Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: ISLAMABAD: Bahawalpur and Lahore reached the final of the 14th National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) T-20 Blind Cricket Trophy 2023 (Grade-1) after beating Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) and Islamabad respectively by 8 wickets and 80 runs here at Shalimar cricket ground on Thursday. The final will be played on Friday at the same venue.First semifinal (Bahawalpur beat AJK by 8 wickets):In the morning, Bahawalpur won the toss and decided to bowl first. Azad Kashmir made competitive 204 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Kamran Akhter scored his consecutive ton and remained unbeaten at 102* runs off 58 balls while Mohammad Tehseen made 38 runs off 33 balls. Saqib Ali and Mohammad Shahzaib took one wicket each for Bahawalpur. In reply, Bahawalpur openers Moain Aslam and Mohammad Rashid dominated Azad Kashmir bowlers and gave a brisk start that helped their side to reach the target in 19.1 overs. Moeen Aslam scored brilliant 56 runs off 35 balls whereas Mohammad Rashid made 50 runs off 30 balls. Mohammad Zafar played a Captain’s knock of unbeaten 38 runs to guide his side home. Mohammad Idrees Saleem took 1 wicket for Azad Kashmir.Man of the Match: Moain Aslam Second semifinal (Lahore beat Islamabad by 80 runs):The second semifinal of the event was played between Islamabad and Lahore. Islamabad won the toss and put Lahore into bat. Lahore posted a massive total of 289 runs on the board for the loss of 4 wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Badar Munir played a dazzling innings of unbeaten 204* runs off 83 balls and Mohammad Rizwan made 27 runs.   In reply, Islamabad was restricted to 209 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in allotted 20 overs. Akmal Hayat was their highest scorer with 54 runs off 41 balls and Shahzaib Haider made 35 runs off 26 balls. Anees Khan took 3 wickets, Rizwan and Ahmer Iftikhar claimed 1 wicket each for Lahore. Man of the Match: Badar Munir

Bahawalpur, and AJK set to meet in first semifinal, Lahore to face hosts Islamabad on ThursdaySports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Bahawalpur, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), Lahore and hosts Islamabad have advanced into the semifinals of 14th National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) T-20 Blind Cricket Trophy 2023 (Grade-1), Islamabad. On Thursday, the 1st semifinal will be played between Bahawalpur and Azad Kashmir while in the 2nd semifinal Lahore will take on Islamabad, as the both semifinals will be played at Shalimar Cricket Ground. Lahore beat AJK by 9 wickets at Shalimar Ground:In the morning, Lahore won the toss and asked AJK to take guard. AJK made 213 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in stipulated 20 overs. Kamran Akhtar was the highest scorer with unbeaten 107* runs off 69 balls and Idrees Saleem made 24 runs. Mohammad Rizwan claimed 3 wickets and Salman took 1 wicket for Lahore.  In reply, Lahore chased down the target with ease in just 17.1 overs for the loss of 1 wicket. Sanwal Shehzada once again played a superb innings of 99 runs off 58 balls well supported by Badar Munir, who remained not out on 89* runs off 47 balls.Man of the Match: Sanwal ShahzadaPeshawar beat Okara by 16 runs at PAF Ground:Peshawar won the toss and decided to bat first. Peshawar set the competitive total of 180 runs on the board for the loss of 7 wickets in allotted 20 overs. Sana Ullah Khan was the leading scorer with 91 runs off 57 balls while Mohammad Asif made 34 runs. Shehzad Akram took 2 wickets and Kashif Siddique fetched 1 wicket for Okara. In Reply Okara made 164 runs in allotted 20 overs for the loss of 8 wickets. Umer Daraz was the top scorer with 44 runs off 27 balls and Fasi Ullah made 35 runs for Okara. Mohammad Asif, Mohsin Khan and Haroon Khan took 2 wickets each.Man of the Match: Sana Ullah Khan. Bahawalpur beat Islamabad by 52 runs at Shalimar Ground:Islamabad won the toss and elected to bowl first. Bahawalpur set massive total of 242 runs on the board for the loss of 3 wickets in allotted 20 overs. Mohammad Rashid once again shined with the bat and played an excellent innings of unbeaten 112* off 62 ball, well supported by Moeen Aslam who scored 56 runs off 35 balls.Fakhar Abbas grabbed 2 wickets while Anees took 1 wicket for Islamabad.In Reply Islamabad scored 190 runs in allotted 20 overs for the loss of 6 wickets. Anees Javid was the top scorer with 54 runs off 41 balls and Hasnain Shamim made 36 runs. Babar Ali fetched 3 wickets while Zafar and Saqib took 1 wicket each.Man of the Match: Mohammad Rashid Multan beat Guranwala by 8 wickets at PAF Ground:Multan won the toss and decided to bowl first. Gujranwala posted the competitive total of 224 runs in alloted 20 overs. Tayyab Rehmani was the top scorer with 58 runs off 26 balls while Israr Hassan made 52 runs off 29 balls. Abdul Razzaq, Safder and Shahbaz took 1 wicket each for Multan. In Reply Multan reached the target in 19 overs for the loss of 2 wickets. Mohammad Safder was the leading scorer with 129 runs off 68 balls and Ahsan Razzaq chipped in with 40 runs off 41 balls. Zubair and Israr claimed 1 wicket each for Gujranwala. Man of the Match: Mohammad Safder.

