Sports Bulletin

Abdul Jabbar Faisal RAWALPINDI:-Left-handed open batter, Imam-ul-Haq played a composed innings of 132 runs that helped Green Shirts to end the day-1 game with full command against Australia at 245 for 1 in 90 overs at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi on Friday. Skipper Babar Azam decided to bat first after winning the toss, as Pakistani batter show excellent batting skills against an experienced bowling attack. Imam hit 15 fours during in 271 balls innings was the most valuable contribution in the Pakistan’s total. Australian captain Pat Cummins used his eight bowler to break the partnership of the second wicket in which Imam and Azhar aggregated 140 runs. Pakistan will resume their first inning on Saturday morning at the same venue. Imam 132 and Azhar 64 were not out at the close of play day-1.   Summarized Score Card (day-1): Pakistan Batting: 145 for 1 in 90 overs Iman-ul-Haq 132 not out (271 balls, 4X15, 6X2), Azhar Ali 64 not out (165 balls, 4X4, 6X1)), Abdullah Shafiq 44 runs (105 balls, 4X3, 6X1) Australia Bowling: Natin Lyon (31-4-87-1) Pakistan Playing XI: Babar Azam (captain), Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Iftikhar Ahmed, Noman Ali, Sajid Sajid Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah Australia Playing XI: Pat Cummins (captain), Usman Kawaja, David Warner, Marnus Laboschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameroon Green, Alex Cary (wicketkeeper), Mitchell Starc, Nathin Lyon, Josh Hazlewood Match officials: Aleem Dar and Ahsan Raza (on-field), Asif Yaqoob (third umpire), Rashid Riaz (fourth umpire), Ranjan Madugalle (match referee) Day-1 First Session: (105 for 1 in 35 overs, Iman-ul-Haq 57 not out & Azhar Ali 0 not out) Second Session: (171 for 1 in 56 overs, Imam-ul-Hq 92 not out & Azhar Ali 30 not out) Third Session (245 for 1 in 90 overs, Imam-ul-Haq 132 not out, Azhar Ali 64 not out, Lyon 1 for 87).

Bipin Dani Former Windies opener Gordon Greenidge has advised Virat Kohli to take away his mind from his landmark Test (100th) and instead, focus more on every delivery that he would face against Sri Lankan bowlers in the first Mohali Test beginning on Friday.  Sir Gordon Greenidge is one among the nine players (Colin Cowdrey, Javed Miandad, Alec Stewart, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla, Joe Root and Ricky Ponting, Ponting has done so in both the innings) who have registered a hundred in their 100th Test match.  Wishing Kohli (through this Reporter over the telephone from Barbados) to score a hundred in his 100th Test match, he said, "I would like to offer my best wishes to Virat on this special moment and most excellent opportunity for this great game. Getting to that special moment should be no more than the other centuries in the past". "My advice to you is just bat and it will come. Just focus on staying in the middle and that special moment will come. I am confident you can do this. Should your dream challenge your mind just take a moment after every ball and refocus on the next delivery. Best of luck to you". Sri Lanka's former captain Arjuna Ranatunga has also wished Kohli for this historic Test and at the same time has recommended Sri Lankan bowlers to be more committed rather than spoiling Kohli's party. "Kohli is a phenomenal player. He has lot to offer. My advice to the bowlers is to concentrate more on line and length, the wickets would come", he said.

