Sports Bulletin ReportMULTAN: The lineup for the semifinals of the 4th T20 Blind Cricket World Cup is complete, with Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal advancing to the knockout stage. Pakistan will clash with Nepal in the first semifinal, while Bangladesh will take on Sri Lanka in the second semifinal. Both matches are scheduled for December 1 at Multan Cricket Stadium. In the final round of group matches, Pakistan delivered a commanding performance, defeating Afghanistan by seven wickets to secure the top spot in the group. Electing to field first, Pakistan bowled out Afghanistan for a mere 94 runs in 19.2 overs, with Fakhar Abbas claiming 3 wickets for just 4 runs in 2.2 overs. Chasing the modest target, Pakistan achieved victory in 9.5 overs, led by Talha Iqbal's quickfire 32 off 15 balls. Fakhar Abbas was named Player of the Match for his exceptional bowling performance. Meanwhile, in another group match at DHA Ground, Bangladesh overpowered South Africa with a dominant 10-wicket win. South Africa set a target of 150 runs, scoring 149/8 in 20 overs. Bangladesh's openers, Mohammad Salman (73 off 44 balls) and Arif Hussain (55 off 39 balls), comfortably chased down the target in 12.5 overs. The semifinals promise thrilling encounters, with the Pakistan-Nepal match scheduled for 9:00 am and the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka showdown set for 1:00 pm at the Multan Cricket Stadium. 

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): Opener Shahzaib Khan stroked a superlative 159 as Pakistan U19 convincingly defeated India U19 by 43 runs in a Group-A ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup fixture at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.Shahzaib’s 147-ball knock, featuring five fours and 10 sixes, propelled Pakistan to a total of 281 for seven in their allotted 50 overs. In reply, India U19 were bowled out for 238 in 47.1 overs after slipping to 81 for four and then 190 for nine. Promising fast bowler Ali Raza starred with the ball, claiming three wickets for 36 runs.The Mansehra-born Shahzaib laid a solid foundation with fellow opener Usman Khan, sharing a 160-run stand in 30.4 overs. Usman contributed a steady 94-ball 60, including six boundaries. Both openers came into this match in fine form, having scored 330 and 314 runs, respectively in a recent tri-series involving Afghanistan and hosts UAE.For the third wicket, Shahzaib added 71 runs with Muhammad Riazullah (27). Pakistan batters accelerated towards the end, adding 74 runs in the last 10 overs after reaching 207 for two in 40 overs. Captain Saad Baig’s decision to bat first proved fruitful as his side posted a challenging total of 281.Fast bowler Samarth Nagaraj was the standout performer for India, taking three wickets for 45 runs, while Ayush Mhatre chipped in with two for 30. India began their chase positively but suffered early blows. Abdul Subhan dismissed Mhatre (20) at 28 in 3.4 overs before Ali Raza removed Vaibhav Suryavanshi in the next over. Usman Khan and Faham-ul-Haq added to India’s woes, reducing them to 81 for four.A 53-run fifth-wicket partnership between Nikhil Kumar and Kiran Chormale briefly revived India. However, Faham broke the stand by dismissing Chormale (20). Kumar, who top-scored with a 77-ball 67, added 40 runs with wicketkeeper-batter Harvansh Pangalia (26) before falling to off-spinner Naveed Ahmed Khan at 174 in the 36th over.The innings finally wrapped when No.10 Mohamed Enaam was run-out for 30 with the India scorecard showing 238 in 47.1 overs. For Pakistan, Ali Raza’s figures of 9-1-36-3 stood out, while Abdul Subhan (2-45) and Faham-ul-Haq (2-41) provided excellent support. Pakistan's next match is against the UAE on 2 December at the same venue.Scores in brief (Pakistan U19 beat India U19 by 43 runs, Dubai International Cricket Stadium):Pakistan U19 281-7, 50 overs (Shahzaib Khan 159, Usman Khan 60, Muhammad Riazullah 27; Samarth Nagaraj 3-45, Ayush Mhatre 2-30)India U19 238 all-out, 47.1 overs (Nikhil Kumar 67, Mohamed Enaan 30, Harvansh Pangalia 26, Kiran Chormale 20, Ayush Mhatre 20; Ali Raza 3-36, Abdul Subhan 2-45, Faham-ul-Haq 41)Player of the match – Shahzaib Khan (Pakistan U19) 

