Sports Bulletin

Karachi (Sports Report):-A maiden first-class century by Mohammad Huraira put table-toppers Northern in a commanding position against bottom placed Balochistan on day two of the final round match of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy fixture at the State Bank of Pakistan Stadium on Sunday. The match is being live-streamed on PCB’s YouTube channel. Resuming their innings at the overnight score of 28 for no loss, in reply to Balochistan first innings score of 305, Northern’s opening pair of Huraira and Sarmad Bhatti put up a 365-run partnership for the first wicket. The left-handed Sarmad struck his second century of the tournament while scoring 135 off 243 with 16 fours and eight sixes. His partner, right-handed Huraira, returned undefeated on 243 off 265 balls faced. The 20-year old Huraira innings included 30 fours and four sixes during 437-minute stay at the crease. Northern were 449 for two in 91.4 overs and lead by 144 runs when stumps were drawn. At the UBL Sports Complex, Central Punjab were bowled out for 110 in the 32nd over against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s first innings score of 355 and were unlikely to qualify for the pink-ball final from 25-29 December at National Stadium Karachi. Resuming their first innings at the overnight score of 305 for seven, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were bowled out for 355 in the 96th over. Rehan Afridi scored an unbeaten 84-ball 63 which included nine fours, while Test off-spinner Sajid Khan scored 51 off 53, hitting five fours and three sixes. For Central Punjab, Faheem Ashraf and Muhammad Ali picked three wickets apiece. In return, Central Punjab batters failed to display their skills and only three batters managed to get into the double figures. Azhar Ali top-scored with a 77-ball 43, which included seven fours. Zafar Gohar returned undefeated on 22. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s right-arm pacers Imran Khan Snr and Sameen Gul picked three wickets apiece. At stumps, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in their second innings were 89 for no loss, leading by 334 runs. Fakhar Zaman (48, four fours, one six, 78b) and Sahibzada Farhan (40, seven fours, 73b) will resume their batting tomorrow. At NBP Sports Complex, Southern Punjab’s Zeeshan Ashraf century took his side to a 23-run lead over Sindh when stumps were drawn for the day. Resuming their innings on the overnight score of 275 for five, Sindh were dismissed for 310 in the 97th over. Test player Fawad Alam could add only 10 runs to his overnight score and fell to Ali Usman for 85. Sarfaraz Ahmed scored an unbeaten 34 off 44, hitting five fours. For Southern Punjab, Naseem Shah and Ali bagged four wickets apiece. In return, left-handed Zeeshan’s 108 off 110 helped Southern Punjab post 333 for six in 76 overs at the close of play. Zeeshan’s innings included 11 fours and six sixes. Earlier, opening pair of Tayyab Tahir (69, 11 fours, two sixes, 112) and Umar Siddiq (30, five fours, 53b) added 81 for the first wicket. The left-handed Yousuf Babar coming to bat at number-five scored a 117-ball 64, which included 10 fours. Azam Khan batting at number six added a quick-fire 32-ball 48, smashing nine fours and one six. For Sindh, spinners Mohammad Asghar and Zahid Mahmood picked two wickets each. Scores in brief: Sindh vs Southern Punjab - NBP Sports Complex, Karachi Sindh 310 all out, 96.5 overs (Saad Khan 88, Fawad Alam 85, Sarfaraz Ahmed 34 not out; Naseem Shah 4-46, Ali Usman 4-113) Southern Punjab 333-6, 76 overs (Zeeshan Ashraf 108, Tayyab Tahir 69, Yousuf Babar 64, Azam Khan 48; Mohammad Asghar 2-64, Zahid Mehmood 2-140) Points so far: Sindh 5; Southern Punjab 6 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa vs Central Punjab – UBL Sports Complex, Karachi Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 355 all out, 95.3 overs (Fakhar Zaman 76, Ashfaq Ahmed 71, Rehan Afridi 63 not out, Iftikhar Ahmed 53, Sajid Khan 51; Mohammad Ali 3-65, Faheem Ashraf 3-66) and 89-0, 25.1 overs (Fakhar Zaman 48 not out, Sahibzada Farhan 40 not out) Central Punjab 110 all out, 31.5 overs (Azhar Ali 43, Zafar Gohar 22 not out; Sameen Gul 3-30, Imran Khan Snr 3-42) Points so far: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 9; Central Punjab 3 Balochistan vs Northern - State Bank of Pakistan Stadium, Karachi Balochistan 305 all out, 59.1 overs (Shan Masood 190, Kashif Bhatti 68; Kashif Ali 4-49, Athar Mehmood 4-100) Northern 449-2, 91.4 overs (Mohammad Huraira 243 not out, Sarmad Bhatti 135) Points so far: Balochistan 3; Northern 8.

