Sports Bulletin

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (March 14, 2020):-Multans Sultans registered a sensational three-run win over Peshawar Zalmi at Karachi’s National Stadium on Friday. The match swung like a pendulum as Zalmi required 15 off the last six balls. Right-arm medium-fast Ali Shafq, who was playing his first match of HBL PSL 2020, defended fours run off the final ball of the match after bowling two back-to-back no balls in the over. For a large part of their innings, Zalmi were in control of the run chase. The match turned on its head in the 17th over when Imam-ul-Haq, who scored his first half-century of this season, fell to Sohail Tanvir. In the next over, Shafiq sent Haider Ali (one off four) and Shoaib Malik (30 off 25) back to the hut. The pressure amplified with the wicket of Hammad Azam (seven off five) on the last ball of the penultimate over as Zalmi lost four wickets for 14 runs. Left-handed opener, Imam, had set the tone for the run chase with a 41-ball 56 after Zalmi lost Kamran Akmal, the highest run-getter in the history of the HBL PSL, on the second ball of the second over. Wahab Riaz’s decision of promoting himself to one-drop did not reap fruits as he was dismissed by Sohail Tanvir in the third over and his wicket left the batting side reeling at eight for two. Imam, who struck four fours and two sixes, weathered the storm with a 48-run partnership for the third wicket with Umar Amin (29 off 23 balls). As the pair’s stand began to look promising, it was brought to an end by Moeen Ali on the last ball of the ninth over. But, Imam dispatched Shahid Afridi for two consecutive boundaries in the next over to ensure that Zalmi’s run chase did not lose the momentum. He struck Shafiq for a six and a four on the last two balls of the 12th over as Zalmi seemed on their way to a comfortable win. Imam crafted a 70-run partnership with Malik for the fourth wicket before Sultans staged the comeback to leave Zalmi shell-shocked. Sohail was the pick of the bowlers with three for 26, while Shafiq took two scalps and gave 31 runs. Earlier, wicketkeeper-batsman Zeeshan Ashraf starred in Sultans’ innings as he recorded his second half-century of the 2020 edition. Opening the batting with Rohail Nazir, who scored run-a-ball 14 on his HBL PSL debut, the 27-year-old scored 52 off 39 balls, studded with seven fours and a six. Zeeshan, later named player of the match, added 60 runs for the second wicket with his captain, Shan Masood, as Sultans cruised at a run rate of over eight per over. Their progression, however, was dented by Rahat Ali (4-0-24-3) as he dismissed Zeeshan and Moeen (zero) in a span of three balls in the 12th over. Sultans struggled to stage a recovery as their run rate fell to 6.40 in the next five overs and they eventually settled at 154 for six. Peshawar Zalmi have played all of their 10 group matches and with four wins and five defeats, they are sitting at the third spot with nine points. Multan Sultans, perched at the top of the table with 14 points coming from six wins, play their final group match against Lahore Qalandars on Sunday, 15 March, at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. On Saturday, Islamabad United will play their last group match when they face Karachi Kings at the National Stadium, Karachi. The match will commence at 7pm. Scores in brief: Multan Sultans 154-6, 20 overs (Zeeshan Ashraf 52, Khushdil Shah 30 not out, Shan Masood 28; Rahat Ali 3-24) Peshawar Zalmi 151-7, 20 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 56, Shoaib Malik 30, Umar Amin 29; Sohail Tanvir 3-26, Ali Shafiq 2-31) Result Multan Sultans win by three runs

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (March 13, 2020):-In light of the continued global spread of COVID-19, concerns expressed by Members and mindful of the importance of taking mitigating measures against the virus, the ICC Board, has decided to hold its meetings scheduled for Dubai at the end March via conference call only. The Board and a number of committees will convene remotely to consider matters for urgent decision only, with the full meetings rescheduled for early May. This will be kept under constant review in line with advice from relevant authorities as the health and well-being of staff and those who attending the meetings remains our priority.

