Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE (November 27, 2022): Mohammad Huraira’s fourth century of the season and Umar Amin’s unbeaten 79 put Northern in a position of strength on the second day of the first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final against Sindh at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday. Huraira and Umar’s unbroken 269-run partnership for the third wicket helped Northern post 296 for two in 63 overs at stumps. Northern are leading by 12 runs with eight first-innings wickets in hand. The right-handed batter Huraira, who entered into the final with 803 runs, is now topping the batting charts with 996 runs. The 20-year-old also topped last year’s first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy with 986 runs. In pursuit of Sindh’s first innings score of 284, Northern’s innings started poorly as Hasan Raza (14) and Abdul Faseeh (0) were dismissed by Muhammad Umar with 27 runs on the board in the ninth over. Opening batter Huraira was joined by captain Umar and both batters played shots at will, never allowing Sindh bowlers to settle down. Huraira brought up his fourth century of the tournament off 118 balls. His 150 runs came off 161 and returned unbeaten on 193 off 202 balls, smashing 29 fours and two sixes. Left-handed Umar’s 145-ball innings included 11 boundaries. Earlier, resuming at the overnight score of 230 for seven, Sindh could only add 54 more runs as they were bowled out for 284 in 92.5 overs. Asif Mehmood (78, 111b, 9x4, 2x6), Aaliyan Mehmood (4) and Shahnawaz Dahani (0) were the Sindh batters dismissed today. Fawad Alam returned undefeated on 61 off 148 balls, smashing eight fours. Aamir Jamal and Musa Khan bagged three wickets each, while Mubasir Khan finished with two for 59 runs in 26 overs. Scores in brief (end of day two): Sindh 284 all out, 92.5 overs (Asif Mehmood 78, Fawad Alam 61 not out, Omair Bin Yousuf 36, Saad Khan 35, Saim Ayub 29; Musa Khan 3-61, Aamir Jamal 3-76, Mubasir Khan 2-59) Northern 296-2, 63 overs (Mohammad Huraira 193 not out, Umar Amin 79 not out; Muhammad Umar 2-56).

Sports Bulletin Report MULTAN (November 27, 2022): Pakistan WAPDA have won the title of the first All-Pakistan Commissioner Gold Cup Hockey Tournament played at Multan Hockey Stadium under the supervision of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) in collaboration with the District Government Multan, District Sports Department Multan and District Hockey Association Multan. An exciting final between Army and WAPDA was quelled 1-1 in the 4 quarters. Amjad Khan of WAPDA scored the goal for his team while Mohammad Anas scored a goal for Army. Later Pakistan WAPDA won by four goals to two through a shootout. Yasir Khursheed and Hafiz Atif Butt performed the duties of umpiring in this match. The reserve umpire was Irfan Tahir. While the technical official was Muzmal Hussain and the judges were Shafqat Malik, Mohammad Ali, Naseer, Umair, Mirza Mujahid. Waqar Younis of WAPDA declared man of the match. Earlier, the third and fourth position play-off match was taken place between Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force (PAF). Pakistan Navy won 2-1. Mohammad Yasir scored both goals for Navy. While Adnan scored a goal for PAF. Waqas Butt and Zahid Hameed performed the duties of umpiring while reserve umpire was Irfan Tahir. Technical official was Javed Sadiq and the judges were Shafqat Malik, Naseer, Umeer, Munoor and Rao Nadeem. Assistant Commissioner Multan City Khawaja Umeer, Brigadier Malik Masroor, Chaudhry Mohammad Aneeq, Director of Yakoob Soup, General Manager Royal Orchard Malik Abdul Rauf, Sheikh Mohammad Adnan of Cleaning Solution Private Limited, Al Falah were the chief guests on the occasion of the final. Marketing Rashid Qureshi, Mohammad Hasan Khan DO Sports Rana Mohammad Nadeem Anjum, Tournament Director Olympian Qamar Zia, PHF Go Coordinator Major (Retd) Javed Arshad Manj, Tournament Organizing Secretary Col R Asif Naz Khokhar, Assistant Tournament Directors Usman Akbar Rai Kharl and Kamran Sabir, President DHA Multan Mian Mohammad Zafarullah Bhatti, Chief Coordinator Kamran Sharif Chaudhry, Umpire Manager Jameel Butt, Assistant Umpire Manager Zavalafiqar Hussain, Coordinator Amanullah Malik, Coordinator Abdul Saeed, Media Coordinator Mohammad Waqas Shaikh, D. HA Multan Vice President Ambassador Shah, Joint Secretary Mohammad Asif Mehmood, Executive Member Khurram Shah were also present.

