Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Pakistan women’s national cricket team’s training camp for the tri-series in Ireland and the Commonwealth Games finishes today in Islamabad. The Bismah Maroof-led team will fly out for Belfast via Dubai in the wee hours of 12 July (Tuesday). The squad trained and practiced in Rawalpindi and Islamabad at the Pindi Cricket Stadium and House of Northern for the last nine days and despite rain interrupted preparation sessions, the squad endeavoured to make most of the available time by working on various aspects of T20 cricket including improvised drills, nets sessions and scenario-based matches. Indoor training sessions were also arranged for the team at the Shahbaz Sharif Sports Complex. Besides bowling and batting drills and practice, the squad also worked hard on fielding and physical fitness under the supervision of the support staff led by head coach David Hemp. Bismah, meanwhile is looking forward to the two challenging events against formidable opponents. Captain Bismah Maroof: “Our preparations have suffered a bit due to the persistent rains as we could not play practice matches, we had to hence shift our focus to fitness more. We tried to make most of the indoor facility we were provided and that did come as a good help to the side amid the weather challenges. “The tri-series in Ireland provides us a good opportunity of acclimatising to the conditions ahead of the Commonwealth Games. We have a good team combination with youngsters like Tuba Hassan, Ayesha Naseem and Fatima Sana providing real energy, skill and talent, they are the ones for the future and this tour is a real opportunity for them to make a big impression. “At the Commonwealth Games, we would take on the challenge of playing formidable opponents as to succeed there we need to beat the big teams, our aim would be to target a victory.” Pakistan will play their opening match of the Tri-Nation Women’s T20I Series against Australia at the Bready Cricket Club on 16 July. Pakistan will play both Australia and Ireland twice, the top two sides will progress to compete in the final. All seven tournament matches will be staged at the Bready Cricket Club. After the completion of the tri-series, Pakistan will travel to Birmingham to take part in the Commonwealth Games. The green shirts are placed in Pool A alongside T20 world champions Australia, India and Barbados. Pakistan play Barbados in their opening match on Friday, 29 July. Cricket matches during the Games will be staged at the Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham. Pakistan Squad: Bismah Maroof (captain), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gul Feroza (wicketkeeper), Iram Javed, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wicketkeeper), Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal and Tuba Hassan. Support staff: Ayesha Ashhar (Manager), David Hemp (Head coach), Saleem Jaffer (Bowling coach), Muhammad Zubair Ahmed (Analyst) and Rifat Asghar Gill (Physiotherapist). Pakistan’s fixtures: Tri-series at Belfast 16 July – v Australia 19 July – v Ireland 23 July – v Australia 24 July – v Ireland Commonwealth Games at Birmingham 29 July – v Barbados 31 July – v India 3 August – v Australia

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Promising 21-year-old leg-spinner Tuba Hassan was one of the three first-time women cricketers who were awarded central contracts for the 2022-23 season, which came into effect on Friday. The other two first-timers are Gul Feroza and Sadaf Shamas, who have been identified as future prospects. Tuba was adjudged ICC Women’s Player of the Month for May 2022 for her impressive debut series against Sri Lanka. She took five wickets in three T20Is, including three for eight in her debut match. Tuba was part of the Pakistan women’s team for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 as a travelling reserve. Tuba Hassan siad: “I am absolutely thrilled and excited at being given the prestigious central contract for the first time. Hard work has slowly started to pay off, but this is just the beginning. My focus remains on producing strong performances and contributing in my team’s success, rest I am sure will take care of itself as we have seen in this case. “I want to thank all my seniors, teammates, support staff and family members who have backed me in this journey to date. Playing and performing for Pakistan and my team remains my only objective, and with the support of a strong group of people around me, I remain confident that I will improve and live up to their expectations.” Asmavia Iqbal, Chair of Women’s Selection Committee said: “Eight players receiving enhanced contracts and three players being offered contracts for the first time is an indicator that we are heading in the right direction, though we still have a long road ahead to narrow the gap with the leading sides. We have made progress in the 2021-22 season and I am sure with the amount of cricket that lies ahead, we will emerge as an improved side at the end of the season. “Central