By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD:-An unseeded, Leyla Nilufer Elmas (TUR) won the Girls Single crown of Syed Dilawar Abbas Memorial ITF Pakistan Junior Tennis Championships by eliminating top seed Ren Ke in a entertaining three sets match at Dilawar Abbas PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Thursday. In the First set, both players broke serve of each other and the score went up to 6-6 all and set decided on tie break, which won by Leyla with a score of 8-6 by hitting the winner down the line. In the second set, the quality tennis was witnessed and the score went up to 4-4 all as both the players hold their respective serves; top seed Ren Ke won the second set at 6-4 by breaking last game of Leyla at 15-40. The final set was marked with aces, long rallies and combination of back hand, forehand drives and the score went up to 4-4 all. Leyla won the final set by breaking 9th game of Ren Ke and clinched the Girls Singles title; the match lasted 2 hours 28 minutes which was officiated by Asif Ali. Leyla Elmas (TUR) obtained 30 ITF World Ranking points whereas Ren Ke (CHN) got 18 points. Ayar Goklap (TUR)/ Mustafa Sancaklioglu (TUR) won the Boys Doubles title by eliminating Iustin Belea (ROU) / Qwyn Quittner (AUS) in straight sets with the score of 6-2, 6-3. Top seed Mohammad Shaoib of Pakistan and second seed Ayar Goklap (TUR) moved into the Boys Singles final by beating their respective opponents in straight sets. In the first semi final Top seed Shoaib won the first set 6-4 by breaking 9th game of Aryan Giri (NEP); he kept the same pressure in the second set and build up the winning lead 4-0 by breaking 1st and 3rd game of Aryan and won the second set at 6-1 by breaking last game of Aryan after 3 duce. In the second semi final Ayar Goklap (TUR) proved too good for Kerem Ozlale (TUR) and won in straight sets with the score of 6-3, 6-1. Leyla Nilufer Elmas (TUR) / Mina Togdulkdmir (TUR) won the Girls Doubles Title by beating Abhilasha Bista (NEP) / Neyara Weerawansa (SRI) in a exciting three set match; Neyla / Mina won the first set at 7-5 by breaking 11th game of Neyara; Bista & Neyara leveled the match 1 set all by wining the second set at 6-2 by breaking 4t5h and 6th game of Leyla and Mina. In the final set match tie played which won by Leyla / Mina at 11-9 after saving 3 match points. Salim Saifullah Khan President Pakistan Tennis Federation witnessed the Girls Doubles final and distributed the shields and trophies amongst the winner and runner-ups; as these players are leaving today for the their home land. Col. Gul Rehman Secretary PTF and other tennis lovers were also witnessed the final and present on the occasion.  Results: Boys Singles Semi Final Mohammad Shaoib beat Aryan Giri (NEP) 6-4, 6-1; Gokalp Ayar (TUR) beat Kerem Ozlale (TUR) 6-3, 6-1 Girls Singles Final Leyla Nilufer Elmas (TUR) beat Ren Ke (CHN) 7-6(6), 4-6, 6-4 Boys Doubles Final Gokalp Ayar (TUR) / Mustafa Sancaklioglu (TUR) beat Iustin Belea (ROU) / Qwyn Quittner (AUS) 6-2, 6-3 Girls Doubles Final Leyla Nilufer Elmas (TUR) / Mina Toglukdemir (TUR) beat  Abhilasha Bista (NEP) / Neyara Weerawansa (SRI) 7-5, 2-6, 11-9.

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (February 28, 2020):-Fast bowler Haris Rauf will be replaced by Salman Irshad, the right-arm fast-medium bowler, in Lahore Qalandars’ camp after the former was ruled out due to an injury in his right foot. Haris is likely to miss next two to three HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 matches for his side. The replacement was approved by the event’s technical committee which includes PCB CEO Wasim Khan, Bazid Khan, Marina Iqbal, Sameer Khosa and Dr Sohail Saleem. Harris experienced pain on the inner side of his right heel after Lahore Qalandars match against Islamabad United at the Gaddafi Stadium last Sunday. Though his scans ruled out any fracture but there certainly is stress reaction. Therefore he has been advised rest. Salman, who comes in as a silver category player, featured in the 2018 edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League and played three matches for Lahore Qalandars.

