Sports Bulletin

 SB Report LAHORE:-Azhar Ali has been appointed national cricket team captain for Pakistan’s World Test Championship matches in the 2019-20 while Babar Azam has been named captain of the No.1 ranked T20I side until next year’s ICC T20 World Cup Australia 2020, which is now exactly one year away. The appointments were confirmed after Sarfaraz Ahmed was left out of both formats due to the drop in his overall form during the past few series. Seventh-ranked Pakistan will play fifth-ranked Australia in two Tests in Brisbane (21-25 November) and Adelaide (29 November-3 December (d/n)) before hosting Sri Lanka and Bangladesh for two Tests apiece. Pakistan are also scheduled to play three T20Is each against Australia (3, 5 and 8 November) and Bangladesh before the curtain falls on their international domestic season in early February 2020. Azhar Ali has been a mainstay of Pakistan’s batting line-up since making his debut against Australia at Lord’s in 2010. The 34-year-old is regarded as Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan’s prodigy and has scored 5,669 runs with 15 centuries and 31 half-centuries in 73 Tests. Azhar had an excellent tour of Australia last time when Pakistan were there in 2016-17 when he had scores of 5, 71, 205 not out, 43, 71 and 11. His other scores against Australia in England and the UAE are 16, 42, 30, 51, 53, 30, 109, 100 not out, 18, 4, 15 and 64. This means the 21st ranked batsman in the world has aggregated 938 runs in nine Tests against Australia, his second most after Sri Lanka (1156 runs in 14 Tests). In the ongoing four-day first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Azhar is the second most successful batsman with 388 runs in four matches as his side Central Punjab leads the field with two wins. Reacting to the news, Azhar Ali said: “There is no bigger honour than to captain the Pakistan national cricket team in the pinnacle format of the game. I feel humbled, excited and privileged, and with the support of the team, look forward to justifying the faith that has been entrusted upon me for the World Test Championship.  “Sarfaraz Ahmed has done an excellent job in transforming raw talent into experienced players and I now look forward to inspiring those skillful players in our endeavours to collectively achieve our World Test Championship objectives and beyond.  “These are exciting times in Pakistan cricket with a new team management. As a captain, I feel comfortable that there will be number of knowledgeable people in the hut who I can rely for advice and guidance.  “I am not only targeting wins, but also aim to provide opportunities to players to grow in stature and express themselves so that Pakistan cricket can resume its journey to the top. I have always played my cricket the hard way but in a fair manner, and will ensure I continue to uphold the spirit of cricket and enhance the image of the team and the country.” Babar Azam, the No.1 ranked batsman in T20Is, has previously captained Pakistan in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2012. He was vice-captain in the recently-concluded series against Sri Lanka and is presently captaining Central Punjab in the National T20 Cup where he scored a 59-ball 102 on the opening day against Sindh. Babar Azam said: “To be named captain of the No.1 ranked side in the world is the biggest thing that has happened to my career to date. I am ready for this challenge and also willing to learn more in the process. I feel it has been a natural progression for me and I am delighted that the PCB has put faith in my capabilities. “Sarfaraz Ahmed has led the side in the shortest format by example and it is my responsibility to take forward his accomplishments so that we remain a consistent, attractive and powerful side.” Sarfaraz Ahmed said: “It has been an honour to lead Pakistan at the highest level. I want to thank all my colleagues, coaches and selectors who have helped me in this journey. My good wishes are with Azhar Ali, Babar Azam and the Pakistan cricket team, and I hope they will continue to grow stronger and stronger.” PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani, who approved the appointments, said: “I want to congratulate Azhar Ali and Babar Azam on their elevations to the most coveted and prestigious jobs in cricket. It is a reward for their continued hard work in strives for excellence and I am sure they, like their predecessors, will make the country proud with their performance, leadership and sportsmanship. “It has been a difficult decision to drop Sarfaraz Ahmed, who has performed well as a player and a leader. But, his loss in form and confidence is visible and, in the best interest of the team, it has been decided to leave him out and provide him the opportunity to reflect and regroup himself and try to reclaim his form away from international cricket. “Sarfaraz Ahmed’s contributions are second to none and being the gutsy cricketer and fighter that we all know he is, I have no doubts he will be back in Pakistan colours at some stage.” Decision on vice-captaincy will be made closer to the series, whilst captaincy for the ODIs will be finalised in due course as the national team’s next assignment is scheduled from 4-9 July 2020 against the Netherlands in Amstelveen.  

