Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE):-The ICC Under- 19 Men’s Cricket World Cup is now only two weeks away – and excitement and anticipation towards the prestigious event is rapidly building. Since the tournament became a bi-annual affair in 1998, we have seen some of the great modern day cricketers participate – while the first ever competition in 1988 introduced us to a series of cricketing legends. Here, we look at some of the biggest names who have taken part in this global cricketing showpiece over the years, with a player in this month’s ICC U19 Men’s CWC may well also being set to become that next superstar to take cricket by storm. 1988 The 1988 competition was the first of its kind and welcomed the likes of Brian Lara, Nasser Hussain, Mike Atherton and Sanath Jayasuriya to the cricketing world as Australian claimed the title. Lara captained the West Indies, who were defeated in the semi-finals by Pakistan, scoring 222 runs in the tournament, including a vital 64 against New Zealand. Pakistan themselves boasted the likes of former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, who went on to captain Pakistan and score over 20,000 runs in international cricket, and Mushtaq Ahmed who was the top wicket-taker at the tournament after snaring 19 victims. 1998 Ten years after the ICC U19 Men’s CWC’s inauguration, the 1998 tournament in South Africa showcased some more incredible West Indian talent. Chris Gayle was the top run scorer in the tournament with 364 runs, while Ramnaresh Sarwan was the joint-top wicket-taker with 16 alongside Zimbabwean Mluleki Nkala. Gayle in particular went on to have a stellar career in all formats of the game, scoring 25 one-day international centuries and playing over 100 Test Matches. 2000 The 2000 tournament in Sri Lanka saw India claim their first title and introduced the likes of Graeme Smith and Yuvraj Singh to the watching cricketing world. Singh was named Player of the Tournament, taking 12 wickets and scoring 203 runs as India beat hosts Sri Lanka by six wickets. Smith was the most prolific batter in the tournament with 348 runs, laying the foundations for an unforgettable career as he racked up 27 Test Match centuries at the top of the South African order. 2002 The 2002 tournament was played in New Zealand and saw Australia claim victory over South Africa in the final. Future Australia ace Cameron White top scored with 423 runs, while Hashim Amla – who went on to score over 50 international centuries – was in the South African side that finished second. The 2002 tournament also saw Ross Taylor for the first time, another star who went on to become an integral part of New Zealand’s team across all three formats. 2004 Bangladesh hosted the 2004 tournament, which saw Pakistan claim their first title by beating the West Indies in the final. Shikhar Dhawan was the top scorer with 505 runs, in a tournament which showcased his talent that the whole world would go on to see for many years after. He was not the only future big Indian name in that side, however, as Suresh Raina also featured before becoming a key player for India in white-ball cricket. Two future England captains also participated in this series as Alastair Cook captained England to the semi-finals – where they fell to a Denesh Ramdin-inspired West Indies side – while Eoin Morgan made his first appearance for Ireland in the 2004 competition. 2006 Pakistan went on to claim a second title in Colombo against their bitter rivals India in a competition that saw Eoin Morgan set the record for most runs scored overall in the ICC U19 Men’s CWC. And three more major Indian names were part of the side that reached the final, as Cheteshwar Pujara, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja all announced themselves on the world stage. Jadeja took three wickets in the final, while rock-solid batter Pujara was named the Player of the Tournament with 349 runs. 2008 Malaysia hosted the 2008 competition, which saw India claim the title over South Africa in the final captained by a certain Virat Kohli. It is no surprise looking back that Kohli led India to the title given everything he’s achieved since, accumulating a batting average of above 50 in all three formats with 27 Test centuries and 43 more in ODIs. Tim Southee was named Player of the Tournament with 19 wickets, functioning as a precursor for the seamer’s glittering international career for New Zealand. 2010 Australia defeated Pakistan in 2010 but looking back, this was an edition of the ICC U19 Men’s CWC that introduced the cricketing world to some of England’s finest players. Ben Stokes, Joe Root and Jos Buttler all played in this competition, all of whom would go on to form part of the England side who thrillingly toppled New Zealand in a Super Over to lift the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2019. Josh Hazlewood was a part of the winning Australian side – taking four wickets in the final in an Australian side captained by Mitchell Marsh – while Babar Azam opened the batting for Pakistan and KL Rahul also featured for India. 2012 India clinched another title in 2012 in a tournament that announced the likes of Australian batter Travis Head to the world, who has since gone on to represent Australia at both Test and ODI level. Head recently scored a hundred against England in the current Ashes series while in the bowling department, left-arm seamer Reece Topley was the top wicket-taker after dismissing 19 victims. 2014 South Africa claimed the 2014 series, held in the UAE as their captain Aiden Markram went on to collect the Player of the Tournament award. Markram, who hit a match-winning 66 not out in the final against Pakistan, scored 370 runs across the tournament before going on to represent South Africa in all three formats. Seamer Kagiso Rabada was also a part of the Proteas side who lifted the trophy, before going on to take over 200 Test Match wickets at a stunning average of just 22.54. 2016 West Indies took the title in 2016 in a competition that saw the likes of Rishabh Pant for the first time on the international stage. Pant has gone on to become one of the most explosive players in the modern game, but he was unable to negotiate a West Indian attack led by Alzarri Joseph in the final – who has since gone on to be a key source of wickets for his country. It was also the first time the cricketing world were introduced to Sam Curran, whose left-arm seam deliveries have taken many wickets in an England shirt across all three formats. 2018 India again took the 2008 title, this time from Australia, but it is a Pakistani bowler who is best remembered for coming through this competition.  Shaheen Afridi, 21, one of the bright young stars of the modern day, has already played in almost 100 international matches for Pakistan and averages fewer than 25 in all three formats. And Indian batter Shubman Gill also starred at the 2018 edition of the competition, being named Player of the Tournament after scoring an impressive 372 runs. 2020 Bangladesh are the holders of the competition heading into this year’s ICC U19 Men’s CWC after they beat India in the final in South Africa. Akbar Ali was named Player of the Match, while Indian Yashasvi Jaiswal was the crowned Player of the Tournament after scoring 400 runs and taking three wickets. The ICC U19 Men’s CWC boasts a long-established history of nurturing the game’s brightest talent – who will be the next stars to burst onto the scene when the 2022 showpiece gets underway in the West Indies this month?

