Sheikh M0hammad Anwar It is said, “Hospitals become barren where playing grounds are functional”.  The world of sports has a big moral power and civilized world through heir sports took their countries to a new height, however, nobody could deny the importance of sports. Similarly, Imam Ghazali said that a healthy body has a healthy mind which compels for positive thinking. Healthy minds always decide positive and effective decisions. Here, I would like to say that If some understood the spirit of sports, he is Chief Executive Pakistan Weight Lifting Federation Hafiz Imran Butt. Last days, it happened to me to go Uzbekistan (Tashkent) as Team Manager in connection with International Solidarity Weight Lifting Championship Uzbekistan (Tashkent) Qualification Event Olympic Games 2020 along with Hafiz Imran Butt, in which, players of 47 countries participated. We reached Uzbekistan along with Talha Talib and Zohaib Manzoor by HY464 Uzbekistan airways. Talha Talib had secured a gold medal and two silver medals in International Solidarity Weight Lifting Championship held in Qahirah 2018, while, in Uzbekistan, Talha Talib won three gold medals in 67 kg category in the recent Championship. Similarly, Zohaib Manzoor secured fifth position, in 96kg category. Sensational scenes were observed in Weight lifting hall where, no Pakistani was present except Hafiz Imran Butt, I and the above mentioned players.  While, Talha Talib won gold medal in 67 kg category, Stage 142 and Clean and Jerk 162 and hoisted the Pakistani flag in Uzbekistan. The weight lifting hall was echoed with Pakistan Zindabad. Talking to the media, Talha Talib that he was very happy over the victory, first of all, I am thankful to Allah Almighty, Who reached me in victory stand and he attributes his victory to Pakistani Nation and Pakistan Weight Lifting Federation whose prayers help him win the championship. Talha said, “We can give excellent performance, if government provide facilities to us like that provided to players in other countries”.  Sheikh Anwar said that it was his first tour along with Pakistani weight lifting team as a manager to Uzbakistan, for which “I am grateful to the federation”.   He lamented that India sent 10 players to Uzbakistan for taking part in International weight lifting championship and 16 players including male and female players for Asian Youth International Weight Lifting Championship while Pakistan sent two players. However, I came to know that the weight lifting federation was facing financial constraint, due to which, two players were sent. Under the 18th amendment, neither Pakistan Sports Board nor provinces support financially to the federation, due to which, federation was facing financial crunch. When, I talked to Indian team manager, he told me, that their federation get annual grant of Rs 120 to 150 million from Indian government, besides providing facility of air travelling. “It was shocking me, and I thought, ‘Alas’ Pakistan government patronage our players like that of India, then Pakistan can obtain the lost glory in the sports sector”. Mr Ellia of Kazakhastan, who made the record of World Champion in Olympic Chamion 2008, 2012 and 2014, told us in a meeting that his doctor, physiotherapist, neutrician coach, training coach and loader are with me at all times.  He disclosed that preparations for Olympic games would be started the very next day and a training camp would be set up for them. It is a tragic that players in Pakistan get a brief time, due to which, players could not practice properly. Sheikh Anwar expressed the pleasure that it was not a less than honour, that Paksiani players won gold medals in World Championship. He said that Pakistan could not materialize the dream of making champion in sports, until sports at school and college level are organized. It was surprising for him that from 15 to 16 years male and female students participated in the Youth Olympic Championship. He stressed the need for imparting training to children from 8 to 10 years of age so that they could be able to take part in Asian and Commonwealth Games. The well grooming of parents certainly transferred to their children, and in this regard, Noah Butt, Abdullah Butt and Talha Talib were an example. Sheikh Anwar said it was deplorable that Wapda, army, police, railways and HEC players had no rods and plates of international standard. As we saw in Uzbakastan competitions, rods and plates of ELEIKO and ZKC companies were available in abundance for players of other countries for practice. While talking, Hafiz Imran Butt said that he visited Uzbakastan in 2018 and that time, the airport of Tashkent was old and now it was modern that like of Dubai airport. When, he asked he protocol officer, how much time the airport took to complete, he told that only 10 months. He demanded the government to support players of other sports other than Cricket players. He stressed the need for building training halls of international standard for promoting individual sport like weight lifting sports. World Champion Al-bagh Faris who came from Qatar asked this writer, “Have you ever organized international weight lifting competitions in Pakistan” and the answer was ‘No’ as there was no hall for weight lifting competitions in Pakistan. However, the writer stressed the need for promoting weight lifting sport and facilitating players to bring laurel for Pakistan.

