{
  "id": 13950987,
  "title": "Are Pakistan turning over a new leaf in T20 cricket?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/are-pakistan-turning-over-a-new-leaf-in-t20-cricket",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-12T12:18:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/cricket/2026/10/12/are-pakistan-turning-over-a-new-leaf-in-t20-cricket/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pakistan's cricket team has seemingly turned a new leaf in T20 cricket, according to recent results. In a third match of a three-game series against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi, Pakistan secured an 82-run victory, with new captain and opener Sahibzada Farhan scoring a quick 73. The young middle-order batsman Maaz Sadaqat also contributed with a blistering 96 off just 51 balls.\n\nThese results come after Pakistan struggled in recent ICC tournaments and failed to reach the semi-finals. The team has been working to turn things around, with a focus on T20 specialists. Farhan, ranked third in the world among T20 batters, was named captain for this series. Maaz Sadaqat, with the unique combination of over 1000 runs, a 30-plus average, and a 150-plus strike rate in T20s, also played a crucial role.\n\nThe team management has backed players who are dedicated to the 20-over format, with older players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan seemingly phased out. Hasan Nawaz and Salman Mirza, both with extensive experience in T20Is, are expected to get increased playing time. Captain Farhan has made it clear that the team aims to score more than 200 runs in each match, a significant statement for a side traditionally known for inconsistent performances.",
  "summary": "Pakistan completed a T20 series win against Sri Lanka on Sunday, securing an 82-run victory in the second match of the three-game series in Rawalpindi. New captain and opener Sahibzada Farhan hit a quick 73, his second straight fifty, and young middle order bat Maaz Sadaqat smashed 96 from 51 balls to help Pakistan post 215-3. Sri Lanka batters did not even come close, restricted to 133-7. On…",
  "key_points": [
    "Pakistan's T20 team secures 82-run victory over Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi.",
    "New captain Sahibzada Farhan scores 73 runs; Maaz Sadaqat contributes 96 off 51 balls.",
    "Team management prioritizes T20 specialists, phases out older players."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Times of India",
        "title": "Pakistan cricket hit by political turmoil! PCB shifts President’s Trophy matches",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/pakistan-cricket-hit-by-political-turmoil-pcb-shifts-presidents",
        "published": "2026-10-12T07:11:52.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Are Pakistan turning over a new leaf in T20 cricket?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/are-pakistan-turning-over-a-new-leaf-in-t20-cricket-13952554",
        "published": "2026-10-12T12:18:16.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Pakistan cricket hit by political turmoil! PCB shifts President’s Trophy matches after emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/pakistan-cricket-hit-by-political-turmoil-pcb-shifts-presidents-13955535",
        "published": "2026-10-12T12:41:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}