Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin ReportMULTAN: Former captain Nida Dar completed 2,000 T20I runs as Pakistan defeated South Africa by 13 runs to level the three-match T20I series 1-1 at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan on Wednesday evening. South Africa had beaten Pakistan by 10 runs in the first T20I on Monday evening at the same venue. The third T20I of the series will be played on Friday, with the first ball to be bowled at 10am.In the must-win game, after being put into bat, Pakistan scored 181 for four in 20 overs – their highest T20I score, surpassing the 177 made against Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur in 2018. Openers Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali got going from the start as the pair struck four boundaries in 20 balls, before Gull was dismissed for 10 off 11 balls in the fourth over by Tumi Sekhukhune.With 25 runs on the board, left-handed batter Muneeba was joined by Sidra and the pair knitted a quick-fire 49 runs off 39 balls for the second wicket. Muneeba was next to return back to the pavilion after scoring 45 off 34 balls, which included six fours and two sixes with the scoreboard reading 74 for two in 10.2 overs.Sidra and Nida Dar got together and the pair added 26 runs off just 12 balls before Sidra was bowled by Sune Luus for 28. Sidra’s innings included three fours and a six. At 100 for three in 12.2 overs, Nida and captain Fatima Sana stitched a 60-run partnership for the fourth wicket off 38 balls.During the knock of 29 off 21 balls, which included four boundaries, Nida also brought up her 2,000 T20I runs. She became the third women cricketer for Pakistan to achieve this milestone after Bismah Maroof (2,893, 140 T20Is and Javeria Khan (2,018, 112 T20Is).That the hosts were able to score 181 in their 20 overs was largely due to an unbeaten knock of 37 off 23 balls by Fatima, which included three fours and two towering sixes. Aliya Riaz chipped in with an unbeaten 17 off seven balls, hitting two fours and a six.For South Africa, right-arm fast bowler Sekhukhune was the most successful bowler, grabbing two wickets for 30 runs in three overs.In turn, South Africa lost their in-form opening batter Tazmin Brits (nine, 10b, 1x4) in the third over of the innings to Sadia Iqbal. Earlier, in the same over, Pakistan suffered a blow, when their captain Fatima was hit on the face while fielding. Right-arm fast bowler Fatima was taken off the field and resultantly replaced by debutant left-arm pacer Tasmia Rubab as a concussion substitute. South Africa lost their second wicket in the ninth over with their captain Laura Wolvaardt departing for a 25-ball 36, laced with five fours and a six. After Wolvaardt’s departure, Anneke Bosch (24, 24b, 2x4s, 1x6) and Nadine de Klerk (12, 16b, 2x4s) soon followed their captain as South Africa were 88 for four in 13 overs.That the visiting team managed to score 168 and fell just 13 runs short of the target was due to an unbroken 80-run partnership for the fifth wicket between Sune Luus (53 not out, 29b, 6x4s, 1x6) and Chloe Tryon (30, 16b, 5x4s). For Pakistan, left-arm spinners Nashra Sundhu and Sadia Iqbal bagged two wickets apiece.Scores in brief (Pakistan beat South Africa by 13 runs):Pakistan 181-4, 20 overs (Muneeba Ali 45, Fatima Sana 37 not out, Nida Dar 29, Sidra Amin 28; Tumi Sekhukhune 2-30)South Africa 168-4, 20 overs (Sune Luus 53 not out, Laura Wolvaardt 36, Chloe Tryon 30 not out; Nashra Sundhu 2-20, Sadia Iqbal 2-27)Player of the match: Muneeba Ali (Pakistan). 

