Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin ReportColombo (Sri Lanka): India outclassed hosts Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in the Asia Cup 2023 final here on Sunday, as Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj singlehandedly outfoxed the Sri Lankan batting line-up to secure the title win for his side. By getting six wickets in the game, four of which came in one over, Siraj completely dominated the opposition, who had no answers for his menacing bowling.After winning the toss, Sri Lanka chose to bat first, hoping to gain the advantage in Colombo. However, after opener Kusal Perera fell to Jasprit Bumrah in the first over, the tone was set. Siraj, who had been playing second fiddle to Bumrah, came into the attack and completely turned the game in India’s favour after he got four wickets in one over; Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva.Sri Lanka failed to recover from the battering received in just the fourth over of the match. Kusal Mendis, the last hope for the home-side also fell to Siraj in the 12th over. The rest of the batting was cleaned up by Hardik Pandya, who got a three-wicket haul in turn. Sri Lanka were effectively bowled out for 50 runs in 15.2 overs.The Indian openers for this match, Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill, were able to chase the asked score of 51 in just 6.1 overs, attaining their eighth Asia Cup title.Scores in brief:India win by 10 wicket (263 balls remaining)Sri Lanka: 50 all out in 15.2 overs (Kusal Mendis 17; Mohammed Siraj 6-21, Hardik Pandya 3-3)India: 51-0 in 6.1 overs (Shubman Gill 27*, Ishan Kishan 23*)Player of the match: Mohammed Siraj (India)Player of the tournament: Kuldeep Yadav (India) 

Sports Bulletin ReportColombo (Sri Lanka): Right-arm fast bowler Zaman Khan has replaced Naseem Shah in Pakistan’s 17-player squad for the ongoing Men’s ODI Asia Cup 2023. Zaman joined the team in the morning today and will train with the squad at the RPICS in the evening.Naseem injured his right shoulder during the match against India. He continues to be monitored by the team’s medical panel that is taking all necessary precautions keeping in mind the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.Haris Rauf, who did not bowl on the reserve day of Pakistan v India contest as a precautionary measure, continues to recover well after he felt discomfort in his right flank on the first day of the match.Team doctor Sohail Saleem: “These two fast bowlers are our assets and the team’s medical panel will provide them the best possible care ahead of the all-important World Cup.”Fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani will join the team on Thursday morning.

Sports Bulletin ReportColombo, Sri Lanka (September 10, 2023): Pakistan Captain Babar Azam won the toss and decided to field first against traditional foes India in Asia Cup 2023 cricket match at R Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo Sri Lanka on Sunday.Pakistan are unchanged playing XIs, who had defeated Bangladesh by 7 wickets on September 6 at home Qaddafi Stadium Lahore. Rohit Sharma is leading India in the crucial fixture of the tournament, which has an extra day to reach on result.Pakistan (Playing XIs): Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen AfridiIndia (Playing XIs): Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya (vc), Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumraj, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh KrishnaMatch Officials:Field Umpires: Chris Gaffaney (New Zealand), Ruchira Palliyaguruge (SriLanka)TV Umpire: Richard Illingworth (England)Reserve Umpire: Masudur Rahman (Bangladesh)Match Referee: David Boon (Australia). 

Sports Bulletin ReportColombo, Sri Lanka (September 10, 2023): The Asia Cup 2023 cricket clash between India and Pakistan will spring into action at 2:30 Pakistan Standard Time (PST) at R Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo Sri Lanka, as the toss will be important for the both skipper. The winner will likely opt to bat first.Pakistan have announced the playing elevens unchanged, who had defeated Bangladesh by 7 wickets on September 6 at home Qaddafi Stadium Lahore. Rohit Sharma will lead India in the crucial fixture of the tournament, which has an extra day to reach on result.Pakistan (Playing XIs): Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen AfridiIndia Squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya (vc), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumraj, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna

Sports Bulletin ReportColombo, Sri Lanka (September 10, 2023): Favorite Pakistan and India will meet in the afternoon in the Top-Four Round of the Asia Cricket Cup 2023 today at R Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo Sri Lanka.Pakistan have announced the playing elevens unchanged, who had defeated Bangladesh by 7 wickets on September 6 at home Qaddafi Stadium Lahore. Rohit Sharma will lead India in the crucial fixture of the tournament, which has an extra day to reach on result.Pakistan (Playing XIs): Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen AfridiIndia Squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya (vc), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumraj, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna

BIPIN DANIDr Daminda Attanayake, who is currently working as the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to the Sri Lanka Cricket team and also the medical representative to the International Cricket Council (ICC) from Sri Lanka has been appointed as an Event Chief Medical officer for the Asia Cup. She will be looking after the Sri Lanka leg of the Asia Cup. The ongoing Asia Cup is being hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the matches are being played in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Dr. Saleem Sohail is holding the same post and is looking after the event in Pakistan. "Event Chief Medical Officers are responsible for the co-ordination and governance of medical services provided by event medical staff to players, officials and team management during the event in both host cities (at the match, practise venue and at team hotels)", one of the sources aware about development said to this reporter. "Both Dr. Daminda Attanayake and Dr. Sohail will also ensure the proper processes outlined in the Medical Handbook are adhered to. They will also ensure that proper structures are in place to support emergencies and health issues related to spectators and other venue staff in both countries, Pakistan and Sri Lanka", the source further added. Dr. Daminda has also experience of working as a Team Physician to National Hockey and Netball teams and the Contingent Doctor for the Commonwealth Games 2018 in Australia. The decision on replacement of the injured player, if any, during the tournament will lie with the medical panel of the PCB, it is learned.  

Skipper Babar Azam, Ifikhar Ahmed hit tons, Green Shirts pile-up 342 in 50 oversSports Bulletin ReportMULTAN: A couple of remarkable innings, Babar Azam (151), and Iftikhar Ahmed (109 not out), helped Pakistan to post a comprehensive triumph against minnows Nepal by 238 runs in the opening fixture of the Asia Cricket Cup 2023 here at Multan Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.Chasing a challenging target of 343 runs, inexperienced XIs Nepal faced an early setback as Kushal Bhurtel was dismissed for just 8 runs. The wickets continued to tumble for Nepal as Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf wreaked havoc with their pace and accuracy. Aarif Sheikh showed resistance with a gutsy 26, but the rest of the batting line-up struggled to cope with the pressure exerted by Pakistan's bowlers.Shadab Khan's spin proved to be the undoing of Nepal's middle order, as he claimed four vital wickets. The Nepal batters struggled to find their rhythm against Shadab's variations and impeccable line and length. As a result, Nepal's innings came to a swift end at 104 runs in 23.4 overs.Earlier after opting to bat first, Pakistan's captain Babar Azam led from the front, showcasing his sublime skills with a scintillating knock of 151 runs off 131 balls. His innings was marked by 14 boundaries and four towering sixes, as he anchored the team's innings and guided them to a formidable total. Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq were dismissed in quick succession due to brilliant efforts in the field by Nepal.Mohammad Rizwan contributed a crucial 44 runs, displaying his ability to find gaps and rotate the strike effectively. Iftikhar Ahmed then stole the show with a breathtaking display of power-hitting, smashing an unbeaten 109 off just 71 balls, which included 11 boundaries and four sixes. He was involved in a 214-run partnership with Babar Azam – the highest fifth-wicket stand for Pakistan in ODIs as the duo’s efforts propelled Pakistan to 342-6.Scores in Brief:Pakistan beat Nepal by 238 runsPakistan: 342-6 in 50 overs (Babar Azam 151, Iftikhar Ahmed 109 not out; Sompal Kami 2-85, Karan KC 1-54, Sandeep Lamichhane 1-69)Nepal: 104 all out in 23.4 overs (Sompal Kami 28, Aarif Sheikh 26; Shadab Khan 4-27, Haris Rauf 2-16, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-27)Player of the Match: Babar Azam (Pakistan)Pakistan Squad: Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir (travelling reserve).Nepal Squad: Rohit Paudel (c), Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Bhim Sharki, Kushal Malla, Aarif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi, Pratish GC, Mousom Dhakal, Sundeep Jora, Kishore Mahato, Arjun Saud 

