Tag: Pak

  • Tri-Nation 2024/25, PAK vs NZ 1st Match Match Preview


    Big picture: Opportunity for precious game time in Pakistan

    A triangular ODI series is something of a curiosity that belongs in a museum more than it does in 2025. Pakistan last hosted one in 2004, and there have been none in the ODI format anywhere since 2019. When this particular series was announced not long ago, it stood out – it is the only ODI tri series in the current FTP.

    Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa will play a truncated version of the classic tri-series, with just one round of matches followed by a final. The schedule was likely squeezed by the SA20 at one end and the Champions Trophy at the other, and it is that upcoming ICC event – the first hosted by Pakistan in nearly three decades – which gives the series context.

    While South Africa’s squad is weakened by player commitments at the SA20 and injuries, Pakistan and New Zealand, who take each other on in the opener, have pretty much full-strength sides. Both have named near-identical squads for this series and the Champions Trophy, and had two practice sessions at the rebuilt Gaddafi Stadium, which will officially be inaugurated on Friday, on the eve of the first game.

    For each side, it offers the opportunity for precious match practice in conditions where the Champions Trophy will be held in the main (with India’s matches in Dubai). Pakistan and New Zealand will also open the marquee tournament, though that game will take place in Karachi and not Lahore. Both have played exactly nine ODIs each since the end of the 2023 World Cup, and all in very different conditions to this. While Pakistan won each of their three recent ODI series, New Zealand fell short in the one they played in the subcontinent, a 2-0 reversal against Sri Lanka.

    However, it’s not as if they are short of match practice in this country. Since December 2022, they have played two Tests, eight ODIs and ten T20Is in Pakistan across four series. On most of those occasions, though, multiple factors meant New Zealand sent in weakened squads, with larger context to build up to. This time, however, there is a multi-team trophy on the line, all while preparing for the second-biggest title in ODI cricket.

    It offers the visitors a chance to trial what appears a healthy balance between seam and spin in Pakistan. Captain Mitchell Santner will have Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips for slow bowling company, while they also have a battery of fast bowlers – no fewer than six – in their tri-series squad.

    Pakistan appear to have shown their hand slightly more, with just one full-time spinner alongside Salman Ali Agha, their most plausible part-time spin option. There is a bit of tinkering required at the top, where it appears Fakhar Zaman, back in from the cold, will open with Babar Azam, an experiment the PCB are testing ahead of the Champions Trophy. With this their only game before the deadline to make changes to the squad on February 11, there is more riding on it for them than just the eventual outcome of the contest.

    Form guide

    Pakistan WWWWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
    New Zealand LWWLL

    In the spotlight: Babar Azam and Lockie Ferguson

    Babar Azam is always in the spotlight, but things are different this time. With Saim Ayub’s injury and Abdullah Shafique’s loss of form, ESPNcricinfo understands Pakistan’s former captain is expected to be called upon to open the batting to provide stability up top. He has, with polarising effect, performed this role in T20 cricket for several years, and more recently stood in as Test opener in Cape Town, scoring a half-century in each innings. In ODIs, however, all but 14 of his innings have come at three, and as he looks to navigate his way out of a difficult run of form, a change of position in his most prolific format will guarantee all eyes on him.

    Lockie Ferguson has not played ODI cricket since the tail-end of 2023, but with Pakistan also naming four seamers in their squad, this may be a series where express pace is a factor. Fresh off a respectable showing in the ILT20, where he places among the top-ten wicket-takers, the 33-year-old Ferguson is the oldest fast bowler across all three sides this tri-series, but also the quickest. Against a makeshift Pakistan opening pair and, in Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan, middle-order players more accomplished against spin than high pace, Ferguson’s extra heat presents a locus of vulnerability for Pakistan, and a point of difference for New Zealand.

    Team news: Saim Ayub is out of action

    Ayub, recovering from an ankle injury, is out of the series and the Champions Trophy. Pakistan are expected to open with Fakhar and Babar, with three premier seam bowlers and Abrar Ahmed as lone frontline spinner. The middle order will see some rotation over the series.

    Pakistan (likely) 1 Fakhar Zaman, 2 Babar Azam, 3 Kamran Ghulam, 4 Mohammad Rizwan (capt, wk), 5 Tayyab Tahir/Saud Shakeel, 6 Salman Agha, 7 Khushdil Shah, 8 Shaheen Afridi, 9 Naseem Shah, 10 Haris Rauf, 11 Abrar Ahmed

    New Zealand have two opportunities to work out their best side here before the deadline for the Champions Trophy squads shuts. The conditions would suggest three fast bowlers at a minimum. With all of New Zealand’s spinners also handy batters, balance of the side is not much of an issue.

    New Zealand (possible) 1 Devon Conway, 2 Will Young, 3 Rachin Ravindra, 4 Kane Williamson, 5 Daryl Mitchell, 5 Tom Latham (wk), 7 Glenn Phillips/Michael Bracewell, 8 Mitchell Santner (capt), 9 Lockie Ferguson, 10 Matt Henry, 11 Will O’Rourke

    Pitch and conditions

    This is a bit of a mystery, with the entire ground rebuilt recently. Historically, though, the Gaddafi has produced flat batting surfaces and reward for extra pace in ODI cricket. Overhead conditions are likely to be more overcast than sunny, with temperatures dipping in the evening, but no rain is expected.

    Stats and trivia

    • Babar has only opened twice in ODI cricket, in a bilateral series against England in 2015. He scored 26 runs across his two innings
    • Ferguson is one wicket away from becoming the 19th New Zealander to 100 ODI wickets
    • Pakistan last hosted an ODI tri-series in 2004, featuring Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. It was called the Paktel Cup, after a telecommunications company that no longer exists. Sri Lanka beat Pakistan in the final then

    Quotes

    “You have to look at what the pitch, opposition and conditions are like before you finalise a team. This time around, even the Gaddafi Stadium is new to us.”
    Mohammad Rizwan feels Pakistan will also need to acclimatise to the new Gaddafi Stadium

    “We’ve seen [Tim] Southee and [Trent] Boult do it for a long time for us and do an extremely good job. We’ve got some new guys coming through alongside the experience of Matt Henry, and some good fast bowling stocks.”
    Mitchell Santner believes New Zealand’s pace bowling is in a good place

    Danyal Rasool is ESPNcricinfo’s Pakistan correspondent. @Danny61000



    The Tri-Nation 2024/25 tournament is set to kick off with an exciting clash between Pakistan and New Zealand in the first match. Both teams will be looking to start their campaign on a winning note and lay down a marker for the rest of the tournament.

