India's cricketing journey in Australia has witnessed some remarkable moments, especially since 2020. The narrative is intriguingly shaped by the fact that India's last three Test victories on Australian soil came under the leadership of stand-in captains rather than the full-time skippers. This compelling story is brought to light by the world's leading Indian cricket statistician, Mohandas Menon.The first of these victories was orchestrated by Ajinkya Rahane at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where his calm and composed leadership steered India to a memorable win. Rahane's leadership was further highlighted during the historic triumph at the Gabba, a fortress where Australia had remained unbeaten for 32 years. Under Rahane's captaincy, India not only won but also sealed the series, a feat celebrated widely.Adding another layer to this fascinating tale is Jasprit Bumrah, who led India to a Test victory in Perth. Bumrah, primarily known for his bowling prowess, stepped up to the captaincy role and guided the team to success, showcasing his versatility and leadership qualities.Notably, these victories were not achieved under the two full-time captains, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. This observation highlights an interesting narrative within Indian cricket. It raises questions about the dynamics of leadership and the impact of captaincy on team performance.This intriguing pattern invites a deeper analysis of the role and influence of stand-in captains in high-pressure scenarios. It underscores the significance of adaptability and resilience in cricket, where leadership can come from unexpected quarters, leading to historic achievements.As India continues its cricketing journey, the contributions of Rahane and Bumrah as stand-in captains will be remembered as pivotal moments in the team's success Down Under.

Potchefstroom (South Africa): England Women recorded a six-wicket victory over South Africa in a rain-affected encounter to seal a 2-1 one day international series win in Potchefstroom on Wednesday.Set a revised target of 152 in 23 overs, opener Tammy Beaumont’s 65 from 46 balls and a sublime fifth-wicket stand of 90 with Amy Jones sealed the win after the tourists had slipped to 25-3 with Proteas all-rounder Marizanne Kapp dismissing Maia Bouchier, Nat Sciver-Brunt and captain Heather Knight.England won the toss and elected to bowl. South Africa recorded 233 in their innings before a lengthy delay due to rain and lightning. Kate Cross was withdrawn after suffering a back spasm in the first over. Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean and Sophie Ecclestone all took two wickets while Lauren Bell dismissed Lara Goodall.Captain Laura Woolvaardt top scored with 61 off 68 for South Africa while Marizanne Kapp’s 38 was a notable contribution as England restricted the hosts to 233-8 inside 50 overs. England's tour concludes with a four-day Test match which starts on Sunday (15 December) in Bloemfontein.IT20 series:Sunday, 24 November: South Africa vs England – Buffalo Park Cricket Stadium, East London – England won by four wicketsWednesday, 27 November: South Africa vs England – Willowmoore Park, Benoni – England won by 36 runsSaturday, 30 November: South Africa vs England – SuperSport Park, Centurion – England won by nine wicketsODI series:Wednesday, 4 December: South Africa vs England – Kimberley Oval, Kimberley – South Africa won by six wicketsSunday, 8 December: South Africa vs England – Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban – England won by six wicketsWednesday, 11 December: South Africa vs England – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom – England won by six wickets (DLS method)Test match: 15-18 December: South Africa v England - Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein (Press Release)

Torino (Italy): The International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) announced that the Spanish capital of Madrid will host a Lead World Cup on 18 and 19 July 2025. The event will take place at Recinto Ferial Las Rozas, and entry will be free of charge, allowing more fans to experience the excitement of world-class Climbing up close. Spain has a storied record of Climbing events, having hosted IFSC World Cups in Barcelona in 2009 and 2011, as well as the Lead, Speed, and Para Climbing World Championships in Gijon in 2014.Spanish athletes have also achieved remarkable success on the world stage, with Alberto Ginés López making history as the first-ever male Olympic champion in Sport Climbing at Tokyo 2020. Speed specialist Leslie Adriana Romero Pérez joined Ginés López at Paris 2024, where the head of state King Felipe VI also attended Climbing competitions and cheered on Spanish climbers.Earlier this year, the city of Madrid already proved its enthusiasm for the sport, successfully organising a test event that introduced a new four-lane Speed format – Madrid 4 Speed. The IFSC World Cup Madrid 2025 is part of an exciting Lead season that also includes stops in Wujiang, China, Indonesia, Innsbruck, Austria, Chamonix, France, and Koper, Slovenia.IFSC President Marco Scolaris said: “With the IFSC World Cup Series heading to Madrid, we reach another capital. Madrid is a city with a deep appreciation for sport and an ever-growing Climbing community. By offering free entry to the event, we will inspire more people to discover the excitement of Climbing and support the athletes. A World Cup event in Madrid confirms the commitment of Spain and the Spanish Climbing Federation to our sport and its development.”José María Nasarre Sarmiento, President of the Provisional Board of the Spanish Climbing Federation, siad: “In our Federation, we are delighted to return to the top tier of Climbing events and to do so in an unbeatable location, such as the city of Madrid. For this occasion, we will rely on all the resources and infrastructures to make the World Cup a great event at the height of the circumstances, with Climbing present in two editions of the Olympic Games and our sight set on LA28. Our efforts will be directed at providing a great experience to all the athletes, teams, and stakeholders, including the IFSC itself, which has once again placed its trust in us. It will be an honour for Spain to host a Climbing World Cup event in 2025.”

