Category: Cricket

KARACHI: Stand-in captain Moeen Ali reflected on Karachi Kings batting and fielding performance following an eight-wicket defeat to Islamabad United.

Kings were limited to 150-6 in 20 overs after they were asked to bat first in PSL 11 clash here at the National Bank Stadium on Thursday night. Reeza Hendricks remained the top-scorer with a 51 not out from 44 balls, including four boundaries.

In reply, United chased down the target in 16 overs, largely due to half-centuries from Sameer Minhas and Devon Conway.

Minhas made 58 off 36 balls, whereas Conway scored an unbeaten 53 from 36 deliveries.

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For Karachi Kings, Moeen Ali and Hasan Ali picked up one wicket each.

Speaking after the match, Moeen lamented the batting and fielding display, stating that they leaked many runs in the first six overs.

“Just haven’t seemed to bat well and even in the field. We have leaked a lot of runs in the powerplay and I think the batting today was passive and not taking the chances,” he said.

He also highlighted the batters coming down the order while stressing on tactical changes in the upcoming games.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

“You got to use the length of the batting line up. Probably me, Khushi [Khushdil Shah] and even Abbas [Abbas Afridi] can come up. We can tactically see what we can do,” he added.

This was the third straight loss for Karachi Kings following their victories in the first three matches.

Karachi Kings will play Multan Sultans on Sunday, April 19, at the same venue.

READ: Sameer Minhas stars as Islamabad United beat Karachi Kings

KARACHI: Sameer Minhas composed a half-century, and a clinical bowling effort sealed a comfortable eight-wicket win for Islamabad United over Karachi Kings in the 25th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Thursday.

Islamabad United chased down the 151-run target in 16 overs, thanks to a strong opening partnership.

Sameer Minhas and Devon Conway made the light work of the chase, adding 93 for the opening wicket in the first 10 overs.

Minhas remained the core aggressor and reached his third half-century in PSL 11. Meanwhile, Conway milked the bowlers around.

Minhas was eventually stumped for a well-made 58 from 36 balls, peppered with 10 fours.  The second wicket was off Mohammad Faiq, who only made five.

At this stage, Islamabad United 110-2 in 12.3 overs.

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With a run a ball required, skipper Shadab Khan and Devon Conway added an unbeaten 43 runs from 21 balls to seal victory for their side.

Shadab made a quick-fire 31 off 16, including two sixes and a four, while Conway’s unbeaten half-century featured six fours and a maximum.

For Karachi Kings, Hasan Ali and Moeen Ali picked one wicket each.

Earlier, Reeza Hendricks’ fifty guided Karachi Kings to a 150-6 in 20 overs.

Asked to bat first, the Kings were jolted early in the form of promoted batter Saad Baig. The left-hander holed out to square leg position after scoring six runs.

Following an early blow, Jason Roy — playing for the first time in PSL 11- built a 62-run partnership with Reeza Hendricks.

Roy batted fluently for his 39 off 27 balls and did not look rusty either. The right-hander struck two sixes and three fours. Meanwhile, Hendricks nudged the bowlers around.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

The partnership took the score to 69 in 8.4 overs before Shadab Khan removed Roy, who miscued one and was caught at long-off by Mark Chapman. The third wicket also came in quick time as Salman Ali Agha went back for only four.

With Kings reeling at 77-3, Azam Khan joined hands with Reeza Hendricks and stabilized the innings with a gritty 54-run partnership.

The Kings were ready to go big at the death overs, but Islamabad United’s impressive bowling curtailed the scoring rate.

Azam Khan hit a maximum and three fours on his way to 34 from 29, while Hendricks remained unbeaten on 51 off 44 balls, including four boundaries.

For Islamabad United, Shadab Khan and Richard Gleeson took two wickets each.

READ: PSL 11: Glenn Maxwell creates history with rare T20 milestone

KARACHI: Islamabad United have won the toss and decided to bowl first against Karachi Kings in the 25th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Thursday.

Head to Head

Kings and United have played each other 24 times, with the latter winning 18 games, while the 2020 winners secured six wins.