SB News ISLAMABAD (March 13, 2020):-Following an advice from the Punjab Government, the Pakistan Cricket Board has decided the final-leg matches of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 in Lahore will be played behind closed doors. The decision will not impact accredited commercial partners, media and other service providers, who will be allowed to enter the Gaddafi Stadium. In addition, immediate families of the competing players and player support personnel as well as franchise owners will be allowed to attend matches. As was the case for Karachi matches, the PCB has taken this step as a precaution and to better protect the health and safety of all those involved in the matches. Spectators, who have already purchased the tickets for Lahore matches will be given full refund as per the PCB ticketing policy, through TCS. Upcoming Lahore matches: 15 Mar – Multan Sultans v Lahore Qalandars (2pm-5.15pm) 17 Mar – 1st semi-final (1 v 4) (2pm-5.15pm); 2nd semi-final (2 v 3) (7pm-10.15pm) 18 Mar – Final (7pm-10.15pm)

Saad Kayani KARACHI (March 12, 2020):-Following advice from the Sindh Government late Thursday afternoon, the Pakistan Cricket Board, has made a decision to stage the upcoming Karachi HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 matches in front of empty National Stadium. The decision will be enforced from Friday, 13 March, while for the Thursday, 12 March, fixture, the PCB and the Sindh Government have strongly advised the spectators to continue to take all necessary precautionary measures (reproduced below). The precautionary decision has been made to better protect the health and safety of the spectators, players, officials and media. The decision will not impact accredited commercial partners, media and other service providers, who will be allowed to enter the National Stadium. In addition, immediate families of the competing players and player support personnel as well as franchise owners will be allowed to attend matches. In the meantime, the PCB has advised all players to avoid shaking hands and have also urged the fans not to approach the players for autographs, photographs and selfies. In addition to this, the PCB has decided the sides will not be required to shake hands with each other or opposition in the lead up to and during the matches and use a fist bump / verbal greeting instead. PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “Health and safety is paramount and takes precedence over cricket. The PCB takes the health and safety of its players, spectators, officials, media, service providers and security personnel very seriously. “Following the advisory from the Government of Sindh this evening, the PCB has taken this precautionary and preemptive measure which will result in matches taking place in front of empty stadium. “We empathise with the Karachi fans who have been outstanding with their support in the earlier matches and during the hosting of eight HBLPSL matches last year. Once we received the advisory from the Government of Sindh, it was important for us to act quickly to ensure that the wellbeing of all concerned is better protected. “The PCB has been regularly engaging with the teams and the players have been updating them on matters. We have a duty of care to players and other stakeholders during this time; we would like to thank them for their continued trust and support. “The initial 10 March decision to proceed with the Karachi leg of matches was taken following consultation with the Sindh Government and we have taken on board their latest advisory. We stated at the outset that we will work closely and take the lead from the local Governments. “With regards to the remaining fixtures in Lahore, we are already in contact with the Punjab Government and will take on board its advisory in relation to the Lahore matches. “With regards to the refunding of tickets, this will be in line with the ticketing policy and will be refunded through TCS and www.yayvo.com. Details in this regard will be shared in due course.” ICC Medical Advisory Committee’s advisory: ·         Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 per cent alcohol if soap and water are not available ·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands ·         Avoid close contact with sick people ·         Avoid travel if you are sick ·         If you have a cough or fever, then seek medical review ·         Stay home when you are sick ·         Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash ·         Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

SB News LAHORE (March 11, 2020):-The 25th fixture of the ongoing HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 between Quetta Gladiators and Multan Sultans at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium was abandoned due to persistent rain on Wednesday. The two teams share the two points of the match equally. Quetta Gladiators now have seven points – same as Islamabad United (fourth) and Karachi Kings (fifth) – from nine matches, but remain at the bottom of the table due to a low net run rate. Gladiators’ final group-match is on Sunday, 15 March, against Karachi Kings at the National Stadium. Table-toppers Multan Sultans have 12 points from eight matches. They are already guaranteed qualification with five wins. Sultans play their last two matches against Peshawar Zalmi, at Karachi’s National Stadium on March 13, and Lahore Qalandars, at the Gaddafi Stadium on March 15. On Thursday, arch-rivals Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars lock horns in a much-anticipated contest at the National Stadium. Imad Wasim-led Kings will be eyeing vengeance after Sohail Akhtar-led Qalandars secured a comprehensive eight-wicket win on Sunday.

