Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The National Selection Committee (NSC) of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) headed by Inzamam-ul-Haq, announced squads for the ACC Men's Asia Cup and the three-match One-Day International series against Afghanistan, which will take place in Sri Lanka from 22 till 26 August. 17 players will show their game skills in the Asia Cup, which begins from the Multan Cricket Stadium on 30 August when Pakistan play Nepal.Names of players:Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Tayyab Tahir, Saud Shakeel (only for Afghanistan series), Mohammad Rizwan and Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf and Saud Shakeel have been included in the squad for the Afghanistan series. Shan Masood and Ihsanullah are the two players from the squad that played New Zealand in the five ODIs in April and May to miss out.Faheem returns to the side after two years and further adds to the balance of the side as a fast bowling all-rounder. His last outing in the format was during Pakistan’s three-match away series against England in July 2021. This is Tayyab’s second call-up in the ODI side. His maiden call-up came ahead of the three ODIs against New Zealand in January following a stellar show in the Pakistan Cup 2022-23 that saw him finish as the leading run-getter in the event. The right-handed middle-order batter recently struck a scintillating century to orchestrate Pakistan Shaheens’ thumping 128-run win over India A in the ACC Men’s Emerging Cup final.Saud, who does not feature in the Asia Cup squad, has played five ODIs and his last was in March 2022 when Pakistan chased down 348 against Australia with six wickets in hand in Lahore. Shan has missed out on selection following a string of low-scores, while Ihsanullah is undergoing a rehabilitation programme under the observation of the PCB’s medical panel following an injury in his bowling elbow. The team will assemble in Hambantota on 18 August with the players in Pakistan departing on 17 August. The players in Pakistan will hold a three-day camp on 14, 15 and 16 August at the National Cricket Academy, Lahore. The squad has been finalised following consultations between the national men’s selection committee, which also includes Mickey Arthur (team director), Grant Bradburn (head coach) and Hassan Cheema (secretary), and Pakistan captain Babar Azam. Player participating in Lankan Premier League and The Hundred will join the squad directly in Sri Lanka on 18 August. 

BIPIN DANIFormer West Indies fast bowler Sir Curtly Ambrose rates India's Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah as two among the world's best fast bowlers. The 60-year old ex-right arm fast bowler, who has 630 international wickets (405 in Tests and 225 in ODIs', he has not played T-20I as he retired from international cricket in 2000) was speaking to an India-born cancer specialist Nilesh Mehta living in the USA. "He (Ambrose) rated Shami and Bumrah the best fast bowlers India has produced in recent times. According to Ambrose, Bumrah, who has recently recovered from his long injury, is different (in his bowling action). Ambrose believes that he has never seen a bowler like that before, Bumrah is highly effective. There are quite a few other good bowers also". "Another bowler who has impressed Ambrose is Australia's Pat Cummins. Pat Cummins is a decent bowler. He does not have any extra pace, but he bowls well"."Ambrose now watches cricket a bit, He does not watch it as much as most people do. Even when he was playing, he didn’t watch it much. He takes a little peek to see what’s happening, and goes to a corner, plays some music in his ears, and just relaxes because he finds watching cricket for an extended period makes him tired". Ambrose, however, loves to coach and commentate. "Ambrose's overall assessment of WI cricket on my radio show was primarily focusing around the kind of pitches being made in the West Indies. We cannot make pitches which are "low and slow" - We need to make bouncier pitches which would play to our strengths. He is not against T20 cricket but for him the real deal is Test cricket. His passion for music is unparalleled as he continues to regularly perform at the Sandals Resort in Antigua". "He is not a big fan of Indian food. As far as coaching is concerned, he feels that "man" management is very important. It is important to understand the player and then guide him or her in cricket", concludes Dr. Mehta. 

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Pakistan national cricket team will visit Sri Lanka to play a three-match One-Day International series against Afghanistan, which will be rolled into action from August 17, 2023 in Hambantota, Sri Lanka.According to an official of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the two teams will play the first two matches in Hambantota on 22 and 24 before they travel to Colombo for the final ODI on 26. These three matches will provide Babar Azam’s side an opportunity to fine-tune their combinations ahead of the 50-over ACC Men’s Asia Cup, which begins on 30 August with Pakistan playing Nepal at the picturesque Multan Cricket Stadium.Pakistan and Afghanistan have played four ODIs and Pakistan have won all of them. The two sides last played each other in the format in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019.Schedule: August 17, 2023: Pakistan assemble in Sri LankaAugust 19, 20, 21: Training sessionsAugust 22, 2023: First ODI, HambantotaAugust 24, 2023: Second ODI, HambantotaAugust 26, 2023: Third ODI, Colombo

