Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Zimbabwe has won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier B defeating the Netherlands and securing the final spot in Group B in the First Round at Australia 2022 alongside Ireland, Scotland and West Indies. Australia will host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup for the first time ever between 16 October and 13 November 2022 across seven host cities, with Geelong and Hobart playing host to the First Round. Zimbabwe’s first match will take place on the second day of the Men’s T20 World Cup against fellow qualifier Ireland in Hobart on 17 October. The evening match will be played as part of a double-header, with West Indies taking on Scotland in the afternoon fixture. Runner-up Netherlands will join Sri Lanka, Namibia and the United Arab Emirates in Group A, playing their first match on the opening day of the World Cup in Geelong against the United Arab Emirates. This will be an evening match following 2014 champions Sri Lanka facing Namibia in the T20 World Cup opener. On a day of low-scoring encounters in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier B, hosts Zimbabwe secured a 37-run win over the Netherlands in the final despite being restricted to just 132 batting first. Sikandar Raza was the hero for the home side, taking four for eight from his four overs during a spell in which the Dutch lost six wickets for just 17 runs. Logan van Beek (3/18) had earlier played an important role for the Netherlands, removing both skipper Craig Ervine and Raza as Zimbabwe slumped from 93 for three to 132 all out. In reply, the Dutch made a reasonable start, sitting at 45 for two before the wickets started tumbling, with Raza trapping Stephan Myburgh (22) leg before for his first wicket and arguably the most important of the match.  

BIPIN DANI This year the Asia Cup is most likely to be shifted to the UAE, it is learnt. According to the highly placed sources in the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the decision is to be taken in a day or two. "Our president (Shami Silva) is in Australia on a personal visit but is aware of the situation here. Our officials are in constant touch with the ACC president (Jay Shah), who has  been briefed about the current situation in the country",  the source, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Colombo, said on Sunday evening. "The hosting rights will still be with the SLC". Interestingly, the month of August and till mid-September, the weather will be too hot in the UAE. "Yes, we are aware about it but there is no other option", the source said, adding "we have not yet approached the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to host the Asia Cup there and there have been no signals from there also". LPL in December The 3rd edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) is postponed to December. "We were keen to host it now but the IPG, the company having rights of organizing the matches, asked us to shift it to December", the source further added. The current political conditions in the country have also forced the SLC to retain the second Test in Galle. It was, otherwise, scheduled to be played in Colombo.

Sports Bulletin Report Galle (Sri Lanka):-Captain Babar Azam produced a Test match batting master class to keep Pakistan in the hunt on day-two of the first of the two ICC World Test Championship matches against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium on Sunday. Babar, stonewalled for 244 balls in all to ensure his side finishes a mere four runs behind Sri Lanka’s first innings score of 222 after they had been reduced to 148 for nine in the second session of an absorbing day of Test cricket. Pakistan then took the important wicket of Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne (16) as Sri Lanka finished day-two at 36 for one – 40 runs ahead with nine second wickets intact. Earlier, Babar, the Pakistan batting linchpin added 70 runs for the 10th wicket with Naseem Shah (five not out) to script a remarkable comeback for his side that had endured a batting failure after resuming at the overnight score of 24 for two. Azhar Ali (3) was dismissed in the first over after a delayed start due to rain while middle-order batters Mohammad Rizwan (19), debutant Agha Salman (5) and Mohammad Nawaz (5) returned to the pavilion in the first session of play. Shaheen Shah Afridi also fell for a first ball duck to leave Pakistan precariously placed at 104 for seven at lunch. Left-arm-spinner Prabath Jayasuria, took the third successive five-wicket haul of his Test career which is a mere two Test old. Jayasuria took five of the first seven wickets to fall. Post-lunch, Babar received productive contributions from Yasir Shah (18) and Hasan Ali (17) yet Pakistan were