contracts are not only a way to incentivise, appreciate and reward players for their contributions in the previous season, it is also a method to challenge the players to either reclaim or earn better contracts next season, which is only possible through on-field performances. With the investment being made and the opportunities that are presently available, I am optimistic that we will have more good news to share next year. Women’s Central Contracts 2022-23: Category A (3) – Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof and Nida Dar Category B (5) – Anam Amin, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Nashra Sandhu and Omaima Sohail Category C (5) – Ayesha Naseem, Muneeba Ali, Javeria Khan, Sidra Amin and Sidra Nawaz Category D (7) – Ghulam Fatima, Gul Feroza, Iram Javed, Kainat Imtiaz, Sadia Iqbal, Sadaf Shamas and Tuba Hassan

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Pakistan women’s national cricket team’s final preparations for the tri-series in Ireland and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham begin from Friday (tomorrow). The 15-member squad will take part in extensive training and practice sessions in a 10-day camp at the House of Northern, Islamabad before the team’s departure on 12 July. During the camp, the squad led by Bismah Maroof would participate in fitness, fielding, batting and bowling drills besides playing scenario-based matches in accordance to the demands of the T20 format. Both the tri-series and Commonwealth Games are T20 events. As part of the preparations for the tour, national team’s head coach David Hemp worked with Karachi-based players in a four-day long camp last week which was focused on individual and scenario-based practice sessions. Pacers Aimen Anwar, Fatima Sana and Kainat Imtiaz and batters Muneeba Ali Siddiqui and Omaima Sohail were the players involved in the camp. Bowling coach Saleem Jaffer also assisted Hemp in the camp along with Sindh women’s coach Azam Khan. The tri-series and Commonwealth bound squad would depart for Belfast via Dubai on 12 July. Squad: Bismah Maroof (captain), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza (wicketkeeper), Iram Javed, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wicketkeeper), Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal and Tuba Hassan. Support staff: Ayesha Ashhar (Manager), David Hemp (Head coach), Saleem Jaffer (Bowling coach), Muhammad Zubair Ahmed (Analyst) and Rifat Asghar Gill (Physiotherapist). Additional support staff for the camp: Waqar Orakzai (Assistant coach), Saboor Ahmed (Strength and Conditioning coach).

BIPIN DANI Vishmi Gunaratna, a 16-year old girl, who had to miss the last Pakistan tour because of her O-Level examination, has returned to the national squad, it is learnt here. A student of Rathnavali Balika Vidyalaya in Gampaha who had scored 417 in an Under-19 schools' cricket match against Jayasiripura Kanishta Vidyalaya earlier this year came into the lime light. The team management may not have yet decided whether to include her in the final XI for the first  women's T-20i match against India to be played in Dambulla this week. This will be her first match against India, if picked in the final eleven. The 19-member squad, which has been approved by the sports minister, has also the new comer. Rashmi Silva, the leg spinner is from Vishmi's school. Kawshi Nuthyangana the wicket keeper, batter, who has also not played any international cricket so for is practicing with the other 18 players on Dambulla since last week.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-England announced Women squad for LV= Insurance Test against South Africa. The squad features five potential Test debutants, with Emily Arlott, Lauren Bell, Alice Davidson-Richards, Freya Davies and Emma Lamb all potentially in line for their first appearance. England Women's Squad: Heather Knight (Western Storm, Captain), Emily Arlott (Central Sparks), Tammy Beaumont (Lightning), Lauren Bell (Southern Vipers), Kate Cross (Thunder), Alice Davidson-Richards (South East Stars), Freya Davies (South East Stars), Charlie Dean (Southern Vipers), Sophia Dunkley (South East Stars), Sophie Ecclestone (Thunder), Amy Jones (Central Sparks), Emma Lamb (Thunder), Nat Sciver (Northern Diamonds, vice captain), Issy Wong (Central Sparks-Travelling Reserve) Head Coach Lisa Keightley said: "There are a number of new faces in the squad which brings a real level of energy and enthusiasm. We're at the beginning of a new ICC Women's Championship cycle, which starts for us with the India ODIs, and it's natural that we're looking forward with one eye on who may be a key player for us come 2025. "Similarly with Katherine Brunt retired from Test cricket and Anya Shrubsole from all forms of the international game, a number of bowling spots have opened up which is hugely exciting for those players. I'm sure they'll all be very keen to grab their opportunity. "We have to balance having the appropriate back-up for the senior squad while also giving playing opportunities. We need our players to