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PSL 2023: Simon Doull blasts ‘selfish’ Babar Azam

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Former Kiwi pacer and cricket commentator, Simon Doull is known to speak his mind.

His views are refreshingly honest and it’s blessing for cricket fans to hear him speak as he doesn’t hold back his punches, even when big names are involved.

The latest subject of his ire is Pakistan batting hero, Babar Azam!

Here is the context.

Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators faced each other in Match 25 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2023 at Pindi Club Ground on March 9.

Opting to bat first, Peshawar rode on skipper Babar Azam’s century (115 off 65 balls) to post 240/2 on the board.

In reply, Quetta overhauled the target with 10 balls to spare, thanks to Jason Roy who smashed a dazzling 145* off 63 balls.

Despite hitting a ton, Doull criticised Babar over his pace of scoring.

The Zalmi captain got off to a blazing start but he slowed down considerably while getting closer to his century.

Notably, Babar Azam was on 83 off 46 balls and then took 14 deliveries to notch the three-figure mark.

The sudden fall in strike-rate didn’t go down well with Simon Doull, who was on-air at the time.

When Babar was on 99, he played a dot ball during the over by Naseem Shah and Doull questioned the Pakistan captain’s approach.

“The last little while, that’s all that has been happening rather than looking for boundaries still, when you’ve got so much firepower to come [Mohammad Haris, Haseebullah Khan and all-rounder Aamer Jamal were waiting in the wings].” said Doull during commentary.

“Hundreds are great, stats are brilliant, but it still must be team first.”

Simon Doull’s censure of the Peshawar Zalmi was not an isolated incident.

Hee has been vocal about Pakistan’s prominent players during the ongoing tournament.

Previously, the 53-year-old had advised Mohammad Rizwan to retire when he struggled in an innings.

Despite Rizwan going on to score a century against Karachi Kings, Doull stood by his criticism.

Interestingly, when New Zealand were touring Pakistan for a Test series in January, Doull took a dig at Babar Azam, alleging him for instructing the curators to prepare road-like pitches so that he can create personal records.

It’s hard to disagree with Doull as Babar’s slowing down may have cost Peshawar the match.

It’s also true that not many would have done what Simon Doull managed to do – criticising a star player in his own country and indirectly calling him selfish for putting himself above the team’s interest.

The Gladiators’ win elevated them to fifth place in the points table, having secured three victories in nine matches.

Earlier, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi and Babar’s teammate Imam-ul-Haq also questioned the prolific right-hander’s batting in the shortest format of the game.

“Babar is number one in the world, he is the identity of the country, but one thing that stops him from reaching the AB de Villiers/Virat Kohli rank is finishing. As a match-winner, he hasn’t proved himself yet.”

“If I am wrong, you can correct me. I want him to become a finisher. He should finish games. That’s the thing holding back his class,” Afridi said while speaking on a local news channel.

“I would like to add…because I know him and this is spoken about in our discussions. Babar agrees with it too.”

It must be noted that Azam is currently the third highest run-scorer in the PSL 8 with 343 runs in eight innings at a strike-rate of 140.

So while Babar is scoring runs, he needs to tweak his approach slightly to benefit the team instead of just chasing personal records.

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BGT

Virat Kohli and Steve Smith Predicted to Bounce Back by Shastri

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Ravi Shastri predicts Virat Kohli and Steve Smith will reclaim form, praising their resilience amid recent performance dips.

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.

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BGT

Ravichandran Ashwin Reveals Travis Head’s Tactics Against Bumrah

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Ravi Ashwin discusses Travis Head’s clever tactics against Jasprit Bumrah, highlighting his strategic adjustments and calculated approach.

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.

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BIG NEWS

Nepal Premier League Becomes a Watershed Moment for Nepali Cricket

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The NPL marks a milestone for Nepali cricket, bringing new opportunities and excitement to the sport!

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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