Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD:-Pakistan WAPDA clinched double titles of the 21st National Netball Championship after winning both Men’s and Women’s finals at Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad on Thursday. In Men’s final WAPDA snatched the victory from Pakistan Army with the difference of solitary point 24-23 while Women’s fixture WAPDA females defeated Higher Education Commission (HEC) 22-11. Director General, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), Col (Retd) Asif Zaman graced the prize distribution as a chief guest and distributed the trophies, medals and certificates among the players. When he entered the Laiquat Gymnasium the referee pushed the button of the buzzer of the final round. Zaman did not see a glimpse of the final match that showed the interest of Asif Zaman, who is the head of Pakistan’s top sports organization Pakistan Sports Board (PSB). The men’s final was a nail and bite contest and players of both teams exhibited top quality game. Army were leading in the first three quarters respectively 6-4, 15-14 and 21-20 but WAPDA players snatched the victory from them in the last quarter, as they cleverly defended the last attempt of Army men in the last minutes. The final score was 24-23. Army players were not satisfied with the various decisions of umpires. Yasir Javad and Anwar Ahmed supervised the men’s final. President, Pakistan Netball Federation (PNF), Mudassar Arian, Secretary Syed Gohar Raza, Director General, Wapda Sports Board, Mohammad Musharaf, Mehar Sajid (Navy) and other officials of PNF and PSB were present in the prize distribution ceremony. Army players refused to attend the closing ceremony, however, on the request of an official they joined the ceremony and collected their medals and runner-up trophy from the hands of the chief guest.   Results: In the men's final: Pakistan Wapda beat Pakistan Army 24-23 In third position match: Pakistan Navy beat HEC by 30-22 In the women's final: Pakistan Wapda defeated HEC 22-11 In the 3rd position match: Pakistan Army beat Sind 15-18 Results (Under-17 Inter Schools and Colleges Event): In the final match: City PAF Chapter, Karachi beat Danish School, Rajanpur 16-20 In the 3rd position match: Danish School, Mianwali  beat Habib girls School 8-5.

Bipin Dani Former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya paid rich tributes to Shane Warne, whose memorial service took place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Australia on Wednesday. Speaking exclusively over the telephone from Colombo, the 52-year-old ex-all rounder Jayasuriya said, "as Sri Lankans we will never forget his role during the Tsunami. He was among the first to show up and help rebuild lives". "Shane Warne was ahead of his time. He inspired a new generation of cricketers and took the world by storm. On the field he was ruthless and competitive. Off the field he was one of the nicest people I had the honor of knowing". "The world of cricket will truly miss this genius especially at a time his knowledge is most needed for the game". "A Champion cricketer and a Gem of a person, may his soul be at peace", he concluded.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Top seed Mohammad Asim Khan has won the title of DHA Islamabad International Squash Championship after overcoming Noor Zaman 3-2 in the final at Jacaranda Family Club (JFC) Islamabad on Wednesday. The final score-line was 10-12, 11-5, 11-7, 7-11 and 11-6, as the championship match wasted 43 minutes. World No. 58 and top seed Mohammad Asim Khan had to struggle hard in the court to win the final, as his opponent Noor Zaman was also in farm. Noor Zaman, who defeated high ranked player in the semifinal and was full confidence to claim another upset victory. Both local players displayed top quality squash in the first game that went up neck-t-neck and Zaman finished at tie-break 12-10. Mohammad Asim won the second game at 11-5 and leveled the match score 1-1. He maintained the same pace in the third game by showing some quick work in the court and won at 11-7. Noor Zaman bounced back in the match after thrashing Asim 11-7 in the second last game of the match. However, in the fifth and final game, Mohammad Asim got rid of Noor Zaman 11-6 to become the champion. At the end in the closing ceremony, chief guest, former World Champion and squash icon Jehangir Khan distributed the trophies and cash prizes among the players and appreciated the game of young lads. Before this, tournament secretary Inam-ullah Khan presented the report of the DHA International Squash Championship 2022.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-The Talat Rafique Punjab Junior Tennis Championship 2022 started at the Punjab Tennis Academy, Bagh-e-Jinnah on Wednesday under the banner of Punjab Lawn Tennis Association (PLTA).  