Sports Bulletin ReportMultan (August 30, 2023): Pakistan have won the toss and elected to bat first in the day, and night inaugural fixture of the Asia Cricket Cup 2023 here at Multan Cricket Stadium on Wednesday (August 30) a 50 overs per innings fixture. This will be a maiden contest between Pakistan and Nepal at the top level. Pakistan Squad: Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir (travelling reserve).Nepal Squad: Rohit Paudel (c), Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Bhim Sharki, Kushal Malla, Aarif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi, Pratish GC, Mousom Dhakal, Sundeep Jora, Kishore Mahato, Arjun Saud

Sports Bulletin ReportMULTAN: World number 1 One Day International (ODI) Pakistan will take on low-ranked Nepal in the day & night inaugural contest of the Asia Cricket Cup 2023 here at Multan Cricket Stadium on Wednesday (August 30) a 50 overs per innings fixture. This will be a maiden contest between Pakistan and Nepal at the top level.The atmosphere in the picturesque Multan Cricket Stadium promises to be electrifying for the Wednesday clash. Both teams will receive tremendous support from the cricket-loving Multan fans. The fans will be treated with an absorbing opening ceremony before the match, which begins at 1430 PKT time.Pakistan’s last outing in Multan in the format was in June last year and the home side enjoyed resounding success over the West Indies by thrashing them 3-0 in the three-match series. The team has played 10 ODIs here and won seven.Pakistan enter the Asia Cup with momentum on their side. They topped the ICC rankings for ODI teams on Saturday after securing a 3-0 whitewash over Afghanistan in Sri Lanka. This is the second instance of the team surmounting the chart since April. Pakistan also boast the best win/loss ratio of 2.750 with 22 wins in 31 matches since in this World Cup cycle.The team has enjoyed success across formats at home and away recently. In April-May, they levelled the T20 International series 2-2 and won the five-match ODI series 4-1 against New Zealand, whitewashed Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka in the two-Test series in July and defeated Afghanistan 3-0 in ODIs in Sri Lanka this month.Pakistan will fly to Sri Lanka on 31 August to play India in the second Group-A match on 2 September at Kandy. The venue will also host the third and final match of the group between India and Nepal on 4 September.Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi and Usama Mir. Traveling reserve: Tayyab Tahir

