Sports Bulletin

By Our Special Correspondent ISLAMABAD (March 16, 2020):-The action-packed group-stage of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 concluded on Sunday and such has been the intensity of the competition that it took all 30 games for the semi-final line-up to be decided. Over the course of the last week, players and teams tumbled many individual records as fans continued to enjoy riveting contests. Statistican Mazher Arshad recaps the third week of the HBL PSL 2020. Chris Lynn’s best Chris Lynn took Lahore Qalandars to the HBL PSL 2020 semi-finals with his T20 career-best performance. The Australian batsman smashed 113 not out off 55 balls, his highest score in the format, in a must-win game against Multan Sultans at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday. This was also his only second century in T20 cricket. This was the first-ever century by a Lahore Qalandars’ batsman in the history of HBL PSL and eighth overall. Previously, highest score by a Qalandars’ batsman was registered by Ben Dunk when he thundered his way to 99 not out against Karachi Kings at the Gaddafi Stadium in the ongoing edition. Lynn reached 50 off 22 balls which is the joint-fastest for Qalandars along with Umar Akmal’s 22-ball 50 against Quetta Gladiators in Dubai in 2016. Most sixes in an innings Lahore Qalandars batsman Ben Dunk broke his own record of most sixes in an innings in HBL PSL from the previous week. Dunk had hit 10 sixes against Quetta Gladiators in Lahore. He bettered it by hitting 12 sixes this time against Karachi Kings and helped his team to chase 188. The Australian batsman finished at 99 not out becoming the first batsman in T20 history to have two scores of 99 as he had registered a similar score for NMB Giants in the Mzansi Super League last year. Lahore’s chasing record Lahore Qalandars are the first team in HBL PSL to successfully chase 180-plus targets on four occasions. Three of those instances have come in this year’s edition as they scaled 188 against Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi and 187 against Multan Sultans (all three at the Gaddafi Stadium). Last year, they chased 201 against Sultans in Sharjah. Quetta Gladiators have chased 180-plus targets thrice, Karachi Kings have done it twice and Islamabad United have done it once. Peshawar Zalmi and Multan Sultans are the two teams who are yet to achieve the feat. New finalist As the HBL PSL 2020 semi-finals will be played between Multan Sultans and Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars, there will be at least one new finalist this year. Sultans, Kings and Qalandars have never featured in a final. In the last four editions, only three teams played the HBL PSL finals. Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators have featured in three finals, while Islamabad United have played in two. It is also first time in the HBL PSL that Gladiators and United have failed to go beyond the group-stage. Six to start the innings Karachi Kings’ opener Sharjeel Khan achieved a unique feat in HBL PSL when he hit six off the first ball of the innings against Islamabad United at National Stadium Karachi. No batsman before Sharjeel had kicked off the innings with a six. He hit one more six and two fours in that over taking the overall tally to 20 runs. It was first time in PSL that Kings scored 20 runs in the first over of an innings. 10-wicket win Sharjeel Khan also had an unbeaten opening partnership of 151 runs with Babar Azam in Karachi Kings’ home match against Lahore Qalandars, making it the only second instance in HBL PSL where a team won by 10 wickets. Previously, Peshawar Zalmi was the only team to win by 10 wickets, also against Qalandars, at Sharjah in 2018. The unbeaten 151-run partnership between Sharjeel and Babar was the fourth highest for any wicket in HBL PSL. Youngest to score 50 in HBL PSL At 19 years and 160 days, Peshawar Zalmi’s emerging player Haider Ali became the youngest to score a half-century in the tournament when he smashed 69 off 43 balls against Lahore Qalandars at the Gaddafi Stadium. Haider is the first teenager to register half-century in HBL PSL. The previous record belonged to Islamabad United’s Hussain Talat, who was 20 years and 74 days old, when he hit 56 off 39 against Quetta Gladiators in Dubai in 2017. Best Powerplay performance Banking on Samit Patel’s career-best T20 figures of four for five, Lahore Qalandars had the best Powerplay outing as a bowling unit when they reduced Quetta Gladiators to 21 for six in six overs in Lahore. Only once before had a team (Peshawar Zalmi against Qalandars in Dubai in 2017) had taken six wickets in the Powerplay but that came at cost of 45 runs. 350 wickets milestone Sohail Tanvir’s match-winning spell of three wickets for Multan Sultans against Peshawar Zalmi made him the first Pakistani and only sixth in the world to 350 wickets in T20 cricket. Among pacers, Tanvir (351 wickets) is now only behind Lasith Malinga (390) and Dwayne Bravo (497) whereas Shakib Al Hasan (354), Imran Tahir (365) and Sunil Narine (379) are the three spinners who have more wickets than him. Another feature of Tanvir’s bowling in this year’s HBL PSL has been his economy rate. Of players who have bowled at least 20 overs in the tournament, he is the only bowler with an economy rate below 7.00 with 6.80.

