ZOMBIES BACK IN STYLE

Zombies began the season in winning form

FIVE Ways Zombies made a great return to the indoor cricket world at the weekend.
Defending their title and captained by Worcestershire spinner Salma Bi, the Zombies' first match was against Birmingham University.
Bowling first, it was runs out galore by Mina Zahoor and Nicky Preston. Bham only managed to post a total of 216.
The Zombies crushed them easily by putting up a mighty target of 288, with big runs contributed by Salma and Cherie Dabbs.
The second game saw Zombies take on Walmley Cricket Club.
Batting first, Zombies posted 267. Now it was Walmley's turn to wield the willow.
Consistent bowlers such as Maya Vashi and Simi Panesar held up a good challenge, however, with one over remaining Walmley were now on a draw at 267.
Enter Salma to take the last over. Bowling with intensity to create pressure was her game. Three dot balls caused problems for the batsmen.
On their attempt to run off the fourth delivery, Walmley suffered a run out at the hands of Mina. The next ball was too good to hit, so off the final delivery the opposition needed something special.
A quicker delivery from the Queen ov Speen hit the toe of the batsman and as the ball reached Nicky's hands the Zombies knew another run out was on the way.
Another minus five runs and game over - another Zombies victory!
The girls strike again!
The new season is now well underway, so stay tuned for all the latest Zombies reports.

WHAT A YEAR SO FAR - SALMA BI

WHAT a fantastic year 2012 has been so far for award-winning sportsman Salma Bi - and there could still be more to come.
Over the past nine months, Salma's status in both the sporting world and Asian community has risen dramatically.
JANUARY
The year began with a two-page colour feature on Salma in The Asian Today newspaper which discussed her cricketing background and ambitious plans for 2012.
FEBRUARY
It was a good month for the Great White Sharks, the first female all-Asian futsal team to enter the Birmingham Women's League, and founded by Salma.
Their best result was an 8-1 win over Stingers B, in which Salma had a superb game in goal and Nazma Shaheen and Camilla Olsen scored four goals each.
MARCH
March was a huge month for Salma. Before International Women's Day, Sky Sports travelled to Birmingham to film Salma coaching cricket to young ladies.
She was later presented with a CD of all the footage, including interviews with her and some of the girls at the training session,
On March 10, Salma staged a non-stop Futsal Marathon at the Birmingham International Futsal Arena which lasted for a record 10 hours.
Salma captained Team Red and her friend Gemma Smith, the Arena's technical manager, led Team Blue in a highly successful event which raised over £1,000 for the National Autistic Society.
Twenty-four females took part and the Blue team won 167-100.
APRIL
Just six weeks later, Salma was back at the Arena in April hosting the Indoor T10 World Cup Cricket Tournament.
Teams representing England, Australia, Pakistan and India met on a round-robin basis and eventually the England team, captained by Salma, won a thrilling final against Australia.
Again over £1,000 was raised, this time for Mencap.
During April, Salma also appeared with her sister Anisha on Noor TV, where the pair discussed cricket and other sporting issues with presenter Ahmed Boston.
MAY
This month saw Salma gain deserved reward for her efforts in promoting sport when she was invited to two glittering award ceremonies in London.
At the Muslim Women Sports Foundation awards at Wembley Stadium, Salma was a finalist in the Services to Sport category.
Two weeks later, Salma was back in the capital at the ASIAN WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT awards at the plush Hilton Hotel.
This time Salma's success hit new heights as she was named the inaugural winner of the SPORT category, beating off the challenge of Britain's No1 women's tennis player Anne Keothavong.
Salma was a huge hit in this ceremony, her acceptance speech was the best of the night and the praise was ringing in her ears as she left the arena.
May really was a fantastic month for Salma as she also starred on the cricket field, helping Worcestershire Ladies to the top of Division Two. In a match against Cheshire, Salma claimed her best figures for the county of 4-25 off 10 overs.
JUNE
In June, Salma was featured in national magazine ALL OUT CRICKET where she answered questions about her career in a half-page spread. Great publicity!
Weatherwise, the summer was proving frustrating, with endless rain limiting Salma's cricket playing opportunities.
However, she kept busy on the Futsal court.
JULY
In July the Great White Sharks became the only team to beat league champions Two Left Feet during the season. Salma also scored three times from her goal!
AUGUST
It was back to winning awards in August, as Salma lifted the NatWest Volunteer of the Year accolade in the Building Partnerships category during a ceremony at Edgbaston.
Salma was also the subject of a two-page article in Fifteen21, a new internet magazine covering all aspects of Asian life.
The biggest triumph of August, however, came back at the Futsal Arena, where Salma and Gemma inspired a new record 20-hour non-stop Futsal marathon.
Thirty-three ladies took part, and Salma's Team Lime defeated Gemma's Team Tango 163-114.
Over £2,000 was raised for Cerebral Palsy Midlands on an unforgettable occasion which lasted from 4am to midnight!
SEPTEMBER
September has already delivered a major highlight for the Queen ov Speen!
Playing for North Wales side Hawarden Park in Cheshire Women's County League Division Three, Salma claimed career best bowling figures of 5-10 as Hawarden celebrated a famous victory in the last over at Oxton.
There are still three months of this year left to go, but whatever happens between now and the end of December, 2012 has been a truly remarkable year in the life of the inspirational Salma Bi.
And while her personal achievements can only be praised, Salma is always first to acknowledge her successes would not be possible without the help of others.
Teamwork is a key word for this very special person, who will continue to set new goals.

