TOP STORIES
Pakistan’s Faheem Ashraf calls for team performance

Pakistan’s heavy defeat against New Zealand in the second ODI on Wednesday further highlighted their batting and bowling issues, with top-order being completely shattered by New Zealand’s suffocating bowling attack. Over the last few months, Pakistan have been performing underwhelmingly, with Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and other top-order batters being in the eye of the storm.
In the second ODI, chasing a total of 292, Pakistan’s entire batting lineup collapsed, but it was all-rounder Faheem Ashraf who blitzed 73 to revive Pakistan’s chase. And, lower in the order, Naseem Shah smacked 51, but it wasn’t enough for Pakistan to get over the line as they were bowled out for 208 in 41.2 overs. Speaking after the match, Faheem Ashraf asserted that players need to play in cohesion and support each other.
“Look, each and every one of us is also trying to make the team win. In my opinion, when you focus only on your personal game, or if I come in, do my part, and step aside, that's not how it works,” Faheem Ashraf said during the press conference.
“As a team, we need to back each other rather than just focusing on individual performances and then stepping aside,” he said.
With the 84-run victory, New Zealand also sealed the series 2-0, leaving the third match a dead rubber. Mitchell Hay was the star of the show for New Zealand, launching (99* off 78). And their bowling was effectively led by Ben Sear, who returned with his first fifer in ODIs.
Tags
More News

Stoinis back in Australia's squad for New Zealand T20Is
All-rounder Marcus Stoinis is back in the Australian setup after earning a recall for Australia's upcoming three-match T20I series against New Zealand next month. Pat Cummins is set to miss the series in order to manage a back issue ahead of the Ashes. Nathan Ellis too will miss the tour, with wife Connie expecting their first child.
Meanwhile, Mitchell ...

ZIM vs SL 1st T20I: Sri Lanka gear up for Asia Cup with Zimbabwe series
Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe are set to lock horns in the first T20I of a three-match series on Wednesday in Harare. The visitors are riding high on confidence after a dominant performance in the recently concluded ODI series, which they clinched 2-0. Now, with the Asia Cup just around the corner, Sri Lanka will be keen to fine-tune their preparation and continue the...

Asif Ali calls time on international career
Pakistan batter Asif Ali has called time on his international career. Asif, who made his debut in 2018, represented Pakistan in 21 ODIs and 58 T20Is, accumulating 959 runs. In T20Is, he scored 577 runs with a top score of 41. While, in ODIs, he scored 382 runs.
“Today, I announce my retirement from international cricket,” Asif Ali stated in a social media post.
“Wea...

UAE T20I Tri-Series: Pumped up Afghanistan take on Pakistan
In the ongoing UAE T20I Tri-Series, Pakistan and Afghanistan are preparing to face off in the fourth match, scheduled to be held on Tuesday at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah.
Pakistan, who have been unbeaten so far in the series, have emerged as the early favourites in the tri-series, producing commanding performances in their opening two matches. They ...

Mitchell Starc retires from T20Is, sets sights on Tests, 2027 ODI World Cup
Australian fast bowling great Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20Is in a bid to prioritise his career in the Test and ODI formats. The left-arm pacer retains a remarkable legacy in the shortest format, having taken 79 wickets from 65 T20Is. Starc, who has not played a T20I since the ...