Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed found himself facing questions away from the cricketing action after the second day's play in the second Test against England at Lord's. During the press conference, the coach was asked about the controversy surrounding a Sky Sports interview featuring the sons of former Pakistan captain Imran Khan.

Sarfaraz appeared uncomfortable with the subject and attempted to steer the conversation back toward cricket. When questioned about the matter, he said he was not aware of any discussions between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) concerning the interview.

Sarfaraz Says He Has No Information

The Pakistan coach made it clear that the issue was not something he had been involved with. He indicated that he did not know about any communication between the two cricket boards over Michael Atherton's interview with Imran Khan's sons.

When the subject was raised, Sarfaraz repeatedly maintained that he had no information about the matter and appeared eager to move past the question.

Interview Becomes Talking Point

The controversy centers on Michael Atherton's interview with Imran Khan's sons. The issue has attracted attention beyond the cricket field, with questions reportedly being raised about the circumstances surrounding the interview and whether the PCB and ECB had discussed it.

Sarfaraz was therefore asked to clarify the Pakistan team's position during the post-match media interaction. However, rather than offering details, he distanced himself from the matter.

Press Conference Held After Day Two

The questions came during Sarfaraz's media interaction following the second day's action in the Test at Lord's. Normally, such press conferences focus on the team's performance, tactics and match situation, but the interview controversy became an unexpected topic.

The Pakistan coach's responses suggested that he was not in a position to provide information about any discussions involving the two boards.

Cricket Remains the Main Focus

With the Test series underway, Sarfaraz's immediate responsibility remains preparing the Pakistan side for the remainder of the match. The questions about Imran Khan's sons, however, brought an off-field issue into the spotlight during his media appearance.

Twenty-one former international cricket captains from nine countries have urged Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure proper medical care and humane treatment for former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan, according to news agency PTI. The appeal comes amid concerns over Khan's reported health problems in custody, including an alleged major loss of vision in his right eye.

The former cricketers' intervention follows an earlier appeal by 14 former captains around six months ago. The latest letter specifically raises questions about the implementation of a Pakistan Supreme Court order concerning Khan's medical examination. According to the letter, the court had directed that Khan undergo a comprehensive assessment by a medical board that would include his personal doctors and his sister, Uzma Khan. The former captains said Khan was instead examined for several hours by a government-appointed medical team at Islamabad's Shifa International Hospital before being declared medically fit and returned to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. They argued that the court-directed medical board had not completed its assessment. The appeal includes prominent former Indian captains Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, along with other former leaders of international cricket. The signatories said their intervention was motivated by their shared connection through the sport rather than by political considerations.

Three demands to Shehbaz Sharif

The former captains have asked the Pakistan government to ensure that the Supreme Court's directions are fully implemented. Their first request is for the court-directed medical board, including Khan's personal physicians, to conduct a complete and independent assessment, with particular attention to the reported deterioration in his right-eye vision.

They have also urged authorities to ensure that Khan's weekly family visitation rights, which were reinstated by the Supreme Court, are provided without administrative delays or obstruction. Their third demand is that any treatment recommended by the medical board should be made available without delay.

The former cricketers said medical care should be treated separately from the political and legal disputes surrounding Khan's imprisonment. Their appeal comes as concerns about the former Pakistan prime minister's health have remained a subject of public and political attention.

Concerns over medical assessment

The dispute centres on whether the medical process followed in Khan's case fully complied with the Supreme Court's directions. The former captains contend that the examination by the government-appointed medical team did not satisfy the requirement for a broader medical board assessment involving Khan's own doctors.

The signatories have particularly highlighted reports concerning Khan's eyesight. They argued that such concerns make a comprehensive examination important and called for the process ordered by the court to be completed rather than replaced by a shorter assessment.

The appeal also comes against the backdrop of Khan's prolonged imprisonment and continuing political tensions in Pakistan. The former cricketers have sought to keep their intervention focused on medical care and the implementation of judicial directions rather than the wider arguments over his legal cases.

Their letter said ensuring that a court-ordered medical process is completed should be viewed as a basic humanitarian matter, regardless of the political or legal disputes surrounding Khan. The request now places the Pakistan government under renewed attention over how the former cricket captain's medical needs and court-directed rights are being handled in custody.

