Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Defending champions England held on to beat New Zealand by one wicket to keep their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 hopes alive while all but ending the hosts’ hopes of making the semi-finals. New Zealand posted a below-par 203, losing their final eight wickets for 69 as Maddy Green ran out of partners on 52 not out. Injuries to Sophie Devine and Lea Tahuhu left the White Ferns without two senior players but their bowlers stepped up to push England all the way before Anya Shrubsole hit the winning runs. New Zealand were quick off the mark, benefitting from more wayward bowling by England’s opening seamers Katherine Brunt and Shrubsole as they reached 52 without loss by the end of the powerplay. Suzie Bates then departed for 22 from 36 balls as Kate Cross picked up her first wicket, the opener misdirecting a looping ball to Tammy Beaumont before Devine retired hurt on 37 from 42 balls with a back injury. England capitalised on that good fortune with runs hard to come by, Cross delivering the first maiden of the day. Spinner Charlie Dean continued her fine form as she got the wicket of Amelia Kerr, who had to go for 24 from 38 after Shrubsole held onto a catch at fine leg to leave New Zealand on 96 for two. After taking four wickets in the win over India, off-spinner Dean proved the difference again after breaking Amy Satterthwaite and Maddy Green’s promising partnership on 38. The 21-year-old trapped Satterthwaite LBW for 24 from 42, a review showing the ball just clipping the bails. Green’s fifty compensated for her running out Brooke Halliday as Nat Sciver’s fine fielding forced a breakthrough that sparked a collapse which saw New Zealand lose six wickets for 47 runs. Katey Martin went LBW before Tahuhu fell for a duck thanks to a fabulous one-handed catch from captain Heather Knight. Devine returned to the field but only added four runs to her total before holing out to Dean at long-on to leave New Zealand on 161 for seven with 10 overs remaining. Frances Mackay became the third LBW dismissal of the day when she was given out on review after making just one run. When Hannah Rowe went for five her side were 184 for nine and in danger of not making 200. Jess Kerr showed some late attacking intent until a miscommunication between her and Green saw her run out to bring the innings to a close on 203 with New Zealand failing to bat out their overs. England’s opening partnership had only put on 17 runs when Danni Wyatt was dismissed by a great take from Rowe who stretched out her arms as the ball flew over her head. Tahuhu finally got her length right off the final ball of her first over to dismiss Beaumont for 25 and leave England on 53 for two at the end of the powerplay. That scalp made Tahuhu the highest wicket-taker for New Zealand in ODIs with 93, surpassing Aimee Watkins, but she then added to her side’s injury worries, with Devine unable to field, after being forced off with a hamstring issue. Knight built steadily with Sciver, always keeping England above the DLS par score with rain around, until she was given out LBW off the bowling of Mackay for 42. Halliday then took her maiden international wicket to dismiss Amy Jones for one from five balls when the wicketkeeper-batter sent the ball straight to stand-in captain Satterthwaite at mid-wicket. Sciver was joined by Sophia Dunkley and the pair patiently brough up their half-century stand off 64 balls as England moved within 50 of victory. But when Dunkley was clean-bowled by Mackay for 33 it sparked a collapse of five for 20 that almost cost them the game. Sciver was then dismissed by Jess Kerr for 61 to leave England on 187 for six with 6.4 overs remaining. Ecclestone went without scoring before Cross was given out LBW as Mackay earned career-best figures of 4-34, England slipping to 194 for eight. Brunt’s despairing dive failed to save her from being run out with eight still needed and New Zealand needing just one wicket to snatch victory. However, Shrubsole would get the job done, taking the time that her predecessors had failed to, before celebrating wildly as England just about held their nerve. England beat New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland by one wicket New Zealand 203 in 48.5 overs (Maddy Green 52 not out, Sophie Devine 41; Kate Cross 3/35, Sophie Ecclestone 3/41) England 204/9 in 47.2 overs (Nat Sciver 61, Heather Knight 42; Frances Mackay 4/34 , Jess Kerr 2/36) Player of the Match: Nat Sciver (England) 

