Sports Bulletin

Aamir Ali Janjua DUBAI (December 27, 2021):-An all-round performance from skipper Qasim Akram led Pakistan Under-9 to a 21-run win over UAE U19 at the ICC Cricket Academy Ground in Dubai on Monday. The victory was Pakistan’s third win in a row and also confirmed their semi-final spot in the tournament. After opting to bat first, half-century by right-handed Qasim, followed by a 21-ball unbeaten 34 cameo by Ahmed Khan helped them post 219 for eight in 50 overs. Qasim top-scored with 50 off 67, hitting five fours. Haseebullah scored a 48-ball 39, which included two fours. Ahmed coming to bat at number-eight struck two fours and one six. For UAE, Aayan Afzal Khan picked three wickets for 44, while Nilansh Keswani bagged two for 32. In turn, UAE managed to score 198 for nine with wicketkeeper-batter Kai Smith and number-eight batter Aayan scoring 38 runs each. For Pakistan, Qasim with his right-arm off-spin grabbed three for 52. Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz and Mohammad Zeeshan bagged two wickets apiece. The semifinals will be played on 30 December with ICC Cricket Ground, Dubai hosting the first semi-final, while Sharjah Cricket Stadium to host second semi-final. Scores in brief Pakistan U19 beat UAE U19 by 21 runs Pakistan U19 219-8, 50 overs (Qasim Akram 50, Haseebullah 39, Ahmed Khan 34 not out; Aayan Afzal Khan 3-44, Nilansh Keswani 2-33) UAE U19 198-9, 50 overs (Aayan Afzal Khan 38, Kai Smith 38, Alishan Sharafu 35; Qasim Akram 3-52, Maaz Sadaqat 2-21, Mohammad Zeeshan 2-34, Mehran Mumtaz 2-35)

Aamir Ali Janjua Dubai, UEA (December 25, 2021):-Pakistan Under-19 cricket team defeated India Under-19 cricket team by 2 wickets in a thrilling match in ACC Men's Under-19 Asia Cup. Mohammad Shehzad scored 81 runs and judged man of the match while Zeeshan Zameer took 5 wickets. Pakistan U-19 needed 2 runs on the last ball of the match to win that Ahmed Khan hit a four to lead the team to victory. He played an unbeaten innings of 29 off 19 balls with the help of 3 fours and a six.  Pakistan U-19 cricket team achieved the target of 238 runs on the last ball of the match at a loss of 8 wickets. Mohammad Shehzad of Pakistan made 81 off 105 balls with 5 sixes and 4 fours. Mohammad Irfan Niazi 32 and Rizwan Mahmood 29 runs were out. India's Raj Nad Bawa took four wickets. Earlier, thanks to the excellent bowling of fast bowler Zeeshan Zameer, India U-19 cricket team was bowled out for 237 runs in 49 overs. Zeeshan Zameer guided 5 players to the pavilion for 60 runs. Owais Ali took 2 wickets while Moaz Sadaqat and Qasim Akram took one wicket each. India Under-19 cricket team's wicket keeper Better Aradhya Yadav scored 50 and Harnoor Pinnu scored 46 runs.

