In a shocking decision, Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis have stepped down from their respective roles one month before the T20 World Cup. The Pakistan Cricket Board on Monday announced that Misbah and Waqar have resigned and that former Pakistan Test players, Saqlain Mushtaq and Abdul Razzaq would be interim coaches for the time being. The sudden changes coincide with the induction of former Test captain Ramiz Raja as the new Chairman of the board on September 13.

Ramiz on his YouTube channel and as a commentator and analyst has maintained that he does not believe Misbah and Waqar are the best coaches for the Pakistan team. Even the World Cup squad announced on Monday bears the influence of Ramiz in the selection process as he has been inclined towards younger players and power hitters in the T20 format. "Considering that I would have had to continue to spend considerable time away from my family in a bio-secure environment, I have decided to step down from the role," Misbah said in a statement.

Waqar said that after Misbah shared with him his decision and future plans, it was a straightforward decision for him to resign as they had walked into the roles together, had worked as a pair and now also stepped down together. The PCB said that Saqlain and Razzaq will join team management as interim coaches for the New Zealand series. Misbah and Waqar were appointed in September 2019 and still had a year each left in their contracts. The changes come with the New Zealand side due to arrive on September 11 for three ODIs and five T20Is and the Pakistan side to assemble in Islamabad on September 8.

The PCB said that the team management for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup will be appointed in due course. In his statement, Misbah, a former skipper said: "The quarantine in Jamaica post the West Indies series provided me with an opportunity to reflect on the past 24 months as well as the schedule for international cricket ahead. "Considering that I would have had to continue to spend considerable time away from my family and that too in a bio-secure environment, I have decided to step down from the role. "I understand that the timing may not be ideal but I don't think I am in the right frame of mind for the upcoming challenges and it makes sense for someone fresh to step-in and take the side forward."

Misbah was initially also appointed as chief selector with his head coach position in 2019 but had resigned last year from the selection job citing a heavy workload. Waqar Younis said working with the Pakistan bowlers, including the youngsters, has been the most satisfying thing for him as they have now started to show progress. "Bio-secure environments in the past 16 months have had their impact, something we had never experienced during our playing days," he said. "The next eight months will be busy and exciting for the Pakistan team and, like in the past, I will continue to back and cheer them on. I want to thank each and every member of the Pakistan cricket team set-up as we stayed united in good and bad days, and hope there will be brighter days ahead."

PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said the PCB understands and respects Misbah's decision. "Cricket in this unprecedented bio-secure world has not been easy for anyone and Misbah has clearly taken into account the intense six months of non-stop cricket ahead. "Both Misbah and Waqar have given so much to Pakistan cricket over a long period of time and for that they deserve a huge amount of respect."

Wasim Khan said that Saqlain and Razzaq have been appointed as interim coaches for the New Zealand series. Saqlain is the Head of International Player Development at the National High Performance Centre, while Razzaq's domestic side won three titles in the 2020-21 season. "Both Saqlain and Razzaq are ready to step-up and are very much looking forward to making important contributions in their coaching roles against New Zealand."

In a shocking decision, Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis have stepped down from their respective roles one month before the T20 World Cup.

In a shocking decision, Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis have stepped down from their respective roles one month before the T20 World Cup. The Pakistan Cricket Board on Monday announced that Misbah and Waqar have resigned and that former Pakistan Test players, Saqlain Mushtaq and Abdul Razzaq would be interim coaches for the time being. The sudden changes coincide with the induction of former Test captain Ramiz Raja as the new Chairman of the board on September 13. Ramiz on his YouTube channel and as a commentator and analyst has maintained that he does not believe Misbah and Waqar are the best coaches for the Pakistan team. Even the World Cup squad announced on Monday bears the influence of Ramiz in the selection process as he has been inclined towards younger players and power hitters in the T20 format. "Considering that I would have had to continue to spend considerable time away from my family in a bio-secure environment, I have decided to step down from the role," Misbah said in a statement. Waqar said that after Misbah shared with him his decision and future plans, it was a straightforward decision for him to resign as they had walked into the roles together, had worked as a pair and now also stepped down together. The PCB said that Saqlain and Razzaq will join team management as interim coaches for the New Zealand series. Misbah and Waqar were appointed in September 2019 and still had a year each left in their contracts. The changes come with the New Zealand side due to arrive on September 11 for three ODIs and five T20Is and the Pakistan side to assemble in Islamabad on September 8. The PCB said that the team management for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup will be appointed in due course. In his statement, Misbah, a former skipper said: "The quarantine in Jamaica post the West Indies series provided me with an opportunity to reflect on the past 24 months as well as the schedule for international cricket ahead. "Considering that I would have had to continue to spend considerable time away from my family and that too in a bio-secure environment, I have decided to step down from the role. "I understand that the timing may not be ideal but I don't think I am in the right frame of mind for the upcoming challenges and it makes sense for someone fresh to step-in and take the side forward." Misbah was initially also appointed as chief selector with his head coach position in 2019 but had resigned last year from the selection job citing a heavy workload. Waqar Younis said working with the Pakistan bowlers, including the youngsters, has been the most satisfying thing for him as they have now started to show progress. "Bio-secure environments in the past 16 months have had their impact, something we had never experienced during our playing days," he said. "The next eight months will be busy and exciting for the Pakistan team and, like in the past, I will continue to back and cheer them on. I want to thank each and every member of the Pakistan cricket team set-up as we stayed united in good and bad days, and hope there will be brighter days ahead." PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said the PCB understands and respects Misbah's decision. "Cricket in this unprecedented bio-secure world has not been easy for anyone and Misbah has clearly taken into account the intense six months of non-stop cricket ahead. "Both Misbah and Waqar have given so much to Pakistan cricket over a long period of time and for that they deserve a huge amount of respect." Wasim Khan said that Saqlain and Razzaq have been appointed as interim coaches for the New Zealand series. Saqlain is the Head of International Player Development at the National High Performance Centre, while Razzaq's domestic side won three titles in the 2020-21 season. "Both Saqlain and Razzaq are ready to step-up and are very much looking forward to making important contributions in their coaching roles against New Zealand."

Big blow to Pakistan! Misbah-ul-Haq, Waqar Younis step down from respective coaching roles ahead of T20 World Cup

Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam has termed Shaheen Afridi a "genuine talent" after the tall pacer had a 10-wicket match haul in the tourist`s 109-run victory over West Indies in the second Test at Sabina Park on Wednesday (IST). 
 
Thanks to Afridi`s maiden 10-wicket haul, Pakistan after losing the opening Test, clawed back in the second to level the series. 
 
In the opening Test as well, Afridi had a match haul of eight wickets but West Indies eked out a one-wicket victory, with tailender Kemar Roach scoring a brilliant unbeaten 30 to guide the team to a historic win. 
 
Hailing Afridi, Azam said at the post-match presentation that, "It was an important game for us after losing the first one. The way I played with Fawad and made that partnership was crucial and I thank the almighty for getting us this win. The partnership helped us and then that exceptional spell from Shaheen yesterday made things easy for us." 
 
Azam had scored 75, and Fawad Alam notched up an unbeaten 124 as they guided Pakistan to 302/9 declared in the first innings and then put pressure on the home team. 
 
"[Shaheen] he is a genuine talent, seems like he`s improving day by day and it`s lovely to have and watch someone like him in the team," added Azam. 
 
After dismissing West Indies for 150, Pakistan went for a quick declaration in the second innings scoring 176/6 in the second innings in only 27.2 overs to leave West Indies in a difficult situation on a tricky wicket. 
 
"We knew that the ball would turn on the last day and it worked out well. [Declaration] The plan was to take it to 330-340 and give them whatever number of overs were left after that on Day 4. We needed to win the series so we had to take a bold decision. 
 
"The bowlers delivered, Nauman Ali especially on the final day, took some crucial wickets. We thought the last day would help the spinners, some patches were being formed. We knew it would assist Nauman and he used it well," said Azam. 
 
"Such a great effort, it`s a team effort. The team needed from me and I delivered this time. It was tough because last day and the weather is really hot. As a team we knew that getting one wicket would get us another, so we looked to give 100 per cent. All credit goes to my brother Riaz Afridi -- he`s a brother, he`s a father, he`s everything to me. Credit to my family as well who are always praying for me," said Afridi. 
&nbsp;

Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam has termed Shaheen Afridi a "genuine talent" after the tall pacer had a 10-wicket match haul in the tourist`s 109-run victory over West Indies in the second Test at Sabina Park on Wednesday (IST).

Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam has termed Shaheen Afridi a "genuine talent" after the tall pacer had a 10-wicket match haul in the tourist`s 109-run victory over West Indies in the second Test at Sabina Park on Wednesday (IST). Thanks to Afridi`s maiden 10-wicket haul, Pakistan after losing the opening Test, clawed back in the second to level the series. In the opening Test as well, Afridi had a match haul of eight wickets but West Indies eked out a one-wicket victory, with tailender Kemar Roach scoring a brilliant unbeaten 30 to guide the team to a historic win. Hailing Afridi, Azam said at the post-match presentation that, "It was an important game for us after losing the first one. The way I played with Fawad and made that partnership was crucial and I thank the almighty for getting us this win. The partnership helped us and then that exceptional spell from Shaheen yesterday made things easy for us." Azam had scored 75, and Fawad Alam notched up an unbeaten 124 as they guided Pakistan to 302/9 declared in the first innings and then put pressure on the home team. "[Shaheen] he is a genuine talent, seems like he`s improving day by day and it`s lovely to have and watch someone like him in the team," added Azam. After dismissing West Indies for 150, Pakistan went for a quick declaration in the second innings scoring 176/6 in the second innings in only 27.2 overs to leave West Indies in a difficult situation on a tricky wicket. "We knew that the ball would turn on the last day and it worked out well. [Declaration] The plan was to take it to 330-340 and give them whatever number of overs were left after that on Day 4. We needed to win the series so we had to take a bold decision. "The bowlers delivered, Nauman Ali especially on the final day, took some crucial wickets. We thought the last day would help the spinners, some patches were being formed. We knew it would assist Nauman and he used it well," said Azam. "Such a great effort, it`s a team effort. The team needed from me and I delivered this time. It was tough because last day and the weather is really hot. As a team we knew that getting one wicket would get us another, so we looked to give 100 per cent. All credit goes to my brother Riaz Afridi -- he`s a brother, he`s a father, he`s everything to me. Credit to my family as well who are always praying for me," said Afridi.

Shaheen Afridi a genuine talent, says Babar Azam after Pakistan beat West Indies

Form skipper of the Pakistan cricket team Inzamam-ul-Haq said that "India will be favourites" to win the five-match Test series between India and England, of which the first ended giving no result after the match at Trent Bridge on Sunday was washed out.

The play on the fifth and final day was called off due to rain and not even a single ball was bowled. Chasing 209 runs to win, India were looking good as they were 52/1 overnight and needed 157 runs to win. The next match series will be kick off from August 12 at Lord's.&nbsp;

While speaking in a video on his Youtube channel, Inzamam said, "I think India will be favorites moving forward in this Test series. I am not saying this because of their performance in the first Test. I feel that way because of the youngsters, who have come in recently in the last two years."