Johannesburg, South Africa (Sports Bulletin Report):- South African pacers Marco Jansen (4 for 31), Kagiso Rabada (3 for 64) and Duanne Olivier (3 for 64) restricted India on a meager total of 202 runs in their first innings of the 2nd Test match of the series at Wanderers Cricket Stadium, Johannesburg South Africa on Monday. Hosts were 35 fo1 at the close of play Day-1. Elgar and Petersen were not out at 11 and 14 with runs respectively. Earlier, India won the toss and decided to bat first. Top Indian batter Virat Kohli ruled out on the morning and Rahul took the captaincy. Duanne Olivier and Marco Jansen dented the visitors batting line at the earlier stage of the match and with the help of Rabada bundled on a too little total of 202. Rahul's masterful 50 held the top half together, even as wickets fell at the other end, and then R Ashwin's 46 led the way as the lower order pushed the score beyond 200. But none of the partnerships India strung together were allowed to take root, chiefly due to Jansen. Summarized Scorecard: India Batting (First Innings): 202 all out in 63.1 overs KL Rahul 50 (133 balls 4X9), Ravichandran Ashwin 46 (50 ball 4X6), Mohammed Shami 9 (12 balls 4X1) South Africa Bowling: Marco Jansen (4 for 31), Kagiso Rabada (3 for 64), Duanne Olivier (3 for 64) South Africa Batting (First Innings): Dean Elgar 11 not out (57 balls 4X1), Petersen 14 (39 balls 4X2), Aiden Markram 7 (12 4X1). Indian Bowling (First Innings): Mohammad Shami (1 for 15).

