International squash, Tayyab and Farhan jump into semifinals By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (December 17, 2019):-Duo of Pakistani players Tayyab Aslam and Farhan Mehboob jumped into the semifinals of Serena Hotels-Huawei Pakistan International squash tournament by overcoming their respective opponents in quarterfinals at Mushaf Squash Complex on Tuesday. Semifinals will be played on Wednesday in the four-glass-wall court of same arena. In the first men’s quarterfinal, Pakistani guy Asim Khan succumbed by the high ranking Egyptian player Youssef Ibrahim 3-1 after a thrilling contest. Match was leveled 1-1 after two games, as the score was 13-11 and 11-13 respectively. Asim was looking bit tired in the rest of two games and allow his opponent to play strokes openly. He lost next two games at 5-11 and 9-11, as he had upper hand in both game in starting. Meanwhile, in the second quarterfinal, Farhan Mehboob displayed excellent skills of the game and did not allow his compatriot Farhan Zaman to settle the feet in the court and won the match 3-1. Son of Mehboob Khan’s game was a blend of powerful forehands, backhands and classic nicks during 20 minutes game. The final score-line was 11-2, 4-11, 11-5 and 11-3. Now, Farhan will take on top seed Youssef in the semifinals on Wednesday. In the third quarterfinal, Pakistan number one player Tayyab Aslam overcame Yahya Elnawasany from Egypt in straight games 3-0 in just wasting 20 minutes in the court. Mohammad El-Sherbini beat Rui Soares from Portugal in same style 3-0 in the fourth quarterfinal. In the second semifinal Tayyab will meet Mohammad El-Sherbini.    Results (Men’s Event):-  YoussefIbrahim (Egypt) beat Mohammad Asim Khan (Pakistan) 13-11, 11-13, 11-5, 11-9 (44 Min) Farhan Mehboob (Pakistan) beat FarhanZaman (Pakistan) 11-2, 4-11, 11-5, 11-3 (20 Min)  Tayyab Aslam (Pakistan) beat Yahya Elnawasany (Egypt) 11-2, 11-8, 11-3 (20 Min) Mohamed ElSherbini (Egypt)beat Rui Soares (Portugal) 11-7, 11-9, 11-7 (34 Min) Results (Women’s Event):         HanaMoataz (Egypt) beat Farah Momen (Egypt) 11-7, 11-8, 11-7 (25 Min) Farida Mohamed(Egypt) beat Waen Li Lai (Malaysia) 11-6, 10-12, 7-11, 15-13, 11-8 (40 Min) Meena Hamed (Egypt) beat Cindy Merlo (Switzerland) 11-8, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9 (32 Min)  Sabrina Sobhy (USA) beat Nadia Pfister (Switzerland) 11-4, 11-7, 11-2 (16 Min).  

England beat Pakistan by 29 runs in first T20 Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (December 17, 2019):-Bismah Maroof’s gutsy half-century was in vain as England Women beat Pakistan Women by 29 runs in the first of the three T20Is at Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. The Pakistan captain scored a 58-ball 60, hitting five fours. Pakistan lost both openers in the first five balls of the run chase as the scorecard read one for two at the end of the first over. The problems compounded when they lost two wickets in the last three balls of the Powerplay, which left them reeling at 47 for four. Bismah, over the course of her 11th T2oI half-century, led the rearguard effort by knitting a 46-run partnership with Umaima Sohail, who hit two fours and a six in her 14-ball 21, while her 60-run stand with wicketkeeper-batter Sidra Nawaz (22 off 24) brought Pakistan closer to victory. She was the last Pakistan wicket as the hosts were bowled out on 125 in 18.4 overs. England’s Sophie Ecclestone shone with the ball taking three wickets for 21 runs, while the other notable performance came from Freya Davis, who took two wickets at the cost of 18 runs. Reflecting on her innings and the match, Bismah Maroof said: “I was looking to keep the scoreboard ticking by targeting bad balls and rotating the strike. My target was to stay at the crease till the end. “It was a batting-friendly wicket and we missed the trick by not constructing lengthy partnerships. We are doing well in bits and pieces but we are unable to make the most of the chances that we get. “I am backing these girls to bounce back in the next match as this unit has put remarkable performances in the past. This match has given the group the belief that we can chase down targets. There were some lapses in the fielding department today and we will try to cut them in the next two