By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (March 8, 2020):-Multan Sultans outclassed Islamabad United with a massive victory by 9 wickets and became the first team to ensure qualification in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 season at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi on Sunday. The nine wicket victory further consolidated Sultans’ stay at the top of the HBL PSL 2020 points table. They now have 11 points after seven games (five wins, one no-result, one loss) and are guaranteed a place in the play-offs which will feature the top-four teams at the end of the group stage. United who have a mere seven points after nine games, have an uphill task ahead to ensure play-off qualification, they would not only need to win their last match (vs Karachi Kings on 14 March) but might also have to rely on other results for progress to the play-offs’ stage. On Sunday afternoon, another monumental effort by the ground staff at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium ensured the staging of the game after heavy rain had left the outfield considerably wet before the start of the match. The match eventually started after a more than two-hour delay. Sultans’ skipper Shan Masood won the toss and opted to bowl first, United were restricted to 91 for seven in their nine overs. Opener Colin Munro top-scored with 25 off 12 balls, all his three sixes were scored of successive balls of a Shahid Afridi over that went for 20 runs. Leg-spinner Imran Tahir took two wickets for 13 runs in two probing overs while left-armer Junaid Khan took two for 13 in his two-over spell. Besides Munro, Luke Ronchi with 18 and captain Shadab Khan with 14 were the only batsmen to reach double figures. Man-of-the-match James Vince produced a dazzling display of power-hitting with an unbeaten 61 off 24 balls (11 fours, one six) to ensure a comfortable win for Sultans with 14 balls to spare. Vince added 68 runs for the first wicket with Zeeshan Ashraf (16) and finished the game off in Moeen Ali’s ( 14 not out, five balls, three fours) company after Zeeshan was dismissed by Shadab. Scores in brief Islamabad United 91 for 7, 9 overs (Colin Munro 25, Luke Ronchi 18; Imran Tahir 2-13, Junaid Khan 2-17) Multan Sultans 94 for 1, 6.4 overs (James Vince 61 not out, Zeeshan Ashraf 16; Shadab Khan 1-30) Result: Multan Sultans win by nine wickets

SB Report Lausanne, Switzerland (March 7, 2020):-A week of celebrating International Women’s Day has proven testimony to how hockey is among the leading international sporting federations when it comes to equality. Perhaps the best way of showing that equality is a treasured part of our sport’s psyche is the fact that it is now rarely commented upon. Perhaps the best working example of this took place earlier this year when a team of four umpires – two men and two women – took to the pitch to officiate the men’s and women’s FIH Hockey Pro League matches between New Zealand and Belgium. As Black Sticks stalwart Sam Charlton points out, it really made no difference to the game whether it was a man or woman blowing the whistle. Of course, there are parts of the world where equality is not so readily observed and, in these areas, our Equally Amazing message continues to be pertinent, serving as a reminder that hockey is a sport for all, with everyone an equally accepted participant. It is to the credit of our Continental Federations and National Associations that so many projects are being run to promote equality, with hockey as the platform from which that message is delivered. Over the past five days we have highlighted ways in which women are leading from the front; creating opportunities; smashing down gender barriers. From Oceania Hockey Federation we focused on a visionary project that gives young Indigenous women the opportunity to lead through hockey coaching. Indigenous children are the recipients of their coaching and leadership sessions – thus two often disadvantaged groups enjoy mutual benefits. The African Hockey Federation celebrates the long years of service from three dedicated members of the international hockey community. For more than three decades, Sheila Brown, Ginny Ross and Marelize de Klerk have been at the forefront of officiating and administration, running top tier tournaments with relentless efficiency as well as guiding and supporting their less experienced colleagues. Danae Andrada is the face of development in Uruguay. The current President of the Uruguay Hockey Federation and FIH Executive Board member started out as one of the youngest members of the national team. Now she is at the coal-face when it comes to driving hockey forwards in the South American country. It is refreshing to hear Svitlana Makaieva say that female coaches are not so rare across Europe, but it is still true that female coaches operating as head coaches to national teams are still a minority. We spoke to two female Head Coaches to discover how they reached the pinnacle of coaching and what life is like at the top. Our story from Asia is the moving account of an Afghanistan hockey player who defied her country’s war-torn recent history and the raft of barriers to women playing sport. Khadija Achakzai is captain of the national women’s team of Afghanistan and her story is a truly inspiring tale of how her determination to play hockey is helping other women in Afghanistan participate in sport, and start to enjoy all the physical and mental benefits that activity and exercise can bring. Our final story to wrap up this week of celebration is one that really sends a message that we are a sport where equality is truly achievable. In a world’s first, a four-person umpiring team took control of FIH Hockey Pro League matches between New Zealand and Belgium. Male and female umpires were appointed to each match, the first time top tier men’s and women’s matches were umpired by a mixed gender umpiring team. We interviewed one of the players, Sam Charlton, to get a player’s perspective.   Speaking for the FIH Reflecting on the stories that have emerged from all corners of our global hockey family over the past five days,  FIH President Dr. Narinder Dhruv Batra says: “On the occasion of his visit to FIH last year, IOC President Thomas Bach commended FIH for its gender equality policy, stating it 'really is best practice' and ‘a role model for many International Federations’. We welcomed these words with a lot of appreciation but, more importantly, they provided FIH and the global hockey community encouragement to do even more, so that we can reach a fully gender-balanced sport, not only on the field the play but also off it. I can only urge all Continental Federations, National Associations, Leagues and clubs to continue to strive for equality across all aspects of our sport.” Marijke Fleuren is chair of the FIH Women in Sport Committee as well as a member of the IOC Women in Sport Commission. She has a clear vision of how FIH will continue to drive forward in its mission to ensure the sport has true parity across the genders. “International Women’s  Day is an excellent moment for our Women in Sport Committee to inform you about our main goals,” says Fleuren. “We are seeking to create awareness within all our national associations that men and women are stronger together. Not only on the field of play, but also in other realms of life. “FIH’s special goals are realising this amongst coaches, umpires and board members. “So please think about it, look for role models and make this next step to togetherness! Everybody can do it. Really!” And on a weekend where the entire hockey community around the world came together to celebrate International Women's Day, the captains of Australia and Argentina men's teams added their own voice of support. Eddie Ockenden (AUS) and Pedro Ibarra (ARG) read supporting statements ahead of their FIH Hockey Pro League encounter. To hear these messages, click here.