in the doldrums when Hasan fell to off-spinner Ramesh Mendis. Naseem then provided stubborn resistance and blunted one end as Babar after a steady start to the partnership upped the tempo shortly before the tea interval. Babar reached his century soon after play resumed post-tea, the right-hander reached the milestone on the 216th ball of his epic innings with the help of 10 fours and one six. Babar was the last man to fall for 119 as Pakistan finished their first innings at 218. Summarized Score Card: Sri Lanka Batting (1st innings): 222 all out in 66.1 overs Dinesh Chandimal 76 runs (Balls 115, 4X10, 6X1), Maheesh Theekshana 38 runs (Balls 65, 4X4, 6X1), Oshada Fernando 35 runs (Balls 49, 4X5, 6X0), Kusal Mendis 21 runs (Balls 35, 4X3, 6X0) Pakistan Bowling: Shaheen Shah Afridi (4 for 58), Hasan Ali (2 for 23), Yasir Shah (2 for 66), Mohammad Nawaz (1 for 18), Naseem Shah (1 for 53) Pakistan Batting (1st inning): 218 all out in 90.5 overs Babar Azam 119 runs (Balls 244, 4X11, 6X2), Mohammad Rizwan 19 runs (Balls 35, 4X3, 6X0), Yasir Shah 18 runs (Balls 56, 4x1, 6X0), Hasan Ali 17 runs (Balls 21, 4x0, 6x2), Abdullah Shafiq 13 runs (Balls 47, 4X2, 6X0) Sri Lanka Bowling: Prabath Jayasuriya (5 for 82), Ramesh Mendis (2 for 18), Maheesh Theekshana (2 for 68), Kasun Rajitha (1for 42) Sri Lanka Batting (2nd innings): Oshada Fernando runs not out (Balls 35, 4X3, 6X0), Dimuth Karunaratne 16 runs (Balls 29, 4X2, 6X0), Kasun Rajitha 3 runs not our (Balls 7, 4X0, 6X0) Pakistan Bowling: Mohammad Nawaz (1 for 16) Toss: Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to bat first Sri Lanka (Playing XIs) Oshada Fernando, Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Ramesh Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Prabath Jayasuriya Pakistan (Playing XIs): Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Naseem Shah, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali

Sports Bulletin Report Galle (Sri Lanka):-Left-arm pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi (4 for 58) forced hosts batters to close their inning at 222 runs in 66.1 overs at Galle International Cricket Stadium Sri Lanka on the first day of first Test match on Saturday. Pakistan could score just 24 runs for 2 in 18 overs at the end of day. Sri Lankan skipper Dimuth Karunaratne won the toss and decided to bat first, as they had to struggle when they lost their first wicket at 11. They lost their second batter at 60, as next batter could not add a single runs and went back in the hut at the same total. At 68 runs, Sri Lankan were in deep hot water after throwing another batter on a bit slow pitch. Chandimal showed some aggression and scored 76 runs in 115 balls after hitting 10 boundaries and a huge six on the balling of Yasir Shah at midwicket. Maheesh was other contributor with 38 runs at the last stage of the innings, as he aggregated 45 runs with Kasun Rajitha for the 10th wicket partnership that help Sri Lanka to reach at 222 runs total. Pakistani bowlers bowled well during the whole innings, as Shaheen Shah Afridi (4 for 58), Hasan Ali (2 for 23), Yasir Shah (2 for 66), Mohammad Nawaz (1 for 18) and Naseem Shah (1 for 53) shared all 10 wickets. At the end of the day Pakistan were 24 for 2, as the both openers Abdullah Shafiq and Imam-ul-Haq has lost their wickets. Summarized Score Card: Sri Lanka Batting (1st innings): 222 all out in 66.1 overs Dinesh Chandimal 76 runs (Balls 115, 4X10, 6X1), Maheesh Theekshana 38 runs (Balls 65, 4X4, 6X1), Oshada Fernando 35 runs (Balls 49, 4X5, 6X0), Kusal Mendis 21 runs (Balls 35, 4X3, 6X0) Pakistan Bowling: Shaheen Shah Afridi (4 for 58), Hasan Ali (2 for 23), Yasir Shah (2 for 66), Mohammad Nawaz (1 for 18), Naseem Shah (1 for 53) Pakistan Batting (1st inning): 24 for 2 in 18 overs Abdullah Shafiq 13 runs (Balls 47, 4X2, 6X0), Azhar Ali 3 runs not out (Balls 38), Imam-ul-Haq 2 (balls 16) Babar Azam 1 run not out (Balls 7) Sri Lanka Bowling: Prabath Jayasuriya (1 for 2), Kasun Rajitha (1for 11) Toss: Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to bat first Sri Lanka (Playing XIs) Oshada Fernando, Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Ramesh Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Prabath Jayasuriya Pakistan (Playing XIs): Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Naseem Shah, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali

BIPIN DANI Rohit Sharma's one big six in the first ODI against England on Tuesday has made 6-year-old Meera Salvi strong in her determination to become a cricketer. Sharma's one of the five sixers landed in the terrace and injured a little girl — Meera Salvi, who was watching the match from the stands with her father Jignesh Salvi. "This incident has not scared my brave daughter. She is not frightened or scared but will continue to dream to be a cricketer", India-origin Jignesh Salvi, who works for NHS in Brighton, said over the telephone. . "Cricket runs in our blood. My brother Dhiren plays cricket for Baroda. My father Pradeep Krishnarao Salvi also played cricket there. His (father's) third generation daughter Meera, who is studying in Class I at Middle Street Primary School, plays cricket for All Star Club in Brighton". Narrating the injury blow, Jignesh says, "my daughter was watching the match from the stand. My seat was two rows behind her. I had gone to buy some snacks for her and on my return, I called out to her. As soon as she turned towards me, the ball hit her on her back". "Meera is absolutely fine and cheerful now. She was well looked after by the England medical team and the staff at the Kia Oval. David Gorrod, the official at the Surrey ground has made her comfortable and has even promised to provide tickets in future also. Meera has been given an England jersey", the father added. Jignesh has also refuted the media reports stating Rohit Sharma came to see her after the match, gave chocolates, Team India jersey etc. The Indian cricket board is likely to contact the parents. "I want our Indian team to focus on the games without any pressure on this incident", the father emphasized. 

Sports Bulletin Report Galle (Sri Lanka):-Pakistan have unveiled their line-up for the first Test against Sri Lanka that begins on Saturday (July 16, 2022) at Galle International Cricket Stadium. All-rounder Salman Ali Agha will make his Pakistan debut. Salman was added to the 18-player squad for this series following an impressive run in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy first-class tournament in the last three years. In 18 matches, since 2019-20 season, the right-hander has scored 1,629 runs at a strong average of 56.19. The 28-year-old has smashed five centuries and eight half-centuries. His off-spin snared 25 wickets. Leg-spinner Yasir Shah and all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz will return to the side in the first Test. Yasir - who was instrumental in Pakistan’s 2-1 Test series win in 2015 with his player of the series performance – will play his first Test since August 2021 after recovering from a thumb injury. Mohammad Nawaz will return after almost six years as the 28-year-old last played a Test in November 2016. Pakistan’s XI for first Test: Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (vice captain-wicketkeeper), Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi and Yasir Shah

Sports Bulletin Report LONDON:-England Men's selection panel have named squads for the Royal London ODIs against South Africa starting on Tuesday 19 July and the Vitality IT20s versus South Africa, which get underway later this month. Durham seamer Matthew Potts is called up to the ODI squad for the first time after making an impressive debut in England's four Test matches earlier this summer. Yorkshire spinner Adil Rashid returns to both squads after missing the series against India, having been permitted by the ECB to make The Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Yorkshire batter Jonathan Bairstow is included in the T20 squad after he was rested for the India series. To manage the workload and fitness of England Men's Test captain Ben Stokes, he will not feature in the Vitality IT20 series and The Hundred competition, which is due to start next month. Names of players (ODI Series): Jos Buttler (Lancashire-captain), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Sam Curran (Surrey), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Craig Overton (Somerset), Matthew Potts (Durham), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Jason Roy (Surrey), Phil Salt (Lancashire), Ben Stokes (Durham), Reece Topley (Surrey), David Willey (Yorkshire) Names of Players (T20 Series): Jos Buttler (Lancashire-captain), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Sam Curran (Surrey), Richard Gleeson (Lancashire), Chris Jordan (Surrey), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Jason Roy (Surrey), Phil Salt (Lancashire), Reece Topley (Surrey), David Willey (Yorkshire)  ODI Series Schedule: 1st ODI: England v South Africa, Tuesday 19 July, Seat Unique Riverside, (1.00pm start) 2nd ODI: England v South Africa, Friday 22 July, Emirates Old Trafford (1.00pm start) 3rd ODI: England v South Africa, Sunday 24 July, Headingley (11.00am start) T20 Series Schedule: 1st IT20: England v South Africa, Wednesday 27 July 2022, The Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol (6.30pm start) 2nd IT20: England v South Africa, Thursday 28 July 2022. Sophia Gardens (6.30pm start) 3rd IT20: England v South Africa, Sunday 31 July 2022, Ageas Bowl (2.30pm start)