matches.” That England had scored an imposing 154 for four, after being put into bat, was largely due to a blistering 39-ball 53 by wicketkeeper-batter Amy Jones. Over the course of her second half-century in the format, Jones, who struck 10 fours, provided a solid foundation. She knitted a 58-run partnership for the second-wicket with Tammy Beaumont (30 off 29) which helped England recover from an early dismissal of Danni Wyatt, who made run-a-ball six, in the fourth over. Speaking about her innings, Amy Jones said: “It's not an easy pitch to score quickly on, and I think the opening few overs are probably the best time to bat. “Pakistan were disciplined with the ball and they didn't make it easy so I think we did well to get up to 160, but we perhaps would have liked a few more. “The wickets in Australia at the World Cup won't be too similar to this but the important skill is adapting and hopefully adapting to these wickets will stand us in good stead for the World Cup.” The partnership was broken by 15-year-old debutant Aroob Shah. The leg-spinner accounted for Jones’ wicket in the 11th over and was the most-economical bowler from her side with 13 dot balls in four overs. She returned one for 21. For her exploits with the bat, Jones was named player of the match. Middle-order batters Natalie Sciver and Heather Knight made the most of the platform provided by Jones. Sciver made an unbeaten 29-ball 34 – hitting a six and a four – while Knight facing five deliveries of the final over of the England innings cracked three fours on her way to 13 not out. All-rounder Nida Dar was the successful bowler for Pakistan with two wickets for 30 runs in four overs. The second T20I will be played on Thursday. Scores in brief: England Women 154-4, 20 overs (Amy Jones 53, Natalie Sciver 34 not out, Tammy Beaumont 30; Nida Dar 2-30) Pakistan Women 125 all-out, 18.4 overs (Bismah Maroof 60, Sidra Nawaz 22, Umaima Sohail 21; Sophie Ecclestone 3-21, Natalie Sciver 2-12, Freya Davis 2-18) Result: England Women won by 29 runs

SISJA honours visiting journalists with Excellence Award  Abdullah Asjad RAWALPINDI:-The President  and the members  of  South  Asian  Sports  Journalists  Association  (SISJA) honored  the  visiting spor­ts journalists from Sri Lanka and other  countries with the "Excellence  Award" on historic  occasion of revival Test Cricket after 10 years at the soil of Pakistan at Media Center Hall of Pindi Cricket Stadium. On this occasion, President SISJA Asghar Ali Mubarak thanked the international media especially media friends from Sri Lanka, who came in Pakistan to cover game of cricket. He said that the entire Pakistani nation was feeling proud of reviving international cricket in the country after over one decade. The ceremony was attended by representatives of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ), Pakistan Sports Writers’ Federation (PSWF) and Rawalpindi Islamabad Sports Journalists Association (RISJA). The veteran sports journaliss Asghar Ali Mubarak organised the ceremony on behalf of SISJAand RISJA with some renowned senior sports journalists including Abdul Mohi Shah, Abdul Jabbar Faisal, Rizwan Ehsan Ali aka Joji, Gabriel de Souza, Mohsin Ijaz, Zulfikar Baig, Arif Mehmood Khan, Nasir Aslam Raja, Rozina Ali, Sadia Rafay, Shakir Abbasi, Shakeel Awan, Nasir Abbas Naqvi, Malik, Khurram Shahzad, and others. Hosts journalists of twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad presented the awards and souvenirs to visiting journalists from Sri Lanka and Karachi. The fonder founder member RISJA Abdul Mohi Shah hoped that the Excellence Awards would remind the visiting journalists of their presence on the return of international cricket to Pakistan in the rest of their journalistic career. Asghar Ali Mabarak also thanked all the journalists for sparing their time for the Excellence Awards ceremony. The visiting journalists from Multan, Peshawar, Quetta, Karachi and Lahore also received their memento. These included Shahid Hashmi, Saveera Pasha, Mirza Iqbal Baig, Tariq Saeed, Syed Yahya Hussani, Khalid Hasan Khan, Farhan Khan. Young local journalists Amber Ali, RozenaAli, Bushra Gull, Shah Khalid Hamdani, Faisal Javeed Mughal and Abdul Wajid were also given awards to encourage them in the field of sports especially in cricket. Name of Sri Lankan Journalists, who received awards: Chamila Karavta, Ishra Kodikara, Oshitha Warakapitiya, Damith Weerasnghe, Andrew Fernando, Samsudeen Aroos, Udara de Silva, C Dissanayaka, Aboobucker Askar, Wichithra Weerasinghe DG Danushka Aravinda, Asela Vithana, Prince Gunasekara, Althaf Navaz and NV Anthony. Beside media persons, some awards were also distributed  among the cricket lovers including Chach Domestic Cricket Mohammad Yameen Gongha, Mama Cricket Khalid Jalil, Baba Cricket Yasir Hakim, Dada Cricket Dr. Abdul  Rehman,  Rescue  1122, Massood Khan.