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (March 16, 2020):-Aleem Dar and Michael Gough, both from the Elite Panel of ICC Umpires, will be involved in this week’s semi-finals and final of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 at the Gaddafi Stadium. On Tuesday afternoon at 2pm, Aleem, who has officiated in the most number of matches in the HBL PSL (42), will be joined by the ICC international panel’s Ahsan Raza as an on-field umpire for the first semi-final between Multan Sultans and Peshawar Zalmi. Shozab Raza and Tariq Rasheed will be third and fourth umpires, respectively, while Mohammad Anees will lead the Playing Control Team. Later in the day at 7pm, England’s Michael Gough will carry-out on-field umpiring duties with Rashid Riaz, also a member of the ICC’s international panel, for the mouth-watering Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars fixture. Asif Yaqoob and Faisal Afridi will be the third and fourth umpires, respectively while Sri Lanka’s Roshan Mahanama will be the match referee. On Wednesday, 18 March, Aleem and Gough will combine to umpire in the second HBL PSL final at the Gaddafi Stadium to date. While this will be Aleem’s third HBL PSL final, for Gough, this will be his maiden appearance. Ahsan Raza and Rashid Riaz will be the third and fourth umpires, respectively. Roshan Mahanama will be the match referee. Upcoming fixtures March 17, 2020:–Multan Sultans v Peshawar Zalmi (1st semi-final) (2pm-5.15pm). Aleem Dar and Ahsan Raza (on-field umpires), Shozab Raza (third umpire), Tariq Rasheed (fourth umpire); Mohammad Anees (match referee). Karachi Kings v Lahore Qalandars (2nd semi-final) (7pm-10.15pm). Rashid Riaz and Michael Gough (on-field umpires), Asif Yaqoob (third umpire), Faisal Afridi (fourth umpire); Roshan Mahanama (match referee) (both matches at Gaddafi Stadium) March 18, 2020:-Final, Gaddafi Stadium, 7pm-10.15pm. Aleem Dar and Michael Gough (on-field umpires), Ahsan Raza (third umpire), Rashid Riaz (fourth umpire); Roshan Mahanama (match referee)

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (March 15, 2020):-It went down to the 30th and final league match of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 before the semi-final line-up was completed on Sunday. In the first semi-final on Tuesday at 2pm at the Gaddafi Stadium, Multan Sultans will face former champions Peshawar Zalmi, while in the second semi-final, which will commence at 7pm at the Gaddafi Stadium, Karachi Kings will lock horns with home side Lahore Qalandars. In the league matches, Sultans defeated  Zalmi by six wickets and three runs to lead 2-0 on head to head this year. In contrast, Kings and Qalandars are even in this edition with Kings avenging an eight-wicket loss in Lahore with a 10-wicket win in Karachi. Tuesday’s fixtures: Multan Sultans v Peshawar Zalmi, Gaddafi Stadium, 2pm Karachi Kings v Lahore Qalandars, Gaddafi Stadium, 7pm Wednesday fixture: Final – Gaddafi Stadium, 7pm

