Sports Bulletin

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (March 2, 2020):-Beth Mooney’s brilliant half-century proved the difference as Australia beat New Zealand by four runs to make the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 semi-finals. Beth Mooney of Australia celebrates and acknowledges the crowd after hitting a half century during the ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup match between Australia and New Zealand at Junction Oval on March 02, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Beth Mooney hit 60 off 50 balls to help Australia to 155 for five in their must-win match with New Zealand Georgia Wareham’s three for 17 sent the top-order into collapse and ensured a semi-final berth for the hosts and four-time champions Australia will face either South Africa or England in the semi-finals in Sydney  Mooney’s 60 runs from 50 balls, including six fours and two sixes, helped Australia to 155 for five with the White Ferns requiring the highest successful chase of the tournament to win at Junction Oval. New Zealand, who have made the semi-finals once since 2012, fell agonisingly short as their top-order struggled in Melbourne for the third successive game. Megan Schutt took three for 22 but Georgia Wareham (three for 17) was the pick of the bowlers after taking the crucial wickets of Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine and Maddy Green to set Australia on their way. It was far from the start the hosts would have wanted as star opener Alyssa Healy fell cheaply when she hit in-form Hayley Jensen straight to Amelia Kerr at mid-wicket. But the second-wicket partnership of Mooney and Meg Lanning quickly put them back into control, the pair hitting five boundaries between them to end the Powerplay at 38 for one. The skipper was in no mood to settle for singles as she hit back-to-back fours off Anna Peterson’s first two balls but her actions proved over-ambitious as her top-edged sweep was caught by Lea Tahuhu at short fine leg for 21. With Healy and Lanning gone, Mooney was left to steer the ship and she did so in remarkable fashion, blasting two sixes over mid-on followed by hitting successive boundaries in the 13th to grab her half-century. The Australian celebrations were short-lived, however, as Leigh Kasperek bowled Ashleigh Gardner for 20. Mooney then fell in the 18th over when Bates took an excellent tumbling catch at long-on off Peterson to end her stay in the middle. Ellyse Perry made 21 before being stumped by Rachel Priest on the penultimate ball while 19 from Rachael Haynes helped the hosts set a high chase. Priest powered New Zealand into a promising start, hitting three boundaries in the first three overs but the opener was sent packing in the fourth when Jess Jonassen trapped her lbw for 17. It was a steady start from Devine and Bates but a misfield allowed Bates to bring needed momentum to the chase with two boundaries in the seventh. But Bates once again fell short of her well-known potential as she was dismissed lbw by Wareham for 14 in the next over. The hosts did well to restrict their opponents but were dealt with a blow when Perry was forced off the field after sustaining a hamstring injury. Wareham’s second wicket may just prove her biggest yet as she dismissed Devine for 31 thanks to Healy’s quick reaction with the gloves, leaving New Zealand’s middle-order under pressure. Two sixes from Green helped to lower the required run rate but she was the next to fall victim to Wareham’s canny bowling when Healy stumped her for 28. The introduction of Kerr, who set up a thrilling finale against India with her bat, couldn’t turn things around as the 19-year-old was bowled by Schutt for two before Jensen was caught by Nicola Carey at mid-off first ball. Anna Peterson was bowled by Schutt in the penultimate over for nine while Katey Martin’s (37 not out) late striking wasn’t enough to send the White Ferns through. Scores in brief Australia beat New Zealand by four runs, Junction Oval, Melbourne Australia 155-5, 20 overs (Beth Mooney 60, Ellyse Perry 21; Anna Peterson 2-31) New Zealand 151-7, 20 overs (Katey Martin 37 not out, Georgia Wareham 3-17, Megan Schutt 3-28)