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (February 19, 2020):-Local girl Zoha Asim failed to show impressive performance in the second round of the ongoing Tajammul & Dilawar Abbas Memorial ITF Pakistan Junior Tennis Championships 2020 at PTF Tennis Complex on Wednesday. In girls Singles Hannah Kaile Shen from Hong Kong made the major upset of the tournament when she overwhelm 2nd seed Dorasa Cheraghi from Iran in straight set win by breaking 9th game in first set and 7th game in second set and moved into the Semi final.  The match lasted 1 hr 45 minutes.  Top seed Ke Ren from China was leading 1-0 against Amina Saliyayeva from USA when she conceded the match due to the diarrhea and fever. 3rd seed Mina Toglukdemir and 4th seed Billur Gonlusen from Turkey are also registered straight set wins and move into the semi finals.  In the Boys singles;  4th seed Ahmed Kamil of Pakistan struggle hard to win his encounter against Nikta Bortnichek from Russia in a well contested thrilling three set match. Wild Card entrant Kerem Ozlale and Tuna Nergizoglue from Turkey, and Aryan Giri from Nepal also move into the quarter final by winning their respective matches in straight sets. In the Boys Doubles event Ahmed Kamil (PAK) / Muhammad Shoaib (PAK) qualified for the semi final by eliminating Chinese Taipai players Kuan Chang Huang (TPE) / Chun Tang (TPE) in straight sets. Min-Hung Kao (TPE) / Araiz Malik (PAK) also moved into the semi final when they got walk over against 2nd seed Matteo Covato (ITA) / Souta Oomura (JPN) due to muscular soreness injury to Matteo Covato from Italy.  Salim Saifullah Khan President, Pakistan Tennis Federation visited PTF Complex to witness the matches of ITF J5 Islamabad; he interacted with the foreign players, coaches and their parents; He also welcomed them in Pakistan. The PRO of Ministry of IPC and the Pakistan Sports Board team also visited PTF Complex and appreciated the arrangements and professional conduct of the international event. Following are the results: Boy’s Singles (Pre-Quarter Finals) Kerem Ozlale (TUR) beat Qwyn Quittned (AUS) 6-0, 6-2; Tune Nergizoglu (TUR) beat Abdullah (PAK) 6-1, 6-0; Ahmed Kamil (PAK) beat Nikta Bortnichek (RUS) 5-7, 6-2, 6-2; Aryan Giri (NEP) beat Emir Toglukdemir (TUR) 6-0, 6-3. Girls Singles Quarter Finals Hannah Kaile Shen (HKG) beat Dorsa Cherghai (IRI) 6-4, 6-4; Billur Gonlusen (TUR) beat Zhansaya Bakytzhan (KAZ) 6-1, 7-5; Ren Ke (CHN) beat Amina Salibayeva (USA) 1-0 (Retd). Mina Toglukdemir (TUR) beat Zoha Asim (PAK) 6-2, 6-2. Boys Doubles Quarter Finals Ahmed Kamil (PAK) / Mohammad Shaoib (PAK) beat Kuan Chang Huang (TPE) / Chun Tang (TPE) 6-1, 7-5;   Min-Hung Kao (TPE) / Araiz Malik (PAK) W/O Matteo Covato (ITA) / Sauta Oomura (JPN); Iustin Belea (ROU) / Qwyn Quitiner (AUS) beat Sami Zeb Khan (PAK) / Subhan Bin Salik (PAK) 7-5, 6-2; Birtan Duran (TUR) / Kerem Ozlale (TUR) beat Zalan Khan (PAK) / Raahim Agha (BGR) 6-1, 6-4. Girls Doubles (Quarter Finals) Amel Sammari (TUN) / Hannah Kaile Shen (HKG) w/o Amina Salibayeva (USA) / Asima Sazanova (KAZ); Mina Toglukdemir (TUR) / Leyla Nilufer Elmas (TUR) beat Zoha Asim (PAK)  / Zhansaya Bakytzhan (KAZ) 6-1, 7-5; Sie Ding Chain (MAS) / Ke Ren (CHN) beat Jeongmin IM (KOR) / Jun Seo Lee (KOR) 6-0, 6-4;