England captain reaches another milestone against Pakistan as his 66-run knock helps hosts build a big first-innings lead at Headingley

Root matches Tendulkar record

England captain Joe Root has equalled Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most half-centuries in Test cricket, reaching his 68th fifty during the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley.

Root, 35, scored 66 runs on the second day of the Test on Thursday, August 20, adding another landmark to his already remarkable career.

With his latest fifty-plus score, Root moved level with Tendulkar, who also recorded 68 Test half-centuries during his international career.

The England batter now sits at the top of the list alongside the Indian great, while West Indies legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul is third with 66 fifties.

Root moves past two legends

Root’s latest milestone also saw him move clear of former Australia captain Allan Border and India great Rahul Dravid.

Border and Dravid finished their Test careers with 63 half-centuries each, three fewer than Root and five behind Tendulkar's tally.

The achievement further underlines Root's consistency in the longest format. Unlike a record based solely on centuries, the fifty-plus tally reflects how regularly a batter has contributed substantial scores without necessarily converting every start into three figures.

Root's 66 against Pakistan therefore adds to a statistical record built over years of sustained Test cricket.

Fifth among Test captains

Root has also entered the top five among captains for the most 50-plus scores in Test cricket.

Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith leads that list with 61 such scores. Australia's Ricky Ponting is second with 54, followed by Allan Border with 51.

Pakistan's Misbah-ul-Haq occupies fourth position with 43, while Root has now moved into fifth place.

The latest achievement comes soon after Root returned to the England captaincy following Ben Stokes' retirement.

Root returns as England captain

Root originally became England's Test captain in February 2017 after Alastair Cook stepped down.

He was England's 80th Test captain and remained in the position until April 2022, when he resigned and Stokes took over.

Stokes retired from international cricket in July 2026, paving the way for Root to return to the leadership role.

His latest innings therefore came in his first Test series back as captain, adding extra significance to the record.

England dominate second day

Root's 66 was part of a strong batting display by England in the first Test.

England reached 366 for eight at stumps on Day 2, giving them a substantial 195-run first-innings lead over Pakistan.

Harry Brook was England's leading scorer with 91, while Jordan Cox contributed 73. Dan Lawrence also made a half-century, scoring 51.

Root and Cox put together a century partnership that helped England establish control after Pakistan were dismissed for 171 in their first innings.

Pakistan face uphill battle

Pakistan's first-innings total of 171 left England with a significant advantage, and the hosts capitalised by putting together a strong response.

Cox's 73 and Root's 66 provided the stability needed in the middle order, while Brook's 91 pushed England's lead towards a commanding position.

By the close of play, England had eight wickets down but remained comfortably ahead on the scoreboard.

For Root, however, the day's play was about more than England's lead. His 68th Test fifty brought him level with Tendulkar, while also moving him beyond several of the game's most celebrated batters in the overall fifty-plus rankings.

At 35, Root now has another statistical milestone within reach: moving outright ahead of Tendulkar for the most Test half-centuries.

Kingston: Pakistan's batting mainstay Babar Azam came agonisingly close to ending one of the longest and most talked-about droughts of his Test career, only to suffer a heartbreaking run-out on 88 against the West Indies. The dismissal not only ended a promising innings but also extended his wait for a Test century to more than 1,300 days, leaving the former Pakistan captain visibly devastated on the field.

The defining image of the day came moments after the dismissal. Babar remained on his knees near the crease even after television replays confirmed that he had failed to make his ground. His bat was stretched desperately towards the crease, but the stumps had already been broken. While West Indies players celebrated the breakthrough, Babar stayed motionless for several seconds, reflecting the disappointment of letting another opportunity slip away.

The right-handed batter looked in complete control throughout his innings. He scored 88 runs off 147 deliveries, striking 10 boundaries and one six. More importantly, he played a crucial role in rescuing Pakistan after the early loss of two wickets. Batting alongside Abdullah Shafique, Babar stitched together a 183-run partnership for the third wicket, putting Pakistan in a commanding position in reply to the West Indies' first-innings total.

