Sports Bulletin

BIPIN DANI Sri Lankan players participating in the ongoing IPL matches in India have expressed their gratitudes towards the world's other renowned sportsmen.  The 24-year-old all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has copied his wicket celebration from footballer Paris Saint-Germain FC superstar Neymar Jr. "My favourite footballer is Neymar and that is his celebration which I do. When I go play, I don't take any pressure. That's why I feel I got success," Hasaranga said, grabbing four wickets of KKR team at the DY Patil Stadium on Wednesday. His four-wicket haul not only got him the Player of the Match award but his team Royal Challengers Bangalore won by three wickets. The Sri-Lankan spinner imitated Neymar's celebration. Earlier this week, another Sri Lankan top order batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa had confirmed that he was motivated by Nepal's mountaineer Nirmal Purja. Playing for the Punjab Kings XI team, Bhanuka said, "We had a theory. We wanted a movie called 14 peaks (about mountaineer Nirmal Purja who climbed the highest 14 mountains in the world within a year) to get motivated".

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE: Pakistan hit back with a vengeance when they recorded their highest successful ODI run-chase to defeat Australia by six wickets to level the three-match ODI series at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday night. Opener Imam-ul-Haq scored his second successive century of the series, first Pakistan batter to achieve this feat against Australia, and world No.1 Babar reached the magical three figures for the 15th time in 50-over cricket as Pakistan raced to the 349-run target with six balls to spare. Eight years ago at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur, Pakistan had scored 329 to win by three wickets with one ball to spare. Pakistan’s other big successful run-chase was against India in Mohali in November 2007 when they scored 322 to win by four wickets with one ball remaining. This was Pakistan’s fifth highest match aggregate. They were previously involved in 734-run, 719-run, 717-run (all against England in England) and 709-run (against Zimbabwe in Lahore) thrillers. Overall, this was the 25th highest match aggregate in 4380 ODIs to date. The victory put Pakistan back on No.6 in the ICC ODI Team Rankings, while the 10 win points lifted them from 11th to eighth in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League. Imam scored 106 runs from 97 balls with six punishing fours and three towering sixes, while Babar scored 114 from 83 balls with 11 eloquent fours and a massive six. Imam put on 118 runs from 113 balls for the first wicket with Fakhar Zaman, who scored an attractive 64-ball 67 with seven fours and two sixes, while his second wicket stand with Babar yielded 111 runs from 92 balls. Following the departure of Imam, Babar kept the pressure on the accelerator as he put on 80 runs for the third wicket from 61 balls with Mohammad Rizwan, who scored 26-ball 23. When Imam fell, Pakistan required 120 runs off 15.5 overs, while 40 runs were required off 34 balls when Babar’s impressive innings ended. When Rizwan perished, Pakistan needed 32 runs from 25 balls, which later became 27 off 18 balls. Nonetheless, Khushdil Shah (27 off 17 balls with two fours and two sixes) kept a cool head on his shoulders and made sure there were no further loses as he got the required runs in 19 balls. Iftikhar Ahmed was the other not out batter with eight off seven balls. Imam and Babar, the local lads, matched each other stroke by stroke as they sent Australia on a leather chase to provide full entertainment to around 20,000 spectators. While Imam reached his half-century from 50 balls with two fours and two sixes, Babar reached his 50 from 42 balls with three fours and a six. Imam’s century came off 90 balls with six fours and three sixes, Babar