By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 10, 2020):-Islamabad Club Twenty-20 Cricket Tournament will be commenced from Saturday at Islamabad Club cricket ground, as the final will be played on March 8, 2020 at same venue. On Saturday evening, in a ceremony, secretary Islamabad Club Mirza Shaharyar unveiled the trophy and announced the details of the tournament. Six teams will take part in the tournament, as each team will comprise 14 players. On this occasion, the captains of all teams received team kits from the chief guest Mirza Shaharyar.      

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 10, 2020):-The 5th Jubilee Insurance Under-18 National Junior Snooker Championship 2020 started on Friday here at Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Billiard and Snooker Hall in the premises of Pakistan Sports Complex (PSC). Top national juniors players from all four provinces Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber PakhtoonKawa (KPK) and Islamabad are participating the national event to show their game skills. Results (Day 1): Zubair Tahir (Punjab) beat Kamran Chaudhry (Islamabad) 3-2 (40-55, 57-24, 60-58, 41-54, 69-17) Mohammad Waqas (Sindh) beat Muhammad Mudassir (Balochistan) 3-1 (47-56, 75-22, 64-52(64), 80-12) Abdul Hadi (Sindh) beat Jawad Ali (Balochistan) 3-1 (32-59, 62-26, 65-21, 51-20) Mohammad Hamza Ilyas (Pjb) beat Mohammad Awais (KPK) 3-0 (55-15, 67-23, 68-32) Ahsan Ramzan (Punjab) beat Shaikh Qamber (Sindh) 3-0 (62-11(54), 105-8(60), 67-62) Mohammad Ibrar (KPK) beat Zohaib Mustafa (Islamabad) 3-0 (59-45, 70-30, 53-15) Mohammad Shehryar Abbas (Punjab) beat Rizwan Durrani (Balochistan) 3-0 (82-01(60), 63-02, 60-05) Kamran Ali (Sindh) beat Awais Ahmed (KPK) 3-1 (66-35, 46-63, 61-07, 49-07) Mohammad Umer Khan (Pjb) beat Syed Anus Zafar (Sindh) 3-0 (78-44, 69-20, 80-9(52)) Shehryar Khan (Sindh) beat Shawais Moris (KPK) 3-0 (55-20, 61-31, 54-14) Kamran Albert Masih (KPK) beat Fardeen (Punjab) 3-2 (16-64, 64-42, 57-39, 19-59, 53-50) Umer Junaid (Sindh) beat Junaid Khalid (Balochistan) 3-0 (65-14, 60-32, 57-08) Kamran Chaudhry (Islamabad) beat Mohammad Mudassir (Balochistan) 3-0 (86-5, 57-14, 54-36) Abdul Hadi (Sindh) beat Mohammad Awais (KPK) 3-1 (34-61, 56-18, 66-60, 53-23) Rizwan Durrani (Balochistan) beat Kamran Ali (Sindh) 3-0 (63-42, 78-25, 56-27) Saturday’s Fixtures Syed Bilal Shah (Bal) V/S Syed Anus Zafar (Sindh) Ahtisham Asghar (Pjb) V/S Shawais Moris (Kp) Mohaib Kasi (Bal) V/S Fardeen (Pjb) Malik Muzammil Khan (Kp) V/S Umer Junaid (Sindh) Mohammad Waqas (Sindh) V/S Zubair Tahir (Pjb) Mohammad Hamza Ilyas (Pjb) V/S Jawad Ali (Bal) Zohaib Mustafa (Isb) V/S Shaikh Qamber (Sindh) Awais Ahmed (Kp) V/S Mohammad Shehryar Abbas (Pjb) Mohammad Umer Khan (Pjb) V/S Syed Bilal Shah (Bal) Shehryar Khan (Sindh) V/S Ahtisham Asghar (Pjb) Kamran Albert Masih (Kp) V/S Mohaib Kasi (Bal) Junaid Khalid (Bal) V/S Malik Muzammil Khan (Kp) Mohammad Mudassir (Bal) V/S Zubair Tahir (Pjb) Mohammad Awais (Kp) V/S Jawad Ali (Bal) Mohammad Ibrar (Kp) V/S Shaikh Qamber (Sindh) Kamran Ali (Sindh) V/S Muhammad Shehryar Abbas (Pjb)

