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KARACHI: A disciplined bowling effort backed by a measured knock from Mohammad Rizwan took Rawalpindiz over the line against Islamabad United in the 34th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Thursday.

Set 138, Pindiz — their first win in PSL, chased down the target inside 18 overs, losing four wickets in the process.

The innings started poorly as opener Abdullah Fazal was dismissed on the very first ball of the match for a duck. Ghulam and Rizwan then stabilized the innings with a calm partnership, easing the pressure as runs came easily.

Their partnership surpassed 50 runs and helped the team pass the half-century mark. However, the 78-run partnership ended when Chris Green took a wicket, dismissing Kamran Ghulam, who scored a good 42 off 30 balls, with five fours and one six.

Pindiz lost three wickets when Shadab Khan caught Rizwan, who fought hard for his 45 runs off 38 balls, including five fours and a six, leaving the team at 92-3 in 12.5 overs.

The pressure increased as sharp fielding from Shadab Khan led to Sam Billings being run out at the non-striker’s end for just two runs. Daryl Mitchell and Dian Forrester then led RawalPindiz to victory, with Mitchell remaining unbeaten on 32 off 25 balls, hitting two fours and a six, while Forrester added 13 runs to secure the win.

Earlier, Rawalpindiz decided to bowl first, which proved advantageous as they bundled out Islamabad for 137 in their 20 overs.

United had a cautious start, with openers Devon Conway and Sameer Minhas struggling to accelerate, resulting in a slow run rate early on.

Mohammad Amir struck in the second ball of the fifth over, dismissing Minhas for six off 11 balls and ending a 20-run opening partnership.

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Naseem Shah further weakened United during the powerplay by getting Mohammad Faiq out for five off six balls, leaving them at 29-2 after 5.5 overs. Saad Masood then took a wicket in the seventh over, dismissing Shadab Khan for just one run, and Islamabad fell to 30-3.

Conway and Mark Chapman built a crucial partnership that pushed the score beyond 50, but Daryl Mitchell ended the 49-run stand by dismissing Conway for 40 off 33 balls, including three fours and two sixes, bringing the score to 79-4 in 11.3 overs.

Asif Afridi quickly removed Chapman for 23 off 18 balls, and wickets kept falling as Haider Ali was dismissed for six off 13 balls by Saad Masood.

Amir returned to dismiss Faheem Ashraf for 11 off 12 balls, leaving Islamabad at 99-7 in 16.3 overs. Chris Green added a late push with 29 off 16 balls, including two fours and two sixes, but was run out in the final over.

Dian Forrester then finished the innings, taking the wickets of Mohammad Hasnain for a first-ball duck and Richard Gleeson, completing his second wicket.

READ: PSL 11: Mohammad Rizwan joins Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik in elite list

KARACHI: Usman Khan’s record ton guided Hyderabad Kingsmen to a four-wicket win over Multan Sultans in a run-fest during the 33rd match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 clash at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday.

Kingsmen chased down a massive 214-run target in the final over, losing six wickets in the process. Usman top-scored with 101 from 47 balls, laced with five fours and 10 sixes.

After losing Maaz Sadaqat in the second over, Saim Ayub and Marnus Labuschagne stabilised the innings with a 34-run partnership, with the latter scoring most of the runs.

However, Mohammad Ismail struck twice in the final over of the powerplay to derail the chase. He was on a hat-trick and nearly had Usman Khan caught behind, but Sultans decided against the review.

As a result, Kingsmen were reduced to 48-3.

From there, Usman and Labuschagne turned the game around with a match-winning 123-run stand off 64 balls. Usman played the core aggressor role while Labuschagne played the second fiddle as the pair rebuilt the innings at a strong tempo.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

The pair raised the team’s century in the 10th over and kept the momentum going. There was not enough for Sultan’s bowlers, who could scratch their heads in front of Usman, who took Arafat Minhas to the cleaners in the 14th over, smashing three sixes to bring the equation down to 61 from 36 balls.

Despite losing Marnus Labuschagne for 61 off 41 balls (nine fours), Kingsmen remained in control of the chase.

Peter Siddle swung the contest back briefly in the 18th over, removing Usman and Glenn Maxwell (2) to bring his side back into the game.

But Hasan Khan’s explosive cameo of 24 off six balls sealed the victory in the third ball of the final over.

For Multan Sultans, Peter Siddle and Muhammad Ismail shared six wickets between them.

Earlier, Belligerent Steve Smith’s century propelled Multan Sultans to a commanding total

Asked to bat first, the Sultans posted 213-7 in 20 overs, headlined by Smith’s century and an imposing opening partnership.