Noman Ali's seven-fer takes Green Shirts to earn Series 2-0, Nasim gets three wicketsSports Bulletin ReportColombo (Sri Lanka): Noman Ali’s best figures in an innings led Pakistan to an emphatic innings and a 222-run win over Sri Lanka on day four of the second Test match at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo on Thursday.The win also kept Pakistan’s 100 per cent record in the Test series, clean sweeping the hosts in the two-match Test series and starting the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 on a winning note. Pakistan had defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets in Galle.Resuming their first innings at the overnight score of 563 for five in 132 overs, Pakistan declared their innings after two overs adding 13 runs and without losing any wickets. Rizwan who returned unbeaten on 37 the previous day, scored 13 runs and brought up his half-century off 67 balls, hitting four fours and one six. Salman Ali Agha, who played six balls in the morning, didn’t add any runs to his overnight score of 132, which included 15 fours and one six.In turn, Sri Lanka, resuming their second innings with a deficit of 410 runs, were found unplayable by the spin bowling from left-armer Noman Ali. Noman bagged first seven wickets to fall and ended up with match figures of 26-9-80-7. Naseem Shah, who bowled with pace and reversed swing the ball, bagged the final three wickets. He also took three wickets in the first innings and his match figures was 31.4-8-85-6.Abdullah Shafique for his maiden double century was named player of the match.Scores in brief (day 4 of 5)Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by an innings and 222 runsSri Lanka 166 all out, 48.4 overs (Dhananjaya de Silva 57, Dinesh Chandimal 34, Ramesh Mendis 27; Abrar Ahmed 4-69, Naseem Shah 3-41, Shaheen Shah Afridi 1-44) and 188 all out, 67.4 overs (Angelo Mathews 63 not out, Dimuth Karunaratne 41, Nishan Madushka 33; Noman Ali 7-70, Naseem Shah 3-44)Pakistan 576-5 decl, 132 overs (Abdullah Shafique 201, Salman Ali Agha 132 not out, Saud Shakeel 57, Shan Masood 51, Mohammad Rizwan 50 not out Babar Azam 39; Asitha Fernando 3-133, Prabath Jayasuriya 2-194)Player of the match – Abdullah Shafique (Pakistan) 

Bipin DaniCricket is in the blood of Abdullah Shafique, who on Wednesday hit the double ton in the 2nd and final Test match against Sri Lanka at the SSC ground. His father Mohammad Shafiq Ahmed played 26 First Class matches and his uncle Arshad Ali played four ODIs for the UAE team.Speaking exclusively over the telephone from Sialkot, the father said, "It is a very happy moment for all of us when my son scored a double century today (Wednesday). We were a little worried when in recent times he was not in form and failed in the first Test match in Galle (scoring 19 and 8 runs). I spoke to him after the first Test and tried to motivate him and told him to think positively and work hard for the next Test. He was middling the ball well but could not score big runs. I also admired his fielding at forward short-leg and now we are so happy for his recent performance".In fact, the father, who is living in Dubai and a coach in the Gems School, has been a constant driving force to his two sons and a daughter. He is on a vacation and holidaying in Pakistan now. The father was confident when at the end of the second day's rain-curtailed play his son was unbeaten on 87. "I had advised him to keep himself calm and concentrate on a hundred. Try to begin the innings with a fresh mind and stay at the wicket as long as you can. He at last converted the first hundred into a double hundred and became the second youngest Pakistani to do so and we are proud of his outstanding innings"."He is trying to become a world-class player. After the end of the Test I will speak to him more", the dad concluded. 

