Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI: Central Punjab defeated Balochistan by 50 runs to win the Pakistan Cup 2022-23 title at the State Bank Sports Complex on Monday. Defending 255, Central Punjab fought back to claim the last five Balochistan wickets for 55 runs to dismiss the defending champions for 204 in 42.3 overs. Fast bowler Ali Shafique destroyed Balochistan’s middle-order by dismissing Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (4), Asad Shafiq (0) and Haris Sohail (8) to finish with impressive figures of 7-2-17-3. Ali was well supported by fellow fast bowler Mohammad Ali, who came back strongly in his final spell to claim the wickets of Bismillah Khan and Yasir Shah to end with figures of two for 31. Left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar snapped up the wickets of Imran Butt (30) and Amad Butt (seven) to end with two for 32. Bismillah Khan fought a lone battle for Balochistan and finished as the top-scorer with 70 from 77 balls. His innings was studded with eight fours. Together with Mohammad Junaid (27), Bismillah put on 65 runs for the sixth wicket after Balochistan had slipped from 60 for no loss to 84 for five. Earlier, batting first after winning the toss, Central Punjab failed to fully capitalise on a 61-run first wicket partnership between Ahmed Shehzad and Mohammad Faizan to be dismissed for 254 in 48.2 overs, including losing their last eight wickets for 109 runs. Left-arm spinner Mohammad Junaid was the wrecker-in-chief of Central Punjab’s batting when he picked up the wickets of Ahmed Shehzad, Qasim Akram, Zafar Gohar, Usama Mir and Mohammad Ali to finish with impressive figures of 10-0-56-5. Faizan scored 37 runs from 33 balls with three fours and two sixes before falling to Kashif Bhatti, who added the scalp of Junaid Ali (one) to finish with figures of two for 36. At 65 for two in 13.1 overs, Ahmed Shehzad was joined by top-scorer Tayyab Tahir and put on 80 runs for the third wicket before Junaid dismissed Ahmed and Qasim Akram off successive deliveries to reduce Central Punjab to 145 for four in 27.5 overs. Ahmed contributed 61 from 87 balls with three fours and a six. Tayyab, in association with Zafar Gohar (30), then carried the score to 195 before his run-out in the 37th over derailed Central Punjab’s progression as the last five wickets tumbled for the addition of 59 runs in 71 balls – thanks to a 31-ball 34 by captain Aamer Yamin with two fours and a six. While Tayyab Tahir was adjudged player of the final, Amad Butt of Balochistan was declared player of the Pakistan Cup. By virtue of winning the title, Central Punjab received a winners cheque of PKR5million, whereas Balochistan had to settle with the cash award of PKR2.5million. The Pakistan Cup also brought an end to the 2022-23 domestic cricket season. Sindh won the National T20 and Northern won the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, while Central Punjab swept the CA T20, CA Championship and CA Challenge tournament. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa won the National U19 Cup, while Sindh won the National U19 Championship. Scores in brief: Central Punjab beat Balochistan by 50 runs, State Bank Sports Complex Central Punjab 254 all-out, 48.2 overs (Tayyab Tahir 71, Ahmed Shehzad 61, Mohammad Faizan 37, Aamer Yamin 34, Zafar Gohar 30; Mohammad Junaid 5-56; Kashif Bhatti 2-36) Balochistan 204 all-out, 42.3 overs (Bismillah Khan 70, Imran Butt 30, Haseebullah 27, Mohammad Junaid 27; Ali Shafique 3-17, Mohammad Ali 2-31, Zafar Gohar 2-32) Player of the final – Tayyab Tahir (Central Punjab) Player of the Pakistan Cup: Amad Butt (Balochistan); 365 runs and 19 wickets Best Batter of the Pakistan Cup:  Tayyab Tahir (Central Punjab); 573 Runs Best Bowler of the Pakistan Cup: Usama Mir (Central Punjab); 28 wickets Best Wicketkeeper of the Pakistan Cup: Haseebullah (Balochistan); 551 Runs, 10 dismissals (eight catches and 2 stumps)

