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National Women’s One-Day Tournament: Stars lift title
Stars overcome Conquerors by 5 wickets, Sidra Amin scores 77 runs in 84 balls in finalRawalpindi (Sports Bulletin Report): Captains’ innings by Sidra Amin (77, 84b, 11x4s, 1x6) and an all-round performance from Rameen Shamim (37 not out, two wickets) led Stars to a five-wicket win over Conquerors at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday to lift the trophy of National Women’s One-Day Tournament 2024 and also grab the prize money of PKR 1.5 million. Fatima Sana-led Conquerors had to settle with a runners-up trophy and prize money of PKR 1 million.Opting to bat first, Conquerors managed to score 178 for nine in 45 overs – the match which was also live-streamed on PCB’s official YouTube channel. Conquerors’ Hafsa Khalid top-scored with a 78-ball 47, hitting nine boundaries. Dua Majid was other notable contributor with the bat, scoring 40 off 66 balls, hitting three fours. For Stars, pacer Waheeda Akhtar bagged three wickets for 33, while spinners Rameen Shamim (9-0-38-2), Tuba Hassan (9-0-42-2) and Neelam Mushtaq (9-0-26-1) shared five wickets between them.In turn, Stars achieved the target in 43.2 overs losing five wickets in the process. Skipper Sidra and Rameen knitted a 103-run partnership for the fifth wicket, while Tuba Hassan’s (12 not out, four balls, 3x4s) three boundaries in the 43rd over made sure Stars get a comfortable win. Sidra, for her match winning innings was declared the player of the match, while Invincibles’ Omaima Sohail was declared the best player of the tournament for scoring 253 runs and taking 13 wickets. In other individual awards, Invincibles’ Muneeba Ali was declared the best wicket-keeper of the tournament with 12 dismissals behind stumps. Challengers Aliya Riaz for 382 runs in eight outings was named best batter of the tournament, while Stars’ Rameen was named best bowler of the tournament after grabbing 20 wickets from nine matches.Scores in brief (Stars beat Conquerors by 5 wickets):Conquerors 178-9, 45 overs (Hafsa Khalid 47, Dua Majid 40, Saira Jabeen 32, Najiha Alvi 23, Fatima Sana 20; Waheeda Akhtar 3-33, Rameen Shamim 2-38, Tuba Hassan 2-42)Stars 179-5, 43.2 overs (Sidra Amin 77, Rameen Shamim 37 not out, Sadaf Shamas 22; Nashra Sundhu 2-26)Player of the match: Sidra Amin (Stars)Best Wicket-keeper of the Tournament: Muneeba Ali (Invincibles) (12 dismissals)Best Batter of the Tournament: Aliya Riaz (Challengers) (382 runs, eight matches)Best Bowler of the tournament: Rameen Shamim (Stars) (20 wickets, nine matches)Player of the Tournament: Omaima Sohail (Invincibles) (253 runs, 13 wickets, eight matches)
Khawaja Iftikhar Memorial: Muzammil Murtaza wins Singles title
Lahore (SBR): Aisam ul Haq Qureshi and Ushna Suhail grabbed mixed doubles title, Muzammil Murtaza bagged men’s singles titles and Ushna claimed ladies singles title in the Khawaja Iftikhar Memorial National Ranking Tennis Championship 2024 at Sports Board Punjab Center Tennis Court, Nishtar Park Sports Complex on Saturday.The highlight of the concluding day was mixed doubles final between Aisam/Ushna and Abdullah Adnan and Amna Ali Qayyum, which was witnessed by huge and enthusiastic crowd, which enjoyed each and every moment of the final and cheered for both the pairs on earning each point. After a very healthy competition, the enthralling encounter was won by Aisam and Ushna, who defeated the spirited duo of Adnan and Amna 6-2, 6-3. The men's singles final proved a highly-charged encounter, where Muzammil Murtaza played well and edged out experienced Aqeel Khan by 6-2, 7-6(6-3) to clinch the title. The ladies singles final was won by Ushna Suhail, the granddaughter of Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad, who overwhelmed young Zunaisha Noor 6-2, 6-0.In the boys U-18 singles final, Abubakar Talha (Wapda) defeated Shehryar Anees 6-2, 6-2. Abubakar Talha completed the brace of titles, when he, along with Hamza Roman, beat Ahtesham Humayun and M Salar 6-1, 6-4 in the U-18 doubles final. Shayan Afridi claimed boys U-14 singles title by beating Junaid Khan 6-0, 6-3 while Bismel Zia defeated Hajra Sohail 6-3, 6-3 to lift the girls U-14 singles title. ITF Seniors Champion Rashid Malik, partnering with Arif Feroze, defeated Mohammad Khalid and Mohammad Ilyas 5-2 (retd) to clinch the seniors 55+ doubles title. Talha Waheed (Gas & Oil Pakistan Ltd) and Shehryar Salamat clinched the seniors 40+ doubles title after edging out Ashar Khan and Hadi Hussain 1-6, 6-4, 10-12 in the final.Pakistan’s Olympic Gold Medallist Arshad Nadeem graced the concluding ceremony as chief guest while his coach Salman Iqbal Butt was the guest of honour. Both distributed prizes among the winners and runners-up. They also awarded life time achievement awards to Nausheen Ehtesham and Rashid Malik for their services for tennis in Pakistan. Other notables present on the occasion were entire family of Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad including Aisam ul Haq Qureshi and Ushna Suhail, Former Governor Punjab Gen (Retd) Khalid Maqbool, tennis players, their families, and tennis enthusiasts.
