Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report DHAKA, Bangladesh:-The three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will commence from Friday, 19 November in Dhaka. The remaining two matches of the series will be played on 20 and 22 November at the same venue. Pakistan team training details: 16 November: Pakistan cricket team will hold a training session at the NCAG Mirpur at 1030. The PCB will provide videos, photos and interviews of squad members, which can be used for editorial purposes only. 17 November: Pakistan cricket team will hold a training session at the NCAG Mirpur at 1345. The PCB will provide videos, photos and interviews of squad members, which can be used for editorial purposes only. 18 November: Pakistan cricket team will hold a training session at the NCAG Mirpur at 1600. The PCB will provide videos, photos and interviews of squad members, which can be used for editorial purposes only. 19 November: First T20I match at Sher-E-Bangla Cricket Stadium Dhaka, first ball to be bowled at 1400. 20 November: Second T20I match at Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium Dhaka, first ball to be bowled at 1400. 21 November: Pakistan cricket team will hold a training session at the NCAG Mirpur from 1345. The PCB will provide videos, photos and interviews of squad members, which can be used for editorial purposes only. 22 November: Third T20I match at Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium Dhaka, first ball to be bowled at 1400.

Aamir Ali Janjua DUBAI, UEA:-Players from six teams have been named in the Official ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Upstox Most Valuable Team of the Tournament Players from champions Australia, runners-up New Zealand, England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and South Africa feature in the team selected on the basis of performances in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 Opening batter David Warner, leg-spinner Adam Zampa and seamer Josh Hazlewood all make the cut for Australia after helping steer their side to their first ever ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title. There are also spots for England ace Jos Buttler as wicketkeeper, Pakistan’s Babar Azam as captain, New Zealand left-armer Trent Boult and Sri Lanka star Wanindu Hasaranga – the tournament’s leading wicket-taker – in the line-up. The side was pulled together by a selection panel featuring commentators, former international players and journalists Ian Bishop (Convenor), Natalie Germanos, Shane Watson, Lawrence Booth - of Wisden, the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday - and Shahid Hashmi of Agence France Presse and ARY Channel. Ian Bishop said: “As with any team selection there will be varying opinions, and robust discussion on the final composition of the squad. The panel respects that, and we encourage the strong debate that will ensue. This team was incredibly difficult to select over such a highly competitive tournament. Selections were based predominantly on the Super 12 onward to the final.” The team of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 (in batting order) is: David Warner (Australia) – 289 runs at 48.16 Jos Buttler (wk) (England) – 269 runs at 89.66, five dismissals Babar Azam (Captain, Pakistan) – 303 runs at 60.60 Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka) – 231 runs at 46.20 Aiden Markram (South Africa) – 162 runs at 54.00 Moeen Ali (England) – 92 runs at strike rate of 131.42, seven wickets at 11 Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) – 16 wickets at 9.75 Adam Zampa (Australia) – 13 wickets at 12.07 Josh Hazlewood (Australia) – 11 wickets at 15.90 Trent Boult (New Zealand) – 13 wickets at 13.30 Anrich Nortje (South Africa) – nine wickets at 11.55 12th: Shaheen Afridi – seven wickets at 24.14