Sports Bulletin ReportColombo (Sri Lanka): Right-handed opening batter Abdullah Shafique’s maiden double hundred and Salman Ali Agha’s second century put Pakistan in a commanding position against Sri Lanka on third day of the second Test match at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo on Wednesday. At stumps, Pakistan were 563 for five in 132 overs, leading by 397 runs.Earlier, resuming their first innings at the overnight score of 178 for two, Pakistan lost their captain Babar Azam (39, 75b, 4x4s, 1x6) adding 11 runs to his overnight score. After Babar’s departure in the 48th over, double centurion from first Test match Saud Shakeel joined Abdullah and the pair added 109 runs for the fourth wicket. During 57-run innings, Saud became the only batter in the world to score six half-centuries in seven Test matches with two centuries.After Saud’s departure, wicketkeeper-batter Sarfaraz Ahmed (14, 22b, 3x4s) was struck on the head by Asitha Fernando’s bouncer in the 86th over of the innings and had to return back to the pavilion. Later, he was substituted with Mohammad Rizwan, who came in as concussion substitute. Abdullah was the next batter to return back to the hut after scoring 201 off 326 balls, which included 19 fours and four sixes. Agha was joined by Rizwan in the middle and the pair stitched an unbroken 95 runs for the sixth wicket.Agha struck 15 fours and one six during his unbeaten 132-run knock which came off 148 balls. Rizwan returned undefeated on 37 off 61, hitting one four and a six.Scores in brief (day 3 of 5)Sri Lanka 166 all out, 48.4 overs (Dhananjaya de Silva 57, Dinesh Chandimal 34, Ramesh Mendis 27; Abrar Ahmed 4-69, Naseem Shah 3-41, Shaheen Shah Afridi 1-44)Pakistan 563-5, 132 overs (Abdullah Shafique 201, Salman Ali Agha 132 not out, Saud Shakeel 57, Shan Masood 51, Babar Azam 39, Mohammad Rizwan 37 not out; Asitha Fernando 3-133, Prabath Jayasuriya 2-181)

Anoosha Nasir and Shawaal Zulfiqar named in the women’s squad for the first timeSports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Left-arm spinner Anoosha Nasir and right-handed batter Shawaal Zulfiqar have been rewarded for their strong performances in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup and Emerging Women’s Teams Asia Cup with maiden call-ups in Pakistan’s senior women’s squad for the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. The 15-player squad also features Diana Baig who makes a return to international cricket after recovering from a finger injury that she sustained in the third and final One-Day International against Australia in January this year.Pakistan women’s team that have won gold medals in the last two editions, held in Guangzhou, China in 2010 and Incheon, South Korea 2014, and will be aiming for a hat-trick when they feature in this year’s event scheduled to take place from 19 to 26 September. The event will be played in T20 format.Pakistan women’s team as per the ICC T20I rankings and tournament’s rule will feature in the event from the quarter-finals scheduled to take place from 22 to 24 September. The semi-finals will be played on 25 September, while the final will take place on 26 September. The match for Bronze medal will also take place on Tuesday, 26 September.The 15-member squad was finalised after deliberations amongst the women’s selection committee led by Saleem Jaffar, head coach Mark Coles and captain Nida Dar.Squad: Nida Dar (captain), Aliya Riaz, Anoosha Nasir, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Nataliya Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah and Umm-e-HaniBefore the Asian Games, Pakistan women will feature in the home series against South Africa consisting three T20Is and three ODIs (part of ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25) in Karachi from 1 to 14 September. The squad for the bilateral series will be announced in due course.Former captain Bismah Maroof has opted out of the Asian Games because of the event’s rules and regulations that do not allow athletes to carry their children.Ayesha Naseem, who featured in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, expressed her desire to retire from the game, which the board accepted. Chief Selector Saleem Jaffar said: “Our squad for the Asian Games represents the future of women's cricket in Pakistan. With a mix of emerging talent and seasoned campaigners, I expect the players to do well in the event.“The Asian Games present a unique opportunity for our young players to showcase their talent on an international stage. We have taken a strategic approach to assemble a squad that complements the conditions of the venue where the matches will take place. Each player's strengths and adaptability to the playing conditions have also been assessed to form a solid squad.”Head of Women Cricket, Tania Mallick said: “Being a part of the Asian Games is an exhilarating experience for our team. It's not just about the competition; it's about camaraderie, sportsmanship, and representing the country with pride. Our players have shown incredible dedication and skill, and now they have a golden opportunity to make history by winning the coveted title for the third time.“The team is unfortunate to miss out on the services of Bismah Maroof for this event as she would not have been able to accompany her infant daughter to the Games village due to the regulations in place.“We also wish the best of luck to Ayesha Naseem in her future endeavours as the PCB understands and respects her decision to quit the game for personal reasons.”Pakistan captain, Nida Dar said: “The Asian Games have witnessed some extraordinary moments for Pakistan women's cricket, and it's an immense privilege to be part of that history. As captain, I am confident in the abilities of my teammates, both the experienced ones and the exciting young talents. Together, we aim to create more unforgettable memories and clinch that third consecutive Gold.“There's a sense of pride and determination within our team as we head to the 19th Asian Games. We know the competition will be tough, but we have a strong belief in our skills and team spirit.“It's disheartening to hear that Bismah Maroof won't be available to join the team due to the protocol of the organisers. As known her for years, I understand how much representing Pakistan means to Bismah.“We have a team of incredibly talented and dedicated players who are ready to seize this opportunity and excel on the big stage. Each one of us is determined to give our absolute best and uphold the legacy of Pakistan women's cricket in the Asian Games.”Player Support staff: Ayesha Ashhar (team manager), Mark Coles (head coach), Saleem Jaffer (bowling coach), Mauhtashim Rashid (fielding coach) and Rifat Gill (physiotherapist).