SB Report LAHORE:- With one eye on the series against Australia, Pakistan’s bowling coach Waqar Younis will hold a bowlers camp at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday and Sunday. The national selection committee has invited 15 high-performing bowlers from the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and the ongoing National T20 Cup as well as fast bowlers Mohammad Abbas and Shaheen Shah Afridi for the weekend camp. The purpose of the camp is to provide the selectors better insight on the fitness and form of the bowlers that can further assist them while picking the T20I and Test sides. It will also give the bowlers an opportunity to understand their shortcomings and ways to improve their skills in the upcoming domestic matches. Fast bowlers Abbas and Shaheen will be back in action after missing domestic matches. Abbas was given a break after the third round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy to strategically manage his workload and fatigue, while Shaheen will return after for the first time since picking up dengue fever in August. Pakistan bowling coach Waqar Younis said: “As the National T20 Cup has a two-day break, we thought of utilising this time by holding bowlers camp in Lahore with multiple objectives. But, this does not mean that the selectors have limited their selection options to these 11 bowlers. The selectors have an open mind and bowlers who are best suited to the formats and conditions on the upcoming tour will be selected.” Chief selector and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq, and Test captain Azhar Ali will also monitor the camp. The T20I and Test squads for the Australia tour will be announced by chief selector and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq at 215pm on Monday, 21 October, in media conference at the Far End, Gaddafi Stadium. Bowlers invited for the camp are: Bilal Asif (Central Punjab), Bilawal Bhatti (Southern Punjab), Imran Khan Snr (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Kashif Bhatti (Sindh), Mohammad Abbas (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Irfan Junior (Slow left-arm, Southern Punjab), Musa Khan (Northern), Mohammad Mohsin (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Naseem Shah (Central Punjab), Rahat Ali (Southern Punjab), Sameen Gul (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Northern), Tabish Khan (Sindh), Yasir Shah (Balochistan) and Zahid Mehmood (Southern Punjab).        

SB Report KARACHI:-Southern Punjab recorded a crushing seven wicket win over Balochistan in the National T20 2nd XI tournament at the National Stadium, Karachi on Thursday. This was Southern Punjab’s third consecutive victory; they remain the only unbeaten side in the event and now have six points from three games and are at the top of the table. In the second match of the day, Sindh overcame Northern by three wickets to register their third win in four games. Balochistan opted to bat first against Southern Punjab, the decision backfired as left-armer Zia-ul-Haq ran through the Balochistan batting with a four-wicket haul, conceding 18 runs in his four over spell. Mohammad Imran and Zulfiqar Babar took two wickets each while two batsmen were dismissed run out. Fahad Iqbal (22) and Gulraiz Sadaf (21) were the only two Balochistan batsmen to offer some resistance. Southern Punjab chased down the target in 15.5 overs for the loss of three wickets. Openers Mukhtar Ahmed (29) and Zeeshan Ashraf (25) added 47 for the first wicket. Muhammad Mohsin 18 not out and Naveed Yasin 11 not out took Southern Punjab home, Atif Jabbar took two wickets for Balochistan. Batting first, Northern posted 140 for the loss of six wickets after they were asked to bat first by Sindh captain Rameez Raja Jr. Rameez left the field due to his mother’s death and was replaced by Jahid Ali in the playing eleven with wicketkeeper Saifullah Bangash taking over as captain. Northern’s innings included a 53-ball 76 by opener Shoaib Ahmed, Shoaib hit 10 fours and one six in his innings. Usama Mir with 16 not out was the second highest scorer along with Sarmad Bhatti who also scored 16. Hassan Khan and Muhammad Umer took two wickets each. Saifullah led from the front with the bat as Sindh survived some anxious moments before reaching the target with four balls and three wickets to spare. Saifullah remained unbeaten on 47 off 27 balls, his innings included eight fours. Jaahid scored 31 off 24 balls. Raza Hasan and Noman Ali took two wickets each for Northern. Scores in brief: Balochistan v Southern Punjab, National Stadium, Karachi Balochistan 100 all out, 19 overs (Fahad Iqbal 22, Gulraiz Sadaf 21; Zia-ul-Haq 4-18) Southern Punjab 101 for 3, 15.5 overs (Mukhtar Ahmed 29, Zeeshan Ashraf 25; Atif Jabbar 2-21) Result: Southern Punjab won by 7 wickets Northern v Sindh, National Stadium, Karachi Northern 140 for 6, 20 overs (Shoaib Ahmed 76; Hassan Khan 2-24, Muhammad Umer 2-28) Sindh 144 for 7, 19.2 overs (Saifullah Bangash 47 not out, Jahid Ali 31; Raza Hasan 2-19, Noman Ali 2-30) Result: Sindh won by 3 wickets

