Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin ReportRAWAPINDI: Pakistan Shaheens led by Mohammad Huraira will take on Sri Lanka ‘A’ in the first of two four-day games of the series commencing on November 11, 2024 (Monday) here at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. The four-day matches will begin at 9.30am, with the toss taking place at 9am.The second four-day will be played from 18 to 21 November, while the series also includes three 50-over matches, scheduled to take place at the same venue from 25 to 29 November. The four-day matches will begin at 9.30am, with the toss taking place at 9am. Shaheens will be captained by Mohammad Huraira, who will lead the side for the first time, while Sri Lanka ‘A’, who are making their maiden visit to Pakistan, will be led by Pasindu Sooriyabandara in the four-day games, while Nuwanidu Fernando will lead them in the 50-over series.Five cricketers, Haider Ali, Hussain Talat, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Wasim Jnr and Rohail Nazir in four-day squad have already represented Pakistan at the international level. Additionally, among the 14-member squad, four players - Ali Zaryab, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rameez Jnr and Saad Khan had featured in the four-day series against Bangladesh ‘A’ held in Islamabad two months ago.Mohammad Huraira said: “It is an honour to lead Pakistan Shaheens. Our side consists of talented players who have had productive training sessions here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and they are ready to perform in the upcoming series. Playing for Shaheens will provide players a pathway to showcase their skills and impress the selectors to get a chance to represent Pakistan at the international level.”Pasindu Sooriyabandara, captain Sri Lanka ‘A’ said: “Since our arrival here in Pakistan, we have received great hospitality as people are very helpful. We have a good side with a strong batting line-up and also a good bowling attack. We will take it one game at a time and aim to perform well in the series.”Pakistan Shaheens squad: Mohammad Huraira (captain-Sialkot), Abdul Faseeh (Rawalpindi), Ahmed Safi Abdullah (Faisalabad), Ali Zaryab (Lahore), Haider Ali (Rawalpindi), Hussain Talat (Lahore), Kashif Ali (Rawalpindi), Khurram Shahzad (Faisalabad), Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (Karachi), Mohammad Rameez Jnr (Lahore), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (FATA), Rohail Nazir (Islamabad), Saad Khan (Hyderabad) and Sameen Gul (FATA)Sri Lanka ‘A’ squad: Pasindu Sooriyabandara (captain), Ahan Wickramasinghe, Ashian Daniel, Chamika Gunasekara, Dinura Kalupahana, Isitha Wijesundara, Nipun Dhananjaya, Nisala Tharaka, Oshada Fernando, Pavan Rathnayake, Pulindu Perera, Sonal Dinusha, Vishad Randika, Vishwa Fernando and Wanuja SahanMatch officials:11-14 Nov – 1st four-day. Asif Yaqoob and Zulfiqar Jan (on-field umpires), Imran Jawed (third umpire), Iqbal Sheikh (match referee)18-21 Nov – 2nd four-day. Rashid Riaz and Imran Jawed (on-field umpires), Zulfiqar Jan (third umpire), Iqbal Sheikh (match referee).

Lahore (PR): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sumair Ahmad Syed as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) following approval by the Board of Governors in its 75th meeting, chaired by Mohsin Naqvi at the National Cricket Academy on Saturday afternoon.Sumair Ahmad, a seasoned civil servant with an extensive administrative experience, most recently served as Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office. He assumes the Chief Operating Officer’s role from Salman Naseer, who has been appointed as Advisor to the PCB Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) department. Salman began his tenure as the Chief Operating Officer and had previously indicated he would not seek a contract renewal in a similar role upon the completion of his five-year term in February 2025.Welcoming Sumair Ahmad and expressing gratitude for Salman Naseer’s years of service, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said:“Sumair is an outstanding professional with proven administrative skills and deep industry knowledge. We are delighted to welcome him to the PCB family and are confident that under his leadership, we will continue to strengthen and improve our administrative structures, moving closer to our goal of becoming a model, high-performing organisation.“Salman has been an exemplary leader at the Pakistan Cricket Board, making invaluable contributions during his tenure as the Chief Operating Officer. His experience and insights have made him an asset to the PCB. Given our plans to establish PSL as an independent entity and to expand the league with two additional teams in 2026, we have appointed him as PSL’s Chief Executive Officer. He will also serve as Advisor to the PCB Chairman, ensuring his expertise continues to guide our strategic goals.”On his appointment, Sumair Ahmad said:“As a lifelong follower and supporter of Pakistan cricket, it is a profound honour for me to join this dynamic organisation as its Chief Operating Officer during these exciting and pivotal times. I am deeply grateful to the PCB Chairman and the Board of Governors for their trust and support. With the collaboration of my colleagues, I am eager to play a meaningful role here at PCB.“This organisation holds tremendous potential and cricket serves as a unifying force for the people of Pakistan.“During my tenure as Chief Operating Officer, I am committed to helping the Chairman bring his vision for Pakistan cricket to life. This vision centers on achieving success with our national teams, enhancing infrastructure, expanding opportunities for aspiring cricketers and ensuring good governance. I am excited to contribute to this journey and work towards making a lasting impact on the game that we all cherish.”Salman Naseer expressed gratitude and support for Sumair Ahmad:“It has been an honour and a privilege to lead the PCB’s management team as Chief Operating Officer. This journey has been deeply rewarding, as we collectively made significant progress and overcame various challenges.“I am grateful to the PCB Chairman for his trust and to my colleagues for their support, without which our successes would not have been possible.“I would also like to thank the Board of Governors for their guidance and look forward to contributing to Sumair’s success at the PCB. With the experience and commitment he brings, I am confident that the PCB will continue to grow stronger and reach new heights.”