Lahore (SBR): The registration window for foreign players to register themselves for the 10th edition of HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) along with the trade window is now open. The category renewals of the players will be announced on Tuesday, 17 December.The relegation process and retention of players will be carried out during the ongoing month. The HBL PSL Players’ Draft is scheduled to take place on 11 January, 2025. The venue and time for the draft will be announced in due course.HBL PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer said: “We are thrilled to announce the opening of the registration process for foreign players as well as the trade window. This marks an exciting beginning to preparations for the highly anticipated 10th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League. The HBL PSL is a home-grown brand which we are all proud of. Since its inception in 2016, together with our franchise owners, commercial partners and stakeholders, we have embarked on a long and successful journey. The quality and competitiveness of cricket played is second to none and we will strive to meet expectations of our loyal fans. The landmark 10th season promises to bring more excitement for all and the HBL PSL team is committed to working tirelessly to provide fans unmatched experiences.”Since 2016, Islamabad United have become champions of the HBL PSL thrice, which include the opening (2016), third (2018) and last edition (2024) of the league. Lahore Qalandars have won twice in 2022 and 2023, Peshawar Zalmi remained champions of the 2017 edition. Quetta Gladiators won the 2019 edition, while Karachi Kings clinched their maiden title in 2020. Multan Sultans emerged as the winners in 2021.

Lahore (PR): Sports legends and top athletes, including Jahangir Khan, Shahbaz Ahmed Senior, Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Hafeez, Rashid Malik, Aqeel Khan, international stars International tennis stars Sania Mirza, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Grigor Dimitrov, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, have expressed their excitement for the upcoming Khawaja Iftikhar Memorial National Ranking Tennis Championship 2024, scheduled to take place from December 14 to 21 at the Sports Board Punjab Tennis Academy, Nishtar Park Lahore, the event promises to be a landmark celebration of tennis in Pakistan.  Legendary squash player Jahangir Khan said: “Late Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad is a towering figure in Pakistan's tennis history. His legacy is reflected in his family’s ongoing contributions to the sport. I wish Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and his family success in making this championship a grand platform for tennis players.”Former cricket captain Shahid Afridi said: “This tournament is a fitting tribute to a sports legend. It will provide a valuable opportunity for our tennis players to showcase their talent on a national stage and compete for significant prize money.”Cricketer Mohammad Hafeez shared his enthusiasm, saying: “I am delighted to see such a prominent event being organized for Pakistani tennis players. Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and his family have made a monumental effort to promote the sport. Under Aisam’s dynamic leadership, I am confident Pakistan tennis will flourish further.”Rashid Malik, Senior Vice President of the Punjab Lawn Tennis Association, highlighted the significance of the event. “This tournament is a tribute to a remarkable player, Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad. It will bring together Davis Cup, Fed Cup, and top-ranked players to honour his legacy. I applaud Aisam-ul-Haq for this commendable effort and look forward to its success.”Speaking about the championship, Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi reflected on his grandfather’s legacy. “Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad dedicated his life to tennis in both India and Pakistan. My family and I are committed to keeping his legacy alive by organising this event annually to honour his contributions to the sport. I hope top players of the country, including me, will compete in this prestigious championship and try to earn the title and huge prize money.”Prominent figures from various sports, including International tennis stars Sania Mirza, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Grigor Dimitrov, former hockey legend Shahbaz Ahmed Senior and other national and Davis Cup players, also expressed their admiration for Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad and lauded the championship as a vital step towards promoting tennis in Pakistan.

