Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: As many as three Pakistani boy’s Abubakar Talha, Mikaeel Ali Baig and Nadir Mirza advanced into next round of the ongoing ITF Pakistan World Juniors Tennis Championship 2025 Leg-2 after beating their respective rivals at PTF Tennis Complex Islamabad on Tuesday.Results (Day-2):Boys’ Singles (Round-1): Nadir Mirza (PAK) beat Lucas Wing Chun Lee (HKG) 6-0, 6-0; Mikaeel Ali Baig (PAK) beat Keitaro Ksathra (INA) 6-0, 6-4; ; Platon Kovalyov (KAZ) beat Yagiz Yildiz (TUR) 6-2, 6-4; Rodion Lukashov (KAZ) beat Mohammad Salar Khan (PAK) 6-1, 6-1; Takaya Ishi (JPN) beat Haolin Liu (CHN) 6-2, 6-2; Arjan Singh Dhami (SGP) beat Artem Khusanov (UZB) 6-2, 6-2; Mohammad Ali (CAN) beat Luke Jie Xi Ho (SGP) 2-1 (retd) ;Abubakar Talha (PAK) beat Zohaib Afzal malik(PAK) 6-1, 6-2; Girls’ Singles (Round-2): Haniya Amna Minhas (KSA) beat Anna Stepanyants (RUS) 6-1 (retd); Alissa Korolyova (KAZ) beat Dicle Izgi (TUR0 6-2, 6-0; Yelizaveta Slepchenko (KAZ) beat Amna Ali Qayum (PAK) 6-3, 6-2; Serifie Pelin Sari (TUR) beat Da Eun Lee(KOR) 6-2, 6-2; Rion Shinden (JPN) beat Zhaniya Zhaxembay (KAZ) 6-0, 6-3; Sofiya Malysheva (KAZ) beat Samira Kamalova (UZB) 6-3, 6-0; Zihan Feng(CHN) beat Nala Josephine Maskey (USA) 6-1, 6-3

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): Bangladesh players Nigar Sultana and Sharmin Akhter have attained career-best positions in the ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings after some fine performances in their first two matches of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier being played in Lahore.Nigar and Sharmin, who had partnered in a 152-run third wicket stand that got their team off to an impressive start with a 178-run victory over Thailand, made progress in double figures in the latest weekly rankings that considers performances in matches completed till Monday.Nigar’s Player of the Match effort of 101 in that match and a knock of 51 against Ireland, have lifted her 16 places to 17th position while Sharmin’s scores of 94 not out against Thailand and 24 versus Ireland see her gain 11 slots and reach 29th position.Pakistan batters Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz and Muneeba Ali have also made significant progress after helping win their first three matches. Sidra has moved up two places to joint-23rd after aggregating 112 runs, Aliya’s 140 runs so far see her advance 11 places to 28th while left-handed opener Muneeba is up nine places to 38th after scoring a total of 136 runs.Thailand’s Natthakan Chantham has re-entered the rankings in 20th position while Ireland’s Amy Hunter (up six places to 34th) and Laura Delany (up two places to 44th), Scotland’s Kathryn Bryce (up 18 places to 43rd) and Chinelle Henry of the West Indies (up four places to 64th) are among the others to move up the batting list.Hayley Matthews of the West Indies has advanced two slots to seventh position in the bowling rankings after the skipper grabbed 10 wickets in the three matches while Pakistan’s Nashra Sandhu (up two places to 14th) and captain Fatima Sana (up 15 places to 32nd) have progressed after taking six and seven wickets, respectively, in their first three matches.Bangladesh’s Rabeya Khan (up seven places to 23rd) and Fahima Khatun (up three places to 48th), West Indies’ Karishma Ramharack (up three places to 30th) and Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast (up 14 places to 50th) have also made notable progress. 