SB Report LAHORE (March 15, 2020):-Chris Lynn scored his career-best 113 not out as Lahore Qalandars defeated Multan Sultans by nine wickets at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium to book a spot in the HBL PSL 2020 semi-finals. This was the 29-year-old’s second century in T20 cricket in which he smashed 12 fours and eight sixes. Over the course of his 55-ball knock, Lynn crafted a blazing 100-run opening partnership – stretching over 54 balls – with Fakhar Zaman, who scored his second half-century of the season, that set the tone for Qalandars to surmount the 187-run target with seven balls spare. He then paired with Sohail Akhtar for an unbeaten 91-run stand in which the Qalandars captain mostly took the backseat to watch Lynn smack Sultans’ bowlers all over the dial. Qalandars’ openers made the most of the Powerplay overs, smoking 12 fours and a six to bring up 72 runs in 36 balls. Fakhar scored an impressive 57 – which included seven fours and two sixes – in his 35-ball-long stay at the crease. He was stumped off Usman Qadir, playing his maiden HBL PSL match, on the last ball of the ninth over. That the Qalandars’ batsmen had a towering total to chase was due to Khushdil Shah’s blistering 70 not out, which he had scored at a strike rate of 241. The left-handed batsman came into bat with Sultans 79 for three in 11 overs and clubbed five fours and six sixes. The 25-year-old showcased his batting prowess in the death overs as he clobbered Haris Rauf for two and three maximums in the 17th and 20th overs respectively and dispatched Dilbar Hussain for three fours and a six in the 18th over as Sultans piled up 77 runs in the last five overs. Prior to Khushdil’s arrival at the crease, Shan Masood (42 off 29) and Ravi Bopara (33 off 36) knitted a 75-run stand to provide stability to Sultans’ innings after the dismissals of their openers Moeen Ali (one off five) and Zeeshan Ashraf (two off three) in the first two overs. Qalandars’ Shaheen Shah Afridi and David Wiese dismissed two batsmen each, while Mohammad Hafeez picked up a wicket. Despite the defeat, Multan Sultans finish the group-stage at the top of the points table with 14 points from six wins. Lahore Qalandars finish at the third spot with 10 points – coming from five wins. Scores in brief: Multan Sultans 186-6, 20 overs (Khushdil Shah 70 not out, Shan Masood 42, Ravi Bopara 33, Rohail Nazir 24; Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-23, David Wiese 2-24) Lahore Qalandars 191-1, 18.5 overs (Chris Lynn 113 not out, Fakhar Zaman 57) Result Lahore Qalandars win by nine wickets

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (March 14, 2020):-The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that the sixth series of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 set to begin on 1 April in Florida, USA has been postponed due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. As many as six One Day Internationals were scheduled between 1 and 8 April at Broward County Stadium in Fort Lauderdale with hosts United States, Scotland and the United Arab Emirates all competing. Due to the rapidly developing heath emergency, including the increasing travel restrictions between countries and potential uncertainty arising for individuals returning to their country of origin, the decision was taken to postpone the series.   ICC Head of Events, Chris Tetley said: “We have been monitoring the sixth series of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 very closely, with recent travel restrictions being imposed globally and uncertainty for participants returning home, we have taken the decision to postpone the series. Working closely with USA Cricket, Cricket Scotland and the Emirates Cricket Board, all parties felt the best decision was to postpone and together we will find an alternative space in the calendar to reschedule the series. “I would like to thank the support and assistance of the three participating Members for prompt and decisive action. The ICC will continue to monitor and review all upcoming ICC events in collaboration with the relevant authorities and stakeholders, with the main priority the health and safety of everyone involved.” The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 is a two-and-half-year competition involving seven teams that are two steps away from the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. At the culmination of the 21 tri-series, the top three teams in the standings will confirm their place in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2022. The bottom four teams will drop into the Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-Off 2022 – which is a repechage event to the Global Qualifier – and will be joined by the winner of Challenge League A and B. The top two teams from the Play-Off will keep their hopes alive of participating in India 2023, by qualifying for the Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2022. Click here for the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 qualification pathway.

