Cricket
1-Day Tournament: Conquerors and Stars set to meet in final
Rawalpindi (SBR): Conquerors will take on Stars in the final of the National Women’s One-Day Tournament scheduled on Sunday, 22 December at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The toss of the 45-over final will take place at 9am, while the first ball of the match will be bowled at 09.30am.The winner of the event will grab PKR 1.5 million, while the runners-up have to settle with PKR 1 million. The match will be live-streamed on PCB’s official YouTube channel, while ball-by-ball coverage will be available on PCB’s corporate website.Fatima Sana-led Conquerors, who finished on the top of the table with 12 points will eye to conclude the event on the winning note. Conquerors and Sidra Amin’s Stars have met twice against each other in the tournament, with both sides winning one match each. Most recently, at the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on 14 December, Conquerors on the back of three wickets apiece by Nashra Sundhu and Syeda Aroob Shah managed a 48-run win.Right-hand batter Sidra is leading the Stars from front as she has scored 254 runs in eight matches, which included two half-centuries and her 43-ball 53 came in a three-wicket win over Conquerors on 18 November at the HPC Oval Ground in Karachi.In bowling charts, Stars’ off-spinner Rameen Shamim (eight matches, 18 wickets) and leg-spinner Tuba Hassan (eight matches, 16 wickets) are among the top four bowlers in the tournament.For Conquerors, captain Fatima has produced all-round performance in the tournament. The 23-year-old has scored 225 from eight matches, which included two half-centuries, while with her right-arm fast she has bagged eight wickets. Right-hand batter Hafsa Khalid is another batter Conquerors will be relying upon. The right-hand batter has scored 217 from eight matches, which included one half-century.In bowling, Conquerors spin bowlers Nashra Sundhu and Mahnoor Aftab have bagged 17 and 13 wickets, respectively. Fatima Sana and Sidra Amin talked exclusively to PCB Digital on the eve of the final.Fatima Sana said: “The young players have shown great potential and skills throughout the tournament and now we are really looking forward to do well in the final. We have carried good momentum in the tournament, and now with one game away from winning the trophy, we will not think more about the final and will take it as a normal match.”Sidra Amin said: “We had a good start in the tournament, but in the middle of the tournament we had some close contest games, so it’s important we finish well in the tournament. Our opponent for the final has played good cricket throughout the tournament and the final match will be a good contest and with the match being live-streamed, it will encourage young girls across the country to witness the performances of the players and also take up the sport.”
Eyman, Gull Feroza hit unbeaten centuries in Strikers’ win
Islamabad (SBR): Nashra Sundhu’s back to back player of the match performances takes Conquerors to the top of the table in the ongoing National Women’s One-Day Tournament. At the Diamond Cricket Ground, batting first Conquerors managed to score 208 for nine in 45 overs. Hafsa Khalid top-scored with an 83-ball 43, which included three fours and a six. Wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi returned undefeated on 39 off 38 balls, smashing three fours.For Invincibles, Areesha Noor, Fatima Zahra and Ghulam Fatima bagged two wickets apiece.In reply, Invincibles were bowled out for 101 in 29.4 overs with opening batter Ayesha Zafar contributing 31 off 64 balls, hitting four boundaries.Conquerors’ left-arm spinner Nashra took three wickets for 21, while Fatima Sana and Mahnoor Aftab snapped two wickets each. Today’s win was Conquerors fifth win in seven games, while Invincibles second defeat in the event.At the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, unbeaten centuries by Eyman Fatima and Gull Feroza led Strikers to a seven-wicket win over Challengers. Aliya Riaz-led Challengers ended the tournament with two wins from eight outings.Chasing 243 to win, Eyman (119 not out, 92b, 17x4s, 3x6s) and Gull Feroza (103 not out, 101b, 13x4s) knitted an unbeaten 205-run partnership for the fourth wicket and helped their side achieve the target in 36.5 overs. This was right-hand batter Eyman’s second century in the tournament as the 20-year-old has scored 317 runs from seven matches.Earlier, batting first, Challengers posted 242 for six in 45 overs with right-hand batter Natalia Parvaiz returning undefeated on 81 off 85 balls, laced with eight fours and two sixes. Gull Rukh (43, 44b, 6x4s, 1x6), Umm-e-Hani (39, 53b, 4x4s) and Momina Riasat (33 not out, 37b, 4x4s) were other contributors with the bat.For Strikers, captain Nida Dar bagged three wickets for 45 in nine overs, while Ayesha Bilal took two wickets for 38 runs.Scores in brief:Conquerors beat Invincibles by 107 runs at the Diamond Cricket Ground Conquerors 208-9, 45 overs (Hafsa Khalid 43, Najiha Alvi 39 not out, Syeda Aroob Shah 36; Areesha Noor 2-10, Fatima Zahra 2-27, Ghulam Fatima 2-38) Invincibles 101 all out, 29.4 overs (Ayesha Zafar 31; Nashra Sundhu 3-21, Fatima Sana 2-17, Mahnoor Aftab 2-22) Player of the match: Nashra Sundhu (Conquerors)Strikers beat Challengers by seven wickets at the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket StadiumChallengers 242-6, 45 overs (Natalia Parvaiz 81 not out, Gull Rukh 43, Umm-e-Hani 39, Momina Riasat 33 not out; Nida Dar 3-45, Ayesha Bilal 2-38) Strikers 243-3, 36.5 overs (Eyman Fatima 119 not out, Gull Feroza 103 not out)Player of the match: Eyman Fatima (Strikers).
