Islamabad (Sports Reporter):-Shifa International Hospitals Islamabad beat United Star Cricket Club Rawalpindi by 8 wickets in the friendly Cricket match here at XI Star Cricket Ground Islamabad. United Star Captain won the toss and elected to bat first, United Star bowled out for 183 in the 29th overs, Ihtesham (35), Zeeshan (22), Sajid (17) and Naeem (15) were the key contributors. Shifa International Shahzad Kiani (3 for 21), Riffat Nisham (2 for18), Abrar Ikhlaq (2 for 38), Mohammad Naseer (1 for 08), Azmat Bashir (1 for 21) and Syed Mudassar Ahmad Bukhari (1 for 24) were the other main wicket-takers. In reply, Shifa International achieved the target in the 18th over for the loss of two wickets. Azmat Bashir and Nasir Mehmood contributed 121 runs in 3rd wicket partnership. All-rounder Azmat Bashir fine half century 91 not out runs 48 balls with 1 six and 14 Fours, Master Blaster Nasir Mehmood hit a fast half century 50 runs 23 balls with 1 six and 6 fours, while Aamir Kiani 18 and Captain Qutab Uddin Qureshi 6 were their leading run-getters.

Ayaz Raza Afridi PESHAWAR (January 3, 2022):-Chief Executive Officer (CEO)of Romania Cricket Board (RCB) Abdul Shakoor Khan visited Jamrud Sports Complex on Monday. The top officials including Petron-in-Chief Khyaber Cricket Association Haji Taimoor Khan, Secretary General KP Athletics Association (KAA) Saif-ul-Islam Afridi, former member Governing Board of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Kabir Ali Khan, former General Secretary Abdullah, Finance Secretary Wahid Gul, Media Coordinator Ayaz Raza and the players received the Abdul Shakoor Khan. It is pertinent to mention here that Romanian cricket team is ranked 38th in the ICC T20 rankings and 10th in Europe at present. Abdul Shakoor said on this occasion that he wants Pakistani players to be part of the Romanian cricket team. He also invited Haji Taimoo to visit Romania. He said that coaches would also be called from Pakistan to teach cricket in Romania to budding cricketers. He praised Haji Timur for his outstanding services in cricket.

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 3, 2022):-The top national tennis player, Aqeel Khan ousted Mohammad Abid in straight sets 2-0 in the Men’s Singles final of the 7th Begum Kulsum Saifullah Khan National Ranking Tennis Tournament 2021-22 concluded at the SDA-PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Monday. The final score-line was 6-2 and 6-3. Salim Saifullah Khan President-PTF graced the occasion as chief guest to disburse the prizes among the winners and runners-up of the tournament. Results: Men's Singles (Finals): Aqeel Khan beat Mohammad Abid 6-2, 6-3 Boys’ Under-18 Singles (Finals): Hasheesh Kumar beat Sami Zeb 4-6, 6-1, 7-6(6) Girls’ Under-18 Singles (Finals): Amna Ali Qayum beat Natalia Zaman 6-2, 6-2 Boys’ Under-14 Singles (Finals): Asad Zaman beat Mohammad Salaar 4-1, 4-1 Boys / Girls Under-12 Singles (Finals): Abubakar Talha bt Amir Mazari 4-2, 4-1

