Sports Bulletin

Lahore (SBR): South Africa Women defeated Pakistan Women by eight wickets at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Tuesday night in the opening game of the three-match ODI series.Unbeaten hundreds by Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp helped South Africa overhaul the 256-run target in the penultimate over.After opting to bat, Pakistan lost an early wicket in the second over as Shawaal Zulfiqar was dismissed without scoring while the scoreboard read 3-1.Opening batter Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin anchored the innings with a commanding 147-run stand – Pakistan's highest second-wicket partnership and third highest for any wicket in WODIs. The duo brought up the team’s 100 in the 21st over and continued to build momentum, taking the total to 150 by the 31st over.Muneeba, having reached her 5th half-century, was eventually dismissed for a well-crafted 76 off 94 balls, laced with 11 fours.Aliya Riaz then joined Sidra at the crease and the pair added a valuable 68 runs off the next 71 deliveries. Aliya contributed a brisk 33 off 34 balls, striking five boundaries, before falling in the 43rd over.Sidra brought up her 5th ODI century with a delicate dab down to long-on. She remained unbeaten on a superb 121, featuring 12 fours, as Pakistan posted 255-4 at the end of their 50 overs.For the visitors, Ayabonga Khaka returned figures of 9-0-36-2 while Tumi Sekhukhune picked up one wicket for 37 runs in eight overs.In pursuit of the 256-run target, South Africa were dealt with an early blow as left-arm spinner clean-bowled Laura Wolvaardt for four in the second over.Opening batter Brits was joined by Sune Luus at the crease. The pair then added another 38 runs before the latter was trapped leg before wicket by Rameen Shamim as the scoreboard read 43-2 in 9.4 overs.Kapp – who scored 121 off 128 balls hitting 13 fours and two sixes – stitched an unbeaten 216-run partnership with Brits (101 not out, 121b, 9x4s) for the third wicket as the duo led the visitors to victory. For the hosts, Rameen and Sadia picked up one wicket apiece.Scores in brief:Match 1 of 3: South Africa beat Pakistan by eight wickets at Gaddafi Stadium, LahorePakistan 255-4, 50 overs (Sidra Amin 121 not out, Muneeba Ali 76, Aliya Riaz 33; Ayabonga Khaka 2-36)South Africa 259-2, 48.2 overs (Marizanne Kapp 121 not out, Tazmin Brits 101 not out, Sune Luus 30; Rameen Shamim 1-29)Player of the match - Marizanne Kapp (South Africa)Series schedule: (All matches to begin at 3.30 pm Pakistan time)16 September – South Africa won by eight wickets19 September – Pakistan vs South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore22 September – Pakistan vs South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Islamabad (Sports Desk): Fast bowlers Matt Henry, Jayden Seales and Mohammed Siraj are in the running for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for August while Muneeba Ali, Orla Prendergast and Iris Zwilling form the shortlist for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award.Siraj’s burst on the final day of the Test series against England that helped India win in dramatic fashion at The Oval has put him in the reckoning even as Henry’s clinical display in a two-Test series in Zimbabwe and Seale’s superb performances in a memorable home ODI series against Pakistan put them in contention.The women’s shortlist is based on T20I performances in Europe. Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast is in the shortlist after helping win a home T20I series against Pakistan and continuing the form in subsequent T20Is, Muneeba makes it to the shortlist as she helped win the last match of that series with a sparkling century and the Netherlands’ Zwilling is there among the three after finishing with a bagful of wickets in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier.MEN’S SHORTLISTMatt Henry (New Zealand)Henry finished as the Player of the Series against Zimbabwe as New Zealand blanked the home side 2-0. The 33-year-old had match hauls of nine for 90 and seven for 56 as his team won the two Tests in Bulawayo by massive margins.Jayden Seales (West Indies)Seales grabbed 10 wickets to be named the Player of the Series in the three ODIs at home against Pakistan. He finished as the leading wicket-taker and the highlight for him was a career-best haul of six for 18 in the final match that his team won by a huge 202-run margin to claim their first series win over the opposition since 1991.Mohammed Siraj (India)Siraj’s match-winning performance at The Oval that helped draw the five-match series against England 2-2 was sensational. He grabbed three wickets on the morning of the final day as India won the match by six runs. He had hauls of four for 86 and five for 104 in the two innings, finishing with nine wickets at an average of 21.11.WOMEN’S SHORTLISTMuneeba Ali (Pakistan)Muneeba struck only the second century in a WT20I by a Pakistan batter, her 100 not out off 68 deliveries helping her team win the third match of the series against Ireland by eight wickets. The left-handed