Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report RAWALPINDI: Islamabad Hawks (IH) beat Punjab Lions (PL) by 6 wickets in the 3rd game of the ongoing 2nd Markhor Ramadan Cup 2023 here at Ayub Park National Stadium on Saturday night, as the winners reached on target of 110 runs in the 15.5 overs. IH’s captain Arsal Sheikh played the unbeaten 44 runs, as he lasted 38 balls. Imran Ali was another major contributor with 36 runs on 27 balls while Zain Farooq scored 11 runs on 13 balls. Kazim Shah (2 for 20), Ubaid Shah (1 for 19) and Shahrukh Ali Chun (1 for 19) were wicket-takers for the Punjab Lions. Earlier, the skipper of Islamabad Hawks Arsal Shafik won the toss and decided to put the opposition into bat first. Yasir Khan and Husnain Jamal opened the Punjab Lions’ innings, as both could not produce impressive performances. Dawlat Zadran sent both players back to the hut at 20 runs total.   Summarized Scorecard: Toss: Islamabad Hawks won the toss and decided to bowl first Player of the Match: Arsal Sheikh Punjab Lions (Batting): 109 all out in 19.4 overs Talib Asim (36 runs, 40 balls, 4x4, 6x1), Ubaid Shah (24 runs, 17 balls, 4x1, 6x2), Shaviaz Irfan (16 runs, 8 balls, 2x4, 0x6), Islamabad Hawks (Bowling) Dawlat Zadran (3 for 14), Arsal Sheikh (2 for 12), Khawar Shahzad (2for 26) Islamabad Hawks (Batting): 110 for 4 in 15.5 overs Arsal Sheikh (44 runs not out, 38 balls), Imran Ali (36 runs, 27 balls), Zain Farooq (11 runs, 13 balls) Punjab Lions (Bowling) Kazim Shah (2 for 20), Ubaid Shah (1 for 19) Shahrukh Ali Chun (1 for 19) Ubaid Shah (1 for 13) Punjab Lions (Playing XIs): Syed Kazim Shah (captain), Yasir Khan, Shaviaz Irfan (wicketkeeper), Shahrukh Ali Chun, Nadeem Khan, Talib Asim, Husnain Jamal, Muzammal Ibtasam, Adnan Ali, Ubaid Shah, Ali Hassan Islamabad Hawks (Playing XIs): Syed Asrar Ali, Imran Ali, Arsal Sheikh (captain), Khawar Shahzad, Naseer-ullah Khan, Asadullah, Dawlat Zadran, Mohammad Ilys Raza, Sadam Khan (wicketkeeper), Zain Farooq, Umer Farooq Results & Schedule of next fixtures: April 6, 2023: Peshawar Pathans beat Punjab Lions by 37 runs April 7, 2023: Kashmir Kings beat Peshawar Pathans by 4 wickets April 8, 2023: Islamabad Hawks beat Punjab Lions by 6 wickets April 9, 2023: Rawalpindi Royals vs Islamabad Hawks April 10, 2023: Kashmir Kings vs Rawalpindi Royals April 11, 2023: Islamabad Hawks vs Kashmir Kings April 12, 2023: Rawalpindi Royals vs Punjab Lions April 13, 2023: Punjab Lions vs Kashmir Kings April 14, 2023: Peshawar Pathans vs Rawalpindi Royals April 15, 2023: Islamabad Hawks vs Peshawar Pathans April 16, 2023: First Semifinal (Team 1 vs Team 4) April 17, 2023: Second Semifinal (Team 2 vs Team 3) April 18, 2023: Final (Championship Match)

Sports Bulletin Report RAWALPINDI: Punjab Lions (PL) posted 110 target for Islamabad Hawks (IH) on scoreboard in the 3rd game of the ongoing 2nd Markhor Ramadan Cup 2023 here at Ayub Park National Stadium on Saturday night. Earlier, the skipper of Islamabad Hawks Arsal Shafik won the toss and decided to put the opposition into bat first. Yasir Khan and Husnain Jamal opened the Punjab Lions’ innings, as both could not produce impressive performances. Dawlat Zadran sent both players back to the hut at 20 runs total.   