Salman Khan MULTAN (February 28, 2020):-Multan Sultans recorded their second successive home win in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 by beating Karachi Kings by a comfortable 52-run margin at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Friday. A fine bowling performance led by spinners Imran Tahir and Shahid Afridi who shared five wickets between them set the tone of Sultans’ comfortable win after their batsmen had set what proved to be a match winning 186 for six first innings score. Sohail Tanvir who got a four-wicket haul in Sultans win over Peshawar Zalmi on Wednesday took two wickets for 20 runs. Alex Hales with 29 and Umaid Asif 20 were the only batsmen to offer some resistance in what was a less than inspiring batting performance by the Kings. Batting first after being asked to bat at the toss, Sultans posted a formidable 186 for six total in their allotted 20 overs courtesy half-centuries by opener and man-of-the-match Moeen Ali and captain Shan Masood. The two added 71 runs for the second wicket partnership after Zeeshan Ashraf (23 off 13 balls) had provided the hosts a flying start in a 31-run opening stand with Moeen. Moeen hit four fours and as many sixes in his 65-run innings that came off 42 balls; he was the second wicket to fall. Shan also faced 42 balls scoring 61 runs with the help of seven fours and one six. Khushdil Shah (10) was the only other batsman to reach double figures as Sultans innings was built on the contributions by Moeen and Shan. Pacers Mohammad Amir and Chris Jordan took two wickets each for Kings, Amir conceding 27 and Jordan conceding 29 runs respectively in their four over spells. Scores in brief Multan Sultans 186 for 6, 20 overs (Moeen Ali 65, Shan Masood 61; Mohammad Amir 2-27, Chris Jordan 2-29) Karachi Kings 134 all out, 17 overs (Alex Hales 29, Umaid Asif 20, Chadwick Walton 15; Imran Tahir 3-28, Shahid Afridi 2-18, Sohail Tanvir 2-20)    

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (February 28, 2020):-England women recorded a 42-run victory over Pakistan women in a Group B match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup played at the Manuka Oval, Canberra on Friday. Set a 159-run target, Pakistan were bowled out for 116 runs in 19.4 overs to hand England their second win of the tournament. Pakistan who beat West Indies by eight wickets in their opening match now face South Africa in Sydney on Sunday. Pakistan’s chase got off to a poor start as opener Muneeba Ali (10) fell in the third over. The women in green lost the crucial wicket of captain Bismah Maroof who fell for four in the sixth over with the score on 35. Player-of-the-match of the win against West Indies, Javeria Khan fell for 16 in the 7th over which left Pakistan reeling at 39 for three. Pakistan kept losing regular wickets before folding in 19.4 overs for 116 runs. All-rounder Aliya Riaz top-scored with a stroke-filled 41 off 33 balls, her innings included five fours and one six. For England Anya Shrubsole and Sarah Glenn took three wickets each. Katherine Brunt and Sophie Ecclestone took two wickets each. Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and asked England to bat first. Diana Baig repeated her first over heroics of the game against West Indies by dismissing English opener Amy Jones (2) on the fifth ball of the match. The other opener Danni Wyatt fell for 16 to Aimen Anwar. Natalie Sciver hit five boundaries in her 36 that came off 29 balls before falling to Aliya Riaz. Captain Heather Knight was the top-scorer for England with 62 off 47 balls, her match winning innings included eight fours and one six. Fran Wilson chipped in with 22 as England finished their 20 overs with a formidable 158 for seven was total on the scoreboard. For Pakistan Aimen was the pick of the bowlers, she claimed three wickets for 30 runs. Nida Dar, playing her 100th T20I took two for 43. Scores in brief: England Women 158 for 7, 20 overs (Heather Knight 62, Natalie Sciver 36; Aimen Anwar 3-30, Nida Dar 2-43) Pakistan Women:-116 all out in 19.4 overs (Aliya Riaz 41, Javeria Khan 16; Sarah Glenn 3-15, Anya Shrubsole 3-25 ) Result: England women win by 42 runs Player-of-the-match: Heather Knight Next match for Pakistan: Pakistan Women vs South Africa Women, Sunday, 01 March in Sydney.