Rawalpindi (PCB Report): UMT Markhors and Nurpur Lions recorded wins by three and 35 runs respectively, in contrasting styles on the sixth day of the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup at Rawalpindi cricket stadium on Thursday, perching Markhors on top of the five-team table.Markhors scored 170-6 on the back of a rapid 32-ball 39 by opener Fakhar Zaman who shared a solid opening stand of 74 with Khawaja Mohammad Nafay who hit a 30-ball 36. While Fakhar smashed a six and five boundaries, Nafay was more aggressive with three sixes and a boundary.No.3 batter Mohammad Shahzad struck 28 off 25 balls with the help of two sixes and experienced Mohammad Nawaz knocked an unbeaten 13-ball 28 with one four and two sixes to lift the total. Usman Tariq with 2-20 and Tahir Hussain, who returned figures of 2-36 were the pick of Stallions bowlers.ABL Stallions lost Yasir Khan (17, 10b, 2x4s, 1x6) early but Maaz Sadaqat (82, 53b, 10x4s, 2x6s) and Mohammad Haris rescued the innings with a strong 59-run stand off 41 balls for the second wicket. Haris fell after scoring a fiery 16-ball 22 with a six and a four as it was left to Maaz to help the team cross the target. Team mentor Shoaib Malik chipped in with a 21-ball 16 as Stallions slumped from 127-2 in 15 overs to lose four wickets for 15 runs, including the well set Maaz.Stallions needed 19 in the last over but fast bowler Mohammad Imran Jnr conceded 15 to steal the match.This became the third consecutive win for UMT Markhors while ABL Stallions suffered their first defeat after two wins.In the second match, Nurpur Lions scored 194-5 in 20 overs against Engro Dolphins. Their skipper Imam-ul-Haq knocked a brilliant 48-ball 65 and Hasan Nawaz hit 34-ball 50 in a solid 100-run partnership in 11.3 overs. Hasan, smashed three sixes and four boundaries while Imam's knock had seven boundaries and a six.Khushdil Shah, batting at No.5, blasted an unbeaten 22-ball 57 not out with six maximums and two boundaries as Nurpur Lions added a big 64 in the last five overs. Dolphins' Qasim Akram picked up three wickets for 21 runs in his four overs.In reply, Sahibzada Farhan and Mirza Tahir Baig gave Dolphins a robust start of 57 in six overs. Tahir fell for 29 off 16 balls laced with a six and three boundaries. Muhammad Akhlaq fell without scoring. Farhan then added 51 for the third wicket with Umar Amin who made a 19-ball 25 with two fours and a six.But once Farhan fell for 54 off 42 balls including three sixes and as many boundaries the chase fell apart. Skipper Faheem Ashraf tried valiantly with a cameo of 12-ball 27 with two sixes and as many fours but the asking rate soared beyond 15 an over.Fast bowler Musa Khan was the pick of bowlers with 4-23 while Khushdil and Shahid Aziz fetched two wickets apiece. Lions have now won two of their four matches while Dolphins are winless in three outings.Scores in brief (Markhors beat Stallions by 3 runs in Game-7):UMT Markhors 170-6 in 20 overs (Fakhar Zaman 39, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay 36, Mohammad Nawaz 28 not out, Mohammad Shahzad 28; Usman Tariq 2-20, Tahir Hussain 2-36)ABL Stallions 167-6 in 20 overs (Maaz Sadaqat 82, Mohammad Haris 22; Nisar Ahmed 3-23)Player of the match - Nisar Ahmed (UMT Markhors)Game 8 (Nurpur Lions beat Engro Dolphins by 35 runs)Nurpur Lions 194-5 in 20 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 65, Khushdil Shah 57 not out, Hasan Nawaz 50; Qasim Akram 3-21)Engro Dolphins 159 all out in 19.4 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 54, Mirza Tahir Baig 29, Faheem Ashraf 27, Umar Amin 25; Musa Khan 4-23, Khushdil Shah 2-22, Shahid Aziz 2-35)Player of the match -- Khushdil Shah (Nurpur Lions)Today’s fixtures: Allied Bank Stallions vs Engro Dolphins, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (11am)Lake City Panthers vs UMT Markhors, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (3.30pm) 

Islamabad (Sports Desk): The latest segment of the FIH Hockey Pro League kicked off today in Santiago del Estero, Argentina. The hosts split their success between the men’s and women’s teams. (Women’s) Argentina 2 (3) – 2 (2) Germany: Facing off for the first time since their quarterfinal clash in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Argentina and Germany found themselves in yet another tightly contested match. Both sides featured a combination of recent Olympians and a sum of athletes making their international debut.The first shot on target came from Argentina, as the attempt from Zoe Diaz forced Germany’s Nathalie Kubalski to make a save just 3 minutes in. Not long after, an errant pass from an Argentina backline under pressure was intercepted by Germany’s Aina Kresken, who took a backhand shot that was saved by Cristina Cosentino.Some new additions to the Argentina squad put in work at minute 8. Making her debut, Lourdes Pisthon dribbled through traffic to send