Sports Bulletin

Omaima, Sana Fatima, Shawaal return in the 17-member squadSports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Fatima Sana, Omaima Sohail and Shawaal Zulfiqar stage a comeback in the Pakistan women’s team as the national selection committee headed by Saleem Jaffar announces a 17-member squad for the New Zealand tour scheduled to take place later next month.The side will play three T20Is in Dunedin and Queenstown from 3-9 December, before taking on New Zealand in three ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 ODIs from 12-18 December in Queenstown and Christchurch.Iram Javed, who was part of the 15-member squad for Bangladesh tour this month, was omitted from the squad and the experienced Omaima Sohail comes in the side after an all-round performance in for Pakistan A in the recently held T20 tri-nation series and bilateral series at home.18-year-old Shawaal Zulfiqar, who made her international debut against South Africa in September this year, makes a comeback after topping the batting charts in the tri-series with 106 runs including one half-century.Right-arm fast bowler Fatima Sana, who was ruled out of the bilateral series against Bangladesh due to injury, has recovered and is available to the side for the six white-ball matches.Pakistan squad: Nida Dar (captain), Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Ghulam Fatima, Muneeba Ali (wk), Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda AkhtarPlayer support personnel: Nahida Khan (manager), Mauhtashim Rashid (interim head coach), Saleem Jaffar (bowling coach), Taufeeq Umar (batting coach), Mohammad Asfand Yar (strength and conditioning coach), Syed Nazir Ahmed (media manager), Rifat Asghar Gill (physiotherapist) and Zubair Ahmed (analyst)Series schedule:3 Dec – 1st T20I, Dunedin5 Dec – 2nd T20I, Dunedin9 Dec – 3rd T20I, Queenstown12 Dec – 1st ODI, Queenstown (ICC Women’s Championship)15 Dec – 2nd ODI, Christchurch (ICC Women’s Championship)18 Dec – 3rd ODI, Christchurch (ICC Women’s Championship)

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Nida Dar will continue to lead Pakistan women’s team as the national selection committee headed by Saleem Jaffar announced a 15-member squad for the Bangladesh tour scheduled to take place later this month.Pakistan will depart for Bangladesh on 20 October to feature in a six-match white-ball series which also includes three ODIs, part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25. The series itinerary will be announced in due course by the home board.The experienced Iram Javed stages a comeback to the national side after a gap of one year. The right-handed batter last played for Pakistan in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022. Iram also featured for Super Women against Amazons in the three women’s exhibition T20 matches earlier this year in Rawalpindi.Shawaal Zulfiqar and Syeda Aroob Shah have been excluded from the squad that played against South Africa last month in the white-ball series in Karachi, while Fatima Sana, who got injured in the second ODI against South Africa, is still in the process of recovering. Both Shawaal and Aroob are part of the 28 probables of the Pakistan women's emerging team taking part in the training camp in Muridke. The emerging team will play a bilateral series and a triangular tournament involving West Indies and Thailand's emerging cricket teams later this month.Pakistan squad: Nida Dar (captain), Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof, Diana Baig, Ghulam Fatima, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (wk), Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda AkhtarNon-travelling reserves: Amber Kainat, Omaima Sohail and Sidra Nawaz (wk)Player support personnel: Nahida Khan (manager), Mauhtashim Rashid (interim head coach), Saleem Jaffar (bowling coach), Taufiq Umar (batting coach), Abdur Rehman (spin bowling coach for camp only) Muhammad Asfand Yar (strength and conditioning coach), Syed Nazir Ahmed (media manager), Rifat Asghar Gill (physiotherapist) and Zubair Ahmed (analyst)Chief Selector Saleem Jaffar: “Our selection committee has carefully deliberated over the squad for the Bangladesh tour, aiming to strike the right balance between bat and ball, as we believe this squad is well-equipped to face the challenges in Bangladesh.“Young Shawaal Zulfiqar has been omitted from the squad as she requires more grooming before representing again at the international level. The members of the selection committee have recalled experienced Iram Javed in the squad. Iram’s presence will undoubtedly strengthen our batting order in Bangladesh conditions.“Fatima Sana is on the road to recovery, and we are committed to giving her the time she needs to be fully prepared for the upcoming away series against New Zealand where the selection committee feels the right-arm fast bowler will be more productive.”

