Sports Bulletin

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD:-Pakistani Test cricketer Abdullah Shafique determined to cement his place in national squad as well as in the last playing 11s with his bat performance despite of having a tough competition to make permanent place in the playing elevens, “This is challenge for me to satisfy my captain with my batting to stable berth in the team, “He was talking to journalists of twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Tuesday at Pindi cricket stadium. He added that he was toiling hard in the camp to show notable performance in the forthcoming 2 Test series against Sri Lanka next month. “There is a nice atmosphere in the camp and all players and officials have coordination to run the camp in a beneficial manner. I will not disappoint the selectors and my captain in the series, “he said. Abdullah Shafique, who played 5 Tests, said that he felt proud if some compared him with Rahul Dravid of India. “I am honoured that Babar compared me with Dravid. However, two-time World Cup-winning Australian captain Ricky Ponting is my favorite batter after current Pakistani captain Babar Azam and former Test cricketer Mohammad Yousaf, “he said while replying to a question. Talking about his experience being with the team during the home ODI series against West Indies, Abdullah said he learned a lot. "It was a great learning experience for me. I didn't get a chance to play but it was good being around the players who were playing. I will try to grab any opportunity that comes to me in the upcoming Sri Lanka Test tour," he concluded.

Sports Bulletin Report Lahore: Pakistan, as part of their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia 2022 preparations, will participate in a T20I tri-series in Christchurch, New Zealand, from 7-14 October with Bangladesh as the third side. Number-three ranked Pakistan will take on number-eight ranked Bangladesh on 7 October and number-six ranked New Zealand on the following day. In the second round of matches, Pakistan will play New Zealand and Bangladesh on 11 and 13 October, respectively with the final scheduled for Friday, 14 October.In the T20 World Cup, Pakistan will open their campaign against India in Melbourne on 23 October. They will then play the two qualifiers on 27 and 30 October in Perth, before taking on South Africa on 3 November in Sydney and Bangladesh on 6 November in Adelaide. Pakistan captain Babar Azam: “I am pleased that we will be featuring in the tri-series in New Zealand as it will help us to arrive early and not only acclimatise for the T20 World Cup in Australia but also give final touches to our preparations. “I missed the last series in New Zealand due to a thumb injury and look forward to playing cricket in Christchurch against two good oppositions.” Pakistan will depart for Christchurch on 4 October after completing their seven-match T20I series against England on 2 October. Prior to the England series, Pakistan will take part in the ACC T20 Asia Cup, which is schedule in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 27 August to 11 September. T20I tri-series itinerary 7 Oct –Pakistan v Bangladesh, Hagley Oval, Christchurch (1200 PST) 8 Oct – Pakistan v New Zealand, Hagley Oval, Christchurch (1200 PST) 9 Oct – Bangladesh v New Zealand, Hagley Oval, Christchurch (0800 PST) 11 Oct –Pakistan v New Zealand, Hagley Oval, Christchurch (0800 PST) 12 Oct – Bangladesh v New Zealand, Hagley Oval, Christchurch (0800 PST) 13 Oct –Pakistan v Bangladesh, Hagley Oval, Christchurch (0800 PST) 14 Oct – Final, Hagley Oval, Christchurch (0800 PST)

  BIPIN DANI Roman Walker's parents in England would have still been happy even if his son had taken the five wickets of any opponents but when this young boy took the five wickets against a strong Indian team, which included the prize victims of Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma, they were pleasantly surprised.  Interestingly, the 21-year-old right-arm medium pacer has not even played a First Class match in his home country.  "We were so proud to see Roman take a 5-fer. It would have been amazing whatever team he had played against, but to take the wickets of some of the best players in the world was very special. Not only that, his bowling figures were excellent", the player's parents-mother : Michelle and father Bryan-, speaking exclusively over the telephone from the UK, said.  Rohit Sharma, Hanuma Vihari, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur were the victims of his bowling during India's first tour match in England.  "His sister Cheyenne and grandparents were so happy hearing how well he had done. Our extended cricket family and friends were quick to send their congratulations and share his news", the mother informs.  There were a few spectators in the crowd who came to watch Indian players. One among them was a school boy, who bunked his class and displayed the play-card showing : VIRAT SIR, YOU R D BEST. I MISSED SCHOOL TO C U".  Roman Walker was born and bred in Wrexham, Wales. He came through the Glamorgan academy as a youngster and made his professional t-20 debut for them in 2021. He then moved to Leicestershire on a 3-year contract at the end of the 2021 season. He has represented England U19s. He played in the Abu Dhabi T10 competition for Chennai Braves in 2021.  According to Robert Walker's agent, Tom Watts, Robert had been to India. "He spent some time on a training camp at the MIG club in Mumbai when he was 18. He loved the culture, people and the Indians' love for cricket", Watts informs, adding, "Food was too spicy for him though!".   

