Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and New Zealand Cricket (NC) have unanimously agreed to make tweaks to the New Zealand men’s cricket team’s tour of Pakistan for five ODIs and five T20Is, as the opening match of the series will be played on April 14, 2023 at Qaddafi Stadium Lahore. Kiwis will now arrive in Lahore and will play three T20Is from 14-17 April, before traveling to Rawalpindi where the final two T20Is and first ODI will be played from 20-26 April. The tour will culminate in Karachi with the remaining four ODIs to be played from 30 April to 7 May. Pakistan v New Zealand (schedule): April 14, 2023: 1st T20, Lahore April 15, 2023: 2nd T20, Lahore April 17, 2023: 3rd T20, Lahore April 20, 2023: 4th T20, Rawalpindi April 24, 2023: 5th T20, Rawalpindi April 26, 2023: 1st ODI, Rawalpindi April 30, 2023: 2nd ODI, Karachi May 3, 2023: 3rd ODI, Karachi May 5, 2023: 4th ODI, Karachi May 7, 2023: 5th ODI, Karachi

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board has appointed Saad Baig and Imran Butt as Pakistan U19 and Pakistan Shaheens captains for the upcoming tours of Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, respectively. Karachi-born Saad had captained Pakistan U19 last year against Bangladesh U19 in Multan. In that series, Saad had scored 117 runs in the four-dayer, 30 runs in the one-day matches and 107 runs in the T20s. In the National U19 three-day Championship 2022-23, the left-hander had scored 200 runs, while in the National U19 one-day Cup 2022-23, he scored 299 runs in four matches. Ali Asfand of Faisalabad had also featured against Bangladesh in the U19 series last year. He scored 45 runs and took two wickets with his left-arm spinner in the four-dayer, contributed 26 runs and took two wickets in the one-dayers and claimed three wickets in the only T20. In the National U19 three-day Championship 2022-23, Ali scored 73 runs and took 18 wickets, while in the National U19 one-day Cup 2022-23, he scored 77 runs and took 11 wickets. Pakistan Shaheens for the tour of Zimbabwe comprise seven players who have represented Pakistan in international cricket. Imran Butt, who has been named as captain, has featured in six Tests, while the others are: Hussain Talat (one ODI, 18 T20Is), Aamir Jamal (tw0 T20Is), Kamran Ghulam (one ODI), Mir Hamza (three Tests), Sahibzada Farhan (three T20Is) and Shahnawaz Dahani (two ODIs and 11 T20Is). For the first time, two players from Quetta have been selected in a national squad. They are Abdul Wahid Bangalzai and Haseebullah, while players who have graduated from the U19 pathways cricket and are in the side are Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Huraira, Mubasir Khan, Qasim Akram and Rohail Nazir. Pakistan Under-19 Squad: Saad Baig (captain) (Karachi), Ali Asfand (vice-captain) (Faisalabad), Ahmed Hussain (Peshawar), Aimal Khan (Peshawar), Amir Hussain (Rawalpindi), Arafat Minhas (Multan), Azan Awais (Sialkot), Hamza Nawaz (Lahore), Mohammad Ibtisam (Sargodha), Mohammad Ismail (Sahiwal), Mohammad Tahir (Fata), Mohammad Tayyab Arif (Sialkot), Obaid Shahid (Lahore), Sajjad Ali (Lahore), Shahzaib Khan (Mansehra), Shamyl Hussain (Islamabad) and Wahaj Riaz (Karachi). Abidullah (Islamabad), Ikramullah Tareen (Quetta) and Mohammad Zulkifal (Charsadda) (all reserves) Tour Schedule: 30 April- 3 May – Four-day match; ZACS, Chattogram 6 May – 1st 50-over match; ZACS, Chattogram 8 May – 2nd 50-over match; ZACS, Chattogram 11 May – 3rd 50-over match; SKS, Rajshahi 13 May – 4th 50-over match; SKS, Rajshahi 15 May – 5th 50-over match; SKS, Rajshahi 17 May – Only T20 match; SKS, Rajshahi Pakistan Shaheens: Imran Butt (captain) (Lahore), Hussain Talat (vice-captain) (Lahore), Aamir Jamal (Islamabad), Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (Quetta), Haseebullah (Quetta), Kamran Ghulam (Peshawar), Mehran Mumtaz (Rawalpindi), Mir Hamza (Karachi), Mohammad Huraira (Sialkot), Mubasir Khan (Islamabad), Muhammad Umar (Karachi), Omair Bin Yousuf (Karachi), Qasim Akram (Lahore), Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper) (Islamabad), Sahibzada Farhan (Peshawar) and Shahnawaz Dahani (Larkana). Asif Mehmood (Hyderabad), Athar Mehmood (Gujranwala), Saad Khan (Hyderabad) and Waqar Ahmad (Peshawar) (all reserves) Schedule: 3-6 May – 1st Four-day match; KSC, Kwekwe 10- 13 May – 2nd Four-day match; MSC, Mutare 17 May – 1st 50-over match; TSC, Harare 19 May – 2nd 50-over match; HSC, Harare 21 May – 3rd 50-over match; HSC, Harare 23 May – 4th 50-over match; OH, Harare 25 May – 5th 50-over match; HSC, Harare 27 May – 6th 50-over match; HSC, Harare