play as much cricket as possible, which is why we have a deliberately small Test squad while the England Women's A team are in action against South Africa. "It really is a massive summer, with the Commonwealth Games just around the corner, and we can't wait to get started with the red ball in Taunton." An England Women's A squad has also been named for the three-day fixture against South Africa, which starts Tuesday June 21 at Arundel. The squad will be captained by Georgia Elwiss, and led by England A Head Coach John Stanworth. Of the 15 players selected, nine are yet to make their international debut. England Women A: Georgia Elwiss (Southern Vipers, captain), Maia Bouchier (Southern Vipers), Danni Gibson (Western Storm), Sarah Glenn (Central Sparks), Freya Kemp (Southern Vipers), Eve Jones (Central Sparks), Ella McCaughan (Southern Vipers), Kalea Moore (South East Stars), Tara Norris (Southern Vipers), Grace Potts (Central Sparks), Grace Scrivens (Sunrisers), Alexa Stonehouse (South East Stars), Mady Villiers (Sunrisers), Lauren Winfield-Hill (Northern Diamonds), Danni Wyatt (Southern Vipers)

Sports Bulletin Report Gros Islet (Saint Lucia):-The local players have been drafted ahead of the historic first running of the inaugural Women’s Caribbean Premier League with the tournament set to get underway on 30 August. The three teams will be captained by Hayley Matthews (Barbados Royals), Stafanie Taylor (Guyana Amazon Warriors) and Deandra Dottin (Trinbago Knight Riders). With Matthews and Taylor rated in the top 10 T20 all-rounders in the world and Dottin one of the most destructive batters in the women’s game, all three players have shown their quality for the West Indies and in domestic competitions around the globe. The teams have been drafted from a pool of players that was put together by Cricket West Indies’ selection committee and the 33 cricketers picked represent the best talent from across the region with the squads full of experienced internationals as well as the next generation of female players. Each team will also sign three exciting overseas players bringing the total squad size to 14 and further bolstering the quality of cricketers on show in this exciting new event. These overseas signings will be announced in the coming weeks. Ricky Skerritt, Cricket West Indies President, said: “This inaugural Women’s version of the CPL represents a huge upward step for West Indies cricket. I am grateful to all those in CPL and CWI who made it happen, especially the three pioneering franchises who have so willingly got on board.” Jake Lush McCrum, CEO, Barbados Royals and Rajasthan Royals, said:  "The Caribbean and particularly Barbados is a destination which has always been so deeply invested in cricket, and to have a team in the region which will serve as a pillar of growth for the women's game in and around the island nation, was such an exciting opportunity for us at the Barbados Royals. Having attracted huge popularity, not just in the Caribbean, but also in cricket-playing nations around the world, the CPL has been able to realise its value and also the impact it can create on grassroots development. With this new competition for women, it gives us the opportunity to accelerate the growth and development of female players and coaches, while attracting the next generation of talent to the sport." Dr. Bobby Ramroop, owner of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, said: “We are thrilled to be a part of the inaugural Women’s CPL and we would like to thank CPL and CWI for making this happen. The Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) family is excited to be at the forefront of advancing Women’s cricket, both in the region and worldwide, and we are hopeful that this newest format will provide a platform for empowering female athletes, as well as highlighting inspiring role models for young girls. The dynamic GAW Women’s team, led by the impressive Stafanie Taylor, is a welcome and powerful addition to the CPL.”   Venky Mysore, Director, Trinbago Knight Riders, said: "We are proud to announce our first women's team under the Knight Riders banner, and are eagerly looking forward to watching the ladies represent TKR in the inaugural Women’s T20 competition in this year's Caribbean Premier League. We are always most supportive of such initiatives and are on a continuous lookout to expand the sport across the globe and across demographics. We are therefore particularly thrilled to support the launch of women’s T20 in the Caribbean and would like to congratulate and thank CWI and CPL for taking the initiative to launch the Women’s editions this year." Pete Russell, Hero CPL’s CEO, said: “A Women’s CPL is the next logical step as we grow the brand, and we are very pleased that we have been able to make this a reality in 2022. We are grateful to the CWI, the Barbados Royals, the Guyana Amazon Warriors and the Trinbago Knight Riders for working with us on this ground breaking tournament and we look forward to showcasing the tremendous skills of all  these talented players.”

