By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 22, 2020):-World No.1 Babar Azam on Friday will be leading Green Shirts in the three-T20I series against Bangladesh at the Gaddafi Stadium, a venue where 13 years ago he served as a ball-picker in the second Test between Pakistan and South Africa. The 25-year-old, since making his international debut in September 2016, has moved to the top of the ICC batting charts following his consistent performance in the shortest format of the game against all opposition in different conditions. To compliment his T20I ranking, he is ranked seventh in Tests and third in ODIs – a hallmark of a batsman who is on course to achieve greater heights. He is only the second batsman in circuit with an average of over 50 in Twenty20 Internationals. He has scored 1,405 runs in 36 matches at an average of 50.17 and only India’s Virat Kohli is above him, averaging 52.72 after scoring 2,689 runs in 78 matches. Appointed Pakistan captain in September 2019, this will be the first time the Lahore-born star will captain his country in front of his home crowds. He previously led Pakistan in Australia where his side was swept aside 2-0 in a three-match series, but he still managed to standout by striking two half-centuries. “It seems like yesterday when I walked every day for almost three miles to get to the Gaddafi Stadium and work as a ball-boy for the 2007 second Test between Pakistan and South Africa,” Babar recalled, adding: “It was the love for the game and the attraction of some of the stalwarts like Inzamam-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Misbah-ul-Haq, Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis and Dale Steyn that pulled me to the home of Pakistan cricket without caring for anything else. “For me, it was the incentive of being closer to Test cricket and legends of the game. Pats on the back and smiles from the Test players during that match were my ultimate rewards. For any youngster, it is certainly once in a lifetime experience.  “I think it was that passion, combined with a bid of cricket madness and stroke of luck that has helped me to become who I am today. I have been very fortunate that in this journey, people have held my hand, coached and mentored me, and always stood beside me in my good and bad days. “I owe all my success to all those unsung heroes and now it is my responsibility to continue to strive for excellence so that I can match the expectations, both as a player and captain.” Babar has played 10 T20Is at home and it is no surprise that he has always left a big mark. He has scores of 86, 45, 48 (against ICC World XI in Lahore), 34 not out (against Sri Lanka 2017), 17, 97 not out, 51 (against the West Indies in Karachi) and 13, 3 and 27 (against Sri Lanka in Lahore). “There is no better feeling when you walk out to bat with your fans behind you. You feel that additional comfort that you are in a familiar territory then you grow in confidence every time you hear the applause for a good shot. “This is what Pakistan cricket had been missing for the past decade or so. I am from that generation of Pakistan cricketers who grew and established ourselves away from our home conditions and fans. If you compare us with the cricketers from other countries who have made their debuts in the past 10 years, you will realise the additional hardships and challenges we had to go through. “But this is now all behind us and we look for a better future for our cricket and cricketers.” Talking about captaining the side against Bangladesh, Babar said: “Captaining your country is the biggest responsibility and honour one can get. I have always aspired to play hard but fair cricket, and that’s what I will like to do as long as I am representing Pakistan. “Since the tour has been announced, I have been excited about the prospect of leading an extremely talented bunch of players onto the field. Frankly, this is what I used to dream as a young boy, and that dream is now about to turn reality. “No matter how young or experienced you are, learning process continues. This series will also be part of that process, having said that there will be no room for ordinary performances. We are expected to deliver the goods