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"The best trait in most of these young players is that they are performing well in all conditions. There used to be a time in the past when Indians used to play well at their home but not that well in foreign tours. But after these youngsters came in, India has been doing well while touring abroad," he added.&nbsp;

After the first match ended in a draw, Indian skipper Virat Kohli was disappointed as he said, "We were expecting rain on days three and four but it chose to come on day five. It would have been enjoyable to play and watch, but it’s a shame. This is exactly what we wanted to do; start strong."

"On day five we knew we had our chances. We certainly felt like we were on top of the game. Getting that lead was crucial, but it’s a shame we couldn’t finish day five. Getting to fifty overnight was important. We just didn’t want to play for survival," he added.&nbsp;

Form skipper of the Pakistan cricket team Inzamam-ul-Haq said that "India will be favourites" to win the five-match Test series between India and England, of which the first ended giving no result after the match at Trent Bridge on Sunday was washed out.

Form skipper of the Pakistan cricket team Inzamam-ul-Haq said that "India will be favourites" to win the five-match Test series between India and England, of which the first ended giving no result after the match at Trent Bridge on Sunday was washed out. The play on the fifth and final day was called off due to rain and not even a single ball was bowled. Chasing 209 runs to win, India were looking good as they were 52/1 overnight and needed 157 runs to win. The next match series will be kick off from August 12 at Lord's. While speaking in a video on his Youtube channel, Inzamam said, "I think India will be favorites moving forward in this Test series. I am not saying this because of their performance in the first Test. I feel that way because of the youngsters, who have come in recently in the last two years." ALSO READ | Did you know? Three cricketers represented both India and Pakistan in international Test matches "The best trait in most of these young players is that they are performing well in all conditions. There used to be a time in the past when Indians used to play well at their home but not that well in foreign tours. But after these youngsters came in, India has been doing well while touring abroad," he added. After the first match ended in a draw, Indian skipper Virat Kohli was disappointed as he said, "We were expecting rain on days three and four but it chose to come on day five. It would have been enjoyable to play and watch, but it’s a shame. This is exactly what we wanted to do; start strong." "On day five we knew we had our chances. We certainly felt like we were on top of the game. Getting that lead was crucial, but it’s a shame we couldn’t finish day five. Getting to fifty overnight was important. We just didn’t want to play for survival," he added.

India vs England: 'I think India will be favourites moving forward in this Test series', says Inzamam-ul-Haq

Liam Livingstone smashed the fastest Twenty20 century by an Englishman in just 42 balls against Pakistan but it was in vain as England lost a white ball match for the first time this summer, falling short by 31 runs in Trent Bridge on Friday.

England`s regulars returned from quarantine after a second-string squad swept the one-day international series 3-0, with Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow and Tom Curran back in the team and Eoin Morgan leading the side. 
 
Morgan won the toss and chose to bowl first but the move backfired as Pakistan capitalised on the short boundaries, smashing 20 fours and 12 sixes to post 232-6 -- their highest total in T20 internationals. 
 
In response, England were bowled out for 201. 
 
Seamer Shaheen Afridi (3-30) struck early to dismiss Dawid Malan, diving forward on his follow-through to have the opener caught and bowled, before he had Bairstow caught off a top edge to leave England two down in the fourth over. 
 
Pakistan`s poor fielding was a major talking point in the final ODI but they turned up on the night, taking difficult catches in the deep and even inflicting a run out with a direct hit. 
 
Moeen Ali fell when Haris Rauf took a bizarre catch in the deep, holding on to the ball even as he jumped into Sohaib Maqsood`s arms as his team mate tried to avoid a collision, while Jason Roy (32) failed to make good on a bright start. 
 
Livingstone hit a barrage of sixes to initially bring up England`s fastest T20 fifty in just 17 balls but kept going to reach his maiden T20 century with a six. 
But as wickets fell at the other end, the pressure was on Livingstone and he was caught the very next ball on the boundary on 103 as the asking rate crept above 14 per over. 
 
Pakistan's flying start

Earlier, Pakistan`s openers got the tourists off to a flying start with 49 runs in the power play before increasing that run rate as skipper Babar Azam brought up their 100 in the 12th over with a six. 
 
Mohammad Rizwan hit 63 off 41 balls in a 150-run opening stand before he was flummoxed by a slow bouncer from Lewis Gregory, edging it to Bairstow. 
 
Azam picked up where he left off after his knock of 158 in the third ODI, hitting 85 of 49 balls before he was caught behind off David Willey. 
 
Despite having two new batsmen at the crease in the death overs, Fakhar Zaman (26 off 8) and Mohammad Hafeez (24 off 10) constructed a 46-run partnership off just 16 deliveries to guide Pakistan to their record total.

Liam Livingstone smashed the fastest Twenty20 century by an Englishman in just 42 balls against Pakistan but it was in vain as England lost a white ball match for the first time this summer, falling short by 31 runs in Trent Bridge on Friday.

Liam Livingstone smashed the fastest Twenty20 century by an Englishman in just 42 balls against Pakistan but it was in vain as England lost a white ball match for the first time this summer, falling short by 31 runs in Trent Bridge on Friday. England`s regulars returned from quarantine after a second-string squad swept the one-day international series 3-0, with Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow and Tom Curran back in the team and Eoin Morgan leading the side. Morgan won the toss and chose to bowl first but the move backfired as Pakistan capitalised on the short boundaries, smashing 20 fours and 12 sixes to post 232-6 -- their highest total in T20 internationals. In response, England were bowled out for 201. Seamer Shaheen Afridi (3-30) struck early to dismiss Dawid Malan, diving forward on his follow-through to have the opener caught and bowled, before he had Bairstow caught off a top edge to leave England two down in the fourth over. Pakistan`s poor fielding was a major talking point in the final ODI but they turned up on the night, taking difficult catches in the deep and even inflicting a run out with a direct hit. Moeen Ali fell when Haris Rauf took a bizarre catch in the deep, holding on to the ball even as he jumped into Sohaib Maqsood`s arms as his team mate tried to avoid a collision, while Jason Roy (32) failed to make good on a bright start. Livingstone hit a barrage of sixes to initially bring up England`s fastest T20 fifty in just 17 balls but kept going to reach his maiden T20 century with a six. But as wickets fell at the other end, the pressure was on Livingstone and he was caught the very next ball on the boundary on 103 as the asking rate crept above 14 per over. Pakistan's flying start Earlier, Pakistan`s openers got the tourists off to a flying start with 49 runs in the power play before increasing that run rate as skipper Babar Azam brought up their 100 in the 12th over with a six. Mohammad Rizwan hit 63 off 41 balls in a 150-run opening stand before he was flummoxed by a slow bouncer from Lewis Gregory, edging it to Bairstow. Azam picked up where he left off after his knock of 158 in the third ODI, hitting 85 of 49 balls before he was caught behind off David Willey. Despite having two new batsmen at the crease in the death overs, Fakhar Zaman (26 off 8) and Mohammad Hafeez (24 off 10) constructed a 46-run partnership off just 16 deliveries to guide Pakistan to their record total.

Cricket: Resurgent Pakistan beat England by 31 runs in T20 run fest

The 'pawri&nbsp;ho rahi hai' meme has set the internet on fire and now, the Pakistan cricket team recreated the viral video after beating South Africa in the final T20I of the three-match series.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-axar-patel-joins-elite-list-after-a-five-wicket-haul-on-debut-363985" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG: Axar Patel joins the elite list after a five-wicket haul on debut</a>

The Men in Green defeated the Proteas by 4 wickets in the match in Lahore, chasing the 165-run target with eight balls to spare.&nbsp;

Pakistan Cricket Board took to Twitter and shared a video of the side recreating the meme.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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یہ ہماری ٹیم ہے 
اور 
یہ ہماری سیلیبریشن ہو رہی ہے 🙌 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvSA</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HarHaalMainCricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HarHaalMainCricket</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BackTheBoysInGreen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BackTheBoysInGreen</a> <a href="https://t.co/69LrEJhF24">pic.twitter.com/69LrEJhF24</a>
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB/status/1361000659865264131?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-gives-thumbs-up-to-top-team-india-363684" hreflang="en">Pakistan PM Imran Khan gives thumbs up to 'top team' India</a>

The video, originally, was made by Dananeer Mobeen, a 19-year-old girl from Islamabad who creates videos on a variety of subjects and also shares pictures from her photoshoots and travel escapades on social media.&nbsp;

<h4><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-pawri-hori-hai-heres-the-real-story-behind-pakistani-instagrammers-viral-video-364021">'Pawri Hori Hai': Here's the real story behind Pakistani Instagrammer's viral video</a></h4>

The girl has five lakh fans on Instagram and around 31,000 followers on Twitter. She retweeted the PCB post and said: "Honoured."

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Honored ♥️♥️ <a href="https://t.co/ExBXaxEHeI">https://t.co/ExBXaxEHeI</a>
— Dananeer Mobeen 🌻 (@DananeerM) <a href="https://twitter.com/DananeerM/status/1361027204805775363?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan overcame David Miller’s 45-ball 85 to beat South Africa to clinch the series 2-1. Miller's gritty knock went in vain as Pakistan's batting order stick to the crease to register their 100th win in a Twenty20 international.

The 'pawri ho rahi hai' meme has set the internet on fire and now, the Pakistan cricket team recreated the viral video after beating South Africa in the final T20I of the three-match series.

The 'pawri ho rahi hai' meme has set the internet on fire and now, the Pakistan cricket team recreated the viral video after beating South Africa in the final T20I of the three-match series. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG: Axar Patel joins the elite list after a five-wicket haul on debut The Men in Green defeated the Proteas by 4 wickets in the match in Lahore, chasing the 165-run target with eight balls to spare. Pakistan Cricket Board took to Twitter and shared a video of the side recreating the meme. یہ ہماری ٹیم ہے اور یہ ہماری سیلیبریشن ہو رہی ہے 🙌 #PAKvSA | #HarHaalMainCricket | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/69LrEJhF24 — Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 14, 2021 × ALSO READ: Pakistan PM Imran Khan gives thumbs up to 'top team' India The video, originally, was made by Dananeer Mobeen, a 19-year-old girl from Islamabad who creates videos on a variety of subjects and also shares pictures from her photoshoots and travel escapades on social media. 'Pawri Hori Hai': Here's the real story behind Pakistani Instagrammer's viral video The girl has five lakh fans on Instagram and around 31,000 followers on Twitter. She retweeted the PCB post and said: "Honoured." Honored ♥️♥️ https://t.co/ExBXaxEHeI — Dananeer Mobeen 🌻 (@DananeerM) February 14, 2021 × Pakistan overcame David Miller’s 45-ball 85 to beat South Africa to clinch the series 2-1. Miller's gritty knock went in vain as Pakistan's batting order stick to the crease to register their 100th win in a Twenty20 international.

'Pawri ho rahi hai': Pakistan cricket team recreates viral meme

After violating Covid-19 guidelines & getting infected in New Zealand, the Pakistani cricket team is complaining of being 'mentally & physically' hit by 'certain isolation regulations'.

Gravitas: Pak Cricket team Vs New Zealand Authorities

In what comes as worrying news for Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand, three more members of the Pakistan cricket team have tested positive for COVID-19 in New Zealand, taking the total number of cases to 10. As many as 46 members of Pakistan’s visiting contingent were tested for COVID-19.