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD:-NBP T-20 Blind Cricket Trophy 2019 Grade II will start from Monday (December 18, 2019) and Grade I from December 25 in two different cities Attock and Bahawalpur respectively. According to an official, Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) is organizing National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) Twenty 20 Blind Cricket Trophy 2019 Grade I and Grade II, which will be held in Bahawalpur and Attock separately from December 25 to 29 and December 18 to 22 respectively. Sports In-charge NBP Iqbal Qasim, SVP/DH CSRD NBP Iqbal Wahid, AVP CSRD NBP Asif Ahmed Khan and Director Marketing PBCC Syed Salman Bokhari, Wing Head Media publication NBP Ibne Hasan and Director Information and Coordination Asif Azeem addressed the media at a local hotel on Monday. Jehangir Manager (CSRD) NBP and Junaid Iqbal Officer (CSRD) NBP were also present on the occasion. On this occasion former Test cricketer Iqbal Qasim said that cricket was the most celebrated game in Pakistan. "Blind cricket in Pakistan has been recording phenomenal achievements after winning two Cricket World Cups and numerous international bilateral series, "he added. Meanwhile, Iqbal Wahid said that NBP had been very much interested in promotion of sports in Pakistan and been funding the game development at grass-root levels. “NBP is sponsoring T20 Blind Cricket Trophy for last 10 years and will continue its support in future too,” he said. Syed Salman Bokhari thanked NBP on sponsoring one event of blind cricket once in a calendar year and said that this initiative helped in the promotion of cricket for the blind across the country and this is reckoned as the largest domestic event of blind cricket as 16 teams are participating in the event.He informed that Grade-2 champion will be promoted to Grade-1 while last team on points table in Grade-1 will be relegated to Grade-2. At the end of the press briefing, the officials of NBP presented a sponsorship cheque Rs1.1 million for the two Grade I and II events.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (December 16, 2019):-The 5th Benazir Bhutto National Tennis Championship kicked off here at Islamabad Tennis Complex (ITC) G-6/4 on Monday. All top seeded players of main draw moved into next round after beating their rivals. As many as 185 players from all over the country are participating in different categories of the national tennis fixture that has one million rupees prize money.   Results: Men’s Singles (Round-I): Aqeel khan beat Faizan Fayaz 6-1, 6-1 Sami Zeb beat Shakir ullah 6-3, 6-0 Israr Gul beat Danish Ramzan 6-2, 6-3 Asan ullah beat Ejaz Khan 6-1, 6-3 Heera Ashiq beat Ayaz Khan 6-0, 6-2 Mohammad Shoiab beat Farhad Ali Raza 6-1, 6-0 Muzzamil Murtaza beat Saqib Hayat 6-3, 6-4 Aman Atiq beat Shaheen Mehmood 6-1, 6-1 Muddassar Murtaza beat Jibran ul Haq 6-2, 6-3 Huzaifa Abdur Rehman beat Ahmed Baber 6-0, 6-0. Men’s Doubles (Round-I): Amed baber/Saqib hayat beat Ahmed Kamil/Nauman Aftab 3-6, 6-3, 11-9 Rashid Malik/Sikandar Hayat beat Danish Ramzan/Asad Bachani 6-0, 6-2 Shazad Khan/Ahmed Choudhry beat Shakir ullah/Asad Ullah 6-0, 6-0   Heera Ashiq/Yousaf Khalil beat Shahid Afridi/Shaheen Mehmood 7-5, 6-4 Mohammad Shoiab/Huzaifa Abdul Rehman beat Khursheed Abbasi/Aman Atiq bt 6-1, 6-2 Muzzamil Murtaza/Muddassir Murtaza beat Ejaz khan/Barkat ullah 6-3, 1-6, 10-4 Col Shahid/Usman Ejaz beat Muhammad Minhas/Ibrahim Omer 4-6, 6-4 10-8. Boys/Girls U-10: Haider Ali Rizwan w/o Hammad Shah Mohammad Haziq Asim beat Sameer Maqsood 4-2 4-0 Asad Zaman W/o Jamal Shah Haniya Minhas beat Mahnoor Farooqi 4-0, 4-0 Lala Rukh Sajid bt Awais Ali 4-1, 4-1.