SB News KARACHI (February 18, 2020):-The PCB Cricket Committee will hold its first meeting of the year tomorrow, 19 February, at a local hotel in Karachi. This will be the first of the four gatherings that the revamped committee, under Iqbal Qasim, will hold in 2020. Some of the items on the agenda of the meeting are: i)                    Presentation by Misbah-ul-Haq, chief selector and head coach of Pakistan national men’s team, on the team’s performance since his appointment ii)                  Update on women cricket by Urooj Mumtaz iii)                Review of the domestic season and of ICC’s pitch consultant Andy Atkinson’s report

SB News ISLAMABAD (February 18, 2020):-HBL Pakistan Super League 2020, the biggest cricket spectacle in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, will carry mammoth prize money of US$1million, it was announced today (Tuesday). The winners of the 22 March final under Gaddafi Stadium lights will collect a cheque of U$500K along with a glittering and brand new trophy, while the runner-up will receive a cheque of US$200K. In addition to the above, there will be number of other cash awards, including U$4,500 each to all the 34 player of the matches. Furthermore, US$80K will be equally distributed to player of the tournament, best batsman, best bowler and Spirit of Cricket. The remaining amount will be distributed for other match-related awards like best catch, best run-out and most sixes. The 34-match 32-day HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 will be the biggest cricket extravaganza to take place in Pakistan and first since the six-team Asia Cup 2008. Twelve years ago, the then four Test playing countries were joined by the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong in a 13-match tournament in Karachi and Lahore. Sri Lanka had defeated India in the final at the National Stadium by 100 runs. Prior to this tournament, Pakistan had staged the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 1987 and 1996. In 1987, Pakistan had hosted 10 matches at seven venues, while 16 matches were played at six venues in 1996. Although a domestic tournament, the six-team HBL Pakistan Super League will be held across four venues with Karachi staging nine, Lahore 14, Rawalpindi eight and Multan three. The opening match of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 will be held between defending champions Quetta Gladiators and two-time former winners Islamabad United at the National Stadium and will commence at 9pm following an attractive opening ceremony, which will begin at 6.45pm.

