Latest News
Muzzamil stuns Shoaib 2-1 in the BB Tennis Championship final
Abdul Jabbar Faisal
ISLAMABAD (December 19, 2021):- Muzzamil Murtaza stunned Mohammed Shoaib 2-1 in Men’s Singles final of the Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Tennis Championship that concluded at Islamabad tennis Complex on Sunday. The final score-line was 6-4, 4-6 and 6-3.
Mohammad Shoaib, who had toppled Aqeel Khan in the semifinal 2-1 in the semifinal at the same venue, unexpectedly completely failed to manage a victory in the final. He lost the first set at 4-6, as his rival Muzzamil Murtaza displayed top quality tennis and hit some powerful and returnable shorts from down the line.
In the second set, Shoaib did well and leveled the match 1-1 after claiming the set at 6-4 but he could not maintain the same pace and game in the decisive 3rd and final set. Muzzamil Murtaza finished the set at 6-3 to become the champion. Chief guest, Senator Farhat-ullah Babar distributed the prizes among the winners and runner-up.
Results:
Men Singles (Final):
Muzzamil Murtaza beat Mohammed Shoaib 6-4, 4-6, 6-3
Ladies Single (Final):
Ushna Sohail beat Sara Mehbiob 6-3, 6-1
Boys’ Under-18 (Final):
Abdullah Adnan beat Hamid Israr 6-3, 6-4
Boys’ Under-14 (Final):
Mohammed Salary beat Ibrahim Ashraf 4-5(6), 4-2, 4-1
Boys & Girls Under-12 (Final):
Hamza Roman beat Abdul Basit 4-1 4-0
FOOTBALL - FIFA News 19 Dec, 2021
Islamabad (Sports Desk):-Today marks the UN’s World Arabic Language Day, and the culmination of the inaugural FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021™. In recognition of the importance of the Arabic language, which is spoken not only by the 450 million people that live in the more than 20 Arabic-speaking countries but also by millions of Arabs worldwide, the FIFA President will propose that Arabic becomes an official language of FIFA.
The FIFA President’s proposal stems from long-term discussions with stakeholders in Qatar and those across the MENA region, and coincides with the conclusion of the FIFA Arab Cup, which successfully brought together 23 national teams in a celebration of football and unity across the Middle East and Arab world. Currently, the four FIFA languages are English, French, German and Spanish.
Ng Eain lifts the title of Asian Individual Squash Championship 2021
Abdullah Asjad
ISLAMABAD (December 19, 2021):-Top seed Ng Eain Yow from Malaysia has won the title of 21st Asian Individual Squash Championship 2021 after beating Yip Tsz Fung from Hong Kong 3-0 in the final at Mushaf Squash Complex Islamabad on Sunday. The final score-line was 11-6, 13-11 and 11-9.
Earlier, in the Women’s Final, Tong Tsz Wing from Hong Kong ousted Rachel Mae Arnold from Malaysia 3-0 with a game score of 11-8, 13-11, 11-5, as the match wasted 34 minutes.
Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) organized 21st Asian Individual Squash Championship for Men and Women between December 15 to 19, 2021 at Mushaf Squash Complex, Islamabad. The Men event had a draw of 32 players whereas the Women event had 16 players’ draw. Apart from Pakistan, a group of international players, officials and referees from Hong Kong, Iran, Kuwait, Malaysia, Qatar, Singapore and Sri Lanka participated. Asif Khan along with Kashif of Malaysia conducted the semifinal and the final of the 21st Asian Individual Squash championship 2021.
Senior Vice President, PSF Air Marshal Aamir Masood, graced the closing ceremony as chief guest and distributed trophies and medals to the players. Squash legend Qamar Zaman and Jansher Khan also attended the closing ceremony. Umer Saeed, CEO Combaxx Sports was also present at the occasion.
Results (Finals):
Women’s Event: Tong Tsz Wing (Hong Kong) beat Rachel Mae Arnold (Malaysia) 11-8, 13-11, 11-5 (34 minutes)
Men’s Event: Ng Eain Yow (Malaysia) beat Yip Tsz Fung (Hong Kong) 11-6, 13-11 and 11-9 (40 minutes).
