Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE): Former Proteas fast bowler and cricket legend, Makhaya Ntini, says the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup starting in 10 days will be a special celebration of cricket on the continent. This is the first time South Africa is hosting a Women’s T20 World Cup, an occasion which will take the profile of women’s cricket in South Africa and the continent to new heights. Ntini was speaking at a festival of street cricket at Kenako Mall in Gqeberha, where the official 10-day countdown to the opening match between South Africa and Sri Lanka was celebrated. “It is a truly special time for South Africa and Africa to be hosting their first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The eyes of the world will be on us as the best cricketers play for the sought-after trophy, it will give us an opportunity to celebrate and showcase our rich and amazing country. “I remember how incredible it was to play in a World Cup; the honour and the thrill to represent your country is one of the best feelings out there. I would encourage every player to enjoy the occasion, the good and the bad, this opportunity doesn’t come around often.” The veteran of 101 Tests, 173 One-Day Internationals and two ICC Men’s World Cups, expects a fiercely contested competition as the 10 best teams in the world, led by defending champions Australia, prepare to challenge for the ultimate prize in T20 cricket. “I don’t think there can be favourites in a T20 World Cup. In T20 cricket, all it takes is one moment of individual brilliance to turn the course of a match. All the 10 teams have talented match-winners, I think it will be a very competitive and exciting World Cup,” Ntini explained. All eyes will be on Newlands Cricket Ground on 10 February as the eighth Women’s T20 World Cup kicks off. The picturesque ground hasn’t hosted an ICC World Cup match since 2003, and is primed to set the stage for the official opening event.

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE): The inaugural ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup is now complete, and India have been crowned as the first -ever champions after beating England in the final held in Potchefstroom on Sunday. Throughout the tournament, the 16 participating teams have provided incredible performances, led by brilliant individual displays. The selection panel featured commentators and former international cricketers, Lydia Greenway, Stacy-Ann King and Julia Price as well as journalist, Kalyani Mangale and ICC Women’s Cricket Manager, Snehal Pradhan, who led as Convenor. The chosen squad will be led by England’s Grace Scrivens, whose all-round skills and leadership qualities have been a feature in England’s run to the final. Her destructive 93 against Ireland, as well as 56 against the West Indies, were her big highlights with the bat. With ball in hand, she was nerveless and there was no better example than the calm manner in which she closed out the semi-final against Australia. India’s winning skipper, Shafali Verma, makes a more than capable inclusion into the team with her unflappable manner and composure at the crease. She offered control with the ball but could also get on with it when she had to – as she proved with her unforgettable 45 not out from 16 balls against South Africa. The top-order also sees India rock Shweta Sehrawat rewarded for a fortnight of fine batting. Her 92 against South Africa in their opener, as well as 61 not out in the semi-final against New Zealand underlined her class, but she was a constant source of runs and stability. New Zealand’s Georgia Plimmer is also recognized in the top-order, after a series of sparkling knocks to propel her side to the last four. Her 53 off 38 balls against Pakistan was a stand-out contribution, and she also scored an important 41 against West Indies. Sri Lanka’s Dewmi Vihanga’s consistency with the ball saw her win a slot in the middle-order of the side. Her best was three for 11 against the United States of America (USA), but she was constantly probing with the ball. She also made useful runs in the middle-order. Bangladesh star Shorna Akter was a tower of strength for her side, mixing aggression with the ball, tenacity on the field and a calm head under pressure. She completes the middle-order, with livewire, South African wicketkeeper Karabo Meso behind the stumps. Often heard before she was seen, Meso displayed excellent glovework, especially up to the stumps. She also had the knack for scoring important runs, such as her 32 off 30 balls against Bangladesh in the Super Six stage. The spin twins for the Team of the Tournament are Parshavi Chopra (India) and Hannah Baker (England). Both have the full bag of tricks, and wonderful control at this stage of their careers. They took wickets and asked questions every time they got the ball in their hands. England’s Ellie Anderson delivered the best figures of the tournament, with her burst of five for 12 against the West Indies. Direct, but with good variations, she is perfectly partnered with Australia’s Maggie Clark to take the new ball. Clark was the spearhead for the Aussies, often striking with the new ball to set the tone. Her three for 20 against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was her tournament best, but she contributed to every contest, underlying her value to the team. The 12th player, and a worthy replacement if needed, is Pakistan spinner, Anosha Nasir. She brings delightful left-arm spin variation to the party, with deft control of flight and pace. ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Team of the Tournament: Shweta Sehrawat (India), Grace Scrivens (England, captain), Shafali Verma (India), Georgia Plimmer (New Zealand), Dewmi Vihanga (Sri Lanka), Shorna Akter (Bangladesh), Karabo Meso (South Africa), Parshavi Chopra (India), Hannah Baker (England), Ellie Anderson (England), Maggie Clark (Australia). 12th player, Anosha Nasir (Pakistan).

