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Pakistan crush Australia by 9 wickets to square ODI Series 1-1
Haris Rauf (5 for 29), Saim Ayub (84 runs) guide Green Shirts to historical victory against AustraliaSports Bulletin ReportAdelaide (Australia): Haris Rauf’s second five wicket-haul and half-centuries by Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique led Pakistan to a nine-wicket win over Australia in the second ODI at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide. The win also leveled the three-match ODI series 1-1, with the series decider to be played at the Perth Stadium in Perth on 10 November.Chasing 164 to win, Pakistan opening pair of Abdullah and Saim got off to a flying start as they knitted a 137-run partnership for the first wicket. Saim, playing his second ODI, scored his maiden half-century, scoring a 71-ball 82, which included five fours and six sixes. The departure of Saim in the 21st over brought Babar Azam to the crease and the pair of Abdullah and Babar added an unbroken 32 runs for the second wicket take Pakistan over the line. Abdullah’s undefeated innings of 64 off 69 balls, included four fours and three sixes and it was his fifth half-century in this formatEarlier, after being put into bat, the visiting fast bowlers never allowed the hosts to score freely as the wickets continued to fall. Right-arm pacer Haris, playing his 39th ODI, was the most successful bowler, bagging five wickets for 29 runs in eight overs. His fellow fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, who took two wickets in the first ODI, grabbed three wickets for 26 in eight overs. Captain Mohammad Rizwan grabbed six catches behind the stumps, missing out on a record seven catches.For Australia, former captain Steven Smith, coming to bat at number three scored 35 off 48 balls, which included five fours and a six.Scores in brief:Pakistan beat Australia by nine wicketsAustralia 163 all out, 35 overs (Steven Smith 35; Haris Rauf 5-29, Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-26)Pakistan 169-1, 26.3 overs (Saim Ayub 82, Abdullah Shafique 64 not out)Player of the match – Haris Rauf
England names Women cricket squads for South Africa Trip
Sports Bulletin ReportLondon (UK): England Women have named their squads for the forthcoming tour to South Africa. Heather Knight’s side will contest three IT20s, three ODIs and a four-day Test match against the Proteas.All-rounder Paige Scholfield made her senior international debut in the September bilateral series in Ireland and she is included in the T20 squad. Fast bowler Lauren Filer is named in all three squads.Freya Kemp is selected in a Test squad for the first time while batter Maia Bouchier could also earn her maiden Test cap. The four-day Test match in Bloemfontein will be the first time South Africa has hosted a women’s Test match since 2002.All selected players, minus those currently competing in the Women’s Big Bash League, have been training at Loughborough in the build-up to the series before the IT20 group fly to South Africa on 16 November. Meanwhile, those in the ODI and Test squads arrive in South Africa on 27 November.All-rounder Danielle Gibson misses out on the squad following an operation on her left knee meniscus injury sustained during the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup match against West Indies.England Women IT20 squad: Heather Knight (captain), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Paige Scholfield, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-HodgeEngland Women ODI squad: Heather Knight (captain), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-HodgeEngland Women Test match squad: Heather Knight (captain), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-HodgeIT20 series:Sunday, 24 November: South Africa vs England – Buffalo Park Cricket Stadium, East LondonWednesday, 27 November: South Africa vs England – Willowmoore Park, BenoniSaturday, 30 November: South Africa vs England – SuperSport Park, CenturionODI series:Wednesday, 4 December: South Africa vs England – Kimberley Oval, KimberleySunday, 8 December: South Africa vs England – Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, DurbanWednesday, 11 December: South Africa vs England – JB Marks Oval, PotchefstroomTest match: 15-18 December: South Africa v England - Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein
SPORTS NEWS - Int News 06 Nov, 2024
