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LAHORE: Maaz Sadaqat produced a sensational display of power-hitting to register one of the fastest half-centuries in Pakistan Super League (PSL) history during Hyderabad Kingsmen’s clash against Multan Sultans at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.

The young top-order batter brought up his second PSL fifty in just 19 deliveries, equalling the joint third-fastest half-century in the league’s history alongside Luke Ronchi and Sam Billings.

The record for the fastest PSL fifty remains jointly held by Kamran Akmal, Asif Ali, Hazratullah Zazai and Rilee Rossouw, all of whom reached the landmark in 17 balls.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Fastest half-centuries in PSL

• 17 balls – Kamran Akmal (2018), Asif Ali (2019), Hazratullah Zazai (2021), Rilee Rossouw (2023)
• 18 balls – Paul Stirling (2022), Tim David (2022), Mohammad Haris (2022)
• 19 balls – Luke Ronchi (2018), Sam Billings (2025), Maaz Sadaqat (2026)

Sadaqat signalled his intent from the outset, launching the innings with a towering six off Shehzad Gul and maintaining an aggressive tempo throughout his stay at the crease. Mixing clean hitting with calculated strokeplay, he raced to his fifty with a single off Sultans skipper Ashton Turner.

The 20-year-old eventually fell after a scintillating 62 off just 26 deliveries, an innings decorated with 10 boundaries, including five sixes, before being dismissed by Mohammad Nawaz.

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His explosive knock laid the foundation for a commanding total, as Hyderabad Kingsmen piled up an imposing 225-5 in their 20 overs.

Veteran batter Sharjeel Khan provided the finishing touch with an unbeaten 51 off 26 balls, while Saim Ayub (27) and Usman Khan (25) chipped in with valuable contributions.

READ: Saim Ayub achieves THIS milestone during Multan Sultans clash

New Zealand batter Devon Conway has dismissed a viral social media post attributed to him regarding the Indian Premier League (IPL), clarifying that the statement was shared by an impersonator and not from any official account.

The controversy emerged earlier this week when a verified X (formerly Twitter) account, posing as the New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter, reacted to the Chennai Super Kings’ defeat against the Rajasthan Royals.

The post suggested Conway was frustrated at missing out on IPL action while being committed to the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he is representing Islamabad United.

“Hard to sit this one out… Watching CSK lose to Rajasthan Royals hurts. Right now I’m locked in with PSL duties, but revenge at Chepauk will always be on my mind,” the post stated.

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The message quickly gained traction, particularly given Conway’s association with Chennai in previous IPL seasons, sparking debate among fans over whether players should publicly comment on rival leagues while they are under ongoing commitments.

However, Devon Conway moved swiftly to set the record straight. Taking to Instagram, he urged fans to disregard the circulating post and clarified that he does not maintain a presence on X or Facebook.

“Please ignore this X account impersonating me. I am not on X/Facebook, and this account is not affiliated with me in any way,” Conway stated.

He also confirmed that he has reported the impersonating account and expressed hope that it would be taken down promptly.

“I have reported it, and hopefully it can be taken down as soon as possible,” he added.

READ: Saim Ayub achieves THIS milestone during Multan Sultans clash

LAHORE: Saim Ayub achieved a significant personal milestone on Wednesday as he crossed 1,000 runs in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) during Hyderabad Kingsmen’s clash against Multan Sultans.

The left-handed opener brought up the landmark in style, dispatching the very first delivery of the innings, bowled by Shehzad Gul, to the boundary, becoming the 28th batter to enter the elite 1,000-run club in the tournament’s history.

Ayub now joins an illustrious list of Pakistani T20 performers, including Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shoaib Malik and Sarfaraz Ahmed.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Despite representing his third franchise in the PSL, Ayub has built the bulk of his tally during his time with Peshawar Zalmi, where he scored 860 runs across three seasons between 2023 and 2025.

He had earlier made his debut for Quetta Gladiators in the 2021 edition, enduring a modest start to his career with 114 runs in seven innings.

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In addition to his contributions with the bat, the 23-year-old has also chipped in as a bowler, claiming 14 wickets in the league at a respectable average of 30.42 and an economy rate of 7.88.

However, the landmark moment did not translate into a substantial innings in the ongoing fixture, as Ayub was dismissed for a short-lived 27 off 20 deliveries.

READ: Adam Zampa reveals why he opted for PSL instead of IPL

LAHORE: Hyderabad Kingsmen have won the toss and decided to bat first against Multan Sultans in the eighth match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday. 

