Cricket News Today: Sourav Ganguly clarifies criteria for chief selector role, Hardik Pandya ruled out of New Zealand Test series and more - 1st February, 2020

#4 Shoaib Akhtar terms New Zealand ‘new chokers’ after another Super Over defeat

Shoaib Akhtar

Back in July 2019, the Kiwis had the World Cup carpet swept from under them when a bizarre rule decided that the Three Lions, courtesy the number of boundaries, were the winners of the competition. A few weeks later, the Kiwis lost to the same opposition in another Super Over.

And, over the past week, the Black Caps have again spurned presentable openings to forego the initiative and hand their opponents a route back into the match via the Super Over.

Unsurprisingly, New Zealand’s tendency to handle pressure has come under the scanner and it seems that former Pakistan fast-bowler, Shoaib Akhtar hasn’t been too impressed by the Kiwis’ propensity to wilt under pressure.

They have tied 6 matches and have managed to win only 1 Super Over. Looks like they have done specialization in losing. Despite being a good team they could not achieve an easy target like 166. It’s very sad to see New Zealand struggling like this. I think New Zealand choke under pressure.

He further added,

166 should have been an easy chase but the Kiwis made life difficult for themselves. This goes to show they don’t have the nerves to handle pressure scenarios. Are they new chokers of the world? Are they the new South Africa who could never win in a tough situation?

Read the full article here: New Zealand are new chokers: Shoaib Akhtar after Kiwis lose another Super Over contest

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#5 Faheem Ashraf and Bilal Asif called up for 1st Test against Bangladesh

Faheem Ashraf

All-rounder, Faheem Ashraf and off spinner, Bilal Asif have been recalled into Pakistan’s Test setup for the Asian side’s first Test against Bangladesh, which begins on the 7th of February at Rawalpindi.

Ashraf began his career encouragingly when he notched up a knock of 83 against Ireland. However, post that, the all-rounder has been ravaged by injuries, meaning that he hasn’t been able to string together a consistent run in the national side.

Bilal, meanwhile, has featured for Pakistan five times in the longest format, although the latest of those appearances came against New Zealand in 2018.

Fortunately for the duo though, they seem to boast the confidence of the team management with Misbah-ul-Haq praising Ashraf in particular, ahead of the series.

We have this option of playing a pace-bowling allrounder against Bangladesh and Ashraf took five wickets in the Quaid-e-Azam trophy final so we have selected him.

Read the full article here: Pakistan vs Bangladesh 2020: Faheem Ashraf and Bilal Asif recalled by Pakistan for first Test