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National Women’s T20: Lahore to meet Karachi in final
Final to take place at Pindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, winners to pocket 1 millionAbdul Jabbar FaisalRAWALPINDI: Lahore will face Karachi in the National Women’s T20 final at here Pindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday (January 31, 2024), Nida Dar will lead Lahore Women while Fatima Sana Karachi Women players in the final.The player of the tournament will be awarded PKR50,000 and player of the match will receive PKR20,000. The tournament’s top performers – best batter, best bowler and best wicket-keeper – will get PKR 25,000, each.Lahore have remained unbeaten in the tournament, winning all 10 matches in the six-team tournament. Opening batter Sidra Amin, also the highest run-getter in the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25, is leading the batting charts with 494 runs from 10 outings, with one century and three half-centuries. She has scored runs at the strike-rate of 143.60.In the bowling unit, Lahore’s spin twins of Ghulam Fatima and Nashra Sundhu, occupy the top two spots. Leg-spinner Ghulam Fatima has 21 wickets to her name from 10 matches at an economy rate of 4.44. Left-arm spinner, Nashra, currently ranked number sixth in the ICC Women’s T20I bowling rankings, has 19 scalps to her name, with one five-fer and a four-fer in the tournament.Karachi have won six matches from 10 outings in the tournament. Former national captain and opening batter Javeria Khan, has hit two half-centuries for her side, scoring 352 runs from 10 matches. She holds an average of 44 and strike-rate of 110.34.In the bowling department, spinners have done wonders for the Karachi similar to Lahore’s spin bowling prowess. 20-year-old leg-spinner Syeda Aroob Shah has taken 14 wickets from 10 matches at an economy rate of 5.09. She has the support of another spinner, off-spin bowler Rameen Shamim, who has bagged 13 wickets from 10 matches at an economy rate of 4.77.
Punjab Polo Cup: Diamond Paints/Master Paints win opener
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Diamond Paints/Master Paints defeated Olympia/AZB Polo by 11-8 in the opening match of the Bank of Punjab 95th Punjab Polo Cup 2024 played here at the Lahore Polo Club on Tuesday. Malik Azam Hayat Noon, President of Lahore Polo Club, highlighted that this historic event, backed by Bank of Punjab, features five elite teams, including renowned national and international players, showcasing their skills throughout the week. The inaugural match witnessed a fierce competition between Diamond Paints/Master Paints and Olympia/AZB Polo. Capitalizing on a two-goal handicap advantage, Diamond Paints/Master Paints showcased exceptional talent, with Raja Jalal Arsalan and Amirreza Behboudi scoring five and four goals, respectively. Despite a valiant effort from Olympia/AZB Polo, where Valentin Novillo Astrada netted three goals, Nicolas Corti and Ahmed Zubair Butt each scored twice, and Abdul Rehman Monnoo added one, they fell short. The match began with both teams displaying formidable skills, ending the first chukker with Diamond Paints/Master Paints narrowly leading 3-2. They extended their lead in the second chukker, outscoring their opponents and making it 6-3. However, Olympia/AZB Polo fought back in the third chukker, scoring three consecutive goals to level the score at 6-6. The final and decisive chukker was a nail-biter, with the score tied at 8-8. In a dramatic turn, Diamond Paints/Master Paints clinched a last-minute field goal, securing a 9-8 lead. With the inclusion of their handicap advantage, they triumphed with an 11-8 final score. Santiago Loza and Abdul Sattar officiated the match as field umpires. On Wednesday, two important matches will be played. At 2:00 pm, FG Polo will take on BN Polo, while Olympia/AZB Polo will vie against DS Polo at 3:00 pm.