SB Report FAISALABAD:-Imam-ul-Haq’s half-century and Akif Javed’s three-fer secured a seven-wicket win for Balochistan against Southern Punjab in the ninth match of the ongoing National T20 Cup at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad on Thursday. Balochistan captain Haris Sohail decided to bowl first after winning the toss and the decision produced the desired results for his side immediately with young pacer Akif removing Shan Masood and Mohammad Hafeez in the first over of the match. The left-arm pacer struck again in the death overs, accounting for Aamer Yamin’s wicket. In his four overs, Akif took three wickets for 16 runs. Sohaib Maqsood and Wahab Riaz were the two batsmen who put up a fight with the bat and helped Southern Punjab to a respectable score of 144 for seven. Sohaib scored a 34-ball 35, while Wahab’s batting form continued as the 34-year-old cracked 31 runs from 17 balls with three fours and a six. Balochistan got off to a solid start thanks to a well-crafted 51 off 39 by Imam. The left-handed opener cracked six fours and stitched a 60-run opening stand with Awais Zia (22 off 24) before the latter lost his wicket on the penultimate ball of the ninth over. Haris’ and Imran Butt’s unbeaten scores of 25 off 22 and 28 off 21, respectively, ensured Balochistan chase down the total comfortably with seven wickets and three balls spare. Mohammad Zahid and Wahab picked up two wickets each in the run chase for 28 and 37 runs. Imam was declared man-of-the-match. Scores in brief: Southern Punjab 144-7, 20 overs (Sohaib Maqsood 35, Wahab Riaz 31, Aamer Yamin 27; Akif Javed 3-16, Mohammad Asghar 2-17) Balochistan 145-3, 19.3 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 51, Imran Butt 28 not out, Haris Sohail 25 not out, Awais Zia 22; Zahid Mahmood 2-28, Wahab Riaz 2-37)

SB Report LAHORE:-Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former Test spinner Nadeem Khan as Coordinator – National Selection Committee on Thursday. According to media department of PCB, Nadeem will act as a bridge between chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq and the six selectors by gathering feedback, information and maintaining players’ profile from the domestic matches, and presenting to the selection committee so that the data can be used in their decision-making. Nadeem will neither be part of the national selection committee nor will have a say in selection matters. Part of Nadeem’s responsibilities will require domestic traveling, watching local matches, keeping a track and preparing reports on high-performing players, and speaking with the six city association coaches on a regular basis. PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “We are pleased to confirm the appointment of Nadeem Khan and welcome him to the PCB family. Nadeem is one of the most respected cricketers and is admired for his overall cricket knowledge, insight of domestic cricket and ability to speak openly, frankly and honestly. “When we had unveiled Misbah-ul-Haq as chief selector and head coach, we had stated we will provide all necessary support to allow Misbah to fulfill his responsibilities and achieve his objectives and targets. Nadeem’s appointment is a testament to that statement.” About Nadeem Khan: ·         The 49-year-old played two Tests, two ODIs and 153 first-class matches in a career spanning between 1987 and 2002 ·         He has served on the national selection committee in the 2016-17 season ·         He has managed Pakistan U19 sides in two Asia Cups and an ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in 2018-19. ·         He is an ECB certified Level II coach ·         He has previously worked as head coach at the Michael Vaughan Academy and Sheffield Collegiate Cricket Club from 2008-10 ·         He presently heads the UBL Sports Complex  

Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD:-Pakistan Under-19 cricket team will leave for Beijing, China, on Wednesday evening to play friendly matches against the home and Afghanistan Under-19 squads. The 12-player squad will be captained by Mohammad Harris Khan, while Saim Ayub will be his vice-captain. Pakistan U19 team will play China on Saturday, 19 October and Afghanistan on Sunday, 20 October. A combined Afghanistan and Pakistan side will play China on Wednesday, 23 October. Pakistan squad will return home on Thursday, 24 October. The tour has been has been arranged by the Chinese government and the purpose of these matches is to strengthen the mutual communication, understanding and friendship between China, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Pakistan squad: Mohammad Harris Khan (captain), Saim Ayub (vice-captain), Aamir Ali, Abbas Afridi, Fahad Munir, Haseeb Ullah (wicketkeeper), Jahanzeb Sultan, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Mohammad Wasim Junior, Sameer Saqib, Shiraz Khan and Zaman Khan. Player support personnel: Mohtashim Rashid (coach), Rehan Khalid (physiotherapist) and Fazal Wahab (trainer).  

