Sports Bulletin

SPORTS BULLETIN Multan:-Three wickets off three balls (one run-out) from Mehran Mumtaz’s first over – 10th over of the innings and 40 unbeaten runs from Sohail Tanvir proved game changer for Northern as they defeated Southern Punjab by three runs to qualify for the semi-final in the 30th fixture of the Kingdom Valley National T20 Cup 2022-23 at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Saturday evening. Southern Punjab – that were set a modest 130-run target by Northern were well in course to achieve the target as they were 58 for two at the end of the ninth over. Introduction of left-arm spinner Mehran in the 10th over put brakes on their run-chase as Mehran got Salman Ali Agha (one off three) lbw on the first ball he bowled. The next ball he sent Sharoon Siraj (first ball duck) lbw without troubling the score. On a hat-trick ball, the direct throw from Usman Khan Shinwari was enough to send back non-striker Sohaib Maqsood (eight off seven, one four) back to the pavilion. After the quick dismissals of Southern Punjab’s batters, Northern were never in position to stage a comeback. Hasan Ali (26 not out off 16) – who was playing for the first time in the tournament struck two sixes and one four to give Southern Punjab a glimpse of hope, but Southern Punjab fell four runs shy of the target and were send packing from the tournament. Mehran, Usman Khan Shinwari and Zaman Khan bagged two wickets apiece for Northern. In the first semi-final table toppers Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will take on Northern, while Sindh will face Central Punjab in the second semi-final. Both semi-finals will be played tomorrow at the Multan Cricket Stadium and PTV Sports will broadcast the matches live while it be live streamed on the PCB YouTube channel. Earlier, after a 15-minute delayed start due to dust storm, Umar Amin’s decision to bat first didn’t go down well as Northern wobbled at the top of the innings when they slumped to 83 for seven in the 15th over. That Northern were managed to score over 100 was largely because of a 37-run partnership for the eighth wicket between Usman (21 off 16, three fours) and Sohail – who returned undefeated on 40 from 30 balls, smashing three fours and two sixes. Northern made 129 for eight from their allotted 20 overs. Hasan was dispatched for a six by Nasir Nawaz on the first ball he bowled, but the right-arm fast made a strong comeback to get Taimoor Sultan lbw for four on the last ball of his first over which went for 11 runs. Right-arm fast Mohammad Ilyas was amongst the wickets again as he took three wickets for 29. He accounted for Nasir (15, 15b, one four, one six), Mubasir Khan (six off five, one four) and Usman. Leg-spinner Ali Majid and right-arm fast Hasan bagged two wickets apiece for 29 and 3o runs, respectively.

SPORTS BULLETIN London (UK):-A squad of 15 has been named for the three-match series, which will be England’s first fixtures in the new ICC Women’s Championship cycle, with points leading to qualification for the ICC Women’s World Cup in 2025. Amy Jones will continue to lead the side in the absence of Heather Knight and Nat Sciver, with Sophie Ecclestone her vice-captain. Names of players: Amy Jones (Central Sparks, captain), Tammy Beaumont (Lightning), Lauren Bell (Southern Vipers), Maia Bouchier (Southern Vipers), Alice Capsey (South East Stars), Kate Cross (Thunder), Freya Davies (South East Stars), Alice Davidson-Richards (South East Stars), Charlie Dean (Southern Vipers), Sophia Dunkley (South East Stars), Sophie Ecclestone (Thunder, vice-captain), Freya Kemp (Southern Vipers), Emma Lamb (Thunder), Issy Wong (Central Sparks), Danni Wyatt (Southern Vipers) Head Coach Lisa Keightley said: “I was so proud of how the team came together to win the Vitality IT20 series. Sometimes when you’re missing big name players, other players step up and take their chance and I felt we really did that. It’s a young group but they worked tremendously hard and showed their skill and resilience to get over the line. “Amy did a great job as captain and she was ably supported by Sophie so we want them to carry on what they’ve been doing. It’s another big series, especially with points counting towards ICC Women’s World Cup qualification, and with the summer ending at Lord’s there’s a lot to be excited about.”

