Sports Bulletin

BIPIN DANI Sri Lankan bowler Prabath Jayasuriya's mother has given full credit to the physios and trainers, who worked really hard to enable his son achieve "super fitness". Prabath Jayasuriya would have made his debut last year against Bangladesh if not for his fitness. A failure to pass the fitness tests was going to result in an automatic disqualification and that's what happened with him. "He failed the skinfold tests then but worked hard with the SLC medical team and got an opportunity to play the Test against Australia", the mother, Sudarshani Perera, said over the telephone from Colombo.  "It was his childhood dream to play the Tests and what a dream debut...Regrettably, we could not be at the ground because of the situation in the country, but yes, we all watched the match at home on TV and we are all proud of him, especially grabbing six wickets in each innings and taking the MoM award".   The mother is not willing to buy the argument that Prabath got a chance to play the Test because of the rise in Covid cases in the camp. "Prabath has done well by taking wickets in the local MSL tournament and sooner or later, we were expecting his debut".  After his splendid performance, the family is still unlikely to be at Galle for the first Test against Pakistan (commencing on July 16). However, they have made a plan to visit the ground and watch the second Test in Colombo. The likely  attendees in the Colombo Test are : wife (Ranisha Mirando with 3-year daughter Thyvonne Diana), mother and vehicle businessman father Jayasuriya and younger brother (Ashen).   In the meantime, the Sri Lankan players, who were given a 2-day break after the win over Australia, will begin its first training session on Thursday to prepare for the Tests against Pakistan. 

BIPIN DANI Javagal Srinath, who had been the match-referee for the two Tests against Australia has compared Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya with India's legendary cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi.    This was revealed by Samantha Dodanwela, the official of the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board. The 30-year-old debutant took six wickets in each innings, which enabled his team not only to level the series but his team won by an innings for the first time against Australia. Speaking exclusively over the telephone, Dodanwela said, "the match referee Jawagal Srinath had a very good word for him and compared him with the Indian spinner Bishan Singh Bedi. Like Bedi, Prabath is also a good slow left arm orthodox bowler". "Prabath has been performing extremely well for SSC (Sinhalese Sports Club) during the last couple of years and we knew that he would be picked by the national selectors sooner or later". "I am extremely proud of him with his performance who has brought honor to the country and becoming the only Sri Lankan to take 12 wickets in his debut. I wish him good luck", Dodanwela added. Incidentally, it was Prabath Jayasuriya, who won the Player of the Match award.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Two of the four semi-final spots in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier B have been sealed after Zimbabwe and USA made it two wins from two on Tuesday. Williams steers Zimbabwe past resolute Jersey Having racked up 235 against Singapore on Monday, Zimbabwe found runs harder to come by against a disciplined Jersey attack. And they largely had their bowlers to thank for a second straight win in Group A, with leg-spinner Ryan Burl (3/14) and slow left-armer Williams, who conceded just 15 from his four overs, in complete control during the middle overs. Jersey had earlier elected to put Zimbabwe into bat and that decision was quickly vindicated when captain Craig Ervine was dismissed by Ben Stevens (1/15) inside the first over. Williams steadied the ship and was well supported by Sikandar Raza (18) and Luke Jongwe, who plundered a valuable 29 off just 13 balls. Jersey’s innings began in far more convincing fashion as Harrison Carlyon (45) and Nick Greenwood (10) established a strong opening partnership. But Carlyon could only manage three boundaries from 56 deliveries and Jersey ultimately ran out of time, despite a late flurry from Benjamin Ward, who hit an unbeaten 35 from 20 balls, as they finished 23 runs short on 123 for five. Netravalkar five-for gives USA second win Saurabh Netravalkar claimed a stunning five-wicket haul as USA strolled to a 132-run victory against Singapore. The left-arm quick tore through the Singapore top order, taking each of the first four wickets in a dazzling display which also included a maiden and saw him finish with five for 12. In-form Steven Taylor led the way once again with the bat, following up his century on Monday with 