Sports Bulletin Report BHUBENESWAR (India):-It took a goal of real flair and class to separate these two teams in a match that twisted and turned as each team enjoyed moments of ascendency followed by moments of intense pressure. In the end, it was Mandeep Singh who scored the winning goal - finding the net in the final minute of play for the second consecutive day. India 4-3 Argentina (men) Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar (IND) Very much like the action from the previous day’s match, the opening quarter was a slow burn. Both teams probed each other’s defence but there was no significant goal mouth action. Nicolas Keenan for Argentina showed a willingness to attack up the Argentina left-hand side of the pitch but on the whole, there was very little created by either team. India won the first penalty corner of the game in the second minute of the second quarter. Varun Kumar took the shot, which Tomas Santiago saved well. However, Hardik Singh was on hand to volley the ball home to give his side the lead. India captain Amit Rohidas created his team’s second clear cut chance to score when he burst through the Argentina defence to draw a foul. The ensuing penalty corner gave Jugraj Singh his fourth goal for the senior team – a rasping shot that Santiago barely saw as it crossed his line. Argentina made their own chances, winning two penalty corners which they were unable to convert. In addition, Martin Ferreiro shot over the bar and the ever-dangerous Keenan also just shot wide. At half-time, Graham Reid was upbeat about his team’s performance in front of goal but felt that they could improve their possession in the midfield. Argentina started the second half with verve and intent. Leaving attackers high, Los Leones worked hard to gain possession in the midfield and then set up counter attacks. Argentina thought they had won a penalty stroke in the 32nd minute when Agustin Bugallo looked to have been fouled on his way to goal but the initial decision of a penalty stroke was overturned. Having survived an Argentina onslaught, India took up the momentum. Mandeep was unlucky not to get on the end of an aerial that eliminated most of the Argentina defence but seconds later India were on the attack again. Harmanpreet had another chance to add to his goal tally with a penalty corner but his shot flew just wide. In this most intense of games, it was Argentina’s turn to strike next. A quick attack, spear-headed by Martin Ferreiro, led to a penalty corner. Nicolas della Torre was able to send his shot past PR Sreejesh in the India goal to make it 2-1. Following the Argentina goal, India seemed to lose their structure a little. The visiting side were able to take advantage and bring the scores level when Tomas Domene sent home a lovely penalty stroke after Acosta was fouled in the circle. With nine minutes left on the clock, momentum changed again. India managed to wrest the lead back when Jugraj scored his second stupendous penalty corner of the day. Santiago had no chance of stopping the shot as it flew past him. Just one minute later, Jugraj thought he had his hat trick but the shot was disallowed following an umpire’s video referral. A fantastic piece of skill by Ferreiro saw the forward twist and turn through the India defence. His strength, while in possession of the ball, was superb and the resulting shot was world class. With just over three minutes left, the scores were once more equal. Just when it seemed that the match was going to shoot-out for the second consecutive day, Jugraj and Mandeep combined to score the most amazing winning goal. Jugraj fired the ball into the circle and Mandeep touched the ball to add the final, embellishing flourish and to seal the victory. Player of the Match, Varun Kumar said: 'I think the team made a good effort. We fought until the last minute. We created a lot of chances, although there are still things to improve on.' The result means India move to the top of the FIH Pro League ahead of Netherlands, with Argentina in fourth position, one point behind Germany. Result: Men's Match 30 India 4, Argentina 3 Player of the Match, Varun Kumar (IND) Umpires: Javed Shaikh (IND), Raghu Prasad (IND), Deepak Joshi (IND, Video Umpire)

BIPIN DANI Sri Lanka's former fast bowler Chaminda Vaas has been invited to teach the basics of (fast) bowling in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it is learnt.   "We have invited him to upgrade the skills of the school boys to the next level and he will conduct the sessions at two schools-Sharjah English School (SES) and Delhi Private School (DPS), Vaas' friend Presley Polonnowita, who has played the game with Vaas, said exclusively over the telephone from Dubai. Interestingly, Presley Polonnowita, who has played First Class cricket and represented the country in U-18 as an all-rounder is the founder and the CEO of the Desert Clubs Cricket Academy, which is the largest in the Gulf region.  "We are serving close to 600 kids in four centers and the majority of boys will benefit with the knowledge and experience of legendary cricketer Vaas". "Vaas will conduct three sessions (each of 2.5 hours) for three days on April 1,2 & 3". Vaas and Presley share good friendship and have spent a lot of time together at India's MRF.   "This will be a great opportunity for the kids in the UAE to learn from Vaas", he signed off.

