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  • Zadran stars, Hridoy’s late Blitz Lifts Jaffna kings past Colombo Kaps

    ByJustpaste.in

      PALLEKELE: Ibrahim Zadran produced a match-winningg performance with the bat as Jaffna Kings defeated Colombo Kaps by 19 runs in the 15th match of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday The Afghan opener anchored Jaffna’s innings with a superb knock of 95, while Towhid Hridoy’s explosive late cameo helped the Kings cross the 200-run mark. Colombo’s chase ultimately fell short as Jaffna successfully defended their imposing total to secure another important victory in the tournament. After being asked to bat first, Jaffna Kings recovered quickly from an early setback to post a formidable 202-5 in their allotted 20 overs. Opener Avishka Fernando departed in just the second over, leaving the side searching for stability. Kamil Mishara and Ibrahim Zadran responded with an aggressive partnership that shifted the momentum back in Jaffna’s favour. Their half-century stand ensured the batting side finished the powerplay in a commanding position and laid a strong platform for the middle order. Mishara played an entertaining innings, scoring 44 runs from only 19 deliveries. His knock featured five boundaries and two towering sixes, allowing Jaffna to maintain an impressive scoring rate during the opening overs before he was eventually dismissed. At 68-2 in the eighth over, Dunith Wellalage joined Ibrahim Zadran at the crease. The pair added another valuable partnership, putting together 61 runs for the third wicket to keep the scoreboard moving. While Wellalage made a useful contribution of 17 runs, Zadran dominated the stand with elegant stroke play all around the ground. The Afghan batter mixed patience with aggression, regularly finding the boundary while rotating the strike effectively. Zadran looked set for a well-deserved century before his innings came to an unfortunate end in the penultimate over. He was run out after scoring a brilliant 95 off 65 balls, an innings decorated with 12 fours and three sixes. His knock provided the backbone of Jaffna Kings’ innings and placed his side in a commanding position heading into the final overs. The biggest fireworks, however, came from Towhid Hridoy, who launched a breathtaking assault during the closing stages of the innings. Walking in late, the right-handed batter smashed an unbeaten 31 from just nine deliveries, dramatically increasing Jaffna’s total. Hridoy targeted Pakistan fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani in the final over, collecting 31 runs from the six-ball spell. He struck Dahani for three consecutive sixes before adding another maximum on the final delivery, lifting Jaffna beyond the 200-run mark and giving the bowling unit a significant total to defend. It proved to be a difficult outing for Dahani, who endured one of the most expensive spells of the tournament. The right-arm pacer conceded 71 runs in his four overs, struggling to contain the Jaffna batters, particularly in the final over. For Colombo Kaps, New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham was the most successful bowler, finishing with two wickets despite the challenging conditions for the bowling attack. Jaffna’s batting display, led by Ibrahim Zadran’s composed innings and Hridoy’s explosive finish, proved decisive as Colombo Kaps were unable to match the required scoring rate during their chase. The victory further strengthened Jaffna Kings’ position in the Lanka Premier League standings, while Colombo Kaps were left to reflect on an expensive bowling performance that allowed their opponents to post a match-winning total.

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    Ibrahim Zadran stars as Jaffna Kings beat Colombo …

    ByJustpaste.in

    Ibrahim Zadran’s brilliant 95 off 65 balls powered Jaffna Kings to a 19-run victory over Colombo Kaps in the 15th match of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Set a daunting target of 203, Colombo Kaps were restricted to 183-9 in their 20 overs. Rubin Hermann was cleaned up by Dilshan Madushanka in the second over before Sadeera Samarawickrama and Ashen Bandara steadied the innings with a 50-run partnership. Bandara made 15. The scorecard read 58-2 in seven overs when skipper Kamindu Mendis joined Samarawickrama. The duo stitched a 39-run partnership to take the total near the 100-run mark. Jaffna Kings struck back with back-to-back wickets to jolt Caps’ progress, leaving them at 97-3. The lower-order kept Caps in the hunt, but with the asking rate soaring, it was an up-and-down affair. For Jaffna Kings, Dilshan Madushanka scalped three wickets. Earlier, after losing Avishka Fernando in the second over, Kamil Mishara and Ibrahim Zadran raised a half-century stand to end the powerplay on a strong note. Mishara hit two sixes and five fours in his 44 from 19 balls. Kings’ scorecard read 68-2 in 7.1 overs when Dunith Wellalage joined Zadran at the crease. The pair added a 61-run partnership for the third wicket. Zadran scored the bulk of the runs while Wellalage contributed only 17. Ibrahim Zadran was run out in the penultimate over after scoring 95 from 65 deliveries, peppered with three sixes and 12 fours. Towhid Hridoy injected late momentum into the innings, scoring a quick-fire 31 not out off just nine balls, including 31 runs off Shahnawaz Dahani’s final over. The right-hander tonked the pacer for three consecutive sixes and another maximum on the final ball to take the total over the 200-run mark. For Colombo Kaps, James Neesham picked up two wickets while Dahani conceded 71 runs in his four overs. The victory strengthens Jaffna Kings’ position in the LPL standings as the tournament progresses.

