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Chairman ECB Nahayan Mabarak congratulates UAE Men’s team on stunning series win over Bangladesh
Dubai(UAE): The Emirates Cricket Board’s (ECB) Chairman Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan has congratulated the UAE Men’s team on their historic series win over Bangladesh at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The Mohammad Waseem-led UAE stunned their experienced rivals in the last two matches of the series, with the victory sealed with a comfortable seven-wicket win on Wednesday night – 21 May – courtesy a stunning bowling performance by Haider Ali (three wickets for seven runs) and an unbeaten 87-run fourth-wicket partnership between Alishan Sharafu (68 not out) and Asif Khan (41 not out). Chairman Emirates Cricket Board Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan: “The Emirates Cricket Board is delighted with the outstanding performance of the UAE Men’s team in the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. The team played brilliantly in the whole series while the support staff put in the hard yards to make the victory possible.“I want to congratulate the entire squad and wish them the very best in their upcoming international assignments. The ECB will continue to provide the best possible facilities and exposure to our immensely talented players, UAE continues to impress in the T20I format and the Bangladesh series win is another glorious chapter in our cricketing history. “In the recent past, the team has defeated formidable Test playing opponents like Afghanistan and New Zealand, the series win will give immense confidence and self-belief to our players and make them take on bigger and more established opponents.”
Match 32: Eliminator 1: Lahore Qalandars beat Karachi Kings by six wickets
Lahore(SBR): Abdullah Shafique and Fakhar Zaman’s blitzy knocks of 65 and 47, respectively helped Lahore Qalandars ace the 191-run chase against Karachi Kings with six wickets in hand in the eliminator 1 of the HBL PSL X here at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Thursday night.Lahore Qalandars will now face Islamabad United in the Eliminator 2 on Friday, 23 May at the same venue, while Karachi Kings’ campaign came to an end in HBL PSL X, where they won six matches and lost five. The winner of Eliminator 2 is set to play Quetta Gladiators in the 25 May final. In pursuit of the target, Fakhar and Mohammad Naeem (14, 12b, 1x4, 1x6) put on 42 runs before the latter fell prey to Hasan Ali. Fakhar, who faced 28 balls for his 47, struck five fours and three sixes during his stay on the crease setting the tone for Qalandars’ joint second-highest successful chase in HBL PSL.Abdullah, who walked in to bat in the 5th over, stitched a 33-run stand with Fakhar off 22 balls before taking on the Karachi bowlers aggressively in presence of Kusal Perera (30, 24b, 1x4, 1x6). With Fakhar’s departure in the ninth over, Qalandars were 89-2 at the halfway mark requiring 10.20 runs an over.The duo of Abdullah and Kusal ransacked 67 runs in the next five overs putting the Kings’ bowlers on the back foot before Hasan Ali put an end to the blazing 83-run third-wicket stand.Abdullah, who struck three fours and five sixes, to raise his eighth HBL PSL half-century, fell in the 16th over courtesy a brilliant grab by James Vince.Qalandars chased the total with eight balls in the bag as Bhanuka Rajapaksa hit two fours and a six – the winning shot, in his breezy 12-ball 23 not out. For Karachi Hasan picked up two wickets, while Fawad Ali and Mir Hamza dismissed one batter each.Earlier, Karachi Kings raced to 190-8 with David Warner leading the charge with the bat as he hit 75 during his 15-over stay at the crease. The next best score was no.6 batter Khushdil Shah’s unbeaten 27 as Lahore Qalandars pace attack shared six wickets among them.After Kings opted to bat, Shaheen Shah Afridi drew the first blood for Qalandars removing Tim Seifert for an eight-ball 16 and putting an end to a brisk 43-run stand, which came off 24 balls. Vince, who fell for a nine-ball four, was eked out by Shakib Al Hasan as Kings were 74-2 in seven overs.While Warner kept on jotting runs, Kings lost Saad Baig (11, 11b, 1x4) and Muhammad Irfan Khan (18, 12b, 1x6) in a space of 22 balls. Qalandars’ Mohammad Naeem proved effective against the Australian southpaw dismissing him for a 52-ball 75 inclusive of eight fours and three sixes in the 16th over.That the Kings were able to collect 50 runs off the last five overs, was largely due Khushdil Shah hitting three fours and two sixes in his 14-ball stay, while Mohammad Nabi chipped in with a 12-ball 18-run outing including one six.For Qalandars, Haris Rauf led the way with figures of 4-0-35-3 and Shaheen picked up two wickets.Scores in brief:Match 32: Eliminator 1: Lahore Qalandars beat Karachi Kings by six wickets at Gaddafi StadiumKarachi Kings 190-8, 20 overs (David Warner 75, Khushdil Shah 27 not out; Haris Rauf 3-35, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-47)Lahore Qalandars 191-4, 18.4 overs (Abdullah Shafique 65, Fakhar Zaman 47, Kusal Perera 30, Bhanuka Rajapaksa 23 not out; Hasan Ali 2-37)Player of the match – Abdullah Shafique (Lahore Qalandars)Friday’s fixture:Eliminator 2 – Islamabad United v Lahore Qalandars at Gaddafi Stadium; 7.30pm PKT
