The Champions One-Day Cup 2024 began on September 12 and will run till September 29 in Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Organised by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the Champions One-Day Cup 2024 is one of the three new competitions introduced to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket.

The Champions One-Day Cup 2024 will see as many as five teams compete in a total of 14 matches. 

Dolphins, Lions, Markhors, Panthers and Stallions are the five teams that are participating in the inaugural edition of the Champions One-Day Cup.

As per the Champions One-Day Cup 2024 schedule, each team will play the other four sides once in a single round-robin format. The top four teams will advance to the playoffs.

The top two teams in the standings will clash in Qualifier 1 for a place in the final. The third and fourth-placed teams will then clash in the Eliminator.

The winner of the Eliminator will face the loser of Qualifier 1 in Qualifier 2 for the other spot in the final.

All Champions One-Day Cup 2024 matches will be played at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.

Some of Pakistan’s most talented white-ball cricketers including the likes of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Saim Ayub, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Haris and Usman Khan are featuring in the Champions One-Day Cup 2024.

Meanwhile, Markhors�?Kamran Ghulam slammed the first century in the inaugural Champions One-Day Cup. The 28-year-old all-rounder smashed 115 off just 102 balls against Panthers in Faisalabad. His swashbuckling knock included 12 fours and three sixes.

Ghulam’s scintillating hundred guided Markhors to a massive 160-run victory in the opening match of the competition.

Pakistan talisman Babar Azam has also started his Champions One-Day Cup 2024 campaign on a good note. Babar Azam scored a scintillating half-century for Stallions against Lions.

The likes of Imam-ul-Haq, Tayyab Tahir, Amad Butt, Abdul Samad, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Haris and Hussain Talat have also produced some brilliant batting performances for their respective teams in the ongoing 50-over competition.

Here’s a look at the players with most runs in Champions One-Day Cup 2024.

Most runs in Champions One-Day Cup 2024

Player	Team	Matches	Runs
Kamran Ghulam	Markhors	1	115
Imam-ul-Haq	Lions	1	78
Babar Azam	Stallions	1	76
Tayyab Tahir	Stallions	1	74
Amad Butt	Panthers	1	72
Abdul SamadÂ	Markhors	1	62
Iftikhar Ahmed	Markhors	1	57
Mohammad Haris	Stallions	1	55
Hussain Talat	Stallions	1	50
Mohammad Rizwan	Markhors	1	45

Photo credit: Imago

The New Wanderers Stadium, also known as Kent Park is a cricket venue in Johannesburg, South Africa. 

It is also the home ground for the Highveld Lions, formerly known as Gauteng, and SA20 outfit, the Joburg Super Kings.

The first international game at the ground was hosted in 1956 when England won the Test match against South Africa by 131 runs and it has gone on to witness numerous memorable moments.

The New Wanderers Stadium later staged its first ODI match between hosts South Africa and India in December 1992. South Africa won the match by six wickets.

Known as the 'Bullring' because of its intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams the Wanderers has also hosted the World Cup Final in 2003, when Australia recorded a massive victory over India.

In March 2006, it witnessed the most extraordinary one-day match in history, when South Africa successfully chased Australia's world-record total of 434/4.

New Wanderers stadium has a seating capacity of 28,000. To date, the cricket ground has hosted more than 50 ODIs. Let’s have a closer look at the New Wanderers Stadium ODI records and stats.

New Wanderers Stadium ODI records and Stats

Most runs

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers holds the record for scoring the most runs at the New Wanderers Stadium in ODI cricket. The Pretoria-born batter amassed 732 runs in 11 innings at an impressive average of 91.50.

The right-handed batter smacked three ODI hundreds and as many fifties at the Wanderers Stadium, with his highest score being a record-breaking 149 off 44 balls against West Indies in 2015.  

Most wickets

South Africa Legend Shaun Pollock has the record for the most ODI wickets at the New Wanderers stadium. The medium pacer scalped 29 wickets in 16 innings at an economy of 3.69. 