ISLAMABAD (Sports Desk): Boca Raton Championship Wrestling has announced a blockbuster highlight for its upcoming Festival of Fights on Sunday, December 15th. AEW standout MJF would make a rare independent appearance at the event, squaring off against veteran competitor QT Marshall. Fans will also have the chance to meet the AEW World Champion in an exclusive, ticketed pre-show meet-and-greet.“Having MJF in the ring at BRCW is a game-changer,” said BRCW co-founder Neil Glazier. “MJF brings unmatched star power, and this is the kind of attraction that puts independent wrestling promotions on the map. Fans are in for a memorable night.”MJF’s upcoming appearance at BRCW is a significant moment in his already illustrious career. It marks his first independent match since he secured a victory over Leo Sparrow at a Make-A-Pro-Wrestling event on May 13, 2023. Since then, he has wrestled in major promotions such as CMLL in Mexico and RevPro in the United Kingdom. According to Cagematch.net, MJF currently holds an impressive career win percentage of over 65%, a testament to his dominance and strategic prowess in the ring.The wrestling star’s participation is also set against the backdrop of his AEW storyline, which continues to captivate audiences worldwide. After a six-month hiatus due to a shoulder injury, MJF returned to action in June and has been a focal point of AEW programming ever since. On the October 23rd episode of Dynamite, he made headlines by declaring his return to in-ring competition at Full Gear, though his opponent has yet to be revealed.“MJF is arguably one of the most polarizing figures in wrestling today,” noted wrestling journalist Mike Johnson. “From his microphone skills to his ring psychology, he’s the complete package and has the stats to back it up. His participation in independent shows is a rare treat for fans.”In AEW’s unfolding storyline, both Adam Cole and Roderick Strong are building tension for a showdown with MJF, adding layers of intrigue to his character's arc. Cole, who returned to the ring on October 30th in a match against Buddy Matthews, has hinted at unfinished business with MJF.For BRCW, hosting MJF is expected to be a major draw. "We’re already seeing increased interest, not just from local fans but from wrestling enthusiasts across the country," shared BRCW event coordinator Sarah Lindsey. "When you have a name like MJF, it adds a level of prestige to the entire event."MJF’s appeal extends beyond wrestling circles. As of November 2024, his social media following on platforms like Twitter (X) and Instagram combined exceeds 1.3 million, demonstrating his influence and reach. This engagement is a key factor in the high demand for his appearances, both within AEW and in independent circuits.
ATHLETICS - Int News 05 Nov, 2024
Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Rudn Enclave Housing Society (REHS) has become the main sponsor of the South Asian Athletics Federation (SAAF) Cross Country Race, which will be held on November 24, 2024 here at Fatima Jinnah Park F-9.REHS inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SAAF officials at a local hotel in a colourful ceremony on Monday. Country Head of REHS, Malik Asad Abbass and Chairman Islamabad Athletics Association (IAA) and Head of Organizing Committee Brig (Retd) Sultan Satti signed on the documents. Director Land of Rudn Enclave Usman Qureshi was also present on this occasion. Ex-Chairman Joint Chiefs of Committee Lt. General Eshan-ul-Haq was the chief guest of the ceremony.Also, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Raja Prevaiz Ashraf, Chairman SAAF, Major General (Retd) Mohammad Akram Shai, Managing Director Batulmal Raja Zamurd Khan, former squash world champion Qamar Zaman, Commonwealth Games gold medal winner weightlifter Nau Dastgeer, mountaineer Sajid Sadpare and other top officials and sports persons from twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad were present in the ceremony.Country Head REHS, Malik Asad Abbas said: “This is honour for us to sponsor an international sports event, which will be held first time in the history of Pakistan’s sports. Eight regional countries of South Asian including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan, Afghanistan and hosts Pakistan will participate in the international race. We will build a sports stadium in our Rudn Enclave and establish international standard facilities for the players. We will also prepare an international standard athletics track and for t his purpose federation will have to provide technical assistance. We will support the sports events in future too aim to bring up talented budding players.”