BIPIN DANI Sri Lanka's women's team captain Chamari  Athapaththu who recently played the women's exhibition matches in Pakistan will now be playing the Cricket Hong Kong FairBreak Invitational 2023 tournament next month, it is learnt. The tournament is scheduled to be held at the Kowloon Cricket Club (Hong Kong) between April 3 and 16. The 33-year-old batting all rounder was a part of the tournament last year, when it was held in the UAE. "So far, she is the only player from Sri Lanka to have been a part of the tournament", one of the top sources in the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed. Interestingly, 90 women cricketers from 36 countries are to take part in this tournament. The tournament has the backing of Cricket Hong Kong and the FairBreak Invitational is another step towards greater recognition and the development of the outstandingly talented players in Asia also from the UAE, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Bhutan, Kuwait and Hong Kong. Another aspect of this tournament is that all players and the umpires will be provided the sunglasses by Blenders Eyewear for their use. Founded in 2012 in San Diego California by Chase Fisher, Blenders is a leading American eyewear brand that manufactures sunglasses, snow goggles and prescription eyewear.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE: Najam Sethi, Chair of the PCB Management Committee, has congratulated Ahsan Raza on his promotion to the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires and has also thanked Aleem Dar for his services as an elite panelist for nearly two decades and showcasing the soft and positive image of Pakistan. Ahsan has been a member of the ICC International Panel of Umpires since 2010 and is the first to reach the 50 T20Is-mark as an umpire. Overall, he has umpired in 72 T20Is, along with seven Tests and 41 ODIs. Ahsan Raza will replace compatriot Aleem Dar on the panel, who had joined the distinguished group in 2004. Aleem officiated in a world record 435 international matches, including a record 144 Tests and 222 ODIs, and 69 T20Is. Aleem won the ICC Umpire of the Year award for three successive years from 2009 from 2011. Najam Sethi: “It is a moment of great pride and joy for the whole nation that Ahsan Raza has become the third Pakistan umpire to be appointed to the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires. I want to congratulate Ahsan on this wonderful achievement and I am sure he will continue to work hard with dedication and passion to enhance the image and profile of this noble profession. “Ahsan is a great inspiration for many young and upcoming umpires and his elevation demonstrates we have talented umpires in Pakistan who are skilled enough to break into the top category. I hope we, at the PCB, will continue to utilise his expertise, knowledge and experience in our domestic and international matches. “I also want to congratulate Aleem Dar on his successful career as an elite panelist. He was the first Pakistani to become a member of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires way back in 2004 and since then, he has established himself as one of the most respected and highly-qualified umpires in the business. “Throughout his outstanding career, he earned worldwide appreciation and accolades through his work ethics, undivided commitment to the game, good decision-making and excellent man management skills.  He will remain as one of the best and finest to have ever served on the elite panel. “Aleem has been a role model for umpires across generations. The PCB will be very fortunate to make the most of his presence and availability by integrating him in our system so that he can groom, mentor and tutor young umpires which, in turn, will help in significant improvement in the quality of umpiring in our domestic cricket and also produce umpires who can go on to represent Pakistan in the international and elite panels.”

