Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report DHAKA, Bangladesh (November 18, 2021):-Pakistan today announced their 12-player squad for the first T20I against Bangladesh, which will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium on Friday. The match will start at 1400 local time. The second and third T20Is will be played at the same venue on 20 and 22 November. Squad (in alphabetical order): Babar Azam (Captain), Shadab Khan (Vice Captain), Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Junior, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shoaib Malik

Sports Reporter Dubai (November 17, 2021):-Mitchell Marsh and David Warner have made notable progress in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings after helping Australia win their first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Dubai on Sunday. All-rounder Marsh, who struck an impressive 77 not out off 50 balls to be named Player of the Match in the final against New Zealand, has progressed six spots to reach joint-13th position among batters while Player of the Tournament Warner’s scores of 49 against Pakistan in their semifinal and 53 in the final have helped him move up eight places to 33rd position. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, who top-scored in the final with a knock of 85, has gained seven places to reach 32nd position while Devon Conway is up three places to fourth position after scoring 46 against England in the first semifinal in Abu Dhabi. Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman is up eight places to 40th following his unbeaten 55 against Australia in the second semifinal in Dubai while spinner Shadab Khan has moved up seven places to 16th position after bagging four for 16 in the same match. Other bowlers to gain in the latest update include Australia leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who is up two places to third, and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, whose haul of three for 16 in the final sees him move up two places to sixth position. New Zealand’s left-arm seamer Trent Boult is up seven places to 14th position after taking two for 18 in the final while Pat Cummins (up 24 places to 37th) and Chris Woakes (up 21 places to 46th) have also moved up the bowlers’ list. England’s Liam Livingstone is up seven places to third among all-rounders. Meanwhile, Canada batter Navneet Dhaliwal’s consistent performances in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas Regional Qualifier have lifted him 36 places to 36th position. Dhaliwal’s scores included 65 against Panama, 49 against Argentina and 44 against Canada.

Aamir Ali Janjua DUBAHI:-The event which is scheduled to take place between 16 October and 13 November next year will see a total of 45 matches hosted across Adelaide, Brisbane, Geelong, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 Final will be hosted under lights at the MCG on 13 November 2022. The semi-finals will be hosted at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Adelaide Oval on 9 and 10 November, respectively. Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 champions Australia and runner-up New Zealand plus Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, India, Pakistan and South Africa as the next highest ranked teams will gain direct entry into the Super 12 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022. Namibia, Scotland, Sri Lanka and the West Indies will play in Round 1. The four remaining spots at Australia 2022 will be filled via the ongoing qualification pathway, culminating in two global qualifying tournaments one to take place in Oman in February and the other in Zimbabwe in June/July. Head of Events, Chris Tetley said: “We are looking forward to seeing the return of ICC events to Australia and are delighted to announce the seven host cities for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022. Following the success of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2020 and a two year postponement, our sights are now firmly set on planning for the 2022 event in collaboration with the LOC. “With 12 teams already confirmed in the line-up, we eagerly await the culmination of the qualification process to see which other teams will join them.”

Sports Bulletin Report DHAKA, Bangladesh:-The three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will commence from Friday, 19 November in Dhaka. The remaining two matches of the series will be played on 20 and 22 November at the same venue. Pakistan team training details: 16 November: Pakistan cricket team will hold a training session at the NCAG Mirpur at 1030. The PCB will provide videos, photos and interviews of squad members, which can be used for editorial purposes only. 17 November: Pakistan cricket team will hold a training session at the NCAG Mirpur at 1345. The PCB will provide videos, photos and interviews of squad members, which can be used for editorial purposes only. 18 November: Pakistan cricket team will hold a training session at the NCAG Mirpur at 1600. The PCB will provide videos, photos and interviews of squad members, which can be used for editorial purposes only. 19 November: First T20I match at Sher-E-Bangla Cricket Stadium Dhaka, first ball to be bowled at 1400. 20 November: Second T20I match at Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium Dhaka, first ball to be bowled at 1400. 21 November: Pakistan cricket team will hold a training session at the NCAG Mirpur from 1345. The PCB will provide videos, photos and interviews of squad members, which can be used for editorial purposes only. 22 November: Third T20I match at Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium Dhaka, first ball to be bowled at 1400.