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (March 11, 2020):-The schedule of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2021 has been announced on Wednesday in New Zealand’s capital Willington. The ICC Women’s World Cup displayed at the Kohimarama Beach in Auckland. The Basin Reserve was confirmed to host two New Zealand WHITE FERNS match-ups during the tournament, one of those being against T20 World Cup Champions and staunch rivals Australia on Saturday, 13 February. Sports fans across all six New Zealand host cities: Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, will also get a taste of the WHITE FERNS in action as the hosts take on the rest of the world. To mark the World Cup’s launch, WHITE FERNS captain and record smasher Sophie Devine was on hand at the Basin Reserve. “It’s a match we absolutely fizz about as players – taking on the Aussies is always a huge thrill. Cricket fans who come along to the Basin Reserve on Saturday the 13th of February will no doubt see a lot of passion from both teams. “Playing in a World Cup against our arch-rivals in my home city will be an unreal feeling,” Devine said. Highlights of the match schedule revealed today include: Eden Park to host a bumper opening weekend featuring the WHITE FERNS on Waitangi Day, followed by defending champions England v Australia face-off the next day. The WHITE FERNS to take on South Africa’s Proteas in one of six pool matches and a semi-final to be held in Hamilton. Tauranga to play host to a semi-final and five pool matches. That includes three back-to-back Sunday afternoons starring a showdown with reigning champions England. The iconic Basin Reserve to stage the highly anticipated Trans-Tasman showdown on Saturday, 13 February. Christchurch to host the final on 7 March under lights at Hagley Park on the back of five pool matches. At the launch attended by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Minister for Sport Grant Robertson, Australian High Commissioner Her Excellency Patricia Forsythe and ICC CEO Manu Sawhney, the message was clear – there has been no better time to be a female athlete. Prize money for the showpiece of women’s international cricket will total NZD$5.5million, and all matches will be broadcast live to a huge global audience. ICC CEO, Manu Sawhney said: “The ICC has made a long-term commitment to elevate the women’s cricket as part of our strategy to grow and develop the global game. “We want to build a sustainable foundation for women’s cricket. It is about building a product that fans want to watch, that kids want to take up, that sponsors and broadcasters want to be part of. “We are extremely proud of the significant progress we have made in increasing prize money for ICC events over the last few years, with the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2021 in New Zealand having $NZD5.5 million dollars available in prize money compared to $NZD3.1m in 2017 and $NZD316,000 in 2013.” In 2021, New Zealand will take the opportunity to own its moment in the growth of women’s sport and deliver this fantastic global event with our unique Kiwi flavour. Fittingly, the blockbuster opening weekend of the tournament will feature the WHITE FERNS in the first match-up at Eden Park on Waitangi Day (Saturday, 6 February). Australia will then come up against reigning champions, England the next day. “Our team is proud to be delivering a tournament where Kiwis across the whole country, in each of our six host cities, can really get involved in what is a truly special event. We can’t wait to see the excitement build around New Zealand as we prepare to roll out the welcome mat for the rest of the world,” Nelson said. The tournament will bookmark the ICC’s Year of Women’s Cricket, which began on International Women’s Day, 8 March 2020, the grand finale taking place at the 7 March ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2021 final under lights at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. New Zealand, Australia, England and South Africa have already qualified for the World Cup. The remaining four teams will be established following the completion of the ICC Women’s Championship and a subsequent qualifying tournament in Sri Lanka in July. The eight-team round robin format will see all teams play each other, with the top four teams qualifying for semi-finals. Tournament fixtures by venue: Eden Park, Auckland Saturday, 6 Feb - New Zealand v QUALIFIER Sunday, 7 Feb – Australia v England University Oval, Dunedin Sunday, 7 Feb – QUALIFIER v QUALIFIER Tuesday, 9 Feb – NZ v QUALIFIER Saturday, 13 Feb – QUALIFIER v England Sunday, 14 Feb – QUALIFIER v South Africa Seddon Park, Hamilton Monday, 8 Feb – QUALIFIER v South Africa Wednesday, 10 Feb – England