Cricket
Khawaja Nafay’s 39* off 14 proves decisive as the Qavalry remain unbeaten
Abu Dhabi (Sports News):: In a clash of unbeaten teams, the Quetta Qavalry edged the Deccan Gladiators by one run in a gripping finish at the 2025 Abu Dhabi T10. The top-of-the-table showdown lived up to its billing, producing a tense final over in which the Gladiators’ chase fell agonisingly short despite Marcus Stoinis’ late hitting.In the first innings, Qavalry posted 112/3 thanks to Evin Lewis (20 off 9), Liam Livingstone (20* off 12) and a blazing Khawaja Nafay (39* off 14). Tight spells from Noor Ahmad (1/9) and Jordan Thompson (0/12) kept the innings in check, but the unbeaten pair ensured a competitive total that ultimately made the difference in a match of razor-thin margins.Chasing 113, Deccan were rattled early when Nicholas Pooran fell in the first over, but Tom Kohler-Cadmore (15 off 9) and David Wiese (32 off 15) rebuilt steadily before Qavalry’s bowlers struck back through Abbas Afridi, Muhammad Jawadullah and Khawaja Nafay. Marcus Stoinis (39* off 19) then kept the Gladiators alive with clean, powerful striking, but Khuzaima Tanveer delivered a brilliant penultimate over, conceding only three and pushing the equation to 22 off 6.In the final over, Stoinis launched an assault, dragging the equation down but Abbas Afridi kept his nerve, firing a full delivery that Stoinis could not put away, handing Quetta a memorable victory.Titans fall short in 15-run defeatChasing 120, on Thursday, the Ajman Titans struggled to keep up with the rate as the Aspin Stallions’ bowlers applied early pressure. The innings never recovered after Rahmanullah Gurbaz (23 off 6) fell at 29/1, ending a brief burst of powerplay hitting.Akif Javed struck again to remove Avishka Fernando (18 off 11) at 82/2, and with the required rate rising, the Titans’ middle order failed to produce a stabilising stand. Chris Green tightened the screws further with a superb spell of 2/9, removing Leus du Plooy and later Harbhajan Singh to leave the chase wobbling at 118/6.Sam Billings (13* off 9) tried to hold the innings together, but boundaries dried up at crucial moments as the Stallions’ seamers closed out efficiently. With only 6 runs scored in the sixth over, the Titans fell decisively behind and never mounted a late surge.The chase ended at 104/6, giving Aspin Stallions a 15-run win built on disciplined spells from Akif Javed (2/11) and Chris Green (2/9), whose control through the middle overs proved decisive.
Pakistan Super League announces auction date for two new franchises
Lahore (Sports News): The Pakistan Super League is pleased to announce that the auction for the two new HBL PSL franchise teams will take place on 6 January, 2026.This marks a significant milestone in the league’s continued expansion and its commitment to expanding its footprint across Pakistan. The addition of two new teams will also create fresh commercial, sporting and fan engagement opportunities.The pool of cities shortlisted for potential franchise allocation includes:1. Faisalabad2. Rawalpindi3. Hyderabad4. Sialkot5. Muzaffarabad6. GilgitThe successful bidders at the auction will have the right to choose from amongst these city/team names. Only technically qualified bidders will be invited to the Auction.The HBL PSL, now recognised as one of the premier T20 leagues globally, continues to grow in stature, commercial strength and fan following. The PCB and PSL Management look forward to welcoming new stakeholders to the HBL PSL ecosystem and to further elevating the league’s impact on Pakistan cricket.
T20I Tri-Nation Series: Zimbabwe overpower Sri Lanka by 67 runs
Abdul Jabbar FaisalRAWALPINDI: Zimbabwe posted a massive victory against Sri Lanka by a 67 runs in the second match of the tri-nation T20I series here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday night.Sri Lanka will now face Pakistan in their next game at the same venue on Saturday, 23 November, while Zimbabwe will face the hosts a day after.Sikandar Raza – who became just the second Zimbabwe player to 100 T20I wickets during the match besides his teammate Richard Ngarava (107), bagged player of the match award for his all-round performance, which handed Zimbabwe their largest T20I triumph against a full-member nation in terms of runs. After Sri Lanka put Zimbabwe in to bat first, opening batter Brian Bennett – who fell for 49 in the second consecutive game – put on 61 runs for the third wicket with Sikandar (47, 32b) after they lost two wickets in the Powerplay.While Bennett departed in the 13th over after hitting five fours and one six, Sikandar stayed till the 18th over as he struck three fours and two sixes during his outing keeping the run flow intact.Following skipper’s departure, Tashinga Musekiwa hit a six in his 7-ball 11 making sure Zimbabwe cross the 150-run mark before finishing on 162-8 in the stipulated 20 overs.For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga picked up 3-32 in his four overs, while debutant Eshan Malinga dismissed two batters for 27 runs.In turn, Sri Lanka crumbled for a mere 95 in 20 overs with only captain Dasun Shanaka (34, 25b, 2x4s, 2x6s) and the returning Bhanuka Rajapaksa (11, 18b, 1x4) entering double figures.Sri Lanka lost half their team for just 52 runs in 10.4 overs, when Sikandar reached the 100-wicket landmark, before getting bowled out for below 100 for the third time in 2025 and second time against Zimbabwe in the year.Brad Evans backed up his 2-26 against Pakistan with 3-9 off four overs against Sri Lanka, while Ngarava dismissed two batters in his four over giving away just 15 runs. Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Tinotenda Maposa picked up one wicket each.Tri-series – 2nd T20I – Zimbabwe beat Sri Lanka by 67 runs at Rawalpindi Cricket StadiumZimbabwe 162-8, 20 overs (Brian Bennett 49, Sikandar Raza 47; Wanindu Hasaranga 3-32, Eshan Malinga 2-27)Sri Lanka 95 all out, 20 overs (Dasun Shanaka 34; Brad Evans 3-9, Richard Ngarava 2-15)Player of the match – Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe).