FIH Men's Hockey5s World Cup: Oman reach in quarterfinals
Adil Al Balushi Muscat (Oman): The hosts Sultanate of Oman stormed into the historic quarterfinals of the FIH Men's Hockey5s World Cup (Oman 2024) as they edged US 6-4 on Monday at the Hockey Oman Stadium in Al Amerat. Oman's players confirmed leading the group as they claimed seven points in their tally of pool D following two wins against Fiji (8-3) and US (6-4) beside a 3-3 draw against Malaysia in the opener. Malaysia joined the hosts Oman to the quarters as they finished as runners up with the same credit but less goals difference.Back to Oman and US match in the concluding round of the group matches, Barminski Michael gave US lead but one minute later Rashadal Fazari equlaised for Oman while Madit Aiman found the net to make it 2-1 for US in the 14th minute and end the first half. In the deciding half, Oman head coach Aikman Siegfried entered the match with a different plan as the players were attacking in order to secure the second straight win after they played out a 3-3 draw in the opener and then won Fiji 8-3. Khalid al Shaaibi (20, 29), Mahmood Bait Shamaiaa (22) and Khalid al Lawati (25) struck Oman's goals in the second half while Harris Pat struck two goals within one minute in the 23rd minute while Gandhi Mohan netted the fourth goal for US. Khalid al Shaaibi expressed his joy post the post the match and he said:" It is great historic moments to reach into the quarterfinals in this inaugural edition of the FIH Men's Hockey5s World Cup. This does not come in easy way as we worked very hard before the tournament and during the event. Thanks for the coaching staff and fans for their continuous support. Special thanks for the association and will do our level best in the forthcoming matches," he endedOman will meet Kenya in the quarterfinals as the match will take place on Tuesday. The match will start at 9:10. Malaysia will face Trinidad & Tobago in another quarters match. The topper of pool B Egypt will meet Poland who ended as runners up in pool A. The second placed team in pool B India will play against Netherlands who ended as first team in pool A in a tight clash. Egypt confirmed their progression to the next stage as the top team in the group after they defeated Switzerland 9-1.It was only Netherlands and Egypt teams who finished the group matches on full mark from three games. The African team thumped Jamaica 10-2 in the opener before edging India 8-6 in a thrilling match on Sunday. Then, they outclassed Switzerland 9-1. Netherlands men's team will aim to duplicate the women's team triumph as they crowned champions of the FIH Women's Hockey5s World Cup. The Dutch began their campaign strongly with 6-3 win over Poland before outclassing Pakistan 5-3 in the following match. They concluded their group games with a crucial 8-6 win over Nigeria on Monday.
ILT20: Sharjah Warriors overcome Desert Vipers by 7 runs
Sports Bulletin ReportSharjah (UAE): Skipper Tom-Kohler Cadmore, through an aggressive 68 off 34 balls studded with eight sixes and two boundaries, guided his team to a hard fought seven-run win over Desert Vipers in the 13th match of the ILT20 season 2 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. His 101 runs partnership in 53 balls for the third wicket with Martin Guptill, who scored 39 off 32 balls with four fours and one six, gave his team a challenging total of 174 for 7 in 20 overs. The crowd of nearly 13,000 were in for a great treat when Vipers tried to chase the target through Alex Hales’s 61 off 40 balls with five sixes and three boundaries and Azam Khan’s fighting 35 off 22 balls. Together, the pair put 52 runs in 33 balls for the fifth wicket but failed to carry their team to victory. Earlier, Wanindu Hasaranga had put the brakes on Sharjah Warriors’ run flow with three wickets in the 16th over for figures of 3 for 30. Luke Wood too chipped in with three wickets for 33 runs, but all their efforts went in vain. So close was the fight that when Vipers needed 22 runs to win off the last 12 balls, Daniel Sams gave away only six runs in the penultimate over. Needing 16 runs off the last over, Muhammad Jawadullah held his nerves and bowled accurately giving away just eight runs to ensure Warriors’ victory.Brief scores: Sharjah Warriors beat Desert Vipers by 7 runs. Sharjah Warriors 174 for 7 in 20 overs (Martin Guptill 39, Tom Kohler-Cadmore 68, Joe Denly 22, Luke Wood 3 for 33, Wanindu Hasaranga 3 for 30) Desert Vipers 167 for 7 in 20 overs (Alex Hales 61, Azam Khan 35, Chris Woakes 2 for 26, Daniel Sams 2 for 29)Player of the Match: Tom Kohler-Cadmore.
Punjab Open Golf Championship: Rana Matloob claims victory
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Rana Matloob Ahmad emerged triumphant at the 42nd Punjab Open Golf Championship, hosted by the Punjab Golf Association. Matloob claimed the coveted Champions Title with a stellar performance, finishing with an impressive score of 208, eight under par after a challenging 54-hole stroke play competition.In the Amateur category, Salman showcased remarkable prowess, securing the Amateur Trophy with a score of 6 over par. The competition was intense, with Nouman Ilyas initially leading after the first two rounds, underscoring the high level of talent and competitive spirit in the tournament.The ladies' division saw Humna Amjad emerge as the Punjab Ladies Champion, adding another feather to her cap and contributing to the growing list of accomplishments in her promising golfing career.In addition to the main events, the 42nd Punjab Open Golf Championship featured a 36-hole competition for Senior Amateur Men and Amateur Ladies Cat II. Umair Butt and Minaa Zainab stood out as the gross winners in their respective categories, showcasing exceptional golfing abilities and sportsmanship.The Lahore Garrison Greens Golf Club, with its pristine greens and top-notch facilities, provided the perfect backdrop for this highly anticipated championship. The tournament served as a platform for golf enthusiasts to come together and celebrate the spirit of the sport, highlighting the thriving golfing community in Lahore and Punjab.The organizers extend their heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and participants for their outstanding performances. The success of the championship is a testament to the Punjab Golf Association's commitment to promoting and nurturing golf talent in the Province.