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE: With one eye on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and the other on ensuring the careers of their elite cricketers are extended by strategically managing their workloads, the Pakistan cricket selectors today named a new-look and highly-talented 15-player squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, which will be played from 24 to 27 March in Sharjah. All-rounder Shadab Khan will captain the side that includes four uncapped players, namely, Ihsanullah, Saim Ayub, Tayyab Tahir and Zaman Khan, while Abdullah Shafique, Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf and Imad Wasim have been recalled. Pakistan captain Babar Azam, along with Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been rested, while Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hasnain and Khushdil Shah have been dropped. These nine players were part of the Pakistan squad that reached the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. Apart from the Shadab, players retained from the last T20I series are: Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Junior, Naseem Shah and Shan Masood. Chair of PCB Management Committee, Najam Sethi said: “I want to congratulate Shadab Khan on his appointment as the Pakistan team captain for the series against Afghanistan. Shadab Khan has been the Pakistan vice-captain in white-ball cricket for the past couple of years and it is logical that he takes over the side in the absence of Babar Azam for the short three-match T20I tour of Sharjah. “For the short Sharjah tour and to ensure continuity, we have also appointed Mohammad Yousuf as the interim head and batting coach. Yousuf has been with the national side since last year as a batting coach and has also been working in the National High Performance Centre.” Chair of the selection committee, Haroon Rashid said: “For the short three-T20I series against Afghanistan, the selection committee has followed the standard rotation policy by resting the leading performers and providing high-performing domestic performers with opportunities to demonstrate their talent and potential at the international level. This will also allow us to test the temperament and abilities of these players and helping us to strengthen our pool of players as we look forward to building and preparing a formidable side for next year’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies and United States. “However, and in doing so, we have ensured that we select a side that is equally strong and capable of winning the series against a strong Afghanistan side for whom Sharjah is like a second home. And to achieve that, we have retained seven players from the last series, recalled four experienced cricketers and clubbed them with four uncapped players to make the 15-member side a truly mixture of youth and experience. “In this background, I want to congratulate Ihsanullah, Saim Ayub, Tayyab Tahir and Zaman Khan who have broken into the national side after a series of strong performances in the domestic circuit as well as the HBL PSL 8. Abdullah Shafique, Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf and Imad Wasim have been recalled after they too demonstrated in the HBL PSL 8 that they are capable of exceling in the shortest format and also providing experience and stability in the side. “Babar, Fakhar, Haris, Rizwan and Shaheen have been provided breaks from the short Sharjah trip to allow them to switch-off from competitive cricket so that they can complete their rehabilitations, regroup, recompose and recharge their batteries and be fully fit for the challenges in the tough and challenging 2023-24 season.” About the uncapped and recalled players: In the HBL PSL 8, Azam has scored 280 runs in nine match at a strike-rate of almost 163, Saim Ayub has scored 309 runs in 10 matches at a strike-rate of 167, Tayyab Tahir has scored 137 runs in five matches at a strike-rate of 144 after aggregating 413 runs in 11 National T20 matches at a strike-rate of 138, whereas Ihsanullah has picked up 20 wickets in 10 matches at an economy-rate of 7.36 and Zaman Khan has claimed 12 wickets in 10 matches at an economy-rate of 8.68. Abdullah Shafique has scored 193 runs in seven HBL PSL 8 matches at a strike-rate of 144, Faheem Ashraf has scored 210 runs and taken seven wickets, while Imad has scored 404 runs (strike-rate of 170) and taken nine wickets (economy-rate of 7.93). Pakistan squad Shadab Khan (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ihsanullah,  Imad Wasim, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Junior, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood, Tayyab Tahir, Zaman Khan, Reserve players: Abrar Ahmed, Haseebullah, Usama Mir

