Sports Bulletin

Paarl, South Africa (SBR): Pakistan and South Africa are ready to lock horns in a key three-match ODI series beginning from December 17, 2024 (Tuesday) at the Boland Park in Paarl at 5pm PKT. The second and third fixture of the series will be played at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town and The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on 17 and 19 December, respectively.South Africa had won the T20I series 2-0 after the third T20I was washed out on 14 December. The ODI series holds a lot of significance for both the teams as they look to fine tune their preparations for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in February and March 2025 in Pakistan.Pakistan’s squad has been bolstered with the return of pacer Naseem Shah, opening batter Abdullah Shafique and top-order batter Kamran Ghulam while wrist-spinner Sufyan Moqim and Usman Khan have received their maiden ODI call-ups. This will be Mohammad Rizwan’s third ODI series as skipper of the side as he has started his stint with back to back ODI series wins over Australia and Zimbabwe.In their last bilateral face-off in the 50-over format, Pakistan won the three-match series 2-1 in South Africa in April 2021.Pakistan’s ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan said: “This is a vital ODI series in terms of our preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy and with Allah’s help we will look to emulate our performances from the ODI series against Australia. We couldn’t get the ideal results in the T20I series but I am really happy with some of the performances put in by our players in these conditions especially Saim’s batting was brilliant in both games. Our batting, pace and spin stocks are decent enough to challenge South Africa and win the series with the help of almighty. I see a lot of potential in our ODI squad with players young and experienced both willing to put the best step forward, which makes us an exciting prospect as a one-day side not just going into this series but also in the home tri-nation series and the blockbuster white-ball mega event at home.”Pakistan ODI squad: Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wk), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan (wk)South Africa ODI squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Aiden Markram, Andile Phehlukwayo, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Marco Jansen, Ottneil Baartman, Rassie van der Dussen, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tony de Zorzi, and Tristan StubbsSchedule of matches:17 Dec – 1st ODI vs South Africa at Boland Bank Park, Paarl (5pm PKT)19 Dec – 2nd ODI vs South Africa at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town (5pm PKT)22 Dec – 3rd ODI vs South Africa at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (5pm PKT)26 Dec – 1st Test vs South Africa at SuperSport Park, Centurion (1pm PKT)3 Jan – 2nd Test vs South Africa at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town (1pm PKT). 

Kuala Lumpur (SBR): Pakistan U19 will begin their journey in the inaugural edition of the ACC Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup when they will take on India on Sunday (November 15, 2024) at the Bayuemas Cricket Oval in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. Pakistan are placed in Group A alongside India and Nepal, while Bangladesh, Malaysia and Sri Lanka are positioned in Group B. Zoofishan Ayyaz-led Pakistan will play their second match of the tournament against Nepal on Monday, 16 December.The six-team tournament will be played on a T20 format with top two sides from each group progressing to the Super-Four Stage. The Super-Four stage matches will be played on 19 and 20 December, while the final of the tournament is scheduled to take place on 22 December.According to the tournament’s format, two additional matches for fifth and sixth position and third and fourth position will be played on 18 and 22 December, respectively. Before departing to Malaysia, Pakistan U19 had a five-day camp at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi, where the players featured in training sessions, skills and fitness drills and practice matches under the supervision of the head coach Mohsin Kamal-led support staff.Zoofishan Ayyaz on the eve of the tournament said: “We have had good training sessions before our arrival here in Malaysia and the players are looking forward to do well in the tournament. We will take one game at a time and the players are fully focused to showcase their talent in the tournament.”Pakistan Squad: Zoofishan Ayyaz (captain) (Wah Cantt), Komal Khan (vice-captain) (Lahore), Aleesa Mukhtiar (Muzaffargarh), Areesha Ansari (Kasur), Fatima Khan (Lahore), Fizza Fiaz (Lahore), Haniah Ahmer (Karachi), Maham Anees (Islamabad), Mahnoor Zeb (Mardan), Quratulain (Sialkot), Ravail Farhan (Lahore), Rozina Akram (Rawalpindi), Shahar Bano (Lodhran), Tayyaba Imdad (Abbottabad) and Wasifa Hussain (Karachi)Player Support personnel: Aisha Jalil (manager), Mohsin Kamal (head coach), Mohammad Hanif Malik (assistant coach), Nahida Khan (fielding coach), Mohammad Usman Shahid (analyst), Rabia Siddiq (physiotherapist), Mohammad Rafi Ullah (media and digital manager)Pakistan matches in the tournament:15 December – vs India (2pm, KL time)16 December – vs Nepal (2pm, KL time)18 December – 5th/6th position play-off (2pm, KL time)19 December A1 v B1 (9.30am, KL time); A2 v B2 (2pm, KL time)20 December – A1 v B2 (9.30am, KL time); A2 v B1 (2pm, KL time)22 December – 3rd/4th position play-off (9.30am, KL time); final (2pm, KL time) 