POLO - Local News 04 Nov, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE; Team Diamond Paints edged out FG/Din Polo with a 6-5 victory to secure the coveted Misha & Ibrahim Polo Cup 2024 trophy. The thrilling showdown kept spectators on the edge of their seats as Diamond Paints clinched the title victory in the final moments on Sunday. The guest of honor for the event was Reinhold Jakobi, Head of Nestlé Professional Business Switzerland, alongside Jason Avanceña, CEO of Nestlé Pakistan. Other notable attendees included members of the Lahore Polo Club Executive Committee: Mohammad Nasir, Feroze Gulzar, and Secretary Lt Col (R) Amir Umar, among others. A large crowd of spectators and families also gathered at Lahore Polo Club to witness and enjoy the intense final. Raja Jalal Arslan and Chaudhry Hayat Mehmood each converted three goals for Diamond Paints. For FG/Din Polo, brothers Farhad Shaikh and Rafay Shaikh slammed in two goals each, while Raja Mikael Sami added one goal. Ch. Hayat Mehmood opened strongly for Diamond Paints, scoring a remarkable field goal, but FG/Din Polo quickly responded with two consecutive goals to secure a 2-1 lead. In the second chukker, FG/Din Polo extended their advantage to 3-1. However, Diamond Paints mounted a spirited comeback, scoring twice in succession to even the score at 3-3. The third chukker remained tightly contested, with each team adding a goal to bring the score to 4-4. The fourth and deciding chukker saw FG/Din Polo take a slight edge as Raja Mikael Sami netted a goal, making it 5-4. Yet, in a thrilling final push, Team Diamond Paints rose to the occasion. Ch Hayat Mehmood and Raja Jalal Arslan scored back-to-back goals in the closing moments, sealing an incredible comeback and clinching the prestigious Misha & Ibrahim Polo Cup 2024 trophy for Diamond Paints. Earlier in the subsidiary final, Seafa Logistics International claimed victory over Total Nutrition with a half-goal handicap, finishing 7½-7 to win the subsidiary final.
Ahmed Zafar Hayat lifts CNS Amateur Golf Championship 2024
Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Ahmed Zafar Hayat has won the title of the 17th Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Amateur Golf Cup that concluded here at the Margalla Greens Golf Club on Sunday. The Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf graced the closing ceremony as chief guest and distributed the prizes among the players.President of the Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF), Lt Gen Qazi Mohammad Ikram Ahmed, and CEO of Serena Hotels, Aziz Bolani, were also present.Prize Winners (Subsidiary Prizes):Longest Drive – Humna Amjad (Rumanza) – Distance: 206 yardsClosest to Pin – Zhao Xiao Lan (Margalla) – Distance: 18 feetLongest Drive – Mohammad Hassan Shahid (Rawalpindi) – Distance: 272 yardsClosest to Pin – Mohammad Mahad Khan (PAFI) – Distance: 2 ft 9 inLongest Drive – Admiral Mohammad Amjad Khan Niazi (MGGC) – Distance: 271 yardsClosest to Pin – Brig Shuaib Kiani (RGC) – Distance: 3 ft 10 inLongest Drive –Hassan Abbasi (RGC) – Distance: 294 yardsClosest to Pin – Noman Asghar (GYM) – Distance: 6 ftJunior Boys3rd Net – Master Hassan Shahid (Rawalpindi GC) – 3 under parRunners Up Net – Master Mohammad Tauseef (Rawalpindi GC) – 6 under parNet Winner – Master Mohammad Abbas (Sona GC) – 12 under parSenior Amateur (Men):3rd Net – Brig Mohammad Aslam (RGC) – 1 under parRunners Up Net – Brig Hamid Ali Bashir (RGC) – 2 under parNet Winner – Maj Shuaib Ud Din (RGC) – 2 under parAmateur Ladies:3rd Net – Zeenat Ayesha (ICGC) – 3 over parRunners Up Net – Hajra Ajmal (RGC) – 1 under parNet Winner – Zhao Xiao Lan (MGGC) – 7 under parAmateur Men (Handicap 5 – 9):3rd Net – Cdr Mohammad Naeem Mirza (MGGC) – 2 under parRunners Up Net – Col Ali Uzair (RGC) – 3 under parNet Winner – Hassan Abbasi (RGC) – 7 under parAmateur Men (Handicap 4.4 & Below):3rd Net – Khalid Mehmood (RGC) – 1 under parRunners Up Net – Cdre Shahid Masood (MGGC) – 4 under parNet Winner – Mohammad Irtaza Hussain (MGGC) – 11 under parGross Prizes (Junior Boys):3rd Gross – Master Abdullah Ansar Raja (KGC) – 5 over parRunners Up Gross – Mahad Khan II (PAF I) – 5 over parGross Winner – Abdullah Khan (RGC) – Even parSenior Amateur (Men)3rd Gross – Brig Mohammad Masood Qureshi (RGC) – 13 over parRunners Up Gross – Brig Mohsin Farooq Malik (RGC) – 13 over par Gross Winner – Capt Alam Afzal PN (MGGC) – 5 over parAmateur Ladies:3rd Gross – Anna James Gill (Royal Palm) – 24 over parRunners Up Gross – Ami Quin (Garden) – 17 over parGross Winner – Humna Amjad (Rumanza) – 8 over parAmateur Men (Handicap 5 – 9):3rd Gross – Mohammad Yasir Khokhar (PAFI) – 15 over parRunners Up Gross – Bilal Tariq Khan (MGGC) – 13 over parGross Winner – Rashid Riaz Malik (ICGC) – 5 over parAmateur Men (Handicap 4.4 & Below):3rd Gross – Umer Farooq (MGGC) – 6 over parRunners Up Gross – Inam Ul Haq Malik (Garden) – 5 over parChampion – Ahmad Zafar Hayat (MGGC) – 7 under par
