Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report RAWALPINDI: Kashmir Kings (KK) stunned Peshawar Pathans (PP) by 4 wickets in the 2nd match of the Markhor Ramadan Cup 2023 by chasing a huge target of 246 runs in 19.1 over here at National Ayub Park cricket ground on Friday night. Mohammad Akhlaq was the hero of the day, who hammered hit an unbeaten ton to secure the victory for his team. Peshawar Pathans posted a huge total on the board of 245 for 4 runs in 20 overs per innings fixture, as their duo of opening batters Zeeshan Asharf and Faizan Bhatti took a start with sparking batting and both scored 69 runs in the first 6 overs. Imran Randava was top scorer with 75 runs after lasting just 36 deliveries. Faizan Bhatti (49 runs, 19 balls, 3x4, 4x6), Zeeshan Ashraf (45 runs, 34 balls, 7x4, 1x6), and Sohail Akhtar (29 runs, 21 balls, 2x4, 1x6) were other main contributors in PP’s innings. Kashmir Kings got the target on the first ball of the last overs, as all applauded performance presented by Mohammad Akhlaq, who played great innings and turned the tables. He scored 101 runs not out in just 55 balls. Riaz Khan 32 runs, 12 balls) and Nasir Nawaz (23 runs, 16 balls) were other notable performances from Kashmir Kings. Summarized Scorecard: Venue: National Ayub Park Player of the Match: Mohammad Ikhlaq Peshawar Pathans (Batting): 245 for 4 in 20 overs Imran Randava (75 runs, 36 balls), Faizan Bhatti (49 runs, 19 balls, 3x4, 4x6), Zeeshan Ashraf (45 runs, 34 balls, 7x4, 1x6), Sohail Akhtar (29 runs, 21 balls, 2x4, 1x6) Kashmir Kings (Bowling) Bilal Sarwar (2 for 32), Adil Ameen (1 for 9), Salman Irshad (1 for 24) Kashmir Kings (Batting): 248 for 6 in 19.1 over Mohammad Ikhlaq (101 runs not out, 55 balls, Riaz Khan 32 runs, 12 balls), Nasir Nawaz (23 runs, 16 balls) Peshawar Pathans (Bowling) Faizan Bhatti (2 for 32), Musa Khan (2 for 32), Imran Randava (1 for 29), Ali Majid (1 for 44) Saturday’s Fixture: Islamabad Hawks vs Punjab Lions at 11:00 pm

Sports Bulletin Report RAWALPINDI: Peshawar Pathans set 246 runs target for Kashmir Kings to win the 2nd match of the Markhor Ramadan Cup here at National Ayub Park cricket ground on Friday night. Zeeshan Asharf and Faizan Bhatti started the innings of Peshawar Pathans and scored 69 runs in 6 overs. Summarized Scorecard: Toss: Venue: National Ayub Park Player of the Match: Peshawar Pathans (Batting): 245 for 4 in 20 overs Imran Randava (75 runs, 36 balls), Faizan Bhatti (49 runs, 19 balls, 3x4, 4x6), Zeeshan Ashraf (45 runs, 34 balls, 7x4, 1x6), Sohail Akhtar (29 runs, 21 balls, 2x4, 1x6) Kashmir Kings (Bowling) Bilal Sarwar (2 for 32), Adil (1 for 9), Salman Irshad (1 for 24) Kashmir Kings (Batting): Peshawar Pathans (Bowling) Saturday’s Fixture: Islamabad Hawks vs Punjab Lions at 11:00 pm

