Tag: Cricket

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Omar Associates win in National Seniors Cup

KARACHI:Omar Associates won its match against Gold Bridge by six wickets in 21st National Seniors Cup organized by Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association in collaboration with Sindh Seniors Welfare Cricket Association.

 

At Asghar Ali Shah Stadium, Gold Bridge were all bundled out for 128 runs with Tariq Murad scoring 33 not out. Jaffer Qureshi took four wickets for 28 runs.

 

For Omar Associates Sajid Ali scored 53 runs and Azhar Khan 39 runs. Jaffer Qureshi of Omar Associates was player of the match.

 

The match between played S.I. Global and Factdate ended in a draw. Batting first S.I. Global scored 195 runs for the loss of six wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Raheel Abbas scored 79 and Former Test cricketer DanishKaneria scored 28 runs. For Factdate Obaidullah Mangi took two wickets for 33 runs.

 

Batting second Factdate also scored 195 runs for loss of eight wickets. Tanveer Hussain scored 42 and Obaidullah Mangi 40 runs. For S.I. Global Danish Kaneria took four wickets for 25 runs. Danish Kaneria of S.I. Global was player of the match.

 

In another match played at Naya Nazimabad Ground, Total Energy defeated Denim Craft by nine wickets. Denim Craft scored 177 runs for 7 wickets with M. Rizwan scoring 65 runs and Mansoor Khan 29 runs. Abdul Qadir of Total Energy took three wickets for 24 runs.

 

In reply Total Energy scored 179 runs for loss of only one wicket. Faisal Mirza scored unbeaten 92 and Kashif Khawaja scored 43 runs. Faisal Mirza of Total Energy was adjudged player of the match.

 

At Asghar Ali Shah Stadium, Haseen Habib won against A.O. Veterans by 42 runs. Haseen Habib scored 172 runs for the loss of four wickets in 20 overs. Skipper Fawad Bari scored 57 runs Ahmed Hussain 47 runs and Adnan Siddiqui 43 runs.

 

In reply A.O. Veterans were all out in the 18th over after scoring 130. Saad Ahmed scored 35 runs and Asif Butt 22 runs. Aurangzaib took four wickets including hat-trick and Waheed Ahmed took two wickets. Aurangzaib of Haseen Habib was declared player of the match.

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Pakistan women cricketers to tour South Africa next month

KARACHI:Pakistan women’s national cricket team will tour South Africa for three ODIs and three T20Is, which will be played in Durban and Pietermaritzburg from 20 January to 3 February, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced on Monday.

 

In consultation and discussions with Cricket South Africa, the series has been finalised to ensure women’s cricket continues to build on the momentum and successes following the trailblazing ICC Women’s Championship 2017-2020, ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cups 2018 and 2020.

 

This additional series has also been organised to help both Pakistan and South Africa prepare for the upcoming assignments, in particular Pakistan, who will feature in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier in July 2021 for the event proper to be held in New Zealand in early 2022. South Africa, along with world champions England, Australia, India and hosts New Zealand, have already qualified for the World Cup after securing top positions in the ICC Women’s Championship 2017-20.

 

The series will start and finish in Durban with the first ODI on 20 January and the third T20I on 3 February. Both matches will be played under lights. Durban will also stage the second ODI on 23 January before action will move to Pietermaritzburg where the third ODI and opening two T20Is will be played on 26, 29 and 31 January, respectively.

 

To prepare and select the best available side and in continuation to the Women’s High Performance Camp and the National Triangular T20 Women’s Cricket Championship, the women’s national selection committee has invited 27 women cricketers for a training and preparation camp, which will be held at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre in Karachi from 20 December.

 

From the start of the training camp until the side’s departure for Durban on 11 January, the women cricketers will remain and train in a bio-secure environment, besides undergoing routine testing in line with the PCB Covid-19 Protocols. Prior to joining the camp, each cricketer will require a negative test and another negative test after reporting for the camp before being allowed to integrate with other members of the group.

 

The tour to South Africa will also be the first official assignment of head coach David Hemp and bowling coach Arshad Khan. While Hemp joined forces in October, Arshad was appointed in November. Mohammad Kamran Hussain will be the assistant coach at the training camp.

 

This will be Pakistan women’s side’s second tour to South Africa within 18 months. In May 2019, Pakistan and South Africa featured in one of the most thrilling, keenly contested and exciting women’s series to date.