Unlike many of his recent innings, Babar's knock was built on patience and composure rather than aggressive stroke play. He negotiated the new ball confidently, handled the spinners comfortably, and gradually settled into his rhythm. As the innings progressed, it appeared increasingly likely that he would finally register the Test century that had eluded him for years. However, a mix-up while attempting a quick single brought an abrupt end to the innings.

Television replays showed Babar diving desperately to make his ground after turning back midway through the run. Despite extending his bat as far as possible, he fell just short of the crease. The dismissal proved especially painful because he had already done the hard work required to build a substantial innings and was only 12 runs away from reaching three figures.

Babar's last Test century came on December 26, 2022, against New Zealand in Karachi, where he scored a magnificent 161. Since then, he has crossed the fifty-run mark on several occasions but has repeatedly failed to convert promising starts into hundreds. By the time he was dismissed for 88 against the West Indies, his wait for another Test century had stretched to 1,317 days, leaving his tally of Test hundreds stuck at nine.

For a batter once regarded among the finest across all formats, the prolonged absence of a Test hundred has become an unusual statistic. During the peak of his career, Babar built his reputation on converting starts into match-defining centuries. His ability to bat for long periods and dominate bowling attacks consistently placed him among the world's elite batters. However, that conversion rate has noticeably declined in the longest format over the past few years.

Although Babar ended his overall international century drought by scoring an unbeaten ODI hundred against Sri Lanka in November 2025, success in Test cricket has continued to evade him. Every innings since then has carried additional scrutiny, with fans and experts waiting for the former captain to rediscover the consistency that once defined his red-ball career.

Despite missing out on the landmark, Babar's innings played a significant role in strengthening Pakistan's position in the match. His partnership with Abdullah Shafique helped the visitors recover from early setbacks and put them in control against the West Indies bowling attack. The innings also showed encouraging signs of rhythm and confidence, even though it ultimately ended in disappointment.

The dismissal has once again sparked discussions among former cricketers and analysts about Babar's inability to convert solid starts into centuries in Test cricket. While many believe his fluent 88 indicates that another hundred may not be far away, others point out that finishing innings has become the biggest challenge in his recent red-ball career. With Pakistan scheduled to play more Test cricket later this year, all eyes will remain on whether one of the modern game's finest batters can finally bring an end to his lengthy wait for a Test hundred.

Chasing a target of 211, Pakistan were bowled out for just 120 in 40.2 overs as West Indies pace spearhead Jayden Seales produced a match-winning spell, claiming 5 wickets for 35 runs. The defeat also extended Pakistan's disappointing overseas Test record, marking their eighth consecutive loss away from home.

Pakistan Collapse in Run Chase

Pakistan resumed the day needing 211 runs for victory but never recovered after losing early wickets.

Imam-ul-Haq departed for 8, Azan Awais managed only 6, while Salman Ali Agha was dismissed without scoring before lunch. The early breakthroughs placed Pakistan under immense pressure, and the middle order failed to recover despite brief resistance.

Mohammad Rizwan and Aamir Jamal were unable to build substantial partnerships as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.

Seales Leads Outstanding Pace Attack

Twenty-three-year-old Jayden Seales once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the Caribbean's brightest fast-bowling talents.

The right-arm pacer finished with outstanding figures of 5 for 35 from 13.2 overs, registering his second five-wicket haul against Pakistan in Test cricket. His disciplined line and movement consistently troubled the Pakistani batters throughout the innings.

Justin Greaves supported him with two wickets, while experienced pacer Kemar Roach and all-rounder Shamar Joseph claimed one wicket each as the hosts completed an emphatic victory.

Babar Azam's Fighting Fifty Not Enough

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam stood firm amid the collapse, remaining unbeaten on 52 from 86 deliveries. The innings marked his 32nd half-century in Test cricket and briefly kept Pakistan's hopes alive.

Batting with the tail, Babar added 36 runs for the final wicket alongside Mohammad Abbas, who contributed seven runs. However, Seales trapped Abbas lbw to seal the victory, leaving Babar stranded at the non-striker's end.

Despite Babar's resilience, no other Pakistani batter managed to convert their start into a meaningful contribution.

Shan Masood Battled Through Injury

Pakistan captain Shan Masood played despite suffering a fractured finger during West Indies' first innings.

