Cricket
Pakistan and Bangladesh set to meet in Blind T20 Cricket World Cup final
Multan (SBR): Pakistan and Bangladesh have stormed into the final of the 4th T20 Blind Cricket World Cup, while Sri Lanka and Nepal were eliminated from the race. The highlight of the semifinals included a record-breaking knock by Pakistan’s Kamran Akhtar, who smashed the fastest fifty in T20 Blind Cricket World Cup history. In the first semifinal at Multan Cricket Stadium, Pakistan won the toss and invited Nepal to bat first. Nepal managed 94 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their 20 overs, with Durga Datta top-scoring with 40 off 42 balls and Ramesh contributing 17 not out off 30 deliveries. Pakistan's Matiullah bowled brilliantly, taking three wickets for just five runs in his four overs. Pakistan's openers made short work of the target, reaching 95 runs without losing a wicket in just 5.3 overs. Kamran Akhtar showcased blistering form, scoring an unbeaten 63 off 21 balls, including one six and 12 boundaries. His half-century came off just 14 balls, setting a new record for the fastest fifty in T20 Blind Cricket World Cup history. Babar Ali supported him with an unbeaten 32. Kamran Akhtar was named player of the match, with the award presented by World Blind Cricket Council Secretary General Raymond Moxley alongside PBCC Chairman Syed Sultan Shah. The second semifinal saw Bangladesh edge past Sri Lanka in a nail-biting contest. Batting first, Bangladesh put up a formidable 244/6 in their 20 overs, with an additional six penalty runs awarded for a slow over rate by Sri Lanka. Mohammad Salman played a stunning innings, scoring 97 runs off 49 balls with 14 boundaries, while Arif Hussain contributed 81 runs off 56 balls, hitting 10 fours. In response, Sri Lanka fought valiantly, posting 238/4 in their 20 overs. Chandana led the charge with a brilliant 86 off 54 balls, and Dinesh added 35 off 28 balls. However, their efforts fell short by six runs. Mohammad Salman was declared player of the match for his match-winning performance. The final between Pakistan and Bangladesh is scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, at 11:00 am at Multan Cricket Stadium.
T20 Blind World Cup: Pakistan to face Nepal, Bangladesh to take on Sri Lanka
Sports Bulletin ReportMULTAN: The lineup for the semifinals of the 4th T20 Blind Cricket World Cup is complete, with Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal advancing to the knockout stage. Pakistan will clash with Nepal in the first semifinal, while Bangladesh will take on Sri Lanka in the second semifinal. Both matches are scheduled for December 1 at Multan Cricket Stadium. In the final round of group matches, Pakistan delivered a commanding performance, defeating Afghanistan by seven wickets to secure the top spot in the group. Electing to field first, Pakistan bowled out Afghanistan for a mere 94 runs in 19.2 overs, with Fakhar Abbas claiming 3 wickets for just 4 runs in 2.2 overs. Chasing the modest target, Pakistan achieved victory in 9.5 overs, led by Talha Iqbal's quickfire 32 off 15 balls. Fakhar Abbas was named Player of the Match for his exceptional bowling performance. Meanwhile, in another group match at DHA Ground, Bangladesh overpowered South Africa with a dominant 10-wicket win. South Africa set a target of 150 runs, scoring 149/8 in 20 overs. Bangladesh's openers, Mohammad Salman (73 off 44 balls) and Arif Hussain (55 off 39 balls), comfortably chased down the target in 12.5 overs. The semifinals promise thrilling encounters, with the Pakistan-Nepal match scheduled for 9:00 am and the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka showdown set for 1:00 pm at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
U19 Asia Cup 2024: Pakistan overcome India by 43 runs in Dubai
Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): Opener Shahzaib Khan stroked a superlative 159 as Pakistan U19 convincingly defeated India U19 by 43 runs in a Group-A ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup fixture at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.Shahzaib’s 147-ball knock, featuring five fours and 10 sixes, propelled Pakistan to a total of 281 for seven in their allotted 50 overs. In reply, India U19 were bowled out for 238 in 47.1 overs after slipping to 81 for four and then 190 for nine. Promising fast bowler Ali Raza starred with the ball, claiming three wickets for 36 runs.The Mansehra-born Shahzaib laid a solid foundation with fellow opener Usman Khan, sharing a 160-run stand in 30.4 overs. Usman contributed a steady 94-ball 60, including six boundaries. Both openers came into this match in fine form, having scored 330 and 314 runs, respectively in a recent tri-series involving Afghanistan and hosts UAE.For the third wicket, Shahzaib added 71 runs with Muhammad Riazullah (27). Pakistan batters accelerated towards the end, adding 74 runs in the last 10 overs after reaching 207 for two in 40 overs. Captain Saad Baig’s decision to bat first proved fruitful as his side posted a challenging total of 281.Fast bowler Samarth Nagaraj was the standout performer for India, taking three wickets for 45 runs, while Ayush Mhatre chipped in with two for 30. India began their chase positively but suffered early blows. Abdul Subhan dismissed Mhatre (20) at 28 in 3.4 overs before Ali Raza removed Vaibhav Suryavanshi in the next over. Usman Khan and Faham-ul-Haq added to India’s woes, reducing them to 81 for four.A 53-run fifth-wicket partnership between Nikhil Kumar and Kiran Chormale briefly revived India. However, Faham broke the stand by dismissing Chormale (20). Kumar, who top-scored with a 77-ball 67, added 40 runs with wicketkeeper-batter Harvansh Pangalia (26) before falling to off-spinner Naveed Ahmed Khan at 174 in the 36th over.The innings finally wrapped when No.10 Mohamed Enaam was run-out for 30 with the India scorecard showing 238 in 47.1 overs. For Pakistan, Ali Raza’s figures of 9-1-36-3 stood out, while Abdul Subhan (2-45) and Faham-ul-Haq (2-41) provided excellent support. Pakistan's next match is against the UAE on 2 December at the same venue.Scores in brief (Pakistan U19 beat India U19 by 43 runs, Dubai International Cricket Stadium):Pakistan U19 281-7, 50 overs (Shahzaib Khan 159, Usman Khan 60, Muhammad Riazullah 27; Samarth Nagaraj 3-45, Ayush Mhatre 2-30)India U19 238 all-out, 47.1 overs (Nikhil Kumar 67, Mohamed Enaan 30, Harvansh Pangalia 26, Kiran Chormale 20, Ayush Mhatre 20; Ali Raza 3-36, Abdul Subhan 2-45, Faham-ul-Haq 41)Player of the match – Shahzaib Khan (Pakistan U19)
Blind T20 Cricket World Cup: South Africa and Pakistan post victories
Sports Bulletin ReportMULTAN: South Africa delivered a commanding performance by defeating Afghanistan by nine wickets at the DHA Ground while Pakistan registered a resounding nine-wicket victory over Sri Lanka here at Multan Cricket Stadium in the ongoing Blind T20 Cricket World Cup on Friday.After winning the toss, Afghanistan opted to bat and posted a competitive total of 171 for 7 in their 20 overs. Captain Abasin led the charge with a splendid 63 off 52 balls, while Daran contributed 30 runs off 22 deliveries. In response, South Africa achieved the target in just 11.4 overs, losing only one wicket. Lesedi Lesufi played a match-winning knock of 75 not out off 44 balls, supported by Mathapo's blistering 60 off 33 balls. DHA Executive Director Land Brig Naeem Nasar graced the occasion as chief guest and presented man of the match award to Lesedi Lesufi. In the second match held at Multan Cricket Stadium, Pakistan registered a resounding nine-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, marking their fourth consecutive win of the tournament. Sri Lanka, opting to bat first after winning the toss, managed 122 for 7 in their 20 overs. Thushara scored 28 runs off 37 balls, while Suranga added 26 runs off 29 deliveries. Pakistan's bowlers were clinical, with Babar Ali taking 2 wickets for just 6 runs in 3 overs, and Nematullah claiming 2 wickets for 27 runs in his 4-over spell. Chasing the modest target, Pakistan reached 123 in just 6.2 overs, losing only one wicket. Opener Nematullah starred with the bat, smashing an unbeaten 71 off 29 balls.Meanwhile, Nepal was awarded a walkover against India in their scheduled match on November 29. The tournament will see two matches on November 30 (Saturday). Pakistan will face Afghanistan at Multan Cricket Stadium, and South Africa will take on Bangladesh at the DHA Ground, with both matches starting at 11:00 am.
