Tag: matches

  • Pakistan trounces New Zealand, scores 500th ODI win

    Pakistan trounces New Zealand, scores 500th ODI win

    Pakistan defeated New Zealand by five wickets on Thursday night at the Rawalpindi Pindi Cricket Stadium to register their 500th One-Day International (ODI) victory, becoming the third team in the world to achieve the feat.

    The landmark was achieved after the Green Shirts played 949 50-over matches.

    Pakistan has won 92 ODIs against Sri Lanka, 73 against India, 63 against West Indies, 57 against New Zealand, 54 against Zimbabwe, 34 against Australia, 32 against England, and 32 against Bangladesh.

    Apart from Pakistan, Australia has won 594 50-over matches in 978 fixtures, while India has secured victories in 539 matches in 1,029 fixtures.

    Pakistan was able to register its 500th win with the help of Fakhar Zaman’s blistering knock in the run chase.

    Needing 289 to win, the opening pair of Fakhar and Imam-ul-Haq provided a solid 124-run opening stand. Imam was soon dispatched after scoring his 15th ODI half-century.

    He was trapped leg-before by Ish Sodhi in the 22nd over for 60 after facing 65 balls, which included five fours and one six. After Imam’s departure, Captain Babar Azam and Fakhar got together to add 90 runs for the second wicket and during the course of the partnership player of the match Fakhar also scored his ninth ODI century in the 35th over.

    Babar, who was all set to score big tonight, missed out on his 25th half-century and got caught behind off the bowling of Adam Milne for 49 off 46 balls in the 36th over.

    The top ODI batter in the ICC rankings struck three fours and a six at a strike-rate of 106.52. Milne went on to pick Shan Masood (1, 12b) in the 38th over to put pressure back on the home side, as suddenly the required run-rate climbed to six runs an over with 12 overs remaining. But Fakhar and Rizwan struck five boundaries and a six between them in the next three overs to bring the required rate back to under-five an over.

    Right-arm fast Naseem Shah was the most economical bowler for the hosts, as he gave away only 29 runs off 10 overs and took two wickets – both on the final two balls of the innings.

    Match Highlights
    Pakistan beat New Zealand by five wickets

    New Zealand 288-7, 50 overs (Daryl Mitchell 113, Will Young 86; Naseem Shah 2-29, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-63, Haris Rauf 2-65)

    Pakistan 291-5, 48.3 overs (Fakhar Zaman 117, Imam-ul-Haq 60, Babar Azam 49, Mohammad Rizwan 42 not out; Adam Milne 2-60)

    Player of the match – Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan)

  • Ticket sales for FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar are nearing 3 million: Infantino

    Ticket sales for FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar are nearing 3 million: Infantino

    Ticket sales for the FIFA World Cup are nearing three million ahead of the tournament’s start in Qatar on November 20, according to FIFA President Gianni Infantino and event organisers on Monday.

    According to Brecorder, Qatar, the United States, and Saudi Arabia were the top three purchasing countries among the 2.89 million tickets sold, according to World Cup Chief Operating Officer Colin Smith at a news conference in Doha.

    Infantino said in a video address to the conference that 240,000 hospitality packages for the month-long tournament, the first in a Middle Eastern country, had been sold.

    Qatar, the smallest country to host soccer’s global showpiece tournament, expects an estimated 1.2 million visitors during the World Cup. Due to limited accommodation in Qatar, thousands of fans are expected to stay in neighbouring countries for matches.

    Yasir Al Jamal, the director general of Qatar’s World Cup organising committee, told a news conference that 2 million room nights had been sold and that Qatar had added an additional 30,000 rooms to accommodate last-minute ticket sales.

    Soccer teams, their support staff, and World Cup officials will occupy many hotel rooms in Doha. Japan will be the first team to arrive at the tournament on November 7, according to Smith.

  • Indian cricket team to visit Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023

    Indian cricket team to visit Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023

    The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has stated that the Indian cricket team will most likely visit Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023.