Ayaz Raza Afridi PESHAWAR (January 3, 2022):-Pakistan Army claimed the Men’s title with 7 gold while WAPDA lifted the women’s title with 6 gold medals in the 27th Men's and 10th Women's National Judo Championships that held Lala Rafique Sports Arena Peshawar on Monday. Pakistan Army grabbed seven gold medals and one silver medal in the individual event of the Men while HEC claimed two golds, two silvers and two bronze medals, WAPDA won one gold and three bronze medals and Navy came at fourth with two silver and three bronze medals. Balochistan won two silver and one bronze medal at 5th, Railways and Punjab got 6th position while KP-A of the merged areas took seventh positon and, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa took 8th, Police got 9th, Islamabad, Sindh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan remained 10th position. Pakistan WAPDA won six gold medals Pakistan Army with two gold and two silver medals in the 10th Women event by taking the trophy, Punjab with three silver and three bronze medals took third position, HEC with three silver and two bronze medals got fourth position, Navy with four bronze medals, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with three silver and sixth bronze medals took sixth positon and, Balochistan got seventh, KP-A took eighth, Azad Jammu and Kashmir ninth, Gilgit-Baltistan, Police, Islamabad, Railways and Sindh 10th position. Sabir Hussain of Army in -50kg, -55kg Akbar of Army, Akash of HEC in 60kg'-Hasnain of Army in 66kg'-Muhammad Asif of Army in 73kg'-Haseeb of HEC in 81kg Mustafa - Abbas of Army in 90kg, Qaiser of WAPDA in 100kg, Shah Hussain Shah of Army in more than 100kg and Shah Hussain Shah of Army won gold medal in open category. Hijratullah of KP in 81kg and Nadeem of KP in 90kg won bronze medals in women's competitions. Manahil Iftikhar of Army in 48kg' - Wapda's Shumaila in 52kg class' Wapda's Humaira in 57kg '-Wapda's Sonam in 63kg' Wapda's Banish Khan won gold medal in the category 'Khyber Pakhtunkhwa won the bronze medal in the 44kg class by Asifa Noor' In the mixed event, the competition was thrilling. Director General Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Khalid Khan was the chief guest on this occasion who also witnessed the team championship final. President Pakistan Judo Federation Col (retd) Junaid Alam, Vice President Pakistan Judo Federation Masood Ahmad, District Sports Officer Tehseen Ullah, Administrator Peshawar Sports Complex Syed Jaffar Shah, Director Development Saleem Raza, Deputy Director Sports Aziz Ullah Jan, officials, players and spectators were also present during the prizes distribution ceremony.  

Islamabad (Sports Reporter):-Shifa International Hospitals Islamabad beat United Star Cricket Club Rawalpindi by 8 wickets in the friendly Cricket match here at XI Star Cricket Ground Islamabad. United Star Captain won the toss and elected to bat first, United Star bowled out for 183 in the 29th overs, Ihtesham (35), Zeeshan (22), Sajid (17) and Naeem (15) were the key contributors. Shifa International Shahzad Kiani (3 for 21), Riffat Nisham (2 for18), Abrar Ikhlaq (2 for 38), Mohammad Naseer (1 for 08), Azmat Bashir (1 for 21) and Syed Mudassar Ahmad Bukhari (1 for 24) were the other main wicket-takers. In reply, Shifa International achieved the target in the 18th over for the loss of two wickets. Azmat Bashir and Nasir Mehmood contributed 121 runs in 3rd wicket partnership. All-rounder Azmat Bashir fine half century 91 not out runs 48 balls with 1 six and 14 Fours, Master Blaster Nasir Mehmood hit a fast half century 50 runs 23 balls with 1 six and 6 fours, while Aamir Kiani 18 and Captain Qutab Uddin Qureshi 6 were their leading run-getters.

Ayaz Raza Afridi PESHAWAR (January 3, 2022):-Chief Executive Officer (CEO)of Romania Cricket Board (RCB) Abdul Shakoor Khan visited Jamrud Sports Complex on Monday. The top officials including Petron-in-Chief Khyaber Cricket Association Haji Taimoor Khan, Secretary General KP Athletics Association (KAA) Saif-ul-Islam Afridi, former member Governing Board of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Kabir Ali Khan, former General Secretary Abdullah, Finance Secretary Wahid Gul, Media Coordinator Ayaz Raza and the players received the Abdul Shakoor Khan. It is pertinent to mention here that Romanian cricket team is ranked 38th in the ICC T20 rankings and 10th in Europe at present. Abdul Shakoor said on this occasion that he wants Pakistani players to be part of the Romanian cricket team. He also invited Haji Taimoo to visit Romania. He said that coaches would also be called from Pakistan to teach cricket in Romania to budding cricketers. He praised Haji Timur for his outstanding services in cricket.

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 3, 2022):-The top national tennis player, Aqeel Khan ousted Mohammad Abid in straight sets 2-0 in the Men’s Singles final of the 7th Begum Kulsum Saifullah Khan National Ranking Tennis Tournament 2021-22 concluded at the SDA-PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Monday. The final score-line was 6-2 and 6-3. Salim Saifullah Khan President-PTF graced the occasion as chief guest to disburse the prizes among the winners and runners-up of the tournament. Results: Men's Singles (Finals): Aqeel Khan beat Mohammad Abid 6-2, 6-3 Boys’ Under-18 Singles (Finals): Hasheesh Kumar beat Sami Zeb 4-6, 6-1, 7-6(6) Girls’ Under-18 Singles (Finals): Amna Ali Qayum beat Natalia Zaman 6-2, 6-2 Boys’ Under-14 Singles (Finals): Asad Zaman beat Mohammad Salaar 4-1, 4-1 Boys / Girls Under-12 Singles (Finals): Abubakar Talha bt Amir Mazari 4-2, 4-1

