Sports Bulletin ReportSalt Lake City (USA): An action-packed competition day in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, concluded with three gold medallists awarded inside the USA Climbing Training Center – Anraku Sorato of Japan in the men’s Boulder event, Emma Hunt of the USA in the women’s Speed event, and Samuel Watson, also of the USA, in the men’s Speed event.The first medal went to Japanese rising star Anraku, who dominated the Boulder final and stepped on the highest section of the podium for the fifth time in his young career – the second one in the discipline. Anraku took the lead right out of the gate, topping M1 in his second attempt and only missing the solution of the following M2, which none of his opponents managed to top either.Two more Japanese climbers competed in the final round, with Narasaki Meichi eventually landing next to Anraku on the podium, in silver medal position. The younger brother of Tomoa concluded his final with only one top in total – on M3 – but thanks to the fact that he flashed it, he was able to place ahead of Austria’s Jakob Schubert – third – and Japan’s Amagasa Sohta – fourth.All three climbers finished with one top and four zones, with attempts-to-top breaking the tie between Narasaki and Schubert, and attempts-to-zone doing the same between Schubert and Amagasa. The second Austrian climber participating in the final, Jan-Luca Posch, followed in fifth place, while Germany’s Yannick Flohé placed sixth. The night closed with Team USA pocketing two Speed World Cup golds with Emma Hunt and Samuel Watson.

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): The International Cricket Council (ICC) today (May 5) announced the fixtures for the ninth ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 taking place from 3 to 20 October in Bangladesh, an event that promises to inspire and connect with a new generation of fans across the globe.Ten teams will play 23 matches, over 18 action-packed days, at two venues in Bangladesh, the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka and the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet as the world’s best battle it out for the ultimate prize in T20 cricket.The schedule was unveiled at an event in Dhaka, attended by Nazmul Hassan, President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board alongside Geoff Allardice, CEO of the ICC and the Captains of India and Bangladesh women’s team- Harmanpreet Kaur and Nigar Sultana respectively.Before the official fixture launch, Honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina met the two captains at her residence, offering her best wishes for a successful World Cup.ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 fixtures: Thursday, 3 October 2024: England v South Africa, Dhaka, 15h00Bangladesh v Q2, Dhaka, 19h00Friday, 4 October 2024: Australia v Q1, Sylhet, 15h00India v New Zealand, Sylhet, 19h00Saturday, 5 October 2024: South Africa v West Indies, Dhaka, 15h00Bangladesh v England, Dhaka, 19h00Sunday, 6 October 2024: New Zealand v Q1, Sylhet, 15h00India v Pakistan, Sylhet, 19h00Monday, 7 October 2024: West Indies v Q2, Dhaka, 19h00Tuesday, 8 October 2024: Australia v Pakistan, Sylhet, 19h00Wednesday, 9 October 2024: Bangladesh v West Indies, Dhaka, 15h00India v Q1, Sylhet, 19h00Thursday, 10 October 2024: South Africa v Q2, Dhaka, 19h00Friday, 11 October 2024: Australia v New Zealand, Sylhet, 15h00Pakistan v Q1, Sylhet, 19h00Saturday, 12 October 2024: England v West Indies, Dhaka, 15h00Bangladesh v South Africa, Dhaka, 19h00Sunday, 13 October 2024: Pakistan v New Zealand, Sylhet, 15h00India v Australia, Sylhet, 19h00Monday, 14 October 2024: England v Q2, Dhaka, 15h00Thursday, 17 October 2024: Semi Final 1, Sylhet, 19h00Friday, 18 October 2024: Semi Final 2, Dhaka, 19h00Sunday, 20 October 2024: Final, Dhaka, 19h00