Abdul Jabbar Faisal RAWALPINDI:-The stage is ready to start Pindi Test match between Pakistan and Australia on Friday morning, as all the tickets have been sold out of Test match that shows how the people of twin city Rawalpindi and Islamabad are keen to see two top teams of cricket world in action. Right-handed batter Babar Azam will lead the Green Shirts in the historical Test match while Pat Cummins will lead the Kangaroos at the soil of Pakistan after 24 years in the first Test of the three-match Benaud-Qadir ICC World Test Championship series. Both sides have kept a close eye on the Rawalpindi pitch which has a tradition of being a sporting one, the last Test played at the venue was Pakistan’s 95-run triumph against South Africa almost a year ago. Since the return of Test cricket in Pakistan in December 2019, this will be the fourth Test at the venue. The 2020 Pakistan-Sri Lanka match ended in a draw. Babar Azam says: “It is a huge honour to play this series since the trophy has been named after legends of the game Richie Benaud and Abdul Qadir. As a team we are very excited that Australia are touring after 24 years, we want to make this a memorable series and the entire squad remains focused and determined to deliver the goods. “Our fans have been a great strength of ours in the recent past, they have come to cheer us, shown their love and support through social media and have backed us by watching us on their TV screens. My request would be for them to turn up at the venue and give us full backing and support. Pat Cummins says:  “Richie toured here for the first time some 60 years ago, we are proud to be here in Pakistan and can’t wait for the series to start. “This is a very special occasion as we have a long history of playing against Pakistan back home and never over here, a whole generation of Australian cricketers haven’t had the chance of being over here and play so as a group we feel very privileged and lucky to be here, we have been incredibly looked after and it is beautiful here, we can’t wait for the series to start.” Weather Forecast: A spokesman for Pakistan Metrology Department (PMD) told this scribe that first two day of the Test match would not be disturbed by the rain; however, weather will be cloudy. Next two days (March 6 and 7), there are chances of rain in different spells in the twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad that could interrupt the cricket game. On March 6 there will be 60% chances while on March 7 there will be 65% rain probability. March 8 will be sunny day and no rain in Rawalpindi. Pakistan Test Squad: Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain-wicketkeeper), Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Wasim Junior, Naseem Shah, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, and Zahid Mahmood. Australia Test Squad: Pat Cummins (captain), David Warner, Marcus Harris, Steven Smith, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Cameron Green, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Josh Inglis, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson. Match officials: Aleem Dar and Ahsan Raza (on-field), Asif Yaqoob (third umpire), Rashid Riaz (fourth umpire), Ranjan Madugalle (match referee)

Bipin Dani Sri Lanka's 32-year-old leg break bowler Jeffrey Vandersay is "doubtful" for the first Test match against India. While bowling at the Indian batters during the 3rd and the final T-20I at Dharamshala on, he twisted his ankle and had to leave the field. His incomplete over was completed by fast bowler Chamika Karunaratne. At one point of time, the team management was considering sending him back to Sri Lanka, but finally it was decided to allow him to stay in India.  On Wednesday morning, the team had a full training session, where Vandersay attended some training sessions but the team management may not be willing to take the risk of playing him, at least for the first Test, it is learnt. In another development, on the insistence of few players, Under-19 coach Avishka Gunawardene has also been retained for the Tests, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) source has confirmed. "He was scheduled to return home with the T-20 players (captain Dasun Shanaka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kamil Mishara, Janith Liyanage and Shiran Fernando) on Tuesday night but now we have asked him to be with the Test team", the SLC source said.

Sports Bulletin Report RAWALPINDI:-Some of the leading cricket commentators will call Australia’s first tour to Pakistan in 24 years, which will get underway at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on 4 March. In addition to the three-Test series, which will be played for the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, the five-week tour also includes three ODIs and one T20I. Rob Key of England, Australia’s Michael Kasprowicz and Pakistan trio of Bazid Khan, Urooj Mumtaz and Waqar Younis will commentate through the tour from 4 March to 5 April. Simon Katich of Australia will only commentate on the Benaud-Qadir Trophy and like Kasprowicz, will be making his commentary debut in Pakistan. Sikander Bakht and Zainab Abbas will host the pre- and post-match shows along with Neroli Meadows, who will only be available for first two Test matches. The High-Definition broadcast coverage includes 28 cameras, which along with buggy cam will embellish the viewing experience of the fans within and outside Pakistan. Hawk-Eye and Ultra Edge will be part of the Decision Review System (DRS) Technology. Broadcast coverage of this much-anticipated series will be available through PTV (Pakistan), Etisalat (Middle-East and North Africa), Flow Sports (Caribbean), Sky NZ (New Zealand), Fox Sports (Australia), Sky Sports (United Kingdom), Sony (South Asia outside Pakistan), Super Sports (Sub-Saharan Africa), Willow TV (North America), ICC TV and Daraz (live streaming partner).

