In Match 2 of Group A at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, held in Sharjah on Thursday (October 3), Pakistan clinched a comfortable victory over Sri Lanka by 31 runs. Defending a modest total of 116, Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack restricted Sri Lanka to 85/9 in their allotted 20 overs, ensuring a strong start to their World Cup campaign.

Fatima Sana and Nida Dar anchor Pakistan’s innings

Pakistan’s batting struggled initially, with openers Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza dismissed cheaply. Muneeba managed 11 off 14 balls, while Feroza fell for just 2 runs in the second over. Sidra Amin added some quick runs but was dismissed after scoring 12 off 10 balls. As the innings progressed, Pakistan found stability in the partnership between Omaima Sohail and Nida Dar. Omaima contributed 18 off 19, but Nida Dar’s 23 off 22 balls kept Pakistan afloat. However, the standout performance came from Fatima Sana, who played a crucial late-order knock of 30 off 20 balls, hitting three boundaries and a s?ix. Her aggressive innings helped Pakistan reach a competitive total of 116. Pakistan struggled to bu??ild partnerships consistently, but Sana’s finishing knock ensured they had something to defend.

Sugandika Kumari and Chamari Athapaththu keep Pakistan in check

Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, led by Sugandika Kumari and captain Chamari Athapaththu, kept Pakistan’s batters under constant pressure. Kumari was exceptional, claiming 3 wickets for 19 runs in her four overs. Her ability to take early wickets stifled Pakistan’s momentum, especially when she removed both Muneeba and Gull early in the innings. Athapaththu also contributed significantly, taking 3 wickets for 18 runs. She dismissed Amin, Aliya Riaz and Tuba Hassan, breaking key partnerships at crucial moments. Udeshika Prabodhani supported well, taking 3 wickets for 20 runs.

Also READ: Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 – Broadcast, Live Streaming details | Where to watch in India, Australia, USA, UK, Pakistan, Canada & other countries

Vishmi Gunaratne’s resilience unable to save Sri Lanka

Chasing 117, Sri Lanka’s innings never got off the ground as they lost early wickets, starting with captain Athapaththu, who fell for just 6 runs. Vishmi Gunaratne was the top scorer for Sri Lanka, making 20 off 34 balls, but she struggled to find support from the rest of the lineup. Wickets fell regularly, with batters like Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hasini Perera failing to convert their starts. Both were dismissed for single-digit scores, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 35 for 3. Nilakshika Silva offered some resistance with 22 off 25 balls, but by then, the required run rate had climbed, and Sri Lanka found themselves unable to build any meaningful partnerships. The lack of intent and constant fall of wickets saw Sri Lanka finish o??n 85/9, well short of the target.

Sadia Iqbal and Fatima shine for Pakistan

Pakistan’s bowlers delivered an outstanding performance, with Sadia Iqbal and Fatima leading the charge. Sadia picked up 3 wickets for 17 runs in her four overs, including the crucial wicket of Gunaratne, who was the only batter offering some resistance. She also dismissed Nilakshika Silva and Sugandika Kumari, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s lower order had no chance of recovery. Fatima, after her impactful batting display, was equally effective with the ball, taking 2 wickets for just 10 runs in her 2.5 overs. She removed both Sri Lanka’s captain Athapaththu and Sachini Nisansala, further destabili??zing the chase. Sohail also contributed with the ball, taking 2 wickets for 17 runs.

Pakistan begin their T20 World Cup campaign on a winning note#PAKvSL #T20WorldCup #cricket #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/VDnkFyGeRN

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) October 3, 2024

Also WATCH: Fahima Khatun leaves Darcey Carter speechless with a jaw-dropping catch in t?he Women’s T20 Wor??ld Cup 2024

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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Former Pakistan pacer Sikander Bakht has publicly criticized Babar Azam following the latter’s announcement to step down as captain of the white-ball cricket team. Bakht’s remarks come in the wake of Pakistan’s disappointing performance at the T20 World Cup, where they suffered an early exit after losing to tournament debutants USA. This defeat, described by many as one of the most embarrassing moments in Pakistan’s cricket history, has ignited a fierce debate about leadership and accountability within the team.