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The opening pair of Farhan and Smith put on a batting show, forging a 132-run stand in 12.3 overs.

Sahibzada hit five sixes and four boundaries before getting caught on 66 from 43 balls. Meanwhile, Smith carried on and took the attack to the Kingsmen bowlers.

He was involved in a 53-run partnership with Josh Philippe, with Smith doing the bulk of the scoring, including a 28-run over off Hunain Shah to bring up his maiden PSL hundred.

The right-hander batter eventually departed for 106 from 50 balls, including six maximums and 12 fours.

Hyderabad Kingsmen bowlers did well in the final three overs to curtail the scoring rate and keep Sultans to 213.

For Kingsmen, Hassan Khan remained the pick of the bowlers, picking up one wicket while giving away only 28

READ: PSL 11: Azam Khan opens up after Karachi Kings defeat

LAHORE: Kusal Mendis continued his rich vein of form as Peshawar Zalmi eased past Karachi Kings in Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 clash at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.

Unbeaten Zalmi chased down a stiff target of 183 inside 18 overs, losing only three wickets in the process.

The opening pair of James Vince and Babar Azam added 37  in the first five overs before both batters were sent back in successive overs.

Babar was caught after scoring 25 from 19, whereas Vince was caught behind on 16.  The wickets brought Aaron Hardie and Kusal Mendis on the crease. The pair tried to arrest the slide with a brief 22-run partnership. However, Hardie fell prey to Khusdil Shah, putting Karachi Kings in pole position.

At this stage, the scorecard read 67-3 in 7.4 overs with Farhan Yousaf joining Mendis. The pair launched a recovery and took their side out of trouble. Both batters batted briskly, soaking up all the pressure.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Mendis and Yousaf took the game away from Karachi Kings in the last five overs, taking the attack to the bowlers. The pair finished with an unbeaten 119-run partnership from 69 balls, propelling Zalmi to their eighth win on the trot.

Mendis — the leading run scorer of the tournament- struck four sixes and five fours in his 80* off 43 balls. Yousaf, on the other hand, scored his maiden half-century, hitting three sixes and five fours. He made 58 off 36 deliveries.

For Karachi Kings, Abbas Afridi, Khushdil Shah and Hasan Ali picked up one wicket each.

Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi seamer Ali Raza produced a sensational hat-trick to derail Karachi Kings after an aggressive half-century by Jason Roy.

Batting first after winning the toss, Karachi Kings had a mixed outing despite a strong start from opener Jason Roy, who anchored the innings with a fluent 85 off 51 deliveries, striking 11 fours and two sixes.

Captain David Warner struggled at the top, managing just 11 off 13 balls before being bowled by Raza early in the innings.

Roy, however, kept the scoreboard moving and built short partnerships of 36 and 27 with Salman Ali Agha and Reeza Hendricks, respectively, maintaining Karachi’s momentum through the middle overs.

The real turning point came when Azam Khan joined Roy and counterattacked brilliantly. The Karachi Kings duo added 63 runs in just 32 deliveries, putting Peshawar Zalmi under pressure before Iftikhar Ahmed broke the stand by dismissing Azam for a quickfire 35 off 19 balls.

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Roy soon followed, falling to Mohammad Basit after completing a well-compiled knock that had kept Karachi in control for most of the innings.

From there, the innings collapsed dramatically as no batter managed to offer resistance. Karachi Kings managed to score 182-9 in their 20 overs.

Ali Raza returned in death overs to tear through the lower order, taking his first PSL hat-trick and finishing with four wickets in total. He was supported by Mohammad Basit, Iftikhar Ahmed, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Aaron Hardie, who claimed one wicket each.

READ: Will Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman return to PSL 11?

Rawalpindiz owner Ahsan Tahir has opened up on the future of Mohammad Rizwan as captain amid their disappointing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 campaign.

Pindiz are winless in their maiden Pakistan Super League (PSL) season, losing all seven games, and are already out of the playoff race.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with PakPassion, he highlighted Rizwan’s leadership and explained the franchise notion behind appointing the wicket-keeper batter as captain.

“Personally, this experience comes from us also leading an organization that is more than 500 people. We are in the business of developing teams and implementing improvements. Corporate teams operate much more differently as compared to sports teams,” he said.

“Still always comes down to the value system of the person leading the team. It is about how that person acts under pressure, how he behaves when the team wins, and how he responds when the team loses,” he added.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

He said Mohammad Rizwan brings the culture and leadership values he was seeking, while highlighting his strong influence in maintaining a positive atmosphere in the dressing room.

“That entire value system, that persona or aura around the individual, is what we have always been looking for,” he explained.