Playing XIs

Karachi Kings: Saad Baig, Jason Roy, Reeza Hendricks, Salman Ali Agha, Moeen Ali (c), Khushdil Shah, Azam Khan (wk), Abbas Afridi, Hassan Ali, Adam Zampa, Mir Hamza

Islamabad United: Mohammad Hasnain, Devon Conway (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Mark Chapman, Chris Green, Muhammad Faiq, Sameer Minhas, Haider Ali, Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson, Shadab Khan (c)

READ: PSL 11: Glenn Maxwell creates history with rare T20 milestone

KARACHI: Hunain Shah and Mohammad Ali combined to rattle Rawalpindiz batting lineup before Irfan Khan and Kusal Perera took Hyderabad Kingsmen over the line in a nervy chase in the 24th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Set mere 122, Hyderabad Kingsmen hit the winning runs on the third ball of the 16th over, losing five wickets in the process.

Hyderabad Kingsmen had a similar start to Rawalpindiz, losing the first three wickets inside the powerplay. After an early hiccup, captain Marnus Labuschagne stabilized the innings with a 39-run partnership alongside Kusal Perera.

As a result, the Kingsmen’s scorecard read 68 in nine overs. However, Rawalpindiz came back into the match with quick wickets of Glenn Maxwell and Saad Masood.

Consequently, Hyderabad Kingsmen were in deep trouble with five down for 69, with Irfan Khan and Kusal  Perera at the fore.

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The duo not only soaked up the pressure but stitched a match-winning 54* run partnership to take their side home. Irfan made 34 from 29 balls with the aid of a six and three fours, whereas Perera remained unbeaten on 32 off 24 balls, striking a six and three fours.

For Rawalpindiz, Asif Afridi picked up two wickets.

Earlier, Pindiz were restricted to 121-9 in 20 overs courtesy after being put in to bat first.

Rawalpindiz had a poor start, losing three wickets in the first five overs. Glenn Maxwell laid the first blow in the shape of Usman Khawaja’s wicket, who was bowled for two.

The second wicket was off Mohammad Rizwan, who was bowled by Mohammad Ali. The skipper’s poor form continued as he made 15 from 16 balls.

Hyderabad Kingsmen bowlers squeezed runs and took wickets at regular intervals. None of the opposition batters stayed for a long time. Sam Billings top-scored with 26 from 22 deliveries, striking a four and a six.

For Hyderabad Kingsmen, Hunain Shah and Mohammad Ali shared six wickets between them.

Playing XIs

Hyderabad Kingsmen: Maaz Sadaqat, Marnus Labuschagne (c), Usman Khan (wk), Saim Ayub, Kusal Perera, Glenn Maxwell, Irfan Niazi, Hassan Khan, Asif Mehmood, Hunain Shah, and Mohammad Ali.

RawalPindiz: Mohammad Rizwan (c/wk), Usman Khawaja, Yasir Khan, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings, Abdullah Fazal, Saad Masood (U), Mubasir Khan, Asif Afridi, Ben Sears, and Mohammad Amir

READ: PSL 11: Glenn Maxwell creates history with rare T20 milestone

KARACHI: Hyderabad Kingsmen all-rounder Glenn Maxwell on Thursday became the second player in T20 cricket history with 10, 000 runs and 200 wickets.

Maxwell reached the milestone during Rawalpindiz clash in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium.

The right-arm off-spinner dismissed compatriot Usman Khawa in the third over, marking his 200th wicket in limited-overs cricket. With this, he joined West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard as the other player to reach the mark.

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Players with 10,000 runs and 200 wickets in T20 cricket

• Glenn Maxwell 11009 runs, 200 wickets in 505 matches
• Kieron Pollard 14482 runs, 333 wickets in 735 matches

Notably, his 11,009 runs in T20s were scored at a stunning strike rate of 154.12; meanwhile, his 200 wickets have come at an average of just over 30.

The right-handed batter boasts an impressive T20I record, having scored 2897 runs in 129 matches at a remarkable strike rate of 154.42, including five centuries and 12 half-centuries.

His all-round credentials further strengthen his value, with 49 wickets to his name in the format.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Interestingly, this is Maxwell’s first appearance in the PSL. Yet, despite not producing a standout individual performance so far, his presence seems to have shifted something within the Hyderabad Kingsmen camp.

Before his arrival, the team had lost four matches on the bounce and were struggling at the bottom of the table. However, since Maxwell joined the squad, they have won three consecutive games and climbed to fourth place.

READ: Quetta Gladiators rope in Sri Lanka veteran as Bevon Jacobs replacement

KARACHI: Quetta Gladiators have strengthened their squad for the remainder of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 by bringing in experienced Sri Lankan batter Dinesh Chandimal as a replacement for Bevon Jacobs.

Jacobs has left the tournament to join New Zealand’s national squad ahead of their upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh, scheduled to begin on April 27.

The right-handed batter featured in three matches during his debut PSL campaign, scoring 52 runs, including an unbeaten 49 against Multan Sultans.