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (Februry 27, 2020):-Defending champions Quetta Gladiators produced a stunning run-chase to defeat Islamabad United by five wickets in the first-ever HBL Pakistan Super League match at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday. Gladiators’ victory has given them the top-spot in the HBL PSL 2020 points table. They have won three out of their four games and have six points after the end of the ninth match of the tournament. Set a stiff 188-run target, Quetta Gladiators were helped past the target by an unbroken 57-run partnership between man-of-the-match Ben Cutting (42 not out, 17 balls, two fours, four sixes) and Mohammad Nawaz (25 not out, 20 balls, three fours). Cutting made the difference by scoring 17 runs off the 18th over of the Gladiators’ chase when they needed 33 to win at the start of the over. Rumman Raees conceded a mere five runs in the penultimate over to bring United back in the hunt but Cutting finished the game off through back-to-back sixes off Amad Butt’s final over to take his side over the line with two balls spare. The foundation of the Gladiators’ chase was laid by opener Jason Roy (50 off 38) and captain Sarfaraz Ahmed (33 off 20). Gladiators were in a spot of bother when Sarfaraz was dismissed by Faheem Ashraf, which left Gladiators needing 55 off the last 29 balls. However, Cutting’s heroics helped them secure a vital victory which has taken them to the top of the six-team table. Ahmed Safi with two wickets for 17 runs in three overs was the pick of the United bowlers. Earlier, Sarfaraz won the toss and opted to field first. United got off to a blazing start as Luke Ronchi took 11 runs off the first over bowled by Sohail Khan. His innings though was nipped in the bud by fast-bowler Naseem Shah who demolished his stumps with a fast yorker on the first ball of the second over. Naseem then took another prized wicket when he breached Dawid Malan’s (10) defences sending the stumps flying again. Colin Munro was the third wicket to fall, he went after a quickfire 31 off 20 balls (two fours, three sixes) leaving United at 56 for three in the sixth over. United skipper Shadab Khan who scored a scintillating fifty in United’s win over Lahore Qalandars last Sunday, scored 39 off 25 balls (three fours, two sixes). The right-hander added 76 runs in 50 balls with Colin Ingram for the fourth wicket. Ingram held the innings together as United lost quick wickets at the other end. The left-hander stayed at the crease till the end of the United innings to propel them to 187 for seven. Ingram scored 63 off 40 balls (six fours, two sixes) to register his first fifty for United in his third match of his first-ever season with the franchise. Naseem with figures of two for 23 in four overs was the pick of the Gladiators bowling line-up. Scores in brief Islamabad United 187-7, 20 overs (Colin Ingram 63 not out, Shadab Khan 39, Colin Munro 31; Naseem Shah 2-23, Tymal Mills 2-34) Quetta Gladiators 190-5, 19.4 overs (Jason Roy 50, Ben Cutting 42 not out, Sarfaraz Ahmed 33; Ahmed Safi 2-17, Faheem Ashraf 2-46) Result: Quetta Gladiators win by five wickets Islamabad United (Playing XI) Shadab Khan (c), Faheem Ashraf, Asif Ali, Amad Butt, Colin Ingram (SA), Musa Khan, Dawid Malan (ENG), Colin Munro (NZ), Rumman Raees, Luke Ronchi (wk, NZ), Ahmed Safi Abdullah, Dale Steyn (SA),  Quetta Gladiators (Playing XI) Sarfraz Ahmed (c/wk), Ahsan Ali, Ben Cutting (AUS), Mohammad Hasnain, Azam Khan, Sohail Khan, Khurram Manzoor, Tymal Mills (ENG), Mohammad Nawaz, Jason Roy (ENG), Naseem Shah, Ahmed Shehzad, Shane Watson (AUS) Islamabad United Shadab Khan (c), Faheem Ashraf, Asif Ali, Saif Badar, Amad Butt, Zafar Gohar, Rizwan Hussain, Colin Ingram (SA), Akif Javed, Musa Khan, Dawid Malan (ENG), Colin Munro (NZ), Rumman Raees, Luke Ronchi (wk, NZ), Ahmed Safi Abdullah, Phil Salt (ENG), Dale Steyn (SA), Hussain Talat Quetta Gladiators Sarfraz Ahmed (c/wk), Fawad Ahmed (AUS), Anwar Ali, Ahsan Ali, Ben Cutting (AUS), Mohammad Hasnain, Arish Ali Khan, Azam Khan, Sohail Khan, Khurram Manzoor, Zahid Mehmood (until March 7), Tymal Mills (ENG), Abdul Nasir, Mohammad Nawaz, Keemo Paul (WI, from March 7), Jason Roy (ENG), Naseem Shah, Ahmed Shehzad, Shane Watson (AUS) Karachi Kings Imad Wasim (c), Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, Umaid Asif, Babar Azam, Cameron Delport (SA), Alex Hales (ENG), Arshad Iqbal, Chris Jordan (ENG), Sharjeel Khan, Ali Khan, Umer Khan, Mitch McClenaghan (NZ), Usama Mir, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Chadwick Walton (WI), Aamir Yamin, Awais Zia Lahore Qalandars Sohail Akhtar (c), Shaheen Afridi, Jaahid Ali, Salman Butt, Ben Dunk (wk, AUS), Mohammad Faizan, Mohammad Hafeez, Dilbar Hussain, Chris Lynn (AUS), Samit Patel (ENG), Seekkuge Prasanna (SL), Farzan Raja, Haris Rauf, Usman Shinwari, Dane Vilas (wk, SA), David Wiese (SA), Fakhar Zaman Multan Sultans Shan Masood (c), Moeen Ali (ENG), Shahid Afridi, Fabian Allen (WI, from March 7), Zeeshan Ashraf, Bilawal Bhatti, Ravi Bopara (ENG), Mohammad Ilyas, Mohammad Irfan, Junaid Khan, Wayne Madsen (ENG, until March 7), Rohail Nazir (wk), Rilee Rossouw (SA), Usman Qadir, Ali Shafiq, Khushdil Shah, Imran Tahir (SA), Sohail Tanvir, James Vince (ENG) Peshawar Zalmi Darren Sammy (c, WI), Kamran Akmal (wk), Aamir Ali, Hasan Ali, Rahat Ali, Haider Ali Khan, Adil Amin, Umar Amin, Tom Banton (wk, ENG), Carlos Brathwaite (WI, until March 7), Liam Dawson (ENG), Lewis Gregory (ENG), Imam-ul-Haq, Amir Khan, Liam Livingstone (ENG), Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Mohsin, Kieron Pollard (WI, from March 7), Wahab Riaz

Salman Khan MULTAN (February 26, 2020):-An unbroken 77-run fifth wicket partnership between Rilee Rossouw and Khushdil Shah guided Multan Sultans to a comfortable six wicket win over Peshawar Zalmi in the first-ever HBL Pakistan Super League match at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. Enjoying the support of a vociferous home crowd, Multan recovered from a shaky 47 for four in 6.1 overs to get past their 124-run target with nine balls to spare. The left-handed pair of Rossouw and Khushdil took the team to the victory with contrasting batting performances. While Rossouw grafted his way to a 42-ball 47 (seven fours and one six), Khushdil used the long handle to great effect in his 43 that came off 29 balls and included four fours and two sixes. The two stabilised the chase first before taking the charge against a fired-up Zalmi attack that fought hard despite a low total to defend. Left-armer Wahab Riaz took two quick wickets, fellow pacer Hasan Ali removed James Vince for five in the opening over. Wahab took the wickets of Shan Masood (8) and Zeeshan Ashraf (12) while Rahat Ali dismissed Moeen Ali (2) but their efforts wen in vain eventually as Rossouw and Khushdil finished the job for the Sultans. Earlier Sultans captain Shan won the toss and opted to field first. His decision paid rich dividends as Tom Banton (4) fell in the first over to a terrific catch by the veteran Shahid Afridi off Mohammad Irfan. The prolific Kamran Akmal, who had scored a century in Zalmi’s win over Gladiators on Saturday, fell for 15. Shoaib Malik and Liam Livingstone fell cheaply as Zalmi