Sports Reporter DUBHAI, UEA:-Matchwinner Mitchell Marsh thanked the Australian selectors for revitalising his white-ball career after steering his side to an emphatic first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title against New Zealand. Matchwinner Mitchell Marsh thanked the Australian selectors for revitalising his white-ball career after steering his side to an emphatic first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title against New Zealand. Marsh’s brutal 77 not out from No.3 helped down Kane Williamson’s Black Caps by eight wickets in Dubai and extend his consistent personal form at the top end of the order. Marsh, 30, was catapulted to the crucial position during Australia’s tour of West Indies in July and repaid the favour in style by racking up 185 runs throughout the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021. And asked about the secret to his newfound success with the bat, Marsh – who averaged over 61 in the tournament – said: “The coaching staff came up to me in the West Indies about six months ago and said I was going to bat three for this tournament and series – and I absolutely jumped at the idea of that. “I’d done a little bit for the [Perth] Scorchers back home, but I’ve obviously got all the staff and everyone involved In the Australian setup [to thank] for backing me and getting me up the top there. “I just love playing my role for this team. “I feel like a lot of people say this, but I don’t really have words right now. “What an amazing six weeks with this group of men – I absolutely love them to death and we’re world champions.” Arriving at the crease in the third over after the dismissal of captain Aaron Finch, Marsh kickstarted the pyrotechnics in style by striking his very first ball for six off the bowling of Adam Milne. And clubbing the next two for four propelled him to 14 off three and helped set the tone for his and David Warner’s – 53 off 38 balls – second innings onslaught. Justin Langer’s side comfortably chased down their target of 173 to win and asked about the show-stopping start to his innings, Marsh added: “I’ll be honest with you, there wasn’t a whole lot of thinking that goes into that. “I just wanted to get out there and have a presence. Marcus Stoinis always talks to me about having a presence and getting in the contest. “That allows me to go out there and play my game – I can’t believe it and it’s unbelievable.” Williamson’s masterful 85 off 48 balls – the fastest ever half-century in an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Final – helped haul his team to a competitive-looking total after seamer Josh Hazlewood took a skilful three for 16. But spearheaded by Marsh and in-form Warner – crowned Player of the Tournament for his 289 runs at an average of 48 – the Australians proved too hot for the usually-economical New Zealand attack to handle. The triumph marked their maiden ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title and Warner, part of the team who lost to England in the 2010 Final in the West Indies, admits the long-awaited triumph finally banished those Bridgetown demons. The 35-year-old, who won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup against New Zealand six years ago, said: “This is right up there with 2015. “Being part of the World Cup Final against England a decade ago really hurt, but winning one was fantastic. “These guys are a great bunch of guys. We’ve got great support staff and support around the world, especially at home.” Captain Finch, 34, added: “This is huge to be the first Australian team to be able to do it. “I’m so proud of the way the guys went about it the whole campaign. They were brilliant from the start and I’m so proud. “We had some great individual and team performances – it’s been fantastic.” AUSTRALIA (Playing XIs): 1. Aaron Finch (C) 2. David Warner 3. Mitchell Marsh 4. Glenn Maxwell 5. Steve Smith 6. Marcus Stoinis 7. Matthew Wade (WK) 8. Pat Cummins 9. Mitchell Starc 10. Adam Zampa 11. Josh Hazlewood NEW ZEALAND (Playing XIs): 1. Daryl Mitchell 2. Martin Guptill 3. Kane Williamson (C) 4. Glenn Phillips 5. Tim Seifert (WK) 6. Jimmy Neesham 7. Mitchell Santner 8. Adam Milne 9. Tim Southee 10. Ish Sodhi 11. Trent Boult Match Officials: Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle On-field umpires: Marais Erasmus and Richard Kettleborough TV umpire: Nitin Menon Fourth umpire: Kumar Dharmasena

Special Report DUBAI:-New Zealand set 173 runs target for Australia to win the ICC T20 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2021 at Dubai International Stadium, Dubai on Sunday night. AUSTRALIA (Playing XIs): 1. Aaron Finch (C) 2. David Warner 3. Mitchell Marsh 4. Glenn Maxwell 5. Steve Smith 6. Marcus Stoinis 7. Matthew Wade (WK) 8. Pat Cummins 9. Mitchell Starc 10. Adam Zampa 11. Josh Hazlewood NEW ZEALAND (Playing XIs): 1. Daryl Mitchell 2. Martin Guptill 3. Kane Williamson (C) 4. Glenn Phillips 5. Tim Seifert (WK) 6. Jimmy Neesham 7. Mitchell Santner 8. Adam Milne 9. Tim Southee 10. Ish Sodhi 11. Trent Boult Match Officials: Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle On-field umpires: Marais Erasmus and Richard Kettleborough TV umpire: Nitin Menon Fourth umpire: Kumar Dharmasena

Special Report DUBAI:-The stage is ready for the championship match of ICC T20 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2021 at Dubai International Stadium, Dubai on Sunday night. AUSTRALIA (Playing XIs): 1. Aaron Finch (C) 2. David Warner 3. Mitchell Marsh 4. Glenn Maxwell 5. Steve Smith 6. Marcus Stoinis 7. Matthew Wade (WK) 8. Pat Cummins 9. Mitchell Starc 10. Adam Zampa 11. Josh Hazlewood NEW ZEALAND (Playing XIs): 1. Daryl Mitchell 2. Martin Guptill 3. Kane Williamson (C) 4. Glenn Phillips 5. Tim Seifert (WK) 6. Jimmy Neesham 7. Mitchell Santner 8. Adam Milne 9. Tim Southee 10. Ish Sodhi 11. Trent Boult Match Officials: Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle On-field umpires: Marais Erasmus and Richard Kettleborough TV umpire: Nitin Menon Fourth umpire: Kumar Dharmasena Australia Squad: Aaron Finch (C), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins (VC), Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa New Zealand Squad: Kane Williamson (c) – Todd Astle – Trent Boult – Mark Chapman – Devon Conway – Lockie Ferguson – Martin Guptill – Kyle Jamieson – Daryl Mitchell – Jimmy Neesham – Glenn Phillips – Mitchell Santner – Tim Seifert (wk) – Ish Sodhi – Tim Southee – Adam Milne* (injury cover)  