Sports Bulletin ReportMULTAN: South Africa beat Pakistan by 10 runs in the first T20I to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series here at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan on Monday evening.Chasing 133 to win, Pakistan struggled from the outset, losing half of their side in the 13th over with 47 runs on the board. At that time, captain Fatima Sana joined Aliya Riaz and the pair knitted an unbroken 75-run partnership for the sixth wicket, but fell 10 runs short of the target.Right-handed batter Fatima, scored an unbeaten 37 off 24 balls, which included five fours. Aliya, brought up her second T20I half-century and returned undefeated on 52 off 39 balls, smashing five fours and a six.For South Africa, Marizanne Kapp and Tumi Sekhukhune took two wickets each.Earlier, after being put into bat, South Africa managed to score 132 for four in their allotted 20 overs. Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts, bagging three wickets for 34 in four overs. Sadia’s third scalp in the 18th over of the innings marked her 50th T20I wicket in 41 matches.Former captain Nida Dar, playing her 154th T20I, bowled economically and gave away only 11 runs in her four overs and took the prized scalp of Kapp.For South Africa, opening batter Tazmin Brits returned undefeated on 56 off 63, hitting five fours. She knitted a 63-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Sune Luus (27, 27b, 4x4s) and an unbroken 28-run partnership with Chloe Tryon (15 not out, seven balls, 2x6s).Both sides will now feature in the second T20I at the same venue on Wednesday evening. The first ball of the match will be bowled at 1900 PST.Scores in briefSouth Africa beat Pakistan by 10 runsSouth Africa 132-4, 20 overs (Tazmin Brits 56 not out, Sune Luus 27; Sadia Iqbal 3-34)Pakistan 122-5, 20 overs (Aliya Riaz 52 not out, Fatima Sana 37 not out; Tumi Sekhukhune 2-15,Marizanne Kapp 2-22)Player of the match – Tazmin Brits (South Africa).  

Sports Bulletin ReportMULTAN: The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed a five-member commentary panel and one presenter for the Pakistan v South Africa women series taking place at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan.The three-match T20I series is scheduled to take place on 16, 18 and 20 September, with the first ball of the first and second T20I matches to be bowled at 7.00pm, while the third T20I will be begin at 10.00am.Bazid Khan, Ejaz Ahmed, Hijab Zahid, Kainat Imtiaz and Sana Mir will be on the commentary panel for the series, while Sawera Pasha will serve as the presenter.Cricket fans in Pakistan will be able to watch the matches in high definition on A Sports. Livestreaming for viewers across the Pakistan region will be available on the PCB’s official YouTube channel.Also, to encourage fans to come to the ground, the entrance to the stadium will be free. The spectators will be required to bring their original ID card to get inside the stadium.

Sports Bulletin ReportMultan (September 12, 2024): Pakistan and South Africa women’s cricket teams are set to feature in a three-match T20I series from 16 to 20 September at the Multan Cricket Stadium. The first and second T20I on 16 and 18 September, respectively, will start at 7pm while the third T20I on 20 September will begin at 10am.Schedule of training, media opportunities and T20Is:13 September - South Africa women’s team will arrive in Lahore early morning. They will travel to Multan from Lahore on a chartered flight. The PCB will provide arrival footage to the media in WhatsApp groups. Pakistan women’s team will train at the Inzamam-ul-Haq Cricket Academy from 3:30pm. This will be a vision only opportunity and no media interviews are planned. For further information, please contact the team media manager.14 September – Pakistan and South Africa are scheduled to train at the Multan Cricket Stadium from 2.00pm. Before training, a Pakistan women’s cricketer will be available for brief stand-up interviews.15 September - Both teams will train at the Multan Cricket Stadium from 6pm. Beforehand, opposite captains Laura Wolvaardt of South Africa and Pakistan’s Fatima Sana will hold pre-series media conference at the press conference hall and also participate in the pre-series photoshoot with the trophy.16 September – The first T20I will begin at 7pm with the toss taking place at 6:30pm. At the conclusion of the match, the PCB will provide brief interview of the star performer of the match.17 September - Both teams will rest and have no media commitments planned.18 September - The second T20I will begin at 7pm with the toss taking place at 6:30pm. At the conclusion of the match, the PCB will provide brief interview of the star performer of the match.19 September – Both sides are scheduled for an optional training session. An update regarding the training session will be shared in due course.20 September – The third T20I will begin at 10am with the toss taking place at 9:30am. At the conclusion of the match, star performers from both sides will hold post-series media conferences. 

