Friday, 20 Sep 2024 About Us Privacy policy TERMS AND CONDITIONS Contact Us
Latest News

CRICKET - Int News 03 Feb, 2020

Pakistan ready to take on India in ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup semi-final  
SB News POTCHEFSTROOM (February 3, 2020):-Arch-rivals Pakistan and India will lock horns in the first semi-final of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup at the JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom on Tuesday. The high-octane clash is set to capture the attention of millions of cricket fans in the sub-continent and the stakes, as always, are high. The winners will clinch a spot in the 9 February final of the most prestigious age-group cricket event. The two teams have tasted glory in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in the past with the defending champions India victorious on four occasions while Pakistan are the only team to have won back-to-back titles (2004 and 2006). Pakistan’s historic 2006 triumph was registered with one of the most astonishing results in the history of the tournament when the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led side convincingly defended their paltry 109-run total by rolling over India for 71 runs at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium. The two teams have frequently clashed in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. Pakistan have won five out of the nine matches between the two sides, while India have won four contests. Pakistan have so far shown great depth in both bowling and batting departments in the ongoing tournament. They shot out Scotland for 75 runs in their opening Group C match and restricted Bangladesh to 106 for nine in the rain affected match also played at the JB Marks Oval. The bowlers also made light work of Afghanistan by bowling them out for 189 in the quarter-final clash. The batting line-up’s depth was visible in game against Zimbabwe when Pakistan recovered from 73 for three to post a 294-run total. The batsmen also held their own against the fancied Afghan spinners to overhaul the 190-run target for the loss of four wickets with 53 balls to spare. Pace bowling all-rounder Abbas Afridi - with nine wickets in four games - is Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker, to date, and his fellow pacers Tahir Hussain and Amir Khan have taken seven wickets each. The batting is led by Mohammad Haris who was the man-of-the-match against Zimbabwe with a sparkling 48-ball 81. Haris saw off the chase against Afghanistan with an unbeaten 29 off 43 balls, his tournament tally is 110 runs (two innings) with only a single dismissal earning him a 110-run average. Qasim Akram, who scored 54 against Zimbabwe, contributed a useful 25 not out against Afghanistan in an unbroken 63-run fourth wicket stand with Haris that sealed Pakistan’s win. Pakistan will look to opener and vice-captain Haider Ali to provide a flying start to the team like he did against Afghanistan (28 off 34 balls, five fours) before his unfortunate run out. Haider has not yet lived up to the potential he has shown at the domestic level  with a century in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2019-20 final and the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup last year with scores of four and 19 against Scotland and Zimbabwe respectively besides his quickfire knock against Afghanistan. The right-handed stroke player who has already caught the attention of cricket pundits during his stroke filled 28 on Friday. He, however, feels that the team is ready for the big clash while he knows that he needs to turn-up in the big semi-final clash.  Haider Ali said: “I am happy with my batting form. I was playing well against Afghanistan before I got run out. But I feel confident that I will deliver against India. This is just another game for us and I don’t feel any additional pressure, I feel, I can do well in the match. “My confidence is high after the Afghanistan innings. I know my importance to the team and I will aim to carry on the batting form and provide the team a good start against India. Former players and experts have admired my batting which makes me happy and motivates me to do well in the upcoming games. “I scored 45 against India in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup match recently, I feel confident heading into the game and will give my 100 per cent. I want to thank the fans who have supported us especially after the quarter-final win. I also want to thank the cricketers who have tweeted for us and encouraged us ahead of the semi-final. “I request the fans to pray for us, we will give our 100 per cent and aim to win the World Cup.” Pakistan ICC U19 Cricket World Cup squad: Rohail Nazir (captain and wicketkeeper), Abbas Afridi (Peshawar), Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (Quetta), Amir Ali (Larkana), Amir Khan (Peshawar), Arish Ali Khan (Karachi), Fahad Munir (Lahore),  Haider Ali (vice-captain), Qasim Akram (Lahore), Mohammad Haris (Peshawar), Mohammad Huraira (Sialkot), Mohammad Irfan Khan (Lahore),  Mohammad Shehzad (Multan), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (North Waziristan), Tahir Hussain (Multan) Team management – Ijaz Ahmed (head coach-cum-manager), Rao Iftikhar Anjum (bowling coach), Abdul Majeed (assistant coach), Saboor Ahmad (trainer), Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rasul (physiotherapist), Usman Hashmi (analyst), Emmad Ahmed Hameed (media manager) and Col (retd) Usman Riffat Anwari (security manager).  