“Everybody would actually have a subjective opinion on the reality, but nobody ever questions the environment of the dressing room when Rizwan is there. The environment in the dressing room is absolutely different compared to any other captain.”

The owner said that he was focused on the dressing room environment rather than individual performances.  He further remarked that results take time and the process is often painful.

“I am after that environment in the dressing room. I am not after how a person performs individually,” he maintained. “Things will change, conditions change, grounds change, contexts change, but if the value system is there, you will get a champion team.”

“The results take time, and it is a painful process. So, I need a guardian, a custodian who can take a painful journey with you. For me personally, Rizzi [Rizwan] is the embodiment of that value system.

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“I am sure under Rizwan’s captaincy, we will develop a champion team, and that will be for years to come. I am very confident of that.”

The founder and CEO of Walee Technologies also lauded Rizwan’s analytical mindset, noting his ability to assess multiple match scenarios and guide the team with clarity.

“As a captain, he has a very analytical mind. If you sit alongside him, he will look at the permutations of all the scenarios,” Ahsan said.

“If you have a good leader who can act as a guardian and a custodian to the young talent that’s coming up, so he is a very right fit in there. The whole franchise, as of now, is designed around him. We want to take that value system of the city in the future as well,” he concluded.

READ: Hasan Ali embraces responsibility as Karachi Kings senior pacer in PSL

LAHORE: Fakhar Zaman delivered a record-equalling performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 clash against Quetta Gladiators, smashing a breathtaking century to guide Lahore Qalandars to a commanding total at Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday.

The left-handed opener blazed his way to 103 in just 51 deliveries, registering his third century in the league and drawing level with Babar Azam for the most centuries in PSL history.

With this milestone, Fakhar joins an elite group of batters, including Babar, Usman Khan, Kamran Akmal and Rilee Rossouw, who have each scored three centuries in the tournament.

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Notably, Babar Azam scored his third century to reach the landmark on Sunday, also against the Gladiators.

Fakhar’s innings not only powered Qalandars to 197-6 but also saw him achieve another significant feat, becoming the first batter to score 1000 PSL runs at Gaddafi Stadium, the home venue of the franchise.

The aggressive opener further strengthened his legacy with Lahore, extending his record as the highest run-scorer for a single franchise in PSL history.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Having represented Qalandars since 2017, he has now amassed more than 3,200 runs exclusively for the side.

On the overall PSL run charts, Fakhar currently sits second with 3246 runs, trailing only Babar Azam, who leads the list with 3792 runs across stints with multiple franchises, including Peshawar Zalmi, Karachi Kings and Islamabad United.

READ: Dasun Shanaka breaks silence on his PSL ban

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed a one-year ban on Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka after ruling that his withdrawal from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 constituted a breach of contract with Lahore Qalandars.

Shanaka, 34, had been signed by the defending champions for PKR 7.5 million for the ongoing edition. However, he pulled out of the tournament to link up with the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a replacement for the injured Sam Curran.

In an official statement, the PCB confirmed that a detailed review of the matter found Shanaka’s unilateral withdrawal to be in violation of both the Player Registration terms and the tripartite agreement governing PSL contracts.

“Following a comprehensive review of the recent contractual developments involving Dasun Shanaka and the Lahore Qalandars, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued its final determination regarding the player’s eligibility for future editions of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL),” the board stated.

As a result, Shanaka has been declared ineligible for the next edition of the PSL, effectively ruling him out of PSL 12, scheduled for 2027.

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“The review concluded that the player’s unilateral withdrawal from the tournament on March 21, 2026, constituted a clear breach of both the Player Registration terms and the Tripartite Agreement,” the statement added.

“The findings indicated that the withdrawal was made on grounds not recognised within the existing contractual framework.

“Effective immediately, Dasun Shanaka has been declared ineligible to participate in the next edition of the Pakistan Super League (HBL PSL 12), scheduled for 2027.”

While accepting the decision, the Sri Lankan all-rounder issued a public apology, expressing remorse over his actions and the disappointment caused to fans and stakeholders.

“I deeply regret my decision to withdraw from the HBL PSL and offer my sincere apologies to the people of Pakistan, the fans of HBL PSL, and the wider cricket community,” Shanaka said.

READ: Rashid Khan reveals he rejected citizenship offers from India, Australia

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday announced a 16-member Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh, with four uncapped players included as part of what appears to be a continued push towards rebuilding the red-ball setup.

But beneath that routine selection cycle lies a deeper issue that continues to define Pakistan’s red-ball structure, lack of consistency in player development and long-term planning.

