Cricket
Blind Cricket T-20: Punjab and Sindh qualify for final
Rasheed AhmedBahawalpur (October 27, 2024): Punjab and Sindh have qualified for the final of PBCC Blind Cricket T-20 Super League 2024 after winning their respective semifinals at Dring Stadium Bahawalpur on Sunday. The final will be played on Monday at the same venue.Punjab beat Balochistan by 23 runs: In the morning match, Balochistan set a challenging target after winning the toss and opting to bat first. Despite an early setback with the loss of two quick wickets, Talha Iqbal and Moain Aslam played a pivotal role in stabilizing the innings. Their partnership of 87 runs for the third wicket proved crucial, allowing Balochistan to recover from the early turmoil. Talha Iqbal showcased an impressive performance, scoring a remarkable century with a blistering 103 runs off just 64 balls. Moain Aslam also made a valuable contribution with a quick 39 runs off 26 balls. Balochistan finished their innings with a solid total of 195 runs for 5 wickets in 20 overs.In reply, Punjab encountered a difficult chase, managing to score 172 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Haroon Khan emerged as the top performer for Punjab, remaining unbeaten with 65 runs off 50 balls. Zafar provided support with a steady 30 runs off 30 balls. Despite their efforts, Punjab fell short of the target. Talha Iqbal, who excelled with the bat, also magic with the ball, claiming 2 wickets to help secure Balochistan's victory. Talha Iqbal got man of the match award.Sindh beat KPK by 6 wickets: In the last league match between Sindh and KPK, Sindh emerged victorious after a solid performance in both bowling and batting departments.KPK, batting first, posted a modest total of 175 runs for 6 wickets in their 20 overs. The highlight of their innings was Anees Javed, who scored an impressive 63 runs off 38 balls. Umar Draz contributed with a steady 27 runs off 26 balls. On the bowling side for Sindh, Muhammad Numan was particularly effective, taking 3 wickets, while Idrees and Badar contributed with 2 and 1 wicket respectively.In response, Sindh chased down the target comfortably, finishing their innings with 176 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in just 16.5 overs. Badar Munir was the star of the match, smashing a remarkable unbeaten 97 runs off only 49 balls, showcasing his batting prowess. Idrees Saleem supported the innings with a crucial 24 runs off 29 balls, helping to guide Sindh to a convincing 6-wicket victory. Badar got man of the match award.
Pindi Test Day-2: Pakistan level score at tea break, Saud hits ton
Abdul Jabbar FaisalRAWALPINDI: Pakistan leveled the score 267 at the tea break against English after losing 8 batters in the 3rd Test match of the series here at Pindi Cricket Stadium on Friday. Saud Shakeel score hundred to save the home side from a big damage.On Friday, duo of unbeaten left-handed batters, captain Shan Masood (16), and Saud Shakeel (16) resumed Pakistan’s first innings at 73 for 3 in 23 overs.England Batting (First innings) 267 all out in 68.2 oversZak Crawley (c Saim Ayub b Noman Ali) 29 runs (balls 43, 4x3, 6x0)Ben Duckett (lbw b Noman Ali) 52 runs (balls 84, 4x4, 6x1)Ollie Pope (lbw b Sajid Khan) 3 runs (balls 14, 4x0, 6x0)Joe Root (lbw b Sajid Khan) 5 runs (balls 6, 4x0, 6x0)Harry Brook (b Sajid Khan 5 runs (balls 14, 4x0, 6x0)Ben Stokes (c Agha Salman b Sajid Khan) 12 runs (balls 22, 4x1, 6x0)Jamie Smith (c Mohammad Rizwan b Zahid Mahmood) 89 runs (balls 119, 4x5, 6x6)Gus Atkinson (c & b Noman Ali) 39 runs (balls 71, 4x5, 6x0)Rehan Ahmed (b Sajid Khan) 9 runs (balls 14, 4x1, 