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Pakistan and South Africa women’s cricket teams will prepare for next month’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the UAE by competing in a three-match series at the Multan Cricket Stadium.The South Africa team will arrive in Multan on 13 September, with matches scheduled for 16, 18, and 20 September. To ensure all three matches are broadcast live and give exposure to women’s cricket, the matches on 16 and 18 September will start at 7pm, while the match on 20 September will begin at 10am.After the series, South Africa will depart for the UAE on 21 September, while Pakistan will leave on 23 September. Pakistan is in Group A of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, along with Australia, India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka, while South Africa is grouped with Bangladesh, England, Scotland and the West Indies.Following warm-up matches against Scotland and Bangladesh on 28 and 30 September, respectively, Pakistan will face Sri Lanka on 3 October in Sharjah, followed by matches against India on 6 October in Dubai, Australia on 11 October in Dubai and New Zealand on 14 October in Dubai.Names of players: Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal (subject to fitness), Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba Hassan.Najiha Alvi (wicket-keeper, traveling reserve), Rameen Shamim and Umm-e-Hani (both non-traveling reserves) will be part of the pre-series training camp and series in Multan. However, only Najiha will travel to the UAE with the squad.Supporting Staff: Hina Munawar (manager), Mohammad Wasim (head coach), Junaid Khan (assistant coach – bowling), Hanif Malik (assistant coach – fielding), Abdur Rehman (spin bowling coach), Imran Khalil (strength and conditioning coach), Raza Kitchlew (media and digital manager), Rabia Siddiq (physiotherapist) and Waleed Ahmed (analyst).Schedule of matches:16 Sep – 1st T20I, Multan Cricket Stadium (7pm start)18 Sep – 2nd T20I, Multan Cricket Stadium (7pm start)20 Sep – 3rd T20I, Multan Cricket Stadium (10am start).

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Fatima Sana has been named as the Pakistan women’s cricket team captain for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the United Arab Emirates from 3 to 20 October. The decision was a unanimously one made by the women’s national selection committee.22-year-old Fatima, who has featured in 41 ODIs and 40 T20Is, has previously led Pakistan emerging and domestic sides. She also captained the Pakistan side to a famous ODI win against New Zealand in a Super Over at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch, in December 2023.Fatima will replace 37-year-old all-rounder Nida Dar, who took over as all-format captain from Bismah Maroof. Nida, a veteran of 112 ODIs and 153 T20Is, is part of the side that has been clubbed with Australia, India, New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Group A. The revised fixtures of the group will be announced by ICC in due course.The selection committee has made only one change in the squad, which featured in last month’s ACC Women’s Asia Cup in Sri Lanka. Right-handed batter Sadaf Shamas, who was also part of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa, has made a comeback in the squad in place of wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi, who will travel with the side as a reserve player.From the 2023 edition, 10 players (Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin and Tuba Hassan) have been retained, while uncapped left-arm pacer Tasmia Rubab makes it to the final 15. Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal has been included in the squad subject to fitness.Pakistan squad: Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal (subject to fitness), Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba HassanTraveling reserve: Najiha Alvi (wicket-keeper)Non-traveling reserves: Rameen Shamim and Umm-e-Hani