the ball to María Larsen, who finished on the reverse to earn her first goal on her first cap. Germany continued to find themselves unable to execute passes around the backfield, as a high press from Argentina’s attacking line forced changes in decision-making. A period of back-and-forth play was followed by a burst of Argentina energy. Catalina Andrade made her presence known with a beautiful move that freed up space to send a pass into the circle, but Julieta Jankunas just missed out.As momentum built for Las Leonas, a loose ball off the stick of a Germany defender was picked up by Jankunas and sent quickly to Agustina Granatto, whose shot was saved by Kubalski. Argentina still earned a penalty corner on the play – their first of the match – as the initial strike from Valentina Raposo was saved. Argentina finished off the half with a 9-1 shot advantage and a 1-0 lead.Two minutes into the third quarter, Germany earned their first penalty corner, and the drag flick from Stine Kurz sailed just wide of the cage. A ball up the center led to a second penalty corner chance for Germany at minute 34. A diving play by the Argentina flyer gave Las Leonas a break up the field, as Diaz sent the ball to a wide open Granatto, who settled for a penalty corner. Agustina Gorzalany’s drag flick was blocked, as was another penalty corner chance just a minute later.Germany got on the board in minute 37 after a hit in from Charlotte Gerstenhöfer found Lynn Krings on the left post. The play retained a fast-paced cadence through the end of the third quarter, and didn't slow down as both teams strived to avoid shootouts in the final frame. It was Argentina with the next goal – Eugenia Trinchinetti sent the ball to Jancounas, who smashed in a one-time to the top of the net. In thrilling fashion, Germany found the equalizer with two minutes left to play. A long ball into the circle found its way to Sara Strauss, whose slap shot sent the ball into the top right corner.Tied at 2-2, the match headed to shootouts. Argentina was to attack first, as Diaz hit the post and Germany’s Lilly Stoffelsma missed as well. Jankunas put away her attempt for Argentina, while Germany’s Sophia Schwabe made it 1-1. Sofia Cairo put Germany’s goalkeeper on her heels while Strauss used a cheeky backhand lift to make it 2-2 after three rounds. Argentina’s Pisthon and Germany’s Weidemann were both denied to keep it 2-2 after four. Argentina captain Agostina Alonso put the team on her back with a goal, as Las Leonas claimed victory when Germany skipper Lisa Nolte’s goal was called back upon review.(Men’s) Argentina 1 - 3 England: Argentina came together again for the first time since Paris, facing a skilled England side, whose team also featured a large amount of returning Olympians (Great Britain).England kicked off the match with the ball, but an early interception gave Argentina possession for the first few minutes. The first touch for England goalkeeper James Mazarelo came in the 6th minute, as a block on Tomas Domene’s cross ball. Back in Argentina’s defensive end in that same minute, England used a video referral to earn the opening penalty corner. The chance was missed after a botched reception at the top of the circle.After few chances materialized for both sides, possession eventually fell in favor of England. Will Calnan worked to earn a penalty corner chance for England in the final two minutes, and on a retake, Stuart Rushmere placed a drag flick into the bottom left side of the cage. The goal gave England a 1-0 lead over the hosts.The second quarter saw more of England’s high press, forcing Argentina turnovers. As the energy on the pitch increased, so did the chances – at minute 28 England’s Jack Waller sent in a shot that was turned away by Nehuen Hernando. England found another penalty corner in that 28th minute where a drag flick from Samuel Hooper was denied.Patience from the Argentina side in the second half paid off with chances up inside their attacking 25, including a scramble in front of the cage that had to be cleared out by England’s Timothy Nurse. More than halfway through the third frame, Los Leones struggled to find an equalizer against the strong England defense. It became an even bigger challenge for Argentina when Sam Ward put away a second goal for England off a penalty corner in 41st minute.Finally, in minute 48, Argentina broke through. On a nearly impossible angle, Felipe Merlini got a touch on a crossed ball from Lucas Martinez, sending it high into the cage. Now back to a single goal deficient, Argentina had 12 minutes to find the tying goal.England found themselves with the chance to just about put away the game with a penalty corner at minute 54. The chance looked squandered with a mistrap at the top, but the play developed into a chance for Ward to win back the ball and smash a reverse chip over the head of Hernando. England would win the match 3-1. 