ISLAMABAD (Press Release): Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), Bahawalpur, Lahore, and hosts Islamabad earned victories on the second day of the 14th National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) T-20 Blind Cricket Trophy” Grade-1 here at two different venues on Tuesday.Azad Kashmir stun Peshawar by 10 wickets at Shalimar ground:In the first match of the day, Peshawar won the toss and decided to bat first. Peshawar made 85 runs in allotted 10 overs for the loss of 3 wickets. Haroon Khan made 37 runs and Sanaullah Khan chipped in with 16 runs. Usman Ali took 1 wicket.In reply, Azad Kashmir with the help of Captain Nisar Ali’s superb innings of unbeaten 62* runs off 31 balls reached the target in 7.2 overs without any loss.Man of the match: Nisar Ali.Bahawalpur beat Gujranwala by 23 runs at PAF Ground:In 2nd match of the day, Gujranwala won the toss and asked Bahawalpur to bat first. Bahawalpur set the competitive target of 131 runs on the board for loss of 1 wicket in the allotted 10 overs. Mohammad Rashid Shined with the bat, he made 59 runs off 30 balls and well supported by Moen Ali, who scored unbeaten 48* runs off 29 balls. Syed Zubair Shah took 1 wicket.In reply, Gujranwala scorred 108 runs in allotted 10 overs for the loss of 5 wickets. Mohammad Akram was their top scorer with 44 runs. Mohammad Shah Zaib took 1 wicket for Bahawalpur.Man of the Match: Mohammad Rashid.Lahore outclass Okara by 10 wickets at Shalimar Ground:In the 3rd match of the day, Lahore won the toss and decided to bowl first. Okara team scored only 99 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in the allotted 10 overs. Abu Huraira was the leading scorer with 22 runs. Mohammad Rizwan and Karamat Ali took 1 wicket each.In reply, Lahore reached the target with ease in just 8.4 overs without any loss.  Badar Munir Played superb innings of unbeaten 67* runs off 33 balls and Sanwal Shehzada made 22 runs.Man of the Match: Badar Munir.Islamabad beat Multan by 6 wickets at PAF Ground:In the last match of the day, Multan won the toss and elected to bat first. Multan made 110 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in stipulated 10 overs. Mohammad Sadar was the prominent scorer with unbeaton 84* runs off 41 balls. Matti Ullah took 1 wicket for Islamabad.In reply, Islamabad reached the target in 6.4 overs by losing their 4 wickets. Shah Zaib Haider was the top scorer with unbeaten 46* runs off 22 balls While Matti Ullah made 35 runs off 11 balls. Hafiz Farhan, Abdul Razzaq and Safdar shared 1 wicket each. Man of the Match: Matti Ullah.

