Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Australia survived a scare from Bangladesh to record a five-wicket win that ensured they finished the group stage of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 unbeaten. After winning the toss, Australia took regular wickets through spin to reduce Bangladesh to 135 for six from their 43 overs after the start was delayed by rain in Wellington. Spin continued to dominate as Bangladesh took the ball, Salma Khatun reducing Australia to 41 for four at the first drinks break before a defiant Beth Mooney guided her side, who had already secured their semi-final spot, to a seventh straight win with an unbeaten 66. Having been put in to bat, Bangladesh made a steady start taking 28 runs from the first six overs before the spin of Ashleigh Gardner and Jess Jonassen was introduced. Gardner would get the first wicket of the innings, dismissing Murshida Khatun for 12 from 17 balls as Rachael Haynes held on to a good catch. That brought Fargana Hoque to the crease and she became the first Bangladeshi women to pass 1000 ODI runs before nicking Annabel Sutherland behind to Alyssa Healy for eight. Australia then smartly reviewed to have Sharmin Akhter given out LBW, DRS confirming Jonassen’s delivery was hitting the top of leg stump as Bangladesh slipped to 58 for three. The experienced heads of Nigar Sultana and Rumana Ahmed played calmly, taking five runs off the next 25 balls before Nigar departed for seven from 30 balls when trying to relieve the dot ball pressure. Bangladesh continued to build promising partnerships, Rumana and Lata Mondol adding 33 for the fifth wicket before the former was caught by Jonassen at mid-off for Gardner’s second wicket of the day to leave the Tigresses on 95 for five with 8.4 overs remaining. Lata was the final wicket to fall as Megan Schutt had her stumped after she top-scored with 33 from 63 balls, wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy whipping off the non-existent bails after they were removed due to the blustery conditions. Salma was there at the end on 15 not out from 23 balls as Bangladesh set Australia 136 to win, no easy task given the weather. But it wasn’t the wind that caused Australia problems, it was Bangladesh’s bowlers with Salma the principal architect of the initial collapse. Healy was first to go after holing out to Jahanara Alam in the deep for 15 from 22 as Salma became the first Bangladeshi bowler to take a wicket against Australia with this the first ever ODI clash between the sides. Meg Lanning’s 30th birthday did not come with a present from her opponents as she was clean-bowled for a duck by a peach of a delivery from Salma, only the fourth time the Australian captain has failed to trouble the scorers in 98 ODIs. Only three more runs were added before Haynes departed for seven from 23 deliveries as Salma single-handedly reduced Australia to 26 for three. The injured Ellyse Perry could only watch on as Beth Mooney and Tahlia McGrath were moved up the order and now had a real job to do. But McGrath only made three, given out LBW off the bowling of Nahida Akter. Mooney instead combined with the hard-striking Gardner to build the biggest partnership of the innings so far, adding 29 runs. But Gardner had to go when she was bowled by Rumana who broke the partnership with her 50th ODI wicket, the first woman to reach a half century for Bangladesh, repeating the feat Gardner managed herself in the first innings. Mooney steadied a rocking Australia ship with a fifty from 60 balls, scoring only four fours as she realised the aerial route spelt danger, instead rotating the strike with Sutherland as the light began to fade. The duo were there at the end after putting on the 66 runs needed for victory to see Australia home with 65 balls to spare to complete the clean sweep. Bangladesh’s very slim hopes of joining Australia in the semi-finals were ended by the loss but they have another chance to pull off an upset against England in Wellington on Sunday. Scores in brief Australia beat Bangladesh at Basin Reserve, Wellington by five wickets Bangladesh 135/6 in 43 overs (Lata Mondol 33, Sharmin Akhter 24; Jess Jonassen 2/13, Ashleigh Gardner 2/23) Australia 136/5 in 32.1 overs (Beth Mooney 66 not out, Annabel Sutherland 26 not out; Salma Khatun 3/23) Player of the Match: Beth Mooney (Australia)