    The Pakistan tour for the 2019 Asia Cup is on the BCCI’s agenda before its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on October 18, according to a report on an Indian website.

    According to the report, India was willing to fly to Pakistan to take part in the competition. A BCCI source told the publication, “However, India’s visit will be subject to the clearance of the government.”

    “There is always the possibility of staging the event in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as was done for this year’s Asia Cup, but the BCCI memo appears to indicate otherwise,” the report stated.

    Prior to the ICC Cricket World Cup in India, which is slated for October and November 2023, Pakistan will host the 50-over Asia Cup. In order to compete in the Asia Cup, India last travelled to Pakistan in 2008.

    On October 23, at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Pakistan will play India in the tournament’s opening matchup for the T20 World Cup 2022.

  • Asia Cup 2022 to be held in UAE

    Asia Cup 2022 to be held in UAE

    The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) announced on Wednesday that Asia Cup 2022 will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, Sri Lanka will still officially have hosting rights. According to the ACC, the competition has been relocated to the UAE in light of the current crisis in Sri Lanka.

    “Every effort was made to host the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and the decision to shift the venue to the UAE was taken after much deliberation. The UAE will be the new venue while Sri Lanka will continue to retain hosting rights,” ACC president Jay Shah said.

    The tournament will be played between August 27 and September 11.

    The 2022 edition of the Asia Cup is scheduled to be a T20I tournament.

    Since 1984, 14 Asia Cups have taken place. India won the Asia Cup title seven times. Sri Lanka is second to India with five cups to their name while Pakistan has won this title two times.

  • Pakistan and India to reportedly play against each other on August 28

    Pakistan and India to reportedly play against each other on August 28

    India and Pakistan will likely play against each other in the Asia Cup 2022 on August 28, as per a Sri Lankan journalist.

    According to the journalist, India and Pakistan will be paired in one group in the Asia Cup while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan will play in another group.

    Asia Cup is scheduled to be played in the T20 format between August 27 and September 11.

    Both teams last played against each other in 2021 T20 World Cup where Pakistan had beaten India by ten wickets.

  • NCOC allows 25 per cent spectators for PSL 7 Karachi-leg matches

    NCOC allows 25 per cent spectators for PSL 7 Karachi-leg matches

    The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has allowed 25 per cent crowd attendance for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 7 Karachi-leg matches, which will be played at the National Stadium from January 27 to February 7.

    As per the press release isuued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the decision means around 8,000 spectators will be allowed inside the venue each match day. However, to ensure their health and safety as well as others attending the matches, the spectators’ entry will be subject to strict Covid-19 protocols, which are:

    • Individuals above the age of 12 years must be fully vaccinated
    • Valid vaccination certificates must be shown at the time gaining access to the stadium
    • Wearing of masks inside the venue is mandatory
    • Anyone violating the NCOC guidelines shall be liable to be evicted out of the stadium

    PCB Chief Operating Officer and PSL Tournament Director Salman Naseer said: “Spectators are the essence of any sport event and in this background, we now hope to set the stage with 25 per cent crowds to attend the Karachi matches of the HBL PSL 2022.”

    “As a responsible organisation, we completely understand our obligations in relation to health and safety of the fans and will leave no stone unturned in strictly implementing the NCOC guidelines.”

    Read More – NCOC bans indoor events in cities with Covid positivity rate over 10%

    “However, we will also require complete and unconditional support from the spectators so that they and others can continue to enjoy the matches in a safe and secure environment. This is something they can do by simply following the guidelines,” it added.

    The NCOC will make a decision closer to time for the Lahore-leg matches scheduled for the Gaddafi Stadium, which will be played from February 10-27.

  • Attending a PSL match? Five things you need to know

    The fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League is officially underway and with all matches scheduled to be played in Pakistan, excitements levels are high. Lahore, Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Multan are hosting matches over the next one month and while there are some of us who are excited to witness the action live, there are others who are not looking forward to the roadblocks and traffic diversions. Nonetheless, it is likely that everyone will end up attending at least one match in the stadium.

