By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (February 17, 2020):-One and only Pakistani tennis star Aisam ul Haq pairing with Dominic Inglot have won the Doubles Trophy at New York Open Indoor ATP World Tennis Championship played at the most unique and only Black Court Indoor Arena in Long Island. According to Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), it was a thrilling encounter in which Aisam and Dominic overcame their challengers, American pair of Reilly Opelka and Steve Johnson 2-0, as the both sets were decided on tiebreak. The final score-line was 7-6(5) and 7-6(6). In the first set Anglo Pak duo took an early lead by breaking Opelka's very first service game but got broken in 5th game. Thereafter, neither team could break the serves, as the set was then decided in tie break at 7/5 in favor of Aisam and Inglot. Meanwhile, in the second set again Anglo Pak pair got a break up advantage which was a snatched back by Americans. Once again Aisam and Inglot broke the American's serve but were again broken back when they were serving for the set. Same seesaw continued in tiebreak which Aisam and Inglot finally close out the match with a score of 8/6. This was Aisam's 18th doubles title on ATP World Tour. The President, Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Salim Saifaullah Khan and the PTF Management and the tennis fraternity congratulated Aisam ul Haq Qureshi and his partner on his great achievement.  

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (February 17, 2020):-The next Women’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cup will be held in Potchefstroom, South Africa, in 2021. While the dates will be determined later, FIH can confirm that the competition will be played towards the end of that year. It is the first time that the African continent will organize the pinnacle of junior hockey. The Men’s edition will be staged in India. Venue and dates will be confirmed at a later stage but the event will also take place at the end of 2021. The FIH Hockey Junior World Cup involves the best of young talents globally. This is the perfect platform for under-21 players to unleash their raw skill onto the international hockey scene and progress further to become the stars of tomorrow, making this event a unique one! 16 teams will compete for the title, with continental quotas established as follows: Men Africa: 2 teams Asia: 4 (including India, as hosts) Europe: 6 Oceania: 2 Pan America: 2 Women Africa: 2 teams (including South Africa, as hosts) Asia: 3 Europe: 6 Oceania: 2 Pan America: 3 Men: Germany, England, Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, France Women: Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Russia, England

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (February 17, 2020):-The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 is officially up and running with all 10 captains excited to showcase their abilities to both Australia and the world. All 10 captains gathered for the official captains' media launch in Sydney The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2020 could see a world record attendance for a women’s sport event broken. Australia and India get the tournament under way on 21 February Those in charge of the 10 teams headed to Taronga Zoo in Sydney, providing a picturesque setting for the official captain’s media launch on Monday morning. The 2020 edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup is set to be the most closely-fought yet, and the prize at the end could not have been greater. A world record attendance for a women’s sport fixture could be set when the final is held on 8 March in Melbourne – International Women’s Day – with those at the helm desperate to take their country to the MCG. As hosts and defending champions, Australia captain Meg Lanning knows expectation more than most but, with the chance to play in iconic stadia, she is keen for her team to enjoy and not worry about the experience. “We’re looking forward to getting started, it’s great that we get to reach out to all our fans across the country and they’ll get the chance to see what will be an amazing tournament,” she said. “We want to enjoy the experience of playing in front of friends and family. “It’s a once-in-a-career opportunity to play in a home World Cup, there is pressure and expectation in that but every team wants to win, as we do.” Lanning’s side will face India in their tournament opener on 21 February, with India looking to build on the performances which saw them reach the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Final in 2017. Harmanpreet Kaur will take the reins in Australia – looking to make the most of the experiences from three years ago. “Our team is growing day by