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Eyman, Gull Feroza hit unbeaten centuries in Strikers’ win
Islamabad (SBR): Nashra Sundhu’s back to back player of the match performances takes Conquerors to the top of the table in the ongoing National Women’s One-Day Tournament. At the Diamond Cricket Ground, batting first Conquerors managed to score 208 for nine in 45 overs. Hafsa Khalid top-scored with an 83-ball 43, which included three fours and a six. Wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi returned undefeated on 39 off 38 balls, smashing three fours.For Invincibles, Areesha Noor, Fatima Zahra and Ghulam Fatima bagged two wickets apiece.In reply, Invincibles were bowled out for 101 in 29.4 overs with opening batter Ayesha Zafar contributing 31 off 64 balls, hitting four boundaries.Conquerors’ left-arm spinner Nashra took three wickets for 21, while Fatima Sana and Mahnoor Aftab snapped two wickets each. Today’s win was Conquerors fifth win in seven games, while Invincibles second defeat in the event.At the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, unbeaten centuries by Eyman Fatima and Gull Feroza led Strikers to a seven-wicket win over Challengers. Aliya Riaz-led Challengers ended the tournament with two wins from eight outings.Chasing 243 to win, Eyman (119 not out, 92b, 17x4s, 3x6s) and Gull Feroza (103 not out, 101b, 13x4s) knitted an unbeaten 205-run partnership for the fourth wicket and helped their side achieve the target in 36.5 overs. This was right-hand batter Eyman’s second century in the tournament as the 20-year-old has scored 317 runs from seven matches.Earlier, batting first, Challengers posted 242 for six in 45 overs with right-hand batter Natalia Parvaiz returning undefeated on 81 off 85 balls, laced with eight fours and two sixes. Gull Rukh (43, 44b, 6x4s, 1x6), Umm-e-Hani (39, 53b, 4x4s) and Momina Riasat (33 not out, 37b, 4x4s) were other contributors with the bat.For Strikers, captain Nida Dar bagged three wickets for 45 in nine overs, while Ayesha Bilal took two wickets for 38 runs.Scores in brief:Conquerors beat Invincibles by 107 runs at the Diamond Cricket Ground Conquerors 208-9, 45 overs (Hafsa Khalid 43, Najiha Alvi 39 not out, Syeda Aroob Shah 36; Areesha Noor 2-10, Fatima Zahra 2-27, Ghulam Fatima 2-38) Invincibles 101 all out, 29.4 overs (Ayesha Zafar 31; Nashra Sundhu 3-21, Fatima Sana 2-17, Mahnoor Aftab 2-22) Player of the match: Nashra Sundhu (Conquerors)Strikers beat Challengers by seven wickets at the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket StadiumChallengers 242-6, 45 overs (Natalia Parvaiz 81 not out, Gull Rukh 43, Umm-e-Hani 39, Momina Riasat 33 not out; Nida Dar 3-45, Ayesha Bilal 2-38) Strikers 243-3, 36.5 overs (Eyman Fatima 119 not out, Gull Feroza 103 not out)Player of the match: Eyman Fatima (Strikers).
Historic Patrons Aibak Polo Cup 2024 kicks off at Lahore Polo Club
LAHORE (SBR): The Patrons Aibak Polo Cup 2024 commenced with great fanfare under the auspices of Lahore Polo Club. During a packed press conference, Lahore Polo Club President Malik Azam Hayat Noon, alongside event sponsors, officially announced the start of tournament. Highlighting its historical significance, Azam Hayat Noon emphasised that the Aibak Polo Cup is a proud legacy of the Lahore Polo Club, paying tribute to Sultan Qutb-ud-din Aibak, a key historical figure in the subcontinent’s history. The Aibak Polo Cup is named after Sultan Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate, who was not only a warrior but also an avid polo player. Polo, known as "The Game of Kings," held great importance during his reign. Sultan Aibak tragically passed away in Lahore in 1210 after falling from his horse while playing polo. To honor his contributions to history and the sport, the Aibak Polo Cup has been a prominent fixture in Lahore Polo Club’s calendar for decades, preserving the legacy of the great leader and the club’s deep connection to the game. The press conference was attended by Executive Committee members Naseer Ahmed and Feroze Gulzar, along with key sponsors, including Taimur Ali Malik of Guard Group, Mir Huzaifa Ahmed of Diamond Paints, Dr. Faisal Qadeer Khokhar of Remington Pharma, Sardar Mohsin