Pakistan stun USA by 9 wickets in Women's T20 Cricket World Cup 2025
Islamabad (Sports News): Pakistan Blinds Women's Team outclassed United Ststes of America by 9 wickets in their their last league match of the World Women٫s Blinds Cup 2025 on Thursday.Batting first, USA Blind Women's Cricket Team scored 94 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in the stipulated 20 overs.Abby Finklea top-scored for USA Blind Women's Cricket Team with 31 runs and Tartiana Telveer scored 19 runs.Nimrah Rafiq took one wicket for Pakistan Blind Women's Cricket Team.Pakistan Blind Women's Cricket Team reached the target in 8.5 overs for the loss of one wicket.For Pakistan Blind Women's Cricket Team, Rimsha Shabbir scored 34 runs, Nimrah Rafiq scored 25 runs and Noor Fatima scored 17 runs.Pakistan Blind Women's Cricket Team secured third position in the World Cup points table with 6 points.India and Australia will face each other in the first semi-final of the Blind Women's Cricket World Cup on November 22.Pakistan Blind Women's Cricket Team will play the semi-final against Nepal on November 22.
Pro10 League Launches January 2026 Across Thailand, Bulgaria, Poland
Dubai (Sports News): In a significant development for cricket around the world, Pro10, spearheaded by cricket legend Ravi Shastri and sports entrepreneur Neeraj Sareen, today announced its groundbreaking international launch bringing professional T10 cricket to Southeast Asia and Europe.The inaugural season features five franchise teams competing between January 30–February 4, 2026, at Thailand’s world-class Terd Thai Cricket Ground, with West Indies icon Sir Viv Richards serving as Thailand ambassador and a marquee roster including David Warner, Chris Lynn, and George Munsey.Pro10 has been envisioned as a catalyst for cricket in emerging regions, pioneering professional cricket in non-traditional Southeast Asian and European markets. Not only does the initiative provide a fast, accessible format that empowers new audiences and aspiring players across Southeast Asia and Europe, but it also serves as a unique platform of structured, professionally run T10 cricket in Thailand, Bulgaria, and Poland.The marquee competition will provide local players with an opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the finest international players and coaches, giving their development an undeniable boost. The league is firmly positioned a practical development tool for emerging nations that have limited access to international players.Adding his perspective on Pro10 and the league’s impact on new regions, Sir Viv Richards, Pro10 Thailand Ambassador, said: “Cricket grows strongest when it reaches new people, and new communities. Pro10 is doing exactly that by giving Thailand, Bulgaria, and Poland a platform to shine. I am delighted to help guide this journey and to see local talent gain exposure to international players and coaches. This is how the game expands, and this is where the future lies.”Speaking on the launch and the league’s wider purpose, Ravi Shastri, Co-founder & Partner, said: “Pro10 represents cricket’s next evolution: explosive T10 excitement with genuine grassroots development. We’re creating sustainable ecosystems to develop stars from Thailand, Bulgaria, Poland, and beyond. Having Sir Viv Richards serving as Pro10 Thailand ambassador and players like David Warner demonstrates the calibre we’re building. The T10 format is perfect for today’s world, showcasing cricket’s incredible global potential.”Sharing his perspective on Pro10’s vision and long-term commitment to new cricket markets, Neeraj Sareen, Founder & CEO, said: “Pro10 is built from the ground up with sustainability, local talent development, and world-class entertainment. We’re partnering with communities, cricket boards, and institutions to create something truly special. Securing Sir Viv Richards as Pro10 Thailand ambassador testifies to our vision. With Ravi’s cricket expertise, Roshan Mahanama and Aaron Vedhasinghe’s operational brilliance, we’re building cricket’s future, not just hosting matches.”
