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Concrete pitches help batsman to regain rhythm, says Lankan curator
BIPIN DANI
Sri Lanka's former pitch curator Jayananda Warnaweera was not surprised to see Australian opener David Warner regaining his form.
The 35-year-old left-handed batsman Warner, who was running out of form before the match against Sri Lanka, scored 65 runs (which included 10 boundaries) at Dubai Sports City (DSC) ground on Thursday.
Warner was not in the form even in the IPL also. He is understood to have practiced hard on concrete pitches in the UAE before the match against Lankans.
"Practising on a hard concrete wicket is always helpful because the ball comes faster on this pitch and it helps the batsman to regain his confidence", the 60-year-old Warnaweera, who has vast experience of working as a groundman in Sri Lanka said exclusively over the telephone.
"We don't have concrete pitches (in Srti Lanka) and I very well remember Kumar Sangakkara practicing on a turf wicket in Galle for three-four hours and it helped him a lot".
"Team India captain Virat Kohli also practices hard facing balls coming at a faster speed. The batsman can change his mind set up, tries to hit hard and gets well-adjusted to the timing".
FOOTBALL - FIFA News 29 Oct, 2021
Mohammad Kabir
Rawalpindi (October 29, 2021):-Pakistan Army beat Karachi United by 1-0 in the 13th Pakistan Premier Football League 2021-22 while Pakistan WAPDA played goalless draw against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) at Municipal Stadium Rawalpindi.
The first match was played between Pakistan Army and Karachi United. Pakistan Army won the match by 1-0 goal against Karachi United. Both teams fought well and were engaged 0-0 at the end of the first half. Army took 1-0 lead in the second half. Players of the Karachi United tried to equalize the match but they could not succeed.
The second match was played between Pakistan WAPDA and KRL. Both teams fought well and were engaged 0-0 at the end of the scheduled time. Faisal Butt received yellow card for Pakistan WAPDA in the 5th minute of the first half and the same was got Abdul Qadeer for KRL in the 26th minute.
WAPDA’s goolkeeper Basit and Bilal played well while Almgir and Zubair Aslam were outstanding for KRL. Referee Dilawar Khan supervised the match while Mehboob Ali and Majid Ali assisted to him.
Fixtures On Sunday; Karachi United meets Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority at 3.00 p.m. and Muslim Club Chman faces Pakistan PAPDA at 6.00 p.m.
Warner powers Australia to convincing win over Sri Lanka
Sports Bulletin Report
Dubai (October 29, 2021):-Australia laid down a marker with a convincing seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka in Dubai to make it two wins from two in the Super 12 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021.
David Warner and Aaron Finch set the tone with a 70-run opening stand as the Aussies chased down a target of 155 with relative ease, with the former making 65 in a return to form.
That sets them up perfectly for the next game in Group 1 against England, who are also two from two, with the winner taking a giant step towards the semi-finals.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have been beaten for the first time in the tournament and face a crucial clash with South Africa next up.
After being put into bat, Sri Lanka lost Pathum Nissanka to an early top edge off Pat Cummins, but Charith Asalanka signalled his intent immediately with back-to-back boundaries. In the next over from Glenn Maxwell, he lifted the spinner out of the ground from the very first ball.
A 63-run partnership with Kusal Perera set the platform, but the introduction of Adam Zampa changed things. He had a big shout for LBW in his first over and in his second he had Asalanka caught sweeping by Steve Smith for 35.
Perera carried the fight with a big six off Mitchell Starc but a ball later he was heading back for the same score as Asalanka, unable to keep out a vicious yorker.
At 86 for three and with two new batters, Sri Lanka needed to rebuild but Zampa got another, Avishka Fernando, while Starc had Wanindu Hasaranga caught behind.
From the chance of making 170 or more, Sri Lanka were in trouble, not helped by Zampa finishing off his spell for a miserly two for 12.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa set about consolidating with his skipper Dasun Shanaka as the pair added 40, largely thanks to 17 off the 17th over from Marcus Stoinis.
Cummins broke that partnership as Shanaka top-edged to Matthew Wade, but Rajapaksa ended up unbeaten on 33 to take Sri Lanka to 154 for six.
