Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (March 2, 2020):-Karachi Kings defeated Peshawar Zalmi by six wickets in the PSL fixture on Monday at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, as Babar Azam’s innings 70 (59balls)was the major difference of the day. Babar Azam guided Karachi Kings to a comfortable victory by scoring an unbeaten 70 runs off 59 balls, hitting 10 fours in his innings. Sharjeel Khan failed to perform this time, getting trapped lbw off a Hassan Ali delivery for 4. Alex Hales and Babar's partnership was instrumental in putting the Kings in the driving seat of the match. Hales scored 49 off 27 balls, hitting two sixes and six 4s. Delport didn't contribute much to the total as well, scoring an unimpressive 2 runs from 4 balls before being caught by Banton off a Yasir Shah delivery. Walton scored 22 off 16 balls before he got out, caught by Rahat Ali off a Brathwaite delivery. It was then left for Babar and Iftikhar Ahmed to ensure their team emerged victorious at the end of the day.

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (March 2, 2020):-Beth Mooney’s brilliant half-century proved the difference as Australia beat New Zealand by four runs to make the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 semi-finals. Beth Mooney of Australia celebrates and acknowledges the crowd after hitting a half century during the ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup match between Australia and New Zealand at Junction Oval on March 02, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Beth Mooney hit 60 off 50 balls to help Australia to 155 for five in their must-win match with New Zealand Georgia Wareham’s three for 17 sent the top-order into collapse and ensured a semi-final berth for the hosts and four-time champions Australia will face either South Africa or England in the semi-finals in Sydney  Mooney’s 60 runs from 50 balls, including six fours and two sixes, helped Australia to 155 for five with the White Ferns requiring the highest successful chase of the tournament to win at Junction Oval. New Zealand, who have made the semi-finals once since 2012, fell agonisingly short as their top-order struggled in Melbourne for the third successive game. Megan Schutt took three for 22 but Georgia Wareham (three for 17) was the pick of the bowlers after taking the crucial wickets of Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine and Maddy Green to set Australia on their way. It was far from the start the hosts would have wanted as star opener Alyssa Healy fell cheaply when she hit in-form Hayley Jensen straight to Amelia Kerr at mid-wicket. But the second-wicket partnership of Mooney and Meg Lanning quickly put them back into control, the pair hitting five boundaries between them to end the Powerplay at 38 for one. The skipper was in no mood to settle for singles as she hit back-to-back fours off Anna Peterson’s first two balls but her actions proved over-ambitious as her top-edged sweep was caught by Lea Tahuhu at short fine leg for 21. With Healy and Lanning gone, Mooney was left to steer the ship and she did so in remarkable fashion, blasting two sixes over mid-on followed by hitting successive boundaries in the 13th to grab her half-century. The Australian celebrations were short-lived, however, as Leigh Kasperek bowled Ashleigh Gardner for 20. Mooney then fell in the 18th over when Bates took an excellent tumbling catch at long-on off Peterson to end her stay in the middle. Ellyse Perry made 21 before being stumped by Rachel Priest on the penultimate ball while 19 from Rachael Haynes helped the hosts set a high chase. Priest powered New Zealand into a promising start, hitting three boundaries in the first three overs but the opener was sent packing in the fourth when Jess Jonassen trapped her lbw for 17. It was a steady start from Devine and Bates but a misfield allowed Bates to bring needed momentum to the chase with two boundaries in the seventh. But Bates once again fell short of her well-known potential as she was dismissed lbw by Wareham for 14 in the next over. The hosts did well to restrict their opponents but were dealt with a blow when Perry was forced off the field after sustaining a hamstring injury. Wareham’s second wicket may just prove her biggest yet as she dismissed Devine for 31 thanks to Healy’s quick reaction with the gloves, leaving New Zealand’s middle-order under pressure. Two sixes from Green helped to lower the required run rate but she was the next to fall victim to Wareham’s canny bowling when Healy stumped her for 28. The introduction of Kerr, who set up a thrilling finale against India with her bat, couldn’t turn things around as the 19-year-old was bowled by Schutt for two before Jensen was caught by Nicola Carey at mid-off first ball. Anna Peterson was bowled by Schutt in the penultimate over for nine while Katey Martin’s (37 not out) late striking wasn’t enough to send the White Ferns through. Scores in brief Australia beat New Zealand by four runs, Junction Oval, Melbourne Australia 155-5, 20 overs (Beth Mooney 60, Ellyse Perry 21; Anna Peterson 2-31) New Zealand 151-7, 20 overs (Katey Martin 37 not out, Georgia Wareham 3-17, Megan Schutt 3-28)

