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Time Business News
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time Business News
Cricket Diplomacy: Pakistan and Bangladesh Square Off in T20I
Cricket fans are eagerly anticipating the highly anticipated three-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series between Pakistan and Bangladesh, commencing on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. All three encounters are set to unfold at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, a venue that has recently undergone significant renovations and promises a vibrant atmosphere. This series holds considerable importance for both nations, as they navigate periods of transition and look to fine-tune their squads with an eye on the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2026. Both Pakistan and Bangladesh enter this series eager to reverse recent fortunes and build momentum for the future. Pakistan, once T20 World Champions in 2009, has experienced a challenging period over the past 12 months, including an early exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup. Their recent T20I series against New Zealand in March saw them suffer a 4-1 defeat, highlighting areas for significant improvement. In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board has opted for a fresh approach, with New Zealander Mike Hesson taking over as the white-ball head coach. This series marks Hesson's first assignment, and his tenure begins with a revamped squad that sees the notable absences of star batsmen Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, as well as pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi. Salman Ali Agha will lead this new-look Pakistan side, which features a blend of established performers and promising talents from the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Bangladesh, currently ranked ninth in T20 Internationals, is also undergoing a similar period of introspection and reconstruction. They have had a tough run of late, winning only four of their last 12 T20Is and suffering series defeats to lower-ranked teams like the United States in 2024 and the United Arab Emirates earlier this month. The Tigers are also under new leadership, with Litton Das taking on the full-time T20I captaincy. Their squad for this series is notably youthful, missing several senior players such as Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, Mohammad Mahmudullah, and Mushfiqur Rahim, who are either retired from the format or not available. Injuries have also sidelined key fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman. This series provides an invaluable opportunity for Bangladesh's emerging talents to step up and make a mark on the international stage. Historically, Pakistan has held a significant advantage over Bangladesh in T20 International cricket. Out of the 19 T20I encounters between the two nations, Pakistan has emerged victorious in 16 matches, while Bangladesh has secured three wins. At the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where all three matches of this series will be played, Pakistan boasts a perfect record, having won both previous T20Is against Bangladesh at this venue. However, recent encounters suggest a shift in dynamics. While Pakistan has won four of the last five T20I matches against Bangladesh, the most recent clash, part of the 2023 Asian Games, saw Bangladesh clinch a notable six-wicket victory. This indicates that despite Pakistan's overall dominance, Bangladesh has the capability to spring surprises and provide a stern challenge, especially when playing with renewed confidence and a desire to prove a point. The rivalry, though statistically skewed, has consistently delivered engaging contests. The three-match T20I series is scheduled as follows: First T20I: Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Second T20I: Friday, May 30, 2025, at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Friday, May 30, 2025, at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Third T20I: Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. All matches are scheduled for an 8:00 PM local time start, with the toss taking place at 7:30 PM. The Pakistan squad, led by Salman Ali Agha, includes players such as Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Muhammad Abbas Afridi (replacing Mohammad Wasim Jnr due to injury), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), and Saim Ayub. The inclusion of players like Saim Ayub, returning from injury and having performed well in the PSL, and Fakhar Zaman, who is back to strengthen the top order, highlights Pakistan's intent to inject fresh energy and aggressive batting into their lineup. Bangladesh's squad, under the leadership of Litton Das (captain and wicketkeeper), comprises Mahedi Hasan (vice-captain), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon (wicketkeeper), Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali (wicketkeeper), Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Tanvir Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Nahid Rana. Soumya Sarkar was ruled out due to a back injury and replaced by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, while Khaled Ahmed replaced the injured Mustafizur Rahman. This young Bangladeshi side will be looking to prove their mettle against a strong Pakistani team on their home turf. This series is more than just a bilateral contest; it's a critical component of both teams' preparations for the T20 World Cup in 2026, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. For Pakistan, it's an opportunity for their new coaching staff and fresh faces to gel as a unit and establish a clear playing style. The absence of seasoned campaigners presents a chance for younger players to step into leadership roles and demonstrate their capabilities under pressure. For Bangladesh, this tour is a valuable part of their ongoing process to try out different combinations and build a resilient squad for the future. Facing a strong opponent in challenging away conditions will provide invaluable experience for their developing players. Both captains, Salman Ali Agha and Litton Das, have publicly emphasized the importance of this series for their respective teams' long-term objectives. As the two teams take to the field at the Gaddafi Stadium, cricket enthusiasts can expect a fiercely contested series. While Pakistan will be keen to assert their dominance at home and rebuild their winning momentum, Bangladesh will be determined to showcase their fighting spirit and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with in the shortest format of the game. The stage is set for an exciting display of T20 cricket, as both nations embark on a new chapter in their cricketing journeys. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20I series 2025: All you need to know, squads, schedule, live streaming info
Pakistan and Bangladesh will lock horns in a three-match Twenty20 International series, starting from Wednesday at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. A new-look Pakistani side, without the services of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi, will take on a young Bangladesh side as both teams look to build towards next year's T20 World Cup. While Pakistan, led by Salman Agha, is coming off a 4-1 defeat in the T20I series against New Zealand in March, Bangladesh will hope to bounce back from a tough 2-1 loss against lowly United Arab Emirates earlier this month. Schedule First T20I, May 28 - Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore Second T20I, May 30 - Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore Third T20I, June 1 - Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore The squads Pakistan squad: Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub. Bangladesh squad: Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shamim Hossain, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam. Live Streaming Info The T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will not be streamed or televised in India. The first T20I will begin at 8:30 PM IST. Related Topics Pakistan / Bangladesh
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
ENG-W vs WI-W: England Women blank West Indies 3-0 in T20 series
The England women's team new era under skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt started on a bright note as the host blanked West Indies 3-0 in a Twenty20 International series after registering a 17-run win in the third match at County Ground in Chelmsford on Monday. Chasing 145, West Indies was on course to pull off a consolatory win after England took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series at Hove. However, left-arm spinner Linsey Smith triggered a collapse in the 17th over by nabbing Shabika Gajnabi and Jahzara Claxton off consecutive deliveries as West Indies could only manage 127 for eight in 20 overs after coasting at 109 for three. West Indies captain Hayley Matthews' 71 off 54 balls was the only significant contribution from any of the visiting batters, and her dismissal in the 18th over, with 32 still needed for the win, was the final nail in the coffin. Earlier, after being asked to bat, England rode on former skipper Heather Knight's unbeaten 66 and Sciver-Brunt's sedate 37 off 40 balls to post a serviceable 144 for five after being reduced to 21 for two inside five overs. Matthews was also the star with the ball for West Indies, picking three for 32. Following the T20Is, England and West Indies will lock horns in three ODIs, starting from May 30.
