Sports Bulletin ReportDallas (USA): Junaid ‘The X-Man’ Siddiqui’s signature leg spin is set to light up the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, more than a decade on from the Canada star’s international debut.The 39-year-old all-rounder grew up playing street cricket amid the bustle of Karachi before moving to Toronto with his family at the age of 13.Siddiqui will now showcase his trademark aggression at the crease as part of his country’s historic maiden T20 World Cup squad and is looking forward to displaying his distinguished ‘X’ celebration on after every wicket he takes.Junaid Siddiqui said: “It was something to spice it up a little bit because I was very aggressive and when I was taking wickets, I would run off the camera every single time on the left. When I wanted to celebrate, me and my wife came up with something along the lines of an X to mark that the batter has gone. It’s more to save myself a bit of aggression and use it for one action. It came out well, people started liking and I just continued it. When I started leg spin in T20s, not many spinners could come and bowl in the powerplay. I was unique in that way.”Siddiqui was one of the first homegrown Canadian players to play first-class cricket and did so in Sri Lanka before being selected for his national team. The right-hander was recalled to the squad having last played an international T20 in 2022 and is now relishing the prospect of the opening day showdown against the USA in Dallas.“Playing in Sri Lanka was a huge experience for me because that motivated me so much. I played all my cricket in Canada where I couldn’t compete as much and there was not a lot of exposure, yet I was able to get picked in a first-class team. That gave me a huge boost where I thought I could pursue this as a profession. I’m proud and happy that I was able to do it for so long and I’m still doing it. There are setbacks, and every country has to face how to move forward beyond a World Cup and how to make a team – the process has happened over the last 13 years. We just don’t want to be a participant in the World Cup, we want to make sure that we go out there and be the best of us, we don’t want to be a passenger sitting in the bus. It (selection) was a big call. With what I have been doing for the last two years, I was expecting it one way or another because I had good performances behind me. When I found out, it was the best news of my life.”Playing in a tournament close to home is one thing but knowing how to play on an American wicket is another and Siddiqui is prepared for exactly what to expect. The seasoned pro has recently played for California Golden Eagles in the United States Premier League and believes the American wickets will provide high-scoring contests.“We have played on a few wickets like in Dallas and we know it’s a really good wicket to bat on with Major League playing there last year. The bowlers definitely have to be ready with these really good wickets. I’ve played a lot of cricket in the US on a contract and tournament basis and they have done a good job. The facilities are good, you will see high-scoring games and it will be a really fun World Cup.”Siddiqui need not look far for cricket idols growing up with Herschelle Gibbs and Abdul Qadir providing much inspiration for his career of longevity. Still, the one constant in his life remains his Muslim faith. As he prepares for a group stage against the USA, Ireland, India and his birth country Pakistan, he is using his belief and the support of his family to remain grounded on the biggest of stages.“My belief came from my performances, staying consistent. My parents and family gave me a lot of support and prayed for me, especially my wife. Their support made me want to keep going and that made a big difference. You work hard, you be humble, a kind person and leave everything in God’s hands. If it’s good, it will come to you, if it’s not, someone else will have it better.”