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (March 2, 2020):-Pakistan will play their last Group-B match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup against Thailand on Tuesday at the Sydney Showground Stadium. England and South Africa have already booked the two semi-final spots from the group hence the Pakistan-Thailand match will have no bearing on the group’s semi-finalists. Pakistan lost captain Bismah Maroof after the game against England, the left-handed top-order batter broke her thumb and was ruled out of the tournament. Javeria Khan who played her 100th T20I for Pakistan on Sunday (against South Africa) will lead the team against Thailand after also doing the captaincy duty on Sunday. Despite losing out on semi-final berths, Pakistan are keen on leaving the tournament on a high. Fast bowler Diana Baig has had an impressive tournament. She has provided Pakistan breakthroughs in opening overs of all three matches. The right-armer has picked-up five wickets in three games at 12.80 with a miserly 5.33 economy rate. In what will be Pakistan’s last outing in this edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Diana wants to leave a mark against Thailand. Diana Baig said: “We are disappointed at losing out on the semi-final spot since we had a very good chance especially after beating West Indies. But now our focus is on producing a clinical performance against Thailand and finishing the tournament on a high. “I have enjoyed bowling on Australian pitches especially with the new ball; I feel I have good rhythm which has helped me get early wickets in all three matches. I hope to produce a good performance on Tuesday and lead my team to a victory.” Aimen Anwar, Diana’s new-ball partner has taken six wickets so far at 17.50. At present she is the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan, Aimen however has been a touch expensive with her 8.75 economy rate. Javeria with 82 runs at 27.33 and 106.49 strike-rate is Pakistan’s leading run scorer going into the Thailand game. All-rounder Aliya Riaz who has provided fireworks in the lower-order has an 80-run tally with only a single dismissal. She has maintained a healthy 123.07 strike-rate. Pakistan squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup: Javeria Khan (captain), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Iram Javed, 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). Upcoming fixtures: 3 March – Pakistan v Thailand, 9am (PST)

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (March 1, 2020):-Big guns Karachi Kings outclassed hosts Islamabad United by 5 wickets in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) fixture at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi on Sunday night. Batsmen of both teams amused the spectators of twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad, as the stadium was fully packed. Islamabad United scored 183 runs in allotted 20 overs, as chasing 184, Karachi Kings started the innings with a nightmare start when their superstar opener Babar Azam ran out without open his account without facing a ball. Sharjeel Khan showed some his batting class by contributing a blistering 20-ball 38 before Alex Hales (52) and Cameron Delport ‘s(38) crucial 66-run partnership turned the table of the game in Karachi’s favour. Earlier, Luke Ronchi hit unbeaten 85 off 58 and increasingly impressive Shadab Khan’s 31-ball 54 were the major contributors. Their 106-run stand for the fourth wicket had helped the capital city side to a total which had seemed unlikely when they had lost their first wicket in the very first over.

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (March 1, 2020):-Javeria Khan became only the fourth Pakistan woman cricketer to register a century of T20I matches when the Pakistan national women’s team played South Africa Women in their third Group-B fixture of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup against South Africa at Sydney Showground Stadium on Sunday. Javeria, the 31-year-old top-order batter, led the team after Bismah Maroof was ruled out of the tournament following an injury in the match against England. Javeria made her first T20I appearance in May 2009 and is the second highest run-getter for Pakistan with 1,826 runs at an average of 22. Her 204 fours are the most for any Pakistan batter and she has made eight half-centuries, to date. She was the skipper of the national side in the 2018 edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Overall, she has captained Pakistan in 11 matches. The record of the most number of T20Is from Pakistan sits with Bismah Maroof, who has donned the national colours in 108 matches. Sana Mir and Nida Dar, with 106 and 101, have the second and third most matches in the format. Javeria Khan said: “It is truly an honour for me that I led Pakistan in my 100th T20I. It has been a remarkable journey and I feel very blessed that I have been wearing the national colours for the past 11 years. “It is disappointing that we couldn’t make the most of the chances and areas of advantage in today’s match and I would have been happy had we won this crucial match. The girls fought tooth and nail, but credit to the South Africa for winning the match and becoming the first team from our group to enter the semi-finals. “It has been an exciting journey and I have learnt a great deal not only about cricket but other aspects of life as well. It gives me great pleasure to see where Pakistan cricket has gotten today. The fans take a keen interest and follow our matches everywhere in the world. “This has also led to more participation from young girls into sports and it is heartening for me to see talented youngsters from schools and colleges coming up.” Pakistan now play Thailand in their last Group B match on Tuesday at the same venue, the match will start at 9:00 am PST. Pakistan squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup: Javeria Khan (captain), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali, Nida Dar, Nahida Khan, 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).

