Cricket
India, England one step from glory at ICC Under-19 T20 World Cup
Sports Bulletin Report
POTCHEFSTROOM (South Africa): India and England will lock horns in a tantalizing final of the inaugural ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Potchefstroom on Sunday, to bring down the curtain on a thrilling first edition of the event in South Africa.
After a groundbreaking month in the Rainbow Nation, which saw emerging nations take their place at cricket's newest top table, the event has delivered a fitting finale between two well-matched sides.
They took contrasting paths in their respective semi-finals, but both will be fully aware that a significant slice of history now beckons for the team that can deliver one more telling performance on Sunday.
India played perhaps, their most clinical cricket in dismantling New Zealand by eight wickets in the first semi-final, with wickets for Parshavi Chopra, fine fielding and yet more runs for the red-hot Shweta Sehrawat at the top of the order.
Skipper, Shafali Verma, will ask for a repeat of that dosage in the final because that will certainly give India a sincere shot at glory. Standing in their way, however, is the only unbeaten team left in the competition.
England had to draw on all their reserves of fortitude to outlast Australia in a cliffhanger of a second semi-final, eventually prevailing by three precious runs. Captain, Grace Scrivens, had the final say as she took the final Aussie wicket amidst unbearable tension.
England’s batters had produced their tamest display of the tournament, but this is a well-drilled side across all disciplines. Only once in this World Cup have England conceded more than 100, and that was 103 against Pakistan.
They are miserly and measured when they need to be, and there is plenty of variety to test India’s top-order. England will be fully aware that the powerful Richa Ghosh has been waiting to truly express herself in this competition, and she would love nothing more than to do that in the final.
Both teams have quality spin to call upon, especially on a surface that has been taking more and more turn as the tournament has worn on. Hannah Baker was at it again in the semi, snapping up three scalps to heap the pressure on Australia.
Chopra and Mannat Kashyap have been just as mesmeric for India, and the contest may well come down to which set of slow bowlers settles into their work best.
It is an occasion crying out for an individual to put their stamp on proceedings and deliver their country the first-ever ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup trophy.
20-K Cup 2023: Ludhiana Gymkhana win coveted trophy
Sports Bulletin Report
LAHORE: Ludhiana Gymkhana Cricket Club won the 20-K Cup 2023 T20 Cricket Tournament title after defeating Cricket Center Cricket Club by 47 runs in the final played here at the Model Town Greens Ground on Saturday.
Ludhiana Gymkhana took a flying start as they stitched some good partnerships to pile up a decent total of 163 for 5 runs in the allotted 20 overs. Asim Ali Nasir was the hero of the match as he played a sensational knock of 54 runs off 35 balls that included a good number of boundaries and sixes.
The other key contributors from the winning team, who batted with authority and struck significant runs were Mohammad Waqas, hammered 48-ball 53 runs, and Fahad Munir, who slammed 27 runs. Mohammad Ali bowled well for Cricket Center Center and bagged two wickets for 32 runs while Usama Mir got one wicket.
Cricket Center couldn’t chase the required target because of some irresponsible batting displays by their players, who also failed to create a big partnership that might save their sinking ship. The losing side could score just 116 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 20 overs.
Bilawal Iqbal was top scorer from Cricket Center as he scored 32 runs off 27 balls while Ali Zafar played 26 balls to gather only 18 runs. No other batters could add significant runs in their team’s total, which lost the final by 47 runs. Kashif Saddiuqe bowled well and clinched three wickets for 12 runs while Muhammad Junaid grabbed three wickets for 31 and Intasar Ali got one wicket. Asim Ali Nasir emerged as player of the final.
Speaking on the occasion, Nabeel Ahmad said that the purpose of conducting this event, which was named after my father Col Fateh Sher Khan, was to provide the club cricketers a big platform to showcase their talent and earn big prize money. “This event has not only encouraged the talented youth to exhibit their prowess while playing against first class and international players but also motivated the club organizers to hold such huge club cricket events in professional manner with the aim of taking club cricket to new heights.