day, everyone is looking so positive,” she said. “It’s going to be very big if we win, I was very surprised at all the reaction from 2017. “My parents didn’t tell me, they didn’t want us to feel the pressure. If we win, it’s going to be very big for us. We will try to give our best.” There is experience aplenty in Group A, not least from Sri Lanka captain Chamari Atapattu, one of the few players in world cricket to have a better record against Australia than her format average. “I just play my natural game, I always took myself as a positive cricketer, playing freely – and that’s all there is to it,” she said. “We played against Australia last summer, we learned a lot about them and what makes them the best team in the world. “We’re going to try to play positive cricket – our dream is to get into the semi-finals.” While Atapattu boasts a wealth of captaincy experience, this is the first outing in the role for New Zealand’s Sophie Devine, opponents in their first game in Perth. But despite her novice status as team leader, Devine already knows the approach she wants to take with the White Ferns. “Captaincy is a huge honour but I’m a player like all the rest of my team, so I’ve got to keep doing my job and performing for my teammates,” she said. “I know cricket can be a really fickle game – you’ve got to ride the highs and lows of it and if I can stay nice and calm, it makes it even more special.” Rounding off Group A are Bangladesh, keen to build on an improvement in the past few years which culminated in Salma Khatun’s side beating India in the Asia Cup. She said: “The Asia Cup was a great experience, but the focus is now on the World Cup. We want to be focusing on New Zealand and Australia. “Our U19 side won the World Cup recently and we are looking forward to getting started.” Group B features two previous Women’s T20 World Cup winning sides, one of whom is England – victors in the inaugural competition in 2009. Heather Knight wasn’t part of the squad then but led her side to Women’s Cricket World Cup glory in England back in 2017, noticing similarities between preparations for that competition and now. “We had a great experience in 2017, which was unique in terms of expectation,” she said. “There’s a lot of momentum in this competition, similar to then. I went for coffee in Sydney and saw Ellyse Perry’s face on the side of three different buses! “You want to be tested at a World Cup, finding ways to improve and learn and the tri-series was brilliant for that – we’re now just ready to get going.” The other former champions are West Indies, who prevailed in 2016 but missed out in their home tournament two years ago. Australia spoiled the party on that occasion but Stafanie Taylor insists revenge isn’t part of their pre-event psyche in 2020. “We’re really trying to focus on our own game and playing our best cricket,” she said. “We’ve been playing indoors a lot because of the awful weather so we’re looking forward to getting going.” Meanwhile, South Africa enter this World Cup as one of the underdogs – a tag that Dane van Niekerk feels suits the Proteas. And with Siya Kolisi leading the men’s rugby team to World Cup glory last year, the skipper doesn’t have far to look for inspiration. She said: “Nelson Mandela said that sport can unite a nation and that’s what we as sportspeople do, we try and bring the people together. “If we do something special such as Siya, it would be a dream come true and that’s what makes it special.” Pakistan have similarly failed to reach their full potential in ICC competitions, a setback captain Bismah Maroof believes could change this time around. But it’s the work off the pitch as opposed to execution of skills that she feels could be most important. “It’s important for us to get the right mindset, we’re working on the mental side of our game and so we want to be in a good frame of mind ahead of the first game,” she said. “We are missing big moments in the World Cups, we need to create chances for ourselves, live in the moment and try not to think about the big stage.” The tenth and final team taking part in Australia are Thailand, who have already made history by qualifying for a global event for the first time. Far from making up the numbers, Sornnarin Tippoch’s side haven’t stopped smiling since arriving, already warming the hearts of those around the world. Now, the challenge is bringing cricket to those who are learning about the game back home. She said: “I’m nervous now! We’re really excited to be involved for the first time. We will look to play our best cricket and we’ll show how we play the game. “People back home don’t know me, some people know cricket but it’s not on the television. They will follow us on Instagram and Facebook and will know about our game.”