Pakistan and South Korea play 3-3 draw in Asian Champions Trophy
SP Report
Dhaka, Bangladesh (December 18, 2021):-The match between Pakistan and Korea ended 3-3 draw in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2021, which is going on here in the capital city of Bangladesh. Pakistani striker Afraz got the man of the match award. Japan defeated hosts Bangladesh 5-0.
On Saturday, two more matches have been played in the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The first match was played between Pakistan and Korea which ended in a 3-3 draw after a brilliant and lively contest. In the 14th minute of the first quarter of the game Kim scored a field goal to give Korea the lead. In the 24th minute of the game, Afraz ended Korea's lead by scoring a goal through a field goal. In the 33rd minute of the game, Pakistan's Rana Waheed strengthened his lead by scoring a goal on a penalty corner. In the 42nd minute of the game, Korean player Ji Wu scored a field goal to end Pakistan's lead and the match score became 2-2.
In the 56th minute of the game, Korea got a penalty stroke which was taken advantage of by Korean player Jing who scored a goal to establish Korea's lead. In the 57th minute of the game, Pakistan's Rana Waheed scored a goal on a penalty corner to end Korea's lead and make the match score 3-3 which remained till the end of the game.
Pakistan's goalkeeper Mazhar Abbas, defenders Emad Shakeel Butt, Mohammad Abdullah and Abu Bakar Mahmood showed excellent game. Pakistan's player Afraz was declared man of the match. In the eighth match of the event, Japan strengthened its position in the pool by defeating the host team Bangladesh by 5-0 goals in a one-sided contest. In the series of Robin Round matches, the match between India and Japan will be played on December 19 at 2:30 pm according to Pakistan time while Pakistan and the host team Bangladesh will play at 5:00 pm.
CRICKET - 18 Dec, 2021
Karachi (Sports Report):-Balochistan’s Shan Masood third century of the season helped his side to recover from 49 for five to 305 all-out on day one of the final round match of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy against table-toppers Northern at State Bank of Pakistan Stadium on Saturday.
After Northern opted to bowl first in an uncontested toss – the match which is being live streamed on PCB’s YouTube channel, Balochistan continued to lose wickets at regular intervals with half of their side went back to the pavilion with 49 runs on the board.
The left-handed opening batter Shan was joined by Kashif Bhatti, and the pair went on to add 140 runs for the sixth wicket. Kashif scored 68 off 78, which included 10 fours and one six. Shan hit 22 fours and five sixes in his sterling 172-ball 190 innings.
For Northern, right-arm pacers Athar Mehmood and Kashif Ali picked four wickets apiece.
At stumps, Northern were 28 for no loss after 11 overs.
At UBL Sports Complex, four placed Central Punjab kept second placed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in check after opting to bowl first in an uncontested toss. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa openers Ashfaq Ahmed and Fakhar Zaman provided a solid 135-run partnership for the first wicket.
Left-handed Fakhar who makes a comeback in the side after performing in the international cricket transferred his form into the domestic game with a 128-ball 76. His innings included 13 fours. His partner Ashfaq scored 71 off 120 balls, which included 13 fours. Captain Iftikhar Ahmed who recently featured in the T20I series against West Indies scored 53 off 77, smashing six fours and two sixes.
At stumps, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were 305 for seven in 80.3 overs. Sajid Khan (48, five fours, three sixes, 50b) and Rehan Afridi (24, three fours, 31b) will resume their batting tomorrow.
For Central Punjab, right-arm fast Mohammad Ali picked three wickets for 57, while Faheem Ashraf returned with two for 55 in 13 overs.
At NBP Sports Complex, third-placed Sindh managed to score 275 for five in 88.2 overs against Southern Punjab at the close of play. After opting to bowl first in an uncontested toss, Southern Punjab bowlers put Sindh in a spot of bother with four wickets down at the score of 94 which included captain Asad Shafiq wicket who departed for naught.