Sports Bulletin Report RAWALPINDI: A punishing century by Chamari Athapaththu was not enough to prevent Amazons from registering a 33-run victory over Super Women in the third match that gave them a 2-1 series win in the Women’s League exhibition matches at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday. Athapaththu hit a strokeful 107 not out from 60 balls featuring 12 fours and six sixes as Super Women finished at 185 for eight after being set a 219 runs target. Athapaththu raised her half-century from 32 balls with six fours and three sixes, while she reached three figures from 57 balls with 11 fours and six sixes. Athapaththu put on 90 runs for the third wicket with Iram Javed, who contributed 35 from 29 balls with four fours and a six. The Sri Lanka captain dominated the 40-run fourth wicket stand with South Africa’s Sune Luus, whose contribution was six from five balls with one four. The only time the left-hander was outshone was when Pakistan opener Muneeba Ali scored 12 of the 17 runs for the first wicket with three fours. For Amazons, Fatima Sana took three for 34, while Danni Wyatt bagged two for 43. While Super Women belted 24 fours and seven sixes in their reply, Amazons smashed 30 fours and six sixes to collect 218 for six after electing to bat first for the third successive time in the series. Amazons captain Bismah Maroof followed up her scores of one and 73 not out with a well-crafted 51 not out to top-score for her side. Her 32-ball innings included six fours and a six. Together with Tammy Beaumont, Bismah put on 67 runs for the third wicket. Tammy’s contribution in this stand was a 26-ball 39 with five fours and a six. England’s Danni Wyatt, who scored 22 and 97 in the previous matches, hit 43 at a strike-rate of 215 with seven fours and two sixes and provided her side a 65-run start in less than six overs with Eyman Fatima (19, 16b, 4x4). Maia Bouchier and Fatima Sana finished the innings like it started. Bouchier hit three fours and a six in a 10-ball 21, while Fatima’s seven-ball 17 not out included four fours. Scores in brief 3rd match – Amazons beat Super Women by 33 runs, win series 2-1 Amazons 218-6, 20 overs (Bismah Maroof 51 not out, Danni Wyatt 43, Tammy Beaumont 39, Maia Bouchier 21, Eyman Fatima 19; Aimen Anwar 2-40) Super Women 185-8, 20 overs (Chamari Athapaththu 107 not out, Iram Javed 35, Muneeba Ali 12; Fatima Sana 3-34, Danni Wyatt 2-43, Player of the match: Danni Wyatt (Amazons) 1st match - Super Women beat Amazons by eight wickets Match 2 – Amazons beat Super Women by 41 runs

Abdul Jabbar Faisal RAWALPINDI: A couple of notable performances Danni Wyatt (97 runs) and Anum Amin (4 for 17) guided Amazons Women to overcome Super Women by 41 runs to level Series 1-1 in the second exhibition match here at Pindi Cricket Stadium on Friday. The Amazons set a huge target of 205 runs in the stipulated 20 over for Super Women. A great and magical bowling by Anum Amin, who claimed 4 vital wickets after conceding just 17 runs in her 4 overs, supported her side to restrict the opponents to 163 for 9 in 20 overs. Laure Winfield-Hill was top-scorer with 00 runs, which was not enough for Super Women to reach the mammoth target of 205 runs, as she lasted just 42 balls and hammered 11 boundaries and three huge sixes. Another major contributor batter was Iram Javed with 28 runs with over 100 runs strike-rate. She hit a couple of sixes during her 27 balls innings. Chamari Athapathuthu scored 17 off 17 balls including three fours. Anum Amin (4 for 17), Fatima Sana (2 for 38), Danni Wyatt (1 for 17) and Ghulam Fatima (1 for 32) were the wicket taker bowlers for the Amazons. Earlier, Amazons women’s Captian, Bismah Mahroof won the toss