Abbas Replaces Injured Wasim in Pakistan’s T20I Squad 

News Desk 

Lahore: Fast bowler Mohammad Abbas Afridi has been called up to Pakistan’s T20I squad for the three-match series against Bangladesh starting May 28, replacing the injured Mohammad Wasim Jr.

Wasim suffered a side strain during the HBL PSL X and was unable to recover in time for the series.

Abbas Afridi has played 20 T20 internationals for Pakistan, taking 33 wickets. He was also the joint-second highest wicket-taker in HBL PSL X, claiming 17 scalps.

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/england-overcome-bangladesh-thanks-to-knights-grit/

Meanwhile,England captain Heather Knight produced a determined unbeaten half-century to guide her side to a hard-fought four-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the ICC Women’s World Cup, taking England to the top of the tournament table.

In sharp contrast to their 10-wicket rout of South Africa in the opening match, England were made to work hard for their second win after a spirited display by Bangladesh pushed them to the brink of defeat.

Batting first, Bangladesh posted a competitive 178 all out in 49.4 overs, thanks to Sobhana Mostary’s maiden international fifty (60 off 108 balls) and a quickfire 43 not out off 27 balls from Rabeya Khan.

Despite the duo’s efforts, England’s spin attack—led by Sophie Ecclestone (3 wickets), Linsey Smith (2 for 33), and offspinners Charlie Dean and Alice Capsey—kept tight control, conceding few boundaries and forcing 136 dot balls.

Chasing 179, England were rocked early as Marufa Akter and Fahima Khatun tore through the top order, reducing them to 78 for 5. Marufa struck twice in her fiery five-over opening spell, while Fahima claimed three wickets for just two runs in a devastating burst.

Amid the collapse, Knight—playing her first international innings since suffering a serious hamstring injury in May—held firm. Surviving three close calls on 0, 8, and 13, she built a patient, composed innings that anchored England’s recovery.