Category: Cricket

DHAKA: Pakistan Test squad held a training session at the Shere-Bangla National Stadium ahead of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, set to begin on May 8.

The first of the two matches – part of the ICC World Test Championship will be played at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from 8 to 12 May, while Sylhet International Cricket Stadium will host the second Test, which will be played from 16 to 20 May.

Players took part in net sessions that emphasized both batting and bowling under the guidance of the coaching staff. Additionally, the team performed physical drills and fielding exercises to enhance their fitness and improve their on-field skills.

 

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Meanwhile, ace batter Babar Azam and fast bowler Khurram Shehzad are set to join the national team after the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. Both players left for Bangladesh earlier today.

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Prior to departing for Bangladesh, Pakistan organized a five-day training camp at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, during which players refined their skills ahead of the series.

For the unversed, Pakistan currently sit fifth in the WTC standings with 12 points, having played only two matches in the current cycle against South Africa at home in 2025.

Pakistan squad for Bangladesh Test series:

Shan Masood (c), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

READ: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi named in PSL 11 Team of the Tournament

Mystery spinner Sunil Narine added another feather to his cap by becoming the third bowler in T20 history to claim  200 wickets for a single franchise. 

Narine achieved the feat while playing for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The 37-year-old, who made his debut for the outfit in 2012, remains one of the most consistent performers in the league.

The mystery spinner delivered a disciplined spell, finishing with figures of 2/31 in his four overs against SRH.

With this, Narine entered an elite list, featuring David Payne for Gloucestershire and Chris Wood for Hampshire, who are the only ones to have taken 200-plus wickets for a single franchise in T20 cricket, both in the T20 blast.

Most wickets for a single franchise in T20 Cricket

Sunil Narine (KKR) — 201 wickets in 197 matches

David Payne (GL) — 210 wickets in 156 matches

Chris Wood (HAM) — 210 wickets in 192 matches

Moreover, the right-arm spinner also became the first overseas bowler, and the third overall, to take 200 wickets in the IPL.

Most wickets in IPL history

Yuzvendra Chahal — 228 wickets in 183 matches

Bhuvneshwar Kumar — 215 wickets in 199 matches

Sunil Narine — 201 wickets in 197 matches

Narine’s impact on KKR has been immense over the years. He played a pivotal role in the franchise’s title-winning campaigns in 2012, 2014, and 2024, delivering match-winning performances with both ball and bat.

In addition to his bowling exploits, Narine has also contributed as a handy batter at the top of the order in recent seasons, further enhancing his value as an all-rounder.

Overall, in T20 cricket, he has scored 4783 runs at a strike rate of 148, including a century and 17 half-centuries.

READ: Sameer Minhas leads PSL 11 Emerging Team of the Tournament

LAHORE: PCB on Monday announced the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 Emerging Team of the Tournament, with young batter Sameer Minhas named captain.

The team selected by a five-member committee from the commentary panel includes two players from Peshawar Zalmi, Hyderabad Kingsmen, and Multan Sultans, and one player each from Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, Islamabad United, and Rawalpindiz.

Sameer finished as the highest run getter for United, collecting 349 runs at an impressive strike rate of 155.80.

He is followed by the best fielder of the tournament, Farhan Yousuf, and Ali Raza — the lone hat-trick taker of PSL 11.

Momin Qamar serves as the main spinner, supported by Ubaid Shah from Lahore Qalandars.

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Hunain Shah from Hyderabad Kingsmen and Mohammad Ismail from Multan Sultans form a strong pace attack.  Saad Masood is positioned at number 6, recognized for his impressive all-round skills.

Shamyl Hussain, Maaz Sadaqat, and wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig form the top four for the Emerging team of the tournament.

PSL 11 Emerging Team

Sameer Minhas (IU), Shamyl Hussain (QG), Maaz Sadaqat (HK), Saad Baig (KK) (wk), Farhan Yousuf (PZ), Saad Masood (Rawalpindiz), Hunain Shah (HK), Ali Raza (PZ), Mohammad Ismail (MS), Ubaid Shah (LQ), Momin Qamar (MS), Mohammad Farooq (LQ) (12th)

READ: Babar Azam opens up on future plans after PSL 11 triumph

Ace batter Babar Azam has been named as captain of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 Team of the Tournament.

