By Our Special Correspondent ISLAMABAD (January 18, 2020):-Pakistan, who won their second and last ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 14 years ago, will launch their Group C campaign in the 2020 edition when they will take on Scotland in Potchefstroom, South Africa, on Sunday, 19 January. They will then take on Zimbabwe and Bangladesh on 22 and 24 January, respectively. If Pakistan tops Group C, they will take on runners-up from Group D in the third Super League quarter-final in Potchefstroom on 30 January. In the scenario of Pakistan finishing runners-up in Group C, they will take on the winner of Group D in the last quarter-final on 31 January in Benoni. The Super League semi-finals will be held on 4 and 6 February in Potchefstroom with the final on 9 February at the same venue. Pakistan have returned to familiar territory for the most prestigious age-group competition. When they had toured South Africa in June-July last year as part of their event preparations, they had thumbed the hosts 7-0. In the two World Cup warm-up matches against Nigeria and Sri Lanka in Pretoria, Pakistan have recorded impressive nine-wicket and four-wicket victories, respectively. To further supplement their recent record, Pakistan are the third most successful side in the history of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup after India, who have won the event four times, and Australia, the three-time championship. Pakistan also have the third best success percentage of 71.62, after India (76.31) and Australia (76.05). Pakistan is captained by the highly-rated Rohail Nazir, the wicketkeeper-batsman who scored a century on his first-class debut in the previous season. He had maintained his impressive form in the away series against South Africa and Sri Lanka, as well as with the Pakistan Emerging side in Bangladesh. Haider Ali, Rohail’s deputy, scored 317 runs in Pakistan’s 7-0 win over South Africa and then followed up with 214 runs in Pakistan’s 3-2 series win over Sri Lanka. In the ACC Emerging Cup, he scored 218 runs in five matches, while he scored 645 runs in seven first-class matches this season. The side is coached by Ijaz Ahmed, who played 60 Tests and 250 ODIs between 1986 and 2001, scoring 3,315 and 6,564 runs, respectively. Looking ahead to the competition, Rohail Nazir said: “We all are very excited as we have been preparing for this tournament for more than eight months. We are fully prepared to take on Scotland in our opener in less than 24 hours. “Of course, there are a few butterflies in the stomach because it is such a massive event and opportunity for all of us, but I am sure we’ll settle down once we will step on to the field. I think this is where Ijaz Ahmed becomes so critical for our match preparations because he has seen and felt all this. His pep talks have already calmed down lots of nerves and we are completely focused, motivated and determined to perform strongly. “We are an extremely fortunate bunch of cricketers who are about to taste international cricket. Apart from learning the rigours and demands of international cricket in an ICC-organised event, the World Cup will provide us the additional opportunity to meet cricketers from other sides and then build on those relationships for future. “I firmly believe we are best prepared for the World Cup and have all the tools to produce the desired results. But we are not the only side which has come here fully prepared. I think all other 15 sides have arrived in South Africa firmly believing they can win the tournament. “We all know stakes are high in this tournament and if we can achieve strong results, then we edge closer to our dreams of representing Pakistan at the highest level. At this level, this incentive is greater and bigger than anything and will shadow us in this tournament. “We have won the tournaments in 2004 and 2006, and I am confident we will win the tournament in 2020.” Pakistan’s group fixtures: 19 Jan – v Scotland, Potchefstroom 22 Jan – v Zimbabwe, Potchefstroom 24 Jan – v Bangladesh, Potchefstroom ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2020 Groups: Group A – India, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Japan Group B – Australia, England, West Indies and Nigeria Group C – Pakistan, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and Scotland Group D – Afghanistan, South Africa, UAE and Canada About the players (in alphabetical order): Rohail Nazir (captain) - This will be his second ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. After scoring a century on his first-class debut last year, he was appointed U19 captain last year for the ACC U19 Asia Cup. He was one of the most impressive players in the bilateral series against Sri Lanka and South Africa, and then carried his form into the ACC Emerging Cup. In six first-class matches last  year, he has scored 320  runs. In the final of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s premier first-class tournament, Rohail scored twin-fifties. Haider Ali (vice-captain) – Scored 317 runs in Pakistan’s 7-0 win over South Africa in June/July and then followed up with 214 runs in Pakistan’s 3-2 series win over Sri Lanka. In last month’s ACC Emerging Cup, he scored 218 runs in five matches. In seven first-class matches last year, he has scored 645 runs, including a century in the final of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Aamir Khan – The 