Sports Bulletin

SPORTS BULLETIN Karachi:-Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan form the best T20I opening pair and why that is the case was on display in front of a packed house at the National Stadium as the duo overhauled a mammoth 200-run target with three balls spare against England to hand Pakistan their second 10-wicket win in the format. They are the only pair to put seven 100-plus stands together and to make over 1,800 runs together. The hosts entered the contest at the back of a defeat in a one-sided affair on Tuesday and as England went 1-0 up in the seven-match series, Pakistan faced their third consecutive loss. With the pressure mounting on Babar’s side, Moeen Ali, the England captain, influenced by the dryness and cracks on the pitch elected to bat and his side dominated the first half of the match, making the journey to a daunting 199 for five. The need of the hour was batting brilliance and the 30,000 fans that turned out to back their side were not disappointed from the onset of the run chase as Rizwan – who struck his career’s 18th half-century – cut and flicked David Willey for two boundaries in the first over. Babar, who became only the second captain from a Test playing nation after India’s Rohit Sharma to score two centuries in the format – made his intentions clear in the third over pulling Sam Curran for a four at deep mid-wicket and lifting his slower-one down the ground for another boundary. Pakistan, from that point, primarily dealt in boundaries, with Rizwan’s signature pick-up off the pads going for six in the fifth over being the highlight, and won the powerplay by piling 59 runs. England had made 48 for two in their first six overs. Rizwan had reprieves on the way – the first in the powerplay when Alex Hales spilled a chance backpeddling at mid-off and the second at the start of the seventh over when Phil Salt failed to glove Adil Rashid’s ball with the batter down the wicket. He made England pay right away dispatching Adil for two fours on the bounce two balls later. Babar, at the start of his second over, dispatched Adil for a four through covers through a cracking shot. The two gathered singles every remaining ball. It was the constant strike rotation that formed the hallmark of their partnership in the middle overs and denied the England bowlers any opportunity to tie one of them up. Liam Dawson, one of the regular features in the HBL Pakistan Super League, replaced Richard Gleeson to add to the spin bowling stocks, and despite the bite on offer on occasions, Pakistan openers comfortably pushed the England spinners back. The tactical genius of the two meant Pakistan won the first 10 overs as well, finishing seven runs better than England. Rizwan reached the 50-run mark right after the drinks break. Soon the moment of the match was to follow as Babar and Rizwan took turns dispatching Moeen into the stands in an over that cost the tourists 21 runs and left the one of the biggest amphitheatres of the country buzzing. Babar, on the first ball, spanked Moeen over mid-wicket, then deposited him over wide long-on, before Rizwan smashed the England captain over backward square. The over lifted Pakistan’s run rate to 9.61, just 1.10 behind the required, and one over later when the two smashed Adil for a six each, the current run rate surpassed the required, and left Pakistan needing 49 off the last five. Babar, who had come into the series after a string of bad scores in the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup, completed his record second century in the 18th over when he tapped and ran to complete a single on his 62nd ball. They say the penultimate over is the most important in T20 cricket and Moeen, in his last ditch effort, handed the ball to previous match’s top-performer, Luke Wood, to tilt the 20 off 12 equation into England’s favour, but Babar and Rizwan stole 17 off it, making the nervy left-arm pacer bowl three wides. Babar drilled Curran through covers - with the equation now down to one off four - to complete one of the most fascinating run chases of all time. A run chase that seemed insurmountable had now turned into a cakewalk, something that is a testament to the class of these two. England