Sports Bulletin Report Lausanne, Switzerland (January 3, 2022):-Despite all the challenges connected with the COVID-19 global health pandemic, 2021 was still an incredible year for the sport of Hockey, a year which deserves to be celebrated like any other. With some truly extraordinary moments taking place at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, FIH Hockey Pro League and a Men’s Junior World Cup, restricting our categories to just ten nominees for the Best Goal and the Best Match of 2021 was far from simple. However, we’ve given it our best shot! Nominees – Favourite Goal of 2021 1: Nicolas Keenan (ARG). Argentina Men v Japan (Pool phase) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: A stunning run and overhead smash-shot from the top of the circle slams the backboard. 2: Timm Herzbruch (GER). Germany Men v Argentina (Quarter-Final) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: An outrageously intricate penalty corner routine from Die Honamas, bewildering the Argentine defence for Herzbruch to deflect home. 3: Agustina Albertarrio (ARG). Argentina Women v Germany (Quarter-Final) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: A brilliantly worked passing move is finished off by Albertarrio, who touches home from close range.  4: Tim Brand (AUS). Australia Men v Germany (Semi-Final) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Kookaburras superstar Brand volleys home a vicious cross-shot from Ogilvie, who was picked out in the circle by a glorious overhead pass that eliminated the Germany defenders. (3 August) 5: Berta Bonastre (ESP). Spain Women v Great Britain (Quarter-Final) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Pouncing from close range, Bonastre takes two magnificent touches to lift the ball over the head of Maddie Hinch and into the GB goal. 6: Dayaan Cassiem (RSA). South Africa Men v Belgium (Pool phase) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Incredible solo effort against the World and eventual Olympic champions, running half the length of the field in possession before flicking past the shoulder of goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch. 7: Lidewij Welten (NED). Netherlands Women v Germany (Pool phase) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: A fine passing move carves through the Germany team before Welten taps home from close range. 8: Kenta Tanaka (JPN). Japan Men v New Zealand (Pool phase) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Pacey Samurais attacker Tanaka runs three quarters of the lengths of the field in possession before sensationally firing home. 9: Hollie Pearne-Webb (GBR). Great Britain Women v India (Bronze) – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: A rare field goal from GB’s captain, smashing home a superb first-time volley to put her team on course for the bronze medal. 10: Stacey Michelsen (NZL) New Zealand Women v Australia - FIH Hockey Pro League: A superb solo goal from the Black Sticks legend, cutting in from the right before crashing a stunning backhand strike inside the right post. Nominees – Favourite Match of 2021 1: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Men’s Pool B – South Africa 4-3 Germany 2: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Women’s Quarter-Final – Germany 0-3 Argentina 3: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Women’s Quarter-Final – Australia 0-1 India 4: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Men’s Bronze Medal – Germany 4-5 India 5: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Women’s Bronze Medal – Great Britain 4-3 India 6: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Men’s Gold Medal – Australia 1-1 Belgium (2-3 ASO) 7: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: Women’s Gold Medal – Netherlands 3-1 Argentina 8: FIH Hockey Pro League: Men – Netherlands 2-4 Germany 9: FIH Hockey Pro League: Women – Argentina 1-3 Germany 10: FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Bhubaneswar 2021: Pool phase – France 4-3 India

Sports Bulletin Report Mount Maunganui, New Zealand (January 3, 2022):-Two well composed innings, Liton Das 86 (177 balls) and Mominul Haque 88 (244 balls), helped Bangladesh to earn a vital lead of 73 runs against New Zealand in the first innings, as they have 4 wickets in their pocket at Mount Maunganui, New Zealand on Monday. Bangladesh were 401 for 6 at the end of Day-3. Bangladesh batted with care but bit slow to get lead against hosts the third day. Skipper Mominul Haque was the top scorer with 88, having struck 12 fours in his 244-ball knock as stayed at the crease for over six hours. Mominul added an important 158 runs for the fifth wicket with Liton Das, who made 86 off 177 deliveries. Mahmudul Hasan Joy, playing just his second Test, made a diligent 78, adding 104 for the second wicket with Najmul Hossain Shanto, who made 64. Also, Monday was the first time each of Bangladesh top six batters faced more than 50 balls in an away Test innings. Neil Wagner and Trent Boult took three wickets each but Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee and Rachin Ravindra went wicket-less in their 88 overs combined. Boult removed both Mominul and Litton in the space of three overs. He finally broke the fifth-wicket stand when he trapped Mominul lbw for 88. A few overs later, Litton followed him to the dressing room after he chased a wide one from Boult. Summarized Scorecard: Toss: Bangladesh, elected to field first Day-3 (New Zealand vs Bangladesh): New Zealand Batting (First Innings): 328 all out in 108.1 overs Devon Conway 122 (227 balls, 4X16, 6X1), Ross Taylor 31 (64 balls 4X5), Henry Nicholls 75 (127 balls 4X12). Bangladesh Bowling (First Innings): Shoriful Islam (3 for 69), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (3 for 86), Mominul Haque (2 for 6). BANGLADESH Batting (First Innings): 401 for 6 in 156 overs Liton Das 86 (177 balls 4X10), Mominul Haque 88 (244 balls 4X12), Mahmudul Hasan Joy 78 (228 balls, 4X7). New Zealand Bowling (First Innings): Trent Boult (3 for 61), Neil Wagner (3 for 98)         3  

