Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE):-The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the winners of the ICC Player of the Month awards for June 2022 as England’s all-conquering Jonny Bairstow and South Africa’s batting force Marizanne Kapp. Bairstow is crowned following a month of memorable performances in his side’s 3-0 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) series victory against reigning champions New Zealand. Despite a quiet start at Lord’s, Bairstow produced an exhibition of explosive hitting to steal victory against the odds in the second Test, smashing the second fastest century ever registered by an English batter in the longest format. His exploits extended to the final match of the series, sealing the whitewash in equally explosive fashion with scores of 162 and 71 not out, which has since launched him up the MRF Tyres ICC Test Batter Rankings. Bairstow celebrates this award for the first time, and is voted the Men’s Player of the Month ahead of teammate Joe Root and Daryl Mitchell of New Zealand. This remarkable series of scores has even continued into July, where back-to-back centuries in his side’s Test victory against India saw them home in a record-breaking run chase. Bairstow’s continued dominance already lines him up as a potential contender for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for July. Farveez Maharoof, the former Sri Lanka international and ICC Player of the Month voting panel member, said:“Jonny played the pivotal role of the aggressor, and was instrumental in winning the series for England with his counterattacking knock which changed the complex of the series against the World Test Champions. These kinds of players are special in Test cricket, and in my opinion he fully deserves this recognition.” South Africa’s Kapp was selected the ICC Women’s Player of the Month, thanks to her solid and fierce resistance in the face of a hostile England bowling attack in the Test match at Taunton which secured her side a valuable draw. In what was her first Test match since 2014, Kapp came in with her side’s backs against the wall at 45 for four and produced a batting masterclass. She demonstrated her full repertoire of classy stroke-play on the way to scoring a national record of 150. Her resistance salvaged a respectable 284 for her team in the first innings, and while England set an imposing score in response, Kapp once again starred for her team with a score of 43 not out before rain curtailed play on the final day. In securing this month’s award, Kapp overcomes fellow nominees in compatriot Shabnim Ismail and England’s Nat Sciver, and is South Africa’s first ICC Women’s Player of the Month winner since Lizelle Lee was crowned in March 2021. On winning the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for June, Kapp commented: ““It really means a lot for me to win the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award, especially being up against two absolutely brilliant players in Shabnim Ismail and Nat Sciver. “What made my first Test century so special was that, number one, our first Test match (in 2014) was an absolute nightmare. Then having to play another one after eight years where I had minimum preparation for the Test match because I was unwell and then finding my team in the position we were in at 45 for four, it is something that will stay with me throughout my career. “It’s definitely a highlight for me, especially with the wickets that fell at the other end and then having to bat with the tail as well, those partnerships are what also made it so special." Reflecting on the award, former England international and member of the voting panel Lydia Greenway commented: “Playing in just her second Test match, Kapp showed resilience and high levels of skill to keep South Africa in the fight. In a weakened South Africa team due to injury, Kapp showed why she is one of the best all-rounders in the world by taking responsibility with bat and ball.”