Islamabad (Nazish Azhar): Nashra Sundhu’s three-fer led Conquerors to a 48-run win over Stars in the seventh-round fixture of National Women’s One-Day Tournament at the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium on Saturday. Chasing a modest 167 to win, Stars were bundled out for 118 in 39.4 overs with Sadaf Shamas top-scoring with 28.For the winning team left-arm spinner Nashra bagged three wickets for 10 runs, while leg-spinner Syeda Aroob Shah also took three wickets for 26 runs. Earlier, batting first, Conquerors were dismissed for 166 in 44.5 overs. Captain Fatima Sana top-scored with 34 off 35 balls, which included three fours and one six. Stars’ Waheeda Akhtar clinched four wickets for 57, while Anosha Nasir and Neelam Mushtaq snapped two wickets apiece.In the second match, Invincibles, who were without their regular captain Muneeba Ali, due to an eye infection saw their first defeat in the tournament. At the Diamond Ground in Islamabad, batting first, Invincibles were dismissed for 188 in 45 overs with stand-in captain Omaima Sohail top-scoring with 76 off 112 balls, hitting 10 boundaries. For Challengers, Tasmia Rubab took three wickets, while Samina Aftab and Zaib un Nisa grabbed two wickets each.In turn, Aliya Riaz’ unbeaten knock of 73 off 74, which included eight fours and two sixes helped her side achieve the target with four wickets in hand and 50 balls to spare. Umm-e-Hani (47, 72b, 5x4s) was other notable contributor with the bat. For the losing side, spinners Ghulam Fatima (3-48) and Omaima (2-24) picked five wickets.Scores in brief (Conquerors beat Stars by 48 runs):Conquerors 166 all out, 44.5 overs (Fatima Sana 34, Dua Majid 26, Nashra Sundhu 20 not out; Waheeda Akhtar 4-57, Neelam Mushtaq 2-16, Anosha Nasir 2-23)Stars 118 all out, 39.4 overs (Sadaf Shamas 28, Rameen Shamim 27 not out; Nashra Sundhu 3-10, Syeda Aroob Shah 3-26)Player of the match – Nashra Sundhu (Conquerors)Challengers beat Invincibles by four wickets at the Diamond Ground:Invincibles 188 all out, 45 overs (Omaima Sohail 76, Areesha Noor 37; Tasmia Rubab 3-27, Samina Aftab 2-12, Zaib un Nisa 2-21)Challengers 190-6, 36.4 overs (Aliya Riaz 73 not out, Umm-e-Hani 47, Shawaal Zulfiqar 29, Gull Rukh 24; Ghulam Fatima 3-48, Omaima Sohail 2-24)Player of the match: Aliya Riaz (Challengers)- 

Islamabad (Sports Desk): Seamer Grace Potts has been called up to the England Women Test squad touring South Africa. The 22-year-old, who joined Lancashire from Central Sparks in October, has been brought in as cover in the seam bowling department. The four-day Test match against South Africa starts on Sunday (15 December) in Bloemfontein.

