Report: Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD (October 24, 2021):-Pakistani trio, Shaheen Shah Afridi (3 for 31), Mohammad Rizwan (79 not out and Babar Azam (68 not out) neutralize the Indian weapons Virat Koli, Rohit Sharma and Rsihbah Pant to claim historical victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Sunday night. Afridi starred with the ball as his spell of three for 31 – bolstered by Hasan Ali’s two for 44 – decimated the Indian top order and helped restrict Virat Kohli’s team to 151 for seven. And despite Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja all spearheading a star-studded Indian attack, Babar (68 not out) and wicketkeeper Rizwan (79 not out) delivered a run-chasing masterclass to inflict a first ever T20 ten-wicket defeat on India. Babar inserted the Indians after winning the toss and with the atmosphere at fever pitch by the time Afridi steamed in for the first delivery, the skilful left-arm seamer got Pakistan off to a flyer. He trapped the dangerous Rohit Sharma lbw with just the fourth ball of the match as his menacing, full and straight thunderbolt pinned the Indian opener on the crease. That brought Kohli – and his stunning T20I average of 52.65 – to the middle but the Indian captain’s arrival did little to halt the rampant Afridi juggernaut. The 21-year-old carried on where he left off in his second over as his sumptuous in-swinger proved too good for KL Rahul and bowled him through the gate. The Indian top order rallied, however, with Suryakumar Yadav and Kohli pummelling two sixes in quick succession to extend a gripping opening period. But Yadav soon followed Sharma and Rahul back to the pavilion as a fine diving catch by Rizwan – off the bowling of Hasan – had the Indians reeling at 31 for three. Rishabh Pant led the Indian recovery as his enterprising innings of 39 – including two extraordinary one-handed sixes – helped steer Ravi Shastri’s side towards a defendable-looking total. But with the left-hander motoring in the 13th over – and Kohli on a run-a-ball 29 at the other end – he succumbed to the leg spin of Shadab Khan as the Pakistan all-rounder held on to a steepler off his own bowling. Kohli continued to keep things ticking with an intelligent middle-over innings as a steady stream of boundaries, coupled with some masterful manoeuvring, maintained India’s momentum and brought up his perfectly-judged 50. But Pakistan then regained the initiative as Jadeja (13) was caught in the deep off Hasan and Kohli, who made 57 off 49 balls, was finally dismissed by the returning left-arm pace of Afridi. And Hardik Pandya – hailed by Kohli for his finishing abilities before the match – soon followed his skipper in departing as he was caught by Babar off the bowling of Haris Rauf to leave India on 151 for seven at the interval. Rizwan wasted no time kickstarting the Pakistan reply as he swatted Bhuvneshwar Kumar for a four and six in the very first over. And with captain Babar’s cover drive functioning in typically-fluent – and aesthetically-pleasing – fashion at the other end, the 2009 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup champions had soon laid the foundations for a crack at India’s total in the blink of an eye. With Pakistan on 43 for nought at the end of the powerplay, Kohli introduced the left-arm spin of Jadeja to initiate what felt like a crucial spell in the dynamic of the contest. But Rizwan and Babar continued to masterfully navigate their way through the chase, with the skipper clubbing Jadeja for a monstrous six off the back foot before Rizwan survived a run-out opportunity at the non-striker’s end. India continued to search for a breakthrough but Babar and Rizwan repelled all Kohli threw at them to leave 17 more runs required from the final three overs. And they finished the job in style, with Rizwan launching Shami for two fours and a six to fire his side to victory and cap a historic day for Pakistani cricket at the Dubai International Stadium. Scores in Brief Pakistan beat India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, by 10 wickets India 151/7 in 20 overs (Virat Kohli 57, Rishabh Pant 39; Shaheen Afridi 3/31, Hasan Ali 2/44) Pakistan 152/0 in 17.5 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 79 not out, Babar Azam 68 not out; Ravindra Jadeja 0/28, Jasprit Bumrah 0/22) Player of the Match: Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan)

