Sports Bulletin

Karachi (Sports Report):-Northern recorded their second successive victory of the season to ensure that they stay in the hunt for a place in the final of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2021-22. Placed fifth before the start of the ongoing eight-round, Northern defeated the table-toppers heading into the round Sindh, inside three days. All three matches are set to provide results with both Central Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa favourites to attain their fourth innings targets tomorrow (day-four). Northern bowlers were on song on day-three as they sent Sindh packing for 182 in 58.3 overs in their second innings to register a comprehensive innings and 39-run victory at the UBL Sports Complex. Resuming at the overnight 105 for one, Sindh folded for the addition of a mere 77 runs with pacer Ather Mahmood taking four wickets in the second innings to follow his first innings four-for. Ather’s new-ball partner Kashif Ali took three while Zaid Alam took two wickets. Omair-Bin-Yousuf with 52 runs was the top-scorer for Sindh in what was otherwise a disappointing batting performance. Northern who registered their second successive victory of the tournament are set to break into the top three on the points table after their resounding win as they earned a total of 23 points from the match. Sindh who were at the top of the table before the round began could only muster three points. Over at the State Bank of Pakistan Stadium in the match between Southern Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which is being live streamed on PCB’s YouTube channel, Southern Punjab scored 334 runs in their second innings after resuming at 40 for no loss to set Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a 220-run target for the fourth and final day. Umar Siddiq who opened the innings, top-scored with 92 off 176 balls (15 fours). Umar added 121 runs for the third-wicket with Salman Ali Agha who like Umar also fell in the nervous nineties. The right-handed Salman hit 14 fours in his 90 off 131 balls. All-rounder Mohammad Imran who scored a fighting fifty in the first innings made a valuable 48-run contribution in the second innings. Pacers Irfanullah Shah and Sameen Gul took four and three wickets for 68 and 98 runs respectively. Skipper Asif Afridi took two wickets. Both teams will be vying for crucial victory points on the fourth day as the game is in the grasp of both which promises and intriguing day of cricket. Over at the National Bank of Pakistan Sports Complex, resuming at the overnight score of 178 for five, Central Punjab were rolled over for 262 in 98.5 overs with Kashif taking seven wickets for 85 runs. The left-arm-spinner collected the 23rd five-wicket haul of his first-class career in his marathon 40-over spell. Central Punjab who conceded a 63-run first innings lead, only reached 262 courtesy fighting contributions of 44 by Saif Badar and 42 not out by Zafar Gohar. Balochistan were then dismissed for a paltry 148 in 33.2 overs in their second innings with pacer Muhammad Ali doing major damage by taking five wickets for 50 runs in 11 overs. The right-armer found good support from Zafar Gohar with the left-arm-spinner following up on his first innings five-for with two wickets. Gohar Faiz with 36 was the top run-getter for Balochistan while captain Bismillah Khan and Umar Akmal scored 27 runs each. A total of 16 wickets fell in the day as Central Punjab were 62 for one when stumps were drawn for the day. They need another 150 runs tomorrow to register a much-needed victory which will keep alive their hopes of their title defence. Scores in brief: Northern beat Sindh by an innings and 39 runs - UBL Sports Complex, Karachi Sindh 98 for 9 declared, 31 overs (Omair Bin Yousuf 33, Mir Hamza 18 not out; Ather Mahmood 4-23, Kashif Ali 3-42) and 182 all out, 58.3 overs (Omair Bin Yousuf 52, Ahsan Ali 44; Ather Mahmood 4-63, Kashif Ali 3-55) Northern 319 all out, 100.1 overs (Sarmad Bhatti 145, Umar Amin 75; Tabish Khan 5-55, Sohail Khan 3-61) Match points: Sindh – three, Northern – 23 Southern Punjab vs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa - State Bank of Pakistan Stadium, Karachi Southern Punjab 166 for 9, 57.1 overs (Muhammad Imran 64, Yousuf Babar 28, Tayyab Tahir 26; Arshad Iqbal 4-41, Asif Afridi 2-36) and 40 for no loss, 12 overs. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 281 all out, 89.2 overs (Arshad Iqbal 62, Sahibzada Farhan 60; Muhammad Ilyas 4-71, Salman Ali Agha 3-32, Aamer Yamin 3-54) Points so far: Southern Punjab – four, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa - five. Balochistan vs Central Punjab - National Bank of Pakistan Stadium, Karachi Balochistan 325 all out, 104.4 overs (Shan Masood 102, Imran Butt 65, Kashif Bhatti 53; Zafar Gohar 5-126) and 148 all out, 33.2 overs (Gohar Faiz 36, Bismillah Khan 27, Umar Akmal 27; Muhammad Ali 5-50, Zafar Gohar 2-43) Central Punjab 262 all out, 98.5 overs (Rizwan Hussain 50, Ali Zaryab 48, Saif Badar 44; Kashif Bhatti 7-85, Raza-ul-Hasan 2-99) and 62 for 1, 18 overs. Points so far: Balochistan - seven, Central Punjab - five.