By BIPIN DANI Meher Mohammad Khalil, the bus driver who turned Sri Lanka's "hero" in 2009 met Kumar Sangakkara during the recent trip to Pakistan. Former Sri Lanka captain and wicket-keeper batsman Kumar Sangakkara, who happens to be the first Asian president of the world's most famous cricket club-MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) has taken his team to Pakistan to play one 50-over game and three T20 matches in Lahore. Speaking exclusively over telephone from Lahore, Meher Khalil said, "I met Sangakkara at the Aitcheson College ground in Lahore before the match. It was my pleasure to meet the legend". Incidentally, Sangajkkara was a member of the squad which was attacked by the terrorist attack on 3rd March in 2009. "It was Sangakkara's first visit after the incident and he did enquire about the country and wished me well". "We are fortunate enough to have a great cricketer in our country and I am sure he will encourage the other countries to come and play here". Meher Khalil had earned fame and success after saving Sri Lanka’s cricket team from a deadly 2009 attack in Pakistan. He was even invited by the Sri Lankan government and was accorded the VIP treatment during his stay in Sri Lanka.   "I could not meet Sangakkara during my Sri Lanka visit but I had met him in South Africa when he toured with the team there. I was employed in South Africa for a short period", Khalil added. Playing golf The 43-year-old Sangakkara also played golf in Lahore. “MCC team enjoyed a bright sunny day in Lahore with a game of golf” , the PCB official said. "President Kumar Sangakkara and other members of the squad were seen playing on their rest day", the official added.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (February 18, 2020):-Only Pakistan girl Zoha Asim moved into the second round of the ongoing Tajammul & Dilawar Abbas Memorial ITF Pakistan Junior Tennis Championships 2020 after defeating her opponent  2-1 at Dilawar Abbas PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Tuesday. Solitary local girl Zoha Asim registered her victory in the first round against Sie Ding Chai from Malaysia in sizzling three sets match.  In the first set, Zoha started her match with confidence and took a early lead 2-1 but in the next game she was unable to maintain her lead and Chai leveled the match 4-4all. Zoha again built up the lead by holding her 9th game and broke the 11 game of Chai and won the 1st set at 6-4. Chai won the second set by breaking 4th, 6th and 8th game of Zoha and level the match 1 set all. Zoha hit six double faults in the second set. Zoha won the final set at 6-2 by breaking 1st, 3rd and 7th game of Chai. In an absolutely thrilling encounter of the day was between Dorsa Gherghai (IRI) and Leyla Nilufer Elmas (TUR) in the Girls single match that won by Dorsa Cherghai from Iran, the match lasted 2 hrs 34 minutes. In the Boys Singles, Subhan Bin Salik made the major upset of the tournament when he eliminated 3rd Seed Matteo Covato (ITA) in straight hard fought match and moved into the quarter final.   In the Boys Doubles event unseeded pair from Turkey Birtan Duran (TUR) / Kerem Ozlale (TUR) caused the major upset of the tournament when they brushed off their opponents 3rd seed Nikita Bortinichek (RUS) / Haktan Garayev (AZE) in a excited three set match 7-6(2), 3-6, 10-7. Results: Boys Singles (Round-II) Haktan Garayev (AZE) beat Chun Tang (TPE) 6-3, 6-4; Mohammad Shoaib (PAK) beat Iustin Belea (ROU) 6-3, 6-0; Subhan Bin Salik (PAK) beat Matteo Covato (ITA) 6-4, 6-4; Souta Oomura (JPN) beat Birtan Duran (TUR)3-6, 6-2, 6-3;  Girls Singles (Round-I) Dorsa Cheraghi (IRI) beat Leyla Nilufer Elmas (TUR) 6-3, 3-6, 6-4; Hannah Kalle Shen (HKG) beat Asima Sazanova (KAZ) 6-3, 6-4; Amina Salibayeva (USA) beat Jeongmin IM (KOR) 6-2, 6-2; Billur Gonlusen (TUR) beat Abhilasha Bista (NEP) 6-1, 6-3; Zhansaya Bakytzhan (KAZ) beat Amel Sammari (TUN) 7-5, 2-6, 6-3; Zoha Asim (PAK) beat Sie Ding Chai (MAS) 6-4, 2-6, 6-2; Mina Toglukdemir (TUR) beat Jun Seo Lee (KOR) 6-4, 6-3; Ke Ren (CHN) W/O Neyara Weerawansa (SRI). Boys Doubles (Round-I) Min-Hung Kao (TPE)/Araiz Malik (PAK) beat Huzaima Abdul Rehman (PAK) / Farman Shakeel (PAK) 6-4, 6-3; Raahim Agha (GBR) / Zalan Khan (PAK) beat Bilal Asim (PAK) / Ahmed Nael Qureshi (PAK) 6-1, 6-3; Iustin Belea (ROU) / Qwyn Quittner (AUS) beat Tuna Nergizoglu (TUR) / Emir Toglukdemir (TUR) 6-1, 6-4; Kaun Chang Huang (TPE) / Chung Tang (TPE) beat Abdullah (PAK) / Aoi Ooka (JPN) 6-3, 6-3; Sami Zeb (PAK) / Subhan Bin Salik (PAK) beat Aryan Giri (NEP) / Curtis Hong Tseng Tan (HKG) 6-3, 6-1; Birtan Duran (TUR) / Kerem Ozlale (TUR) beat Nikita Bortinichek (RUS) / Haktan Garayev (AZE) 7-6(2), 3-6, 10-7.