The series, part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle, will be played from May 8 to 20, with the first Test scheduled at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka and the second at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Shan Masood will continue to lead the side, while Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori have earned maiden call-ups to the Test squad.

On paper, this looks like healthy regeneration. In practice, however, it adds to a growing concern: Pakistan keeps rotating through uncapped players without giving them time to settle at the highest level.

No continuity in the selection strategy

In the previous home Test series against South Africa in October 2025, Pakistan had also included three uncapped players, Asif Afridi, Rohail Nazir, and Faisal Akram, in the squad.

Out of those three, only left-arm spinner Afridi made his debut, picking up six wickets in his lone Test appearance, while the other two were never handed a cap before being dropped from the current squad.

These selections raise an important question: what was the point of their inclusion?

39-year-old Asif Afridi, with over 250 first-class wickets at an average close to 24, is a proven domestic performer, particularly in spin-friendly conditions like Bangladesh; however, he has been dropped after a solitary Test.

Similarly, left-arm wrist spinner Faisal Akram, who has 60 wickets in 15 first-class matches, is also out despite previously being part of the South Africa tour.

Interestingly, the squad features only two specialist spinners in Noman Ali and Sajid Ali.

Who is Pakistan’s reserve wicket-keeper?

Rohail Nazir, once seen as a long-term backup to Mohammad Rizwan, was also part of the South Africa squad but is now omitted despite having stronger domestic experience than the current replacement Muhammad Ghazi Ghori.

Rohail, who has 2470 first-class runs at 34.78 along with 148 catches and 23 stumpings in 52 matches, was not given a game in South Africa despite being in the squad.

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Ghori, meanwhile, has 1692 runs in 26 first-class matches at an average of 41.26. He is undeniably a talented keeper-batter, but the question is not about his ability; it is about the consistency of opportunity.

If Rohail was not going to be tested at the international level, why was he selected in the first place?

Top-order batting conundrum

Top-order batter Abdullah Shafique has been dropped after a below-par showing against South Africa, where he scored 106 runs at an average of 26.50; however, his opening partner Imam-ul-Haq remains in the squad after scoring just 13 more runs in the same series.

Two left-handed openers, Abdullah Fazal, who has scored 1828 runs in 25 first-class matches at 41.54, and Azan Awais, who has 2673 runs at an average of 48.60, have been included.

Their inclusion suggests a search for new opening combinations, but the lack of clarity around roles remains a concern. Will Pakistan persist with Imam and hand the Test cap to one of these two? Or will we see a new opening pair with two new batters? There is no clarity, and that uncertainty often reflects a lack of planning.

It’s worth noting that a similar search for a reliable Test opener landed an opportunity for Mohammad Huraira, who featured in a two-match home Test series against the West Indies in early 2025.

He managed a mere 46 runs in spin-friendly conditions during the series and was subsequently dropped from the Test team without being given a long enough run to establish himself.

His first-class record, 4762 runs in 65 first-class matches at an average above 45, including a triple century, including a triple century, suggests potential that has not been fully explored at the international level.

When compared with the newly selected openers, Huraira’s exclusion becomes even harder to explain purely on performance grounds. This is where Pakistan’s selection model appears inconsistent: promising players are tried briefly, then replaced, rather than being developed through sustained exposure.

Selection direction under scrutiny

None of this is an argument against the current squad members of the Pakistan Test team. Every player selected has earned his place through domestic or international performances. The issue is structural rather than individual.

Pakistan’s Test setup seems caught in a cycle of experimentation without patience, introducing players, testing them briefly, and then moving on before they can adapt to international demands.

Test cricket, more than any other format, rewards stability and continuity. Teams that succeed in it build combinations over time, allow players to fail and learn, and invest in roles rather than constantly reshuffling them. Pakistan, at least in recent cycles, has struggled to maintain that balance.

The talent pool is not the problem. Pakistan continues to produce capable fast bowlers, spinners, and batters in domestic cricket. The real challenge lies in how that talent is managed once it reaches the international stage.

READ: Babar Azam breaks multiple records against Quetta Gladiators

KARACHI: Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani has responded through his agent after being handed a two-year ban by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) from participating in the next two editions of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

On April 14, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)  slapped a two-year ban on Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani for breaching his Pakistan Super League (PSL) contract with Islamabad United.

The PCB said that professionalism in franchise leagues demands transparency and consistency, adding that taking part in a conflicting engagement while an existing binding agreement remains in place falls short of the game’s expected standards.

The 29-year-old pacer was bought by three-time champions United for PKR 1.1 crore for the 11th edition of the PSL; however, he later withdrew to join the IPL franchise KKR as a replacement for Bangladesh left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman.