T20: Nurpur Lions beat ABL Stallions by three
Rawalpindi (PCB Report) Hard-hitting opener Hasan Nawaz smashed a fiery half century while Khushdil Shah produced an all-round show as Nurpur Lions beat ABL Stallions by three wickets in the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Tuesday. Hasan has been impressing most of the cricket experts with his clean hitting and that was on show as he led the chase for Nurpur Lions. The winners overhauled the 169-run target for the loss of seven wickets with an over to spare.ABL Stallions were all out off the final delivery for 168.Despite the defeat the ABL Stallions were still top of the five-team table with eight points in six games, winning four and losing two games. Nurpur Lions are now third on the table, behind UMT Markhors (second) with six points. They have won three and lost three matches.Lake City Panthers also have six points but are fourth with an inferior net run-rate to Lions. Engro Dolphins have yet to open their account after losing all their five matches.Hasan launched an attack right from the word go and despite losing his opening partner, Imam-ul-Haq for four in the second over, he did not relent. He added 41 for the second wicket with Shahzaib Khan (six). Another 43 were added between Hasan and Mohammad Taha (21 off 18 balls with two sixes). ABL Stallions mentor Shoaib Malik then derailed the chase with wickets of Hasan in the 15th over, leaving 47 to defend in the last five overs. Shoaib also accounted for Khushdil Shah for 10, but Rohail Nazir kept his cool with an innings of 26 not out off 12 balls spiced with three fours and a six to seal the win.Earlier, sent into bat, Hussain Talat once again came to his team’s rescue as he hit a 29-ball 43 with the help of five boundaries and a six. He added 42 for the fifth wicket with Shoaib who made a 16-ball 22 with a boundary and a six.The two were given a good platform by Maaz Sadaqat, who made 34 off 27 balls with three fours and a six.Maaz and young Shamyl Hussain put on a brisk 46 run opening stand by just 5.2 overs. Shamyl’s run-a-ball 18 had one six. Ubaid Shah gave a final flurry to the innings, smashing two sixes and a four in his six-ball 17.ABL Stallions lost three wickets in the last over, including two run outs. Fast bowler Musa Khan was the best of the bowlers with 3-32. Khushdil Shah took 2-30 while Shahid Aziz finished with 2-35.Scores in brief:(Nurpur Lions beat ABL Stallions by three wickets)ABL Stallions 168 all out in 20 overs (Hussain Talat 43, Maaz Sadaqat 34, Shoaib Malik 22, Shamyl Hussain 18; Musa Khan 3-32, Khushdil Shah 2-30, Shahid Aziz 2-35)Nurpur Lions 169-7 in 19 overs (Hasan Nawaz 74, Rohail Nazir 26 not out, Mohammad Taha 21; Maaz Sadaqat 2-16, Shoaib Malik 2-26)Player of the match – Hasan Nawaz (Nurpur Lions).
