Sports Bulletin

SB News KARACHI (January 11, 2020):-Opener Muneeba Ali scored a superb 108 to help PCB Challengers to a 42-run win over PCB Dynamites in the third match of the National Triangular T20 Women’s Cricket Championship at Karachi’s National Stadium on Saturday. The left-handed batter struck 17 fours and a six in 69 balls after Challengers’ captain Bismah Maroof elected to bat after winning the toss. Over the course of her innings, Muneeba stitched a profound 118-run stand for the second wicket with her captain helping Challengers to post a daunting 182 for three in 20 overs. Bismah scored 32 off 31, hitting one four and one six, while all-rounder Nida Dar smashed a quickfire 14-ball 29 not out, studded with four fours and a six. The only bowler to pick up a wicket in Challengers’ innings was Sana Mir, who returned one for 44 in four overs, as Ayesha Zafar (three) and Muneeba were run-out. Left-arm orthodox Sadiq Iqbal took three wickets for 20 runs in three overs in Dynamites’ reply which restricted the Nahida Khan-led unit to 140 for five in 20 overs. With a 30-ball 38, which included four fours and a six, Iram Javed was the highest scorer for Dynamites, while Nahida and Kainat Hafeez scored 36 and 26 respectively. Challengers’ Saba Nazir and Nida Dar were the other wicket-takers as both spinners took a wicket each. For her match-winning knock, Muneeba bagged the player of the match award. The fourth match of the tournament will be played between PCB Dynamites and PCB Blasters on Sunday. Blasters have won their both matches, to date, while Dynamites are yet to open their account. Scores in brief: PCB Challengers 182-3, 20 overs (Muneeba Ali 108, Bismah Maroof 32, Nida Dar 29 not out) PCB Dynamites 140-5, 20 overs (Iram Javed 38, Nahida Khan 36, Kainat Hafeez 26; Sadia Iqbal 3-20) Result PCB Challengers beat PCB Dynamites by 42 runs  

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 10, 2020):-Islamabad Club Twenty-20 Cricket Tournament will be commenced from Saturday at Islamabad Club cricket ground, as the final will be played on March 8, 2020 at same venue. On Saturday evening, in a ceremony, secretary Islamabad Club Mirza Shaharyar unveiled the trophy and announced the details of the tournament. Six teams will take part in the tournament, as each team will comprise 14 players. On this occasion, the captains of all teams received team kits from the chief guest Mirza Shaharyar.      

SB News ISLAMABAD (January 10, 2020):-Pakistan national men’s team extended best wishes to the Under-19 side upon their departure to South Africa for the participation in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. The senior players hoped that the side will stretch its last year’s form into the World Cup and advised the players to make the most of the platform to make an impression and graduate to the apex level. Babar Azam, the current Pakistan T20I captain who played the ICC U19 World Cup in 2010 and 2012, said: “I wish all the best to the U19 team. My message for them is to do well, like they have been doing recently. Help each other and believe in your teammates’ abilities. “Our batsmen and bowlers are in good shape and after having played in South Africa, I would suggest the batsmen to stay upright while batting. “Enjoy this opportunity and put your heart in it as it will enhance your performances.” Azhar Ali, the current Pakistan Test captain who played the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in 2002, said: “I wish all the best to this team and advise them to stick together as a unit and play fearless cricket. “Playing the U19 W0rld Cup gives you a flavour of international cricket as the matches are televised and the players get to experience the pressure of international cricket. This is a great opportunity for these cricketers to learn, which will certainly help them when they graduate to the senior team. “Rohail Nazir and Haider Ali have done well at the U19 level and they have impressed at the first-class level. When a player performs at the first-class level, it lifts his morale. If these two are able to stretch that form in the World Cup, the team will benefit immensely. “These guys have done well on the previous tours and I am very hopeful of positive results in the World Cup.” Naseem Shah, the recent graduate to the senior men’s side from U19 team, said: “I was recently playing with this side and I am hopeful that they are going to do well in the tournament. They are gelled very well and have good combinations, which will help them excel in the World Cup. “I wish good luck to Rohail Nazir and his team.” Shaheen Shah, who played the previous edition of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup, said: “The way this team played in South Africa and won, I am hopeful that the U19 team will win the World Cup. “U19 cricket grooms a cricketer. It happened with me as after the last World Cup, in which I was the highest wicket-taker [for Pakistan], I was picked up for the PSL and subsequently called-up for the senior side. “This is a very good side and I wish them all the best. I have played with Rohail Nazir and Aarish Ali and I know they are very good players.” Fakhar Zaman, who played U19 domestic cricket said: “Pakistan have a very good record at the U19 level and I am sure this team will do very well in the tournament. “U19 level is very important for a player and such international tours help a great deal in the development of the players as they provide crucial opportunities to rub shoulders with the best cricketers.“I have played domestic cricket with these players and they all are very talented and have proved themselves.” Mohammad Hasnain, former Pakistan U19 player, said: “I wish all the best to the team and hope that they will do well. U19 cricket is a very important phase in the development as it teaches you the basics which help in graduating to the next level. “My message to the team is to work hard and eye a spot in the national side.” The Rohail Nazir-led side begin their ICC U19 World Cup 2020 campaign on 19 January against Scotland U19. They will play Zimbabwe U19 and Bangladesh U19 on 22 and 24 January respectively in the group-stage. Pakistan ICC U19 Cricket World Cup squad: Rohail Nazir (captain and wicketkeeper), Abbas Afridi (Peshawar), Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (Quetta), - Amir Ali (Larkana), Amir Khan (Peshawar), Arish Ali Khan (Karachi), Fahad Munir (Lahore),  Haider Ali (vice-captain), Qasim Akram (Lahore), Mohammad Haris (Peshawar), Mohammad Huraira (Sialkot), Mohammad Irfan Khan (Lahore),  Mohammad Shehzad (Multan), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (North Waziristan), Tahir Hussain (Multan)

