Sports Bulletin

Pakistan stars can’t wait for the Rawalpindi Test Special Report RAWALPINDI (December 9, 2019):-Wednesday, December 11 will be a historic day in Pakistan cricket. When the first ball is bowled at Pindi Cricket Stadium it will mark the return of Test cricket in the country for over ten years. While the whole nation is waiting for the momentous occasion, former players are elated at Pakistan’s return to the Test map and have expressed their joy. Rashid Latif, who played three Tests against Sri Lanka in 1994 and 2002, said: “I was not born when Pakistan played their first-ever Test at home, but I have no doubts the fans and followers of that era must have felt the same as I am feeling today. It is a great feeling. “Ten years is a long wait and it is about to end, I can’t wait for the first ball to be bowled. “I am especially happy for the next generation of cricketers as they will now be able to see their Test cricketers in action at their home grounds and understand why Test cricket is so critical to the global reputation and standing of the team and the players. “Likewise, the present day cricketers will also get the real feel of Test cricket when they will play in front of their fans, families and media, which will give them that extra motivation they have been missing while playing offshore.” Moin Khan, who captained Pakistan in the March 2000 Test against Sri Lanka in Karachi which Pakistan won by 222 runs, said: “This series will not only mark the return of Test cricket in the country, but will also initiate the process of Pakistan’s ascendency in the pinnacle format of the game. You have to play regularly at your home grounds to become a force to be reckoned with which was something Pakistan missed for over 10 years. “We all fell in love with this game after watching the greats of ours times before our own eyes. Lot of us used to miss schools, colleges or universities to watch Test cricket and catch a glimpse of stars like Imran Khan, Zaheer Abbas, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram and so many others. “Though I don’t condone bunking schools now, but that culture will be back when younger kids and teenagers will fill in the stands to watch top-class players like Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq and Yasir Shah. “While I thank Sri Lanka for breaking the ice, I will not shy away from appreciating the hard work of the PCB who made this happen. A lot must have happened behind the scenes, which we are not aware of, but the results do indicate that their efforts have come to fruition.” Former captain Shahid Afridi, who played a Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo in March 2006, said: “I would like to thank the Sri Lanka cricket board for sending their team for the Test series, and I also want to thank the PCB for their efforts in ensuring the series takes place in Pakistan. It’s due to the PCB’s untiring efforts and resolve that Test cricket is being restored in the country. “Countries and boards must always support each other. In the past we have stood firm with Sri Lanka in all our cricket commitments and I am happy they have reciprocated our support. “Fans want to see Test cricket since it is the ultimate and most historic format of the game. I am sure all stakeholders have made adequate arrangements to make the occasion successful. I hope the fans have an easy passage to the stadium and can get to enjoy the game. “I wish the very best to both teams and also wish the best to PCB and hope they make this a memorable event and occasion for all cricket fans.” Mohammad Yousuf, who featured in seven home Tests against Sri Lanka said: “It is indeed a great occasion, Pakistan is a sporting nation and we love cricket. Sri Lanka team coming to Pakistan for Test matches is a big achievement and fantastic news for cricket fans who can see their heroes play in front of them. “I have some wonderful memories of playing cricket in Pakistan, I really hope this series will turnout well and we will see some good quality Test cricket which will be enjoyed by all.” Shoaib Malik, who featured in the last completed Test in Pakistan in March 2009, said: “Test cricket coming back to Pakistan is quite an emotional moment for me. When I retired from red-ball cricket, I knew I was letting go, at a certain level, the essence of cricket. “I knew Test cricket will return to Pakistan Inshallah but now that it’s here, I’m feeling very emotional. “I wish I was there in person to witness this but also see our stadiums filled with fans and enjoy a long form of cricket in this era of fast life. “I must thank the Sri Lankan team and the Sri Lankan Board for taking this step and playing an instrumental role in bringing international cricket back to our country and to our people. We will never forget, may that time never come, but Inshallah you will find us hand in hand with Sri Lanka and their people in times of need.” Umar Gul, who played alongside Shoaib Malik in the Test remembered for Younis Khan’s triple-century in Karachi in 2009, said: “I am extremely excited to see Test cricket returning to Pakistan. I welcome the Sri Lankan team in Pakistan. I want to thank them for their help in the revival of Test cricket in our beloved country. “It was always an honour for me to play international cricket in Pakistan and I can’t wait to see this Test series. I request all cricket fans to support both teams since cricket will be the eventual winner.”

