Sports Bulletin

Saad Kayani KARACHI (November 7, 2021):-Pakistan national women’s team will start final phase of their preparations for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier when they will take on the West Indies in the first of the three One-Day Internationals at the National Stadium, Karachi, on Monday. Ahead of their departure for Zimbabwe on 16 November, where they will compete to win one of the three spots to secure qualification for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup New Zealand 2022, these three fixtures will serve as an opportunity to both sides to get the desired match practice. Wicketkeeper-batter Sidra Nawaz will lead the national side in the first match after the team management has decided to give Javeria Khan further time to gain match fitness. Meanwhile, Pakistan have also announced the 12-member squad for the first ODI, which is Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Zafar, Fatima Sana, Iram Javed, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sandhu, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin and Sidra Nawaz (captain and wicketkeeper). Nine high-definition cameras will live-stream the series across the globe through PCB’s official YouTube Channel as part of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s efforts to expand and promote women’s game and attract youngsters towards it. As per the guidelines issued by the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC), the seating capacity for the three matches will remain at 50 per cent. The stands will be open to general public on Sunday, 14 November, for the third ODI and the entry will be granted on the display of original CNIC and NADRA-issued Covid-19 Immunisation Certificates. For the ODIs on Monday and Thursday, colleges and schools have been extended invitations. This series also marks the return of the national women’s team to the iconic National Stadium after 15 years. Pakistan last played here in January 2006 when Karachi hosted Women’s Asia Cup in which Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka played at Karachi Gymkhana and National Stadium. Pakistan and West Indies have played twice at the National Stadium, in March 2004. The two women sides locked horns in a Test match. That match might have ended in a draw, but is remembered for opener Kiran Baluch’s stunning 242 and leg-spinner Shazia Khan’s match figures of 13 for 226 – which remain the highest Test score and best bowling figures in women’s game to date. The solitary ODI that the two teams played in the same month ended in the tourists’ seven-wicket victory. The two teams played a five-match ODI series during the national women’s team’s tour of Antigua in June-July that hosts sealed with a 3-2 scoreline. Pakistan won the last two matches of the series and the final ODI was set alive by teenage pacer Fatima Sana. Sidra Nawaz: “We are very excited and looking forward to play West Indies at the National Stadium. We have missed playing in front of our home crowd and I am sure fans will be treated with quality action when the series begins tomorrow. “This is a huge moment for me to be leading the national side in Pakistan. For any cricketer, it is nothing less than a dream to captain your country and I am very happy that I have gotten this opportunity. “We have had good preparation for this series and the team looks in great touch and ready to go after the final training session on Sunday. We will definitely miss Nida Dar and our thoughts and prayers are with her family.” Fixtures (all matches at National Stadium, to begin at 10am) November 8, 2021: 1st ODI. Rashid Riaz and Asif Yaqoob (on-field umpires) and Faisal Afridi (reserve umpire). Ali Naqvi (match referee) 11 Nov – 2nd ODI. Asif Yaqoob and Faisal Afridi (on-field umpires) and Rashid Riaz (reserve umpire). Ali Naqvi (match referee) 14 Nov – 3rd ODI. Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz (on-field umpires) and Faisal Afridi (reserve umpire). Ali Naqvi (match referee).

Saad Kayani KARACHI (November 3, 2021):-Pakistan star cricketer Nida Dar is eager to make the most of the three One-Day Internationals against the West Indies Women that the national women’s team will play at the iconic National Stadium from 8-14 November. These three matches serve an opportunity for both teams to get the desired competitive match practice ahead of the ICC World Cup Qualifier. When Pakistan toured West Indies in June-July earlier this year, Nida made 135 runs – including half-century in the first match – at 33.75 in five ODIs. This year has proved to be a successful one for her with the bat as the right-hander has scored 259 at an average of over 43. Pakistan, on Wednesday, held scenario-based training at the National Stadium. Speaking about the preparations, Nida said: “We are getting some great practice ahead of the three ODIs against the West Indies. The pitches here are great for cricket and the weather is also great for the game. This series is very important for us to prepare for the World Cup Qualifier.” While West Indies toured Pakistan in 2018 for three T20Is, which were played at Karachi’s Southend Club, the last time these two teams met at the National Stadium was in 2006. That is the only instance the two sides have ever faced off at this venue. So when the series begins on 8 November, Nida will play her first international fixture at the National Stadium– something she had been eagerly looking forward to.  “It has been my dream to play at the National Stadium,” she said. “The pitches here support both batters and bowlers. It gives a great feeling to play in front of your crowds. I am sure West Indies will get to enjoy a great atmosphere here and we will play good cricket. “We had a great series when West Indies last toured Pakistan. Both sides played some great competitive cricket.”