SB News KARACHI (January 10, 2020):-Javeria Rauf and Anam Amin helped PCB Blasters to their second consecutive win in the National Triangular T20 Women’s Cricket Championship as their side secured a 12-run victory over PCB Challengers at Karachi’s National Stadium on Friday. In the second match of the three-team tournament, PCB Blasters set a 155-run target for Bismah Maroof-led Challengers after Ramin Shamim chose to bat after winning the toss. Javeria cracked a 40-ball 57, hitting eight fours and a six. Over the course of her innings, the right-handed batter crafted a 62-run stand for the second wicket with opener Ayesha Naseem, who scored 31 runs from 20 balls on the back of three sixes and a four. Batting at number four, Aliya Riaz, who set-up a 25-run win for PCB Blasters against PCB Dynamites on Thursday, scored 29 off 27. The all-rounder hit four fours. For Challengers, Fatima Sana picked two wickets for 25 runs, while Aimen Anwar, Aroob Shah and Saba Nazir took one wicket each. Challengers managed 142 for nine in 20 overs in their reply. Muneeba Ali shone with a half-century. The left-handed batter scored 50 runs in 36 balls and smashed three fours and three sixes. She, however, couldn’t get the desired support from the other end as the next top-scorer, Hafsa Khalid, made 24. Only four batters, including Muneeba and Hafsa, managed scores in double-digits. Anam Amin, the slow left-arm, put a dent in the run-chase by removing Ayesha Zafar (13) earlier in the piece. She picked up three wickets for 14 runs. Captain Ramin and Tooba Hassan took two wickets each. For their contributions with bat and ball, Javeria and Anam were jointly-declared player of the match. The third match of the tournament, between PCB Dynamites and PCB Challengers, will be played at the National Stadium on Saturday.  Scores in brief: PCB Blasters 154-6, 20 overs (Javeria Rauf 57, Ayesha Naseem 31, Aliya Riaz 29; Fatima Sana 2-25) PCB Challengers 142-9, 20 overs (Muneeba Ali 50, Hafsa Khalid 24; Anam Amin 3-14, Ramin Shamim 2-23, Tooba Hassan 2-27) Result PCB Blasters win by 12 runs