“I will continue to support club cricket in Pakistan and besides holding this annual event, I will also try to provide some other big opportunities to them so that they may excel at higher level and earn good name and international laurels for Pakistan,” said Nabeel, who himself is a first class cricketer.
Dawood Barry, President Managing Committee of Cooperative Model Town Society, along with Nabeel Ahmad, sponsor and patron of the 20-K Cup 2023, graced the prize distribution ceremony as chief guests and distributed prizes among the winners and top performers in the presence of galaxy of former Test cricketers Misbah ul Haq, Abdul Razzaq, Aizaz Cheema, Mohammad Ilyas as well as Mohammad Mushtaq, Shoaib Dar, Wahab Dar, Bilal Javaid, Kashif Butt, Farhan Nisar and others.
CRICKET - Physically Handicap 28 Jan, 2023
Abdul Jabbar Faisal
ISLAMABAD: Punjab Panthers have confirmed their berth in the final of the Kingdom Valley All Stars Supper League (ASSL) after beating Sindh Strikers by 5 wickets in the first Eliminator here at the Diamond cricket ground on Saturday.
The match between Sindh Strikers and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Warriors will decide the second finalist on Sunday likely to be played at Bhutto cricket ground G-7 Markaz Islamabad.
Summarized Scorecard (Punjab Panthers vs Sindh Strikers)
Venue: Diamond cricket ground
Toss: Punjab Panthers won the toss and decided to bowl first
Results: Punjab Panther won by 5 wickets
Sindh Strikers (Batting) 143 for 8 in 20 overs
Waqar Ameer 54 runs (34 balls, 4x8, 6x0), Umer Farooq 23 runs (24 balls, 4x1, 6x1), Sadiq Shan 13 runs (13 balls, 4x0, 6x0)
Punjab Panthers (Bowling)
Abdul Manan (2 for 31), Abdul Salam (1 for 16), Sameer Ahmed (1 for 21), Asad Lahgari (1 for 23), Najam-ul-Hasan (1 for 34)
Punjab Panthers (Batting) 144 for 5 in 19 overs
Abdul Salam 78 runs not out (55 balls, 4x6, 6x3), Saqin Inayat 30 rusn in (25 balls, 4x4, 6x0), Abdullah Khan 13 runs (10 balls, 4x1, 6x0)
Sindh Strikers (Bowling)
Sitatullah (2 for 17), Zeeshan Malik (1 for 18), Waqar Ameer (1 for 20), Umer Farooq (1 for 30)
Player of the Match: Abdul Salam
Umpires: Mohammad Ishfaq & Taimoor Kayani
Match Referee: Ghulam Mustafa
Official Scorer: Raja Hasan Akhtar
Parents taught me to be honest, says Nepalese cricketer Aasif Sheikh
Aasif Sheikh becomes the first player from Nepal to win the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award
Bipin Dani
Nepal wicketkeeper Aasif Sheikh becomes the first player from Nepal to win the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award.
On Thursday, the 22-year-old wicketkeeper (and batter) was named the recipient of the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award 2022 for his decision not to run out Andy McBrine after the Irish star tripped while attempting a run in February last year.
Speaking exclusively over the telephone from Kathmandu, he said, "I feel lucky that I got this opportunity to represent my country across the world by showing that gesture on the field shown in the video. Also, I got to know that I became the first Nepali player to receive this ICC award which is really special for me".
The good news Aasif Sheikh heard from social media.
"I just heard about the news yesterday through social media. I was surprised and happy to hear that at the same time my parents felt so proud of me hearing the news about this. As they have always taught me to be humble, honest and be a good human being, they are happy to see that I am walking on their path".
It is not known whether the player would receive an award in any physical form.
"I have no idea whether I am getting any trophy or not but the award, which ICC have given me will always be special for me. I have always believed that cricket should always be played under the spirit of the game and by showing that gesture I believe the cricket will get more pure and will be played with more honesty", he signed off.
Cricket Center set final clash with Ludhiana Gymkhana in 20-K Cup
Sports Bulletin Report
LAHORE: Cricket Center Cricket Club set final clash with Ludhiana Gymkhana Cricket Club after routing Model Town Greens by 6 wickets in the second semifinal played here at the Model Town Greens Ground on Friday.
