Author: A Sports

CHRISTCHURCH: South Africa sealed a hard-fought 3-2 T20I series victory over New Zealand after registering a convincing 33-run win in the decider at Hagley Oval on Wednesday.

Put into bat, the visitors posted a formidable 187 for four in their allotted 20 overs, courtesy of a dominant middle-order display led by Connor Esterhuizen, who turned the game on its head with a blistering knock.

South Africa’s innings began on a cautious note as Tony de Zorzi departed early for 12, but Wiaan Mulder and Rubin Hermann steadied things with a crucial 55-run stand.

Mulder made a composed 31 before falling in the 11th over, while Hermann followed soon after for 39, leaving the innings delicately poised.

However, Esterhuizen’s arrival shifted the momentum dramatically. The right-hander launched a counter-attack, stitching together a rapid 61-run partnership with Dian Forrester in just 27 deliveries.

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Esterhuizen was particularly destructive, smashing 75 off 33 balls, laced with five fours and six sixes, to propel South Africa to a commanding total. Forrester remained unbeaten on 21 as the visitors finished strongly.

Ben Sears was the standout performer for New Zealand with figures of 2 for 37, while Zak Foulkes and Josh Clarkson picked up a wicket each.

In reply, New Zealand never quite found the required momentum as South Africa’s bowlers maintained control throughout the chase.

Tim Robinson’s 25 and Dane Cleaver’s 22 offered some resistance, while Bevon Jacobs provided late fireworks with a quickfire 36 off 19 balls.

Captain James Neesham chipped in with 24, but the hosts ultimately fell short, finishing on 154 for eight.

South Africa’s bowling unit delivered a collective effort, with Gerald Coetzee, Wiaan Mulder and Ottniel Baartman claiming two wickets apiece, while Keshav Maharaj added one to cap off a disciplined performance.

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LAHORE: Karachi Kings pacer Mir Hamza has thrown his support behind captain David Warner, calling his leadership a major boost for the franchise ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11.

Warner, who returns to lead the side for a second consecutive season, guided Karachi Kings to the playoffs in the previous edition, where they were knocked out by eventual champions Lahore Qalandars.

With a revamped squad and added depth, the Kings will be aiming to go a step further this time around.

“Having David Warner as captain again this season is a big positive for us. He is very supportive and a natural leader,” Hamza said while speaking to the media ahead of the team’s training session.

The left-arm pacer also highlighted the balance within the squad, particularly pointing out the addition of Salman Ali Agha as a key asset.

“We also have a strong middle-order option in Salman Ali Agha, who can contribute with both bat and ball and is capable of playing long innings,” he added.

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Mir Hamza noted that the team’s preparations are now gathering momentum after a slow start due to the Eid break.

“Our preparation is going well, and the warm-up match has come at the right time. We needed match practice as a team, and today’s game helped us a lot in getting into rhythm,” he said.

With the league expanding to eight teams this season, the competition is expected to intensify. Hamza acknowledged the challenge but remained optimistic.

“All franchises have built strong squads, so we will see a good competition. My focus is to perform for my team and contribute wherever needed,” he remarked.

He also downplayed concerns over weather conditions, stating that players must adapt to different situations.

“Weather always has an impact, but as professionals, we have to adjust. Most of our matches are at night, so conditions won’t affect us much,” he explained.

Karachi Kings will begin their PSL 11 campaign on Friday against Quetta Gladiators, with a squad featuring a mix of international stars and local talent.

Karachi Kings squad for PSL 11

David Warner (c), Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Khushdil Shah, Saad Baig, Moeen Ali, Azam Khan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shahid Aziz, Mir Hamza, Adam Zampa, Mohammad Hamza Sohail, Aqib Ilyas, Khwaja Bin Tanveer, Reeza Hendricks, Muhammad Waseem, Ihsanullah and Rizwanullah.

READ: Hyderabad Kingsmen sign star Sri Lanka spinner for PSL 11

LAHORE: Pakistan Super League (PSL) debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen have bolstered their squad ahead of the tournament’s 11th edition with the signing of Sri Lanka spinner Maheesh Theekshana.

