Sports Bulletin

SPORTS REPORT ISLAMABAD (February 17, 2021):-Some of the most popular cricket commentators will be commentating at this year’s HBL Pakistan Super League. The commentary panel for the month-long event that starts at the National Stadium Karachi on Saturday, 20 February, was unveiled today. Pakistani commentators synonymous with the league including Bazid Khan, Ramiz Raja, Sana Mir and Urooj Mumtaz will be doing bi-lingual commentary while renowned Urdu commentator Tariq Saeed and Sikandar Bakht will be part of the panel as Urdu commentators. A panel of world-class foreign commentators including David Gower, Simon Doull, Pommie Mbangwa, JP Duminy, Danny Morrison, Dominic Cork, and Alan Wilkins will complement their Pakistani counterparts in the T20 cricket extravaganza which has become one of the most popular yearly tournaments in the cricket calendar.  New Zealand’s former fast bowler and star commentator Simon Doull will be part of the HBL PSL commentary panel for the first time along with former South African all-rounder JP Duminy, who will join the commentary box for the second leg in Lahore. Pommie Mbangwa is another fresh entrant in the HBL PSL commentary box this year and he will be joining the commentary team in Lahore. Alan Wilkins, who has been one of the most popular HBL PSL voices, will be calling the tournament along with former England fast bowler Dominic Cork. Former England captain David Gower will also be part of the HBL PSL 6 commentary panel for the first time, joining the star-studded commentary roster for the Karachi leg of HBL PSL 6. Another popular HBL PSL voice, New Zealand’s former fast bowler Danny Morrison will be commentating in the 20-match Karachi-leg that runs from 20 February to Sunday 7 March. Tournament to be produced in Full HD mode: The consortium of Blitz Advertising/Transgroup & NEP will be responsible for providing the TV Production Services for the HBL PSL 6. The HBL PSL 6 will be produced with a 30 + camera setup, the production will be Full HD, while the majority of the lenses will be 4K for extra sharpness of the pictures. The setup includes super slow motion cameras, ultra-motion, Spidercam with ‘Parvàz’, Hawkeye with all DRS enhancements, Buggy-cam with player interview capability and drone camera among others. The coverage will be adorned with bespoke on air graphics and packaging designed specifically for the season, along with provision of in-depth analysis and statistics. Fans will be able to enjoy wrap-around programming in the form of special pre and post-match studio coverage as well as a special weekly magazine show called HBL PSL Kahaniayan. Babar Hamid, Director Commercial PCB: “We have worked very hard to improve our production standards and I am pleased to note that we have the consortium of NEP, Blitz and Trans Group working on this production for HBL PSL 6. “I am also very pleased to welcome a star roster of commentators to HBL PSL once again. This year, we have focused on ensuring that we maintain the right mix between our established HBL PSL voices and new voices that will bring a fresh perspective to our coverage.” Rao Omar Hashim Khan, Group Director Trans Group: “Let me first congratulate PCB and our entire production team of NEP, Blitz and Trans Group consortium for the successful tour of South Africa to Pakistan.  HBL Pakistan Super League is one of the leading leagues world wide and is a strong brand at home. “Our entire team is excited to bring this production to the HBL PSL. I am sure audiences will enjoy spectacular games with state of the art production facilities.” Saeed Izadi, President NEP Singapore: “With the successful execution of South Africa tour of Pakistan and the exciting series finale of the last T20, like our partners in the consortium we are eagerly looking forward to the start of HBL Pakistan Super League 6.  It takes a great team to deliver the best quality production and we are thrilled to be part of such a great team. “We will be providing state of the art equipment and we aim to capture not only iconic moments, but every ball and the emotion of each player. That will be an enabler for the great commentators working on this season to bring every bit of the story to the fans. We are prepared for our contribution to make HBL PSL 6 more memorable.” Ahsen Idris, Chief Executive Officer, Blitz Advertising (Pvt.) Limited: “After successfully managing the Pakistan South Africa series, the NEP, Blitz and Trans Group Consortium is keenly looking forward to undertake the production broadcast for HBL Pakistan Super League 6. “The consortium partners are putting in their best efforts to further raise the bar for HBL PSL as being one of the biggest leagues in the international circuit by using latest technologies, a well-experienced crew, extensive camera coverage and a sleek studio show; all aimed at giving the viewers an exhilarating match viewing experience.”

