Cricket
U19 Asia Cup: Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 9 wickets, Rizwanullah hauls 5 wickets
Oman (Sports Report): Rizwanullah’s five-wicket haul helped Pakistan beat Bangladesh by nine wickets in the first semi-final to qualify for the final of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup in Oman. Defending champions Pakistan will face either India or Afghanistan in the final scheduled on Saturday, with the two sides currently playing the second semi-final.Batting first at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Muscat, Bangladesh were bowled out for 138 in 31.4 overs, courtesy of right-arm pacer Rizwanullah’s figures of five for 30 in eight overs. Left-arm pacer Mohammad Sayyam took two wickets for 29 runs for Pakistan.For Bangladesh, opening batter Abdullah Al Muhi scored a 45-ball 50, which included four fours and two sixes.In turn, Pakistan achieved the target in 21.5 overs, losing just one wicket. Hayam Khan top-scored with 69 off 72 balls, including eight fours and a six. He knitted a 123-run opening partnership with Usman Khan, who remained unbeaten on 64 off 54 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes.Pakistan remain unbeaten in the tournament, having beaten UAE, India and Nepal in the group stage.Scores in briefBangladesh 138 all out, 31.4 overs (Abdullah Al Muhi 50; Rizwanullah 5-30, Mohammad Sayyam 2-29)Pakistan 141-1, 21.5 overs (Hayam Khan 69, Usman Khan 64)Player of the match – Rizwanullah (Pakistan U19)
Pakistan Reach 57/1 on Day Four as Rain and Bad Light Force Early call off
Sports Bulletin Report RAWALPINDI: Pakistan reached 57 for the loss of one wicket in their second innings on the fourth day of the first Test against Sri Lanka, securing a lead of 45 runs with nine wickets remaining.Play was called off at 3:00 pm due to bad light and rain. After the lunch break, the match had already been interrupted because of poor light. Pakistan managed to face 21.2 overs in their second innings, while a total of 40.4 overs were bowled during the day.At stumps, openers Azan Awais was unbeaten on 22 and Muhammad Taha was batting on 24. Muhammad Tayyab Arif was the only wicket to fall, scoring 11 runs. Asitha Fernando claimed the wicket for Sri Lanka.Earlier, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 446 in their first innings, adding just 42 runs while losing their remaining six wickets on the fourth day.Dhananjaya de Silva top-scored with an outstanding 167 runs, while captain Kusal Mendis contributed 119. Kamindu Mendis scored 58 and Lahiru Udara made 42. Sonal Dinusha scored 20, Milan Rathnayake 12, Asitha Fernando 4 and Dinesh Chandimal 1. Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Lahiru Kumara were dismissed without scoring, while Dilshan Madushanka remained unbeaten on zero.For Pakistan, Saqib Khan delivered an impressive performance, taking seven wickets for 130 runs. Mohammad Abbas claimed two wickets, while Razaullah took one.Earlier, Pakistan had declared their first innings at 434 for nine, conceding a 12-run lead to Sri Lanka.The fifth and final day of the Test is set to take place on Friday with Pakistan holding a 45-run lead and nine wickets in hand.
Rawalpindi Test: Sri Lanka 446 all out, Pakistan trail by 12 Runs
Debutant Saqib Khan destroys Sri Lankan batting line, pacer claim 7 wicketsAbdul Jabbar FaisalRAWALPND: Pacer Saqib Khan quashed the batting line visiting Sri Lankan team by claiming 7 wickets in the first session of penultimate day of the Rawalpindi Test match, as Sri Lanka were 404 for 4 at the end of day 3 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.Sri Lanka's first innings came to an end at 446 runs on the fourth day of the ongoing first Test against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The visitors secured a 12-run lead over Pakistan's first-innings total of 434 runs.Sri Lanka had finished the third day at 404 for four, but Pakistani bowlers staged an impressive comeback on the fourth day, taking the remaining six wickets for just 44 runs. The visitors were bowled out for 446 in 117.2 overs. Fast bowler Saqib Khan delivered an outstanding performance for Pakistan, claiming seven wickets in Sri Lanka's first innings and putting the visitors' batting line-up under pressure.For Sri Lanka, Dhananjaya de Silva was the top scorer with 167 runs, while Kusal Mendis contributed 117 and Kamindu Mendis added 58 runs. Following the conclusion of Sri Lanka's innings, Pakistan began their second innings. The national team will now look to overcome the 12-run deficit and build a lead through responsible batting. It is worth mentioning that the match is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2026–27
Rawalpindi Test: Sri Lanka occupy driving seat, Dhananjaya and Kusal Hit Centuries
Sports Bulletin Report RAWALPINDI: Sri Lanka strengthened their position in the Rawalpindi Test on the third day, reaching 404 for 4 at stumps in their first innings, just 30 runs behind Pakistan's total of 434. The visitors have six wickets remaining and are in a commanding position heading into the fourth day.Bad light once again disrupted play, forcing an early close with 23 overs remaining. A total of 70 overs have now been lost due to poor light over the first three days of the Test. Pakistan's bowlers managed to claim just one wicket on the third day.Dhananjaya de Silva remained unbeaten on 167, while captain Kusal Mendis was not out on 117. The pair built an outstanding unbroken fifth-wicket partnership of 249 runs, putting Sri Lanka in a strong position.Earlier, Kamindu Mendis scored 58, Lahiru Udara contributed 42, Dinesh Chandimal managed just one run, while Pasindu Sooriyabandara was dismissed for a duck. For Pakistan, Mohammad Abbas and Shakib Khan picked up two wickets each.Pakistan had declared their first innings at 434 for 9, leaving Sri Lanka just 30 runs short of taking the lead as the match heads into the fourth day.