had a field day with the bat as Moeen’s fascinating 55 not out from just 23 balls lifted them to 199 for five. The opening pair of Salt and Alex Hales provided a solid start to the visitors gathering 42 in five overs before the shrewd introduction of Shahnawaz Dahani bowled Hales and Dawid Malan on the first two balls of the sixth. Ben Duckett played an exceptional innings in the middle. He attacked Mohammad Nawaz’s left-arm orthodox with masterful sweeps (both traditional and reverse) and scoops, making 43 off 22 (seven fours) before he was cleaned up by Nawaz. Harry Brook looked in good touch as he attacked the pace bowlers, but missed Haris Rauf’s guileful cutter to be bowled in the 17th. Moeen then took on the charge and spanked Dahani for two fours in the 18th and deposited Hasnain, who gave only three runs in the first over, courtesy some disciplined and tight bowling, for consecutive sixes on the last two balls of the innings. Haris was the other bowler to finish with two wickets as Dahani. This win also made Babar Pakistan’s most successful T20I captain with 30 wins. Scores in brief: Pakistan beat England by 10 wickets England 199-5, 20 overs (Moeen Ali 55 not out, Ben Duckett 43, Harry Brook 31, Phil Salt 30, Alex Hales 26; Haris Rauf 2-30, Shahnawaz Dahani 2-37) Pakistan 203-0, 19.3 overs (Babar Azam 110 not out, Mohammad Rizwan 88 not out) Player of the match – Babar Azam (Pakistan)

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL Islamabad:-Pakistan is all set and well prepared to take revenge against India in the upcoming 3rd T20 Blinds’ Cricket World Cup, which will be taken place in the three cities of India from December 4 to 17 this year 2022, said Chairman Pakistan Blinds’ Cricket Council (PBCC), Syed Sultan Shah during an exclusive sitting with Editor www.sports-bulletin.com at his office. “Green Shirts had lost the finals against India in the previous two editions of the T20 World Cup, as our team was going through a new shape and in a building process. Now we have set the thing to overcome all the challenges in the third World Cup, which will be played at Bangalore, Delhi and Faridabad. Besides Pakistan, hosts India, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka will fight for the top honour in the World Cup, “he added. Sultan Shah, who is also president World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC), further said that Pakistan Greens and Pakistan Whites would play three T20 practice matches on September 24 and 25 at Mirpur cricket ground. “We will hold the training camps in two parts, as in the first phase the camp will be staged from October 23 to 31 at Bahawalpur and in the second at Lahore from November 20 to December 3, 2022, as our team will enter in India via Waga Border, “he said. Responding to a question, he revealed that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) enhanced the annual grant of PBCC from Rs.18 million to 22 million. “I met with Chairman PCB Ramiz Hasan Raja in April 2022 and he was very kind to us and assured us to provide maximum support to blind cricket in Pakistan. This financial help is for all national and international fixtures. PCB also awarded one million rupees to the winning team of the Dubai tri-nation tournament, “Sultan Shah indulged.  Head of the PBCC Syed Sultan Shah to another question said that Pakistan blind cricket team would also participate in the World Blinds Games, which would be held in England under the banner of International Blinds Sports Federation (IBSF) in August 2023, “We will also try to host 2025 T20 Blind Cricket World Cup and we have lot of international and national activities in upcoming couple of years. We have invitations for bilateral series but we are not in position to give green signals at this time, “he maintained. Regarding domestic cricket he said, “PBCC will organize two tournaments in Multan and Bahawalpur respectively in October and November this year 2022. Our major aim is to provide maximum opportunities to upcoming players at the local level. We are also inducting young blood in the national team, as the number of players is increasing in the country. Our selection committee pickups the boys on merit and performance, “he concluded.

