Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD: The hosts Islamabad and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) claimed massive victories in the PAF T20 Cricket Championships Trophy for the Blind 2022 at PAF Cricket Ground E-9 on Saturday. In the first match, Islamabad stunned Gujranwala by 207 runs courtesy Matiullah's 5 wickets for 7 runs. After put into bat by Gujranwala, Islamabad scored 240 for the loss of 3 wickets in 20 overs with top scorer Anees Javed 87 and fifties from Matiullah and Akmal. In reply, Gujranwala bowled out for only 33 runs. Matiullah was named man of the match for his 5 wickets and 58 runs. Later, the second match of the day was played between AJK and Peshawar. Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) put Peshawar into bat after winning the toss. Batting first Peshawar could only score 100 runs, Naeem Ullah was the top scorer with 24 runs. Kamran Akhtar from AJK took 5 wickets for 15 runs. In reply, AJk chased the target in 10.2 over for the loss of 1 wicket. Kamran Akhtar scored 41 not out runs and declared man of the match. On Sunday, two matches will be played, first match will be played between Gujranwala and Peshawar while in the second match Islamabad will face AJK at the same venue.

Sports Bulletin Report KABUL: Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s Cricketing Wizard, has been appointed as AfghanAtalan’s Captain for the T20I format, replacing the senior all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, after he stepped down from the role post the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022. Mirwais Ashraf, the ACB Chairman, expressed his desire for the appointment of Rashid Khan as the captain of the Afghanistan National Team for the T20I format. “Rashid Khan is a massive name in Afghanistan Cricket. He has colossal experience of playing the format around the world which will help him take the team to a new level in the format”. Added Mirwais Ashraf. Ashraf further added: “Rashid Khan has the experience of leading AfghanAtalan in all three formats before and we are happy to have him as our skipper for the T20I format again. I am sure he will come out on top and will bring more glories to the nation”. Rashid Khan is also delighted to take the leadership role and considers this a massive honor for him to be granted such a big responsibility to lead Afghanistan's National Team in the T20Is. "Captaincy is a huge responsibility. I have the experience of leading my country before, there is a great bunch of guys with whom I have a good understanding and feel pretty comfortable. We will try to stick together, will work hard to put things on the right track and bring pride and joy to our country and nation". added Rashid Khan. Rashid Khan has so far represented Afghanistan in 74 T20I matches and has 122 scalps to his name in the format, which makes him the third leading wicket-taker in the format behind Tim Southee (134) and Shakib Al Hassan (128). He has also been in very high demand in franchise cricket, playing 361 T20 matches for 15 different teams around the globe from 2015 onwards and has bagged a mammoth 491 wickets which makes him the 2nd bowler behind Dwayne Bravo (614) with the most wickets in the format. Afghanistan National Team is set to tour UAE in February where they will take on the hosts in three T20Is, which will be Rashid Khan’s first tour as Afghanistan’s skipper after 2019.

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced free entry for spectators at the second test match between Pakistan and New Zealand that will be played from 2-6 January at the National Bank Cricket Arena Karachi. The spectators are only required to bring either their original CNIC or B-form to enter the stadium and they will be able to watch the action free of cost from any of the premium (Imran Khan, Quaid, Wasim Akram and Zaheer Abbas), first class (Asif Iqbal, Waqar Hassan and Majid Khan) and general enclosures (Mohammad Brothers and Intikhab Alam). Shuttles will also be running in-between the National Bank Cricket Arena and the Gareeb Nawaz parking area for ease of access into the stadium by spectators.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD: PTV New Centre and PTV Headquarters set to meet on Saturday in the final of the Inter-Department cricket tournament after winning their respective semifinals on Friday. In the first semifinal, PTV News Center defeated PTV Sports by 40 runs in a 10 overs per innings fixture. PTV New Center scored 96 for 3 in 10 overs. Asad Nawaz 34 not out (22 balls) and Ahmed Nawaz 32 (30 balls) were the main scorers. Fahim Butt, Mohammad Asif and Abdullah Tenvir got one wicket each. PTV Sports XIs could score just 56 runs in 9.4 overs. Only two batters could touch the double figures. Khurram scored 22 and Fahim Butt scored 17 runs. Ahmed Nawaz sent five opposite batters back into the hut after conceding only 7 runs. Arsalan Saeed got three wickets. Later, in the second semifinal, the PTV Headquarter team beat PTV Home by six wickets to reach the final. PTV Home batters could score just 35 for 6 runs in 10 overs. Zarar Khan contributed 13 runs. Waqas and Numan shared two wickets each. PTV Headquarter batters reached their target on the penultimate delivery of the 7th over. Wajhat hit 10 while Ibrahim 8 runs. Owais grabbed three wickets while Rab Nawaz chipped in one. The final will be played on Saturday to decide the champions.

