Sports Bulletin

Bipin Dani Taqi Raza is one among a few persons having watched the last two 10 wicket hauls by Anil Kumble and Ajaz Patel.  Taqi Raza, a part of TV crew members, was present when Anil Kumble grabbed all ten Pakistani wickets (Delhi) in 1999. He was also present at the Wankhede Stadium when New Zealand's Ajaz Patel had all ten Indian victims in the Test, which Kohli's team won. "I am fortunate enough to be at the ground on both occasions", Delhi-based Raza, said over the telephone. Interestingly, Raza, in this profession for many years, has witnessed several other milestones. "I was present at Galle when Sri Lanka's Muthiah Muralitharan captured his 800th Test wicket. Incidentally, his 800th wicket was taken from my end where I was posing as a cameraman. That was the farewell Test match of world's highest Test wicket taker". "I was present when Muralitharan and R. Ashwin took their 400th wickets". "I can't forget capturing Sachin Tendulkar's farewell Test match. I have witnessed Sachin's many hundreds and have never failed to capture the shot when Sachin looked up at God after reaching his hundred". There may or may not be a single person present at the ground to have witnessed Test cricket's all three ten wicket hauls in a Test innings by Jim Laker (England vs. Australia, Manchester, 1956), Anil Kumble and now Ajaz Patel but according to renowned cricket statistician and historian Steven Lynch, England's Richard Stokes was at the ground on first two occasions.  "When he was ten, Richard Stokes was taken by his father to the 1956 Ashes Test at Old Trafford, and watched Jim Laker complete his ten-wicket haul. In 1998, while working in India, businessman Stokes strolled along to watch a Test match in Delhi - and endured an even noisier day as Anil Kumble took all ten against Pakistan", Steven says.

Karachi (Sports Report):- The eight-round of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2021-22 season began at three Karachi venues today. On a day dominated by bowlers, Balochistan opener Shan Masood scored his second successive century. At the UBL Sports Complex, Northern (fifth on the points table) got off to a fantastic start against table-toppers Sindh by reducing them to 70 for six in 25 overs before lunch. Northern who opted to bowl first were rewarded by their bowlers in the opening session of the match as Sindh’s batting line-up stuttered on a pitch that offered early help to the bowlers. Sindh continued to lose wickets in the post-lunch session and declared their innings at 98 for nine (31 overs) to ensure Northern do not collect the full six bowling points that they would have salvaged by bowling out Sindh inside 100 overs. Omair Bin Yousuf (33) was the top-scorer for Sindh in what was otherwise a disappointing batting performance. For Northern, Ather Mahmood took four wickets for 23 while Kashif Ali captured three for 42. In reply, Northern lost their openers with only 18 runs on the board before captain Umar Amin revived the innings with an unbeaten 118-run third-wicket partnership with Sarmad Bhatti. At close of play, Umar was batting on 69 (119 balls, 11 fours) while Sarmad was 53 (141 balls, six fours) not out. Northern ended the day at 136 for two, having already accumulated a 38-run first innings lead. Sohail Khan took the two wickets to fall. Over at the State Bank of Pakistan Stadium in the match between Southern Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which is being live streamed on PCB’s YouTube channel,  Khyber Pakhtunkhwa opted to bowl and their bowlers made most of the conditions by taking four Southern Punjab wickets in the morning session as lunch was taken with Southern Punjab wobbling at 51 for four. Southern Punjab got some respite through all-rounder Muhammad Imran’s fighting 64 off 83 balls (four fours, four sixes). Like Sindh, Southern Punjab also managed to avoid conceding full six bowling points to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by declaring their first innings at 166 for nine. Fast bowler Arshad Iqbal took four wickets for 41. Left-arm-spinner Asif Afridi who is captaining Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in this match took two wickets for 36 runs. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were also off to a shaky start as they finished day-one at 45 for two. Opener Musadiq Ahmed and number three Israrullah were the two batters dismissed. Over at the National Bank of Pakistan Sports Complex, Balochistan openers got their side off to a flying start by reaching 97 for no loss at lunch on day-one. Left-hander Shan Masood continued his rich vein of form by scoring his second successive century for Balochistan in as many appearances. Shan hit 13 fours and three sixes in his 102 off 142 balls before falling to Bilawal Iqbal. Shan added 157 runs for the first-wicket with Imran Butt who contributed 65 off 136 balls (seven fours, one six). After losing the openers, the Balochistan middle-order went cheaply to leave the side in slight discomfort at 247 for five. Ayaz Tassawar (36) and Kashif Bhatti (30) took the side to stumps without further loss. The two had so far added 36 runs for the sixth-wicket. For Central Punjab Hussain Talat and Zafar Gohar took two wickets each. Scores in brief: Sindh vs Northern - UBL Sports Complex, Karachi Sindh 98 for 9 declared, 31 overs (Omair Bin Yousuf 33, Mir Hamza 18 not out; Ather Mahmood 4-23, Kashif Ali 3-42) Northern 136 for 2, 46 overs (Umar Amin 69 not out, Sarmad Bhatti 53 not out; Sohail Khan 2-39) Points so far: Sindh – zero, Northern – three Southern Punjab vs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa - State Bank of Pakistan Stadium, Karachi Southern Punjab 166 for 9, 57.1 overs (Muhammad Imran 64, Yousuf Babar 28, Tayyab Tahir 26; Arshad Iqbal 4-41, Asif Afridi 2-36) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 45 for 2, 20 overs. Points so far: Southern Punjab – zero, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa - three. Balochistan vs Central Punjab - National Bank of Pakistan Stadium, Karachi Balochistan 283 for 5, 83 overs (Shan Masood 102, Imran Butt 65; Hussain Talat 2-18) Points so far: Balochistan - two, Central Punjab - one.