BIPIN DANI The first Test match between Sri Lanka and Australia to be played at the Galle International Stadium (June 29-July 3) will be dedicated to Shane Warne, it is confirmed. Accordingly, Shane Warne's brother Jason and his wife Shay will be witnessing the Test match, where other Sri Lanka's legendary cricketers are also invited. The invitation was sent by the Hon. Tourism Minister Harin Fernando. "The Galle stadium was one of Australian cricketer Shane Warne's favourite cricket grounds and he helped to raise money to rebuild it, after the devastation caused by the tsunami in 2004", Chalaka Gajabahu, the chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) said exclusively over the telephone from Colombo on Thursday evening, once the confirmation was received from Jason Warne. "We are honoured to invite the family of Shane Warne. With the great memory of Shane Warne's services to the nation, the Ministry of Tourism in Sri Lanka, together with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), have decided to dedicate this first Test to Warne", Gajabahu further added.

BIPIN DANI Today (Friday), the Sri Lankan fans will "support" the visiting Australian team during the 5th and the final D/N ODI at the R. Premadasa Stadium. OneNationOnePeople, a non-profit national campaign organisation which is promoting harmony and co-existence between all Sri Lankans has appealed to all spectators to wear yellow jersey and carry Australian flags in hand to say thank you note for coming over to Sri Lanka and play matches. "This One group is with us. They work with us", Hon. Tourism Minister Harin Fernando, while returning from Europe, said exclusively over the telephone. "Let's flood the next one day match with Australian flag's and Thank you notes to show our gratitude as ONE NATION ONE PEOPLE ONE SRI LANKA. Let's show the world that we are not poor as humans. When it was much needed they came with a full team. They request all other countries to support Sri Lanka. They help to divert the attention to Sri Lankan tourism in a good way. They request the world to visit Sri Lanka and support Sri Lanka. Most importantly they "PUT A SMILE BACK ON OUR FACES", the message is conveyed via social media to all fans arriving for the match on Friday. Australians came to Sri Lanka in the most difficult time in the country and not just for 3 games but for a whole tour with the A team as well. The host team has already won the ODI series. 

BIPIN DANI The family of Sri Lankan batting all-rounder Charith Asalanka has a reason to celebrate his 25th birthday (which falls on June 29) one week in advance. The middle order left-hand batter registered his very first hundred in international cricket on Tuesday. "We are overjoyed with his maiden hundred", Charith's girl-friend, Kavindika, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Colombo, said on Wednesday morning. "Interestingly, June 29 is a significant day in his life. Last year he made his international debut on his birthday day (ODI against England at Chester-Le-Street)". Charith's first international hundred was witnessed by his family at the ground. "Charith's parents (father : Vijith Priyanth (businessman), mother (Tanuja, housewife) and two siblings (brother and sister) were at the ground. I could not go but watched the match at my home with Charith's one of the other sisters", the girl-friend, who has known Charith for the last ten years added. "The presence of his family at the R Premadasa Stadium was enough support for my boy-friend to hit the ton" Charith's parents have been very supportive. Even Charith's younger brother (Hiruk), who is studying now plays good cricket and is a future star. Charith's late grand-father had a dream to see his grand-children to play cricket for the country", Kavindika added. Charith's first coach at school, Dhanushka Denagama is hoping many more centuries from his ward. "I hope he will be the team leader in the future. His innings on Tuesday reminded me of his childhood day", the coach said. Incidentally, Charith's father could not resist thanking Dhanushka the day after his son was instrumental in the unbeaten series win. "His father called me and thanked me for making his son a world class player", the coach signed off.

