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SPORTS NEWS - Int News 17 Dec, 2024
Karachi (PR)Pakistan’s sports community united in celebration this evening as World MMA Champion 2024, Muhammad Saqib, and Pakistan’s first female MMA international certified referee, Isra Waseem, were given a grand reception upon their arrival at Karachi Airport.Arriving via Etihad Airways the champions were greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of fans, sports officials, and well-wishers. Their extraordinary achievements were celebrated as a proud moment for the nation, with cheers and banners recognizing their contributions to raising Pakistan’s flag on the global stage.Zulfiqar Ali, President of the Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation (PMMAF), highlighted the Federation’s dedication to developing world-class athletes and officials.We have consistently trained and sponsored our teams, achieving remarkable success in Asian and World Championships. Our athletes, such as Muhammad Saqib, Dawood, and now our first female MMA referee Isra Waseem, are true examples of excellence. They are not just athletes but national icons who have made Pakistan proud on the global stage.He further announced the Federation’s continued support for its athletes and officials, including preparations for the World MMA Championship 2025, scheduled to be held in Brazil in June.We will ensure that our athletes and officials have every opportunity to shine at the upcoming World MMA Championship 2025. The PMMAF remains committed to fostering the growth of MMA in Pakistan and building a legacy of success.In conclusion, Zulfiqar Ali extended his heartfelt gratitude to the media for their unwavering support:“The media plays a vital role in celebrating and promoting our national heroes. We thank them for their coverage and for giving our champions the recognition they truly deserve.”The arrival of Mohammad Saqib and Isra Waseem marks a new chapter in Pakistan’s MMA journey, inspiring countless athletes to follow in their footsteps and bringing global recognition to the country’s rising sports stars.
ACC U19 Women’s Asia Cup: Nepal beat Pakistan by 6 wickets
Kuala Lumpur (SBR): Nepal beat Pakistan by six wickets at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur to qualify for the Super-Four Stage of the ACC U19 Women’s Asia Cup on Monday.Chasing 105 to win, captain Puja Mahato’s undefeated run-a-ball 47, which included three fours helped her side achieve the target with an over to spare. For Pakistan, Fatima Khan and Quratulain snapped a wicket each.Earlier, after opting to bat first, Pakistan scored 104 for five in their 20 overs. Opener and wicketkeeper-batter Komal Khan top-scored with a 43-ball 38, which included two fours. Maham Anees coming to bat at number five was other notable contributor, scoring unbeaten 29 off 38 balls, hitting two boundaries. For Nepal, Mahato bagged two wickets for 27.Pakistan, after losing their opening match against India by nine wickets on Sunday, will now take part in fifth position match scheduled on Wednesday, 18 December. The match will begin at 2pm PKT.Scores in brief:Pakistan 104-5, 20 overs (Komal Khan 38, Maham Anees 29 not out; Puja Mahato 2-27)Nepal 105-4, 19 overs (Puja Mahato 47 not out)Player of the match: Puja Mahato (Nepal)
Pakistan’s key ODI series against South Africa begins on December 17
Paarl, South Africa (SBR): Pakistan and South Africa are ready to lock horns in a key three-match ODI series beginning from December 17, 2024 (Tuesday) at the Boland Park in Paarl at 5pm PKT. The second and third fixture of the series will be played at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town and The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on 17 and 19 December, respectively.South Africa had won the T20I series 2-0 after the third T20I was washed out on 14 December. The ODI series holds a lot of significance for both the teams as they look to fine tune their preparations for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in February and March 2025 in Pakistan.Pakistan’s squad has been bolstered with the return of pacer Naseem Shah, opening batter Abdullah Shafique and top-order batter Kamran Ghulam while wrist-spinner Sufyan Moqim and Usman Khan have received their maiden ODI call-ups. This will be Mohammad Rizwan’s third ODI series as skipper of the side as he has started his stint with back to back ODI series wins over Australia and Zimbabwe.In their last bilateral face-off in the 50-over format, Pakistan won the three-match series 2-1 in South Africa in April 2021.Pakistan’s ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan said: “This is a vital ODI series in terms of our preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy and with Allah’s help we will look to emulate our performances from the ODI series against Australia. We couldn’t get the ideal results in the T20I series but I am really happy with some of the performances put in by our players in these conditions especially Saim’s batting was brilliant in both games. Our batting, pace and spin stocks are decent enough to challenge South Africa and win the series with the help of almighty. I see a lot of potential in our ODI squad with players young and experienced both willing to put the best step forward, which makes us an exciting prospect as a one-day side not just going into this series but also in the home tri-nation series and the blockbuster white-ball mega event at home.”Pakistan ODI squad: Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wk), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan (wk)South Africa ODI squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Aiden Markram, Andile Phehlukwayo, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Marco Jansen, Ottneil Baartman, Rassie van der Dussen, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tony de Zorzi, and Tristan StubbsSchedule of matches:17 Dec – 1st ODI vs South Africa at Boland Bank Park, Paarl (5pm PKT)19 Dec – 2nd ODI vs South Africa at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town (5pm PKT)22 Dec – 3rd ODI vs South Africa at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (5pm PKT)26 Dec – 1st Test vs South Africa at SuperSport Park, Centurion (1pm PKT)3 Jan – 2nd Test vs South Africa at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town (1pm PKT).