SPORTS REPORT ISLAMABAD (February 15, 2021):-The Chairman, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ehsan Mani congratulated the Pakistan national cricket team on victories in the Test and T20I series over South Africa. In the Karachi Test, Babar Azam’s men recovered from 27 for four in the first innings to win by seven wickets, while they took seven wickets for 33 runs in 10 overs with the second new ball in South Africa’s second innings to register a 95-run victory in the Rawalpindi Test. Mohammad Rizwan became the second Pakistan batsman to hit a T20I century in his side’s three-run victory in the first match, which was followed by South Africa’s six wickets win. In the series finale, Pakistan won by four wickets. Consequently, following their first Test series win over South Africa in 18 years, Pakistan moved up two places to fifth in the ICC Test Team Rankings, the team’s highest ranking since January 2017. They have also gained two points to reduce the gap with third-ranked India to seven points on the ICC T20I Team Rankings. Victory in the Test series also provided Babar with a winning start to his captaincy tenure, whilst ensuring that Misbah-ul-Haq remained unbeaten in 12 home Test series, whether as a captain or coach. PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani: “I congratulate each and every member of the Pakistan men’s national cricket team and the support staff for their excellent victories in both the Test and T20Is series over South Africa. The manner in which the side bounced back following a disappointing series in New Zealand is admirable and reflects their real character, grit and potential. “The success of the team was due to collective and all-round effort which invariably produces positive and strong results. The performances have elated the fans, which is an endorsement of the type and brand of cricket they want to see and witness from their stars, both inside and outside Pakistan. “I am pleased the side not only demonstrated that they were capable of playing quality cricket but of doing so with consistency, something that had been eluding them recently. I remain optimistic that these victories will prove to act as a catalyst for future winning performances and the side will continue to play with a controlled and calculated aggression so that Pakistan can reclaim its status as one of the fiercest, respected and leading cricket playing nations. “Amidst a number of outstanding standalone performances, I was particularly pleased with the way Mohammad Rizwan, Hasan Ali and Nauman Ali performed. While Rizwan won the hearts of the cricket fans with his performances across the longest and shortest formats of the game, Hasan Ali and Nauman Ali performances highlighted the value and importance of merit-based and quality-oriented domestic cricket. “I am confident that this new structure will continue to produce more exciting and talented cricketers over the next couple of years, which, in turn, will further help narrow the gap between the quality of domestic and international cricket as well as Pakistan and the other leading cricket playing nations. “I want to register my appreciation for the PCB management, which delivered an excellent series in these challenging and difficult times. From team logistics to cricket playing facilities, from creating a safe and secure environment to unprecedented broadcast, digital and media coverage, everything was meticulous. The flawless and smooth operations, which would not have been possible without the support of the federal and local governments as well as the security agencies, have contributed greatly in enhancing the PCB’s reputation as a credible, world-class and high-performing cricket board. “Lastly, I want to thank and congratulate South Africa for visiting Pakistan and playing competitive cricket. I am confident they will return with happy memories and will not hesitate in sharing their experiences with fellow cricketers. We look forward to welcoming these cricket ambassadors again, be it during the HBL Pakistan Super League or a future bilateral series.”

SPORTS REPORT ISLAMABAD (February 15, 2021):-A total of five foreign players’ replacements have been made in the HBL Pakistan Super League teams that will take the field for the HBL PSL 6 at the National Stadium Karachi and Gaddafi Stadium Lahore from Saturday 20 February. The teams made replacement picks for the players who have either become fully or partially unavailable due to international cricket commitments. South Africa star Faf du Plessis who represented Peshawar Zalmi in the HBL PSL 2020 play-offs last November makes a return to the league as a partial replacement player in the Quetta Gladiators outfit in place of West Indian Chris Gayle. Australia leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed who has represented Gladiators in the earlier HBL PSL seasons replaces New Zealand batsman Colin Munro in the Islamabad United squad. Munro would be unavailable for United due to the prevailing Covid-19 related managed isolation space challenges in New Zealand. United have also included USA fast bowler Ali Khan as a replacement for England’s Reece Topley who has been included in England’s T20I squad on their ongoing tour of India. Ireland batsman Paul Stirling is the third replacement in the United squad in place of England fast bowler Chris Jordan who has also been included in the T20I squad for the series against India.  England batsman Tom-Kohler Cadmore who represented Gladiators in the 2018 season will replace compatriot Liam Livingstone in the Zalmi squad with Livingstone also set to be part of England's T20I team in India.  