BIPIN DANI Sri Lanka's top order batsman Kusal Mendis has become father for the first time. This was revealed by his father, Dinesh Mendis. "Kusal's wife Nishelle gave birth to a baby girl this between 7 and 8 Monday morning. Both the newly born baby and her mother are absolutely fine', he said exclusively over the telephone from Colombo. The 27-year-old top order right-hand handed batter, who scored 87 runs in the winning match against Australia on Sunday night saw his daughter on Monday morning. "Kusal came to the hospital (Ninewells Hospital) on Sunday night immediately after the match. The delivery was not done at the time. He, however has seen the baby this morning", the father further added. Kusal was still in the hospital at the time of filing this report (1 pm) on Monday noon. The parents are likely to name the girl as Hailey. The duo had married last year on February 12.

Sports Bulletin Report LONDON:-England Men's selection panel have named a 14-strong squad for the third LV= Insurance Test match against New Zealand starting at Headingley on 23 June. Surrey seamer Jamie Overton has been called up to the Test squad for the first time and will join his brother Craig in the squad. The 28-year-old has been in excellent form for league leaders Surrey in the LV= Insurance County Championship Division One taking 21 wickets this season at an average of 21.61. The England Test squad will report to Headingley on Tuesday afternoon ahead of the match starting on Thursday. England lead the three-match series two-nil. England Men's Test squad v New Zealand: Ben Stokes (Durham) captain James Anderson (Lancashire) Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire) Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire) Harry Brook (Yorkshire) Zak Crawley (Kent) Ben Foakes (Surrey) Jack Leach (Somerset) Alex Lees (Durham) Craig Overton (Somerset) Jamie Overton (Surrey) Matthew Potts (Durham) Ollie Pope (Surrey) Joe Root (Yorkshire)

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-For the first time since the ICC ODI and T20I Player rankings were introduced, Pakistan batters have occupied the top two positions in the latest rankings, which the ICC released on Wednesday. Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar Azam is joined by Imam-ul-Haq as the second-ranked ODI batter, while Mohammad Rizwan has moved up one place to second in the T20I rankings. Imam’s 199 runs in the ODI series against the West Indies in Pakistan’s 3-0 series win has helped him to move ahead of India’s Virat Kohli. Imam now leads Kohli (811 points) by four points, while Babar continues to sit on top of the tree with 892 points. Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has joined India’s Shikhar Dawan at 13th position. Amongst the ODI bowlers, Shaheen Afridi has broken into the top-five for the first time in his career. The left-arm fast bowler, who is ranked fourth in Tests with 827 points, is now in fourth position (up by two places). The list is headed by New Zealand’s Trent Boult (726 points), followed by Josh Hazlewood (691 points) and Matt Henry (683 points). Shadab Khan has also made good progress, rising eight places to 30th, while Mohammad Nawaz has vaulted 53 places to enter the top-50 in 47th position. In the T20I player rankings, Babar Azam is ranked number-one with 818 points, while Mohammad Rizwan is second (794 points). South Africa’s Aiden Markram has slipped to third on 772 points. Fakhar Zaman is the next highest-ranked Pakistan batter in 46th position (490 points). Amongst the T20I bowlers, Shaheen Afridi is in 12th position, followed by Shadab Khan (16th), Haris Rauf (29th), Mohammad Nawaz (60th) and Hasan Ali (63rd). In the latest Test rankings, Babar Azam has retained his fourth position, while Azhar Ali and Mohammad Rizwan are 18th and 19th, respectively. Abid Ali is 23rd, Abdullah Shafique is 35th and Fawad Alam is 42nd. Apart from Shaheen Afridi, notable Pakistan bowlers in the Test rankings are Hasan Ali (15th), Mohammad Abbas (20th), Yasir Shah (37th), Nauman Ali (62nd), Naseem Shah (68th), Faheem Ashraf (73rd) and Sajid Khan (75th).