England announce Squads for India Tour & Champions Trophy 2025
Islamabad (Sports Desk): The England Men’s selection panel has named the squads for next month’s white-ball tour of India, which includes three ODIs, five IT20s, and the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, hosted by Pakistan in February and March 2025. Both squads feature 15 players, marking the first tour and tournament under Head Coach Brendon McCullum.Names of selected players: Jos Buttler (Lancashire-Captain), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Jamie Overton (Surrey), Jamie Smith (Surrey), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), Phil Salt (Lancashire), Mark Wood (Durham)England Men’s IT20 Squad for India Tour: Jos Buttler (Lancashire-Captain), Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Jamie Overton (Surrey), Jamie Smith (Surrey), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), Phil Salt (Lancashire), Mark Wood (Durham)Yorkshire batter Joe Root makes his return to the ODI side for the first time since the ICC Men’s World Cup in November 2023. Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes was not considered for selection as he continues to be assessed following a left hamstring injury sustained during the third Test match against New Zealand earlier this month. Leicestershire leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed joins the IT20 squad, while Root is selected only for the ODIs. The tour party will depart on 17 January 2025.Schedule IT20s in India:1st IT20: India v England, Wednesday 22 January, Eden Gardens, Kolkata2nd IT20: India v England, Saturday 25 January, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai3rd IT20: India v England, Tuesday 28 January, Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot4th IT20: India v England, Friday 31 January, MCA Stadium, Pune5th IT20: India v England, Sunday 2 February, Wankhede Stadium, MumbaiSchedule ODIs in India:1st ODI: India v England, Thursday 6 February, VCA Stadium, Nagpur2nd ODI: India v England, Sunday 9th February, Barabati Stadium, Cuttack3rd ODI: India v England, Wednesday 12 February, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
1-Day Tournament: Conquerors and Stars set to meet in final
Rawalpindi (SBR): Conquerors will take on Stars in the final of the National Women’s One-Day Tournament scheduled on Sunday, 22 December at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The toss of the 45-over final will take place at 9am, while the first ball of the match will be bowled at 09.30am.The winner of the event will grab PKR 1.5 million, while the runners-up have to settle with PKR 1 million. The match will be live-streamed on PCB’s official YouTube channel, while ball-by-ball coverage will be available on PCB’s corporate website.Fatima Sana-led Conquerors, who finished on the top of the table with 12 points will eye to conclude the event on the winning note. Conquerors and Sidra Amin’s Stars have met twice against each other in the tournament, with both sides winning one match each. Most recently, at the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on 14 December, Conquerors on the back of three wickets apiece by Nashra Sundhu and Syeda Aroob Shah managed a 48-run win.Right-hand batter Sidra is leading the Stars from front as she has scored 254 runs in eight matches, which included two half-centuries and her 43-ball 53 came in a three-wicket win over Conquerors on 18 November at the HPC Oval Ground in Karachi.In bowling charts, Stars’ off-spinner Rameen Shamim (eight matches, 18 wickets) and leg-spinner Tuba Hassan (eight matches, 16 wickets) are among the top four bowlers in the tournament.For Conquerors, captain Fatima has produced all-round performance in the tournament. The 23-year-old has scored 225 from eight matches, which included two half-centuries, while with her right-arm fast she has bagged eight wickets. Right-hand batter Hafsa Khalid is another batter Conquerors will be relying upon. The right-hand batter has scored 217 from eight matches, which included one half-century.In bowling, Conquerors spin bowlers Nashra Sundhu and Mahnoor Aftab have bagged 17 and 13 wickets, respectively. Fatima Sana and Sidra Amin talked exclusively to PCB Digital on the eve of the final.Fatima Sana said: “The young players have shown great potential and skills throughout the tournament and now we are really looking forward to do well in the final. We have carried good momentum in the tournament, and now with one game away from winning the trophy, we will not think more about the final and will take it as a normal match.”Sidra Amin said: “We had a good start in the tournament, but in the middle of the tournament we had some close contest games, so it’s important we finish well in the tournament. Our opponent for the final has played good cricket throughout the tournament and the final match will be a good contest and with the match being live-streamed, it will encourage young girls across the country to witness the performances of the players and also take up the sport.”