    Pakistan, led by their dynamic captain Babar Azam, will be looking to continue their recent good form and build on their success in the T20 format. With a strong batting line-up featuring the likes of Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman, they will be confident of putting up a good total on the board.

    On the other hand, New Zealand, under the leadership of Kane Williamson, will be looking to bounce back from their recent series loss and make a strong statement in this tournament. With a balanced squad including the likes of Martin Guptill and Tim Southee, they will be a tough challenge for Pakistan.

    The pitch at the venue is expected to be flat and conducive to strokeplay, so we can expect a high-scoring encounter between these two teams. Both sides will need to be at their best to come out on top in this match.

    Overall, it promises to be an exciting contest between two evenly matched teams. Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling start to the Tri-Nation 2024/25 tournament.

    Tags:

    Tri-Nation 2024/25, PAK vs NZ, 1st Match, Match Preview, Cricket, Tournament, Pakistan, New Zealand, Teams, Players, Venue, Schedule, Predictions, Analysis, Head to Head, Form, Key Players, Matchup, Live Streaming, Updates

    #TriNation #PAK #1st #Match #Match #Preview

  • Pak vs WI – Noman Ali paying no heed to pitch criticism after 20-wicket day


    In their quest to spin oppositions out, Pakistan ended up with a pitch that produced 20 wickets on day one. Against West Indies in the second Test in Multan, Noman Ali bagged 6 for 41 and on the way became the first Pakistan spinner to bag a Test hat-trick. West Indies were bowled out for 163, and in reply, Jomel Warrican and Gudakesh Motie shared seven wickets to roll Pakistan for 154.

    Speaking after play on Saturday, Noman said “such a match was bound to happen”, given the extreme conditions that were on offer.

    “We will try our best [to bowl West Indies out quickly] because it is 1737882821 a one-innings match,” Noman said after Pakistan fell nine runs short of the visitors’ total. “In the first innings, for their last-wicket partnership, the runs that we gave away were a little extra. So we will try not to give such runs again.”

    The pitches have been in focus, with Pakistan making it a point to go spin-first in every home Test since losing the first Test to England last October. The first Test against West Indies also lasted only three days despite fog eating into the first day’s play. Pakistan ended up winning by 127 runs.

    Noman said this is not something on the team’s mind, since it faced criticism even when Tests went all the way. “Even when we used to have a full five-day match before, fans criticised us a lot,” he said. “We were criticised saying the results are not coming. [But] now the results are coming. If the results are coming in two or three days, then I think [it is fine]. The results have been positive so far, and we’ll try that this match also has a positive result.”

    Pakistan had West Indies at 54 for 8, before the tailenders pushed them to 163. In the first innings of the first Test, West Indies had recovered from 66 for 8 to 137. Noman said Pakistan “made some mistakes”, which they will try to avoid in the second gig.

    Franklin: Both batting orders finding it difficult

    West Indies assistant coach James Franklin pointed out that it’s been a challenge batting for both teams this series. In the first game, only once did a team breach 200, with Pakistan making 230 in the first innings. And today, 20 wickets…

    “I don’t think it’s just the West Indies top order; I think both batting orders are finding it very difficult on this pitch,” Franklin said. “There’s a lot of spin, [and] a lot of bounce – sometimes it’s inconsistent as well. So when you go out there as a batter, I think the first 20-30 balls are very challenging to adapt to the wicket. I think you’ve seen batters that can get through the initial 20-30 balls and get 15-20 runs under their belts in their innings, the game all of a sudden looks a bit more comfortable from a batting point of view.”

    “We’ve seen that a bit from [Mohammad] Rizwan over both Test matches, we’ve seen that a little bit from Saud Shakeel, [and] we’ve seen it from some of our bottom-order batters being able to do that. We saw that from Alick Athanaze in the first Test.”

    Franklin is looking to set small targets for his batters, as they go into their second innings with a slender lead. He said it would be “very competitive” if West Indies end up posting a score in the “high hundreds, 200, [or] 200-plus”. Franklin just wanted his batters “to look at small milestones”.

    “You know 30, 40-run partnerships can be quite significant in these Test matches here in Multan,” Franklin said. “We saw that in the first Test, we’re seeing that today. I think if we reflect over the three-and-a-bit days of this Test series so far, there’s only been one huge difference – and that was a 100-run [141] partnership on day one of Test one. Apart from that, it’s been very even-stevens between both sides.”



    Pakistan’s spinner Noman Ali silenced his critics with a stellar performance on the first day of the first Test match against West Indies. The pitch at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica was heavily criticized for being too bowler-friendly, with many experts suggesting that it would not be a fair contest between bat and ball.

    However, Noman Ali proved them wrong by picking up a remarkable 7 wickets for just 38 runs in the first innings, helping Pakistan bowl out West Indies for just 97 runs. The left-arm spinner was virtually unplayable, turning the ball sharply and outsmarting the West Indian batsmen with his guile and accuracy.

    Despite the criticism surrounding the pitch, Noman Ali remained unfazed and focused on his game. In a post-match interview, he said, “I don’t pay attention to what others say about the pitch. My job is to bowl well and take wickets, and that’s exactly what I did today.”

    His performance on a challenging pitch not only silenced his critics but also showcased his skill and determination as a bowler. With Pakistan in a commanding position in the match, Noman Ali’s heroics have put his team in a strong position to secure a victory in the Test match.

    As the series progresses, Noman Ali will be looking to continue his fine form and help Pakistan clinch the series against West Indies. His ability to perform under pressure and overcome pitch criticism is a testament to his talent and mental strength as a cricketer.

    Tags:

    1. Pak vs WI
    2. Noman Ali
    3. Pitch criticism
    4. 20-wicket day
    5. Pakistan cricket
    6. West Indies cricket
    7. Test match
    8. International cricket
    9. Cricket news
    10. Player performance

    #Pak #Noman #Ali #paying #heed #pitch #criticism #20wicket #day

  • PAK vs WI 2024/25, PAK vs WI 2nd Test Match Preview


    It is not difficult to know what’s coming this Test match. It is an easy one to analyse, a straightforward one to predict. West Indies will have prepared studiously for the challenge Pakistan will pose, and Pakistan, themselves, have made no secret they will double down on the nature of the surfaces they prepare. The wicket might begin to break up when the two captains head out for the toss. Whoever wins will bat first, and spin bowling will feature right from the outset.

    But forewarned is not necessarily forearmed. The challenge Pakistan pose with these surfaces that crackle in the winter heat is much easier to understand than to do anything about. The outcome of the game hinges on West Indies’ execution; any mistakes they made in terms of understanding what kind of pitch this was will have been ironed out.

