Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: HBL Pakistan Super League has a rich history of providing platform to the finest young talent the country has to offer. HBL PSL 9 is set to feature an exciting new batch of talented players. From lethal fast bowlers and dexterous spinners to skillful batters, all players will look to prove themselves at the big stage. Mohammad Zeeshan (Peshawar Zalmi):Mohammad Zeeshan is a formidable pace prospect, having shown his promise in the Pakistan U19 team. Aided by his towering height of 6 feet 8 inches, the right-arm fast bowler extracts extra bounce, spelling trouble for the opposition.Zeeshan reflected on his addition to Peshawar Zalmi, saying: “Being picked for Peshawar Zalmi was a big moment for me as HBL PSL is amongst the best leagues in the world. I will be sharing the dressing room with and playing alongside Babar Azam, the best batter in the world, which I am really excited about.“T20 cricket allows limited room for the bowlers as the batters are always looking to charge. I think that’s where variations come into play; you need command over your slower balls, bouncers and yorkers to succeed.”Saad Baig (Karachi Kings):Born and bred in Karachi, Pakistan U19 captain Saad Baig will be representing his home city in the ninth edition of HBL PSL. The wicketkeeper-batter led Pakistan U19 to semi-finals of ICC U19 World Cup 2024. The previous year, he led Pakistan U19 to the semi-finals of ACC U19 Asia Cup.Saad, while talking about getting picked by Karachi Kings, said: “For any youngster, getting to play this league is a dream come true. I consider getting picked by Karachi Kings an achievement for myself so it was a big moment for me.“I will be part of a very experienced dressing room and I will try to improve my game as much as I can. I will ask seniors like Shoaib Malik and Keiron Pollard about their work ethic. They have played a lot of T20 cricket across the world so learning from them would be good for my future as well.”Ubaid Shah (Islamabad United):Right-arm pacer Ubaid Shah will be joining his brothers, Test cricketer Naseem Shah and first-class player Hunain Shah, at Islamabad United to strengthen the franchise’s pace battery. Since his debut for Pakistan U19, the pacer has become an indispensable asset to the side.“When I got to know that Islamabad United had picked me, I could not believe it. It is very important to me that Islamabad United put their trust in me, and I hope to reciprocate their trust by performing to the best of my ability.“It is very exciting that I am in the same team as both my brothers. And it is an honour to play under Shadab [Khan] Bhai’s captaincy. I look forward to learning from him. HBL PSL is big tournament with some very experienced names.”Shamyl Hussain (Islamabad United):Shamyl Hussain, set to represent Islamabad United at HBL PSL 9, is a top-order batter known for impressive strokeplay. The young left-handed batter, an avid fan of Brian Lara, says he has modelled his technique and shots after the West Indies batting legend.Reflecting on his addition to the team, Shamyl said: “I had been following the draft and when I did not get picked in the emerging category, I felt my heart drop so I turned my phone off for a while. When I turned it back on, I saw my coach’s message congratulating me. I could not believe I had been selected. To see my hard work pay off was the best feeling.“My style of play aligns with that of Islamabad United; I like to play attacking cricket and put pressure on the bowlers. I will be surrounded by senior players so my goal is to gain as much experience as I can during the tournament.”Syed Faridoun (Lahore Qalandars):Syed Faridoun is a left-arm wrist spinner who will be representing Lahore Qalandars in HBL PSL 9. As part of their Player Development Program, the franchise had sent Faridoun to represent Melbourne Stars at the Big Bash League in 2021.Although Faridoun was a part of the Qalandars squad back in 2022, he did not get to feature in a game. The young spinner, who is hoping to play his debut game in the upcoming season, said: “I want to fulfill the expectations the team and management have from me, whenever I am given a chance. Top players from around the world come to play in this league and I aspire to compete against them.“Your economy rate matters a lot in T20 cricket, so I always aim to restrict the flow of runs. I have gotten to share the dressing room with Rashid Khan in the past two years so I have learnt a lot from him.”Faisal Akram (Multan Sultans):Faisal Akram, another left-arm wrist spinner, is set to represent Multan Sultans in the ninth edition of the HBL PSL. Faisal was earlier picked by Karachi Kings in 2022, but warmed the bench in the previous two seasons. This year – on the back of a successful domestic season – Faisal is hoping to make his HBL PSL debut.“Multan is my home so it feels great that I have been picked to represent the city. If I get the chance to play, I will give my 100 per cent on the field. I am looking to end the season as the best emerging player of the season.“Multan Sultans have a great team this year. I am especially looking forward to learning from our captain Mohammad Rizwan, and foreign players like Reeza Hendricks and Dawid Malan.”Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (Quetta Gladiators):Khawaja Mohammad Nafay is a right-handed batter who was picked by Quetta Gladiators for the upcoming season of HBL PSL. Nafay already has experience of participating in franchise-based leagues.“My coach was with me when I got the news that I had been picked by Quetta. It made the moment really special because he has worked hard with me. It is a big deal for me, because performing in this league paves way for your selection to the national side.“I am really excited to share space with Jason Roy, Mohammad Amir and Sarfaraz Ahmed. I will have much to learn from these seasoned campaigners.”