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): Sixteen teams from around the world will take part in the 41-match event where the future stars of women’s cricket will announce themselves over 15 days of competition from 18 January to 2 February 2025. Over and above these exciting matches will be 16 warm-up fixtures played from 13 to 16 January, in preparation for the main event.The second edition of this exciting tournament comes on the back of a successful inauguration in South Africa in 2023 where India beat England by seven wickets in a thrilling final to be crowned the first-ever winners. It will also be the hosts, Malaysia’s first appearance in the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup as well as Samoa’s first appearance in an ICC World Cup event.ICC CEO, Geoff Allardice said: “We are delighted to announce the schedule for the second edition of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup and bringing an ICC event of this stature to Malaysia for the first time since the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2008. This is a special event to the ICC and forms an important part of our Global Growth Strategy of raising the profile of women’s cricket and further growing the game around the world. It is also a unique opportunity to introduce our vast global audiences to the future stars of the sport. We look forward to building on the success from the foundation laid at the inaugural event in South Africa in 2023. We wish all the teams the very best of luck in their preparation and to the Malaysian Cricket Association in organising the event.”Host Tournament Director for the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup 2025, Dinesh Muthuraman said: "Malaysia is proud to host the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in 2025, continuing our tradition of supporting the growth of cricket on the global stage. In 2008, we had the honour of hosting the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, where current stars like Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson and Trent Boult among many others, showcased their talents. Now, it is the turn of women’s cricket, and we are confident that this U19 Women’s T20 World Cup will be a launching pad for the next generation of cricketing legends. Women’s cricket is experiencing unprecedented growth both in Malaysia and around the world. We are fully confident that this World Cup will further accelerate that momentum, leading to significant developments in the sport, especially for women’s cricket.”Groups (4):Group A - India (A1), West Indies (A2), Sri Lanka (A3) and Malaysia (A4), playing at Bayuemas Oval in Selangor.Group B - England (B1), Pakistan (B2), Ireland (B3) and USA (B4) playing at Dato’ Dr. Harjit Singh Johor Cricket Academy (JCA Oval), Johor.Group C - New Zealand (C1), South Africa (C2), Africa’s Qualifier (C3) and Samoa (C4) and playing at Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak.Group D - Australia (D1), Bangladesh (D2), Asia’s Qualifier (D3) and Scotland (D4) and playing at UKM YSD Oval in Selangor.Schedule (U19 Women’s T20 World Cup):January 18: Australia v Scotland, 10:30 am, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 18: England v Ireland, 10:30 am, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 18: Samoa v Africa Qualifier, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 18: Bangladesh v Asia Qualifier, 2:30 pm, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 18: Pakistan v USA, 2:30 pm, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 18: New Zealand v South Africa, 2:30 pm, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 19: Sri Lanka v Malaysia, 10:30 am, Bayuemas OvalJanuary, 19: India v West Indies, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 20: Australia v Bangladesh, 10:30 am, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 20: Ireland v USA, 10:30 am, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 20: New Zealand v Africa Qualifier, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)Januray 20: Scotland v Asia Qualifier, 2:30 pm, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 20: England v Pakistan, 2:30 pm, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 20: South Africa v Samoa, 2:30 pm, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 21: West Indies v Sri Lanka, 10:30 am, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 21: India v Malaysia, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 22: Bangladesh v Scotland, 10:30 am, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 22: England v USA, 10:30 am, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 22: New Zealand v Samoa, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 22: Australia v Asia Qualifier, 2:30 pm, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 22: Pakistan v Ireland, 2:30 pm, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 22: South Africa v Africa Qualifier, 2:30 pm, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 23: Malaysia v West Indies, 10:30 am, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 23: India v Sri Lanka, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 24: B4 v C4, 10:30 am, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 24: A4 v D4, 2:30 pm, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 25: Super Six - B2 v C3, 10:30 am, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 25: Super Six - B1 v C2, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 25: Super Six - A3 v D1, 2:30 pm, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 25: Super Six - C1 v B3, 2:30 pm, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 26: Super Six - A2 v D3, 10:30 am, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 26: Super Six - A1 v D2, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 27: Super Six - B1 v C3, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 28: Super Six - A3 v D2, 10:30 am, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 28: Super Six - C1 v B2, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 28: Super Six - A1 v D3, 2:30 pm, BayuemJas OvalJanuary 29: Super Six - C2 v B3, 10:30 am, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 29: Super Six - A2 v D1, 2:30 pm, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 31: Semi-Final 1, 10:30 am, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 31: Semi-Final 2, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas OvalFebruary 2: Final, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas Oval

