Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (February 28, 20202):-South Africa and England each moved one step closer to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 semi-finals with impressive wins in Canberra. The Proteas enjoyed a record-breaking afternoon at the Manuka Oval as Lizelle Lee’s 101 helped them to 195 for three, the highest score in the competition. They eventually downed Thailand by 113 runs to head top of Group B with two wins from two, joined by England on four points after their second victory later in the day. Heather Knight and Nat Sciver were both in the runs while Sarah Glenn and Sophie Ecclestone spun the 2009 champions to a 42-run win over Pakistan. Lizelle Lee’s outstanding century led South Africa to the record books with the highest score in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup history in victory over Thailand. The opener struck 101 from just 60 balls in Canberra, a knock which, combined with Sune Luus’ unbeaten 61, helped the Proteas to 195 for three. Chloe Tryon also blitzed 24 late runs to take the game away from Thailand, who were bowled out for 82 in response to lose by 113 runs in the Group B clash. Luus completed her all-round excellence to finish with three wickets, as did Shabnim Ismail, while Onnicha Kamchomphu’s 26 was the solitary note of resistance for the debutants. “Things haven’t gone my way since the New Zealand tour, so it was just good to get some runs on the board and get that confidence back,” said Lee. “It’s two different things, batting in the nets and out in the middle. I was hitting the ball well out in the nets, it just didn’t come off in the middle. That does make your confidence dip. “I think every batter needs a little bit of confidence, you can’t go out there not having any. If it’s your day, you have to go out and cash in and I was pleased to do that for the team." Thailand captain Sornnarin Toppoch added: “We were disappointed with that performance. We didn’t bowl well, we didn’t field well and particularly we didn’t bat well. “We’re a bit flustered when Lizelle came at us, so we never had a chance to find our lines and lengths. We’ve got to find a way of correcting that moving forward into the next games. “It’s different facing it in practice and moving into a real-life situation. “Teams are going to come at us hard at this level, we’ve got to step up in this respect, improve our fielding and be a bit more tidy when we’re in the field.” Shrubsole takes 100th wicket while spinners deliver England made it two wins from three in Group B as spinners Sarah Glenn (three for 15) and Sophie Ecclestone (two for 12) combined to great effect in victory over Pakistan. Chasing 159, Pakistan were always behind the rate, even before the two tweakers went for a combined 27 runs in their eight overs, taking five wickets on the way. Anya Shrubsole also delivered with three scalps, the last seeing her dismiss Diana Baig caught and bowled to become the third woman to reach 100 T20I wickets. Heather Knight (62) and Nat Sciver (36) once again delivered with the bat but England’s opening pair of Amy Jones and Danni Wyatt are both still to fire in the tournament. “It’s been great to have Sophie with me, she’s a similar age but has some more experience in the team,” said Glenn. “If I’m ever nervous or unsure about anything, she’s always there to talk it through on and off the field. She’s a key asset to the team. “We’re really positive as a group. It was gutting to lose against South Africa but we’re feeling really good and have plenty of momentum now. “We’ve had a lot of success in Canberra, especially Heather, who’s had a brilliant time. We’ve got a lot of good memories to take into Sydney.” Pakistan’s Aliya Riaz added: “We made mistakes in the field and dropped some catches. That’s the difference between us and England. “We believed at the halfway stage when Javeria started well, we built some partnerships and I tried to do my best at the end. I tried to hit the ball as hard as possible. “Some catches dropped is the responsibility of the fielders. These are our mistakes. “We need to build more partnerships and make fewer mistakes in fielding and bowling.” Scores in brief South Africa beat Thailand by 113 runs, Manuka Oval, Canberra South Africa 195-3, 20 overs (Lizelle Lee 101, Sune Luus 61 not out; Ratanporn Padunglerd 1-19) Thailand 82 all out, 19.1 overs (Onnicha Kamchomphu 26; Shabnim Ismail 3-8, Sune Luus 3-15) England beat Pakistan by 42 runs, Manuka Oval, Canberra England 158-7, 20 overs (Heather Knight 62, Nat Sciver 36; Aiman Anwar 3-30) Pakistan 116 all out, 19.4 overs (Aliya Riaz 41; Sarah Glenn 3-15, Anya Shrubsole 3-25)