Report:-ABDULLAH ASJAD Islamabad (October 24, 2021):-Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by 5 wickets In a match of ICC Men’s World Cup2021 at Sharja Cricket Stadium Sharjaha, United Arabs Emirates (UEA) on Sunday. Sri Lankan batters played a brilliant innings. Middle order batter Charith Asalanka played a superb innings and scored 80 runs after faced 49 balls. He smashed 5 huge sixes and 5 fours.  The Left handed batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa played a shining innings and scored 50 runs in just 31 balls. He hit 3 sixes and 3 fours while Pathum Nissanka contributed 24 runs in21 balls. Earlier, Lankan skipper elected to bowl first after winning the toss. Bangladesh set 172 runs total on score board. Left handed opener batter Mohammad Naim played 62 runs innings in just52 balls. Mushafiq ur Rehman scored 57 runs in 37 balls. Shakib Ul Hassan took 2 wickets by giving 17 runs while Nasum Ahmed took 2 for 29. Charith Asalanka got man of the match.  Summarized Scorecard: Toss: Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first Bangladesh Batting: 171 for 4 in 20 overs (Mohammad Naim Sheikh 62 (52 balls, 4X6), Mushfiqar Rehim 57 (37 balls, 4X5, 6X2), Liton Daz 16 (16 balls, 4X2) Sri Lanka Bowling: Chamika Karunaratne (1 for 12), Binura Farnando (1 for 27), Lahiru Kumara (1 for 29) Sri Lanka Batting: batter Charith Asalanka(62 runs in 52 balls), Bhanuka Rajapaksa(50 runs in31 balls) Bangladesh Bowling:  Shakib Ul Hassan 2 for 17, Nasum Ahmed 2 for 29 Results: Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets Man of the Match: Charith Asalanka

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (October 24, 2021):-The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that it will cut its direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2030, as part of its commitment to tackling climate change. The announcement was made by IOC President Thomas Bach during the General Assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), currently taking place in Greece. It comes ahead of the UN Climate Summit (COP26) due to be held at the end of October in Glasgow, Great Britain. With this decision, the IOC increases its level of ambition from a previous commitment that set a 45 per cent reduction over the same time period, in line with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. “The climate crisis is arguably the biggest challenge humanity is facing,” said President Bach. “It is affecting all areas of our lives, including sport of course, as an important part of society. By further reducing our carbon emissions, we strengthen our contribution to the realisation of the Paris Agreement, follow the latest science on climate change, and contribute better to this global effort. We urge all other sports organisations to follow suit.” In order to achieve the 50 per cent cut in emissions by 2030, the IOC has set an intermediate reduction target of 30 per cent, to be achieved by 2024. Its action plan to deliver on this commitment will now be updated with increased efforts to reduce emissions in the areas of travel, energy use and procurement. Aligning with the latest science The IOC’s announcement comes following the publication of the Sixth Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – the leading international body for the assessment of climate change. Published in August 2021, the report found that human-induced climate change is intensifying at an unprecedented pace. Sport is increasingly affected, both in winter and summer. Unreliable snow and temperatures impact winter sports, while increasing summer heat threatens the health of athletes, event organisers and fans. In 2018, working with UN Climate Change, the IOC helped develop the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework – which aims to drive climate action across the sports world – and has taken a leadership role in its implementation. More than 270 sports organisations from around the world have signed up to it so far, including the IOC itself. Based on the latest data from the IPCC report, all signatories to the Framework will be required to reduce their emissions by 50 per cent by 2030, in order to help limit global temperature rise to 1.5?C.

