Sports Bulletin

   Dubai (Sports News): Legendary Pakistan cricketer and DP World ILT20 commentator Wasim Akram has praised the DP World ILT20’s rise as a global T20 league, highlighting the quality of cricket and the rapid development of UAE players across four seasons.On Sunday night, the Desert Vipers clinched their maiden DP World ILT20 title with a victory over MI Emirates in front of a full house at the Dubai International Stadium.Reflecting on the atmosphere at the blockbuster final, Wasim Akram said, “You can see the atmosphere outside, it’s a packed house. Families, kids, all enjoying the game. My call time was at four in the afternoon and when I arrived it was already full. That shows this league is going places. I think it’s definitely up there with the top leagues in the world. The cricket has been exceptional, so many games going down to the last over, including a Super Over and that’s what makes this tournament special.”The icon with 916 wickets across formats pointed to the impact made by UAE players as one of the most encouraging aspects of the season.He opined, “What makes me happy is the way the UAE players performed. Players like Mohammad Waseem [MI Emirates], Khuzaima Tanveer [Desert Vipers], Ajay Kumar [Abu Dhabi Knight Riders], and of course Zahoor Khan [MI Emirates] before his injury — they’ve all done well.“Tanveer got 17 wickets, and his length was excellent. Ajay Kumar also impressed everyone. Zahoor is a specialist — after 12 or 13 overs he would come in and bowl three overs, and he was MI Emirates’ main bowler at the back end.”Associated with the DP World ILT20 since its inaugural season, the 59-year-old noted the league’s evolution and the clear improvement in local talent, reflected in the race for the tournament’s signature belts. Mohammad Waseem finished second in the race for the Green Belt (Best Batter) and secured the fourth place in the hunt for the Red Belt (Most Valuable Player). Meanwhile Abu Dhabi Knight Riders’ Ajay Kumar picked up 18 wickets – the same number as the White Belt (Best Bowler) winner, Dubai Capitals’ Waqar Salamkheil.“If you look from the first year to the fourth year, you can see how much the local talent has improved. There are belts for batting, for MVP, for bowling — and now your bowlers are competing for them. That tells you how much this league is about developing local talent. Everyone knows their names now. You didn’t know them in the first year, not even the second, but you’re getting better performances every year.”Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of longer-format cricket as a foundation for sustained progress for UAE.“If you want to further improve your cricket, you must play longer formats as well. You can start with two-day cricket, 75 or 90 overs an innings, so players learn how to bat long, bowlers can learn how to set up a batter, how to get him out without just relying on them hitting shots. Eventually you can move to three-day cricket. That’s very important if you want to play against top teams in the future.”

Harare (PCB Report): A record-breaking century from Sameer Minhas powered Pakistan U19 to a commanding nine-wicket win over hosts Zimbabwe U19 in the final of the U19 tri-series at the Old Hararians in Harare on Tuesday afternoon. This success marked Pakistan U19 back-to-back titles, following their eight-team ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup win last month, where they defeated India by 191 runs in the final in Dubai.Chasing 159 to win, Pakistan wrapped up the contest in just 16.2 overs, finishing with 202 balls to spare.Right-handed batter Sameer scored a blistering 114 off 51 balls, an innings that included 17 fours and five sixes. It was Sameer’s second century of the tri-series. He brought up his hundred in just 42 balls, surpassing India’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who had struck a 52-ball century against England U19 in July 2025.Earlier, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf opted to field first, a decision that paid rich dividends as the bowling unit kept Zimbabwe under constant pressure. Right-arm fast bowler Umar Zaib led the charge with an impressive four-wicket haul, while Abdul Subhan provided able support by taking two wickets.Zimbabwe struggled to build momentum after losing early wickets and were reduced to 15 for five inside seven overs. Michael Blignaut top-scored with 60 off 102 balls, while Tatenda Chimugoro added an unbeaten 28. However, regular breakthroughs ensured the hosts were dismissed for 158 in 44.4 overs.In turn, Sameer turned the final into a one-sided affair, sharing a 145-run opening-wicket partnership with Mohammad Shayan, who remained unbeaten on 38 off 42 balls, including four fours and one six.With this emphatic win, Pakistan U19 will now turn their attention to the ICC U19 World Cup, set to begin in Zimbabwe and Namibia from 15 January.Scores in brief:Pakistan U19 won by nine wicketsZimbabwe U19 158 all out, 44.4 overs (Michael Blignaut 60, Tatenda Chimugoro 28*; Umar Zaib 4-20, Abdul Subhan 2-25)Pakistan U19 160-1, 16.2 overs (Sameer Minhas 114, Mohammad Shayan 38 not out)Player of the match: Umar Zaib (Pakistan U19)Player of the tournament: Sameer Minhas (Pakistan U19)