Atta Khosa of Pebble Breaker, Farooq Amin Soofi of Master Paints, Adnan Jalil Azam of Newage Cables, Nafees Barry of The Retro Bar, Abu Bakar Siddique of Black Horse Paints and Salman Akram of OD Donuts. According to Malik Azam Hayat Noon, ten teams are participating in the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A consists of Diamond Paints, Newage Cables, PAF, Rijas/Master Paints, and Master Paints while Group B comprises Army, IS/SQ/Platinum, PB, FG/Din, and BN Polo. The event’s sponsors include Diamond Paints, Master Paints, Newage Cables, Remington Pharma, Guard Group, Pebble Breakers, The Retro Bar, Platinum Homes, OD Donuts, and Black Horse Paints. The week-long tournament will feature two matches daily, with the grand final scheduled for Sunday. This eight-goal competition has attracted top-tier players from the UK, Iran, Argentina, and Pakistan, promising enthralling and exciting polo action throughout the event. With its rich heritage and global participation, the Patrons Aibak Polo Cup continues to uphold the traditions of polo, celebrating both its historical roots and modern-day excellence. Meanwhile, four matches were decided on the opening day of the prestigious tournament. In the first match, Diamond Paints defeated Newage Cables by 8-6. In other matches of the day, Master Paints beat PAF by 4-2, Rijas/Master Paints edged out Master Paints by 4-3 while Rijas/Master Paints outclassed PAF by 7-2.
T20: Nurpur Lions beat ABL Stallions by three
Rawalpindi (PCB Report) Hard-hitting opener Hasan Nawaz smashed a fiery half century while Khushdil Shah produced an all-round show as Nurpur Lions beat ABL Stallions by three wickets in the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Tuesday. Hasan has been impressing most of the cricket experts with his clean hitting and that was on show as he led the chase for Nurpur Lions. The winners overhauled the 169-run target for the loss of seven wickets with an over to spare.ABL Stallions were all out off the final delivery for 168.Despite the defeat the ABL Stallions were still top of the five-team table with eight points in six games, winning four and losing two games. Nurpur Lions are now third on the table, behind UMT Markhors (second) with six points. They have won three and lost three matches.Lake City Panthers also have six points but are fourth with an inferior net run-rate to Lions. Engro Dolphins have yet to open their account after losing all their five matches.Hasan launched an attack right from the word go and despite losing his opening partner, Imam-ul-Haq for four in the second over, he did not relent. He added 41 for the second wicket with Shahzaib Khan (six). Another 43 were added between Hasan and Mohammad Taha (21 off 18 balls with two sixes). ABL Stallions mentor Shoaib Malik then derailed the chase with wickets of Hasan in the 15th over, leaving 47 to defend in the last five overs. Shoaib also accounted for Khushdil Shah for 10, but Rohail Nazir kept his cool with an innings of 26 not out off 12 balls spiced with three fours and a six to seal the win.Earlier, sent into bat, Hussain Talat once again came to his team’s rescue as he hit a 29-ball 43 with the help of five boundaries and a six. He added 42 for the fifth wicket with Shoaib who made a 16-ball 22 with a boundary and a six.The two were given a good platform by Maaz Sadaqat, who made 34 off 27 balls with three fours and a six.Maaz and young Shamyl Hussain put on a brisk 46 run opening stand by just 5.2 overs. Shamyl’s run-a-ball 18 had one six. Ubaid Shah gave a final flurry to the innings, smashing two sixes and a four in his six-ball 17.ABL Stallions lost three wickets in the last over, including two run outs. Fast bowler Musa Khan was the best of the bowlers with 3-32. Khushdil Shah took 2-30 while Shahid Aziz finished with 2-35.Scores in brief:(Nurpur Lions beat ABL Stallions by three wickets)ABL Stallions 168 all out in 20 overs (Hussain Talat 43, Maaz Sadaqat 34, Shoaib Malik 22, Shamyl Hussain 18; Musa Khan 3-32, Khushdil Shah 2-30, Shahid Aziz 2-35)Nurpur Lions 169-7 in 19 overs (Hasan Nawaz 74, Rohail Nazir 26 not out, Mohammad Taha 21; Maaz Sadaqat 2-16, Shoaib Malik 2-26)Player of the match – Hasan Nawaz (Nurpur Lions).