every time we represent Pakistan and there will be no change to that philosophy. “We have some young but talented cricketers and if you mix them with the experience of Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik, then it becomes a good blend. The two have played nearly 200 T02I between them and now it is up to them to learn from their experiences and not only learn tricks of the trade but also put an end to our run of unfavourable results in the past few matches. “I firmly believe we are a much better and stronger unit despite losing eight of the last nine matches. We need to get back to our winning habit from this series and so that we can bury the demons of the past few matches.” All the three T20Is will start at 2pm with the toss taking place at 1.30pm. Tickets for the matches are available online as well as dedicated TCS Express Counters. Squad: Pakistan - Babar Azam (captain) (Central Punjab), Ahsan Ali (Sindh), Amad Butt (Balochistan), Haris Rauf (Northern), Iftikhar Ahmed (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Imad Wasim (Northern), Khushdil Shah (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Hafeez (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Hasnain (Sindh), Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper) (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Musa Khan (Northern), Shadab Khan (Northern), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Northern), Shoaib Malik (Southern Punjab) and Usman Qadir (Central Punjab) Bangladesh - Mahmudullah (captain), Tamim Iqbal Khan, Soumya Sarkar, Naim Sheikh, Najmul Hossain, Litton Das, MD Mithun, Afif Hossain, Mahadi Hasan, Aminul Islam Biplob, Mustafizur Rahman, Shafiul Islam, Al-Amin Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Hasan Mahmud. On-field Umpires – Ahsan Raza and Shozab Raza Third Umpire – Ahmed Shahab Fourth Umpire - Tariq Rasheed Match Referee – Ranjan Madugalle  

SB News LAHORE (January 22, 2020):-Pakistan recalled the experience pair of Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez for the three Bangladesh T20Is, which begin on Friday, to strengthen the side and provide depth in the batting department. The two share 200 T20Is between them and are eager to impart their knowledge of international cricket to the youngsters, besides helping Babar Azam, the Pakistan captain, in executing his on-field plans effectively.   On the sidelines of a warm-up match at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium, which hosts the three-T20Is on 24, 25 and 27 January, Hafeez and Malik, who last played for Pakistan in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019, had a conversation on how they looked to make the most of their returns in the Pakistan camp. Mohammad Hafeez said: “The best you can do for the next generation of cricketers is to share your experience and that cannot be done with words but with actions. We have learned from our seniors on how to be successful in your cricketing career. “It is an added role for us that we have to groom these young cricketers in the side and prepare them for the next 10-12 years. “There is a pressure of captaincy which you and I have faced in our careers and we can take this off from Babar by putting up performances which can lead Pakistan to victories. We can back his plans and help him in their better execution on the field. “It is an honour for me to wear the Pakistan cap. I am eager to wear the Pakistan kit and win matches for my country at this beautiful venue. I still remember the day when I made my international debut and I still have the same intensity in me. For me, this is not a comeback. I am looking forward to the challenge.” Shoaib Malik said: “As a professional cricketer, you want to give your best shot whether you are playing club, league or international cricket. This doesn’t feel like a comeback because in my previous comebacks there have been more lengthy gaps as compared to this one. It is a wonderful feeling to be donning your country’s colours which cannot be described in words. There is certainly no comparison for it. “Our inclusion will help the youngsters and our captain as we bring in the experience which we can share with them. “Age is just a number and it should not be a metric to judge a player rather a player should be judged on the criteria set by the board and the management in regard to his on-field performances. Senior players bring in the experience, which they share with the youngsters and make the system stronger.” The first ball of the first T20I is scheduled to be bowled at 2pm. Upcoming fixtures: 1st T20I – Friday, 2pm 2nd T20I – Saturday, 2pm 3rd T20I – Monday, 2pm  