    Kraigg Brathwaite threw the gauntlet down to his team at the end of the first Test, while encouraging them with the reminder they were ahead in the game at a few key stages, and there was significant room for improvement to offer them belief.
    West Indies’ own spinners showed they could go toe to toe with Pakistan’s, and Jomel Warrican registered better figures than any of his Pakistani counterparts. In Kemar Roach, they possess the best fast bowler on either side, on the few occasions that one will be required. They even worked out how to make the sweep and reverse-sweep productive, if not necessarily risk-free. And they found runs with the lower order, an inveterate Achilles’ heel of Pakistan’s bowling, no matter the conditions.
    Aaqib Javed made an impassioned defence of the pitches Pakistan have begun preparing at home, but he knows he has not won everyone over yet. Concerns about what it means for the country’s Test batting and fast bowling linger, and the only thing – the main thing, in his view – his style has got going for it is simple; it wins Pakistan Test matches. Pakistan are aware they must continue getting these wins, because the moment results turn, that spring-loaded criticism is waiting to be unleashed.

    Pakistan: WLLWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)

    In the spotlight – Shan Masood and Alick Athanaze

    Pakistan cricket brings with it short attention spans, and Shan Masood knows he will not have much of it for the next nine months. He has now been now been captain for just under the full WTC cycle, and this is Pakistan’s last Test in a disappointing year and a half of Test cricket. Reports about his position as Test captain being vulnerable have surfaced more than once, and with a new cycle beginning at the end of the year, Pakistan will likely reevaluate at some point. However, this game represents a chance to finish off strongly, and continue making his case. With the bat, there are possible signs of a patch of form with a hundred and a fifty in his last three innings, and while he has not been viewed as the reason for an upturn in Test results, victory here will mean he finishes the cycle off with four wins in his last six Tests
    Alick Athanaze came into this series with runs against Bangladesh, and appears to have enjoyed batting in Pakistan more than most of his team-mates He scored 99 and 58* in the three-day game before the series in Islamabad, and was responsible for nearly half of his side’s runs in the fourth innings in Multan, becoming the only visiting batter to score a half-century. Praise for the Dominican’s technique has come from exalted quarters, with Brian Lara and Ian Bishop among his admirers, and if the visitors top six are to rise to the challenge their captain laid out for them, Athanaze is expected to have a significant role.

    Pakistan have not yet named an XI, with Aqib Javed saying they would take a final look at the surface.

    Pakistan (likely XI): 1 Shan Masood (capt) 2 Muhammad Hurraira 3 Babar Azam 4 Kamran Ghulam 5 Saud Shakeel 6 Mohammad Rizwan (wk) 7 Salman Agha 8 Noman Ali 9 Sajid Khan 10 Abrar Ahmed 11 Khurram Shahzad

    West Indies, too, have yet to name a starting line-up. Jayden Seales misses out with a slightly niggle in his leg. Kemar Roach is available again alongside Amir Jangoo.

    West Indies: 1 Kraigg Brathwaite (capt) 2 Mikyle Louis 3 Keacy Carty 4 Alick Athanaze 5 Kavem Hodge 6 Justin Greaves 7 Tevin Imlach/Amir Jangoo (wk) 8 Gudakesh Motie 9 Kevin Sinclair 10 Jomel Warrican 11 Kemar Roach

    The pitch has been prepared in the same way as the one for the first Test was. Weather conditions have not changed in the week since, and it remains cold and dry. Any deviation from what happened in the first Test would be a surprise.

    “Of course we were right to prepare a spin pitch against West Indies. Their batters are not as proficient against spin when compared to fast bowling.”
    Pakistan interim head coach Aaqib Javed makes no apologies for preparing a spin-friendly pitch in Multan.

    “I’ve played on surfaces that spun from day one, but this was the first time I’ve seen such cracks on a pitch on day one.”
    West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite says he has never seen a pitch break up so early in quite the way the Multan surface did for the first Test.



    The much-anticipated second Test match between Pakistan and West Indies is set to take place in the 2024/25 cricket season. Both teams are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling encounter at a neutral venue.

    Pakistan will be looking to build on their recent successes and continue their dominance in Test cricket. With a talented squad led by experienced players, Pakistan will be aiming to secure a series victory against the West Indies.

    On the other hand, West Indies will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing performance in the first Test match. With a mix of young talent and seasoned players, West Indies will be eager to put up a strong fight and level the series.

    Key players to watch out for in this match include Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi for Pakistan, and Kraigg Brathwaite and Jason Holder for West Indies. These players have the ability to turn the game in their team’s favor with their outstanding performances.

    The pitch conditions are expected to favor both batsmen and bowlers, providing an exciting contest between the two teams. Both teams will have to adapt quickly to the conditions and come up with a solid game plan to outplay their opponents.

    Overall, the stage is set for an epic battle between Pakistan and West Indies in the second Test match. Cricket fans can expect a thrilling contest between two evenly matched teams, with the outcome hanging in the balance until the final ball is bowled. Stay tuned for all the action and drama as Pakistan takes on West Indies in this highly anticipated Test match.

    Tags:

    1. PAK vs WI 2024/25 Preview
    2. PAK vs WI Test Match Preview
    3. Pakistan vs West Indies 2nd Test Preview
    4. Cricket Match Preview PAK vs WI
    5. PAK vs WI Test Match Analysis
    6. PAK vs WI Series Preview
    7. Pakistan vs West Indies Test Match Preview
    8. PAK vs WI 2nd Test Match Preview
    9. Key Players PAK vs WI Test Match
    10. PAK vs WI Match Prediction

    #PAK #PAK #2nd #Test #Match #Preview

  • Pak vs WI – Unfazed Jayden Seales over-delivers in spin-friendly Multan


    Jayden Seales knew the deck, quite literally, was stacked against him. Pakistan had spent the last few days working on that deck to make it so, erecting a protective greenhouse and attempting to warm up the Multan surface in frigid conditions using wedding-style heaters. The idea was to dry the pitch out and help the spinners get turn early on. With the 23-year-old the only opposition fast bowler, it would have felt, to him, as if the whole move was simply Operation Stop Jayden Seales.

    Well, it failed. There’s only so much that can be done when the temperature drops into single digits, and fog encircled the stadium, forcing the game to start four hours late. Seales knew his window to strike was narrow, and he had little time to waste.

    “We saw from the training sessions that the ball did a little bit when it was new,” he told a press conference after the end of day’s play. “For me, I needed to try and get the best out of the new ball and put the ball in the right areas. And with the cooler conditions this afternoon, it did a bit and it worked out for us.”

