Tag: kane Williamson

  • Kane Williamson steps down from captaincy also refuses to take central contract

    Kane Williamson steps down from captaincy also refuses to take central contract

    Kiwi team captain Kane Williamson refused to take the central contract of New Zealand cricket and also resigned from the leadership of New Zealand’s white-ball team.

    According to media reports, after refusing to take the central contract, Williamson became free from availability for the entire season. Still, despite not taking the central contract, Williamson has expressed his determination to be available for New Zealand cricket.

    Kane Williamson will not be available to New Zealand during the summer season in January. Still, he will be available to the Kiwi team for the 8 Test Championship matches and the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

    The New Zealand team has been eliminated from the Super Eight stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup in America and the West Indies.

  • Here are the final squads of both Pak and NZ teams for the upcoming series

    Here are the final squads of both Pak and NZ teams for the upcoming series

    Pakistan will host New Zealand for a long awaited series, with five T20 internationals and five One Day internationals schedule to begin on April 14. The series has crucial significance for both teams as World Cup 2023 looms ahead towards the end of the year.

    Both teams are ready to put in extra effort in the series as the matches will be a tester for both teams’ weaknesses and strengths.

    New Zealand had pulled out of the Pakistan tour just before the start of the first ODI in 2021 citing a security threat. Now they will be playing extra games on this tour. This is the second time they are touring Pakistan in the space of five months.

    Across last December and January, they played two Tests that ended 0-0, followed by a three-match ODI series that New Zealand won 2-1.

    Pakistan has named full-strength squads for both the ODI and T20I series. Regular captain Babar Azam makes a comeback, along with the leader of the bowling attack Shaheen Shah Afridi. Senior players like Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman and Haris Rauf are also back following the rest they were given in the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan.

    New Zealand, meanwhile, have been forced to name a severely depleted squad with most of their first-choice players occupied in the IPL. Tom Latham, who last played T20Is in 2021, will return to lead them in both formats.

    New Zealand will be banking on the experience they gained in their ODI series victory earlier this year in Pakistan, expecting to capitalise on the inputs of Saqlain Mushtaq, head coach of the Pakistan side until two months back. Saqlain has joined the New Zealand camp as an assistant coach.
    Here are the squads for both teams:

    PAK v NZ, 2023 T20I squad: Full team list for Pakistan v New Zealand T20Is
    Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ihsanullah, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Zaman Khan

    New Zealand: Tom Latham (c), Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Cole McConchie, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi, Will Young, Chad Bowes, Dane Cleaver, Ben Lister, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Henry Shipley, Blair Tickner

    PAK v NZ, 2023 ODI squad: Full team list for Pakistan v New Zealand ODIs
    Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haris Sohail, Ihsanullah, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Usama Mir

    New Zealand: Tom Latham (c), Henry Nicholls, Tom Blundell, Cole McConchie, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi, Will Young, Chad Bowes, Ben Lister, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Henry Shipley, Blair Tickner

  • ‘Pakistan definitely out-bowled, out-batted and out-fielded New Zealand’: Former Indian captain Anil Kumble

    ‘Pakistan definitely out-bowled, out-batted and out-fielded New Zealand’: Former Indian captain Anil Kumble

    Anil Kumble, a former captain of India, said on ESPNcricinfo’s T20 Time Out show that Pakistan “definitely out-bowled New Zealand, they out-batted New Zealand, but most importantly, they out-fielded New Zealand, which is very, very rare.”

    Tom Moody, a former all-rounder for Australia, picked up a specific moment during New Zealand’s powerplay that was a reflection of Pakistan’s level of dedication on Wednesday.

    “The tone for me was set with one piece of fielding,” Moody said. “And it’s not the run-out. It’s before the run-out [of Devon Conway]. It was by Shadab [Khan], who was at mid-on, dived and stopped the ball from going for four.

    “Kane Williamson played a beautiful on-drive, a straight on-drive, and he [Shadab] saved two runs. And that to me set the tone for the way they were going to operate as a team. You talk about body language but you need moments like that to lift the unit and that’s the standard that he basically said ‘this is the standard we are going to set today.”

