October 21, 2021 – Page 6 – Newswire Pakistan

October 21, 2021October 22, 2021

Dr Anita Zaidi elected to the U.S. National Academy of Medicine

Karachi, October 21, 2021 (PPI-OT):Dr Anita K.M. Zaidi, MBBS, SM, president, gender equality and director of vaccine development, surveillance and enteric and diarrheal diseases, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has been elected to the U.S. National Academy of Medicine (NAM).

Membership in the NAM is considered one of the highest honours in the fields of health and medicine and recognises individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievements and commitment to service. The election of 90 regular members and 10 international members was announced by the NAM at its annual meeting held on October 18, 2021. Dr Zaidi has been elected “for global leadership in paediatric infectious disease research and capacity development relevant to improving new-born and child survival in developing countries.”

The National Academy of Medicine, established in 1970 as the Institute of Medicine, is an independent organisation of eminent professionals from diverse fields including health and medicine; the natural, social, and behavioural sciences; and beyond. It serves alongside the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering as an adviser locally in the United States of America and to the international community. Through its domestic and global initiatives, the NAM works to address critical issues in health, medicine, and related policy and inspire positive action across sectors.

“I am deeply honoured by the recognition from the National Academy of Medicine. I am also delighted as an Aga Khan University (AKU) alum, and very grateful for all the educational opportunities AKU provided to set me on this path,” said Dr Zaidi.

Dr Zaidi is a paediatrician/scientist, global health researcher, non-profit founder, academic administrator, strategic investor in global health research and development. She grew up in Pakistan, graduating first in the inaugural medical class of AKU in 1988. After training and further education in the US (Duke University, and Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard School of Public Health), she returned to Pakistan, rising through the academic ranks to become the first woman chair of paediatrics at AKU.

Her seminal research contributions have been in new-born sepsis where her work on antimicrobial therapy in low-resource settings has informed global guidelines and helped save hundreds of thousands of newborn lives. A second research focus has been demonstrating the value of vaccines. She was recruited to the Gates Foundation in 2014 where she led teams funding work for innovative solutions for high burden paediatric and maternal disorders, as well as novel vaccines.

She was awarded the $US 1 million Caplow Children’s Prize for her work in saving newborn lives in the coastal areas of Karachi. The Aga Khan University recognized her research contributions in 2013 by awarding her the Aga Khan University Distinguished Faculty Award for Excellence in Research. She will also be awarded the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian Award in December 2021.

For more information, contact:
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Stadium Road, Karachi
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Website: www.aku.edu

October 21, 2021October 22, 2021

Scotland secure historic qualification by topping Group B

Dubai, October 21, 2021 (PPI-OT):Kyle Coetzer produced a captain’s knock to steer Scotland to an eight-wicket win over Oman and book a place in the Super 12s at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021.

Scotland went into the clash with the hosts knowing that defeat could spell the end of the tournament, but this was a complete performance as the Scots clinched top spot in Group B with a third win out of three – a historic achievement for the side.

That earns Scotland a place in Group 2 in the Super 12, alongside the likes of India, Pakistan and New Zealand, while Bangladesh end up as runners-up in Group B and head to Group 1 as a result.

For Oman, there was to be no fairy tale at the Al Amerat Stadium, Jatinder Singh’s run-out off the second ball a sign of what was to follow. A total of 122 always felt a little short, and so it proved.

Coetzer had not yet fired for Scotland at this World Cup, but his 41 made it a comfortable chase, and even after he departed, Matt Cross and Richie Berrington did the rest.

Oman were always going to need a good start, with Jatinder their star batter in the first two matches, and when he was run out after a complete misunderstanding on the second ball, it left the rest of the team with an uphill battle.

Kashyap Prajapati followed soon after for three, but Aqib Ilyas started to find his groove, hitting three fours and two sixes in a brisk 37.

Oman needed him to kick on though, instead he picked out George Munsey on the boundary off the bowling of Michael Leask.

Mohammad Nadeem looked good in hammering Mark Watt for six over long on, but he was caught at short extra cover by Berrington off the very next ball for 25.

That left all the responsibility to skipper Zeeshan Maqsood, given one reprieve when he was caught of a full toss from Chris Greaves that was above waist height.

He went on to make 34 before departing in the final over, but the wickets continued to tumble at the other end, and the total of 122 all out was not enough.

That became clear as Coetzer took an attacking approach to his innings, complemented by the free-scoring Munsey at the other end.

Munsey was caught by opposite number Jatinder after making 20, but Coetzer pushed on with three maximums to settle any nerves.

Khawar Ali finally found a way through Coetzer’s defences, but it was too little, too late, as Cross and Berrington got the team over the line comfortably with the latter smashing one last six to seal the win in emphatic fashion.