Very quickly, it became clear that they did not have nearly enough. Finch and Warner tucked into the bowling, readily accepting a regular supply of bad balls to dispatch to the boundaries.
Finch powered two fours in the very first over and he and Warner combined to take Lahiru Kumara for 20 runs off his first over.
Warner should have been on his way for 18, gloving one through to Perera off Dushmantha Chameera, but the wicket-keeper put it down as his bowler started to celebrate and umpire Richard Illingworth was twitching his finger.
That was costly and by the end of the powerplay, Australia were 63 for none, the best performance of the tournament so far.
Finch fell for 37 in Hasaranga’s first over, chopping on and in his next, Maxwell picked out Fernando on the boundary after dragging the ball over midwicket from outside off.
Warner kept going though, moving to a half-century in the 12th over as he and Smith saw off the threat of Hasaranga and then went after the fast bowlers.
As Australia looked to finish it off quickly, Warner found Rajapaksa on the boundary for 65 off just 42 deliveries, but Smith and Stoinis got them home with three overs to spare, to boost the net run-rate as well.
Scores in brief
Australia beat Sri Lanka at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai by seven wickets
Sri Lanka 154/6 in 20 overs (Charith Asalanka 35, Kusal Perera 35; Adam Zampa 2/12, Mitchell Starc 2/27)
Australia 155/3 in 17 overs (David Warner 65, Aaron Finch 37; Wanindu Hasaranga 2/22, Dasun Shanaka 1/6)
Player of the Match: Adam Zampa (Australia)
PCB names officials for Pakistan-West Indies series
Hammad Ahmed Kayani
KARACHI (October 28, 2021):-Former Test cricketer and member of PCB’s elite panel of match referees Ali Naqvi will lead the playing control team in the three One-Day Internationals between Pakistan Women and West Indies Women at the National Stadium, Karachi on 8, 11 and 14 November.
The on-field umpiring responsibilities will be shared amongst Asif Yaqoob, Faisal Afridi and Rashid Riaz – all on the PCB’s elite panel of umpires.
The match officials’ appointments in detail are below:
8 Nov – 1st ODI. Rashid Riaz and Asif Yaqoob (on-field umpires) and Faisal Afridi (reserve umpire). Ali Naqvi (match referee)
11 Nov – 2nd ODI. Asif Yaqoob and Faisal Afridi (on-field umpires) and Rashid Riaz (reserve umpire). Ali Naqvi (match referee)
14 Nov – 3rd ODI. Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz (on-field umpires) and Faisal Afridi (reserve umpire). Ali Naqvi (match referee).
AS Ali Trophy: KPK and Sindh claim victories
SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT
ISLAMABAD (October 28, 2021):-Khyber PakhtunKawa and Sindh have won their matches in the AS Ali Blind Cricket Trophy 2021 after beating their opponents on Thursday at Faisalabad. Col (Rtd) Ijaz Ahmed Nasir, Special Assistant to Chairman Interloop Ltd inaugurated the event. He was accompanied by Syed Sultan Shah, Chairman Pakistan Blind Cricket Council.
Results (Day-1):
Islamabad-AJK Vs KPK: (Venue: Boranwali Cricket Ground Faisalabad)
1st Match of the event was played between Islamabad-AJK and KPK. KPK won the toss and decided to bowl first.
Islamabad-AJK scored competitive 366 runs in stipulated 40 overs by losing their 6 wickets. Mohammad Salman played excellent innings of 90 runs (off 77 balls) and Anees Javed made unbeaten 82* runs (off 54 balls). Shahzeb Haider took 1 wicket.
KPK in reply chased down the target in 35 overs for the loss of 1 wicket. Nisar Ali played a captain’s knock and he made outstanding 213* runs (off 120 balls) helped his side to beat Islamabad-AJK by 9 wickets. Mohammad Talha scored 109 runs (off 76 balls). Ejaz Hussain claimed 1 wicket.
Result: KPK won by 9 Wickets
Man of the Match: Nisar Ali
Sindh Vs Punjab (Venue: Cricket Ground of Sports Complex Chak No 8 Faisalabad)
Sindh won the toss and asked Punjab to take guard. Punjab made par score of 331 runs by losing 9 wickets in allotted 40 overs. Muhammad Akram was the top scorer for his side with 80 runs off (53 balls), Atiq ur Rehman chipped in with 72 runs (off 74 balls). Amjad Hussain claimed 2 wickets while Badar Munir, Muhammad Safdar, Muhammad Rashid and Riasat Khan took 1 wicket each.