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Islamabad and Punjab Rangers have confirmed their berths in the semifinals of the ongoing All Pakistan Mohammad Majid and Abdul Nasir Memorial Basketball Tournament at Siddique Memon Sports Complex Karachi, which is being played under the umbrella of Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF).On the fourth day of the pool round matches, Islamabad boys continued their journey of another consecutive victory in the tournament pool round matches by defeating Sindh Yellow by 52-14 points to qualify for the semifinal round. Ali Kazmi was the top player for Islamabad, who scored 19 points while Momin Javed scored 15 points. For Sindh Yellow Daniyal Khan scored 08 points for the losing team.Top team Wapda also continued their outstanding performance to move ahead in top-four stage along with PAF, Rangers and Islamabad, as they thrashed Punjab Rangers in the last pool round match by 82-71 points. Kaleemullah and Mohammad Israr scored 22 and 17 points respectively. Sindh Whites outclassed Balochistan in the third match on day four by 87-46 points.Pakistan Wapda will face Islamabad in the first semifinal which will be held on Saturday while Pakistan Air Force will fight against Punjab Rangers in the second semifinal of the memorial tournament.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: It was a good day for Argentina at the FIH Hockey Pro League in Antwerp, Belgium on Thursday with both their women’s and men’s sides getting the better of Australia. The women’s side romped to a 5-0 victory for a sixth straight win, while there was just one goal between the sides in the men’s encounter. Meanwhile, Belgium’s women’s side drew 1-1 with China before snatching the extra point in a shootout and the men’s team came from behind twice to get the better of Spain.(Women’s) Argentina beat Australia (5-0): Argentina delivered a devastating second-half performance in a 5-0 win over Australia. Las Leonas dominated the stats throughout, defending well when necessary, escalating the pressure as the game progressed, and creating goal-scoring opportunities at will in the second half. It was a patient start though, Stefania Antoniazzi scoring the only goal of the first half with a 21st-minute field goal.The Argentinians ramped up the pressure in the third quarter and Lara Casus bagged her first international goal from a penalty corner variation in the 41st minute. They then ran rampant through the final quarter, and only Jocelyn Bartram’s heroics in the Hockeyroos’ goal prevented a far bigger scoreline. Maria Granatto scored a diving penalty corner deflection in the 46th minute, Eugenia Trinchinetti hammered in a field goal four minutes later, and Agustina Gorzelany added a penalty stroke for Argentina’s fifth goal as her side comfortably extended their winning streak to six games.(Women’s) Belgium 1 – 1 China (SO: 4 – 3): Hosts Belgium defended desperately to claim a share of the points in a 1-1 draw against a rampant China and then went on to win the resulting shootout 4-3 for a bonus point. Belgium’s Elodi Picard was by far the busier of the two goalkeepers as China enjoyed huge dominance in territory, possession, penalty corners, and circle penetrations throughout the 60 minutes. China just couldn’t finish, and it was Louise Versavel who put Belgium ahead in the 20th minute from a goalmouth scramble after a Chinese error.The Belgians found themselves in a pressure cooker for the entire second half as China raised their intensity. But the Chinese struggled to find the back of the net until the 50th minute when Xiaoxue Zhang equalised with a field goal. The momentum was very much with China but they still couldn’t find a winner, and they were left to rue missed opportunities as they gave up the lead twice in the shootout.(Men’s) Argentina beat Australia (2-1): Argentina came from behind to clinch a tight 2-1 win against Australia. The Aussies were better in the first half and took the lead through Tim Brand’s 7th-minute tap-in at the left post. Both teams missed opportunities as the half progressed and Australia led 1-0 at the break.Argentina raised their intensity and drew level with a Nicolas Della Torre drag flick just seconds into the third quarter. Lucas Toscani then put Argentina ahead with a 40th-minute field goal, and the quarter ended at a frenetic pace after a flurry of green cards opened some space. The Argentinians defended well through the final period and the Kookaburras sacrificed their goalkeeper to chase a result with 4 minutes remaining, but Tomas Santiago rounded off his magnificent personal performance to deny them at the death.(Men’s) Belgium beat Spain (3-2): Hosts Belgium came from behind twice in a nail-biting 3-2 win over Spain. The vastly more experienced Belgians dominated the opening half without reward, although Spain looked threatening on the break and created a couple of chances.The match came alive in the second half when Pepe Cunill put Spain ahead with a 34th-minute drag flick. John-John Dohmen levelled matters for the Red Lions in the 41st minute, but Antonio Sanz restored Spain’s lead immediately. Three minutes later Belgium equalised again through a sensational Loïck Luypaert drag, and Alexander Hendrickx then gave the Belgians the lead with another, 5 minutes from time. Luis Calzado saved a penalty stroke for Spain with two minutes remaining to give his team one last roll of the dice, but Belgium managed to hold them out, much to the relief of the home supporters.

