Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report RAWALPINDI:-Sindh’s Sarfaraz Ahmed has been fined 30 per cent of match fee for a level 1 breach of the PCB’s Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel during his side’s Kingdom Valley National T20 Cup 2022-23 match against Balochistan at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Friday. Sarfaraz was charged for violating Article 2.3 that reads as, “Use of audible obscenity”. The incident took place in the first innings of the match when he was dismissed. Since Sarfaraz pleaded guilty to the charge and accepted the sanctions proposed by match referee Nadeem Arshad, there was no need of a formal hearing. The charge was imposed by on-field umpires Mohammad Asif and Imtiaz Iqbal, third umpire Rashid Riaz and fourth umpire Nasir Hussain. Balochistan defeated Sindh by five wickets.

Sports Bulletin Report LONDON (UK):-England Men's selection panel have named squads for the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia starting in October and the preceding seven-match tour of Pakistan, which gets underway later this month in Karachi. England Squad for T20 World Cup: Jos Buttler (Lancashire-Captain), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Sam Curran (Surrey), Chris Jordan (Surrey), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Phil Salt (Lancashire), Ben Stokes (Durham), Reece Topley (Surrey), David Willey (Yorkshire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), Mark Wood (Durham) Travelling Reserves Liam Dawson (Hampshire), Richard Gleeson (Lancashire), Tymal Mills (Sussex) England Squad for Pakistan Tour: Jos Buttler (Lancashire-Captain), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire-Vice Captain), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Jordan Cox (Kent), Sam Curran (Surrey), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Liam Dawson (Hampshire), Richard Gleeson (Lancashire), Tom Helm (Middlesex), Will Jacks (Surrey), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Phil Salt (Lancashire), Olly Stone (Warwickshire), Reece Topley (Surrey), David Willey (Yorkshire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), Luke Wood (Lancashire), Mark Wood (Durham) Seam bowlers Chris Woakes and Mark Wood have recovered from their respective injuries and have been named in both squads. Both players last played for England during the Test tour of the West Indies back in March. Two players named in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup squad, Chris Jordan (finger) and Liam Livingstone (ankle), will continue their rehab and will not tour Pakistan ahead of the World Cup but remain on track to be fit for the tournament in Australia. England captain Jos Buttler, recovering from a calf injury, will tour Pakistan, but he is expected to be available to play during the latter stages of the seven-match series. In Buttler's absence, Moeen Ali will captain the side. Five uncapped players have been announced for the first tour to Pakistan since 2005. Kent batter Jordan Cox is joined alongside Middlesex seamer Tom Helm, Surrey right-handed bat Will Jacks, Warwickshire quick Olly Stone and Lancashire seamer Luke Wood. The touring party will fly to Pakistan on 14 September. ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 – England's Group Fixtures: England v Afghanistan, Saturday 22 October 2022, Perth Stadium, Perth England v Qualifier (B2), Wednesday 26 October 2022, MCG, Melbourne England v Australia, Friday 28 October 2022, MCG, Melbourne England v New Zealand, Tuesday 1 November 2022, The Gabba, Brisbane England v Qualifier (A1), Saturday 5 November 2022, SCG, Sydney Semi-finals First semi-final, Wednesday 9 November 2022, SCG, Sydney Second semi-final, Thursday 10 November 2022, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide Final Final, Sunday 13 November 2022, MCG, Melbourne England Men's Pre-World Cup tour of Australia: 1st IT20: Australia v England, Sunday 9 October, Perth Stadium, Perth 2nd IT20: Australia v England, Wednesday 12 October, Manuka Oval, Canberra 3rd IT20: Australia v England Friday 14 October, Manuka Oval, Canberra England Men's IT20 Tour of Pakistan: 1st IT20: Pakistan v England, 20 September, National Stadium, Karachi 2nd IT20: Pakistan v England, 22 September, National Stadium, Karachi 3rd IT20: Pakistan v England, 23 September, National Stadium, Karachi 4th IT20: Pakistan v England, 25 September, National Stadium, Karachi 5th IT20: Pakistan v England, 28 September, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 6th IT20: Pakistan v England, 30 September, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 7th IT20: Pakistan v England, 2 October, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE):-Co-host of Asia T20 Cricket Cup, Sri Lanka qualified for the top-four stage of the tournament after beating Bangladesh by 2 wickets in their last Pool B match here at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday night. Bangladesh’s target of 184 runs was achieved by Sri Lanka in the last over. Kaushal Mendes scored 60 runs. In the match played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lankan captain Dasan Shanka won the toss and invited Bangladesh to bat first. Bangladesh scored 183 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in the scheduled 20 overs, Afif Hussain was prominent by scoring 39 runs. Apart from this, Mehdi Hasan scored 38 runs, Mahmudullah 27 runs and Shakib Al Hasan played 24 runs. In the closing stages of the match, Mossadegh Hussain Bangladesh scored 183 runs in the scheduled overs thanks to the lightning fast innings. Mussadegh Hussain remained unbeaten by scoring 24 runs off 9 balls. Hasaranga and Karunaratne took 2 wickets and 2 wickets for Sri Lanka.