Sports Bulletin Report AJMAN (UAE):-A magical innings by Zawar Farid (72 not out) helped Delhi Bulls-Future Mattress to lift the title of Ajman T20 Cricket Cup that concluded Malek Cricket Stadium Ajman, United Arabs Emirates (UEA). They defeated Maratha Arabians-Brothers Gas by 4 wickets in the final. Chasing Maratha Arabians-Brothers Gas 142 for 8, Zawar Farid scored over half his team’s total off 63 balls with seven boundaries and one six. He got timely support from Syed Haider, who hit 32 runs off 20 balls, and together they put on a crucial 65 runs for the fifth wicket. Farid also had sparkled with the ball taking three wickets to restrict Maratha Arabians-Brothers Gas’s total. It was a dramatic finish to the tournament with Omer Farooq bowling the 19th over clean bowling Syed Haider with his third delivery and also had Delhi Bulls-Future Mattress skipper Umair Ali Khan with the next ball caught by Harry Bharwal at long on. Zawar Farid hit the hat-trick delivery from Farooq for a six to equal the score and then pick a single to win the game with one over to spare. The proceedings of the final began with Delhi Bulls-Future Mattress winning the toss and electing to bowl.  Maratha Arabians-Brothers Gas opener and skipper Jiju Janardhanan, with a bag full of high scores in this tournament, walked in with their Under-19 player Hamdan Tahir.  Delhi Bulls-Future Mattress began their bowling attack with their Under-19 player and left-arm spinner Nilansh Keshwani. Hamdan Tahir scored the first boundary of the final off the fourth ball of the first over by hitting over mid-off. Zahid Ali bowled a tight second over giving away just three runs. Skipper Umair Ali introduced himself for the third over and gave away only six runs. Then Zahid Ali struck with the second ball of the fourth over taking the prize wicket of Jiju Janardhanan caught at mid-on for 7. Usman Khan too fell to the second ball he faced, edging to wicketkeeper Abdul Shakoor for a duck.  When Umair Ali Khan had opener Hamdan Tahir miscue his shot to Syed Haider at point for 14, Maratha Arabians-Brothers Gas were reeling at 22 for 3 in 4.3 overs. Tanveer Junaid and Mohammad Afzal began the repair to the damage and took the score to 44 when left-arm spinner Sultan Ahmed had Junaid caught and bowled for 16. This brought in Shahnawaz Khan, and along with Afzal, kept the scoreboard moving.  With only five overs more to go, Maratha Arabians-Brother Gas were 79 for 4.  Zawar Farid who was re-introduced gave away only seven runs in the 16th over. Shahnawaz Khan hit Umair Ali for a boundary and a six off the second and third deliveries of the 17th over but he fell to the last ball of that over getting caught by Zahid Ali at long-off for 33. His knock off 28 balls had one boundary and a six. Afzal too followed in the next over, bowled by Zawar Farid, for 35 made off 34 balls with three boundaries and one six. Omer Farooq announced his intention hitting the first ball he faced for a six off Farid. In the next over Zeeshan Abid hit Zahid Ali’s first two deliveries for two consecutive boundaries and then hit a six off the fourth delivery. Omer Farooq too hit the last delivery for a six to take 23 runs off that over. The last over was an eventful one with Zawar Farid having Zeehsan Abid caught by Nilansh Keshwani at deep point for 18 with the second delivery. Omer Farooq hit Zawar Farid for a boundary off the fourth ball but got bowled to him with the next delivery for 16. In the end Maratha Arabians – Brother Gas posted 142 for 8 which was a fine recovery from 44 for 4 in 8.4 overs. It was a shocking start for Delhi Bulls -Future Mattress losing their opener Abdul Shakoor to the second ball off the first over caught behind by wicketkeeper Hamdan Tahir off Saqib Manshad for a duck. Shakoor was the hero of their semifinal match through a knock of 83. Adil Mirza joined opener Zawar Farid, who took three overs to get off the mark.  