Cricket
U19 Cup final: Lahore beat Rawalpindi by seven wickets
Multan (Salman Khan): Three wickets each from Naqeebullah and Ibtisam Azhar led Lahore Blues to a seven-wicket win over Rawalpindi in the final of the National U19 Cup at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Thursday. Right-arm off-spinner Ibtisam finished the tournament with 20 wickets from eight matches.The match, which was live-streamed on Tapmad across Pakistan and on PCB’s YouTube channel for viewers outside Pakistan, saw Rawalpindi opting to bat first after winning the toss. They were bowled out for 142 in 44.1 overs, with Ali Mehdi top-scoring with 36.For Lahore Blues, left-arm spinner Naqeebullah and right-arm off-spinner Ibtisam took three wickets apiece for 16 and 25 runs, respectively.In reply, Lahore Blues lost three wickets in their chase and achieved the target in 39.4 overs. Jahangir Bilal top-scored for the winning side with an unbeaten 56 off 97 balls, hitting seven fours.Lahore Blues’ captain, Ali Hassan Baloch, who missed out on a big score in the final, was named player of the tournament and best batter for scoring 603 runs from eight matches at an average of 75.38, including three centuries and two half-centuries.Faisalabad’s Momin Qamar was declared bowler of the tournament for his 22 wickets in eight matches. The left-arm spinner had two five-wicket hauls to his name.Scores in brief:Lahore Blues beat Rawalpindi by seven wickets at Multan Cricket StadiumRawalpindi 142 all out, 44.1 overs (Ali Mehdi 36; Naqeebullah 3-16, Ibtisam Azhar 3-25)Lahore Blues 143-3, 39.4 overs (Jahangir Bilal 56 not out, Khizer Butt 46)Player of the match – Naqeebullah (Lahore Blues)Player of the Tournament – Ali Hassan Baloch (Lahore Blues)
Lahore Blues to face Rawalpindi in National U19 Cup final on Thursday
Salman KhabMULTAN: Ali Hassan Baloch’s Lahore Blues will take on Mohammad Arshad’s Rawalpindi in the final of the National U19 Cup on Thursday, 16 October. The 50-over final will be played here at the Multan Cricket Stadium.The toss will take place at 09.00am, while the first ball of the match will be bowled at 09.30am.The winner of Thursday’s contest will not only lift the trophy but will also receive prize money of PKR two million, while the runner-up will take home PKR one millionIndividual awards include PKR 100,000 each for the best batter, bowler, wicketkeeper and player of the tournament, while the player of the final will be awarded PKR 75,000.The tournament serves as an important platform for emerging players to stake their claims for selection in the Pakistan U19 squad for the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia.The 18-team tournament, featuring sides from 16 regions, commenced on 21 September, with nine teams each placed in two groups. Following the group stage, Lahore Blues topped Group ‘A’ with 13 points from eight matches, which included six wins, one loss and one abandoned fixture due to rain.From Group ‘B’, Rawalpindi finished with 15 points from eight matches, registering seven wins, while one match was abandoned due to rain.Among the batters, Lahore Blues’ captain Ali Hassan Baloch has led from the front, scoring 601 runs from seven matches at an average of 85.86, including three centuries. He currently leads the tournament’s batting charts. From Rawalpindi, right-handed batter Abdul Qadir is placed eighth on the list with 295 runs from six innings at an average of 73.75, which includes one century and two half-centuries.In the bowling department, Rawalpindi will rely on left-arm spinner Mohammad Hassan Khan, who has taken 19 wickets from seven matches and is currently third on the bowling charts. He has one five-wicket haul in the competition. For Lahore Blues, right-arm off-spinner Ibtisam Azhar has been the team’s most successful bowler, occupying sixth spot with 17 wickets from seven matches, including two four-wicket hauls and one three-wicket haul.