The franchise confirmed the addition through their official social media platforms, welcoming the mystery spinner with a message that highlighted his reputation as a “wily operator.”

Theekshana arrives with a wealth of experience in T20 cricket. The 25-year-old has featured in 83 T20 internationals for Sri Lanka, picking up 82 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 7.08.

Across all T20 competitions, he has claimed 230 wickets in 225 matches, underlining his effectiveness in the shortest format.

Set to make his PSL debut, Theekshana also brings extensive franchise experience, having plied his trade in leagues around the world, including the IPL, ILT20, SA20, CPL and the Lanka Premier League (LPL).

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The upcoming PSL 11 marks a historic shift, with eight teams participating for the first time. Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz are the two new entrants in a tournament that will feature 44 matches over a 39-day window.

However, preparations for the marquee event have taken a significant turn, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revising its initial plans.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Sunday that the tournament will now be held across just two venues, Karachi and Lahore, and will be played behind closed doors without spectators.

Hyderabad Kingsmen Squad for PSL 11

Marnus Labuschagne (c), Hassan Khan (vc), Usman Khan, Akif Javed, Maaz Sadaqat, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Ali, Kusal Perera, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shayan Jahangir, Glenn Maxwell, Hammad Azam, Riley Meredith, Sharjeel Khan, Asif Mehmood, Hunain Shah, Rizwan Mehmood, Saad Ali, Tayyab Arif, Maheesh Theekshana and Ahmed Hussain.

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Ben Duckett has decided to pull out of the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 to save his England career.

He announced the decision in an exclusive interview with ‘The Telegraph’.

“Growing up as a kid, I dreamt of playing cricket for England, and that was it,” said Ben Duckett.

Duckett has already informed the Delhi Capitals of his decision, which will cost him £200,000 and could result in a three-year ban.

“It was a very difficult decision, and I want to apologise to everyone at Delhi that I won’t be coming,” he lamented.

The left-hander acknowledged the franchise for giving him the oppurtunity and picking him amongst the best players around the globe.

“I felt it was going to be a great opportunity when I put myself in the auction, and for a franchise like Delhi to pick me up was amazing. I was buzzing. It’s the best competition in the world with the best players, and it would have been an amazing experience,” Duckett explained.

The 31-year-old is also uncertain about his future in the league, with a potential ban looming.

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“I don’t know if I’m potentially saying goodbye to the IPL, having never played in it. With the age I am now [31], it might be tough for me, but I hope one day I’m able to represent Delhi. But I’ve thought a lot about this, and know it’s the right decision for my career,” he concluded.

For the unversed, Duckett had a below-par Ashes campaign. The opener only managed 221 runs at an average of 20 in five matches.

He also came into the spotlight ahead of the fourth Ashes Test after an alleged viral video surfaced in which he lost his way home during England’s Noosa break.

Ben Duckett’s poor form led to his axing from the Playing XI during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where he spent most of his time on the bench.

Notably, he could become the second England player, after Harry Brook, to face an IPL ban.

READ: Saud clarifies comments on Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf

LAHORE: Quetta Gladiators captain Saud Shakeel has clarified remarks he made about Pakistan pacers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf during a recent podcast.

A few weeks earlier, Saud appeared on a podcast in which he was asked which of three bowlers — Khurram Shehzad, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf—he would play, retire, or bench if he were the national selector.

“I will play Khurram, retire Shaheen, and bench Rauf,” Pakistan Test vice-captain had replied.

The remarks soon gained traction, with people sharing different opinions about the duo.

Ahead of PSL 11’s start, Saud said his comments were made in a light-hearted manner and were not intended seriously.

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“The podcast was done in a funny way, but it was presented as something serious,” he said.

Saud has played alongside both pacers. The two have recently been in the spotlight following inconsistent performances: Rauf was dropped from Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, while Shaheen had a below-par campaign.

Saud has played alongside Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. Both pacers have been in the spotlight following inconsistent performances. Rauf was dropped from the Pakistan squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, while Shaheen had an underwhelming campaign.

This will be the second year in a row that Saud will lead the Quetta Gladiators side.