PCB ReportLAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today confirmed the squad for the 50-over tri-series and ACC U19 Asia Cup 2024-25 set to take place in UAE from 13 November to 8 December.Saad Baig, who led the Pakistan U19 team in the last edition of the ACC U19 Asia Cup and ICC U19 World Cup 2024, has been appointed the captain of the 15-player squad which will be trimmed to 14 for the Asia Cup beginning 29 November.Six players including Saad, Ali Raza, Haroon Arshad, Mohammad Riazullah, Naveed Ahmed Khan, and Shahzaib Khan represented Pakistan at the ICC U19 World Cup 2024 in South Africa while Tayyab Arif is the other player to have played for the Pakistan U19.Pakistan U19 squad for UAE tour: Saad Baig (captain, wicket-keeper) (Karachi), Abdul Subhan (Abbottabad), Ali Raza (Sialkot), Faham-ul-Haq (Lahore), Farhan Yousuf (Lahore), Haroon Arshad (Karachi), Hassan Khan (Rawalpindi), Mohammad Ahmed (Lahore), Mohammad Huzaifa* (Bahawalpur), Mohammad Riazullah (Abbottabad), Naveed Ahmed Khan (Karachi), Shahzaib Khan (Abbottabad), Tayyab Arif (Sialkot), Umar Zaib (Abbottabad) and Usman Khan (FATA)Non-travelling reserves: Ahmed Hussain (Peshawar), Mohammad Huzaifa (Bahawalpur), Rizwanullah (Karachi) and Yahya bin Abdul Rehman (Lahore)Player support staff: Ghulam Ali (head coach-cum-manager), Agha Sabir Ali (assistant/fielding coach), Muhammad Aleem Bajwa (physio), Muhammad Talha (analyst), Rehan Riaz (bowling coach), Saboor Ahmed (strength & conditioning coach) and Syed Nazir Ahmed (media and digital manager)(Tri-Nation series; all matches to be played at ICC Academy, Dubai)13 November - Pakistan vs UAE15 November - Pakistan vs Afghanistan20 November - Pakistan vs Afghanistan22 November - Pakistan vs UAE26 November - Final (ACC U19 Asia Cup; Group A matches to be played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium)30 November – Pakistan vs India2 December – Pakistan vs UAE4 December -Pakistan vs Japan6 December – Semi final 1 (A1 vs B2 - Dubai) & Semi final 2 (B1 vs A2 – Sharjah)8 December – Final. 