were reduced to 41 for four in the sixth over. The talented youngster Haider Ali batted with great deal of confidence in his 47 (27 balls, six fours and two sixes) but his dismissal in the 11th over triggered a collapse. Zalmi failed to come to grips against the spinning ball as the lower-order caved-in. Liam Dawson with 22 runs was the only one to offer some fight as Zalmi were rolled over for 123 in 18.3 overs. Sohail Tanvir, later adjudged the man-of-the-match was the most successful bowler for Sultans with figures of four for 13 in 3.3 overs. Pacers Irfan and Mohammad Ilyas took two wickets apiece. Scores in brief Peshawar Zalmi 123 all out, 18.3 overs (Haider Ali 47, Liam Dawson 22; Sohail Tanvir 4-13, Mohammad Ilyas 2-23) Multan Sultans 124-4, 18.3 overs (Rilee Rossouw 49 not out, Khushdil Shah 43 not out; Wahab Riaz 2-36) Result: Multan Sultans won by six wickets

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (February 26, 2020):-Salim Saifullah Khan, President PTF visited Aisam ul Haq Pavilion at Pakistan Sports Complex to witness the training session of the Pakistan Davis Cup team, which is in progress for preparation of the Davis Cup tie Pakistan against Slovenia. The President showed satisfaction about the training session and the hard work, which is being displayed by the players under their Captain/Coach Mushaf Zia. He also interacted with the players and motivated them to perform better. The President also inspected the venue of the event and was briefed by Khawar Hyat, SEVP and Saeed Ahmed Khan SVP, members of the Management Committee of PTF, about the progress of the work. He was satisfied with the overall preparatory arrangements.    

Sport Reporter ISLAMABAD (February 26, 2020):-Mohammad Shoaib (PAK), Gokalp Ayar (TUR), Aryan Giri (NEP) and Kerem Ozlale (TUR) qualified for the Boys Singles Semi finals of Syed Dilawar Abbas Memorial ITF Pakistan Junior Tennis Championships by eliminating their respective opponents in straight sets at S.Dilawar Abbas PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad. Top seed Mohammad Shoaib was in excellent form and won the first set at 6-2 by breaking 1st and 3rd game of Tuna and he kept the same pressure in the second set and did not allow his opponent to settle down with his powerful winner down the line and cross court. He won the second set at 6-1 by breaking 1st, 3rd and 5th game. Unseeded Kerem Ozlale of Turkey continue his winning streak and won his encounter against Birtan Duran (TUR) without any resistance with a score of 6-0, 6-2. The third quarter final 2nd seed Gokalp Ayar (TUR) beat Iustin Belea of Romania in a well contested two set match 6-4, 6-3 and will face Kerem Ozlale in the semi final tomorrow at 10:00 AM. In the last quarterfinal Aryan Giri (NEP) proved too good for Stylianos Poutis (GRE) and won his encounter in straight set with a score of 6-2, 6-4 and moved into the semi final and will face top seed Muhammad Shaoib of Pakistan at 10:00 AM. In the girls singles semi finals; unseeded Lyela Nilufer Elmas (TUR) made the major upset in the tournament by beating 2nd seed Dorsa Cheraghi (IRI) in best encounter of the day. Leyla won the first set at 6-4 by breaking 10th game of Dorsa in which she hit one double fault and lost the game love-40. The tough fight was seen in the second set and score went up to 6-6all as both the players hold their respective serve and match decided on tie break which won by Lyela at 7-1 by playing some excellent shorts at the crucial stage and qualify for the Girls Final. In the second semi final Top seed Ren Ke (CHN) won her encounter against unseeded Zhansaya Bakytzhan  (KAZ) in straight set at 7-5, 6-0. The Girls will be played at 10:00 AM. In the Girls Doubles event; unseeded BAbhilasha Bista (NEP) and Neyara Weerawansa (SRI) made the major upset by beating top seed Dorsa Cheraghi (IRI) and Billur Gonlusen (TUR) in a thrilling and exciting three sets match. Abhilsha and Neyara won the match tie break set at 12-10 after saving two match points. In the second semi final Lyela Nilufer Elmas (TUR) / Mina Toglukdemir won their encounter in another three set good match of the day 6-3, 6-7(5) 10-7, Final of Girls Doubles will be played tomorrow at 2:00 PM. In the Boys Doubles semi finals Gokalp Ayar (TUR) and Mustafa Sancakliogu (TUR) caused major upsent in the event when he eliminated top seed Muhammad Shoaib (PAK) and Ahmed Kamil (PAK) in hard fight semi final. In the other semi final 2nd seed Iustin Belea (ROU) and Qwyn Quittner (AUS) struggle hard to win to beat Agha Raahim (GBR) and Stulianos Poutis (GRE) in another exciting match of the day. Boys & Girls Doubles Finals will be played tomorrow at 2:00 PM. Following are the results: Boys Singles Quarter Finals Mohammad Shoaib (PAK) beat Tuna Nergizoglu (TUR) 6-2, 6-1; Gokalp Ayar (TUR) beat Iustin Belea (ROU) 6-4, 6-3; Aryan Giri (NEP) beat Stylianos Poutis (GRE) 6-2, 6-4; Kerem Ozlale (TUR) beat Birtan Duran (TUR) 6-0, 6-2. Girls Singles Semi Finals Ren Ke (CHN) beat Zhansaya Bakytzhan (KAZ) 7-5, 6-0; Leyla Nilufer Elmas (TUR) beat Dorsa Cheraghi (IRI) 6-4, 7-6(1). Boys Doubles Semi Finals Gokalp Ayar (TUR) / Mustafa Sancaklioglu (TUR) beat Ahmed Kamil (PAK) / Muhammad Shoaib (PAK) 1-6, 6-1, 10-7; Iustin Belea (ROU) / Qwyn Quittner (AUS) beat Raahim Agha (GBR) / Stylianos Poutis (GRE) 1-6, 6-4, 10-6; Girls Doubles Semi Finals Abhilasha Bista (NEP) / Neyara Weerawansa (SRI) beat Dorsa Cheraghi (IRI) / Billur Gonlusen (TUR) 5-7, 7-6(5) 12-10; Leyla Nilufer Elmas (TUR) / Mina Toglukdemir (TUR) beat Sei-Ding Chai (MAS) / Ren Ke (CHN) 6-3, 6-7(5), 10-7

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (February 26, 2020):-Pakistan Women made the perfect start to their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign by recording a comprehensive eight-wicket win over West Indies in a Group B match played at the Manuka Oval, Canberra on Wednesday. Chasing 125 runs for a win, Pakistan completed their comfortable chase for the loss of two wickets in 18.2 overs. Openers Muneeba Ali and Javeria Khan provided the perfect launching pad to the chase with a 58-run first wicket partnership in 7.2 overs. Javeria, later adjudged the player-of-the-match, played some delightful shots in her 35-run innings that came off 28 balls and included six fours, before her dismissal to West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor. Muneeba was dismissed for 25; her 26-ball innings included three fours. After Muneeba’s dismissal with the score at 77 for two in 11.5 overs, Nida Dar joined captain Bismah Maroof in the middle. The two carried Pakistan home with an unbroken 50-run stand in only 39 balls. The seasoned Bismah remained unbeaten on 39 (37 balls, four fours). Nida gave her captain solid support at the other end as she also returned undefeated on a 20-ball 18 that included one four. Taylor and Afy Fletcher were the only two wicket-takers for the West Indies, both took a wicket apiece. Earlier, batting first after winning the toss, West Indies were rocked on the very first ball of the innings as opener Hayley Matthews fell lbw to pacer Diana Baig. Diana then made the second breakthrough for Pakistan by dismissing Matthews’ fellow opener Lee-Ann Kirby (16) to reduce West Indies to 25 for two in 4.1 overs. Nida then accounted for star West Indies batter Deandra Dottin (1) with her off-spin to leave the West Indies stuttering at 28 for three in 6.2 overs. West Indies were at this stage rescued by a 60-ball 63-run partnership between captain Stafanie Taylor and Shemaine Campbelle. Both scored 43 runs each, Taylor faced 47 balls and struck two fours and two sixes while Campbelle’s 36-ball effort also included two fours and two