Ahmed Shehzad has sharply criticized Pakistan’s cricket team captain Mohammad Rizwan for his tactical decisions leading up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Ahmed Shehzad unhappy with Pakistan captain’s decision-making abilities

In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Shehzad described Rizwan’s choice to bat first in the tri-series final against New Zealand as a “brainless decision,” highlighting a lack of understanding regarding pitch conditions.

“Pakistan’s bubble has burst ahead of the Champions Trophy,” said Shehzad on this YouTube channel. He noted that the pitch at Karachi’s National Stadium typically favours batting in the evening, yet Pakistan opted to set a target instead of chasing, which ultimately led to their defeat by five wickets.

“It was a mind-boggling decision (to bat first) because we had seen in the previous match that the pitch becomes better to bat on in the night, the ball doesn’t grip on the surface for the spinners. Still, the Pakistan team decided to bat first. Brainless decision, no clue,” added Shehzad,  pointing out at Pakistan’s record chase against South Africa at the same venue.

The former Pakistan opener also expressed his frustration over Rizwan’s decision to drop a specialist bowler in favour of an all-rounder, claiming that this move compromised the team’s bowling strength. He pointed out that Rizwan’s strategy seemed overly cautious, suggesting that the captain consistently chooses to play it safe rather than leveraging the team’s strengths.

“In his every decision, the Pakistan captain wants to play safe with batting, be it by being a spinner short in the Champions Trophy squad or this match, where they played (bowling all-rounder) Faheem Ashraf to have a longer batting line-up at the expense of (fast bowler) Mohammad Hasnain and still used him (Ashraf) for just two overs,” Shehzad analysed.

Also READ: Herschelle Gi??bbs takes a jibe at Babar Azam for his poor English-speaking skills

‘You are making so many mistakes’

The criticism comes at a challenging time for Pakistan cricket, as they have struggled with form and decision-making in recent tournaments. Shehzad lamented that such “childish decisions” could jeopardize their chances in the upcoming Champions Trophy, emphasizing that the team often relies on opponents’ mistakes rather than executing their own game plan effectively.

“In a final, you are making childish decisions…you are making so many mistakes in matches. You get a chance to win only when the opposition performs below par or don’t have their main players playing,�?said Shehzad.

As Pakistan prepares for the Champions Trophy, Shehzad’s comments underscore the mounting pressure on Rizwan and the team to deliver results and refine their strategies ahead of this significant international competition.

Also READ: New Zealand cli??nch ODI tri-series with commanding 5-wicket win over Pakistan in the final

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New Zealand registered a clinical five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final of the ODI Tri-Nation Series at the National Stadium in Karachi. Chasing a target of 243, the Black Caps reached the total in 45.2 overs, driven by strong performances from Daryl Mitchell (57), Tom Latham (56) and Devon Conway (48). Earlier, Pakistan posted 242 after contributions from Mohammad Rizwan (46) and Salman Agha (45), but Will O’Rourke’s four-wicket haul k?ept them in check. New Zealand’s composed chase ensured they lifted the trophy with 28 balls to spare.

Pakistan’s struggles with the bat

Pakistan opted to bat first but failed to build strong partnerships, losing wickets at regular intervals. Fakhar Zaman (10) and Saud Shakeel (8) fell cheaply, while Babar Azam (29) looked fluent but was dismissed in a caught-and-bowled dismissal. Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha steadied the innings with a crucial 88-run stand, but neither could capitalize to post a big score. Tayyab Tahir’s aggressive 38 off 33 balls gave Pakistan some momentum, but late wickets restricted them to 242. O’Rourke (4/43) led the bowling attack effectively, with support from Michael Bracewell (2/38) and Mitchell Santner (2/20).

Also READ: PAK vs NZ: Babar Azam equals Hashim Amla’s his?toric ODI record in t??he Tri-Series final

New Zealand’s well-paced chase in the ODI tri-series final

New Zealand got off to a shaky start as Naseem Shah dismissed Will Young early, but Conway and Kane Williamson ensured stability with a composed 71-run partnership. Salman Agha broke the stand, dismissing Williamson (34), and Conway followed soon after for 48. However, Mitchell and Latham took charge, adding 87 runs to tilt the game in New Zealand’s favor. Mitchell’s fluent 57 and Latham’s 56 guided the team close to victory, and Glenn Phillips�?quickf??ire 20 not out ensured they crossed the finish line with ease. Naseem (2/43) was Pakistan’s most effective bowler, but the total proved insufficient against New Zealand’s well-structured batting effort.

