Sports Bulletin

Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD:-Southern Punjab defeated Northern by 67 runs in the 8th match of Pakistan Cup One-Day Tournament on Tuesday at Diamond Cricket Ground Islamabad. After winning the toss, Northern decided to bowl first. Sothern Punjab set 285 runs target on score board against Northern. Selman Agha played a wonderful innings and scored 171 runs in just 134 balls and he hit 18 fours and 6 brilliant sixes. Khushdil shah added 24 runs in team total and smashed 2 fours and solitary six. Sharoon Siraj scored 20 runs. Northern bowler Aamir Jamal took 3 wickets for 56 runs. Mubashir Khan got 2 wickets and conceded 51 runs while Musa Khan took 2 for 62 runs. In reply, Northern failed to chase 285 runs. Mubashir Khan scored 65 runs in62 balls. Rohail Nazir scored 40 runs in 42 delivers while Mohammad Hurira scored 28 runs in 20 balls. Sothern’s bowler Aamir Yameen took 2 wickets while Abbas Afridi got one wicket. Summarized Scorecard Southern Punjab Batting:  284 all out in 48.1 overs Sulman Agha (171 runs in 144 balls) 18 fours 1 six, Khushdil Shah (24 runs in 33 balls)2 fours,1 six, Sharoon Siraj(20 runs in 38 balls)2 fours Northern Bowling Aamir Jamal 3 for 56 runs, Mubashir Khan 2 for 51 runs, Musa Khan 2 for 62 runs Northern Batting: 217 all out 43.2 overs Mubashir khan (65 runs in 62 balls) 7 fours 1 six, Rohail Nazir (40 runs in 42 balls) 6 fours, Mohammad Hurira ( 28 runs in 20 balls) 6 fours Southern Punjab Bowling Amir Yamin 2 for 29 runs, Khushdil Shah 2 for 29, Imran Randhawa 2 for 30 runs  

Sports Bulletin Report FAISALABAD:-Pakistan Blind Cricket Team whitewashed South Africa Blind Cricket team after an easy victory in the third and last T-20 International by 163 runs. The Green Caps had already won the three-match ODI series with 3-0. The 3rd and the last T-20 International of the between Pakistan and South Africa Blind Cricket series was played at Iqbal Stadium Faisalabad. In the morning, the Pakistan Blind Cricket Team won the toss and decided to bat first. The Veteran Mohammad Akram who has been playing his last T-20 Int’l match opened the innings with Badar Munir for Pakistan and both openers got retired out after scoring fifties. Pakistan scored massive 314 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Badar Munir scored 62 off 22 Balls while Mohammad Akram made 51 off 24 Balls. Mathula Dhlamini took 1 wicket for South Africa. The target of 315 runs was too hard for South Africa and they made only 151 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Fredrik Andreas was the main run-getter with 39 runs off 24 balls while Bhule Bhidla chipped in with 29 runs off 29 balls.  Sajid Nawaz and Mohammad Akram took 3 and 2 wickets respectively while Badar claimed a wicket apiece. Ali Shahzad Deputy Commissioner Faisalabad, Abdul Sattar DEO Special Education Faisalabad, Salman Tariq Bukhari Director PBCC, Dr Anwar Ali Sial Director PBCC and Navid Nazir former first class cricketer were the guests of the occasion distributed prizes amongst the players. Result: Pakistan won by 163 runs Man of the Match: Badar Munir Man of the series in B1 Category: Zafar Iqbal Man of the series in B2 Category: Moain Aslam  Man of the series in B3 Category: Mohammad Rashid  