Dambulla (Sports News): Pakistan men’s team will take on Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series in Dambulla, with matches scheduled on 7, 9 and 11 January, as preparations intensify for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to be held in India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March. The first ball of the match will be bowled at 7pm local time.The series will help the national selection committee to finalise Pakistan’s 15-member squad for the mega event. Pakistan will play all their World Cup fixtures in Sri Lanka, making the forthcoming bilateral series a vital opportunity to adapt to local conditions and fine-tune combinations.Salman Ali Agha will continue to lead the T20I side, who saw his side winning two tri-series tournaments and bilateral T20I series against Bangladesh, West Indies and South Africa in 2025. The series also offers players a chance to stake their claim for World Cup selection through impactful performances against a competitive Sri Lankan outfit.In the recent times, Pakistan have won three of the last five T20Is against Sri Lanka, which include win in the knockout match of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup in Dubai and tri-series final in Rawalpindi. Salman Ali Agha in the pre-series press conference said:“The series provides a great opportunity for everyone to perform. Playing here ahead of the World Cup is a significant advantage for us, and we will look to acclimatise to the conditions as quickly as possible.“We have good players in our squad who are future prospects. We want to give them opportunities, and I am hopeful they will deliver strong performances in the series.15-member squad:Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, ⁠Abrar Ahmad, ⁠Faheem Ashraf, ⁠Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, ⁠Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, ⁠Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq 

Dubai (Sports News): The Desert Vipers secured their maiden DP World ILT20 trophy after beating MI Emirates by 46 runs in front of a packed Dubai International Stadium on Sunday night. The Desert Vipers took home a cash prize of USD 700,000 along with the Black Belt, while MI Emirates were awarded USD 300,000.Curran smashed an unbeaten 74 off 51 balls, studded with eight fours and two sixes, to power his team to an unassailable 182/4. He was well supported by Max Holden (41 off 32) and Dan Lawrence’s (23 off 15) late charge. Naseem Shah (3/18), Usman Tariq (2/20), and Khuzaima Tanveer (2/22) led the bowling effort before David Payne’s three-wicket haul (3/42) restricted MI Emirates to 136.Fans at the Dubai International Stadium were treated to a spectacular build-up ahead of the final, with a dazzling fireworks display and a drone show lighting up the night sky. The pre-match extravaganza created a carnival-like atmosphere as thousands of spectators soaked in the visual spectacle that celebrated the league and set the stage for the biggest clash of the season.The Vipers’ skipper Sam Curran capped off an impressive tournament by finishing with both the Red Belt (Most Valuable Player) and the Green Belt (Best Batter). Curran ended the season with 397 runs, including three half-centuries, and complemented his batting efforts with seven wickets and 10 catches.In the second innings, the Vipers’ Naseem Shah set the tone early, removing Andre Fletcher (10 off 11) and Tom Banton (7 off 6), while Khuzaima Tanveer capitalised with the key wicket of Muhammad Waseem (26 off 13). MI Emirates lost three wickets inside six overs and crawled to 46/3, leaving Shakib Al Hasan and Sanjay Krishnamurthi with plenty of work to do.Usman Tariq turned up the heat by dismissing Sanjay Krishnamurthi (2 off 9) in the eighth over. Shakib Al Hasan (36 off 27) attempted to steady the innings with calculated strikes, but boundaries were hard to come by. With Kieron Pollard struggling to break free, MI Emirates reached 72/4 after 10 overs, falling further behind in the chase.MI Emirates’ hopes rested on Shakib and Kieron Pollard (28 off 27), who completed their 50-run stand in 38 balls before Tariq delivered a decisive blow by removing Shakib, pushing the equation to a daunting 61 off the final four overs.After Naseem Shah removed Kieron Pollard to end any late resistance, David Payne ripped through the lower order, bagging three wickets in the 18th over. Khuzaima Tanveer sealed the title by clattering Muhammad Rohid’s stumps (3 off 4) as the Vipers closed out the match with nine balls to spare.Earlier, the Vipers began briskly in the powerplay as Fakhar Zaman (20 off 15) and Jason Roy (11 off 7) put on 34/0 in the first three overs. Momentum shifted in the fourth over when Fazalhaq Farooqi struck twice to dismiss both openers. Sam Curran responded emphatically, smashing three consecutive boundaries in the final over of the powerplay to carry the Vipers to 59/2.Curran then joined hands with Max Holden, rotating the strike efficiently and attacking smartly to take the Vipers to 83/2 at the halfway stage. The duo completed their 50-run stand in the 11th over, off just 39 balls. Curran kept the offensive going while Holden played the anchor role before Arab Gul ended their 89-run partnership off 64 balls with Holden’s wicket in the 15th over.The Vipers’ skipper continued piling on the pressure, bringing up his half-century off 39 balls in the 17th over. His fourth-wicket partnership with Dan Lawrence (23 off 15) provided the impetus in the death overs, as they added 57 runs in just 33 balls to carry the team to 182/4.The White Belt (Best Bowler) was claimed by Dubai Capitals’ Waqar Salamkheil, who led the bowling charts with 18 wickets. Meanwhile, MI Emirates’ Mohammad Waseem picked up the Blue Belt for Best UAE Player for the fourth straight campaign after scoring 370 runs across Season 4. The winners of the DP World ILT20 signature belts were awarded USD 15,000 each.Brief Scores:Desert Vipers 182/4 in 20 overs (Sam Curran 74 not out, Max Holden 41, Dan Lawrence 23, Fazalhaq Farooqi 2 for 33)MI Emirates 136 all out in 18.3 overs (Shakib Al Hasan 36, Kieron Pollard 28, Muhammad Waseem 26, Naseem Shah 3 for 18, David Payne 3 for 42, Usman Tariq 2 for 20, Khuzaima Tanveer 2 for 22)Player of the match: Sam CurranDP World ILT20 Season 4 belt winners:Red Belt (Most Valuable Player) – Sam Curran, Desert VipersGreen Belt (Best Batter) – Sam Curran, Desert VipersWhite Belt (Best Bowler) – Waqar Salamkheil, Dubai CapitalsBlue Belt (Best UAE player) – Mohammad Waseem, MI Emirates