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Pakistan WAPDA won their matches of the ongoing 1st PTF Inter-Department Tennis Trophy 2024 at PTF Tennis Complex, Garden Avenue, Islamabad on Saturday.Once again Mohammad Abid (WAPDA) easily breezed out his opponent Ahtesham Humayun (SNGPL) in one-sided affairs 6-1 6-1, whereas in the second single Aqeel Khan (WAPDA) surprised his opponent Ahmed Babar (SNGPL) to win the match 6-2 6-3. In the first set, Aqeel Khan comfortably built up a winning lead by breaking the 6th game of Ahmed Babar (SNGPL) and by holding the 7th game at 5-2. In the 8th game, Aqeel did not allow his opponent to settle down and broke this game and won the first set at 6-2. In the second set, Ahmed Babar tried his best to catch the pace of Aqeel Khan but failed when Aqeel broke the 8th game of Ahmed Babar at 0-40 and hit a double fault to build the lead 5-3. In the 9th game, Aqeel Khan played excellent tennis by hitting the crosscourt and down-the-line shorts and finished the set by hitting an Ace at 40-30. In an important and crucial round-robin league match, Pakistan Air Force struggled hard to win against the Pakistan Army 2-1. Yousaf Khalil (PAF) turned difficult to win his encounter against the talented Abdullah Adnan (ARMY) in a straight set 6-4 6-2.In an exciting and thrilling second single between Mohammad Shoaib (PAF) and Muzammil Murtaza (ARMY) exhibited high-calibre and remarkable tennis and excellent forehand and backhand drives. In the first set, Mohammad Shoaib played an aggressive game and did not allow Muzammil to settle down beginning from the match breaking the 1st, 3rd, and 7th games and finishing the set at 6-2. In the In the second set both players changed their game plan and held their own games till the score went 6-6 games all. In the 10th see-saw game, Muzammil had a chance to break the game but Shoaib not only saved the game but played an excellent game of tennis from the baseline. The match went in a tie-break in which Muzammil again took a lead of 5-3 but Shaoib again bounced back aggressively and not only levelled the score 6-6 all but kept the same pressure on Muzammil's shoulder, at this stage Muzammil hit a double fault and unable to come back. In the next point, Shoaib hit a wide serve to Muzammil which returned and landed outside the court and Shoaib won the set and match at 7-6(7).  The match lasted 1 hour 35 minutes and was officiated by ITF White Badge Umpire Hussnain Mehmood.Results (Day-2):Pakistan Air Force (PAF) beat Pakistan Army (2-1):Singles-1: Yousaf Khalil (PAF) beat Abdullah Adnan (ARMY) 6-4, 6-2Singles-2: Mohammad Shoaib (PAF) beat Muzammil Murtaza (ARMY) 6-2, 7-6 (7)Doubles: Muzammil Murtaza / Abdullah Adnan (ARMY) beat Mohammad Shaoib / Yousaf Khalil (PAF) 6-3, 3-6, 10-5WAPDA beat SNGPL (3-0):Singles-1: Mohammad Abid (WAPDA) beat Ahtesham Humayun (SNGPL) 6-1, 6-1Singles-2: Aqeel Khan (WAPDA) beat Ahmed Babar (SNGPL) 6-2, 6-3Doubles: Heera Ashiq / Shahzad Khan (WAPDA) beat Saqib Hayat / Ahmed Babar (SNGPL) 6-1, 7-5.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: After a challenging climb through the night, Naila has achieved another historic milestone by successfully summiting Makalu, the 5th highest peak in the world at 8,485 meters, today (May 5) at approximately 9:35 am Nepal local time (8:50 am Pakistan time). This remarkable feat also makes her the first Pakistani woman to have summited this incredibly difficult mountain.Naila is grateful for all the prayers and wishes, and she gives special thanks to everyone. She also thanks Sherpa Gelgen Dai from Imagine Nepal, who has supported Naila every step of the way, making this achievement possible.This latest success highlights her exceptional endurance and determination. She now holds the record as the fastest Pakistani, both male and female, to have summited 11 of the 8,000-meter peaks, accomplished in under 3 years.