Rashid back as No.1 in ICC Men’s ODI Bowling Rankings
Dubai (SBR): Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan has returned to the top position in the ICC Men’s ODI Bowling Rankings after playing a crucial role in a 3-0 series win over Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi.Rashid, who finished with 11 wickets in the series that included a five-for in the second match, has moved up five slots to take the top position with 710 rating points, 30 more than South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj, who is in second spot. Rashid had become No. 1 for the first time in September 2018 and last occupied the position in November 2024.Seam bowler Azmatullah Omarzai has achieved a career-best 21st position after a 19-spot leap with seven wickets in the series while Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz (up four places to 24th) and Tanzim Hasan Sakib (up 24 places to 67th) have also moved up the bowling rankings.New high for Ibrahim Zadran: In the batting rankings, Ibrahim Zadran has leapt eight places to reach a career-best second position after top-scoring with a total of 213 runs that won him the Player of the Series award.He has achieved the highest-ever batting rating by any Afghanistan player, surpassing Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 686 points achieved last November, and his second position is also the highest position by any ODI batter from his country.Rahmanullah (up two places to 16th) and the Bangladesh pair of Towhid Hridoy (up seven places to 42nd) and Mohammad Nabi (up six places to 50th) too have moved up the batting rankings.Azmatullah and Rashid have also prospered in the ODI Rankings. Azmatullah has returned to the top spot while Rashid has moved up to fourth position. This is Azmatullah’s second stint as No. 1, having earlier been at the top from February to August this yearCareer-best Test ranking for Kuldeep Yadav: The ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings see India spinner Kuldeep Yadav attain a career-best 14th position, rising seven places after an eight-wicket match haul. Jomel Warrican and captain Roston Chase have gained two and four places, respectively, to reach 30thand 57th positions.The batting rankings see India opener Yashaswi Jaiswal advance two slots to fifth position after notching 175 in the first innings of the second Test against the West Indies in New Delhi while KL Rahul’s knocks of 38 and 58 not out have lifted him two places to 33rd.The West Indies batters to gain are Shai Hope (up 34 places to 66th) and John Campbell (up six places to 68th), who scored centuries in the second innings.
Lahore Test: Pakistan score 313 runs for 5 on opening day
Lahore (Sports News): Pakistan batters were satisfied when they finished 313 for 5 on the opening day of the first Test match at Qaddafi Stadium Lahore on Sunday after 90 overs game.Left-handed batter Imam ul Haq was the top scorer with 93 runs while skipper Shan Masood added 75 runs. Both batters aggregated 160 runs for the second wicket. Acha Salman and Mohammad Rizwan were not out at the end of day 1 game. Babar Azam could only made 23 runs.
Rawalpindi qualify for final of National U19 Cup
Lahore (PCB Report): Rawalpindi region have qualified for the final of the National U19 Cup after topping Group ‘B’ at the conclusion of the ninth round of the tournament today. Rawalpindi remained unbeaten in the event, securing 15 points after winning seven of their eight fixtures, with one match abandoned due to rain.Rawalpindi’s opponents for the final will be confirmed after the completion of the ninth-round fixtures of Group ‘A’, which could not take place today due to unavoidable circumstances. A revised schedule will be announced in due course.In Group B match at Shama Cricket Ground, Bahawalpur defeated DMJ by 85 runs. Ziyan Jibran’s 59 and Haseeb Ahmad’s 43 guided Bahawalpur to 267 in 48.4 overs. In reply, DMJ were bowled out for 182 in 40.3 overs despite Mohammad Zubair’s 69, with four Bahawalpur bowlers taking two wickets apiece.Hyderabad overcame Islamabad by 73 runs at Mirwais Cricket Ground. Mohammad Rohan Khan top-scored with 79 to lift Hyderabad to 233. In turn, Islamabad managed 160 as Nameer Shaikh (4-18) and Abdul Wahab (3-31) shared seven wickets.At Hayatabad Sports Complex, Karachi Whites defeated AJK by 55 runs. Karachi Whites were bowled out for 205 before restricting AJK to 150 in 45.2 overs. Huzaifa Ahsan (108, 2-31) impressed with both bat and ball, while Niqaq Shafiq chipped in with 2-23.FATA recorded a 41-run win over Lahore Whites at Ashfaq Ahmed Ground in Charsadda. Mohammad Abbas Afridi struck a commanding 118 to help FATA reach 256. Lahore Whites were dismissed for 215 in 46.4 overs, with Mohammad Tahir taking three wickets, while Jamshidullah grabbing two wickets.Scores in brief:Group ‘B’Bahawalpur beat DMJ by 85 runs at the Shama Cricket