Sports Bulletin Report POTCHEFSTROOM (South Arica): “We expect to be competitive in every match. We play only western teams, South Africa, Ireland and France, in the group stage and they play a different style of hockey than Asian teams. Our new team didn't play any match against western teams yet, so that will be our challenge. But all teams are fairly near in the world rankings, “said Pakistan hockey coach Siegfried Aikman. Cheslyn Gie, Interim Head Coach (RSA): "As always our team's objective is to make the knockout stages. We have shown in the past couple of years we can compete in the big games against the best nations and we want to do that in front of our home fans. We are a team in a transitional phase as a number of players are not available and our depth will be tested, but we believe the players who are given the opportunity will step up for our country. I am honoured at the opportunity to lead the team at the FIH Hockey Nations Cup." Patrick Tshutshani, Head Coach (CAN): “The on-field and off-field chemistry will be key in our development steps moving forward. The key steps for us will be how we connect as a team, and how we want to play the game. The Nations Cup brings great competition, and I look forward to how we apply ourselves in pressure moments.” Fred Soyez, Head Coach (FRA): “This is a very important tournament for us with two big objectives: the qualification for the next FIH Hockey Pro League and the preparation for the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup. The team is very excited to play again in Potchefstroom and ready to start the competition.” Mark Tumilty, Head Coach (IRL): “We are looking forward to the challenge of the inaugural Nations Cup. We expect it to be a very competitive tournament with all teams evenly matched. We will need to be at our best to give us a chance to progress in the tournament.” Arul Anthoni (MAS): “We hope to make defensive improvements after the Azlan Shah Cup, have a better outcome in attacking and play the Final to improve our world ranking.” Akira Takahashi (JPN): “If we win this tournament, we can join the FIH Hockey Pro League next year. So that is our objective. Furthermore, we’re back in the World Cup – which we missed for the last three consecutive editions - so we want to use this tournament also to prepare well for the upcoming World Cup.” Shin Seok Kyo (KOR): “This tournament enables to reach the FIH Hockey Pro League, where you have the highest possible level. Our team is strong. We’re hoping for the top four, and targeting to reach the final. We will play to our best, also to prepare for the World Cup.” Pakistan coach expects to be competitive in every match of FIH Nations Cup Sports Bulletin Report POTCHEFSTROOM (South Arica): “We expect to be competitive in every match. We play only western teams, South Africa, Ireland and France, in the group stage and they play a different style of hockey than Asian teams. Our new team didn't play any match against western teams yet, so that will be our challenge. But all teams are fairly near in the world rankings, “said Pakistan hockey coach Siegfried Aikman. Cheslyn Gie, Interim Head Coach (RSA): "As always our team's objective is to make the knockout stages. We have shown in the past couple of years we can compete in the big games against the best nations and we want to do that in front of our home fans. We are a team in a transitional phase as a number of players are not available and our depth will be tested, but we believe the players who are given the opportunity will step up for our country. I am honoured at the opportunity to lead the team at the FIH Hockey Nations Cup." Patrick Tshutshani, Head Coach (CAN): “The on-field and off-field chemistry will be key in our development steps moving forward. The key steps for us will be how we connect as a team, and how we want to play the game. The Nations Cup brings great competition, and I look forward to how we apply ourselves in pressure moments.” Fred Soyez, Head Coach (FRA): “This is a very important tournament for us with two big objectives: the qualification for the next FIH Hockey Pro League and the preparation for the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup. The team is very excited to play again in Potchefstroom and ready to start the competition.” Mark Tumilty, Head Coach (IRL): “We are looking forward to the challenge of the inaugural Nations Cup. We expect it to be a very competitive tournament with all teams evenly matched. We will need to be at our best to give us a chance to progress in the tournament.” Arul Anthoni (MAS): “We hope to make defensive improvements after the Azlan Shah Cup, have a better outcome in attacking and play the Final to improve our world ranking.” Akira Takahashi (JPN): “If we win this tournament, we can join the FIH Hockey Pro League next year. So that is our objective. Furthermore, we’re back in the World Cup – which we missed for the last three consecutive editions - so we want to use this tournament also to prepare well for the upcoming World Cup.” Shin Seok Kyo (KOR): “This tournament enables to reach the FIH Hockey Pro League, where you have the highest possible level. Our team is strong. We’re hoping for the top four, and targeting to reach the final. We will play to our best, also to prepare for the World Cup.” Siegfried Aikman (PAK): “We expect to be competitive in every match. We play only western teams, South Africa, Ireland and France, in the group stage and they play a different style of hockey than Asian teams. Our new team didn't play any match against western teams yet, so that will be our challenge. But all teams are fairly near in the world rankings.”

