Latest news with #Pakistan-NewZealand
Arab News
18-02-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Babar Azam says a lot has changed since last Champions Trophy, but Pakistan belief remains same
KARACHI: Pakistan's star batter Babar Azam has said that a lot has changed since they last played the Champions Trophy, but his side's belief was still the same. The statement by the former Pakistan skipper came a day ahead of defending champions and hosts Pakistan's opening match against New Zealand in Karachi. Babar hit 46 from 52 balls in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against India that helped Pakistan on their way to a 180-run win at The Oval. However, the right-hander refuses to live in the past and wants to make more memories in front of the adoring Pakistani public in the coming weeks. 'I am very excited. My primary memories of the 2017 final are Fakhar Zaman's innings [of 114], the spell of Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali's spell and the winning moment,' Azam was quoted as saying by the International Cricket Council (ICC). 'Playing against India, that excitement and the nervousness was there but when we won, we enjoyed and celebrated. [But] a lot has changed since the Champions Trophy was held in 2017. We have new players coming, we only have three or four players who were part of that winning team. But the belief, confidence and execution is the same.' Pakistan-New Zealand clash on Wednesday will include two of biggest names in the competition, with Azam set to go head-to-head with Kiwi star Kane Williamson. Joe Root, Steve Smith and Virat Kohli are part of the respective England, Australia and India squads but Azam stands in a league of his own in ODI cricket, heading into this competition as the world's top ranked batter in the 50-over format. 'When you have responsibility as a senior player in any team and the team relies on you and has belief in you, then I take it in a positive way,' he said. 'I try to give my best in every match. I try to perform so that Pakistan win and I enjoy my cricket.' His form will be crucial if Pakistan are to improve on their recent tournament record. They have been knocked out in the group stage at the last two ICC Men's Cricket World Cups and suffered the same fate at last year's ICC Men's T20 World Cup after losing to co-hosts USA. But Azam said he does not have any 'pressure.' 'What has happened in the past is beyond us. We have discussed mistakes we have made and we have worked on them. So we will try not to do what we have done in the past,' he was quoted as saying. Azam's home city of Lahore is among the three Pakistani cities hosting matches and he believes local knowledge will help his side thrive. 'When you play at home you get that edge as you know the conditions,' he said. 'You have a knowledge of how the pitch will behave, both in the first and second (innings), but still you have to play good cricket because all other teams are among the best.'
Express Tribune
17-02-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
PAF Sherdil promise spectacular treat for Karachiites tomorrow
KARACHI: The opening ceremony of the International Cricket Conference (ICC) Champions Trophy competition in Karachi on Wednesday (tomorrow) will include a spectacular aerobatic display by the Pakistan Air Force's (PAF) world-renowned Sherdil Squadron. The Champions Trophy will start with the Pakistan-New Zealand encounter in Karachi on February 19. A colourful ceremony would be held. The main attractions include the PAF aerobatic display, which would grace the city's skies after a gap of five years. The Sherdil, which means lion hearted in Urdu, would fly Karakoram-8 aircraft, and perform complex manoeuvres during the demonstrations, including barrel rolls, loops and bomb bursts besides the coloured smoke. The Pakistani-made JF-17 Thunder, F-16 fighter jets will also be part of the display. This Sherdil squadron first flew on September 19, 1974. Over the years, the squadron has displayed its skills at various international air shows, including in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In 2020, the Sherdilshowed aerobatic skills over the Sea View beach in Karachi on first anniversary of downing an Indian jet. The Karakoram 8 is an advanced Pakistan-made trainer aircraft, which is used to provide basic and operational jet training to the new pilots joining the PAF Academy, Risalpur. The plane has the ability to store weapons on its four hard points and a ballistic gun pod.