SPORTS BULLETIN Dubai (UAE):-If you think that a qualifying event like the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2022 can’t provide fans with thrills or that the results don’t matter much, well, you could not be further from reality. Just go back a few years to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier played in Colombo and you get an understanding of what it can be like. The performances were a feast for the eyes and the results showed how performances in qualifying events can boost teams as they make it to the main tournament. India beat South Africa in a last-ball thriller in the final, with Harmanpreet Kaur hitting an outstanding, run-a-ball 41. That win lifted India’s morale several notches and they ended up playing the final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2017 at a packed Lord’s stadium, in what is widely acknowledged as a watershed moment for our sport. The qualifying tournament helped us too and we also made the semi-finals of the World Cup. Though the Qualifier final in Colombo was one that I badly wanted to win (I got some runs too) I realize now that there were several positives for us to take out and they helped us develop as a team. This tournament though will be a lot different for me. I am honoured to be named the Event Ambassador by the ICC and will be doing my bit to promote the event, including as a commentator, and am really looking forward to my new role. It’s an awesome time to be associated with the game in this role. Everyone is talking about the growth of women’s cricket and its bright future, the recent ICC mega events are a reflection of how the game has transcended. A packed MCG for the Women’s T20 World Cup Final in 2020 and the lively debut at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games are bright spots while the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand this year showed the advance in quality with several close games. The teams in this Qualifier Event include three ICC Full Members – Bangladesh, Ireland and Zimbabwe – but it is also a great opportunity for others to show their mettle, not least the Thailand team that has been talked about on the circuit for some time now. The T20 format provides teams with great opportunities and those two qualifying spots will not be easy to grab. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has hosted several top-level tournaments, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup last year, and I am sure the players will enjoy every moment at the iconic Zayed Cricket Stadium and the adjacent Tolerance Oval. It’s good to know that the matches are being live-streamed. The ICC has done a great job in taking the women’s game to people’s homes and this is a great way to add fans and reach new frontiers. Our game’s ambition is to be part of the Olympics and both women’s cricket and the T20I format will have a role in that.

SPORTS BULLETIN Multan:-Sahibzada Farhan blasted 102 off 64 to seal a 38-run win for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over Balochistan in the 29th fixture of the Kingdom Valley National T20 Cup 2022-23 at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Saturday. The win also confirms Khyber Pakhtunkhwa place in the semi-final after topping the six-team table with 12 points from 10 matches. After being put into bat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa openers Farhan and Rehan Afridi provided a solid 71-run start. Wicketkeeper-batter Rehan was the first one to return to the pavilion not before scoring 34 from 25 balls, which included six boundaries. Farhan was joined by Kamran Ghulam (26, 21, one four, one six) and the pair knitted a 64-run partnership for the second wicket. Farhan continued to play shots at will and brought up his century from 61 balls which included seven fours and six towering sixes. After the dismissal of right-handed Farhan for 102 in the 19th over, the defending champions managed to add only seven in the final over to end up scoring 175 for the loss of three wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Experienced Junaid Khan was Balochistan’s pick of the bowlers with two for 34. Chasing 176 to win, Balochistan lost wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out for 137 in the 17th over. Haris Sohail came to bat at number five top-scored with a 30-ball 47, studded with five fours and two sixes. For Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, skipper Khalid Usman and right-arm leg-spinner Maaz Khan bagged three wickets apiece. Mohammad Abbas Afridi grabbed two wickets for 20 runs. Scores in brief: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa beat Balochistan by 38 runs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 175-3, 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 102, Rehan Afridi 34, Kamran Ghulam 26; Junaid Khan 2-34) Balochistan 137 all out, 17 overs (Haris Sohail 47; Khalid Usman 3-19, Maaz Khan 3-39) Player of the match: Sahibzada Farhan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

SPORTS BULLETIN Islamabad:-It came down to the last match of the tournament, but Vanuatu have secured their second consecutive qualification at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Regional Final. Coming into the final day, Vanuatu had a two-point advantage over the Cook Islands. However, in front of packed stands at the Vanuatu Cricket Ground, the host nation did enough to win the match and secure next stage qualification in their hunt of a maiden ICC World Cup berth. The hosts went in as tournament favourites and showed their class with two comfortable wins in their first two matches against Fiji and Samoa. Things got a little shaky in the third match when the Cook Islands were able to take the points off the back of a classy knock by Ma’ara Ave. The rest day came at the right time for Vanuatu, allowing them to regroup and go on to claim three wins in a row to progress to the next stage of qualification. The Cook Islands proved to be the surprise package of the Qualifier. Playing in their first ever T20I in this Qualifier and having not played any international cricket since 2014, the team showed their talent and skill by defeating each team once across the double-round robin. Whilst not enough to take the next qualification step, the three wins are sure to spark a resurgence of cricket in the small Pacific nation. Fiji and Samoa played well throughout the Qualifier and have plenty of positive points to take home. Fijian Seru Marutu Tupou topped the wicket takers list with 10 dismissals across five matches at an impressive economy rate of 6.37. All eyes now turn to Japan, who play host to Indonesia and South Korea at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub Regional EAP B Qualifier between 15 – 18 October. The winners will book their final spot at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Regional Final in 2023