Summarized Scorecard: Toss: Islamabad Hawks won the toss and decided to bowl first Punjab Lions (Batting): 109 all out in 19.4 overs Talib Asim (36 runs, 40 balls, 4x4, 6x1), Ubaid Shah (24 runs, 17 balls, 4x1, 6x2), Shaviaz Irfan (16 runs, 8 balls, 2x4, 0x6), Islamabad Hawks (Bowling) Dawlat Zadran (3 for 14), Arsal Sheikh (2 for 12), Khawar Shahzad (2for 26) Islamabad Hawks (Batting): Punjab Lions (Bowling) Punjab Lions (Playing XIs): Syed Kazim Shah (captain), Yasir Khan, Shaviaz Irfan (wicketkeeper), Shahrukh Ali Chun, Nadeem Khan, Talib Asim, Husnain Jamal, Muzammal Ibtasam, Adnan Ali, Ubaid Shah, Ali Hassan Islamabad Hawks (Playing XIs): Syed Asrar Ali, Imran Ali, Arsal Sheikh (captain), Khawar Shahzad, Naseer-ullah Khan, Asadullah, Dawlat Zadran, Mohammad Ilys Raza, Sadam Khan (wicketkeeper), Zain Farooq, Umer Farooq Schedule of next coming fixtures: April 9, 2023: Rawalpindi Royals vs Islamabad Hawks April 10, 2023: Kashmir Kings vs Rawalpindi Royals April 11, 2023: Islamabad Hawks vs Kashmir Kings April 12, 2023: Rawalpindi Royals vs Punjab Lions April 13, 2023: Punjab Lions vs Kashmir Kings April 14, 2023: Peshawar Pathans vs Rawalpindi Royals April 15, 2023: Islamabad Hawks vs Peshawar Pathans April 16, 2023: First Semifinal (Team 1 vs Team 4) April 17, 2023: Second Semifinal (Team 2 vs Team 3) April 18, 2023: Final

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has nominated Aleem Dar on the ICC International Panel of Umpires. The 54-year-old three-time ICC Umpire of the Year has replaced Ahsan Raza in the international panel, who has been promoted to the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires. Aleem’s appointment to the international panel means he will remain eligible to umpire in international matches, including Pakistan’s home international fixtures as well as the upcoming ICC Major Events such as the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. As per ICC regulations, match officials on the international panel are only qualified to officiate in international matches. Match officials in this panel are nominated by the ICC Members. PCB Manager - Umpires and Referees, Bilal Qureshi: “The PCB had a detailed internal discussion on Aleem Dar and there was a consensus to recommend him to the ICC’s International Panel of Umpires as a PCB nominee so that international cricket can continue to benefit from his wealth of experience and knowledge. “Furthermore, the PCB will continue to involve him in its domestic season so that it can develop and groom its own emerging umpires under his tutelage.” To date, Aleem, who was included in the elite panel in 2004, has officiated in a world record 439 international matches, including 145 Tests, 225 ODIs, and 69 T20Is. He has officiated in five ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups, seven ICC Men’s T20 World Cups and five ICC Champions Trophy events, including finals of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2007 and 2011, ICC Champions Trophy 2009 and ICC Men’s T20 World Cups 2010 and 2012. Pakistan’s other three umpires on the international panel are Faisal Khan Afridi, Mohammad Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz Waqar.

