster only 62 runs in three innings in tri-series. 

On the other hand, the Black Caps, have been in possession of a formidable pace-cum-spin attack despite losing their two exceptionally talented fast bowlers, Ferguson and Sears. Will O’Rourke did rise to occasion by taking four wickets in the final to clinch Player of the Match award. 

They are very well served in the spin bowling department with Santner leading by example. Micheal Bracewell has bowled brilliantly while Glenn Philips has also done the job reasonably well to stifle the opponents. 

Pakistan had performed disappointingly in the last couple of T20 World Cups as well as the 50-over World Cup in India where they failed to qualify for semifinals.

Being the hosts, the stakes and expectations are on the higher side high as they need to win at least two of their three league matches to stay afloat in the competition. 

It seems long time ago, but Pakistan had emerged triumphant in the last edition of the Champions Trophy, held. in 2017. Led by wicketkeeper-batter, Sarfaraz Ahmed, they thrilled the nation by thrashing arch-rivals India in the final at The Oval in London. 

Meanwhile, Pakistan have been entrusted with the responsibility of staging a major event after a lapse of 29 years. This is going to be their first ICC event in the country after they had jointly hosted the Wills World Cup with India and Sri Lanka in 1996.

The cricket fans in Pakistan in particular are looking forward to the 9th Champions Trophy whose final is scheduled to be played on March 9. Plenty of action and drama are expected over the next few days as all the leading teams, with the sole exception of India, who chose to play their matches in Dubai, will be setting Pakistan's grounds to fire with their blazing performance. 

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Clinical New Zealand prevail over hosts in tri-series final; continue march towards more glories

By Ehsan Qureshi at National Stadium, Karachi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

As anticipated by the knowledgeable circles, New Zealand extended their brilliant run in the tri-series final to overpower hosts Pakistan by five wickets at the National Stadium, Karachi, on February 14. 

Lively speedster, Will O’Rourke, snared four wickets while Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham hit compact half-centuries to lead their side to a comfortable victory with nearly five overs to spare. 

It was a big boost for the Black Caps ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy as they maintained their domination over Muhammad Rizwan-led Pakistan side. Both these outfits are scheduled to clash in the inaugural match of the big event at the same venue on February 19. 

The modest target of 243 in 50 overs on a placid batting surface, under floodlights, could not test the nerves or skills of the New Zealanders as they overhauled it in 45.2 overs. 

Wicketkeeper-batsman Latham announced his return to form with a polished 56 off 64 balls with five boundaries while Mitchell, in devasting form, made a typically fluent 57 off 58 balls with six fours. They added 87 runs in 88 balls for the fourth wicket to reduce it to a one-sided encounter in the end. 

Chasing 243 for victory, New Zealand lost opener Will Young cheaply in the second over, undone by Naseem Shah. But Devon Conway repaired the early damage by sharing 71 runs for the second wicket with the ever-reliable Kane Williamson, who was bowled by Agha Salman, playing down the wrong line, after scoring 34 off 49 balls spiced with three fours and one six. 

Pakistan’s attacking fast bowler Naseem, who returned to dismiss the well-set Conway, claimed two wickets for 43 runs in eight overs. Agha Salman and Abrar Ahmed took one wicket apiece for 45 and 67 runs respectively. 

Earlier like their previous match, Pakistan slumped to 54 for three in the 12th overs after batting first. Opener Fakhar Zaman started with a couple of lovely boundaries, much to the delight of the crowd. 

O’Rourke jolted Pakistan by removing the dangerous Fakhar Zaman, who was trying to maintain his attacking mindset. The explosive left-handed opener ballooned a catch at square leg to Young, who made no mistake. He made 10 off 15 balls. 

Babar Azam was shaping well as he added 30 runs for the second wicket with Saud Shakeel, who was guilty of playing a bad shot to be bowled by off-spinner Michael Bracewell who he tried to cut against the turn. He made just eight after facing 14 balls and with a solitary four. 

Much depended on the vastly experienced Babar to take Pakistan to a respectable total but he followed soon afterwards. After hitting a classy boundary through the covers off Nathan Smith, he offered a return catch to the bowler on the next delivery to the astonishment of the batter. 

However, like the previous game against South Africa, skipper Rizwan and Salman got together to stitch a big partnership. It was a grim battle as the visiting bowlers stifled them by maintaining tight lengths for a long period of time. 

The Black Caps captain, Mitchell Santner, led by example as he delivered a very economical and effective spell, picking up of two wickets for only 20 runs in his quota of 10 overs. At one stage, Pakistan could manage just 70 runs in 18 overs despite having the duo of Rizwan and Salman in the middle. 