Aamir Ali Janjua DUBAI, UEA:-Players from six teams have been named in the Official ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Upstox Most Valuable Team of the Tournament Players from champions Australia, runners-up New Zealand, England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and South Africa feature in the team selected on the basis of performances in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 Opening batter David Warner, leg-spinner Adam Zampa and seamer Josh Hazlewood all make the cut for Australia after helping steer their side to their first ever ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title. There are also spots for England ace Jos Buttler as wicketkeeper, Pakistan’s Babar Azam as captain, New Zealand left-armer Trent Boult and Sri Lanka star Wanindu Hasaranga – the tournament’s leading wicket-taker – in the line-up. The side was pulled together by a selection panel featuring commentators, former international players and journalists Ian Bishop (Convenor), Natalie Germanos, Shane Watson, Lawrence Booth - of Wisden, the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday - and Shahid Hashmi of Agence France Presse and ARY Channel. Ian Bishop said: “As with any team selection there will be varying opinions, and robust discussion on the final composition of the squad. The panel respects that, and we encourage the strong debate that will ensue. This team was incredibly difficult to select over such a highly competitive tournament. Selections were based predominantly on the Super 12 onward to the final.” The team of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 (in batting order) is: David Warner (Australia) – 289 runs at 48.16 Jos Buttler (wk) (England) – 269 runs at 89.66, five dismissals Babar Azam (Captain, Pakistan) – 303 runs at 60.60 Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka) – 231 runs at 46.20 Aiden Markram (South Africa) – 162 runs at 54.00 Moeen Ali (England) – 92 runs at strike rate of 131.42, seven wickets at 11 Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) – 16 wickets at 9.75 Adam Zampa (Australia) – 13 wickets at 12.07 Josh Hazlewood (Australia) – 11 wickets at 15.90 Trent Boult (New Zealand) – 13 wickets at 13.30 Anrich Nortje (South Africa) – nine wickets at 11.55 12th: Shaheen Afridi – seven wickets at 24.14

Sports Reporter DUBHAI, UEA:-Matchwinner Mitchell Marsh thanked the Australian selectors for revitalising his white-ball career after steering his side to an emphatic first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title against New Zealand. Matchwinner Mitchell Marsh thanked the Australian selectors for revitalising his white-ball career after steering his side to an emphatic first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title against New Zealand. Marsh’s brutal 77 not out from No.3 helped down Kane Williamson’s Black Caps by eight wickets in Dubai and extend his consistent personal form at the top end of the order. Marsh, 30, was catapulted to the crucial position during Australia’s tour of West Indies in July and repaid the favour in style by racking up 185 runs throughout the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021. And asked about the secret to his newfound success with the bat, Marsh – who averaged over 61 in the tournament – said: “The coaching staff came up to me in the West Indies about six months ago and said I was going to bat three for this tournament and series – and I absolutely jumped at the idea of that. “I’d done a little bit for the [Perth] Scorchers back home, but I’ve obviously got all the staff and everyone involved In the Australian setup [to thank] for backing me and getting me up the top there. “I just love playing my role for this team. “I feel like a lot of people say this, but I don’t really have words right now. “What an amazing six weeks with this group of men – I absolutely love them to death and we’re world champions.” Arriving at the crease in the third over after the dismissal of captain Aaron Finch, Marsh kickstarted the pyrotechnics in style by striking his very first ball for six off the bowling of Adam Milne. And clubbing the next two for four propelled him to 14 off three and helped set the tone for his and David Warner’s – 53 off 38 balls – second innings onslaught. Justin Langer’s side comfortably chased down their target of 173 to win and asked about the show-stopping start to his innings, Marsh added: “I’ll be honest with you, there wasn’t a whole lot of thinking that goes into that. “I just wanted to get out there and have a presence. Marcus Stoinis always talks to me about having a presence and getting in the contest. “That allows me to go out there and play my game – I can’t believe it and it’s unbelievable.” Williamson’s masterful 85 off 48 balls – the fastest ever half-century in an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Final – helped haul his team to a competitive-looking total after seamer Josh Hazlewood took a skilful three for 16. But spearheaded by Marsh and in-form Warner – crowned Player of the Tournament for his 289 runs at an average of 48 – the Australians proved too hot for the usually-economical New Zealand attack to handle. The triumph marked their maiden ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title and Warner, part of the team who lost to England in the 2010 Final in the West Indies, admits the long-awaited triumph finally banished those Bridgetown demons. The 35-year-old, who won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup against New Zealand six years ago, said: “This is right up there with 2015. “Being part of the World Cup Final against England a decade ago really hurt, but winning one was fantastic. “These guys are a great bunch of guys. We’ve got great support staff and support around the world, especially at home.” Captain Finch, 34, added: “This is huge to be the first Australian team to be able to do it. “I’m so proud of the way the guys went about it the whole campaign. They were brilliant from the start and I’m so proud. “We had some great individual and team performances – it’s been fantastic.” AUSTRALIA (Playing XIs): 1. Aaron Finch (C) 2. David Warner 3. Mitchell Marsh 4. Glenn Maxwell 5. Steve Smith 6. Marcus Stoinis 7. Matthew Wade (WK) 8. Pat Cummins 9. Mitchell Starc 10. Adam Zampa 11. Josh Hazlewood NEW ZEALAND (Playing XIs): 1. Daryl Mitchell 2. Martin Guptill 3. Kane Williamson (C) 4. Glenn Phillips 5. Tim Seifert (WK) 6. Jimmy Neesham 7. Mitchell Santner 8. Adam Milne 9. Tim Southee 10. Ish Sodhi 11. Trent Boult Match Officials: Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle On-field umpires: Marais Erasmus and Richard Kettleborough TV umpire: Nitin Menon Fourth umpire: Kumar Dharmasena