v QUALIFIER Thursday, 11 Feb – QUALIFIER v South Africa Saturday, 20 Feb - New Zealand v South Africa Wednesday, 24 Feb – QUALIFIER v Australia Friday, 26 Feb – South Africa v Australia Thursday, 4 March – Semi-final 2 (2v3) Bay Oval, Tauranga Wednesday, 10 Feb – Australia v QUALIFIER Sunday, 14 Feb – QUALIFIER v QUALIFIER Wednesday, 17 Feb – New Zealand v QUALIFIER Sunday, 21 Feb – England v QUALIFIER Sunday, 28 Feb – QUALIFIER v QUALIFIER Wednesday, 3 March - Semi-Final 1 (1v4) Basin Reserve, Wellington Saturday, 13 Feb – New Zealand v Australia Tuesday, 16 Feb – Australia v QUALIFIER Wednesday, 17 Feb – South Africa v England Tuesday, 23 Feb – South Africa v QUALIFIER Thursday, 25 Feb – New Zealand v QUALIFIER Saturday, 27 Feb – QUALIFIER v QUALIFIER Hagley Oval, Christchurch Thursday, 18 Feb – QUALIFIER v QUALIFIER Saturday, 20 Feb - QUALIFIER v QUALIFIER Sunday, 21 Feb – QUALIFIER v Australia Wednesday, 24 Feb – England v QUALIFIER Sunday, 28 Feb – New Zealand v England Sunday, 7 March – Final ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2021 at a glance Hosted in New Zealand from February 6 to March 7, 2021 Eight nations 31 matches

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (March 9, 2020):-Five players from Australia’s victorious ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 squad have been named in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 Team of the Tournament. Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney did damage aplenty with the bat and the two reprise their roles as openers in the final XI. They’re joined by fast bowler Megan Schutt, who took four wickets in the Final against India to finish as leading wicket-taker with 13, and left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen. There is also a spot for captain Meg Lanning, who led Australia from the front both with the bat and in the field to guide her country to a fifth Women’s T20 World Cup title. The side was pulled together by a selection panel featuring commentators and former international players Ian Bishop, Anjum Chopra and Lisa Sthalekar, journalist Raf Nicholson and ICC representative Holly Colvin.  The team of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 (in batting order) is: Alyssa Healy (wk) (Australia) – 236 runs at 39.33, seven dismissals Beth Mooney (Australia) – 259 runs at 64.75 Nat Sciver (England) – 202 runs at 67.33 Heather Knight (England) – 193 runs at 64.33 Meg Lanning (c) (Australia) – 132 runs at 44 Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa) – 94 runs at strike rate of 149 Jess Jonassen (Australia) – 10 wickets at 14.00 Sophie Ecclestone (England) – eight wickets at 6.12 Anya Shrubsole (England) – eight wickets at 10.62 Megan Schutt (Australia) – 13 wickets at 10.30 Poonam Yadav (India) – 10 wickets at 11.90  12th: Shafali Verma (India) – 163 runs at strike rate of 158.25   Healy and Mooney broke their own record set in 2018 with the most runs as a partnership in a Women’s T20 World Cup, with 352 at an average close to 60. They also made their second century partnership in four innings while Healy lit up Melbourne to record the quickest 50 in a Final and the highest score in the showcase. The latter was beaten by her partner a few overs later, with Mooney’s unbeaten 78 seeing her reach 259 runs - the most for one player at any edition of the tournament. The Australian pair are followed in the team by another stellar duo, with nobody bettering the 169-run partnership made by Nat Sciver and Heather Knight against Thailand. The middle-order batters were in inspired form throughout, Knight becoming the first England cricketer to register centuries in all three formats with her ton against the debutants. Sciver’s consistency was remorseless in Australia, scoring half-centuries in three of England’s four completed matches to end her tournament with 202 runs and two wickets. Ensconcing herself in the middle order is Lanning, who steered her country to an historic fifth Women’s T20 World Cup title and the first on home soil. Her 49 in the semi-final against South Africa will be remembered as one of the most vital innings of the competition, while her tournament-defining captaincy sees her named skipper for this team. Laura Wolvaardt only batted in two innings but certainly made her mark on the action. The 20-year-old struck 53 not out to take South Africa beyond Pakistan, with a glorious array of straight and cover drives lighting up the Sydney Showground. And she almost went one better in the semi-final against Australia, another eye-catching knock of 41 not out seeing her team finish just short of the Final. As for the bowlers, few could match the feats of left-arm spinner Jonassen, who finished with ten scalps in her six