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI: Pakistan ended their four-match losing streak at home after brave and gutsy half-centuries by Imam-ul-Haq, Saud Shakeel and Sarfraz Ahmed denied New Zealand a chance to go 1-0 up in the two-Test series at the National Bank Cricket Arena on Friday. Resuming the fifth and last day at 77 for two and still needing 97 runs to make New Zealand bat again, Pakistan looked down and out when they slipped to 206 for seven (32 runs ahead) with 49 overs still remaining in the match. However, the eighth and ninth wicket partnerships between Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Wasim Junior, and Saud and Mir Hamza, respectively helped Pakistan to declare their second innings at 311 for eight. That set New Zealand a daunting but an achievable 138 runs target in 15 overs, and when both the teams shook hands due to a fading light, the visitors were 61 for one in 7.3 overs. New Zealand, who had last won a Test in Pakistan in Lahore in 1996, were on course to break the 26-year win drought when they left Saud Shakeel to battle out the remaining 49 overs in the day with the tail-enders. Saud had twice squandered the opportunity to help Pakistan win Tests against England earlier this month, but this time he was equal to the task when he returned undefeated on 55 from 138 minutes of watchful and laborious batting during which he received 108 balls and struck seven fours and a six. Saud not only conjured up his fifth half-century in fourth Test, he added 75 runs for the eighth wicket from 111 balls (71 minutes) with Mohammad Wasim Junior, while he put on 34 runs from 82 balls (50 minutes) for the unbroken ninth wicket with Mir Hamza. Wasim showed his batting exploits and skills at probably the best time in his early days as an international cricketer when he not only survived 57 balls but also scored 43 runs with five fours and a six. Mir Hamza kept New Zealand bowlers at bay for 34 balls while scoring three not out. Earlier, Pakistan starting the day at 77 for two, plunged into a crisis when nightwatchman Noman Ali (four) and captain Babar Azam (14) returned to the dressing room in a space of 34 balls to leave the home side in a bother at 100 for four and still needing 74 runs to make New Zealand bat again. Both the batters were adjudged leg before off Michael Bracewell and Ish Sodhi, respectively. At that stage, Imam and Sarfaraz got together in a rescue act and added 85 runs for the fifth wicket before crisis struck Pakistan again. Sarfaraz, immediately after reaching his second half-century of the match, paid the price for attempting a shot to a wide Sodhi delivery and was caught at the wicket, first innings centurion Salman Ali Agha missed a wrong-un from Sodhi and was bowled before Imam’s fighting knock ended when he was deceived by Sodhi to be smartly stumped by Tom Blundell. Sarfaraz’s 53 came off 76 balls and included seven fours, while Imam was unlucky to miss his fourth Test century when he was dismissed for 96. His 206-ball knock was laced with 10 fours and a six. New Zealand were brilliant in the field on the fifth day. Ish Sodhi recorded his maiden five-fer while finishing with career-best figures of 36.5-11-86-6, while wicketkeeper Tom Blundell accounted for three Pakistan batters in the second innings to finish with seven dismissals in the match. The second Test will commence at the National Bank Cricket Arena on Monday, 2 January. Scores in brief Pakistan (1st innings) 438, 130.5 overs (Babar Azam 161, Salman Ali Agha 103, Sarfaraz Ahmed 86, Imam-ul-Haq 24, Saud Shakeel 22; Tim Southee 3-69, Michael Bracewell 2-72, Ish Sodhi 2-87, Ajaz Patel 2-112) and 311-8d (Imam-ul-Haq 96, Saud Shakeel 55 not out, Sarfaraz Ahmed 53, Mohammad Wasim 43; Ish Sodhi 6-86, Michael Bracewell 2-82) New Zealand (1st innings) 612-9d, 194.5 overs (Kane Williamson 200 not out, Tom Latham 113, Devon Conway 92, Ish Sodhi 65; Abrar Ahmed 5-205, Noman Ali 3-185) and 61-1 (Tom Latham 35 not out) Player of the match – Kane Williamson (New Zealand) Result – Match drawn

