Cricket - Int News
School Cricket Championship October 7 in Peshawar
SPORTS NEWS
Peshawar (October 1, 2021):- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cricket Association is hosting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa School Cricket Championship 2021-22 from 7 October in 35 districts of the province. The 30-over matches will have more than 4000 players participating in 276 teams in the month-long event.
The age criteria for players’ participation in the tournament is, players born on or after 14 August 2005.
The tournament will be played at 69 venues across the province with 40 teams from private schools and 236 teams from government schools featuring. The teams have been divided into 76 pools with 510 matches to be played in the tournament.
National T20: Haider Ali stunned Central Punjab
Muhammad Kabir
Rawalpindi (September 30, 2021):-Haider Ali’s sensational unbeaten 91 helped Northern comfortably chase down a 201-run target against Home City Central Punjab in the 11th match of the National T20 2021-22 at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi on Thursday evening.
The right-handed top-order batter who was later adjudged player-of-the-match played a series of sensational shots in his 91-run innings off 53 balls (six fours, six sixes).
Haider set the platform for the chase with a stroke-filled 84-run third-wicket partnership with Mohammad Nawaz who scored 41 off 21 balls (two fours, four sixes). Nawaz who was the player-of-the-match for Northern in their victory last night against Southern Punjab played some powerful shots to put the Central Punjab bowlers under pressure.
Haider continued his aggressive batting mode even after Nawaz’s dismissal, he hit two back-to-back sixes off Ehsan Adil as Northern continued their charge towards the big target.
Asif Ali helped Haider overcome any nerves in the death overs by scoring 28 off 14 balls (three fours, one six).
Northern completed the chase with two balls to spare with Haider at the crease along with his captain Shadab Khan.
Earlier, Babar Azam produced a T20 batting master class after winning the toss and opting to bat first. The Central Punjab and Pakistan captain posted his sixth T20 century (most by any Pakistan batter).
Babar’s 105 came off 63 balls only, the right-hander hit 11 fours and three sixes in a typically effortless batting display that left the Northern attack stunned and bereft of answers. Babar reached his century with a glanced four off Haris Rauf.
Babar added 67 runs for the first-wicket with Ahmed Shehzad who hit five fours in a Sohail Tanvir over before falling to Mohammad Nawaz for 37 (20 balls, eight fours).
Wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Akhlaq carried the momentum with a 17-ball 21 before falling to Shadab after hitting him for two sixes.
Shoaib Malik joined hands with Babar, the two added 92 runs for the unbroken third-wicket stand that took Central Punjab to their imposing total. Shoaib scored 31 off 21 balls (four fours). Nawaz and Shadab were the only two wicket-takers for Northern.
Scores in Brief:
Northern beat Home City Central Punjab by six wickets
Home City Central Punjab 200-2, 20 overs (Babar Azam 105 not out, Ahmed Shehzad 37, Shoaib Malik 31 not out; Mohammad Nawaz 1-29)
Northern 201-4, 19.4 overs (Haider Al 91 not out, Mohammad Nawaz 41, Asif Ali 28; Wahab Riaz 1-17)
Player of the match: Haider Ali
Friday’s matches:
Balochistan vs ATF Southern Punjab -3pm
Northern vs GFS Sindh -7:30pm
Jaffna Stallions owners planning to invest in global tournaments in USA
BIPIN DANI:
The owners of the Jaffna Stallions team who are denied the ownership of the last year winning team in the forthcoming Lanka Premier League (LPL) are now planning to bring their investments in some major league cricket in the USA, according to its spokesperson Mahesh Abeyewardene.
Speaking exclusively over the telephone from Canada, where he resides, he said, "We plan on participating in global tournaments. Some of our investors are planning to bring major league cricket to the USA".
"The consortium that created the championship brand will continue to own these assets".
"Jaffna Stallions have not been sold to any individual or entity".
It is learnt that the owners were verbally asked to buy Colombo Kings.
PCB names 18-woman squad for camp
SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT
Karachi (September 30, 2021):-Eighteen national women players will take part in a 16-day training camp to prepare the side for the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier, which will be played in Zimbabwe from 21 November to 5 December.
The camp will be held from 5-20 October at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre, National Stadium, Karachi, in a bio-secure environment.