18-year-old took 18 wickets in five matches in the PCB U19 three-day tournament after bagging one wicket in two PCB U19 one-day tournament. In the three-day non first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy tournament, he took five wickets in three matches. Abbas Afridi – Took 17 wickets and scored 129 runs in 13 matches in Sri Lanka, South Africa and in the Asia Cup. Didn’t play in this year’s PCB U19 events after having already competed in three previous U19 events Abdul Wahid Bangalzai – The 16 -year-old was the fifth leading run-getter in the PCB U19 One-Day Tournament with 246 runs, while in the three-day competition with 276 runs. He also played in the ACC U19 Asia Cup. Amir Ali – The 17 -year-old left-arm spinner made his first-class debut this season and took one wicket. Prior to that, he toured South Africa and returned as the most successful bowler with 13 wickets. In the ACC Asia Cup, he took four wickets in three matches, while he picked up seven and 28 wickets, respectively in the PCB U19 One-Day and Three-Day competition, respectively. Arish Ali Khan – The left-arm spinner was the leading wicket-taker in the PCB U19 One-Day Tournament with 15 wickets, while in the three-day tournament, he was the second leading wicket-taker with 30 wickets. He has been selected for the first time in the Pakistan U19 squad. Fahad Munir – 17-year-old all-rounder scored 170 runs and took five wickets on the last year’s South African tour.He scored 50 runs and took three wickets in the ACC U19 Asia Cup. Didn’t play in this year’s PCB U19 events after having already competed in three previous U19 events Mohammad Haris – The 18 -year-old middle-order batsman from Peshawar toured South Africa and also featured in the ACC Asia Cup, scoring 275 runs in seven matches and 96 runs in three matches, respectively. In the non first-class three-day Quaid-e-Azam Trophy tournament, he scored 31 runs in three matches. Didn’t play in this year’s PCB U19 events after having already competed in three previous U19 events Mohammad Huraira – The 17 -year-old right-handed batsman was the top-scorer in the PCB U19 One-Day Tournament with 342 runs and then followed up with 358 runs in the three-day event –third most in the event. Mohammad Irfan Khan – Scored 83 runs in the ACC U19 Asia Cup, third most by a Pakistan batsman. Prior to that, he had scored 208 runs in South Africa, while he scored 475 runs in 10 three-day Quaid-e-Azam Trophy matches. Didn’t play in this year’s PCB U19 events after having already competed in three previous U19 events Mohammad Shehzad – The 15 -year-old opener played in away and home series against Bangladesh U16. In the away series, he scored 26 runs in three 50-over matchesIn the home series, he scored 72 runs in two 50-over matches. In the ongoing PCB U16 three-day tournament, he has scored 175 runs in two matches at an average of 67. He has also taken six wickets. Mohammad Wasim Jnr – The 18 -year-old from North Waziristan took three wickets each in the ACC Asia Cup and on the tour of South Africa, while he bagged seven wickets on the tour of Sri Lanka. On the domestic circuit, he played one U19 one-day match in which he bagged three wickets, while he snapped up seven wickets in three U19 three-day matches. Tahir Hussain;– The left-arm fast-bowler took six wickets in four PCB Under-19 One-Day Tournament, while in three matches of PCB U19 three-day event, he bagged three wickets. Qasim Akram – The 17-year-old all-rounder scored 296 runs and took three wickets, and scored 260 runs and took 15 wickets in the PCB U19 One-Day and Three-Day Tournaments, respectively. In the Asia Cup, he scored 30 runs and claimed four wickets, while he scored 77 runs and 124 runs in South Africa and Sri Lanka, respectively.

SB Report ISLAMABAD (January 18, 2020):-Shafiqullah Ghafari claimed career-best figures of six for 15 as Afghanistan sealed a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over hosts South Africa in the opening match of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. Shafiqullah Ghafari of Afghanistan pictured with the 'Player of the Match' award and match ball during the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Group D match between South Africa and Afghanistan at De Beers Diamond Oval on January 17, 2020. The spinner shone to help dismiss the host nation for 129 before Imran Mir (57) and Ibrahim Zadran (52) struck impressive half-centuries to make light work of the chase in Kimberley. After winning the toss and batting at the Diamond Oval, the Junior Proteas were rocked by two early wickets from Fazal Haq (two for 43). It was then up to the South African captain Bryce Parsons (40) and Luke Beaufort (25), who teamed up for a 55-run stand for the third wicket. The home side were then pegged back once again as the spinners came into the attack to pick up the remaining eight wickets in the Group D contest. Noor Ahmad (two for 44) and Ghafari combined to lethal effect as the former picked up the crucial scalps of Parsons and Beaufort before Ghafari cleaned up the middle and lower orders, the last eight wickets falling for 67 runs. In reply and despite losing the early wicket of captain Farhan Zakhail (11), Afghanistan never looked troubled in pursuit of the low score, with the experienced Zadran and Mir putting on a match-winning 80-run partnership. Achille Cloete of South Africa celebrates the wicket of Farhan Zakhail of