matches. The Australian took at least one wicket in each, with no better haul than the three for 20 against India in the Final which clinched a fifth title. She’s joined in the XI by two record-breaking England bowlers in spinner Sophie Ecclestone and pacer Anya Shrubsole. No bowler has taken more than Shrubsole’s 41 Women’s T20 World Cup wickets, with eight coming in her four matches Down Under. For Ecclestone, meanwhile, the sky is the limit for a 20-year-old who has taken a wicket in her last 18 T20I matches. A tournament tally of eight for 49 combines both wicket-taking ability and a stunning economy rate for Ecclestone, who now sits top of the MRF Tyres ICC T20I Bowling Rankings. Coming in at ten is Schutt, with no player bettering the 13 wickets she took at a single tournament. That all came to the perfect conclusion at the MCG for Schutt, finishing with four for 18 against an India line-up she had feared to win the Final for Australia. Rounding off the XI is leg-spinner Poonam Yadav, who had Australia in knots in a dramatic opening game of the tournament. India’s leading T20I wicket-taker took four for 19 in the opener and didn’t look back, bagging three against Bangladesh before rounding off with wickets in each match. Taking her place as 12th is teenage sensation Shafali Verma – who broke record after record at the top of India’s order. Fearless cricket had the opposition running scared of the 16-year-old, with her devastating 163 runs coming at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 158.25.

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (March 9, 2020):-Australia opener Beth Mooney has grabbed the top spot for batters in the MRF Tyres ICC Women’sT20I Player Rankings after helping her team win the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup for the fifth time. Healy, Wolvaardt, Jonassen and Sharma among others to move up in rankings update carried out after the knockout stage of the tournament Mooney scored 259 runs at an average of 64 in six innings, the highest aggregate by anyone at a single edition of the competition and was named Player of the Tournament. Mooney has topped the rankings for the first time, having reached number two in March 2018. India opener Shafali Verma slipped to third position after grabbing the top spot at the end of the league of the tournament while New Zealand’s Suzie Bates remains in second position in the latest update carried out after the knockout stage. Mooney’s opening partner Alyssa Healy has risen two slots to fifth position after a blistering 39-ball 75 in the final against India while South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt has advanced 13 slots to reach a career-best 31st place after a valiant 27-ball 41 in their semifinal against Australia. Australia left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen is at a career-best 728 points and fifth place, her best position since a career-best fourth ranking in November 2017. Her team-mates Sophie Molineux and Delissa Kimmince have advanced 10 places each to reach joint-16th and 31st places, respectively. India’s Deepti Sharma has advanced 10 slots to reach 43rd position among batters and is among the top five all-rounders for the first time. MRF Tyres ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings (as of 9 March 2020 after the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020): Batter (top 10) Rank    (+/-)     Player  Team   Pts       Avge    S/R       Highest Rating 1          (+2)      Beth Mooney  Aus      762      38.21   123      766 v India at Mumbai 2018 2          ( - )      Suzie Bates      NZ        750      30.30   112      770 v Pak at Guyana 2018 3          (-2)      Shafali Verma India    744      27.05   146      761 v SL at Melbourne 2020 4          ( - )      Sophie Devine NZ        742      31.36   127      749 v SL at Perth 2020 5          (+2)      Alyssa Healy    Aus      714      25.43   132      717 v SL at Sydney 2019 6          (-1)      Meg Lanning   Aus      712      36.20   117      785 v WI at Melbourne 2014 7          (-1)      S Mandhana    India    694      25.23   119      732 v Aus at Melbourne 2020 8          ( - )      S Taylor           WI        661      36.39   104      836 v NZ at St Lucia 2010 9          ( - )      J Rodrigues      India    643      26.57   111      753 v NZ at Auckland 2019 10        ( - )      Natalie Sciver  Eng      636!     25.90   112      636 v WI at Sydney 2020   Other selected rankings   Rank    (+/-)     Player  Team   Pts      Avge    S/R       Highest Rating 31=      (+13)    L Wolvaardt    SA        495*!   22.42   103      495 v Aus at Sydney 2020 43        (+10)    Deepti Sharma            India    422*!   18.39   91        422 v Aus at Melbourne 2020 134=    (+32)    Nicola Carey   Aus      170*!   