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CAS International: Noor Zaman outplays Nasir Iqbal 3-0 in final
Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The second seed, Noor Zaman overpowered Nasir Iqbal 3-0 in the final of the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) - Serena Hotels International Squash Championship 2024 at Mushaf Squash Complex Islamabad on Friday. The final score-line of 11-8, 12-10, and 11-9, as the championship match lasted 27 minutes.The officials of Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) were looking satisfied before commencing the final, as the both Pakistan squash lad were on the court for the title. Nasir had ousted top seed Ibrahim Elkabbani from Egypt in the first semifinal and Noor had trounced compatriot Mohammad Ashab Irfan in the second semifinal on Thursday at the same venue.In the first game of the final, Nasir Iqbal earned pivotal 3 points lead at 5-2 after playing some powerful stroke in the starting of the game, however, Noor Zaman succeeded to square the game at 5-5. After leveling the game, Noor kept up his pressure on his rival and made the score 10-5. World No 82 Noor Zaman finished the first game at 11-8 after showing aggression with powerful fore-hand and back-hand drives.Meanwhile, the second game saw a nerve-jangling competition, which was won by Noor Zaman 12-10 on tie-break, as the game went up neck-to-neck. The game score was leveled at 1-1, 2-2, 6-6, 8-8, 9-9 and 10-10. Both players exhibited top class squash and amused the spectators with their game skills, as the second game was a blend of powerful strokes, classic drop shorts and nicks. Finally, Noor Zaman won the second game at 12-10 to take 2-0 vital lead in the final.In the third game, Noor Zaman took the control of the game in the beginning and marinated the lead at the end of game at 11-9. At one stage game was leveled 2-2, however, champion Noor Zaman kept the score up at 7-4, 8-6, and 10-7. The final score-line was 11-8, 12-10, and 11-9. The final match wasted 27 minutes and final proved unexpectedly one-sided.Air Marshal Shakil Ghazanfar Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Personnel) graced the closing ceremony as a chief guest and presented trophies and souvenirs to the players and officials. Air Marshal Kazim Hammad Senior Vice President PSF, Amjad Ali Gill, Joint Secretary Ministry of IPC, squash Legend Qamar Zaman, VP PSF Adnan Asad, Chief Operating Officer Serena Hotels Peter Martin along with number of players, officials and squash lovers were also present in the ceremony.
TENNIS - ITF Juniors 22 Nov, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Ahmad Nael Qureshi pairing with Bilal Asim have lifted the Doubles title of the ITF Pakistan PPL-Syed Dilawar Abbas World Junior Tennis Championship Leg-2 after beating Abubakar Talha and Haider Ali Rizwan 2-0 in the final here at PTF Tennis Complex on Friday.Results:Boys’ Singles (Semifinals): Sion Ji (KOR) beat Ahmad Nael Qureshi 6-4, 6-4Xiuyuan Guo (CHN) beat Bilal Asim 6-3, 6-3Girls’ Singles (Semifinals): Karolina Ligai (KAZ) bt Chaerin Lee (KOR) 7-5, 6-3Dinara De Silva (SRI) bt Hinata Wada (JPN) 4-6, 6-4, 6-1Boys' Doubles Final: Ahmad Nael Qureshi / Bilal Asim beat Abubakar Talha /Haider Ali Rizwan 6-4, 6-3Girls Doubles Final: So Yuna(KOR) / Yeon Joo Cha(KOR) beat A Hyun Jo (KOR) / Chaerin Lee(KOR) 6-2, 6-3 Saturday (Schedule):Girls’ Singles Final: 10:00 amBoys’ Singles Final: 02:00pm
Rawalpindi to host Champions T20 Cup from 7-25 December
Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup will be held at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 7 to 25 December. Five teams - ABL Stallions, Engro Dolphins, Lake City Panthers, Nurpur Lions, and UMT Markhors - will compete for the prestigious title.This marks the second event in the Champions Cup series, following the resounding success of the 50-over tournament held in Faisalabad in September. In that event, the Lake City Panthers had triumphed over the UMT Markhors in a closely contested final. Cricket fans had turned out in droves at the Iqbal Stadium to witness the 14-match extravaganza, showcasing some of the country’s finest talent.To build on this momentum, the PCB has strategically scheduled the Champions T20 Cup at the centrally located Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, featuring 22 matches over 19 days, including six double-headers and eight single-headers. Double-header matches will begin at 11am