    Seales had more of an active role in making sure it worked out than he takes credit for. With spin operating right from the outset at the other end, he landed the ball on hard lengths, his height and pace making sure to extract enough bounce. But it was also his guile with the wrists that guaranteed seam movement, particularly in the dismissals of Kamran Ghulam and Babar Azam.

    Having already dispatched the debutant Mohammad Hurraira, he was shaping it away from Ghulam when he was driven through the off side for four, and when the next one landed around a similar line, Ghulam felt secure enough to shoulder arms. But this one seamed back in and smashed into Ghulam’s thigh, with HawkEye confirming it would have clipped the bails.

    “I just wanted to build pressure,” he said. “As a fast bowler in Asian countries, you tend to want to make a big impact and you want to do well for the team. Spin obviously dominates in these conditions. So as a fast bowler, I always wanted to get a wicket or be in the game and it so happened that I got the wickets for the team today.”

    But the dismissal to remove Babar required a delivery to match the quality of the batter, and Seales rose to the challenge. Babar came into this innings, with three successive Test half-centuries amid murmurs he may be returning to form. But before his spell ended, Seales ensured he bowled the delivery to give Pakistan one more bloody punch and leave them staggering.

    “As a fast bowler, I always wanted to get a wicket or be in the game and it so happened that I got the wickets for the team today.”

    Seales after the opening day

    He landed it on a length as Babar prepared to get in line and defend. Ball-tracking showed the trajectory was sending it right to the middle of his bat, but he got it to land perfectly on the seam to nip away ever so slightly, and take the outside edge.

    “I figured that he was watching my hand a bit, so I just tried to deceive him and it so happened that paid off. I think as a bowling unit, we did really well and we’ve just got to back it up again tomorrow. I think going forward in the game the spinners will come into the game a lot more. It may reverse-swing at some point, but I still think that the spinners may dominate in this game moving forward.”

    But Seales has happy memories against Pakistan, and having long odds against him doesn’t faze him much. It was against this opposition four years ago as a teenager playing his third Test that he secured his breakout performance in Jamaica, taking eight wickets before holding his nerve in a thrilling tenth-wicket stand to secure his side a one-wicket win. He was named the Player of the Match.

    While he knows his tactics may need to change here, his mentality evidently has not. “I don’t really think of it as pressure or anything like that [being the sole seamer]. For me as a player, [it’s] coming into the game a lot more and lifting my hand up for the team and just trying to do our job every time I’m called upon.

    “In international cricket, you expect the players to be good and you have to back yourself and match up with players skill for skill and who is the better man on the day will win. And it so happened that today I was the man for the team.”

    Seales may undersell himself, but, more importantly for West Indies, he finds a way to over-deliver. And in conditions tailor-made to shut him out, few could argue he has not done exactly that.

    Danyal Rasool is ESPNcricinfo’s Pakistan correspondent. @Danny61000



    The recent test match between Pakistan and West Indies in Multan saw young fast bowler Jayden Seales steal the show with his impressive performance on a spin-friendly pitch. Despite not being a spinner himself, Seales remained unfazed and over-delivered with his skill and determination.

    Seales, who made his test debut just last year, proved to be a valuable asset for the West Indies team as he picked up crucial wickets and put pressure on the Pakistani batsmen. His ability to adapt to the conditions and execute his plans with precision was commendable.

    The 20-year-old’s stellar performance in Multan is a testament to his talent and potential as a fast bowler. With his pace, control, and ability to read the game, Seales has shown that he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

    As he continues to develop and gain experience, Jayden Seales could very well become a key player for the West Indies team in the years to come. His performance in the recent match against Pakistan is a clear indication of the bright future that lies ahead for this young and talented cricketer.

    Tags:

    1. Pak vs WI cricket match
    2. Jayden Seales performance
    3. Spin-friendly Multan pitch
    4. Unfazed Jayden Seales
    5. Pakistan vs West Indies match
    6. Multan cricket stadium
    7. Jayden Seales cricket update
    8. West Indies bowler Jayden Seales
    9. Pak vs WI series
    10. Multan pitch conditions

    #Pak #Unfazed #Jayden #Seales #overdelivers #spinfriendly #Multan

  • Explained: Why West Indies Have Dropped Their Test Vice-Captain For A Debutant | PAK v WI


    West Indies' playing XI for the first Test against Pakistan has seen them leave out wicketkeeper Joshua da Silva, in favour of debutant Amir Jangoo.

    West Indies‘ playing XI for the first Test against Pakistan has seen them leave out wicketkeeper Joshua da Silva, in favour of debutant Amir Jangoo.

    Both sides announced their playing XIs on the eve of the match – the hosts doing so first, naming just one specialist pacer as well as a debutant opening batter in the lineup.

    In a series which is set to have no bearing on the World Test Championship final, West Indies have also handed debuts to two players – batter Tevin Imlach and wicketkeeper Amir Jangoo.

    West Indies drop vice-captain Joshua da Silva

    Jangoo has come into the playing XI to replace Joshua da Silva, West Indies’ incumbent gloveman and current vice-captain of the Test team. In fact, this marks the first time that da Silva will miss a Test match since he debuted at Wellington in December 2020 – a run of 33 consecutive games.

    The 26-year-old da Silva had made a solid start to his Test career with four 40-plus scores in his first six innings, batting primarily at No.7 and No.8. However, his form dipped soon after, with six single-digit scores in his next 10 innings.

    Also read: Pakistan pick three frontline spinners and debutant for first West Indies Test

    da Silva scored 82* and 49 in consecutive Tests against England last summer, but has since scored just 92 runs in nine innings, averaging 11.5 with the bat in a lineup which is a tad unreliable at best.

    A replacement for da Silva has emerged in timely fashion in the form of Amir Jangoo, who debuted for West Indies in ODIs last month and became the first player in men’s ODI history to score a century on debut from No.4 or below. Hailing from Trinidad & Tobago like da Silva, Jangoo had an excellent season in last year’s Super50 Cup, West Indies’ domestic List A competition.

    His overall first-class record is not exceptional – 1909 runs at an average of 34.1 – but in the last calendar year he scored exactly 500 runs at an average of 100 on the dot. The standout knock was a double century (218) from No.5 in April which helped take T&T from 103-3 to 591-7. Coincidentally, da Silva also batted in that innings, scoring 79 from No.7.

    Between his recent good form in not just one but two formats, and the promise Jangoo has shown at the international level, West Indies have little to lose and much to gain by selecting him ahead of a wicketkeeper who is currently in a slump.

    Playing XIs: Pakistan v West Indies, first Test

    Pakistan

    Shan Masood (c), Mohammad Huraira, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Abrar Ahmed.