Karachi (Sports News): Hyderabad Hunters continued their unbeaten run in the Pakistan Tape Ball Premier League by registering their 6 consecutive victories, defeating Lahore Lions by 11 runs in a thrilling encounter to book a place in the semi-finals.The match was played at the New Nazimabad Cricket Ground under the auspices of the Pakistan Tape Ball Federation.Batting first, Hyderabad Hunters scored 66 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their first innings. M. Raza contributed 20 runs with the help of two sixes, while Ubaid Khan also scored 20 runs off just six deliveries, hitting two sixes. For Lahore Lions, Shah nawaz picked up three wickets.In reply, Lahore Lions posted 78 runs for the loss of five wickets, taking a 12-run lead. Falak Bashir was the standout performer with 23 runs off 10 balls, including two fours and two sixes. Majid Ali claimed two wickets for Hyderabad.In their second innings, Hyderabad Hunters piled up 127 runs for the loss of just one wicket, gaining an overall lead of 115 runs. Mohammad Raza played a spectacular knock, scoring 57 runs off 18 balls with two fours and eight sixes, while Numran Khan added 49 runs off 21 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes.Chasing a target of 116 runs, Lahore Lions could manage only 104 runs for the loss of three wickets. Falak Bashir once again impressed with 54 runs off 16 balls, smashing five fours and five sixes. Captain Abdul Basit scored 26 runs, including three sixes and a four. Muazullah took two wickets for Hyderabad Hunters.With this performance, Mohammad Raza also achieved a major milestone by completing a half-century of sixes in the league, having struck 53 sixes in six matches. Karachi Kids’ Osama Ali and Peshawar Shaheens’ Sarmad Hamid are jointly second with 30 sixes each, while Rawalpindi Royals’ Taimoor Mirza is fourth with 29 sixes.Mohammad Raza was named Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance.