Federal Cup: Mohammad Shoaib and Muzamil qualify for final
Islamabad(SBR): The 37th edition of the OGDCL Federal Cup National Ranking Tennis Championships has entered its final stages after a week of competitive and high-energy matches at the PTF-SDA Tennis Complex, Islamabad.In the Men’s Singles semifinals, top seed Muhammad Shoaib cruised into the final with a commanding performance, defeating Yousaf Khalil 6-1, 6-0.The second semifinal witnessed a major upset as 3rd seed Muzammil Murtaza overcame veteran 2nd seed Aqeel Khan (WAPDA) in a gripping three-set battle. Although Aqeel took the first set 6-3 and initially led 4-1, Muzammil displayed remarkable resilience. He bounced back to win the second set 6-3, showcasing powerful serves and precise cross-court and down-the-line shots. In the deciding set, Muzammil broke early to lead 3-0, at which point Aqeel retired due to fatigue, handing Muzammil a place in the final.In the Junior 18 & Under category, the match of the day featured an exciting clash between Muhammad Yahya and Rayyan Khan Khalil. Youngster Rayyan, hailing from Peshawar, stunned the 2nd seed Yahya in the opening set with his aggressive shot-making and pinpoint cross-court winners. However, Yahya regained control, taking the second set 6-3 and dominating the third set 6-1 to secure his place in the final.The finals of the 37th OGDCL Federal Cup promise thrilling encounters as top-ranked players battle for national ranking supremacy. Tomorrow Ladies Singles final will be played between Mehaq Khokhar and Noor Malik and Boys 14&Under Singles Finals at 9:00 AM. Results:Men’s Singles (Semi Finals)Mohammad Shaoib beat Yousaf Khalil 6-1 6-0, Muzammil Murtaza beat Aqeel Khan 3-6 6-3 3-0 (Retd.)Men’s Doubles (Semi Finals)Mohammad Shoaib & Muzammil Murtaza beat Ahmad Nael Qureshi and Saqib Hayat 6-1 7-5Barkatullah & Yousaf Khalil beat Abdullah Adnan & Saifullah Khan 6-3 6-4Junior 18&Under Singles (Quarter Finals)Muhammad Salar beat M.Junaid Khan 6-1 6-2, Abdul Basit beat Haziq Arejo 6-0 6-1, M.Haziq Aasim beat M.Talha Khan 6-1 6-3, Mohammad Yahya beat Rayyan Khan Khalil 2-6 6-3 6-1. Boys 14&Under Singles (Semi Finals)Shayaan Afridi beat Rashid Ali 4-1 3-5(3) 4-1Girls 12&Under Singles (Final)Khadija Khalil beat Umer Shahnoor 4-1 4-0.
Rana Nawaz to lead Alliance International hockey club in World Masters Championship
ISLAMABAD (Sports Desk): Pakistan born, Rana Nawaz to lead Allince International Hockey Club team in the forthcoming World Masters Hockey European Championship (European Continental Championship), scheduled to take place in Spain in June 2025.According to details, a Holland based Alliance International Hockey Club will take part in the World Masters European Championship 2025, in which fifteen hockey teams from European countries will fight for the title including England, Spain, Wales, Scotland, Alliance International, Netherlands, Germany, France, Turkey and Ireland.The opening match of the European Hockey Championship will be played on June 20, while the final match of the qualified teams will be played on June 29. Alliance International Hockey Team Captain Rana Mohammad Nawaz said that the Alliance International Hockey Team, in which former legends and famous players will participate, will be Olympian Shahbaz Ahmed Senior, Olympian Shahbaz Junior, Olympian Irfan Mahmood, Mohammad Irfan International, Ehsanullah Khan International, Mohammad Adnan Ashraf International, Shabbir Hassan International, Amir Shahzad International, Khurram Shahzad International, Mohammad Riasat International, Muaz. Munir, Samiullah Khan, Noor Rana and other players including Canadian International will participate. The team physio will be Dr. Mohammad Amir Farooq. He said that it is a great honor for me to represent the Alliance International Hockey Team and perform the duties of captain. The morale of our team players is high and we will achieve significant success in the Eurocontinental Championship.