Sports Bulletin Report RAWALPINDI:-To celebrate Australia’s first Test series in Pakistan in 24 years, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Cricket Australia (CA) on Wednesday announced the introduction of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy. This will be a perpetual Trophy and will be presented at the end of each Test series played between the Pakistan and Australia cricket teams. Pakistan captain Babar Azam and Australia captain Pat Cummins on Wednesday unveiled the Benaud-Qadir Trophy at the Pindi Cricket Stadium ahead of the first Test, which commences on Friday. The Benaud-Qadir Trophy will be presented to the winning side at the headquarters of Pakistan cricket in Lahore, where the three-Test series will culminate. Benaud and Qadir were two skilful, distinguished and immensely respected cricketers of different eras, who served the game with honour, pride and distinction. Benaud got wrist-spin bowling noticed and recognised as an attacking and wicket-taking option, an art that was subsequently taken to the next level by Qadir with some incredible performances against high-quality batters at a time when express fast bowlers were ruling the roost. Benaud captained Australia on the team’s first full tour to Pakistan in 1959 and won the series 2-0, while Qadir played in 11 Tests against Australia in which he took 45 wickets, including 33  wickets in two three-Test series in 1982 and 1988 against Kim Hughes and Allan Border’s sides, respectively. Individually, in 63 Tests from 1952 to 1964, Benaud took 248 wickets, whereas Qadir took to Test cricket in 1977 and finished in 1990 with 236 wickets in 67 Tests. For their respective heroics, achievements and accomplishments, Benaud was inducted in the ICC Hall of Fame in 2009, while Qadir was included in the PCB Hall of Fame in 2021. PCB Chief Executive Officer Faisal Hasnain: “There can be no better way to celebrate and mark the revival of Pakistan-Australia Test rivalry in Pakistan by launching the trophy in the names of two absolute legends and icons of this great game – Richie Benaud and Abdul Qadir. These two gentlemen remain a flavour of all eras and ages as their contributions towards cricket in general and wrist-spin bowling in particular are second to none. “The launch of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy will add further context and spice to Pakistan-Australia Test series, which historically have been well-contested and hard-fought. I am confident that players from either side will draw further inspiration from this initiative and would want to be the first to put a hand on the trophy. Meanwhile, Pakistan cricket fans are looking forward to the opportunity of seeing two outstanding sides it battling out on the field in a bid to win the inaugural Benaud-Qadir Trophy. “The launch of Benaud-Qadir Trophy is a joint-initiative of the PCB and CA that clearly demonstrates the strong and cordial relationship between the two cricket boards. The PCB looks forward to working very closely with the CA in the years to come. “I would like to thank and pass on my gratitude to the families of Richie Benaud and Abdul Qadir, who very generously and graciously allowed us to launch the prestigious trophy in their names. This initiative not only reflects the love, value and respect for our great game but for each other’s countries, people, culture and heritage.” Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer Nick Hockley said: “This Test series is an exciting and historic occasion with Australia touring Pakistan for the first time in 24 years. Given that context, it is fitting that we can honour two genuine legends of the game, Richie Benaud and Abdul Qadir, by inaugurating a trophy the two sides will play for with those legendary names on it. “From an Australian perspective, Richie is a wholly appropriate choice for this honour given his immense contribution to the game, the respect and affection he commands in Australia, Pakistan and throughout the cricket world, and the fact that he captained the first full Australian tour to Pakistan in 1959/60. “Furthermore, having his name alongside that of another great of the game, Abdul Qadir, is a recognition and celebration of the art of leg spin, a skill they both did so much to showcase. “We believe that having a perpetual trophy for this and future series between Pakistan and Australia and having the names of Richie and Abdul illustrates the desire of both governing bodies, Cricket Australia and the Pakistan Cricket Board, to grow the stature of these series moving forward.” Daphne Benaud, Richie’s wife said: “I am delighted to give my approval for Richie’s name to be on this trophy alongside that of Abdul Qadir. Richie had a very high regard for Abdul and the fact that both were leg-spinners has a nice ring to it. “I know Richie would be very pleased to approve a trophy the aim of which is not only to enhance Test cricket but also to advance cricket more broadly between these two countries. I wish both sides the very best of luck for the series and I shall be following it with interest.” Australia men’s captain Pat Cummins: “To be able to compete for the Benaud-Qadir Trophy for the first time is a huge honour. As current players, we really are standing on the shoulders of these greats of the past who helped to grow and popularize the game in years gone by, and if my team can collect that trophy at the end of this series then it really would be the perfect end to the Test part of this historic tour.” Pakistan captain Babar Azam: “The game is today healthy, wealthy and strong because of such individuals and their legacy, as such, we must always recognise and acknowledge their contributions and services. “We have our sights firmly on the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, both the sides will have to bring out their very best during this series as this promises to be a really competitive contest. This series will significantly enhance the quality of Test cricket, which cricket fans inside the venues and world-over can thoroughly enjoy. “I am honoured that I will be leading the Pakistan team in the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, we will try and give performances that will be a tribute to these two legends who will always remain legends of the game.” Before the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, Pakistan and Australia have played 25 Test series with Australia winning 13 and Pakistan winning seven. When Pakistan last hosted Australia in 1998, Mark Taylor’s side won the series 1-0, while Sarfaraz Ahmed’s men won 1-0 in Pakistan’s last home series in the United Arab Emirates in 2018. The last Test series between the two sides was played in Australia in 2019, which was won 2-0 by Australia.

