Skipper Babar Azam confident in Pakistan’s bowling strength ahead of T20 World Cup opener

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s religious affairs minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on Wednesday discussed expanding the Makkah Route Initiative to more Pakistani cities with Saudi Minister of Hajj Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah while praising the Kingdom for its continued focus on the welfare of Pakistani pilgrims, according to an official statement.
The Makkah Route Initiative is designed to streamline immigration processes by enabling pilgrims to complete official travel formalities at their departure airports. Initially tested in Islamabad in 2019, the program was later expanded to Karachi, benefitting tens of thousands of Pakistani travelers.
“Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf met with Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah,” Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry said in a statement. “The meeting included discussions on enhancing facilities for Hajj pilgrims and Umrah visitors, as well as expanding the scope of the Makkah Route Initiative to other cities in Pakistan.”

The Pakistani minister said pilgrims from his country had greatly benefited from the special attention given by the Saudi authorities.
Dr. Al-Rabiah congratulated Sardar Yousaf on assuming charge of the religious affairs ministry and reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to serving pilgrims.
“It is an honor to welcome large numbers of pilgrims from Pakistan each year,” he said, adding that “serving Hajj and Umrah pilgrims remains one of the Saudi government’s top priorities.”
The ministers also discussed issues related to the registration process for Pakistani pilgrims.
Dr. Al-Rabiah assured the concerns of Pakistani Hajj applicants would be addressed on a priority basis, adding the Saudi authorities had introduced several new measures this year to improve services for pilgrims.
 

Wellington: A half-century by captain Salman Agha lifted Pakistan to 128-9 in the fifth and final Twenty20 against New Zealand in Wellington on Wednesday.
Salman was eventually dismissed in the penultimate over for 51 after he and Shadab Khan rescued Pakistan from 52-5 in the 10th over.
Jimmy Neesham, who removed both Salman and Shadab, was the most successful New Zealand bowler with 5-22.
New Zealand, with an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the series, need 129 to win.
After another poor start by Pakistan, Salman and Shadab shared a 54-run stand for the sixth wicket.
Shadab was caught behind off Neesham for 28.B
Pakistan again had problems with the top order.
Jacob Duffy claimed the first wicket in the second over when he removed Hasan Nawaz for his third duck in the series.
He added Omair Yousuf in his following over as Pakistan struggled to cope with Duffy’s swing and seam movement, as well as the bounce generated by Will O’Rourke and Ben Sears.
New Zealand, who won the toss, made one change for the match with Sears coming in for Zak Foulkes.
Pakistan made five changes with Omair, Usman Khan, Jahandad Khan, Sufyan Moqim and Mohammad Ali all coming in.