Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI:-Pakistan women produced one of their best fielding displays to defeat Sri Lanka women by four wickets in a last-ball thriller to win the third and final Twenty20 International in front of PCB cameras at the Southend Club on Saturday. The victory gave Pakistan a 3-0 series result. Electing to bat first, Sri Lanka were in a position of strength at 69-0 in 11 overs before they made the miscalculation of testing Pakistan fielders’ mobility, agility and athleticism inside the 30-yard circle. This ploy badly backfired as they slipped to 83-7 in 16.4 overs, including four run-outs and a smart catch in the deep by Iram Javed of Sri Lanka’s top-scorer Chamari Athapaththu (37). The visitors eventually limped to 107 for eight in 20 overs that included five run-outs. This was the 14th time in a women’s T20I that five batters were run-out in an innings and second time involving Sri Lanka. The record for most run-outs in an innings – six – is held by Singapore against Myanmar as they scored 86 for nine in April 2019. The home side was stretched to the limits before they achieved victory for the loss of six wickets on the last ball of their allocation of overs after needing 15 runs off the last 12 balls, eight off the final over and two off the final delivery. Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof, batting at numer seven, brought all her experience into play when she returned not out on 15 priceless runs off 15 balls. She added 17 runs for the unfinished seventh wicket with Kainat Imtiaz who contributed four off seven balls. Athapaththu and Hasini Perera (27) provided their side a solid and confident start when they struck five fours and two sixes between them to carry their side to 69 for no loss in 11 overs. The two batters nudged and pushed the ball for ones and twos as Pakistan bowlers, while succeeded in protecting the boundaries, were unable to take wickets. But as boundaries became hard to come by and overs running out, the Sri Lanka batters decided to test the fielders and that resulted in a sensational collapse as the tourists lost seven wickets for 14 runs in a space of 34 balls. Perera started the procession when she failed to beat Bismah Maroof and was run-out halfway, next ball Athapaththu holed out to Iram that was followed by three more run-outs of Oshadi Ranasinghe, Harshitha Madavi and Ama Kanchana, while Nilakshi de Silva was trapped in front of the wickets by Tuba Hassan and Kavisha Dilhari was castled by Kainat Imtiaz as 69-0 soon became 83-7. However, a 24-run eighth wicket partnership between Anushka Sanjeewani (14 not out) and Sugandika Kumari (10) helped Sri Lanka to 107 for eight. Kumari was the last batter who was run-out, raising the total of run-outs in an innings to five. In their target chase, Pakistan had a few nervous moments as they lost wickets at regular intervals, but they were not really under any pressure as they ensured they maintained the required run-rate. Muneeba Ali scored a 33-ball 25, Aliya Riaz hit a 23-ball 17, Nida Dar contributed run-a-ball 14 and Iram Javed scored a 12-ball 10. Unlike Sri Lanka, Pakistan struck eight fours and a six. The two sides will now go head to head in the ICC Women’s Champions matches, which will be played at the same venue on 1, 3 and 5 June. Scores in brief Sri Lanka 107-8, 20 overs (Chamari Athapaththu 37, Hasini Perera 24) Pakistan 108-6, 20 overs (Muneeba Ali 25, Aliya Riaz 17; Oshadi Ranasinghe 3-18)

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI:-Ayesha Naseem smashed a scintillating unbeaten 45 to help Pakistan register a seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the second T20I at the Southend Club, Karachi on Tuesday. The victory sealed a series win for Pakistan with the third and final match of the series to be played on Saturday. The Bismah Maroof-led hosts had won the first match by six wickets on Tuesday. On Thursday evening, Ayesha, later adjudged player-of-the-match, took the attack to the Sri Lankan bowlers as Pakistan made light work of the 103-run target despite the early loss of three wickets. Ayesha’s 45 came off 31 balls and included five fours and one six. The right-hander added 70 runs for the fourth-wicket in 58 balls with Bismah who returned not out on 22 off 29 balls (one four). Pakistan registered the victory when Ayesha hit a four with 17 balls to spare. Earlier, Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu won the toss for the second consecutive time and like Tuesday, opted to bat first. Anam Amin who had dismissed Athapaththu in the first game made the big