Rishad Hossain returns to Lahore Qalandars ahead of crucial Eliminator
Lahore(May 22, 2025): Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain has rejoined the Lahore Qalandars squad after completing his national duty and will be available for selection in the much-anticipated PSL 2025 Eliminator against Karachi Kings.Rishad has made an immediate impression in his debut season with Lahore Qalandars, bringing energy and control to the bowling attack. In just five matches, he had taken 9 wickets at an average of 16.44, highlighting his ability to strike in key moments.His return is a timely boost for the Qalandars as they prepare for a high-stakes encounter in the knockout stage of the tournament. (PR)
Quetta Gladiators beat Islamabad United by 30 runs to reach final
Lahore(SBR):Quetta Gladiators on the back of an all-round performance by Faheem Ashraf beat Islamabad United by 30 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday night to qualify for the final of HBL PSL X. The final will take place on Sunday, 25 May. Chasing a target of 209 runs set by the Gladiators in the Qualifier, United lost their in-form opener Alex Hales for no score in the second over to Faheem. After Hales’ dismissal, Sahibzada Farhan was joined by Rassie van der Dussen and the pair stitched a 71-run partnership for the second wicket. Van der Dussen (35 off 23 balls, four fours, two sixes) was the next batter to get dismissed in the ninth over of the innings.Farhan – also the recipient of the Hanif Mohammad Cap, top-scored for his side with a 35-ball 52, hitting eight fours and a six. Besides Farhan, Salman Ali Agha contributed 44 off 26 balls, including three fours and two sixes. Shadab Khan was the only other United batter to reach double figures.The target proved too steep for the defending champions as they were bowled out for 179 in 19.4 overs.For Gladiators, Usman Tariq took three wickets for 32 runs, while Faheem, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Wasim Jnr claimed two wickets each.Earlier, after opting to bat first, the Gladiators posted 209 for six in their 20 overs. After losing five wickets for 113 in 11.5 overs, Sri Lanka’s international Dinesh Chandimal and Pakistan’s Faheem Ashraf came together and knitted a vital 95-run stand for the sixth wicket. The left-handed Faheem was dismissed on the penultimate ball of the innings after scoring 45 off 23 balls, which included four fours and three sixes.Chandimal remained unbeaten on 48 off 28 balls, hitting four boundaries and three towering sixes. Opening batter Finn Allen was another notable contributor, scoring 41 off 27 balls with seven fours.For United, Ben Dwarshuis and Salman Irshad picked up two wickets apiece.Despite tonight’s defeat, Islamabad United can still reach the final if they win Eliminator 2, scheduled on 23 May.Scores in brief:Quetta Gladiators beat Islamabad United by 30 runs at Gaddafi StadiumQuetta Gladiators 209-6, 20 overs (Dinesh Chandimal 48, Faheem Ashraf 45, Finn Allen 41, Avishka Fernando 32; Ben Dwarshuis 2-31, Salman Irshad 2-34)Islamabad United 179 all out, 19.4 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 52, Salman Ali Agha 44, Rassie van der Dussen 35; Usman Tariq 3-32, Mohammad Amir 2-31, Faheem Ashraf 2-33, Mohammad Wasim Jnr 2-38)Player of the match: Faheem Ashraf (Quetta Gladiators)Thursday’s fixture:Eliminator 1 – Karachi Kings v Lahore Qalandars at Gaddafi Stadium; 7.30pm PKT
MARTIAL ARTS - Ju-Jitsu 22 May, 2025
Karachi(PR):The Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation (PJJF) has announced that the national players will take part in the prestigious Asian Ju-Jitsu Championship 2025, scheduled to take place from May 22 to 26 in Amman, Jordan. This elite continental event will bring together top athletes from across Asia in both the Adult and Under-21 (U21) categories.Representing Pakistan in the Adult category are Isra Waseem, Kainat Arif, Bano Butt, M. Ali Rashid, and AbdullahIn the U21 category, M. Yousuf Ali and Umar Yaseen have been selected to compete.Further solidifying Pakistan’s presence at the event, Dalawar Khan Sannan and Abu Hurrara have been appointed as official referees for the championship.Tariq Ali, General Secretary of the Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation, will lead the national delegation and represent Pakistan at the Ju-Jitsu Asian Union General AssemblyKhalil Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation, expressed his confidence in the team, stating:“We are confident in the capabilities of our athletes and expect commendable performances that reflect the hard work and determination they have put into their preparation. The Federation remains committed to the development of Ju-Jitsu at all levels, with the continued support of the Pakistan Sports Board.”Tariq Ali echoed this optimism, adding:“Our athletes have trained with dedication, and I’m hopeful for strong results. At the 2024 Asian Championship in Bangkok, they delivered exceptional performances. M. Yousuf Ali and Umar Yaseen were crowned champions in the U18 Duo Men category, while Isra Waseem and Kainat Arif earned bronze medals in both the Duo Women and Show Women events.”He further stated that the Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation continues to work tirelessly to promote the sport across the country, aiming to provide emerging athletes with international exposure and opportunities for excellence on the global stage.