Lahore (Sports Report): Pakistan maintained their unbeaten record in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier with a comprehensive, 65-run victory over the West Indies. The hosts made it three wins from three matches to go top of the standings, as captain Fatima Sana starred with the ball to power her side to victory at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.The result puts Pakistan in pole position to qualify for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 alongside Bangladesh, as the two remaining unbeaten sides in the qualifier.Matthews and Fletcher restrict Pakistan battersPakistan elected to bat but Hayley Matthews struck early to remove Gull Feroza for two in the fourth over, leaving the hosts six for one.Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin built a strong foundation for the innings, combining to bring up Pakistan’s half century before Muneeba was trapped leg before for 33 by Afy Fletcher.The West Indies continued to chip away at regular intervals, as Aliya Riaz and Omaima Sohail fell for 20 and 16 respectively, and Sidra brought up her half century before she was bowled out by Ashmini Munisar for 54.Sidra Nawaz chipped in with 23 useful runs but two wickets apiece for Matthews, Karishma Ramharack and Afy Fletcher helped the West Indies dismiss Pakistan for 191, the final wicket falling from the penultimate ball of innings’ last over.Pakistan made the perfect start with the ball, as Fatima dismissed fellow skipper Matthews leg before wicket with the first ball of the innings.Shemaine Campbelle immediately sought to get the West Indies’ innings up and running and was beginning to find boundaries when she was run out for 14 to leave her side 15 for two.Opener Zaida James was also run out for four as the West Indies slipped to 29 for three.Jannillea Glasgow and Chinelle Henry looked to rebuild and brought their side over the half century mark before both fell in the same over to Nashra Sandhu.Stafanie Taylor and Shabika Gajnabi picked up the mantle as the West Indies sought to resurrect their run chase, but Taylor was caught by Muneeba off the bowling of Rameen Shamim for 17 to bring a promising partnership to an end.Gajnabi’s 21 dragged her side towards three figures but was bowled by Fatima to leave her side requiring 95 runs with three wickets in hand.That proved too much for the West Indies’ tail, despite a valiant 22 from Aaliyah Alleyne, as they were bowled out for 126, Fatima leading the way with three for 16.Scores in briefPakistan v West Indies – Gaddafi Stadium, LahoreResult: Pakistan win by 65 runsPakistan 191 all out in 49.5 overs (Sidra Amin 54, Muneeba Ali 33; Matthews 2/30, Afy Fletcher 2/39)West Indies 126 all out in 39.2 overs (Aaliyah Alleyne 22, Shakiba Gajnabi 21; Fatima 3/16, Rameen 2/26)

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The President’s Trophy Grade-II 2024-25 is set to begin on Tuesday, 15 April across eight cities including Abbottabad, Haripur, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Sheikhupura and Swabi. The 85-match tournament comprises of three-day matches except the final, which will be a four-day affair scheduled to take place from 22-25 May. Over 400 players across Pakistan will get the opportunity to showcase their skills in this red-ball tournament. The winner of the tournament will be awarded PKR 5 million, while the runner-up team will collect PKR 2.5 million out of a total prize pot of PKR 7.75 million. The triumphant team will also qualify for the President’s Trophy Grade-I in the next domestic season replacing Eshaal Associates. A total of 27 Departmental teams are taking part in the tournament, which are divided into four groups. Top two teams from each group will qualify for the quarter-final stage set to take place from 14-16 May, while the semi-finals are slotted from 18-20 May. Group A (Karachi): Kingsmen, Navy, Pak Saudi International, Pakistan Customs, Port Qasim and Wing 999 SportsGroup B (Islamabad and Rawalpindi): Army, Capital Development Authority (CDA), Ghani Institute, JDW Sugar Mills, JJ’s Consultancy Group, ONETEN Communication and PHA Rawalpindi.Group C (Abbottabad, Swabi and Haripur): Haider Cricket Club, Mit Solutions, PAF, Sardar Group, Service Industries, SNSJ Marketing, Vital TeaGroup D (Sheikhupura and Lahore): Ahmed Glass, Azlaan Traders, Income Tax, Kingsmen Academy, Railways, Sahir Associates and Sabir’s Poultry.

Islamabad (Sports Desk): Pakistan will participate in the third edition of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup for Men’s, which will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 15-21 June 2025. Besides hosts Malaysia, France, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and Wales will fight for top honour.Malaysian Hockey Confederation President, Subahan bin Kamal said: “The Malaysian Hockey Confederation is delighted and privileged to host the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2024-25 in Kuala Lumpur. We are grateful to FIH in entrusting us to host this amazing event for the very first time. We are excited and believe this tournament will definitely bring the best of world hockey talents to Malaysia. We would also like to thank our Honourable Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh in supporting our effort in hosting this event.”FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “It’s a true delight to go back to Malaysia with one of our major events. Our hosts have always been wonderful hockey tournament organisers and the same will prevail again for this Men’s Nations Cup that will qualify the winners for the next edition of the FIH Hockey Pro League. On behalf of FIH, I’d like to extend our sincerest gratitude to our Malaysian friends. I already wish everyone, and first and foremost the athletes, to make the most of this experience to grow, and reach the next level”. The FIH Hockey Nations Cup was launched in 2021 with the aim of offering a top-level competition to the best-ranked teams not participating in the FIH Hockey Pro League and giving the winning team the option to be promoted to the FIH Hockey Pro League the next season, precisely. The first two editions were played in Potchefstroom, South Africa (2022) and Gniezno, Poland (2024). The inaugural Nations Cup (men) was won by South Africa, the following one by New Zealand. 

