Sports Bulletin

Abdul Jabbar FaisalRAWALPINDI: Pakistan captain Babar Azam has won the toss and decided to field first in the 2nd T20 match against New Zealand here at Pindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday night.Pakistan (Playing XI): Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Iftikhar Ahmed, Irfan Khan, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman KhanNew Zealand (Playing XI):Michael Bracewell (captain), Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, James Neesham, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (Wicketkeeper), Ish Sodhi

Multan beat Rawalpindi; Quetta beat Peshawar and Lahore beat Karachi in Super OverSports Bulletin ReportFAISALABAD: Gull Feroza’s century helped Multan beat Rawalpindi by 141 runs in the second round match of the National Women’s One-Day Tournament at the Bohranwali Cricket Ground in Faisalabad on Friday. Opening batter Feroza, scored 142 off 140 balls, which included 19 boundaries to help her side post 240 for seven in 50 overs. Rawalpindi’s captain Humna Bilal was the pick of the bowler with three for 25 runs.In reply, Noor-ul-Iman (three for 23) and Tasmia Rubab (two for 19) shared five wickets between them and dismissed Rawalpindi for 99 in 25.5 overs.At the Iqbal Stadium, Quetta’s Rameen Shamim’s successive all-round performance led her side to a 16-run over Peshawar. Batting first, Quetta were dismissed for 175 in 49 overs, with Arijah Haseeb (46, 59b, 6x4s) and Rameen (27, 45b, 4x4s) contributing runs. Aleena Shah, Mahnoor Aftab and Momina Riyasat bagged two wickets each. In turn, Peshawar were bowled out for 159 in 47 overs. Off-spinner Rameen bagged four wickets for the winning team.At Jawad Sports Complex Ground, Lahore scored 138 for four in 43 overs, with Iram Javed scoring an unbeaten 49. The play was stopped due to rain and when play resumed, Karachi were given a revised target of 167 to win in 43 overs. Karachi, in turn, were bowled out for 166 in 43 overs. Esha Rahupoto (35) and Yusra Amir (34) were contributors with the bat. Quratulain and Noreen bagged three wickets each for Lahore.In Super Over, Lahore achieved the two-run target in four balls without losing any wicket.Scores in brief:Multan beat Rawalpindi by 141 runs at Bohranwali Cricket GroundMultan 240-7, 50 overs (Gull Feroza 142, Rabia Rafi 35; Humna Bilal 3-25)Rawalpindi 99 all out, 25.5 overs (Aima Saleem 20; Noor-ul-Iman 3-23, Tasmia Rubab 2-19)Player of the match – Gull Feroza (Multan)Quetta beat Peshawar by 16 runs at Iqbal StadiumQuetta 175 all out, 49 overs (Arijah Haseeb 46, Rameen Shamim 27; Momina Riyasat 2-12, Aleena Shah 2-27, Mahnoor Aftab 2-37)Peshawar 159 all out, 47 overs (Tayyaba Imad 44, Ayesha Zafar 22; Rameen Shamim 4-19, Kniza Wahab 2-27)Player of the match – Rameen Shamim (Quetta)Match Tied – Lahore beat Karachi in the Super Over at Jawad Sports ComplexLahore 138-4, 43 overs (Iram Javed 49 not out, Dua Majid 30, Noreen Yaqoob 29; Anosha Nasir 3-7)Karachi 166 all out, 43 overs (Esha Rahupoto 35, Yusra Amir 34; Noreen Yaqoob 3-30, Quratulain 3-41)Player of the match – Iram Javed (Lahore).

Sports Bulletin ReportEdgbaston (UK): The World Championship of Legends has achieved an extraordinary milestone by surpassing worth 100K USD in ticket sales on its inaugural day, setting a new standard in the world of cricket.Firstly, the championship has received the prestigious approval of a Test Playing Nation, notably the England Cricket Board, establishing the Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham as its distinguished home. This endorsement has not only added prestige but also credibility to the championship, setting it apart from others in its category.One of the major highlights driving ticket sales is the highly anticipated clash between cricketing powerhouses India and Pakistan. This legendary rivalry has captured the imagination of fans globally, promising an electrifying atmosphere and unparalleled competition on the field.Furthermore, the championship boasts the largest pool of cricketers, including iconic names like Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Brett Lee, Shahid Afridi, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Jacques Kallis, Darren Sammy, and many others. This star-studded lineup promises high-quality cricket and unforgettable performances on the field. 