opener scored a total of 132 runs in three matches at an average of 66.00Orla Prendergast (Ireland)The 23-year-old Ireland all-rounder was named the Player of the Series in a home T20I series against Pakistan that her team won 2-1. She aggregated 144 runs and took four wickets in the series and continued her fine run in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier. Her aggregate over the month was 244 runs at an average of 48.80 and a strike rate of 127.08 and a total of seven wickets.Iris Zwilling (Netherlands)Zwilling grabbed 10 wickets in six T20Is during the period which saw her finish as the joint leading wicket-taker in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier. She averaged 10.70 per wicket at an economy of 4.65 and had returns included three-wicket hauls against Germany and Italy

Lahore (PCB Report): The Pakistan Cricket Board will host its maiden T20I tri-series when Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka feature in a three-nation tournament from 17 to 29 November.The series has been organised to provide all teams with valuable preparation ahead of next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, to be staged in India and Sri Lanka.The tri-series will begin on 17 November with Pakistan taking on Afghanistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This will be Afghanistan’s first-ever T20I in Pakistan, having earlier played five ODIs in the country, the last of which was against Australia during ICC Champions Trophy in February this year.On 19 November, Sri Lanka will face Afghanistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while the remaining five T20Is of the tri-series, including the final on 29 November will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.Earlier, in October/November, Pakistan will host South Africa for a two-match Test series – part of ICC World Test Championship 2025-27, as well as three T20Is and three ODIs from 12 October to 8 November.PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed: “We look forward to hosting Sri Lanka and Afghanistan for Pakistan’s maiden T20I tri-series. This event will not only offer excellent preparation for next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, but also present fans with exciting cricket across venues.“Earlier this year, PCB successfully delivered the ICC Champions Trophy and the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier. These achievements underline our capacity and readiness to host back-to-back international events at the highest level.”Tri-Series T20I Tournament (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka)17 November – Pakistan v Afghanistan, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi19 November – Sri Lanka v Afghanistan, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi22 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore23 November – Pakistan v Afghanistan, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore25 November – Sri Lanka v Afghanistan, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore27 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore29 November –Final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): Prolific opener Mohammad Waseem will lead the 17-member UAE squad in the DP World Asia Cup 2025 which begins in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, 9 September. UAE are placed in Group A. India, Oman and Pakistan are the other three teams in the group.UAE will take on India in their opening game at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday 10 September. UAE play Oman at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket Stadium on Monday, 15 September. Their last group game is with Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday, 17 September.The top two teams in each group will progress to Super Four stage which will commence from Sunday, 21 September. UAE squad: Mohammad Waseem (captain), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Ethan D’ Souza, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Matiullah Khan, Mohammad Farooq, Mohammad Jawadullah, Mohammad Zohaib, Rahul Chopra (wicketkeeper), Rohid Khan, Simranjeet Singh and Saghir Khan. Support Staff: Amjad Ezzi (team manager), Lalchand Rajput (head coach), Azharuddin Qureshi (strength and conditioning coach), Manipreet Sidhu (video analyst), Naveed Ahmad (fielding coach), Darshan Singh (Side-Armer) and Manish Pradeshi (physiotherapist). UAE match schedule:Wednesday, 10 September – India vs United Arab Emirates, Dubai – 6:30pmMonday, 15 September – UAE vs Oman, Abu Dhabi – 4:00pmWednesday, 17 September – Pakistan vs UAE, Dubai – 6:30pmSaturday, 20 September – B1 vs B2, Dubai – 6:30pm*Super Four:*Sunday, 21 September – A1 vs A2, Dubai – 6:30pmMonday, 22 September – Rest DayTuesday, 23 September – A2 vs B1, Abu Dhabi – 6:30pmWednesday, 24 September – A1 vs B2, Dubai – 6:30pmThursday, 25 September – A2 vs B2, Dubai – 6:30pmFriday, 26 September – A1 vs B1, Dubai – 6:30pmSaturday, 27 September – Rest DaySunday, 28 September – Final, Dubai – 6:30pmMonday, 29 September – Reserve Day.