Lahore (Sports News): OZ Group, led by Chairman Hamza Majeed Chaudhary, has achieved a significant milestone after being officially shortlisted among the qualified bidders for the expansion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Pakistan’s flagship professional T20 cricket competition.The PCB received 12 bids from investors based in Pakistan and overseas, underscoring the PSL’s growing international appeal and commercial credibility. Following detailed scrutiny, 10 bidders were declared technically eligible to advance to the next stage the franchise auction, scheduled to take place on January 8, 2026, at the Jinnah Convention Centre, Islamabad.The PSL expansion will see the league grow from six to eight teams beginning with PSL Season 11, scheduled from March 26 to May 3, 2026. This marks a pivotal moment in the league’s evolution, aimed at enhancing regional representation, expanding commercial opportunities, and strengthening the PSL’s global sporting footprint.Hamza Majeed Chaudhary said: “Being shortlisted by the PCB is a strong endorsement of OZ Group’s professional standards, financial credibility, and long-term vision. Our objective is to build a competitive and sustainable PSL franchise that delivers on-field success while also contributing to grassroots development, fan engagement, and the broader growth of cricket in Pakistan.”“Cricket has always been a unifying force for Pakistan. Through the PSL platform, we aim to nurture emerging talent, engage local communities, and contribute to the sport’s long-term sustainability,” Chaudhary added.

Islamabad: Shifa International Hospitals Islamabad beat Sea Warriors Cricket Team Islamabad by six wickets in the Important Cricket match here at Navy Cricket XI Ground Islamabad. Shifa International Captain Ibrar Akhlaq won the toss and invited to bat first Sea Warriors, Sea Warrior bowled out for 274 in the 29th over. Asmat (79), Shahnaz (71) and Ahtisham (41) not out were the key contributors. Shifa International Captain Ibrar Akhlaq (5 for 52) Raza (2 for 7) and Hussain (1 for 20 ) were the other main wicket-takers. In reply, Shifa International achieved the target in the 30th over for the loss of four wickets. Batsman Imran Shah (108) and Hashir Azeem (100) runs hit a fine centuries, while Harris Ali (18) and Taimoor (11) not out were their leading run-getters. Imran Shah declared “Man of the Match” for his impressive Performance. (PR)

Karachi ( Sports News): Lahore Lions and Rawalpindi Royals emerged victorious in their respective matches of the Pakistan Tape Ball Premier League, currently underway at the Naya Nazimabad Cricket Ground under the auspices of the Pakistan Tape Ball Federation. Quetta Qurbanz and Karachi Kids suffered defeats in the two matches played on Tuesday.In the second match of the day, Lahore Lions defeated Quetta Qurbanz by five wickets. Batting first in the opening innings, Quetta Qurbanz scored 95 runs for the loss of two wickets. Kashif Jokhio played a blistering knock of 52 runs off just 20 balls, hitting five fours and five sixes, while Syed Nasir contributed 30 runs off 15 balls with one four and three sixes. For Lahore Lions, Shahnawaz picked up two wickets.In reply, Lahore Lions managed 84 runs for the loss of six wickets, conceding an 11-run lead. Abdul Basit scored 31 runs off 10 balls, smashing three sixes and two fours, while Mohammad Afaq added 20 runs. Wahid Ali, Aijaz Zahid and Essa Khan claimed one wicket each.In their second innings, Quetta Qurbanz scored 67 runs for six wickets, gaining an overall lead of 78 runs. Qurban Ali remained unbeaten on an impressive 48 off 22 balls, which included five fours and two sixes. Chasing a target of 79 runs, Lahore Lions achieved the target in just 4.4 overs for the loss of four wickets. Abdul Basit once again starred with the bat, scoring a match-winning 46 runs off 14 balls with six sixes and two fours, while Kamran Kami scored 18. Essa Khan took three wickets. Abdul Basit was adjudged Player of the Match.Earlier, Rawalpindi Royals defeated Karachi Kids by eight wickets. Karachi Kids, batting first, scored 78 runs for seven wickets. Captain Asad Shah was the top scorer with 26 runs off 10 balls, including one four and three sixes. Qadir Kashmiri bowled brilliantly, taking three wickets.In response, Rawalpindi Royals posted a massive 123 runs without losing a wicket, taking a commanding 45-run lead. Taimur Mirza smashed 62 runs off 23 balls with one four and eight sixes, while Waqas Sher scored 42 off 16 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes.In their second innings, Karachi Kids scored 110 runs for seven wickets to take a 65-run overall lead. Usama Ali scored a quick 56 off 18 balls with one four and six sixes, while Asad Shah added 22 runs. Qadir Kashmiri once again impressed, claiming three wickets.Chasing a target of 66 runs, Rawalpindi Royals reached the target in 5.5 overs for the loss of two wickets. After the dismissals of Taimur Mirza (12) and Umar Bajwa (16), Shoaib Akhtar played a crucial knock of 27 runs off 10 balls, including two fours and two sixes, to seal the victory. Zaheer Kalia and Dilshad took one wicket each. Qadir Kashmiri was named Player of the Match.

