Cricket News, 9 October: Malik replaces Maqsood in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad, Perry becomes most capped woman for Australia, more

Oct 09, 2021

Cricket News, 9 October: Malik replaces Maqsood in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad, Perry becomes most capped woman for Australia, more Image

Australia beat India in the second Women’s T20I, clinch series

Tahlia McGrath's unbeaten 33-ball 42 helped Australia register a four-wicket win against India in the second Women’s T20I at the Metricon Stadium. The win also ensured Australia take an unassailable 9-5 lead in the multi-format series.

After posting just 118/9 in 20 overs, courtesy an unbeaten 37 from Pooja Vastrakar, Indian bowlers staged a spirited performance to reduce Australia to 94/6 in 16.4 overs. But McGrath’s knock, laced with six fours, guided Australia reach the target with five balls to spare.

Malik replaces Maqsood in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad

Shoaib Malik replaced Sohaib Maqsood in Pakistan's squad for the Men's T20 World Cup in Oman and the UAE, as confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board on 9 October.

Maqsood has suffered a lower-back injury, for which he underwent an MRI scan two days ago. He picked up the injury during a National T20 Cup fixture of his franchise Southern Punjab versus Northern on 6 October.

Malik had led Pakistan in the first ever T20 World Cup, in 2007. He and Mohammad Hafeez are the only two Pakistanis common to both editions.

Perry becomes most capped woman for Australia

Ellyse Perry surpassed Alex Blackwell to become Australia's most capped woman cricketer across all formats. Perry broke Blackwell's record of 251 appearances after she featured in Australia’s line-up against India for the second T20I at the Carrara Oval.

Perry made her debut in 2007, and it was her 252nd match for Australia. Alyssa Healy is on third place in this list, with 207 caps, while Meg Lanning is at fourth, with 205 matches.

Perry has also represented Australia 18 times in football, including the FIFA World Cup.

Afghanistan appoint Flower as consultant for T20 World Cup

Afghanistan Cricket Board has appointed Andy Flower, former England head coach, as a consultant for the Men’s T20 World Cup. Flower, who captained Zimbabwe in his playing days, coached England between 2009 and 2014, winning the T20 World Cup in 2010. He left the ECB in October 2019 after 12 years of coaching.

"We are delighted Andy has joined. His experience will be beneficial to the team," said ACB chairman Azizullah Fazl.