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    Pakistan men’s team to make historic FIFA ASEAN …

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan’s men’s football team is set to make its debut at the FIFA ASEAN Cup, to be held in Indonesia from 21 September to 6 October, marking a significant milestone for the country’s footballing ambitions. Pakistan are among the 14 teams taking part in the tournament and one of eight teams competing in Indonesia. The Shaheens are one of three invited teams, with the remaining 11 sides representing Southeast Asia. Following the announcement, Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Syed Mohsen Gilani thanked FIFA President Gianni Infantino for the opportunity. “The Pakistan Football Federation is extremely thankful to FIFA President Gianni Infantino for presenting us with the opportunity to participate in our second-ever FIFA event,” he said. “After the women’s national team participated in the FIFA Series, it is now the turn of our men’s national team to take part in their maiden FIFA tournaments.” “It is time to dream big. We are not content with playing development competitions. Pakistan is not just with the big boys. Pakistan football truly arrived at the global stage,” said Gilani. “The ASEAN Cup aims to provide high-quality football, strengthen regional ties, and create new opportunities for fans to enjoy the game.” The tournament will feature two tiers of competition. The top-tier FIFA ASEAN Cup, hosted by Indonesia, will include Pakistan, Malaysia, India, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. The second-tier FIFA ASEAN Challenge Cup will feature hosts Hong Kong, along with Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Timor-Leste. Teams will be allocated to groups based on the FIFA Men’s World Ranking to ensure competitive balance throughout the tournament. Each competition will be divided into two groups, with teams playing each other once in a round-robin format. The group winners will advance to their respective finals to compete for the title, while the runners-up will face off in the third-place playoff. The historic debut marks a new chapter for Pakistani football on the international stage.

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    Jayden Seales strikes early to put Pakistan in tro…

    ByJustpaste.in

    West Indies pacer Jayden Seales struck twice before lunch to leave Pakistan reeling in pursuit of 211 on day four of the first Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Tuesday. Imam-ul-Haq made five while Azan Awais could only manage three, leaving Pakistan at 21-2 inside five overs. Salman Ali Agha could not open his account and was pinned lbw by Seales, reducing Pakistan to a dire 25-3. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan then negotiated the remainder of the session to steady the innings. Earlier, Mohammad Abbas produced a superb bowling performance, taking a five-wicket haul to bowl out West Indies for 181 in their second innings after they had resumed the day on 126-7. The home side’s tail frustrated Pakistan early on, with Shamar Joseph and Kemar Roach adding 28 more runs in four overs during a 61-run stand that took West Indies’ lead past the 180-run mark. Joseph top-scored with a useful 38 off 27 balls, striking four sixes and a four, before Mohammad Ali eventually dismissed him with a slower delivery to break the partnership. The West Indies tail continued to frustrate Pakistan as Roach added another 15 runs with Jomeel Warrican to take the lead closer to 200. Mohammad Abbas then snared Roach, who made 18, to claim his fourth wicket before bowling Warrican for 14 to complete his seventh five-wicket haul in Test cricket. For Pakistan, Abbas returned figures of 5 for 22 in 15.5 overs, while Mohammad Ali and Khurram Shahzad claimed two wickets apiece. With Pakistan’s chase off to a disastrous start, the pressure now falls on Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to rebuild the innings and guide their team towards the 211-run target on a challenging pitch.