Sports Bulletin Report Potchefstroom (South Africa): India became the first-ever ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup winners on Sunday, after a comprehensive, seven-wicket victory over England in Potchefstroom. It was another clinical display with the ball that held the key to India’s march to victory, with Titas Sadhu setting the pace, with the spinners delivering another telling performance when it mattered. Supplementing the fine bowling was outstanding fielding. The dismissal of England’s captain, Grace Scrivens, epitomised the sheer determination in the Indian ranks. The left-hander hit Archana towards long-off, where Gongadi Trisha sprinted in, and then leapt forward to take a wonderful, tumbling catch. It was the key wicket, in many ways, and the celebrations from India confirmed as much. Scrivens would go on to scoop the Player of the Tournament award, but she would have given all of that up for a better English display with the bat. Shafali Verma won the toss and elected to bowl, and Sadhu struck yet again in the first over. She hurried one onto Liberty Heap, who could only loop her attempted pull straight up and back to a gleeful Sadhu. Titas Sadhu of India poses after being named Player of the Match following the ICC Women's U19 T20 World Cup 2023 Final match between India and England at JB Marks Oval on January 29, 2023 in Potchefstroom, South Africa. Her figures of two for 6 in four overs deservedly earned her the Player of the Match award with just the start that India craved. She was backed up well by Archana (two for 17) and the irrepressible Parshavi Chopra, who snared two for 13 to close out a terrific tournament offering. There were also wickets apiece for Mannat Kashyap, Verma and Sonam Yadav, as England tumbled to 22 for four and then eventually 68 all out in 17.1 overs. After a tournament of free scoring, only Ryana Macdonald-Gay (19 off 24 balls), Niamh Holland (10) and Sophia Smale (11) could reach double figures. England’s hopes for more heroics with the ball were raised when they removed Verma (15) and Shweta Sehrawat (5) inside the first four overs. Verma hit a four and a six as she tried to put the heat on England early, before she top-edged Hannah Baker to short fine-leg. Soumya Tiwari and Trisha were having none of it. Tiwari smacked three fours in her 24 not out from 37 balls, while Trisha got more and more fluent as the target came into sight. Her 29-ball stay was ended on 24, bowled by Alexa Stonehouse as she tried to finish it off in style. The end came soon after, and India could finally celebrate their fairytale finish in South Africa. They came, they saw, and they conquered the newest crown available in women’s cricket. Scores in brief: Toss: India, who elected to bowl. England 68 all out in 17.1 overs (Ryana Macdonald-Gay 19, Sophia Smale 11, Titas Sadhu two for 6, Parshavi Chopra two for 13, Archana two for 17) India 69 for three in 14 overs (Soumya Tiwari 24 not out, Gongadi Trisha 24, Shafali Verma 15, Alexa Stonehouse one for 8, Hannah Baker one for 13) India won by seven wickets, with 36 balls to spare.