SPORTS NEWS - National 20 Dec, 2024
Punjab athletes claim 79 gold medals, 52 silver and 42 bronze medals, KPK win second positionIslamabad (SBR): Punjab contingent with 173 medals including 79 gold medals, 52 silver and 42 bronze medals, won the week-long Inter-Provincial Quaid-e-Azam Games’ title that concluded here at Pakistan Sports Complex on Thursday. Secretary Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Nadeem Irshad Kiani was the chief guest at the prize distribution ceremony.Director General Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Yasir Pirzada, Additional Secretary IPC Zahoor Ahmed, Director General Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Khizar Afzaal Chaudhry, Director Admin Dr Mohammad Kaleem, Director Sports Rana Nadeem Anjum and other officials were also present at the closing ceremony.Secretary IPC Nadeem Irshad Kiani presented the winning trophy to Director General Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Khizar Afzaal Chaudhry and the other members of Punjab contingent. The jubilant athletes of Punjab contingent chanted slogans of ‘Punjab Zindabad’, ‘DG Sports Zindabad’ and danced at the closing ceremony after their overwhelming victory. They also lifted the Director General Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Khizar Afzaal Chaudhry on the shoulders to celebrate their splendid victory.Punjab Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar, Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Muzaffar Khan Sial and Director General Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Khizar Afzaal Chaudhry congratulated the Punjab athletes and sports officials for achieving remarkable victory in Inter-Provincial Quaid-e-Azam Games.Punjab Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar in a statement on Thursday said that the entire Punjab contingent offered excellent performance throughout the Quaid-e-Azam Games. “Every member of Punjab contingent deserved huge appreciation for their title winning performance”.Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bagged the second position with 96 medals including 27 gold medals, 31 silver and 38 bronze medals while Sindh finished third with 79 medals including 16 gold medals, 28 silver and 35 bronze medals. Punjab athletes, with 79 gold medals broke their own record of 74 medals, they achieved in the 2017 edition of Quaid-e-Azam Games
Pakistan's Hassan Usmani Dominates Saudi Star in ATF Asian U14
Islamabad (Sports Desk): Pakistan's Hassan Usmani moved into the semifinals of the ATF Asian Under-14 quarterfinal, as the tournament is being played in Saudi Arabia.According to a press release of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), after a stunning display of skill and mind, Ashgabat's Champ and ACE Pak star Hassan Usmani, delivered a commanding performance to defeat Saudi Arabia's Hamza Mahdi 6-1, 6-1 in the quarterfinals of the ATF Asian 14&Under Championship in Jeddah. President PTF Mr. Aisam ul Haq Qureshi praised his performance and motivated him for the Semifinal.
SPORTS NEWS - National 18 Dec, 2024
Abdul Jabbar FaisalIslamabad: ThePunjab’s athletes maintained their to position on the penultimate day of the ongoing 3rd Quaid-e-Azam Inter-Provincial Games 2024 with 77 gold medals in different sports disciplines, as the mega sports event is being organized by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB)>Punjab secured a total of 163 medals, including 77 gold, 50 silvers, and 36 bronze. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa earned 90 medals, comprising 24 gold, 29 silvers, and 37 bronze. Sindh won 70 medals, including 14 gold, 25 silvers, and 31 bronze, while Balochistan claimed 60 medals, with 14 gold, 15 silver, and 31 bronze. Islamabad achieved 53 medals, consisting of 5 gold, 11 silver, and 37 bronze. Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir secured 22 and 26 medals, respectively.Director General PSB, Yasir Pirzada said that all units collectively won a total of 137 gold, 137 silver, and 210 bronze medals, making a grand total of 484 medals.He appreciated the outstanding performance of the athletes, emphasizing that these results reflect a positive development in the promotion of sports and the enhancement of young athletes’ skills in the country.The DG further added that the government and Pakistan Sports Board are committed to providing more facilities and opportunities for athletes so they can bring glory to Pakistan on international platforms. He also congratulated all units on their commendable performances.