ACC Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup: Pakistan to meet India on Sunday
Kuala Lumpur (SBR): Pakistan U19 will begin their journey in the inaugural edition of the ACC Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup when they will take on India on Sunday (November 15, 2024) at the Bayuemas Cricket Oval in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. Pakistan are placed in Group A alongside India and Nepal, while Bangladesh, Malaysia and Sri Lanka are positioned in Group B. Zoofishan Ayyaz-led Pakistan will play their second match of the tournament against Nepal on Monday, 16 December.The six-team tournament will be played on a T20 format with top two sides from each group progressing to the Super-Four Stage. The Super-Four stage matches will be played on 19 and 20 December, while the final of the tournament is scheduled to take place on 22 December.According to the tournament’s format, two additional matches for fifth and sixth position and third and fourth position will be played on 18 and 22 December, respectively. Before departing to Malaysia, Pakistan U19 had a five-day camp at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi, where the players featured in training sessions, skills and fitness drills and practice matches under the supervision of the head coach Mohsin Kamal-led support staff.Zoofishan Ayyaz on the eve of the tournament said: “We have had good training sessions before our arrival here in Malaysia and the players are looking forward to do well in the tournament. We will take one game at a time and the players are fully focused to showcase their talent in the tournament.”Pakistan Squad: Zoofishan Ayyaz (captain) (Wah Cantt), Komal Khan (vice-captain) (Lahore), Aleesa Mukhtiar (Muzaffargarh), Areesha Ansari (Kasur), Fatima Khan (Lahore), Fizza Fiaz (Lahore), Haniah Ahmer (Karachi), Maham Anees (Islamabad), Mahnoor Zeb (Mardan), Quratulain (Sialkot), Ravail Farhan (Lahore), Rozina Akram (Rawalpindi), Shahar Bano (Lodhran), Tayyaba Imdad (Abbottabad) and Wasifa Hussain (Karachi)Player Support personnel: Aisha Jalil (manager), Mohsin Kamal (head coach), Mohammad Hanif Malik (assistant coach), Nahida Khan (fielding coach), Mohammad Usman Shahid (analyst), Rabia Siddiq (physiotherapist), Mohammad Rafi Ullah (media and digital manager)Pakistan matches in the tournament:15 December – vs India (2pm, KL time)16 December – vs Nepal (2pm, KL time)18 December – 5th/6th position play-off (2pm, KL time)19 December A1 v B1 (9.30am, KL time); A2 v B2 (2pm, KL time)20 December – A1 v B2 (9.30am, KL time); A2 v B1 (2pm, KL time)22 December – 3rd/4th position play-off (9.30am, KL time); final (2pm, KL time)
National Women’s One-Day Tournament: Nashra stars in Conquerors’ 48-run win over Stars
Islamabad (Nazish Azhar): Nashra Sundhu’s three-fer led Conquerors to a 48-run win over Stars in the seventh-round fixture of National Women’s One-Day Tournament at the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium on Saturday. Chasing a modest 167 to win, Stars were bundled out for 118 in 39.4 overs with Sadaf Shamas top-scoring with 28.For the winning team left-arm spinner Nashra bagged three wickets for 10 runs, while leg-spinner Syeda Aroob Shah also took three wickets for 26 runs. Earlier, batting first, Conquerors were dismissed for 166 in 44.5 overs. Captain Fatima Sana top-scored with 34 off 35 balls, which included three fours and one six. Stars’ Waheeda Akhtar clinched four wickets for 57, while Anosha Nasir and Neelam Mushtaq snapped two wickets apiece.In the second match, Invincibles, who were without their regular captain Muneeba Ali, due to an eye infection saw their first defeat in the tournament. At the Diamond Ground in Islamabad, batting first, Invincibles were dismissed for 188 in 45 overs with stand-in captain Omaima Sohail top-scoring with 76 off 112 balls, hitting 10 boundaries. For Challengers, Tasmia Rubab took three wickets, while Samina Aftab and Zaib un Nisa grabbed two wickets each.In turn, Aliya Riaz’ unbeaten knock of 73 off 74, which included eight fours and two sixes helped her side achieve the target with four wickets