Pakistan’s fallout from a historic defeat

Pakistan’s failure to qualify for the knockout stages of the T20 World Cup was a bitter pill to swallow for fans and players alike. The loss to the USA, a team that was participating in its first World Cup, was particularly shocking. Pakistan managed to post a total of 159 runs but faltered in the Super Over, ultimately losing by five runs. This match not only marked a significant upset but also raised questions about the team’s strategy and execution under pressure.

Bakht expressed his disappointment with Babar’s decision to remain captain until now, suggesting that he should have resigned immediately after the World Cup exit on June 16.

“Ab sharam ayi! (You finally felt ashamed!) As soon as our World Cup was over on 16th June because we had not qualified further, he should have resigned at the same time. The whole nation was saying that he should have resigned. But he was stubborn. Because his style was like this, he was king (In a sarcastic way). His performance was not good, neither was theirs. Anyway, they should have seen that we are removed in two ways. I don’t know what happened to him,” Bakht remarked on Geo News.

The former pacer was emphasizing that the entire nation felt Babar should have stepped down at that moment. He criticized Babar’s stubbornness and lack of self-awareness regarding his performance as both captain and batter, which he deemed inadequate.

Also READ: “It’s bee?n an honour to l?ead this team, but…� Babar resigns as Pakistan white-ball captain

Internal strife within Pakistan team

Bakht further claimed that Babar’s resignation was not entirely voluntary; instead, he suggested that he was pressured into making this announcement. He pointed out that there are three other players, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood and Mohammad Rizwan, who are vying for leadership roles within the white-ball format. This internal competition may be contributing to a tense atmosphere in the d??ressing room.

“He was told to resign. Look, we have three captains in our base. There are groups of three captains. One is Babar, another is Rizwan. They want to become captains. Shaheen want to become captain again. And there is also Shan Masood. Shan Masood lost five or six matches,” he added.

Bakht highlighted how this rivalr?y could be detrimental to team cohesion and performance. The presence of multiple potential leade??rs often leads to conflicting strategies and undermines collective decision-making during crucial matches.

PCB’s official stance on the matter

In response to Babar’s resignation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released a statement acknowledging his decision as a move aimed at enhancing his individual performance. The PCB emphasized that this choice demonstrates Babar’s professionalism and commitment to contributing positively to Pakistan cricket.

“Although the PCB had backed Babar Azam as the white-ball captain, his decision to step down reflects his desire to focus more on making a greater impact as a player,” PCB officials stated.

This official stance indicates an understanding of the need for change within the team structure while also recognizing Babar’s contributions as a player. However, it raises further questions about leadership d??ynamics within the squad and how best to navigate future challenges.

“This decision is a testament to his professionalism and commitment to Pakistan cricket. He believes that dedicating himself fully to his batting will enable him to play a more decisive role in the team’s success in the shorter formats,” the PCB added.

Also READ: 3 players who can replac?e Babar Azam as ??Pakistan’s ODI and T20I captain

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The second match of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is set to take place between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The game will b??e played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on October 4, at 2:00 pm GMT.

Both team??s have a history of competitive matches, and this encounter promises to be no different. Their recent Asia Cup clash, where Sri Lanka emerged victorious, has added an extra layer of intrigue to this fixture.

Muneeba Ali will be a key player for Pakistan, while their bowling attack, led by Fatima Sana, will be crucial. Chamari Athapaththu will be the focal point of the Sri Lankan batting order. Their spin bowling combination of Sugandika Kumari and Inoka Ranaweera could be a game-changer.

Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: PK-W vs SL-W

• Date and Time: October 4: 02:00 pm GMT / 06:00 pm local/ 07:30 pm IST
• Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah

Sharjah Cricket Stadium Pitch Report

The Sharjah Cricket Stadium pitch for the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka match is expected to offer a decent balanc?e between bat and ball. The pitch is likely to be slightly slow and low, with some turn for the spinners. The pacers may find it challenging to extract bounce early on, but as the match progresses, the pitch could become more conducive to seam bowling. Overall, it is anticipated to be a good wicket for batting, with the spinners playing a crucial role in the middle overs.