SB News KARACHI (February 17, 2020):-As many as 350 artists will perform in the opening ceremony of the HBL PSL 2020, which will be held at Karachi’s National Stadium on Thursday. The metropolitan city is expected to be set alight as artists from different music genres – Sufi, pop, rock, bhangra and folk – will come together to perform at what will be the biggest opening ceremony in the history of the HBL PSL. Thousands of fans in the stadium will be on the edge of their seats and millions around the globe will be glued to their television sets as world renowned artists like Abrar-ul-Haq, Aima Baig, Abu Mohammad, Fareed Ayaz, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Sajjad Ali, Sanam Marvi and rock band Soch will embellish the ceremony with their breath-taking performances, while Ali Azmat, Arif Lohar, Haroon and Asim Azhar will perform HBL PSL 2020’s anthem Tayyar Hain. The glittery ceremony, which will be held before the opening match of the tournament between defending champions Quetta Gladiators and two-time champion Islamabad United, will also include riveting acts and a spectacular fireworks show. PCB Director – Commercial, Babar Hamid, said: “It is only befitting that a grand and glamorous opening ceremony is held to welcome Pakistan’s very own HBL PSL in the country. We have brought together all the top artists in the country to set the tone of what will be an epic tournament.” The ceremony, which will be approximately an hour long, will kick-off at 6.45pm. The toss for the first match will be held at 8.30pm, while the much-anticipated first ball of the HBL PSL 2020 will be delivered at 9pm.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (February 17, 2020):-Tajammul & Dilawar Abbas Memorial ITF Pakistan started on Monday at PTF Tennis Complex Islamabad. Tariq Mehmood Murtaza, President Islamabad Tennis Association and Chairman Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) graced the occasion a chief guest at the opening ceremony.  Also, Lt. Col. Gul  Rehman Secretary PTF, all foreign players and coaches were participated in the opening ceremony. On the opening day 13 matches of Boys Singles were decided and all the seeded players moved in to the second round. The best encounter of the day was played between Subhan Bin Salik (PAK) and Ook Aoi of Japan; In the first set score went up to 4-4all as both the players hold their respective serves. Ook Aoi won the first set at 6-4 by breaking 10th game of Subhan in which he hit one double fault. In the second set Subhan took the lead 5-1 by breaking 1st and 3rd game of Ook Aoi (JPN);  Japanese player fought back and reduced the lead of Subhan by braking 8th game and holding his next two game 7 & 9 of second set. Subhan won the second set at 6-4 by holding his own serve with the help of one Ace. In the final set Subhan again build up the lead 3-1 by breaking 1st game of Ook Aoi in which he made three double fault and won the final set and match at 6-3 by breaking last game. The match last 1 hr 30 minutes.  The 4th seed Ahmed Kamil of Pakistan struggle hard to win his match against Agha Raahim of UK in a well contested and entertaining two set match 6-4, 6-4. Kerem Ozlale (TUR) made the first upset in the tournament when he eliminated 7th seed Zalan Khan of Pakistan in another good match of the day with score of 6-3 7-5. Results: Chun Tang (TPE) beat Huzaima Abdul Rehman (PAK) 6-2, 6-0; Birtan Duran (TUR) beat Bilal Asim (PAK) 6-3, 6-1; Souta Oomura (JPN) beat Sami Zeb Khan (PAK) 6-0 6-0; Nikita Bortnichek (RUS) beat Kuan Chang Huang (TPE) 6-2, 6-3; Ahmed Kamil (PAK) beat Agha Raahim (GBR) 6-4, 6-1; Emir Toglukdemir (TUR) beat Ahmed Nael Qureshi 6-1, 6-3; Aryan Giri (NEP) beat Araiz Malik (PAK) 6-2, 6-3; Qwyn Quittner (AUS) beat Curtis Hong Tseng Tan (HKG) 6-0, 6-0; KeremOzlale (TUR) beat Zalan Khan (PAK) 6-3, 7-5; Tuna Nergizoglu (TUR) beat Abdullah Ahmad (GBR) 6-0, 6-0; IustinBelea (ROU) beat Farman Shakeel (PAK) 6-1, 6-3, Subhan Bin Salik (PAK) beat Ook Aoi (JPN 4-6, 6-4, 6-3; Abdullah (PAK) beat Min-Hung Kao (TPE) 6-2, 6-3.