Sports Bulletin Report ABU DHABI (UAE): Eoin Morgan and Azam Khan steered New York Strikers to a well fought eight-wicket win over Deccan Gladiators in the Abu Dhabi T10 at the Abu Dhabi Zayed Cricket Stadium on Saturday. They put on an unbeaten 68 runs for the third wicket with Morgan scoring a defiant unbeaten 42 off 23 balls with five boundaries and a six. Azam scored an unbeaten 26 off 20 balls with four boundaries. They carried their team from 42 for 2 in 3.3 overs to the target withstanding some tight bowling from the Deccan Gladiators’ bowlers. Earlier, Deccan Gladiators had posted 109 for 7 through Odean Smith’s 38 and Suresh Raina’s 28 runs. Gladiators won the toss and electing to bat. They lost their opener Tom Kohler-Cadmore to the third ball of the first over from Akeal Hosein for a duck caught by Izharulhaq Naveed at short thirdman. Jason Roy hit the last ball of the first over for a boundary through the covers.  The second over was more eventful as Matiullah Khan took the prize wicket of the consistent Nicholas Pooran with the second ball. Pooran flicked into the hands of Mohammad Waseem for 7.  The fall of wickets continued in the next over when Hosein had Jason Roy caught behind by wicketkeeper Azam Khan for 5. The score went past the 100-run mark when Smith hit Izharulhaq Naveed for a six to long-off the first ball of the last over. With the last ball of the innings he had Odean Smith caught by Fletcher at long off for 38. His knock off 19 balls had three boundaries and three sixes. From a disastrous 37 for 5 in 4.4 overs, Deccan Gladiators posted 109 for 7 at the end of the 10th over. New York Strikers’ hopes now rested on Eoin Morgan and Azam Khan. The sixth over began with Azam Khan htting Andre Russell for two consecutive boundaries off the first two balls and taking 12 runs off that over. Helm was re-introduced to tighten the run flow. Azam hit the second ball for a boundary through the covers.  Morgan too picked two boundaries off the fifth and sixth deliveries. New York Stirkers needed 31 runs from the last three overs. Andre Russell was introduced for the eighth over. Although Morgan picked a boundary off his third delivery, Russell gave away only six runs.  Morgan smashed Odean Smith over long off for a six and a boundary to take his team closer to the target. Azam too hit Smith for a boundary to take 19 runs off that over. In the end, New York Strikers needed six runs off the last over.  Josh Little, who bowled the last over, gave singles off the first two deliveries. Morgan took two runs off the third and a single off the fourth. Azam could not get any run off the fifth but won the match off the last ball by hitting Little to midwicket for a single and winning the match by 8 wickets. Brief scores: New York Strikers bt Deccan Gladiators by 8 wkts. Deccan Gladiators 109 for 7 in 10 overs (Suresh Raina 28, Odean Smith 38, Akeal Hosein 2 for 9, Jordan Thompson 2 for 34) New York Strikers 110 for 2 in 10 overs (Paul Stirling 25, Eoin Morgan 42n.o, Azam Khan 26n.o) Player of the Match: Eoin Morgan

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE: Muzammil Murtaza and Sarah Mehboob Khan have clinched the men’s and ladies singles titles of the 6th Sheheryar Malik Memorial Pakistan Open Tennis Championship 2022 that concluded here at Nishtar Park Tennis Courts on Saturday.   In the men's singles final, Muzammil Murtaza played well against M Shoaib and outpaced him by 6-4, 7-5 to clinch the title. The ladies singles final saw Sarah Mehboob Khan utilizing her wide experience to outsmart spirited Noor Malik (Wapda) 7-5, 6-2.   The boys’ Under-18 title was claimed by Bilal Asim, who outlasted Mahatir Muhammad 6-2, 7-5 in the final. Hamid Israr/Nael Qureshi won the U-18 doubles title by outpacing Sami Zeb Khan/Hasheesh Kumar 6-2, 6-4. The boys U-16 title was clinched by Sheheryar Anees, who defeated Asad Zaman 6-4, 6-4 in the final. Abubakar Talha/Zohaib Afzal Malik - one of the top junior pairs of the country – added another feather in their decorated cap as they grabbed the U-14 doubles title by beating Amir Mazari/Nabeel Qayum 4-0, 4-5, 10-7. Abubakar doubled his crown by beating Amir Mazari 6-1, 1-0 (rtd) in the boys U-14 final.   In the boys’ Under-12 final, Abdur Rehman beat Ismail Aftab 4-2, 4-2 to lift the title. The boys/girls U-12 doubles title was claimed by Abubakar/Zunaisha, who beat Ismail Aftab/Abdur Rehman 4-2, 4-2 in the final. The boys/girls U-10 title was won by Shayan Afridi, who routed Hajra Suhail 4-1, 4-2.   In the seniors 35 plus doubles final, Shehzad/Inam Gul beat Talha Waheed/Tanveer Munir 6-1, 6-4 while in the seniors 45 plus doubles final, Sheheryar Salamat/Khurram Imtiaz beat Ashar/Adnan 5-7, 7-5, 10-8 and in seniors 65 plus doubles finals, Asad Niaz/Kh Khurram beat Waqar Nisar/Raheel.   