DUBAI,UEA(Aamir Ali Janjua)Aaron Finch says the aftermath of Australia’s heavy defeat to England helped propel his side into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 final, where they face New Zealand. Finch’s side were soundly beaten by the ICC Cricket World Cup (50-over) champions in their third Group 1 game, going down by eight wickets. Their campaign hinged on the five-day period that followed, allowing them to recover physically and redouble their tactical focus. “We were disappointed after that game, obviously,” said Finch. “We had a couple of days off to regroup after a gruelling couple of weeks of the tournament when we had to go through quarantine and really hard training. “It gave us the chance to freshen up mentally and physically. We talked about staying committed to being aggressive. “We felt we were a bit timid against England and got outplayed in the powerplay, particularly with the way that Chris Woakes bowled. “It was just about staying really aggressive. In this format, when you’re up against top opposition, you don’t get many opportunities to get into the game and you have to find every small edge. “We just reiterated that, as a team, that’s the way we wanted to go about the tournament.” Since then, Australia overran Bangladesh and West Indies by eight wickets before a stunning five-wicket semi-final triumph over Pakistan, coming up on the rails to reach the final. It is the second time an Australian men’s team have reached the T20 World Cup final, reaching that stage for the first time in 2010 when they went down to England. Australia’s results in the shortest form of the game have been patchy in recent years - they last won a bilateral series in February 2020 and lost five in a row coming into the tournament. “Everyone had written us off but we had a lot of confidence within in the way we were preparing and our strategy was coming together,” said Finch. “We haven’t defied expectations, we came here with a clear plan to win the tournament and we’ve still got the squad to do that.” Similarly, it feels like New Zealand are pegged as dark horses every time they enter an ICC major event. That doesn’t stack up with their record - they reached the finals of the last two Cricket World Cups, the semi-finals of the 2016 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and won the inaugural ICC World Test Championship. They proved their big-game mettle in the semi-finals with a five-wicket win over England. Captain Kane Williamson said: “The side has been operating well as a collective and playing for each other. “We saw a pretty exciting semi-final, both semi-finals actually were somewhat similar. You see moments in games that are match-defining and games that can take quite a sharp turn when you have some key performances. “That’s why the tournament has been exciting, you looked across the board and saw match-winners throughout and that every team could beat anyone on their day. “We’ve tried to learn and grow throughout and we have another opportunity to do that.” New Zealand lost fast bowler Lockie Ferguson to injury before the tournament and now will be without batter Devin Conway for the final. Conway suffered a hand injury after punching his bat after being dismissed in the semi-final. “The loss of Devin is a big one, he’s been a big part of all formats for us,” said Williamson.“ It’s a disappointing and freak thing to happen.” “For us, it’s keeping our focus on the task and all of our players are focused on the opportunity, to go out and adjust to a different venue and opposition tomorrow.”

SPECIAL REPORT: While the spotlight was on India, Pakistan, England and Australia throughout the tournament there was a little voice inside my head saying: ‘hang on don’t forget about New Zealand’. They are the current World Test champions, played in the last 50-over World Cup final and their white-ball cricket has been exceptional over the past couple of years. They are street smart and organised and have an inspirational leader in Kane Williamson. Batting first, England would’ve felt the pressure to put a good score on the board with teams in this tournament preferring to chase. New Zealand have a very strong bowling attack and had the perfect start, breaking the new opening partnership of Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler. In a high-pressure game, 160 is a good score and thanks to Moeen Ali, Dawid Malan and a late cameo from Liam Livingstone they reached a total they would’ve felt was defendable in a finals match. Chasing in a semifinal, you want your big guns to fire but when the Black Caps lost Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson, the hopes of a nation were on the shoulders of World Cup newcomers Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway. On the big stage, this was their opportunity to make a name for themselves in white-ball cricket, and they knew exactly the game they needed to play, blocking out the noise and playing every ball on its merit. That’s the important thing about T20, if one solid partnership can take the game as deep as possible and you have big hitters at the back end, anything is possible. New Zealand won’t mind who they are playing in the final. They’ve already overcome a huge hurdle and got one over England which shows they can handle the heat when it's on them. In a final, it's about doing the basics as well as possible. That, group is really focused on the fundamentals, but also have the ability to flick the switch to fifth gear and blow teams out of the water. Their focus will be on getting themselves ready and controlling what they can control. Whoever they come up against, they'll be ready for them.