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE): United States players Ali Khan and Jasdeep Singh, and Jersey’s Elliot Miles have been penalised for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off match in Windhoek on Tuesday. Khan will miss the USA’s next two ODIs or T20Is, whatever comes first, as his accumulated demerit points have reached four within a 24-month period following his latest Code of Conduct breach for which he received a 15 per cent fine and one demerit point. Khan was found to have breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match.” Khan had received three demerit points for two separate incidents during a T20I match against Bermuda in November 2021 and with the addition of the latest demerit point, he has reached the threshold of four demerit points which, pursuant to article 7.6 of the Code, have been converted into two suspension points. Meanwhile, Singh has been fined 30 per cent of his match fee and handed two demerit points after he was found to have breached Article 2.12 of the Code, which relates to “inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator) during an International Match.” Miles has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee and handed one demerit point after he was found to have breached Article 2.3 of the Code, which relates to “use of an audible obscenity during an International Match.” Singh and Miles have not had any other offences in the previous 24-month period. All three players admitted their offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by Owen Chirombe of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, so there was no need for formal hearings. On-field umpires Andrew Louw and Claus Schumacher, and third umpire David Odhiambo levelled 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.

Sports Bulletin Report Queenstown (New Zealand): Hosts New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 4 wickets in the final match of the T20I to lift the series trophy 2-1 at Queenstown, New Zealand on Saturday. Tim Seifert anchored a successful chase of 183 with his 48-ball 88, which trumped Kusal Mendis' 73 off 43 earlier in the day, though Seifert might not have imagined how tense the finish would get when he was dismissed with his side needing just 29 from 23 deliveries with seven wickets in hand. Overs 17 to 19 would go for just 19 runs, leaving the hosts needing ten to win off the last over. A six off the first delivery seemed to have settled matters but Sri Lanka would land a team hat-trick off the next three balls, with Lahiru Kumara picking up two wickets and effecting a run out. They might have made it four from four too, but Kumara missed an almost identical run-out chance, allowing New Zealand to steal a bye to the keeper. Rachin Ravindra then struck the winning runs a ball later, as New Zealand breathed a collective sigh of relief. For Sri Lanka, it's a disappointing end to a tough tour. Hindsight is often twenty-twenty, but even in the moment, Matt Henry's three-run final over seemed like it could prove pivotal. The five overs prior had seen Sri Lanka hit 56 runs, and with five wickets in hand and Wanindu Hasaranga and Charith Asalanka at the crease - both capable of comfortably clearing the ropes - Sri Lanka would have been looking to make a charge at a total near 200. But Henry varied his pace and kept it full and wide to keep the over to singles at most. Having gone wicketless for 32 off his previous three, Henry came through clutch at the death, and New Zealand would eventually win with just a ball to spare. Chad Bowes being dropped in the first over might have been bad for morale and momentum, but Seifert managing to pick up a boundary in nearly every over up until the 17th, in which he was dismissed, was what took Sri Lanka out of the game. His partnerships of 53 and 84 with Bowes and Tom Latham also ensured that even the chaotic loss of wickets at the end wouldn't derail his side's chase. Nearly every Sri Lankan bowler went at over 8 an over - Hasaranga ended a dismal tour by his standards with a wicketless four overs for 41 - and Seifert struck at over 170 against all of them barring the always excellent Maheesh Theekshana, who maintained an economy rate of 5.50. Sri Lanka got off to their best start of the series with Mendis and Pathum Nissanka putting on a 76-run opening stand. Mendis would go on to top score in a destructive innings that saw six fours and five sixes, but also one fraught with a non-insignificant dose of fortune. While a couple of mistimed hits fell just out of reach of onrushing fielders, it was him being dropped at first slip by Daryll Mitchell that really raised eyebrows. Mendis would be offered a second reprieve later on, this time by Ravindra running along the deep-third boundary. One final bit of luck would come to Kusal Perera's aid, as he would be excellently caught on the boundary line, only for Mitchell to fail to release the ball on time before trodding on the ropes - even with the aid of super slow-mo, a frame's evidence might have been enough to uphold the on-field decision of out. If Sri Lanka's innings was bolstered by uncharacteristic let-offs in the field, New Zealand certainly did their part to undo as much of the damage caused by those blips. James Neesham's quality take in the deep to dismiss Nissanka set the tone, which was followed by a phenomenal direct hit by Adam Milne from the deep to run out Perera. Dasun Shanaka, who had looked dangerous striking two boundaries off his first five deliveries, saw Bowes hold on to a tricky skier, before Asalanka was run out courtesy of another gun throw from the boundary. That last one was part of Henry's game-changing final over.