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI:-Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu led from the front as Sri Lanka recorded a commanding 93-run win in the third and final ICC Women’s Championship match at the Southend Club, Karachi on Sunday. Pakistan won the series 2-1 courtesy of their eight-wicket and 73-run win in the first two matches. At the end of the series Pakistan occupy the top-spot in the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 cycle with four points from three games, Sri Lanka collected two points from their win today – this series was the first in the new championship cycle which will determine the six qualifying spots (top five plus the host) for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. Today’s win was Sri Lanka’s lone victory in their first tour of Pakistan in 17 years, before the ODIs, the visitors had lost the T20I series by a 0-3 margin. Set a 261-run target, Pakistan were pegged back after a decent start. The hosts slumped from 41 for no loss to 48 for four in nine overs and never recovered from the mini collapse. Second ODI centurion Sidra Amin (19) was the first to go. Her opening partner Muneeba Ali (16) was run out while captain Bismah Maroof (0) and Nida Dar (5) were dismissed in quick succession as Sri Lankan bowlers tightened the screws. Omaima Sohail fought hard for her 40 off 61 balls (four fours) but her dismissal in the 28th over further increase Pakistan woes. Sidra Nawaz (7) and Fatima Sana (12) were dismissed in the search of quick runs as the required run-rate mounted. Diana Baig (0) was run out without facing a ball. Aliya Riaz stood firm at one end with a fighting half-century (sixth of her career), she was the ninth batter dismissed in an attempt of clearing the boundary. The right-hander hit four fours in her 56 off 82 balls. Athapaththu capped off a brilliant day in the field with a two-wicket contribution with the ball in her six overs. Oshadi Ranasinghe took two wickets while three batters were run out. Sri Lanka sealed their win with Anam Amin’s wicket in the 42nd over. Earlier, Athapaththu who had struggled to get going on the tour finally displayed her immense batting prowess with a scintillating century to set a solid platform for her side’s imposing total after she won the toss and opted to bat first for the fifth time on the tour (three T2oIs, first and third ODI). The left-hander posted the sixth century of her career off the 82nd ball of her innings, her blazing innings was punctuated with 13 fours and a six and she fell shortly after for 101 with Nida Dar dismissing her in the 31st over of the innings, Sri Lanka were 156 at that stage. Athapaththu is the only century maker for Sri Lanka in the ODI format and her innings today once again proved her immense value to country’s women cricket. Athapaththu took the attack to the Pakistan bowlers after the early loss of her opening partner Hasini Perera (3) and Hansima Karunaratne (0). The two were back in the dressing room with a mere four runs on the board in two overs. Athapaththu found an able partner in Harshitha Madavi, the duo added 152 for the third-wicket. After Athapaththu’s departure, Madavi kept the scoreboard moving for Sri Lanka. She was eventually dismissed in the 44th over for 75 off 128 balls (three fours). Madavi added 60 for the fourth-wicket with Kavisha Dilhari (28). Sri Lanka finished their 50 overs at 260 for seven which is their highest total against Pakistan, Anam Amin and Fatima Sana took two wickets apiece for the hosts. Scores in brief: Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 93 runs Sri Lanka 260 for 7, 50 overs (Chamari Athapaththu 101, Harshitha Madavi 75; Anam Amin 2-43, Fatima Sana 2-51) Pakistan 167 all out, 41.4 overs (Aliya Riaz 56, Omaima Sohail 40; Chamari Athapaththu 2-20, Oshadi Ranasinghe 2-29) Player of the match: Chamari Athapaththu Player of the series:  Sidra Amin

