Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin ReportMultan (September 12, 2024): Pakistan and South Africa women’s cricket teams are set to feature in a three-match T20I series from 16 to 20 September at the Multan Cricket Stadium. The first and second T20I on 16 and 18 September, respectively, will start at 7pm while the third T20I on 20 September will begin at 10am.Schedule of training, media opportunities and T20Is:13 September - South Africa women’s team will arrive in Lahore early morning. They will travel to Multan from Lahore on a chartered flight. The PCB will provide arrival footage to the media in WhatsApp groups. Pakistan women’s team will train at the Inzamam-ul-Haq Cricket Academy from 3:30pm. This will be a vision only opportunity and no media interviews are planned. For further information, please contact the team media manager.14 September – Pakistan and South Africa are scheduled to train at the Multan Cricket Stadium from 2.00pm. Before training, a Pakistan women’s cricketer will be available for brief stand-up interviews.15 September - Both teams will train at the Multan Cricket Stadium from 6pm. Beforehand, opposite captains Laura Wolvaardt of South Africa and Pakistan’s Fatima Sana will hold pre-series media conference at the press conference hall and also participate in the pre-series photoshoot with the trophy.16 September – The first T20I will begin at 7pm with the toss taking place at 6:30pm. At the conclusion of the match, the PCB will provide brief interview of the star performer of the match.17 September - Both teams will rest and have no media commitments planned.18 September - The second T20I will begin at 7pm with the toss taking place at 6:30pm. At the conclusion of the match, the PCB will provide brief interview of the star performer of the match.19 September – Both sides are scheduled for an optional training session. An update regarding the training session will be shared in due course.20 September – The third T20I will begin at 10am with the toss taking place at 9:30am. At the conclusion of the match, star performers from both sides will hold post-series media conferences. 

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Pakistan and South Africa women’s cricket teams will prepare for next month’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the UAE by competing in a three-match series at the Multan Cricket Stadium.The South Africa team will arrive in Multan on 13 September, with matches scheduled for 16, 18, and 20 September. To ensure all three matches are broadcast live and give exposure to women’s cricket, the matches on 16 and 18 September will start at 7pm, while the match on 20 September will begin at 10am.After the series, South Africa will depart for the UAE on 21 September, while Pakistan will leave on 23 September. Pakistan is in Group A of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, along with Australia, India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka, while South Africa is grouped with Bangladesh, England, Scotland and the West Indies.Following warm-up matches against Scotland and Bangladesh on 28 and 30 September, respectively, Pakistan will face Sri Lanka on 3 October in Sharjah, followed by matches against India on 6 October in Dubai, Australia on 11 October in Dubai and New Zealand on 14 October in Dubai.Names of players: Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal (subject to fitness), Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba Hassan.Najiha Alvi (wicket-keeper, traveling reserve), Rameen Shamim and Umm-e-Hani (both non-traveling reserves) will be part of the pre-series training camp and series in Multan. However, only Najiha will travel to the UAE with the squad.Supporting Staff: Hina Munawar (manager), Mohammad Wasim (head coach), Junaid Khan (assistant coach – bowling), Hanif Malik (assistant coach – fielding), Abdur Rehman (spin bowling coach), Imran Khalil (strength and conditioning coach), Raza Kitchlew (media and digital manager), Rabia Siddiq (physiotherapist) and Waleed Ahmed (analyst).Schedule of matches:16 Sep – 1st T20I, Multan Cricket Stadium (7pm start)18 Sep – 2nd T20I, Multan Cricket Stadium (7pm start)20 Sep – 3rd T20I, Multan Cricket Stadium (10am start).