 Lahore (Sports News): All-rounder Shadab Khan has returned to the T20I side as the Men’s National Selection Committee named a 15-member squad for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to take place later next month. Salman Ali Agha, who featured in a record 34 T20I matches — the most by a Pakistan player in this year will continue to lead the side in the forthcoming series.The 27-year-old Shadab, who last represented Pakistan in June this year, underwent shoulder surgery earlier in the year. Following a successful rehabilitation programme at the National Cricket Academy, he is currently featuring in the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia.The other addition to the squad is uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay. The 23-year-old right-handed batter has recently been part of the Pakistan Shaheens squad. He has featured in 32 T20 matches and has scored at a strike rate of 132.81.Pakistan side will depart for Sri Lanka in the first week of January, with all three T20Is scheduled to be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS) in Dambulla on 7, 9 and 11 January.The series will provide Pakistan an opportunity to finalise their squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, set to take place in India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March. Pakistan are scheduled to play all their matches in Colombo, Sri Lanka.15-member squad:Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, ⁠Abrar Ahmad, ⁠Faheem Ashraf, ⁠Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, ⁠Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, ⁠Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman TariqTeam management:Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Hanif Malik (batting Coach), Shane McDermott (fielding coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Col. Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor) and Mohammad Ehsan (masseur)Series schedule:7 January – First T20I9 January – Second T20I 11 January – Third T20I

Abu Dhabi (Sports News): MI Emirates confirmed their place in the top two after a comprehensive eight-wicket win over the Dubai Capitals at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Saturday. In what was an impressive all-round performance, Kieron Pollard's unbeaten 44, studded with five sixes, confirmed MI Emirates’ Qualifier 1 clash against the Desert Vipers on 30 December. Meanwhile, the winner of Sunday’s match (the last league-stage fixture) between the Gulf Giants and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders will go up against the Dubai Capitals in the Eliminator on 1 January.Earlier, the MI Emirates spinners continued their stellar form with Allah Ghazanfar’s three-wicket haul (3/28) and Shakib Al Hasan’s shrewd spell of 1/11 in four overs holding the Capitals at 122/8. Skipper Kieron Pollard’s unbeaten 44 runs in 31 balls, with one four and five sixes, led the charge as the MI Emirates secured their fifth straight win of the season.MI Emirates got off to a flying start as openers Muhammad Waseem (27 off 19) and Andre Fletcher (21 off 30) set the tone with a brisk 33-run stand inside the first three overs. The pair remained unbeaten through the powerplay, taking MI Emirates to a comfortable 45/0 after six overs and firmly dictating terms.The breakthrough came in the seventh over when Haider Ali trapped Waseem LBW, ending a 47-run opening partnership. Fletcher continued to keep the scoreboard ticking alongside Tom Banton (28 off 20) but was run out in the 10th over. Despite the setbacks, MI Emirates reached the halfway stage well placed at 59/2.From there on, the chase was firmly under control. The skipper steadied the innings with Banton in the middle overs before shifting momentum decisively in the 14th. Pollard smashed Waqar Salamkheil for 30 runs in the over, highlighted by three consecutive sixes and reducing the equation to just 10 runs from the final five overs. MI Emirates wrapped up the chase in style, cruising home after an unbeaten 67-run stand off 43 balls between Pollard and Banton.After opting to field, MI Emirates imposed themselves early, applying sustained pressure through the Powerplay. Shakib Al Hasan struck in the fourth over to remove Shayan Jahangir (17 off 18), while Ghazanfar followed up in the sixth by accounting for Sediqullah Atal (7 off 9), leaving the Dubai Capitals at 35/2.The situation deteriorated further when Leus de Plooy (3 off 5) was run-out and Dan Mousley scalped Rovman Powell (8 off 4) in the eighth over. Arab Gul also tightened the screws when he pinged number-three batter Jordan Cox on the pads, leaving the Capitals reeling at 53/5 in ten overs.James Neesham (21 off 14) briefly lifted the tempo with three boundaries but was halted by Ghazanfar, who snapped up Neesham with a sharp return catch, followed by David Willey (2 off 2) in the same over.Coming together at 83/7, Mohammad Nabi and Scott Currie (15 off 18) resuscitated the innings with a much-needed stand of 28 runs in just as many balls before Fazalhaq Farooqi scalped the latter in the penultimate over.Nabi remained unbeaten, but UAE’s Zahoor Khan gave away just five runs in the 20th over to close out a strong performance by the MI Emirates.