Sports Bulletin Report TAURANGA:-Australia earned a straightforward seven-wicket win over Pakistan in Tauranga despite a 99-run stand between Bismah Maroof and Aliya Riaz Bay Oval on Tuesday in Tauranga, New Zealand. Bismah top-scored with 78 not out for her first fifty since returning from maternity leave but it was not enough as a disciplined bowling display and an Alyssa Healy half-century earned Australia their second consecutive win at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022. Pakistan were put into bat for the first time this tournament and were soon two wickets down as Megan Schutt and Ellyse Perry dispatched the openers in back-to-back deliveries. Schutt forced Nahida Khan into an edge as Beth Mooney took the catch with Sidra Amin going the very next ball, captain Meg Lanning this time pouching the edge from a Pakistani bat. Captain Bismah and Omaima Sohail were then forced to rebuild, and the skipper led from the front, getting off the mark with a perfectly timed flick. Pakistan had slipped to 38 for three when Nida Dar strode out to the middle and faced Jess Jonassen in her first over with only two fielders outside the ring as Australia looked to force Pakistan into a wild shot. Nida went for five giving Amanda-Jade Wellington her first international wicket since 2018 and Bismah was once again welcoming a new partner to the crease. Pakistan made it to the halfway point without losing another wicket but it was slow going, their 50 partnership did not arrive for another six overs, coming off 107 deliveries. Bismah’s fifty was brought up off 96 balls with five fours and her celebration paid tribute to her baby daughter Fatima who was watching on with her grandmother on the balcony. Four balls later and the partnership reached 86, the highest for Pakistan at a World Cup with Riaz’s own fifty following not long after, her first at a World Cup. She would not add to her 53 as she was given out leg before wicket off the bowling of Nicola Carey, ending the partnership on 99, the joint-highest fifth-wicket partnership for Pakistan in ODIs. Fatima Sana would be the last wicket to fall for Pakistan as King got the promising all-rounder caught behind to leave Pakistan on 177 for six. Bismah and Diana Baig finished with a late flourish to set Australia a chase of 191 to win, Bismah ending on 78 not out, the second-highest individual score for Pakistan at a World Cup. Australia were in no way daunted by the chase as Healy and Haynes set about it with intent, finding gaps regularly. Haynes would fall just as she was getting going, departing for a run-a-ball 34 as Australia’s opening stand produced 60 runs. Healy’s fifty came off 55 balls, no need for her to go fast or aerial, and it felt like she and Lanning were in cruise control. Australia then experienced some turbulence as Lanning’s bails were knocked off by a Sohail delivery, meaning she had to go for 25 from 37, her bat frustratingly tucked under her arm on the way off. The job didn’t get any easier for Pakistan though, as Perry arrived at the crease and Healy’s free-scoring continued. Only a well-held catch in the deep from Nashra Sundhu could stop the wicket-keeper as she was forced to depart for 72 from 79. Australia were still well on track at 153 for three and Perry, 26 from 33, and Beth Mooney, 23 from 26, were unbeaten in the middle as they chased down 191 with 15.2 overs to spare for back-to-back victories to start their World Cup campaign. Scores in brief Australia beat Pakistan at Bay Oval, Tauranga by seven wickets Pakistan 190/6 in 50.0 overs (Bismah Maroof 78 not out, Aliya Riaz 53; Alana King 2/24, Amanda-Jade Wellington 1/25) Australia 193/3 in 34.4 overs (Alyssa Healey 72, Meg Lanning 35; Omaima Sohail 2/39, Nashra Sundhu 1/30) Player of the Match: Alyssa Healy (Australia).

