Sports Bulletin

BIPIN DANI Afghanistan cricket team will participate in the upcoming T-20 World Cup under the old national flag-banner, it is learnt. According to highly placed sources in Kabul and the UAE, it has been made clear to the officials of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). Doubts were recently raised about the participation of the team in the World Cup following the Taliban taking over the charge of the nation. "Afghanistan's old national flag is being displayed in the Expo 2020, a World Expo, currently hosted by Dubai in the United Arab Emirates from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022", one of the sources confirmed from the UAE. The team is, however, likely to miss the first practice match against South Africa on 18th.  "Only eight Afghanistan players are in the UAE. The rest of the squad members, who were practicing in Qatar, could get late visas and arrive on Wednesday night/Thursday morning".   "As per the standard rule, they need to spend six-day quarantine before being allowed to practice and therefore the match may have to be skipped", the source aware of the development said. The authorities are in negotiations with the ICC and the Indian cricket board, it is learnt.    Andy Flower, the new batting consultant has already joined the squad in the UAE.  

Ali Ahmed LAHORE (October 13, 2021):-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa successfully defended the National T20 title thanks to their captain Iftikhar Ahmed’s all-round performance, which fashioned a seven-wicket win over Central Punjab in the final at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday. The 31-year-old all-rounder stroked a whirlwind 45 not out off 19 as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa overhauled a 149-run target with 18 balls spare. Iftikhar arrived at the crease with his side requiring 59 runs from 7.4 overs and smashed two sixes and six fours to finish as the second best batter in the tournament with 409 runs scored at a staggering strike rate of 170.41. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain completed the run chase by smoking Mohammad Faizan for a four through cover on the last ball of the 17th over and unleashed a roar in the Lahore night sky. He was won the player of the final and the best player of the tournament awards. Adil Amin with an unbeaten 25 off 21 provided Iftikhar support from the other end. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s run chase was off to a quiet start as Central Punjab captain Wahab Riaz bowled a maiden over to Sahibzada Farhan. Young wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris spanked Sameen Gul for a four and a six in the second over before he was dismissed. The second wicket 47-run stand between Farhan, who was named as the best batter for scoring the 447 – the most in the tournament – at a strike rate of 132, and Kamran Ghulam (37 off 31) staged the recovery and put Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into a strong position. Farhan made 26 off 28 and was dismissed by young off-spinner Qasim Akram. That Central Punjab bowlers had something to bowl at was due to the 85-run second wicket alliance between Ahmed Shehzad and Kamran Akmal. The pair came together after Mohammad Akhlaq was caught behind off Imran Khan Snr on the second ball and put Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bowlers on the backfoot. Ahmed, who top scored in the innings with 36-ball 44, smashed Arshad Iqbal for two fours in the second over, but it was the fifth over when their partnership truly kicked off as the two smashed left-arm orthodox Asif Afridi for two fours and a six in an over that added 16 to the total. Ahmed finished the powerplay with a magnificent six over point as Central Punjab gathered 51 from the first six overs. It was left-arm orthodox Khalid Usman who ended their partnership as he deceived Kamran in the air and had him stumped. Kamran smashed three fours and two sixes in his 29-ball 42. The next over, Central Punjab’s problems compounded as Iftikhar introduced himself into the attack. Ahmed fell six runs short of what would have been his 40th T20 half-century as he hold out to long-off. In his next over, Iftikhar accounted for Saif Badar and Hussain Talat as Central Punjab slipped from 85 for one to 101 for five and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain finished with a superb three for five. Qasim was the only batter in the middle-order to make a valuable contribution with 11-ball 20. He struck two sixes to Imran in the 17th over, which added 20. But, from there on, Central Punjab lost wickets on regular intervals. Mohammad Imran removed Mohammad Faizan and Qasim on back to back deliveries in the 18th over and Arshad sent Faheem Ashraf and Zafar Gohar back to the pavilion in the next over. Imran returned in the last over to remove Wahab and end Central Punjab’s innings with four balls spare. Scores in brief Central Punjab 148 all out, 19.2 overs (Ahmed Shehzad 44, Kamran Akmal 42, Qasim Akram 20; Iftikhar Ahmed 3-5, Mohammad Imran 3-26, Arshad Iqbal 2-28) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 152-3, 17 overs (Iftikhar Ahmed 45 not out, Kamran Ghulam 37, Sahibzada Farhan 26, Adil Amin 25 not out; Sameen Gul 1-19, Qasim Akram 1-27, Mohammad Faizan 1-46) Player of the final:  Iftikhar Ahmed Player of the tournament: Iftikhar Ahmed (409 runs and eight wickets) Best batter of the tournament: Sahibzada Farhan (447 runs) Best bowler of the tournament: Imran Khan Snr (16 wickets) Best wicketkeeper of the tournament: Rohail Nazir (12 dismissals)