Bipin Dani The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board has hosted a Residential Camp for the probables of the World Cup squad, it is learnt. According to highly placed sources in the SLC, the camp will be held in Kandy. "The wickets at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium (PICS) are similar to the Australian wickets where the World Cup matches are to be played", the source, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Dubai. "We have given one week's rest to the players. They will assemble in Kandy and start training in the 3rd week of this month". All players who were there during the Asia Cup are fit and raring to go. We will add a few more players for the camp and then a list of the final 15 will be sent to the ICC before their desad-line",  the source further added. Incidentally, the head coach (Chris Silverwood), who has sought a small-break after the Asia Cup is in England but scheduled to return before the residential camp. The selectors have "more or less" picked the World Cup squad in consultation with the head coach when they all were in Dubai during the Asia Cup. However, pace bowler Dushmantha Chameera may be considered. "He has "almost" recovered from his ankle injury. In case, if he has to undergo surgery after seeking the second opinion, can wait till the World Cup and be under the knife in Australia after the World Cup", someone known to the development, revealed. "The selectors may also include Binura Fernando and Lahiru Kumara for the camp. One or two from these additional players may board a flight to Australia", the source further added.

SPORTS BULLETIN Lahore:-Pakistan cricket selectors today unveiled their squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia 2022, which will be held from 16 October to 13 November. In the seven events to date, Pakistan has won the title in 2009 in the United Kingdom, reached the final in 2007 and featured in the 2010, 2012 and 2021 semifinals, a record that makes them one of the most consistent sides to date. In the 15-player World Cup squad, top-order batter Shan Masood has been included in the side for the shortest format for the first-time along with fast bowlers Mohammad Wasim Junior and Shaheen Shah Afridi, while Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris and Shahnawaz Dahani have been named as the three traveling reserves. Wasim Junior has been included after recovering completely from the side strain he suffered during the ACC T20 Asia Cup, whereas Shaheen, who is undergoing rehabilitation for a knee injury in London and expected to resume bowling early next month, will join the squad in Brisbane on 15 October. Pakistan squad for World Cup: Babar Azam (captain) (Central Punjab), Shadab Khan (vice-captain) (Northern), Asif Ali (Northern), Haider Ali (Northern), Haris Rauf (Northern), Iftikhar Ahmed (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Khushdil Shah (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Hasnain (Sindh), Mohammad Nawaz (Northern), Mohammad Rizwan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Wasim Junior (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Naseem Shah (Southern Punjab), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Shan Masood (Balochistan) and Usman Qadir (Central Punjab) Traveling reserves: Fakhar Zaman (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Haris (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and Shahnawaz Dahani (Sindh). Prior to their arrival in Brisbane on 15 October, the World Cup-bound squad will feature in the T20I tri-series in Christchurch from 7-14 October where Bangladesh and New Zealand will be the other participating sides. Chief selector Mohammad Wasim said: “We have a team that can perform strongly in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022. That’s why we have shown faith and confidence in almost the same set of players who have been part of the T20I squad post the 2021 World Cup in the UAE. “These players have performed well since November 2021 and that’s why we have won nine out of our last 13 T20Is. We have invested in these cricketers and it is fair to them that they get the opportunity to show their mettle in the World Cup, an event for which they have been preparing and training hard. “We needed to ensure continuity and support to these players, and that’s precisely what we have done. “We are receiving encouraging reports about Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is likely to resume bowling early next month.” Meanwhile, for the seven-match T20I series against England, the selectors have named all the players who will travel for the World Cup except Fakhar Zaman and Shaheen Shah Afridi. In their places, the selectors have named Northern’s all-rounder Aamir Jamal and Sindh’s mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed in line with their strategy to reward high-performing cricketers. “Along with Shan Masood, I want to congratulate Aamir Jamal and Abrar Ahmed on earning their maiden call-ups. Both Aamir and Abrar have been selected as we believe they have the skills, talent and potential to represent Pakistan at the highest level and I am hopeful if they get opportunities, they will perform strongly. “Fakhar Zaman has also been rested from the England T20Is so that he can recover from the knee injury he sustained when he landed awkwardly while fielding in the final.” Pakistan squad for England T20Is: Babar Azam (captain) (Central Punjab), Shadab Khan (vice-captain) (Northern), Aamir Jamal (Northern), Abrar Ahmed (Sindh), Asif Ali (Northern), Haider Ali (Northern), Haris Rauf (Northern), Iftikhar Ahmed (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Khushdil Shah (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Haris (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Hasnain (Sindh), Mohammad Nawaz (Northern), Mohammad Rizwan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Wasim Junior (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Naseem Shah (Southern Punjab), Shahnawaz Dahani (Sindh), Shan Masood (Balochistan) and Usman Qadir (Central Punjab) SCHEDULE OF MATCHES: Pakistan v England T20Is (matches to start at 1930 PKT): 20 September – 1st T20I, Karachi 22 September – 2nd T20I, Karachi 23 September – 3rd T20I, Karachi 25 September – 4th T20I, Karachi 28 September – 5th T20I, Lahore 30 September – 6th T20I, Lahore 2 October – 7th T20I, Lahore Pakistan v Bangladesh and New Zealand (T20I tri-series) 7 October – vs Bangladesh, Christchurch 8 October – vs New Zealand, Christchurch 11 October – vs New Zealand, Christchurch 13 October – vs Bangladesh, Christchurch 14 October – Final, Christchurch Pakistan at ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia 2022: 23 October – vs India, Melbourne 27 October – vs winner Group B, Perth 30 October – vs runner-up Group A, Perth 3 November – vs South Africa, Sydney 6 November – vs Bangladesh, Adelaide

