Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (February 29, 2020):-Chairman, Organizing Committee,  Mohammad Azam Dar, who is also the Deputy Director General, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) announced on Saturday that 11 sports disciplines would be the part of Women’s Sports Week, which would be kicked off on March 2, 2020 at Pakistan Sports Complex under the banner of Pakistan Sports Board (PSB). He further said that all arrangements had been finalized in the Organizing Committee Meeting that held on Saturday at Conference Hall of PSB and it was decided that 11 sports disciplines would be the part of women sports showpiece including Tennis, Hockey, Taekwondo,  Netball,  Baseball,  Table Tennis, Volleyball,  Judo, Swimming, Football and Soccer Futsal. According to scheduled, the Tennis and Hockey events will be played on March 2, at Tennis Court  and Outer Track ground respectively while Taekwondo and Netball on March 3 at Biomechanics Lab. and Rodham Hall respectively.   On March 4, Baseball and Table Tennis will be held at Baseball Ground and Rodham Hall respectively, Volleyball on March 5 at Hameedi Hall, Judo on March 6 at Biomechanics Lab, Swimming and Football on March 7 at Swimming Pool and Jinnah Stadium respectively. Soccer Futsal will be played on March 8 at Rodham Hall. He further said that trophies, medals and certificates will be awarded to players. He further said that the refreshments will be including Juice, Lays and Mineral Water for players at the venues. Adnan Malik, Senior Vice President, Pakistan Futsal Federation will sponsor the Trophies, Medals, Certificates and Refreshments to the all players and teams.

SB News ISLAMABAD (February 29, 2020):-Both Pakistan and South Africa have all to play for when they clash in the crucial ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Group-B clash at the Sydney Showground Stadium on Sunday. South Africa are currently leading the group with four points coming from two victories, while Pakistan have a win and a loss in their two matches. Opener Javeria Khan will lead the team tomorrow following Bismah Maroof's injury in Pakistan's last match against England, which ruled her out of the remaining tournament. Pakistan have two points from two games (win against West Indies, defeat to England), a win tomorrow will give Pakistan a real shot at a semi-final spot considering their last match is against lowly Thailand. On the other hand a victory for South Africa will almost guarantee a semi-final spot for them. The two teams competed in an enthralling five-match T20I series last year which was won by South Africa 3-2, with Pakistan winning the first and the third match of the series. All-rounder Aliya Riaz, who scored 41 off 33 balls in Pakistan’s 42-run defeat against England on Friday, feels her side has the capability of defeating South Africa and the recent results against them have given her hopes of a good performance. Aliya Riaz said: “We were not up to our best against England but I feel we have a very good chance of doing well against South Africa. We played a very competitive series against them in their own backyard last year which gives us added confidence going into the game tomorrow. “I felt I am in good batting form and enjoyed my innings against England albeit the result didn’t go in our favour. If we can replicate the performance we gave against West Indies we have a great chance of beating South Africa and improving our chances of a place in the semi-finals.” Pakistan began their campaign in style on Wednesday when they defeated the West Indies by eight wickets at the Manuka Oval, Canberra. England defeated them in their second match on Friday which was played at the same venue. Sunday’s Pakistan-South Africa match begins at 9am (PST). Pakistan squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup: Javeria Khan (captain), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Nawaz (wicketkeeper) and Syeda Aroob Shah Officials: Syed Iqbal Imam (head coach), Saleem Jaffer (bowling coach), Amir Iqbal (fielding coach), Gemaal Hussain (strength & conditioning coach), Dr Riffat Asghar Gill (physio), Aisha Jalil (team manager) and Zubair Ahmed (analyst). Upcoming fixtures: 1 March – South Africa v Pakistan, 9am (PST) 3 March – Pakistan v Thailand, 9am (PST)