Abdul Jabbar Faisal RAWALPINDI:-The first Test match of three-match series between hosts Pakistan and Australia ended in a draw at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi on Tuesday, as Pakistan scored 252 runs in their second inning without wasting any batter. Earlier, Australia scored 459 runs in their first innings with 17 runs deficit. Left arm spinner Nuaman Ali was higest wicket taker bowler with 6 for 107. Afridi got two while Sajid Khan and Naseem Shah shared one wicket each. It was seemed that hosts will set a total for visitor in the last 20 overs less or more to entertain the cricket lovers of twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Pakistani opener Imam and Abdullah started their second innings carefully and hit some strokes too but run rate was not enough to declare the innings and set a target for Kangaroos. Pakistan scored 252 runs in their second innings in 77 overs and total lead was 269. Abdullah Shafiq was unbeaten with 136 runs, as he faced 242 balls and smashed 15 fours and a single six. His teammate Imam-ul-Haq scored 111 runs and faced 233 balls. He hit 7 fours and couple of six on spin bowlers. Day-1 First Session: (105 for 1 in 35 overs, Iman-ul-Haq 57 not out & Azhar Ali 0 not out) Second Session: (171 for 1 in 56 overs, Imam-ul-Hq 92 not out & Azhar Ali 30 not out) Third Session (245 for 1 in 90 overs, Imam-ul-Haq 132 not out, Azhar Ali 64 not out, Lyon 1 for 87) Day-2 First Session: 302 for 1 in 115 overs (Imam-ul-Haq154 not out, Azhar Ali 96 not out, Nathin Lyon 1 for 106) Second Session: 394 for 2 in 142 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 157, Azhar Ali 151 not out, Babar Azam 33 not out Third Session: Pakistan 476 for 4 declare (Azhar Ali 185, Rizwan 46 and Babar Azam 36) Day-3 First Session: Australia 138 for 0 (Usman Kawaja 70 runs not out & David Warner 60 runs not out) Second Session: Australia 222 for 2 (Usman Kawaja 97, Marnus 33 not out, Smith 12 not out) Third Session: Australia 271 for 2 in 73 overs (Marnus 69 not out, Smith 24 not out) Day-4 First Session: No play due to wet ground Second Session: Australia 364 for 4 in 106 overs (Marnus 90 runs, Smith 61 not out, Nauman 2 for 79 Third Session: Australia 449 for 7 in 137 overs (Marnus 90, Smith 79: Numan 4 for 107) Day-5 First Session: Australia 459 all out in 140.1 overs (Numan Ali 6 for 107) Second Session: Pakistan 191 for 0 in 55 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 89, Abdullah Shafiq 99) Third Session: Pakistan 252 runs for 0 in 77 overs (Abdullah Shafiq 136 not out(242 balls, 4X15, 6X1), Imam-ul-Haq 111 (233 balls, 4X7, 6X2)   Brief Scorecard: Pakistan Batting (First innings) 476 for 4 in 162 overs Azhar Ali 185 (361 balls, 4X15, 6X3), Imam-ul-Haq 157 (358 balls, 4X10, 6X2), Abdullah Shafiq 44 (105 balls, 4X3) Babar Azam 36 (82 balls 4X3). Australia Bowling (First innings): Nathan Lyon (1 for 161), Pat Cummins (1 for 62), Marnus Labuschagne (1 for 53) Australia Batting (First innigs): 459 all out in 140.1 overs Usman Kawaja 97 (159 balls, 4X15), Marnus Labuschange 90 (158 balls 4X12), Steven Smith 78 (196 balls, 4X8), David Warner 68 (114 balls, 4X12). Pakistan Bowling (First innings): Numan Ali (6 for 107), Shaheen Shah Afridi (2 for 85), Naseem Shah (1 for 89), Sajid Khan (1 for 122) Pakistan Batting (Second Innings): Pakistan 252 runs for 0 in 77 overs Abdullah Shafiq 136 not out(242 balls, 4X15, 6X1), Imam-ul-Haq 111 (233 balls, 4X7, 6X2)   Pakistan Playing XI: Babar Azam (captain), Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Iftikhar Ahmed, Noman Ali, Sajid Sajid Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah Australia Playing XI: Pat Cummins (captain), Usman Kawaja, David Warner, Marnus Laboschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameroon Green, Alex Cary (wicketkeeper), Mitchell Starc, Nathin Lyon, Josh Hazlewood Match officials: Aleem Dar and Ahsan Raza (on-field), Asif Yaqoob (third umpire), Rashid Riaz (fourth umpire), Ranjan Madugalle (match referee) Officials Scorers: Shakil Ahmed & Fazal-e-Azeem (field) Adnan Farooq & Zafar Yasir (Press Gallery).