58 from 31 here as they raced to 201 for six. Taylor and opening partner Monank Patel (39) put on 76 for the first wicket and Jaskaran Malhotra soon joined the party, adding 58 off just 33 balls with four bruising maximums. In reply, Singapore had no answer to Netravalkar, who removed both Aman Desai and Manpreet Singh for nought before claiming skipper Amjad Mahboob with his final ball. Only Anantha Krishna (22) was able to curb the efforts of the destructive Netravalkar and the tricky leg-spin of Nisarg Patel (2/12) as Singapore were bowled out for 69. USA return to action on Thursday against Zimbabwe where one unbeaten record must fall, while Singapore will be looking for their first win of the campaign against Jersey. Netherlands make quick work of Hong Kong It took just 13.2 overs for Netherlands to chase down Hong Kong’s total of 116, as Max O’Dowd (45) and Bas de Leede (36 not out) impressed with the bat. Hong Kong captain Nizakat Khan opted to bat but only he was able to hold firm against a talented Dutch attack, making 60 off 55 deliveries before falling to Logan van Beek (4/27). His performance was the highlight in an otherwise flat display which saw just two other batters reach double figures, paceman Fred Klaassen taking 2/16 before van Beek’s superb spell as Hong Kong left 11 balls unused. O’Dowd and de Leede carried their team to the brink of victory after the early dismissal of Stephan Myburgh (11), with Tom Cooper (20) also chipping in as Netherlands got home with 6.4 overs to spare. Papua New Guinea up and running after mesmerising run chase A stunning 93 not out from Assad Vala helped Papua New Guinea to an eight-wicket victory over Uganda and took them past the Cricket Cranes on net run rate in Group B. Uganda’s Simon Ssesazi had earlier starred with the bat for Uganda, striking 78 off just 48 deliveries with support from Riazat Ali Shah (48) as they posted a respectable 160 for four.  Vala and Bau took to the crease with their side in a difficult position, as both Lega Siaka and Charles Amini fell to Frank Nsubuga (2/16) in the fourth over. But the pair quickly settled and put on 132 off just 76 balls to carry their team to what became a comfortable victory with 3.2 overs to spare, captain Vala hitting seven fours and six sixes during his destructive 47-ball knock. Papua New Guinea and Uganda are now level on points in second and third in Group B, with Vala’s side taking on Hong Kong in Thursday’s final group game while Uganda face Netherlands on what is set to be a tense morning of action.

BIPIN DANI The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board will send the U-19 team to England next month, it is learnt. According to the London-based ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) sources, the SLC has agreed to send its team for a month-long tour which is to begin from August 14. On this tour, Sri Lankan U-19 team will play two four-day games and three ODIs. Both boards are yet to announce the tour itinerary. The SLC is yet to announce the final squad but a pool of about 26 players have begun training at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-A Steven Taylor hundred fired USA to a win over Jersey as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier B got off to a thrilling start in Bulawayo. Taylor’s unbeaten 101 came off just 55 balls and included 16 boundaries as his side successfully chased down Jersey’s total of 154 for five. Elsewhere in Group A, there was an 111-run victory for hosts Zimbabwe over Singapore, while Netherlands and Uganda each secured wins in Group B. USA chased down Jersey’s total with 11 balls to spare as opening bat Taylor proved the star of the show. Aaron Jones played his part in the run chase too, dovetailing nicely with Taylor in scoring a useful 38 off 30 deliveries to help USA beat the side ranked five places above them in the world rankings. USA had earlier elected to field and, bar the best efforts of Asa Tribe (73) and Benjamin Ward (38), had always seemed to be in control, with two wickets apiece for Nisarg Patel (2/26) and Rusty Theron (2/28). In reply, Taylor’s opening partner Monank Patel (15) was caught with the score at 47 at the end of the seventh over, leaving the tie back in the balance with USA marginally behind the required rate. But Taylor steered his side home and fittingly brought up the win, and his century, with his fifth maximum in the penultimate over. Zimbabwe run riot against Singapore There was no stopping Zimbabwe in the other Group A fixture, as they set Singapore a daunting 237 to win. Having been put into bat, the Chevrons instantly hit their stride with the opening pair of Regis Chakabva (24) and captain Craig Ervine (34) setting the tone, bringing up 50 after just 3.4 overs. They soon fell but Sikandar Raza (87) and Sean Williams (53) carried on in the same vein, putting on 103 for the fourth wicket to help the hosts towards their eventual total of 236 for five. Singapore got off to a slow start in reply, losing opener Rohan Rangarajan for one in the second over and seeing the required rate continue to accelerate.  