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE):-The Netherlands and Zimbabwe have qualified for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 after securing their places in Sunday’s Qualifier B Final in Zimbabwe. The final line-up for the men’s event which started in April 2021 with 86 different teams vying for a spot to compete for the ultimate prize in T20 cricket, has now been confirmed with Netherlands and Zimbabwe joining hosts Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, Ireland, India, Namibia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates and West Indies. The World Cup takes place in Australia for the first time ever between 16 October and 13 November 2022 across seven host cities, with Geelong and Hobart playing host to the First Round. The final groupings for the Men’s T20 World Cup First Round will be determined through the outcome of Sunday’s final. The winner of Qualifier B will go into Group B with Ireland, Scotland and the West Indies. With the runner-up filling the final spot in Group A alongside Namibia, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates. Netherlands defeated USA in the first semi-final as Bas de Leede starred with bat and ball for the Netherlands with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over the USA. The all-rounder took two for 23 as the Dutch took wickets at regular intervals after the USA had elected to bat first. An opening partnership of 51 between Steven Taylor (26) and Monank Patel (32) had given them a great start, but from then on, wickets continued to tumble as they were bowled out for 138 with two balls to spare in their innings. In reply, Stephan Myburgh fell for a duck in the first over, bringing De Leede to the crease. And he proceeded to hammer an unbeaten 91 from just 67 deliveries to orchestrate a straightforward chase, adding 53 with Max O’Dowd (16) and an unbroken stand of 77 with skipper Scott Edwards (26no) to seal the win and qualification. Netherlands captain Scott Edwards said: “The first word that comes to mind is relief. I think we’ve got a great squad but these sorts of tournaments are always tricky to get through, especially when only two teams are going. But I couldn’t be happier for the group, we’ve had an awesome tournament so far and I’m looking forward to the final in a couple of days. “Zimbabwe are obviously a very strong side, we’ve watched them throughout the tournament and they are playing some good cricket but so are we. I think it will be a good game and hopefully we can get one up on them.” In the other semi-final Zimbabwe came out on top with victory over Papua New Guinea. The game was in the balance for quite a while, but in the end, Zimbabwe’s batting swung it, PNG unable to chase down their target of 200 in a 27-run loss. Regis Chakabva gave the hosts a good start after they chose to bat, with a quickfire 30 from 19 deliveries, with Craig Ervine (38) and Wesley Madhevere (42) continuing his good work. Charles Amini (2/28) helped stem the tide but a 14-ball 29 from Milton Shumba took Zimbabwe to an imposing 199 for five from their 20 overs. That was going to take some chasing and PNG’s cause was not helped by Lega Siaka being run out off the first ball of the reply. They quickly found themselves in trouble at 33 for three, but Amini (33) and in-form Tony Ura (66) hit back impressively. Ura needed just 35 balls as he threatened to upset the home side but when Ervine bowled him, it effectively sealed victory. PNG kept battling but a couple of wickets for Blessing Muzarabani (2/24) ensured they would not get close as Zimbabwe set up a final date with the Netherlands. Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine said: “I’m almost lost for words. It was a massive fight from the boys, it wasn’t an easy semi-final even though we had set 200. I’ve got to give credit to everybody for being up for the fight. “I’m ecstatic for the country, I think this is huge for Zimbabwe cricket and the next step is going to be on Sunday, winning the Qualifier. Then we look forward to the World Cup in October.” In the day’s other two matches Uganda got the better of Jersey by five runs while Hong Kong beat Singapore by seven wickets. The first of those matches went down to the wire, with Uganda picking up some crucial late wickets to deny Jersey a second win in as many days. Simon Ssesazi (30) and Ronak Patel (21) put on 46 for the first wicket as Uganda batted first but it took 26 from Juma Miyagi down the order to get them to a total of 110 all out from their 20 overs. Benjamin Ward (3/16) was the pick of the bowlers for Jersey, who looked in total control at 75 for four in their chase. But when the partnership between Ward and Jonty Jenner (27no) was broken by Dinesh Nakrani (2/20), the wickets started tumbling. Jenner hung around but ran out of partners as Jersey finished up on 105 for nine. The other match was a little more one-sided, Hong Kong comfortably chasing down Singapore’s total of 146. Yasim Murtaza (3/19) made inroads early on, and two wickets in four balls from Ehsan Khan (2/33) ended a 53-run partnership between Navin Param (33) and Janak Prakash (31), removing both men leg before. In reply, Hong Kong skipper Nizakat Khan (81) provided the anchor innings which meant they were never in danger. Despite his dismissal with 13 still required, they cruised home with seven wickets and seven deliveries to spare.