Sports Bulletin

SB REPORT KARACHI (November 2, 2020):-South Africa’s Faf du Plessis will make his HBL Pakistan Super League debut as he was one of the 21 foreign stars to confirm his participation in the remaining four matches of Pakistan’s marquee event, which will be played in Karachi on 14, 15 and 17 November. Du Plessis has played 255 international matches for South Africa, including 47 T20Is and is ranked 31st in the ICC T20I Player Rankings for Batsmen. Du Plessis last visited Pakistan in 2017 as the ICC World XI captain and will represent Peshawar Zalmi as a replacement player for Kieron Pollard, who will be in New Zealand with the West Indies side. Faf du Plessis: “I am very excited to join Peshawar Zalmi for the playoff stage games of HBL PSL 2020. I have fond memories of playing in Pakistan when I toured with the ICC World XI in 2017 and I am sure this experience, although different due to Covid-19, will be a memorable one as well.” Besides du Plessis, Cameron Delport (Karachi Kings), Dane Vilas, David Wiese (both Lahore Qalandars), Rilee Rossouw, Imran Tahir (both Multan Sultans) and Hardus Viljoen (Peshawar Zalmi) are the other South Africa players who will be in action in the tournament that carries a total prize money of $1million. Six England cricketers, led by Alex Hales and James Vince, have also shown their commitment to continue to feature in one of the most attractive and widely followed leagues. Hales and Vince will be in Karachi Kings’ and Multan Sultan’s colours respectively, while the other four England players are Samit Patel (Lahore Qalandars), Adam Lyth, Ravi Bopara (both Multan Sultans) and Liam Livingstone (Peshawar Zalmi). Off the four West Indies players, two - Chadwick Walton and Sherfane Rutherford – will appear for Karachi, while two - Carlos Brathwaite and Daren Sammy – will represent Peshawar Zalmi. Rutherford will replace Chris Jordon, who will be in South Africa with the England side. Bangladesh will be represented in the HBL PSL 2020 playoffs by Tamim Iqbal (Lahore Qalandars) and Mahmudullah (Multan Sultans). Mahmudullah: “It’s an honour to play in the HBL PSL. Cricket is being played very differently this year and I hope to play a part in bringing smiles to the faces of our fans.” Tamim Iqbal: “I can’t wait to be back at the HBL PSL. Lahore Qalandars have had an amazing journey and I want to help our team win the trophy this year.” Ben Dunk, the 33-year-old Queenslander who was one of the stars in the initial stages of the HBL PSL this year, will be aiming to help Lahore Qalandars win their first title in five attempts. HBL PSL 2020 was the first event to be held entirely in Pakistan since its inception in 2016. The fifth edition commenced in Karachi on 20 February, but was suspended on 17 March. Apart from Karachi and Rawalpindi, Lahore and Multan were the two other venues to host 30 of the 34 matches as nearly half a million spectators crossed turnstiles to witness live action. Squads: Karachi Kings - Aamir Yamin, Alex Hales (England), Arshad Iqbal, Awais Zia, Babar Azam, Cameron Delport (South Africa), Chadwick Walton (West Indies), Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mitchel McClenaghan (New Zealand), Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Sharjeel Khan, Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies), Umaid Asif, Umer Khan,Usama Mir and Waqas Maqsood Lahore Qalandars - Abid Ali, Agha Salman, Ben Dunk (Australia), Dane Vilas (South Africa), David Wiese (South Africa), Dilbar Hussain, Fakhar Zaman, Farzan Raja, Haris Rauf, Jaahid Ali, Maaz Khan, Mohammad Faizan, Mohammad Hafeez, Samit Patel (England), Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sohail Akhtar, Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh) and Usman Shinwari Multan Sultans - Adam Lyth (England), Ali Shafiq, Bilawal Bhatti, Imran Tahir (South Africa), James Vince (England), Junaid Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mahmudullah (Bangladesh), Mohammad Ilyas, Mohammad Irfan, Ravi Bopara (England), Rilee Rossouw (South Africa), Rohail Nazir, Shaan Masood, Shahid Afridi, Sohail Tanvir, Usman Qadir and Zeeshan Ashraf Peshawar Zalmi - Aamir Ali, Adil Amin, Carlos Brathwaite (West Indies), Daren Sammy (West Indies), Faf du Plessis (South Africa), Haider Ali Khan, Hardus Viljoen (South Africa), Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Akmal, Khurram Shehzad, Liam Livingstone (England), Mohammad Mohsin, Rahat Ali, Shoaib Malik, Umar Amin, Wahab Riaz and Yasir Shah Replacements: Karachi Kings - Sherfane Rutherford comes in for Chris Jordan; Waqas Maqsood comes in for Ali Khan Lahore Qalandars – Tamim comes in for Chris Lynn, Abid Ali replaces Salman Butt and Agha Salman takes over from Seekkuge Prasanna. Multan Sultans – Mahmudullah comes in for Moeen Ali; Adam Lyth replaced Fabian Allen Peshawar Zalmi – Faf du Plessis replaces Kieron Pollard; Hardus Viljoen joins in place of Liam Dawson; Yasir Shah will continue, replacing Lewis Gregory; Khurram Shahzad joins the side in place of Amir Khan