Sports Bulletin ReportHangzhou (China): Bangladesh women beat Pakistan women by five wickets to secure the bronze medal in the 19th Asian Games women’s cricket event at the Zhejiang University of Technology Pingfeng Cricket Field in Hangzhou on Monday.Pakistan, who had won gold medal in the 2010 and 2014 editions, finished on fourth spot in the event.Later in the day, Sri Lanka and India will compete for the gold in the match scheduled at 1400 local time.After being put into bat, Pakistan managed to score 64 for nine in 20 overs. All-rounder Aliya Riaz top-scored for her side with 17 from 18 balls, hitting two fours. Captain Nida Dar (14, 18b, 1x4), Sadaf Shamas (13, 26b, 1x4) and Natalia Pervaiz (11, 24b) were the other batters to enter double figures.For Bangladesh, Shorna Akter took three wickets for 16, while Sanjida Akter bagged two wickets.In reply, Bangladesh lost five wickets and it took them 18.2 overs to achieve the modest target. Shorna top-scored for her side with an unbeaten 14 runs off 33 balls.For Pakistan, left-arm spinner Nashra Sundhu was the top wicket-taker, taking three wickets for 10 runs from four overs.Scores in brief:Bangladesh beat Pakistan by five wicketsPakistan 64-9, 20 overs (Aliya Riaz 17; Shorna Akter 3-16, Sanjida Akter 2-11)Bangladesh 65-5, 18.2 overs (Shorna Akter 14 not out; Nashra Sundhu 3-10) 

Sports Bulletin ReportHangzhou (China): Sri Lanka women beat Pakistan women by six wickets in the second semifinal of the 19th Asian Games women’s cricket event at the Zhejiang University of Technology Pingfeng Cricket Field in Hangzhou on Sunday.Pakistan, who had won gold medal in the 2010 and 2014 editions, will now take on Bangladesh for the bronze medal game at the same venue tomorrow at 0900 local time.Meanwhile, Sri Lanka and India will compete for the gold medal match scheduled tomorrow at 1400 local time.After being put into bat, Pakistan managed to score 75 for nine in 20 overs. Opening batter Shawaal Zulfiqar (16, 27b, 1x4), Muneeba Ali (13, 16b, 1x6) and Omaima Sohail (10, 17b, 1x6) were the only batters to enter double figures.For Sri Lanka, Udeshika Prabodhani bagged three wickets for 21, while Kavisha Dilhari took two wickets.In reply, Pakistan kept the Sri Lanka batters in check and dismissed four batters in process. Sri Lanka eventually achieved the target in the 17th over.Harshitha Samarawickrama (23, 41b, 1x4) top-scored for the winning team.For Pakistan, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal and Umm-e-Hani grabbed a wicket each.Scores in brief:Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by six wicketsPakistan 75-9, 20 overs (Shawaal Zulfiqar 16, Muneeba Ali 13, Omaima Sohail 10; Udeshika Prabodhani 3-21, Kavisha Dilhari 2-15)Sri Lanka 77-4, 16.3 overs (Harshitha Samarawickrama 23)

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Pakistan women cricket team created another history by winning T20 Series against visitors South Africa 3-0, as they won the final T20 of the series by 6 runs in Karachi on Monday night.The South African captain, Laura Wolvaardt, won the toss and opted to field first. After completing two chases thus far, Pakistan was put into bat first for the first time this series. Pakistan had a steady start, scoring 41 in the powerplay, with both Shawaal Zulfiqar and Sidra Amin contributing to the scorecard.Even after the partnership was broken by Nonkululeko Mlaba, who got Shawaal out, the Pakistani scorecard did not stutter for long. A 49-run-partnership between Sidra and Bismah Maroof, and then another 49-run-partnership between Bismah and Nida Dar ensured that Pakistan got to 150.Considering that the hosts had chased 151 twice in the series, defending the same score felt like a big ask, especially considering the batting prowess of the visiting side. A magnificent 72 by Laura allowed South Africa to remain in the game till the last over. However, the South African captain’s efforts were not matched by other batters that came to the crease. The second-highest score on the South African batting was 20*, coming off Nadine de Klerk’s bat.The left-arm spin duo of Nashra Sundhu and Sadia Iqbal, who have had much success throughout the series, proved too heavy for the South African batters. With two wickets each to their name, Nashra and Sadia made sure that 151 remained unsurmountable for the visitors.With the T20I series comfortably completed in favour of the hosts, all eyes will now be on the ODI series. The first ODI will be played on 8 September 2023 at 3:30 pm (PST).Scores in brief:Pakistan win by 6 runs.Pakistan: 150-5 in 20 overs (Sidra Amin 39, Bismah Maroof 39; Tumi Sekhukhune 2-24)South African: 144-5 in 20 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 72, Nashra Sundhu 2-16, Sadia Iqbal 2-25)Player of the match: Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa)Player of the series: Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa)