and 3.30pm, while single-header games are set for 12pm.A new cut-throat format has been introduced to enhance the competition’s intensity. The table-topper after the double-league stage will advance directly to the final, while the second and third-placed teams will face off in a Qualifier on 23 December at 3.30pm. The final is scheduled for 25 December at 3.30pm.The tournament format will also serve as a platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills, offering selectors valuable insights into players who could be groomed for the national team. Furthermore, standout performers may attract the attention of the HBL Pakistan Super League franchises as they prepare for the 2025 season and beyond.The Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup will kick off on 7 December with an exciting double-header: ABL Stallions vs Lake City Panthers, followed by Nurpur Lions vs UMT Markhors. First round matches will take place from 7 to 13 December, while the second round will run from 15 to 21 December.Champions T20 Cup (Schedule):Sat, 7 Dec: ABL Stallions v Lake City Panthers (11am); Nurpur Lions v UMT Markhors (3.30pm)Sun 8 Dec: Lake City Panthers v Engro Dolphins (12pm)Mon, 9 Dec: ABL Stallions v Nurpur Lions (12pm)Tues, 10 Dec: Engro Dolphins v UMT Markhors (12pm)Wed, 11 Dec: Nurpur Lions v Lake City Panthers (12pm)Thurs, 12 Dec: ABL Stallions v UMT Markhors (11am); Engro Dolphins v Nurpur Lions (3.30pm)Fri, 13 Dec: Lake City Panthers v UMT Markhors (11am); ABL Stallions v Engro Dolphins (3.30pm)Sun, 15 Dec: ABL Stallions v Lake City Panthers (11am); Nurpur Lions v UMT Markhors (3.30pm)Mon, 16 Dec: Lake City Panthers v Engro Dolphins (12pm)Tues, 17 Dec: ABL Stallions v Nurpur Lions (12pm)Wed, 18 Dec: Engro Dolphins v UMT Markhors (12pm)Thurs, 19 Dec: Nurpur Lions v Lake City Panthers (12pm)Fri, 20 Dec: ABL Stallions v UMT Markhors (11am); Engro Dolphins v Nurpur Lions (3.30pm)Sat, 21 Dec: Lake City Panthers v UMT Markhors (11am); ABL Stallions v Engro Dolphins (3.30pm)Mon, 23 Dec: Qualifier (Second ranked side v third ranked side) (3.30pm)Wed, 25 Dec: FINAL (3.30pm).
SQUASH - National Juniors 21 Nov, 2024
Karachi (SBR): Atif Ali, Danish Sikander and Sherish Ali have won the National Juniors Squash Championships titles after beating opponents in respective categories finals here on Thursday.Result (finals):Boys' U9: Atif Ali Naz (KP) beat Mohammad Bin Naseem (SD) (3-1) 11-1 11-4 5-11 11-3 Boys' U13: Danish Sikandar (KP) beat Raheel Victor (SD) (3-1) 11-7 4-11 11-6 11-3 Girls' U15: Sehrish Ali (KP) beat Mahnoor Ali (KP) (3-1) 11-7 5-11 11-7 11-4
T10: Phil Salt's spicy innings sets up Team Abu Dhabi for big win
Sports Bulletin ReportAbu Dhabi (UAE): Abu Dhabi: A power-packed performance from Team Abu Dhabi skipper Phil Salt gave a scintillating start to the Season 8 of Abu Dhabi T10 at Zayed Cricket Stadium on Thursday. Continuing his roaring form in the white-ball format, the right-handed batter smashed 52 runs in 18 balls, helping his side to a memorable 9-wicket win over the new franchise on the block, Ajman Bolts.To kickstart the proceedings on the first day of the new season, the players stood together to sing the National Anthem, and the game began after the players were energized by a special address from Shaji Ul Mulk, Chairman, T Ten Global Sports Founder and Chairman. Motivating the citizens of UAE, he highlighted the significance of journey taken by T10 Global over the past decade and the impact created by the format all around the world.As the match began, a fiery innings from young Sri Lankan batter Shevon Daniel put the hosts on the backfoot. But Mark Adair and Zeeshan Naseer tested the opposition's top-order with short balls, and Ajman lost quick wickets in succession. Bopara provided much needed respite for the Bolts, but speedster Kadeem Alleyne ended their resistance, and picked up two crucial wickets. With momentum swinging away, Bolts could only muster 79 runs on board, finishing with a total of 79/8 in 10 overs. Chasing 80, the hosts suffered an early setback with Paul Stirling hitting the ball straight to cover on the first ball. England explosive hitters Jonny Bairstow and Salt stitched a partnership to settle down the nerves. Salt started leading from the front, hammering six sixes and two fours in his innings to score a brisk 17-ball fifty. Bairstow delivered the winning runs, playing the perfect supporting role with 22 runs in 14 balls as Team Abu Dhabi began the season in roaring form.
