Yousuf, Mona shine in back-to-back international marathons

Pakistan News & Features Services

Pakistan’s international marathon runners, Muhammad Yousuf Malik and Mona Khan, have once again made their country proud with a remarkable display of endurance and commitment. After completing two full marathons in just one week, the duo has returned home, having participated at the highest level in international athletics. 

The seasoned marathoners, Yousuf, hailing from Muzaffarabad, and Mona, based in Karachi, participated in the Toronto Marathon in Canada before travelling to Italy, where they competed in the prestigious Venice Marathon. Despite the demanding schedule, both athletes finished with impressive times, showcasing their physical stamina as well as mental resilience. 

The duo’s achievement of running two full marathons in such a short span highlighted their exceptional training and dedication to the sport. The Toronto and Venice marathons are both recognized as some of the most challenging events on the global marathon calendar, attracting top-tier runners from all over the world. By taking part in both these events, they have raised the profile of Pakistani athletes at the international stage. 

"It was a challenging week, but we managed to push through. I am grateful for the support we received from our fans back home. This is just the beginning and there is more to come," Yousuf observed upon his return to home. 

Continuing to break barriers for women in long-distance running, Mona shared similar sentiments. "It wasn’t easy, but we knew that representing Pakistan was worth every step. We hope this inspires more young athletes to take up marathon running and pursue their dreams on the global stage," she stated. 

It’s important to note that Mona’s journey to becoming one of Pakistan's leading marathoners is deeply personal. Before embarking on her athletic career, she has an anchorperson and journalist, balancing responsibilities at home and workplace. 

Her ability to juggle these demanding roles while pursuing her passion for long-distance running, particularly as someone who has run less than the standard 42.2 km in competitive marathons, showed the dedication and resilience that define her. She has continually defied expectations, proving that with determination, barriers can be broken, both in sport and in life. 

Their outstanding performance in Toronto and Venice is a testament to the rising potential of Pakistan’s long-distance runners, and the duo is now confidently looking ahead to future events as they continue to make strides in the world of athletics. 

In special recognition, both athletes were honoured with an acknowledgement certificate from the Canadian government for their achievements. The award ceremony, held in Brampton, celebrated by Mayor Patrick Brown, who praised their dedication and international success.

"Muhammad Yousuf and Mona Khan have shown extraordinary commitment to their sport, and we are proud to have them represent not only Pakistan but also the values of perseverance and excellence on the world stage," Mayor Brown reckoned. 

Their return home has sparked excitement among fans and fellow athletes, and their achievements are being celebrated as a significant milestone for Pakistani athletics on the world map. They are now preparing for their next challenge, with eyes set on future marathons and international competitions. Their journey continues, and their next accomplishments are awaited.

readmore »»

Yousuf, Mona secure A-category medal in Toronto Marathon

Pakistan News & Features Services

The duo of Muhammad Yousuf Malik and Mona Khan successfully completed the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, having secured the A-category medal, putting Pakistan on the international stage. 

Competing in back-to-back marathons is never an easy task, but their determination to excel in both the Toronto and upcoming Italy marathons showcased unwavering commitment to their sport. 

It may be recalled that they hit headlines as the first Pakistanis to represent the nation in the Athens Marathon last year, further proving their dedication to promoting Pakistan’s athletic talent globally. 

As they prepare for their next challenge in Italy, both Yousuf and Mona continue to inspire others with their resilience and passion for running, uplifting the Pakistani community in sports. They are all set to run in the Venice Marathon on October 27 where they will be challenged by runners from over 120 countries.

readmore »»

Yousuf, Mona carrying nation’s hopes in Marathons

Pakistan News & Features Services

Proudly carrying the hopes of a nation, the duo of Mohammed Yousuf Malik and Mona Khan, prepare to leave the shores of the country to participate in marquee marathon races taking place later this month. 

Yousuf Malik, an acclaimed marathon runner hailing from Kashmir’s picturesque city, Muzaffarabad, and Mona Khan from Karachi, a journalist and TV anchor by profession, will be making history of sorts by participating in the TCS Toronto Marathon, due to be held in Canada on October 20. 

They will then head to Europe to run in the Venice Marathon on October 27 where they will be competing with runners from over 120 countries. 

With every step, they will lift the Pakistani flag higher, embodying the strength, resilience, and spirit of Pakistan on the global stage. They deserve to be cheered and supported as they run for national pride and unity.

readmore »»

Lahore Lions outshine Karachi in final to clinch National Veterans (Over 50) Cup 2024

Pakistan News & Features Services

Lahore Lions clinched the 8th National Veterans (Over 50) Cup 2024 Cricket Tournament as they outwitted Karachi by 102 runs in the final at Shah Faisal Ground, Lahore, on September 29. The event was organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA). 

