Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Southern Punjab Blues defeated Northern Blues by five wickets to top Group B and qualify for Monday’s final in the National U16 Cup against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Whites, which had topped Group A on Friday. Southern Punjab not only needed to beat Northern but also had to improve their net run-rate. And they achieved both with success as they first dismissed Norrhern for 190 and then achieved the target for the loss of five wickets in 43.3 overs. This meant Southern Punjab finished with a net run-rate of 0.93, while Northern ended with a net run-rate of 0.78. The stars of Southern Punjab’s win were Mohammad Jansher, who took four for 40, and batters Sameeer Akhtar (45), Zain Arshad (41) and Mohammad Saqib (35 not out). For Northern, Mohammad Bilal was the top scorer with 58, while Syed Ali Mehdi scored 53. With the ball. Mohammad Nabeel took three for 38. At the Multan Cricket Stadium, Farhan Yousuf scored 84 not out with 12 fours and a six as Central Punjab Blues achieved the 172-run target in 33.3 overs to defeat Sindh Blues by seven wickets. The result meant Central Punjab finished third with five wins, while Sindh finished with two wins in fourth place. Sindh Blues’ 171 for seven revolved around Syed Yahya Shah and Sufyan Usmani, who scored 66 and 51, respectively. Mohammad Usman took two for 38. At the Divisional Sports Ground, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Blues defeated Balochistan Blues by 108 runs. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa finished fifth, while Balochistan Blues remained winless in the tournament. Batting first Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were all out for 195 in 45 overs with Shahzaib Khan top-scoring with 59, Usman Khan contributing 29 and Mian Yousuf Shah chipping in 28. Talha Shakir, Bakhtiyar, Syed Yasir Shah and Anees Khan took two wickets each. In turn, Balochistan Blues were dismissed for 89 in 22.1 overs with Abdul Saboor top-scoring with 46. Ahmed Hussain was the most successful bowler with four for 19, while Mohammad Ubaidullah took three for 11. Scores in brief: Southern Punjab Blues beat Northern Blues by five wickets at MCC Cricket ground Northern Blues 190 all out, 45 overs (Mohammad Bilal 58, Syed Ali Mehdi 53, Mohammad Jansher 4-30, Inamullah 2-13, Salman Ahmed 2-46) Southern Punjab Blues 192-5, 43.3 overs (Sameer Akhtar 45, Zain Arshad 41, Mohammad Saqib 35 not out, Sameer Ahmed 22; Mohammad Nabeel 3-38) Central Punjab Blues beat Sindh Blues by seven wickets at Multan Cricket Stadium Sindh Blues 171 for seven, 42 overs (Syed Yahya Shah 66, Sufyan Usmani 51, Saifullah Khan 21; Mohammad Usman 2-38) Central Punjab Blues 173-3, 33.3 overs (Farhan Yousuf 84 not out, Mohammad Areeb 34 not out; Mawaz Zahid 2-33) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Blues beat Balochistan Blues by 108 runs at Divisional Sports Complex, Multan Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Blues 197 all out, 45 overs (Shahzaib Khan 59, Usman Khan 29, Mian Yousuf Shah 28; Talha Shakir 2-25, Bakhtiyar 2-31, Syed Yasir Shah 2-34, Anees Khan 2-38) Balochistan Blues 89 all out, 22.1 overs (Abdul Saboor 46; Ahmed Hussain 4-19, Mohammad Ubaidullah 3-11)

Jamil Siraj CANBERRA (Australia):-Cricket Australia (CA) has accepted men’s team head coach Justin Langer’s resignation, as he (Justin) was offered a short-term extension to his current contract, which sadly he has opted not to accept. CA would like to thank Justin for his outstanding leadership since he became Australian men’s team coach in 2018 and for guiding the team to the T20 World Cup title last year and the 4-0 Ashes victory. Justin is not only a legend of the game but an outstanding individual. The contract extension offered to Justin was the result of a thorough review process that evaluated many factors including future requirements of the team and the upcoming extensive schedule of fixtures. The extension was approved by the CA Board and was put to Justin last night. It included the opportunity to defend the T20 World Cup title in Australia at the end of this year. Justin informed CA this morning he was not accepting the offer and would resign with immediate effect. Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said: “Justin has been an outstanding coach of the Australian men’s team over the past four years.  “He has restored the trust in the team and his legacy is assured. “We are extremely proud of his achievements since he took over in 2018, including the recent T20 World Cup victory and Ashes success. “We are naturally disappointed Justin has decided against continuing as coach but respect his decision and wish him all the best in the future. “I would like to sincerely thank Justin and also his family for all that they have given to Australian cricket over the past four years, for which we remain eternally grateful.” Andrew McDonald has been appointed as interim head coach.