Sports Bulletin

SB Report  ISLAMABAD:-The first three-day match between Pakistan U16 and Bangladesh U16 ended in a draw at the KRL stadium in Rawalpindi on Sunday. Resuming their second innings from 119 for four, the visiting Bangladesh side were bowled out for 200 runs in 95.2 overs. Bangladesh gained a 283-run overall lead, Nayeem Ahmed who scored 54 runs in the first innings top-scored with 73 runs in the second innings, his knock was studded with 14 fours. Tanbir Alam Sham scored 42 runs. For Pakistan, left-arm-spinner Ali Asfand took six wickets while captain Aliyan Mehmood took two wickets for 32 runs. Set a 284-run target, Pakistan batted resolutely in the second innings to avoid a repeat of the first innings batting collapse. Pakistan played out 43 overs scoring 112 runs for the loss of two wickets when stumps were drawn and the match was declared draw. Opener Mohammad Shehzad top-scored with an unbeaten 80 off 127 balls, his attacking innings included 14 fours and two sixes. Ahmood Sharif and Amir Hossain took a wicket each for Bangladesh. The next match will be played from October 30 to November 1 at the same venue.  Scores in brief:  Bangladesh 204 all-out, 63.5 overs (Radowan Hossan Siyam 84, Nayeem Ahmed 54; Ahmad Khan 4-43, Ali Asfand 2-31, Aliyan Mehmood 2-53 ) and 200 all-out, 95.2 overs ( Nayeem Ahmed 73, Tanbir Alam Sham 42; Ali Asfand 6-51, Aliyan Mehmood 2-32) Pakistan U16 117 all-out, 45.1 overs (Ibrar Afzaal Khan 51, Mohammad Shehzad 19; Ahmood Sharif 4-24, Amir Hossain Asif 3-19, Mohammad Musfik Hasan 2-33) and 112-2, 43 overs (Mohammad Shehzad 80 not-out)  

Pakistan women make history, beat Bangladesh in their first-ever international match SB Report (October 26, 2019) LAHORE:-Pakistan women made history on Saturday by beating Bangladesh women by 14 runs in the first of the three-match T20I series at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Playing their first-ever international match at the home of Pakistan cricket, Pakistan elected to bat after winning the toss. Captain Bismah Maroof and Omaima Sohail crafted a gutsy 60-run partnership for the third-wicket after Pakistan had lost both openers inside three overs with just 15 runs on board.   Bismah cracked 34 runs from 29 balls, hitting six fours, to be the top-scorer from her side, while Omaima scored a 36-ball 33 with four fours. Batting at six, Iram Javed struck two sixes and a four for her 21 runs from 17 balls. That Pakistan women were able to set a 127-run target for the tourists was due to Sidra Nawaz’s four fours from her five-ball stay at the crease. The wicketkeeper-batter scored an unbeaten 16. For Bangladesh, right-arm pacer Jahanara Alam picked up four wickets for 17 runs in her four overs.   Bangladesh struggled from the onset of their run-chase. Their openers Shamima Sultana and Ayesha Rahman were back in the pavilion in 2.2 overs as the scoreboard read six for two. A 30-ball 50 – studded with six fours and two sixes – by Rumana Ahmed kept Bangladesh alive in the run-chase as the 28-year-old all-rounder batted till the last over.   She failed to receive the desired support from the other end with the wickets tumbling at regular intervals. The next best score in the run-chase was from Nigar Sultana, who scored 17 from 30. Marking her return to the national side, Anam Amin picked up two wickets for 13 runs in four overs, while all other bowlers picked up a wicket each. Bismah, for her 34 with the bat and one for 26 with the ball, bagged the man-of-the-match award. The second T20I will be held on Monday at the same venue and is scheduled to begin at 1000.   Scores in brief:   Pakistan Women 126-7, 20 overs (Bismah Maroof 34, Omaima Sohail 33, Iram Javed 21; Jahanara Alam 4-17)   Bangladesh Women 112-7, 20 overs (Rumana Ahmed 50; Anam Amin 2-13)   Upcoming matches:   28 October – 2nd T20I (10am-12.45pm), Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 30 October – 3rd T20I (10am-12.45pm), Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 2 November – 1st ODI (9.30am-4.35pm), Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 4 November – 2nd ODI (9.30am-4.35pm), Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore  