Pakistan v England Women’s T20Is begin on Tuesday Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (December 16, 2019):-After the conclusion of the ICC Women’s Championship ODI series, the focus has now shifted to the shorter format of the game with Pakistan Women and England Women locking horns in three T20Is at Kinrara Oval in Malaysia from Tuesday. With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 in Australia just two months away, the series provides both the teams an opportunity to iron out their permutations and combinations. After having won the ODI series comprehensively, England will enter the series with their tails up. Despite having lost a three-match T20I series at home against Australia Women 2-1, England, ranked second in the ICC Women’s T20I rankings, have had an impressive 2019 – winning eight of the 10 matches. The Heather Knight-led side registered sweeps over India Women and Sri Lanka Women earlier in the year, before beating West Indies Women 1-0 at home. Pakistan, having made three changes in their squad from the one that played the three one-dayers, will hope that the change in format also brings a change in their fortunes while taking inspiration from their 3-0 series win at home against Bangladesh Women in October. The Bismah Maroof-led team, seventh in the ICC Women’s T20I rankings, have won six of their 11 matches this year and enter the series after securing a 3-0 whitewash against Bangladesh. Pakistan started off the year by losing to the West Indies women in Karachi 2-1 – the second match of the series was won by the West Indies in the Super Over. In their second series of the year, they were beaten by South Africa women 3-2 in a five-T20I series. Pakistan and England have come face-to-face in the format on 10 occasions in which England came out victorious nine times, while Pakistan won the 2013 encounter at Loughborough. Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof said: “This series provides us a good opportunity to prepare for the T20 World Cup next year. England are a quality side and we enter this series at the back of a decent run in T2oIs this year. So, this will be an exciting series. “We are looking to end this year on a high after whitewashing Bangladesh in Lahore as it will help us carry momentum to Australia. “There are three changes in the line-up from the one that played the ODI series. This will help us to have a look at all the players in contention for the T20 World Cup next year.” England captain Heather Knight said: “Pakistan are a much-improved side from when we played them in 2016. It is great for the game to see them improve, but we’ve got a job to do and these T20Is are important preparation for the T20 World Cup. “There were some positives to take from the ODI series. Sarah Glenn bowled well and a lot of the batters stood up and got big scores. “There’s definitely stuff to improve on and we want to keep getting better, plus everyone is fighting to get into the World Cup team so there’s a lot to look forward to over this series.” Squad (Pakistan Women): Bismah Maroof (captain), Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Zafar, Aroob Shah, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Irum Javed, Javeria Khan, Nahida Khan, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal and Sidra Nawaz (wicketkeeper) Squad (England Women): Heather Knight (captain), Amy