PLTA Secretary Rashid Malik (Tamgha-e-Imtiaz), who is also a tournament organizer, inaugurated the event at the colourful opening ceremony, which was also attended by players, their families and tennis lovers. Results: Boys’ Under-16: Abdur Rehman (AAA Associates) beat Hanzala Anwar 8-0 and Arman Kamran beat Eesa Bilal 8-0 Boys’ Under-14: Eesa Bilal beat Inam Bari 8-3, Aalay Husain beat Hassan Ali 8-0 and Nade e Ali beat Hussain Ali 8-1 Under12 Boys/Girls: Fajjar Fayyaz beat Ahmad Khuda Bakhsh 8-4.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Uruguay and Austria hoped that they would perform well on debut in the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup Hockey Tournament, which will be started from April 1, 2022 at Potchefstroom, South Africa. It was inconceivable that the title holders might not qualify and defend their title but this was nearly the case with Argentina. The young Lionesses finished behind Canada, USA and Uruguay at the Junior Pan Am Championship and so failed to qualify for the Junior World Cup. The withdrawal of a number of teams opened up a space and there is little doubt that the Argentinians will be seeking to defend their title. Las Leoncitas has a good record in the event. As well as their 2016 title, they also won gold in 1993, silver in 2001, 2009 and 2013 and bronze in 1997. Korea is another team with a good record at this event, winning in 2001 and 2005. Captain Seona Kim said her team had been working incredibly hard to prepare for this event and would be ‘making things very difficult’ for their opponents. After failing to qualify for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, Korea women’s hockey has been rebuilding, and were impressive when they won the silver medal behind Japan at the Asia Cup in January of this year. The junior team will be looking to prove that the future of hockey is bright in Korea. Like Ireland, this is a first appearance for Uruguay and the South American team will be keen to strut their style. Uruguay are one of the fastest developing hockey nations, with the recent opening of a new national base, complete with new turf, a real boon for hockey in the country. At the Pan Am Championships, Uruguay showed they could defend with real strength and they will have been focused in on developing their goal scoring abilities since that event in January. Talking ahead of the competition, Agustina Martinez of Uruguay said: ‘It is the first time we are going to a World Cup. We qualified in August, which was historic, so for us this was very emotional. It was like a dream that came true. I think that we didn’t even dare to think about it but once we made it, it was very moving, also because we could live this moment with our families and see the emotions this provoked among people in Uruguay.’ The most recent addition to the roster of teams lining up in Potchefstroom is Austria. The European team were invited to participate after the exclusion of Russia by FIH. This will be Austria’s first appearance at a Junior World Cup and the squad has a baptism of fire as they face Argentina on the opening day. “I really think that we don’t have any big expectations because we don’t know how our opponents are going to be, especially Korea, since I think none of us has ever played against this team. We all know that Argentina in our group is going to be a big opponent and that it will be very tough, but we’re just going to give 150% and we will be happy with our game”, says Austrian player Fiona Felber. The first Pool C matches take place on the opening day of competition. Korea will face Uruguay, while Argentina will play Austria.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Australia earned their place in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 final with a comprehensive 157-run victory over the West Indies in a rain-reduced game. Meg Lanning’s side were at their destructive best with the bat, Alyssa Healy making 129 as she and Rachael Haynes put on 216 for the first wicket, to set up a mammoth total of 305 for three from 45 overs. The West Indies never looked like getting close in their chase, captain Stafanie Taylor was her side’s top-scorer with 48 as the West Indies could only manage a total of 148. Play got underway one hour and 45 minutes late as thick mist and drizzle started to give way to sunshine with the match reduced to 45 overs. Having been put in to bat, Australia were undeterred by the West Indies’ fast bowlers running in on a green wicket in gloomy Wellington as they made 37 from the nine-over powerplay. Healy took her time getting going, she made just 10 from 25 balls through the first ten overs but then picked up the pace to bring up her fifty from 63 balls. Her second fifty would come off just 28 balls as she achieved a maiden World Cup hundred as she and Haynes earned their 200-partnership within 32 overs. Healy