Sports Bulletin Report MULTAN:-Pakistan’s lower middle-order batting emerged successful from a stern test to help the home side win the third One-Day International by 53 runs on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern Method and sweep the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League series against the West Indies by 3-0 here on Sunday night. In front of another packed to capacity crowd on a day that saw play halt for approximately an hour due to a dust storm, which reduced the match to 48 overs a side, Pakistan slipped from 85 for no loss in the 17th over to a precarious 117 for five in the 25th over before recovering to post a commanding 269 for nine. The bowlers then overcame the West Indies’ counterattack to dismiss the visitors for 216 in 37.2 overs. Akeal Hosein fought a lone battle, hitting two fours and six sixes in a 37-ball 60, while Keacy Carty scored 33 and Shai Hope and Keemo Paul contributed 21 runs apiece. The West Indies entertained a holiday crowd with 15 fours and 10 sixes after Pakistan had struck 20 fours and four sixes. Shadab Khan followed up his match-winning 86 with figures of four for 62, Hasan Ali took two for 29, while Mohammad Nawaz, who took four for 19 on Friday, bagged two for 56. Like Shadab, Nawaz was also returning to ODI cricket after recovering from an injury. Mohammad Haris, who had earlier earned a second-ball duck, kept wickets and accounted for three batters. Similarly, Shahnawaz Dahani, who became the 235th cricketer to represent Pakistan in ODIs, picked up a wicket in his second over to finish with figures of 6-0-36-1. The star of the match was all-rounder Shadab, who was playing his first complete ODI series since July 2021 and had been under fire for being ineffective and inconsistent since the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019. The 23-year-old pulled Pakistan out of a deep hole with a gutsy and courageous career-best 86 off 78 that included four fours and three sixes. Together with Khushdil Shah (34), Shadab added 84 runs for the sixth wicket and then another 40 for the eighth wicket with Mohammad Wasim. It was Shadab’s measured and well-constructed innings that helped Pakistan to collect 78 runs from the last 10 overs to reach 269 for nine, which looked highly unlikely after the middle-order had collapsed like a house of cards against Nicholas Pooran, who before this match, had only bowled three deliveries in international cricket. Pooran returned figures of 10-0-48-4, but more importantly broke the back of Pakistan’s middle-order at a time when they were ready to shift gears after Fakhar Zaman (35) and Imam-ul-Haq (62) had provided Pakistan an 85-run first wicket stand. Pooran picked up four of the five top-order batters, dismissing Fakhar, Imam, Mohammad Haris (0) and Mohammad Rizwan (11). Babar Azam, who suffered a rare failure when he scored just one, was trapped in front of the wickets by Hayden Walsh. Nevertheless, Shadab held the innings together and in partnership with Khushdil, rebuilt the innings on a wicket that had no demons. Shadab waited patiently for the lose deliveries but when they came his way, they were severely punished as he continued to nudge and push the ball around to keep the scoreboard moving. He was eventually out on the first ball of the last over as he attempted a ‘Dilscoop’ to find his middle stump disturbed. While Shadab dominated the match with 86 and four for 62, Imam stole the honours of the series when he finished as the leading run-getter with 199 runs at 66.66 with a strike-rate of just under 94. His last 10 scores in 50-over cricket have been 57, 0, 1, 56, 103, 106, 89 not out, 65, 72 and 62, a hallmark of a top batter. Pakistan have strengthened their fourth position in the Super League with 90 points in 15 ODIs of five series and have three series (9 ODIs) remaining. They will play the Netherlands in August and New Zealand in January, while time of the Afghanistan series is yet to be decided. Seven of the 13 sides in the Super League plus hosts India will qualify directly for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. Scores in brief: Pakistan beat West Indies by 53 runs (DLS Method) and won the series 3-0 Pakistan 269-9, 48 overs (Shadab Khan 86, Imam-ul-Haq 62, Fakhar Zaman 35, Khushdil Shah 34, Nicholas Pooran 4-48, Keemo Paul 2-57) West Indies 216 all out, 37.2 overs (Akeal Hosein 60, Keacy Carty 33, Shai Hope 21, Keemo Paul 21; Shadab Khan 4-62, Hasan Ali 2-29, Mohammad Nawaz 2-56) Player of the match – Shadab Khan (Pakistan) Player of the series - Imam-ul-Haq (Pakistan)