Will O’Rourke and Daryl Mitchell shine in title victory

O’Rourke’s outstanding four-wicket spell was instrumental in restricting Pakistan below 250, ensuring New Zealand had a manageable chase. His crucial wickets, including Rizwan and Fakhar, kept Pakistan from accelerating in the final overs. On the batting front, Mitchell’s solid knock proved pivotal, with his ability to rotate strike and find boundaries easing the pressure. Tom Latham provided ideal support, and New?? Zealand’s composed approach highlighted their batting depth. With this win, New Zealand claimed the tri-nation series title, showcasing superior balance and execution in al??l departments.

New Zealand won the tri-nation series without losing a single match 🏆#Cricket #PAKvNZ #newzealandcricket pic.twitter.com/3ZlFeM8pue

— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 14, 2025

Also READ: Pakistan’s ?Sarfaraz Ahmed predicts th?e winner of Champions Trophy 2025

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The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the ODI Tri-Series 2025 as New Zealand and Pakistan lock horns in the highly anticipat?ed final at the National Stadium in Karachi. Both teams have delivered impressive performances throughout the tournament and now stand on the brink of glory in the summit clash.

What makes this encounter even more significant is that New Zealand and Pakistan are also slated to face off in the opening match of the Champions Trophy 2025. This final, therefore, serves as a crucial dress rehearsal for the much-awaited multi-team event. Both teams will be eager to fine-tune their strategies and gain a psychological? edge ahead of their high-stakes showdown in the prestigious ICC tournament.

Match Details: Pakistan ODI Tri Series 2025, Final

• Date and Time: February 14, 02:30 pm (IST)/ 09:00 am (GMT)/ 02:00 pm (Local)
• Venue: National Stadium, Karachi

National Stadium Pitch Report:

The surface at the National Stadium in Karachi has a reputation for being favorable to batters, providing consistent bounce and carry that aids stroke play. In the initial phases of a match, scoring runs tends to be easier as the pitch remains firm. However, as the game advances, spinners become more effective due to the slowing surface and increased turn. Meanwhile, fast bowlers can generate movement with the new ball,? particularly under lights in limited-overs contests.

NZ vs PAK Dream11 Prediction Picks:

• Wicketkeepers: Devon Conway, Mohammad Rizwan
• Batters: Kane Williamson, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Daryl Mitchell
• All-rounders: Salman Agha, Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips
• Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Matt Henry

NZ vs PAK Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:

• Choice 1: Kane Williamson (c), Babar Azam (vc)
• Choice 2: Devon Conway (c), Fakhar Zaman (vc)

NZ vs PAK Dream11 Prediction Backups:

Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Kamran? Ghulam, Faheem Ashraf

Also READ: Salman Agha and Mohammad Rizwan power Pakistan to pull off a record c??hase against South Af??rica | ODI Tri-Series 2025

NZ vs PAK Dream11 Team for today’s match (February 14, 09:00 am GMT):

Squads:

New Zealand: Devon C??onway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smit?h, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, William ORourke, Ben Sears, Michael Bracewell, Will Young, Mark Chapman

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (c), Salman Agha, Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Hasnain, Usman Kh??an, Faheem Ashraf, Saud Shakee??l

Also WATCH: Salman Agha t?akes a blinder to remove Matthew Breetzke | Pakistan Tri-Series?? 2025

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The city of Karachi came alive with unbridled passion and energy as cricket fans thronged the National Stadium to witness the inauguration of the iconic venue. The occasion was made even more special by the presence of Pakistan’s cricketing sensation, Babar Azam, who has become the heartb?eat of the nation’s cricket team in recent times.

As the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series moves to Karachi, the love and ado?ration for Babar were?? on full display, with fans creating an electric atmosphere that echoed through the stadium. This was not just an inauguration; it was a celebration of cricket, fandom, and the undying spirit of Karachi’s cricket enthusiasts.

Babar Azam’s deafening chants echoed in National Stadium inauguration

Babar’s rise to the top of international cricket has been nothing short of phenomenal. With consistent performances across all formats, he has cemented his place as one of the world’s best batters. Despite a shaky start to the Tri-Series, Babar remains the focal point of Pakistan’s batting lineup. His ability to dominate bowlers and deliver under pressure has earned him a massive fan following, not just in Pakistan but across the globe. The Karachi crowd’s deafening chants for Babar during the National Stadium inauguration were a ??testament to his star power and the faith fans have in him.