Karachi (Sports Report):-Balochistan’s Shan Masood third century of the season helped his side to recover from 49 for five to 305 all-out on day one of the final round match of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy against table-toppers Northern at State Bank of Pakistan Stadium on Saturday. After Northern opted to bowl first in an uncontested toss – the match which is being live streamed on PCB’s YouTube channel, Balochistan continued to lose wickets at regular intervals with half of their side went back to the pavilion with 49 runs on the board. The left-handed opening batter Shan was joined by Kashif Bhatti, and the pair went on to add 140 runs for the sixth wicket. Kashif scored 68 off 78, which included 10 fours and one six. Shan hit 22 fours and five sixes in his sterling 172-ball 190 innings. For Northern, right-arm pacers Athar Mehmood and Kashif Ali picked four wickets apiece. At stumps, Northern were 28 for no loss after 11 overs. At UBL Sports Complex, four placed Central Punjab kept second placed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in check after opting to bowl first in an uncontested toss. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa openers Ashfaq Ahmed and Fakhar Zaman provided a solid 135-run partnership for the first wicket. Left-handed Fakhar who makes a comeback in the side after performing in the international cricket transferred his form into the domestic game with a 128-ball 76. His innings included 13 fours. His partner Ashfaq scored 71 off 120 balls, which included 13 fours. Captain Iftikhar Ahmed who recently featured in the T20I series against West Indies scored 53 off 77, smashing six fours and two sixes. At stumps, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were 305 for seven in 80.3 overs. Sajid Khan (48, five fours, three sixes, 50b) and Rehan Afridi (24, three fours, 31b) will resume their batting tomorrow. For Central Punjab, right-arm fast Mohammad Ali picked three wickets for 57, while Faheem Ashraf returned with two for 55 in 13 overs. At NBP Sports Complex, third-placed Sindh managed to score 275 for five in 88.2 overs against Southern Punjab at the close of play. After opting to bowl first in an uncontested toss, Southern Punjab bowlers put Sindh in a spot of bother with four wickets down at the score of 94 which included captain Asad Shafiq wicket who departed for naught. Saad Khan batting at number four was joined by Test batter Fawad Alam, and the pair stitched 160-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Saad scored 88 off 169, which included 10 fours. Fawad returned undefeated scoring 75 off 158, hitting six fours. For Southern Punjab, Ali Usman bagged three wickets for 98. Scores in brief: Sindh vs Southern Punjab - NBP Sports Complex, Karachi Sindh 275-5, 88.2 overs (Saad Khan 88, Fawad Alam 75 not out; Ali Usman 3-98) Points so far: Sindh 2; Southern Punjab 1 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa vs Central Punjab – UBL Sports Complex, Karachi Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 305-7, 80.3 overs (Fakhar Zaman 76, Ashfaq Ahmed 71, Iftikhar Ahmed 53, Sajid Khan 48 not out; Mohammad Ali 3-57, Faheem Ashraf 2-55) Points so far: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 3; Central Punjab 2 Balochistan vs Northern - State Bank of Pakistan Stadium, Karachi Balochistan 305 all out, 59.1 overs (Shan Masood 190, Kashif Bhatti 68; Kashif Ali 4-49, Athar Mehmood 4-100) Northern 28-0, 11 overs Points so far: Balochistan 3; Northern 3