Lahore (PR): Faisalabad romped to an innings and eight-run victory over Hyderabad, their first of the season on Friday at Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad. Faisalabad were bundled out for 230, taking a first innings lead of 134 with the help of Mohammad Faizan’s 83, after continuing from their overnight score of 212-8.In turn, Asad Raza (4-37) and Shahid Ali (4-37) repeated their first innings heroics to take their tally of match figures to eight wickets each as they took Faisalabad to their first win.At National Ground, Islamabad, Larkana closed the day trailing by 38 runs in their second innings with Mohammad Nawaz unbeaten on 58, after Abbottabad took first innings lead of 168 runs. Larkana’s Mushtaq Ahmed bagged 5-70 to restrict Abbottabad to 231 after they resumed from overnight score of 81-2. Mushtaq was backed up by Aamir Ali Brohi with a four-fer.In another Group A fixture at Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad led by 82 runs in their second innings with two wickets in hand when stumps were drawn. Earlier in the day, Lahore Whites took a 47-run first innings lead as they were bowled out for 214 with Kaleem Dil taking 5-60. Islamabad were reduced to 129-8 by the close of play as Ahmed Daniyal took 4-24.At Ashfaq Ground Sirdheri, Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Faizan Saleem starred with 5-50 as Peshawar were bundled out for 213, taking a 42-run lead. In turn, AJK’s Hasan Raza remained unbeaten on 62 as they reached 100-1 at close of play and 58 runs ahead.Karachi Whites were bundled out for 145, after they began the day with 28-3, as Rawalpindi’s Mohammad Faizan (5-39) and Munir Riaz (4-43) shared nine wickets among them. In turn, Rawalpindi closed the day two with 196-9 and 51-run lead thanks to Shadab Khan’s quick-fire 46.At Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Bahawalpur bundled out Multan for a mere 147 after posting 297, taking a valuable 150-run lead. Bahawalpur’s Mehran Sanwal (4-28) and Shoaib Manzoor (4-47) shared eight wickets among them. Bahawalpur faced only three balls in their second innings before play was called off due to bad light.In Pool C, Sialkot’s Ashir Mehmood (172) and Azan Awais (130) notched a record 312-run opening stand on a shortened day as Sialkot finished with 370-5 against DM Jamali Region at Rana Naved ul Hasan Academy Sheikhupura.Elsewhere, Lahore Blues recovered from an overnight score of 36-5 to post 150 all out in reply to Quetta’s first innings total of 101 as only 41 overs of play was possible at Saeed Sports City Bedian, Lahore. At Multan, no play was possible due to bad light and Karachi Blues will resume from 221-5 on day three.Scores in brief (Day 2 of 4): Faisalabad beat Hyderabad by an innings and eight runs at Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad, Pool AHyderabad 96 all out, 22.3 overs (Kashif Bhatti 36, Sharjeel Khan 24; Shahid Ali 4-24, Asad Raza 4-36) and 126 all out, 35 overs (Rizwan Mehmood 20, Sharjeel Khan 20; Asad Raza 4-37, Shahid Ali 4-37)Faisalabad 230 all out, 48.4 overs (Mohammad Faizan 83, Mohammad Awais Zafar 45, Atiq-ur-Rehman 23; Bilawal Bhatti 5-55, Asim Jutt 3-56, Mohammad Waqar 2-32)Abbottabad vs Larkana, National Ground, Islamabad, Pool ALarkana 63 all out, 23.2 overs (Mushtaq Ahmed 14 not out; Mohammad Adil 7-16, Aqib Khan 2-16) and 130-5, 35 overs (Mohammad Nawaz 58 not out, Faraz Aziz 26; Aqib Khan 4-17)Abbottabad 231 all out, 57 overs (Khayam Khan 46, Shahab Khan 35, Zain Ishaq 35, Khalid Usman 26; Mushtaq Ahmed 5-70, Aamir Ali Brohi 4-71)Islamabad vs Lahore Whites, Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad, Pool AIslamabad 167 all out, 47.4 overs (Arsal Sheikh 63 not out, Shayan Sheikh 43; Ahmed Bashir 7-31, Ahmed Daniyal 2-54) and 129-8, 42 overs (Arsal Sheikh 27 not out, Shayan Sheikh 20; Ahmed Daniyal 4-24, Ahmed Bashir 2-35)Lahore Whites 214 all out, 64.4 overs (Obaid Shahid 43, Saad Nasim 40, Attyab Ahmed 36, Mohammad Faiq 35, Mohammad Waheed 32; Kaleem Dil 5-60, Nusratullah 2-47, Musa Khan 2-53)AJK vs Peshawar, Ashfaq Cricket Ground Sirdheri, Pool BAJK 171 all out, 53.4 overs (Basit Ali 27, Ali Abbas 27, Abdul Rehman Muzammil 26, Usman Salahuddin 22; Sajid Khan 5-52, Mohammad Amir Khan 2-16, Mohammad