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD:-President, Cricket Federation Uzbekistan (CFU), Aziz Mihliev hoped that the game of cricket would become the popular and fashionable sports in Uzbekistan very soon along with boxing and football, as cricket is being played in 8 provinces of the country at the present. During an exclusive interview with international sports website www.sports-bulletin.com he added: “There are 13 provinces of Uzbekistan and cricket is being played in the 8 provinces regularly and youth are keen to play cricket at club level. We have an international standard cricket ground in the capital city Tashkent and we are capable of organizing international competitions in our country, “he said. “At the present 2000 people are attached to cricket and running their affairs smoothly at club level. There are six to 10 cricket clubs in eight provinces. Our major priority is to associate with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to stream-line the cricket affairs at national and international level. We have completed our paper-work regarding ICC and we will be associate member of the top cricket body of the world in next six to seven months, “he replied to a question. To a question, Aziz said that Kurash, a martial art game, was the national sport of Uzbekistan. “Soccer and boxing are the most popular sports in our country and in some areas Buz-Kush (this is top game in Afghanistan, which is played on horses) is also played regularly. We have a good dedicated and hard working team that is working day and night to uplift the standard of cricket in the country. We are optimistic for the bright future of cricket in Uzbekistan, “he maintained. “We are not getting any financial support from the government but we have a couple of sponsors, who assist us during the abroad visits and in holding the national events. We will definitely track the government but first we want to take cricket to a certain level then we will ask the government to support us. CFU will manage the technical courses and hire the services of international coaches to enhance the knowledge of our national officials, “he said. Head of Uzbek cricket said while responding to another question: “This is our first time in Pakistan and playing cricket in an identical atmosphere like our country. Certainly, our players will learn too much during this tour. We are planning to visit Romania, Bangladesh and Malaysia in the near future and we received invitations from there. When our players will play against other international opposition they will improve their game skills, “he concluded.

Aamir Ali Janjua Dubai (UEA):-New Zealand's star all-rounder Amelia Kerr continued her rise in the MRF Tyres ICC Women's ODI Player Rankings. New Zealand's Amelia Kerr starred in New Zealand's 4-1 ODI series victory at home against India, which has seen her rise in the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings. Kerr did very well in the final two ODIs of the five-match series against India. In the fourth ODI, which was reduced to a 20-over contest, Kerr scored an unbeaten 68 in only 33 deliveries. In the fifth and final ODI, Kerr scored 68 in 75 balls. Her exploits with the bat have seen her jump up five spots to No.17 in the rankings chart for batters. Kerr also contributed with a few handy overs in the final two matches. In the fourth match, she returned with figures of 3/30 in 3.5 overs as New Zealand successfully defended a score of 191. In the fifth and final ODI, she registered figures of 1/55 in her 10 overs. This has seen her rankings rise up to No.17 in bowlers, a gain of four positions. She has also broken into the top 5 of the all-rounders' chart, gaining two positions up to No.4. Her form will undoubtedly aid New Zealand, as the hosts aim to clinch their second ICC Women's Cricket World Cup title, beginning March 4. In other big movements, Amy Satterthwaite dropped down four positions in the batting rankings, down to No.7. She scored a 16-ball 32 in the fourth ODI and 21-ball 12 in the fifth and final contest. India's Harmanpreet Kaur also gained a spot and rose up to No.20 after scoring a 66-ball 63 in the fifth and final ODI to roar back into form. Her knock helped India win the fifth and final ODI by six wickets. Deepti Sharma also saw her position rise in the bowling charts, gaining one spot up to No.12. She returned with figures of 1/49 in four overs and 2/42 in 10 overs in the fourth and fifth ODIs respectively. She only scored 9 runs in the fourth ODI and did not bat in the fifth match, which saw her lose one spot in the all-rounders' rankings, down to No.5. Alyssa Healy continued at the top of the batting charts, while her Australian compatriots Jess Jonassen and Ellyse Perry maintained their status as the No.1 ranked bowler and the No.1 ranked all-rounder respectively.

