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Karakoram Plus, Islamabad (2025)

24/09/2025

Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf made history by joining Hardik Pandya, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Rashid Khan as the joint-highest wicket-taker in the history of the men’s T20I Asia Cup edition, while Shaheen Shah Afridi surpassed Shadab Khan to become Pakistan’s second-highest wicket-taker in T20Is. The explosive pace duo achieved these milestones during Pakistan’s Asia Cup Super Four clash against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Shaheen Afridi impressed with figures of 3/28 in four overs, while Haris Rauf picked up 2/37 in his four-over spell. Haris now holds 14 wickets in Asia Cup T20I matches, making him the joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament’s history. He has achieved this in nine matches at an average of 16.64, with an economy rate of 7.68 and best figures of 3/29. Meanwhile, Shaheen has climbed to 114 wickets in 90 T20Is at an average of 22.10, with his best figures being 4/22. At the top for Pakistan remains Haris with 130 wickets in 92 matches at an average of 20.95 and best figures of 4/18.
In the match itself, Pakistan won the toss and chose to field first. Sri Lanka’s innings struggled early and was reduced to 80/6, but Kamindu Mendis fought back with a composed 50 off 44 balls, including three fours and two sixes, taking his team to 133/8 in 20 overs.

23/09/2025

Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets in the Super Fours stage of the Men’s T20 Asia Cup at Abu Dhabi. After winning the toss and batting first, Sri Lanka posted 133 runs for the loss of eight wickets in the allotted 20 overs. In response, Pakistan successfully chased down the target in 18 overs with five wickets remaining. Hussain Talat, who contributed 32 runs and claimed two wickets, was named Player of the Match.

23/09/2025

Shan Masood is set to continue as Pakistan’s Test captain for the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reaffirming its confidence in him after a meeting with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and red-ball coach Azhar Mahmood. In a statement, the PCB announced that both Masood and Mahmood have been given a “free hand” with the Test side, though it did not specify what that role entails. Notably, neither the captain nor the coach is part of the Test selection committee, which currently includes Aleem Dar, Aqib Javed, Asad Shafiq, and Azhar Ali. Masood’s future had been uncertain following Pakistan’s poor run in the 2023-25 WTC cycle, where the team finished at the bottom of the table under his leadership. Speculation increased last month when Masood was demoted from the ‘B’ category to the lowest ‘D’ category in the central contracts for the 2025-26 season. His position as captain comes against a backdrop of instability in the Test coaching setup, which saw multiple changes and the controversial departure of Jason Gillespie. The PCB’s backing of Masood now signals both a turnaround in his fortunes and the possibility of a fresh start for the red-ball side. Despite questions around his batting consistency, Masood has made important contributions at the top of the order in recent Tests after moving back to the opening slot from No. 3. He scored two significant centuries—one at home against England and another in South Africa—that lifted his average into the mid-30s. His batting record has been stronger as captain than under previous leadership, though Pakistan’s results remain a concern, with nine defeats in 12 Tests under his charge. Masood, currently Pakistan’s longest-serving captain across formats given the frequent changes in white-ball leadership, now faces a crucial challenge as Pakistan prepare to host the defending WTC champions South Africa for a two-Test series in October.

23/09/2025

Follow Karakoram Plus In a crucial Super Four stage clash of the T20 Asia Cup in Abu Dhabi, Sri Lanka set Pakistan a target of 134 runs. The toss was conducted between Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha and Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka, with both sides under pressure after suffering defeats in their opening Super Four encounters. Pakistan opted to go with the same playing XI that faced India in their previous match. This is the first time Pakistan and Sri Lanka are meeting in the tournament, and both teams are desperate for a win to keep their hopes alive. Earlier, Sri Lanka were defeated by Bangladesh by four wickets, while Pakistan went down to India by six wickets.

