Sports Bulletin

Abdullah Asjad RAWALPINDI (November 13, 2021):-It will be all Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when the National Under-19 Cup final takes place between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Blues and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Sunday. Both teams topped their Pools in the 12-team tournament, as the winning team will receive PKR1million while the runner-up will bag PKR500,000. The players will have the incentive to bring out their best performances as the tournament’s top performers – best player, best batter, best bowler and best wicketkeeper – will receive PKR50,000 each. The player of the final will be awarded PKR20,000. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites topped Pool A with four wins from five outings in the tournament. Central Punjab U19 Whites also finished with eight points in the group, but on better net run-rate Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites qualified for the final. In Pool B, three teams Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Blues, Sindh U19 Blues and Central Punjab U19 Blues finished with eight points each from five matches, but again on better net run-rate, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Blues qualified for the final. Players to watch out for in the final: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites - Afaq Khan: The 18-year old Afaq has featured in five matches scoring 273 at 54.60. The left-handed batter has scored one century and one half-century in the tournament and currently is second on the list behind Central Punjab U19 Whites’ batter Azan Awais who has scored 313 runs from five matches. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Blues - Maaz Sadaqat: Maaz is a good all-round player available to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Blues. The 17-year old left-handed batter has scored 245 runs from five matches at 49, with one century and one half-century. He with his left-arm spin has taken eight wickets from five matches at 8. His best figures in the match was four for 25. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Blues – Salahuddin: In the bowling charts, Salahuddin with his left-arm spin is second on the chart. In five matches, he has taken 12 wickets with four for 15 his best figures in the match. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites – Khalid Shah: Khalid Shah has 12 scalps to his name from five matches in the tournament. The right-arm fast bowler has taken one five-wicket haul, with five for 21 his best figures in the match.

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (November 13, 2021):-Ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 Final, Janette Brittin, Mahela Jayawardena and Shaun Pollock were announced as the newest inductees into the prestigious ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. These legends will be formally inducted by fellow ICC Hall of Famer, Sir Clive Lloyd at the much-anticipated final between New Zealand and Australia on Sunday 14 November before the game gets underway at the Dubai International Stadium. The ICC Cricket Hall of Fame recognises the achievements of the legends of the game from cricket’s long and illustrious history. 106 players have been inducted since its launch in 2009, with Brittin, Jayawardena and Pollock as the latest inductees celebrated. Today’s inductees played in 284 Tests, 814 ODIs and 67 T20 Internationals between them. Janet Brittin was a mainstay of the England Test team for 19 years, helping to pave the way for women’s cricket between 1979 and 1998. Mahela Jayawardena retired as one of Sri Lanka’s greatest ever players, a key member of the team that won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2014 and reached four other major ICC finals. Whilst South Africa’s Shaun Pollock was one of the finest bowling all-rounders the game has ever seen and was the first player to achieve the 3,000 run and 300 wicket doubles in both Test and ODI cricket. ICC Acting CEO Geoff Allardice said: “The ICC Hall of Fame is our way of honouring and celebrating the greats of our game. Only the very best players are recognized for their contribution to cricket in this way. I would like to congratulate Mahela and Shaun on their induction into this illustrious group and it is a wonderful way to commemorate Janette’s life and career.” Reacting to the news of Brittin’s induction, Angela Bainbridge, friend of Janette Brittin said: “I would like to extend my thanks to the ICC for the incredible honour they have bestowed on Jan by inaugurating her into the Hall of Fame. I along with Jan’s parents Maggie and Kevin are incredibly proud of her and her achievements and this award recognises both the player and the person that she was. You could not wish to meet a more humble or talented player and she always gave 100% whether she played for club, county, or country.” “Jan truly was a wonderful player and a fantastic role model for those that followed her. She would have loved to play in the professional forum that the girls enjoy today and would be proud of how they have all moved the game forward. It is sad that Jan is not able to collect this trophy herself, but her memory will live on.” Mahela Jayawardena commented: “I am thrilled to have been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. It’s a very special honour to follow in the footsteps of legends Sanga and Murali from Sri Lanka and so many other great cricketers of the past. “I am very grateful for the recognition and would like to enjoy and share the moment with all those that have helped me on my journey, including my family, friends, coaches, team-mates and, most importantly, Sri Lanka cricket fans who passionately supported and inspired me during my career.” Shaun Pollock said: “I would like to thank the ICC for this recognition of my career. It’s an amazing honour to be included in the Hall of Fame alongside the very illustrious company that has already been inducted. It’s a real cherry on the top or maybe even a book end of what has been a thoroughly enjoyable cricketing experience and I’d like to thank my teammates who played such a massive part along the journey.” Some career highlights of the latest inductees: Janette Brittin One of England’s most-successful batters with a Test career spanning 19 years Made her Test debut against West Indies in 1979, aged 19 Scored maiden ODI century against an International XI in New Zealand in 1982 Top-scored with 46 not out in the 1988 World Cup final, a defeat to Australia at the MCG Won World Cup in 1992, top-scoring again and taking the winning catch In 27 Test matches, she averaged 49.61 for her record 1935 runs and scored five hundreds In 63 ODIs, scored 2121 runs with an average of 42.42  ODI career included five centuries and a highest score of 138 not out in 1982 After her playing days, Brittin taught at Danes Hill school in Oxshott, Surrey She kept up her associations with cricket and in particular with Surrey, where she coached younger players She was awarded an MBE in 1999 but died in 2017 at the age of just 58. Mahela Jayawardena Made his Sri Lankan Test debut in 1997 Scored 66 Test debut runs towards Sri Lanka’s record total of 952-6 against India Scored 11,814 Test runs at average of 50.05 In 448 ODIs, he scored 12,650 runs at 33,37 Scored 1493 runs in 55 T20Is Along with Kumar Sangakkara, scored world record partnership of 624 v South Africa in 2006 He was a key member of the team that won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2014 Played a part in Sri Lanka reaching four other major ICC finals He became the first Sri Lankan to score 10,000 Test runs His 374 against South Africa at Colombo in 2006 is a Sri Lankan record As coach, he has led the Mumbai Indians to three IPL titles. Shaun Pollock The first player to achieve the 3,000 run / 300 wickets double in both Test and ODI cricket Remains South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in all international cricket Took 5-32 against England at Cape Town in his first Test series and followed up with the double of 66 not out and 4-34 in his first ODI In 108 Tests, scored 3,781 runs at an average of 32.31, and took 421 wickets Played in 303 ODIs, scoring 3,519 runs at 26.45 and took 393 wickets Scored 86 runs in 12 T20Is, taking 15 wickets. Spent more than five years as the top ranked ODI bowler in the ICC’s rankings As captain, led South Africa to their first Test series victory in the Caribbean  

BIPIN DANI Earlier this week (Wednesday) the owners and the management of Shree Thaker Bhojanalay at Kalbadevi Road in South Mumbai were not surprised when a table for Gujarati Thali was booked by Sachin Tendulkar's wife Anjali, but yes, they were "pleasantly surprised" to see Little Master on their guest list. "It was because Anjali, being born in a Gujarati family, has been a regular visitor at our restaurant. She dines here frequently and sometimes with her friends, parents or our chief minister's wife but when we saw Sachin also here this time, our joy knew no bounds", says Hemraj Purohit, the manager of the restaurant. The occasion was Anjali Tendulkar's 54th birthday (yes, she is 7 years elder to our Little Master)". The family had decided to celebrate the birthday at Shree Thaker Bhojanalaya, the restaurant famous for Gujju food served in Gujarati Thalis. The restaurant, which is over 75 years old, is located in the most crowded area of the city. The restaurant has a tradition of saying "padharo jamva" (welcome to dine) in Gujarati / Marwadi style to each visitor. "To avoid rush, the family with about 20 people came at around 11.45 and dined and left within 45 minutes. They had brought the cake with them and a special section was provided to them for their privacy". Anjali's parents and friends were there. Daughter Sara was there. Son Arjun was not there. Anjali Tendulkar was born to a well known Gujarati family in India. Her father Anand Mehta (well-known bridge player) is an Indian while her mother Annabel (NGO worker) belongs to a British country. So that’s why her family has a taste of modernism. This beautiful woman Anjali, a pediatrician (not doing practice) married to a well known cricketer Sachin Tendulkar in 1995. "They all tasted all the items served to them and enjoyed the food", the manager adds. "Had a ??? (very good) Gujarati thali at Shree Thaker Bhojnalaya to celebrate Anjali’s birthday. Her Gujju genes are strong but our jeans’ buttons were weak after this meal! ????", Sachin Tendulkar later said on social media.