SB Report ISLAMABAD (January 22, 2020):- Haris Tahir and Umer Farooq both from Punjab moved into the final of the Under-21 National Juniors' Snooker Championship 2020 after beating their respective opponents in the semifinals at Billiard and Snooker Hall, Pakistan Sports Complex on Wednesday. The final will be played on Thursday at same venue and Federal Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Fameeda Mirza will garce the occasion as chief guest to distribute the prizes among the players. Results (Semifinals): Haris Tahir (Pjb) bt Saad Khan (Kp) 5-2 (30-62, 80-5, 85-6(85), 71-24, 72-34, 15-64, 75-41) Umer Farooq (Pjb) bt Mohammad Umer Khan (Pjb) 5-2 (31-60, 53-38, 62-15, 42-53, 79-32, 51-40, 73-1) Results (Quarterfinals): Haris Tahir (Pjb) bt Shahzaib Malik (Pjb) 4-2 (60-38, 45-49, 50-41, 67-54, 33-46, 82-43) Saad Khan (Kp) bt Imran Khan (Isb) 4-2 (27-47, 63-35, 65-2, 34-68, 68-23, 65-40) Umer Farooq (Pjb) bt Sheikh Mohammad Mudassir (Pjb) 4-2 (26-64, 16-73, 53-43, 49-7, 62-9, 66-35) Mohammad Umer Khan (Pjb) bt Ahsan Ramzan (Pjb) 4-0 (70-63, 60-27, 69-33, 55-21)

BY Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 22, 2020):-As many as 52 matches have been decided in the Serena Hotels National Ranking Tennis Championships-2020 at the PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Wednesday. It is pertinent to mention that, Serena Hotels are playing an important and pivotal role in the promotion of sports in Pakistan by sponsoring national and international events, especially tennis as part of their sports diplomacy. A total number of 52 matches were played on the 3rd day in the Men’s singles,Men's doubles, Ladies singles ,Under-18 Singles and Under-14 Singles 1st Round. A large number of players are participating in the mega event from all over Pakistan by exhibiting their talent. It is also encouraging to note that the quality of play has improved tremendously, especially the young players have shown a lot of enthusiasm with a potential for further growth. Results; Men’s Singles; (1st Round) Barkatullah bt Mian Bilal 6-4,7-6 (5); Shaheen Mehmood bt Faizan Fayyaz 6-4,6-2; Asadullah bt Shakiullah 6-1,7-5; Heera Ashique bt Subhan Bin Salik 6-2,6-3; Muzammil Murtaza bt Ahmed Kamil 6-4,6-1; Asad Siyyid bt Ibrahim Omer 6-0,6-1; Mohammad Abid bt Imran Bhatti 6-1,6-1; Mudassir Murtaza bt Ayyaz Khan 6-1,6-1; M. Shoaib bt Jibran ul Haq 6-2,6-0; Aqeel Khan bt Huzaifa Abdul Rehman 6-1,6-1; Waqas Malik bt Ahmed Baber 6-7 (4),7-6 (2),6-2; Aqib Hayat bt Hameed ul Haq 6-3,6-5(retd); Israr Gul bt Ahmed Asjad 7-5,6-2; Shahzad Khan bt Shahid Afridi 6-0,6-4; Yousaf  Khalil bt Arham Attique 6-3,6-3;  Ahmed Ch bt Ejaz Khan 6-2,6-0 Men's Doubles: (1st Round) Mudassir Murtaza ,Asad Siyyid  bt Imran Bhatti, Mian Bilal 6-0,6-4:Ahmed kamil, Ibrahim Omer bt Shaheen Mehmood, Shahid Afridi, 6-4,6-2; HuzaifaAbdul Rehman, Shoaib bt shahzad Khan, Usman Ejaz 6-3,6-4;Ejaz Khan, Asadullah bt Abbas Khan, Shakir ullah 6-4,7-4 (10-7);   Boy’s 18& Under Singles (1st Round); Bilal Asim bt Ahmed nail Qureshi 6-4,6-2;  Hamid Israr bt Faisal Khalil 6-0,6-0; M.Abdullah bt Yahya Musa Luni 6-3,6-2; Mahatir Muhammad bt Hasam Khan 4-6,6-0,7-6; Hassan Ali bt Asad Zaman 6-4,6-1; Nalian Abbas bt Haseeb ullah 6-1,6-3; Uzair Khan bt Huzaima Abdul Rehman 6-1,7-5; Sami Zeb bt Faizan Shahid 6-4,6-2; Hasheesh Kumar bt Farman Shakeel 6-2,6-4; Faizan Fayyaz bt M. Talha khan 6-4,3-6,6-2; Kashan Umar bt Daniyal Ikhlaq 6-0,6-1; M. Shoaib bt aqib hayat 6-1,6-0; M huzaifa Khan bt Kamran Khan 6-1,4-6,6-2; Zalan Khan bt Subhan Bin Salik 6-3,6-3; Saim Danish bt Azan sajid 7-6(5),6-3; Hamza asim bt Maab Hassan 6-3,6-3 Ladies Singles (1st Round); Meheq Khokhar bt Seher aleem 6-1,6-0; Ushna Suhail bt Mehvish Chistie 6-1,6-1 ; Shimza Naz bt Mariam Mirza 6-0,6-2; Esha Jawad bt krisztina 6-1,6-0; Noor Malik bt Azeena Aleem 6-0,6-0; Sarah Mahboob bt Seher Aleem 6-0,6-1; Boy’s 14&Under Singles (1st Round) Ahtesham Humayun bt Jamal Shah 4-0,4-2;Yahya Musa Luni bt Taimoor Khan:4-2,5-3; Abdullah Ahmad w/o M. Talha Khan; Saim Shahzad W/o Hamza Rehmat: Ali Zain bt Maab Hassan 4-1,4-2; M. Hamza Aasim bt Awais Ahmed 4-0,4-0  