Pakistan Blind Cricket Team named for the Tri-Nation Series
India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to participate in the fixture in the UAESports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) announced a 15-man national team for a Tri-Nation Series, which will be played at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket Academy in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).According to an official of PBCC, besides Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka will take part in the tournament, which will get underway from February 21, 2024. PBCC revealed the team after the approval of Syed Sultan Shah Chairman of PBCC.Names of players: Zafar Iqbal, Riasat Khan, Mohammad Shahzaib, Fakhar Abbas, Mohammad Salman (B1), Nisar Ali (Captain), Badar Munir (Vice Captain), Shahzeb Haider, Moain Aslam, Babar Ali (B2), Matiullah, Mohammad Rashid, Mohammad Safdar, Kamran Akhter, Akmal Hayyat (B3).Team Officials: Mohammad Jameel (Head Coach), Tahir Mehmood Butt (Trainer).
ILT20: Dubai Capitals beat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 5 wickets
Billings and Raza lead Dubai Capitals to a spectacular run-chase win over ADKRSports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): Dubai Capitals’ Sam Billings and Sikandar Raza produced a clinical run chase to register a five-wicket win over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ABKR) in the eighth match of the DP World ILT20 season 2 at the Dubai International Stadium. Chasing Knight Riders’ impressive total of 183 for 4 in 20 overs, Billings cracked an elegant 67 off 35 balls with nine boundaries and one six, well-backed by Sikandar Raza who scored 43 off 29 balls with five boundaries, to win the match with 23 balls to spare. The pair put on a 109 runs partnership off 59 balls for the fourth wicket.None expected Dubai Capitals to record such a comfortable win after Knight Riders’ impressive batting show lead by Sam Hain and Laurie Evans. They had put on a 131-run partnership in 78 balls for the fourth wicket. Hain scored 77 runs off 49 balls with eight boundaries and two sixes. Evans hit an unbeaten 67 off 41 balls with six boundaries and two sixes. Dubai Capitals were faced with the challenge of having to score at a run rate of 9.15. They also lost their skipper and star batsman David Warner to the second ball of the first over for a duck, trapped leg before by David Willey. Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz too would have gone for a duck had Andre Russell not dropped an easy catch at long-on off Imad Wasim. Jake Fraser-McGurk then hit Wasim for two successive sixes and Willey for consecutive sixes. But Russell ended his innings forcing him to top edge a pull shot for a return catch for 41. Sunil Narine removed Gurbaz edging to wicketkeeper Gous for 21.Sam Billings and Raza took the score past the 100-run mark in 8.2 overs. By the half way mark, the pair made the target gettable with 64 runs needed to win. Billings reached his half century in 27 balls. He fell at the score of 67 caught by Evans at long-on off Narine. Raza followed seven runs short of his half century, caught and bowled to a leading edge when Capitals needed only four runs to win. Earlier, Capitals, who had lost their last match to Sharjah Warriors, won the toss and elected to bowl. Knight Riders, who were bowled out for just 95 runs in their previous match by MI Emirates, began on a shaky note through a double strike from Dushmantha Chameera. Andries Gous got clean bowled to Dushmantha Chameera for 4 while one-drop Michael Pepper edged to wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz for 4. Hain went for his shots but opener Alishan Sharafu hit Roelof van der Merwe straight to Sam Billings at mid-wicket for 15 in the seventh over. Laurie Evans and Hain took the score to 75 for 3 by the half way mark. Jason Holder got smashed for 18 runs in in the 13th over with Evans hitting two boundaries and a six off successive balls. Evans reached his half century in 28 balls. Hain too reached his half century in 37 balls. They recorded their 100 runs partnership in 66 balls. Holder ended Hain’s knock with the second ball of the last over forcing him to hit straight to Sikandar Raza at extra over. Brief scores: Dubai Capitals bt Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 5 wkts. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 183 for 4 in 20 overs (Sam Hain 77, Laurie Evans 67, Dushmantha Chameera 2 for 35) Dubai Capitals 185 for 5 in 16.1 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 21, Jake Fraser-McGurk 41, Sam Billings 67, Sikandar Raza 43, David Willey 2 for 44, Sunil Narine 2 for 23).