SPECIAL REPORT: While the spotlight was on India, Pakistan, England and Australia throughout the tournament there was a little voice inside my head saying: ‘hang on don’t forget about New Zealand’. They are the current World Test champions, played in the last 50-over World Cup final and their white-ball cricket has been exceptional over the past couple of years. They are street smart and organised and have an inspirational leader in Kane Williamson. Batting first, England would’ve felt the pressure to put a good score on the board with teams in this tournament preferring to chase. New Zealand have a very strong bowling attack and had the perfect start, breaking the new opening partnership of Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler. In a high-pressure game, 160 is a good score and thanks to Moeen Ali, Dawid Malan and a late cameo from Liam Livingstone they reached a total they would’ve felt was defendable in a finals match. Chasing in a semifinal, you want your big guns to fire but when the Black Caps lost Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson, the hopes of a nation were on the shoulders of World Cup newcomers Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway. On the big stage, this was their opportunity to make a name for themselves in white-ball cricket, and they knew exactly the game they needed to play, blocking out the noise and playing every ball on its merit. That’s the important thing about T20, if one solid partnership can take the game as deep as possible and you have big hitters at the back end, anything is possible. New Zealand won’t mind who they are playing in the final. They’ve already overcome a huge hurdle and got one over England which shows they can handle the heat when it's on them. In a final, it's about doing the basics as well as possible. That, group is really focused on the fundamentals, but also have the ability to flick the switch to fifth gear and blow teams out of the water. Their focus will be on getting themselves ready and controlling what they can control. Whoever they come up against, they'll be ready for them.

SPORTS REPORTER Lahore (November 12, 2021):-Southern Punjab were closing in their first win of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2021-22 as they were 56 runs ahead of Northern, who were 175 for six in second innings, when stumps were called on day three of the fourth round fixture at the Multan Cricket Stadium. It was Southern Punjab captain Mohammad Abbas and left-arm orthodox Ali Usman who wreaked havoc with the ball as only two Northern batters Faizan Riaz (51 off 112) and Muhammad Huraira (43 off 83) managed substantial scores. Southern Punjab were earlier bowled out for 394 after beginning the day at 340 for seven as pacer Aamer Jamal recorded his maiden five-fer with five for 111, while Musa Khan added another wicket to his tally to finish with three for 99. Yousuf Babar converted his overnight 116 into 138. At Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were 285 for three in 86.4 overs in reply of Balochistan’s 463. Nabi Gul, with an unbeaten 88, had made the most runs for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while Sahibzada Farhan and Musadiq Ahmed, who were at the crease overnight, also scored half-centuries. Farhan made 75 off 175 (10 fours), while Musadiq made 91-ball 70 (13 fours). On Saturday, the last day of the round, Nabi and Adil Amin (37 not out) will resume Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s innings. To date, Balochistan have accumulated four points, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have bagged two points (both batting). Scores in brief: Toss Uncontested – Southern Punjab choose to field against Northern at Multan Cricket Stadium Northern 163 all out, 56.1 overs (Nasir Nawaz 58, Umar Amin 29, Umar Waheed 21; Ali Usman 3-39, Mohammad Abbas 2-32, Zia-ul-Haq 2-32, Mohammad Ilyas 2-41) and 175-6, 62 overs (Faizan Riaz 51, Mohammad Huraira 43; Mohammad Abbas 3-36, Ali Usman 2-45) Southern Punjab 394 all out, 97.4 overs (Yousuf Babar 138, Azam Khan 70, Ali Usman 37, Imran Rafiq 34, Tayyab Tahir 22; Aamir Jamal 5-111, Musa Khan 3-99) Innings Points – Northern 3, Southern Punjab 9 Balochistan elect to bat against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after winning the toss at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad Balochistan 463-5, 137.5 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 202 not out, Imran Butt 140, Haris Sohail 79; Asif Afridi 2-139) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 285-3, 8.4 overs (Nabi Gul 88 not out, Sahibzada Farhan 75, Musadiq Ahmed 70, Adil Amin 37) Innings Points – Balochistan 4, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 2

