Australian Labuschagne equals Kohli with career-high rating

Wed, 14 Dec 2022, 6:39 PM

ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP): In-form Australia star and newly-crowned No.1 Test batter in the world Marnus Labuschagne has added to his bulging resume by drawing level with India great Virat Kohli on the all-time list and bringing up a new career-high rating on the latest ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings.

Labuschagne, 28-year-old has moved further ahead at the top of the list for Test batters following an outstanding series against the West Indies.

The right-hander amassed a whopping 502 runs for the two-match series with his magnificent knock of 163 during the first innings of the second Test in Adelaide helping him to join Kohli on a career-high rating of 937 points.

That sees Labuschagne now hold the equal 11th best Test rating of all time and just three Australian players – Donald Bradman (961), Steve Smith (947) and Ricky Ponting (942) – have held better ratings.

Labuschagne has four former great players just one rating point ahead of him on 938 rating points, with West Indies trio Gary Sobers, Clyde Walcott and Viv Richards and Sri Lanka great Kumar Sangakkara well within his sights.

Labuschagne isn’t the only Australia player holding on to a career-high rating following the series against the West Indies, with left-hander Travis Head improving seven places on the Test batter rankings to sixth overall and a personal best 774 rating points.

Head earns the rise on the back of his own century against the West Indies in Adelaide and the 28-year-old could jump even higher during the upcoming Test series against South Africa.

England’s series triumph over Pakistan also saw a host of their players improve up the rankings this week, with young gun Harry Brook moving up 15 places on the Test batter rankings to 55th overall after his century in the second innings and Player of the Match performance in Multan.

Their pacers were also rewarded, with evergreen veteran James Anderson jumping one place to second overall on the Test bowler rankings and fellow quicks Ollie Robinson and Mark Wood also making ground on No.1 ranked Australian Pat Cummins.

Robinson improves two places to sixth overall, while Wood moves up eight spots to equal 34th following his six-wickets for the match in Multan.

There was also plenty of movement on the latest ODI rankings, with a group of India and Bangladesh players moving up the charts after the recent completion of their series.

Kohli is now the highest-ranked India batter following his two-spot rise to eighth overall, while record-breaking teammate Ishan Kishan moves from outside the top 100 to 37th courtesy of his brilliant double century in the third and final game of the series in Chattogram.

It was Bangladesh that won that three-game series 2-1 and a trio of their players made eye-catching moves on the latest ODI rankings.

Experienced left-armers Shakib Al Hasan (eighth) and Mustafizur Rahman (ninth) both improve one spot inside the top 10 on the latest ODI bowler rankings, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz jumps three places to third on the list for all-rounders following strong efforts with bat and ball during the series.

First ever ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup launched

NNPS Desk

Wed, 14 Dec 2022, 6:28 PM

ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP): The International Cricket Council launched the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Benoni, east of Johannesburg on Wednesday as excitement continues to build with one month to go until the first ball is bowled.

The event which is a first of its kind in world cricket will take place from 14 to 29 January 2023 and will see the future stars of the women’s game compete in 41 matches played across four venues in Benoni and Potchefstroom in 16 days of competitive cricket.

At the competition launch, former Proteas women’s cricketer and South African Olympic javelin silver medallist, Sunette Viljoen, was unveiled as the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Ambassador. She was joined by Member of the Executive Council of Gauteng Sports, Arts & Culture, Mr Morakane Mosupyoe, who gave the Keynote address, while other notable guests included Cricket South Africa Board Member and LOC Chair, Ms. Muditambi Ravele, CSA CEO, Mr Pholetsi Moseki, UNICEF South Africa Chief of Communications & Partnerships, Toby Fricker and South Africa women’s team players, Sinalo Jafta and Raisibe Ntozakhe.

The 16 teams in the fray include Indonesia and Rwanda, who will feature in an ICC World Cup for the first time ever.

Eleven full member nations gained automatic entry in this historic edition: Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the West Indies and Zimbabwe.

Scotland, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States of America (USA) join Indonesia and Rwanda to take the remaining five slots, representing each of the ICC’s five regions giving fans the opportunity to watch tomorrow’s superstars today.