CRICKET - Int News 03 Feb, 2020

Shaheen Shah Afridi  recalls his maiden five-wicket haul
By Our Special Correspondent  ISLAMABAD (February 3, 2020):-After rain played spoilsport in Rawalpindi, the focus had shifted to Karachi with Pakistan and Sri Lanka locking horns in the second ICC World Test Championship fixture between them. Pakistan, playing first-ever Test series in their homeland after more than 10 years, were eager to make the most of the occasion. They, however, were off to a shaky start as Azhar Ali’s men were bowled out for 191 in 59.3 overs on day one after opting to bat. With a small total on board and the sun about to set on the metropolitan city, Pakistan needed to strike with the ball to push the visitors on the back foot.  At that moment, Shaheen Shah Afridi raised his hand.  The 19-year-old induced an edge from Oshada Fernando, inviting him to drive on a fuller delivery, in the seventh over of the first Sri Lankan innings.  “When I took the first wicket I wasn’t sure whether the batsman had nicked the ball,” Shaheen told PCB Digital. “It was Rizzy [Mohammad Rizwan] who told me that the batsman had edged the ball and he was very certain about it.  “We had a young bowling unit and there was a lot of responsibility on me as we had been dismissed for a small total.” The day ended with honours even as Sri Lanka were 64 for three – thanks to Mohammad Abbas, who accounted for the wickets of Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis. On day two, Shaheen returned with more firepower and got the prized scalps of Angelo Matthews and Dhananjaya De Silva, who had struck an unbeaten 102 in the first Test. “I was working on Mathews and bowling him at the same channel. He was trying to bat deep and waiting for the ball to get older. “The plan for De Silva was a simple one and it was that we have to get him out as soon as possible as he had scored runs against us previously.” With Sri Lanka reduced to 271 for eight after Dinesh Chandimal, the only batsman to put up a resistance with 74, back in the pavilion, Shaheen dismissed Dilruwan Perera, who made 48, and Lahiru Kumara (0), the last two tourists' wickets, in a span of three balls. He recorded his first-ever five-wicket haul in Test cricket with five for 77 and that it came in front of his countrymen, cheering in stands, made it more special for the youngster. “There was an instance when we thought we are playing a T20 as the crowd had turned out in large numbers to support us. We were all very excited as Test cricket was back in Pakistan after a gap of 10 years. In the next innings, it was Naseem Shah, the 16-year-old pacer, who dismantled the Sri Lankan batting line-up. Playing only his second Test, Naseem took five for 31 to also record his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket. “During the second Sri Lankan innings, I had told Naseem that it was his day and he will take wickets. He had that hunger and he wanted to compete with me. “It is a healthy rivalry to have. It is something that Wasim Akram and Waqar Youns also had.  This not only brings out the best performances from us but also helps the team.” The first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh, an ICC World Test Championship fixture, will begin on Friday at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.  

CRICKET - Int News 03 Feb, 2020

Tickets for Rawalpindi Test go on sale from Tuesday
By Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (February 3, 2020):-The tickets for the ICC World Test Championship fixture between Pakistan and Bangladesh at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, which commences on Friday, will go on sale tomorrow, Tuesday, it was announced today. The tickets can be purchased only from TCS Express Centres across Rawalpindi and Islamabad, details attached, from 2pm onwards. On Wednesday, 5 February, tickets will be available at the Pothohar Road branch in Islamabad.  Fans wishing to watch their cricketing stars can buy a maximum of five tickets on one CNIC card.  Keeping the convenience of the spectators at the forefront, the Pakistan Cricket Board has retained the prices of tickets for Meeran Buksh, Shoaib Akhtar, Sohail Tanvir and Yasir Arafat at PKR50.  Tickets for Azhar Mahmood, Imran Khan, Javed Akhtar and Javed Miandad have been fixed at PKR100. The announcement in regard to the ticket prices and their sales for the Karachi ODI and Test between the two teams will be made closer to the date.  