PK-W vs SL-W Dream11 Prediction Picks

• Wicketkeeper: Muneeba Ali
• Batters: Harshitha Samarawickrama
• All-rounders: Chamari Athapaththu, Nida Dar, Kavisha Dilhari, Fatima Sana
• Bowlers: Sugandika Kumari, Udeshika Prabodhani, Nashra Sandhu, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Sadia Iqbal

PK-W vs SL-W Dream11 Prediction Captain, and Vice-Captain:

Choice 1: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Nida Dar (vc)
Choice 2: Harshitha Samarawickrama (c), Nashra Sand?hu (vc)

Also READ: Pak??istan’s best X??I for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

PK-W vs SL-W Dream11 Prediction Backups:

Gull?? Feroza, Anushka Sanjeewani, Vishmi Gunaratne, Nilakshi de Silva

PK-W vs SL-W Dream11 Team for today’s match (October 4, 02:00 pm GMT):

Squads:

Pakistan Women: Muneeba Ali (wk), Gull Feroza, Sidra Amin, Nida Dar, Fatima Sana (c), Aliya Riaz, Tuba Hassan, Sad??af Shamas, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig, Iram Javed, Omaima Sohail, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab

Sri Lanka Women: Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Har?shitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Nilakshi de Silva, Sugandika Kumari, Inoka Ranaweera, Hasini Perera, Sachini Nisansala, Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya, Ama Kanchana, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Shashini Gimhani

Also READ: Sri L??anka’s best XI for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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The much-anticipated ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 begins on October 3 in United Arab Emirates (UAE). This year’s tournament promises to be one of the most competitive yet, featuring 10 teams battling for T20 glory. With the tournament returning to the Middle East, the UAE will host a grand celebration of women’s cricket, showcasing the best talents from across the globe. The vibrant atmosphere, iconic stadiums, and passionate crowds set the stage for a memorable cricketing spectacle.

10 teams vie for glory

Cricket fans around the world are in for a treat as Bangladesh, who were originally set to co-host before the event was moved, kick off the tournament against Scotland in the opening match. The high-octane action will continue throughout the competition, with each team eager to secure their place in the knockout stages. The grand finale, set for October 20 at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium, will be the ultimate clash for the title. The journey from the group stages to the final is expecte??d to be full of intense action and drama.

Teams ready for battle

The 10 teams participating in this year’s World Cup are Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and West Indies. These teams bring a wealth of experience and talent, ma?king this edition highly competitive. Australia, the defending champions, will be aiming to retain their title, while teams like India, England, and South Africa are eager to challenge their dominance.

With a larger pool of talented players and passionate fan bases, this expanded format promises an exciting and unpredictable tournament. Cricket lovers can look forward to thrilling contests, nail-biting finishes, and a true celebration of the spirit of the game. Key players such as Australia’s Ellyse Perry, India’s Smriti Mandhana, England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt, and West Indies’ Hayley Matthews are expected to play pivotal roles in their respective teams’ campaigns.

Also READ: Player of the Tournament winners in each edition of ICC ?Women’s T20 World Cup

Broadcast and Live Streaming details:

• India: Star Sports Network, Disney+ Hotstar
• USA & Canada: Sling TV – Willow TV [Sign up here]
• UAE and MENA: STARZON; Criclife Women
• United Kingdom: Sky Sports Cricket; Sky GO and Sky Sports App
• Australia: Amazon Prime Video
• New Zealand: Sky Sports NZ
• Pakistan: PTV, Ten Sports; Tamasha
• Ireland: Sky Sports Cricket; Sky GO and Sky Sports App
• Bangladesh: Nagorik TV; Toffee
• South Africa: SuperSports, SuperSport Cricket Africa
• Sri Lanka: Maharaja TV; ICC TV app
• Caribbean: ESPN Caribbean; ESPN Play Caribbean app
• Afghanistan, Continental Europe, Pacific Islands and South-East Asia: icc.tv
• Rest of the World Cup: icc.tv

Also READ: Team India’s best XI for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will mark the ninth edition of this prestigious tournament, where 10 top teams from around the globe will battle for glory from October 3 to October 20 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).?? Divided into two groups, the teams will compete in a round-robin group stage, with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals, culminating in a grand fin?al on October 20.

