Sports Bulletin

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL RAWALPINDI (November 8, 2020):-An unbeaten Haider Ali’s 66 (44balls) runs and Babar Azam 51 (28balls) innings guided Green Shirts to register a massive win by 8 wickets in the second T-20 international fixture of the three-match T-20 series at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi on Sunday. Both guys aggregated 100 runs in 62 balls for the second wicket, as Haider got the man of the award. Now, Pakistan have gotten decisive lead of 2-0 in the three T-20 matches series. It was the day of Haider Ali, who smashed 66 runs not out after facing 44 balls including three sixes and six fours during his stay on the wicket. Captain hit eight fours and single six. Khushdil Shah remained not out on 11, as he faced 9 balls. Fakhar could score only five runs in 11 balls. Earlier, afternoon, Green Shirts leader, Babar Azam put visitors into bat first after winning the toss. Zimbabwe’s middle-order and top scorer batsman Ryan Buri last ball huge six on the bowling the Wahab Riaz set the target for the hosts 135 in 20 over per inning fixture. Ryan played an important and unbeaten innings of 32 runs after wasting 22 balls, hitting one six and one four. Wesley, who had scored 70 runs day before yesterday at same venue, could score just 24 runs in 22 balls. He also hit a six and three four during his innings. Elton Chigmubura 18 (19balls), Chibhabha 15 (9balls), Donald Tirpano 15 (17balls) and Seam Williams 13 (10balls) were other contributors in the Zimbabwe innings. Leg-spinner Usman Qadir and local guy Haris Rauf did the major damage in the tourist team batting line, as the both bowler got three wickets each. Usman conceded 23 while Haris conceded 31 runs in their allotted four overs cotta. Fahim Ashraf claimed a single piece of wicker, as he gave 20 runs in 4 overs. Mohammad Husnain conceded 28 while Wahab Riaz 31 runs in their four overs without sending any batsman back to hut.       

SPORTS REPORT KARACHI (November 8, 2020):-Sindh First XI captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been fined 35 per cent match fee for a level 1 offence relating to use of inappropriate language during his side’s first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy match against Northern at the UBL Sports Complex in Karachi. The incident happened on Saturday when Sarfaraz repeatedly made inappropriate comments against an umpiring decision during the day’s play. Sarfaraz was reported by on-field umpires Faisal Afridi and Saqib Khan for the violation of article 2.21 of the PCB Code of Conduct for Players and Player support Personnel. Sarfaraz pleaded guilty and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Mohammad Anees. In a separate incident, Central Punjab batsman Usman Salahuddin has been fined 20 per cent match fee for a level 1 offence relating to conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game during his side’s first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy match against Balochistan at the National Stadium Karachi. The incident happened on Saturday in the 26th over of Central Punjab’s first innings; Usman continuously showed his bat during an lbw appeal, which was deemed as an attempt to mislead the umpires. Usman was reported by on-field umpires Ghaffar Kazmi and Nasir Hussain at the end of second day’s play for violating article 2.20 of the PCB Code of Conduct for Players and Player support Personnel. Usman pleaded guilty and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Iftikhar Ahmed.

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL RAWALPINDI (November 7, 2020):-A massive innings by captain Babar Azam 82 runs helped hosts Pakistan to overcome Zimbabwe by 6 wickets in the first T-20 international fixture of the three-match T-20 series at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi on Saturday. Pakistan achieved their target of 157 runs in 18.5 overs, as the Babar was judged player of the match. Babar smashed 82 runs after facing 55 balls, as he his one six and nine boundaries during his stay on the pitch. Mohammad Hafeez and Fakhar Zaman scored 36 and 19 runs respectively. Haider could now show impressive performance with the bat and lost his wicket only scoring 7 runs. He was well caught by Zimbabwe wicketkeeper Taylor, as he took a diving catch on his right side. Earlier, Visitor team’s skipper Chamunor Chibhabha decided to bat first after winning the vital toss. Zimbabwe post 156 for 6 on the board in 20 overs per innings fixture, as Wesley Madhevere was top scorer with 70 runs not out, as he faced only 48 balls during his innings. He hit one huge six and nine fours. Seam Williams 25 (24b), Eltion Chigumbura 21 (13b) and wicketkeeper batsman Brendan Taylor 20 (13b) were other major contributors in Zimbabwe innings. Ryan Buri could 8 and Sikander Raza 7 while captain Chibhabha failed to score a solitary run. Haris Rauf and Wahab Riaz got two wickets after conceding 25 and 37 runs respectively. Mohammad Husnain and Usman Qadir chipped in one wicket each.