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (March 14, 2020):-Multans Sultans registered a sensational three-run win over Peshawar Zalmi at Karachi’s National Stadium on Friday. The match swung like a pendulum as Zalmi required 15 off the last six balls. Right-arm medium-fast Ali Shafq, who was playing his first match of HBL PSL 2020, defended fours run off the final ball of the match after bowling two back-to-back no balls in the over. For a large part of their innings, Zalmi were in control of the run chase. The match turned on its head in the 17th over when Imam-ul-Haq, who scored his first half-century of this season, fell to Sohail Tanvir. In the next over, Shafiq sent Haider Ali (one off four) and Shoaib Malik (30 off 25) back to the hut. The pressure amplified with the wicket of Hammad Azam (seven off five) on the last ball of the penultimate over as Zalmi lost four wickets for 14 runs. Left-handed opener, Imam, had set the tone for the run chase with a 41-ball 56 after Zalmi lost Kamran Akmal, the highest run-getter in the history of the HBL PSL, on the second ball of the second over. Wahab Riaz’s decision of promoting himself to one-drop did not reap fruits as he was dismissed by Sohail Tanvir in the third over and his wicket left the batting side reeling at eight for two. Imam, who struck four fours and two sixes, weathered the storm with a 48-run partnership for the third wicket with Umar Amin (29 off 23 balls). As the pair’s stand began to look promising, it was brought to an end by Moeen Ali on the last ball of the ninth over. But, Imam dispatched Shahid Afridi for two consecutive boundaries in the next over to ensure that Zalmi’s run chase did not lose the momentum. He struck Shafiq for a six and a four on the last two balls of the 12th over as Zalmi seemed on their way to a comfortable win. Imam crafted a 70-run partnership with Malik for the fourth wicket before Sultans staged the comeback to leave Zalmi shell-shocked. Sohail was the pick of the bowlers with three for 26, while Shafiq took two scalps and gave 31 runs. Earlier, wicketkeeper-batsman Zeeshan Ashraf starred in Sultans’ innings as he recorded his second half-century of the 2020 edition. Opening the batting with Rohail Nazir, who scored run-a-ball 14 on his HBL PSL debut, the 27-year-old scored 52 off 39 balls, studded with seven fours and a six. Zeeshan, later named player of the match, added 60 runs for the second wicket with his captain, Shan Masood, as Sultans cruised at a run rate of over eight per over. Their progression, however, was dented by Rahat Ali (4-0-24-3) as he dismissed Zeeshan and Moeen (zero) in a span of three balls in the 12th over. Sultans struggled to stage a recovery as their run rate fell to 6.40 in the next five overs and they eventually settled at 154 for six. Peshawar Zalmi have played all of their 10 group matches and with four wins and five defeats, they are sitting at the third spot with nine points. Multan Sultans, perched at the top of the table with 14 points coming from six wins, play their final group match against Lahore Qalandars on Sunday, 15 March, at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. On Saturday, Islamabad United will play their last group match when they face Karachi Kings at the National Stadium, Karachi. The match will commence at 7pm. Scores in brief: Multan Sultans 154-6, 20 overs (Zeeshan Ashraf 52, Khushdil Shah 30 not out, Shan Masood 28; Rahat Ali 3-24) Peshawar Zalmi 151-7, 20 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 56, Shoaib Malik 30, Umar Amin 29; Sohail Tanvir 3-26, Ali Shafiq 2-31) Result Multan Sultans win by three runs

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (March 13, 2020):-In light of the continued global spread of COVID-19, concerns expressed by Members and mindful of the importance of taking mitigating measures against the virus, the ICC Board, has decided to hold its meetings scheduled for Dubai at the end March via conference call only. The Board and a number of committees will convene remotely to consider matters for urgent decision only, with the full meetings rescheduled for early May. This will be kept under constant review in line with advice from relevant authorities as the health and well-being of staff and those who attending the meetings remains our priority.

