Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE):-Netherlands star Max O’Dowd is determined to give absent head coach Ryan Campbell a World Cup in his homeland to look forward to as his side prepare for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Qualifier B. Campbell, who has been the Dutch head coach since January 2017, will not be with the squad in Zimbabwe as he continues his recovery from a heart attack in April that left him in a week-long coma. The 50-year-old was discharged in May and will be cheering on from home as the Netherlands take on former team Hong Kong, among others, in Group B knowing victory could see them head to Australia, his birthplace, for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, with two spots up for grabs. And O’Dowd sees success next week as the perfect chance to repay the 50-year-old's contribution to the team. “It was a very difficult time, made even tougher because just a couple of weeks before we had been with him in New Zealand playing in the ODI series,” opening batter O’Dowd recalled. “Then we were back in the Netherlands and he's not there, he's in a coma. That was a very scary thought for everyone and from what we were hearing about the damage that could have been done, it was very frightening. “We were all so pleased that Ryan did come out of the coma because we were hearing it was touch and go. It was tough for the playing group, but taking it all in, we realised how important he is for Dutch cricket. I'm just glad that he's back amongst the fold. “Obviously he's not with us in Zimbabwe but he's been a huge part of the last five years. It would mean a lot for all of us to qualify for Australia and hopefully take him with us to a World Cup in Aussie. “We've got a lot of young guys for whom it would be their first World Cup if we were to qualify and it would be an amazing experience. “We’ve had some amazing experiences over the last couple of months, playing against England and the West Indies, but a World Cup would be the top of their list. There are exciting times ahead, and we just hope we can pull it off because it's going to be very tough.” O’Dowd and his side begin their campaign for a fourth successive World Cup appearance on July 11 against Papua New Guinea, before facing the side Campbell represented in 2016. And while former South African international Ryan Cook has stepped in as interim coach, the Netherlands will be tapping into Campbell’s knowledge of Hong Kong. O’Dowd added: “I think Cambo has been sitting on the sidelines itching to get back involved. It’s obviously great to have him just back in the fold and he's someone that we talk to regularly. “He's been slowly working his way back into practices and team meetings and so on. He's got a lot of knowledge about that Hong Kong team and someone we turn to quite often about certain bowlers, certain batters. “I think the last time I played them may have been 2018 or even before that, so I think the side has changed a lot since then. “But he probably knows a lot about them, so we'll be sure to make use of all the info Cambos got for us.” The Netherlands end the group stages against Uganda and will hope to have done enough to advance to the knockout stages as they search for a third consecutive qualifier tournament win. O’Dowd has been in fine form in orange recently, scoring four ODI half-centuries in his past five matches against England and the West Indies. Last year, the 28-year-old became the first Dutchman to hit a century in T20Is, crashing 133 not out off 73 balls against Malaysia. But those returns have not been good enough for the right-hander's high standards. “I've done well, I've scored some runs. I guess it's been okay,” O’Dowd said. “If I look at myself, I quite like to be critical of my performances. “There are a few times where I’ve thrown away, in my opinion, hundreds and especially in that last ODI against the West Indies I think I threw away a chance to win the game. “But I’m happy to be performing consistently against the best in the world, which is a key thing and something that I strive towards. “Moving into the T20s now, it's trying to adapt my game and trying to expand on a couple of things, be a bit more fearless playing the T20 format, so it's very exciting.”