Owais Autos overcome CWC XIs by 20 runs in the final, Asharf gets honourSports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Owais Autos team defeated CWC XIs by 20 runs in the final of the Solidarity Kashmir Cricket Cup at Moin Khan Academy.Captain of the Owais Autos Talha Ahmed Butt won the first toss and decided to bat first, as the batter managed 164 for 8 runs in 20 overs per innings fixture. A brilliant game was shown by Ashraf Khan, Alam Zeib, and Mohammad Sufyan. CWC XIs could score 144 runs.Chief guest presented trophies to Owais Autos team's best captain and best bowler Talha Ahmed Butt, best batsman Alamzeb and man of the match Ashraf Khan along with winner and runner-up trophies. 

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): Future stars hailing from five different nations including newly-crowned champions Australia comprise the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 Team of the Tournament, announced today by the International Cricket Council.Australia captain Hugh Weibgen is given the honour of leading out the star-studded lineup, chosen by an esteemed panel of media, broadcast and ICC representatives.India enjoyed a resounding campaign leading up to Sunday’s final, and mark their impressive tournament with four names in the team. Champions Australia have three players included, South Africa have two names – including the Player of the Tournament Kwena Maphaka – while the West Indies and Pakistan each have one player feature.The selection panel consisted of commentary representatives Ian Bishop, Melinda Farrell and Abhinav Mukund, media representative Telford Vice, and ICC Head of Events, Chris Tetley.Names of players:Lhuan-dre Pretorius (SA) (wk) - 287 runs at 57.40Harry Dixon (AUS) - 309 runs at 44.14Musheer Khan (IND) – 360 runs at 60.00Hugh Weibgen (AUS) (captain) - 304 runs at 50.66Uday Saharan (IND) – 397 runs at 56.71Sachin Dhas (IND) – 303 runs at 60.60Nathan Edward (WI) – 101 runs at 50.50 and 11 wickets at 17.81Callum Vidler (AUS) – 14 wickets at 11.71Ubaid Shah (PAK) – 18 wickets at 12.38Kwena Maphaka (SA) – 21 wickets at 9.71Saumy Pandey (IND) – 18 wickets at 10.27Jamie Dunk (SCO) – 263 runs at 65.75

Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: A brilliant ton by Bilawal Bhatti and 9 wickets a piece by Shahnawaz Dahani led SNGPL to a massive 519-run win over WAPDA in the final of the President’s Trophy Grade-I here at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Sunday.The match ended inside third day of the five-day final. SNGPL not only won the trophy, but also took away prize money of PKR three million. WAPDA had to settle for the runners-up trophy and prize money of PKR 1.5 million.Resuming their second innings at the overnight score of 121 for five in 36 overs, SNGPL declared their innings at 346 for eight in 82 overs, courtesy century by Bilawal Bhatti (101, 114b, 14x4s, 2x6s) and 91 from Mubasir Khan. The pair knitted a 108-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Mubasir’s innings included 14 fours and a six.For WAPDA, Asif Afridi was the most successful bowler, taking five wickets for 149 runs.In turn, chasing 686 to win, WAPDA were dismissed for 166 for nine in 32 overs. Ayaz Tasawar, coming to bat at number six, top-scored for his side with a 30-ball 51, smashing seven fours and three sixes. Test batter Umar Akmal, who scored 28 runs in the first innings, didn’t come to bat in the second innings as he was ill.Right-arm fast Shahnawaz Dahani, who bagged seven wickets in the first innings, managed to get two scalps in the second innings, and ended up with match figures of 94 runs for nine wickets. Left-arm pacer Mir Hamza was the most successful bowler in the second innings, grabbing three wickets for 50 runs in nine overs.Dahani and Sahibzada Farhan were declared joint player of the match. KRL’s Abdul Faseeh and Ghani Glass’ Mohammad Rameez Jnr were declared joint player of the tournament.Scores in brief:SNGPL 479-7, 80 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 161, Saud Shakeel 123 not out, Kamran Ghulam 101, Mubasir Khan 44; Tahir Hussain 2-78, Iftikhar Ahmed 2-105) and 346-8 decl, 82 overs (Bilawal Bhatti 101, Mubasir Khan 91, Abid Ali 38, Saud Shakeel 34, Kamran Ghulam 28; Asif Afridi 5-149, Ali Shafique 2-53)WAPDA 140 all out, 34.4 overs (Iftikhar Ahmed 52, Umar Akmal 28; Shahnawaz Dahani 7-42, Mir Hamza 2-30) and 166-9, 32 overs (Ayaz Tasawar 51, Umar Abid Kayani 40; Mir Hamza 3-50, Bilawal Bhatti 2-29, Shahnawaz Dahani 2-52)Player of the match: Shahnawaz Dahani and Sahibzada Farhan (SNGPL) PKR 100,000Players of the tournament: Abdul Faseeh (KRL, 637 runs from six matches, 3x100s, 1x50) and Mohammad Rameez Jnr (Ghani Glass, 42 wickets from five matches, five five-wicket hauls) PKR 100,000Best batter of the tournament: Abdul Faseeh (KRL) PKR 100,000Best bowler of the tournament: Mohammad Rameez Jnr (Ghani Glass) PKR 100,000Best wicket-keeper of the tournament: Shahbaz Javed (Ghani Glass, 26 dismissals) PKR 100,000 

Abdullah AsjadRAWALPINDI: Kamran Ghulam, Sahibzada Farhan and Saud Shakeel struck centuries for SNGPL against WAPDA on day one of the final of the President’s Trophy Grade-I here at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.After being put into bat, SNGPL scored 479 for seven in 80 overs. After losing Test cricketer Abid Ali for no score, right-handed batters Sahibzada Farhan and Kamran Ghulam got together and knitted a 214-run partnership for the second wicket.Sahibzada, who has featured in five T20Is for Pakistan, top-scored for the side, scoring 161 off 206 balls, hitting 22 fours and two sixes. 28-year-old Kamran was the second centurion for his side in the first innings. He scored a 136-ball 101, which included 16 fours.Saud Shakeel, who has featured in 10 Test matches, and was also part of the Pakistan squad against Australia recently, returned undefeated on 123 off 81 balls, smashing 12 fours and four sixes.That SNGPL managed to score around six an over in 80 overs was largely due to a quick-fire 44 off 20 balls from Mubasir Khan. The right-handed batter, coming to bat at number seven, struck four sixes and two fours over the course of his innings. For WAPDA, captain Iftikhar Ahmed and Tahir Hussain bagged two wickets apiece.