6x0)Jack Leach (st Mohammad Rizwan b Sajid Khan) 16 runs (balls 21, 4x0, 6x0)Shoaib Bashir (not out) 1 run (balls 5, 4x0, 6x0)Pakistan Bowling: Sajid Khan (6 for 128), Noman Ali (3 for 88), Zahid Mehmood (1 for 44)Pakistan Batting (First Innings):Abdullah Shafique ( lbw b Shoaib Bashir) 14 runs (balls 27, 4x1, 6x0)Saim Ayub (c Root b Leach 19) 36 runs (balls 45, 4x1, 6x0)Shan Masood (c Pope b Shoaib Bashir) 26 runs (4x0, 6x0)Kamran Ghulam (b Atkinson) 3 runs (balls 9, 4x0, 6x0)Saud Shakeel (not out) 106 runs (balls 190, 4x4, 6x0)Mohammad Rizwan( lbw b Rehan Ahmed) 25 runs (balls 46, 4x1, 6x1)Salman Agha (lbw b Rehan Ahmed) 1 run (balls 9, 4x0, 6x0)Aamer Jamal (b Rehan Ahmed) 14 runs (balls 28, 4x1, 6x0)Noman Ali (LBW Shoaib Bashir) 45 runs (balls 84, 4x2, 6x1)Sajid Khan (not out)England Bowling: Jack Leach (1 for 68), Gus Atkinson (1 for 14), Shoaib Bashir (3 for 95), Rehan Ahmed (3 for 25)Match Officials:Umpires: Chris Gaffaney (New Zealand), Sharfuddoula (Bangladesh)TV Umpire: Kumar Dharmasena (Sri Lanka)Reserve Umpire: Faisal Afridi (Pakistan)Match Referee: Richie Richardson (West Indies)Pakistan (Playing XI): Shan Masood (Captain), Saud Shakeel (Vice Captain), Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Abdullah Shafiq, Saim Ayub, Agha Salman, Kamran Ghulam, Sajid Khan, Nouman Ali, Aamir Jamal, Zahid Mehmood England (Playing XI): Ben Stoke (Captain), Zak Crawley, Ben Duckeet, Olli Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (Wicketkeeper), Gus Atkinson, Rehan Ahmed, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.
KPK and Balochistan defeat opponents in Blind Cricket T-20 Super League
Report: Rasheed AhmedBahawalpur (October 24, 2024): Khyber Paktunkawa (KPK) and Balochistan defeated their opponents Sindh, andPunjab respectively in the 8th edition of the PBCC Blind Cricket T-20 Super League 2024 here at Dring Stadium on Thursday.Game-5 (KPK beat Sindh by 6 wickets):KP won the toss and opted to field first, sending Sindh in to bat. Sindh struggled to get going and managed to post a below-par total of 153/4 in their 20 overs. Despite steady contributions from Babar Ali, who top-scored with 34 runs, Sanaullah (30), Badar Munir (27), and Muhammad Safdar (24), Sindh's batters couldn’t accelerate as needed to set a challenging target. Hamza added a late 16 runs, but the team failed to capitalize on their starts. KP’s bowling was led by Muhammad Shahzeb, who took 2 wickets, while Anees Javed claimed 1 wicket, keeping Sindh's scoring in check.In reply, KP chased down the target comfortably, reaching 154/4 in just 18 overs to secure a 6-wicket victory. Kamran anchored the chase with an unbeaten 53 off 39 balls, supported by Sanwal's 44 runs. Salman contributed a crucial 26 not out. Babar Ali’s bowling efforts were a bright spot for Sindh, as he took all 4 wickets that fell during the chase, but it wasn’t enough to defend the modest total.Man of the Match: Babar AliGame-6 (Balochistan beat Punjab by 5 wickets): In an exhilarating conclusion to the match, the Balochistan Blind Cricket team showcased remarkable determination as they chased down a challenging target of 201 runs set by Punjab, winning the game on the very last ball of the 20th over.Punjab Blind batted first and posted an impressive total of 200/8 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was highlighted by Haroon Khan, who played a superb knock of 61 off 41 balls, anchoring the team's performance. Mati Ullah contributed 35 runs, while Nisar Ali added a valuable 32 off 24 balls. Zafar Iqbal chipped in with 20 runs, and Mohsin scored 26 to boost the total. Asif Khan and Ayub Khan