The injury, sustained while fielding, forced him to bat lower down the order. He was dismissed for six runs, with visible discomfort throughout his brief stay at the crease.

West Indies Lower Order Added Valuable Runs

Earlier in the day, West Indies resumed their second innings at 93 for 7 before extending their advantage through an important partnership between Shamar Joseph and Kemar Roach.

Joseph scored 32 while Roach contributed 22 as the pair added 61 runs for the eighth wicket. Their partnership proved crucial in stretching the total to 148, setting Pakistan a challenging target of 211 on a pitch offering assistance to the fast bowlers.

Those additional runs ultimately proved decisive as Pakistan failed to mount a successful chase.

Emotional Victory Dedicated to Sir Garfield Sobers

The victory carried additional emotional significance for West Indies cricket.

Had legendary all-rounder Sir Garfield Sobers been alive, he would have celebrated his 90th birthday on the same day. Following the match, West Indies captain Roston Chase dedicated the victory to the Caribbean icon.

Chase also pointed out the remarkable coincidence that West Indies had won by exactly 90 runs, matching what would have been Sobers' 90th birthday.

The result gives West Indies early control of the series heading into the second and final Test, while Pakistan will now be under pressure to respond and avoid another overseas series defeat.

The opening day's play was interrupted several times by rain, while fading light forced an early finish after just 67 overs. Despite Pakistan's disciplined bowling effort in helpful conditions, West Indies recovered well after losing three wickets to close the day in a strong position.

The Test also marked a historic occasion, with the Brian Lara Cricket Academy hosting its maiden Test match. Before the start of play, players from both teams observed a minute's silence and wore black armbands in tribute to West Indies cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers, who passed away earlier this week.

After winning the toss, West Indies captain Roston Chase opted to bat first. Pakistan's experienced seamer Mohammad Abbas immediately justified his captain's decision to bowl with tight, disciplined spells. Abbas bowled five maiden overs in his opening seven-over spell and dismissed Brandon King for 12 after the batter chopped the ball back onto his stumps. Rain then interrupted play, with West Indies reaching 23/1 at lunch after only 14.1 overs had been completed.

Conditions remained favourable for the fast bowlers after the break, but Hodge showed patience and composure while rebuilding the innings. He shared a 51-run stand with Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who made 21 before edging Aamir Jamal to second slip, where Salman Ali Agha completed the catch. Pakistan struck again soon afterwards when Abbas trapped Amir Jangoo lbw for 21. The on-field decision was overturned following a successful review by Pakistan captain Babar Azam, leaving West Indies at 106/3.

With Pakistan sensing an opportunity to dominate, Hodge and Hope steadied the innings through disciplined batting. Hodge brought up the fourth Test half-century of his career with a crisp boundary and continued to frustrate Pakistan's attack with assured stroke play and sound defence. By stumps, he had faced 181 balls, striking nine fours, while Hope remained unbeaten after occupying the crease for 91 deliveries.

Pakistan's bowlers continued to create pressure throughout the final session, but wickets proved elusive. Abbas finished the day as the visitors' standout performer with figures of 2/44 from 19 overs, while Jamal claimed one wicket. Debutant spinner Ali Usman and the rest of the attack kept the scoring rate under control, although they were unable to break the resilient fourth-wicket partnership.

The final session was characterised by patient batting rather than aggressive stroke play, with neither batter taking unnecessary risks as deteriorating light made conditions increasingly difficult. Remarkably, no boundary was scored during the closing passage of play as both teams settled into a tactical battle before the umpires called an early halt.

West Indies will resume Day 2 in a favourable position with two well-set batters at the crease, while Pakistan will be eager to strike early and prevent the hosts from building a commanding first-innings total in the opening match of the two-Test series.

According to an ICC media release, the 32-year-old left-arm spinner returned a positive test for Carboxy-THC after Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2026 match against the Netherlands in Colombo on February 7. Nawaz admitted the offence and demonstrated that the substance had been used out-of-competition and in a manner unrelated to sporting performance — a distinction the ICC's own classification system draws between performance-enhancing substances and what it terms "substances of abuse."

