Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): Ireland recorded an unequivocal, 54-run win over Netherlands to knock them out of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier. Tournament hosts, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have sealed the fourth semi-final spot, moving one step closer to qualification for the main event in Bangladesh later this year.Ireland beat Netherlands by 54 runs: Ireland, who chose to bat first, lost their prolific openers Amy Hunter (1) and Gaby Lewis (10) within the first 14 balls of the match as Netherlands pacer, Iris Zwilling got her side off to a perfect start in the crucial clash. Orla Prendergast (19) and Delany added 38 runs for the third-wicket to bring Ireland back in the hunt. They landed stumbled when they also lost Leah Paul for two, stuttering to 55/4 in the 10th over.Ireland roared back in contention thanks to a superb, unbeaten 89-run partnership between Delany and Eimear Richardson. The two took the fight back to the Netherlands bowlers who were bereft of answers in the second half of the Irish innings.Delany hit some scintillating shots in her undefeated 70 off 45 balls (eight fours, two sixes), while Richardson contributed 34 off 32 (two fours). Ireland finished their 20 overs on 144/4. Zwilling took two for 13 in her four overs, she was the most successful Netherlands bowler.Netherlands began their chase confidently with openers, Zwilling and Sterre Kalis adding 24 runs. The partnership was broken when Zwilling fell on the final ball of the fourth over, Kalis followed her back to the dugout in the sixth over. In-form batter, Robine Rijke fell for a duck as 24 for no loss turned into 29 for three in 5.4 overs.A 31-run, fourth-wicket stand between wicketkeeper Babette de Leede and captain, Heather Siegers revived the Netherlands’ hopes. Delany, at this stage, followed her batting brilliance to the delight of both Irish and UAE fans. The medium-pacer ran through the Dutch middle-order with figures of 3/6 in two overs. Netherlands were eventually skittled out for 90 in 17.3 overs, confirming the UAE’s entry into the semis. Prendergast also took three wickets and Arlene Kelly took two wickets.Sri Lanka beat USA by 18 runs: Sri Lanka, who won the toss and opted to bat first, found it tough to score quick runs up front against some disciplined and probing USA bowling. Geetika Kodali clinched the massive wicket of Sri Lanka captain, Chamari Athapaththu (4) in the opening over of the match.Athapaththu’s dismissal made Sri Lanka look for consolidation early on as Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Madavi took time to settle. The two shared 49 runs for the second-wicket in eight overs. Gunaratne fell for 25 (22 balls, three fours). Madavi (23) was dismissed off the next delivery, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 55/3 in 9.1 overs.USA kept the scoring rate in check in the second half of the Sri Lankan innings. Middle-order batter, Hansima Kunaratne, occupied the crease for the remainder of the innings, consuming 27 balls for her 25 runs (three fours). Nilakshi De Silva scored 21 off 29.Sri Lanka ended their innings at 123/4. Saanvi Immadi, Aditiba Chudasama and Kodali returning a wicket each for the USA.USA got off to a solid start and looked in contention for an upset until the 13th over of their innings. They tumbled from 63/1 to 87/5 as the Sri Lankan bowlers, led by Athapaththu, made some crucial breakthroughs. The skipper led the charge, taking 3/14 in her four overs, she was later named the player of the match. Udeshika Prabodhani and Inoka Ranaweera took one wicket apiece.Opener, Disha Dhingra (28 off 29 balls, four fours) was the leading run scorer for the USA. Captain, Sindhu Sriharsha chipped in with 27 (three fours), while Pooja Shah remained unbeaten on 20. They were eventually restricted to 105/6 at the end of their allotted overs, ending their tournament at the bottom of Group A after being unable to secure a win in any of their matches.