Cricket
Blind Cricket T-20 Super League 2024: Sindh and KPK claim wins
Sports Bulletin ReportBAHAWALPUR: Sindh and Khyber PakhtuneKawa (KPK) have won their matches on the opening day of the 8th PBCC Blind Cricket T-20 Super League 2024 after beating Punjab and Balochistan respectively at Dring Stadium Bahawalpur on Tuesday.Fuad Hashim Rabbani, Additional Chief Secretary, South Punjab graced the opening ceremony as chief guest. Game-1 (Sindh beat Punjab by 10 runs): The opening match of the tournament was played between Punjab and Sindh. Punjab won the toss and opted to field first, putting Sindh in to bat. Sindh set a challenging total, amassing 221 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Badar Muneer impressed with the bat, scoring a brisk 119 runs off 60 balls. Sana Ullah Khan provided strong support, remaining unbeaten with 63 runs off 45 balls.In response, Punjab put forth a commendable effort but eventually fell short, finishing with 211 runs for 3 wickets in their 20 overs. Nisar Ali was the top performer for Punjab, scoring 64 runs off 35 balls, while Haroon Khan added 48 runs off 38 balls. Badar Muneer got player of the match award.Game-2 (KPK beat Balochistan by 21 runs):KPK won the toss and decided to Bat first, setting a competitive total of 204 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their 20 overs. Israr Hassan shines with the bat; he scored brilliant 53 runs off 39 balls. Mohammad Salman contributed with a solid 46 runs off 39 balls. For Balochistan, Asif, Irfan, Ayyaz, Niamat and Talha took 1 wicket each.In their reply, Balochistan tried its best to reach the target but fell short by 21 runs, finishing their innings at 183 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in allotted 20 overs. Mohammad Rashid was the standout performer for Balochistan, scoring 81 runs off 56 balls and Moain Aslam made 24 runs off 13 balls. Israr, Kamran, Shahzeb, Anees and Salman claimed 1 wicket each for KPK. Israr Hassan declared best player of the match.
Qalandars hold trials to select players for “Player Development Program”
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE (PR): Over 12, 000 players participated in the trials aiming to select the upcoming talented cricketers for “Player Development Program” (PDP) at the Qalandars-UOL High-Performance Centre in the University of Lahore, as the selected players will be announced on Monday (tomorrow), and they will have the opportunity to advance their cricketing careers under the guidance of experienced professionals. In an impressive display of talent and determination, over 12,000 aspiring cricketers from diverse backgrounds participated, showcasing their skills in hopes of securing a spot in the shortlisted list for the program. The rigorous trials spanned an extensive day, during which batters, bowlers, and wicketkeepers underwent thorough evaluations to demonstrate their abilities.The trials were overseen by PDP's poster boy, Haris Rauf, along with Lahore Qalandars’ captain, Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, and the batch of senior coaching staff. Their involvement not only inspired the participants but also ensured a comprehensive assessment of each player's potential.The event was further distinguished by the presence of Punjab Sports Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar, who graced the occasion with his support for grassroots cricket development. He shared the stage with Lahore Qalandars Owner and CEO Atif Rana alongside Chairman University of Lahore Awais Raoof.Atif Rana, Owner & CEO of Lahore Qalandars, said: “I am excited to see such a remarkable turnout of young talent. Every time we announce our PDP trials, thousands of aspiring cricketers come together to showcase their skills, which speaks volumes about their trust in our system. Our journey, which began nine years ago, continues to make significant progress, and I am immensely grateful to all stakeholders for their unwavering support. We remain committed to making a meaningful impact, nurturing talent, and inspiring these young players to dream big alongside us. Through sports, we shape communities and create tomorrow's champions, both on and off the field.”Faisal Ayub Khokhar, Punjab Sports Minister said: “The energy and passion displayed by these players are truly unparalleled. These young kids come here with the dream of one day representing Pakistan. Witnessing this extensive program function successfully, I see a perfect alignment between discovering talent and providing opportunities. This synergy is crucial, particularly with prominent organizations like Lahore Qalandars and the University of Lahore stepping up to fulfill their roles. Together, they are transforming raw talent into stars for our nation. The collaboration between the University and Lahore Qalandars ensures that students can achieve their academic aspirations while also building a bright future in sports.”