Islamabad (Sports Desk): With a full crowd in attendance, the top two women’s teams in the world went head-to-head at Santiago del Estero Hockey Club. The Netherlands came out on top, 3-2, despite a strong performance from Argentina. The Argentina men broke a 60-minute stalemate with a penalty corner goal to defeat Ireland, 1-0.(Women’s) Argentina 2 – 3 Netherlands: Clashing for the first time since their semifinal match-up in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Argentina and the Netherlands gave fans a show. The Oranje started off hot, but after a few minutes, Argentina was able to find their footing and keep it for the rest of the contest. The first shot of the match – a drag flick attempt by Agustina Gorzalaney – did not come until ten minutes in, and Argentina was unable to convert. In the 13th minute, the ball slipped through a line of Argentina defense and Luna Fokke put the Netherlands on the board. Soon after, the Oranje had their first penalty corner, but the drag flick by Frédérique Matla was saved by Cristina Cosentino.A well-disciplined Netherlands side found their next set piece opportunity five minutes into the second frame. Jansen’s flick found the back of the net, doubling the lead for the Oranje. The quarter was not absent of Argentina attempts, as shots by Maria Granatto and Zoe Diaz were stopped by goalkeeper Josine Koning. The hosts broke through at minute 26 when Eugenia Trinchinetti sent a cross from the righthand side of the circle that was finished in cage by Brisa Bruggesser. Despite first half possession and shots in favor of Argentina, it would be the Netherlands leading 2-1 at halftime.Play looked inspired in the third, particularly from Argentina, with the energy of a home crowd behind them. It was then a devastating blow for Las Leonas when the Netherlands took advantage of a chance up the field with just one minute remaining in the quarter. A little aerial skill past the defender and quick shot by Renee van Laarhoven was tapped in by Fay van der Elst. Gorzelany put Argentina back within reach with a penalty stroke goal in the final seconds of the frame.The fourth quarter was full of energy and chances but void of any goals. In the 52nd minute, Argentina won the first penalty corner since the first quarter, but Koning saved the shot. As time ticked down, all eyes were on Argentina’s Valentina Raposo, who was unable to convert off her set piece shot in the final minutes.(Men’s) Argentina 1 - 0 Ireland: Argentina and Ireland went head-to-head in a defensive battle. No real momentum developed for either side in the opening quarter, despite several opportunities on goal. A shot from Nicholas Keenan called Ireland goalkeeper James Milliken into action five minutes in, as he cleared the ball out wide. Argentina goalkeeper Joaquin Ruiz withstood his first test in his first international cap, shutting down a high strike from Conor Empey.The second frame would be another quiet one. Los Leones looked more comfortable with play after a hesitant first quarter, spending more time in their attacking 23 and seeing a shot wide from Tomas Domene. The half concluded with the scoreline still at zero.Argentina missed out on a few good chances early in the third quarter, starting with a ball to Lucas Martinez at the post. At minute 32, the hosts earned their first penalty corner of the new Pro League season. The insert flew past the battery but was saved and sent back in for an unconventional set piece that was nearly successful. In the 38th minute Ireland got their first good look in some time when Daragh Walsh nailed a reverse shot over the cage.Drama would mark the final seconds of the match, after both teams seemed resigned to finish in a draw. A final effort aerial ball sent up from Argentina’s backfield was called coming out as time expired, but a video review request from Los Leones changed the decision to a penalty corner. Domene would be the hero of the day, sending the ball into the goal with a drag flick, and sealing the 1-0 victory for Argentina.