Sports Bulletin Report It has been a long climb back to the summit of international cricket for Zimbabwe but Blessing Muzarabani knows they are within touching distance of dining at the top table once more. The Chevrons were ineligible for the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, following the agonising failure to secure a berth at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019. Seamer Muzarabani believes his side are ready to remake their mark on the world stage but knows tough games lie ahead in ICC Men's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier B before they can do that. “It has been really tough for us,” admitted Muzarabani when reflecting on the past few years of Zimbabwean cricket. “I’m happy with the team right now because the guys are really working hard in the nets and hopefully we will execute our plan. I’m happy that we are getting these opportunities. I am just looking forward to going out there and just express ourselves.  I’m sure we’re going to enjoy it and try and win every game.” Before the last edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the Chevrons had been mainstays, competing at every iteration since 2009. They now face three group stage games against Jersey, the USA and Singapore before the pivotal semi-final stage, with both finalists set to book their tickets to Australia. And with all games taking place on home soil in Bulawayo, Muzarabani is hoping the cricketers can put on a show for their country. “It’s going to be a good opportunity to go out there and play,” said the fast bowler. “We just need to win the game, that’s the first thing, and hopefully we will play well. We are going to make the crowd happy and our families happy. That’s our aim. We want to make our families proud, we want to make the supporters proud.” The qualifiers offer a chance for the Chevrons to begin a new era in Zimbabwe cricket and Muzarabani believes they have a good chance of doing so with an exciting batch of players coming through. “There’s some really good talent, some good young guys coming up,” he added. “There’s a really good batter, [Tadiwanashe] Marumani and there is Wesley [Madherve] as well. The future is looking bright but right now this is all about this tournament.” And for Muzarabani, the prospect of representing his country at the World Cup is one he can’t wait to go and grasp.  “I’d love to have that opportunity to play at the main World Cup because I’ve never been there,” he said. “I’m sure a lot of guys are looking forward to that. We’re going to give it our best so we get that opportunity to experience playing the World Cup. Hopefully it’s going to bring happiness to our supporters.”

Mohammad Rizwan Malik EDGBASTON (UK):-India have been fined 40 per cent of their match fee and penalised two ICC World Test Championship points for maintaining a slow over-rate against England in the rescheduled fifth Test in Birmingham. David Boon of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after India were ruled to be two overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration. In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined 20 per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time. In addition, as per Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) playing conditions, a side is penalised one point for each over short. Consequently, two WTC points have been deducted from India’s points total. India captain Jasprit Bumrah plead guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing. On-field umpires Aleem Dar and Richard Kettleborough, third umpire Marais Erasmus and fourth umpire Alex Wharf leveled the charge.

BIPIN DANI The health of former Pakistani batsman Zaheer Abbas has worsened, it is learnt. The 74-year old Asian Bradman, who was being treated in Paddington's Saint Mary Hospital, is now shifted to Hammersmith Hospital for further care. Abbas' India-born wife Rita Luthra (known as Samina Abbas after marriage in 1988), speaking exclusively over the telephone from the hospital said, "this hospital is better for the treatment of the organs". Zaheer Abbas' kidney is enlarged and there are other complications as well. "One day he is better and the other day his condition deteriorates. On Sunday he had a temperature also. The foreign doctors are treating him here over here.  We are yet to trace any Indian or Pakistani doctor in this hospital. At present, he is in the separate ward but may be taken to an ICU", she said.   Earlier, Abbas' Dubai-based daughter Roshana said, "Through you my sister Hiba, Rudabah and I would like to say that we are very touched with the outpouring of love and prayers from dad’s fans and friends from all over the world and would like to thank every one of them. Please keep him in your prayers".

BIPIN DANI Australian Test captain Pat Cummins may be otherwise engaged at the moment, but we hear he is already polishing his lines for when he appears as special guest at The Chappell Foundation annual fundraising dinner at the SCG on August 10. This was revealed by Darshak Mehtra, the chairman of the Foundation. The 29-year-old captain will follow in the footsteps of Tim Paine, Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne and Jimmy Barnes, who have all previously appeared at cricket’s biggest charity event. "We hear Cummins doesn’t mind an expensive wine having been introduced to the world of the fermented grape by no less than Dennis Lillee (a TCF patron). Cummins flew to Perth a few years back to work on fixing his bowling action with the former great. While that obviously worked a treat, the Australian captain says the wine habit he developed in the company of the great man has cost him a fortune since", Mehta says. "It’s a night for the tragic and the talented. Cummins, along with Ian, Greg and Trevor Chappell and a host of former cricketers, will join guests for sundowner drinks on the sacred turf before heading upstairs for the evening, which concludes with the skipper and Tracey Holmes in conversation", adds Mehta. Former PM John Howard is a great supporter of the charity night, which once saw John Singleton so moved by the occasion that he pledged a million dollars on the spot. The foundation raises money for homeless youth and is almost entirely without overheads, which means all money raised gets to the right places. The guests will also get a chance to visit the Sydney Cricket Ground dressing rooms with Cummins and Chappell.  