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Dubai (November 12, 2021):-Umpires Marais Erasmus and Richard Kettleborough will assume on-field duties in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 to be played between Australia and New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. Umpires Marais Erasmus and Richard Kettleborough will assume on-field duties in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 to be played between Australia and New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. Nitin Menon will be the TV umpire for the match while Kumar Dharmasena will be the fourth umpire. The final will be overseen by Match Referee Ranjan Madugalle. Match Officials for the final: Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle On-field umpires: Marais Erasmus and Richard Kettleborough TV umpire: Nitin Menon Fourth umpire: Kumar Dharmasena

SPECIAL REPORT: Even though they ended up losing, I’m incredibly proud of the way this Pakistan team performed and how close they came to reaching the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 final.  In the end it came down to a few lapses in the field because they had put the runs on the board and everyone contributed. They just could not quite get over the line against Australia.  Shaheen Shah Afridi’s first over was incredible. That is becoming an event, everything stops when he has the new ball in his hand. He has been brilliant and builds up pressure because of his consistency, his application and his skill. The best batters in the world feel under pressure when he has that new ball and it is incredible the way he has used it in this tournament.  This team knew they were good enough to perform like this, 12 of the 15 won the Champions Trophy so it was in their muscle memory. That’s why I, along with a lot of people, knew that you could not rule them out.  The tournament did show that Pakistan are still quite new to these sort of match-ups and how teams use data to plan, execute and select their teams. That is an area where I think they can improve, and likewise when it comes to dealing with pressure.  And the last thing, which might have been the key to the semi-final, is about using all 15 players in the squad. Since the warm-ups, Pakistan have stuck with the same XI throughout, whereas there might have been an opportunity to try some other plans, or bring in a top player like Mohammad Wasim Jnr at some point. We saw Australia change things, leaving out Marcus Stoinis at one point then bringing him back and he ended up being the match winner.  It can be good to test a few people just to give yourself options when it comes to the knockout stages.  Australia seem to be peaking at just the right time and the way they have planned and covered all bases for these knockout stages has been really impressive. They knew they needed the extra batting and it won them the semi-final.  What is great about this team is that they were still not at their best, they missed a few chances in the field so they can still improve on this performance which makes them even more dangerous.  I would love to see New Zealand lift the trophy, but I think Australia may have the edge in the final because they have the better balance, particularly with Devon Conway out injured. He has been such a key player for New Zealand and his absence might just swing it Australia’s way. 

SPECIAL REPORT Dubai (November 11, 2021):-Australia reached in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2021 after beating Pakistan by five wickets in the second semifinal at Dubai International Stadium Dubai on Thursday night. When David Warner and Glenn Maxwell fell in successive overs from Shadab Khan, the chase of 177 seemed doomed, but Stoinis and Wade had other ideas as they put on 81 in 7.4 overs. Stoinis started the comeback as he went after Haris Rauf, but it was Wade who did the most damage with three consecutive sixes off Shaheen Shah Afridi after being dropped by Hasan Ali to seal an unlikely success. Pakistan had made 176 for four batting first thanks to half-centuries from Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman, while Shadab Khan’s four for 26 looked to have swung the game their way. But this Australia team has already shown incredible resolve in this tournament and it was the case again here as they dug themselves out of a hole to reach a second ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final. It was a remarkable game, with Pakistan batting consultant Matthew Hayden revealing that Rizwan had spent the previous night in hospital with a lung problem, but he was fit to take his place in Dubai as Pakistan were put in to bat. And while he looked very nervous early on, Babar Azam was able to score quickly before Rizwan settled in. He was almost dismissed off Maxwell, a surprise choice to bowl in the powerplay, with Warner racing back but not quite able to take a stunner over his shoulder. The turning point for Rizwan seemed to be the first ball of the fifth over from Josh Hazlewood which he smashed for six over the