Sports Bulletin ReportBenoni (South Africa): India will take on Australia in the Men’s ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2024 final on Sunday (February 11, 2024) in Benoni South Africa. India confirmed their spot in the final after beating hosts South Africa by two wickets in a tense matchup on Tuesday. Chasing 245 for victory, India battled back from 32 for four to seal a memorable win thanks to a brilliant match-winning partnership between Sachin Dhas and captain Uday Saharan.Thursday’s second semi-final also provided no shortage of drama, as Australia emerged victorious over Pakistan by one wicket in the final over of the contest. Having bowled out Pakistan for a seemingly below par total of 179, Australia stuttered in their chase before their middle and lower order formed crucial partnerships to help them edge home in thrilling fashion.The highly anticipated final between the two sides will be hosted on Sunday 11 February at Willowmoore Park, Benoni, the same venue that staged both semi-finals, with the action commencing at 10h00 local time (SAST).India and Australia both head into the final undefeated, having topped their respective groups in both the initial stage and the Super Six stage, and can boast some of the most exciting young talent on the planet.Among the future stars that have impressed throughout the competition are skippers Uday Saharan of India and Hugh Weibgen of Australia, and both have their sights firmly set on lifting the coveted trophy on Sunday.India captain, Uday Saharan said: “As we approach the World Cup final, we carry the dreams of a billion hearts on our shoulders. Our journey has been a testament to our hard work, unity, and love for the game. In this final battle, we aim to create a legacy that inspires the next generation. It's not just a game; it's a chance to etch our names in history. Right from our first game, we have played with passion, determination, and a belief that we will get the coveted title home. In the final, against Australia, it is going to be no different as we go one step closer to defending the title successfully. Together, as one team, one nation, we march into the final, ready to seize our moment and make India proud. As a captain, I couldn’t have asked for anything more from my team as we stand at the cusp of creating history.”Australia captain, Hugh Weibgen said: “We're really pleased to have made it through to the final after a close game against Pakistan and we can't wait to take on India in Sunday's final. The whole squad has done a terrific job throughout the tournament, and it would mean so much to us as a group to lift the trophy on Sunday. This is an opportunity to make our coaches as well as family and friends extremely proud. They have helped and supported us along the journey. India have obviously also had an outstanding tournament so far and are a class team. We're expecting they will provide a challenge for us, and we are looking forward to it.”These sides have met twice before in an ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup final, with India having won on both previous occasions in 2012 and 2018. Match Official appointments for Sunday’s final have also been confirmed, with Allahudien Palekar and Langton Rusere selected as the on-field umpires. Rashid Riaz will assume the role of TV umpire, with Roland Black acting as fourth umpire and Shaid Wadvalla as Match Referee.

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, has been elected unanimously and unopposed as the Pakistan Cricket Board’s Chairman for a three-year term. Shah Khawar had summoned a special meeting of the Board of Governors (BoG) today at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore.Addressing the BoG following his election, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi said: “I am deeply honoured and humbled to have been unanimously elected as the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. I am thankful for the trust and confidence reposed in me. I am fully committed to upgrading the standard of the game in the country and bringing professionalism in the administration of cricket in Pakistan.”Mustafa Ramday (PCB Patron’s nominee), Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi (PCB Patron’s nominee), Sajjad Ali Khokhar (President Regional Cricket Association AJK), Zafarullah Jadgal (President Regional Cricket Association Dera Murad Jamali), Tanveer Ahmed (President Regional Cricket Association Larkana), Tariq Sarwar (President Regional Cricket Association Bahawalpur), Mohammad Ismail Qureshi (Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited), Dr Anwaar Ahmad Khan (Ghani Glass Limited), Javaid Iqbal (State Bank of Pakistan), Osama Azhar, Pakistan Television, and Nadeem Irshad Kayani, Secretary to the Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination (Non-voting member) attended the meeting. 

Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) set to meet in the President’s Trophy cricket tournament final, as the Pindi Cricket Stadium to host the final from February 9 to 13, 2024.According to media department of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), after seven rounds of matches played in Karachi. WAPDA and SNGPL qualified for the final after topping the points table, with five and four wins respectively. Mohammad Sajid and Waleed Yaqub will be the on-field umpires while Nadeem Arshad will serve as the match referee.

Final to take place at Pindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, winners to pocket 1 millionAbdul Jabbar FaisalRAWALPINDI: Lahore will face Karachi in the National Women’s T20 final at here Pindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday (January 31, 2024), Nida Dar will lead Lahore Women while Fatima Sana Karachi Women players in the final.The player of the tournament will be awarded PKR50,000 and player of the match will receive PKR20,000. The tournament’s top performers – best batter, best bowler and best wicket-keeper – will get PKR 25,000, each.Lahore have remained unbeaten in the tournament, winning all 10 matches in the six-team tournament. Opening batter Sidra Amin, also the highest run-getter in the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25, is leading the batting charts with 494 runs from 10 outings, with one century and three half-centuries. She has scored runs at the strike-rate of 143.60.In the bowling unit, Lahore’s spin twins of Ghulam Fatima and Nashra Sundhu, occupy the top two spots. Leg-spinner Ghulam Fatima has 21 wickets to her name from 10 matches at an economy rate of 4.44. Left-arm spinner, Nashra, currently ranked number sixth in the ICC Women’s T20I bowling rankings, has 19 scalps to her name, with one five-fer and a four-fer in the tournament.Karachi have won six matches from 10 outings in the tournament. Former national captain and opening batter Javeria Khan, has hit two half-centuries for her side, scoring 352 runs from 10 matches. She holds an average of 44 and strike-rate of 110.34.In the bowling department, spinners have done wonders for the Karachi similar to Lahore’s spin bowling prowess. 20-year-old leg-spinner Syeda Aroob Shah has taken 14 wickets from 10 matches at an economy rate of 5.09. She has the support of another spinner, off-spin bowler Rameen Shamim, who has bagged 13 wickets from 10 matches at an economy rate of 4.77.

Sports Bulletin ReportSharjah (UAE): Skipper Tom-Kohler Cadmore, through an aggressive 68 off 34 balls studded with eight sixes and two boundaries, guided his team to a hard fought seven-run win over Desert Vipers in the 13th match of the ILT20 season 2 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. His 101 runs partnership in 53 balls for the third wicket with Martin Guptill, who scored 39 off 32 balls with four fours and one six, gave his team a challenging total of 174 for 7 in 20 overs. The crowd of nearly 13,000 were in for a great treat when Vipers tried to chase the target through Alex Hales’s 61 off 40 balls with five sixes and three boundaries and Azam Khan’s fighting 35 off 22 balls. Together, the pair put 52 runs in 33 balls for the fifth wicket but failed to carry their team to victory. Earlier, Wanindu Hasaranga had put the brakes on Sharjah Warriors’ run flow with three wickets in the 16th over for figures of 3 for 30. Luke Wood too chipped in with three wickets for 33 runs, but all their efforts went in vain. So close was the fight that when Vipers needed 22 runs to win off the last 12 balls, Daniel Sams gave away only six runs in the penultimate over. Needing 16 runs off the last over, Muhammad Jawadullah held his nerves and bowled accurately giving away just eight runs to ensure Warriors’ victory.Brief scores: Sharjah Warriors beat Desert Vipers by 7 runs.  Sharjah Warriors 174 for 7 in 20 overs (Martin Guptill 39, Tom Kohler-Cadmore 68, Joe Denly 22, Luke Wood 3 for 33, Wanindu Hasaranga 3 for 30) Desert Vipers 167 for 7 in 20 overs (Alex Hales 61, Azam Khan 35, Chris Woakes 2 for 26, Daniel Sams 2 for 29)Player of the Match: Tom Kohler-Cadmore.