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD:-The women selection committee today (Thursday) announced a 15-player Pakistan women squad for a two-match ODI series against Bangladesh women. Three changes have been made in the line-up from the one that swept Bangladesh 3-0 in a T20I series this week. After participating in the ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Cup in Sri Lanka slow left-arm orthodox Nashra Sandhu, leg-spinner Aroob Shah and right-arm medium-fast Fatima Sana come in the side to replace right-hand bat Ayesha Zafar, slow left-arm orthodox Anam Amin and right-arm offbreak Saba Nazir. After a successful maiden T20I series, Sadia Iqbal has got a call-up for the ODI team. The left-arm spinner took four wickets in three matches at an average of 15. Keeping in view Pakistan’s final-round ICC Women’s Championship fixtures against England in December, the selection committee – which is led by Urooj Mumtaz and includes Asmavia Iqbal and Marina Iqbal – has jotted down a squad which strikes the balance of youth and experience and serves players a crucial opportunity to warm-up for the exciting series. The two one-dayers will be played on 2 and 4 November at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Pakistan ODI team for series against Bangladesh: Bismah Maroof (captain), Aliya Riaz, Aroob Shah, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Iram Javed, Javeria Khan, Kainat Imtiaz, Nashra Sandhu, Nahida Khan, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sana Mir, Sidra Amin and Sidra Nawaz (wicketkeeper). Officials: Interim Head Coach - Iqbal Imam Trainer - Gemaal Hussain Fielding Coach - Iqbal Ahmed Amir Manager - Aisha Jalil Physio – Dr Rifat Asghar Gill Analyst – Zubair Ahmed Schedule: 2 November, First ODI, Pakistan women v Bangladesh women, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 4 November, Second ODI, Pakistan women v Bangladesh women, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore      

SB Report    LAHORE:-The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today announced a partnership with Uber for the development of girls’ cricket at school level across the country through its Cric4Us Programme. The six-month partnership, which commences from the day of signing, will benefit more than 1,500 players through collaboration with schools in 14 cities namely Abbottabad, Bahawalpur, Charsadda, Haripur, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Mardan, Multan, Muzaffargarh, Nowshera, Peshawar, Quetta and Rawalpindi. Under the six-month partnership, playing and training clothing will be provided to 850 children, while cricket equipment will be provided to 50 schools. The programme will select a minimum of four schools in every city. With women coaches and mentors given priority, 50 school-based sports staff will be provided training. Twenty-five pitches will be developed in schools across five zones. PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan: “For the promotion of women and girls cricket and the enhancement of the player pool, it is imperative that women cricket is developed at school level. “The PCB has been undertaking many initiatives through its Cric4Us Programme and plans to exhaust all avenues to provide better opportunities for girls to take up the sport and to see it as a viable profession at a later stage. “I am hopeful that this valuable partnership between the PCB and Uber will help us in achieving this very goal. I want to thank Uber for putting its trust in the PCB for the development of women and girls cricket at school level.” GM Uber Saad Naveed Pall: “Our goal is to not only tell stories of empowered women but to create an ecosystem which enables aspiring women cricketers. “We are excited about this partnership with the PCB to provide opportunities to young girls who will go on to challenge the status quo by becoming change agents of the future.” Cric4Us Programme is a women cricket development project launched under the flagship of Women Cricket Vision 2022, which focuses on the growth of the sport in schools and provide a proper pathway for making way to the emerging and national teams. The schools’ children will also avail the opportunity of regular evening practice, so as to provide them maximum development opportunities. The schools will also play matches on regular basis, which will help children in developing the desired skill-set.

Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD:-Pakistan women defeated Bangladesh women by 28 runs in the third and final T20I at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium to win the series 3-0.  After opting to bat first, Pakistan limped to 117 for seven at the back of Javeria Khan’s half-century. The opener cracked a 48-ball 54, hitting seven fours. This was her second half-century on the trot after she had scored 52 on Monday. The other notable performance with the bat came from Omaima Sohail, who scored 31 runs from 29 balls with two fours and a six.  Bangladesh’s pacer Jahanara Alam was once again the pick of the bowlers as she took three wickets for 12 runs in four overs, while Rumana Ahmed took two wickets for 19 runs. Anam Amin’s left-arm spin put a dent in Bangladesh’s run-chase from the onset as she bowled Sharmin Akhter and Sanjida Islam in space of three deliveries in the second over of the visitors’ innings.  Bangladesh failed to recover from the early blows as Pakistan tightened their grip over the match. Anam and debutant Saba Nazir finished with two wickets each for 10 and 22 runs, respectively. The best score in Bangladesh’s run-chase was 30 from 44 balls, which came from Nigar Sultana. With a 26-ball 27, Fargana Hoque was the other notable run-getter. Javeria was awarded player of the match.  For scoring 108 runs in three matches at an average of 54 Bismah Maroof was named Pakistan player of the series, while Jahanara Alam bagged Bangladesh player of the series award for taking nine wickets in three matches. The two sides now go toe to toe in a two-match One-Day International series at the Gaddafi Stadium to be played on 2 and 4 November.  Scores in brief:  Pakistan Women 117-7, 20 overs (Javeria Khan 54, Omaima Sohail 31; Jahanara Alam 3-12, Rumana Ahmed 2-19)  Bangladesh Women 89-8, 20 overs (Nigar Sultana 30, Fargana Hoque 27; Anam Amin 2-10, Saba Nazir 2-22)

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:-For the first time in history, Pakistan women will be in action at the home of Pakistan cricket when they will host Bangladesh women in a three-match T20 series on Saturday. The two teams meet in the shortest format for the second time in 13 months after Bangladesh hosted Pakistan in a four-match T20I series in October last year, which Pakistan won 3-0. The upcoming series also serves a perfect opportunity to the hosts to test their bench strength with their mainstay Nida Dar in Australia for the Women Big Bash League, while their most experienced campaigner Sana Mir unavailable for the series opener. The T20 series is part of Bangladesh women’s 10-day tour in which they will also play two one-day internationals against Pakistan at the same venue. With Pakistan slated to host world champions England in the ICC Women’s Championship in Malaysia in December, these matches serve an opportunity to get their permutations and combinations right. In line with its policy to develop and promote women’s cricket, the Pakistan Cricket Board will live stream the tour on its YouTube channel. Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof said: “We are coming from a 10-day camp in which we put great emphasis on our fielding. Our bowlers worked on bettering different variations and the batters are looking in good form. We are well-aware of the challenge that the Bangladesh present and this will surely be an exciting series. “This series is the season-opener for us and we want to start off on a winning note as it will help us in building the momentum ahead of the England and West Indies series. “With our key player Nida Dar unavailable for this series and Sana Mir joining the side from the second T20I, we have inducted some youngsters in the squad. So there’s an opportunity for them to grab the opportunity and leave a mark ahead of what promises to be an exciting season. “This is the first time we will be playing in Lahore and the girls are pretty charged up. We look forward to playing in Lahore and expect the fans to fill up the stadia to support women’s cricket.” Bangladesh T20 captain Salma Khatun said: “We are very much looking forward to the series against a strong Pakistan side, who will be particularly tough in home conditions. “It is nice to be back. Pakistan are a familiar opponent for us and we have had some pretty exciting matches over the years. Our side thrives on team spirit. A nice balance has developed in our game and I am confident that we will be very competitive in the series.” Squads Pakistan T20I squad: Bismah Maroof (captain), Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Iram Javed, Javeria Khan, Kainat Imtiaz, Nahida Khan, Omaima Sohail, Saba Nazir, Sadia Iqbal, Sana Mir, Sidra Amin and Sidra Nawaz Bangladesh T20I squad: Salma Khatun (captain), Ayesha Rahman, Ekka Mollik, Fargana Hoque, Jahanara Alam, Khadija Tul Kubra, Lata Mondal, Nigar Sultana, Panna Ghosh, Rumana Ahmed, Sanjida Islam, Shamima Sultana, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Sharmin Akhter and Sharmin Sultana Schedule 26 October – 1st T20I (1.00pm-3.45pm), Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 28 October – 2nd T20I (10am-12.45pm), Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 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 The PCB has appointed match officials for the five matches. The details are as follows: 1st T2oI – On-field umpires: Asif Yaqoob and Tariq Rasheed, Reserve umpire: Faisal Khan Afridi, Match referee: Mohammad Anees 2nd T20I – On-field umpires: Asif Yaqoob and Faisal Khan Afridi, Reserve umpire: Nasir Hussain Sr., Match referee: Mohammad Anees 3rd T20I – On-field umpires: Asif Yaqoob and Tariq Rasheed, Reserve umpire: Nasir Hussain Sr., Match referee: Mohammad Javed Malik 1st ODI – On-field umpires: Shozab Raza and Asif Yaqoob, Reserve umpire: Tariq Rasheed, Match referee: Mohammad Javed Malik 2nd ODI – On-field umpires: Shozab Raza and Asif Yaqoob, Reserve umpire: Tariq Rasheed, Match referee: Mohammad Anees

