Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report RAWALPINDI:-Naseem Shah has been included in the Pakistan squad for the first Test against Australia after Haris Rauf was ruled out after testing positive for Covid-19, as the first Test match of the three-match tie will start from March 4, 2022 at Pindi Cricket Stadium. According to media department of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB),Haris will remain in isolation for five days and will reintegrate with the squad after a negative test at the end of his isolation period. Following Rauf’s positive test on Tuesday, rest of the squad members and support personnel were retested. All these tests have come out negative. Squad for first Test: Babar Azam (captain) (Central Punjab), Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain) (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Abdullah Shafique (Central Punjab), Azhar Ali (Central Punjab), Fawad Alam (Sindh), Iftikhar Ahmed (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Imam-ul-Haq (Balochistan), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Naseem Shah (Central Punjab), Nauman Ali (Northern), Sajid Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Saud Shakeel (Sindh), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Shan Masood (Balochistan) and Zahid Mahmood (Sindh)

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD:-A 97-run unbreakable partnership for the 5th wicket between Atif Oryakhail (51) and Rehmat Ullah (50) helped Cricket Federation Uzbekistan (CFU) team to defeat JJ Cricket Club Islamabad by five wickets in the first Twenty 20 cricket match of the series at Bhutto cricket ground G-7 Islamabad. CFU Team won the toss and decided to field first. JJ Club could manage only 156 runs on the board in their allotted 20 overs, as Farma Ullah was major contributor with 59 runs. He hit seven fours during his inning and faced 51 balls. Mohammad Afsar Khan played a sparking innings of 28 runs, as he smashed three fours and couple of sixes in 10 balls innings that amused the spectators and players. Mohammad Khalil contributed 24 runs in the JJ Club’s innings. He faced 22 balls and hit three boundaries. Mirwais Khan claimed three wickets for CFU after conceding 20 runs in his 4 overs. CFU reached on their target in the 3rd ball of penultimate over of the match and snatched a highly regarded victory. Atif was top scorer with 51 not out runs, as he faced only 30 balls and hit three fours and three huge sixes. His teammate Rehmat Ullah also scored an unbeaten half century with the help of six fours and a big six after wasting 30 balls. Mohammad Afsar Khan got three wickets for JJ Club after conceding 28 runs. Summarized scorecard: JJ Club (Batting): 156 for 6 in 20 overs Farman Ullah 59 (51 balls, 4X7), Mohammad Afsar Khan 28 not out (10 balls, 4X3, 6X2), Mohammad Khalil 24 (22 balls, 4X3) CFU (Bowling): Mirwais Khan (3 for 20) CFU (Batting): 159 for 5 in 18.3 overs Atif Oryakhail 51 not out (30 balls, 4X3, 6X3), Rehmat Ullah 50 not out (30 balls 4X6, 6X1) JJ Club (Bowling): Mohammad Afsar Khan (3 for 28) Salman Nawaz (1 for 24), Farhan Khan (1 for 28) Umpires:  Raja Iftikhar & Shaheen Iqbal  

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI:-Hosts Pakistan overpowered South Africa by 247 runs in the 2nd One-Day International of the historical Pakistan-South Africa Blind Cricket series at Southend Cricket Stadium Karachi. Pakistan earned 2-0 unbeatable lead in the 3-match series. In the morning, the South African Blind Cricket Team won the toss and decided to bowl first. Naseeb Ullah made his debut for Pakistan in this game, he is from Quetta and emerged as a wicketkeeper-batsman. Debutant Naseeb Ullah and Akmal Hayat opened the innings for Pakistan but both openers got out early after scoring 38 and 14 runs respectively. Pakistan lost 2 wickets for 64 runs, thereafter Riasat Khan and Faisal Mehmood played extremely well and together knitted 436 for the 3rd wicket partnership, which broke the world record of highest partnership in ODIs that was 434 (made by Anees Javed and Amir Ashraf vs England in 2010). Pakistan made mammoth 554 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in the allotted 40 overs. Riasat Khan made 226 runs off 90 balls while Faisal Mehmood played superbly for his 188 runs off 94 balls. Lwande Bhidla again took 2 wickets for South Africa. The target of 555 runs was too stiff for South Africa and they made 307 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in the stipulated 40 overs.  Bhule Bidla was the main run-getter with unbeaten 75* runs off 55 balls with the help of 12 boundaries while Jacob Kotze chipped in with 45 runs. Akmal Hayyat, Riasat Khan, Mohammad Rashid, and Zafar Iqbal claimed a wicket apiece. Result: Pakistan won by 247 runs Man of the Match: Riasat Khan

