Sports Bulletin

SPORTS DESK ISLAMABAD (December 2, 2020):-Dawid Malan has attained the highest-ever rating points for batsmen in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings after a terrific run saw him top the series aggregate with 173 runs and help England blank South Africa 3-0. The 33-year-old left-hander has reached 915 points, the first to cross the 900-point mark after Australian Aaron Finch’s 900-point achievement in July 2018. Malan now enjoys a 44-point lead over Pakistan’s Babar Azam, whom he overtook to become number one in September this year. Malan’s player of the series performance included a match-winning 99 not out in the final match and helped England leapfrog Australia to take top position in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings. England, who had started the series at 271 points, are now level with Australia at 275 points but ahead on decimal points. South Africa and New Zealand retain their fifth and sixth positions while the West Indies have slipped behind Afghanistan to 10th place after losing 2-0 to New Zealand in another series, performances of which are also included in Wednesday’s rankings update. England’s Jos Buttler has gained seven spots to reach 21st position while South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen’s continued good form, which saw him score 136 runs in the series, has lifted him 17 places to a career-best fifth position. Faf du Plessis’s return to form, with an aggregate of 121 runs, has pushed him into the top 20. Among the bowlers, England’s leg-spinner Adil Rashid is back to the 700-point mark, gaining three places to reach number 4. He is just one spot below his career-best third position achieved in November 2018. The top seven bowlers are all spinners, with Tabraiz Shamsi, South Africa’s top ranked bowler in 5th place. Chris Jordan, who became England’s leading T20I wicket-taker in the third match against South Africa with his 66th wicket, has gained one place to reach 12th rank. Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi makes an entry into the top 50 bowlers for the first time after taking four wickets in the series. His previous best was 67th in September this year. The series in New Zealand saw the home side’s Lockie Ferguson leap 45 slots to 32nd position after finishing as the most successful bowler in the series with seven wickets, which included a player of the match effort of five for 21 in the first match. Glenn Phillips celebrated his recall to the New Zealand T20I side for the first time in two years by smashing a century in the second match and climbing into the top 100 batsmen for the first time – ending the series in 86th place. Kieron Pollard was the West Indian star of the series, scoring 103 runs at a strike rate of 198. That was good enough to take him up 18 places to the 57th rank with the bat and up to seventh place in the all-rounders’ table.

By BIPIN DANI Pakistani all-rounder Shoaib Malik is hoping to bring his Indian wife Sania Mirza to Sri Lanka next year when he arrives to play the 2nd year of Lanka Premier League (LPL). Sania and son Izhaan Mirza Malik recently went to Pakistan to support Shoaib in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). "Yes, they did come to Pakistan. The reason being I had not met my son for about seven months. Sania came there and met my mother and family also. We then went to Dubai, where we stayed for a few weeks", Malik in a chat with this reporter at the virtual media conference organized by the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board revealed. Shoaib and Sania had spent some time with former India captain MS Dhoni and his wife Sakshi in Dubai, it is understood.  Malik also revealed the reason for not bringing the family to Sri Lanka. "My (two year) son may find it difficult to take so many flights but yes, they will come here next year. Sri Lanka is at my heart. I enjoy the hospitality of this country. I have so many cricketing friends in this country. I love the people here. Enjoy the food".      Jaffna Stallions' 38-year-old Malik did not wait for the umpire's decision for his run out dismissal against Kandy Tusker's on Tuesday. "It was a very obvious dismissal and any other batsman at this position also would not have waited for the umpire's call", Malik added.   