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): Ireland recorded an unequivocal, 54-run win over Netherlands to knock them out of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier. Tournament hosts, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have sealed the fourth semi-final spot, moving one step closer to qualification for the main event in Bangladesh later this year.Ireland beat Netherlands by 54 runs: Ireland, who chose to bat first, lost their prolific openers Amy Hunter (1) and Gaby Lewis (10) within the first 14 balls of the match as Netherlands pacer, Iris Zwilling got her side off to a perfect start in the crucial clash. Orla Prendergast (19) and Delany added 38 runs for the third-wicket to bring Ireland back in the hunt. They landed stumbled when they also lost Leah Paul for two, stuttering to 55/4 in the 10th over.Ireland roared back in contention thanks to a superb, unbeaten 89-run partnership between Delany and Eimear Richardson. The two took the fight back to the Netherlands bowlers who were bereft of answers in the second half of the Irish innings.Delany hit some scintillating shots in her undefeated 70 off 45 balls (eight fours, two sixes), while Richardson contributed 34 off 32 (two fours). Ireland finished their 20 overs on 144/4. Zwilling took two for 13 in her four overs, she was the most successful Netherlands bowler.Netherlands began their chase confidently with openers, Zwilling and Sterre Kalis adding 24 runs. The partnership was broken when Zwilling fell on the final ball of the fourth over, Kalis followed her back to the dugout in the sixth over. In-form batter, Robine Rijke fell for a duck as 24 for no loss turned into 29 for three in 5.4 overs.A 31-run, fourth-wicket stand between wicketkeeper Babette de Leede and captain, Heather Siegers revived the Netherlands’ hopes. Delany, at this stage, followed her batting brilliance to the delight of both Irish and UAE fans. The medium-pacer ran through the Dutch middle-order with figures of 3/6 in two overs. Netherlands were eventually skittled out for 90 in 17.3 overs, confirming the UAE’s entry into the semis. Prendergast also took three wickets and Arlene Kelly took two wickets.Sri Lanka beat USA by 18 runs: Sri Lanka, who won the toss and opted to bat first, found it tough to score quick runs up front against some disciplined and probing USA bowling. Geetika Kodali clinched the massive wicket of Sri Lanka captain, Chamari Athapaththu (4) in the opening over of the match.Athapaththu’s dismissal made Sri Lanka look for consolidation early on as Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Madavi took time to settle. The two shared 49 runs for the second-wicket in eight overs. Gunaratne fell for 25 (22 balls, three fours). Madavi (23) was dismissed off the next delivery, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 55/3 in 9.1 overs.USA kept the scoring rate in check in the second half of the Sri Lankan innings. Middle-order batter, Hansima Kunaratne, occupied the crease for the remainder of the innings, consuming 27 balls for her 25 runs (three fours). Nilakshi De Silva scored 21 off 29.Sri Lanka ended their innings at 123/4. Saanvi Immadi, Aditiba Chudasama and Kodali returning a wicket each for the USA.USA got off to a solid start and looked in contention for an upset until the 13th over of their innings. They tumbled from 63/1 to 87/5 as the Sri Lankan bowlers, led by Athapaththu, made some crucial breakthroughs. The skipper led the charge, taking 3/14 in her four overs, she was later named the player of the match. Udeshika Prabodhani and Inoka Ranaweera took one wicket apiece.Opener, Disha Dhingra (28 off 29 balls, four fours) was the leading run scorer for the USA. Captain, Sindhu Sriharsha chipped in with 27 (three fours), while Pooja Shah remained unbeaten on 20. They were eventually restricted to 105/6 at the end of their allotted overs, ending their tournament at the bottom of Group A after being unable to secure a win in any of their matches.