Al Etihad
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
UAE cricketers high on ‘self-belief' after historic win over Bangladesh
22 May 2025 23:49 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)The UAE cricket team achieved a landmark triumph by securing their first-ever bilateral Twenty20 International (T20I) series win over Bangladesh, clinching the three-match series 2-1 at the Sharjah Cricket the decisive third T20I, UAE chased down Bangladesh's target of 163 for a commanding seven-wicket victory late on Wednesday night. Alishan Sharafu, displaying maturity beyond his 22 years, remained unbeaten on 68 runs off 47 balls, scoring five boundaries and three sixes. He was ably supported by Asif Khan, who contributed an aggressive 41 not out off 26 deliveries, featuring five sixes. Their unbroken 81-run partnership off 51 balls ensured UAE reached the target with five balls to is also a major highlight of the UAE's performances under Lalchand Rajput, who took over the reins as national team coach last year. The team's success reflects the progress of UAE cricket and its potential to challenge established cricketing nations, said Rajput in the post-match interaction as celebrations continued late into the night. UAE captain Muhammad Waseem was named Player of the Series for his consistent performances.'I think it's a great moment for UAE cricket and I think it's a changing phase,' Rajput said. 'This is the first stepping stone and I'm sure you will see many more of these because this victory will go a long way in changing the players' mindset.'The way we chased, the way Alishan and Lala [Asif Khan's nickname] played; that was fantastic. That's what we want because it is important not to leave the composure at any moment. We just wanted to bat deep and that partnership between Sharafu and Khan was important.'Partnerships were the grey area in the first match when the UAE put up a valiant fight in chasing a huge total after Parvaiz Hossain Emon scored a century. Interestingly, a third match was added as a late change between the two cricket boards. The UAE had won the second match in which Bangladesh opted to rest Emon for a groin niggle and experienced bowler Mustafizur Rahman leaving the squad to play in the Indian Premier did not get the start they wanted with Dhruv Parashar taking out the dangerman Emon and the top order collapsed. Left-arm spinner Haider Ali, who made his debut for the UAE with the first match, delivered a game-changing spell, claiming three wickets for just seven runs in his four overs. Pacers Matiullah Khan and Saghir Khan also made significant contributions, taking two wickets each. Rearguard action from Tanzid Hasan (40 runs) and Jaker Ali (41 runs) helped Bangladesh reach a respectable total of 162 for nine. 'Self-belief and mindset are the two important things when you compete at the highest level,' Rajput added. 'When you play against a Test playing country, yes, they are more mature because they play more cricket. But we are not that far behind. That's where confidence and self-belief is important and we showed that.'
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First Post
20-05-2025
- Sport
- First Post
Bangladesh tour of Pakistan to go ahead, PCB confirms with series reduced to three T20Is from five
Bangladesh were originally scheduled to play five T20Is in Pakistan from 25 May to 3 June after a short trip to the United Arab Emirates. The Tigers, however, will be playing an additional match in the UAE, with the series against Pakistan getting shortened by a couple of games. read more The upcoming T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh has been reduced to three matches from five. AFP Bangladesh will travel to Pakistan for a T20I series after their ongoing tour of the United Arab Emirates, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Tuesday. The Tigers, however, are set for a shorter stay in Pakistan with the number of matches that they will be playing getting reduced. Bangladesh were originally scheduled to take part in a five-match Twenty20 International series in Pakistan after playing two games in the same format in the UAE. The tour of Pakistan was originally scheduled to get underway from Sunday, 25 May. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Their tour of the UAE, in which they play all of their matches in Sharjah, however, got extended with an additional match set to take place on 21 May, making it a three-match T20I series. And the corresponding series in Pakistan has been reduced to a three-match affair, with Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium set to host all of the matches. More from First Cricket IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians sign replacements for Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton and Corbin Bosch The PCB is yet to announce fresh dates for the curtailed series against Bangladesh, which will be taking place after the conclusion of the ongoing Pakistan Super League – which was originally scheduled to conclude on 18 May but has been extended till 25 May – the day the first Pakistan-Bangladesh T20I was scheduled to take place in Faisalabad. 'PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi… convinced them of full security and the series now comprises three T20Is instead of five,' a board press release said. The tour was initially under doubt due to the volatile situation in South Asia following the recent military standoff between nuclear powers India and Pakistan, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board having made it clear they would be going ahead with the tour only if they were guaranteed the safety of their players, support staff and other members of the touring party. This will be Bangladesh's second visit to Pakistan this year; they had played two out of their three Champions Trophy games in Pakistan in February. After suffering a six-wicket loss against India in Dubai, played both of their remaining matches in Rawalpindi – suffering a five-wicket loss against New Zealand before their final game of the tournament against hosts Pakistan was washed out without a ball bowled.