Rawalpindi (PCB Report): ABL Stallions had the better of Engro Dolphins to come back to winning ways, taking the match by just five runs while Lake City Panthers crushed UMT Markhors by six wickets as the double header in Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup excited the crowds at the Rawalpindi Stadium on Friday.With the victory Stallions are now top of the five-team table with three wins in four matches, accumulating six points. Markhors suffered their first loss but were still second with six points in four matches.Young Ubaid Shah, sibling of Test fast bowler Naseem Shah, held his nerves to defend 14 off the final over and despite being hit for a six by Salman Irshad came out with flying colours, conceding eight runs to give Stallions victory. Dolphins managed to score 185-9 in 20 overs.Chasing a big 191 for victory, Dolphins were treated well on tough waters as Sahibzada Farhan, who scored a brisk 59 off 38 balls with six boundaries and two sixes held the innings. Young Qasim Akram was good in support with a rapid 24-ball 37, spiced with two sixes and four boundaries. Together they added 46 off 27 balls.When skipper Faheem Ashraf came to the crease, Dolphins needed 51 runs in 4.1 overs. Left-hand batter Faheem cracked two sixes and a four in his 12-ball 25 but in the end his runs were not enough.For Stallions, spinners Usman Tariq (2-22) and Mehran Mumtaz (2-32) checked the run chase, while pacer Mohammad Ali finished with 2-34. The most notable point of the match was the return of promising fast bowler Ihsanullah after being sidelined with elbow injury.Earlier, all-rounder Hussain Talat kept his good form intact, scoring 57 not out off just 34 balls. His knock included two sixes and five boundaries. Hussain added a good 109 runs off just 56 balls with Mohammad Mohsin. Mohsin’s eye-catching knock of 55 came off 32 balls which contained four boundaries and as many sixes. The duo smashed a big 65 runs in the last five overs. Leg-spinner Mohammad Ramiz Jnr was the pick of bowlers with 2-29.In the second match, Haider Ali smashed a 29-ball 62 to help Lake City Panthers chase a 164-run target in 18.5 overs. Haider smashed five sixes and four boundaries in an eye-catching knock. Umar Siddiq (30) and Sharjeel Khan (23) laid the foundation with an opening stand of 52. Haider and Mubasir Khan furthered the chase with a third wicket stand of 65. Haider hit the winning six to seal the match.The UMT Markhors’ total of 163 for eight saw young local boy Saad Masood play an anchor’s role with a 39-ball 63 not out. His innings was laced with two sixes and six boundaries. Saad lifted his team from a precarious 7-70 as he kept the scoreboard ticking, adding 35 for the eighth wicket with Nisar Ahmed (21) and another invaluable 58 for the ninth wicket with Akif Javed who made only six. Nisar cracked two sixes in his ten-ball 21.Scores in brief:ABL Stallions beat Engro Dolphins by five runsABL Stallions 190-4 in 20 overs (Hussain Talat 57 not out, Mohammad Mohsin 55, Yasir Khan 36; Mohammad Ramiz Jnr 2-29)Engro Dolphins 185-9 in 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 59, Qasim Akram 37, Faheem Ashraf 25; Usman Tariq 2-22, Mehran Mumtaz 2-32, Mohammad Ali 2-34)Player of the match: Mohammad Mohsin (ABL Stallions)Lake City Panthers beat UMT Markhors by six wicketsUMT Markhors 163-8 in 20 overs (Saad Masood 63 not out, Abdul Samad 24; Usama Mir 2-14)Lake City Panthers 169-4 in 18.5 overs (Haider Ali 62 not out, Mubasir Khan 32, Umar Siddiq 30; Mohammad Imran Jnr 2-17)Player of the match: Haider Ali (Lake City Panthers). 

India's cricketing journey in Australia has witnessed some remarkable moments, especially since 2020. The narrative is intriguingly shaped by the fact that India's last three Test victories on Australian soil came under the leadership of stand-in captains rather than the full-time skippers. This compelling story is brought to light by the world's leading Indian cricket statistician, Mohandas Menon.The first of these victories was orchestrated by Ajinkya Rahane at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where his calm and composed leadership steered India to a memorable win. Rahane's leadership was further highlighted during the historic triumph at the Gabba, a fortress where Australia had remained unbeaten for 32 years. Under Rahane's captaincy, India not only won but also sealed the series, a feat celebrated widely.Adding another layer to this fascinating tale is Jasprit Bumrah, who led India to a Test victory in Perth. Bumrah, primarily known for his bowling prowess, stepped up to the captaincy role and guided the team to success, showcasing his versatility and leadership qualities.Notably, these victories were not achieved under the two full-time captains, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. This observation highlights an interesting narrative within Indian cricket. It raises questions about the dynamics of leadership and the impact of captaincy on team performance.This intriguing pattern invites a deeper analysis of the role and influence of stand-in captains in high-pressure scenarios. It underscores the significance of adaptability and resilience in cricket, where leadership can come from unexpected quarters, leading to historic achievements.As India continues its cricketing journey, the contributions of Rahane and Bumrah as stand-in captains will be remembered as pivotal moments in the team's success Down Under.