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (February 28, 2020):-New Zealand’s men claimed a dramatic 5-3 FIH Hockey Pro League victory over reigning Olympic champions Argentina at the Nga Puna Wai Hockey Stadium in Christchurch on Friday (28 February). However, it was a different story for the Black Sticks women, who drew 1-1 with Argentina before missing out on the bonus point by losing the subsequent shoot-out.  The New Zealand versus Argentina men’s match was an out-and-out thriller, with the home favourites earning a second successive FIH Hockey Pro League victory to add to their recent triumph against Spain, which was their first ever outright win since the launch of the competition in January 2019. The result sees the Black Sticks climb up to fifth in the table, with Los Leones in eighth position. New Zealand established 1-0, 2-1 and 3-2 leads thanks to strikes from Sam Lane, Dylan Thomas and Jared Panchia, with the reigning Olympic champions – captained by Pedro Ibarra, who today made his 300th senior international appearance – hitting back on each occasion through Maico Casella and Jose Tolini (2) to leave the scores locked at 3-3 with eleven minutes remaining. Much to the delight of the home fans, the Black Sticks eventually pulled clear when a Cory Bennett penalty corner and an open play effort from Dominic Neuman established an unassailable 5-3 lead, with New Zealand goalkeeper Leon Hayward being named Player of the Match thanks to a string of outstanding saves in sealing the triumph. "It was nice to get five goals against a quality opponent”, said Black Sticks head coach Darren Smith. “We defended well and were able to contain their dangerous strike forwards. Our strike line was energetic and played with genuine pace as they put together a strong performance". Having witnessed their men’s team earn a famous victory over the Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallists, New Zealand’s women knew that a glorious double over the Pan American giants was a distinct possibility. However, despite missing numerous influential players including goalkeeper Belen Succi and attacking stars Carla Rebecchi and Delfina Merino, it was the Argentineans who emerged with the biggest share of the points, climbing up to second in the FIH Hockey Pro League table, one place above New Zealand. The Black Sticks started well and took the lead early in the second quarter when 19-year-old Hope Ralph scored from open play. However, Ralph’s strike was cancelled out mid-way through the third period by Player of the Match Agustina Albertarrio, who found the target with a deflected effort. With no further goals, a shoot-out was required to determine the destination of the bonus point. It was the visitors who claimed the additional point, with Julieta Jankunas, Victoria Miranda and Priscilla Jardel all on target as Las Leonas emerged 3-1 winners in the one-on-ones, with Sam Charlton the sole scorer for New Zealand. Speaking after the game, Agustina Albertarrio said: “It was a very difficult match. New Zealand is a really good team. We are happy we won the shoot-out, but we have to see the images of the match to review the things that we did wrong and think about the [next] match.” The FIH Hockey Pro League continues on Sunday 1 March when New Zealand’s men and women face Argentina for the second time at Christchurch’s Nga Puna Wai Hockey Stadium. To see the complete match schedule, click here. Keep up to date with all the latest news on the FIH Hockey Pro League via the event website and through FIH social media channels - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.  FIH Hockey Pro League Friday 28 February 2020 – Nga Puna Wai Hockey Stadium, Christchurch (NZL) Men’s result: New Zealand 5, Argentina 3 (Match 1 of 2) Player of the Match: Leon Hayward (GK - NZL) Umpires: Peter Wright (RSA), Steve Rogers (AUS) & Aleisha Neumann (AUS - video) Women’s result: New Zealand 1, Argentina 1 – 1-3 After Shoot-Out (Match 1 of 2) Player of the Match: Agustina Albertarrio (ARG) Umpires: Junko Wagatsuma (JPN), Aleisha Neumann (AUS) & Peter Wright (RSA - video)