In 2000, Pollock returned with 5/20 against England, making it his best ODI figures at the venue. 

Highest individual score

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman holds the record for registering the highest individual score at the New Wanderers Stadium. The swashbuckling left-hander smashed 193 off 155 balls during the second ODI of Pakistan’s tour of South Africa in 2021.

193 runs
�?155 balls
18 fours and 10 sixes

What an exceptional knock from @FakharZamanLive

It is also the highest individual score at the Wanderers!#SAvPAK | http://t.co/xcauK7pG9h pic.twitter.com/L5jcrcSIDf

�?ICC (@ICC) April 4, 2021

Striking at over 120, Fakhar’s match-winning knock included 18 fours and 10 towering sixes. Despite Fakhar’s heroics, Proteas won the game by 17 runs to level the three-match series 1-1. His knock is also currently one of the highest individual scores in ODIs. 

Best bowling figures

South Africa pacer Shaun Pollock’s 5/20 against England is the best bowling figures recorded at this iconic venue in ODI format. The former South Africa pacer picked up five wickets for 20 runs from his nine overs in the final of the Triangular Tournament in 2000. Pollock’s brilliant spell helped South Africa win the game by 38 runs as they successfully defended a below-par total of 149.

Highest team total

South Africa rode on centuries from Hashim Amla (153 not out), Rilee Rossouw (128), and AB de Villiers (149) to post a mammoth total of 439/2 against West Indies at the New Wanderers in 2015. It is the highest team total in ODIs at this venue and helped the hosts win the second ODI by 148 runs to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match ODI series.

Lowest team total

In the second final of the Mandela Trophy 1995, Pakistan were bundled out for 109 runs by South Africa. Three-wicket hauls from Allan Donald and Fanie de Villiers reduced the visitors to a subpar total.

This is the lowest team total in ODIs at the New Wanderers and South Africa went on to win the game by 157 runs with almost 17 overs to spare.

Highest partnership

South Africa’s Rilee Rossouw and Hashim Amla added 247 runs for the opening wicket against West Indies in the second ODI of the West Indies tour of South Africa in 2014-15. 

This remains only the third instance when a batting pair scored 200 or more ODI runs together at the venue. The South African top-order forged a record total against the visitors to post 439/2. The hosts won the game by 148 runs.

Photo credit: Alamy

Australia’s Glenn Maxwell holds the record for the highest individual score in an ODI run chase.

Chasing 292, Glenn Maxwell scripted history as he smashed an unbeaten 201 against Afghanistan to guide Australia to a thrilling three-wicket win during an ICC World Cup 2023 match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

With the help of the sensational knock, Maxwell became the first batter to register a double century during an ODI run chase. The Victoria-born cricketer also became the ninth batter and first Australian to score an ODI double hundred.

Rohit Sharma, Martin Guptill, Virender Sehwag, Chris Gayle, Fakhar Zaman, Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill and Sachin Tendulkar are the other eight batters to slam a double hundred in ODI cricket.

Having hammered the double ton off 128 balls, Maxwell now has the second-fastest double century in ODI cricket after India’s Ishan Kishan (126 balls).

Meanwhile, Maxwell overtook Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman to record the highest individual score in an ODI run chase.

Zaman held the previous record after he scored 193 off just 155 deliveries against South Africa at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg in 2021.

The likes of Shane Watson, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli also feature in the top five list of highest individual score in ODI run chases.