Imran Jnr 2-52) and 100-1, 34 overs (Hasan Raza 62 not out, Awais Akram Minhas 22 not out)Peshawar 213 all out, 62.2 overs (Israrullah 62, Abu Bakar 36; Faizan Saleem 5-50, Aqib Liaqat 3-45, Taj Wali 2-42)Rawalpindi vs Karachi Whites, Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, Pool BKarachi Whites 145 all out, 38 overs (Rameez Aziz 59, Saqib Khan 21; Mohammad Faizan 5-39, Munir Riaz 4-43)Rawalpindi 196-9, 39 overs (Shadab Khan 46, Ziad Khan 40, Umar Amin 23; Saqib Khan 4-81, Mohammad Umar 3-60)Multan vs Bahawalpur, Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad, Pool BBahawalpur 297 all out, 106.2 overs (Ali Hamza Wasim 84, Mohammad Faizan Zafar 79, Abid Ali 64; Waseem Akram Jnr 4-64, Mohammad Shahzad 2-46, Tahir Hussain 2-55) and 0-0, 0.3 oversMultan 147 all out, 34.3 overs (Mohammad Shahzad 42, Zain Abbas 39; Mehran Sanwal 4-28, Shoaib Manzoor 4-47)Quetta vs Lahore Blues, Saeed Sports City Bedian, Lahore, Pool CQuetta 101 all out, 45.4 overs (Shahbaz Khan 57; Nisar Ahmad 5-25, Mohammad Abbas 3-36)Lahore Blues 150 all out, 59.4 overs (Qasim Akram 42, Junaid Ali 27; Gohar Faiz 4-49, Jalat Khan 3-32, Mohammad Idrees 2-21)Karachi Blues vs FATA, Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan, Pool C (No play was possible) Karachi Blues 221-5, 80 overs (Abdullah Fazal 96 not out, Kashif Ali 31, Fawad Alam 25; Asif Afridi 3-32)Sialkot vs DM Jamali, Rana Naved ul Hasan Cricket Academy, Sheikhupura, Pool C (Early close of play due to bad light)Sialkot 370-5, 86 overs (Ashir Mehmood 172, Azan Awais 130, Abdul Rehman 21; Danish Aziz 2-60).  

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Iram Javed’s half-century led Invincibles to a 45-run win over Strikers at the HPC Oval Ground in Karachi on the opening day of the National Women’s One-Day Tournament 2024-25. Meanwhile, in the second match in the day, Stars defeated Challengers by two wickets.Batting first, Invincibles were dismissed for 195 in 41 overs with Strikers’ Zunish Abdul Sattar bagging five wickets for 46 runs. For Invincibles, Iram Javed coming to bat at number five top-scored with a 76-ball 81, which included nine fours and two sixes.In turn, Strikers were bowled out for 150 in 43.2 overs with opening batter Gull Feroza top-scoring with a 64-ball 60, smashing eight fours and a six. For the winning side, Saima Malik bagged three wickets, while Ghulam Fatima, Omaima Sohail and Tania Saeed managed to pick two wickets apiece.At the UBL Sports Complex, Natalia Parvaiz’ 59 helped Challengers post 164 in 49.4 overs. Stars’ Rameen Shamim bagged three wickets, while Anosha Nasir and Waheeda Akhtar took two wickets each. It took Stars 45.2 overs to achieve the target with two wickets in hand.Scores in brief:Invincibles beat Strikers by 45 runs at the HPC Oval GroundInvincibles 195 all out, 41 overs (Iram Javed 81, Muneeba Ali 33; Zunish Abdul Sattar 5-46)Strikers 150 all out, 43.2 overs (Gull Feroza 60; Saima Malik 3-16, Tania Saeed 2-25, Omaima Sohail 2-31, Ghulam Fatima 2-33)Player of the match: Iram Javed (Invincibles)Stars beat Challengers by two wickets at the UBL Sports ComplexChallengers 164 all out, 49.4 overs (Natalia Parvaiz 59, Momina Riasat 31; Rameen Shamim 3-23, Waheeda Akhtar 2-27, Anosha Nasir 2-38)Stars 165-8, 45.2 overs (Sadaf Shamas 34, Kainat Hafeez 33; Momina Riasat 3-17, Umm-e-Hani 3-46)Player of the match: Rameen Shamim (Stars). 

Islamabad (Sports Desk): The Rangpur Riders have confirmed their squad for the 2024 ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) which will take place at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence from 26 November to 7 December.The Rangpur Riders squad will feature experienced Bangladesh internationals Nurul Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Afif Hossain and Mahedi Hasan. They will be joined by overseas players Matthew Forde from West Indies, Wayne Madsen and Zak Chappell from England and Harmeet Singh from the USA. Rangpur Riders squad: Nurul Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Mahedi Hasan, Afif Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Saif Hassan, Rishad Hossain, Arafat Sunny, Kamrul Islam, Mathew Forde (West Indies), Harmeet Singh (USA), Wayne Madsen (England), Zak Chappell (England).