eventually departed for 129 from 107 balls, including 17 fours and one six, as the West Indies held on to their first catch of the day, substitute Shakera Selman, on for the injured Anisa Mohammed, diving in. A mini fightback ensued as Chinelle Henry took two wickets in an over, Haynes going first for 85 from 100 balls before Ashleigh Gardner’s promotion from seventh to third ended after 12 runs as the West Indies dragged Australia back to 235 for three. Lanning and Beth Mooney were there to steady the ship however, the two batters with the highest averages in the tournament, taking Australia to 305 for three from their 45 overs, the largest-ever score in a World Cup knockout game. In reply, the West Indies made a steady start once again led by Deandra Dottin but soon lost their first wicket as Rashada Williams went for a 10-ball duck, Mooney holding on to a stunning grab off the bowling of Megan Schutt. Annabel Sutherland did what the Windies could not, safely holding on to a looping catch at long-on to dismiss Dottin for 34 from 35 balls as she had just started finding the boundary regularly. Hayley Matthews fell for the same score, this time from 49 balls, as Jess Jonassen took the first wicket from spin for the day with her fourth ball, Alana King holding on to a poorly-timed shot at mid-off. Matthews’s wicket did not spark the West Indies into life as they slipped to 91 for three in 22.4 overs, Taylor joined by Shemaine Campbelle as the required run-rate climbed above 10 an over. Sutherland chipped in with a wicket as Campbelle sent a delivery straight to Jonassen to depart for eight from 22 balls. Chedean Nation came out with intent cracking a six from her first ball but could add only more before being run out by Healy. Kycia Knight followed for a two-ball duck as Jonassen moved to 10 wickets for the tournament and reduced the West Indies to 126 for six. Gardner then looked to catch Jonassen up getting her ninth of the World Cup to dismiss Ramharack LBW a ball after she was dropped by Sutherland. Taylor eventually departed for 48 from 74, with four fours, and with it the West Indies innings and run in the World Cup came to an end as the injured Mohammed and ill Henry did not take to the field. It gave Australia a 157-run win as they advance to their seventh World Cup final, while the West Indies search for a first Women’s ODI World Cup title goes on. Scores in brief Australia beat West Indies at Basin Reserve, Wellington by 157 runs Australia 305 for three in 45 overs (Alyssa Healy 129, Rachael Haynes 85; Chinelle Henry 2/51, Shamilia Connell 1/46) West Indies 148 all out in 37 overs (Stafanie Taylor 48, Deandra Dottin 34, Hayley Matthews 34; Jess Jonassen 2/14, Megan Schutt 1/8) Player of the Match: Alyssa Healy (Australia)

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Two sparking performances, Travis Head (101 runs), Adam Zampa (4 for 38) helped Australia to defeat hosts Pakistan by 88 runs in the first One Day International of three-match ODI series at Qaddafi Stadium Lahore on Tuesday night and earned a vital lead of 1-0. Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and decided to bowl first. Australia managed 313 for 7 runs on the board, as Travis Head was main contributor with 101 runs. He smashed 12 fours and three huge sixes, as he just faced 72 balls during his notable innings. Ben McDermott was other good batter, who scored 55 runs while Cameron Green aggregated 40 runs in just 30 deliveries. Haris Rauf and Zahid Mehmood captured 2 wickets each after conceding 59, 59 runs in their 10 overs. Part time bowler Iftikhar and Khushdil Shah got each one wicket for Pakistan. In reply, Pakistan’s all batters lost their wickets at 225 and were short 88 runs from their 314 runs target. Imam-ul-Haq scored 103 runs with the help six fours and three sixes but this was not enough to make the mark. Skipper Babar Azam scored 57 runs. Adam Zampa snared four hosts’ batters for 38 runs. Century maker Travis Head got two important wickets at crucial stage of the Pakistani innings.     Australia (Batting) 313 for 7 in 50 overs Travis Head 101 runs (72 balls, 4X12, 6X3), Ben McDermott 55 runs (70 balls, 4X4, 6X0), Cameron Green 40 runs not out (30 balls, 4X3, 6X1) Pakistan (Bowling): Haris Rauf (2 for 59), Zahid Mahmood (2 for 59), Iftikhar Ahmed (1 for 36), Khushdil Shah (1 for 50) Pakistan (Batting): 225 all out in 45.2 overs Imam-ul-Haq 103 runs (96 balls, 4X6, 6X3), Babar Azam 57 runs (72 balls, 4X6, 6X0), Khushdil Shah 19 runs (22 balls, 4X1, 6X0) Australia (Bowling): Adam Zampa (4 for 38), Travis Head (2 for 35), Mitchell Swepson (2 for 53), Sean Abbott (1 for 36), Nathan Ellis (1 for 36) Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore Toss: Pakistan, elected to field first ODI Debut           Mitchell Swepson Mohammad Wasim Nathan Ellis Zahid Mahmood Umpires: Aleem Dar, Asif Yaqoob TV Umpire: Ahsan Raza Reserve Umpire: Faisal Afridi Match Referee: Mohammad Javed