legside, before being given a second life, Adam Zampa this time putting down a tough chance off the last ball of the powerplay when it was whipped flat down to him at long leg but slipped from his grasp inches from the ground. With 47 for none, Pakistan had their best score of the powerplay in the tournament and Babar continued to press on. But Maxwell and Zampa then managed to stem the flow of runs and that pressure told as Babar tried to take on the latter, picking out Warner on the boundary. Maxwell’s bowling was proving crucial, ensuring that Australia’s fifth bowler would not prove the weak link as he went for just 20 from three overs. Rizwan’s charge was slowed by a vicious short delivery from Mitchell Starc which rattled into the grill on his helmet. He responded by hitting Hazlewood for six before getting to his half-century the next delivery.  In this tournament, Pakistan have been exceptional in the final four overs, and it was no different here as Fakhar finally found his groove, smashing Hazlewood for six over long-on before Rizwan put a high full toss away for four and the resulting free hit into the stands for six. With 21 off that over and 49 off his four, Hazlewood proved expensive. Eventually, Rizwan went for 67, scooping Starc to mid-off, but Fakhar, the only Pakistan batter who had not really fired in this tournament to date, had his eye in. The next ball he smashed Starc miles back over his head before almost taking out umpire Chris Gaffaney with a straight four. Asif Ali had averaged a six every three balls in this tournament, but he could not contribute this time, picking out Steve Smith on the boundary on his first ball, from Pat Cummins. It should have been two in two but Smith put down Fakhar next ball, running in from the boundary as he watched the ball bounce out of his hands.  While Cummins went for just three runs off the 19th over, and Starc removed Shoaib Malik at the start of the last, back-to-back sixes from Fakhar took him to an unbeaten 55 and Pakistan to an imposing 176 for four. Australia’s chase got off to the worst possible start as Shaheen produced one of the overs of the tournament to kick things off. He trapped Aaron Finch leg before off the third delivery, then Mitchell Marsh almost suffered the same fate from a yorker next ball, surviving the review thanks to a pair of umpire’s calls. In the fourth over, Warner started to take a liking to Imad Wasim, and as he and Marsh got going, suddenly Australia were motoring along. By the end of the powerplay, they had 52 for one, the best of any team against Pakistan, but Shadab did for Marsh, a steepling catch well held by Asif as he fell for 28. Mohammad Hafeez was brought into the attack and his first ball gripped in the hand and came out all wrong, bouncing twice before Warner lifted it into the stands, a no-ball rubbing salt into the wounds. Steve Smith became Shadab’s second victim, again trying to attack and finding the fielder in the outfield, Fakhar the safe pair of hands on this occasion. Warner was nearly run out after a misjudged single from Maxwell gave Fakhar a chance with a direct hit. It felt like Warner had the win at his fingertips, while he was there, Australia were favourites. But the ball after the drinks break he went after one from Shadab that went away from him, nicking through to Rizwan. The elation from bowler and keeper as Warner fell for 49 told its own story. Remarkably, a replay appeared to indicate that Warner had missed the ball, but like everyone else, he obviously thought he had hit it, choosing not to review. Shadab was piling on the pressure and he got another, again with the help of some good fielding, as Haris Rauf caught Maxwell with a diving grab in the deep from a reverse sweep as Australia’s most destructive batter departed for seven. It was down to Stoinis and Wade and after another fine over from Shaheen, the equation was 62 from five overs. Stoinis was first to take on the bowlers as targeted Haris, with a huge six over midwicket followed by a four driven straight back past the bowler. The next over it was Wade who stepped into Hasan, hitting him back over his head for six to bring up the fifty partnership as Australia took 15 off the over in all, leaving 22 to get off two. Shaheen returned for the penultimate over and Hasan had the chance to remove Wade, dropping the keeper in the outfield after he did not connect with a heave over midwicket. A ball later, Wade jumped across his stumps and scooped Shaheen for six to take Australia to within touching distance. Scores in Brief Australia beat Pakistan at Dubai International Stadium, Dubai by five wickets Pakistan 176/4 in 20 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 67, Fakhar Zaman 55 not out; Mitchell Starc 2/38, Adam Zampa 1/22) Australia 177/5 in 19 overs (David Warner 49, Matthew Wade 41 not out; Shadab Khan 4/26, Shaheen Shah Afridi 1/35) Player of the Match: Matthew Wade (Australia)