The team was picked by a five-member committee from the commentary panel, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed in a press release.

“Team of HBL PSL 11 consists of three players each from Peshawar Zalmi, Hyderabad Kingsmen, two each from Lahore Qalandars, Islamabad United and one each from Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators,” the statement read.

Babar led Peshawar Zalmi to title glory — ending their nine-year wait for a trophy. The right-hander amassed 588 runs, finishing as the leading run scorer, recording two centuries.

He is joined at the top by Fakhar Zaman, who racked up 401 runs off eight matches to finish third in the season.

Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis also earned a spot after a prolific campaign, finishing as the second-highest run getter with 550 runs, including four fifties and one century.

 

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The middle order features Shan Masood, who scored 367 runs at an average of 45.87, alongside Shadab Khan, who was named the tournament’s best all-rounder for his impactful performances with both bat and ball.

The wicket-keeping duties have been handed to Usman Khan, who made 389 runs, including a century and three half-centuries.

Among the bowlers, Sufyan Moqim was the standout performer, claiming 22 wickets with his left-arm wrist spin at an impressive average of 14.40 and an economy rate of 7.20. He was also adjudged Player of the Tournament and Best Bowler.

Hassan Khan and emerging star Hunain Shah are also in the lineup, scoring 139 runs at a strike rate of 195 and taking six wickets, while Hunain picked up 17 wickets in 10 matches, finishing among the leading wicket-takers despite missing early games.

Shaheen Shah Afridi also made the cut, taking 16 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 18.18.

England pacer Richard Gleeson bolsters the pace attack. who impressed with the new ball, claimed 12 wickets in nine matches at an economy rate of 7.13.

Meanwhile, Hasan Nawaz of Quetta Gladiators was named the 12th player after scoring 291 runs in 10 matches, including two half-centuries.

 PSL 11 Team of the Tournament

Babar Azam (PZ) (c), Fakhar Zaman (LQ), Kusal Mendis (PZ) (wk), Shan Masood (MS), Shadab Khan (IU), Hassan Khan (HK), Shaheen Shah Afridi (LQ), Hunain Shah (HK), Sufyan Moqim (PZ), Richard Gleeson (IU), Hasan Nawaz (QG) (12th)

READ: Babar Azam opens up on future plans after PSL 11 triumph

LAHORE: Pakistan ace batter Babar Azam has underlined his commitment to all three formats, admitting that players learn from mistakes. 

After enduring a poor run in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Babar returned to form in dominant fashion, guiding Peshawar Zalmi to a PSL 11 triumph. He played a pivotal role in his side’s success, finishing as the top scorer with 588 runs in 11 matches, including two centuries.

Speaking to the media after leading Peshawar Zalmi to PSL 11 triumph, he mentioned that his focus is on all three formats, emphasizing that a batter should engage in every form of cricket.

“My focus is on all three formats. I feel a batter should play all cricket and should not limit himself to white-ball cricket,” he told reporters.

“Red-ball cricket teaches you the art of batting long and instils patience in you. It helps you to understand how you can score big runs and all the learnings from the red-ball game help you in white-ball cricket,” he added.

The skipper admitted to struggles and failures to rise on different occasions, revealing that he worked closely with his coaches to address his weaknesses.

“I was not up to my own expectations, but it is normal for a batter to struggle with his execution. You have to take a few steps back and assess where you are going wrong and correct it,” he admitted.

“You need support in such times, and my family and close friends kept me motivated. I discussed the areas of improvement with the coaches who are close to me and worked on them.”

He concluded by saying that life is like a rollercoaster, with constant changes, and that we learn from both our good and bad experiences.

“Life is like a rollercoaster, and things never stay the same. You learn from your good and bad experiences. That is how life goes.”

READ: Babar Azam misses out on breaking all-time PSL record

LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed credited team management after lifting the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 trophy.

Zalmi chased down a partly 130 in 15.3 overs, thanks to Hardie’s unbeaten half-century.