Highest individual score in an ODI run chase: Top five list

Player	Team	Runs	Balls	Opposition	Ground	Year
Glenn Maxwell	Australia	201*	128	Afghanistan	Wankhede	2023
Fakhar Zaman	Pakistan	193	155	South Africa	Johannesburg	2021
Shane Watson	Australia	185*	96	Bangladesh	Mirpur	2011
MS Dhoni	India	183*	145	Sri Lanka	Jaipur	2005
Virat Kohli	India	183	148	Pakistan	Mirpur	2012

Glenn Maxwell | 201* 

Swashbuckling Australian batter Glenn Maxwell etched his name in the history books after he recorded the highest individual score in an ODI run chase. Maxwell clobbered 201 runs off just 128 balls to help Australia snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against Afghanistan during an ODI World Cup 2023 clash at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Chasing a target of 292, Australia were reeling at 91/7 in 18.3 overs before Maxwell played a breathtaking knock to power his side to a memorable three-wicket win. His match-winning knock was laced with 21 fours and 10 sixes.

Fakhar Zaman | 193

Pakistan flamboyant batter Fakhar Zaman features second on the list of the highest individual score in an ODI run chase. Chasing 342 against South Africa, Fakhar Zaman hammered 193 off 155 balls in the second ODI of three-match series at the Wanderers in Johannesburg in 2021. Opening the innings, the left-handed batter slammed 18 fours and 10 sixes to keep Pakistan in the run chase. While Zaman was dismissed in the final over of the match, Pakistan fell short by 17 runs. However, Pakistan later won the three-match ODI series 2-1.

Shane Watson | 185*

Former Australia cricketer Shane Watson is third on the list of the highest individual score in an ODI run chase. Shane Watson scored an unbeaten 96-ball 185 to help Australia chase down 230 against Bangladesh in the second ODI of a three-match series in Mirpur in 2011. After restricting the hosts to 229/7 in their allotted 50 overs, Australia rode on Watson’s magnificent knock to secure a comprehensive nine-wicket victory. Watson’s knock was laced with 15 fours and 15 maximums. Australia won the three-match series 3-0.

Photo Credit: Alamy

Cricket history has witnessed massive chases, with the biggest one on the international stage being a 434-run total from Australia chased down by South Africa with a 438/9 in 2006.

While big numbers do tell us stories of big chases, they sometimes don’t show how a team was almost out of the chase, but pulled things back in the end.

These runs come in heaps in the death overs generally, and when in full flow, we have seen batters go all out and bring their team back into the game. Below are the top two instances where batters have churned the most runs from death overs during an ODI chase.

Ireland vs New Zealand, Dublin - 86 runs by Michael Bracewell

New Zealand won this game in the nick of time - by one run with one wicket left. Ireland did well in the first innings to score 300/9 with a century from Harry Tector (113 off 117). While defending the total too, Ireland were breathing down New Zealand’s neck, reducing them to 200/6 at the end of the 40th.

With 101 runs needed in 10 overs, the game seemed to be tilting in the hosts' favour. However, Michael Bracewell, who was at 41* (46) at this point, orchestrated a powerful comeback.

Needing 40 off the last 18, Bracewell and No. 10 batter Lockie Ferguson scored 16 runs off the last 48th over, reducing the equation to 24 off 12. The Kiwis then needed 20 from the final over, which Bracewell finished with 4, 4, 6, 4, 6 to seal it in his team’s favour.

Bracewell finished with 127* (82), scoring his last 86 runs off 36 balls to help New Zealand register their record chase.

South Africa vs Pakistan, Johannesburg - 77 runs by Fakhar Zaman

Pakistan attempted to chase down South Africa’s 341/6 in Johannesburg in April 2021. But despite an unbelievable 193 (155) from Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan ended up on the losing side that day. Earlier in the game, Quinton de Kock (80), Temba Buvama (92), Rassie van der Dussen (60) and David Miller (50*) helped set up a strong total for the Proteas.

During the chase, despite opener Fakhar Zaman remaining at the crease for a long time, wickets periodically fell on the other end, hurting Pakistan’s chances. Pakistan needed 116 off the last 10 overs, but had only three wickets in hand.