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Fatima Sana has been named as the Pakistan women’s cricket team captain for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the United Arab Emirates from 3 to 20 October. The decision was a unanimously one made by the women’s national selection committee.22-year-old Fatima, who has featured in 41 ODIs and 40 T20Is, has previously led Pakistan emerging and domestic sides. She also captained the Pakistan side to a famous ODI win against New Zealand in a Super Over at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch, in December 2023.Fatima will replace 37-year-old all-rounder Nida Dar, who took over as all-format captain from Bismah Maroof. Nida, a veteran of 112 ODIs and 153 T20Is, is part of the side that has been clubbed with Australia, India, New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Group A. The revised fixtures of the group will be announced by ICC in due course.The selection committee has made only one change in the squad, which featured in last month’s ACC Women’s Asia Cup in Sri Lanka. Right-handed batter Sadaf Shamas, who was also part of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa, has made a comeback in the squad in place of wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi, who will travel with the side as a reserve player.From the 2023 edition, 10 players (Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin and Tuba Hassan) have been retained, while uncapped left-arm pacer Tasmia Rubab makes it to the final 15. Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal has been included in the squad subject to fitness.Pakistan squad: Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal (subject to fitness), Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba HassanTraveling reserve: Najiha Alvi (wicket-keeper)Non-traveling reserves: Rameen Shamim and Umm-e-Hani

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): Sixteen teams from around the world will take part in the 41-match event where the future stars of women’s cricket will announce themselves over 15 days of competition from 18 January to 2 February 2025. Over and above these exciting matches will be 16 warm-up fixtures played from 13 to 16 January, in preparation for the main event.The second edition of this exciting tournament comes on the back of a successful inauguration in South Africa in 2023 where India beat England by seven wickets in a thrilling final to be crowned the first-ever winners. It will also be the hosts, Malaysia’s first appearance in the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup as well as Samoa’s first appearance in an ICC World Cup event.ICC CEO, Geoff Allardice said: “We are delighted to announce the schedule for the second edition of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup and bringing an ICC event of this stature to Malaysia for the first time since the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2008. This is a special event to the ICC and forms an important part of our Global Growth Strategy of raising the profile of women’s cricket and further growing the game around the world. It is also a unique opportunity to introduce our vast global audiences to the future stars of the sport. We look forward to building on the success from the foundation laid at the inaugural event in South Africa in 2023. We wish all the teams the very best of luck in their preparation and to the Malaysian Cricket Association in organising the event.”Host Tournament Director for the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup 2025, Dinesh Muthuraman said: "Malaysia is proud to host the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in 2025, continuing our tradition of supporting the growth of cricket on the global stage. In 2008, we had the honour of hosting the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, where current stars like Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson and Trent Boult among many others, showcased their talents. Now, it is the turn of women’s cricket, and we are confident that this U19 Women’s T20 World Cup will be a launching pad for the next generation of cricketing legends. Women’s cricket is experiencing unprecedented growth both in Malaysia and around the world. We are fully confident that this World Cup will further accelerate that momentum, leading to significant developments in the sport, especially for women’s cricket.”Groups (4):Group A - India (A1), West Indies (A2), Sri Lanka (A3) and Malaysia (A4), playing at Bayuemas Oval in Selangor.Group B - England (B1), Pakistan (B2), Ireland (B3) and USA (B4) playing at Dato’ Dr. Harjit Singh Johor Cricket Academy (JCA Oval), Johor.Group C - New Zealand (C1), South Africa (C2), Africa’s Qualifier (C3) and Samoa (C4) and playing at Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak.Group D - Australia (D1), Bangladesh (D2), Asia’s Qualifier (D3) and Scotland (D4) and playing at UKM YSD Oval in Selangor.Schedule (U19 Women’s T20 World Cup):January 18: Australia v Scotland, 10:30 am, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 18: England v Ireland, 10:30 am, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 18: Samoa v Africa Qualifier, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 18: Bangladesh v Asia Qualifier, 2:30 pm, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 18: Pakistan v USA, 2:30 pm, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 18: New Zealand v South Africa, 2:30 pm, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 19: Sri Lanka v Malaysia, 10:30 am, Bayuemas OvalJanuary, 19: India v West Indies, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 20: Australia v Bangladesh, 10:30 am, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 20: Ireland v USA, 10:30 am, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 20: New Zealand v Africa Qualifier, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)Januray 20: Scotland v Asia Qualifier, 2:30 pm, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 20: England v Pakistan, 2:30 pm, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 20: South Africa v Samoa, 2:30 pm, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 21: West Indies v Sri Lanka, 10:30 am, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 21: India v Malaysia, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 22: Bangladesh v Scotland, 10:30 am, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 22: England v USA, 10:30 am, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 22: New Zealand v Samoa, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 22: Australia v Asia Qualifier, 2:30 pm, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 22: Pakistan v Ireland, 2:30 pm, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 22: South Africa v Africa Qualifier, 2:30 pm, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 23: Malaysia v West Indies, 10:30 am, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 23: India v Sri Lanka, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 24: B4 v C4, 10:30 am, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 24: A4 v D4, 2:30 pm, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 25: Super Six - B2 v C3, 10:30 am, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 25: Super Six - B1 v C2, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 25: Super Six - A3 v D1, 2:30 pm, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 25: Super Six - C1 v B3, 2:30 pm, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 26: Super Six - A2 v D3, 10:30 am, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 26: Super Six - A1 v D2, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 27: Super Six - B1 v C3, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 28: Super Six - A3 v D2, 10:30 am, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 28: Super Six - C1 v B2, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 28: Super Six - A1 v D3, 2:30 pm, BayuemJas OvalJanuary 29: Super Six - C2 v B3, 10:30 am, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 29: Super Six - A2 v D1, 2:30 pm, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 31: Semi-Final 1, 10:30 am, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 31: Semi-Final 2, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas OvalFebruary 2: Final, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas Oval

Sports Bulletin ReportDambulla (Sri Lanka): Pakistan completed a nine-wicket rout of Nepal in a must-win encounter of the ACC Women's T20 Asia Cup here at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Sri Lanka on Sunday evening.Captain Nida Dar decided to field first after winning the toss. Nepal Women set a modest target of 109 for Pakistan, who in turn surpassed it with little trouble, making 110 for one in just 11.5 overs, with 49 balls to spare.Gull Feroza led the Pakistan charge as she scored her maiden half-century and alongside her opening partner Muneeba Ali, they produced a 105-run partnership for the first wicket. Gull, who reached her half-century in 30 balls, went on to score 57 runs with 10 fluent boundaries. Muneeba, who remained not out at 46, faced 34 balls and hit eight fours. Tuba Hassan was the other unbeaten Pakistan batter.The Pakistan opening pair rode on the brilliance of their bowlers that kept Nepal’s batters silent while their fielding also played a pivotal role by inflicting three crucial run-outs.Nepal managed to post a total of 108 for six in their allotted 20 overs in an important encounter of the tournament. Sita Rana Magar led the scoring with 26 runs, while Kabita Joshi remained unbeaten on 31.A late partnership of 34 runs for the sixth wicket between Puja Mahato (25, 32b, 3x4s) and Joshi lifted Nepal to a fightable score.For Pakistan, Sadia Iqbal was the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets for 19 runs in her four overs. Fatima Sana also contributed with a tidy spell, taking one wicket for 24.Scores in brief:Nepal Women 108-6, 20 overs (Kabita Joshi 31 not out, Sita Rana Magar 26, Puja Mahato 25; Sadia Iqbal 2-19, Fatima Sana 1-24)Pakistan Women 110-1, 11.5 overs (Gull Feroza 57, Muneeba Ali 46 not out; Kabita Joshi 1-19)Pakistan’s next match - vs UAE, 23 July, Dambulla.