Rohit Sharma, one of India's cricketing stalwarts, has recently been the center of a strategic debate regarding his batting order. Traditionally an opener, Rohit has been moved down the order to accommodate KL Rahul at the top. This decision has sparked discussions among cricketing legends, with former players like Sunil Gavaskar and Harbhajan Singh suggesting that Rohit should instead bat at number one.Rohit's move to the middle order is not entirely new. He has previously batted at various positions, including number five and six, where he has shown considerable success. His adaptability and experience make him a valuable asset regardless of where he bats. However, the recent decision to drop himself down the order has raised questions about the best use of his talents.What are your thoughts on Rohit Sharma's batting order? Do you think he should open the innings, or is the middle order a better fit for him? We asked this question to former opening batter, Lalachand Rajput, who is now a coach. "I feel Rohit should open the innings or no 3, not lower than that. He has been opening for a long time in all formats, so you are used to playing the new ball, which comes on to bat quicker, and your reflexes are set to it. Whereas when you bat lower down you might have to face the spinners first and the pacers with the old ball which you are not used to. It is better to play spinner after you have faced the pacers first with the new ball.its the mind set which you are used to, some change it quickly and some take time to get used to it", he says."As an opening batsmen, I used to face spinners after I negotiated the new ball, and I felt easy to face them. If Rohit wants to bat lower down, then he should play lower down the order in Ranji Trophy so that he gets used to it. As a batsman if you had opened for a long time for a number of years then you might feel that you want to relax and bat in the middle order, but to do that you have to prepare for it and get used to it before doing it at the international level"."Sunil Gavaskar decided to bat in the middle for a series or 2 but again ended up opening. So, it is all in the mindset to get used to the situation quickly. Cricket is played 9 inches above the shoulder (head). Hence, if your mindset is strong and adapts quickly, you are the winner", Rajput signed off.Rohit's childhood coach, Dinesh Lad wants him to open the batting rather than coming down the order. "He is more successful as an opener", he says.As India continues to strategize for future matches, the role of Rohit Sharma in the batting lineup will be a key factor in their quest for victory. Whether he opens the batting or bats lower down the order, his contributions will be crucial to India's success. 

