Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report Faisalabad:-Sindh and Punjab claimed victories on the opening day of the A S Ali, Blind Cricket Super League (BCSL) 2023 Faisalabad on Friday. Sindh beat AJK by 7 wickets Venue: Cricket Ground of Sports Complex Chak No 8 Faisalabad The 1st match of the event was played between Islamabad-AJK and Sindh. Sindh won the toss and decided to bowl first. Islamabad-AJK were bowled out on 371 runs in 39.5 overs. Nisar Ali played excellent innings of 129 runs (off 72 balls) and Mohammad Akram made 62 runs (off 39 balls). Mohsin Khan took 2 wickets while Kamran and Husnain Shamim claimed 1 wicket each. Sindh in reply chased down the target in 38.5 overs for the loss of 3 wickets. Riasat Khan played an outstanding innings of 122 runs (off 91 balls) and helped his side to beat Islamabad-AJK by 7 wickets. Mohsin Khan scored 114 runs (off 80 balls). Haroon, Akram and Talha shared 1 wicket each. Result: Sindh won by 7 Wickets Man of the Match: Mohsin Khan  Punjab beat Baluchistan by 5 wickets Venue: Boranwali Cricket Ground Faisalabad In the morning Punjab won the toss and asked Balochistan to take guard. Balochistan made par score of 343 runs by losing 8 wickets in allotted 40 overs. Irfan was the top scorer for his side with 62 runs (off 43 balls) Mohammad Ejaz chipped in with unbeaten 60* runs (off 53 balls). Akmal Hayyat claimed 3 wickets and Mohammad Ayyaz took 2 wickets. Punjab reached the target in 34.2 overs by losing their 5 wickets. Sanwal Shahzada played wonderful innings of 116 runs (off 69 balls) and Mehtab Khalil scored brilliant unbeaten 67* runs (off 53 balls). Irfan took 2 wickets.   Result: Punjab won by 5 Wickets Man of the Match: Sanwal Shahzada

Bipin Dani Nepal's two international cricketers have been arrested for spot-fixing in the recently concluded Nepal T20 League played in the county. It is reliably learnt. According to highly placed sources in Nepal, several other foreign and local players and support staff are being investigated for their role in the alleged spot-fixing in the matches. The two, who have been arrested for the investigations are (1) Mohammad Aadil Alam and (2) Mahaboob Alam. Mohammad Aadil, who is also known as Aadil Ansari is a young current player. The 19-year-old Aadil is a right-arm medium pacer and a lower order batter having played six ODIs and eight T-20Is. In the recently concluded Nepal T-20 League, he was playing for Janakpur Royals. The other player Mahaboob Alam is a former cricketer who was the star player of the World Cricket League Division 5 tournament that took place in Jersey in May 2008. He became famous by taking all ten wickets in the match against Mozambique. The 41-year-old all-rounder Mahaboob Alam. In the recent Nepal League, he played Provincial matches for Nepal. The names of about six other people (players and support staff), who are being ICC Anti-Corruption radar are not revealed yet.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE: Bahawalpur have won the title of 5th LCCB T20 Blind Cricket Tournament after beating Islamabad by 4 runs in the final at Aleem Dar Cricket Academy Lahore on Thursday. Islamabad won the toss and elected to bowl first. Bahawalpur set the total of 220 runs on the board for the loss of 4 wickets in allotted 20 overs. Mohammad Rashid was the highest scorer with 92runs while Zafar Iqbal made 40 runs for Bahawalpur. Anees and Shahzaib took 1 wicket each. Islamabad scored 216 for 4 runs in 20 overs. Matiullah was the star batsman with 104 runs and well supported by Shahzaib who scored 36 runs. Mohammad Rashid was declared player of the match on his excellent innings in the final. Many famous celebrities like (R) Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, Chairman PBCC Syed Sultan Shah, Film star Fawad Khan, International umpires Aleem Dar and Ahsan Raza, Test cricketers Azhar Ali and Abid Ali, Singer and Politician Abrar-ul-Haq, Comedian Ali Meer and other dignities attended the closing ceremony.