Under-16, Bangladesh sit in driving seat By Abdul Jabbar Faisal October 26, 2019 RAWALPINDI:-Bangladesh U16 ended the second day of the first three-day match against Pakistan U16 in a commanding position, taking an overall lead of 206 runs with 6 second innings wickets in hand at the Khan Research Labourtries (KRL) stadium in Rawalpindi on Saturday. In the morning session, Pakistan U16 resuming their first innings from the overnight score of 40 for four were dismissed for 117 in 45.1 overs. Ibrar Afzaal Khan top-scored with 51 off 74balls, he hit eight fours. Ibrar and Khalid Khan (seven not out) contributed 50-run partnership for the 10th wicket to rescue the hosts from precarious 67 for nine. For Bangladesh, Ahmood Sharif picked four wickets for 24 in 12 overs. Amir Hossain Asif chipped in with three wickets. Taking a lead of 87 runs, the visiting team in their second innings scored 119 for four in 62 overs when stumps were drawn. Bangladesh captain Nayeem Ahmed top-scored with an unbeaten 47 off 150 balls laced with seven fours. Opener Tanbir Alam Sham scored 134-ball 42 and struck seven fours. For Pakistan U16, slow left-arm Ali Asfand was the most successful bowler with took two wickets for 28 runs in 15 overs. Scores in brief:  Bangladesh 204 all-out, 63.5 overs (Radowan Hossan Siyam 84, Nayeem Ahmed 54; Ahmad Khan 4-43, Ali Asfand 2-31, Aliyan Mehmood 2-53 ) and 119-4, 62 overs ( Nayeem Ahmed 47 not-out, Tanbir Alam Sham 42; Ali Asfand 2-28) Pakistan U16 117 all-out, 45.1 overs (Ibrar Afzaal Khan 51, Mohammad Shehzad 19; Ahmood Sharif 4-24, Amir Hossain Asif 3-19, Mohammad Musfik Hasan 2-33)  

Abdul Jabbar Faisal RWALPINDI:-The Pakistan U16 will take on Bangladesh U16 in a three-day fixture at the Khan Research Laborites Stadium (KRL) in Rawalpindi from Friday. The Bangladesh U16 are on their return tour to Pakistan after beating Pakistan U16 2-1 in the three 50-over matches series and 1-0 in the two three-day match series at home in April-May this year. The two teams are scheduled to play a series of two three-day matches and three 50-over matches from 25 October to 8 November, all five games will be played at the KRL Stadium in Rawalpindi. Pakistan is captained by all-rounder Aliyan Mehmood, who has featured in five 50-over matches and one T20 match for Pakistan at the U16-level. Mohammad Waqas is the vice-captain, who has featured in three 50-over matches and two three-day matches. Pakistan will be banking on their fast bowling department with the likes of Ahmad Khan, Aseer Mughal and Khalid Khan. Abbottabad’s Ahmad Khan, has featured in six 50-over matches for Pakistan picking 14 wickets, while he grabbed four wickets from the two three-day matches in Bangladesh. Rawalpindi’s Aseer Mughal was the most successful bowler in the three-match 50-over series for Pakistan against Bangladesh U16 with eight scalps despite the visitors losing the series 2-1. He also took seven wickets in the second three-day match which was a drawn match at Sheikh Abu Naseer Stadium in Khulna. Quetta’s Khalid Khan took eight wickets with an average of 15.50 in the same series. His best figures of 5-33 in an innings came in a losing cause at the Fatullah Khan Saheb Osmani Stadium in Fatullah. On Thursday, the two captains – Bangladesh’s Nayeem Ahmed and Aliyan Mehmood of Pakistan – had a picture opportunity with the series trophy with Aliyan hoping to play a competitive series. Aliyan Mehmood said: “This is going to be an exciting series, as we will be playing a competitive side at our home ground. We have prepared really well for the matches, the coaches have worked really hard on us and we will come up with a strategy to start the series on a positive note. “Captaining the side is a huge honor for me. I am grateful to the management for having faith in my abilities and I look forward to perform to the best of my abilities and bring positive results for the team. “We have done our preparations; the series provides an equal opportunity for both the teams to showcase their talent.” Bangladesh have named left-handed batsman Nayeem Ahmed as their captain for the series. Bangladesh captain Nayeem Ahmed said: “We are here for the series since last two days, and practicing really hard. The players are motivated to play a competitive cricket in the next two weeks.” Squads Three-day (to be selected from): Pakistan - Aaliyan Mehmood (captain) (Karachi), Mohammad Waqas (vice-captain) (Faisalabad), Abbas Ali (Peshawar), Afzal Manzoor (wicketkeeper) (Sialkot), Ahmad Khan (Abbottabad), Ali Asfand (Faisalabad), Ali Hasan (Sialkot), Aseer Mughal (Rawalpindi), Ayaz Shah (FATA), Farhad Khan (FATA), Haseeb Imran (Rawalpindi), Ibrar Afzal (Lahore), Khalid Khan (Quetta), Mohammad Shehzad (Multan), Mohammad Sikandar (Hyderabad) and Rizwan Mehmood (Hyderabad) Bangladesh -  Nayeem Ahmed (captain), Ahmood Sharif, Ahosun Habib Leon, Amir Hossain Asif, Anik Chaki, Arafat Islam, Ashiqur Zaman, Limon Hossain , Mazharul Hoque Rupom, Minhajul Hasan Magh, Mohammad Musfik Hasan, Radowan Hossan Siyam, Shamsul Islam Epon, Tanbir Alam Sham and Tawhidul Islam Ferdus Schedule: 25-27 October – First three-day, Pakistan U16 v Bangladesh U16, KRL Stadium, Rawalpindi 30 October-1 November – Second three-day, Pakistan U16 v Bangladesh U16, KRL Stadium, Rawalpindi 4 November – First One-Day, Pakistan U16 v Bangladesh U16, KRL Stadium, Rawalpindi 6 November – Second One-Day, Pakistan U16 v Bangladesh U16, KRL Stadium, Rawalpindi 8 November – Third One-Day, Pakistan U16 v Bangladesh U16, KRL Stadium, Rawalpindi