National Selection Committee names U19 women squad for T20 Asia Cup
Lahore (PR): The women’s National Selection Committee has named a 15-member Pakistan U19 squad for the six-team ACC Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup, which will be played in Kuala Lumpur from 15-22 December. Zoofishan Ayyaz has been appointed captain, while Komal Khan has been named as the vice-captain.Pakistan Squad:Batters: Areesha Ansari (Kasur), Fizza Fiaz (Lahore), Maham Anees (Islamabad), Ravail Farhan (Lahore) and Zoofishan Ayyaz (Wah Cantt)Wicketkeeper-batters: Komal Khan (Lahore), Wasifa Hussain (Karachi)Spinners: Aleesa Mukhtiar (Muzaffargarh), Quratulain (Sialkot), Rozina Akram (Rawalpindi) and Tayyaba Imdad (Abbottabad)Fast bowlers: Fatima Khan (Lahore), Haniah Ahmer (Karachi), Mahnoor Zeb (Mardan), Shahar Bano and (Lodhran)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)The squad was selected following the conclusion of this month’s skills and fitness camp involving 32 players, which lasted 21 days. During this period, three intra-squad matches were also held. Pakistan will open their campaign against India on 15 December, while their second Group A match will be against Nepal on the following day. Group B includes Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and hosts Malaysia. Top two sides from each group will progress to the Super-Four Stage, which will be played on 19 and 20 December, with the final on 22 December.Schedule of matches:15 December – Sri Lanka v Malaysia (9.30am, KL time); Pakistan v India (2pm, KL time)16 December – Sri Lanka v Bangladesh (9.0am, KL time); Pakistan v Nepal (2pm, KL time)17 December – Bangladesh v Malaysia (9.30am, KL time); India v 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)
T20 Blind World Cup: Pakistan stun Nepal, Bangladesh beat Afghanistan
Hosts Pakistan reach in semifinal after beating Nepal by 10 wickets in LahoreSports Bulletin ReportLahore: Pakistan blind cricket team has stormed into the semifinals of the 4th T20 Blind Cricket World Cup after a resounding 10-wicket victory against Nepal at Ghani Institute Cricket Ground. Chasing a target of 101 runs, Pakistan reached the goal in just 6.4 overs without losing a wicket. Opener Naeematullah scored an unbeaten 73 off 30 balls, while Mohammad Safdar contributed 24* off 14 balls. Earlier, Nepal posted 100/5 in 18 overs, with Bhart Thapa scoring 39 off 46 balls. Pakistan's Haroon Khan impressed with figures of 2/5. Naeematullah was named player of the match by PBCC Chairman Syed Sultan Shah. In other matches, Sri Lanka secured their third win, defeating South Africa by 53 runs. Suranga Sampat starred with 56 off 33 balls, helping Sri Lanka post 217/6. South Africa managed 164/9 in reply. Sri Lankan captain Chandana Deshpriya and Saman Tushara each took two wickets. At Bagh-e-Jinnah Cricket Ground, Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan by eight wickets. Afghanistan, batting first, scored 149 in 18.2 overs, with captain Abbasin scoring 30. Bangladesh chased down the target in 12 overs, thanks to Arif Hussain's unbeaten 89 off 44 balls. The first phase of the Blind Cricket World Cup in Lahore has come to an end. After a rest day on November 28, the second phase will commence in Multan on November 29.
Blind Cricket T20 World Cup: Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 8 wickets
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Pakistan's blind cricket team beat Bangladesh by 8 wickets in the Blind Cricket T20 World Cup 2024 at Bagh-e-Jinnah Ground, Lahore on Tuesday.This marks Pakistan's second consecutive win in the tournament, further solidifying their strong start. Bangladesh, electing to bat first after winning the toss, posted a total of 145 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Mohammad Salman was the standout performer for Bangladesh, scoring 43 off 31 balls, supported by Tarif Rehan’s 30 runs off 32 deliveries. Pakistan’s disciplined bowling restricted the Bangladeshi side from achieving a bigger total.In reply, Pakistan's batters delivered a clinical performance, chasing down the target in just 12.4 overs. Mohammad Safdar laid a solid foundation with 41 runs off 29 balls, while Niamatullah contributed 34 runs off an equal number of deliveries. However, it was Badar Munir’s explosive unbeaten 28 off 9 balls that sealed the victory in style for Pakistan.The match featured Provincial Secretary Sports Punjab Muzaffar Khan Sial and Chairman Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBC) Syed Sultan Shah as special guests. During the post-match ceremony, Mohammad Salman was named emerging player of the match for his spirited batting, while Pakistan’s Badar Munir was awarded player of the match for his match-winning performance.Elsewhere in the tournament, Afghanistan received a walkover against India in their scheduled match for November 26. At the Ghani Institute Cricket Ground, Nepal edged out South Africa in a nail-biting contest, winning by 11 runs. Nepal posted 198 for 4 in their 20 overs, courtesy of Naresh Chaudhary’s commanding 80 off 57 balls and Sagar Lama’s brisk 40 off 29. South Africa’s Buhle Bhidla scored an unbeaten century (100 off 71 balls), but their total of 187 for 2 fell short.On Wednesday (November 27, 2024), South Africa will vie against Sri Lanka at 9:00 am at Ghani Institute Ground while Pakistan will compete against Nepal at 1:00 pm at Ghani Institute Ground and Bangladesh will take on Afghanistan at 10:00 am at Bagh-e-Jinnah Ground.
