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“England’s Ben Stokes has been named players’ player of the year. ©AFP” /> London (AFP) – Ben Stokes has been voted the Professional Cricketers’ Association players’ player of the year after starring in England’s maiden World Cup win and repeating his heroics during the Ashes series. Somerset’s Tom Banton picked up the PCA young player of the year award, while England bowler Sophie Ecclestone collected the women’s prize. Highlights of the English cricket season for Stokes included an unbeaten 84 in the World Cup final and a sensational 135 not…

“Babar Azam helped ensure Pakistan won the first ODI held in Karachi in a decade with a superb 115. ©AFP” /> Karachi (AFP) – Pakistan rode on a brilliant century from Babar Azam and fast bowler Usman Shinwari’s five wickets to beat Sri Lanka by 67 runs in the second day-night international on Monday as Karachi staged its first ODI in a decade. Azam, currently one of the best batsmen in limited overs cricket, smashed a solid 105-ball 115 to lift Pakistan to 305-7 after the home team won the…

“Danushka Gunathilaka knocked a 134-ball 133 with 16 boundaries and a six for his second hundred which lifted Sri Lanka in Karachi on October 2. ©AFP” Karachi (AFP) – Recharged opener Danushka Gunathilaka scored a career best century to lift Sri Lanka to a challenging 297-9 against Pakistan in the third and final day-night international against Pakistan in Karachi on Wednesday. The 28-year-old left-hander knocked a 134-ball 133 with 16 boundaries and a six for his second hundred which lifted Sri Lanka after they won the toss and batted on…

“Ahmed Shehzad has been recalled to the Pakistan Twenty20 squadfor the first time since a ban for a failed dope test. ©AFP” Karachi (AFP) – Pakistan Wednesday recalled trouble-making opener Ahmed Shehzad and middle-order batsman Umar Akmal for the three-match Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka starting this weekend. It will be the first time the 27-year-old Shehzad will represent Pakistan since a four-month ban for a failed dope test last year. The ban was further extended by six weeks after Shehzad violated rules by playing club matches despite the ban.…

After 10 years Karachi’s first ODI didn’t even get as far as the toss. Heavy rain in the days leading up to this match was already proving a challenge, with doubts arising over whether the outfield would dry in time. Then, on Friday, more rain was delivered by towering dark clouds. The pitch and its adjoining areas were covered as the scheduled toss at 2:30 pm (0930 GMT) was delayed with both teams inside their dressing rooms. The National Stadium was heavily waterlogged due to this The National Stadium was…