Afghanistan during the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Group D match between South Africa and Afghanistan at De Beers Diamond Oval on January 17, 2020 in Kimberley, South Africa. Achille Cloete of South Africa celebrates the wicket of Farhan Zakhail of Afghanistan during the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Group D match between South Africa and Afghanistan at De Beers Diamond Oval on January 17, 2020 in Kimberley, South Africa. South Africa’s Achille Cloete (two for 20) and Tiaan van Vuuren (one for 14) made inroads but it was not enough as the subcontinent outfit cantered to victory with 25 overs remaining. Ghafari’s figures were the seventh-best ever recorded in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup, with the likes of Jeevan Mendis, Trent Boult and Shaheen Shah Afridi the few names above him in the list. “Six wickets in the first match of the World Cup gives me a lot of confidence and I believed in my strengths as a bowler,” said the man of the match. “I thought if I could bowl in the right areas, I was sure the result would go my way.” Saturday will see four games of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup take place, with the remaining three groups seeing action take place for the first time. Tournament debutants Japan will be in action against New Zealand in Group A, while Group B’s opener will see two former champions go head-to-head as Australia face West Indies in Kimberley. Bangladesh and Zimbabwe will lock horns in the Group C curtain-raiser while Group D’s remaining nations, UAE and Canada, will face each other in Bloemfontein. Scores in Brief Afghanistan Under 19s beat South Africa Under 19s by seven wickets, Diamond Oval, Kimberley South Africa 129 all out, 29.1 overs (Bryce Parsons 40; Shafiqullah Ghafari 6-15; Fazal Haq 2-43) Afghanistan 130-3, 25 overs (Imran Mir 57, Ibrahim Zadran 52; Achille Cloete 2-20) Scorecard ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020 Fixtures Group A Fixtures: 18 January: New Zealand v Japan – North West University Oval, Potchefstroom; 19 January: India v Sri Lanka – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein; 21 January: India v Japan – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein; 22 January: New Zealand v Sri Lanka – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein; 24 January: India v New Zealand – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein; 25 January: Sri Lanka v Japan – North West University Oval, Potchefstroom Group B Fixtures: 18 January: Australia v West Indies – Diamond Oval, Kimberley; 20 January: England v West Indies – Diamond Oval, Kimberley; 20 January: Australia v Nigeria – Country Club B Field, Kimberley; 23 January: Australia v England – Diamond Oval, Kimberley; 23 January: West Indies v Nigeria – Country B Club Field, Kimberley; 25 January: England v Nigeria – Diamond Oval, Kimberley Group C fixtures: 18 January: Bangladesh v Zimbabwe – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom; 19 January: Pakistan v Scotland – North West University Oval, Potchefstroom; 21 January: Bangladesh v Scotland – Witrand Oval, Potchefstroom; 22 January: Pakistan v Zimbabwe – Witrand Oval, Potchefstroom; 24 January: Pakistan v Bangladesh – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom; 25 January: Zimbabwe v Scotland – Witrand Oval, Potchefstroom Group D fixtures: 18 January: United Arab Emirates v Canada – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein; 22 January: Afghanistan v United Arab Emirates – North West University Oval, Potchefstroom; 22 January: South Africa v Canada – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom; 24 January: Afghanistan v Canada – Ibbies Oval, Potchefstroom; 25 January: South Africa v United Arab Emirates – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein

SB Report ISLAMABAD (January 17, 2020):-Twenty-six Junior Under-13 players have been invited at the Inzamam-ul-Haq High Performance Cricket Centre in Multan for a two-week-long coaching programme, which commences Monday. The players have been selected by the national junior selection committee, headed by Saleem Jaffer, on the basis of their performances in the PCB U13 Catch em Young National One-Day Tournament 2019-20. Over the course of programme, the players will be given basic knowledge regarding different aspects of the game namely batting, bowling, fielding, wicketkeeping and physical fitness. Names of players: Adil Waleed (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Ahmed Hussain (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Ali Ashfaq (Northern), Ali Hasnain Badsha (Southern Punjab), Ali Hassan Baloch (Central Punjab), Azzan Kabir (Northern), Fahad Kashif (Southern Punjab), Hamza Zahoor (Central Punjab), Hasan Ijaz (Northern), Hazrat Ali (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Huzaifa Ahsan (Sindh), M.  Sheharyar (Southern Punjab), M. Ali Abdullah (Southern Punjab), M. Rameez (Sindh), Mohammad Ali (Balochistan), Naveed Ul Hasan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Noor Habib (Sindh), Saad Nadeem  (Central Punjab), Safi Ullah (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Sameer Ahmed (Southern Punjab), Tayyab Hussain (Central Punjab), Usman Ghani (Balochistan), Usman Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Waleed Zahid (Central Punjab), Yayah Shah (Sindh) and Zeeshan Fareed (Northern).    