Special Report DUBAI:-New Zealand set 173 runs target for Australia to win the ICC T20 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2021 at Dubai International Stadium, Dubai on Sunday night. AUSTRALIA (Playing XIs): 1. Aaron Finch (C) 2. David Warner 3. Mitchell Marsh 4. Glenn Maxwell 5. Steve Smith 6. Marcus Stoinis 7. Matthew Wade (WK) 8. Pat Cummins 9. Mitchell Starc 10. Adam Zampa 11. Josh Hazlewood NEW ZEALAND (Playing XIs): 1. Daryl Mitchell 2. Martin Guptill 3. Kane Williamson (C) 4. Glenn Phillips 5. Tim Seifert (WK) 6. Jimmy Neesham 7. Mitchell Santner 8. Adam Milne 9. Tim Southee 10. Ish Sodhi 11. Trent Boult Match Officials: Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle On-field umpires: Marais Erasmus and Richard Kettleborough TV umpire: Nitin Menon Fourth umpire: Kumar Dharmasena

Special Report DUBAI:-The stage is ready for the championship match of ICC T20 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2021 at Dubai International Stadium, Dubai on Sunday night. AUSTRALIA (Playing XIs): 1. Aaron Finch (C) 2. David Warner 3. Mitchell Marsh 4. Glenn Maxwell 5. Steve Smith 6. Marcus Stoinis 7. Matthew Wade (WK) 8. Pat Cummins 9. Mitchell Starc 10. Adam Zampa 11. Josh Hazlewood NEW ZEALAND (Playing XIs): 1. Daryl Mitchell 2. Martin Guptill 3. Kane Williamson (C) 4. Glenn Phillips 5. Tim Seifert (WK) 6. Jimmy Neesham 7. Mitchell Santner 8. Adam Milne 9. Tim Southee 10. Ish Sodhi 11. Trent Boult Match Officials: Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle On-field umpires: Marais Erasmus and Richard Kettleborough TV umpire: Nitin Menon Fourth umpire: Kumar Dharmasena Australia Squad: Aaron Finch (C), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins (VC), Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa New Zealand Squad: Kane Williamson (c) – Todd Astle – Trent Boult – Mark Chapman – Devon Conway – Lockie Ferguson – Martin Guptill – Kyle Jamieson – Daryl Mitchell – Jimmy Neesham – Glenn Phillips – Mitchell Santner – Tim Seifert (wk) – Ish Sodhi – Tim Southee – Adam Milne* (injury cover)  