Bipin Dani Shane McDemott is Sri Lanka's first among three foreign coaches, whose contracts have not been extended and left the country. Speaking exclusively over the telephone, the fielding coach said, "I have arrived back to Australia (on December 3) and I am doing another 14 days strict room quarantine before returning to Adelaide to reunite with my family which I haven't seen for over 450 days". After 10 days in strict Isolation in Colombo after contracting Covid, the board didn't see it necessary for him to return to the bubble as his contract finished on the 1st of December. McDemott could not be part of the series victory celebrations against West Indies. "It was disappointing not to be there to celebrate the series win, an amazing 2 years and say farewell to all the wonderful players and staff that I have developed strong relationships with". "I will miss them, the fans, and the country dearly and hope to return one day. It has been great to be a part of Sri Lankan cricket's resurgence in world cricket", he further added. It's a strange time for the SLC to restructure and make quality coaches reapply for roles in which they have had proven success. McDermott, however, is not sure whether he would apply again for the coaching role. "Possibly, I am going to take some time to see my family and see what happens next", he signed off.

Colombo (SB Report):-The T20 fever officially hit the islands of Sri Lanka on Sunday as the second season of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) kicked off with a glitzy opening ceremony in front of a host of fans at the R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa inaugurated the cricket league, as Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa and General Shavendra Silva also graced the occasion. The culture and the tremendous passion for cricket in Sri Lanka was on display as various artists performed to the tune of the Lanka Premier League official song ‘Ekwa Jayagamu’ rendered by Bathiya and Santhush’, Yohani, Sanka, Sajitha, Umaria and ADK. Amongst the colour and fervour of the massive opening ceremony, the Lanka Premier League witnessed the presence of Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Namal Rajapaksa and General Shavendra Silva. Paralympic Gold Medalist Dinesh Priyantha also graced the event and declared the T20 franchise tournament open. Commenting on the occasion, Angelo Mathews, Captain of Colombo Stars and Sri Lankan legend said, “You know, all the nations are having this kind of a tournament and it benefits the country’s cricket because you produce so many young players and you give them the exposure playing with international stars so yeah, its a great exposure for all of them. LPL is a great platform for the budding stars and it is going to benefit Sri Lanka cricket a lot.” Anil Mohan - Founder and CEO of Dubai-based production giant IPG, the official promoter of LPL said, "An explosive start is very important for any competition and what a start it was on Sunday. I would like to thank Sri Lanka Cricket, all the sponsors and brodcasters and most importantly the fans of Sri Lanka cricket, who showed their passion and love for their favourite stars at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. We look forward to a fantastic tournament." The Galle Gladiators gained the first mover advantage in the opening match of the Lanka Premier League 2021 on Sunday after they defeated Jaffna Kings by 54 runs in Colombo. Gladiators Captain Bhanuka Rajapaksa scored 56 runs off 31 runs and helped his team post a total of 164/7. Thereafter, Samit Patel picked up figures of 3/21 as the Gladiators bowled the Jaffna Kings out for 110. Player of the Match Samit Patel said, “LPL is a great tournament to play in. It has great pitches and some very special people playing it. Great Talent Sri Lanka have got here and experience and exposure like this will make them even better." A total of 24 matches will be played in the Lanka Premier League 2021. The Final Round Games will see the top two teams in the points table playing the Qualifier 1, whilst the 3rd and 4th placed teams on the table playing in the ‘Eliminator.’ The winner of ‘Qualifier 1’ will directly go into the Final, whilst the loser of the ‘Qualifier 1’ will play against the winner of the ‘Eliminator’ in the ‘Qualifier 2’, and the winner of that game will go into the Final. The Final will be played on 23 December 2021 at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Hambantota.

Ali Ahmed LAHORE (December 6, 2021):-As many as 28 women cricketers will undergo skills and fitness training at the Inzamam-ul-Haq High Performance Centre, Multan in the emerging women’s camp, which begins on 10 December. Over the course of the 18-day camp, these 28 players will train under the supervision of the coaching staff of the women’s national cricket team as well as Academy coaches. David Hemp, head coach of the women’s national team, will oversee the camp, along with academy coaches Mohsin Kamal and Mohammad Kamran Hussain. This camp serves an opportunity to the coaches to observe up-and-coming cricketers and provide them awareness about the desired skills and fitness levels to compete at the international level. In accordance with the PCB’s Covid-19 protocols, all those involved in the camp will undergo two tests before their integration in the bio-secure environment. Their first tests will be held at their residence on 7 December and those who return negative tests will undergo second testing on 10 December upon their arrival in Multan. Player names: Aleena Iqbal Shah Afridi, Anoosha Nasir, Ayesha Bilal, Ayesha Khan, Ayesha Naseem, Ghulam Fatima, Gul Uswa, Gul Firoza, Hafsa Khalid, Humaira Bibi, Huraina Sajjad, Kaynat Hafeez, Madiha Bibi, Mahnoor Qayyum, Najiha Alvi, Natalia Parvaiz, Neha Shermin, Noor?ul-Eman, Sadaf Shamas, Saima Malik, Shawal Zulfiqar, Syeda Aroob Shah, Syeda Masooma Zahra Fatima, Tooba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar, Warda Yousaf and Yusra Amir Support Staff: David Hemp (Head coach), Mohsin Kamal (Assistant Coach), Muhammad Kamran Hussain (Assistant Coach), Fizza Abid (Manager), Rabia Siddiq (Physiotherapist), Zubair Ahmed (Performance Analyst) and Saboor Ahmed (Strength and Conditioning Coach)

Bipin Dani Ajaz Patel is the third bowler in the history of grabbing all ten wickets in a Test innings but his feat is more remarkable than the other two, according to Dipak Patel, the former Kiwi spinner. Speaking exclusively over the telephone from Auckland on Sunday morning, he said, "Both Kumble and Jim Laker took all ten wickets in the second innings (home Tests), whereas Ajaz's journey of ten wickets began from the first day (away Test match) itself. I therefore reckon Ajaz's performance is better".  "It is very very difficult for a bowler to take all ten wickets and that too by a spinner is not easy". Interestingly, all three members of the 10 wickets club are spinners. And yes, Kumble did tweet a congratulatory message.    It was Dipak Patel who had advised Ajaz to switch from fast bowling to spin. "Ajaz's performance was superb and that too against the Indian batsmen. The fact is Indian batsmen play spinners well and therefore Ajaz's performance was amazing". Mumbai-born Ajaz's family moved to New Zealand many years ago. "He got to play his first Test only three years ago but since then he has been taking wickets. He has really worked very hard and the result is there for all to watch", Patel signed off. 

