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Mohammad Yousaf endorses Ramiz Raja’s statement about home pitches

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  • After Raja, Yousaf emphasises making most of pitches for home series.
  • “Every home team makes pitches favourable for their players, so did we,” the batting coach reiterates.
  • “We had a look on the pitch today during training and it looks good,” says Yousaf regarding Karachi pitch. 

KARACHI: Pakistan team’s batting coach Mohammad Yousaf has backed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja’s statement regarding taking “home advantage” while making pitches. 

The first Test of the Pakistan vs Australia series in Rawalpindi ended in a draw and was followed by immense criticism due to the batting-friendly behaviour of the pitch throughout the tournament.

After Raja, Yousaf has also emphasised taking “home advantage” while making pitches for the series.

“Every home team makes the pitches favourable for their players, so did we,” the batting coach reiterated while talking to the press via a video link.

“Heavy rollers taken by Australia and the lack of sunlight are also the reasons behind such behaviour of the pitch. But teams prepare pitches at home according to their strength and our batters performed up to our expectations,” he shared.

Imam, Abdullah partnership

Yousaf praised the opening pair of Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique and said that “Pakistan’s Test batting future is bright”.

“Imam and Abdullah were absolutely fantastic with their batting performance,” he said while acknowledging their records.

The former cricketer revealed his coaching mantra and also shared his conversation with Abdullah after which the youngster scored his maiden Test hundred.

“I always believe in listening to the players more than telling them about the game. Abdullah and I had a conversation before the second innings and I tried to listen to him.

“He was keen towards his technique but just needed a breakthrough which he got in his second chance. And now, the results are in front of you,” the legendary cricketer told reporters.

Karachi Test

Yousaf predicted a result-oriented second Test after looking at the pitch during their training session here on Thursday.

“We examined the pitch today during training and it looks good. Karachi pitches have given results in the recent past and I hope the same happens this time around, too,” he said.

“Our preparations are complete and we are really looking forward to continuing our momentum. This Test championship series is important for both the teams and players know it very well,” he concluded.

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The team’s failure to capitalize against India is acknowledged by Mohammad Rizwan.

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After losing to India in Sunday’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match, Pakistan captain Muhammad Rizwan acknowledged that his team did not take advantage of winning the toss.

According to Rizwan, India’s bowlers controlled the middle overs, limiting Pakistan to 240 runs after they had set a goal of 280.

“When Saud Shakeel and I were batting, our plan was to take the game deep, but our shot selection was poor, which cost us wickets at crucial moments,” Rizwan said. He admitted that India’s bowling attack limited Pakistan’s ability to reach a competitive score.

Rizwan also praised the efforts of India’s hitters, especially Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, who stole the match from Pakistan with their outstanding batting. Rizwan said, “In ODI cricket, you have to perform in all three aspects,” highlighting his team’s general inability to win the match.

The skipper of Pakistan also emphasized the necessity to strengthen their fielding by highlighting persistent errors. “We have been consistently making the same errors, particularly when fielding. Going forward, we must work on these,” he continued.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, commended his team’s teamwork in the victory and gave bowlers Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja credit for holding Pakistan to a low score.

“Our bowlers performed admirably in keeping Pakistan’s score down. Things were difficult because of Saud Shakeel and Rizwan’s alliance, but we followed our plan,” Sharma stated.

“Virat batted brilliantly today, but none of us in the dressing room are surprised by his performance,” Sharma said in reference to Virat Kohli’s game-winning innings.

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Shaheen Shah Afridi acknowledges difficulties during the death overs.

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Following Pakistan’s triumph over South Africa in the tri-nation series, Shaheen Shah Afridi acknowledged the issue of death bowling.

In response to the injury concern, the left-arm pacer stated, “My finger is fine; I underwent an X-ray.” Some swelling persists, but I anticipate improvement shortly. These matches are essential for preparation for the Champions Trophy 2025.

Commenting on his interaction with a South African batsman, Shaheen stated, “For the first time, he remained silent.” I was the one instigating him to lose his wicket.

Prioritizing collective effort over personal achievements, Shaheen stated, “This is not about Babar or Shaheen—it is about Pakistan.” “The presence of negativity will hinder progress in any context.”

During Wednesday’s match, tensions escalated when Shaheen Shah Afridi confronted Matthew Breetzke, necessitating intervention from the on-field umpire and other players to separate them.

During a crucial tri-series encounter at Karachi’s National Stadium, South African batsman Matthew Breetzke and Pakistani pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi engaged in a contentious confrontation. Matthew Breetzke and Shaheen Shah Afridi were engaged in a confrontational exchange in a video that gained widespread attention on social media.

Matthew Breetzke, who scored a century in the previous match against New Zealand in Lahore, edged a delivery to the onside in the 28th over of the innings. Shaheen Afridi appeared displeased when the 26-year-old nearly collided with the left-arm fast bowler while dashing between the wickets to converse with Breetzke.

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The Champions Trophy and Tri-Nation series traffic strategy for Karachi has been released.

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While alternate routes and designated parking spots have been set up to ensure seamless traffic flow, the traffic police say Sir Shah Suleman Road would remain open for regular traffic on match days.

Travellers from Karsaz can park their cars beneath the flyover at the China Ground and National Coaching Centre.

Parking for those travelling from Millennium will also be available at China Ground and the National Coaching Centre.

The same parking lots are open to New Town visitors.

To prevent any disruption, Karachi Police have stressed that cars should only be parked in approved spots. For a hassle-free commute on match days, commuters are encouraged to plan their routes appropriately and heed traffic police instructions.

Traffic Diversions: To alleviate congestion on match days, heavy traffic will be rerouted from Sohrab Goth to Nipa and Liaquatabad No. 10 to Hassan Square. There will also be a rerouting of heavy vehicles from People’s Chowrangi via University Road.

Heavy Traffic Restricted Roads: The following roads will not be open to heavy traffic:

Millennium to New Town Stadium Signal to Hassan Square Karsaz to Stadium

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