Sports Bulletin

Aamir Ali Janjua DUBAHI:-The event which is scheduled to take place between 16 October and 13 November next year will see a total of 45 matches hosted across Adelaide, Brisbane, Geelong, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 Final will be hosted under lights at the MCG on 13 November 2022. The semi-finals will be hosted at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Adelaide Oval on 9 and 10 November, respectively. Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 champions Australia and runner-up New Zealand plus Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, India, Pakistan and South Africa as the next highest ranked teams will gain direct entry into the Super 12 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022. Namibia, Scotland, Sri Lanka and the West Indies will play in Round 1. The four remaining spots at Australia 2022 will be filled via the ongoing qualification pathway, culminating in two global qualifying tournaments one to take place in Oman in February and the other in Zimbabwe in June/July. Head of Events, Chris Tetley said: “We are looking forward to seeing the return of ICC events to Australia and are delighted to announce the seven host cities for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022. Following the success of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2020 and a two year postponement, our sights are now firmly set on planning for the 2022 event in collaboration with the LOC. “With 12 teams already confirmed in the line-up, we eagerly await the culmination of the qualification process to see which other teams will join them.”

Haroon Zulfiqar ISLAMABAD:-Shifa International Hospitals Islamabad beat Capital Tigers Islamabad by 5 wickets in the friendly match played at Faisal Hills Cricket Ground near Taxila. Capital Tigers Captain Majid won the toss and elected to bat first, Capital Tigers made 196 for all out in 33rd over. Irfan Senior (68), Irfan (24) and Ikram (15) were the key contributors. Shifa International Shahmir Ali bowled well and claimed 4 for 32 in 6 over, While Azmat Bashir (3 for 33) and Muzammil Rana (2 for 12) were the other main wicket-takers. In reply, Shifa International achieved the target in the 27th over for the loss of five wickets. Tahir Akhtar and Mohammad Ikram contributed 76 runs in 6th wicket partnership, Tahir Akhtar (56 not out), Mohammad Ikram (41 Not out), Shahzad Kiani (29) and Shahmir Ali (21) were their main scorers. For Capital Tigers Amin took (2 for 25).

Ali Ahmed LAHORE:-National selectors today announced the Pakistan men’s cricket team for the two Tests against Bangladesh, which will be played in Chittagong (26-30 November) and Dhaka (4-8 December). Opener Imam-Ul-Haq, middle-order batter Kamran Ghulam and off-spinner Bilal Asif have been named in the 20-player squad, replacing Haris Rauf, Imran Butt, Shahnawaz Dahani and Yasir Shah, who were part of the 21-player side that toured the West Indies in July/August. Left-handed Imam has been recalled following his stellar performances in the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy in which he has aggregated 488 runs in five innings of four matches, including an unbeaten double-century. Imam had played his 11th and last Test against Australia in Adelaide in November/December 2019. Bilal has replaced Yasir Shah who is still recovering from a thumb injury he sustained during the National T20 and is yet to feature in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. The off-spinner has taken 16 wickets in five Tests and has been drafted in the side considering Bangladesh squad includes left-handed batters and also looking ahead to the home Tests against Australia. Kamran has returned to the side after missing the West Indies tour. He was in the squad for the home series against South Africa after scoring a Quaid-e-Azam Trophy record 1,249 runs in the 2020-21 season. Kamran is presently in Sri Lanka with the Pakistan Shaheens where he scored 58 not out and 45 in two innings of the rain-affected two-match four-day series. Chief Selector Mohammad Wasim: “We have selected the squad following discussions with the team management and after taking into consideration the opposition’s potential make-up and the conditions in which the Tests will be played. “As we already have four frontline fast bowlers, we have allowed Haris Rauf and Shahnawaz Dahani to return to Pakistan after the T20Is so that they can play in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and prepare for Australia Tests. An in-form left-handed Imam-Ul-Haq has replaced Imran Butt, who managed to score at 17.8 in 10 Test innings, but he has a chance to continue to play and perform in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy so that he can force his way back in the side. “Bangladesh are strong side in their backyard but we have the resources, talent and experience to perform strongly and then carry that momentum into the Australia Tests, which will be part of the ICC World Test Championship.” Pakistan Test squad: Babar Azam (captain) (Central Punjab), Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain) (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Abdullah Shafique (Central Punjab), Abid Ali (Central Punjab), Azhar Ali (Central Punjab), Bilal Asif (Central Punjab), Faheem Ashraf (Central Punjab), Fawad Alam (Sindh), Hasan Ali (Central Punjab), Imam-ul-Haq (Balochistan), Kamran Ghulam (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Abbas (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Nawaz (Northern), Naseem Shah (Southern Punjab), Nauman Ali (Northern), Sajid Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Sindh), Saud Shakeel (Sindh), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Zahid Mahmood (Sindh).