Pakistan’s struggles and aspirations

Historically, the Pakistan women’s team has struggled in this competition. Despite participating i??n all eight previous editions, they are yet to reach the semi-finals. Their record stands at eight wins in 32 games, a statistic that highlights their challenges at the highest level of women’s T20 cricket. However, under new leadership, Pakistan will be determined to break this pattern and make an impact in the 2024 edition.

Group A challenges: Facing the best in the world

Placed in Group A, Pakistan faces an uphill battle against some of the world’s most formidable teams. The group includes India, New Zealand, and defending champions Australia, making Pakistan’s path to the knockout stages highly competitive. Rounding out the group is Sri Lanka, against whom Pakistan will kick off their campaign on October 3 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Their second match, one of the tournament’s most anticipated clashes, will be against arch-rivals India on October 6 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS).

Pakistan will continue their group stage fixtures with a tough match against Australia on October 11 and conclude the group stage with a game against New Zealand on October 14, both at the DICS. Each match will be crucial, with Pakistan hoping to secu??re enough wins to advance to the semi-finals for the first time in their history.

Also READ: Kate Cross, Tammy Beaumont predict ??the winner of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 202?4

Leadership transition and key players

This year’s campaign will be led by 22-year-old Fatima Sana, who was appointed as the captain by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Her leadership, combined with her all-rounder skills, will be vital for Pakistan’s hopes of turning the tide in the competition. The squad is a balanced mix of youth and experience, with players like Nida Dar and Bismah Maroof providing a steady presence in the middle order, while emerging talents like Muneeba Ali and Ayesha Naseem offer explosive potential.

Pakistan’s top-choice XI for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024:

1. Muneeba Ali – Opening Batter

• Role: Left-handed opener.
• Strength: Aggressive batting with a strong ability to accelerate in the powerplay.
• UAE Impact: Muneeba’s shot-making will be essential in exploiting fielding restrictions on UAE’s slower pitches.

2. Sidra Amin – Opening Batter

• Role: Reliable top-order batter.
• Strength: Known for her consistency and ability to build innings.
• UAE Impact: Sidra’s steady approach will help balance the aggressive play of Muneeba, allowing Pakistan to build a solid foundation.

3. Nida Dar – All-rounder

• Role: Middle-order batter, off-spinner.
• Strength: One of the most experienced T20 players, capable of contributing with both bat and ball.
• UAE Impact: Her off-spin will be crucial in controlling the middle overs on UAE’s turning tracks, while her batting can steady the ship under pressure.

4. Aliya Riaz – All-rounder

• Role: Hard-hitting middle-order batter, medium-pacer.
• Strength: Powerful striker of the ball, handy with the ball in hand.
• UAE Impact: Riaz’s big-hitting ability will be important in the death overs, and her medium pace can be effective in UAE’s slower conditions.

5. Iram Javed – Middle-order Batter

• Role: Power hitter.
• Strength: Capable of accelerating the scoring rate during the middle and death overs.
• UAE Impact: Iram’s ability to hit big in the later stages will be vital for finishing strong on low-scoring UAE surfaces.

6. Fatima Sana (Captain) – All-rounder

• Role: Medium-fast bowler, lower-order batter.
• Strength: Leader with reliable pace bowling and useful lower-order hitting.
• UAE Impact: Fatima’s swing bowling will be key to making early breakthroughs, while her batting can provide crucial runs in pressure situations.

7. Omaima Sohail – All-rounder

• Role: Middle-order batter, part-time bowler.
• Strength: Handy with both bat and ball, flexible in roles.
• UAE Impact: Omaima’s contributions with bat and ball will be essential in ensuring balance, particularly as a second spin option in turning conditions.