 

The three ICC Women’s Championship ODIs ended in a 1-1 draw when the 12 May third ODI ended in a tie after Nashra Sandhu scored seven runs off the final two deliveries to help Pakistan reach 265 for nine in 50 overs. In the five-match T20I series, Pakistan took a 2-1 lead before South Africa bounced back to clinch the series 3-2.

 

Women’s chief selector and head of the women’s cricket, Urooj Mumtaz: “It is critical for women’s cricket that we continue to invest in the game in these difficult times, otherwise all the efforts and hard work that have gone recently in building the profile, enhancing the standard and generating fan interest and following will be wasted.

 

“I am delighted that Cricket South Africa have agreed to host us for a full tour despite having already qualified for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022. This is yet another indicator and reflection of our relationship with the Member boards who are willing to help and support each other in any possible way.

 

“The PCB created activities and held a domestic event for the women cricketers to attract and inspire them to remain connected with the game during these challenging times, but nothing can replace international cricket. In this background, it is great that our women cricketers will reap the benefits of their loyalty and commitment to the game by getting an opportunity to play international cricket against a quality side.

 

“South Africa are ranked above us, both in the ODI and T20I formats and, as such, I am sure this series will go a long way in not only assisting us to further improve our standards but also prepare for June’s ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2021 as we aim to finish in the top three and progress to event proper in early 2022 in New Zealand.”

 

27 probables for the South Africa tour are (18-player squad expected to be announced on Thursday, 31 December 2020 at the National Stadium press conference room early afternoon):

 

Aiman Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Ayesha Zafar, Bismah Maroof, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana Khan, Iram Javed, Javeria Khan, Javeria Rauf, Kainat Imtiaz, Kaynat Hafeez, Maham Tariq, Muneeba Ali, Nahida Khan, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sandhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Saba Nazir, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz and Syeda Aroob Shah

 

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Pakistan name 18-player squad for New Zealand T20Is

KARACHI:Pakistan has announced an 18-player men’s national squad for the three T20Is against New Zealand to be played on 18, 20 and 22 December.

 

The squad was finalised by head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and captain Babar Azam in consultation with Pakistan Shaheens coach Ijaz Ahmed, who also locked his 16-player squad for the four-day match against New Zealand ‘A’ to be played in Whangarei from 17 December.

 

Both Pakistan and Pakistan Shaheens squads are scheduled to depart for Queenstown on Tuesday, 8 December, after completing their 14-day isolation period in Christchurch. In Queenstown, both the sides will stay in different hotels and train at different times and according to their match requirements.

 

On 14 December, Shaheens will travel to Whangarei, while Pakistan will head to Auckland on 15 December for the opening match of the three-match series.

 

For the New Zealand T20Is, Pakistan have recalled Hussain Talat and Sarfaraz Ahmed in the only changes from the side that defeated Zimbabwe 3-0 in November.

 

Hussain, who has replaced Pakistan Shaheens’ Zafar Gohar, played his last T20I against South Africa at Centurion in February 2019, while Sarfaraz Ahmed has reclaimed his spot from Rohail Nazir, who will captain Pakistan Shaheens against New Zealand ‘A’.

 

Fakhar Zaman had played in all the three T20Is against Zimbabwe but missed the New Zealand tour after failing to recover in time due to high fever.

 

Following the conclusion of the T20I series, Imad Wasim will depart for Australia on 23 December to play in Australia’s Big Bash League, while Mohammad Hafeez will leave for Pakistan on 24 December.

 

Head coach Misbah-ul-Haq: “I want to compliment my players and the management team for their patience, sacrifices and the hardships they have endured to ensure they not only lead the safe resumption of international cricket during the Covid-19 pandemic since the series in England but also try to give their best every time they step on the field.

 

“Top professional athletes require a certain environment to prepare so that they can perform at the minimum expected levels every time they represent their countries. While we completely respect and understand the New Zealand Government Laws, which have been put in place for the health and safety of their public, there is no denying the fact that the implementation of certain regulations has affected our athletes, both mentally and physically prior to an international series.

 

“Nonetheless, when we will leave the isolation facility in the next day or two, we will try to put all this behind us and focus on the challenge of facing New Zealand in both the formats. New Zealand are a formidable side in their conditions and their recent performances against the West Indies confirm why they are ranked second in Tests and just behind us in T20Is in sixth position.

 

“For the T20Is, we have retained the squad that has been playing together for some time. The squad comprises young, talented and high-performing players, who are determined and eager to make names for themselves and further cement their places in the side.

 

“New Zealand boasts some of the best cricket facilities, which are backed by supportive and appreciative crowds. I want my players to make optimum use of the upcoming opportunities by expressing themselves by playing fearlessly every time they take the field. All the players have our backing and support, and all they now need to show is how much believe, faith and trust they have in their own capabilities.”