Rizwan and Salman, who had shared record partnership of 260 in their previous outing only a couple of days ago, added 88 runs for the fourth wickets in 120 balls to revive Pakistan’s hopes. Rizwan, who hit a spectacular undefeated 122 against South Africa, was bowled for by O’Rourke when four runs short of fifty-run mark. He made 46 off 65 balls with just one four and a six. 

When Salman was caught at square leg by Young off Bracewell, Pakistan’s innings fell apart. Salman made 45 off 65 balls with a lone six and a four. New Zealand tightened grip by reducing the hosts to 161 for six after 38 overs. 

Tayyab Tahir cracked 38 in 33 balls with four boundaries while Faheem Ashraf (22 off 21 balls) and Naseem Shah (19 off 17 balls) helped reach a total of 242 before being bowled out in the final over. 

O’Rourke, who spearheaded the New Zealand attack in the absence of Matt Henry, bowled superbly to return the deserve the figures of four for 43 runs off 9.3 overs which earned him Player of the Match award.

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Centurions Rizwan, Salman power Pakistan to tri-series final with record chase the do-or-die battle

By Ehsan Qureshi at National Stadium, Karachi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

 

It needed a record chase to edge out South Africa in the do-or-die battle, as Pakistan, powered by centuries from skipper Muhammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha, stormed into the tri-series final with an emphatic six-wicket victory at National Stadium, Karachi, under floodlights late on the evening of February 12. 

The record-breaking 260-run fourth wicket stand between Rizwan and Salman, who got together at a precarious 91 for three in pursuit of a massive 353, turned the game on its head and Pakistan emerged triumphant with an over to spare. It was Pakistan’s first ever successful chase in the excess of 350. 

Rizwan finished unconquered on 122 while Salman was caught behind off Wiann Mulder for 134, his maiden ODI hundred with the hosts needing only two runs for victory. Tayyab Tahir struck the winning boundary much to the cheers and thrills of the strong crowd of over 15,000. 

 This was Rizwan’s fourth century. Overall, he cracked nine fours and three sixes in his classy unconquered 122 after facing 128 balls. Salman’s 103-ball 134 was spiced with 16 powerful boundaries and brace of sixes. 

Rizwan reached his hundred in style by hoisting Mulder for six at mid-wicket. It came in 106 balls with seven fours and three sixes. 

Salman made his maiden ODI century in 87 balls and it was spiced with 13 sizzling boundaries, Pakistan had their backs to the wall at 91-3 in 11th over despite yet another rapid start. 

Explosive left-hander Fakhar Zaman went was snapped by Heinrich Klassen off Mulder for 41 while Babar Azam (23) and Saud Shakeel (16) perished cheaply. 

Rizwan and Salman, however, batted with courage and intent to change the course of the match as the South African bowling struggled to build any kind of pressure despite having a variety in their attack. The match gradually slipped out of their hands and they succumbed to their sixth defeat on a trot in ODIs. 

Earlier Klassan, Mathew Breetzke and captain Temba Bavuma hit contrasting 80s as South Africa posted a competitive total of 352 for five in 50 overs, having opted to bat first. 

All three batters were looking set for centuries but neither of them could reach the coveted three-figure mark. Power-hitter Klassen was in a punishing mood as he struck a whirlwind 87 in his trademark style studded with 11 boundaries and three sixes in his 56-ball knock. 

He looked good for many more when plucked by Shaheen Afridi near the fence off Naseem Shah. The dangerous Klassen took 20 runs off Shaheen’s final over which included successive sixes and a four on first three balls. 

The rapid knock gave impetus to South African innings to reach 350 plus mark. Bavuma first set up 51 runs opening stand with opener Tony Zorzi, who went after making 22 off 18 balls with three boundaries and a six. 

Bavuma then consolidated his team’s innings by adding 119 runs off 125 balls for the second wicket with Breetzke. Due to Klassen and Kyle Verreynne’s aggressive display, South Africa mustered 110 with entertaining stroke play in the last ten overs. The eventual total of 353 was the highest of the tri-series but it proved inadequate in the end.

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Diary of a memorable trip to home city Karachi

By Naeem-ul-Haq in USA

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Karachi is the city of my birth and this is the place I have been visiting regularly over the years to meet my near and dear ones, after having relocated in the United States of America (USA), which indeed is my new home. 

Although all my trips of Karachi help me in recapturing golden moments and building fresh memories but the latest one, in November 2024, was probably the most memorable, considering my engagements in various reunions and get-togethers with many of those who were my childhood friends and we had played cricket for decades together. 