Sports Bulletin Report DHAKA, Bangladesh:-The three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will commence from Friday, 19 November in Dhaka. The remaining two matches of the series will be played on 20 and 22 November at the same venue. Pakistan team training details: 16 November: Pakistan cricket team will hold a training session at the NCAG Mirpur at 1030. The PCB will provide videos, photos and interviews of squad members, which can be used for editorial purposes only. 17 November: Pakistan cricket team will hold a training session at the NCAG Mirpur at 1345. The PCB will provide videos, photos and interviews of squad members, which can be used for editorial purposes only. 18 November: Pakistan cricket team will hold a training session at the NCAG Mirpur at 1600. The PCB will provide videos, photos and interviews of squad members, which can be used for editorial purposes only. 19 November: First T20I match at Sher-E-Bangla Cricket Stadium Dhaka, first ball to be bowled at 1400. 20 November: Second T20I match at Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium Dhaka, first ball to be bowled at 1400. 21 November: Pakistan cricket team will hold a training session at the NCAG Mirpur from 1345. The PCB will provide videos, photos and interviews of squad members, which can be used for editorial purposes only. 22 November: Third T20I match at Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium Dhaka, first ball to be bowled at 1400.

Abdullah Asjad RAWALPINDI:-Central Punjab Under-19 Blues will take on Southern Punjab Under-19 Blues in the National Under-19 Championship final, a four-day affair, at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Tuesday. The two sides have topped their groups with Southern Punjab Whites winning three of their five matches and Central Punjab Blues winning two. The winning team will receive PKR1.5million while the runners-up will bag PKR750,000. The top performers – best player, best batter, best bowler and best wicketkeeper – will receive PKR50,000 each and the player of the final will pocket PKR25,000. The four-day final will be a good contest between bat and ball, as Southern Punjab Whites have dominated the batting charts, while Central Punjab Blues have shown their dominance with the ball in the tournament. Players to watch out for in the final: Southern Punjab U19 Whites – Mohammad Shehzad: The 18-year old leads the batting chart scoring 696 runs at 99.43 in five matches. The right-handed batter has scored three centuries and as many half-centuries with 208 as his highest score in the tournament. Southern Punjab U19 Whites – Arafat Ahmed: The 17-year old is a good all-round player available to Southern Punjab Whites. The left-handed batter has featured in five matches, scoring 430 runs at 61.43. His best score is 108 and has hit two centuries and one half-century. With left-arm spin, he has bagged 20 wickets at 12.65, with two five-wicket hauls to his name and has best figures of five for 16 in an innings. Central Punjab U19 Blues – Ali Asfand: The 17-year old has 23 scalps in five matches. Left-arm spinner has taken two five-wicket hauls in the tournament with five for 20 his best figures in the innings. Central Punjab U19 Blues – Arham Nawab: Arham with his right-arm off-spin has taken 23 wickets in five outings. The 18-year old has twice taken four wickets in an innings with four for 46 his best figures in an innings so far in the tournament. Central Punjab U19 Blues – Awais Ali: The 16-year old fast bowler has 22 wickets at 14.82. Like his teammate Arham, he too has two four-wicket hauls in an innings. His best figures in an innings are four for 23.

