Shaheen Afridi Not Picked For 3rd Test vs Australia. Harsha Bhogle Says, Pakistan "Looks A Bit Thin"

02.01.2024 - 09:25 sports.ndtv.com

Pakistan's star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi and opener Imam-ul-Haq have been rested for the third and final Test against Australia, which begins on Wednesday.

Pakistan on Tuesday announced their playing XI for the New Year's Test against Australia. The 21-year-old Saim Ayub and 30-year-old Sajid Khan have been drafted into the playing XI.

Saim, who debuted in T20 international cricket in March of last year, joins the team after putting up strong List A results for Karachi.

He's never played a Test match before. During his eight T20I matches thus far, he has amassed 123 runs at an average of 17.57.

cricket Australia Cricket Team Pakistan Cricket Team Test Pat Cummins Shaheen Afridi Shaheen Shah Afridi Australia Pakistan

Pakistan skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi revealed that the Men in Green have sorted out 16 to 20 players for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 following the conclusion of the five-match series against New Zealand. Pakistan stood victorious in the final T20I against the Kiwis with a 42-run victory but were humbled throughout the series. Iftikhar Ahmed shone with his off-spin on a track that tended to fall on the slower side. After the game, Shaheen hailed the veteran spinner for his contribution and that the team has sorted out players for the World Cup which is slated to begin in June later this year.

Cameron Green Returns As Australia, West Indies Name Playing XIs For 1st Test

Australia and West Indies on Tuesday named their playing eleven for the upcoming first Test match of the two-game series in Adelaide. According to cricket.com.au, Aussie skipper Pat Cummins confirmed the return of Cameron Green to the side that has been rearranged after David Warner retired from the longest format. Steve Smith will play the role of an opener in Test cricket for the Aussies. Meanwhile, West Indies have announced that they will bring in three debutants, with the Caribbean skipper Kraigg Brathwaite revealing that middle-order pair Kavem Hodge and Justin Greaves, along with pacer Shamar Joseph, will all play their first Test.

6,4,4,4, 6 - Finn Allen Smashes Shaheen Afridi For 24 Runs In 5 Balls. Watch

New Zealand opener Finn Allen had gone berserk against Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi during the first T20I match at Eden Park, Auckland on Friday. After taking a wicket in his first over, Shaheen returned for his second with great energy but Allen through his sensational batting got better of the left-arm pacer. He trashed him for 24 runs in the third over of the New Zealand innings. It all started with a six over deep mid-wicket off a slower first ball. Allen then smashed three fours in a row before hitting a six over long-on. The final delivery was a dot ball but the damage was already done.

6,4,4,4, 6 - Finn Allen Smashes Shaheen Afridi For 24 Runs In 5 Balls. Watch

Shaheen Afridi "Afraid, Tensed...": Journalist's Viral Rant, Wonders If "Pakistan Team Has "Mental Problem"

The start of Shaheen Afridi's Pakistan cricket team T20I captaincy did not start on the right note at all. On Friday, Pakistan slumped to a 46-run loss to New Zealand. Tim Southee became the first player to 150 wickets in Twenty20 internationals, leading New Zealand's "nasty fasties" to a 46-run win over Pakistan in their series opener in Auckland. Veteran seam bowler Southee claimed four wickets to pass the milestone and help dismiss the tourists for 180 in the 18th over in response to New Zealand's imposing 226-8, handing them first blood in the five-match series.

Tim Southee Hits Milestone As New Zealand Beat Pakistan In First T20I

Tim Southee became the first player to 150 wickets in Twenty20 internationals as New Zealand beat Pakistan by 46 runs Friday in their series opener in Auckland. Veteran seam bowler Southee claimed four wickets to pass the milestone and help dismiss the tourists for 180 in the 18th over in response to New Zealand's imposing 226-8, handing them first blood in the five-match series. Southee's figures of 4-25 were the best of a run-dominated encounter at Eden Park and took him to 151 wickets in T20 internationals, 11 more than Bangladesh spinner Shakib Al Hasan.