Scores in brief

Scotland beat Oman, at Al Amerat Cricket Ground, Oman by eight wickets

Oman 122 all out in 20 overs (Aqib Ilyas 37, Zeeshan Maqsood 34; Josh Davey 3/25, Michael Leask 2/13)
Scotland 123/2 in 17 overs (Kyle Coetzer 41; Richie Berrington 31 not out; Fayyaz Butt 1/26; Khawar Ali 1/27)

Player of the Match: Josh Davey (Scotland)

For more information, contact:
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October 21, 2021October 22, 2021

Mahmudullah marvels at better Bangladesh batting

Dubai, October 21, 2021 (PPI-OT):Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah hailed his batters for delivering under pressure after they comfortably beat Papua New Guinea to reach the Super 12s.

Mahmudullah top-scored for the Tigers with a 28-ball 50, while he was ably supported by Shakib al Hasan, Liton Das and Afif Hossain in their team total of 181 for seven.

PNG struggled in reply and lost four wickets in the first five overs before being bowled out for 97, with Shakib’s four for nine seeing him equal Shahid Afridi’s record of 39 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup wickets.

Bangladesh made a slow start to their Group B campaign but since losing to Scotland in their opener, they have vastly improved and Mahmudullah hopes it is a sign of things to come.

“It was much needed. That was the way we wanted to play and there was intent from the batters,” he said.

“If you compare to the last two games, I think we did much better so I think the batters did a very good job to get a 180-plus score.

“The bowlers did well to restrict them to less than 100, so it was a very good all-round performance.

“The two things we are concerned about are the first six overs with the bat and ball.

“If we can get a good start, we can capitalise on it and that is how we have been building up wins. We need to focus on those areas again and try to compete hard.”

Mahmudullah hit six boundaries in his half-century, his sixth score of 50 or better in T20 internationals, including three maximums.

But he admits they lack the power of some Super 12s sides and will need to be clever with the bat if they are going to compete.

“I have said it before, I think we are skill hitters rather than big hitters,” he added.

“If we can keep ourselves busy in the middle, we can try to find out which bowler we can take on that particular day.

“We then need to figure out and communicate with each other as batting partners and try to do well.”

In contrast, PNG’s first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is over after losing all three of their first-round matches.

And captain Assad Vala insists there are plenty of lessons they can take, including how to handle the pressure of playing on the biggest stage.

“We can take a lot from this, we need to execute our skills under pressure, both with the bat and ball, the key phases of the game,” he said.

“We weren’t good enough with the bat. We could have done well but you need to be at your best against this quality of opposition. We look forward to the next opportunity.

“They got the momentum towards the end of their innings but I thought we started well and had them at 40 for one in the powerplay. Their partnership in the middle was big but I thought we pulled it back really well, we just couldn’t execute our death bowling at the end.

“I think our powerplay batting has been costing us. We have to find a way through it, their bowling was very good but we are down on confidence and couldn’t get a good start.

“When you play against a very good side, you need to be up for it and sadly we weren’t.”

October 21, 2021October 22, 2021

Alkhidmat Foundation disbursed Interest free loan in Lahore

Lahore, October 21, 2021 (PPI-OT):Alkhidmat Foundation Lahore under Alkhidmat Mawakhat Program disbursed interest free loans to the needy and hardworking individuals for fresh startups. A cheque distribution ceremony was organised in which distinguished guests including notable engineering consultant, Mr. Imtiaz Hussain Shah and renowned educationist, Professor Dr. Ghalib Ata distributed cheque among the beneficiaries. Alkhidmat Lahore President, Engineer Ahmed Hamad Rashid and Vice President Chaudhry Muhammad Saleem were also present on the occasion.

For more information, contact:
Al-Khidmat Foundation Pakistan
711, Block J-2 Johar Town, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42 35957260
Fax: +92-42 35957261
Email: info@al-khidmatfoundation.org
Website: http://al-khidmatfoundation.org/

October 21, 2021October 22, 2021

Ireland wary of threat posed by “absolutely devastating” Wiese

Dubai, October 21, 2021 (PPI-OT):Only Ireland’s very best will do in their Group A showdown with Namibia if they are to progress in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, insists head coach Graham Ford.

Ireland’s bid to reach the Super 12 stage suffered a setback last time out as Sri Lanka romped to a 70-run win to ensure their safe passage with a game still to play.

That victory meant Ireland’s final match of the first round against Namibia is now decisive after the debutants defeated Netherlands on the same day to keep their hopes alive.

And South African-born Ford is well aware of challenge that awaits his team if they are off the pace in Sharjah, highlighting the danger of match-winner David Wiese in particular.

“We didn’t really get to see too much [of Namibia’s win over Netherlands] because we had a long bus journey while the game was on and then sort of caught the end,” said Ford.

