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LAHORE: The closing ceremony of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 final is set to feature a high-profile lineup of artists, with leading singer Atif Aslam among the performers scheduled to entertain fans at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the grand finale of the tournament will be accompanied by a star-studded musical show, with performances also expected from Ali Azmat, Arif Lohar, Aima Baig and the Sabri Sisters.

The announcement was made through official PCB channels, which also outlined preparations for a colourful closing ceremony, including fireworks and stage performances designed to mark the end of the season in style.

According to the board, arrangements for the final and its accompanying ceremony were reviewed in a high-level meeting chaired by PCB officials, where instructions were issued to ensure top-tier organisation and spectator comfort.

Fans have been advised to reach the stadium by 06:00 PM, with entry gates expected to be fully operational by the evening.

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The PSL 11 season initially began without an opening ceremony and behind closed doors due to government restrictions linked to an oil crisis triggered by geopolitical tensions.

However, with recent approvals, spectators have now been allowed to return for the playoffs and final, adding a festive atmosphere to the concluding stage of the tournament.

The title match will be contested between Peshawar Zalmi and Hyderabad Kingsmen, two sides that have taken contrasting paths to reach the final.

Zalmi, led by Babar Azam, have been the most dominant team of the season, finishing top of the group stage with 17 points before defeating Islamabad United in the Qualifier to secure direct entry into the final.

On the other hand, Hyderabad Kingsmen have emerged as the tournament’s surprise package. Under the leadership of Marnus Labuschagne, the debutants recovered from a difficult start to the season, which included four consecutive defeats, before staging a strong comeback to reach their first PSL final.

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LAHORE: Hunain Shah delivered an exceptional over under pressure to seal an emphatic win for Hyderabad Kingsmen, helping them qualify for the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Hyderabad sealed a close win over Islamabad United in the Eliminator 2 under lights at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

Chasing 187 in this high-pressure PSL 2026 knockout, Islamabad United stumbled early, losing Sameer Minhas (6) and Mohsin Riaz (5) inside three overs.

Devon Conway (30) and Shadab Khan (22) attempted to rebuild, but regular wickets kept the chase in check. Mark Chapman then led the fightback with a quickfire 43 off 26 balls, while Haider Ali added 31 off 16 deliveries in a crucial 64-run partnership.

Despite Chapman’s dismissal in the 18th over, Islamabad United surged back into contention when Faheem Ashraf and Chris Green smashed 22 runs in the penultimate over, leaving just six required off the final over.

With the match on the line, Hunain Shah produced exceptional death bowling, conceding only three runs to secure a dramatic two-run victory for Hyderabad Kingsmen.

Hunain and Mohammad Ali claimed two wickets each, while Akif Javed, Hassan Khan, and Saim Ayub chipped in with one apiece.

The narrow win confirmed Hyderabad Kingsmen’s place in the PSL 11 final against Peshawar Zalmi, marking a remarkable run for the tournament debutants.

Earlier, Marnus Labuschagne made a crafty 40 off 32 balls before Usman Khan’s quickfire helped Hyderabad Kingsmen finish strongly

Put into bat first, Kingsmen piled up 186-5 in 20 overs.

Kingsmen suffered a big blow in the first over as Maaz Sadaqat was caught off a short bouncer from Richard Gleeson without scoring.

With the scoreboard reading 1-1, out of form Saim Ayub arrived at the crease. He formed a vital partnership with skipper Marnus Labuschagne to steady the innings.

Both batters pounced on anything loose, finishing the powerplay strongly on 54-1.

After the fielding restrictions were lifted, United spinners — Shadab Khan and Chris Green squeezed the runs flow with a couple of tight overs. The pressure resulted in Saim’s wicket, who batted well, scoring 38 off 27 balls, hitting seven fours.

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It was Imad Wasim’s 11th over that put Kingsmen on the back foot as the veteran spinner struck twice in an over. The left-armer first got set batter Labuschagne (39 off 32 balls) and then the big scalp of Glenn Maxwell (3).

As a result, they were reduced to 85-4 in 11.4 overs.