SB REPORT LAHORE (November 2, 2020):-Northern presented the National Under-19 One-Day Tournament title to Sindh on a silver platter when they lost their last nine wickets for 38 runs to lose the final by 53 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium on Monday. Chasing 243 runs in 50 overs for victory, Northern were cruising at 151 for one before they were mesmerised by wrist-spinner Aaliyan Mehmood to be spun out for 189 in 44.3 overs. Aaliyan Mehmood returned figures of 10-0-45-4 to not only pick up the player of the final award, but also finish the tournament as the third most successful bowler with 24 wickets, including four four-fers. He averaged 15.6, while his economy-rate remained at 3.69. Left-arm spinner Faisal Akram of Southern was the most successful bowler with 27 wickets, including two five-fers, while Mubasir Khan of Northern ended the tournament with 26 wickets at an average of 12.42, including two four-fers. Faisal was later declared best bowler of the tournament, while Mubasir for his 26 wickets and 332 runs was named player of the tournament. After Hassan Abid Kiyani departed early, Mohammad Shoaib Khan and Abdul Faseeh stitched up a 147-run second-wicket partnership to put Northern on course for a comfortable victory. But the dismissal of Shoaib Khan, who scored a 84-ball 71 with six fours, and Abdul Faseeh within a space of four runs opened all floodgates as Sindh bowlers got on top of Northern batsmen to run through the innings. Abdul Faseeh, who became one of the two Adeel Meo’s victims, scored 70 with five fours from 99 balls. The 17-year-old, who was adjudged best batsman of the tournament, finished the competition as the most impressive and consistent batsman with 524 runs, including a century and five half-centuries. Sindh’s Mubashir Nawaz was the second most successful batsman with 390 runs, followed up by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Maaz Sadaqat (363 runs). Besides Aaliyan, Zameer Shah took two for 26, Adeel Meo bagged two for 32 and Talha Ahsan snapped up two for 36. Earlier, and after being put into bat, Sindh were helped by wicketkeeper-batsman Ghazi Ghouri and Rizwan Mehmood to a respectable 242 for eight after they were in a spot on bother at 93 for four. Rizwan had held the top-order together with a quality 53 from 87 balls with six fours and a six, and later, Ghazi, in association with Kashif Ali (38 off 39 with five fours and a six), added 70 runs for the seventh wicket. Ghazi contributed 62 from 83 balls with seven fours. For Northern, Faizan Saleem and Mubasir Khan equally shared four wickets between them conceding 19 and 47 runs, respectively. The National U19 three-day Tournament will now commence on Thursday. In the first round action, Balochistan will take on Sindh at the LCCA, Lahore, Central Punjab will meet Southern Punjab at Rana Navedul Hasan Cricket Academy in Sheikhupura, and Northern will square off against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at the Lahore Country Club in Muridke. Scores in brief: Sindh beat Northern by 53 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium Sindh 242-8, 50 overs (Ghazi Ghouri 62, Rizwan Mehmood 53, Kashif Ali 38; Faizan Saleem 2-19, Mubasir Khan 2-47) Northern 189 all out, 44.3 overs (Mohammad Shoaib Khan 71, Abdul Faseeh 70; Aaliyan Mehmood 4-45, Zeeshan Zameer 2-26, Talha Ahsan 2-36, Adeel Meo 2-32) Player of the final – Aaliyan Mehmood (Sindh) Player of the Tournament – Mubasir Khan (Northern) Best Batsman – Abdul Faseeh (Northern) Best Bowler – Faisal Akram (Southern Punjab) Best wicketkeeper – Salman Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (November 2, 2020):-Chief Selector of national cricket team Misbah-ul-Haq on Monday announced 15 member squad for the third one day