Babar Azam leads strong Pakistan comeback with test victory away after three years

August 6, 05:13

The victory over the West Indies in the second Test allowed Pakistan not only to level the series at 1-1 but also to end a three-year wait for an away victory. This was Pakistan's first away win since July 2023, when the team beat Sri Lanka under the captaincy of Babar Azam. Following that, Pakistan lost eight consecutive away matches, but this victory finally stopped that embarrassing streak.

Significant changes have occurred in Pakistani cricket over the last three years: captains, coaches, and selection committees have changed, but the results remained the same. Babar Azam stepped down as captain twice, after which the leadership of the Test squad passed to Shan Masood. Under his leadership, Pakistan suffered crushing defeats against Australia (0-3), South Africa (0-2), and Bangladesh (0-2). After poor performances, Shan Masood was removed from the captaincy, and responsibility was once again placed on Babar Azam. Although his first return Test also ended in a defeat, in the second Test he managed to orchestrate a brilliant comeback for the team.

The hosts started the fourth day with a score of 103/6 but were unable to significantly increase their total. The West Indies team managed to score only 117 runs in the second innings. For Pakistan, spinners Sajid Khan and Ali Usman took four wickets each. In the second innings, the West Indies also felt the absence of batsman Brandon King, who could not play in the second innings due to a back injury sustained during fielding on the third day.

This victory not only saved Pakistan from a series loss but also temporarily calmed the questions raised regarding Babar Azam's captaincy. After eight consecutive away losses, the pressure of criticism on Pakistan intensified. However, the victory achieved in Port-of-Spain gave the team new hope.

West Indies: First Innings - 344, Second Innings - 117

Target: 75

Pakistan: First Innings - 387, Second Innings - 77/2

www.aajtak.inJuly 31, 15:58

India comments on atrocities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK); Ministry of External Affairs issues statement

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued an official statement regarding the current situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the actions being carried out by the Pakistani military. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that the Pakistani administration is brutally using force against civilians in PoK. As a result of this action, more than 40 innocent individuals have died, and many others have been seriously injured.

This incident reflects the deep hatred of the Pakistani administration towards innocent people, especially when their Defence Minister declared protesting citizens as enemies.

Randhir Jaiswal further stated that the Prime Minister's Special Assistant for Political Affairs has publicly admitted that the 'mujahideen' whom the Pakistani administration trained, funded, armed, and sent to India have now changed their stance, turned towards their own country, and taken up arms against the government.

Additionally, he mentioned that the alleged elections proved to be a humiliating rejection for the Pakistani administration facing violent rule. Local residents have requested international organizations to conduct an impartial investigation into the extrajudicial killings. India urges the international community to investigate Pakistan's activities and hold it accountable for its atrocities.

According to information, reports have also emerged of the action of Pakistani security forces against protesters in Rawalakot, PoK. Local residents had taken to the streets to protest, after which Pakistani security forces allegedly fired upon them, resulting in the deaths of several people. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) had claimed that many people were killed in Rawalakot and shared a handwritten list of the deceased.

www.aajtak.inJuly 24, 16:06

After Ben Stokes' departure, Joe Root will lead England again, becoming captain for the fourth time in four years

England batsman Joe Root will once again captain the national team in test tournament matches. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has decided to rely on experienced Root again after Ben Stokes announced the end of his international career.

New Team Leadership

According to reports, Root will lead the team in a three-match series against Pakistan starting on August 19. There is also a possibility that he will remain captain until the 2027 Ashes.

Change in Leadership and Legacy

Ben Stokes recently bid farewell to international cricket after a series against New Zealand. Along with head coach Brendon McCullum, he transformed England's play in Test cricket using the 'Bazball' style. Under his leadership, the team achieved memorable victories against strong opponents such as New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa.

Root's Previous Experience

Joe Root previously led the England Test team from 2017 to 2022. During this period, he managed the team in 64 matches, winning 27 of them. However, he stepped down as captain following defeats against Australia and West Indies.

Root's Importance to the Team

At 35 years old, Root remains the backbone of England's attack over the last four years. He surpassed Alastair Cook's record to become England's leading run-scorer in Test cricket and is among the top players in Test cricket history by total runs scored. Given his impressive form and experience, the ECB decided to entrust him with leading the team once more.

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