Sports Bulletin Report SALT LAKE CITY:-The XVIII IFSC (International Federation of Sports Climbing) General Assembly met in the Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, as fifty-four delegates from 40 countries and territories participated in the Assembly, which combined physical presence and online attendance. The 2-day meeting opened on 18 March with a video message from the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach. “You have every reason to be proud,” he said. “Because this General Assembly is truly special for the Climbing community. It is your first General Assembly since Sport Climbing made its Olympic debut at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, so please accept my heartfelt congratulations on this milestone.” “What an entrance your sport has made on the Olympic stage! The performance of your athletes in Tokyo celebrated your sport and your community at its best. A real display of excellence in sport, a youthful energy, but also inspiring moments of respect and sportsmanship that touched the hearts of so many people around the globe,” added Bach. Messages from the President of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF), Francesco Ricci Bitti, and the CEO of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) Sarah Hirshland, opened the second and final session, on 19 March. MEMBER FEDERATIONS OF RUSSIA AND BELARUS SUSPENDED The General Assembly discussed the ongoing issue of the war in Ukraine and the status of the National Federations of Belarus and Russia. It was decided to increase the current restrictions already placed on the two National Federations and to move to a suspension of their membership. The Executive Board was subsequently mandated to continually assess the situation and consider the removal of the suspension when the circumstances allow. JAPAN AND USA WIN 2021 NATIONAL TEAM AWARDS IFSC Vice President Kobinata Toru presented the Japan Mountaineering and Sport Climbing Association (JMSCA) with the first-place award in the 2021 National Teams’ Ranking; IFSC Secretary General Debra Gawrych also presented USA Climbing with the second-place award. IFSC AWARDS AUSTRIA, SWITZERLAND, AND UNITED STATES WITH SUSTAINABILITY AWARD IFSC President Marco Scolaris presented delegates of Austria Climbing, the Swiss Alpine Club, and USA Climbing with the 2021 IFSC Sustainability Award, for their sustainable event strategy following the IFSC Sustainability Guidelines. IFSC ANNOUNCE CHANGES TO ETHICS COMMISSION TO ENSURE CONTINUED INTEGRITY The IFSC Executive Board has responded to a dispute raised by the Chair of its Ethics Commission by unanimously adopting resolutions aimed at ensuring ongoing adherence to the IFSC statutes, rules and regulations. The Executive Board charged the Ethics Commission with overstepping its remit and interfering in the Federation’s governance and ordinary course of business. The Ethics Commission has been ruled to be in violation of the statutes by directly communicating to National Federations with information that is considered false and unfounded on the eve of the General Assembly. As a result, the current Ethics Commission and all its members will be suspended, there will be a complete reform of the Commission, including its regulations and composition, and a new Commission will be appointed as soon as circumstances allow. The reform process will be conducted by independent experts and experienced members of National Federations. IFSC CELEBRATES OLYMPIC DEBUT WITH PHOTO BOOK To commemorate the debut of Sport Climbing at last summer’s Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, the IFSC has produced a photo book that will be presented to all those who helped make the event such a success. The book opens with a message from IFSC President Marco Scolaris and is then divided into three parts: the lead-up to Tokyo 2020, the four days of Olympic competition, and quotes and remarks from Climbing stakeholders, including representatives of the IFSC Member Federations. In total, 500 numbered copies of the book have been produced. Delegates attending the General Assembly in Salt Lake City have each received a copy. All athletes and team officials who were present at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 will also be presented with the book. IFSC PRESENTS 2021 ANNUAL REPORT TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY The IFSC Annual Report 2021 Annual Report was also officially unveiled at the XVIII IFSC General Assembly. The report, designed and sustainably produced with the help of British communications agency Touchline, opens with messages from IFSC President Marco Scolaris and IFSC Secretary General Debra Gawrych. The Annual Report recaps all the milestones of what will be remembered as a historic year for Sport Climbing, one that included the sport’s highly successful Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020. Other sections include highlights of the 2021 IFSC season, the IFSC Financial Reports, and the work of Sport Climbing stakeholders and IFSC staff.