Colombo (SB Report):-The Colombo Stars registered their fourth victory in the Lanka Premier League after defeating Kandy Warriors by 58 runs on Friday. After posting a total of 182/6 in their 20 overs, the Stars bowled out the Warriors for 124 in 17 overs. The Kandy Warriors couldn't find the momentum during their chase as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Jeffrey Vandersay set the tone with the ball for the Stars by picking up the wickets of the opening batters Kennar Lewis and Minod Bhanuka in the third over. Thereafter, the Warriors failed to string big partnerships. Ravi Bopara was the only highlight of the Warriors' batting card with an innings of 47 runs from 31 balls. He struck 5 fours and 1 six. Vandersay was the pick of the bowlers for the Stars with magnificent figures of 6/25. Earlier, Kusal Perera smashed 58 runs from 38 balls at the top of the order for the Colombo Stars. Perera smacked 6 fours and 2 sixes during his innings. Dhananjaya de Silva and Dinesh Chandimal also chipped in with scores of 40 and 44*. Chandimal provided the final impetus to Colombo Stars' innings with a knock laced with 3 boundaries and 2 sixes.

ISLAMABAD (Sports Desk):-Mickey Arthur, the outgoing Head Coach of the Sri Lankan team under whom the Sri Lankan team showed remarkable progress, credited the Lanka Premier League for playing an impressive role in the growth of Sri Lankan cricket. Arthur guided the Island nation brilliantly in the recently-concluded ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021, wherein the entire team and especially the likes of Charith Asalanka, Lahiru Kumara and Wanindu Hasaranga impressed the entire world with their performances. All of the three players showcased their talent in Season 1 of the Lanka Premier League and have continued to take massive strides as cricketers in Season 2 of the Lanka Premier League as well. "I think the Lanka Premier League is such a good tournament, particularly for the younger players, because it gives them an opportunity to play under pressure. There's a crowd and there's a good TV audience. You can go and play in the nets a million times, but you can't replicate this atmosphere at the ground. The Lanka Premier League has to allow young players to develop, the franchises have to be very competitive against each other, but the young players must be put under pressure and they have to come through that," said the former Sri Lanka Head Coach. Arthur added that one more team can be added to the Lanka Premier League. Currently, the competition has five franchises - Jaffna Kings, Galle Gladiators, Dambulla Giants, Colombo Stars and Kandy Warriors. "I think there's room for one more team in the competition. There are still a lot of good players that didn't get picked. As long as the competition stays good and sound and we get good overseas players like we have had, I think the tournament will just get better and better," said the South African. When asked about his feelings about leaving the Sri Lankan camp, he said, "The one thing I take a lot of pride in is that I think I have left the team at a far better state than I found it and any coach would like to do that. I think if they stay consistent, which I am sure the selection panel will and if the players are backed, I tell you the country will get some talent." Arthur also added that the Sri Lankan Test team had the skill level to perform away from home, "I think our Test team is in a really good shape. I think it's really well led by Dimuth Karunaratne. There are a lot of experienced players there. We have developed a really good crop of fast bowlers. Dushmantha Chameera is world class now, Suranga Lakmal is the Asian Anderson, you've got Vishwa Fernando, who bowls left-arm pace and there are so many other good young quicks. I think Sri Lanka can hold their own away from home as well. The batters have good techniques to play in overseas conditions."

Karachi (Saad Kayani):-Pakistan completed a clean sweep in the three-match Twenty20 series against a virus-hit West Indies with a resounding seven-wicket win on Thursday. Run-machine Mohammad Rizwan rounded off the year with his 12th half century in Twenty20 internationals by scoring 87 while captain Babar Azam made 79 in Pakistan’s blistering run-chase of 208-3 in 18.5 overs. The West Indies’ top-order batters, led by captain Nicholas Pooran’s blazing 64 off 37 balls, still did well to post 207-3 after the tourists had won the toss and elected to bat. Rizwan and Babar toyed with the West Indies bowling attack once the former overturned an lbw decision through a television referral off debutant leftarm spinner Gudakesh Motie’s first ball. Both batsmen became the first pair to record a sixth century stand for the opening wicket and surpassed the record of five set by the Indian first-wicket pair of Rohit Sharma and Lokesh Rahul. Babar, who hit nine fours and two sixes, combined in a 158-run stand before the Pakistan captain holed out at mid-off against Odean Smith’s knuckle ball in the 16th over. Rizwan hit 10 fours and three sixes before he sliced a catch to Pooran with Pakistan needing only 24 for victory. Hard-hitting Asif Ali (21 not out) smashed two sixes and two fours to raise the victory with seven balls to spare. Earlier, the West Indies batters profited in the absence of Pakistan’s rested fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf to post a challenging total. Shamarh Brooks (49) and Brandon King (43) smashed 66 in the first six overs with fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain (0-49) proving too expensive. Pooran also scored at will before Pakistan pulled back through fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani, who conceded just one boundary in his four overs, and got the wicket of Brooks to finish with 1-23.