BIPIN DANI Prof. Arjuna de Silva, the chairman of the medical panel of the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board will personally supervise, guide and monitor the fitness and skin fold level of Bhanuka Rajapaksa. The 30-year-old top order batter has missed the selection of the India tour after being found to have an excessive skin fold on his body.    Speaking exclusively over the telephone from Colombo, Prof. Arjuna said, "I am a big fan of Bhanuka and will take all possible measures to ensure that he retains his fitness as per normal standard any international athlete should have".  Last week, the fans protested at the SLC headquarter to include him in the side. "There is no time (to make him fit) to join the squad in India but he (Bhanuka) is a player, whom we can rely on for the World Cup and will surely work with his fitness from now onwards". Even the sports minister Naman Rajapaksha has also hinted at these lines. "The excessive skin fold can be hereditary but we cannot have an exception for one player. It is also unfair". Bhanuka's fitness test was recently done and skinfold calipers were used just like everyone else. Unfortunately, he did not meet the minimum standard required. "Fitness does not guarantee success but it does help with intensity at which one can play and perform continuously. Less fat amounts to less injuries". "Excessive fat is only useful in Sumo Wrestling, where an athlete can't be pushed out of the ring easily", Prof. de Silva concluded.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ramiz Raja has paid a glowing tribute to the Pakistan cricket fans when he credited them for the phenomenal success of HBL Pakistan Super League 7, which culminated on Sunday with Lahore Qalandars winning their maiden title at the Gaddafi Stadium. PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja: “There is no doubt that the HBL Pakistan Super League 7 has been a phenomenal success and this is largely due to the fact that we had amazing crowds, both in Karachi and Lahore. In my professional career, I have never seen such charged up, overwhelming, enthusiastic, lively and supportive crowds, particularly in Lahore. “On behalf of the Pakistan Cricket Board, I thank all the fans who crossed the turnstiles to not only play their significant part in the success of HBL PSL 7, but through our high-definition production showcased Pakistan as a cricket passionate country. “I would like to thank our sponsors, players, franchises, the medical team, law enforcing agencies, local and provisional administrations, commentators and crew members, and ground staff for their untiring efforts, as well as millions watching on television all around the world who made this HBL PSL a memorable spectacle. “HBL PSL 7 profits jumped to 71 percent, the most in its history, with each franchise earning around PKR900million, again the most in HBL PSL’s history, and all before the first ball was even bowled. “For next year, we aspire to take this league to the homes of all franchises and broaden its fan-reach.”

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI:-Pakistan Blind Cricket team defeated South Africa by a big margin of 249 runs in the 1st One Day International match of three-match tie at Southend Cricket Stadium Karachi on Monday. South African Blind Cricket Team won the toss and decided to bowl first. Four players from Pakistan and three players from South Africa made One-Day International debut for their sides. Debutant Faisal Mehmood and Ahtesham ul Haq opened the innings from Pakistan and made 108 runs in the first wicket partnership. Mohammad Salman B1 attacked on opponents bowlers, as both Salman and Ahtesham hit centuries and put Pakistan into a formidable position, they scored 132 and 122 runs respectively. Shahzaib Hayder played a brisk inning of 118 runs off 56 balls and took Pakistan's score to 473 runs in stipulated 40 overs for the loss of 4 wickets. Lwande Bhidla took 2 wickets for South Africa. In reply, chasing the huge target of 474 runs, South Africa lost early wickets and Pakistan bowling ran through the Proteas top and middle order by taking 6 wickets at mere 69 runs. Lwande Bhidla and Buhle Bidla tried to rescue and knitted a partnership of 103 runs for 7th wicket but wasn’t enough to take South Africa home. South Africa was bowled out at 224 runs in 38.4 overs. Lwande Bhidla was the star in the batting as well with 44 runs and Bhule Bidla scored 40 runs. Muhammad Shahzaib was the pick amongst the bowlers for Pakistan by taking 3 wickets, while Mohammad Salman, Shahzaib Haider, Mohsin Khan and Akmal Hayyat claimed a wicket apiece. Akhtar Anayat Bhugri, Secretary Sports Sindh was the chief guest of the occasion and distributed prizes, he was accompanied by Syed Sultan Shah Chairman PBCC. Result: Pakistan won by 249 runs Man of the Match: Mohammad Salman.