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (February 28, 2020):-Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force met the players of Pakistan National Kabaddi team at Air Headquarters, Islamabad today (Friday). He felicitated the team for winning Kabaddi World Cup, 2020, which was held at Lahore. Interacting with the players, the Air Chief lauded the performance of players who brought laurels to the country by winning the biggest event in the sport which is very popular in the rural areas of Pakistan. He further said that winning the final against arch rival India was an icing on the cake, which has made the whole nation proud. He added that it was a proud moment for PAF, as 07 players including the captain Chief Warrant Officer Mohammad Irfan are part of the Pakistan Air Force Kabaddi team, which is also the title holder of National Championship. The Air Chief also awarded cash incentives to the national heroes.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD:-An unseeded, Leyla Nilufer Elmas (TUR) won the Girls Single crown of Syed Dilawar Abbas Memorial ITF Pakistan Junior Tennis Championships by eliminating top seed Ren Ke in a entertaining three sets match at Dilawar Abbas PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Thursday. In the First set, both players broke serve of each other and the score went up to 6-6 all and set decided on tie break, which won by Leyla with a score of 8-6 by hitting the winner down the line. In the second set, the quality tennis was witnessed and the score went up to 4-4 all as both the players hold their respective serves; top seed Ren Ke won the second set at 6-4 by breaking last game of Leyla at 15-40. The final set was marked with aces, long rallies and combination of back hand, forehand drives and the score went up to 4-4 all. Leyla won the final set by breaking 9th game of Ren Ke and clinched the Girls Singles title; the match lasted 2 hours 28 minutes which was officiated by Asif Ali. Leyla Elmas (TUR) obtained 30 ITF World Ranking points whereas Ren Ke (CHN) got 18 points. Ayar Goklap (TUR)/ Mustafa Sancaklioglu (TUR) won the Boys Doubles title by eliminating Iustin Belea (ROU) / Qwyn Quittner (AUS) in straight sets with the score of 6-2, 6-3. Top seed Mohammad Shaoib of Pakistan and second seed Ayar Goklap (TUR) moved into the Boys Singles final by beating their respective opponents in straight sets. In the first semi final Top seed Shoaib won the first set 6-4 by breaking 9th game of Aryan Giri (NEP); he kept the same pressure in the second set and build up the winning lead 4-0 by breaking 1st and 3rd game of Aryan and won the second set at 6-1 by breaking last game of Aryan after 3 duce. In the second semi final Ayar Goklap (TUR) proved too good for Kerem Ozlale (TUR) and won in straight sets with the score of 6-3, 6-1. Leyla Nilufer Elmas (TUR) / Mina Togdulkdmir (TUR) won the Girls Doubles Title by beating Abhilasha Bista (NEP) / Neyara Weerawansa (SRI) in a exciting three set match; Neyla / Mina won the first set at 7-5 by breaking 11th game of Neyara; Bista & Neyara leveled the match 1 set all by wining the second set at 6-2 by breaking 4t5h and 6th game of Leyla and Mina. In the final set match tie played which won by Leyla / Mina at 11-9 after saving 3 match points. Salim Saifullah Khan President Pakistan Tennis Federation witnessed the Girls Doubles final and distributed the shields and trophies amongst the winner and runner-ups; as these players are leaving today for the their home land. Col. Gul Rehman Secretary PTF and other tennis lovers were also witnessed the final and present on the occasion.  Results: Boys Singles Semi Final Mohammad Shaoib beat Aryan Giri (NEP) 6-4, 6-1; Gokalp Ayar (TUR) beat Kerem Ozlale (TUR) 6-3, 6-1 Girls Singles Final Leyla Nilufer Elmas (TUR) beat Ren Ke (CHN) 7-6(6), 4-6, 6-4 Boys Doubles Final Gokalp Ayar (TUR) / Mustafa Sancaklioglu (TUR) beat Iustin Belea (ROU) / Qwyn Quittner (AUS) 6-2, 6-3 Girls Doubles Final Leyla Nilufer Elmas (TUR) / Mina Toglukdemir (TUR) beat  Abhilasha Bista (NEP) / Neyara Weerawansa (SRI) 7-5, 2-6, 11-9.

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (February 28, 2020):-Fast bowler Haris Rauf will be replaced by Salman Irshad, the right-arm fast-medium bowler, in Lahore Qalandars’ camp after the former was ruled out due to an injury in his right foot. Haris is likely to miss next two to three HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 matches for his side. 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. Harris experienced pain on the inner side of his right heel after Lahore Qalandars match against Islamabad United at the Gaddafi Stadium last Sunday. Though his scans ruled out any fracture but there certainly is stress reaction. Therefore he has been advised rest. Salman, who comes in as a silver category player, featured in the 2018 edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League and played three matches for Lahore Qalandars.