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI:-Sidra Amin scored the second century of her ODI career as Pakistan sealed a 2-0 series win with a match to spare in the ICC Women’s Championship encounter against Sri Lanka at the Southend Club, Karachi on Friday. After recording a comprehensive eight-wicket win in the first match on Wednesday, the Sidra inspired Pakistan produced an all-round show to record a thumping 73-run win. Sidra’s commanding batting performance was followed by another outstanding spell by young pacer Fatima Sana who took four Sri Lankan wickets. Sri Lanka were never quite in the hunt of the 254-run target. Openers Hasini Perera (14) and captain Chamari Athapaththu (16) were sent back with only 31 runs on the board in 12.1 overs. The visitors failed to break the shackles and lost wickets as they attempted to up the scoring rate. Hansima Karunaratne (27) and Prasadani Weerakkody (20) consumed 101 balls in the middle overs. Kavisha Dilhari who scored an unbeaten 49 in the first match scored 32 off 35 balls (two fours) but her departure via a stump out in the 39th over drew curtains to Sri Lanka’s efforts. The visitors kept losing wickets as the lower-order succumbed to probing bowling by Pakistan bowlers. Fatima Sana, who had accounted for Perera in her opening spell dismissed Oshadi Ranasinghe and Sachini Nisansala off successive balls in the 42nd over. Fatima Sana added her fourth when she dismissed Nilakshi de Silva for 17. Fatima Sana finished with four wickets for 26 in her 10 overs, she bowled three maidens. Omaima Sohail took two for 35. Sri Lanka finished their 50 overs at 180 for nine. Earlier, for the first time on the tour, Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof won the toss and opted to bat first. Sidra and Muneeba Ali combined to post Pakistan’s first-ever century plus opening-stand in ODIs. The two were involved in a 158-run partnership which comfortably beat the previous best of 96 between Javeria Khan and Nahida Khan against England at Kuala Lumpur in 2019. The left-handed Muneeba registered the second fifty of her ODI career. She was dismissed by Oshadi Ranasinghe for 56 off 100 balls (three fours). Sidra reached the second century of her career on the 137th ball of her innings. The seasoned batter who had scored 76 in the first match produced another dazzling display to dominate the Sri Lankan attack. Sidra went past her previous best of 104 and was just 10 runs shy of Pakistan’s all-time highest ODI score (133 by Javeria Khan) when she was dismissed for 123 (150 ball, 11 fours). Sidra added 74 runs for the second-wicket with Bismah. She has now joined Javeria as Pakistan most prolific ODI century scorer (two each). Bismah who remained unbeaten on 36 off 43 balls, went past Javeria’s tally of 2885 runs to reach the top of Pakistan women’s run-getters list in the ODI format when she reached 31. Nida Dar scored 10 off seven including a four off the last ball to help the hosts get past the 250-run mark. The third and final ODI will be played on Sunday. Scores in brief: Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 73 runs Pakistan 253 for 2, 50 overs (Sidra Amin 123, Muneeba Ali 56, Bismah Maroof 36 not out; Kavisha Dilhari 1-43 Sri Lanka 180 for 9, 50 overs (Harshitha Madavi 41, Kavisha Dilhari 32; Fatima Sana 4-26, Omaima Sohail 2-35) Player-of-the-match: Sidra Amin

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE):-The stage is set for the beginning of qualification for the inaugural edition of next year’s ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa, setting the tone for an exciting build up where the future stars of the women’s game will showcase their talents in front of the world. The ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup on South African soil sees back-to-back women’s events take place in the space of two months where the stars of tomorrow are followed by the icons of today’s game in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The 16-team U19 Women’s T20 World Cup takes place in January 2023 and will include 11 Full Member nations Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe already confirmed as automatic qualifiers. An additional four spots will be determined by a regional qualification process where 19 teams across four regions will battle it out, with the winner of each qualifier confirming their place in the World Cup. Completing the line-up the remaining fifth