Playing XIs

Adam Zampa has revealed his all-time favourite Pakistani cricketer, naming legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi as the player who left the biggest impression on him growing up.

Currently featuring for Karachi Kings in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, the Australian leg-spinner shared his admiration during a recent podcast appearance, recalling how Afridi’s fearless style shaped his early love for the game.

“I just loved watching Shahid Afridi, not even because he was a leg-spinner, but because of the way he swung his bat,” Zampa said on ARY Podcast.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

“When I was a kid, I always wanted to be a batter. The way he entertained people really stood out.”

Zampa also highlighted a current star who has caught his attention during the PSL, Shaheen Shah Afridi. The leg-spinner, who recently faced Shaheen in a PSL fixture, was full of praise for the left-arm pacer’s match-winning ability and on-field presence.

“One player I really enjoy watching is Shaheen Afridi. I played against him recently, and he was outstanding, took four wickets and maintained great rhythm,” Zampa noted.

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“It always feels like something is happening when he’s bowling.”

Adam Zampa further underlined Shaheen’s ability to consistently trouble batters, describing him as a bowler with both skill and instinct.

“He clearly knows what he’s doing and has a real knack for taking wickets. Facing him isn’t easy, most of the time, you’re just trying not to get hurt,” he added with a smile.

READ: Adam Zampa reveals why he opted for PSL instead of IPL

Lionel Messi scored one goal and set up another as Argentina thrashed Zambia 5-0 on Tuesday in the South Americans’ final game on home soil before launching the defence of their World Cup crown.

Messi, restored to the starting line-up by coach Lionel Scaloni after Argentina’s lacklustre win over Mauritania last Friday, made an immediate impact in Tuesday’s friendly at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires.

The 38-year-old superstar set up the opening goal for Julian Alvarez before bagging his 116th goal for Argentina with an individual strike just before half-time.

Tuesday’s game marked a World Cup send-off for the reigning world champions, who will face Algeria, Austria and Jordan in Group J of the finals in June.

Argentina will also play a friendly against Serbia in June, and are seeking to arrange another warm-up fixture before the tournament.

Messi is firmly expected to captain Argentina into what will be a record sixth World Cup finals as the South American giants target back-to-back titles.

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The Inter Miami playmaker once again demonstrated his enduring influence on the Albiceleste with a typically decisive contribution in a comfortable win.

Alvarez fired Argentina into the lead after just four minutes when Messi effortlessly controlled a lofted pass on the edge of the area and then threaded a pass into the feet of the Atletico Madrid striker to score.

Messi doubled Argentina’s lead with the 902nd goal of his career two minutes before half-time, working a clever one-two with Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister before tucking a low finish past Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza.

Messi could have added to his goals tally just after half-time when Argentina were awarded a penalty following Albert Kangwanda’s foul on Thiago Almada.

But rather than take the spot kick himself, Messi handed the ball to veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi, and the 38-year-old made no mistake from the spot for a 3-0 lead.

An own goal from Dominic Chanda in the 68th minute put Argentina 4-0 up, before rising star Valentin Barco completed the scoring in stoppage time to make it 5-0.

READ: Glenn Maxwell axed as Cricket Australia unveil central contract list

Young opening batter Sam Konstas and veteran all-rounder Glenn Maxwell were axed on Wednesday as Cricket Australia (CA) announced a list of 21 nationally contracted players for the 2026-27 season.

Australia, who will play 20 Tests in a 12-month period from August, have opted to go with opener Jake Weatherald, 31, instead of the out-of-form 20-year-old Konstas.

With Australia facing such a Test-heavy schedule, white-ball specialists Maxwell and Matt Short were also dropped from last year’s list, along with retired opener Usman Khawaja and injured fast bowler Lance Morris.

A surprise was the omission of fast bowler Jhye Richardson, who played his first Test in four years in the Boxing Day Ashes clash.

The 29-year-old had been touted as one of the natural successors to Australia’s ageing pace stalwarts Mitchell Starc (36), Josh Hazlewood (35) and Scott Boland (36).

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Cricket Australia (CA) instead opted to reward fellow Ashes-winning quick bowlers Brendan Doggett, who is 31, and the 36-year-old Michael Neser.

“The next 12 months encompasses a busy Test schedule across a range of conditions and challenges,” said chair of men’s selectors George Bailey. “This is reflected in the contract list through a predominance of Test and multi-format players for this cycle.”

Australia start their 2026-27 season with a two-match home series against Bangladesh in August. They will travel for three ODIs in Zimbabwe, plus three ODIs and three Tests in South Africa during September and October.

