Latest News
Pakistan U19 to take on India U19 in decisive Super Six fixture on Sunday
Bulawayo (Sports News): Pakistan U19 will be aiming to repeat their ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup heroics when they take on India U19 in the Super Six fixture of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Sunday. The match is scheduled to begin at 9.30am local time, with the toss taking place at 9am.Ahead of Sunday’s encounter, Pakistan trained at the Queens Sports Club on Saturday where the players, besides taking part in fielding drills, also had net sessions under the supervision of the coaching staff led by head coach Shahid Anwar.Pakistan, who currently have four points and are placed third in Group 2 of the Super Six stage, need to defeat India by a healthy margin to secure a place in the semi-finals. England sit at the top of the table with eight points and have already secured a semi-final berth in the ongoing mega event. From Group 1 of the Super Six stage, Afghanistan and Australia have already qualified for the semi-finals.In head-to-head encounters at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, both sides have faced each other 10 times, with Pakistan and India winning five matches apiece. Outside the ICC event, in the last five meetings between the two teams, Pakistan U19 have emerged victorious on four occasions, while India U19 have managed to win once.At the conclusion of today’s training session, Pakistan U19 captain Farhan Yousaf and batter Sameer Minhas in a conversation hosted by Daniyal Ali Khan shared their thoughts on the upcoming contest.Farhan Yousaf said:“Our preparations have been very good. I had an enjoyable and productive net session today. Over the last few games, I have tried to play positive cricket, learn from my mistakes and carry forward the good things into the next match.“The morale of the squad is very high. Not only for this match, but over the last few games as well, the players have shown great intensity and we are confident of putting in a strong performance.”Sameer Minhas said:“We played a scenario-based match yesterday on a challenging surface, which helped us understand how to survive, score runs and bowl in difficult situations.“Today we trained at the Queens Sports Club, where the match will be played. Along with focused net sessions, we also had fielding drills and games, which helped with team bonding. The environment in the squad is very positive.“The team has been performing well in recent matches and we are looking to carry the momentum forward and take confidence into the next game.”Updated squad:Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hasan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas and Umar Zaib.
Rashid D. Habib Golf Tournament: Baig earns lead on third day
Karachi (PR): The third round of Bank AL Habib’s 15th Rashid D. Habib Memorial National Professional Golf Tournament saw defending champion Ahmad Baig (RPG) surge to the top of the leaderboard with a superb 67 (-5), bringing his three-day total to 208 (-8). Baig’s round was highlighted by eagles on holes 3 and 17, alongside a bogey-free back nine, reaffirming his reputation as one of Pakistan’s most consistent performers.Close behind, Waheed Baloch (KGC) delivered a brilliant 67 (-5), climbing into second place at 210 (-6). His round featured birdies on 2, 5, 11, and 18, showcasing his mastery of the Karachi Golf Club layout and keeping him firmly in contention heading into the final day.Hamza Taimur Amin (RGCC) posted a steady 72 (E) to sit third at 212 (-4). Despite birdies on the front nine, a costly double bogey on hole 10 stalled his momentum, but Amin remains within striking distance.Momentum shifted against Mohammad Minhaj Maqsood Waraich (RGC), who had led after Round Two. An 80 (+8) dropped him to 218 (+2), underlining the demanding nature of Karachi Golf Club’s layout.The chasing pack includes seasoned campaigners Muhammad Ashfaq (Airmen) and Mohammad Shabbir (MGGC), both tied at 213 (-3), while Zubair, Alam, and Matloob Ahmed are clustered at 214 (-2), ensuring a tightly packed leaderboard as the tournament heads into its final round.Among Senior Professionals, Mohammad Tariq (ICGC), Muhammad Nazir (RGC), and Talib Hussain (ICGC) are tied at the top with identical scores of 67 (-5), each completing 18 holes.In the Junior Professionals division, Mohammad Kashif (DHA) leads with 72 (-1), while Karan Masih (RGC), Rehan Baber (LGG), and Zain Ullah (OGC) are tied at 76 (+4), keeping the contest competitive.Humna Amjad (RGCC) tops the Ladies Professional leaderboard with a 78 (+6), ahead of Ana James Gill (RGCC) at 87 (+15).With 106 professionals starting on Day One and 52 making the cut, the third round has set up a thrilling finale. Tomorrow, Sunday 1st February, the final round will decide the champion.