SB Report ISLAMABAD (January 17, 2020):-It was the best contest of the day when Ahsan Ramzan got rid of Sajjad Abdullah 3-2 in a league match of the 12th Under-21 Jubilee Insurance National Junior Championship 2020 that kicked off at Billiard and Snooker Hall, Pakistan Sports Complex on Friday.  Ahsan Ramzan from Punjab overcame Sajjad Abdullah from Khyber Pakhtoon Kawa (KPA) with the score-line of 55-22, 33-61, 44-60, 63-9 and 79-55. On the opening day, all matches contested five frames, As many as 16 matches will be played on Saturday at same venue.  Results: Mohammad Umer Khan (Punjab) bet Imran Khan (Isb) 3-1 (69-31(54), 71-44, 40-65, 53-30) Mohammad Usman (Pjb) beat Ali Haider (Bal) 3-0 (61-4, 51-18, 70-13) Farhan Majeed (Pjb) beat Mohammad Salik (Sindh) 3-0 (57-21, 64-35, 47-27) Mohammad Ahmed (Pjb) beat Sheikh Ahmed (Kp) 3-0 (61-20, 71-41, 67-29) Haris Tahir (Pjb) bet Mohammad Ibrar (Kp) 3-0 (65-25, 68-36, 70-22) Ahsan Ramzan (Pjb) bet Sajjad Abdullah (Kp) 3-2 (55-22, 33-61, 44-60, 63-9, 79-55) Mohammad Naseem Akhtar (Pjb) beat Umer Farooq (Pjb) 3-1 (43-51, 62-37, 63-27, 65-26) Umer Junaid (Sindh) beat Zahid Khan (Bal) 3-1 (57-25, 58-21, 30-42, 61-20) Sheikh Mohammad Mudassir (Pjb) beat Mohammad Akram Shams (Sindh) 3-0  (74-19, 74-0, 67-22) Arij Arsalan (Sindh) beat Usama Nawaz Khan (Kp) 3-0 (1-0, 58-49, 58-28) Kamran Albert (Kp) beat Shehryar Khan (Sindh) 3-0 (62-19, 68-41, 48-01) Mohammad Shehryar Abbas (Pjb) beat Arif Hussain (Bal) 3-0 (80-9, 63-26, 76-15) Mohammad Saleem (Kp) beat Abdul Waheed (Sindh) 3-0 (46-9, 68-21, 51-35) Zaib Khan (Bal) beat Mohammad Sinan (Bal) 3-0 (58-22, 43-34, 62-42) Saad Khan (Kp) bt Umer Ismail (Sindh) 3-1 (39-69, 65-02, 112-0(62), 60-23) Saturday's Fixtures Ali Haider (Bal) V/S Mohammad Umer Khan (Pjb) Haroon Sarfarz (Kp) V/S Mohammad Usman (Pjb) Mohammad Ahmed (Pjb) V/S Farhan Majeed (Pjb) Zulfiqar Ali (Bal) V/S Sheikh Ahmed (Kp) Haris Tahir (Pjb) V/S Ahsan Ramzan (Pjb) Sajjad Abdullah (Kp) V/S Muhammad Ibrar (Kp) Mohammad Naseem Akhtar (Pjb) V/S Umer Junaid (Sindh) Zahid Khan (Bal) V/S Umer Farooq (Pjb) Sheikh Muhammad Mudassir (Pjb) V/S Usama Nawaz Khan (Kp) Arij Arsalan (Sindh) V/S M. Akram Shams (Sindh) Shehryar Khan (Sindh) V/S Arif Hussain (Bal) Mohammad Shehryar Abbas (Pjb) V/S Kamran Albert (Kp) Imran Khan (Isb) V/S Haroon Sarfarz (Kp) Mohammad Usman (Pjb) V/S Mohammad Umer Khan (Pjb) Mohammad Salik (Sindh) V/S Zulfiqar Ali (Bal) Sheikh Ahmed (Kp) V/S Farhan Majeed (Pjb)

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 17, 2020);-Unseeded Mohammad Shoaib toppled seventh seeded lad Heera Ashiq 2-0 in straight sets in the 5th Begum Kulsum Saifullah Khan National Ranking Tennis Tournament-2020 at PTF Complex, Islamabad on Friday. A total number of 35 matches were played on the 4th day in all the categories. In a major upset, promising unseeded junior Mohammad Shoaib continued his giant-killing run with another good win over 6th seed Heera Ashiq 7-6(4), 6-4 in an exciting, closely fought match. In the women’s singles, Mahin Aftab emerged the winner over top-seeded Sara Mansoor. Mahin won a tight first set 7-5, and was awarded the match when Sara conceded due to illness. Anwar Saifullah Khan, former Federal Minister, Parliamentarian, and former President Pakistan Tennis Federation, visited the PTF Complex and witnessed some of the matches and also interacted with the players and their parents. He also appreciated the hard work of the players and the organizing committee for conducting the event in a highly professional manner. Results: Men’s Singles Matches: (Quarterfinals) Mohammad Shoaib beat Heera Ashiq: 7-6(4), 6-4. Muzammil Murtaza bear Barkatullah: 6-0, 6-3. Aqeel Khan beat Yusuf Khalil: 6-7(4), 6-0, 6-1. Mohammad Abid beat Mudassir Murtaza: 6-2, 6-4. Men’s Doubles (Quarterfinals): Mohammad Abid, Waqas Malik w/o Shakir ullah, Abbas Khan, Ahmed Chudhary,Barkatullah beat Yousaf Khalil, Heera Ashiq: 6-3,6-4, Mudassir Murtaza, M.Shoaib beat Imran Bhatti, Mian Bilal: 6-1,6-1 Ladies Singles (Semifinals) Sarah Mahboob Khan beat Noor Malik (ZTBL): 6-2, 6-1. Mahin Aftab beat Sara Mansoor: 7-5(Retd). Boys Under-18 (Quarterfinals): Hamid Israr beat Aqib Hayat: 7-5, 6-4. Subhan bin Salik beat Mahatir Muhammad: 6-3, 6-2. Hashish Kumar beat Faizan Fayyaz: 4-6, 6-3, 6-1. M. Shoaib