Ground, PeshawarBahawalpur 267 all out, 48.4 overs (Ziyan Jibran 59, Haseeb Ahmad 43; Muzamil Ali 5-50)DMJ 182 all out, 40.3 overs (Mohammad Zubair 69; Haseeb Ahmad 2-28, Mohammad Huzaifa 2-33, Salman Ahmad 2-37, Mohammad Hamid 2-39)Hyderabad beat Islamabad by 73 runs at Mirwais Cricket Ground, PeshawarHyderabad 233 all out, 49.3 overs (Mohammad Rohan Khan 79; Shaukatullah 3-61, Arsalan Khan 2-2, Awais Amin 2-29, Muneeb 2-48)Islamabad 160 all out, 35.3 overs (Abdullah Malik 48; Nameer Shaikh 4-18, Abdul Wahab 3-31)Karachi Whites beat AJK by 55 runs at Hayatabad Sports Complex, PeshawarKarachi Whites 205 all out, 49.4 overs (Huzaifa Ahsan 108; Sufiyan Hussain 4-40, Mohammad Zeeshan Dawood 2-24, Sanwal Ejaz 2-36)AJK 150 all out, 45.2 overs (Sanwal Ejaz 54; Niqaq Shafiq 2-23, Huzaifa Ahsan 2-31)FATA beat Lahore Whites by 41 runs at Ashfaq Ahmed Ground, CharsaddaFATA 256 all out, 47.1 overs (Mohammad Abbas Afridi 118, Mohammad Talha 44; Hasnain Abbas Dar 4-49, Abdul Rasool Tariq 3-21, Mohammad Aleem Imtiaz 2-56)Lahore Whites 215 all out, 46.4 overs (Farhan Yousuf 38; Mohammad Tahir 3-48, Asad Raza 2-2, Jamshidullah 2-27)
ICC World Cup: Australia beat Pakistan by 107 runs
Colombo (SBR):: Australia beat Pakistan by 107 runs in the ninth fixture of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday evening. This was Pakistan’s third loss in as many matches in the event. They will now take on England at the same venue on Wednesday, 15 October.After being put into bat, the defending champions struggled to score runs against Pakistan’s bowlers as they lost seven wickets for just 76 runs and were 115 for eight after Kim Garth (11, 47b) fell to Diana Baig in the 34th over. At that stage, Beth Mooney was joined by Alana King and the pair put together a record 106-run partnership for the ninth wicket.During the course of the stand, number 10 batter King brought up her maiden half-century and returned unbeaten on 51 off 49 balls, including three fours and as many sixes. The star for Australia was left-handed batter Mooney, who scored 109 off 114 balls, hitting 11 fours.For Pakistan, Nashra Sundhu was the most successful bowler, claiming three wickets for 37 runs, while Fatima Sana and Rameen Shamim picked up two wickets each.In reply, Australia’s bowlers never allowed Pakistan’s batters to settle and only Sidra Amin (35, 52b, 5x4s) managed to make a notable contribution before the side were bowled out for 114 in 36.3 overs.For Australia, Kim Garth took three wickets, while Annabel Sutherland and Megan Schutt claimed two apiece.Scores in brief:Australia 221-9, 50 overs (Beth Mooney 109, Alana King 51, Alyssa Healy 20; Nashra Sundhu 3-37, Rameen Shamim 2-29, Fatima Sana 2-49)Pakistan 114 all out, 36.3 overs (Sidra Amin 35; Kim Garth 3-14, Annabel Sutherland 2-15, Megan Schutt 2-25)Player of the match – Beth Mooney (Australia)
UAE Women’s team to play four ODIs in Papua New Guinea
Dubai (SBR): The UAE Women’s team will continue to gain more ODI exposure with a four-match away series against Papua New Guinea following their successful tour of Zimbabwe where the team drew their maiden ODI series 2-2. Prolific all-rounder Esha Oza will lead the 16-member squad. The opening match of the series will be played on Monday 13 October. The second, third and fourth ODIs will be played on 15, 17 and 19 October. All four matches will start at 9:30am local time.Amini Park, Port Moresby will be the venue for all four matches. UAE Women’s squad: Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige and Vaishnave Mahesh. Support Staff: Subha Venkataraman (team manager), Ahmed Raza (head coach) and Merin Saji (physiotherapist). ODI series schedule:Monday, 13 October – First ODI, Amini Park, Port Moresby – 9:30amWednesday, 15 October – Second ODI, Amini Park, Port Moresby – 9:30amFriday, 17 October – Third ODI, Amini Park, Port Moresby – 9:30amSunday, 19 October – Fourth ODI, Amini Park, Port Moresby – 9:30am
ICC Player of the Month nominees for September revealed
Islamabad (Sports Desk): India’s Abhishek Sharma and Kuldeep Yadav are in contention for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for September along with Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett, while Smriti Mandhana of India, Sidra Amin of Pakistan and Tazmin Britts of South Africa form the shortlist for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award.Abhishek’s Player of the Series effort at the Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates and spinner Yadav’s crucial strikes during the tournament have put them in the reckoning while Bennett is in the shortlist on the back of some strong T20I performances across different series.Mandhana was named Player of the Series in a home ODI series against Australia to emerge as a strong contender for the monthly award while Sidra and Brits were prolific in their ODI series in Pakistan to also come out strongly.Men’s