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army, and WAPDA registered victories in the 1st PTF Inter-Department Tennis Trophy 2024 after beating SNGPL, and Pakistan Navy respectively here at PTF Tennis Complex, Garden Avenue on Friday.Mohammad Abid (WAPDA) easily breezed out his opponent Faizan Fayyaz Khan (NAVY) in one-sided affairs without conceding a single game 6-0 6-0. In the second single Aqeel Khan (WAPDA) started his winning streak and overpowered his opponent Asad Zaman (NAVY) in a straight set match 6-2 6-1.In the first singles Abdullah Adnan (ARMY) won his opening match against Ahmad Babar (SNGPL) in a straight set 6-2, 6-1. In the second single Muzammil Murtaza (ARMY) outclassed Saqib Hayat and won the match 6-0, 6-1 just in 37 minutes. Muzammil played an excellent game and hit 5 aces in the first set and 9 aces in the second set and did not allow his opponent to settle down against his powerful serve. This match was officiated by ITF White Badge Umpire Hussnain Mehmood. President PTF also congratulated the winning team members and wished them well for future matches.Earlier in the afternoon Zahoor Ahmed Addl. Secretary IPC, and Director General, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) inaugurated the 1st PTF Inter-Department Tennis Trophy and met the players of the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Navy, WAPDA, and SNGPL. Lt. Gen. Mohammad Afzal (Retd.) also attended the opening ceremony as a guest of honor. Results:Pakistan Army beat SNGPL (2-0):Singles-1: Abdullah Adnan (ARMY) beat Ahmad Babar (SNGPL) 6-2, 6-1Singles-2: Muzammil Murtaza (ARMY) beat Saqib Hayat (SNGPL) 6-0, 6-1Doubles: Abdullah Adnan / Arham Attique (ARMY) beat Ahmed Babar / Ahtesham Humayun (SNGPL) 6-2 6-3WAPDA beat Pakistan Navy (2-0):Singles-1: Mohammad Abid (WAPDA) beat Faizan Fayyaz Khan (NAVY) 6-0, 6-0Singles-2: Aqeel Khan (WAPDA) beat Asad Zaman (NAVY) 6-2, 6-1Doubles: Heera Ashiq / Shahzad Khan (WAPDA) beat Asad Zaman / Faizan Fayyaz Khan (NAVY) 6-1, 6-2Saturday’s Fixtures:Pakistan WAPDA Vs SNGPL, Zainab Ali Naqi Court # 1 at 10:30 AMPakistan Army Vs PAF – Aqeel Khan Center Court at 10:30 AM

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army players will take on Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) in the opening match of the 1st PTF Inter-Department Tennis Trophy 2024, which will roll into action on Friday (May 3) here at PTF Tennis Complex, Garden Avenue.According to an official of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), the top five men’s teams including Pakistan WAPDA, Pakistan ARMY, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Pakistan Navy, and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines are participating in the 5-day national tennis showpiece.On Thursday, the captain’s meeting of all the participating teams was held at the Referee’s Office. Arif Qureshi chaired the meeting whereas Secretary PTF and Chairman Organizing Committee Col. Zia-ud-Din Tufail, and Mohammad Khalil Chughtai Tournament Director also attended the meeting.After elaborating the Rules of the Games to all the concerned captains and officials of the teams, a Draw of Men’s Team Event was held. The opening matches will be played on Friday (May 3) 2024 at 11:00 am. In the second match of the day, WAPDA will meet the Pakistan Navy at 11:00 am in Court No.1.The opening ceremony will be held at 2:30 pm. Zahoor Ahmed Addl. Secretary IPC and Director General, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) will grace the occasion as a chief guest and will inaugurate the 1st PTF Inter-Department Tennis Trophy 2024.Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi President of PTF emphasized that the event would not be successful without the active participation of tennis lovers and enthusiasts. He invited all the tennis lovers and enthusiasts to come and see the excellent tennis extravaganza and appreciate the top national players in Islamabad. 