Faisal JB ISLAMABAD (December 30, 2022): Showbiz XIs outclassed Askari XIs by 8 wickets in an exhibition cricket match here at Islamabad Club cricket ground on Friday. Film and TV artists and ex-military officers and others enjoyed the exhibition cricket match. The Showbiz XIs were led by the talented Faisal Qureshi, while the Askari XIs were led by Major (retd) Ahmed Nadeem Sadal. After winning the toss and playing first, Askari XI scored 128 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in the stipulated 15 overs. Major (R) Hasnain 26 and Colonel (R) Mansoor were outstanding with 25 runs. Mohsen Awan took 2 wickets and Ijaz Aslam took 1 wicket each on behalf of Showbiz XIs. Showbiz XIs achieved at the loss of two wickets. Kamran Khan scored 60 runs not out while Daniyal scored 40 runs. Wicketkeeper Abeer Amjad performed brilliantly. He took two catches and one stump behind the wickets. The special guest in the prize distribution ceremony was Lieutenant General (Retd) Munir Hafeez, winner trophy Shobar XI captain Faisal Qureshi while D-Concept's Daniyal Arshad, Samiralias and Umeer Zai gave the runner-up trophy to Askari XI captain Major (R) Ahmed Nadeem Sadal.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD: Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) and hosts Islamabad registered victories in the PAF T20 Cricket Championship Trophy for the Blind 2022 that started at Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Base Islamabad at PAF Cricket Ground E-9 Islamabad. Air Commodore Sohail Akbar TI(M),Base Commander, PAF Base Islamabad graced the opening ceremony as chief guest. Also, chairman, Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) Syed Sultan Shah and Bilal Ahmed Satti were present on this occasion.  In the first match, AJK outclassed Gujranwala by 9 wickets. In allotted 15 overs Gujranwala scored 111 for the loss of 5 wickets. Mohammad Akram was the top scorer with 27 runs from Gujranwala while Faisal, Kamran and Mehtab took one wicket each. In reply, Kashmir easily chased the target in 8.5 overs with brisk knocked of 56 by Tehsin who was named man of the match. Later on, in the second match, Peshawar batting first scored 134 runs for the loss of 7 wickets, Mohsin was the top scorer with 38 runs. Anees and Matiullah from Islamabad took 2 wickets each. In reply Islamabad chased the target in 14 over for the loss of 4 wickets. Syed Kashan scored splendid 58 not out runs and awarded man of the match. Two matches will be played on Saturday, first match will be played between Gujranwala and Islamabad while in the second match Peshawar will face AJK at the same venue.