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Pakistan women’s national cricket team’s training camp for the tri-series in Ireland and the Commonwealth Games finishes today in Islamabad. The Bismah Maroof-led team will fly out for Belfast via Dubai in the wee hours of 12 July (Tuesday). The squad trained and practiced in Rawalpindi and Islamabad at the Pindi Cricket Stadium and House of Northern for the last nine days and despite rain interrupted preparation sessions, the squad endeavoured to make most of the available time by working on various aspects of T20 cricket including improvised drills, nets sessions and scenario-based matches. Indoor training sessions were also arranged for the team at the Shahbaz Sharif Sports Complex. Besides bowling and batting drills and practice, the squad also worked hard on fielding and physical fitness under the supervision of the support staff led by head coach David Hemp. Bismah, meanwhile is looking forward to the two challenging events against formidable opponents. Captain Bismah Maroof: “Our preparations have suffered a bit due to the persistent rains as we could not play practice matches, we had to hence shift our focus to fitness more. We tried to make most of the indoor facility we were provided and that did come as a good help to the side amid the weather challenges. “The tri-series in Ireland provides us a good opportunity of acclimatising to the conditions ahead of the Commonwealth Games. We have a good team combination with youngsters like Tuba Hassan, Ayesha Naseem and Fatima Sana providing real energy, skill and talent, they are the ones for the future and this tour is a real opportunity for them to make a big impression. “At the Commonwealth Games, we would take on the challenge of playing formidable opponents as to succeed there we need to beat the big teams, our aim would be to target a victory.” Pakistan will play their opening match of the Tri-Nation Women’s T20I Series against Australia at the Bready Cricket Club on 16 July. Pakistan will play both Australia and Ireland twice, the top two sides will progress to compete in the final. All seven tournament matches will be staged at the Bready Cricket Club. After the completion of the tri-series, Pakistan will travel to Birmingham to take part in the Commonwealth Games. The green shirts are placed in Pool A alongside T20 world champions Australia, India and Barbados. Pakistan play Barbados in their opening match on Friday, 29 July. Cricket matches during the Games will be staged at the Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham. Pakistan Squad: Bismah Maroof (captain), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gul Feroza (wicketkeeper), Iram Javed, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wicketkeeper), Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal and Tuba Hassan. Support staff: Ayesha Ashhar (Manager), David Hemp (Head coach), Saleem Jaffer (Bowling coach), Muhammad Zubair Ahmed (Analyst) and Rifat Asghar Gill (Physiotherapist). Pakistan’s fixtures: Tri-series at Belfast 16 July – v Australia 19 July – v Ireland 23 July – v Australia 24 July – v Ireland Commonwealth Games at Birmingham 29 July – v Barbados 31 July – v India 3 August – v Australia

Sports Bulletin Report SHEIKHUPURA:-Shahzaib Khan’s all-round performance, helped Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Under-19 Whites to a five-wicket win over Central Punjab Under-19 Blues and clinch the National U19 Cup title here at the Rana Naveed Cricket Academy in Sheikhupura on Friday. Chasing 215 to win, last year’s finalist Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites achieved the target in the 47th over for the loss of five wickets. Left-handed batter Shahzaib top-scored with a 95-ball 73, hitting eight fours. He also took three catches and was named player of the match. The 17-year old Shahzaib added an unbeaten 49 runs for sixth wicket with wicketkeeper-batter Zubair Shinwari (19 not out, 33b, one four). For Central Punjab U19 Blues, Mohammad Zeeshan and Mohammad Maooz bagged two wickets apiece. Earlier, after opting to bat first, Central Punjab managed to score 214 for eight from their 50 overs. Opening batter Azan Awais top-scored with a 125-ball 100, which included 11 fours. The last year’s player of the tournament Azan ended up scoring 267 runs in the competition – a tally which included two half-centuries. Captain Obaid Shahid was other notable run-getter with 31 off 41 balls, striking one four and one six. For Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites, captain Abbas Ali bagged three wickets for 34 runs from 10 overs. Jawad Ali picked two wickets for 46 runs from eight overs. In individual awards, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites captain Abbas was named best player of the tournament for his all-round heroics, managing 172 runs and picking 10 wickets. Ali Ishaq from Sindh U19 Whites was named best batter of the tournament for scoring 316 runs from five matches at 105.33. Aftab Ibrahim representing Sindh U19 Blues was named best bowler of the