Express Tribune
17-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Cricket meets culture as Champions Trophy begins
LAHORE: Cricket legends, board officials, and passionate fans gathered in the Lahore Fort on Sunday night for a colourful curtain raiser event that offered a perfect blend of the game's excellence and vibrant Pakistani traditions to mark the opening of the Champions Trophy, 2025. The first match of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Bank Cricket Stadium in Karachi on February 19. This match will launch a series of high-octane contests over the next 19 days. Against the stunning backdrop of Pakistan's rich cultural history, the grand opening ceremony packed the historic Diwan-e-Aam of the Lahore Fort. The event honoured the Pakistan squad that won the Champions Trophy in 2017, while Atif Aslam performed the official anthem of the tournament. To add grandeur to the spectacular evening, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) dazzled the attendees with a remarkable fly-past, elevating the sense of occasion to new heights. The decoration at the venue highlighted Pakistan's rich sporting and cultural heritage. The tournament curtain raiser was attended by Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan, Punjab Sports Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar, ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, PCB advisers Aamir Mir and Wahab Riaz and chief selector Asad Shafiq, besides former South African batsman JP Duminy and New Zeland fast bowler Tim Southee. Speaking on the occasion, Naqvi said that having the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan was a historic opportunity. "A generation has been deprived of such global events." He told the audience that the Gaddafi Stadium was ready for the tournament. Addressing the opening ceremony, ICC chief Allardice said that the fans would see the best cricket for the next two weeks. "Pakistan has a golden opportunity to show its passion for cricket in the ICC Champions Trophy, I have seen the Pakistan team win the Champions Trophy at the Oval," he added. The ceremony featured a special panel discussion with iconic cricketers, reflecting on memorable moments from the past tournaments. Their anecdotes and insights delighted the audience, setting the tone for an exciting tournament. The tournament officially begins with Pakistan-New Zealand encounter at the National Bank Cricket Stadium in Karachi on February 19. However, the most anticipated contest would be seen four days later, when Pakistan take on India in Dubai on February 23. Dubai is home to large Pakistani as well as Indian expatriate communities. According to a report aired on the state television, their excitement among the fans was building in the emirate. "We are planning a huge gathering at the Dubai Sports City to watch the matches," said an overseas Pakistani. "It is going to be a fantastic experience, cheering on our team with fellow Pakistanis!" he said, adding that "one thing is certain, the Champions Trophy is going to be an unforgettable experience" for cricket fans across these cities. At home, according to the report, the tournament, which featured the world's top cricketing nations, promised thrilling matches and unforgettable moments. "I have been waiting for this moment for months" explained a cricket enthusiast from Karachi. In Lahore, students at the Punjab University were planning a massive screen to watch the opening match. "We will cheer on our team with flags, banners and plenty of food," said a student. "It is going to be an electric atmosphere!" Rawalpindi's cricket fans are equally enthusiastic, the report said. "I have been following Pakistan's cricket team since I was a kid," said a local resident. "This tournament is going to be a real test of their skills. I am confident they will make us proud", he believed. The PCB hoped a big attendance at the stadiums during the matches. It announced that tickets for the tournament would be sold online. "We are expecting a high demand for tickets, and we urge fans to purchase them online to avoid any inconvenience," a PCB spokesperson said. "We are thrilled to host the ICC Champions Trophy and will provide an opportunity for fans to watch their favourite teams in action," the spokesperson said. He also credited the government for its support in reviving the international cricket in Pakistan. "The government's efforts to improve security and provide a conducive environment for cricket have been instrumental in bringing international cricket back to Pakistan," the spokesperson said. "We are grateful for their support and look forward to hosting more international tournaments in the future." A separate press release stated that additional tickets for the three-group stage India matches and the first semi-final in Dubai went on sale on Sunday. India would play against Bangladesh on February 20 against Pakistan on February 23 and against New Zealand on March 2. There are also limited tickets available for the first semi-final taking place on March 4. The tickets for the Champions Trophy final, to be played on Sunday March 9 will be available for purchase following the conclusion of the first semi-final in Dubai. The thrilling two-week competition will see the world's top eight teams put it all on the line in 15 intense matches across the 19 days, with every match counting in the pursuit of the iconic white jackets. For the tournaments, the teams had already been announced. The Indian side had arrived in Dubai, while Bangladesh begun preparations with a warm-up tie against Pakistan's Shaheens on Monday (today). Afghanistan will take on New Zealand in another practice game in Karachi. (WITH INPUT FROM APP)
Express Tribune
16-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Who is the viral girl from Pak vs NZ tri- series final?
Fashion model Arifa Junaid Anjum became an overnight sensation after repeatedly appearing on screen during the Pakistan-New Zealand tri-series final in Karachi. The camera frequently focused on Arifa throughout the match, drawing attention from Pakistani cricket fans and making her an instant social media star. Many viewers were captivated by her innocence and beauty, while others questioned the attention given to viral personalities over the actual players. Arifa, who hails from Karachi, is an active presence on social media and has worked as a fashion model. The clips sparked mixed reactions online. Some praised Arifa's personality, while others criticised the focus on her instead of the cricketers. Several users pointed out that Pakistani audiences often highlight similar sensations, sidelining real sports heroes. Some also credited the camerawoman for Arifa's newfound fame.