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (February 29, 2020):-Hayley Jensen and Leigh Kasperek took three wickets apiece as New Zealand produced a tremendous comeback to down Bangladesh at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. New Zealand bowled Bangladesh out for 74 to boost their semi-final hopes Three wickets apiece for Hayley Jensen and Leigh Kasperek helped the White Ferns win with the lowest score ever defended at a World Cup. Ritu Moni took four wickets to help dismiss New Zealand for 91. The White Ferns were up against it having been bowled out for 91 but the bowlers did the job to dismiss Bangladesh 17 runs short of the target in the first meeting between the teams. Ritu Moni’s first four-wicket haul was not enough to steer Bangladesh to an historic victory in Group A, with her four for 18 the best figures of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 so far. They battled in the modest chase but were dismissed for 74, with the White Ferns’ effort the lowest score to ever be successfully defended in the competition. Bangladesh kept things tight before Rachel Priest found her feet to steer New Zealand to 33 without loss after they chose to bat. Captain Salma Khatun stepped in to halt the flow by removing her opposite number Sophie Devine for 12, Fahima Khatun with the catch at backward point. And the skipper was in a merciless mood as she trapped Priest LBW for 25. Suzie Bates helped New Zealand find rhythm but she soon fell when bowled by Ritu for 15. Bangladesh’s bowling brilliance continued as Maddy Green was stumped by Nigar Sultana Joty off Rumana Ahmed before they claimed their second scalp in as many balls when Jensen was run out backing up. The pressure continued to mount as Katey Martin perished for six when caught at point by Fahima Khatun off Ritu. Anna Petersen then fell when Fargana Hoque Pinky ran in from long-on to take a stunning diving catch off Ritu, while an impressive take from Fahima stopped Amelia Kerr (5) from saving the day. Ritu ended her stint with the first four-wicket haul Bangladesh have taken in the World Cup and Rumana took her second when Kasperek was stumped for two. It was only fitting that skipper Salma would be there to polish the innings, trapping Lea Tahuhu lbw as New Zealand lost their eight wickets for just 25 runs. It was only the third time the White Ferns had been kept under 100 runs at a World Cup but it was clear they weren’t going to go down without a fight as Jensen (three for 11) and Kasperek (three for 23) made amends. Bangladesh soon had batting woes of their own, Kasperek dealing with Murshida Khatun (11) while Ayasha Rahman was caught by Devine at mid-off off Jensen. Held at 32-3 at the midway point, Bangladesh’s eagerness to lower the required rate proved costly as Fargana Hoque and Ritu Moni were both run-out in comfortable fashion. Jensen took her second scalp when she trapped Rumana lbw for one before Bates caught Sobhana Mostaray for seven at mid-on off Devine. Jahanara Alam was the seventh to depart when she was bowled by spinner Kerr, before Jensen took her third scalp in the same manner against Fahima. Salma could only manage four before she was bowled by Kasperek, who claimed her third against Nigar Sultana (21) in the final over to seal the win. The win for New Zealand means Group A is perfectly set-up for a final showdown, with a Trans-Tasman match on Monday seeing them face Australia on Monday, with the winner set to reach the semi-finals. Scores in brief New Zealand beat Bangladesh by 17 runs, Junction Oval, Melbourne New Zealand 91 all out, 18.2 overs (Rachel Priest 25; Ritu Moni 4-18, Salma Khatun 3-7) Bangladesh 74 all out, 19.5 overs (Nigar Sultana Joty 21, Hayley Jensen 3-11, Leigh Kasperek 3-23)

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (February 29, 2020):-The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 has approved Nahida Khan as a replacement for Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof. Experienced batter Nahida, 33, who has played 59 ODIs and 53 T20Is, was named as a replacement after Bismah was ruled out due to a thumb injury sustained during their match against England. Javeria Khan has been nominated as the captain. The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee before the replacement player can be officially added to the squad. The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 consists of Geoff Allardice (ICC, Chairman), Chris Tetley (ICC representative), Nick Hockley, Peter Roach (host representatives), Isa Guha, Anjum Chopra (independent nominees).