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today announced the schedule of the Men’s ODI Asia Cup 2023. The 50-over format tournament will be held from 30 August to 17 September with Event Host Pakistan staging four matches and Sri Lanka holding nine matches.Four venues will be used for the 13-match competition. In Pakistan, Multan will host the tournament opener between Pakistan and Nepal on 30 August before the action shifts to Lahore for the remaining three matches. Sri Lanka will use Kandy for the three first round matches and Colombo for the five Super-4 stage fixtures and the 17 September final.Sri Lanka will open their campaign against Bangladesh in Kandy on 31 August, while India’s first match in the tournament will be against Pakistan in Kandy on 2 September. If both Pakistan and India progress to the Super-4 stage, they will meet again in Colombo on 10 September.After hosting the tournament opener in Multan, the remaining three matches in Pakistan will be held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. On 3 September, Bangladesh and Afghanistan will go head to head, before Afghanistan will take on Sri Lanka on 5 September. If all goes according to the pre-event seeding, then Pakistan will take on Bangladesh in both sides’ first Super-4 match on 6 September.Pakistan and India are seeded as A1 and A2, respectively with Nepal as the third side in Group A, while Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are seeded as B1 and B2 in Group B, respectively with Afghanistan as the third side. If Nepal and Afghanistan progress to the Super-4 stage from their respective groups, they will take the seeding of the sides that have dropped out in the first round.Jay Shah, President of the Asian Cricket Council said:“We are thrilled to announce the highly anticipated Men's ODI Asia Cup 2023, a celebration of cricketing excellence that unites the nations of Asia in the spirit of competition and camaraderie. As President of the Asian Cricket Council, I extend my warmest regards and heartfelt wishes to all participating teams.“The Asia Cup holds a special place in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts across the continent. It goes beyond being just a tournament; it symbolises the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions and shared passion for the game that binds our diverse nations together. This prestigious event not only showcases the cricketing prowess of the players but also fosters a sense of unity and brotherhood among Asian countries.“Let the tournament be a celebration of cricket’s beauty, a display of sporting excellence and a reflection of the unity that binds our nations together. Together, let us witness cricketing magic unfold, as each match becomes a chapter in a larger narrative of friendship and sportsmanship.“On behalf of the Asian Cricket Council and cricket lovers across Asia, I extend my gratitude to the fellow board members, teams, organisers, sponsors and fans who make this event possible. Your unwavering support is the driving force behind the success of the Asia Cup.“May the Men's ODI Asia Cup 2023 be an unforgettable journey, filled with moments of triumph, joy, and togetherness. Let us come together to witness the best of Asian cricket.”Zaka Ashraf, Chair of the PCB Management Committee said:“As Event Hosts, the ACC’s Asia Cup 2023 schedule announcement provides us absolute clarity on how we will plan and deliver this tournament so that it is enjoyable for the participants and the fans. Our arrangements and hospitality are second to none and this will be a great opportunity to once again showcase this at an international level.“For Pakistan, it will be the homecoming of the ACC Asia Cup after 15 long years. Our fans have waited for this for a long time and, as such, we look forward to making it bigger and better so that the fans and participants can start counting down days leading up to the ICC Champions Trophy, which Pakistan will host in February 2025.“I want to congratulate Nepal on qualifying for the Asia Cup and look forward to welcoming them along with Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have previously played in Pakistan, it will be the first of many times for Nepal and Afghanistan, and I remain confident they will take away memories that will stay with them for a very long time.“I am extremely happy for the Multan fans who will be the host of the ACC Asia Cup 2023 opener and will see their national side in action in a multi-team tournament for the first time since 1994. It remains one of my top priorities to ensure competitive cricket returns to historic venues across the country.“From the Pakistan team’s perspective, it will be an excellent opportunity for them to play in high-profile pressure matches and also aim to reclaim the title they last won in 2012. They have all the potential and capability to do that and a strong performance in the Asia Cup will give them the encouragement and confidence for subsequent series and events.”MEN’S ODI ASIA CUP 2023 SCHEDULE:Group A – Pakistan (A1), India (A2) and Nepal (Nepal will take position of the side, which fails to progress to the Super-4 stage) Group B – Sri Lanka (B1), Bangladesh (B2) and Afghanistan (Afghanistan will take position of the side, which fails to progress to the Super-4 stage)30 Aug – Pakistan v Nepal, Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan, Pakistan31 Aug – Bangladesh v Sri Lanka, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka2 Sep – Pakistan v India, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Kandy, Sri Lanka3 Sep – Bangladesh v Afghanistan, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan4 Sep – India v Nepal, Pallekele International Cricket stadium Kandy, Sri Lanka5 Sep – Afghanistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan6 Sep – A1 v B2 (Super-4), Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan9 Sep – B1 v B2 (Super-4), R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Colombo, Sri Lanka10 Sep – A1 v A2 (Super-4), R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Colombo, Sri Lanka12 Sep – A2 v B1 (Super-4), R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Colombo, Sri Lanka14 Sep – A1 v B1 (Super-4), R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Colombo, Sri Lanka15 Sep – A2 v B2, (Super-4), R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Colombo, Sri Lanka17 Sep – Final - 1 v 2, R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Colombo, Sri Lanka18 Sep – Reserve day for the final