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today (May 2) announced its 18-player squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland (10-14 May) and England (22-30 May). The squad will be reduced to 15 players for next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 after the first T20I at Leeds on 22 May to meet the ICC’s 24 May deadline.The men’s national selection committee has recalled fast bowler Haris Rauf, along with all-rounders Hasan Ali and Salman Ali Agha, in the 18-player squad. The two cricketers who did not make the cut from the original 17-player squad that faced New Zealand are wrist spinner Usama Mir and fast bowler Zaman Khan.Names of players: Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman KhanHaris Rauf and wicketkeeper/batter Azam Khan were sidelined for the New Zealand T20Is due to injuries, while middle-order batter Muhammad Irfan Khan and wicketkeeper/batter Mohammad Rizwan were rested from the two T20Is in Lahore due to niggles.The four cricketers underwent fitness assessments at the National Cricket Academy on Tuesday afternoon, showing significant improvement. This progress has provided confidence and encouragement to the PCB Medical Panel and the team management regarding their potential availability during the seven T20Is.Salman Ali Agha has established himself as a versatile cricketer, proficient in aggressive middle-order batting and off-spin bowling. His inclusion bolsters Pakistan's spin department alongside Abrar Ahmed, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan.Hasan Ali's selection is attributed to his extensive experience, having featured in 50 T20Is and excelling in bilateral series and ICC Events. His impressive performance in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2024, where he claimed 14 wickets, further underlined his credentials. Currently representing Warwickshire in the English County Championship, Hasan adds depth to Pakistan’s bowling arsenal.Schedule of matches:10 May – v Ireland, 1st T20I, Dublin12 May – v Ireland, 2nd T20, Dublin14 May – v Ireland, 3rd T20I, Dublin22 May – v England, 1st T20I, Leeds25 May – v England, 2nd T20I, Birmingham28 May – v England 3rd T20I, Cardiff30 May – v England, 4th T20I, The Oval

Nida Dar to lead 17-member squad for the six white-ball matchesSports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: The newly-appointed seven-member women’s national selection committee has named a 17-player Pakistan women’s squad for this month’s tour to England.Nida Dar will continue to lead the side, which will feature in three T20Is from 11-17 May and three ODIs from 23-29 May. The ODIs are part of ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 and this will be Pakistan’s eighth and final series in the current event cycle.Pakistan are currently sitting in fifth position with 16 points in the 10-team ICC Women Championship 2022-25 standings. The top five teams from this championship, along with hosts India, will directly qualify for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.In addition to the six white-ball international matches, the tourists will also play two warm-up games (T20 and One-Day) against ECB Development XI on 9 and 21 May. For their first England tour since 2016, the national side will leave on Sunday, 5 May.Pakistan women squad: Nida Dar (captain), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali (wk), Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda AkhtarPlayer support personnel: Nahida Khan (manager), Mauhtashim Rasheed (interim head coach), Saleem Jaffar (bowling coach), Taufeeq Umar (batting coach), Hanif Malik (fielding coach), Syed Nazir Ahmed (media manager), Rabia Siddiq (physiotherapist), Zubair Ahmed (analyst) and Hina Munawar (chief security officer)Tour schedule:9 May – T20 warm-up game v ECB Development XI, Uptonsteel County Ground (11.00am local time)11 May – 1st T20I, Birmingham (2.30pm local time)17 May – 2nd T20I, Northampton (6.30pm local time)19 May – 3rd T20I, Leeds (1.00pm local time)21 May – One-Day warm-up game v ECB Development XI, Northampton (11.00am local time)23 May – 1st ODI, Derby (1.00pm local time) (ICC Women’s Championship)26 May – 2nd ODI, Taunton (11.00am local time) (ICC Women’s Championship)29 May – 3rd ODI, Chelmsford (1.00pm local time) (ICC Women’s Championship)

Pakistan to take on USA in T20 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup on June 6 in DallasAbdul Jabbar Faisal / Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Ambassador of the United States of America (USA) here Donald Blome on Tuesday Pakistan men’s cricket team, which will participate in the upcoming T20 World Cup that will take place in the USA, and West Indies simultaneously from June 1 to 29, 2024.The ambassador Donald Blome welcomed the national players accompanying Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi at his residence and extended his best wishes to the players for the upcoming T20 Cricket World Cup matches in the United States.It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan would face the USA in their opening contest of the T20 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup on June 6, 2024 at Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Dallas Texas.On this occasion, Ambassador Blome presented the team members with a commemorative embassy cricket ball and autographed softball bat. The Pakistani team reciprocated by presenting the ambassador with a signed cricket bat and team jersey.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The final round of the National Challenge Cup (NCC) 2023, being organized by the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), is set to kick off on Thursday (May 1 2024) at the Jinnah Sports Complex Islamabad.The group stage matches will take place from May 1 to 6 with each team competing in (03) matches. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, which are scheduled for May 7 and 8 followed by the semi-finals on May 10 while the final will take place on May 12. The participating teams have been divided into four groups, with each group comprising four teams.Groups:Group A: PACA, Pakistan Army, NIMSO and HECGroup B: KRL, Pakistan Navy, SA Farms and Masha UnitedGroup C: Otto Crains, Wapda, WSTC and Pakistan PoliceGroup D: PAF, Asia Ghee Mills, SA Gardens and Pakistan Railway