Eyman, Gull Feroza hit unbeaten centuries in Strikers’ win
Islamabad (SBR): Nashra Sundhu’s back to back player of the match performances takes Conquerors to the top of the table in the ongoing National Women’s One-Day Tournament. At the Diamond Cricket Ground, batting first Conquerors managed to score 208 for nine in 45 overs. Hafsa Khalid top-scored with an 83-ball 43, which included three fours and a six. Wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi returned undefeated on 39 off 38 balls, smashing three fours.For Invincibles, Areesha Noor, Fatima Zahra and Ghulam Fatima bagged two wickets apiece.In reply, Invincibles were bowled out for 101 in 29.4 overs with opening batter Ayesha Zafar contributing 31 off 64 balls, hitting four boundaries.Conquerors’ left-arm spinner Nashra took three wickets for 21, while Fatima Sana and Mahnoor Aftab snapped two wickets each. Today’s win was Conquerors fifth win in seven games, while Invincibles second defeat in the event.At the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, unbeaten centuries by Eyman Fatima and Gull Feroza led Strikers to a seven-wicket win over Challengers. Aliya Riaz-led Challengers ended the tournament with two wins from eight outings.Chasing 243 to win, Eyman (119 not out, 92b, 17x4s, 3x6s) and Gull Feroza (103 not out, 101b, 13x4s) knitted an unbeaten 205-run partnership for the fourth wicket and helped their side achieve the target in 36.5 overs. This was right-hand batter Eyman’s second century in the tournament as the 20-year-old has scored 317 runs from seven matches.Earlier, batting first, Challengers posted 242 for six in 45 overs with right-hand batter Natalia Parvaiz returning undefeated on 81 off 85 balls, laced with eight fours and two sixes. Gull Rukh (43, 44b, 6x4s, 1x6), Umm-e-Hani (39, 53b, 4x4s) and Momina Riasat (33 not out, 37b, 4x4s) were other contributors with the bat.For Strikers, captain Nida Dar bagged three wickets for 45 in nine overs, while Ayesha Bilal took two wickets for 38 runs.Scores in brief:Conquerors beat Invincibles by 107 runs at the Diamond Cricket Ground Conquerors 208-9, 45 overs (Hafsa Khalid 43, Najiha Alvi 39 not out, Syeda Aroob Shah 36; Areesha Noor 2-10, Fatima Zahra 2-27, Ghulam Fatima 2-38) Invincibles 101 all out, 29.4 overs (Ayesha Zafar 31; Nashra Sundhu 3-21, Fatima Sana 2-17, Mahnoor Aftab 2-22) Player of the match: Nashra Sundhu (Conquerors)Strikers beat Challengers by seven wickets at the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket StadiumChallengers 242-6, 45 overs (Natalia Parvaiz 81 not out, Gull Rukh 43, Umm-e-Hani 39, Momina Riasat 33 not out; Nida Dar 3-45, Ayesha Bilal 2-38) Strikers 243-3, 36.5 overs (Eyman Fatima 119 not out, Gull Feroza 103 not out)Player of the match: Eyman Fatima (Strikers).