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Chandimal, a seasoned campaigner in international cricket, is set to arrive in Pakistan later today and will link up with the Gladiators squad immediately.

The wicketkeeper-batter is no stranger to the franchise, having made a brief appearance in the previous edition of the league. He played three matches in PSL 10, scoring 87 runs, with a top score of an unbeaten 48.

At the international level, Chandimal has represented Sri Lanka in 69 T20Is, accumulating 1,066 runs with six half-centuries to his name.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

He was also part of Sri Lanka’s triumphant squad in the 2014 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, adding valuable experience to the Gladiators’ dressing room.

Quetta Gladiators currently sit fifth on the PSL 11 points table, with two wins from six matches.

Quetta Gladiators squad: Saud Shakeel (c), Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq, Hasan Nawaz, Shamyl Hussain, Alzarri Joseph, Rilee Rossouw, Ahmed Daniyal, Jahanzaib Sultan, Jahandad Khan, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Khan Zeb, Bismillah Khan, Saqib Khan, Ahsaan Ali, Brett Hampton, Sam Harper, Dinesh Chandimal, Ben McDermott, Tom Curran

READ: PSL 11 observes Pink Day to raise breast cancer awareness

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dedicated Thursday to a breast cancer awareness initiative during the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11, marking the occasion as ‘Pink Day’ in a bid to use cricket’s platform for a wider social cause.

The campaign forms part of the board’s corporate social responsibility efforts, aiming to spread awareness about one of the most prevalent health challenges facing women in Pakistan.

In the double-header scheduled for today, Hyderabad Kingsmen will take on Rawalpindiz in the first match at 2.30pm PKT, while Karachi Kings and Islamabad United will go head-to-head in the afternoon game.

“The Pink Day will include a brace of activities and initiatives at the National Bank Stadium. All the players of the four teams in action today, the match officials, the PCB officials, the team owners will wear pink caps and ribbons,” the cricket board said in a statement.

The National Bank Stadium will reflect the theme, with pink stumps and specially designed broadcast graphics reinforcing the message.

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Breast cancer is the most common form of the disease in Pakistan, accounting for 16.5 per cent of all cancer patients in the country, according to the available online surveys.

One in nine women in Pakistan develops breast cancer, putting the country at the highest rate of occurrence in Asia.

It can be cured and addressed better when society comes together to first raise awareness about the disease and then to stand steadfast with the patients and their families.

The PSL and PCB have organised the Pink Day in partnership with the Pink Ribbon Hospital in Lahore, which is Pakistan’s first Breast Cancer Charity Hospital. The PCB and Pink Ribbon Hospital have also arranged free-of-cost screening for women from 13 to 18 April in Lahore.

At 8pm PKT, the Pakistan Cricket fraternity is set to come together to share their messages and thoughts regarding Breast Cancer Awareness on X using the official hashtag of the day #GoPink.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

The fans are also encouraged to express their views and thoughts regarding the Pink Day using the official hashtag.

In a notable gesture, Pakistan women’s team captain Fatima Sana, along with players Syeda Aroob Shah, Rameen Shamim and Muneeba Ali, will participate in pre-match activities to further highlight the importance of the cause.

PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer emphasised the league’s commitment to social impact, stating that the platform provides a powerful opportunity to educate the public and stand in solidarity with those affected.

“The HBL Pakistan Super League takes a lot of pride in standing up to raise awareness around breast cancer. Through the vehicle of sport and the sheer popularity of the HBL PSL as a brand, the PCB aims to go above and beyond to fulfil its corporate social responsibility,” he said.

“Through the HBL PSL 11 and this specially arranged Pink Day, we want to not only educate the masses about the disease but also to send out a strong message of solidarity to the patients, their families and the loved ones. We are thankful to the Pink Ribbon Hospital and the whole cricket fraternity for coming together to weave a net of security and empathy for women suffering from this disease in our society.”

READ: Rilee Rossouw sets PSL record during Peshawar Zalmi clash

KARACHI: Ace batter Babar Azam on Wednesday became the fourth player overall to complete 100 half-centuries in T20 cricket. 

The Peshawar Zalmi skipper achieved the feat during his side’s clash against Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

With this milestone, Babar joined Australia’s David Warner, India’s Virat Kohli, and England’s Jos Buttler.