 

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Test side players who will not be involved in the T20Is, will remain with Pakistan Shaheens to prepare for the two-Test series, which commences at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on 26 December.

 

As part of their preparation for the four-day match against New Zealand A, which begins on 17 December, Shaheens will also play intra-squad practice matches in Queenstown.

 

Pakistan Shaheens coach Ijaz Ahmed: “Apart from providing youngsters the opportunity to get some experience and exposure, the objective of Shaheens was to help the red-ball Pakistan men’s national team players prepare for the Tests by featuring in the pre-series matches against New Zealand ‘A’. Despite the disappointment of losing a four-day match, I am pleased that some of the top Pakistan Test players will be representing Shaheens against New Zealand ‘A’ in Whangarei, which will enhance the importance and profile of the match.

 

“The quarantine period was a tough one, something none of us had experienced before, but instead of reflecting on the tough times, we should now start focusing and thinking about playing and performing in international cricket because that is what we have come here for.

 

“We need to avail and cash in on every opportunity to hone our skills and try to improve as professional cricketers. There is no better place than New Zealand to achieve these career objectives as the country has some amazing and cricket-friendly playing conditions.”

 

Pakistan squad for New Zealand T20Is:

 

Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Musa Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Qadir and Wahab Riaz.

 

Management team: Mansoor Rana (Manager), Misbah-ul-Haq (head coach), Shahid Aslam (assistant coach), Waqar Younis (bowling coach), Younis Khan (batting coach), Abdul Majeed (fielding coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Ibrahim Badees (team and social media manager), Malang Ali (team masseur), Dr Sohail Saleem (team doctor), Talha Ejaz Butt (analyst), Col (retd) Usman Anwari (security manager) and Yasir Malik (strength and training coach).

 

Pakistan Shaheens for New Zealand ‘A’ four-day match:

 

Rohail Nazir (captain), Abid Ali, Amad Butt, Azhar Ali, Danish Aziz, Fawad Alam, Haris Sohail, Imam-ul-Haq, Imran Butt, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, Shan Masood, Sohail Khan, Yasir Shah, Zafar Gohar and Zeeshan Malik.

 

Management team: Ijaz Ahmed (manager and head coach), Mohtashim Rasheed (assistant manager and fielding coach), Rao Iftikhar (bowling coach), Hafiz Naeem (physiotherapist), Saboor Ahmed (trainer), Usman Hashmi (analyst) and Mohammad Imran Ali (masseur).

 

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Rehan CC beat Al Karam Sports by 20 runs in T20 Cricket

KARACHI:Abu Rehan Cricket Club defeated Favorit Al-Karam Sports by 20 runs in the T20 Festival cricket match played at Eastern Star Ground.

 

Batting first, Abu Rehan scored 187 for 5 in the allotted 20 overs. Mohammad Rizwan scored 81 off just 46 balls while Moeez scored 33 and Aamir 24 runs.

 

In reply, Al-Karam Sports scored 167 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in the stipulated overs. Aurangzeb scored 77, Anas Amir 33 and Farish Karim 15 runs.

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Danish clinches Ahmed Brig Moinuddin Shaheed Tennis Tourney title

KARACHI:Danish Ahmed clinched Brig Moinuddin Shaheed Tennis Tournament title after beating Abrar ul Haq in the finals in straight sets at NUST University.

 

Danish dominated the final game and eventually recorded a convincing 6-2, 6-3 victory.

 

Lt. General Naweed Uzaman, Director NUST University was the chief guest in the final.

 

He appreciated effort of Inamul Haq for holding Shaheed Tennis Tournament every month.

 

“I will support Inamul Haq,” he said. He also appreciated Pakistan Lawn Tennis Association (PLTA).

 

Tournament Director Inamul Haq thanked the chief guest for attending the final prize distribution.

 

Inamul Haq also thanked Brig. Allah Nawaz, DG admin NUST University, for providing facilities for the event.

 

He also thanked Iftikhar Ahmed Rao, Chairman PLTA and Secretary General Rashid Malik for supporting the event.

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PSL parts ways with Khaleef Technologies

KARACHI:The Pakistan Cricket Board on Monday terminated the contracts of HBL Pakistan Super League’s WMTR, Fantasy and Clip rights holders following a series of contractual breaches despite issuance of repeated requests and constant reminders for compliance of obligations.

