Sports Bulletin

BIPIN DANI Sri Lankan pace bowler Kasun Rajitha has registered his name in the list of the cricketers, who have married in the middle of the bilateral series. The 29-year-old right-arm medium fast bowler Rajitha, who took three Afghanistani wickets in the second ODI in Kandy on Sunday was married to Chamaththi (the daughter of Mr & Mrs Felix Perera) on Monday. The marriage took place in the morning at Union Ballroom, JAIC Hilton, Colombo. This was confirmed by Kasun Rajitha's wedding planner Pathum Gunawardena. Speaking exclusively, he also said, "let us hope his wife brings luck to him and his team in the final ODI on Wednesday". The bowler, who left the Kandy hotel immediately after the match was called off due to rain on Sunday, is believed to have invited his team mates. However, none of his team-mates could attend the wedding. Also, two of his two mates too have left Kandy for their home for different reasons.  According to the hotel sources in Kandy, batting all-rounder Charith Asalanka and opening batter Pathum Nissanka have tied knots on the same day (Monday). These players, who were busy in their respective weddings and engagements on Monday are likely set to return on Tuesday. The third and the final ODI against Afghanistan is scheduled to be played on Nov. 30.    It may be recalled here that five years ago Akila Dananjaya had tied the knot less than 24 hours before the game at his hometown in Moratuwa, which is about 150 kilometers from Kandy, to his childhood sweetheart Nethalie Tekshini. But instead of going on the honeymoon; he was back in the team hotel in Kandy that night ahead of the second ODI against India. South Africa’s medium pacer Andre Nel dismissed West Indies’ Brian Lara the day after his wedding.

faisal RAWALPINDI (November 28, 2022): New Zealand national England cricket team coach, Brendon Barrie McCullum, 41, determined to play aggressive and positive cricket in the Test matches against hosts Pakistan to win the series, as a three-match Test Tie would be kicked off from December 1, 2022 at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi. On Monday, while talking to sports journalists in a press conference at the Media Centre of Pindi Stadium McCullum added that Pakistan was a nice place for international cricket. “I found good security arrangements here so far. We are here for 24 hours and we will play positive cricket to win the series, “he maintained. Former wicket batter, played 101 Test, 260 One Day Internationals and 71 T 20s for New Zealand said, “It’s a nice omen that international cricket is back in Pakistan, as the people of Pakistan love the game of cricket. Also, Pakistan produced great cricketers in the world like Imran Khan and Waqar Younis. Cricket lover Pakistan nation was deprived of international cricket. I hope they will enjoy the game of cricket in future, “he said. While replying to a question regarding lanky pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, the English coach said that it might be a big loss for the hosts. “Shaheen is a very talented fast bowler and in the past he played a key role in Pakistan’s victories. Definitely, hosts will miss him in the series, “he said. To another question McCullum, 41, said that over 500 runs total was always good in Test matches. “Wicket is looking good and I am optimistic our batter will perform up to the mark in the first Test match, as our players are much confident after winning the T20 ICC Men’s World Cup 2022, as T20 is entirely different from Test cricket, “he concluded.  

Brett Harrop's absence makes his daughter sad in New Zealand BIPIN DANI Sri Lanka's Australia-born physio Brett Harrop is all set to leave his present job.  The 42-year-old former fast bowler, who played one First Class match for Victoria against India in 2003 became a physiotherapist after his playing days. He also had worked with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) in the development department. He joined the Sri Lankan team in January 2021 and his 2-year-contract with the SLC ending next month. During his tenure with the Sri Lankan team, he became very popular among players. It is learnt that Brett Harrop will be joining the New Zealand national squad, replacing Tommy Simsek from Dec. 1. Sunday's second ODI against Afghanistan was his last assignment before he leaves for New Zealand on Wednesday. Incidentally, Harrop's wife Gwen is also a renowned physiologist in New Zealand.  The reason for Harrop to return to New Zealand is understandable because the couple's two children (11-year-old son Luka and daughter Amelie, aged 9 years) miss their father a lot. Interestingly, last year during Covid pandemic, Amelie also wrote a letter to the Prime Minister Ms. Jacinda Ardern to get his dad home from Sri Lanka.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE (November 27, 2022): Mohammad Huraira’s fourth century of the season and Umar Amin’s unbeaten 79 put Northern in a position of strength on the second day of the first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final against Sindh at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday. Huraira and Umar’s unbroken 269-run partnership for the third wicket helped Northern post 296 for two in 63 overs at stumps. Northern are leading by 12 runs with eight first-innings wickets in hand. The right-handed batter Huraira, who entered into the final with 803 runs, is now topping the batting charts with 996 runs. The 20-year-old also topped last year’s first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy with 986 runs. In pursuit of Sindh’s first innings score of 284, Northern’s innings started poorly as Hasan Raza (14) and Abdul Faseeh (0) were dismissed by Muhammad Umar with 27 runs on the board in the ninth over. Opening batter Huraira was joined by captain Umar and both batters played shots at will, never allowing Sindh bowlers to settle down. Huraira brought up his fourth century of the tournament off 118 balls. His 150 runs came off 161 and returned unbeaten on 193 off 202 balls, smashing 29 fours and two sixes. Left-handed Umar’s 145-ball innings included 11 boundaries. Earlier, resuming at the overnight score of 230 for seven, Sindh could only add 54 more runs as they were bowled out for 284 in 92.5 overs. Asif Mehmood (78, 111b, 9x4, 2x6), Aaliyan Mehmood (4) and Shahnawaz Dahani (0) were the Sindh batters dismissed today. Fawad Alam returned undefeated on 61 off 148 balls, smashing eight fours. Aamir Jamal and Musa Khan bagged three wickets each, while Mubasir Khan finished with two for 59 runs in 26 overs. Scores in brief (end of day two): Sindh 284 all out, 92.5 overs (Asif Mehmood 78, Fawad Alam 61 not out, Omair Bin Yousuf 36, Saad Khan 35, Saim Ayub 29; Musa Khan 3-61, Aamir Jamal 3-76, Mubasir Khan 2-59) Northern 296-2, 63 overs (Mohammad Huraira 193 not out, Umar Amin 79 not out; Muhammad Umar 2-56).