Jones (wicketkeeper), Anya Shrubsole, Danni Wyatt, Fran Wilson, Freya Davies, Kate Cross, Katherine Brunt, Kirstie Gordon, Lauren Winfield, Mady Villiers, Nat Sciver, Sarah Glenn, Sophie Ecclestone and Tammy Beaumont Schedule 17 Dec - First T20I, Kinrara Oval. On-field umpires: Ghaffar Kazmi and Khalid Mahmood Sr., Reserve umpire: Kalidas Visvanadan. Match referee: Mohammad Javed 19 Dec - Second T20I, Kinrara Oval. On-field umpires: Ghaffar Kazmi and Khalid Mahmood Sr., Reserve umpire: Kalidas Visvanadan. Match referee: Mohammad Javed 20 Dec - Third T20I, Kinrara Oval. On-field umpires: Ghaffar Kazmi and Khalid Mahmood Sr., Reserve umpire: Kalidas Visvanadan. Match referee: Mohammad Javed

International Squash, Four Pakistani move into quarterfinals By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (December 16, 2019):-Four Pakistani players including Tayyab Aslam, Mohammad Asim Khan, Farhan Zaman and Farhan Mehboob qualified for the top-eight stage of the Serena Hotels-Huawei Pakistan International Squash Tournament by beating their opponents at Mushaf Squash Complex, Islamabad on Monday. Quarterfinals of the international squash showpiece will be played on Tuesday at same venue. Pakistan number one squash lad, Tayyab Aslam defeated his compatriot Noor Zaman in straight games after wasting just 25 minutes in the court. The final score-line was 11-8, 13-11, 11-5. Earlier, local guy Mohammad Asim Khan beat English players Curtis Malik in similar style in straight games with the score-line 11-5, 11-7, 11-9, as the match lasted only 36 minutes. Meanwhile, Farhan Mehboob got rid of Pakistani players Amaad Fareed 3-2 in a well contested five games fixture. After 40 minutes play, Farhan finished the match with the score-line of 7-11, 11-5, 5-11, 11-7, 11-5. Later on, Farhan Zaman had to toil hard to overcome Egyptian opponent Mazen Gamal 3-2, as the last game ended on tiebreak. The final score-line was 11-13, 11-9, 3-11, 11-2, 12-10. Match wasted 56 minutes. Results (Men’s Event): Youssef Ibrahim (Egypt) beat Chi Him Wong (Hong Kong) 9-11, 6-11, 11-3, 11-5, 11-4 (41 Min) Mohammad Asim Khan (Pakistan) beat Curtis Malik (England) 11-5, 11-7, 11-9 (36 Min) Farhan Mehboob (Pakistan) beat Amaad Fareed (Pakistan) 7-11, 11-5, 5-11, 11-7, 11-5 (40 Min) Farhan Zaman (Pakistan) beat Mazen Gamal (Egypt) 11-13, 11-9, 3-11, 11-2, 12-10 (56 Min) Tayyab Aslam (Pakistan) beat Noor Zaman (Pakistan) 11-8, 13-11, 11-5 (25 Min) Yahya Elnawasany (Egypt) beat Tsz Kwan Lau (Hong Kong) 12-10,    11-8, 8-11, 11-7 (25 Min) Rui Soares (Portugal) beat Yannik Omlor (Germany) 12-10, 11-8, 11-8 (37 Min) Mohamed El-Sherbini (Egypt) beat Tang Ming Hong (Hong Kong) 11-7, 11-6, 11-7 (26 Min). Results (Women’s Event): Hana Moataz (Egypt) beat Tsz-Wing Tong (Hong Kong) 11-9, 6-11, 7-11, 11-5, 11-7   (35 Min) Farah Momen (Egypt) beat Shahd El Refaey (Egypt) 11-9, 10-12, 11-8, 11-4 (33 Min) Waen Li Lai (Malaysia) beat Moqaddas Ashraf (Pakistan) 11-3, 11-7, 11-7 (17 Min) Farida Mohamed (Egypt) beat Saima Shaukat (Pakistan) 11-9, 11-2, 11-4 (13 Min) Meena Hamed (Egypt) beat Faiza Zafar (Pakistan) 11-7, 11-9, 11-2 (17 Min) Cindy Merlo (Switzerland) beat Anam Mustafa Aziz (Pakistan) 11-1, 11-3, 11-2 (16 Min) Nadia Pfister (Switzerland) beat Amna Fayyaz (Pakistan) 11-4, 11-5, 8-11, 7-11, 11-5 (33 Min) Sabrina Sobhy (USA) beat Madina Zafar (Pakistan) 11-9, 11-4, 11-1 (20 Min). 

