wingsofprayers

Wednesday, 19 February 2025

Champions Trophy Match 1 Pakistan vs New Zealand Report

Pakistan Batsman Babar Azam Took 81 balls to complete his half century.

New Zealand carried on their supremacy against Pakistan in the opening game of the Champions Trophy 2025. Pakistan who are hosting an ICC Tournament after a gap of 29 Years had their New Zealand party spoiled by New Zealand on the opening day of the Champions Trophy, handing hosts a 60-run loss in Karachi. Pakistan suffered an injury scare when Fakhar Zaman trying to stop a boundary was holding his lower back. He had gone off the field. As result of the time spent off the field, Fakhar, power hits was a necessity for a big chase was not able to open the batting When he came out to bat at No. 4 - Pakistan were 22 for 2 in ten overs at the time. He was visibly hampered while running between the wickets .

Pakistan played a lot of dot balls almost 25 overs of it. Pakistan batsmen never stepped up the score rate including Babar Azam who took 81 balls for his fifty.

Earlier in the day Young and Latham scored hundreds before Glenn Phillips provided an electric finish. New Zealand scored113 off their last ten overs to finish with 320.

There was no way Pakistan was going to chase it despite late blows from Khushdil Shah, who hit 69 off 49 balls, and the lower order. Pakistan were ultimately bowled out for 260 in the 48th over.

The Title defence took a serious hit after just one game and green shirts are missing out on reaching the last four. India having a very balanced squad despite will start as favorites while Pakistan short on confidence would require to play out of the skins in order to get their campaign back on track.

Friday, 25 March 2022

Exploiting Home Ground Advantage in 90s

As We lost what I would say yet another home series a thought came into my mind how we fared in the 1990s when we had somewhat what a really good team. Did the side of the 90s do Justice in terms of results or not. Despite a star studded side we Lost Test Series to Sri Lanka, South Africa, Australia and Zimbabwe and failed to win against Black Caps 1996 touring side too .A Simple statistical analysis of Home Ground Results is as follows

From the table we are placed right at the middle of the list with sides like West Indies and India having a higher home percentage win ratio. West Indies that were experiencing a decline and India that was simply unable to win any series overseas in the 90s, managed to have a better ratio than Pakistan.

The Sides having lower Win Loss ratio are Sri Lanka , Zimbabwe, New Zealand and England. New Zealand and England ended up with an equal win loss ratio. England were just way too poor both home and away with lots of bits and pieces players. New Zealand on the other hand can be forgiven given the fact that not people in a rugby dominated country would pick Cricket a s primary Sport. Sri Lanka were still on the process of becoming a team where they challenge top sides regularly at least at home while Zimbabwe Cricket were still in their infancy stage.