As a result, Nawaz has accepted a three-month period of ineligibility, backdated to May 1, 2026 — the date he began a voluntary provisional suspension. That period will be reduced to just one month once he completes a substance abuse treatment programme to the ICC's satisfaction. Having already served two and a half months under the voluntary suspension, his ban has now been lifted, and he will face no further period of ineligibility provided he completes the required treatment programme.

In line with the ICC's Anti-Doping Code, Nawaz's match records between February 7 and May 1 have been disqualified as a consequence of the finding. He had played all seven of Pakistan's matches during their T20 World Cup campaign, and continued turning out for Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League through the period covered by the suspension, with his most recent PSL appearance coming on April 29 — matches that will now be affected by the same record disqualification.

The timing worked out relatively favourably for Pakistan's international schedule: the team had no white-ball commitments during Nawaz's period of ineligibility, limiting the practical disruption to the side. Nawaz remains primarily a white-ball specialist for Pakistan — while he has played six Test matches in his career, his last Test appearance came nearly four years ago. The Pakistan Cricket Board declined to offer official comment when approached on the matter.

With the suspension now lifted and the reduced ineligibility period tied to his treatment programme, Nawaz is expected to be available for Pakistan's white-ball commitments going forward, pending completion of the ICC's required process.

The PCB announced the Test squad on Sunday ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies. While Masood has been retained in the squad as a player, he will no longer lead the team.

The move follows a difficult period for Pakistan in red-ball cricket. The national side has lost its last seven Test matches, equalling one of the longest losing streaks in the country's Test history. The results intensified pressure on the leadership group and prompted a review of the team’s direction before a busy international schedule.

PCB High-Performance Director Aaqib Javed said the team had repeatedly failed to convert winning positions into victories. According to PCB officials, concerns were raised not only about results but also about on-field decision-making during crucial moments of matches.

Masood’s removal ends a challenging captaincy spell. He led Pakistan in 16 Test matches, with the team suffering 12 defeats during that period. Statistics from Pakistan’s Test history show that no captain had previously lost as many as 12 of his first 16 matches in charge.

Despite the disappointing team results, Masood’s individual form remained one of the few positives. His batting average improved after taking over the captaincy, and he contributed two centuries and seven half-centuries during his tenure. PCB officials acknowledged his performances with the bat but indicated that leadership is ultimately judged by team outcomes.

The board’s decision reflects a broader effort to stabilize the Test side before important overseas assignments. Pakistan will face the West Indies in a two-match Test series later this month. The first Test is scheduled to begin on July 25 in Tarouba, while the second match will start on August 2 in Port of Spain.

Following the Caribbean tour, Pakistan are expected to travel to England, making the upcoming series an important opportunity for the team to regain confidence and momentum.

For Babar Azam, the appointment marks a return to familiar territory. Widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s leading batters of the modern era, Babar previously captained the Test team in 20 matches. Under his leadership, Pakistan recorded 10 victories and secured notable series wins.

His previous tenure included a home Test series victory over South Africa and successful campaigns against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Those results helped establish Pakistan as a competitive Test side during that period.

However, Babar’s earlier captaincy was not without setbacks. One of the most significant disappointments came when Pakistan suffered a historic 3-0 home series defeat against England, a result that drew criticism and raised questions about the team’s long-term planning.

The PCB now appears to believe that Babar’s experience can help guide the side through a crucial phase. With a mix of senior players and emerging talent in the squad, the board will be hoping that a change in leadership can produce better results on the field.

Pakistan’s upcoming Test assignments carry added significance as the team looks to rebuild its standing in international red-ball cricket. The West Indies series will provide the first indication of whether the leadership change can spark an immediate turnaround.

Further attention is likely to remain on both Babar Azam and Shan Masood as Pakistan begin a new chapter in their Test cricket journey.

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana created history in women’s cricket after scoring the fastest fifty in Women’s T20 International history during the third T20I against Zimbabwe in Karachi on Friday. The all-rounder reached her half-century in just 15 balls, surpassing the previous world record jointly held by several international cricketers.