U19 Women: Challengers, Conquerors post wins in T20 Tournament
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Aleesa Mukhtiar’s three-fer helped Challengers beat Invincibles by 28 runs, while Conquerors’ Komal Khan 97 helped her side to a 98-run win over Stars in the fourth round matches of the U19 Women’s T20 Tournament 2024 at the LCCA Ground in Lahore on Sunday afternoon.Today’s win has kept Challengers and Conquerors’ 100 per cent win record in the tournament after their third outings. Batting first, Challengers scored 96 for five in 20 overs. Esha Tir Razia top-scored for the side with a 25-ball 20, which included three boundaries.In turn, Invincibles were bundled out for 68 in 18.3 overs. Left-arm spinner Aleesa was the most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 13 runs. Aqsa Bibi and Hadia Mina bagged two wickets apiece.In the match between Conquerors and Stars, the former after opting to bat first scored 168 for six in their 20 overs. Komal Khan, coming to bat at number three, scored 97 off 59 balls, hitting 16 fours and two sixes. For Stars, Mahnoor Zaib and Memoona Khalid bagged two wickets apiece.In the run-chase, Stars managed to score only 70 for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Fizza Faiz (19, 27b, 2x4s) was the only batter to score in double figures for the losing side. For the winning team, Minahil took three wickets, while Fatima and Samiya grabbed two wickets apiece.Scores in brief (Challengers beat Invincibles by 28 runs):Challengers 96-5, 20 overs (Esha Tir Razia 20)Invincibles 68 all out, 18.3 overs (Wasifa Hussain 14; Aleesa Mukhtiar 3-13, Hadia Mina 2-13, Aqsa Bibi 2-15)Player of the match – Aleesa Mukhtiar (Challengers)Conquerors beat Stars by 98 runsConquerors 168-6, 20 overs (Komal Khan 97, Iqra Salamat 20; Mahnoor Zaib 2-26, Memoona Khalid 2-33)Stars 70-9, 20 overs (Fizza Faiz 19; Minahil Javaid 3-15, Fatima Khan 2-6, Samiya Afsar 2-13)Player of the match – Komal Khan (Conquerors).
Hathurusinghe "could not enjoy" longer notice period
BIPIN DANIBangladesh's Sri Lanka-born head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe, who has been suspended on a disciplinary ground, will not enjoy the longer notice period. He has been suspended with just a 48-hour notice. This was revealed by Faruque Ahmed, the new BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) chief. Speaking exclusively over his mobile from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, where he was about to board a Dubai-flight to attend the ICC meetings, he said, "Hathurusinghe was entitled to have 45-days paid leave in a year but he took more than 67 days above this and no proper clarification was received from him". His conduct with the players was also not good. His other notable offence was an assault on the player". The BCB chairman didn't reveal the name of the victim player but he is understood to be a good left-arm spinner of the team. Despite repeated phone calls to the player by this reporter, he didn't respond. Maybe he is asked not to comment on the matter.The incident happened during the Bangladesh-New Zealand match in the ODI World Cup held in India last year. During a match in Chennai, where this player was not a part of the final eleven and was sent in as a drinks-man. "In one of the sessions, the two Bangladeshi batters had asked for the drinks (it was very hot then) and the player was late in serving the water bottles to the batters and the coach was annoyed due to this and slapped him", one of the sources said to this reporter. It is not known whether the slap was deliberate or was in gest. But the incident was brought to the notice of Nazmul Hassain Pappon, who was a BCB president then. No action was then taken against the coach. However, the new BCB chairman, who is also known for his strict principles even during his past tenure as a selector, took the matter seriously and suspended his contract which was scheduled to run until the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Kamran Ghulam hits sparkling century on Test debut in Multan
PCB ReportMULTAN: Kamran Ghulam, who earlier became the 257th player to don the Test cap for Pakistan, hit a brilliant century in his first outing in the Test career as Pakistan finished the first day of the second Test match with 259-5 in 90 overs at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.Kamran was dismissed for a well-made 118 off 224 balls hitting 11 fours and one six, in the 85th over of the day after having walked into bat in the 10th over with 19-2 on the board.Along with Saim Ayub (77, 160b, 7x4s), Kamran shared a 149-run third-wicket partnership as the duo took Pakistan out of trouble before Saim departed in the 56th over with the scorecard reading 168-3.Earlier, after Pakistan opted to bat first, Jack Leach drew the first blood as he castled Abdullah Shafique for a 28-ball seven in the eighth over. An over later, Leach got rid of Shan Masood for just three as Crawley pouched the ball at short midwicket.Pakistan amassed 79 runs for the loss of just two wickets on the stroke of lunch with Saim and Kamran having brought up their fifty-run stand off 85 balls. Saim reached his third Test half-century off 97 balls before succumbing to Matthew Potts just an over before Tea break, caught by Ben Stokes at short mid-off.After Pakistan scored 94 runs in the second session giving away only one wicket, England began the third session with the vital scalp of Saud Shakeel (4, 14b, 1x4) as he was caught behind off Brydon Carse in the 61st over.With the scorecard reading 178-4, Mohammad Rizwan (37 not out, 89b, 4x4s) joined forces with Kamran to stabilise Pakistan’s innings as the duo put on a dogged 65-run fifth-wicket partnership. In the meanwhile, Kamran became the 13th Pakistan player to score a century on Test debut and only the sixth batter to score a hundred on men’s Test debut while batting at No.4, when he hit Joe Root to midwicket for a boundary in the 74th over.Shoaib Bashir brought an end to Kamran’s 74.4-over stay on the crease when he got one to hit the stumps in the 85th over with Pakistan 243-5. Salman Ali Agha (5 not out, 19b) and Rizwan closed the day for Pakistan with 259-5 on the board.Scores in brief:Second Test - Day 1 of 5; Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first at the Multan Cricket StadiumPakistan 259-5, 90 overs (Kamran Ghulam 118, Saim Ayub 77, Mohammad Rizwan 37 not out; Jack Leach 2-92).