    New Zealand was limited to 38 for 2 on the powerplay as a result of Pakistan’s outstanding fielding in the circle. Shadab’s straight shot to run out Conway produced the second wicket. Pakistan eventually managed to restrict New Zealand to 152 for 8, winning with seven wickets and five balls remaining.

    Kumble applauded Haris’ contribution to the match, which includes his 89 runs with a strike rate of 161.81 since joining the team to fill in for Fakhar Zaman.

    “Looking at him [Haris], he looks like a free spirit,” Kumble said. “He’s not bothered about getting his eye in or what if the first ball he gets out. That’s what you want in a T20 game.”

    New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said that “We were put under pressure early, they bowled really well and it was thanks to an unbelievable knock from Daryl Mitchell that we got some momentum back.

    Read more: ‘I think our team looks good, we might just win the final’: Imran Khan

    “At halfway, we thought it was a competitive total because we knew the pitch was a used surface, it was tough.

    “But it’s really disappointing to not make Pakistan work harder for those runs, they were absolutely outstanding today and credit has to go to them.”

    In the meantime, Shoaib Akhtar, a Pakistani fast bowler, was also overjoyed with Pakistan’s victory.

    Former South African allrounder Vernon Philander joined in congratulating Pakistan for making it into the final.

    Wasim Akram added his congratulations to those on the side of Pakistani team.

    Irfan Pathan, an Indian all-rounder, sent a message as well, praising the Pakistani team for overcoming a near-certain elimination from the competition to reach the final.

  • Memes: Pak reacts to India’s defeat

    Memes: Pak reacts to India’s defeat

    New Zealand defeated India by 8 wickets on Sunday, making it quite difficult for the men in blue to reach the semi-finals in the T20 World Cup.

    India gave New Zealand a target of 111 runs. The Kiwis easily chased the target in the 14th over.

    Despite India having world-class batters, Black Caps dismissed seven Indians during the first innings of the match. Indian captain Virat Kohli could only score nine. Currently, India is at number 5 in Group B of the T20 World Cup 2021.

    Since last night, Pakistani social media is filled with memes and reactions.

  • ‘Good relations’: Williamson hopes there are no grudges between Pak-NZ

    ‘Good relations’: Williamson hopes there are no grudges between Pak-NZ

    The captain of the New Zealand Cricket team, Kane Williamson, on Monday said that he hopes Pakistan cricket team will keep no grudges against New Zealand.

    Read More – ‘A real shame’: NZ captain displeased with his team’s decision

    Addressing a press conference in Sharjah, he said that Pakistan and New Zealand enjoy good relations and that the upcoming T20 World Cup match between two teams “will be played in right spirits”.

    Kane Williamson’s comments came in response to the question asked if he expects any acrimony or grudges following the last-minute pullout of the New Zealand cricket team from their Pakistan tour.

    Replying to the question, the NZ skipper said that the situation was very disappointing. “I know the team members were very much looking forward to the occasion and playing cricket in Pakistan, and it was ‘a real shame’ that it wasn’t able to go ahead,” he said on the eve of the match.

    “The focus now is here at the T20 World Cup and no doubt after last night’s performance, Pakistan have some momentum and are feeling pretty good about their cricket,” he said.

    “But there are also a lot of good relations within the two teams. Over the years, they have played a lot against each other, and several players have played with each other, as well. I am sure it will be played in the right spirit,” Williamson said.

    Williamson praised the spectacular performance of Pakistan against India. “It was a fantastic performance. I think Pakistan has come to the T20 World Cup full of confidence, having played in these conditions more than most.”

    “They certainly put it on the show last night and showed why they are one of the favorites in the competition,” he said shedding light on Pakistan’s performance against India.

    “Tomorrow, I am sure they’ll be very strong again, so, for us, it is focusing on the cricket that we want to play and trying to adjust to conditions,” he added.