Salman Khan MULTAN (February 28, 2020):-Multan Sultans recorded their second successive home win in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 by beating Karachi Kings by a comfortable 52-run margin at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Friday. A fine bowling performance led by spinners Imran Tahir and Shahid Afridi who shared five wickets between them set the tone of Sultans’ comfortable win after their batsmen had set what proved to be a match winning 186 for six first innings score. Sohail Tanvir who got a four-wicket haul in Sultans win over Peshawar Zalmi on Wednesday took two wickets for 20 runs. Alex Hales with 29 and Umaid Asif 20 were the only batsmen to offer some resistance in what was a less than inspiring batting performance by the Kings. Batting first after being asked to bat at the toss, Sultans posted a formidable 186 for six total in their allotted 20 overs courtesy half-centuries by opener and man-of-the-match Moeen Ali and captain Shan Masood. The two added 71 runs for the second wicket partnership after Zeeshan Ashraf (23 off 13 balls) had provided the hosts a flying start in a 31-run opening stand with Moeen. Moeen hit four fours and as many sixes in his 65-run innings that came off 42 balls; he was the second wicket to fall. Shan also faced 42 balls scoring 61 runs with the help of seven fours and one six. Khushdil Shah (10) was the only other batsman to reach double figures as Sultans innings was built on the contributions by Moeen and Shan. Pacers Mohammad Amir and Chris Jordan took two wickets each for Kings, Amir conceding 27 and Jordan conceding 29 runs respectively in their four over spells. Scores in brief Multan Sultans 186 for 6, 20 overs (Moeen Ali 65, Shan Masood 61; Mohammad Amir 2-27, Chris Jordan 2-29) Karachi Kings 134 all out, 17 overs (Alex Hales 29, Umaid Asif 20, Chadwick Walton 15; Imran Tahir 3-28, Shahid Afridi 2-18, Sohail Tanvir 2-20)    

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (February 28, 2020):-England women recorded a 42-run victory over Pakistan women in a Group B match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup played at the Manuka Oval, Canberra on Friday. Set a 159-run target, Pakistan were bowled out for 116 runs in 19.4 overs to hand England their second win of the tournament. Pakistan who beat West Indies by eight wickets in their opening match now face South Africa in Sydney on Sunday. Pakistan’s chase got off to a poor start as opener Muneeba Ali (10) fell in the third over. The women in green lost the crucial wicket of captain Bismah Maroof who fell for four in the sixth over with the score on 35. Player-of-the-match of the win against West Indies, Javeria Khan fell for 16 in the 7th over which left Pakistan reeling at 39 for three. Pakistan kept losing regular wickets before folding in 19.4 overs for 116 runs. All-rounder Aliya Riaz top-scored with a stroke-filled 41 off 33 balls, her innings included five fours and one six. For England Anya Shrubsole and Sarah Glenn took three wickets each. Katherine Brunt and Sophie Ecclestone took two wickets each. Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and asked England to bat first. Diana Baig repeated her first over heroics of the game against West Indies by dismissing English opener Amy Jones (2) on the fifth ball of the match. The other opener Danni Wyatt fell for 16 to Aimen Anwar. Natalie Sciver hit five boundaries in her 36 that came off 29 balls before falling to Aliya Riaz. Captain Heather Knight was the top-scorer for England with 62 off 47 balls, her match winning innings included eight fours and one six. Fran Wilson chipped in with 22 as England finished their 20 overs with a formidable 158 for seven was total on the scoreboard. For Pakistan Aimen was the pick of the bowlers, she claimed three wickets for 30 runs. Nida Dar, playing her 100th T20I took two for 43. Scores in brief: England Women 158 for 7, 20 overs (Heather Knight 62, Natalie Sciver 36; Aimen Anwar 3-30, Nida Dar 2-43) Pakistan Women:-116 all out in 19.4 overs (Aliya Riaz 41, Javeria Khan 16; Sarah Glenn 3-15, Anya Shrubsole 3-25 ) Result: England women win by 42 runs Player-of-the-match: Heather Knight Next match for Pakistan: Pakistan Women vs South Africa Women, Sunday, 01 March in Sydney.