ICC congratulates umpire Paul Reiffel for officiating in 100 ODIs
Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has congratulated Paul Reiffel of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires for completing a century of One Day Internationals as an on-field umpire at the third ODI between New Zealand and India in Hamilton on Tuesday. Reiffel has become the 23rd umpire to stand in at least 100 ODIs and the sixth Australian to do so after Daryl Harper, Simon Taufel, Darrell Hair, Steve Davis and Rod Tucker.ICC General Manager – Events and Cricket Operations, Gaurav Saxena said: “The ICC is fortunate to have an esteemed panel of umpires who bring a wealth of experience and understanding of the game, both as former players and officials. Paul is a great example of that journey.“Having played at the highest level of international cricket, he has successfully transitioned into umpiring and established himself as one of the most respected officials in the game. His 13 years on the Elite Panel speak volumes about his consistency, professionalism and the high standards he has maintained.“On behalf of the ICC, I congratulate Paul on reaching the significant milestone of 100 ODIs as an umpire and wish him continued success in the years ahead.”Paul Reiffel said: “I am grateful to the ICC and Cricket Australia for their support over the years, and to my colleagues on the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires and Referees for the great camaraderie and advice along the way.“I would also like to thank my family and friends for always being there for me and for their constant support and encouragement. It has been a wonderful journey to be involved in the game at the highest level, first as a cricketer and then as an umpire, and I feel fortunate to have had these opportunities.“I look forward to being part of many more matches and making many more memories in the years ahead.”Reifel was named in Australia’s national umpire panel in 2005, six years after his final international appearance and in 2008 became the first former Australian Test cricketer to be appointed to the ICC International Panel of Umpires. He was promoted to the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires in June 2013.Reiffel’s first ODI as an umpire was between Australia and New Zealand in Melbourne in February 2009 and he has stood at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups in 2015, 2019 and 2023. He has also officiated in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy in the 2017 and 2025 editions. Reiffel and Kumar Dharmasena of Sri Lanka are the only two men to have both played in and umpired in 90 ODIs.
Tickets for second Test to go on sale from Thursday
Rawalpindi (Sports Reporter): Tickets for the second Test of the two-match series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will go on sale on Thursday, 12 November from 3pm onwards. The second Test, which was rescheduled from Lahore to Rawalpindi will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 17 to 21 November.Tickets will be available at designated TCS Express Centres (infographic attached).Pakistan and Sri Lanka are currently playing the first Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Both Tests are part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27.To facilitate cricket fans, tickets for all five days of the second Test will be available for PKR 200 in all enclosures, including the VIP enclosure.Tickets for the PCB Gallery, located in the main building, will be available for PKR 800 (per person/ per day) for all five days of the Test match.Fans can also purchase seats in the Platinum Box for PKR 8,000 (per person/ per day) on all five days of the second Test.
ACC U19 Asia Cup: Pakistan beat Nepal by 101 runs to reach semifinals
Oman (Sports Report): Defending champions Pakistan U19 continued their unbeaten run in the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026, registering a comprehensive 101-run win over Nepal U19 at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman on Tuesday.With three wins from as many matches, Pakistan finished at the top of Group ‘A’ and secured their place in the semi-finals, where they will face Bangladesh U19 in the first semi-final on Thursday, 12 November. After being put into bat, Pakistan posted a competitive 275 for seven in their allotted 50 overs, courtesy of impressive half-centuries from Ahmed Hussain and captain Farhan Yousaf.Left-handed batter Ahmed top-scored with a quick-fire 89 off 73 balls, striking seven fours and two sixes, while Farhan contributed a valuable 74 off 95 balls, including six fours and three sixes. The pair rescued Pakistan from 64 for three, adding 135 runs for the fourth wicket to lay the foundation for a challenging total. Hasnain Abbas Dar provided late impetus with a brisk 25 off 23 balls. For Nepal, Bipin Sharma took three wickets for 58 runs.In turn, Nepal were dismissed for 174 in 43.4 overs. Ahmed completed an all-round performance, returning impressive figures of four for 35 in 10 overs. Mohammad Huzaifa and Mohammad Sayyam took two wickets apiece. For Nepal, Rohit Chand top-scored with 37.Scores in brief:Pakistan U19 275-7, 50 overs (Ahmed Hussain 89, Farhan Yousaf 74; Bipin Sharma 3-58)Nepal U19 174 all out, 43.4 overs (Rohit Chand 37, Niraj Kumar Yadav 29; Ahmed Hussain 4-35, Mohammad Sayyam 2-27)Player of the match – Ahmed Hussain (Pakistan U19).