LAHORE (Press Release): The kits launching ceremony of 20-K Cup 2023 T20 Cricket Tournament was held here at the Model Town Greens Cricket Academy on Monday. The simple but impressive ceremony was attended by former Test Cricketers Ali Naqvi and Aizaz Cheema, who graced the occasion as chief guests, while other notables present were Chief Organizer Shoaib Dar, captains and representatives of all the twenty participating teams, their officials. Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has been named as brand ambassador of the tournament. Speaking on the occasion, both the chief guests lauded the positive step taken by the organizers and especially Nabeel Ahmad, patron  and sponsor of the event, for holding such a big event of  clubs, which would definitely help the club players to exhibit their prowess and get the opportunities at a higher level. The chief guests were of the view that more such generous people and corporate giants should come forward to sponsor club cricket, which is the real nursery that provides the country bright future stars. “Now the need of the hour is to fully support such causes that can contribute to Pakistan cricket in the best possible manner”, they added. Captains of different teams expressed their gratitude to Nabeel Ahmad the patron and sponsor of the tournament for holding the tournament at a time when club cricket is at the verge of collapse. They termed the holding of the event a step forward to revive the sagging fortune of club cricket.  “Lahore’s club cricket badly needs such tournaments on regular basis to identify fresh blood and to groom it for future needs “, they said adding “ We are confident that the sponsor of the event will continue his efforts in future as well to provide ideal platform to aspiring cricketers to demonstrate their skills and technique “. The winner of the event will be pocketing Rs, 500,000 and runners-up Rs 250,000. The other cash awards are MOM 30,000, Best Bowler 25,000, Best Batsman 25,000, MOM semifinal 10,000, MOM Final 20,000 and Most Sixes 20,000. The participating teams include Ali Garh Cricket Club, Apollo Cricket Club, City Gymkhana Cricket Club, Cricket Centre Club, Golden Star Cricket Club,  Ludhiana Gymkhana Cricket Club, Lucky Star Cricket Club, Model Town Cricket Club, Model Town Greens Cricket Club, Model Town Whites Cricket Club, PakLions Cricket Club,  Pindi Gymkhana Cricket Club, Prince Cricket Club, P & T Cricket Club,  Shah Faisal Cricket Club, Shah Kamal Cricket Club, Shinning Cricket Club, Township Whites cricket Club, Valencia Cricket Club and Yu Slim Cricket Club.  The opening match will be played between Model Town Greens and Pindi Gymkhana at Model Town Greens Ground. The venues of the tournament are Model Town Greens Cricket Club, Model Town Cricket Club, Pindi Gymkhana Cricket Club, Ali Garh Cricket Club and Cricket Center Club. Pakistan Cricket Board’s affiliated umpires, match referees and scores will officiate in the matches. All the matches will be shown live on different social media platforms.

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI: Left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Afridi will resume his rehabilitation under the national men’s team’s medical staff in Karachi from today. While providing Shaheen top-notch care, this move will allow the medical staff to track his progression and pave way for his smooth return to action. Meanwhile, the interim selection committee and team management have invited right-arm fast bowler Haris Rauf to be assessed by the team’s medical staff so a decision on his availability for the three One-Day Internationals against New Zealand - to be played next week - can be made.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE: 20-K Cup T20 Cricket Tournament will commence on January 5, 2023, as the 20 teams will showcase their talent in the event which aims at promoting cricket at the grass-roots level and to revive of the club cricket 5 at five different grounds. According to an official, the opening match will be played between Model town greens and Pindi Gymkhana at Model town greens ground. All the participating teams will be colorful playing kits and Model Town Green Cricket Club is hosts of the tournament.  Nabeel Ahmad said: “For years, this event was played under the title of Col (retd) Fateh Sher Khan Memorial T20 Cup but this year it has been given a new title. The tournament is a step forward and a part of his year’s long efforts to revive cricket at grass root level and to engage upcoming cricketer in a competitive action packed cricket activity”. Cash awards of Tournament: Man of the match: Rs. 3000 Best Bowler: Rs. 25,000, Best Batsman: Rs. 25,000 MOM (semifinals): Rs. 10,000 MOM (Final): Rs. 20,000 Most Sixes: Rs. 20,000 Names of participating teams: Ali Garh cricket Club, Apollo Cricket Club, City Gymkhana Cricket Club, Cricket Centre Club, Golden Star Cricket Club,  Ludhiana Gymkhana Cricket Club, Lucky Star Cricket Club, Model Town Cricket Club, Model Town Greens Cricket Club, Model Town Whites Cricket Club, PakLions Cricket Club,  Pindi Gymkhana Cricket Club, Prince Cricket Club, P & T Cricket Club,  Shah Faisal Cricket Club, Shah Kamal Cricket Club, Shinning Cricket Club, Township Whites cricket Club, Valencia Cricket Club and Yu Slim Cricket Club.  The venues of the tournament: Model Town Greens Cricket Club Model Town Cricket Club Pindi Gymkhana Cricket Club Ali Garh Cricket Club Cricket Center Club.

