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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

Carlos Alcaraz withdrew on Wednesday from the Barcelona Open because of a wrist injury that troubled him in his first-round match, potentially casting doubt over his Roland Garros defence.

“I won’t be able to continue in the tournament,” Alcaraz told reporters a day after his win over Finnish qualifier Otto Virtanen.

“I felt my wrist give out on a return during the match. After the tests, we saw that it’s a more serious injury than any of us expected, and I have to listen to my body so it doesn’t affect me in the future.”

It is the second time in three years injury has forced Alcaraz to withdraw from the Barcelona tournament. He won it in 2022 and 2023, and finished runner-up to Holger Rune 12 months ago.

Alcaraz had been scheduled to face Tomas Machac on Thursday for a place in the quarter-finals.

“I have to go home to start my recovery as soon as possible with my team, the doctors, and the physical therapist, and get — or try to get — as healthy as possible as soon as possible for the tournaments I have coming up,” the Spaniard said.

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“I hope you’ll be able to see me on the court again as soon as possible.”

Alcaraz received a medical timeout at the end of the first set during his 6-4, 6-3 win over Virtanen on Tuesday but did not show any signs of physical discomfort.

He said he hoped it was “nothing” after the match and that without time to rest between tournaments that it was normal to have “little niggles”.

Alcaraz lost his world number one ranking this week following his defeat by Jannik Sinner in the Monte Carlo Masters final on Sunday. He would have had a chance to regain it by winning the title in Barcelona, with Sinner not playing this week.

The 22-year-old Alcaraz became the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam in January with his triumph at the Australian Open.

He holds a 22-3 record this season and also won a title in Doha.

Alcaraz said earlier this month he was hoping to play a full season on clay before starting his French Open title defence in late May.

Last year he won in Monte Carlo but skipped the Madrid Open, returning in Rome to lift the trophy there for the first time.

READ: Karachi Kings pick Jason Roy as Muhammad Waseem replacement

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

KARACHI: Sufiyan Muqeem and Babar Azam propelled the dominant Peshawar Zalmi to a decisive eight-wicket win over Quetta Gladiators in the 23rd match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday.

Zalmi chased down a mere target of 154 in 18.3 overs, losing only two wickets in the process.

Mohammad Haris and Babar Azam made light work of the chase, adding 75 in 8.4 overs. The former played the core aggressor role while the latter played the second fiddle.

Haris departed after hitting five fours and a six in his 35 from 28 balls.

Following his departure, in-form Kusal Mendis paired up with Babar and stitched a 49-run partnership that threw the Gladiators out of the game. There wasn’t much to cheer for Quetta Gladiators bowlers as Zalmi batters kept them at bay with their stroke play.

Mendis was eventually caught after scoring 21 off 19 balls. Meanwhile, Babar continued to anchor the innings and finished with a boundary.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

He top-scored with 71* from 51 balls laced with 10 fours while Aaron Hardie struck one boundary in his unbeaten 18 from 14 balls.

For Quetta Gladiators, Alzarri Joseph and Saud Shakeel picked up one wicket each.

Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi’s spinner Sufiyan Muqeem and pacer Mohammad Basit’s three-wicket haul bundled out Quetta Gladiators for a modest total

Put in to bat first, Quetta Gladiators’ shambolic batting display saw their innings folded for 154 in 20 overs.

The Gladiators lost their promoted opener, Ahsan Ali, for four in the first over.  Following the early wicket, Saud Shakeel and Rilee Rossouw added 35 for the second wicket partnership. The scorecard read 39 when skipper Saud was run out after making 16 from 13 balls.

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Peshawar Zalmi continued to chip away with wickets at regular intervals. Rossouw (26 off 18 balls) was cleaned up by Sufiyan Muqeem, whereas Shamyl Hussain departed for 12.

Consequently, Gladiators were 86-4 in 11.4 overs. The only silver lining was Hassan Nawaz, who top-scored with 37 off 35, including four boundaries.  He was involved in a brief 26-run stand with Khawaja Nafay before getting caught behind.