tournament with 13 wickets. His teammate, Saad Baig was named the best wicketkeeper of the tournament for nine dismissals behind the stumps and scoring 299 runs. The 12 teams will now feature in the National U19 Championship later this month. The PCB will announce the schedule and squads in due course. Scores in brief: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites beat Central Punjab U19 Blues by five wickets at the Rana Naveed Cricket Academy in Sheikhupura Central Punjab U19 Blues 214-8, 50 overs (Azan Awais 100, Obaid Shahid 31; Abbas Ali 3-34, Jawad Ali 2-46) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites 216-5, 46.5 overs (Shahzaib Khan 73, Sherdil Khan 44 not out; Mohammad Zeeshan 2-38, Mohammad Maooz 2-39) Player of the final PKR 25,000: Shahzaib Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites (73 runs and three catches) Player of the tournament PKR 50,000: Abbas Ali, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites (172 runs and 10 wickets) Best Bowler of the Tournament PKR 50,000: Aftab Ibrahim, Sindh U19 Blues (13 wickets) Best Batter of the Tournament PKR 50,000: Ali Ishaq, Sindh U19 Whites (316 runs) Best wicketkeeper of the tournament PKR 50,000: Saad Baig, Sindh U19 Blues (nine dismissals and 299 runs)

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE):=USA vice-captain Aaron Jones does not think the pressure of guiding his country to a first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is enough, so he is heaping more on himself. The 27-year-old is the second leading run-scorer for the USA in both T20Is and ODIs and as a top-order batter is expecting to make big contributions to their totals. With today marking 100 days to go to the event in Australia, Jones and his side will come up against three new opponents in the T20I arena at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier B 2022 beginning their campaign against Jersey, before facing Singapore and hosts Zimbabwe. “I would say that I like to put a bit of pressure on myself as well. I think that brings out the best in me, so me being the vice-captain, I want to be the leading batsman in the team,” the right-hander said. “I always tend to tell myself that I need to do the job for the team. I just like to keep it as simple as possible. “I have my plans before I go into the game, obviously we know which bowlers we're going to face before we go into the game and stuff like that. I just keep it as simple as possible in the playing situation. “I'm feeling pretty good. The last couple of games I played, I scored some runs and we played Minor League back home, I got two good starts in the two games I played, so I’m definitely feeling in good form right now.” Despite self-inflicted pressure to lead from the front, Jones did not place himself on a pedestal as he made his way through the junior ranks in Barbados. The New York native moved to the Caribbean island aged four, taking up the country’s number one sport and balancing it alongside a love for football, or, as the Americans call it, soccer. He added: “For me personally, I never saw myself as superior to anybody or I never even thought I was really good at cricket. “But others, like my family members and my friends and coaches were always like telling me ‘oh you're so good, keep going.’ “Definitely when I scored runs, I felt good about myself as well. It was a bit of a choice for me in terms of playing soccer and cricket for the country around 12/13 years old. “And I thought I was better at cricket and I stuck to cricket, the rest is history basically.” With Jones’ roots both in the US and the Caribbean, he knows that, if his side were to reach a maiden T20 World Cup and expose themselves to more eyes on their game, some of those eyes would belong to friends. “It would definitely be a dream come true, I mean, the World Cup is the highest stage,” he said. “I don't think you can get any bigger than a World Cup as a professional cricketer. “So I definitely want to play in the next World Cup for sure, as long as we get through these qualifiers, it's going to be a dream come true. “I also have some friends playing in the World Cup as well. Obviously, I’ve grown up in the Caribbean so if we played against the West Indies, then I would be playing against some of my friends so that would be a good experience as well. “I played with some of them at school. The guys that are from Barbados, I played with them at youth levels and stuff like that. “And some of them I played against them in first-class cricket back home in the Caribbean and List A cricket and stuff like that too. "If we could get to World Cup so you get to the highest level of cricket, to compete with the West Indies, Australia, India, all the teams that are playing full member cricket for sure, it would open a lot of doors. “Not only for us but definitely the youngsters coming up in the USA. We know for sure that the USA is a big, big market in terms of fans that watch and support cricket. “So we really, truly, want to get to the next level for them and for the youngsters coming up behind us as well.”