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (March 2, 2020):-Pakistan will play their last Group-B match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup against Thailand on Tuesday at the Sydney Showground Stadium. England and South Africa have already booked the two semi-final spots from the group hence the Pakistan-Thailand match will have no bearing on the group’s semi-finalists. Pakistan lost captain Bismah Maroof after the game against England, the left-handed top-order batter broke her thumb and was ruled out of the tournament. Javeria Khan who played her 100th T20I for Pakistan on Sunday (against South Africa) will lead the team against Thailand after also doing the captaincy duty on Sunday. Despite losing out on semi-final berths, Pakistan are keen on leaving the tournament on a high. Fast bowler Diana Baig has had an impressive tournament. She has provided Pakistan breakthroughs in opening overs of all three matches. The right-armer has picked-up five wickets in three games at 12.80 with a miserly 5.33 economy rate. In what will be Pakistan’s last outing in this edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Diana wants to leave a mark against Thailand. Diana Baig said: “We are disappointed at losing out on the semi-final spot since we had a very good chance especially after beating West Indies. But now our focus is on producing a clinical performance against Thailand and finishing the tournament on a high. “I have enjoyed bowling on Australian pitches especially with the new ball; I feel I have good rhythm which has helped me get early wickets in all three matches. I hope to produce a good performance on Tuesday and lead my team to a victory.” Aimen Anwar, Diana’s new-ball partner has taken six wickets so far at 17.50. At present she is the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan, Aimen however has been a touch expensive with her 8.75 economy rate. Javeria with 82 runs at 27.33 and 106.49 strike-rate is Pakistan’s leading run scorer going into the Thailand game. All-rounder Aliya Riaz who has provided fireworks in the lower-order has an 80-run tally with only a single dismissal. She has maintained a healthy 123.07 strike-rate. Pakistan squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup: Javeria Khan (captain), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Nawaz (wicketkeeper) and Syeda Aroob Shah Officials: Syed Iqbal Imam (head coach), Saleem Jaffer (bowling coach), Amir Iqbal (fielding coach), Gemaal Hussain (strength & conditioning coach), Dr Riffat Asghar Gill (physio), Aisha Jalil (team manager) and Zubair Ahmed (analyst). Upcoming fixtures: 3 March – Pakistan v Thailand, 9am (PST)

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (March 1, 2020):-Big guns Karachi Kings outclassed hosts Islamabad United by 5 wickets in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) fixture at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi on Sunday night. Batsmen of both teams amused the spectators of twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad, as the stadium was fully packed. Islamabad United scored 183 runs in allotted 20 overs, as chasing 184, Karachi Kings started the innings with a nightmare start when their superstar opener Babar Azam ran out without open his account without facing a ball. Sharjeel Khan showed some his batting class by contributing a blistering 20-ball 38 before Alex Hales (52) and Cameron Delport ‘s(38) crucial 66-run partnership turned the table of the game in Karachi’s favour. Earlier, Luke Ronchi hit unbeaten 85 off 58 and increasingly impressive Shadab Khan’s 31-ball 54 were the major contributors. Their 106-run stand for the fourth wicket had helped the capital city side to a total which had seemed unlikely when they had lost their first wicket in the very first over.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (March 1, 2020):-Pakistan WAPDA have won the both Men and Women titles of National Netball Championship at Hameedi Hall, Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad on Sunday. Pakistan Army got 3rd position in the Women’s events while Pakistan Air Force (PAF) spotted at third place in the Men’s event. Syed Wajid Bukhari, Ex- Federal Minister was the chief guest and gave away trophies, medals and certificates to players and teams. President, Pakistan Netball Federation (PNF), Mudassar Arain, Senior Vice President, Malik Sameen Khan, Secretary General, Syed Gohar Raza, Secretary General, Pakistan Throwball Federation, Maqbool Arian and a large number of peoples were also present on the occasion. Results (Men’s Event): Pakistan WAPDA beat Pakistan Army 28-23 Women’s Event Pakistan WAPDA beat Sindh 24-15 Third position fixtures: Pakistan Air Force beat Pakistan Navy 35-33 Pakistan Army beat Punjab by 29-10  