Islamabad, AJK, Bahawalpur, and Lahore register victories on opening dayAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Islamabad, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), Bahawalpur, and Lahore register victories on the opening day of the 14th National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) T-20 Blind Cricket Trophy” Grade-1, which commenced at two different venues simultaneously on Monday.Ahsan Mumtaz, Head of Finance & Commercial, NBP Islamabad region, Syed Sultan Shah Chairman Pakistan Blinds Cricket Council (PBCC) & President, World Blind Cricket Ltd, and Syed Salman Tariq Bokhari Director Marketing PBCC were present on this eve.Islamabad beat Gujranwala by 88 runs (Shalimar Ground):In the first match of the morning, Gujranwala won the toss and decided to bowl first. Islamabad made a mammoth total of 267 for 2 runs in allotted 20 overs. Matiullah played unbeaten innings of 140 runs off 64 balls hitting 15 boundaries and 5 sixes, while Anees Javed made quick 41 runs. Talha Iqbal was the only bowler to claim a wicket.In reply, Gujranwala was restricted to 179 runs in 20 overs for the loss of 5 wickets. Israr Hassan and Mohammad Akram 49 and 45 runs respectively. Akmal Hayyat was the pick amongst bowlers with 2 wickets and Fakhar Abass claimed 1 wicket.Result: Islamabad won by 88 runs: Man of the match: MatiuallhAJK beat Okara by 5 wickets (PAF Ground):In the 2nd match of the tournament, AJK won the toss and asked Okara to bat first. Okara made 161 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Abu Huraira was the top scorer with 40 runs while Shahzad Akram chipped in with 36 runs. Kamran Akhtar and Idrees Saleem took 2 wickets each.In reply, AJK chased the target of 162 runs in 17.5 overs for the loss of 5 wickets. Mohammad Ali Jhangir made unbeaten 38 runs and Usman Ali scored 31 runs.Mohammad Arsalan took 2 wickets while Mohammad Arfan, Shahzad Akram and Iftikhar Hussain Tiger took one wicket each.Result: AJK won by 5 wickets: Man of the Match: Idrees SaleemBahawalpur beat Multan by 165 runs (Shalimar Ground):In the penultimate fixture of the day, Bahawalpur won the toss and decided to bat first. Match was reduced to 18 overs each innings. Bahawalpur made 255 runs in allotted 18 overs for the loss of 1 wicket. Mohammad Rashid played extraordinary well and scored a ton, he made unbeaten 155 runs off 62 balls featuring 27 boundaries. Zafar Iqbal was the 2nd highest scorer with 56 runs. Mohammad Yousaf was the only bowler from Multan to claim a wicket.In reply, Multan couldn’t make the most of the batting friendly conditions and made just 90 runs in the stipulated 18 overs for the loss of 8 wickets. Mohammad Safdar made 22 runs. For Bahawalpur, Zafar Iqbal took 2 wickets, while Mohammad Shahzaib and Saqib Ali claimed one wicket each.Result: Bahawalpur won by 165 runs: Man of the match: Mohammad RashidLahore beat Peshawar by 9 wickets (PAF Ground):In the last game of the day, Lahore won the toss and not surprisingly decided to bowl first. Sanaullah’s unbeaten innings of 98 runs off 68 balls helped Peshawar to score 198 runs in allotted 20 overs for the loss of 3 wickets. Haroon Khan also contributed 53 runs off 36 balls. For Lahore, Badar Munir took 2 wickets for 23 runs in his 4 overs spell.In reply, Lahore reached the target in 18.1 overs over for the loss of 1 wicket. Badar Munir also shined with the bat he got out after scoring 104 runs off 60 balls. Sanawal Shehzada remained unbeaten on 81 runs off 51 balls. Mohammad Asif was the only bowler to take the only wicket.Result: Lahore won by 9 wickets: Man of the match: Badar MunirTuesday’s Fixtures:November 14, 2023: AJK Vs Peshawar at Shalimar Cricket GroundNovember 14, 2023: Bahawalpur Vs Gujranwala at PAF Cricket GroundNovember 14, 2023: Lahore Vs Okara at Shalimar Cricket GroundNovember 14, 2023: Islamabad Vs Multan at PAF Cricket Ground 