Pakistan stars keen to play their first Test in Karachi Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD (December 16, 2019):-After having played their first Test on Pakistani soil, the national men’s team cannot wait for the second and final Test against Sri Lanka which will be played at the iconic National Stadium in Karachi. Pakistan have enjoyed a phenomenal record in Test cricket here which earned the stadium a nickname of being ‘Pakistan’s fortress in Test cricket’. They have won 21 out of 41 Tests here with only two resulting in defeats for them. With the first match ending in a draw and the upcoming Test providing Pakistan a chance to win the first Test series in the country in more than a decade and bag some crucial ICC World Test Championship points, their captain Azhar Ali is eager to lead the side at the historic venue. Azhar Ali said: “Pakistan have had an excellent record in Test cricket at the National Stadium and I can’t wait for the toss. The whole team is excited for the match.” Growing up in Karachi, opening batsman Shan Masood has had ample opportunities to play first-class cricket at the iconic stadium. The 30-year-old is eager to open the innings for Pakistan in a Test match there. Shan Masood said: “Growing up we have seen some of the best cricketing action at the National Stadium which developed my interest in the game. I remember missing my school to watch a 1996 World Cup match between Pakistan and South Africa in which Aamir Sohail scored a century. Then there was an India-Pakistan match in which Rajesh Chauhan struck a six. That match went into the final over.” Asad Shafiq, who boasts the record of most number of Test centuries at number six, is another player in the side who is well-aware of the conditions that the National Stadium offers in red-ball cricket. The Karachi-born has been on both sides of the fence. Asad Shafiq said: “I was screaming at the top of my lungs in the crowd when [Mohammad] Asif bhai got the wicket of Sachin Tendulkar at the National Stadium in a Test match. I had sore throat after the match. Asif bhai bowled an exceptional spell that day. It is a memory that I still cherish.” After having stamped his authority in white-ball cricket, Babar Azam has put up imposing performances in Tests and celebrated the return of the game’s pinnacle format with a century on the final day of Rawalpindi Test on Sunday. Babar Azam said: “I am very excited that we are playing the second Test in Karachi. I can’t wait to bat in Test whites at the National Stadium’s wicket after having played T20Is and ODIs there. I am hopeful that our batsmen and bowlers will perform to the fullest and make the series memorable by winning the last Test. “I request Karachiites to turn out in large numbers and support the return of Test cricket to the city.” It was Fawad Alam’s talismanic performances at the National Stadium in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy this year which led to a call-up to the National Stadium. The middle-order batsman scored three centuries –including 211 for Sindh against Southern Punjab – and a half-century in four matches. Fawad Alam said: “It is certainly a step in the right direction that Test cricket is returning to Karachi. The people of Karachi will come out in large numbers to support both teams, which will inspire younger cricketer to take up the game.” Over the years, Karachi has become almost like a home for Mohammad Rizwan as he represents Karachi Kings in HBL PSL. The wicketkeeper-batsman hopes that he will be able to entertain cricket fans with his glove-work and batting in the second Test. Mohammad Rizwan said: “Karachi has become my city as I have been playing for Karachi Kings. I am very happy that Test cricket is returning here. I am looking forward to grabbing this opportunity and living up to the expectations that Pakistan cricket fans have from me.” The second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka begins Thursday (19 December).

Abid inks new cricket history in Pindi, match ends draw By Abdul Jabbar Faisal RAWALPINDI (December 15, 2019):-Pakistan’s right handed batsman Abid Ali inked new cricket history by scoring century on debut in the both formats of cricket Test and One Day International (ODI), as the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test Championship fixture between Pakistan and Sri Lanka ended in draw at Pindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday. It was good sunny day for the cricket but was too late, as the earlier all four days were disturbed by the rain in twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad, which also disappointed the cricket lover, who were keen to enjoy the game of international cricket after the huge gap of 15 years. Last Test was played in Pindi in 2004 between Pakistan and traditional foes India. It was the day of new Test Cap holder Abid Ali, who played beautiful an unbeaten innings of 109 runs. He was the fourth Pakistani players, who scored over 100 in the debut Test match at Pindi Cricket Stadium. Azhar Mehmood and Ali Naqvi scored tons in same match against South Africa while Younis Khan played 107 runs innings on debut in his second innings, as he was able to score just 12 runs in the first innings. Abid Ali has set a new world record in Test cricket and became the first batsman to make a century in ODIs and Test debuts. Abid Ali had hit century against Australia in his first ODI on March 29 this year. He became the 108th Test player in the world to score a century in his first Test. In one-day, Abid Ali already joined the club of Saleem-Elahi and Imam-ul-Haq, who scored hundred on their ODI debut before Abid Ali.   Earlier, on Sunday morning, Sri Lanka resumed their innings at 282 for 6 and declared their first inning adding just 26 in their overnight total, as the fourth day was called off with a single ball game. De Silve completed his ton and remained 102 not out in the historical fixture of international cricket. He faced 166 balls and hit 15 boundaries during his innings. Prerra remained not out on 16. Abid Ali was declared player of the match.