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): Zimbabwe’s star player Sikandar Raza has become the top-ranked all-rounder in the ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings for the first time in his career after a fine show in the two-match series against Sri Lanka in Harare.The 39-year-old scored 92 and 59 not out in the two matches and took one wicket in the series to overtake the Afghanistan pair of Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi, who are now placed second and third, respectively. Raza’s previous best was the second position that he attained in December 2023.Raza’s aggregate of 151 runs also lifted him nine places to 22nd position in the batting rankings, which is two places off his career-best 24th position reached in June 2023. He has also gained one spot to reach 38th position among bowlers.Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka, who topped the aggregate with 198 runs to be named the Player of the Series, has moved up seven places to 13th position while Janith Liyanage (up 13 places to 29th) of Sri Lanka and Sean Williams of Zimbabwe (up three places to 47th) are others to move up the batting rankings after the series.Scotland batter George Munsey is up three places to 34th after a match-winning 84 not out against Canada in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 while South Africa’s Tony de Zorzi has moved from 67th to 64th.The ODI bowling rankings see South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj shake off Sri Lanka spinner Maheesh Theekshana to take the sole No. 1 position after a match-winning haul of four for 22 in the first ODI against England in Leeds with Jofra Archer (up six places to 19th) and Lungi Ngidi (up five places to joint-23rd) among the others to move up the bowling rankings after the match.Asitha Fernando has advanced six places to 31st while Dilshan Madushanka’s match-winning four for 62 in the first Harare ODI that included a hat-trick, has lifted him from 60th to 52nd position.The ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings see Afghanistan batters Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal make huge progress after helping beat Pakistan in a tri-series match in Sharjah with scores of 65 and 64, respectively. Zadran is up 12 places to 20th while Atal has rocketed 346 places to 127th position.Pakistan batters Hasan Nawaz (up two places to joint-31st) is among those to gain in the batting rankings while Sufiyan Muqeem (up 11 places to 22nd), Shaheen Afridi (up eight places to 26th and Mohammad Nawaz (up 15 places to 43rd) are among those to move up the bowling rankings.Raza’s upward movement may have resulted in Nabi slipping to third position in the ODI all-rounders’ list, but he has moved up one spot to second position among T20I all-rounders.

ISLAMABAD (Sports Desk): The Gulf’s premier cricket spectacle makes its return on Tuesday, December 2, as defending champions Dubai Capitals face the Desert Vipers in the opening clash of the DP World International League T20 Season 4. The fixture is a highly anticipated rematch of last season’s thrilling final.The first ball will be bowled at 6:30pm local time, with fans expecting another gripping contest between two sides that delivered one of the tournament’s most memorable encounters in Season 3. On that occasion, the Capitals held their nerve to claim victory with just four deliveries remaining, lifting the trophy in front of a raucous 25,000-strong crowd.The Season 4 opener will be played at the Dubai International Stadium – the venue for Season 3’s grand finish. The six-team tournament will once again feature a total of 34 matches. Dubai International Stadium will host 15 matches, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket Stadium will stage 11, and the Sharjah Cricket Stadium will be the venue for eight matches.Following the tournament-opener, Sharjah Warriorz who qualified for the playoffs for the first time in the tournament’s history in Season 3 will take on Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the second match of the tournament – the first of the season at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium.The