Janak Prakash finished as their top scorer with 32 as Singapore finished on 125 for seven. Tendai Chatara (3-14) was the pick of the Zimbabwe bowlers and his double strike in the sixth over all but ended Singapore’s hopes of completing a miraculous chase.  Zimbabwe return to action against Jersey on Tuesday, while Singapore will be looking to bounce back against the USA. Netherlands stroll past Papua New Guinea Netherlands made an impressive start to their campaign with a 52-run victory over Papua New Guinea. Netherlands captain Scott Edwards’ decision to bat soon looked a shrewd one when openers Max O’Dowd (32) and Stephan Myburgh (39) put on 78 for the first wicket. The innings then began to falter as 20-year-old quick Semo Kamea (2/25) steadied the scoring rate, which had earlier threatened to take Netherlands past 200. Wickets fell at regular intervals in the middle overs, with only Bas de Leede (33) and Logan van Beek (19 not out) offering some form of resistance, as Netherlands finished on 163 for seven. Although Papua New Guinea lost a couple of early wickets in response, they were in the game at the midway point of the second innings, thanks to a rebuild from Charles Amini (21) and Sese Bau (35). But after Amini had succumbed to Paul van Meekeren (2/22), Netherlands quickly wrapped up victory, with the final eight wickets falling for just 40 runs in a frenetic 8.1-over spell – van Beek completing a fine all-round display by taking three for 17. Uganda edge past Hong Kong as bowlers dominate In the final fixture of the day, a low-scoring affair saw Uganda chase down 87 with just three balls to spare to beat Hong Kong. Uganda looked to be heading for a straightforward victory when they restricted their opponents to just 87 for nine. Only two Hong Kong batters - Kinchit Shah (37) and Zeeshan Ali (11) - made double figures, with medium-pacer Dinesh Nakrani (4/12) the standout Uganda bowler. But from the moment opener Simon Ssesazi fell for a first-ball duck in the first over of the reply, a nervy chase was in store. Riazat Ali Shah was the key man, compiling a vital unbeaten 28 from 41 deliveries to steer his side to a dramatic final-over success despite the best efforts of Aizaz Khan (3/22). Up next for Uganda is Papua New Guinea, while Hong Kong will be searching for a first win when they play the Netherlands.

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE):-Captains Chamari Athapaththu of Sri Lanka and Harmanpreet Kaur of India have risen up in the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings after the final match of their ICC Women’s Championship (IWC) series played in Pallekele. Athapaththu’s knock of 44 has helped her advance two slots to a career best-equaling eighth position, which she had first attained after an epic 178 off 143 balls against Australia in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in Bristol five years ago. Kaur has moved up one slot to 13th position, her Player of the Match effort of 75 helping her gain 12 rating points. Kaur, who finished with 119 runs and three wickets in India’s 3-0 win and was named Player of the Series, has also moved up eight slots to 71st among bowlers and four spots to 20th among all-rounders. Other India batters to move up in the rankings include opener Shafali Verma (up three places to 33rd), Yastika Bhatia (up one place to 45th) and Pooja Vastrakar (up eight places to 53rd). In the rankings for bowlers, Rajeshwari Gayakwad is up three places to joint-ninth after grabbing three for 36 while Meghna Singh (up four places to 43rd) and Vastrakar (up two places to joint-48th) have also advanced. Sri Lanka’s Harshitha Samarawickrama has moved up one place to 43rd among batters and Nilakshi de Silva has surged 10 places to 47th. Spinner Inoka Ranaweers continues her ascent in the bowling list, up five places to 16th with a haul of two for 22. In the latest weekly rankings update that also takes into account performances in the first match of South Africa’s ODI series in England, South Africa all-rounder Chloe Tryon has moved up 12 places to 22nd after scoring 88 runs in the match and Nadine de Klerk is up two places to 60th among bowlers. England’s Emma Lamb, who was named Player of the Match for her innings of 102, has progressed 76 places to 101st after just her third ODI while fast bowler Katherine Brunt is up three places to joint-ninth after taking three for 18. Spinner Charlie Dean has moved up to 31st position.