Sports Bulletin Report LONDON:-England Men's selection panel have named a 13-player squad for England Lions two Royal London 50-over internationals against South Africa starting on 12 July at Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton. Mo Bobat, ECB Performance Director, said: "It's always great when we can bring some of our best and highest potential players together, particularly to take on senior international opposition. The two games provide an excellent opportunity to continue to grow our depth and assess players' readiness for England. "The squad reflects a balance of England's next best players and some future players of note, as well as high performers from this season's Vitality Blast campaign. "With these games coming at the same time as England ODIs versus India and a County Championship round, we're very appreciative of the collaborative approach of counties, enabling us to field strong teams." The first match at Taunton will permit full squad participation to facilitate South Africa Team preparation for the international white-ball programme, but the second match at Worcester will be played as an 11-a-side List-A match. England Men's Assistant Coach Paul Collingwood has been appointed Head Coach for the two matches.  England Lions Squad versus South Africa: Tom Abell (Somerset-Captain), Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire), Tom Banton (Somerset-WK), Sam Cook (Essex), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Steven Eskinazi (Middlesex), Sam Hain (Warwickshire), Adam Hose (Warwickshire), Benny Howell (Gloucestershire), Jake Lintott (Warwickshire), David Payne (Gloucestershire), George Scrimshaw (Derbyshire), Will Smeed (Somerset).

Aamir Ali Janjua Dubai (UAE):-The shortlist for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for June is dominated by batting superstars from England and New Zealand following their recent ICC World Test Championship (WTC) series. England enjoyed a successful start to Brendan McCullum’s coaching reign in the longest format, and two figureheads of their 3-0 whitewash of New Zealand, Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root, are shortlisted after outstanding contributions in three successful run chases. The lineup is completed by New Zealand batting ace, Daryl Mitchell, thanks to several key performances through the series. The ICC Women’s Player of the Month shortlist features two icons of South Africa with bat and ball. Shabnim Ismail dazzled while spearheading the bowling attack in their One Day International (ODI) series against Ireland, while compatriot Marizanne Kapp is nominated following her fierce resistance at the crease in the Test match against England. Starring for her opponents in that same match, England’s Nat Sciver is also included among the nominees in celebration of her outstanding display with the bat in her side’s mammoth first innings total. Jonny Bairstow (ENG) Bairstow was at his brutal best during the WTC series against New Zealand, scoring 394 runs at an average of 78.80. Despite a quiet showing at Lord’s, he recorded the second fastest century for an English batter in Tests when he struck a phenomenal 136 in the second innings in Nottingham. His partnership alongside skipper Ben Stokes shifted the momentum of the second Test in memorable fashion and helped clinch victory against the odds. Bairstow continued where he left off in the final Test, bludgeoning his way to England’s second-fastest 150 which laid the foundation for the series whitewash. Daryl Mitchell (NZ) Despite their WTC series defeat, Mitchell was a constant threat to an otherwise impressive and effective England bowling attack. Frequently arriving at the crease with his side’s backs against the wall, at times he appeared in unstoppable form, ending the series having amassed 538 runs at an average of 107.60, only failing to pass the half-century mark in one innings and registering a century in each match. This remarkable series of scores sees him nominated for the first time. Joe Root (ENG) Root continued his extraordinary form in the longest format, which stretches back well over the last 12 months. His unbeaten 115 in the second innings of the first Test at Lord’s secured victory and set the tone for three successful run chases against the current WTC title-holders, with Root seeing his side home in two of them. Passing the 10,000 Test runs milestone during the series, his scores of 176 and 86 not out in the second and third Tests helped him reclaim top spot in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s Test Batting rankings in June and saw him end the month with 396 runs at an average of 99.00. Shabnim Ismail (SA) Ismail was once again the key weapon in the South African bowling attack during the ODI series in Ireland, taking 11 wickets at an incredible average of 5.00. Returning impressive figures of three for 16, three for 31 and a stunning five for eight in the final match in Dublin, she led from the front to reduce the hosts to scores of 69, 213 and 89, securing comfortable wins in each of the three fixtures. Ismail is shortlisted for the first time since she won the inaugural ICC Women’s Player of the Month award back in January 2021. Marizanne Kapp (SA) Kapp also celebrates her first nomination since January 2021 following her epic batting performances that proved crucial to rescuing her side in the sole Test match against England at Taunton. Her masterful 150 in the first innings set a national record for the highest Test score by a South African female and allowed her side to post a respectable 284 in response to a big first innings total by England. She continued to frustrate her opponents in the second innings by following up with 43 not out, salvaging an important draw. Nat Sciver (ENG) Sciver’s remarkable form in international cricket continues and sees her nominated for the second time in three months. England’s batters struggled to impose themselves on South Africa early in the Taunton Test, and at one point stood at 121 for five. Sciver struck an unbeaten 169 to help set an imposing 417 for eight, which would have been enough to secure victory but for rain and Kapp’s resilience.