Areej Fatima RAWALPINDI (October 24, 2021):-Huma Club, Islamabad thrashered Muslim Club Chman 5-0 goals in the 13th Pakistan Premier Football League (PPFL) 2021 at Municipal Stadium Rawlpindi. Huma Club took 2-0 lead at the end of the first half against Muslim Club. Khaleeq uz Zaman made his first hat-trick in the league for Huma Club. In the 20th minute of the first half, Khaleeq ur Zaman scored first goal for Huma Club and he doubled the score 2-0 in the injury time of the first half. Third goal was also scored by Khaleeq in the 60th minute and did score 3-0 while Sardar Abbas and Maihan Ali scored one goal each for Huma Club in the 83rd and injury time of the second half. The match was concluded 5-0 at the end of the stipulated time. Qudrat Ullah received yellow card for Muslim Club in the 60th minute and the same was earned by Maab Ullah for Huma Club in the same time. Referee, Adnan Anjum supervised the match while Mehboob Ali and Amjad Ali assisted to him

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (October 23, 2021):-A ruthless bowling performance saw England get their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 campaign off to a perfect start as they defeated the West Indies by six wickets in Dubai. The rematch between the 2016 finalists was eagerly anticipated but proved almost as one-sided as that famous occasion in Kolkata had been dramatic, with the reigning champions subsiding to 55 all out – their second-lowest ever T20I score. Spin twins Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid were the principal architects of West Indies’ downfall, the latter finishing with England’s best-ever T20I figures of four for two after Moeen had set the tone with two wickets and 18 dot balls in a miserly four-over spell. The returning Tymal Mills, representing England for the first time since February 2017, chipped in with two scalps of his own including key man Chris Gayle, who was the only batter to make it into double figures. Akeal Hosein caused problems for England’s powerful batting line-up in reply, taking two for 24, but the modest nature of the target restricted West Indies’ ability to apply real pressure and Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 24 steered the 2019 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup winners home with more than half their overs remaining. Having opted to bowl upon winning the toss, Morgan opened up with Moeen and the off-spinner was greeted by an early show of intent by Evin Lewis, who lofted the final ball of the first over for what would turn out to be the only six of the innings. The England all-rounder had his revenge in the very next over, sprinting back from mid-off to take a fine catch when Lewis tried to repeat the trick off the bowling of Chris Woakes and found more height than distance. Moeen went on to account for Lendl Simmons, who picked out Liam Livingstone on the deep midwicket boundary, to leave both openers back in the pavilion inside three overs. Consecutive boundaries for Shimron Hetmyer injected some momentum into the innings at the start of the fifth over but Moeen again struck back as the left-hander chipped to Morgan at mid-on. Such a situation called for experienced heads and in Gayle and Dwayne Bravo, both playing in their seventh ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, West Indies appeared to have just the men for the job. But having struck three typically powerful boundaries, Gayle soon miscued a pull off Mills and was well caught by a backpedalling Dawid Malan off the final ball of the powerplay, which concluded with West Indies languishing on 31 for four. The situation only grew more desperate from there with Bravo next to fall, flashing hard at Chris Jordan’s second delivery and succeeding only in finding Jonny Bairstow at backward point. Mills and Jordan kept the pressure firmly applied in the middle overs, the former removing Nicholas Pooran for a single, and the return of spin paid instant dividends as Rashid’s first delivery cleaned up Andre Russell without scoring. Captain Kieron Pollard was his side’s final hope of setting a challenging target but having initially been watchful as wickets fell around him, he took on Rashid at the start of the 13th over and provided Bairstow with a routine catch at long-on. Obed McCoy fell in identical circumstances next ball and though last man Ravi Rampaul survived the hat-trick delivery, a heave in the leg-spinner’s next over saw him clean bowled as the innings was wrapped up with 5.4 overs left unused. West Indies followed England’s lead in opening with a spinner but Buttler was quickly into the groove, driving Hosein through the covers for a boundary to get the chase going. Roy was next to take the attack to the left-armer, clearing the ropes over extra cover, but was soon departing the fray after chipping a Ravi Rampaul slower ball to Gayle on 11. It was Bairstow rather than Malan who walked out at number three and consecutive boundaries took England more than halfway towards their target inside four overs. Then came a slight wobble as Hosein claimed return catches to remove Bairstow and Livingstone, the second of which was a stunning one-handed effort to his left, either side of Moeen being run out following a mix-up. But captain Morgan joined Buttler to see his side over the finish line, the wicketkeeper pulling the winning runs to the mid-wicket boundary from the second ball of the ninth over. Scores in Brief England beat West Indies at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai by six wickets West Indies 55 all out in 14.2 overs (Chris Gayle 13, Shimron Hetmyer 9; Adil Rashid 4/2, Moeen Ali 2/17, Tymal Mills 2/17) England 56-4 in 8.2 overs (Jos Buttler 24 not out, Jason Roy 11; Akeal Hosein 2/24, Ravi Rampaul 1/14) Player of the Match: Moeen Ali (England)