SPORTS DESK ISLAMABAD (October 13, 2021):-The qualification pathway to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 Australia will continue this week with Denmark, Germany, Italy and Jersey set to compete in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier supported by Dream 11 hosted at the Desert Springs Cricket Ground in Spain. The qualification pathway to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 Australia will continue this week with Denmark, Germany, Italy and Jersey set to compete in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier supported by Dream 11 hosted at the Desert Springs Cricket Ground in Spain. The event will be played from 15 - 21 October as a double round robin format with the teams finishing first and second to progress to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers A and B, which will take place in 2022. Little separates the teams on the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings with Jersey (24th), Italy (26th), Denmark (30th) and Germany (36th) all within 12 positions of one another. The previous ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier in 2019 went down to the wire of the final match with Jersey narrowly pipping Germany to book their place at the Global Qualifiers. Jersey joined The Netherlands and Scotland as the two other European Associate Member representatives at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifiers in 2019 and narrowly missed out on a place in the finals, winning three of their six group matches. Freddie Klokker, Denmark captain said: “It has been nearly two years without any ICC events, so we can’t wait to get the tournament underway and play some very competitive cricket. There is a great opportunity for every team to go through to the next round so we as a team are really looking forward to the challenge ahead. If we are good enough to qualify for the next round, it would be a great opportunity to promote and advertise the great game that we play in Denmark.” Venkatraman Ganesan, Germany captain said: “We are extremely excited to be a part of this tournament and the opportunity to progress to the Global Qualifiers is a big motivation for the whole squad. Qualifying to the next round will be quite huge for cricket in Germany and I hope it will raise the profile of the sport significantly, opening up new and exciting opportunities to grow the sport in our nation. Good luck to all other participating teams.” Gareth Berg, Italy captain and coach said: “Cricket Italia are very excited to once again be partaking in an official ICC Men’s T20 World Cup qualifier. We have undergone some changes both in mindset and players with the aim of moving our game forward. So as a cricket nation I am excited by the new challenges this brings us both personally and as head coach and captain. Events like this are a great breeding ground for unearthing some real talent in Associate cricket. It’s a shame we can’t get all our players involved due to covid restrictions but the squad we have picked are hungry for success and want to win games of cricket for Italia.” Charles (Chuggy) Perchard, Jersey captain said: “After months of hard work, we’re all hugely excited to have the opportunity to be representing our Island in an ICC competition again. As a squad, we’ve got big dreams of qualifying for a World Cup and hopefully this will be the first step in our journey.” ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier 15 October 2021 - Germany vs Jersey (10h15); Italy vs Denmark (15h15) 16 October 2021 - Denmark vs Germany (10h15); Jersey vs Italy (15h15) 17 October 2021 - Denmark vs Jersey (10h15); Italy vs Germany (15h15) 18 October 2021 - Rest Day 19 October 2021 - Denmark vs Italy (10h15); Jersey vs Germany (15h15) 20 October 2021 - Italy vs Jersey (10h15); Germany vs Denmark (15h15) 21 October 2021 - Germany vs Italy (10h15); Jersey vs Denmark (15h15)