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-The biggest spectacle of all Olympic Games, Summer or Winter, is the Opening Ceremony. On Friday, Beijing’s National Stadium became the first venue to host the event at both a Summer and Winter Olympics, having previously done the same in 2008. Designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, the stadium is colloquially known as the Bird’s Nest due to its exterior appearance. It is also just a stone’s throw from the National Indoor Stadium, which is one of two ice hockey venues for these Games and will host the men’s gold medal game on the final Sunday, 16 days from now, just prior to the Closing Ceremony. As was the case in 2008, the Opening Ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics was directed by renowned Chinese film director Zhang Yimou. It began with a pre-show titled “Together for a Shared Future”, which is also the slogan for these Games. That was followed by a video message from the Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres, and then the introductions of Xi Jinping, President of the Peoples’ Republic of China and Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, the raising of the national flag of the host nation and the playing of its national anthem. As the name suggests, the Opening Ceremony is the ceremonial opening of the Games, although in practice, many events start before. This year, women’s ice hockey began on Thursday with four games, followed by two more on Friday afternoon. A staple of the Opening Ceremony is the Parade of Athletes, which were initiated here in Beijing by six hockey players in glowing costumes passing and firing a video-mapped puck at the entrance tunnel, with appropriate hockey-rink sound effects. A total of 91 countries are participating in these Games, starting as always with Greece, the home of the ancient Olympics, and finishing with the host country, China. Size of national delegations ranged from the 222 athletes from the United States to 18 nations that have each sent only one. Of those 91 nations, 13 contain teams of hockey players – nine both men’s and women’s teams, three with only men’s teams and one – Japan – with just a women’s. Of the 13, one is sending hockey players for the first time and that’s Denmark, whose men’s and women’s teams each qualified for the first time. All nations were led around the field level of the Bird’s Nest by two flag-bearers, provided they had both male and female athletes present. Amazingly, of the 13 hockey nations involved, a record nine chose hockey players as flag bearers – six men and three women. Among them were Lauris Darzins (Latvia), Valtteri Filppula (Finland), Alena Mills (Czechia), Frans Nielsen (Denmark), Marie-Philip Poulin (Canada), Emma Nordin (Sweden), Andres Ambuhl (Switzerland), Vadim Shipachyov (ROC) and Marek Hrivik (Slovakia). After the Parade, the athletes took their seats in the stadium and were treated to various artistic presentations with themes of winter, sports and peace. As local time approached 22:00 and the early February temperature dipped lower, President Xi declared the Games open and six Chinese former Olympic and world champions of various winter sports presented the Olympic flag to be raised next to the Chinese one. Finally, seven more Chinese athletes born in six different decades acted as the final torchbearers, lighting the Olympic cauldron a short distance from the stadium. With the Opening Ceremony finished and the Games officially on, most of the women’s hockey players who were in attendance will be back in action on Saturday, with four games scheduled. (Thanks to Derek O'Brien)

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Lausanne, Switzerland:-The Estadio Betero in Valencia provided the perfect conditions for two FIH Hockey Pro League matches featuring the host nation Spain as they took on the challenge of FIH Hockey Pro League newcomers England men and the mighty force of the Netherlands women in the first of two matches in the respective men’s and women’s leagues to be hosted in the Spanish city. Valencia proved a fruitful hunting ground for the visiting sides as first England men showed pace and imagination to outperform their Spanish rivals and then the Netherlands women wore down  a spirited Spanish team to win 1-0. The three points allowed the Dutch women, now under the leadership of Jami Mülders, to regain their position at the top of the FIH Hockey Pro League table. England men began their first foray into the FIH Hockey Pro League with a display of aggressive, attacking hockey as they beat host nation Spain 6-1. Player of the match David Condon spoke of the ‘aggressive and open style of play’, that his team showed for the majority of this match. The first quarter was goalless as the two teams tested each other out, but then one of six debutants in an England shirt – Duncan Scott – opened the scoring with a finely taken penalty corner. David Condon doubled the score in the latter stages of the quarter and then two goals in the third quarter from captain Zach Wallace and James Oats put the game effectively out of Spain’s reach. Condon scored a fifth and then a lovely interchange between Wallace and the experienced Phil Roper created an opportunity for David Goodchild to fire home. Spain scored a consolation goal through Ignacio Rodriguez, but the Red Sticks were unable to repeat some of their earlier Pro League recoveries. Speaking after the game David Condon said:‘We haven’t been together that long as a squad but in some ways that allowed us to play with freedom. We set out to play aggressive hockey and that was what we did.’ In the women’s match between Spain and the Netherlands, a single goal from the reliable goal machine Frederique Matla was the difference between the two sides. While Anne Veenendaal in the Dutch goal didn’t have to make a save, this was far from a walk over by the reigning FIH Hockey Pro League, World Cup and Olympic champions. A combination of a hard-working defence and a well-structured midfield saw Spain keep the Dutch at bay for large parts of the game. This was also a Netherlands team that didn’t seem to hit top gear for much of the match. Both sides fielded a number of inexperienced players and Player of the Match Maria Verschoor referred to the fact the players were still getting to know each other, which would explain the breakdown of many attacking moves that would usually end in a Dutch barrage against an opposition’s goal. The winning goal, scored in the third quarter, was a case of Matla showing her forward’s instincts. The ball bounced clear and Matla struck it goal wards. Clara Ycart, who had played a strong game in defence was unfortunate to turn it past Melanie Garcia in the Spanish goal. Speaking after the game, Player of the Match Maria Verschoor, who had played an intelligent and understated role at the heart of the Dutch midfield, said: 'I am really happy to be on the pitch with the team. We needed to get used to each other. It was a good match to get started with FIH Hockey Pro League: Results Friday 4 February 2022 - Valencia (ESP) Men’s match Spain 1-6 England Player of the Match: David Condon (ENG) Umpires: Michelle Meister (GER), Bruce Bale (ENG) and Ivona Makar (CRO - video umpire) Women’s match Spain 0-1 Netherlands Player of the Match: Maria Verschoor (NED) Umpires: Ivona Makar (CRO), Bruce Bale (ENG) and Michelle Meister (GER - video umpire)

Bipin Dani Sri Lanka's Under-19 captain Dunith Wellalage is being criticized for inviting Pakistan to bat first, but it was not his sole decision, it is learnt. "It was decided in the team meeting to field first if the toss is won", one of the sources, speaking exclusively over the telephone said after the match, which Pak team won comfortably. "Mahela Jayawardene was not a part of this decision", the source also confirmed. "Mahela, the consultant, left for Colombo a few days before. He has so many other things to do", the source added. "One of his main tasks is to fill the coaching vacancies for various teams". Former Sri Lankan cricketer Naveed Nawaz is likely to be the key contender. The 48-year-old Naveed, who played one Test and three ODIs is a coach for the Bangladesh U-19 team and was already interviewed. "He was invited by the team management for a meal when Mahela was in the West Indies. However, no proper discussion on his appointment took place in the presence of other coaching staff and Sri Lankan commentator Russel Arnold and the match referee-Graham Labrooy were also present", the source further added.  Sri Lanka's U-19 team was originally booked to leave for Colombo on 6th February, however, the team management is awaiting the ICC plan for a pre-boned departure by a day, it is learnt.   According to the sources in the Caribbean Islands, if the bookings and seats are available in British Airways flight for 5th February the team may not wait there to watch India's final against England on Saturday. The team is scheduled to arrive in Colombo from Antigua via Gatwick and Doha.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-A fine all-round performance from Nivethan Radhakrishnan fired Australia to third place in the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup with a two-wicket win over Afghanistan. The ambidextrous all-rounder took three for 31 to limit Afghanistan to 201 all out batting first, before notching a half-century in the chase. Australia were made to sweat but eventually snuck home with five balls to spare. Afghanistan, hoping to better their previous best result in this tournament – fourth in 2018, won the toss and elected to bat at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua and Barbuda. However two early wickets for William Salzmann (3-43), removing Nangeyalia Kharote and Allah Noor, reduced Afghanistan to 15 for two. Mohammad Ishaq (34) and skipper Suliman Shafi (37) started to rebuild, adding 70 before the former was run out by Salzmann, the latter falling three balls later to Radhakrishnan. Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai took up the baton, making 81 as wickets continued to tumble around him, before becoming the ninth man to fall as Salzmann’s final victim with the score on 201. Skipper Cooper Connolly (2-30) finished off the innings with his second wicket in the final over, leaving Australia with a manageable chase as they were set 202 to win. Campbell Kellaway (51) and Teague Wyllie (13) put on a half-century stand for the first wicket before the latter was bowled by Nangeyalia to bring Radhakrishnan to the crease. He and Kellaway added another 60 before a little wobble as Noor Ahmad removed both Kellaway and Connolly in quick succession. Isaac Higgins joined Radhakrishnan, scoring 11 in a 40-run partnership, but when both were dismissed with 35 still required, a few nerves started to appear. Lachlan Shaw (13) and Corey Miller (13) then added 26 to take Australia to the brink before three quick wickets gave Afghanistan hope. They took it to the final over, but Joshua Garner (four not out) held his nerve to see Australia home.