Islamabad (Sports Desk):-Jaffna Kings stars Shoaib Malik and Wahab Riaz sat down for a frank conversation on the sidelines of the Lanka Premier League 2021 season where the two veterans Pakistan cricketers revealed interesting and hilarious tidbits about each other. Riaz and Malik participated in the "spray challenge" as they answered a range of questions about each other. Shoaib Malik, during the fun chat, went on to reveal why the Indian tennis star and his wife, Sania Mirza, does not like to cook for him. The two players were asked about who is fussier about food, and Malik said: "Ask this question to my wife. Then you get a detailed answer. That's why she does not know how to cook and she orders from outside. Because I am fussy." When asked about who was lazier among the two players, Malik was quick to spray water on Riaz. "Because Riaz is a fast bowler, and he needs a lot of energy. Maybe that's why he is lazier," he said. Malik also credited the Pakistan fast bowler to have a messier kitbag among the two. "He is an allrounder. He carries more bats than a batsman carries," Malik said, laughing. Wahab went on to say that Malik has a better sense of humour among the two, but also cheekily added: "At times, he says somethings, and he laughs and nobody responds." When asked who is a bigger foodie, it was revealed by the two that Malik eats 6 times a day. "Even at 3 am in the morning, there will be a club sandwich in his room," Riaz revealed. "I may eat six times a day, but I take small meals," Malik responded. Wahab Riaz also described Shoaib Malik as the bigger "party animal" among the two and revealed why their plans to party in Karachi this year could not come to fruition. "He committed to me that he and I will be in Karachi, and we will have a lot of fun. But thank god, his name was in the T20 World Cup squad. He made a lot of plans with me. But nothing paid off," Wahab said, laughing.

KARACHI (Press Release):-The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) have issued a joint statement after five more positive cases were reported in the West Indies camp following Wednesday’s PCR testing, raising the total number of positive cases to nine since their arrival in Karachi on December 9. “On Thursday morning and as part of the PCB COVID-19 Protocols, Rapid Antigen tests were conducted on the remaining 15 West Indies players and six player support personnel. All 21 members of the West Indies touring party returned negative test result. As such, Thursday’s T20 International (T20I) proceeded as planned. “However, taking into consideration both the teams’ welfare as well as limited resources in the West Indies side for the ODIs, it has been agreed that the series, which forms part of the ICC Men’s Cricket Word Cup Super League, will be postponed and rescheduled for early June 2022. “This will provide the West Indies with an equal opportunity to field their best available players for the World Cup qualification matches. “The West Indies team members, who returned negative results following Wednesday’s PCR and today’s Rapid Antigen tests, will depart from Pakistan after tonight’s match. Those who have tested positive will complete their isolation in Karachi before their travel arrangements are finalised to allow them to rejoin their families in time for Christmas celebrations. “Meanwhile, the Pakistan team members, all of whom have returned PCR negative after Wednesday’s tests, will also be leaving the Managed Event Environment after tonight’s third T20I. “The CWI would like to thank the PCB for its excellent series arrangements and appreciates its support in rescheduling the ODI series in June 2022.”

Bipin Dani Pubudu Dassanayake will begin his new stint with Nepal national cricket team immediately in the new year. This will be his second tenure as head coach with Nepal. Pubudu Dassanayake was involved with the coaching in Nepal also from 2011 to 2016. "I am planning to leave for Nepal during the Christmas holidays and begin the coaching journey in January 2022, “the 57-year-old coach, who has been living in Canada, said over the telephone.  "I am very excited to be back in Nepal. Players there are well known to me and I am confident to uplift the standard of cricket in Nepal". "Even though a few big players have recently retired, Nepal is a country with no shortage of talent. Many new budding talents are in the pipeline". "My first target will be to prepare these players for the T-20 World Cup qualifiers", he added further. Pubudu has also coached Canada and the USA teams in the past. Sri Lanka-born Pubudu has no plans to return to his birth-country. However, he has been keeping a track of cricket in Sri Lanka. "The recent young Sri Lankan team looks good. The future is bright for the young players", he concluded.