reached his century from 73 balls with 10 fours and a six. Earlier, for the second successive time, Babar Azam put Australia into bat and though Shaheen Shah Afridi handed Australia captain Aaron Finch a golden duck, the decision appeared to have backfired when the visitors sprinted to 200 for two in 29.1 overs with a total of around 400 firmly within their sights. However, Pakistan bowlers bounced back strongly as they conceded 148 runs in the remaining 20.5 overs to restrict Australia to 348 for eight. Shaheen Shah Afridi finished as the pick of bowlers with four for 63, while Mohammad Wasim snapped up two wickets for 56. Ben McDermott had a day to remember when he recorded his maiden century in fourth match while scoring a 108-ball 104 that included 10 fours and four sixes. Travis Head followed up his 101 on Tuesday with a 70-ball 89 with six fours and five sixes, Labuschagne scored 59 off 49 balls with five fours and Marcus Stoinis contributed a 33-ball 49 with five fours and a six. Australia scored their last 48 runs in 29 balls, thanks to Sean Abbott’s 28 off 16 balls with four fours. Australia’s biggest partnership was for the second wicket when Head and McDermott put on 162 runs from 144 balls. For the third wicket, McDermott and Labuschagne put on 74 runs from 63 balls, while Stoinis and Abbott were involved in a 42-run partnership for the seventh wicket from 23 balls.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Abdul Qadir, who took 236 Test and 132 ODI wickets with a bouncy run-up flicking the ball from hand to hand, was formally inducted into the PCB Hall of Fame posthumously ahead of the second One-Day International between Pakistan and Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium. Saqlain Mushtaq, Pakistan’s most successful spinner with 496 international wickets and also head coach of the men’s national side, inducted Abdul Qadir into the eight-man elite group by presenting the commemorative cap and plaque to his youngest son Usman Qadir, who is part of Pakistan’s white-ball squad for the ongoing Series. Qadir’s best Test performance was, in fact, at the Gaddafi Stadium when he took nine for 56 against England in 1987. He played seven ODIs at the headquarters of Pakistan cricket but he is most remembered for his nine-ball 16 not out against the West Indies in the 1987 World Cup that earned Pakistan a one-wicket victory and a place in the semi-finals ahead of the two-time former world champions. Usman Qadir: “I am sure dad watching from up there will be absolutely delighted and pleased with the way his institution has recognised him today in front of his own fans and at his favourite cricket ground. Cricket was everything for him and on behalf of my family, I thank the PCB for acknowledging his services to Pakistan and the global game. “He was a cricket genius who was always happy to share his knowledge and experience. He took a lot of pride in the art he had mastered that ultimately gave a new dimension to cricket. Rest followed him and contributed in making wrist spin bowling a lethal weapon that is equally entertaining to watch and follow in all formats of the game.” Saqlain Mushtaq: “It is an honour and pride for me to formally induct Abdul Qadir into the PCB Hall of Fame on behalf of the Pakistan Cricket Board. Abdul Qadir is a hero and a star for all generations for his outstanding and marvelous contributions to this great game.” Born on 15 September 1955 in Lahore, Qadir made his Test debut against England in 1977 and in only his second match in Hyderabad, took six for 44 with the Wisden Cricketers Almanack describing him as “the most notable discovery of his type for some time”. Qadir passed away on 6 September 2019. Wisden Cricketers Alamack, in its tribute, wrote: “The legendary Pakistani leg-spinner Abdul Qadir was one of the finest exponents of his art, with his skills and magical tricks inspiring generations to come.”

