Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Right-handed batter, Iftikhar Ahmed will replace Haris Sohail in Pakistan’s One-Day International squad for the last three matches against New Zealand, which will be played in Karachi.According to media department of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Iftikhar will join the side in Karachi. The replacement comes in the wake of a shoulder injury to Haris that he sustained on the eve of the first ODI. The middle-order batter landed awkwardly during a fielding drill that injured his left shoulder. Pakistan team will fly to Karachi on Sunday morning. 

Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: Pakistan captain Babar Azam has won the toss and elected to field first against New Zealand in the second match of the five one day international matches series here at Pindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.Summarized Scorecard:Venue: Pindi Cricket StadiumToss: Pakistan won the toss and elected to field firstMan of the Match: New Zealand (Batting):Pakistan (Bowling):Pakistan (Batting):New Zealand (Bowling):Pakistan (Playing XIs):Babar Azam (Captain), Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Abdullah Shafiq, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, , Agha Salman, Mohammad Nawaz, Ishanullah Khan, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Usama MirReserves:Mohammad Wasim Junior, Mohammad Haris, Haris Sohail, Shan Masood, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab KhanNew Zealand (Playing XIs):Tom Latham (Captain & Wicketkeeper), Chad Bowes, Will Young, Daryal Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Nenry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, James Neesham, Henry ShipleyReserves:Cole McConchie, Tom Blundell, Ben lister, Adam Milne, Blair Tickner  

By Abdul Jabbar FaisalRAWALPINDI: Pakistan defeated New Zealand by five wickets in the inaugural fixture of the five one day international matches series here at Pindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday night, as Green Shirts earned 1-0 lead thanks to left-arm batter Fakhar Zaman, who hammered a sparking ton of 117 runs off 114 balls, as his innings was studded with 13 boundaries and one impressive six. Pakistan reached on target of 289 for 5 in 48.2 overs.Earlier, Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and decided to pursue a set target. Blackcaps posted 288 for 7 runs on the board in 50 overs per innings. Daryal Mitchell made 113 runs of 115 balls including 11 fours and a single six was the top-scorer. Opening batter, Will Young scored 86 runs, as he lasted 78 balls. His innings was laced with eight boundaries and a couple of sixes. Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi snared two batters each after giving 29, 65 and 64 runs respectively. Shadab Khan claimed one wicket for Pakistan.Pakistan started their innings with Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq to chase a huge total of 289 runs in 50 overs, as the both players provided a solid start by aggregating 124 runs in the first wicket stand in 21.2 overs. Imam-ul-Haq scored 60 runs after wasting 64 balls, as he hit five fours and one huge six at mid-wicket boundary.Skipper Babar Azam played a responsible innings of 49 runs off 46 balls including three fours and one six. However, here of the day, Fakhar Zaman exhibited top quality cricket during his 117 runs innings. He smashed 13 fours and one six too. He was declared the best player of the match. Mohammad Rizwan contributed 32 runs in Pakistan’s victory. He lasted 25 balls and hit four boundaries and one six.  Summarized Scorecard:Venue: Pindi Cricket StadiumToss: Pakistan won the toss and elected to field firstMan of the Match: Fakhar ZamanNew Zealand (Batting): 288 for 7 in 50 oversDaryal Mitchell (113 runs, 115 balls, 4x11, 6x1), Will Young (86 runs, 78 balls, 4x8, 6x2), Hanry Nichools (20 runs not out, 4x1, 6x0), 21 balls, Tom Latham (20 runs, 36 balls, 4x0, 6x0), Chad Bowes (18 runs, 26 balls, 4x3, 6x0),Pakistan (Bowling):Shaheen Shah Afridi (2 for 64), Haris Rauf (2 for 65), Naseem Shah (2 for 29), Shadab Khan (1 for 56)Pakistan (Batting): Target 289 runs in 50 oversFakhar Zaman (117 runs, 114 balls, 4x13, 6x1), Imam-ul-Haq (60 runs, 64 balls, 4x5, 6x1), Babar Azam (49 runs, 46 balls, 4x3, 6x1), Mohammad Rizwan (32 runs, 25 balls, 4x4, 6x1)New Zealand (Bowling):Adam Milne (2 for 60), Blair Tickner (1 for 44), Rachin Ravindra (1 for 48), Ish Sodhi (1 for 51)Pakistan (Playing XIs):Babar Azam (Captain), Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Agha Salman, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris RaufReserves:Abdullah Shafiq, Mohammad Wasim Junior, Usama Mir, Mohammad Haris, Ishanullah, Haris SohailNew Zealand (Playing XIs):Tom Latham (Captain & Wicketkeeper), Chad Bowes, Will Young, Daryal Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Nenry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Blair TicknerReserves:James Neesham, Cole McConchie, Tom Blundell, Ben lister, Henry Shipley 

Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: New Zealand posted 289 for 7 runs target on the board for hosts Pakistan to register victory in the 1st One Day International of the five-match tie here at Pindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.Earlier, Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and decided to pursue a set target. Daryal Mitchell (113 runs, 115 balls, 4x11, 6x1) and Will Young (86 runs, 78 balls, 4x8, 6x2) were the best batters while Haris and Afridi got each two wickets for Pakistan.Summarized Scorecard:Venue: Pindi Cricket StadiumToss: Pakistan won the toss and elected to field firstMan of the Match:New Zealand (Batting): 288 for 7 in 50 oversDaryal Mitchell (113 runs, 115 balls, 4x11, 6x1), Will Young (86 runs, 78 balls, 4x8, 6x2), Tom Latham (20 runs, 36 balls, 4x0, 6x0), Chad Bowes (18 runs, 26 balls, 4x3, 6x0),Pakistan (Bowling):Shaheen Shah Afridi (2 for 64), Haris Rauf (2 for 65), Naseem Shah (2 for 29), Shadab Khan (1 for 56)Pakistan (Batting):New Zealand (Bowling):Pakistan (Playing XIs):Babar Azam (Captain), Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Agha Salman, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris RaufReserves:Abdullah Shafiq, Mohammad Wasim Junior, Usama Mir, Mohammad Haris, Ishanullah, Haris SohailNew Zealand (Playing XIs):Tom Latham (Captain & Wicketkeeper), Chad Bowes, Will Young, Daryal Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Nenry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Blair TicknerReserves:James Neesham, Cole McConchie, Tom Blundell, Ben lister, Henry Shipley

Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first in the 1st One Day International of 5-match tie here at Pindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday afternoon.Pakistan (Playing XIs):Babar Azam (Captain), Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Agha Salman, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris RaufReserves:Abdullah Shafiq, Mohammad Wasim Junior, Usama Mir, Mohammad Haris, Ishanullah, Haris SohailNew Zealand (Playing XIs):Tom Latham (Captain & Wicketkeeper), Chad Bowes, Will Young, Daryal Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Nenry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Blair TicknerReserves:James Neesham, Cole McConchie, Tom Blundell, Ben lister, Henry Shipley

Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s preparations for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 will begin on Thursday when they will take on New Zealand in the first of the five One-Day Internationals. The series will commence at the iconic Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, which will also host the second ODI on Saturday, before the two teams will fly south for the remaining three matches in Karachi.The two sides will enter the series after an exciting five-match T20 International series that ended in a 2-2 draw on Monday. That well-fought series promises equally competitive and exciting five matches for which both the sides have added a player each. Pakistan have added wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris and New Zealand has included Mark Chapman, whose extraordinary batting efforts in the T20Is earned him player of the series award.In addition to this series and in the lead up to the World Cup, which will be held in October/November, Pakistan are also scheduled to play three ODIs against Afghanistan in August and September’s ACC Men’s Asia Cup. As such, this series comes with the vital opportunity to gather the momentum.Both Pakistan and New Zealand have qualified directly for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 after finishing in the top-eight of the 13-team ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League. New Zealand topped the Super League with 16 wins in 24 matches, while Pakistan finished fifth with 13 wins in 21 matches. Pakistan’s series against Afghanistan was mutually postponed after both the sides were assured of places in the event proper.Pakistan’s record since the start of last year has also been a remarkable one. They enjoy the win-loss ratio of 3, which is the best for any side. During this period, they have beaten Australia (2-1), West Indies (3-0) and the Netherlands (3-0) before losing to New Zealand (2-1) earlier in the year in Karachi.Babar Azam said:“Each and every match that we play from now on holds a great significance for us. This series is a brilliant opportunity for us to fine-tune our combinations and gather the momentum ahead of the mega events in the shape of Asia Cup and the much-anticipated World Cup.“This team has done well in the past one year in the one-day format and I have firm faith in my boys that they will perform according to expectations in the exciting next seven months.”Tom Latham said:“The T20Is proved an outstanding series and we’re looking forward to switching to one day mode now. The preparation wasn’t ideal but for us that wasn’t an excuse. It was about just keep getting better game from game and keep learning. We did that and to come out with a series draw after being two down was awesome.“It's going to be a tough ODI series on the back of what this T20I series has produced. We have seen some great games of cricket and the one-day series is going to be no different.“It’s a new format, and we have to adapt quickly. Hopefully we can do that straight away.”Thursday’s match will be the first between the two sides at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in 20 years. In 2003, New Zealand played two ODIs and lost both by seven wickets and 49 runs. A year earlier, Pakistan had defeated New Zealand by three wickets. Overall, Pakistan enjoy a healthy 18-5 on a head to head on home soil.On the ICC ODI Team Rankings, fifth-ranked Pakistan has a chance to move to the top of the table. However, to make it happen, they will have to win all the five matches against the second-ranked New Zealand. A 4-1 series win will lift Pakistan to third.In the ICC ODI Player Rankings, Pakistan captain Babar Azam is the No.1 ranked batter. He is sitting on 887 rating points and has a chance to break the 900-point threshold, which is the hallmark of a great batter. Zaheer Abbas (931) and Javed Miandad (910) are the only two Pakistan batters who have previously achieved the ratings of 900 or more.Imam-ul-Haq (third), Fakhar Zaman (10th), Tom Latham (32nd), Haris Sohail (47th) and Mohammad Rizwan (64th) are the other prominent batters to feature in the series and will be eying an upward movement with strong performances.New Zealand’s Matt Henry is the highest-ranked bowler from either side. He is ranked fifth, while Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi is 35 points behind in eighth position. If Shaheen takes the field on Thursday, then it will be his first ODI since taking one for 17 against the West Indies in Multan in June last year. Australia’s Josh Hazlewood is the number-one ranked bowler in the world.Pakistan Squads:Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haris Sohail, Ihsanullah, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Usama MirNew Zealand Squad:Tom Latham (captain), Adam Milne, Ben Lister, Blair Tickner, Chad Bowes, Cole McConchie, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Jimmy Neesham, Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Blundell, Will YoungSeries schedule (all matches begin at 3:30pm)27 Apr – First ODI, Rawalpindi. Aleem Dar and Ahsan Raza (on-field), Rashid Riaz (third umpire), Faisal Afridi (fourth umpire); Chris Broad (match referee)29 Apr – Second ODI, Rawalpindi. Aleem Dar and Rashid Riaz (on-field), Ahsan Raza (third umpire), Asif Yaqoob (fourth umpire); Chris Broad (match referee)3 May – Third ODI, Karachi. Langton Rusere and Faisal Afridi (on-field), Joel Wilson (third umpire), Rashid Riaz (fourth umpire); Chris Broad (match referee)5 May – Fourth ODI, Karachi. Joel Wilson and Asif Yaqoob (on-field), Langton Rusere (third umpire), Faisal Afridi (fourth umpire); Chris Broad (match referee)7 May – Fifth ODI, Karachi. Langton Rusere and Rashid Riaz (on-field), Joel Wilson (third umpire), Asif Yaqoob (fourth umpire); Chris Broad (match referee)

