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Indian Express
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Indian Express
‘It remains one of our cherished memories:' Shubman's 2014 world record partner Nirmal
It has been 4,055 days since Mohali youngster Nirmal Singh was associated in a world record 587-run stand with then 14-year-old Shubman Gill in a match against Amritsar in the Punjab Inter-District Tournament for ML Markan Trophy played in the second week of April 2014. While Chak Kherewala (Fazilka district) born Gill played a knock of 351 runs in the match, Nirmal played a knock of 267 runs during the match and the pair broke the earlier record of 561 runs for the first wicket between Waheed Mirza and Mansoor Akhtar in the match between Karachi Whites and Quetta at National Stadium, Karachi in 1977. On Saturday, as 25-year-old Gill became the 37th Test captain for the Indian team, Singh recalls the historic day of 2014. 'It remains one of our cherished memories of our cricket career. We both were very young and when we made the world record. All we talked about was how we enjoyed batting on that particular day in the match. He would suggest things like to target which bowlers or the pitch conditions and I would also do the same for him. To see Shubman being made the Indian Test team captain is a special feeling for not only him but every one of us who was part of his journey,' says Singh, who is now a regular feature in the Mohali senior team. Gill had batted for 277 balls to make 351 runs in the match while Singh, who hails from Bhiwani, Haryana, had played a knock of 276 runs off 335 balls. Gill hit 49 boundaries and two sixes during his knock, while Singh had smashed 35 boundaries during his stay at the wicket. Mohali had declared at a total of 681 for 8 in 142 overs against Amritsar in the match played at the MCA Academy ground outside the IS Bindra International Stadium. 'I guess the wicket was rolled too well for the game, making it so good for batting. The ball was coming onto the bat and when my eyes were set I went for my shots. After I made the first 50, I started to enjoy going for my shots. Once I crossed 150, I started feeling tired but Tinkoo sir (Sukhwinder Tinkoo, chief coach of the academy) was constantly telling me to go for another 50 runs and play freely. When I crossed 300, I was very tired; in fact, the next 50 runs came only because of Nirmal's support from the other end.' Gill had told The Indian Express in 2014. PCA scorer Sushil Diwan acted as a scorer in Gill's most junior-level matches, as well as Ranji Trophy matches and International matches played at Mohali. 'Across the age groups, Shubman Gill performed very well, and it would be a delight for us scorers too. His father, Lakhwinder Gill, would always be there to watch him play and used to take him to every age group. It's his passion and dedication, coupled with his father's dedication, which has taken it to this level,' said Diwan.
News18
22-05-2025
- Sport
- News18
Who Is Haider Ali? UAE's Lahore-Born Left-Arm Spinner Stuns Bangladesh In Series Decider
Last Updated: UAE's Haider Ali bowled a stunning spell of 4-1-7-3 to lead his team to a seven-wicket win against Bangladesh in the T20I series decider in Sharjah. UAE's rookie left-arm spinner Haider Ali on Wednesday bowled a brilliant spell to catch the Bangladesh team off-guard, as the visitors slumped to an unprecedented seven-wicket defeat in Sharjah, losing a three-match T20I series 1-2, as their stakes in the shortest format touched a new low. A late bloomer, the 30-year-old Haider made his international debut in the first game of the series against Bangladesh. He went for 30 runs in his four overs in that match and returned wicketless. After returning 0/31 in the second T20I, Haider spun a web in the third, picking three wickets while conceding only seven runs from his four overs. One MAGICAL bowling spell!! 🔥🔥🔥Haider Ali produced a stunning spell of 4-1-7-3 which broke the back of Bangladesh's batting line-up in the T20I series decider at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium — UAE Cricket Official (@EmiratesCricket) May 21, 2025 Having been put in to bat first, Bangladesh found themselves at 84/8 in the 14th over, before wicketkeeper Jaker Ali and Hasan Mahmud added 44 runs for the ninth wicket. After Jaker was dismissed by Saghir Khan, Hasan and Shoriful Islam built a 34-run partnership for the 10th wicket to take Bangladesh to a respectable score of 162. Haider dismissed captain Litton Das for 14, Towhid Hridoy for a two-ball duck, and Mahedi Hasan for 2, to finish with figures of 4-1-7-3. Dhruv Parashar dismissed Bangladesh opener Parvez Hossain Emon with his first ball in the second over of the innings. Haider, introduced in the attack in the fourth over, struck gold as well, trapping Litton LBW with his first delivery. Two deliveries later, Haider had Towhid Hridoy LBW as well, this time with a quicker ball. He returned for his second over