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (March 7, 2020):-Froebel International School Margalla Campus have won the swimming competitions of the Women Sports Festival that held at Swimming Pool,  Pakistan Sports Complex on Saturday. Froebel International School was awarded the best school swimming team while Lahore Grammar School Islamabad Campus was the runner up team. Dua Usman was the best swimmer of 8 and under while Raaqiah Aqeel was best swimmer  of 10 and under. Haania Irfan (Best swimmer 12 and under), Ayeshah Saad (Best swimmer 14 and under), Maham Ali (Best swimmer 16 and under) and Raaidah Aqeel (Best swimmer open age) were the other winners. Shazia Ejaz, Assistant Director Pakistan Sports Board, who is also the Organizing Secretary said that over 100 players participated in the event. The tenpin bowling and futsal competitions will be played on Sunday at Jinnah Park Rawalpindi and Rodhall Hall, respectively.

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (March 7, 2020):-The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 Final is set to be a memorable occasion and will be the fifth time Australia and India have met in the history of the 20-over tournament. The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Final will be the fifth time Australia and India have met at the tournament. Australia and India have both won two of their past four meetings, India the latest to triumph just two weeks ago in Sydney. Australia have not beaten India at an ICC tournament since 2012. Australia have the advantage against India in T20Is, winning 13 of 19 meetings, but when it comes to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup there’s nothing to separate the two sides. They are tied at 2-2, with India having the upper hand in the two most recent meetings. The latest victory couldn’t be any fresher in our minds, but what happened in the rest? 2010, Semi-final, Australia beat India by seven wickets Sunday will be just the second time Australia and India have faced each other in the knockout stage of the T20 World Cup - and this was the first. Alex Blackwell was captain fantastic in 2010, hitting a career-best 61 to steer Australia into their first final before Leah Poulton put the match out of reach with 30 not out from 26 balls. Harmanpreet Kaur scored 24 on that day in the Caribbean but was run out by the only other player from that game who went on to feature at all seven tournaments - Ellyse Perry. 2012, Group stage - Australia beat India by eight wickets India's opening night win this year a mirror image of 2012, when they began with a heavy defeat to the reigning champions. Australia started their title defence with a thumping eight-wicket victory over India in Galle that will be remembered fondly by Meg Lanning, who top scored with 39. India didn’t win a game that tournament, while Australia went on to lift the trophy once again. 2018, Group stage - India beat Australia by 48 runs It took another six years for the two sides to meet in the T20 World Cup again, and India wouldn't wait any longer for a maiden win. Choosing to bat, Smriti Mandhana brought up 1000 runs in T20Is and put her side in command with 83. Australia fell well short with 119 all out.  Tayla Vlaeminck made her T20I debut for Australia that day, while Perry became the first cricketer for Australia, male or female, to play in 100 T20I matches. 2020, Group stage - India beat Australia by 17 runs This one is a little easier for us all to recall. Just over two weeks ago, India stunned Australia to win the tournament opener by 17 runs and put them back on level pegging with the hosts in T20 tournaments. Poonam Yadav was the star of the show this time, taking four wickets for 19 runs to send the hosts into a spin at the Sydney Showground, denting their hopes of defending their world title. When she comes out to bowl on Sunday, there’s no doubt all hearts will be racing at the MCG. Beyond the T20 World Cup The head-to-head record might not suggest it, but India have given the Aussies a fair few big scares. Australia were given quite the reality check back in February when they crashed to a seven-wicket defeat to India in the tri-series. Openers Smriti Mandhana (55) and Shafali Verma (49) powered India to victory with two deliveries remaining after Australia had made 173 for five. Australia went on to win the tri-series final by 11 runs but the previous performance proved India’s potential to cause an upset before they went on to do so in Sydney. They may be yet to win a T20 knockout against them, but that doesn’t mean India haven’t ruined Aussie tournament hopes before. India will no doubt be using Harmanpreet Kaur’s match-winning 171 in their 2017 50-over World Cup final victory over Australia as motivation ahead of Sunday. If the momentum stays in their favour, India have a good chance of spoiling the party once again.