Rawalpindi (PCB Report): UMT Markhors and Nurpur Lions recorded wins by three and 35 runs respectively, in contrasting styles on the sixth day of the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup at Rawalpindi cricket stadium on Thursday, perching Markhors on top of the five-team table.Markhors scored 170-6 on the back of a rapid 32-ball 39 by opener Fakhar Zaman who shared a solid opening stand of 74 with Khawaja Mohammad Nafay who hit a 30-ball 36. While Fakhar smashed a six and five boundaries, Nafay was more aggressive with three sixes and a boundary.No.3 batter Mohammad Shahzad struck 28 off 25 balls with the help of two sixes and experienced Mohammad Nawaz knocked an unbeaten 13-ball 28 with one four and two sixes to lift the total. Usman Tariq with 2-20 and Tahir Hussain, who returned figures of 2-36 were the pick of Stallions bowlers.ABL Stallions lost Yasir Khan (17, 10b, 2x4s, 1x6) early but Maaz Sadaqat (82, 53b, 10x4s, 2x6s) and Mohammad Haris rescued the innings with a strong 59-run stand off 41 balls for the second wicket. Haris fell after scoring a fiery 16-ball 22 with a six and a four as it was left to Maaz to help the team cross the target. Team mentor Shoaib Malik chipped in with a 21-ball 16 as Stallions slumped from 127-2 in 15 overs to lose four wickets for 15 runs, including the well set Maaz.Stallions needed 19 in the last over but fast bowler Mohammad Imran Jnr conceded 15 to steal the match.This became the third consecutive win for UMT Markhors while ABL Stallions suffered their first defeat after two wins.In the second match, Nurpur Lions scored 194-5 in 20 overs against Engro Dolphins. Their skipper Imam-ul-Haq knocked a brilliant 48-ball 65 and Hasan Nawaz hit 34-ball 50 in a solid 100-run partnership in 11.3 overs. Hasan, smashed three sixes and four boundaries while Imam's knock had seven boundaries and a six.Khushdil Shah, batting at No.5, blasted an unbeaten 22-ball 57 not out with six maximums and two boundaries as Nurpur Lions added a big 64 in the last five overs. Dolphins' Qasim Akram picked up three wickets for 21 runs in his four overs.In reply, Sahibzada Farhan and Mirza Tahir Baig gave Dolphins a robust start of 57 in six overs. Tahir fell for 29 off 16 balls laced with a six and three boundaries. Muhammad Akhlaq fell without scoring. Farhan then added 51 for the third wicket with Umar Amin who made a 19-ball 25 with two fours and a six.But once Farhan fell for 54 off 42 balls including three sixes and as many boundaries the chase fell apart. Skipper Faheem Ashraf tried valiantly with a cameo of 12-ball 27 with two sixes and as many fours but the asking rate soared beyond 15 an over.Fast bowler Musa Khan was the pick of bowlers with 4-23 while Khushdil and Shahid Aziz fetched two wickets apiece. Lions have now won two of their four matches while Dolphins are winless in three outings.Scores in brief (Markhors beat Stallions by 3 runs in Game-7):UMT Markhors 170-6 in 20 overs (Fakhar Zaman 39, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay 36, Mohammad Nawaz 28 not out, Mohammad Shahzad 28; Usman Tariq 2-20, Tahir Hussain 2-36)ABL Stallions 167-6 in 20 overs (Maaz Sadaqat 82, Mohammad Haris 22; Nisar Ahmed 3-23)Player of the match - Nisar Ahmed (UMT Markhors)Game 8 (Nurpur Lions beat Engro Dolphins by 35 runs)Nurpur Lions 194-5 in 20 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 65, Khushdil Shah 57 not out, Hasan Nawaz 50; Qasim Akram 3-21)Engro Dolphins 159 all out in 19.4 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 54, Mirza Tahir Baig 29, Faheem Ashraf 27, Umar Amin 25; Musa Khan 4-23, Khushdil Shah 2-22, Shahid Aziz 2-35)Player of the match -- Khushdil Shah (Nurpur Lions)Today’s fixtures: Allied Bank Stallions vs Engro Dolphins, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (11am)Lake City Panthers vs UMT Markhors, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (3.30pm) 

Islamabad (Sports Desk): The latest segment of the FIH Hockey Pro League kicked off today in Santiago del Estero, Argentina. The hosts split their success between the men’s and women’s teams. (Women’s) Argentina 2 (3) – 2 (2) Germany: Facing off for the first time since their quarterfinal clash in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Argentina and Germany found themselves in yet another tightly contested match. Both sides featured a combination of recent Olympians and a sum of athletes making their international debut.The first shot on target came from Argentina, as the attempt from Zoe Diaz forced Germany’s Nathalie Kubalski to make a save just 3 minutes in. Not long after, an errant pass from an Argentina backline under pressure was intercepted by Germany’s Aina Kresken, who took a backhand shot that was saved by Cristina Cosentino.Some new additions to the Argentina squad put in work at minute 8. Making her debut, Lourdes Pisthon dribbled through traffic to send