POLO - Local News 25 Jan, 2024
Lahore (Press Release): Rijas Polo/Master Paints triumphed over HN Polo with a 7-4 victory, securing their place in the subsidiary final of the 11th Corps Commander Polo Cup 2024, sponsored by Alfalah Investment and Abhi Investment, here at Jinnah Polo Fields.The match, held on Thursday, drew a significant crowd of families and polo enthusiasts eager to witness the high-stakes competition. Amirreza Behboudi led the charge for Rijas Polo/Master Paints with an impressive tally of six goals, while teammate Bilal Hayat Noon added another to their score. HN Polo put up a strong fight, with Mumtaz Abbas Niazi netting two goals, and Raja Samiullah and Babar Naseem contributing one goal each. The match commenced with Rijas Polo/Master Paints taking an early lead in the first chukker. However, HN Polo quickly responded with two consecutive goals, briefly overtaking the lead before Rijas/Master Paints leveled the score at 2-2 at the close of the second chukker. The third chukker saw both teams displaying remarkable skills and resilience, each scoring two goals and bringing the score to a nail-biting 4-4. In the critical moments of the chukker, Rijas/Master Paints edged ahead with a crucial field goal, gaining a slender 5-4 advantage. The final and decisive chukker was dominated by Rijas Polo/Master Paints. Their relentless attack resulted in two back-to-back goals, sealing their victory at 7-4. The match was officiated by field umpires Raja Temur Nadeem and Raja Mikael Sami, adding to the professional atmosphere of the tournament.
Gujranwala Blind Cricket T-20 Tournament: Lahore lift trophy
Sports Bulletin ReportGUJRANWALA: Lahore Blinds Cricket Team defeated Bahawalpur by 59 runs in the final of the Gujranwala Blinds’ Cricket T20 Tournament here at Jinnah Cricket Stadium Gujranwala on Thursday. Badar Munir got Man of the Match award.In the morning, Bahawalpur won the toss and asked Lahore to take guard. Lahore set a mammoth total of 229 runs on the board for the loss of 5 wickets in their stipulated 20 overs. Badar Munir once again shined with the bat, and he scored an unbeaten 163 runs off 74 balls featuring 6 sixes and 16 fours. Babar Ali took 2 wickets for Bahawalpur. In reply, Bahawalpur was restricted to 170 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in the allotted quota of 20 overs. Moain Aslam was their top scorer with 64 runs off 36 balls and Zafar Iqbal made 26 runs off 19 balls. Farhan Ullah took 2 wickets while Badar and Rizwan shared 1 wicket each.Syed Sultan Shah (Chairman Pakistan Blind Cricket Council), Col. Zia ul Islam (Project Secretary, DHA Gujranwala), Col. Ahmed Raza Sial, (Director Marketing DHA Gujranwala), Khalid Minhas (Owner, Minhas Industries Gujranwala), Bilal Anayat Butt (Chairman Red Crescent Gujranwala) were the guests of the occasion and distributed the prizes amongst the players.Player of the Tournament:B1: Mohammad Salman (Lahore)B2: Israr ul Hassan (Gujranwala)B3: Mohammad Akram (Gujranwala)Best Wicket Keeper: Faizan Khattak (Islamabad)
SPORTS NEWS - University News 25 Jan, 2024
Report: Mohammad Azam DarISLAMABAD: The University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Taxila organized the Prime Minister (PM) Youth Sports Handball Talent Hunt Program at Mirpur University Sciences and Technology (MUST) Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) under the banner of Higher Education Commission (HEC).According to an official, the men’s trials of handball were held from January 22 to 23, 2024 at the City Campus in MUST Mirpur AJK aiming to dig out young talent of handball. The talent hunt program contained extensive trials and assessments to identify the most promising male handball players.It is pertinent to mention here that more than seventy (70) players appeared in the two-day trials from Mirpur and its surrounding areas. After hectic trials and competitions showcasing the participant's skills and teamwork, the promising and budding 17 players were selected to represent the Mirpur region in the league to be announced by the HEC later on.Vice Chancellor MUST, Brig. Prof Dr. Younis Javed, SI (M) graced the occasion as chief guest, and the opening ceremony of the talent hunt was also graced by the presence of esteemed guests including Brig. Prof. Dr. Younis Javed, SI (M), Director Business School, Prof. Dr. Zafar Ahmed, Treasurer, Dr. Khalique Ahmed, Abid Hussain, Director Sports, MUST, Umer Mehmood, Secretary General, Rawalpindi Handball Association, Dawood Siddiqui and sizeable spectators. Mohammad Akmal Hussain, Director Sports, UET Taxila was the Organizing Secretary. Akmal Hussain, Organizing Secretary presented a shield to the chief guest on the occasion.Major Jehangir Ahmed, MUST University was the chief guest in the closing ceremony on 23rd January, 2024. The chief guest said that such initiatives were significant to provide opportunities to youth to excel and national and international levels in the field of sport
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