23/09/2025

Follow Karakoram Plus As the Asia Cup 2025 moves into its decisive Super Four stage, a crucial clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is set to take place at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi at 8:00 PM IST. Both sides enter this contest under pressure after suffering defeats in their opening Super Four encounters. With the race for a place in the final heating up, this match carries enormous significance. A defeat here could virtually end either team’s hopes of progressing, making it a true high-stakes affair. Pakistan, renowned for their unpredictable flair, showed glimpses of brilliance in the group stage but faltered in their first Super Four outing against India. Their batting remains inconsistent, particularly in the middle overs where rotation of strike and partnerships have been lacking. Fakhar Zaman’s role at the top of the order will be crucial, as his performance often dictates Pakistan’s fortunes. On the bowling front, the pace duo of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf have the firepower to dismantle any batting line-up, provided they strike early. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have displayed resilience throughout the tournament. They impressed in the group stage before narrowly losing to Bangladesh in their Super Four opener. Their batting, anchored by Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, has provided stability, while their ability to handle pressure has stood out. The biggest strength of this Sri Lankan side lies in its spin attack, with Wanindu Hasaranga capable of turning the tide in the middle overs. Conditions in Abu Dhabi are expected to play a major role. The pitch generally offers seam movement early on, but as the game progresses, it slows down and begins to assist spinners. Dew is likely to be a factor in the second innings, which could make chasing an advantage. The team winning the toss may prefer to bowl first to capitalize on early seam and later dew conditions. The encounter promises a battle of contrasts—Pakistan’s pace attack against Sri Lanka’s spin arsenal. Ultimately, the outcome may hinge on which side adapts better to the conditions and handles pressure more effectively. Pakistan’s squad includes Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Afridi, and Sufyan Moqim. Sri Lanka’s squad features Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, and Janith Liyanage.

23/09/2025

Follow Karakoram Plus Quinton de K**k has made a U-turn on his ODI retirement and has been named in South Africa’s squads for both ODIs and T20Is on the upcoming Pakistan tour in October, as well as for a one-off T20I in Namibia beforehand. He had retired from 50-over cricket after the 2023 World Cup, with his last white-ball appearance for South Africa coming in the 2024 T20 World Cup final in Barbados. Although he never officially stepped away from T20Is, he was not selected in any squads under former coach Rob Walter, who himself admitted uncertainty about de K**k’s long-term plans. During this period, de K**k continued to feature prominently in franchise T20 leagues, most recently in the Caribbean Premier League. South Africa’s current head coach, Shukri Conrad, confirmed that he had held discussions with de K**k, who has now reaffirmed his commitment to the national team. “Quinton’s return to the white-ball space is a major boost for us. When we spoke last month about his future, it was clear that he still has a strong ambition to represent his country. Everyone knows the quality he brings to the side, and having him back can only benefit the team,” Conrad said. When announcing his ODI retirement, de K**k had left the door slightly ajar for a possible comeback, acknowledging that South Africa’s home World Cup in 2027 might tempt him. At the time, he remarked, “At this point, I don’t foresee it happening. But you never know. Strange things happen in life. It could be a possibility but I don’t think so.” Over the course of his career, de K**k has played 155 ODIs, scoring 6770 runs at an average of 45.74 and a strike rate of 96.64. In T20Is, he has represented South Africa 92 times, accumulating 2584 runs at a strike rate of 138.32. He featured in three ODI World Cups — 2015, 2019, and 2023 — and the only ICC tournament he has missed since his ODI retirement was the Champions Trophy earlier this year, where South Africa exited in the semi-finals.

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22/09/2025

Nashra Sandhu has carved her name into Pakistan’s cricketing history with a landmark performance in the third ODI against South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The 27-year-old left-arm spinner became only the third Pakistani woman to reach 100 wickets in One-Day Internationals, joining the elite company of Sana Mir and Nida Dar. For Nashra, who made her debut against South Africa in Colombo back in 2017, achieving the milestone against the same opposition on home soil was poetic. She reached her 100th wicket by dismissing Miane Smit in the 11th over and went on to deliver a dream spell, finishing with career-best figures of 9-2-26-6. It was her maiden five-wicket haul in the format and the second-best bowling performance by a Pakistan woman in ODIs, behind Sanjjida Shah’s 7 for 4. Her victims on the day included Sune Luus, Smit, Sinalo Jafta, Anneke Bosch, Chloe Tryon, and Nadine de Klerk, as South Africa crumbled to 115 all out in just 26 overs. The milestone carried added weight, as Nashra had gone wicketless in the first two games of the series. But her comeback in the decider underlined her resilience and ability to deliver when it mattered most. Since her debut, she has been a vital part of Pakistan’s spin department, claiming over 100 wickets in 75 matches at an average under 27 and an economy rate of just above 4. Her consistency stems from her control, subtle variations, and knack for troubling batters of both hands. Nashra’s career has already featured standout performances, none more memorable than her four-wicket haul against India during the 2017 Women’s World Cup in Derby. That spell, despite Pakistan’s defeat, showcased her potential on the global stage. Over the years, she has added depth to Pakistan’s bowling attack, ensuring the transition from veterans like Sana Mir and Nida Dar has been smoother. Her ability to tie down batters in the middle overs and break crucial partnerships has made her one of Pakistan’s most reliable bowlers. With the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 around the corner, Nashra’s milestone has come at a perfect time. Pakistan will rely heavily on her accuracy and skill on batting-friendly subcontinental pitches, where her variations could prove decisive. At just 27, she has many years left at the international level, and with continued consistency, she could challenge Mir and Dar’s tallies to become Pakistan’s all-time leading wicket-taker in ODIs. For now, Nashra’s achievement is more than just a number—it is a symbol of her growth, perseverance, and the promise of a bright future for Pakistan’s women’s cricket. Her six-wicket haul in Lahore has already secured her a special place in the record books, and it may just be the beginning of an even greater legacy.