Anoosha Nasir and Shawaal Zulfiqar named in the women’s squad for the first timeSports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Left-arm spinner Anoosha Nasir and right-handed batter Shawaal Zulfiqar have been rewarded for their strong performances in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup and Emerging Women’s Teams Asia Cup with maiden call-ups in Pakistan’s senior women’s squad for the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. The 15-player squad also features Diana Baig who makes a return to international cricket after recovering from a finger injury that she sustained in the third and final One-Day International against Australia in January this year.Pakistan women’s team that have won gold medals in the last two editions, held in Guangzhou, China in 2010 and Incheon, South Korea 2014, and will be aiming for a hat-trick when they feature in this year’s event scheduled to take place from 19 to 26 September. The event will be played in T20 format.Pakistan women’s team as per the ICC T20I rankings and tournament’s rule will feature in the event from the quarter-finals scheduled to take place from 22 to 24 September. The semi-finals will be played on 25 September, while the final will take place on 26 September. The match for Bronze medal will also take place on Tuesday, 26 September.The 15-member squad was finalised after deliberations amongst the women’s selection committee led by Saleem Jaffar, head coach Mark Coles and captain Nida Dar.Squad: Nida Dar (captain), Aliya Riaz, Anoosha Nasir, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Nataliya Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah and Umm-e-HaniBefore the Asian Games, Pakistan women will feature in the home series against South Africa consisting three T20Is and three ODIs (part of ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25) in Karachi from 1 to 14 September. The squad for the bilateral series will be announced in due course.Former captain Bismah Maroof has opted out of the Asian Games because of the event’s rules and regulations that do not allow athletes to carry their children.Ayesha Naseem, who featured in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, expressed her desire to retire from the game, which the board accepted. Chief Selector Saleem Jaffar said: “Our squad for the Asian Games represents the future of women's cricket in Pakistan. With a mix of emerging talent and seasoned campaigners, I expect the players to do well in the event.“The Asian Games present a unique opportunity for our young players to showcase their talent on an international stage. We have taken a strategic approach to assemble a squad that complements the conditions of the venue where the matches will take place. Each player's strengths and adaptability to the playing conditions have also been assessed to form a solid squad.”Head of Women Cricket, Tania Mallick said: “Being a part of the Asian Games is an exhilarating experience for our team. It's not just about the competition; it's about camaraderie, sportsmanship, and representing the country with pride. Our players have shown incredible dedication and skill, and now they have a golden opportunity to make history by winning the coveted title for the third time.“The team is unfortunate to miss out on the services of Bismah Maroof for this event as she would not have been able to accompany her infant daughter to the Games village due to the regulations in place.“We also wish the best of luck to Ayesha Naseem in her future endeavours as the PCB understands and respects her decision to quit the game for personal reasons.”Pakistan captain, Nida Dar said: “The Asian Games have witnessed some extraordinary moments for Pakistan women's cricket, and it's an immense privilege to be part of that history. As captain, I am confident in the abilities of my teammates, both the experienced ones and the exciting young talents. Together, we aim to create more unforgettable memories and clinch that third consecutive Gold.“There's a sense of pride and determination within our team as we head to the 19th Asian Games. We know the competition will be tough, but we have a strong belief in our skills and team spirit.“It's disheartening to hear that Bismah Maroof won't be available to join the team due to the protocol of the organisers. As known her for years, I understand how much representing Pakistan means to Bismah.“We have a team of incredibly talented and dedicated players who are ready to seize this opportunity and excel on the big stage. Each one of us is determined to give our absolute best and uphold the legacy of Pakistan women's cricket in the Asian Games.”Player Support staff: Ayesha Ashhar (team manager), Mark Coles (head coach), Saleem Jaffer (bowling coach), Mauhtashim Rashid (fielding coach) and Rifat Gill (physiotherapist).