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD:-Pakistan Kabaddi team inked news history when they overcame defending champions India by 43-41 in the high-voltage tension-filled final of Kabaddi World Cup 2020 and became world kabaddi champions for the first time at Punjab Stadium on Sunday night. Iran toppled Australia 54-33 and earned bronze medal. It is important to mention here that whenever Kabaddi world cup event took place in India, everyone point out the cheating of India. Also, local media of India and International media hinted out number of errors in the final against Pakistan. We were host and show everything to world with camera when Indian players showed their dissatisfaction over any decision of umpire we showed then reply and started the match again after their satisfaction. Both Pakistan and their arch-rivals India demonstrated best kabaddi throughout the tense final match. India, with the score of 24-18, took a lead of six points in the first half. However, Pakistan regrouped and bounced back in the second half and gradually regained their confidence and ultimately won the historic final against their strong opponents by 43-41. Punjab Governor Ch Mohammad Sarwar graced the grand closing ceremony as chief guest. He awarded gold medals, winning trophy and Rs 10 million to triumphant Pakistan team while India received silver medals and Rs 7.5 million. Punjab Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Tourism Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti, Punjab Minister for Agriculture Malik Nauman Langrial, Punjab Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Raja Basharat, PKF President Shafay Hussain, Secretary Sports Punjab Ehsan Bhutta and Director General Sports Punjab Adnan Arshad Aulakh were also present on this occasion. All the players of Pakistan particularly captain M Irfan, Waqas Butt Shafiq were in best of their performance in a battle of nerves. Before the start of final, Pakistan’s legend singer Ibrab-ul-Haq mesmerized the public gathered in capacity in the stadium to witness the most exciting and stirring battle of attrition. Security was so much maintained that a large number of people were not allowed in the stadium despite having tickets. Pakistan captain Irfan Mana won the toss and decided to raid. In the very first attempt, Pakistan applied pressure on their blue attired rivals to go up in points through Mohammad Shafiq Chishti. But Vinay Khatri leveled the score. In the fluctuating encounter as one teams took the lead the other came with an equalizer. Navjot Singh Jota, Ravi Deora and ArshChola remained prominent performers for India in the tense clash. At 3-all Pakistan main raiders Shafiq and Waqas Butt conceded three back to back points to be at the back foot at 3-6 and then 4-7. The difference of three points which was increased to six between them remained intact with India showing better strength and technique. And by the close of first half, Pakistan was down with six points at 18-24. In the second session, Pakistan was in the receiving end as India maintained its lead. At the time when the points were at 24-28 with home team being down, there were some technical hiccups with India claiming Pakistan raider failed to cross the line in 30 seconds but were awarded point and after several reviews the committee declined India's appeal. Pakistan later had an incredible fight back from there on to come on equal terms at 32-32 and then went ahead two points. During the entire time the fans remained on their toes and expressed joy on Pakistan's fight back at 36-34. Here too the game was again stopped with India calming point on a double touch but that too was rejected by referees. Just minutes before the finish, Pakistan raider claimed a double touch point which India opposed but the later was awarded a point. Their nerve-wrecking attempts continued till the final whistle and ultimately the two teams separated with Pakistan's winning 43-41. Earlier, Iran proved too strong for Australia in the third and fourth position match of the mega event here. Iran maintained its grip on the game from the start till the final whistle. Though in between Australia penetrated to get some points but Iran kept things in total control. Iran led the match 30-16 in the first half and won the match 54-33 by the end of the game. Ramandeep Singh Peeta was declared the best raider while Ali Raza Safari was adjudged best stopper. As many as nine teams including Pakistan, India, Germany, Azerbaijan, Iran, Canada, Sierra Leone, England and Australia participated in the tournament organized jointly by the Punjab government, Sports Board Punjab and the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF). The matches were played in three venues – Punjab Stadium Lahore, Iqbal Cricket Stadium Faisalabad and Zahoor Elahi Stadium Gujrat.   