TENPIN BOWLING - National 31 Jan, 2026
ISLAMABAD (Sports News):Moiz Arsalan has won the men single titles of the National Tenpin Bowling Championship 2026 while Eyaan Bhatti and Ali Noman got 2nd and 3rd position respectively at Leisure City Bowling Club, Safa Gold, F-7 Markaz, Islamabad. President, Pakistan Tenpin Bowling Federation, Ijaz-ur-Rehman,Patron-in-Chief, Mohammad Amjid Hassan Quershi and President, Khyber Pakhtunkha Tenpin Bowling Association,Asif Aurkazai and a large number of peoples were also present on the occasion.Results of Men single event;Moiz Arsalan won men's title with 430 points while Eyaan Bhatti secured 2nd position with 407 points and Ali Noman got 3rd position with 371 points. Ahmer Saldera obtained 4th position with 356 points.
Rashid D. Habib Tournament: Minhaj maintains Lead on second day: Baig and Amin reach close
Karachi (PR): The second round of Bank AL Habib’s 15th Rashid D. Habib Memorial National Professional Golf Tournament saw Mohammad Minhaj Maqsood Waraich (RGC) consolidate his lead with a composed 70 (-2), bringing his two-day total to 138 (-6). His round featured steady play across both nines, with birdies on holes 12, 17, and 18, and no major errors—an indicator of his growing maturity on the national circuit.Hot on his heels, Hamza Taimur Amin (RGCC) matched his opening round with another 70 (-2), showcasing resilience and flair. His second round included a spectacular eagle on hole 10 and birdies on 5, 9, 15, and 18, offsetting a double bogey on 11. Amin’s total of 140 (-4) keeps him firmly in contention.Defending champion Ahmad Baig (RPG) bounced back from a modest first round with a brilliant 68 (-4), climbing to joint third at 141 (-3). His round was marked by aggressive shot-making, with birdies on holes 1, 2, 13, and 18, and a clean finish on the back nine.With 106 professionals starting on Day One, the cut after two rounds has narrowed the field to 52 players who will now contest Round Three of the prestigious Rashid D. Habib Memorial National Professional Golf Tournament at Karachi Golf Club. The demanding course layout and shifting wind conditions have tested both strategy and stamina, rewarding those who adapt swiftly to the challenges.The Senior Professionals, Junior Professionals, and Lady Professionals will begin their first rounds tomorrow, adding further excitement and diversity to the championship. As the decisive stages approach, all eyes remain fixed on the leaderboard, where seasoned champions and emerging stars are poised for a thrilling finish in one of Pakistan’s most celebrated golfing events.
T20 World Cup: ICC appoints Match Official for group stage
Islamabad (Sports News):Kumar Dharmasena and Wayne Knights will be the on-field umpires for the opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 between Pakistan and the Netherlands to be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground on 7 February.Dharmasena, an off-spinner who was a member of the Sri Lankan team that won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 1996, has overseen 37 matches at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup including the finals of 2016 and 2022, putting him fourth on the all-time list.New Zealander Knights, in contrast, is at his first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and will reach the landmark of 50 T20Is as on-field umpire in the Group A match in Colombo.The complete match-day appointments for the group stage of the 20-team tournament were announced today while the appointments for the Super Eight and knockout stages will be confirmed in due course.Elsewhere on the opening day, Nitin Menon and Sam Nogajski will be in the middle for the Group C clash between Scotland and the West Indies. Menon was part of the on-field team for the first semi-final at the 2024 World Cup, between Afghanistan and South Africa, while Nogajski’s four group matches last time out included India’s clash with the United States of America.Those two teams meet again this year, rounding off a triple-header on 7 February, and this time Paul Reiffel and Rod Tucker will be the on-field duo.Tucker leads the way for matches officiated in this competition, on 46, and will bring up his half-century during the tournament. The Australian will also be in charge of the England versus Nepal, India against Namibia and the South Africa against the United Arab Emirates fixtures.Chris Gaffaney and Richard Illingworth stood alongside for the 2024 final and reunite for the Group B clash between Australia and Ireland on 11 February.Illingworth will also be in the middle, alongside Dharmasena, for the crunch clash between rivals India and Pakistan in Colombo on 15 February.In all, 24 officials will be on-field umpires during the group stage, with Richard Kettleborough, Ahsan Raza, Langton Rusere and Adrian Holdstock among the other returnees.Match Referees: Dean Cosker, David Gilbert, Ranjan Madugalle, Andrew Pycroft, Richie Richardson and Javagal Srinath.Umpires: Roland Black, Chris Brown, Kumar Dharmasena, Chris Gaffaney, Adrian Holdstock, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Wayne Knights, Donovan Koch, Jayaraman Madanagopal, Nitin Menon, Sam Nogajski, KNA Padmanabhan, Allahuddien Paleker, Ahsan Raza, Leslie Reifer, Paul Reiffel, Langton Rusere, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, Gazi Sohel, Rodney Tucker, Alex Wharf, Raveendra Wimalasiri and Asif Yaqoob.