Capsey hits unbeaten 67 as England Women seal IT20 series against New ZealandSports Bulletin ReportCenterbury (England): Alice Capsey hit an unbeaten 67 as England Women clinched a close win over New Zealand in the third Vitality IT20 to seal the series at The Spitfire Ground, Canterbury.Nat Sciver-Brunt captained the side, winning the toss and choosing to bowl. The White Ferns made a strong start, before Sophie Ecclestone removed Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr in her first over. Sophie Ecclestone took 4-25 while Lauren Filer (2-17) and Sarah Glenn (1-14) also impressed.Skipper Sophie Devine top-scored with an unbeaten 58 in the tourist’s 141-8. Capsey and Sophia Dunkley hit a combined 66 before Fran Jonas removed Dunkley (35) and Sciver-Brunt (0) in successive balls to leave England 66-3. Capsey, along with Freya Kemp’s 16 off eight balls sealed a six-wicket victory.Women’s One-Day Series:26 June: 1st Women’s One-Day International – Seat Unique Riverside, Chester-le-Street – England won by nine wickets30 June: 2nd Women’s One-Day International – New Road, Worcester – England won by eight wickets3 July: 3rd Women’s One-Day International – Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol – England won by five wicketsWomen’s IT20 Series:6 July: 1st Women’s IT20 – The Utilita Bowl, Southampton – England won by 59 runs9 July: 2nd Women’s IT20 – The 1st Central County Ground, Hove – England won by 23 runs (DLS method)11 July: 3rd Women’s IT20 – The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence – England won by six wickets13 July: 4th Women’s IT20 – The Kia Oval, London17 July: 5th Women’s IT20 – Lord’s, London.

Sports Bulletin ReportSouthampton (England): Hosts English Women defeated New Zealand by 59 runs in the opening fixture of a five-match T20 International series at The Utilita Bowl, Southampton, Englnad on Saturday.England Women opened their five-match Vitality IT20 series against New Zealand with a 59-run win at The Utilita Bowl, Southampton. Opener Danni Wyatt's 76 from 51 balls, Nat Sciver-Brunt's 47 from 23 as well as Freya Kemp's unbeaten 26 saw England finish on 197-3.Sarah Glenn, one of England’s four spinners in their line-up, took three wickets in the 10th over, including Suzie Bates on 43 and captain Sophie Devine for a duck which were decisive. Charlie Dean took two while Linsey Smith, Sophie Ecclestone and left-arm seamer Kemp claimed a wicket each.Women’s One-Day International Series:26 June: 1st Women’s One-Day International – Seat Unique Riverside, Chester-le-Street – England won by nine wickets30 June: 2nd Women’s One-Day International – New Road, Worcester – England won by eight wickets3 July: 3rd Women’s One-Day International – Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol – England won by five wicketsWomen’s T20 Series:6 July: 1st Women’s IT20 – The Utilita Bowl, Southampton – England won by 59 runs9 July: 2nd Women’s IT20 – The 1st Central County Ground, Hove11 July: 3rd Women’s IT20 – The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence13 July: 4th Women’s IT20 – The Kia Oval, London17 July: 5th Women’s IT20 – Lord’s, London.  