Our Sports Reporter LAHORE:-The involvement and participation of Pakistani women in mainstream cricket continues to increase as four women have registered for a three-day ACC Level 1 Women Coaching Course, which will be held in Lahore from 17 to 19 October. Women registered for the first step in future coaching roles include Abbottabad’s Atika Sabir Khan, Lahore’s Fareeha Mahmood, Shehla Bibi from Wah Cantt and Tasleem Bano from the Gaizer district of Gilgit Baltistan. Fareeha is a current Pakistan international who featured in three T20Is against Sri Lanka in March 2018. Other participants in the course, first of its kind, include representatives from Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bhutan, Hong Kong, Iran, Kuwait (two), Malaysia, Maldives, Oman (two) and United Arab Emirates. Ali Zia, Senior General Manager – National Cricket Academy, and also a course instructor course said: “We have already organized two Level-2 courses in the past. The feedback given by ACC to PCB was commendable and it was marked as the best-ever organized so far. “There is a certain standard set for the course, the participants will gain great benefit from the course, as it will provide them with an opportunity to go back to their countries and train young girls. “The ACC’s Test playing countries are always there in development of the associate countries and will continue to play an active role in future.” Sultan Rana, ACC’s Events and Development Manager, said: “ACC is working with its member countries in the development of the game in the region. The ACC takes pride in hosting its inaugural women’s level-1 course at NCA.  The initiative was taken in the ACC’s Development Committee meeting, which was chaired by Chairman PCB Mr Ehsan Mani. Our purpose is to encourage more girls in this game, and the course will provide an opportunity to inspire them. It will also help the participants to go back to their homeland and play a part in the development of women’s cricket.”  ACC Level 1 Women’s Coaching Course: Atika Sabir Khan (Pakistan), Awatif Alqallaf (Kuwait), Dechen Wangmo (Bhutan), Elnaz Parvin (Iran), Emylia Eliani Binti Md Rahim (Malaysia), Fareeha Mahmood (Pakistan), Khadija Khalil (Kuwait), Mariyam Zoona (Maldives), Meera Bhanushali (Oman), Nawal Tahir Mohammad (Bahrain), Shamila Chathurika Ananda (UAE), Shanzzen Shahzad (Hong Kong), Shazia Rahman Zazai (Afghanistan), Shehla Bibi (Pakistan), Tasleem Bano (Pakistan), Vaishali Jesrani (Oman)