Sports Bulletin ReportDambulla (Sri Lanka): Pakistan completed a nine-wicket rout of Nepal in a must-win encounter of the ACC Women's T20 Asia Cup here at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Sri Lanka on Sunday evening.Captain Nida Dar decided to field first after winning the toss. Nepal Women set a modest target of 109 for Pakistan, who in turn surpassed it with little trouble, making 110 for one in just 11.5 overs, with 49 balls to spare.Gull Feroza led the Pakistan charge as she scored her maiden half-century and alongside her opening partner Muneeba Ali, they produced a 105-run partnership for the first wicket. Gull, who reached her half-century in 30 balls, went on to score 57 runs with 10 fluent boundaries. Muneeba, who remained not out at 46, faced 34 balls and hit eight fours. Tuba Hassan was the other unbeaten Pakistan batter.The Pakistan opening pair rode on the brilliance of their bowlers that kept Nepal’s batters silent while their fielding also played a pivotal role by inflicting three crucial run-outs.Nepal managed to post a total of 108 for six in their allotted 20 overs in an important encounter of the tournament. Sita Rana Magar led the scoring with 26 runs, while Kabita Joshi remained unbeaten on 31.A late partnership of 34 runs for the sixth wicket between Puja Mahato (25, 32b, 3x4s) and Joshi lifted Nepal to a fightable score.For Pakistan, Sadia Iqbal was the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets for 19 runs in her four overs. Fatima Sana also contributed with a tidy spell, taking one wicket for 24.Scores in brief:Nepal Women 108-6, 20 overs (Kabita Joshi 31 not out, Sita Rana Magar 26, Puja Mahato 25; Sadia Iqbal 2-19, Fatima Sana 1-24)Pakistan Women 110-1, 11.5 overs (Gull Feroza 57, Muneeba Ali 46 not out; Kabita Joshi 1-19)Pakistan’s next match - vs UAE, 23 July, Dambulla.

Capsey hits unbeaten 67 as England Women seal IT20 series against New ZealandSports Bulletin ReportCenterbury (England): Alice Capsey hit an unbeaten 67 as England Women clinched a close win over New Zealand in the third Vitality IT20 to seal the series at The Spitfire Ground, Canterbury.Nat Sciver-Brunt captained the side, winning the toss and choosing to bowl. The White Ferns made a strong start, before Sophie Ecclestone removed Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr in her first over. Sophie Ecclestone took 4-25 while Lauren Filer (2-17) and Sarah Glenn (1-14) also impressed.Skipper Sophie Devine top-scored with an unbeaten 58 in the tourist’s 141-8. Capsey and Sophia Dunkley hit a combined 66 before Fran Jonas removed Dunkley (35) and Sciver-Brunt (0) in successive balls to leave England 66-3. Capsey, along with Freya Kemp’s 16 off eight balls sealed a six-wicket victory.Women’s One-Day Series:26 June: 1st Women’s One-Day International – Seat Unique Riverside, Chester-le-Street – England won by nine wickets30 June: 2nd Women’s One-Day International – New Road, Worcester – England won by eight wickets3 July: 3rd Women’s One-Day International – Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol – England won by five wicketsWomen’s IT20 Series:6 July: 1st Women’s IT20 – The Utilita Bowl, Southampton – England won by 59 runs9 July: 2nd Women’s IT20 – The 1st Central County Ground, Hove – England won by 23 runs (DLS method)11 July: 3rd Women’s IT20 – The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence – England won by six wickets13 July: 4th Women’s IT20 – The Kia Oval, London17 July: 5th Women’s IT20 – Lord’s, London.

Sports Bulletin ReportSouthampton (England): Hosts English Women defeated New Zealand by 59 runs in the opening fixture of a five-match T20 International series at The Utilita Bowl, Southampton, Englnad on Saturday.England Women opened their five-match Vitality IT20 series against New Zealand with a 59-run win at The Utilita Bowl, Southampton. Opener Danni Wyatt's 76 from 51 balls, Nat Sciver-Brunt's 47 from 23 as well as Freya Kemp's unbeaten 26 saw England finish on 197-3.Sarah Glenn, one of England’s four spinners in their line-up, took three wickets in the 10th over, including Suzie Bates on 43 and captain Sophie Devine for a duck which were decisive. Charlie Dean took two while Linsey Smith, Sophie Ecclestone and left-arm seamer Kemp claimed a wicket each.Women’s One-Day International Series:26 June: 1st Women’s One-Day International – Seat Unique Riverside, Chester-le-Street – England won by nine wickets30 June: 2nd Women’s One-Day International – New Road, Worcester – England won by eight wickets3 July: 3rd Women’s One-Day International – Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol – England won by five wicketsWomen’s T20 Series:6 July: 1st Women’s IT20 – The Utilita Bowl, Southampton – England won by 59 runs9 July: 2nd Women’s IT20 – The 1st Central County Ground, Hove11 July: 3rd Women’s IT20 – The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence13 July: 4th Women’s IT20 – The Kia Oval, London17 July: 5th Women’s IT20 – Lord’s, London.