With momentum slipping, Usman Khan and Sri Lankan batter Kusal Perera orchestrated a dramatic turnaround. The pair added an unbroken 101-run partnership for the fifth wicket, lifting Hyderabad Kingsmen to a formidable total in this Pakistan Super League 2025 Eliminator.

Usman Khan led the charge with a fluent 61 not out off just 30 deliveries, striking 10 boundaries, while Perera provided strong support with 37 off 21 balls, including four fours and two sixes. Their counter-attacking stand ensured the Kingsmen finished strongly after a mid-innings wobble.

For Islamabad United, Imad Wasim was the standout bowler, returning economical figures of 2/16 in his two overs. Gleeson, Faheem Ashraf, and Chris Green claimed one wicket each but were unable to prevent the late surge.

READ: Salman Naseer provides update on PSL 11 closing ceremony

LAHORE: Islamabad United won the toss and opted to bowl first against Hyderabad Kingsmen in the Eliminator 2 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

Head to Head

United and Kingsmen have met twice in the marquee league, each securing one victory, keeping their head-to-head record tied.

Playing XIs

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

Islamabad United: Salman Mirza, Devon Conway (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Mark Chapman, Chris Green, Mohsin Riaz, Sameen Minhas, Haider Ali, Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson, Shadab Khan (c)

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LAHORE: Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana has rejoined the Peshawar Zalmi squad ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 final, scheduled to be played at Gaddafi Stadium here on Sunday.

The 23-year-old pacer has received a fresh No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), citing the importance of exposure to high-pressure franchise cricket.

The young fast bowler had initially been given NOC only until April 13, after which he returned home alongside other Bangladesh players for the series against New Zealand.

He was part of Bangladesh’s squad against New Zealand but was not selected for the first two T20Is, with selectors prioritising his workload management ahead of a busy Test calendar.

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However, following a reassessment, the BCB granted him permission to feature in the PSL final.

Rana’s return comes as a timely boost for Zalmi, who have secured their place in the final after defeating Islamabad United in the Qualifier.

They will now face the winner of the second Eliminator, to be contested between Islamabad United and Hyderabad Kingsmen later today.

It’s worth noting that during his brief PSL stint, Rana made a strong impression, picking up seven wickets at an average of 10.85 in four matches at an economy rate of 5.42 for Zalmi.

Peshawar Zalmi squad

Babar Azam (c), Sufiyan Muqeem, Abdul Samad, Ali Raza, Aaron Hardie, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Haris, Khalid Usman, Abdul Subhan, Michael Bracewell, Kusal Mendis, Iftikhar Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Kashif Ali, Shahnawaz Dahani, Farhan Yousuf, Brian Bennett, Mohammad Basit

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly finalised a tentative schedule for the upcoming home ODI series against Australia, with all three matches likely to be staged at the Gaddafi Stadium, sources revealed on Thursday.

According to the proposed plan, the series is expected to begin on May 31, with the second and third ODIs scheduled for June 2 and June 4, respectively.

The official confirmation from the PCB is still awaited, with the final itinerary expected to be announced in due course.

If confirmed, the series will mark Australia’s return to Pakistan for a 50-over assignment for the first time since 2022. On that occasion, the home side secured a memorable 2–1 victory in a closely contested three-match series.

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Historically, Australia have maintained the upper hand in ODI cricket between the two sides, leading Pakistan 71-36 in 111 encounters, with four matches ending without a result.

Following the Pakistan tour, Australia are also scheduled to travel to Bangladesh for a full white-ball series in June 2026, marking the end of a long gap between bilateral ODI engagements in the country.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s international calendar remains packed as they prepare for a key red-ball assignment in Bangladesh ahead of the home series against Australia.

They will feature in a two-match Test series in Bangladesh as part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle.

Tentative schedule for Pakistan vs Australia

May 31: 1st ODI, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

June 02: 2nd ODI, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

June 04: 3rd ODI, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

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LAHORE: A clinical bowling effort backed by Usman Khan and Maaz Sadaqat’s gutsy half-centuries powered Hyderabad Kingsmen past Multan Sultans in the Eliminator 1 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.