SB News ISLAMABAD (March 13, 2020):-Following an advice from the Punjab Government, the Pakistan Cricket Board has decided the final-leg matches of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 in Lahore will be played behind closed doors. The decision will not impact accredited commercial partners, media and other service providers, who will be allowed to enter the Gaddafi Stadium. In addition, immediate families of the competing players and player support personnel as well as franchise owners will be allowed to attend matches. As was the case for Karachi matches, the PCB has taken this step as a precaution and to better protect the health and safety of all those involved in the matches. Spectators, who have already purchased the tickets for Lahore matches will be given full refund as per the PCB ticketing policy, through TCS. Upcoming Lahore matches: 15 Mar – Multan Sultans v Lahore Qalandars (2pm-5.15pm) 17 Mar – 1st semi-final (1 v 4) (2pm-5.15pm); 2nd semi-final (2 v 3) (7pm-10.15pm) 18 Mar – Final (7pm-10.15pm)

Saad Kayani KARACHI (March 12, 2020):-Following advice from the Sindh Government late Thursday afternoon, the Pakistan Cricket Board, has made a decision to stage the upcoming Karachi HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 matches in front of empty National Stadium. The decision will be enforced from Friday, 13 March, while for the Thursday, 12 March, fixture, the PCB and the Sindh Government have strongly advised the spectators to continue to take all necessary precautionary measures (reproduced below). The precautionary decision has been made to better protect the health and safety of the spectators, players, officials and media. The decision will not impact accredited commercial partners, media and other service providers, who will be allowed to enter the National Stadium. In addition, immediate families of the competing players and player support personnel as well as franchise owners will be allowed to attend matches. In the meantime, the PCB has advised all players to avoid shaking hands and have also urged the fans not to approach the players for autographs, photographs and selfies. In addition to this, the PCB has decided the sides will not be required to shake hands with each other or opposition in the lead up to and during the matches and use a fist bump / verbal greeting instead. PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “Health and safety is paramount and takes precedence over cricket. The PCB takes the health and safety of its players, spectators, officials, media, service providers and security personnel very seriously. “Following the advisory from the Government of Sindh this evening, the PCB has taken this precautionary and preemptive measure which will result in matches taking place in front of empty stadium. “We empathise with the Karachi fans who have been outstanding with their support in the earlier matches and during the hosting of eight HBLPSL matches last year. Once we received the advisory from the Government of Sindh, it was important for us to act quickly to ensure that the wellbeing of all concerned is better protected. “The PCB has been regularly engaging with the teams and the players have been updating them on matters. We have a duty of care to players and other stakeholders during this time; we would like to thank them for their continued trust and support. “The initial 10 March decision to proceed with the Karachi leg of matches was taken following consultation with the Sindh Government and we have taken on board their latest advisory. We stated at the outset that we will work closely and take the lead from the local Governments. “With regards to the remaining fixtures in Lahore, we are already in contact with the Punjab Government and will take on board its advisory in relation to the Lahore matches. “With regards to the refunding of tickets, this will be in line with the ticketing policy and will be refunded through TCS and www.yayvo.com. Details in this regard will be shared in due course.” ICC Medical Advisory Committee’s advisory: ·         Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 per cent alcohol if soap and water are not available ·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands ·         Avoid close contact with sick people ·         Avoid travel if you are sick ·         If you have a cough or fever, then seek medical review ·         Stay home when you are sick ·         Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash ·         Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

SB News LAHORE (March 11, 2020):-The 25th fixture of the ongoing HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 between Quetta Gladiators and Multan Sultans at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium was abandoned due to persistent rain on Wednesday. The two teams share the two points of the match equally. Quetta Gladiators now have seven points – same as Islamabad United (fourth) and Karachi Kings (fifth) – from nine matches, but remain at the bottom of the table due to a low net run rate. Gladiators’ final group-match is on Sunday, 15 March, against Karachi Kings at the National Stadium. Table-toppers Multan Sultans have 12 points from eight matches. They are already guaranteed qualification with five wins. Sultans play their last two matches against Peshawar Zalmi, at Karachi’s National Stadium on March 13, and Lahore Qalandars, at the Gaddafi Stadium on March 15. On Thursday, arch-rivals Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars lock horns in a much-anticipated contest at the National Stadium. Imad Wasim-led Kings will be eyeing vengeance after Sohail Akhtar-led Qalandars secured a comprehensive eight-wicket win on Sunday.