After Zaman, the second-highest score was Babar Azam’s 31 (33). Zaman scored 77 runs in the death trying to reduce the 116-run deficit, including three consecutive sixes off Tabraiz Shamsi in the 44th over. Despite the fireworks, Pakistan fell short by 17 runs.

Most runs from death overs in ODI chase

Player Name	Country	Runs in death	Total score
Michael Bracewell	New Zealand	86	127* (82)
Fakhar Zaman	Pakistan	77	193 (155)
Abdul Razzaq	Pakistan	75	109* (72)
Abdul Razzaq	Pakistan	75	89 (40)
Marcus Stoinis	Australia	75	146* (117)

Author: Varsha Badrinath

Featured photo: Twitter / Black Caps

The Kashmir Premier League 2021, a new T20 cricket tournament launched by the Pakistan Cricket Board, will start on August 6. It will be held in Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and will run till August 17.

The T20 competition aims to provide the young cricket talent in the city an opportunity to showcase their credentials as promising cricketers, and set a platform for the tournament to attract international investment on the lines of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Six teams will play in the Kashmir Premier League in a round-robin format. They are Rawalakot Hawks, Kotli Lions, Mirpur Royals, Muzaffarabad Tigers, Overseas Warriors, and Bagh Stallions.

Each team will have five local Kashmiri players, who will play alongside Pakistan's international stars in the inaugural edition.

The Kashmir Premier League has announced the captains for the six franchises, with Shahid Afridi - the brand ambassador for the competition - leading the list.

Shahid Afridi will lead Rawlakot Hawks. Senior Pakistan cricketers Mohammad Hafeez (Muzafarabad Tigers), Shoaib Malik (Mirpur Royals), Fakhar Zaman (Kotli Lions), Shadab Khan (Bagh Stallions), and Imad Wasim (Overseas Warrior) will also be involved as captains.

Former South Africa cricketer Herschelle Gibbs intended to participate in the series as well but has faced flak from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The BCCI has reportedly issued a warning to all cricket boards that anyone taking part in the Kashmir Premier League will be banned from all cricketing activities in India.

It has issued the dictum since the tournament will be played in the contentious Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which is a subject of national-level interest for India.

In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released a statement criticising the BCCI, citing that their warnings are bringing the game into disrepute.

Featured photo: AFP / Arif Ali

Islamabad United (ISL) take on Lahore Qalandars (LAH) in match 20 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2021 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, UAE on Sunday, June 13.

Led by Shadab Khan, ISL have won four of their six matches this season and are currently placed second in the PSL 2021 points table. 

Lahore Qalandars, on the other hand, have been the most dominant team in the ongoing edition of the PSL. The Sohail Akhtar-led side has won five of their six matches and are positioned at the top of the standings.

ISL vs LAH Dream11 prediction

In the Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars head-to-head record in the last five matches of PSL, Islamabad have won four of the five encounters played between these two sides. However,the Qalandars defeated United by five wickets in their recent meeting at the same venue. Going by current form, LAH will start as slight favourites against ISL on Sunday.

ISL vs LAH Dream11 team

Top Tip: Best batsmen

Islamabad United opener Colin Munro smashed 90 runs off just 36 balls to help his side secure a 10-wicket win over Quetta Gladiators in their last encounter. Munro will look to continue his good form against Lahore Qalandars on Sunday.

The Qalandars will bank on their opening batsman Fakhar Zaman to provide a solid start against United. The 31-year-old failed in his last two outings in Abu Dhabi so he will look to contribute with a big score.

Top Tip: Best bowlers

In the bowling department, Hasan Ali has been the standout bowler for Islamabad since the tournament shifted to UAE. Ali has picked four wickets in their last two matches and he is likely to add a few more scalps on Sunday.

For LAH, Rashid Khan has been the wrecker-in-chief for his side. The 22-year-old claimed a five-wicket haul in their previous encounter against Peshawar Zalmi. He will undoubtedly be the bowler to watch out for once again.