first-ever winners of the glittering DP World ILT20 trophy Gulf Giants will open their Season 4 campaign against Season 2 champions MI Emirates. The contest between the two former champions will take place at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday, 4 December.After the completion of the 30-match double-league round-robin stage, the top four teams on the points table will enter the DP World ILT20 Season 4 playoffs.The top two teams on the table will compete in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday, 30 December at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket Stadium. The Eliminator (Team 3 vs Team 4 on the points table) will be played on Thursday, 1 January at the Dubai International Stadium. Qualifier 2 (Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator) will be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.Season 4 will conclude with the title clash – the tournament finale – which will be played at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday 4 January from 6:30 pm local time.DP World ILT20 Season 4 – Tournament schedule – all timings are local timings – Gulf Standard Time:Tuesday, 2 December – Dubai Capitals vs Desert Vipers – 6:30pm, DubaiWednesday, 3 December – Sharjah Warriorz vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – 6:30pm, SharjahThursday, 4 December – Gulf Giants vs MI Emirates – 6:30pm, DubaiFriday, 5 December – Desert Vipers vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – 6:30pm, SharjahSaturday, 6 December – Dubai Capitals vs Gulf Giants – 6:30pm, DubaiSunday, 7 December – Sharjah Warriorz vs MI Emirates – 2:00pm, SharjahSunday, 7 December – Dubai Capitals vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – 6:30pm, DubaiMonday, 8 December – Desert Vipers vs Gulf Giants – 6:30pm, DubaiTuesday, 9 December – MI Emirates vs Desert Vipers – 6:30pm, Abu DhabiWednesday, 10 December – Gulf Giants vs Sharjah Warriorz – 6:30pm, DubaiThursday, 11 December – Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs MI Emirates – 6:30pm, Abu DhabiFriday, 12 December – Gulf Giants vs Desert Vipers – 6:30pm, DubaiSaturday, 13 December – Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Dubai Capitals – 6:30pm, Abu DhabiSunday, 14 December – MI Emirates vs Sharjah Warriorz – 2:00pm, Abu DhabiSunday, 14 December – Desert Vipers vs Dubai Capitals – 6:30pm, DubaiMonday, 15 December – Sharjah Warriorz vs Gulf Giants – 6:30pm, SharjahTuesday, 16 December – Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Desert Vipers – 6:30pm, Abu DhabiWednesday, 17 December – Dubai Capitals vs MI Emirates – 6:30pm, DubaiThursday, 18 December – Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Gulf Giants – 6:30pm, Abu DhabiFriday, 19 December – Sharjah Warriorz vs Dubai Capitals – 6:30pm, SharjahSaturday, 20 December – MI Emirates vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – 2:00pm, Abu DhabiSaturday, 20 December – Desert Vipers vs Sharjah Warriorz – 6:30pm, DubaiSunday, 21 December – Gulf Giants vs Dubai Capitals – 2:00pm, SharjahSunday, 21 December – Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates – 6:30pm, DubaiMonday, 22 December – Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Sharjah Warriorz – 6:30pm, Abu DhabiTuesday, 23 December – MI Emirates vs Gulf Giants – 6:30pm, Abu DhabiWednesday, 24 December – Dubai Capitals vs Sharjah Warriorz – 6:30pm, DubaiThursday, 25 December – Rest DayFriday, 26 December – Sharjah Warriorz vs Desert Vipers – 6:30pm, SharjahSaturday, 27 December – MI Emirates vs Dubai Capitals – 6:30pm, Abu DhabiSunday, 28 December – Gulf Giants vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – 6:30pm, DubaiMonday, 29 December – Rest DayTuesday, 30 December – Qualifier 1 (Team 1 vs Team 2) – 6:30pm, Abu DhabiWednesday, 31 December – Rest DayThursday, 1 January – Eliminator (Team 3 vs Team 4) – 6:30pm, DubaiFriday, 2 January – Qualifier 2 (Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator) – 6:30pm, SharjahSaturday, 3 January – Rest DaySunday, 4 January – Final (Winner of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Qualifier 2) – 6:30pm, Dubai.