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE):-The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the winners of the ICC Player of the Month awards for June 2022 as England’s all-conquering Jonny Bairstow and South Africa’s batting force Marizanne Kapp. Bairstow is crowned following a month of memorable performances in his side’s 3-0 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) series victory against reigning champions New Zealand. Despite a quiet start at Lord’s, Bairstow produced an exhibition of explosive hitting to steal victory against the odds in the second Test, smashing the second fastest century ever registered by an English batter in the longest format. His exploits extended to the final match of the series, sealing the whitewash in equally explosive fashion with scores of 162 and 71 not out, which has since launched him up the MRF Tyres ICC Test Batter Rankings. Bairstow celebrates this award for the first time, and is voted the Men’s Player of the Month ahead of teammate Joe Root and Daryl Mitchell of New Zealand. This remarkable series of scores has even continued into July, where back-to-back centuries in his side’s Test victory against India saw them home in a record-breaking run chase. Bairstow’s continued dominance already lines him up as a potential contender for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for July. Farveez Maharoof, the former Sri Lanka international and ICC Player of the Month voting panel member, said:“Jonny played the pivotal role of the aggressor, and was instrumental in winning the series for England with his counterattacking knock which changed the complex of the series against the World Test Champions. These kinds of players are special in Test cricket, and in my opinion he fully deserves this recognition.” South Africa’s Kapp was selected the ICC Women’s Player of the Month, thanks to her solid and fierce resistance in the face of a hostile England bowling attack in the Test match at Taunton which secured her side a valuable draw. In what was her first Test match since 2014, Kapp came in with her side’s backs against the wall at 45 for four and produced a batting masterclass. She demonstrated her full repertoire of classy stroke-play on the way to scoring a national record of 150. Her resistance salvaged a respectable 284 for her team in the first innings, and while England set an imposing score in response, Kapp once again starred for her team with a score of 43 not out before rain curtailed play on the final day. In securing this month’s award, Kapp overcomes fellow nominees in compatriot Shabnim Ismail and England’s Nat Sciver, and is South Africa’s first ICC Women’s Player of the Month winner since Lizelle Lee was crowned in March 2021. On winning the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for June, Kapp commented: ““It really means a lot for me to win the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award, especially being up against two absolutely brilliant players in Shabnim Ismail and Nat Sciver. “What made my first Test century so special was that, number one, our first Test match (in 2014) was an absolute nightmare. Then having to play another one after eight years where I had minimum preparation for the Test match because I was unwell and then finding my team in the position we were in at 45 for four, it is something that will stay with me throughout my career. “It’s definitely a highlight for me, especially with the wickets that fell at the other end and then having to bat with the tail as well, those partnerships are what also made it so special." Reflecting on the award, former England international and member of the voting panel Lydia Greenway commented: “Playing in just her second Test match, Kapp showed resilience and high levels of skill to keep South Africa in the fight. In a weakened South Africa team due to injury, Kapp showed why she is one of the best all-rounders in the world by taking responsibility with bat and ball.”

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 SHEIKHUPURA:-Shahzaib Khan’s all-round performance, helped Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Under-19 Whites to a five-wicket win over Central Punjab Under-19 Blues and clinch the National U19 Cup title here at the Rana Naveed Cricket Academy in Sheikhupura on Friday. Chasing 215 to win, last year’s finalist Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites achieved the target in the 47th over for the loss of five wickets. Left-handed batter Shahzaib top-scored with a 95-ball 73, hitting eight fours. He also took three catches and was named player of the match. The 17-year old Shahzaib added an unbeaten 49 runs for sixth wicket with wicketkeeper-batter Zubair Shinwari (19 not out, 33b, one four). For Central Punjab U19 Blues, Mohammad Zeeshan and Mohammad Maooz bagged two wickets apiece. Earlier, after opting to bat first, Central Punjab managed to score 214 for eight from their 50 overs. Opening batter Azan Awais top-scored with a 125-ball 100, which included 11 fours. The last year’s player of the tournament Azan ended up scoring 267 runs in the competition – a tally which included two half-centuries. Captain Obaid Shahid was other notable run-getter with 31 off 41 balls, striking one four and one six. For Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites, captain Abbas Ali bagged three wickets for 34 runs from 10 overs. Jawad Ali picked two wickets for 46 runs from eight overs. In