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (March 1, 2020):-Top seed Mohammad Shoaib annexed the Boys Singles Title of Syed Dilawar Abbas Memorial ITF Pakistan Junior Tennis Championship after beating Ayar Goklap from Turkay 2-1 in a thrilling well contested three sets match at S.Dilawar Abbas PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Sunday. In the first set, Ayar built up the lead 3-1 by breaking 4th game of Shoaib in which he hit two double faults, as the Shoaib leveled the score 3-3all by breaking 7th game of Ayar. The score went up to 5-5 all as both the players hold their respective serves; at this stage Ayer hold his serve with the help of two aces and claimed the winning lead 6-5 and won the first set 7-5 by breaking last game of Shoaib at 0-40. Meanwhile, in the second set, Ayer kept the same pressure and got the winning lead 3-1 by breaking 2nd game of Shoaib. At this stage Shoaib change the game plan and start long rallies from the base line and level the score 3-3 all by breaking 5th game of Ayar and won the second set at 6-4 breaking 7th game of Ayar and level the match 1-1 set all. Shoaib was in excellent form in the final set and took the lead 4-0 by breaking 1st and 3rd game of Ayar, at this moment Ayar reduced the lead 3-4 by breaking 8th game of Shaoib by changing the pace of game. Shoaib did not allow his opponent to change the pace and won the final set at 6-4. Both the players displayed excellent game of tennis which was appreciated and witnessed by tennis lovers. The match lasted 1 hour 53 minutes and was chaired by Husnain Mehmood. Islamabad Tennis Association organized the two ITF J5 Pakistan World Ranking Tennis tournament back to back and the second tournament was in the memory of Late Senator Syed Dilawar Abbas, who played vital role for the promotion of game of tennis in the country. He remained President/Patron of PTF, Lifetime Sr. Vice President of Asian Tennis Federation, and Hon. Lifetime Patron Islamabad Tennis Association, he was also member of ITF Constitutional Committee. As many as 27 boys and 15 girls from 18 countries Greece, Hong Kong, Austria, Russia, Turkey, Chinese Taipei, Great Britain, Romania, Nepal,  China, Iran, Tunaisa, Kazakhstan, USA, Malaysia , Korea, Sri Lanka and host Pakistan participated in the  Championships. Akber Durrani Secretary Information and Broadcasting graced the occasion as chief guest and distributed the trophies among the winner and runner-up of boys singles. Salim Saifullah Khan President Pakistan Tennis Federation, Col. Gul Rehman Secretary PTF also enjoyed the Singles final.

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (March 1, 2020):-Javeria Khan became only the fourth Pakistan woman cricketer to register a century of T20I matches when the Pakistan national women’s team played South Africa Women in their third Group-B fixture of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup against South Africa at Sydney Showground Stadium on Sunday. Javeria, the 31-year-old top-order batter, led the team after Bismah Maroof was ruled out of the tournament following an injury in the match against England. Javeria made her first T20I appearance in May 2009 and is the second highest run-getter for Pakistan with 1,826 runs at an average of 22. Her 204 fours are the most for any Pakistan batter and she has made eight half-centuries, to date. She was the skipper of the national side in the 2018 edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Overall, she has captained Pakistan in 11 matches. The record of the most number of T20Is from Pakistan sits with Bismah Maroof, who has donned the national colours in 108 matches. Sana Mir and Nida Dar, with 106 and 101, have the second and third most matches in the format. Javeria Khan said: “It is truly an honour for me that I led Pakistan in my 100th T20I. It has been a remarkable journey and I feel very blessed that I have been wearing the national colours for the past 11 years. “It is disappointing that we couldn’t make the most of the chances and areas of advantage in today’s match and I would have been happy had we won this crucial match. The girls fought tooth and nail, but credit to the South Africa for winning the match and becoming the first team from our group to enter the semi-finals. “It has been an exciting journey and I have learnt a great deal not only about cricket but other aspects of life as well. It gives me great pleasure to see where Pakistan cricket has gotten today. The fans take a keen interest and follow our matches everywhere in the world. “This has also led to more participation from young girls into sports and it is heartening for me to see talented youngsters from schools and colleges coming up.” Pakistan now play Thailand in their last Group B match on Tuesday at the same venue, the match will start at 9:00 am PST. Pakistan squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup: Javeria Khan (captain), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali, Nida Dar, Nahida Khan, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Nawaz (wicketkeeper) and Syeda Aroob Shah Officials: Syed Iqbal Imam (head coach), Saleem Jaffer (bowling coach), Amir Iqbal (fielding coach), Gemaal Hussain (strength & conditioning coach), Dr Riffat Asghar Gill (physio), Aisha Jalil (team manager) and Zubair Ahmed (analyst).