Eight teams to participate in national fixture: Opening ceremony at Shalimar groundAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The 14th National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) T-20 Blind Cricket Trophy Grade-1 will get underway from November 13, 2023 at Shalimar cricket ground under the banner of Pakistan Blinds’ Cricket Council (PBCC). The final will be played on November 17 at the same venue.According to an official of PBCC, Eight top teams across the country will fight for the title during the 5-day prestigious blind cricket fixture. Teams have been divided into two pools, as the matches will be played at Shalimar Cricket Ground Margalla Road F-6/3 Islamabad and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Cricket Ground E-9 Islamabad.The inauguration ceremony will take place on Monday at 11:00 AM at Shalimar Cricket Stadium Margalla Road F-6/3 Islamabad. The semifinals and the final will be played on 16th and 17th of November 2023 respectively at the Shalimar Cricket Ground.Pool (A): Islamabad, Bahawalpur, Gujranwala, MultanPool (B): Lahore, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), Peshawar, OkaraSchedule (Date & Venue):November 13, 2023: Islamabad Vs Gujranwala at Shalimar Cricket Ground IslamabadNovember 13, 2023: AJK Vs Okara at PAF Cricket Ground IslamabadNovember 13, 2023: Bahawalpur Vs Multan at Shalimar Cricket Ground IslamabadNovember 13, 2023: Peshawar Vs Lahore at PAF Cricket Ground IslamabadNovember 14, 2023: AJK Vs Peshawar at Shalimar Cricket Ground IslamabadNovember 14, 2023: Bahawalpur Vs Gujranwala at PAF Cricket Ground IslamabadNovember 14, 2023: Lahore Vs Okara at Shalimar Cricket Ground IslamabadNovember 14, 2023: Islamabad Vs Multan at PAF Cricket Ground IslamabadNovember 15, 2023: Lahore Vs AJK at Shalimar Cricket Ground IslamabadNovember 15, 2023: Peshawar Vs Okara at PAF Cricket Ground IslamabadNovember 15, 2023: Islamabad Vs Bahawalpur at Shalimar Cricket Ground IslamabadNovember 15, 2023: Gujranwala Vs Multan at PAF Cricket Ground IslamabadNovember 16, 2023: 1st Semi-Final (1AVs 2B) at Shalimar Cricket Ground IslamabadNovember 16, 2023: 2nd Semi-Final (1B Vs 2A) Shalimar Cricket Ground IslamabadNovember 17, 2023: Final at Shalimar Cricket Ground Islamabad

Sports Bulletin ReportBirmingham (UK): Pakistan thrashed arch-rival India by 5 wickets in the final of the IBSA Games 2023 to clinch the gold medal for the country at the Edgbaston Cricket Stadium Birmingham, United Kingdom (UK) on Saturday. The final clash was set alight as India won the toss and opted to bat first under the afternoon sun. Displaying their batting prowess, India managed to amass a formidable total of 184 runs for the loss of 3 wickets within the stipulated 20 overs. Durga Tompaki led the charge with an impressive knock of 76 runs off 57 balls, complemented by Sunil Ramesh's 48 runs off 29 balls. Pakistan's bowlers Muhammad Salman and Matiullah each secured a crucial wicket.Undeterred by the challenge, Pakistan embarked on their pursuit of the target with flair and determination. Exhibiting exceptional teamwork, Pakistan's response was swift and calculated, achieving victory in just 14.1 overs with 8 wickets to spare. The unbeaten innings of Muhammad Salman, who scored 48 runs off 25 balls, coupled with Badar Munir's explosive 41 runs off a mere 16 balls, featuring 7 fours and 1 six, propelled Pakistan towards an emphatic win.