Rawalpindi (PCB Report): Fast bowler Shahid Aziz took four wickets while skipper Imam-ul-Haq and Hasan Nawaz hit solid forties to lead Nurpur Lions to an eight-wicket win over Lake City Panthers here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.Chasing a modest 124-run target, Nurpur Lions crossed the line in 14.3 overs for the loss of two wickets after they were set up by Shahid's potent 4-20 which restricted Lake City Panthers to 123 all out in 19.2 overs.Imam and Hasan set up the win with a confident 79-run opening stand in 9.1 overs. Hasan hit three sixes and four boundaries in his fiery 31-ball 44 while Imam's 38-ball 45 had five hits to the rope. Pakistan U19 batter Shahzaib Khan chipped in with a 17-ball 28 not out, cracking two sixes and a four.With the win, Nurpur Lions opened their account in the five-team competition after losing their first two games. Lake City Panthers have now lost two and won one in their three outings. Sent into bat, Panthers lost opener Sharjeel Khan for five before Umar Siddiq, who scored a 28-ball 26 with two sixes and as many fours, added 45 for the second wicket with Haider Ali (26, 20b, 2x4s, 1x6).Shahid, Khushdil Shah (2-26) and Musa Khan (2-32) triggered a middle-order collapse which saw Lake City Panthers slumping from 62-1 to 99-6. It was Danish Aziz who rescued Panthers to a respectable total with a solid 27-ball 34 which were studded with four boundaries and a six.Scores in brief (Nurpur Lions beat Lake City Panthers by 8 wickets):Lake City Panthers 123 all out in 19.2 overs (Danish Aziz 34, Haider Ali 26, Umar Siddiq 26; Shahid Aziz 4-20, Khushdil Shah 2-26, Musa Khan 2-32)Nurpur Lions 126-2 in 14.3 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 45, Hasan Nawaz 44, Shahzaib Khan 28 not out)Player of the match: Shahid Aziz (Nurpur Lions)Thursday’s Fixtures: ABL Stallions vs UMT Markhors at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (11am); Engro Dolphins vs Nurpur Lions at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (3pm).

RAWALPIND (PCB Report)I: Opening batter Khawaja Mohammad Nafay smashed a fiery half century to anchor UMT Markhors’ two-wicket win over a fighting Engro Dolphins on the fourth day of the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.Nafay’s 41-ball 68 spiced with four sixes and as many fours guided UMT Markhors to overhaul the modest 129-run target in 18.5 overs to give Markhors their second win in as many games. The Misbah-ul-Haq mentored team is now second with four points while ABL Stallions are top of the table, also with four points from two matches but have a superior net run-rate.22-year-old Nafay from Karachi lifted his team from the early loss of Fakhar Zaman (nought), Mohammad Shahzad (11, 9b, 2x4s) and Abdul Samad (1, 3b), adding 29 for the fourth wicket with skipper Iftikhar Ahmed who made five.Spinner Qasim Akram dismissed Nafay leg-before and then two more wickets fell as Dolphins fought back but Mohammad Nawaz made sure the chase was completed with a cautious 19-ball 18 not out including two fours while Akif Javed hit the winning boundary.Dolphins, who have now lost both their matches, were given an ideal start by fast bowler Sameen Gul who took three early wickets but other than him no bowler could detrack the rampaging Markhors.Earlier, sent into bat, Engro Dolphins lost Sahibzada Farhan in the first over, without scoring. Mohammad Akhlaq hit a 33-ball 40 studded with two sixes and three boundaries while Mirza Tahir Baig knocked 28-ball 29 with two sixes and a boundary.Dolphins were relying on vice-captain Qasim Akram who scored 14 and experienced batter Umar Amin who managed just 11 as they slumped from 81-2 to 128-9. Nawaz grabbed 3-28 while fast-rising pacer Akif Javed finished with 2-33.Scores in brief (UMT Markhors beat Engro Dolphins by two wickets):Engro Dolphins 128-9 in 20 overs (Mohammad Akhlaq 40, Mirza Tahir Baig 29; Mohammad Nawaz 3-28, Akif Javed 2-33)UMT Markhors 132-8 in 18.5 overs (Khawaja Mohammad Nafay 68, Mohammad Nawaz 18 not out; Sameen Gul 3-23, Qasim Akram 2-11)Player of the match: Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (UMT Markhors)Wednesday’s fixture: Nurpur Lions vs Lake City Panthers, 12pm at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