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (March 7, 2020):-The umpires and officials for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 Final have been appointed following the conclusion of the semi-finals in Australia. The tournament finale will be overseen by match referee Chris Broad. Kim Cotton and Ahsan Raza will stand as on-field umpires for the Final, which sees four-time champions Australia take on first-time finalists India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The match will take place at 18h00 on 8 March – International Women’s Day – with New Zealand’s Cotton making history by becoming the first woman to take charge of a major World Cup Final. The 42-year-old stood in Australia’s semi-final victory over South Africa at the SCG, with the match in Melbourne set to be her fifth of the tournament. Cotton will be joined on the field by Pakistan umpire Raza who, like his colleague, is standing in the Final for the very first time. Raza was due to officiate in India’s washed-out semi-final with England, while his experience of Australia-India contests stretches back to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2017 semi-final. Supporting the on-field umpires will be West Indies’ Gregory Brathwaite, who is TV umpire for what is set to be an historic occasion in Melbourne. Zimbabwe’s Langton Rusere, on-field official for the 2018 Final, will be fourth umpire this time around while Chris Broad of England will oversee the game as match referee.

SB News ISLAMABAD (March 7, 2020):-Carlos Brathwaite will stay with Peshawar Zalmi for the complete duration of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 after Kieron Pollard was ruled out of the tournament due to a niggle in his right thigh. Pollard, who was expected to join the Zalmi squad after the conclusion of West Indies tour of Sri Lanka, is experiencing occasional tightness at his right rectus femoris quad muscle because of an injury sustained earlier. Braithwaite was originally called-up as a cover for Pollard till 6 March. Kieron Pollard said: “With a heavy heart I wish my teammates at Peshawar Zalmi all the best for the remainder of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020. “I’m sorry I can’t be there in person this year but the team has some inspirational characters leading the charge and I’m sure can give Daren [Sammy] his first trophy as a head coach.” Pollard had turned out in the 2017, 2018 and 2019 editions of the HBL PSL. In 33 HBL PSL matches, the West Indian scored 650 runs, which include three half-centuries, at a strike-rate of 166.24. Peshawar Zalmi’s upcoming group fixtures: Tuesday, 10 March – Lahore Qalandars v Peshawar Zalmi, Qaddafi Stadium Friday, 13 March – Multan Sultans v Peshawar Zalmi, National Stadium

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (March 7, 2020):-Peshawar Zalmi overcame Islamabad United by 7 runs on Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method on Saturday at Pindi Cricket Rawalpindi. Zalmi were 85 for two in nine overs – seven runs ahead of the par score – in their chase of 196 when rain brought the match to a halt at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. United put an impressive 195 for five as Colin Munro and Shadab Khan scored half-centuries. The pair crafted a 67-run partnership after Luke Ronchi (six) and Rizwan Hussain (five) were dismissed by Rahat Ali (one for 41) and Hasan Ali (two for 36). Both batsmen registered their third fifties of the season. Munro made 52 off 35, in which he hit four fours and two sixes, while Shadab smashed five fours and four sixes in his 42-ball 77. Shadab was later named man of the match. Colin Ingram was the other notable performer with the bat as he made 41 runs from 25 balls. Peshawar Zalmi were given a flying start by Kamran Akmal. The wicketkeeper-batsman made a 21-ball 37, in which he struck four fours and a six. Tom Banton and Haider Ali were batting at 20 off 16 and 16 off eight when the players were forced to walk off the ground due to rain. Scores in brief Islamabad Untied 195-5, 20 overs (Shadab Khan 77, Colin Munro 52, Colin Ingram 41; Hasan Ali 2-36) Peshawar Zalmi 85-2, 9 overs (Kamran Akmal 37, Tom Banton 20 not out) Result Peshawar Zalmi win by 7 runs (DLS)  