Sports Bulletin ReportBirmingham (UK): Pakistan outclassed hosts England by 6 Wickets in IBSA World Blind Games Cricket match on Thursday in Birmingham United Kingdom (UK).In the morning, England won the toss and decided to bat first. Pakistan's bowlers displayed exceptional skills, preventing the English batsmen from finding their rhythm and accumulating runs freely. England's batting lineup was dismantled, leading to their dismissal at a total of 103 runs in 18 overs. Among the top contributors, Luke Sugg managed 25 runs while Matt Dean secured 13 runs. Notably, Shahzaib Haider stood out as the standout bowler, clinching four (4) wickets, supported by Muhammad Shahzeb and Mohsin Khan with two wickets and one wicket respectively.In response, Pakistan efficiently achieved the required target within 9.4 overs, losing four wickets along the way. Nisar Ali shone as the top scorer with an impressive 35 runs off 17 balls, while Matiullah contributed 22 runs. Ed Hossell, Jones, and Ahmed each managed to claim a wicket a piece for the English side.The outcome resulted in Pakistan's triumph by six wickets. This victory marked Pakistan's success in all four league games, positioning them at the forefront of the points table and guaranteeing their spot in the Final. The upcoming eliminator match is anticipated to be between the second-ranked India and the third-ranked team, the latter to be determined following the outcome of the Australia-Bangladesh match. The grand final is scheduled to take place at the prestigious Edgbaston Cricket Stadium on Saturday, August 26th, promising an exciting culmination to the tournament.

Sports Bulletin ReportBirmingham (UK): In a significant step towards fostering sports inclusion and expanding opportunities for visually impaired athletes, a momentous meeting took place between Syed Sultan Shah, President of World Blind Cricket Ltd, and Ilgar Rahimov, President of the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA). The meeting was centered on the exploration of a potential sports partnership and the inclusion of cricket in future IBSA games.Both leaders engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the power of sports to break down the barriers and promote inclusivity. They expressed their shared commitment to creating an environment where visually impaired athletes can thrive on the global stage.Syed Sultan Shah, President of World Blind Cricket Ltd, sees this meeting as a promising step towards opening up new avenues for blind cricket. By collaborating with IBSA, we can further develop and promote the Blind Cricket."Ilgar Rahimov, President of IBSA was happy about the possibility of including blind cricket in future IBSA games and will discuss this matter in IBSA Board meeting. Our discussions with World Blind Cricket Ltd align with our vision of expanding the horizons of blind sports as large number of athletes participate and their passion make these sports an interesting one. Both organizations recognized the need to work closely and collaborative efforts will be made to develop the necessary frameworks to facilitate the integration of blind cricket into the broader spectrum of IBSA sports. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both Syed Sultan Shah and Ilgar Rahimov expressing their eagerness to take the discussions forward. Brief intro about both Organizations: About World Blind Cricket Ltd: World Blind Cricket Ltd is a global governing body for Blind Cricket. Committed to promoting the sport at all levels, it aims to provide opportunities for visually impaired individuals to participate in cricket and showcase their talents on the international stage.About IBSA: The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) is a dynamic organization that oversees various sports for blind and partially sighted athletes. IBSA is dedicated to promoting and developing sports that empower visually impaired individuals, fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities. 

Sports Bulletin ReportBirmingham (UK): Lord Mayor of Birmingham Councilor Chaman Lal held a warm reception to mark the recognition of Pakistan's Blind Cricket team here at the Lord Mayor Parlor at Birmingham City Council. Former Cabinet Member Councilor Wasim Zafar and Cabinet Member Councilor Saima Suleman from Birmingham City Council, Sajid Yousaf Social Worker also graced the occasion with their esteemed presence. The Lord Mayor appreciated the Pakistan Team’s achievements in the game and extended his best wishes for the event. Syed Sultan Shah Chairman Pakistan Blind Cricket Council briefed the dignitaries about the history of Blind Cricket, its challenges, and achievements. At the end commemorating Shields were presented to Pakistani players.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistan Blinds cricket team will meet traditional foes India in the IBSA Blind World Games 2023 on August 20 in Birmingham, United Kingdom (UK), as five teams including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, England, and Australia will fight for the title.According to an official of the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC), the schedule for the upcoming Cricket Competition of the IBSA World Games took place in Birmingham UK. The Pakistan Team is scheduled to visit on 17th August 2023 and will face their arch-rivals India, in their first match on 20th August 2023.Schedule:20-08-23 (England vs Australia), and (India vs Pakistan)21-08-23 (England vs Bangladesh), and (India vs Australia)22-08-23 (England vs India), and (Pakistan vs Bangladesh)23-08-23 (Australia vs Pakistan), and (India vs Bangladesh)24-08-23 (England vs Pakistan), and (Australia vs Bangladesh)25-08-23 (Group 2nd Place vs Group 3rd Place)26-08-23 (Group Winner vs Semifinal Winner)