the ball to María Larsen, who finished on the reverse to earn her first goal on her first cap. Germany continued to find themselves unable to execute passes around the backfield, as a high press from Argentina’s attacking line forced changes in decision-making. A period of back-and-forth play was followed by a burst of Argentina energy. Catalina Andrade made her presence known with a beautiful move that freed up space to send a pass into the circle, but Julieta Jankunas just missed out.As momentum built for Las Leonas, a loose ball off the stick of a Germany defender was picked up by Jankunas and sent quickly to Agustina Granatto, whose shot was saved by Kubalski. Argentina still earned a penalty corner on the play – their first of the match – as the initial strike from Valentina Raposo was saved. Argentina finished off the half with a 9-1 shot advantage and a 1-0 lead.Two minutes into the third quarter, Germany earned their first penalty corner, and the drag flick from Stine Kurz sailed just wide of the cage. A ball up the center led to a second penalty corner chance for Germany at minute 34. A diving play by the Argentina flyer gave Las Leonas a break up the field, as Diaz sent the ball to a wide open Granatto, who settled for a penalty corner. Agustina Gorzalany’s drag flick was blocked, as was another penalty corner chance just a minute later.Germany got on the board in minute 37 after a hit in from Charlotte Gerstenhöfer found Lynn Krings on the left post. The play retained a fast-paced cadence through the end of the third quarter, and didn't slow down as both teams strived to avoid shootouts in the final frame. It was Argentina with the next goal – Eugenia Trinchinetti sent the ball to Jancounas, who smashed in a one-time to the top of the net. In thrilling fashion, Germany found the equalizer with two minutes left to play. A long ball into the circle found its way to Sara Strauss, whose slap shot sent the ball into the top right corner.Tied at 2-2, the match headed to shootouts. Argentina was to attack first, as Diaz hit the post and Germany’s Lilly Stoffelsma missed as well. Jankunas put away her attempt for Argentina, while Germany’s Sophia Schwabe made it 1-1. Sofia Cairo put Germany’s goalkeeper on her heels while Strauss used a cheeky backhand lift to make it 2-2 after three rounds. Argentina’s Pisthon and Germany’s Weidemann were both denied to keep it 2-2 after four. Argentina captain Agostina Alonso put the team on her back with a goal, as Las Leonas claimed victory when Germany skipper Lisa Nolte’s goal was called back upon review.(Men’s) Argentina 1 - 3 England: Argentina came together again for the first time since Paris, facing a skilled England side, whose team also featured a large amount of returning Olympians (Great Britain).England kicked off the match with the ball, but an early interception gave Argentina possession for the first few minutes. The first touch for England goalkeeper James Mazarelo came in the 6th minute, as a block on Tomas Domene’s cross ball. Back in Argentina’s defensive end in that same minute, England used a video referral to earn the opening penalty corner. The chance was missed after a botched reception at the top of the circle.After few chances materialized for both sides, possession eventually fell in favor of England. Will Calnan worked to earn a penalty corner chance for England in the final two minutes, and on a retake, Stuart Rushmere placed a drag flick into the bottom left side of the cage. The goal gave England a 1-0 lead over the hosts.The second quarter saw more of England’s high press, forcing Argentina turnovers. As the energy on the pitch increased, so did the chances – at minute 28 England’s Jack Waller sent in a shot that was turned away by Nehuen Hernando. England found another penalty corner in that 28th minute where a drag flick from Samuel Hooper was denied.Patience from the Argentina side in the second half paid off with chances up inside their attacking 25, including a scramble in front of the cage that had to be cleared out by England’s Timothy Nurse. More than halfway through the third frame, Los Leones struggled to find an equalizer against the strong England defense. It became an even bigger challenge for Argentina when Sam Ward put away a second goal for England off a penalty corner in 41st minute.Finally, in minute 48, Argentina broke through. On a nearly impossible angle, Felipe Merlini got a touch on a crossed ball from Lucas Martinez, sending it high into the cage. Now back to a single goal deficient, Argentina had 12 minutes to find the tying goal.England found themselves with the chance to just about put away the game with a penalty corner at minute 54. The chance looked squandered with a mistrap at the top, but the play developed into a chance for Ward to win back the ball and smash a reverse chip over the head of Hernando. England would win the match 3-1. 