Pakistan are already on a final warning after breaching the strict quarantine restrictions with their training and preparations have also been affected with cases increasing. The Pakistan cricket team is in New Zealand for three T20Is and two Tests starting December 18.

The Pakistan team is not allowed to train until the Canterbury DHB medical officer of health determines they are satisfied that any training activities are unlikely to transmit COVID-19.

The 24-member Pakistan squad was affected early with the exclusion of Fakhar Zaman before the departure due to persistent fever. The players arrived in New Zealand on November 24 and were accompanied by 20 officials. They stayed put in a mandatory 14-day quarantine period at the Hilton Hotel.

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Earlier, New Zealand’s director-general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield had lashed out at Pakistan for not respecting the protocols by the authorities.&nbsp;

"The team as a whole has been issued with a final warning. It is a privilege to come to New Zealand to play sport, but in return, teams must stick to the rules that are designed to keep COVID-19 out of our communities and keep our staff safe," said top health official Ashley Bloomfield.

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"Not being able to train is not a punishment, that was a requirement anyway for the first three days. Looking at Day 3 test results and CCTV footage, we will have to make a judgment on if or when they may be allowed to be exempt from the arrangement everyone else has to undertake, so they're allowed to break off in bubbles and train. I take a dim view of what we've seen already and we'll take it really seriously."&nbsp;

The names of the members of the Pakistan squad, who tested positive for COVID-19, were not revealed.

In what comes as worrying news for Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand, three more members of the Pakistan cricket team have tested positive for COVID-19 in New Zealand, taking the total number of cases to 10.

In what comes as worrying news for Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand, three more members of the Pakistan cricket team have tested positive for COVID-19 in New Zealand, taking the total number of cases to 10. As many as 46 members of Pakistan’s visiting contingent were tested for COVID-19. Pakistan are already on a final warning after breaching the strict quarantine restrictions with their training and preparations have also been affected with cases increasing. The Pakistan cricket team is in New Zealand for three T20Is and two Tests starting December 18. The Pakistan team is not allowed to train until the Canterbury DHB medical officer of health determines they are satisfied that any training activities are unlikely to transmit COVID-19. The 24-member Pakistan squad was affected early with the exclusion of Fakhar Zaman before the departure due to persistent fever. The players arrived in New Zealand on November 24 and were accompanied by 20 officials. They stayed put in a mandatory 14-day quarantine period at the Hilton Hotel. ALSO READ: Exclusive | Australia looking a cut above Indian team: John Buchanan Earlier, New Zealand’s director-general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield had lashed out at Pakistan for not respecting the protocols by the authorities. "The team as a whole has been issued with a final warning. It is a privilege to come to New Zealand to play sport, but in return, teams must stick to the rules that are designed to keep COVID-19 out of our communities and keep our staff safe," said top health official Ashley Bloomfield. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli on verge of breaking major record held by Sachin Tendulkar "Not being able to train is not a punishment, that was a requirement anyway for the first three days. Looking at Day 3 test results and CCTV footage, we will have to make a judgment on if or when they may be allowed to be exempt from the arrangement everyone else has to undertake, so they're allowed to break off in bubbles and train. I take a dim view of what we've seen already and we'll take it really seriously." The names of the members of the Pakistan squad, who tested positive for COVID-19, were not revealed.

Three more members of Pakistan team test positive for COVID-19 as NZ tour hangs in balance

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has slammed chief-selector cum head coach of Pakistan cricket team Misbah-ul-Haq for saying that he has taken over a side that is in decline. Akhtar lashed out at the former Pakistan captain as he said that honest and strong people don’t find excuses but take strong decision while adding Misbah should look into improving the squad rather than complaining.

Misbah has found himself under pressure due to Pakistan’s poor results under his tenure as head coach cum chief selector. Pakistan have won just two Tests while losing three in the last 12 months and have won just two out of three ODIs. In T20Is, they have won three matches out of 12 including three rain-abandoned matches.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-bcci-president-sourav-ganguly-leaves-for-dubai-to-oversee-preparations-326190" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: BCCI president Sourav Ganguly leaves for Dubai to oversee preparations</a>

“Honest and strong people don’t complain but take decisions. If I had been in his place, I would have said that it is my fault, I will set it right. That is the straight point. He should have said that what had happened earlier or not happened is left behind, and now that I am at the job, I will improve things,” Akhtar told Geo TV.

“Playing around here and there is probably Misbah but this is not me. I am not like that. Whatever has happened, now that you are there, you need to say with confidence that you are there now, you will see how to set things right,” he added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cpl-2020-dominant-tkr-one-away-from-perfection-326187" hreflang="en">CPL 2020: Dominant TKR one away from perfection</a>

Notably, Pakistan was the number on T20I side when Misbah took over the charge as head coach and chief selector in 2-19 but now they have slipped to the fourth position. In Test cricket, Pakistan are down and out in the seventh position after losing the Test series against England 1-0.

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has slammed chief-selector cum head coach of Pakistan cricket team Misbah-ul-Haq for saying that he has taken over a side that is in decline.

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has slammed chief-selector cum head coach of Pakistan cricket team Misbah-ul-Haq for saying that he has taken over a side that is in decline. Akhtar lashed out at the former Pakistan captain as he said that honest and strong people don’t find excuses but take strong decision while adding Misbah should look into improving the squad rather than complaining. Misbah has found himself under pressure due to Pakistan’s poor results under his tenure as head coach cum chief selector. Pakistan have won just two Tests while losing three in the last 12 months and have won just two out of three ODIs. In T20Is, they have won three matches out of 12 including three rain-abandoned matches. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: BCCI president Sourav Ganguly leaves for Dubai to oversee preparations “Honest and strong people don’t complain but take decisions. If I had been in his place, I would have said that it is my fault, I will set it right. That is the straight point. He should have said that what had happened earlier or not happened is left behind, and now that I am at the job, I will improve things,” Akhtar told Geo TV. “Playing around here and there is probably Misbah but this is not me. I am not like that. Whatever has happened, now that you are there, you need to say with confidence that you are there now, you will see how to set things right,” he added. ALSO READ: CPL 2020: Dominant TKR one away from perfection Notably, Pakistan was the number on T20I side when Misbah took over the charge as head coach and chief selector in 2-19 but now they have slipped to the fourth position. In Test cricket, Pakistan are down and out in the seventh position after losing the Test series against England 1-0.

Shoaib Akhtar lashes out at Misbah-ul-Haq for 'complaining'

Controversial Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal could face a lifetime ban if convicted of match-fixing charges unveiled Friday by the country's cricket authorities.

The 29-year-old was provisionally suspended by the anti-corruption unit of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on February 20, the day when the Pakistan Super League commenced in Karachi.

The PCB said Umar violated its code on two counts. &nbsp;

"The PCB has charged Umar Akmal with two breaches of the anti-corruption code which relates to not reporting a fixing offer," said a PCB press release.

Under the PCB anti-corruption code a player is required to immediately report to a team manager or officials of the anti-corruption unit when he receives an offer to fix a match. &nbsp;

Under the code if a player is found guilty the penalty ranges from a suspension of six months to a lifetime ban.

Umar has 14 days to respond to the charges in writing.

Umar has a history of disciplinary problems, having been arrested and detained for a day after a brawl with a traffic warden in 2014.&nbsp;

He was also banned for three months after a spat with then Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur in 2017.

Last month he escaped punishment after making rude remarks to a fitness trainer in Lahore.

Often described as a talented yet undisciplined cricketer, Umar has played 16 Tests, 121 one-day internationals and 84 Twenty20 internationals since his debut in 2009.

He last played for Pakistan in the Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka four months ago, failing to score in either match.

Umar's anti-corruption case is the latest of many that has hit Pakistan cricket in the last 20 years, resulting in life bans and fines for several players.

The PSL was hit by a spot-fixing case in 2017 when openers Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif were banned for five years.&nbsp;

Controversial Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal could face a lifetime ban if convicted of match-fixing charges unveiled Friday by the country's cricket authorities. The 29-year-old was provisionally suspended by the anti-corruption unit of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on February 20, the day when the Pakistan Super League commenced in Karachi.

Controversial Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal could face a lifetime ban if convicted of match-fixing charges unveiled Friday by the country's cricket authorities. The 29-year-old was provisionally suspended by the anti-corruption unit of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on February 20, the day when the Pakistan Super League commenced in Karachi. The PCB said Umar violated its code on two counts. "The PCB has charged Umar Akmal with two breaches of the anti-corruption code which relates to not reporting a fixing offer," said a PCB press release. Under the PCB anti-corruption code a player is required to immediately report to a team manager or officials of the anti-corruption unit when he receives an offer to fix a match. Under the code if a player is found guilty the penalty ranges from a suspension of six months to a lifetime ban. Umar has 14 days to respond to the charges in writing. Umar has a history of disciplinary problems, having been arrested and detained for a day after a brawl with a traffic warden in 2014. He was also banned for three months after a spat with then Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur in 2017. Last month he escaped punishment after making rude remarks to a fitness trainer in Lahore. Often described as a talented yet undisciplined cricketer, Umar has played 16 Tests, 121 one-day internationals and 84 Twenty20 internationals since his debut in 2009. He last played for Pakistan in the Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka four months ago, failing to score in either match. Umar's anti-corruption case is the latest of many that has hit Pakistan cricket in the last 20 years, resulting in life bans and fines for several players. The PSL was hit by a spot-fixing case in 2017 when openers Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif were banned for five years.

Pakistan's Umar Akmal could face lifetime ban over corruption charges

The first T20 International match is taking place in Lahore with hosts Pakistan taking on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bangladesh-cricket-board-gets-government-clearance-only-for-t20i-series-in-pakistan-no-chance-of-test-cricket-273996">Bangladesh</a>. Pakistan captain Babar Azam lost the toss to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bangladesh-cricket-board-to-decide-on-test-tour-in-pakistan-today-273214">Bangladesh </a>captain Mahmudullah Riyad as the visitors chose to bat first.

Azam has vehemently defended his decision to recall veterans ​Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik, stating that the mere presence of the experienced duo should help the team in their pursuit of winning the T20 series. 
&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-recall-hafeez-and-malik-for-bangladesh-t20-series-274695">Pakistan recall Hafeez and Malik for Bangladesh T20 series</a>

<img alt="Bangladesh's Liton Das (R) plays a shot as Pakistan's wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan looks on " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="35a237a8-38e2-4759-b181-995ff45a3b33" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-24T165012.593.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Bangladesh's Liton Das (R);&nbsp;Pakistan's wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan (L) (Courtesy: AFP) ]

"I felt that we needed these two (Malik, Hafeez) seniors. They were part of the number one team last year," he said. "I gave my opinion to the selectors and they heard me. Their presence will help me and the team. I will learn from them on captaincy as well," Babar added.

The remaining two matches are also set to be played in Lahore.

The first T20 International match is taking place in Lahore with hosts Pakistan taking on Bangladesh. Pakistan captain Babar Azam lost the toss to Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah Riyad as the visitors chose to bat first.