Bipin Dani Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board has sent the Under-19 coach Avishka Gunawardene to train members of the senior national Test players in India, it is learnt. According to highly placed sources, Avishka Gunawardene has travelled with a few Test players (who were not part of the T-20I squad) to India. "They were not sent to Lucknow or Dharamshala where the T-20Is were played but have directly reached Mohali", one of the sources in the PCA (Punjab Cricket Association) confirmed. Former left-handed batsman Gunawardene is not a part of the official squad and is likely to return before the Test series begins early next month. "He has been sent to train the Test players ahead of the two Test matches. Once the full squad reaches Mohali (on Monday) after the 3rd T-20I is over on Sunday night, the coaching staff will take charge of the Test team", the source in the SLC, said. Sri Lanka is scheduled to play two Test matches in Mohali (March 4-8) and Bangalore (Match 12-16). Avishka was also coaching the Test probables in Colombo before the final squad was picked. He will take charge of the junior boys on his return from India. 

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Christchurch:-Half-centuries from Aliya Riaz and Nida Dar handed Pakistan a four-wicket win over hosts New Zealand in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup warm-up at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln. Aliya smashed unbeaten 62 off 52 (eight fours) and Nida struck 54 off 59 (four fours) as the two contributed crucial 99 runs for the sixth wicket after Pakistan found themselves in a spot of bother with five wickets down for 119, chasing 230. The other notable performances with the bat came from opener Sidra Amin (34 off 47), Omaima Sohail (31 off 34) and captain Bismah Maroof (28 off 58). Aliya and Nida were Pakistan’s top run scorers in ODIs in 2021. Left-arm orthodox Nashra Sandhu accounted for four White Ferns batters as she returned four for 32 in 10 overs and Fatima Sana and Ghulam Fatima picked up two wickets each after Bismah chose to field after calling the toss right. New Zealand were bowled out for 229 in 45 overs. Pakistan play their second and final warm-up against Bangladesh on 2 March, before they fly to Tauranga, where they will open their World Cup campaign on 6 March with the match against India. Scores in brief: New Zealand 229 all out, 45 overs (Amy Satterthwaite 80, Maddy Green 58; Nashra Sandhu 4-32, Fatima Sana 2-38, Ghulam Fatima 2-44) Pakistan 233 for 6, 49.2 overs (Aliya Riaz 62 not out, Nida Dar 54, Sidra Amin 34, Omaima Sohail 31, Bismah Maroof 28; Jess Kerr 2-30).     

