Cricket
T10: Phil Salt's spicy innings sets up Team Abu Dhabi for big win
Sports Bulletin ReportAbu Dhabi (UAE): Abu Dhabi: A power-packed performance from Team Abu Dhabi skipper Phil Salt gave a scintillating start to the Season 8 of Abu Dhabi T10 at Zayed Cricket Stadium on Thursday. Continuing his roaring form in the white-ball format, the right-handed batter smashed 52 runs in 18 balls, helping his side to a memorable 9-wicket win over the new franchise on the block, Ajman Bolts.To kickstart the proceedings on the first day of the new season, the players stood together to sing the National Anthem, and the game began after the players were energized by a special address from Shaji Ul Mulk, Chairman, T Ten Global Sports Founder and Chairman. Motivating the citizens of UAE, he highlighted the significance of journey taken by T10 Global over the past decade and the impact created by the format all around the world.As the match began, a fiery innings from young Sri Lankan batter Shevon Daniel put the hosts on the backfoot. But Mark Adair and Zeeshan Naseer tested the opposition's top-order with short balls, and Ajman lost quick wickets in succession. Bopara provided much needed respite for the Bolts, but speedster Kadeem Alleyne ended their resistance, and picked up two crucial wickets. With momentum swinging away, Bolts could only muster 79 runs on board, finishing with a total of 79/8 in 10 overs. Chasing 80, the hosts suffered an early setback with Paul Stirling hitting the ball straight to cover on the first ball. England explosive hitters Jonny Bairstow and Salt stitched a partnership to settle down the nerves. Salt started leading from the front, hammering six sixes and two fours in his innings to score a brisk 17-ball fifty. Bairstow delivered the winning runs, playing the perfect supporting role with 22 runs in 14 balls as Team Abu Dhabi began the season in roaring form.
Lahore Qalandars Announce Squad for Guyana Global Super League
LAHORE (PR): Lahore Qalandars have unveiled their squad for the inaugural ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL), featuring a balanced mix of international stars, seasoned local players, and promising emerging talent from the world-renowned Qalandars’ Player Development Program.Pakistan all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Akhlaq, Mirza Tahir Baig, and leg-spinner Arif Yaqoob form a strong Pakistani core for the tournament set to take place in Guyana from 26 November to 7 December 2024.The overseas contingent is headlined by South Africa’s left-arm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, West Indies’ all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite, and England’s Tom Abell, Luke Wells, and Adam Rossington. Canadian seamer Kaleem Sana adds further depth to the squad.The two-time PSL champions have named four players from the Qalandars’ Player Development Program in line with their vision to promote Pakistani talent on the international stage. These include fast bowlers Salman Mirza and Tayyab Abbas, top-order batter Mirza Tahir Baig, and all-rounder Mohammad Faizan.Sameen Rana, Team Owner Lahore Qalandars: "The Lahore Qalandars are thrilled to participate in the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, and the announcement of our full squad marks another significant milestone in our GSL journey. We are excited about the opportunity to play cricket in the Caribbean and are determined to deliver performances that our fans around the world can be proud of. It’s especially gratifying to see so many graduates from our Player Development Program earning another chance to shine on the international stage.”Lahore Qalandars (14-am squad): Adam Rossington, Arif Yaqoob, Asif Afridi, Carlos Brathwaite, Faheem Ashraf, Kaleem Sana-ur-Rehman, Luke Wells, Mirza Tahir Baig, Mohammad Akhlaq, Mohammad Faizan, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tayyab Abbas, Tom AbellLahore Qalandars (team management): Amjad Ali (Batting Coach), Darren Gough (Head Coach), Farooq Anwar (Manager), Kashif Raza (Bowling Coach), Sameen Naeem Rana (Team Director), Simon (Masseur), Wasif Khalid (Performance Manager).
T20 Blind Cricket World Cup to start with opening ceremony on Friday
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The vibrant opening ceremony of the 4th T20 Blind Cricket World Cup will be held on Friday (November 22), at 10:30 am at Alhamra Hall 1, Mall Road, Lahore. The event will feature the unveiling of the World Cup trophy along with a cultural show. The personalities, who have played a pivotal role in the promotion of blind cricket in Pakistan, will be honored with ‘Lifetime Achievement Awards’ during the ceremony. All participating teams in the World Cup will be present at the event. The tournament's first match is scheduled for Saturday (November 23), between Pakistan and South Africa. The game will take place at the Ghani Institute of Cricket Ground, DHA Phase 6, at 11:00 am.