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (February 5, 2021):-Pakistani right-arm pacer, Hasan Ali’s back-to-back two strikes gave a new turn to Pindi Test on Friday, as the visitors were 106 for 4 runs on the conclusion of second day game.  Earlier Pakistan finished their innings on 272 and 166 runs ahead from Proteases. On Friday, Pakistan duo meddle order batsmen captain Babar Azam and Fawad Alam resuming their innings at 145 for three at 9:45 am. Babar could not add a solitary score in the last night total 77, however, Fawad added only runs twice singles and ran-out on 45, unfortunately. Earlier, Nortje made the first breakthrough when he had Babar Azam caught at second slip with the second ball of the day. Azam looked to cut a length ball but got a thick outside edge and Faf du Plessis took the chance at head height. This was the second time Azam had been dismissed without adding to his overnight score in Rawalpindi - he was on 143 against Bangladesh last February when the same thing had happened, and it was also the first time in three Test innings at this venue that the Pakistan captain had not scored a century. But Azam was not the victim of the most spectacular piece of fielding in the morning session. That was the fate of Fawad Alam, who added three to his first-day 42 before being run-out at the non-striker's end by a direct hit from Temba Bavuma. Fawad nudged a Kagiso Rabada delivery to the off side, where Bavuma swooped in from point, picked up and threw in one motion and beat Alam's dive in a scene reminiscent of his run-out of David Warner in 2016. Alam could only nod his head in appreciation of Bavuma's efforts and walk off. South Africa would have hoped to get rid of Ashraf fairly soon after that and called for a review when he missed a paddle sweep against Maharaj on 15. Replays showed the ball would have missed off stump and Ashraf survived. He saw off the second new ball, even after Mohammad Rizwan was bounced out by a fired-up Nortje and Maharaj, given the ball when it was less than five overs old, had Hasan caught at slip. Ashraf was confident on the drive and the pull and was particularly severe on Kagiso Rabada, taking 30 runs off 32 balls he faced from him. Rabada finished wicketless and appeared down on pace and Ashraf reached his fifty off him with a gorgeous drive down the ground. With Yasir Shah at the other end, Pakistan would have had 300-plus in their sights, especially after they got through the opening spells with the second new ball. But shah offered Wiaan Mulder a catch in his follow through, which he took low down, to open up the tail. Nauman Ali's defences appeared solid until Nortje turned up the chin music and aimed one at the grille. Nauman threw his hands up in defence and was caught at short leg. Two balls later, Shaheen Shah Afridi gloved a bumper to silly point to give Nortje his five-for and the South African openers an opportunity to bat before tea. With minutes to go, Elgar and van der Dussen were dismissed, leaving the match interestingly poised ahead of the final session.

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (February 5, 2021):-Federal Minister for Railway Azam Khan Swati appreciated the organizers for holding the first Kashmir Premier League (KPL) next month and termed it a massive step to highlight the Kashmir issue through cricket in all over the world. While talking to Arshad Khan Tenoli, Chairman Mazaffarabad   Tigers, in his office, minister hoped that Mazaffarabad Tigers team would play positive cricket and perform well in the whole competition. “KPL will give an acknowledgement to Kashmiri people in all over the world that will also help to highlight Kashmir issue in other parts of the world, “he added.  

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL RAWALPINDI (February 4, 2021):-Babar Azam (77) and Fawad Alam (42) have saved the respect of the team, as Pakistani were 22 for 3 after winning the toss at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi. Both players were still on the pitch after aggregating 123 runs for the fourth wicket, as rain did not allow resuming the game after tea-break on Thursday. Total was 145 for 3 runs on the board, when both umpires Aleem Dar and Ashan Raza called off the day one game. Earlier, Captain Babar Azam decided to bat first after winning the toss, as the wicket was looking bit day and good batting track. Unfortunately, hosts lost their first wicket at the score of 21, when Imran Butt was caught behind the stumps by de Kock on the bowling of Maharaj. Butt scored only 15 runs by hitting three boundaries. Green Shirts wasted their second wicket on same score 21, when Azhar Ali was judged LBW on the bowling of Miharaj without scoring a run. Abid Ali dismissed on 22, was excellent caught by Aiden Markran on the bowling of Nortje. He scored only 6 runs. At the end of day Babar and Fawad were not out at 77 and 42 respectively and they will resume their innings on Friday morning at same venue. Maharaj got two wickets while Nortje got one wicket by conceding 51 and 30 runs respectively. Rest of South African bowling failed to get any wicket. It is important to mention here that George Linds got injured, when Babar hit a powerful drive to back to bowler. Lindy could not complete the over. On Friday second day of the test match will kick off at 9:45am.