in hand and 50 balls to spare. Umm-e-Hani (47, 72b, 5x4s) was other notable contributor with the bat. For the losing side, spinners Ghulam Fatima (3-48) and Omaima (2-24) picked five wickets.Scores in brief (Conquerors beat Stars by 48 runs):Conquerors 166 all out, 44.5 overs (Fatima Sana 34, Dua Majid 26, Nashra Sundhu 20 not out; Waheeda Akhtar 4-57, Neelam Mushtaq 2-16, Anosha Nasir 2-23)Stars 118 all out, 39.4 overs (Sadaf Shamas 28, Rameen Shamim 27 not out; Nashra Sundhu 3-10, Syeda Aroob Shah 3-26)Player of the match – Nashra Sundhu (Conquerors)Challengers beat Invincibles by four wickets at the Diamond Ground:Invincibles 188 all out, 45 overs (Omaima Sohail 76, Areesha Noor 37; Tasmia Rubab 3-27, Samina Aftab 2-12, Zaib un Nisa 2-21)Challengers 190-6, 36.4 overs (Aliya Riaz 73 not out, Umm-e-Hani 47, Shawaal Zulfiqar 29, Gull Rukh 24; Ghulam Fatima 3-48, Omaima Sohail 2-24)Player of the match: Aliya Riaz (Challengers)-
Khawaja Iftikhar Memorial Tennis Championship to start on December 14
Lahore (SBR): The prestigious Khawaja Iftikhar Memorial National Ranking Tennis Championship 2024 is all set to commence at the Sports Board Punjab Tennis Academy, Nishtar Park Lahore, from December 14 to 21. The event not only celebrates the spirit of competition but also pays a rich tribute to the legendary Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad, a trailblazer of tennis in Pakistan.This championship boasts the participation of top-ranked national players, including Pakistan's tennis icon and Sitara-e-Imtiaz recipient Aisam ul Haq Qureshi, as well as other talented stars like Aqeel Khan, Ushna Suhail, and rising prodigies Muzammil Murtaza, Muhammad Shoaib, Abid Mushtaq, Meheq Khokhar, Sheeza Sajid and many more. With significant prize money on the line, the tournament promises thrilling encounters that will captivate tennis enthusiasts across the country.Speaking about the championship, Aisam ul Haq Qureshi, who is also President of Pakistan Tennis Federation, said: "It is an honor to participate in a tournament that bears the name of my beloved grandfather, Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad, whose contributions to tennis in Pakistan remain unmatched. This tournament is not just a tribute but a celebration of his legacy. I am thrilled to be part of this event and will give my utmost to make it a resounding success. “As the PTF president, I aim to make this an annual event and introduce more such tournaments in the national calendar to ensure continuous activity and development of tennis in Pakistan," he said and added: "I hope these efforts inspire our players to earn greater international accolades and take Pakistan tennis to new heights."National tennis champion Aqeel Khan said, "It is a privilege to honor a legend like Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad through this championship. Such initiatives inspire us to perform at our best and also motivate the younger generation to uphold the legacy of great players."Granddaughter of the late legend, Ushna Suhail, expressed her excitement. "I am thrilled to compete in this remarkable event that pays tribute to my grandfather. This is a proud moment for my family, and I will give my best to win the title."Muzammil Murtaza, one of Pakistan's top players, shared his enthusiasm. "This championship is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase our skills. We are grateful for the chance to compete in such a prestigious tournament and will strive to deliver enthralling tennis matches."Mohammad Shoaib, the national No. 1 tennis player, remarked: "It’s a matter of pride to participate in this championship, and I am determined to put up my best performance to honor the legacy of Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad."Women’s tennis stars are equally excited about the event. Meheq Khokhar, Pakistan’s No. 2, remarked: "Participating in this event is a huge honor, and I will give my best to make my mark." Similarly, Sheeza Sajid, ranked No. 3, said: "This tournament is a golden opportunity for players like us to shine on a big stage, and I am thrilled to be a part of it."