sixes. Aimen Anwar followed up the good work done earlier by Diana and Nida by taking two wickets to restrict West Indies to a manageable total. Diana, Nida and Aimen Anwar took two wickets apiece while Anam Amin took one wicket for 19 runs in her four overs. Pakistan now play England in their second Group B match on Friday, the game will be played at the same venue. Scores in brief: West Indies Women 124-7, 20 overs (Shemaine Campbelle 43, Stafanie Taylor 43; Diana Baig 2-19, Nida Dar 2-30, Aimen Anwar 2-32) Pakistan Women  127-2, 18.2 overs (Bismah Maroof 39 not out, Javeria Khan 35, Muneeba Ali 25; Stafanie Taylor 1-20) Result: Pakistan Women win by eight wickets   Player-of-the-match: Javeria Khan   Next match for Pakistan: England Women vs Pakistan Women, Friday 28 February in Canberra.  

SB News ISLAMABAD (February 25, 2020):-Anisa Mohammed wants more from West Indies’ batters and challenged them to put a big score on the board in their Group B clash with Pakistan. West Indies are one from one after beating Thailand in their opener. But they were far from convincing from the bat, as past failings returned. akistan are playing their first match of the tournament in Canberra The Windies batting line-up is prone to collapse - dismissed in double figures five times since the last T20 World Cup and bowled out for 71 by Australia in their 2018 semi-final on home soil. Unconvincing in chasing down 79 to beat Thailand in their tournament opener, off-spinner Mohammed believes their batters must do their bit and help out the bowlers. “I think our batting just needs to improve a bit,” said the vice-captain. “Our fielding and our bowling against Thailand was spot on - the seamers set the tone and as spinners, we enjoyed the bounce we got from the pitch. “As a group we’ve had to fill in for Shakera (Selman) and we did that, she’s a big bowler and they are big shoes to fill. “Pakistan have some good players and they’re a very different team from when we played them in previous series. “I think they’re a pretty good team. Their bowling is really their strength, so hopefully our batters can counter that and put a total on the board for us to bowl at. “All teams in this competition are strong, everyone’s here to win and to qualify. We’re taking every game very seriously.” West Indies and Pakistan are familiar foes, contesting two warm-up matches in the weeks leading up to the tournament and playing out an entertaining three-match series 12 months ago. Pakistan’s Nida Dar claims her side can capitalise on the six-hitting bravado of West Indies after watching them struggle to rotate strike against debutants Thailand. “West Indies want to show their skills, because they are strong, and hit a boundary from every ball,” said the all-rounder. “They were very disturbed by the pace Thailand bowled to them. Slower balls and variations can be very helpful for us against them as they try to hit hard every time. “Maybe in our match they’ll adapt to conditions and try to rotate the strike. Asian teams are giving tough times to everyone at the World Cup and our spinners will try to do the same.” Stafanie Taylor’s side is laced with experience, boasting more T20I caps in their squad than any other nation at the World Cup. Bismah Maroof’s outfit, by contrast, have an average age of 25 and fewer combined caps than all teams apart from Sri Lanka and Thailand. Nida, whose Big Bash League experience with Sydney Thunder will be crucial for her side, feels Pakistan can profit from a fresh-faced make-up. “Our youth is the best thing about our team,” said the 33-year-old. “West Indies won’t know all of our players and some of them will be a surprise package. I’m in a team of very talented players with a mix of senior and junior players. “I hope they’re looking forward to playing at the World Cup. We just want to show our skills.”