Saad Khan batting at number four was joined by Test batter Fawad Alam, and the pair stitched 160-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Saad scored 88 off 169, which included 10 fours. Fawad returned undefeated scoring 75 off 158, hitting six fours.
For Southern Punjab, Ali Usman bagged three wickets for 98.
Scores in brief:
Sindh vs Southern Punjab - NBP Sports Complex, Karachi
Sindh 275-5, 88.2 overs (Saad Khan 88, Fawad Alam 75 not out; Ali Usman 3-98)
Points so far: Sindh 2; Southern Punjab 1
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa vs Central Punjab – UBL Sports Complex, Karachi
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 305-7, 80.3 overs (Fakhar Zaman 76, Ashfaq Ahmed 71, Iftikhar Ahmed 53, Sajid Khan 48 not out; Mohammad Ali 3-57, Faheem Ashraf 2-55)
Points so far: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 3; Central Punjab 2
Balochistan vs Northern - State Bank of Pakistan Stadium, Karachi
Balochistan 305 all out, 59.1 overs (Shan Masood 190, Kashif Bhatti 68; Kashif Ali 4-49, Athar Mehmood 4-100)
Northern 28-0, 11 overs
Points so far: Balochistan 3; Northern 3
Colombo Stars defeat Kandy Warriors by 58 runs
Colombo (SB Report):-The Colombo Stars registered their fourth victory in the Lanka Premier League after defeating Kandy Warriors by 58 runs on Friday. After posting a total of 182/6 in their 20 overs, the Stars bowled out the Warriors for 124 in 17 overs.
The Kandy Warriors couldn't find the momentum during their chase as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Jeffrey Vandersay set the tone with the ball for the Stars by picking up the wickets of the opening batters Kennar Lewis and Minod Bhanuka in the third over.
Thereafter, the Warriors failed to string big partnerships. Ravi Bopara was the only highlight of the Warriors' batting card with an innings of 47 runs from 31 balls. He struck 5 fours and 1 six. Vandersay was the pick of the bowlers for the Stars with magnificent figures of 6/25.
Earlier, Kusal Perera smashed 58 runs from 38 balls at the top of the order for the Colombo Stars. Perera smacked 6 fours and 2 sixes during his innings. Dhananjaya de Silva and Dinesh Chandimal also chipped in with scores of 40 and 44*. Chandimal provided the final impetus to Colombo Stars' innings with a knock laced with 3 boundaries and 2 sixes.
Aqeel and Abid clinch Doubles title of BB Tennis Championship
Abdul Jabbar Faisal
ISLAMABAD (December 18, 2021):-Pakistan number one tennis player Aqeel Khan pairing with Mohammad Abid claimed the Men’s Doubles title of the Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Tennis Championship after beating Heera Ashiq and Yousaf Khalil in straight sets 2-0 at Islamabad Tennis Complex on Saturday. The final score-line was just 6-3 and 6-0.
In the first semifinal of Men’s Singles Event, Mohammad Shoaib defeated top national veteran tennis player Aqeel Khan second time in a week 2-1 in a three sets thrilling contest. Earlier, last Saturday (December 11) Mohammad Shoaib had outplayed Aqeel Khan in the final of Federal Cup at PTF Tennis Complex. However, this Saturday (December 18) at one stage Shoaib won as the first set at 6-4 and second was leveled 6-6 but the Shoaib missed three match points. Aqeel kept the nerves in control and played an excellent game and bounced back in the match by snatching the second set at 7-6. Shoaib finished third set at 6-4 to reach the final where he would take on Muzzamil Murtaza on Sunday at the same venue. Muzzamil defeated Yousaf Khalil in straight sets 2-0 in a single sided affair. Senator Farhat-ullah Baber will grace the final ceremony as the chief guest along with other senators to distribute the prizes among the players on Sunday at the same venue.