and decided to bat first on a day pitch of the Pindi Stadium. They posted 204 for 3 runs total on the board in 20 overs per innings fixture. Danni Whyat and skipper Bismah Marhroof put 137 runs for the second wicket to consolidate the position, as the opener batter Eyman Fatima lost her wicket in the very first over of the match on the 2 runs total. He was caught by Winfield-Hill on the bowling of Lea Tahuhu at mid-on boundary. Danni Whyatt hammered 97 runs, as she lasted only 45 balls including 17 fours and three huge sixes while captain Bismah played an unbeaten inning of 73 runs. She smashed 11 fours during his 51 balls innings. Other major contributors were Tess Flintoff (14) not out and wicketkeeper batter Tammy Beaumont with 13 runs. Tuba Hasan got 2 while Lea Tahuhu claimed a solitary wicket for Super Women. Danni Whyatt said in her post-match comments: “I am happy with my performance but unfortunately I could not complete my century, as I was trying my best to add maximum in the team’s total, as the fielder took a nice catch. It was a good track for batting and the weather was good too. I enjoyed the cricket in Pindi and we will try our best to win the last match to win the three-match Tie.” Laure Winfield-Hill said: “We missed a lot of things and on this pitch 180 total would be reachable for us. We should restrict opponents to around 180 runs. Although we managed a good start and at one stage we were in a position to win the match, however, the left-arm spinner bowled very well and snared 4 batters during her spell of 4 overs”.    Summarized Scorecard: Amazons beat Super Women by 41 runs Amazons Women (Batting) 204 for 3 runs in 20 overs Danni Wyatt 97 runs (45 balls, 4x17, 6x3), Bismah Mahroof 73 runs not out (51 balls, 4x11, 6x0), Tess Filntoff 14 runs not out (7 balls, 4x1, 6x1) Super Women (Bowling): Lea Tahuhu (1 for 28), Tuba Hasan (2 for 34) Super Women (Batting) 163 for 9 in 20 overs Laure Winfield-Hill 80 runs (42 balls, 4x11, 6x3), Iram Javed 28 runs (27 balls, 4x0, 6x2), Chamari Athapathuthu 17 runs (17 balls, 4x3, 6x0) Amazons Women (Bowling): Anum Amin (4 for 17), Fatima Sana (2 for 38), Danni Wyatt (1 for 17), Ghulam Fatima (1 for 32) Player of the Match: Danni Wyatt (Amazons) Amazons Women (Playing XIs): Danni Wyatt, Eyman Fatima, Bismah Mahroof (captain), Tammy Beaumont (wicketkeeper), Maia Bocheir, Aliya Riaz, Tess Flintoff, Fatima Sana Khan, Nashra Sundu, Anam Amin, Ghulam Fatima Super Women (Playing XIs): Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wicketkeeper), Chamari Athapaththu, Nida Dar (captain), Sune Luus, Iram Javed, Umme-Hanni, Tuba Hasan, Lea Tahuhu, Syeda Masooma Zehra Fatima, Sadia Iqbal, Laure Winfield-Hill  

BIPIN DANI India's Prime Minister Narednra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese reached the Narendra Modi stadium and took a round of the massive sports arena on a golf cart before the start of the fourth Test match on Thursday. Both Prime Ministers waved to cheering spectators as they were driven around the outfield before play began.  The golf-cart specially used for this match was made in 1 1/2 days by Sai Shilp Studio. Speaking exclusively over the telephone from Ahmedabad, Irfan Saiyad, one of the three owners of the company said, "we got the design of the cart from Move-in-Pixel company just two days prior to the match and put our best efforts and several labourers to make it". "A new MS (Mild Steel) structure was erected on this cart and other wooden planks are used. It was painted and a carpet was laid". The other two partners-Atul Solanki and Jyotirmay-and Irfan Saiyad have studied Fine Arts and have degrees in Shilpkala. "We have been in this profession for 25 years. "We have made many sculptures and a similar cart was used in the National Games held in this country a few years ago. We have been getting orders to decorate the jeeps and lorries for the national parades. Our people travel to Delhi, stay there for a month and make such decorative parade cars". "It was our great pleasure when the cart prepared by us had two notable distinguished Prime Ministers", Irfan Saiyad added. Both Prime Ministers were introduced by captains of both sides. They were present during the National Anthems also.