BIPIN DANI Sri Lankan spin bowler Maheesh Theekshana has been promoted in the Sri Lankan Army to Sergeant on producing sparkling performance in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2022 at Dubai, United Arabs Emirates. The 22-year-old right-arm off-spinner has been promoted to the rank of Sergeant. This promotion has been given to him considering his recent performance in the Asia Cup and success in the red and white ball games. Theekshana was also financially benefited and a cheque of Rs. Five lacs was presented to him by Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage at his office on Tuesday. Known for his mystery spin bowling, Maheesh Theekshana was the first 21st century-born player from Sri Lanka, who made his debut against the visiting South Africa team at the R. Premadasa Stadium last year. His international debut earned him the wicket with the very first ball. Maheesh was brought up by his grand-mother Indra Padmini, who was visibly happy to learn the news of her grand-son's promotion. Maheesh did seek the blessing of his guardian on Wednesday morning. Maheesh is a Xerox of Ajantha Mendis, who now is in India playing matches. Maheesh was playing for Colts' Cricket Club but his life changing decision to move to Army was taken in consultation with mentor Chinthika Perera, whom Maheesh called him on Wednesday morning and thanked him.   Speaking exclusively, Perera said: "Maheesh is a well disciplined honest and humble cricketer. He got the right direction now. He is completing his dream and I am sure he will gain many more successes in cricket and life".

SPORTS BULLETIN Dubai (UAE):-The International Cricket Council (ICC) today confirmed that the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2023 will be played at The Oval in London with the 2025 edition to take place at Lord’s. ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said he was pleased to confirm two iconic venues for the next two cycles. ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said: “We are delighted to be hosting next year’s ICC World Test Championship Final at The Oval which has such a rich legacy and an amazing atmosphere, which is ideal for such an important fixture on the calendar. “Following that we will then take the 2025 Final to Lord’s which will provide a fitting backdrop to the ultimate Test.” “Last year’s final between New Zealand and India in Southampton was an engrossing encounter and I am sure fans the world over would be looking forward to the next WTC final at The Oval. On behalf of the ICC, I would like to thank the England and Wales Cricket Board, Surrey County Cricket Club and Marylebone Cricket Club for their support.” Steve Elworthy, CEO of Surrey County Cricket Club, said: “It’s a real honour that The Oval has been selected to host the final of the World Test Championship. To have the two best teams in the world playing here in south London will be a fantastic occasion. “Next year promises to be a superb summer of cricket at The Oval and this match will be a brilliant part of it.” Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Chief Executive and Secretary Guy Lavender said: “We are delighted that Lord’s will be hosting the ICC World Test Championship Final in 2025. It is fantastic news that the ICC has opted to host the next two finals in London, with both grounds providing fitting venues for the culmination of the championship.” The dates for both the 2023 and 2025 ICC World Test Championship Finals will be confirmed in due course. England had been identified as the hosts for the next two WTC Finals during the ICC Annual General Meeting in Birmingham in July.

SPORTS BULLETIN Karachi:-Alex Hales marked his return to international cricket with a bang, as he smashed 53 in 40 balls were vital for England’s victory against hosts Green Shirts by six-wicket in the first of the seven T20 Internationals’ tie at National Cricket Stadium Karachi. It was a dream return of sorts for Hales, who has not featured in England colours since 2019, as he anchored the run chase, scoring at a strike rate of 133, and helping his side roll over the 159-run target with four balls spare. After the early wicket of Phil Salt, who made run-a-ball 10, Hales added crucial runs with Dawid Malan (20 off 15) and Ben Duckett (21 off 17) with both partnerships worth 34, before Harry Brook’s whirlwind 25-ball 42 not out (seven fours) took the game away from the grasp of the hosts. Naseem Shah’s first over went for 14 runs with both the openers – Salt and Hales, hitting a boundary each. The introduction