The first T20 International match is taking place in Lahore with hosts Pakistan taking on Bangladesh. Pakistan captain Babar Azam lost the toss to Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah Riyad as the visitors chose to bat first. Azam has vehemently defended his decision to recall veterans Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik, stating that the mere presence of the experienced duo should help the team in their pursuit of winning the T20 series. Also Read: Pakistan recall Hafeez and Malik for Bangladesh T20 series [ Bangladesh's Liton Das (R); Pakistan's wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan (L) (Courtesy: AFP) ] "I felt that we needed these two (Malik, Hafeez) seniors. They were part of the number one team last year," he said. "I gave my opinion to the selectors and they heard me. Their presence will help me and the team. I will learn from them on captaincy as well," Babar added. The remaining two matches are also set to be played in Lahore.

Bangladesh wins toss, set to bat first in first T20I against Pakistan

Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar dropped a bombshell last night by admitting that leg spinner Danish Kaneria was ostracised by a few players, not due to his cricketing skills but because of being a Hindu playing for Pakistan.&nbsp;

Kaneria had played at a time when Pakistan cricket consciously adopted a religious identity, an identity which had no space for the minority 
&nbsp; 
Danish Kaneria who played 61 tests for Pakistan and bagged 261 wickets, fourth on the all-time list behind greats Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and the country's current Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Kaneria was only the second Hindu to play for Pakistan after his maternal uncle Anil Dalpat.

Akhtar's revelations saw Kaneria come forward and detail his 'alleged victimisation'

The reason we say alleged is due to Kaneria's colourful past of being less than honest with the truth.

He is serving a match ban for match-fixing and admitted in 2018 after six years that he had lied through his trial in England.

Kaneria followed a line of great Pakistan leg spinners from Abdul Qadir to Mushtaq Ahmed and remains the most successful spinner in Pakistan test cricket.

Religious persecution within a team is unheard off but the time frame of Akhtar's allegations correspond to a turning point in Pakistan cricket where religious identity came to define the national team.

Pakistan cricketers were always flamboyant, take Imran khan for example.

Imran was not just the man who ran Pakistan cricket, he was a style icon and a playboy who had well-publicised dalliances with some of the most glamorous women on the planet.

The next generation of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and a few more were caught smoking marijuana on a tour of West Indies in the 1990s.

It all started to change under Inzamam ul Haq's captaincy in 2003 and with Javed Miandad as head coach.

It became the norm to see the Pakistan team praying in the middle of practice session and every wicket or milestone celebrated with a public display of religiosity.

Contrast this with just a handful of players doing the 'Sajda' after the seminal world cup triumph of 1992.

Keen observers of Pakistan cricket have pointed out former captain Saeed Anwar's influence in this change.

A dashing and stylish opener, Anwar turned to religion after the tragic death of his young daughter in 2001.

Gradually senior players of the time including Inzamam, Saqlain Mushtaq and Mushtaq Mohammed started sporting beards and an unwritten code was established.

It was thought that religion would discipline a team that could enthral and exasperate fans in equal measure.

Yousuf Youhana, long tipped to be a captain in waiting would ultimately convert from Christianity and become Mohammed Yousuf and did captain Pakistan eventually.

That religious phase would get toned down under Misbah ul Haq's captaincy at the beginning of this decade. It is still there but not in your face as it was in the first decade of this century.

Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar dropped a bombshell last night by admitting that leg spinner Danish Kaneria was ostracised by a few players, not due to his cricketing skills but because of being a Hindu playing for Pakistan.

Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar dropped a bombshell last night by admitting that leg spinner Danish Kaneria was ostracised by a few players, not due to his cricketing skills but because of being a Hindu playing for Pakistan. Kaneria had played at a time when Pakistan cricket consciously adopted a religious identity, an identity which had no space for the minority Danish Kaneria who played 61 tests for Pakistan and bagged 261 wickets, fourth on the all-time list behind greats Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and the country's current Prime Minister Imran Khan. Kaneria was only the second Hindu to play for Pakistan after his maternal uncle Anil Dalpat. Akhtar's revelations saw Kaneria come forward and detail his 'alleged victimisation' The reason we say alleged is due to Kaneria's colourful past of being less than honest with the truth. He is serving a match ban for match-fixing and admitted in 2018 after six years that he had lied through his trial in England. Kaneria followed a line of great Pakistan leg spinners from Abdul Qadir to Mushtaq Ahmed and remains the most successful spinner in Pakistan test cricket. Religious persecution within a team is unheard off but the time frame of Akhtar's allegations correspond to a turning point in Pakistan cricket where religious identity came to define the national team. Pakistan cricketers were always flamboyant, take Imran khan for example. Imran was not just the man who ran Pakistan cricket, he was a style icon and a playboy who had well-publicised dalliances with some of the most glamorous women on the planet. The next generation of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and a few more were caught smoking marijuana on a tour of West Indies in the 1990s. It all started to change under Inzamam ul Haq's captaincy in 2003 and with Javed Miandad as head coach. It became the norm to see the Pakistan team praying in the middle of practice session and every wicket or milestone celebrated with a public display of religiosity. Contrast this with just a handful of players doing the 'Sajda' after the seminal world cup triumph of 1992. Keen observers of Pakistan cricket have pointed out former captain Saeed Anwar's influence in this change. A dashing and stylish opener, Anwar turned to religion after the tragic death of his young daughter in 2001. Gradually senior players of the time including Inzamam, Saqlain Mushtaq and Mushtaq Mohammed started sporting beards and an unwritten code was established. It was thought that religion would discipline a team that could enthral and exasperate fans in equal measure. Yousuf Youhana, long tipped to be a captain in waiting would ultimately convert from Christianity and become Mohammed Yousuf and did captain Pakistan eventually. That religious phase would get toned down under Misbah ul Haq's captaincy at the beginning of this decade. It is still there but not in your face as it was in the first decade of this century.

Pakistan Cricket Team: From flamboyance to religious discrimination

Sri Lanka arrived for the first Test cricket tour of Pakistan in 10 years on Monday following the deadly 2009 attack on their team that plunged Pakistan into sporting isolation.

"The arrival of Sri Lankan team is a historic occasion and we are delighted to host the two-match Test series starting from Wednesday," said Pakistan Cricket Board chief executive Waseem Khan.

The first Test starts in the garrison city of Rawalpindi on Wednesday, while the second begins in Karachi on December 19.

A video tweeted by the PCB showed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lankan-cricket-team-to-go-ahead-with-pakistan-tour-despite-terror-fears-250656">Sri Lankan team</a> arriving in Islamabad and being escorted by armed security forces.

The tour marks the return of Test cricket to Pakistan after a decade of isolation triggered by the attack in Lahore, which killed eight people and wounded several cricketers.

For years, Pakistan has been forced to play all its home matches in a neutral venue the United Arab Emirates as foreign teams refused to tour the country over security fears.

But as security has improved Pakistan has hosted a smattering of smaller matches including Twenty20 series with Zimbabwe and the West Indies, and an increasing number of domestic league matches featuring international players.

But until now no team has returned for a Test match, the five-day format considered the pinnacle of the game.

Sri Lanka toured Pakistan for three one-day internationals and as many Twenty20s in September and October and said they were satisfied with the security arrangements before confirming the Test tour.

Sri Lanka arrived for the first Test cricket tour of Pakistan in 10 years on Monday following the deadly 2009 attack on their team that plunged Pakistan into sporting isolation.

Sri Lanka arrived for the first Test cricket tour of Pakistan in 10 years on Monday following the deadly 2009 attack on their team that plunged Pakistan into sporting isolation. "The arrival of Sri Lankan team is a historic occasion and we are delighted to host the two-match Test series starting from Wednesday," said Pakistan Cricket Board chief executive Waseem Khan. The first Test starts in the garrison city of Rawalpindi on Wednesday, while the second begins in Karachi on December 19. A video tweeted by the PCB showed the Sri Lankan team arriving in Islamabad and being escorted by armed security forces. The tour marks the return of Test cricket to Pakistan after a decade of isolation triggered by the attack in Lahore, which killed eight people and wounded several cricketers. For years, Pakistan has been forced to play all its home matches in a neutral venue the United Arab Emirates as foreign teams refused to tour the country over security fears. But as security has improved Pakistan has hosted a smattering of smaller matches including Twenty20 series with Zimbabwe and the West Indies, and an increasing number of domestic league matches featuring international players. But until now no team has returned for a Test match, the five-day format considered the pinnacle of the game. Sri Lanka toured Pakistan for three one-day internationals and as many Twenty20s in September and October and said they were satisfied with the security arrangements before confirming the Test tour.

Sri Lanka arrive for first Tests in Pakistan since 2009 attack

Sri Lankan fast bowler Suranga Lakmal will miss a two-match Test series in Pakistan after contracting dengue fever, Sri Lanka's cricket board announced Sunday.

He will be replaced by Asitha Fernando, who will join the squad for the second match of the series, the first to be played in Pakistan for more than a decade following a militant attack on a touring Sri Lankan team in March 2009.

Sri Lanka have also given former skipper Dinesh Chandimal a chance to fight his way back into the national team, now led by Dimuth Karunaratne.&nbsp;

The 30-year-old Chandimal played his last Test in Australia in February.

He was included in the squad that played New Zealand in August but did not play a match.

In October, half of the 16 Sri Lankan players originally named to play in a limited-overs series in Pakistan refused to travel, citing security fears.&nbsp;

The Test squad left Sri Lanka Cricket headquarters in Colombo Sunday after receiving blessings from Buddhist monks.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka lost October's three-match one-day international series in Pakistan, but won the three T20 matches.

New skipper Karunaratne was one of the eight players who stayed away from that tour.

The first Test will be played in Rawalpindi from December 11.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka squad:

Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Dilruwan Perera, Lasith Embuldeniya, &nbsp;Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, and Lakshan Sandakan. Substitute player from the end Test: Asitha Fernando.

Sri Lankan fast bowler Suranga Lakmal will miss a two-match Test series in Pakistan after contracting dengue fever, Sri Lanka's cricket board announced Sunday. He will be replaced by Asitha Fernando, who will join the squad for the second match of the series, the first to be played in Pakistan for more than a decade following a militant attack on a touring Sri Lankan team in March 2009.

Sri Lankan fast bowler Suranga Lakmal will miss a two-match Test series in Pakistan after contracting dengue fever, Sri Lanka's cricket board announced Sunday. He will be replaced by Asitha Fernando, who will join the squad for the second match of the series, the first to be played in Pakistan for more than a decade following a militant attack on a touring Sri Lankan team in March 2009. Sri Lanka have also given former skipper Dinesh Chandimal a chance to fight his way back into the national team, now led by Dimuth Karunaratne. The 30-year-old Chandimal played his last Test in Australia in February. He was included in the squad that played New Zealand in August but did not play a match. In October, half of the 16 Sri Lankan players originally named to play in a limited-overs series in Pakistan refused to travel, citing security fears. The Test squad left Sri Lanka Cricket headquarters in Colombo Sunday after receiving blessings from Buddhist monks. Sri Lanka lost October's three-match one-day international series in Pakistan, but won the three T20 matches. New skipper Karunaratne was one of the eight players who stayed away from that tour. The first Test will be played in Rawalpindi from December 11. Sri Lanka squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Dilruwan Perera, Lasith Embuldeniya, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, and Lakshan Sandakan. Substitute player from the end Test: Asitha Fernando.

Suranga Lakmal to miss Sri Lanka's tour of Pakistan due to dengue

Pakistan were left to rue a basic error from 16-year-old debutant Naseem Shah as Australia opener David Warner plundered the visitors' attack with a brilliant 151 not out on the second day of the first Test at the Gabba on Friday.