Colombo, Sri Lanka (SB Report):-Opening batsman Philip Salt struck a 34-ball 62 to help Dambulla Giants defeat Colombo Stars by 18 runs in the Lanka Premier League at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday. The Giants posted a total of 195 for 6 off their 20 overs to which Colombo Stars replied with 177 all out off 18.5 overs. Najibullah Zadran also lit up the stadium with an innings of 54 runs from 40 balls, laced with 6 boundaries and 2 sixes. He added 31 runs with Salt before a 77-run alliance for the fifth-wicket with Skipper Dasun Shanaka, who played a brisk 25-ball 38 laced with 2 sixes and 3 boundaries. Dushmantha Chameera was the pick of the bowlers for Colombo Stars with figures of 3 for 34. The Colombo Stars began their run chase positively reaching 71 for 3 off 8.4 overs, but they couldn't keep up their momentum as they lost 2 wickets in quick succession, leaving them at 78 for 5 in 10.4 overs. Thereafter, the Stars kept losing wickets at regular intervals and eventually were bowled out for 177 in 18.5 overs. Nuwan Pradeep led the way with the ball for Dambulla Giants with figures of 3 for 50. Tharindu Ratnayake, Imran Tahir and Chamika Karunaratne picked up two wickets each in the match. Brief Scores: Dambulla Giants 195/6 (Philip Salt 62, Najibullah Zadran 54, Dushmantha Chameera 3-34) beat Colombo Stars 177 all out (Dinesh Chandimal 26, Tom Banton 23, Nuwan Pradeep 3-50) by 18 runs.

Colombo, Sri Lanka (SB Report):-Galle Gladiators got a thrilling 4-wicket win over Kandy Warriors in the fourth fixture of the Lanka Premier League at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Tuesday. Chasing 144 to win, the Gladiators got over the line with four balls to spare when Lahiru Madushanka smashed the first two deliveries of the last over for a six and a four.  The Galle Gladiators needed 26 off 14 balls when the seventh-wicket pair of Madushanka and Dhananjaya Lakshan came together, and what a breath-taking finish it turned out to be. Madushanka was unbeaten on 22 with 2 sixes and a boundary while Lakshan played a quick-fire unbeaten innings of 10 runs from 4 balls. Lakshan had also performed with the ball earlier in the match, picking up figures of 2/11. The Gladiators got off to a great start as the openers Kusal Mendis and Danushka Gunathilaka put up a partnership of 62 runs in 7.3 overs. Dhanushka Gunathilaka made 45 off 33 packed with 2 sixes and 4 fours and Kusal Mendis scored 16 off 21 with 2 fours. Skipper Bhanuka Rajapaksa kept up the momentum with a brisk 22 off 13 hitting 2 fours and a six. Earlier, Kandy Warriors posted a formidable total of 143 for 6 in their 20 overs. Ahmed Shehzad and Kamindu Mendis were the highlights of Warriors' batting card. Shehzad scored 56 off 51, while Mendis gathered 32 off 25. Samit Patel was the pick of the bowlers for the Gladiators with figures of 3/13. The Galle Gladiators are currently at the top of the table with 2 wins from 3 matches.