Pakistan players on ICC Women’s Championship journey Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (December 15, 2019):-Pakistan national women cricket team’s journey in the ICC Women’s Championship 2017-20 culminated in the Bismah Maroof-led side breaking into the top-four of the eight-team tournament standings with their third ODI against England women getting washed-out in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. For a side which sits seventh on the ICC Women’s ODIs team rankings, the past two years have seen them achieve new heights by recording historic victories on the basis of some outstanding individual performances and remarkable teamwork. Pakistan’s campaign began in October 2017 with a three-ODI home series against New Zealand women. Though Pakistan lost the series 2-1, they made history in the final one-dayer by beating New Zealand for the first time at the back of Sana Mir’s four-fer. With seven wickets at an average of 14.57 in three matches, the right-arm off-spinner was the leading wicket-taker in the series. Sana Mir: “Our journey in the tournament had begun after a very tough 2017 World Cup and I was given the opportunity to bowl with the new ball. We had come very close to beating New Zealand in the first ODI but we couldn’t cross the rope. But, that moment came in the last match when we beat them by five wickets. “Those four wickets are more special to me than any five-fer as they helped Pakistan to secure a victory in a historic match.” Bismah Maroof: “Winning against New Zealand was very important for us as it helped us gain momentum and it gave us confidence that we can do something in this championship. That historic win went a long way in giving us the self-belief which helped us in our next series. Pakistan’s second assignment in the ICC Women’s Championship was the tour of Sri Lanka in March 2018 where they recorded their first-ODI series win since October 2015. Sana Mir, leading from front, rolled over the opposition taking 10 wickets at a phenomenal average of 8.80 in three matches. Javeria Khan became only the second Pakistan batter to score two ODI centuries with a 113 not out in the first contest. Javeria Khan: “The Sri Lanka series was quite a memorable one. It gave a lot of confidence to the girls and boosted the team’s morale. Every individual played according to her role, which helped us outclass the opposition in all three facets of the game. The credit for that victory goes to entire unit. “On a personal note, it was very special for me to score a century in a winning cause. It was important for me to get runs under my belt early in the tournament.” Sana Mir: “As a bowler you want to have your team backing you and I got the desired support in Sri Lanka. I was very well supported by Nashra Sandhu in the whole series. We bowled in good partnerships. It was a great series and it was very special to be able to receive 10 wickets.” With eight points in their account after six matches, Pakistan hosted Australia women in Kuala Lumpur. The tourists won all three ODIs comfortably. But, the silver lining for Pakistan was their premier off-spin bowler, Sana Mir, climbing to the number-one spot. She took seven wickets at 16.57 runs apiece to be the highest wicket-taker in the series. Javeria Khan led Pakistan in Bismah Maroof’s absence as the latter recovered from a surgery for a sinus problem. Javeria Khan: “Playing against Australia was not easy but there was a gradual improvement in our performances after every match. We couldn’t put up decent totals in the first two matches but we put our best score against them in the third match. “Sana led us from front on the bowling front, providing breakthroughs at crucial moments. We couldn’t sustain pressure as a unit which helped them put good scores. Sana Mir: “Becoming the number one bowler in the ICC bowlers’ ranking was a dream as a child. What made it more special was that it came after the series against Australia – who by far are the best side in the world. “This also sets a statement for spinners not only from Pakistan but Asia that if one bowler can achieve it than they all can also do it.” The 3-0 whitewash against Australia was followed by Pakistan’s sensational victory against the West Indies women in the UAE. Pakistan came from behind to beat the West Indies 2-1 and that it had come on the back of youngsters like opener Sidra Amin, who struck two half-centuries in three matches and averaged almost 50, and pacer Diana Baig (seven wickets at 10.85 runs apiece in two matches) made it more special. This was also Pakistan’s first-ever series win against the West Indies. Diana Baig: “I wanted to make a strong impression as I had not played the first match. I wanted to attack and bowl positively which not only helped me take wickets but also stop the flow of runs. I am glad I was able to get wickets early on in both matches.” “My favourite moment was the wicket of Deandra Dottin. She is quite a good batter, but what made getting her wicket special was the fact that she was in good form after how she had scored runs in the T20I series [158 runs in three matches] which preceded our ODI series.” Sidra Amin: “It is always a good feeling to contribute in a winning cause. But helping your side secure a historic series win against a side like West Indies was truly special. It is quite a memorable part of my journey. I scored 96 and 52 and had some good