shortlist:Abhishek Sharma (India)The left-handed opener scored 314 runs in seven matches at an average of 44.85 and an astounding strike-rate of 200 in the Asia Cup. His attacking batting was crucial in his team’s wins in the continental tournament, and he achieved the highest rating points ever in the ICC Men’s T20I Batting Rankings when he touched 931 at the end of the Super Fours stage of the tournament.Kuldeep Yadav (India)The left-arm wrist-spinner was the leading wicket-taker in the Asia Cup with 17 scalps in seven T20Is at an average of 9.29 and an economy rate of 6.27. The highlight for him was a haul of four for 30 in the final against Pakistan and he also grabbed four wickets in a league match against the United Arab Emirates.Brian Bennett (Zimbabwe)The 21-year-old top-order batter aggregated 497 runs in nine T20Is at an average of 55.22 and an impressive strike rate of 165.66. He was the leading run-scorer in the T20I series against Sri Lanka and Namibia before registering scores of 72, 65 and 111 in his first three innings in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Africa Qualifier.Women’s shortlistSmriti Mandhana (India)The left-handed opener struck 308 runs in four ODIs during the period, aggregating 308 runs at an average of 77 and a strike rate of 135.68. The India vice-captain had scores of 58, 117 and 125 in the home ODI series against Australia, reaching the three-figure mark off just 50 deliveries in the third match, the fastest century by an India batter.Sidra Ameen (Pakistan)Sidra was the leading run-scorer in the home ODI series against South Africa with 293 in three ODIs at an astounding average of 293 and a strike rate of 82.76. Her purple patch saw her score 121 not out, 122 and 50 not out in the three matches.Tazmin Brits (South Africa)Brits was named the Player of the Series against Pakistan even though she figured in only two of those matches. She had scores of 101 and 171 in the first two matches, both of which South Africa won to take a winning lead in the series that ended with a 2-1 scoreline
Ticket on sale: Pakistan vs South Africa
Lahore (PR): The tickets for the two-Test match series between Pakistan and South Africa will go on sale later today from 5pm. The online tickets will be available here, while physical tickets for the Test matches will be available at TCS Express Centres from Thursday, 8 October (infographic attached).The first Test will be played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from 12 to 16 October, while the second Test will take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 20 to 24 October. Both Test matches are part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27.The tickets for six white-ball matches (three T20Is, three ODIs) will go on sale online and available at TCS Express Centres from 16 October.
ICC World Cup: India beat Pakistan by 88 runs
Colombo (SBR): Diana Baig completed 100 international wickets with a four-fer against India Women as Pakistan Women fell 88 runs short chasing a 248-run target in their second ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup fixture here at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo on Sunday night.Skipper Fatima Sana drew the first blood for Pakistan pinning Smriti Mandhana leg-before wicket after winning the toss and opting to bowl first. Soon after Sadia Iqbal castled Pratika Rawal for a 37-ball 31 with 67 runs on the board.Diana then got into the act with the big wicket of Harmanpreet Kaur (19, 34b, 2x4s) – who was caught behind – in the 25th over with 106 runs on the board.No.3 batter Harleen Deol top scored for her team with 65-ball 46, while contributions from Richa Ghosh (35 not out, 20b, 3x4s, 2x6s), Jemimah Rodrigues (32, 37b, 5x4s) and Deepti Sharma (25, 33b, 1x4) took their team past the 200-run mark as Pakistan grabbed last seven wickets for 96 runs.Diana returned figures of 10-1-69-4, while Fatima and Sadia dismissed two batters each.In turn, Sidra Amin, after walking in to bat in the fifth over, struck 81 – her 13th ODI half-century - with the help of nine fours and a solitary six.Sidra also shared a 69-run fourth-wicket stand with Natalia Parvaiz (33, 46b, 4x4s) and a 43-ball 41-run stand for the sixth wicket with Sidra Nawaz (14, 22b, 1x4) as Pakistan fell short with 42 balls to spare.For India, player of the match Kranti Goud and Deepti Sharma picked up three wickets each.Scores in briefIndia beat Pakistan by 88 runs at the R Premadasa Cricket Stadium, ColomboIndia 247 all out, 50 overs (Harleen Deol 46, Richa Ghosh 35, Jemimah Rodrigues 32, Pratika Rawal 31, Deepti Sharma 25, Smriti Mandhana 23, Sneh Rana 20; Diana Baig 4-69, Fatima Sana 2-38, Sadia Iqbal 2-47)Pakistan 159 all out, 43 overs (Sidra Amin 81, Natalia Parvaiz 33, Kranti Goud 3-20, Deepti Sharma 3-45, Sneh Rana 2-38)Player of the match – Kranti Goud (India)
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