Omer Farooq, who was introduced for the fourth over had Adil Mirza caught at mid-on by Usman Khan for 11. Left-handed Mohammed Umsan walked in with score reading 15 for 2 in 3.1 overs. He began by scoring a boundary off Omer Farooq flicking down the leg side. Saqib Manshad bowled a brilliant fifth over giving away just one run. Mohammed Usman began to stroke fluently. Jiju Janardhanan who introduced himself for the seventh over gave away only four runs. Zawar Farid lifted Jiju in the eighth over mid-on for a boundary to take the score to 50. At the score on 54, Harry Bharwal struck by forcing Mohammad Usman on 15 to hit high and Saqib Manshad, running in from deep square leg, took the catch Mohammad Azha joined Zawar Farid with 88 runs needed off the last ten overs. Mohammad Azhar hit Harry Bharwal’s second ball of the 12th over for a might six but fell to the next ball leg before for 7. Syed Haider got off the mark with a boundary. Skipper Jiju Janardhanan who marshalled his bowling resources well introduced Omer Farooq for the 13th over. He gave away just six runs. Jiju introduced himself for the 14th over and gave away ten runs. With 51 runs needed off the last six overs, Zawar Farid kept the chase going and reached his half century in exactly 50 deliveries. Then Syed Haider began to unleash his big hits and speeded up the race to the target. Brief scores: Delhi Bulls – Future Mattress beat Maratha Arabians – Brothers Gas by 4 wickets Maratha Arabians-Brothers Gas: 142 for 8 in 20 overs Mohammad Afzal 35, Shahnawaz Khan 33  Zahid Ali 2 for 33, Umair Ali Kahn 2 for 34, Zawar Farid 3 for 25 Delhi Bulls-Future Mattress: 143 for 6 in 19 overs Zawar Farid 72n.o, Syed Haider 32 Harry Bharwal 2 for 25, Omer Farooq 3 for 29 Man of the Final: Zawar Farid Best Batsman: Sagar Kalyan (Bangla Tigers-Karwan) Best Bowler: Mohammad Azhar (Delhi Bulls-Future Mattress) Most sixes: Mohammad Afzal (Delhi Bulls-Future Mattress) Player of the tournament: Jiju Janardhanan (Maratha Arabians-Brothers Gas).

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-England were back to their blistering best as they defeated Pakistan by nine wickets to put themselves in a good position to qualify for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 semi-finals. Seamer Katherine Brunt was in red-hot form as she and spinner Sophie Ecclestone took three wickets apiece to skittle Pakistan for 105 at the Hagley Oval. Danni Wyatt also enjoyed a return to form to lead England’s chase as her 76 not out saw the defending champions reach their total with more than 30 overs to spare. The result hauls England up to fourth in the overall standings, one point behind West Indies – whose game against South Africa was abandoned earlier on Thursday – and ensuring another win for Heather Knight’s team against Bangladesh would see them leapfrog the Maroon Warriors and secure a semi-final spot. Brunt kept her place despite one wicket in five matches and she repaid that faith by dismissing the returning Nahida Khan for a first-ball duck, before the first run-out of the day came as Bismah Maroof went needlessly going for a single. Pakistan reached 28 for two by the end of the powerplay but a second run-out was not far away as Omaima Sohail went for 11 - off 30 balls - as Tammy Beaumont secured a direct hit. Brunt would grab another as Nida Dar - the bowling hero of Pakistan’s win over West Indies - went for four from 22 deliveries, with a review confirming the LBW dismissal. And in her very next over the England veteran dismissed the steady Sidra Ameen, who was bowled for 32 from 77 balls. Ecclestone was the first slow bowler introduced into the attack at the halfway mark – but it was captain Knight who grabbed the first wicket off spin as she struck second ball to remove Aliya Riaz, who went for a misjudged sweep to short fine-leg where Anya Shrubsole gobbled up the catch. Ecclestone made her mark just five overs later, however, as Fatima Sana nicked behind to wicket-keeper Amy Jones to depart for four. Pakistan were collapsing and lost their final four wickets for just 10 runs, Kate Cross earning her only victim of the day as she sent Sidra Nawaz’s leg stump cartwheeling before Aiman Anwer and Diana Baig were also removed by in-form Ecclestone with 8.3 overs remaining. England’s chase of their small