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    Fatima Zahra secures Pakistan’s first Commonweal…

    ByJustpaste.in

      Pakistan received its first major success at the Commonwealth Games as national boxer Fatima Zahra secured a place in the women’s boxing semifinals, guaranteeing the country’s first medal of the tournament. Competing in the women’s 60kg weight category, Fatima Zahra delivered a dominant performance in the quarterfinals, defeating New Zealand’s Jordan Wilson by a unanimous 5-0 decision. With the victory, the Pakistani boxer advanced to the semifinals and ensured at least a bronze medal for her country under the competition’s boxing format. The quarterfinal bout took place at the SEC Hall Five in Glasgow, where Fatima Zahra displayed confidence, composure, and technical superiority throughout the contest. She controlled all three rounds with disciplined boxing, combining effective footwork, accurate punches, and strong defensive skills to keep her opponent under pressure from the opening bell until the final round. Her impressive display left no room for doubt among the judges. All five judges scored the contest in her favor, awarding her a comprehensive unanimous decision victory over Jordan Wilson. The result marked one of Pakistan’s most significant achievements at the ongoing Commonwealth Games and provided an early boost to the country’s medal hopes. According to the boxing competition rules, every athlete who reaches the semifinals is guaranteed at least a bronze medal, as there is no third-place playoff. By advancing to the last four, Fatima Zahra officially secured Pakistan’s first medal of the Games, regardless of the outcome of her semifinal contest. The achievement is another milestone in Fatima Zahra’s growing international career. She has consistently represented Pakistan on the global stage and has already established herself as one of the country’s leading female boxers. Her latest success reflects both her dedication and the steady progress she has made through years of hard work and international competition. This is not the first time Fatima Zahra has won a medal for Pakistan at a major sporting event. She previously claimed a bronze medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games, where her performances earned widespread praise and highlighted her potential to compete against some of the best boxers in the region. That experience has helped strengthen her confidence and prepared her for bigger challenges on the international stage. Following her convincing victory in the quarterfinals, Fatima Zahra has now set her sights on the semifinal, where she will aim to continue her winning run and secure a place in the gold medal match. A victory in the next round would guarantee Pakistan either a silver or gold medal, making it one of the country’s most notable boxing achievements in recent years. Her qualification for the semifinals has been welcomed as an encouraging moment for Pakistan’s sporting community, particularly for women’s boxing, which continues to grow despite facing limited resources and opportunities. Fatima Zahra’s success is expected to inspire aspiring female athletes across the country and demonstrate that Pakistani women can compete successfully at the highest levels of international sport. With a guaranteed bronze medal already secured, all eyes will now be on Fatima Zahra as she prepares for the semifinal showdown. Pakistani fans will be hoping she can maintain her outstanding form, overcome her next opponent, and move one step closer to winning the Commonwealth Games title, adding another memorable chapter to Pakistan’s sporting history.

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    Pakistan men’s football team set for historic FIFA ASEAN Cup debut

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has officially confirmed that the Pakistan men’s national football team will participate in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup later this year, marking a historic milestone for the country’s football. It will be the first time the Pakistan men’s team competes in an official FIFA tournament, where it will face some of the strongest teams in the region. According to the PFF, the national men’s team will make its maiden appearance in a FIFA-sanctioned competition, highlighting the steady progress of football in Pakistan and opening a new chapter in the country’s sporting history. The inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup is scheduled to take place in Indonesia during September and October this year. Pakistan has been placed in the tournament’s top tier, where it will compete against established footballing nations, including India, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. The competition is expected to provide Pakistan with valuable exposure against higher-ranked opponents and help the national team gain experience at the international level. Pakistan is one of only three countries that have received special invitations to participate in the tournament. The participating teams will be divided into two groups, with each side battling for a place in the knockout stages. The event is expected to showcase some of the best football talent in the region while promoting greater cooperation between Asian football associations. PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani described the team’s participation as a landmark achievement for Pakistan football. He said that following the Pakistan women’s national team’s appearance in the FIFA Series, the men’s national team will now compete in its first-ever FIFA event, making it another significant milestone for the country’s football development. Gilani said the FIFA ASEAN Cup would provide Pakistan with an excellent opportunity to test its abilities against strong international opponents. He added that competing against quality teams would help the players gain valuable experience, improve their performance, and demonstrate Pakistan’s footballing potential on the global stage. He also expressed confidence that the tournament would contribute to the long-term growth of football in Pakistan by giving players international exposure and motivating young athletes to pursue the sport professionally. According to him, participation in prestigious international competitions is essential for improving the country’s FIFA ranking and strengthening the national football structure. The confirmation of Pakistan’s participation has generated excitement among football fans, who view the tournament as an important opportunity for the national team to make its mark internationally. Supporters are hopeful that the players will deliver competitive performances and represent Pakistan with pride against some of Asia’s leading football nations. The announcement also reinforces the Pakistan Football Federation’s commitment to expanding the country’s presence in international football. Officials believe that regular participation in global and regional tournaments will accelerate the development of the sport and create more opportunities for Pakistani footballers. The Pakistan Football Federation has now formally confirmed the news, ending speculation and officially announcing the national team’s inclusion in the prestigious tournament. As preparations begin, the Pakistan men’s national team will focus on strengthening its squad and improving its performance ahead of the historic competition. The FIFA ASEAN Cup represents more than just another tournament—it marks Pakistan’s first step into FIFA men’s tournament football and offers a chance to compete on one of the biggest regional stages in the sport.