Aamir Ali Janjua Dubai (UAE):-The countdown to ‘The Big Time’ has officially begun with Melbourne’s iconic Yarra River the backdrop for a city centre cricketing arena created to celebrate 100-days-to-go until Australia hosts the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup for the first time. Melbourne Cricket Ground’s hallowed turf took centre stage with the pitch relocated into the centre of Melbourne to mark 100 days to go until the world's best cricketers from 16 teams compete for the ultimate prize in T20 cricket. Australian International stars Aaron Finch, Georgia Wareham and Tayla Vlaeminck along with cricket legends Shane Watson, Waqar Younis and Morne Morkel teamed up with other Australian personalities to launch the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour, driven by Nissan. The Trophy Tour is set to visit 35 locations in 13 countries across four continents, more than ever before. The Men’s T20 World Cup trophy will make stops in Fiji, Finland, Germany, Ghana, Indonesia, Japan, Namibia, Nepal, Singapore and Vanuatu for the first time, taking the sport to more fans in different countries to get a glimpse of T20 cricket’s ultimate prize. The Trophy Tour that is designed for anyone, anywhere at any time will enable fans to get involved from home with a 3D augmented reality filter, housed on the official T20 World Cup Facebook and Instagram channels. Fans are encouraged to get creative and show the world where you play cricket using the trophy filter. The best of the fan-generated images will be celebrated weekly and a lucky few will be rewarded with ICC Men’s T20 World Cup themed prizes. Beginning in Melbourne and circling the globe, the Trophy Tour will make its final stop in Geelong on 16 October for the opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 between 2014 Champions Sri Lanka and Namibia. Fans can follow the trophy’s journey around the world on the T20 World Cup’s social media channels or via the dedicated Trophy Tour section on the T20 World Cup website. Over 800,000 fans are anticipated to attend the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 with additional tickets to all matches released today, with the exception of the India and Pakistan match on October 23.  General allocation of tickets for this fixture were sold out within five minutes of going on public sale in February. Should more tickets become available for the fixture they will be released at a later date. ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said: “With just 100 days to go until the start of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup there is a real sense of excitement ahead of the 16 teams coming together in Australia to compete for the ultimate prize in T20 cricket. “Celebrating the start of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour, driven by Nissan, is another important milestone in taking the Trophy to ten countries for the first time ever, once again showing our commitment to using the T20 format as vehicle to grow the game and to engage new fans across the world.” Australian men’s captain Aaron Finch said: “It’s an exciting time for cricket with so many world class teams coming out to play all around the country. Now that there’s just 100 days to go, you can feel the excitement building among the team about the prospect of playing in a home World Cup in front of our fans. “In a World Cup every game is a tough game, and anyone can beat anyone on their day so the white ball cricket we’ve got coming up over the next couple of months is going to be crucial to make sure we are ready come the first ball of the World Cup in October.” ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour, driven by Nissan, ambassador Shane Watson said: “As a player, there’s few things that can top playing in a home World Cup and I can’t wait to see the world’s best T20 players on the fast bouncy pitches in Australia. It’s going to be an incredible spectacle. “Leading up to the event, I’m also looking forward to taking the T20 World Cup trophy around our beautiful country to give fans the opportunity to be part of this massive cricket celebration.” Nissan Australia Managing Director, Adam Paterson said: “With 100 days until the first ball of the World Cup, Nissan is gearing up for a spectacular event across the country. We are proud to continue to play an important role in driving excitement and innovation, supporting the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour, driven by Nissan, with Nissan Ambassadors, Mel Jones and Mitchell Johnson behind the wheel.