Top Tip: Best all-rounder and wicket-keeper

Several quality all-rounders will be on display in the ISL vs LAH encounter, however, one must pick James Faulkner in their fantasy cricket team. Since the rescheduled PSL started, the Australian all-rounder has picked five wickets and also scored 22 runs in two matches.

For the wicket-keeper spot, Lahore Qalandars keeper Ben Dunk will be the preferred choice over inexperienced Rohail Nazir. Dunk has scored 123 runs in four innings along with fulfilling his wicket-keeping responsibilities.

ISL vs LAH probable playing XI

ISL playing XI (probable): Usman Khawaja, Colin Munro, Rohail Nazir (wicket-keeper), Shadab Khan (captain), Iftikhar Ahmed, Hussain Talat, Asif Ali, Muhammad Musa, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Wasim, Akif Javed

LAH playing XI (probable): Fakhar Zaman, Sohail Akhtar (captain), Muhammad Faizan, Mohammad Hafeez, Ben Dunk (wicket-keeper), Tim David, Rashid Khan, James Faulkner, Ahmed Daniyal, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf

SportsAdda will bring you Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars live scores.

Play fantasy cricket with SportsAdda. Create your team, track your progress and win prizes. Start here.

Featured photo: Twitter/PakistanSuperLeague

Pakistan cricket team opener Fakhar Zaman’s controversial run-out in the second One Day International (ODI) against South Africa reignited a massive debate on the contentious fake fielding law in cricket.

Chasing 342 to win at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, Fakhar Zaman smashed 193 runs off just 155 balls �?the highest ever individual score in an ODI chase. It looked like he would take Pakistan home and seal the three-match ODI series when the incident happened.

The untimely end to Fakhar Zaman’s epic innings saw Pakistan fall short by 17 runs as the hosts levelled the three-match ODI series 1-1. However, the manner of Fakhar  Zaman’s dismissal -- Quinton de Kock having deceived the batsman --  has sparked outrage.

The Fakhar Zaman, Quinton de Kock fake fielding controversy

Requiring 31 runs in the last six balls, Fakhar Zaman drove Proteas pacer Lungi Ngidi to long-off in the first ball of the 50th over and came back for a second run.

Spotting an opportunity for a run-out, South Africa wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock seemingly signalled Aiden Markram to throw at the non-striker’s end even though the ball was already thrown. It convinced Zaman that he was safe at his end.

It was at this time that the Pakistani batsman turned around to check on his partner. Realising that the ball was instead coming at his end, the Pakistan batsman hurriedly attempted to slide his bat inside the crease. However, it was too little too late as Fakhar Zaman failed to complete the second run and was run-out.

Fake fielding. 5 run penalty.

Except when Pakistan is involved. In that case, run out a bloke on 193 http://t.co/UxxWPMprEq

�?Dennis Fakhar (@DennisCricket_) April 4, 2021

Explained: What is fake fielding?

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which is the custodian of the Laws of Cricket has provisioned law 41.5.1 to cover fake fielding, stating that “it is unfair for any fielder wilfully to attempt, by word or action, to distract, deceive or obstruct either batsman after the striker has received the ball�? According to clause 41.5.2, “It is for either one of the umpires to decide whether any distraction, deception or obstruction is wilful or not.�?/span>

As far as I understand this law, Fakhar Zaman should have been not out and Pakistan must have been awarded 5 penalty runs. pic.twitter.com/uFXD9zeOY4

�?Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) April 4, 2021

In 2015, former Sri Lanka wicket-keeper batsman Kumar Sangakkara had deceived Pakistan’s Ahmed Shehzad during an ODI as he attempted to take the bails off even though the throw was yet to reach him. Interestingly though, the fake fielding law wasn’t a part of the ICC playing conditions during that time.

Similarly, in 2019, England wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow had fooled Australia batsman Steve Smith into diving to make his ground as he pretended to receive a throw while Jofra Archer would collect the ball at the bowler's end. However, on-field umpires Marais Erasmus and Kumar Dharmasena didn’t take any action against Jonny Bairstow.