Lahore Lions and Karachi had advanced to the final after having emerged the champions in their respective groups at the end of the league rounds. Lahore Panthers, Multan Whites, Sialkot, Gujrat, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were the other six participating teams in the tournament whose matches were played at Lahore and Sialkot. 

The Karachi skipper, Fawad Barry, chose to field first after winning the toss in the final. After seeing off the seamers, the home side batted solidly against the spinners. The opening pair of Khalid Saleem (53 off 52 balls) and Mohsin Aftab (23 off 27 balls) picked up the rate of scoring while adding 83 for first wicket in 12.3 overs. 

The momentum was sustained by Jamshed Ali (54 off 51 balls) and Imtiaz Tarar (31 off 47 balls) and the late flourish was provided by Afzal Shah (37 off 24 balls) and Javed Hafeez (32 off 22 balls) lifted the total to an imposing 273 for seven in the allotted 40 overs. Left-arm spinner Jaffer Qureshi (3-50) and off-spinner Asif Mughal (2-37) were the pick of the Karachi bowlers. 

Set a daunting target of 274 to lift the trophy, Karachi lost wickets upfront and fell behind the clock. Having slumped to 52 for five in the 12th over, they showed some fight through middle-order batsmen, Ahmed Hayat (37 off 42 balls), Rizwan Qureshi (29 off 32 balls), Asif Siddiqui (22 off 31 balls) and Jaffer Qureshi (21 off 39 balls). 

The spin trio of Jamshed Ali (2-4), Nadeem Boota (2-20) and Javed Hafeez (2-22) bowled Karachi out for 171 in 36.4 overs to ensure a coming victory for Lahore Lions. 

Amer Ilyas Butt, Chief Executive Officer, PVCA, was the guest of honour in the presentation ceremony, held at the ground soon after conclusion of the final. He gave away the trophies as well as the individual prizes to the outstanding performers of the event. 

The winners’ trophy was collected by the Lahore Lions captain, Mohsin Aftab, while the runners-up trophy was awarded to the Karachi skipper, Fawad Barry. Jamshed Ali of Lahore Lions was declared Man of the Match of the final.

The organizers were lauded for doing a great job which ensured a full game in the final, which had looked unlikely after the heavy rains a couple of days ago which washed out both the last round matches in Lahore.

readmore »»

Lahore Lions, Karachi storm into final of 8th National Veterans (Over 50) Cup

Pakistan News & Features Services

Lahore Lions and Karachi stormed into the final of the 8th National Veterans (Over 50) Cup 2024 Cricket Tournament 2024, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), at the end of the league matches on September 27. The final is scheduled to be contested on September 29. 

Heavy rains washed out both the third round matches at Lahore and only one of the games, which was also shortened, was possible at Sialkot. In the only completed match of the day, Karachi overwhelmed Sialkot by six wickets to book their slot in the final. 

Lahore Lions cruised into the final by becoming the Group A champions with five points, while Lahore Panthers and Multan Whites could secure only three points and Balochistan ended last with a solitary point. Karachi topped Group B by winning all three matches which earned them six points. 

Sialkot finished runners-up with four points while Gujrat and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) claimed a point each. 

The start to the match between Karachi and Sialkot was delayed by more than an hour to make the conditions playable at Faraz Sports Ground, Sialkot. It was decided to reduce it to 20-overs-a-side contest and Karachi chose to bowl first after calling correctly. 

Sialkot got off a cracking start through the opening pair of Muhammad Mannan (29 off 17 balls) and Mirza Asif (14 off 13 balls) as they added 39 for first wicket in only 3.5 overs. 

Number three Muhammad Sohail (39 off 26 balls) sustained the momentum but the spin trio of Rizwan Qureshi (4-17), Jaffer Qureshi (2-13) and Sharafat Hussain (2-17) bowled superbly to restrict the home side to 130 for nine in the allotted 20 overs. 

Openers Fawad Barry (21 off 22 balls) and Irfan Ali Khan (17 off 10 balls) provided Karachi a promising start in pursuit of the target of 131 but the game opened up when they lost quick wickets to be reduced to 58 for four in the 10th over. The unbroken 73-run fifth wicket stand between Iqbal Shaikh (40 off 33 balls) and Asif Siddiqui (35 off 23 balls), however, got them home with three overs to spare. 

Lahore Lions was happily placed against Lahore Panthers when heavy rains arrived to force an abandonment of their last league encounter at Shah Faisal Ground. 