During the camp the players will work on their fitness, match practice, scenario-based practice and match sessions keeping in mind the Zimbabwe event. To provide a challenging environment to the players, matches against U19 boys’ team will also be held at the camp.
Players for the camp: Aimen Anwer, Aliya Riaz, Anum Amin, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Iram Javed, Javeria Khan, Kainat Imtiaz, Maham Tariq, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz, and Rameen Shamim.
Nawaz, Haider and Shadab guide Northern to victory
ABDULLAH ASJAD
Rawalpindi (September 29, 2021):-An impressive batting performance earned Northern a five-wicket win over ATF Southern Punjab in the tenth match of the National T20 played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi on Wednesday night.
All-rounder Mohammad Nawaz (player-of-the-match) made full use of two dropped chances as he scored an unbeaten 56 off 35 balls (six fours, two sixes) to spearhead his side’s 176-run chase.
Nawaz added 67 runs for the fifth-wicket with his captain Shadab Khan who turned the game on its head by scoring 23 runs off Naseem Shah’s over -18th of the innings to ease out the nerves in Northern’s camp.
Shadab who got off to a sedate start scored 30 off 20 balls (three sixes, one four) with his three sixes and one four coming in Naseem’s over.
The chase was duly completed on the first ball of the final over with Nawaz hitting the winning runs, top-order batter Haider Ali (40 off 27 balls, five fours, one six) and opener Nasir Nawaz (24 off 15, two fours, two sixes) had earlier set the platform of Northern’s chase.
Left-arm-spinner Hassan Khan took two wickets for the luckless Southern Punjab who are now languishing at the bottom of the six-team table after suffering their fourth consecutive defeat. Northern have now won two out of their three matches.
Earlier, Northern won the toss and opted to field, the Southern Punjab total was set-up by a swashbuckling innings of 75 off 47 balls by captain Sohaib Maqsood who promoted himself as an opener along with Zeeshan Ashraf. The left-hander Zeeshan perished for one, Sohaib added 74 runs for the second-wicket with Salman Ali Agha who scored a run-a-ball 24 was dismissed by Imad Wasim.
Sohaib hit eight fours and four gigantic sixes in his innings, he was eventually dismissed by pacer Musa Khan. Musa then got rid of the dangerous Khushdil Shah (20), Sohaib and Khushdil added 49 runs for the third-wicket.
The pair of Aamer Yamin (23 off nine balls, three fours, one six) and Azam Khan (18 off 12, two sixes) hit some big shots in the death overs to propel Southern Punjab to their impressive total.
Musa took three wickets for 40 runs, Mohammad Nawaz, Imad and Haris Rauf took a wicket apiece for Northern.
Scores in Brief:
Northern beat ATF Southern Punjab by five wickets
ATF Southern Punjab 175-6, 20 overs (Sohaib Maqsood 75, Salman Ali Agha 24, Aamer Yamin 23; Musa Khan 3-40)
Northern 177 for 5, 19.1 overs (Mohammad Nawaz 56 not out, Haider Ali 40, Shadab Khan 30; Hassan Khan 2-13)
Player of the match: Mohammad Nawaz
Thursday’s matches:
Northern vs Home City Central Punjab -3pm
GFS Sindh vs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa -7:30pm
T20 Cup: Sindh reach on top with a comprehensive victory against Balochistan
MUHAMMAD KABIR
Rawalpindi (September 29, 2021):-Joint efforts took GFS Sindh to the top of the National T20 Cricket Cup 2021 on points table as they thrashed Balochistan by 77 runs at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi on Wednesday evening. The victory was Sindh’s third in as many matches, they now have six points and are at the top of the six-team points table.
Set a 176-run target, Balochistan were blown away by the Sindh bowling attack led by Shahnawaz Dahani, Zahid Mahmood and Danish Aziz who took nine wickets between them. Balochistan were bowled out for 98 in 16.4 overs. Fast bowler Shahnawaz took four wickets for 12 runs in 2.4 overs, leg-spinner Zahid took three for 18 in four and Danish took two for 23 in his four overs of left-arm-spin.