each claimed a wicket for the bowling side, but Punjab's steady batting ensured a challenging target for their opponents.In response, Balochistan set out with a positive intent, led by Niamatullah, whose explosive innings of 84 off 53 balls pierced through the Punjab bowling attack. Moain Aslam played a pivotal role in the chase as well, smashing 70 runs off just 39 balls, keeping the required run rate within reach. However, the chase wasn't without its challenges. Balochistan lost wickets at crucial times, creating pressure, but the steady partnership between Niamatullah and Moain proved crucial.Haroon Khan, who had starred with the bat, also made vital contributions with the ball, taking 3 wickets, including the key scalp of Niamatullah, to swing the momentum back in Punjab's favor momentarily. Mohsin Khan chipped in with another wicket, but Balochistan responded well, maintaining their composure and looking to the end of the innings.As the final over approached, the tension mounted with Balochistan needing 11 runs to win in the last over. In a nail-biting finish, they managed to score the required runs on the last ball, sealing a thrilling victory by 5 wickets.Man of the Match: Niamatullah.
PBCC Blind Cricket T-20 Super League: Punjab and Sindh post wins
Rasheed AhmedBAHAWALPUR: Punjab and Sindh registered victories on the second day of the 8th PBCC Blind Cricket T-20 Super League 2024 at Dring Stadium, Bahawalpur on Wednesday.Game-3 (Punjab beat KPK by 9 wickets): The 3rd match of the event played between Khyber Pakhtunkawa (KPK) and Punjab. KPK won the toss and chose to bat first. Unfortunately, they struggled against Punjab's bowling attack and were bowled out for 164 runs in just 19.1 overs. Kamran Akhter was the standout performer for KPK, scoring 27 runs off 18 balls, while Mohammad Salman contributed 22 runs off 20 balls. Punjab's bowlers were in fine form, with Mati Ullah, Mohsin Khan, and Kashif Siddique each claiming 2 wickets.In reply, Punjab made quick work of the target, scoring 165 runs in only 14.4 overs, losing just 1 wicket. Haroon Khan delivered a solid performance, remaining unbeaten with 87* runs off 45 balls, well supported by Mati Ullah’s commendable innings of 52 runs off 40 balls.Man of the Match: Mati UllahGames-4 (Sindh beat Balochistan by 35 runs): Balochistan won the toss and opted to bowl first, allowing Sindh to set a challenging target for the opposition. Sindh made the most of their innings, finishing with a competitive total of 198 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Badar Munir showcased his batting capability once again, leading the charge with an impressive 70 runs off 55 balls. Accompanying him well was Sana Ullah Khan, who contributed significantly with a brisk 66 runs off just 37 balls, pushing the scoring rate and providing momentum to the Sindh innings. For Balochistan, Ayoub Khan stepped up and claimed 2 crucial wickets, while Mohammad Asif added to the tally by taking 1 wicket.In their reply, Balochistan put up a commendable effort but ultimately fell short of their target by 35 runs, ending their innings with a total of 163 runs for 4 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Mohammad Rashid emerged as the standout performer for Balochistan, scoring 35 runs off 25 balls, while Mohammad Ayyaz contributed with a 22 runs off 15 balls. On the bowling side, Sindh's Mohammad Idrees Saleem showcased his bowling skills by taking 3 crucial wickets. Additionally, Sajid Nawaz provided valuable support to the bowling attack by claiming 2 wickets, ensuring Sindh's victory. Man of the Match: Idrees Saleem.
Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Cricket Tournament to commence on October 26
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s premier first-class tournament, will begin from 26 October. Eighteen teams from the 16 regions will participate in the four-day tournament that will conclude on 19 December.The 18 teams include Abbottabad Region, AJK Region, Bahawalpur Region, Dera Murad Jamali Region, Faisalabad Region, FATA Region, Hyderabad Region, Islamabad Region, Karachi Region Blues, Karachi Region Whites, Lahore Region Whites, Lahore Region Blues, Larkana Region, Multan Region, Peshawar Region, Quetta Region, Rawalpindi Region and Sialkot Region.Karachi Region Whites will defend the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy title this year after the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led side defeated Faisalabad Region in the final by 456 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium from 22 to 26 October 2023. Abdullah Khurram Niazi, Director - Domestic Cricket Operations said: “Quaid-e-Azam Trophy is the pinnacle of domestic cricket in Pakistan as it is not just a tournament but also an event that showcases the immense talent across the country and prepares them for the challenges of international cricket. As always, we will continue to provide the best possible platform for players to excel and show their capabilities on the biggest stage in domestic cricket as they will be rubbing their shoulders with the best players of the country. Earlier we demonstrated a successful Champions One-Day Cup, and are fully committed to strengthening our domestic structure. The successful execution of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy remains at the heart of this commitment.”
Blind Cricket T-20 Super League 2024: Sindh and KPK claim wins
Sports Bulletin ReportBAHAWALPUR: Sindh and Khyber PakhtuneKawa (KPK) have won their matches on the opening day of the 8th PBCC Blind Cricket T-20 Super League 2024 after beating Punjab and Balochistan respectively at Dring Stadium Bahawalpur on Tuesday.Fuad Hashim Rabbani, Additional Chief Secretary, South Punjab graced the opening ceremony as chief guest. Game-1 (Sindh beat Punjab by 10 runs): The opening match of the tournament was played between Punjab and Sindh. Punjab won the toss and opted to field first, putting Sindh in to bat. Sindh set a challenging total, amassing 221 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Badar Muneer impressed with the bat, scoring a brisk 119 runs off 60 balls. Sana Ullah Khan provided strong support, remaining unbeaten with 63 runs off 45 balls.In response, Punjab put forth a commendable effort but eventually fell short, finishing with 211 runs for 3 wickets in their 20 overs. Nisar Ali was the top performer for Punjab, scoring 64 runs off 35 balls, while Haroon Khan added 48 runs off 38 balls. Badar Muneer got player of the match award.Game-2 (KPK beat Balochistan by 21 runs):KPK won the toss and decided to Bat first, setting a competitive total of 204 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their 20 overs. Israr Hassan shines with the bat; he scored brilliant 53 runs off 39 balls. Mohammad Salman contributed with a solid 46 runs off 39 balls. For Balochistan, Asif, Irfan, Ayyaz, Niamat and Talha took 1 wicket each.In their reply, Balochistan tried its best to reach the target but fell short by 21 runs, finishing their innings at 183 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in allotted 20 overs. Mohammad Rashid was the standout performer for Balochistan, scoring 81 runs off 56 balls and Moain Aslam made 24 runs off 13 balls. Israr, Kamran, Shahzeb, Anees and Salman claimed 1 wicket each for KPK. Israr Hassan declared best player of the match.
