Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ramiz Raja has paid a glowing tribute to the Pakistan cricket fans when he credited them for the phenomenal success of HBL Pakistan Super League 7, which culminated on Sunday with Lahore Qalandars winning their maiden title at the Gaddafi Stadium. PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja: “There is no doubt that the HBL Pakistan Super League 7 has been a phenomenal success and this is largely due to the fact that we had amazing crowds, both in Karachi and Lahore. In my professional career, I have never seen such charged up, overwhelming, enthusiastic, lively and supportive crowds, particularly in Lahore. “On behalf of the Pakistan Cricket Board, I thank all the fans who crossed the turnstiles to not only play their significant part in the success of HBL PSL 7, but through our high-definition production showcased Pakistan as a cricket passionate country. “I would like to thank our sponsors, players, franchises, the medical team, law enforcing agencies, local and provisional administrations, commentators and crew members, and ground staff for their untiring efforts, as well as millions watching on television all around the world who made this HBL PSL a memorable spectacle. “HBL PSL 7 profits jumped to 71 percent, the most in its history, with each franchise earning around PKR900million, again the most in HBL PSL’s history, and all before the first ball was even bowled. “For next year, we aspire to take this league to the homes of all franchises and broaden its fan-reach.”

Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD:-Farhan Mehbbob and Hamza Khan reached in the final of PSF-International Squash Circuit-1 Tournament after beating their respective opponents in straight games at Mushaf Squash Complex, Islamabad on Monday. Final will be played on Tuesday at the same venue. In the 1st Semifinal, World No 240 Farhan Mehboob outclassed his younger brother World No 157 Waqas Mehboob 3-0 with the score-line of 11-5, 11-9 and 11-9, as the match wasted 24 minutes. Farhan Mehboob top quality squash and was looking in nice shape, as he proved his fitness too. Later on, in the 2nd Semi Final, World No 220 Hamza Khan toppled World No 116 Farhan Zaman in similar style 3-0. The final score-line was 11-7, 11-6 and 11-7 after wasting just 22 minutes in the court.

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI:-Pakistan Blind Cricket team defeated South Africa by a big margin of 249 runs in the 1st One Day International match of three-match tie at Southend Cricket Stadium Karachi on Monday. South African Blind Cricket Team won the toss and decided to bowl first. Four players from Pakistan and three players from South Africa made One-Day International debut for their sides. Debutant Faisal Mehmood and Ahtesham ul Haq opened the innings from Pakistan and made 108 runs in the first wicket partnership. Mohammad Salman B1 attacked on opponents bowlers, as both Salman and Ahtesham hit centuries and put Pakistan into a formidable position, they scored 132 and 122 runs respectively. Shahzaib Hayder played a brisk inning of 118 runs off 56 balls and took Pakistan's score to 473 runs in stipulated 40 overs for the loss of 4 wickets. Lwande Bhidla took 2 wickets for South Africa. In reply, chasing the huge target of 474 runs, South Africa lost early wickets and Pakistan bowling ran through the Proteas top and middle order by taking 6 wickets at mere 69 runs. Lwande Bhidla and Buhle Bidla tried to rescue and knitted a partnership of 103 runs for 7th wicket but wasn’t enough to take South Africa home. South Africa was bowled out at 224 runs in 38.4 overs. Lwande Bhidla was the star in the batting as well with 44 runs and Bhule Bidla scored 40 runs. Muhammad Shahzaib was the pick amongst the bowlers for Pakistan by taking 3 wickets, while Mohammad Salman, Shahzaib Haider, Mohsin Khan and Akmal Hayyat claimed a wicket apiece. Akhtar Anayat Bhugri, Secretary Sports Sindh was the chief guest of the occasion and distributed prizes, he was accompanied by Syed Sultan Shah Chairman PBCC. Result: Pakistan won by 249 runs Man of the Match: Mohammad Salman.

Bipin Dani Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board has sent the Under-19 coach Avishka Gunawardene to train members of the senior national Test players in India, it is learnt. According to highly placed sources, Avishka Gunawardene has travelled with a few Test players (who were not part of the T-20I squad) to India. "They were not sent to Lucknow or Dharamshala where the T-20Is were played but have directly reached Mohali", one of the sources in the PCA (Punjab Cricket Association) confirmed. Former left-handed batsman Gunawardene is not a part of the official squad and is likely to return before the Test series begins early next month. "He has been sent to train the Test players ahead of the two Test matches. Once the full squad reaches Mohali (on Monday) after the 3rd T-20I is over on Sunday night, the coaching staff will take charge of the Test team", the source in the SLC, said. Sri Lanka is scheduled to play two Test matches in Mohali (March 4-8) and Bangalore (Match 12-16). Avishka was also coaching the Test probables in Colombo before the final squad was picked. He will take charge of the junior boys on his return from India. 