SB News ISLAMABAD (January 10, 2020):-Pakistan national men’s team extended best wishes to the Under-19 side upon their departure to South Africa for the participation in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. The senior players hoped that the side will stretch its last year’s form into the World Cup and advised the players to make the most of the platform to make an impression and graduate to the apex level. Babar Azam, the current Pakistan T20I captain who played the ICC U19 World Cup in 2010 and 2012, said: “I wish all the best to the U19 team. My message for them is to do well, like they have been doing recently. Help each other and believe in your teammates’ abilities. “Our batsmen and bowlers are in good shape and after having played in South Africa, I would suggest the batsmen to stay upright while batting. “Enjoy this opportunity and put your heart in it as it will enhance your performances.” Azhar Ali, the current Pakistan Test captain who played the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in 2002, said: “I wish all the best to this team and advise them to stick together as a unit and play fearless cricket. “Playing the U19 W0rld Cup gives you a flavour of international cricket as the matches are televised and the players get to experience the pressure of international cricket. This is a great opportunity for these cricketers to learn, which will certainly help them when they graduate to the senior team. “Rohail Nazir and Haider Ali have done well at the U19 level and they have impressed at the first-class level. When a player performs at the first-class level, it lifts his morale. If these two are able to stretch that form in the World Cup, the team will benefit immensely. “These guys have done well on the previous tours and I am very hopeful of positive results in the World Cup.” Naseem Shah, the recent graduate to the senior men’s side from U19 team, said: “I was recently playing with this side and I am hopeful that they are going to do well in the tournament. They are gelled very well and have good combinations, which will help them excel in the World Cup. “I wish good luck to Rohail Nazir and his team.” Shaheen Shah, who played the previous edition of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup, said: “The way this team played in South Africa and won, I am hopeful that the U19 team will win the World Cup. “U19 cricket grooms a cricketer. It happened with me as after the last World Cup, in which I was the highest wicket-taker [for Pakistan], I was picked up for the PSL and subsequently called-up for the senior side. “This is a very good side and I wish them all the best. I have played with Rohail Nazir and Aarish Ali and I know they are very good players.” Fakhar Zaman, who played U19 domestic cricket said: “Pakistan have a very good record at the U19 level and I am sure this team will do very well in the tournament. “U19 level is very important for a player and such international tours help a great deal in the development of the players as they provide crucial opportunities to rub shoulders with the best cricketers.