Sports Bulletin Report Mount Manganui:-Pakistan vice-captain and all-rounder Nida Dar is hopeful that despite a defeat by 107 runs to India in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 opener at Mount Manganui, her side would make a comeback in the tournament. Pakistan had an impressive start with the ball yesterday as they had India reeling at 114 for six after Mithali Raj decided to bat first, but brilliant half-centuries from Pooja Vastrakar and Sneh Rana brought India back into the game and eventually set their win. The pair added 122 runs from 97 balls down the order. “We got a good start with the ball, but did not finish the innings well,” Nida told PCB digital after the match. “That’s an area where we need to work on.” Nida, who returned two for 45 in 10 overs, believes that pitches in New Zealand are batting friendly and allow batters to score at quicker rates. “The wickets here are flat and are batting friendly. They help the batters in scoring quick runs. We should have chased 245 here, considering the experience of our batters and our run in the warm-ups.” Pakistan play Australia on Tuesday at the same venue. For Nida, the key going into that match is to “learn from the mistakes and focus on the next match”. Australia are a strong side and it is important for us to make a strong comeback in the tournament,” she said. “You do experience tough challenges at a stage like World Cup, but it also gives you an opportunity to stage comebacks.”

Sports Bulletin Report FAISALABAD:-Pakistan blind cricket team defeated South Arfica by 8 wickets in the 2nd T-20 International in the three-match series at Iqbal Stadium Faisalabad on Monday. In the morning, the Pakistan Blind Cricket Team again won the toss and decided to bowl first. South Africa Blind Cricket Team made 109 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Bhule Bhidla was the main run-getter with 28 runs off 33 balls while Fredrik Andreas chipped in with 24 runs off 27 balls. Sajid, Israr and Zafar claimed a wicket apiece. In reply, Pakistan reached the target of 110 runs with ease in just 15.3 overs for the loss of 2 wickets. Zafar Iqbal was the star with the bat; he scored 44 runs off 53 balls while Muhammad Rashid made 30 runs off 30 balls. Anathi Xelelo took 1 wicket for South Africa.  Result: Pakistan won by 8 Wickets Man of the Match: Zafar Iqbal

Abdul Jabbar Faisal RAWALPINDI:-Visitors posted 449 runs for 7 on the board in 137 overs on the end of Day-4 at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi on Monday, as the major contributors was Marnus Labuschagne with 90 runs, as he faced 158 balls and hit 12 boundaries.                                                                        12 Last night play was halted owing to poor light and 23 overs wasted in morning session, as total 41 overs wasted so far in the Australian innings. Marnus scored 90 runs for Australia. Day-1 First Session: (105 for 1 in 35 overs, Iman-ul-Haq 57 not out & Azhar Ali 0 not out) Second Session: (171 for 1 in 56 overs, Imam-ul-Hq 92 not out & Azhar Ali 30 not out) Third Session (245 for 1 in 90 overs, Imam-ul-Haq 132 not out, Azhar Ali 64 not out, Lyon 1 for 87) Day-2 First Session: 302 for 1 in 115 overs (Imam-ul-Haq154 not out, Azhar Ali 96 not out, Nathin Lyon 1 for 106) Second Session: 394 for 2 in 142 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 157, Azhar Ali 151 not out, Babar Azam 33 not out Third Session: Pakistan 476 for 4 declare (Azhar Ali 185, Rizwan 46 and Babar Azam 36) Day-3 First Session: Australia 138 for 0 (Usman Kawaja 70 runs not out & David Warner 60 runs not out) Second Session: Australia 222 for 2 (Usman Kawaja 97, Marnus 33 not out, Smith 12 not out) Third Session: Australia 271 for 2 in 73 overs (Marnus 69 not out, Smith 24 not out) Day-4 First Session: No play due to wet ground Second Session: Australia 364 for 4 in 106 overs (Marnus 90 runs, Smith 61 not out, Nauman 2 for 79 Third Session: Australia 449 for 7 in 137 overs (Marnus 90, Smith 79: Numan 4 for 107) Scorecard: Pakistan Batting (476 for 4 in 162 overs): Abdullah Shafique (c Cummins b Lyon) 44-105 Imam-ul-Haq (lbw b Cummins) 