Multan Test: Salman's third Test century helps Pakistan to post 556
MULTAN (PCB Report): Salman Ali Agha’s third Test century continues to put Pakistan in a commanding position as England trail by 460 runs with nine wickets in hand at the close of second day’s play of the first Test match at the Multan Cricket Stadium.The touring side started off their innings trailing by 556 runs, and lost their captain Ollie Pope for naught after Aamir Jamal took a superb catch off the bowling of Naseem Shah. After Pope’s departure, Zak Crawley (64 not out, 64b, 11x4s) and Joe Root (32 not out, 54b, 2x4s) got together and the pair added an unbroken 92-run partnership for the second wicket.England will start off the third day’s proceedings with 96 for one in 20 overs.Earlier, resuming their first innings at the overnight score of 328 for four in 86 overs, Pakistan were all out for 556 in 149 overs in the final session. Right-handed batter Salman Ali Agha, playing his 15th Test and coming to bat at number eight, scored an unbeaten 104 off 119 balls, which included 10 fours and three sixes.Earlier, in the day, Saud Shakeel (35) and night-watchman Naseem Shah (0) started their innings and went on to add 64 runs for the fifth wicket. After Naseem’s (33, 81b, 1x4, 3x6s) departure in the 106th over, Mohammad Rizwan (0, 12b) soon followed him as Pakistan were 393 for six in 108.5 overs.At that juncture of the game, Saud was joined by Salman and the pair stitched a 57-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Saud, after scoring 82 off 177 balls, including eight boundaries was dismissed by Shoaib Bashir. Salman, who once again batted smartly with the lower-order, knitted 85 runs for the ninth wicket with Shaheen Shah Afridi (26, 49b, 2x4s, 1x6).For England, left-arm spinner Jack Leach went for 160 runs and took three wickets, while debutant Brydon Carse and right-arm pacer Gus Atkinson grabbed two wickets apiece.Scores in brief (Day 2):England trail by 460 runs at the Multan Cricket StadiumPakistan 556 all out, 149 overs (Shan Masood 151, Salman Ali Agha 104 not out, Abdullah Shafique 102, Saud Shakeel 82, Naseem Shah 33, Babar Azam 30, Shaheen Shah Afridi 26; Jack Leach 3-160, Brydon Carse 2-74, Gus Atkinson 2-99)England 96-1, 20 overs (Zak Crawley 64 not out, Joe Root 32 not out; Naseem Shah 1-29)
Mohammad Haris to lead Shaheens in ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup
Lahore (PCB Report): Mohammad Haris, who has featured in nine T20Is and six ODIs for Pakistan, will lead Pakistan Shaheens in the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup commencing in Oman from 18 October. Before the Shaheens’ departure to Oman on 16 October, the squad will undergo a camp at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi from 11 to 15 October.Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Yasir Khan and Zaman Khan will represent Pakistan Shaheens for the first time. Samad featured for UMT Markhors in the recently concluded Bahria Town Champions One-Day Cup 2024-25 and scored at a strike-rate of 122.88. Ahmed Daniyal playing for Nurpur Lions bagged 10 wickets, while Yasir and Zaman featured for Allied Bank Stallions in four and two matches, respectively.Eight teams will participate in the event with four teams divided into two groups. All matches will take place at the Oman Cricket Academy Ground in Muscat. Group A consists of Afghanistan ‘A’, Bangladesh ‘A’, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka ‘A’, while defending champions Pakistan Shaheens are slotted in Group B alongside India ‘A’, Oman and UAE.Haris-led Shaheens will take on last year’s finalists India ‘A’ in their opening match on 19 October. Shaheens’ second outing in the tournament will be against hosts Oman on 21 October, followed by their final group match will be against the UAE on 23 October.The top two sides from each group will qualify for the semi-finals scheduled to take place on 25 October. The final will take place on Sunday, 27 October.Usman Wahla, PCB Director International says: “Pakistan Shaheens are excited to showcase PCB’s emerging talent at the ACC Emerging Teams T20 Asia Cup.“We commend the Asian Cricket Council for their continuous efforts to foster player development across member nations. Initiatives like the Emerging Teams T20 Asia Cup are vital for creating opportunities for young talents to grow and excel.”Pakistan Shaheens squad:Mohammad Haris (captain), Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Haider Ali, Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohmmad Imran Jnr, Omair Bin Yousuf, Qasim Akram, Shahnawaz Dahani, Sufiyan Moqim, Yasir Khan and Zaman KhanTeam management:Umar Rasheed (head coach-cum-manager), Imran Farhat (batting coach), Riffatullah Mohmand (fielding coach), Usman Hashmi (analyst) and Syed Mohammad Asad (physiotherapist).