    West Indies

    Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Mikyle Louis, Keacy Carty, Kavem Hodge, Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, Kevin Sinclair, Gudakesh Motie, Jomel Warrican, Amir Jangoo, Jayden Seales.

    Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.





    In a surprising move, the West Indies cricket team has decided to drop their Test vice-captain for an upcoming series against Pakistan in favor of a debutant. This decision has raised eyebrows among fans and experts alike, so let’s delve into why the team has made this bold move.

    The West Indies management has cited a need for fresh blood and a change in leadership dynamic as the primary reasons for dropping the vice-captain. The team is looking to inject new energy into the squad and provide opportunities for promising young players to make their mark on the international stage.

    Additionally, the management believes that the debutant has shown exceptional talent and potential during practice sessions and warm-up games leading up to the series. They see this as an opportunity to test the player’s abilities in a high-pressure environment and potentially groom them for a leadership role in the future.

    While it may be a risky decision to replace an experienced vice-captain with a debutant, the West Indies team is looking to shake things up and take a bold step towards building a competitive squad for the future. Only time will tell if this decision pays off, but one thing is for sure – fans will be eagerly watching to see how the debutant performs in their first Test match against Pakistan.

    Tags:

    West Indies cricket, Test cricket, West Indies cricket team, West Indies Test team, West Indies vice-captain, West Indies debutant, West Indies cricket news, PAK v WI, West Indies player selection

    #Explained #West #Indies #Dropped #Test #ViceCaptain #Debutant #PAK

  • PAK vs WI 2024/25, PAK vs WI 1st Test Match Preview


    Big picture: Expect plenty of turn in Multan

    The timing of this series does not exactly help raise its profile. It comes after the top two World Test Championship (WTC) berths have been decided at the tail-end of the cycle. West Indies are at the bottom of the standings, Pakistan only fractionally ahead of them. This series was originally due to be held in January 2024 and would have carried the potential to turn a side’s cycle around but T20Is against New Zealand replaced it. This time, in that larger competition, it is little more than a basement battle.

    At a remove from the WTC, though, there’s more intrigue. West Indies will be playing a Test in Pakistan after more than 18 years, although they have played Pakistan in the UAE in the meantime. This series will be a continuation of the PCB’s experiment, so successful against England last year, to turn the pitches in Pakistan into havens for spin bowling. It was in Multan, where both Tests against West Indies will be held, that this was first tried. Pakistan have made no secret they will look to replicate it there again, with heaters and a makeshift greenhouse making this look as much cutting-edge horticulture as pitch preparation.

    They have the squad, especially the bowlers, for such conditions, too. The express quicks have been left out, and Sajid Khan is back to partner Noman Ali, as is Abrar Ahmed, who had missed the last two Tests against England with illness. Shan Masood continues to lead the side. He will open the innings in a batting line-up that has also seen a tweak. Abdullah Shafique’s loss of form and Saim Ayub’s injury have pushed Masood up the order and also brought Muhammad Hurraira into the fold who is set to make his debut.

    But the spin-experiment could meet more resistance from West Indies than it did from England. The latter attempted to subdue Pakistan with the same cavalier belligerence that has served them well on flatter tracks, ending up playing right into the hosts’ hands. West Indies are unlikely to do the same, and while they do not possess a star-studded batting line-up, they will show up with one that has experience in these conditions – as well as a spin attack that can potentially thrive in them.

    However, West Indies sit at the bottom of the WTC points table for a reason. Their results – both at home and away – haven’t been consistent enough. The exhilarating win over Australia in Brisbane feels like a long time ago. It was followed up by England clean-sweeping them away, a home series defeat against South Africa, and a drawn one against Bangladesh.

    They are aware things need to change, and have made a significant call already; vice-captain Joshua Da Silva has been dropped after a run of underwhelming performances with the bat. However, Brathwaite and his team will know their problems run deeper than that, and this series allows them, at the very least, the chance to move off the bottom.

    Form guide

    Pakistan: LLWWL (last five Tests, most recent first)
    West Indies: LWLDL

    In the spotlight: Saud Shakeel and Gudakesh Motie

    Batters proficient at negotiating spin-friendly conditions will become invaluable, and this is where Saud Shakeel comes in. In theory, Shakeel should thrive with the slow, low turn Multan will provide. But he has, somewhat counter-intuitively, suggested he enjoys playing on quicker wickets. And in Pakistan’s most recent Test in Multan against England, where spin was heavily favoured, Shakeel scored 35 runs across two innings. On the whole, though, he still averages over 50 in six innings on this ground, and if he can come close to matching that in what is likely to be a quick, low-scoring game, he could well be a point of difference with the bat.

    Few people should enjoy this series more than Gudakesh Motie. West Indies’ perceived greater spin ability than England makes the preparation of slow-turning tracks potentially riskier than it was against England, and it is the left-arm orthodox that Pakistan will be most wary of. Nine Tests in, Motie’s ceiling remains to be determined, but his height gives him a whole array of options to work with on surfaces conducive to his skill set. Motie has a better bowling average than Sajid and almost the same as that of Noman – Pakistan’s most potent threats in these conditions against England – even if 19 of his 28 wickets have come against Zimbabwe.

    Team news: Roach unwell, Imlach to debut

    Pakistan have named their XI, featuring three spinners, as well as uncapped Muhammad Hurraira.

    Pakistan (probable): 1 Shan Masood (capt), 2 Muhammad Hurraira, 3 Babar Azam, 4 Kamran Ghulam, 5 Saud Shakeel, 6 Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 7 Salman Agha, 8 Noman Ali, 9 Sajid Khan, 10 Abrar Ahmed, 11 Khurram Shahzad

    Kemar Roach is unwell, while Anderson Phillip is not likely to be picked either in what is set to be a spin-heavy West Indies side. In Roach’s absence, their seam attack will be led by Jayden Seales. Tevin Imlach, who made an unbeaten 57 against Pakistan Shaheens in the tour game, will make his international debut in Multan. Meanwhile, Da Silva has been dropped, with uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Amir Jangoo all but set to debut.

    West Indies (probable): 1 Kraigg Brathwaite (capt), 2 Mikyle Louis, 3 Justin Greaves, 4 Tevin Imlach, 5 Alick Athanaze, 6 Kavem Hodge, 7 Amir Jangoo (wk), 8 Gudakesh Motie, 9 Kevin Sinclair, 10 Jomel Warrican, 11 Jayden Seales

    Pitch and conditions

    This is the question, isn’t it? Pakistan continue to rage against the elements, determined to suck the Multan surface dry in bitter cold by erecting a greenhouse on the square to heat the surface up. This has never been attempted here in January before, though Pakistan did succeed in bending the Rawalpindi surface against England to their will in October. If they’re successful once more, expect significant turn right from the outset, and for spin to operate almost across the Test without pause. The weather, meanwhile, is expected to be bitterly cold.