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board has unveiled the seven-member commentary panel for the five T20 Internationals and as many One-Day Internationals to be played between Pakistan and New Zealand from 14 April till 7 May. Bazid Khan, Grant Elliot, Kyle Mills (T20Is), Lisa Sthalekar (ODIs), Mark Butcher (ODIs), Sikander Bakht and Urooj Mumtaz will call action across the 10 limited overs matches in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Karachi. Renowned presenter Zainab Abbas will host pre- and post-match shows, including Pitch Side that will continue to bring in-depth analysis for cricket fans. Twenty-seven full High-Definition cameras will beam live action around the globe through PCB’s broadcast partners. The production set-up includes complete Hawkeye review system, buggy cam and SpiderCam, which is available for three T20Is in Lahore and three ODIs in Karachi. New Zealand will arrive in Pakistan in the wee hours of 11 April. The two teams will play first three of the five T20Is in Lahore. Rawalpindi will host the last two T20Is and the first two ODIs, before the action moves to the port-city of Karachi, which hosts last three ODIs.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday (today) announced player’s support personnel of the Pakistan men’s team for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against New Zealand home series. Names of officials: Rehan Ul Haq (manager), Grant Bradburn (head coach), Abdul Rehman (assistant to head coach), Andrew Puttick (batting coach), Umar Gul (bowling coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Drikus Saaimon (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ijaz (analyst), Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi (media and digital manager), Major (retd) Azhar Arif (security manager), Ammar Ahsan (videographer), Dr Najeeb Soomro (team doctor) and Malang Ali (masseur). Bradburn and Puttick have been appointed for the New Zealand series and will arrive in Lahore on 11 April. The PCB will confirm the Pakistan team management for post-New Zealand series following the completion of the relevant recruitment processes, which are presently ongoing. Series schedule: 14 Apr - 1st T20I, Lahore 15 Apr – 2nd T20I, Lahore 17 Apr – 3rd T20I, Lahore 20 Apr – 4th T20I, Rawalpindi 24 Apr – 5th T20I, Rawalpindi 27 Apr – 1st ODI, Rawalpindi 29 Apr – 2nd ODI, Rawalpindi 3 May – 3rd ODI, Karachi 5 May – 4th ODI, Karachi 7 May – 5th ODI, Karachi

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD: Peshawar Pathans outclassed Punjab Lions by 37 runs in the inaugural T20 match of the 2nd Markhor Ramadan Cup at National Stadium Ayub Park Rawalpindi on Thursday night. Punjab Lions’ captain won the toss and decided to field first, as the winners managed 155 runs for 9 in 20 overs. Sohail Akhtar was the top scorer with 37 runs off 20 balls. Faizan Ali (29 runs, 14 balls), Bilawal Virk (25 runs, 26 balls) and Musa Khan (20 runs, 22 balls) were other main contributors batters in the Peshawar Pathans innings. Sharukh Chun (3 for 10), Kasam Shah (3 for 33) and Ali Hasan (1 for 20) were the wicket-takers. In reply, Punjab Lions could score 118 runs in 17 overs for losing their all ten batters. All-rounder Shahrukh Chun, who grabbed three wickets in the match, hammered 44 runs in 33 balls. Shawaiz Irfan played a hard hitting innings of 41 runs after facing 22 balls. Mohammad Ali hit at the back-bone of Punjab Lions by snaring 4 batters. He was awarded man of the match on his magical bowling performance, as he conceded just 14 runs in his four overs. Ali Amjad (3 for 21) and Musa Khan (2 for 32) were successful bowlers of the winning squad. Summarized Scorecard: Toss: Punjab Lions won the toss and decided to field first Man of the Match: Mohammad Ali Peshawar Pathans (Battings): 155 for 9 in 20 overs Sohail Akhtar (37 runs, 20 balls), Faizan Ali (29 runs, 14 balls), Bilawal Virk (25 runs, 26 balls), Musa Khan (20 runs, 22 balls) Punjab Lions (Bowling): 118 runs all out in 17 overs Sharukh Chun (3 for 10), Kasam Shah (3 for 33), Ali Hasan (1 for 20) Punjab Lions (Batting): Shahrukh (44 runs, 33 balls), Shawaiz Irfan (41 runs, 22 balls) Peshawar Pathans (Bowling): Mohammad Ali (4 for 14), Ali Amjad (3 for 21), Musa Khan (2 for 32)    

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD: Peshawar Pathans set 156 runs target for Punjab Lions in the inaugural T20 match of the 2nd Markhor Ramadan Cup at National Stadium Ayub Park Rawalpindi on Thursday night. Summarized Scorecard: Toss: Punjab Lions won the toss and decided to field first Peshawar Pathans (Battings): 155 for 9 in 20 overs Sohail Akhtar (37 runs, 20 balls), Faizan Ali (29 runs, 14 balls), Bilawal Virk (25 runs, 26 balls), Musa Khan (20 runs, 22 balls) Punjab Lions (Bowling): Sharukh Chun (3 for 10), Kasam Shah (3 for 33), Ali Hasan (1 for 20) Punjab Lions (Batting): Peshawar Pathans (Bowling):