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (February 29, 2020):-Pakistan have brought renewed energy to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and their notable improvement hasn’t been lost on South Africa captain Dane van Niekerk. The Proteas sit with two wins from two atop Group B but their bid for perfection won’t be easy, with Pakistan already overcoming West Indies in the competition so far. Great strides have been made by the Asian team since the last edition two years ago – and with a semi-final spot on the line, Van Niekerk knows her side can’t take anything for granted in Sydney. “I said to Lizelle [Lee] when we walked in to the stadium, they’ve got a skip in their step, they look like a very energetic team, they look ready,” said the skipper. “You can feel the energy popping off them and I got excited for the game against them as I know it will be hard fought. “We know how good Pakistan are, especially in ICC tournaments. They’re one of those teams that you know it brings out the best in them. “We are definitely not going to take not even one over lightly against them. I think it will be a difficult game. “It was nice to see where they’ve gone since we played them at home and again they’ve improved massively as a team. It’s definitely back to the drawing board to try and sort our plans before we get into Sydney.” Pakistan’s bid for a second win in Australia was dealt a blow after their loss to England, with captain Bismah Maroof ruled out of the tournament after suffering a fracture in her right thumb. Javeria Khan, who captained in the Women’s T20 World Cup two years ago, will lead the team once again while Nahida Khan comes in as the injury replacement. Pakistan will need to be ready from the off against the Proteas, whose 195 for three last time out against Thailand was the highest score in Women’s T20 World Cup history. But Aiman Anwar, who has five wickets in two Group B matches to date, feels their new-found belief means another big performance is far from out of the question at the Sydney Showground. “We will look forward to restricting South Africa if they bat first,” she said. “Even if they score well, we have the ability to put runs on the board. “We have chased 160+ against West Indies in Karachi, we want to play good matches. “We had some good momentum, we unfortunately couldn’t carry that on after the loss against England but we are looking to get that back against South Africa and Thailand. “Our spinners have been doing well, they’ve won a lot of matches for us and we’ll see if that can happen again. “I truly believe we are getting better, we have beaten teams that are ranked higher than us so were are positive, we have good intent, and I think this World Cup is open for any team.”

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (February 29, 2020):-Peshawar Zalmi scored an emphatic 16-run win in a rain shortened match of the HBL Pakistan Super League against Lahore Qalandars at the Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi  on Friday night. This was Zalmi’s second win in four games; Qalandars on the other hand remain pointless with their third straight loss in the HBL PSL 2020 edition. Persistent rain and a wet outfield caused a delayed start, that the shortened game was even staged was also due to untiring efforts of the Rawalpindi ground staff. The match was reduced to 12 over aside. Qalandars set a 133-run target were restricted by Zalmi to 116 for six. Samit Patel with 34 not out off 15 balls was the top-scorer for Qalandars in their failed chasing effort. Chris Lynn contributed 30 off 15 balls while Fakhar Zaman scored 22. Lewis Gregory with four for 25 off three overs was the pick of the Zalmi bowlers. Batting first, Zalmi posted 132 for seven in their 12 overs courtesy man-of-the-match Haider Ali and Tom Banton’s 34-run each cameos. Banton who opened the innings hit two sixes and four fours off the 15 balls he faced before falling to David Wiese. The teenaged Haider struck four sixes and one four off the 12 balls he faced before becoming one of fast bowler Dilbar Hussain’s four victims. The right-armer Dilbar bowled with sustained pace and guile to curtail the Zalmi batting onslaught in a three over spell which yielded him four wickets for 24 runs. Wiese took two wickets for 12 runs off his two overs. Scores in brief Peshawar Zalmi 132 for 7, 12 overs (Haider Ali 34, Tom Banton 34; Dilbar Hussain 4-24) Lahore Qalandars 116 for 6, 12 overs (Samit Patel 34, Chris Lynn 30; Lewis Gregory 4-25)    

SB News ISLAMABAD (February 28, 2020):-Nida Dar has become the Pakistan’s third woman cricketer to take part in 100 T20Is when Pakistan played England in their second Group-B fixture of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at the Manuka Oval, Canberra today (Friday). The all-rounder started her T20I career in the 2010 edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and is the highest wicket-taker for Pakistan in the format with 94 wickets at an average of 17.76 and third highest run-getter with 1,104 runs at a strike-rate of 95.83. The 33-year-old is the third Pakistan woman cricketer after current captain Bismah Maroof (107 matches) and former captain Sana Mir (106 matches) to achieve the milestone. She currently has 99 T20I appearances for Pakistan. Pakistan squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup: Bismah Maroof (captain), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Iram Javed, Javeria Khan, Muneeba Ali, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Nawaz (wicketkeeper) and Syeda Aroob Shah Officials: Syed Iqbal Imam (head coach), Saleem Jaffer (bowling coach), Amir Iqbal (fielding coach), Gemaal Hussain (strength & conditioning coach), Dr Riffat Asghar Gill (physio), Aisha Jalil (team manager) and Zubair Ahmed (analyst). Upcoming fixtures: 1 March – South Africa v Pakistan, 9am (PST) 3 March – Pakistan v Thailand, 9am (PST)