Dhaka, Bangladesh (SB Report):-Azhar Ali reached his 34th career half-century as only 38 balls’ play was possible on the second day of the second Test in which Pakistan added 27 runs to their overnight score to reach 188 for two against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. After there was no play in the first session, play resumed following an early lunch and Pakistan began confidently and convincingly before rain halted play after 6.2 overs. Shortly before rain ended second day’s play, Azhar Ali hit back to back boundaries off Ebadot Hossain to complete his 34th 50 in his 91st Test. When day’s play was finally called off, Azhar was batting on 52 after beginning the day at 36. Babar Azam, who was 60 overnight in Pakistan’s 161 for two, started impressively with a boundary off the first ball of the day and was still at the crease on 71 with eight fours and a six. The two batters have so far added 118 runs for the unfinished third wicket partnership. Scores in brief (2nd Test, day 2 of 5): Pakistan 188-2, 63.2 overs (Babar Azam 71 not out, Azhar Ali 52 not out, Abid Ali 39, Abdullah Shafique 25, Taijul Islam 2-49) v Bangladesh

Saad Kayani KARACHI (December 5, 2021):-The eight-round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2021-22 season begins at three Karachi venues from Monday. Table-toppers Sindh are eying their first-ever spot in the revamped tournament’s (2019-20 onwards) 25-29 December final at the National Stadium Karachi. Sindh have had a dramatic change in fortunes after recording back to back wins since the 2021-22 edition of the prestigious tournament moved to Karachi following the first five rounds in Punjab. After a single result in the first 15 matches played in Punjab, the tournament sprung to life since moving to Karachi with results in as many as five out of the six matches played in the city so far. The trend is expected to continue with the three eight-round matches commencing from tomorrow. Sindh will take on Northern in their eight-round fixture at the UBL Sports Complex, Karachi. Sindh are on a high after registering a fine comeback victory over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at the State Bank Stadium courtesy a six-wicket haul by left-arm pacer Mir Hamza in KP’s second innings on Friday. Hamza (second-most wickets in the tournament – 23) and the Sindh battery of pacers (Sohail Khan, Mohammad Hasnain and Shahnawaz Dahani) were the architects of the 127-run win which earned Sindh their impressive victory following their comprehensive innings thrashing of Balochistan in the sixth-round. They will however be up against a rampant Northern side that handed a nine-wicket drubbing to Central Punjab at the National Bank of Pakistan Sports Complex courtesy a maiden double century by Haider Ali and first-class career-best bowling performance by Haris Rauf. Both Haider and Haris along with Shahnawaz are not going to feature in the match as they are set to join the Pakistan squad for the white-ball series against West Indies. The win over Central Punjab earned Northern valuable points but they are still languishing in the fifth-spot in the table with 78 points, an outright win with bonus points will surely see them surge ahead in the table. Southern Punjab tie against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at the State Bank Stadium, Karachi will be live-streamed on PCB’s YouTube channel. Southern Punjab arrived in Karachi at the top of the table but have since lost the top-spot to Sindh. After enduring a comprehensive defeat to Central Punjab in the sixth-round, Southern Punjab played out a draw against Balochistan in the seventh-round. The high scoring fixture at the UBL Sports Complex ensured that Southern Punjab don’t slip further then their second spot in the table. They at present, enjoy a five point lead over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who after beating Northern in the sixth-round lost to Sindh in their seventh-round fixture. The top two run-getters in the season KP’s Sahibzada Farhan (688 runs) and Southern Punjab’ Tayyab Tahir (644 runs) will be hoping to play a leading role for their respective sides in their quest for crucial points as the teams vie for an entry into the tournament final. Central Punjab to play Balochistan at the NBP Sports Complex, Karachi. Fourth in the table, Central Punjab will be eying valuable bonus points and a win over the sixth-placed Balochistan when the two sides clash in the eight-round fixture. Both 2021-22 season matches at the venue have produced result with Central Punjab on the receiving end against Northern in the seventh-round match last week. Central Punjab, the reigning joint champions, are currently 20 points behind Sindh and would need at least a draw with some bonus points in their kitty to retain a realistic chance of sealing one of the two final berths. Balochistan with 64 points are still not totally out of the run for a final-spot. The team received a boost with the inclusion of Shan Masood in their ranks in the round-seven match. The left-hander responded with a blazing century as his side amassed a 606-run total with Ayaz Tassawar and captain Bismillah Khan also scoring centuries. Balochistan would be hoping to maintain the batting form on a venue where bowlers have remained in the hunt in both round-six and seven matches. Eight-round fixtures: Sindh vs Northern –UBL Sports Complex, Karachi Southern Punjab vs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa –State Bank Stadium, Karachi Central Punjab vs Balochistan –NBP Sports Complex, Karachi

