Naseem Shah puts Central Punjab on top   SB Report FAISALABAD (October 30, 2019):-A second career five-wicket haul by fast-bowler Naseem Shah helped Central Punjab to put a stranglehold over Sindh on Day Three of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy fixture at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad. The 16-year-old returned figures of 19-2-78-6 as Sindh were dismissed for 256 after starting the penultimate day at the overnight score of 196 for four in reply to Central Punjab’s 313. After securing a 57-run first innings lead, Central Punjab further consolidated their position by finishing the day at 192 for two as the visitors led by 249 with eight wickets standing. Salman Butt was batting at 90 (12x4, 154b) and looks all set for his 24th first-class century, while Pakistan Test captain Azhar Ali was out after a scoring 90 (15x4, 145b). The two batsmen added 175 runs for the second wicket after Ahmed Shehzad (0) had departed at the score of 11. When Azhar Ali reached 31, he completed 12,000 first-class runs in his 192nd match. However, the day belonged to Naseem, who was playing his final first-class match before leaving for Australia next week for the World Test Championship Tests. After picking up the scalps of Khurram Manzoor, Abid Ali and Omair Bin Yousuf on Tuesday, he added the wickets of Fawad Alam (92), Sarfaraz Ahmed (0) and Sohail Khan (0) to take his tally of event wickets to 15 – the most by a fast bowler to date. This was also the first five-fer by a fast bowler in the first-class season. “It was fantastic to get a six-fer in the lead up to the Australia tour as it has boosted my confidence tremendously,” Naseem said: “I had come into this match feeling on top of my game and I am delighted I was able to translate that optimism into performance. “Prior to this match, I had spoken with Misbah-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis, and both had advised me to go flat out, bowl long spells and give my very best. I am pleased that I was able to bowl fast with controlled swing and accuracy. “Faisalabad wicket doesn’t always offer much support to the fast bowlers, but I am glad I was able to get something out of it, both with the new and old ball against a good opposition. “You always want to enter into any important assignment oozing with confidence, and I am pleased this match has given me that extra motivation and confidence that I can perform at an international stage.” Earlier, Fawad Alam added 14 runs to the overnight score of 78 to be dismissed for 92. His 164-ball innings included 13 fours. Saad Ali added 21 runs this morning before falling to Ehsan Adil after scoring 81 from 153 balls with 11 fours. The two batsmen had added 160 runs for the fifth-wicket to rescue Sindh from a precarious 72 for four. The late order batsmen, however, failed to continue their good work as Sindh was bowled out for 256 after managing to add 60 runs to their overnight score. After the first innings, Central Punjab has collected three batting and three bowling points, while Sindh has pocketed two batting and three bowling points. Scores in brief: Central Punjab 313 all-out, 95.5 overs (Kamran Akmal 90, Ahmed Shehzad 60, Faheem Ashraf 52, Usman Salahuddin 38, Ehsan Adil 25; Kashif Bhatti 3-99, Mir Hamza 2-46, Sohail Khan 2-72, Tabish Khan 2-80) and 192-2 (Salman Butt 90 not out, Azhar Ali 90; Sohail Khan 1-27, Kashif Bhatti 1-45) Sindh 256 all-out, 74.4 overs (Fawad Alam 92, Saad Ali 81, Omair Bin Yousaf 33; Naseem Shah 6-78, Ehsan Adil 2-36)

SB Report  LAHORE:-Balochistan captain Akbar-ur-Rehman and Northern Naveed Malik scored centuries while Sindh’s Hassan Khan collected a five-wicket haul on day two of the sixth round of three-day non-first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2nd XI tournament on Tuesday. At NBP Stadium in Karachi, Akbar-ur-Rehman’s 194-ball 142 helped Balochistan reach 345 for nine in their 83 overs in reply to Southern Punjab’s first innings 363 for six total. Besides Akbar, Fahad Iqbal with 59 runs contributed significantly to Balochistan’s total. Zia-ul-Haq took four while Zulfiqar Babar took three wickets. Southern Punjab managed a 20-run first innings lead. They ended day two at 36 for no loss in their second innings after nine overs of play. At the UBL Sports Complex in Karachi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa managed a slender five-run first innings lead as they were bowled out for 283 runs in reply to Sindh’s first innings score of 278 all out. Mohammad Mohsin Khan top-scored with a 134-ball 73, Kamran Ghulam with 62 and opener Samiullah with 60 were the other major contributors. Left-arm-spinner Hassan Khan took five wickets for 106 runs while pacer Adeel Malik took three for 69.  