SPORTS BULLETIN Melbourne (Australia):-The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 is set to welcome fans of all ages and backgrounds, with over 500,000 fans already securing their place to the event that begins in one month’s time. Fans from 82 different countries have purchased tickets to watch the world’s best players from 16 international teams, marking the return of full stadiums at ICC events for the first time since the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2020, which culminated with 86,174 fans for the final at the MCG. Accessible pricing for families has seen over 85,000 children’s tickets sold, with tickets just $5 for kids at all First Round and Super 12 matches - adult prices start from $20. The India v Pakistan fixture at the MCG on 23 October is sold out, with additional standing room tickets snapped up within minutes of going on sale. An official re-sale platform will be launched closer to the event, where fans can exchange tickets at face value. Current ticket allocations are also all sold for the double-header at the SCG on 27 October featuring South Africa v Bangladesh and India v Group A runner-up. Fans are encouraged to join the waitlist in the event of additional tickets becoming available. Only a very limited number of tickets remain for Australia’s opening Super 12 fixture against New Zealand at the SCG on 22 October, the double-header featuring Pakistan v Group A runner-up and India v South Africa at Perth Stadium on 30 October, and Pakistan v South Africa at the SCG on 3 November. ICC Head of Events, Chris Tetley said: “We are delighted by the uptake of tickets for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with over 500,000 already being snapped up. The excitement is really building with just over a month to go and this World Cup is set to be an unmissable event. There are still some tickets available to buy, so fans should make sure they secure theirs while they are still available.” ICC Men’s T20 World Cup CEO Michelle Enright said: “The response from fans has been exceptional and shows the excitement for what will be the biggest sporting event hosted in Australia this year. “We’ve also seen a spread of support for different teams across the event, which is going to make for an incredible atmosphere at our matches with a strong mix of passionate fans at each venue. “We’re particularly proud of our accessibly priced tickets for families and it’s great to see that so many kids are going to come out and experience a World Cup. “There are still some great tickets available, so I’d encourage everyone who hasn’t secured their seats to jump on board for what will be an unmissable event.”