A couple of performances, Umar Siddiq (78 runs), Ahmed Butt (3 for 19), sail Panthers to a big winAbdul Jabbar FaisalRAWALPINDI: A couple of performances, Umar Siddiq (78 runs), Ahmed Butt (3 for 19), guided Lake City Panthers to a comprehensive victory by 8 wickets against Engro Dolphins in the 3rd game of the ongoing Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup 2024 here at Pindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.Siddiq's aggressive 53-ball knock was spiced with four towering sixes and eight boundaries. He gave Lake City Panthers a rollicking start with 33 coming in the first three overs and by the tenth over they had reached 86 for the loss of Sharjeel Khan 14.Siddiq and stand-in skipper Haider Ali, deputising for unfit Shadab Khan, added a rapid 101 for the second wicket to bring their team within 23 runs of victory. Mubasir Khan, who scored 16 not out, hit the winning six as the 161-run target was achieved in 16 overs. Haider's 28-ball 46 contained five boundaries and two sixes.Engro Dolphnis’ total of 160-8 showed most of the batters got starts but did not make it big, with promising youngster Mohammad Huraira the highest scorer with a 32-ball 37 that contained four boundaries and a six.Mohammad Suleman struck two sixes and a boundary in his 27-ball 34 while Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (27, 16b, 3x4s, 1x6) and Shayan Sheikh (20, 12b, 4x4s) chipped in with useful contributions as 55 runs came in the last five overs. For Panthers, all-rounder Amad Butt was the pick of the bowlers with 3-19 while Mohammad Ibtisam finished with 2-30.Scores in brief (Game-3):Results: Lake City Panthers beat Engro Dolphins by eight wicketsEngro Dolphins 160-8 in 20 overs (Mohammad Huraira 37, Mohammad Suleman 34, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori 27, Shayan Sheikh 20; Amad Butt 3-19, Mohammad Ibtisam 2-30)Lake City Panthers 161-2 in 16 overs (Umar Siddiq 78 not out, Haider Ali 46)Player of the match: Umar Siddiq (Lake City Panthers)Monday’s fixture: Allied Bank Stallions vs Nurpur Lions, 12pm, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Islamabad (Sports Desk): Pakistan's Mohammad Rayyan Zaman has won the Under-9 title of the 16th Redtone International Junior Squash Championship 2024 in the Under-9 category.Rayyan, the grandson of former World Squash Champion Qamar Zaman and son of former champion Mansoor Zaman, defeated Malaysia's Sai Nideesh 3-0 in the final, with a score of 11/7, 11/5, and 11/7.This impressive victory marks a proud moment for Pakistan squash, and Rayyan's achievement is a testament to his skills, dedication, and the rich squash legacy of his family.Rayyan's win is also a reflection of the hard work and dedication of his coaches, trainers, and family members who have supported him throughout his journey.The 16th Redtone International Junior Squash Championship 2024 was a highly competitive tournament that brought together some of the best young squash players from around the world.Rayyan's victory in the Under-9 category is a significant achievement, and it highlights his potential to become a top-ranked squash player in the future.Pakistan's squash community is thrilled with Rayyan's achievement, and his win is expected to inspire a new generation of young squash players in the country.With his impressive win, Rayyan has made a significant contribution to Pakistan's rich squash heritage, and his achievement will be remembered for a long time to come.

Mohammad Ali Larosh claims Double Crown, Ghazala lifts Women’s Singles titleAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Rising badminton national player, Mohammad Ali Larosh clinched Men’s Single and Men’s Double titles of the Chairman POF Board National Ranking Badminton Championships that concluded here on Sunday. Larosh from Pakistan WAPDA was pairing with Raja Zulqarnain Haider of Pakistan Army in doubles’ final.In the men’s singles final, Mohammad Ali Larosh outclassed Irfan Saeed in straight games 2-0 without any resistance. Larosh won the first game after conceding 13 points, as the final score-line was 21-13, 21-14. Mohammad Kashif Azad (HI) (M) Director General Commercial POF Wah was the chief guest on this occasion and distributed trophies and prizes amongst the top players.Results (Finals):Men’s Singles: Mohammad Ali Larosh (Wapda) beat Irfan Saeed (Wapda) 21-13, 21-14Women’s Singles: Ghazala Siddique (Wapda) beat Mahoor Shahzad (Wapda) retired hurt (21-12, 4-1)Men’s Doubles: Raja Zulqarnain Haider (Army) & Mohammad Ali Larosh (Wapda) beat Awais Zahid & Zunain Javed (Wapda) 21-18, 21-16Women’s Doubles: Saima Waqas (Wapda) & Ammarah Ishtiaq (Army) beat Palwasha Bashir (Sindh) & Ghazala Siddique (Wapda) 21-15, 12-21, 21-10.