England women beat Pakistan women by 75 runs Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD (December 9, 2019):-Centuries by Tammy Beaumont and Danni Wyatt, along with Kate Cross’ four-fer, set-up a 75-run win for England Women against Pakistan Women in the first of the three ICC Women’s Championship ODIs at Kuala Lumpur’s Kinrara Oval. In a contest live-streamed on the PCB’s YouTube channel, openers Beaumont (107 off 141) and Wyatt (110 off 95) stitched a staggering 188-run partnership after England captain Heather Knight opted to bat. Wyatt, later named player of the match, smashed 12 fours and three sixes to record her maiden ODI century before she was caught and bowled by Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof on the last ball of the 34th over. Reflecting on her innings, Danni Wyatt said: “I’m delighted to have gotten a century and for us to get the win. “It was a tough challenge early on. The pitch was slow and skiddy so it was really important to play straight. “Heather’s given me licence to play my game at the top of the order and that’s what I did. “We left a few runs out there and there are definitely a few things to work on for the next game, but Pakistan batted well and it was nice to start the new era with a good win.” After Wyatt’s wicket, Beaumont stitched a 60-run stand for the second-wicket with her captain Knight, who made 41 runs from 44 balls, allowing England to put an imposing 284 for six. Beaumont, during her stay at the crease, hit nine fours before Rameen Shamim, making her ODI debut, accounted for the right-handed batter’s wicket with her off-spin. Rameen took two more wickets in the last over of the England innings to finish with three for 61 in 10 overs, while left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu and right-arm leg-spinner Bismah picked up a wicket each. Pakistan wobbled early on as openers Nahida Khan (four off eight) and Sidra Amin (one off five) were back in the pavilion in the first 15 balls of the run chase with the scorecard reading five for two. Pakistan were soon dealt with another blow as Cross bowled Javeria Khan (19 off 32) on the last ball of the 11th over with only 39 runs on the board. A 67-run stand between Bismah (69 off 94) and Omaima Sohail (29 off 48) denied England bowlers further inroads. Aliya Riaz made the most of the stability that the Bismah-Omaima partnership provided as she struck seven fours in her 39 off 35. The all-rounder paired with her captain to craft a 48-run partnership, which kept Pakistan alive in the run chase. Bismah, who scored her ODI career’s 13th half-century, cracked six fours in her innings, providing a glimpse of hope to the Pakistan fans. But, the hopes crashed when Cross, who returned four for 32 in seven overs, bowled Bismah with her right-arm medium-fast. Speaking about her innings, Aliya Riaz said: “My role in the partnership with Bismah was to play my shots and keep the runs coming. “We had lost a few early wickets which kept us from scoring more runs. But, I am hopeful that as a unit we will overcome problems we faced this match and perform better in the next game.” England’s Katherine Brunt and Sarah Glenn took two wickets each for 31 and 38 runs, while Anya Shurbsole and Natalie Sciver picked up a wicket each. The second ODI will be played on Thursday.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa win PCB-Pepsi Under-16 three-day tournament SB News LAHORE (December 9, 2019):-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U16 won the PCB-Pepsi U16 three-day tournament beating Northern U16 inside two days by an innings and 55 runs in the three-day final played at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad on Monday. Resuming their first innings at the overnight score of 191 for three, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa declared their innings at 292 for eight, a 179-run lead against Northern. Abbas Ali who was unbeaten on 77 scored 101 off 158 balls. Mohammad Hasnain and Basit Ali took three wickets each for Northern. Northern who scored 113 runs in the first innings had another poor outing with the bat second time around as they were bowled out for 124 in their second innings in 35 overs. Amir Hassan top-scored with 52 runs. Mohammad Umar took five wickets for 21 runs while Muhammad Irfan took four for 68 runs to hasten Northern’s downfall. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa received Rs 300,000 for winning the tournament while Northern were given Rs 200,000. Scores in brief: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U16 v Northern U16, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad Northern U16 113 all out, 51.5 (Mohammad Arshad 37; Mohammad Irfan 5-32) and 124 all out, 35 overs (Amir Hassan 52, Muhammad Arshad 24, Mohammad Umar 5-21, Mohammad Irfan 4-68) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U16 292 for 8 declared, 73.2 overs (Abbas Ali 101, Haseeb Khan 56; Basit Ali 3-41, Muhammad Hasnain 3-120) Result: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U16 win by an innings and 55 runs Best Batsman of the tournament:  Abbas Ali – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (338 runs in three matches) Best Bowler of the tournament:  Mohammad Irfan – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (21 wickets in three matches) Best Fielders of the tournament: Awais Qarni – Sindh and Mohammad Farooq – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Best Wicketkeeper of the tournament: Arafat Afsar – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

  Training and media conference schedule for Rawalpindi Test SB Report ISLAMABAD (December 9, 2019):-Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) media department on Monday announced the following schedule of training and press conferences for the Rawalpindi Test, which would be played from 11-15 December, 2019. 10 December Both the teams will hold training sessions at the Pindi Cricket Stadium at 10am. Around mid-day, both the captains will hold their pre-series media conferences in the Media Block  After the press conferences, both the captains will take part in a photo-shoot with the series trophy where they will be joined by Bandula Warnapura and Javed Miandad, Sri Lanka and Pakistan captains respectively in the first-ever Test in March 1982 at the National Stadium. This will be a vision-only opportunity, which will take place in front of the main pavilion. 11-15 December  The toss will take place at 9.15am, while the first ball will be bowled at 9.45pm. After the end of the day’s play, there will be post-play media conferences, which will be attended by players from either side On Friday, the first session will be from 9.40am to 12.10pm with an extended lunch break from 12.10pm to 1.10pm

Mirza Saad scores century for Sindh in PCB-Pepsi Under-16 one-day tournament Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD (December 9, 2019):-Mirza Saad Baig scored 100 off 125 balls (eight fours and one six) to guide Sindh to a 76-run win against Southern Punjab. Batting first, Sindh backed by Mirza Saad’s ton scored 194 runs for the loss of seven wickets in the allotted 45 overs. Mohammad Abubakar took five wickets for Southern Punjab. Southern Punjab were bowled out for 118 in 36.2 overs in reply, Alamzaib Khan top-scored with 31 runs. Umar Ijaz took three while Wahaj Riaz and Aaliyan Mehmood took two wickets each for Sindh in their one-sided win. Central Punjab U16 v Balochistan U16, Saeed Ajmal Academy, Faisalabad At Saeed Ajmal Academy Ground in Faisalabad, Central Punjab beat Balochistan by six wickets in a match reduced to 38 overs. Batting first, Balochistan were rolled over for 108 runs in 35.4 overs. Ikramullah was top scorer with 21 runs while Khalid Khan made 20. Ali Asfand took four wickets; Arham Nawab took three for 30. Central Punjab overhauled the target in 25 overs for the loss of four wickets. Azan Awais top-scored with an unbeaten 41, Afzaal Manzoor made 30 not out, both shared an unbroken 51-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Faizullah took three wickets. Scores in brief: Southern Punjab U16 v Sindh U16, Bohranwali Ground, Faisalabad Sindh U16 194 for 7, 45 overs (Mirza Saad Baig 100; Muhammad Abubakar 5-24) Southern Punjab 118 all out, 36.2 overs (Alamzaib Khan 31, Umar Ijaz 3-24; Wahaj Riaz 2-24) Result: Sindh U16 won by 76 runs Central Punjab U16 v Balochistan U16, Saeed Ajmal Academy Ground, Faisalabad Balochistan U16 108 all out, 35.4 overs (Ikramullah 21, Khalid Khan 20; Ali Asfand 4-10,  Arham Nawab 3-30) Central Punjab U16 109 for 4 , 25 overs (Azan Awais 41 not out, Afzaal Manzoor 30 not out; Faizullah 3-19) Result: Central Punjab U16 won by 6 wickets