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Dubai (November 12, 2021):-Umpires Marais Erasmus and Richard Kettleborough will assume on-field duties in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 to be played between Australia and New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. Umpires Marais Erasmus and Richard Kettleborough will assume on-field duties in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 to be played between Australia and New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. Nitin Menon will be the TV umpire for the match while Kumar Dharmasena will be the fourth umpire. The final will be overseen by Match Referee Ranjan Madugalle. Match Officials for the final: Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle On-field umpires: Marais Erasmus and Richard Kettleborough TV umpire: Nitin Menon Fourth umpire: Kumar Dharmasena

SPECIAL REPORT: Even though they ended up losing, I’m incredibly proud of the way this Pakistan team performed and how close they came to reaching the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 final.  In the end it came down to a few lapses in the field because they had put the runs on the board and everyone contributed. They just could not quite get over the line against Australia.  Shaheen Shah Afridi’s first over was incredible. That is becoming an event, everything stops when he has the new ball in his hand. He has been brilliant and builds up pressure because of his consistency, his application and his skill. The best batters in the world feel under pressure when he has that new ball and it is incredible the way he has used it in this tournament.  This team knew they were good enough to perform like this, 12 of the 15 won the Champions Trophy so it was in their muscle memory. That’s why I, along with a lot of people, knew that you could not rule them out.  The tournament did show that Pakistan are still quite new to these sort of match-ups and how teams use data to plan, execute and select their teams. That is an area where I think they can improve, and likewise when it comes to dealing with pressure.  And the last thing, which might have been the key to the semi-final, is about using all 15 players in the squad. Since the warm-ups, Pakistan have stuck with the same XI throughout, whereas there might have been an opportunity to try some other plans, or bring in a top player like Mohammad Wasim Jnr at some point. We saw Australia change things, leaving out Marcus Stoinis at one point then bringing him back and he ended up being the match winner.  It can be good to test a few people just to give yourself options when it comes to the knockout stages.  Australia seem to be peaking at just the right time and the way they have planned and covered all bases for these knockout stages has been really impressive. They knew they needed the extra batting and it won them the semi-final.  What is great about this team is that they were still not at their best, they missed a few chances in the field so they can still improve on this performance which makes them even more dangerous.  I would love to see New Zealand lift the trophy, but I think Australia may have the edge in the final because they have the better balance, particularly with Devon Conway out injured. He has been such a key player for New Zealand and his absence might just swing it Australia’s way. 