30.00   83        170 v India at Melbourne 2020 146=    (+49)    Richa Ghosh    India    160*!   16.33   89        160 v Aus at Melbourne 2020   Bowlers (top 10)   Rank    (+/-)     Player  Team   Pts       Avge    Eco      Highest Rating 1          ( - )      S Ecclestone    Eng      779!     15.32   6.00     779 v WI at Sydney 2020 2          ( - )      Megan Schutt  Aus      763      15.17   5.97     806 v Pak at Guyana 2018 3          ( - )      Shabnim Ismail           SA        743      18.65   5.73     751 v India at Surat 2019 4          ( - )      Amelia Kerr     NZ        740!     19.52   5.68     740 v Aus at Melbourne 2020 5          (+1)      Jess Jonassen   Aus      728!     20.08   5.43     728 v India at Melbourne 2020 6          (-1)      Deepti Sharma            India    716      19.37   5.95     746 v WI at Guyana 2019 7          ( - )      Radha Yadav   India    704      16.36   6.29     769 v WI at Guyana 2019 8          ( - )      Poonam Yadav            India    698      14.38   5.64     733 v Ire at Guyana 2018 9          ( - )      Ellyse Perry     Aus      674      19.38   5.86     767 v NZ at Nelson 2010 10        (+1)      Leigh Kasperek            NZ        670      13.64   6.14     717 v Ire at Dublin 2018   Other selected rankings   Rank    (+/-)     Player  Team   Pts       Avge    Eco      Highest Rating 16=      (+10)    S Molineux      Aus      612      19.61   6.01     672 v Eng at Hove 2019 31        (+10)    D Kimmince    Aus      549      22.74   6.71     680 v Eng at Hove 2019 61        (+10)    Nicola Carey   Aus      432*!   24.11   6.38     432 v India at Melbourne 2020 69        (+21)    N de Klerk       SA        410*!   14.33   7.03     410 v Aus at Sydney 2020 92        (+17)    N Mlaba          SA        321*!   55.66   6.68     321 v Aus at Sydney 2020   All-rounders (top five)   Rank    (+/-)     Player  Team   Pts       Highest Rating 1          ( - )      Sophie Devine NZ        398      405 v Ban at Melbourne 2020 2          ( - )      Ellyse Perry     Aus      363      421 v India at Canberra 2020 3          ( - )      Natalie Sciver  Eng      349!     349 v WI at Sydney 2020 4          ( - )      H Matthews    WI        304      403 v NZ at Bay Oval 2018 5          (+2)      Deepti Sharma            India    302*/! 302 v Aus at Melbourne 2020  

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (March 9, 2020):-The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today hailed the contribution of Rawalpindi and Islamabad fans, local and provincial administrations and the security agencies in making HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 a resounding success in its homecoming edition. The PCB also paid tribute to the Pindi Cricket Stadium ground staff, terming them as part of the eighth team of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020. Over 100,000 spectators attended the HBL Pakistan Super League matches at the 17,000-capacity Pindi Cricket Stadium. This is after approximately 80,000 fans had watched live action at the Multan Cricket Stadium. Crowd response in Lahore and Karachi has been equally overwhelming. In Lahore, to date, the average crowd attendances have remained at around 80 per cent, while the first four matches in Karachi have seen attendances breaking the 90 per cent barrier. PCB Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer said: “We owe a big thanks to the cricket fans and followers of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad who turned up in big numbers to play their part in the success of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020. “We govern the game for the people of Pakistan, so, in this background we were delighted to see the fans have a great time, celebrate the regular resumption of cricket activities and support the Pakistan Cricket Board. “The fans’ contribution has not only motivated and inspired the players to produce their best performances, but has also helped Pakistan to showcase its values, culture and passion through our world-class broadcast, positive media and proactive social media coverage. “There have been games in which weather has not been cricket-friendly, but the fans have remained patient and loyal, which is another hallmark of this great nation.” Salman Naseer had special praise for the ground staff. “After the six participating sides and the match officials, ground-staff are the eighth team in the tournament. Pindi Cricket Stadium ground-staff were the real heroes when they worked tirelessly to prepare the ground for matches despite persistent rains. “We have equally hardworking and determined ground staff in Lahore and Karachi. When you have such a committed staff working for