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-It was to be Spain's day in Bhubaneswar as the Red Sticks men and women's teams put in resilient performances to defeat the host nations in the second day of FIH Hockey Pro League action between the two nations. Spain beat India 4-3 (women) - Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar (IND) Spain started the first quarter in dominating fashion. Begona Garcia in particular seemed to be everywhere and her energetic running was rewarded with a goal in the fourth minute of the game. At this stage, Spain were in the ascendency and India seemed to be overwhelmed by the pace of the Red Stick’s game. That changed in the 10th minute when debutant Sangita Kumari showed her strength and ability to find the goal as she beat two defenders and then shot with precision to bring the scores level. For an athlete in her first senior match, Sangita showed some cool-headed skill. The Garcia show continued as the quarter counted down. A clever ball into the circle by Georgina Oliva, who celebrated her 250th cap, found an Indian foot to win a penalty corner. Following the initial shot, it was Maialen Garcia who deflected the penalty corner shot into the goal to restore the Spanish lead. Salima Tete answered Head Coach Janneke Schopman’s request for speedier play. The forward brought the scores level as she burst forwards into the Spain circle and unleashed a reverse stick shot that proved unstoppable. Just two minutes later, in the 24th minute, we saw the moment of the match as Belen Iglesias used tremendous skill and vision to lob the ball over Savita’s head, into the goal. Just when it looked as if the match was going to shoot-out, up stepped one of the more experienced of the Red Sticks team – Xantal Gine – to fire home the penalty corner that gave Spain their first win of the FIH Hockey Pro League. The result means India are in third position in the league table behind Argentina and Netherlands. Spain, with a win and a draw are in fifth place, just behind Belgium. Spain beat India 5-3 (men) - Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar (IND) India took a lead in the sixth minute through Abhishek; the striker running the backline and then flicking past Adrian Rafi. Eight minutes later, Pau Cunill scored from Spain’s first penalty corner in the 14th minute and just seconds later eventual Player of the Match Joan Tarres looked almost casual as he struck an upright, reverse stick shot past Suraj Karkera in the India goal to put Spain ahead as they went into the break. A rocket from Pau Cunill was the first score of the second quarter and it was against the run of play as India had enjoyed more possession and more meaningful attacks to that point. But Cunill’s shot was accomplished and confident as it flew past PR Sreejesh in the India goal. Sreejesh was celebrating his 250th match for India and this was not the way he would want to remember the occasion. India responded through Harmanpreet Singh, again from a polished penalty corner routine. The goal makes Harmanpreet the first player to reach double figures in this year’s goal scoring tally. With the score at 3-2, the second half was all set to mimic, if not exceed, the excitement and drama of the previous day’s action. The third quarter was intense but neither side managed to find a goal-scoring breakthrough, although India were definitely playing with more energy and ideas than their European counterparts. The question was whether Max Caldas’ men could hold onto the lead and, if possible, extend it. The answer came with nine minutes left on the clock. Sukhjeet Singh, who was playing his first senior game, made the dream start on his debut, dribbling through the Spanish defenders before slotting the ball home to bring the scores level. For the Spanish team, the spectre of once again losing in the final moments was looming large. With just over six minutes left there was yet another twist in the this tale. Pepe Cunill joined his brother Pau on the score-sheet after rifling home a penalty corner – for his first senior international goal. The shot was subject to a long video review but the goal stood and Spain took the lead again. India took their ‘keeper from the field with three minutes left and Spain were able to capitalise when they won another penalty corner. Marc Miralles was able to fire home for his fourth goal of the weekend. The 5-3 scoreline with just 90 seconds left gave the Red Sticks breathing room as they headed to their first FIH Hockey Pro League win of the season.

