CRICKET
4th T20 Preview: Pakistan vs England
Pakistan will face England in their fourth game of the seven-match T20 series at the National Stadium on Sunday
England lead the series 2-1 with four games in hand.
Pakistan are a team in turmoil.
They are facing big issues both in their bowling and batting.
Lack of consistency from their key players and injuries have ensured that the squad looks unsettled just weeks before the T20 World Cup.
In the third T20 match, Pakistan went with the same team while England made three changes, bringing in pacers Reece Topley and Mark Wood, who both clicked.
Debutant Will Jacks also made a big impact with the bat, scoring a 22-ball brisk 40.
This laid the stage for Harry Brook (81*) and Ben Duckett (70*) to sculpt a 139-run unbroken partnership – the fourth highest stand for the fourth wicket in T20Is.
Mark Wood ended the evening with figures of three for 25 runs, but he is unlikely to play in Sunday’s clash.
A return for Luke Wood could be on the cards, whereas David Willey, who is without a wicket in this series so far, may also be given the nod.
Hales, who sat out the third match, is in contention to return, as England search for an opener to partner captain Jos Buttler at the top of the order.
The double-pronged spin attack of Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid should retain their positions in England’s bowling lineup.
Pakistan’s bowling has been wayward which helped England post a huge total of 221-3 in the allotted 20 overs.
In reply, Pakistan were reduced to 28 for 4 wickets and the match was effectively over.
The only bright spot was Shan Masood, who played a few superb strokes and showed his intent against the spinners.
However, the middle order definitely needs strengthening.
Khushdil showed some semblance of form but Iftikhar Ahmed failed again.
Pakistan will need to test at least one uncapped player as they need to widen their pool, as the current members are failing repeatedly.
Thankfully, defeat is hurting and some of them are trying to get back into form.
Mohammad Haris, Shan Masood, Asif Ali, Khushdil Shah, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, and Amir Jamal participated in an optional training session here at the NSK on Saturday.
This is the last T20 match in Karachi.
After this, the teams will move to Lahore for the three final matches which will be held at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Pakistan squad
Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Junior, Naseem Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shan Masood, Usman Qadir
England squad:
Jos Buttler (captain), Moeen Ali (vice-captain), Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Liam Dawson, Richard Gleeson, Alex Hales, Tom Helm, Will Jacks, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Olly Stone, Reece Topley, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Luke Wood, Mark Wood.
BGT
Virat Kohli and Steve Smith Predicted to Bounce Back by Shastri
Ravi Shastri has predicted that Virat Kohli and Steve Smith will soon reclaim their dominant form in cricket. Speaking about the performances of the current Fab Four, Shastri acknowledged that Kohli and Smith have recently struggled compared to Kane Williamson and Joe Root.
Shastri believes Virat Kohli and Smith, despite their dips, remain formidable players. He highlighted their experience, dedication, and ability to perform under pressure as key factors in their potential resurgence.
The former Indian coach emphasized the cyclical nature of sports, where even the best players face challenges. He expressed confidence in Kohli’s and Smith’s capacity to learn from setbacks and adapt their game accordingly.
Kohli’s recent performances have lacked consistency, raising questions about his form. Similarly, Smith has encountered difficulties in maintaining his usual high standards. Shastri stressed that such phases are natural for elite athletes and often lead to greater determination.
Williamson and Root currently lead the Fab Four in terms of performance and consistency. Shastri praised their recent contributions but reminded fans not to underestimate Kohli and Smith.
Shastri’s analysis underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability in cricket. He pointed out that both players have a history of overcoming challenges, making their eventual comeback more likely.
Fans and experts continue to debate the dynamics of the Fab Four, with each player’s journey offering unique lessons. Kohli and Smith’s ability to bounce back will be closely watched in the coming months.
This discussion highlights the ever-evolving nature of cricket, where even legends face tough phases. Shastri’s optimism offers hope for fans eagerly anticipating Kohli’s and Smith’s return to peak form.
BGT
Ravichandran Ashwin Reveals Travis Head’s Tactics Against Bumrah
Ravi Ashwin has unveiled Travis Head’s strategic approach to countering Jasprit Bumrah and India’s bowling attack. During a recent discussion, Ashwin analyzed Head’s clever ploys on the field, which played a pivotal role in his performance.
According to Ravi Ashwin, Head adjusted his batting stance to disrupt Bumrah’s bowling rhythm. This minor but effective tweak allowed Head to execute his shots more confidently. Ashwin emphasized that such tactical adjustments reflect Head’s understanding of the game.
Head’s strategy involved standing outside the crease to negate Bumrah’s swing and reduce his effectiveness. This move put pressure on the Indian bowlers, forcing them to alter their lengths. Ashwin acknowledged the intelligence behind this approach, calling it a calculated risk.
Ashwin also highlighted Head’s ability to target specific bowlers, capitalizing on their weaknesses. By playing aggressively, Head shifted the momentum in his team’s favor. This strategy demonstrated his adaptability and composure under pressure.
India’s bowling unit struggled to contain Head’s counterattacking style. His approach exposed gaps in India’s plans, prompting them to reassess their strategies. Ashwin noted that such performances underscore the importance of adaptability in international cricket.
The revelation sheds light on how top players study and exploit their opponents. It also emphasizes the need for constant evolution in cricket tactics. Ashwin’s insights provide valuable lessons for players and fans, highlighting the game’s strategic depth.
Ashwin’s observations will likely influence their bowling strategies as India prepares for future matches. Understanding and countering such tactics can help teams improve their performance against aggressive players like Head.
BIG NEWS
Nepal Premier League Becomes a Watershed Moment for Nepali Cricket
The NPL has become a watershed moment for Nepali cricket, elevating the sport to new heights. With its success, the league has brought national and international attention to Nepali cricket, attracting a broader fan base and better sponsorships.
This landmark event showcases the immense talent present in Nepal and provides a platform for local players to shine. The league has paved the way for a new generation of cricketers to gain recognition and advance their careers in the sport.
The NPL has also given Nepali cricket more global exposure. International players joining the league help raise the level of competition, further inspiring the local players. The league’s popularity continues to grow as it evolves and promises to be a cornerstone of Nepali cricket in the years to come.
As the league progresses, it is expected to inspire future stars and increase the overall development of cricket in Nepal. Fans eagerly follow every match, enjoying the thrilling action and supporting their favorite players and teams.
In conclusion, the Nepal Premier League has transformed Nepali cricket, setting the stage for future growth. This momentous development will surely lead to even greater success for Nepali cricket on the international stage.
The NPL has also sparked interest in domestic leagues across emerging cricket nations. It serves as a model for other countries to develop their cricketing infrastructure and provide young talent. As the NPL continues to grow, it is expected to play a vital role in shaping the future of Nepali cricket.
Fans have embraced the tournament, creating a sense of national pride. The NPL’s rise reflects the growing global interest in domestic cricket leagues and their role in nurturing future talent. It’s a significant milestone for Nepali cricket, ensuring that the sport will continue to evolve in the coming years.
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