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (March 1, 2020):-South Africa Women beat Pakistan Women by 17 runs to secure a semi-final berth in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the Group-B fixture played at Sydney Showground Stadium on Sunday. Pakistan managed 119 for five in their pursuit of the 137-run target. In-form Aliya Riaz was the top-scorer in the Pakistan innings with an unbeaten 32-ball 39. The all-rounder struck three fours and a six. Captain Javeria Khan, playing her 100th T20I, made 31 off 34, hitting four fours, and helped her side stage a recovery after an early collapse which saw Pakistan lose three wickets for eight runs as the scorecard read 26 for three inside seven overs. Pakistan seemed to gain momentum, but Javeria’s run-out in the 11th over at the non-striker’s end swung the match in South Africa’s favour. Aliya struck the ball down the ground and as Chloe Tryon, the bowler, went down in her follow-through to field, it rolled onto the stumps after deflecting off her fingers. Earlier, Laura Wolvaardt scored an unbeaten 53 from 36 balls after South Africa opted to bat. The right-hand batter struck eight fours and was instrumental in helping her side set up a competitive score. Diana Baig struck early and had South Africa one down for four runs with the wicket of Lizelle Lee (four) on the fourth ball of the match. The medium-fast bowler struck again as Lee’s opening partner Dane Van Niekerk (three) was also back in the pavilion as Diana bowled her in the fifth over. Marizanne Kapp, batting at three, denied any further inroads and pushed back the Pakistan bowlers with her 32-ball 31, which include two fours and a six. Diana returned two for 19 in four overs, while all other four bowlers – Anam Amin, Aiman Anwer, Syeda Aroob Shah and Nida Dar – picked up a wicket each. In their last group fixture, Pakistan play Thailand Women at the same venue on Tuesday, 3 March. Scores in brief South Africa Women 136-6, 20 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 53 not out, Marizanne Kapp 31; Diana Baig 2-19) Pakistan Women 119-5, 20 0vers (Aliya Riaz 39 not out, Javeria Khan 31) Result South Africa Women win by 17 runs.

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (February 29, 2020):-Yasir Shah comes in as a replacement for Mohammad Mohsin in Peshawar Zalmi’s squad, it was announced on Saturday. The replacement was approved by the event’s technical committee which includes PCB CEO Wasim Khan, Bazid Khan, Marina Iqbal, Sameer Khosa and Dr Sohail Saleem. Mohsin, the 23-year-old leg-spinner, split the webbing between his middle and ring fingers of the left hand while fielding in his side’s HBL Pakistan Super League fixture against Lahore Qalandars in Rawalpindi yesterday. He will be out of the action for at least a week. Mohsin was picked by Zalmi in the Silver category and he has, to date, featured in two matches this season. Pakistan’s leading Test leg-spinner Yasir Shah donned Lahore Qalandars’ colours from 2017 to 2019 editions. In 23 HBL PSL matches, Yasir, who was unpicked in the player draft for this edition, has taken 23 wickets at an average of 25.21.

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (February 29, 2020):-Heavy and persistent rain forced the cancellation of the 13th match of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 between hosts Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi on Saturday. The two former champions shared the two points (one-each). Rawalpindi received heavy rain on Friday night and on Saturday. Another spell before the start of the match ended any hopes of even a shortened game. Zalmi had beaten Lahore Qalandars in a 12-over, shortened match played at the same venue last night (Friday). On the HBL PSL 2020 points table, Multan Sultans currently occupy the first spot with eight points followed by defending champions Quetta Gladiators who have six points; both teams have played five matches each. United and Zalmi are third and fourth respectively with five points each after their five games. Karachi Kings have two points from three games while Lahore Qalandars are yet to register a point after three games. On Sunday, United will take on Kings in Rawalpindi; the night match will start at 7pm.