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Saad Baig-led Pakistan Under-19 departed for Bangladesh in the wee hours of Wednesday to feature in a series consisting of a one-off four-dayer, five 50-over matches, and a solitary T20. The series will be played from 30 April to 17 May in Chattogram and Rajshahi.According to media department of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Karachi-born Saad Baig, also led Pakistan U19 against Bangladesh U19 last year when Bangladesh visited Pakistan for one four-day match, three one-dayers and two T20s in November in Multan.The squad includes 17 players and three reserve players. Six players apart from the captain Saad and vice-captain Ali Asfand had featured in the previous series against Bangladesh U19. These include Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Ibtisam, Mohammad Ismail, Mohammad Tayyab Arif, Shahzaib Khan and Wahaj Riaz.Head Coach Sabih Azhar said:“We have prepared well for this tour, and our boys are eager to showcase their talent on the field. We have been working on strengths and weaknesses of the players, and we are confident that the players will put up a good fight against the Bangladesh team at their own backyard.”Captain Saad Baig said:“We are all very excited to represent our country. We have been training hard and are ready to take on the challenge. As a team, we are focused on playing our best cricket and competing well in every match. We have set ourselves some goals for the series, and are determined to achieve them.”Pakistan Under-19 Squad:Saad Baig (captain) (Karachi), Ali Asfand (vice-captain) (Faisalabad), Ahmed Hussain (Peshawar), Aimal Khan (Peshawar), Amir Hussain (Rawalpindi), Arafat Minhas (Multan), Azan Awais (Sialkot), Hamza Nawaz (Lahore), Mohammad Ibtisam (Sargodha), Mohammad Ismail (Sahiwal), Mohammad Tahir (Fata), Mohammad Tayyab Arif (Sialkot), Obaid Shahid (Lahore), Sajjad Ali (Lahore), Shahzaib Khan (Mansehra), Shamyl Hussain (Islamabad) and Wahaj Riaz (Karachi). Abidullah (Islamabad), Ikramullah Tareen (Quetta) and Muhammad Zulkifal (Charsadda) (all reserves)Player Support Personnel:Tauseef Ahmed (manager), Sabih Azhar (coach), Umar Rashid (assistant coach), Hafiz Naeem Ul Rasool (physiotherapist), Yasir Malik (trainer) and Shan Ullah (team analyst)Schedule:30 April- 3 May – Four-day match; ZACS, Chattogram6 May – 1st 50-over match; ZACS, Chattogram8 May – 2nd 50-over match; ZACS, Chattogram11 May – 3rd 50-over match; SKS, Rajshahi13 May – 4th 50-over match; SKS, Rajshahi15 May – 5th 50-over match; SKS, Rajshahi17 May – Only T20 match; SKS, Rajshahi

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: On the notable performance against Pakistan in the final T20I, New Zealand included Mark Chapman in the squad for the 5-match series of One Day International (ODI), which will be commenced from April 25, 2023 at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi.Kiwis head coach Gary Stead said that Chapman’s performance throughout the T20 series were extremely compelling. “The way Mark’s played against one of the best T20 bowling attacks in the world has been nothing short of outstanding. His match-winning knock in the fifth and deciding match was particularly special and we’re happy to have someone in such strong form added to our ODI squad.”Chapman’s total runs tally of 290 is the most by any player in a five-game T20I series. The BLACKCAPS tour party will expand to 16 with the addition of Chapman and new arrivals Tom Blundell and Henry Nicholls, while T20 squad member Dane Cleaver is returning home to New Zealand as planned.BLACKCAPS ODI Squad for PakistanTom Latham (Captain & Wicketkeeper), Tom Blundell, Chad Bowes, Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Will Young 