Record Broken in Style

The 34-year-old Pakistan skipper broke the long-standing record of New Zealand’s Sophie Devine, Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield and India’s Richa Ghosh, all of whom had scored T20I fifties in 18 balls. With this innings, Fatima Sana also registered the fastest half-century by a Pakistan batter in Women’s T20 Internationals. Earlier, Pakistan’s fastest fifty record belonged to Nida Dar, who had reached the milestone in 20 balls against South Africa in 2019.

Among Fastest Overall

Fatima Sana’s explosive innings is now also tied as the fastest fifty in overall women’s T20 cricket, including domestic competitions. Ireland’s Mary Kelly had scored a 15-ball fifty for Warwickshire in 2022, while Laura Harris achieved the same feat for Otago in 2025 in domestic cricket.

Came to Bat Late

Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first in the third T20 International match. Fatima Sana walked in to bat during the 17th over when Pakistan’s score stood at 152 for 4. She immediately attacked the Zimbabwe bowling lineup and shifted the momentum completely in Pakistan’s favour. The Pakistan captain started her innings with a boundary and continued her aggressive approach throughout the final overs.

Aggressive Strokeplay

Fatima targeted Zimbabwe bowler Kudzai Chigora early in her innings and struck four consecutive boundaries to put pressure on the opposition. Her most destructive over came against Nomvelo Sibanda during the 19th over of the innings. Fatima smashed 24 runs in the over with a sequence of boundaries and sixes. She scored 4, 4, 6, 6 and 4 in the over, leaving Zimbabwe bowlers struggling to contain the attack.

Fifty Reached in 15 Balls

Fatima Sana completed her record-breaking fifty in the final over by taking two runs off the second delivery. She remained unbeaten on 62 runs from just 19 balls at the end of the innings. Her remarkable knock included 10 boundaries and 2 sixes and came at an extraordinary strike rate. The innings has quickly become one of the most talked-about performances in women’s cricket this year.

Pakistan Posts Massive Total

Powered by Fatima Sana’s late assault and an unbeaten half-century from Saira Jabeen, Pakistan posted 223 runs for the loss of four wickets in 20 overs. It became Pakistan’s second-highest total in Women’s T20 International cricket. Interestingly, Pakistan had already registered their highest-ever T20I total earlier in the same series when they scored 237 runs.

Zimbabwe Struggle in Chase

Chasing a massive target of 224 runs, Zimbabwe failed to build partnerships and were bowled out for just 90 runs. Pakistan bowlers dominated throughout the innings and never allowed the visitors to recover after early wickets. Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu shared five wickets between them, while captain Fatima Sana also contributed with the ball by taking one wicket.

Outstanding Form in 2026

Fatima Sana has emerged as Pakistan’s standout performer in Women’s T20 cricket this year. The Pakistan skipper has scored 229 runs in five T20I innings in 2026, making her the team’s highest run-scorer in the format this year. She currently holds an impressive strike rate of 206.30, the highest among women batters who have faced more than ten deliveries this year. Earlier in February, Fatima had also played a sensational innings of 90 runs from 41 balls against South Africa.

Major Boost for Pakistan Cricket

The latest achievement is being seen as a major boost for Pakistan women’s cricket ahead of upcoming international tournaments. Cricket analysts believe Fatima Sana’s fearless batting approach and all-round abilities are helping Pakistan become more competitive in international white-ball cricket.

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Bangladesh created a landmark moment in their Test cricket history by defeating Pakistan by 104 runs in the Mirpur Test, securing their first-ever home Test victory against Pakistan. The match, played at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, witnessed dominant performances, dramatic collapses, and a match-winning spell that turned the game in Bangladesh’s favour on the final day.

Bangladesh set the tone with strong first innings

After losing the toss, Bangladesh were asked to bat first on a pitch that initially looked balanced but gradually started assisting bowlers. The home side showed patience and discipline, putting up a commanding 413 runs in their first innings.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led from the front with a composed and technically sound innings of 101 runs, anchoring the batting lineup. His century came at a crucial time when early wickets could have put Bangladesh under pressure. Alongside him, the middle order contributed steadily, ensuring Pakistan were kept on the back foot for long periods. Bangladesh’s batting effort was a clear statement of intent, showing maturity and control against a strong Pakistani bowling attack.