Sports Bulletin Report RAWALPINDI: Kashmir Kings (KK) stunned Peshawar Pathans (PP) by 4 wickets in the 2nd match of the Markhor Ramadan Cup 2023 by chasing a huge target of 246 runs in 19.1 over here at National Ayub Park cricket ground on Friday night. Mohammad Akhlaq was the hero of the day, who hammered hit an unbeaten ton to secure the victory for his team. Peshawar Pathans posted a huge total on the board of 245 for 4 runs in 20 overs per innings fixture, as their duo of opening batters Zeeshan Asharf and Faizan Bhatti took a start with sparking batting and both scored 69 runs in the first 6 overs. Imran Randava was top scorer with 75 runs after lasting just 36 deliveries. Faizan Bhatti (49 runs, 19 balls, 3x4, 4x6), Zeeshan Ashraf (45 runs, 34 balls, 7x4, 1x6), and Sohail Akhtar (29 runs, 21 balls, 2x4, 1x6) were other main contributors in PP’s innings. Kashmir Kings got the target on the first ball of the last overs, as all applauded performance presented by Mohammad Akhlaq, who played great innings and turned the tables. He scored 101 runs not out in just 55 balls. Riaz Khan 32 runs, 12 balls) and Nasir Nawaz (23 runs, 16 balls) were other notable performances from Kashmir Kings. Summarized Scorecard: Venue: National Ayub Park Player of the Match: Mohammad Ikhlaq Peshawar Pathans (Batting): 245 for 4 in 20 overs Imran Randava (75 runs, 36 balls), Faizan Bhatti (49 runs, 19 balls, 3x4, 4x6), Zeeshan Ashraf (45 runs, 34 balls, 7x4, 1x6), Sohail Akhtar (29 runs, 21 balls, 2x4, 1x6) Kashmir Kings (Bowling) Bilal Sarwar (2 for 32), Adil Ameen (1 for 9), Salman Irshad (1 for 24) Kashmir Kings (Batting): 248 for 6 in 19.1 over Mohammad Ikhlaq (101 runs not out, 55 balls, Riaz Khan 32 runs, 12 balls), Nasir Nawaz (23 runs, 16 balls) Peshawar Pathans (Bowling) Faizan Bhatti (2 for 32), Musa Khan (2 for 32), Imran Randava (1 for 29), Ali Majid (1 for 44) Saturday’s Fixture: Islamabad Hawks vs Punjab Lions at 11:00 pm

Sports Bulletin Report RAWALPINDI: Peshawar Pathans set 246 runs target for Kashmir Kings to win the 2nd match of the Markhor Ramadan Cup here at National Ayub Park cricket ground on Friday night. Zeeshan Asharf and Faizan Bhatti started the innings of Peshawar Pathans and scored 69 runs in 6 overs. Summarized Scorecard: Toss: Venue: National Ayub Park Player of the Match: Peshawar Pathans (Batting): 245 for 4 in 20 overs Imran Randava (75 runs, 36 balls), Faizan Bhatti (49 runs, 19 balls, 3x4, 4x6), Zeeshan Ashraf (45 runs, 34 balls, 7x4, 1x6), Sohail Akhtar (29 runs, 21 balls, 2x4, 1x6) Kashmir Kings (Bowling) Bilal Sarwar (2 for 32), Adil (1 for 9), Salman Irshad (1 for 24) Kashmir Kings (Batting): Peshawar Pathans (Bowling) Saturday’s Fixture: Islamabad Hawks vs Punjab Lions at 11:00 pm

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board has unveiled the seven-member commentary panel for the five T20 Internationals and as many One-Day Internationals to be played between Pakistan and New Zealand from 14 April till 7 May. Bazid Khan, Grant Elliot, Kyle Mills (T20Is), Lisa Sthalekar (ODIs), Mark Butcher (ODIs), Sikander Bakht and Urooj Mumtaz will call action across the 10 limited overs matches in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Karachi. Renowned presenter Zainab Abbas will host pre- and post-match shows, including Pitch Side that will continue to bring in-depth analysis for cricket fans. Twenty-seven full High-Definition cameras will beam live action around the globe through PCB’s broadcast partners. The production set-up includes complete Hawkeye review system, buggy cam and SpiderCam, which is available for three T20Is in Lahore and three ODIs in Karachi. New Zealand will arrive in Pakistan in the wee hours of 11 April. The two teams will play first three of the five T20Is in Lahore. Rawalpindi will host the last two T20Is and the first two ODIs, before the action moves to the port-city of Karachi, which hosts last three ODIs.