SPORTS REPORT ISLAMABAD (December 2, 2020):-Despite the Covid-19 pandemic that has either postponed or truncated cricket seasons across the cricket world, the Pakistan Cricket Board has successfully delivered 148 matches in the 2020-21 season before the start of the sixth round matches of the first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, which began in Karachi on Wednesday. By the time the three-day Quaid-e-Azam Trophy concludes on 12 December and the first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy finishes on 5 January 2021, the PCB remains confident it would have organised 188 matches from 10 completed tournaments in the 2020-21 season, which commenced on 30 September with the First XI National T20 Cup. These tournaments include the first and second XIs National T20 Cup, National U19 One-Day and Three-Day Tournaments, six international matches against Zimbabwe, remaining four HBL PSL 2020 fixtures, the National Triangular T20 Women’s Cricket Championship, the ongoing three-day and four-day Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, and the upcoming Second XI Pakistan Cup One-Day Tournament. During the nine tournaments/series to date, as many as 2,830 Covid-19 tests have been conducted on players, players support personnel and match officials as the PCB has strictly followed and implemented its strict protocols, which were designed in-house, and have been put together for the health and safety of all participants. Until curtains fall on the 2020-21 season in late March, the PCB is optimistic of staging another 112 matches from the first and second XIs Pakistan Cup One-Day Tournament, international matches against South Africa and the HBL Pakistan Super League 2021. This means to date, the PCB has delivered nearly 58 per cent of the planned 260 matches in circumstances that can be termed far from normal. The events and series are separate to cricket activities in the National High Performance Centre, where star coaches have been spending a lot of time preparing strategies and pathways for talented cricketers as well as coaches and match officials. PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan: “This data is extremely satisfying for the Pakistan Cricket Board as it illustrates two simple facts: firstly, we have delivered cricket events and activities uninterruptedly despite the pandemic while ensuring health and safety of all participants, and, secondly, we have brought the fans and followers closer to action by live broadcast on TV and YouTube streaming. “This reflects our resolve, commitment and promise to the Pakistan cricket fans that we will not only provide entertainment through quality cricket but will continue to invest in our domestic cricket. I am glad that the response to date has been phenomenal. “The 2020-21 season has also brought the entire PCB together in the planning and delivery of a crowded and busy season in which events have overlapped and multiple teams have been in action in one city. Due to the professional event planning and delivery, we remain on track of completing a full season of domestic and international cricket during these unprecedented times.” PCB Director – High Performance Nadeem Khan: “Cricket activities are the lifeline for the PCB and professional cricketers, and I am pleased we have been able to keep the players busy in competitive cricket by keeping the stadia alive and active. “The standard of cricket has been pretty good and through live broadcast and streaming, we have seen a number of talented cricketers announce their arrival. This season, played in difficult circumstances, has clearly benefited these talented cricketers, which, in turn, will assist Pakistan cricket moving forward as the selectors and team managements will be able to identify the talent that can strengthen their squads. “This has not been an easy period for the entire world. But, from our medical team to the commercial team to the logistics team to the security team, everyone has contributed significantly to ensure cricket remains unaffected.”

Haroon Zulfiqar ISLAMABAD (December 1, 2020):-PCB Challengers outclassed PCB Dynamites by seven runs in a thrilling final of the National Triangular T20 Women’s Cricket Championship 2020 at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi on Tuesday. Besides lifting the glittering trophy, the PCB Challengers team that remained undefeated in the tournament also pocketed PKR1million as the winning prize. PCB Dynamites had to settle for a PKR500, 000 runners-up cash prize. On Tuesday afternoon, PCB Dynamites were set a 134-run target, they fought hard but eventually finished their quota of 20 overs at 126 for six as the PCB Challengers bowlers and fielders led by a fine spell of two wickets for 21 runs by Aroob Shah defended the score to ensure the title for their side. Opener Nahida Khan top-scored for the PCB Dynamites with 39 off 37 balls (three fours, two sixes), however she failed to convert her start into a match winning effort. Kainat Imtiaz chipped in with an unbeaten 32 off 29 balls (two fours) while Hafsa Khalid made a 20-run (22 balls) contribution (three fours). Kainat who gave an all-round performance throughout the tournament (111 runs and three wickets) was adjudged as the player-of-the-tournament and awarded PKR50,000. Aimen Anwar took one wicket for 23 runs in her four overs, Fatima Sana also took one wicket as she provided adequate all-round support to her side following her unbeaten 24-run contribution with the bat in the PCB Challengers innings. Earlier, PCB Challengers posted 133 for seven in their allotted 20 overs. After losing the crucial wicket of Pakistan captain and ace batter Bismah Maroof (18 off 12 balls) to a run out, PCB Challengers mixed caution with aggression as they accumulated a competitive total. Kainat Hafeez who was later adjudged the player-of-the-match, top-scored with 31 off 27 balls, her innings included three fours and one six. Fatima faced 22 balls for her 24 which included a six and a four. Subhana Tariq was the most successful bowler for PCB Dynamites despite giving away 37 runs in her four overs. She picked three wickets, Ramin Shameem and Nashra Sandhu took a wicket apiece. Scores in brief: PCB Challengers 133-7, 20 overs (Kainat Hafeez 31, Fatima Sana 24 not out; Subhana Tariq 3-37) PCB Dynamites 126-6, 20 overs (Nahida Khan 39, Kainat Imtiaz 32 not out; Aroob Shah 2-21) Result: PCB Challengers won by seven runs Player-of-the-match: Kainat Hafeez Player-of-the-tournament: Kainat Imtiaz