international against Zimbabwe, which will be played on Tuesday at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi. It is pertinent to mention that Green Shirts have got the lead 2-0 in the three match rubber. Chief selector made three changes in the last squad and included Zafar Gohar, Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Hussnain in place of three local guys Abid Ali, Imad Wasim and Haris Rauf. Names of players are as under: 1. Imam ul Haq 2. Fakhar Zaman 3. Haider Ali 4. Babar Azam- captain 5. Abdullah Shafiq 6. Mohammad Rizwan- wk 7. Iftikhar Ahmed 8. Khushdil Shah 9. Faheem Ashraf 10. Zafar Gohar 11. Usman Qadir 12. Wahab Riaz 13. Shaheen Shah Afridi 14. Mohammad Hasnain 15. Musa Khan

SPORTS DESK ISLAMABAD (October 31, 2020):-The 52-year-old from Pakistan will achieve the mark on home soil when he officiates in his 210th ODI in Rawalpindi on Sunday. Aleem already holds the record in Tests and has officiated in a record 387 international matches Aleem Dar will surpass Rudi Koertzen’s record of most One Day Internationals as an umpire in the second match between Pakistan and Zimbabwe on Sunday, which will be his 210th ODI. The 52-year-old, who played first-class cricket in Pakistan for over a decade as an all-rounder before taking up umpiring, had also made his ODI debut in Pakistan, when he stood in a match against Sri Lanka in his hometown of Gujranwala in February 2000. Last year, Aleem passed his idol Steve Bucknor to the top of the Test umpires’ list. He holds the record of officiating in 132 Test matches and is second in the list of T20Is, only behind compatriot Ahsan Raza, with 46 T20Is. Aleem has officiated in 387 international matches so far, the most by any umpire. Aleem Dar: "It is a matter of great honour for me to be on the top of the list of both Tests and ODIs for umpires.  "When I had started out in the profession, I had never imagined I would get this far. I can only say that I have enjoyed every moment on the field and learning has been an ongoing process all this while. "I thank my family for standing by me over the years and am grateful to the International Cricket Council and the Pakistan Cricket Board for backing me and providing me with all the opportunities. I am also thankful to all my colleague match officials for their help and support." Adrian Griffith, ICC Senior Manager Umpires and Referees: "Aleem has been a very consistent umpire over the years, and this is reflected in his 16 years on the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires. "We congratulate Aleem on the milestone, and wish him all the best for the upcoming game and series. We are sure many aspiring match officials look up to Aleem, and he will continue to inspire the next generation."

By BIPIN DANI On Friday, Urooj Mumtaz became the first Pakistani woman commentator to officiate in men's ODI played between Pakistan and Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi. The 35-year-old Urooj Mumtaz will share the mike with Alan Wilkins (England), Bazid Khan, Ramiz Raja, Wasim Akram (all Pakistanis) and Tino Mawoyo (Zimbabwe) in all three ODIs. "Cricket commentary had obviously been a men dominated platform but now we see all male commentators also sharing mike with Mel Jones, Isa Guha and we hear mix a lot",  Urooj, speaking exclusively hours before the match on Friday, said.     "Boundary is being crossed now and there's great potential for the female commentators and a huge opportunity to commentate with male commentators at the top level".  "Of course, it takes time and home work is paramount but it is an art and one can educate and learn with the passage of time", she further added.  Her first experience of doing commentary in the men's international match was against touring Bangladesh (second T-20I) earlier this year.   "I was slightly nervous but excited and also thought it is a great opportunity to work with the likes of Morrison, Slater and Ramiz Raja. It was a great learning experience in terms of achieving great heights", she said about her debut experience. Ian Bishop and Wilkins are her favorite male commentators. "They are absolutely brilliant with the knowledge of the game and I like the way they describe the proceedings to keep the audience busy". "Melony Jones is my favorite female commentator. She has a beautiful way of conveying the message and provides the realistic views of the game", she signed off. 