SPORTS REPORT ISLAMABAD (November 7, 2020):-The former Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura has decided to retire from all forms of international cricket at the conclusion of the on-going Pakistan tour. The 34-year-old all-rounder is part of the side taking on Pakistan in three T20I matches in Rawalpindi. A veteran of many battles over the past 16 years – during which he served as Zimbabwe’s limited-overs captain from August 2014 before stepping down in January 2016 – Chigumbura made the decision to bring the curtain down on his career as injuries had continued to take a toll on him as well as to pave the way for young blood in the national side. His international career started off on 20 April 2004 when, at the age of 18, he faced Sri Lanka in an ODI match played in Harare. As he bows out, he has made 213 ODI and 14 Test appearances for Zimbabwe, with 54 T20I matches under his belt before the start of his swansong series. Chigumbura is one of Zimbabwe’s most-capped players, having played 281 international matches -excluding the current series – in which he made 5 761 runs and took 138 wickets.

SB REPORT KARACHI (November 2, 2020):-South Africa’s Faf du Plessis will make his HBL Pakistan Super League debut as he was one of the 21 foreign stars to confirm his participation in the remaining four matches of Pakistan’s marquee event, which will be played in Karachi on 14, 15 and 17 November. Du Plessis has played 255 international matches for South Africa, including 47 T20Is and is ranked 31st in the ICC T20I Player Rankings for Batsmen. Du Plessis last visited Pakistan in 2017 as the ICC World XI captain and will represent Peshawar Zalmi as a replacement player for Kieron Pollard, who will be in New Zealand with the West Indies side. Faf du Plessis: “I am very excited to join Peshawar Zalmi for the playoff stage games of HBL PSL 2020. I have fond memories of playing in Pakistan when I toured with the ICC World XI in 2017 and I am sure this experience, although different due to Covid-19, will be a memorable one as well.” Besides du Plessis, Cameron Delport (Karachi Kings), Dane Vilas, David Wiese (both Lahore Qalandars), Rilee Rossouw, Imran Tahir (both Multan Sultans) and Hardus Viljoen (Peshawar Zalmi) are the other South Africa players who will be in action in the tournament that carries a total prize money of $1million. Six England cricketers, led by Alex Hales and James Vince, have also shown their commitment to continue to feature in one of the most attractive and widely followed leagues. Hales and Vince will be in Karachi Kings’ and Multan Sultan’s colours respectively, while the other four England players are Samit Patel (Lahore Qalandars), Adam Lyth, Ravi Bopara (both Multan Sultans) and Liam Livingstone (Peshawar Zalmi). Off the four West Indies players, two - Chadwick Walton and Sherfane Rutherford – will appear for Karachi, while two - Carlos Brathwaite and Daren Sammy – will represent Peshawar Zalmi. Rutherford will replace Chris Jordon, who will be in South Africa with the England side. Bangladesh will be represented in the HBL PSL 2020 playoffs by Tamim Iqbal (Lahore Qalandars) and Mahmudullah (Multan Sultans). Mahmudullah: “It’s an honour to play in the HBL PSL. Cricket is being played very differently this year and I hope to play a part in bringing smiles to the faces of our fans.” Tamim Iqbal: “I can’t wait to be back at the HBL PSL. Lahore Qalandars have had an amazing journey and I want to help our team win the trophy this year.” Ben Dunk, the 33-year-old Queenslander who was one of the stars in the initial stages of the HBL PSL this year, will be aiming to help Lahore Qalandars win their first title in five attempts. HBL PSL 2020 was the first event to be held entirely in Pakistan since its inception in 2016. The fifth edition commenced in Karachi on 20 February, but was suspended on 17 March. Apart from Karachi and Rawalpindi, Lahore and Multan were the two other venues to host 30 of the 34 matches as nearly half a million spectators crossed turnstiles to witness live action. Squads: Karachi Kings - Aamir Yamin, Alex Hales (England), Arshad Iqbal, Awais Zia, Babar Azam, Cameron Delport (South Africa), Chadwick Walton (West Indies), Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mitchel McClenaghan (New Zealand), Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Sharjeel Khan, Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies), Umaid Asif, Umer Khan,Usama Mir and Waqas Maqsood Lahore Qalandars - Abid Ali, Agha Salman, Ben Dunk (Australia), Dane Vilas (South Africa), David Wiese (South Africa), Dilbar Hussain, Fakhar Zaman, Farzan Raja, Haris Rauf, Jaahid Ali, Maaz Khan, Mohammad Faizan, Mohammad Hafeez, Samit Patel (England), Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sohail Akhtar, Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh) and Usman Shinwari Multan Sultans - Adam Lyth (England), Ali Shafiq, Bilawal Bhatti, Imran Tahir (South Africa), James Vince (England), Junaid Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mahmudullah (Bangladesh), Mohammad Ilyas, Mohammad Irfan, Ravi Bopara (England), Rilee Rossouw (South Africa), Rohail Nazir, Shaan Masood, Shahid Afridi, Sohail Tanvir, Usman Qadir and Zeeshan Ashraf Peshawar Zalmi - Aamir Ali, Adil Amin, Carlos Brathwaite (West Indies), Daren Sammy (West Indies), Faf du Plessis (South Africa), Haider Ali Khan, Hardus Viljoen (South Africa), Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Akmal, Khurram Shehzad, Liam Livingstone (England), Mohammad Mohsin, Rahat Ali, Shoaib Malik, Umar Amin, Wahab Riaz and Yasir Shah Replacements: Karachi Kings - Sherfane Rutherford comes in for Chris Jordan; Waqas Maqsood comes in for Ali Khan Lahore Qalandars – Tamim comes in for Chris Lynn, Abid Ali replaces Salman Butt and Agha Salman takes over from Seekkuge Prasanna. Multan Sultans – Mahmudullah comes in for Moeen Ali; Adam Lyth replaced Fabian Allen Peshawar Zalmi – Faf du Plessis replaces Kieron Pollard; Hardus Viljoen joins in place of Liam Dawson; Yasir Shah will continue, replacing Lewis Gregory; Khurram Shahzad joins the side in place of Amir Khan