PGF selects Mohammad Israr and Mohammad Shoaib for Sri Lanka tour
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF) has selected two players, Raja Mohammad Israr from Garden City Golf & Country Club, Islamabad, and Malik Mohammad Shoaib from Lahore Gymkhana Golf Club to represent Pakistan in the Sri Lanka Amateur Open Golf Championship, which will take place from November 5 to 7, 2024, at the Colombo Golf Club in Sri Lanka.According to an official of PGF, Raja Mohammad Israr and Malik Mohammad Shoaib are among the top ten players in the list of Pakistan Nationals, World Amateur Golf Ranking and hold top positions in the National Amateur Rankings. Both athletes have consistently demonstrated outstanding skill and sportsmanship in national and international tournaments, making them valuable ambassadors for Pakistan's amateur golf talent.Achievements of Raja Mohammad Israr:Champion at Nur Khan Memorial Open Golf Championship2nd Place at the Sindh Open Golf Championship and 28th CNS Open Golf Championship4th Place at COAS Open Golf Championship and CJCSC Open Golf ChampionshipTop Finishes in multiple national tournaments, including a 5th Place at the Smart City 63rd National Amateur Golf Championship and other notable placements in the KPK Open, Asghar Khan Amateur Championship, J Zaman Memorial, and the 31st Corps Commander Championship.Achievements of Malik Mohammad Shoaib:Champion at the COAS Open Golf Championship, Smart City 62nd National Amateur Golf Championship of Pakistan, and the 40th Millat Tractors Governor’s Cup Golf Tournament5th Place at J Zaman Memorial Open and 31st Corps Commander Amateur Golf ChampionshipConsistently strong performances in other major national tournaments, reflecting his resilience and dedication to the sport.The Pakistan Golf Federation aims to provide fair representation and international exposure to top amateur golfers by rotating international invitations among the highest-ranked players. Players ranked above Raja and Shoaib, including athletes like Numan Ilyas, Qasim Ali Khan, Salman Jehangir, Saad Habib Malik, Hussain Hamid, and Ralfe e Aslam Raja, have recently represented Pakistan in notable championships such as the Faldo Series, Asian Amateur Championship, APGC Nomura Cup, Asian Games, and the King Hamad Trophy. Through this selection strategy, the PGF ensures that all top-ranked amateur golfers get the chance to experience the competitive atmosphere of international tournaments, thus contributing to their growth and development. This initiative underscores PGF's commitment to nurturing golf talent and positioning Pakistan as a competitive force in amateur golf worldwide.
Pakistan vs Australia: First One Day International on November 4 at MCG
Mohammad Rizwan to become 31st ODI Captain, Mohammad Irfan Khan and Saim Ayub to make debutMohammad IsmailMelbourne (Australia): Pakistan will face hosts Australia in the first One Day International of three-match rubber here at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on November 4, 2024 (Monday).Both sides last met in the 50-over format during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on October 20 where Australia defeated Pakistan by 62 runs at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. The last time both sides featured in a bilateral ODI series was in March/April 2022, when Australia visited Pakistan and the hosts won the series 2-1.Pakistan have also announced their playing XI for the first ODI, with Mohammad Irfan Khan and Saim Ayub making their debut. 21-year-old Irfan has already featured in three T20Is for Pakistan, while he has played 24 List-A matches, scoring one century and three half-centuries. Left-handed opening batter Saim has been a part of six Tests and 23 T20Is for Pakistan and has featured in 35 List-A matches accumulating 1,472 runs with the help of four centuries and seven half-centuries.Mohammad Rizwan said: “It is an honour to lead the Pakistan team and we are ready to take on Australia in their own backyard. We all know Australia are a very good side, and world champions, but we look forward to competing hard as we have a number of young and exciting players in our squad and it is their chance to grab the opportunities coming their way. We have had productive training