Shahnawaz has now taken eight wickets in three matches and he is currently the joint-leading wicket-taker along with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Shaheen Shah Afridi. Balochistan openers Abdul Wahid Bangalzai and Imam-ul-Haq got the team off to a 46-run start. However, the chased fell away as soon as Imam was dismissed for 19 runs.
Balochistan lost all ten wickets for an addition of 52 runs as their batters failed while attempting big shots. Abdul Wahid was top-scorer with 29 off 23 balls (five fours). Bismillah Khan with 12 runs was the only other batter to reach double figures as the whole team was bowled out with 20 balls to spare.
Earlier, Sindh captain Sarfaraz Ahmed won the toss and opted to bat first. The left-handed opening pair of Sharjeel Khan and Shan Masood provided the side a flying start of 52 runs in 6.2 overs. Sharjeel who hit three sixes and one four in a typically aggressive 34 off 20 balls fell to Umaid Asif.
Khurram Manzoor was dismissed for 10 while Shan got run out a ball after hitting a big six, his 30-ball innings off 31 included three fours and one six. Saud Shakeel contributed 32 off 24 balls (four fours). Saud added 55 runs for the fourth-wicket with Sarfaraz.
Sarfaraz added 39 runs for the unbroken fifth-wicket alliance with Anwar Ali (22 off 13 balls). The wicketkeeper-batsman scored for his side with an unbeaten 41 off 25 balls that included three fours and a six off Umaid (last ball of the Sindh innings). Kashif Bhatti, Umaid and Khurram Shahzad took a wicket apiece for Balochistan.
Scores in Brief:
GFS Sindh beat Balochistan by 77 runs.
GFS Sindh 175-4, 20 overs (Sarfaraz Ahmed 41 not out, Sharjeel Khan 34, Saud Shakeel 32; Khurram Shahzad 1-25, Kashif Bhatti 1-31)
Balochistan 98 all out, 16.4 overs (Abdul Wahid Bangalzai 29, Imam-ul-Haq 19; Shahnawaz Dahani 4-12, Zahid Mahmood 3-18, Danish Aziz 2-23)
Player of the match: Zahid Mahmood
Thursday’s matches:
Northern vs Home City Central Punjab -3pm
GFS Sindh vs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa -7:30pm
PCB accepts resign of Wasim Khan
SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT
Lahore (September 29, 2021):-The Board of Governors of the Pakistan Cricket Board today met via videoconference in which they unanimously accepted the resignation of Chief Executive Wasim Khan, who had had joined the PCB on a three-year contract on 1 February 2019.
Following the meeting, PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja said: “During his time with the PCB, Wasim Khan provided excellent leadership, particularly following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic when very little information was available and precise decision-making was required to ensure cricket remained unaffected and continued to be played at the domestic and international levels.
“The PCB owes Wasim Khan a debt of gratitude for his good leadership and we wish him well in his future plans and career endeavours.”
Wasim Khan: “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the Pakistan Cricket Board and hugely satisfying to see the resumption of Test cricket with Sri Lanka playing Tests in Rawalpindi and Karachi, and the homecoming of the HBL Pakistan Super League during the last two years.
“When I arrived in 2019, there was a real need to build relationships and restore and enhance the global image and reputation of the PCB and Pakistan cricket. With decisive and strategic decision-making, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, we succeeded in earning the goodwill and respect of the global cricketing family, which I am hopeful will lead to increased international cricket being hosted in Pakistan in future.
“With a five-year strategy in place, new domestic structure in its third season and the investment in women’s cricket in an upward direction, I feel it is the right time to move on and reunite with my young family. They have sacrificed a lot so that I could fulfill my dreams of contributing to Pakistan cricket, which will always remain very close to my heart.
“I am grateful to have worked with all our fantastic commercial partners and the passionate people at the PCB. I would also like to thank each and every one of my staff for supporting me as well as the Pakistan men and women players, and the Pakistan cricket fans.
“Lastly, I want to wish PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja the very best during his tenure, I am sure there will be exciting times ahead for Pakistan Cricket under his leadership.”
