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FOOTBALL - Int News 22 Nov, 2023
Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Chairman, Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Normalization Committee (NC) Haroon Malik has said that long-term planning for the national soccer team was the need of the hours, as the World No. 193 Pakistan team’s performance against World No. 109 Tajikistan was acceptable despite of losing the game 1-6 at Jinnah Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex on Tuesday.While talking to media reports after the match, Haroon added that he was satisfied with the performance of players and the work of overseas coach Stephen. “We beat Cambodia 1-0 at home and we lost to the world’s best football team Saudi Arabia 0-4 on their soil and people were happy with the performance. The same coach (Stephen) had prepared the strategy, ‘he replied a question. “FIFA Qualifier on home ground, witnessed by 20,000 passionate football fans. I am thankful to Stephen Constantine and our players who provided us moments to cheer. Our players tried to give their best against the much superior visiting side, playing much better than expected in such a short span of time, “he further added."These six second-round matches of FIFA Qualifiers are development matches. Our entire effort is to qualify for the AFC Cup. I am very satisfied and happy with the team’s performance, and I hope they will further improve it under the able coaching and guidance of national team coach Stephen Constantine,” Malik asserted, emphasizing gradual progress. Responding to a query about a professional league, Malik advocated for a league based on home and away matches with a points system. He believed that a professional league for clubs would attract better players, contributing to the national team's success on the international stage. Regarding the national team's international exposure, Malik stated, "From 2022 till now, Pakistan's national men’s team played 36 international matches, gaining confidence and experience. We are now at the very basic step of the right track, with a gradual process to be competitive at South Asian and Asia levels. "We can hope to make gradual progress and bring joy to our football fans," Malik concluded.
FOOTBALL - Int News 21 Nov, 2023
Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: World No. 193 hosts Pakistan succumbed to heavyweights World No. 109 Tajikistan, who outplayed Green Shirts 6-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match at Jinnah Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad on Tuesday. Over 20 thousand people enjoyed the game in the wonderful weather and excellent conditions of the capital city.The match kicked off at 2:00 pm, as the Green Shirts got a free kick in the 4th minute of the game on the top of D, as the chance could not be fruitful for the hosts. However, in the 9th minute, a joint move from left-corner Kamolov Amadoni managed the ball in the net after getting a rebound from the left side of Pakistani goalkeeper Yousaf Ejaz Butt, as Tajikistan succeeded in earning an earlier lead in a vital fixture of FIFA World Cup Qualifier.After 5 minutes, Soirov Rustam doubled the lead by scoring a goal, as guided the ball into the goalpost as he received a pass from a midfielder from the left side. After going down 0-2, Pakistan coach Stephen Constantine made some changes in the strategy. Pakistan footballs were looking bit quick and tried their best to reduce the goal deficit, as in the efforts they got a couple of corners too. Rahis Nabi finally scored a goal for Pakistan in the 14th minute from the right side of the box. He made the score-line 1-0.Tajikistan managed two more goal during the first half of the match, as Pakistani players were bit slow in the last moments of the first half and opposition netted the ball in the 45th minute of the match. Umarboev Parvizion, and Ehson Panshanbe scored the 3rd and 4th goal for their team in the 27th and 45th minutes respectively.In the second half, the visitors added two more goals while the hosts could not score a goal in the last 45 minutes. At the final whistle, the score-line was 6-1 in the favour of Tajikistan. The match referee, Yusuke Araki from Japan controlled the proceeding while Jun Mihara, and Kota Watanabe, also from Japan, were his assistants on the line.Pakistan Squad: Yousuf Ejaz Butt (Goalkeeper), Mohib Ullah Khan, Abdullah Iqbal, Mamoon Moosa Khan, Otis Khan (Captain), Rahis Nabi, Imran Shahid Kayani, Harun Arrashid Faheem, Junaid Ahmed Shah, Abdul Samad, Alamgir Ali Khan.Substitutes: Mohammad Hammad Waheed, Haseeb Ahmed Khan, Mohammad Waleed Khan, Rajab Ali, Fareed Ullah, Mohammad Sadam, Ali Uzair Mahmood, Mohammad Hamza Munir, Moin Ahmed, Salman-ul-Haq, Hassan Ali, Mohammad SohailHead Coach: Stephen Constantine (United Kingdom)Tajikistan Squad: Yatimov Rustam (Goalkeeper), Zoir Dzhuraboev, Safarov Manuchehr, Vahdat Hanonov, Umarboev Parvizion, Amirbek Juraboev, Soirov Rustam, Dzhalilov Alisher, Kamolov Amadoni, Akhtam Nazarov (Captain), Ehson Panshanbe Substitutes: Islomov Tabrez, Nazarov Kholmurod, Mohammad Jon Rahimov, Qurbonov Sodiqion, Burizod Alijoni, Mabatshoev Shervoni, Barotov Dalerion, Khailoev Ruslan, Khamrokulov Nuriddin, Mohammad Ali Azizboev, Samiev Shahrom, Hasanov Muhriddin (Goalkeeper)Head Coach: Peter Segrt (Croatia)Match Officials:Referee: Yusuke Araki (Japan)Assistant Referee 1: Jun Mihara (Japan)Assistant Referee 2: Kota Watanabe (Japan)Fourth Official: Ngo Duy Lan (Vietnam)Referee Assessor: Kadhum Auda Al-Saedi (Iraq)Match Commissioner: Alim Arifov (Uzbekistan).
CRICKET - 21 Nov, 2023
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Chief selector Wahab Riaz has announced an 18-member Pakistan Test squad for the tour to Australia comprising three matches scheduled from 14 December 2023 to 7 January 2024. This will be Wahab’s first assignment since he took charge of the national men’s selection committee last week.Shan Masood will be leading the side in his first assignment as Test captain. He was named Pakistan's captain for the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle after taking over the reins from Babar Azam last week.Left-handed opening batter Saim Ayub has earned his maiden call-up to the Test team after an impressive run in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2023-24. The 22-year-old scored 553 runs in four matches for Karachi Whites and had three centuries to his name, including a match-winning double century against Faisalabad in the final of the tournament. He continued his form in the Pakistan Cup (one-day tournament), where he was named the best batter of the tournament, ending as the competition’s highest run-getter.Right-arm fast bowler Khurram Shahzad has also been awarded his maiden Test call-up, on the back of a successful domestic season thus far. The 23-year-old was the highest wicket-taker of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2023-24 with 36 wickets in eight matches at an average of 20.31 and picked up 13 wickets at 16.62 in the recently concluded Pakistan Cup.Pace bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, who last appeared in Tests for Pakistan during England’s tour of Pakistan in late 2022 has returned to the squad.Left-arm pacer Mir Hamza, who registered 32 wickets at 20.88 in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2023-24, and right-arm pacer Mohammad Wasim Jnr are making a return to the squad as well. The two fast bowlers were part of Pakistan’s squad during New Zealand’s tour of Pakistan that took place from December 2022 to January 2023.Names of players: Shan Masood (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah AfridiThe squad will assemble in Rawalpindi on 22 November for a training camp ahead of the tour. The camp is scheduled to run from 23 to 28 November at Pindi Cricket Stadium. The team will fly out on 30 November from Lahore. Some additional players have also been invited to feature in the training camp. The players called for the camp are Arshad Iqbal, Kashif Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Shahnawaz Dahani, Usama Mir and Usman Qadir. Schedule:1st Test – Perth, 14-18 December 20232nd Test – Melbourne, 26-30 December 20233rd Test – Sydney, 3-7 January 2024
Hamid ul Haq defeats Nirmal Kumar Ranjan from USA 2-0
Sports Bulletin ReportPattaya (Thailand): Pakistani tennis man, Hamid ul Haq beat no 4 seed Nirmal Kumar Ranjan from USA 2-0 with a score-line of 6-2, and 6-1 to move into the quarterfinal of 60+ Singles of the ITF Seniors Masters Championship at Royal Cliff Resort, Pattaya Thailand on Monday. He will meet Lewis Driver, seeded 6, from Australia into next round at the same venue.Rashid Malik beat seed no 3 Dillip Singh Nongmattiw of India 6-0 , 6-1 to move quarter final 60+ singles where he will meet no 8 seed Aspiotis Stan from Australia. Both quarter final’s schedule on Tuesday.In 65+ category singles Waqar Nisar will face Lazlo Bots of Hungary in the quarterfinal.In the 65+ Doubles: Waqar Nisar from Pakistan & Kazuhiko Imahashi - Japan beat Rene Henggi from Switzerland & Robert Prendergast - Great Britain 6-0, 6-0 to move into the quarterfinals.In the 60+ Doubles, Pakistani Pair of Hamid-ul-Haq and Rashid Malik beat the German pair of Alexander Gorgeff and Peter Schubert at 6-1, 6-4 to move to the quarterfinals.
CRICKET - 19 Nov, 2023
Sports Bulletin ReportAhmedabad (India): Australia have become the cricket world champions after beating India by 6 wickets in the final at Modi Cricket Stadium Ahmedabad, India on Sunday night.India could score only 240 runs, as Australia decided to field first after winning the toss. Head was the hero of the day. Indian batters failed to post a big total on the board first time in the World Cup 2023. They lost won back-to-back 9 matches and lost the final. Tarvis scored 137 runs.
Pakistan Cricket Cup 2023-24: Peshawar clinch title
Peshawar overcome Karachi Whites by 5 wickets in a low-scoring finalAbdul Jabbar FaisalRAWALPINDI: A couple of notable performances by Mohammad Imran (4for 28), and Mohammad Haris (46 off 33 balls), guided Peshawar to grab the Pakistan Cricket Cup 2023-24 title after thrashing Karachi Whites by 5 wickets in the final here at Pindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday in a low scoring final.The skipper of Peshawar Sahibzada Farhan won the toss and asked Karachi Whites to bat first in a 50 overs per inning fixture. Due to magical bowling by pacer Mohammad Imran, Karachi could post 103 runs on the board in 31.2 overs. Azam Khan was the top-scorer with 30 runs, as he faced 46 and smashed 5 fours. Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was the second top-scorer with 22 off 25 runs. He hit just a couple of boundaries. Habibullah made 13 runs.Besides, fast bowler Mohammad Imran (4 for 28), Abass Afridi (3 for 20), Mohammad Ilyas (1 for 24), and Azam Khan (1 for 27) were other successful bowlers for Peshawar.Peshawar got their target in 17.2 overs. Wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Haris played a sparking and aggressive innings, which was the lion share in his team’s victory. He scored 46 from 33 balls featuring seven fours and a six.Sahibzada was out in bizarre fashion as he inadvertently whipped the bails off with his bat resulting in a hit wicket off Ghulam Mudassar. The other four wickets to fall were taken by Noman Ali (two wickets), Danish Aziz, and Saim (one each).Summarized Scorecard (final):Toss: Peshawar won the toss and decided to field firstMan of the Match: Mohammad ImranKarachi Whites (103 all out in 31.2 overs)Azam Khan 30 runs (46 balls, 4x5, 6x0), Sarfaraz Ahmed 22 runs (25 balls, 4x2, 6x0), Habibullah 13 runs (20 balls, 4x1, 6x0)Peshawar (Bowling):Mohammad Imran (4 for 28), Abass Afridi (3 for 20), Mohammad Ilyas (1 for 24), Azam Khan (1 for 27)Peshawar Batting (108 for 5 in 17.2 overs) Target 104Mohammad Haris 46 runs (33 balls, 4x7, 6x1), Sahibzada Farhan 16 runs (16 balls, 4x2, 6x1), Adil Amin 14 runs not out (16 balls, 4x2, 6x0)Karachi Whites (Bowling)Nouman Ali (2 for 19), Saim Ayub (1 for 6), Danish Aziz (1 for 17), Ghulam Mudassar (1 for 28)Awards of Pakistan Cup:Best Batter: Saim Ayub (Karachi Region Whites) (397 runs)Best Bowler: Zahid Mehmood (Multan Region) and Mohammad Abbas Afridi (Peshawar Region) (15 wickets each)Best Wicket-keeper: Haseebullah (Multan Region) (326 runs and 10 dismissals).
POLO - Local News 19 Nov, 2023
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Newage Cables/Master Paints recorded a close victory against DS Polo/Sheikhoo Steel, while Diamond Paints delivered a commanding performance to triumph over Pebble Breaker in the Patrons Aibak Polo Cup 2023 matches at Lahore Polo Club grounds on Sunday.The opening match of the day witnessed Newage Cables/Master Paints clinching an 8-6½ win against DS Polo/Sheikhoo Steel. Hamza Mawaz Khan showcased exceptional skills, contributing seven impressive goals, with Adnan Jalil Azam adding the crucial eighth goal for Newage Cables/Master Paints. On the opposing side, Nicholas Roberts scored four goals, while Daniyal Sheikh and Lt Col (R) Omer Minhas each struck one goal for DS Polo/Sheikhoo Steel. The second match unfolded as a one-sided affair, with Diamond Paints overpowering Pebble Breaker with a resounding 12-4½ victory. Bilal Hayat Noon and Raja Temur Nadeem played stellar polo, each securing four fantastic goals, while Mir Shoaib Ahmed and Saqib Khan Khakwani contributed two goals each to Diamond Paints' dominant performance. Ahmed Zubair Butt scored a brace for Pebble Breaker, with Abdul Rehman Monnoo and Agha Musa Ali Khan adding one goal each.
Hameed and Rashid register victories in ITF Seniors Championship
Sports Bulletin ReportPattya (Thailand): Duo of Pakistani former Davis Cupper tennis men, Hameed-ul-Haq and Rashid Malik posted victories in the first round of the 60+ Singles of the ITF Seniors’ Master Championship at Pattaya, Thailand.Hameed-ul-Haq outplayed Indian man in straight sets 2-0 with the score-line of 6-3, 6-2 while Rashid Malik outclassed Miritello from Italy in straight sets 2-0 without conceding a single game. The final score-line was 6-0, 6-0.Waqar Nisar defeated Dilibor Vojtisek from Czech Republic in similar style 2-0 with the score-line of 6-2, and 6-2 to move into the second round of 65+ singles.
Mohammad Hamza Khan surprises World No. 69 James Willstrop
Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Rising young artistic squash player, Mohammad Hamza Khan produced a noteworthy and striking performance in the ongoing London Open Squash Championship 2023, which is being played at Cumberland, London, United Kingdom (UK). The finals will be played on November 19 at the same venues.Hamza Khan outclassed Miles Jankins 3-0 in straight games by showing his class, as his game was a blend of powerful forehands, backhand drives, and classic drop shots. Hamza got rid of his opponents in just 30 minutes with the score-line of 11-8, 11-9, and 11-3.In his second-round match, Mohammad Hamza crushed World No. 69 James Willstrop of England 3-1. The Pakistani lad lost the first game at 9-11. After going down 0-1, Hamza reformed his game strategy and played a great squash. He did not allow his competitor to settle on the court, as Hamza won the rest of the three games without any resistance and registered a historical triumph in squash. The final score-line was 9-11, 11-3, 11-9, and 11-9, as the match took 47 minutes.Although, Mohammad Hamza succumbed at the quarterfinal stage to a heavyweight local player Owain Taylor 3-1, however, he exited from the court after giving a thrilling and nerve-jangling contest in which Mohammad Hamza showcased his excellent skills of squash. The final score-line was 11-4, 12-10, 11-13, and 14-12, as the match lasted 75 minutes.
CRICKET - 17 Nov, 2023
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Member of the 2009 T20 World Cup wining squad and former Pakistan cricketer Sohail Tanvir has been appointed as head of the junior selection committee. Sohail made his international debut in 2007 and made two Test, 62 ODI and 57 T20I appearances for Pakistan. He picked up 130 wickets and scored 612 runs across the three formats.Sohail’s first assignment as chairperson of the junior selection committee will be the selection of the Pakistan U19 squad for the 2023 ACC U19 Asia Cup scheduled to be held between 8 and 17 December in UAE. Pakistan U19 will later take part in the ICC U19 World Cup from 13 January to 4 February in Sri Lanka.Sohail Tanvir said: “I am truly honoured and grateful for the opportunity provided by Chairman PCB Management Committee Mr Zaka Ashraf to serve as head of the junior selection committee. Being appointed chairman of this committee is a huge responsibility and I am looking forward to this exciting challenge.“I believe in the potential of our young talent and we collaboratively aim to build a pathway for success from the grassroots to the international level. Our first task will be selection of the U19 squad for upcoming ACC U19 Asia Cup, as we prepare to build a strong team to compete in the ICC U19 World Cup later next year.”
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