Sports Bulletin Report DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka:-Pakistan Shaheens won the three-match one-day series against Sri Lanka A 1-0 as the third and final match of the series was abandoned due to rain after 32 overs of Shaheens’ innings. Shaheens had won the first match on Thursday by six wickets while only one over was possible in the second match on Saturday before rain forced a premature end. On Monday, Shaheens were asked to bat first after Sri Lanka A captain Kamindu Mendis won the toss. Openers Omair Bin Yousuf and Abdullah Shafique provided a 49-run start in 10.5 overs. Abdullah was dismissed for 27 (35 balls, four fours). Omair posted his half-century, the right-hander hit seven fours in his 59 off 72 balls, he was sent packing by Ashian Daniel. Captain Saud Shakeel who had hit a century in the first four-day match continued his rich vein of form with a sparking unbeaten 59 off 72 balls (four fours, one six) before rain brought an end to the proceedings. Scores in Brief: No Result, Pakistan win three-match series 1-0 Pakistan Shaheens  167 for 4, 32 overs (Saud Shakeel 59 not out, Omair Bin Yousuf 59; Ashian Daniel 2-44)

LAHORE: Golden star Cricket Club beat Jallo Gym Khana by 14 runs in a thrilling contest of PCB Central Punjab winter Club Cricket League. Brilliant all Round Display from  Shaher yaar wasim & Responsible Bating from Mohammad Imran of Golden Star Cricket Club Lahore was the main Highlight of the Match which was Played at Township whites Ground. Match Summary: GOLDEN STAR CRICKET CLUB 269/9 in 40 Overs (Shaheryar Wasim 114, 11X4s + 4X 6s on 75 balls , M Imran 74, Abdullah Ahmad 34 ,Jawad Maqsood 15 ; Mohammad Qasim Butt 13/2,  Mohammad Arshad Butt 35/2 , Mohammad Yousaf Butt 2/49 whlile Mian Irfan ,Shahbaz Kamran & Rizwan Abbass took 1 wicket ech.) JALLO GYM KHANA CLUB 255/all out in 39.1 Overs (HassaM Mahfooz 97 ,11X4s On  96 Balls , Mian Irfan 40, Mohammad Yousaf Butt 25 , Mohammad Qasim butt 23*; Shaher Yaar Wsim 3/22, Kashif Ali 2/31, Abdullah Ahmad 2/47 ,Muawyia 2/54 while Zubair Khan took one wicket .

Saad Kayani KARACHI:-Pakistan women’s national cricket team will depart for Zimbabwe to participate in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier from Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport at 0250 on Tuesday morning. They will be joined by their West Indian counterparts on the journey after the two sides played a three-match One-Day International series at the National Stadium, which concluded on Sunday. Meanwhile, the national women’s selection committee has announced a 15-player squad and three traveling reserves for the World Cup Qualifier from the 18 announced before the West Indies series. Squad: Javeria Khan (captain), Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Iram Javed, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali (wicketkeeper), Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin and Sidra Nawaz (wicketkeeper) Traveling reserves: Aiman Anwar, Maham Tariq and Rameen Shamim. Support staff: Fizza Abid (team manager), David Hemp (head coach), Arshad Khan (assistant coach), Saboor Ahmad (strength and condition coach), Zubair Ahmad (analyst) and Rabia Siddiq (physiotherapist).

Aamir Ali Janjua DUBAI, UEA:-Players from six teams have been named in the Official ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Upstox Most Valuable Team of the Tournament Players from champions Australia, runners-up New Zealand, England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and South Africa feature in the team selected on the basis of performances in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 Opening batter David Warner, leg-spinner Adam Zampa and seamer Josh Hazlewood all make the cut for Australia after helping steer their side to their first ever ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title. There are also spots for England ace Jos Buttler as wicketkeeper, Pakistan’s Babar Azam as captain, New Zealand left-armer Trent Boult and Sri Lanka star Wanindu Hasaranga – the tournament’s leading wicket-taker – in the line-up. The side was pulled together by a selection panel featuring commentators, former international players and journalists Ian Bishop (Convenor), Natalie Germanos, Shane Watson, Lawrence Booth - of Wisden, the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday - and Shahid Hashmi of Agence France Presse and ARY Channel. Ian Bishop said: “As with any team selection there will be varying opinions, and robust discussion on the final composition of the squad. The panel respects that, and we encourage the strong debate that will ensue. This team was incredibly difficult to select over such a highly competitive tournament. Selections were based predominantly on the Super 12 onward to the final.” The team of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 (in batting order) is: David Warner (Australia) – 289 runs at 48.16 Jos Buttler (wk) (England) – 269 runs at 89.66, five dismissals Babar Azam (Captain, Pakistan) – 303 runs at 60.60 Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka) – 231 runs at 46.20 Aiden Markram (South Africa) – 162 runs at 54.00 Moeen Ali (England) – 92 runs at strike rate of 131.42, seven wickets at 11 Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) – 16 wickets at 9.75 Adam Zampa (Australia) – 13 wickets at 12.07 Josh Hazlewood (Australia) – 11 wickets at 15.90 Trent Boult (New Zealand) – 13 wickets at 13.30 Anrich Nortje (South Africa) – nine wickets at 11.55 12th: Shaheen Afridi – seven wickets at 24.14