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE): The United States of America (USA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have secured a place at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier after finishing in the top two places of an evenly contested, six-team ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off. USA finished on top of the table with four wins from their five matches, ahead of the UAE on head-to-head, who scored a final-day win over Jersey to level the USA on points. Hosts Namibia and Canada put in some strong performances but fell just short of progressing with three wins each from their five fixtures. Namibia’s Gerhard Erasmus was named Player of the Tournament, with 279 runs in five games at an average of 69.75. USA’s Ali Khan topped the wicket charts with 16 wickets at an average of 12.37. The USA and UAE are now just one stage away from securing a guaranteed nine matches at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 that will be hosted in India later this year. USA captain Monank Patel said: “It's a great feeling to be able to progress to the Qualifiers in Zimbabwe, even though we see this as a big accomplishment for USA Cricket, we the players also know that it's going to require lots of improvements for us to compete with the bigger teams. The players and support staff has worked tirelessly prior and during this event, and the hard work paid off. As I said prior to the play-offs, we have an opportunity to play in two World Cups in less than twelve months, and this group continues to believe and work towards that goal.” UAE captain Mohammad Waseem said: “We are absolutely delighted to confirm our spot for the qualifiers in Zimbabwe. Heading into the tournament in Namibia, we had a clear objective of delivering our best and playing positive and fearless cricket. I want to thank the players and our entire support staff for their untiring efforts that have resulted in our success.  “Our batters have been exceptional for us recently and the bowlers and fielders have backed them up really well. The entire team needs to perform at the same level and display the same commitment and passion for us to excel in Zimbabwe.” To reach the pinnacle global event of One-Day International cricket, USA and UAE will be vying with eight other teams in Zimbabwe for two places. These will include the three automatic qualifiers from ICC CWC League 2 - Scotland, Oman and Nepal - in addition to the bottom five-placed teams in the ICC ODI Super League. Currently, Netherlands, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, West Indies are confirmed to feature at the Qualifier in Zimbabwe, while Ireland must beat Bangladesh 3-0 in their upcoming Super League series to leapfrog South Africa and gain direct entry to the World Cup. The Qualifier will be the culmination of four years of hard-fought competition where 32 teams started out in search of a place at what will be the biggest ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup ever.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE: The training camps for the Pakistan men’s national, Under-19 and Shaheens sides will commence later this week. Babar Azam’s side will take on New Zealand in five T20Is and five ODIs from 14 April to 7 May, Saad Baig’s U19 squad will play a four-dayer, five 50-over matches and a T20 game in Bangladesh from 30 April to 17 May, and Imran Butt’s Pakistan Shaheens will travel to Zimbabwe for two four-dayers and six 50-over matches from 3-27 May. 7-10 April: Pakistan men’s camp. All activities at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore All the outstation players will arrive in Lahore today. Batter Abdullah Shafique and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf will join the camp on 7 April and Fakhar Zaman will arrive on 10 April. Abdul Rehman will carry out camp commandant duties and Umar Gul will assist him. 7, 8 and 9 April – The players will have training sessions from 8pm. Beforehand, squad members (Saim Ayub on 7 April, Ihsanullah on 8 April and Zaman Khan on 9 April) will be available for stand-up media talks in front of the Wasim Akram Enclosure. 10 April – The players will play an intra-squad match that will begin at 8pm. 8-18 April: Pakistan Shaheens’ camp. All activities at Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre, Karachi 8, 9 and 10 April – The players will have training sessions from 3.30 till 6pm. On 8 April, head coach Aizaz Cheema will be available for a media talk before the session. 12 April – The players will play a 25-over practice match, which begins at 2pm. 14 and 15 April - The players will have training sessions from 3.30 till 6pm. 16 and 18 April - The players will play a practice match, starting time will be communicated in due course. Shaheens captain Imran Butt will be available for media talk (time TBC) Pakistan Shaheens: Imran Butt (captain) (Lahore), Hussain Talat (vice-captain) (Lahore), Aamir Jamal (Islamabad), Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (Quetta), Haseebullah (Quetta), Kamran Ghulam (Peshawar), Mehran Mumtaz (Rawalpindi), Mir Hamza (Karachi), Mohammad Huraira (Sialkot), Mubasir Khan (Islamabad), Mohammad Umar (Karachi), Omair Bin Yousuf (Karachi), Qasim Akram (Lahore), Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper) (Islamabad), Sahibzada Farhan (Peshawar) and Shahnawaz Dahani (Larkana). Asif Mehmood (Hyderabad), Athar Mehmood (Gujranwala), Saad Khan (Hyderabad) and Waqar Ahmad (Peshawar) (all reserves) Player Support Personnel: Aizaz Cheema (coach), Saboor Ahmed (Trainer), Mohammad Asad (Physiotherapist) and Faisal Rai (Team Analyst). Team Manager (to be appointed) 8-18 April: Pakistan U19 camp. All activities at the National Cricket Academy and LCCA ground, Lahore. On 10 April at around 1.45pm, Pakistan U19 coach Sabih Azhar will be available for brief stand-up interviews at the LCCA ground On 18 April at around 1.45pm, Pakistan U19 captain Saad Baig will be available for brief stand-up interviews at the LCCA ground Pakistan Under-19: 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 Mohammad 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)

