September 1 Evening Brief: Today's Top news and headlines from cricket world

1. ‘No other batsman could have done that to our bowling line-up’ – Shadab Khan recalls Virat Kohli’s MCG masterclass ahead of India-Pakistan clash

Pakistan spinner Shadab Khan heaped massive praise on flamboyant India batter Virat Kohli for his match-winning knock during the 2022 T20 World Cup. Notably, it was Kohli’s unconquered 53-ball 82, which steered the Men in Blue to a magnificent win from the jaws of defeat against Pakistan, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in the showpiece event. (READ MORE)

2. ‘Unique bowlers require unique plans’ - Matthew Hayden breaksdown India’s game plan ahead of Pakistan clash

Former Australia batter Matthew Hayden dissected India’s game plan to counter Pakistan's pace bowling attack ahead of their Asia Cup opener. Hayden stated that India will need to bring about different game plans to counter the lethal bowling attack of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah. (READ MORE)

3. Current Pakistan XI is well-balanced, should not make changes even if we lose to India: Abdul Razzaq

Citing a well-balanced unit, former Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq urged the 'Men in Green' to retain the playing XI even if they lose their upcoming encounter against arch-rivals India in the Asia Cup on Saturday, September 2. (READ MORE)

4. India loses because of the pressure they get from their own media: Shoaib Akhtar

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar opened up on the type of pressure dealt by team India from their media ahead of the high-voltage clash between the arch-rivals in the Asia Cup 2023. He further recalled an incident prior to the Asia Cup 2022 Super Four match between the rivals, wherein the media played quite a role in hyping the game which costed them dearly in the contest. (READ MORE)

5. I would say India start as favourite but Pakistan have narrowed the gap in last few years: Ravi Shastri

Ahead of the high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, former cricketer Ravi Shastri has clarified that the Men in Blue will start as the favourites to win the match. Shastri also feels that in the last few years, Pakistan have closed the gap but are yet to topple its neighbours. (READ MORE)

6. Virat Kohli is ready for world cricket's Greatest Rivalry: Sanjay Bangar

Former Indian cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar has provided his insights into Virat Kohli's game plan against the strong Pakistani bowling attack. As India gears up to face Pakistan in the much-awaited clash, Kohli's strategy as a batter is under the spotlight. (READ MORE)

7. Nicholas Pooran, Mohammad Rizwan withdraw from BBL draft

Just a couple of days ahead of the Big Bash League (BBL) draft, star batters in the form of Nicholas Pooran and Mohammad Rizwan have pulled out from the competition. However, neither of them has issued any statement justifying the move, as Cricket Australia has confirmed the new development. (READ MORE)

8. 'Maybe we want it too much' - Jacques Kallis on why South Africa have not won World Cup yet

As another World Cup beckons, one of the greatest all-rounders of all time, Kallis, urged the South African players to stick to the roles they have been performing heading into it. The 47-year-old felt that over the years, the South Africans have tried too hard to win world events and that has forced them to go out of the roles they were assigned. (READ MORE)

9. 'Help us play again' - Afghanistan's female cricketers plead to ICC amid Taliban ban

One player who stood out in the Afghanistan women's squad since Taliban took control was Firooza Amiri. After more than two years, Amiri is still looking for the side’s place in international cricket. The entire squad has been pleading with the ICC and the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) to provide the women’s team with a place to play. (READ MORE)

10. New South Wales rope in Michael Bevan and Shane Watson as coaching consultants to revive their fortunes

After failing to register a single win in the last edition of the Sheffield Shield, the think tank has signed former Australia cricketers Shane Watson and Michael Bevan as their new coaching consultants to bolster the setup. (READ MORE)