Potchefstroom (South Africa): England Women recorded a six-wicket victory over South Africa in a rain-affected encounter to seal a 2-1 one day international series win in Potchefstroom on Wednesday.Set a revised target of 152 in 23 overs, opener Tammy Beaumont’s 65 from 46 balls and a sublime fifth-wicket stand of 90 with Amy Jones sealed the win after the tourists had slipped to 25-3 with Proteas all-rounder Marizanne Kapp dismissing Maia Bouchier, Nat Sciver-Brunt and captain Heather Knight.England won the toss and elected to bowl. South Africa recorded 233 in their innings before a lengthy delay due to rain and lightning. Kate Cross was withdrawn after suffering a back spasm in the first over. Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean and Sophie Ecclestone all took two wickets while Lauren Bell dismissed Lara Goodall.Captain Laura Woolvaardt top scored with 61 off 68 for South Africa while Marizanne Kapp’s 38 was a notable contribution as England restricted the hosts to 233-8 inside 50 overs. England's tour concludes with a four-day Test match which starts on Sunday (15 December) in Bloemfontein.IT20 series:Sunday, 24 November: South Africa vs England – Buffalo Park Cricket Stadium, East London – England won by four wicketsWednesday, 27 November: South Africa vs England – Willowmoore Park, Benoni – England won by 36 runsSaturday, 30 November: South Africa vs England – SuperSport Park, Centurion – England won by nine wicketsODI series:Wednesday, 4 December: South Africa vs England – Kimberley Oval, Kimberley – South Africa won by six wicketsSunday, 8 December: South Africa vs England – Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban – England won by six wicketsWednesday, 11 December: South Africa vs England – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom – England won by six wickets (DLS method)Test match: 15-18 December: South Africa v England - Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein (Press Release)

Lahore (SBR): The registration window for foreign players to register themselves for the 10th edition of HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) along with the trade window is now open. The category renewals of the players will be announced on Tuesday, 17 December.The relegation process and retention of players will be carried out during the ongoing month. The HBL PSL Players’ Draft is scheduled to take place on 11 January, 2025. The venue and time for the draft will be announced in due course.HBL PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer said: “We are thrilled to announce the opening of the registration process for foreign players as well as the trade window. This marks an exciting beginning to preparations for the highly anticipated 10th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League. The HBL PSL is a home-grown brand which we are all proud of. Since its inception in 2016, together with our franchise owners, commercial partners and stakeholders, we have embarked on a long and successful journey. The quality and competitiveness of cricket played is second to none and we will strive to meet expectations of our loyal fans. The landmark 10th season promises to bring more excitement for all and the HBL PSL team is committed to working tirelessly to provide fans unmatched experiences.”Since 2016, Islamabad United have become champions of the HBL PSL thrice, which include the opening (2016), third (2018) and last edition (2024) of the league. Lahore Qalandars have won twice in 2022 and 2023, Peshawar Zalmi remained champions of the 2017 edition. Quetta Gladiators won the 2019 edition, while Karachi Kings clinched their maiden title in 2020. Multan Sultans emerged as the winners in 2021.