breakthrough again today by sending the left-hander back to the dressing room for five. Oshadi Ranasinghe fell for eight to Nida Dar to leave Sri Lanka wobbling at 28 for two after 7.1 overs. Hasini Perera added 34 for the third-wicket with Nilakshi de Silva, Perera who top-scored for the tourists with 35 off 51 balls (three fours) was dismissed by leg-spinner Tuba Hassan. Sri Lankan batters failed to break the shackles throughout the innings as they finished their 20 overs for a paltry 102 for six. For Pakistan, Tuba, Anam, Nida, Fatima Sana and Aimen Anwar all took a wicket apiece. Tuba who picked the player-of-the-match award in her debut on Tuesday had another excellent outing with the ball as she conceded a mere 13 runs in her four overs while accounting for Perera.  Scores in brief: Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets Sri Lanka 102 for 6, 20 overs (Hasini Perera 35, Nilakshi de Silva 22; Tuba Hassan 1-13, Anam Amin 1-16) Pakistan 104 for 3, 17.1 overs (Ayesha Naseem 45 not out, Bismah Maroof 22 not out; Achini Kulasuriya 1-11) Player-of-the-match: Ayesha Naseem

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI:-Debutant leg-spinner Tuba Hassan produced a magnificent spell which earned her the player-of-the-match award as Pakistan romped home to a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the first match of the three-match T20I series played at the Southend Club, Karachi on Tuesday. Tuba produced a stunning spell of leg-spin bowling to bamboozle the tourists in her maiden appearance for Pakistan. The Lahore-born registered the best figures on T20I debut for a Pakistan bowler with figures of 4-1-8-3. Sri Lanka were pegged back at the start of the innings with the seasoned left-arm-spinner Anam Amin taking the first two wickets including the big wicket of Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu who had earlier won the toss and opted to bat first. Nilakshi de Silva and Harshitha Madavi top-scored with Sri Lanka with 25 runs each. De Silva scored her runs off 22 balls with the help of a six and a four. Madavi scored her runs off 35 balls with the help of two fours. Anam added one more wicket in her second spell to finish with three wickets for 21 runs from her four overs. Pacer Aimen Anwar contributed with two wickets for 32 runs as Pakistan bowlers maintained their stranglehold on the opponents. Pakistan lost their other debutant Gull Feroza (0) in the opening over of their innings, Iram Javed scored a quickfire 18 off 14 balls (three fours) before she was dismissed by Oshadi Ranasinghe in the sixth over. Muneeba Ali (18) was dismissed with the score at 45 in the 9th over. The seasoned duo of captain Bismah Maroof and Nida Dar added 51 runs for the fourth-wicket to consolidate Pakistan’s position. Bismah fell for 28 to Ranasinghe in the 17th over. Nida took Pakistan to victory on the second ball of the 19th over, the all-rounder remained unbeaten on 36 off 27 (two fours, one six). Ranasinghe took two wickets. The second match of the series will be played at the same venue on Thursday. Scores in brief: Sri Lanka 106 for 8, 20 overs (Nilakshi de Silva 25, Harshitha Madavi 25; Tuba Hassan 3-8, Anam Amin 3-21, Aimen Anwar 2-32) Pakistan 107 for 4, 18.2 overs (Nida Dar 36 not out, Bismah Maroof 28; Oshadi Ranasinghe 2-20) Player-of-the-match: Tuba Hassan

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI:-After three days of intense practice and preparations at the Southend Club, Karachi, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are ready for action with the first of the three T20Is set to be played on Tuesday. Bismah Maroof-led Pakistan and Chamari Athapaththu-led Sri Lanka are eager to showcase their talent, skill and temperament in the shortest format of the game. All three matches will be played at the Southend Club which is in close proximity to Karachi’s Sea View Beach. The weather is expected to stay hot and humid but the Karachi sea breeze is expected to make the conditions better for the two teams with the T20Is set to start at 2pm local time. The series will be broadcast live on PTV Sports. Both teams have so far played 13 T20Is against each other and have an even record with six wins apiece (one No Result). The last time these two sides faced off in a T20I bilateral series, Pakistan came out on top with a 2-1 win. Tomorrow’s match will be the first T20I between the two sides in Pakistan. In the current ICC Women’s T2oI Rankings, Pakistan are placed at seventh, one place ahead of Sri Lanka. In the T20I bowlers’ rankings, spinner Anam Amin and pacer Diana Baig represent Pakistan in the top ten. Athapaththu is ranked eight amongst the batters and occupies the seventh spot in the all-rounders’ rankings while Nida Dar is placed ninth. Both captains have meanwhile set their sights on a series win in what is Sri Lanka women’s first tour to Pakistan in more than 16 years. Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof said: “We are looking forward to an exciting series with Sri Lanka. After the World Cup we will start afresh with an aim of winning both T20I and ODI series. We have a packed schedule this year and this series will help us prepare for the challenges ahead especially the Commonwealth Games. “We have an exciting squad in place for both formats (T20 and ODIs). The newcomers in the two squads have a great chance of proving their worth when they get a chance to play. It is always exciting to play an international series in Pakistan and such occasions always motivate us to do well and inspire the fans. I think we will have a good contest as Sri Lanka are a formidable opponent especially in Asian conditions. The hot weather will be a challenge but as professional players we would endeavour to overcome the challenge.” Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu said: “We are excited to play a strong Pakistan team in its backyard. Pakistan and Sri Lanka have always enjoyed friendly relations and I am confident the series will be played in good spirit. The weather is hot and humid and it will test us but at the same time it will provide us an opportunity of testing our skills in challenging conditions. “We have a good balance of senior and junior players and we feel we can do well on the tour as most of the players have considerable experience of domestic cricket which we play regularly.” The three T20Is will be followed by three ICC Women’s Championship ODI fixtures. Pakistan T20I squad: Bismah Maroof (captain), Aiman Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza (wicketkeeper), Iram Javed, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wicketkeeper), Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal and Tuba Hassan. Sri Lanka T20I squad: Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Achini Kulasuriya, Ama Kanchana, Anushka Sanjeewani, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Imesha Dulani, Inoka Ranaweera, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Oshadhi Ranasinghe, Prasadani Weerakkody, Sachini Nisansala, and Sugandika Kumari. Series schedule: 24 May – First T20I 26 May – Second T20I 28 May – Third T20I 1 Jun – First ODI 3 Jun – Second ODI 5 Jun – Third ODI

BIPIN DANI The Indian cricket board is in the "final negotiation stage" with the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to have a bilateral series between the women's teams of both countries, it is learnt.  According to the highly placed sources in the BCCI, the two teams will play three ODIs' and three T-20Is in Sri Lanka in July this year. The SLC is planning to host all matches in Kandy. However, the venues are yet to be finalized. "Australia's two men's teams (national and "A") will be touring Sri Lanka and therefore depending upon the availability of the grounds, the women's teams will play matches there", one source said. Sri Lanka's women team captain Chamari Atapattu and her colleagues, who left for Pakistan on Thursday noon had to miss the Indian cricket board-organized My11 Circle Women’s T20 Challenge in India this month, however, now the likelihood of the matches in July has brightened the chances of the team to play against India.

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI:-The T20I series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka women teams begins on Tuesday, 24 May, at the Southend Club, Karachi. All three matches of the series will be staged at the same venue on 24, 26 and 28 May. Prior to the start of the series, the two teams will practice for three days (21 to 23 May) at the Southend Club. Schedule of activities: Saturday, 21 May: Training and practice session for both teams from 10:00am to 1:00pm Sri Lanka captain’s arrival press conference -  Southend Club media lounge at 1:00pm Sunday, 22 May: Training and practice session for both teams from 10:00am to 1:00pm One member of Pakistan squad to hold media talk 12:30pm Monday, 23 May: T20I series trophy unveiling for media at the Southend Club at 9:45am Training and practice session for both teams from 10:00am to 1:00pm Pakistan and Sri Lanka captains or head coaches to hold pre-series press conferences - Southend Club media lounge from 1:00pm T20Is: The three T20Is will begin at 2:00pm with the toss at 1:30pm.