Secretary Sports & Youth Affairs Ehsan Bhutta and PLTA Chairman Iftikhar Ahmad Rao graced the concluding ceremony as chief guest and distributed prizes among the winners of different age group categories in the presence of PLTA Secretary Rashid Malik, officials and tennis players, families and game lovers.  Rashid Malik thanked IPC Minister Ehsan ur Rehman Mazari, Punjab Sports Minister Malik Taimoor Masood, Secretary Sports Ehsan Bhutta, DG Sports Tariq Qureshi, PLTA Chairman Rao Iftikhar, entire SBP management and all others especially the managements of Metro Cash & Cash, TS Builders and Sheikhoo Steel for making this event a huge success.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE: Asif Mehmood’s maiden first-class half-century and Fawad Alam’s unbeaten 38 staged a remarkable comeback for Sindh at the close of day one of the five-day Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2022-23 first-class final against Northern at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Sindh ended the day on 230 for seven in 81.1 overs with Asif and Fawad knitting an unbroken 79-run partnership for the eighth wicket. Test batter Fawad was joined by right-handed batter Asif with the Sindh scorecard reading 151 for the loss of seven wickets. The pair played throughout the evening session in which 77 runs were added by both batters in 24.1 overs. Asif, coming to bat at number eight, struck six fours and two sixes during his 89-ball 56 not out. Fawad on the other hand smashed five boundaries during his 115-ball innings. Earlier, Northern captain Umar Amin won the toss and decided to field first. Northern’s fast bowler Musa Khan made the first two breakthroughs dismissing Sindh’s captain Khurram Manzoor (16 off 30 balls) and Saim Ayub (29 off 67, four fours) with 62 runs on the board. After the departure of the opening pair, Saad Khan coming to bat at number three was joined by right-handed batter Omair Bin Yousuf and both took the attack to the Northern bowlers. The pair added 50 runs for the third wicket before Saad was dismissed caught behind off the bowling of Aamir Jamal for 35 after lunch. Left-handed Saad struck four fours and one six during his 63-ball stay at the crease. Omair was next to go getting lbw to off-spinner Mubasir Khan for a 75-ball 36, which included five boundaries. The afternoon session belonged to Northern bowlers as five Sindh wickets fell after the lunch interval and only 61 runs were added in 28 overs. For Northern, Mubasir and Test fast bowler Musa bagged two wickets apiece, while Kashif Ali and Aamir scooped a wicket each. Scores in brief: Sindh 230-7, 81.1 overs (Asif Mehmood 56 not out, Fawad Alam 38 not out, Omair Bin Yousuf 36, Saad Khan 35, Saim Ayub 29; Musa Khan 2-53, Mubasir Khan 2-59)

Sports Bulletin Report ABU DHABI (UAE): The New York Strikers, who are making their debut in the sixth season of Abu Dhabi T10, started off their tournament with a defeat on the opening day against the Bangla Tigers, before bouncing back in style to hand the Chennai Braves in their second game.  Speaking about the format, one of Pakistan’s best bowlers in recent years, Wahab Riaz said that the T10 poses plenty of challenges to the skillset of the bowlers.  “T10 is a very batter friendly format and in 10 overs one has capture 10 wickets to win the game. But for the bowlers, a format like this gives you great idea about your own abilities and skills. And even though you will concede runs, if as a bowler you can pick up some new skills or fine tune an aspect of your game, it will only help in the other formats,” Riaz said.  “Those learnings will help later on in a variety of pressure situations and the team and captain can capitalise on that as well.”  Another aspect which the ace pacer believes is crucial is keeping fit during such a tightly packed schedule. Riaz noted that while it is tough, it’s the kind of thing they’ve been training for all their lives.  “It’s hard but that’s what you train for all your life. As a bowler you have to deliver two overs while the batters have to bat 10 overs. It is a high intensity format, even more than T20s, but it should not affect us players really, because we train and plan for these things and situations. You have to mentally prepare yourself for this, and it eventually becomes easier for all of us.”  Speaking about working together as a team and adapting to each other during such a short period of time, Riaz explained that it is tough, but it is all about combined effort.  “It is tough when you are coming together for around 10 days as a team. Everyone makes the combined effort and with so much franchise cricket happening all around the globe, most of the players have played with each other in different tournaments. That helps in helping the team work together, and what also makes things easier is how the team management helps you settle in.”   Riaz also touched upon how the team prepares for the games, saying that irrespective of the result, the previous match needs to be put in the background.  “I think we have to forget the last game always, whether you win or lose, that’s done and we have to concentrate on the next game. Everyday is a new day and if you keep thinking about the previous day, you won’t be able to perform in the next game. So I think the best way to work is that you stay calm and look ahead to the next game,” Riaz signed off.  The New York Strikers are one of two new franchises in the 8-team tournament. The Strikers and the Morrisville SAMP Army are both USA based franchises that have joined the T10 bandwagon this year.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE: Newage Cables/Master Paints and FG/Din Polo booked berths in the main final of the Coca-Cola Aibak Polo Cup 2022 after winning their respective semi-finals played here at the Lahore Polo Club on Friday. In the first semi-final, Team Newage Cables/Master Paints defeated Team Diamond Paints by 9½-7. Juan Cruz Greguol emerged as hero of the day as he smashed in superb six goals while his teammates Adnan Jalil Azam, Alman Jalil Azam and Farooq Amin Sufi converted one goal each for Newage Cables/Master Paints, which had a half goal handicap advantage. For Team Diamond Paints, Abdur Rehman Monnoo hammered a hat-trick of goals while Lt Col Omer Minhas (R) and Ahmed Ali Tiwana banged in a brace each.  The second semifinal of the day, Team FG/Din Polo outlasted Team Remounts by 10½-3. Thomas Marin Moreno played hero’s role in the winning team’s triumph as he played superb polo and hammered impressive six goals while he was ably assisted by Farhad Muhammad Sheikh and Mian Abbas Mukhtar, who slammed in three and one goal respectively for FG/Din Polo. Raja Temur Nadeem, Muhammad Shahzad and Sawar Muhammad Naeem managed to convert one goal each for Team Remounts. A large number of spectators were present at the ground to watch both the semi-finals. Other notables present on the occasion were Lahore Polo Club President Omer Sadiq, Secretary Agha Murtaza Ali Khan and executive committee members of the club and polo enthusiasts.  Now, the main final will be played between the teams of FG/Din Polo and Newage Cables/Master Paints here at the Lahore Polo Club ground at 3:00 PM.

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE): The International Cricket Council (ICC) Board has reappointed Imran Khwaja as Deputy Chair for a two-year term. Khwaja currently holds an Associate Member Director position on the Board having been re-elected at the ICC Annual Conference in July 2022. Khwaja was first elected to the ICC Board in 2008 and has served as Deputy Chair since 2017.

Sports Bulletin Report Torino (Italy): The second edition of the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) Climbing Summit, taking place at Nuvola Lavazza on 25 and 26 November 2022.  The two-day event will allow National Federations’ delegates to hear and discuss various topics including strategy, governance, events, media and development from the world of Sport Climbing.  In the first Summit since Climbing’s debut at an Olympic Games at Tokyo 2020, there will be a particular focus on athletes as Olympic champion Janja Garnbret of Slovenia will take centre stage to share her experiences and talk about the topics she feels is affecting the world of Climbing at present. Canada’s Sean McColl, Vice President of the IFSC Athletes’ Commission, and Italy’s Lucia Capovilla, Athletes’ Representative of the IFSC Paraclimbing Committee, will also be involved in sessions throughout the two days to add further athletes’ perspective. There will be a look toward the Olympic future of the sport with a presentation from Vincent Caussé, Paris 2024 Sport Manager for Sport Climbing, and an update and review of the World Cup broadcasting from representatives of Warner Bros. Discovery. “We still regret that our community could not celebrate Climbing at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 in person, because of the restrictions imposed by Covid-19,” the IFSC President said. “Now, during these two days, we want to share feelings, emotions, concerns: that’s why we are here, Climbing Summit number two. I wish that, moving towards the summit together, we could shape the future of the sport which changed our lives, for many of us, for the better. Let’s dream higher.”