target got off to a bumpy start as Beaumont was given out LBW on review for just two as Baig grabbed her first wicket of the day. Wyatt was impressive as she looked to find some form at the top of the order, crunching all of England’s sevens boundaries in the powerplay. She brought up her half century off 51 deliveries, triggering celebrations but remaining firmly focused on the job in hand and getting it done as quickly as possible. And she went on to do exactly that, combining with Knight for an 87-run partnership and her fluent 76 not out coming from 68 balls, including 11 fours. Knight would end on a measured 24 not out from 36, happy to play second fiddle to Wyatt who was masterful in her stroke-play as England chased down 105 in just 19.2 overs. For England, they must still beat Bangladesh in Wellington this weekend to make certain of their place in the knockout stages, while the defeat ends Pakistan’s outside chance of a push for the top four. Scores in brief England beat Pakistan at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, by nine wickets Pakistan 105 all out in 41.3 overs (Sidra Ameen 32, Sidra Nawaz 23; Katherine Brunt 3/17, Sophie Ecclestone 3/18) England 107/1 in 19.2 overs (Danni Wyatt 76 not out, Heather Knight 24 not out) Player of the Match: Danni Wyatt (England)

BIPIN DANI Bahrain's Deepika Rasangika, who created the world record for highest individual score in Women's T20Is has not forgotten to give credit to Sri Lanka Cricket. The 38-year-old Sri Lanka-born Deepika had played more than 60 international matches (ODIs' and T-20Is) before moving to Bahrain.  She scored a mammoth 161 off just 66 balls with 31 fours in the extraordinary innings against Saudi Arabia.  "What I have become as a cricketer or as a person the credit should first go to Sri Lanka, but I’ve moved to Bahrain in 2017 to have a better life for me and my family and Bahrain Cricket Federation (BCF) have given me the opportunity to play international cricket. Because of that opportunity I was able to achieve this milestone. So, I love both the countries equally", she said over the telephone from Oman, where her team would play two more matches. "I have no words to express my joy for this world record. It just happened in a few hours. From a team of amateur cricketers, my name stands against a world record. I was shocked to know that I booked the world record and feeling I am on cloud nine and living a life in paradise". Deepika broke the record of Alyssa Healey. "I have met Healey in the past and have played against her Australian team in the 2013 World Cup. It was her achievement and I am proud and honored to surpass her record. Wishing her good luck for her future cricket career". Deepika has also thanked her coach Artha and team for the support. "Artha pushed us hard and motivated us to do our best. The support I received from my team was also incredible", she added. 

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Australia set 351 runs target for the Green Shirts after declaring their second innings at 227 for 3, as hosts opening batter scored 73 for 0 runs in 27 overs. A ton (104 not out) of Usman Kawaja played a vital role in consolidating visitor innings. Pakistan need more 278 runs to win the Test match on 5th day at Qaddafi Stadium Lahore. Australia Batting (First Innings): 391 all out in 133.3 overs Usman Khawaja 91 runs (219 balls, 4X9, 6X1), Cameron Green 67 runs (163 balls, 4X9), Alex Carey 67 runs (105 balls, 4X7), Steven Smith 59 runs (169 balls, 4X6), Travis Head 26 runs (70balls, 4X4) Pakistan Bowling (First Innings): Naseem Shah (4 for 58), Shaheen Shah Afridi (4 for 79), Nauman Ali (1 for 77), Sajid Khan (1 for 97) Pakistan Batting (First Innings): 268 all out in 116.4 overs Abdullah Shafiq 81 runs (228 balls, 4X11), Azhar Ali 78 runs (208 balls, 7X1, 6X1), Babar Azam 67 runs (131 balls, 4X6, 6X1), Imam-ul-Haq 11 runs (41 balls, 4X2) Australia Bowling (First Innings): Pat Cummins (5 for 56), Mitchell Strac (4 for 33), Nathan Lyon 1 for 95 Australia Batting (Second Innings): 227 for 3 declared in 60 overs Usman Kawaja 104 not out (178 balls, 4X8, 6X0), David Warner 51 (91 balls, 4X6, 6X1), Labuschagne 36 (58 balls, 4X6, 6X0) Pakistan Bowling (Second Innings): Naseem Shah (1 for 23), Shaheen Shah Afridi (1 for 45) Nauman Ali (1 for 55) Pakistan Batting (Second Innings): 73 for 0 in 27 overs (Target 351 runs) Imam-ul-Haq 42 (93 balls, 4X4, 6X0), Abdullah Shafiq 27 (69 balls, 4X3, 6X1) Australia Bowling (Second Innings): PAKISTAN (Playing XIs): Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam (c), Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah AUSTRALIA (Playing XIs): David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Nathan Lyon. Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore             Toss: Australia, elected to bat first Match Officials: Umpires: Ahsan Raza & Aleem Dar TV Umpire: Asif Yaqoob Reserve Umpire: Rashid Riaz Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle (Sri Lanka)

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Australian pacers skipper Pat Cummins and Mitchell Strac wobbled the Pakistan batting line-up and host batters could score only 268 runs in their first innings. Visitors were on 11 runs in their second innings at the end of day-3 at Qaddafi Stadium Lahore on Wednesday. Usman Kawaja 7 and David Warner 4 were at the crease. Earlier, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Strac badly dented the Pakistan batting by sharing 9 wickets. Cummins got 5 while Strac grabbed 4 wickets after conceding 56 and 33 runs respectively. Nathan Lyon chipped in one wicket. On Wednesday morning, Pakistan took good start and was expected to pass the third day comfortably but no one for top-order could stay with skipper Babar Azam, who scored 67 runs with the help of six four and big six. Fawad and Rizwan even could not take a breath of sigh and lost their wickets in quickly. Summarized Scorecard: Australia Batting (First Innings): 391 all out in 133.3 overs Usman Khawaja 91 runs (219 balls, 4X9, 6X1), Cameron Green 67 runs (163 balls, 4X9), Alex Carey 67 runs (105 balls, 4X7), Steven Smith 59 runs (169 balls, 4X6), Travis Head 26 runs (70balls, 4X4) Pakistan Bowling (First Innings): Naseem Shah (4 for 58), Shaheen Shah Afridi (4 for 79), Nauman Ali (1 for 77), Sajid Khan (1 for 97) Pakistan Batting (First Innings): 268 all out in 116.4 overs Abdullah Shafiq 81 runs (228 balls, 4X11), Azhar Ali 78 runs (208 balls, 7X1, 6X1), Babar Azam 67 runs (131 balls, 4X6, 6X1), Imam-ul-Haq 11 runs (41 balls, 4X2) Australia Bowling (First Innings): Pat Cummins (5 for 56), Mitchell Strac (4 for 33), Nathan Lyon 1 for 95 Australia Batting (Second Innings): 11 for 0 in 3 overs Usman Kawaja 7 runs not out, David Warner 4 runs not out Pakistan Bowling (Second Innings): PAKISTAN (Playing XIs): Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam (c), Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah AUSTRALIA (Playing XIs): David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Nathan Lyon.  Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore             Toss: Australia, elected to bat first Match Officials: Umpires: Ahsan Raza & Aleem Dar TV Umpire: Asif Yaqoob Reserve Umpire: Rashid Riaz Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle (Sri Lanka)

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis, who took 373 Test and 416 ODI wickets, was formally inducted into the “PCB Hall of Fame” when he received his commemorative cap and plaque during Wednesday’s play in the third cricket Test between Pakistan and Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium. In Tests, Waqar took 50 or more wickets against New Zealand (70), Zimbabwe (62), Sri Lanka (56), West Indies (55) and England (50). In ODIs, he took 84 wickets against Sri Lanka, followed by New Zealand (79), West Indies (60), South Africa (58), India (37), England (30), Australia (29) and Zimbabwe (23). Waqar played seven Tests at the Gaddafi Stadium and took 29 wickets with seven for 86 against New Zealand in October 1990 as his best. In 12 ODIs at this iconic venue, Waqar took 14 wickets with four for 26 against the Netherlands in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 1996 as his best figures. Waqar Younis said: “I feel honoured to have been inducted into the PCB Hall of Fame with my mother and wife standing alongside me. In