Sports Bulletin Report POTCHEFSTROOM (South Africa): India and England will lock horns in a tantalizing final of the inaugural ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Potchefstroom on Sunday, to bring down the curtain on a thrilling first edition of the event in South Africa. After a groundbreaking month in the Rainbow Nation, which saw emerging nations take their place at cricket's newest top table, the event has delivered a fitting finale between two well-matched sides. They took contrasting paths in their respective semi-finals, but both will be fully aware that a significant slice of history now beckons for the team that can deliver one more telling performance on Sunday. India played perhaps, their most clinical cricket in dismantling New Zealand by eight wickets in the first semi-final, with wickets for Parshavi Chopra, fine fielding and yet more runs for the red-hot Shweta Sehrawat at the top of the order. Skipper, Shafali Verma, will ask for a repeat of that dosage in the final because that will certainly give India a sincere shot at glory. Standing in their way, however, is the only unbeaten team left in the competition. England had to draw on all their reserves of fortitude to outlast Australia in a cliffhanger of a second semi-final, eventually prevailing by three precious runs. Captain, Grace Scrivens, had the final say as she took the final Aussie wicket amidst unbearable tension. England’s batters had produced their tamest display of the tournament, but this is a well-drilled side across all disciplines. Only once in this World Cup have England conceded more than 100, and that was 103 against Pakistan. They are miserly and measured when they need to be, and there is plenty of variety to test India’s top-order. England will be fully aware that the powerful Richa Ghosh has been waiting to truly express herself in this competition, and she would love nothing more than to do that in the final. Both teams have quality spin to call upon, especially on a surface that has been taking more and more turn as the tournament has worn on. Hannah Baker was at it again in the semi, snapping up three scalps to heap the pressure on Australia. Chopra and Mannat Kashyap have been just as mesmeric for India, and the contest may well come down to which set of slow bowlers settles into their work best. It is an occasion crying out for an individual to put their stamp on proceedings and deliver their country the first-ever ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup trophy.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE: Ludhiana Gymkhana Cricket Club won the 20-K Cup 2023 T20 Cricket Tournament title after defeating Cricket Center Cricket Club by 47 runs in the final played here at the Model Town Greens Ground on Saturday. Ludhiana Gymkhana took a flying start as they stitched some good partnerships to pile up a decent total of 163 for 5 runs in the allotted 20 overs. Asim Ali Nasir was the hero of the match as he played a sensational knock of 54 runs off 35 balls that included a good number of boundaries and sixes.  The other key contributors from the winning team, who batted with authority and struck significant runs were Mohammad Waqas, hammered 48-ball 53 runs, and Fahad Munir, who slammed 27 runs. Mohammad Ali bowled well for Cricket Center Center and bagged two wickets for 32 runs while Usama Mir got one wicket. Cricket Center couldn’t chase the required target because of some irresponsible batting displays by their players, who also failed to create a big partnership that might save their sinking ship. The losing side could score just 116 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 20 overs.  Bilawal Iqbal was top scorer from Cricket Center as he scored 32 runs off 27 balls while Ali Zafar played 26 balls to gather only 18 runs. No other batters could add significant runs in their team’s total, which lost the final by 47 runs. Kashif Saddiuqe bowled well and clinched three wickets for 12 runs while Muhammad Junaid grabbed three wickets for 31 and Intasar Ali got one wicket. Asim Ali Nasir emerged as player of the final. Speaking on the occasion, Nabeel Ahmad said that the purpose of conducting this event, which was named after my father Col Fateh Sher Khan, was to provide the club cricketers a big platform to showcase their talent and earn big prize money. “This event has not only encouraged the talented youth to exhibit their prowess while playing against first class and international players but also motivated the club organizers to hold such huge club cricket events in professional manner with the aim of taking club cricket to new heights. “I will continue to support club cricket in Pakistan and besides holding this annual event, I will also try to provide some other big opportunities to them so that they may excel at higher level and earn good name and international laurels for Pakistan,” said Nabeel, who himself is a first class cricketer. Dawood Barry, President Managing Committee of Cooperative Model Town Society, along with Nabeel Ahmad, sponsor and patron of the 20-K Cup 2023, graced the prize distribution ceremony as chief guests and distributed prizes among the winners and top performers in the presence of galaxy of former Test cricketers Misbah ul Haq, Abdul Razzaq, Aizaz Cheema, Mohammad Ilyas as well as Mohammad Mushtaq, Shoaib Dar, Wahab Dar, Bilal Javaid, Kashif Butt, Farhan Nisar and others.