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD:-Javagal Srinath of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees has rated the pitch at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru that was used for the second Test between India and Sri Lanka as “below average” and the venue has received one demerit point under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process. Bangalore pitch IND v SL Srinath said: “The pitch offered a lot of turn on the first day itself and though it improved with every session, in my view, it was not an even contest between bat and ball.” Srinath’s report has been forwarded to the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

Ijaz Ajmed LAHORE:-Newage Cables/Master Paints clinched the coveted trophy after beating 11-10 in the final of the 1st President of Pakistan National Open Polo Championship 2022 sponsored by MidCity here at the Jinnah Polo Fields on Sunday. Gonzalo Deltour emerged as hero of the day as he displayed marvellous mallet and pony work and contributed with excellent eight goals while Vieri Antinori banged in a brace and Alman Jalil Azam scored one goal. For Diamond Paints, Max Charlton though played well and fired in five goals while Ahmed Ali Tiwana cracked a quartet and Mir Shoaib Ahmed stuck one goal but their efforts proved futile in the end. Both the sides played extremely well against each other in the nail-biting title clash and matched fire-with-fire till the end as the score at the end of the fifth chukker the score was level at 10-10. The match was then decided in the sudden death sixth chukker, where both the teams played extremely well but Gonzalo Deltour played extraordinary polo in the crucial sudden death chukker and smashed in a superb match-winning goal to guide Newage Cables/Master Paints to a well-deserving 11-10 title victory. On the other hand, Remounts players held their nerves in the seventh chukker to claim the third position by beating Master Paints by a narrow margin of 10-9. Simon Prado was star of the day for Remounts as he smashed in superb six goals while Nico Roberts hammered a week of goals and ALD Imran Shahid struck one goal. For Master Paints, Marcos Panelo cracked a classic quartet while Martin Carlos and Bilal Haye banged in a brace each and Sufi Muhammad Haroon scored one goal. Governor Punjab Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar graced the final as chief guest and gave away prizes and shields to the winners and top performers. Other prominent ones present on the occasion were former Governor Punjab Lt Gen (R) Khalid Maqbool, Pakistan Polo Association Secretary Lt Col Ayaz, JPF President Lt Col (R) Shoaib Aftab, Secretary Maj (R) Baber Mahboob Awan, players and their families and polo enthusiasts. At the prize distribution ceremony after the thrilling final, Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) member and former five-goal player Syed Shahid Ali Shah was awarded the life time achievement award while Usman Aziz Anwar was awarded the best player in -2-0 category, in 0-2 category,  Imran Shahid was named the best player, in 2-4 category, Raja Temur Nadeem emerged as the best player, and Pakistan's best player award was claimed by Hissam Ali Hyder, the best foreign player award was clinched by Gonzalo Deltour of Newage Cables/Master Paints, the best foreign polo pony award was claimed by Sufi Haroon's pony and the best local breed pony award was lifted by local pony of Mona Dipot and the award was received by Brig Muhammad Naeem. In the end, JPF President Lt Col (R) Shoaib Aftab thanked Governor Punjab Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar, sponsors MidCity Housing, Suzuki Motors, Askari Bank and DHA and presented then a souvenir each.

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD:-Davis cupper national tennis player, Mohammad Usman Ejaz has won the Singles title of the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) Tennis League after beating Hamza Asim in final 2-0 at Islamabad Tennis Complex G-6 on Sunday. Usman was in a great form in the final and did not allow his opponent to settle his feet on the court, as Usman displayed top quality tennis. He conceded just single game in the first set while two in the second to brushed aside his challenger. The final score-line was 6-1 and 6-2.    Mohammad Usman Ejaz said in his post match comments: “After representing Pakistan in the Davis Cup competition I have recently restarted professional tennis. I am thankful to my Coach Mahboob Khan who keeps on adjusting my technique and tactics and I am confident that under his supervision I will achieve my maximum tennis potential. Khan gave me vital tips before the final and how to play against a left-handed opponent. I kept mentor’s tips during the match and I finished with victory, “he added.  "Such tournaments are crucial for providing much needed match practice and opportunities for young and budding players to improve their games further.  