The teams will be divided into groups of four as follows:
Group A: Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the USA
Group B: England, Pakistan, Rwanda and Zimbabwe
Group C: Indonesia, Ireland, New Zealand and the West Indies
Group D: India, Scotland, South Africa and the UAE
Entry to all the fixtures will be free of charge. The semi-finals and final will take place at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on 29 January, followed by the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Cape Town, Paarl and Gqeberha which begins on 10 February 2022. The two events will play an important role in leaving a lasting legacy to grow girls and women participation in South Africa.

Tournament Director Sivuyile Mqingwana said: “This is a watershed moment for women’s cricket in South Africa and for the game in our country. To host one ICC event in a year is cause for great celebration, but to claim two in such quick succession is beyond our wildest dreams.

“We are excited to promote the women’s game in our region and look forward to hosting yet another world-class event on our shores. Today’s launch just added to the festive mood and excitement that has been growing in our organisation as we count down to the first match of this historic occasion on 14 January.”

ICC Head of Events, Chris Tetley said: “We are delighted to launch the first ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa. The women’s game is a strategic priority for the ICC, and we look forward to the showcasing of our sport’s future stars in the region of Africa, where cricket continues to grow in popularity.

“With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup following quickly on the heels of this historic tournament, we eagerly anticipate the delivery of two key events that will play a vital role in the promotion of women’s cricket around the world, in this important time in the growth of our game around the world.”

Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq chairing the meeting of National Coordination Committee on Foreign Funded Projects (NCC-FFP) at Ministry of Economic Affairs

Khuram Maryam

Wed, 14 Dec 2022, 6:25 PM

Youngsters playing volleyball at a local park in Bhara Kaho

Khuram Maryam

Wed, 14 Dec 2022, 6:25 PM

An eye-catching view of sunlight passing through smoke emitting in a local park in G-7 area

Khuram Maryam

Wed, 14 Dec 2022, 6:25 PM

Federal Ombudsman of Pakistan Ejaz Ahmed Qureshi, addressing a press conference at Regional Office Karachi. Senior adviser and in charge regional office Syed Anwar Hyder were also present

Khuram Maryam

Wed, 14 Dec 2022, 6:25 PM

Top seed Waqas, Abid win 1st round clash of Benazir Bhutto Tennis C’ships

NNPS Desk

Wed, 14 Dec 2022, 6:22 PM

ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP):Top seed pair Waqas Malik and Muhammad Abid defeated Muzzamil Murtaza and Muddassir Murtaza in straights sets 6-4, 7-6 (5) in first round men’s doubles clash of the 8th Benazir Bhutto (Shaheed) National Tennis Championships 2022 here at Islamabad Tennis Courts on Wednesday.

The 2nd set saw a seesaw battle as both pairs held their serves but in the tie-break Muzzamil and Mudassir committed unforced errors at crucial stages, losing the grip on the game to suffer a straight-set defeat.
On Wednesday, 1st and 2nd rounds for different categories were played, including men singles, under 18 boys, under 14 boys, under 10, under 12 and men’s doubles.

Results:

Men’s singles results:
2nd round: Asad Ullah bt Waqas Malik 6-2, 6-2; Abdullah Adnan bt Daisuke Unemi 6-1, 6-2; Bial Asim bt Imran Bhatti 6-4,3-6,6-1; Heera Ashiq bt Hamza Asim 7-5,6-2.

U-18 boys’ singles results:
2nd round:Uzair Khan bt Kamran Khan 7-6(7),6-3; Mahtir Muhamad bt Hamza Roman 6-3,6-4; Hamid Israr bt M-Salar 6-2,6-1; M.Talha khan bt Ibrahim Noman 6-1,6-1; Ahmed Nael bt Sameer Kiyani 6-0,6-2; Abdul Hanan bt M.Huzaifa Khan 6-3,1-6,6-4; Bilal Asim bt Haziq Aasim 6-2,6-0;