Sports Bulletin Report Abu Dhabi (October 23, 2021)-Australia started the Super 12 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 with a nervy five-wicket victory over South Africa in a low-scoring contest in Abu Dhabi. Having restricted the Proteas to 118 for eight, Australia slipped to 38 for three in reply before Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell’s partnership of 42 set the platform for Marcus Stoinis and Matthew Wade to see Justin Langer’s side home with two balls to spare. Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa and Mitchell Starc had all picked up two scalps as South Africa lost wickets at regular intervals to leave Australia needing less than six an over at the Zayed Cricket Stadium. Aiden Markram struck a fluent 40 off 36 balls to top score for the Proteas but he ran out of partners as Australia got their campaign off to a winning start. After being put into bat, captain Temba Bavuma got South Africa off to a flyer in the first over by taking Starc for 11 runs, including two lovely fours through the off side. But he was bowled by Maxwell, utilising his handy off-spin early in the powerplay, in the second over for 12. His replacement at the crease, Rassie van der Dussen, soon followed his skipper back to the hutch after making just two when he nicked Hazlewood’s first ball behind to Wade. It went from bad to worse when Quinton de Kock was bowled in bizarre fashion after attempting to flick a Hazlewood delivery on the move, only to see it cannon off his leg and balloon into the air and back onto the stumps. Hazlewood completed his wicket maiden before South Africa stuttered to 29 for three at the end of the powerplay. Markram and Heinrich Klassen looked like they were building the first partnership of note before Pat Cummins had the latter caught off a thick outside edge for a run-a-ball 13. Playing a sole hand, Markram put on 34 for the fifth wicket with David Miller until leg-spinner Adam Zampa rocked South Africa with two wickets in the 14th over. Miller was trapped in front for 16 before Dwaine Pretorious was sharply caught by Wade for just one to leave the Proteas reeling at 82 for six. Things did not improve when Keshav Maharaj was run out by Maxwell after slipping when trying to get off the mark from an overthrow. Markram took his frustration out on the returning Hazlewood, slamming a huge six into the crowd over the leg side, but fell to Cummins when trying to up the ante, with South Africa yet to bring up their 100 with only three overs left. Some valuable late clean striking from Kagiso Rabada, who made 19 off 23 balls, gave his side something to bowl at as South Africa finished on 118 for nine. Rabada and Anrich Nortje came charging in at the start of Australia’s chase and the two combined to remove Aaron Finch for a duck in the second over, Rabada clinging on at third man after the Australian skipper slashed hard at a wide one. David Warner appeared to get things back on track with a couple of boundaries until he was well-caught by Heinrich Klaasen at point as Bavuma’s decision to keep Rabada on for three straight overs paid dividends. Australia finished the powerplay on 28 for two, one run short of where South Africa were at the same stage but with an extra wicket in hand. That advantage soon went when Keshav Maharaj had Mitchell Marsh caught at deep midwicket for 11 in the eighth over. Steve Smith and Maxwell put together a partnership of 42 as they safely navigated the middle overs without much alarm until a super diving catch from Markram off Nortje gave South Africa a sniff. Smith departed for 35 off 34, annoyed not to take his side home but having left them well-placed, needing 37 from 31 balls. But Maxwell followed just three balls later for 18 when he was castled by MRF Tyres ICC World No.1 T20I bowler Tabraiz Shamsi attempting a big reverse slog sweep. Markram nearly clinched another spectacular grab, but Wade’s shot off Rabada did not carry and crucially slipped through him for four. Wade’s improvisation brought him a second consecutive boundary before Marcus Stoinis saw Australia over the line when needing 18 from the final two overs. finishing with 24 from 16 balls as the pair put on a match-winning stand of 40 from the last 26 balls. Scores in Brief Australia beat South Africa at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi by five wickets South Africa 118/9 in 20 overs (Aiden Markram 40, Kagiso Rabada 19 not out; Josh Hazlewood 2/19, Adam Zampa 2/21)  Australia 121/5 in 19.4 overs (Steve Smith 35, Marcus Stoinis 24 not out; Anrich Nortje 2/21, Tabraiz Shamsi 1/22) Player of the Match: Josh Hazlewood (Australia)

Aamir Ali Janjua Dubai (October 23, 2021):-Bangladesh, Namibia, Scotland and Sri Lanka have confirmed their place at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 to be held in Australia, after the four teams progressed to the Super 12 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 in Oman and the UAE. Namibia, the story of Round 1 have qualified for the Super 12s in their first ever T20 World Cup and will now return for the Australia event in 12 months time. They are joined by Bangladesh, Scotland and Sri Lanka confirming 12 out of the 16 spots for the World Cup. Afghanistan, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, West Indies and hosts Australia, had already qualified for the 2022 showpiece, gaining direct entry to the Super 12 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 by virtue of being inside the top eight on the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s T20 International Rankings at the cut-off prior to the postponed 2020 event. The four remaining spots will be filled via the ongoing qualification pathway taking place across the five regions, culminating in two global qualifying tournaments in early 2022.   ICC Head of Events, Chris Tetley said: “We have already seen some incredibly competitive cricket in round one of the Men’s T20 World Cup culminating in Bangladesh, Namibia, Scotland and Sri Lanka taking their positions in the Super 12s and therefore qualifying for Australia 2022. “Namibia and Scotland in particular have provided us with some great stories over the past two weeks reinforcing T20 cricket as the global growth vehicle of the sport. We look forward to seeing which four teams will secure the remaining spots for Australia 2022 through the two global qualifiers next year.” For the 12 automatic qualifiers there is still plenty to play for in this tournament in terms of Australia 2022. Teams can secure their spot in the Australia 2022 Super 12s, by finishing as either winner or runner up of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 or as one of the next six highest ranked teams (as of November 15, 2021).