Tayyab Tahir's ton helps Green Shirts to post a massive triumph against arch-rivalsSports Bulletin ReportColombo (Sri Lanka): Tahir’s sparkling century helped Pakistan Shaheens to outclass arch-rival India A by 128 runs in the final of the ACC Men’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday evening.This was Shaheens’ second successive ACC Men’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup title, after the side defeated Bangladesh in the 2019 edition final.After being put into bat, the openers provided a solid 121-run start to the innings. Saim Ayub (59, 51b, 7x4s, 2x6s) was the first batter to return to the hut. His opening partner Sahibzada Farhan (65, 62b, 4x4s, 4x6s) was the next batter to be dismissed with 146 runs on the board.After the departure of opening batters, Shaheens were in a spot of bother when they lost three wickets in quick succession. Omair Bin Yousuf (35, 35b,4x4s), Qasim Akram (naught) and captain Mohammad Haris (2, 6b) went back to the pavilion with Shaheens 187 for five in 28.4 overs.At that crucial juncture of the match, Tayyab was joined by Mubasir Khan and the pair stitched 126 runs for the sixth wicket. Right-handed batter Tayyab brought up his fourth List A century off just 66 balls. He was dismissed for 108 off 71 balls, which included 12 fours and four towering sixes.Mubasir’s 47-ball 35 and cameos from Mehran Mumtaz (13, 10b, 2x4s) and Mohammad Wasim Jnr (17 not out, 10b, 1x4, 1x6) helped Shaheens post a mammoth 352 for eight in 50 overs. For India A, Rajvardhan Hangargekar and Riyan Parag bagged two wickets apiece.Chasing 353, India A openers got off to a decent start, stitching a 64-run partnership for the first wicket, but once the opening stand was broken, India A were never in the hunt and were bundled out for 224 in 40 overs.Opening batter Abhishek Sharma top-scored with a 51-ball 61, hitting five fours and a six. For Shaheens, Sufiyan Muqeem bagged three wickets for 66, while Arshad Iqbal, Mehran Mumtaz and Mohammad Wasim Jnr took two wickets each.Scores in brief:Pakistan Shaheens beat India A by 128 runsPakistan Shaheens 352-8, 50 overs (Tayyab Tahir 108, Sahibzada Farhan 65, Saim Ayub 59, Mubasir Khan 35, Omair Bin Yousuf 35; Riyan Parag 2-24, Rajvardhan Hangargekar 2-48)India A 224 all out, 40 overs (Abishek Sharma 61, Yash Dhull 39; Sufiyan Muqeem 3-66, Mohammad Wasim Jnr 2-26, Mehran Mumtaz 2-30, Arshad Iqbal 2-34)Player of the match: Tayyab Tahir (Pakistan Shaheens)