Australia finished the day on 312 for the loss of just one wicket, 72 runs ahead of Pakistan's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-australia-storm-back-as-pakistan-wickets-clatter-263573">first innings </a>total of 240 and already in the driving seat.

Marnus Labuschagne was alongside Warner on 55, with the only wicket to fall that of Joe Burns, who made 97 before sweeping a Yasir Shah (1-101) delivery onto his stumps.

Warner scored his first Test century since a year-long ban for ball-tampering, but only after a huge let-off when he was caught behind off a Naseem no-ball.

The mercurial opener was on 56 at the time, and he then survived a near run-out on 93 before ending a century drought stretching back nearly two years.

The 33-year-old, who managed just 95 runs in 10 innings during this year's Ashes series against England, reached his 22nd Test ton when he turned Yasir around the corner for a single in the second over after tea.

Before the Ashes, he spent a year in the wilderness over the ball-tampering scandal and there were questions as to whether his days as an automatic choice at the top of the order were over.

However, in home conditions and against an attack that struggled for sideways movement, Warner was in imperious form as he brought up his fourth Test century at the Gabba.

"For me, it's about going out there and backing my ability," he said, insisting he never felt any pressure about his place in the side.

"At the end of the day you get selected or you don't get selected and you've just got to accept that."

In the second last over of the day, Warner had another close shave when he was beaten by an Imran Khan delivery that brushed the off stump without disturbing the bails.

"Today I was on the receiving end of a bit of luck, which is what you need in a game -- over there (in England) I didn't get any luck at all," he said.&nbsp;

'Superstar' Naseem&nbsp;

Naseem looked impressive on debut and regularly bowled at over 145 kilometres (90 miles) per hour, but he was guilty of overstepping the mark on a number of occasions, despite not being called by the umpire.

In the second over after lunch, he enticed an expansive drive from Warner, who nicked the ball to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan.

But Warner had barely left the crease when he was called back after TV umpire Michael Gough picked up that Naseem had again misplaced his front foot.

Naseem looked like he belonged on the big stage with a number of bristling spells before leaving the field late in the day with an apparent leg injury.

"He won't get a harder Test debut, bowling at the Gabba," Warner said.

"He kept his speed up the whole day -- he charged in all day, there's a (future) superstar there."

The lack of movement meant Warner and Burns were able to play Naseem with relative ease, although he smashed Burns on the elbow two balls before the lunch break.

Pakistan were left to rue a basic error from 16-year-old debutant Naseem Shah as Australia opener David Warner plundered the visitors' attack with a brilliant 151 not out on the second day of the first Test at the Gabba on Friday.

Pakistan were left to rue a basic error from 16-year-old debutant Naseem Shah as Australia opener David Warner plundered the visitors' attack with a brilliant 151 not out on the second day of the first Test at the Gabba on Friday. Australia finished the day on 312 for the loss of just one wicket, 72 runs ahead of Pakistan's first innings total of 240 and already in the driving seat. Marnus Labuschagne was alongside Warner on 55, with the only wicket to fall that of Joe Burns, who made 97 before sweeping a Yasir Shah (1-101) delivery onto his stumps. Warner scored his first Test century since a year-long ban for ball-tampering, but only after a huge let-off when he was caught behind off a Naseem no-ball. The mercurial opener was on 56 at the time, and he then survived a near run-out on 93 before ending a century drought stretching back nearly two years. The 33-year-old, who managed just 95 runs in 10 innings during this year's Ashes series against England, reached his 22nd Test ton when he turned Yasir around the corner for a single in the second over after tea. Before the Ashes, he spent a year in the wilderness over the ball-tampering scandal and there were questions as to whether his days as an automatic choice at the top of the order were over. However, in home conditions and against an attack that struggled for sideways movement, Warner was in imperious form as he brought up his fourth Test century at the Gabba. "For me, it's about going out there and backing my ability," he said, insisting he never felt any pressure about his place in the side. "At the end of the day you get selected or you don't get selected and you've just got to accept that." In the second last over of the day, Warner had another close shave when he was beaten by an Imran Khan delivery that brushed the off stump without disturbing the bails. "Today I was on the receiving end of a bit of luck, which is what you need in a game -- over there (in England) I didn't get any luck at all," he said. 'Superstar' Naseem Naseem looked impressive on debut and regularly bowled at over 145 kilometres (90 miles) per hour, but he was guilty of overstepping the mark on a number of occasions, despite not being called by the umpire. In the second over after lunch, he enticed an expansive drive from Warner, who nicked the ball to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. But Warner had barely left the crease when he was called back after TV umpire Michael Gough picked up that Naseem had again misplaced his front foot. Naseem looked like he belonged on the big stage with a number of bristling spells before leaving the field late in the day with an apparent leg injury. "He won't get a harder Test debut, bowling at the Gabba," Warner said. "He kept his speed up the whole day -- he charged in all day, there's a (future) superstar there." The lack of movement meant Warner and Burns were able to play Naseem with relative ease, although he smashed Burns on the elbow two balls before the lunch break.

Australia vs Pakistan 1st Test: David Warner shows brilliance as hosts cruise against Pak

Australia continued their recent dominance in T20 as they thrashed Pakistan in the third and final match of the series to claim the series 2-0.

It was a completely one-sided affair as the hosts first restricted Pakistan to less than a modest score and then wrapped up the match with more than eight overs to spare. Australia rested star pacer Pat Cummins but his absence was not missed by the hosts as the Australian pacers shared six wickets amongst themselves.&nbsp;

After Australia won the toss, spearhead Mitchell Starc showed his intentions early in the match as he removed captain Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan for 6 and 0. Pakistan couldn't recover after losing three wickets for 22 runs and wickets at regular interval meant that Pakistan ended with a score of 106 runs.&nbsp;

Kane Richardson claimed three wickets&nbsp;in the all-round show by Australian bowlers. The star of the bowling, however, was the Man of the Match&nbsp;Sean Abbott who took two wickets in the match but gave away only 14 runs in four overs. Starc also claimed two wickets.

David Warner and skipper Aaron Finch showed no mercy to Pakistani bowlers as Australia finished off the match in 11.5 overs with all the wickets intact. Warner and Finch were not out at 48 and 52 runs respectively.&nbsp;

Steve Smith was awarded Player of the Series award.

In the previous match too, Australia won comfortably by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-steve-smith-fires-australia-to-victory-over-pakistan-in-t20-match-260229">seven wickets</a>. Steve Smith was the star of that match with an unbeaten score of 80. Australia were also ahead in the first match of the series before it was called off due to rain.&nbsp;

After a clean-sweep&nbsp;against Sri Lanka at home, this is another series win for Australia. Australia are to host T20 world cup next year.&nbsp;

For Pakistan, the only positives of the series were Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed. Azam scored most runs in the series with an average of 57.5 and was followed by Ahmed who remained unbeaten in the tournament and scored 108 runs.&nbsp;

Richardson took most wickets (6) in the series. Ashton Agar and Starc ended with four wickets.

Australia continued their recent dominance in T20 as they thrashed Pakistan in the third and final match of the series to claim the series 2-0. It was a completely one-sided affair as the hosts first restricted Pakistan to less than a modest score and then wrapped up the match with more than eight overs to spare.

Australia continued their recent dominance in T20 as they thrashed Pakistan in the third and final match of the series to claim the series 2-0. It was a completely one-sided affair as the hosts first restricted Pakistan to less than a modest score and then wrapped up the match with more than eight overs to spare. Australia rested star pacer Pat Cummins but his absence was not missed by the hosts as the Australian pacers shared six wickets amongst themselves. After Australia won the toss, spearhead Mitchell Starc showed his intentions early in the match as he removed captain Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan for 6 and 0. Pakistan couldn't recover after losing three wickets for 22 runs and wickets at regular interval meant that Pakistan ended with a score of 106 runs. Kane Richardson claimed three wickets in the all-round show by Australian bowlers. The star of the bowling, however, was the Man of the Match Sean Abbott who took two wickets in the match but gave away only 14 runs in four overs. Starc also claimed two wickets. David Warner and skipper Aaron Finch showed no mercy to Pakistani bowlers as Australia finished off the match in 11.5 overs with all the wickets intact. Warner and Finch were not out at 48 and 52 runs respectively. Steve Smith was awarded Player of the Series award. In the previous match too, Australia won comfortably by seven wickets. Steve Smith was the star of that match with an unbeaten score of 80. Australia were also ahead in the first match of the series before it was called off due to rain. After a clean-sweep against Sri Lanka at home, this is another series win for Australia. Australia are to host T20 world cup next year. For Pakistan, the only positives of the series were Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed. Azam scored most runs in the series with an average of 57.5 and was followed by Ahmed who remained unbeaten in the tournament and scored 108 runs. Richardson took most wickets (6) in the series. Ashton Agar and Starc ended with four wickets.

Aus vs Pak, 2nd T20: Australia thrash Pakistan to win series 2-0

Pakistan dropped former skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed from the country's Twenty 20 and Test squads for their upcoming Australian tour Monday, while experienced players Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez were also given the axe in the shorter format.

Sarfaraz, 32, was stripped last week of his Twenty 20 international and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-cricket-board-removed-sarfaraz-ahmed-captain-256661">Test captaincy,</a> just days after Pakistan were routed 3-0 by Sri Lanka at home in the short format.&nbsp;

His place in both squads was taken by 27-year-old Mohammad Rizwan, whose only Test was in New Zealand in 2016. &nbsp;

The exit from Twenty 20 internationals means curtains for Malik who had already announced retirement from Tests and one-day internationals.

Hafeez was part of Pakistan's Twenty 20 squad in South Africa earlier this year but was not played. At 39, he has little hope of competing in international cricket again.

Pakistan will play three Twenty 20 internationals in Sydney (November 3), Canberra (November 5) and Perth (November 8).&nbsp;

The two Tests will be in Brisbane (Nov 21-25) and Adelaide (Nov 29-Dec 03).

Head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq said Pakistan need to do well in Australia following a disappointing summer.

"We need to play aggressive cricket to achieve better results there," said Misbah. "We have some exciting youngsters in the pace squad who could be surprise packages."

The Test pace attack,&nbsp;hampered by the untimely retirement of Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz earlier this year,&nbsp;includes 16-year-old Nasim Shah and 19-year-old Musa Khan who have played just five and seven first-class matches respectively.

Imran Khan senior, 32, returns to the Test squad after playing his last Test during the Australian tour in 2017.

Prolific leg-spinner Yasir Shah will be assisted by 33-year-old left-arm spinner Kashif Bhatti in Tests.

And leg-spinner Usman Qadir,&nbsp;son of the late legendary leggie Abdul Qadir, will be part of the Twenty20 squad, with Misbah citing his experience playing in Australia's Big Bash Twenty20 league earlier this year.

The lanky 37-year-old Mohammad Irfan, who played the last of his 20 Twenty 20 internationals in the Twenty 20 World Cup in India three years ago, is also part of the shorter format.

Squads:

Twenty 20: Babar Azam (captain), Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Khusdil Shah, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Musa Khan, Wahab Riaz, Shadab Khan, Usman Qadir

Test: Azhar Ali (captain), Abid Ali, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Imam-ul-Haq, Imran Khan senior, Iftikhar Ahmed, Kashid Bhatti, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Nusa Khan, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Yasir Shah

Pakistan dropped former skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed from the country's Twenty 20 and Test squads for their upcoming Australian tour Monday, while experienced players Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez were also given the axe in the shorter format.