In return, Sindh in their second innings were 23 for no loss in four overs when stumps were drawn. At LRCA Itefaq Ground, Northern scored 344 for six in 77 overs in reply to Central Punjab’s first innings score of 400 for eight. Naveed Malik was the batting star for Northern on day two, the opener scored 143 with the help of 11 fours and three sixes. Afaq Rahim scored 66 and Sarmad Bhatti made 50 runs. Ahmed Safi took three and Saad Nasim took two wickets. Scores in brief: Southern Punjab v Balochistan, NBP Stadium, Karachi Southern Punjab 363-6, 83 overs (Zain Abbas 116, Naveed Yasin 108, Zeeshan Ashraf 70; Ibtisam Shaikh 2-77, Jalat Khan 2-122) and 36-0, nine overs Balochistan 345-9, 83 overs ( Akbar-ur-Rehman 142, Fahad Iqbal 59; Zia ul Haq 4-79, Zulfiqar Babar 3-96) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa v Sindh, UBL Sports Complex, Karachi  Sindh 278 all-out, 77.1 overs (Ammad Alam 144; Asif Afridi 4-96, Ahmed Jamal 2-39) and 23-0, four overs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 283 all-out, 82 overs (Mohammad Mohsin Khan 73, Kamran Ghulam 62, Samiullah 60; Hassan Khan 5-106, Adeel Malik 3-69)   Central Punjab v Northern, LRCA Itefaq Ground Central Punjab 400-8, 83 overs (Mohammad Saad 132, Irfan Niazi 85, Saad Nasim 66, Muhammad Ikhlaq 53; Usama Mir 4-111) Northern 344-6, 77 overs ( Naveed Malik 143, Afaq Rahim 66, Sarmad Bhatti 50; Ahmed Safi 3-100, Saad Nasim 2-61)

SB Report   Quetta:- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa gave Balochistan a spirited reply on the second day of the fifth-round first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy fixture at Quetta’s Bugti Stadium. In response to the home team’s 553-8 declared in 145.4 overs, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were 150 for no loss in 34 overs at the close of play as captain Sahibzada Farhan and Israrullah batted on 72 and Israrullah on 71. Farhan, to date, has cracked 10 boundaries in 102 deliveries, while Israrullah’s unbeaten 103-ball knock is laced with 10 fours and a six. Earlier, Balochistan, 341 for three overnight, rode on an excellent double-century by Imran Butt to amass a huge score. The 23-year-old hit a career-best 214 after resuming the day at his overnight score of 135 not out. The right-handed batsman stayed at the crease for 522 minutes and cracked 18 fours and three sixes in 387 balls. Balochistan captain Imran Farhat was the first batsman out on Tuesday after adding another 20 runs to his overnight score of 114. The left-hander hit 17 fours and a six in 219 balls. The two Imrans shared a mammoth partnership of 256 runs for the fourth-wicket. Wicketkeeper-batsman Bismillah Khan also had a noticeable outing with the bat, scoring 75 runs with the help of nine fours and two sixes. Off-spinner Sajid Khan was the most successful Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bowler, claiming three wickets for 126 runs. Imran Khan Sr. took two for 87, while Usman Shinwari and Junaid Khan took a wicket apiece.   Balochistan bagged maximum batting points (5) for crossing the 400-run mark in 110 overs of their first innings. For taking four wickets by that mark, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could manage only one point. Scores in brief: Balochistan 553-8 declared, 145.4 overs (Imran Butt 214, Imran Farhat 134, Bismillah Khan 75, Awais Zia 69; Sajid Khan 3-126, Imran Khan Sr. 2-87). Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 150-0, 34 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 72 not out, Israrullah 71 not out). 