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (October 21, 2021):-Secretary, Islamabad Chess Association (ICA), Malik Mohammad Ameen has revealed on Thursday that chess association of capital city would start a series of chess fixtures at universities level aiming to give an occasion to budding chess players and to select the young talented guys from grass root level and It would be started from International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) next month. During a special meeting with www.sports-bulletin.com  correspondent, national chess player, Malik Ameen further said that he had a meeting with the IIUI administration. “All things have been settled and we will organize the event in well benefitted manners in collaboration with Chess Federation of Pakistan (CFP). After this, a series of chess competitions will kick off in the different universities of twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad, “he added. To a question, he said that CFP was competent to host the top international chess events in Pakistan, which would be helpful to boost up the soft image of the country all over the world. “It is a fact that we cannot organize any international event without the government's support and cooperation. Chess federation has a good reputation at international level. If the government will support us we will manage the international events on the soil of Pakistan, “he maintained. “For staging an international chess there is no need for big security, as it is an indoor game and all things can be managed safely. At this time, unfortunately, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) is not even ready to recognize CFP and his efforts for the promotion of the game in Pakistan. I will not want to make more comments on this issue because the case is in the Islamabad High Court. We are affiliated with the World and Asian chess organizations, “he said. To another regarding the government support, Malik Ameed said: “The conditions of sports are miserable all over the county and the standard is going down day by day. The performance of Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) is also very grim like other government institutes and no one is ready to listen there. We told all the facts to top officials of PSB but we are still waiting for its affiliation. New Director PSB is not well aware about the sports issues, “he lamented. Responding to another question, Malik divulged that in 80s Landa Bazar was the hub of the chess players in Rawalpindi. Everyone was enjoying the game at a local hotel after closing their daily business. “It is said that chess was the game of kings but it has become the game of the common man too. People are keen to play chess under the banner of any organization. Politics hurt the chess brutally, as we were running the chess very well and smoothly but some unknown people established another parallel body. We organized a lot of tournaments and provided opportunities to budding players to excel at national and level, “he concluded.      