ACC U19 Women’s Asia Cup: Nepal beat Pakistan by 6 wickets
Kuala Lumpur (SBR): Nepal beat Pakistan by six wickets at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur to qualify for the Super-Four Stage of the ACC U19 Women’s Asia Cup on Monday.Chasing 105 to win, captain Puja Mahato’s undefeated run-a-ball 47, which included three fours helped her side achieve the target with an over to spare. For Pakistan, Fatima Khan and Quratulain snapped a wicket each.Earlier, after opting to bat first, Pakistan scored 104 for five in their 20 overs. Opener and wicketkeeper-batter Komal Khan top-scored with a 43-ball 38, which included two fours. Maham Anees coming to bat at number five was other notable contributor, scoring unbeaten 29 off 38 balls, hitting two boundaries. For Nepal, Mahato bagged two wickets for 27.Pakistan, after losing their opening match against India by nine wickets on Sunday, will now take part in fifth position match scheduled on Wednesday, 18 December. The match will begin at 2pm PKT.Scores in brief:Pakistan 104-5, 20 overs (Komal Khan 38, Maham Anees 29 not out; Puja Mahato 2-27)Nepal 105-4, 19 overs (Puja Mahato 47 not out)Player of the match: Puja Mahato (Nepal)
Pakistan’s key ODI series against South Africa begins on December 17
Paarl, South Africa (SBR): Pakistan and South Africa are ready to lock horns in a key three-match ODI series beginning from December 17, 2024 (Tuesday) at the Boland Park in Paarl at 5pm PKT. The second and third fixture of the series will be played at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town and The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on 17 and 19 December, respectively.South Africa had won the T20I series 2-0 after the third T20I was washed out on 14 December. The ODI series holds a lot of significance for both the teams as they look to fine tune their preparations for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in February and March 2025 in Pakistan.Pakistan’s squad has been bolstered with the return of pacer Naseem Shah, opening batter Abdullah Shafique and top-order batter Kamran Ghulam while wrist-spinner Sufyan Moqim and Usman Khan have received their maiden ODI call-ups. This will be Mohammad Rizwan’s third ODI series as skipper of the side as he has started his stint with back to back ODI series wins over Australia and Zimbabwe.In their last bilateral face-off in the 50-over format, Pakistan won the three-match series 2-1 in South Africa in April 2021.Pakistan’s ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan said: “This is a vital ODI series in terms of our preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy and with Allah’s help we will look to emulate our performances from the ODI series against Australia. We couldn’t get the ideal results in the T20I series but I am really happy with some of the performances put in by our players in these conditions especially Saim’s batting was brilliant in both games. Our batting, pace and spin stocks are decent enough to challenge South Africa and win the series with the help of almighty. I see a lot of potential in our ODI squad with players young and experienced both willing to put the best step forward, which makes us an exciting prospect as a one-day side not just going into this series but also in the home tri-nation series and the blockbuster white-ball mega event at home.”Pakistan ODI squad: Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wk), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan (wk)South Africa ODI squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Aiden Markram, Andile Phehlukwayo, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Marco Jansen, Ottneil Baartman, Rassie van der Dussen, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tony de Zorzi, and Tristan StubbsSchedule of matches:17 Dec – 1st ODI vs South Africa at Boland Bank Park, Paarl (5pm PKT)19 Dec – 2nd ODI vs South Africa at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town (5pm PKT)22 Dec – 3rd ODI vs South Africa at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (5pm PKT)26 Dec – 1st Test vs South Africa at SuperSport Park, Centurion (1pm PKT)3 Jan – 2nd Test vs South Africa at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town (1pm PKT).
ACC Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup: Pakistan to meet India on Sunday
