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Afghanistan Cricket Board names 18-man squad for UAE tour
Sports Bulletin Report
Kabul (February 15, 2022): The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) today confirmed the final 18-player squad for the three-match T20I series against the United Arab Emirates that begins tomorrow. The three 20I matches will take place on February 16, 18, and 19 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
We don't take any team lightly and have always tended to completely prepare the squad for any event, according to Chairman ACB Mirwais Ashraf. "The team has been in the UAE for around 10 days as it was getting ready for the series," he added. "Playing UAE in their own conditions is not an easy task because they are a good team with some excellent cricketers, but we are hoping that Afghan players will do well and rise to the occasion," he continued.
The T20I series is being played in accordance with the mutual cooperation agreement that was recently signed between Afghanistan and the Emirates Cricket Boards. Based on the agreement, Afghanistan will play a series of three T20I matches with the UAE on an annual basis.
This will be Afghanistan's first international assignment in 2023 and is considered a crucial preparation for a busy upcoming season, which includes several bilateral commitments and major events such as the ACC Asia Cup in September and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in October.
Names of players:
Rashid Khan (Captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Wicketkeeper), Afsar Zazai, Azmatullah Omarzai, Farid Ahmad Malik, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Gulbadin Naib, Hazratullah Zazai, Ibrahim Zadran, Karim Janat, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Najibullah Zadran, Naveen Ul Haq, Nijat Masoud, Noor Ahmad, Rahmat Shah, Sharafuddin Ashraf and Zahir Khan.
Series Schedule:
16th February – 1st T20I, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
18th February – 2nd T20I, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
19th February – 3rd T20I, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Mohammad Rizwan visits Nepal to support Sandeep Lamichhane
Bipin Dani
Nepal's 22-year-old bowler Sandeep Lamichhane who has been granted a bail by the Court in Nepal in the alleged rape case is gaining support from the international cricketers. This was revealed by Chatur Bahadur Chand, the president of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN).
Speaking exclusively over the telephone from Kathmandu, he said, "Yes, Sandeep is gaining motivational calls from the players. Last weekend, Pakistani wicket-keeper / batter Mohammad Rizwan paid a flying visit and met Sandeep. Rizwan was in Bangladesh playing the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). He came to Nepal for a few hours and tried to motivate the bowler. Possibly, for this personal visit he may have obtained the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) permission and he returned to Bangladesh for his remaining matches".
Rizwan also met the CAN president.
One among the others, who have wished Sandeep to be strong in this difficult time is India's Dinesh Karthik. "We hear Dinesh Karthik has sent a message to our new coach Monty Desai for Sandeep. Karthik is keen to come to Nepal and motivate him", the CAN president added. Karthik's visit may not materialize soon as he is the commentary panel for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Sandeep is now on bail and has joined the 20-member squad (reduced from originally 30) for the closed-door training.
"He is staying with the other team members in the hotel", confirmed Chand. His family, however, wanted him the permission to join the training from home daily.
Sandeep's case is likely to come up for hearing in the next few months, confirmed his lawyer Saroj K. Ghimire, who tried hard to get his client's bail. "Sandeep is not yet given permission to travel overseas with the team but hopefully, we will try to get this clearance also", the lawyer, speaking exclusively, said.
"Sandeep attended a few psychological sessions from the country's top psychologist Sushma Regmi", the lawyer confirmed.
Shoaib Mohammad is glad to see Double ton topic on the surface
Bipin Dani
Pakistan's Shoaib Mohammad is happy to welcome Windies' pair of father and son- Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Tagenarine Chanderpaul-in his company to have registered double hundreds in Test cricket.
Tagenarine Chanderpaul double hundred came in his only third Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo on Monday.
Shoaib Mohammad and his late father, Hanif Mohammad had held this record for 32 long years.
Speaking exclusively over the telephone from Karachi, Shoaib Mohammad said, "I am proud to have held this record for so many years. It was a pity that this had not been widely reported for so many years. More so, because this had happened twice. Both me and my father had scored double hundreds twice".
"We are glad that this topic has now surfaced because of the Chandrapaul family and now people know that there was some other pair also having emulated this feat. My congratulations to both father and son having made this unique feat".
"I think more than 25 father-son duo have played Test cricket for their respective countries. There are iconic names in the list but either father failed to score a double hundred or his son".
There have been instances of father-son duo who have scored centuries. "We are superior to them because we have scored double hundreds".
"Sadly, my father is not around at this point of time as he passed away a few years ago. He is not there in the company of the four but I am sure he would also have been very happy to know some other pair is also in the company. My late father also believed that the records are always meant to be broken".
"It is a good feeling and the Windies batters would also feel the same. This unique feat makes us proud, makes our family proud and makes our nation proud".