By Qamar Ahmed None, amongst all the wicket-keepers we have had in Pakistan enjoyed a vast fan following as did the ever agile and handsome Wasim Bari. Ever alert behind the stumps, he was a perfect model of a keeper. Focused, fast moving, quick footed and dextrous, he was a treat to watch whether keeping of fast men or against the best of spinners. Sharp in gloving the ball, catching it or when stumping a batsman, or diving to pick up an edge, Bari was a sheer artist as a keeper and hence his fan following. Which, indeed reminds me of Pakistan's 1979 tour to India under Asif Iqbal and the then Bombay Test. Pakistan was touring India after 18 years and no matter where we played the crowd greeted us warmly, same was the situation during the Bombay Test. People had come to Indian cities from every direction, from across the border and from Pakistan as well. Amongst them were our own movie super stars, Mohammad Ali and Zeba. It was during the Bombay Test when the couple, my close friends asked me to accompany them to actor Raj Kapoor's house for dinner. Greeted warmly by Raj's entire family, we were not only in company of his sons Randhir and Rishi but were also joined by super stars of Bollywood, Dilip Kumar and Amithab Bachan. There was Neetu Singh too who was to be married to Rishi Kapoor after a few weeks. That evening remains etched in my mind for the fact when I discovered that how popular Wasim Bari was within the Kapoor family. Rishi Kapoor during the conversation disclosed that he was an avid fan of one of Pakistani players and if it was possible for me to call Bari in his hotel so that Rishi could talk to him. 'Are you fan of Imran Khan, Zaheer Abbas or Javed Miandad, I asked him. No, he said,' I am fan of Wasim Bari. Which came to me as a huge surprise. I then asked him what makes him a fan of Wasim Bari? Qamar Sir, he said, he is a great wicket keeper, he is handsome, his hair looks great and he has looks of a movie actor.' He told me. Minutes later he took me to his room and requested to ring Pakistan team's hotel so that he could talk to his idol. When on line, I handed over the phone to Rishi, telling Bari that Rishi, your fan would like to talk to you. I could see the excitement oozing out of Rishi' face while talking to his hero. When finished talking to him he turned around not only to thank me but also asked me to attend his marriage to Neetu Singh. I sadly had to decline the invitation because it clashed with a Test I was covering. Twenty years later as I was walking along in the Oxford Street London that I noticed Rishi and his wife waiting for a taxi. I dashed towards him, tapped him on the shoulder. As he turned, he asked me who I was. Remember, I am the one who introduced you to Wasim Bari. He then embraced me, telling me, Qamar Sir, how nice to see. This was one very memorable moment Bari was as popular amongst cricketers of countries against whom he played. Alan Knott of England considered to be best in business always rated Bari better than him. Since making his Test debut at Lord's in 1967 to his final Test in 1984 at Sydney which also happened to be the last Tests of Dennis Lillee, Greg Chappell and Rodney Marsh, Bari was one of the best keeper on the circuit. Be it Knott, Marsh, Murray, he was second to none. I saw his debut and covered his almost entire career including his last Test at Sydney, he remained for me a joy to watch an artist of his trade, soft in nature and respectful as ever. In the 1971 and 1974 series in England he was a feature to follow besides the genius of Zaheer Abbas, he was the focus for his safe and acrobatic display behind the stumps. On the Headingley Test of 1971, he took eight catches in the match, the best at the time. In 1979, he caught seven batsmen of first eight dismissed of New Zealand. One of the greats of history with 228 victims behind the wicket he remains a role model for aspiring keepers. Pakistan's first wicket-keeper in Tests was Hanif Mohammad followed by Imtiaz Ahmad, Naushad Ali, Saleem Yousuf, Rashid Latif, Moin Khan, Taslim Arif, now Sarfraz Ahmad, Mohammad Rizwan but none as adept in the art of keeping as Wasim Bari.