BIPIN DANI The Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lankan team will top Group B in the ongoing Asia Cup. Despite of this the Afghanistan team having won two matches (against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh), whereas the host team has only (one) victory against Bangladesh on Thursday. Explaining the rules, the Technical Committee chairman Charith Senanayake, speaking exclusively, said, The higher ICC ranked team (from both groups) during the group stage will be deemed as the ‘Home’ team unless, SRI LANKA is playing, in that scenario SRI LANKA will be considered as the home team. This is applicable during the next phase of the tournament. "By this rule, even if the Indian team had lost the match against Pakistan, they would have headed the Group A". Sri Lanka will play against Afghanistan at Sharjah on Saturday (September 3) and against India on Tuesday (September 6) in Dubai. It may also be noted that the Asia Cup is being co-hosted by three parties, namely, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). The ECB became co-host due to the inability of Sri lanka to host the event. Sri Lanka, however, remains as the original host.  Ravin Wickramaratne (SLC) and Salman Hanif (ECB) are the co-directors of the tournament.

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE):-Babar Azam will lead Pakistan against Hong Kong in the last group match of ACC T20 Asia Cup 2022 on Friday in Sharjah. This will be the first match between the two teams in the shortest format. Pakistan's opening pair of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are currently placed at the first two spots in the ICC T20 Batters Rankings. Pakistan is confident of clinching a place in the Super 4 stage of the tournament by defeating Hong Kong, who were beaten by table-toppers India on Wednesday in Dubai. Pakistan lost a nail biter against India on Sunday as well. Fakhar Zaman said: "It was a tight game against India, the morale is high in the camp and all our players are confident of doing better in the upcoming game. "T20 is a short format which provides an equal opportunity for both teams to show-case their strengths. To aim for the Super 4 we have to ensure we minimise our errors and put up a good show. "Hong Kong has played good cricket in the qualifiers but we will try to stick to our plans. "The weather is hot here in UAE but we are trying to keep ourselves hydrated. We'll be playing against some competitive teams in Super 4 and for that we need to be in perfect shape. The match will be played at the historical Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

BIPIN DANI On Wednesday, Hong Kong team could not win the Asia Cup match against India but one of its India-born players did win the applause from the fans and spectators present. The top order Hong Kong batter Kinchit Shah made this Asia Cup match memorable for him and his family as he proposed to his girl-friend Sheena Oberroi after the match and once the proposal was accepted by his girl-friend, the news became viral on social media. "I am feeling ecstatic", Kinchit's father diamond merchant father Devang, speaking exclusively, said here.  Incidentally, the dad is already in the UAE. "Kinchit had to do this and I think he chose the perfect place and moment. And yes, of course Kinchit had informed me and I was a part of the plan. We as parents wish the best for the couple". Kinchit's mother, Jagruti is not here but in HK because of her pre-commitment but, according to dad, she was equally happy. "Sheena is an entertainment journalist and has interviewed big Bollywood celebrities and currently an anchor and producer for the shows. Both she and Kinchit met through a common college friend and have been dating for the last 3 1/2 years'', Kinchit's father added. "Both families have planned for the marriage at the end. It may be held in Mumbai but the couple will mostly live in Hong Kong. My wife can't wait more to bring a daughter-in-law to our house". Later, speaking exclusively, the girl-friend, Sheena Oberoi says, "it was a pleasant surprise when the proposal came. I have just come to the UAE at Kinchit's insistence and just to cheer for him. Had never imagined the proposal would reach in this way". Kinchit's parents moved to Hong-Kong and started his business there. Kinchit, who was born in Mumbai, the family migrated to Hong Kong. He has represented the HK teams at various age and club levels before reaching to this stage", Ravi Nagdev, the General Manager : Cricket Hong Kong, informs. 