I thank the main Sponsor Karachi Port Trust and the ITC Management, Kamran Khalil, for arranging such an event. I am confident that under the supervision Mehboob Khan I will achieve my maximum tennis potential in future, “he hoped.  Two major upset were done today as in the Under 16 boys semifinals HaziqHamza defeated Ali Zain 6-2 while in Men open singles semifinal Hamza Asim beat Jabir Ali 8-4, both players have performed excellent and played at highest level. In the Under-12 final, Hassan Usmani beat Abdul Wasay 6-2, 6-2 while in the Ladies final Sheeza Sajid defeated Soha Ali in both Under-16 and ladies final. Brigadier Tariq Bashir from KPT was the chief guest and distributed the prizes among the winners and runner-ups. On this occasion, Fazal-e-Subhan Director Islamabad Tennis Complex thanked Chairman KPT NadirWaraich for his support. Results: Boys’ Open Singles (Round Robin Matches): Jabir Ali beat Ali Zain 8-2; Qasim Ali beat Ubaid AIlyas 8-3; Hamza Asim beat Mohammad Osama 8-1; Abdullah Khan beat Adnan Khan 8-3; Osama beat InamQadir 8-0; Jabir Ali beat Ahmed Murad 8-2; Ali Zain beat Ahmed Murad 8-2: Omer Masood beat Mohammad Obaida 8-6; Semifinals: Usman Ejaz beat Qasim Ali 8-3 Hamza Asim beat Jabir Ali 8-4 Final: Usman Ejaz beat Hamza Asim 6-1, 6-2 Open singles (Ladies) Round Robin Matches: Sheeza Sajid beat Amara Khan 6-3; Zara Khan beat Farah Khan 6-3; Amara Khan beat Farah Khan 6-2; Soha Ali beat Zara Khan 6-0; Final: Sheeza Sajid beat Soha Ali 6-2, 6-4 Boys’ Under-12 (Round Robin Matches): Abdul Wasay beat Rizwan Shah 6-2; Hassan Usmani beat Umer Imtiaz 6-0; Ozair Maqsood beat Omair Khan 6-1; Amir Masood beat Vishal 6-0; Abdul Wasay beat Amir Masood 6-2; Hassan Usmani beat OzairMaqsood 6-1; Final: Hassan Usmani beat Abdul Wasay 6-2, 6-2 Boys’ Under-16 (Round Robin Matches): Sameer Kiyani beat Hassan Usmani 6-1; Subhan Aslam beat Abdul Wahid 6-2; Ali Zain beat Inam Qadir 6-0; Abdul Wasay beat Ahmed Imtiaz 7-5; Zahid Bin Ayan beat Abdul Wahid 6-3; Mohammad Jareer beat InamQadir 6-1; Semifinals: Sameer Kiyani beat Abdullah Khan 7-5 Haziq Asim beat Ali Zain 6-2 Final: Sameer Kiyani beat Haziq Asim 7-5, 7-5 Girls’ Under-16 (Round Robin Matches): Sheeza Sajjid beat Zara Khan 6-0; Soha Ali beat Zara Shebaz 6-0; Amara Khan beat Amna 6-1; Farah Shah Khan beat Fatima Noor 6-3; Sheeza Sajid beat Fatima Noor 6-1; Soha Ali beat Amna 6-2 Final: Sheeza Sajid beat Soha Ali 7-5, 6-3; Girls’ Under-12 (Round Robin Matches): Lala Rukh Sajid beat Zaina 6-0; Zara Shebaz beat Fatima Masood 6-1; Fatima Masood beat AmnaMasood 6-4; Ayesha Maqsood beat Eman 6-4; Lala Rukh Sajid beat Ayesha Maqsood 6-2; Marukh Sajid beat Zara Shebaz 6-1 Final: Marukh Sajid beat Lala Rukh Sajid 6-3

Ali Ahmed LAHORE:-Pakistan and Australia cricket boards have mutually agreed to shift white-ball matches from Rawalpindi to Lahore on the dates as announced previously. The decision was made on Saturday morning following discussions between the two boards. This means the headquarters of Pakistan cricket will host the 29 March, 31 March and 2 April One-Day Internationals as well as the one-off Twenty20 International on 5 April at the back of the third Test, which commences on 21 March. The 50-over matches will start at 1500 local time, while the first ball in the 20-over match will be bowled at 2030 local time. Australia’s white-ball players, as originally planned, will arrive in Lahore on 24 March and after one-day room isolation, will integrate with other members of their side. Pakistan’s white-ball players are scheduled to assemble on 22 March and will resume training on 25 March. The ODIs are part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League. Top seven-placed sides from this event plus ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 hosts India will qualify directly for the pinnacle 50-over competition, which will be staged next year in October/November. Australia are presently seventh and Pakistan ninth in the 13-team event, but a lot of 50-over cricket still needs to be played. Squads: Australia (ODI & T20I) - Aaron Finch (captain), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Ben McDermott, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa Pakistan (ODI) – Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Asif Afridi, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-Ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shahnawaz Dahani and Usman Qadir Pakistan (T20I) – Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Asif Afridi, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shahnawaz Dahani and Usman Qadir    