SB News Lahore (February 16, 2020);-The HBL Pakistan Super League continues to make an impact on and off the field and like last year it is set to make another humble contribution in the fight against Childhood Cancer and Breast Cancer. The Pakistan Cricket Board has joined hands with the Indus Hospital, Karachi, and Pink Ribbon Pakistan to observe Childhood Cancer Awareness Day and Breast Cancer Awareness Day, respectively, during the fifth edition of the HBL PSL. The Childhood Cancer Awareness Day will be observed on 22 February and the Breast Cancer Awareness Day will be marked on 7 March and on both occasions teams, match officials and commentators will be involved in the support of the two campaigns. PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “It is a humble contribution from the PCB in raising awareness against cancer; it is our collective responsibility to help the cause as much as possible. The PCB fully understands its corporate social responsibility and we are currently in partnerships both with the Shahid Afridi Foundation and the British Asian Trust and will continue to support genuine causes in various sectors across the country. “Last year, both Childhood Cancer Awareness Day in Dubai and the Breast Cancer Awareness Day in Karachi were fully supported by the teams, match officials, commentators besides receiving the support of the fans. I am sure we will have their backing this year too and we are looking forward to 22 February and 7 March. We expect the media and fans to once again help us promote the initiative while spreading the message far and wide.” Childhood Cancer Awareness Day: The Childhood Cancer Awareness Day was first observed in the HBL PSL on 15 February 2019 in Dubai. The four participating teams Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators wore gold ribbons along with the match officials and commentators. The winning captains had shared their team shirts with a cancer patient. For the HBL PSL 2020, the Childhood Cancer Awareness Day will be observed on Saturday, 22 February, in both Karachi and Lahore, the venues of the two league matches that day. At the National Stadium Karachi, defending champions Quetta Gladiators take on former winners Peshawar Zalmi in a repeat of last year’s final. The day game will begin at 2pm. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will then host a match between two-time champions Islamabad United and Multan Sultans. The night match will begin at 7pm. All four teams, match officials and match commentators at both venues will wear gold ribbons, synonymous with Childhood Cancer Awareness campaigns. The stumps in use for both matches will also be branded in gold, while a cancer patient will be invited at the post-match presentation ceremonies of both matches where they will be presented a memorabilia signed shirt from the winning captains. Childhood cancer awareness messages would be displayed on the digital screens placed at the two venues to create awareness about the disease aimed at educating the spectators. Breast Cancer Awareness Day: The Breast Cancer Awareness Day was observed on 11 March last year at the National Stadium. Multan Sultans, Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi were the four teams that took the field in a double-header that day. The teams along with match officials and commentators wore the pink ribbons in support of the Breast Cancer Awareness program. For the HBL PSL 2020, the Breast Cancer Awareness Day will be observed on 7 March in both Rawalpindi and Lahore, venues of the two league matches that day. At the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Islamabad United will take on Peshawar Zalmi in what is expected to be an absorbing battle between the two former champions. The day game will begin at 2pm. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will then host a match between Lahore Qalandars, the home side, and Gladiators in a contest which will be played under lights. All four teams, match officials and match commentators at both venues will wear pink ribbons, synonymous with Breast Cancer Awareness campaigns. The stumps in use for both matches will also be branded pink. Breast cancer awareness messages would be displayed on the digital screens placed at the two venues for creating awareness and sharing valuable information about the disease.

SB News KARACHI (February 16, 2020):-For what will be the first-ever trophy unveiling ceremony on the Pakistani soil, squash icon Jahangir Khan will bring the HBL PSL 2020 trophy at the National Stadium, Karachi, on Wednesday, 19 February, for its unveiling. Jahangir, in an international-styled ceremony, will carry the silverware to the field of play and hand it over to the defending captain Sarfaraz Ahmed – of Quetta Gladiators – after which the brand new trophy will be unveiled by PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani in the presence of six franchise owners and captains. Jahangir Khan said: “It will be truly a remarkable moment for me to play a role in the unveiling of the HBL PSL 2020 trophy. I am looking forward to the ceremony. “The PCB has done a wonderful job in the resumption of top-flight cricket in the country and the success of the HBL PSL 2020 is going to send a profound message to the world that Pakistan is safe. I hope that with the success of this event, international teams belonging to other sports will also travel to Pakistan and this will spark a sporting culture which we have been missing over the last few decades. “I wish the PCB all the best for what will be an exciting tournament. HBL PSL keeps every Pakistani glued to their TV sets and I will be following it keenly.” For his extraordinary achievements in squash courts all over the world, Jahangir’s name has become synonymous to the game. The great Pakistani athlete holds a record for the longest winning streak for any sportsman with 555 consecutive wins over almost six years. At the age of only 17, Jahangir, the six-time World Champion, became the youngest player to bag a British Open title.  PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “It is befitting that a sporting great like Jahangir Khan will bring the trophy to the ceremony to mark the momentous occasion, which will see an entire HBL PSL season being held in Pakistan. “I am thankful to Jahangir for becoming a part of the ceremony and providing the PCB the opportunity to honour a legend like him. “The HBL PSL is where it belongs and I can feel the excitement amongst the fans, who have turned this into the biggest brand in Pakistan and one of the most watched T20 leagues around the world.” The trophy, designed by Ottewill Silversmits, a U.K. based manufacturer, is studded with a three-dimensional star and a crescent on top, which represent Pakistan. The 65-centimetre-long trophy weighs eight kilogrammes and has multi-coloured enamel strips around it to encapsulate different colours of the vibrant nation. From this season, the HBL PSL trophy will be perpetual and each year the winning team will have their name engraved on it. The trophy unveiling ceremony will start around 3.30pm.