SAAD KAYANI Karachi (December 15, 2021):-Sindh defeated Central Punjab by 11 runs in the ninth round Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2021-22 thriller at the State Bank Stadium on Wednesday. Sohail Khan took four for 63 and mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed picked up three for 112 as Central Punjab were dismissed for 295 after resuming this morning at 55 for five and chasing 307 for victory. Ali Shan and Rizwan Hussain fought hard for Central Punjab, scoring 100 and 85, respectively and received good support from Faheem Ashraf (34) and Ahmed Safi Abdullah (29), but the target proved to be too stiff. Ali, batting at No.8, struck 11 fours and two sixes in a 165-ball innings, while Rizwan, who was 21 overnight, struck 13 fours and two sixes in a 120-ball innings. Rizwan featured in two good partnerships, adding 77 runs for the sixth wicket with Faheem and 60 runs for the seventh wicket with Ali. After the conclusion of the penultimate round matches, Northern lead the table with 127 points, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (124), Sindh (121) and Central Punjab (103). Southern Punjab (93) and Balochistan (77) are out of the race for the five-day pink-ball final, which will be played at the National Stadium from 25-29 December. In the final round match-ups to be played from 18-21 December, Central Punjab have a tough game against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while Northern and Sindh will go head to head with Balochistan and Southern Punjab, respectively. Scores in brief (day 4 of 4): Sindh beat Central Punjab by 11 runs at the State Bank of Pakistan Stadium, Karachi Sindh 155-9d, 52 overs (Sohail Khan 65, Fawad Alam 32; Muhammad Ali 3-20, Muhammad Saad 3-24) and 338 all out, 105.3 overs (Asad Shafiq 97, Sohail Khan 73, Mohammad Hassan 49, Omair Bin Yousuf 32, Khurram Manzoor 23, Tabish Khan 23; Ahmed Safi Abdullah 4-58, Mohammad Saad 2-47) Central Punjab 187-9d, 58.5 overs (Abid Ali 98, Muhammad Saad 49; Abrar Ahmed 3-37, Tabish Khan 3-46, Sohail Khan 2-50) and 295, 79.5 overs (Ali Shan 100, Rizwan Hussain 85, Faheem Ashraf 34, Ahmed Safi Abdullah 29; Sohail Khan 4-63, Abrar Ahmed 3-112)

Aamir Ali Janjua Dubai (December 15, 2021):-New Zealand sports fans are being urged to pack the Bay Oval in Tauranga and kick off the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 in style as the final schedule for the event is unveiled with hosts New Zealand taking on the West Indies in the opening match on 4 March. The WHITE FERNS will take centre stage for the first game and will play at all six host city venues during their campaign. The schedule was confirmed after Bangladesh, Pakistan and West Indies all qualified for the event, joining hosts New Zealand, Australia, England, India and South Africa in the event with the final being played under lights at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on 3 April.  CWC22 CEO Andrea Nelson said: “What better way to launch CWC22 than with a full house under lights at the Bay Oval watching WHITE FERNS against the West Indies? It’s going to be a great day out, with some amazing opening celebrations planned before our WHITE FERNS stars including Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr take on the West Indies and some greats of the game like Stafanie Taylor and Deandra Dottin! “I’d encourage you all to get your friends and family along to the Bay Oval on 4 March for a spectacular start to what is going to be a memorable event! There is also free pop up childcare thanks to our partners PORSE meaning all the family can enjoy themselves.” Other highlights for newly qualified teams include: Classic rivals India and Pakistan will meet under lights at Bay Oval on 6 March A battle of the qualifiers between Bangladesh and Pakistan at Hamilton’s Seddon Park on 14 March A replay of the 2013 Final between Australia and the West Indies at the iconic Basin Reserve in Wellington on 15 March “Locking in the last places is great news for supporters planning their summer, and our host cites, who can start connecting with fan communities in their area,” said Nelson. The World Cup will see 31 matches being played over 31 days across six host cities. Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Pakistan, South Africa, the West Indies and hosts New Zealand are the eight teams in the fray. Bangladesh, Pakistan and the West Indies were confirmed in the schedule after the qualifying tournament in Harare had to be called off due to COVID-19 concerns.