U-14 boys’ singles results:
2nd round: Abdul Hanan bt Saqib Ali 4-0, 4-0; Nabeel Qayum bt Ahmed Khan 4-0, 4-1;Muzamil Bhand bt Anees Khan 4-1, 4-1; M.Hassan Usman bt Haziq Areejo 4-1, 4-1; Hashir Alam bt Razik Sultan 4-1,-4-1; Haziq Asim bt M. Arsalan 4-1,4-0; Abdul Khan bt Ali Zain 4-5(5),4-0,4-2; Hamza Hussain bt Abdur Rehaman 4-0,4-0;

U-12 Boys’/ Girls’ singles results:
First round: Ahsan ullah Kabir bt Abdul wasay 5-3, 5-3; Ahmed Khan bt Majid Ali Bachani 4-1, 4-2; Ahmed Shaikh bt Ali Bachani 4-1,4-1; Romail Shahid bt M-Saqib (W-O); Shayan Afridi bt Moazzam Baber 4-1,4-0; Essa Fahd bt Anees Khan 1-4,4-1,5-3; Razik Sultan bt Ahmed Ali Bhand 4-1,4-1; Unasha Noor bt M-Maaz Areejo 4-0,4-0.

Ahmed Khan bt Majid Ali Bachani 4-1, 4-2; Junaid Khan bt Behroz Maimaon 4-0, 5-4(5); Saqib Ali bt Mahd Mehmood 4-0, 4-0; Haziq Areejo bt Qasim ul Khair 4-0,4-0; Zayd Zaman bt M. Ehsan Bari 4-0,4-1; Rashid Ali Bachani bt M. Ibrahim Gill 4-0,4-1; M.Hassan Usmani bt Chengiz Leghari 4-0,4-0.

Men’s Doubles results:

First round: Aqeel Khan/Asim Zaib Khan bt Usman Ijaz/Shahzad Khan 6-3, 3-2 Ret; M.Abid/Waqas Malik bt Muzamil Mumtaz/Mudasir Mumtaz 6-3, 7-6(4); Saqib Hayat/Asad Ullah bt Nofil Kaleem/Hasam Khan 67-6(5),4-6,10-8; Imran Bhatti/Abdullah Adnan bt M-Talha Khan/M.Huzaifa Khan 6-0,6-2;Mahatir Muhamad/Bial Asim bt Ahmed Baber/Parbhat Kumar 6-1,6-0; M.Sohaib/Barkat Ullah bt Daisuke/Hamza Asim 6-1,6-1; Faizan Fayaz/Jabir Ali bt Murtaza Husaini/Amin Khan (W-O); Heera Ashiq/Yousuf Khalil bt Nael Qureshi/Hamid Israr 7-6(5),2-6,10-7;

U-10 Boys’/ Girls’ singles results:

First round: M.Faizan bt Amaila Aidrus 4-0, 4-0;
2nd round: Hajra bt Zayd Aidrus 4-0,4-0; Moazzam Baber bt Alistair (w/o); Shayan Aidrus bt Zara Aidrus 4-0,4-0.

Foreign Secy shares with diplomats dossier on Indian terrorism

Shumaila Andleeb

Wed, 14 Dec 2022, 6:14 PM

Foreign Secretary Dr. Asad Majeed Khan on Wednesday shared a dossier with the diplomats about Indian involvement in last year’s terrorist attack in Lahore.

The foreign secretary briefed diplomatic missions based in Islamabad on state-sponsored terrorism against Pakistan – planned, conducted and financed by India.

He asked the international community to hold India accountable for its crimes.

State may take steps to mainstream PWDs: Pirzada

NNPS Desk

Wed, 14 Dec 2022, 6:07 PM

ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP): Federal Minister for Human Rights Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada on Wednesday said the state might take steps to mainstream the Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) by making them the enabling members of society.

“The Persons with Disabilities are facing the challenges of accessibility, empowerment, rehabilitation, and inclusion. It is indeed the duty of the state to bring them into the mainstream of society by making them enabling members,” he said while inaugurating the ‘Orthopedic Workshop’ here at the National Special Education Centre for Physically Handicapped Children organised by the Directorate General of Special Education (DGSE).