157-358 Azhar Ali (c Green b Labuschagne) 185-361 Babar Azam (run out-Labuschagne) 36-82 Mohammad Rizwan 29 not out-                46 Iftikhar Ahmed                 13 not out-21 Extras    (b 4, lb 7, No, Balls1)-12 TOTAL: 476/4 in 162 overs            Did not bat: Fawad Alam, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah Fall of wickets: 1-105 (Abdullah Shafique, 33.6 overs), 2-313 (Imam-ul-Haq, 120.5 overs), 3-414 (Babar Azam, 147.1 overs), 4-442 (Azhar Ali, 155.4 overs) Australia Bowling: Nathan Lyon (1 for 161), Pat Cummins (1 for 62), Marnus Labuschagne (1 for 53) Australia Batting: 5 for 0 in 1 over Usman Khawaja (5 not out), David Warner (0 not out) Pakistan Playing XI: Babar Azam (captain), Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Iftikhar Ahmed, Noman Ali, Sajid Sajid Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah Australia Playing XI: Pat Cummins (captain), Usman Kawaja, David Warner, Marnus Laboschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameroon Green, Alex Cary (wicketkeeper), Mitchell Starc, Nathin Lyon, Josh Hazlewood Match officials: Aleem Dar and Ahsan Raza (on-field), Asif Yaqoob (third umpire), Rashid Riaz (fourth umpire), Ranjan Madugalle (match referee) Officials Scorers: Shakil Ahmed, Fazal-e-Azeem (field) Adnan Farooq(press gallery).

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 has approved Heather Graham as a replacement for Ashleigh Gardner in the Australia squad. Graham, who has played a solitary ODI for Australia against Sri Lanka in Brisbane in October 2019, is a temporary replacement for Gardner, who has tested positive for COVID-19 and is undergoing a period of isolation. A COVID replacement can be temporary, in that once the player has recovered, she would be eligible to return to the squad in position of the travelling reserve that replaced her. The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee before the replacement player can be officially added to the squad. The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 comprises Chris Tetley, ICC Head of Events (Chair), Adrian Griffith, ICC Senior Manager Umpires and Referees (ICC Representative), Andrea Nelson, LOC CEO (Host Representative), Catherine Campbell (Host Representative), Sana Mir (Independent), Nasser Hussain (Independent).  

Sports Bulletin Report DUNEDIN:-Suzie Bates blasted 79 not out on her home ground of Dunedin as New Zealand earned a nine-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022. Bates also passed 1,000 World Cup runs in a 108-run partnership with Amelia Kerr as the White Ferns chased down 141 in a rain-reduced match on the South Island. Bangladesh reached 140 for eight from 27 overs after a long delay, but New Zealand were always on top of the chase, knocking off the runs in exactly 20 overs to earn their first win of the home World Cup. Bangladesh were put in to bowl by New Zealand after a rain delay that lasted four hours but made a bright start. Lea Tahuhu and Jess Kerr were not able to find their lengths as anything short was dispatched for a boundary by openers Shamima Sultana and Fargana Hoque Pinky. With the five-over power play complete, Bangladesh looked to be racing to a competitive total on 41 for no loss. Amelia Kerr then came into the attack to try and show her older sister how it was done, going for four from her first over as Bangladesh brought up their fifty. Prior to making their competition debut in New Zealand, Bangladesh had made just two opening stands of over 50 in their previous 41 ODIs and had not produced one in 28 games. But Shamima contributed 30 from 28 with Pinky on 15 from 14 to bring up their second 50-plus opening stand in their first World Cup campaign. However, the partnership would end on 59 as Frankie Mackay got the breakthrough on her first World Cup appearance since 2013. Shamima was forced to go for 33 from 36 balls as a sliding Tahuhu took the catch at deep backward square. That brought captain Nigar Sultana out to the middle and she hit the first boundary since the sixth over off the third delivery of the 13th. But she would not last much longer as Amy Satterthwaite came on for