Sports Bulletin Report BHUBANESAR (India):-A closely-matched encounter between two entertaining teams saw Argentina take the bonus point after the visiting side was more clinical in the shoot-out than their India hosts. During the match, the momentum swung from one team to the other in this fast-paced and sometimes tense match at Kalinga Hockey Stadium Bhubaneswar, India. India 2-2 Argentina (men) (Argentina won shoot-out 3-1): The match between two of the most technically skilled teams in the world was an intriguing encounter that saw Argentina unusually dominate possession in the opening half. Los Leones are often on the losing side of possession stats, preferring to score on a swift counter. In the Kalinga Stadium, however, it was the men in blue and white who started the stronger and put India under a lot of pressure in the opening quarter. Martin Ferreiro came the closest to opening the scoring but his sharply taken shot was well saved by Krishnan Pathak in the India goal. The second quarter saw India move into a higher gear and create their own chances, including four penalty corner attempts. However, with Harmanpreet sitting on 98 goals for his country and seeking to reach a century of goals, the penalty corner striker was unable to turn India’s first three penalty corners into goals. Jugraj took the fourth penalty corner but his shot scuffed the surface and was cleared easily. PR Sreejesh replaced Pathak in India’s goal and was quickly called into action when he smartly cleared the ball after Harmanpreet was caught in possession in his defensive quarter. Argentina were reduced to 10 players after Nicolas Keenan was shown a yellow card at the end of the second half. After his half-time team talk, India Head Coach Graham Reid said: ‘I was happy with the opportunities we created and we withheld Argentina’s barrage in the first quarter. Now we need to capitalise on our own penalty corner chances.’ As the second half got underway both teams got a little jittery. Passes went astray and possession was lost all too easily. One of the reasons for this is the keen sense of competition between the two sides. Of their last 10 meetings, each side has won four times and there have been two draws. They are also close in the FIH World Rankings with India ranked fourth and Argentina sixth. The breakthrough came when Gurjant Singh scored a poacher’s goal. The ball was crashed forwards by Mandeep Singh and Gurjant was perfectly positioned behind the Argentina defence to tip it past Tomas Santiago in the Argentina goal. India had more chances in the quarter as their swift and precise passing left the Argentina players chasing shadows. However, it was Argentina, against the run of play, who scored the equaliser. Nicolas Acosta’s shot took a deflection and the ball shot past Pathak to bring the scores level. With seven minutes left, Argentina won a penalty corner. Nicolas Keenen injected the ball and Nicolas della Torres played the ball back to Keenan, who lifted it home to give his team the lead. India nearly scored just seconds later as Shilanand hit the ball goalwards and Sukhjeet came tantalisingly close to directing it home, only to see it fly past the post. With India still pressing for a goal, a direct run by Jarmanpreet saw the player felled by an Argentina defender. The ensuing penalty corner was again well run down by Argentina’s number one runner, Thomas Habif. With under 60 seconds left on the clock, India managed to gain possession. A quick break saw the ball fall to Mandeep and he fired home the equaliser. Argentina took the bonus point in the ensuing shoot-out. Keenan, Tomas Domene, Lucas Toscani all scored for Argentina, and Santiago made a fabulous save from Abishek. For India, only Harmanpreet scored his attempt. The Player of the Match was Argentina's Matias Rey (ARG).  The result means India remain in second place in the FIH Pro League behind Netherlands, with Argentina in fourth position, one point behind Germany. FIH Pro League action continues at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar on 20 March when India men host their second match against Argentina men. The women's league action continues at the Deutscher Sportklub, Düsseldorf on Tuesday 22 March, when Germany women play host to Spain women. Result: Men's Match 29 India 2, Argentina 2 (Argentina win shoot-out bonus point 3-1) Player of the Match, Matias Rey (ARG) Umpires: Deepak Joshi (IND), Javed Shaikh (IND), Raghu Prasad (IND, Video Umpire)

Aamir Ali Janjua DUBAI (UAE):-Pakistan thrashed traditional rival India by 58 runs in the final of Triangular T-20 Blind Cricket Series at Skyland University Cricket Ground, Sharjah. Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first. Nisar Ali and Mohammad Rashid opened the innings for Pakistan and the first wicket fell at the score of 75 runs when Rashid was retired out while Nisar Ali kept the run-rate over 8 runs per over and got out after scoring 70 runs off 51 balls. Badar Munir scored 63 runs off 25 balls. He smashed 5 sixes and 3 boundaries in his innings. Pakistan finished on 216 runs on the board for the loss of 3 wickets in 20 overs. Chasing the target of 217 runs, India lost 3 quick wickets in 2 overs for just 10 runs, thereafter Sunil played a splendid inning of 91 runs but wasn’t enough to take his side home. India made 158 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 20 overs. Badar Munir took 3 wickets for Pakistan. Result: Pakistan won by 58 runs Man of the Match: Badar Munir Man of the Series: B1: Riasat Khan (Pakistan) B2: Badar Munir (Pakistan) B3: Sunil Ramesh (India)