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE):-The International Cricket Council (ICC) has today announced the first five players selected as 100% Cricket Superstars ahead of a historic month for women’s cricket, culminating in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Sophie Ecclestone (England), Amelia Kerr (New Zealand), Hayley Matthews (West Indies), Shafali Verma (India) and Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa) are the first crop of what will ultimately be a 100% Cricket Superstars squad that fans can pick from to decide on a final XI. The entertaining quintet represents a bright future for a women’s game that continues to grow in popularity following record-breaking digital and broadcast audiences at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand earlier this year. "100% Cricket Superstars celebrates the best talent in the women’s game as part of the ICC's ongoing 100% Cricket campaign during a period that sees some of the sport’s most significant events take place," said Wasim Khan, ICC General Manager - Cricket. "With women’s cricket making its inaugural appearance at the Commonwealth Games later this month, we will also host the first ever ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup in January which is immediately followed by the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023. "The players selected today epitomise the future of women’s cricket and it’s going to be exciting to build up to a fan-led vote to narrow down what will be an amazing squad into an XI that I’m sure cricket fans around the world would love to watch!" The first 100% Cricket Superstars inductees were selected with the input of the ICC Women’s Cricket Committee. Shafali Verma 242 Test runs at 60.5 in two Tests; 473 ODI runs at 29.56 in 17 ODIs; 753 T20I runs at 24.29 in 32 T20Is The youngest player to debut for India in international cricket, and the youngest half-centurion, Shafali Verma made a seamless transition to the highest level of the game. A dashing opening batter capable of clearing the ropes with ease, Verma can take the match away from her opposition in a matter of moments, her power separating her from her peers. For all the power and aggression though, it’d be remiss not to acknowledge Verma’s early success in the long format of the game. Averaging over 60 across her four Test innings, Verma has shown a maturity to bat long periods in trying and foreign conditions. Sophie Ecclestone 17 wickets at 37.7 in five Tests; 76 wickets at 21.06 in 47 ODIs; 68 wickets at 13.28 in 50 T20Is A pivotal figure in the England team, and with over 150 international wickets to her name, it’s crazy to think that Sophie Ecclestone is still just 23 years of age. The No. 1 bowler in both the T20I and ODI MRF Tyres bowling rankings, the left-arm orthodox spinner probes with a nagging line and length, tying opposing batters down. Since her Test debut in 2017, no player has taken more Test wickets than Ecclestone’s 17. In T20Is since her debut in 2016, only two bowlers have taken more wickets than her 68. Hayley Matthews 1764 runs at 27.13 and 78 wickets at 24.79 in 69 ODIs; 1055 runs at 17.88 and 58 wickets at 17.93 in 61 T20Is The newly-appointed West Indies captain, 24-year-old Hayley Matthews is the past, present and future of her international team. Both the leading run-scorer and wicket-taker for her side in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022, Matthews was also Player of the Final at the ICC 2016 T20 World Cup in a dramatic win over Australia. Making 66 off 45 balls just days after her 18th birthday, Matthews made quite an impression in her first global tournament. Already third on the West Indies all-time list for runs in both white-ball formats, Matthews is on track to break records. She carries the West Indies torch. Amelia Kerr 1240 runs at 38.75 and 76 wickets at 27.00 in 53 ODIs; 234 runs at 15.60 and 41 wickets at 21.85 in 42 T20Is It’s going to take a special effort for someone to take away the world record for the youngest international double centurion from all-rounder Amelia Kerr. After scoring 232* against Ireland at just 17 years and 243 days in an ODI in Dublin in 2018, Kerr rounded out the day with a five-wicket haul for good measure, becoming the only player to achieve the double in international cricket. The 21-year-old Kerr is capable of ticking things along when early wickets fall, or attacking when her side is in the ascendancy. With the ball, Kerr has every leg-spinner’s delivery in her arsenal. The record books will likely be re-written again as Kerr continues to set the benchmark in the international game. Laura Wolvaardt 32 runs at 16.00 in one Test; 3039 runs at 45.35 in 77 ODIs; 618 runs at 26.86 in 36 T20Is Already with more than 3000 ODI runs to her name, the sky's the limit for South African batting sensation Laura Wolvaardt. Wolvaardt was a natural fit in ODIs, with 30 scores of over 50 in just 76 innings since she made her debut in 2016. She has evolved in the T20I format too, adding power to a refined game centred on control and expert strokeplay. Wolvaardt’s trademark cover drive is a glowing image of the women’s game, though it is the array of shots around the wicket that sets the right-hander apart. Only three players eclipsed Wolvaardt’s 433 runs at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 in New Zealand, though the trio all benefited from playing an extra match at the tournament.