 

The PCB had entered into three-year agreements with Khaleef Technologies Incorporated in 2019 in relation to Wireless Mobile Telephony and SMS Rights, digital clip rights, Fantasy League Platform and App Development rights for the Pakistan Super League.

 

However, following severe breaches, including non-payment of the rights fee and non-submission of the requisite payment securities despite several assurances, the PCB terminated the contract, whilst adding that it reserves the right to avail all further legal remedies available to it against Khaleef Technologies Incorporated, including but not limited to seeking compensation for losses and recovery of unpaid amounts under the agreement.

 

“PCB had in good faith and to ensure this partnership continues in a professional way and in best interest of both the parties, engaged in a series of discussions and dialogues with Khaleef Technologies Incorporated, which were followed by reminders in which they were requested to honour their contractual obligations,” PCB said.

 

“Sadly, despite several genuine attempts at resolution, Khaleef Technologies Incorporated continued to breach the contract. This ultimately had left PCB with no option but to terminate their contract,” it added.

 

“PCB is the ultimate custodian of HBL PSL’s reputation and brand value, and will do whatever is required to ensure no commercial partner undermines or undervalues it,” PCB said.

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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa beat Central Punjab by five wickets

KARACHI:Khyber Pakhtunkhwa strolled to a five-wicket win over Central Punjab on the final day of their fourth round first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy fixture here at the UBL Sports Complex.

 

This is Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s second win of the tournament.

 

Adil Amin stroked his 17th first-class half-century after resuming the day on 39. The 29-year old right-handed batsman smashed 10 boundaries in his 53 off 106 balls.

 

Mehran Ibrahim was dismissed on 13 as he failed to add to his overnight score following which Zohaib Khan and wicketkeeper-batsman Rehan Afridi took Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the line.

 

Zohaib was unbeaten on 14, while Rehan’s 36 not out was studded with four fours and two sixes.

 

Bilawal Iqbal, who returned two for 31, took the two Khyber Pakhtunkhwa wickets, which fell on Monday. Ahmed Safi Abdullah finished with three for 87.

 

This is Central Punjab’s third defeat in four matches. The title defenders are positioned at the bottom of the points table.

 

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa pocketed 23 points (16 for outright win, one for batting and six for bowling) from the match, while Central Punjab added only five points (all for bowling).

 

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will travel to National Stadium to take on Northern in a broadcast match in the fifth round, which runs from 26-29 November, while UBL Sports Complex will stage the first Punjab Derby of the season as Central Punjab and Southern Punjab will come face to face at the venue.

 

The match between Southern Punjab and Sindh at the National Stadium ended in a draw as both sides added five points more to their accounts.

 

In a broadcast match, Southern Punjab were 206 for four in 62 overs in their chase of 342 when both captains – Umar Siddiq and Asad Shafiq – decided to shake hands.

 

Southern Punjab’s Saif Badar scored a fluent 70 not out from 100 balls and he registered his career’s second half-century at this level. The right-handed batsman crunched nine fours and a six.

 

Opener Zain Abbas followed his 95 in the first innings with an 89-ball 42, which included six fours, before he was dismissed by debutant Abrar Ahmed, whose leg-spin accounted for three Southern Punjab batsmen in the innings.

 

Imran Rafiq was the other notable run-getter with 41 from 93 balls and his stay at the crease was also curtailed by Abrar.

 

Abrar returned three for 80 and his figures for the match were five for 199.

 

Earlier, Sindh declared on 253 for six after resuming the day on 190 for three.

 

Saud Shakeel converted his overnight 45 into his career’s 14th half-century as he was undefeated at 70 off 125 balls.

 

Southern Punjab retained their position at the top of the table as they secured nine points from the match (five for securing a draw, and two each for batting and bowling). Sindh pocketed 13 points (five for draw, and four each for batting and bowling)

 

Umar Amin and Mohammad Nawaz helped Northern secure a draw against Balochistan at the National Bank Sports Complex.

 

Northern were set 394 to win. They managed 385 for eight in 84 overs.

 

Umar recorded his career’s 21st century with a 162-ball 123.

 

He joined Nawaz, who scored 180-ball 95, at the crease with Northern struggling at 62 for four courtesy Kashif Bhatti – who had dismissed three of the top four batsmen by then and finished the innings with a five-fer, his 20th at this level. The pair put a 123-run alliance for the fifth wicket.

 

Hammad Azam and Sarmad Bhatti made handy contributions below the order with 53 and 32 not out respectively. Kashif returned five for 159.

 

Northern have bagged nine points (five for draw, and two each for batting and bowling), while Balochistan pocketed 12 points (five for draw, three for batting and four for bowling).