The highlight of the match was a decisive 85-run partnership between Abdul Samad and Aaron Hadie. He scored a brisk 48 off 34 deliveries, including four sixes, before falling in the 15th over.

This ends a nine-year wait for Zalmi since their maiden triumph in 2017. The victory also marked the first major trophy as captain for star batter Babar Azam.

Speaking after the match, Iftikhar recalled the 2017 edition while praising the team’s effort after a strong all-round performance in the final.

“I was there in 2017 as well and at that time we had a very strong team. This time I think the team that has been built is excellent,” he said.

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He credited the team management for assembling a winning combination, highlighting the depth in Zalmi’s squad.

“In my opinion, the credit goes to the team owners and management for the way they have created the combination. We have fast bowlers, strong middle-order batters, a solid top order, and finishers as well,” he said.

The 35-year-old further said that when a squad has such a balance and all key areas are covered, the chances of qualifying and winning the title are very high.

“When you have such balance in your squad and all your key areas are covered, your chances of qualifying and becoming champions are very high. That is why this time we have a strong chance to win the trophy,” the all-rounder concluded.

READ: Babar Azam misses out on breaking all-time PSL record

LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi skipper Babar Azam fell just short of breaking Fakhar Zaman’s all-time record for most runs in a single edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The right-hander was caught on the first ball he faced under lights at the Gaddafi Stadium, attempting a cut shot off a wider delivery from Mohammad Ali.

Before coming into the fixture, his score was tied with Zaman’s tally of 588 runs, recorded in 2022.

Most runs in a PSL season:

Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi) – 588 runs in 2026
Fakhar Zaman (Lahore Qalandars) – 588 runs in 2022
Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi) – 569 runs in 2024
Babar Azam (Karachi Kings) – 554 runs in 2021
Mohammad Rizwan (Multan Sultans) – 550 runs in 2023
Mohammad Rizwan (Multan Sultans) – 546 runs in 2022
Kusal Mendis (Peshawar Zalmi) – 550* runs in 2026
Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi) – 522 runs in 2023
Mohammad Rizwan (Multan Sultans) – 500 runs in 2021

Nonetheless, Babar remained in supreme form during PSL 11, amassing 588 runs in 11 matches at an average of 73.50, including two centuries and three fifties.

Furthermore, the 31-year-old player matched two major records in this edition of the tournament with a blazing century against Islamabad United during the Qualifier.

Babar Azam top-scored with an explosive 103 off just 59 balls, including 12 fours and four sixes, which helped his team set a formidable total of 221-7 in 20 overs.

His 57-ball century — second of the tournament, made him the second player to achieve this milestone, joining Usman Khan, who recorded the feat in PSL 9.

READ: WATCH: Babar Azam falls for golden duck in PSL 11 final

LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam fell for a golden duck against Hyderabad Kingsmen in the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

The right-hander was caught on the first ball he faced under lights at the Gaddafi Stadium, attempting a cut shot off a wider delivery from Mohammad Ali.

As a result, Peshawar Zalmi were reduced to 7-2 in the first over, marking an end to an impressive over for Ali.

Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi fast bowlers Nahid Rana and Aaron Hardie wreaked havoc with the ball, dismantling Hyderabad Kingsmen for a mere total.

 

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Asked to bat first, Hyderabad Kingsmen collapsed from 71-3 to 129 all out in 18 overs.

Maaz Sadaqat was caught for 11 in the second over off Mohammad Basit’s bowling. Following an early blow, skipper Marnus Labuschagne and Saim Ayub batted with responsibility.

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The pair shared a 35-run stand off 20 balls, bringing the score to 51 in 4.4 overs.

Aaron Hardie provided Zalmi the much-needed breakthrough, removing Labuschagne, who made 20 off 12 with the aid of a six and three fours.

However, the momentum quickly shifted in the sixth over as Kingsmen lost Usman Khan and Irfan Khan in succession.

In the very next over, Nahid Rana got the prize scalp of Glenn Maxwell (0), caught at mid-wicket without scoring.

Saim Ayub remained the only solid batter, scoring an anchoring half-century. He made 54 off 50 deliveries, striking five fours and two sixes.