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Nida Dar has been retained as Pakistan captain for the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup, which will be held in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, from 19 to 28 July. The squad was confirmed following a four-day camp, which concluded in Karachi on Saturday.Ayesha Zafar, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar, who were part of the 17-member squad that toured England last month, have been left out. Instead, the selectors have named Iram Javed, Omaima Sohail, Syeda Aroob Shah and Tasmia Rubab.Iram’s 53rd and last T20I appearance was against Bangladesh at Chattogram in October 2023, Omaima played her 48th and last shortest format match against New Zealand in Queenstown in December 2023, while Aroob’s seventh and last appearance in a T20I was in Karachi against South Africa in September 2023.Tasmia Rubab, the 22-year-old left-arm fast bowler, is the only uncapped player in the side. She played for Pakistan A against West Indies A and Thailand in November 2023. Representing Multan in the recently held National Women’s One-Day Tournament 2023-24, Tasmia scored 86 runs and took 12 wickets. Tasmia also took four wickets at an economy-rate of 6.36 in the National Women T20 Tournament 2023-24.Names of players: Nida Dar (Captain), Other members of the squad are - Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba Hassan.Meanwhile, a training camp of the Pakistan women’s national cricket team for the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup will commence in Karachi from 5 July and will continue until the side’s departure on 16 July. Head coach Muhammad Wasim will supervise the camp and will be supported by Abdur Rehman (spin bowling coach), Junaid Khan (assistant coach – bowling) and Hanif Malik (assistant coach – fielding).Hina Munawar, Rabia Siddiq and Waleed Ahmed have already been confirmed as the team manager, physiotherapist and analyst, respectively.Pakistan are placed in Group ‘A’ along with India, Nepal and UAE, while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand and Malaysia are in Group ‘B’. The top two teams from each group will play in the semi-finals on July 26.Pakistan will take on India on the opening day of the tournament on 19 July, while their matches against Nepal and UAE will be on 21 and 23 July, respectively.

Sports Bulletin ReportLondon (UK): England Women opened their Metro Bank ODI series against New Zealand with a nine wicket victory at Seat Unique Riverside, Durham.The tourist’s won the toss and elected to bat. England spinner Charlie Dean took four wickets as New Zealand finished on 157 all out. The White Ferns were 56 for 1 following the powerplay but were undone by England’s spin attack.Sophie Ecclestone dismissed the dangerous Amelia Kerr and captain Sophie Devine before Nat Sciver-Brunt bowled Maddy Green lbw. Brooke Halliday impressed with the bat, scoring 51 before being caught by Heather Knight off Sarah Glenn before Dean’s four wickets saw New Zealand all out inside 33.3 overs.Tammy Beaumont and Maia Bouchier opened the batting for England and both shone hitting 24 boundaries between them. Beaumont finished with 76 not out and Bouchier 67 with captain Knight completing the innings.Women’s One-Day International Series v New Zealand Women26 June: 1st Women’s One-Day International – Seat Unique Riverside, Chester-le-Street – England won by nine wickets30 June: 2nd Women’s One-Day International – New Road, Worcester3 July: 3rd Women’s One-Day International – Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: A four-day training camp of the Pakistan women’s cricket team for next month’s ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024 started here at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre in Karachi on Wednesday morning. Twenty-eight (28) cricketers have been invited for the camp by the women’s national selection committee, which will be onsite to assess and evaluate players’ performances before announcing the squad for the Dambulla, Sri Lanka, event.The players will also undergo practice sessions at the High-Performance Centre on Friday, while they will play T20 practice games at the Moin Khan Academy on Thursday and Saturday. The camp will be supervised by Abdur Rehman and Hanif Malik.Meanwhile, the PCB has confirmed the team management for the ACC Women’s Asia Cup 2024. Muhammad Wasim will be the head coach, while former Test bowlers Abdur Rehman and Junaid Khan will be the spin bowling and assistant coaches, respectively. The eight-team ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup will be played in Dambulla, Sri Lanka from 19 to 28 July. In the T20I tournament, Pakistan are placed in Group ‘A’ along with India, Nepal and UAE. Pakistan will take on arch-rivals India on the opening day of the tournament, while matches against Nepal and UAE will be played on 21 and 23 July, respectively. Names of players: Aliya Riaz, Anoosha Nasir, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Dua Majid, Eyman Fatima, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza, Humna Bilal, Iram Javed, Maham Manzoor, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Quratulain, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Yusra Amir, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda AkhtarPlayers’ Support Personnel: Hina Munawar (manager), Muhammad Wasim (head coach), Abdur Rehman (spin bowling coach), Junaid Khan (assistant coach), Hanif Malik (fielding coach), Rabia Siddiq (physiotherapist), strength and conditioning coach (tbc) and Waleed Ahmed (analyst)