SB News LAHORE (January 22, 2020):-The National Juniors' Badminton Championship 2020 is going on in Lahore and players are competing in different events. In the Boys Singles Under-14 Mohammad Hashir Shah (KP) and Ghasif Malik of Punjab reached in the finals. in Boys Singles Under-16 Saad Amir of Punjab and Rai Abdul Mannan Punjab reached in  finals. Results: Boy's Single U-14 Semi Finals M Hashir Shah (KP) beat Basim Abdullah (Islamabad) by 21-15, 21-8 Malik Ghasif (Punjab) beat Taimoor Khan (KP) by 21-8, 18-21, 21-15 Boy's Single U-18 Semi Finals Omer Jhanghir (KP) beat Raza Ali (Punjab) by 21-14, 10-21, 21-17 Raja Hassan (Army) beat Ahmad Asif (Punjab) by 21-14, 9-21, 21-15 Girl's Single U-18 Semi Finals Omama Usman (Sindh) beat Aqsa (Balochistan) by 21-7, 21-19 Hadiqa (Punjab) beat Maria (Balochistan) by 21-6, 21-11 Boy's Single U-16 Semi Finals Rai Abdul Mannan (Punjab) beat Osaid Gul (KP) by 18-21, 26-24, 21-13 Saad Amir (Punjab) beat Ibrahim Rashid (Islamabad) by 19-21, 21-9, 21-19 Girl's Single U-16 Semi Finals Sumiya Tariq (Army) beat Kanzul Eman (Islamabad) by 21-8, 18-21, 21-14 Musfira Zahid (Sindh) beat Miss Sarwat (Balochistan) by 21-14, 21-13   Results of Quarter Finals    Boy's Single U-14 Quarter Finals Malik Ghasif (Punjab) beat Fahad Khan (KP) by 17-21, 21-12, 21-11 M. Hashir Shah (KP) beat M Akbar (Balochistan) by 21-9, 21-7 Taimoor Khan (KP) beat Aman Gul (KP) by 21-19, 21-23, 21-15 Basim Abdullah (Islamabad) beat Abdullah Tahir (Punjab) by 21-17, 21-18 Boy's Single U-18 Quarter Finals Raza Ali (Punjab) beat Malik Danyal (KP) by 21-11, 21-14 Umer Jhanghir (KP) beat Hamza Khan (KP) by 21-8, 20-22, 21-8 Ahmad Asif (Punjab) beat Zain Ul Abdin (Punjab) by 21-15, 21-23, 21-11 Raja Hassan (Army) beat Hafiz Shahnullah (KP) by 15-21, 22-20, 21-15 Boy's Single U-16 Quarter Finals Saad Amir (Punjab) beat Sami Khan (KP) by 21-10, 20-22, 21-11 Ibrahim Rasheed (Islamabad) beat Faizan Asim (Punjab) by 21-8, 21-8 Osaid Gul (KP) beat Sachal Shafiq (Punjab) by 21-13, 21-10 Rai Abdul Mannan (Punjab) beat M Zaid (KP) by 21-15, 21-9 Girl's Single U-18 Quarter Finals Miss Aqsa (Balochistan) beat Zainab Ch. (Punjab) by 21-17, 21-14 Omama Usman (Sindh) beat Deena Shahzad (Islamabad) by 21-18, 19-21, 21-19 Miss Hadiqa (Punjab) beat Farwa Jawa (Punjab) by 21-10, 22-20 Miss Maria (Balochistan) beat Muqadas Fatima (KP) by 21-15, 21-19 Girl's Single U-16 Quarter Finals Sumiya Tariq (Army) beat Aeman Fatima (Punjab) by 21-4 21-7 Kanzul Eman (Islamabad) beat Ayesha Shafiq (Punjab) by 21-4, 21-6 Musfira Zahid (Sindh) beat Soha Fatima (Punjab) by 21-12, 21-14 Miss Sarwat (Balochistan) beat Halema Saliha (Army) by 21-6, 21-4 Boy's Double U-18 Quarter Finals Raza Ali & Saad Amir (Punjab) beat Ibrahim Tahir & Abdul Malik (Punjab) by 18-21, 21-6, 21-8 Abdullah Siddiqui & Fayyaz Ur Rehman (Sindh) beat M. Taha & Moiz (Sindh) by 21-18, 21-16 Hafiz Shahanullah & Malik Danyal (KP) beat Raja Hassan & Haseeb Ahmad (Army) by 21-17, 15-21, 21-15 Omer Jhanghir & M Ozair (KP) beat Rafay Shahid & Sohail Javed (Army) by 21-19, 22-20 Girl's Double U-18 Quarter Finals Deena Shahzad & Kanzul Eman (Islamabad) beat Farwa & Naba Jawa (Punjab) by 21-5, 21-6 Omama Usman & Zoha Khan (Sindh) beat Maria & Aqsa (Balochistan) by 21-12, 16-21, 21-13   Results of last night matches:   Boy's Single U-14 Pre Quarter Finals M Hashir Shah (KP) beat Saim Shakeel (Punjab) by 21-16, 21-9 Basim Abdullah (Islamabad) beat Sanwal Shafique (Punjab) by 2117, 11-21, 26-24 M Akbar (Balochistan) beat M Ahmad (Punjab) by 21-17, 21-18 Abdullah Tahir (Punjab) beat Fazal Karim (Army) by 21-16, 21-10 Taimoor Khan (KP) beat Zain Bajwa (Punjab) by 23-21, 21-15 Aman Gul (KP) beat M. Saad (Punjab) by 21-10, 21-7 Fahad Khan (KP) beat Usman Habib (Army) by 21-10, 21-12 Malik Ghasif (Punjab) beat M Ahmad (Army) by 21-11, 21-13 Boy's Single U-18 Pre Quarter Finals Raja Hassan (Army) beat Abdul Malik (Punjab) by 21-13, 21-12 Hafiz Shanullah (KP) beat M Uzair (KP) by 21-18, 21-19 Zain Ul Abdin (Punjab) beat Mahad Bin Rafay (Islamabad) by 21-14, 21-13 Ahmad Asif (Punjab) beat Mekaeel Khan (KP) by 22-20, 21-18 Malik Danyal (KP) beat M Taha (Sindh) by 22-20, 21-19 Raza Ali (Punjab) beat Haseeb Ahmad (Army) by 21-14, 21-07 Umar Jhanghir (KP) beat Fayyaz Ur Rehman (Sindh) by 21-17, 21-15 Hamza Khan (KP) beat Khizer (Islamabad) by 21-11, 21-16   Boy's Single U-16 Pre Quarter Finals Osaid Gul (KP) beat Muneeb Alam (Islamabad) by 21-3, 21-6 Rai Abdul Mannan (Punjab) beat M Ibrahim (PB) by 21-11, 21-18 Sachal Shafique (Punjab) beat M Ibrahim (Islamabad) by 21-10, 21-10 Ibrahim Rashid (Islamabad) beat Umer Farooq (KP) by 21-10, 21-7 Faizan Asim (Punjab) beat Moiz Ahmad (Sindh) by 21-10, 21-13 Sami Khan (KP) beat Zaaviar Aslam (Islamabad) by 21-7, 21-9 Saad Amir (Punjab) beat Ghadeer (Balochistan) by 21-8, 21-7 Boy's Double U-18 Pre Quarter Finals Raja Hassan & Haseeb Ahmad (Army) beat Iqbal Hussain & S Hussain (Balochistan) 21-15, 22-20 Hafiz Shahullah & Malik Daniyal (KP) beat Hammad Asad & Zain ul Abdin (Punjab) by 21-9, 22-20 Abdullah Siddiqui & Fayyaz Ur Rehman (Sindh) beat Noman Habib & Atta Ur Rehman (Army) by 21-5, 21-6 Umer Jhnaghir & Uzair (KP) beat Talha Younis & M Ibrahim (Punjab) by 21-8, 21-9 M Taha & Moiz Ahmad (Sindh) Abdullah Asim & Faizan Asim (Punjab) by 21-19, 21-14 Rafay Shahid & Sohail Javed (Army) beat Khizer & Zaviar Aslam (Islamabad) by 21-3, 21-10  

SB Report ISLAMABAD (January 22, 2020):-The upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia will see Bismah Maroof lead Pakistan for the first time in a global event and the 28-year-old is excited to shoulder the responsibility. Bismah has led Pakistan in 36 T20Is. She is the only batter from Pakistan to have more than 2,000 runs, while she also has the most number of half-centuries (11) in the shorter version of the game. The presence of experienced batters in Javeria Khan and Nida Dar – the second and third highest all-time run-getters for Pakistan behind their skipper – further strengthens the batting department. The presence of talented batters like Omaima Sohail and Iram Javed along with the recall of Muneeba Ali and inclusion of uncapped Ayesha Naseem adds to the strength of the squad. Muneeba, who last played for Pakistan in November 2018, was called up at the back of a prolific National Triangular T20 Women’s Cricket Championship, in which she scored 292 runs at a fine average of 58.40 and struck a century and three half-centuries in five innings. Anam Amin, the new-ball specialist, is expected to spearhead the bowling attack as she has been the most successful bowler since 1 January 2019 with 13 wickets at an average of 16.07 and an economy of 6.53 in eight matches. Youngsters like leg-spinner Syeda Aroob Shah and left-arm orthodox Sadia Iqbal bring in the excitement, while Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz and Diana Baig provide the desired experience in the bowling department. Speaking to PCB digital about leading Pakistan in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and the team’s combinations, Bismah Maroof said: “It is the first time I will be captaining Pakistan in a World Cup which is nothing less than an honour for me. Of course, it is a big responsibility to lead your country in such an event but, so far, I have been enjoying my role as a captain. “At the same time, I am quite excited to lead this squad which has a good mix of senior and junior players. In Javeria Khan and Nida Dar we have the experienced players who share a good number of World Cup appearances between them. “Javeria has been performing really well and Nida’s experience of WBBL will prove to be beneficial for us. In Omaima Sohail, we have a young middle-order batter who is growing with every match. In Iram [Javed] and Aliya [Riaz] we have big-hitting batters. “Muneeba Ali has been an outstanding performer. She recently scored a century in the domestic T20 event and her numbers were outstanding. “Overall, we have a group of batters who have done well and they can take responsibility of taking the team forward. “Diana Baig has been bowling really well with the new ball and Aimen Anwar