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (October 13, 2021):-Tickets went on sale last week, with thousands being snapped up in record time. There are still tickets available for games across all four venues; Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Oman and Sharjah and the world’s best players are calling on the expat community in the middle-east not to miss out.  Jos Buttler, England, said. “Wherever we travel, England fans show up and cheer us on.  So we want as many at our games as possible, not least as so many live in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and it will be great to have them in stadia cheering us on.” Aaron Finch, Australia, said: “We know we have loads of Aussie fans here in the UAE and would love for them to come watch us across the tournament. It’s a wonderful chance for them to see Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Pat Cummins and all of our guys together against some of the very best sides in the world. After the challenges of the past 18 months for everyone here and overseas it would be awesome to have the fans there cheering us on.” Trent Boult, New Zealand, added: “The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is always a really exciting event and we expect this version in the UAE and Oman to be no different. We know there are plenty of BLACKCAPS fans in this part of the world and we’re hoping to see them in the stands cheering us on with crowds now confirmed for all matches. It's pretty special seeing Kiwi support when you’re playing away from home and in a world event.” Tabraiz Shamsi, South Africa said: “We have huge matches including clashes with Australia in Abu Dhabi, the West Indies in Dubai and England in Sharjah.  Fans of the Proteas are worldwide so we can’t wait for them to fill the stands and help create a special atmosphere.” Ireland’s Paul Stirling added: “We have a good record of spectators coming and watching us everywhere in the world, particularly here. You always see an Irish flag and Irish cricket supporters everywhere. We certainly always go and visit them in the Irish Village so hopefully they can come and visit us!” The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 is the largest sporting event to be held in the region and it will be the biggest global cricket event since the pandemic with fans in stadia. Tickets remain available to fans to watch the top 16 T20 teams in the world vying for the ultimate prize in the shortest format, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup starting in Muscat on 17 October and concluding in the UAE on 14 November. With prices starting at just 10 OMR and 30 AED in Oman and UAE respectively, the event is accessible to all cricket fans. Tickets are available to purchase on https://www.t20worldcup.com/tickets . The schedule offers a host of key rivalry fixtures and mouth-watering match ups.  The tournament kicks off with the Round 1 match between Oman and Papua New Guinea in Muscat.  Whilst, Australia and South Africa play the first match of Super 12s on 23 October in Abu Dhabi followed by the replay of the 2016 final between England and West Indies also on 23 October in Dubai. One of cricket’s biggest rivalries, India and Pakistan, will take place on 24 October in Dubai. In addition to the top quality cricket, fans will also get to enjoy a host of entertainment choices, including DJs, fan zones and various other exciting activations around each venue, offering families and the young plenty of fun. Among full member nations Bangladesh, Ireland and 2014 winners Sri Lanka, there are also Namibia, Netherlands, Oman, Papua New Guinea, and Scotland all battling to qualify for the Super 12 stage.  There are four available places joining Afghanistan, Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and West Indies in the Super 12 stage.

BIPIN DANI Former First-Class cricketer Andy Moles, who coached Scotland team and also worked with the Afghanistan players has offered "all possible help" to Bandulla Warnapura.  Like Moles, Sri Lanka's first Test captain Bandulla Warnapura leg has recently been amputated below the knee.  "If you ever need a person who has gone through the challenges that lie ahead of you.. I am available 24/7…", Moles has conveyed the message to Warnapura through this reporter. Speaking exclusively over the telephone from South Africa, where he resides, said, "Yes there will be dark days ahead… However, if you can allow yourself to let people help you, you can get through those moments. Always remember there are people worse off than yourself". "When you are first told you are to have your leg amputated, all you can think about is that my life is over! How can I survive and create an income for my family. Then in my case, I started to think about the problems people are facing in their daily lives all around the world". "Then think about the support structure you have around you. The love of your family as well as your cricketing family. All of these people will be there to support you". Advising further, he says, "Then on top of that you have your own mental strength that has served you throughout your cricketing life". "God bless you and I will keep you in my prayers", Moles has said to Warnapura. Later, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Colombo on behalf of the family, Warnapura's son, Madawa said, "We apologize for not being able to respond to our well-wishers' calls and messages individually at this situation, but their kind words and prayers in and around the world certainly kept us strong and surely has been a blessing for him. "We hope that Bandula/Our Father/Grandfather will soon be able to come back to us in his full energetic spirit so please continue to keep him in your prayers". "We as his family humbly thank all our relatives, the doctors, the ICU staff for every effort they take for his recovery".