BIPIN DANI The TV commentator Harsha Bhogle had asked a valid question ("where have you been hiding?") to Lucknow Super Giants' IPL member Ayush Badoni on Monday. The question is bothering many of this 22-year-old debut player's acquaintances, especially when he scored 54 runs in 41 balls, which included 3 sixes and four fours against world class players in his very first match. "Ayush has scored in every format of the game right from the beginning. He was waiting for his chance to debut", his childhood coach Hirtesh Sharma says. "He came to me when he was 10. “A very cool headed, soft spoken and hard working boys". "His confidence is very high all the time. Hitting sixes against world's best leg-spinner Rashid Khan was not easy", his school coach Navewen Chopra adds. “If India wants to win a world cup, you should have at least one Modernite in it”, his school. Principal Dr. Vijay Datta says. "It was proven right by Kirti Azad in 1983, Gautam Gambhir in 2014, Unmukt Chand in 2012 (U-19 World Cup) and it gives us hope that with Ayush Badoni proving to be the next rising star in the Cricket horizon, his hopeful presence in the next world cup may bring luck for India". "Modern School, with its legacy of nurturing and fostering exceptional talents in all spheres, especially sports; the mettle proven by Badoni is another feather in its cap. Ayush, who passed out of school in 2018 was a natural player and is fondly remembered as a soft spoken and highly respectful student with a smiling demeanor and sharp focus towards his goals". "A man who lets his bat do the talking, his optimism and commitment saw him braving many odds to emerge as a promising player for India. He always walked in the path of righteousness, did what he deemed right and remained unaltered in his goals, ignoring all jibes and rejections. The 22-year-old, who slammed a 41-ball 54 against Gujarat Titans, playing on behalf of Lucknow Supergiants, is a proud reminder that hard work always pays off", the principal continued. Ayush's father Vivek is a documentary filmmaker and mother is a school teacher. His only brother is a football player. His Lucknow team captain KL Rahul has nicknamed him 'Baby De Villiers' for the similarity of his initials with the South African batting legend AB de Villiers.

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI:-The 2nd Reza Mirza Tennis Academy (RMTA) Tennis League concludes at RMTA Academy Karachi on Tuesday, as Farhan Altaf of Sindh occupied top position after getting highest points in round Robin Men’s Singles. Omer Shahid Maniya got second, Nadir Mirza 3rd while Ibrahim Iltifat got 4th position. In Boys’ Under-15 Singles, Ahsan Ahmed stood at 1st position with maximum points while Soyam Mukesh got 2nd, Nael Mirza 3rd and Dhuraf Das at 4th position. Reza Mirza, Director RMTA & Vice President Sindh Tennis Association distributed the glittering crystal trophies and certificates to the winners and runners up. He announced to hold 3rd addition of league in the month of August and 6th McDonald National Juniors & Seniors Tennis Championships in the month of September this year in Karachi. Mohammad Khalid Rehmani thanked Reza Mirza for his support for promotion of tennis and Wheelchair tennis in country and added that the round robin matches are being held to engage top players of city to play against each other with regular interval.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Top seed Mohammad Asim and Noor Zaman have qualified for the final of the DHA Islamabad International Squash Championship after winning their semifinals at Jacaranda Family Club (JFC) Islamabad on Tuesday. In the first semifinal, World No. 58 and top seed Asim Khan from Pakistan defeated compatriot lad World No. 90 Israr Ahmad with a game score of 8-11 (Retired Hurt). After 11 minutes Israr Ahmed Khan could not continue his match owing to injury problems despite of starting the match with confidence and played some good strokes too against Asim. Later, in the second semifinal, World No 149 Noor Zaman from Pakistan toppled World No 86 Addeen Iddrakie from Malaysia 3-1 and claimed an upset victory to reach in the final. Noor Zaman tackled his opponents brilliantly and did not allow Adden to put any pressure on him in the first two games, which Noor won at 11-5 and 11-9. Malaysian guy did some well in the third game and succeeded to makr match score 2-1. Noor won the fourt game at 11-6 to confirm his place in the final. The final will be played on Wednesday (March 30, 2022) at the same venue between Mohammad Asim and Noor Zaman at 3:00pm. Results (Semifinals): Mohammad Asim (Pakistan) beat Israr Ahmed Khan (Pakistan) 8-11 (Retired Hurt) Noor Zaman (Pakistan) beat Adden iddrakie (Malaysia) 11-5, 11-9, 6-11, 11-6 (34 minutes).