Bipin Dani Sri Lankan cricket team is advised to be trained at the Radella Cricket Ground ahead of their tour of New Zealand. The suggestion has come from Prof. Arjuna de Silva, the chairman of the medical panel of the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).  It is a cricket ground in Sri Lanka situated in Radella, which is a village close to Nuwara Eliya. "We are planning to use this ground after many years and I am happy to recommend this to the SLC", de Silva, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Colombo, said on Wednesday. "It is important to use this ground as the conditions there are similar to what it would be in New Zealand. This cricket ground is considered unique in the sense it is situated at the altitude of 1,200 m (4,000 ft). Very few cricket grounds are situated 1,200m above Mean Sea Level (MSL). It can easily be compared with any of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the world". Regarding fitness of the players, Prof. Arjuna was confident of sending Dushmantha Chameera to New Zealand. The 31-year-right arm fast bowler had suffered a grade two tear in the calf of his left foot in October. Dushmantha Chameera is the spearhead of our bowling. We have him back in the attack soon". "Kusal Perera is also on a recovery path. It is up to the selectors. We will be sending the full-strength team". Sri Lanka is scheduled to play two Tests, 3 ODIs' and 3 T-20I in New Zealand in March, April. "Dasun Shanaka seems to play best in India in the World Cup", de Silva concluded.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE: Islamabad and Bahawalpur have confirmed their potion in the final of 5th LCCB T20 Blind Cricket Tournament after winning their respective matches at two different venues here on Wednesday. Lahore beat Sargoda by 8 wickets Venue: Aleem dar is Cricket Academy, Lahore 1st Match of the day was played between Lahore and Sargoda. Lahore won the toss and decided to field first. Sargoda set a competitive total of 177 runs on the board in the allotted 20 overs by losing 8 wickets. Gulsher was the top scorer with 61 runs.  Mohammad Salman took 2 and Sanwal shared a wicket. In reply, Lahore Mohammad Rizwan was the top scorer, as he made 74 runs and Mohammad Salman played a superb inning of unbeaten 72 runs not out that helped his side to beat Sargoda by 8 wickets. Result: Lahore won by 8 wickets                          Man of the Match: Mohammad Salman Islamabad beat Bahawalpur by 10 wickets Venue: Aleem Dar Cricket Academy Lahore The second match of the day was played between Bahawalpur and Islamabad Bahawalpur won the toss elected to bat first. Bahawalpur set the total of 255 runs on the board for the loss of 4 wickets in allotted 20 overs. Mohammad Moein was the highest scorer with 60 runs while Zafar Iqbal made 58 runs for Bahawalpur. Hasnain took 2 wickets and Kashan took 1 wicket Islamabad in reply reached the target with ease in 17.3 over for the loss of without any wickets. Matiullah wass the star batsman with 118 runs and well supported by Shahzaib who scored 105 runs. Result: Islamabad won by 10 wickets Man of the Match: Mati Ullah

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE): Former Proteas fast bowler and cricket legend, Makhaya Ntini, says the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup starting in 10 days will be a special celebration of cricket on the continent. This is the first time South Africa is hosting a Women’s T20 World Cup, an occasion which will take the profile of women’s cricket in South Africa and the continent to new heights. Ntini was speaking at a festival of street cricket at Kenako Mall in Gqeberha, where the official 10-day countdown to the opening match between South Africa and Sri Lanka was celebrated. “It is a truly special time for South Africa and Africa to be hosting their first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The eyes of the world will be on us as the best cricketers play for the sought-after trophy, it will give us an opportunity to celebrate and showcase our rich and amazing country. “I remember how incredible it was to play in a World Cup; the honour and the thrill to represent your country is one of the best feelings out there. I would encourage every player to enjoy the occasion, the good and the bad, this opportunity doesn’t come around often.” The veteran of 101 Tests, 173 One-Day Internationals and two ICC Men’s World Cups, expects a fiercely contested competition as the 10 best teams in the world, led by defending champions Australia, prepare to challenge for the ultimate prize in T20 cricket. “I don’t think there can be favourites in a T20 World Cup. In T20 cricket, all it takes is one moment of individual brilliance to turn the course of a match. All the 10 teams have talented match-winners, I think it will be a very competitive and exciting World Cup,” Ntini explained. All eyes will be on Newlands Cricket Ground on 10 February as the eighth Women’s T20 World Cup kicks off. The picturesque ground hasn’t hosted an ICC World Cup match since 2003, and is primed to set the stage for the official opening event.