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    West Indies stun Pakistan by 90 runs

    ByJustpaste.in

    West Indies defeated Pakistan by 90 runs in the first Test of the two-match series on Tuesday. Pakistan failed to chase down a target of 211 runs. The national team was bowled out for just 120 runs in its second innings. The match was played at the Brian Lara Academy in Tarouba. Pakistan’s batters struggled badly on a difficult pitch. The West Indies fast bowlers maintained constant pressure throughout the innings. Pakistan began their chase with hopes of securing a win. However, the batting line-up collapsed quickly. Eight Pakistani batters failed to score in double figures. Captain Babar Azam was the only batter who offered strong resistance. He remained unbeaten on 58 runs. However, he received little support from the other end. Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood were dismissed for three runs each. Ali Usman scored two runs. Khurram Shahzad made four runs. Salman Ali Agha, Aamer Jamal and Mohammad Ali were dismissed without scoring. The repeated fall of wickets left Pakistan in serious trouble. Earlier, West Indies resumed their second innings on the fourth day at 126 for seven. Their batters added 55 more runs before being bowled out for 181. West Indies entered the second innings with a 29-run lead from the first innings. That advantage proved crucial. It allowed the hosts to set Pakistan a target of 211 runs for victory. Pakistan’s batters found the target extremely difficult to chase. The pitch offered assistance to the bowlers. West Indies used the conditions effectively and kept taking wickets at regular intervals. The visitors had earlier scored 282 runs in their first innings. Shan Masood was Pakistan’s leading batter. He scored an impressive 109 runs. Imam-ul-Haq also made an important contribution. He scored 63 runs. However, the rest of the batting line-up failed to build enough partnerships. Justin Greaves was the standout bowler for West Indies in Pakistan’s first innings. He claimed five wickets and played a key role in restricting Pakistan to 282. West Indies had scored 311 runs in their first innings. Shai Hope was among their top performers. He scored 92 runs and narrowly missed a century. Kavem Hodge also played an important innings. He scored 84 runs and helped West Indies post a competitive total. Pakistan’s Mohammad Ali was the leading bowler in the first innings. He took four wickets. Mohammad Abbas also impressed with the ball and claimed three wickets. The match remained competitive because of the difficult batting conditions. However, West Indies handled the pressure better in the crucial moments. Pakistan’s second-innings collapse eventually handed West Indies a convincing victory. The hosts bowled the visitors out for 120 runs.

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    Fatima Sana heads to England for The Hundred

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan women’s cricket team captain Fatima Sana has left Sri Lanka for England. She is travelling to England to take part in The Hundred. Fatima Sana will represent Birmingham Phoenix in the tournament. Her participation in The Hundred is a significant milestone for Pakistan women’s cricket. She is the first Pakistani female cricketer to play in The Hundred. Fatima Sana recently led Pakistan during the ODI series against Sri Lanka. She was given the responsibility of captaining the national side in the 50-over matches. Her departure for England means she will miss Pakistan’s upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka. Fatima Sana will not be available for the T20I series because of her commitments in The Hundred. Her absence will be a key change for the Pakistan women’s team. Muneeba Ali will lead Pakistan in the T20I series against Sri Lanka. The change in leadership will give Muneeba an opportunity to guide the national team in the shorter format. Fatima Sana has become an important player for Pakistan in recent years. She has contributed to the team with both her bowling and batting. Her selection for The Hundred also gives her an opportunity to gain experience in a major overseas competition. Playing in England can provide valuable exposure to different playing conditions. It can also help her compete alongside and against leading international players. Her participation is also being viewed as an important step for women’s cricket in Pakistan. It highlights the growing presence of Pakistani players in international franchise competitions. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s women’s team will continue its Sri Lanka assignment without its regular captain for the T20I series. Muneeba Ali will now take charge of the side. The team management will look to her for leadership during the upcoming matches. Pakistan will aim to build on its performance in the ODI series. The T20I series will provide another opportunity for the players to strengthen their position in the national squad. For Fatima Sana, the focus will now shift to Birmingham Phoenix and The Hundred. Her participation will be closely followed by Pakistani cricket fans. It could also open further opportunities for Pakistani women cricketers in international franchise tournaments.