Pakistan women seek history in England ODIs  By Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD, 8 December 2019 With Pakistan women looking to keep alive their chances of securing direct qualification in the ICC Women’s Championship and England women seeking to maintain an impeccable record against them, the seventh round fixtures of the ICC Women’s Championship, which commence on 9 December, promises to keep fans at the edge of their seats. Pakistan are fifth, with 15 points, in the eight-teama point below fourth-ranked South Africa – and will be eager to make history in the three ODIs at Kuala Lumpur’s Kinrara Oval by securing their maiden win over England in international 50-over cricket.  The two teams have come face to face in the format eight times. The Bismah Maroof-led side enters the series at the back of impressive performances. They came from behind to beat West Indies women 2-1 in Dubai in their first ODI assignment of the year, and levelled a three-match away series against South Africa women and a two-match home series against Bangladesh. The three ODIs present six crucial points, which will not only help Pakistan to break into top-four on the points table but also push their case for the automatic qualification for the 50-over ICC Women’s World Cup New Zealand 2021 in which the host plus four other top sides will secure direct berths. Heather Knight’s England, who are ranked second and are guaranteed a spot, have won seven out of 12 games in 2019. They rolled over West Indies and Sri Lanka women to win the two series 3-0, but enter the series at the back of a 3-0 sweep by Australia at home. Their year had begun with a 2-1 defeat in an away series against India. The fans can watch every ball to see whether Pakistan make history at the PCB’s YouTube channel. The live-stream will be presented through eight-camera coverage, providing an in-depth viewership experience.  Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof said: “England present a big challenge for us and we are aware of it. But we have prepared well for the series. There are crucial ICC Women’s Championship points on offer because of which girls are pumped up for the series. “The conditions here are different than what England usually play in. And, as a team we have improved a lot than the last time we played England in 2017. We have youngsters and new faces in the side. I am hopeful we will surprise England.” England captain Heather Knight said: “We have had change of guards and some new players have come in. This is an opportunity for them to show us what they are about, put up performances, get ready for international cricket and get used to the touring life and playing for England. The T20 World Cup is around the corner, obviously we have got the ODI series first, but over the course of this tour we look to get ready for it. “Pakistan have played really good cricket over the last few years. They have a chance to qualify for the 2021 World Cup so it is going to be a really good contest. Kuala Lumpur is a very different place for us to come to. We are used to touring Asia and playing back home so it is quite a different experience. “Conditions are quite different here than what we get back at home. The humidity is similar to Sri Lanka and the wickets are different and are a lot slower.” Meanwhile, the match officials for the three ODIs have also been announced. Match referee Mohammad Javed will lead the team of umpires, which includes Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz as on-field umpires and Kalidas Visvanadan as a reserve umpire. The ODI series will be followed by three T20Is, also at Kinrara Oval, between the two sides. Squads for ICC Women’s Championship fixtures  Pakistan women:  Bismah Maroof (captain), Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Aroob Shah, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Javeria Khan, Kaynat Hafeez, Nahida Khan, Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sidra Amin and Sidra Nawaz (wicketkeeper) England women:  Heather Knight (captain), Amy Jones (wicketkeeper), Anya Shrubsole, Danni Wyatt, Fran Wilson, Freya Davies, Kate Cross, Katherine Brunt, Kirstie Gordon, Lauren Winfield, Mady Villiers, Nat Sciver, Sarah Glenn, Sophie Ecclestone and Tammy Beaumont Schedule 9 Dec - First ODI (ICC Women's Championship), Kinrara Oval. On-field umpires: Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz, Reserve umpire: Kalidas Visvanadan, Match referee: Mohammad Javed 12 Dec - Second ODI (ICC Women's Championship), Kinrara Oval. On-field umpires: Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz, Reserve umpire: Kalidas Visvanadan, Match referee: Mohammad Javed 14 Dec - Third ODI (ICC Women's Championship), Kinrara Oval. On-field umpires: Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz, Reserve umpire: Kalidas Visvanadan, Match referee: Mohammad Javed 17 Dec - First T20I, Kinrara Oval. On-field umpires: Ghaffar Kazmi and Khalid Mahmood Sr., Reserve umpire: Kalidas Visvanadan. Match referee: Mohammad Javed 19 Dec - Second T20I, Kinrara Oval. On-field umpires: Ghaffar Kazmi and Khalid Mahmood Sr., Reserve umpire: Kalidas Visvanadan. Match referee: Mohammad Javed 20 Dec - Third T20I, Kinrara Oval. On-field umpires: Ghaffar Kazmi and Khalid Mahmood Sr., Reserve umpire: Kalidas Visvanadan. Match referee: Mohammad Javed