Last season, Quetta Gladiators were outplayed in the final by Lahore Qalandars, thanks to Sikandar Raza’s heroics.

The PSL 11 will begin on March 26 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.  Quetta Gladiators will open their campaign against Karachi Kings on March 27 at the same venue.

READ: Five uncapped Pakistan players to watch out for in PSL 11

Peshawar Zalmi have signed Zimbabwe emerging batter Brian Bennett for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. 

Zalmi owner Afridi confirmed the news on his social media handle.

“We welcome Brian John Bennett from Zimbabwe to the Zalmi family,” Afridi wrote.

With this, Bennett will join Sikandar Raza as the only other player from Zimbabwe to play in PSL 11.

The signing comes on the back of Bennett’s impressive ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where he emerged as the sixth-highest run getter.

The right-hander notched up 292 runs in six matches at a stellar average of 146, including three half-centuries.

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He batted at a strike rate of 134, with a highest score of 97, unbeaten, against India in the Super Eights. Overall, the 22-year-old has played 58 T20Is, scoring 1888 runs, including a century and 12 half-centuries.

Notably, his PSL debut will mark his first appearance in an overseas league.

For the unversed, PSL 11 will begin on March 26 behind closed doors across two venues, Karachi and Lahore.

The upcoming edition is to be a landmark one, featuring eight teams for the first time, including debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen and RawalPindiz.

The tournament will comprise 44 matches spread across a 39-day window.

Updated Peshawar Zalmi squad for PSL 11:

Babar Azam (c), Sufiyan Muqeem, Brian Bennett, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Abdul Samad, Ali Raza, Aaron Hardie, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Haris, Khalid Usman, Abdul Subhan, James Vince, Michael Bracewell, Kusal Mendis, Iftikhar Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Mirza Tahir Baig, Kashif Ali, Shahnawaz Dahani, Farhan Yousuf and Shoriful Islam.

READ: Multan Sultans appoint Shan Masood as vice-captain for PSL 11

MADRID: France forward Kylian Mbappe has confirmed he is fully fit following a knee injury and is determined to feature in all of Real Madrid’s remaining matches as he prepares for the 2026 World Cup.

The 27-year-old missed four La Liga games this season due to a lingering knee issue from last year but returned to action on Sunday, coming off the bench in the 64th minute to help Madrid secure a 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid.

“I have made a 100% recovery,” Mbappe said.

“I prepared for the last two World Cups in the best way possible, which is to play, score goals, win titles, and fight until the last minute for my club, and this year I am going to do the same to arrive in top form.”

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Earlier in March, Real Madrid confirmed that Mbappe had re-aggravated the injury sustained in December, and the club opted for a conservative approach to his treatment.

His return against Atletico signalled a positive step in his run-up to the World Cup.

Mbappe is included in France’s squad for a pair of friendlies in the United States at the end of March, facing Brazil on March 26 and Colombia on March 29, as the nation gears up for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the U.S. from June 11 to July 19.

Madrid’s victory over Atletico keeps the club four points behind LaLiga leaders Barcelona, while attention also turns to an upcoming Champions League quarterfinal clash against Bayern Munich.

READ: Multan Sultans appoint Shan Masood as vice-captain for PSL 11

74-year-old Pakistani welder, Naseemuddin, father of Rashid Naseem, has made history by completing a hat-trick of world records recognised by the Guinness World Records.

In his latest achievement, Naseemuddin broke 38 marble tiles while holding an egg in his hand, surpassing the previous record of 30 tiles.

The confirmation was officially received via email, and the record has also been updated on the Guinness World Records website.

Previously, Naseemuddin set remarkable records by cracking 163 walnuts with a single punch and crushing apples using one hand, further establishing his extraordinary strength and skill despite his age.

The legacy of record-breaking runs in his family, as his granddaughter, grandson, son, and daughter-in-law have also achieved world records for Pakistan.

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Notably, he is the father of Rashid Naseem, who holds the distinction of making the highest number of world records for Pakistan.

Speaking on his achievement, Naseemuddin dedicated his record to Palestine, the Pakistan Army, and the people of Pakistan who love their country.