of Shahnawaz Dahani, following a tight second over from Mohammad Nawaz, provided Babar Azam’s side a breakthrough when Salt pulled the right-arm pacer’s short-pitched delivery into the hands of Haider Ali, stationed at deep square-leg. That was the only wicket Pakistan would bag in the powerplay as Malan and Hales launched a counterattack. Malan welcomed Usman Qadir with a six over his head – off a full toss – at the start of the seventh over, but a beautiful leg-break delivery bamboozled Malan the next ball, who edged it back to the bowler to cup it safely. Duckett’s adventurous approach did not reap him the rewards he and Moeen Ali, who captained England in the absence of an injured Jos Buttler, would have expected as he was trapped LBW trying to reverse sweep a ball. Hales fell in the 17th over when he top-edged Haris Rauf, but the match had been settled in England’s favour by then. Pakistan posted 158 - after Moeen elected to bowl - at the back of Mohammad Rizwan’s 68 in 46. Pakistan were off to a flying start as the pair of Rizwan and Babar lifted Pakistan to 51 by the close of powerplay and had them at 85 at 9.3 overs when the latter was bowled off a scorching googly from Adil Rashid. Pakistan lost their next three wickets for 11 runs as Haider, Rizwan and Shan Masood fell inside 11 balls. Debutant Luke Wood had a terrific start to his T20I career returning three for 24 from four overs. The collapse was further aggravated by the left-arm pacer with the scalps of Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz and Naseem Shah at death as the hosts could add only 71 in the last 10 overs. The two sides meet for the second T20I on Thursday at the same venue, where the third and fourth matches will also be played. The action moves to Lahore from 28 September as the Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan’ Home of Cricket, hosts the last three matches. Scores in brief: England beat Pakistan by six wickets Pakistan 158-7, 20 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 68, Babar Azam 31, Iftikhar Ahmed 28; Luke Wood 3-24, Adil Rashid 2-27) England 160-4, 19.2 overs (Alex Hales 53, Harry Brook 42 not out, Ben Duckett 21, Dawid Malan 20; Usman Qadir 2-36) Player of the match – Luke Wood (England)

Bipin Dani Sri Lanka's all national cricketers will undergo fitness tests on Wednesday, it is learnt. According to the sources in Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the list of national players to undergo these tests on Wednesday also includes the World Cup squad. "All these tests will be conducted at the R. Premadasa Stadium under the supervision of our experienced trainer Grant Luden", a top source in the SLC revealed to this Reporter. Incidentally, Luden will be a member of the support staff traveling to Australia with the World Cup players. He was also in the UAE for the recent Asia Cup. South Africa-born Luden, who has worked with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is well-experienced in handling the players' injuries and has been working with the SLC as a Physical Performance Manager. Pramodya Wickramsinghe, the head of the national selection panel will travel with the team as a tour selector. The 51-year-old former fast bowler recently travelled to the UAE to oversee the performance of the players. Apparently, his recent trip to the UAE was in his own capacity and he also didn't stay in the same hotel where the team was put up.  

SPORTS BULLETIN Multan:-Sohail Khan’s four-fer and Sharjeel Khan’s blistering 53 off 36 balls led Sindh to their maiden National T20 title after beating Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by eight wickets in the final of the Kingdom Valley National T20 Cup 2022-23 here at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Monday evening. This was Sindh’s first National T20 title since the inception of the new domestic structure in 2019 and they also took away the glittering National T20 trophy besides the PKR 5million winners’ prize. While, this was defending champions Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s first defeat in the final in the last three years. In pursuit of a 141-run target, Sindh opening pair Saim Ayub and Sharjeel Khan provided a flying start to their team as both batters stroked eight fours and six sixes between them. The pair scored at 11 runs an over in the powerplay and stitched a 70-run partnership for the first wicket. The left-handed Saim was the first one to depart with 36 off 24 balls and ended the tournament with 416 runs at a staggering strike rate of over 