is making a comeback after a year. Aimen had bowled well in the West Indies series last year which gave me an impression at that time that we have a reliable T20 bowler coming up. I am excited with the prospect of using her, especially after how she has shown good rhythm in the recent T20 tournament. “Youngsters like Syeda Aroob Shah, Fatima Sana and Sadia Iqbal have been performing really well since their debuts for Pakistan in the last year. We have named uncapped Ayesha Naseem and there is a lot of excitement in the team on her inclusion as she has the ability to hit big. “Our team has grown in the last two years and we look forward to continue to grow over the course of the World Cup. The team is well-balanced and looks in good shape. I am hopeful that we will put up positive results.” Pakistan will kick off their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 campaign on 26 February against the West Indies Women. They take on England Women on 28 February after which they play South Africa Women and Thailand Women on 1 and 3 March. Pakistan squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020: 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)  

SB News POTCHEFSTROOM (January 21, 2020)Pakistan U19 will be targeting to build on their strong and impressive performance in their ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020 opener against Scotland when they take on Zimbabwe at the Witrand Oval, Potchefstroom on Wednesday. Pakistan had given Scotland a cricket lesson on Sunday when they raced to the 76-run target inside 12 overs for the loss of three wickets. A victory against Zimbabwe will strengthen their chances of qualifying for the Super League, which will be played between the two sides from each of the four Groups. In contrast, Zimbabwe lost to Bangladesh, the fourth side in Pool C, by nine wickets on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) Method in a rain shortened match. Pakistan’s last Pool match against Bangladesh will be played on Friday, the day when their men’s senior will go head to head in the first of the three T20Is at the Gaddafi Stadium. Pakistan have featured in all the 13 ICC U19 Cricket World Cups to date and have always qualified for the Super League phase. In 11 events to date, they have finished fifth or better, while appearing in five finals, while the only time they ended up outside the top-five was in 1998 and 2012 when they achieved seventh and eighth positions, respectively. On Sunday, Mohammad Waseem from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was the star of Pakistan’s seven-wicket victory. The right-arm pace bowler justified his selection after Naseem Shah was withdrawn due to national duties by returning figures of 7.5-2-12-5. Waseem was very well supported by left-armer Tahir Hussain, who rocked the top order and finished with figures of 9-2-23-3, including two wickets in the opening over of the match. Tahir’s new-ball partner Abbas Afridi bagged two for 32 as Pakistan fast bowlers shared all the 10 wickets between them. In run-chase, highly-rated Rohail Nazir and Irfan Khan got some batting practice when they scored 27 and 38 not out, though openers Hadier Ali and Mohammad Shahzad’s failures will be a bit of bother for the Pakistan team management. Middle-order batsman Mohammad Haris didn’t get a chance to show his mettle on Sunday but looks forward to contributing in the team’s success in future matches. Haris said: “ICC U19 Cricket World Cup provides a big platform for young players to graduate to the senior level and represent their country. The entire Pakistan squad is focused on delivering the goods in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. “Jos Butler is my favourite player and I want to play like him in the middle-order. I was into cricket from a young age. I first started playing when I was nine. My professional cricket journey began at 15 in Peshawar when I started playing club cricket. “I feel really lucky that I got full support from my mother. I used to anxiously wait for Sunday as we used to play a match every Sunday, sometimes for the entire day.” Left-arm spinner Arish Ali Khan was not in the starting line-up on Sunday, but is likely to feature