    Pakistan is set to play New Zealand in their second match of Super 12s today (Tuesday).

  • ‘A real shame’: NZ captain displeased with his team’s decision

    ‘A real shame’: NZ captain displeased with his team’s decision

    New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has expressed his displeasure with his team over the decision to pull out of its tour of Pakistan.

    “I don’t know the details of yesterday. It was a sudden call, but obviously, a real shame,” said the captain.

    The Kiwi captain said there is so much passion in Pakistan and that he dreaded that the “guys will be gutted” to not have started and played the whole series.

    I will find out a bit more about it over the next few days, Williamson said, admitting that he does not know full details of the incident.

    “Players’ safety is paramount and when you hear messages going through from the government, it is certainly above the players’ heads,” Williamson said.

    Williamson shared his empathy towards the Pakistani players his team was set to be pitted against on the pitch. “They were obviously over there, ready to go to the ground. It is a sudden thing that happened.”

    He said he certainly hoped there is no lasting impact from it because it is a special place for cricket to be and there have been a lot of strides forward to see cricket go back into Pakistan and play there safely.

    Meanwhile, Williamson was not part of the team that arrived in Pakistan for the series but he said he was aware of what happened and was concerned.

  • ‘Good things happen to good people,’ Babar Azam, Ramiz Raja congratulate NZ on winning World Test Championship

    ‘Good things happen to good people,’ Babar Azam, Ramiz Raja congratulate NZ on winning World Test Championship

    Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam, Ramiz Raja and several members from the cricket fraternity took to social media to congratulate New Zealand for winning the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) title. The black caps defeated India by eight wickets at The Ageas Bowl in Southampton, on Wednesday.

    Taking to Twitter, Babar wrote: “Congratulations to New Zealand on this remarkable feat. WTC is indeed a premier contest and you can’t succeed without perseverance and dedication. Team India also put up a great show throughout the tournament. Awesome contest!”

    Former Pakistani cricketer and commentator Raja said: “Good things happen to good people. Congrats Kane Williamson.”

    “Congrats @BLACKCAPS on winning the #WTC21. You were the superior team. #TeamIndia will be disappointed with their performance. As I had mentioned the first 10 overs will be crucial & Flag of India lost both Kohli & Pujara in the space of 10 balls & that put a lot of pressure on the team,” tweeted Indian cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar.

    Virender Sehwag praised Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor for their match-winning partnership. “Missed being 50-over champions 2 years ago in the same country, but winning the inaugural World test Championship in style, many congratulations @BLACKCAPS , absolutely worthy champions. Happy for Kane Williamson and @RossLTaylor”, he tweeted.

    Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum took to Twitter to pass on his wishes to Kane Williamson and his team. “To Kane and all of the boys, We love you”, he wrote on Twitter.

    https://twitter.com/Bazmccullum/status/1407766493492781058?s=20

    Test cricket legend VVS Laxman also congratulated New Zealand for their win in the WTC Final. He tweeted, “Congratulations @BLACKCAPS on being deserving champions. NZ bowlers were terrific, Williamson & Taylor brought in their experience to finish the job. Indian batsman will rue not playing to potential in 2nd innings,but India can be proud of the way they played the WTC cycle.”

    “Congratulations NZ” started trending on Twitter even before the New Zealand openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway came out to bat.

    New Zealand’s four-pronged pace attack led by Tim Southee produced an excellent exhibition of seam bowling on the reserve day of the WTC final against India to bowl them out for a score of just 170 in the third innings of the match.

    India set a target of 139 runs. New Zealand reached 140 for two in 45.5 overs, winning by eight wickets. Williamson smashed 52 runs off 89 balls, packed with eight fours. Meanwhile, Taylor, who hit the winning boundary, slammed an unbeaten knock of 47 off 100 balls.

  • VIDEO: David Warner, Kane Williamson observe Ramzan fast

    VIDEO: David Warner, Kane Williamson observe Ramzan fast

    David Warner and Kane Williamson observed the fast alongside Rashid Khan to celebrate the holy month of Ramzan during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). In a video posted by Khan, Warner can be heard saying that he is very hungry.

    Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) Australian captain Warner and New Zealand batsman Williamson kept a fast alongside Afghan team-mates Rashid, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman to observe the holy month of Ramzan.

    In a video shared by Rashid on his Instagram, he can be seen interacting with Williamson and Warner at what seems to be a restaurant where the cricketers may have gathered to break their fast.

    “Two legends were fasting with us today,” Rashid had captioned the Instagram Story.

    The 22-year-old can be heard asking Warner and Williamson about their fasting experience.

    “David, how is your fasting today?” Rashid Khan asked Warner in the video.

    “Good, but I am very thirsty and very hungry today. My mouth is so dry,” said Warner in response.

    Khan then turned the phone camera towards Williamson and asked him the same question.

    “Very good, thanks,” said Williamson, flashing a thumbs-up.

    “These two legends are observing the fast today. It is a pleasure to have them at the table,” said Rashid.

    The video went viral on social media and people couldn’t stop praising the two for expressing solidarity with their Muslim teammates.

    Sharing the video on Twitter, a former cricketer and journalist Isabelle Westbury revealed that Warner also celebrates Eid with his Australian teammate Fawad Ahmed.

    Westbury said that Ahmed “always cites him as a particularly understanding mate regarding cultural differences.”

    Read more – Afridi ‘sad to see’ South Africa release players for IPL amid Pakistan series

    The 2021 edition of IPL is currently ongoing with the matches taking place in Chennai and Mumbai.

  • PAK vs NZ Test: Best vs worst performances

    PAK vs NZ Test: Best vs worst performances

    New Zealand bowled out Pakistan by 186 runs in the second Test match at Christchurch on Wednesday, beating by an innings and 176 runs to sweep the series 2-0 and top the world rankings for the first time.

    The home team presented their career best performances while the visitors show-cased their career worst performances. Meanwhile, Shan Masood led the board with his quacktrick.

    https://twitter.com/DennisCricket_/status/1346406792020967426?s=08

    Kyle Jamieson took three of the four dismisals after lunch as Pakistan went to tea on day four in Christchurch at 134 for seven, needing a further 228 runs to make New Zealand bat again.

    The 2.3 metre (6ft 8in) Jamieson had figures of six for 38 to go with his five for 69 in the first innings to become the first bowler to take more than 10 wickets in a Test at Hagley Oval.

    The Kiwi bowler with his 11 wickets was the nightmare for the opponent team as he became the first bowler to take more than 10 wickets in a Test at Hagley Oval, leading him to win the Player of the Match award.

    Meanwhile, the Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson with Man of the Series performance led from the front taking his team to not only a series victory but also the number one ranked Test team in the world right now.

    The 30-year-old scored 388 runs in the two Tests at a whopping average of 129 including a double ton in the same match.

    There was resistance from Azhar Ali (37), Abid Ali (26) and later Faheem Ashraf (28) and Zafar Gohar (37), but the batsmen couldn’t stitch together partnerships big enough to demotivate New Zealand, and that proved to be their undoing.

    Zafar Gohar, the debutant, resisted well thereafter, but Williamson got into the act with the ball at the other end, dismissing Shaheen Afridi (7). When Gohar then holed out off Boult, history was sealed.

    Williamson is also crowned as the first centurion of 2021.

    Meanwhile, Pakistan’s performance was the worst. Worst bowling, fielding and performances by the players except for Muhammad Rizwan, who tried his best in both the matches with his three half-centuries.

    Netizens criticised Masood for his performance in the Tests – the left-handed Pakistan opener scored a pair of ducks in the second Test against New Zealand, which when paired with his duck from the second innings of the previous Test gave him three straight failures.

    Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi also expressed his disappointment over the national squad’s hapless performance in the second Test at Christchurch, describing it as “very poor”.

    His comments come in the wake of Pakistan’s crushing defeat at the hands of New Zealand in the second Test match at Christchurch by an innings and 176 runs.