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army, and WAPDA registered victories in the 1st PTF Inter-Department Tennis Trophy 2024 after beating SNGPL, and Pakistan Navy respectively here at PTF Tennis Complex, Garden Avenue on Friday.Mohammad Abid (WAPDA) easily breezed out his opponent Faizan Fayyaz Khan (NAVY) in one-sided affairs without conceding a single game 6-0 6-0. In the second single Aqeel Khan (WAPDA) started his winning streak and overpowered his opponent Asad Zaman (NAVY) in a straight set match 6-2 6-1.In the first singles Abdullah Adnan (ARMY) won his opening match against Ahmad Babar (SNGPL) in a straight set 6-2, 6-1. In the second single Muzammil Murtaza (ARMY) outclassed Saqib Hayat and won the match 6-0, 6-1 just in 37 minutes. Muzammil played an excellent game and hit 5 aces in the first set and 9 aces in the second set and did not allow his opponent to settle down against his powerful serve. This match was officiated by ITF White Badge Umpire Hussnain Mehmood. President PTF also congratulated the winning team members and wished them well for future matches.Earlier in the afternoon Zahoor Ahmed Addl. Secretary IPC, and Director General, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) inaugurated the 1st PTF Inter-Department Tennis Trophy and met the players of the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Navy, WAPDA, and SNGPL. Lt. Gen. Mohammad Afzal (Retd.) also attended the opening ceremony as a guest of honor. Results:Pakistan Army beat SNGPL (2-0):Singles-1: Abdullah Adnan (ARMY) beat Ahmad Babar (SNGPL) 6-2, 6-1Singles-2: Muzammil Murtaza (ARMY) beat Saqib Hayat (SNGPL) 6-0, 6-1Doubles: Abdullah Adnan / Arham Attique (ARMY) beat Ahmed Babar / Ahtesham Humayun (SNGPL) 6-2 6-3WAPDA beat Pakistan Navy (2-0):Singles-1: Mohammad Abid (WAPDA) beat Faizan Fayyaz Khan (NAVY) 6-0, 6-0Singles-2: Aqeel Khan (WAPDA) beat Asad Zaman (NAVY) 6-2, 6-1Doubles: Heera Ashiq / Shahzad Khan (WAPDA) beat Asad Zaman / Faizan Fayyaz Khan (NAVY) 6-1, 6-2Saturday’s Fixtures:Pakistan WAPDA Vs SNGPL, Zainab Ali Naqi Court # 1 at 10:30 AMPakistan Army Vs PAF – Aqeel Khan Center Court at 10:30 AM

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army players will take on Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) in the opening match of the 1st PTF Inter-Department Tennis Trophy 2024, which will roll into action on Friday (May 3) here at PTF Tennis Complex, Garden Avenue.According to an official of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), the top five men’s teams including Pakistan WAPDA, Pakistan ARMY, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Pakistan Navy, and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines are participating in the 5-day national tennis showpiece.On Thursday, the captain’s meeting of all the participating teams was held at the Referee’s Office. Arif Qureshi chaired the meeting whereas Secretary PTF and Chairman Organizing Committee Col. Zia-ud-Din Tufail, and Mohammad Khalil Chughtai Tournament Director also attended the meeting.After elaborating the Rules of the Games to all the concerned captains and officials of the teams, a Draw of Men’s Team Event was held. The opening matches will be played on Friday (May 3) 2024 at 11:00 am. In the second match of the day, WAPDA will meet the Pakistan Navy at 11:00 am in Court No.1.The opening ceremony will be held at 2:30 pm. Zahoor Ahmed Addl. Secretary IPC and Director General, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) will grace the occasion as a chief guest and will inaugurate the 1st PTF Inter-Department Tennis Trophy 2024.Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi President of PTF emphasized that the event would not be successful without the active participation of tennis lovers and enthusiasts. He invited all the tennis lovers and enthusiasts to come and see the excellent tennis extravaganza and appreciate the top national players in Islamabad. 