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL RAWALPINDI (October 30, 2020):-Captain Babar Azam has won the toss and decided to bat first in the 1st One Day International (ODI) against Zimbabwe at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi on Friday. Medium pacer bowler Haris Rauf was capped by the team management at his home town. Pakistan Team: Abid Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (Captain), Haris Sohail, Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim, Wahab Riaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf Zimbabwe Team: Sikandar Raza Butt, Briar Chari, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Tendai Chisoro, Craing Ervine, Wessly Madhevere, Carl Mumba, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams

SPORTS REPORT ISLAMABAD (October 27, 2020):-A total of 107 Covid-19 tests, conducted on the players and player support personnel of Zimbabwe and Pakistan sides as well as the match officials, have returned negative. The tests were conducted on Monday as part of the PCB’s Covid-19 Protocols following the assembling of the two sides in Islamabad. All 107 participants have now entered the bio-secure bubble in a five-star luxury hotel and are now allowed to interact with each other and move freely within the bio-secure bubble. The two sides will train at the Pindi Cricket Stadium today from 1pm. The three-match series, which is part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Super League, commences on Friday. The complete ODI and T20I series schedule is available below: 30 Oct – 1st ODI, Rawalpindi 1 Nov – 2nd ODI, Rawalpindi 3 Nov – 3rd ODI, Rawalpindi 7 Nov – 1st T20I, Rawalpindi 8 Nov – 2nd T20I, Rawalpindi 10 Nov – 3rd T20I, Rawalpindi

SPORTS REPORT ISLAMABAD (October 26, 2020):-Pakistan men’s national cricket team will begin their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League campaign from 30 October when they will host Zimbabwe in the first of the three ODIs at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi. The following is the two sides’ practice and match schedule in Rawalpindi till 3 November: Tuesday, 27 October: Both teams will hold training sessions at the Pindi Cricket Stadium from 1pm (PST). Beforehand, both the sides will hold online press conferences. A member of the Pakistan team will be available at 11.15am (PST), while a Zimbabwe team player will be available at around 11.45am, (PST). Wednesday, 28 October: Both teams will hold training sessions at the Pindi Cricket Stadium from 4pm (PST) and have no media interactions planned. Thursday, 29 October: The two teams will hold training sessions at the Pindi Cricket Stadium from 1pm. Beforehand, at around 12.30pm (PST) and 12.45pm (PST), opposite captains Chamu Chibhabha and Babar Azam will hold their respective online press conferences. Friday, 30 October: Toss for the first ODI between Pakistan and Zimbabwe at the Pindi Cricket Stadium will take place at 11.30am (PST), while the first ball will be bowled at 12pm (PST). Afterwards, star performers from either side will hold virtual media conferences. Interest foreign and local media are advised to confirm their attendance to Darlington Majonga and Raza Rashid Kitchlew (03018440280), respectively, at least, two hours before the start of the sessions. Sunday, 1 November: Toss for the Second ODI between Pakistan and Zimbabwe at the Pindi Cricket Stadium will take place at 11.30am, while the first ball will be bowled at 12pm. Afterwards, star performers from either side will hold virtual media conferences. Interest foreign and local media are advised to confirm their attendance to Darlington Majonga and Raza Rashid Kitchlew (03018440280), respectively, at least, two hours before the start of the sessions. Tuesday, 3 November: Toss for the third ODI between Pakistan and Zimbabwe at the Pindi Cricket Stadium will take place at 11.30am, while the first ball will be bowled at 12pm. Afterwards, star performers from either side will hold virtual media conferences.

SPORTS REPORT RAWALPINDI(October 24, 2020):-Captain Babar Azam and vice-captain Shadab Khan, who will be in the leadership role for the first time in the ODI format, have vowed to play an aggressive and attacking brand of cricket when they start their stints with Pakistan’s first of the three ODIs against Zimbabwe on Friday at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi. The three-match ODI series is part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League and acts as qualification round for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. The second match will be played on November 1 with the third and final match taking place on November 3. Babar widely regarded as Pakistan’s best all-format player is the only batsman in the world to feature in the top five of ICC’s Rankings for batsmen across the three formats. Babar averages 54.17 in the ODI format having donned the Pakistan colours 74 times. His tally includes 11 centuries and 15 half-centuries. Babar Azam: “To keep-up with the modern-day requirements of fast-paced cricket we need to be super fit. As the leaders of the group, both Shadab and I need to set an example with our fitness and commitment. We have a lot of cricket lined-up and the only method for us to regain our spot at the top of the rankings is aggressive and fearless cricket. “We need to work on overall improvement in all three formats of the game. We are looking forward to starting the journey on a positive note with the series against Zimbabwe; it is an opportunity for us to please our fans who would not be able to watch us from the stands due to the Covid-19-related challenges. We can, however, bring them joy by doing well in the series and by giving performances that please them. “My request to the fans is that we need their support just the way they supported us during the England tour and the National T20 Cup, which provided rich entertainment in a highly competitive environment.” Shadab Khan: “We won’t be taking Zimbabwe lightly at all. We are fully focused on the job at hand and during the season we are very keen on improving both our game and fitness. “Many players discuss fitness and how to improve in that area which is a positive sign indeed. For us each and every point in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League matters. A convincing victory against Zimbabwe will hold us in good stead when we depart for the tour of New Zealand. “We had an excellent build-up to the Zimbabwe series with the National T20 Cup. The tournament was highly competitive. Such tournaments will help narrow the gap between domestic and international levels. The revamped domestic system surely provides that opportunity to the players.”