SB News ISLAMABAD (January 10, 2020):-Bangladesh will look to bring their fine form over recent years to the big stage in Group C of the U19 Cricket World Cup. They will be led by captain Akbar Ali who has already declared his side can not only progress from a group containing Pakistan, Scotland and Zimbabwe but also go on to win the entire tournament. Ali, a wicket-keeper batsman, is one of several potential stars of the future in a side which has set a high standard in the current generation. Bangladesh have won 18 of their last 30 games in a run which includes series wins over New Zealand and Sri Lanka and three victories on English soil. In Towhid Hridoy and Mahmudul Hasan Joy they possess the only players to score more than 1,000 runs at U19 level since the last tournament two years ago. Shoriful Islam, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury and Tanzim Hasan Sakib will also provide ample assistance with the ball as the three leading wicket-takers at this level. Pakistan, meanwhile, will be without Test international Naseem Shah but they won’t be short of talent, with Qasim Akram and Aamir Ali two stars of the future to watch out for. Topping the averages in his country’s one-day youth competition last year, Akram’s batting will be something to behold in South Africa – while his right-arm off-break bowling is set to be a handy tool in the tournament, too. Ali has similarly impressed, progressing into first-class cricket having taken 17 wickets in nine youth-level matches, with the left-arm spinner holding Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath as his sporting inspiration. But one of the most exciting players to watch in the entire tournament could be Mohammad Shehzad, with the opening batsman set to become one of the youngest to ever play in the ICC U19 World Cup. Chair of Pakistan’s junior selection committee, Saleem Jaffar, believes the squad has the right make up to do well at the tournament. He said: “Criteria for selection was current performances and meritocracy, and I am pleased it was a consensus decision. “These players have been performing up to our expectations and I am hopeful they will carry their good form into the series and produce solid performances.” Zimbabwe will be hoping to improve on their showing at the 2018 World Cup in New Zealand which saw them win just one of their group games. They will be captained by Dion Myers, while Wesley Madhevere adds experience to their ranks having played in the U19 World Cup on two previous occasions. Former senior national team captain Prosper Utseya is set to coach Zimbabwe and will see his side get their tournament underway in the group’s first game against Bangladesh. Their squad also boasts a multi-talented youngster in the form of former U17 national team footballer Taurayi Tugwete. Zimbabwe’s final Group C match will see them face Scotland, who return to the U19 World Cup after an absence in 2018. A breakthrough into the upper echelons has yet to come their way but Gordon Drummond insists the side are relishing the chance to cause a few upsets in a challenging group. “The squad is excited to take part in the upcoming U19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa. It is a tough group but one which also represents the chance to take a few Full Member scalps,” Scotland’s U19 coach said. “They (the players) have trained hard all winter and are looking forward to the outdoor preparation in Dubai leading into the tournament. “The players have set themselves some targets which if they can play with skill and belief, we know they can certainly achieve.” Group C fixtures: 18 January: Bangladesh v Zimbabwe – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom; 19 January: Pakistan v Scotland – North West University Oval, Potchefstroom; 21 January: Bangladesh v Scotland – Witrand Oval, Potchefstroom; 22 January: Pakistan v Zimbabwe – Witrand Oval, Potchefstroom; 24 January: Pakistan v Bangladesh – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom; 25 January: Zimbabwe v Scotland – Witrand Oval -  Potchefstroom.  

SB News ISLAMABAD (January 9, 2020):-England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the fifth day of the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town. Buttler was found to have breached Article 2.3 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “Use of an audible obscenity during an International Match” following an incident with South Africa all-rounder Vernon Philander. In addition to this, one demerit point has been added to the disciplinary record of Buttler, for whom it was the first offence during a 24-month period. The incident occurred during South Africa’s second innings on Tuesday, when Buttler was heard using obscene language with Philander at the crease. Buttler admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees and, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing. On-field umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Paul Reiffel, third umpire Chris Gaffaney and reserve umpire Allahudien Palekar leveled the charges. Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

SB News ISLAMABAD (January 9, 2020):-Three former champions and a tournament debutant will come face-to-face as Group B shapes up for drama aplenty in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. Sylvester Okpe did most of the damage his off-spin, returning 4/19 Australia, England and West Indies have been drawn together for the first stage of South Africa 2020 but at least one of the three cricket powerhouses will miss out on progression. The three nations – whose senior sides have all won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup – certainly have a tough test in store but it doesn’t stop there, with Nigeria aiming for a big scalp on their U19 World Cup debut. The momentous occasion will see Sylvester Okpe’s Junior Yellow Greens become the 31st team to compete since the tournament’s inaugural edition in 1988 when they face Australia, at Country Club B Field, on 20 January. All Group B fixtures will take place at Kimberley, with West Indies the next challenge for Nigeria on 23 January before rounding off the opening stage against England at Diamond Oval. Before that, the opening match at the same venue will see two former champions face off as Australia take on West Indies. Winners of the Youth Cricket World Cup more than 30 years ago, Australia took the honour of becoming the first double champions when they prevailed at New Zealand 2002. Eight years later they were winners again – also in New Zealand – while they head to Africa with a score to settle after finishing runners-up back in 2018. Jake Fraser-McGurk Victoria’s teenage sensation Jake Fraser-McGurk – who doesn’t turn 18 until April – headlines the team after already making his mark in the domestic Sheffield Shield competition. The Australian teens will be coached by Test greats Chris Rogers and Ryan Harris, with three of the squad already boasting contracts in the Big Bash League. West Indies, meanwhile, name three players that featured in the 2018 U19 World Cup, with captain Kimani Melius, Ashmead Nedd and Nyeem Young all returning for a second tournament. They’ll do so desperate for improvement, with the talented teens missing out in the opening pool stage before eventually finishing tenth last time out. With Chris Gayle and Brian Lara among their U19 World Cup alumni, there’s a lot to live up to for the West Indies team – victorious for the first time when beating India in the 2016 final. “Leading the team, I will go about the job with a high level of integrity and respect,” said Melius. “I would like to share my experience of 2018 and lead the way with the batting, doing what I can do win matches for the team. “I never actually liked the game of cricket before playing, but I saw an ODI match on TV between England and Australia, went and had a go and just started working hard from there.” The group also features the added edge of an Ashes rematch, with Australia and England facing off in a Kimberley contest that could determine who reaches the next stage. George Balderson Led by George Balderson, England will be confident of a strong showing in South Africa – the location of their maiden, and so far only, U19 World Cup title in 1998. The legends of old have moved on but the expectations have remained, with England failing to reach the final since lifting the trophy two decades ago. The two Ashes rivals met in the quarter-finals two years ago, with Lloyd Pope the star of the show after taking eight for 35 – the best figures in an U19 World Cup match – to lead Australia to victory. Group B Fixtures: 18 January: Australia v West Indies – Diamond Oval, Kimberley; 20 January: England v West Indies – Diamond Oval, Kimberley; 20 January: Australia v Nigeria – Country Club B Field, Kimberley; 23 January: Australia v England – Diamond Oval, Kimberley; 23 January: West Indies v Nigeria – Country B Club Field, Kimberley; 25 January: England v Nigeria – Diamond Oval, Kimberley    