Results:
Men’s Singles (Semifinals):
Mohammad Shoaib beat Aqeel Khan 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-4
Muzammil Murtaza beat Yousaf Khalil 6-1, 6-2
Men’s Doubles (Final):
Aqeel Khan /Mohammad Abid beat Heera Ashiq /Yousaf Khalil 6-3, 6-0
Boys U-18 Singles (Semifinals):
Hamid Israr beat Mohammad Huzaifa Khan 6-2, 7-6(4)
Abdullah Adnan beat Mohammad Talha Khan 6-4, 6-2
Girls U-18 Singles (Semifinals):
Amna Ali Qayum beat Saher Aleem 6-1, 6-1
Sheeza Sajid beat Sara Pervaiz 6-0, 6-0
Boys U-14 Singles (Semifinals):
Mohammad Sallar beat Asad Zaman 2-4, 4-2, 4-2
Mohammad Ibrahim Sharif beat Ali Zain 4-2, 4-1
Girls U-14 Singles (Final):
Amna Ali Qayum beat Zunaisha Noor 4-5(3), 4-1, 5-3
B/G U-12 Singles (Semifinals):
Hamza Roman beat Samer Zaman 4-2, 4-1
Abdul Basit beat Mohammad Haziq Aasim1-4, 4-1, 5-3
B/G U-10 Singles (Final):
Shayan Afridi beat Abdul Wasay4-0, 4-0.
Asian Squash: Tong Tsz and Rachel Mae set to meet in final
Abdul Jabbar Faisal
ISLAMABAD (December 18, 2021):-Tong Tsz Wing from Hong Kong and Rachel Mae Arnold from Malaysia will meet in the Women’s final of 21st Asian Individual Squash Championship 2021 after winning their respective semifinals at Mushaf Squash Complex Islamabad on Saturday. The final will be played on Sunday at the same venue.
In the 1st semi final, Tong Tsz Wing from Hong Kong got rid of her compatriot Liu Tsz Ling 3-1 by playing excellent squash in the capital city of Pakistan. She finished the match with the score-line of 12-10, 4-11, 11-4 and 11-6, after 33 minutes of the match.
Later, in the 2nd semifinal, Rachel Mae Arnold from Malaysia overcame her rival Ho Tze Lok from Hong Kong in the same style 3-1. The final score-line was 11-4, 11-9, 5-11 and 11-7. A Malaysian girl wasted 40 minutes to beat her challenger from Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, in the 1st semifinal of the men’s event, Ng Eain Yow from Malaysia outclassed Lau Tsz Kwan from Hong Kong in straight games 3-0 to reach the final. The score-line was 11-4, 11-4 and 11-9, as the match took 30 minutes. Whereas, in the semifinal, Yip Tsz Fung from Hong Kong ousted Nasir Iqbal from Pakistan in the third game, as Nasir was downed 2-0 and 3-1 in the third left the court after 29 minutes owing to injury and failed to complete the match. The final score-line was 11-6, 11-4 and 3-1.
Results (Men’s Semifinals):
Ng Eain Yow (Malaysia) beat Lau Tsz Kwan (Hong Kong) 11-4, 11-4, 11-9 (30 minutes)
Yip Tsz Fung (Hong Kong) beat Nasir Iqbal (Pakistan) 11-6, 11-4, 3-1 (29 minutes)
Results (Women’s Semifinals):
Tong Tsz Wing (Hong Kong) beat Liu Tsz Ling (Hong Kong) 12-10, 4-11, 11-4, 11-6 (33 minutes)
Rachel Mae Arnold (Malaysia) beat Ho Tze Lok (Hong Kong) 11-4, 11-9, 5-11, 11-7 (40 minutes).
Mickey terms LPL an opportunity for young lads to develop into good cricketers
ISLAMABAD (Sports Desk):-Mickey Arthur, the outgoing Head Coach of the Sri Lankan team under whom the Sri Lankan team showed remarkable progress, credited the Lanka Premier League for playing an impressive role in the growth of Sri Lankan cricket.