LAHORE (Press Release):-Golden star cricket club beat Mughalpura Sports Club by 6 wickets and moved in to the 2nd Round of Knock out stage of PCB Central Punjab Lahore East zone winter League. Brilliant all Round display of batting and bowling by Abdullah Ahmad of Golden star cricket Club was the main highlight of the match which was played at Township whites ground on other day. Match Summary Mughalpura Sports Cricket Club 145/ all out in 33.5 Overs (Ali Kanan 29, Ahmad Ali 27, Muhammad 25 , khuram Azeem 17;  Zamin Ali 2/23, Azzam Ul Haq 2/24, Abdullah Ahmad 2/25 ,Shaheryar wasim 2/26 while Ali Raza Took one wicket ) Golden Star Cricket Club 148/4 in 14.5 Overs ( Abdullah Ahmad 56 on 33 balls 11X4s , Zamin Ali 27, Jawad Maqsood 20, Shaheryar wasim 17 ; Rana Muhammad 2/17 while Wazir Ahamd & Muhammad took on wicket each.)

Saad Kayani KARACHI (December 8, 2021):-The Pakistan and West Indies men’s sides will gather in Karachi on Thursday for the three T20Is and as many ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League matches at the National Stadium from 13-22 December. The following is the teams’ training and media activities schedule. All training sessions will be held at the National Stadium and the media is welcomed to cover them from their designated working areas. Entry to the National Stadium will be through accreditation passes, which are now ready for collection. Accredited media are advised to collect their passes from Mr Shakeel Khan, PCB Media Accreditation and Service Officer, from the National Stadium on Thursday and Friday from 1000 to 1700. For further information, please contact Mr Shakeel Khan at +92 301 8440284. Media conferences, training and match schedule: 10 Dec – Both teams are scheduled to hold training sessions from 1930 till 2230. Before the training, West Indies head coach Phil Simmons will hold an online arrival virtual media conference. Please contact Dario Barthley to attend the session. 11 Dec – Both teams are scheduled to hold training sessions from 1930 till 2230. No media activity is planned. 12 Dec – Pakistan captain Babar Azam will hold his pre-series virtual media conference at 1100. Please contact Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi, at least, two hours before the beginning of the session so the link can be provided. Later, in the evening, West Indies will hold their pre-series virtual media conference. Please contact Dario Barthley to attend the session.  Both teams will have their training sessions from 1930 till 2230 13 Dec – The first T20I will begin at 1800. The toss will take place at 1730. At the conclusion of the match, the PCB and CWI will provide video interviews from their camps. 14 Dec – The second T20I will begin at 1800. The toss will take place at 1730. At the conclusion of the match, the PCB and CWI will provide video interviews from their camps. 15 Dec – Both sides are scheduled to have optional training sessions from 1930 till 2230. No media activity is planned. 16 Dec - The third and final T20I will begin at 1800. The toss will take place at 1730. The match will be followed by the virtual media conferences of both the captains in which they will review the T20I series and preview the ODI series. 17 Dec – Both sides are scheduled to hold an optional training sessions from 1530 till 1830. For further information, please contact both the team media managers. 18 Dec – The first ODI will start at 1300, with the toss taking place at 1230. The match will be followed by post-match virtual media session. 19 Dec – Both sides are scheduled to hold an optional training sessions from 1530 till 1830. For further information, please contact both the team media managers. 20 Dec – The second ODI will start at 1300, with the toss taking place at 1230. The match will be followed by post-match virtual media session. Please contact Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi before the start of the second innings so the link can be provided. 21 Dec – Both sides are scheduled to hold an optional training sessions from 1530 till 1830. For further information, please contact both the team media managers. 22 Dec – The third ODI will start at 1300, with the toss taking place at 1230. The match will be followed by post-match virtual media session. Please contact Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi before the start of the second innings so the link can be provided.