SPORTS NEWS - Int News 17 Dec, 2024
Karachi (PR)Pakistan’s sports community united in celebration this evening as World MMA Champion 2024, Muhammad Saqib, and Pakistan’s first female MMA international certified referee, Isra Waseem, were given a grand reception upon their arrival at Karachi Airport.Arriving via Etihad Airways the champions were greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of fans, sports officials, and well-wishers. Their extraordinary achievements were celebrated as a proud moment for the nation, with cheers and banners recognizing their contributions to raising Pakistan’s flag on the global stage.Zulfiqar Ali, President of the Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation (PMMAF), highlighted the Federation’s dedication to developing world-class athletes and officials.We have consistently trained and sponsored our teams, achieving remarkable success in Asian and World Championships. Our athletes, such as Muhammad Saqib, Dawood, and now our first female MMA referee Isra Waseem, are true examples of excellence. They are not just athletes but national icons who have made Pakistan proud on the global stage.He further announced the Federation’s continued support for its athletes and officials, including preparations for the World MMA Championship 2025, scheduled to be held in Brazil in June.We will ensure that our athletes and officials have every opportunity to shine at the upcoming World MMA Championship 2025. The PMMAF remains committed to fostering the growth of MMA in Pakistan and building a legacy of success.In conclusion, Zulfiqar Ali extended his heartfelt gratitude to the media for their unwavering support:“The media plays a vital role in celebrating and promoting our national heroes. We thank them for their coverage and for giving our champions the recognition they truly deserve.”The arrival of Mohammad Saqib and Isra Waseem marks a new chapter in Pakistan’s MMA journey, inspiring countless athletes to follow in their footsteps and bringing global recognition to the country’s rising sports stars.
ACC U19 Women’s Asia Cup: Nepal beat Pakistan by 6 wickets
Kuala Lumpur (SBR): Nepal beat Pakistan by six wickets at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur to qualify for the Super-Four Stage of the ACC U19 Women’s Asia Cup on Monday.Chasing 105 to win, captain Puja Mahato’s undefeated run-a-ball 47, which included three fours helped her side achieve the target with an over to spare. For Pakistan, Fatima Khan and Quratulain snapped a wicket each.Earlier, after opting to bat first, Pakistan scored 104 for five in their 20 overs. Opener and wicketkeeper-batter Komal Khan top-scored with a 43-ball 38, which included two fours. Maham Anees coming to bat at number five was other notable contributor, scoring unbeaten 29 off 38 balls, hitting two boundaries. For Nepal, Mahato bagged two wickets for 27.Pakistan, after losing their opening match against India by nine wickets on Sunday, will now take part in fifth position match scheduled on Wednesday, 18 December. The match will begin at 2pm PKT.Scores in brief:Pakistan 104-5, 20 overs (Komal Khan 38, Maham Anees 29 not out; Puja Mahato 2-27)Nepal 105-4, 19 overs (Puja Mahato 47 not out)Player of the match: Puja Mahato (Nepal)
Pakistan’s key ODI series against South Africa begins on December 17
Paarl, South Africa (SBR): Pakistan and South Africa are ready to lock horns in a key three-match ODI series beginning from December 17, 2024 (Tuesday) at the Boland Park in Paarl at 5pm PKT. The second and third fixture of the series will be played at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town and The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on 17 and 19 December, respectively.South Africa had won the T20I series 2-0 after the third T20I was washed out on 14 December. The ODI series holds a lot of significance for both the teams as they look to fine tune their preparations for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in February and March 2025 in Pakistan.Pakistan’s squad has been bolstered with the return of pacer Naseem Shah, opening batter Abdullah Shafique and top-order batter Kamran Ghulam while wrist-spinner Sufyan Moqim and Usman Khan have received their maiden ODI call-ups. This will be Mohammad Rizwan’s third ODI series as skipper of the side as he has started his stint with back to back ODI series wins over Australia and Zimbabwe.In their last bilateral face-off in the 50-over format, Pakistan won the three-match series 2-1 in South Africa in April 2021.Pakistan’s ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan said: “This is a vital ODI series in terms of our preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy and with Allah’s help we will look to emulate our performances from the ODI series against Australia. We couldn’t get the ideal results in the T20I series but I am really happy with some of the performances put in by our players in these conditions especially Saim’s batting was brilliant in both games. Our batting, pace and spin stocks are decent enough to challenge South Africa and win the series with the help of almighty. I see a lot of potential in our ODI squad with players young and experienced both willing to put the best step forward, which makes us an exciting prospect as a one-day side not just going into this series but also in the home tri-nation series and the blockbuster white-ball mega event at home.”Pakistan ODI squad: Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wk), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan (wk)South Africa ODI squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Aiden Markram, Andile Phehlukwayo, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Marco Jansen, Ottneil Baartman, Rassie van der Dussen, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tony de Zorzi, and Tristan StubbsSchedule of matches:17 Dec – 1st ODI vs South Africa at Boland Bank Park, Paarl (5pm PKT)19 Dec – 2nd ODI vs South Africa at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town (5pm PKT)22 Dec – 3rd ODI vs South Africa at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (5pm PKT)26 Dec – 1st Test vs South Africa at SuperSport Park, Centurion (1pm PKT)3 Jan – 2nd Test vs South Africa at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town (1pm PKT).