ISLAMABAD (Sports Desk): FIFA has announced the shortlist of nominees for The Best FIFA Football Awards™ 2024, which will recognise the leading lights in another thrilling year of women’s and men’s football at both club and national-team levels.Voting is now open on FIFA.com across a number of award categories, with fans set to play a key role in choosing the winners. Voting for The Best FIFA Men’s Player, The Best FIFA Women’s Player, The Best FIFA Men’s Coach, The Best FIFA Women’s Coach, The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper and The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper will be equally weighted between fans, the current captains and coaches of all women’s/men’s national teams, and media representatives.The winner of the FIFA Fan Award will be chosen entirely by fans, while the recipient of the FIFA Fair Play Award will be decided by an expert panel. Voting for the new FIFA Marta Award and the FIFA Puskás Award will be split equally between fans and a panel of FIFA Legends.The biggest change in terms of voting for this year’s edition of The Best FIFA Football Awards is that fans will have their say in selecting The Best FIFA Men’s 11 and The Best FIFA Women’s 11. They will be able to choose from a list of 77 nominated players – 22 defenders, midfielders and forwards apiece, plus 11 goalkeepers – slotting them into one of several preset tactical formations to build their team. Votes will be weighted equally between fans and an expert panel.The FIFA Puskás Award has been redefined as being bestowed on the scorer of the best goal in men’s football regardless of championship or nationality. To honour the best goal scored in women’s football in any league around the world, the FIFA Marta Award, named after the Brazilian legend, will be presented for the very first time.The Best FIFA Women’s Player nomineesAitana Bonmatí (Spain), BarcelonaBarbra Banda (Zambia), Shanghai Shengli/Orlando PrideCaroline Graham Hansen (Norway), BarcelonaKeira Walsh (England), BarcelonaKhadija Shaw (Jamaica), Manchester CityLauren Hemp (England), Manchester CityLindsey Horan (USA), Olympique LyonnaisLucy Bronze (England), Barcelona/ChelseaMallory Swanson (USA), Chicago Red StarsMariona Caldentey (Spain), Barcelona/ArsenalNaomi Girma (USA), San Diego WaveOna Batlle (Spain), BarcelonaSalma Paralluelo (Spain), BarcelonaSophia Smith (USA), Portland ThornsTabitha Chawinga (Malawi), Paris Saint-Germain/Olympique LyonnaisTrinity Rodman (USA), Washington SpiritThe Best FIFA Men’s Player nomineesDani Carvajal (Spain), Real MadridErling Haaland (Norway), Manchester CityFederico Valverde (Uruguay), Real MadridFlorian Wirtz (Germany), Bayer LeverkusenJude Bellingham (England), Real MadridKylian Mbappé (France), Paris Saint-Germain/Real MadridLamine Yamal (Spain), BarcelonaLionel Messi (Argentina), Inter MiamiRodri (Spain), Manchester CityToni Kroos (Germany), Real Madrid (now retired)Vinícius Jr (Brazil), Real MadridThe Best FIFA Women’s Coach nomineesArthur Elias (Brazil), BrazilElena Sadiku (Sweden), CelticEmma Hayes (England), Chelsea/USAFutoshi Ikeda (Japan), JapanGareth Taylor (England), Manchester CityJonatan Giráldez (Spain), Barcelona/Washington SpiritSandrine Soubeyrand (France), Paris FCSonia Bompastor (France), Olympique Lyonnais/ChelseaThe Best FIFA Men’s Coach nomineesCarlo Ancelotti (Italy), Real MadridLionel Scaloni (Argentina), ArgentinaLuis de la Fuente (Spain), SpainPep Guardiola (Spain), Manchester CityXabi Alonso (Spain), Bayer LeverkusenThe Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper nomineesAlyssa Naeher (USA), Chicago Red StarsAnn-Katrin Berger (Germany), Chelsea/NJ/NY GothamAyaka Yamashita (Japan), INAC Kobe Leonessa/Manchester CityCata Coll (Spain), BarcelonaMary Earps (England), Manchester United/Paris Saint-GermainThe Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper nomineesAndriy Lunin (Ukraine), Real MadridDavid Raya (Spain), ArsenalEderson (Brazil), Manchester CityEmiliano Martínez (Argentina), Aston VillaGianluigi Donnarumma (Italy), Paris Saint-GermainMike Maignan (France), AC MilanUnai Simón (Spain), Athletic Club.