SB REPORT LAHORE (November 2, 2020):-Northern presented the National Under-19 One-Day Tournament title to Sindh on a silver platter when they lost their last nine wickets for 38 runs to lose the final by 53 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium on Monday. Chasing 243 runs in 50 overs for victory, Northern were cruising at 151 for one before they were mesmerised by wrist-spinner Aaliyan Mehmood to be spun out for 189 in 44.3 overs. Aaliyan Mehmood returned figures of 10-0-45-4 to not only pick up the player of the final award, but also finish the tournament as the third most successful bowler with 24 wickets, including four four-fers. He averaged 15.6, while his economy-rate remained at 3.69. Left-arm spinner Faisal Akram of Southern was the most successful bowler with 27 wickets, including two five-fers, while Mubasir Khan of Northern ended the tournament with 26 wickets at an average of 12.42, including two four-fers. Faisal was later declared best bowler of the tournament, while Mubasir for his 26 wickets and 332 runs was named player of the tournament. After Hassan Abid Kiyani departed early, Mohammad Shoaib Khan and Abdul Faseeh stitched up a 147-run second-wicket partnership to put Northern on course for a comfortable victory. But the dismissal of Shoaib Khan, who scored a 84-ball 71 with six fours, and Abdul Faseeh within a space of four runs opened all floodgates as Sindh bowlers got on top of Northern batsmen to run through the innings. Abdul Faseeh, who became one of the two Adeel Meo’s victims, scored 70 with five fours from 99 balls. The 17-year-old, who was adjudged best batsman of the tournament, finished the competition as the most impressive and consistent batsman with 524 runs, including a century and five half-centuries. Sindh’s Mubashir Nawaz was the second most successful batsman with 390 runs, followed up by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Maaz Sadaqat (363 runs). Besides Aaliyan, Zameer Shah took two for 26, Adeel Meo bagged two for 32 and Talha Ahsan snapped up two for 36. Earlier, and after being put into bat, Sindh were helped by wicketkeeper-batsman Ghazi Ghouri and Rizwan Mehmood to a respectable 242 for eight after they were in a spot on bother at 93 for four. Rizwan had held the top-order together with a quality 53 from 87 balls with six fours and a six, and later, Ghazi, in association with Kashif Ali (38 off 39 with five fours and a six), added 70 runs for the seventh wicket. Ghazi contributed 62 from 83 balls with seven fours. For Northern, Faizan Saleem and Mubasir Khan equally shared four wickets between them conceding 19 and 47 runs, respectively. The National U19 three-day Tournament will now commence on Thursday. In the first round action, Balochistan will take on Sindh at the LCCA, Lahore, Central Punjab will meet Southern Punjab at Rana Navedul Hasan Cricket Academy in Sheikhupura, and Northern will square off against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at the Lahore Country Club in Muridke. Scores in brief: Sindh beat Northern by 53 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium Sindh 242-8, 50 overs (Ghazi Ghouri 62, Rizwan Mehmood 53, Kashif Ali 38; Faizan Saleem 2-19, Mubasir Khan 2-47) Northern 189 all out, 44.3 overs (Mohammad Shoaib Khan 71, Abdul Faseeh 70; Aaliyan Mehmood 4-45, Zeeshan Zameer 2-26, Talha Ahsan 2-36, Adeel Meo 2-32) Player of the final – Aaliyan Mehmood (Sindh) Player of the Tournament – Mubasir Khan (Northern) Best Batsman – Abdul Faseeh (Northern) Best Bowler – Faisal Akram (Southern Punjab) Best wicketkeeper – Salman Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (November 2, 2020):-Chief Selector of national cricket team Misbah-ul-Haq on Monday announced 15 member squad for the third one day international against Zimbabwe, which will be played on Tuesday at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi. It is pertinent to mention that Green Shirts have got the lead 2-0 in the three match rubber. Chief selector made three changes in the last squad and included Zafar Gohar, Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Hussnain in place of three local guys Abid Ali, Imad Wasim and Haris Rauf. Names of players are as under: 1. Imam ul Haq 2. Fakhar Zaman 3. Haider Ali 4. Babar Azam- captain 5. Abdullah Shafiq 6. Mohammad Rizwan- wk 7. Iftikhar Ahmed 8. Khushdil Shah 9. Faheem Ashraf 10. Zafar Gohar 11. Usman Qadir 12. Wahab Riaz 13. Shaheen Shah Afridi 14. Mohammad Hasnain 15. Musa Khan