Most half-centuries in men’s T20s

David Warner (Australia) – 116 in 435 innings
Virat Kohli (India) – 107 in 401 innings
Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 100 in 341 innings
Jos Buttler (England) – 100 in 468 innings

Notably, Babar has been in fine form in PSL 11 and currently sits second on the run-scorers’ chart. The right-hander has amassed 301 runs in six matches at an average of 75.25 at a strike rate of 132.59.

Babar scored an unbeaten 71 off 51 balls in Zalmi’s dominant win over Gladiators, marking his 100th half-century in T20s.

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Chasing a modest target of 155, Zalmi got off to a strong start as Mohammad Haris and Babar Azam put together a brisk 75-run opening stand. Haris scored 35 off 28 balls before being dismissed, but the platform had already been set.

Babar, anchoring the innings, found support from Kusal Mendis, who contributed 21 runs during a steady 49-run partnership. After Mendis departed, Babar ensured there were no late hiccups.

The Zalmi captain remained unbeaten on 71 off 51 deliveries, striking 10 boundaries, and guided his side home comfortably with nine balls to spare.

Earlier, Zalmi’s decision to field first proved spot on as Quetta struggled to build momentum and were bowled out for 154 in 20 overs.

Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Basit starred with the ball, both taking wickets.

For his outstanding bowling performance, Muqeem bagged his second player of the match award.

READ: Babar Azam credits bowlers for dominant win against Quetta Gladitors

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam credited bowlers after his side thumped Quetta Gladiators in the 23rd match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Zalmi registered an eight-wicket win over Gladiators to extend their six-game unbeaten run in the tournament — six wins out of six games.

Sufiyan Muqeem delivered with the ball, scalping a three-wicket haul while Babar Azam made an unbeaten 71* from 51 balls with the aid of 10 fours.

Following this victory, Peshawar Zalmi have consolidated the top spot with 13 points and are on the verge of qualifying for the playoffs.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Babar Azam discussed the conditions and praised the bowlers for delivering successfully throughout the fixtures.

“We assessed the conditions and our bowling attack has been delivering consistently and we were relying on it. It’s a team game, and combined effort is helping us win. We’re keeping the players sitting out ready and that’s why we see them performing well,” he remarked.

He also hailed emerging bowler Mohammad Basit Ali, who took a three-wicket haul.

“Take the example of Basit, who bowled fantastically,” said Babar.

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The skipper also mentioned his own form, noting that he tries to take the game deep to ensure his team crosses the finishing line.

“On my personal form, yes I feel good, when you spend time out in the middle, it gives you confidence and I am trying to carry my confidence and play a winning role. Focus has been on building partnerships and to take the game deep,” he concluded.

Peshawar Zalmi’s next fixture will be against Quetta Gladiators on April 19 at the same venue.

READ: Babar, Muqeem star in dominant win for Peshawar Zalmi

Karachi Kings have picked Jason Roy as a replacement for opening batter Muhammad Waseem for the remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

The franchise revealed the signing in a press release, praising the highly experienced batter.

“Karachi Kings are excited to announce the signing of England’s powerhouse opener, Jason Roy, for the PSL 11 season. Roy joins the squad as a replacement for Muhammad Waseem,” the press release wrote.

“Known for his fearless striking and vast experience in the T20 circuit, Roy is no stranger to the HBL PSL, where he has consistently been one of the most destructive overseas batters. His arrival is set to bolster the Kings’ top order as the tournament enters its most critical phase,” it added.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

The UAE duo of Muhammad Waseem and Khuzaima Bin Tanveer had earlier left the PSL midway after being recalled by the Emirates Cricket Board to participate in the domestic D50 tournament.

The directive required both players to return immediately and feature in the ongoing 50-over competition in the UAE.

Karachi Kings have also confirmed that the replacement for Khuzaima bin Tanveer will follow in due course.

It is worth mentioning that the 35-year-old Roy represented Quetta Gladiators for five seasons from 2017 to 2024. Overall, he has 38 matches in PSL, amassing 1260 runs at an average of 36.00 with a strike rate of 146.51, including two centuries and eight half-centuries.

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Overall, he has played 470 T20 matches in which Roy has accumulated 10584 runs with the aid of 6 centuries and 69 half-centuries.

Karachi Kings Updated Squad

Karachi Kings: David Warner (c), Moeen Ali, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Khushdil Shah, Saad Baig, Azam Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Adam Zampa, Reeza Hendricks, Ihsanullah, Jason Roy, Aqib Ilyas, Haroon Arshad, Shahid Aziz, Rizwanullah, Muhammad Hamza, Mir Hamza

READ: Rilee Rossouw sets PSL record during Peshawar Zalmi clash