Sports Bulletin ReportMULTAN: South Africa delivered a commanding performance by defeating Afghanistan by nine wickets at the DHA Ground while Pakistan registered a resounding nine-wicket victory over Sri Lanka here at Multan Cricket Stadium in the ongoing Blind T20 Cricket World Cup on Friday.After winning the toss, Afghanistan opted to bat and posted a competitive total of 171 for 7 in their 20 overs. Captain Abasin led the charge with a splendid 63 off 52 balls, while Daran contributed 30 runs off 22 deliveries. In response, South Africa achieved the target in just 11.4 overs, losing only one wicket. Lesedi Lesufi played a match-winning knock of 75 not out off 44 balls, supported by Mathapo's blistering 60 off 33 balls. DHA Executive Director Land Brig Naeem Nasar graced the occasion as chief guest and presented man of the match award to Lesedi Lesufi. In the second match held at Multan Cricket Stadium, Pakistan registered a resounding nine-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, marking their fourth consecutive win of the tournament. Sri Lanka, opting to bat first after winning the toss, managed 122 for 7 in their 20 overs. Thushara scored 28 runs off 37 balls, while Suranga added 26 runs off 29 deliveries. Pakistan's bowlers were clinical, with Babar Ali taking 2 wickets for just 6 runs in 3 overs, and Nematullah claiming 2 wickets for 27 runs in his 4-over spell. Chasing the modest target, Pakistan reached 123 in just 6.2 overs, losing only one wicket. Opener Nematullah starred with the bat, smashing an unbeaten 71 off 29 balls.Meanwhile, Nepal was awarded a walkover against India in their scheduled match on November 29. The tournament will see two matches on November 30 (Saturday). Pakistan will face Afghanistan at Multan Cricket Stadium, and South Africa will take on Bangladesh at the DHA Ground, with both matches starting at 11:00 am.

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army have won the overall Championship Trophy contests of the 44th Pakistan Army Rifle Association Central Meet that concluded at the Army Marksmanship Unit in Jhelum on Thursday.According to a press release of ISPR, in the Inter Services matches, Pakistan Army won three contests including Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) matches, while Pakistan Air Force (PAF) won the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) contest.Over 2000 shooters from Army, Navy, Air Force, Civil Armed Forces including Rangers, Federal Rifle Association, Lahore Garrison Shooting Gallery and civilians participated in the competition. FTR team trophy was won by Pakistan Army led by Lieutenant General Ahsan Gulrez.The President's Cup National Challenge match trophy was awarded to Naik Waseem Ahmed Khan of Pakistan Army. Pakistan Air Force won the Prime Minister 'Skills at Arms' Big Bore National Challenge. Azad Kashmir Regiment won the first prize in para firing matches (infantry squad).The highest military shooting honor, 'The Master at Arms' Trophy was awarded to Sepoy Aftab Ahmed of Punjab Regiment. The 'Best Shot Match Trophy' Group 2 and Group 3 was awarded to Lance Dafadar Mohammad Imran of Cavalry and Havaldar Fateh Ullah Khan of EME Battalion.Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir graced the occasion as chief guest of the mega shooting event, while Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu was the guest of honor at the ceremony. Interacting with the participants, General Syed Asim Munir appreciated the players for their excellent standards of marksmanship. 