SB Report  LAHORE:-Unbeaten half-centuries by Fawad Alam and Saad Ali had Sindh at 196 for four in 57.5 overs when stumps were drawn on day two of their four-day first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy fixture against Central Punjab at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium. Sindh had lost four wickets for 72 runs thanks to young fast-bowler Naseem Shah, who accounted for the wickets of Khurram Manzoor (10), Abid Ali (three) and Omair Bin Yousaf (33). Faheem Ashraf was the other bowler to take a wicket as he removed Asad Shafiq, who managed only five runs from his 18-ball stay at the crease. With the pressure mounting on the visitors, Fawad and Saad knitted an unbeaten 124-run stand for the fifth-wicket which put Sindh’s innings back on track. Fawad, to date, had scored 78 runs from 133 balls with 10 fours, while Saad made 60 off 119 with eight fours. Earlier, Central Punjab were 313 all-out in 95.5 overs as they added only 50 runs to their overnight score. On Tuesday morning, Faheem led the charge with the bat for the hosts. Resuming his innings at 22, the all-rounder scored 52 not out from 63 balls, cracking seven fours and a six. His overnight partner, Ehsan Adil, added 14 more runs to his score of nine. With three wickets for 99 runs, Kashif Bhatti was the pick of the bowlers for Sindh, while pacers Sohail Khan, Mir Hamza and Tabish Khan took two wickets each.   Both teams bagged three points each as Sindh took nine or more wickets and Central Punjab crossed the 300-run mark in the 110-over cut-off. The third day’s play at Iqbal Stadium will resume at 10.00am on Wednesday. Scores in brief:  Central Punjab 313 all-out, 95.5 overs (Kamran Akmal 90, Ahmed Shehzad 60, Faheem Ashraf 52, Usman Salahuddin 38, Ehsan Adil 25; Kashif Bhatti 3-99, Mir Hamza 2-46, Sohail Khan 2-72, Tabish Khan 2-80) Sindh 196-4, 57.5 overs (Fawad Alam 78, Saad Ali 60, Omair Bin Yousaf 33; Naseem Shah 3-55)

Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD:-President, Pak-Swiss Friendship Forum (PSFF), Raja Hafeez Ahmed said that PSFF basic aim was to uplift the positive image of the country Switzerland particularly in whole Europe, which was defused by international media after 9/11 incident despite of this Pakistan had no link with said incident. While talking to this scribe during an exclusive sitting on other day he hoped that he would people of both countries close to understand each other through cultural and sports activities in Switzerland. “We are organizing our social, cultural and sports activities regularly. We also celebrate our national day with enthusiasm especially Independent day on August 14, Defense Day on September 6 and Pakistan Day on March 23 each year, as the cricket match always part of independent day August 14. We organize a match in which Pakistani people participate in large number to enjoy the game. We invite Pakistani community and also Swiss People to attend our traditional events and they could understand our norms, traditions and cultural, “he viewed. “Our basis aim is to enhance people-to-people contact. We invite people of both communities in all types of cultural and sports activities. We have established a Geneva Eleven Stars cricket club that participates in all the events. Under the banner of this club we support blind, disable persons, helpless women and street children of Pakistani community, “he said. To a question Raja Hafeez said that there were 22 registered cricket clubs in Switzerland and Pakistani, Indian and Afghanistan play cricket from different clubs. “Our club had won the League Championship in 2012 and we had given fair play award too. “We also stage other social activities including Musharia, Naat competitions. Our club also manages to tell the Muslims history to our youth and about our historical tourist places that are attractive for the local people of Switzerland. “ACV’s Chief Organizer Malik Naseer, Director Tourism Malik Mahroof and Director Development Sports Raja Saeed are doing also splendid job for our Forum, “he replied a question.    Responding to another question, Raja said, “PSFF invites Pakistani diplomats in the ceremony, as the last time Pakistani ambassador Naseem Ahmed Warach had graced our ceremony as chief guest. Pakistani officials also support us because our basic aim to highlight the soft image of the country among the Swiss people, “he concluded.      