Dhaka, Bangladesh (SB Report):-A sensational bowling performance from Pakistan saw them collect 13 Bangladesh wickets on the fifth and final day of the Dhaka Test to clean sweep the two-match series with an innings and eight runs win and bag 12 ICC World Test Championship points. On what turned out to be a thrilling day for the lovers of Test cricket, Bangladesh, being forced to follow-on after managing a paltry 87 in reply of Pakistan’s strong 300 for four, battled to eke out a draw, but they failed one by one to answer the questions posed by the touring bowlers and were bowled out for 205. In a befitting manner, Sajid Khan, who finished the match with 12 scalps after recording career-best eight for 42 in the first innings, snared the last wicket as he trapped Taijul Islam LBW. At the start of the day, Sajid, who had taken six wickets yesterday, added to more to his tally, as Bangladesh could add only 11 more runs before they were bowled out. After Babar Azam forced the follow-on, fiery opening spells from Hasan Ali and Shaheen Afridi reduced the hosts to 25 for four. As a partnership between Liton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim started to build, the former handed a catch to Fawad Alam at square-leg off Sajid. The two paired for 73 runs. Mushfiqur ensured that he held his end, but 49 runs later, he was run out attempting a quick single at the cusp of Tea. The right-hander made 48. The onus of carrying Bangladesh home then shifted on their most successful all-rounder Shakib-al-Hasan. He chipped away runs and found boundaries at regular intervals in his 130-ball 63, which included nine fours. As Shakib’s alliance with Mehdy Hasan, 14 off 70, started to instil hope in Bangladesh fans, Babar Azam picked up his maiden international wicket at the most crucial time. The Pakistan captain introduced himself in the first half of the evening session and struck on Mehdy’s pads. After his appeal for the LBW was turned down, he successfully got the umpire’s decision overhauled after reviewing it. Shakib departed next over as Sajid’s scintillating off-spinner from around the wicket knocked the left-hander’s off-stump. From there on, it was only a matter of time. Sajid took the last two wickets as Pakistan secured the epic win. Scores in brief: Pakistan 1st innings (overnight 188-2) 300-4d (Babar Azam 76, Azhar Ali 56, Mohammad Rizwan 53 not out, Fawad Alam 50 not out; Taijul Islam 2-73) Bangladesh 1st innings 87 all out (Najmul Hossain 30, Shakib Al Hasan 33; Sajid Khan 8-42) and 205 all out (Shakib-al-Hasan 63, Mushfiqur Rahim 48, Liton Das 45; Sajid Khan 4-86, Shaheen Afridi 2-31, Hasan Ali 2-37) Player of the match – Sajid Khan (Pakistan) Player of the series – Abid Ali (Pakistan)

Bipin Dani Ajaz Patel was "unlucky" for not being awarded the Player of the Match award, according to his mentor and former Kiwi spinner Dipak Patel. Ajaz Patel not only took India's all ten wickets in the first innings but also grabbed four more in the second innings.  The decision makers' preference was Mayank Agarwal in the Mumbai Test, which was well won by the home team. "In my opinion Ajaz was very unlucky not to get the MOM, however it's a difficult decision for the person or people who were selecting the MoM. Ajaz's achievement was amazing for a foreign spinner to get 10 wickets on day 1, in the first innings of a Test match against India's best batsmen to play spin bowling", Dipak Patel, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Auckland, said. "He also picked up 4 more wickets in the 2nd innings. In normal situations 98% of time the winning team individual will be awarded the MoM". Patel, however, added, "again on a difficult pitch to bat Agarwal batted superbly and put his team in a strong position and scoring runs in the 2nd innings was a match winning performance". "Awarding Ajaz would have been a sentimental one, but we must appreciate this international cricket and Test Match so in my opinion that was the right call", Dipak Patel added. Former India chief selector also echoed his views on the presentation. Speaking to this Reporter, he said, "I totally understand the depth of your concern for a historical achievement which had been duly recognised by felicitating Ajaj Patel by staging Association. But the reality is that it was Mayank's knocks that helped the team to win the Test match and eventually the Test series. I believe this decision is absolutely right".