Sumair appointed ICC Champions Trophy Tournament Director
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the appointment of Sumair Ahmad Syed, Chief Operating Officer of the PCB, as the Tournament Director for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place in Pakistan.PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi said: “Sumair is an exceptionally organised professional with a wealth of administrative expertise. Coupled with his unwavering passion for cricket, I am confident he will deliver an unforgettable ICC Champions Trophy 2025 for players, officials and fans alike. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to showcase Pakistan’s ability to host world-class cricketing events, welcoming players and fans from around the globe to experience the country’s passion for the game and renowned hospitality. This tournament marks a historic milestone as the biggest sporting event in Pakistan’s recent history. With Sumair leading the way, the global cricket community can rest assured that the event will meet the highest standards of excellence synonymous with Pakistan.”Tournament Director Sumair Ahmad Syed said: “I am deeply honored and excited to take on this significant responsibility for a tournament that holds immense importance for the Pakistan Cricket Board, our fans and supporters. Preparations are already well underway, with stadium upgrades nearing completion and crucial discussions ongoing with the International Cricket Council. Our experienced events team, which has successfully planned and executed nine multi-team HBL Pakistan Super Leagues, including last five in Pakistan, will play a vital role in ensuring the tournament’s success. I am committed to working closely with them as well as the International Cricket Council, leaving no stone unturned to exceed the benchmarks set by previous ICC Champions Trophy editions.”
IV-Day, Pakistan A vs Sri Lanka A match ends in Draw in Rawalpindi
Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: Sonal Dinusha and Pavan Rathnayake ended the two four-day matches series with sparkling centuries as Pakistan Shaheens and Sri Lanka ‘A’ match ended into a draw at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.Dinusha returned unbeaten on 116 and Rathnayake remained 100 not out as Sri Lanka ‘A’, resuming their second innings at 157 for four, declared their second innings at 260 for four to set Pakistan Shaheens a target of 284 in 60 overs. When the match ended, Pakistan Shaheens were 156 for three in 45 overs.Dinusha, who had scored 85 not in the first innings, had started the day at 51 and added another 65 runs on the final day to finish at 116 not out. His fourth first-class century in 41st match came off 141 balls and included nine fours. Overall, he faced 184 balls and hit 10 fours.Rathnayake had started this morning at 64 and finished on 100 not out, his seventh first-class century in 38 matches. He faced 198 balls and hit eight fours.The two batters had come together when Sri Lanka ‘A’ were tottering at 46 for four. Their 214 runs unbeaten fifth-wicket stand came off 369 balls and not only steered the ship to safety but also allowed Sri Lanka ‘A’ to set the home team a stiff 284 runs target in 60 overs.When the match was called off, Pakistan Shaheens had recovered from 67 for three to 156 for three. Mohammad Suleman was the top-scorer with 66 not out (121b, 3x4, 1x6), while Haider Ali scored 43 not out (68b, 3x4, 1x6) as the two batters put on 89 runs for the unfinished fourth wicket. Ali Zaryab contributed 31.The two sides will now feature in a three-match 50-over series to be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 25, 27 and 29 November.Scores in brief (day 4 of 4):Match drawn, Pakistan Shaheens win two-match series 1-0Sri Lanka ‘A’ 310 all-out, 79 overs (Sonal Dinusha 85 not out, Wanuja Sahan 63, Isitha Wijesundara 51, Pavan Rathnayake 35, Ahan Wickramsinghe 30, Dinura Kalupahana 30; Khurram Shahzad 6-30, Ahmed Safi Abdullah 2-100) and 260-4d, 76 overs (Sonal Dinusha 116 not out, Pavan Rathnayake 100 not out; Ahmed Bashir 2-65)Pakistan Shaheens 287 all out, 98 overs (Abdul Faseeh 59, Mohammad Suleman 40, Ahmed Safi Abdullah 39, Haider Ali 35, Ali Zaryab 32, Hussain Talat 25; Wanuja Sahan 5-74) and 156-3, 45 overs (Mohammad Suleman 66 not out, Haider Ali 43 not out, Ali Zaryab 31).
Border-Gavaskar series to be a Bower's Paradise: Mark Waugh
BIPIN DANIFormer Australia captain Mark Waugh, on his social media page has shared his predictions and insights for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series. He anticipates a 3-1 victory for Australia, with the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) match likely to be washed out, as is often the case.Waugh expects Steve Smith to be the top run-scorer for Australia, despite not foreseeing a high-scoring series overall. He believes Smith will find his form and contribute significantly. In the wickets column, Waugh places his bets on either Josh Hazlewood or Nathan Lyon to lead the charge. He also mentions that Mitchell Starc could perform well with the pink ball under lights, and Pat Cummins will also play a crucial role. Waugh suggests that it might be beneficial to rotate the pace attack for one of the matches.Regarding India, Waugh acknowledges that they have a strong chance, especially after their recent loss to New Zealand, which might have sparked a renewed determination. However, he notes that both teams are dealing with aging line-ups, and it will be interesting to see which veterans can still deliver top performances.Waugh predicts that the series will be dominated by bowlers, as has been the trend in recent summers. The new Kookaburra ball and subpar batting techniques have led to lower scores, and he believes that to beat Australia, teams need to bat long and push the game into the fourth or fifth day for a competitive contest.He also speculates that if either Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma fail to perform, it could lead to their retirement from international cricket.Waugh's parting words, "Get ready kunts," are a colloquial and somewhat provocative way of urging everyone to brace themselves for an intense and competitive series. It's his way of saying that the upcoming matches will be fierce and demanding, and both players and fans should be prepared for the challenges ahead. The 5-Test match series commences from Friday with the first Test at Perth.