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (February 28, 20202):-South Africa and England each moved one step closer to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 semi-finals with impressive wins in Canberra. The Proteas enjoyed a record-breaking afternoon at the Manuka Oval as Lizelle Lee’s 101 helped them to 195 for three, the highest score in the competition. They eventually downed Thailand by 113 runs to head top of Group B with two wins from two, joined by England on four points after their second victory later in the day. Heather Knight and Nat Sciver were both in the runs while Sarah Glenn and Sophie Ecclestone spun the 2009 champions to a 42-run win over Pakistan. Lizelle Lee’s outstanding century led South Africa to the record books with the highest score in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup history in victory over Thailand. The opener struck 101 from just 60 balls in Canberra, a knock which, combined with Sune Luus’ unbeaten 61, helped the Proteas to 195 for three. Chloe Tryon also blitzed 24 late runs to take the game away from Thailand, who were bowled out for 82 in response to lose by 113 runs in the Group B clash. Luus completed her all-round excellence to finish with three wickets, as did Shabnim Ismail, while Onnicha Kamchomphu’s 26 was the solitary note of resistance for the debutants. “Things haven’t gone my way since the New Zealand tour, so it was just good to get some runs on the board and get that confidence back,” said Lee. “It’s two different things, batting in the nets and out in the middle. I was hitting the ball well out in the nets, it just didn’t come off in the middle. That does make your confidence dip. “I think every batter needs a little bit of confidence, you can’t go out there not having any. If it’s your day, you have to go out and cash in and I was pleased to do that for the team." Thailand captain Sornnarin Toppoch added: “We were disappointed with that performance. We didn’t bowl well, we didn’t field well and particularly we didn’t bat well. “We’re a bit flustered when Lizelle came at us, so we never had a chance to find our lines and lengths. We’ve got to find a way of correcting that moving forward into the next games. “It’s different facing it in practice and moving into a real-life situation. “Teams are going to come at us hard at this level, we’ve got to step up in this respect, improve our fielding and be a bit more tidy when we’re in the field.” Shrubsole takes 100th wicket while spinners deliver England made it two wins from three in Group B as spinners Sarah Glenn (three for 15) and Sophie Ecclestone (two for 12) combined to great effect in victory over Pakistan. Chasing 159, Pakistan were always behind the rate, even before the two tweakers went for a combined 27 runs in their eight overs, taking five wickets on the way. Anya Shrubsole also delivered with three scalps, the last seeing her dismiss Diana Baig caught and bowled to become the third woman to reach 100 T20I wickets. Heather Knight (62) and Nat Sciver (36) once again delivered with the bat but England’s opening pair of Amy Jones and Danni Wyatt are both still to fire in the tournament. “It’s been great to have Sophie with me, she’s a similar age but has some more experience in the team,” said Glenn. “If I’m ever nervous or unsure about anything, she’s always there to talk it through on and off the field. She’s a key asset to the team. “We’re really positive as a group. It was gutting to lose against South Africa but we’re feeling really good and have plenty of momentum now. “We’ve had a lot of success in Canberra, especially Heather, who’s had a brilliant time. We’ve got a lot of good memories to take into Sydney.” Pakistan’s Aliya Riaz added: “We made mistakes in the field and dropped some catches. That’s the difference between us and England. “We believed at the halfway stage when Javeria started well, we built some partnerships and I tried to do my best at the end. I tried to hit the ball as hard as possible. “Some catches dropped is the responsibility of the fielders. These are our mistakes. “We need to build more partnerships and make fewer mistakes in fielding and bowling.” Scores in brief South Africa beat Thailand by 113 runs, Manuka Oval, Canberra South Africa 195-3, 20 overs (Lizelle Lee 101, Sune Luus 61 not out; Ratanporn Padunglerd 1-19) Thailand 82 all out, 19.1 overs (Onnicha Kamchomphu 26; Shabnim Ismail 3-8, Sune Luus 3-15) England beat Pakistan by 42 runs, Manuka Oval, Canberra England 158-7, 20 overs (Heather Knight 62, Nat Sciver 36; Aiman Anwar 3-30) Pakistan 116 all out, 19.4 overs (Aliya Riaz 41; Sarah Glenn 3-15, Anya Shrubsole 3-25)