Kuala Lumpur (SBR): Pakistan U19 will begin their journey in the inaugural edition of the ACC Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup when they will take on India on Sunday (November 15, 2024) at the Bayuemas Cricket Oval in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. Pakistan are placed in Group A alongside India and Nepal, while Bangladesh, Malaysia and Sri Lanka are positioned in Group B. Zoofishan Ayyaz-led Pakistan will play their second match of the tournament against Nepal on Monday, 16 December.The six-team tournament will be played on a T20 format with top two sides from each group progressing to the Super-Four Stage. The Super-Four stage matches will be played on 19 and 20 December, while the final of the tournament is scheduled to take place on 22 December.According to the tournament’s format, two additional matches for fifth and sixth position and third and fourth position will be played on 18 and 22 December, respectively. Before departing to Malaysia, Pakistan U19 had a five-day camp at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi, where the players featured in training sessions, skills and fitness drills and practice matches under the supervision of the head coach Mohsin Kamal-led support staff.Zoofishan Ayyaz on the eve of the tournament said: “We have had good training sessions before our arrival here in Malaysia and the players are looking forward to do well in the tournament. We will take one game at a time and the players are fully focused to showcase their talent in the tournament.”Pakistan Squad: Zoofishan Ayyaz (captain) (Wah Cantt), Komal Khan (vice-captain) (Lahore), Aleesa Mukhtiar (Muzaffargarh), Areesha Ansari (Kasur), Fatima Khan (Lahore), Fizza Fiaz (Lahore), Haniah Ahmer (Karachi), Maham Anees (Islamabad), Mahnoor Zeb (Mardan), Quratulain (Sialkot), Ravail Farhan (Lahore), Rozina Akram (Rawalpindi), Shahar Bano (Lodhran), Tayyaba Imdad (Abbottabad) and Wasifa Hussain (Karachi)Player Support personnel: Aisha Jalil (manager), Mohsin Kamal (head coach), Mohammad Hanif Malik (assistant coach), Nahida Khan (fielding coach), Mohammad Usman Shahid (analyst), Rabia Siddiq (physiotherapist), Mohammad Rafi Ullah (media and digital manager)Pakistan matches in the tournament:15 December – vs India (2pm, KL time)16 December – vs Nepal (2pm, KL time)18 December – 5th/6th position play-off (2pm, KL time)19 December A1 v B1 (9.30am, KL time); A2 v B2 (2pm, KL time)20 December – A1 v B2 (9.30am, KL time); A2 v B1 (2pm, KL time)22 December – 3rd/4th position play-off (9.30am, KL time); final (2pm, KL time)
National Women’s One-Day Tournament: Nashra stars in Conquerors’ 48-run win over Stars
Islamabad (Nazish Azhar): Nashra Sundhu’s three-fer led Conquerors to a 48-run win over Stars in the seventh-round fixture of National Women’s One-Day Tournament at the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium on Saturday. Chasing a modest 167 to win, Stars were bundled out for 118 in 39.4 overs with Sadaf Shamas top-scoring with 28.For the winning team left-arm spinner Nashra bagged three wickets for 10 runs, while leg-spinner Syeda Aroob Shah also took three wickets for 26 runs. Earlier, batting first, Conquerors were dismissed for 166 in 44.5 overs. Captain Fatima Sana top-scored with 34 off 35 balls, which included three fours and one six. Stars’ Waheeda Akhtar clinched four wickets for 57, while Anosha Nasir and Neelam Mushtaq snapped two wickets apiece.In the second match, Invincibles, who were without their regular captain Muneeba Ali, due to an eye infection saw their first defeat in the tournament. At the Diamond Ground in Islamabad, batting first, Invincibles were dismissed for 188 in 45 overs with stand-in captain Omaima Sohail top-scoring with 76 off 112 balls, hitting 10 boundaries. For Challengers, Tasmia Rubab took three wickets, while Samina Aftab and Zaib un Nisa grabbed two wickets each.In turn, Aliya Riaz’ unbeaten knock of 73 off 74, which included eight fours and two sixes helped her side achieve the target with four wickets in hand and 50 balls to spare. Umm-e-Hani (47, 72b, 5x4s) was other notable contributor with the bat. For the losing side, spinners Ghulam Fatima (3-48) and Omaima (2-24) picked five wickets.Scores in brief (Conquerors beat Stars by 48 runs):Conquerors 166 all out, 44.5 overs (Fatima Sana 34, Dua Majid 26, Nashra Sundhu 20 not out; Waheeda Akhtar 4-57, Neelam Mushtaq 2-16, Anosha Nasir 2-23)Stars 118 all out, 39.4 overs (Sadaf Shamas 28, Rameen Shamim 27 not out; Nashra Sundhu 3-10, Syeda Aroob Shah 3-26)Player of the match – Nashra Sundhu (Conquerors)Challengers beat Invincibles by four wickets at the Diamond Ground:Invincibles 188 all out, 45 overs (Omaima Sohail 76, Areesha Noor 37; Tasmia Rubab 3-27, Samina Aftab 2-12, Zaib un Nisa 2-21)Challengers 190-6, 36.4 overs (Aliya Riaz 73 not out, Umm-e-Hani 47, Shawaal Zulfiqar 29, Gull Rukh 24; Ghulam Fatima 3-48, Omaima Sohail 2-24)Player of the match: Aliya Riaz (Challengers)-
England Women squad update: Grace Potts added to Test squad
Islamabad (Sports Desk): Seamer Grace Potts has been called up to the England Women Test squad touring South Africa. The 22-year-old, who joined Lancashire from Central Sparks in October, has been brought in as cover in the seam bowling department. The four-day Test match against South Africa starts on Sunday (15 December) in Bloemfontein.