at some stage in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020. On his early days and cricketing ambition, Arish told PCB digital: “I still remember Mohammad Amir’s devastating new-ball spell against India in the Asia Cup T20 2016 in which he dismissed Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane and Suresh Raina. That spell inspired me to pursue cricket seriously. Representing Pakistan U16 and that too as captain against Australia was a dream come true moment for me. “I want to become the best spinner in the world, at present my and the team’s focus is on the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. Our coach Ijaz Ahmed and spin bowling consultant Mushtaq Ahmed have worked hard with us and given us important advice.” 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).  

SB News LAHORE (January 20, 2020):-With only three days left in the first match of the T20I series against Bangladesh, Ahsan Ali and Amad Butt are optimistic to leave a mark at the international level. The two were among three uncapped players named in the 15-player line-up for the three home T20Is, which will be played in Lahore on 24, 25 and 27 January. Talking to Test cricketer Shan Masood in an exclusive interview, the pair reflected on how it will look to take inspiration from the performances in the domestic events. Ahsan impressed in the last edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League in 2018 as he scored 178 runs in eight matches batting at the top of the order for Quetta Gladiators. The 26-year-old scored 131 runs at a strike rate of just under 149 in the National T20 Cup in October, which pressed his case further for selection. In the same tournament, Amad, who turned out for Balochistan, the eventual finalists, scored 80 runs at a strike-rate of 170 and took 10 wickets at an economy-rate of 7.62. The 24-year-old was part of Pakistan’s squad that won the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Bangladesh in November. When Shan asked which performances, in particular, they would take inspiration from, Ahsan said: “Our qualifier against Peshawar Zalmi [in the last season] is a memorable contest for me. I played a crucial role in my side’s win by scoring 46 [his highest score that tournament] over the course of a crucial [111-run] partnership with Shane Watson. I had not played the last two matches so I was under a lot of pressure.” Amad recalled the semi-final of the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup against the archrivals, India. “At one stage in our match against India, we were almost out of the game. Then suddenly our fielding clicked and we got a run-out. I had to defend eight off the last over and their main batsman was at the crease. You know, matches against India are full of pressure as people take a keen interest in them. I am glad that I was able to deliver in it.” Speaking about his fitness regime ahead of his selection in the national side, Ahsan told Shan, his teammate in the Pakistan Cricket Club and National Bank of Pakistan sides, he had given up on his favourite dish Biryani along with rice, roti and sweet dishes to meet the desired fitness levels. “There has been a significant change in the past 31 days since I have been at the NCA. I used to eat Biryani a lot, but I have given up on it. I have also stopped eating rice, roti, and sweet dishes as we have to take light diets.” Recalling the moment when he was informed about his selection for the Pakistan national men’s team, Ahsan said: “No matter how much I emphasis on it, I won’t be able to put my happiness in words. Every player wants to play for Pakistan. I am blessed that I have gotten the opportunity to play alongside those players whom I once used to desire to meet.” Amad told Shan: “I was in Mardan when I got to know. To know that I am about to achieve my goal of playing for Pakistan was an extraordinary feeling, which cannot be explained. It adds extra responsibility because you want to do something for your country. I am praying to God to help me play a role in my country’s win in the upcoming matches, even if it is by scoring a single.” The first ball of the first T20I on Friday is scheduled to be delivered at 2pm (PST).    