Sports DeskISLAMABAD: Defending champions Ali Farag and Nour ElSherbini have been named as the top seeds for the British Open 2024, taking place from 2-9 June. An all-glass show court will again be erected in Birmingham’s Rep Theatre, with play also coming from the Edgbaston Priory Club for the first two rounds.Women’s top seed ElSherbini captured last years title in great style, beating Nouran Gohar in straight games to claim a third British Open trophy. The 28-year-old has been in great form this season and will be aiming to claim a seventh win of the 2023/24 campaign. The World No.1 also has a chance to claim revenge over Malaysia’s Sivasangari Subramaniam early in the competition as that match up takes place in round two after the pair receive opening round byes.Now World No.3 Hania El Hammamy is the No.2 seed for the event, looking to claim a first British Open title of her career. The Egyptian was forced to withdraw from the recent El Gouna International but will be determined to return in strong style and claim a first title of 2024. El Hammamy will need to be at her best from the start as she takes on compatriot and World No.10 Rowan Elaraby in her opening match in round two.After picking up back-to-back World Tour titles in El Gouna, No.3 seed Nouran Gohar is the in-from player heading into this years British Open. ‘The Terminator’ defeated Nour ElSherbini in a best of five match for the first time since October 2022 in the final, which will give the former World No.1 bags of confidence as she looks to claim a second British Open title. Gohar will open her campaign in round two against either Katie Malliff or Emily Whitlock.Belgium’s Nele Gilis completes the top four seeds as she enters this year’s event at her highest seeding position of No.4. The 27-year-old’s best finish in a British Open came back in 2019, where she defeated sister Tinne to reach the quarter finals, ranked 29 in the world at the time. Now situated in the World’s top four, Gilis will be looking to achieve her seeding and give herself a shot at reaching a second Platinum event final.Men’s top seed Ali Farag produced an unbelievable performance in last year’s championships, where not only did he win his first British Open title, but did so whilst fasting. Since last year’s victory, Farag has reached the final in all but one of the fifteen events that he has played in, winning in ten of those finals. The World No.1 recently claimed his 40th PSA win in El Gouna but will be thirsty for more as he heads to Birmingham looking to defend his title. He’ll take on the winner of Leandro Romiglio and Omar Mosaad in round two.Two-time British Open champion Paul Coll is the No.2 seed for the event this year, looking to claim a sixth title of the season and cement his position as World No.2. Coll is one of only two players to beat Farag this season and looks to have taken his game up a level in an attacking sense. Coll recently lost out to former World Champion Karim Abdel Gawad in the El Gouna International but may have the chance to claim revenge as the pair are set to meet again in the quarter finals if the seedings go to plan. The New Zealander will face the winner of Nicolas Mueller and George Parker in his first match in round two.It was during last years British Open that Peruvian Diego Elias achieved his childhood dream to become World No.1. The 27-year-old was guaranteed to rise to the summit after Gawad downed Mohamed Elshorbagy in round three. Despite the obvious distraction, Elias managed to reach the final but couldn’t top off the momentous week as he lost to Farag in four games. Elias now finds himself at World No.4 and hasn’t claimed a title over Silver level yet this season. He’ll be hoping to regain his form from last year to put a strong week together in Birmingham and silence the critics.The man who has most recently overtaken Elias is No.4 seed Mostafa Asal. Also a former World No.1, Asal has returned to form in recent months, showing the quality that everyone knows he is capable of. The 22-year-old won the Florida Open in January and followed that up with a win at the Black Ball Squash Open as well as runner-up finishes at the London Classic and El Gouna International. The Egyptian has been changing the way he plays under the guidance of former Commonwealth Gold Medalist James Willstrop, a partnership that looks to be exactly what Asal needed. The World No.4 finds himself in the same half of the draw as No.2 seed Coll and will still have the London Classic final in is mind as he seeks revenge.Torrie Malik and Asia Harris are the women’s wildcards this year whilst Simon Herbert and Jonah Bryant claim the spots in the men’s draw. Bryant is one of England’s top prospects, currently ranked No.72 in the world and has already claimed six titles on the Challenger Tour this season, most recently the Irish Open in Dublin. The quartet will all be hoping to score round one upsets to gain valuable ranking points. (Thanks to Sean Reuthe). 