ACC Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup: Pakistan to meet India on Sunday
Kuala Lumpur (SBR): Pakistan U19 will begin their journey in the inaugural edition of the ACC Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup when they will take on India on Sunday (November 15, 2024) at the Bayuemas Cricket Oval in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. Pakistan are placed in Group A alongside India and Nepal, while Bangladesh, Malaysia and Sri Lanka are positioned in Group B. Zoofishan Ayyaz-led Pakistan will play their second match of the tournament against Nepal on Monday, 16 December.The six-team tournament will be played on a T20 format with top two sides from each group progressing to the Super-Four Stage. The Super-Four stage matches will be played on 19 and 20 December, while the final of the tournament is scheduled to take place on 22 December.According to the tournament’s format, two additional matches for fifth and sixth position and third and fourth position will be played on 18 and 22 December, respectively. Before departing to Malaysia, Pakistan U19 had a five-day camp at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi, where the players featured in training sessions, skills and fitness drills and practice matches under the supervision of the head coach Mohsin Kamal-led support staff.Zoofishan Ayyaz on the eve of the tournament said: “We have had good training sessions before our arrival here in Malaysia and the players are looking forward to do well in the tournament. We will take one game at a time and the players are fully focused to showcase their talent in the tournament.”Pakistan Squad: Zoofishan Ayyaz (captain) (Wah Cantt), Komal Khan (vice-captain) (Lahore), Aleesa Mukhtiar (Muzaffargarh), Areesha Ansari (Kasur), Fatima Khan (Lahore), Fizza Fiaz (Lahore), Haniah Ahmer (Karachi), Maham Anees (Islamabad), Mahnoor Zeb (Mardan), Quratulain (Sialkot), Ravail Farhan (Lahore), Rozina Akram (Rawalpindi), Shahar Bano (Lodhran), Tayyaba Imdad (Abbottabad) and Wasifa Hussain (Karachi)Player Support personnel: Aisha Jalil (manager), Mohsin Kamal (head coach), Mohammad Hanif Malik (assistant coach), Nahida Khan (fielding coach), Mohammad Usman Shahid (analyst), Rabia Siddiq (physiotherapist), Mohammad Rafi Ullah (media and digital manager)Pakistan matches in the tournament:15 December – vs India (2pm, KL time)16 December – vs Nepal (2pm, KL time)18 December – 5th/6th position play-off (2pm, KL time)19 December A1 v B1 (9.30am, KL time); A2 v B2 (2pm, KL time)20 December – A1 v B2 (9.30am, KL time); A2 v B1 (2pm, KL time)22 December – 3rd/4th position play-off (9.30am, KL time); final (2pm, KL time)
National Women’s One-Day Tournament: Nashra stars in Conquerors’ 48-run win over Stars
Islamabad (Nazish Azhar): Nashra Sundhu’s three-fer led Conquerors to a 48-run win over Stars in the seventh-round fixture of National Women’s One-Day Tournament at the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium on Saturday. Chasing a modest 167 to win, Stars were bundled out for 118 in 39.4 overs with Sadaf Shamas top-scoring with 28.For the winning team left-arm spinner Nashra bagged three wickets for 10 runs, while leg-spinner Syeda Aroob Shah also took three wickets for 26 runs. Earlier, batting first, Conquerors were dismissed for 166 in 44.5 overs. Captain Fatima Sana top-scored with 34 off 35 balls, which included three fours and one six. Stars’ Waheeda Akhtar clinched four wickets for 57, while Anosha Nasir and Neelam Mushtaq snapped two wickets apiece.In the second match, Invincibles, who were without their regular captain Muneeba Ali, due to an eye infection saw their first defeat in the tournament. At the Diamond Ground in Islamabad, batting first, Invincibles were dismissed for 188 in 45 overs with stand-in captain Omaima Sohail top-scoring with 76 off 112 balls, hitting 10 boundaries. For Challengers, Tasmia Rubab took three wickets, while Samina Aftab and Zaib un Nisa grabbed two wickets each.In turn, Aliya Riaz’ unbeaten knock of 73 off 74, which included eight fours and two sixes helped her side achieve the target with four wickets in hand and 50 balls to spare. Umm-e-Hani (47, 72b, 5x4s) was other notable contributor with the bat. For the losing side, spinners Ghulam Fatima (3-48) and Omaima (2-24) picked five wickets.Scores in brief (Conquerors beat