8. Sadia Iqbal – Left-arm Spinner

• Role: Left-arm orthodox spinner.
• Strength: Economical and wicket-taking option in the middle overs.
• UAE Impact: Sadia’s left-arm spin will be crucial on UAE’s slow, spin-friendly pitches, where she can choke the opposition’s scoring rate.

9. Nashra Sandhu – Left-arm Spinner

• Role: Left-arm spinner.
• Strength: Consistent wicket-taker, strong in middle overs.
• UAE Impact: Sundhu’s ability to turn the ball will be vital in the middle overs to break partnerships and take advantage of spin-friendly conditions.

10. Diana Baig – Fast Bowler

• Role: Right-arm fast bowler.
• Strength: Capable of generating pace and swing with the new ball.
• UAE Impact: Baig’s ability to extract movement early on UAE pitches can create early breakthroughs and put pressure on the opposition.

11. Tuba Hassan – Leg-spinner

• Role: Leg-spin bowler.
• Strength: A promising leg-spinner, skilled at taking wickets in crucial moments.
• UAE Impact: Tuba’s leg-spin will be vital in exploiting the turning conditions in the UAE, offering Pakistan a reliable wicket-taking option in the middle overs.

Also READ: Jess Jonassen picks ??her favourite team for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024; also reveals four se?mi-finalists

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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Babar Azam has announced his resignation from the role of white-ball captain for Pakistan on Tuesday (October 1), following a series of disa??ppo??inting performances under his leadership.

Challenges and difficulties in the second term

This decision comes in the wake of a challenging period for the team, during which Babar was initially removed from the captaincy due to a lackluster showing in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. He was reinstated just three months later, in March 2024. Babar’s second term as captain was fraught with difficulties, notably marked by Pakistan’s early exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup. The team faced a shocking defeat to the USA and lost to arch-rivals India, despite being in a strong position during that match. These results further deepened concerns regarding leadership and strategy within Pakistani cricket.

Emotional announcement and focus on batting

In an emotional statement shared on social media, Babar revealed his choice to step down as Pakistan’s white-ball captain. He cited a desire to focus exclusively on his batting, acknowledging that his performance during the 2023-24 season has not met expectations. By resigning, he aims to improve his game witho?ut the pressures that accompany the captaincy role. In his announcement, Babar also expressed heartfelt appreciation for his fans, thanking them for their unwavering support throughout his journey. He emphasized that stepping down from the captaincy would allow him to gain clarity and concentrate on enhancing his skills and personal growth as a cricketer.

Crucial leadership decision ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy

With the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) likely looking to fill the leadership void following Babar’s departure, the timing of this decision becomes crucial. The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan in February and March 2025, will be an important opportunity for the team to establish a solid captaincy foundation. As the team prepares for this prestigious tournament, they must ?ensure a capable leader is in place to guide th??em through the challenges ahead.

Also READ: Shoaib Malik reve??als his choice for Paki?stan’s next white-ball captain

3 potential replacements for Babar Azam as Pakistan’s ODI and T20I captain:

1. Shadab Khan

Features That Make Him Like Babar:

• Calm Under Pressure: Like Babar, Shadab stays composed in high-pressure situations. His ability to lead Islamabad United to a PSL title and his domestic team’s victory in the Champions One Day Cup reflects Babar’s calm and focused leadership during tense moments.
• Strategic Mindset: Shadab has a deep understanding of the game, similar to Babar, making tactical decisions and reading match situations effectively, whether it’s rotating the bowlers or setting field positions.

Strengths:

• All-Rounder Contributions: Shadab’s capability to contribute with both bat and ball mirrors Babar’s role as a captain who leads by performance.
• Leadership Experience: Shadab has proven his leadership abilities in both the PSL and domestic tournaments, showcasing his ability to inspire and guide his team like Babar does for Pakistan.

Weaknesses:

• Inconsistency with the Bat: While Shadab is a talented all-rounder, his form with the bat can fluctuate, similar to the early challenges Babar faced before becoming a more consistent performer.