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (February 17, 2020):-One and only Pakistani tennis star Aisam ul Haq pairing with Dominic Inglot have won the Doubles Trophy at New York Open Indoor ATP World Tennis Championship played at the most unique and only Black Court Indoor Arena in Long Island. According to Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), it was a thrilling encounter in which Aisam and Dominic overcame their challengers, American pair of Reilly Opelka and Steve Johnson 2-0, as the both sets were decided on tiebreak. The final score-line was 7-6(5) and 7-6(6). In the first set Anglo Pak duo took an early lead by breaking Opelka's very first service game but got broken in 5th game. Thereafter, neither team could break the serves, as the set was then decided in tie break at 7/5 in favor of Aisam and Inglot. Meanwhile, in the second set again Anglo Pak pair got a break up advantage which was a snatched back by Americans. Once again Aisam and Inglot broke the American's serve but were again broken back when they were serving for the set. Same seesaw continued in tiebreak which Aisam and Inglot finally close out the match with a score of 8/6. This was Aisam's 18th doubles title on ATP World Tour. The President, Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Salim Saifaullah Khan and the PTF Management and the tennis fraternity congratulated Aisam ul Haq Qureshi and his partner on his great achievement.  

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (February 17, 2020):-The next Women’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cup will be held in Potchefstroom, South Africa, in 2021. While the dates will be determined later, FIH can confirm that the competition will be played towards the end of that year. It is the first time that the African continent will organize the pinnacle of junior hockey. The Men’s edition will be staged in India. Venue and dates will be confirmed at a later stage but the event will also take place at the end of 2021. The FIH Hockey Junior World Cup involves the best of young talents globally. This is the perfect platform for under-21 players to unleash their raw skill onto the international hockey scene and progress further to become the stars of tomorrow, making this event a unique one! 16 teams will compete for the title, with continental quotas established as follows: Men Africa: 2 teams Asia: 4 (including India, as hosts) Europe: 6 Oceania: 2 Pan America: 2 Women Africa: 2 teams (including South Africa, as hosts) Asia: 3 Europe: 6 Oceania: 2 Pan America: 3 Men: Germany, England, Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, France Women: Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Russia, England

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (February 17, 2020):-The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 is officially up and running with all 10 captains excited to showcase their abilities to both Australia and the world. All 10 captains gathered for the official captains' media launch in Sydney The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2020 could see a world record attendance for a women’s sport event broken. Australia and India get the tournament under way on 21 February Those in charge of the 10 teams headed to Taronga Zoo in Sydney, providing a picturesque setting for the official captain’s media launch on Monday morning. The 2020 edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup is set to be the most closely-fought yet, and the prize at the end could not have been greater. A world record attendance for a women’s sport fixture could be set when the final is held on 8 March in Melbourne – International Women’s Day – with those at the helm desperate to take their country to the MCG. As hosts and defending champions, Australia captain Meg Lanning knows expectation more than most but, with the chance to play in iconic stadia, she is keen for her team to enjoy and not worry about the experience. “We’re looking forward to getting started, it’s great that we get to reach out to all our fans across the country and they’ll get the chance to see what will be an amazing tournament,” she said. “We want to enjoy the experience of playing in front of friends and family. “It’s a once-in-a-career opportunity to play in a home World Cup, there is pressure and expectation in that but every team wants to win, as we do.” Lanning’s side will face India in their tournament opener on 21 February, with India looking to build on the performances which saw them reach the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Final in 2017. Harmanpreet Kaur will take the reins in Australia – looking to make the most of the experiences from three years ago. “Our team is growing day by