Representatives of the Ministry of Human Rights, government officials, social workers, and members from non-governmental organisations and civil society attended the ceremony.

Riaz Pirzada appreciated the Directorate General of Special Education for taking initiatives for the betterment of PWDs. The provision of artificial limbs, prosthetics, and orthosis devices to children and adults with physical impairment and deformity would change their lives.

He emphasised the need of expanding services and providing modern facilities to the PWDs, besides exploring new avenues and projects for their facilitation.

Director General of Special Education Sheikh Azhar Sajjad, in his welcome remarks, said the DGSE and its allied institutions were engaged in the rehabilitation, education, and training of PWDs. They were also enhancing their present capacity to uplift the living standards and functional mobility of individuals with disabilities.

He said the Directorate General of Special Education was contributing to the training and capacity building of the professionals, teachers, and supporting staff in the field of special education.

FM says U.S. religious freedom violator listing ‘biased & politicised’

Shumaila Andleeb

Wed, 14 Dec 2022, 6:05 PM

ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP): Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has rejected the United States’ listing of Pakistan as a state of “particular concern” over religious freedoms and pointed out its bias as to how India has escaped the list.

The US, in November, had grouped Pakistan along with 11 other countries, including China, Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and North Korea, as being states that were “engaged in or (have) tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom”.

“It does seem that this is a slightly biased and politicised list,” Bilawal Zardari told Channel News Asia in an interview during his official visit to Singapore, posted on its website on Wednesday.

“Otherwise I do wonder why India is not on the list when its human rights, particularly religious freedom for their Muslim minority” had been a source of concern internationally, he said.

“Another ally of the US in the Middle East … which perpetuates curbs against (its) Muslim minority (and) Palestine” also did not make the list, FM Bilawal added, referring to Israel.

Nonetheless, he acknowledged Pakistan’s longstanding issues with religious extremism and violence, and pledged his government’s commitment to tackle them.

“(We) don’t need America to point out the problems that we in Pakistan face with religious extremism, with terrorism. That is a cause that is dear to my heart,” he added.

Bilawal said, “We’re absolutely cognizant of the challenges we face. And we’re serious about facing those challenges. Not because the United States said so or anybody else (said so). It’s because we believe that’s important for the future of our country.”

On India, he said the country had changed for the worse.

“The India I grew up with … it was the largest democracy in the world. It was a secular country, home to all its citizens – Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists. Unfortunately, the India I see today is not the India I recognise growing up.

“This is an increasingly fascist India. It is hostile to Muslims outside its borders and within its borders, it is hostile to the Christians within its borders,” he added.

On the Ukraine issue, Bilawal said although he sympathised with Ukraine, Pakistan had its own issues to deal with and did not want to be involved in other conflicts.

“There is too much misery going around in my own neighbourhood for us to be driven to engage with what is of course a devastating situation being carried out in Ukraine.”

The foreign minister termed Pakistan’s relationship with China “very comprehensive”, with much economic potential.

“We’ve seen a commitment to incredible economic opportunity in our engagement with China. For example, with the CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor), we have seen our communication and energy infrastructure really come up in the last decade,” he said.

“We call ourselves all-weather strategic partners, and we pride ourselves on the history of our relationship with China. There’s a lot of economic potential for us to unlock,” Bilawal added.

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Associated Press Of Pakistan

Australian Labuschagne equals Kohli with career-high rating

First ever ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup launched

Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq chairing the meeting of National Coordination Committee on Foreign Funded Projects (NCC-FFP) at Ministry of Economic Affairs

Youngsters playing volleyball at a local park in Bhara Kaho

An eye-catching view of sunlight passing through smoke emitting in a local park in G-7 area

Federal Ombudsman of Pakistan Ejaz Ahmed Qureshi, addressing a press conference at Regional Office Karachi. Senior adviser and in charge regional office Syed Anwar Hyder were also present

Top seed Waqas, Abid win 1st round clash of Benazir Bhutto Tennis C’ships

Foreign Secy shares with diplomats dossier on Indian terrorism

State may take steps to mainstream PWDs: Pirzada

FM says U.S. religious freedom violator listing ‘biased & politicised’

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