SAAD KAYANI Karachi (November 11, 2021):-All-rounder Hayley Matthews produced a stellar performance with bat and ball to spearhead West Indies women’s 37-run win in the low scoring second ODI against Pakistan at the National Stadium Karachi on Thursday. The victory gave West Indies an unassailable two-zero lead in the three-match series with the third and final match scheduled for Sunday at the same venue. The visitors won the first match by 45 runs on Monday. Chasing a 154-run target, Pakistan were bowled out for 116 in 39.2 overs. Omaima Sohail (27) and captain Javeria Khan (24) were the only batters to post a 20 plus score as the West Indies bowlers maintained a stranglehold on the scoring besides chipping in with wickets at regular intervals. Shamilia Connell took three wickets for 18 runs in 9.2 overs, Shakera Selman and Anisa Mohammad took a wicket apiece. Earlier, West Indies were bowled out for 153 in 45.4 overs. Pakistan bowlers and fielders had a brilliant outing after captain Javeria Khan won the toss and opted to bowl first. Pacer Fatima Sana who took five wickets in the previous match took two wickets in one over to peg the visitors back in the 12th over. Pakistan got the prized wicket of first match’s centurion Deandra Dottin (34) via a run out with the score at 64 in the 20th over. Pakistan made regular inroads after dismissing Dottin, Fatima was ably supported by Anam Amin and Omaima Sohail who both took two wickets each conceding 21 and 25 runs respectively. Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal took a wicket each, Dottin was the top-scorer for West Indies, Hayley Matthews contributed 26 while Shemaine Campbelle scored an unbeaten 23, captain Stafanie Taylor scored 23 off 46 balls. Scores in Brief: West Indies beat Pakistan by 37 runs West Indies Women 153 all out, 45.4 overs (Deandra Dottin 34, Hayley Matthews 26; Fatima Sana 2-19, Anam Amin 2-21, Omaima Sohail 2-25) Pakistan Women 116 all out, 39.2 overs (Omaima Sohail 27, Javeria Khan 24; Hayley Matthews 4-26, Shamilia Connell 3-18)

Sports Reporter LAHORE (November 11, 2021):-Balochistan’s Imam-ul-Haq scored his first-class career’s best score of 202 not out against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium on day two of the fifth round of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2021-22. The left-handed batter added 92 runs to his overnight score, which propelled Balochistan to 463 for five in 137.5 overs before Imran Butt, who had made 140 yesterday, declared the innings. This was Imam’s second double-century in the format as he bested his unbeaten 200. Imam smashed 16 fours and four sixes in his 390-ball innings and added 172 runs for the third wicket with Haris Sohail, who made 79 (six fours and four sixes). Balochistan had made 329 and lost two wickets at the completion of 100 overs and, as such, gathered three batting points, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa failed to get any point. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were 35 for one in 8.4 overs before stumps were drawn. Sahibzada Farhan (24 not out) and Musadiq Ahmed (10 not out) will resume the innings for 2020-21 edition’s joint-winners on Friday. At the Mulan Cricket Stadium, Yousuf Babar’s brilliant maiden century and Azam Khan’s 96-ball 70 helped Southern Punjab stage a recovery and lift them to 346 for seven at the close of play. Southern Punjab had begun the day at 77 for three. Yousuf made 116 not out off 204, hitting 16 fours. He partnered with Azam for 114 runs for the fifth wicket. The solid stand between the two added three batting points to Southern Punjab’s tally after they accumulated six bowling points yesterday. The partnership ended with Azam’s wicket. The wicketkeeper-batter was removed by pacer Aamir Jamal, who also accounted for Zain Abbas and Muhammad Imran. Scores in brief: Balochistan elect to bat against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after winning the toss at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad Balochistan 463-5, 137.5 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 202 not out, Imran Butt 140, Haris Sohail 79; Asif Afridi 2-139) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 35-1, 8.4 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 24 not out, Musadiq Ahmed 10 not out) Innings Points – Balochistan 3, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 0 Toss Uncontested – Southern Punjab choose to field against Northern at Multan Cricket Stadium Northern 163 all out, 56.1 overs (Nasir Nawaz 58, Umar Amin 29, Umar Waheed 21; Ali Usman 3-39, Mohammad Abbas 2-32, Zia-ul-Haq 2-32, Mohammad Ilyas 2-41) Southern Punjab 346-7, 89 overs (Yousuf Babar 116 not out, Azam Khan 70, Imran Rafiq 34, Ali Usman 31 not out, Zia ul Haq 23, Tayyab Tahir 22; Aamir Jamal 3-92, Musa Khan 2-74) Innings Points – Northern 3, Southern Punjab 9