the PCB, the organisation can only flourish, which, in turn, benefits the game and the athletes.” Thanking the local and provincial authorities, Salman Naseer said: “On behalf of the PCB, I also want to appreciate the support of the local administration, provincial governments and security agencies. Without their cooperation, the PCB would not have been able to put together a spectacle of this magnitude. “The PCB is very fortunate to have strong relationships with all the government agencies and this is clearly reflected in the successful holding of the biggest cricket tournament in the history of Pakistan.” HBL PSL 2020 results at Pindi Cricket Stadium Islamabad United (187-7) lost to Quetta Gladiators (190-5) by five wickets Peshawar Zalmi (132-7, 12 overs) beat Lahore Qalandars (116-6, 12 overs) by 16 runs Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi shared points after match abandoned without a ball bowled Islamabad United (183-3) lost to Karachi Kings (187-5) by five wickets Peshawar Zalmi (151-8) lost to Karachi Kings (152-4) by six wickets Peshawar Zalmi (170-6, 15 overs) beat Quetta Gladiators (140-7, 15 overs) by 30 runs Islamabad United (195-5) lost to Peshawar Zalmi (85-2, 9 overs) by seven runs (DLS Method) Islamabad United (91-7, 9 overs) lost to Multan Sultans (94-1, 6.4 overs) by nine wickets

By Our Special Correspondent ISLAMABAD (March 9, 2020):-The HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 has caught the imagination of some of the biggest stars of the crash, bang and wallop T20 format. All six participating teams have assembled mega stars of the game from around the world and with the league heading towards its business end, these players have expressed their joy at how enjoyable their stints have been with their respective sides. While, Pakistanis have provided their traditional hospitality, the players have enjoyed tremendous support in the hugely competitive league where every run scored and wicket taken has to be properly earned by the players due to the high quality of talent available in each squad. Defending champions Quetta Gladiators, two-time champions Islamabad United and 2017 champions Peshawar Zalmi are all locked in a fierce battle for three available play-off spots along with the two biggest franchises in terms of crowd support, Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars. The only team so far to confirm their berth in the play-off is Multan Sultans with a tally of 11 points from seven games (five wins, one loss and one no-result). Sultans’ all-rounder and England’s ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 winner Moeen Ali has felt the excitement and buzz of the HBL PSL especially in his side’s hometown Multan: Moeen Ali said: “The atmosphere in Multan on all game days was unbelievable. You could clearly sense the passion the people have for their team and the game. We were particularly moved by the hospitality, love and support offered by the people of Multan who took ownership of the team and we are grateful to them for their incredible hospitality. “With regards to the facilities, the stadium in Multan is one of the most beautiful from around the world and the pitches there were perfect for T20 cricket, offering something both for the batsmen and the bowlers. “We saw good quality cricket there, hopefully in the next year we will play all our home games in Multan.” Second-placed Zalmi have had a mixed run in the tournament, however, the team continues to ride on a popularity wave across the country and have received frenzied support in Karachi, Multan, Lahore and Rawalpindi. English batsman Liam Livingstone, who wore the Karachi Kings shirt in the HBL PSL 2019, is looking forward to the challenge of the all-to-play-for last week of the group stage under captain Wahab Riaz. Liam Livingstone said: “Last few weeks have been crucial and it feels like we are gaining momentum at the right end of the tournament. You want to peak towards the end of the tournament, not at the start. So far, Wahab has been very good and it is a seamless transition from Daren Sammy (as captain). Wahab is a very relaxed character who has total confidence in his skill so he can lead from the front. “The crowds have been excellent, most games have been packed and the support we have received from the Zalmi fans has been excellent. There is always a sea of yellow wherever we play, especially at Pindi where the atmosphere has been incredible. Hopefully that carries on for the rest of the tournament and fingers crossed for the play-offs.” Currently placed third on the table, United have an uphill qualification task as they have just one group game left (versus Karachi Kings, 14 March). A win might not be enough for them to ensure their progress