The National Stadium was a sight to behold as thousands of fans, draped in Pakistan’s green and blue, filled the stands. The ceremonial inauguration turned into a carnival of cricket, with fans cheering, chanting, and waving flags in support of their beloved team. The highlight of the event was Babar addressing the crowd, who were so loud that he had to wait for the cheers to subside before speaking. The free entry to the venue allowed fans from all walks of life to be part of this historic moment,?? creating an inclusive and unforgettable experience.

Here’s the video:

THE CHEERS pic.twitter.com/imo4pBVxgj

— a. (@chicaaesthetics) February 11, 2025

Also READ: ?Paki?stani actress Dua Zahra makes a special request to fans after admitting her crush on Babar Azam

Babar’s heartfelt message for the Champions Trophy

When Babar finally took the mic, he expressed his gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support. He acknowledged the love he received and urged the crowd to rally behind the team in t?he upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, which Pakistan is set to host. His words resonated deeply with the fans, who responded with even louder cheers. Babar’s humility and connection with the audience showcased why he is not just a cricketer but a role model for millions.

While the inauguration was a celebration, the on going match itself presented a tough challenge for Pakistan. South Africa’s skipper, Temba Bavuma, won the?? toss and elected to bat, putting up a strong total of 176/2 after 31 overs so far. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to break partnerships, leaving the team in a precarious position. As the game progressed, the crowd’s hopes rested on Babar and the batting lineup to deliver a performance worthy of the occasion.

Also READ: Pakistan’s ??Wasim Akram pick ideal batting positions for Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in Champions Trophy 2025

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Shaheen Afridi has provided Pakistan with the much-needed breakthrough in the ODI tri-series, dismissing South Africa‘s opener Tony de Zorzi for 22 off 18 balls with Salman Agha taking an stunning catch in the first slip.

Salman Agha’s stunning grab gives Pakistan crucial breakthrough 

Afridi struck in his four??th over, removing De Zorzi with a well-??directed length delivery outside off stump. The ball, pitched in the channel of uncertainty, straightened slightly off the surface, making it difficult for the left-handed batter to judge its movement.

De Zorzi, who had been looking fluent with three boundaries and a six, stayed back in his crease, hoping to guide the ball towards third man. However, his bat was away from his body, and he failed to cover the slight ?movement. The ball took a thick outside edge and flew towards first slip at an awkward height.

Salman, stationed at first ??slip, reacted instantly. The edge was heading to his right, forcing him to dive low ??and extend both hands. Despite the sharp deflection off the bat, he managed to grab the ball cleanly just inches off the turf, completing a superb reflex catch. The dismissal was a classic example of how a well-set field and disciplined bowling can force a mistake. Shaheen’s ability to create doubt in the batter’s mind, coupled with Salman’s exceptional catching skills, gave Pakistan a crucial early wicket, breaking South Africa’s opening stand at 51 runs.

Here’s the video:

Excellent catch at first slip! 👏@iShaheenAfridi once again strikes first for Pakistan ☝️#3Nations1Trophy | #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/bwpbp6ARph

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 12, 2025

Also READ: PAK vs SA: Here’s why?? Haris Rauf not playing to?day��s match | Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2025

Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke lead South Africa’s solid start 

South Africa opted to bat first in a high-stakes clash against Pakistan, aiming for a spot in the tri-series final against New Zealand. Their top order responded with intent, reaching 160/1 in 25.6 overs, with Temba Bavuma leading from the front. The South African skipper showcased a captain’s knock, remaining unbeaten on 76 off 87 balls, striking 13 boundaries wi??th precision.

His opening partner, De Zorzi, provided early momentum with a quickfire 22 off 18 before edging one to Salman at slip off Afridi’s bowling. Matthew Breetzke then joined Bavuma and kept the scoreboard ticking with an ?impressive unbeaten 55 off 51 deliveries, anchoring a crucial 109-ru??n stand for the second wicket.

Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to find breakthroughs, with Afridi being the lone wicket-taker. Naseem Shah and Mohammad Hasnain kept things tight initially, but the lack of penetration allowed South Africa to dictate terms. With a projected score of 33??6, Pakistan will need a ??disciplined bowling effort to restrict the Proteas in the second half of the innings.

Also WATCH: Harbhajan Singh and Shoaib Akhtar re-ign??ite India-Pakistan rivalry ahead of Champions Trophy 2025 ?clash

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Pakistan are facing South Africa in a crucial ODI match at the National Stadium in Karachi, but are without the services of their key fast bowler Haris Rauf.

The reason behind Rauf’s absence from the playing XI, left Pakistan fans and experts speculating.