Sports Bulletin ReportLondon (UK): England beat Pakistan by seven wickets in the fourth and final T20I of the series at the Oval on Thursday to take the series 2-0. Both teams wrapped up their preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 by warming up in the two T20I games at the Oval and Edgbaston while the games at Cardiff and Headingley were washed out.In pursuit of the 158-run target Jos Buttler and Phil Salt walked out all guns blazing as they hammered the ball to all parts of the ground. The duo ransacked 78 runs in the powerplay as Salt hit five fours and two sixes while Buttler belted five fours and one six.Haris Rauf removed Salt (45, 25b, 6x4s, 2x6s) in the 7th over and Buttler (39, 20b, 7x4s, 1x6) in the 9th over as England cruised to 102-2 at the halfway mark. Haris returned in the 11th over to dismiss Will Jacks with a searing yorker (20, 18b, 1x4, 1x6) who had hit him for a six a ball before.In the following over Jonny Bairstow belted Shadab Khan for two consecutive sixes to keep the run-rate abreast. An unbeaten 46-run fourth-wicket partnership between Brook (17 not out, 14b, 1x4, 1x6) and Bairstow (28 not out, 16b, 1x4, 3x6s) took England home with 27 balls remaining and seven wickets in the bag. Rauf was the lone wicket-taker for Pakistan.Earlier, after England invited Pakistan to bat first, the opening batters Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam put on a solid 59-run partnership hitting eight fours and a six. Jofra Archer drew the first blood for England as he removed Babar (36, 5x4s, 1x6) on the last ball of the powerplay.In the seventh over, Adil Rashid rattled Rizwan’s stumps who departed after scoring 23 off 16 balls with the help of three fours. England managed breakthroughs at regular intervals as the spin duo of Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid eked out the vital scalps of Fakhar Zaman (9, 9b, 1x6) and Shadab Khan (0, 1b) respectively leaving Pakistan 84-4 at the halfway mark.Azam Khan copped a five-ball duck in the 11th over. Usman Khan, in his breezy knock of 38 off 21 balls, smacked three boundaries and two sixes. Liam Livingstone delivered a double-wicket maiden dismissing Usman and Shaheen Shah Afridi as he left Pakistan reeling at 126-7 after 15 overs.Iftikhar Ahmed (21, 18b, 2x4s) and Naseem Shah (16, 18b, 1x4, 1x6) pushed Pakistan past the 150-run mark before England wrapped up Pakistan’s innings for 157 all out in 19.5 overs. For England Rashid, Livingstone and Mark Wood bagged two wickets each. Archer, Moeen and Chris Jordan struck once apiece.

ISLAMABAD (Sports Desk): The exciting ATF U12 Team Competition South Asian Qualifying Event, held at Kathmandu, Nepal, concluded with India emerging victorious in both the Boys' and Girls' categories competitions. The tournament, hosted by the Nepal Tennis Association and supported by the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, saw seven nations from the South Asian region battle it out for a coveted spot at the U12 Finals later this year.In a thrilling boys' final, top-seeded India defeated Pakistan with a 2-0 score to claim the championship title. Sri Lanka secured a hard-fought 3-0 victory over Bangladesh in the 3rd-4th place playoff to clinch the bronze medal. Nepal outplayed Maldives in a close 2-1 contest to finish fifth, while Maldives and Bhutan rounded out the standings in sixth and seventh place respectively.The girls' category witnessed India maintaining their dominance, securing their fourth consecutive win with a 2-0 victory over Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka finished a close second with three wins, while Bangladesh managed a commendable third place with two wins. The host nation, Nepal, finally found their winning touch, defeating Maldives in a tight 2-1 encounter to finish fourth. Maldives, unfortunately, couldn't register a win throughout the tournament.

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistan outclassed Australia 3-0 in the last 3-match Sarsabz Volleyball Series encounter at Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad on Thursday evening. The final score-line was 26-24, 25-20, and 25-20.This historic series win marks a significant achievement for both the Pakistan Volleyball team and the Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF). The players showcased exceptional skill, teamwork, and determination throughout the series, reflecting the rigorous training and strategic planning that went into preparing for these matches.The trophy presentation was graced by the esteemed presence of Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister's Youth Programme, Government of Pakistan. In his address, Mr. Khan praised the team for their remarkable performance and dedication, highlighting the importance of such victories in promoting sports and inspiring youth across the nation.Chairman PVF, Chaudhry Mohammad Yaqoob said: This victory is a testament to the hard work and perseverance of our players and coaching staff. It also reflects our commitment to elevating the standard of volleyball in Pakistan and competing at the highest levels internationally."The series win against Australia, a formidable opponent, is not only a boost for the team’s morale but also a significant milestone in the history of Pakistani volleyball. The matches were well-attended by enthusiastic fans, whose support played a crucial role in motivating the players.Following this triumphant series, the Pakistan Senior Volleyball Team is set to depart for Bahrain to participate in the AVC Challenger Cup. The tournament is scheduled to be held from June 2-9, 2024.