Sindh reached the target in 36.3 overs by losing their 4 wickets. Mohammad Rashid played wonderful inning of 86 runs (off 68 balls) and Riasat Khan scored brilliant 80 runs (off 59 balls). Mohammad Akram took 2 wickets while Sajid Nawaz and Kamil shared a wicket each.
Result: Sindh won by 6 Wickets
Man of the Match: Mohammad Rashid
MARTIAL ARTS - Taekwondo 28 Oct, 2021
Sports Desk
ISLAMABAD (October 28, 2021):-Every year, October 28 is a special date for the international judo community, a day of celebration of our sport, on the birthday of our founder, Jigoro Kano Shihan. In 2021, on World Judo Day, we celebrate judo under the theme of SOLIDARITY.
We have proven that with unity and solidarity, we can overcome any obstacles: we have managed to organize safe and fair competitions, including a successful World Championship and Olympic Judo Competition and we kept the International Judo Family together. Working as a team, creating fair conditions in a reliable environment yielded together the judo community and I am sure that this made us all stronger.
Whether individually or as a team, judokas worldwide proved that solidarity is not just a notion. The International Judo Federation created and implemented a number of projects which would have not been possible without solidarity: judo in refugee camps, the Olympic Judo Refugee team, the first ever online Judo Festival, challenges for the young and older judoka equally, sustainability related projects. Our goal was to stay connected and support each other, to show that we are a united family and we will not leave anyone behind!
One of the best judo moments of Tokyo 2020 was the first ever Olympic Mixed Team event, where solidarity and team spirit prevailed in an exceptional manner. I strongly believe that this unforgettable day shaped the hearts and minds of many young judoka, who now know without any doubt that nothing is impossible and together we can achieve outstanding performances.
Today, I would like to wish all judokas in the world a Happy World Judo Day, lots of health and success in all their endeavors! I would like to congratulate all athletes, coaches, the IJF member National Federations and Continental Unions, as well as the IJF Executive Committee, the IJF Commissions and staff for their work and results.
Golden Stars beat Fazal Memorial
LAHORE (October 28, 2021):- The Golden stars cricket club beat Fazal Memorial cricket club by 77 runs in the Dosti Cup Cricket Tournament at Township whites ground.
The winning team scored 249 for 7 in 35 overs fixture. Mahad Bajwa was top scorer with 72 runs, as he hit five fours and one six during his innings. Kashif Ali and Zamin Ali respectively contributed 45 and 43 runs.
Summarized scorecard:
Golden Star Cricket Club: 249/7 in 35 Overs (Mahad Bajwa 72 4X5, 6X1, Kashif Ali 45,Zamin Ali 43,& Zain 15, ALI 5/42, Kamran 2/32)
Fazal Memorail Cricket Club: 171/all out in 32 Overs (Ali 51, Waseem 15 Ihsan 14, Mohammad Shehrooz 2/10, Asad Ali Asif 2/24, Abdul Rehman 2/30, Zain Jutt 2/33, Ali Raza 2/33)
(Press Release)
Three female players test corona positive
Sports Reporter
Karachi (October 28, 2021):-Three squad members of the national women’s team participating in the pre-West Indies series camp at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre have tested positive for Covid-19.
These members tested positive in the routine Covid-19 testing yesterday and are under 10-day quarantine, which ends on 6 November.
The other squad members will remain in isolation till 2 November and undergo tests every alternate day, starting tomorrow, to stem any potential spread of the virus.
As per the PCB Covid-19 Protocols, all squad members had joined the bio-secure environment after returning two negative tests. These squad members had been vaccinated for Covid-19 in May.
Pakistan and West Indies will play three ODIs on 8, 11 and 14 November at the National Stadium.
Two days hockey trials on October 29 and 30 to select junior squad
Sports Reporter
ISLAMABAD (October 28, 2021):-The two-day trials for the final formation of the 18-member National Junior Squad participating in the Junior World Hockey Cup will be held on October 29 and 30 at Abdul Sattar Edhi Hockey Stadium, Karachi.