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Christchurch:-Half-centuries from Aliya Riaz and Nida Dar handed Pakistan a four-wicket win over hosts New Zealand in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup warm-up at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln. Aliya smashed unbeaten 62 off 52 (eight fours) and Nida struck 54 off 59 (four fours) as the two contributed crucial 99 runs for the sixth wicket after Pakistan found themselves in a spot of bother with five wickets down for 119, chasing 230. The other notable performances with the bat came from opener Sidra Amin (34 off 47), Omaima Sohail (31 off 34) and captain Bismah Maroof (28 off 58). Aliya and Nida were Pakistan’s top run scorers in ODIs in 2021. Left-arm orthodox Nashra Sandhu accounted for four White Ferns batters as she returned four for 32 in 10 overs and Fatima Sana and Ghulam Fatima picked up two wickets each after Bismah chose to field after calling the toss right. New Zealand were bowled out for 229 in 45 overs. Pakistan play their second and final warm-up against Bangladesh on 2 March, before they fly to Tauranga, where they will open their World Cup campaign on 6 March with the match against India. Scores in brief: New Zealand 229 all out, 45 overs (Amy Satterthwaite 80, Maddy Green 58; Nashra Sandhu 4-32, Fatima Sana 2-38, Ghulam Fatima 2-44) Pakistan 233 for 6, 49.2 overs (Aliya Riaz 62 not out, Nida Dar 54, Sidra Amin 34, Omaima Sohail 31, Bismah Maroof 28; Jess Kerr 2-30).     

Ali Ahmed LAHORE:-The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has handed out 100 contracts to junior cricketers between 13 and 19 years age bracket as part of PCB’s Junior Development Programme. Alongside the financial support, the PCB will be investing in these youngsters to develop their complete personality, including cricketing skills and providing education to them. With the contracts coming into effect the 100 contracted players will be earning monthly retainers of PKR 30,000 each. Under-19 players for junior contracts: Aaliyan Mehmood (Sindh), Abbas Ali (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Abdul Faseeh (Northern), Abdul Rehman (Sindh), Adeel Meo (Sindh), Adil Naz (Northern), Afaq Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Ahmed Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Ali Asfand (Central Punjab), Arafat Ahmed (Southern Punjab), Arham Nawab (Central Punjab), Asif Ali (Sindh), Aun Shehzad (Southern Punjab), Aurangzaib (Balochistan), Awais Abbas (Southern Punjab), Awais Ali (Central Punjab), Azan Awais (Central Punjab), Basit Ali (Balochistan), Ch Shujah (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Faisal Akram (Southern Punjab), Ghazi Ghori (Sindh), Habibullah (Sindh), Hafiz Usman Nadeem (Central Punjab), Haseebullah (Balochistan), Hasnat Abbas (Central Punjab), Husnain Majid (Southern Punjab), Irfan Khan Niazi (Central Punjab), Jahandad Khan (Northern), Kabir Raj (Balochistan), Kashif Ali (Sindh), Khawaja Mohammad Hafeez (Sindh), Maaz Sadaqat (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mehran Mumtaz (Northern), Mohammad Danish (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Ismail (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Shehzad (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Umar (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Waqas (Central Punjab), Mohammad Zahid (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Zeeshan (Central Punjab), Mubashir Nawaz (Sindh), Rizwan Ahmed (Balochistan), Rizwan Mehmood (Sindh), Sajjad Ali (Balochistan), Shahwaiz Irfan Ullah (Central Punjab), Shamraiz Khan (Balochistan), Shamyl Hussain (Northern), Wahaj Riaz (Sindh), Zeeshan Zameer (Sindh) and Zubair Shinwari (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) Special talent - nominated category: Ali Raza (Central Punjab U16), Faizan Saleem (Northern U19), Farhan Yousaf (Central Punjab U16), Ibrar Afzal (Central Punjab), Momin Qamar (Central Punjab U16), Muneeb Wasif (Central Punjab U19), Raza Ul Mustafa (Northern U19), Tahir Hussain (Southern Punjab U19), Talha Ihsan (Sindh U19) and Usman Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U16) Under-16 players for junior contracts: Adeel Mushtaq (Southern Punjab Blues), Adil Waheed (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Afkar Durrani (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Ahmed Hussain (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Blues), Ali Hamza (Central Punjab), Ali Hasnain Badshah (Southern Punjab), Ali Hassan Baloch (Central Punjab), Amir Hassan (Northern), Awais Raheem (Sindh), Haroon Arshad (Sindh), Inamullah (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Ansarullah (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Haroon (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Nabeel (Northern), Mohammad Shoaib (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Tayyab Arif (Central Punjab Whites), Mohammad Usman (Central Punjab), Mohammad Zubair (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Riazullah Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Saad Masood (Northern), Salman Ahmed (Southern Punjab), Shahmir Nisar Khan (Northern), Ubaid Shahid (Central Punjab), Usman Ghani (Balochistan) and Yahya Shah (Sindh) Under-13 players for junior contracts Abdul Rehman (Southern Punjab), Ahsan Khan (Sindh), Akbar Ali (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Faizan Riasat (Southern Punjab), Hasnain Abbas (Central Punjab), Junaid Khan Khalil (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Khan Wali (Balochistan), Maaz Ahmed (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Ali Sabir (Central Punjab), Mohammad Azan (Sindh), Mohammad Sohaib (Northern), Mohammad Umar (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Yousaf (Northern), Taj Mohammad (Central Punjab) and Zain Ul Abideen (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) Players already having a domestic contract (will become part of this program, in addition to 100 players) Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (Balochistan), Mohammad Huraira (Central Punjab), Mubasir Khan (Northern), Qasim Akram (Central Punjab) and Saim Ayub (Sindh)                                                                                                