Put into bat in overcast conditions, Lahore Lions did well to reach a total of 125 for two in 18.4 at which point the rains, with strong winds and thundershowers, lashed the ground. Ishtiaq Ahmed (38 off 35 balls) and Jamshed Ali (34 off 44 balls) were firmly in control when the match was halted, having added 69 for the unbroken third wicket stand. 

Opener Khalid Saleem set the tone with a fluent 33 off 24 balls, striking six boundaries. Both the wickets were captured by leg-spinner Rauf Wyne. 

The match between Multan Whites and Balochistan at Cricket Centre Ground, Lahore was evenly poised when called off due to heavy downpour. The Balochistan skipper, Azizullah, opted to to bat first after winning the toss despite the heavy atmosphere. 

Junaid Nainintalwala led the charge from the outset, scoring 39 off 42 balls with the help of five boundaries. He dominated the 39-run opening stand with Zafar Hussain, who made 12 off 32 balls. 

Multan Whites pulled it back through the spin trio of Asif Shah, Daud Yousuf and Zubair Hussain, who picked up a wicket each besides choking the flow of runs. Balochistan moved to 78 for three at the end of 18 overs when the action stopped for the day.

readmore »»

Lahore Lions, Multan Whites, Karachi and Sialkot emerge victorious in second round of 8th National Veterans (Over 50) Cup

Pakistan News & Features Services

Lahore Lions, Multan Whites, Karachi and Sialkot emerged victorious over their respective opponents in the second round of the 8th National Veterans (Over 50) Cup 2024 Cricket Tournament 2024, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA). 

Lahore Lions outsmarted Balochistan by 180 runs at Shah Faisal Ground, Lahore, Multan Whites surprised Lahore Panthers by 11 runs at Cricket Centre Ground, Lahore, Sialkot defeated Khyber Pakhthunkhwa (KPK) by seven wickets at Faraz Sports Ground, Sialkot, and Karachi overcame Gujrat by seven wickets at CA Gold Cricket Ground, Sialkot. 

With two successive victories, Lahore Lions lead the points table in Group A while Lahore Panthers and Multan Whites, having won and lost a game each, placed next. Sialkot and Karachi share top slot in Group B, having won both their matches. The last round of league matches will be held on September 27 and the two team from each group will qualify for the final scheduled to be held on September 29. 

Lahore Lions proved too good for Balochistan while hammering them by a staggering margin of 180 runs. Getting off a rollicking start with openers Mohsin Aftab (106 off 135 balls) and Khalid Saleem (57 off 45 balls) adding 118 runs for the first wicket in 15 overs, the home side pressed the accelerator in the last 10 overs with Ishtiaq Ahmed (106 off 74 balls) and Imtiaz Tarar (56 off 30 balls) adding 122 for third wicket to liftthe total to a mammoth 347 for two in the allotted 40 overs. 

Balochistan folded while chasing the colossal target of 348. Opener Junaid Nainitalwala (49 off 69 balls) and Raju Gulfam (50 off 48 balls) were the only batters to offer resistance as their side was bowled out for 167 in 39.3 overs. The spin trio of Rehan Rauf (3-44), Asif Iqbal (2-1) and Imtiaz Tarar (2-38) shared the bowling honours. 

Multan Whites registered a thrilling 11-run victory over Lahore Panthers. Useful contributions from Muhammad Ashraf (65 off 71 balls), Asif Shah (59 off 33 balls), Raja Arshad (35 off 35 balls) and Chaudhary Haroon (33 off 58 balls) enabled Multan Whites to post a respectable total of 245 for five in the stipulated 40 overs, despite fine bowling from left-arm spinner Naved Sufi (2-28) and leg-spinner Rauf Wyne (2-55). 

Salman Khan (47 off 58 balls) and Hammad Maqbool (23 off 47 balls) laid a solid foundation for the Panthers before a mini-collapse opened up the contest. They recovered through middle-order batters Jamshed Suleman (49 off 34 balls) and Babar Butt (33 off 32 balls) but another rush of wickets saw them struggling. Even Sarwar Bhatti’s unbeaten 25 off 20 balls could not take them over the line. Left-arm medium-pacer Atif Khan (4-42) and left-arm spinner Asif Shah (2-51) were instrumental in bowling out the Panthers for 234 in 38.5 overs. 

Sialkot registered a cakewalk seven-wicket victory over KPK. Leg-spinner Muhammad Mannan’s five-wicket haul sent KPK crashing to 203 all out in 39.4 overs despite fighting knocks fro Nasrullah (52 off 50 balls), Arshad Ali (32 off 21 balls), Saifullah Khan (27 off 34 balls), Aurangzeb Khan (26 off 39 balls) and Abdul Wasay (24 off 19 balls). 