Model Town Greens, batting first, posted a decent total of 176 for the loss of 4 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Awais Zafar batted with authority and slammed 55 runs off 37 balls, while Bilal Dar, hero of the last match of the team, contributed with 23-ball 44 runs and Taimoor Sultan gathered 39 runs off 35 balls. Usama Mir claimed 2 wickets for 38 runs while Ali Zafar and Bilawal Iqbal got one wicket each.
Cricket Center replied strongly and comfortably chased the target in 19 overs for the loss of 4 wickets. Ali Zafar was the man, who played sensational knock of 47 runs off 36 balls while his teammates Ameer Hamza and Mohammad Waheed also batted well and contributed with 38 and 37 runs respectively. For Model Town Greens, Waris Khan, Usman Khalid and Ahmad Arif took one wicket each.
For his all-round performance, Ali Zafar of Cricket Center was adjudged as player of the match, who was handed over the award by Bilal Javaid, nephew of the sponsor of the event, Nabeel Ahmad, son of Col Fateh Sher Khan. Cricket Center will now take on Ludhiana Gymkhana in the final to be played at Model Town Greens Ground on Saturday at 11:00 am, where Nabeel Ahmad will be the chief guest and distribute prizes among the winners and top performers.
CRICKET - Physically Handicap 27 Jan, 2023
Sports Bulletin Report
ISLAMABAD: Punjab Panthers and Sindh Strikers have defeated their opponents Baluchistan Bulls and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Warriors by 8 and 3 wickets respectively in the Kingdom Valley All-Stars Supper League (ASSL) at two different venues here on Friday.
Summarized Scorecard (Punjab Panthers vs Baluchistan Bulls)
Venues: Marghzar cricket ground
Toss: Baluchistan Bulls won the toss and decided to bat
Results: Punjab Panthers beat Baluchistan Bulls by three wickets
Baluchistan Bulls (Batting) 103 for 7 in 20 overs
Juman Shah 36 runs (37 balls, 4x2, 6x2), Junaid Khan 16 runs (6 balls, 4x1, 6x1), Khawar Ali 16 runs (9 balls, 4x3, 6x0)
Punjab Panthers (Bowling):
Abdul Manan (2 for 34), Asad Laghari (1 for 9), Sameer Ahmed (1 for 17), Najam-ul-Hasan (1 for 17)
Punjab Panthers (Batting) 105 for 2 runs in 9.4 overs
Sameer Ahmed 54 runs not out (29 balls, 4x6, 6x0), Najam-ul-Hasan 27 runs (17 balls, 4x4, 6x0), Asad Laghari 14 runs (7 balls, 4x3, 6x0)
Baluchistan Bulls (Bowling)
Ali Bakhsah (1 for 12), Mohammad Akram (1 for 28)
Summarized Scorecard (KPK Warriors vs Sindh Strikers)
Venue: Shalimar cricket ground
Toss: KPK Warriors won the toss and decided to bat
Results: Sindh Strikers beat KPK Warriors by 3 wickets
KPK Warriors (Batting): 179 for 9 in 20 overs
Farooq Khan 54 runs not out (43 balls, 4x7, 6x0), Zohaib Ahmed 26 runs (29 balls, 4x5, 6x0), Mohammad Adeel 25 runs (10 balls, 4x1, 6x3)
Sindh Strikers (Bowling)
Umer Farooq (4 for 43), Sifatullah (3 for 210, Naeem Khan (1 for 9), Waqar Ameer (1 for 19)
Sindh Strikers (Batting) 180 for 7 in 18.4 overs
Sifatullah 53 runs (20 balls, 4x2, 6x6), Umer Farooq 52 runs (33 balls, 4x7, 6x2), Farman Shah 33 runs (18 balls, 4x2, 6x3)
KPK Warriors (Bowling)
Mohammad Adeel (3 for 22), Sabaz Ali (1 for 27), Sher Ali (1 for 28), Gulzar Khan (1 for 31), Sanaullah Khan (1 for 50)
Player of the match: Sifatullah (Sindh Strikers)
CRICKET - 27 Jan, 2023
Sports Bulletin Report
Dubai (UAE): Pakistan icon Babar Azam on Thursday revealed the winner of the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, as well as scooping the Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year prize.
