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Kirsten to join Pakistan team ahead of England series
LAHORE (PR): Gary Kirsten will join the national men’s side in Leeds on 19 May to commence his two-year tenure as the white-ball head coach, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced today.Kirsten’s arrival will be three days prior to the start of the four-match T20I series against England at Headingley on Wednesday, 22 May. The series will be followed by the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the United States and Caribbean, with Pakistan taking on the hosts in its opener in Dallas on 6 June.The 56-year-old South African was confirmed as the white-ball head coach along with Jason Gillespie as red-ball head coach last month. The Australian will arrive in Pakistan in July for August’s ICC World Test Championship fixtures against Bangladesh to start his journey.Apart from next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and other bilateral white-ball series, Kirsten will be the head coach for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, and the ACC T20 Asia Cup 2025.Gary Kirsten said: “I’m truly excited to embark on this new journey with the Pakistan men’s cricket team. It’s an honor to coach such a talented and dynamic team, and I’m eager to contribute to their success on the international stage.“These are indeed thrilling times for Pakistan cricket, with a new administration and players who are driven to deliver solid results. The upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 presents a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our skills and uphold Pakistan's legacy as a formidable force in cricket.“However, success will require collective effort, meticulous planning and unwavering support for one another. With 19 other teams vying for the title, we must consistently outperform our rivals to realise our aspirations.“On a personal level, I’ve missed the experience of coaching at the international level and nurturing talented players to reach their full potential. I’m committed to working closely with the team to elevate their game and bring joy to fans around the world.”Meanwhile, the PCB, on the recommendation of the team management, has added Simon Helmot (fielding coach) and David Reid (mental performance coach) to the player support personnel for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.Reid will join the side on 20 May, while Helmot will team up with the national side on 31 May. Aftab Khan, who is presently serving the side as the fielding coach, will assume responsibilities of High Performance Coach following the arrival of Helmot.
CRICKET - Physically Handicap 14 May, 2024
Bahawalpur and Peshawar clinch victories against Islamabad and Lahore on opening daySports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Bahawalpur and Peshawar clinched victories against Islamabad and Lahore respectively, on the first day of the second phase of the Shahid Afridi Foundation (SAF) Disability T20 Cricket Championship that started in Karcahi on Tuesday.In the first match at the Race Course Park Ground Lahore, Bahawalpur defeated Islamabad by seven wickets. Islamabad scored 138 for 9 runs in 20 overs per innings fixture. Adil Mehmood made 32 runs off 16 balls with the help of four fours and two sixes, Usman Paracha scored 25 runs with the help of four fours and Salman Ahmed contributed 19 runs with the help of three fours. Mohammad Nauman scored 18 runs and Shah Bahram scored 13 runs. Mohammad Shahzad, Waseem Mirza and Abdul Khaliq took two wickets each while Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Nauman took one wicket each.In reply, Bhawalpur achived the target for three wickets. Mohammed Noman scored 56 with the help of two sixes and Mohammad Shahzad scored 41 unbeaten with the help of three fours off 28 balls. Abid Hussain and Mohammad Asif scored 14 runs each. Zubair Khan took two wickets. Mohammad Nauman of Bahawalpur was declared the player of the match, award was given by Region Head Islamabad Mohammad Tahir. Region Head Multan Bahawalpur Jameel Kamran was also present.In the second match, Peshawar defeated Lahore by 34 runs. Peshawar played first and scored 206 runs for four wickets. Rahmatullah scored 100 runs from 60 balls with the help of 6 fours and 6 sixes. Wajid Aslam scored 62 runs from 38 balls with the help of four fours and three sixes. Usama Ali took two wickets while Usman and Abdullah Ijaz one wicket each. In response, the Lahore could score 172 for 5 runs in allotted 20 overs. Yasir Ajmal was top score with 78 runs with the help of 14 fours and one six on 49 balls while Shahid Ali Vatto scored 53 runs on 36 balls with the help of five fours and Safdar scored 15 runs.Nahar Alam, Moomin Khan, Osama Khan, Wasim Shah and Ehtesham Khan took one wicket each. Mohammad Nizam gave Peshawar's Rahmatullah the player of the match award for scoring a brilliant century.Wednesday’s Fixtures:Bahawalpur will face Lahore at 9:30 amIslamabad will face Peshawar at 2 pm.