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday (today) announced player’s support personnel of the Pakistan men’s team for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against New Zealand home series. Names of officials: Rehan Ul Haq (manager), Grant Bradburn (head coach), Abdul Rehman (assistant to head coach), Andrew Puttick (batting coach), Umar Gul (bowling coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Drikus Saaimon (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ijaz (analyst), Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi (media and digital manager), Major (retd) Azhar Arif (security manager), Ammar Ahsan (videographer), Dr Najeeb Soomro (team doctor) and Malang Ali (masseur). Bradburn and Puttick have been appointed for the New Zealand series and will arrive in Lahore on 11 April. The PCB will confirm the Pakistan team management for post-New Zealand series following the completion of the relevant recruitment processes, which are presently ongoing. Series schedule: 14 Apr - 1st T20I, Lahore 15 Apr – 2nd T20I, Lahore 17 Apr – 3rd T20I, Lahore 20 Apr – 4th T20I, Rawalpindi 24 Apr – 5th T20I, Rawalpindi 27 Apr – 1st ODI, Rawalpindi 29 Apr – 2nd ODI, Rawalpindi 3 May – 3rd ODI, Karachi 5 May – 4th ODI, Karachi 7 May – 5th ODI, Karachi

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD: Peshawar Pathans outclassed Punjab Lions by 37 runs in the inaugural T20 match of the 2nd Markhor Ramadan Cup at National Stadium Ayub Park Rawalpindi on Thursday night. Punjab Lions’ captain won the toss and decided to field first, as the winners managed 155 runs for 9 in 20 overs. Sohail Akhtar was the top scorer with 37 runs off 20 balls. Faizan Ali (29 runs, 14 balls), Bilawal Virk (25 runs, 26 balls) and Musa Khan (20 runs, 22 balls) were other main contributors batters in the Peshawar Pathans innings. Sharukh Chun (3 for 10), Kasam Shah (3 for 33) and Ali Hasan (1 for 20) were the wicket-takers. In reply, Punjab Lions could score 118 runs in 17 overs for losing their all ten batters. All-rounder Shahrukh Chun, who grabbed three wickets in the match, hammered 44 runs in 33 balls. Shawaiz Irfan played a hard hitting innings of 41 runs after facing 22 balls. Mohammad Ali hit at the back-bone of Punjab Lions by snaring 4 batters. He was awarded man of the match on his magical bowling performance, as he conceded just 14 runs in his four overs. Ali Amjad (3 for 21) and Musa Khan (2 for 32) were successful bowlers of the winning squad. Summarized Scorecard: Toss: Punjab Lions won the toss and decided to field first Man of the Match: Mohammad Ali Peshawar Pathans (Battings): 155 for 9 in 20 overs Sohail Akhtar (37 runs, 20 balls), Faizan Ali (29 runs, 14 balls), Bilawal Virk (25 runs, 26 balls), Musa Khan (20 runs, 22 balls) Punjab Lions (Bowling): 118 runs all out in 17 overs Sharukh Chun (3 for 10), Kasam Shah (3 for 33), Ali Hasan (1 for 20) Punjab Lions (Batting): Shahrukh (44 runs, 33 balls), Shawaiz Irfan (41 runs, 22 balls) Peshawar Pathans (Bowling): Mohammad Ali (4 for 14), Ali Amjad (3 for 21), Musa Khan (2 for 32)