Birmingham (UK): Forming a joint global venture between the two professional cricket clubs, Warwickshire Country Cricket Club [WCCC] announces a new partnership with Lahore Qalanders, demonstrating a shared commitment to develop a long-term strategic vision that will help to grow cricket across Birmingham and Warwickshire in the UK,and Lahore in Pakistan.Officially launching in Autumn, the partnership includes the roll-out of mutually beneficial ventures for 2026 and beyond, that will focus on talent and performance development through player and coach exchanges, academies and scouting networks, community projects, support for grassroot cricket, and commercial opportunities.The partnership, announced by WCCC, follows the milestone acquisition for the club of Birmingham's Phoenix alongside partners, Knighthead LLP last month [July 2025].Abraham Khan, Finance Director of WCCC, commented, “Collaborating with LahoreQalanders is not only about cricket at the highest level, but is about creating opportunities that will further enhance the growth of the game.“By working together, we can pave the way for youth pathways, bolster funding and support for grassroot cricket, launch community initiatives and pool shared resource for development across all levels of the club.“Our commitment to a collaborative approach comes from a shared belief that cricket can be a powerful force for positive change. This a new chapter for the club and places WCCC and Lahore Qalanders at the forefront of a global cricket partnership, and I’m excited to see theimpact this will have for our fans, our cities, and the future of the game.”Sameen Rana, Lahore Qalandars Owner and COO, said, “This partnership withWarwickshire County Cricket Club is a landmark moment for Lahore Qalandars. Our philosophy has always been to think beyond boundaries, and this is another step in that journey. Together, we aim to elevate professional performance, unlock new avenues to identify and nurture talent, and use the power of cricket to inspire and connect our communities in Lahore and Birmingham.”He further added: “This collaboration is not just about cricket, it is about building shared pathways for players, coaches and fans, while expanding our global reach and creating new opportunities for growth. We believe this joint venture will establish a sustainable model that strengthens both clubs on and off the field and most importantly, leaves a lasting legacy forthe future of the game.”The partnership was brokered by the British Pakistan Initiative [BPI] following an Academy tours to Lahore, organised by Raf Sabir, Finance Director for CVS, in March 2025, creating a cultural and sporting exchange that evolved into a comprehensive long-term strategicalliance, now set to reshape the cricketing landscape in both Birmingham and Lahore. (PR)

Sharjah (SBR): Captain’s innings from Salman Ali Agha and four-fer by Haris Rauf led Pakistan to a 39-run win over Afghanistan in the first T20I match of the tri-series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday night. Pakistan will take on the UAE in the second match of the tournament at the same venue on Saturday, with the first ball set to be bowled at 7pm local time.Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan posted 182 for seven in their 20 overs. Salman anchored the innings with a well-compiled unbeaten 53 off 36 balls, which included three fours and as many sixes. He added 53 runs for the fifth wicket with Mohammad Nawaz (21, 11b, 1x4, 2x6s) after Pakistan had been reduced to 83 for four.Sahibzada Farhan (21, 10b, 1x4, 2x6s) and Fakhar Zaman (20, 17b, 1x4, 1x6) also contributed at the top of the order, while Afghanistan’s Fareed Ahmed claimed two wickets for 47 runs.In turn, Afghanistan reached 92 for two before losing five wickets for just four runs, slipping to 97 for seven. Captain Rashid Khan top-scored with 39 and Rahmanullah Gurbaz made 38, but Pakistan’s bowlers maintained control. Haris Rauf led the attack with four wickets for 31 in 3.5 overs, while Shaheen Shah Afridi (2-21), Nawaz (2-23) and Sufiyan Moqim (2-25) chipped in as Afghanistan were dismissed for 143 in 19.5 overs.Scores in brief:Pakistan beat Afghanistan by 39 runs at Sharjah Cricket StadiumPakistan 182-7, 20 overs (Salman Ali Agha 53 not out, Mohammad Nawaz 21, Sahibzada Farhan 21; Fareed Ahmed 2-47)Afghanistan 143 all out, 19.5 overs (Rashid Khan 39, Rahmanullah Gurbaz 38; Haris Rauf 4-31, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-21, Mohammad Nawaz 2-23, Sufiyan Moqim 2-25)Player of the match – Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan

 Lahore (SBR):The Women’s National Selection Committee has named a 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 set to take place from 30 September to 2 November. The same squad will also feature in a three-match ODI series against South Africa, scheduled at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from 16 to 22 September.Uncapped right-handed batter Eyman Fatima, who recently made her T20I debut against Ireland, is part of the ODI squad. Fatima Sana, who represented Pakistan in the previous edition of ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, will lead the side for the first time in the mega event.23-year-old had previously captained the side in the ICC Women’s CWC Qualifier held in Lahore this year, where the team maintained a 100 per cent win record to secure qualification for this year’s ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup set to take place in India and Sri Lanka.Pakistan will play all their group-stage matches at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. Should Pakistan qualify for the 29 October semi-final and the 2 November final, then both the matches will take place in Colombo.Also, six players - Natalia Parvaiz (8 ODIs, 24T20Is), Rameen Shamim (8 ODIs, 11 T20Is), Sadaf Shamas (15 ODIs, 12 T20Is), Sadia Iqbal (27 ODIs, 50 T20Is), Shawaal Zulfiqar (3 ODIs, 9 T20Is) and Syeda Aroob Shah (2 ODIs, 15 T20Is) are set to feature in their maiden ODI World Cup.Moreover, 21-year-old Aroob, 20-year-old Shawaal alongside 20-year-old Eyman featured for Pakistan in the inaugural edition of ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup held in South Africa in January 2023.Additionally, two changes have been made from the 15-member squad that featured in the ICC Women’s CWC Qualifier. Eyman and Sadaf come into the squad in place of Gull Feroza and Najiha Alvi, who have been named in the five-member non-travelling reserves alongside Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar.The 15 players alongside five reserves players will take part in a 14-day pre-South Africa series camp from Friday, 29 August. The players under the coaching staff led by Muhammad Wasim will undergo practice sessions as well as 50-over practice matches. More details regarding the camp will be announced in due course.South Africa women’s cricket team will arrive in Lahore on 12 September.15-member squad:Fatima Sana (captain), Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (vice-captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wicket-keeper) and Syeda Aroob ShahNon-traveling reserves:Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda AkhtarPlayer support personnel:Hina Munawar (manager), Mohammad Wasim (head coach), Junaid Khan (assistant coach bowling), Tahir Khan (assistant coach bowling), Abdul Saad (fielding coach), Mohammad Rafi Ullah (media manager), Mohammad Asfand Yar (strength and conditioning coach), Waleed Ahmed (analyst), Tehreem Sumbal (physiotherapist), Kiran Shahzadi (masseuse) and team doctor (tbc)Pakistan v South Africa women series:16 September – First ODI19 September – Second ODI22 September – Third ODIPakistan team fixtures:2 October – vs Bangladesh5 October – vs India8 October – vs Australia15 October – vs England18 October – vs New Zealand21 October – vs South Africa24 October – vs Sri Lanka

 Darwin, Australia (SBR): Perth Scorchers beat Pakistan Shaheens by 48 runs in the first semi-final of the Top End T20 Series at the Gardens in Darwin on Sunday morning. This was Shaheens’ second successive loss at the semi-final stage, having lost to Adelaide Strikers in the first semi-final of last year’s edition at the DXC Arena.After being put into bat, Scorchers scored 155 for eight in their 20 overs. They were in a spot of bother in the middle of their innings, as they lost six wickets for 69 courtesy of complete domination by the spin trio of Faisal Akram, Mehran Mumtaz and Saad Masood.At that point, Nicholas Hobson was joined by Matthew Kelly, and the pair added 44 runs for the seventh wicket to take their score beyond the 100 mark. They eventually finished on 155 for eight in their allotted 20 overs. Hobson top-scored with a 43-ball 59, which included seven fours and two sixes, while Kelly contributed 23 off 19 balls, hitting one four and two sixes.Shaheens’ right-arm leg-spinner Saad was the most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 21 runs, while Mehran and Mohammad Wasim Jnr bagged two wickets each. Left-arm spinner Faisal managed to pick up a wicket, conceding 36 runs in the process.In reply, Shaheens lost three wickets inside five overs with only 17 runs on the board. Khawaja Nafay and captain Muhammad Irfan Khan then came together and added 38 runs for the fourth wicket before right-handed batter Nafay was run out for 26 off 24 balls, which included one four and two sixes.Irfan, who was named player of the match in the previous game against Nepal, was dismissed for 17 off 15 balls, hitting one four. After the departure of the skipper, Shaheens lost wickets in quick succession and were bundled out for 107 in 17.1 overs, with Wasim (25, 26b, 3x4s, 1x6) the last man to return to the pavilion.For Scorchers, Keaton Critchell took three wickets, while Bryce Jackson and Kelly bagged two each.Before the semi-final, in the 11-team tournament, Pakistan Shaheens had finished second on the table with four wins from six matches.Scores in brief:Perth Scorchers 155-8, 20 overs (Nicholas Hobson 59, Teague Wills 29, Matthew Kelly 23; Saad Masood 3-21, Mehran Mumtaz 2-18, Mohammad Wasim Jnr 2-35)Pakistan Shaheens 107 all out, 17.1 overs (Khawaja Nafay 26, Mohammad Wasim Jnr 25; Keaton Critchell 3-13, Matthew Kelly 2-8, Bryce Jackson 2-14)Player of the match – Keaton Critchell (Perth Scorchers)