22/09/2025

Follow Karakoram Plus
Nashra Sandhu produced the second-best bowling figures for Pakistan in women’s ODIs to set up a consolation six-wicket win over South Africa in the third ODI in Lahore. The left-arm spinner tore through South Africa’s top order, finishing with 6 for 26 in nine overs to bowl them out for just 115. In the chase, Sidra Amin capped off a remarkable series with an unbeaten 50, guiding Pakistan to the target in 31 overs. Despite the defeat, South Africa claimed the series 2-1. South Africa opted to bat and got off to a brisk start as Laura Wolvaardt and Karabo Meso added 38 in 6.4 overs. Wolvaardt was the early aggressor, striking boundaries off both Fatima Sana and Diana Baig. A worrying moment came for Pakistan when Sana was struck on the shin by a Wolvaardt drive and had to be stretchered off, though she returned later to the field without bowling. Sune Luus also looked positive, but the momentum shifted once Sandhu entered the attack. She struck in her second delivery to dismiss Luus for 10, and shortly after Omaima Sohail removed Meso with a caught-and-bowled effort. From there, Sandhu dominated. On a spin-friendly pitch, she knocked over Miane Smit, trapped Sinalo Jafta lbw, and had Anneke Bosch caught. She then produced a superb delivery to castle Chloe Tryon, claiming her maiden five-wicket haul. Sandhu’s sixth came when Nadine de Klerk was given out lbw, a decision that left the batter frustrated. South Africa’s lower order offered brief resistance, with Masabata Klaas striking a couple of boundaries, but Syeda Aroob Shah cleaned up the tail, dismissing Ayabonga Khaka and Nonkululeko Mlaba to wrap up the innings in 25.5 overs. Pakistan’s reply began shakily as Omaima Sohail fell first ball to Mlaba, but Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin settled things with a 65-run stand for the second wicket. After a quiet passage of play, Amin broke free with a flurry of runs, while Muneeba struck boundaries of her own. De Klerk briefly pulled things back by removing both Muneeba and Sana in quick succession, but Amin held firm. She kept finding gaps, maintained the tempo, and fittingly struck the winning runs off Luus. Her scores of 121*, 122, and 50* across the three matches gave her an outstanding series tally of 293 runs, as Pakistan signed off with a victory.

22/09/2025

Follow Karakoram Plus South Africa have announced their squads for the upcoming tour of Pakistan, but Test and ODI captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out due to a calf strain. The 35-year-old sustained the injury during the recent white-ball series in England and is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks. In his absence, Aiden Markram will lead the Test side. The biggest development is the return of Quinton de K**k, who has reversed his retirement from one-day internationals. The wicketkeeper-batter, who last featured for South Africa in the T20 World Cup final in June 2024, has been included in both the ODI and T20I squads for the Pakistan tour. In the Test squad, off-spinner Simon Harmer makes a comeback after last featuring in March 2023. He will add experience to the spin department alongside Senuran Muthusamy and Prenelan Subrayen, while first-choice spinner Keshav Maharaj will only be available from the second Test due to a groin injury. With spin-friendly conditions expected, head coach Shukri Conrad emphasized the importance of squad depth. On the limited-overs side, South Africa have opted to rest most of their all-format players, with only Corbin Bosch and Dewald Brevis featuring across formats. David Miller will captain the T20I side, while Matthew Breetzke has been handed the responsibility of leading the ODI squad. Before traveling to Pakistan, the Proteas will also play a T20I in Namibia to inaugurate a new stadium in Windhoek, where Donovan Ferreira will captain a youthful team. Conrad explained the changes, noting that Bavuma’s calf strain requires careful management to ensure his full recovery ahead of the India tour in November. He expressed confidence in the Test squad’s experience in subcontinental conditions and their ability to meet the challenge. South Africa’s tour of Pakistan will feature two Tests, three T20Is, and three ODIs. It will be followed by an extended tour of India, which serves as an important part of their build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup. The Test squad includes Aiden Markram (captain), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj (second Test only), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, and Kyle Verreynne. The ODI squad features Matthew Breetzke (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de K**k, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and Sinethemba Qeshile. The T20I squad comprises David Miller (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de K**k, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, and Lizaad Williams.