“I have played domestic cricket with these players and they all are very talented and have proved themselves.” Mohammad Hasnain, former Pakistan U19 player, said: “I wish all the best to the team and hope that they will do well. U19 cricket is a very important phase in the development as it teaches you the basics which help in graduating to the next level. “My message to the team is to work hard and eye a spot in the national side.” The Rohail Nazir-led side begin their ICC U19 World Cup 2020 campaign on 19 January against Scotland U19. They will play Zimbabwe U19 and Bangladesh U19 on 22 and 24 January respectively in the group-stage. Pakistan ICC U19 Cricket World Cup squad: Rohail Nazir (captain and wicketkeeper), Abbas Afridi (Peshawar), Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (Quetta), - Amir Ali (Larkana), Amir Khan (Peshawar), Arish Ali Khan (Karachi), Fahad Munir (Lahore),  Haider Ali (vice-captain), Qasim Akram (Lahore), Mohammad Haris (Peshawar), Mohammad Huraira (Sialkot), Mohammad Irfan Khan (Lahore),  Mohammad Shehzad (Multan), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (North Waziristan), Tahir Hussain (Multan)

Salman Khan LAHORE (January 10, 2020):-Mian Bilal, Ahmad Kamil, Imran Bhatti and Sikander Hayat marched in the semifinal of men’s singles category of the First Sports Board Punjab Junior Tennis Championship 2020 at PLTA Courts Bagh-e-Jinnah on Friday. The championship will conclude with a grand closing ceremony at State of the Art Nishtar Park Sports Complex Tennis Stadium on Saturday. The final matches will be played at the same venue where Director General Sports Punjab Adnan Arshad Aulakh will likely to be the chief guest. The quarterfinal and semifinal competitions of men’s singles, boys’ Under-18, boys’ Under-16, boys’ Under-12 and boys’ Under-10 were played on the third day of First Sports Board Punjab Junior Tennis Championship at PLTA Courts Bagh-e-Jinnah. According to results, Noor Malik and Esha Jawad thrashed their respective opponents and booked a place in the final of ladies contest. Noor Malik outplayed Asfa Shahbaz by 6-0, 6-0 in straight sets while Esha Jawad emerged triumphant against Nida Akram with the score of 6-2, 6-2. In girls’ U-18 semifinal clash, AshtifilaArif toppled Fajar Masood by 6-0, 6-1 and confirmed a spot in the semifinal. In men’s singles category quarterfinal, Mian Bilal defeated Fayyaz Khan by 6-1, 6-0, Ahmad Kamil trounced Rana Humayun by 6-2, 6-2, Imran Bhatti beat Zaryab Pirzada by 6-3, 6-3 and Sikander Hayat beat Nalain Abbas by the score of 6-2, 6-3. In boys’ U-18 quarterfinal competition, Faizan Fayyaz edged out Hamza Jawad by 8-6 while Hassan Ali won his match against Ahmad Amir with the score of 8-4.  Results: (Ladies Singles Semifinals) Noor Malik beat Asfa Shahbaz 6-0, 6-0 Esha Jawad beat Nida Akram 6-2, 6-2. Results (Girls’ U-18 semifinals) AshtifilaArif beat Fajar Masood 6-0, 6-1  Results (Men’s singles quarterfinals) Mian Bilal beat Fayyaz Khan 6-1, 6-0 Ahmad Kamil beat Rana Humayun 6-2, 6-2 Imran Bhatti beat Zaryab Pirzada 6-3, 6-3 Sikander Hayat beat Nalain Abbas 6-2, 6-3  Results (Boys’ U-18 quarterfinals) Faizan Fayyaz beat Hamza Jawad 8-6 Zain Ch beat HarisWahla  8-5 Hassan Ali beat Ahmad Amir 8-4.  Results (Boys’ U-14 quarterfinals) Saeed Suleman beat Abdullah Sajjad 8-1 Ameer Mazari beat Moavia Butt 8-2 Zaeem Ghafoor beat Eesa Bilal 8-1 Ehtesham Humayun beat Sarim Rasul 8-3  Results (Girls’ U-14 quarterfinals) Mehru Fatima beat Jannat Khalil 3-4, 4-2, 10-2 Saleha Zeeshan beat Alina Suleman 0-4, 4-1, 10-1. 