T20: Stallions and Panthers post victories in Pindi Stadium
Rawalpindi (PCB Report): ABL Stallions had the better of Engro Dolphins to come back to winning ways, taking the match by just five runs while Lake City Panthers crushed UMT Markhors by six wickets as the double header in Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup excited the crowds at the Rawalpindi Stadium on Friday.With the victory Stallions are now top of the five-team table with three wins in four matches, accumulating six points. Markhors suffered their first loss but were still second with six points in four matches.Young Ubaid Shah, sibling of Test fast bowler Naseem Shah, held his nerves to defend 14 off the final over and despite being hit for a six by Salman Irshad came out with flying colours, conceding eight runs to give Stallions victory. Dolphins managed to score 185-9 in 20 overs.Chasing a big 191 for victory, Dolphins were treated well on tough waters as Sahibzada Farhan, who scored a brisk 59 off 38 balls with six boundaries and two sixes held the innings. Young Qasim Akram was good in support with a rapid 24-ball 37, spiced with two sixes and four boundaries. Together they added 46 off 27 balls.When skipper Faheem Ashraf came to the crease, Dolphins needed 51 runs in 4.1 overs. Left-hand batter Faheem cracked two sixes and a four in his 12-ball 25 but in the end his runs were not enough.For Stallions, spinners Usman Tariq (2-22) and Mehran Mumtaz (2-32) checked the run chase, while pacer Mohammad Ali finished with 2-34. The most notable point of the match was the return of promising fast bowler Ihsanullah after being sidelined with elbow injury.Earlier, all-rounder Hussain Talat kept his good form intact, scoring 57 not out off just 34 balls. His knock included two sixes and five boundaries. Hussain added a good 109 runs off just 56 balls with Mohammad Mohsin. Mohsin’s eye-catching knock of 55 came off 32 balls which contained four boundaries and as many sixes. The duo smashed a big 65 runs in the last five overs. Leg-spinner Mohammad Ramiz Jnr was the pick of bowlers with 2-29.In the second match, Haider Ali smashed a 29-ball 62 to help Lake City Panthers chase a 164-run target in 18.5 overs. Haider smashed five sixes and four boundaries in an eye-catching knock. Umar Siddiq (30) and Sharjeel Khan (23) laid the foundation with an opening stand of 52. Haider and Mubasir Khan furthered the chase with a third wicket stand of 65. Haider hit the winning six to seal the match.The UMT Markhors’ total of 163 for eight saw young local boy Saad Masood play an anchor’s role with a 39-ball 63 not out. His innings was laced with two sixes and six boundaries. Saad lifted his team from a precarious 7-70 as he kept the scoreboard ticking, adding 35 for the eighth wicket with Nisar Ahmed (21) and another invaluable 58 for the ninth wicket with Akif Javed who made only six. Nisar cracked two sixes in his ten-ball 21.Scores in brief:ABL Stallions beat Engro Dolphins by five runsABL Stallions 190-4 in 20 overs (Hussain Talat 57 not out, Mohammad Mohsin 55, Yasir Khan 36; Mohammad Ramiz Jnr 2-29)Engro Dolphins 185-9 in 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 59, Qasim Akram 37, Faheem Ashraf 25; Usman Tariq 2-22, Mehran Mumtaz 2-32, Mohammad Ali 2-34)Player of the match: Mohammad Mohsin (ABL Stallions)Lake City Panthers beat UMT Markhors by six wicketsUMT Markhors 163-8 in 20 overs (Saad Masood 63 not out, Abdul Samad 24; Usama Mir 2-14)Lake City Panthers 169-4 in 18.5 overs (Haider Ali 62 not out, Mubasir Khan 32, Umar Siddiq 30; Mohammad Imran Jnr 2-17)Player of the match: Haider Ali (Lake City Panthers).
A Tale of Stand-in Captains (By Bipin Dani)
India's cricketing journey in Australia has witnessed some remarkable moments, especially since 2020. The narrative is intriguingly shaped by the fact that India's last three Test victories on Australian soil came under the leadership of stand-in captains rather than the full-time skippers. This compelling story is brought to light by the world's leading Indian cricket statistician, Mohandas Menon.The first of these victories was orchestrated by Ajinkya Rahane at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where his calm and composed leadership steered India to a memorable win. Rahane's leadership was further highlighted during the historic triumph at the Gabba, a fortress where Australia had remained unbeaten for 32 years. Under Rahane's captaincy, India not only won but also sealed the series, a feat celebrated widely.Adding another layer to this fascinating tale is Jasprit Bumrah, who led India to a Test victory in Perth. Bumrah, primarily known for his bowling prowess, stepped up to the captaincy role and guided the team to success, showcasing his versatility and leadership qualities.Notably, these victories were not achieved under the two full-time captains, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. This observation highlights an interesting narrative within Indian cricket. It raises questions about the dynamics of leadership and the impact of captaincy on team performance.This intriguing pattern invites a deeper analysis of the role and influence of stand-in captains in high-pressure scenarios. It underscores the significance of adaptability and resilience in cricket, where leadership can come from unexpected quarters, leading to historic achievements.As India continues its cricketing journey, the contributions of Rahane and Bumrah as stand-in captains will be remembered as pivotal moments in the team's success Down Under.
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