Sports Reporter LAHORE (October 13, 2021):-Home City Central Punjab produced a commanding performance to book their spot in the National T20 final with a one-sided seven-wicket victory over GFS Sindh in the second semi-final played under the lights at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on Tuesday night. Central Punjab will take on defending champions Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in what is their first National T20 final since the tournament was revamped as a six-team competition in the 2019-20 season. On Tuesday night, seasoned campaigners Ahmed Shehzad and Kamran Akmal spearheaded the 142-run chase with an almost flawless batting display that left the Sindh bowlers clueless. Wicketkeeper-batter Kamran registered the 44th T20 half-century of his career while Ahmed fell one short of his 40th T20 fifty. The two added 88 runs for the second-wicket. Kamran who played some typically stylish shots in his innings scored 51 off 36 balls (seven fours, one six) he was dismissed by spinner Abrar Ahmed in the 14th over. Ahmed was dismissed by Sohail Khan for 49 (46 balls, four fours). The pair of Hussain Talat (13 not out) and Qasim Akram (11 not out) took Central Punjab past the target with 13 balls to spare. Earlier, Sindh got off to a flying start as openers Sharjeel Khan and Khurram Manzoor added 50 in 6.2 overs. Central Punjab roared back in contention through their young all-rounder (player of the match) Qasim who got rid of Sharjeel for 32 (19 balls, five fours, one six). Sindh crashed from 50 for no loss to 87 for five as Qasim and left-arm-spinner Zafar Gohar ran through the middle-order with their probing spin bowling. After dismissing Sharjeel, Qasim got rid of Saud Shakeel (7) and Danish Aziz (0). Zafar dismissed Shan Masood (1) and Khurram who was Sindh’s top-scorer with 34 off 40 balls (three fours). Pacer Sohail who was promoted to number five in the batting order contributed 21 runs but Sindh never fully recovered from their batting slump and finished well short of a competitive total. They only reached 141 courtesy some big hits by tail-enders Mir Hamza (19 not out, 9 balls, one four, two sixes) and Rumman Raees 14. Qasim finished with three for 15 in four overs, while Zafar took two for 15 in his four-over spell. Wahab took two wickets for 30 runs. Scores in Brief: Home City Central Punjab win by seven wickets GFS Sindh 141 for 8, 20 overs (Khurram Manzoor 34, Sharjeel Khan 32; Qasim Akram 3-15, Zafar Gohar 2-15, Wahab Riaz 2-30) Home City Central Punjab 145 for 3, 17.5 overs (Kamran Akmal 51, Ahmed Shehzad 49; Sohail Khan 1-24) Player of the match:  Qasim Akram Wednesday’s match: Final –Khyber Pakhtunkhwa vs Home City Central Punjab -7:30 pm.

Sports Reporter LAHORE (October 12, 2021):-A steady half-century from Sahibzada Farhan and a destructive 45 not out – at a staggering strike rate of 265 – will see Khyber Pakhtunkhwa defend their title in the final on Wednesday as they fashioned a five-wicket win over Northern in the first semi-final of the National T20 2021-22.  Defending 50 off last five, Northern had an impressive start to the death phase of the run chase as Zaman Khan leaked mere four singles and dismissed Nabi Gul in the 16th over. The next over, delivered by experienced T20 bowler Sohail Tanvir, gave away only six runs. It was the 18th over when Iftikhar Ahmed decided to take the charge with his side 40 runs away. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain smashed Zaman for two sixes in an over, which added 17 runs to the total. The match was settled in the penultimate over, as the right-hander, who had struck a thunderous 26-ball 54 not out last night against the same opposition in the final group-match, smoked Salman Irshad for three fours and a gigantic six over mid-wicket to leave only one run for the final over, which Khalid Usman overhauled with a towering six on the first ball. Iftikhar spanked four fours and three sixes in the innings. In this tournament, he has smashed 22 sixes – the most by any batter – and has a strike rate of 164, which is the best for the batters with more than 200 runs. It was Sahibzada Farhan’s third half-century of the tournament that had laid the foundation for the successful overhauling of 157. The right-handed opener – who is also the leading run-getter in the tournament with 421 at an average of 42.10 – led the 57-run alliance with fellow opener Musadiq Ahmed (seven off 15) before the latter handed an easy catch on the penultimate ball of the eighth over. Farhan started his innings by smashing Sohail for three boundaries in the opening over. Northern, however, did