SB News KARACHI (January 10, 2020):-Javeria Rauf and Anam Amin helped PCB Blasters to their second consecutive win in the National Triangular T20 Women’s Cricket Championship as their side secured a 12-run victory over PCB Challengers at Karachi’s National Stadium on Friday. In the second match of the three-team tournament, PCB Blasters set a 155-run target for Bismah Maroof-led Challengers after Ramin Shamim chose to bat after winning the toss. Javeria cracked a 40-ball 57, hitting eight fours and a six. Over the course of her innings, the right-handed batter crafted a 62-run stand for the second wicket with opener Ayesha Naseem, who scored 31 runs from 20 balls on the back of three sixes and a four. Batting at number four, Aliya Riaz, who set-up a 25-run win for PCB Blasters against PCB Dynamites on Thursday, scored 29 off 27. The all-rounder hit four fours. For Challengers, Fatima Sana picked two wickets for 25 runs, while Aimen Anwar, Aroob Shah and Saba Nazir took one wicket each. Challengers managed 142 for nine in 20 overs in their reply. Muneeba Ali shone with a half-century. The left-handed batter scored 50 runs in 36 balls and smashed three fours and three sixes. She, however, couldn’t get the desired support from the other end as the next top-scorer, Hafsa Khalid, made 24. Only four batters, including Muneeba and Hafsa, managed scores in double-digits. Anam Amin, the slow left-arm, put a dent in the run-chase by removing Ayesha Zafar (13) earlier in the piece. She picked up three wickets for 14 runs. Captain Ramin and Tooba Hassan took two wickets each. For their contributions with bat and ball, Javeria and Anam were jointly-declared player of the match. The third match of the tournament, between PCB Dynamites and PCB Challengers, will be played at the National Stadium on Saturday.  Scores in brief: PCB Blasters 154-6, 20 overs (Javeria Rauf 57, Ayesha Naseem 31, Aliya Riaz 29; Fatima Sana 2-25) PCB Challengers 142-9, 20 overs (Muneeba Ali 50, Hafsa Khalid 24; Anam Amin 3-14, Ramin Shamim 2-23, Tooba Hassan 2-27) Result PCB Blasters win by 12 runs

SB News ISLAMABAD (January 10, 2020):-Bangladesh will look to bring their fine form over recent years to the big stage in Group C of the U19 Cricket World Cup. They will be led by captain Akbar Ali who has already declared his side can not only progress from a group containing Pakistan, Scotland and Zimbabwe but also go on to win the entire tournament. Ali, a wicket-keeper batsman, is one of several potential stars of the future in a side which has set a high standard in the current generation. Bangladesh have won 18 of their last 30 games in a run which includes series wins over New Zealand and Sri Lanka and three victories on English soil. In Towhid Hridoy and Mahmudul Hasan Joy they possess the only players to score more than 1,000 runs at U19 level since the last tournament two years ago. Shoriful Islam, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury and Tanzim Hasan Sakib will also provide ample assistance with the ball as the three leading wicket-takers at this level. Pakistan, meanwhile, will be without Test international Naseem Shah but they won’t be short of talent, with Qasim Akram and Aamir Ali two stars of the future to watch out for. Topping the averages in his country’s one-day youth competition last year, Akram’s batting will be something to behold in South Africa – while his right-arm off-break bowling is set to be a handy tool in the tournament, too. Ali has similarly impressed, progressing into first-class cricket having taken 17 wickets in nine youth-level matches, with the left-arm spinner holding Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath as his sporting inspiration. But one of the most exciting players to watch in the entire tournament could be Mohammad Shehzad, with the opening batsman set to become one of the youngest to ever play in the ICC U19 World Cup. Chair of Pakistan’s junior selection committee, Saleem Jaffar, believes the squad has the right make up to do well at the tournament. He said: “Criteria for selection was current performances and meritocracy, and I am pleased it was a consensus decision. “These players have been performing up to our expectations and I am hopeful they will carry their good form into the series and produce solid performances.” Zimbabwe will be hoping to improve on their showing at the 2018 World Cup in New Zealand which saw them win just one of their group games. They will be captained by Dion Myers, while Wesley Madhevere adds experience to their ranks having played in the U19 World Cup on two previous occasions. Former senior national team captain Prosper Utseya is set to coach Zimbabwe and will see his side get their tournament underway in the group’s first game against Bangladesh. Their squad also boasts a multi-talented youngster in the form of former U17 national team footballer Taurayi Tugwete. Zimbabwe’s final Group C match will see them face Scotland, who return to the U19 World Cup after an absence in 2018. A breakthrough into the upper echelons has yet to come their way but Gordon Drummond insists the side are relishing the chance to cause a few upsets in a challenging group. “The squad is excited to take part in the upcoming U19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa. It is a tough group but one which also represents the chance to take a few Full Member scalps,” Scotland’s U19 coach said. “They (the players) have trained hard all winter and are looking forward to the outdoor preparation in Dubai leading into the tournament. “The players have set themselves some targets which if they can play with skill and belief, we know they can certainly achieve.” Group C fixtures: 18 January: Bangladesh v Zimbabwe – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom; 19 January: Pakistan v Scotland – North West University Oval, Potchefstroom; 21 January: Bangladesh v Scotland – Witrand Oval, Potchefstroom; 22 January: Pakistan v Zimbabwe – Witrand Oval, Potchefstroom; 24 January: Pakistan v Bangladesh – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom; 25 January: Zimbabwe v Scotland – Witrand Oval -  Potchefstroom.  