DUBAI,UEA(Aamir Ali Janjua)Aaron Finch says the aftermath of Australia’s heavy defeat to England helped propel his side into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 final, where they face New Zealand. Finch’s side were soundly beaten by the ICC Cricket World Cup (50-over) champions in their third Group 1 game, going down by eight wickets. Their campaign hinged on the five-day period that followed, allowing them to recover physically and redouble their tactical focus. “We were disappointed after that game, obviously,” said Finch. “We had a couple of days off to regroup after a gruelling couple of weeks of the tournament when we had to go through quarantine and really hard training. “It gave us the chance to freshen up mentally and physically. We talked about staying committed to being aggressive. “We felt we were a bit timid against England and got outplayed in the powerplay, particularly with the way that Chris Woakes bowled. “It was just about staying really aggressive. In this format, when you’re up against top opposition, you don’t get many opportunities to get into the game and you have to find every small edge. “We just reiterated that, as a team, that’s the way we wanted to go about the tournament.” Since then, Australia overran Bangladesh and West Indies by eight wickets before a stunning five-wicket semi-final triumph over Pakistan, coming up on the rails to reach the final. It is the second time an Australian men’s team have reached the T20 World Cup final, reaching that stage for the first time in 2010 when they went down to England. Australia’s results in the shortest form of the game have been patchy in recent years - they last won a bilateral series in February 2020 and lost five in a row coming into the tournament. “Everyone had written us off but we had a lot of confidence within in the way we were preparing and our strategy was coming together,” said Finch. “We haven’t defied expectations, we came here with a clear plan to win the tournament and we’ve still got the squad to do that.” Similarly, it feels like New Zealand are pegged as dark horses every time they enter an ICC major event. That doesn’t stack up with their record - they reached the finals of the last two Cricket World Cups, the semi-finals of the 2016 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and won the inaugural ICC World Test Championship. They proved their big-game mettle in the semi-finals with a five-wicket win over England. Captain Kane Williamson said: “The side has been operating well as a collective and playing for each other. “We saw a pretty exciting semi-final, both semi-finals actually were somewhat similar. You see moments in games that are match-defining and games that can take quite a sharp turn when you have some key performances. “That’s why the tournament has been exciting, you looked across the board and saw match-winners throughout and that every team could beat anyone on their day. “We’ve tried to learn and grow throughout and we have another opportunity to do that.” New Zealand lost fast bowler Lockie Ferguson to injury before the tournament and now will be without batter Devin Conway for the final. Conway suffered a hand injury after punching his bat after being dismissed in the semi-final. “The loss of Devin is a big one, he’s been a big part of all formats for us,” said Williamson.“ It’s a disappointing and freak thing to happen.” “For us, it’s keeping our focus on the task and all of our players are focused on the opportunity, to go out and adjust to a different venue and opposition tomorrow.”

SPECIAL REPORT: While the spotlight was on India, Pakistan, England and Australia throughout the tournament there was a little voice inside my head saying: ‘hang on don’t forget about New Zealand’. They are the current World Test champions, played in the last 50-over World Cup final and their white-ball cricket has been exceptional over the past couple of years. They are street smart and organised and have an inspirational leader in Kane Williamson. Batting first, England would’ve felt the pressure to put a good score on the board with teams in this tournament preferring to chase. New Zealand have a very strong bowling attack and had the perfect start, breaking the new opening partnership of Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler. In a high-pressure game, 160 is a good score and thanks to Moeen Ali, Dawid Malan and a late cameo from Liam Livingstone they reached a total they would’ve felt was defendable in a finals match. Chasing in a semifinal, you want your big guns to fire but when the Black Caps lost Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson, the hopes of a nation were on the shoulders of World Cup newcomers Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway. On the big stage, this was their opportunity to make a name for themselves in white-ball cricket, and they knew exactly the game they needed to play, blocking out the noise and playing every ball on its merit. That’s the important thing about T20, if one solid partnership can take the game as deep as possible and you have big hitters at the back end, anything is possible. New Zealand won’t mind who they are playing in the final. They’ve already overcome a huge hurdle and got one over England which shows they can handle the heat when it's on them. In a final, it's about doing the basics as well as possible. That, group is really focused on the fundamentals, but also have the ability to flick the switch to fifth gear and blow teams out of the water. Their focus will be on getting themselves ready and controlling what they can control. Whoever they come up against, they'll be ready for them.