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI: Defending champions Balochistan stormed into the Pakistan Cup 2022-23 final when they defeated Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by 38 runs on Sunday to set Monday’s final date with Central Punjab. In a repeat of last year’s final, Balochistan, batting first, recovered to post an imposing 302 for eight in the allotted 50 overs and then dismissed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for 264 in 47.1 overs in front of PCB cameras at the State Bank Sports Complex. No.10 batter Kashif Bhatti belted five fours and four sixes in a 48-ball 69 not out and dominated the 89-run unbroken ninth wicket stand with Yasir Shah (17 not out) to lift Balochistan to 302 for eight after they have slipped to 213 for eight. He then picked up a wicket conceding 43 runs to walk away with the player of the match award. Earlier, Balochistan, put into bat, were in dire straits when they plunged to 138 for six with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain Iftikhar Ahmed picking up the scalps of the top three batters - Imran Butt (29), Mohammad Junaid (22) and Haseebullah (20) - to finish with three for 52. At that stage, Bismillah Khan and Amad Butt put on 70 runs for the seventh wicket to take their side to 208 for six. Bismillah scored a 53-ball 65 with six fours and two sixes, while Amad contributed 27 from 21 balls with two fours and two sixes. However, the departure of Bismillah and Amad in a space of five runs, shifted the pressure back on Balochistan before Kashif Bhatti came to the party and not only helped his side post a commanding score but also entertained a decent holiday crowd with his lusty hitting. In their run-chase, three Khyber Pakhtunkhwa batters reached half-centuries but none of them were able to convert these scores into match-winning performances as Balochistan’s Amad Butt returned figures of 8.1-1-52-4 to steal the limelight. No.7 batter Adil Amin top-scored with 76 (67 balls, 6x4, 3x6), followed by Mohammad Haris (63, 54b, 6x4, 1x6) and Sahibzada Farhan (57, 55b, 5x4, 1x6). The highest partnership of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s innings was for the sixth wicket when Adil and Haris put on 72 runs for the sixth wicket after their side had slipped to 127 for five. Scores in brief: Balochistan beat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by 38 runs, State Bank Sports Complex Balochistan 302-8, 50 overs (Kashif Bhatti 69 not out, Bismillah Khan 65, Imran Butt 29, Amad Butt 27; Iftikhar Ahmed 3-52) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 264 all out, 47.1 overs (Adil Amin 76, Mohammad Haris 63, Sahibzada Farhan 57; Amad Butt 4-52, Khurram Shahzad 2-38, Mohammad Junaid 2-64) Player of the match – Kashif Bhatti (Balochistan) Monday’s final: Central Punjab v Balochistan, State Bank Sports Complex

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD: Hosts Islamabad and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) set their clash in the final of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) T20 Cricket Championships Trophy for the Blind 2022 on Monday at PAF Cricket Ground E-9. On Sunday, in the first match, Peshawar beat Gujranwala by 50 runs. After put into bat by Gujranwala, Peshawar scored 246 for the loss of 3 wickets in 20 overs with top scorer Masood Jan with 58 runs and fifties from Mohsin and Haroon. In reply Gujranwala could score 196 for the loss of 8 wickets. Mohsin Khan took 2 wickets Akram scored 55 runs Mohsin Khan was awarded man of the match for his 2 wickets and 52 runs. Meanwhile, in the Second match, Islamabad opted to bat after winning the toss against AJK. Hosts scored 225 runs for the loss of 3 wickets, Matiullah was the top scorer with 141 runs. Kamran and Idrees from AJK took 1 wicket each. In reply, AJK chased the target in 18.1 overs for the loss of 2 wickets. Faisal scored 98 runs and Nisar Ali scored unbeaten 105 runs and awarded man of the match. Matiullah took 2 wickets. On Monday the final will be played between AJK and Islamabad at the same venue. The prize distribution ceremony of the event will take place at PAF Cricket Ground E-9 at 0200pm.

Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD: PTV News Center defeated PTV Headquarters by 8 wickets in the final of the T20 Cricket Tournament at G 8/2 cricket ground on Sunday. A couple of performances, Tahir Saleem (33 runs) and Zohain Akbar (3 for 16), played key-role in the PTV News Center’s victory. Summarized Scorecard: PTV Headquarters (Batting): 86 for 10 in 19 overs Imran Shahzad 16 runs (27 balls), Wajhat Mir 15 runs (18 balls), Salman Mirza 13 runs (14 balls), Kashan Ali 10 runs (14 balls) PTV News Center (Bowling): Zohaib Akbar (3 for 16), Imran Sauduzai (2 for 12), Ahmed Nawaz (2 for 13) PTV News Center (Batting) 88 for 2 in 17.2 overs Tahir Saleem 33 runs not out (46 balls, 4x3), Ahmed Nawaz 21 runs (40 balls, 4x2), Arslan Saeed 16 runs (13 balls, 4x3), Asad Nawaz 5 runs not out (6 balls, 4x1) PTV Headquarters (Bowling): Waqas Aziz (1 for 15), Farasat Ranjha (1 for 24).

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD: The hosts Islamabad and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) claimed massive victories in the PAF T20 Cricket Championships Trophy for the Blind 2022 at PAF Cricket Ground E-9 on Saturday. In the first match, Islamabad stunned Gujranwala by 207 runs courtesy Matiullah's 5 wickets for 7 runs. After put into bat by Gujranwala, Islamabad scored 240 for the loss of 3 wickets in 20 overs with top scorer Anees Javed 87 and fifties from Matiullah and Akmal. In reply, Gujranwala bowled out for only 33 runs. Matiullah was named man of the match for his 5 wickets and 58 runs. Later, the second match of the day was played between AJK and Peshawar. Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) put Peshawar into bat after winning the toss. Batting first Peshawar could only score 100 runs, Naeem Ullah was the top scorer with 24 runs. Kamran Akhtar from AJK took 5 wickets for 15 runs. In reply, AJk chased the target in 10.2 over for the loss of 1 wicket. Kamran Akhtar scored 41 not out runs and declared man of the match. On Sunday, two matches will be played, first match will be played between Gujranwala and Peshawar while in the second match Islamabad will face AJK at the same venue.

Sports Bulletin Report KABUL: Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s Cricketing Wizard, has been appointed as AfghanAtalan’s Captain for the T20I format, replacing the senior all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, after he stepped down from the role post the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022. Mirwais Ashraf, the ACB Chairman, expressed his desire for the appointment of Rashid Khan as the captain of the Afghanistan National Team for the T20I format. “Rashid Khan is a massive name in Afghanistan Cricket. He has colossal experience of playing the format around the world which will help him take the team to a new level in the format”. Added Mirwais Ashraf. Ashraf further added: “Rashid Khan has the experience of leading AfghanAtalan in all three formats before and we are happy to have him as our skipper for the T20I format again. I am sure he will come out on top and will bring more glories to the nation”. Rashid Khan is also delighted to take the leadership role and considers this a massive honor for him to be granted such a big responsibility to lead Afghanistan's National Team in the T20Is. "Captaincy is a huge responsibility. I have the experience of leading my country before, there is a great bunch of guys with whom I have a good understanding and feel pretty comfortable. We will try to stick together, will work hard to put things on the right track and bring pride and joy to our country and nation". added Rashid Khan. Rashid Khan has so far represented Afghanistan in 74 T20I matches and has 122 scalps to his name in the format, which makes him the third leading wicket-taker in the format behind Tim Southee (134) and Shakib Al Hassan (128). He has also been in very high demand in franchise cricket, playing 361 T20 matches for 15 different teams around the globe from 2015 onwards and has bagged a mammoth 491 wickets which makes him the 2nd bowler behind Dwayne Bravo (614) with the most wickets in the format. Afghanistan National Team is set to tour UAE in February where they will take on the hosts in three T20Is, which will be Rashid Khan’s first tour as Afghanistan’s skipper after 2019.

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced free entry for spectators at the second test match between Pakistan and New Zealand that will be played from 2-6 January at the National Bank Cricket Arena Karachi. The spectators are only required to bring either their original CNIC or B-form to enter the stadium and they will be able to watch the action free of cost from any of the premium (Imran Khan, Quaid, Wasim Akram and Zaheer Abbas), first class (Asif Iqbal, Waqar Hassan and Majid Khan) and general enclosures (Mohammad Brothers and Intikhab Alam). Shuttles will also be running in-between the National Bank Cricket Arena and the Gareeb Nawaz parking area for ease of access into the stadium by spectators.