Aamir Ali Janjua Dubai (December 23, 2021: Fast bowlers Ahmed Khan, Awais Ali and Zeeshan Zameer blew away Afghanistan Under-19 as Pakistan Under-19 got off to a winning start in the Asian Cricket Cup (ACC) Under-19 Asia Cup with a four-wicket win at the ICC Cricket Academy Oval 2 on Thursday. Afghanistan, who won the toss and opted to bat first, have lost half of their batting side on just 12 runs. Nangeyalia Kharote, coming to bat at number-seven, was the only batter to score in double figures, 15 off 27, and struck three fours. Right-arm fast Ahmed took three for 21 from six overs which included dismissals of Suliman Safi (four off 19b), Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai (one off six) and Ijaz Ahmed Azad (first ball duck). Right-arm pacers Awais and Zeeshan grabbed two wickets apiece for nine and 12 runs, respectively. In their run-chase, Pakistan lost six wickets before achieving the target in the 17th over. Only two batters managed to enter into double figures with opening batter Maaz Sadaqat returning unbeaten on 14 off 46, hitting one four. For Afghanistan, Noor Ahmad picked three wickets for 20. Right-arm fast Bilal Sami bagged two wickets for 16. Pakistan U19 will take on India U19 in their second match of the tournament on 25 December at the same venue. Scores in brief: Pakistan U19 beat Afghanistan U19 by four wickets Afghanistan U19 52 all out, 23.1 overs (Nangeyalia Kharote 15; Ahmed Khan 3-21, Awais Ali 2-9, Zeeshan Zameer 2-12) Pakistan U19 53-6, 16.4 overs (Maaz Sadaqat 14 not out; Noor Ahmed 3-20, Bilal Sami 2-16) Result Pakistan U19 win by four wickets Player of the match – Awais Ali (Pakistan U19) Upcoming fixtures: 25 December – v India, Dubai 27 December – v UAE, Dubai

Ali Ahmed LAHORE (December 2, 2021):-Qasim Akram will lead the 15-player Pakistan Under-19 squad in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup which will be played in January-February 2022 in the West Indies. The Lahore-born Qasim will also captain the team in the Under-19 Asia Cup that will be played in the UAE later this month. The junior selection committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board had invited 21 high-performing cricketers born on or after 1 September 2002 (eligibility criteria) for a training camp that is currently underway in Lahore to prepare the side for the two tournaments, the camp began last week. Besides the final 15 for both events, the squad also includes two travelling reserves who will be part of the touring party for both tournaments. The squad includes four players who took part in the preceding U19 World Cup that was played in South Africa in January-February 2020, Pakistan finished third in the event. Qasim, openers Abdul Wahid Bangalzai and Mohammad Shehzad and middle-order batter Irfan Khan Niazi were the four players to feature in the South Africa event. Following the 2020 event, Qasim was hugely impressive for Central Punjab in all three formats in the 2020-21 domestic season which was his first, Abdul Wahid scored a double-century for Balochistan in the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy besides impressive batting in the National T20. Irfan appeared for Central Punjab in the National T20 and has already earned the reputation of being a clean striker of the ball, Shehzad was also one of the most prolific batters in the 2021-22 U19 one-day and three-day events. Besides the quartet, the squad includes promising players like spinners Faisal Akram (left-arm-wrist-spinner), Ali Asfand (left-arm-spinner), Mehran Mumtaz (left-arm-spinner) and Arham Nawab (off-spinner). Faisal represented Southern Punjab in the National T20. Abdul Faseeh, Haseebullah, Rizwan Mehmood and Maaz Sadaqat were the standout performers with the bat in the domestic U19 circuit. Pacers Ahmed Khan, Awais Ali and Zeeshan Zameer have also performed admirably besides impressing the selectors and coaches with their potential. Pakistan Shaheens and U19 head coach Ijaz Ahmed will lead the support staff on the two tours. Chairman Junior Selection Committee Saleem Jaffer: “Selection of U19 squads is always one of the most challenging and difficult tasks due to the available pool of talent. And this selection was no different, but we have tried to pick the best available 17 players who can help Pakistan win the World Cup for the country. “The PCB has prepared a robust plan for pathways cricket and I can assure all teenage cricketers who have missed out on selection this time that they will get a chance at some stage down the line. “I want to congratulate the 17 players who have made into the squad for the UAE and the West Indies tournaments. I remain confident that this side has the capability and potential to do well in both the upcoming events.” Name of players: Qasim Akram (captain, Central Punjab), Abdul Faseeh (Northern), Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (Balochistan), Ahmed Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Ali Asfand (Central Punjab), Arham Nawab (Central Punjab), Awais Ali (Central Punjab), Faisal Akram (Southern Punjab), Haseebullah (wicketkeeper, Balochistan), Irfan Khan Niazi (Central Punjab), Maaz Sadaqat (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mehran Mumtaz (Northern), Mohammad Shehzad (Southern Punjab), Rizwan Mehmood (Sindh) and Zeeshan Zameer (Sindh) Traveling reserves: Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper, Sindh), Mohammad Zeeshan (Central Punjab). Support staff: Ijaz Ahmed (Head coach), Rao Iftikhar Anjum (Bowling coach), Mohtashim Rasheed (Fielding coach), Mohammad Javed (Strength and Conditioning coach), Waleed Ahmed (Analyst), Hafiz Naeem-ul-Rasool (physiotherapist) and Taimur Azam (Manager).