SB Report  KARACHI:-Pakistan Cricket Board last week hosted the ACC Level 1 Women Coaching course at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. Fareeha Mahmood was one of the four participants from Pakistan who featured in the three-day course.  Fareeha, who represented Pakistan in three T20Is against Sri Lanka in March 2018, was among the 16 participants who learnt the basic skills of coaching in the course. She was also one of the probables to attend the Muridke training camp for the Bangladesh series and was granted a three-day break to attend the coaching course. While talking to media Fareeha defined her journey from being student to a participant in the prestigious course. She said: “It was a great feeling to be part of the coaching course as it not only helped me to figure out cricketing issues, but also helped me in identifying cricketing issues of other women players. “The course helped me to share my experiences with other cricketers in the camp, and I will take this forward to reach out to college girls. “I came to cricket after seeing my father’s love for the game. He couldn’t play at the highest level, but it gave me the motivation to come in this sport. I started playing at the school level, and it continued at the college level, before I made debut for Pakistan against Sri Lanka last year.” Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof is Fareeha’s favourite player. “I love watching Bismah bat and try to follow the way she plays, but Sidra Amin is the one who I idolise.”  

Salman Khan LAHORE:-Half-centuries by Javeria Khan and captain Bismah Maroof helped Pakistan women to a 15-run win over Bangladesh women in the second T20I at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and seal the three-match series 2-0. Pakistan put 167 for three in 20 overs, their third-highest total in the format, after being asked to bat by Bangladesh captain Salma Khatun That Pakistan put the imposing score was due to a 95-run partnership for the second-wicket between Javeria and Bismah. Batting at one-drop, the Pakistan captain recorded her highest score in the format as she cracked an unbeaten 70 off 50 balls, studded with nine fours and a six. This was her 10th half-century in the T20Is. Opening batter Javeria scored a 44-ball 52, hitting five fours and two sixes, before she lost her wicket in the 17th over of the innings to Bangladesh fast-bowler Jahanara Alam, who with two for 27 in four overs was the stand-out bowler for her side. Bangladesh failed to get a solid platform that the run-chase demanded as both openers Ayesha Rahman (five off six balls)and Shamima Sultana (11 off 14) were back in the pavilion by the end of the fifth over as the scorecard read 25 for two. With three balls still left in the Powerplay, Rumana Ahmed, who top-scored with a 30-ball 50 for Bangladesh in the first T2oI, followed Ayesha and Shamima back to the pavilion without scoring any runs as Bangladesh reeled at 25 for three. With a 32-ball 45, Sanjida Islam put up a fight to keep Bangladesh’s hopes alive in the match. But, her stay at the crease was curtailed by Sadia Iqbal. With the figures of three for 19 in four overs, the 24-year-old Sadia, playing her only second T20I, starred with the ball as Pakistan successfully defended their total. Pakistan captain Bismah bagged her second player-of-the-match award on trot for her exploits with the bat. Scores in brief:  Pakistan Women 167-3, 20 overs (Bismah Maroof 70 not out, Javeria Khan 52; Jahanara Alam 2-27) Bangladesh Women 152-7, 20 overs (Sanjida Islam 45, Fargana Hoque 30, Nigar Sultana 21; Sadia Iqbal 3-19) Upcoming fixtures: 30 October – 3rd T20I (10am-12.45pm), Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 2 November – 1st ODI (9.30am-4.35pm), Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 4 November – 2nd ODI (9.30am-4.35pm), Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