  Abdullah Asjad RAWALPINDI:-As full restoration of international cricket in the country continues, Pakistan will host Bangladesh U16 for two three-day and three one-day matches from 25 October till 8 November. The Bangladesh side will arrive in Rawalpindi on October 22 for what is the reciprocal tour after Pakistan U16 toured Bangladesh earlier this year in April and May. The five matches will be played at Rawalpindi’s Khan Research Laboratories Ground (KRLG). During this time, Bangladesh women’s team will be in Lahore for three T2oIs and two ODIs against Pakistan women’s team. After the success of Sri Lanka’s tour of Karachi and Lahore, this series is expected to further underscore Pakistan’s ability to host international teams and establish the country as a safe tourist destination ahead of Sri Lanka’s return to Pakistan in December for Tests and Bangladesh’s men’s team tour early next year. PCB Director – International Cricket Operation, Zakir Khan said: “I want to thank the Bangladesh Cricket Board for sending their U16 side to Pakistan. Competitive age-group cricket serves great opportunity to emerging players to enhance their skills and at the same time it helps the selectors to identify the upcoming talent. “I am sure this series will not only help both boards identify the future stars of their respective countries but will also establish confidence in Pakistan’s ability to host more top-flight cricket in the country.” The junior selection committee, headed by Saleem Jaffar, also announced the squads for the two three-day and three one-day matches. The teams were selected after practice matches from the ongoing camp at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, which runs from 12 till 21 October. Squads: Three-day: Aaliyan Mehmood (captain) (Karachi), Mohammad Waqas (vice-captain) (Faisalabad), Abbas Ali (Peshawar), Afzal Manzoor (wicketkeeper) (Sialkot), Ahmad Khan (Abbottabad), Ali Asfand (Faisalabad), Ali Hasan (Sialkot), Aseer Mughal (Rawalpindi), Ayaz Shah (FATA), Farhad Khan (FATA), Haseeb Imran (Rawalpindi), Ibrar Afzal (Lahore), Khalid Khan (Quetta), Mohammad Shehzad (Multan), Mohammad Sikandar (Hyderabad) and Rizwan Mehmood (Hyderabad) One-day: Aaliyan Mehmood (captain) (Karachi), Mohammad Waqas (vice-captain) (Faisalabad),  Abbas Ali (Peshawar), Ahmad Khan (Abbottabad), Ali Asfand (Faisalabad), Ali Hasan (Sialkot), Aseer Mughal (Rawalpindi), Hussain (Rawalpindi), Ibtasham Rehman (Faisalabad) (subject to fitness), Ismail Khan (FATA), Khalid Khan (Quetta), Mohammad Shehzad (Multan), Muneeb Wasif (Lahore), Rizwan Mehmood (Hyderabad), Zain Anwar (Karachi) and Zubair Shinwari (wicketkeeper) (FATA) Team management: Ijaz Ahmad (coach-cum-manager), Abdul Majeed (assistant coach), Saboor Ahmad (trainer), Hafiz Naeem ul Rasool (physiotherapist) and Usman Hashmi (analyst) Schedule:  25-27 October – First three-day, Pakistan U16 v Bangladesh U16, KRLG, Rawalpindi 30 October-1 November – Second three-day, Pakistan U16 v Bangladesh U16, KRLG, Rawalpindi 4 November – First One-Day, Pakistan U16 v Bangladesh U16, KRLG, Rawalpindi 6 November – Second One-Day, Pakistan U16 v Bangladesh U16, KRLG, Rawalpindi 8 November – Third One-Day, Pakistan U16 v Bangladesh U16, KRLG, Rawalpindi

  Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD-Pakistan on Monday decided to unleash their next generation of pace sensations Musa Khan and Naseem Shah, along with teenage Shaheen Shah Afridi, in Australia by naming the trio in the 16-man squad for next month’s World Test Championship fixtures. The three quicks will join 14-Test veteran Mohammad Abbas and fast-bowler Imran Khan Senior, who has been recalled after playing his ninth and final Test in Sydney in January 2017, as the Pakistan cricket selectors have taken an attacking and aggressive approach for the upcoming Tests while also looking at the future. The 19-year-old Musa from Islamabad has played seven first-class matches in which he has taken 17 wickets, while Lahore’s 16-year-old Naseem has also claimed 17 wickets in five first-class matches. In the four-day first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2019-20, Musa has picked up five wickets in four matches and Naseem has bagged nine wickets in three matches. Both fast-bowlers, regular features of the Pakistan junior sides, are regarded as the quickest on the domestic circuit, regularly touching 145kph on the speed gun, with tremendous