Lahore Qalandars Announce Squad for Guyana Global Super League
LAHORE (PR): Lahore Qalandars have unveiled their squad for the inaugural ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL), featuring a balanced mix of international stars, seasoned local players, and promising emerging talent from the world-renowned Qalandars’ Player Development Program.Pakistan all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Akhlaq, Mirza Tahir Baig, and leg-spinner Arif Yaqoob form a strong Pakistani core for the tournament set to take place in Guyana from 26 November to 7 December 2024.The overseas contingent is headlined by South Africa’s left-arm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, West Indies’ all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite, and England’s Tom Abell, Luke Wells, and Adam Rossington. Canadian seamer Kaleem Sana adds further depth to the squad.The two-time PSL champions have named four players from the Qalandars’ Player Development Program in line with their vision to promote Pakistani talent on the international stage. These include fast bowlers Salman Mirza and Tayyab Abbas, top-order batter Mirza Tahir Baig, and all-rounder Mohammad Faizan.Sameen Rana, Team Owner Lahore Qalandars: "The Lahore Qalandars are thrilled to participate in the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, and the announcement of our full squad marks another significant milestone in our GSL journey. We are excited about the opportunity to play cricket in the Caribbean and are determined to deliver performances that our fans around the world can be proud of. It’s especially gratifying to see so many graduates from our Player Development Program earning another chance to shine on the international stage.”Lahore Qalandars (14-am squad): Adam Rossington, Arif Yaqoob, Asif Afridi, Carlos Brathwaite, Faheem Ashraf, Kaleem Sana-ur-Rehman, Luke Wells, Mirza Tahir Baig, Mohammad Akhlaq, Mohammad Faizan, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tayyab Abbas, Tom AbellLahore Qalandars (team management): Amjad Ali (Batting Coach), Darren Gough (Head Coach), Farooq Anwar (Manager), Kashif Raza (Bowling Coach), Sameen Naeem Rana (Team Director), Simon (Masseur), Wasif Khalid (Performance Manager).
T20 Blind Cricket World Cup to start with opening ceremony on Friday
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The vibrant opening ceremony of the 4th T20 Blind Cricket World Cup will be held on Friday (November 22), at 10:30 am at Alhamra Hall 1, Mall Road, Lahore. The event will feature the unveiling of the World Cup trophy along with a cultural show. The personalities, who have played a pivotal role in the promotion of blind cricket in Pakistan, will be honored with ‘Lifetime Achievement Awards’ during the ceremony. All participating teams in the World Cup will be present at the event. The tournament's first match is scheduled for Saturday (November 23), between Pakistan and South Africa. The game will take place at the Ghani Institute of Cricket Ground, DHA Phase 6, at 11:00 am.
Sumair appointed ICC Champions Trophy Tournament Director
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the appointment of Sumair Ahmad Syed, Chief Operating Officer of the PCB, as the Tournament Director for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place in Pakistan.PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi said: “Sumair is an exceptionally organised professional with a wealth of administrative expertise. Coupled with his unwavering passion for cricket, I am confident he will deliver an unforgettable ICC Champions Trophy 2025 for players, officials and fans alike. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to showcase Pakistan’s ability to host world-class cricketing events, welcoming players and fans from around the globe to experience the country’s passion for the game and renowned hospitality. This tournament marks a historic milestone as the biggest sporting event in Pakistan’s recent history. With Sumair leading the way, the global cricket community can rest assured that the event will meet the highest standards of excellence synonymous with Pakistan.”Tournament Director Sumair Ahmad Syed said: “I am deeply honored and excited to take on this significant responsibility for a tournament that holds immense importance for the Pakistan Cricket Board, our fans and supporters. Preparations are already well underway, with stadium upgrades nearing completion and crucial discussions ongoing with the International Cricket Council. Our experienced events team, which has successfully planned and executed nine multi-team HBL Pakistan Super Leagues, including last five in Pakistan, will play a vital role in ensuring the tournament’s success. I am committed to working closely with them as well as the International Cricket Council, leaving no stone unturned to exceed the benchmarks set by previous ICC Champions Trophy editions.”