Mudassar Nazar not to seek extension as Director – Academies  BY Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD, 8 December 2019:Former Test cricketer Mudassar Nazar has confirmed he will not be seeking an extension to his contract when it expires on 31 May 2020. Mudassar joined the PCB as Director – Academies on 1 June 2016 on a three-year contract, which was extended to another one year earlier this year. Mudassar Nazar said: “It has been an exciting and satisfying time with the PCB as Director – Academies. When I had joined from the ICC Academy in Dubai in June 2016, I was clear in my mind that it will be a three-year period, but I extended to another year after being requested and convinced by my colleagues. “However, it is now time for me to return to the United Kingdom, spend time with my family and explore other opportunities. “I can reflect on my tenure at the National Cricket Academy with satisfaction as we have been able to identify and produce a number of quality cricketers, some of whom have already represented Pakistan while others are knocking on the doorsteps of international cricket. “We took the game to every nook and corner of the country through aggressive and proactive academy programmes and our U13, U16 and U19 talent hunt, coaching and event programmes provided opportunities to budding youngsters to express themselves. “I still have some time remaining in my contract, which I look forward to. This will also provide the PCB with a chance to find my replacement so that there is a smooth transition. “I would like to thank all my colleagues, friends and peers for their support, backing and guidance. It has been a collective achievement and I am delighted I will leave the NCA with my head high.” PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “We all respect Mudassar’s decision. “Mudassar has been an integral part of the PCB, looking after one of the most critical areas, which deals with players’ and coaches’ development. As Director – Academies, Mudassar’s contributions and efforts are acknowledged and we thank him for giving his very best. “Mudassar has always kept Pakistan cricket at the forefront of everything. The PCB has benefitted from Mudassar’s experience and knowledge in other areas. Change is inevitable and we will move forward in a different direction. “On behalf of myself and everyone at PCB we thank him for his service and wish him well”.  The PCB will start the process of finding Mudassar’s replacement in due course.

PCB invites Bandula Warnapura and Javed Miandad as special guests at Rawalpindi Test By Abdul Jabbar Faisal  ISLAMABAD, 8 December 2019:In a show of gratitude, respect and appreciation for their services to cricket, the Pakistan Cricket Board has invited Sri Lanka’s Bandula Warnapura and Javed Miandad of Pakistan as special guests for the historic Rawalpindi Test, which will be played from 11-15 December. Warnapura and Miandad were opposite captains in the first-ever Test between the two countries at Karachi’s National Stadium in March 1982. Pakistan had won that Test by 204 runs after scoring 396 and 301-4d. Sri Lanka scored 344 and 149. The two celebrated and respected cricketers will take part in the captains’ photo-shoot with the series trophy on 10 December, while special presentations will be made to them during lunch interval on day one of the Test. PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani said: “I am most grateful to the two distinguished cricketers for accepting our invitation to attend the historic occasion despite their busy schedules. This means a lot to Pakistan and its cricket followers across the globe. “11 December will be a very special day in Pakistan cricket history and it is appropriate that it is celebrated with Bandula Warnapura and Javed Miandad on our side. They are icons of cricket, whose services to the game are unmatched. “The PCB respects and values all its international cricketers and this is a small token of our love, appreciation and respect for them. The PCB will continue to acknowledge and hold similar events for others cricketer as we are now road to hosting regular international cricket at home.”