fact, it was an honour to receive the beautiful plaque from my mother, who has been my inspiration throughout this highly rewarding and immensely satisfying cricketing journey. Without her blessings, I would not have been able to achieve this much as a professional. “Playing for Pakistan was a dream come true and I still cherish every single moment of wearing the Pakistan colour. And to be awarded by the Pakistan Cricket Board with this honour 19 years after I last represented my country is just an icing on the cake, for which I am grateful to them. “It is indeed a very proud moment for me to be placed in the same category as Abdul Qadir, Fazal Mahmood, Hanif Mohammad, Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram and Zaheer Abbas. These individuals are absolute legends of the game and their achievements and success stories are well documented. “I would like to thank all the players I played with and against as well as all the support staff who contributed towards my accomplishments.” The PCB Hall of Fame was launched in April 2021 following the Board of Governors approval at its 62nd meeting with the sole objective being to honour and celebrate the achievements of some of the greatest cricketers produced by this proud country as well as to preserve Pakistan cricket history. The initial inductees were six members of the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame – Hanif Mohammad, Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Zaheer Abbas. On 16 October 2021, the six stalwarts were joined by Abdul Qadir and Fazal Mahmood who were selected by an independent voting panel.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Hosts Pakistan managed 90 for 1 runs on the scoreboard in 39 overs on the end of Day-2 at Qaddafi Stadium Lahore on Tuesday. Australia all ten batters got out on 391 runs total, as Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah shared each four wickets after conceding 79 and 58 runs respectively. Pakistan were 90 for 1 after 39 overs, as the major contributor was Abdullah Shafiq with 45 runs un beaten innings while Azhar Ali was also not out at 30. Pakistan lost only Imam-ul-Haq, who scored 11 runs in 41 balls. Summarized Scorecard: Australia Batting (First Innings): 391 all out in 133.3 overs Usman Khawaja 91 runs (219 balls, 4X9, 6X1), Cameron Green 67 runs (163 balls, 4X9), Alex Carey 67 runs (105 balls, 4X7), Steven Smith 59 runs (169 balls, 4X6), Travis Head 26 runs (70balls, 4X4) Pakistan Bowling (First Innings): Naseem Shah (4 for 58), Shaheen Shah Afridi (4 for 79), Nauman Ali (1 for 77), Sajid Khan (1 for 97) Pakistan Batting (First Innings): 90 for 1 in 39 overs Abdullah Shafiq 45 runs not out (117 balls, 4X6), Azhar Ali 30 runs not out (79 balls, 4X1, 6X1), Imam-ul-Haq 11 runs (41 balls, 4X2) Australia Bowling (First Innings): Pat Cummins 1 for 27 PAKISTAN (Playing XIs): Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam (c), Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah AUSTRALIA (Playing XIs): David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Nathan Lyon.  Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore             Toss: Australia, elected to bat first Match Officials: Umpires: Ahsan Raza & Aleem Dar TV Umpire: Asif Yaqoob Reserve Umpire: Rashid Riaz Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle (Sri Lanka)

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-India kept their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 semi-final hopes alive with a comfortable 110-run victory over Bangladesh in Hamilton. Yastika Bhatia’s half-century was the standout knock in India’s 229 for seven, though Ritu Moni’s three for 37 – including two in two balls – gave Bangladesh hopes of a famous win. But Sneh Rana (four for 30) and Rajeshwari Gayakwad (one for 15 from 10 overs) left the Tigresses in a spin and they never recovered from a slow start despite the best efforts of Salma Khatun, who made a brisk 32. Both sides made changes having been beaten last time out, India bringing in leg-spinner Poonam Yadav for seam bowler Meghna Singh while Bangladesh replaced Shamima Sultana and Fariha Trisna with Murshida Khatun and Lata Mondal. Mithali Raj