When was the fake fielding law introduced in cricket?

The fake fielding rule was Introduced in 2017 by the ICC. Queensland’s Marnus Labuschagne became the first player to be penalised for violating the fake fielding law in 2017 for trying to fake a throw without having the ball in hand to prevent a run in Australia’s domestic 50-over tournament.

What is the fake fielding penalty?

According to law 41.5.6, the bowler's end umpire shall award five penalty runs to the batting side and also inform the captain of the fielding side of the reason for this action.  The captain of the batting side is informed too, at the earliest opportunity available. Additionally, the ball shall not count as one of the over.

Meanwhile, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) took to Twitter to explain the law, saying it is up to the umpire to decide whether the act of the fielder to distract the batter was willful or not.

“Law 41.5.1 states: “It is unfair for any fielder wilfully to attempt, by word or action, to distract, deceive or obstruct either batsman after the striker has received the ball,�?MCC tweeted.

“The Law is clear, with the offence being an ATTEMPT to deceive, rather than the batsman actually being deceived. It’s up to the umpires to decide if there was such an attempt. If so, then it’s not out, 5 Penalty runs + the 2 they ran, and batsmen choose who faces next ball.�?/span>

The Law is clear, with the offence being an ATTEMPT to deceive, rather than the batsman actually being deceived.

It’s up to the umpires to decide if there was such an attempt. If so, then it's Not out, 5 Penalty runs + the 2 they ran, and batsmen choose who faces next ball.

�?Marylebone Cricket Club (@MCCOfficial) April 4, 2021

Was Quinton de Kock guilty of violating the fake fielding rule?

South Africa limited-overs captain Temba Bavuma defended wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock for his role in the controversial run-out.

“It was quite clever from Quinny. Maybe some people might criticise it for maybe not being in the spirit of the game. But it was an important wicket for us. Zaman was getting close to our target. Yeah, it was clever from Quinny,�?ESPNcricinfo quoted Bavuma as saying.

“You’ve always got to look for ways especially when things are not going your way, got to find ways to turn the momentum around. Quinny did that �?I don’t think he broke the rules in any kind of way. It was a clever piece of cricket,�?he added.

Fakhar Zaman had also said that Quinton de Kock did no mistake and it was only his fault that he was found short of the crease.

“The fault was mine as I was too busy looking out for Haris Rauf at the other end as I felt he’d started off a little late from his crease, so I thought he was in trouble. The rest is up to the match referee, but I don’t think it’s Quinton’s fault,�?ESPNcricinfo quoted Zaman as saying.

Featured photo: Christiaan Kotze / AFP

After England’s historic chase in the second T20I, the hosts will look to win the series with another victory in the third and final T20I against Pakistan at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester.

Pakistan, who face a must-win situation, will likely be without pacer Mohammad Amir, who suffered a hamstring injury in the second T20I. Who can step up in his absence and who can England rely on to guide them to another series win? We take a look at the players to watch out for in the third T20I.

Dawid Malan

The 32-year-old Yorkshire batsman has finally found his footing in international cricket after years of piling runs aplenty in domestic cricket.

Batting at No. 3 in the absence of Joe Root, Malan, playing the anchor role for the hosts, has been good in each of his two outings in the series.

While the English batting line-up, with the exception of Tom Banton, crumbled in the first T20I, Malan played a gritty knock of 23 off 23 balls to help England put a respectable total on the scoreboard before rain interrupted proceedings and the match was called off.

In the second T20I, Malan was at his brilliant best, smashing 54 off 36 balls to help England chase down 194, the second-highest successful chase in the country. The 32-year-old has been in great touch in this series and England will be hopeful that the experienced southpaw will deliver in the third T20I as well.