potential and bright futures. Musa has also been named for the three T20Is, which will be played in the first week of November. In the 20-over format, Musa will team up with Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain, Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Irfan, the 2.16m tall left-armer who has been included to further bolster the fast bowling attack while keeping an eye on next year’s ICC T20 World Cup Australia 2020. In both the formats, Misbah-ul-Haq’s selection committee has also rewarded the high-performing players. In the T20I side, they have included Bannu’s 24-year-old middle-order batsman Khushdil Shah and 26-year-old wrist spinner Usman Qadir of Lahore, who has played seven Big Bash League matches for Perth Scorchers. In the ongoing National T20 Cup, Khushdil has scored 93 runs for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at an impressive strike-rate of over 160. Khushdil was the second highest run-getter in the Pakistan Cup 2019, scoring 316 runs at 105.33 with the help of two centurieswhile Usman has taken four wickets at an economy-rate of under seven. In the Test side, the selectors, apart from Musa and Naseem, have also named uncapped opener Abid Ali, who has scored 7,000 first-class runs in 104 matches, including 300 runs in the two Quaid-e-Azam Trophy matches to date, and left-arm spinner Kashif Bhatti. The 33-year-old Kashif has taken 10 wickets in the current season, while in an 83-match first-class career, spanning over 12 years, he has taken 327 wickets. Like Imran Khan Senior, middle-order batsman Iftikhar Ahmed has been recalled to the Test side after his only Test against England at The Oval in 2016. Explaining his selections, chief selector and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq said: “We know that Australia will present different and exciting challenges for us. There is a need to play a different type of cricket, the balance of the squads is reflective of us having options to play aggressive, attacking cricket “Yes it’s a brave and bold decision to select the likes of Musa and Naseem, but we know that their fresh and attacking approach will give us something different. The Australian wickets will give them the opportunity to express themselves, gain valuable experience and it will help us to take 20 wickets to win the Tests. “I am pretty sure these two lads will surprise a lot of people with their pace, controlled swing and ability to bowl long spells at a consistent speed. “Abbas’s calibre and prowess is very well documented, while Shaheen Shah Afridi has already shown the world that he is a star in the making. Imran Khan Senior has been drafted in the side as he provides backup experience with Abbas and he is one of the most effective exponents of the new ball, while he can regularly bowl at a good pace. “Besides adding speed and venom in our pace attack, we have strengthened our spin department by including an experienced Kashif Bhatti to support Yasir Shah. Yasir has matured and gained experience since his last tour to Australia, and he remains our most successful bowler in the Test format. We know he can deliver and will continue to back him to deliver the goods. “Our Test batting is experienced, talented and pretty settled, so, we have not tweaked it much, except including prolific Abid Ali in place of Fakhar Zaman and adding Iftikhar Ahmed, who can also bowl off-spin. We have a strong batting line that we expect to perform in the two Tests. “For the T20Is, Mohammad Irfan has been rewarded for the form he has shown recently. Based on horses for courses and his form, the Australian conditions will present Irfan with the opportunity to excel. This selection has also been made while looking at next year’s ICC T20 World Cup, which will be played in Australia. If we can successfully manage his workload, then he can be a valuable asset for us in next global event. “Similarly, Khushdil Shah has been added as he is in-form and has displayed his power-hitting abilities, while Usman Qadir brings to the table his experience of playing in Australia. Usman also provides cover for Shadab Khan, who is on track for reclaiming his match form. “Asif Ali has been retained due to his sparkling form in the National T20 Cup, while we have kept faith in Iftikhar Ahmed who has all the ability and talent in the middle-order.” Hasan Ali was not considered for the tour as he is still recovering from his back injury, while Shaheen Shah Afridi has been picked only for Tests to ensure his safe return to international cricket after picking dengue virus in August. Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik were not considered as part of the selectors’ forward-looking strategy. The T20I side will depart for Sydney on 26 October, while the Test players will leave for Perth after featuring in the fifth round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, which will be played from 28-31 October. Pakistan squads for Australia tour (age and team names in brackets): T20Is (average age of the side is 26) Babar Azam (captain), Asif Ali (28, Northern), Fakhar Zaman (29, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Haris Sohail (30, Balochistan), Iftikhar Ahmed (29, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Imad Wasim (30, Northern), Imam-ul-Haq (23, Balochistan), Khushdil Shah (24, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Amir (27, Northern),  Mohammad Hasnain (19, Sindh), Mohammad Irfan (37, Southern Punjab), Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper) (27, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Musa Khan (17, Northern), Shadab Khan (21, Northern), Usman Qadir (26, Central Punjab), Wahab Riaz (34, Southern Punjab),  1.       Azhar Ali (captain) (34, Central Punjab) 2.       Abid Ali (32, Sindh) 3.       Asad Shafiq (33, Sindh) 4.       Babar Azam (25, Central Punjab) 5.       Haris Sohail (30, Balochistan) 6.       Imam-ul-Haq (23, Balochistan) 7.       Imran Khan Snr (32, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) 8.      Iftikhar Ahmed (29, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) 9.       Kashif Bhatti (33, Sindh) 10.   Mohammad Abbas (29, Southern Punjab) 11.    Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper) (27, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) 12.    Musa Khan (17, Northern) 13.    Naseem Shah (16, Central Punjab) 14.    Shaheen Shah Afridi (19, Northern) 15.    Shan Masood (30, Southern Punjab) 16.    Yasir Shah (33, Balochistan) Series schedule 31 October – T20 warm-up match v CA XI, Bankstown, Sydney 3 November – 1st T20I, Sydney 5 November – 2nd T20I, Canberra 8 November – 3rd T20I, Perth 11-13 November – Three-day match v CA XI, Optus Stadium, Perth (d/n) 15-16 November – Two-day match v CA XI, WACA, Perth 21-25 November – 1st Test, Brisbane 29 November-3 December – 2nd Test, Adelaide (d/n)

   SB Report  LAHORE:-The three-day ACC Level 1 Women Coaching Course concluded on Saturday at the National Cricket Academy. Embellished by presentations, practical skills and assessment tests under the watchful eye of the NCA instructors, the 16 participants from 11 countries were put to task on different aspects of the game. The participants included four Pakistan women, namely Atika Sabir Khan, Fareeha Mahmood, Shehla Bibi and Tasleem Bano. Other participants in the course, first of its kind, include representatives from Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bhutan, Hong Kong, Iran, Kuwait (two), Malaysia, Maldives, Oman (two) and United Arab Emirates Ali Zia, Senior General Manager – National Cricket Academy and also the lead presenter, said: “The course was designed for the participants to learn the basics skills of the game. After getting the initial knowledge of the game, they will apply the learnings on players in the 12 to 14 years age group. “The course was divided into three segments; the first segment was related to multimedia presentations on the coaching philosophy, planning/preparation and methods of skill development. “The second part was about the practical aspect where the participants were taught about batting, bowling, fielding and wicket keeping skills. “Lastly, in the third phase of the course, the participants underwent assessment tests.” Abbottabad’s Atika Sabir Khan said: “I had played cricket for my region from 2008 to 2014, but the experience of coaching is altogether different. The course helped me to know about the cricketing skills and once I return to my city, I will be in a position to teach school and college girls more passionately.” Pakistan player Fareeha Mahmood took a three-day off from the national team camp to attend the course and was excited to learn the cricket skills. She said: “It was quite an informative course where participants from different countries too have learned a lot. The learnings from the course will help me solve my cricketing issues once I return back to the national team camp. I will share the experience with my colleagues and will help them know about the basics skills of coaching.” Wah Cantt’s Shehla Bibi said: “There is a great talent and potential in the girls from Wah Cantt, but sadly there were no female coaches there. This course has given me a great opportunity to learn the basic skills of the game, and now I am eager to return back to train the talented female kids in my region.” Tasleem Bano from the Gaizer district of Gilgit Baltistan said: “No one knows about the basics of this sport in my region. I myself had little knowledge about the game, but after attending the course I must say that I have gained a lot. “The course will help me reach out to parents from Gilgit region to convince them to bring forward their children in this sport. I will go back and teach school and college girls about the basic skills of the game.” At the conclusion of the course, the certificates were distributed amongst the participants.