Sports Bulletin ReportLondon (UK): England Men's selection panel have named a provisional squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and United States of America (USA) starting in June and the preceding four-match Vitality IT20 series against Pakistan, which gets underway next month in Leeds.Sussex quick bowler Jofra Archer has recovered from his right elbow injury and is named in the squad. Archer’s last appearance at this level came over a year ago in England’s tour of Bangladesh in March 2023.Lancashire left-arm spinning all-rounder Tom Hartley is the sole uncapped player and, along with Surrey batter Will Jacks, are the only players not to feature at an ICC World tournament previously.Selected players, currently playing in the Indian Premier League, will return in time for the series against Pakistan, which gets underway at Headingley on Wednesday 22 May 2024.The World Cup squad will fly to the Caribbean on 31 May ahead of England’s opening group match against Scotland at the Kensington Oval, Barbados, on Wednesday 4 June.Managing Director of England Men's Cricket, Rob Key, spoke to media earlier. Rights-free video and audio files are available here.England T20 Squad for World Cup, and Pakistan Series: Jos Buttler (Captain-Lancashire), Moeen Ali (Warwickshire), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Sam Curran (Surrey), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Tom Hartley (Lancashire), Will Jacks (Surrey), Chris Jordan (Surrey), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Phil Salt (Lancashire), Reece Topley (Surrey), Mark Wood (Durham)England’s Schedule of T20 World Cup:England v Scotland, Tuesday 4 June 2024, Kensington Oval, Barbados (10.30am local)Australia v England. Saturday 8 June 2024, Kensington Oval, Barbados (1.00pm local)England v Oman, Thursday 13 June 2024, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua and Barbuda (3.00pm local)Namibia v England, Saturday 15 June 2024, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua and Barbuda (1.00pm local)Schedule of England vs Pakistan Series:1st IT20: England v Pakistan, Wednesday 22 May 2024, Headingley, Leeds (6.30pm local)2nd IT20: England v Pakistan, Saturday 25 May 2024, Edgbaston, Birmingham (2.30pm local)3rd IT20: England v Pakistan, Tuesday 28 May 2024, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff (6.30pm local)4th IT20: England v Pakistan, Thursday30 May 2024, The Kia Oval, London (6.30pm local).

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: The Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation (PJJF) has announced the team for the Asian Ju-Jitsu Championship, which will be held in Abu Dhabi from May 1 to May 8, 2024. Top Pakistani athletes will represent Pakistan in the championship.According to details provided by the Pakistan Jiu-Jitsu Federation, the national team has been announced for the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2024, including senior team members Mohammad Ammar, Isra Waseem, and Kainat Arif, along with junior members Under 18 Mohammad Yousaf Ali, Umar Yasin, and Hamad Baloch will be Under 16 category Additionally, Dalawar Khan Sannan and Abu Hurrara will participate in the Asian Referee Seminar and Exam. Tariq Ali, the General Secretary of the Pakistan Jiu-Jitsu Federation, will be the head national team and represent Pakistan at the General Assembly of the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union. The President of the Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation hoped that the national team would demonstrate excellent performance in the championship, building on their success in the 2023 Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Thailand. He also emphasized the federation's commitment to providing ample opportunities for junior athletes and ensuring the best possible preparation with the support of the Pakistan Sports Board.