SPORTS REPORT KARACHI (October 24, 2020):-After an action-packed National T20 Cup in Multan and Rawalpindi, the focus shifts to Karachi as Pakistan’s largest city gears up to host the first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, a jewel in the crown of Pakistan cricket, from 25 October. The first three rounds will be played across three venues – National Stadium, NBP Sports Complex and UBL Sports Complex – before the tournament takes an 11-day break during which the play-offs of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020, which had to be postponed due to an outbreak of Covid-19 in the country, will be staged. Besides the three venues, State Bank Stadium will also host six matches of the 31-match tournament. The six team captains were taken to a photo-shoot with the prestigious tournament trophy at the Quaid-e-Azam Mausoleum (Mazar-e-Quaid) on Friday. The players travelled in a sterilised bus and maintained social distancing at the location while fully following the existing Covid-19 SOPs and protocols during the shoot. With the Pakistan’s men’s national team and Pakistan Shaheens scheduled to travel to New Zealand on 23 November, the first three rounds serve as an audition for the first-class cricketers to stake a claim in the red-ball side on the back of impressive performances. In line with the PCB’s vision of incentivising top-performers, more than PKR17million are up for grabs over the course of the 31-match tournament with the winning prize money PKR10million and the runner-up bagging PKR5million. The top-performers – player of the tournament, best batsman, best bowler and best wicketkeeper – will pocket PKR500,000 each. The player of the final will be awarded PKR50,000. Defending champions Central Punjab will begin their campaign from the National Stadium, Karachi, as they take on hosts Sindh in a match which will be televised live on PTV Sports and relayed all over the world by the Pakistan Cricket Board’s official YouTube channel. The PCB as part of its commitment to promote domestic cricket, will broadcast and stream all 11 matches, including the five-day final, from the National Stadium. Sindh v Central Punjab, National Stadium, Karachi: With Babar Azam leading Pakistan in the three ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League matches and as many T20Is, Azhar Ali will take charge of the defending champions Central Punjab side, which includes seasoned wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal, who finished as the second highest run-getter in the last edition of the first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy with 906 runs at 60.40. Azhar will also have services of Test off-spinner Bilal Asif, who with 43 wickets from nine matches finished as the second highest wicket-taker in the 2019-20 edition. The side is further strengthened by the returns of Ahmed Shehzad, who captained Central Punjab last year with Babar on national duty, and pacer Hasan Ali. After Salman Butt withdrew himself from the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Ali Zaryab has been promoted to Central Punjab’s first XI team. Central Punjab captain Azhar Ali: “As defending champions we aim to play with attacking mindset and strategy as it won us the trophy last year. We have some exciting youngsters and have retained the core of the side and I am really looking forward to the tournament. “With only six teams in the fray, the competition is going to be stiff and that augurs well for the tournament as the standard will be of the highest quality with all the teams capable of winning the event.” Sarfaraz Ahmed, the former Pakistan Test captain, will be eager to ensure that his team lives up to its potential as they were one of the two teams, other being Balochistan, who failed to register a win last season. They will be banking on Fawad Alam, who was Sindh’s best batsman last year with 781 runs (four centuries and two half-centuries) to provide stability to their batting order which also boasts Test batsman Asad Shafiq and impressive youngsters like Saud Shakeel and Omair Bin Yousaf. Tabish Khan will spearhead Sindh’s bowling attack in which Mohammad Asghar will lead the spin department. The left-arm orthodox had the fourth most wickets with 27 scalps in eight matches for Balochistan last year. Tabish took 25 wickets in the previous season, his new-ball partner Sohail Khan is not available for the opening clash due to a throat infection but is expected to join the team in the later rounds. Sindh captain Sarfaraz Ahmed: “Last year we were not able to win any matches despite coming close and dominating the matches most of the days. This year we have once again fielded an experienced squad with some exciting youngsters. “Our aim would be to push for wins and keep ourselves in the contention of a final spot. I think we should have an exciting event which should keep the fans and followers engaged.” Northern v Southern Punjab, NBP Stadium, Karachi: Northern, under the leadership of Nauman Ali, won three matches – all secured in their last four matches – to secure a berth in the final. Over the course of their 11-match journey, Haider Ali, who later went on to become member of the men’s national team, scored 99 on debut and followed it up with