ABUDUULAH ASJAD Rawalpindi (November 19, 2021):-Southern Punjab Under-19 Whites overcame Central Punjab Under-19 Blues by two wickets in a thrilling final to lift the title of the National Under-19 Cricket Championship at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi. On Friday, resuming their second innings on the overnight score of 187 for seven in 53 overs, Southern Punjab chased down the target for the loss of eight wickets in the 65th over on the fourth day of the final match. Requiring 23 more runs to win, Southern Punjab U19 Whites lost their well settled batter Mohammad Ammar for 48, who was dismissed by off-spinner Arham Nawab. Faisal Akram (14 not out, 43b, two fours) and Awais Abbas (eight not out, 26b, one four) helped their side cross over the line. Central Punjab’s Arham took four wickets in the second innings and ended-up with match figures of seven for 87. He was named as best bowler of the tournament with 30 scalps from six matches at 16.80. Mohammad Shehzad representing Southern Punjab U19 Whites was named player of the final for his all-round performance. The right-handed batter scored 133 runs in the final, which included 85 in the first innings. With right-arm fast, Shehzad took two wickets in the second innings of Central Punjab Blues. Shehzad was also awarded with the best batter of the tournament as he topped the batting charts with 829 runs from six matches at 92.11. He hit three centuries and four half-centuries in the tournament. Arafat Ahmed from Southern Punjab Whites was awarded with player of the tournament. The 17-year old left-handed batter scored 504 runs from six matches at 56. He hit two centuries and as many half-centuries. With left-arm spin Arafat bagged 22 wickets from six matches at 13.77 and twice he took five-wicket hauls. Best wicket-keeper award also went to Southern Punjab U19 Whites. 17-year old Hasnain Majid ended-up with 24 dismissals to his name which included 15 catches and nine stumpings. Scores in brief: Southern Punjab U19 Whites beat Central Punjab U19 Blues by two wickets at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi Central Punjab U19 Blues 337 all out, 76.1 overs (Mohammad Waqas 101, Shawaiz Irfan 71, Abubakar 38, Ali Asfand 31; Faisal Akram 4-54, Arafat Ahmed 2-48, Mohammad Ismail 2-68) and 127 all out, 35.1 overs (Hasnat Abbas 27; Faisal Akram 0-3, Mohammad Ismail 3-60, Mohammad Shehzad 2-27, Awais Abbas 2-35) Southern Punjab U19 Whites 255 all out, 74.1 overs (Mohammad Shehzad 85, Aun Shehzad 78, Mohammad Ammar 33; Arham Nawab 3-42, Mohammad Zeeshan 3-52, Awais Ali 2-55) and 210-8, 64.2 overs (Arafat Ahmed 53, Mohammad Shehzad 48, Mohammad Ammar 48; Arham Nawab 4-45) Player of the match – Mohammad Shehzad (Southern Punjab U19 Whites, PKR 25,000) Best Batter of the Tournament – Mohammad Shehzad (Southern Punjab U19 Whites, PKR 50,000) 829 runs Best Bowler of the Tournament – Arham Nawab (Central Punjab U19 Blues, PKR 50,000) 30 wickets Best Wicketkeeper of the Tournament – Hasnain Majid (Southern Punjab U19 Whites, PKR 50,000) 24 dismissals (15 catches, nine stumpings)

ABDULLAH ASJAD Rawalpindi (November 18, 2021):-The final between Central Punjab U19 Blues and Southern Punjab U19 Whites hangs in balance as Central Punjab require three wickets, while Southern Punjab require 23 runs to win the National U19 Championship at the close of third day’s play at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. Resuming their second innings on the overnight score of 41 for three, Central Punjab U19 Blues were bowled out for 127 in the 36th over. Hasnat Abbas top-scored with 60-ball 27, hitting five fours. For Southern Punjab U19 Whites, left-arm spinner Faisal Akram picked three wickets without giving any runs, while right-arm fast Mohammad Ismail also bagged three wickets. Mohammad Shehzad and Mohammad Awais Abbas picked two wickets apiece. Requiring 210 runs to win, Southern Punjab U19 Whites at one stage was cruising towards victory with 150 for three at the scoreboard, but three wickets from off-spinner Arham Nawab put breaks on Southern Punjab U19 Whites run chase. Southern Punjab’s Arafat Ahmed top-scorer with 60-ball 53, laced with eight fours and three sixes. Mohammad Shehzad contributed 48 off 57, hitting six fours and two sixes. Mohammad Ammar returned undefeated on 47 off 88, which included three fours. At stumps, Southern Punjab U19 Whites were 187 for seven in 53 overs. Scores in brief: Central Punjab U19 Blues v Southern Punjab U19 Whites – Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi Central Punjab U19 Blues 337 all out, 76.1 overs (Mohammad Waqas 101, Shawaiz Irfan 71, Abubakar 38, Ali Asfand 31; Faisal Akram 4-54, Arafat Ahmed 2-48, Mohammad Ismail 2-68) and 127 all out, 35.1 overs (Hasnat Abbas 27; Faisal Akram 0-3, Mohammad Ismail 3-60, Mohammad Shehzad 2-27, Awais Abbas 2-35) Southern Punjab U19 Whites 255 all out, 74.1 overs (Mohammad Shehzad 85, Aun Shehzad 78, Mohammad Ammar 33; Arham Nawab 3-42, Mohammad Zeeshan 3-52, Awais Ali 2-55) and 187-7, 53 overs (Arafat Ahmed 53, Mohammad Shehzad 48, Mohammad Ammar 47 not out; Arham Nawab 3-38)