Rawalpindi (PCB Report): UMT Markhors and Nurpur Lions recorded wins by three and 35 runs respectively, in contrasting styles on the sixth day of the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup at Rawalpindi cricket stadium on Thursday, perching Markhors on top of the five-team table.Markhors scored 170-6 on the back of a rapid 32-ball 39 by opener Fakhar Zaman who shared a solid opening stand of 74 with Khawaja Mohammad Nafay who hit a 30-ball 36. While Fakhar smashed a six and five boundaries, Nafay was more aggressive with three sixes and a boundary.No.3 batter Mohammad Shahzad struck 28 off 25 balls with the help of two sixes and experienced Mohammad Nawaz knocked an unbeaten 13-ball 28 with one four and two sixes to lift the total. Usman Tariq with 2-20 and Tahir Hussain, who returned figures of 2-36 were the pick of Stallions bowlers.ABL Stallions lost Yasir Khan (17, 10b, 2x4s, 1x6) early but Maaz Sadaqat (82, 53b, 10x4s, 2x6s) and Mohammad Haris rescued the innings with a strong 59-run stand off 41 balls for the second wicket. Haris fell after scoring a fiery 16-ball 22 with a six and a four as it was left to Maaz to help the team cross the target. Team mentor Shoaib Malik chipped in with a 21-ball 16 as Stallions slumped from 127-2 in 15 overs to lose four wickets for 15 runs, including the well set Maaz.Stallions needed 19 in the last over but fast bowler Mohammad Imran Jnr conceded 15 to steal the match.This became the third consecutive win for UMT Markhors while ABL Stallions suffered their first defeat after two wins.In the second match, Nurpur Lions scored 194-5 in 20 overs against Engro Dolphins. Their skipper Imam-ul-Haq knocked a brilliant 48-ball 65 and Hasan Nawaz hit 34-ball 50 in a solid 100-run partnership in 11.3 overs. Hasan, smashed three sixes and four boundaries while Imam's knock had seven boundaries and a six.Khushdil Shah, batting at No.5, blasted an unbeaten 22-ball 57 not out with six maximums and two boundaries as Nurpur Lions added a big 64 in the last five overs. Dolphins' Qasim Akram picked up three wickets for 21 runs in his four overs.In reply, Sahibzada Farhan and Mirza Tahir Baig gave Dolphins a robust start of 57 in six overs. Tahir fell for 29 off 16 balls laced with a six and three boundaries. Muhammad Akhlaq fell without scoring. Farhan then added 51 for the third wicket with Umar Amin who made a 19-ball 25 with two fours and a six.But once Farhan fell for 54 off 42 balls including three sixes and as many boundaries the chase fell apart. Skipper Faheem Ashraf tried valiantly with a cameo of 12-ball 27 with two sixes and as many fours but the asking rate soared beyond 15 an over.Fast bowler Musa Khan was the pick of bowlers with 4-23 while Khushdil and Shahid Aziz fetched two wickets apiece. Lions have now won two of their four matches while Dolphins are winless in three outings.Scores in brief (Markhors beat Stallions by 3 runs in Game-7):UMT Markhors 170-6 in 20 overs (Fakhar Zaman 39, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay 36, Mohammad Nawaz 28 not out, Mohammad Shahzad 28; Usman Tariq 2-20, Tahir Hussain 2-36)ABL Stallions 167-6 in 20 overs (Maaz Sadaqat 82, Mohammad Haris 22; Nisar Ahmed 3-23)Player of the match - Nisar Ahmed (UMT Markhors)Game 8 (Nurpur Lions beat Engro Dolphins by 35 runs)Nurpur Lions 194-5 in 20 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 65, Khushdil Shah 57 not out, Hasan Nawaz 50; Qasim Akram 3-21)Engro Dolphins 159 all out in 19.4 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 54, Mirza Tahir Baig 29, Faheem Ashraf 27, Umar Amin 25; Musa Khan 4-23, Khushdil Shah 2-22, Shahid Aziz 2-35)Player of the match -- Khushdil Shah (Nurpur Lions)Today’s fixtures: Allied Bank Stallions vs Engro Dolphins, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (11am)Lake City Panthers vs UMT Markhors, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (3.30pm) 

Rohit Sharma, one of India's cricketing stalwarts, has recently been the center of a strategic debate regarding his batting order. Traditionally an opener, Rohit has been moved down the order to accommodate KL Rahul at the top. This decision has sparked discussions among cricketing legends, with former players like Sunil Gavaskar and Harbhajan Singh suggesting that Rohit should instead bat at number one.Rohit's move to the middle order is not entirely new. He has previously batted at various positions, including number five and six, where he has shown considerable success. His adaptability and experience make him a valuable asset regardless of where he bats. However, the recent decision to drop himself down the order has raised questions about the best use of his talents.What are your thoughts on Rohit Sharma's batting order? Do you think he should open the innings, or is the middle order a better fit for him? We asked this question to former opening batter, Lalachand Rajput, who is now a coach. "I feel Rohit should open the innings or no 3, not lower than that. He has been opening for a long time in all formats, so you are used to playing the new ball, which comes on to bat quicker, and your reflexes are set to it. Whereas when you bat lower down you might have to face the spinners first and the pacers with the old ball which you are not used to. It is better to play spinner after you have faced the pacers first with the new ball.its the mind set which you are used to, some change it quickly and some take time to get used to it", he says."As an opening batsmen, I used to face spinners after I negotiated the new ball, and I felt easy to face them. If Rohit wants to bat lower down, then he should play lower down the order in Ranji Trophy so that he gets used to it. As a batsman if you had opened for a long time for a number of years then you might feel that you want to relax and bat in the middle order, but to do that you have to prepare for it and get used to it before doing it at the international level"."Sunil Gavaskar decided to bat in the middle for a series or 2 but again ended up opening. So, it is all in the mindset to get used to the situation quickly. Cricket is played 9 inches above the shoulder (head). Hence, if your mindset is strong and adapts quickly, you are the winner", Rajput signed off.Rohit's childhood coach, Dinesh Lad wants him to open the batting rather than coming down the order. "He is more successful as an opener", he says.As India continues to strategize for future matches, the role of Rohit Sharma in the batting lineup will be a key factor in their quest for victory. Whether he opens the batting or bats lower down the order, his contributions will be crucial to India's success.