Fakhar Zaman

It’s been over two years and 13 innings since Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman scored a half-century in T20Is for his nation.

After his brilliant 91 off 46 against Australia, Zaman failed to cross 25 in each of his next 12 outings for Pakistan. However, that changed in the second T20, as the opener struck a flashy 36 off 22 before being dismissed by Adil Rashid.

Zaman struck five boundaries and a six in his knock of 36 and looked confident out in the centre against the English attack. This could be the springboard that the 30-year-old needed to end his slump and Pakistan could really do with a big score from their experienced opener in the final match of the series.

Tom Curran

Despite playing twenty T20Is for his country, all-rounder Tom Curran is yet to have a meaningful impact on the international stage.

The 25-year-old has picked up 22 wickets in his 20 appearances, however, his economy rate of 9.25 makes him one of the most expensive bowlers operating at the international level. His fairly decent strike rate of 17.2 doesn’t quite make up for his inability to curb the runs.

With the bat, he’s managed just 38 runs in eight outings, but that could be attributed to the depth of the England batting line-up and the lack of chances that Curran has gotten at the international stage.

But, the point remains that he needs to perform well to keep his place in the playing XI and the third T20I against Pakistan could be one of the final opportunities he gets to showcase that he belongs on the international stage.

Shadab Khan

The 21-year-old all-rounder has performed quite well in the ongoing T20I series against England.

Shadab has picked up five wickets in two matches at a decent economy rate of 8.37. He was the pick of the Pakistani bowlers in the second T20I, finishing with figures of 3-34. Not only did he just pick wickets, but he also scalped two important ones, dismissing both English openers who were in stellar touch in the powerplay overs. 

Pakistan will be hopeful that Shadab can continue his good form in the final T20I.

If you wish to raise the stakes further, Sportsbet.io has even more to offer!

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Mike Hewitt

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SportsAdda.

Seven more Pakistan players due to tour England in August have tested positive for the global virus, the country's cricket board said Tuesday, taking the total to 10 since the first results were announced this week.

Pakistan are due to depart for England on Sunday ahead of a series that will see them play three Tests and three Twenty20 internationals against England, starting in August.

Despite the new cases, the Pakistan Cricket Board’s chief executive Wasim Khan insisted the tour would still go ahead.

"The tour is very much on the track and the squad will depart as per schedule on June 28th," said Khan.

"Fortunately, all first-choice Test players, barring wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, are negative which means they can start training immediately after they are tested and given all clear when they arrive in UK," he added.

Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Wahab Riaz, Imran Khan, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Kashif Bhatti are the latest to be diagnosed with the virus.

It comes after three cricketers Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf and Haider Ali tested positive on Monday.

The team’s massage therapist has also tested positive.

Pakistan is experiencing a surge in coronavirus cases, with more than 180,000 so far, including 3,590 deaths, while cases are falling in Britain.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Saeed Khan

To stay on top of their game, cricketers have to maintain consistency in their performances while keeping fit and fulfilling the other obligations that come with being in the spotlight.

However, for many players who satisfy all these criteria, their star fades when pushed past the orbit of domestic matches and into the thick of international space.

We look at five such players who were certainly loaded with the right amount of talent and tenacity to make it big, but after strong performances in the domestic circuit as well as prestigious T20 tournaments, a dearth of form at the international level all but put paid to their future prospects.

Manish Pandey

Having the special distinction of being the first Indian batsman to score a century in the Indian Premier League (IPL) did a world of good for Manish Pandey, as he went on to win two IPL titles with Kolkata Knight Riders during his never-ending love affair with the side.

Pandey was also a part of the Under-19 side which won the 2008 World Cup in Malaysia and has been a mainstay for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad during his IPL career. Apart from this, he represents the Karnataka team in the domestic circuit. However, his showings on the international front have left something to be desired.