Sports Bulletin Report Lausanne, Switzerland (January 3, 2022):-Despite all the challenges connected with the COVID-19 global health pandemic, 2021 was still an incredible year for the sport of Hockey, a year which deserves to be celebrated like any other. With some truly extraordinary moments taking place at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, FIH Hockey Pro League and a Men’s Junior World Cup, restricting our categories to just ten nominees for the Best Goal and the Best Match of 2021 was far from simple. However, we’ve given it our best shot! Nominees – Favourite Goal of 2021 1: Nicolas Keenan (ARG). Argentina Men v Japan (Pool phase) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: A stunning run and overhead smash-shot from the top of the circle slams the backboard. 2: Timm Herzbruch (GER). Germany Men v Argentina (Quarter-Final) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: An outrageously intricate penalty corner routine from Die Honamas, bewildering the Argentine defence for Herzbruch to deflect home. 3: Agustina Albertarrio (ARG). Argentina Women v Germany (Quarter-Final) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: A brilliantly worked passing move is finished off by Albertarrio, who touches home from close range.  4: Tim Brand (AUS). Australia Men v Germany (Semi-Final) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Kookaburras superstar Brand volleys home a vicious cross-shot from Ogilvie, who was picked out in the circle by a glorious overhead pass that eliminated the Germany defenders. (3 August) 5: Berta Bonastre (ESP). Spain Women v Great Britain (Quarter-Final) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Pouncing from close range, Bonastre takes two magnificent touches to lift the ball over the head of Maddie Hinch and into the GB goal. 6: Dayaan Cassiem (RSA). South Africa Men v Belgium (Pool phase) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Incredible solo effort against the World and eventual Olympic champions, running half the length of the field in possession before flicking past the shoulder of goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch. 7: Lidewij Welten (NED). Netherlands Women v Germany (Pool phase) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: A fine passing move carves through the Germany team before Welten taps home from close range. 8: Kenta Tanaka (JPN). Japan Men v New Zealand (Pool phase) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Pacey Samurais attacker Tanaka runs three quarters of the lengths of the field in possession before sensationally firing home. 9: Hollie Pearne-Webb (GBR). Great Britain Women v India (Bronze) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: A rare field goal from GB’s captain, smashing home a superb first-time volley to put her team on course for the bronze medal. 10: Stacey Michelsen (NZL) New Zealand Women v Australia - FIH Hockey Pro League: A superb solo goal from the Black Sticks legend, cutting in from the right before crashing a stunning backhand strike inside the right post. Nominees – Favourite Match of 2021 1: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Men’s Pool B – South Africa 4-3 Germany 2: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Women’s Quarter-Final – Germany 0-3 Argentina 3: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Women’s Quarter-Final – Australia 0-1 India 4: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Men’s Bronze Medal – Germany 4-5 India 5: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Women’s Bronze Medal – Great Britain 4-3 India 6: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Men’s Gold Medal – Australia 1-1 Belgium (2-3 ASO) 7: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Women’s Gold Medal – Netherlands 3-1 Argentina 8: FIH Hockey Pro League: Men – Netherlands 2-4 Germany 9: FIH Hockey Pro League: Women – Argentina 1-3 Germany 10: FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Bhubaneswar 2021: Pool phase – France 4-3 India

Sports Bulletin Report Mount Maunganui, New Zealand (January 3, 2022):-Two well composed innings, Liton Das 86 (177 balls) and Mominul Haque 88 (244 balls), helped Bangladesh to earn a vital lead of 73 runs against New Zealand in the first innings, as they have 4 wickets in their pocket at Mount Maunganui, New Zealand on Monday. Bangladesh were 401 for 6 at the end of Day-3. Bangladesh batted with care but bit slow to get lead against hosts the third day. Skipper Mominul Haque was the top scorer with 88, having struck 12 fours in his 244-ball knock as stayed at the crease for over six hours. Mominul added an important 158 runs for the fifth wicket with Liton Das, who made 86 off 177 deliveries. Mahmudul Hasan Joy, playing just his second Test, made a diligent 78, adding 104 for the second wicket with Najmul Hossain Shanto, who made 64. Also, Monday was the first time each of Bangladesh top six batters faced more than 50 balls in an away Test innings. Neil Wagner and Trent Boult took three wickets each but Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee and Rachin Ravindra went wicket-less in their 88 overs combined. Boult removed both Mominul and Litton in the space of three overs. He finally broke the fifth-wicket stand when he trapped Mominul lbw for 88. A few overs later, Litton followed him to the dressing room after he chased a wide one from Boult. Summarized Scorecard: Toss: Bangladesh, elected to field first Day-3 (New Zealand vs Bangladesh): New Zealand Batting (First Innings): 328 all out in 108.1 overs Devon Conway 122 (227 balls, 4X16, 6X1), Ross Taylor 31 (64 balls 4X5), Henry Nicholls 75 (127 balls 4X12). Bangladesh Bowling (First Innings): Shoriful Islam (3 for 69), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (3 for 86), Mominul Haque (2 for 6). BANGLADESH Batting (First Innings): 401 for 6 in 156 overs Liton Das 86 (177 balls 4X10), Mominul Haque 88 (244 balls 4X12), Mahmudul Hasan Joy 78 (228 balls, 4X7). New Zealand Bowling (First Innings): Trent Boult (3 for 61), Neil Wagner (3 for 98)         3  