Pakistan dropped former skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed from the country's Twenty 20 and Test squads for their upcoming Australian tour Monday, while experienced players Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez were also given the axe in the shorter format. Sarfaraz, 32, was stripped last week of his Twenty 20 international and Test captaincy, just days after Pakistan were routed 3-0 by Sri Lanka at home in the short format. His place in both squads was taken by 27-year-old Mohammad Rizwan, whose only Test was in New Zealand in 2016. The exit from Twenty 20 internationals means curtains for Malik who had already announced retirement from Tests and one-day internationals. Hafeez was part of Pakistan's Twenty 20 squad in South Africa earlier this year but was not played. At 39, he has little hope of competing in international cricket again. Pakistan will play three Twenty 20 internationals in Sydney (November 3), Canberra (November 5) and Perth (November 8). The two Tests will be in Brisbane (Nov 21-25) and Adelaide (Nov 29-Dec 03). Head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq said Pakistan need to do well in Australia following a disappointing summer. "We need to play aggressive cricket to achieve better results there," said Misbah. "We have some exciting youngsters in the pace squad who could be surprise packages." The Test pace attack, hampered by the untimely retirement of Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz earlier this year, includes 16-year-old Nasim Shah and 19-year-old Musa Khan who have played just five and seven first-class matches respectively. Imran Khan senior, 32, returns to the Test squad after playing his last Test during the Australian tour in 2017. Prolific leg-spinner Yasir Shah will be assisted by 33-year-old left-arm spinner Kashif Bhatti in Tests. And leg-spinner Usman Qadir, son of the late legendary leggie Abdul Qadir, will be part of the Twenty20 squad, with Misbah citing his experience playing in Australia's Big Bash Twenty20 league earlier this year. The lanky 37-year-old Mohammad Irfan, who played the last of his 20 Twenty 20 internationals in the Twenty 20 World Cup in India three years ago, is also part of the shorter format. Squads: Twenty 20: Babar Azam (captain), Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Khusdil Shah, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Musa Khan, Wahab Riaz, Shadab Khan, Usman Qadir Test: Azhar Ali (captain), Abid Ali, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Imam-ul-Haq, Imran Khan senior, Iftikhar Ahmed, Kashid Bhatti, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Nusa Khan, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Yasir Shah

Pakistan drops Sarfraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik from Australia tour

Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) Cricket Committee on Friday conducted a meeting to review the performance of the national men's cricket team over the past three years.

The meeting was attended by Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur, former chief selector Inzamam ul Haq, and skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed.

The meeting also discussed the performance of the women's team, U19 and U16 national sides over the past three years.

The committee was headed by PCB Managing Director Wasim Khan via a conference call, and the recommendation of the committee will be finalised early next week, which will be later sent to PCB Chairman, Ehsan Mani.

Misbah-ul-Haq and Urooj Mumtaz, along with Zakir Khan, director international cricket, and Mudassar Nazar, director academies, attended the meeting in person at the PCB headquarters in Lahore, while Wasim Akram joined via video link.

Haroon Rasheed, director domestic cricket, couldn't attend the meeting due to his tight schedule with a domestic cricket meeting.

After failing to secure a berth in the knock-out stage of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, Inzamam-ul-Haq steps down from his position of Pakistan's chief selector on July 17.

Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) Cricket Committee on Friday conducted a meeting to review the performance of the national men's cricket team over the past three years.

Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) Cricket Committee on Friday conducted a meeting to review the performance of the national men's cricket team over the past three years. The meeting was attended by Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur, former chief selector Inzamam ul Haq, and skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed. The meeting also discussed the performance of the women's team, U19 and U16 national sides over the past three years. The committee was headed by PCB Managing Director Wasim Khan via a conference call, and the recommendation of the committee will be finalised early next week, which will be later sent to PCB Chairman, Ehsan Mani. Misbah-ul-Haq and Urooj Mumtaz, along with Zakir Khan, director international cricket, and Mudassar Nazar, director academies, attended the meeting in person at the PCB headquarters in Lahore, while Wasim Akram joined via video link. Haroon Rasheed, director domestic cricket, couldn't attend the meeting due to his tight schedule with a domestic cricket meeting. After failing to secure a berth in the knock-out stage of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, Inzamam-ul-Haq steps down from his position of Pakistan's chief selector on July 17.

Pakistan Cricket Board conducts review meeting on national team's

Pakistan cricket captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Sarfaraz+Ahmed">Sarfaraz Ahmed</a> gave a controversial reply to a female journalist on being asked why all-rounder Shoaib Malik was not given a farewell match.&nbsp;

"Don't you think Shoaib Malik deserved a farewell match against the Bengalis as his performance against them is good?"

In reply to that, Sarfaraz said, "Don't call them Bengalis, call them Bangladesh, otherwise you will be banned."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-pakistans-shoaib-malik-announces-retirement-from-one-day-cricket-233443">Malik confirmed his retirement</a> from one-day cricket without making a farewell appearance in his side's victory over Bangladesh in Pakistan's last league stage match of Cricket World Cup 2019.&nbsp;

He justified the decision of not taking Malik in the playing XI against Bangladesh as the team wanted to play the match with winning combination.&nbsp;

Watch the video:&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Sarfaraz Ahmed to a journalist: Don't call them Bengali, its not ethical. Call them Bangladesh otherwise you might be banned... 🤔🤔🤔 <a href="https://t.co/QrFkTETHM6">pic.twitter.com/QrFkTETHM6</a>
— Down The Ground (@downthegroundtw) <a href="https://twitter.com/downthegroundtw/status/1147929163841593346?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan cricket team returned home after a fifth-place finish in the points table, level on 11 points with New Zealand. But the Kiwis qualified as the fourth team for the semi-finals owing to better net run rate.

"There is no need to say sorry. We worked hard and gave our best. We haven't returned with 2-4 points, but with 11," Sarfaraz Ahmed said during his first press conference on reaching home.&nbsp;

"We accept that we didn't perform well as a team in the 1st 5 matches but it wasn't as bad a performance as people are making it out to be," he added.&nbsp;

Pakistan cricket captain Sarfaraz Ahmed gave a controversial reply to a female journalist on being asked why all-rounder Shoaib Malik was not given a farewell match.

Pakistan cricket captain Sarfaraz Ahmed gave a controversial reply to a female journalist on being asked why all-rounder Shoaib Malik was not given a farewell match. "Don't you think Shoaib Malik deserved a farewell match against the Bengalis as his performance against them is good?" In reply to that, Sarfaraz said, "Don't call them Bengalis, call them Bangladesh, otherwise you will be banned." Malik confirmed his retirement from one-day cricket without making a farewell appearance in his side's victory over Bangladesh in Pakistan's last league stage match of Cricket World Cup 2019. He justified the decision of not taking Malik in the playing XI against Bangladesh as the team wanted to play the match with winning combination. Watch the video: Sarfaraz Ahmed to a journalist: Don't call them Bengali, its not ethical. Call them Bangladesh otherwise you might be banned... 🤔🤔🤔 pic.twitter.com/QrFkTETHM6 — Down The Ground (@downthegroundtw) July 7, 2019 × Pakistan cricket team returned home after a fifth-place finish in the points table, level on 11 points with New Zealand. But the Kiwis qualified as the fourth team for the semi-finals owing to better net run rate. "There is no need to say sorry. We worked hard and gave our best. We haven't returned with 2-4 points, but with 11," Sarfaraz Ahmed said during his first press conference on reaching home. "We accept that we didn't perform well as a team in the 1st 5 matches but it wasn't as bad a performance as people are making it out to be," he added.

'Don't call them Bengalis, call them Bangladeshis,' says Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed to journalist

Wahab Riaz called on Pakistan's World Cup strugglers to stick together as they prepare to face South Africa in a must-win game at Lord's on Sunday.

Pakistan have only three points from five games and to make the semi-finals they are likely to need to win their four remaining games and improve their net run-rate while hoping other results go their way.

Pakistan pace-man Riaz insists his team-mates realise the importance of the do-or-die game and he hopes displaying a united front against South Africa will spark a strong performance.

"We have to lift ourselves," Wahab told reporters. "We are each other's strength. We are all good friends and know that only 15 of us can lift the team which not even our family members can do."

Pakistan's defeat against arch-rivals India last weekend sparked a depressing few days, not only for the team but also millions of fans back home.

Team management gave Pakistan's players time off to unwind and come back refreshed after the India game.

And Riaz insisted his team-mates realise the mistakes they have made so far and are determined to make amends.

"Good teams are the ones who realises their mistakes, so we have discussed all those mistakes and a two day break has refreshed us," he said.

But the 33-year-old, who took three wickets in Pakistan's shock win over pre-tournament favourites England, admitted the bowling unit needs to work harder.&nbsp;

"As a bowling unit we are trying hard, We are all focused to do well in the South Africa match. You need wickets upfront in England but we were not getting that," Riaz said.

Riaz singled out middle-order slumps for Pakistan's downfall against Australia and India -- both in chasing 300-plus targets.

"We were going well in batting in both the games but lost crucial wickets and got derailed," said Wahab of Pakistan's collapses.

Pakistan slumped to 160-6 after being 136-2 against Australia, while they lost four wickets in the space of 18 balls and 12 runs against India.

Wahab Riaz called on Pakistan's World Cup strugglers to stick together as they prepare to face South Africa in a must-win game at Lord's on Sunday. Pakistan have only three points from five games and to make the semi-finals they are likely to need to win their four remaining games and improve their net run-rate while hoping other results go their way.

Wahab Riaz called on Pakistan's World Cup strugglers to stick together as they prepare to face South Africa in a must-win game at Lord's on Sunday. Pakistan have only three points from five games and to make the semi-finals they are likely to need to win their four remaining games and improve their net run-rate while hoping other results go their way. Pakistan pace-man Riaz insists his team-mates realise the importance of the do-or-die game and he hopes displaying a united front against South Africa will spark a strong performance. "We have to lift ourselves," Wahab told reporters. "We are each other's strength. We are all good friends and know that only 15 of us can lift the team which not even our family members can do." Pakistan's defeat against arch-rivals India last weekend sparked a depressing few days, not only for the team but also millions of fans back home. Team management gave Pakistan's players time off to unwind and come back refreshed after the India game. And Riaz insisted his team-mates realise the mistakes they have made so far and are determined to make amends. "Good teams are the ones who realises their mistakes, so we have discussed all those mistakes and a two day break has refreshed us," he said. But the 33-year-old, who took three wickets in Pakistan's shock win over pre-tournament favourites England, admitted the bowling unit needs to work harder. "As a bowling unit we are trying hard, We are all focused to do well in the South Africa match. You need wickets upfront in England but we were not getting that," Riaz said. Riaz singled out middle-order slumps for Pakistan's downfall against Australia and India -- both in chasing 300-plus targets. "We were going well in batting in both the games but lost crucial wickets and got derailed," said Wahab of Pakistan's collapses. Pakistan slumped to 160-6 after being 136-2 against Australia, while they lost four wickets in the space of 18 balls and 12 runs against India.