Rohit Sharma, one of India's cricketing stalwarts, has recently been the center of a strategic debate regarding his batting order. Traditionally an opener, Rohit has been moved down the order to accommodate KL Rahul at the top. This decision has sparked discussions among cricketing legends, with former players like Sunil Gavaskar and Harbhajan Singh suggesting that Rohit should instead bat at number one.Rohit's move to the middle order is not entirely new. He has previously batted at various positions, including number five and six, where he has shown considerable success. His adaptability and experience make him a valuable asset regardless of where he bats. However, the recent decision to drop himself down the order has raised questions about the best use of his talents.What are your thoughts on Rohit Sharma's batting order? Do you think he should open the innings, or is the middle order a better fit for him? We asked this question to former opening batter, Lalachand Rajput, who is now a coach. "I feel Rohit should open the innings or no 3, not lower than that. He has been opening for a long time in all formats, so you are used to playing the new ball, which comes on to bat quicker, and your reflexes are set to it. Whereas when you bat lower down you might have to face the spinners first and the pacers with the old ball which you are not used to. It is better to play spinner after you have faced the pacers first with the new ball.its the mind set which you are used to, some change it quickly and some take time to get used to it", he says."As an opening batsmen, I used to face spinners after I negotiated the new ball, and I felt easy to face them. If Rohit wants to bat lower down, then he should play lower down the order in Ranji Trophy so that he gets used to it. As a batsman if you had opened for a long time for a number of years then you might feel that you want to relax and bat in the middle order, but to do that you have to prepare for it and get used to it before doing it at the international level"."Sunil Gavaskar decided to bat in the middle for a series or 2 but again ended up opening. So, it is all in the mindset to get used to the situation quickly. Cricket is played 9 inches above the shoulder (head). Hence, if your mindset is strong and adapts quickly, you are the winner", Rajput signed off.Rohit's childhood coach, Dinesh Lad wants him to open the batting rather than coming down the order. "He is more successful as an opener", he says.As India continues to strategize for future matches, the role of Rohit Sharma in the batting lineup will be a key factor in their quest for victory. Whether he opens the batting or bats lower down the order, his contributions will be crucial to India's success. 

Rawalpindi (PCB Report): Fast bowler Shahid Aziz took four wickets while skipper Imam-ul-Haq and Hasan Nawaz hit solid forties to lead Nurpur Lions to an eight-wicket win over Lake City Panthers here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.Chasing a modest 124-run target, Nurpur Lions crossed the line in 14.3 overs for the loss of two wickets after they were set up by Shahid's potent 4-20 which restricted Lake City Panthers to 123 all out in 19.2 overs.Imam and Hasan set up the win with a confident 79-run opening stand in 9.1 overs. Hasan hit three sixes and four boundaries in his fiery 31-ball 44 while Imam's 38-ball 45 had five hits to the rope. Pakistan U19 batter Shahzaib Khan chipped in with a 17-ball 28 not out, cracking two sixes and a four.With the win, Nurpur Lions opened their account in the five-team competition after losing their first two games. Lake City Panthers have now lost two and won one in their three outings. Sent into bat, Panthers lost opener Sharjeel Khan for five before Umar Siddiq, who scored a 28-ball 26 with two sixes and as many fours, added 45 for the second wicket with Haider Ali (26, 20b, 2x4s, 1x6).Shahid, Khushdil Shah (2-26) and Musa Khan (2-32) triggered a middle-order collapse which saw Lake City Panthers slumping from 62-1 to 99-6. It was Danish Aziz who rescued Panthers to a respectable total with a solid 27-ball 34 which were studded with four boundaries and a six.Scores in brief (Nurpur Lions beat Lake City Panthers by 8 wickets):Lake City Panthers 123 all out in 19.2 overs (Danish Aziz 34, Haider Ali 26, Umar Siddiq 26; Shahid Aziz 4-20, Khushdil Shah 2-26, Musa Khan 2-32)Nurpur Lions 126-2 in 14.3 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 45, Hasan Nawaz 44, Shahzaib Khan 28 not out)Player of the match: Shahid Aziz (Nurpur Lions)Thursday’s Fixtures: ABL Stallions vs UMT Markhors at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (11am); Engro Dolphins vs Nurpur Lions at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (3pm).