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 9, 2020):-Ijaz-ur-Rehman is the top national bowling player and he has represented Pakistan in the various international bowling events and raised up the green flag in the international bowling arenas among the other top nations of the world. He is also secretary, Pakistan Tenpin Bowling Federation (PTBF). Editor Sports Bulletin (www.sports-bullentin.com) interviewed him other day at Leisure Bowling Club Jinnah Park Rawalpindi that presents to the viewers. Sports Bulletin:-What is the future of bowling in Pakistan and what is doing Pakistan Tenpin Bowling Federation (PTBF) to promote this game across the country?  Ijaz-ur-Rehman:-Pakistan Tenpin Bowling Federation (PTBF) is trying all best and making hectic efforts to promote the game at grass root level and proving maximum opportunities to budding players at lower level to excel at national and international level. Now, at this time bowling situation in our country becomes better than before and the standard is increasing day by day. New clubs have been established in other cities, as earlier only Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar had international standard facilities. Even, at the starting we did not have any platform to organize national championship but now, PTBF is able to hosts international event in the all major cities. We have 12 lines bowling alley at Jinnah Park Rawalpindi. We have talented and top ranking players from Karachi, Peshawar and Islamabad, who have played at international level and these are also known as World’s Professional players. Sports Bulletin:-What will be your next steps to introduce the bowling sports in other cities of Pakistan after the promoting in the top cities?  Ijaz-ur-Rehman:-In Faisalabad already two bowling clubs have been built and in Multan one club is ready to start for construction. In other cities like Sialkot and Lahore bowling clubs have been built. No the platform is given to us from the government until, even we have given proposals to high-ups and the committee had ordered to allot a plot in the premises of Pakistan Sports Complex to build an international standard bowling facility. Nobody implemented on that orders. I am a player and also running the bowling federation and no one can promote this game better than me. During the ongoing government, all sports including national game hockey, snooker, and even bowling are neglecting except cricket. No funds have been given, no availability of coaches and other essential facilities for the top national players to compete at world level. Around three years back, I had submitted a letter to Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for an international qualified coach but I am still waiting for any response. Sports Bulletin:-In which International events Pakistani players have participated and in next two years does Pakistan can be able to play in South Asian Games that will be taken place in Pakistan in which countries like Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh will also participate? Ijaz-ur-Rehman:-Recently India has participated in Asian Games and an Indian bowler won the gold medal. Indian players have qualified mentors and most importantly their government supports them a lot whereas we have no support, we are struggling by own self. Recently Pakistan has participated in the Asian Bowling Series and we have obtained an excellent average. Our players are performing well without any coach and fund and highlighting the soft image of the country in all over the world. I demand to the government that kindly allot piece of land in the capital city for bowling alley. Players are struggling and fighting like soldiers and win the medals but the question comes in minds here for what time we can struggle to flourish the name of country anymore without funds and coaches. We have performed in World Cup four times and also raised the flag of the beloved Pakistan among the 137 countries of the world. I am requesting to the government for support, we can invite 120 countries players to play in Pakistan and also organize World Cup but support is the first requirement. As in our country, the cricket game has only complete support of the government and has also huge sponsorship while rest of all sports are on ventilator. Sports Bulletin:-If we add the game of bowling in the next South Asian Games, can our bowler capable to win gold medals?  