SPORTS DESK ISLAMABAD (October 31, 2020):-The 52-year-old from Pakistan will achieve the mark on home soil when he officiates in his 210th ODI in Rawalpindi on Sunday. Aleem already holds the record in Tests and has officiated in a record 387 international matches Aleem Dar will surpass Rudi Koertzen’s record of most One Day Internationals as an umpire in the second match between Pakistan and Zimbabwe on Sunday, which will be his 210th ODI. The 52-year-old, who played first-class cricket in Pakistan for over a decade as an all-rounder before taking up umpiring, had also made his ODI debut in Pakistan, when he stood in a match against Sri Lanka in his hometown of Gujranwala in February 2000. Last year, Aleem passed his idol Steve Bucknor to the top of the Test umpires’ list. He holds the record of officiating in 132 Test matches and is second in the list of T20Is, only behind compatriot Ahsan Raza, with 46 T20Is. Aleem has officiated in 387 international matches so far, the most by any umpire. Aleem Dar: "It is a matter of great honour for me to be on the top of the list of both Tests and ODIs for umpires.  "When I had started out in the profession, I had never imagined I would get this far. I can only say that I have enjoyed every moment on the field and learning has been an ongoing process all this while. "I thank my family for standing by me over the years and am grateful to the International Cricket Council and the Pakistan Cricket Board for backing me and providing me with all the opportunities. I am also thankful to all my colleague match officials for their help and support." Adrian Griffith, ICC Senior Manager Umpires and Referees: "Aleem has been a very consistent umpire over the years, and this is reflected in his 16 years on the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires. "We congratulate Aleem on the milestone, and wish him all the best for the upcoming game and series. We are sure many aspiring match officials look up to Aleem, and he will continue to inspire the next generation."

By BIPIN DANI On Friday, Urooj Mumtaz became the first Pakistani woman commentator to officiate in men's ODI played between Pakistan and Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi. The 35-year-old Urooj Mumtaz will share the mike with Alan Wilkins (England), Bazid Khan, Ramiz Raja, Wasim Akram (all Pakistanis) and Tino Mawoyo (Zimbabwe) in all three ODIs. "Cricket commentary had obviously been a men dominated platform but now we see all male commentators also sharing mike with Mel Jones, Isa Guha and we hear mix a lot",  Urooj, speaking exclusively hours before the match on Friday, said.     "Boundary is being crossed now and there's great potential for the female commentators and a huge opportunity to commentate with male commentators at the top level".  "Of course, it takes time and home work is paramount but it is an art and one can educate and learn with the passage of time", she further added.  Her first experience of doing commentary in the men's international match was against touring Bangladesh (second T-20I) earlier this year.   "I was slightly nervous but excited and also thought it is a great opportunity to work with the likes of Morrison, Slater and Ramiz Raja. It was a great learning experience in terms of achieving great heights", she said about her debut experience. Ian Bishop and Wilkins are her favorite male commentators. "They are absolutely brilliant with the knowledge of the game and I like the way they describe the proceedings to keep the audience busy". "Melony Jones is my favorite female commentator. She has a beautiful way of conveying the message and provides the realistic views of the game", she signed off. 

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL RAWALPINDI (October 30, 2020):-Captain Babar Azam has won the toss and decided to bat first in the 1st One Day International (ODI) against Zimbabwe at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi on Friday. Medium pacer bowler Haris Rauf was capped by the team management at his home town. Pakistan Team: Abid Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (Captain), Haris Sohail, Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim, Wahab Riaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf Zimbabwe Team: Sikandar Raza Butt, Briar Chari, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Tendai Chisoro, Craing Ervine, Wessly Madhevere, Carl Mumba, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams