SB Report  KARACHI:-Two-time winners Pakistan will play Scotland in their opening match of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020 at the University Oval, Potchefstroom on Sunday, 19 January. The tournament schedule was announced today (Thursday) by the International Cricket Council. Sixteen teams will be taking part in the 24-day tournament that runs from 17 January to 9 February 2020. The final will be played at Benoni’s JP Marks Oval on 9 February. Pakistan’s second match will be against Zimbabwe at the Witrand Oval in Bloemfontein on Wednesday, 22 January. The third and final group match for Pakistan will be played on 24 January at the JP Marks Oval, where the Boys in Green will square-up against Bangladesh. The top two teams from each of the four groups advance to the Super League while the remaining teams feature in the Plate Championship. The Super League stage will commence from Tuesday, 28 January. The top four teams from the Super League stage qualify for the semi-finals, with the winners competing for the title on Sunday, 9 February. Pakistan won the 2004 and 2006 editions of the tournament held in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka respectively. Pakistan have also finished as runners-up in three editions. Hassan Khan led Pakistan in the last edition of the tournament in New Zealand in 2018, where they were beaten by India in the semi-finals. The tournament was first played in 1988. Since 1998, the event has been held once every two years. India have won the tournament four times, Australia have been winners thrice, England, South Africa and the West Indies have won the tournament once each besides Pakistan’s two wins. The top 11 full Members in the last edition in New Zealand and the five regional champions, who have qualified for the event, will also play warm-up matches from 12-15 January in Johannesburg and Pretoria. Nigeria (Africa) make an appearance for the first time along with Japan (East Asia Pacific). They are joined by other regional qualifiers Canada (Americas), United Arab Emirates (Asia) and Scotland (Europe).  

SB Report  KARACHI:-Northern ended the remarkable unbeaten run of Southern Punjab in the National T20 2nd XI tournament with a comfortable 40-run win in the tournament final played at the National Stadium, Karachi on Thursday. Southern Punjab who had remained undefeated in the tournament by winning each of their five round matches besides overcoming Central Punjab in the semi-final capitulated under pressure in the final against an inspired Northern side that produced a memorable all-round performance to lift the trophy. Batting first after being sent in, Northern posted a mammoth 196 for seven in their 20 overs. Shoaib Ahmed Minhas held the innings together with a 45-ball 68 which included four fours and three sixes. Man-of-the-Match Jamal Anwar hit a quickfire 40 off 21 balls to ensure Northern’s huge total. Opener Zeeshan Malik made 34 off 19 balls; at the end of the innings, semi-final hero Shahzad Azam scored an unbeaten 22 off nine balls (two fours and two sixes). Zulfiqar Babar took three wickets for 28 runs in his four overs.  Southern Punjab lost their way in the chase after an 85-run opening stand between Zeeshan Ashraf (61 off 26 balls, three sixes and eight fours) and Mukhtar Ahmed (22 off 25 balls, two fours). Leg-spinner Osama Mir took three while Nauman Ali and Salman Irshad two wickets each to derail the Southern Punjab batting line-up. Southern Punjab crashed from 85 without loss to 156 all out in 17.5 overs as Northern celebrated an unlikely win. Scores in brief: Final Southern Punjab v Northern, National Stadium, Karachi Northern 196 for 7, 20 overs (Shoaib Ahmed Minhas 68, Jamal Anwar 40, Zeeshan Malik 34; Zulfiqar Babar 3-28) Southern Punjab 156 all out in 17.5 (Zeeshan Ashraf 61, Maqbool Ahmed 26; Osama Mir 3-28, Salman Irshad 2-13) Man-of-the-Match Jamal Anwar Player-of-the-Tournament Nauman Ali (160 runs and 10 wickets) Best-Batsman-of-the-Tournament Zeeshan Ashraf (395 runs) Best-Bowler-of-the-Tournament Raza Ali Dar and Mohammad Imran (13 wickets each) Best-Wicketkeeper-of-the-Tournament Mohammad Ikhlaq and Maqbool Ahmed (7 victims each)  

Abdul Jabbar Faisal RWALPINDI:-The Pakistan U16 will take on Bangladesh U16 in a three-day fixture at the Khan Research Laborites Stadium (KRL) in Rawalpindi from Friday. The Bangladesh U16 are on their return tour to Pakistan after beating Pakistan U16 2-1 in the three 50-over matches series and 1-0 in the two three-day match series at home in April-May this year. The two teams are scheduled to play a series of two three-day matches and three 50-over matches from 25 October to 8 November, all five games will be played at the KRL Stadium in Rawalpindi. Pakistan is captained by all-rounder Aliyan Mehmood, who has featured in five 50-over matches and one T20 match for Pakistan at the U16-level. Mohammad Waqas is the vice-captain, who has featured in three 50-over matches and two three-day matches. Pakistan will be banking on their fast bowling department with the likes of Ahmad Khan, Aseer Mughal and Khalid Khan. Abbottabad’s Ahmad Khan, has featured in six 50-over matches for Pakistan picking 14 wickets, while he grabbed four wickets from the two three-day matches in Bangladesh. Rawalpindi’s Aseer Mughal was the most successful bowler in the three-match 50-over series for Pakistan against Bangladesh U16 with eight scalps despite the visitors losing the series 2-1. He also took seven wickets in the second three-day match which was a drawn match at Sheikh Abu Naseer Stadium in Khulna. Quetta’s Khalid Khan took eight wickets with an average of 15.50 in the same series. His best figures of 5-33 in an innings came in a losing cause at the Fatullah Khan Saheb Osmani Stadium in Fatullah. On Thursday, the two captains – Bangladesh’s Nayeem Ahmed and Aliyan Mehmood of Pakistan – had a picture opportunity with the series trophy with Aliyan hoping to play a competitive series. Aliyan Mehmood said: “This is going to be an exciting series, as we will be playing a competitive side at our home ground. We have prepared really well for the matches, the coaches have worked really hard on us and we will come up with a strategy to start the series on a positive note. “Captaining the side is a huge honor for me. I am grateful to the management for having faith in my abilities and I look forward to perform to the best of my abilities and bring positive results for the team. “We have done our preparations; the series provides an equal opportunity for both the teams to showcase their talent.” Bangladesh have named left-handed batsman Nayeem Ahmed as their captain for the series. Bangladesh captain Nayeem Ahmed said: “We are here for the series since last two days, and practicing really hard. The players are motivated to play a competitive cricket in the next two weeks.” Squads Three-day (to be selected from): Pakistan - Aaliyan Mehmood (captain) (Karachi), Mohammad Waqas (vice-captain) (Faisalabad), Abbas Ali (Peshawar), Afzal Manzoor (wicketkeeper) (Sialkot), Ahmad Khan (Abbottabad), Ali Asfand (Faisalabad), Ali Hasan (Sialkot), Aseer Mughal (Rawalpindi), Ayaz Shah (FATA), Farhad Khan (FATA), Haseeb Imran (Rawalpindi), Ibrar Afzal (Lahore), Khalid Khan (Quetta), Mohammad Shehzad (Multan), Mohammad Sikandar (Hyderabad) and Rizwan Mehmood (Hyderabad) Bangladesh -  Nayeem Ahmed (captain), Ahmood Sharif, Ahosun Habib Leon, Amir Hossain Asif, Anik Chaki, Arafat Islam, Ashiqur Zaman, Limon Hossain , Mazharul Hoque Rupom, Minhajul Hasan Magh, Mohammad Musfik Hasan, Radowan Hossan Siyam, Shamsul Islam Epon, Tanbir Alam Sham and Tawhidul Islam Ferdus Schedule: 25-27 October – First three-day, Pakistan U16 v Bangladesh U16, KRL Stadium, Rawalpindi 30 October-1 November – Second three-day, Pakistan U16 v Bangladesh U16, KRL Stadium, Rawalpindi 4 November – First One-Day, Pakistan U16 v Bangladesh U16, KRL Stadium, Rawalpindi 6 November – Second One-Day, Pakistan U16 v Bangladesh U16, KRL Stadium, Rawalpindi 8 November – Third One-Day, Pakistan U16 v Bangladesh U16, KRL Stadium, Rawalpindi

  SB Report ISLAMABAD-The 9th Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Amateur Golf Championship 2019 will tee off from October 25 2019 at Defence Raya Golf & Country Club Lahore. The three-day Championship represents a continuity of effort and devotion by Pakistan Navy to the cause of promoting Golf in the country.  It has now acquired the status of a premier event and is eagerly sought by champions of our golf arena as well as other upcoming and talented golfers who seek elevation of their ranking in the national golf circuit of Pakistan.  From the moment the schedule of the CNS Golf Championship is announced, there is a craze amongst the golfing community for getting registered as competitors and participants but then only the skilled ones are eligible and an amateur golfer has to be in the handicap 12 and below to get accepted as a participant in the actual championship. The Patron is extremely delighted that this event has become an essential part of the National Golf events since its inception 8 years back in 2011. In this event, the golf players seek participation joy and glory will come forward and demonstrate their playing skill and ability in the premier activity.  Moreover, through continuity, this championship has attained an admirable status and is regarded as eminent championship of the national golf calendar. Before I move forward first let me acknowledge the services of the Defence Raya Golf & Country Club management and staff for providing full support in organizing these events and have prepared the Golf Course in a way that the participants will be much comfortable.  I understand that fairways are in great shape and accurate hitting will be a pleasure, for the participants. Pakistan Navy wishes to enhance its association with sports promotion and development.  Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mehmood Abbasi NI(M) is a sports lover and whole-heartedly subscribes to the holding of this national golf event and whishes the best to all participants. Eligibility criteria for the main event for amateurs will be contested over three rounds with 18 holes to be played each day making it a total of 54 holes.  Winner in this category will be awarded the title and the trophy and the victorious one will be the competitor with the best gross score.  The seniors will compete over a total of 18 holes on 25 October.  Those eligible to participate must be above 55 years and have a handicap of 14 and below.  Ladies contest will be over 18 holes on 25 October and criteria for handicap is 30 and below.  The participating ladies are spirited about the Championship and are optimistic about their chances.  But then there are some very determined ones who have all the urge to appear as the challengers. I must admire that, my entire team have vigorously pursued the arrangements to ensure that excellence remains the hallmark of the event.  As for the playing arena, Defence Raya Golf Course has a standing amongst the golf courses of Asia and will be a challenge to the competing golfers, especially those coming from other stations. In the end I take this opportunity to extend my heartiest appreciation to the management of Defence Raya Golf & Country Club and all sponsors who have ensured their all out support to the team of Station Headquarter Navy in organizing this Mega event. Without their support this championship of such a magnitude is very difficult to be organized.  

SB Report FAISALABAD:-Northern beat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by three runs in a last over thriller at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium to secure a spot in the final of the National T20 Cup. Northern fast-bowler Haris Rauf defended eight runs in the last over, taking three wickets in process, of the first semi-final. Haris started the over by taking the wicket of Iftikhar Ahmed, the top-scorer of the run-chase with 53 from 45 balls. Musadiq Ahmed (0 off 1), Zohaib Khan (5 off 5) and Mohammad Mohsin, who was run-out, were the other three wickets to fall in the over. Northern had set a target of 149 after being asked to bat by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain Mohammad Rizwan. Opener Umar Amin scored a 33-ball 43, hitting four fours and a six, and stitched a 50-run stand for the third-wicket with wicketkeeper-batsman Rohail Nazir, who scored run-a-ball 21. Asif Ali was the other notable run-getter as he scored 28 runs from 16 balls with two sixes and a four.  With five wickets for just 13 runs in four overs, Usman Shinwari was the star performer with the ball, while Imran Khan Jnr took two wickets for 31 runs. In their chase, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa lost opener Sahibzada Farhan (o off 4) in the first over. After scoring run-a-ball 15, Rizwan followed him back to the pavilion in the fifth over. A 65-run stand for the third-wicket between Fakhar Zaman (39 off 31) and Iftikhar, who hit six fours, stabled the run chase. Khushdil Shah’s 17-ball 22, which had three fours, consolidated Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s position in the match. But, the match turned on its head in the last over. For taking three wickets for 26 runs in three overs and defending eight runs in six balls, Haris bagged man-of-the-match award.With two wickets for 24 runs in four overs, Sohail Tanvir was the other notable bowler in the match. Scores in brief:  Northern 148-9, 20 overs (Umar Amin 43, Asif Ali 28, Rohail Nazir 21; Usman Shinwari 5-13, Imran Khan Jnr 2-31) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 145-8, 20 overs (Iftikhar Ahmed 53, Fakhar Zaman 39, Khushdil Shah 22; Haris Rauf 3-26, Sohail Tanvir 2-24)

SB Report LAHORE:-Under the directive of Punjab Olympic Association, Sports Board Punjab, Punjab Basketball Association the open trials for the selection of Punjab Basketball Teams men & women on will be held on Thursday the 24th October, 2019. The women trails will be held at Lahore College University Women Jail Road Lahore at 10.00 am. While Men Basketball team trails will be held on same day i.e. Thursday the 24th October, 2019 in Sports Board Punjab Indoor Hall Nishtar Park Complex Ferozepur Road Lahore at 2.00 pm. Punjab Basketball Association already advised to All divisional basketball association is to send their best basketball players to participate in open trials on given date, time and venue.  

SB Report ISLAMABAD-Islamabad Disable cricket team defeated Abbottabad Disables by only 2 runs in a friendly tie on Tuesday. Islamabad’s captain, Usman Paracha won the toss and elected to bat first. At one stage, Islamabad disables were 41/9, than Usman Ali and Mohammad Afzal score 27 valuable runs and set a target 69 to win for Abbottabad disable cricket team. Adil Abbasi 13, Ali Abbassi 14 and Mohammad Afzal scored 7 runs. Aftab took 3 wickets while Hussain, Rajwali and Hammayun took two wickets each Fawad took one wicket. In reply, Abbottabad disable cricket team 66 all out in 19th over. Salam and Hammayun scored 17 runs each Hussain scored 10 runs. Waqaf Shah and Ali Abbass took 4 wickets each and Hammad Shoukat took two wickets. The chief guest Assistant commissioner Chota Lahore  Tabinda Tariq distributed the prizes among the players. He appreciated the efforts and promote sports activities and especially for these special brave people of our society. We are especially thankful to sports officer Sawabi Tariq Mohammad for making this beautiful event successful.  

SB Report  LAHORE:-Spinners Haris Javed and Raza-ul-Hasan stole the limelight along with pacer Gufran Hadi on day one of the fourth-round of National U19 Three-Day tournament on Tuesday. At Dring Stadium Bahawalpur, Balochistan were blown away for 134 runs on the opening day of their match against Southern Punjab. Left-arm-spinner Haris Javed enjoyed a memorable day taking seven wickets for 71 runs in 18 overs. Muhammad Junaid with 24, Ghulam Sarwar and Abu Huraira with 20 runs each were the only Balochistan batsmen to offer some resistance. By close of play, Balochistan had roared back in the contest by taking seven Southern Punjab wickets, Southern Punjab ended the day at 68 for seven. Mohammad and Abu Huraira took two wickets each. Northern were bowled out for 231 runs against Central Punjab in their match at the Rana Naveed Cricket Academy, Sheikhupura. Pacer Gufran took five wickets as Central Punjab folded the Northern batting line-up, Mubasar Khan with 75 and Awais Abid with 56 were the main contributors. Abdul Fasih made 43 runs, Umer Eman took three wickets for 17 runs with his left-arm-spin. Central Punjab ended the day at 29 for one in their first innings. At Karachi’s State Bank Stadium, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were bowled out for 180 runs in their first innings against Sindh. Leg-spinner Raza-ul-Hasan took four wickets for 42 runs while Arish Ali Khan took three wickets for 42 runs. Sindh made a good start to their first innings and ended the day at 122 for one in 40 overs. Mubashir Nawaz fell for 60, his opening partner Taha Mahmood is batting on 39 with Kashif Ali who is 19 not out. Scores in brief: Balochistan U19 v Southern Punjab U19, Dring Stadium, Bahawalpur Balochistan U19 134 all-out, 43 overs (Muhammad Junaid 24; Haris Javed 7-71) Southern Punjab U19 68-7, 50 overs (Basit Ali 48; Muhammad 2-7, Abu Huraira 2-22) Northern U19 v Central Punjab U19, Rana Naveed Cricket Academy, Sheikhupura Northern U19 231 all-out, 80.4 overs (Mubasar Khan 75, Awais Abid 56, Abdul Fasih 43; Gufran Hadi 5-42, Umer Eman 3-17) Central Punjab U19 29-1, 5 overs (Faizan Saleem 1-7) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 v SindhU19, State Bank Stadium, Karachi Khyber Pakhtunkhwa  U19 180 all-out, 56.2 overs (Maaz Sadaqat 69, Salman Khan jr 59; Raza ul Hasan 4-42, Arish Ali Khan 3-42) Sindh U19 122-1, 40 overs (Mubashir Nawaz 60, Taha Mahmood 39 not out)

SB Report  KARACHI:-Central Punjab and Northern joined table-toppers Southern Punjab and Sindh in the semi-finals of the National T20 2nd XI tournament with wins over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan respectively at the National Stadium, Karachi on Tuesday. In the first match of the day, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa scored 148 for nine after opting to bat first. Asad Afridi top-scored with 43 off 25 balls, his innings included three fours and three sixes. Mehran Ibrahim made 31 off 26 balls, the two rescued the side after Ehsan Adil and Bilawal Iqbal had reduced them to 34 for four. Ehsan finished with three wickets for 16 runs in his four overs which included a maiden over while Bilawal took two wickets for 33 runs. In reply, Central Punjab batsmen chose an attacking approach which helped them chase down the target with 20 balls to spare, the big win gave them a much needed surge in the net-run-rate and confirmed their semi-final spot. Muhammad Saad scored an unbeaten 35-ball 59 with the help of three fours and four sixes. Nauman Anwar scored 50 off 37 balls with the help of four fours and three sixes. Sameen Gul with two wickets for 23 runs in two overs was the most successful Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bowler. Balochistan after opting to bat first posted 147 for seven against Northern. Balochistan were reduced to 96 for seven when Nazar Hussain (39 not out, seven fours) and Dawood Khan 13 not out joined hands to take the score to 147 for seven through their unbroken 51-run stand for the eight wicket. Left-arm-spinners Raza Hasan and Noman Ali took two wickets each for Northern. In the first semi-final on Wednesday, table-toppers Southern Punjab will take on Central Punjab (fourth in the table) while second placed Sindh will play (third placed) Northern in the second semi-final. Scores in brief: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa v Central Punjab, National Stadium, Karachi Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 148 for 9, 20 overs (Asad Afridi 43, Mehran Ibrahim 31; Ehsan Adil 3-16, Bilawal Iqbal 2-33) Central Punjab 149 for 4, 16.4 overs (Muhammad Saad 59, Nauman Anwar 50; Sameen Gul 2-23) Result: Central Punjab won by six wickets Northern v Balochistan, National Stadium, Karachi Balochistan 147 for 7, 20 overs (Nazar Hussain 39 not out, Jalat Khan 18; Raza Hasan 2-22, Noman Ali 2-31) Northern 151 for 5, 17 overs (Shoaib Ahmed Minhas 37, Zeeshan Malik 37 ; Nazar Hussain 2-32)  

SB Report Baku:-Pakistan’s Minister of Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) and Ministry of Sports & Youth Affairs of Azerbaijan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the cooperation in the field of sports and youth activities. Signing ceremony was held in Baku on Monday. Federal Minister for IPC DR Fehmida Mirza and Azerbaijan Minister Sports & Youth Affairs Azad Rahimov signed the MoU. MoU between Pakistan and Azerbaijan in the field of sports was inked on 21st October 2019. It would facilitate direct cooperation, exchange of sports teams and create opportunity to hold joint sports events between two brotherly countries. Speaking to occasion, Federal Minister said, “Pakistan greatly values its relationship of cooperation with the Republic of Azerbaijan. I thank the Ministry of Youth and Sport for arranging this event to cement the cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan for promoting sports.” “Today, ‘sport diplomacy’ has become an integral part of efforts to build friendly relations among the nations. Sport diplomacy uses the universal passion for sports to bring people together. Both of our countries have seen a long history of regional conflicts. Employing sport diplomacy tools can help us challenge prejudices, heal divisions and champion tolerance” Minister added. Federal Minister acknowledged that Azerbaijan successfully hosted Islamic Solidarity Games in 2017 and in collaboration with Azerbaijan would be learning experience for Pakistan to host mega events. Minister underscored the global contribution of Pakistan in cricket, hockey, squash, snooker and in some regional games like Kabaddi too. Minister also extended cooperation in the field of traditional sports as both countries have a vibrant culture in this type of games. Federal Minister also shared an idea of holding a conference on the topic of sports diplomacy and to explore its role in fostering peace and cultural exchanges. Azerbaijan Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs reciprocated same enthusiasm and showed desire to further cooperation in areas such as sports academia, exchange of expertise in sports infrastructure development schemes, exchange of sports experts and training of referees, coaches and technical officials.