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Shaheed Benazirabad won the Sindh-leg of the two-day City Cricket Association Tournament 2022-23 on the virtue of a better run-rate after their final against Hyderabad ended in a draw at the Hanif Mohammad HPC National Stadium Ground in Karachi on Thursday. After the first day’s play was washed out due to rain, the match started on day-two. Shaheed Benazirabad’s captain Haris Khan won the toss and opted to field first. Hyderabad managed to score 277 for six in 57 overs on the back of captain Fardeen’s 62-ball 61, which included seven fours and one six. Dawood Khan top-scored with a quick-fire 75 off 56 balls and struck eight fours and two sixes. For Shaheed Benazirabad, right-arm leg-spinner Jawad Ali bagged four wickets for 60. In return, half-centuries by Haris (60,68b, nine fours) and Saddam Hussain (58,113b, eight fours, one six) helped Shaheed Benazirabad post 171 for seven in 45 overs. When stumps were drawn for the day Shaheed Benazirabad were declared winners on the basis of better run-rate. After the win, Shaheed Benazirabad’s captain Haris Khan said: “The players had the commitment to do well in the tournament and ended up winning the tournament. Our coach guided us really well and we executed the plan successfully on the field.” In the four-group 17-team Sindh-leg, Shaheed Benazirabad topped Pool B with 15 points, while Hyderabad topped Pool C with 23 points to qualify for the semi-finals. The other two teams to qualify for the semi-finals were Karachi Zone VI from Pool A with 33 points and Karachi Zone IV from Pool D with 14 points. The first semi-final was played between Karachi Zone VI and Hyderabad at the Hanif Mohammad HPC National Stadium Ground in Karachi from 6 to 7 July. On first innings lead, Hyderabad were declared winners and qualified for the final. The star performers for Hyderabad in the first semi-final were Mustafa Nasir (four for 43) and wicketkeeper-batter Akbar Khan (89,58b, six fours, eight sixes). In the second semi-final played between Shaheed Benazirabad and Karachi Zone IV at the UBL Sports Complex in Karachi only 25.3 overs were bowled when play was stopped due to rain and no further play was possible. Shaheed Benazirabad were declared winners on the basis of more points in the group stage compared to Karachi Zone IV. Faizan Khan representing Karachi Zone V topped the batting charts with 410 runs from three matches at 102.50. The right-handed batter struck two centuries and one half-century. Mirpurkhas’ Mohammad Saddam was second on the list with 384 runs from four outings in the tournament at 48. The left-handed batter struck one century and two half-centuries. Mohammad Tariq Khan representing Karachi Zone VI topped the bowling charts with 35 wickets from five matches. He took five-for four times with best of eight for 37 in an innings. Second on the list was right-arm leg-spinner Arif Yaqoob who bagged 24 wickets from three matches. This also includes seven for 24 his best figures in an innings.

BIPIN DANI Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has made one change in the commentary panel for the Test series against Pakistan, it is learnt. According to the sources in Colombo, Brad Haddin, who was hired for the matches against Australia is replaced by former New Zealand fast bowler Danny Morrison. In fact, the 56-year-old Morrison is a regular face in the commentary box in Sri Lanka. The other members of the panel- Roshan Abeysinghe, Russel Arnold, Farveez Maharoof and Aamer Sohail- have been retained. The former left-hand batter Aamer Sohail will be the "voice of Pakistan" in the commentary box. The SLC has also sent chief selector Pramodya Wickramasinghe to join the squad. Pramodya replaces Romesh Kaluwitharana, who was with the team for the matches against Australia. The decision on composition of the team is, however, decided by all senior men's selectors in consultation with the team management.  Asia Cup fate The fate of the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka is likely to be decided "soon". Considering the prevailing situations in Sri Lanka, there have been concerns over hosting the Asia Cup in the country, however, the SLC officials are still confident of hosting it successfully.