Allen powers New Zealand to T20 victory over Pakistan in Christchurch

Pakistan's Babar Azam (R) plays a shot during the fourth cricket match between New Zealand and Pakistan of the Twenty20 tri-series at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on October 11, 2022. (AFP)
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Updated 11 October 2022
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Allen powers New Zealand to T20 victory over Pakistan in Christchurch

  • The hosts' victory leaves both Pakistan and New Zealand on two wins and a defeat each
  • The tri-series is a warm-up for the T20 World Cup in Australia which begins later this month

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand: Finn Allen showed his form ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup by top-scoring for New Zealand with a disciplined batting display in their nine-wicket romp over Pakistan in Christchurch on Tuesday in the tri-series.

Allen blasted six sixes in a tally of 62 off 42 balls as the Black Caps chased down 130-7 with ease at Hagley Oval as New Zealand claimed their second win of the series.

The hosts' victory leaves both Pakistan and New Zealand on two wins and a defeat each, with the Black Caps next facing Bangladesh on Wednesday, also in Christchurch.

The three nations are using the week-long tournament to fine tune for the T20 World Cup in Australia later this month

The Black Caps avenged Saturday's defeat to Pakistan with an improved bowling performance before Allen and Devon Conway quickly found their stride in an opening partnership of 117 to set up victory.

After Allen was stumped by Mohammad Rizwan, Black Caps captain Kane Williamson replaced him at the crease to eventually claim the winning single as New Zealand won with 23 balls to spare.

Having guided New Zealand to victory over Bangladesh last Sunday with an unbeaten 70, Conway was again impressive at the crease, grabbing five fours in his unbeaten tally of 49 off 46 balls.

Pakistan were allowed to settle with neither bat nor ball.

New Zealand bowler Michael Bracewell again claimed the man-of-the-match award by taking the key wickets of the prolific opening pair of Rizwan (16) and captain Babar Azam (21), in fine figures of two for 11 from his four overs.

Iftikhar Ahmed top-scored with 27, including three fours.

Tim Southee removed Iftikhar and Mohammad Nawaz with the first two deliveries of the final over, but Mohammad Wasim survived the hat-trick ball.


Pakistan to begin first phase of Hajj 2026 trainings from today

Updated 31 December 2025
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Pakistan to begin first phase of Hajj 2026 trainings from today

  • Training programs to be held in phases across Pakistan till February, says religion ministry
  • Saudi Arabia allocated Pakistan a total quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Hajj 2026

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry has said that it will begin the first phase of mandatory Hajj 2026 training for pilgrims intending to perform the pilgrimage from today, Thursday.

The one-day Hajj training programs will be held in phases across the country at the tehsil level until February. The ministry directed intending pilgrims to bring their original identity cards and the computerized receipt of their Hajj application to attend the training sessions.

“Pilgrims should attend the one-day training program according to their scheduled date,” Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) said in a statement.

The ministry said training schedules are being shared through the government’s Pak Hajj 2026 mobile application as well as via SMS. It added that details of the schedule are also available on its website.

According to the ministry, training programs will be held in Abbottabad on Jan. 2; Ghotki, Thatta and Kotli on Jan. 3; and Tando Muhammad Khan and Khairpur on Jan. 4.

Hajj training sessions will be held in Rawalakot, Badin and Naushahro Feroze on Jan. 5, while pilgrims in Fateh Jang, Dadu and Tharparkar will receive the training on Jan. 6.

The ministry said training programs will be conducted in Umerkot and Larkana on Jan. 7, followed by sessions in Mirpurkhas, Shahdadkot and Mansehra on Jan. 8.

Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry has previously said these trainings will be conducted by experienced trainers and scholars using multimedia.

It said the training has been made mandatory to ensure that intending pilgrims are fully aware of Hajj rituals and administrative procedures.

Saudi Arabia has allocated Pakistan a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Hajj 2026, of which around 118,000 seats have been reserved under the government scheme, while the remainder will be allocated to private tour operators.

Under Pakistan’s Hajj scheme, the estimated cost of the government package ranges from Rs1,150,000 to Rs1,250,000 ($4,049.93 to $4,236), subject to final agreements with service providers.