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (November 28, 2020):-Top seed local tennis player, Mohammad Shoaib clinched the ITF Junior Tennis Championship title after beating his opponent Rohan Belday from United States of America (USA) 2-1 in the final at PTF Tennis Complex on Saturday. The final score-line was 4-6, 6-3 and 6-2. In the Boys Singles final, Mohammad Shoaib of Pakistan overcame Rohan Belday from USA 2-1 after losing the first set at 4-6. After going down, Shoaib fought back brilliantly and won the second set at 6-3. In the third and final set, Shoaib displayed excellent skills of the game and played powerful stroke from down the line. He finished the set at 6-2, as the final score-line was 4-6, 6-3 and 6-2. Salim Saifullah Khan President, Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) graced the occasion as guest of honour along with Tariq Mehmood Murtaza  (Chairman RDA) to distribute the prizes amongst the winners. At this occasion, Salim Saifullah appreciated the role of General Tyres in promotion of tennis in collaboration with PTF. He also appreciated the sponsors and the tournament organizers for conducting such an excellent event. He praised the role of media for promotion of sports in Pakistan and especially game of tennis. Results: Boys Singles (Final): Mohammad Shoaib (PAK) beat Rohan Belday (USA) 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 Boys Doubles (Final): Rohan Belday (USA)/Alexander Karman (USA) beat Aarav Samrat Hada (NEP)/Aki Zuben Rawat (NEP) 6-3, 6-1 Girls Singles (Final): Arina Valitova (RUS) beat Abhilasha Bista (NEP) 6-1, 6-0 Girls Doubles (Final): Abhilasha Bista (NEP)/ Arina Valitova (RUS) beat Zoha Asim (PAK)/ Ekaterina Suvorova (RUS) 6-2, 6-0 Results (Qualifying Round Tournament II): Boys Singles Qualifying Matches Week II: Aarav Samrat Hada (NEP) beat Ryaan Khawaja Saud (USA) 6-0, 6-0 Aoi Ooka (JPN) beat Saeed Ahmad Suleman (PAK) 6-0, 6-1

SPORTS REPORT ISLAMABAD (November 28, 2020):-PCB Challengers overcame PCB Blasters by five runs in the fifth match of the National Triangular T20 Women’s Cricket Championship at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday. The thrilling match was decided on the last ball as the PCB Blasters finished their chase of 158 runs at 152 for six. The defeat has ended PCB Blasters hopes of a place in the championship’s final, which will be now played between PCB Challengers and PCB Dynamites on Tuesday, 1 December. PCB Blasters openers Javeria Khan and Sidra Amin provided a 59-run stand. Sidra was dismissed for 18 runs. Javeria held the innings together with 56 off 47 balls as she hit eight fours. Captain Aliya Riaz kept PCB Blasters in the hunt with 37 off 31 balls before she was run out on the penultimate ball as her side fell agonisingly short of the target. Sidra Nawaz (19 off 12 balls) was the other significant contributor in the PCB Blasters total. Bismah Maroof, Saba Nazir and Fatima Sana took a wicket apiece for the victorious side. Batting first, after winning the toss, PCB Challengers posted 157 for seven. Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof led the way for her side with 61 off 48 balls. Bismah, later adjudged player-of-the-match, took the attack to the PCB Blasters as she hit nine fours and one six. Besides Bismah, Fatima Sana was the other notable run-getter. She hit four fours and one six in her 41 off 33 balls. She along with Bismah took the team past the 150-run mark after they had stuttered to 87 for five in the 12th over. Bismah and Fatima added 54 runs for the sixth-wicket. Hafsa Amjad with three wickets for 27 runs was the most successful bowler for PCB Blasters. Scores in brief: PCB Challengers 157-7, 20 overs (Bismah Maroof 61, Fatima Sana 41, Kainat Hafeez 22; Hafsa Amjad 3-27) PCB Blasters 152-6, 20 overs (Javeria Khan 56, Aliya Riaz 37; Bismah Maroof 1-10) Result: PCB Challengers won by five runs Player-of-the-match: Bismah Maroof Next match: PCB Challengers v PCB Dynamites – Sunday