The National Hockey Selection Committee will review the performances and abilities of the players participating in the National Junior Hockey Training Camp in two-day trials. President Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Brigadier (Retd) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar will also be present for final approval during the formation of the National Junior Hockey Team by the PHF Selection Committee while Secretary General Pakistan Hockey Federation Olympian Asif Bajwa will also accompany him to review the performance of the players.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation has issued a letter to the National Hockey Selection Committee for the final formation of the national junior hockey team on 29th and 30th October 2021. The Pakistan Hockey Federation's Selection Committee includes Olympian Manzoor Jr. (Chairman), Olympian Kaleemullah, Olympian Nasir Ali, Olympian Ayaz Mahmood, Olympian Khalid Hameed and Olympian Wasim Feroz.
Pakistan Hockey Federation to host practice matches between national junior hockey team and national senior hockey camp players in Lahore. The National Junior Hockey Team will arrive at Lahore on November 3, 2021 for practice matches with the players participating in the Senior Hockey Camp in preparation for the Junior World Cup. The first two matches will be played at the National Hockey Stadium Lahore on November 6 and 7 under the auspices of the Pakistan Hockey Federation, while the last two matches will be played on November 9 and 10 after a one-day break on November 8.
The World Junior Hockey Cup will be played in Bhubaneswar, India from November 24 to December 5 this year 2021. The Pakistan Juniors Hockey Team will play its first match against Germany on November 24 and Pakistan will face Egypt on November 27. The National Hockey Squad will play its last match of the Pool Round against Argentina on November 28.
CRICKET - 28 Oct, 2021
Special Report
LAHORE (October, 27, 2021):-The second round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2021-22 started with a century scored in each of the three matches.
Southern Punjab’s Tayyab Tahir recorded his maiden first-class century with an impressive 181 not out at a healthy strike rate of 80 against Balochistan at Multan Cricket Stadium on the first day.
Tayyab anchored Southern Punjab to 344 for three in 81.3 overs as he smashed 19 fours and four sixes. The right-handed batter stitched partnerships worth 90 and 191 with Umar Siddiq (32 off 70) and Imran Rafiq (81 off 122).
At Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium, Sindh finished the day on 260 for four, thanks to incredible 129 from Saad Khan and 94 not out from captain Fawad Alam.
Sindh were reduced to 16 for three as Imran Khan Snr accounted for last match’s centurion Khurram Manzoor (eight) and Test batter Asad Shadiq (0), while Sharjeel Khan was sent packing by Sameen Gul.
Saad and Fawad added 191 for the fourth wicket to rescue Sindh, before Saad, who smoked 14 fours and a six in his 195-ball stay, was dismissed by off-spinner Sajid Khan. Fawad will resume Sindh’s innings with wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Hasan.
Northern’s Faizan Riaz smashed his second century of the tournament, as he was unbeaten on 146 against Central Punjab when stumps were drawn at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Faizan, to date, has struck 15 fours off 221 balls and will be continuing an undefeated fourth wicket stand of 202 with Sarmad Bhatti, who stroked an unbeaten 81.
Central Punjab had a good start to the day after their captain Azhar Ali elected to bowl as they had two Northern batters – Mohammad Huraira and Umar Amin – back in the pavilion by 4.3 overs. Huraira was dismissed LBW by Ehsan Adil and Umar was caught off Bilawal Iqbal.
Nasir Nawaz, however, held an end with his 46 off 71.
Scores in brief:
Southern Punjab choose to bat after winning the toss against Balochistan at Multan Cricket Stadium
Southern Punjab 344-3, 81.3 overs (Tayyab Tahir 181 not out, Imran Rafiq 81, Umar Siddiq 32, Zain Abbas 30)
Innings points – Southern Punjab 3, Balochistan 1
Sindh choose to bat after winning the toss against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
Sindh 260-4, 79.3 overs (Saad Khan 129, Fawad Alam 94 not out; Imran Khan Snr 2-37)
Innings points – Sindh 2, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 1
Central Punjab elected to bowl after winning the toss against Northern at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Northern 281-3, 80 overs (Faizan Riaz 146 not out, Sarmad Bhatti 81 not out, Nasir Nawaz 46)
Innings points – Northern 2, Central Punjab 1
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