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD: Punjab Panthers have confirmed their berth in the final of the Kingdom Valley All Stars Supper League (ASSL) after beating Sindh Strikers by 5 wickets in the first Eliminator here at the Diamond cricket ground on Saturday. The match between Sindh Strikers and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Warriors will decide the second finalist on Sunday likely to be played at Bhutto cricket ground G-7 Markaz Islamabad. Summarized Scorecard (Punjab Panthers vs Sindh Strikers) Venue: Diamond cricket ground Toss: Punjab Panthers won the toss and decided to bowl first Results: Punjab Panther won by 5 wickets Sindh Strikers (Batting) 143 for 8 in 20 overs Waqar Ameer 54 runs (34 balls, 4x8, 6x0), Umer Farooq 23 runs (24 balls, 4x1, 6x1), Sadiq Shan 13 runs (13 balls, 4x0, 6x0) Punjab Panthers (Bowling) Abdul Manan (2 for 31), Abdul Salam (1 for 16), Sameer Ahmed (1 for 21), Asad Lahgari (1 for 23), Najam-ul-Hasan (1 for 34) Punjab Panthers (Batting) 144 for 5 in 19 overs Abdul Salam 78 runs not out (55 balls, 4x6, 6x3), Saqin Inayat 30 rusn in (25 balls, 4x4, 6x0), Abdullah Khan 13 runs (10 balls, 4x1, 6x0) Sindh Strikers (Bowling) Sitatullah (2 for 17), Zeeshan Malik (1 for 18), Waqar Ameer (1 for 20), Umer Farooq (1 for 30) Player of the Match: Abdul Salam Umpires: Mohammad Ishfaq & Taimoor Kayani Match Referee: Ghulam Mustafa Official Scorer: Raja Hasan Akhtar

Aasif Sheikh becomes the first player from Nepal to win the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award Bipin Dani Nepal wicketkeeper Aasif Sheikh becomes the first player from Nepal to win the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award. On Thursday, the 22-year-old wicketkeeper (and batter) was named the recipient of the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award 2022 for his decision not to run out Andy McBrine after the Irish star tripped while attempting a run in February last year. Speaking exclusively over the telephone from Kathmandu, he said, "I feel lucky that I got this opportunity to represent my country across the world by showing that gesture on the field shown in the video. Also, I got to know that I became the first Nepali player to receive this ICC award which is really special for me". The good news Aasif Sheikh heard from social media. "I just heard about the news yesterday through social media. I was surprised and happy to hear that at the same time my parents felt so proud of me hearing the news about this. As they have always taught me to be humble, honest and be a good human being, they are happy to see that I am walking on their path". It is not known whether the player would receive an award in any physical form.  "I have no idea whether I am getting any trophy or not but the award, which ICC have given me will always be special for me. I have always believed that cricket should always be played under the spirit of the game and by showing that gesture I believe the cricket will get more pure and will be played with more honesty", he signed off.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE: Cricket Center Cricket Club set final clash with Ludhiana Gymkhana Cricket Club after routing Model Town Greens by 6 wickets in the second semifinal played here at the Model Town Greens Ground on Friday. Model Town Greens, batting first, posted a decent total of 176 for the loss of 4 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Awais Zafar batted with authority and slammed 55 runs off 37 balls, while Bilal Dar, hero of the last match of the team, contributed with 23-ball 44 runs and Taimoor Sultan gathered 39 runs off 35 balls. Usama Mir claimed 2 wickets for 38 runs while Ali Zafar and Bilawal Iqbal got one wicket each. Cricket Center replied strongly and comfortably chased the target in 19 overs for the loss of 4 wickets. Ali Zafar was the man, who played sensational knock of 47 runs off 36 balls while his teammates Ameer Hamza and Mohammad Waheed also batted well and contributed with 38 and 37 runs respectively. For Model Town Greens, Waris Khan, Usman Khalid and Ahmad Arif took one wicket each.  For his all-round performance, Ali Zafar of Cricket Center was adjudged as player of the match, who was handed over the award by Bilal Javaid, nephew of the sponsor of the event, Nabeel Ahmad, son of Col Fateh Sher Khan. Cricket Center will now take on Ludhiana Gymkhana in the final to be played at Model Town Greens Ground on Saturday at 11:00 am, where Nabeel Ahmad will be the chief guest and distribute prizes among the winners and top performers.