Sports Bulletin Report RAWALPINDI: Super Women outclassed Amazons Women by 8 wickets in an exhibition fixture that was played at Pindi Cricket Stadium on the occasion of World Women Day under the banner of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday. A sparkling half-century by South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt and an all-round performance by Nida Dar helped Super Women to defeat Amazons by eight wickets. Wolvaardt scored 53 not out and Nida Dar followed her three for 25 with the ball with 23 not out with the bat as the two batters put on 68 runs for the unbroken third wicket to help Super Women achieve the 132-run target with more than four overs to spare. Wolvaardt belted a six to reach her half-century and also take her side home. Her 36-ball knock also included six fours, while Nida scored almost run-a-ball 23 with a four. In pursuit of a 133-run target, opener Muneeba Ali and Chamari Athapaththu put on 39 runs for the first wicket before the latter departed after scoring a rapid 23 from 13 balls with four fours and a six. Muneeba then added 31 runs for the second wicket with Wolvaardt before joining Athapaththu in the dressing room after scoring a 27-ball 33 with six fours. Nashra Sundhu and Anam Amin took a wicket each, conceding 18 and 23 runs, respectively. Earlier, Amazons, electing to bat first, were off to a flying start of 46 in 5.3 overs before they lost their way and ended up at 132 for nine – thanks to a 35-ball 38 by top-scorer Aliya Riaz.  The Pakistan all-rounder hit three fours and a six before she was smartly run-out by Chamari Athapaththu from extra-cover when the Sri Lanka captain had one stump to aim. England duo of Tammy Beaumont and Danni Wyatt equally struck eight fours between them as they matched each other stroke by stroke. The partnership ended when Beaumont’s 18-ball 24 innings was ended by Syeda Masooma Zahra. Three balls later, Wyatt fell to a good reflex action catch by Sadia Iqbal off Nida Dar as Amazons slipped from 46-0 to 49-2. The dismissal of the two openers opened floodgates from both ends as the Amazons failed to overcome a disciplined and accurate bowling by the Super Women and continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. Maia Bouchier (18 off 15) and Fatima Sana (13 off 10) were the only middle-order batters who helped their side to reach 132 for nine. For Super Women, Nida was as effective, economical and successful as ever when she returned figures of three for 25, while Tuba Hasan also impressed with figures of two for 18. Syeda Masooma Zahra, Umm-e-Hani and Lea Tahuhu picked up one wicket apiece. The second match of the three-match series be played on Friday and will start at 2pm. This match will be followed by the Peshawar Zalmi-Multan Sultans fixture in the HBL PSL 8 and will commence at 7pm. Tickets for the men’s match will be valid for the women’s fixture. Summarized Scorecard: Amazons Women Batting (132 for 8 in 20 overs) Tammy Beaumont 24 runs (balls 18, 4x4, 6x0), Sadia Iqbal 22 runs (balls 18, 4x3, 6x0), Aliya Riaz 38 runs (balls 35, 4x3, 6x1), Super Women (Bowling): Lea Tahuhu (1 for 24), Syeda Masooma Zahra (1 for 15), Nida Dar (3 for 25), Umm-e-Hani (1 for 16), Tuba Hassan (2 for 18) Super Women Batting (Target 133 runs in 20 overs) Muneeba Ali 33 runs (balls 27, 4x6, 6x0), Chamari Athapaththu 23 (balls 13, 4x4, 6x1), Laura Wolvaardt 53 runs not out (balls 36, 4x6, 6x1) Nida Dar 23 runs not out (21 balls, 4x1, 6x0) Amazons Women (Bowling): Anam Amin (1 for 30), Nashra Sandhu (1 for 23) Player of the Match: Nida Dar