TENNIS - National 02 Feb, 2020

Federal Cup Tennis, Aqeel lifts Men’s Singles title
By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (February 2, 2020):-To seed and Pakistan number one tennis lad Aqeel Khan won the Men’s Single title of 33rd Federal Cup National Ranking Tennis Championship – 2020 by beating Muzammil Murtaza 2-1 in a three sets match at Dilawar Abbas Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Sunday. Aqeel Khan built up the lead 2-0, by breaking the first game of Muzammil Murtaza. Murtaza leveled the score 2 all in the first set breaking the fourth game of Aqeel Khan. Muzammil won the first set at 6-3 by breaking 8th game of Aqeel Khan, by displaying powerful stokes from the baseline. In the 2nd set, score went up to 3 all, as both the players hold their respective service. Aqeel Khan won the 2nd set at 6-3 by breaking 8th game of Muzammil after a long deuce. Both the players displayed the quality tennis. In the final set, Aqeel Khan again took the lead 2-0 by breaking the first game of final set from Muzammil Murtaza by 0-40. When Aqeel Khan won the 6th game by holding his own serve and took the lead 4-2, Muzammil conceded the match due to the injury at 4-2. Finally, Aqeel Khan declared winner and the champion of 33rd Federal Cup National Ranking Tennis Championship, as the final match lasted 2 hours and 20 minutes. Husnain Mehmood performed the duty of chair referee. Aqeel Khan got the cash price of Rs. 60,000 along with beautiful trophy, whereas Muzammil Murtaza pocketed Rs. 40,000 as runner up. Shahzad and Abid won the double title. Ladies singles final between Sara Mansoor and Sarah Mahboob will be played on 14th Feb, 2020 after the arrival of ladies team from New Zealand. Total amount Rs. 350,000 as prize money was distributed among the winners, as well as daily allowance paid to outstation players. Secretary Islamabad Tennis Association Arif Qureshi paid great tribute to Late Syed Dilawar Abbas for the establishment of ITA and valuable contribution for the uplift of tennis, not only in Islamabad also throughout the country. He was also patron Tariq Murtaza President ITA and Chairman RDCA grace the occasion as chief guest and distributed the cash prizes among the winners. Medals were also awarded to the members of ladies team, which won the bronze medal in the National Games. Salim Saifullah Khan President PTF, Khawar Hyat SEVP, Col. Gul Rehman[R], Saeed Ahmed, Hassan Baig, Nighat Said and tennis lovers witness the entertaining final.

CRICKET - Int News 02 Feb, 2020

Bismah Maroof in conversation with Javeria Khan
SB News ISLAMABAD (February 2, 2020):-The Pakistan national women’s team reached Noosa Heads, Queensland, Australia yesterday ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which begins later this month. As part of their preparations for the all-important tournament, Pakistan Women will play West Indies Women in three warm-up matches on 7, 9 and 11 February at Tewantin Noosa Cricket Club. Prior to their departure from Karachi, Bismah Maroof, the captain of the side who will be featuring in her seventh shorter format’s World Cup, and Javeria Khan, the former Pakistan captain, discussed the squad line-up, which comprises experience of senior players and exuberance of youth, and the excitement in the team around the tournament. Bismah Maroof, who will lead Pakistan for the first time in a World Cup, said: “As a captain I am leading Pakistan for the first time in the World Cup. I am excited for it as leading your nation in a global tournament is a different responsibility. The team has been performing well and I hope that the same pattern will continue in the World Cup. “We have a very young squad. There are three to four senior players and in such tournaments there is an added responsibility on the experienced players to deliver match-winning performances. Even our youngsters have that spark to play good cricket and deliver. “If we take a look at our victories in the recent past, they have been because of the team’s combined efforts. We have an exciting pool of cricketers and I am very hopeful that if we bring out our top game on a particular day, we will produce positive results. “My message to the fans is to keep supporting us. We will play our best cricket and produced best possible results.” Javeria Khan, who has the experience of 97 T20Is, said: “You have to control your nerves in the World Cup as this is a big event and almost every game is a knock out. I would suggest you [Bismah Maroof] to enjoy this role as one don’t get such opportunities often. The team is young and it has that spark. “As an opener my job is to provide profound starts to the team and build on them. I will look to facilitate Muneeba Ali, a young batter who is making her comeback, when I walk into the middle with her.” “I am hopeful that we will do well in the World Cup.” The Bismah Maroof-led side begin their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 journey on 26 February against the West Indies Women. They take on England Women on February 28 after which they play South Africa Women and Thailand Women on 1 and 3 March. Pakistan squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup: Bismah Maroof (captain), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Iram Javed, Javeria Khan, 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).