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD: Punjab Panthers and Sindh Strikers have defeated their opponents Baluchistan Bulls and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Warriors by 8 and 3 wickets respectively in the Kingdom Valley All-Stars Supper League (ASSL) at two different venues here on Friday. Summarized Scorecard (Punjab Panthers vs Baluchistan Bulls) Venues: Marghzar cricket ground Toss: Baluchistan Bulls won the toss and decided to bat Results: Punjab Panthers beat Baluchistan Bulls by three wickets Baluchistan Bulls (Batting) 103 for 7 in 20 overs Juman Shah 36 runs (37 balls, 4x2, 6x2), Junaid Khan 16 runs (6 balls, 4x1, 6x1), Khawar Ali 16 runs (9 balls, 4x3, 6x0) Punjab Panthers (Bowling): Abdul Manan (2 for 34), Asad Laghari (1 for 9), Sameer Ahmed (1 for 17), Najam-ul-Hasan (1 for 17) Punjab Panthers (Batting) 105 for 2 runs in 9.4 overs Sameer Ahmed 54 runs not out (29 balls, 4x6, 6x0), Najam-ul-Hasan 27 runs (17 balls, 4x4, 6x0), Asad Laghari 14 runs (7 balls, 4x3, 6x0) Baluchistan Bulls (Bowling) Ali Bakhsah (1 for 12), Mohammad Akram (1 for 28) Summarized Scorecard (KPK Warriors vs Sindh Strikers) Venue: Shalimar cricket ground Toss: KPK Warriors won the toss and decided to bat Results: Sindh Strikers beat KPK Warriors by 3 wickets KPK Warriors (Batting): 179 for 9 in 20 overs Farooq Khan 54 runs not out (43 balls, 4x7, 6x0), Zohaib Ahmed 26 runs (29 balls, 4x5, 6x0), Mohammad Adeel 25 runs (10 balls, 4x1, 6x3) Sindh Strikers (Bowling) Umer Farooq (4 for 43), Sifatullah (3 for 210, Naeem Khan (1 for 9), Waqar Ameer (1 for 19) Sindh Strikers (Batting) 180 for 7 in 18.4 overs Sifatullah 53 runs (20 balls, 4x2, 6x6), Umer Farooq 52 runs (33 balls, 4x7, 6x2), Farman Shah 33 runs (18 balls, 4x2, 6x3) KPK Warriors (Bowling) Mohammad Adeel (3 for 22), Sabaz Ali (1 for 27), Sher Ali (1 for 28), Gulzar Khan (1 for 31), Sanaullah Khan (1 for 50) Player of the match: Sifatullah (Sindh Strikers)  

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE): Pakistan icon Babar Azam on Thursday revealed the winner of the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, as well as scooping the Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year prize. Earlier, Pakistan duo Mohammad Rizwan and Haris Rauf were named in the ICC Men’s T20I team of the year while all-rounder Nida Dar was included in the ICC Women’s T20I team of the year. Babar Azam – Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy By winning the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, Babar becomes the second winner from Pakistan in consecutive years, emulating the feat of his teammate Shaheen Shah Afridi, who won the prize in 2021. Babar also set new records in 2022, not least becoming the first, and still the only, player to win the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award on two occasions. Picking up where he left off in 2021, Babar enjoyed another momentous year, captaining his side to two Finals, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia. At the crease, he piled on the runs in all formats, scoring over 2,500 international runs across ODIs, T20Is and Tests, ending the year as the leading run-scorer in the latter. The Pakistan batter also claims the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award for a second successive year – the first to do this since Virat Kohli in 2017 and 2018. Babar consolidated his position atop the ODI batter rankings thanks to his staggering scoring consistency, registering 679 runs in 9 matches at an average of 84.87. Within these numbers came notable performances against the likes of Australia, West Indies and New Zealand. Reacting to the awards, Babar said: “I feel humbled to have been voted as winner of the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy and join the ranks of some of the most iconic and respected names who have previously won the biggest and most prestigious individual award in our great sport. I continue to look up to these players as well as champions of the past for inspiration, motivation and improvement. “As cricket is a team sport, this recognition and achievement would not have been possible without the overwhelming support of my family, team, fans and the institution, to all of whom I am greatly indebted and thankful. “Every match I played for Pakistan has been special and memorable, but the most satisfying and accomplishing aspect for me was to compete and perform in front of my home fans against Australia, England and New Zealand’s touring sides. Of course, reaching the finals of two major tournaments in the United Arab Emirates and Australia were also some of the highlights for me and my team, and we hope to do better this year, which is going to be equally demanding but highly rewarding.”