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (November 28, 2020):-The World Blind Cricket (WBC) on Saturday elected Syed Sultan Shah its new president for the next tenure of 2-year in the 22nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) that was conducted through video link due to COVID-19. The elections of the Executive Committee of World Blind Cricket were also held during the AGM. The representatives of ten full member countries participated in the meeting. Syed Sultan Shah has been elected unopposed as the President of WBCL for the term of next two years. The newly elected Executive Committee of World Blind Cricket Ltd comprises of the following, Syed Sultan Shah, who is the Chairman of Pakistan Blind Cricket Council, remained the President of World Blind Cricket twice earlier from 2012-2014 and 2014-2016. This will be his 3rd term in this premiere role. The General Manager of Pakistan Blind Cricket Council Maher Yousaf Haroon has been elected for the 4th consecutive time for the position of “Director Technical” World Blind Cricket. Names of new elected office bearers of WBC Syed Sultan Shah (Pakistan)                 President Bhawani Persad (West Indies)                 First Vice President Rajnesh Henry (India)                                Second Vice President Raymond Moxly (Australia)                       Secretary General Pawan Ghimire (Nepal)                             Director Finance David John (India)                                      Director Global Development Maher Yousaf Haroon (Pakistan)          Director Technical        

By BIPIN DANI Records (in cricket) are meant to be  broken but former Pakistani batsman Hasan Raza's record of being the youngest Test player will not break now. The ICC has announced 15 years as the minimum age to become an international cricketer which will enable former Pakistani batsman Hasan Raza to continue to hold the record. Raza was 14 y 227 days old when he was picked to play against Zimbabwe at Faisalabad on 24th October 1996. "The ICC has done the right thing. This I am not telling because my record is intact but I believe players only become mentally strong and matured after fifteen years of age. It is good from a safety point of view also that the players play when they are matured", Hasan Raza, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Islamabad, said on Sunday morning.   "When I was playing for Pakistan, Windies' fast bowler Courtney Walsh with 400 Test wickets was also playing. He was really fast and it was very difficult for a young bowler to face him". Raza faced him in the ODIs. "Yes, I was invited to make my debut early. This was because my performance in the school drew the attention of the selectors. Wasim Akram was my first Test captain and the Test cap to me was awarded by Mushtaq Mohammad, whose record (15 y 124 days) only I broke 38 years later".   Raza, 38 now, is running a cricket academy in Islamabad. "My aim is to make young cricketers for our country and I am fully devoted to it", he added. Hasan Raza is aware about the fact that few Pakistani players have faced controversy in their real age. "This is because there was no age proof and certificates in earlier days. Now we all have National Identity Cards. In the meantime, India's renowned cricket statistician Mohandas menon has provided the names of the following players, who played T-20s at a very young age. In Women's cricket: Nia Greig of Jersey Women was just 11y-40d when she made her T20I debut vs France Women at Nantes on 31 Jul 2019 In Men's cricket: Marian Gherasim of Romania was 14y-16d when he made his T20I debut vs Bulgaria at Ilfov County on 16 Oct 2020

SPORTS REPORT RAWALPINDI (November 22, 2020):-PCB Dynamites beat PCB Blasters by seven wickets in the opening match of the National Triangular T20 Women’s Cricket Championship being played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi on Sunday. Opener Ayesha Zafar and middle-order batter Iram Javed starred for the Dynamites in their convincing chase of the 138-run target which was completed in 19.1 overs. For PCB Dynamites, Ayesha lead the way with her 65-run innings of 50 balls. Iram remained unbeaten on 40 off 30 balls. Ayesha hit 10 fours and one six in her innings while Iram cleared the boundary four times (four sixes) and hit one four in her punishing knock that settled the game in the favour of PCB Dynamites. Hafsa Amjad, Maham Tariq and Anam Amin took a wicket apiece for PCB Blasters. Earlier, PCB Dynamites won the toss and opted to field first, PCB Blasters scored 137 for four in their allotted 20 overs. Javeria Rauf top-scored with 35 off 32 balls, her innings included two fours and two sixes. Aliya Riaz lifted the run-rate with a stroke-filled unbeaten 34 off 22 balls; she hit six fours in her innings. Opener Javeria Khan scored 29 off 36 balls, her innings included three fours. Kainat Imtiaz, Rameen Shamim and Nashra Sandhu took a wicket apiece for PCB Dynamites. In the second match of the tournament PCB Blasters will play PCB Challengers tomorrow at the same venue. Scores in brief: Result: PCB Dynamites won by seven wickets PCB Blasters 137-4, 20 overs (Javeria Rauf 35, Aliya Riaz 34 not out; Kainat Imtiaz 1-22) PCB Dynamites 138-3, 19.1 overs (Ayesha Zafar 65, Iram Javed 40 not out; Hafsa Amjad 1-19) Player of the match: Ayesha Zafar (PCB Dynamites)