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites beat Balochistan U19 Whites by 10 wickets at the Saeed Ajmal Academy in Faisalabad today to make it to the final of the National U19 Cup. The other finalist team was Central Punjab U19 Blues who topped Pool A after their final group match against Sindh U19 Blues was abandoned due to rain. The final will take place on Friday, 8 July at the Rana Naveed Cricket Academy in Sheikhupura. At the Saeed Ajmal Academy in Faisalabad, after opting to bat first, Balochistan were bundled out for 56 in the 20th over. Only Tanveer Khan (10, 27b, two fours) managed to enter into double figures. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites’ Tahir Ali and Jawad Ali bagged three wickets apiece. Mohammad Tahir and Yasir Ahmed took two wickets each. In return, it took 7.4 overs for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites opening batters to achieved the target without losing any wicket. Right-handed Afkar Durani returned unbeaten on 31 off 25 balls faced which included four fours and one six. In first abandoned match of Pool B, Northern U19 Blues after opting to bat first were 99 for one in 16 overs when play was stopped due to rain and it couldn’t resume later due to persistent rain. Opening batter Hussnain Nadeem returned unbeaten on a 51-ball 55, hitting nine fours. In another abandoned match of the group, Central Punjab U19 Whites managed to score 87 for one in 19 overs when rain stopped play and the play couldn’t resume afterwards. Opening batter Ali Zoraiz scored an unbeaten 60-ball 54, hitting eight fours. After the conclusion of fifth and final round, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites kept their 100 per cent winning record and topped Pool B. From Pool A, Central Punjab U19 Blues topped the table with nine points from five matches, winning four matches and got one point from abandoned match. The final will take place between Central Punjab U19 Blues and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites at the Rana Naveed Cricket Academy in Sheikhupura on Friday, 8 July. The toss will take place at 0900, while the first ball will be bowled at 0930.

BIPIN DANI Former Kenyan Cricket Captain Aasif Karim is in India for an event being curated by the Indian creative agency Words Rhythms Images (WRI). The 58-year-old Karim, who was also a Davis Cup Tennis player, is the director of the Kenya Film Commission. To further the cause of sports and cinema, he initiated the Kenya International Sports Film Festival under the aegis of the Safinaz Foundation. The highlight of the event is the screening of the award-winning film Madappally United directed by Ajay Govind, which won an award for its social message and most recently won the Golden Statuette at the 51st Roshd International Film Festival in Iran. In addition to the screening of the film, which was first held in Mumbai on Wednesday, the event will also feature the panel discussions and is set to cover multiple Indian cities including Delhi, Calicut and Ahmedabad. “Films are a great way to start a dialogue on social issues. I am looking forward to being a part of this event and in trying to understand how some of the issues raised by the film Madappally United can be tackled. This is also a great initiative which can take Indo-Kenyan relations in a new direction as far as entertainment and sports is concerned”, he said.

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE):-Netherlands star Max O’Dowd is determined to give absent head coach Ryan Campbell a World Cup in his homeland to look forward to as his side prepare for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Qualifier B. Campbell, who has been the Dutch head coach since January 2017, will not be with the squad in Zimbabwe as he continues his recovery from a heart attack in April that left him in a week-long coma. The 50-year-old was discharged in May and will be cheering on from home as the Netherlands take on former team Hong Kong, among others, in Group B knowing victory could see them head to Australia, his birthplace, for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, with two spots up for grabs. And O’Dowd sees success next week as the perfect chance to repay the 50-year-old's contribution to the team. “It was a very difficult time, made even tougher because just a couple of weeks before we had been with him in New Zealand playing in the ODI series,” opening batter O’Dowd recalled. “Then we were back in the Netherlands and he's not there, he's in a coma. That was a very scary thought for everyone and from what we were hearing about the damage that could have been done, it was very frightening. “We were all so pleased that Ryan did come out of the coma because we were hearing it was touch and go. It was tough for the playing group, but taking it all in, we realised how important he is for Dutch cricket. I'm just glad that he's back amongst the fold. “Obviously he's not with us in Zimbabwe but he's been a huge part of the last five years. It would mean a lot for all of us to qualify for Australia and