'We have to lift ourselves': Pakistan's Wahab Riaz calls for World Cup unity

Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar shared his opinion after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-2-pakistan-vs-west-indies-223120">West Indies defeated Pakistan by seven wickets</a> in their campaign opener of Cricket World Cup 2019.&nbsp;

After hostile fast bowling by the West Indies, Pakistan slump to just 105 in a mere 21.4 overs at Trent Bridge on Friday.&nbsp;

It was their second-lowest World Cup total since a paltry 74 against England at Adelaide in 1992, the year Imran Khan's team went on to lift their only 50-overs crown.&nbsp;

West Indies achieved the target in 13.4 overs with the help of Chris Gayle's 34-ball 50 which included six fours and three sixes.&nbsp;

Now, the former pacer&nbsp;Shoaib Akhtar&nbsp;shared a video criticising the performance of Pakistani players.&nbsp;

He said that the players played "cowardly" against West Indies and they looked&nbsp;uninterested and divided.&nbsp;

He further added that the performance was disappointing.&nbsp;

The Rawalpindi Express gave a special mention to the skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed's&nbsp;fitness&nbsp;and especially pointed out his belly fat.&nbsp;

Shoaib said, "When Sarfaraz Ahmed came for the toss, his stomach was sticking out and his face was so fat. He's the first captain I've seen who is so unfit. He's not able to move across and he's struggling with wicket-keeping."&nbsp;

He requested the team to be more focused and wished them good luck for the upcoming matches.&nbsp;

Watch his reaction:

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
It's a disappointing performance of Team Pakistan, let's not 
disheart them more and back them up<a href="https://t.co/8cFvg7YqwK">https://t.co/8cFvg7YqwK</a>
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) <a href="https://twitter.com/shoaib100mph/status/1134474599557734401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Although,&nbsp;Shoaib Akhtar was impressed by Mohammad Amir, who took&nbsp;three wickets for just 26 runs.&nbsp;

Pakistan next play England at Trent Bridge on Monday.&nbsp;

Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar shared his opinion after West Indies defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in their campaign opener of Cricket World Cup 2019.

Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar shared his opinion after West Indies defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in their campaign opener of Cricket World Cup 2019. After hostile fast bowling by the West Indies, Pakistan slump to just 105 in a mere 21.4 overs at Trent Bridge on Friday. It was their second-lowest World Cup total since a paltry 74 against England at Adelaide in 1992, the year Imran Khan's team went on to lift their only 50-overs crown. West Indies achieved the target in 13.4 overs with the help of Chris Gayle's 34-ball 50 which included six fours and three sixes. Now, the former pacer Shoaib Akhtar shared a video criticising the performance of Pakistani players. He said that the players played "cowardly" against West Indies and they looked uninterested and divided. He further added that the performance was disappointing. The Rawalpindi Express gave a special mention to the skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed's fitness and especially pointed out his belly fat. Shoaib said, "When Sarfaraz Ahmed came for the toss, his stomach was sticking out and his face was so fat. He's the first captain I've seen who is so unfit. He's not able to move across and he's struggling with wicket-keeping." He requested the team to be more focused and wished them good luck for the upcoming matches. Watch his reaction: It's a disappointing performance of Team Pakistan, let's not disheart them more and back them uphttps://t.co/8cFvg7YqwK — Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) May 31, 2019 × Although, Shoaib Akhtar was impressed by Mohammad Amir, who took three wickets for just 26 runs. Pakistan next play England at Trent Bridge on Monday.

Watch: Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar calls Sarfaraz Ahmed 'fat and unfit'

West Indies fast bowlers pulled off a power pack performance as they <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-2-pakistan-vs-west-indies-223120">defeated Pakistan by seven wickets</a> in their campaign opener on Friday at the Trent Bridge.&nbsp;

Chasing the 106-run target, West Indies won the game in 13.4 overs for a loss of three wickets.&nbsp;

Chris Gayle completed his half-century also before losing his wicket to Mohammad Amir, who took all three wickets.&nbsp;

Earlier, Oshane Thomas took four wickets as West Indies skittled Pakistan for their second-lowest World Cup total of 105.&nbsp;

Match in numbers:

<img alt="Pakistan vs West Indies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8d5e181-9cf4-4185-a076-6da19231ca0f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Match%202.jpg" />

After winning the toss, Windies elected to field and made full use of overcast conditions as captain Jason Holder (3-42) and the returning Andre Russell (2-4) completed the demolition job.

The in-form Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam got off to solid starts but were both dismissed for 22, sparking a middle-order collapse that the former champions did not recover from.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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West Indies win! 
 
Oshane Thomas starred with the ball while Chris Gayle top-scored with a quick fifty as the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MenInMaroon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MenInMaroon</a> cruised to a comfortable seven-wicket win in their <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> opener against Pakistan. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIvPAK</a> SCORECARD 👇<a href="https://t.co/YTelzKYwRl">https://t.co/YTelzKYwRl</a> <a href="https://t.co/HYW65Bn7yD">pic.twitter.com/HYW65Bn7yD</a>
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/1134444168837763074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan were bowled out in 21.4 overs for their lowest World Cup total since a paltry 74 against England at Adelaide in 1992, the year Imran Khan's team went on to lift their only 50-overs crown.&nbsp;

Scoreboard: 
Pakistan: 
Imam-ul-Haq &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; c Hope b Cottrell&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2 
Fakhar Zaman &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;b Russell&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 22 
Babar Azam &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; c Hope b Thomas&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 22 
Haris Sohail &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; c Hope b Russell&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 8 
Sarfaraz Ahmed &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; c Hope b Holder&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 8 
Mohammad Hafeez &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;c Cottrell b Thomas&nbsp; &nbsp; 16 
Imad Wasim &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;c Gayle b Holder &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1 
Shadab Khan &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;lbw &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;b Thomas &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;0 
Hasan Ali &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;c Cottrell b Holder &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1 
Wahab Riaz &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;b Thomas &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;18 
Mohammad Amir &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; not out &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3

Extras (nb2, w2) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;4 
Total (all out, 21.4 overs) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 105&nbsp;

Fall of wickets: 1-17 (Imam), 2-35 (Zaman), 3-45 (Sohail), 4-62 (Babar), 5-75 (Sarfarez), 6-77 (Imad), 7-78 (Shadab), 8-81 (Hasan), 9-83 (Hafeez), 10-105 (Riaz)

Bowling: Cottrell 4-0-18-1 (1w), Holder 5-0-42-3, Russell 3-1-4-2, Brathwaite 4-0-14-0, Thomas 5.4-0-27-4 (1w 2nb)

West Indies 
Gayle &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;c Shadab b Amir &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 50 
Hope &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; c Hafeez b Amir&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 11 
Bravo &nbsp; &nbsp;c Babar b Amir &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 0 
Pooran not out&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 34 
Hetmyer not out&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 7

Extras (lb3 w3) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6 
Total (3 wickets, 13.4 overs) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 108

Did not bat: A. Russell, J. Holder, C Brathwaite, A. Nurse, S. Cottrell, O. Thomas

Fall of wickets: 1-36 (Hope), 2-36 (Bravo), 3-77 (Gayle)

Bowling: Amir 6-0-26-3 (1w), Ali 4-0-39-0 (1w), Riaz 3.4-1-40-0 (1w)

West Indies fast bowlers pulled off a power pack performance as they defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in their campaign opener on Friday at the Trent Bridge. Chasing the 106-run target, West Indies won the game in 13.

West Indies fast bowlers pulled off a power pack performance as they defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in their campaign opener on Friday at the Trent Bridge. Chasing the 106-run target, West Indies won the game in 13.4 overs for a loss of three wickets. Chris Gayle completed his half-century also before losing his wicket to Mohammad Amir, who took all three wickets. Earlier, Oshane Thomas took four wickets as West Indies skittled Pakistan for their second-lowest World Cup total of 105. Match in numbers: After winning the toss, Windies elected to field and made full use of overcast conditions as captain Jason Holder (3-42) and the returning Andre Russell (2-4) completed the demolition job. The in-form Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam got off to solid starts but were both dismissed for 22, sparking a middle-order collapse that the former champions did not recover from. West Indies win! Oshane Thomas starred with the ball while Chris Gayle top-scored with a quick fifty as the #MenInMaroon cruised to a comfortable seven-wicket win in their #CWC19 opener against Pakistan. #WIvPAK SCORECARD 👇https://t.co/YTelzKYwRl pic.twitter.com/HYW65Bn7yD — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) May 31, 2019 × Pakistan were bowled out in 21.4 overs for their lowest World Cup total since a paltry 74 against England at Adelaide in 1992, the year Imran Khan's team went on to lift their only 50-overs crown. Scoreboard: Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq c Hope b Cottrell 2 Fakhar Zaman b Russell 22 Babar Azam c Hope b Thomas 22 Haris Sohail c Hope b Russell 8 Sarfaraz Ahmed c Hope b Holder 8 Mohammad Hafeez c Cottrell b Thomas 16 Imad Wasim c Gayle b Holder 1 Shadab Khan lbw b Thomas 0 Hasan Ali c Cottrell b Holder 1 Wahab Riaz b Thomas 18 Mohammad Amir not out 3 Extras (nb2, w2) 4 Total (all out, 21.4 overs) 105 Fall of wickets: 1-17 (Imam), 2-35 (Zaman), 3-45 (Sohail), 4-62 (Babar), 5-75 (Sarfarez), 6-77 (Imad), 7-78 (Shadab), 8-81 (Hasan), 9-83 (Hafeez), 10-105 (Riaz) Bowling: Cottrell 4-0-18-1 (1w), Holder 5-0-42-3, Russell 3-1-4-2, Brathwaite 4-0-14-0, Thomas 5.4-0-27-4 (1w 2nb) West Indies Gayle c Shadab b Amir 50 Hope c Hafeez b Amir 11 Bravo c Babar b Amir 0 Pooran not out 34 Hetmyer not out 7 Extras (lb3 w3) 6 Total (3 wickets, 13.4 overs) 108 Did not bat: A. Russell, J. Holder, C Brathwaite, A. Nurse, S. Cottrell, O. Thomas Fall of wickets: 1-36 (Hope), 2-36 (Bravo), 3-77 (Gayle) Bowling: Amir 6-0-26-3 (1w), Ali 4-0-39-0 (1w), Riaz 3.4-1-40-0 (1w)

Cricket World Cup 2019: West Indies beat Pakistan by seven wickets

Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-a-dream-come-true-says-pakistans-mohammad-amir-on-world-cup-debut-222898">pace sensation Mohammad Amir</a> is fit for his World Cup debut on Friday against West Indies at Nottingham's Trent Bridge stadium.&nbsp;

"Mohammad Amir is fully fit and available for selection," Sarfaraz told reporters.&nbsp;

Amir, who was initially not included in Pakistan's provisional squad after his not so impressive performance ahead of the World Cup.&nbsp;

However, he was later included as the selectors decided to include him in the final 15 for the twelfth edition of Cricket World Cup.&nbsp;

"It's a dream come true," Amir told AFP ahead of Pakistan's first match against West Indies.&nbsp;

In Pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-cup-six-players-to-watch-out-for-in-west-indies-vs-pakistan-match-222797#wahab-riaz-220832">Six players to watch out for in West Indies vs Pakistan match</a>

"Every cricketer dreams of representing his country in a World Cup so this is my chance," he added.&nbsp;

Sarfaraz said he was clear about his starting 11, with all his players fit.