By  BIPIN   DANI    Former Pakistan opening batsman Hanif Mohammad in "remembered" at Pakistan Cricket Board's High Performance Centre.  The new sign board with the legendary batsman's name has been displayed at PCB's High Performance Centre at the National Stadium in Karachi on Thursday. This was revealed by late Hanif Mohammad's son, Shoaib Mohammad. Speaking exclusively over telephone from Karachin on Friday morning, Shoaib Mohammad says, "the HPC was inaugurated by me few years ago. Now it is being recognised by my late father".  "I appreciate that they  acknowledge to put up an academy under my dad's name".  Hanif Mohammad, who played 55 Tests with the individual highest score of 337 runs passed away at the age of 81 in 2016.  "We would have appreciated if they had allotted a piece of land which was promises for a cricket academy.  "Now finally when they have put up a sign board after two years imagine the the legend's name is not at the top but somewhere in the middle. Wasim Bari who is in charge of the stadium has completely overlooked the fact ..leave alone a request during his life time is yet to be allotted", Shoaib Mohammad, who also played more than 100 international matches (Tests-45, ODIs' 63), signed off.  

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (February 15, 2020):-Whether it’s Katherine Brunt’s three wickets in England’s 2009 victory or Stafanie Taylor shining for the West Indies in 2016, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup has provided cricket aficionados with plenty of fond memories to savour. Members of the Australia Women's team pose with the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 trophy during the fixture announcement event. We’ve seen three winners, six countries host and countless memorable moments made since the inaugural ICC Women’s T20 World Cup back in 2009 With 11 years having passed since the inaugural tournament in England, we’ve witnessed plenty of thrills and spills, but a few moments stand head and shoulders above the rest. There’ll be few better Women’s T20 World Cup memories for England fans than those of the inaugural 2009 tournament – and what better way to make your mark on the world stage than by lifting the trophy on home soil? England and New Zealand contested the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup final at Lord’s, with the host nation bowling out the White Ferns for 85 thanks to Brunt’s opening spell of three for six. England shone from start to finish, with Claire Taylor taking the Player of the Series accolade while Holly Colvin finished with a tournament-high nine wickets. Colvin and Taylor were joined by Charlotte Edwards, Sarah Taylor and Laura Marsh in the ICC Team of the Tournament. As Women’s T20 World Cup Finals go, there will never be a moment quite like Australia’s last-ball victory in 2010. Australia began their unparalleled run of World Cup success ten years ago when they edged out New Zealand by three runs in Barbados - but if it hadn’t been for Ellyse Perry’s right foot, it could have been a very different story. Sophie Devine was on strike with New Zealand needing five to win from the final ball and hammered a powerful drive towards the boundary from Perry’s delivery. But the Australian - who has also played in a football World Cup for her country - somehow managed to stick out her right foot and deflect the ball to mid-on to concede a single and take her team to their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup victory. The tournament also saw West Indies’ Deandra Dottin score the first women’s T20I century, 112 not out against South Africa, with the 38 balls needed to bring up three figures still the fastest in WT20Is. 2012 - Cameron shines as Australia clinch second title There was a familiar feel to 2012 as Australia clinched a narrow victory, beating England in the final by four runs in Sri Lanka. Jess Cameron shone with a match-winning 45 in Colombo, while Julie Hunter impressed throughout by taking 11 wickets in the tournament. The highest individual score fell to England’s Sarah Taylor with 65 not out against the eventual champions in the group stage, while Dottin was once again instrumental in West Indies’ route to the semi-finals, hitting an unbeaten 58 in victory over New Zealand. 2014 - Bangladesh break the mould It was a case of déjà vu in 2014 as Australia celebrated their third successive Women’s T20 World Cup title with a six-wicket win over England in the final. But the tournament in Bangladesh had so much more to offer than more just delight for those in yellow. The hosts were unable to progress beyond the group stage but their maiden win on debut was certainly one of the tournament highlights, Rumana Ahmed’s side edging out Sri Lanka by three runs in Sylhet. It was captain Rumana who put in a Player of the Match performance, hitting 41 off 34 balls – a feat she and her country will be eager to recreate in Australia this month. 