CRICKET - Int News 02 Feb, 2020

PCB officials to meet in Peshawar on Tuesday
SB Report ISLAMABAD (February 2, 2020):-As promised by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ehsan Mani, the first meeting of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Board of Governors of the year and 57th overall, will be held in a local hotel in Peshawar on Tuesday, 4 February 2020. This will be the first-ever meeting in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa capital. Last year, Quetta had held the 53rd BoG meeting as part of the PCB strategy to hold meetings across the country so that there was alignment and ownership of the local stakeholders. Some of the matters that will be discussed in Peshawar are: i)                    Chairman and CEO’s reports ii)                  Model constitution for the City Cricket Associations iii)                Audit Committee’s report iv)                NOC policy for foreign leagues v)                  PCB Strategic Plan vi)                Update on the recruitment process of the PCB’s Chief Operating Officer vii)              Cricket update

CRICKET - Int News 01 Feb, 2020

PSB win exhibition cricket match
SB Report ISLAMABAD (February 1, 2020):-Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Elevens outplayed Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) Elevens by 12 runs in an exhibition cricket match at Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad on Saturday. PSB Eleven captain Amna Imran won the toss and elected to bat first. PSB piled up a total of 131 for 6 runs in 10 overs. Rana Nasarullah 48, Mansoor Ahmed 26 and Amna Imran 10 were best scorers. For MIB, Nadeem and Ali grabbed two wickets, each. In reply, the MIB were unable to achieve their target and scored 119 runs for seven in the allotted overs. Sajjid scored 56 runs including three 6s and four 4s while Captain Akbar Hussain Durrani remained unbeaten on two runs. For PSB, Sajjad took three wickets while Sadaqat bagged one wicket. Agha Amjad and Azam Dar performed the duties of umpires. Secretary Information and Broadcasting Akbar Hussain Durrani awarded trophies and prizes to the winning team.

CRICKET - Int News 01 Feb, 2020

One ball declaration: Not deliberation by Sean Williams
By BIPIN DANI Zimbabwe captain Sean Williams was not eyeing his individual half century before declaration, according to his father Collin Williams, who was also a cricketer and played five First Class matches. On Friday, the captain did not declare the second innings at the over night score of 241 for 7 (Williams was unbeaten on 47) but declared immediately after playing the only delivery, in which he hit a six and surpassed 50. "Definitely, the half century was not in his mind", speaking exclusveily over telephone from Harare, he said. "It was all about using the heavy roller. Before the start of play he asked for heavy roller. If had declared overnight he could not have had the pitch roller with his choice of roller", he added. Incidentally, the father also sent the audio clippings of his overnight conversation with Sean Williams. "I will pick the option of using heavy roller in the morning and then declare the innings. I intend to give them a target of about 355 runs, i.e. 4 runs per an over", his audio recording said.    "Rain and weather will play important part in the matter but I can't do anything on that. We already had few delays and interruptions in the match (on the fourth day) but I am very keen and positive on winning the match", he had said this to his dad on the eve of the match. Sean Williams, however, had to be content with the draw. Kusal Mendis' ton saved Sri Lanka from losing the Test.