sessions here in Melbourne since our arrival and with the support of Almighty, we look forward to produce positive results in the series. We are scheduled to play a good number of ODIs before the next year’s ICC Champions Trophy back in Pakistan. The forthcoming series beginning with Australia, then Zimbabwe, South Africa and the home Tri-nation tournament will help us assemble a right combination going into the mega event at home. We are expecting fans to come in good number to support us in this series, as they have been a huge support for the team wherever we have played in Australia.”Pat Cummins, Australia’s ODI captain: It’s always great to have such high intensity game which makes the start of summer and it’s a great opportunity for youngsters to get going. Pakistan are quite a decent side and they have players who have scored big runs. We have played against them in recent years, so I think it’s always a fairly even match. There is going to be good crowd tomorrow at the MCG as we are playing against Pakistan.”Playing XI for first ODI (in batting order): Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (captain/wicket-keeper), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Mohammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Mohammad HasnainSchedule of matches:4 Nov – 1st ODI vs Australia; Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne (2.30pm local time start)8 Nov – 2nd ODI vs Australia; Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (2pm local time start)10Nov – 3rd ODI vs Australia; Perth Stadium, Perth (11.30am local time start)14 Nov – 1st T20I vs Australia; Brisbane Cricket Ground, Brisbane (6pm local time start)16 Nov – 2nd T20I vs Australia; Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney (7pm local time start)18 Nov – 3rd T20I vs Australia; Bellerive Oval, Hobart (7pm local time start).
CNS Amateur Golf Championship: Mohammad Irtaza earns 2 stokes lead
Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Mohammad Irtaza Hussain (67) earned a vital 2 points lead on the second day of the 17th Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Amateur Golf Championship 2024 here at Margalla Green Golf Club (MGGC) on Friday. Ahmed Zafar Hayat was second with the score of 69 points.Humma Amjad maintained her lead with (150) on the second day followed by Ami Qin with (159) score. Alam Afzal also maintained his lead on the second day.Results (Day-2)Amateurs: Mohammad Irtaza Hussain (67), Ahmed Zafar Hayat (69), Mohammad Yasir Khokhar (72), Bilawal Khan (72), Nouman Asgher (72), Mohammad Moazzam Khan (73), Mohammad Umer Khokhar (74)Ladies:Humna Amjad (150), Ami Qin (159), Zebunnisa (166), Anna James Gill (166), Zhao Xiao Lan (171), Tehmina Ahmed (173), Zeenat Ayesha (179), Hajra Ajmal (179)Seniors: Alam Afzal (147), Shuaib ud Din (150), Mohammad Masood Qureshi (155), Mohsin Farooq Malik (155), Khalid Mohammad Ameen (156), Mohammad Abrar Khan (156), Mohammad Orangzeb (159), Ameen Raja (160).
POLO - Local News 01 Nov, 2024
LAHORE (PR): FG/Din Polo qualified for the main final of the Misha & Ibrahim Polo Cup 2024 after defeating Rijas/Platinum Homes in a nerve-jangling contest at Lahore Polo Club on Friday.Large crowds, including families and enthusiastic spectators, gathered at the Lahore Polo Club to enjoy the action-packed games. Sponsors Misha and Ibrahim, along with their families, were also present to support the event.The first match of the day proved a thrilling encounter, where FG/Din Polo, after an intense battle, edged out Rijas/Platinum Homes by a narrow margin of 7-6½. For FG/Din Polo, Raja Mikael Sami emerged as hero of the match as he played outstanding polo and smashed in four superb goals while his teammate Mian Abbas Mukhtar added three in the team’s tally.For Rijas/Platinum Homes, Bilal Noon also played well and fired in fabulous four goals, and Mohib Faisal Shahzad contributed two, but they, despite having one handicap goal advantage, couldn’t finish the match well, thus losing it with a margin of just a half goal. FG/Din Polo will now face Diamond Paints in the main final.In the second match, Total Nutrition defeated Sheikhoo Steel with a score of 9-5 in a competitive encounter. Raja Jalal Arsalan, filling in for Saqib Khan Khakwani, led Total Nutrition with four goals, while Bilal Haye scored three, and Usman Haye contributed two. For Sheikhoo Steel, Agha Musa Ali Khan and Osman Aziz Anwar each scored two goals, while Maisam Haider Baloch added one. Total Nutrition will now compete against Seafa Logistics International in the subsidiary final.
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