England Women squad update: Grace Potts added to Test squad
Islamabad (Sports Desk): Seamer Grace Potts has been called up to the England Women Test squad touring South Africa. The 22-year-old, who joined Lancashire from Central Sparks in October, has been brought in as cover in the seam bowling department. The four-day Test match against South Africa starts on Sunday (15 December) in Bloemfontein.
T20: Stallions and Panthers post victories in Pindi Stadium
Rawalpindi (PCB Report): ABL Stallions had the better of Engro Dolphins to come back to winning ways, taking the match by just five runs while Lake City Panthers crushed UMT Markhors by six wickets as the double header in Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup excited the crowds at the Rawalpindi Stadium on Friday.With the victory Stallions are now top of the five-team table with three wins in four matches, accumulating six points. Markhors suffered their first loss but were still second with six points in four matches.Young Ubaid Shah, sibling of Test fast bowler Naseem Shah, held his nerves to defend 14 off the final over and despite being hit for a six by Salman Irshad came out with flying colours, conceding eight runs to give Stallions victory. Dolphins managed to score 185-9 in 20 overs.Chasing a big 191 for victory, Dolphins were treated well on tough waters as Sahibzada Farhan, who scored a brisk 59 off 38 balls with six boundaries and two sixes held the innings. Young Qasim Akram was good in support with a rapid 24-ball 37, spiced with two sixes and four boundaries. Together they added 46 off 27 balls.When skipper Faheem Ashraf came to the crease, Dolphins needed 51 runs in 4.1 overs. Left-hand batter Faheem cracked two sixes and a four in his 12-ball 25 but in the end his runs were not enough.For Stallions, spinners Usman Tariq (2-22) and Mehran Mumtaz (2-32) checked the run chase, while pacer Mohammad Ali finished with 2-34. The most notable point of the match was the return of promising fast bowler Ihsanullah after being sidelined with elbow injury.Earlier, all-rounder Hussain Talat kept his good form intact, scoring 57 not out off just 34 balls. His knock included two sixes and five boundaries. Hussain added a good 109 runs off just 56 balls with Mohammad Mohsin. Mohsin’s eye-catching knock of 55 came off 32 balls which contained four boundaries and as many sixes. The duo smashed a big 65 runs in the last five overs. Leg-spinner Mohammad Ramiz Jnr was the pick of bowlers with 2-29.In the second match, Haider Ali smashed a 29-ball 62 to help Lake City Panthers chase a 164-run target in 18.5 overs. Haider smashed five sixes and four boundaries in an eye-catching knock. Umar Siddiq (30) and Sharjeel Khan (23) laid the foundation with an opening stand of 52. Haider and Mubasir Khan furthered the chase with a third wicket stand of 65. Haider hit the winning six to seal the match.The UMT Markhors’ total of 163 for eight saw young local boy Saad Masood play an anchor’s role with a 39-ball 63 not out. His innings was laced with two sixes and six boundaries. Saad lifted his team from a precarious 7-70 as he kept the scoreboard ticking, adding 35 for the eighth wicket with Nisar Ahmed (21) and another invaluable 58 for the ninth wicket with Akif Javed who made only six. Nisar cracked two sixes in his ten-ball 21.Scores in brief:ABL Stallions beat Engro Dolphins by five runsABL Stallions 190-4 in 20 overs (Hussain Talat 57 not out, Mohammad Mohsin 55, Yasir Khan 36; Mohammad Ramiz Jnr 2-29)Engro Dolphins 185-9 in 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 59, Qasim Akram 37, Faheem Ashraf 25; Usman Tariq 2-22, Mehran Mumtaz 2-32, Mohammad Ali 2-34)Player of the match: Mohammad Mohsin (ABL Stallions)Lake City Panthers beat UMT Markhors by six wicketsUMT Markhors 163-8 in 20 overs (Saad Masood 63 not out, Abdul Samad 24; Usama Mir 2-14)Lake City Panthers 169-4 in 18.5 overs (Haider Ali 62 not out, Mubasir Khan 32, Umar Siddiq 30; Mohammad Imran Jnr 2-17)Player of the match: Haider Ali (Lake City Panthers).