Nayyab AbdulISLAMABAD: Bangladesh women played a draw match against India after restricting their batters at 225 runs in 49.3 overs in the ICC Women’s Championship 2023 at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur on Saturday.Bangladesh Women captain Nigar Sultana won the toss and was certain to bat first on a batting-friendly pitch. Bangladesh women lost 4 batters in 50 overs at 225 runs total. Fargana Hoque hit a ton, as she made 107 runs off 160 balls, as she smashed 7 fours. Shamima Sultana scored 52 runs with 5 fours. Nigar Sultana contributed 24 runs with 1 four while Sobhana Mostary 23 runs with 2 fours. Sneh Rana (2 for 45), Devika Vaidya (1 for 42) were wicket-taker bowlers for India Women.In reply, Indian Women bundled on 225 runs, as three balls were spared to reach on target. Harleen Deol was the top scorer with 77 runs off 108 balls, as she hit the ball over the rope nine times during her innings. Smriti Mandhana made 59 runs with 5 fours, Jemimah Rodrigues 33 runs, and wasted 45 balls. Harmanpreet Kaur scored 14 runs with the help of 2 boundaries. Nahida Akter (3 for 37), Marufa Akter (2 for 55), Rabeya Khan (1 for 30) were wicket-taker bowlers for Bangladesh Women. Harleen Deol became the “Man of the Match” award.Summarized Scorecard:Bangladesh Women (Batting) 225 for 4 in 50 oversFargana Hoque (107 runs, 160 balls, 4x7, 6x0), Shamima Sultana (52 runs, 78 balls, 4x5, 6x0), Nigar Sultana (24 runs, 36 balls, 4x1, 6x0), Sobhana Mostary (23 runs not out, 22 balls, 4x2, 6x0)India Women (Bowling)Sneh Rana (2 for 45), Devika Vaidya (1 for 42)India Women (Batting) 225 all out in 49.3 oversHarleen Deol (77 runs, 108 balls, 4x9, 6x0), Smriti Mandhana (59 runs, 85 balls, 4x5, 6x0), Jemimah Rodrigues (33 runs not out, 45 balls, 4x0, 6x0), Harmanpreet Kaur (14 runs, 21 balls, 4x2, 6x0)Bangladesh Women (Bowling)Nahida Akter (3 for 37), Marufa Akter (2 for 55), Rabeya Khan (1 for 30)

Pakistan thrash Sri Lanka by 60 runs, Arshad Iqbal's five-fer takes Shaheens to finalSports Bulletin ReportColombo (Sri Lanka): Pakistan qualified for the final of the ACC Men’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup after beating hosts Sri Lankan by 60 runs, as Arshad Iqbal’s five-wicket haul and half-centuries by Omair Bin Yousuf and Mohammad Haris led to a big win at the P Saravanamuttu Stadium in Colombo on Friday.Defending champions Shaheens will now play against the winners of the second semi-final which is taking place between Bangladesh A at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The final will take place on Sunday at the R Premadasa Stadium, where the first ball will be bowled at 1400 local time.Chasing 323 to win, Sri Lanka A lost three wickets in quick succession with 33 runs on the board. Opening batter Avishka Fernando and Sahan Arachchige got together and added 128 runs for the fourth wicket. After the departure of Fernando (97, 85b, 12x4s, 2x6s), Sri Lanka A lost wickets at regular intervals which included prized scalp of Arachchige (97, 109b, 12x4s, 1x6) and were bundled out for 262 in 45.4 overs. Arshad ended up with match figures of 7.4-0-37-5 – his maiden List A five-wicket haul. Mubasir Khan and Sufiyan Muqeem grabbed two wickets each.Earlier after opting to bat first, Shaheens lost opening batter Sahibzada Farhan (12, 22b, 1x4) in the sixth over to Lahiru Samarakoon. Saim Ayub was joined by Omair Bin Yousuf and the pair added 37 runs for the second wicket before Saim was caught behind for 22 off 41 balls, which included three fours as Shaheens’ scorecard read 61 for two in 13 overs.Omair – the top run-getter for his side in today’s match – partnered with Tayyab Tahir (26, 26b, 4x4s) and stitched a 61-run partnership for the third wicket. After Tayyab and Qasim’s departure with the score at 145 for four in 26 overs, captain Mohammad Haris and Omair knitted a 48-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Omair scored 88 off 79 balls, smashing 10 fours and a six. Haris and Mubasir (42, 45b, 2x4s, 2x6s) added another 73 valuable runs for the sixth wicket. Haris made a quick-fire 43-ball 52, hitting five boundaries. Shaheens were dismissed for 322 on the final ball of the innings.For Sri Lanka A, Chamika Karunaratne, Lahiru Samarakoon and Pramod Madushan bagged two wickets each.Scores in brief:Pakistan Shaheens beat Sri Lanka A by 60 runsPakistan Shaheens 322 all out, 50 overs (Omair Bin Yousuf 88, Mohammad Haris 52, Mubasir Khan 42; Lahiru Samarakoon 2-42, Chamika Karunaratne 2-55, Pramod Madushan 2-56)Sri Lanka A 262 all out, 45.4 overs (Avishka Fernando 97, Sahan Arachchige 97; Arshad Iqbal 5-37, Sufyan Muqeem 2-44, Mubasir Khan 2-45)Player of the match – Arshad Iqbal (Pakistan Shaheens)