"I think it's good to be unpredictable," Sarfaraz added Pakistan being unpredictable.&nbsp;

"At the end of the day, the Pakistan team is very dangerous," he added. &nbsp;

Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed said that pace sensation Mohammad Amir is fit for his World Cup debut on Friday against West Indies at Nottingham's Trent Bridge stadium.

Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed said that pace sensation Mohammad Amir is fit for his World Cup debut on Friday against West Indies at Nottingham's Trent Bridge stadium. "Mohammad Amir is fully fit and available for selection," Sarfaraz told reporters. Amir, who was initially not included in Pakistan's provisional squad after his not so impressive performance ahead of the World Cup. However, he was later included as the selectors decided to include him in the final 15 for the twelfth edition of Cricket World Cup. "It's a dream come true," Amir told AFP ahead of Pakistan's first match against West Indies. In Pics: Six players to watch out for in West Indies vs Pakistan match "Every cricketer dreams of representing his country in a World Cup so this is my chance," he added. Sarfaraz said he was clear about his starting 11, with all his players fit. "I think it's good to be unpredictable," Sarfaraz added Pakistan being unpredictable. "At the end of the day, the Pakistan team is very dangerous," he added.

Pakistan vs West Indies: Mohammad Amir is 'fully fit' for World Cup debut, says Sarfaraz Ahmed

Pakistan spearhead Mohammad Amir says playing in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-seek-champions-trophy-inspiration-as-west-indies-loom-222880">World&nbsp;Cup</a>&nbsp;will be a dream come true after he missed the previous two tournaments following a ban for spot-fixing.&nbsp;

The 27-year-old nearly missed out this time as he was left out of the preliminary&nbsp;WorldCup&nbsp;squad, having taken just five wickets in the 14 matches before the recent one-day international series against England.&nbsp;

He did not get to bowl in the first match against England at the Oval, which was ruined by the weather, and missed the last four games with a bout of chicken pox. The home side won the series 4-0.&nbsp;

But selectors decided to include him in the final 15 for the&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;in England and Wales.&nbsp;

In Pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-cup-six-players-to-watch-out-for-in-west-indies-vs-pakistan-match-222797#wahab-riaz-220832">Six players to watch out for in West Indies vs Pakistan match</a>

"It's a dream come true," Amir told AFP ahead of Pakistan's first match against West Indies at Trent Bridge on Friday. "Every cricketer dreams of representing his country in a&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;so this is my chance.&nbsp;

"My target is to take wickets and be a third-time lucky in England after winning the&nbsp;World&nbsp;Twenty20 and Champions Trophy," said the paceman, recalling Pakistan's triumphs in England in 2009 and 2017.&nbsp;

Amir said Pakistan had positive memories of playing in England, which they hoped to take into the&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup.&nbsp;

"Our triumph in the&nbsp;World&nbsp;Twenty20 was excellent and then the Champions Trophy -- the impact of those wins are with us and the amount of support we get in the UK is extraordinary, so naturally we will like to match those.&nbsp;

"People love the Pakistan team and come in large numbers to support us. I can't forget the final of the Champions Trophy at the Oval (2017)."

Tainted career

Amir was among three players involved in a spot-fixing scandal during a 2010 Test against England.

The quick bowler, fellow paceman Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt, Pakistan's captain in that match, were sentenced to jail terms, and were all given five-year worldwide bans from cricket by the International Cricket Council.&nbsp;

Amir said he had moved on from the "sordid chapter" in his career.

"It was unfortunate to miss so much cricket, including two&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cups, but my belief is that you can't avoid your destiny. Those&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cups were not in my destiny but there is sadness on missing them.

"But once you think that this is your chance, you try to make full use of it by forgetting everything, so I will do that and everything is behind me."

Amir believes talk of flat tracks and big scores at the&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;are exaggerated.

"People have made a mountain out of a molehill that flat tracks will do this and that. I agree that it's a challenge for bowlers but you need to swing the ball and if it's not happening then you have to rely on your variations.&nbsp;

"I don't get bogged down by the hype on flat tracks."

Amir hopes to overturn a poor run of personal form.
<img alt="ICC World Cup 2019" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="608bc743-9138-4c8c-85b9-adc93e835321" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ICC%20World%20Cup%202019_1.jpg" />
"I am sure things will get better," he said. "I know I have not taken wickets but I have not bowled badly, so I am thankful to the team, selectors and others who have backed me and I will do my best to fulfil their confidence."

Pakistan spearhead Mohammad Amir says playing in the World Cup will be a dream come true after he missed the previous two tournaments following a ban for spot-fixing.

Pakistan spearhead Mohammad Amir says playing in the World Cup will be a dream come true after he missed the previous two tournaments following a ban for spot-fixing. The 27-year-old nearly missed out this time as he was left out of the preliminary WorldCup squad, having taken just five wickets in the 14 matches before the recent one-day international series against England. He did not get to bowl in the first match against England at the Oval, which was ruined by the weather, and missed the last four games with a bout of chicken pox. The home side won the series 4-0. But selectors decided to include him in the final 15 for the World Cup in England and Wales. In Pics: Six players to watch out for in West Indies vs Pakistan match "It's a dream come true," Amir told AFP ahead of Pakistan's first match against West Indies at Trent Bridge on Friday. "Every cricketer dreams of representing his country in a World Cup so this is my chance. "My target is to take wickets and be a third-time lucky in England after winning the World Twenty20 and Champions Trophy," said the paceman, recalling Pakistan's triumphs in England in 2009 and 2017. Amir said Pakistan had positive memories of playing in England, which they hoped to take into the World Cup. "Our triumph in the World Twenty20 was excellent and then the Champions Trophy -- the impact of those wins are with us and the amount of support we get in the UK is extraordinary, so naturally we will like to match those. "People love the Pakistan team and come in large numbers to support us. I can't forget the final of the Champions Trophy at the Oval (2017)." Tainted career Amir was among three players involved in a spot-fixing scandal during a 2010 Test against England. The quick bowler, fellow paceman Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt, Pakistan's captain in that match, were sentenced to jail terms, and were all given five-year worldwide bans from cricket by the International Cricket Council. Amir said he had moved on from the "sordid chapter" in his career. "It was unfortunate to miss so much cricket, including two World Cups, but my belief is that you can't avoid your destiny. Those World Cups were not in my destiny but there is sadness on missing them. "But once you think that this is your chance, you try to make full use of it by forgetting everything, so I will do that and everything is behind me." Amir believes talk of flat tracks and big scores at the World Cup are exaggerated. "People have made a mountain out of a molehill that flat tracks will do this and that. I agree that it's a challenge for bowlers but you need to swing the ball and if it's not happening then you have to rely on your variations. "I don't get bogged down by the hype on flat tracks." Amir hopes to overturn a poor run of personal form. "I am sure things will get better," he said. "I know I have not taken wickets but I have not bowled badly, so I am thankful to the team, selectors and others who have backed me and I will do my best to fulfil their confidence."

'It's a dream come true,' says Pakistan's Mohammad Amir on World Cup debut

On the eve of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=cricket+world+cup">Cricket World Cup 2019</a>, all captains of the participating nations paid a visit to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Harry at the Buckingham Palace in London.&nbsp;

The twelfth edition of World Cup, hosted by England and Wales, is scheduled to take place from May 30 to July 14.&nbsp;

Just after the visit, the opening ceremony held at the London Mall next to the Buckingham Palace in the presence of many cricketing legends like Viv Richards, Anil Kumble and Jacques Kallis.&nbsp;

During the event, a unique 60-second challenge was played in which all teams were given one minute to score the maximum runs.

Pakistan was represented by the Nobel peace prize winner Malala Yousafzai along with former cricketer Azhar Ali.&nbsp;

While Bollywood actor Farhan Akhtar and World Cup-winner Anil Kumble represented Team India.&nbsp;

England came out as the winners as they scored 74 in one minute whereas India finished at the bottom as they scored just 19.&nbsp;

After the game, Malala took a dig at India's performance, she said, "Pakistan, we were okay, not too bad. We came seventh. But at least we were not last like India."&nbsp;

"India played really well, they tried their best and we appreciate their hardwork," said the advocate of girl's education.&nbsp;

Watch the video:

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Malala, Farhan Akhtar, KP, Brett Lee, Anil Kumble, the World Cup song. The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> opening party was... well, a big party! <a href="https://t.co/E9sT0GIPUB">pic.twitter.com/E9sT0GIPUB</a>
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNcricinfo/status/1133980915682557952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Although, her light-hearted comments were not taken sportingly and one of the Twitter users even said that the comment displayed "hate towards India".&nbsp;

Yousafzai further added the&nbsp;importance of women taking up cricket sports and urged that women must engage more in all types of sports.&nbsp;

"Right now were are seeing more and more women taking part in sporting activities," Yousafzai said.

"In Pakistan, we have some amazing cricketers, including Sana Mir. These role models are inspiring women to believe in themselves that they are capable of anything. Women should engage more in sports and we all have to contribute to that and encourage women and girls," she added.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Queen and Harry joke with world cricket captains

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England takes on South Africa in the opening match of the World cup at the Oval in London.&nbsp;

On the eve of Cricket World Cup 2019, all captains of the participating nations paid a visit to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Harry at the Buckingham Palace in London.

On the eve of Cricket World Cup 2019, all captains of the participating nations paid a visit to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Harry at the Buckingham Palace in London. The twelfth edition of World Cup, hosted by England and Wales, is scheduled to take place from May 30 to July 14. Just after the visit, the opening ceremony held at the London Mall next to the Buckingham Palace in the presence of many cricketing legends like Viv Richards, Anil Kumble and Jacques Kallis. During the event, a unique 60-second challenge was played in which all teams were given one minute to score the maximum runs. Pakistan was represented by the Nobel peace prize winner Malala Yousafzai along with former cricketer Azhar Ali. While Bollywood actor Farhan Akhtar and World Cup-winner Anil Kumble represented Team India. England came out as the winners as they scored 74 in one minute whereas India finished at the bottom as they scored just 19. After the game, Malala took a dig at India's performance, she said, "Pakistan, we were okay, not too bad. We came seventh. But at least we were not last like India." "India played really well, they tried their best and we appreciate their hardwork," said the advocate of girl's education. Watch the video: Malala, Farhan Akhtar, KP, Brett Lee, Anil Kumble, the World Cup song. The #CWC19 opening party was... well, a big party! pic.twitter.com/E9sT0GIPUB — ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 30, 2019 × Although, her light-hearted comments were not taken sportingly and one of the Twitter users even said that the comment displayed "hate towards India". Yousafzai further added the importance of women taking up cricket sports and urged that women must engage more in all types of sports. "Right now were are seeing more and more women taking part in sporting activities," Yousafzai said. "In Pakistan, we have some amazing cricketers, including Sana Mir. These role models are inspiring women to believe in themselves that they are capable of anything. Women should engage more in sports and we all have to contribute to that and encourage women and girls," she added. Watch: Queen and Harry joke with world cricket captains × England takes on South Africa in the opening match of the World cup at the Oval in London.

At least we were not last like India: Malala Yousafzai's dig at friendly match ahead of Cricket World Cup

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