inside the powerplay and finished things off with another wicket off the last delivery, cleaning up Mahedi Hasan's stumps to leave Bangladesh reeling at 49/4. In the chase, UAE lost Muhammad Waseem in the second over, before Muhammad Zohaib and Alishan Sharafu added 44 runs for the second wicket. After getting reduced to 79/3 in the 11th over, Sharafu and Asif Khan added 87 runs for the fourth wicket to take UAE over the line. Haider's spell of 4-1-7-3 is now the joint second-most economical four-over spell by an UAE bowler in men's T20Is, equalling Aayan Afzal Khan's 4-1-7-3 against Cambodia last year. This is the most economical four-over spell by an UAE bowler against a full-member team in men's T20Is, going past Mohammad Naveed's previous record of 4-1-12-2, set nine years back, against Bangladesh as well. Who Is Haider Ali? Born in July 1994 in Lahore, Haider made his List A debut for Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited in September 2018 against the Karachi Whites and bowled an economical spell of 10-0-33-0. Haider made his first-class debut three days later and bowled a spell of 35-1-113-3, dismissing two set opposition batters in the first innings. Although it isn't clear as to when Haider moved to UAE, it looks like a very recent move, given that his debut has come only this month.
Express Tribune
20-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Babar struggles in National T20 Cup
Pakistan's ace batter Babar Azam and frontline pacer Naseem Shah failed to make an impact on National T20 Cup return as the duo delivered forgetful performances for Lahore Blues against Karachi Whites here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday. Babar and Naseem, who were among the senior players rested for Pakistan's ongoing five-match away T20I series against New Zealand following the national team's disastrous campaign at the recently-concluded ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, headed back to domestic cricket to reclaim their lost touch. The duo, representing Lahore Region Blues in the ongoing 18-team domestic tournament, however, failed to achieve the desired momentum ahead of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. Babar, who scored 87 runs in two innings during the Champions Trophy, opened the innings for Lahore Blues in their second match of the T20 tournament and could score a modest 22 off 17 deliveries with the help of three boundaries. Naseem, on the other hand, conceded 41 runs in his four overs and went wicketless. Lahore Blues were eventually bowled out for 134 in 18.5 overs while chasing 172, suffering their first defeat in the ongoing National T20 Cup. Batting first, Karachi Whites finished at 171/5 in their allotted overs, courtesy of a brisk half-century by Saud Shakeel. The left-handed batter remained the top-scorer with 73 off 52 deliveries, studded with eight fours and three sixes. For the unversed, it was reported earlier today that nine members of Pakistan's ODI squad for New Zealand including Babar Azam and Naseem Shah will train at the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) ground here ahead of their departure for New Zealand on March 23. Akmal's bold claim Pakistan batter Umar Akmal has made a surprising revelation, claiming that he helped star batter Babar Azam overcome his struggles against spin bowling. Babar has faced increasing scrutiny for his difficulties against spinners, with a significant number of his recent dismissals coming against them. Several former cricketers have raised concerns over his limited shot selection when facing spin. Addressing this issue in a recent interview with a private TV channel, Akmal recalled a moment when Babar approached him for advice on handling spin more effectively. "I distinctly remember when he was struggling against spinners, often getting out around midwicket. He came to me and said, 'Umar bhai, I'm having a bit of trouble,'" Akmal shared. "I asked about his grip on the bat and suggested that when facing a spinner, he should adjust his grip and keep his eyes on the ball until it's halfway to him. From there, he could decide whether to cut it or play a shot that wouldn't go flat," he added. Babar Azam was once regarded as a dominant player against spin, boasting an impressive average of 82.1 through the end of 2021. However, his performance against spin has declined in recent years, with his average dropping to around 48. In 2023, Babar had a strike rate of 77.7 against spin, which fell to 68.4 the following year. By 2025, his strike rate had plummeted to just 60.3, with 20 of his last 39 dismissals coming against spinners. It is pertinent to mention that the 30-year-old is set to participate in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand later this month. He was left out of the T20I squad alongside Mohammad Rizwan and pacer Naseem Shah. Pakistan recently lost back-to-back T20I matches against New Zealand and will play their third match on March 21 in Auckland.