Reports: ABDULLAH ASJAD Islamabad (October 22, 2021):-Sri Lanka beat Netherlands by 8 wickets in the ICC Man’s T20 World Cup 2021 at Al Amerat Cricket Stadium Oman on Friday night. Lankan Captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and asked opposition into bat firs. Netherlands scored only 44 runs in 10 overs and threw all their 10 wickets in 20 over game. Colin Ackermann scored 11 while Lankan bowler Lahiru Kumara took 3 wickets for 7 runs. Wanindu Hasaranga picked up 3 wickets while Maheesh Theekshana took2 wickets for3 runs. In replay, Sri Lanka chased minor 44 target in 7.1 overs .They have 8 wickets in hand. Opener  Kusal  perera  scored 33 runs not out in 24 deliveries. Brandon Glover and Paul Van Meekeren got 1 wicket each .Sri Lankan bowler Lahiru Kumara got man of the match award for great bowling. Scores in Brief Sri Lanka beat Netherlands at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah by eight wickets Netherlands 44 all out in 10 overs (Colin Ackermann 11; Lahiru Kumara 3/7, Wanindu Hasaranga 3/9, Maheesh Theekshana 2/3)   Sri Lanka 45/2 in 7.1 overs (Kusal Perera 33 not out; Brandon Glover 1/12, Paul Van Meekeren 1/20) Player of the Match: Lahiru Kumara (Sri Lanka)    

Aamir Ali Janjua Dubai (October 22, 2021):-The qualifying for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia is set to continue in Doha with five teams set to compete in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia A Qualifier supported by Dream 11. Hosts Qatar are joined by Bahrain, Kuwait, Maldives and Saudi Arabia with one place in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier up for grabs. It’s the first time an ICC event has been staged in Qatar, with the matches to be hosted at the Asian Town Cricket Stadium. Qatar (21) enter the event as the highest ranked on the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings, with Kuwait (27), Saudi Arabia (28), Bahrain (43) and Maldives (74) all aiming to qualify for the T20 World Cup for the first time. The event will also complete the Asia regional finals with Nepal, Singapore, UAE, Hong Kong and The Philippines already through to the Global Qualifier. Qatar captain, Iqbal Hussain Chaudhry, said: “It’s a great feeling, we are all pumped up and working hard for the event. We know it’s a big tournament and we’ve been through this stage before. The last time we played Asia qualifiers we beat higher ranked teams but one mishap and we didn’t make it into the Global Qualifiers. We are glad that we are hosting a major ICC tournament in Qatar, which is the path to Australia 2022 and we will put up a good show for our nation and cricket lovers over the globe.” Bahrain captain, Anasim Khan? said: “The ICC Mens T20 World Cup Asia is a big opportunity for Bahrain and all teams to play at the top level. It will be a dream come true to play in Australia next?year. It is a once in a life-time opportunity to earn a place in a historic World Cup qualifying round. We are a team which can bring surprises.” Saudi Arabia captain, Abdul Waheed said: “It is an absolute honour to represent Saudi Arabia in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia A Qualifier. To play in a World Cup is a dream of every cricketer, however we are focused on the forthcoming tournament. We have come a long way in recent years and to realise our dreams we need to take one step at a time and keep moving. We know that it will be an intense competition as other participating teams are good. Nevertheless, we have prepared well and the boys are excited to give their best.” Kuwait captain, Mohammed Nawaf Mohammed Aslam said: “It feels absolutely brilliant to be captaining the Kuwait side on such a big stage and to play competitive cricket with neighbouring countries, who are all fighting for that one prestigious and most valuable spot. We know its a tough road ahead but we are preparing hard for that. We have to win all the matches and tournaments we participate in under the ICC in order to come up the rankings and achieve the goal of being in the top 15 teams in the world.” Maldives captain, Mohamed Mahfooz said: “I am very excited and eager to show the cricketing community the talent of Maldivian cricketers. I believe this small nation is ready to upset the big teams in this competition. We did what we could control to prepare. We had online fitness sessions and once restrictions eased we started outdoor fitness sessions and indoors practices. We kept the players minds always in the game until we were able to get back on the ground.” Qatar Cricket Association President Yousef Jeham Al Kuwari expressed his thrills for getting a chance to showcase his country’s hosting capabilities. He commented while welcoming the participating teams and officials: “Qatar has established itself as the sporting capital due to its high standards in staging events. We are delighted that we will host the Asia Group A Qualifiers for the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup from October 23 to 29. “The QCA feels grateful to the International Cricket Council for granting this event to Qatar. We welcome all the contesting teams and ICC officials. This is the first international cricket tournament here after the Covid-19 pandemic brought the world to a halt. “We assure the ICC that we’ll live up to our reputation of being a world-class host. We wish good luck to all the teams. We hope that all the teams are keen to get back to the field and will produce high-voltage action in a bid to qualify for the global qualifying stage,” Al Kuwari added.” FIXTURES 23 October 2021- Qatar vs Bahrain (09h00); Maldives vs Saudi Arabia (13h10) 24 October 2021 - Bahrain vs Kuwait (09h00); Qatar vs Maldives (13h10) 25 October 2021 - Kuwait vs Saudi Arabia (09h00); 27 October 2021 - Bahrain vs Maldives (09h00); Qatar vs Saudi Arabia (13h10) 28 October 2021 - Maldives vs Kuwait (09h00); Saudi Arabia vs Bahrain (13h10) 29 October 2021-  Kuwait vs Qatar (13h10)