Bipin Dani Former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya paid rich tributes to Shane Warne, whose memorial service took place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Australia on Wednesday. Speaking exclusively over the telephone from Colombo, the 52-year-old ex-all rounder Jayasuriya said, "as Sri Lankans we will never forget his role during the Tsunami. He was among the first to show up and help rebuild lives". "Shane Warne was ahead of his time. He inspired a new generation of cricketers and took the world by storm. On the field he was ruthless and competitive. Off the field he was one of the nicest people I had the honor of knowing". "The world of cricket will truly miss this genius especially at a time his knowledge is most needed for the game". "A Champion cricketer and a Gem of a person, may his soul be at peace", he concluded.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Two sparking performances, Travis Head (101 runs), Adam Zampa (4 for 38) helped Australia to defeat hosts Pakistan by 88 runs in the first One Day International of three-match ODI series at Qaddafi Stadium Lahore on Tuesday night and earned a vital lead of 1-0. Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and decided to bowl first. Australia managed 313 for 7 runs on the board, as Travis Head was main contributor with 101 runs. He smashed 12 fours and three huge sixes, as he just faced 72 balls during his notable innings. Ben McDermott was other good batter, who scored 55 runs while Cameron Green aggregated 40 runs in just 30 deliveries. Haris Rauf and Zahid Mehmood captured 2 wickets each after conceding 59, 59 runs in their 10 overs. Part time bowler Iftikhar and Khushdil Shah got each one wicket for Pakistan. In reply, Pakistan’s all batters lost their wickets at 225 and were short 88 runs from their 314 runs target. Imam-ul-Haq scored 103 runs with the help six fours and three sixes but this was not enough to make the mark. Skipper Babar Azam scored 57 runs. Adam Zampa snared four hosts’ batters for 38 runs. Century maker Travis Head got two important wickets at crucial stage of the Pakistani innings.     Australia (Batting) 313 for 7 in 50 overs Travis Head 101 runs (72 balls, 4X12, 6X3), Ben McDermott 55 runs (70 balls, 4X4, 6X0), Cameron Green 40 runs not out (30 balls, 4X3, 6X1) Pakistan (Bowling): Haris Rauf (2 for 59), Zahid Mahmood (2 for 59), Iftikhar Ahmed (1 for 36), Khushdil Shah (1 for 50) Pakistan (Batting): 225 all out in 45.2 overs Imam-ul-Haq 103 runs (96 balls, 4X6, 6X3), Babar Azam 57 runs (72 balls, 4X6, 6X0), Khushdil Shah 19 runs (22 balls, 4X1, 6X0) Australia (Bowling): Adam Zampa (4 for 38), Travis Head (2 for 35), Mitchell Swepson (2 for 53), Sean Abbott (1 for 36), Nathan Ellis (1 for 36) Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore Toss: Pakistan, elected to field first ODI Debut           Mitchell Swepson Mohammad Wasim Nathan Ellis Zahid Mahmood Umpires: Aleem Dar, Asif Yaqoob TV Umpire: Ahsan Raza Reserve Umpire: Faisal Afridi Match Referee: Mohammad Javed

BIPIN DANI The TV commentator Harsha Bhogle had asked a valid question ("where have you been hiding?") to Lucknow Super Giants' IPL member Ayush Badoni on Monday. The question is bothering many of this 22-year-old debut player's acquaintances, especially when he scored 54 runs in 41 balls, which included 3 sixes and four fours against world class players in his very first match. "Ayush has scored in every format of the game right from the beginning. He was waiting for his chance to debut", his childhood coach Hirtesh Sharma says. "He came to me when he was 10. “A very cool headed, soft spoken and hard working boys". "His confidence is very high all the time. Hitting sixes against world's best leg-spinner Rashid Khan was not easy", his school coach Navewen Chopra adds. “If India wants to win a world cup, you should have at least one Modernite in it”, his school. Principal Dr. Vijay Datta says. "It was proven right by Kirti Azad in 1983, Gautam Gambhir in 2014, Unmukt Chand in 2012 (U-19 World Cup) and it gives us hope that with Ayush Badoni proving to be the next rising star in the Cricket horizon, his hopeful presence in the next world cup may bring luck for India". "Modern School, with its legacy of nurturing and fostering exceptional talents in all spheres, especially sports; the mettle proven by Badoni is another feather in its cap. Ayush, who passed out of school in 2018 was a natural player and is fondly remembered as a soft spoken and highly respectful student with a smiling demeanor and sharp focus towards his goals". "A man who lets his bat do the talking, his optimism and commitment saw him braving many odds to emerge as a promising player for India. He always walked in the path of righteousness, did what he deemed right and remained unaltered in his goals, ignoring all jibes and rejections. The 22-year-old, who slammed a 41-ball 54 against Gujarat Titans, playing on behalf of Lucknow Supergiants, is a proud reminder that hard work always pays off", the principal continued. Ayush's father Vivek is a documentary filmmaker and mother is a school teacher. His only brother is a football player. His Lucknow team captain KL Rahul has nicknamed him 'Baby De Villiers' for the similarity of his initials with the South African batting legend AB de Villiers.