Quetta beat Attock by 3 wickets, and Gujranwala defeat Hyderabad by 84 runs in semifinalsMurtaza BhattiGujranwala: Hosts Gujranwala and Quetta reached in the final of the PBCC T20 Blind Cricket Trophy2025 (Grade-2) after thrashing Attock and Hyderabad respectively in the semifinals at Jinnah Stadium Gujranwala on Monday. The final will be played on Tuesday (April 15) at the same venue.In the first semifinal, Quetta won the toss and elected to bowl first. Attock were bowled out for just 119 runs in 13.1 overs. Zaheer Ahmed top-scored with 33 runs off 18 balls, while Bashir Ahmed contributed 14 runs off 12 balls. For Quetta, Syed Ehsan Ullah took 3 wickets, and KaleemUllah, Niamat Ullah, and Shahid picked up 2 wickets each.In response, Quetta chased down the target comfortably, reaching 120 for the loss of 3 wickets in just 11 overs. Niamat Ullah continued his impressive form, scoring a brilliant unbeaten70 off 31 balls while Naseeb Ullah added 25 off 17. Haroon and Numan claimed one wicket each for Attock. Quetta won by 7 wickets. Niamat Ullah got man of the match award.Meanwhile, in the second semifinal, Hyderabad won the toss and opted to field first. Gujranwala posted a formidable total of 250 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Veteran Mohammad Akram played a sensational innings, remaining unbeaten on 131 off just 67 balls, while Mohammad Rizwan scored 43 off 32 balls. Ubaid Ullah took 2 wickets for Hyderabad.In reply, Hyderabad managed 167 for 4 in their 20 overs. Mohammad Salman was the top scorer with 58 off 60 balls and Imran Sarwar contributed 44 off 27. For Gujranwala, Mohammad Akram took 2 wickets and Syed Zubair Shah chipped in with 1. Gujranwala won by 84 runs. Mohammad Akram judged best player of the match.

Nadir Mirza, Mikaeel Ali, Abubakar Talha, Zohaib Afzal, Salar Khan and Soha claim winsSports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: As many as 5 Pakistani players Nadir Mirza, Mikaeel Ali Baig, Abubakar Talha, Zohaib Afzal Malik, Salar Khan and one girl Soha Ali moved into next round of the ITF Pakistan World Juniors Tennis Championship 2025 Leg-2 that started here at the PTF-SDA Tennis Complex, Garden Avenue on Monday.A total of 36 boys and 24 girls representing 18 countries, including Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Turkey, Japan, China, Austria, Uzbekistan, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia, Sweden, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Romania and Sri Lanka, are participating in the championship.Results (Day-1):Boys’ Singles (Round-1): Nadir Mirza (PAK) beat Yuxuan Li (CHN) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2; Arjan Singh Dhami (SGP) beat Ahtesham Humayun (PAK) 6-2, 6-3; Mohammad Salar Khan (PAK) beat Ajamal Khakimov (RUS) 6-0, 6-2; Mikaeel Ali Baig (PAK) beat Alexey Ryabov (RUS) 6-1, 6-1; Yagiz Yildiz (TUR) beat Chris Jovan (AUT) 6-1, 6-2; Platon Kovalyov (KAZ) beat Nabeel Ali Qayum (PAK) 6-4, 6-2; Takaya Ishi (JPN) beat Shehryar Anees (PAK) 6-2, 6-0; Abubakar Talha (PAK) beat Ramazan Shagatayev (KAZ) 6-1, 6-1; Rodion Lukashov (KAZ) beat Amir Mazari (PAK) 6-2, 5-7, 6-4; Artem Khusanov (RUS) beat Nelson Guo (USA) 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-3; Zohaib Afzal Malik (PAK) beat Saad Bukadida (TUN) 6-2, 6-2; Mohammad Ali (CAN) beat Mohammad Yahya (PAK) 6-3, 6-3Girls’ Singles (Round-1): Zihan Feng (CHN) beat Vinethya Dharmarante(SRI) 6-3, 6-0; Soha Ali (PAK) beat Alissa Korolyova(KAZ) 6-1, 6-0; Da Eun Lee(KOR) beat Maham Ashraf (PAK) 6-3, 6-0; Seo Hee Jeon (KOR) beat Zara Khan (PAK) 6-0, 6-0