Express Tribune
19-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Babar Azam, Naseem Shah struggle on National T20 Cup return
Listen to article Pakistan's star batter Babar Azam and pacer Naseem Shah endured a disappointing return to domestic cricket as Lahore Blues suffered a defeat against Karachi Whites in the National T20 Cup at Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday. The duo, dropped from Pakistan's ongoing T20I series in New Zealand following the national team's early exit from the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, looked to regain form in domestic competition but failed to make an impact. Babar, who scored 87 runs in two innings during the Champions Trophy, managed 22 off 17 balls with three boundaries while opening for Lahore Blues. His wicket was taken when he was caught out trying to play a reverse sweep. Naseem, meanwhile, remained wicketless while conceding a hefty 41 runs in his four overs. He had an economy rate of 10.25. Shah also conceded a stylish no-look shot by Karachi's Saud Shakeel which has been making rounds on social media. Chasing 172, Lahore Blues were dismissed for 134 in 18.5 overs, registering their first loss in the tournament. Karachi Whites, batting first, posted 171/5, with Saud Shakeel leading the charge with a 52-ball 73, featuring eight fours and three sixes. Meanwhile, Babar and Naseem are among nine members of Pakistan's ODI squad for New Zealand set to begin training at the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) ground ahead of their departure on March 23.
Express Tribune
16-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Karachi Whites, Bahawalpur win T20 Cup ties
The National T20 Cup 2024-25 started with exciting matches at Iqbal Stadium as Karachi Region Whites and Bahawalpur Region secured wins in their opening games. Defending champions Karachi Whites defeated Islamabad Region by 30 runs in a rain-affected match. Batting first, Karachi posted 159-6 in 20 overs. Captain Saud Shakeel led from the front with a superb 76 off 50 balls, hitting nine fours and a six. Khurram Manzoor added a quick 29 off 17 balls, while Saad Baig remained unbeaten on 18. Islamabad's bowlers tried to keep things in check, with Naseerullah Khan and Musa Khan taking two wickets each. Arsal Sheikh and Umair Afridi picked up one wicket each. Chasing 160, Islamabad had a tough start, slipping to 27-4 before rain interrupted the game. At 73-5 in 14 overs, the match was decided by the DLS method, and Karachi Whites were declared winners. Muhammad Umar was the standout bowler for Karachi, taking 2-9, while Danish Aziz, Arif Yaqoob, and Saqib Khan also took a wicket each. Saud Shakeel was named Player of the Match. In the second match, Bahawalpur Region outplayed Dera Murad Jamali Region, winning by 61 runs in a rain-shortened seven-over contest. Batting first, Bahawalpur put up 95-3 in seven overs. Openers Aun Shahzad (28 off 16) and Muhammad Sudais (21 off 12) gave a strong start, while captain Muhammad Imran scored 16 off eight balls. Faizan Zafar played a quick cameo, smashing 16 off four balls with two fours and a six. Dera Murad Jamali struggled in the chase, managing only 34-6 in their seven overs. Veteran pacer Imran Khan Sr. and Salahuddin led Bahawalpur's bowling attack with two wickets each. Imran Khan Sr. was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance.