Historic Patrons Aibak Polo Cup 2024 kicks off at Lahore Polo Club
LAHORE (SBR): The Patrons Aibak Polo Cup 2024 commenced with great fanfare under the auspices of Lahore Polo Club. During a packed press conference, Lahore Polo Club President Malik Azam Hayat Noon, alongside event sponsors, officially announced the start of tournament. Highlighting its historical significance, Azam Hayat Noon emphasised that the Aibak Polo Cup is a proud legacy of the Lahore Polo Club, paying tribute to Sultan Qutb-ud-din Aibak, a key historical figure in the subcontinent’s history. The Aibak Polo Cup is named after Sultan Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate, who was not only a warrior but also an avid polo player. Polo, known as "The Game of Kings," held great importance during his reign. Sultan Aibak tragically passed away in Lahore in 1210 after falling from his horse while playing polo. To honor his contributions to history and the sport, the Aibak Polo Cup has been a prominent fixture in Lahore Polo Club’s calendar for decades, preserving the legacy of the great leader and the club’s deep connection to the game. The press conference was attended by Executive Committee members Naseer Ahmed and Feroze Gulzar, along with key sponsors, including Taimur Ali Malik of Guard Group, Mir Huzaifa Ahmed of Diamond Paints, Dr. Faisal Qadeer Khokhar of Remington Pharma, Sardar Mohsin Atta Khosa of Pebble Breaker, Farooq Amin Soofi of Master Paints, Adnan Jalil Azam of Newage Cables, Nafees Barry of The Retro Bar, Abu Bakar Siddique of Black Horse Paints and Salman Akram of OD Donuts. According to Malik Azam Hayat Noon, ten teams are participating in the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A consists of Diamond Paints, Newage Cables, PAF, Rijas/Master Paints, and Master Paints while Group B comprises Army, IS/SQ/Platinum, PB, FG/Din, and BN Polo. The event’s sponsors include Diamond Paints, Master Paints, Newage Cables, Remington Pharma, Guard Group, Pebble Breakers, The Retro Bar, Platinum Homes, OD Donuts, and Black Horse Paints. The week-long tournament will feature two matches daily, with the grand final scheduled for Sunday. This eight-goal competition has attracted top-tier players from the UK, Iran, Argentina, and Pakistan, promising enthralling and exciting polo action throughout the event. With its rich heritage and global participation, the Patrons Aibak Polo Cup continues to uphold the traditions of polo, celebrating both its historical roots and modern-day excellence. Meanwhile, four matches were decided on the opening day of the prestigious tournament. In the first match, Diamond Paints defeated Newage Cables by 8-6. In other matches of the day, Master Paints beat PAF by 4-2, Rijas/Master Paints edged out Master Paints by 4-3 while Rijas/Master Paints outclassed PAF by 7-2.
T20: Nurpur Lions beat ABL Stallions by three
Rawalpindi (PCB Report) Hard-hitting opener Hasan Nawaz smashed a fiery half century while Khushdil Shah produced an all-round show as Nurpur Lions beat ABL Stallions by three wickets in the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Tuesday. Hasan has been impressing most of the cricket experts with his clean hitting and that was on show as he led the chase for Nurpur Lions. The winners overhauled the 169-run target for the loss of seven wickets with an over to spare.ABL Stallions were all out off the final delivery for 168.Despite the defeat the ABL Stallions were still top of the five-team table with eight points in six games, winning four and losing two games. Nurpur Lions are now third on the table, behind UMT Markhors (second) with six points. They have won three and lost three matches.Lake City Panthers also have six points but are fourth with an inferior net run-rate to Lions. Engro Dolphins have yet to open their account after losing all their five matches.Hasan launched an attack right from the word go and despite losing his opening partner, Imam-ul-Haq for four in the second over, he did not relent. He added 41 for the second wicket with Shahzaib Khan (six). Another 43 were added between Hasan and Mohammad Taha (21 off 18 balls with two sixes). ABL Stallions mentor Shoaib Malik then derailed the chase with wickets of Hasan in the 15th over, leaving 47 to defend in the last five overs. Shoaib also accounted for Khushdil Shah for 10, but Rohail Nazir kept his cool with an innings of 26 not out off 12 balls spiced with three fours and a six to seal the win.Earlier, sent into bat, Hussain Talat once again came to his team’s rescue as he hit a 29-ball 43 with the help of five boundaries and a six. He added 42 for the fifth wicket with Shoaib who made a 16-ball 22 with a boundary and a six.The two were given a good platform by Maaz Sadaqat, who made 34 off 27 balls with three fours and a six.Maaz and young Shamyl Hussain put on a brisk 46 run opening stand by just 5.2 overs. Shamyl’s run-a-ball 18 had one six. Ubaid Shah gave a final flurry to the innings, smashing two sixes and a four in his six-ball 17.ABL Stallions lost three wickets in the last over, including two run outs. Fast bowler Musa Khan was the best of the bowlers with 3-32. Khushdil Shah took 2-30 while Shahid Aziz finished with 2-35.Scores in brief:(Nurpur Lions beat ABL Stallions by three wickets)ABL Stallions 168 all out in 20 overs (Hussain Talat 43, Maaz Sadaqat 34, Shoaib Malik 22, Shamyl Hussain 18; Musa Khan 3-32, Khushdil Shah 2-30, Shahid Aziz 2-35)Nurpur Lions 169-7 in 19 overs (Hasan Nawaz 74, Rohail Nazir 26 not out, Mohammad Taha 21; Maaz Sadaqat 2-16, Shoaib Malik 2-26)Player of the match – Hasan Nawaz (Nurpur Lions).
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