The Kingsmen chased down a 160-run target without breaking a sweat on the loss of two wickets with 28 balls to spare, largely due to Usman and Sadaqat’s brisk fifties.

In pursuit of the target, Kingsmen made an early stutter when captain Marnus Labuschagne fell for 11 in the second over.

Usman Khan and Sadaqat then took control, sharing a match-defining 92-run partnership for the second wicket. Usman led the charge with an aggressive 64 off 35 balls, striking eight fours and three sixes before being dismissed in the 11th over.

Sadaqat carried on the momentum, finishing unbeaten on 64 off 35 deliveries, hitting eight fours and three sixes. He was ably supported by Saim Ayub, who added 15 not out, as the Kingsmen sealed victory in the 16th over.

For Multan Sultans, there was nothing much in the bowling charts, with Steve Smith and Mohammad Ismail taking one wicket each.

Earlier, Shan Masood’s fighting half-century took Multan Sultans to a respectable total

Put into bat first, Multan Sultans managed to amass 159-9 in 20 overs, thanks to Masood’s unbeaten 69 from 46 balls, including four sixes and four boundaries.

Kingsmen pacers — Mohammad Ali, Akif Javed, and Hunain Shah combined to jolt the opposition in the first five overs.

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The inform duo of Sahibzada Farhan and Steve Smith added 28 in 2.5 overs before both were dismissed in quick succession. The former managed 15, whereas the latter managed 13.

Sultans woes were further compounded with Josh Philippe’s (6) wicket, trapped by Hunain in the fourth over.

Consequently, they were reduced to 36-3.

The slide continued as Shan Masood lost partners at the other end at regular intervals. At the halfway mark of the innings, Sultans lost six of their batters with their score reeling at 85-6.

Yet, Masood managed to tick the score with a vital 34-run on the ninth-wicket partnership with Faisal Akram. Eventually, the Sultans managed to cross the 150-run mark and post a fighting total.

For Hyderabad Kingsmen, all three pacers shared six wickets between them.

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LAHORE: Hyderabad Kingsmen have won the toss and opted to bowl first against Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday. 

Head to Head

Hyderabad and Sultans have met twice in PSL 11, with each team winning one game.

Playing XIs

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

Multan Sultans: Sahibzada Farhan, Steven Smith, Ashton Turner, Shan Masood, Josh Philippe, Mohammad Nawaz, Arafat Minhas, M Imran Randhawa, Peter Siddle, Faisal Akram, M Ismail

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced the ticket prices for the Eliminator 1 & 2 as well as the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, all set to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Fans can secure their seats through pcb.tcs.com.pk, while physical tickets will be available at 18 designated TCS Express Centres in Lahore

The Eliminator 1 will be played between Hyderabad Kingsmen and Multan Sultans on Wednesday. The winner will progress to Eliminator 2, where they will face Islamabad United on Friday, May 1.

Meanwhile, Peshawar Zalmi have already secured their place in the final after defeating Islamabad United in the Qualifier, and will now await the winner of Eliminator 2 for the title clash scheduled on Sunday, May 3.

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For the much-anticipated final, fans can buy VIP enclosures (Fazal Mahmood and Imran Khan) tickets for PKR 6,000, while the premium enclosures (Rajas and Saeed Anwar) will be available for PKR 4,000.

First class enclosures, which comprise Abdul Hafeez Kardar, Abdul Qadir, Javed Miandad and Sarfaraz Nawaz, are priced at PKR 2,000.

Seats in the Hanif Mohammad, Imtiaz Ahmed, Saeed Ahmed and Inzamam-ul-Haq, which are categorised as General enclosures, will be available for a minimum of PKR 1,500.

The thrilling action of the PSL 11 final can also be enjoyed from the VVIP enclosure (Waqar Younis) at the Iqbal End, whose tickets can be bought for PKR 8,000.

The tickets for Zaheer Abbas enclosure at the Jinnah End will carry a price of PKR 10,000. The PCB Gallery tickets are priced at PKR 12,000.

For Eliminator 1, ticket prices have been set to accommodate a broad range of spectators, starting from PKR 500 for general enclosures.

