TOP STORIES
Pakistan’s Faheem Ashraf calls for team performance
Pakistan’s heavy defeat against New Zealand in the second ODI on Wednesday further highlighted their batting and bowling issues, with top-order being completely shattered by New Zealand’s suffocating bowling attack. Over the last few months, Pakistan have been performing underwhelmingly, with Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and other top-order batters being in the eye of the storm.
In the second ODI, chasing a total of 292, Pakistan’s entire batting lineup collapsed, but it was all-rounder Faheem Ashraf who blitzed 73 to revive Pakistan’s chase. And, lower in the order, Naseem Shah smacked 51, but it wasn’t enough for Pakistan to get over the line as they were bowled out for 208 in 41.2 overs. Speaking after the match, Faheem Ashraf asserted that players need to play in cohesion and support each other.
“Look, each and every one of us is also trying to make the team win. In my opinion, when you focus only on your personal game, or if I come in, do my part, and step aside, that's not how it works,” Faheem Ashraf said during the press conference.
“As a team, we need to back each other rather than just focusing on individual performances and then stepping aside,” he said.
With the 84-run victory, New Zealand also sealed the series 2-0, leaving the third match a dead rubber. Mitchell Hay was the star of the show for New Zealand, launching (99* off 78). And their bowling was effectively led by Ben Sear, who returned with his first fifer in ODIs.
More News
New Zealand Cricket withdraws from Major League Cricket investment plans for 2027
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has stepped back from its planned investment in Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States ahead of the 2027 season. The decision comes as NZC looks to focus its resources on developing cricket at home and strengthening its domestic competitions. In April 2025, NZC announced a partnership with US-based True North Sports (TNS) Vent...
James Pamment backs Kieron Pollard to replace Mahela Jayawardene as Mumbai Indians head coach
Former Mumbai Indians fielding coach James Pamment has expressed surprise over Mahela Jayawardene stepping down as the franchise's head coach. He has also backed former MI star Kieron Pollard to take charge of the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions. Jayawardene recently stepped down after his second stint as Mumbai Indians head coach. During his fi...
Steve Smith notches up 11,000 runs in Test cricket
Australia’s decorated batter Steve Smith has claimed a mammoth milestone in his distinguished career, completing 11,000 runs in Test cricket. Smith reached the 11,000 Test runs mark on day four of the ongoing second Test between Australia and South Africa in Gqeberha.
He becomes the third Australian after Ricky Ponting (13,378) and A...
IND vs NZ: Shane Bond backs Varun Chakaravarthy and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of T20I series
Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond believes Indian spinner Varun Chakaravarthy could be a major challenge for New Zealand batters in the upcoming T20I series. Bond feels the extra bounce in New Zealand conditions could make the mystery spinner difficult to handle, even though the pitches are expected to favour fast bowlers. Chakaravarthy has taken 75 wic...
Ishan Kishan eyes three major records ahead of India’s T20I series against New Zealand
Ishan Kishan is close to achieving three major batting milestones as India prepare for their five-match T20I series against New Zealand, starting in Christchurch on Thursday. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter has enjoyed an impressive year and will have several opportunities to make history before the year ends. Kishan is chasing the record for the most T20I runs ...
Android App
iOS App
YouTube
Instagram
Twitter