155. Sharjeel top-scored for his side and smoked four fours and as many sixes during the course of his innings. Omair Bin Yousuf (21 not out, 12b, one four, two sixes) and captain Saud Shakeel (18 not out, 16b, two fours) saw Sindh chased down the target with 32 balls to spare. Earlier, the decision to bat first from Khalid Usman backfired as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa wobbled at the top of the innings when they slumped to 44 for three in the powerplay. Sohail accounted for Sahibzada Farhan (four off two, one four) and Kamran Ghulam (16, 11b, four fours) in the first nine balls he bowled in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s batting. He went on to pick two more wickets (Mohmmad Sarwar Afridi 30 off 20, one four, two sixes) and Mohammad Abbas Afridi (one off two) to end with match figures of 4-0-18-4 and later adjudicated player of the final. Wicketkeeper-batter Rehan Afridi top-scored with a 41-ball 43, studded with four fours and one six. Mir Hamza and Asif Mehmood bagged two wickets apiece. That the Sindh were able to win the tournament goes to an all-round performance from the side which included performances from Saim – who was awarded player of the tournament, Sohail – who was awarded best bowler of the tournament with 21 scalps and Sarfaraz Ahmed – who was awarded with best wicket-keeper of the tournament with 13 dismissals to his name. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Sahibzada Farhan was awarded with best batter of the tournament with 429 runs. Scores in brief: Sindh beat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by eight wickets Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 140 all out, 19.5 overs (Rehan Afridi 43, Mohammad Sarwar Afridi 30; Sohail Khan 4-18, Mir Hamza 2-32, Asif Mehmood 2-35) Sindh 141-2, 14.4 overs (Sharjeel Khan 53, Saim Ayub 36) Awards: Player of the final: Sohail Khan (Sindh), PKR 50,000 Player of the tournament: Saim Ayub (416 runs), PKR 100,000 Best batter of the tournament: Sahibzada Farhan (429 runs), PKR 100,000 Best bowler of the tournament: Sohail Khan (21 wickets), PKR 100,000 Best wicketkeeper of the tournament: Sarfaraz Ahmed (13 dismissals), PKR 100,000

SPORTS BULLETIN Lahore: , 18 September 2022: Fast bowler Fatima Sana has been ruled out of the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup scheduled to take place in Sylhet, Bangladesh from October 1. Fatima twisted her ankle while featuring in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League. The PCB Medical panel after investigating the injury have advised her a four-week rest. Fatima, who featured for Barbados Royal in the CPL was also not part of the first phase of the preparation camp for the tournament held in Lahore from 30 August to 2 September. Her replacement will be announced in due course. Meanwhile, Pakistan squad and the reserves will assemble at Lahore Country Club, Muridke later today to undergo a 10-day camp starting tomorrow (Monday). The national side will fly out for Bangladesh on 28 September. Pakistan squad: Bismah Maroof (c), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali (wk), Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk) and Tuba Hasan Reserve players: Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Umme Hani and Waheeda Akhtar Player support personnel: Ayesha Ashhar (team manager), Saleem Jaffer (bowling coach), Mauhtashim Rashid (fielding coach), Muhammad Zubair Ahmad (analyst) and Rifat Gill (physiotherapist).

SPORTS BULLETIN Multan:-An unbeaten 42-run partnership off just 18 balls from Anwar Ali and Omair Bin Yousuf helped Sindh beat Central Punjab by five wickets in the second semi-final of Kingdom Valley National T20 2022-23 at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Sunday evening. The win also means Sindh – qualifying for the final of the National T20 for the first time since the inception of new domestic structure, will take on defending champions Khyber Pakhtunkhwa tomorrow at the same venue. Requiring 25 runs from two overs to win in pursuit of 180-run target, right-handed Anwar dispatched Ahmed Daniyal for three sixes and a four to collect 24 runs in the penultimate over. He returned undefeated on a 13-ball 32, studded with two fours and three sixes. Omair Bin Yousuf – who struck the winning six with four balls to spare scored an unbeaten 51 off 36, hitting four fours and one six. Central Punjab’s Usama Mir bagged two wickets for 30 runs – both wickets in the 11th over of the innings which included the prized scalp of Sindh’s opening batter Saim Ayub