Sports Reporter DUBHAI, UEA:-Matchwinner Mitchell Marsh thanked the Australian selectors for revitalising his white-ball career after steering his side to an emphatic first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title against New Zealand. Matchwinner Mitchell Marsh thanked the Australian selectors for revitalising his white-ball career after steering his side to an emphatic first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title against New Zealand. Marsh’s brutal 77 not out from No.3 helped down Kane Williamson’s Black Caps by eight wickets in Dubai and extend his consistent personal form at the top end of the order. Marsh, 30, was catapulted to the crucial position during Australia’s tour of West Indies in July and repaid the favour in style by racking up 185 runs throughout the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021. And asked about the secret to his newfound success with the bat, Marsh – who averaged over 61 in the tournament – said: “The coaching staff came up to me in the West Indies about six months ago and said I was going to bat three for this tournament and series – and I absolutely jumped at the idea of that. “I’d done a little bit for the [Perth] Scorchers back home, but I’ve obviously got all the staff and everyone involved In the Australian setup [to thank] for backing me and getting me up the top there. “I just love playing my role for this team. “I feel like a lot of people say this, but I don’t really have words right now. “What an amazing six weeks with this group of men – I absolutely love them to death and we’re world champions.” Arriving at the crease in the third over after the dismissal of captain Aaron Finch, Marsh kickstarted the pyrotechnics in style by striking his very first ball for six off the bowling of Adam Milne. And clubbing the next two for four propelled him to 14 off three and helped set the tone for his and David Warner’s – 53 off 38 balls – second innings onslaught. Justin Langer’s side comfortably chased down their target of 173 to win and asked about the show-stopping start to his innings, Marsh added: “I’ll be honest with you, there wasn’t a whole lot of thinking that goes into that. “I just wanted to get out there and have a presence. Marcus Stoinis always talks to me about having a presence and getting in the contest. “That allows me to go out there and play my game – I can’t believe it and it’s unbelievable.” Williamson’s masterful 85 off 48 balls – the fastest ever half-century in an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Final – helped haul his team to a competitive-looking total after seamer Josh Hazlewood took a skilful three for 16. But spearheaded by Marsh and in-form Warner – crowned Player of the Tournament for his 289 runs at an average of 48 – the Australians proved too hot for the usually-economical New Zealand attack to handle. The triumph marked their maiden ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title and Warner, part of the team who lost to England in the 2010 Final in the West Indies, admits the long-awaited triumph finally banished those Bridgetown demons. The 35-year-old, who won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup against New Zealand six years ago, said: “This is right up there with 2015. “Being part of the World Cup Final against England a decade ago really hurt, but winning one was fantastic. “These guys are a great bunch of guys. We’ve got great support staff and support around the world, especially at home.” Captain Finch, 34, added: “This is huge to be the first Australian team to be able to do it. “I’m so proud of the way the guys went about it the whole campaign. They were brilliant from the start and I’m so proud. “We had some great individual and team performances – it’s been fantastic.” AUSTRALIA (Playing XIs): 1. Aaron Finch (C) 2. David Warner 3. Mitchell Marsh 4. Glenn Maxwell 5. Steve Smith 6. Marcus Stoinis 7. Matthew Wade (WK) 8. Pat Cummins 9. Mitchell Starc 10. Adam Zampa 11. Josh Hazlewood NEW ZEALAND (Playing XIs): 1. Daryl Mitchell 2. Martin Guptill 3. Kane Williamson (C) 4. Glenn Phillips 5. Tim Seifert (WK) 6. Jimmy Neesham 7. Mitchell Santner 8. Adam Milne 9. Tim Southee 10. Ish Sodhi 11. Trent Boult Match Officials: Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle On-field umpires: Marais Erasmus and Richard Kettleborough TV umpire: Nitin Menon Fourth umpire: Kumar Dharmasena