SPORTS REPORT ISLAMABAD (February 4, 2021):-Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on today (Thursday) announced that the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) allowed 20 per cent crowds to attend the HBL Pakistan Super League 2021, which would be played in Karachi and Lahore from 20 February to 22 March. The decision means around 7,500 ticketed spectators will be allowed access inside the National Stadium per match day, while around 5,500 will be able to attend each match day at the Gaddafi Stadium. During the course of the event, the NCOC and the PCB will continue to work together and monitor the situation before a decision to increase crowd numbers for the three playoffs and the final is made. The NCOC made the decision following a detailed and comprehensive briefing by the PCB officials, in which they assured that the event organisers and the PCB will strictly follow government Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedures, including social distancing. Now that the NCOC has supported crowd attendances for the HBL PSL 2021, the PCB will soon announce its ticketing policy to provide further clarity to the fans on how they can purchase tickets and the process to enter/exit the venues during the matches. PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani: “I am thankful to the NCOC for trusting the PCB and allowing limited fans to watch live action of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2021. This is an endorsement that the PCB is an institution, which is capable of planning and then successfully implementing Covid-19 SOPs during its marquee event being staged in Pakistan for the second successive year. “Fans are the PCB’s biggest asset and we are delighted that no matter a small number, but some will be able to have access to the matches. Their presence will add flavour and excitement to one of the biggest and most challenging leagues in the cricket calendar. We understand not everyone will get an opportunity to watch the matches due to the limited number of seats, but these are baby-steps and considering that most of the sport events are being played in empty stadium, this is a positive achievement and step in the right direction. “I am optimistic that if we can maintain strict protocols during the HBL PSL 2021 matches we will have a strong case for more fans in the 2021-22 season in which we have to host high-profile internationals teams such as New Zealand, England and the West Indies as well as quality domestic events, including the National T20 Cup, Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and the Pakistan Cup.”

SPORTS REPORT DURBAN (February 3, 2021):-Pakistan Women ended their tour of South Africa on a high by clinching an eight-run win on DLS method in the third and final T20I played at the Kingsmead Durban on Wednesday. Set a 128-run target, South Africa Women were struggling at 68 for four in 12.3 overs when the match was stopped due to rain. Later, heavy rain kept the players off the field as the match was called-off. As per the DLS method, South Africa were nine runs short at the time of the interruption which meant Pakistan were declared winners. South Africa were rocked by the loss of three early wickets in their chase as they were reduced to 24 for three in 6.3 overs. Left-arm-spinner Anam Amin took two wickets and finished her quota with impressive figures of 4-0-14-4, her spell included 15 dot balls. Nida Dar made the fourth breakthrough when she bowled Lara Goodall (11) in the 10th over. At the time of the rain interruption, Migon Du Preez (24) was batting with captain Sune Luus. Earlier, Pakistan posted 127 for six as captain Javeria Khan (player-of-the-match) scored her ninth T20I half-century after her South African counterpart, Sune Luus, decided to bowl after winning the toss. The 32-year-old right-handed batter returned unbeaten on 56 after opening the innings with Ayesha Zafar, who made 19 off 23 balls. Javeria smashed five of the 50 balls she faced for fours and stitched a crucial 61-run partnership with Kainat Imtiaz – 47 of which were scored in the last five overs. Pakistan found themselves in a precarious position as they lost Nida Dar (18 off 14, one four and one six) in the 12th over after their innings resumed following a brief rain-induced halt. Ayesha Naseem (2) and Aliya Riaz (0) were dismissed on successive deliveries in the next over. When Kainat, who made 29 off 24 balls and crunched two fours, joined her captain in the middle, the scorecard read 66 for five. Off-spinner Nondumiso Shangase, who accounted for Ayesha Naseem and Aliya, returned her career-best figures of three for 20. Tumi Sekhukhune took two wickets for 15 runs. Scores in brief: Pakistan Women won by eight runs on DLS method Pakistan Women 127-6, 20 overs (Javeria Khan 56 not out, Kainat Imtiaz 29, Ayesha Zafar 19, Nida Dar 18; Nondumiso Shangase 3-20, Tumi Sekhukhune 2-15) South Africa Women 68 for 4, 12.3 overs (Migon Du Preez 24 not out, Anam Amin 2-14) Player of the match – Javeria Khan Player of the series – Taziman Brits  