SPORTS NEWS - National 13 Dec, 2024
Quaid-e-Azam Inter-Provincial Games to commence on Saturday at Pakistan Sports ComplexIslamabad (By Abdul Jabbar Faisal): The 3rd edition of the Quaid-e-Azam Inter-Provincial Games 2024 will get underway on Saturday (December 14) here at Pakistan Sports Complex under the banner of Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), as the unveiling trophy ceremony took place on Friday in a colourful ceremony.The trophy was unveiled by Pakistan's Olympic gold medalist, Arshad Nadeem, who expressed his enthusiasm and encouragement for the young athletes during the event. The ceremony was also attended by the Director General PSB Yasir Pirzada. The grand opening ceremony of the Quaid-e-Azam Inter-Provincial Games will take place on Saturday at the PSB. Arshad Nadeem said on this occasion: "This is a major step towards the promotion of sports in Pakistan. It will provide young athletes with an excellent opportunity to showcase their talents, and I am hopeful that this platform will produce international-level players for the country."DG, PSB Yasir Pirzada said: "The purpose of this event is to highlight the existing sports talent in the country and provide them with opportunities to grow. We are optimistic that these competitions will play a pivotal role in bringing new talent to the forefront."The top national male and female athletes of different sports disciplines from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Sindh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and Islamabad will fights for the medals in 15 sports including athletics, badminton, boxing, football, hockey, judo, kabaddi, karate, squash, swimming, taekwondo, table tennis, volleyball, weightlifting, and wrestling.
HOCKEY - Ice Hockey 13 Dec, 2024
Tampere (Finland): The United States of America (USA) became the first team to qualify for the semifinals at the 2024 Euro Women’s Hockey Tour on Thursday, thanks to a 6-2 win over Switzerland. Team USA moved to 2-0 and clinched first place in Group A of the six-team tournament.Abbey Murphy was once again a force for the winners, with a goal and an assist that gives her five points in two games. Cassandra Hall, Sloane Matthews, Tessa Janecke, Casey O’Brien and Ella Huber also scored for the Americans, with Amanda Thiele getting the win in goal. The game was tied 1-1 after the first period but Team USA took over with three second-period goals and led 4-1 heading into the final frame.Nicole Vallario and Lena Marie Lutz scored for the Swiss, who will now prepare for a huge game against host Finland on Friday. With both the Swiss and Finns at 0-1, the winner of Friday’s tilt will move on to Saturday’s semifinals, while the loser will play in the fifth-place game.The event in Finland is the third of four events on the Women’s Euro Hockey Tour for 2024-25. Czechia won the first event in August, held in Kloten, Switzerland, when it won two games and lost one in overtime for seven total points, one more than second-place Sweden.Canada beat Czechia (3-0): In the other game on Thursday, Canada outshot Czechia 40-17 en route to a comfortable victory. Hannah Murphy stopped all 17 shots she faced for the shutout.Anne Cherkowski scored the lone goal of the first period and then Canada got insurance markers from Sarah Paul and Maya Labad in the second. With the win, Canada concluded its round-robin with a 2-0 record and, like the United States, has clinched a spot in Saturday’s semifinals.“It felt great (to get the shutout),” said Murphy. “It was an awesome team win for us and to kill some big penalties in the third period was a really good momentum boost for our team. We keep getting better every period; it is really awesome playing behind such talented athletes. If we keep doing what we are doing, we will continue building throughout the tournament.”Czechia will face Sweden on Friday, with the winner moving onto the semis and the loser having to play in the consolation game. (Thanks to Chris Jurewicz).
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