beat Nalyn Abbas: 6-3, 6-2. Boy’s U-14 Singles (Quarterfinals): Haider Ali Rizwan beat Hussnain Ali Rizwan: 4-2-4-2. Yahya Musa Luni beat Saim Shahzad: 4-0, 4-0. Bilal Asim beat Asad Zaman: 4-0, 4-0. Shahsawar beat M. Hamza Asim: 4-1, 4-5(5), 4-1. Boy’s U-14 Doubles (Quarterfinals): Shahsawar, Yahya Musa beat Ehtisham Hamayun, Asad Zaman: 4-0, 4-0. Ahmed Nail, Bilal Asim beat Taimoor Khan, Jamal Shah: 4-0, 4-0. Boy’s/ Girl’s U-12 (2nd Round): Amir Mazari beat Taimoor Khan: 4-1, 4-0. Hamza Roman beat Jamal Shah: 4-0, 4-1. Ali Zain w/o Shahsawar. Hamza Ali Rizwan beat Rayan Kh. Sahood: 4-1, 4-2. Nabeel Ali Qayyum beat Amna Ali Qayyum: 5-4(5), 4-0. Ehtisham Hamayun beat Subhan Aslam: 4-0, 4-0. Abdul Basit beat Eesa Fahad: 4-1, 4-1. Hussnain Ali Rizwan beat Haziq Asim: 4-0, 4-0. Boy’s/ Girl’s U-10 (Quarterfinals): Hammad Shah beat Yusuf Raja: 4-1, 4-0. Hamza Ali Rizwan beat Samir Mashood: 4-2, 4-0. Razik Sultan beat Ali Asghar Zaidi: 4-1,4-2, M.Hassan Usman beat Zunaisha Noor: 4-0,4-2 Seniors 45 Rashid Malik (ZTBL) , Hameed ul Haq beat Azeem Khan ,Imran Ahmed: 6-1,3-6(10-2)    

SB News ISLAMABAD:-South Africa and Afghanistan kick off the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup on Friday, as the next generation of global stars strut their stuff on the world stage. Sixteen teams will contest 48 matches during the next three weeks before the final at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on Sunday February 9. South Africa are hoping to become the first team to lift the title on home soil since Australia won the inaugural Youth Cricket World Cup in 1988. But to do that they must overcome a handful of contenders, including defending champions India - who are on a mission to become the first to win back-to-back World Cups since Pakistan triumphed in 2004 and 2006. South Africa are in Group D along with Afghanistan, Canada and United Arab Emirates. The young Proteas are strong favourites to emerge from their pool and will be aiming for their second title, after winning in 2014. Former U17 Cricketer of the Year Bryce Parsons has the honour of captaining his country on home soil and has been described as a ‘natural leader’ by head coach Lawrence Mahatlane. “There is a lot of flexibility with some special talent around, I am personally excited about this group and I am sure they will make the nation proud,” said head coach Mahatlane. South Africa look in fine fettle following an eight-wicket warm-up win against Nigeria on Tuesday, which saw five bowlers take two wickets each as they dismissed their African rivals for just 61 runs. They will aim to do the same to Afghanistan, but they will be no pushovers in Kimberley. This is their sixth successive appearance at the U19 World Cup having made their breakthrough in 2010, while they beat England by 21 runs in their warm-up match. Reigning champions India begin their campaign on Sunday against Group A rivals Sri Lanka, as they begin their bid for a record-extending fifth crown. Paras Mhambrey’s men were an all-conquering force in 2019, winning the Under-19 Asia Cup in September and a Tri-Nations tournament with England and Bangladesh held on English soil. They have not lost a bilateral series since the 2017 U19 World Cup, beating South Africa, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan away from home, while they beat Zimbabwe in their warm-up match by 23 runs thanks to half-centuries from Tilak Varma and captain Priyam Garg. Sri Lanka and New Zealand are yet to win the tournament, although the Black Caps did finish runners-up in 1998 and have hosted the event three times, including in 2018. Japan cannot be ruled out in a tight group. Eleven of their squad will be eligible for the 2022 U19 World Cup and their players will doubtless soak up plenty of experience from competing against established Test nations. The team, coached by Dhugal Bedingfield and captained by Marcus Thurgate, will hope to pack a punch with off-spinner Yugandhar Retharekar capable of breaking up batting line-ups. Group B is perhaps the one to watch with three former champions in Australia, England and West Indies converging. The three nations – whose senior sides have all won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup – are joined by Nigeria on their U19 World Cup debut. Nigeria face Australia in their first match, while the highly-anticipated clash between Australia and England is set for January 23 at Diamond Oval in Kimberley. Pakistan are in Group C with Bangladesh, who will look to bring their fine form over recent years to the big stage of the U19 Cricket World Cup. They will be led by captain Akbar Ali who has already declared his side can not only progress from a group that also contains Scotland and Zimbabwe but go on to win the entire tournament. In three weeks’ time, we will see who does just that. ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2020 Fixtures: Group A Fixtures: 18 January: New Zealand v Japan – North West University Oval, Potchefstroom; 19 January: India v Sri Lanka – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein; 21 January: India v Japan – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein; 22 January: New Zealand v Sri Lanka – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein; 24 January: India v New Zealand – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein; 25 January: Sri Lanka v Japan – North West University Oval, Potchefstroom Group B Fixtures: 18 January: Australia v West Indies – Diamond Oval, Kimberley; 20 January: England v West Indies – Diamond Oval, Kimberley; 20 January: Australia v Nigeria – Country Club B Field, Kimberley; 23 January: Australia v England – Diamond Oval, Kimberley; 23 January: West Indies v Nigeria – Country B Club Field, Kimberley; 25 January: England v Nigeria – Diamond Oval, Kimberley Group C fixtures: 18 January: Bangladesh v Zimbabwe – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom; 19 January: Pakistan v Scotland – North West University Oval, Potchefstroom; 21 January: Bangladesh v Scotland – Witrand Oval, Potchefstroom; 22 January: Pakistan v Zimbabwe – Witrand Oval, Potchefstroom; 24 January: Pakistan v Bangladesh – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom; 25 January: Zimbabwe v Scotland – Witrand Oval, Potchefstroom Group D fixtures: 17 January: South Africa v Afghanistan – De Beers Diamond Oval, Kimberley; 18 January: United Arab Emirates v Canada – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein; 22 January: Afghanistan v United Arab Emirates – North West University Oval, Potchefstroom; 22 January: South Africa v Canada – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom; 24 January: Afghanistan v Canada – Ibbies Oval, Potchefstroom; 25 January: South Africa v United Arab Emirates – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein

SB News LAHORE (January 17, 2020):-Pakistan national men’s team will start their training camp for the preparation of their upcoming T2oI series against Bangladesh in Lahore on Friday. The following is the schedule of media opportunities schedule in the build up to the series: Friday, 17 January: The Pakistan team will hold a training session from 2.30pm-4pm at the Gaddafi Stadium. Mohammad Hafeez will hold a media talk at the Patron’s Enclosure around 2.15pm. Media entrance will be from the Gate 1 (Patron’s Enclosure). Saturday, 18 January: The Pakistan team will play a practice match, which will commence at 1pm, at the Gaddafi Stadium. At 12.40pm, Ahsan Ali will hold a media talk at the Patron’s Enclosure. Media entrance will be from Gate 1. Sunday, 19 January: The Pakistan team will play a practice match, which will commence at 1pm, at the Gaddafi Stadium. Amad Butt will hold a media talk at the Patron’s Enclosure at 12.40 pm. Media entrance will be from Gate 1. Monday, 20 January 2020: The Pakistan team will have a rest day. Tuesday, 21 January: The Pakistan team will play a practice match at the Gaddafi Stadium which will begin at 1pm. Haris Rauf will hold a media talk at the Patron’s Enclosure at 12.40pm. Media entrance will be from Gate 1. Wednesday, 22 January: The Pakistan team will have an optional practice session from 2pm at the Gaddafi Stadium. Shoaib Malik will hold a media talk at the Patron’s Enclosure at 1.30pm. Media entrance will be from Gate 1. Thursday, 23 January: A trophy unveiling ceremony and both captains’ pre-series press conference will take place at the press conference hall of the Far End building, Gaddafi Stadium. The time will be announced closer to the date.