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (Februry 27, 2020):-Defending champions Quetta Gladiators produced a stunning run-chase to defeat Islamabad United by five wickets in the first-ever HBL Pakistan Super League match at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday. Gladiators’ victory has given them the top-spot in the HBL PSL 2020 points table. They have won three out of their four games and have six points after the end of the ninth match of the tournament. Set a stiff 188-run target, Quetta Gladiators were helped past the target by an unbroken 57-run partnership between man-of-the-match Ben Cutting (42 not out, 17 balls, two fours, four sixes) and Mohammad Nawaz (25 not out, 20 balls, three fours). Cutting made the difference by scoring 17 runs off the 18th over of the Gladiators’ chase when they needed 33 to win at the start of the over. Rumman Raees conceded a mere five runs in the penultimate over to bring United back in the hunt but Cutting finished the game off through back-to-back sixes off Amad Butt’s final over to take his side over the line with two balls spare. The foundation of the Gladiators’ chase was laid by opener Jason Roy (50 off 38) and captain Sarfaraz Ahmed (33 off 20). Gladiators were in a spot of bother when Sarfaraz was dismissed by Faheem Ashraf, which left Gladiators needing 55 off the last 29 balls. However, Cutting’s heroics helped them secure a vital victory which has taken them to the top of the six-team table. Ahmed Safi with two wickets for 17 runs in three overs was the pick of the United bowlers. Earlier, Sarfaraz won the toss and opted to field first. United got off to a blazing start as Luke Ronchi took 11 runs off the first over bowled by Sohail Khan. His innings though was nipped in the bud by fast-bowler Naseem Shah who demolished his stumps with a fast yorker on the first ball of the second over. Naseem then took another prized wicket when he breached Dawid Malan’s (10) defences sending the stumps flying again. Colin Munro was the third wicket to fall, he went after a quickfire 31 off 20 balls (two fours, three sixes) leaving United at 56 for three in the sixth over. United skipper Shadab Khan who scored a scintillating fifty in United’s win over Lahore Qalandars last Sunday, scored 39 off 25 balls (three fours, two sixes). The right-hander added 76 runs in 50 balls with Colin Ingram for the fourth wicket. Ingram held the innings together as United lost quick wickets at the other end. The left-hander stayed at the crease till the end of the United innings to propel them to 187 for seven. Ingram scored 63 off 40 balls (six fours, two sixes) to register his first fifty for United in his third match of his first-ever season with the franchise. Naseem with figures of two for 23 in four overs was the pick of the Gladiators bowling line-up. Scores in brief Islamabad United 187-7, 20 overs (Colin Ingram 63 not out, Shadab Khan 39, Colin Munro 31; Naseem Shah 2-23, Tymal Mills 2-34) Quetta Gladiators 190-5, 19.4 overs (Jason Roy 50, Ben Cutting 42 not out, Sarfaraz Ahmed 33; Ahmed Safi 2-17, Faheem Ashraf 2-46) Result: Quetta Gladiators win by five wickets Islamabad United (Playing XI) Shadab Khan (c), Faheem Ashraf, Asif Ali, Amad Butt, Colin Ingram (SA), Musa Khan, Dawid Malan (ENG), Colin Munro (NZ), Rumman Raees, Luke Ronchi (wk, NZ), Ahmed Safi Abdullah, Dale Steyn (SA),  Quetta Gladiators (Playing XI) Sarfraz Ahmed (c/wk), Ahsan Ali, Ben Cutting (AUS), Mohammad Hasnain, Azam Khan, Sohail Khan, Khurram Manzoor, Tymal Mills (ENG), Mohammad Nawaz, Jason Roy (ENG), Naseem Shah, Ahmed Shehzad, Shane Watson (AUS) Islamabad United Shadab Khan (c), Faheem Ashraf, Asif Ali, Saif Badar, Amad Butt, Zafar Gohar, Rizwan Hussain, Colin Ingram (SA), Akif Javed, Musa Khan, Dawid Malan (ENG), Colin Munro (NZ), Rumman Raees, Luke Ronchi (wk, NZ), Ahmed Safi Abdullah, Phil Salt (ENG), Dale Steyn (SA), Hussain Talat Quetta Gladiators Sarfraz Ahmed (c/wk), Fawad Ahmed (AUS), Anwar Ali, Ahsan Ali, Ben Cutting (AUS), Mohammad Hasnain, Arish Ali Khan, Azam Khan, Sohail Khan, Khurram Manzoor, Zahid Mehmood (until March 7), Tymal Mills (ENG), Abdul Nasir, Mohammad Nawaz, Keemo Paul (WI, from March 7), Jason Roy (ENG), Naseem Shah, Ahmed Shehzad, Shane Watson (AUS) Karachi Kings Imad Wasim (c), Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, Umaid Asif, Babar Azam, Cameron Delport (SA), Alex Hales (ENG), Arshad Iqbal, Chris Jordan (ENG), Sharjeel Khan, Ali Khan, Umer Khan, Mitch McClenaghan (NZ), Usama