“They did hit the ball extremely well at the end. But we know that they’ve got some very dangerous players, and David Wiese who put on a show, and we caught the end of that show.

“He’s played for South Africa in the T20 World Cup before and I’ve seen him in South Africa and on the county circuit. He can be absolutely devastating, which he was.

“You know, they’ve got some dangerous players. They’ve got some very hardworking cricketers that quite a few of them have learnt quite a lot of their cricket in South Africa, as well.

“They pushed us close in the qualifying or the last game of the qualifiers. We know that they’re going to be tough. If we’re slightly off our best, we will struggle.”

Group A leaders Sri Lanka are the only side with two wins from two and, with Ireland facing Namibia in the final round of games, they are assured of a place in the Super 12s.

Sri Lanka also know that a win over Netherlands on Friday will see them top the table and join England, Australia, West Indies and South Africa in Group 1 as team A1.

That would leave Ireland and Namibia to face off in a mouth-watering match that will see the winners also qualify for the Super 12s as runners-up, going into Group 2 as team A2.

And when asked whether he would have taken Ireland needing to beat Namibia in their final group game to qualify before the tournament, Ford was emphatic in his answer.

“Of course,” he continued. “Obviously, you’re always greedy as a coach. You want to win everything and you want to have a nice easy last fixture and say, well, we’re already through.

“But realistically we’re still alive, we’re still in the competition, and that’s the important thing.”

Ireland came into the tournament ranked 12th in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s T20I team rankings, with their best previous performance coming in 2009 when they reached the Super 8s.

And while Ford admitted his team are “desperate” to progress to the next round, he believes even if the result doesn’t go their way there will be positives to take from their tournament.

“I think for us we come to this tournament with a slightly different view to some of the big countries in that we are gaining and learning with every single outing,” he added.

“We’re trying to make as much progress in our cricket as possible. So, every game is important as far as that’s concerned, to try and make the improvements.

“The little improvements here and there and become better at executing our skills. It was mentioned with the captain about the adapting to the extra pace and all of that.

“Win or lose, we are gaining and we are learning, so that’s a big plus for us. But quite obviously we’re desperate to go through to the next phase of the tournament, as well.”

October 21, 2021October 22, 2021

Watt plots more upset against big guns in Super 12s

Dubai, October 21, 2021 (PPI-OT):Scotland have already made history by reaching the second stage of an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup for the first time but spinner Mark Watt has no intention of stopping now.

Victory over Bangladesh in the opening game of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 was a statement of intent from the Scots, backed up by beating Papua New Guinea.

Still, going into the final group game against hosts Oman, defeat could still have spelt the end of the road. In their most convincing performance of the tournament so far, not only did Scotland win, but they did so in emphatic fashion with an eight-wicket success.

That was enough to clinch top spot in Group B, securing a place in Group 2 of the Super 12 and match-ups against the likes of India and New Zealand in the next round.

It is a remarkable run for the team, but Watt insists they are not done yet – citing a one-day victory over England in 2018, a year before their own world title, as proof of the Scots’ ability to go toe-to-toe with the best.

He said: “I think we’re going to make a few upsets. I don’t see why not, we’ve done it before. We’ve beaten the best ODI team in the world, we’ve beaten Bangladesh just there and we’re on a really good run of form.

“I think teams won’t take us lightly and they should be worried about Scotland. We’re on a great run of form and have a lot of momentum going forward.”

He even joked about the prospect of bowling to Virat Kohli, saying: “I’ve got quite a few plans for Virat, I’m going to keep them hush-hush at the moment, but I think he should be worried.”

As well as the chance to cause a few upsets, this also gives Scotland the opportunity to match up against the world’s best sides in five further matches in the Super 12 stage – an opportunity that Watt is relishing.

He added: “That’s why you play the game, to play against the big stars. You want to challenge yourself against the best and they are certainly the best in the world.

“All the guys are buzzing to showcase their skills against the whole world and that’s why you want to get to the World Cup, to play against the best players and the best teams to challenge yourself.”

Oman, meanwhile, saw their hopes of making the Super 12 ended as they were bowled out for 122 after electing to bat first.

Losing star batter Jatinder Singh for a duck when he was run out second ball proved too much of an obstacle to overcome for the host nation.

And skipper Zeeshan Maqsood admitted that his team were never able to fight their way back into it because of the pressure that Scotland put them under.

He said: “Jatinder’s first over run-out was hard for us. We didn’t expect that because he’s our in-form player. We fought very well but we were 30 or 40 runs short. If we had scored 150+, there would have been more chance of winning the game but Scotland played very well, they showed that maturity in their batting. They never gave us a chance to come back into the match.

“Overall I’m happy with how the players have played. We back the decision to bat first, but not the way we played. There are a lot of areas to improve and a lot of positive things that we have taken from other teams. Where we went wrong, we will correct those mistakes and we will come back strong.”