Australia return home for a white-ball series against England followed by 10 Tests in 14 weeks, starting with four at home to New Zealand in December and January.

A five-Test tour of India begins on January 21, and the season will end with the 150th anniversary Test against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in March 2027.

Cricket Australia central contract list for 2026-27

Xavier Bartlett, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Brendan Doggett, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Adam Zampa

READ: Adam Zampa reveals why he opted for PSL instead of IPL

The India cricket team is set to tour Zimbabwe for a three-match T20I series in July, the country’s cricket board said on Wednesday, packing more matches into their already-busy calendar.

The matches will all be played in Harare, on July 23, 25 and 26,  before the teams meet again in January next year for three ODI matches in India.

India last toured Zimbabwe in 2024, winning a five-match T20 series 4-1.

Top-ranked India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, won the T20 World Cup last month at home.

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Zimbabwe are a lowly 11th in the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings but were a surprise package at the World Cup, topping their group to make it through to the second stage.

“Matches against India always generate enormous interest, and this is a fantastic opportunity for our players to test themselves against the world champions on home soil,” said Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) Managing Director Givemore Makoni.

“Following our encouraging performances at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, this series gives us a strong platform to build momentum and continue growing as a competitive force in international cricket.

“We are looking forward to competitive and high-quality cricket and we believe this engagement will further strengthen the relationship between the two cricketing nations while providing invaluable exposure for our team.”

Zimbabwe-India T20I Series Schedule

1st T20I – July 23

2nd T20I – July 25

3rd T20I – July 26

READ: Fakhar Zaman challenges ban over ball-tampering allegation: sources

LAHORE: Fakhar Zaman has reportedly lodged an appeal against his two-match suspension in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 over ball-tampering charges, sources confirmed on Wednesday.

The Lahore Qalandars opener was handed the ban earlier this week by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after being found guilty of a Level 3 breach of the tournament’s Code of Conduct during their clash against Karachi Kings.

The controversy stems from an incident in the final stages of the match, where on-field umpires imposed a five-run penalty on Lahore Qalandars and ordered a ball change ahead of the last over of Karachi’s innings, a decision that proved decisive in the outcome of the contest.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Following the match, Fakhar was charged under Article 2.14 of the Code, which pertains to altering the condition of the ball in violation of the league’s playing conditions.

The charge was brought forward by umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, along with TV umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed.

The left-handed batter denied the allegations and opted for a full disciplinary hearing, which was conducted by match referee Roshan Mahanama.

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After reviewing the evidence and hearing the player’s defence, the referee upheld the charge and imposed the maximum penalty for a first Level 3 offence, a two-match suspension.

According to sources, Fakhar Zaman has now formally challenged the decision by submitting an appeal to the PSL Technical Committee, seeking a review of the sanction.

READ: Adam Zampa reveals why he opted for PSL instead of IPL

Karachi Kings’ spinner Adam Zampa has shed light on his decision to feature in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 instead of the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL), pointing to financial imbalance and limited opportunities as key factors behind the move.

Speaking during the ARY Podcast, the Australian leg-spinner offered a candid assessment of his situation, revealing that his skill set did not attract lucrative deals in the IPL despite the league’s massive financial scale.

“To be brutally honest, for someone with my skill set, the money just isn’t there compared to what’s available for other skill sets,” Zampa said.

“Considering the amount of time the IPL requires, it didn’t seem like a reasonable choice for me to keep playing.”

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Adam Zampa admitted that he was not a primary target for IPL franchises, which ultimately influenced his decision to step away from the tournament.

The 34-year-old had initially planned to take a short break from cricket before an unexpected opportunity emerged in the PSL.

“I was planning to take a break, but then the PSL came onto the radar about a month ago. It all happened pretty quickly, but I’m enjoying it,” he added.

The leg-spinner was subsequently picked by Karachi Kings during the league’s first-ever auction, and he has already made a notable impact in the ongoing season.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Zampa has played a key role in Karachi’s early success, claiming three crucial wickets across their opening matches and contributing significantly to both victories.

Reflecting on his initial experience in the PSL, Zampa praised the competitiveness of the tournament, highlighting the quality of opposition he has faced so far.

“You look at some of the teams and the names they have, especially in the bowling attack, it’s almost international-level quality,” he said. “Even in a game where we were chasing 129, it went right down to the wire, which shows how strong these sides are.”

READ: Iran football players in Turkey pose with photos of Middle East war victims