Sports Bulletin Report FAISALABAD-Sindh beat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) by eight runs and secured their second win in the ongoing National T20 Cup at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium. The Asad Shafiq-led side scored 176 runs for the loss of six wickets after they were asked to bat. The opening pair of Khurram Manzoor and Ahsan Ali provided a solid foundation with an 83-run opening stand in 10.1 overs. The partnership ended with the dismissal of Khurram, who scored 35 off 32 with five fours. But, Ahsan kept going from the other end and cracked a brilliant 37-ball 64, hitting eight fours and three sixes. The 25-year-old was later named man-of-the-match. One-drop batsman Saad Ali was the other notable scorer with 20 off 18. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had used five bowlers and all picked up a wicket each. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa wobbled earlier in the chase as they were 48 for three in 5.5 overs due to two back-to-back wickets of Fakhar Zaman (15 off 11) and Mohammad Mohsin, who registered a golden duck, off Mohammad Hasnain’s bowling in the fifth over of the innings. A 52-run partnership for the fourth-wicket between captain Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed denied any further inroads to Sindh bowlers. Rizwan kept the contest alive till the very last over, scoring 43-ball 70, before he was dismissed on the third ball of the last over. The wicketkeeper-batsman struck six fours and two sixes during his stay at the crease. Anwar Ali was the pick of the bowlers for Sindh, taking three wickets for 30 runs in three overs. Scores in brief: Sindh 176-6, 20 overs (Ahsan Ali 64, Khurram Manzoor 35, Saad Ali 20) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 168-6, 20 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 70, Israrullah 28, Iftikhar Ahmed 20; Anwar Ali 3-30, Mohammad Hasnain 2-29) (SB Report)  

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded their first win in the National T20 2nd XI tournament at the National Stadium, Karachi on Wednesday. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who had lost their opening two matches outplayed hosts Sindh by six wickets, this was Sindh’s first defeat in the tournament. Central Punjab, who like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had lost their first two matches, won their first match of the event, overcoming Balochistan by 57 runs.   In the first match on Wednesday, Sindh were put into bat by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the home side scored 169 for six in their 20 overs. Middle-order batsmen Mohammad Waqas (36) and Ramiz Aziz (34) were the main contributors. Danish Aziz scored an unbeaten 26 off 15 balls with the help of three fours and one six. Sajid Khan took two wickets for 28 runs. Gohar Ali’s 28-ball 49 and Nabi Gul’s 44 took Khyber Pakhtunkhwa past the target in 17.2 overs. Gohar hit two sixes and six fours in his innings while Nabi continued his impressive form in the tournament with a 28-ball effort that included four fours and one six. Left-arm pacer Ghulam Muddasar took three wickets for 31 runs for Sindh. Central Punjab opted to bat first and posted 198 for six. Their total was built on a 97-run stand between Nauman Anwar (62 off 36 balls, six fours and four sixes) and Mohammad Saad (66 off 46 balls, four fours and three sixes). Zahid Mansoor remained unbeaten on 39 off 22 balls, his stroke-filled innings included three sixes and one four. Balochistan captain Akbar-ur-Rehman took three wickets while Khurram Shehzad took two wickets. In reply, Balochistan were restricted to 141 for eight. Ibtisam Sheikh top-scored with an unbeaten 46 off 25 balls, Jalat Khan scored 29 runs. Central Punjab bowlers maintained a stranglehold on Balochistan batting and never allowed them to get close to the asking rate after the first six batsmen were sent back with only 67 runs on the board. Raza Ali Dar who took seven wickets in the previous game once again starred with the ball taking three wickets for 23 runs. Scores in brief: Sindh v Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, National Stadium, Karachi Sindh 169 for six, 20 overs (Muhammad Waqas 36, Ramiz Aziz 34; Sajid Khan 2-28) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 171 for 4, 17.2 overs (Gohar Ali 49, Nabi Gul 44; Ghulam Muddasar 3-31)  Result: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa won by 6 wickets. Balochistan v Central Punjab, National Stadium, Karachi Central Punjab 198 for 6, 20 overs (Muhammad Saad 66, Nauman Anwar 62, Zahid Mansoor 39 not out; Akbar-ur-Rehman 3-31, Khurram Shehzad 2-32) Balochistan 141 for 8, 20 overs (Ibtisam Sheikh 46, Jalat Khan 29; Raza Ali Dar 3-23) Result: Central Punjab won by 57 runs (SB Report)

