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Sri Lanka unveil squad for ODI tri-series in Pakistan

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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Sunday announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming ODI tri-series against hosts Pakistan and England, with matches scheduled in Rawalpindi and Lahore from October 18 to 31. Kusal Mendis will captain the Sri Lankan side, with Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage and Dasun Shanaka among the players named in the squad. Opening batter Pathum Nissanka has been included in the lineup, but his travel remains subject to medical clearance. He will join the team only if he is declared fit to play. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka have dropped former captain Charith Asalanka from the squad for the ODI tri-series, which also features England. Asalanka, who averages 40.55 in 88 ODIs, has been left out after managing scores of 1, 11 and 7 during the ODI leg of Sri Lanka’s recent tour of England. Sri Lanka will first arrive in Pakistan on October 4 for a three-match T20I series against the hosts. All...
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Pakistan beat Bangladesh to set up Asian Games cricket gold showdown with India

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Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by six wickets in the first semi-final of the Asian Games men's cricket competition at Korogi Sports Club, Nisshin, on Thursday, booking a final clash with arch-rivals India. Set to chase a daunting 112-run target in 13 overs, the Green Shirts comfortably knocked the winning runs for the loss of four wickets and three balls to spare. The Green Shirts, however, got off to a contrasting start to the pursuit as they lost captain Sahibzada Farhan (one) in the first over with just six runs on the board. His opening partner Maaz Sadaqat, who made a spirited start to his knock, which saw him smash two fours and a six, followed suit in the next over as he fell victim to Nasum Ahmed after scoring a seven-ball 15. Following Sadaqat's dismissal, Saim Ayub walked out to bat at No.5 and made a similar start to his innings, hitting Mustafizur Rahman for two sixes and a four, but the experienced pacer hit back in the fourth over, sending him back to the pavili...
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Pakistan qualify for Asian Games hockey semi-finals after 7-2 win over Oman

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Pakistan qualified for the semi-finals of the men’s hockey event at the 20th Asian Games on Monday after defeating Oman 7-2 in their final Pool B match in Japan. Pakistan dominated the contest at Kawasaki Juko Stadium to finish their pool campaign with four wins from five matches, having suffered their only defeat against Malaysia. Sufyan Khan opened the scoring for Pakistan in the 22nd minute through a penalty corner before Oman’s Al-Bara Al-Nofali levelled the score in the 28th minute. Sufyan restored Pakistan’s lead later in the same minute to give the Green Shirts a 2-1 advantage. Pakistan extended their lead before the end of the second quarter to take a 3-1 lead into half-time. Rana Waheed Ashraf added to Pakistan’s tally in the 34th minute before Oman’s Mudit Aiman pulled one back two minutes later. Rana Waheed completed his hat-trick, while Ghazanfar Ali and Muhammad Imad also found the net as Pakistan sealed a 7-2 victory. The semi-finals are scheduled for October 1, wit...
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Pakistani boxer Usman Wazeer wins 19th international bout

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Pakistan's boxing sensation Usman Wazeer extended his unbeaten professional record to 19-0 after defeating Indonesian boxer Ari Agustian in his 19th international world ranking fight in Thailand. Wazeer dedicated the victory to the martyrs of Pakistan, saying the win carried significance beyond the boxing ring. In a post on Instagram, the boxer said he was proud to dedicate the victory to those who had sacrificed their lives while protecting the country. "I fight for the green and white, and for the heroes who keep us safe," Wazeer wrote, while thanking his supporters for their continued backing. The victory also saw Wazeer qualify for the World Boxing Association (WBA) Gold title fight. The latest victory builds on Wazeer's previous international performances, with the Pakistani boxer maintaining an unbeaten professional record throughout his career. In his 18th professional bout, Wazeer faced India's Baljit Singh and stopped him in the first round. The vic...
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Abrar Ahmed overtakes Rashid Khan to become top ranked T20I bowler

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Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed has risen to the top of the ICC T20I bowling rankings, becoming the world’s No 1-ranked bowler in the latest update. Abrar climbed to the top of the rankings with 736 rating points, dethroning Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, who dropped to second place. Australia’s Adam Zampa moved up one place to claim third position. Among other Pakistan bowlers, Mohammad Nawaz retained eighth position with 658 points, while Salman Mirza slipped one place to 18th with 636 points. Left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi also dropped one place to 33rd with 602 points. Meanwhile, Usman Tariq made significant progress, climbing two places to 57th with 524 points, while Sufiyan Muqeem moved up one place to 63rd with 510 points. Pakistan batter Saim Ayub climbed one place to 71st with 492 points, while Shadab Khan retained his 77th position with 485 points. Haris Rauf gained two places to move up to 86th with 448 rating points. In the T20I batters’ rankings, Pakistan opener Sahibzada...
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PCB introduces first-ever central contracts for U19 players

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a significant step for young players’ development by awarding central contracts to U19 players for the first time to recognise their achievements and foster the growth of emerging talent. The decision was announced after PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met the Pakistan Under19 squad following the team's impressive performances in England, where they clinched the four-match one-day series 3-1. During the meeting, Naqvi interacted with the young players individually and praised their efforts, while encouraging them to continue working hard and progressing in their careers. Pakistan Under19 head coach Shahid Anwar welcomed the introduction of central contracts at the junior level, describing it as a positive step that would motivate young cricketers to perform better. "Rewarding good performances boosts the confidence of young players, while the encouragement from the PCB chairman is a source of strength for both the players and coaching s...
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Wasim Akram questions Babar Azam's decision to accept Test captaincy

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Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram said that Babar Azam should have remained a player rather than taking over the Test captaincy. Akram made the comments while speaking alongside former Pakistan pacer Waqar Younis at a charity fundraising event in Manchester. "I do not want to blame anyone, and I could be wrong as well," Akram said. "But in my opinion, Babar should not have taken the captaincy. All of this was unnecessary." Akram was referring to the events surrounding Pakistan’s Test tour of England, where the team underwent a major overhaul following defeats in the first two Tests. During the toss ahead of the third Test in Birmingham, Babar was asked about the decision to send seven players home and make changes to the coaching staff. The captain replied that he was unaware of the changes. Recalling the moment, Akram sarcastically questioned Babar’s role as captain if he was unaware of such major decisions. “Babar Azam said he did not know. If you don’t kn...
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