Rashid D. Habib Golf Tournament: Mohammad Minhaj Maqsood Shines
Karachi (PR): The opening round of Bank AL Habib’s 15th Rashid D. Habib Memorial National Professional Golf Tournament teed off today at the Karachi Golf Club, setting the stage for an intense battle among the country’s finest golfers.Out of 120 professionals who took to the greens, Mohammad Minhaj Maqsood Waraich (RGC) surged ahead with a brilliant round of 68 (-4), claiming the top spot on the leaderboard. Close behind, Mohammad Shabbir (MGGC) and Hamza Taimur Amin (RGCC) finished tied for second at 70 (-2), keeping the competition tight.A cluster of contenders including Matloob Ahmad (LGG), Waheed Baloch (KGC), and Ansar Mehmood (MGGC) followed at 71 (-1), while defending champion Ahmed Baig (RPG) carded 73 (+1), leaving him with ground to cover in the coming rounds.With pleasant weather and strong attendance, the first day showcased both seasoned champions and promising new talent. This year’s edition has already drawn praise for the inclusion of educated golfers in the professional cadre, reflecting the evolving face of golf in Pakistan.
Mohammad Waseem to lead UAE in two-match T20I series against Ireland
Dubai (Sports News): Prolific opener Mohammad Waseem will lead the UAE side in the two-match T20I series against Ireland which will be played at the Dubai International Stadium. The first match of the series will begin at 6:30pm local time tomorrow (Thursday). The first ball in the second match will be bowled at 10:00am local time on Saturday, 31 January. UAE squad: Mohammad Waseem (captain), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Basil Hameed, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Mohammad Arfan, Mohammad Farooq, Mohammad Jawadullah, Mohammad Zohaib, Rahul Chopra (wicketkeeper), Rohid Khan, Sohaib Khan and Simranjeet Singh.
Pakistan vs Australia: T20 Series to start on Thursday at Lahore
Lahore (Salman Khan):Pakistan will lock horns with Australia in the three match T20I series at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore as the visitors return to the country after last year’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The three T20Is will take place on 29, 31 January and 1 February.The first ball will be bowled at 4pm PKT in all games with the coin toss set to take place at 3.30pm. Australia’s 17-member squad arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday led by Mitchell Marsh.Among the players Jack Edwards, Josh Philippe, Mahli Beardman, Matthew Kuhnemann and Xavier Bartlett are visiting Pakistan for the first time. Beardman and Edwards are uncapped at the international level.Pakistan’s 16-member squad convened in Lahore on 25 January and have prepared for the T20I series with training sessions and a solitary scenario-based T20 match on Monday.Babar Azam – the leading run-scorer in T20I history – and Shaheen Shah Afridi – the second-leading wicket-taker in T20Is for Pakistan – return to Pakistan squad after missing the Sri Lanka series earlier in January.On the bilateral front, the two teams have faced each other 28 times in T20Is since their first contest at Johannesburg on 18 September, 2007. Pakistan have won 12, while Australia hold the edge with 14 wins including one at the Gaddafi Stadium in April 2022.The two teams have faced off in nine bilateral series, four of which comprised of one off T20I. Pakistan have won in 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2018. Australia have secured series wins on five occasions against Pakistan. Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan captain:“We have prepared really well for this series in the previous 10 days. There are no weak opponents in T20 cricket and our focus is on executing our plans and playing smart, quality cricket.“Having the experienced and senior players in the group is vital, it makes a big difference when you are trying to win a series.”Mitchell Marsh, Australia captain:“I’m really excited to be here as this series is ideal preparation of the World Cup. Pakistan have a great tradition of fast bowling and I’m looking forward to facing Shaheen Shah Afridi.“Winning away from home is always tough, especially in these conditions, but that’s exactly what makes it a great challenge for us.”Pakistan 16-member squad:Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman TariqAustralia squad:Mitchell Marsh (c), Adam Zampa, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Cooper Connolly, Jack Edwards, Josh Inglis, Josh Philippe, Mahli Beardman, Marcus Stoinis, Matt Short, Matthew Kuhnemann, Matthew Renshaw, Mitch Owen, Sean Abbott, Travis Head and Xavier Bartlett.