SB Report  LAHORE:-Leaders Central Punjab had reached 263 for seven on Day One of the four-day first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy fixture against Sindh after half-centuries by wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal and opener Ahmed Shehzad. Kamran became one of the two victims of left-arm spinner Kashif Bhatti after scoring 90, while Ahmed scored 60 before perishing to Mir Hamza, who also claimed two wickets on a day when Central Punjab maintained a decent run-rate of just over three runs per over. With the 110-over cut-off for collecting bonus points just 20 overs away, both the sides will be aiming to make the most of the morning session on Tuesday. As of now, both teams have managed two points apiece – Central Punjab for reaching the 250-run milestone and Sindh for scooping more than six wickets. Central Punjab’s next targets will be 300 runs, which will earn him third points, followed up 350 runs (which will earn them four points), and finally 400 runs (which will earn them a maximum of five points), whereas a couple of more wickets will secure Sindh three maximum bowling points. Sindh, opting to bowl first without contesting the toss, justified their decision when they reduced Central Punjab to 38 for three that included the scalps of Salman Butt (16), Azhar Ali (one) and Umer Akmal (13). Tabish Khan caused the initial damage, claiming two wickets before Ahmed Shehzad switched up an 86-run fourth-wicket partnership with Usman Salahuddin (38) to repair the damage. Kamran Akmal then put on 66 runs for the sixth-wicket with Zafar Gohar (12) before both the batsmen returned to the hut in a space of three runs. Ahmed’s 134-ball innings included eight fours, while Kamran was as aggressive and attacking as always while clubbing 13 fours and two sixes in a 99-ball knock. Usman hit three fours in a 133-ball outing. Faheem Ashraf will lead Central Punjab’s charge on Tuesday for additional points when he resumes his innings at 22 from 30 balls. With him will be Ehsan Adil (nine). Scores in brief: Central Punjab 263-7, 85 overs (Kamran Akmal 90, Ahmed Shehzad 60, Usman Salahuddin 38, Faheem Ashraf 22 not out; Mir Hamza 2-46, Tabish Khan 2-61, Kashif Bhatti 2-98) v Sindh

SB Report  QUETTA:-Imran Butt and Imran Farhat scored unbeaten centuries as Balochistan posted 341 for three on the board in 90 overs on Day One against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in their four-day first-class Quaid-e-Azam fifth-round fixture at Quetta’s Bugti Stadium. Butt was batting on 135 and Farhat on 114 when stumps were drawn. The pair, to date, added 227 runs for the unbroken fourth-wicket partnership. The hosts stuttered early on and lost Azeem Ghumman (eight) with 27 runs on board after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain Sahibzada Farhan opted to bowl without contesting the toss. But, the right-handed Butt batted with authority throughout his innings. He crafted a useful second-wicket stand of 85 runs with opener Awais Zia, who scored 69 off 74 balls with 10 fours and a six. Butt, then went on to record his seventh first-class century. He has so far cracked 12 fours and two sixes in his 258-ball knock. From the other end, the 37-year-old Farhat completed his 36th first-class century. He struck 13 fours and a six during his 190-ball stay at the crease. For Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Usman Shinwari and Imran Khan Sr. claimed a wicket apiece for 39 and 59 runs, respectively. Scores in brief:  Balochistan 341-3, 90 overs (Imran Butt 135 not out, Imran Farhat 114 not out, Awais Zia 69) vs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Netherlands and Canada qualify for Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 SB Report (October 28, 2019) ISLAMABAD:-The men's international teams of the Netherlands and Canada have both secured their tickets to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, overcoming the respective challenges of Pakistan and Ireland in the two-game FIH Hockey Olympic qualifiers. The Netherlands proved too strong for Pakistan in the second leg of their Olympic qualifier, with the Dutch powering to a 6-1 triumph over the Green Shirts to confirm their place at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Saturday's first leg finished with the scores locked at 4-4, but the 1996 and 2000 Olympic gold medallists produced a sparking display in