her first over and had her caught behind by Dunedin native Katey Martin after Sultana slashed at a wide one. New Zealand’s start was a little more sedate even as the rain began to fall again, Sophie Devine facing the first over from Alam with Bates at the other end having walked out on her home ground. Bates was able to have a giggle with Alam as the seamer pulled out of her run-up when she had already begun inching down the track ready for a big heave. With the powerplay over, the White Ferns were behind Bangladesh at the same stage on 29-0 and then lost Devine as she rocked back and missed a swing at a Khatun delivery and was bowled for 16. Out came Amelia Kerr and her and Bates steadied the run chase with the fifty-partnership coming up just after the halfway mark after a no ball. A slow over was not what New Zealand wanted as the rain set in with 20 overs needed for a result to count, but then Bates started motoring. Her fifty came up in the next over, a 12th ODI half-century brought up in 51 balls, and a first chance to raise the bat in a New Zealand jersey at her home ground. She was still playing with fire and should have been gone on 58 but keeper Sultana couldn’t hold on to the wet ball to take the bails off with Bates way out of her ground. With the first ball of the 19th over, Bates reached a remarkable milestone as her 75 runs took her past 1000 runs in Women’s Cricket World Cups, becoming only the second White Fern to do so after Debbie Hockley. With New Zealand moving to 135 for one, it was only a matter of time before the win was sealed. And it was Amelia Kerr who got them there, striking the ball for four to end on 47 not out, with Bates down the other end on an unbeaten 79 having shared a magnificent 108-partnership to earn New Zealand a first win at their home World Cup after losing a close match to the West Indies. Scores in brief New Zealand beat Bangladesh at University Oval, Dunedin by nine wickets Bangladesh 140/8 in 27.0 overs (Fargana Hoque Pinky 52, Shamima Sultana 33; Amy Satterthwaite 3/25, Hayley Jensen 1/18) New Zealand 145/1 in 20.0 overs (Suzie Bates 79 not out, Amelia Kerr 47 not out; Salma Khatun 1/34, Lata Mondol 0/9) Player of the Match: Suzie Bates (New Zealand).

BIPIN DANI The Indian women's team won its first ICC World Cup match against Pakistan on Sunday. However, according to a renowned astrologer who is known for his cricket predictions, Mithali Raj will not be able to bring the trophy. Mithali Raj the veteran Indian captain has been given the task to lead India to victory in her last hurrah. Greenstone Lobo predicted 1 in 2017 on the eve of the final between England and India, that India will falter in the final hurdle. And it did happen and England won the World Cup. So, what is going against India this time? According to Lobo, there are two reasons. "The first reason is that Mithali isn’t the right person to be leading the team right now. Her birth chart was good enough to make her a legendary batter, but it cannot help her win the coveted trophy. You need more positive planetary arrangements, which is lacking in Mitali’s chart". "The second important reason is that Indian coach Ramesh Powar doesn't have a horoscope good enough to become the greatest coach ever for the Indian women’s cricket team. If Powar leads India to victory, he would have done something which no other coach has done before and the weak horoscope of Powar doesn’t guarantee that ''. So, Is there any other captain in India who could have done that? "Yes, '' says Lobo -"Harmanpreet Kaur. If Harmanpreet was the captain with the erstwhile WV Raman as the coach, then that magic would have been possible. Alas, it seems that wasn’t destined to be". So, which country would win the marquee event then? Well, the answer isn’t surprising. "It is going to be Australia. Meg Lanning has probably the best horoscope amongst all women players in the current era and will go on to be a great. She has already won a couple of Twenty20 world cups and is a fabulous batter too. She will assert her greatness by Captaining Australia to win the crowning glory of Cricket – the World Cup", signs off Lobo.