CAREER BEST FOR SALMA IN FAMOUS WIN

SALMA BI returned career best figures of 5-10 in Hawarden Park's fabulous last over victory in Sunday's Cheshire Women's Cricket League Division Three match at Oxton.
The Queen ov Speen had the option to play for three teams on the day, but decided to help the ladies of Hawarden for whom she enjoyed playing so much at Oakmere earlier this season.
This Pro30 match was Hawarden's last of the season and what a thriller it proved to be!
Park won the toss and chose to field. Oxton made an impressive start, reaching 30-0 off the first 10 overs.
Captain Naela Ahmad gave every bowler an opportunity, but it was Salma who provided the breakthrough.
In her first over, the right-arm Worcestershire spinner had two catches dropped off her bowling. However, she persisted and claimed a caught and bowled to leave Oxton one down.
There was more rotation, but when Salma came back she claimed her second wicket - clean bowling the home batsman.
Young Megan Roberts then took two great wickets in one over in the space of three balls. Anisha Bi, Salma's younger sister who bowls pace, also hit the stumps and ended with 1-14 off 4 overs.
Youngster Sammi Short took a nice bowled wicket too.
Back came Salma for the 25th & 27th overs and she scooped three bowled wickets to finish with best career figures of 5-10 off four overs.
The final wicket deservedly fell to captain Naela as Oxton finished on 95 all out off 28.2 overs.
Hawarden went into bat but they lost a wicket off the first delivery of the innings.
A slight hiccup, but Gill Short and Georgia Lee steadied things, however 16-1 off 10 overs was behind the run rate chasing 95.
Another wicket fell and Salma advanced to the crease. She struck her first ball for four and faced four more deliveries, getting to 10 runs before she was bowled by one which kept low.
Another two wickets fell straight after and now Gill retiring left Naela and young Sammi in the middle.
From the word go Naela struck with confidence. Dominating the strike she brought the score to 67-5 off 20 overs and it was getting more nerve racking!
Once Hawarden got into the 80s things looked easier but the overs got less.
After 29.2 over Park were 95-6 with one needed for victory and four balls left. Could the win be achieved?
Naela had the answer. A big hit and victory was secured on 98-6!
Naela produced the innings of her life, finishing 48 not out and hitting her first career six.
Salma said: "I never wanted to win a game this bad and can't thank all the Welsh girls enough for their hospitality.
"Today I was given the chance to play for another two teams but I'm glad I picked where my heart was set because it paid off. Worth The Journey xxxx"

SALMA WINS ANOTHER AWARD!