BIPIN DANI Patrick Cummins-led Australian team skipped the commemoration gathering hosted in the memory of late Shane Warne on Saturday night, it is learnt.  According to the sources in Sri Lanka, the Hon., minister Harin Fernando hosted the cocktail party, which was attended by Shane's brother Jason and wife, Shay.  "Both the teams were invited for the function. The home team was in attendance but the visiting team is likely to have had Covid scare in mind. Since Angelo Mathews found Covid affected, all have taken utmost precautions", the source close to the minister, said.  "Apart from the SLC officials, the gathering was also attended by the selectors Pramodya Wickramsinghe and Romesh Kaluwithrana. Notable absentee was Muthiah Muralitharan, though his manager Kushil Gunasekera, the founder of the Foundation of Goodness was present", the source, who attended the function said on condition of anonymity.  Update on Angelo Mathews All-rounder Angelo Mathews, who had to miss the major part of the first Test in Galle due to Covid-19 has "better chance" of playing the second Test, commencing at the same venue from Friday.  "He was diagnosed on the 2nd day of the Test and is completing the five-day isolation on Sunday. His next Rapid Test is scheduled on Monday and if the tests reports are negative, he will be available. We want him to play the second Test", the SLC source added.  The first rain-affected Test, which finished under three-days, was won by the visiting team by 10 wickets.      

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE):-The match schedule for the remainder of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Sub Regional Europe Qualifier C has now been finalised after it was confirmed that three match officials will no longer take any part in the event. Following a road traffic accident in Belgium on 1 July involving the three tournament match officials, a decision has been reached that the individuals will take no further part in the event, even though the individuals have not sustained serious physical injury. As a result the fixtures originally scheduled for today at Ghent Oval - Gibraltar against Israel and Malta versus Hungary - have now been abandoned due to insufficient number of match officials to complete these fixtures during the remainder of the tournament. It has been agreed by the Event Technical Committee in order to complete the tournament, Group 1 (3rd) v Group 2 (3rd) - Gibraltar v Malta - and Group 1 (4th) v Group 2 (4th) - Israel v Hungary - will now take place on Sunday 3 July, previously scheduled as a tournament rest day, in line with the ICC's Tournament Playing Conditions. All remaining fixtures will now take place at Royal Brussels Cricket Club.  A revised summary of the remaining fixtures is below: 3rd July 2022 Israel v Hungary 11:00, Royal Brussels Cricket Club 3rd July 2022 Gibraltar v Malta 16:00, Royal Brussels Cricket Club 4th July 2022 Loser SF2 v Loser SF4 11:00, Royal Brussels Cricket Club 4th July 2022 Winner SF2 v Winner SF4 16:00, Royal Brussels Cricket Club

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Capital Development Authority (CDA) in collaboration with Municipal Committee Islamabad (MCI) organized Amateur Premier Cricket League Tournament at F-9 Park Ground Islamabad. 12 cricket teams of the capital city took part in the tournament that was finally won by Islamabad Vikings. According to an official, Islamabad Vikings lifted the title after defeating Dhamyal Thanders in the final, who received Rs.100 thousands as winning prize money along with a shining trophy. Runner-up team captain got Rs. 50,000 with Trophy.  Choudary Shahzad, Assistant Director of Sports CDA, Rizwan Sarwar, Assistant Director Sports & Culture graced the ceremoney as guests of honours. Ch Shahzad said: “It was a nice tournament, which was staged first in the history of Islamabad under the floodlights and It was a nice opportunity for the players to show their game. All organizers worked hard to make this tournament successful. Naeem Sardar also worked day and night for this event”. Best Awards of Tournament: Best Batter: Adnan Khan (Dhamyal Thanders) Best Bowler: Talha Majeed (Islamabad Vikings) Best Wicketkeeper: Usman Ghani (Islamabad Vikings).