well to tame the pair for the next five overs in which Farhan and Musadiq could add only 26 runs. Farhan brought up his half-century the next ball after Musadiq’s dismissal as he caressed Anwar Jamal for a four through extra cover. He clubbed seven fours and a six in his 39-ball stay, over which he scored 53, before he holed out to long-on off Nauman Ali, who once again was the most economical bowler from his side with one for 17 off four overs. Kamran Ghulam, who smashed a brilliant 110 not out last night, made 29-ball 35, studded with six fours. Like Nauman, all other fours bowlers – Sohail, Zaman, Salman and Aamer Jamal – picked up a wicket each. Iftikhar’s call to insert Northern paid dividends as despite a solid 48-run alliance for the first wicket between Nasir Nawaz (27 off 18) and Ali Imran (run-a-ball 24), the Umar Amin-captained side put 156 for eight on board. The dismissal of Nasir – first ball after powerplay – off Khalid Usman broke the momentum and a caught and bowled by Iftikhar in the next over – that curtailed Ali’s stay at the crease – aggravated the situation. A 44-run stand between Umar (22 off 18) and Zeeshan Malik (29 off 21) promised to put the Northern innings back on track, but their dismissals in span of six balls – the former getting caught off Imran Khan Snr and the latter getting run out – left the batting side four down at 104 with 5.5 overs remaining. There were a few fireworks towards the end of the innings with Sohail spanking two sixes, but Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Arshad Iqbal soon made his presence felt by dismissing Sohail, Aamer Jamal and Nauman Ali. The right-arm pacer returned three for 35. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will face the winners of the second semi-final between Home City Central Punjab and GFS Sindh. Scores in brief Northern 156-8, 20 overs (Zeeshan Malik 29, Nasir Nawaz 27, Ali Imran 24, Umar Amin 22; Arshad Iqbal 3-35) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 161-5, 19.1 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 53, Iftikhar Ahmed 45 not out, Kamran Ghulam 35) Player of the match – Iftikhar Ahmed (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (October 12, 2021):-Sri Lanka, Ireland, the Netherlands and Namibia will contest Group A in the first round of the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup for the right to reach the Super 12 stage. Only the top two teams will progress from the group after all four have played against each other once in the round-robin format, kicking off with the first games on October 18. Namibia will make history after qualifying for the tournament for the first time, having qualified through the 2019 ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier with victory over Oman. Ireland and Netherlands also secured their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup berths through the same route while 2014 champions Sri Lanka qualified through their world ranking. The top seeds from Group A will enter Group 1 of the Super 12 stage along with Australia, England, South Africa, West Indies and the second seed from Group B. Meanwhile, the second team from Group A go into Group 2 with Afghanistan, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and the top seeds from Group B after the first round of fixtures. Sri Lanka (seventh appearance) Favourites on paper to progress as top seeds from Group A, Sri Lanka have been inextricably intertwined with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup ever since the first one in 2007. They have contested every single tournament since then, finishing runners-up in 2009 and 2012 before finally lifting the trophy with victory over India in the 2014 final. Outside the top eight of the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings at the cut-off date and currently ranked 10th, their form going into the 2021 edition has been up and down to say the least. A landmark 2-1 series win over India in July this year was also bookended by 3-0 series whitewashes to England in their own back yard and the Proteas in South Africa. But no team has won more T20 World Cup games than Sri Lanka and their experience - along with a talented squad - makes them prime candidates to reach the Super 12 stage. Captained by Dasun Shanaka, Avishka Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana are all potential match-winners for Sri Lanka on their day. They will open their campaign against debutants Namibia on 18 October in Abu Dhabi before a potentially decisive meeting two days later with Ireland, ranked two places lower in 