Sports Bulletin ReportPESHAWAR: The A.S. Ali Blind Cricket Trophy 2023-24 One-Day Cricket Tournamnet will start on April 20 in Peshawar, as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) will take on Islamabad on the opening fixture of 6-team competition here at Hayyat Abad Sports Complex on Saturday.According to an official of Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC), the tournament is set to take place in Peshawar from April 20 to 25, 2024, with the sponosporship of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Sports Department. Five provincial teams including Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Islamabad will compete for the title, showcasing their exceptional skills and determination on the cricket field.Nisar Ali will be the captain the Islamabad Team, Mohsin Khan will lead Punjab, Badar Munir will be skipper Sindh, Naimat Ullah will lead Balochistan, while Sanauallah Marwat will be captain of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.The tournament will kick off with two exhilarating matches on the opening day. The first match will see KPK facing off against Islamabad at the Hayatabad Sports Complex, while Punjab will take on Sindh at the Peshawar Gymkhana Cricket Ground.Participating Teams: Islamabad, KPK, Punjab, Balochistan, SindhSchedule20-04-2024: Islamabad Vs KPK at Hayyat Abad Sports Complex, PeshawarPunjab Vs Sindh Peshawar Gymkhana Ground, Peshawar21-04-2024:Balochistan Vs Punjab Hayyat Abad Sports Complex, PeshawarSindh Vs Islamabad Peshawar Gymkhana Ground, Peshawar22-04-2024:Sindh Vs Balochistan Hayyat Abad Sports Complex, Peshawar Punjab Vs KPK Peshawar Gymkhana Ground, Peshawar23-04-2024:Punjab Vs Islamabad Hayyat Abad Sports Complex, PeshawarBalochistan Vs KPK Peshawar Gymkhana Ground, Peshawar24-04-2024:KPK Vs Sindh Hayyat Abad Sports Complex, Peshawar PunjabIslamabad Vs Balochistan Peshawar Gymkhana Ground, Peshawar25-04-2024: (Final between Two Top Teams)

Hayley plays her career-best 140 runs innings to give West Indies a winning start in KarachiSports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: A career-best 140 not out by Hayley Matthews gave the West Indies Women a 113-run winning start in the three-match ICC Women’s Championship 2022-2025 fixture against Pakistan Women at the National Bank Stadium on Thursday.The 26-year-old from Barbados struck 15 fours and a six in a 150-ball innings to guide her side to 269 for eight after the visitors had elected to bat first. Matthews then demonstrated her skills with the ball to cap a fine day in the office by grabbing three wickets for 17 runs in six overs as the home team was bowled out for 156 in 35.5 overs.This was Matthews’s fifth career century in 81 matches and came from 125 balls with nine fours and a six. She had earlier reached her half-century from 57 balls with six fours and a six.Hayley put on 102 runs for the second wicket with Shemaine Campbelle (45, 71b, 4x4) after Sadia Iqbal had dismissed Rashada Williams in the third over of the innings. After the West Indies slipped from 103 for one to 138 for four, Hayley added 40 runs for the fifth wicket with Chinelle Henry (23, 23b, 2x4, 1x6).It was Hayley’s brilliance that allowed the West Indies to collect 77 runs in the last 10 overs, including 49 runs off the last 30 balls.In their turn at the wicket, Pakistan Women were left chasing the game from the very start when they plummeted to 65 for four, which soon became 100 for six. They were eventually dismissed for 156, thanks to 23-ball 25 by Tuba Hassan.From the top order, only opener Muneeba Ali (22, 33b, 1x4) and Nida Dar (19, 27b, 3x4) offered some resistance against all the accurate West Indies bowlers. Apart from Matthews, Afy Fisher and Zaida James picked up two wickets apiece, conceding 14 and 19 runs, respectively.

Lahore (PR): The industrial city of Faisalabad is ready to host the expanded and rebranded National Women’s One-Day Tournament, which kicks off on Wednesday. Until last season, the 45-over competition was contested by three sides – Blasters, Challengers, and Dynamites – under the Pakistan Cup Women’s Cricket Tournament banner.This year, the Pakistan Cricket Board, in its continued endeavor, support and promotion for women’s cricket, has included six regional sides for the competition that will be held in a double-league 50-over format, guaranteeing each side, at least 10, matches. The six regional sides competing in the event, which carries a total prize money of PKR2.245 million, are: Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, Quetta, and Rawalpindi.The top two sides after 30 league matches will progress to the final on 11 May, with the winning side lifting the silverware and collecting a PKR one million cheque. The venues for this important event are Jawad Club Cricket Ground, Iqbal Stadium, and Bohranwali Cricket Ground, with Saeed Ajmal Academy Ground as the reserve venue.Omaima Sohail will captain the Karachi Region, Lahore will be led by Kaynat Hafeez, Saima Malik will skipper Quetta, Humna Bilal will lead Multan, while Gull Rukh and Mahnoor Aftab will captain Peshawar and Rawalpindi, respectively.Fixtures for Wednesday: Quetta vs. Rawalpindi, Jawad Cricket Club Ground; Karachi vs. Multan, Iqbal Stadium; Peshawar vs. Lahore, Bohranwali Cricket Ground.Fixtures for Friday: Quetta vs. Peshawar, Iqbal Stadium; Lahore vs. Karachi, Jawad Club Cricket Ground; Rawalpindi vs. Multan, Bohranwali Cricket Ground.

