The 50th death anniversary of renowned poet Majeed Amjad was observed today [Saturday]. Majeed Amjad was famous for his poems and his first poetry compilation titled "Shab-e-Rafta" was published in 1958. However, six of his books appeared on the literary scene only after his death. The poet died on this day in 1974 in Sahiwal and was buried in his hometown, Jhang. Source: Radio Pakistan
Japan defeat Pakistan in penalty shootout to clinch Sultan Azlan Shah Cup
Japan have won the Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament in penalty shootout, defeating Pakistan by 4-1 at Ipoh in Malaysia today. On the conclusion of time of quarters, the match was leveled by two goals each team. In the second, third, and fourth penalty shoot-out attempts, Japan scored four consecutive goals while Pakistan could only score one goal. Source: Radio Pakistan
First T20: England Women beat Pakistan’s Women at Birmingham
In the first T-20 of three match series, England Women beat Pakistan Women by 53 runs at Birmingham tonight. Batting first, England scored 163 runs for the loss of six wickets in allotted twenty overs. In reply, Pakistan Women were all out at 110 runs in 18.2 overs. Source: Radio Pakistan
President, PM praise national hockey team’s performance in Azlan Shah Tournament
President Asif Ali Zardari has appreciated the excellent performance of Pakistan Hockey Team in Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Cup Final. In a statement today, he said Pakistan hockey team showed excellent performance in the entire tournament including the final. The President stressed the need to focus on the development and promotion of the national game. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also paid tribute to the national hockey team for the excellent performance in the Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament. In a statement today, he said the players performed brilliantly during the tournament and reached the finals. He said Pakistani team also performed well in the final against Japan. The Prime Minister said after a long time, Pakistan has reached the final of this important tournament of the national game, which is very gratifying He said the government is taking all possible steps for the promotion of sports, especially the national sport of hockey. Source: Radio Pakistan
Finalists for National Challenge Cup Confirmed
WAPDA football department displayed their championship grit against the formidable Pakistan Army side, securing a decisive 2-0 victory. The victory means that WAPDA has reached the final for the second time in a row in National Challenge Cup history after winning the championship in 2020. Ahmed Faheem emerged as a standout performer, by netting a spectacular free-kick that left the Army's goalkeeper rooted to the spot. The crowd erupted in cheers as Faheem's precision strike in the left top corner during the 57th minute set the tone for WAPDA's dominance. As the match reached its final stages, Shayek Dost sealed the victory with a late goal during stoppage time, further solidifying WAPDA's claim to the championship. The victory means that WAPDA is now on its way to defending their title once again this season. With key players like Ahmed Faheem, Alamgir Ghazi, Rao Umer Hayat, Hassan Ali, and Shayek Dost in peak form, the team seemed poised for another National Challenge Cup title. WAPDA will now face SA Gardens in the final of the National Challenge Cup on Sunday, a team that has reached the final of the competition for the first time in history and defied all the odds. If SA Gardens win it will be a historic story of a giant killer in Pakistan's oldest cup competition but WAPDA can solidify their name in the folklore of the Challenge Cup by winning their second cup title in Jinnah Stadium. Source: Pro Pakistani
Babar Azam Equals Virat Kohli’s Unique Record In T20I Cricket
Babar Azam has equaled Virat Kohli's record for the most half-centuries in T20 International cricket. During the first T20I against Ireland on Friday, Babar notched up his 35th T20I half-century, matching Kohli's tally of most scores above fifty in the shortest format of the game. Babar's innings against Ireland were characterized by precision and controlled aggression. He scored 57 runs off 43 deliveries, striking 8 fours and a six during his stay on the crease. Currently boasting a tally of 3,880 runs in T20I cricket, Babar is within striking distance of surpassing Kohli's record of over 4000 runs. To achieve this, he needs just 158 more runs, a milestone that could see him become the second fastest to reach the 4000-run mark in T20Is after Kohli. Babar's consistency with the bat has earned him widespread acclaim and has solidified his reputation as one of the premier batters in modern-day cricket. His ability to adapt to various conditions and his knack for scoring massive runs in all formats of the ga me make him a formidable force in the world of cricket. Pakistan's batting maestro also has three T20I hundreds to his name, whereas Virat has only managed to secure one century in T20Is. Despite his impressive half-century record, Pakistan could not win the match due to their abysmal display in all three departments. Ireland defeated the Green Shirts by 5 wickets in the last over. However, his captaincy has been a subject of scrutiny recently, especially after the defeat against Ireland and the Men in Green's poor performances in the home series against New Zealand that resulted in a 2-2 draw. Name Innings Most Fifty Plus Scores Babar Azam 108 38 Virat Kohli 109 38 Rohit Sharma 143 34 Mohammad Rizwan 81 27 David Warer 103 27 Source: Pro Pakistani