Importance of communication in cricket is crucial for maintaining the Integrity: BucknorBIPIN DANIIn the world of cricket, effective communication between players and umpires is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the game. Former ICC West Indies umpire Steve Bucknor recently shared exclusively his thoughts on a recent incident involving Alzarri Joseph, who left the field in anger despite having bowled a wicket-maiden.The primary source of discomfort for the West Indies early in the 3rd ODI match against England at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados on Wednesday stemmed from an unusual on-field confrontation between Alzarri Joseph and his captain, Shai Hope. The fast bowler appeared dissatisfied with the field arrangement for England’s No. 3, Cox. From the top of his run-up, Joseph was visibly expressing his displeasure to his captain multiple times, and he channeled his frustration towards the batter. Cox barely managed to react to a 148kph/92mph bouncer that grazed his glove on its way to the keeper. Joseph, however, did not celebrate and walked off at the end of the over, temporarily leaving the West Indies with just 10 players on the field.Bucknor emphasized the importance of informing the umpire when a fielder leaves the field for any reason. "A match can continue with ten players. However, if any fielder has to leave the field (for any reasons, injury or otherwise), he must inform the umpire. In case he has not informed the umpire, the word should come from the captain," he said over telephone from New York.In the recent incident, Bucknor noted that the hurried nature of the situation might have prevented the fielder from informing the on-field umpires. "I am not sure but in the above situation, it is the duty of the captain to have informed the umpire as soon as the fielder left the field," he added.Bucknor also highlighted the role of team management in such situations. "If he has not, it will be up to the team management to take action on the captain or fielder or on both," he stated. He further suggested that the match referee might report the incident to the ICC.Bucknor, 78, continues to contribute to the sport, umpiring on weekends in New York and helping school children develop their cricket skills.Bucknor's insights serve as a reminder of the importance of clear communication and respect for the rules of the game. His continued dedication to nurturing young talent also highlights his commitment to the future of cricket.No substitute allowed: According to India's former umpire, Vinayak Kulkurni, who had stood in two ODI games and lLater became an umpire's coach for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), no substitute fielder can be granted for this reason. "As I read, the argument was between Captain and Player and the player left. The captain may have informed the umpire/s. As far as Umpires are concerned for such reasons no substitute will be permitted and will report the matter to the match referee".Latest report suggests that the bowler has publicly apologized and has been suspended by his cricket board (CWI) and not the ICC. There have been instances of on field disagreements between players and or captains over tactical decisions, but Alzarri's dramatic exit during the match certainly stands out due to the intensity of the exchange and his decision to leave the field despite having bowled. 

Haris Rauf (5 for 29), Saim Ayub (84 runs) guide Green Shirts to historical victory against AustraliaSports Bulletin ReportAdelaide (Australia):  Haris Rauf’s second five wicket-haul and half-centuries by Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique led Pakistan to a nine-wicket win over Australia in the second ODI at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide. The win also leveled the three-match ODI series 1-1, with the series decider to be played at the Perth Stadium in Perth on 10 November.Chasing 164 to win, Pakistan opening pair of Abdullah and Saim got off to a flying start as they knitted a 137-run partnership for the first wicket. Saim, playing his second ODI, scored his maiden half-century, scoring a 71-ball 82, which included five fours and six sixes. The departure of Saim in the 21st over brought Babar Azam to the crease and the pair of Abdullah and Babar added an unbroken 32 runs for the second wicket take Pakistan over the line. Abdullah’s undefeated innings of 64 off 69 balls, included four fours and three sixes and it was his fifth half-century in this formatEarlier, after being put into bat, the visiting fast bowlers never allowed the hosts to score freely as the wickets continued to fall. Right-arm pacer Haris, playing his 39th ODI, was the most successful bowler, bagging five wickets for 29 runs in eight overs. His fellow fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, who took two wickets in the first ODI, grabbed three wickets for 26 in eight overs. Captain Mohammad Rizwan grabbed six catches behind the stumps, missing out on a record seven catches.For Australia, former captain Steven Smith, coming to bat at number three scored 35 off 48 balls, which included five fours and a six.Scores in brief:Pakistan beat Australia by nine wicketsAustralia 163 all out, 35 overs (Steven Smith 35; Haris Rauf 5-29, Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-26)Pakistan 169-1, 26.3 overs (Saim Ayub 82, Abdullah Shafique 64 not out)Player of the match – Haris Rauf