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Fast bowler Ihsanullah left for Manchester, England, on Sunday morning for his crucial appointment on Monday with esteemed orthopedic surgeon, Professor Adam Watts, regarding his elbow injury. Professor Watts specialises in hand and wrist surgery, shoulder and elbow procedures, sports injuries, and trauma surgery.Ihsanullah's franchise, Multan Sultans, has collaborated with the PCB to secure this appointment. The PCB, as Ihsanullah’s parent body, will cover all expenses for his treatment and rehabilitation.

Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today announced match officials for the Pakistan versus New Zealand five-match T20I series, which will roll into action on April 18 at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi.According to media department of PCB, Andy Pycroft, a member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, will lead the playing control team that includes five umpires, namely Ahsan Raza (elite panelist), Aleem Dar, Asif Yaqoob, Faisal Afridi and Rashid Riaz (all from the ICC’s international panel), who will share umpiring responsibilities.The Pindi Stadium will stage the opening three T20Is on 18, 20 and 21 April before action will move to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium where the last two matches will be played on 25 and 27 April.Umpire and match referee appointments:18 April – First T20I. Ahsan Raza and Aleem Dar (on-field umpires), Faisal Afridi (third umpire), Rashid Riaz (fourth umpire); Andy Pycroft (match referee)20 April – Second T20I. Asif Yaqoob and Aleem Dar (on-field umpires), Ahsan Raza (third umpire), Faisal Afridi (fourth umpire); Andy Pycroft (match referee)21 April – Third T20I. Ahzan Raza and Asif Yaqoob (on-field umpires), Rashid Riaz (third umpire), Aleem Dar (fourth umpire); Andy Pycroft (match referee)25 April – Fourth T20I. Faisal Afridi and Rashid Riaz (on-field umpires), Asif Yaqoob (third umpire), Ahsan Raza (fourth umpire); Andy Pycroft (match referee)27 April – Rashid Riaz and Faisal Afridi (on-field umpires), Aleem Dar (third umpire), Asif Yaqoob (fourth umpire); Andy Pycroft (match referee)

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Five women cricketers have been recalled to the white-ball squads as the National Women’s Selection Committee, led by Saleem Jaffar, announced 16-member ODI and T20I squads against West Indies women’s team.The three ODIs – part of ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 - will be played between 18 and 23 April, while the five T20Is will take place from 26 April to 3 May. All eight matches will be played at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.Saleem Jaffar, Chief Selector said: “The selection committee, in consultation with captain Nida Dar and interim head coach, has finalised 16-member squads for the ODI and T20I series. Five players in the squads return due to their performances in the domestic tournament and good skills they demonstrated in the camp.“The series against the West Indies is important for us as the ODIs are part of ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25. We are aiming to secure maximum points in the series, taking advantage of our home conditions, to enhance our chances for direct qualification for next year’s ICC Women’s ODI World Cup.“The series against the West Indies also presents an opportunity for the players to showcase their skills and secure berths for next month’s England tour. The ongoing domestic one-day tournament continues to provide chances to players not involved in the series against the West Indies to produce strong performance and stake claims for places for the England series.”Pakistan women's squad for ODI: Nida Dar (captain), Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof*, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda AkhtarPakistan women's squad for T20I: Nida Dar (captain), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Bismah Maroof*, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali (wk), Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Tuba Hassan and Umm-e-HaniPlayer support personnel: Saira Iftikhar (manager), Mauhtashim Rashid (interim head coach), Saleem Jaffar (bowling coach), Taufeeq Umar (batting coach), Hanif Malik (fielding coach), Mohammad Javed (strength and conditioning coach), Syed Nazir Ahmed (media manager), Rabia Siddiq (physiotherapist), Zubair Ahmed (analyst) and Nadia Arif (masseuse)Series schedule:April 18, 2024: First ODI at NBS at 0930am local timeApril 21, 2024: Second ODI at NBS at 0930am local timeApril 23, 2024: Third ODI at NBS at 1530 local timeApril 26, 2024: First T20I at NBS at 1930 local timeApril 28, 2024: Second T20I at NBS at 1930 local timeApril 30, 2024: Third T20I at NBS at 1930 local timeMay 2, 2024: Fourth T20I at NBS at 1930 local timeMay 3, 2024: Fifth T20I at NBS at 1930 local time.