BELIEVE in MAD (Making a Difference) founder Salma Bi has received another award for her services to cricket.
Salma was invited to the Bill Jones Memorial Volunteer of the Year Awards at New Road, Worcestershire, for the NatWest OSCA presentations and received the Building Partnerships accolade for her work in promoting the game.
The tribute to Salma said: "Salma has been pro-active in getting women and girls into playing cricket.
"In particular, she has worked very hard with the Asian Community. She has arranged coaching sessions, tournaments etc for women and girls and encouraged them to be involved.
"In doing this, she has been working hard and successfully to persuade local press, radio and TV to report on the girls' cricketing activities."
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR HERO ONCE AGAIN!
TO RECEIVE AN AWARD TAKES JUST A SECOND, BUT ALL THE HARD WORK THAT GOES INTO WINNING AN AWARD TAKES HOURS UPON HOURS OF PATIENCE, PERSISTENCE AND DEDICATION.

GREAT INTERVIEW WITH SALMA

THERE is an interview with Salma Bi in the latest issue of Fifteen21 magazine.

In the interview of guiding light talks about her cricket career, her professional life and her background in sport.

As always, a great read. And there is also a feature on the great Amir Khan (pictured above with Salma).

Access Salma's interview on PAGE 32 by clicking on the link below

 www.fifteen21.com

QUEEN OF SPEEN STARS FOR THE PARK

WHAT a wonderful night it was on Monday, July 10, when Salma guested for North Wales club Hawarden Park in their women's T20 match against Oakmere of Cheshire.
Who else would drive down from Birmingham after a long hospital shift to North Wales to guest in a cricket match! No-one can beat the Queen of Speen for passion or dedication.
The game was due to be played at the Castle Ground in Hawarden, but the rain had started to fall heavily and there was no chance of any action.
However, at Oakmere the weather was better and although time was of the essence, Hawarden agreed to travel to mid-Cheshire to play the fixture.
It turned out to be a really good game at a beautiful ground.
Oakmere batted first and made 88 off their 15 overs. Salma bowled beautifully. Her first ball turned a county and beat everything, almost the perfect start!
Salma's first over was a maiden, her second over produced a wicket - bowled and so did her third over - bowled again. Her final figures were 3-1-9-2 - brilliant.
The rest of the team produced some good deliveries, Becky Moss, Naela Ahmad and 12-year-old Sammi Short was really impressive, showing some fine control and taking a lovely caught and bowled. Sammi is one for the future.
It must be said all the Oakmere players batted well too, especially their opener who retired after making 25. They found the gaps and played intelligent cricket.
Hawarden's batting never got going and a lot of that was down to the accurate, sensible bowling of Oakmere.
Salma made six, hitting one four, but she was dropped twice before being caught the third time she skied the ball.
There was some good hitting from Naela and the final team total was 40.
Well played Oakmere, a really good all-round side and a lovely welcoming club.
It was a great night. All the Hawarden team really appreciated Salma's presence and while she was there she managed to give some coaching to a beautiful little girl, Aahilya Ahmad, daughter of Naela, who shows a real interest in spinning the ball. Hopefully she will keep playing and improving and will not forget the day she met the Queen of Speen.
Mention too for Naela's wonderful sister Shamila, a lovely person who is developing a career in nursing and also loves her sport.
Salma can now put an appearance for a North Wales team on her cricketing CV!
This weekend she will hopefully get in two games for Worcestershire who are top of Division Two of the County Championship. Worcs are currently top of the table with Salma taking seven wickets in three matches, including a county best 4-25.

SALMA IS BOWLING THEM OVER!

SHE has all sorts of sporting ventures planned for the rest of this year but SALMA BI is having a wonderful season playing her favourite sport - CRICKET

We know all about Salma's achievements off the field, her awards, her coaching, her ventures in getting more people involved in sport, so let's firstly look at the sport at which she excels most - CRICKET! 