Qalandars hold trials to select players for “Player Development Program”
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE (PR): Over 12, 000 players participated in the trials aiming to select the upcoming talented cricketers for “Player Development Program” (PDP) at the Qalandars-UOL High-Performance Centre in the University of Lahore, as the selected players will be announced on Monday (tomorrow), and they will have the opportunity to advance their cricketing careers under the guidance of experienced professionals. In an impressive display of talent and determination, over 12,000 aspiring cricketers from diverse backgrounds participated, showcasing their skills in hopes of securing a spot in the shortlisted list for the program. The rigorous trials spanned an extensive day, during which batters, bowlers, and wicketkeepers underwent thorough evaluations to demonstrate their abilities.The trials were overseen by PDP's poster boy, Haris Rauf, along with Lahore Qalandars’ captain, Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, and the batch of senior coaching staff. Their involvement not only inspired the participants but also ensured a comprehensive assessment of each player's potential.The event was further distinguished by the presence of Punjab Sports Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar, who graced the occasion with his support for grassroots cricket development. He shared the stage with Lahore Qalandars Owner and CEO Atif Rana alongside Chairman University of Lahore Awais Raoof.Atif Rana, Owner & CEO of Lahore Qalandars, said: “I am excited to see such a remarkable turnout of young talent. Every time we announce our PDP trials, thousands of aspiring cricketers come together to showcase their skills, which speaks volumes about their trust in our system. Our journey, which began nine years ago, continues to make significant progress, and I am immensely grateful to all stakeholders for their unwavering support. We remain committed to making a meaningful impact, nurturing talent, and inspiring these young players to dream big alongside us. Through sports, we shape communities and create tomorrow's champions, both on and off the field.”Faisal Ayub Khokhar, Punjab Sports Minister said: “The energy and passion displayed by these players are truly unparalleled. These young kids come here with the dream of one day representing Pakistan. Witnessing this extensive program function successfully, I see a perfect alignment between discovering talent and providing opportunities. This synergy is crucial, particularly with prominent organizations like Lahore Qalandars and the University of Lahore stepping up to fulfill their roles. Together, they are transforming raw talent into stars for our nation. The collaboration between the University and Lahore Qalandars ensures that students can achieve their academic aspirations while also building a bright future in sports.”
U19 Women: Challengers, Conquerors post wins in T20 Tournament
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Aleesa Mukhtiar’s three-fer helped Challengers beat Invincibles by 28 runs, while Conquerors’ Komal Khan 97 helped her side to a 98-run win over Stars in the fourth round matches of the U19 Women’s T20 Tournament 2024 at the LCCA Ground in Lahore on Sunday afternoon.Today’s win has kept Challengers and Conquerors’ 100 per cent win record in the tournament after their third outings. Batting first, Challengers scored 96 for five in 20 overs. Esha Tir Razia top-scored for the side with a 25-ball 20, which included three boundaries.In turn, Invincibles were bundled out for 68 in 18.3 overs. Left-arm spinner Aleesa was the most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 13 runs. Aqsa Bibi and Hadia Mina bagged two wickets apiece.In the match between Conquerors and Stars, the former after opting to bat first scored 168 for six in their 20 overs. Komal Khan, coming to bat at number three, scored 97 off 59 balls, hitting 16 fours and two sixes. For Stars, Mahnoor Zaib and Memoona Khalid bagged two wickets apiece.In the run-chase, Stars managed to score only 70 for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Fizza Faiz (19, 27b, 2x4s) was the only batter to score in double figures for the losing side. For the winning team, Minahil took three wickets, while Fatima and Samiya grabbed two wickets apiece.Scores in brief (Challengers beat Invincibles by 28 runs):Challengers 96-5, 20 overs (Esha Tir Razia 20)Invincibles 68 all out, 18.3 overs (Wasifa Hussain 14; Aleesa Mukhtiar 3-13, Hadia Mina 2-13, Aqsa Bibi 2-15)Player of the match – Aleesa Mukhtiar (Challengers)Conquerors beat Stars by 98 runsConquerors 168-6, 20 overs (Komal Khan 97, Iqra Salamat 20; Mahnoor Zaib 2-26, Memoona Khalid 2-33)Stars 70-9, 20 overs (Fizza Faiz 19; Minahil Javaid 3-15, Fatima Khan 2-6, Samiya Afsar 2-13)Player of the match – Komal Khan (Conquerors).