Bipin Dani Sri Lanka's outgoing national head coach Mickey Arthur's departure to England is delayed, it is learnt.   According to the sources in Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), Arthur was to leave for England to take up his new assignment as cricket director with the Derbyshire County Cricket on December 8, but he will leave Sri Lanka on 15th December. "Arthur and Grant Flower, who was a batting coach with our team, were to leave on 8th December for the UK and were to be booked on the same flight", the source added.  The reason for Arthur's delayed departure is not known. "Flower may leave on Wednesday subject to the confirmation of his booking. He is leaving for the Sussex area", the source added. "Flower has a few offers but has not decided yet on his new assignment". SLC didn't extend the contracts of foreign coaches and has advertised for all coaching positions.

Karachi (Sports Report):-The eight-round of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2021-22 season is underway at three Karachi venues. On day-two of the three four-day fixtures, Sarmad Bhatti scored 145 for Northern while Tabish Khan and Zafar Gohar took five wicket hauls for Sindh and Central Punjab. Balochistan all-rounder Kashif Bhatti produced a sterling performance with bat and ball for his side.  Table-toppers Sindh conceded a 221 runs first innings lead to Northern at the UBL Sports Complex. Resuming at the overnight score of 136 for two, Northern posted 321 in their first innings courtesy Sarmad’s fifth first-class century. The left-hander’s 145 was compiled off 299 balls and included 16 fours and two sixes. Sarmad added 140 for the third-wicket with his captain Umar Amin who contributed 78 (134 balls, 12 fours). Seasoned Sindh pacer Tabish recorded the 39th first-class five-for of his career, the right-armer took five wickets for 55 runs in 23.1 probing overs. He was ably supported by Sohail Khan who took three Northern wickets for 61 runs. By close, Sindh had reduced the deficit to 116 runs by reaching 105 for one in their second innings at close of play. Opener Ahsan Ali scored 44 while Khurram Manzoor was unbeaten on 33 when stumps were drawn for the day. Northern collected three batting and Sindh tallied three bowling points. Over at the State Bank of Pakistan Stadium in the match between Southern Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which is being live streamed on PCB’s YouTube channel, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa gained a 115-run first innings lead. Resuming at the overnight first innings score of 45 for two, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were well-served by fast bowler Arshad Iqbal who while batting at number four as a night watchman scored 62 off 102 balls (nine fours). The ongoing season’s leading run-getter Sahibzada Farhan contributed 60 (six fours, one six, 127 balls) in a 102-run fourth-wicket stand with Arshad. Adil Amin (30), Mehran Ibrahim (33) and Asif Afridi (30) made crucial contributions to push the lead past the 100-mark. Speedster Muhammad Ilyas took four wickets while Aamer Yamin and Salman Ali Agha took three wickets each. By close Southern Punjab had reached 40 for no loss in their second innings to reduce the first innings deficit to 75. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa collected two batting while Southern Punjab collected four bowling points. Over at the National Bank of Pakistan Sports Complex, resuming at the overnight score of 283 for five, Balochistan were bowled out for 325 in 104.4 overs. All-rounder Kashif Bhatti was the best performer with the bat for Balochistan on Tuesday with 53 off 82 balls (seven fours, one six). Left-arm-spinner Zafar who had taken two wickets on day-one, added three more to his tally to register the 10th five-for of his first-class career. Balochistan and Central Punjab collected three batting and bowling points respectively as Balochistan had reached 