Obviously, it’s not easy to describe those feelings in words because such were the emotions while interacting with some guys who were reconnecting after a number of years. 

Time has flown, things have changed but none of us seems to have forgotten those days of struggle in cricket fields where we had devoted all our energies and resources to graduate to the next level. 

One of the features of the recent trip to Karachi, spanning 12 days or so, was the fulfilment of a cherished dream of mine. 

I was approached by Geo Super to do live commentary of the Karachi Premier League (KPL) which was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for five days on a trot. 

Describing the action on cricket field, either as a commentator or an expert, has remain my passion by finally I got the opportunity to showcase my skills in this role. 

Going by the feedback, my colleagues Tauseef Ahmed, a former Test off-spinner, and Yahya Hussain informed me having fared pretty reasonably on my commentary debut.

It was a huge honour for me to have been invited as one of the guests in the presentation party for the award ceremony, which was held at the end of every match at the picturesque Naya Nazimabad Stadium which hosted all the matches of the KPL. 

The legendary batsman, Younis Khan, also a buddy of mine, was one of the functionaries of the KPL. It was very kind of him to have accorded very warm welcome to me on every visit of mine to the Naya Nazimabad Stadium. 

My birthday was also celebrated with considerable fanfare at the ground and Younis Khan was the man to have managed it for me. The love and respect he showered on me and my family is beyond description. 

A dinner meeting was arranged at a five-star hotel by my former Pakistan Customs teammate, Waqar Hussain, which was also attended by Javed Miandad, the greatest batsman of our generation. My elder brother, Anwar-ul-Haq, and Haris Khan, both successful former cricketers of our time, were also present on the occasion. 

Then, I had the pleasure of attending a reception of the Fazlur Rahman Sports Club, organized by its livewire patron, Munir Ali Qadri. This brought together my contemporaries like Nasir Shah, Shaukat Mirza, Munir-ul-Haq, Sagheer Abbas, Tafseer Abbas, Ameeruddin, Shahabuddin, Anwar-ul-Haq and Haris Khan. These were magical moments.

After watching the above activities, you may also incline to agree with me that this was a tour to remember. I have returned to my new home mush refresher and obliged.

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Yousuf, Mona shine in back-to-back international marathons

Pakistan News & Features Services

Pakistan’s international marathon runners, Muhammad Yousuf Malik and Mona Khan, have once again made their country proud with a remarkable display of endurance and commitment. After completing two full marathons in just one week, the duo has returned home, having participated at the highest level in international athletics. 

The seasoned marathoners, Yousuf, hailing from Muzaffarabad, and Mona, based in Karachi, participated in the Toronto Marathon in Canada before travelling to Italy, where they competed in the prestigious Venice Marathon. Despite the demanding schedule, both athletes finished with impressive times, showcasing their physical stamina as well as mental resilience. 

The duo’s achievement of running two full marathons in such a short span highlighted their exceptional training and dedication to the sport. The Toronto and Venice marathons are both recognized as some of the most challenging events on the global marathon calendar, attracting top-tier runners from all over the world. By taking part in both these events, they have raised the profile of Pakistani athletes at the international stage. 

"It was a challenging week, but we managed to push through. I am grateful for the support we received from our fans back home. This is just the beginning and there is more to come," Yousuf observed upon his return to home. 

Continuing to break barriers for women in long-distance running, Mona shared similar sentiments. "It wasn’t easy, but we knew that representing Pakistan was worth every step. We hope this inspires more young athletes to take up marathon running and pursue their dreams on the global stage," she stated. 

It’s important to note that Mona’s journey to becoming one of Pakistan's leading marathoners is deeply personal. Before embarking on her athletic career, she has an anchorperson and journalist, balancing responsibilities at home and workplace. 

Her ability to juggle these demanding roles while pursuing her passion for long-distance running, particularly as someone who has run less than the standard 42.2 km in competitive marathons, showed the dedication and resilience that define her. She has continually defied expectations, proving that with determination, barriers can be broken, both in sport and in life. 

Their outstanding performance in Toronto and Venice is a testament to the rising potential of Pakistan’s long-distance runners, and the duo is now confidently looking ahead to future events as they continue to make strides in the world of athletics. 

In special recognition, both athletes were honoured with an acknowledgement certificate from the Canadian government for their achievements. The award ceremony, held in Brampton, celebrated by Mayor Patrick Brown, who praised their dedication and international success.

"Muhammad Yousuf and Mona Khan have shown extraordinary commitment to their sport, and we are proud to have them represent not only Pakistan but also the values of perseverance and excellence on the world stage," Mayor Brown reckoned. 