Nayyab AbdulISLAMABAD: Bangladesh women played a draw match against India after restricting their batters at 225 runs in 49.3 overs in the ICC Women’s Championship 2023 at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur on Saturday.Bangladesh Women captain Nigar Sultana won the toss and was certain to bat first on a batting-friendly pitch. Bangladesh women lost 4 batters in 50 overs at 225 runs total. Fargana Hoque hit a ton, as she made 107 runs off 160 balls, as she smashed 7 fours. Shamima Sultana scored 52 runs with 5 fours. Nigar Sultana contributed 24 runs with 1 four while Sobhana Mostary 23 runs with 2 fours. Sneh Rana (2 for 45), Devika Vaidya (1 for 42) were wicket-taker bowlers for India Women.In reply, Indian Women bundled on 225 runs, as three balls were spared to reach on target. Harleen Deol was the top scorer with 77 runs off 108 balls, as she hit the ball over the rope nine times during her innings. Smriti Mandhana made 59 runs with 5 fours, Jemimah Rodrigues 33 runs, and wasted 45 balls. Harmanpreet Kaur scored 14 runs with the help of 2 boundaries. Nahida Akter (3 for 37), Marufa Akter (2 for 55), Rabeya Khan (1 for 30) were wicket-taker bowlers for Bangladesh Women. Harleen Deol became the “Man of the Match” award.Summarized Scorecard:Bangladesh Women (Batting) 225 for 4 in 50 oversFargana Hoque (107 runs, 160 balls, 4x7, 6x0), Shamima Sultana (52 runs, 78 balls, 4x5, 6x0), Nigar Sultana (24 runs, 36 balls, 4x1, 6x0), Sobhana Mostary (23 runs not out, 22 balls, 4x2, 6x0)India Women (Bowling)Sneh Rana (2 for 45), Devika Vaidya (1 for 42)India Women (Batting) 225 all out in 49.3 oversHarleen Deol (77 runs, 108 balls, 4x9, 6x0), Smriti Mandhana (59 runs, 85 balls, 4x5, 6x0), Jemimah Rodrigues (33 runs not out, 45 balls, 4x0, 6x0), Harmanpreet Kaur (14 runs, 21 balls, 4x2, 6x0)Bangladesh Women (Bowling)Nahida Akter (3 for 37), Marufa Akter (2 for 55), Rabeya Khan (1 for 30)

Sports Bulletin ReportMirpur (Bangladesh): Hosts ladies beat India by 4 wickets in a match of the Women’s Cricket Series 2023 at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur on Thursday.India women’s team captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and decided to bat first against the Bangladesh. The total score of India Women was 102 for 9 in 20 overs. Harmanpreet Kaur was the top scorer with 40 runs off 41 balls, as she hit 3 fours and 1 six. Jemimah Rodrigues made 28 runs with 4 boundaries, Yastika Bhatia smashed 12 runs with 1 four, Shafali Verma made 11 runs with 1 four. Rabeya Khan (3 for 16), Sultana Khatun (2 for 17), Shorna Akter (1 for 6) were wicket-taker bowlers for Bangladesh Women.In reply, Bangladesh Women’s total score was 103 in 18.2 overs. Shamima Sultana was the top scorer with 42 runs off 46 balls, as she hit 3 boundaries. Nigar Sultana made 14 runs off 20, Sultana Khatun smashed 12 runs with 2 fours, Shathi Rani scored 10 runs with 1 four. Devika Vaidya (2 for 16), Minnu Mani (2 for 28), Jemimah Rodrigues (1 for 9) were wicket-taker bowlers for the India Women. Shamima Sultana collected the “Man of the Match” award.Summarized Scorecard:India Women (Batting) 102 for 9 in 20 oversHarmanpreet Kaur (40 runs, 41 balls, 4x3, 6x1), Jemimah Rodrigues (28 runs, 26 balls, 4x4, 6x0), Yastika Bhatia (12 runs, 17 balls, 4x1, 6x0), Shafali Verma (11 runs, 14 balls, 4x1, 6x0)Bangladesh Women (Bowling)Rabeya Khan (3 for 16), Sultana Khatun (2 for 17), Shorna Akter (1 for 6)Bangladesh Women (Batting) 103 for 6 in 18.2 oversShamima Sultana (42 runs, 46 balls, 4x3, 6x0), Nigar Sultana (14 runs, 20 balls, 4x0, 6x0), Sultana Khatun (12 runs, 8 balls, 4x2, 6x0), Shathi Rani (10 runs, 10 balls, 4x1, 6x0),India Women (Bowling)Devika Vaidya (2 for 16), Minnu Mani (2 for 28), Jemimah Rodrigues (1 for 9)