New York Strikers, Ready to Defend the Crown of Abu Dhabi T10
Abu Dhabi (PR): Sri Lankan pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana and New Zealand all-rounder Doug Bracewell have voiced their enthusiasm about joining forces with the reigning champions New York Strikers for the upcoming Abu Dhabi T10 seasonPathirana, who is set to play a pivotal role in the Strikers' Abu Dhabi T10 campaign expressed his enthusiasm about returning to defend the title: "I am proud to be a part of New York Strikers' squad. I am hopeful and looking forward to picking the cup for my team."New Zealand all-rounder Doug Bracewell shared his excitement about joining the defending champions: "It feels great to be participating for New York Strikers team this season's Abu Dhabi T10. I’m eager to contribute to the team and excited to play."Team owner Sagar Khanna also shared his excitement while sharing, " Our squad keeps getting bigger and we are sure to win a lot of support and excitement from Strikers Fan Club. We are aiming to do well and make it big in this campaign."The New York Strikers made history by clinching the Abu Dhabi T10 championship in their inaugural season, demonstrating exceptional cricket throughout the tournament. These strategic signings reflect the team's commitment to maintaining their championship standards and building on their remarkable success.
England women player, Paige Scholfield withdraws from South Africa tour
London (UK): Paige Scholfield has been withdrawn from the England Women IT20 squad to tour South Africa after suffering an ankle injury.Scholfield sustained the injury during a training session on Tuesday and following further assessment she will now return to the UK to begin her rehabilitation. (Press Release)..
IV-Day Match: Sri Lanka 'A' sit in Driving Seat at the end of third day game
Sports Bulletin ReportRAWAPINDI: Sri Lanka ‘A’ were 180 runs ahead in their second innings after they had managed 157-4 in 45.2 overs by close of play on day three in the second four-dayer against Pakistan Shaheens at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.After Sri Lanka earned a 23-run first innings lead, they slipped to 46-4 in 15 overs as Ahmed Bashir snapped two wickets while Hussain Talat and Kashif Ali picked up one wicket each.Pavan Rathnayake (64 not out, 109b, 6x4s) and Sonal Dinusha (51 not out, 87b, 4x4s) stitched an unbeaten 111-run partnership for the fifth wicket off 183 balls to help Sri Lanka ‘A’ recover from the initial setbacks.Earlier in the day, Pakistan Shaheens resumed their first innings from the overnight score of 212-5, trailing by 98 runs, before being bowled out for 287 in 98 overs. After Hussain Talat (25, 61b, 1x4) and Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (15, 36b, 1x4) fell early, Ahmed Safi Abdullah and Kashif Ali put on a crucial 53-run eighth-wicket stand to erase much of the deficit.Ahmed Safi hit five fours in his 61-ball 39 before falling to Wanuja Sahan in the 96th over. Sahan picked up his 12th first-class five-wicket haul returning figures of 5-74 in 27 overs.Scores in brief (day 3 of 4):Sri Lanka ‘A’ lead by 180 runsSri Lanka ‘A’ 310 all-out, 79 overs (Sonal Dinusha 85 not out, Wanuja Sahan 63, Isitha Wijesundara 51, Pavan Rathnayake 35, Ahan Wickramsinghe 30, Dinura Kalupahana 30; Khurram Shahzad 6-30, Ahmed Safi Abdullah 2-100) and 157-4, 45.2 overs (Pavan Rathnayake 64 not out, Sonal Dinusha 51 not out; Ahmed Bashir 2-44)Pakistan Shaheens 287 all out, 98 overs (Abdul Faseeh 59, Mohammad Suleman 40, Ahmed Safi Abdullah 39, Haider Ali 35, Ali Zaryab 32, Hussain Talat 25; Wanuja Sahan 5-74)
India Bows Out: Blind Cricket Team Withdraws from Pakistan World Cup
BIPIN DANIThe Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) has announced that the Indian blind cricket team will not participate in the upcoming T20 Blind Cricket World Cup in Pakistan. This decision came after the Indian government did not grant the necessary clearance for the team to travel. The tournament is set to take place from November 22 to December 3.In a statement, CABI expressed their disappointment but emphasized their respect for the government's decision, noting that the team had been training hard and was eager to compete. However, they remain committed to the development of blind cricket in India and will continue to focus on training and preparation for future events.Team captain Durga Rao Tompaki shared his dismay at missing this opportunity but remained optimistic about future competitions. He highlighted the promising talent seen in their recent coaching camps and expressed confidence in the team's potential for success in upcoming tournaments.This development comes just as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that India will not travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, also based on government advice. India has a strong history in blind cricket, having hosted and won the first three editions of the T20 Blind Cricket World Cup.
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