Dubai Stadium commemorates historic 100th T20I
Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): The Dubai International Stadium hosted its 100th T20I on Sunday afternoon when India took on Pakistan in an ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Group A clash. The historic occasion was marked by a special plaque unveiling and cake cutting ceremony at the stadium which was attended by Emirates Cricket Board Chairman Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Vice-Chairman Khalid Al Zarooni, Board of Control for Cricket in India Secretary Jay Shah and a number of other dignitaries. The stadium has now staged a total of 101 T20Is including 92 men’s and nine women’s. The West Indies-Scotland Group B clash that followed the India-Pakistan match on Sunday was the 101st T20I at the venue.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: India beat Pakistan
Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): India women beat Pakistan women by six wickets in the seventh fixture of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) on Sunday afternoon. This was Pakistan’s first defeat in the ongoing mega event, while India claimed their first win.Chasing a modest 106 to win, India achieved the target for the loss of four wickets in the 19th over. India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur played a responsible innings and scored 29 off 24 balls including a four. Opening batter Shafali Verma top-scored with a 35-ball 32, hitting three fours. Jemimah Rodrigues was other notable run-getter for the winning team with a 28-ball 23.Captain Fatima Sana was the most successful bowler for Pakistan, bagging two wickets for 23 runs in her four overs, while Omaima Sohail and Sadia Iqbal snapped a wicket each.Earlier, after opting to bat first, Pakistan managed to score 105 for eight in their allotted 20 overs. Former captain Nida Dar top-scored for the side with 28 off 34 balls including a four. That Pakistan were able to get past the 100-run mark was due to a 28-run partnership between Nida and Syeda Aroob Shah (14 not out, 17b, 1x4) for the eighth wicket.Wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali (17, 26b, 2x4s) and Fatima (13, 8b, 2x4s) were the other batters to reach double figures. For India, Arundhati Reddy bagged three wickets for 19 from four overs, while Shreyanka Patil took two wickets for 12 runs.Scores in brief (India beat Pakistan by six wickets):Pakistan 105-8, 20 overs (Nida Dar 28, Muneeba Ali 17, Syeda Aroob Shah 14 not out; Arundhati Reddy 3-19, Shreyanka Patil 2-12)India 108-4, 18.5 overs (Shafali Verma 32, Harmanpreet Kaur 29; Fatima Sana 2-23)Player of the match – Arundhati Reddy (India)
ICC Women's Under-19 World Cup 2025: England squad named
Sports Bulletin ReportLondon (UK): The England Women U19 squad for the ICC Women’s U19 World Cup 2025 in Malaysia has been named, as the Spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman impressed domestically and produced some stand-out performances for Southern Brave in this year’s edition of The Hundred and is selected while Davina Perrin, who featured in the 2023 edition of the ICC Women's U19 World Cup, is also included.Sixteen teams from around the world will take part in the 41-match event across 15 days of competition from 18 January to 2 February 2025. It will be the hosts Malaysia’s first appearance in the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup as well as Samoa’s first appearance in an ICC World Cup event. Drawn in Group B, England take on Ireland, Pakistan and USA with all group B matches in Johor.Five non-travelling reserves have also been selected. The reserves won't travel but will take a full part throughout the preparation phase and act as stand-by players should a replacement player be required: Maria Andrews (The Blaze), Sophie Beech (Central Sparks), Daisy Gibb (Southern Vipers), Poppy Tulloch (Southern Vipers), Annie Williams (The Blaze).England Women U19 squad: Phoebe Brett (Central Sparks),Olivia Brinsden (Thunder),Tilly Corteen-Coleman (South East Stars),Trudy Johnson (Northern Diamonds), Katie Jones (Western Storm), Charlotte Lambert (South East Stars), Abi Norgrove (Southern Vipers), Eve O’Neill (Southern Vipers), Davina Perrin (Central Sparks), Jemima Spence (South East Stars), Charlotte Stubbs (South East Stars), Amuruthaa Surenkumar (Sunrisers), Prisha Thanawala (The Blaze), Erin Thomas (Northern Diamonds), Grace Thompson (Northern Diamonds).