Lahore (PR): The women’s National Selection Committee has named a 15-member Pakistan U19 squad for the six-team ACC Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup, which will be played in Kuala Lumpur from 15-22 December. Zoofishan Ayyaz has been appointed captain, while Komal Khan has been named as the vice-captain.Pakistan Squad:Batters: Areesha Ansari (Kasur), Fizza Fiaz (Lahore), Maham Anees (Islamabad), Ravail Farhan (Lahore) and Zoofishan Ayyaz (Wah Cantt)Wicketkeeper-batters: Komal Khan (Lahore), Wasifa Hussain (Karachi)Spinners: Aleesa Mukhtiar (Muzaffargarh), Quratulain (Sialkot), Rozina Akram (Rawalpindi) and Tayyaba Imdad (Abbottabad)Fast bowlers: Fatima Khan (Lahore), Haniah Ahmer (Karachi), Mahnoor Zeb (Mardan), Shahar Bano and (Lodhran)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)The squad was selected following the conclusion of this month’s skills and fitness camp involving 32 players, which lasted 21 days. During this period, three intra-squad matches were also held. Pakistan will open their campaign against India on 15 December, while their second Group A match will be against Nepal on the following day. Group B includes Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and hosts Malaysia. Top two sides from each group will progress to the Super-Four Stage, which will be played on 19 and 20 December, with the final on 22 December.Schedule of matches:15 December – Sri Lanka v Malaysia (9.30am, KL time); Pakistan v India (2pm, KL time)16 December – Sri Lanka v Bangladesh (9.0am, KL time); Pakistan v Nepal (2pm, KL time)17 December – Bangladesh v Malaysia (9.30am, KL time); India v 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)

Hosts Pakistan reach in semifinal after beating Nepal by 10 wickets in LahoreSports Bulletin ReportLahore: Pakistan blind cricket team has stormed into the semifinals of the 4th T20 Blind Cricket World Cup after a resounding 10-wicket victory against Nepal at Ghani Institute Cricket Ground. Chasing a target of 101 runs, Pakistan reached the goal in just 6.4 overs without losing a wicket. Opener Naeematullah scored an unbeaten 73 off 30 balls, while Mohammad Safdar contributed 24* off 14 balls. Earlier, Nepal posted 100/5 in 18 overs, with Bhart Thapa scoring 39 off 46 balls. Pakistan's Haroon Khan impressed with figures of 2/5. Naeematullah was named player of the match by PBCC Chairman Syed Sultan Shah. In other matches, Sri Lanka secured their third win, defeating South Africa by 53 runs. Suranga Sampat starred with 56 off 33 balls, helping Sri Lanka post 217/6. South Africa managed 164/9 in reply. Sri Lankan captain Chandana Deshpriya and Saman Tushara each took two wickets. At Bagh-e-Jinnah Cricket Ground, Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan by eight wickets. Afghanistan, batting first, scored 149 in 18.2 overs, with captain Abbasin scoring 30. Bangladesh chased down the target in 12 overs, thanks to Arif Hussain's unbeaten 89 off 44 balls. The first phase of the Blind Cricket World Cup in Lahore has come to an end. After a rest day on November 28, the second phase will commence in Multan on November 29.

Sports Bulletin ReportTorino (Italy): The four-year cycle leading up to the Paralympic Games LA28 will kick-off with an action-packed Para Climbing season 2025, which will include World Cup events in the USA, Austria, and France, also featuring the Para Climbing World Championships in Seoul, South Korea. Scheduled to take place from 20 to 21 May in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, the Para Climbing season opener will take place shortly before the fourth Climbing World Cup.It will be the fifth consecutive season with a Para Climbing World Cup event in US territory. Initially held in Los Angeles, California, in October 2021, the event has then moved to Salt Lake City for the three following years, and the number of registered athletes has grown by 157% in three years. Another landmark in the Para Climbing calendar is the World Cup in Innsbruck, Austria.Set to happen on 23 and 24 June, the event has set the record for the highest number of registered athletes in 2024, breaking the 200-climber mark for the first time in the history of the Para Climbing World Cup Series. The most anticipated event of 2024 will see the best para climbers in the world travel to Seoul, South Korea, for the first-ever Para Climbing World Championships taking place outside of Europe.The final Para Climbing event of 2025 is scheduled in Laval, France, where a third World Cup is expected to take place in late October. Dates of Para Climbing competitions in Seoul and Laval will be made official at a later stage.