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 20, 2020):-The 5th Serena Hotels National Ranking Tennis Championships-2020 commenced at the at PTF Complex, Islamabad on Monday soon after the conclusion of 5th Begum Kuslum Saifullah Khan National Ranking Tennis Championships 2020. A total number of 48 matches were played on the opening day in the Men’s and Under-18 qualifying categories. A large number of players are participating in the mega event from all over Pakistan. The PTF Complex is bustled with the presence of large number and their parents. Following is the result: Men’s Singles Qualifying Matches: (1st Round) Tahir Ullah beat Hassan Ali: 6-3, Haseeb Ullah beat Azan Sajid: 6-1,Farhan ullah beat Adnan Rashid Khan: 6-2, Saim Danish beat Faisal Khalil: 6-2, Mubarak shah beat Faizan Shahid: 6-1,Abrarul Haq beat Atif Rehman: 6-4, Kamran Khan beat Hammad Humayun: 6-1,Hasam Khan beat Ahmed Murad: 6-3, Mahatir Muhammad beat Fayeduddin: 7-5, Kashan Umer beat Azeem Khan: 6-4, Pooyan Shitari w/o Abdullah Karim. Men’s Singles Qualifying Matches: (2nd Round) Jibran ul Haq beat Farman Shakeel: 6-1, Mubarak Shah beat Mujahid Zeb: 6-1,Ibrahim Omer beat Tahir ullah : 6-2, Abbas Khan beat Mahatir Muhammad: 7-5, Arham Attique beat Hasheesh Kumar: 6-2, Kashan Umer beat M. Abdullah: 6-2, Subhan Bin Salik beat Haseeb Ullah: 6-1 Sami Zeb beat Farhan ullah :6-0, Nailian Abbas beat Hasam Khan: 6-1, Aqib Hayat beat Pooyan Shetari: 6-1, Sikander beat Saim Danish: 6-0 Men’s Singles Qualifying Matches: (Final Round) Jibran ul Haq beat Uzair Khan: 8-1, Imran Bhatti beat Mubarak Shah: 8-1, Ibrahim Omer beat Talha Saqib: 8-0, Arham Attique beat Abbas Khan: 8-4, Subhan bin Salik beat Kashan Umer: 8-4, Ahmed Asjad Qureshi beat Sami Zeb: 8-5, Mian Bilal beat Nalian Abbas: 8-2 Aqib Hayat beat Sikander: 8-5 Boy’s U-18 Singles (Qualifying Round): Mohammad Hamza Asim beat Abdullah Rehman: 8-2, Azan Sajid beat Abdullah Rashid: 8-6  

  By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 20, 2020):-With one month to go before the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) returns to Pakistani soil,  the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced ticket prices and purchase details. For the first time in its young history, all 34 matches of the HBL Pakistan Super League will be played across four Pakistan venues with Karachi to stage nine matches, Lahore fourteen matches, Multan three matches and Rawalpindi eight matches from 20 February to 22  March. The first batch of tickets will be available for purchase starting 8 p.m. Pakistan Standard Time tonight through www.yayvo.com. General sale of tickets will commence on Tuesday, 28 January through dedicated TCS Express Centers across 38 cities of the country. Each customer can purchase up to seven tickets per match on one national ID card.            For the 20 February grand opening ceremony and opening match in Karachi, tickets have been priced between PKR1,000 to PKR6,000. Ticket price range for the final match in Lahore will be between PKR500 to PKR5,000 for the 22 March final. For the 17 March Qualifier in Karachi, the minimum denomination of the ticket is PKR500 and goes up to PKR4,000, while minimum ticket price for the two Eliminators that will take place in Lahore on 18 and 20 March, has been set at PKR500 with the most expensive ticket locked at PKR4,000. Ticket prices for HBL PSL 2020 were locked after an extensive review process factoring in start times, working and weekend games, and affordability for fans. PCB Director – Commercial, Babar Hamid said: “We promised focusing on fan experience for HBL PSL 2020 and I am delighted that we are launching a streamlined ticketing process with almost one month to go in the tournament. We are keen to offer our hospitality to the world and will encourage our fans form across the world to avail this opportunity and plan in advance.           “HBL PSL has always received a phenomenal response from passionate Pakistani cricket fans and we expect them to turn up in big numbers this year as well. This will also be a great time for us to show to the world Pakistan’s passion and love for this great game.”