Arthur guided the Island nation brilliantly in the recently-concluded ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021, wherein the entire team and especially the likes of Charith Asalanka, Lahiru Kumara and Wanindu Hasaranga impressed the entire world with their performances. All of the three players showcased their talent in Season 1 of the Lanka Premier League and have continued to take massive strides as cricketers in Season 2 of the Lanka Premier League as well.
"I think the Lanka Premier League is such a good tournament, particularly for the younger players, because it gives them an opportunity to play under pressure. There's a crowd and there's a good TV audience. You can go and play in the nets a million times, but you can't replicate this atmosphere at the ground. The Lanka Premier League has to allow young players to develop, the franchises have to be very competitive against each other, but the young players must be put under pressure and they have to come through that," said the former Sri Lanka Head Coach.
Arthur added that one more team can be added to the Lanka Premier League. Currently, the competition has five franchises - Jaffna Kings, Galle Gladiators, Dambulla Giants, Colombo Stars and Kandy Warriors.
"I think there's room for one more team in the competition. There are still a lot of good players that didn't get picked. As long as the competition stays good and sound and we get good overseas players like we have had, I think the tournament will just get better and better," said the South African.
When asked about his feelings about leaving the Sri Lankan camp, he said, "The one thing I take a lot of pride in is that I think I have left the team at a far better state than I found it and any coach would like to do that. I think if they stay consistent, which I am sure the selection panel will and if the players are backed, I tell you the country will get some talent."
Arthur also added that the Sri Lankan Test team had the skill level to perform away from home, "I think our Test team is in a really good shape. I think it's really well led by Dimuth Karunaratne. There are a lot of experienced players there. We have developed a really good crop of fast bowlers. Dushmantha Chameera is world class now, Suranga Lakmal is the Asian Anderson, you've got Vishwa Fernando, who bowls left-arm pace and there are so many other good young quicks. I think Sri Lanka can hold their own away from home as well. The batters have good techniques to play in overseas conditions."
Asian Squash: Nasir Iqbal keeps the hopes alive
Abdul Jabbar Faisal
ISLAMABAD (December 17, 2021):-Besides top seed Ng Eain Yow, Lau Tsz Kwan, Yip Tsz Fung and Nasir Iqbal moved into the semifinals of 21st Asian Squash Team Event Championship 2021 after beating their respective opponents at Mushaf Squash Complex Islamabad on Friday. Now, Nasir Iqbal will take on Yip Tsz Fung in the second semifinal at 4:15 pm at same venue on Saturday.
Pakistan number one squash player, Tayyab Aslam once again produced very disappointed performance in the second quarterfinal against Lau Tsz Kwan and lost the match at tie-break 2-3. The final score-line was 5-11, 9-11, 11-5, 11-3 and 13-11, as match took 70 minutes.
Results (Men’s Event):
Ng Eain Yow (MAS) bt Mohammad Syafiq Bin Mohd Kamal (MAS) 11-6, 11-3, 11-5 (36 Min)
Lau Tsz Kwan (HKG) bt Tayyab Aslam (PAK) 5-11, 9-11, 11-5, 11-3, 13-11 (70 Min)
Yip Tsz Fung (HKG) bt Yuen Chee Wern (MAS) 11-7, 11-4, 11-5 (23 Min)
Nasir Iqbal (PAK) bt Leung Chi Hin Henry (HKG) 11-4, 11-9, 3-11, 11-7 (45 Min).
Results (Women’s Event):
Liu Tsz Ling (HKG) bt Noor Ainaa (MAS) 11-9, 5-11, 12-10, 11-6 (35 Min)
Tong Tsz Wing (HKG) bt Aifa Binti Azman (MAS) 11-5, 11-9, 8-11, 4-11, 12-10 (50 Min)
Ho Tze Lok (HKG) bt Chan Yiwen (MAS) 11-5, 14-12, 11-9 (36 Min)
Rachel Mae Arnold (MAS) bt Chan Sin Yuk (HKG) 11-9, 11-7, 11-9 (22 Min).
Most Popular