Stars by 48 runs):Conquerors 166 all out, 44.5 overs (Fatima Sana 34, Dua Majid 26, Nashra Sundhu 20 not out; Waheeda Akhtar 4-57, Neelam Mushtaq 2-16, Anosha Nasir 2-23)Stars 118 all out, 39.4 overs (Sadaf Shamas 28, Rameen Shamim 27 not out; Nashra Sundhu 3-10, Syeda Aroob Shah 3-26)Player of the match – Nashra Sundhu (Conquerors)Challengers beat Invincibles by four wickets at the Diamond Ground:Invincibles 188 all out, 45 overs (Omaima Sohail 76, Areesha Noor 37; Tasmia Rubab 3-27, Samina Aftab 2-12, Zaib un Nisa 2-21)Challengers 190-6, 36.4 overs (Aliya Riaz 73 not out, Umm-e-Hani 47, Shawaal Zulfiqar 29, Gull Rukh 24; Ghulam Fatima 3-48, Omaima Sohail 2-24)Player of the match: Aliya Riaz (Challengers)-
Khawaja Iftikhar Memorial Tennis Championship to start on December 14
Lahore (SBR): The prestigious Khawaja Iftikhar Memorial National Ranking Tennis Championship 2024 is all set to commence at the Sports Board Punjab Tennis Academy, Nishtar Park Lahore, from December 14 to 21. The event not only celebrates the spirit of competition but also pays a rich tribute to the legendary Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad, a trailblazer of tennis in Pakistan.This championship boasts the participation of top-ranked national players, including Pakistan's tennis icon and Sitara-e-Imtiaz recipient Aisam ul Haq Qureshi, as well as other talented stars like Aqeel Khan, Ushna Suhail, and rising prodigies Muzammil Murtaza, Muhammad Shoaib, Abid Mushtaq, Meheq Khokhar, Sheeza Sajid and many more. With significant prize money on the line, the tournament promises thrilling encounters that will captivate tennis enthusiasts across the country.Speaking about the championship, Aisam ul Haq Qureshi, who is also President of Pakistan Tennis Federation, said: "It is an honor to participate in a tournament that bears the name of my beloved grandfather, Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad, whose contributions to tennis in Pakistan remain unmatched. This tournament is not just a tribute but a celebration of his legacy. I am thrilled to be part of this event and will give my utmost to make it a resounding success. “As the PTF president, I aim to make this an annual event and introduce more such tournaments in the national calendar to ensure continuous activity and development of tennis in Pakistan," he said and added: "I hope these efforts inspire our players to earn greater international accolades and take Pakistan tennis to new heights."National tennis champion Aqeel Khan said, "It is a privilege to honor a legend like Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad through this championship. Such initiatives inspire us to perform at our best and also motivate the younger generation to uphold the legacy of great players."Granddaughter of the late legend, Ushna Suhail, expressed her excitement. "I am thrilled to compete in this remarkable event that pays tribute to my grandfather. This is a proud moment for my family, and I will give my best to win the title."Muzammil Murtaza, one of Pakistan's top players, shared his enthusiasm. "This championship is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase our skills. We are grateful for the chance to compete in such a prestigious tournament and will strive to deliver enthralling tennis matches."Mohammad Shoaib, the national No. 1 tennis player, remarked: "It’s a matter of pride to participate in this championship, and I am determined to put up my best performance to honor the legacy of Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad."Women’s tennis stars are equally excited about the event. Meheq Khokhar, Pakistan’s No. 2, remarked: "Participating in this event is a huge honor, and I will give my best to make my mark." Similarly, Sheeza Sajid, ranked No. 3, said: "This tournament is a golden opportunity for players like us to shine on a big stage, and I am thrilled to be a part of it."
England Women squad update: Grace Potts added to Test squad
Islamabad (Sports Desk): Seamer Grace Potts has been called up to the England Women Test squad touring South Africa. The 22-year-old, who joined Lancashire from Central Sparks in October, has been brought in as cover in the seam bowling department. The four-day Test match against South Africa starts on Sunday (15 December) in Bloemfontein.
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