VOLLEYBALL - Int News 13 May, 2024
Hosts Pakistani spikers outclass Turkmenistan 3-1 in a well-contest 4 games matchAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistan posted third back-to-back victories in the Central Asian Volleyball League (CAVL) after thrashing Turkmenistan 3-1 in a four-game thriller at Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad on Monday. Pakistani spikers have defeated Afghanistan and Sri Lanka in their first two fixtures at the same venue.On Monday, in the last match, Pakistani players toiled hard on the court to overcome heavyweights in a nail and bite all four games. Green Shirts did well and exhibited top-class games to get the upper hand in the match by earning a 1-0 lead after finishing the game at 25-23, as at one stage the game was leveled 19-19 and 20-20. Visitor team Turkmenistan bounced back in the match after claiming the second game after conceding 21 points.There was tough competition in the next two games, as the spikers of both teams were not ready to bow out from the court. Finally, Pakistan overcame their opponents in 3rd and 4th games on tie-beak, as the final score-line was 25-23, 21-25,26-24, and 27-25. Pakistan will take on Kazakstan in their next match on Wednesday (May 15, 2024) at the same venue.Results (Day-III):Sir Lanka beat Afghanistan (3-0) 25-19, 25-20, 25-14Kyrgyzstan beat Iran (3-0) 27-25, 25-23, 25-19Pakistan beat Turkmenistan (3-1) 25-23, 21-25,26-24, 27-25Names of Pakistan Squad: Mohammad Hamid, Waleed Khan, Usman Faryad Ali, Aimal Khan, Fakhar-ud-Din, Murad Khan, Mohammad Kashif Naveed, Abdul Zaheer, Murad Jehan, Afaq Khan, Musawer Khan, Nasir Ali, Ali Haider, Mohammad Yasin.
President's Cup Grade-I: SNGPL outplay HEC by 8 wickets in final
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has won the title of the President's Cup Grade-I 2023-24 after beating Higher Education Commission (HEC) by eight wickets in the final at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Sunday.Haseebullah compiled his eighth List A century to drive SNGPL’s flawless chase of the 190-run target. The left-handed opening batter hit an undefeated 101 off 79 deliveries featuring 13 boundaries and three maximums as his side scaled the target inside 26.3 overs.Abdullah Shafique (36, 46b, 3x4s, 1x6) and Omair Bin Yousuf (26, 19b, 3x4s, 1x6) were the only SNGPL batters to be dismissed while Saud Shakeel (20 not out, 15b, 2x4s, 1x6) accompanied Haseebullah till the end of the game. Mohammad Junaid and Aqib Liaqat claimed a wicket each, giving away 39 and 44 runs respectively.Earlier, HEC stumbled and failed to post an imposing total owing to regular blows. Six batters were sent back to the hut before HEC crossed the 100-run mark, following which they were reduced to 129-7 in 31.5 overs.The lower-order showed some resistance with Mohammad Ghazi Ghori top-scoring with 30 off 49 balls while Shahid Aziz (25, 20b, 1x4, 2x6s), and Waseem Akram (20, 27b, 2x4s) also chipped in with small contributions.Bilawal Bhatti was SNGPL’s most prolific bowler with figures of 3-37, and the trio of Mohammad Ali, Shahnawaz Dahani and Yasir Shah took two wickets each to skittle HEC for 189 in 45.4 overs.Scores in brief:HEC 189 all out, 45.4 overs (Mohammad Ghazi Ghori 30, Shahid Aziz 25, Mohammad Junaid 25; Bilawal Bhatti 3-37, Mohammad Ali 2-34, Shahnawaz Dahani 2-38, Yasir Shah 2-38)SNGPL 194-2, 26.3 overs (Haseebullah 101 not out, Abdullah Shafique 36)Player of the final – Haseebullah (SNGPL)Player of the tournament – Abdullah Shafique (SNGPL), 344 runs and 11 catchesBest Batter of the tournament – Hussain Talat (Ghani Glass), 364 runsBest bowler of the tournament – Shahnawaz Dahani (SNGPL), 19 wicketsBest Wicketkeeper of the tournament – Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (HEC), 10 dismissals
SPORTS NEWS - Int News 13 May, 2024