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (February 28, 2020):-New Zealand’s men claimed a dramatic 5-3 FIH Hockey Pro League victory over reigning Olympic champions Argentina at the Nga Puna Wai Hockey Stadium in Christchurch on Friday (28 February). However, it was a different story for the Black Sticks women, who drew 1-1 with Argentina before missing out on the bonus point by losing the subsequent shoot-out.  The New Zealand versus Argentina men’s match was an out-and-out thriller, with the home favourites earning a second successive FIH Hockey Pro League victory to add to their recent triumph against Spain, which was their first ever outright win since the launch of the competition in January 2019. The result sees the Black Sticks climb up to fifth in the table, with Los Leones in eighth position. New Zealand established 1-0, 2-1 and 3-2 leads thanks to strikes from Sam Lane, Dylan Thomas and Jared Panchia, with the reigning Olympic champions – captained by Pedro Ibarra, who today made his 300th senior international appearance – hitting back on each occasion through Maico Casella and Jose Tolini (2) to leave the scores locked at 3-3 with eleven minutes remaining. Much to the delight of the home fans, the Black Sticks eventually pulled clear when a Cory Bennett penalty corner and an open play effort from Dominic Neuman established an unassailable 5-3 lead, with New Zealand goalkeeper Leon Hayward being named Player of the Match thanks to a string of outstanding saves in sealing the triumph. "It was nice to get five goals against a quality opponent”, said Black Sticks head coach Darren Smith. “We defended well and were able to contain their dangerous strike forwards. Our strike line was energetic and played with genuine pace as they put together a strong performance". Having witnessed their men’s team earn a famous victory over the Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallists, New Zealand’s women knew that a glorious double over the Pan American giants was a distinct possibility. However, despite missing numerous influential players including goalkeeper Belen Succi and attacking stars Carla Rebecchi and Delfina Merino, it was the Argentineans who emerged with the biggest share of the points, climbing up to second in the FIH Hockey Pro League table, one place above New Zealand. The Black Sticks started well and took the lead early in the second quarter when 19-year-old Hope Ralph scored from open play. However, Ralph’s strike was cancelled out mid-way through the third period by Player of the Match Agustina Albertarrio, who found the target with a deflected effort. With no further goals, a shoot-out was required to determine the destination of the bonus point. It was the visitors who claimed the additional point, with Julieta Jankunas, Victoria Miranda and Priscilla Jardel all on target as Las Leonas emerged 3-1 winners in the one-on-ones, with Sam Charlton the sole scorer for New Zealand. Speaking after the game, Agustina Albertarrio said: “It was a very difficult match. New Zealand is a really good team. We are happy we won the shoot-out, but we have to see the images of the match to review the things that we did wrong and think about the [next] match.” The FIH Hockey Pro League continues on Sunday 1 March when New Zealand’s men and women face Argentina for the second time at Christchurch’s Nga Puna Wai Hockey Stadium. To see the complete match schedule, click here. Keep up to date with all the latest news on the FIH Hockey Pro League via the event website and through FIH social media channels - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.  FIH Hockey Pro League Friday 28 February 2020 – Nga Puna Wai Hockey Stadium, Christchurch (NZL) Men’s result: New Zealand 5, Argentina 3 (Match 1 of 2) Player of the Match: Leon Hayward (GK - NZL) Umpires: Peter Wright (RSA), Steve Rogers (AUS) & Aleisha Neumann (AUS - video) Women’s result: New Zealand 1, Argentina 1 – 1-3 After Shoot-Out (Match 1 of 2) Player of the Match: Agustina Albertarrio (ARG) Umpires: Junko Wagatsuma (JPN), Aleisha Neumann (AUS) & Peter Wright (RSA - video)

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (February 28, 2020):-Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force met the players of Pakistan National Kabaddi team at Air Headquarters, Islamabad today (Friday). He felicitated the team for winning Kabaddi World Cup, 2020, which was held at Lahore. Interacting with the players, the Air Chief lauded the performance of players who brought laurels to the country by winning the biggest event in the sport which is very popular in the rural areas of Pakistan. He further said that winning the final against arch rival India was an icing on the cake, which has made the whole nation proud. He added that it was a proud moment for PAF, as 07 players including the captain Chief Warrant Officer Mohammad Irfan are part of the Pakistan Air Force Kabaddi team, which is also the title holder of National Championship. The Air Chief also awarded cash incentives to the national heroes.