Shifa International Hospitals Islamabad beat Bahria Eleven-II Islamabad by 10 wickets
Islamabad (PR): Shifa International Hospitals Islamabad beat Bahria eleven-II Islamabad by 10 wickets in the Cricket match here at Navy Cricket XI Ground Islamabad. Shifa International Captain Ibrar Ikhlaq won the toss and invited to bat first Bahria Eleven II, Bahria Eleven-II hit up 220 for the loss of 9 wickets in the allotted 30 overs. Awais (50), Waheed (34), Saif (20) and Uzair (18) were the key contributors. Shifa International Captain Ibrar Akhlaq (3 for 39), M. Hashir Azeem (3 for 41) and Taimoor Mehmood (2 for 27) were the other main wicket-takers. In reply, Shifa International achieved the target in the 26st over for the without loss of wickets. Opening Batsman Mohammad Hashir Azeem hit a fine century 129 runs not out 85 balls with 5 sixes and 15 fours, while Harris Ali hit a half century 66 runs not out 70 balls with 7 fours. M. Hashir Azeem declared “Man of the Match” for his impressive Performance.--
ADT10: Quetta Qavalry overcome Northern Warriors by 51 runs
Abu Dhabi (Sports News): The 2025 Abu Dhabi T10 roared to life at the Zayed Cricket Stadium as the Quetta Qavalry announced their arrival in style, powering to a commanding 51-run win over the Northern Warriors. In the first innings, a blockbuster knock from Khawaja Nafay (45* off 12) led the Quetta Qavalry to a formidable total of 133/5. Nafay plundered five sixes and two fours, supported by quick-fire knocks from Liam Livingstone (24 off 10) and an unbeaten Jason Holder (24* off 10). Earlier in the innings, Muhammad Waseem (15 off 10) had also looked in fine form, but the UAE batter perished at the halfway mark. Trent Boult was the pick of the bowling attack for the Warriors, scalping the wickets of opener Evin Lewis (2) and Liam Livingstone in his two overs. Meanwhile, Tabraiz Shamsi, Odean Smith and Thisara Perera all picked up a wicket each. In response, the Warriors could not find the start they needed. They lost opener Johnson Charles (6) to Jason Holder as early as the first over and managed only 41 runs in the first five overs. With a steep target ahead of them, it was Hazratullah Zazai (31* off 28) and Colin Munro (44 off 28) who built an unbroken stand of 77 runs in 54 balls. The pair cracked regular boundaries, but the Warriors fell far behind the equation. While Hazratullah Zazai remained unbeaten, Munro eventually departed off the final delivery of the innings, falling to Ali Majid as the Warriors finished at 82/2. For the Qavalry, it was a comprehensive performance with the ball, with all their bowlers maintaining economy rates under 10 to shut the Warriors out of the contest. Following the victory, Quetta Qavalry Captain Liam Livingstone said, “We got off to a great start and read the conditions well, which helped us put a strong total on the board and follow it up with an excellent bowling performance. There was plenty in the wicket, so the plan was simply to hit a good length, and the bowlers executed that perfectly. It’s a new side and captaining in a format this quick is always a challenge, but that’s what makes T10 so enjoyable. There’s barely any time to think, but we managed the key moments well. This is one tick in the box, and hopefully we can build on this, get on a good run, and push for the Final as the tournament progresses.”