Pakistan U19 beat New Zealand U19 by eight wickets
Harare (Sports News):A four-wicket haul by Abdul Subhan, followed by a fluent unbeaten 76 from Sameer Minhas guided Pakistan U19 to a comprehensive eight-wicket win over New Zealand U19 in their Super Six Group 2 fixture of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup at the Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe on Tuesday.After winning the toss and opting to field, Pakistan bowled New Zealand out for 110 in 28.3 overs, an effort that included five maiden overs – three by Subhan and two by Ali Raza. Right-arm fast bowler Subhan returned impressive figures of four for 11 to earn the player of the match award, while Ali Raza (3-36) provided solid support as Pakistan’s bowlers applied sustained pressure throughout the innings.New Zealand’s resistance came mainly through Hugo Bogue, who scored 39 off 27 balls. However, regular wickets meant New Zealand side never gained momentum, slipping from 59 for one to 67 for seven as Pakistan tightened the screws in the middle overs.In turn, Pakistan achieved the modest target in just 17.1 overs, losing only two wickets and with 197 balls to spare. Opening batter Sameer anchored the innings with yet another half-century. His unbeaten 76 came off 59 balls which included 10 fours and two sixes. He shared key partnerships, first steadying the innings after the early loss of wicketkeeper-batter Hamza Zahoor (8, 11b, two fours) and then adding 67 runs with Usman Khan (15, 24b, one four) for the second wicket.Following today’s win, Pakistan U19 will travel to Bulawayo on Wednesday to take on India in their second Super Six fixture at the Queens Sports Club on Sunday, 1 February. The first ball of the match will be bowled at 9.30am local time.Scores in brief:New Zealand U19 110 all out, 28.3 overs (Hugo Bogue 39; Abdul Subhan 4-11, Ali Raza 3-36)Pakistan 112-2, 17.1 overs (Sameer Minhas 76 not out)Player of the match – Abdul Subhan (Pakistan U19).
Rashid D. Habib Golf Tournament to start on January 29 in Karachi
Islamabad (Abdul Jabbar Faisal): The country’s golfing spotlight will turn to the Karachi Golf Club (KGC) this week as Bank AL Habib’s 15th Rashid D. Habib Memorial National Professional Golf Tournament will tee off on Thursday, 29th January 2026. With more than a hundred top professionals vying for glory, defending champion Ahmed Baig (PAF) will be back on the greens to protect his crown in what promises to be one of the most competitive events of the season. The final round is scheduled for Sunday, 1st February 2026.Last year, Baig displayed remarkable consistency to clinch the Professional Champion Title, carding a score of 273 (-15). Close on his heels was Mohammad Zubair (KGC), who finished runner-up with 275 (-13).The excitement begins earlier with the 25th Rashid D. Habib Memorial Golf Tournament for local KGC Professionals, Senior Professionals, and Caddies, scheduled for 26th and 27th January. Adding further flair, the Bank AL Habib PRO-AM Golf Tournament returns for its second edition, fostering collaboration between seasoned professionals and emerging amateurs, and strengthening the future of golf in Pakistan.In a thrilling twist, players who achieve the coveted hole-in-one will drive away with spectacular prizes: a Toyota Altis in the National category and a Suzuki Alto in the Local KGC category. The grand prize distribution ceremony will be held on 1st February 2026, marking the close of this landmark sporting event.
Most Popular