Hathurusinghe "could not enjoy" longer notice period
BIPIN DANIBangladesh's Sri Lanka-born head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe, who has been suspended on a disciplinary ground, will not enjoy the longer notice period. He has been suspended with just a 48-hour notice. This was revealed by Faruque Ahmed, the new BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) chief. Speaking exclusively over his mobile from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, where he was about to board a Dubai-flight to attend the ICC meetings, he said, "Hathurusinghe was entitled to have 45-days paid leave in a year but he took more than 67 days above this and no proper clarification was received from him". His conduct with the players was also not good. His other notable offence was an assault on the player". The BCB chairman didn't reveal the name of the victim player but he is understood to be a good left-arm spinner of the team. Despite repeated phone calls to the player by this reporter, he didn't respond. Maybe he is asked not to comment on the matter.The incident happened during the Bangladesh-New Zealand match in the ODI World Cup held in India last year. During a match in Chennai, where this player was not a part of the final eleven and was sent in as a drinks-man. "In one of the sessions, the two Bangladeshi batters had asked for the drinks (it was very hot then) and the player was late in serving the water bottles to the batters and the coach was annoyed due to this and slapped him", one of the sources said to this reporter. It is not known whether the slap was deliberate or was in gest. But the incident was brought to the notice of Nazmul Hassain Pappon, who was a BCB president then. No action was then taken against the coach. However, the new BCB chairman, who is also known for his strict principles even during his past tenure as a selector, took the matter seriously and suspended his contract which was scheduled to run until the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Kamran Ghulam hits sparkling century on Test debut in Multan
PCB ReportMULTAN: Kamran Ghulam, who earlier became the 257th player to don the Test cap for Pakistan, hit a brilliant century in his first outing in the Test career as Pakistan finished the first day of the second Test match with 259-5 in 90 overs at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.Kamran was dismissed for a well-made 118 off 224 balls hitting 11 fours and one six, in the 85th over of the day after having walked into bat in the 10th over with 19-2 on the board.Along with Saim Ayub (77, 160b, 7x4s), Kamran shared a 149-run third-wicket partnership as the duo took Pakistan out of trouble before Saim departed in the 56th over with the scorecard reading 168-3.Earlier, after Pakistan opted to bat first, Jack Leach drew the first blood as he castled Abdullah Shafique for a 28-ball seven in the eighth over. An over later, Leach got rid of Shan Masood for just three as Crawley pouched the ball at short midwicket.Pakistan amassed 79 runs for the loss of just two wickets on the stroke of lunch with Saim and Kamran having brought up their fifty-run stand off 85 balls. Saim reached his third Test half-century off 97 balls before succumbing to Matthew Potts just an over before Tea break, caught by Ben Stokes at short mid-off.After Pakistan scored 94 runs in the second session giving away only one wicket, England began the third session with the vital scalp of Saud Shakeel (4, 14b, 1x4) as he was caught behind off Brydon Carse in the 61st over.With the scorecard reading 178-4, Mohammad Rizwan (37 not out, 89b, 4x4s) joined forces with Kamran to stabilise Pakistan’s innings as the duo put on a dogged 65-run fifth-wicket partnership. In the meanwhile, Kamran became the 13th Pakistan player to score a century on Test debut and only the sixth batter to score a hundred on men’s Test debut while batting at No.4, when he hit Joe Root to midwicket for a boundary in the 74th over.Shoaib Bashir brought an end to Kamran’s 74.4-over stay on the crease when he got one to hit the stumps in the 85th over with Pakistan 243-5. Salman Ali Agha (5 not out, 19b) and Rizwan closed the day for Pakistan with 259-5 on the board.Scores in brief:Second Test - Day 1 of 5; Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first at the Multan Cricket StadiumPakistan 259-5, 90 overs (Kamran Ghulam 118, Saim Ayub 77, Mohammad Rizwan 37 not out; Jack Leach 2-92).
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