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE): The inaugural ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup is now complete, and India have been crowned as the first -ever champions after beating England in the final held in Potchefstroom on Sunday. Throughout the tournament, the 16 participating teams have provided incredible performances, led by brilliant individual displays. The selection panel featured commentators and former international cricketers, Lydia Greenway, Stacy-Ann King and Julia Price as well as journalist, Kalyani Mangale and ICC Women’s Cricket Manager, Snehal Pradhan, who led as Convenor. The chosen squad will be led by England’s Grace Scrivens, whose all-round skills and leadership qualities have been a feature in England’s run to the final. Her destructive 93 against Ireland, as well as 56 against the West Indies, were her big highlights with the bat. With ball in hand, she was nerveless and there was no better example than the calm manner in which she closed out the semi-final against Australia. India’s winning skipper, Shafali Verma, makes a more than capable inclusion into the team with her unflappable manner and composure at the crease. She offered control with the ball but could also get on with it when she had to – as she proved with her unforgettable 45 not out from 16 balls against South Africa. The top-order also sees India rock Shweta Sehrawat rewarded for a fortnight of fine batting. Her 92 against South Africa in their opener, as well as 61 not out in the semi-final against New Zealand underlined her class, but she was a constant source of runs and stability. New Zealand’s Georgia Plimmer is also recognized in the top-order, after a series of sparkling knocks to propel her side to the last four. Her 53 off 38 balls against Pakistan was a stand-out contribution, and she also scored an important 41 against West Indies. Sri Lanka’s Dewmi Vihanga’s consistency with the ball saw her win a slot in the middle-order of the side. Her best was three for 11 against the United States of America (USA), but she was constantly probing with the ball. She also made useful runs in the middle-order. Bangladesh star Shorna Akter was a tower of strength for her side, mixing aggression with the ball, tenacity on the field and a calm head under pressure. She completes the middle-order, with livewire, South African wicketkeeper Karabo Meso behind the stumps. Often heard before she was seen, Meso displayed excellent glovework, especially up to the stumps. She also had the knack for scoring important runs, such as her 32 off 30 balls against Bangladesh in the Super Six stage. The spin twins for the Team of the Tournament are Parshavi Chopra (India) and Hannah Baker (England). Both have the full bag of tricks, and wonderful control at this stage of their careers. They took wickets and asked questions every time they got the ball in their hands. England’s Ellie Anderson delivered the best figures of the tournament, with her burst of five for 12 against the West Indies. Direct, but with good variations, she is perfectly partnered with Australia’s Maggie Clark to take the new ball. Clark was the spearhead for the Aussies, often striking with the new ball to set the tone. Her three for 20 against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was her tournament best, but she contributed to every contest, underlying her value to the team. The 12th player, and a worthy replacement if needed, is Pakistan spinner, Anosha Nasir. She brings delightful left-arm spin variation to the party, with deft control of flight and pace. ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Team of the Tournament: Shweta Sehrawat (India), Grace Scrivens (England, captain), Shafali Verma (India), Georgia Plimmer (New Zealand), Dewmi Vihanga (Sri Lanka), Shorna Akter (Bangladesh), Karabo Meso (South Africa), Parshavi Chopra (India), Hannah Baker (England), Ellie Anderson (England), Maggie Clark (Australia). 12th player, Anosha Nasir (Pakistan).

Sports Bulletin Report Potchefstroom (South Africa): India became the first-ever ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup winners on Sunday, after a comprehensive, seven-wicket victory over England in Potchefstroom. It was another clinical display with the ball that held the key to India’s march to victory, with Titas Sadhu setting the pace, with the spinners delivering another telling performance when it mattered. Supplementing the fine bowling was outstanding fielding. The dismissal of England’s captain, Grace Scrivens, epitomised the sheer determination in the Indian ranks. The left-hander hit Archana towards long-off, where Gongadi Trisha sprinted in, and then leapt forward to take a wonderful, tumbling catch. It was the key wicket, in many ways, and the celebrations from India confirmed as much. Scrivens would go on to scoop the Player of the Tournament award, but she would have given all of that up for a better English display with the bat. Shafali Verma won the toss and elected to bowl, and Sadhu struck yet again in the first over. She hurried one onto Liberty Heap, who could only loop her attempted pull straight up and back to a gleeful Sadhu. Titas Sadhu of India poses after being named Player of the Match following the ICC Women's U19 T20 World Cup 2023 Final match between India and England at JB Marks Oval on January 29, 2023 in Potchefstroom, South Africa. Her figures of two for 6 in four overs deservedly earned her the Player of the Match award with just the start that India craved. She was backed up well by Archana (two for 17) and the irrepressible Parshavi Chopra, who snared two for 13 to close out a terrific tournament offering. There were also wickets apiece for Mannat Kashyap, Verma and Sonam Yadav, as England tumbled to 22 for four and then eventually 68 all out in 17.1 overs. After a tournament of free scoring, only Ryana Macdonald-Gay (19 off 24 balls), Niamh Holland (10) and Sophia Smale (11) could reach double figures. England’s hopes for more heroics with the ball were raised when they removed Verma (15) and Shweta Sehrawat (5) inside the first four overs. Verma hit a four and a six as she tried to put the heat on England early, before she top-edged Hannah Baker to short fine-leg. Soumya Tiwari and Trisha were having none of it. Tiwari smacked three fours in her 24 not out from 37 balls, while Trisha got more and more fluent as the target came into sight. Her 29-ball stay was ended on 24, bowled by Alexa Stonehouse as she tried to finish it off in style. The end came soon after, and India could finally celebrate their fairytale finish in South Africa. They came, they saw, and they conquered the newest crown available in women’s cricket. Scores in brief: Toss: India, who elected to bowl. England 68 all out in 17.1 overs (Ryana Macdonald-Gay 19, Sophia Smale 11, Titas Sadhu two for 6, Parshavi Chopra two for 13, Archana two for 17) India 69 for three in 14 overs (Soumya Tiwari 24 not out, Gongadi Trisha 24, Shafali Verma 15, Alexa Stonehouse one for 8, Hannah Baker one for 13) India won by seven wickets, with 36 balls to spare.