Sports Bulletin Report RAWALPINDI:-Rawalpindi will host the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League matches against the West Indies at the Pindi Cricket Stadium from 8-12 June, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced today. The West Indies will arrive in Islamabad on 5 June for the One-Day Internationals that will be played on 8, 10 and 12 June. The ODIs were part of the West Indies’ tour of Pakistan in December 2021. However, with mutual consent, these were rescheduled after five Covid-19 cases were reported in the West Indies side. The West Indies have also agreed to play three T20Is in early 2023, schedule of which will be announced in due course. The ODIs are part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League. Top seven-placed sides from this event plus ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 hosts India will qualify directly for the pinnacle 50-over competition, which will be staged next year in October/November. Series schedule: 8 June – 1st ODI, Rawalpindi 10 June – 2nd ODI, Rawalpindi 12 June – 3rd ODI, Rawalpindi

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Australia batter Steve Smith will miss the One Day International matches series owing to discomfort with his left elbow. Smith experienced some discomfort during the three-match Test series and, with a full schedule of international cricket over the coming 18 months, it was felt prudent to prioritise recovery and treatment at this time. He will be replaced by Queensland leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson in the squad to contest three One-Day Internationals (29 and 31 March and 2 April) and a T20 International (5 April), with all matches taking place in Lahore. Cricket Australia’s Head of Sports Science and Sports Medicine, Alex Kountouris, said: “Steve has been experiencing some minor discomfort in his left elbow during the latter stages of the Test series in Pakistan and, given he had an injury with the same elbow last year, we felt it important to manage this proactively. “Withdrawing him from the white ball matches means Steve will have the necessary time to rehabilitate his elbow to ensure his continuing availability and performance for Australia.” Chair of Selectors George Bailey said: “With the significant amount of cricket to come over the next 18 months, and the fact he has had an issue with the same elbow previously, it is appropriate for Steve to return home at the end of the Test series in Pakistan. “We have opted not to name a replacement batter as we feel we have options within the existing squad, and Steve’s absence offers up additional opportunities to players within the group. “We are excited because with a T20 World Cup later this year and a 50-over Cricket World Cup in Asia next year, these four matches against a quality Pakistan team are a great chance for players to stake their claims for places in those tournaments. "We have decided to include Mitchell Swepson in the white ball squad because it will offer us additional options in the bowling department on surfaces that may well assist spinners. “Mitchell was part of our Twenty20 International squads in both the West Indies and Bangladesh last year, as well as at the T20 World Cup, and having been in Pakistan for the past month he is familiar with conditions. We know if called upon he will do an excellent job.” Steve Smith said: “It’s disappointing to miss these matches against Pakistan but after chatting with the medical staff I can see the need to take a break at this time. “I do not regard this as a major issue but by staying on top of things now, we can ensure that it doesn’t become something more significant further down the line.” Australia squad: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Ben McDermott, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Adam Zampa.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Australia lifted the inaugural Benaud-Qadir Trophy when they defeated Pakistan by 115 runs in the third and decisive cricket Test at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday to win the three-Test series 1-0. Resuming at 73 for no loss in pursuit of a 351-run target, Pakistan were bowled out for 235 with just over 24 overs remaining in the Test. This was Australia’s first series win in Pakistan since 1998 when Mark Taylor won the series 1-0 and second overall when Richie Benaud also won in Lahore by seven wickets in 1959 to clinch the series 2-0. In the ICC World Test Championship points table, Pakistan has dropped from second to fourth on 44 points, while Australia has moved to 72 points. In the ICC Test Team Rankings, both the sides have maintained the pre-series rankings and points. Australia is number-one on 119 points whereas Pakistan in sixth position on 93 points. Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon saved his best performance of the tour for the final day of the series when he returned figures of 37-8-83-5. This was the 19th time in 108 Tests he had taken a five-fer. Lyon’s scalps included Imam-ul-Haq (70), Azhar Ali (17), Babar Azam (55), Hasan Ali (13) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (5). Captain Pat Cummins followed up his five for 56 in the first innings with the wickets of Fawad Alam (11), Mohammad Rizwan (0) and Naseem Shah (1) to finish with match figures of eight for 79 and walk away with the player of match award. It was appropriate Cummins picked up the last wicket of the Test series when he cleaned up Naseem as he had led his team from the front and example. He finished the series as joint leading wicket-taker with Nathan Lyon (12). Mitchell Starc bagged the wicket of Sajid Khan (21), but Cameron Green picked up the first wicket of the day when he had Abdullah Shafique (27) caught at the wicket to end the 77-run first wicket stand. The 46-run sixth wicket partnership between Babar and Sajid was the second best stand for Pakistan in the second innings. Imam batted for four hours and 36 minutes during which he received 199 balls and hit five fours. Babar, who had top-scored in the first innings with 67, faced 104 balls and struck six signature fours during his 165 minutes of batting. The fifth day pitch not only posed plenty of challenges for the batters, it also tested the two on-field umpires Aleem Dar and Ahsan Raza as well as third umpire Asif Yaqoob. Asif overturned on-field decision against Azhar Ali despite television replays providing inconclusive evidence, while he upheld Ahsan’s decision against Imam when TV replays suggested there might have been no contact between the bat and the ball and spike could have been due to the bat hitting the pad. With review by Imam struck down and one review available after Fawad made a disasterous call against Aleem Dar’s decision when he was plumb in front of the wicket, Rizwan opted not to challenge Aleem’s decision when TV replays showed the ball had struck his toe outside the off-stumps. Usman Khawaja for his 496 runs with two centuries and two half-centuries was adjudged player of the series. Abdullah was the second most successful batter of the series with 397 runs, followed by Babar (390), Imam (370) and Azhar (300).

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Australia set 351 runs target for the Green Shirts after declaring their second innings at 227 for 3, as hosts opening batter scored 73 for 0 runs in 27 overs. A ton (104 not out) of Usman Kawaja played a vital role in consolidating visitor innings. Pakistan need more 278 runs to win the Test match on 5th day at Qaddafi Stadium Lahore. Australia Batting (First Innings): 391 all out in 133.3 overs Usman Khawaja 91 runs (219 balls, 4X9, 6X1), Cameron Green 67 runs (163 balls, 4X9), Alex Carey 67 runs (105 balls, 4X7), Steven Smith 59 runs (169 balls, 4X6), Travis Head 26 runs (70balls, 4X4) Pakistan Bowling (First Innings): Naseem Shah (4 for 58), Shaheen Shah Afridi (4 for 79), Nauman Ali (1 for 77), Sajid Khan (1 for 97) Pakistan Batting (First Innings): 268 all out in 116.4 overs Abdullah Shafiq 81 runs (228 balls, 4X11), Azhar Ali 78 runs (208 balls, 7X1, 6X1), Babar Azam 67 runs (131 balls, 4X6, 6X1), Imam-ul-Haq 11 runs (41 balls, 4X2) Australia Bowling (First Innings): Pat Cummins (5 for 56), Mitchell Strac (4 for 33), Nathan Lyon 1 for 95 Australia Batting (Second Innings): 227 for 3 declared in 60 overs Usman Kawaja 104 not out (178 balls, 4X8, 6X0), David Warner 51 (91 balls, 4X6, 6X1), Labuschagne 36 (58 balls, 4X6, 6X0) Pakistan Bowling (Second Innings): Naseem Shah (1 for 23), Shaheen Shah Afridi (1 for 45) Nauman Ali (1 for 55) Pakistan Batting (Second Innings): 73 for 0 in 27 overs (Target 351 runs) Imam-ul-Haq 42 (93 balls, 4X4, 6X0), Abdullah Shafiq 27 (69 balls, 4X3, 6X1) Australia Bowling (Second Innings): PAKISTAN (Playing XIs): Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam (c), Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah AUSTRALIA (Playing XIs): David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Nathan Lyon. Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore             Toss: Australia, elected to bat first Match Officials: Umpires: Ahsan Raza & Aleem Dar TV Umpire: Asif Yaqoob Reserve Umpire: Rashid Riaz Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle (Sri Lanka)