Salman Khan MULTAN (February 29, 2020):-Table-toppers Multan Sultans further strengthened their position at the top of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 points table with a comfortable 30-run win over reigning champions Quetta Gladiators at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Saturday. Left-handed middle order batsman Rilee Rossouw (man-of-the-match) was the star for the Sultans as his blazing century helped set-up the victory for the home side. Chasing 200 runs for a win, the Gladiators were restricted to 169 for seven by Sultans. Opener Shane Watson fought a lone battle for his side with a whirlwind 80 off 41 balls. Watson hit seven fours and seven sixes before his dismissal in the 16th over derailed Gladiators’ chase. Jason Roy who opened the innings with Watson scored 30 off 27 balls; no other batsman could offer much to the disciplined Sultans attack who held their nerve on a batting friendly pitch. Fast bowler Bilawal Bhatti drafted in the eleven in place of Shahid Afridi took three while veteran leg-spinner Imran Tahir took two wickets. Sultans recorded wins in all three home games of the HBL PSL 2020 Multan-leg, while they also defeated Lahore Qalandars in Lahore, earlier in the tournament. There four wins have given them eight points and the top position in the six-team competition. Earlier, Rossouw’s unbeaten century was the fastest in HBL PSL history; the left-hander who was part of Gladiators’ title winning team last year turned the tables on his former team in spectacular fashion. Rossouw hit six towering sixes and 10 fours in his 44-ball knock, he reached his century off 43 balls to establish a new HBL PSL fastest century record. Rossouw added 139 runs for the fourth wicket with his captain Shan Masood (46 off 32 balls, six fours), the partnership was compiled off a mere 64 balls. The two came together at the fall of Moeen Ali’s (6) wicket with the total reading 48 for three in 7.5 overs. Their alliance though changed the complexion of the game with Rossouw doing the bulk of damage with a stunning onslaught that left the Gladiators bowlers helpless. Mohammad Nawaz took one for 16 for the Gladiators, Mohammad Hasnain, Ben Cutting, Naseem Shah and Sohail Khan all took one wicket each but were all taken for plenty of runs by Rossouw and co. Scores in brief Multan Sultans 199 for 5, 20 overs (Rilee Rossouw 100 not out, Shan Masood 46; Mohammad Nawaz 1-16, Mohammad Hasnain 1-38) Quetta Gladiators 169 for 7, 20 overs (Shane Watson 80, Jason Roy 30; Bilawal Bhatti 3-26, Imran Tahir 2-27) Result: Multan Sultans win by 30 runs

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (February 29, 2020):-In order to further encourage spectators at the three remaining HBL Pakistan Super League venues, discounted tickets for students will be available across Pakistan at designated TCS outlets from Sunday. The HBL PSL has received an overwhelming response from cricket fans across the country with packed houses a regular feature in the Multan and Rawalpindi-legs. The National Stadium Karachi and Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium had earlier seen big crowds on the opening three days of the tournament while both venues saw passionate cricket supporters pack the two stadiums to capacity in last Sunday’s double-headers ( 22 February). With the league entering an even more exciting stage as the six teams push hard for the four play-off berths, a new and exciting offer ‘March Madness’ has been unveiled.

SB News ISLAMABAD (February 29, 2020):-Both Pakistan and South Africa have all to play for when they clash in the crucial ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Group-B clash at the Sydney Showground Stadium on Sunday. South Africa are currently leading the group with four points coming from two victories, while Pakistan have a win and a loss in their two matches. Opener Javeria Khan will lead the team tomorrow following Bismah Maroof's injury in Pakistan's last match against England, which ruled her out of the remaining tournament. Pakistan have two points from two games (win against West Indies, defeat to England), a win tomorrow will give Pakistan a real shot at a semi-final spot considering their last match is against lowly Thailand. On the other hand a victory for South Africa will almost guarantee a semi-final spot for them. The two teams competed in an enthralling five-match T20I series last year which was won by South Africa 3-2, with Pakistan winning the first and the third match of the series. All-rounder Aliya Riaz, who scored 41 off 33 balls in Pakistan’s 42-run defeat against England on Friday, feels her side has the capability of defeating South Africa and the recent results against them have given her hopes of a good performance. Aliya Riaz said: “We were not up to our best against England but I feel we have a very good chance of doing well against South Africa. We played a very competitive series against them in their own backyard last year which gives us added confidence going into the game tomorrow. “I felt I am in good batting form and enjoyed my innings against England albeit the result didn’t go in our favour. If we can replicate the performance we gave against West Indies we have a great chance of beating South Africa and improving our chances of a place in the semi-finals.” Pakistan began their campaign in style on Wednesday when they defeated the West Indies by eight wickets at the Manuka Oval, Canberra. England defeated them in their second match on Friday which was played at the same venue. Sunday’s Pakistan-South Africa match begins at 9am (PST). Pakistan squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup: Javeria Khan (captain), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Iram Javed, 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). Upcoming fixtures: 1 March – South Africa v Pakistan, 9am (PST) 3 March – Pakistan v Thailand, 9am (PST)