HOCKEY - Int News 01 Feb, 2020

Netherlands win for second time in Valencia, while history is made in Auckland
Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (February 1, 2020):-Hockey history was made in Saturday’s games in Auckland, which became the first top tier international hockey matches to have mixed gender umpires on the field of play. Australia’s Steve Rogers and Wanri Venter of South Africa took charge of the women’s clash between New Zealand and Belgium, while the men’s fixture was umpired by the Australian pairing of Adam Kearns and Aleisha Neumann. In Auckland, New Zealand’s women fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of visiting Belgium thanks largely to a sensational goalkeeping performance from Aisling D’Hooghe, who was named player of the match. Ambre Ballenghien’s speculative backhand strike from an acute angle put the Red Panthers ahead inside the opening three minutes before Gemma McCaw, playing her first international match since the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, levelled early in the second quarter. D’Hooghe made a string of wonderful saves to keep deny the Black Sticks from moving ahead before Anne-Sophie Weyns gave Belgium victory with a penalty corner slap-shot nine minutes from time. It was a second successive victory for Belgium on Kiwi soil, having also beaten the Black Sticks away from home in the 2019 edition of the FIH Hockey Pro League.  On her team’s impressive defensive performance, particularly from penalty corners, shot-stopper D’Hooghe said: “I think it is a big focus point for us. We did a good penalty corner defence last year, and we have to do the same this year. We will keep working on it.” The Red Lions ensured it was a day of double Belgian celebration in Auckland, with the world number one ranked team storming to a 6-2 victory against the Black Sticks. The reigning World and European champions exploded out of the blocks, establishing a 3-0 lead inside the first ten minutes thanks to two superb Felix Denayer field goals and a penalty corner from Tom Boon. George Muir pulled a goal back early in the second quarter, but Sebastien Dockier and Nicolas de Kerpel took the score to 5-2 before Muir struck again to re-ignite New Zealand’s interest in the contest. However, a stunning high deflection from Player of the Match Boon eight minutes from time completed a resounding and deserved victory for Belgium. “I think we are in a good way, we keep the ball for long moments and we see that when we do that teams struggle [against us], said Boon post-match. “All in all, we had a pretty good game.” In Sydney, Australia men found themselves on the brink of defeat before eventually claiming two points from a possible three by winning a shoot-out against Great Britain after regular time finished with the scores locked at 4-4. The match - played in searing temperatures that triggered FIH’s inclement weather procedure to give players additional rest during the game – was a thriller, with Great Britain turing a 2-1 deficit into a 4-2 lead thanks to strikes from Zach Wallace, Rupert Shipperley and Liam Ansell before late goals from Aran Zalewski and Trent Mitton sent the game into a shoot-out. Alan Forsyth was the only scorer for GB, with Jake Whetton, Flynn Ogilvie and Jake Harvie on target as the Kookaburras nicked the bonus point.    “It was pretty close in the end”, said Australia’s Lachlan Sharp, who was named Player of the Match. “We train for this every day. It’s pretty hot here at the moment, but luckily we were fit enough to come through in the end.” Grace Stewart scored a dramatic late winner as Australia’s Hockeyroos defeated reigning Olympic champions Great Britain 2-1 in Sydney. GB - who like their men, were playing their first match in the 2020 FIH Hockey Pro League – took a 1-0 lead early in the second quarter thanks to Sarah Robertson’s field goal, with Australia needing just eight minutes to restore parity when Stephanie Kershaw found the back of the net. The hosts withstood intense pressure from the visitors in the third and fourth quarter, with Australia goalkeeper and Player of the Match Jocelyn Bartram producing numerous excellent blocks to keep the scores level. Australia emerged with all three points when Stewart clinically dispatched a backhand strike with just 12 seconds of the contest remaining. Speaking after the match, Jocelyn Bartram said: “The girls played the full 60 minutes to be able to get the win at the end. I’m really proud of our defensive efforts today, particularly on PCs [penalty corners]. We couldn’t have done it without the girls running it down, so we are really excited to get the win today.” It was another goal-fest in Valencia as Spain and the Netherlands played out a highly competitive 2-4 encounter, with the Dutch proving themselves more adept at turning pressure into goals. The Spanish players couldn't have given any more as they moved the ball rapidly during some beautiful build-up play but they could find no way through a staunch Dutch defence. Goals from player of the match Jip Janssen, Thierry Brinkman, Mink van der Weerden and Bjorn Kellerman were enough to quell the Spanish attacking instincts. Spain struck back through Marc Miralles and, in the final minute of the game, Ricardo Sanchez. The day was bitter-sweet for Spain's Quico Cortes. The goalkeeper was playing his 300th game for his country and pulled off a strng of fabulous saves during the match. Speaking after the game, Jip Janssen said: "It [the match]was very much like yesterday. Both teams played with a very high intensity. Our defending was very good and we were very fast with our counter-attacks." Miguel Delas, the defeated captain, said: "Today we have to be realistic. We didn't play at our level and we made some mistakes. Holland were very efficient. To win at this level, we have to be at the top of our game." The result means the Netherlands move to second in the league table, one point behind European neighbors, Belgium. Spain spotted at seventh position, ahead of Argentina who are yet to play, and New Zealand. The FIH Hockey Pro League continues on Sunday (2 February), with the second matches of the New Zealand versus Belgium and Australia versus Great Britain double-headers taking place in Auckland and Sydney respectively. 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 Match Day 9 – Saturday 01 February 2020 North Harbour Hockey Stadium, Auckland (NZL) Women’s result: New Zealand 1, Belgium 2 (Match 1 of 2) Player of the Match: Aisling D’Hooghe (GK - BEL) Umpires: Steve Rogers (AUS), Wanri Venter (RSA) & Aleisha Neumann (AUS - video) Men’s result: New Zealand 2, Belgium 6 (Match 1 of 2) Player of the Match: Tom Boon (BEL) Umpires: Adam Kearns (AUS), Aleisha Neumann (AUS) & Steve Rogers (AUS - video) Sydney Olympic Park (AUS) Men’s result: Australia 4, Great Britain 4 – 3-1 After Shoot-Out (Match 1 of 2) Player of the Match: Lachlan Sharp (AUS) Umpires: David Tomlinson (NZL), Javed Shaikh (IND) & Emi Yamada (JPN - video) Women’s result: Australia 2, Great Britain 1 (Match 1 of 2) Player of the Match: Jocelyn Bartram (GK - AUS) Umpires: Kelly Hudson (NZL), Emi Yamada (JPN) & Javed Shaikh (IND - video) Estadio Betero, Valencia (ESP) Men’s result: Spain 2, Netherlands 4 (Match 2 of 2) Player of the Match: Jip Janssen (NED) Umpires: Ben Goentgen (GER), Christian Blasch (GER) & Sean Rapaport (RSA - video)