Raja Abrar LAHORE (January 3, 2022):-Former captain Mohammad Hafeez has announced his retirement from international cricket 18 years after making his debut in Sharjah against Zimbabwe on 3 April 2003. Hafeez represented Pakistan in 392 international matches, scoring 12,780 runs and taking 253 wickets, besides also captaining the side in 32 international matches. He was a member of the Pakistan side that won the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 in England and Wales. Overall, Hafeez played in three 50-over World Cups (2007, 2011 and 2019), six 20-over World Cups (2007, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2021) and three ICC Champions Trophy (2006, 2013 and 2017). In the ICC Player Rankings, Hafeez achieved highest Test rankings of 22nd in batting, 29th in bowling and fifth in all-rounders. In the ODI rankings, Hafeez’s highest-ranking was 13th in March 2014, while he topped the bowling and all-rounder charts in August 2012 and January 2013, respectively. Hafeez’s rankings in T20I were equally impressive, peaking to ninth in batting in February 2007, third in bowling in August 2013 and number-one in all-rounders in March 2014. Mohammad Hafeez: “Today I say good-bye to international cricket with pride and satisfaction. In fact, I have earned and accomplished more than I had initially envisaged and for that, I am thankful to all my fellow cricketers, captains, support staff and the Pakistan Cricket Board who helped me out during my career. “And, of course, my family who made big sacrifices to ensure I achieved my aspirations of representing Pakistan at a global stage. “I am extremely fortunate, lucky and proud to have been considered worthy of donning the national kit with Pakistan emblem for 18 years. My country and my team have always been at my forefront and therefore, every time I stepped on to the field, I tried to raise their profile and image by playing hard and tough but within the rich traditions of spirit of cricket. “When you have a professional career as long as mine, you’re bound to have your share of highs and lows, and I was no different. Results apart, I can say with conviction that I had more highs as I had the privilege of playing with and against some of the finest exponents of the bat and the ball of my era. “While cricket has been a great learning school for me, this great sport has provided me opportunities to visit various countries, explore their cultures and make friends. These are lifelong memories, which I will cherish every day. I want to thank my fans and supporters for believing in my abilities and backing me throughout my career.” PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja: “Hafeez has been a wholehearted cricketer who worked tirelessly at his game to have a long and fruitful career. “His game evolved with time, adjusting to different formats quite intelligently. Later in his career, he became a T20 specialist, where he was never out of touch with modern demands of this testing format. His batsmanship took a sprightly turn, nailing sixes almost at will. “He has worn the green blazer with pride for which we at the PCB are thankful. I wish him best of luck for his future life and thank him again for his magnificent contribution to Pakistan cricket.”

Bipin Dani Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene will join the ICC Under-19 World Cup squad in West Indies, it is leant. The 44-year-old Jayawardene, who has recently been appointed consultant coach for Sri Lanka seniors, Under-19s and 'A' team for one year, will leave for Caribbean islands later this month. Jayawardene, has also been assigned to select the coaching staff for the various positions, and is likely to have floated the process.  The same squad with no changes, which recently lost the U-19 Asia Cup final against India in the UAE, left directly from Dubai to Guyana (via London & Barbados) by Emirates Airways, British Airways and local flight) on Sunday morning. The squad has an over 18-hours flight journey. There were no outdoor activities scheduled for the players on Saturday. "There has been no change in the team or the support staff", one of the SLC (Sri Lanka Cricket) board sources said exclusively over the telephone. "Ranjith Madhursinghe, who traveled with the team for the Asia Cup will also continue to be the tour selector for the World Cup", the source further added. The team will spend five days in quarantine before beginning the training ahead of its first match against Scotland on January 14. The final of the ICC U-9 World Cup will be played at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua on February 5. 