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD:-Top national tennis lady, Sarah Mehboob has won the title of Subh-e-Nau Ladies National Ranking Tennis Tournament 2022 after crushing Noor Malik 2-0 in a single sided final that was played at PTF-SDA Tennis Complex, Garden Avenue Islamabad on Friday. Sarah Mahboob Khan daughter of tennis coach Mehboob Khan proved a hard nut not to crack for Noor Malik, who could win each one game in the both sets. The final score-line was 6-1 and 6-1. Pakistan number one Sarah exhibited top class tennis and did not allow her opponent to settle on the court during the whole match.   President, Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), Salim Saifullah Khan graced the closing ceremony as chief guest and distributed the prizes among the players. The President PTF lauded the efforts of Shahida Kausar Farooq for organizing the tournament for the promotion of women's tennis in Pakistan. He also congratulated both the finalists on their performance.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-PSF Level-1 Strength and Conditioning Course concluded on Friday at Mushaf Squash Complex, Islamabad that was held from February 1 to 4, 2022 under the control of Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF). According to an official of PSF, as many as 14 males and females participated in the 4-day course from all over the country. Zohra Abdullah topped the said course. The 4-days course was very successfully conducted by internationally qualified officials Mohammad Boota and Mohammad Kashif. Also, Dr Shabina and Dr Qurat Ul Ain from Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) delivered lectures on Doping and Sports Psychology. In the closing ceremony certificates were awarded to all participants. The participants were keen to learn during the course. Names of participants: Faraz Mohammad, Fazal Shah, Asif Khan, Asir Mehmood, Fazal Mehmood, Tayyab Irfan, Waseem Umer, Mohammad Saqib, Naeem Hussain, Qasim Norani, Ibrahim Norani, Zohra Abdullah, Aima Aamir, Umm-e-Kulsoom  

MANCHESTER (By H Shah):-Chris Silverwood has left his role as England Men’s Head Coach. The interim arrangement for the forthcoming tour of the West Indies will be announced in due course, says a press release. ECB Chief Executive Officer Tom Harrison said: “During his time in the role Chris has given absolutely everything to make a success of it. He is a man of great integrity, who players and staff alike have enjoyed working with. “Under Chris, England Men’s white ball teams have been ranked first and second in the world while he also led the Test team to a number of series wins including away in South Africa and Sri Lanka. “He has led the England Men’s team with great resilience and empathy through an incredibly challenging period for English cricket, and he deserves our sincere thanks and gratitude. “In the coming days Andrew Strauss will appoint a caretaker coach for the tour of the West Indies and will then consider the appropriate coaching structures to help England move forwards.” Chris Silverwood said: “It’s been an absolute honour to be England Head Coach, and I’m extremely proud to have worked alongside our players and staff. I want to thank them all for the hard work and commitment they have given during my time in the role and I wish them all the very best moving forward. “The last two years have been very demanding but I have really enjoyed my time with the team and working with Rooty and Morgs, and I am very proud of this group considering the challenges. I leave with fond memories and I am now looking forward to spending some quality time at home with my family and embracing the next chapter.”

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Pakistan Cricket Board and Cricket Australia today announced the revised itinerary of the 2022 Australia men’s cricket team’s tour of Pakistan for three Tests, three ODIs and one T20I. The tour will now start and end in Rawalpindi with the opening Test to be played from 4-8 March and the four white-ball matches to be played from 29 March to 5 April. The change in the first Test venue means that the second Test will be played in Karachi from 12-16 March and the third in Lahore from 21-25 March. PCB Chief Executive Faisal Hasnain: “We are pleased that the Cricket Australia Board has formally approved their side’s five-week tour itinerary and confirmed that their best available players will visit Pakistan for the first time in 24 years. We are really excited to host Pat Cummins and his players, and look forward to a competitive series that will comprise three Tests, three ODIs and a T20I. “While Australia will arrive at the back of strong performances in their home series against England, our team has been playing excellent cricket resulting in our players sweeping the ICC Awards. This braces for a keenly contested series, something that the fans will thoroughly enjoy and remember for a long time.” The schedule has been revised to ease logistical and operational challenges as well as to avoid Pakistan Day rehearsals, which usually commence in Islamabad in the second week of March. The two cricket boards have also agreed that the Australia Test side will complete their isolation in Australia, before arriving in Islamabad on 27 February on a chartered flight. After a one-day room isolation, they will hold training sessions at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. Australia’s white-ball players are expected to arrive in Lahore on 24 March following isolation in Australia. After a one-day isolation upon arrival, they will integrate with other members of the side and travel to Islamabad for the first ODI in Rawalpindi on 29 March. The Tests will be part of the ICC World Test Championship, while the ODIs are linked to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League from which the top eight sides, including hosts India, will qualify directly for the 2023 50-over World Cup. Revised schedule: 27 Feb – Arrival in Islamabad 4-8 Mar – 1st Test, Rawalpindi 12-16 Mar – 2nd Test, Karachi 21-25 Mar – 3rd Test, Lahore 29 Mar – 1st ODI, Rawalpindi 31 Mar – 2nd ODI, Rawalpindi 2 April – 3rd ODI, Rawalpindi 5 Apr – one-off T20I, Rawalpindi