Bipin Dani There have been no new cases of Covid-19 in Sri Lanka's women squad but two members of the squad are still found having Covid-19 positive results, it is reliably learnt. According to highly placed sources in the SLC, one player (Sugandika Kumari) and one support staff member (Indrani Ariyarayni) were again found positive in the last PCR tests conducted on Thursday.   It has been learnt now that more series of tests including the antigen tests for both will be conducted. "If the Covid affected persons have negative antigen tests, they can still fly to the country as per the new Civil aviation guidelines because there are less chances of spreading the virus", one of the SLC sources said. All players and support staff are still stranded in Harare after the Covid outbreak in the team, which resulted in the cancellation of the ICC World Cup qualifying round last week. "Efforts are being made at the highest level for their early return". There was a plan to send them in two different batches but now they all will be sent in a  Chartered flight of Sri Lankan airlines. "We are aware that they all have been nervous now and anxious to return home". "Just got the confirmation that team has the delta variant”. Delta variant was found initially in India, then it spreaded worldwide. It differed from other variants because of its high infectivity. And the mortality and morbidity rates were higher as well". "The players are being monitored by our efficient team doctor Matheesa de Silva", the source further added.

Dhaka, Bangladesh:-Captain Babar Azam stroked a stylish unbeaten half-century as Pakistan reached 161 for two on a day when only 57 overs play was possible in the second Test against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangladesh Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Babar was unbeaten on 60 and with him was Azhar Ali on 36 as the two have switched a 91 runs partnership for the unfinished third wicket after Abdullah Shafique (25) and Abid Ali (39) had provided Pakistan a 59-run opening start after the visitors had elected to bat. Both the openers fell to left-arm spinner Taijul Islam (two for 49) in a space of 11 runs as Pakistan slipped to 70 for two. At that stage, Babar and Azhar held the wobbling innings together and looked set to put Pakistan in a more commanding position but bad light prevented any play in the final session of the day. Babar had struck seven eloquent boundaries and a six in a 99-ball 60, while Azhar was unbeaten on a not too convincing 112-ball 36 that included four fours. This was Babar’s 19th half-century in 37th Test, including fourth of the year after he scored 77 (vs South Africa in Rawalpindi) and, 55 and 77 in the two Sabina Park Tests against the West Indies. Babar’s fifth and last century was in his 26th Test, coincidently against Bangladesh when he scored 143 in Rawalpindi in February 2020. However, weather forecast for the next three days is not very encouraging and can potentially delay the champion batter notching up his sixth century. Scores in brief: Pakistan 161-2, 57 overs (Babar Azam 60 not out, Abid Ali 39, Azhar Ali 36 not out, Abdullah Shafique 25; Taijul Islam (2-49).