    To make life easier, The Current has compiled a match guide to help make your life easier.

    Start ahead

    If you want to catch all the action from the start to the end, start ahead. Getting to the stadium and your enclosure will take some time because of the long walk to the stadium and several security checks along the way. If you’re someone who just wants to experience the thrill, especially at the end of the match, then time is not an issue.

    Wear comfortable clothes and shoes

    Considering that there will be a lot of walking involved, wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Comfortable shoes especially are a must.

    Carry a light-weight jacket with you

    The ground is big and open and it can get chilly towards the end of the match. Best to carry a jacket or a light sweater so that you don’t feel cold.

    Don’t carry unnecessary items

    Keep your bags and pockets light and don’t carry unnecessary items because you never know what is not allowed to be taken inside the stadium – I lost my power bank at the security checkpoint. Perfumes and liquid items, especially, are not allowed inside the stadium.

    Don’t litter or leave your garbage inside the stadiums

    Dustbins are available everywhere so properly dispose your garbage and do not leave any wrappers or tissues behind.

    Make sure you carry:
    Your ticket, your original CNIC, and a photocopy of the CNIC of the person whose name is mentioned on the ticket (if somebody else among your family/friends bought the ticket). Mobile phones are allowed but other

  • CWC’2019: Full schedule, venues and match timings

    CWC’2019: Full schedule, venues and match timings

    The 2019 edition of the ICC World Cup is being held in the United Kingdom (UK), as part of which 48 games are being played across 46 days at 11 venues.

    Ten teams are playing against each other in the round-robin stage for the first time since the 1992 edition and the top four sides will qualify for the semi-finals which will be held in Manchester and Birmingham.

    Here’s the complete schedule to save you from the trouble of searching for one with Pakistan Standard Time (PST).