318 for eight in 100 overs. Central Punjab in reply were wobbling at 178 for five after 69 overs of batting in their first innings at close on day-two. Opener Rizwan Hussain top-scored with 50 off 98 balls (seven fours). Ali Zaryab scored 48 off 82 balls. Kashif followed his batting heroics with a four-wicket haul for 59 runs to put Balochistan in a strong position in the match. The left-armer will be chasing his 23rd first-class five-for tomorrow. Scores in brief: Sindh vs Northern - UBL Sports Complex, Karachi Sindh 98 for 9 declared, 31 overs (Omair Bin Yousuf 33, Mir Hamza 18 not out; Ather Mahmood 4-23, Kashif Ali 3-42) and 105 for 1, 26.1 overs (Ahsan Ali 44, Khurram Manzoor 33 not out) Northern 319 all out, 100.1 overs (Sarmad Bhatti 145, Umar Amin 75; Tabish Khan 5-55, Sohail Khan 3-61) Points so far: Sindh – three, Northern – six Southern Punjab vs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa - State Bank of Pakistan Stadium, Karachi Southern Punjab 166 for 9, 57.1 overs (Muhammad Imran 64, Yousuf Babar 28, Tayyab Tahir 26; Arshad Iqbal 4-41, Asif Afridi 2-36) and 40 for no loss, 12 overs. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 281 all out, 89.2 overs (Arshad Iqbal 62, Sahibzada Farhan 60; Muhammad Ilyas 4-71, Salman Ali Agha 3-32, Aamer Yamin 3-54) Points so far: Southern Punjab – four, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa - five. Balochistan vs Central Punjab - National Bank of Pakistan Stadium, Karachi Balochistan 325 all out, 104.4 overs (Shan Masood 102, Imran Butt 65, Kashif Bhatti 53; Zafar Gohar 5-126) Central Punjab 178 for 5, 69 overs (Rizwan Hussain 50, Ali Zaryab 48; Kashif Bhatti 4-59) Points so far: Balochistan - four, Central Punjab - three.

Dhaka, Bangladesh (SB Report):-Pakistan’s hopes of collecting maximum ICC World Test Championship points from a rain-marred second Test got a real impetus from off-spinner Sajid Khan as Bangladesh were left wobbling at 76 for seven and requiring another 24 runs to avoid a follow-on at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. After only 63.2 overs were bowled in the first two days and third day was completely rained-off, Pakistan declared their first innings at 300 for four after resuming at 188 for two. In the 26 overs Bangladesh played on Tuesday, Sajid Khan returned figures of 12-3-35-6 to put Pakistan in sight of a possible victory that looked unlikely and unexpected when play commenced on the fourth day. This was Sajid Khan’s best figures in a four-Test career after his first three Tests had yielded six wickets. His best performance in a 43 first-class matches career is also 6-35, which he is expected to improve on Wednesday, of course, weather permitting. While Sajid mermerised all the top-order batters, only Nazmul Hossain (30) and Shakib Al Hasan (23 not out) offered some resistance to keep Bangladesh’s slim hopes alive in the Test. Earlier, Pakistan batted for just over 35 overs in which they added 112 runs and lost the wickets of overnight batters Babar Azam (76) and Azhar Ali (56) to declare at 300 for four. However, Mohammad Rizwan and Fawad Alam put together an unbroken 103-run fifth wicket stand to put Pakistan in a position where they could afford to declare and try to make a match out of it. Rizwan returned unbeaten on a 94-ball 53 that included four fours and a six, while Fawad’s 50 not out came off 96 balls and was laced with seven fours. In the ICC World Test Championship, a team gets 12 points for winning a match, four for a draw and six for a tie. If Pakistan manage to turn things around in the second Test, they will have 36 points from two series and will be behind India (42 points from two series). Scores in brief (day 4 of 5): Pakistan 1st innings (overnight 188-2) 300-4d (Babar Azam 76, Azhar Ali 56, Mohammad Rizwan 53 not out, Fawad Alam 50 not out; Taijul Islam 2-73) Bangladesh 1st innings 76-7 (Najmul Hossain 30, Shakib Al Hasan 23 not out; Sajid Khan 6-35)