Carlo Paalam saves PH’s boxing campaign in Asian Games, earns sure medal

LEEDS: Pakistan’s stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha has admitted that England exposed weaknesses across the board after Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat in the opening Test, while expressing hope that Babar Azam will return for the next match. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Salman acknowledged that Pakistan were outplayed by England and failed to maintain the consistency required at international level. “England outclassed us in every department,” Salman said, adding that the team repeatedly failed to execute its plans when it mattered most. The defeat has raised fresh questions about Pakistan’s preparations for the challenging England conditions. Salman said the team had arrived only about a week before the start of the series, leaving limited time for players to adjust to the unfamiliar conditions. “We always face tough challenges in England,” he said, stressing that adapting to local conditions requires time and experience. Pakistan’s problems were particularly visible with the bat. After being dismissed for 171 in their first innings, the visitors managed only 135 in the second, allowing England to complete a comprehensive innings victory. Salman also admitted that several senior players are struggling for form. He pointed to his own performance, as well as those of Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel, saying the lack of runs from key batters has become a major concern for the side. The captain nevertheless insisted that Pakistan have enough talent to improve. “We are going through a difficult rebuilding phase,” Salman said, describing the current team as a side being prepared with an eye on the future. He acknowledged that Pakistan’s bowling attack is relatively young and inexperienced but argued that the experience gained during difficult overseas tours could prove valuable in the long term. The captain’s comments come as Pakistan attempt to recover from a disappointing start to their three-Test series against England. The visitors will need a significant improvement in both batting and execution if they are to challenge the hosts in the remaining matches. One potential boost could come from the return of Babar Azam. Salman expressed hope that the former Pakistan captain would be fully fit and available for the next Test. Babar’s return could provide Pakistan with much-needed experience and stability in the batting order at a crucial stage of the series. Pakistan’s recent struggles have highlighted the difficulty of competing overseas, particularly when a team is undergoing transition. For Salman, however, the priority is clear: Pakistan must learn quickly and raise their standards. The stand-in captain stressed that the current level of performance is not acceptable and urged the team to improve its execution in foreign conditions. With two Tests still remaining, Pakistan have an opportunity to respond on the field. But after a one-sided opening defeat, the pressure will be firmly on the visitors to show that their rebuilding project can deliver results as well as promise.

Shakib Al Hasan delivered an outstanding all-round performance to guide Jaffna Kings to a 21-run victory over Kandy Royals in the 18th match of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Thursday. Defending a formidable target of 222, Jaffna Kings dismissed Kandy Royals for 200 on the final delivery of the innings to secure an important win. The Royals made a flying start to their chase, with openers Pawan Sandesh and Lahiru Igalagamage putting immediate pressure on the bowling attack. The pair raced to a 40-run partnership within the first three overs, setting the tone for an aggressive pursuit of the target. Sandesh played an entertaining knock of 48, while Igalagamage contributed 15 before the opening stand was broken. Kandy Royals maintained a healthy scoring rate during the first half of the innings, keeping themselves in contention. However, the momentum shifted dramatically once the spin duo of Shakib Al Hasan and Dunith Wellalage came into the attack. The experienced bowlers tightened the scoring and struck at crucial intervals, reducing the Royals to 112-4 and putting Jaffna firmly back in control. Captain Wanindu Hasaranga attempted to revive the chase with a quickfire 24 off just 12 deliveries, smashing three sixes in an attacking cameo. His aggressive innings briefly raised hopes of a late comeback, but Shakib dismissed the Royals skipper in the 18th over, effectively ending the contest. Shakib and Wellalage claimed three wickets each to lead the bowling effort, while Dilshan Madushanka and Zahoor Khan chipped in with two wickets apiece to complete the victory. Earlier, Jaffna Kings produced an explosive batting display after being asked to bat first, finishing with an imposing total of 221-6 in their allotted 20 overs. Openers Kamil Mishara and Avishka Fernando laid the perfect platform with a blistering 95-run partnership inside the opening seven overs. Mishara narrowly missed out on a half-century, scoring 49 with the help of five sixes and two boundaries. Fernando added 36 from 22 balls, striking three fours and a six before leaving the field as a substitute. Although the Royals managed to regain some control through a series of quick wickets, reducing Jaffna to 139-5 in the 15th over, the innings received a powerful finish from Shakib Al Hasan and Chamindu Wickramasinghe. The pair added 59 runs in just 23 deliveries, lifting the Kings beyond the 220-run mark. Wickramasinghe played a breathtaking innings of 43 from only 15 balls, hammering four sixes and three boundaries. Shakib remained composed at the other end, contributing 22 runs from 16 deliveries, including one six and one four. For Kandy Royals, Moeen Ali and Wanindu Hasaranga were the standout bowlers, taking two wickets each. Pakistan left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, however, endured a difficult outing, finishing wicketless after conceding 43 runs in his three overs. The comprehensive victory strengthened Jaffna Kings’ campaign, with Shakib Al Hasan making a decisive impact with both bat and ball in a memorable all-round performance.