Sri Lankan selectors await invitation to select squads for New Zealand tour
Bipin Dani
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) national selectors are awaiting an invitation to select red and white ball teams for the forthcoming tour of New Zealand where two Test matches and three ODIs and three T-20I are to be played.
"We have not yet sent them the invitation to meet and select the team", one of the sources confirmed.
"Hopefully, the squad will be selected after the completion of the 2nd unofficial 4-day Test against the visiting England Lions", the source added.
"We are awaiting the sports ministry's advice on the selection committee. If no change in the committee is notified the same selectors will be sent the invitation by the SLC to pick the players. Even if the selectors are changed at a later date, they (new selectors) will have the liberty to make the changes", the source also clarified.
The SLC has, however, applied for the visas of the players who are cetaintities, it is learnt.
Romesh Kaluwitharana will be the selector on tour. "Hemantha Wickramratne toured with the Asia Cup team in the UAE and India. Will have decided to send Kalu", the source added.
All three selectors will watch the respective matches in Galle (2nd unofficial Test, Hambantota and Colombo (National Super League).
The players are scheduled to have training from February 17 and as first reported, it will be held at Radella Cricket Ground.
Spot-fixing in Nepal cricket: Two players arrested
Bipin Dani
Nepal's two international cricketers have been arrested for spot-fixing in the recently concluded Nepal T20 League played in the county. It is reliably learnt.
According to highly placed sources in Nepal, several other foreign and local players and support staff are being investigated for their role in the alleged spot-fixing in the matches.
The two, who have been arrested for the investigations are (1) Mohammad Aadil Alam and (2) Mahaboob Alam.
Mohammad Aadil, who is also known as Aadil Ansari is a young current player. The 19-year-old Aadil is a right-arm medium pacer and a lower order batter having played six ODIs and eight T-20Is. In the recently concluded Nepal T-20 League, he was playing for Janakpur Royals.
The other player Mahaboob Alam is a former cricketer who was the star player of the World Cricket League Division 5 tournament that took place in Jersey in May 2008. He became famous by taking all ten wickets in the match against Mozambique. The 41-year-old all-rounder Mahaboob Alam. In the recent Nepal League, he played Provincial matches for Nepal.
The names of about six other people (players and support staff), who are being ICC Anti-Corruption radar are not revealed yet.
Sri Lankan team advised to be trained at Radella Cricket Ground
Bipin Dani
Sri Lankan cricket team is advised to be trained at the Radella Cricket Ground ahead of their tour of New Zealand. The suggestion has come from Prof. Arjuna de Silva, the chairman of the medical panel of the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
It is a cricket ground in Sri Lanka situated in Radella, which is a village close to Nuwara Eliya.
"We are planning to use this ground after many years and I am happy to recommend this to the SLC", de Silva, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Colombo, said on Wednesday.
"It is important to use this ground as the conditions there are similar to what it would be in New Zealand. This cricket ground is considered unique in the sense it is situated at the altitude of 1,200 m (4,000 ft). Very few cricket grounds are situated 1,200m above Mean Sea Level (MSL). It can easily be compared with any of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the world".
Regarding fitness of the players, Prof. Arjuna was confident of sending Dushmantha Chameera to New Zealand. The 31-year-right arm fast bowler had suffered a grade two tear in the calf of his left foot in October. Dushmantha Chameera is the spearhead of our bowling. We have him back in the attack soon".
"Kusal Perera is also on a recovery path. It is up to the selectors. We will be sending the full-strength team".
Sri Lanka is scheduled to play two Tests, 3 ODIs' and 3 T-20I in New Zealand in March, April.
"Dasun Shanaka seems to play best in India in the World Cup", de Silva concluded.
Parents taught me to be honest, says Nepalese cricketer Aasif Sheikh
Aasif Sheikh becomes the first player from Nepal to win the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award
Bipin Dani
Nepal wicketkeeper Aasif Sheikh becomes the first player from Nepal to win the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award.
On Thursday, the 22-year-old wicketkeeper (and batter) was named the recipient of the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award 2022 for his decision not to run out Andy McBrine after the Irish star tripped while attempting a run in February last year.
Speaking exclusively over the telephone from Kathmandu, he said, "I feel lucky that I got this opportunity to represent my country across the world by showing that gesture on the field shown in the video. Also, I got to know that I became the first Nepali player to receive this ICC award which is really special for me".
The good news Aasif Sheikh heard from social media.
"I just heard about the news yesterday through social media. I was surprised and happy to hear that at the same time my parents felt so proud of me hearing the news about this. As they have always taught me to be humble, honest and be a good human being, they are happy to see that I am walking on their path".