who looked dangerous before getting out scoring a 24-ball 46, smashing four sixes and three fours. Earlier, the decision to bat first from Qasim Akram paid dividends as Central Punjab’s opening batters went berserk from the start and scored 77 runs in the powerplay – the most runs in this edition. Wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Akhlaq was the first one to return to the pavilion in the seventh over not before scoring 28 off 15 balls, which included four towering sixes. The pair of Akhlaq and Mohammad Faizan knitted a 78-run partnership off 38 balls. Faizan didn’t stop there and continued to play big shots and brought up Central Punjab’s 100 in the 10th over – the fastest 100 of the ongoing tournament. Faizan top-scored for his side, scoring 52 off 31 balls and smoked six fours and three sixes at a staggering strike rate of 167.74. Qasim (25, 18b, three fours) and experienced Shoaib Malik (nine off 10, one four) failed to make an impact in Central Punjab’s batting and went in quick succession. That the Central Punjab were able to score 179 for eight in 20 overs was due to Irfan Khan Niazi’s unbeaten knock of 36 from 27 balls, which included two fours and as many sixes. Sindh’s Zahid Mehmood was the most successful bowler for his side with match figures of 4-0-20-4. Scores in brief: Sindh beat Central Punjab by five wickets Central Punjab 179-8, 20 overs (Mohammad Faizan 52, Irfan Khan Niazi 36 not out, Muhammad Akhlaq 28, Qasim Akram 25; Zahid Mehmood 4-20) Sindh 185-5, 19.2 overs (Omair Bin Yousuf 51 not out, Saim Ayub 46, Anwar Ali 32 not out; Usama Mir 2-30) Player of the match – Omair Bin Yousuf and Zahid Mehmood (Sindh)

SPORTS BULLETIN Kabul:-Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced its 15-member squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022, which will be played from 16th October to 13th November in Australia. From the 17 players who were part of the Afghanistan Squad for the recently concluded ACC Men's Asia Cup 2022, Samiullah Shinwari, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afsar Zazai, Karim Janat and Noor Ahmad have missed out whereas the middle-order batter Darwish Rasooli, the leg-spinning allrounder Qais Ahmad and the right-arm quick Salim Safi have made it to the 15-member cut. In addition, Afsar Zazai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Rahmat Shah and Gulbadin Naib have been added to the squad as reserves. Names of players: Mohammad Nabi (C), Najibullah Zadran (VC), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Azmatullah Omarzai, Darwish Rasooli, Farid Ahmad Malik, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Hazratullah Zazai, Ibrahim Zadran, Mujib ur Rahman, Naveen ul Haq, Qais Ahmad, Rashid Khan, Salim Safi Reserve players: Usman Ghani. Afsar Zazai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Rahmat Shah, Gulbadin Naib Chief selector Noor Malikzai said: “The Asia Cup was a very good opportunity for the team to buildup things nicely for the much-important global event in Australia. Fortunately, Darwish Rasooli has recovered from injury (broken finger) and we are happy to have him available for the WT20, he has demonstrated good glimpses of him in the previously held Shpageeza Cricket League 2022 and offers an additional batting option to our middle order. Since the Australian conditions offer further support for the fast bowlers, so we have added Salim Safi, the tall right-arm quick to add further impetus to our bowling department. Overall we have picked our best available players for the event and we are hopeful of them to do well and better represent the country in the mega event.” ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf said: "The selection committee has named a strong squad for the WT20. The combination looks good which includes players from every category. I am sure that they will do well in the event and will make the nation proud.” ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 Group A – Sri Lanka, Namibia and Two Qualifiers Group B – West Indies, Scotland and Two Qualifiers Group 1 – Afghanistan, Australia, England, New Zealand, Winner of Group A and Runners of Group B Group 2 – India, Pakistan, South Africa, Bangladesh, Winner of Group B and Runners of Group A Afghanistan matches’ Schedule: 22 October – Afghanistan v England, Perth 26 October – Afghanistan v New Zealand, Melbourne 28 October – Afghanistan v TBA, Melbourne 01 November – Afghanistan v TBA, Brisbane 04 November – Afghanistan v Australia, Adelaide 09-10 November – Semi-Finals 13 November – Final