day, everyone is looking so positive,” she said. “It’s going to be very big if we win, I was very surprised at all the reaction from 2017. “My parents didn’t tell me, they didn’t want us to feel the pressure. If we win, it’s going to be very big for us. We will try to give our best.” There is experience aplenty in Group A, not least from Sri Lanka captain Chamari Atapattu, one of the few players in world cricket to have a better record against Australia than her format average. “I just play my natural game, I always took myself as a positive cricketer, playing freely – and that’s all there is to it,” she said. “We played against Australia last summer, we learned a lot about them and what makes them the best team in the world. “We’re going to try to play positive cricket – our dream is to get into the semi-finals.” While Atapattu boasts a wealth of captaincy experience, this is the first outing in the role for New Zealand’s Sophie Devine, opponents in their first game in Perth. But despite her novice status as team leader, Devine already knows the approach she wants to take with the White Ferns. “Captaincy is a huge honour but I’m a player like all the rest of my team, so I’ve got to keep doing my job and performing for my teammates,” she said. “I know cricket can be a really fickle game – you’ve got to ride the highs and lows of it and if I can stay nice and calm, it makes it even more special.” Rounding off Group A are Bangladesh, keen to build on an improvement in the past few years which culminated in Salma Khatun’s side beating India in the Asia Cup. She said: “The Asia Cup was a great experience, but the focus is now on the World Cup. We want to be focusing on New Zealand and Australia. “Our U19 side won the World Cup recently and we are looking forward to getting started.” Group B features two previous Women’s T20 World Cup winning sides, one of whom is England – victors in the inaugural competition in 2009. Heather Knight wasn’t part of the squad then but led her side to Women’s Cricket World Cup glory in England back in 2017, noticing similarities between preparations for that competition and now. “We had a great experience in 2017, which was unique in terms of expectation,” she said. “There’s a lot of momentum in this competition, similar to then. I went for coffee in Sydney and saw Ellyse Perry’s face on the side of three different buses! “You want to be tested at a World Cup, finding ways to improve and learn and the tri-series was brilliant for that – we’re now just ready to get going.” The other former champions are West Indies, who prevailed in 2016 but missed out in their home tournament two years ago. Australia spoiled the party on that occasion but Stafanie Taylor insists revenge isn’t part of their pre-event psyche in 2020. “We’re really trying to focus on our own game and playing our best cricket,” she said. “We’ve been playing indoors a lot because of the awful weather so we’re looking forward to getting going.” Meanwhile, South Africa enter this World Cup as one of the underdogs – a tag that Dane van Niekerk feels suits the Proteas. And with Siya Kolisi leading the men’s rugby team to World Cup glory last year, the skipper doesn’t have far to look for inspiration. She said: “Nelson Mandela said that sport can unite a nation and that’s what we as sportspeople do, we try and bring the people together. “If we do something special such as Siya, it would be a dream come true and that’s what makes it special.” Pakistan have similarly failed to reach their full potential in ICC competitions, a setback captain Bismah Maroof believes could change this time around. But it’s the work off the pitch as opposed to execution of skills that she feels could be most important. “It’s important for us to get the right mindset, we’re working on the mental side of our game and so we want to be in a good frame of mind ahead of the first game,” she said. “We are missing big moments in the World Cups, we need to create chances for ourselves, live in the moment and try not to think about the big stage.” The tenth and final team taking part in Australia are Thailand, who have already made history by qualifying for a global event for the first time. Far from making up the numbers, Sornnarin Tippoch’s side haven’t stopped smiling since arriving, already warming the hearts of those around the world. Now, the challenge is bringing cricket to those who are learning about the game back home. She said: “I’m nervous now! We’re really excited to be involved for the first time. We will look to play our best cricket and we’ll show how we play the game. “People back home don’t know me, some people know cricket but it’s not on the television. They will follow us on Instagram and Facebook and will know about our game.”