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI:-Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Gull Feroza and leg-spinner Tuba Hassan have been included in the Pakistan women’s T20I squad for the three-match series against Sri Lanka that will be played at the Southend Club, Karachi from Tuesday 24 May. Uncapped batter Sadaf Shamas has been included in the ODI squad while Gull Feroza who hails from Multan has also earned a spot in the fifteen member 50-over matches’ squad. Chief Selector Asmavia Iqbal finalised the squad in consultation with the head coach David Hemp and captain Bismah Maroof. The performances of the pre-series camp participants that was staged at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre, National Stadium and Southend Club from 9 May, form, fitness and past performances were considered in the selection process. Bismah, Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig and Fatima Sana who appeared in the FairBreak Invitational T20 event in Dubai have returned to Karachi and will take part in the three-day pre series training from Saturday, 21 May. Kainat Imtiaz (T20I) and Sadia Iqbal (both squads) have returned after recovering from injuries and proving their form and fitness in the pre-series camp. The pre-series camp will conclude today with a practice session at the Hanif Mohammad HPC, a 50-over practice match was staged between the 26 camp participants at the Southend Club on Tuesday. The three T20Is will be played on 24, 26 and 28 May. The ODIs that are a part of ICC Women’s Championship will be staged on 1, 3 and 5 June. Chief Selector Asmavia Iqbal said: “I want to wish the two squads the very best for the series, we have provided opportunities to Gull Feroza, Sadaf Shamas and Tuba Hassan on the basis of their future potential and skills. The three youngsters took part in the emerging camp last December and made an impression with their talent. I am pleased to see their progress and we all feel it is now the right time to give them exposure of international cricket. “We had sent Tuba as a reserve player in the recently concluded ODI World Cup, she continues to make good progress and since spin bowling has been a traditional strength of ours, I feel she can make a good contribution in our bowling strategy. Gull Feroza has also made good progress, she has an aggressive style of play and can provide us brisk starts in both T20Is and ODIs which are now a big requirement at the international stage. Sadaf besides her batting skills provides us a bowling option too with her medium pace skills. “For the rest of the squad, we considered the players fitness, form and their performances in the preparation camp where we played a number of practice T20 and 50-over matches. I believe we have two formidable squads for both T20Is and ODIs, both squads have good depth and most certainly have the pedigree to beat the Sri Lankan team in what should be an exciting series.” Names of T20I squad: Bismah Maroof (captain), Aiman Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza (wicketkeeper), Iram Javed, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wicketkeeper), Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal and Tuba Hassan. Names of ODI squad: Bismah Maroof (captain), Aiman Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Ghulam Fatima, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wicketkeeper), Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin and Sidra Nawaz (wicketkeeper). Support personnel for both T20Is and ODIs: Asiya Khan (Manager), David Hemp (Head coach), Saleem Jaffer (Bowling coach), Waqar Orakzai (Assistant coach), Saboor Ahmad (Strength and Conditioning coach), Rifat Asghar Gill (Physiotherapist), Dr Muhammad Khurram (Doctor), Zubair Ahmed (Analyst). Series itinerary 24 May – First T20I 26 May – Second T20I 28 May – Third T20I 1 Jun – First ODI 3 Jun – Second ODI 5 Jun – Third ODI

BIPIN DANI Sri Lanka's women's team captain Chamari Athapaththu believes that her recent form and experience of playing in the first ever 20-over FairBreak tournament in Dubai will benefit her in the upcoming tour of Pakistan. Sri Lankan team is to play three T-20Is followed by three ODIs' in Pakistan.  The 32-year-old bartting all-rounder recently played in the tournament where 90 players from 35 countries participated. She was the top scorer with 313 runs (in 7 matches she played) which also included an unbeaten score of 107 runs.  "I want to continue this form in Pakistan. I am excited about the Pak. tour", she said hours before returning to Colombo (to join the squad for Pak. tour). "It was really a good opportunity for me, playing against the best overseas players and associate players. FairBreak is a really good platform for all womens cricketers. So I'm keen to play in this league next year also", she added. Chamari, however, will miss the Indian cricket board-organized My-11 Circle Women’s T20 Challenge in India this month. The BCCI tournament (May 23-28) will clash with the Sri Lankan women's tour of Pakistan.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-As many as 1,118 young girls and women participated in the trials organised in five of the six Cricket Associations as the Pakistan Cricket Board’s efforts to make the game more gender-inclusive continue. The biggest turnout was in Central Punjab where 287 players appeared in trials. With 250 players, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was next. In what is a major development for the women’s game in Balochistan, 218 teenagers and women participated in the trials. 223 and 140 players gave trials in Southern Punjab and Northern. The selection panel in these CAs, which comprised highly qualified coaches in former Test and first-class cricketers, selected players across the U19, emerging (ages 19-24) and senior (ages 25-28) categories. 