Sports Bulletin Report RAWALPINDI:-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain Iftikhar Ahmed and fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Junior have been included in Pakistan’s Test squad for the first match of the three-match series against Australia. The two have replaced Faheem Ashraf and Hasan Ali who have been ruled out of the Rawalpindi Test (first of the series) due to injuries. Both Iftikhar and Wasim (chosen due to their all-round ability) will reach Islamabad tonight and start their three-day isolation at the team hotel after which they will join the rest of the squad after clearing covid tests. Faheem and Hasan will rejoin the squad in the coming week and after completing their three-day mandatory isolation integrate with the rest of the squad during the first Test, both are expected to regain full fitness before the second Test that will be played in Karachi 12-16 March. 15-player squad: Babar Azam (captain) (Central Punjab), Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain) (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Abdullah Shafique (Central Punjab), Azhar Ali (Central Punjab), Fawad Alam (Sindh), Haris Rauf (Northern), Iftikhar Ahmed (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Imam-ul-Haq (Balochistan), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Nauman Ali (Northern), Sajid Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Saud Shakeel (Sindh), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Shan Masood (Balochistan) and Zahid Mahmood (Sindh) Test schedule: 1st Test, March 4 to 8, 2022 at Rawalpindi 2nd Test, March 12 to 16, 2022 at Karachi 3rd Test, March 21 to 25, 2022 at Lahore

Ali Ahmed LAHORE:-Raja Hasan and Samiya Tariq became the national junior badminton champions of Under-19 Boys’ and Girls’ events respectively after beating their respective opponents in the final of DHA National Junior Badminton Championship at Lahore on Sunday. Mohammad Khalid Mahmood Secretary General, Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) was the chief guest of the final and distributed cash prize and trophies amongst the finalists. Director Sports, Sports Branch DHA Brigadier (R) Munir Ahmad, Wajid Ali Chaudhry President Pakistan Badminton Federation and Additional Director Sports DHA Lahore Lt. Col. (R) Zia Ud Din were also present at the occasion. Results (finals): Boys’ Singles Under-15 Fahad Ahmad (Khyber Pakhtuhnkhwa) beat Amer Hassan Janjua (Islamabad) by 21-13, 21-17 Boys Singles Under-17 Mohammad Zaid (Khyber Pakhtuhnkhwa) beat Malik Ghasif (Punjab) by 21-16, 21-17 Girls’ Singles Under-17 Ammarah Ishtiaq (Sindh) beat Kanzul Eman (Islamabad) by 21-7, 21-16 Women’s Singles Under-19 Sumaiya Tariq (Army) beat Alja Tariq (Balochistan) by 22-20, 10-21, 21-16 Men’s Singles Under-19 Raja Hassan (New Khan) beat Hamza Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) by 21-15, 17-21, 21-13 Women’s Doubles Under-19 Alja Tariq (Balochistan) & Sumiya Tariq (Army) beat Ammarah Ishtiaq (Sindh) & Umama Usman (Army) by 21-17, 21-18 Men’s Doubles Under-19 Hamza Khan & M Afnan (KP) beat Saad Aamir (Punjab) & Raja Hassan (New Khan) by 27-25, 21-17

Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD:-Jabir Ali beat Hamza Asim 2-1 in the Men’s Singles final of the MCI Twin City Tennis Tournament at Islamabad Tennis Complex on Sunday. The final score-line was 0-6, 6-1 and 7-5. In the ladies singles final, Mahak Khokhar overcame Saher Aleem in straight sets 2-0 at 6-1, 6-1 to lift the title. Chief Guest, Direct Amir Shezad Sports and Culture and Deputy Director Ch Shezad Yasin Sports and Culture distributed the prizes amongst the winners and runner-ups. Results (Finals): Men singles: Jabir Ali beat Hamza Asim 0-6, 6-1, 7-5; Ladies singles: Mahak Khakhar beat Sehar Aleem 6-1, 6-1; Boys’ Under-18 Singles: Ibrahim Saqib beat Haziq Asim 6-4, 5-7, 7-5 Girls’ Under-18 Singles: Saher Aleem beat Zara Lawangin 6-4, 6-3;