12th. Sri Lanka conclude their Group A fixtures on 22 October with a clash in Sharjah against the Netherlands, who they defeated by nine wickets en route to claiming the 2014 title. Ireland (sixth appearance) Since missing out on the inaugural tournament in 2007, Ireland have been a regular feature of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and will contest their sixth in the UAE and Oman. Their best ever performance to date came on their debut at the 2009 edition hosted by England, progressing from the first round to reach the Super 8s after beating Bangladesh. Ireland have failed to progress beyond the first round in their last four appearances, missing out on net-run rate in 2014 following group stage wins over Zimbabwe and the UAE. But as shown by their victory against Bangladesh in 2009, they have made a penchant of beating teams higher in the standings than them at major tournaments over the years. Pakistan, England, West Indies and Zimbabwe have all fallen to Ireland in the 50-over Cricket World Cup and they will definitely fancy their chances of progressing from Group A. They booked their place at this year’s tournament by topping their group in the 2019 qualifier on net run rate despite dropping matches to Canada and the UAE in the process. A series victory over Zimbabwe earlier this year will certainly have encouraged captain Andrew Balbirnie ahead of his side’s opening fixture against the Netherlands on October 18. And with the likes of Paul Stirling, Kevin O’Brien and rising star Josh Little among their ranks, the world No.12-ranked team possess the experience and talent to cause more upsets. Netherlands (fourth appearance) The Dutch showed their pedigree in the shortest format by winning the 2019 ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier, beating Papua New Guinea by seven wickets in the final in Dubai. Netherlands had already secured their qualification by reaching the semi-final stage, where they defeated Ireland by 21 runs to lay down a marker to their Group A rivals. In fact, Netherlands have won seven of their 12 T20Is against Ireland and came out on top in their recent ODI series, meaning they will also be targeting a place in the Super 12 stage. Their squad is packed with experience, with Ryan ten Doeschate and Roelof van der Merwe two of the names who will be expected to play a prominent role during the middle overs. Stephan Myburgh is another player who will be able to provide plenty of know-how, with the 37-year-old scoring 280 runs at an average of 31.11 in his previous T20 World Cups. Another dangerous weapon comes in the form of tall fast bowler Paul van Meekeren, who can touch 140kph and possesses a slower ball that could cause plenty of problems. This is the fourth time that the Dutch have qualified for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, making their debut in 2009 when they stunned England at Lord’s in a last-ball thriller. But their best performance in the tournament came five years later, topping Group B to reach the Super 10 stage where they notched another famous win over England. Namibia (debut appearance) The lowest ranked team in the tournament at 19th, Namibia are making their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup debut this year and will be viewed as underdogs to progress from Group A. Yet their road to the showpiece event showed that they do not give up without a fight, clinching their maiden appearance with five straight wins after defeats to Netherlands and PNG. Namibia’s 54-run win over Oman in their semi-final play-off at the 2019 T20 World Cup Qualifier sealed their place and capped an impressive year for Pierre de Bruyn’s emerging side. JJ Smit hits a six They also earned ODI status by winning the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 before securing their berth at this year’s T20 tournament with a string of impressive performances. While this will be Namibia’s first taste of the T20 World Cup and their first match at an ICC World Cup in either limited overs format since 2003, their squad is not without experience. Former South African international David Wiese has been included for his second T20 World Cup after the all-rounder qualified for the team through his Namibian-born father. Meanwhile, potent bowler JJ Smit is another of the team’s stars along with their skipper Gerhard Erasmus, who is capable of anchoring an innings or accelerating when needed. Namibia’s historic first match will be up against 2014 champions Sri Lanka, a tough examination that will be followed by meetings with Netherlands and Ireland in their bid for a Super 12 spot.