Sports Bulletin Report POTCHEFSTROOM (South Africa): India and England will lock horns in a tantalizing final of the inaugural ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Potchefstroom on Sunday, to bring down the curtain on a thrilling first edition of the event in South Africa. After a groundbreaking month in the Rainbow Nation, which saw emerging nations take their place at cricket's newest top table, the event has delivered a fitting finale between two well-matched sides. They took contrasting paths in their respective semi-finals, but both will be fully aware that a significant slice of history now beckons for the team that can deliver one more telling performance on Sunday. India played perhaps, their most clinical cricket in dismantling New Zealand by eight wickets in the first semi-final, with wickets for Parshavi Chopra, fine fielding and yet more runs for the red-hot Shweta Sehrawat at the top of the order. Skipper, Shafali Verma, will ask for a repeat of that dosage in the final because that will certainly give India a sincere shot at glory. Standing in their way, however, is the only unbeaten team left in the competition. England had to draw on all their reserves of fortitude to outlast Australia in a cliffhanger of a second semi-final, eventually prevailing by three precious runs. Captain, Grace Scrivens, had the final say as she took the final Aussie wicket amidst unbearable tension. England’s batters had produced their tamest display of the tournament, but this is a well-drilled side across all disciplines. Only once in this World Cup have England conceded more than 100, and that was 103 against Pakistan. They are miserly and measured when they need to be, and there is plenty of variety to test India’s top-order. England will be fully aware that the powerful Richa Ghosh has been waiting to truly express herself in this competition, and she would love nothing more than to do that in the final. Both teams have quality spin to call upon, especially on a surface that has been taking more and more turn as the tournament has worn on. Hannah Baker was at it again in the semi, snapping up three scalps to heap the pressure on Australia. Chopra and Mannat Kashyap have been just as mesmeric for India, and the contest may well come down to which set of slow bowlers settles into their work best. It is an occasion crying out for an individual to put their stamp on proceedings and deliver their country the first-ever ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup trophy.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE: Ludhiana Gymkhana Cricket Club won the 20-K Cup 2023 T20 Cricket Tournament title after defeating Cricket Center Cricket Club by 47 runs in the final played here at the Model Town Greens Ground on Saturday. Ludhiana Gymkhana took a flying start as they stitched some good partnerships to pile up a decent total of 163 for 5 runs in the allotted 20 overs. Asim Ali Nasir was the hero of the match as he played a sensational knock of 54 runs off 35 balls that included a good number of boundaries and sixes.  The other key contributors from the winning team, who batted with authority and struck significant runs were Mohammad Waqas, hammered 48-ball 53 runs, and Fahad Munir, who slammed 27 runs. Mohammad Ali bowled well for Cricket Center Center and bagged two wickets for 32 runs while Usama Mir got one wicket. Cricket Center couldn’t chase the required target because of some irresponsible batting displays by their players, who also failed to create a big partnership that might save their sinking ship. The losing side could score just 116 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 20 overs.  Bilawal Iqbal was top scorer from Cricket Center as he scored 32 runs off 27 balls while Ali Zafar played 26 balls to gather only 18 runs. No other batters could add significant runs in their team’s total, which lost the final by 47 runs. Kashif Saddiuqe bowled well and clinched three wickets for 12 runs while Muhammad Junaid grabbed three wickets for 31 and Intasar Ali got one wicket. Asim Ali Nasir emerged as player of the final. Speaking on the occasion, Nabeel Ahmad said that the purpose of conducting this event, which was named after my father Col Fateh Sher Khan, was to provide the club cricketers a big platform to showcase their talent and earn big prize money. “This event has not only encouraged the talented youth to exhibit their prowess while playing against first class and international players but also motivated the club organizers to hold such huge club cricket events in professional manner with the aim of taking club cricket to new heights. “I will continue to support club cricket in Pakistan and besides holding this annual event, I will also try to provide some other big opportunities to them so that they may excel at higher level and earn good name and international laurels for Pakistan,” said Nabeel, who himself is a first class cricketer. Dawood Barry, President Managing Committee of Cooperative Model Town Society, along with Nabeel Ahmad, sponsor and patron of the 20-K Cup 2023, graced the prize distribution ceremony as chief guests and distributed prizes among the winners and top performers in the presence of galaxy of former Test cricketers Misbah ul Haq, Abdul Razzaq, Aizaz Cheema, Mohammad Ilyas as well as Mohammad Mushtaq, Shoaib Dar, Wahab Dar, Bilal Javaid, Kashif Butt, Farhan Nisar and others.