SB News POTCHEFSTROOM (January 17, 2020):-Pakistan Under-19 team hit the ground running a day after arriving in Potchefstroom as the team underwent a strenuous training and practice session at the North West University Sports Village, Potchefstroom on Thursday. The team is on a high after convincing wins in the two warm-up games against Nigeria and Sri Lanka during their five-day stay in Pretoria. They start their ICC U19 Cricket World Cup campaign with a match against Scotland in the NWU Sports Village vicinity on Sunday 19 January. The high altitude of the Potchefstroom venue provides a different challenge to the players and the squad spent nearly three hours in a bid to acclimatise to the conditions. Head coach Ijaz Ahmed gave a detailed account of the team’s preparations as they head into the most prestigious age-group ICC event. Ijaz Ahmed said: “Our priority is to top our group and stay in the city as the team which finishes second would have to travel to Johannesburg. So we want to stay here, get totally familiarised with the conditions and progress to quarter-final and beyond in Potchefstroom. “We played our first warm-up game a day after we arrived in the country. I feel the bowlers were a bit stiff and wayward in that game. In the second match our bowlers Amir Khan, Tahir Hussain, Aamir Ali and Abbas bowled well, support bowlers Fahad and Qasim Akram also delivered and we won the game. “Our first game was against Nigeria and it was a straightforward game for us as we got them out for 109 runs. The batsmen were not challenged much and we called back opener Haider Ali after he had scored a quickfire 50. It was almost a 10-wicket win for us. “Our game against Sri Lanka challenged us but Fahad Munir played really well for us and we also called him back after he reached his 50. Mohammad Haris batted really well also besides Haider’s contribution at the top of the innings. “These players have had a great camp at the NCA and they have been working hard since we have landed in South Africa. Now, the time to deliver has arrived!” Pakistan will train Friday and on Saturday before their game against Scotland. Their second match is against Zimbabwe on Wednesday, 22 January followed by the third and final group match against Bangladesh on Friday, 24 January. All three games will be played in Potchefstroom. Pakistan ICC U19 Cricket World Cup squad: Rohail Nazir (captain and wicketkeeper), Abbas Afridi (Peshawar), Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (Quetta), Amir Ali (Larkana), Amir Khan (Peshawar), Arish Ali Khan (Karachi), Fahad Munir (Lahore),  Haider Ali (vice-captain), Qasim Akram (Lahore), Mohammad Haris (Peshawar), Mohammad Huraira (Sialkot), Mohammad Irfan Khan (Lahore),  Mohammad Shehzad (Multan), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (North Waziristan), Tahir Hussain (Multan) Team management :– Ijaz Ahmed (head coach-cum-manager), Rao Iftikhar Anjum (bowling coach), Abdul Majeed (assistant coach), Saboor Ahmad (trainer), Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rasul (physiotherapist), Usman Hashmi (analyst), Emmad Ahmed Hameed (media manager) and Col (retd) Usman Riffat Anwari (security manager).

SB News LAHORE (January 17, 2020):-Bismah Maroof scored an unbeaten 53 to lead PCB Challengers to a six-wicket win over PCB Blasters in the final of the National Triangular T20 Women’s Cricket Championship at Karachi’s National Stadium on Thursday. In the match, played under lights and live-streamed on the PCB’s YouTube channel, PCB Challengers chased down a 129-run target in 18.5 overs. Bismah, who smashed five fours in her 46-ball innings, knitted a 61-run stand for the third-wicket with all-rounder Nida Dar (30 off 24) which formed the basis for her side lifting the trophy. Challengers’ run-chase got off to a shaky start as in-form batter Muneeba Ali and Ayesha Zafar were dismissed for 10 and 11.  