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (March 6, 2020):-Owing to inclement weather in the capital city Islamabad, International Tennis Federation (ITF) Referee  Tom Kinloch has decided to call off Friday (today) matches of the World Group I Davis Cup Tennis Tie between Pakistan and Slovenia. According to scheduled the matches were being played at the grass courts of Pakistan Sports Board (PSB). However, the rain in the twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad did not allow organizers to stage the tie. It is pertinent to mention here that rain may hit the second day too, as the weather forecast is not in favour of game.

SB News LAHORE (March 6, 2020):-As a part of its initiative to create awareness about breast cancer, the players featuring in the double-header of the HBL Pakistan Super League on Saturday, 7 March, will don pink caps. Teams fielding first during Islamabad United-Peshawar Zalmi and Lahore Qalandars-Quetta Gladiators contests in Rawalpindi and Lahore, respectively, will be accompanied by young girls, wearing pink caps, to their fielding positions. In addition, Gaddafi Stadium and Pindi Cricket Stadium will be turned pink. The stumps will be coated in pink colour and messages for the awareness about the disease will be displayed on the in-stadia screens. The players, match officials and commentators will wear pink ribbons. Pakistan, amongst all Asian countries, has the highest burden of breast cancer, and this is the second instance in six months that the PCB is joining hands with Pink Ribbon Pakistan to observe the breast cancer awareness day. Previously, the PCB had turned Pakistan’s home of cricket, the Gaddafi Stadium, pink for the first time in history for the third T20I between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on 9 October. PCB Chief Operating Office Salman Naseer said: “Pakistan is one of the worst affected nations when it comes to breast cancer and, the PCB, being a responsible organisation has a duty to educate the populace about it. “Using the platform of HBL PSL, which is now counted amongst the top T20 leagues in the world, is a perfect way to create awareness about the disease. I request all cricket fans, who have made this league a success, to come to stadiums wearing pink and play a part in the awareness campaign.” Earlier in the ongoing HBL PSL 2020, which has seen enormous turn outs across all four Pakistan venues, the PCB, as part of its corporate-social responsibility, marked Childhood Cancer Awareness Day on 22 February.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (March 6, 2020):-As part of International Women’s Day celebrations (March 8), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will be acknowledging Olympics swimmer Kiran Khan  and Sarah Mahboob, Pakistan’s number-one ranked tennis player, for their services through the Hamaray Heroes platform. Kiran, also known as ‘golden girl’, represented Pakistan at the age of just 13 in the Commonwealth Games 2002 in Manchester, England. She has been recognised by the World Olympians Associations for serving Pakistan in multiple Olympic events and is a recipient of Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s civilian award. Over the course of her career, Kiran has bagged 327 national gold medals and 47 medals in international competition. Sarah is the first woman tennis player from Pakistan to secure qualification in the main draw of an International Tennis Federation’s tournament – a feat that she achieved in 2010. In 2004, she became the youngest-ever Pakistan national champion, at the age of only 14, and the right-handed player is currently top-ranked in Pakistan. Hamaray Heroes is a user-based campaign, launched before the start of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020, in which fans and followers nominated the unsung heroes of the nation through the HBL PSL website. In an another initiative to promote, appreciate and highlight the integral and important role of women in our society, Pakistan national women’s cricket team members will attend the Lahore Qalandars and King Kings’ match and will lead the playing teams from the dug-outs to the middle. Separately and in continuation of the ongoing ‘March Madness’ special discount offer, the women buyers will also be awarded 30 per cent off on the tickets for the VVIP, VIP and Premium category enclosures for the last 11 HBL PSL 2020 group matches, which run from 7-15 March. The tickets can be purchased from the TCS outlets. PCB Director – Commercial, Babar Hamid, said: “Women are an integral part of any society and play an enormous role in its development. “The PCB being a responsible organisation has decided to use the HBL PSL 2020 platform to celebrate the women of our country and create awareness regarding the issues surrounding gender gap and to make our society more inclusive.”