SB News KARACHI(January 9, 2020):-Aliya Riaz’s all-round effort led PCB Blasters to a 25-run win over PCB Dynamites in the opening match of the National Triangular T20 Women’s Cricket Championship at Karachi’s National Stadium on Thursday. Rameen Shamim-led Blasters scored 144 for five in 20 over after Nahida Khan, the Dynamites’ captain, opted to bowl after winning the toss. With a 32-ball 42, which included eight fours, Javeria Khan top scored, while the second best score in the innings was registered by Aliya, who scored 27 runs from 28 balls on the back of two fours and a six. Blasters were provided a solid start by the opening pair of Javeria and Ayesha Naseem (22 off 20) as they put a 70-run stand. Dynamites’ Nashra Sandhu and Kainat Imtiaz picked up a wicket each for 40 and 17 runs, respectively. In their reply, Dynamites managed 119 for seven. Captain Nahida and Irum Javed scored 35 runs each. The former hit four fours in her 41-ball innings, while the latter hit three fours and two sixes in 28 balls. Aliya, with her medium-fast bowling, picked up two crucial wickets of Pakistan internationals Omaima Sohail and Irum. Her four overs leaked 24 runs. Anum Amin, the slow left-arm, took two wickets for 25 runs. For her all-round performance, Aliya was declared player of the match. On Friday, PCB Blasters will play PCB Challengers at the National Stadium. The match will begin at 12pm. Scores in brief: PCB Blasters 144-5, 20 overs (Javeria Khan 42, Aliya Riaz 27, Ayesha Naseem 22) PCB Dynamites 119-6, 20 overs (Nahida Khan 35, Irum Javed 35; Aliya Riaz 2-24) Result PCB Blasters beat PCB Dynamites by 25 runs

Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD (January 8, 2020):-Australian players, including 2019 T20 International Player of the Year, Alyssa Healy were joined by trailblazing women from a range of sectors for a beach cricket match, to begin the final countdown to the biggest women’s sporting event ever held in Australia. Set to cover over 14,000 kilometres around the country, the Trophy Tour will give thousands of fans the opportunity to see the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 trophy. The trophy will visit iconic locations around Australia to bring communities and cultures together as excitement builds towards the global event that begins with hosts and defending champions Australia taking on India at Sydney Showground Stadium on Friday 21 February 2020. The 44-day tour will visit over 40 locations and will showcase stories about inspiring women from communities across Australia, a nod to the tournament campaign ‘It’s the Big Dance, and the women are leading’. Fans will be able to get up close with the trophy at various locations including Sydney, Bowral, Newcastle, Brisbane, Ballarat, Bendigo, Perth, Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart and Adelaide with the full schedule available at t20worldcup.com/trophytour. With bushfires devastating families, communities and wildlife across Australia, the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 will use the Trophy Tour as a platform to promote bushfire emergency relief efforts, which includes encouraging the global cricket family to support fundraising through our charity partner UNICEF Australia. Read the statement here. Speaking at the Bondi launch, four-time ICC T20 World Cup winner Alyssa Healy said; “The build-up to the ICC T20 World Cup is the biggest that I’ve ever experienced before. You can feel that it’s going to be a special event and we can’t wait to face India in the opening match at Sydney Showground. India have been a bogey team for us at the last couple of World Cups, so we hope with a home crowd behind us, we can put that right and start the tournament on the right note.” The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour is driven by Nissan. Nissan has been a global partner of the International Cricket Council since 2015, and will provide a range of vehicles to move the trophy across the country. Managing Director of Nissan Australia, Stephen Lester said; “Nissan is proud to support the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour. We are delighted to help share the excitement of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup throughout Australia, by driving the trophy to all corners of the country” “We are honoured to support female sport on the global stage, and be part the tournament finale in March at the MCG that’s aiming to break global audience records for female sport.” ICC T20 World Cup Local Organising Committee CEO Nick Hockley said; “The Trophy Tour is an opportunity for communities around Australia to be part of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Fans will get a unique chance to get up close with the trophy as it visits iconic landmarks, community events and schools.” “The tour will also provide a platform to celebrate trailblazing women around the country as we build-up towards the best cricketers in the world taking centre stage in venues around Australia.” “We have the opportunity to set a new benchmark for a women’s sporting event, so we’re calling on fans in Australia and around the world to get their tickets and be part of this amazing global momentum we are seeing in sport for women and girls.”

Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD (January 8, 2020):-The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday announced the umpire and match referee appointments for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020, which will be staged in South Africa from 17 January to 9 February. Experienced umpires Wayne Knights and Ravindra Wimalasiri will take charge of the opening match of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup after the officials for South Africa 2020 were confirmed. New Zealand’s Knights and Wimalasiri of Sri Lanka – who have taken charge of 71 ODI and T20I matches between them – will officiate when hosts South Africa play Afghanistan in the Kimberley opener on January 17. Rashid Riaz Waqar will be the TV umpire for the first of 48 games in the tournament, with a 19-strong team of match officials confirmed by the International Cricket Council. Among those taking charge will be veteran Ian Gould, whose esteemed senior international career came to an end when he retired during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 on home soil. The Englishman will join forces with Ahmad Shah Pakteen when India get the defence of their title underway against Sri Lanka in Bloemfontein, one of five group-stage matches he will officiate as on-field umpire. In all, 16 umpires from 12 different countries will be on the field for five matches each in the first stage of the U19 World Cup, with eight also performing the role of TV umpire. The list includes five umpires who looked after the 2019 ICC Men's T20 World Cup Qualifier late last year, including Sam Nogajski – who was on duty for the final between Papua New Guinea and Netherlands. The Australian will take the reins for an historic occasion, with Japan playing their very first match in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup when they face New Zealand in Potchefstroom. Iknow Chabi, of Zimbabwe, will join Nogajski out in the middle. Nigeria will become the 31st different team to take part in the event when they face Australia, the second-most successful side since the competition first began in 1988 as the Youth Cricket World Cup. Bangladesh umpire Masudur Rahman Mukul and Nigel Duguid, of West Indies, will be raising their finger in that match, on January 20 in Kimberley. The pool stages will also see an Ashes rivalry revisited at youth level, with Adrian Holdstock and Asif Yaqoob in the middle for Australia’s clash with England, also at Kimberley, three days later. The 16 umpires will be joined by three match referees for the duration of the tournament, with former Sri Lanka international Graeme Labrooy officiating alongside home official Shaid Wadvalla and England’s Phil Whitticase. ICC Senior Manager - Umpires and Referees, Adrian Griffith: “The U19 Cricket World Cup is a very important event in our calendar as it brings together the world’s most promising young players in a major ICC tournament, giving them the experience of competing on the global stage. “We are committed to appointing the finest officials available and I have every confidence in the team travelling to South Africa for the U19 Cricket World Cup they will do a fine job. I wish them all the best.” Umpire and match referee appointments for the knockout stages will be announced after the teams have been confirmed. The appointments for the Plate and Super League final will be finalised after the semi-finals. The officials for the tournament are: Umpires: Roland Black, Ahmad Shah Pakteen, Sam Nogajski, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, Ian Gould, Wayne Knights, Rashid Riaz Waqar, Anil Chaudhary, Patrick Bongani Jele, Iknow Chabi, Nigel Duguid, Ravindra Wimalasiri, Masudur Rahman Mukul, Asif Yaqoob, Leslie Reifer, Adrian Holdstock Match Referees: Graeme Labrooy, Shaid Wadvalla, Phil Whitticase