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (March 1, 2020):-The Slovenian tennis team arrived here on Sunday for Davis Cup Tie fixture against hosts Pakistan. According to Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), Slovenian Davis Cup Team arrived in Islamabad today (1st March, 2020). The Slovenian Team was received by the PTF Secretary Col. Gul Rehman(R) and Liaison Officer Imran Sheikh at the Islamabad Airport and was provided the entire protocol and security umbrella. The Serena Hotel Management also received them with traditional hospitality and courtesies. The Slovenian team visited the venue of Davis Cup tie at Pakistan Sports Complex.  

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (March 1, 2020):-South Africa Women beat Pakistan Women by 17 runs to secure a semi-final berth in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the Group-B fixture played at Sydney Showground Stadium on Sunday. Pakistan managed 119 for five in their pursuit of the 137-run target. In-form Aliya Riaz was the top-scorer in the Pakistan innings with an unbeaten 32-ball 39. The all-rounder struck three fours and a six. Captain Javeria Khan, playing her 100th T20I, made 31 off 34, hitting four fours, and helped her side stage a recovery after an early collapse which saw Pakistan lose three wickets for eight runs as the scorecard read 26 for three inside seven overs. Pakistan seemed to gain momentum, but Javeria’s run-out in the 11th over at the non-striker’s end swung the match in South Africa’s favour. Aliya struck the ball down the ground and as Chloe Tryon, the bowler, went down in her follow-through to field, it rolled onto the stumps after deflecting off her fingers. Earlier, Laura Wolvaardt scored an unbeaten 53 from 36 balls after South Africa opted to bat. The right-hand batter struck eight fours and was instrumental in helping her side set up a competitive score. Diana Baig struck early and had South Africa one down for four runs with the wicket of Lizelle Lee (four) on the fourth ball of the match. The medium-fast bowler struck again as Lee’s opening partner Dane Van Niekerk (three) was also back in the pavilion as Diana bowled her in the fifth over. Marizanne Kapp, batting at three, denied any further inroads and pushed back the Pakistan bowlers with her 32-ball 31, which include two fours and a six. Diana returned two for 19 in four overs, while all other four bowlers – Anam Amin, Aiman Anwer, Syeda Aroob Shah and Nida Dar – picked up a wicket each. In their last group fixture, Pakistan play Thailand Women at the same venue on Tuesday, 3 March. Scores in brief South Africa Women 136-6, 20 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 53 not out, Marizanne Kapp 31; Diana Baig 2-19) Pakistan Women 119-5, 20 0vers (Aliya Riaz 39 not out, Javeria Khan 31) Result South Africa Women win by 17 runs.

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (February 29, 2020):-Yasir Shah comes in as a replacement for Mohammad Mohsin in Peshawar Zalmi’s squad, it was announced on Saturday. The replacement was approved by the event’s technical committee which includes PCB CEO Wasim Khan, Bazid Khan, Marina Iqbal, Sameer Khosa and Dr Sohail Saleem. Mohsin, the 23-year-old leg-spinner, split the webbing between his middle and ring fingers of the left hand while fielding in his side’s HBL Pakistan Super League fixture against Lahore Qalandars in Rawalpindi yesterday. He will be out of the action for at least a week. Mohsin was picked by Zalmi in the Silver category and he has, to date, featured in two matches this season. Pakistan’s leading Test leg-spinner Yasir Shah donned Lahore Qalandars’ colours from 2017 to 2019 editions. In 23 HBL PSL matches, Yasir, who was unpicked in the player draft for this edition, has taken 23 wickets at an average of 25.21.