KARACHI: Pakistan came one step closer to a whitewash against Sri Lanka after Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik guided them to a victory in a low run-chase on Friday to gain a 4-0 lead in the five-match ODI series, and wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal thinks the former has become everyone’s favourite player.

Hasan Ali, who soared to the first spot in bowler’s ODI rankings on Friday, displayed his prowess once again with a three-wicket haul to send the visitors packing on 173 runs.

In their chase, Pakistan lost openers Fakhar Zaman, Imamul Haq and two-down Mohammad Hafeez for low scores, but Babar (69 not out) and Malik (69 not out) then partnered up for the fourth wicket to guide the team past the finish line.

Babar Azam vows to continue purple patch

“Babar has always performed for the team and has been playing match-winning innings for the team in this ODI series,” said Kamran. “He scored runs when the team was in need. After scoring two centuries in the first two ODIs he has become everyone’s favourite player in the series.”

Kamran then praised Babar’s ability to bounce back after he was unable to play a meaningful innings for the team in the third ODI.

“You can see how good and smart Babar is after he came back from a 30-run innings in the third ODI and helped Pakistan win the fourth match with a stronger approach and a resolute presence on the pitch,” he said. “Babar’s shot selection shows how confident he is and he will become one of the best batsmen for Pakistan.”

‘Malik’s experience handy for Pakistan’

Malik, Babar’s partner on Friday, has been living up to the role of a finisher in the team since he was assigned that job by head coach Mickey Arthur, and Kamran thinks veteran’s experience always comes in handy for Pakistan.

“Malik has experience and he knows how to pace his innings. He stayed on the crease with Babar and scored runs for the team to win their fourth consecutive ODI,” he added.

Hasan is a consistent performer: Razzaq

Hasan’s ability with the ball proved why he rose to the first spot in the rankings, dethroning South Africa’s Imran Tahir, and former Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq believes it is the right-arm pacer’s consistency which is bringing accolades for him.

ODI rankings: Hasan Ali jumps to number one

“Hasan has become number one bowler which is a great achievement and as he said, it was his dream,” said Razzaq. “He is a consistent performer and has a bright future. The way he bowled in Tests and now in ODIs, I think he is a bowler who can earn many victories to Pakistan.”

Razzaq then praised the mix of youth and experience in Pakistan’s ODI team, saying that youngsters need to gain as much experience as they can.

“Right now Pakistan’s ODI team is strong because they have big names and young energetic players who will help the team rise up in rankings. Usman Shinwari bowled beautifully on his debut but still he lacks experience, which he will get if he keeps getting chances. Same goes for Inamul Haq who scored a century in first match but couldn’t handle the pressure in the second match and lost his wicket,” concluded Razzaq.

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Source: Tribune News | Kamran Akmal praises ‘smart’ Babar Azam’s resolve

RIYADH: Top US diplomat Rex Tillerson attended a landmark meeting Sunday between Saudi Arabia and Iraq aimed at upgrading strategic ties between the two countries and countering Iran’s regional influence.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and Saudi King Salman held the first meeting of the joint Saudi-Iraqi coordination council that aims to boost cooperation after years of tensions.

Abadi hailed the meeting as an “important step toward enhancing relations”, echoing similar comments from King Salman.

“We are facing in our region serious challenges in the form of extremism, terrorism as well as attempts to destabilise our countries,” the Saudi monarch said.

“These attempts require our full attention.”

Iraq is seeking economic benefits from closer ties with Riyadh as both countries suffer from a protracted oil slump.

Saudi Arabia is also seeking to counter Iranian influence in Iraq.

Tillerson lands in Riyadh at start of Gulf, South Asia tour

“This event highlights the strength and breadth as well as the great potential of the relations between your countries,” Tillerson said, referring to the meeting.

After years of tense relations, ties between Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia and Shiite-majority Iraq have begun looking up in recent months.

After former dictator Saddam Hussein’s August 1990 invasion of Kuwait, Riyadh severed relations with Baghdad and closed its border posts with its northern neighbour.

Saudi Arabia says oil market improving, agrees with Iraq on compliance with cutbacks

Ties remained strained even after Saddam’s ouster in the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, since when successive Shiite-dominated governments in Baghdad have stayed close to Tehran.

But a flurry of visits between the two countries this year appears to indicate a thawing of ties.

Abadi’s tour coincides with Saudi Energy Minister Khaled al-Faleh’s high profile visit to Baghdad on Saturday where he called for the strengthening of economic relations to boost oil prices.

At the opening of the Baghdad International Fair, Falih hailed what he called “the new Iraq, on the ambitious road to prosperity and growth while strengthening its relations with the world”.

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Source: Tribune News | Tillerson attends landmark Saudi, Iraq meeting

I have never seen a man as clever and wicked as Imran Khan, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chief Bilawal Bhutto has said.

“Imran Khan’s slogan of change is a farce,” party’s chairman told supporters in a rally organised at Kohat road, Peshawar. “There’s no bigger liar than Khan; he is an anarchist.”

Bilawal added that Khan would resort to any tactics to shift from his residence in Bani Gala to Prime Minister’s House.

Political parties are campaigning for the election scheduled in the NA-4 Peshawar constituency on October 26. The seat fell vacant as former MNA Gulzar Khan of PTI passed away in August.

“Where is the change that Khan is oft-quoted for,” he asked. “PTI chief’s billion-tree tsunami project did not yield anything; Khan instead got wealthier.”

How can a man who has no control over what he says can lead a profound nation such as Pakistan’s, Bilawal questioned.

NA-4 by-election: Candidates to submit nomination papers from today  

He went on to accuse the PTI chief of using KP’s resources to propel his politics in Sindh and Punjab. “Imran is bent upon coming into power at all costs.”

Had there been any real progress, he continued, millions of people would have been employed and there would have been prosperity in the province. “The PTI-led KP government did not set up a single hospital in the past four years,” he added.

Taking a jibe at former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Bilawal said he did not step down until the top court removed him from power.

“Now the incompetent government of disqualified Sharif is deceiving people, and is spending from the public exchequer to reestablish their image.”

While masses are being pushed towards poverty, the government is propagating that the economy is making progress, he said.

Bilawal asked his supporters to make their choice wisely and elect the right person in the forthcoming poll to lead them.

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Source: Tribune News | Never seen a man as clever, wicked as Imran Khan: Bilawal

Four days after Lahore, a woman in North Waziristan gave birth to quintuplets on Sunday.

According to Express News, Hebullah Khan, resident of Datta Khel, brought his wife to a private hospital in a serious condition where she gave birth to the set of five children – four daughters and a son.

The health condition of the mother and babies are good, said doctors.

Famous five: Gwadar couple blessed with quintuplets

The quintuplets have brought happiness not only to the couple but also to the entire family.

On Wednesday, a young woman gave birth to quintuplets, two girls and three boys, at the Lady Aitcheson Hospital, officials at the facility said.

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Source: Tribune News | After Lahore, quintuplets born in North Waziristan