He expressed pride in raising Pakistan’s name globally at the age of 74 and highlighted his family’s continuous efforts to bring international recognition to the country.

However, he also shared disappointment over the lack of government attention and stated his desire to meet with government officials, a wish that remains unfulfilled.”

READ: ‘I Want to be the best all-rounder’: Iftikhar Ahmed eyes Pakistan return

Multan Sultans have named Shan Masood as captain for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

The outfit announced the news on social media handles with a video featuring Masood.

“Your Vice Captain – Shaan Masood. Back where he belongs,” the caption of the post read.

Pakistan Test captain Masood previously led the franchise in 2020, winning six out of 12 games and losing four, with a win percentage of 50.

 

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A post shared by Multan Sultans (@multansultans)

Under his leadership, Multan Sultans missed out on the trophy, losing to Peshawar Zalmi in the final by 47 runs.

Meanwhile, the 2021 winners will be led by Australian all-rounder Ashton Turner.

Turner a seasoned middle-order batter and five-time Big Bash League (BBL) champion has established himself as a T20 specialist across multiple global leagues, including the BBL, Men’s The Hundred, IPL, SA20, and the CPL.

Turner previously played for Multan Sultans in the last PSL season, appearing in three matches and scoring 15 runs.

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He now succeeds Mohammad Rizwan, who captained the Sultans in 58 matches, winning 33 and losing 25, with a win percentage of 56.89%.

Rizwan notably led the team to their maiden PSL title in 2021, defeating Peshawar Zalmi in the final. However, in PSL 11, Rizwan will be leading the new PSL franchise Pindiz.

Notably, the revival of Multan Sultans for PSL 11 comes after a series of last-minute franchise changes.

The original Sultans franchise was acquired by the Walee Group and rebranded as Pindiz, initially raising doubts about the team’s participation.

However, on March 3, the PSL franchise formerly known as Sialkot Stallionz was rebranded as Multan Sultans following a majority takeover by CD Ventures.

Gohar Shah, CEO of CD Ventures, acquired the majority stake from OZ Developers, who had purchased the franchise for PKR 1.85 billion, raising the franchise’s annual valuation to PKR 2 billion.

Multan Sultans Squad for PSL 11:

Ashton Turner (c), Mohammad Nawaz, Shehzad Gul, Faisal Akram, Imran Randhawa, Arafat Minhas, Sahibzada Farhan, Steve Smith, Peter Siddle, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lachlan Shaw, Delano Potgieter, Josh Philippe, Shan Masood, Momin Qamar, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Shahzad, Arshad Iqbal, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ismail and Atizaz Habib Khan.

LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed is aiming to make a return to the national side with a strong performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Iftikhar, who last played a T20I for Pakistan in 2024, spoke to the media ahead of the start of the tournament.

“PSL preparation is going good,” he said.

“It wouldn’t be as enjoyable without the crowd, but now we have to enjoy without them. The people of Peshawar love cricket so much that the stadium was packed during the National T20 [Cup],” he continued.

The all-rounder also rued not having fans in the stadium for the PSL 11 amid the government’s decision.

“People were waiting for the PSL match, but now the government has decided that the match will not be played in Peshawar,” said Iftikhar.

“I am a professional player, and I plan to play for Pakistan. I want to be the best all-rounder in [PSL] so that I can make a comeback into the Pakistan team,” the 35-year-old maintained.

“Every franchise works professionally. I have played for Peshawar Zalmi before. I hope I will perform well.”

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He also declined any communication regarding comeback with head coach Mike Hesson.

“There has been no contact with Mike Hesson. If I perform, everyone will see it. Performances are not hidden,” he concluded.

Overall, Iftikhar Ahmed has played 78 matches for five PSL franchises, amassing 1134 runs alongside 13 wickets.

For the unversed, PSL 11 will begin on March 26 behind closed doors across two venues, Karachi and Lahore.

The upcoming edition is to be a landmark one, featuring eight teams for the first time, including debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen and RawalPindiz.

The tournament will comprise 44 matches spread across a 39-day window.

READ: PSL 11 official anthem ‘Khelenge Beat Pe’ released