Riyadh (Saudi Arabia): The Saudi Pro League (SPL) and OneFootball have announced a new partnership aimed at expanding the global visibility of one of the world’s fastest-growing football leagues. Through this collaboration, the SPL will publish and amplify official video and editorial content across OneFootball, bringing fans closer to the action worldwide than ever before.As part of this partnership, OneFootball will feature video content across its platforms, including content from the SPL’s official social channels. Fans can look forward to engaging match clips, highlights, behind-the-scenes footage, and viral moments in vertical and horizontal formats. This initiative aims to enhance the fan experience by providing compelling visual narratives throughout the season.In addition to video content, OneFootball will offer official editorial coverage from the SPL in English, ensuring that fans can access timely updates, in-depth analysis, and expert commentary throughout the season.Omar Mugharbel, CEO of the Saudi Pro League, said: “We are delighted to partner with OneFootball to bring Saudi Pro League content to football fans across the globe. This collaboration is an important step in our commitment to increasing international engagement and providing fans everywhere with a closer connection to the excitement and passion of Saudi football.”Patrick Fischer, CEO at OneFootball, said: “We are thrilled to partner with the Saudi Pro League to showcase the incredible talent and excitement of football in the region. This collaboration will elevate the league’s content and enhance the overall fan experience, bringing the vibrant world of Saudi football to a wider audience.”In a dynamic start to their new collaboration, representatives from OneFootball recently travelled to Saudi Arabia to cover the Saudi Pro League’s highly anticipated 'Derby Week,' attending the 'Sea Derby' in Jeddah between Al Ittihad and Al Ahli, as well as the 'Capital Derby' in Riyadh, featuring Al Nassr versus Al Hilal. OneFootball’s on-ground presence brought fans closer to the action with exclusive social media content, behind-the-scenes moments, and in-depth interviews with league representatives, managers, and players, delivering unparalleled insights into one of the most thrilling weeks in Saudi football and showcasing the exciting potential of this groundbreaking partnership.OneFootball will be a primary outlet for publishing the SPL's official text and video content, leveraging its extensive reach to amplify the league's visibility across global audiences. The strategic collaboration aims to enhance global coverage of the SPL by integrating official content into OneFootball’s ecosystem, enhancing fan engagement and fostering a deeper connection between the league and its supporters (Press Release). 

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Pakistan's blind cricket team beat Bangladesh by 8 wickets in the Blind Cricket T20 World Cup 2024 at Bagh-e-Jinnah Ground, Lahore on Tuesday.This marks Pakistan's second consecutive win in the tournament, further solidifying their strong start. Bangladesh, electing to bat first after winning the toss, posted a total of 145 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Mohammad Salman was the standout performer for Bangladesh, scoring 43 off 31 balls, supported by Tarif Rehan’s 30 runs off 32 deliveries. Pakistan’s disciplined bowling restricted the Bangladeshi side from achieving a bigger total.In reply, Pakistan's batters delivered a clinical performance, chasing down the target in just 12.4 overs. Mohammad Safdar laid a solid foundation with 41 runs off 29 balls, while Niamatullah contributed 34 runs off an equal number of deliveries. However, it was Badar Munir’s explosive unbeaten 28 off 9 balls that sealed the victory in style for Pakistan.The match featured Provincial Secretary Sports Punjab Muzaffar Khan Sial and Chairman Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBC) Syed Sultan Shah as special guests. During the post-match ceremony, Mohammad Salman was named emerging player of the match for his spirited batting, while Pakistan’s Badar Munir was awarded player of the match for his match-winning performance.Elsewhere in the tournament, Afghanistan received a walkover against India in their scheduled match for November 26. At the Ghani Institute Cricket Ground, Nepal edged out South Africa in a nail-biting contest, winning by 11 runs. Nepal posted 198 for 4 in their 20 overs, courtesy of Naresh Chaudhary’s commanding 80 off 57 balls and Sagar Lama’s brisk 40 off 29. South Africa’s Buhle Bhidla scored an unbeaten century (100 off 71 balls), but their total of 187 for 2 fell short.On Wednesday (November 27, 2024), South Africa will vie against Sri Lanka at 9:00 am at Ghani Institute Ground while Pakistan will compete against Nepal at 1:00 pm at Ghani Institute Ground and Bangladesh will take on Afghanistan at 10:00 am at Bagh-e-Jinnah Ground.