 SB Report LAHORE:-Azhar Ali has been appointed national cricket team captain for Pakistan’s World Test Championship matches in the 2019-20 while Babar Azam has been named captain of the No.1 ranked T20I side until next year’s ICC T20 World Cup Australia 2020, which is now exactly one year away. The appointments were confirmed after Sarfaraz Ahmed was left out of both formats due to the drop in his overall form during the past few series. Seventh-ranked Pakistan will play fifth-ranked Australia in two Tests in Brisbane (21-25 November) and Adelaide (29 November-3 December (d/n)) before hosting Sri Lanka and Bangladesh for two Tests apiece. Pakistan are also scheduled to play three T20Is each against Australia (3, 5 and 8 November) and Bangladesh before the curtain falls on their international domestic season in early February 2020. Azhar Ali has been a mainstay of Pakistan’s batting line-up since making his debut against Australia at Lord’s in 2010. The 34-year-old is regarded as Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan’s prodigy and has scored 5,669 runs with 15 centuries and 31 half-centuries in 73 Tests. Azhar had an excellent tour of Australia last time when Pakistan were there in 2016-17 when he had scores of 5, 71, 205 not out, 43, 71 and 11. His other scores against Australia in England and the UAE are 16, 42, 30, 51, 53, 30, 109, 100 not out, 18, 4, 15 and 64. This means the 21st ranked batsman in the world has aggregated 938 runs in nine Tests against Australia, his second most after Sri Lanka (1156 runs in 14 Tests). In the ongoing four-day first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Azhar is the second most successful batsman with 388 runs in four matches as his side Central Punjab leads the field with two wins. Reacting to the news, Azhar Ali said: “There is no bigger honour than to captain the Pakistan national cricket team in the pinnacle format of the game. I feel humbled, excited and privileged, and with the support of the team, look forward to justifying the faith that has been entrusted upon me for the World Test Championship.  “Sarfaraz Ahmed has done an excellent job in transforming raw talent into experienced players and I now look forward to inspiring those skillful players in our endeavours to collectively achieve our World Test Championship objectives and beyond.  “These are exciting times in Pakistan cricket with a new team management. As a captain, I feel comfortable that there will be number of knowledgeable people in the hut who I can rely for advice and guidance.  “I am not only targeting wins, but also aim to provide opportunities to players to grow in stature and express themselves so that Pakistan cricket can resume its journey to the top. I have always played my cricket the hard way but in a fair manner, and will ensure I continue to uphold the spirit of cricket and enhance the image of the team and the country.” Babar Azam, the No.1 ranked batsman in T20Is, has previously captained Pakistan in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2012. He was vice-captain in the recently-concluded series against Sri Lanka and is presently captaining Central Punjab in the National T20 Cup where he scored a 59-ball 102 on the opening day against Sindh. Babar Azam said: “To be named captain of the No.1 ranked side in the world is the biggest thing that has happened to my career to date. I am ready for this challenge and also willing to learn more in the process. I feel it has been a natural progression for me and I am delighted that the PCB has put faith in my capabilities. “Sarfaraz Ahmed has led the side in the shortest format by example and it is my responsibility to take forward his accomplishments so that we remain a consistent, attractive and powerful side.” Sarfaraz Ahmed said: “It has been an honour to lead Pakistan at the highest level. I want to thank all my colleagues, coaches and selectors who have helped me in this journey. My good wishes are with Azhar Ali, Babar Azam and the Pakistan cricket team, and I hope they will continue to grow stronger and stronger.” PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani, who approved the appointments, said: “I want to congratulate Azhar Ali