Ijaz-ur-Rehman:-Yes, we have talented bowlers and I was also a run up in international fixtures in abrod but we need facilities to train the players according to international standard demand. Our players have performed in different events, so it is not tough. I am a professional of this game and I think if government will support us so that we can win not even in the South Asian Game but also at Asian and world level competitions. Sports Bulletin:-Which type of support do you expect from the government, coaching or infrastructure? Ijaz-ur-Rehman:-First of all PTBF should be allotted a piece of land for bowling arena, which was approved by Executive Committee. So, we can build an infrastructure for international competitions. We can organize international events after every three months and tourism will also increase and country positive image will flourish. Sports Bulletin:-What do you think what are the major hurdles on this way?  Ijaz-ur-Rehman:-I have met with Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Secretary and Minister about these issues but the persons who are seated in Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) there is a lobby and they do not want that there should be a system like that here. Although in past Director General (DG) of the board had ordered to give a piece of land to PTBF to build an international standard bowling arena, unfortunate the file has been tighten with red tape. Anyhow, the thing is this that our yearly fund for sports is one billion rupees which is not distributing equally among the national sports federations. There are many faults and flaws in our system and I raised all these issues with high-ups of relating offices but results are still zero. Except couple of sports all other sports and players are being neglected at all level. There is no value and worth of sportspersons even national game hockey and traditional sports boxing have not respect and value in our countries. So, if such type of behavior that will be shown by public and government officials then how can we enhance the standard of sports in the Pakistan?   Sports Bulletin:-Did you ask to top officials of Pakistan Olympics Association (POA) about any support and what was their response?  Ijaz-ur-Rehman:-POA is just a political game and there is no any kind of merit in their system. There is only one man show in POA, an Army (Retd) General is there for 16 years and they are just awarding to their own people. Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) both are not supporting us and I do not know about the government. I am simply requesting to the Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is also a sports man he should look all the sports issues and streamline them to promote the standard of games in the country.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 9, 2020):-Educational Board Lahore collected 14 medals including 8 gold 5 Silver and one Bronze in the Pakistan Inter Board Girls Sports Gala 2020 on the 4th day at Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad. Lahore Board defeated Islamabad in the hockey final by 14.0 while Gujranwala defeated Faisalabad by 3.1 in the third position play off at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium. Badminton: Intermediate Board Karachi defeated Islamabad Board 2.0 in the final while in the third position match, Abbottabad defeated Faisalabad by 2.0. Volley Ball: Islamabad beat Mirpur Kashmir in the final match of volleyball by 2.0 while Rawalpindi Board defeated Lahore by 2.0 in the third position match Athletics: In the 200m race, Lahore's Sanina took first position while Lahore's Amtal Rehman took second while Radha Tariq of Sargodha took third position. In the discus throw, Aisha Qadir of Sargodha took the first position, Islamabad Board of Asea took second position and Faisalabad's self-styled experts took third position Relay race in 400 meters 400 meters, Insa, Saman and his team of Lahore take first position, Hira, Alisha and his team from Faisalabad took second position and Sahiwal's Saba, Nuria and his team took third position. The guest of honor for the closing ceremony was Special Member of the National Assembly Standing Committee for Defense Amjad Ali Khan Niazi along with Prof. Shahid Munir Jarrar Chairman Mirpur Azad Kashmir, Agha Amjadullah Deputy Director General PSB, Mohammad Azam Dar, Deputy Director General (Tech), Mohammad Ramzan Jamali Ghulam Shabbir Channa Organizing Secretary, IBSC Makhdoom Irshad Ahmed, Ghulam Taqi Khan Bosan and Mohammad Sabir Khan were Director Sports Men, who distributed medals and prizes among the players.  