the second game to guarantee a 19th Olympic appearance at the expense of Pakistan, the 1960, 1968 and 1984 Olympic champions. Canada's place at next year's global showpiece in Japan was secured in dramatic circumstance in Vancouver. Ireland came into the contest with a 5-3 aggregate lead from the first match, but a last second penalty stroke from Scott Tupper gave the Canadians a 3-1 win in the second leg to force a shoot-out in which the Canadians emerged as winners. FIH Hockey Olympic qualifiers: Day 3 – Sunday 27 October 2019 Amsterdam (NED) – Men: Netherlands 6, Pakistan 1 (Match 2 of 2) ? The day's action began in front of a capacity crowd at Amsterdam's world-famous Wagener Stadium, where the men of the Netherlands (FIH World Ranking: 3) and Pakstan (WR:17) faced each other in a winner takes all encounter. Pakistan sensationally defied both the odds and the FIH World Rankings by coming within seconds of beating their illustrious opponents in front of their home fans, but Mink van der Weerden's last-gasp penalty corner tied the match at 4-4. However, there was to be no repeat performance, with the Netherlands producing a sensational display of attacking hockey to over-run the Green Shirts and seal their place at Tokyo 2020 at the expense of their opponents.  The Netherlands sparkled in the first half, opening up a thoroughly deserved 4-0 lead at the break. Bjorn Kellerman and Mirco Pruijser both netted stunning backhand strikes, while Mink van der Weerden bagged a brace with a penalty stroke and a penalty corner. Goals from Terrance Pieters and Jip Janssen after the break put the result beyond all doubt, before Pakistan's Rizwan Ali scored a late consolation goal.   Vancouver (CAN) – Men: Canada 3, Ireland 1 [5-4 After Shoot-Out] (Match 2 of 2) ? A 5-3 victory in the first game meant that Ireland started today's second match with a two goal aggregate advantage, a lead that was quickly extended when John McKee put the Green Machine 1-0 up in the sixth minute. Canada's Olympic dream appeared to be fading, but goals either side of half time from Gordon Johnston and Oliver Scolfield put the hosts within one goal of levelling the aggregate score. Ireland kept the home team at bay until the final second of the fourth quarter when a penalty stroke was awarded, with Canadian captain Scott Tupper showing the calmest of heads to fire into the bottom right corner to tie the aggregate score at 6-6, triggering a shoot-out for the Olympic ticket.  Misses from Canadian pair Sukhi Panesar and Keegan Pereira helped Ireland to establish a 3-1 lead before Michael Robson and Shane O'Donoghue failed to convert, leaving the shoot-out score locked at 3-3 going into sudden death. A mistake from Ireland's John McKee gave Adam Froese the opportunity to seal victory and he made no mistake, finding the target to send Canada to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.  FIH Hockey Olympic qualifiers – Day 1 Results Sunday 27 October 2019 - Day 3 Results  Amsterdam (NED) – Men: Netherlands 6, Pakistan 1 (Match 2 of 2) Vancouver (CAN) – Men: Canada 3 Ireland 1 [5-4 After Shoot-Out] (Match 2 of 2) Upcoming fixtures Friday 1 November 2019 - Day 4 Bhubaneswar (IND) – Women: India v USA (Match 1 of 2) Bhubaneswar (IND) – Men: India v Russia (Match 1 of 2) Saturday 2 November 2019 - Day 5 Stratford (NZL) – Men: New Zealand v Korea (Match 1 of 2) Bhubaneswar (IND) – Women: India v USA (Match 2 of 2) London (ENG) - Women: Great Britain v Chile (Match 1 of 2) Bhubaneswar (IND) – Men: India v Russia (Match 2 of 2) Mönchengladbach (GER) – Women: Germany v Italy (Match 1 of 2) London (ENG) - Men: Great Britain v Malaysia (Match 1 of 2) Mönchengladbach (GER) – Men: Germany v Austria (Match 1 of 2) Dublin (IRL) – Women: Ireland v Canada (Match 1 of 2) Sunday 3 November 2019 - Day 6 Stratford (NZL) – Men: New Zealand v Korea (Match 2 of 2) London (ENG) - Women: Great Britain v Chile (Match 2 of 2) Mönchengladbach (GER) – Women: Germany v Italy (Match 2 of 2) London (ENG) - Men: Great Britain v Malaysia (Match 2 of 2) Mönchengladbach (GER) – Men: Germany v Austria (Match 2 of 2) Dublin (IRL) – Women: Ireland v Canada (Match 2 of 2)