Islamabad (SBR):  The Zaman brothers, continuing their family’s legendary squash legacy, are making waves at the 16th KL Redtone International Squash Championship in Malaysia. Sons of former World No. 11 Mansoor Zaman and grandsons of squash icon Qamar Zaman, both Abdullah Zaman and Mohammad Rayyan Zaman showcased outstanding performances in their respective matches.Abdullah Zaman , demonstrated exceptional skill and composure as he defeated South Africa’s McNeil Aiden in straight games with a score-line of 11-7, 11-7, 11-6, Abdullah advanced to the 4th round, leaving a strong impression on the international stage.Meanwhile, his younger brother, Mohammad Rayyan Zaman, an 8-year-old squash prodigy, put on a dominating display against Malaysia’s Lagnesh Shai Dharshan. Rayyan triumphed in the Quarterfinals with a flawless 3-0 victory (11-0, 11-4, 11-0), highlighting his growing potential in the Under-9 category.The Zaman brothers’ performances reflect not only their dedication but also the guidance and inspiration drawn from their family’s rich squash heritage. Fans and squash enthusiasts eagerly anticipate their next matches as they aim to further cement their mark in the championship. 

Sports Bulletin ReportShrewsbury (UK): Asif Gul Abbasi, an inspirational figure in British wheelchair tennis, triumphed at the National Finals Wheelchair Tennis Tournament held in Shrewsbury this weekend, reclaiming his position as the nation's best. Hailing from Essex, Abbasi demonstrated unparalleled skill and determination as he clinched his fourth national singles title, adding to his victories in 2017, 2018, and 2019. He also secured the men’s doubles title, completing a stunning weekend of tennis.Overcoming Adversity: Abbasi's triumph is made all the more remarkable by the challenges he overcame leading up to the tournament. In August, he sustained an arm injury and was later diagnosed with elbow joint arthritis and neuropathy in his dominant arm. These setbacks cast doubt on his ability to play at a high level again. However, Abbasi refused to let these obstacles define his journey.Reflecting on his struggles, Abbasi said, “After the setbacks, I wasn’t sure if I would ever play tennis at a good level again. This injury forced me to change my technique, but it also helped me to play better than before. I am happy that I was able to perform well in this situation.”A Performance to Remember: Despite the physical challenges, Abbasi entered the tournament as the top seed and delivered a commanding performance. In the singles semi-final, he faced Philip Fielding, the 2023 defending champion, and overwhelmed him with a 6-2, 6-2 victory. He then faced Barton in the final and secured an emphatic 6-1, 6-0 win, capturing the title without dropping a set throughout the tournament.Doubling Down on Success: Not content with just the singles title, Abbasi also partnered with Kevin Lewis from South Wales in the men’s doubles competition, showcasing his versatility and teamwork. Together with his partner, he delivered a flawless display to claim the doubles championship, with 6:1, 6:0 in the final, further cementing his status as a formidable all-around player.A Legacy of Excellence and Resilience: Abbasi’s win in Shrewsbury marks his return to the top of British wheelchair tennis after a hiatus from national triumphs. With this victory, he not only adds to his collection of titles but also inspires the next generation of players, particularly in disability tennis, a field he has passionately promoted throughout his career.With 30 years of coaching experience, a career-best international ranking of 82, and a commitment to developing future talent, Abbasi continues to be a beacon of hope and resilience.Despite the condition of his arm, Abbasi remains optimistic about his future. “I will try to adapt and accept my fate, but I will never give up,” he said. He now looks forward to competing in international tournaments, where he hopes to continue raising the profile of wheelchair tennis on the global stage.Looking Ahead: Asif Abbasi’s triumph in Shrewsbury is more than just a personal achievement; it is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and unyielding passion. His journey serves as an inspiration to athletes everywhere, showing that with determination, even the toughest challenges can be transformed into opportunities for greatness.