For Peshawar Zalmi, Aaron Hardie starred with the ball, taking four wickets in his quota of four overs.

Playing XIs

Hyderabad Kingsmen: Maaz Sadaqat, Marnus Labuschagne (capt), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan (wk), Kusal Perera, Glenn Maxwell, Irfan Khan Niazi, Hassan Khan, Hunain Shah, Mohammad Ali, Akif Javed

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (capt), Mohammad Haris, Kusal Mendis (wk), Farhan Yousuf, Michael Bracewell, Aaron Hardie, Iftikhar Ahmed, Abdul Samad, Sufyan Moqim, Basit Ali, Nahid Rana

READ: Salman Ali Agha reflects on Haris Rauf’s bowling in Asia Cup final

LAHORE: Skipper Babar Azam ended his wait for a first major title as Peshawar Zalmi crushed Hyderabad Kingsmen in the final of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Zalmi chased down a partly 130 in 15.3 overs, thanks to Hardie’s unbeaten half-century.

This ends a nine-year wait for Zalmi since their maiden triumph in 2017. The victory also marked the first major trophy as captain for star batter Babar Azam.

The innings got off to a disastrous start as Mohammad Haris (6) and skipper Babar Azam (0) fell in the opening over to Mohammad Ali, leaving Zalmi reeling.

Hardie then steadied the chase alongside Kusal Mendis (9) before further setbacks saw Zalmi slump to 40/4 after Michael Bracewell (4) was dismissed by Akif Javed.

With pressure mounting, Hardie combined with Abdul Samad in a decisive 85-run partnership that turned the match in Zalmi’s favour. Samad scored a brisk 48 off 34 deliveries, including four sixes, before falling in the 15th over.

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Hardie, however, remained composed and guided the chase to completion with an unbeaten 56 off 39 balls, striking nine boundaries to seal a memorable victory in the Pakistan Super League final.

Mohammad Ali was the standout bowler for Hyderabad Kingsmen with figures of 3/38, while Hunain Shah and Akif Javed took one wicket each.

Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi fast bowlers Nahid Rana and Aaron Hardie wreaked havoc with the ball to dismantle Hyderabad Kingsmen for a mere total in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 final at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.

Asked to bat first, Hyderabad Kingsmen collapsed from 71-3 to 129 all out in 18 overs.

Maaz Sadaqat was caught for 11 in the second over off Mohammad Basit’s bowling. Following an early blow, skipper Marnus Labuschagne and Saim Ayub batted with responsibility.

READ: Salman Ali Agha reflects on Haris Rauf’s bowling in Asia Cup final

Pakistan T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha opened up about a costly decision during the Asia Cup 2025 final against arch-rivals India. 

During the final, Haris Rauf gave 50 runs in just 3.4 overs and remained wicketless against India in the final.

At an important stage of the game, when India were reeling at 83-4 after 14 overs, Haris was brought back into the attack by Agha. However, he conceded 17 runs in an over, which shifted the momentum in India’s favor.

After an expensive over, he was taken off the attack but was later brought back into the 18th over, where he conceded another 13 runs. This left India needing 17 runs from 12 balls.

Speaking on the ARY Podcast, Agha recalled the Asia Cup 2025 final against India, admitting that mistakes were made during the Asia Cup 2025 and the T20 World Cup 2026.

“There are a lot of things. One year has passed since I began to captain, and that too in two tournaments. So many mistakes must have happened. If our results weren’t good, then mistakes would have happened,” he said.

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“In the Asia Cup final, I decided that if I had continued with Abrar, I never know what would have happened to the result. That is one thing I would like to change,” he added.

He also said that he had given Haris Rauf the ball because he was Pakistan’s main bowler in that match. However, he could not rise to the occasion, reflecting that Abrar might have changed the course of the game.

“If you see the other side, I gave Haris the ball; he was our main bowler in that match. He couldn’t bowl well, couldn’t execute his plans properly,” Agha explained.

“I feel that if I continue with Abrar, you never know what would have happened to the game,” Agha concluded.

READ: Babar Azam responds to Hafeez’s ‘advertised superstars’ remark