SPORTS DESK ISLAMABAD (February 2, 2021):-The postponement of the Test series between South Africa and Australia means New Zealand have become the first team to qualify for the inaugural ICC World Test Championship final to be held in England from June 18 to 22, with June 23 as the reserve day. New Zealand are currently ranked second on the ICC WTC table with a points percentage of 70 per cent, which has secured them a place in the final. They will be joined by either India, England, or Australia with the second spot being determined by the outcome of the India v England four-match Test series due to start on Friday. To book their place, India will have to win the series against England by 2-1, 2-0, 3-1, 3-0 or 4-0, margin. For England to qualify and join New Zealand, they will have to win the series against India by 3-1, 3-0 or 4-0 margin. Australia can still qualify for the much-anticipated ICC WTC final if the series between India and England ends up as a drawn series, or if India win the series 1-0 or England win it by 1-0, 2-1 or a 2-1 margin.

SPORTS REPORT KARACHI (January 31, 2021):-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa made a hat-trick of First XI domestic titles for the 2020-21 season as they clinched the Pakistan Cup powered by Servis Tyres – One-Day Tournament 2020-21 with a resounding seven-wicket victory in the tournament final against Central Punjab at the State Bank Stadium on Sunday. Opener Sahibzada Farhan who starred in the semi-final victory against Northern with a 132-run innings, took the centre stage in the final with a brilliant unbeaten 103 off 102 balls, the right-hander hit five fours and as many sixes in his innings(seventh century of his List A career) to ensure a commanding victory for his side. Farhan added 69 runs for the first-wicket with Musadiq Ahmed (33) to provide his side a solid platform for their 240-run chase. Aamer Azmat who batted at number three, scored 45 off 28 balls (four fours, three sixes) in a 66-run second-wicket stand with Farhan. Iftikhar Ahmed contributed 40 off 35 balls (three fours, two sixes) in a 69-run third-wicket stand with Farhan. Farhan reached his century with a six while Adil Amin played the winning shot as the jubilant Khyber Pakhtunkhwa side completed the chase in a mere 36.1 overs. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who had won the National T20 Cup and the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (joint winners with Central Punjab) completed a hat-trick of titles in the 2020-21 season by adding the glittering Pakistan Cup trophy to their glittering collection besides the PKR5million winners’ prize. Central Punjab bagged PKR2.5million. Earlier, Central Punjab were asked to bat first by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain Khalid Usman.  After a 42-run for the first-wicket, left-arm-pacer Mohammad Imran sent back Rizwan Hussain (20). Opener Tayyab Tahir held the innings together as wickets fell at regular intervals at the other end. The right-hander scored 67 off 88 balls (one four, two sixes) top-score for his side. Tayyab was the fifth-wicket to fall with the score at 167. Raza Ali Dar who added 83 runs for the third-wicket with Tayyab scored 48 off 45 balls with the help of seven fours. Young all-rounder Qasim Akram scored a gritty 50, he faced 57 balls and hit two fours and two sixes. Central Punjab folded for 239 runs in 47 overs as left-arm-spinner Asif Afridi took five wickets to strangle the Central Punjab batting effort. Asif bowled 10 overs and conceded a mere 39 runs for his five-wicket haul, Mohammad Imran finished with three wickets for 42 runs in eight overs. Scores in brief: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa beat Central Punjab by seven wickets at the State Bank Stadium Central Punjab 239 all out, 47 overs (Tayyab Tahir 67, Qasim Akram 50, Raza Ali Dar 48; Asif Afridi 5-39, Mohammad Imran 3-42) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 245-3, 36.1 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 103 not out, Aamer Azmat 45, Iftikhar Ahmed 40; Qasim Akram 1-30) Player-of-the-Match PKR35,000: Asif Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) Player-of-the-Tournament PKR250,000: Hammad Azam (Northern) Best Batsman of the Tournament PKR250,000: Tayyab Tahir (Central Punjab) Best Bowler of the Tournament PKR250,000: Asif Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) Best Wicketkeeper of the Tournament PKR250,000: Mohammad Azam Khan (Sindh)