SPECIAL REPORT Dubai (November 11, 2021):-Australia reached in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2021 after beating Pakistan by five wickets in the second semifinal at Dubai International Stadium Dubai on Thursday night. When David Warner and Glenn Maxwell fell in successive overs from Shadab Khan, the chase of 177 seemed doomed, but Stoinis and Wade had other ideas as they put on 81 in 7.4 overs. Stoinis started the comeback as he went after Haris Rauf, but it was Wade who did the most damage with three consecutive sixes off Shaheen Shah Afridi after being dropped by Hasan Ali to seal an unlikely success. Pakistan had made 176 for four batting first thanks to half-centuries from Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman, while Shadab Khan’s four for 26 looked to have swung the game their way. But this Australia team has already shown incredible resolve in this tournament and it was the case again here as they dug themselves out of a hole to reach a second ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final. It was a remarkable game, with Pakistan batting consultant Matthew Hayden revealing that Rizwan had spent the previous night in hospital with a lung problem, but he was fit to take his place in Dubai as Pakistan were put in to bat. And while he looked very nervous early on, Babar Azam was able to score quickly before Rizwan settled in. He was almost dismissed off Maxwell, a surprise choice to bowl in the powerplay, with Warner racing back but not quite able to take a stunner over his shoulder. The turning point for Rizwan seemed to be the first ball of the fifth over from Josh Hazlewood which he smashed for six over the legside, before being given a second life, Adam Zampa this time putting down a tough chance off the last ball of the powerplay when it was whipped flat down to him at long leg but slipped from his grasp inches from the ground. With 47 for none, Pakistan had their best score of the powerplay in the tournament and Babar continued to press on. But Maxwell and Zampa then managed to stem the flow of runs and that pressure told as Babar tried to take on the latter, picking out Warner on the boundary. Maxwell’s bowling was proving crucial, ensuring that Australia’s fifth bowler would not prove the weak link as he went for just 20 from three overs. Rizwan’s charge was slowed by a vicious short delivery from Mitchell Starc which rattled into the grill on his helmet. He responded by hitting Hazlewood for six before getting to his half-century the next delivery.  In this tournament, Pakistan have been exceptional in the final four overs, and it was no different here as Fakhar finally found his groove, smashing Hazlewood for six over long-on before Rizwan put a high full toss away for four and the resulting free hit into the stands for six. With 21 off that over and 49 off his four, Hazlewood proved expensive. Eventually, Rizwan went for 67, scooping Starc to mid-off, but Fakhar, the only Pakistan batter who had not really fired in this tournament to date, had his eye in. The next ball he smashed Starc miles back over his head before almost taking out umpire Chris Gaffaney with a straight four. Asif Ali had averaged a six every three balls in this tournament, but he could not contribute this time, picking out Steve Smith on the boundary on his first ball, from Pat Cummins. It should have been two in two but Smith put down Fakhar next ball, running in from the boundary as he watched the ball bounce out of his hands.  While Cummins went for just three runs off the 19th over, and Starc removed Shoaib Malik at the start of the last, back-to-back sixes from Fakhar took him to an unbeaten 55 and Pakistan to an imposing 176 for four. Australia’s chase got off to the worst possible start as Shaheen produced one of the overs of the tournament to kick things off. He trapped Aaron Finch leg before off the third delivery, then Mitchell Marsh almost suffered the same fate from a yorker next ball, surviving the review thanks to a pair of umpire’s calls. In the fourth over, Warner started to take a liking to Imad Wasim, and as he and Marsh got going, suddenly Australia were motoring along. By the end of the powerplay, they had 52 for one, the best of any team against Pakistan, but Shadab did for Marsh, a steepling catch well held by Asif as he fell for 28. Mohammad Hafeez was brought into the attack and his first ball gripped in the hand and came out all wrong, bouncing twice before Warner lifted it into the stands, a no-ball rubbing salt into the wounds. Steve Smith became Shadab’s second victim, again trying to attack and finding the fielder in the outfield, Fakhar the safe pair of hands on this occasion. Warner was nearly run out after a misjudged single from Maxwell gave Fakhar a chance with a direct hit. It felt like Warner had the win at his fingertips, while he was there, Australia were favourites. But the ball after the drinks break he went after one from Shadab that went away from him, nicking through to Rizwan. The elation from bowler and keeper as Warner fell for 49 told its own story. Remarkably, a replay appeared to indicate that Warner had missed the ball, but like everyone else, he obviously thought he had hit it, choosing not to review. Shadab was piling on the pressure and he got another, again with the help of some good fielding, as Haris Rauf caught Maxwell with a diving grab in the deep from a reverse sweep as Australia’s most destructive batter departed for seven. It was down to Stoinis and Wade and after another fine over from Shaheen, the equation was 62 from five overs. Stoinis was first to take on the bowlers as targeted Haris, with a huge six over midwicket followed by a four driven straight back past the bowler. The next over it was Wade who stepped into Hasan, hitting him back over his head for six to bring up the fifty partnership as Australia took 15 off the over in all, leaving 22 to get off two. Shaheen returned for the penultimate over and Hasan had the chance to remove Wade, dropping the keeper in the outfield after he did not connect with a heave over midwicket. A ball later, Wade jumped across his stumps and scooped Shaheen for six to take Australia to within touching distance. Scores in Brief Australia beat Pakistan at Dubai International Stadium, Dubai by five wickets Pakistan 176/4 in 20 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 67, Fakhar Zaman 55 not out; Mitchell Starc 2/38, Adam Zampa 1/22) Australia 177/5 in 19 overs (David Warner 49, Matthew Wade 41 not out; Shadab Khan 4/26, Shaheen Shah Afridi 1/35) Player of the Match: Matthew Wade (Australia)