Federal Cup: Mehak and Noor set to meet in Ladies Singles final
Islamabad(SBR): Mehak Khokhar and Noor Malik set to meet in the Ladues Singles final of the 37th OGDCL Federal Cup National Ranking Tennis Championships 2025 after winning their respective semifinals here at the PTF-SDA Tennis Complex on Wednesday.Second seed Aqeel Khan had to dig deep to overcome a strong challenge from rising talent Ahmad Nael Qureshi, eventually winning 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 in a gripping quarter-final clash at the 37th OGDCL Federal Cup National Ranking Tennis Championships.Ahmad Nael came out firing and stunned the seasoned Aqeel by taking the first set 6-4 with confident shot-making and relentless pressure. However, the experienced Khan responded with a tactical shift in the second set, employing sliced backhands, cross-court shots, and long rallies to disrupt Qureshi’s rhythm. His strategy paid off as he leveled the match with a 6-3 second-set win.In the decisive set, Aqeel Khan drew on his vast experience and regained full control, using precise placement and superior court coverage to dominate. He denied Qureshi any room to regroup, cruising through the final set 6-1 to book his place in the semi-finals.Top seed Mohammad Shoaib, along with Yousaf Khalil and Muzammil Murtaza, advanced to the semi-finals of the 37th OGDCL Federal Cup National Ranking Tennis Championships with impressive straight-set victories.Mohammad Shoaib showcased his top form against the talented Barkatullah, securing a solid win with consistent baseline play and strategic shot placement. Yousaf Khalil displayed control and composure as he overpowered M. Talha Khan in an entertaining encounter. Meanwhile, Muzammil Murtaza demonstrated his dominance with a clinical performance against Sami Zeb Khan, sealing his spot in the semi-finals without dropping a set.With the top contenders moving forward, the stage is set for an exciting semi-final lineup.In a thrilling Ladies' Singles encounter, unseeded Noor Malik pulled off a major upset by defeating 3rd seed Soha Ali 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 to advance to the semi-finals.After dropping the first set 4-6, Malik made strategic adjustments to her game, leveling the match by taking the second set 6-4 with determined baseline play and improved shot selection.In the deciding set, Malik quickly gained momentum, breaking Soha Ali's serve in the second game to take a 5-3 lead. However, fading light forced the match to be suspended before completion.Resuming the match the following morning, Malik remained composed and capitalized on her overnight advantage, closing out the final set 6-3 to secure her place in the semi-finals.The Ladies’ Singles semi-finals delivered high drama as both top seeds were knocked out in straight sets.In the first semi-final, unseeded Mehak Khokhar caused the tournament’s biggest upset by eliminating top seed Shiza Sajid in a well-fought encounter. Khokhar dominated the opening set 6-0 with aggressive baseline play and sharp returns. The second set was more competitive, but Khokhar held her nerve in key moments to clinch it 7-5 and secure her place in the final.In the second semi-final, Noor Malik continued her giant-killing run by overpowering 2nd seed Mahrukh Sajid. Malik displayed supreme control and confidence throughout, winning 6-3, 6-0 in a commanding performance that left no doubt about her form heading into the final.The final promises to be an exciting clash between two in-form unseeded players, Mehak Khokhar and Noor Malik, both of whom have taken down top seeds on their way to the title match.Results(21st May 2025):Men’s Singles (Quarter Finals)Mohammad Shoaib beat Barkatulllah 6-2 6-1, Yousaf