partnerships with Nida Dar.” With a confidence-boosting win under their belts, Pakistan travelled to South Africa to play the hosts. The three-match series turned out to be a thriller. Pakistan won the first match, but entered the last ODI with the series hanging in balance. A six of the penultimate ball by tailender Nashra Sandhu helped Pakistan secure a tie and level the series 1-1. Aliya Riaz truly announced herself as an all-rounder when it mattered the most by taking 2-49 and scoring 71. Javeria Khan was the second highest run-getter in the series, six behind Laura Wolvaardt, as she made 128 runs in three matches at an average of 64. Bismah Maroof: “Before landing there I had never thought that we would be able to secure this result. Winning the first match of the series gave us a lot of confidence in our abilities. Unfortunately, we lost the second match, but we made a strong comeback in the third match after South Africa scored 265. “Our batting was a bit out of touch, but Javeria Khan’s partnerships with other batters, especially with Aliya Riaz, played a vital role in giving us the momentum.” Aliya Riaz: “I thoroughly enjoyed the final. It was an important match for the team and I had to bat deep, while ensuring that the runs keep coming for us. South Africa are a quality team and they don’t let you off the hook that easily. I was enjoying the competition and it helped me execute the plan which was given to me by the coaching staff. “Earlier in the match, with the ball in my hand, I wanted to provide early breakthroughs and having taken a crucial wicket at a critical stage boosted me. I wanted to put up all-round performance for the team and I am glad everything worked out according to the plan.” Pakistan’s final round assignment in the ICC Women’s Championship was the recently-concluded ODI series against England Women in Kuala Lumpur. They were in a tight race with South Africa, who still have six matches to go in the tournament, with only one point separating them. Pakistan got that point as the third ODI was washed-out and by the virtue of having a better net run-rate they leapfrogged South Africa to the fourth spot. Pakistan lost 2-0 in a series in which their captain with two half-centuries in three innings stood out. Bismah Maroof: “It is good to be amongst runs but my runs would have been more valuable had we won these matches. We played good cricket in bits and pieces but we couldn’t stretch them to longer spells. The difference between us and good sides is that they don’t let the momentum slip away which is something we are lacking and it was the difference between us and England. There was certainly an improvement in our performances in the series. We did not give easy runs to England. Our fielding has improved a lot over, which is also a big positive. We are aware what areas we need to improve going forward.” Despite having played only 15 matches in this tournament, Sana Mir leads the overall wicket-takers’ chart with 35 wickets at a phenomenal average of 13.74. Pakistan’s next best bowler Nashra Sandhu is ranked 15th with 20 wickets in 17 matches. The third best bowler from Pakistan is Diana Baig with 12 wickets in 13 matches. The weight of Pakistan’s batting over the course of the ICC Women’s Championship was carried by Javeria Khan (552 runs in 18 matches), Nahida Khan (521 runs in 18 matches) and Bismah Maroof (447 runs in 14 matches) – the top-three batters from the side. Whether Pakistan stays at the fourth spot in the ICC Women’s Championship will be determined by South Africa’s run over the course of their next six matches. In the inaugural edition of the ICC Women’s Championship, which ran from 2014-2016, Pakistan finished second last with only four wins from 18 matches. In this edition, however, there has been a marked improvement. And, going forward, they will hope to build on the impressive performances they have put over the course of the past two years. Javeria Khan: “Our side has the talent, it just needs a bit enhancement. What we need to is how to handle pressure at critical stages. We often let matches slip away because of our lack of experience, but playing more against quality sides will help us learn better.” Sana Mir: “It is extremely important that we know our role and deliver accordingly. As a player you cannot win every match for your side, but if everyone is sticking to the game plan then they can complement those who are having a good day in the field. “I can’t emphasise enough on how good this championship is for women’s cricket because it provides opportunities to play against higher-ranked sides consistently. When you put performances against good sides it boosts your confidence and allows you to gauge where you stand as a team.” Bismah Maroof: “The girls have shown great improvement in all three facets of the game in the past two years. Our fielding and fitness standards have improved and now we give top-ranked sides a tough competition. We are taking steps in the right direction. “We need to be more consistent in our performances. We can overcome that by playing competitive cricket on regular basis and the ICC Women’s Championship is providing teams opportunities to grow.” Pakistan’s fixture against India couldn’t take place as the PCB didn’t receive the invitation from the BCCI. With the series window already closed, the matter has now been referred to the ICC event secretariat in Dubai.