    Fixtures Date and Time (PST) Venue
    England vs South
    Africa     		30 May, Thursday at 2:30
    PM     		Kennington Oval,
    London
    West Indies vs
    Pakistan      		31 May, Friday at 2:30 PM Trent Bridge,
    Nottingham
    New Zealand vs Sri
    Lanka     		1 June, Saturday at 2:30
    PM     		Sophia Gardens,
    Cardiff
    Afghanistan vs
    Australia     		1 June, Saturday at 5:30
    PM     		County Ground,
    Bristol
    South Africa vs
    Bangladesh     		2 June, Sunday at 2:30
    PM     		Kennington Oval,
    London
    England vs Pakistan 3 June, Monday at 2:30
    PM     		Trent Bridge,
    Nottingham
    Afghanistan vs Sri
    Lanka     		4 June, Tuesday at 2:30
    PM      		Sophia Gardens,
    Cardiff
    South Africa vs
    India     		5 June, Wednesday at
    2:30 PM     		The Rose Bowl,
    Southampton
    Bangladesh vs New
    Zealand     		5 June, Wednesday at
    5:30 PM     		Kennington Oval,
    London
    Australia vs West
    Indies     		6 June, Thursday at 2:30
    PM     		Trent Bridge,
    Nottingham
    Pakistan vs Sri
    Lanka     		7 June, Friday at 2:30
    PM     		County Ground,
    Bristol
    England vs
    Bangladesh     		8 June, Saturday at 2:30
    PM     		Sophia Gardens,
    Cardiff
    Afghanistan vs New
    Zealand     		8 June, Saturday at 5:30
    PM     		The Cooper
    Associates County Ground, Taunton
    India vs Australia 9 June, Sunday at 2:30
    PM     		Kennington Oval,
    London
    South Africa vs West
    Indies      		10 June, Monday at 2:30
    PM     		The Rose Bowl,
    Southampton
    Bangladesh vs Sri
    Lanka     		11 June, Tuesday at 2:30
    PM      		County Ground,
    Bristol
    Australia vs
    Pakistan     		12 June, Wednesday
    at 2:30 PM     		The Cooper
    Associates County Ground, Taunton
    India vs New Zealand 13 June, Thursday at
    2:30 PM     		Trent Bridge,
    Nottingham
    England vs West
    Indies     		14 June, Friday at 2:30
    PM     		The Rose Bowl,
    Southampton
    Sri Lanka vs
    Australia     		15 June, Saturday at
    2:30 PM     		Kennington Oval,
    London
    South Africa vs
    Afghanistan     		15 June, Saturday at
    5:30 PM     		Sophia Gardens,
    Cardiff
    India vs Pakistan 16 June, Sunday at 2:30
    PM      		Old Trafford,
    Manchester
    West Indies vs
    Bangladesh     		17 June, Monday at 2:30
    PM     		The Cooper
    Associates County Ground, Taunton
    England vs
    Afghanistan     		18 June, Tuesday at 2:30
    PM     		Old Trafford,
    Manchester
    New Zealand vs South
    Africa      		19 June, Wednesday
    at 2:30 PM     		Edgbaston,
    Birmingham
    Australia vs
    Bangladesh     		20 June, Thursday at
    2:30 PM      		Trent Bridge,
    Nottingham
    England vs Sri
    Lanka      		21 June, Friday at 2:30
    PM     		Headingley, Leeds
    India vs Afghanistan 22 June, Saturday at
    2:30 PM     		The Rose Bowl,
    Southampton
    West Indies vs New
    Zealand     		22 June, Saturday at
    5:30 PM     		Old Trafford,
    Manchester
    Pakistan vs South
    Africa      		23 June, Sunday
    at 2:30 PM     		Lord’s, London
    Bangladesh vs
    Afghanistan     		24 June, Monday at 2:30
    PM     		The Rose Bowl,
    Southampton
    England vs Australia 25 June, Tuesday
    at 2:30 PM      		Lord’s, London
    New Zealand vs
    Pakistan       		26 June, Wednesday
    at 2:30 PM     		Edgbaston,
    Birmingham
    West Indies vs
    India      		27 June, Thursday at
    2:30 PM     		Old Trafford,
    Manchester
    Sri Lanka vs South
    Africa      		28 June, Friday at 2:30
    PM     		Riverside Ground,
    Chester-le-Street
    Pakistan vs
    Afghanistan      		29 June, Saturday at
    2:30 PM     		Headingley, Leeds
    New Zealand vs
    Australia     		29 June, Saturday at
    5:30 PM     		Lord’s, London
    England vs India 30 June, Sunday at 2:30
    PM      		Edgbaston,
    Birmingham
    Sri Lanka vs West
    Indies     		1 July, Monday at 2:30
    PM     		Riverside Ground,
    Chester-le-Street
    India vs
    Bangladesh      		2 July, Tuesday at 5:30
    PM     		Edgbaston,
    Birmingham
    England vs New
    Zealand     		3 July, Wednesday at
    2:30 PM     		Riverside Ground,
    Chester-le-Street
    Afghanistan vs West
    Indies     		4 July, Thursday at 2:30
    PM     		Headingley, Leeds
    Pakistan vs
    Bangladesh      		5 July, Friday at 2:30
    PM     		Lord’s, London
    Sri Lanka vs
    India      		6 July, Saturday at
    – 5:30 PM     		Headingley, Leeds
    Australia vs South
    Africa     		6 July, Saturday
    at 5:30 PM     		Old Trafford,
    Manchester
    TBC vs TBC 1st
    Semifinal      		9 July, Tuesday at 2:30
    PM     		Old Trafford,
    Manchester
    TBC vs TBC 2nd
    Semifinal     		11 July, Thursday at
    2:30 PM      		Edgbaston,
    Birmingham
    TBC vs TBC Final 14 July, Sunday at 2:30
    PM     		Lord’s, London