Earlier, Pakistan duo Mohammad Rizwan and Haris Rauf were named in the ICC Men’s T20I team of the year while all-rounder Nida Dar was included in the ICC Women’s T20I team of the year.
Babar Azam – Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy
By winning the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, Babar becomes the second winner from Pakistan in consecutive years, emulating the feat of his teammate Shaheen Shah Afridi, who won the prize in 2021. Babar also set new records in 2022, not least becoming the first, and still the only, player to win the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award on two occasions.
Picking up where he left off in 2021, Babar enjoyed another momentous year, captaining his side to two Finals, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia. At the crease, he piled on the runs in all formats, scoring over 2,500 international runs across ODIs, T20Is and Tests, ending the year as the leading run-scorer in the latter.
The Pakistan batter also claims the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award for a second successive year – the first to do this since Virat Kohli in 2017 and 2018. Babar consolidated his position atop the ODI batter rankings thanks to his staggering scoring consistency, registering 679 runs in 9 matches at an average of 84.87. Within these numbers came notable performances against the likes of Australia, West Indies and New Zealand.
Reacting to the awards, Babar said:
“I feel humbled to have been voted as winner of the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy and join the ranks of some of the most iconic and respected names who have previously won the biggest and most prestigious individual award in our great sport. I continue to look up to these players as well as champions of the past for inspiration, motivation and improvement.
“As cricket is a team sport, this recognition and achievement would not have been possible without the overwhelming support of my family, team, fans and the institution, to all of whom I am greatly indebted and thankful.
“Every match I played for Pakistan has been special and memorable, but the most satisfying and accomplishing aspect for me was to compete and perform in front of my home fans against Australia, England and New Zealand’s touring sides. Of course, reaching the finals of two major tournaments in the United Arab Emirates and Australia were also some of the highlights for me and my team, and we hope to do better this year, which is going to be equally demanding but highly rewarding.”
CRICKET - Physically Handicap 26 Jan, 2023
Sports Report
ISLAMABAD: Punjab Panthers and Sindh Strikers have registered their wins in the Kingdom Valley, All Stars Super League (ASSL) after beating their opponents at two different cricket venues on Thursday.
Summarized Scorecard (KPK Warriors vs Punjab Panthers):
Venue: Shalimar cricket ground:
Toss: Punjab won the toss and elected to bat first
Results: Punjab Panthers won by 67 runs
Punjab Panthers (Batting) 214 for 6 in 20 overs
Najam-ul-Hasan 77 runs (44 balls, 4x13, 6x0), Abdul Islam 49 runs not out (25 balls, 4x1, 6x6), Asad Laghari 31 runs (24 balls, 4x4, 6x0)
KPK Warriors Bowling:
Sanaullah (3 for 44), Mohammad Talha (1 for 21), Arif Khan (1 for 50)
KPK Warriors (Batting) 147 all out in 15.4 overs
Wasal Hasan 32 runs (21 balls, 4x3, 6x1), Mohammad Farooq 48 runs (34 balls, 4x4, 6x2), Zohaib Ahmed 29 runs (12 balls, 4x3, 6x2)
Punjab Panther Bowling:
Sameer (3 for 13), Abdul Manan (3 for 41) Abdul Salam (2 for 30),
Man of the Match: Najam-ul-Hasan
Summarized Scorecard (Kashmir Janbaaz vs Sindh Strikers
Venue: Marghzar cricket ground:
Toss: Kashmir Janbaaz won the toss and elected to field first
Results: Sindh Strikers won by 69 runs
Sindh Strikers (Batting) 180 for 6 in 20 overs
Waqar Ameer 61 runs (34 balls, 4x7, 6x2), Umer Farooq 59 runs (34 balls, 4x6, 6x2), Ali Asgher Shah 15 runs (7 balls, 4x1, 6x1)
Kashmir Janbaaz Bowling:
Raja Fiaz (3 for 22), Akseer Abbasi (1 for 42)
Kashmir Janbaaz (Batting) 111 all out
Hayat Khan 50 (40 balls, 4x4, 6x2), Irfanullah Khan 21 runs (16 balls, 4x3, 6x0)
Sindh Bowling:
Ali Asghar (2 for 14), Fazal Hadi (2 for 14) Hafiz Faheem (1 for 16), Umer Farooq (1 for 5)
Sifatullah (6 for 21), Zeeshan Malik (1 for 21), Naseem Khan (1 for 37)
Model Town Greens thump Golden Star to complete semifinal lineup
Sports Bulletin Report
LAHORE: Model Town Greens thumped Golden Star Cricket Club by 7 wickets in the fourth and last quarterfinal to complete the semifinal lineup in the 20-K Cup 2023 T20 Cricket Tournament.