A duo of New Zealand batters, Mark Chapman (104) and Neesham (45) take Kiwis home in 19.2 oversBy Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: New Zealand pounded Pakistan by 6 wickets in the final encounter of 5-match T20I series on Monday (April 24, 2023) at the Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi, as the series ended 2-2 draw. The penultimate match was called off owing to heavy rain and hailstorms in the twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad at the same venue.Earlier, New Zealand captain Tom Latham won the toss and decided to go for the chase. Pakistan scored 194 in 20 overs. Mohammad Rizwan was the topper with 98 runs. He faced 62 balls and hammered 7 fours and four huge sixes. Iftikhar Ahmed and Imad Wasim also exhibited top quality T20 cricket by scoring 36 and 31 runs respectively on 22 and 14 balls. Skipper Babar Azam contributed 19 runs off 18 balls. Blair Tickner claimed three wickets while Ish Sodhi got a single piece of wickets, as both successful bowlers conceded 33 and 21 runs respectively in their 4 overs.Chasing 194 runs in 20 overs, Black Caps started the innings with Tom Latham and Chad Bowes, as Shaheen Afridi sent two batters back to the pavilion in his first over. Latham could not score a single run while Willy Young dismissed after hitting one four. An unbeaten 120 runs partnership between Mark Chapman (104 runs not out, 57 balls, 4x11, 6x4) and Jimmy Neesham (45 runs not out, 25 balls, 4x4, 6x2) took their side home in the last over of the match. Imad Wasim and Shaheen Shah Afridi shared two wickets each from the home side, as Afridi conceded 16 runs in his last over, which was an important 17th over of the match. Mark Chapman was judged best player of the match on his remarkable ton.Summarized Scorecard:Toss: New Zealand won the toss and decided to field firstVenus: Pindi Cricket Stadium, RawalpindiPlayer of the Match: Mark Chapman (New Zealand)Series: Tie 2-2Pakistan (Batting) 193 runs for 5 in 20 oversMohammad Rizwan (98 runs, 62 balls, 4x7, 6x4), Iftikhar Ahmed (36 runs, 22 balls, 4x3, 6x2), Imad Wasim (31 runs, 14 balls, 4x5, 6x1), Babar Azam (19 runs, 18 balls, 4x3, 6x0)New Zealand (Bowling)Blair Tickner (3 for 33), Ish Sodhi (1 for 21)New Zealand (Batting) Target 194 runs in 20 oversMark Chapman (104 runs not out, 57 balls, 4x11, 6x4), Jimmy Neesham (45 runs not out, 25 balls, 4x4, 6x2), Chad Bowes (19 runs, 13 balls, 4x4, 6x0),Pakistan (Bowling)Imad Wasim (2 for 21), Shaheen Shah Afridi (2 for 48)Pakistan (Playing XIs):Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ihsanullah, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah AfridiSubstitutes:Fakhar Zaman, Shan Masood, Zaman Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem ShahNew Zealand (Playing XIs):Tom Latham (captain, wicketkeeper), Chad Bowes, Mark Chapman, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Will YoungSubstitutes:Dane Cleaver, Matt Henry, Ben Lister, Cole McConchieSchedule & Results:April 14, 2023: Pakistan beat New Zealand by 88 runsApril 15, 2023: Pakistan beat New Zealand by 38 runsApril 17, 2023: New Zealand beat Pakistan by 4 wicketsApril 20, 2023: Called off duo to hailstorm in Pindi StadiumApril 24, 2023: New Zealand beat Pakistan by 6 wicketsApril 27, 2023: 1st ODI at Pindi Stadium RawalpindiApril 29, 2023: 2nd ODI at Pindi Stadium RawalpindiMay 3, 2023:3rd ODI at National Stadium KarachiMay 5, 2023: 4th ODI at National Stadium KarachiMay 7, 2023: 5th ODI at National Stadium Karachi 

Sports Bulletin ReportSharjah (UAE): The West Stand at the iconic Sharjah cricket stadium has been renamed the Sachin Tendulkar stand in a special ceremony here today (Monday) in United Arab Emirates (UAE).Not only does it coincide with the birthday of the famous cricketer from India but it also marks the 25th anniversary of the famous back to back centuries he scored against Australia in 1998 to a packed stadium. The 143 he scored on April 22 and 134 two days later in the finals of the Coca-Cola Cup, a triangular series between India, Australia, and New Zealand has been recorded in the books as a veritable desert storm.Tendulkar scored 49 hundreds in ODIs played across 34 stadiums but his 7 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium including the twin hundreds in April 1998 stand out and are lauded and celebrated by his fans around the world to this day.“Reacting to the news of naming the stand Sachin said in a message, "I wish I was there but unfortunately I had prior commitments. Playing in Sharjah has always been a magnificent experience. From the electrifying atmosphere to the love, affection and support, Sharjah has been a special venue for Indian cricket fans and lovers of the game from around the globe. It's given us so many special moments. A big thank you to Bukhatir and his team for this kind gesture on the 25th anniversary of the Desert Storm match and my 50th birthday. Feels like the greatest 6 of them all!”Sharjah Cricket Stadium still holds the Guinness record for most One-Day internationals played (244) and we have seen some of the most memorable moments in cricketing history occur in this hallowed ground.CEO of the Sharjah stadium, Khalaf Bukhatir said:"This is our small way of expressing our gratitude to Sachin for doing so much for the game of cricket. Indeed, that was an incredible innings, and it was repeated in the finals. Right through the years of the now legendary CBFS initiative we have striven here at Sharjah to acknowledge the services of many great players even after their retirement. We believe that as administrators it is our duty to pay tribute to those who have raised the bar and dedicated their lives to the cause of cricket, and we will continue to do so."