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE: Asif Mehmood’s maiden first-class half-century and Fawad Alam’s unbeaten 38 staged a remarkable comeback for Sindh at the close of day one of the five-day Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2022-23 first-class final against Northern at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Sindh ended the day on 230 for seven in 81.1 overs with Asif and Fawad knitting an unbroken 79-run partnership for the eighth wicket. Test batter Fawad was joined by right-handed batter Asif with the Sindh scorecard reading 151 for the loss of seven wickets. The pair played throughout the evening session in which 77 runs were added by both batters in 24.1 overs. Asif, coming to bat at number eight, struck six fours and two sixes during his 89-ball 56 not out. Fawad on the other hand smashed five boundaries during his 115-ball innings. Earlier, Northern captain Umar Amin won the toss and decided to field first. Northern’s fast bowler Musa Khan made the first two breakthroughs dismissing Sindh’s captain Khurram Manzoor (16 off 30 balls) and Saim Ayub (29 off 67, four fours) with 62 runs on the board. After the departure of the opening pair, Saad Khan coming to bat at number three was joined by right-handed batter Omair Bin Yousuf and both took the attack to the Northern bowlers. The pair added 50 runs for the third wicket before Saad was dismissed caught behind off the bowling of Aamir Jamal for 35 after lunch. Left-handed Saad struck four fours and one six during his 63-ball stay at the crease. Omair was next to go getting lbw to off-spinner Mubasir Khan for a 75-ball 36, which included five boundaries. The afternoon session belonged to Northern bowlers as five Sindh wickets fell after the lunch interval and only 61 runs were added in 28 overs. For Northern, Mubasir and Test fast bowler Musa bagged two wickets apiece, while Kashif Ali and Aamir scooped a wicket each. Scores in brief: Sindh 230-7, 81.1 overs (Asif Mehmood 56 not out, Fawad Alam 38 not out, Omair Bin Yousuf 36, Saad Khan 35, Saim Ayub 29; Musa Khan 2-53, Mubasir Khan 2-59)

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE): The International Cricket Council (ICC) Board has reappointed Imran Khwaja as Deputy Chair for a two-year term. Khwaja currently holds an Associate Member Director position on the Board having been re-elected at the ICC Annual Conference in July 2022. Khwaja was first elected to the ICC Board in 2008 and has served as Deputy Chair since 2017.

BIPIN DANI Sri Lankan all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne, who has been handed a one-year suspended ban for his misbehaviour in Australia is still "eligible" to play for the country and the LPL (Lanka Premier League), if selected. This was confirmed by Samantha Dodanwela, the LPL tournament director. The 26-year-old Karunaratne was handed a suspended sentence after a disciplinary inquiry of the board found him guilty of breaching the player agreement during the T-20 World Cup. "Look, it is a “Suspended Sentence”, i.e. a judicial punishment which is not enforced unless a further crime is committed during a specified period of one year. And if selected, he can continue to play meanwhile", Samantha Dodanwela, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Colombo, said. Chamika is most likely to be in the Kandy team for the LPL. His behaviour will be closely watched by the SLC officials. Wanindu Hashranga will be leading the Kandy team and the national spin bowling coach Piyal Wijertunge will also be the Kandy coach. The exact nature of the violation during the Australia tour has not been made public by the SLC, however, according to the other sources, the player broke the curfew rules and also misbehaved with the restaurant / casino staff. "In the recent World Cup, the Sri Lankan team had curfew timings but still the player broke the timings. Ouer manager Mahinda Halangoda is a strict disciplinarian. But he cannot be a shadow of the players 24x7. Team's senior members had to intervene when Chamika misbehaved with the staff", the source, speaking on condition of anonymity added.       