National T20: Seating capacity doubled for Pindi matches
ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL
Rawalpindi (September 29, 2021):-Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced to increase the seating capacity from 25 % to 50 % the rest of matches at Pindi Cricket Stadium of National T20 Cup 2021 after the approval of National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC). It is pertinent to mention here that the ratio of corona patients has been decreasing day by day in the twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
According to PCB media department, only fully-vaccinated individuals will be allowed to buy the tickets and gain access to the stadium. Fans can continue to buy the tickets through www.bookme.pk, Bookme's mobile application and M&P courier offices across Pakistan.
Tickets can also be bought through Bookme’s helpline by 0313 7786 888. Spectators are requested to strictly adhere to government-mandated SOPs by wearing masks and maintaining social distancing when in the enclosures.
Terms & Conditions for spectators:
-Only vaccinated individuals will be allowed to purchase the tickets.
-NADRA-issued Vaccination Certificates must be shown at the time of purchase and when gaining access to the stadium.
-Original ID cards are mandatory.
-People under 18 are not allowed.
-Wearing of mask will be mandatory.
-Tickets are non-transferable.
-Anyone violating Bio-Secure protocols is liable to be evicted out of venue.
-All of the above terms will apply for complimentary and hospitality ticket holders as well.
Krunal Pandya wins hearts
By BIPIN DANI
Despite his poor performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), Krunal Pandya won the heart of his fans when he withdrew the appeal to run out K.L.Rahul, the captain of the Punjab Kings team.
In the 42nd IPL (night) match in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, Krunal Pandya bowled a yorker to Chris Gayle, and the batsman's straight drive hit non-striker Rahul and ball then ricocheted to bowler Krunal Pandya who not only whipped off the bails and appealed.
Realising his act of appealing against the spirit, Pandya withdrew the appeal.
"It (withdrawing the appeal) was in good spirit of the game because Rahul would not have attempted a run. Mumbai Indians are not in great form this year and it is indeed a creditable gesture Krunal has shown on the field", Krunal Pandya's mentor and former India stumper and selector, Kiran More said.
Incidentally, it was Kirn More who spotted talent in both Pandya brothers (Krunal and Hardik).
Krunal’s family was based in Surat with his (late) father Himanshu Pandya running a successful car business. But having watched his 6-year-old son Krunal enjoy the game so much, he decided to shift base to Baroda since Surat had no good cricket opportunities back then. He joined the famous Kiran More Cricket Academy there.
"Krunal has always been a sportsman".
"Now the game of cricket is being watched by millions of people and his recent sportsman spirit will be a good lesson for the young boys who are dreaming to be the cricketers", More added.
Kings Punjab skipper Rahul gave a thumb up to Krunal's gesture.
ICC and BCCI invite World Cup participating team representatives to discuss Biosafety Plan
By BIPIN DANI
The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Indian cricket board have invited the representatives of all the World Cup participating nations to attend an online briefing on Thursday, where the Strategic Biosafety Plan will be discussed, it is learnt here.
"The strategic objective of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Biosafety Plan is to develop straightforward easily understood protocols, that are objectively rational and strictly enforced to safeguard the wellbeing of participants, spectators and the communities of the UAE and Oman", one of the sources, speaking exclusively, said.
The ICC has formulated the Biosafety Scientific Advisory Group of five members and India's Dr. Abhijit Salve is the Event Chief Medical Officer. The ICC event is being hosted by the Indian cricket board.
Dr. David Musker (ICC's Covid Compliance Officer), Prof. Joe Toressi (Independent Biosafety Scientific Advisor), Dr. Peter Harcourt (Chairman of the ICC Medical Advisory Panel) and Dr. Gurjit Bhogal (Independent Medical Chair) are the other members of the group.
Following representatives will attend the briefing, which is scheduled to take place at 2.30 pm (UAE time).
Kate Beerworth & Alex Kountouris (Australia), Prasanth Panchada (Afghanistan), Debashish Chaudhary (Bangladesh), Dr. Nick Peirce & Moiz Moghal (England), Daminda Attanayake (Sri Lanka), Dayle Shackel (New Zealand), Dr. Shuaib Manjra (South Africa & ZW), Mark Rausa (Ireland), O. Gulston (West Indies) and Riaz Ahmed (Pakistan).
The ICC's other officials, Vanessa Hibkirk and Lorraine D'Souza will also attend the briefing, it is learnt.
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