The highly anticipated T20I series between South Africa and Pakistan is finally here, with the first match taking place at Kingsmead, Durban. Both teams have announced their playing XIs, with Pakistan currently holding the upper hand in their head-to-head T20I record. However, South Africa will be determined to secure their first series win over Pakistan in two years. Stay tuned for all the action as both teams go head-to-head in this thrilling match.
The Asian Cricket Council has announced the schedule for the inaugural Under-19 Women's Asia Cup to be held in Malaysia from December 15 to 22. Arch-rivals Pakistan and India have been placed in the same group and will go head to head on the opening day of the competition. The tournament will feature six teams, with two groups of three teams each. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four stage, with the final scheduled for December 22. This is not the first time Pakistan and India have been in the same group in a cricket tournament, showcasing the intense rivalry between the two nations on every level.
According to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Index, India has slipped two places to be ranked 129th, while Iceland retains its top position. Within South Asia, India ranks fifth, with Pakistan being ranked last. Despite improvements in certain areas such as political empowerment and economic parity, India still has a long way to go in terms of gender parity, especially in terms of employment.
Pakistan, ranked as one of the top teams in the T20 format, suffered a defeat against the United States in their Group A match. Skipper Babar Azam admitted that his team was not up to the mark in terms of performance, especially in the powerplay and spin-bowling department. USA, on the other hand, put up a strong all-round effort to secure a win and go to the top of the table in their group. With Pakistan facing a tough task in their upcoming match against India, the pressure is on for Babar and his team to improve their game.
In a visit to Amritsar, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed issues related to the Kartarpur Sahib corridor, including the need for a passport and a fee to cross the border. Jaishankar also spoke about the importance of having a strong government and MPs who can represent and advance India's interests at the international level. He praised former US ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who is running for election as the BJP candidate from Amritsar, and expressed hope that the city would support him.
In a press conference, ISPR Director General Maj Gen Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry reaffirms that those responsible for the May 9 violence will not escape punishment. He also stresses that the incident was an attack on all of Pakistan, not just the armed forces, and was an attempt to create division between the people and the army. The military's top priority is to establish peace in the country, and they are fully committed to eliminating terrorists and maintaining the country's judicial system.
Ireland's determined chase, led by Andrew Balbirnie's 55-ball 77, resulted in a stunning five-wicket win over Pakistan in the first T20I of the series in Dublin. Despite a strong start from Babar Azam and Saim Ayub's 85-run partnership, Ireland's bowlers, especially Mark Adair and Craig Young, made a comeback and took crucial wickets to restrict Pakistan to 182/6. Balbirnie's explosive innings, along with contributions from Harry Tector and George Dockrell, helped Ireland successfully chase down the target with just one ball to spare and go 1-up in the series.
After much speculation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finally announced the three venues for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be completely held in Pakistan. This comes amidst rumors of a potential 'hybrid model' to ensure India's participation in the tournament. However, the PCB has stated that they will not go against government policies and are currently working on upgrading the facilities at the chosen venues for the tournament. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi shared the schedule and confirmed the board's preparations for hosting the event, despite being slightly behind schedule.
Karnataka Minister for RDPR, IT and BT Priyank Kharge has accused the BJP of disrespecting the Indian national flag and Constitution, saying that their leaders "can go to their preferred destination Pakistan" if they have a problem with them. The issue arose after a saffron flag bearing the picture of Hanuman was hoisted on a government-owned flagpole in Mandya district, causing tension between the ruling Congress and opposition BJP. Kharge called out the BJP for their Hindutva agenda and attempts to stir up trouble for political gain, and provided evidence that the organizers had promised to only hoist the national and state flags.
The stage is set for an exciting match between England and Pakistan in the final of the 2022 ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Melbourne. Both teams have fought hard to reach this point, beating tough opponents along the way. With a spot in the record books on the line, all eyes will be on the Melbourne Cricket Ground as these two powerhouse teams go head to head.