BIPIN DANI The ICC (International Cricket Council (ICC) decision to introduce DRS in the men's T20 World Cup for the first time has forced the Sri Lankan lawyer Senaka Weeraratna to begin fresh negotiations for his own recognition attached with the system.  For years, Senaka Weeraratna claimed to be the inventor of the DRS (Decision Review System) and he says his idea has been stolen by the authorities / officials.    "The DRS, which is a technology-based system used in cricket to assist the match officials in their decision-making was first my idea before the ICC put hands on it", Weeraratna, speaking over the telephone from Colombo, said on Monday morning. "I am fighting for my rights for the recognition and want it to be named after me". "I have also forwarded the copies of the legal opinions sought from the prominent lawyers and a letter written to the government of Sri Lanka to force the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to deal with the ICC", the lawyer added. The four-page letter, which has been seen by this Reporter was signed by Kusan Illangatilake Esqr (Attorney-at-law) and Dr. Harsha Cabral (Presidents Counsel), the opinion has been in favour of the lawyer, who has been running from pillar to post to seek due recognition has once again requested the SLC to fight for his case with the ICC.  "I approached Anil Kumble, the cricket committee chairman and Kumar Sangakkara, the former MCC president, to take my case to the highest level".   "I have once again requested the SLC to get me stamped as Father of DRS", he concluded.  

Sports Reporter LAHORE (October 12, 2021):-A stunning 64-ball 110 not out by Kamran Ghulam orchestrated a dominating Khyber Pakhtunkhwa win over Northern by 92 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium in what was the last group match of the National T20 2021-22. This was Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s first win over Northern in the history of the event. The victory saw Khyber Pakhtunkhwa end the group stage at the top of the points table. As such, they will face fourth-placed Northern in the first semi-final tomorrow. The second semi-final will be played between second-placed Home City Central Punjab and third-placed GFS Sindh. All four semi-finalists gathered 12 points each with six wins from 10 matches. Kamran had strolled to the middle at the end of the second over when Israrullah was removed by Athar Mahmood. Upon his arrival at the crease, the right-hander took the steering wheel to anchor his side’s innings, helping them gather 52 runs in six overs – six runs more than the average powerplay score at this venue in the tournament – despite the loss of another wicket. Over the course of his maiden century, Kamran, clubbed six sixes and as many as 10 fours, and his 48-run alliance with wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris (15-ball 18) set the launching pad for the power-hitters in the middle-order. Iftikhar Ahmed’s thunderous 54 not out at a strike rate of over 207 propelled the batting side to an imposing 207 for four. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain crunched four sixes and as many fours. Iftikhar and Kamran added a staggering 93 in the last seven overs during their undefeated 133-run stand, which went down as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is best for the fifth wicket. The pair had come together in the ninth over when leg-spinner Aaqib Liaquat struck twice in an over to send Haris and Nabi Gul back to the hut. The onslaught began in the 13th over with Kamran bludgeoning Aaqib for three consecutive sixes. From that point, the pair struck at least two boundaries in every over, except for the 14th, which was Nauman Ali’s fourth over. The left-arm orthodox finished as the only bowler in the innings with his economy rate in single digit as he returned none for 19. Northern had an abysmal start to their run chase as opener Nasir Nawaz was dismissed by Imran Khan Snr on the second ball. Their problems compounded in the fourth over as the other opener, Ali Imran, was run out. They faced the next blow in the next over with one-drop Zeeshan Malik following the two openers back to the pavilion after getting caught off Arshad Iqbal. The scorecard at this stage read 33 for three. Northern had scored six runs less and lost a wicket more than Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the powerplay as they managed 46 for three in six overs. Northern lost wickets on regular intervals and with 23-ball 34 and 21-ball 23, wicketkeeper-batter Rohail Nazir and Umar Amin, the Northern captain, were the only notable run-getters. The match settled for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when Khalid Usman removed Rohail and Mubasir Khan in back to back overs, which reduced Northern to 98 for seven in 14th over. From there on, it was only a matter of time. Northern were finally bowled out on the fourth ball of the penultimate over with Asif Afridi removing Aaqib. Alike Khalid, Imran and Asif were the other two bowlers to finish with two wickets next to their names. Scores in brief: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa beat Northern by 92 runs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 207-4, 20 overs (Kamran Ghulam 110 not out, Iftikhar Ahmed 54 not out; Aaqib Liaquat 2-44) Northern 115 all out, 18.4 overs (Rohail Nazir 34, Umar Amin 23; Khalid Usman 2-4, Imran Khan Snr 2-24, Asif Afrid 2-32) Player of the match – Kamran Ghulam (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) Semi-finals on Tuesday at Gaddafi Stadium: 1500 start – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa v Northern 1930 start – Home City Central Punjab v GFS Sindh