Sri Lanka Reach 114/3 After Pakistan Declare First Innings at 434/9 on Day Two
Islamabad (Sports News): Sri Lanka reached 114 for three at stumps on the second day of the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi after play was called off 25.5 overs early due to bad light.Sri Lanka still trail Pakistan by 320 runs, with seven wickets remaining in their first innings.Earlier, Pakistan declared their first innings at 434 for nine, with Saud Shakeel narrowly missing out on a century after scoring an impressive 93 runs. Mohammad Tayyab Arif contributed 57, Arafat Minhas 52, Mohammad Taha 51 and Babar Azam 50. Ghazi Ghori scored 48, while Azan Awais made 30, Salman Ali Agha 16 and Razaullah 10. Saqib Khan remained unbeaten without scoring.For Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka claimed three wickets each, while Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara and Sonal Dinusha picked up one wicket apiece.In reply, Sri Lanka got off to a shaky start as Pakistan's bowlers made early inroads. Opener Pasindu Sooriyabandara was dismissed for a duck at a total of seven, caught behind by wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori off Mohammad Abbas.Sri Lanka suffered their second setback at 12 when Dinesh Chandimal departed for just one run, caught by Salman Ali Agha at slip off Saqib Khan.The visitors lost their third wicket at 65 as Lahiru Udara was caught behind by Ghazi Ghori off Saqib Khan after scoring 42.At stumps, Kamindu Mendis was unbeaten on 40, while Dhananjaya de Silva was batting on 22.Saqib Khan took two wickets, while Mohammad Abbas claimed one for Pakistan as the hosts remained in a strong position at the end of the second day's play.
Qalandars appoints Aminul Islam as Advisor to the franchise’s High-Performance Centres.
Lahore (Sports Reporter): Lahore Qalandars have appointed former Bangladesh captain Aminul Islam as Advisor to the franchise’s High-Performance Centres.In his advisory role, Islam will provide input on the development of the Qalandars’ High-Performance Centres, with an emphasis on player development, coaching practices and opportunities for young cricketers to progress in the game.Through this appointment, Lahore Qalandars aim to draw on Islam’s experience of working across in its outreach to Bangladesh landscape in growth of cricket and support their ongoing efforts in player development.Islam brings experience in both international cricket and cricket development. He served as Cricket Development Manager, Asia, at the International Cricket Council (ICC) from 2015 to 2025 and as Cricket Development Officer at the Asian Cricket Council. He also served as President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board. During his playing career, he represented Bangladesh from 1988 to 2002 and captained the national team at the 1999 Cricket World Cup.
Rawalpindi Test, Pakistan make 281 runs in 67.2 overs against Sri Lanka
Tayyab Arif, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Taha, and Babar Azam hit half-centuriesAbdul Jabbar FaisalRAWALPINDI: Four half centuries, Tayyab Arif (57), Saud Shakeel (57 not out), Mohammad Taha (51), and Babar Azam (50), were vital small innings for the hosts batters to put 281 runs on board in 67.2 overs against Sri Lanka on the opening day of the first Test match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday, as the bad light forced officials to halt the game before completing the 90 overs of day. Pakistani unbeaten batters, Saud Shakeel and Ghazi Ghori, will resume their first inning on Tuesday.Four lucky guys, Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Taha, Arafat Minhas, and Saqib Khan, were honoured with green caps before starting the game at Pindi stadium. After Sri Lanka opted to field first, right-handed opening batter Tayyab provided Pakistan with an aggressive start, smashing 57 off just 51 balls, including nine fours and a six. He added 86 runs for the opening wicket with Azan Awais, who contributed 30 off 50 balls.Tayyab brought up his maiden Test half-century off just 46 balls before falling to Asitha Fernando. Left-handed Mohammad Taha displayed composure and determination in his debut innings, scoring 51 off 105 balls, including six boundaries. He brought up his maiden half-century off 101 balls.Captain Babar Azam also registered a half-century, striking seven fours in his 50 off 58 balls, before being dismissed by Dilshan Madushanka. Saud Shakeel continued Pakistan’s progress with an unbeaten 57 off 112 balls, featuring seven fours. He shared a valuable partnership with Taha to strengthen the hosts’ position. For Sri Lanka, Fernando took two wickets.Scores in brief:Day 1 of 5Pakistan 281-5, 67.2 overs (Tayyab Arif 57, Saud Shakeel 57 not out, Mohammad Taha 51, Babar Azam 50; Asitha Fernando 2-64)
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