Sports Bulletin ReportRiyadh (Saudi Arabia): In a new era for Saudi Arabia football, the 2023/24 Roshn Saudi League proved a game-changing season - with more goals, interest, and growth for the league than ever before.Omar Mugharbel, Saudi Pro League CEO, said: “The 2023/24 Roshn Saudi League season will be remembered as a milestone moment in the growth of elite football in Saudi Arabia. Some of the best players in the world chose the Roshn Saudi League to showcase their incredible talents alongside the next generation of young Saudi talent. Their arrival amplified even further the huge interest in the league from fans, broadcasters and sponsors. It is impossible to overstate how much of a game-changing season 2023/24 has been.”On the pitch, champions Al Hilal created football history, and global headlines, by setting a world, top-flight record for the number of successive victories – winning 34 games in a row across all competitions in an unbeaten campaign.Cristiano Ronaldo built on his success in calendar year 2023, where he netted the most club goals in the world with 54 in 59 appearances and also set a record for most goals scored in a season. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who made his Al Nassr debut in January 2023, scored an incredible 35 goals from 31 Roshn Saudi League matches in the 2023/24 campaign. In the most entertaining season of the modern era a total of 909 goals were scored – an increase of 40% from last year’s campaign.The season began with major internationals signings such as Karim Benzema, Neymar, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane, N’Golo Kante, Georgino Wijnaldum, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Ruben Neves attracting 156 players from 54 countries that have been part Roshn Saudi League. With a focus on developing young Saudi talent to excel on the global stage, the age eligibility for young players was reduced from 18 to 16 years old with the average age of players season dropping to 27.5 years old.Off the pitch, the transformation of the league generated even wider global attention. These were reflected in major milestones achieved across metrics such as broadcast deals, sponsorship agreements, and social media reach. More than 160 countries broadcast the Roshn Saudi League on 38 global platforms taking the league to more football fans than ever before. Digitally the Roshn Saudi League social media channels grew with 6.72 million new followers, representing a 141% increase from the start of the season.

PAF, and WAPDA reach semifinals after beating Police and Sindh Greens respectivelySports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Pakistan Wapda continued their winning journey by beating their opponents and reached in the semifinal round of the ongoing All-Pakistan Muhammad Majid and Abdul Nasir Memorial Basketball Tournament here at Siddique Memon Sports Complex on Thursday.On the third day of the six-day event, PAF showed some aggressive game against the Police to win the third consecutive victory by 75-40 points. PAF’s Mehtab Akram scored 18 points and Mohammad Akhtar scored 14 points. In the second match, Balochistan faced another defeat against Sindh Greens by 43 points to 85 points. Taimour Zaheer and Rana Athar of Sindh Greens scored 15, 15 points respectively.In the third match, Punjab Rangers defeated Sindh Whites by 81 points to 56 points. Mohammad Mudassar scored 26 points and Fakhar Akram scored 16 points and played a vital role in Rangers’ victory. In the fourth match, Wapda also won their third consecutive victory against Sindh Greens by 91-50 points.

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Pakistan Wapda, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Rangers, Sindh Greens have won their matches in the first round of the All-Pakistan Mohammad Majid-Abdul Nasir Memorial Basketball Tournament here at Siddique Memon Sports Complex on Tuesday.Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui inaugurated the 6-team fixture while Associate Secretary of Pakistan Basketball Federation Mohammad Yaqoob Qadry and other personalities were also present on the occasion. On the first day of the event, Pakistan Wapda after a one-sided competition defeated Sindh Whites by 74 points against 36 points. In the second match, Pakistan Rangers defeated Balochistan by 74-40 points while Sindh Greens defeated Sindh Whites by 84-53 points. In the fourth match, Pakistan Air Force defeated Islamabad by 75 points against 43 while Police defeated Sindh Yellow by 62-32 points.

Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): The Men’s Indoor Asia Cup 2024 came to an end over the past week with Iran claiming the title following a stunning 7-1 victory over Malaysia in the final, as both teams secured their spot at the upcoming FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup 2025, which will be played in Poreč, Croatia from 3-9 February 2025. 8 teams competed in the Men’s Indoor Asia Cup 2024, in Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan from 21-25 May 2024. Iran, Thailand, Singapore and Tajikistan were placed in Pool A, while Malaysia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan and Oman were placed in Pool B. Iran, 8-time winners of the competition, were dominant in the Pool A, winning all their matches, with Thailand finishing in second place. In Pool B, it was Malaysia in the top place, followed by hosts Kazakhstan in second. The format of the Indoor Asia Cup 2024, saw the top two teams from each pool placed into one pool, for a second round-robin stage. Iran once again topped the pool with 2 wins and a draw. Malaysia finished second with one win and two draws. As the top-2 finishers in the second round-robin phase, Iran and Malaysia qualified for the final, and with two spots available from the competition for the upcoming FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup Croatia 2025, both Iran and Malaysia had qualified for the premier indoor hockey event. The final was a stark contrast to the pool stage match between Iran and Malaysia, which had ended in a 3-3 tie. Iran showed their championship mettle to run away with the contest, scoring four unanswered goals in the opening quarter, effectively putting the result beyond doubt. The final score ended up as 7-1 in the favour of Iran, who claimed their 9th consecutive Indoor Asia Cup title and will once again be among the top teams in the World Cup, where they became the first Asian team to snag a podium place with a bronze medal in the 2018 edition, and followed it up by another bronze medal performance in the most recent edition in Pretoria 2023.