hopefully take him with us to a World Cup in Aussie. “We've got a lot of young guys for whom it would be their first World Cup if we were to qualify and it would be an amazing experience. “We’ve had some amazing experiences over the last couple of months, playing against England and the West Indies, but a World Cup would be the top of their list. There are exciting times ahead, and we just hope we can pull it off because it's going to be very tough.” O’Dowd and his side begin their campaign for a fourth successive World Cup appearance on July 11 against Papua New Guinea, before facing the side Campbell represented in 2016. And while former South African international Ryan Cook has stepped in as interim coach, the Netherlands will be tapping into Campbell’s knowledge of Hong Kong. O’Dowd added: “I think Cambo has been sitting on the sidelines itching to get back involved. It’s obviously great to have him just back in the fold and he's someone that we talk to regularly. “He's been slowly working his way back into practices and team meetings and so on. He's got a lot of knowledge about that Hong Kong team and someone we turn to quite often about certain bowlers, certain batters. “I think the last time I played them may have been 2018 or even before that, so I think the side has changed a lot since then. “But he probably knows a lot about them, so we'll be sure to make use of all the info Cambos got for us.” The Netherlands end the group stages against Uganda and will hope to have done enough to advance to the knockout stages as they search for a third consecutive qualifier tournament win. O’Dowd has been in fine form in orange recently, scoring four ODI half-centuries in his past five matches against England and the West Indies. Last year, the 28-year-old became the first Dutchman to hit a century in T20Is, crashing 133 not out off 73 balls against Malaysia. But those returns have not been good enough for the right-hander's high standards. “I've done well, I've scored some runs. I guess it's been okay,” O’Dowd said. “If I look at myself, I quite like to be critical of my performances. “There are a few times where I’ve thrown away, in my opinion, hundreds and especially in that last ODI against the West Indies I think I threw away a chance to win the game. “But I’m happy to be performing consistently against the best in the world, which is a key thing and something that I strive towards. “Moving into the T20s now, it's trying to adapt my game and trying to expand on a couple of things, be a bit more fearless playing the T20 format, so it's very exciting.”

Sports Bulletin Report It has been a long climb back to the summit of international cricket for Zimbabwe but Blessing Muzarabani knows they are within touching distance of dining at the top table once more. The Chevrons were ineligible for the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, following the agonising failure to secure a berth at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019. Seamer Muzarabani believes his side are ready to remake their mark on the world stage but knows tough games lie ahead in ICC Men's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier B before they can do that. “It has been really tough for us,” admitted Muzarabani when reflecting on the past few years of Zimbabwean cricket. “I’m happy with the team right now because the guys are really working hard in the nets and hopefully we will execute our plan. I’m happy that we are getting these opportunities. I am just looking forward to going out there and just express ourselves.  I’m sure we’re going to enjoy it and try and win every game.” Before the last edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the Chevrons had been mainstays, competing at every iteration since 2009. They now face three group stage games against Jersey, the USA and Singapore before the pivotal semi-final stage, with both finalists set to book their tickets to Australia. And with all games taking place on home soil in Bulawayo, Muzarabani is hoping the cricketers can put on a show for their country. “It’s going to be a good opportunity to go out there and play,” said the fast bowler. “We just need to win the game, that’s the first thing, and hopefully we will play well. We are going to make the crowd happy and our families happy. That’s our aim. We want to make our families proud, we want to make the supporters proud.” The qualifiers offer a chance for the Chevrons to begin a new era in Zimbabwe cricket and Muzarabani believes they have a good chance of doing so with an exciting batch of players coming through. “There’s some really good talent, some good young guys coming up,” he added. “There’s a really good batter, [Tadiwanashe] Marumani and there is Wesley [Madherve] as well. The future is looking bright but right now this is all about this tournament.” And for Muzarabani, the prospect of representing his country at the World Cup is one he can’t wait to go and grasp.  “I’d love to have that opportunity to play at the main World Cup because I’ve never been there,” he said. “I’m sure a lot of guys are looking forward to that. We’re going to give it our best so we get that opportunity to experience playing the World Cup. Hopefully it’s going to bring happiness to our supporters.”