T20 Blind World Cup; Nepal crush Afghanistan by 108 runs: Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka by 25 runs
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Bangladesh halted the undefeated run of Sri Lanka on the third day of the 4th Blind Cricket World Cup after beating them by 25 runs at Bagh-e-Jinnah Cricket Ground, Lahore on Monday. As the mega blind cricket event of the year 2024, is being played at the different venues of Lahore. Sri Lanka won the toss and invited Bangladesh to bat first. Bangladesh posted 167 runs for the loss of four wickets in 20 overs. Ashiqur Rahman scored 42 runs, while Mohammad Salman contributed 36. In response, Sri Lanka managed 142 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Chandana Deshapriya led the effort with 56 runs off 44 balls, while Dumith Sanduruwan added 21 runs. Mehidaul Islam was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, taking three wickets for 18 runs in four overs, while Arif Hussain took two wickets for 26 runs in four overs.The guest of honor, UBL General Manager Central Punjab Mohammad Aamir, along with PBCC Chairman Syed Sultan Shah, presented the player of the match award to Mehidaul Islam.In another match held at the Ghani Institute Ground, Nepal defeated Afghanistan by a margin of 108 runs. Afghanistan won the toss and chose to field first. Nepal's batters displayed an excellent performance, scoring 228 runs for the loss of just two wickets in 20 overs. Padam Badila scored an unbeaten 92, while Naresh contributed 72 runs.In response, Afghanistan's team was restricted to 120 runs for nine wickets in 20 overs. Captain Abasin Sailab played well, scoring 53 runs. Nepal's Sunil Magar was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets for 18 runs. Zahidullah Zardaran, Chairman of the Afghanistan Disabled Board, presented the Player of the Match award to Nepal's Padam Badila.On Tuesday, November 26, Pakistan will face Bangladesh at Bagh-e-Jinnah Ground, while South Africa will play Nepal at the Ghani Institute Cricket Ground.
Blind T20 Cricket World Cup: Sri Lanka and Bangladesh secure victories
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Sri Lanka and Bangladesh secured victories on the second day of the 4th T20 Blind Cricket World Cup, organized by the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC).At the Ghani Institute Cricket Ground, DHA, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first against Afghanistan. Afghanistan scored 120 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their 20 overs. Captain Abasin led the way with 44 runs, including 4 boundaries, while Sharafat contributed a solid 38 runs. Damith Sandaruwan picked up 2 wickets for Sri Lanka. In response, Sri Lanka chased the target comfortably in 12.3 overs with 2 wickets down, marking their second consecutive victory in the tournament. Chandana Deshappriya scored 54, and Damith Sandaruwan remained unbeaten with 49 runs. Sandaruwan was named Player of the Match, with the award presented by Usman Javed, Business Head of Habib Metro, and Syed Sultan Shah, President of the World Blind Cricket Council. Meanwhile at Saeed Sports City, Bangladesh defeated Nepal by 67 runs. Batting first, Bangladesh posted a total of 179 runs in 20 overs, with captain Arif Hussain smashing 54 runs, including 6 boundaries, and Mohammad Salman adding 34 runs. Nepal, in reply, managed 112 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 20 overs. Bharat Dhapa was top-scorer for Nepal with 31 runs. Arif Hussain was declared Player of the Match for his outstanding performance. On Monday, November 25, Sri Lanka will face Bangladesh at Bagh-e-Jinnah Ground, while Afghanistan will compete against Nepal at Ghani Institute Cricket Ground.
Jordan Cox ruled out of the Test series against New Zealand
Islamabad (Sports Desk): England Men's batter-wicketkeeper, Jordan Cox, has been ruled out from the upcoming Test series against New Zealand after sustaining a fractured right thumb during a net session in Queenstown.The Essex player, poised to make his Test debut in Christchurch next week as a stand-in for Jamie Smith (on paternity leave), suffered the injury ahead of play on day two of the two-day tour match against the New Zealand Prime Minister’s XI at Sir John Davies Oval. In Cox’s absence, Surrey’s Ollie Pope stepped in as wicketkeeper for the final day of the warm-up fixture.England Men’s Head Coach, Brendon McCullum, said: “I’m gutted for Jordan (Cox). He has been shaping up nicely, both with the bat and gloves, since we got to New Zealand. That’s sport, and unfortunately, these things happen. We will get around him and look after him. He is resilient, and his time will come at some point in the future.”
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