SPORTS REPORT ISLAMABAD (November 18, 2020):-The chairman, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ehsan Mani today (Wednesday) congratulated all participants, officials, local administration and security agencies on the successful completion of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 that concluded on Tuesday under the National Stadium floodlights. While an empty National Stadium for the playoffs took the gloss away from the first homecoming event that saw nearly 600,000 spectators cross turnstiles in the 30 league matches (last four league matches were played behind closed doors after the Covid-19 outbreak in Pakistan) before the event was suspended on 17 March due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, there was no doubt that the HBL Pakistan Super League 2000 had been an outstanding success given the very difficult circumstances. The two Karachi Kings versus Lahore Qalandars’ home and away preliminary round matches at the National and Gaddafi Stadium were packed-to-capacity as the fans thronged the two iconic and historic venues to watch the oldest rivalry in Pakistan cricket. PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani: “I had promised following the HBL Pakistan Super League 2019 that the 2020 edition will be held in Pakistan from start to finish. I reiterated this when the event was suspended prior to the playoff stage, and despite several challenges, uncertainties and doubts, I am delighted that the PCB has fulfilled another commitment and promise to the loyal and passionate Pakistan cricket fans and supporters. “But at the same time, I am sad that Karachi Kings had to make history before an empty National Stadium. This great game is all about fans and their absence was badly missed by all of us, including the players and match officials. We can only visualise the celebrations and a festive occasion this final would have created, only if the situation was normal. “I have been overwhelmed and touched by the fans’ support and appreciation who followed action on television and live-streaming, and took to the social media proactively and with great enthusiasm to contribute in enhancing the reputation and image of the country through positive and sporting posts and engagements. This was just another example of no matter what, you cannot take cricket out of the lives and systems of the Pakistan fans. “With the Covid-19 situation being an evolving one, the PCB will continue to monitor it and work with the authorities to explore ways of allowing fans to attend matches when international cricket and HBL Pakistan Super League matches are held in 2021. “The fans’ following, interest and enthusiasm of the Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars final also reflected the value and importance of inter-city matches, something we are on course of rolling out at the City Cricket Association level. Pakistan is lucky to have separate city-based and Cricket Association-based competitions as we aim to make these brands stronger and more popular. “I also want to offer my wholehearted thanks to the Sindh government and the local security agencies who continued their support of Pakistan cricket by helping in the successful delivery of the playoffs. I also want to offer my gratitude to the local and provincial administrations of other provinces who stood behind us in the preliminary stage matches, which were the cornerstone of the playoffs in Karachi. “The visiting players were once again appreciative of the way they were looked after and I am sure following these playoff matches, we have added more ambassadors of Pakistan cricket. “Not many will know, understand and recognise the efforts and hard work of the PCB staff, who have worked incredibly hard to demonstrate to the world that Pakistan can organise and deliver high-quality cricket successfully despite the challenging and difficult Covid-19 situation. “The PCB has already delivered more than 55 per cent of a full domestic season, while the home international series against Zimbabwe was smooth and flawless. “I remain confident that the PCB will succeed in completing the 2020-21 domestic season. We look forward to hosting South Africa under the Future Tours Programme agreement in January/February 2021 and leading international cricketers will also return to feature in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2021, which will be played at the back of the home series against South Africa. “I want to thank all the foreign stars who arrived in Karachi for the playoffs. This not only reflected the stature and value of the HBL Pakistan Super League, but also their loyalty and commitment to their sides. “As for the local players, it has not been an easy time since the start of the season on 30 September as they have continued to remain in the bio-secure bubble. I know this requires a lot of mental toughness and extra efforts to remain in a restricted environment, take the field almost every day and then produce strong performances. The sacrifices they are making will only contribute in helping them become stronger and tougher professional athletes. “Lastly, I want to thank all the PCB’s commercial partners, particularly Habib Bank Limited, for their continued patronage and support, as well as the media, who dedicated big spaces in their newspapers and allocated airtime in their prime bulletins and space on their digital platforms to highlight and promote the HBL Pakistan Super League, which continues to strengthen its reputation, credibility and following with every match.”