spot in South Africa is automatically awarded to USA by virtue of being the sole Associate Member nation eligible to compete under the ICC’s Event Pathway Participation Criteria in the Americas region. Starting the Road to South Africa 2023 the first of the four regional events takes place in Asia, where Malaysian venues Kinrara Oval and YSD-UKM Oval, Universiti Kebangsaan in Kuala Lumpur will play host to the first ever U19 Women’s T20 World Cup qualification event. In the space of seven days between 3 and 9 June, 15 matches will be played as the hosts welcome young stars from Bhutan, Nepal, Thailand, Qatar and UAE, with the winner confirming their place in the World Cup. The U19 Women’s Cricket World Cup 2023 will also play an important role in the 100% Cricket Year of Women’s Cricket which was launched on International Women’s Day this year and aims to increase the visibility of women’s cricket, build heroes and connect more cricket fans with the women’s game. ICC Head of Events Chris Tetley said “We are thrilled to be able to support the development of young female players by holding the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa on the eve of the senior event. The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup has been the stepping stone for so many of the world’s best male players, so we are excited to see how the inaugural U19 women’s edition will drive the growth of women’s cricket and showcase the future stars of the game. “We look forward to working with Cricket South Africa and to celebrate another important milestone in the development of the women’s game.” Speaking on the upcoming Asia Qualifier in Malaysia, Asia Regional Development Manager Aminul Islam remarked “We are embarking on a very exciting journey where we will see some of the most promising young female talent in Asia competing in Malaysia this week. The participating teams are all hopeful of making history by competing at the first-ever ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, and there’s no question we will see some excellent cricket take place to determine who qualifies. Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe automatically qualify for the event, with the remaining five spots available through Regional Qualifiers.

Aamir Ali Janjua Dubai (UAE):-Pakistan spinners Anam Amin and Nida Dar have made notable gains in the latest weekly update to the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings after some fine performances in their three-match home series against Sri Lanka. Left-arm spinner Amin, who grabbed three for 21 in the first match and finished with four wickets in the series, has moved up two places to fourth position, just one off her career-best ranking of third attained in 2016 and 2018. Nida, who has also had a career-best third position in the past, is up four places to 10th. Medium-pacer Fatima Sana is another one to progress in the bowlers’ rankings, moving up seven positions to 73rd while Nida is also up two places to seventh among all-rounders. Sri Lanka medium-pacer Oshadi Ranasinghe’s haul of six wickets in the series has lifted her 18 places to a career-best 38th position. Sugandika Kumari (up 19 places to 46th) and Kavisha Dilhari (up 13 places to 59th) have also gained in the latest update. Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof, who was named Player of the Match in the final T20I, has returned to the ranking for batters in 24th position with an aggregate of 60 runs. Ayesha Naseem’s Player of the Match effort of 45 not out off 31 balls in the second match has helped her move up 16 places to 64th. The Sri Lanka batters to advance include left-hander Harshitha Madavi (up two places to 74th), Hasini Perera (up 18 places to 87th) and Nilakshi de Silva (up 22 places to joint-92nd). The upcoming ODI series between the two teams starting Wednesday kicks off the ICC Women’s Championship (IWC) and provides players a chance to move up the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings. Maroof goes into the series ranked 26th and is one of five Pakistan players in the top 50 for batters, while spinner Nashra Sundhu (14th) is among four Pakistan bowlers in the top 50.