With a place in the final against New Zealand at stake, Pakistan compensated for Rauf by including Mohammad Hasnain. Losing to New Zealand in th??eir previous match has put an extra pressure on the team to perform well against South Africa, especially as the host nation is preparing for the Champions Trophy 2025.

Reason behind Haris Rauf’s absence

Rauf sustained an injury against New Zealand during the opening match of the Tri-Series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. He has, therefore, been rested for the remainder of the series as a precautionary measure ahead of the upcoming ICC tournament.

As per the reports, Akif Javed may feature in the ?playing XI during the final if Pakistan m??anages to beat South Africa.

“We have an opportunity to make a good squad for the CT. We are experimenting. We’ll go day by day. We’ll look to take some momentum into the Champions Trophy,” Pakist?an captain Mohammad Rizwan said at the toss.

Also WATCH: Harbhajan Singh and Shoaib Akhtar re-ign??ite India-Pakistan rivalry ahead of Champio?ns Trophy 2025 clash

Meanwhile, the Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma seemed hap??py with the return of senior players ??in the line-up.

“We’ll have a bat first. Just looking at the stats, that’s what it leans towards. Wicket also looks decent. A good chance with the bat and put some good runs on the board,” Bavuma said after winning the toss.

“Tony de Zorzi comes in, Heinrich Klaasen comes in, Corbin Bosch comes in as well as Keshav Maharaj. He [Klaasen] comes in with some confidence, he’ll bolster our middle-order,” he added.

PAK vs SA: Playing XI of both teams

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Agha, Tayyab?? Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Abra??r Ahmed

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Bree?tzke, Kyle Verreynne, Heinrich K?laasen (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi.

Also READ: Pakistani actress Dua? Zahra makes a special request to fans after admitting her crush on Babar Azam

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Pakistan and South Africa will play the third match of the Pakistan ODI Tri-series at the National Stadium in Karachi. The winner of the contest will determine who will play against New Zealand in the finals of the contest. The Blackcaps defeated Pakistan by 78 runs in the opening match of the series. On the other hand, the Proteas were also def?eat??ed by New Zealand in a thrilling encounter by 6 wickets. The Blackcaps have remained unbeaten in the series so far.

Match Details: Pakistan ODI Tri Series 2025, 2nd ODI

• Date and Time: February 12, 09:00 am GMT/ 02:30 pm IST/ 02:00 pm Local
• Venue: National Stadium, Karachi

National Stadium Pitch Report:

The pitch at National Stadium Karachi is traditionally known for being ??batting-friendly, offering good bounce and carry for stroke-making. In the early stages of a match, batters find it easier to score as the surface remains true. However, as the game progresses, spinners come into play due to the pitch slowing down and offering turn. Fast bowlers can extract movement wi??th the new ball, especially under lights in limited overs matches. The surface has historically produced high-scoring encounters but can also assist bowlers if conditions are favorable. Overall, it provides a balanced contest between bat and ball, depending on the match format and weather conditions.

PAK vs SA Dream11 Prediction Picks:

• Wicketkeepers: Mohammad Rizwan, Kyle Verreynne
• Batters: Temba Bavuma, Fakhar Zaman, Matthew Breetzke
• All-rounders: Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy
• Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Tabraiz Shamsi, Abrar Ahmed

PAK vs SA Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:

• Choice 1: Fakhar Zaman (c), Abrar Ahmed (vc)
• Choice 2: Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke (vc)

Also Read: P??akistani actress Dua Zahra makes a speci??al request to fans after admitting her crush on Babar Azam

PAK vs SA Dream11 Prediction Backups:

Salman Agha, Kamran Gh??ulam, Eathan Bosch, Junior Dala,

PAK vs SA Dream11 Team for today’s match (February 12, 09:00 am GMT):

Squads:

Pakistan: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Agha, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Faheem Ashraf,?? Mohammad Rizwan (Captain), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad ??Hasnain, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi.

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (Captain), Jason Smith, Senuran ??Muthusamy, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne, Matthew Breetzke, Meeka eel Prince, Eathan Bosch, Junior Dala, Mihlali Mpongwana, Gideon Peters, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Lungi Ngidi.

Also Read: All you need to know about Matthew Breetzke: LSG recruit who smashed century on his ODI debut in ?Pakistan

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In a rare and unexpected moment during the second ODI between South Africa and New Zealand in Lahore, South Africa’s fielding coach, Wandile Gwavu, was seen stepping onto the field as a subst??itut?e fielder.