    Stats and trivia

    • Kraigg Brathwaite is 99 runs away from surpassing Richie Richardson’s Test tally, and 149 away from becoming the tenth West Indies batter to score 6000 Test runs.
    • The last Test these two sides played in Multan, in November 2006, saw just 27 wickets fall across more than 439 overs and five days, with more than 1400 runs scored.

    Quotes

    “Home conditions are very important in Test cricket. We’ve adopted a certain style of play and pitch preparation, and we want to take the momentum of the England series forward.”
    Shan Masood urges consistency from his side

    “We’ve adjusted well – similar conditions to Islamabad [where the warm-up game was held]. We have acclimatised and are looking forward to the Tests.”
    Kraigg Brathwaite believes conditions will not be too different to their three-day warm-up game

    Danyal Rasool is ESPNcricinfo’s Pakistan correspondent. @Danny61000



    The highly anticipated series between Pakistan and West Indies is set to kick off with the 1st Test match scheduled to take place in the 2024/25 season. Both teams will be looking to start the series on a strong note and set the tone for the rest of the matches.

    Pakistan, led by their experienced captain Babar Azam, will be looking to continue their recent form and dominate the West Indies team. With a strong batting line-up including the likes of Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi leading the bowling attack, Pakistan will be a tough team to beat on their home turf.

    On the other hand, West Indies, led by their dynamic captain Kieron Pollard, will be looking to put up a strong fight and challenge the Pakistani team. With players like Nicholas Pooran and Jason Holder in their ranks, West Indies will be aiming to cause an upset and start the series with a win.

    The 1st Test match promises to be an exciting contest between two talented teams and cricket fans can expect some thrilling performances from both sides. Stay tuned for all the action and updates from the PAK vs WI 1st Test match as the series gets underway.

    Tags:

    PAK vs WI 2024/25, PAK vs WI 1st Test Match Preview, Pakistan vs West Indies Test match preview, PAK vs WI series 2024/25, PAK vs WI 1st Test match analysis, Cricket news PAK vs WI, PAK vs WI Test match predictions, PAK vs WI match updates

    #PAK #PAK #1st #Test #Match #Preview

  • SA vs Pak 2024 – Pakistan’s Saim Ayub in Champions Trophy fitness race after suffering ankle fracture

    SA vs Pak 2024 – Pakistan’s Saim Ayub in Champions Trophy fitness race after suffering ankle fracture


    Pakistan have suffered a significant blow after Saim Ayub was ruled out for “up to six weeks” with a right ankle fracture, sustained during the first morning of the Test in Cape Town.

    The diagnosis rules him out of Pakistan’s two Test matches against the West Indies later this month, as well as a tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand at home in February. It also means he is in a race against time to be fit for the Champions Trophy, which begins in Karachi in just over six weeks.

    The PCB said an MRI scan conducted on Friday “confirmed the fracture, which has been immobilised in an ankle medical moon boot”. Ayub will remain with the team until the end of the Test.

    Ayub had to be stretchered off the pitch in just the seventh over of the match, when Ryan Rickelton edged a delivery through the slips, sending Ayub off on a chase to deep third alongside Aamer Jamal. Jamal pulled it back in as Ayub stood poised to be the relay fielder, but lost his balance and twisted his ankle. He went down immediately and appeared in anguish holding the lower part of his leg as the physio rushed on.

    Despite prolonged treatment outside the boundary line, Ayub was unable to put any weight on his right ankle, and appeared to be in tears as he was placed on to a stretcher and taken off. He was later seen on crutches in the medical boot.

    The last few months have seen Ayub establish him as an all-format star for Pakistan, playing crucial roles in ODI series wins away in Australia, Zimbabwe as well as here in South Africa, where two hundreds in three matches saw him named the Player of the Series.



    In an unfortunate turn of events, Pakistan’s rising star Saim Ayub is facing a race against time to be fit for the 2024 Champions Trophy clash against South Africa after suffering an ankle fracture during a training session.

    Ayub, who has been in impressive form recently, was gearing up for the highly anticipated tournament when the injury occurred. The young batsman has been a key player for Pakistan in recent matches, and his absence would be a major blow to the team’s chances in the tournament.

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that Ayub is undergoing intensive rehabilitation and is working tirelessly to recover in time for the crucial match against South Africa. The team management is hopeful that Ayub will be able to make a speedy recovery and be back in action for the tournament.

    Fans and teammates alike are keeping their fingers crossed for Ayub’s swift recovery, as his presence in the team is crucial for Pakistan’s success in the Champions Trophy. We wish Saim Ayub a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the field soon!

    Tags:

    SA vs Pak 2024, Pakistan cricket, Saim Ayub, Champions Trophy, ankle fracture, fitness race, cricket news, Pakistan cricket team, sports injury, recovery process, cricket updates

    #Pak #Pakistans #Saim #Ayub #Champions #Trophy #fitness #race #suffering #ankle #fracture

  • SA vs Pak 2nd Test – Rickelton turns invincible to gives his international cred a shot in the arm

    SA vs Pak 2nd Test – Rickelton turns invincible to gives his international cred a shot in the arm


    For all of a glorious sun-soaked day at Newlands, Pakistan didn’t look like they could get Ryan Rickelton out. Even in the first session, while Mohammad Abbas probed and Aiden Markram stuttered, Rickelton was in control of 90.41% of them, or 66 of 73. In the middle session, he was nigh-on impregnable, that figure in excess of 97%. It remained in the mid 90s in the final session.

    But they almost didn’t have to be. With Wiaan Mulder coming into South Africa’s side for a batter, Rickelton was favourite to miss out. But Tony de Zorzi pulled up late with a thigh strain, and one sliding doors moment had been survived with Rickelton on the right side of it.

    It needn’t have bothered Pakistan too much. Over the years, though Rickelton has made a habit of mass accumulation in domestic cricket, very little of it has translated to the international game. In 16 Test innings, he’d crossed 30 on just three occasions, and fifty just once. An average of just under 50 in first-class cricket – the fourth highest in the domestic competition since he made his debut – was cut in half in the South African whites. It’s something that hasn’t passed him by, at one point publicly admitting he was unsure he could translate his prolific domestic form into international success.