two centuries, the last one of them in the final against Central Punjab. Despite Haider and their other young gun Rohail Nazir with the national side for the Zimbabwe series, Northern possess the desired firepower in their ranks with Zeeshan Malik, who has been handed vice-captaincy for the 2020-21 season, all-rounders Nasir Nawaz and Hammad Azam providing balance to the side which also includes batsmen Umar Amin, Faizan Riaz and Naved Malik. Their captain, Nauman, who was the highest wicket-taker last season with 54 scalps in 10 matches, leads a bowling unit comprising Sadaf Hussain, Waqas Ahmed and Tauseeq Shah. Northern captain Nauman Ali: “We played aggressive cricket last season and made a great comeback after a slow start to earn a place in the final. “This year too we have an exciting squad that is a good blend of youth and experience. We will be aiming to play the same result-oriented cricket with a positive approach. I am confident of my team delivering the goods and playing the tournament final. I do think that we can lift the trophy, this is an exciting time for our side in a hugely competitive tournament that will surely bring out the best from players of all six teams.” Southern Punjab, led by Test batsman Shan Masood, will be hoping for change of fortunes after they finished without a victory in the last season. Their head coach, Abdur Rehman, has gathered a promising side, which promises to provide Shan a balanced team with equally effective batting and bowling units. While Mohammad Irfan, slow-left arm, will spearhead the spin unit, which has talented youngster Umar Khan and leg-spinner Zahid Mahmood. Pakistan Test  pacer  Mohammad Abbas will lead the bowling attack that also includes Mohammad Ilyas and Dilbar Hussain. Umar Siddiq and wicketkeeper Zeeshan Malik are expected to provide stability to their batting order with Shan, while all-rounders Aamer Yamin and Hussain Talat will extend support to both departments with their all-round skills Southern Punjab captain Shan Masood: “The double-league nature of the tournament means that each of the six sides have an opportunity of making a comeback. Southern Punjab have an exciting outfit and we would be aiming to play the final. “Last season we had a good run and were in the contention for a final spot for a long time. There are six quality sides and the format of the tournament encourages quality and competitive cricket. We are looking forward to doing well and going all the way.” Balochistan v Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, UBL Sports Complex, Karachi: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan begin their Quaid-e-Azam Trophy campaign at the UBL Sports Complex. Balochistan, who finished at the bottom, will be led by Test leg-spinner Yasir Shah. Imran Butt, the highest run-getter of the last Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, is joined by left-handed top-order batsman Sami Aslam, who was the fourth highest run-getter with 864 runs, he represented Southern Punjab last season. 17-year-old Quetta-born Abdul Wahid Bangalzai, who graduated to the apex domestic level after impressing in the Second XI National T20 Cup, and Adnan Akmal are the other two promising additions in the batting department. Right-arm quicks Najeebullah Achakzai, Akhtar Shah, a former Pakistan U19 bowler, and Taj Wali form the core of the pace-bowling department after an injury to Akif Javed ruled him out from the tournament. Balochistan captain Yasir Shah: “Balochistan will enter the tournament with a positive mindset and approach. We have some exciting talent from the region like Abdul Wahid Bangalzai, who has done well in the Second XI and has now earned a deserved opportunity in our First XI. “Last season our bowlers did well and I am impressed with the form of bowlers like Taj Wali. We would strive hard for success while keeping an eye on developing quality players both for the region and Pakistan.” Fresh from the National T20 Cup win, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be looking to carry that form albeit in the absence of their star performers, who will be in Lahore at the national team’s camp for the Zimbabwe series. Ashfaq Ahmed, their highest run-getter in the last season, has been appointed captain by head coach Abdul Razzaq. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa boast an experienced pace bowling attack with the likes of Junaid Khan, Imran Khan Snr, Usman Khan Shinwari, Sameen Gul and Ahmed Jamal in the ranks, while their batting department is consolidated with the presence of top-order batsman Sahibzada Farhan, Adil Amin and wicketkeeper Rehan Afridi. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain Ashfaq Ahmed: “It is an honour for me to captain the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa team. We have a very capable squad that has the right blend of experience and youth. “My aim would be to lead the team from the front and deliver both as a player and captain. I think we can progress to the final even last year we had come close to reaching the final and this season our focus would be on earning a spot in the final. I am very excited about this opportunity; we should see some exciting cricket in Karachi over the course of the next two months.”