Sports Bulletin Report RAWALPINDI:-Defending champions Pakhtunkhwa recorded their second win in as many matches with a two-run victory over Northern in a last-ball thriller at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are locked on four points with table toppers Sindh following today’s win, while Northern are positioned fifth, just above Central Punjab who are also yet to register a win. Earlier in the day, Southern Punjab recorded their first win of the Kingdom Valley National T20 Cup 2022-23 with a 21-run win over Balochistan. With one win each now, Balochistan and Southern Punjab are standing at third and fourth positions. Captain Khalid Usman bowls Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to win Northern needed 160 to win and their opener Hasan Nawaz (38 off 25) looked on course to hand them their first win, but Khalid Usman’s off-spin put a dent in their hopes as he accounted for Nasir Nawaz and Hasan in the fifth and ninth overs to reduce the batting side to 53 for three. What further hurt Northern was Khalid’s discipline – half of his 24 deliveries were dots as he finished with terrific figures of two for 16. Rohail Nazir (24 off 29) and Ali Imran (31 off 27) ignited hopes with a 48-run stand off 41 balls, but the partnership ended at the end of the 15th over with Rohail’s dismissal and five balls later Ali followed him to the pavilion. Aamir Jamal’s 29 not out off 15 lifted Northern’s scoring rate towards the backend of the innings and with 15 required off the last six, he brought his side closer to the win, but Mohammad Imran defended the target. Sahibzada Farhan was the star of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s innings with a 45-ball 53 (two fours and three sixes) and was duly supported by wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris (33 off 27) from the other end. The opening pair put 83 runs in the first 10 overs that set the tone for the last 10 overs. Mohammad Sarwar Afridi, in the middle order, made 24 off 20, while Khalid contributed 19 off 14. Usman Khan Shinwari and Salman Irshad returned three for 26 and three for 38. Sharoon, Ilyas blast Southern Punjab to comfortable win Southern Punjab looked down and out for the most part of their innings following their captain’s decision to bat as they were six down for only 80 in 14 overs before a blistering partnership between player of the match Sharoon Siraj and Mohammad Ilyas turned the game on its head as Southern Punjab set 157 for Balochistan. The two added 76 runs to the team’s total at a rate of more than two runs per ball. Sharoon scored 57 not out off 49 in which he struck six fours and two sixes. But it was Ilyas’ whirlwind 41 off 17 – in which he smashed four sixes and two fours – that lifted Southern Punjab to 156 for six. Yasir Shah, the Balochistan captain, was economical and made regular inroads, finishing with three for 17. His scalps were Sohaib Maqsood, Moinuddin and Muhammad Imran. Balochistan’s run chase was off to a flying start with Haseebullah (21 off 22) and Asad Shafiq (43 off 35) adding 57 in 8.2 overs. But, once Salman Ali Agha, the Southern Punjab captain, accounted for Haseebullah in the ninth over, the match started to slip from Balochistan’s grasp. Young left-arm wrist spinner Faisal Akram sent Asad back to the pavilion in the next over. Salman then accounted for Abdul Wahid Bangalzai and Shan Masood in the 13th over to reduce the batting side to 82 for four. With 30 off 25, Hussain Talat showed some resistance down the order, but pacer Sameen Gul ensured that Balochistan never got back in the game with his dismissals of hard-hitting Amad Butt and Hussain. Scores in brief: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa beat Northern by 2 runs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 159-8, 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 53, Mohammad Haris 33, Mohammad Sarwar Afridi 24; Usman Khan Shinwari 3-26, Salman Irshad 3-38) Northern 157-5, 20 overs (Hasan Nawaz 38, Ali Imran 31, Aamir Jamal 29 not out, Rohail Nazir 24; Khalid Usman 2-16) Player of the match – Khalid Usman (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) Southern Punjab beat Balochistan by 21 runs Southern Punjab 156-6, 20 overs (Sharoon Siraj 57 not out, Mohammad Ilyas 41 not out; Yasir Shah 3-17, Akif Javed 2-53) Balochistan 135-8, 20 overs (Asad Shafiq 43, Hussain Talat 30, Haseebullah 21; Salman Ali Agha 3-15, Sameen Gul 2-26) Player of the match – Sharoon Siraj (Southern Punjab) Friday’s fixtures Balochistan v Sindh starts at 0930 Central Punjab v Southern Punjab starts at 1345