Mir, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Chadwick Walton (WI), Aamir Yamin, Awais Zia Lahore Qalandars Sohail Akhtar (c), Shaheen Afridi, Jaahid Ali, Salman Butt, Ben Dunk (wk, AUS), Mohammad Faizan, Mohammad Hafeez, Dilbar Hussain, Chris Lynn (AUS), Samit Patel (ENG), Seekkuge Prasanna (SL), Farzan Raja, Haris Rauf, Usman Shinwari, Dane Vilas (wk, SA), David Wiese (SA), Fakhar Zaman Multan Sultans Shan Masood (c), Moeen Ali (ENG), Shahid Afridi, Fabian Allen (WI, from March 7), Zeeshan Ashraf, Bilawal Bhatti, Ravi Bopara (ENG), Mohammad Ilyas, Mohammad Irfan, Junaid Khan, Wayne Madsen (ENG, until March 7), Rohail Nazir (wk), Rilee Rossouw (SA), Usman Qadir, Ali Shafiq, Khushdil Shah, Imran Tahir (SA), Sohail Tanvir, James Vince (ENG) Peshawar Zalmi Darren Sammy (c, WI), Kamran Akmal (wk), Aamir Ali, Hasan Ali, Rahat Ali, Haider Ali Khan, Adil Amin, Umar Amin, Tom Banton (wk, ENG), Carlos Brathwaite (WI, until March 7), Liam Dawson (ENG), Lewis Gregory (ENG), Imam-ul-Haq, Amir Khan, Liam Livingstone (ENG), Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Mohsin, Kieron Pollard (WI, from March 7), Wahab Riaz

Salman Khan MULTAN (February 26, 2020):-An unbroken 77-run fifth wicket partnership between Rilee Rossouw and Khushdil Shah guided Multan Sultans to a comfortable six wicket win over Peshawar Zalmi in the first-ever HBL Pakistan Super League match at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. Enjoying the support of a vociferous home crowd, Multan recovered from a shaky 47 for four in 6.1 overs to get past their 124-run target with nine balls to spare. The left-handed pair of Rossouw and Khushdil took the team to the victory with contrasting batting performances. While Rossouw grafted his way to a 42-ball 47 (seven fours and one six), Khushdil used the long handle to great effect in his 43 that came off 29 balls and included four fours and two sixes. The two stabilised the chase first before taking the charge against a fired-up Zalmi attack that fought hard despite a low total to defend. Left-armer Wahab Riaz took two quick wickets, fellow pacer Hasan Ali removed James Vince for five in the opening over. Wahab took the wickets of Shan Masood (8) and Zeeshan Ashraf (12) while Rahat Ali dismissed Moeen Ali (2) but their efforts wen in vain eventually as Rossouw and Khushdil finished the job for the Sultans. Earlier Sultans captain Shan won the toss and opted to field first. His decision paid rich dividends as Tom Banton (4) fell in the first over to a terrific catch by the veteran Shahid Afridi off Mohammad Irfan. The prolific Kamran Akmal, who had scored a century in Zalmi’s win over Gladiators on Saturday, fell for 15. Shoaib Malik and Liam Livingstone fell cheaply as Zalmi were reduced to 41 for four in the sixth over. The talented youngster Haider Ali batted with great deal of confidence in his 47 (27 balls, six fours and two sixes) but his dismissal in the 11th over triggered a collapse. Zalmi failed to come to grips against the spinning ball as the lower-order caved-in. Liam Dawson with 22 runs was the only one to offer some fight as Zalmi were rolled over for 123 in 18.3 overs. Sohail Tanvir, later adjudged the man-of-the-match was the most successful bowler for Sultans with figures of four for 13 in 3.3 overs. Pacers Irfan and Mohammad Ilyas took two wickets apiece. Scores in brief Peshawar Zalmi 123 all out, 18.3 overs (Haider Ali 47, Liam Dawson 22; Sohail Tanvir 4-13, Mohammad Ilyas 2-23) Multan Sultans 124-4, 18.3 overs (Rilee Rossouw 49 not out, Khushdil Shah 43 not out; Wahab Riaz 2-36) Result: Multan Sultans won by six wickets

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (February 26, 2020):-Salim Saifullah Khan, President PTF visited Aisam ul Haq Pavilion at Pakistan Sports Complex to witness the training session of the Pakistan Davis Cup team, which is in progress for preparation of the Davis Cup tie Pakistan against Slovenia. The President showed satisfaction about the training session and the hard work, which is being displayed by the players under their Captain/Coach Mushaf Zia. He also interacted with the players and motivated them to perform better. The President also inspected the venue of the event and was briefed by Khawar Hyat, SEVP and Saeed Ahmed Khan SVP, members of the Management Committee of PTF, about the progress of the work. He was satisfied with the overall preparatory arrangements.