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE: Nida Dar has been appointed as the Pakistan women’s team captain, Mark Coles has been confirmed as the head coach while former Test cricketer Saleem Jaffar has been named as the chair of the Women’s Selection Committee in key appointments, which were approved by the Chair of the PCB Management Committee Najam Sethi. Nida won the PCB Women’s Cricketer of the Year for 2021 and replaces Bismah Maroof, who stepped down from captaincy following the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa. Nida is one of the most experienced players in the country, having represented Pakistan in 130 T20Is and 99 ODIs. The appointments have been made in light of the PCB’s vision and strategy to invest further into women’s cricket and keeping in mind the upcoming international assignments, including hosting South Africa and tours to Bangladesh and New Zealand for the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 fixtures. Overall, in an 11-month period from August 2023 to July 2024, Pakistan women’s team is scheduled to play five bilateral cricket series comprising a total of 15 ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 ODIs. In addition to these 50-over matches, Pakistan will play as many as 17 T20Is. These ODIs and T20Is will lead to the 10-team ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and eight-team ICC Women’s World Cup in India, which will be held in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Najam Sethi said: “I want to congratulate Nida, Mark and Saleem on their appointments. Nida is a seasoned and highly-respected player, Mark has a proven track record in women's cricket coaching and Saleem brings with him wealth of international experience and knowledge. “We are confident this combination will not only attract and help young cricketers to fulfill their dreams of becoming top-quality international cricketers, but will also ensure the side as a whole emulates their previous performances and achievements. “I remain confident under their supervision and guile of Nida, Mark and Saleem, Pakistan women’s cricket will grow and flourish.” Nida Dar said: “I am honored to have been appointed as the captain of the Pakistan women's cricket team. It is a huge responsibility, and I am excited to lead the team in the upcoming events. I want to thank the PCB for entrusting me with this responsibility and will do my best to take the team forward. “I also want to thank Bismah Maroof for her services as the captain of the team. She has done a fantastic job, and I hope to continue her legacy and lead the team with the same passion and commitment. “The upcoming season of women’s cricket is going to be a tough one. But we are fortunate to have some young exciting talent in our pool of players, which I am confident will significantly improve during the course and also help the side to produce strong performances. Pakistan women’s team upcoming bilateral series Aug/Sep 2023 – South Africa tour to Pakistan (three ODIs & three T20Is) Oct/Nov 2023 – Pakistan tour to Bangladesh (three ODIs & three T20Is) Nov/Dec 2023 – Pakistan tour to New Zealand (three ODIs & three T20Is) Feb 2024 – West Indies tour to Pakistan (three ODIs & five T20Is) Jul 2024 – Pakistan tour to England (three ODIs & three T20Is)

Abdul Jabbar Faisal RAWALPINDI: The Chairman Organizing Committee, Nisar Ahmed Shaiq has announced that the 2nd edition of the Markhor Ramadan Cricket Cup would be rolled into action from April 6 (Thursday) here at Ayub National Stadium, as five teams would fight for top honour during the 13-day fixture. While talking to journalists of twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad he further said that after the Pakistan Super League (PSL) local cricket fans would enjoy entertaining cricket during the holy month of Ramadan, as the top national cricketers would be in action under the floodlights at Ayub Park. “Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Usman Qadir, Imam-ul-Haq, Imran Nazir, Yasir Shah, Junaid Khan, Sajid Khan, Imran Khan, Umar Amin, Mohammad Aamir, Sohail Tanveer, Sharjeel Khan, Zaman Khan, Salman Irshad, Sohaib Maqsood and Hasan Ali likely to participate in the cricket festival, “he divulged. Shaiq further added that Kashmir Kings, Rawalpindi Royals, Islamabad Hawks, Punjab Lions, and Peshawar Panthers would fight with each other during the tournament, as the final would be played on April 18, 2023 at the same venue. “Salman Irshad will lead hosts Kashmir Kings while Sohaib Maqsood Rawalpindi Royals in the top cricket league. Imran Nazir will be skipper of Punjab Lions are Imran Nazir, Islamabad Hawks will be captained by Hasan Ali, and Peshawar Pathans will be led by Yasir Shah, “he further revealed. He said that a mammoth prize money of around 5000 thousand rupees would be disbursed among the best players. The inaugural T20 match of the tournament will be played on Thursday (April 6) between Rawalpindi Royals and Peshawar Pathans. Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Raja Abdul Mateen and Director Media Shahzad Khan were also present on this occasion.