Sports Bulletin ReportLondon (UK): England Women have named their squads for the forthcoming tour to South Africa. Heather Knight’s side will contest three IT20s, three ODIs and a four-day Test match against the Proteas.All-rounder Paige Scholfield made her senior international debut in the September bilateral series in Ireland and she is included in the T20 squad. Fast bowler Lauren Filer is named in all three squads.Freya Kemp is selected in a Test squad for the first time while batter Maia Bouchier could also earn her maiden Test cap. The four-day Test match in Bloemfontein will be the first time South Africa has hosted a women’s Test match since 2002.All selected players, minus those currently competing in the Women’s Big Bash League, have been training at Loughborough in the build-up to the series before the IT20 group fly to South Africa on 16 November. Meanwhile, those in the ODI and Test squads arrive in South Africa on 27 November.All-rounder Danielle Gibson misses out on the squad following an operation on her left knee meniscus injury sustained during the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup match against West Indies.England Women IT20 squad: Heather Knight (captain), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Paige Scholfield, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-HodgeEngland Women ODI squad: Heather Knight (captain), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-HodgeEngland Women Test match squad: Heather Knight (captain), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-HodgeIT20 series:Sunday, 24 November: South Africa vs England – Buffalo Park Cricket Stadium, East LondonWednesday, 27 November: South Africa vs England – Willowmoore Park, BenoniSaturday, 30 November: South Africa vs England – SuperSport Park, CenturionODI series:Wednesday, 4 December: South Africa vs England – Kimberley Oval, KimberleySunday, 8 December: South Africa vs England – Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, DurbanWednesday, 11 December: South Africa vs England – JB Marks Oval, PotchefstroomTest match: 15-18 December: South Africa v England - Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein

Mohammad Rizwan to become 31st ODI Captain, Mohammad Irfan Khan and Saim Ayub to make debutMohammad IsmailMelbourne (Australia): Pakistan will face hosts Australia in the first One Day International of three-match rubber here at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on November 4, 2024 (Monday).Both sides last met in the 50-over format during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on October 20 where Australia defeated Pakistan by 62 runs at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. The last time both sides featured in a bilateral ODI series was in March/April 2022, when Australia visited Pakistan and the hosts won the series 2-1.Pakistan have also announced their playing XI for the first ODI, with Mohammad Irfan Khan and Saim Ayub making their debut. 21-year-old Irfan has already featured in three T20Is for Pakistan, while he has played 24 List-A matches, scoring one century and three half-centuries. Left-handed opening batter Saim has been a part of six Tests and 23 T20Is for Pakistan and has featured in 35 List-A matches accumulating 1,472 runs with the help of four centuries and seven half-centuries.Mohammad Rizwan said: “It is an honour to lead the Pakistan team and we are ready to take on Australia in their own backyard. We all know Australia are a very good side, and world champions, but we look forward to competing hard as we have a number of young and exciting players in our squad and it is their chance to grab the opportunities coming their way. We have had productive training sessions here in Melbourne since our arrival and with the support of Almighty, we look forward to produce positive results in the series. We are scheduled to play a good number of ODIs before the next year’s ICC Champions Trophy back in Pakistan. The forthcoming series beginning with Australia, then Zimbabwe, South Africa and the home Tri-nation tournament will help us assemble a right combination going into the mega event at home. We are expecting fans to come in good number to support us in this series, as they have been a huge support for the team wherever we have played in Australia.”Pat Cummins, Australia’s ODI captain: It’s always great to have such high intensity game which makes the start of summer and it’s a great opportunity for youngsters to get going. Pakistan are quite a decent side and they have players who have scored big runs. We have played against them in recent years, so I think it’s always a fairly even match. There is going to be good crowd tomorrow at the MCG as we are playing against Pakistan.”Playing XI for first ODI (in batting order): Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (captain/wicket-keeper), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Mohammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Mohammad HasnainSchedule of matches:4 Nov – 1st ODI vs Australia; Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne (2.30pm local time start)8 Nov – 2nd ODI vs Australia; Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (2pm local time start)10Nov – 3rd ODI vs Australia; Perth Stadium, Perth (11.30am local time start)14 Nov – 1st T20I vs Australia; Brisbane Cricket Ground, Brisbane (6pm local time start)16 Nov – 2nd T20I vs Australia; Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney (7pm local time start)18 Nov – 3rd T20I vs Australia; Bellerive Oval, Hobart (7pm local time start).