Sports Bulletin ReportMirpur (Bangladesh): India women defeat Bangladesh by 8 runs in 2nd match of the series at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur on Tuesday in a low scoring game.India women captain Harmanjeet Kaur won the toss and decided to bat first. India women scored only 95 for 8 in 20 overs. Shafali Verma was the top scorer with 19 runs off 14 balls, as she hit 4 boundaries. Amanjot Kaur smashed 14 runs with 2 fours, Smriti Mandhare made 13 runs with the help of 2 fours, Yastika Bhatia hit 11 runs with 1 four and wasted 13 balls. Sultana Khatun (3 for 21), Fatima Khatun (2 for 16), Nahida Akter (1 for 14), Rabeya Khan (1 for 16) were wicket-taker bowlers for Bangladesh women.In reply, Bangladesh could make only 87 runs in 20 overs. Nigar Sultana was the top scorer with 38 runs for Bangladesh, as she hit 2 fours, Shorna Akter made 7 off 17 runs, Nahida Akter smashed 6 off 12 runs, Shamima Sultana scored 4 off 4 with the help of 1 four. Deepti Sharma (3 for 12), Shafali Verma (3 for 15), Minnu Mani (2 for 9), Bareddy Anusha (1 for 20) were successful bowlers for India women. Deepti Sharma came down with the “Man of the Match” Award.Summarized scorecardIndia Women (Batting) 95 for 8 in 20 oversShafali Verma (19 runs, 14 balls, 4x4, 6x0), Amanjot Kaur (14 runs, 17 balls, 4x2, 6x0), Smriti Mandhare (13 runs, 13 balls, 4x2, 6x0), Yastika Bhatia (11 runs, 13 balls, 4x1, 6x0)Bangladesh (Bowling)Sultana Khatun (3 for 21), Fatima Khatun (2 for 16), Nahida Akter (1 for 14), Rabeya Khan (1 for 16)Bangladesh Women (Batting) 87 runs all out in 20 oversNigar Sultana (38 runs, 55 balls, 4x2, 6x0), Shorna Akter (7 runs, 17 balls, 4x0, 6x0), Nahida Akter (6 runs, 12 balls, 4x0, 6x0), Shamima Sultana (5 runs, 4 balls, 4x1, 6x0)India Women (Bowling)Deepti Sharma (3 for 12), Shafali Verma (3 for 15), Minnu Mani (2 for 9), Bareddy Anusha (1 for 20)

Sports Bulletin ReportMirpur (Bangladesh): India Women’s cricket team conquered Bangladesh Women by 7 wickets in the match played here at Shere Bangla National Stadium Dhaka, Bangladesh on Monday.India women’s team captain Harmanpreet Kaur Captain won the toss and asked the hosts to bat first. Bangladesh Women could score merely 114 for 5 runs in 20 overs. Shorna Akter was the top scorer with 28 off 28 balls, as she hit 2 sixes. Sobhana Mostary made 23 runs with 2 boundaries, Shathi Rani contributed 22 runs with 4 fours while Shamima Sultana hit 17 runs with 2 fours and 1 six. Pooja Vastrakar (1 for 16), Shafali Anusha (1 for 18), Minnu Mani (1 for 21) were wicket-taker bowlers for India Women.In reply, India Women completed their target of 118 runs for 3 in 16.2 overs. Harmanpreet Kaur was the top scorer with 54 runs off 35 balls, as she hit 6 boundaries and 2 sixes. Smriti Mandhana made 38 runs with 5 fours, Jemimah Rodrigues scored 11 runs with 2 fours, Yastika Bhatia hit 9 runs with 1 four. Sultana Khatun (2 for 25), Marufa Akter (1 for 18) were wicket-taker bowlers for Bangladesh Women. Harmanpreet Kaur got the “Man of the Match” award.Summarized Scorecard:Bangladesh Women (Batting) 114 for 5 runs in 20 oversShorna Akter (28 runs not out, 28 balls, 4x0, 6x2), Sobhana Mostary (23 runs, 33 balls, 4x2, 6x0), Shathi Rani (22 runs, 26 balls, 4x4, 6x0), Shamima Sultana (17 runs, 13 balls, 4x2, 6x1)India Women (Bowling)Pooja Vastrakar (1 for 16), Shafali Anusha (1 for 18), Minnu Mani (1 for 21)India Women (Batting) 118 for 3 in 16.2 oversHarmanpreet Kaur (54 runs not out, 35 balls, 4x6, 6x2), Smriti Mandhana (38 runs, 34 balls, 4x5, 6x0), Jemimah Rodrigues (11 runs, 14 balls, 4x2, 6x0), Yastika Bhatia (9 runs not out, 12 balls, 4x1, 6x0)Bangladesh Women (Bowling)Sultana Khatun (2 for 25), Marufa Akter (1 for 18)