TENNIS - National 01 Feb, 2020

Federal Cup Tennis: Aqeel Khan and Muzammil Murtaza reach in the final
By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (February 1, 2020):-Top seed Aqeel Khan and 2nd seed Muzammil Murtaza reached into the Men’s Singles final of the 33rd Federal Cup National Ranking Tennis Championships 2020 at Dilawar Abbas PTF Tennis Complex, Garden Avenue, Islamabad on Saturday. In the first semi-final, 2nd seed Muzammil Murtaza proved too good for 8th seed Mohammad Abid and eliminated him in straight sets with the score of 6-4,6-1. He was in good form and hit a number of winners to outplay his opponent. The best encounter of the day was second semifinal which was played between unseeded 17-year old Huzaifa Abdul Rehman from Islamabad and top seed Aqeel Khan on the center court. In the first set, Aqeel built up a 5-3 lead by breaking the 3rd game of Huzaifa. Huzaifa leveled the score 5-5 by breaking the 10th game of Aqeel after seven deuces and then went on to win the first set 7-5 by breaking 12th game of Aqeel. In the 2nd set, the score went up to 3-3 all, as both the players held their serves. Aqeel won the 2nd set by breaking 7th & 9th game of Huzaifa, who hit 8 double faults in the 2nd set. In the final set, Aqeel took a 2-0 lead by breaking 2nd game of Huzaifa, but Huzaifa fought back bravely and leveled the score 2-2 by breaking 3rd game of Aqeel on love. Aqeel served for the match at 5-3, but Huzaifa not only saved a match-point but also broke Aqeel to go 4-5. In a long game, Aqeel finally broke Huzaifa to take the set and match 6-4 and will face Muzammil Murtaza in the final on Sunday at 1-30. In the Senior 45 category event, Irfanulaah and Israr Gul won the title by beating Hameed ul Haq and Mehmood Khan 6-3,6-3. Sunday (2nd February) final of Men’s Singles will be played at 1:30; Tariq Mehmood Murtaza Chairman Rawalpindi Development Authority and President Islamabad Tennis Association will grace the occasion as chief guest to distribute the prizes among the winners and runner-ups. Capital Smart City is the official sponsor of the 33rd Federal Cup National Ranking Tennis Championships 2020 Results are as under: Mens Singles Semifinals: Aqeel Khan beat Huzaifa Abdul Rehman 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 Muzammil Murtaza beat Mohammad Abid 6-4,6-1 Mens Doubles Final: Shahzad Khan & Mohammad Abid beat Barkatullah & Ahmed Choudhary 6-1, 6-3 Senior 45 Final: Irfanullah/Israr Gul beat Hameed ul Haq/Mehmood Khan 6-4,6-3  
Most Popular
;