125, 139 and 40 players were selected in the U19, emerging and senior categories in Balochistan, Central Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Northern (Muzaffarabad remaining) and Southern Punjab. Head of Women’s Cricket Tania Mallick: “The turnout in these trials is overwhelming. It underscores the appetite of women’s cricket in the country and has played a crucial role in the identification of talent in different parts. I want to thank parents around the country for facilitating their daughters to appear in these trials and this is a good omen for women’s cricket. The educational institutions have also played a major role in making these trials a success by bringing their students to venues. “I want to congratulate and thank the CAs who have played a robust role in the smooth execution of trials. These trials are the first step in the long journey for the development and promotion of the women’s cricket in the country, and it cannot be done without the support of CAs and we will continue to provide all the necessary support for it.” The selected players have ample opportunities with a bumper women’s cricket season ahead. The inaugural U19 World Cup next year provides teenage cricketers opportunities to make a name for themselves at a global stage, while players selected in other categories can push for the national selection by standing out in domestic T20 and One-Day tournaments as well as in a franchise tournament. Pakistan national women’s team have a busy 2022-23 season which kicks off with the T20I series against Sri Lanka later this month. They feature in three ICC Women’s Championship series, two of which will be played in Pakistan, Commonwealth Games, ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup and ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The trials are a joint-effort of the PCB and CAs to strengthen the women player talent pool by making the game more accessible, and promote the sport amongst the female population of the country. The trials in Muzaffarabad will be held on 17 May, while the Sindh-leg of the trials will be run from 18 to 28 May. The trials in Karachi will take place on 27 and 28 May.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today confirmed Bismah Maroof will continue to lead the national women’s limited-overs teams in the 2022-23 Season. Pakistan are gearing up for an action-packed bumper season in which they will play, at least, 25 matches with the schedules for the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup and ICC Women’s T20 World Cup to be announced. Their season begins by hosting Sri Lanka in Karachi for three T20Is and three ODIs in what will be the first instance of ICC Women’s Championship matches being staged in Pakistan from later this month. Bismah’s team will then head for Belfast to play hosts Ireland and champions Australia in a T20I triangular series from 12-24 July before they move to Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games to be held from 25 July to 8 August. Like the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022, Bismah will travel to Belfast and Birmingham with her daughter Fatima and mother with the Pakistan Cricket Board sharing the travel, lodging and boarding expenses in line with its Parental Support Policy. In October, Ireland women will make their first-ever visit to Pakistan for three T20Is and as many ODIs, also ICC Women’s Championship matches, after which they will feature in ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup. They then travel to Australia for three T20Is and three ODIs, Pakistan’s first away ICC Women’s Championship fixtures of the cycle, at the start of 2023 and play ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in February in South Africa. Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof: “It is truly an honour for any cricketer to captain their country and it is a great privilege for me to continue in this role. The 2022-23 cricket season is the busiest for Pakistan women’s side and we are excited and geared up for the challenges it presents. “Every match in the upcoming season is important for us as a team as bilateral ODIs will determine whether we qualify for the next ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and the T20Is provide us opportunities to prepare for the all-important T20 World Cup in February next year. “I want to thank the Pakistan Cricket Board for its immense support throughout my career and especially in helping me strike the right work-life balance after the birth of Fatima. There was a time when I contemplated giving up on my passion of playing cricket, but the PCB ensured it never came to that with the introduction of the maternity policy, which has made the game as inclusive as it can be for the women in our country. I also want to thank my family and especially my husband, Abrar, who has been a great support throughout my career, and has provided me encouragement to continue to play for Pakistan.” Head of Women’s cricket Tania Mallick: “I want to congratulate Bismah Maroof on her retention as the leader of the national side. She has been an inspiration for women around the world with her demeanour on and off the field and I am sure our side will produce strong and consistent results in their leadership over the next year.” Bismah made her Pakistan debut at 15 against India in an ODI at Jaipur in December 2006. She is the only Pakistan women cricketer with 5,000 international runs. She took reins of the T20I side in 2016 and was named the ODI captain after the 2017 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.