opted to bat upon winning the toss and India made a strong start, Smriti Mandhana getting the scoreboard moving with back-to-back boundaries to conclude the second over. Her opening partner Shafali Verma went one better in the ninth, striking Nahida Akter for what would turn out to be the only six of the innings over long-on, and three boundaries in the following over saw India end the powerplay well set on 52 without loss. Bangladesh needed a breakthrough and Nahida provided it when Mandhana picked out Fargana Hoque at square leg to fall for 30 and end the opening partnership on 74. One became three in the blink of an eye, Ritu Moni accounting for Verma and Raj in consecutive deliveries in the next over as a jubilant Bangladesh checked India’s momentum. Yastika Bhatia and Harmanpreet Kaur were tasked with the rebuilding job and it was one they set about cautiously, the pair content to rotate the strike as the Bangladesh attack kept boundaries to a minimum. Just two arrived between the fall of Raj in the 16th over and midway through the 30th, a spell which also included the departure of Kaur for 14 courtesy of a direct hit from Fargana at mid-on. Richa Ghosh joined Bhatia and was quickly up and running with successive fours through point, though the cut shot would later bring her downfall. Ghosh survived being dropped off Ritu but it was not a costly miss as she did not add to her score of 26 before falling to Nahida in the next over, Nigar Sultana making amends behind the stumps. Bhatia brought up a patient 79-ball half-century but fell to the next delivery, leaving India 176 for six at the start of the 44th over, but useful late cameos from Pooja Vastrakar (30 not out) and Sneh Rana (27 from 23) pushed them above 200. Bangladesh’s pursuit of 230 started slowly, Murshida’s six over cover in the fifth over, Bangladesh’s first maximum at a World Cup, doubling her side’s score, and a quick double blow before the end of the powerplay dented their hopes. Sharmin Akhter was caught at slip attempting a booming off-drive off Gayakwad before Fargana was trapped in front by a full Vastrakar delivery without scoring. Bangladesh were 19 for two at the 10-over mark, the lowest score after the powerplay in the tournament so far, and the mountain they had to climb became steeper when captain Nigar holed out attempting to increase the run rate. Murshida, dropped twice, saw her luck run out when she was smartly taken by Kaur off Yadav for 19 and it was 35 for five when a successful review showed the ball had flicked Rumana Ahmed’s glove en route to Bhatia at short leg, handing Rana a second wicket in her miserly opening spell. Salma provided a glimmer of light for Bangladesh, hitting four boundaries in her 32 before edging Jhulan Goswami behind to all but seal her side’s fate. There was still time for both Vastrakar and Rana to move level at the top of the wicket-takers list for the tournament, each bowler claiming their 10th scalp as India wrapped up a convincing victory to leave Bangladesh on the brink of elimination. Scores in brief India beat Bangladesh at Seddon Park, Hamilton by 110 runs India 229/7 in 50 overs (Yastika Bhatia 50, Shafali Verma 42; Ritu Moni 3/37, Nahida Akter 2/42) Bangladesh 119 all out in 40.3 overs (Salma Khatun 32,; Sneh Rana 4/30, Jhulan Goswami 2/19) Player of the Match: Yastika Bhatia (India)

BIPIN DANI Former Sri Lankan all-rounder Sanath Jayasuriya was invited to attend the Sports Award ceremony in Maldives last week. The invitation to the former captain was sent by Ahmed Mahloof, the Youth & Sports Minister of Maldives. In recognition of the impact and highlight the amazing achievements Sanath Jayasuriya has made during his career in the sporting world he was also conferred a special award.  "It was the first time in the history of Maldives that the government had conferred the awards to various athletes", SJ, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Colombo, said on Monday morning. Interestingly, India's Suresh Raina and Sri Lankan's another athlete Tharjini Sivalingam were also invited. All these athletes, along with Sri Lanka's sports minister Namal Rajapaksha were greatly honoured and enjoyed the hospitality.