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD:-Shalimar Cricket Academy (SCA) defeated Cricket Federation Uzbekistan (CFU) team by 47 runs in a Twenty 20 cricket match at Bhutto cricket ground on Tuesday, as an all-rounder performance by Umer Nawaz Khan (58 runs and 3 for 24) was the major different in the both sides. CFU won the toss and asked SCA to bat first. The local team scored 179 runs for 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs, as lion-share was 58 runs by Umer Nawaz, who faced 44 balls and smashed seven four and couple of sixes. Mohammad Afsar Khan contributed 45 runs in his team’s total. He hit three fours and 4 huge sixes during his short but exciting 21 balls innings. Mohammad Shabbir scored 39 runs in 31 balls with 4 fours and a solitary six. Mohammad Nabi (3 for 31), Mohammad Ismail (2 for 15) and Jamal Amin (1 for 39) were the wicket taker bowlers for the Uzbek team. CFU’s all batters bowled out on 132 runs in 18.4 overs. Shahbaz was top scorer with 39 runs, as he faced 29 balls and hit each two fours and two sixes. Najeeb remained not out with 20 runs. He smashed one four and two sixes. Waqas Shah (3 for 21), Mohammad Amin (3 for 21), Umer Nawaz (3 for 24) and Ahmed Ali (1 for 14) were the wicket taker for the winning team Shalimar Cricket Academy Islamabad. Summarized Scorecard: Toss: Uzbekistan won the toss and decided to bowl first SCA (Batting): 179 for 8 in 20 overs Umer Nawaz Khan 58 runs (44 balls, 4X7, 6X2), Mohammad Afsar Khan 45 runs (21 balls, 4X3, 6X4), Mohammad Shabbir 39 runs (31 balls), 4X4, 6X1) CFU (Bowling): Mohammad Nabi (3 for 31), Mohammad Ismail (2 for 15), Jamal Amin (1 for 39) CFU (Batting): 132 all out in 18.4 overs Shahbaz 39 runs (29 balls, 4X2, 6X2), Najeeb 20 runs not out (4X1, 6X2) SCA (Bowling): Waqas Shah (3 for 21), Mohammad Amin (3 for 21), Umer Nawaz (3 for 24), Ahmed Ali (1 for 14) Results: SCA won the match by 47 runs Player of the Match: Umer Nawaz Khan  

BIPIN DANI There have been some instances when players have returned to the field after performing last rites of heavenly departed family members. Last month, Baroda's Ranji Trophy team member, Vishnu Solanki received the news in Cuttack that his wife had given birth to a girl. Obviously, the 29-year-old Solanki's joy knew no bounds as it was his first child in the family. However, his joy of parenthood did not last long. The next day he was woken up with the news that his one-day daughter is no more in this world. Shaken up, Solanki returned to Baroda, performed last-rites, consoled family members and returned and joined the squad. Not only that, he registered a hundred. Another tragedy was unfolded again last Sunday. His 75-year-old father passed away in the hospital in Baroda. Solanki informed the team management he wants to stay and play their last league game of the season, against Hyderabad, starting on March 3. He watched on his mobile the last rites of his father performed by his brother in Baroda. Now, how would the situation Vishnu be able to deal with? We posed this question to a sports psychologist Dr. Anusheela Brahmachary. "Both the unfortunate events may cause short- or long-term trauma in him. Generally, such heart wrenching emotional distress pushes the individual in a phase of post-traumatic stress", the sports-psychologist added. "As a player, I would assume that Solanki has a strong athletic identity. It may further be accompanied by his sense of duty towards his state team. Such attributes may drive him to resort to his sport as a coping mechanism where he continues to play under severe emotional distress because that is possibly the only way of some solace to him in this condition". Adding further, she says, "it may also be possible that he is demonstrating avoidant behavior by getting away from the home environment and distracting himself by engaging in his sport which comes with a larger responsibility. Investing into larger causes is used by many to get over grief. Although, this may leave a potential chance of repression due to lack of adequate catharsis that is not recommended". "It is important to ensure healthy coping mechanisms for him in the present situation. He should be allowed to cope in a customized way that he will feel comfortable about. He should have the liberty of doing things he wishes to and express freely according to his will and comfort. The only thing that should be taken care of is that he does not indulge into any repression or self-harming behavior that can have undesirable consequences". "The wound is fresh in him and it is expected of him to be in pain. He would potentially feel different emotional and behavioral reactions within himself that are not very usual. If after a span of 10-12 weeks, his functionality and efficiency get disrupted or some significant behavioral changes are noticed, it will be advisable for him to seek professional help for grief management. Some people show delayed reactions to grief and trauma. A keen eye on trauma symptoms is necessarily to be kept to save him from slipping into depression", Anusheela concluded.