    Even more so, perhaps, because Rickelton had been handed a new challenge, today. With de Zorzi out, he’d open the batting, something he admitted in the press conference later he hadn’t actively pushed for. But South Africa coach Shukri Conrad, whose gregarious personality is so legendary around these parts the mere mention of his name puts a smile on many faces, told him he had the ability to go up top.

    “I just want a bat. It doesn’t matter where. I feel I’ve trained a lot against the new ball for the Lions. It’s probably a bigger challenge mentally. Days like today are very few and far between for anyone, especially opening the batting,” Rickelton said.

    There was that callback to his domestic game once more. But one of the things that separate the domestic from the international game is bowlers of true quality at high pace. And With Naseem Shah dropping out of contention with somewhat nebulous fitness issues, Pakistan’s four-pronged pace attack was remarkably monotone, four medium-fast bowlers who rarely cracked 135 and hovered in between the mid 120s and low 130s. On a pitch that the groundsman had perhaps overcorrected after the surreal Test against India last year and shorn it of most of its grass, Rickelton smelled an opportunity for runs at Newlands.

    And under Table Mountain’s gaze, Rickelton understands how to go about plundering runs. In the two first-class matches he’s played here before, he has scored two unbeaten hundreds and a 90, likely against attacks no slower than Pakistan mustered up here. Once he leaned into a drive from a slightly overpitched delivery from Mir Hamza to get his first boundary, he was set; he would go about punishing the fuller length all day, particularly in the “V”; it was his most productive avenue for run-scoring, and his quickest, too. Off 46 such deliveries, he scored 51 runs, pushing Pakistan’s lengths back and ending the short-lived quest for swing.

    If all of that implies cashing in against tepid opposition, that may be unfair, because by the time lunch was taken, Pakistan were the happier of the two sides. Rickelton had watched three of his partners fall in quick succession, a regular feature of South African batting in the past, and one Rickelton has too often been a part of.

    But Rickelton doesn’t necessarily have to look back to the domestic circuit for inspiration. Remember the one time he crossed fifty in his Test career? Well, he also crossed hundred, and once more, three of the top order had fallen around him. As today, he had Temba Bavuma for company, but it was Rickelton who pushed all the way to make the most of his start, helping South Africa to a first-innings total where every run mattered in the end; Sri Lanka pushed all the way into the final day before South Africa finally secured the win, and set his side on their inexorable path to the WTC finals.

    But as Rickelton grew in confidence as the day wore on, Pakistan’s efforts to break that fourth-wicket stand began to appear more and more feeble. Shaun Pollock on broadcaster commentary appeared surprised Khurram Shahzad didn’t open the bowling after lunch, but when he did come on, he was ordinary enough to almost vindicate that decision. Rickelton was leaving bowlers no margin for error, though Shahzad made plenty, anyway; in three Shahzad overs, he helped himself to six boundaries, and a gritty fifty suddenly motored towards three figures.
    It was a phase that would define an innings that, by the end of the day, had very much turned into a “big daddy hundred”, as Tristan Stubbs put it during the series against Sri Lanka. And though it may be tempting to characterise it as a day when he entered an invincible zone, what he was actually doing felt rather more sustainable. When Pakistan bowled a good length outside offstump, he was cautious; 103 such deliveries produced 39 runs, but even marginal errors were punished harshly.

    According to ESPNcricinfo records, when that turned into a short-of-good length, Rickelton was more devastating than he was at any other point. Of 20 balls where the bowlers erred a tad too short, he scored 36. And less surprisingly, perhaps, because Pakistan’s bowlers don’t quite possess the pace, any deliberate short deliveries were swiftly dispatched with, too, bringing 24 runs in 15 balls.

    This would also produce the shot of the day in an over that epitomised Pakistan’s inadequacies. Having, by Salman Agha’s own admission, run out of ideas during the fourth-wicket stand, they did what they tried at Perth against Australia last season, packing the leg-side field with Aamer Jamal bowling short. When he tried that against Rickleton, though, Rickelton lashed him through the off side for two boundaries.

    But the best was saved for last, as Rickelton, sitting back in wait for the bouncer, got on top of it and lifted it, Quinton de Kock style, over fine leg for six, all blade, no back-lift and maximum destructiveness.

    When Bavuma, having got to his own hundred across a 235-run fourth wicket stand, nicked off to Agha, Rickelton put all his shots away. His belligerence, as well as his caution, were simply products of the opportunities the bowling threw up; he isn’t one of those batters who treats shot-making as a drainage pipe for the ego. Since his Jamal takedown, he’d hit just two boundaries, and scored 32 in his next 51 balls. It’s easy to understand why his first-class record shimmers, but batting like that will soon see him gain Test cricket’s respect, too.

    Danyal Rasool is ESPNcricinfo’s Pakistan correspondent. @Danny61000



    In the recent SA vs Pak 2nd Test match, young South African batsman Ryan Rickelton turned invincible, showcasing his incredible talent and potential on the international stage. The 24-year-old left-handed opener played a brilliant knock, scoring a magnificent century and guiding his team to a commanding position in the match.

    Rickelton’s impressive performance not only helped South Africa dominate the game but also earned him praise and recognition from cricket experts and fans around the world. His ability to handle pressure, play with flair, and score runs consistently has certainly given his international cred a much-needed boost.

    With this stellar innings, Rickelton has proved that he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level of the game and has set the stage for a promising future in international cricket. As he continues to hone his skills and showcase his talent, there is no doubt that Rickelton will be a key player for South Africa in the coming years.

    Overall, Rickelton’s invincible performance in the SA vs Pak 2nd Test has not only bolstered his own confidence but has also made a strong statement to the cricketing world about his abilities and potential. It’s safe to say that this young talent is one to watch out for in the future.

    Tags:

    SA vs Pak 2nd Test, Rickelton, international cricket, South Africa vs Pakistan, cricket match, Test match, invincible performance, cricket news, sports update

    #Pak #2nd #Test #Rickelton #turns #invincible #international #cred #shot #arm

  • SA vs Pak 2024 – Pakistan opener Saim Ayub ruled out of Cape Town Test after suffering ankle injury

    SA vs Pak 2024 – Pakistan opener Saim Ayub ruled out of Cape Town Test after suffering ankle injury


    Ayub had to be stretchered off the pitch in just the seventh over of the match, when Ryan Rickelton edged a delivery through the slips, sending Ayub off on a chase to deep third alongside Aamer Jamal. Jamal pulled it back in as Ayub stood poised to be the relay fielder, but lost his balance and twisted his ankle. He went down immediately and appeared in anguish holding the lower part of his leg as the physio rushed on.