BIPIN DANI Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has decided to officiate Manoj Abeywickrama as the Fielding Coach of the national team for the three One Day International (ODI) bilateral home series against Afghanistan, which begins in Kandy on Friday. He will be replacing Anton Roux, who was attached with the team during the T-20 World Cup in Australia.  Roux, who played first-class cricket for South Africa and went on to coach the Netherlands men's team, was previously employed as the assistant fielding coach of Nottinghamshire county has been given a break for this series. Apparently, there have been no other major changes in the support staff.  The hotel management on Wednesday surprised Ashen Bandara by arranging a birthday cake for him. The middle order batter turned 24 on November 23. Players' family members have not joined the team hotel, it is confirmed. TV commentators Five-member commentary team will relay the commentary. Afghanistan's Ahmad Farhad Fidei and Zimbabwe's Tino Mawoyo will be there with three other local and regular commentators-Roshan Abeysinghe, Russell Arnold and Fervez Mahroof.    

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD: Green Shirts have started net practice session today (Friday) here at Islamabad Club Cricket Oval ground. Also, Pakistan Cricket Board’s media department has issued the schedule of the training and media interactions of both team Pakistan and England for the first Test, which will be played at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi. November 25, 26 and 27. 2022: Pakistan will practice from 0930 until 1530 at the Islamabad Club Ground. At the conclusion of the sessions, squad members will be available to speak to the media. November 28, 2022: Pakistan and England will practice from 1000 until 1300 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (RCS). Afterwards, England will hold an arrival media conference. November 29, 2022: Pakistan and England will practice from 1000 until 1300 at the RCS. Afterwards, squad members from Pakistan and England will be available to speak to the media. November 30, 2022: Pakistan captain Babar Azam and England captain Ben Stokes will hold pre-series media conferences between 1300-1330 and will unveil the series trophy. The two sides will practice from 1000 until 1300 at the RCS December 1-5, 2022: Pakistan and England will go head to head in the first of the three Tests at the RCS. The toss will take place at 0930 and the first ball is scheduled to be bowled at 1000 each day. After every day’s play, a squad member from each side will hold a post-day media conference. 

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will take on arch rival India on December 7, 2022 in the 3rd T20 World Blinds Cricket Cup at Delhi, as the 7-nation international showpiece will kick off from December 6 at Faridabad and hosts India will meet Nepal in the opening fixture. Besides hosts India, Pakistan, Australia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and South Africa will be contesting for the title, as the final will be played December 17 in Bangalore. In the second edition, India had defeated Pakistan in the final. Schedule (T20 Blind World Cup): 06/12/2022: India vs Nepal 10.00 AM at Faridabad 06/12/2022: Australia vs Sri Lanka 09.30 AM at Delhi Ground A 06/12/2022: Pakistan vs South Africa 09.30 AM at Delhi Ground B 07/12/2022: India vs Pakistan 09.30 AM at Delhi Ground A 07/12/2022: Nepal vs Bangladesh 09.30 AM at Faridabad 07/12/2022: South Africa vs Australia 09.30 AM at Delhi Ground B 09/12/2022: South Africa vs Sri Lanka 09.30 AMat Delhi Ground A 09/12/2022: Nepal vs Australia 09.30 AM at Delhi Ground B 09/12/2022: Pakistan vs Bangladesh 09.30 AM at Delhi Ground C 10/12/2022: India vs Australia 10.00 AM at Indore 10/12/2022: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 09.30 AM at Mumbai 10/12/2022: South Africa vs Nepal 09.30 AM at Delhi Ground A 11/12/2022: India vs South Africa 10.00 AM at Kochi 11/12/2022: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 09.30 AM at Bangalore 11/12/2022: Bangladesh vs Australia 09.30 AM at Mumbai 13/12/2022: India vs Bangladesh 10.00 AM at Cuttack 13/12/2022: Sri Lanka vs Nepal  09.00 AM at Bangalore Ground A 13/12/2022: Australia vs Pakistan 01.00 PM at Bangalore Ground A 14/12/2022: India vs Sri Lanka 10.00 AM at Goa 14/12/2022: Nepal vs Pakistan 09.00 AM at Bangalore Ground A 14/12/2022: South Africa vs Bangladesh 01.00 PM at Bangalore Ground A 15/12/2022: 1st Semifinal (1 vs 4) 09.00 AM at Bangalore Ground A 15/12/2022: 2nd Semifinal (2 vs 3) 01.00 PM at Bangalore Ground A 17/12/2022: Final Winners of 1st and 2nd Semifinal 11.00 AM at Bangalore