ISLAMABAD (Sports Desk): There is a name that is both feared and adored in the world of Coastal Championship Wrestling. With his fierce smile and crazy eyes, Skitz the self-described King Freak has become the face of mayhem within the ropes. Even the most resolute opponents are shaken by his mere presence, and those who ventured to listen are left with a clamor of craziness echoing in their heads. Rumors about Skitz's struggles spread along with his renown. One of the last strongholds of wrestling history, the NWA, was targeted by this chaotic force. Skitz's commercial was a declaration of psychological warfare as much as a call to arms, a terrifying display of passion and lunacy, as reported by the sports casters. The performance left spectators wondering about the very nature of what they saw, as it dissolved the boundaries between fact and fantasy within the rings of the wrestling world.As Skitz skillfully combined elements of intrigue and terror, the wrestling community stood in awe. It was clear from his speech that he represented more than simply another wrestler; he stood as the herald of a new age. Skitz's influence on CCW and the NWA cannot be disputed, regardless of one's perspective on him as an expert in the macabre or a freak of nature. The combination of eerie, dramatic, and psychotic components in his promos has made them must-watch videos, leaving both opponents and fans excited to see what he will do next.The wrestling world waits to see what will happen next as Skitz's fame rises. Is the NWA going to react to his menacing advances? Is there any figure with the same depth of psychology as him? One thing is certain Skitz the freak has altered the game, and everyone is waiting anxiously to see how it will pan out. Only time will tell. Skitz is still a mystery at this point, a ghost who haunts the dreams of both spectators and wrestlers.
Pakistan outclass Ireland by seven wickets in second T20I
Sports Bulletin Report Dublin (Ireland): Pakistan surprised hosts Ireland after thrashing them by 7 wickets in the second T20 match of the series, thanks to Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan, who hit swashbuckling half-centuries to guide Pakistan to a convincing seven-wicket victory to square the Series 1-1 here on Sunday.The experienced duo rescued Pakistan from a shaky start of 13 for two in 1.4 overs in pursuit of 194 runs target by producing a highly entertaining partnership of 140 runs for the third wicket in just 78 balls, propelling the visitors to victory with 19 balls to spare.Fakhar and Rizwan hit 12 fours and 10 sixes between them, forcing the Ireland fielders into a leather chase and spectators to take cover.Fakhar hammered six fours and six sixes in a 40-ball 78, marking his 11th half-century in 85 matches, while player of the match Rizwan smashed six fours and four sixes in a 46-ball 75 not out, recording his 27th half-century in 95 matches.After Fakhar departed at the score of 153 for three in 14.3 overs, Azam Khan joined the onslaught, scoring an unbeaten 30 runs off 10 balls, including one four and four sixes. Azam’s entrance came with Pakistan needing 41 runs for victory in 33 balls.Fakhar and Rizwan accelerated their scoring rate after Pakistan reached 87 for two in 10 overs. The duo collected 14 runs in the 11th over, 13 runs in the 12th over, 21 runs in the 13th over, and 18 runs in the 15th over, which also saw the dismissal of the left-handed Fakhar.The young Ireland bowlers had a forgettable day with Graham Hume, Ben White, and Mark Adair each picking up a wicket but at high economy rates of 10.66, 9.75 and 11.21, respectively. Craig Young was the most expensive bowler, conceding 45 runs in his three overs.Earlier, Ireland posted their highest total of 193 for seven against Pakistan with a flurry of runs coming in the last six overs, including 21 runs in the 15th over, 12 runs in the 19th over, and 17 runs in the 20th over.Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, and Gareth Delany led a late charge, lifting Ireland from 110 for three in 13 overs. Earlier contributions from Andy Balbirnie, Lorcan Tucker, and Harry Tector provided a solid foundation with 55 for two in the PowerPlay overs.Tucker top-scored with 51 off 34 balls, including five fours and two sixes, while Tector contributed a brisk 32 off 28 balls. Balbirnie’s brief stay yielded 16 runs off 14 balls.The most significant partnership of the innings was between Tucker and Tector, who added 62 runs for the third wicket. Tucker and Campher further added 41 runs for the fourth wicket, while the unbeaten eighth-wicket stand between Delany and Graham Hume added 28 runs from just nine balls.For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi stood out with figures of 3 for 49 in his four overs, including crucial breakthroughs in the death overs. Mohammad Abbas Afridi claimed two wickets for 33 runs, while Naseem Shah and Mohammad Amir chipped in with a wicket each.Scores in brief:Ireland 193-7, 20 overs (Lorcan Tucker 51, Harry Tector 32, Gareth Delany 28 not out, Curtis Campher 22; Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-49, Mohammad Abbas Afridi 2-33)Pakistan 195-3, 16.5 overs (Fakhar Zaman 78, Mohammad Rizwan 75 not out, Azam Khan 30 not out)Player of the match – Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)
Women’s T20i: England beat Pakistan by 53 runs in first match
Sports Bulletin ReportBirmingham (UK): England Women thrashed Pakistan Women by 53 runs on the back of a solid bowling performance in the first T20I at Edgbaston on Saturday.Pakistan’s pursuit of the 164-run target was jolted by the wicket of Sidra Amin in the third over after her opening partner, Gull Feroza, had set the tone with two boundaries in the first over. Sadaf Shamas joined Feroza in the middle and took the fourth over by storm, cracking five boundaries off Danielle Gibson’s bowling.Pakistan finished the powerplay with 57-2 on the board before the English bowlers struck at regular intervals. Apart from Sadaf’s 24-ball 35 comprising seven boundaries, there wasn’t much resistance as Pakistan lost the last eight wickets for a mere 44 runs.Leg-spinner Sarah Glenn was at her destructive best dismissing four batters for just 12 runs in her four overs. Lauren Bell picked up three wickets. Charlie Dean and Sophie Ecclestone struck once each.After opting to bowl first, Pakistan had England under pressure as Waheeda Akhtar and Sadia Iqbal dismissed the English opening batters cheaply. Waheeda returned in the third over to add to England’s woes by getting rid of Alice Capsey followed by the run-out of Freya Kemp leaving them reeling at 11-4.Skipper Heather Knight (49, 44b, 6x4s) and Amy Jones (37, 27b, 6x4s) did the rescue work for their team by stitching a fluent 67-run fifth-wicket partnership. Following Jones’ departure, Gibson’s timely onslaught put Pakistan bowlers on the backfoot as she ransacked eight boundaries in her unbeaten 21-ball 41.The seventh-wicket unbeaten stand of 44 between Gibson and Ecclestone (19 not out, 11b, 3x4s) helped propel England’s score to 163-6 in 20 overs. Waheeda and Sadia picked up two wickets apiece.
Tape Ball Premier League to start on Monday in Karachi
Karachi (Sports Reporter): Pakistan Tape ball Premier League will start on Monday (May 12, 2024) at Moin Khan Stadium Defense Karachi.According to event director Khurram Majeed, ten teams from all over the country will participate in the tournament. Well-known social personality Ali Shekhani will be the chief guest of the opening ceremony. The winning team will be entitled to five million rupees and a trophy. The runner-up team will get two million rupees. Taimur Mirza, Khurram Chakwal, Asad Shah, Zaheer Kalia, Qadir Kashmiri, Fahad Mian Chanun Chhota Vicki, and Osama Ali will play in the league as icon players.