SB News ISLAMABAD (January 9, 2020):-England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the fifth day of the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town. Buttler was found to have breached Article 2.3 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “Use of an audible obscenity during an International Match” following an incident with South Africa all-rounder Vernon Philander. In addition to this, one demerit point has been added to the disciplinary record of Buttler, for whom it was the first offence during a 24-month period. The incident occurred during South Africa’s second innings on Tuesday, when Buttler was heard using obscene language with Philander at the crease. Buttler admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees and, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing. On-field umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Paul Reiffel, third umpire Chris Gaffaney and reserve umpire Allahudien Palekar leveled the charges. Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

SB News ISLAMABAD (January 9, 2020):-Three former champions and a tournament debutant will come face-to-face as Group B shapes up for drama aplenty in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. Sylvester Okpe did most of the damage his off-spin, returning 4/19 Australia, England and West Indies have been drawn together for the first stage of South Africa 2020 but at least one of the three cricket powerhouses will miss out on progression. The three nations – whose senior sides have all won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup – certainly have a tough test in store but it doesn’t stop there, with Nigeria aiming for a big scalp on their U19 World Cup debut. The momentous occasion will see Sylvester Okpe’s Junior Yellow Greens become the 31st team to compete since the tournament’s inaugural edition in 1988 when they face Australia, at Country Club B Field, on 20 January. All Group B fixtures will take place at Kimberley, with West Indies the next challenge for Nigeria on 23 January before rounding off the opening stage against England at Diamond Oval. Before that, the opening match at the same venue will see two former champions face off as Australia take on West Indies. Winners of the Youth Cricket World Cup more than 30 years ago, Australia took the honour of becoming the first double champions when they prevailed at New Zealand 2002. Eight years later they were winners again – also in New Zealand – while they head to Africa with a score to settle after finishing runners-up back in 2018. Jake Fraser-McGurk Victoria’s teenage sensation Jake Fraser-McGurk – who doesn’t turn 18 until April – headlines the team after already making his mark in the domestic Sheffield Shield competition. The Australian teens will be coached by Test greats Chris Rogers and Ryan Harris, with three of the squad already boasting contracts in the Big Bash League. West Indies, meanwhile, name three players that featured in the 2018 U19 World Cup, with captain Kimani Melius, Ashmead Nedd and Nyeem Young all returning for a second tournament. They’ll do so desperate for improvement, with the talented teens missing out in the opening pool stage before eventually finishing tenth last time out. With Chris Gayle and Brian Lara among their U19 World Cup alumni, there’s a lot to live up to for the West Indies team – victorious for the first time when beating India in the 2016 final. “Leading the team, I will go about the job with a high level of integrity and respect,” said Melius. “I would like to share my experience of 2018 and lead the way with the batting, doing what I can do win matches for the team. “I never actually liked the game of cricket before playing, but I saw an ODI match on TV between England and Australia, went and had a go and just started working hard from there.” The group also features the added edge of an Ashes rematch, with Australia and England facing off in a Kimberley contest that could determine who reaches the next stage. George Balderson Led by George Balderson, England will be confident of a strong showing in South Africa – the location of their maiden, and so far only, U19 World Cup title in 1998. The legends of old have moved on but the expectations have remained, with England failing to reach the final since lifting the trophy two decades ago. The two Ashes rivals met in the quarter-finals two years ago, with Lloyd Pope the star of the show after taking eight for 35 – the best figures in an U19 World Cup match – to lead Australia to victory. Group B Fixtures: 18 January: Australia v West Indies – Diamond Oval, Kimberley; 20 January: England v West Indies – Diamond Oval, Kimberley; 20 January: Australia v Nigeria – Country Club B Field, Kimberley; 23 January: Australia v England – Diamond Oval, Kimberley; 23 January: West Indies v Nigeria – Country B Club Field, Kimberley; 25 January: England v Nigeria – Diamond Oval, Kimberley