and Babar Azam on their elevations to the most coveted and prestigious jobs in cricket. It is a reward for their continued hard work in strives for excellence and I am sure they, like their predecessors, will make the country proud with their performance, leadership and sportsmanship. “It has been a difficult decision to drop Sarfaraz Ahmed, who has performed well as a player and a leader. But, his loss in form and confidence is visible and, in the best interest of the team, it has been decided to leave him out and provide him the opportunity to reflect and regroup himself and try to reclaim his form away from international cricket. “Sarfaraz Ahmed’s contributions are second to none and being the gutsy cricketer and fighter that we all know he is, I have no doubts he will be back in Pakistan colours at some stage.” Decision on vice-captaincy will be made closer to the series, whilst captaincy for the ODIs will be finalised in due course as the national team’s next assignment is scheduled from 4-9 July 2020 against the Netherlands in Amstelveen.  

SB Report LAHORE:- With one eye on the series against Australia, Pakistan’s bowling coach Waqar Younis will hold a bowlers camp at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday and Sunday. The national selection committee has invited 15 high-performing bowlers from the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and the ongoing National T20 Cup as well as fast bowlers Mohammad Abbas and Shaheen Shah Afridi for the weekend camp. The purpose of the camp is to provide the selectors better insight on the fitness and form of the bowlers that can further assist them while picking the T20I and Test sides. It will also give the bowlers an opportunity to understand their shortcomings and ways to improve their skills in the upcoming domestic matches. Fast bowlers Abbas and Shaheen will be back in action after missing domestic matches. Abbas was given a break after the third round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy to strategically manage his workload and fatigue, while Shaheen will return after for the first time since picking up dengue fever in August. Pakistan bowling coach Waqar Younis said: “As the National T20 Cup has a two-day break, we thought of utilising this time by holding bowlers camp in Lahore with multiple objectives. But, this does not mean that the selectors have limited their selection options to these 11 bowlers. The selectors have an open mind and bowlers who are best suited to the formats and conditions on the upcoming tour will be selected.” Chief selector and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq, and Test captain Azhar Ali will also monitor the camp. The T20I and Test squads for the Australia tour will be announced by chief selector and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq at 215pm on Monday, 21 October, in media conference at the Far End, Gaddafi Stadium. Bowlers invited for the camp are: Bilal Asif (Central Punjab), Bilawal Bhatti (Southern Punjab), Imran Khan Snr (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Kashif Bhatti (Sindh), Mohammad Abbas (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Irfan Junior (Slow left-arm, Southern Punjab), Musa Khan (Northern), Mohammad Mohsin (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Naseem Shah (Central Punjab), Rahat Ali (Southern Punjab), Sameen Gul (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Northern), Tabish Khan (Sindh), Yasir Shah (Balochistan) and Zahid Mehmood (Southern Punjab).        

Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD:-Pakistan Under-19 cricket team will leave for Beijing, China, on Wednesday evening to play friendly matches against the home and Afghanistan Under-19 squads. The 12-player squad will be captained by Mohammad Harris Khan, while Saim Ayub will be his vice-captain. Pakistan U19 team will play China on Saturday, 19 October and Afghanistan on Sunday, 20 October. A combined Afghanistan and Pakistan side will play China on Wednesday, 23 October. Pakistan squad will return home on Thursday, 24 October. The tour has been has been arranged by the Chinese government and the purpose of these matches is to strengthen the mutual communication, understanding and friendship between China, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Pakistan squad: Mohammad Harris Khan (captain), Saim Ayub (vice-captain), Aamir Ali, Abbas Afridi, Fahad Munir, Haseeb Ullah (wicketkeeper), Jahanzeb Sultan, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Mohammad Wasim Junior, Sameer Saqib, Shiraz Khan and Zaman Khan. Player support personnel: Mohtashim Rashid (coach), Rehan Khalid (physiotherapist) and Fazal Wahab (trainer).