Their return home has sparked excitement among fans and fellow athletes, and their achievements are being celebrated as a significant milestone for Pakistani athletics on the world map. They are now preparing for their next challenge, with eyes set on future marathons and international competitions. Their journey continues, and their next accomplishments are awaited.

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Yousuf, Mona secure A-category medal in Toronto Marathon

Pakistan News & Features Services

The duo of Muhammad Yousuf Malik and Mona Khan successfully completed the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, having secured the A-category medal, putting Pakistan on the international stage. 

Competing in back-to-back marathons is never an easy task, but their determination to excel in both the Toronto and upcoming Italy marathons showcased unwavering commitment to their sport. 

It may be recalled that they hit headlines as the first Pakistanis to represent the nation in the Athens Marathon last year, further proving their dedication to promoting Pakistan’s athletic talent globally. 

As they prepare for their next challenge in Italy, both Yousuf and Mona continue to inspire others with their resilience and passion for running, uplifting the Pakistani community in sports. They are all set to run in the Venice Marathon on October 27 where they will be challenged by runners from over 120 countries.

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Yousuf, Mona carrying nation’s hopes in Marathons

Pakistan News & Features Services

Proudly carrying the hopes of a nation, the duo of Mohammed Yousuf Malik and Mona Khan, prepare to leave the shores of the country to participate in marquee marathon races taking place later this month. 

Yousuf Malik, an acclaimed marathon runner hailing from Kashmir’s picturesque city, Muzaffarabad, and Mona Khan from Karachi, a journalist and TV anchor by profession, will be making history of sorts by participating in the TCS Toronto Marathon, due to be held in Canada on October 20. 

They will then head to Europe to run in the Venice Marathon on October 27 where they will be competing with runners from over 120 countries. 

With every step, they will lift the Pakistani flag higher, embodying the strength, resilience, and spirit of Pakistan on the global stage. They deserve to be cheered and supported as they run for national pride and unity.

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Lahore Lions outshine Karachi in final to clinch National Veterans (Over 50) Cup 2024

Pakistan News & Features Services

Lahore Lions clinched the 8th National Veterans (Over 50) Cup 2024 Cricket Tournament as they outwitted Karachi by 102 runs in the final at Shah Faisal Ground, Lahore, on September 29. The event was organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA). 

Lahore Lions and Karachi had advanced to the final after having emerged the champions in their respective groups at the end of the league rounds. Lahore Panthers, Multan Whites, Sialkot, Gujrat, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were the other six participating teams in the tournament whose matches were played at Lahore and Sialkot. 

The Karachi skipper, Fawad Barry, chose to field first after winning the toss in the final. After seeing off the seamers, the home side batted solidly against the spinners. The opening pair of Khalid Saleem (53 off 52 balls) and Mohsin Aftab (23 off 27 balls) picked up the rate of scoring while adding 83 for first wicket in 12.3 overs. 

The momentum was sustained by Jamshed Ali (54 off 51 balls) and Imtiaz Tarar (31 off 47 balls) and the late flourish was provided by Afzal Shah (37 off 24 balls) and Javed Hafeez (32 off 22 balls) lifted the total to an imposing 273 for seven in the allotted 40 overs. Left-arm spinner Jaffer Qureshi (3-50) and off-spinner Asif Mughal (2-37) were the pick of the Karachi bowlers. 

Set a daunting target of 274 to lift the trophy, Karachi lost wickets upfront and fell behind the clock. Having slumped to 52 for five in the 12th over, they showed some fight through middle-order batsmen, Ahmed Hayat (37 off 42 balls), Rizwan Qureshi (29 off 32 balls), Asif Siddiqui (22 off 31 balls) and Jaffer Qureshi (21 off 39 balls). 

The spin trio of Jamshed Ali (2-4), Nadeem Boota (2-20) and Javed Hafeez (2-22) bowled Karachi out for 171 in 36.4 overs to ensure a coming victory for Lahore Lions. 

Amer Ilyas Butt, Chief Executive Officer, PVCA, was the guest of honour in the presentation ceremony, held at the ground soon after conclusion of the final. He gave away the trophies as well as the individual prizes to the outstanding performers of the event. 

The winners’ trophy was collected by the Lahore Lions captain, Mohsin Aftab, while the runners-up trophy was awarded to the Karachi skipper, Fawad Barry. Jamshed Ali of Lahore Lions was declared Man of the Match of the final.

The organizers were lauded for doing a great job which ensured a full game in the final, which had looked unlikely after the heavy rains a couple of days ago which washed out both the last round matches in Lahore.

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