USP: His ability to contribute in all facets of the game, much like Babar, makes him a valuable as??set as?? both a player and a leader.

2. Mohammad Rizwan

Features That Make Him Like Babar:

• Consistency Across Formats: Like Babar, Rizwan has shown remarkable consistency across formats. Both players are pillars of the team, providing stability and performing when it matters most.
• Calm and Methodical Approach: Rizwan’s calm demeanor, especially behind the stumps, is similar to Babar’s calm leadership with the bat. Both possess a thoughtful and calculated approach to their game.

Strengths:

• Wicketkeeping Mindset: Rizwan’s ability to adjust field placements and analyze match situations from behind the stumps is akin to Babar’s strategic thinking as a captain.
• Form Across Formats: Rizwan, like Babar, has been in excellent form across formats, ensuring that he leads by example with the bat.

Weaknesses:

• Risk-Taking in Aggressive Plays: While Babar plays a more controlled, anchoring role, Rizwan’s aggressive approach can sometimes lead to risky decisions, which may backfire under pressure.

USP: Rizwan’s sharp tactical mind as a wicketkeeper?? and his ability to influence games with his batting make him a natural leader, much like?? Babar’s steady influence with the bat.

3. Fakhar Zaman

Features That Make Him Like Babar:

• Explosive Batting: Fakhar is renowned for his aggressive batting style, which can change the course of a match quickly, similar to Babar’s ability to stabilize the innings when required.
• Game-Changer: His capacity to deliver match-winning performances under pressure showcases his potential to lead, much like Babar’s role in the team.

Strengths:

• Match-Winning Ability: Fakhar has the talent to score big runs, especially in limited-overs formats, which can inspire and motivate the team, akin to how Babar leads with his batting prowess.
• Experience in Big Matches: Having performed in critical tournaments, including the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final, Fakhar understands the intensity of high-stakes games and can make crucial decisions under pressure.

Weaknesses:

• Inconsistent Performance: While he possesses explosive potential, Fakhar can be inconsistent at times, which may pose a challenge in maintaining form as a captain.
• Fielding Concerns: His fielding has been an area of concern, which may impact the team dynamics if not addressed.

USP: Fakhar’s ability to change the course of a game with his batting makes him a compelling candidate f?or captaincy, bringing excitement and energy to the role.

Also READ: Pakistan legend Shahid Afridi reveals his choice for Babar Azam’s successor in wh??ite-ball cricket

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Babar Azam, the skipper of Pakistan men’s cricket team, has announced his resignation from the white-ball captaincy, a decision that comes in the wake of a disappointing run for the national side. The announcement was made on Tuesday night (October 1), as Babar expressed his desire to focus more on his performance as a player and to alleviate the pressures associated with captaincy.

Reason for Babar Azam’s resignation

In a post shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Babar stated, “Dear Fans, I’m sharing some news with you today. I have decided to resign as captain of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, effective as of my notification to the PCB and Team Management last month.” 

He elaborated that while le?ading the team had been an honour, it ha?d also added significant workload that impacted his ability to enjoy his batting and spend quality time with family.

Babar’s resignation follows a tumultuous period for Pakistan cricket. After being reappointed as captain earlier this year following a brief stint under Shaheen Afridi, Babar faced challenges during international competitions. Under his leadership, Pakistan’s performance in the T20 World Cup was particularly disappointing, highlighted by an early exit after losses to co-hosts the USA and arch-rivals India.