🇵🇰 Pakistan respond strongly with debut brilliance

In reply, Pakistan showed resilience and fought back strongly. Debutant opener Azaan Awais made an immediate impact on international cricket, scoring a brilliant 103-run century. His innings stood out for confidence, timing, and patience, helping Pakistan stay competitive in the match.

Supporting him, Pakistan’s middle order also delivered valuable contributions. Abdullah Faseeh scored 60 runs, while Salman Agha (58) and Mohammad Rizwan (59) added stability to the innings. Despite these efforts, Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 386 runs, giving Bangladesh a narrow but important 27-run first-innings lead. For Bangladesh, Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the standout bowler, claiming 5 wickets, while Taijul Islam and Taskin Ahmed picked up two wickets each, maintaining pressure throughout.

Bangladesh build pressure with second innings declaration

In their second innings, Bangladesh played with intent and tactical awareness. Starting with a 27-run lead, they looked to build a match-winning total rather than just survival runs. Captain Shanto once again played a crucial role, scoring 87 runs in a controlled and responsible innings. His leadership with the bat ensured Bangladesh stayed ahead in the game.

Mominul Haque added 56 runs, providing stability in the middle order. Bangladesh continued to rotate strike and accelerate at the right moments before declaring their innings at 240/9, setting Pakistan a challenging target of 268 runs on a deteriorating pitch. The declaration showed Bangladesh’s confidence in their bowling attack and belief that they could force a result.

Nahid Rana produces career-defining spell

The final innings belonged to Nahid Rana, who delivered a sensational fast-bowling performance under pressure. From the very beginning, he bowled with pace, aggression, and accuracy, troubling Pakistan’s top order consistently.

Rana eventually finished with a brilliant five-wicket haul, dismantling the Pakistani batting lineup almost single-handedly in the second innings. His spell included crucial breakthroughs at key moments, preventing any recovery from the opposition.

Pakistan, chasing 268, struggled to build partnerships and were eventually bowled out for 163 runs. The defining moment came when Rana dismissed Shaheen Afridi, sealing Bangladesh’s historic victory. Afridi attempted a pull shot but edged the ball, which was safely caught by the fielder in the slips. Pakistan even reviewed the decision, but the dismissal stood, confirming Bangladesh’s win.

 Pakistan collapse under pressure

Despite a few promising starts, Pakistan’s batting collapsed under sustained pressure from Bangladesh’s bowling attack. Only Abdul Faseeh (66 runs) showed resistance in the final innings, while others failed to convert starts into big scores.

The Pakistani team struggled against both pace and spin, with Bangladesh maintaining tight lines and sharp fielding throughout the innings. The absence of long partnerships proved costly, ultimately leading to their defeat.

 Key moments that shaped the match

The Test match had several turning points that influenced the final outcome. Mushfiqur Rahim’s early lucky escape on Day 4 gave Bangladesh a steady start, although he could not convert it into a big innings. Litton Das also survived a close LBW decision via DRS, before eventually getting dismissed for a low score. These small moments added tension to an already competitive match. On the other hand, Pakistan’s first innings century by Azaan Awais was one of the highlights of the match, but it lacked sufficient support from the rest of the batting unit.

Historic win for Bangladesh cricket

With this 104-run victory, Bangladesh not only defeated Pakistan but also achieved a historic milestone—their first-ever home Test win against Pakistan. The victory will be remembered for its complete team effort, smart captaincy, and exceptional bowling performance.

Captain Shanto’s twin contributions with the bat, along with Nahid Rana’s match-winning five-wicket haul, stood out as the defining elements of the match. Bangladesh’s ability to maintain pressure across all five days reflected their growing maturity in Test cricket.

The Mirpur Test will go down as one of Bangladesh’s most memorable victories in red-ball cricket. It showcased their progress as a Test-playing nation capable of competing and winning against strong teams like Pakistan. This win not only boosts their confidence but also strengthens their position in international Test cricket, marking a new chapter in Bangladesh’s cricketing journey.

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Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has tested positive in a drug test conducted during the 2026 T20 World Cup, according to reports. The International Cricket Council (ICC) informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which has now initiated an official investigation into the matter.