Tri-Nation: Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 5 wickets in inaugural game
Rawalpindi (Imran Satti): Pakistan began their campaign in the Tri-nation T20I series with a five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe as they chased the 148-run target with four balls to spare here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday night.Zimbabwe will now take on Sri Lanka at the same venue on Thursday, 20 November in the second match of the series.Player of the match Mohammad Nawaz’s all-round contributions (4-0-22-2, 21 not out off 12) coupled with a crucial 61-run fifth-wicket stand between Fakhar Zaman (44, 32b, 2x4s, 2x6s) and Usman Khan (37 not out, 28b, 3x4s) led Pakistan to their third T20I win in their last four fixtures.Zimbabwe’s opening pair of Brian Bennett (49, 36b, 8x4s) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (30, 22b, 3x4s, 1x6) put on a solid 72-run stand in eight overs after Pakistan opted to bowl first.Pakistan’s bowling attack reined in Zimbabwe’s batting line-up taking eight wickets for 75 runs in the remaining 12 overs after Nawaz halted the opening duo’s advance.After walking in to bat at 94-3 in the 13th over, skipper Sikandar Raza remained unbeaten for 34 off 24 balls (3x4s, 1x6) including a six and a four in the last over of innings.In turn, Pakistan stumbled to 54-4 after Saim Ayub (22, 26b, 1x4, 1x6) and Sahibzada Farhan (16, 15b, 3x4s) put on 27 runs for the opening stand.Fakhar and Usman came together when Pakistan required 94 runs off 63 balls and saw off boundary-less 11th over. Usman then hit a boundary each in 12th and 13th over, while Fakhar found a six each in the next two overs bringing the equation down to 42 needed off last five overs.Zimbabwe threatened to tighten the screws with Fakhar’s scalp in the 16th over off Richard Ngarava before Nawaz walked in and stitched an unbeaten 36-run match-winning stand with Usman.Nawaz hit a six over long-on off Brad Evans in the 17th over after which Pakistan required 17 off the last two overs. The duo then gathered 12 runs off Evans in the penultimate over as in a dramatic turn of events he overstepped, they dropped Nawaz and Usman hit a four in a space of two balls.Tinotenda Maposa – defending five runs off the last over – got hit for back-to-back fours by Nawaz on the first two balls as Pakistan got over the line.Scores in briefTri-series – First T20I – Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by five wickets at Rawalpindi Cricket StadiumZimbabwe 147-8, 20 overs (Brian Bennett 49, Sikandar Raza 34 not out, Tadiwanashe Marumani 30; Mohammad Nawaz 2-22)Pakistan 151-5, 19.2 overs (Fakhar Zaman 44, Usman Khan 37 not out, Saim Ayub 22, Mohammad Nawaz 21 not out; Brad Evans 2-26)Player of the match – Mohammad Nawaz (Pakistan)
Pakistan Shaheens crush India A by 8 wickets in Asia Cup Rising Star
Doha (Sports News): Maaz Sadaqat carried on his blazing all-round form with a half-century and two wickets to help Pakistan Shaheens bag a thumping eight-wicket victory over India A in their second Group B fixture of the Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha on Sunday night.Shaheen overhauled the 137-run target with 40 balls to spare and eight wickets in hand as the left-handed opening batter Maaz picked up his successive player of the match award on the back of yet another half-century (79 not out) and miserly bowling figures of 2-12 in three overs including a wicket-maiden.Following on from his 54-ball 96 not out against Oman on Friday, Maaz struck seven fours and four sixes in the chase against India A keeping the bowlers on their toes. The Peshawar born 20-year-old also put on 55 runs with Mohammad Naeem (14, 10b, 1x4, 1x6) as the duo provided Shaheens a blazing start in the Powerplay.Maaz took the sting out of India’s defence of the 136-run total with a 20-run seventh-over, where he hit Naman Dhir for two sixes completing his fifth T20 fifty off 31 balls as the required rate dropped below five.From that juncture onwards, Pakistan Shaheens took 38 more balls to score the remaining 60 runs losing only no.3 batter Yasir Khan in the process.Mohammad Faiq (16 not out, 14b, 1x4, 1x6), who also formed an unbeaten 41-run stand with Maaz, finished the game with a six as Shaheens made it two wins out of two in the tournament with their last group fixture against UAE scheduled for Tuesday.Earlier, Shahid Aziz’s 3-24 coupled with Saad Masood and Maaz’s two wickets each restricted India A to 136 all out in 19 overs despite being 91-2 in 9.4 overs.India A’s 8-45 collpase began with left-arm wrist-spinner Sufyan’s dismissal of their top-scorer and opening batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi (45, 28b, 5x4s, 3x6s) in the 10th over. Following a 30-run opening stand, which was broken by Shahid Aziz, Suryavanshi had put on 49 runs with Naman Dhir (35, 20b, 6x4s, 1x6) as the duo looked set for a big score.Right-arm leg-spinner Saad made his presence felt with the valuable scalp of Naman in 9th over. With India A 101-3, Maaz flaunted his skillful left-arm spin with a wicket-maiden 13th over, which led to Saad picking up another wicket in the three-run 14th over.Maaz’s second strike came in the 15th over when he got Nehal Wadhera stumped as India A reached 112-6. Ubaid Shah and Ahmed Daniyal landed their solitary blows in the next two overs further denting India A’s innings, while Shahid closed off the innings with two wickets in three balls in the 19th over.
Babar Azam fined for breaching ICC Code of Conduct
Rawalpindi (Sports News): Pakistan player Babar Azam has been fined 10 per cent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the third ODI against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Sunday.Babar was found to have breached Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match.”In addition to this, one demerit point has been added to Babar’s disciplinary record, for whom it was the first offence in a 24-month period. The incident occurred in the 21st over of Pakistan’s innings when, after being dismissed, Babar hit the stumps with his bat before leaving the crease.Babar admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Ali Naqvi of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, so there was no need for a formal hearing. On-field umpires Alex Wharf and Rashid Riaz, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and fourth umpire Faisal Afridi levelled the charge.Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.
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