Muhammad Mannan then showed his prowess with the bat as he blasted 42 off 31 balls when opening the Sialkot innings. The momentum was sustained by Umair Ashraf, who returned unconquered on 74 off 37 balls, hitting five sixes and seven fours as the target was reached with 15 overs to spare. 

Karachi proved too hot to handle for Gujrat, trouncing them by seven wickets quite comfortably. Batting first, Gujrat was bowled out for 217 in 39.3 overs with Javed Ijaz Butt (43 off 71 balls), Rizwan Yousuf (39 off 45 balls), Ghulam Abbas (34 off 25 balls) and Nisar Ahmed (30 off 18 balls) being the principal scorers as the innings was rocked by medium-pacer Fawad Barry (3-66) and left-arm spinners Sharafat Hussain (2-29) and Jaffer Qureshi (2-34). 

Openers Irfan Ali Khan (61 off 45 balls) and Shahid Dawood (30 off 33 balls) put Karachi in the driving seat by adding 91 runs for the first wicket p in just 11.3 overs. The demolition job was completed by Muhammad Javed (47 off 36 balls) and Azhar Khan (37 off 21 balls) who added 79 in only eight overs for the unbroken fourth wicket stand to take their side to victory with seven wickets 13.3 overs in hand.

readmore »»

Lahore Lions, Lahore Panthers, Karachi and Sialkot triumph in opening round of 8th National Veterans (Over 50) Cup

Pakistan News & Features Services

Lahore Lions, Lahore Panthers, Karachi and Sialkot triumphed over their respective opponents in the opening round matches of the 8th National Veterans (Over 50) Cup 2024 Cricket Tournament 2024, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), on September 23. 

Lahore Lions defeated Multan by 100 runs at Shah Faisal Ground, Lahore, Lahore Panthers whipped Balochistan by 247 runs at Cricket Centre Ground, Lahore, Karachi overpowered Khyber Pakhthunkhwa (KPK) by 222 runs at CA Gold Cricket Ground, Sialkot, and Sialkot outsmarted Gujrat by five wickets at Faraz Sports Ground, Sialkot. 

Put into bat, Lahore Lions posted a formidable total of 280 for five in the allotted 40 overs with major contributions coming from opener Imtiaz Tarar (77 off 79 balls) and Ishtiaq Ahmed (81 off 75 balls). 

Chasing a stiff target of 281, Multan lost wickets at regular intervals despite resistance offered by opener Raja Arshad, who scored 63 off 66 balls with the help of a six and 11 fours. Multan was bowled out for 180 in 39 overs with left-arm spinners Nadeem Boota (3-20) and Rehan Rauf (2-36) being the pick of the home bowlers. 

Khurram Afzal’s stunning all-round performance powered Lahore Panthers to an incredible win over Balochistan. Coming in to bat at number seven, he whacked two sixes and 15 fours in his unbeaten 96 off 46 runs which propelled the Lahore Panthers total to 323 for seven in the stipulated 40 overs. 

Babar Butt (55 off 53 balls), Jamshed Sulaiman (38 off 37 balls) and Salman Khan (30 off 43 balls) also contributed their bit with the bat to counter fine bowling by the spin duo of Anis-ur-Rahman (3-49) and Raju Ghufran (2-45). 

Opening the bowling, Khurram Afzal also snared a couple of top-order wickets and Balochistan could not recover from early shocks to be bundled out for 76 in 28.4 overs. Shakeel Ahmed (18 off 53 balls), Junaid Nainitalwala (13 off 19 balls) and Azizullah (11 off 17 balls) were the only batters to enter double figures as the innings was rocked by leg-spinner Rauf Wyne (4-16). 

Muhammad Javed’s blazing century helped Karachi overwhelm KPK by 222 runs. The 132-run second wicket partnership between opener Irfan Ali Khan (76 off 46 balls) and Iqbal Shaikh (80 off 84 balls) laid the foundation for a mammoth total and Muhammad Javed rose to the occasion by hammering nine sixes and seven fours in his exhilarating knock of 113, coming from only 56 balls. Asif Khan made 40 off 30 balls as Karachi succeeded in installing a huge score of 360 for seven in the stipulated 40 overs. 

The KPK batters succumbed to the scoreboard pressure and the contributions from opener Nasrullah Khan (26 off 17 balls) and Aurangzeb (24 off 27 balls) could not change the course of the proceedings. 