BIPIN DANI The UAE's 19-year-old slow left-arm orthodox bowler Jash Giyanani has got a chance to bowl at the leading batters in nets here in Dubai. According to him, Sri Lanka's Bhanuka Rajapaksa was "more difficult" to bowl to. Speaking exclusively, he says, ``Rajapaksa was one batter who was difficult to bowl to because of his fast hands and him being left-handed. I had a conversation with Praveen Jaywickrama who is the left-arm spinner from this country". "I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to bowl to players I have grown up watching. I'm very grateful to be able to do so". In the Indian nets, he could not bowl to Virat Kohli but watched Kohli training. "His energy level is remarkable and special amongst the players that I did get to bowl to. Suryakumar Yadav was my favorite", he added. Jash Giyanani got the opportunity to bowl in the nets because he is an ICC Academy Scholar (Elite batch). In the match against Bangladesh, Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka's wife Chevanthi will also be present on Thursday. She is the only player's wife present on this tour. Chevanthi, however, is not staying in the team hotel but at her sister's place in Dubai, one can confirm.

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE):-India’s Hardik Pandya has leaped eight slots to a career-best fifth place for allrounders in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings following his heroics with bat and ball against Pakistan in their Asia Cup clash on Sunday. He took three wickets for 25 runs and scored an unbeaten 33 from just 17 deliveries to help his side to victory by five wickets with two balls to spare, racking up 167 rating points as he went. On the opposing side, Mohammad Rizwan’s 42-ball knock of 43 saw him join his captain, Babar Azam, in the top two of the batters’ rankings with 796 rating points. Azam is still at the helm with 810 rating points. In the other two matches of the tournament, Afghanistan’s explosive start has seen several of their players make significant gains in the batters and bowlers lists. Openers, Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Najibullah Zadran have climbed their way to 14th, 29th and 30th place respectively after their emphatic wins by eight and seven wickets against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Rashid Khan has moved two slots to number three in the bowlers' list with 708 rating points after taking three for 22 against Bangladesh, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman returns to the top 10 with a seven-slot leap to number nine on 660 points. In the United Kingdom, Ben Stokes advances three spaces to take second place for allrounders with 360 rating points in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings following their series-levelling, innings defeat over South Africa in the second Test match at Old Trafford. He climbs nine slots to reach 18th place with 668 rating points for batters and five slots to close at number 38 and 540 points in the bowlers' list. James Anderson is back in the top five after moving one spot from sixth place at 882 points after his combined six wickets for 62 runs in the match, while Stuart Broad slides one up to 13th at 713 rating points. Ollie Robinson goes up four places to 26th with 603 rating points to round them off. South Africa’s speedster, Anrich Nortje, was the most notable advancement in the bowlers' list from the opposition, rising three slots to 22nd with 628 rating points. Finally, in Townsville, Mitchell Starc took three for 24 in eight overs during Australia’s One-Day International (ODI) series opener against Zimbabwe, moving one slot in the bowlers' list to 15th place in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings. Glen Maxwell and Steve Smith have also moved one place each for their 18th and 19th positions in the batters list. Josh Hazlewood jumped three spaces to 25th in the all-rounders' list with 187 rating points. Zimbabwe’s Richard Ngarava and Victor Nyauchi advance 14 and nine spots to reach 106 and 183rd place in the bowlers' list, while the home side’s Cameron Green surged 82 slots for his position at 182 after taking his maiden ODI five-wicket haul in the match. 

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE):-Both India and Pakistan have been fined 40 percent of their match fees for maintaining a slow over-rate in their Group A match of the Asia Cup on Sunday, 28 August. Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanctions after Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam’s sides were ruled to be two overs short of their respective targets after time allowances were taken into consideration. In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined 20 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time. Both captains pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing. On-field umpires Masudur Rahman and Ruchira Pilliyaguruge, third umpire Raveendra Wimalasiri and fourth umpire Gazi Sohel levelled the charges.