Sample and timeline

The sample in question was collected during the T20 World Cup held in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Nawaz, 32, featured in all seven matches for Pakistan during the tournament, where the team exited at the Super 8 stage. He managed 15 runs and picked up seven wickets across those games.

PCB begins inquiry

PCB officials confirmed that the board has been formally notified by the ICC and has started its internal process. “The matter has been communicated to us, and due procedure is underway. Findings will be shared with the ICC,” a PCB spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The board, however, clarified that the investigation is still ongoing and no final conclusion has been reached so far.

Anti-doping framework

The case is being handled under the ICC’s anti-doping regulations, which follow strict confidentiality protocols. According to available information, the positive test is linked to a recreational drug rather than a performance-enhancing substance.

The ICC has not issued any public statement, maintaining its standard practice of non-disclosure until the process is complete.

Career impact begins

The development has already begun to affect Nawaz’s professional commitments. He was expected to join Surrey for the upcoming T20 Blast in England, with the PCB having issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

However, the deal has now been called off. The club was reportedly set to announce his signing this week, but the move has been halted following the doping report.

Playing despite probe

Despite the ongoing investigation, Nawaz continues to feature in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He is currently playing for Multan Sultans and has participated in recent matches, including an outing against Rawalpindi in Karachi where he bowled three overs without taking a wicket.

His continued participation suggests that no provisional suspension has been imposed yet, which is consistent with ICC procedures until a formal ruling is made.

What lies ahead

If the investigation confirms a violation of anti-doping rules, Nawaz could face sanctions ranging from suspension to other disciplinary measures. The duration and severity of any punishment will depend on the nature of the substance involved and the findings of the inquiry.

This case has drawn attention within cricketing circles, given Nawaz’s role as a regular in Pakistan’s white-ball setup. With 98 T20 Internationals to his name, he remains a key figure in the squad.

With the first semifinal scheduled for March 4, followed by the second semifinal on March 5 and the grand finale on March 8, the race to secure seats is about to heat up.

But here is the twist: where these matches are played depends heavily on which teams make the cut—specifically, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Where Will the First Semifinal Be Played? It's Complicated

While the second semifinal is locked in at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on March 5, the venue for the first semifinal remains fluid. The ICC has announced two potential host cities: Colombo's R Premadasa Stadium or Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens.

The final call will be made based on the qualifying teams. Here is how it breaks down:

- If Pakistan qualifies: They will play the first semifinal in Colombo on March 4.

- If Pakistan fails to qualify but Sri Lanka makes it (and is not scheduled to face India), the match stays in Colombo.

- If neither condition is met, or if the fixture becomes India vs. Sri Lanka, the first semifinal shifts to Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

This conditional hosting is unprecedented and adds a layer of suspense for fans planning to travel or book accommodations.

Final Venue Also on the Line

The March 8 final is similarly contingent on Pakistan's performance. If the Men in Green reach the title clash, Colombo will host the final. If they bow out earlier, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad—the world's largest cricket stadium—will stage the championship match.

For fans eyeing the final, this means holding off on travel plans until the semifinal results are in.

Full Refund Guarantee: ICC Protects Fans from Venue Changes

Recognizing the logistical headache this could cause, the ICC has rolled out a fan-first refund policy. If you purchase a ticket for a specific venue and the match is later relocated due to team qualification rules, you will receive a full refund.

This ensures that no fan is left out of pocket if plans change at the last minute. It also encourages early booking despite the uncertainty, as tickets are expected to sell out fast.

How to Book Tickets

Tickets for all three knockout matches are available exclusively through the official portal: tickets.t20worldcup.com.

Categories range from general admission to premium seating, and with global cricket fans vying for limited seats, early booking is strongly advised.

Why This Matters Now

With the tournament entering its business end, the T20 World Cup knockout tickets launch marks the final countdown. The conditional venue rules—directly tied to Pakistan and Sri Lanka's performance—add a geopolitical and strategic layer rarely seen in cricket scheduling.

For fans in India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, this is not just about watching a match; it is about being in the right city at the right time. And thanks to the refund policy, the risk of booking early is now virtually zero.

Final Takeaway: Book your tickets from tonight. Cheer for your team. And keep an eye on the Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka results—they might just decide where you end up watching the action live.