A fielding coach in action: Wandile Gwavu

A viral video from the match captured Gwavu actively f?ielding, showcasing his commitment to South Africa’s fielding standards beyond just coaching duties. This rare sighting took place during the 37th over of New Zealand’s innings when the team was in pursuit of a challenging 305-run target.

The Proteas found themselves in a unique situation where they had exhausted all their available substitutes, leaving them with no choice but to deploy Gwavu as an emergency replacement.  Having recently been appointed as South Africa’s full-time white-ball fielding coach, Gwavu’s impromptu fielding stint added a light-hear??ted yet remarkable moment to the high-pressure encounter. His unexpected presence on the field became a talking point among cricket enthusiasts, highlighting the Proteas�?challenging situation as they struggled to defend their total.

Here’s the video:

We don’t see that happening too often! 😅

South Africa’s fielding coach Wandile Gwavu came on as a substitute fielder during the New Zealand innings! 👀#TriNationSeriesonFanCode pic.twitter.com/ilU5Zj2Xxn

— FanCode (@FanCode) February 10, 2025

Also READ: Kane Wi??lliamson overtakes Virat Kohli to accomplis??h a major milestone in ODI cricket

Kane Williamson leads the charge for New Zealand against South Africa

Earlier in the match, South Africa posted a competitive total of 304/6 in their allotted 50 overs, thanks to a sensational century by Matthew Breetzke. The young batter played a commanding knock of 150 runs, anchoring the innings and providing his team with a fighting chance. Despite Breetzke’s heroics, the Proteas found themselves on the back foot as New Zealand made steady progress in? their chase.

At the time of Gwavu’s unexpected fielding cameo, New Zealand was well on course to victory at 264/4 in 41 overs, needing just 41 runs from 54 balls. Kane Williamson, the backbone of New Zealand’s batting, was unbeaten on 112, playing a captain��s knock to steer his team closer to ?the target. His sublime innings, supported by D??evon Conway’s 97, put the Black Caps in a dominant position, making South Africa’s bowling attack struggle for breakthroughs.

In the end, New Zealand comfortably registered a six-wicket victory with eight balls to spare, courtesy of Williamson’s match-winning knock. However, the most memorable takeaway from the game remain??ed the sight of South Africa’s fielding coach stepping in as an active? fielder, an occurrence rarely witnessed in international cricket.

Also READ: New Zealand players to score ODI centuries in both India and ?Pa?kistan ft. Kane Williamson

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In a remarkable display of cricketing excellence, New Zealand‘s former captain, Kane Williamson, has surpassed India’s Virat Kohli to achieve a major milestone in One-Day International (ODI) cricket. This historic achievement took place during the second match between New Zealand and South Africa in the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2025, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Kane Williamson shines with a stunning century

South Africa set a challenging target of 304 runs for 6 wickets in their allotted 50 overs, largely due to a stunning debut performance by Matthew Breetzke who scored a record-breaking 150. However, New Zealand’s response was led by a masterful innings from Williamson. Facing a formidable bowling lineup, Williamson showcased his class, scoring an unbeaten 133 runs off 113 balls. His innings included 13 fours and 2 sixes, guiding New Zealand to a victory by 6 wickets with 8 balls to spare.

Also READ: Kane Williamson, Devon Conway propel New Zealand to an emphatic win over Sout?h Africa in Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2025

Williamson goes past Virat Kohli

During his brilliant knock, Williamson also attained the milestone of 7000 ODI runs and with that he overtook Indian legend Kohli. The Black Caps star reached his 7,000th ODI run in his 159th innings, thereby overtaking Kohli’s record of 161 innings. Though, the fastest to this milestone remains South Africa’s Hashim Amla, who achieved it in 150 innings. This feat not only highlights Williamson’s consistency but also adds another remarkable achievement to his cricketing resume.

Fastest to 7000 runs in ODIs:

• Hashim Amla – 150 innings
• Kane Williamson – 159 innings
• Virat Kohli – 161 innings

This achievement is not merely a statistical highlight but a testament to Williamson’s resilience, especially considering his recent injury challenges. His form will be crucial for New Zealand as they look forward to international tournaments like the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. As one of the most consistent and technically sound batters in the world, his ability to anchor innings, accelerate when required, and read the game’s situation has always been central to New Zealand’s strategy. His recent milestone and current form provide a significant boost and will be key in navigating through tough matches, particularly against strong opponents. Williamson’s performance could very well be the difference between New Zealand lifting the trophy or falling short, making his role in the team more crucial than ever.

Also READ: New Zealand players ??to score ODI centuries in both India and Pakistan ft. Kane Williamson

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