as they might have to rely on other results. United have been well served by their foreign stars so far with legendary South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn thoroughly enjoying his return to Pakistan for the first time since 2007. Steyn praised the untiring efforts of the Pindi Cricket Stadium ground staff, who put relentless efforts to get the games underway at the venue despite a heavy rain laden last week. Dale Steyn said: “I’ve really enjoyed being back. The people have been so welcoming, I can just see it in their faces that they’ve missed having teams come play cricket here and are so excited by the presence of all the overseas players. “The ground staff in Pindi was exceptional, getting us on the park with all this rain and allowing the fans to enjoy some cricket has been world-class. “Hopefully we can repay the fans of Islamabad back with a good win in Karachi and possibly set us up for the finals.” Karachi Kings also have a massive week coming up; the Karachi-based franchise will enjoy home support as they look to seal one of the four play-off berths. They play all three remaining games under the National Stadium’s floodlights. Kings have one of the most formidable top-order in the tournament with the top-ranked T20I player Babar Azam, Sharjeel Khan and Englishman Alex Hales providing fireworks in the opening overs. Hales is the top run-getter so far for Kings with a tally of 239 runs, which includes two half-centuries, at 59.75. The big-hitting right-hander is enjoying his batting stints with both Babar and Sharjeel. Alex Hales said: “Having those two at the top of the order is a real strength of ours. The right-hand left-hand combo is very useful and they are both completely different players and hit the ball in different areas, which can be difficult for bowlers to adjust their plans every other delivery. “We can’t wait to get back to Karachi, the support we had there are the start of the tournament was absolutely fantastic. I hope that it’s three more sold out crowds and they can give us that extra edge over our opposition. “If we play how we know we’re capable of playing, we should qualify in the top two which is what we set out to do at the start of the tournament.” Lahore Qalandars have come alive with back-to-back wins against Quetta Gladiators and Karachi Kings. They victories have propelled them to the fifth spot. Batsman Ben Dunk has smashed sixes at will and has played an integral role in Qalandars’ turn with contributions of 99 not out and 93 in two out of the three Qalandars’ victories. His 23 sixes are so far the most by any batsman in the HBL PSL 2020. Dunk has become a superstar in Lahore, the left-handed Australian big-hitter is humbled by the love and adulation he has received in his side’s hometown. Ben Dunk said: “The crowd at the Gaddafi Stadium has been absolutely fantastic. With the tournament becoming even more exciting, the support for the teams, in fact the whole event, has grown manifolds with spectators getting even more impassioned about the game. “The spectators at the Gaddafi Stadium have convinced me that at least in Lahore there is just one team to play for. I am really looking forward to the rest of the event, as we will give it our absolute all to ensure qualification in the play-offs especially since two of the play-off games are in Lahore including the final. Qalandars in the final will make for an unbelievable atmosphere.” Defending champions Gladiators are enduring a slump and are at the risk of elimination before the play-off stage. Currently languishing at the bottom of the table, Gladiators need to win both their remaining games (against Multans Sultans on 11 March and Karachi Kings on 15 March) to stand a chance of securing a top-four spot. Batsman Shane Watson – the man of the tournament in the 2019 edition – will have a crucial role to play if Gladiators are to get over the line in the last two group games. Watson has termed the HBL PSL in Pakistan an ‘amazing experience.’ Shane Watson said: “It’s been amazing to play at all four venues in Pakistan. The stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan were filled to their capacities by passionate spectators. This is what the HBL PSL should be all about, inspiring the next generation to take up the game of cricket. “We will do our best to win the last two games and book a place in the playoffs with an aim of fighting for our title till the very last.” Seven group games are left out of which three will be played in Lahore, while Karachi’s National Stadium will host four. The play-offs commence from 18 March, while tournament’s last three games including the last two play-offs and final will be played in Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.