Impact on Pakistan Cricket

Babar’s tenure saw him lead Pakistan in 43 ODIs and 85 T20Is since taking over in 2019. Despite some successes, including reaching the final of the 2022 T20 World Cup, recent performances have raised questions about the team’s direction. His resignation adds to the ongoing uncertainty regarding Pakistan’s leadership structure as they prepare for upcoming tours of Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is now tasked with finding a new captain ahead of these crucial series. Notably, Pakistan haven’t played an ODI since the 2023 World Cup and there last T20I was against Ireland at the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Also READ: Vaibhav Suryavanshi becomes youngest batter to score a century in professional cricket; surpass?es Babar Azam and Najmul Hossain Shanto

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The much-anticipated ninth edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup has undergone a significant shift in venue due to political instability in Bangladesh, moving the tournament to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The competition, featuring ten teams, is set to provide intense cricketing action, with Group A consisting of Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, while Group B will see Bangladesh, England, South Africa, West Indies and newcomers Scotland battle it out. The opening match on October 3 will witness Bangladesh facing Scotland, who will be making their debut in the prestigious tournamen?t.

Tournament format and warm-up matches

Ahead of the official matches, all ten participati?ng teams will engage in warm-up fixtures to prepare for the main event. These practice games, spread across three venues in Dubai from September 28 to October 1, will be 20-over contests, though they will not carry T20I status??. Each team is set to play two warm-up matches, providing them with an opportunity to rotate their 15-member squads and test different strategies before the real action begins.

Also READ: Kate Cross, Tammy Beaumont ??predict the winner?? of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

India Women Warm-up Fixtures for Women’s T20 World Cup 2024:

The India Women’s cricket team will participate in two warm-up matches as part of the Women’s T20 World Cup. Their first match is against West Indies Women on September 29, at the ICC Academy Ground No 2 in Dubai. This fixture will serve as an important opportunity for the team to fine-tune their strategies and performance ahead of the tournament. The second warm-up match is scheduled for October 1, where India Women will face South Africa Women at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai. Both matches are crucial for building team cohesion and assessing player form before the main event.

Complete Warm-up Fixtures for Women’s T20 World Cup 2024:

Broadcast and Live-streaming details

Cricket fans across the globe can tune into the live action as the Women’s T20 World Cup warmp games will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network in India, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all matches. For those on the go, live streaming will be available through the Disney+ Hotstar app and website, as well as on the FanCode app and?? platform, allowing fans to catch?? every ball and moment of the tournament from wherever they are.

Also READ: Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: Bollywood actress?? Alia Bhatt comes up with a special message for Team India fans

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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Afghanistan’s captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, made an intriguing forecast regarding the teams likely to reach the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals, which will take place in Pakistan next year. This tournament will mark Pakistan’s first significant multi-nation event since the Asia Cup in 2008.

Context of Pakistan’s recent cricketing events

While Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup 2023, the matches involving India were shifted to Sri Lanka due to security concerns. As a result, only four matches of that tournament occurred in Pakistan, with the rest—nine games, including the final—held in Sri Lanka. India, fresh off their victory in the T20 World Cup 2024, has not played in Pakistan since 2008. Given the ongoing tensions, it seems unlikely that the Men in Blue will make the trip for the CT 2025. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to suggest a hybrid model, allowing the Indian team to conduct their matches in Sri Lanka or the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Also READ: Will Champions Trophy shift from Pakistan after Jay Shah’s appointme??nt as the ICC chairman?

Hashmatullah Shahidi’s semi-finalist for the Champions Trophy 2025

During a podcast with an Indian journalist, Shahidi was asked to name the four teams he anticipates will reach the semi-finals of the CT 2025. Shahidi selected Afghanistan, India, England, and Australia, notably omitting Pakistan – the host nation for the eight-team tournament. This omission led the podcast host to reference Bangladesh’s first-ever Test series victory over Pakistan, to which Shahidi responded, “The formats are different; this one is ODI now, and it’s a different format,”

Tournament details and expectations

The tournament is scheduled to begin on February 19 in Karachi, with the final taking place on March 9 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. India will compete in Group A, alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. The highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash is set for March 1 at Gaddafi Stadium, where all of India’s matches will occur. Pakistan, entering the tournament as the defending champions, aim to replicate their success from 2017, when they triumphed over India by 180 runs. The Men in Green are eager to build on their legacy and add to the tournament’s historical significance.

Also READ: Dinesh Karthik na?mes Rohit Sharma’s openi?ng partner for the Champions Trophy 2025

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