Ali Ahmed LAHORE:-The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has handed out 100 contracts to junior cricketers between 13 and 19 years age bracket as part of PCB’s Junior Development Programme. Alongside the financial support, the PCB will be investing in these youngsters to develop their complete personality, including cricketing skills and providing education to them. With the contracts coming into effect the 100 contracted players will be earning monthly retainers of PKR 30,000 each. Under-19 players for junior contracts: Aaliyan Mehmood (Sindh), Abbas Ali (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Abdul Faseeh (Northern), Abdul Rehman (Sindh), Adeel Meo (Sindh), Adil Naz (Northern), Afaq Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Ahmed Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Ali Asfand (Central Punjab), Arafat Ahmed (Southern Punjab), Arham Nawab (Central Punjab), Asif Ali (Sindh), Aun Shehzad (Southern Punjab), Aurangzaib (Balochistan), Awais Abbas (Southern Punjab), Awais Ali (Central Punjab), Azan Awais (Central Punjab), Basit Ali (Balochistan), Ch Shujah (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Faisal Akram (Southern Punjab), Ghazi Ghori (Sindh), Habibullah (Sindh), Hafiz Usman Nadeem (Central Punjab), Haseebullah (Balochistan), Hasnat Abbas (Central Punjab), Husnain Majid (Southern Punjab), Irfan Khan Niazi (Central Punjab), Jahandad Khan (Northern), Kabir Raj (Balochistan), Kashif Ali (Sindh), Khawaja Mohammad Hafeez (Sindh), Maaz Sadaqat (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mehran Mumtaz (Northern), Mohammad Danish (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Ismail (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Shehzad (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Umar (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Waqas (Central Punjab), Mohammad Zahid (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Zeeshan (Central Punjab), Mubashir Nawaz (Sindh), Rizwan Ahmed (Balochistan), Rizwan Mehmood (Sindh), Sajjad Ali (Balochistan), Shahwaiz Irfan Ullah (Central Punjab), Shamraiz Khan (Balochistan), Shamyl Hussain (Northern), Wahaj Riaz (Sindh), Zeeshan Zameer (Sindh) and Zubair Shinwari (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) Special talent - nominated category: Ali Raza (Central Punjab U16), Faizan Saleem (Northern U19), Farhan Yousaf (Central Punjab U16), Ibrar Afzal (Central Punjab), Momin Qamar (Central Punjab U16), Muneeb Wasif (Central Punjab U19), Raza Ul Mustafa (Northern U19), Tahir Hussain (Southern Punjab U19), Talha Ihsan (Sindh U19) and Usman Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U16) Under-16 players for junior contracts: Adeel Mushtaq (Southern Punjab Blues), Adil Waheed (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Afkar Durrani (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Ahmed Hussain (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Blues), Ali Hamza (Central Punjab), Ali Hasnain Badshah (Southern Punjab), Ali Hassan Baloch (Central Punjab), Amir Hassan (Northern), Awais Raheem (Sindh), Haroon Arshad (Sindh), Inamullah (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Ansarullah (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Haroon (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Nabeel (Northern), Mohammad Shoaib (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Tayyab Arif (Central Punjab Whites), Mohammad Usman (Central Punjab), Mohammad Zubair (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Riazullah Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Saad Masood (Northern), Salman Ahmed (Southern Punjab), Shahmir Nisar Khan (Northern), Ubaid Shahid (Central Punjab), Usman Ghani (Balochistan) and Yahya Shah (Sindh) Under-13 players for junior contracts Abdul Rehman (Southern Punjab), Ahsan Khan (Sindh), Akbar Ali (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Faizan Riasat (Southern Punjab), Hasnain Abbas (Central Punjab), Junaid Khan Khalil (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Khan Wali (Balochistan), Maaz Ahmed (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Ali Sabir (Central Punjab), Mohammad Azan (Sindh), Mohammad Sohaib (Northern), Mohammad Umar (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Yousaf (Northern), Taj Mohammad (Central Punjab) and Zain Ul Abideen (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) Players already having a domestic contract (will become part of this program, in addition to 100 players) Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (Balochistan), Mohammad Huraira (Central Punjab), Mubasir Khan (Northern), Qasim Akram (Central Punjab) and Saim Ayub (Sindh)                                                                                                

Sports Bulletin Report RAWALPINDI:-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain Iftikhar Ahmed and fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Junior have been included in Pakistan’s Test squad for the first match of the three-match series against Australia. The two have replaced Faheem Ashraf and Hasan Ali who have been ruled out of the Rawalpindi Test (first of the series) due to injuries. Both Iftikhar and Wasim (chosen due to their all-round ability) will reach Islamabad tonight and start their three-day isolation at the team hotel after which they will join the rest of the squad after clearing covid tests. Faheem and Hasan will rejoin the squad in the coming week and after completing their three-day mandatory isolation integrate with the rest of the squad during the first Test, both are expected to regain full fitness before the second Test that will be played in Karachi 12-16 March. 15-player squad: Babar Azam (captain) (Central Punjab), Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain) (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Abdullah Shafique (Central Punjab), Azhar Ali (Central Punjab), Fawad Alam (Sindh), Haris Rauf (Northern), Iftikhar Ahmed (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Imam-ul-Haq (Balochistan), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Nauman Ali (Northern), Sajid Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Saud Shakeel (Sindh), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Shan Masood (Balochistan) and Zahid Mahmood (Sindh) Test schedule: 1st Test, March 4 to 8, 2022 at Rawalpindi 2nd Test, March 12 to 16, 2022 at Karachi 3rd Test, March 21 to 25, 2022 at Lahore