2016 - West Indies the winners! The 2016 Women’s T20 World Cup was one like no other as the Australian dominance was broken and a new world champion emerged. Having lost the semi-final on three previous occasions, the West Indies finally broke their curse by making the showpiece in Kolkata - the match that changed the narrative around women’s T20 cricket. Stafanie Taylor’s side secured their maiden world title in stunning fashion - overcoming reigning champions Australia was one thing but chasing down 149 runs to win the match by eight wickets was truly something else. The tournament is one that will live long in the memories of West Indies supporters and players alike, with several names writing their names in the history books on the world stage. Captain Taylor broke a tournament record by scoring 246 runs, while Anisa Mohammed became the first player, male or female, to take 100 T20I wickets. 2018 - Perry rewrites history with final performance In 2018, Australia were back on top - and they made sure they secured their fourth Women’s T20 World Cup title in stunning fashion. Most memorable may be Ashleigh Gardner’s Player of the Match performance in the eight-wicket final victory over England, the all-rounder scoring 33 runs and taking three wickets, but once again Meg Lanning’s side was full of stand-out performers. Alyssa Healy blew Ireland away with her 21-ball half century in the group stages, while Perry was as instrumental as ever as she became the first Australian, male or female, to take 100 T20I wickets when she trapped Nat Sciver lbw in the final. If the 2020 edition is anything like the six tournaments gone by, then the world is surely in for a cracker. With Thailand making their debut on the global stage, teenage debutants looking to make an impact and the prospect of a world record crowd for a women’s sporting event being broken at the MCG on 8 March, this year’s tournament has all the makings of being the best one yet.

Pakistan have never qualified for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup knockout stages but experienced batter Javeria Khan insists they now have the tools needed to progress. Pakistan have yet to hit their potential at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, winning six of 24 games at the global showpiece Javeria has 97 T20I caps to her name and skippered the side at the 2018 edition Pakistan get their campaign underway against the West Indies on 26 February in Canberra Bismah Maroof’s side have featured in all six editions of the global event and are yet to advance beyond the group stages, winning only six games in the process. Sri Lanka are the only other ever-presents to have never reached the last four. But Javeria, 31, says tussling with top sides England, South Africa and New Zealand in bilateral series will help her side convert promise into performances. “We are closing the gap with every match we play against the top teams,” she said. “We would come to World Cups to play India and Australia with no experience of facing them outside tournaments. How could we grow? “The ICC have done this tremendously well with the introduction of the ICC Women’s Championship. Now, we are playing big teams and that’s why we’re gradually improving. “We used to get hammered by Australia and England but recently, we’ve been in a position to win matches against them and mentality is the main difference. “We have the talent, we just have to manage pressure at crucial times. There is a golden chance that we can reach the semi-finals.” Since the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2018, Pakistan have shown promise and beat Bangladesh 3-0 in a bilateral series, while also drawing 2-2 with South Africa. Javeria’s opening partner for their first group game against West Indies will likely be either 15-year-old Ayeesha Naseem, awaiting her T20I debut, or Muneeba Ali who hasn’t featured since 2018. Fielding and fitness are other long-standing bugbears for Pakistan, who underwent a ten-day conditioning camp in their homeland to prepare for the tournament. Javeria - who will play in her seventh T20 World Cup this month - knows her nation must step up in the field to achieve their semi-final dream. “The improvement is not dramatic, but we are growing gradually in the field,” she said. “We have fielded better in the last year, compared to how we used to. Fielding turns the game. “We have grown and there will be improvement in our unit. If we want to win, we have to field well and the girls must realise this.”