However, a strong third-wicket partnership between Bismah and Nida denied any further inroads to the Blasters’ bowlers. Blasters’ captain Ramin Shamim took two wickets for 24 runs in 3.5 overs, while Anam Amin, the leading wicket-taker in the tournament with seven wickets in five matches, and Natalia Pervaiz picked up a wicket each. Earlier, Blasters had managed 128 for seven in 20 overs after Ramin won the toss and opted to bat. Javeria Khan, opening with Ayesha Naseem (11), provided a solid start by scoring 43 off 35 at the back of five fours and two sixes. Wicketkeeper-batter Sidra Nawaz was the other notable batter in the innings with 20 off 16 balls. Blasters’ opening pair added 51 runs before the partnership was broken by left-arm off-spinner Sadia Iqbal. For Challengers, Saba Nazir took two wickets for 22 runs, while Aroob Shah, Sadia, Fatima Sana and Aimen Anwar picked up a wicket each. For her match-winning knock, Bismah was named player of the final. Muneeba was declared player of the tournament. The opener was the highest run-getter with 292 runs at a staggering average of 58.40. The 22-year-old scored a century in three half-centuries in five innings. Scores in brief: PCB Blasters 128-7, 20 overs (Javeria Khan 43, Sidra Nawaz 20; Saba Nazir 2-22) PCB Challengers 130-4, 18.5 overs (Bismah Maroof 53 not out, Nida Dar 30; Ramin Shamim 2-24) Result PCB Challengers won by six wickets

SB News ISLAMABAD (January 16, 2020):-A total number of 36 matches were played on the 3rd day in all the categories of the ongoing the 5th Begum Kulsum Saifullah Khan National Ranking Tennis Tournament-2020at the PTF Complex, Islamabad on Thursday. In a major upset, promising unseeded junior Mohammad Shoaib upset 3rd seed Shahzad Khan 6-4, 6-4.In an exciting, closely fought match. Unseeded Barkatullah upset 7th seeded Ahmed Choudhary in a hard fought 3 set match 6-4,4-6,6-1.In the women’s singles, Mahin Aftab comfortably brushed aside Meheq Khokhar 6-1,6-1. Results: Men’s Singles Matches: (2nd Round) Mudassir  Murtaza beat Nalian Abbas: 6-0,6-1, Yousaf Khalil beat Shahid Afrid: 6-2,6-2, Muzammil Murtaza beat Imran Bhatti: 6-2,6-2, Aqeel Khan beat Ejaz Khan: 6-4,6-4,M.Abid beat Ahmed Baber:6-4,6-4, Heera Asique beat Mian Bilal: 6-2,5-7,6-1,M. Shoaib beat Shahzad Khan: 6-4,6-4, Barkat ullah beat Ahmed Chudhary: 6-4,4-6,6-1 Men’s Doubles: Mian Bilal, Imran Bhatti beat Ibrahim Omer, Ahmed Kamil: 6-2,7-5, Heera Ashique , Yousaf Khalil beat Shahzad Khan Usman Ejaz: 6-2,6-4,Abbas Khan, Shakir Ullah w/o Shaheen Mehmood, Shahid Afridi Ladies Single (1st Round) Mahin Aftab beat Krisztina Jekel: 6-0,6-0,Noor Malik beat Sheeza Sajid: 6-0,6-0, Meheq Khokhar beat Adila Miron: 6-0,6-0, Mahvish Chistie beat Azeena Aleem: 6-0,6-0, Mariam Mirza beat Sabina Ahmed :6-1,6-1 ,Saher Aleem beat Mahnoor Sohail:6-2,6-0 Ladies Single (Quarter Final) Mahin Aftab beat Meheq Khokhar: 6-1,6-1, Sarah Mahboob beat Saher Aleem:6-0,6-0,Noor Malik beat Mariam Mirza: 6-2,6-0 Boys’ Under-18 (2nd Round): Aqib Hayat beat Sami Zeb: 7-5,6-4, Hasheesh Kumar beat Kashan Umar: 6-1,6-0,M.Shoaib beat Hisam Khan: 6-0,6-4, Subhan Bin Salik beat Jabir Ali:6-0,6-2, Mahatir Mohammad beat Kamran Khan: 6-3,4-6,1-0(Retd), Mohammad Hamza Aasim beat Fayzan Fayyaz: 6-4,6-2, Nalian Abbas beat Faizan Shahid: 6-2,6-1, Boy’s U-14 (1st Round): Ali Zain W/o Hamza Rehmat, Faisal Khalil w/o Umer Masood, Ahtesham Humayun beat Awais Ahmed: 4-1,4-0, Mohammad Hamza Aasim beat Taimoor Khan: 4-1,4-1, Yahya Musa Luni beat Jamal Shah: 4-0,4-0,Shahswar beat Subhan Sahir: 4-0,4-0 Boys’ Under-14 (2nd Round): Bilal Asim beat Eesa Bilal: 4-0,4-0, Hussnain Ali Rizwan beat Faisal Khalil: 4-0,4-1, Shahswar beat Ahmed Nail: 4-0,3-5,4-2,Asad Zaman beat Mustansar Ali: 4-0,4-0,Haider Ali Rizwan beat Inam Qadir: 4-0,4-0,Saim Shahzad w/o Afzal Khan Boy’s/ Girl’s U-12 (1st   Round): Mohammad Haziq Aasim beat Zunaisha Noor: 4-1,5-3,Shahswar Khan beat Soha Ali: 4-0,4-1,Hamza Ali Rizwan beat Mooez Gul: 4-1,4-2, Boy’s/ Girl’s U-12 (2nd    Round): Taimoor Khan beat Hammad Shah: 0-4,5-3,4-0,Ahtesham Hamayun beat Eesa Bilal: 4-0,4-0