Khalil beat M.Talha Khan 6-2 6-4, Muzammil Murtaza beat Sami Zeb Khan 6-1 6-0, Aqeel Khan beat Ahmad Nael Qureshi 4-6 6-3 6-1.Ladies Singles (Quarter Final)Unfinished: Noor Malik beat Soha Ali 4-6 6-4 6-3, Ladies Singles (Semi Finals)Mehak Khokhar beat Shiza Sajid 6-0 7-5, Noor Malik beat Mahrukh Sajid 6-3 6-0.Men’s Doubles (Quarter Finals)Yousaf Khalil & Barkatullah beat Kashan Tariq &* Zohaib Afzal Malik 6-1 6-3Muhammad Shoaib & Muzammil Murtaza beat Sami Zeb Khan & Huzaima A.Rehman 7-5 6-4Junior 18&Under (Pre-Quarter Finals)M.Hazik Aasim beat Razik Sultan 6-3 6-2, Abdul Basit beat Hassan Usmani 6-2 6-3, Talha Khan beat Muhammad Rayyan 6-2 6-1, Muhammad Yahya beat Sqib Ali 6-1 6-0, Muhammad Salar beat Muhammad Ali 6-3 4-0 (Retd.)Boys 14&Under (Quarter Finals)Shayaan Afridi beat Rayyan Khan Khalil 4-1 4-0, Junaid Khan beat Ibrahim Gill 4-0 4-1, Rashid Ali beat M.Faizan 4-1 4-0, Raxik Sultan beat Waqas Janas 4-2 4-0. Girls 12&Under (Semi Finals)Khadija Khalil beat Anaya Khan 4-1 4-1, Omer Shahnoor beat Zara Aidrus 4-0 4-0
PBCC T-20 Trophy: AJK become champions
AJK outclass Bahawalpur by 8 wickets in the final of 15th editionSports Bulletin ReportPeshawar: In a thrilling finale of the 15th PBCC T-20 Blind Cricket Trophy (Grade-1), AJK triumphed over Bahawalpur with a commanding 8-wicket victory. Winning the toss, AJK elected to field first, a strategy that proved effective as they managed to restrict Bahawalpur to 225/9 in 20 oversBahawalpur’s innings was anchored by Mohammad Rashid, who scored a brisk 51 off 31 balls, with solid support from Zafar Iqbal’s 42 off 34 balls. However, AJK’s bowlers held their nerve, with captain Nisar Ali leading the attack, taking 2 vital wickets. Idrees and Amir Haroon chipped in with a wicket each.Chasing 226, AJK delivered a stellar batting performance. They reached the target on the final ball of the 20th over, finishing at 228/2. Nisar Ali, continuing his all-round brilliance, smashed an unbeaten 93 off 50 balls and was well-supported by Talha Iqbal, who contributed 64 runs from just 30 deliveries. Mohammad Ayyaz claimed the sole wicket for Bahawalpur.Final Result: AJK won by 8 wicketsMan of the Match: Nisar Ali (AJK)Venue: Hayatabad Sports Complex, The prize distribution ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries including Syed Sultan Shah (Chairman PBCC & President World Blind Cricket Ltd.), Mr. Javed Yousaf (Ex-Director Special Education, KPK), Mohammad Salman Tariq Bukhari (Director Marketing PBCC), Masood Jan (General Secretary PCCB), and Habibullah Khattak (President PCCB), who presented awards to the outstanding performers.Players of the Tournament: B1: Riasat Khan (Abbottabad) B2: Anees Javed (Islamabad) B3: Sanwal Shahzada (Lahore) Best Wicketkeeper: Faizan Khatak (Islamabad)
PCB confirms revised schedule for T20I series against Bangladesh
Lahore(PCB Report):The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the revised schedule for the highly anticipated three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. The series will take place at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium from 28 May to 1 June 2025. The action-packed series will kick off with the first T20I on Wednesday, 28 May, followed by the second fixture on Friday, 30 May. The third and final T20I is set to take place on Sunday, 1 June.Bangladesh are scheduled to arrive in Lahore on 25 May, with training sessions planned for 26 and 27 May to ensure optimal preparation ahead of the series. All three matches will begin at 8pm local time.The PCB looks forward to hosting Bangladesh and delivering an exciting series that promises high-quality cricket under lights at Gaddafi Stadium.
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