Aamir Ali Janjua DUBAHI (November 17, 2021):-The West Indies will host the 14th edition of the ICC Under 19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2022 for the first time ever, as the event which showcases the future stars of the game will see 16 teams travelling to the Caribbean to compete in 48 matches from 14 January to 5 February across four host countries. The sixteen teams competing will see current holders Bangladesh, England, Canada and the United Arab Emirates form Group A, with debutants Uganda placed in Group B alongside India, South Africa and Ireland. Group C comprises Pakistan, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Papua New Guinea and Group D sees host West Indies, Australia and Sri Lanka. Scotland completes the tournament line up in Group D after New Zealand withdrew due to the extensive mandatory quarantine restrictions for minors on their return home. The four host countries have been confirmed as Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago with 10 venues hosting matches. The format will see the top two teams from each of the four groups advance to the Super League while the remaining teams feature in the Plate across 23 days of competition. The 48-match schedule will begin with hosts West Indies taking on Australia, with Sri Lanka facing Scotland in Guyana on 14 January. The group stage will take place across Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago between 14 and 22 January. Trinidad and Tobago will host the Plate competition between 25 and 31 January, with the Super League taking place in Antigua and Barbuda from 26 January. The semi-finals will be played on 1 February across two venues; the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground and Coolidge Cricket Ground on 2 February. The Final on 5 February will also be held at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground. ICC Head of Events, Chris Tetley said: “The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup is such an exciting and special tournament, bringing together the future stars of the game and giving them an unrivalled experience of competing on the global stage. “So many of the best players have competed at the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup including Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, Joe Root and Shimron Hetmyer and we are looking forward to the 2022 edition to see who emerges as the future stars. “We are delighted that the West Indies will be hosting this event and we wish all the teams the very best in their preparations for the tournament and to Cricket West Indies in organising the event.” Cricket West Indies President Ricky Skerritt said: “CWI is looking forward to hosting this important global U19 cricket event, which is just around the corner, in January. In partnership with host territorial boards, cricket clubs, and Ministries of Sports, we have been hard at work preparing for this event over the past several months. However, amid so many Covid-related challenges, it has not been easy to finalise the venues and to work out all the related logistics. “At the same time, our U19 head coach, Floyd Reifer, and his coaching staff have been busy preparing our team for competition, using innovative methods to keep them active even while they were restricted from travel. West Indies has a proud under-19 cricket history, with several bright talents blossoming into international stars over the years. We, therefore, expect our current team of under-19 players to do us proud in the 2022 tournament. I am also confident that our visitors will experience the best of our world-famous Caribbean culture and hospitality in Antigua & Barbuda, Guyana, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Trinidad & Tobago.” The West Indies have won the title once in 2016, with India being crowned champions four times, Australia three times, Pakistan twice while England, South Africa and Bangladesh have won it once each. There will be 16 warm-up matches taking place between 9 and 12 January in St Kitts and Nevis and Guyana. ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Groupings: Group A - Bangladesh, England, Canada, United Arab Emirates Group B - India, Ireland, South Africa, Uganda Group C - Afghanistan, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe Group D - Australia, Scotland, Sri Lanka, West Indies ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Venues: St Kitts and Nevis - Warner Park Cricket Stadium , Conaree Cricket Center, (Sandy Point - Warm-up match venue only) Guyana - Guyana National Stadium, (Everest Cricket Club - Warm-up match venue only) Trinidad and Tobago - Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Queens Park Oval, Diego Martin Sporting Complex Antigua and Barbuda - Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, Coolidge Cricket Ground ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup match schedule: 14 January - West Indies v Australia, Guyana National Stadium, Guyana; Sri Lanka v Scotland, Everest Cricket Club, Guyana 15 January - Canada v UAE, Conaree Cricket Center, St Kitts and Nevis; India v South Africa, Guyana National Stadium, Guyana; Ireland v Uganda, Everest Cricket Club, Guyana; Pakistan v PNG, Queens Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago 16 January - Bangladesh v England, Warner Park Cricket Stadium, St Kitts and Nevis; Afghanistan v Zimbabwe, Diego Martin Sporting Complex, Trinidad and Tobago 17 January - West Indies v Scotland, Warner Park Cricket Stadium, St Kitts and Nevis; Australia v Sri Lanka, Conaree Cricket Center, St Kitts and Nevis 18 January - England v Canada, Warner Park Cricket Stadium, St Kitts and Nevis; South Africa v Uganda, Queens Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago; Afghanistan v PNG, Diego Martin Sporting Complex, Trinidad and Tobago 19 January - Australia v Scotland, Conaree Cricket Center, St Kitts and Nevis; India v Ireland, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago 20 January - England v UAE, Warner Park Cricket Stadium, St Kitts and Nevis; Bangladesh v Canada, Conaree Cricket Center, St Kitts and Nevis; Pakistan v Afghanistan, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago; Zimbabwe v PNG, Diego Martin Sporting Complex, Trinidad and Tobago 21 January - West Indies v Sri Lanka, Conaree Cricket Center, St Kitts and Nevis; South Africa v Ireland, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago 22 January - Bangladesh v UAE, Warner Park Cricket Stadium, St Kitts and Nevis, India v Uganda, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago; Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Queens Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago Plate and Super League fixtures to take place between 25 January and 4 February at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground and Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua and Barbuda and Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Queens Park Oval and Diego Martin Sporting Complex in Trinidad and Tobago. 1 February – Semi-Final, Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, Antigua and Barbuda 2 February – Semi-Final, Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua and Barbuda 5 February – Final, Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, Antigua and Barbuda

SB Report  KARACHI:-Two-time winners Pakistan will play Scotland in their opening match of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020 at the University Oval, Potchefstroom on Sunday, 19 January. The tournament schedule was announced today (Thursday) by the International Cricket Council. Sixteen teams will be taking part in the 24-day tournament that runs from 17 January to 9 February 2020. The final will be played at Benoni’s JP Marks Oval on 9 February. Pakistan’s second match will be against Zimbabwe at the Witrand Oval in Bloemfontein on Wednesday, 22 January. The third and final group match for Pakistan will be played on 24 January at the JP Marks Oval, where the Boys in Green will square-up against Bangladesh. The top two teams from each of the four groups advance to the Super League while the remaining teams feature in the Plate Championship. The Super League stage will commence from Tuesday, 28 January. The top four teams from the Super League stage qualify for the semi-finals, with the winners competing for the title on Sunday, 9 February. Pakistan won the 2004 and 2006 editions of the tournament held in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka respectively. Pakistan have also finished as runners-up in three editions. Hassan Khan led Pakistan in the last edition of the tournament in New Zealand in 2018, where they were beaten by India in the semi-finals. The tournament was first played in 1988. Since 1998, the event has been held once every two years. India have won the tournament four times, Australia have been winners thrice, England, South Africa and the West Indies have won the tournament once each besides Pakistan’s two wins. The top 11 full Members in the last edition in New Zealand and the five regional champions, who have qualified for the event, will also play warm-up matches from 12-15 January in Johannesburg and Pretoria. Nigeria (Africa) make an appearance for the first time along with Japan (East Asia Pacific). They are joined by other regional qualifiers Canada (Americas), United Arab Emirates (Asia) and Scotland (Europe).