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today (May 2) announced its 18-player squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland (10-14 May) and England (22-30 May). The squad will be reduced to 15 players for next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 after the first T20I at Leeds on 22 May to meet the ICC’s 24 May deadline.The men’s national selection committee has recalled fast bowler Haris Rauf, along with all-rounders Hasan Ali and Salman Ali Agha, in the 18-player squad. The two cricketers who did not make the cut from the original 17-player squad that faced New Zealand are wrist spinner Usama Mir and fast bowler Zaman Khan.Names of players: Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman KhanHaris Rauf and wicketkeeper/batter Azam Khan were sidelined for the New Zealand T20Is due to injuries, while middle-order batter Muhammad Irfan Khan and wicketkeeper/batter Mohammad Rizwan were rested from the two T20Is in Lahore due to niggles.The four cricketers underwent fitness assessments at the National Cricket Academy on Tuesday afternoon, showing significant improvement. This progress has provided confidence and encouragement to the PCB Medical Panel and the team management regarding their potential availability during the seven T20Is.Salman Ali Agha has established himself as a versatile cricketer, proficient in aggressive middle-order batting and off-spin bowling. His inclusion bolsters Pakistan's spin department alongside Abrar Ahmed, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan.Hasan Ali's selection is attributed to his extensive experience, having featured in 50 T20Is and excelling in bilateral series and ICC Events. His impressive performance in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2024, where he claimed 14 wickets, further underlined his credentials. Currently representing Warwickshire in the English County Championship, Hasan adds depth to Pakistan’s bowling arsenal.Schedule of matches:10 May – v Ireland, 1st T20I, Dublin12 May – v Ireland, 2nd T20, Dublin14 May – v Ireland, 3rd T20I, Dublin22 May – v England, 1st T20I, Leeds25 May – v England, 2nd T20I, Birmingham28 May – v England 3rd T20I, Cardiff30 May – v England, 4th T20I, The Oval

Nida Dar to lead 17-member squad for the six white-ball matchesSports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: The newly-appointed seven-member women’s national selection committee has named a 17-player Pakistan women’s squad for this month’s tour to England.Nida Dar will continue to lead the side, which will feature in three T20Is from 11-17 May and three ODIs from 23-29 May. The ODIs are part of ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 and this will be Pakistan’s eighth and final series in the current event cycle.Pakistan are currently sitting in fifth position with 16 points in the 10-team ICC Women Championship 2022-25 standings. The top five teams from this championship, along with hosts India, will directly qualify for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.In addition to the six white-ball international matches, the tourists will also play two warm-up games (T20 and One-Day) against ECB Development XI on 9 and 21 May. For their first England tour since 2016, the national side will leave on Sunday, 5 May.Pakistan women squad: Nida Dar (captain), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali (wk), Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda AkhtarPlayer support personnel: Nahida Khan (manager), Mauhtashim Rasheed (interim head coach), Saleem Jaffar (bowling coach), Taufeeq Umar (batting coach), Hanif Malik (fielding coach), Syed Nazir Ahmed (media manager), Rabia Siddiq (physiotherapist), Zubair Ahmed (analyst) and Hina Munawar (chief security officer)Tour schedule:9 May – T20 warm-up game v ECB Development XI, Uptonsteel County Ground (11.00am local time)11 May – 1st T20I, Birmingham (2.30pm local time)17 May – 2nd T20I, Northampton (6.30pm local time)19 May – 3rd T20I, Leeds (1.00pm local time)21 May – One-Day warm-up game v ECB Development XI, Northampton (11.00am local time)23 May – 1st ODI, Derby (1.00pm local time) (ICC Women’s Championship)26 May – 2nd ODI, Taunton (11.00am local time) (ICC Women’s Championship)29 May – 3rd ODI, Chelmsford (1.00pm local time) (ICC Women’s Championship)

Pakistan to take on USA in T20 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup on June 6 in DallasAbdul Jabbar Faisal / Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Ambassador of the United States of America (USA) here Donald Blome on Tuesday Pakistan men’s cricket team, which will participate in the upcoming T20 World Cup that will take place in the USA, and West Indies simultaneously from June 1 to 29, 2024.The ambassador Donald Blome welcomed the national players accompanying Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi at his residence and extended his best wishes to the players for the upcoming T20 Cricket World Cup matches in the United States.It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan would face the USA in their opening contest of the T20 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup on June 6, 2024 at Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Dallas Texas.On this occasion, Ambassador Blome presented the team members with a commemorative embassy cricket ball and autographed softball bat. The Pakistani team reciprocated by presenting the ambassador with a signed cricket bat and team jersey.