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    Babar Azam, Abbas rise in ICC Test rankings after West Indies defeat

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan captain Babar Azam and experienced pacer Mohammad Abbas have moved up in the latest ICC Test rankings. The rankings were updated after the first Test between Pakistan and the West Indies. Pakistan lost the match by 90 runs at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad. The defeat gave the West Indies a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Despite the loss, several Pakistani players made progress in the individual rankings. Mohammad Abbas was Pakistan’s biggest mover among the bowlers. The veteran fast bowler delivered an impressive performance in the Test. Abbas took three wickets in the first innings. He then produced an outstanding spell in the second innings. The right-arm pacer claimed five wickets for 22 runs. He finished the match with eight wickets in total. His performance helped him climb nine places in the ICC Test bowling rankings. Abbas is now ranked 17th among Test bowlers. Left-arm spinner Noman Ali remains Pakistan’s highest-ranked Test bowler. He retained seventh position in the latest rankings. Shaheen Shah Afridi, however, dropped four places. He is now ranked 29th. Off-spinner Sajid Khan also slipped one position. He moved down to 35th in the bowling rankings. Babar Azam also made progress in the Test batting rankings. The Pakistan captain played an important role during the team’s chase in the second innings. Pakistan needed 211 runs for victory. Babar remained unbeaten on 58 as Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals. His fighting innings was one of the few positive moments for the visitors. The performance lifted Babar four places in the rankings. He is now ranked 15th among Test batters. Former Pakistan captain Shan Masood also moved up after scoring a century in the first innings. Masood’s hundred helped him gain eight places. He is now ranked 36th in the ICC Test batting rankings. However, some Pakistani batters suffered a decline. Saud Shakeel dropped three places to 24th. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan also fell eight places and is now ranked 26th. Salman Ali Agha dropped four positions. He now occupies 32nd place in the latest Test batting standings. The rankings provide some individual encouragement for Pakistan despite their disappointing result in Trinidad. The national team will now look to bounce back in the second and final Test against the West Indies.

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    Duke goes missing, Rs250,000 reward announced

    ByJustpaste.in

    The pet dog of former Pakistan cricket captain and legendary all-rounder Wasim Akram has reportedly gone missing in Karachi. Wasim Akram and his wife, Shaniera Akram, have appealed to the public for help in finding their missing dog. According to a post shared on their official Instagram account, the dog is named Duke. It is a five-month-old black German Shepherd with a long coat. Duke was last seen in DHA Phase 8 in Karachi. The family is now making efforts to locate and bring the pet safely back home. A reward of Rs250,000 has been announced for anyone who helps recover Duke. The reward will also be given to a person who provides reliable information that leads to the dog’s recovery. The announcement has prompted an appeal to residents of DHA Phase 8 and surrounding areas. The family has asked people to remain alert and report any information about the dog. Residents have also been requested to check areas where the dog may have gone. These include nearby parks, gardens and streets. People have also been urged to look around rooftops and garages. Security guards and other local residents have been specifically asked to assist in the search. The family hopes that public cooperation will help locate Duke quickly. They have asked anyone who spots the dog to provide accurate information rather than sharing unverified reports. The disappearance has also drawn attention from fans and followers of the former Pakistan captain. Wasim Akram remains one of Pakistan’s most recognised cricket personalities. The search is currently focused on DHA Phase 8 and nearby areas. The family is relying on residents and local communities to help trace the missing pet. The Rs250,000 reward is intended to encourage people to come forward with useful information. The owners have stressed the importance of reliable information that can help bring Duke home safely. The family is continuing its efforts to locate the dog. They are also seeking support from residents, security personnel and people familiar with the area.