CNS Squash Championship concludes: Mohammad Zakaria wins title
Mohammad Zakaria from Egypt overcomes local player Nasir Iqbal 3-1 in the finalSports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Mohammad Zakaria from Egypt overcame local squash player Nasir Iqbal 3-1 in the final of the 16th Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) International Squash Championship 2024 that concluded at the Pakistan Navy (PN) Roshan Khan Jahangir Khan Squash Complex, Karachi on Sunday. The final score-line was 11-13, 11-4, 11-5, and 11-7, as the match lasted 51 minutes.In the final, which was played between Mohamad Zakaria from Egypt and Nasir Iqbal from Pakistan. After a tough and thrilling contest, Mohamad Zakaria won the match 3-1 and became the title holder of the 16th edition of the CNS International Squash Championship 2024.Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf graced the occasion as chief guest to disburse the awards among the players. Mohammad Zakaria recived US$ 3068.5 along with a gillitering trophy while Nasir Iqbal pocketes US$ 1938. He also got runner-up trophy.While addressing the ceremony, CNS Admiral Naveed Ashraf said: “Pakistan Navy is organizing CNS Open Squash since year 2000 on regular basis. This is indicative of Pakistan Navy's commitment to promote the game of squash in the country. Pakistan Navy has been providing the necessary facilities and organizing sports events of National and International standing to bring our talented youth forward and inculcate the spirit of sportsmanship in them.”Results (Finals):Women’s: Mehwish Ali beat Rushna Mehboob 13-11, 4-11, 11-7, 11-8 (35 min)Boys’ U15: Abdul Ahad (Navy) beat Kamran Khan (PB) 11-5 11-7, 11-9 (27 min)Boys’ U13: Huzaifa Shahid (N) beat Fawad Khan (BOK) 11-2, 11-1, 11-4 (17 min)Girls’ U15: Mahnoor Ali (KP) beat Damia Khan (Sindh) 11-7, 11-2, 11-3 (19 min).
CNS Squash: Nasir Iqbal and Mohamad Zakaria qualify for a final
Mehwish Ali, Abdul Ahad, Huzaifa Shahid, and Mahnoor Ali win juniors’ titlesSports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Pakistan’s top national squash player, Nasir Iqbal, and Egyptian lad Mohamad Zakaria have qualified for the final of the 16th CNS International Squash Championship 2024 after beating duo of local guys Tayyab Aslam, and Mohammad Asim Khan respectively in straight games 3-0 in the semifinals here at Pakistan Navy Roshan Khan Jahangir Khan Squash Complex, Fleet Club Saddar on Saturday. The final will be played on Sunday at the same venue.Wild Card entry holder, Nasir Iqbal trounced high-ranked Mohammad Asiam Khan comfortably to reach the final. The score-line was 11-6, 11-8, and 11-9, as the match lasted 44 minutes. Nasir, who was recovering from his injury in the recent past, exhibited top-class squash in the vital contest of the tournament. He hit powerful forehands and backhand strokes during the second semifinal of the CNS International Squash Championship. He also played some classic drop shorts and nicks.Results (Semifinals):Mohamad Zakaria (EGY) beat Tayyab Aslam (PAK) 14-12, 13-11, 11-5 (35m) Nasir Iqbal (PAK) beat Mohammad Asim Khan (PAK)11-6, 11-8, 11-9 (44 min)Results (Finals):Women’s: Mehwish Ali beat Rushna Mehboob 13-11, 4-11, 11-7, 11-8 (35 min)Boys’ U15: Abdul Ahad (Navy) beat Kamran Khan (PB) 11-5 11-7, 11-9 (27 min)Boys’ U13: Huzaifa Shahid (N) beat Fawad Khan (BOK) 11-2, 11-1, 11-4 (17 min)Girls’ U15: Mahnoor Ali (KP) beat Damia Khan (Sindh) 11-7, 11-2, 11-3 (19 min).
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