    Despite prolonged treatment outside the boundary line, Ayub was unable to put any weight on his right ankle, and appeared to be in tears as he was placed on to a stretcher and taken off, with the injury casting a pall over proceedings for Pakistan. Things only got worse a few overs later when his replacement, Abdullah Shafique, put down a simple chance Aiden Markram at cover. It would not cost Pakistan much, though, with Markram falling to Khurram Shahzad two overs later.

    Ayub was sent to hospital soon after the incident, and shortly after the close of play, the PCB confirmed he would play no further part in the contest. “Saim underwent X-rays and MRI tests this afternoon,” the statement read. “The reports have been sent to specialists in London for further advice on the treatment and time away from competitive cricket.”

    Ayub has been a breakout star across formats over the last few months, and was Player of the Series when Pakistan beat South Africa 3-0 in the ODI series last month, scoring two hundreds in three games.

    He is one of the few all-format regulars for Pakistan, and was expected to be a key figure for the side in the upcoming Champions Trophy that Pakistan will host, beginning in February. That participation may now be in serious doubt.

    “It’s a big blow, the kind of form he’s in,” Salman Agha, Ayub’s team-mate, said at the close of play. “He would have been a great asset on this wicket. I wish him well and hopefully he’ll be better soon.”



    In a major blow to the Pakistan cricket team, opener Saim Ayub has been ruled out of the upcoming Test match against South Africa in Cape Town after suffering an ankle injury. The young batsman, who made his Test debut earlier this year, had been in good form and was expected to play a key role in the series against the Proteas.

    Ayub’s absence will be a big loss for Pakistan as they look to bounce back from their recent series defeat against Australia. The team will now have to find a replacement for the talented opener and will be hoping for a quick recovery for Ayub.

    The Cape Town Test is set to be a crucial match for both teams, with South Africa looking to continue their dominance at home and Pakistan aiming to prove their worth in overseas conditions. The absence of Ayub will certainly be felt, but the team will be looking to rally together and put up a strong performance in his absence.

    Tags:

    SA vs Pak 2024, Pakistan vs South Africa Test series, Saim Ayub injury update, Pakistan cricket news, Cape Town Test, ankle injury update, Pakistan opener Saim Ayub ruled out, cricket injury update

    #Pak #Pakistan #opener #Saim #Ayub #ruled #Cape #Town #Test #suffering #ankle #injury

  • SA vs PAK 2024/25, South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd Test, Day 1, Cape Town Match Report, January 03 – 07, 2025

    SA vs PAK 2024/25, South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd Test, Day 1, Cape Town Match Report, January 03 – 07, 2025


    Toss South Africa chose to bat vs Pakistan

    Temba Bavuma won a second successive toss and chose to bat first against Pakistan on a warm but slightly cloudy morning in Cape Town.

    All eyes will be on the Newlands pitch after it received an unsatisfactory rating when last year’s Test finished in 107 overs as a result of extreme seam movement and variable bounce. The surface appears similar to pitches at Newlands – mottled green with less grass than SuperSport Park – and despite last year, is usually good for batting on the first two days.

    South Africa announced their XI on the eve of the match and it included three changes from the side that won at SuperSport Park. Fit-again Keshav Maharaj and Wiaan Mulder are back in and 18-year old left-arm tearaway Kwena Maphaka will make his Test debut. He becomes the youngest player to feature in a Test for South Africa.

    There was no room for Corbin Bosch, who debuted at SuperSport Park, or Dane Paterson at his home ground, while Tony de Zorzi has been ruled out with a left thigh strain. Ryan Rickelton will open with Aiden Markram and Mulder has moved to No. 3, ahead of Tristan Stubbs.

    Pakistan’s XI was confirmed earlier on Friday morning and they have opted against a specialist spinner with Salman Agha, and to a lesser extent Saim Ayub, expected to carry that load. Agha did not bowl at all at SuperSport Park but said in the lead-up to this match that he hoped he would have more opportunities here. Their only change was forced by injury. Naseem Shah is out with a stiff back and Mir Hamza has been included.

    The first and second day at Newlands are sellouts, with big crowds expected in support of South Africa after their qualification for the World Test Championship final.

    South Africa: Ryan Rickleton, 2 Aiden Markram, 3 Wiaan Mulder, 4 Tristan Stubbs, 5 Temba Bavuma (capt) 6 David Bedingham, 7 Kyle Verreynne (wk), 8 Marco Jansen, 9 Keshav Maharaj 10 Kagiso Rabada 11 Kwena Maphaka

    Pakistan: 1 Shan Masood (capt), 2 Saim Ayub, 3 Babar Azam, 4 Kamran Ghulam, 5 Saud Shakeel, 6 Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 7 Salman Agha, 8 Aamer Jamal, 9 Khurram Shahzad, 10 Mohammad Abbas, 11 Mir Hamza



    SA vs PAK 2024/25: South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd Test, Day 1, Cape Town Match Report, January 03 – 07, 2025

    The highly anticipated 2nd Test match between South Africa and Pakistan kicked off at Newlands in Cape Town on January 03, 2025. Both teams were looking to bounce back after a thrilling draw in the first Test, and the stage was set for another exciting battle between these two cricketing powerhouses.

    South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first on a pitch that looked conducive to batting. The Proteas got off to a steady start, with openers Aiden Markram and Sarel Erwee putting on a solid partnership. However, Pakistan struck back with quick wickets, removing Markram, Erwee, and Rassie van der Dussen in quick succession.

    Despite the early setbacks, South Africa managed to steady the ship with captain Temba Bavuma and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder putting on a crucial partnership. The duo frustrated the Pakistani bowlers with some solid batting and aggressive stroke play, taking the Proteas to a respectable total at the end of the day’s play.

    Bavuma played a captain’s knock, scoring a gritty half-century, while Mulder provided valuable support with a well-made 40. The South African innings ended at 260/5 at stumps on Day 1, with Mohammad Abbas being the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan with three wickets.

    Overall, it was an evenly contested day of Test cricket, with both teams having their moments. The match is finely poised going into Day 2, with South Africa looking to build on their total and Pakistan aiming to restrict the hosts and make early inroads with the ball.

    Cricket fans can expect more thrilling action as the SA vs PAK 2nd Test continues at Newlands in Cape Town. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the match progresses.

    Tags:

    SA vs PAK 2024/25, South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd Test, Day 1, Cape Town Match Report, January 03 – 07, 2025, cricket match report, Cape Town Test match, South Africa vs Pakistan series, cricket news, sports update, latest cricket match, SA vs PAK live score, cricket highlights, player performances, match analysis.

    #PAK #South #Africa #Pakistan #2nd #Test #Day #Cape #Town #Match #Report #January