The spin quartet of Asif Mughal (3-17), Jaffer Qureshi (3-32), Sharafat Hussain (2-23) and Rizwan Qureshi (2-27) sent KPK tumbling to 138 all out in 32.3 overs. 

Sialkot performed brilliantly to outsmart Gujrat by five wickets. Electing to bat, Gujrat posted a total of 177 for eight in the allotted 40 overs with opener Aziz Baig holding the innings together with an unbeaten 101 off 110 balls, hitting four sixes and six fours. He didn’t get much support from the other end as the trio of Muhammad Mannan (3-27), Aamir Iqbal (2-24) and Muhammad Aslam (2-32) kept picking wickets regularly. 

Sialkot needed just 19.5 overs to reach the target of 178 although they lost five wickets in the bargain. Openers Mirza Asif (60 off 46 balls) and Asif Humayun (22 off 19 balls) started power-hitting from the outset and the momentum was sustained by number three Muhammad Mannan (44 off 29 balls) and Muhammad Sohail (22 off 11 balls). 

After scoring 76 in the first 10 overs, the home side scored more than 100 in the next 9.5 overs. Haji Javed picked up three wickets for Gujrat, giving away 65 runs in his quota of eight overs. 

The tournament is being played on single league basis and the eight participating teams have been divided equally into two groups. The Group A comprises of Lahore Lions, Lahore Panthers, Balochistan and Multan while the Group B contains Sialkot, Gujrat, Khyber Pakhthunkhwa and Karachi. The league matches will conclude on September 27 and the two top team from each group will qualify for the final scheduled to be held on September 29.

readmore »»

Reliving ODI’s first-ever hat-trick by Jalaluddin

By Syed Khalid Mahmood 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Not sure how many of the modern generation of the game’s followers know about it but the fact remains that limited overs international cricket was introduced accidentally on January 5, 1971. The first-ever One-day International was abruptly organized between hosts Australia and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground only when the New Year Test between the two traditional rivals was abandoned due to rain.

It was more than 11 years and 157 matches later when the first-ever hat-trick in ODIs was finally recorded on September 20, 1982 at Niaz Stadium, Hyderabad (Sindh). The 23-year-old Jalaluddin, the tall fast bowler from Karachi, immortalized himself by achieving the feat which also earned Pakistan 59-run victory over Australia in the opening encounter of three-match series. 

Although the final margin suggested otherwise, it was far from a one-sided win for the hosts. The Aussies were very much in the hunt for the target of 230 in 40 overs when Jalaluddin, already having dismissed the great left-hander, Allan Border, came on to bowl what turned out to be a most sensational over. 

He started the slump by castling the dangerous Rodney Marsh and then accounted for Bruce Yardley and Geoff Lawson on the next couple of deliveries to complete a hat-trick, the first in the history of ODIs. The hat-trick derailed Australia completely as the crashed from 162 for four to 162 for seven in a matter of three deliveries. 

They were eventually restricted to 170 for nine in 40 overs with the tailenders, Jeff Thomson and Terry Alderman, unable to hit out in the final overs. Jalaluddin, with a four-wicket haul, was credited for also bowling Pakistan to victory besides achieving the first-ever hat-trick. 

The kind of impact Jalaluddin made in his initial appearances at the international level, he was supposed to play many more matches for the country than actually he did. He was sidelined unjustly and treated harshly by the selectors as well as the movers and shakers of the game in Pakistan. It was nothing short of tragedy that he was fielded in only six Tests and eight ODIs despite the enormous talent he possessed. 

The politicking and victimization during his playing days did not deter from delivering the goods as a coach, organizer and administrator after hanging his boots. He revolutionized the concept of cricket coaching in Pakistan with his scientific approach and he succeeded in putting to use his wealth of knowledge admirably to continue producing and grooming innumerable promising youngsters. 

Despite his unmatchable track record, his services have yet not been acquired properly by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for reasons best known to the people having headed the body from time to time. It’s an open secret that he has the vision and the remedy to turn the Pakistan cricket around, if provided an opportunity. 

Isn’t it a shame that incapable and incompetent coaches of all kinds have been tried in the recent past but Jalaluddin was hardly ever offered a worthy assignment to arrest the decline of Pakistan cricket? Hopefully better sense will prevail in near future. 

For the moment, Jalaluddin has relocated in USA, where cricket remains his passion too as he could be watched and viewed contributing his bit in the grounds. Recently, he was happily celebrating the 42nd anniversary of his hat-trick in Houston with his trainees. “September 20, 1982 indeed was a memorable day of my life and cricket history,” he reiterated.

readmore »»