It is not known whether the player would receive an award in any physical form.
"I have no idea whether I am getting any trophy or not but the award, which ICC have given me will always be special for me. I have always believed that cricket should always be played under the spirit of the game and by showing that gesture I believe the cricket will get more pure and will be played with more honesty", he signed off.
Dhamika Prasad among three shortlisted for Nepal head coach post
Bipin Dani
Former Sri Lankan fast bowler Dhamika Prasad is now one among the three cricketers shortlisted for the head coach of the Nepal cricket team, it is reliably learnt.
According to the highly placed sources in CAN (Cricket Association of Nepal), the 40-year-old former fast bowler, who has played 50 international matches (Tests: 25, ODIs: 24 and T-20i:1) had applied for the head coach post and was recently interviewed on line.
Incidentally, Dhammika Prasad was an assistant and fast bowling consultant for Nepal for the series against Oman, Scotland, USA, and Canada. The retired Sri Lanka player has good coaching experience and his resume was attractive and presentation to the interviewers was also impressive, it is understood.
The other four shortlisted and interviewed candidates are: Monty Desai (India), Glenn Pocknail (New Zeakand), Russell Domingo (South Africa), and Dav Whatmore (Australia).
Most popular among these five is the well-experienced Dav Whatmore.
However, Whatmore is contracted with the Vadodara Cricket Association in India and his contract runs until March 2023 and had to withdraw from Nepal coaching as he is unable to join Nepal team soon after India's Manoj Prabhakar’s contract ended prematurely.
Domingo recently resigned from Bangladesh coaching and as per the latest information received, Domingo too has revoked his application. "I need some break now", he says to this Reporter.
Monty Desai's term with the West Indies team as batting coach ended.
Pocknall is a renowned coach in New Zealand. He is instrumental in shaping Davon Conway.
Sri Lankan players Jeffrey Vandersay and Ashen Bandara on crutches
BIPIN DANI
The defeated Sri Lankan team returned on Monday. The two injured players-Jeffrey Vandersay and Ashen Bandara-are on crutches.
"They are better but their injuries will be reassessed after two days", one of the sources revealed.
Both, had a collision on the field during the third ODI against India in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.
The incident took place in the 43rd over when former India captain Kohli pulled Chamika Karunaratne in front of square leg. Vandersay sprinted to his left from deep-backward square leg, and Bandara to his right from deep midwicket. Both fielders put in the slides but ended up colliding with each other.
Bandara, who is known for his fielding tried to stop the ball from reaching the boundary but as soon as he attempted to get up, he went down again, clutching his left knee. Vandersay too was lying on the ground. The Sri Lanka physio ran out to have a look at the two players; the Indian medical staff and the two concerned umpires also gathered near the boundary line.
Play was halted for a while, and eventually both players were stretchered off the field. Later, they were taken to the hospital for scans.
Bandara and Vandersay are believed to have ACL Strain in their knees. Vandersay's injury is also believed to be muscle tear. Both are likely to be out of the game for a few weeks.
New Zealand beat Pakistan by 2 wickets to win the series 2-1
Sports Bulletin Report
KARACHI: New Zealand beat Pakistan by 2 wickets in the 3rd One Day International match to claim the series 2-1 here at National Bank Cricket Arena on Friday night. Visitors chased their target on the first ball of the penultimate over of the contest, as Glenn Phillips was the hero of the day by scoring an unbeaten 63 in 42 balls innings including four fours and four sixes.
Summarizes Scorecard (ODI-III):
Toss: Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first
Pakistan (Batting) 280 for 9 in 50 overs)
Fakhar Zaman 101 runs (122 balls, 4x10, 6x1), Mohammad Rizwan 77 runs (74 balls, 4x6, 6x0), Agha Salaman 45 runs (43 balls, 4x4, 6x1), Haris Sohain 22 runs (25 balls, 4x1, 6x0)
New Zealand Bowling:
Tim Southee (3 for 56), Lockie Furguson (2 for 63), Mitchell Bracewell (1 for 44), Ish Sodhi (1 for 50)
New Zealand (Batting) target 281 in 50 overs
Glenn Phillips 63 runs not out (42 balls, 4x4, 6x4), Kane Williamson 53 runs (68 balls, 4x2, 6x0), Devon Conway 52 runs (65 balls, 4x5, 6x1), Daryl Mitchell 31 runs (36 balls, 4x1, 6x1)
Pakistan Bowling
Mohammad Wasim (2 for 35), Agha Salaman (2 for 42), Mohammad Nawaz (1 for 53), Usama Mir (1 for 61)
Player of the match: Glenn Phillips 63 runs not out (42 balls, 4x4, 6x4)
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