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD (January 3, 2022):-The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) was taken place at the SDA-PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Sunday. The meeting was attended by representatives of the affiliated units and the PTF management. The President-PTF while welcoming the members informed the house that the Ministry of IPC circulated a draft Sports Policy some months ago and our Federation recommended the Minister to invite all stake holders. The cabinet has recently approved the policy and we are awaiting official notification from the Ministry of IPC to plan our future course of action. The participants appreciated the efforts of the President-PTF and his team for their great achievements at the National and International level, besides securing berths in the ATF board of Directors ITF Constitution Committees and ITF Coaches Commission. Road Map for the future was discussed and will be implemented in letter and spirit. Some of the points discussed were further up-gradation of the infrastructure, Players, Coaches and Officials development and enhanced focus on the development of junior players. Wheelchair tennis was inaugurated at the PTF Complex and was witnessed by the council members. Asif Abbasi, a renowned Wheel Chair tennis player and Khalid Rehmani Vice President Wheel Chair Tennis, briefed the President PTF and the other members on the progress and importance of Wheelchair Tennis. The President appreciated the efforts of Rehmani and his team and assured all possible support for their training and exposure to International Level.  

Aamir Ali Janjua DUBAHI (January 2, 2021):-Fans across the globe are counting down the days to the start of the 2022 ICC Under 19 Men’s Cricket World Cup and the chance to watch the brightest young superstars in action. Sixteen teams will be bidding for glory as the very best U19 players in the world come up against each other on the biggest stage, with West Indies hosting the tournament for the first time ever. But while silverware will be the primary goal, the teams will also be looking to etch their names in the history books by beating some of the long-standing records set over the last 34 years. And ahead of the latest edition, here’s a look at some of the most impressive team records from the ICC U19 Men’s CWC since the tournament first came into being in 1988. Highest inning totals Australia U19s bludgeoned 480 for the loss of just six wickets against Kenya back in 2002 - with a run rate of 9.6 an over - in what can only be described as a stunning display in Dunedin. That innings score would be the second-highest in ODI history if the senior side hit it, and they weren't bad with the ball either, bowling Kenya out for 50 inside 22 overs. Craig Simmons starred that day, hitting 155, but Shaun Marsh was also outstanding. Marsh’s 125 runs from 81 balls along with George Bailey's blockbuster 56 from 26 balls were enough to make 20th January 2002 a historic day in Australian cricket. New Zealand are some way off with the second-highest total, but their score of 436 for four against Kenya in Christchurch during the 2018 tournament shouldn't be sniffed at either. India can claim the third-highest innings total thanks to their score of 425 for three against Scotland in Dhaka in 2004 while Sri Lanka hit 419 for four against Kenya in 2018. Lowest Inning totals A record no team will want to usurp in this year’s tournament is currently held by Scotland, who finished with the lowest innings total in ICC U19 Men’s CWC history back in 2004. Their total of 22 against Australia in Chittagong means they hold the unfortunate distinction of being the tournament's only team ever to possess a run rate below one an over. In response, Australia knocked off the 23 runs needed to win in 3.5 overs to secure a 10-wicket victory with 277 balls remaining as Cameron Huckett (four for seven) played a starring role. Canada, Japan, and Bangladesh are all tied for second place with totals of 41. Canada slumped to their total against South Africa in Auckland during the 2002 tournament, while Japan's performance came against India in Bloemfontein in the 2020 edition. Bangladesh suffered a similar fate in Kuala Lumpur in 2008, with South Africa bowling them out for 41 to win by 201 runs after skipper Wayne Parnell had helped his side to 242 for eight. Most tournament wins India became the only side to win four ICC U19 Men’s CWC when they came out on top at the start of 2018 in New Zealand and they have won 63 of their 83 matches overall. Their previous tournament wins came in 2000, 2008, and 2012, making them the most successful side in history having never missed a tournament in the competition’s history. Bangladesh won the competition in South Africa for the first time two years ago and now they will be looking to become only the second side to win back-to-back titles. The only team able to make that claim as of 2022 is Pakistan, who won the tournament in 2004 and 2006 and have the third most wins with 56 from 81 matches played. The second most successful team in the competition’s history is Australia, who won the first tournament as hosts before winning the 2002 and 2010 editions in New Zealand. They remain the only side to win on home soil and have 57 wins from 79 matches. England, South Africa, West Indies and Bangladesh all have one title to their name. That means only seven of the 16 teams competing at this year's competition have won it before. Group C will see at least one potential new winner progress to the Super League. Most consecutive wins and losses Unsurprisingly, India also hold the record for the most consecutive wins, registering 11 consecutive victories from their 2018 title triumph through to the 2020 edition. Australia sit in second place again, with nine wins in a row that includes their 2002 title success through to the 2004 edition, while four teams have eight consecutive wins. India have achieved that feat on three occasions while Bangladesh, Pakistan and Australia have also registered eight consecutive wins in the history of the ICC U19 Men’s CWC. The unwanted record for most consecutive losses belongs to Papua New Guinea, who hold the top two spots with 21 defeats in a row and 13 consecutive losses. That first record started on their tournament debut in 1998 and concluded in 2008, defeating Bermuda by seven wickets in Johor to put an end to their losing streak. Papua New Guinea also lost 13 in a row between the 2012 and 2018 editions of the tournament, while Namibia have lost 11 consecutively (2008-2014) and Canada lost 10 in a row (2002-2004).