First Class tickets are priced at PKR 1,000, Premium at PKR 2,000, and VIP at PKR 3,000. Higher-tier seating includes VVIP Far End at PKR 4,500, VVIP New Pavilion at PKR 5,500, while Gallery seats are available for PKR 7,000.

Ticket prices increase for Eliminator 2, with general enclosure seats starting at PKR 1,000. First Class tickets are priced at PKR 1,800, Premium at PKR 3,000, and VIP at PKR 4,000.

VVIP Far End tickets are available for PKR 5,000, while VVIP New Pavilion seats are set at PKR 8,000. Gallery tickets for the second eliminator are priced at PKR 10,000.

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KARACHI: Babar Azam swashbuckling century propelled Peshawar Zalmi into the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 with a decisive victory over Islamabad United in the Qualifier at the National Stadium on Tuesday.

Set a massive 222 run target, United batting lineup faltered under pressure and were bowled out for 151 in 18.4 overs.

In pursuit of a big chase, United openers — Sameer Minhas and Devon Conway came out with intent. The pair took complete advantage of the fielding restrictions, putting on 58 at the end of five overs.

Minhas remained the core aggressor while Conway fell after managing 20 off 14, striking a boundary and two sixes.

After the first wicket, Zalmi slowed things down. Mohsin Riaz joined Sameer, adding a brief 23 runs before latter’s wicket opened the door.

Sameer Minhas was going well until a short of a length ball from Aaron Hardie got big on him. He made 44 from 23 deliveries, hitting a six and seven fours.

The wicket broke United’s momentum as their slide continued until the very end. As a result, they slumped from 81-2 to 113-7 in 13.5 overs.

Imad Wasim (22 off 15) resisted till the penultimate over, which only reduced the margin of defeat for them.

For Zalmi, it was Aaron Hardie, who starred with the ball, taking three wickets in his four overs. Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Basit shared four wickets between them.

Earlier, Babar Azam’s sublime century headlined a dominant batting display by Peshawar Zalmi.  Asked to bat first, Zalmi piled up 221-7 in 20 overs, thanks to Babar Azam’s 103 from 59 balls.

The opening pair of Mohammad Haris and Babar Azam came out all guns blazing, finishing the powerplay at 68 for nought.

Soon after the fielding restrictions were lifted, Shadab Khan, bowling his opening over, removed dangerous Haris — caught at cover brilliantly after scoring 35 off 16 balls, including five fours and two sixes.

Despite the wicket, Babar Azam, who was joined by Kusal Mendis — both topping the runs chart in PSL 11, forged 84 off 51 balls for the second wicket partnership.

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The inform duo pounded anything loose with disdain, bringing the total to 156 in just 14.5 overs. However, the stand eventually culminated with Mendis’ wicket. The right-hander struck four boundaries and a maximum.

Mendis wicket brought United back into the game as Shadab struck twice in the next over to halt Zalmi’s progress. Michael Bracewell (2) and Abdul Samad (0) were sent back on successive deliveries.

As a result, they were 164-4 in 16 overs.

Yet, Babar continued to motor on from the other end as he smashed three boundaries in Faheem Ashraf’s next over and then followed up with two fours and a six to complete his majestic century — fourth in PSL history.

The 31-year-old was eventually caught on the boundary after hitting 12 fours and four maximums.

For Islamabad United, Shadab Khan stood out with three wickets to his name.

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KARACHI: Islamabad United have won the toss and decided to bowl first against Peshawar Zalmi in the Qualifier of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the National Stadium on Tuesday

Head to Head

Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United have faced each other 27 times in the tournament’s history, with both teams tied on 13 wins, while one match ended in a no-result.

Playing XIs

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (c), Sufiyan Muqeem, Abdul Samad, Aaron Hardie, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Haris, Michael Bracewell, Kusal Mendis, Iftikhar Ahmed, Farhan Yousuf, Mohammad Basit

Islamabad United: Shadab Khan (c), Devon Conway, Faheem Ashraf, Mark Chapman, Sameer Minhas, Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohsin Riaz, Chris Green and Mohammad Salman Mirza.

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