BIPIN DANIPunjab's 24-year-old batting all-rounder, Abhishek Sharma, etched his name in IPL history with a phenomenal maiden century, dedicated to the loyal Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) fans—the Orange Army. The left-handed batter's scintillating knock on Saturday night electrified the Hyderabad crowd and shattered multiple records.In an extraordinary display of power-hitting, Abhishek scored an awe-inspiring 141 runs off just 55 balls. His innings included a stunning 24 boundaries—14 fours and 10 sixes—making it a spectacle to remember in the T20 world. But what added an emotional touch to this iconic moment was what came next. Right after his remarkable performance, Abhishek pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket, which bore the heartfelt message: "This one is for the Orange Army (SRH's fans)."Speaking exclusively to this reporter, the following morning, Abhishek's father, Rajkumar Sharma, shared, "We were totally unaware about this paper. Even his team members were not aware." Rajkumar and his wife, Manju Devi, had arrived in Hyderabad a day prior to the match, a gesture aimed at lifting their son's morale and supporting the team during tough times. "The confidence level of the team members was so low, so we decided to go and boost the morale of my son, Abhishek," the proud father said.The presence of family has proven to be a lucky charm for Abhishek in the past as well. Rajkumar fondly recalled, "In one of his earlier knocks, my daughter (a physiotherapist) was on the ground. It seems to have worked wonders for him." Abhishek himself attributed his spectacular knock to his parents' support. "I was waiting for my parents to be at the stadium. Our entire team was waiting for them," he revealed with a smile after the match.This memorable innings has cemented Abhishek Sharma's place as a star in the making, while also underscoring the significance of family and fans in an athlete's journey. The Orange Army, no doubt, will cherish this tribute for years to come. 

Sports Bulletin ReportRawalpindi: Quetta Gladiators spinner Usman Tariq was reported by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Chris Brown for a suspect bowling action during his side’s HBL PSL X match against Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday evening.As per the rules, Usman can continue to bowl in future matches. However, if the spinner is reported again, he will be suspended from bowling and will need to obtain clearance from an ICC accredited lab before he can resume bowling.

Islamabad (Sports Desk): Powered by two second-period goals, Norway kept its playoff hopes alive with a 3-0 win over Hungary on Sunday. Goalie Ena Nystrom shone in recording her first tournament shutout with 45 saves.Winless and goalless through three games, Hungary is in danger of becoming the only team to go through an IIHF Women's World Championship without scoring since Kazakhstan in 2007. The Kazakhs were outscored 26-0 through four games in their first-ever top-division stint in Winnipeg.Asked to explain Hungary's lack of offence, forward Emma Kreisz said: "It's hard to find an answer to that. I really think that we do our best, and for some reason, it just doesn't want to bounce in for us. We are not sure why, but we have to keep going, and we are here to fight tomorrow as well." Each team has one Group B game remaining, and neither matchup is easy. Hungary faces Germany on Monday and Norway takes on Sweden on Tuesday.“Sweden is a tough team," said Nystrom. "They like to have the puck on their sticks, which we're comfortable with that. It's going to be fun. We know them well too. A lot of our girls know them from the SDHL and playing against them for a few years."Sunday's victory was a long time coming for Norway. The last time Norway won a top-division Women’s Worlds game was 7-4 over Switzerland on 16 April 1994 in Lake Placid, New York. The Norwegians now have a total of five wins all-time at this level.Coach Pat Cortina’s squad arguably deserved a better fate after outshooting Norway 11-4 through 20 minutes. Hungary has fired 24 or more shots on net in all three of its games so far, but at times it's been quantity over quality. Generally speaking, the Hungarians have been a bit too deliberate and tentative in their offensive thrusts and have had problems with the pace at this level.Norway drew first blood 56 seconds into the second period. Blueliner Andrine Furulund fired a wrister from the right point that beat Hungarian starter Aniko Nemeth through traffic."It was fun to get the first goal in the game," said Furulund. "We just got more energy and we just fought from there.”Just past the eight-minute mark of the second, Hungary almost connected on a 2-on-1 off a neutral-zone turnover, but Nystrom stuck out her right pad to deny Kinga Jokai-Szilagyi in close. At 9:46, Emma Bergesen doubled the Norwegian lead. In the Hungarian end, a puck ricocheted to the assistant captain, and she skated to the top of the left faceoff circle before shooting it high past Aniko Nemeth on the glove side."I've known her since she was very little, and I've seen her progress," Nystrom said of Bergesen. "She's awesome. She plays hard every night, and she has skill with the puck too. It's nice to have a really good two-way defenceman in front of me, and I trust her, as we all do."Midway through the third period, the ice opened up during a 4-on-4 sequence. But Nystrom barred the door with the likes of Taylor Baker and Reka Hiezl swarming her crease and firing from all angles during the ensuing abbreviated Hungarian power play.Despite the enthusiastic chanting and drumming of Hungary's famous supporters section, there was to be no dramatic late comeback, even with Hungary outshooting Norway 21-4 in the final stanza.Furulund hailed Nystrom's bravura performance: "She was outstanding. She’s a wall back there. If it wasn’t for her, it could be different, but she’s our wall, and that’s important for us."Aniko Nemeth was pulled for the extra attacker with under three minutes left, but Millie Rose Sirum added an empty-netter at 19:15."Obviously it was nice seeing the puck today," Nystrom said. "I think our D played really well too in front of me. Our centres blocked some shots too, and that's important. We know that we allow a decent amount of shots in this group, and we're okay with that. We just want to allow them in the right places and pick up sticks, and I think we did a good job of that today." (Thanks to Lucas Aykroyd)