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 2, 2022):-Ushna Sohail overpowered Sarah Mehboob 2-1 to clinch the title of the Women’s Singles fixture of the ongoing 7th Begum Kulsum Saifullah Khan National Ranking Tennis Tournaments-2021-22 at SDA-PTF Tennis Complex Garden Avenue Islamabad on Sunday. The final score-line was 2-6, 6-2 and 6-2. Although Ushna lost the first set at 2-6, she bounced back in the match by winning the second set at 6-2. She maintained the same pace and power in the final set and finished in the similar style 6-2 to lift the Women’s Singles title of the prestigious national tournament. President, Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), Salim Saifullah Khan witnessed the three-set contest. In the Men's Singles, Mohammad Abid and Aqeel Khan confirmed their berths in the final after winning their respective semifinals at the same venue. The final will be played on Monday (January 3, 2022) at 1:30 pm at SDA-PTF Tennis Complex. In the first semifinal, Mohammad Abid had to toil hard in the court to overcome his challenger Muzammil Murtaza after a three sets a nail and bite contest. Muzammil claimed the first set easily and conceded a single game. However, Mohammad Abid displayed a quality game in the second set and did not allow his rival to settle on the court. He squared the match at 1-1 after ending the penultimate game at 6-3. Abid kept the pressure on Muzammil in the last game too, as he hit powerful strokes from down the line. The winning guy was also looking good in service and volleys, as he finished the match with the score-line of 1-6, 6-3 and 6-4. Later, in the second semifinal, Aqeel Khan ousted Mohammad Shoaib 2-0 and reached the final of the top national ranking tennis fixture. The final score-line was 6-3 and 6-2. Shoaib, who defeated top national lad Aqeel Khan twice in last December 2021 in two different tournaments in capital city Islamabad once in semifinal and once in final but he could not resist this time in a vital contest. Although Aqeel had crushed him (Shoaib) in the last national tournament, it was expected a close contest today but it proved a single sided affair. Results: Ladies Singles (Finals): Ushna Suhail beat Sarah Mahboob 2-6, 6-2, 6-2 Men's Singles (Semi-Finals): Mohammad Abid beat Muzammil Murtaza 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 Aqeel Khan beat Mohammad Shoaib 6-3, 6-2 Boys’ Under-18 Singles (Semi-Finals): Hasheesh Kumar beat Ahmed Nael Qureshi 6-0, 6-4 Sami Zeb beat Mahatir Mohammad 6-4, 6-1 Girls’ Under-18 Singles (Semi-Finals): Amna Ali Qayum beat Saher Aleem 6-1, 6-0 Natalia Zaman beat Sheeza Sajid 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 Boys’ Under-14 Singles (Semi-Finals): Asad Zaman bt Abubakar Talha 4-0, 5-4(2) Mohammad Salar beat Mohammad Ibrahim 2-4, 5-4(3), 4-2 Boys / Girls Under-12 Singles (Semi-Finals): Amir Mazari beat Nabeel Ali Qayum 4-1, 4-1 Abubakar Talha beat Samer Zaman 4-1, 4-1.