Centurions Rizwan, Salman power Pakistan to tri-series final with record chase the do-or-die battle

By Ehsan Qureshi at National Stadium, Karachi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

 

It needed a record chase to edge out South Africa in the do-or-die battle, as Pakistan, powered by centuries from skipper Muhammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha, stormed into the tri-series final with an emphatic six-wicket victory at National Stadium, Karachi, under floodlights late on the evening of February 12. 

The record-breaking 260-run fourth wicket stand between Rizwan and Salman, who got together at a precarious 91 for three in pursuit of a massive 353, turned the game on its head and Pakistan emerged triumphant with an over to spare. It was Pakistan’s first ever successful chase in the excess of 350. 

Rizwan finished unconquered on 122 while Salman was caught behind off Wiann Mulder for 134, his maiden ODI hundred with the hosts needing only two runs for victory. Tayyab Tahir struck the winning boundary much to the cheers and thrills of the strong crowd of over 15,000. 

 This was Rizwan’s fourth century. Overall, he cracked nine fours and three sixes in his classy unconquered 122 after facing 128 balls. Salman’s 103-ball 134 was spiced with 16 powerful boundaries and brace of sixes. 

Rizwan reached his hundred in style by hoisting Mulder for six at mid-wicket. It came in 106 balls with seven fours and three sixes. 

Salman made his maiden ODI century in 87 balls and it was spiced with 13 sizzling boundaries, Pakistan had their backs to the wall at 91-3 in 11th over despite yet another rapid start. 

Explosive left-hander Fakhar Zaman went was snapped by Heinrich Klassen off Mulder for 41 while Babar Azam (23) and Saud Shakeel (16) perished cheaply. 

Rizwan and Salman, however, batted with courage and intent to change the course of the match as the South African bowling struggled to build any kind of pressure despite having a variety in their attack. The match gradually slipped out of their hands and they succumbed to their sixth defeat on a trot in ODIs. 

Earlier Klassan, Mathew Breetzke and captain Temba Bavuma hit contrasting 80s as South Africa posted a competitive total of 352 for five in 50 overs, having opted to bat first. 

All three batters were looking set for centuries but neither of them could reach the coveted three-figure mark. Power-hitter Klassen was in a punishing mood as he struck a whirlwind 87 in his trademark style studded with 11 boundaries and three sixes in his 56-ball knock. 

He looked good for many more when plucked by Shaheen Afridi near the fence off Naseem Shah. The dangerous Klassen took 20 runs off Shaheen’s final over which included successive sixes and a four on first three balls. 

The rapid knock gave impetus to South African innings to reach 350 plus mark. Bavuma first set up 51 runs opening stand with opener Tony Zorzi, who went after making 22 off 18 balls with three boundaries and a six. 

Bavuma then consolidated his team’s innings by adding 119 runs off 125 balls for the second wicket with Breetzke. Due to Klassen and Kyle Verreynne’s aggressive display, South Africa mustered 110 with entertaining stroke play in the last ten overs. The eventual total of 353 was the highest of the tri-series but it proved inadequate in the end.

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Diary of a memorable trip to home city Karachi

By Naeem-ul-Haq in USA

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Karachi is the city of my birth and this is the place I have been visiting regularly over the years to meet my near and dear ones, after having relocated in the United States of America (USA), which indeed is my new home. 

Although all my trips of Karachi help me in recapturing golden moments and building fresh memories but the latest one, in November 2024, was probably the most memorable, considering my engagements in various reunions and get-togethers with many of those who were my childhood friends and we had played cricket for decades together. 

Obviously, it’s not easy to describe those feelings in words because such were the emotions while interacting with some guys who were reconnecting after a number of years. 

Time has flown, things have changed but none of us seems to have forgotten those days of struggle in cricket fields where we had devoted all our energies and resources to graduate to the next level. 

One of the features of the recent trip to Karachi, spanning 12 days or so, was the fulfilment of a cherished dream of mine. 

I was approached by Geo Super to do live commentary of the Karachi Premier League (KPL) which was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for five days on a trot. 

Describing the action on cricket field, either as a commentator or an expert, has remain my passion by finally I got the opportunity to showcase my skills in this role. 

Going by the feedback, my colleagues Tauseef Ahmed, a former Test off-spinner, and Yahya Hussain informed me having fared pretty reasonably on my commentary debut.

It was a huge honour for me to have been invited as one of the guests in the presentation party for the award ceremony, which was held at the end of every match at the picturesque Naya Nazimabad Stadium which hosted all the matches of the KPL. 

The legendary batsman, Younis Khan, also a buddy of mine, was one of the functionaries of the KPL. It was very kind of him to have accorded very warm welcome to me on every visit of mine to the Naya Nazimabad Stadium. 

My birthday was also celebrated with considerable fanfare at the ground and Younis Khan was the man to have managed it for me. The love and respect he showered on me and my family is beyond description. 

A dinner meeting was arranged at a five-star hotel by my former Pakistan Customs teammate, Waqar Hussain, which was also attended by Javed Miandad, the greatest batsman of our generation. My elder brother, Anwar-ul-Haq, and Haris Khan, both successful former cricketers of our time, were also present on the occasion. 

Then, I had the pleasure of attending a reception of the Fazlur Rahman Sports Club, organized by its livewire patron, Munir Ali Qadri. This brought together my contemporaries like Nasir Shah, Shaukat Mirza, Munir-ul-Haq, Sagheer Abbas, Tafseer Abbas, Ameeruddin, Shahabuddin, Anwar-ul-Haq and Haris Khan. These were magical moments.

After watching the above activities, you may also incline to agree with me that this was a tour to remember. I have returned to my new home mush refresher and obliged.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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