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However, in a statement on the agency’s X account, Rob Humphries, the agent, denied that a binding agreement was reached between the league and the player before Muzarabani decided to sign with KKR in the IPL.

“We’ve remained quiet publicly over the last six weeks because we did not wish to create or cause anymore animosity for the Pakistan Super League/Pakistan Cricket Board than they had already created for themselves,” the statement read.

“[On] 13 February, Blessing [was] approached by Islamabad United about a playing opportunity for the 2026 PSL. The deal [was] agreed subject to obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Zimbabwe Cricket. An NOC cannot be obtained without a contract from the PSL. Islamabad United/PSL announced the signing to the world via social media,” it further added.

The statement also notes that, two weeks later, on February 27, no official contract had been received yet. By that time, KKR had contacted Muzarabani with an offer, and the agreement was finalized.

READ: PSL 11: Babar Azam breaks multiple records against Quetta Gladiators

KARACHI: Babar Azam’s unbeaten century, Kusal Mendis’s gutsy 83, and a disciplined bowling effort powered Peshawar Zalmi to a massive 118-run victory over Quetta Gladiators in the 29th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Sunday.

Chasing 257, Quetta Gladiators were bowled out for 137 in 18.1 overs.

Quetta Gladiators were in trouble right from the onset as Peshawar Zalmi removed their three batters inside the powerplay. Saud Shakeel (12), Rilee Rossouw (0), and Hassan Nawaz (5), all three batters, were dismissed cheaply.

The fourth batter to fall was Shamyl Hussain after the power play. The left-hander made 21 from 18 balls.

With 45-4, Dinesh Chandimal and Bevon Jacobs tried to stop the slide, adding a brief 29 run for the fifth wicket.

However, following Chamdimal’s dismissal, Quetta Gladiators’ innings unraveled quickly as they slumped to 82-7 at the halfway mark.

Bevon Jacobs remained the top-scorer for them, hitting three sixes in his 34 from 27 balls, while Alzarri Joseph remained unbeaten on 19 from 15 deliveries.

For Peshawar Zalmi, Ali Raza and Mohammad Basit shared six wickets between them.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Earlier, Babar Azam’s sublime century guided Peshawar Zalmi to their highest total against.

Put into bat first, Peshawar Zalmi ended their innings on a massive 255-3 in 20 overs — the third highest total of PSL history.

The foundation for a big total was laid in the first over by Mohammad Haris, who accumulated 23 from Jahandad Khan’s opening over.

In the very next over, Alzarri Joseph sent back dangerous Haris, who made 16 from six balls.

The wicket, the highest run getter of this season, Kusal Mendis, was brought to the crease, who forged a mammoth 135-run partnership from 75 balls. The pair made a mockery of the Quetta Gladiators’ bowling attack.

Both batters notched up half-centuries with Peshawar Zalmi reaching 165 in 14.1 overs. The stand eventually culminated with Mendis’ wicket, who was caught after scoring 83 from 44 balls, striking three sixes and 10 fours.

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Meanwhile, Babar continued on his merry way, first adding a brief 24-run partnership with Farhan Yousaf, who made 19 from eight balls.

Peshawar Zalmi were well placed at 189-3 in 16.2 overs with Aaron Hardies providing the innings with a late impetus. The Australian batter scored 26* off 10, hitting three sixes.

Meanwhile, Babar completed his 12th century in T20 cricket on the final ball of the innings. He made 100* from 52 balls, striking four sixes and six boundaries.

For Quetta Gladiators, Alzarri Joseph, Usman Tariq, and Abrar Ahmed took one wicket each.

READ: Hasan Ali confident of Karachi Kings’ comeback in PSL 11

KARACHI: Quetta Gladiators have won the toss and decided to bowl first against Peshawar Zalmi in the 29th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Sunday.

Head to Head

Both teams have faced each other 27 times. Peshawar Zalmi lead with 14 victories while Gladiators managed to win 12 out of those games.

Playing XIs

Peshawar Zalmi XI: Babar Azam (capt), Mohammad Haris, Kusal Mendis (wk), Farhan Yousaf, Michael Bracewell, Iftikhar Ahmed, Abdul Samad, Aaron Hardie, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Basit Ali, Ali Raza

Quetta Gladiators XI: Shamyl Hussain, Saud Shakeel (capt), Rilee Rossouw, Hasan Nawaz, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Bevon Jacobs, Jahandad Khan, Saqib Khan, Alzarri Joseph, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq

READ: Mohammad Rizwan admits ‘failure’ after Rawalpindiz seventh loss