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI: Pakistan still face a deficit of 97 runs as the first Test of the two-match series against New Zealand at National Bank Cricket Arena, Karachi heads into the final day. Trailing by 174 runs after the first innings, Pakistan finished the fourth day on 77-2, with Imam-ul-Haq unbeaten on 45 and nightwatchman Nauman Ali four not out. New Zealand were buoyed by two late strikes in the day and would be looking to push for victory on a surface that has not so far taken sharp turn. Opening batter Abdullah Shafique was the first wicket to fall for Pakistan after he stepped out of the crease to attempt an ill-fated lofted shot off spinner Michael Bracewell, and was caught at mid-on for 17. Later in the evening session, Shan Masood was adjudged leg before off Ish Sodhi for 10 and the ball was deemed to be clipping the leg-stump on umpire’s call after the former opted for a review. Kane Williamson headlined New Zealand’s batting surge earlier in the day with his fifth Test double century, taking him past Brendon McCullum for the most number of double tons for the Black Caps. His terrific innings, studded with 21 boundaries and one six, helped the tourists to declare their first innings on 612-9 -- a good 174-run lead over Pakistan's 438. Williamson’s 10-hour knock was not entirely chanceless as he had survived two stumpings off spinner Noman on 15 and 21. Resuming on the overnight score of 440-6, Williamson and Sodhi batted through the first session and took the team total to 595 before the seventh-wicket stand was finally broken by Abrar Ahmed. The 24-year-old spinner removed Sodhi for 65 after he had made his fourth Test half-century. Tim Southee and Neil Wagner did not disturb the scorers as New Zealand lost three wickets in the space of two runs, but last-man Ajaz Patel stuck around to help former skipper Williamson reach the milestone. "It's nice to be part of a number of partnerships that has given us a competitive total and put us in a reasonable position," said Williamson. But he still thought it would be tough to force a win. "We know there is a lot of hard work and patience going into tomorrow in trying to utilise the assistance of the surface as well as we can." Pakistan’s Abrar lamented the lack of assistance from the pitch as he registered his second five-wicket haul in five Test innings. "Whether you are a mystery spinner or whatever, you need at least some support from the pitch but when you are not getting any help then it's tough to get wickets," he said. Abrar finished with 5-205 while Noman managed 3-185. Scores in brief (Day-4): Pakistan (1st innings) 438, 130.5 overs (Babar Azam 161, Salman Ali Agha 103, Sarfaraz Ahmed 86, Imam-ul-Haq 24, Saud Shakeel 22; Tim Southee 3-69, Michael Bracewell 2-72, Ish Sodhi 2-87, Ajaz Patel 2-112) New Zealand (1st innings) 612-9d, 194.5 overs (Kane Williamson 200 not out, Tom Latham 113, Devon Conway 92, Ish Sodhi 65; Abrar Ahmed 5-205, Noman Ali 3-185) Pakistan (2nd innings) 77-2, 31 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 45 not out, Abdullah Shafique 17; Ish Sodhi 1-17, Mic hael Bracewell 1-23)

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD: PAF National T20 Blind Cricket Champions Trophy will start from Friday (December 30, 2022) at PAF cricket ground under the banner of Islamabad Cricket Club of the Blind in collaboration with Pakistan Air Force (PAF). According to an official of Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC), the final will be played on January 2, 2023 at the same venue. Four teams across the country including Peshawar, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), Gujranwala & Islamabad will participate in this mega event. The Inaugural ceremony of the event will be held at PAF Complex E-9 Islamabad on 30 December 2022 at 1100 am. Air Commodore Sohail Akbar TI (M), Base Commander, PAF Base Islamabad will grace the occasion as chief guest. On first day, two matches will be played, as the first match will be played between AJK and Gujranwala while in the second match host Islamabad will face Peshawar at the same venue.

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI: The Men’s Interim National Selection Committee has named 21 probables for the three ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League matches against New Zealand, which will be played here at the National Bank Cricket Arena on 9, 11 and 13 January. The selectors will announce the 16-player squad following the conclusion of the Pakistan Cup and during the second Test, which will also be played here from 2-6 January. Opener Sharjeel Khan has been named after playing his 25th and final ODI in January 2017, while Shan Masood, who played against Australia in five ODIs in the UAE in 2019, has also been included in the probables list. The selectors have included six players who are yet to make an ODI appearance. They are: Abrar Ahmed, Aamer Jamal, Ihsanullah, Kamran Ghulam, Qasim Akram and Tayyab Tahir. Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi (injured) and Zahid Mehmood, who were part of the squad for the ODI series against the Netherlands, have not been named in the probables list. Probables: Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Shafiq, Abrar Ahmed, Aamer Jamal, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Ihsanullah, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Qasim Akram, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shan Masood, Sharjeel Khan and Tayyab Tahir