Muneeb and Arafat shine in PCB-Pepsi U16 One-Day tournament  SB Report Lahore, 8 December 2019:  Central Punjab U16 v Sindh U16, Bohranwali Ground, Faisalabad Muneeb Wasif claimed six wickets as Central Punjab U16 beat Sindh U16 by seven wickets in the first round of PCB-Pepsi One-Day Tournament at the Bohranwali Ground in Faisalabad on Sunday. Muneeb, the right-arm fast bowler took six for 32 as Sindh U16 were bowled out for 171 in 44.1 overs, after being put into bat. Awais Qarni top-scored with 41 off 40 balls and struck four fours and two sixes. Chasing a 172-run target, Central Punjab U16 achieved victory in the 42nd over with seven wickets remaining. Azan Awais hit six fours in his 90-ball 54 while Obaid Shahid scored an unbeaten 49 off 85 balls with two fours.  Southern Punjab U16 v Balochistan U16, Saeed Ajmal Academy, Faisalabad At Saeed Ajmal Academy Ground in Faisalabad, Arafat Ahmed’s all-round performance helped Southern Punjab U16 beat Balochistan U16 by 13 runs. Arafat returned undefeated on 46 off 64 balls and struck seven fours as Southern Punjab U16 scored 162 for eight in 45 overs, after being sent into bat. For Balochistan U16, Basit Ali took two for 17 in nine overs. In reply, Balochistan U16 were dismissed for 149 in 38 overs. Ajmal Khan top-scored with 41 off 40 balls. Mohammad Abu Bakar was the pick of the bowlers for the Southern Punjab U16 with figures of three for 38 in six overs. Scores in brief:  Sindh U16 v Central Punjab U16, Bohranwali Ground, Faisalabad  Sindh U16 171 all out, 44.1 overs (Awais Qarni 41, Aaliyan Mehmood 39; Muneeb Wasif 6-32) Central Punjab 172-3, 42 overs (Azan Awain 54, Obaid Shahid 49 not out) Result: Central Punjab U16 won by seven wickets Southern Punjab U16 v Balochistan U16, Saeed Ajmal Academy Ground, Faisalabad  Southern Punjab U16 162-8, 45 overs (Arafat Ahmed 46 not out; Basit Ali 2-17) Balochistan U16 149 all out, 38 overs (Ajmal Khan 41; Mohammad Abu Bakar 3-38, Arafat Ahmed 2-27) Result: Southern Punjab U16 win by 13 runs  

Mohammad Irfan stars on the first day of PCB-Pepsi U16 three-day tournament final  SB Report  Lahore, 8 December 2019:  Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Mohammad Irfan bagged five for 32 against Northern U16 on the opening day of the PCB-Pepsi U16 three-day tournament final at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad. Irfan, left-arm spinner took five wickets for 32 as Northern U16 after electing to bat were dismissed for 113 in 51.5 overs. Mohammad Arshad top-scored with 37 off 59 balls and struck five fours. In reply, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U16 scored 191 for the loss of three wickets in 40 overs when stumps were drawn. Abbas Ali scored an unbeaten 77 off 99 balls while Haseeb Khan scored a half-century. Scores in brief: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U16 v Northern U16, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad  Northern U16 113 all out, 51.5 (Mohammad Arshad 37; Mohammad Irfan 5-32) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 191-3, 40 overs (Abbas Ali 77 not out, Haseeb Khan 56)