individual awards, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites captain Abbas was named best player of the tournament for his all-round heroics, managing 172 runs and picking 10 wickets. Ali Ishaq from Sindh U19 Whites was named best batter of the tournament for scoring 316 runs from five matches at 105.33. Aftab Ibrahim representing Sindh U19 Blues was named best bowler of the tournament with 13 wickets. His teammate, Saad Baig was named the best wicketkeeper of the tournament for nine dismissals behind the stumps and scoring 299 runs. The 12 teams will now feature in the National U19 Championship later this month. The PCB will announce the schedule and squads in due course. Scores in brief: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites beat Central Punjab U19 Blues by five wickets at the Rana Naveed Cricket Academy in Sheikhupura Central Punjab U19 Blues 214-8, 50 overs (Azan Awais 100, Obaid Shahid 31; Abbas Ali 3-34, Jawad Ali 2-46) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites 216-5, 46.5 overs (Shahzaib Khan 73, Sherdil Khan 44 not out; Mohammad Zeeshan 2-38, Mohammad Maooz 2-39) Player of the final PKR 25,000: Shahzaib Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites (73 runs and three catches) Player of the tournament PKR 50,000: Abbas Ali, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites (172 runs and 10 wickets) Best Bowler of the Tournament PKR 50,000: Aftab Ibrahim, Sindh U19 Blues (13 wickets) Best Batter of the Tournament PKR 50,000: Ali Ishaq, Sindh U19 Whites (316 runs) Best wicketkeeper of the tournament PKR 50,000: Saad Baig, Sindh U19 Blues (nine dismissals and 299 runs)

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE):=USA vice-captain Aaron Jones does not think the pressure of guiding his country to a first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is enough, so he is heaping more on himself. The 27-year-old is the second leading run-scorer for the USA in both T20Is and ODIs and as a top-order batter is expecting to make big contributions to their totals. With today marking 100 days to go to the event in Australia, Jones and his side will come up against three new opponents in the T20I arena at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier B 2022 beginning their campaign against Jersey, before facing Singapore and hosts Zimbabwe. “I would say that I like to put a bit of pressure on myself as well. I think that brings out the best in me, so me being the vice-captain, I want to be the leading batsman in the team,” the right-hander said. “I always tend to tell myself that I need to do the job for the team. I just like to keep it as simple as possible. “I have my plans before I go into the game, obviously we know which bowlers we're going to face before we go into the game and stuff like that. I just keep it as simple as possible in the playing situation. “I'm feeling pretty good. The last couple of games I played, I scored some runs and we played Minor League back home, I got two good starts in the two games I played, so I’m definitely feeling in good form right now.” Despite self-inflicted pressure to lead from the front, Jones did not place himself on a pedestal as he made his way through the junior ranks in Barbados. The New York native moved to the Caribbean island aged four, taking up the country’s number one sport and balancing it alongside a love for football, or, as the Americans call it, soccer. He added: “For me personally, I never saw myself as superior to anybody or I never even thought I was really good at cricket. “But others, like my family members and my friends and coaches were always like telling me ‘oh you're so good, keep going.’ “Definitely when I scored runs, I felt good about myself as well. It was a bit of a choice for me in terms of playing soccer and cricket for the country around 12/13 years old. “And I thought I was better at cricket and I stuck to cricket, the rest is history basically.” With Jones’ roots both in the US and the Caribbean, he knows that, if his side were to reach a maiden T20 World Cup and expose themselves to more eyes on their game, some of those eyes would belong to friends. “It would definitely be a dream come true, I mean, the World Cup is the highest stage,” he said. “I don't think you can get any bigger than a World Cup as a professional cricketer. “So I definitely want to play in the next World Cup for sure, as long as we get through these qualifiers, it's going to be a dream come true. “I also have some friends playing in the World Cup as well. Obviously, I’ve grown up in the Caribbean so if we played against the West Indies, then I would be playing against some of my friends so that would be a good experience as well. “I played with some of them at school. The guys that are from Barbados, I played with them at youth levels and stuff like that. “And some of them I played against them in first-class cricket back home in the Caribbean and List A cricket and stuff like that too. "If we could get to World Cup so you get to the highest level of cricket, to compete with the West Indies, Australia, India, all the teams that are playing full member cricket for sure, it would open a lot of doors. “Not only for us but definitely the youngsters coming up in the USA. We know for sure that the USA is a big, big market in terms of fans that watch and support cricket. “So we really, truly, want to get to the next level for them and for the youngsters coming up behind us as well.”