IV-Day, Pakistan A vs Sri Lanka A match ends in Draw in Rawalpindi
Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: Sonal Dinusha and Pavan Rathnayake ended the two four-day matches series with sparkling centuries as Pakistan Shaheens and Sri Lanka ‘A’ match ended into a draw at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.Dinusha returned unbeaten on 116 and Rathnayake remained 100 not out as Sri Lanka ‘A’, resuming their second innings at 157 for four, declared their second innings at 260 for four to set Pakistan Shaheens a target of 284 in 60 overs. When the match ended, Pakistan Shaheens were 156 for three in 45 overs.Dinusha, who had scored 85 not in the first innings, had started the day at 51 and added another 65 runs on the final day to finish at 116 not out. His fourth first-class century in 41st match came off 141 balls and included nine fours. Overall, he faced 184 balls and hit 10 fours.Rathnayake had started this morning at 64 and finished on 100 not out, his seventh first-class century in 38 matches. He faced 198 balls and hit eight fours.The two batters had come together when Sri Lanka ‘A’ were tottering at 46 for four. Their 214 runs unbeaten fifth-wicket stand came off 369 balls and not only steered the ship to safety but also allowed Sri Lanka ‘A’ to set the home team a stiff 284 runs target in 60 overs.When the match was called off, Pakistan Shaheens had recovered from 67 for three to 156 for three. Mohammad Suleman was the top-scorer with 66 not out (121b, 3x4, 1x6), while Haider Ali scored 43 not out (68b, 3x4, 1x6) as the two batters put on 89 runs for the unfinished fourth wicket. Ali Zaryab contributed 31.The two sides will now feature in a three-match 50-over series to be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 25, 27 and 29 November.Scores in brief (day 4 of 4):Match drawn, Pakistan Shaheens win two-match series 1-0Sri Lanka ‘A’ 310 all-out, 79 overs (Sonal Dinusha 85 not out, Wanuja Sahan 63, Isitha Wijesundara 51, Pavan Rathnayake 35, Ahan Wickramsinghe 30, Dinura Kalupahana 30; Khurram Shahzad 6-30, Ahmed Safi Abdullah 2-100) and 260-4d, 76 overs (Sonal Dinusha 116 not out, Pavan Rathnayake 100 not out; Ahmed Bashir 2-65)Pakistan Shaheens 287 all out, 98 overs (Abdul Faseeh 59, Mohammad Suleman 40, Ahmed Safi Abdullah 39, Haider Ali 35, Ali Zaryab 32, Hussain Talat 25; Wanuja Sahan 5-74) and 156-3, 45 overs (Mohammad Suleman 66 not out, Haider Ali 43 not out, Ali Zaryab 31).
Border-Gavaskar series to be a Bower's Paradise: Mark Waugh
BIPIN DANIFormer Australia captain Mark Waugh, on his social media page has shared his predictions and insights for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series. He anticipates a 3-1 victory for Australia, with the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) match likely to be washed out, as is often the case.Waugh expects Steve Smith to be the top run-scorer for Australia, despite not foreseeing a high-scoring series overall. He believes Smith will find his form and contribute significantly. In the wickets column, Waugh places his bets on either Josh Hazlewood or Nathan Lyon to lead the charge. He also mentions that Mitchell Starc could perform well with the pink ball under lights, and Pat Cummins will also play a crucial role. Waugh suggests that it might be beneficial to rotate the pace attack for one of the matches.Regarding India, Waugh acknowledges that they have a strong chance, especially after their recent loss to New Zealand, which might have sparked a renewed determination. However, he notes that both teams are dealing with aging line-ups, and it will be interesting to see which veterans can still deliver top performances.Waugh predicts that the series will be dominated by bowlers, as has been the trend in recent summers. The new Kookaburra ball and subpar batting techniques have led to lower scores, and he believes that to beat Australia, teams need to bat long and push the game into the fourth or fifth day for a competitive contest.He also speculates that if either Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma fail to perform, it could lead to their retirement from international cricket.Waugh's parting words, "Get ready kunts," are a colloquial and somewhat provocative way of urging everyone to brace themselves for an intense and competitive series. It's his way of saying that the upcoming matches will be fierce and demanding, and both players and fans should be prepared for the challenges ahead. The 5-Test match series commences from Friday with the first Test at Perth.
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