Raja Abrar LAHORE (January 3, 2022):-Former captain Mohammad Hafeez has announced his retirement from international cricket 18 years after making his debut in Sharjah against Zimbabwe on 3 April 2003. Hafeez represented Pakistan in 392 international matches, scoring 12,780 runs and taking 253 wickets, besides also captaining the side in 32 international matches. He was a member of the Pakistan side that won the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 in England and Wales. Overall, Hafeez played in three 50-over World Cups (2007, 2011 and 2019), six 20-over World Cups (2007, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2021) and three ICC Champions Trophy (2006, 2013 and 2017). In the ICC Player Rankings, Hafeez achieved highest Test rankings of 22nd in batting, 29th in bowling and fifth in all-rounders. In the ODI rankings, Hafeez’s highest-ranking was 13th in March 2014, while he topped the bowling and all-rounder charts in August 2012 and January 2013, respectively. Hafeez’s rankings in T20I were equally impressive, peaking to ninth in batting in February 2007, third in bowling in August 2013 and number-one in all-rounders in March 2014. Mohammad Hafeez: “Today I say good-bye to international cricket with pride and satisfaction. In fact, I have earned and accomplished more than I had initially envisaged and for that, I am thankful to all my fellow cricketers, captains, support staff and the Pakistan Cricket Board who helped me out during my career. “And, of course, my family who made big sacrifices to ensure I achieved my aspirations of representing Pakistan at a global stage. “I am extremely fortunate, lucky and proud to have been considered worthy of donning the national kit with Pakistan emblem for 18 years. My country and my team have always been at my forefront and therefore, every time I stepped on to the field, I tried to raise their profile and image by playing hard and tough but within the rich traditions of spirit of cricket. “When you have a professional career as long as mine, you’re bound to have your share of highs and lows, and I was no different. Results apart, I can say with conviction that I had more highs as I had the privilege of playing with and against some of the finest exponents of the bat and the ball of my era. “While cricket has been a great learning school for me, this great sport has provided me opportunities to visit various countries, explore their cultures and make friends. These are lifelong memories, which I will cherish every day. I want to thank my fans and supporters for believing in my abilities and backing me throughout my career.” PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja: “Hafeez has been a wholehearted cricketer who worked tirelessly at his game to have a long and fruitful career. “His game evolved with time, adjusting to different formats quite intelligently. Later in his career, he became a T20 specialist, where he was never out of touch with modern demands of this testing format. His batsmanship took a sprightly turn, nailing sixes almost at will. “He has worn the green blazer with pride for which we at the PCB are thankful. I wish him best of luck for his future life and thank him again for his magnificent contribution to Pakistan cricket.”

Bipin Dani Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene will join the ICC Under-19 World Cup squad in West Indies, it is leant. The 44-year-old Jayawardene, who has recently been appointed consultant coach for Sri Lanka seniors, Under-19s and 'A' team for one year, will leave for Caribbean islands later this month. Jayawardene, has also been assigned to select the coaching staff for the various positions, and is likely to have floated the process.  The same squad with no changes, which recently lost the U-19 Asia Cup final against India in the UAE, left directly from Dubai to Guyana (via London & Barbados) by Emirates Airways, British Airways and local flight) on Sunday morning. The squad has an over 18-hours flight journey. There were no outdoor activities scheduled for the players on Saturday. "There has been no change in the team or the support staff", one of the SLC (Sri Lanka Cricket) board sources said exclusively over the telephone. "Ranjith Madhursinghe, who traveled with the team for the Asia Cup will also continue to be the tour selector for the World Cup", the source further added. The team will spend five days in quarantine before beginning the training ahead of its first match against Scotland on January 14. The final of the ICC U-9 World Cup will be played at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua on February 5.