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22/09/2025

Follow Karakoram Plus Akeal Hosein played the decisive role in helping Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) claim their fifth CPL title with both ball and bat. He first took two key wickets to restrict Guyana Amazon Warriors to 130, and then returned in the final stages of a tense chase to smash an unbeaten 16 off just seven balls. Walking in at 116 for 7 with TKR needing 15 runs from 22 balls, Hosein sealed the contest in style by striking a six and a four off consecutive deliveries from Gudakesh Motie, sparking jubilant celebrations for his side. The home crowd in Providence was silenced despite hopes raised by their veteran captain Imran Tahir, who at 46 years old delivered a brilliant spell of 3 for 34, including the wickets of Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell off successive balls. But Guyana’s batting effort had already shown signs of fragility. Alex Hales struggled for fluency with 26 from 34 balls while wickets kept tumbling around him, and the highest score of the match came from Iftikhar Ahmed, who made 30 to give Amazon Warriors some stability after they slumped to 65 for 5 in the 12th over. Contributions from Dwaine Pretorius (25 off 18) and Romario Shepherd (13 off 9) helped them double their score in the last eight overs, while Saurabh Netravalkar impressed with 3 for 25, removing both Pretorius and Iftikhar. Earlier, Andre Russell struck in the opening over to remove Quentin Sampson for a duck, but Ben McDermott counter-attacked with a quick 28 off 17, striking boundaries off Hosein. His dismissal by Netravalkar at deep midwicket triggered a collapse, as Hosein bowled out Shai Hope for 12 and later dismissed Shimron Hetmyer for 4. Usman Tariq also chipped in by cleaning up Moeen Ali for 10. The late push from the middle and lower order ensured Guyana reached a fighting total, though it still seemed below par. TKR’s chase began briskly when Colin Munro punished Romario Shepherd in a wayward 22-run over, but Pretorius struck back to remove him. Captain Nicholas Pooran labored for eight deliveries before departing for just one, while Darren Bravo fell lbw to Tahir, leaving TKR at 55 for 3 after eight overs. The pressure mounted as Moeen Ali and Tahir tied down the batters, but Sunil Narine broke the shackles with two sixes off Motie in the 12th over to bring the equation close to a run a ball. Momentum swung once again as Shamar Joseph dismissed Narine, only for Pollard to reignite TKR’s hopes with three massive sixes against Tahir in the 14th over, leaving just 22 needed off 36. However, Tahir struck back immediately, bowling Pollard with a googly and then dismissing Russell with the very next delivery. When Joseph claimed a return catch off Hales in the 17th over, Amazon Warriors sensed an unlikely turnaround. Yet, Hosein’s calm and explosive finish ensured there would be no miracle, as TKR closed the contest to secure their record-extending fifth title.

22/09/2025

Follow Karakoram Plus Tom Banton clipped Craig Young’s first delivery into the leg side for a single, sealing the victory for England. They wrapped up the match with 17 balls remaining and secured the series 2-0.

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21/09/2025

Follow Karakoram Plus For around 10 overs, Pakistan gave a glimpse of what has become rare in recent years—a truly memorable contest against India. However, they eventually ran out of steam against the depth and consistency of India’s bowling attack. Their total of 171 was the highest Pakistan have ever managed batting first against India, but like so many times before, it wasn’t enough, ending in yet another defeat, this time with seven balls to spare. India’s chase was dominated by Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, who never looked troubled as they set the tone early, beginning with a six off the very first ball. The pair put on a commanding 105-run stand for the first wicket in just 59 deliveries, ensuring that India’s middle order was left with little pressure when runs became harder to score against the older ball. Gill contributed a brisk 47 from 28 balls, while Abhishek, who had earlier dropped Sahibzada Farhan—Pakistan’s top scorer—made amends with a superb 74 off 39. By the time he was dismissed, India required only 49 runs from 46 balls, leaving them firmly in control of the match.

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