Here is a rundown on her 2012 season so far...

The Summer 2012 cricket season is well underway, and as always it's a busy schedule for Salma who takes time out from the professional career of nursing, using up annual leave to play sports.

It all kicked off with the county season and Salma became a very useful player for WORCESTERSHIRE, helping them into top position in the WOMEN'S COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION TWO by taking a number of useful wickets.

Salma is getting closer to yet again being the leading wicket-taker in her league. Used as a full-time off-spin bowler, Salma will use her spells wisely to bag big wickets - including England wickets.

Here is a look at WORCESTERSHIRE great form so far this season....

May 6 v Durham: Worcestershire won by 187 runs. Salma took 1-19

May 7 v Wales: Abandoned (not a ball bowled)

May 27 v Cheshire: Worcestershire won by seven wickets. Salma's figures 10-1-25-4 (Best ever figures for county!)

June 3 v Warwickshire: Abandoned (not a ball bowled)

June 4 v Netherlands: Worcestershire won by seven wickets. Salma took 2-28.

Salma's full county figures so far in 2012: seven wickets in three games for 72 runs (average 10.28)

Apart from playing high-level competitive cricket Salma has turned up for all club games for the women's and men's teams at Five Ways Old Edwardians. 

Being a useful player always is an advantage assisting a new Development side.

Salma made an appearance for a T20 side and hit a best 34 not out in 5 overs with non-stop fours and sixes.

Salma has also been approached by a team in Wales, who are struggling for a win, to get them started. Sometimes all it takes is to get a little boost and the whole team will gain confidence.

Salma still is playing for MCC representatives who combine together as a team to play against other counties, clubs, schools, universities and academies. All games are pay to play, so you can imagine how much it costs to buy kit, travels and teas. Perhaps it all comes down to commitment and passion. 

When Salma isn't at the firing line she has supported Anisha her younger sister, aged 16, who represents Warwickshire Under 17's.

Salma still fits in her coaching and umpiring every week where possible.

Salma's other younger sister Aisha, aged 17, was recently selected for West Bromwich Albion Football Club's Scholarship Programme.

These are exciting and hectic times but nothing is stopping these girls from doing what they love!

The three sisters also compete alongside each other for The Great White Sharks Futsal Team - the only Asian Women's Futsal Team in the Birmingham League ever in history and now in their third season. 

What's next on the cards? 

Salma, founder of cricket coaching venture Believe in M.A.D Making A Difference has now gone into partnership with Gemma Smith, founder of Sporting Pathways.

Gemma, the Women's Futsal League manager, has previously worked closely with Salma on past projects i.e Women's Futsal Marathon 10-Hours Record & Women's Indoor Cricket T10 World Cup 2012.

Gemma was previously selected for the England Women's Football Team Under 17s squad (more on Gemma in a separate article on the Great White Sharks blog).

Gemma believes in creating opportunities for others in sport by making them realise the dreams her and Salma once had.

Two strong personalities Salma and Gemma (Jess & Jules) look forward to host their next big event - the Women's Futsal 20 Hours Marathon 2012 scheduled for Saturday 25th August 2012.

They are signing up girls right now for a Futsal match which runs from 4am to midnight. They are not only raising money for Cerebal Palsy, but also looking to set another women's futsal record - never attempted before but not yet beaten either. 

Since winning the Asian Women of Achievement Sport Award in May, Salma feels even more confident about setting more records and will reveal what other sports they look forward to promoting for girls.

Straight after the Futsal event Sporting Pathways are going to host 'World Dodgeball'. Recruits showing interest are nationally based making their way from London, Leeds, Wales, Liverpool & Manchester!

MAD/Sporting Pathways also aim to also back a project based in the USA called GET HER IN THE GAME.

This project will try to prove girls aged 14+ are not dropping out of sports, but in fact are taking them up. The aim will be to find 100 girls in the UK with a sporting career they will aim to raise the profiles of.