Sports Bulletin Report FAISALABAD:-Wahab Riaz’s three for 28 with the ball and an unbeaten 17-ball 42 secured a four-wicket win for Southern Punjab over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium in the sixth match of the National T20 Cup on Tuesday. Wahab took the wickets of Sahibzada Farhan (27 off 19), Adil Amin (7 off 12) and Iftikhar Ahmad (0 off 2) to leave Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reeling at 51 for four in 8.5 overs. That Khyber Pakhtunkhwa managed a respectable score was due an 83-run stand between Mohammad Rizwan and Khushdil Shah Rizwan scored 45 off 40 balls, hitting four fours and a six, while Khushdil cracked an unbeaten 32-ball 56, embellished with five fours and three sixes. Aamer Yamin and Mohammad Irfan picked up a wicket each as they gave 31 and 19 runs, respectively. Southern Punjab floundered in the first half of the chase with half of their batting lineup back in the pavilion in 8.5 overs with only 51 runs on board as Mohammad Mohsin took three wickets. But with his unbeaten 49 off 35 balls, which included four fours and a six, Saif Badar weathered the storm. He crafted a 55-run stand with Aamer (15 off 10). Any doubts over the success of the run-chase vanished when Wahab joined Saif as the former took control and spanked five fours and two sixes to take Southern Punjab home with four wickets and nine balls spare.This was Southern Punjab’s first win in the tournament.  Scores in brief: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 154-5, 20 overs (Khushdil Shah 56 not out, Mohammad Rizwan 45, Sahibzada Farhan 27; Wahab Riaz 3-28) Southern Punjab 155-6, 18.3 overs (Saif Badar 49 not out, Wahab Riaz 42 not out, Sohaib Maqsood 24; Mohammad Mohsin 3-37)

Our Sports Reporter LAHORE:-The involvement and participation of Pakistani women in mainstream cricket continues to increase as four women have registered for a three-day ACC Level 1 Women Coaching Course, which will be held in Lahore from 17 to 19 October. Women registered for the first step in future coaching roles include Abbottabad’s Atika Sabir Khan, Lahore’s Fareeha Mahmood, Shehla Bibi from Wah Cantt and Tasleem Bano from the Gaizer district of Gilgit Baltistan. Fareeha is a current Pakistan international who featured in three T20Is against Sri Lanka in March 2018. Other participants in the course, first of its kind, include representatives from Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bhutan, Hong Kong, Iran, Kuwait (two), Malaysia, Maldives, Oman (two) and United Arab Emirates. Ali Zia, Senior General Manager – National Cricket Academy, and also a course instructor course said: “We have already organized two Level-2 courses in the past. The feedback given by ACC to PCB was commendable and it was marked as the best-ever organized so far. “There is a certain standard set for the course, the participants will gain great benefit from the course, as it will provide them with an opportunity to go back to their countries and train young girls. “The ACC’s Test playing countries are always there in development of the associate countries and will continue to play an active role in future.” Sultan Rana, ACC’s Events and Development Manager, said: “ACC is working with its member countries in the development of the game in the region. The ACC takes pride in hosting its inaugural women’s level-1 course at NCA.  The initiative was taken in the ACC’s Development Committee meeting, which was chaired by Chairman PCB Mr Ehsan Mani. Our purpose is to encourage more girls in this game, and the course will provide an opportunity to inspire them. It will also help the participants to go back to their homeland and play a part in the development of women’s cricket.”  ACC Level 1 Women’s Coaching Course: Atika Sabir Khan (Pakistan), Awatif Alqallaf (Kuwait), Dechen Wangmo (Bhutan), Elnaz Parvin (Iran), Emylia Eliani Binti Md Rahim (Malaysia), Fareeha Mahmood (Pakistan), Khadija Khalil (Kuwait), Mariyam Zoona (Maldives), Meera Bhanushali (Oman), Nawal Tahir Mohammad (Bahrain), Shamila Chathurika Ananda (UAE), Shanzzen Shahzad (Hong Kong), Shazia Rahman Zazai (Afghanistan), Shehla Bibi (Pakistan), Tasleem Bano (Pakistan), Vaishali Jesrani (Oman)