Having made his One-Day International (ODI) debut in 2015, Pandey has played just 26 ODIs, scoring 492 runs. The middle-order batsman has time and again been unable to replicate his IPL performances for the national team, and at 30, he is yet to make his Test debut as well. An explosive batsman, he has been playing regularly in recent times and will look to impress selectors before the T20 World Cup squads are announced. 

D’Arcy Short

Australian opener D’Arcy Short had the chance to be one of Australia’s most explosive batsmen during the suspension of David Warner due to the ‘Sandpapergate�?scandal. Representing Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League (BBL), Short is among the highest run-getters in the T20 tournament. In the nine games he has played, he has scored 357 runs at a strike rate of 131.25.

Read | Top five one season wonders of the IPL

With his highest List-A score reading 257, it is a surprise that Short has been unable to replicate his game on the international level. He has played 20 T20Is and eight ODIs, failing to hit a century in any of the formats. Whilst his T20 stats are better, he averages a meagre 30 in the 50-over format.

Short was recently part of the ODI team for the series against New Zealand, but unless the southpaw improves his performances, he might not feature for the Aussies as often as he would like. At 29, and with a lot of competition, he might be nearing the end of his international career.

Jaydev Unadkat

For someone who made his ODI debut in 2013, Jaydev Unadkat has only contested seven matches since then -- an appalling statistic, given the talent Unadkat seemingly possesses. His Test debut came earlier than that, in 2010 against South Africa in Centurion, conceding 101 runs at an average of 3.88 without picking up a single wicket.

These numbers are quite surprising considering the level of performances Unadkat displayed in the domestic sphere of the game. Then 18, his left-arm seam bowling seemed favourable for the Indian team but his subpar performances have ensured he doesn’t make another Test appearance for his side.

His game in the shorter format has been marginally better, having picked up only eight and 14 wickets respectively in the seven ODIs and 10 T20 Internationals he has played in. Unadkat last featured for India in March 2018 in the Nidahas Trophy.

He has shone in the IPL on occasion, having played for a plethora of clubs over the last 10 years. His best season was the 2017 edition, where he led Rising Pune Supergiants to the finals, making him the costliest buy in the next IPL auction.

However, he hasn’t been able to reach the same heights since, but the captaincy of his domestic side, and his consistency, might make a case for the 28-year-old left arm seamer.

Fakhar Zaman

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman could have been one of Pakistan’s most prolific batsmen but his hard-hitting and ability to score quick runs failed to do him a world of good after a dismal outing at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in England last year.

Read | Four most underrated IPL openers

Zaman’s shot to fame was the famous century against India in the 2017 Champions Trophy, before becoming the first Pakistani player to score an ODI double century. However, in his 46 ODIs, the southpaw has only managed 1958 runs, with four of them being centuries.

After the World Cup, he was dropped for more capable candidates. He played against Sri Lanka in their last ODI series before the global pandemic and managed 50+ scores in both the games, helping his side to a win. With Pakistan touring England in their first series after the pandemic, Zaman will be keen on making an impression or risk his career fading out.

Aiden Markram

Aiden Markram was earmarked as the next big thing in international cricket after captaining South Africa to the Under-19 trophy in 2014, the country’s only ICC trophy in the current century. Markram had an average of over 50 in First-class and List-A competitions, leading to call-ups to the national team in 2017. However, things haven’t been the same for the young opener.

During the India tour of South Africa, Markram showed glimpses of his true form after playing exceptionally well for the Proteas. He even won praise from Indian skipper Virat Kohli and was named the captain of the ODI series in the absence of Faf du Plessis. But like many fading talents, Markram couldn’t make the most of the opportunities.

He is yet to feature in an ODI for the Proteas since the World Cup while playing only two T20Is in his career. In his 26 ODIs, he averages a measly 27.95, and in his 20 Tests, he has an average of 28. 48. He last featured for the Proteas against England before an injury sidelined him. However, at 25, he is considerably younger than the other members of this list, making a comeback easier.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Money Sharma

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SportsAdda.