Besides Model Town Greens, the other three semifinalist teams are Model Town Club, Ludhiana Gymkhana and Cricket Center. The fourth quarterfinal was to be played at Pindi Gymkhana, but due to wet outfield, the match was shifted to Model Town Green Ground. Golden Star Club, batting first, posted 175 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 20 overs. Abdul Samad played the superb knock of 56 runs of 46 balls with the help of four boundaries and one six. Ali Raza also batted with authority and cracked 34, Raees Butt unbeaten 31 and Azzam ul Haq 22 runs. Ateeq ur Rehman bowled brilliantly and clinched 4 wickets for 33 runs.
Outstanding batting performance by Bilal Dar helped Model Town Greens chase the target in 19.4 overs for the loss of 3 wickets. Bilal played impressive unbeaten knock of 72 runs off 52 balls that included four boundaries and three sixes. Other notable performers were Abdul Wahab Dar (47 runs) and Muhammad Kashif (37), who helped the side reach home safely. From Golden Star, Sadaqat and M Naveed got one wicket each. Bilal Dar was declared player of the match for his superb batting performance.
The first semifinal will be contested between Model Town Club and Ludhiana Gymkhana Cricket Club on Thursday (January 26) while the second semifinal will be played between Cricket Center Cricket Club and Model Town Greens on Friday (January 27). Both the semifinals will be played at Model Town Greens Ground at 11:00 am.
CRICKET - Physically Handicap 25 Jan, 2023
Sports Bulletin Report
ISLAMABAD: Sindh Strikers beat Baluchistan Bulls by 7 runs in the Kingdom Valley, All Stars Super League (ASSL) after a close contest here at Shalimar cricket ground on Wednesday, as the match was reduced 16 overs per innings owing to rain in the morning in the capital city. Another match of the day between Kashmir Janbaaz vs KPK Warriors washed out without a single ball.
Summarized Scorecard (Baluchistan Bulls vs Sindh Strikers):
Venue: Shalimar cricket ground:
Toss; Sindh Strikers won the toss and elected to bat first
Results: Sindh Strikers won by 7 runs
Sindh Strikers (Batting) 174 for 6 in 16 overs
Naeem Khan 49 runs (33 balls, 4x4, 6x2), Farhan Shah 33 runs (16 balls, 4x2, 6x3), Sifatullah Khan 27 runs (24 balls, 4x2, 6x2)
Baluchistan Bowling:
Khawar Ali (2 for 24), Tenvir Ahmed (2 for 32), Tahir Khan (1 for 16) Nizamuddin (1 for 35)
Baluchistan Bulls (Batting) 167 for in 16 overs
Juman Shah 48 runs (27 balls, 4x7, 6x2), Mohammad Qaim 45 runs (28 balls, 4x5, 6x1), Hafeezullah 20 runs (17 balls, 4x3, 6x0)
Sindh Bowling:
Sifatullah (6 for 21), Zeeshan Malik (1 for 21), Naseem Khan (1 for 37)
Player of the match: Sifatullah Khan
Umpires: Azeem Khan, Shakil Ahmed
Scorer: Mohammad Abdullah Matloob
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