Imad and Amir named in a 17-player squad, Irfan and Usman earn maiden Pakistan selectionSports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The National Selection Committee (NSC) for Men of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 17-man squad for the T20 International Series against New Zealand, which will be played from April 18 to 27 in Rawalpindi and Lahore aiming to set a suitable squad for forthcoming T20 World Cup, which will be played United States of America and West Indies simultaneously in June this year 2024.Uncapped middle-order batter Mohammad Irfan Khan and opener batter Usman Khan have been included in the 17-player squad led by skipper Babar Azam. Both new players have earned the selectors’ nod following impressive performances in the HBL Pakistan Super League.Irfan Khan of Karachi Kings was adjudged the Emerging Player and Best Fielder of the HBL PSL 9 after scoring 171 runs at a strike-rate of 140.16. Overall, the 21-year-old Mianwali-born Irfan has featured in 34 T20s in which he has scored 499 runs at a strike-rate of 135.96. Irfan has also represented Pakistan in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cups 2020 and 2022.Usman Khan of Multan Sultans smashed two centuries and two half-centuries in the most recent event to help his side reach the final where they lost to Islamabad United in a last-ball thriller. In the HBL PSL 8, the 28-year-old Karachi-born right-hander had smashed a 36-ball century against Quetta Gladiators - the fastest century in the tournament’s history. Overall, Usman has featured in 36 T20s in which he has scored 1,207 runs at a strike-rate of 146.12.Irfan Khan on his selection said: “I am deeply honoured to have been selected in the Pakistan squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. Breaking into such a formidable team like Pakistan is a testament to the dedication and effort I have put into my game. Now, my focus is on seizing this opportunity and solidifying my position within the team. I am fully committed to continuing to work diligently and proving myself worthy of the trust placed in me by the captain and selectors.”Usman Khan said on his selection: “Being chosen to represent one’s country is the ultimate dream and goal for any athlete. Today, I am absolutely thrilled and filled with joy as the selectors have granted me the opportunity to be part of the upcoming series against New Zealand. This selection validates the relentless effort and dedication I have poured into my craft, and I am fully committed to upholding the high standards I have set for myself.”Selection committee member and batting coach Mohammad Yousuf said: “On behalf of the selection committee, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Mohammad Irfan Khan and Usman Khan on their inclusion in the Pakistan men’s cricket team for the upcoming home series against New Zealand. Both players have undeniably earned their spots through a string of consistent, outstanding performances. We hold great optimism and belief in their potential to become key impact players, yet recognise that this requires ongoing dedication and effort. I trust that both players will continue their upward trajectory, sparing no effort in proving themselves worthy of the selectors' and captain's trust and confidence.”Abrar retained, Imad and Mohammad Amir recalled:The other uncapped player in the squad is wrist spinner Abrar Ahmed. He was named in the squad for the T20I series against New Zealand earlier this year, but returned after Australia Tests due to fitness reasons. He will be the second wrist spinner in the side along with Usama Mir.Also named in the squad are all-rounder Imad Wasim and fast bowler Mohammad Amir. The two experienced campaigners had become available after coming out of retirement last month.Imad has played 66 T20Is in which he has scored 486 runs at a strike-rate of 131.7 and taken 65 wickets at an economy-rate of 6.26. He last played for Pakistan 12 months ago at his home ground in Rawalpindi against New Zealand.Amir, who last played for Pakistan in August 2020 at Old Trafford against England, has played in 50 T20Is in which he has taken 59 wickets at an economy-rate of 7.02.Selection committee member and senior team manager Wahab Riaz said: “The decision to include Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir was a straightforward one, given their availability for selection and considering Haris Rauf's injury and Mohammad Nawaz's current form. Both Amir and Imad possess undeniable match-winning capabilities, and we trust they will consistently deliver strong performances to bolster the team's objectives. We have communicated our overarching selection policy and strategy to all elite players, and there is complete alignment within the group. To ensure the policy's implementation in letter and spirit, I will closely collaborate with the team management during the series. As we prepare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies, this series holds significant importance for Pakistan. Rather than solely focusing on the formidable New Zealand side, we aim to introspect and identify areas for improvement. I anticipate that players will seize the opportunities presented to strengthen their claims for the World Cup.”Names of Players: Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohmmad Amir, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usama Mir, Usman Khan, Zaman KhanNon-travelling reserves: Haseebullah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, and Salman Ali Agha