SPORTS BULLETIN Dubai (UAE):-Sri Lanka players Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Wanindu Hasaranga, heroes of a memorable victory over Pakistan in the final of the Asia Cup in Dubai on Sunday, have made handsome gains in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings. Rajapaksa’s blistering 71 off 45 deliveries with six fours and three sixes, that won him the Player of the Match award, has helped him advance 34 places to a career-best 34th position. Rajapaksa had scores of 25 not out against India and 24 against Pakistan in other matches of the tournament played during the past week. All-rounder Hasaranga, a formerly top-ranked bowler, has advanced in all three lists after a fine all-round effort in the final saw him smash a 21-ball 36 and follow it up with a late triple-strike with his leg-spin bowling. With a three-wicket haul in the previous match against Pakistan two days earlier, he has moved up three places to sixth position. He is also up seven places to fourth among all-rounders and up 28 places to 152nd among batters. Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf, who grabbed three for 29 in the final and two wickets each in the previous two matches, has moved up nine places to 25th. Mohammad Nawaz has progressed seven places to 34th and Mohammad Hasnain has gained 14 places to reach 96th in the latest weekly update. Former India captain Virat Kohli, who smashed a match-winning 122 not out off 61 deliveries in a Super Fours match against Afghanistan, has leaped 14 places to reach 15th position while seam bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s remarkable haul of five for four in the same match has lifted him to the top 10, from 11th to seventh position. Lokesh Rahul has progressed from 30th to 23rd. Spinners Ravichandran Ashwin (up nine places to 41st) and Axar Patel (up 14 places to 57th) have also made notable gains, while Afghanistan batter Ibrahim Zadran has advanced 55 places to 63rd after his unbeaten half-century against India. Meanwhile, Mohammad Nabi has conceded the top place for all-rounders to Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hassan. In the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings, updated after the second and third Australia versus New Zealand matches, Steve Smith has jumped 13 places to 10th position after scores of 61 and 105 while Alex Carey has moved up two places to 20th. Mitchell Starc (up three places to ninth) and Adam Zampa (up three places to 15th) have advanced in the bowlers’ list. For New Zealand, Matt Henry has moved up one slot to take eighth position among bowlers while Finn Allen is in the top 100 for batters. In the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings that takes into consideration performances in the third England-South Africa Test at The Oval, Player of the Match Ollie Robinson is up 11 places to 15th after finishing with seven wickets in the match including a five-wicket haul in the first innings. Ben Stokes is up three places to 35th in the same list, while Ollie Pope (up 17 places to 29th) and Zak Crawley (up 16 places to 48th) are the batters to have improved their rankings. South Africa opener Alax Lees has moved up 18 slots and occupies 74th position while left-arm fast bowler Marco Jansen has reached 26th position after a first-innings five-wicket haul.

BIPIN DANI Eying off the classic defensive stance of the batter, the young leg spinner delivered his first ball. He knew immediately it had perfect flight, the ball fizzed through the air, biting hard off the pitch it turned sharply past the edge of the bat. Steve Waugh looked up and fixed his steely glare on the bowler as he reset. Tom Brooks was eleven years old, and the action took place in the cricket net he built out the back of the Brooks family farm at Scone, three hours drive from Sydney. “I was immediately impressed by his ball flight and the turn he got on the ball” Waugh said of his first experience with Tom. “I then went away to school at St Ignatius college Riverview”, says Brooks “As I’m from the country I would always prioritise my commitments at home before my cricket”. However, at age 15 I made it into the Riverview First X1”. His coach at Riverview, the esteemed James Rodgers, stated that “in 40 years of Brooks was easily best bowler I have coached” Brooks was already playing against the men’s country sides from age 10, and after school finished Brooks was drafted straight into First Grade in Sydney, with Wests. Last year, his second season his figures showed his development with 31 Wickets at an average 24. Tom is mentored in his craft by ex-Test Spinner Kerry O’Keefe. “Playing grade cricket, I travel down on a Friday night and go home on a Sunday night after play, and help around the farm, as it holds a close place to my heart” says Tom In January 2022, Steve Waugh introduced Tom to Sir Ian Botham, and pushed forward the idea of a summer stint in the UK. Botham was straight into it, fixing up Tom, now 21, With Richmondshire CC, in North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket Leagues. Joining Richmondshire XI and nicknamed “Warnie” by his team-mates, Tom helped the Team win two championships, with 77 wickets at 19.38 and a best of 6/35, and a batting average of 29.83 with a strike rate of 131.62. “I have a massive opportunity to pursue my cricket and now I have decided to give it a serious go” says Tom.