Nafay could not get going as well and was lbw for 20.

Peshawar Zalmi bowlers squeezed the runs flow and eventually bowled the opposition out on the final ball of the innings.

For Peshawar Zalmi, Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Basit shared six wickets between them.

READ: Rilee Rossouw sets PSL record during Peshawar Zalmi clash

KARACHI: Top-order batter Rilee Rossouw on Wednesday became the first overseas player to feature in 100 matches in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Rossouw reached the landmark while turning out for Quetta Gladiators in PSL.

After this, he became the fourth player overall—after Imad Wasim, Babar Azam, and Fakhar Zaman — to complete a century of matches.

Before the match, PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer and Quetta Gladiators Owner Nadeem Umar congratulated Rilee Rossouw and presented him with a Gladiators helmet.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Rilee Rossouw has featured in 10 editions of the tournament since 2017. The left-hander has represented Quetta Gladiators for six seasons and Multan Sultans for four seasons in the PSL.

The left-hander has previously represented Quetta Gladiators for six seasons and Multan Sultans for four seasons in the PSL.

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Notably, he is also the fourth-highest run-scorer in the PSL with 2366 runs, with 11 half-centuries and three centuries.

The 36-year-old is also the leading run-scorer among overseas players in the tournament.

Playing XIs 

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Haris, Kusal Mendis (wk), Farhan Yousuf, Michael Bracewell, Iftikhar Ahmed, Abdul Samad, Aeron Hardie, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Basit Ali, Ali Raza

Quetta Gladiators: Shamyl Hussain, Saud Shakeel (c), Rilee Rossouw, Hassan Nawaz, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Tom Curran, Jahandad Khan, Ahsan Ali, Alzarri Joseph, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq

READ: England captain Ben Stokes ‘lucky’ to be alive after facial injury

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi have won the toss and decided to field first against Quetta Gladiators in the 23rd match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday. 

Head to Head

Zalmi lead the head-to-head with 13 wins, while the Gladiators have won 10 games.

Matches: 24 Peshawar Zalmi 13, Quetta Gladiators 10

Playing XIs

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

Quetta Gladiators: Shamyl Hussain, Saud Shakeel (c), Rilee Rossouw, Hassan Nawaz, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Tom Curran, Jahandad Khan, Ahsan Ali, Alzarri Joseph, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq

READ: England captain Ben Stokes ‘lucky’ to be alive after facial injury

England Test captain Ben Stokes has said he feels “quite lucky” to be alive after being hit in the face by a cricket ball.

All-rounder Stokes suffered a broken cheekbone after being hit by the ball during a net session while he was coaching academy players at his county side Durham in February.

Stokes underwent surgery and is set to play in two first-class County Championship games next month, but he revealed the incident could have been so much worse.

“I copped one straight in the face,” the 34-year-old told the England and Wales Cricket Board.

“Pretty nasty but, funnily, probably the best result of a bad situation, to be honest. Just a couple of inches one way or the other, I might not be here doing this interview, if I didn’t turn my head round.

“All things considered, although I had pretty major facial surgery to sort it out, it was a bit of a mess under here (cheekbone), I’ve got out quite lucky. So pretty thankful for that.”

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He added: “Obviously it set everything back about a month, five weeks, with getting back to where I wanted to be to play at the start of the season for Durham, but just had to sort of quickly go back to the drawing board and put a plan together to get me ready to play a couple of games for Durham before the Test summer starts.

“At the back end of all that now but it was a pretty scary situation. Thankfully still here and everything’s all right.”

Stokes is expected to be fit to lead England in the first Test of their home season against New Zealand at Lord’s starting on June 4 as they look to recover from their woeful 4-1 Ashes humiliation in Australia.

READ: Sahibzada Farhan breaks silence on Iftikhar Ahmed’s strike-rate remark

Pakistan top-order batter Sahibzada Farhan has revealed how criticism from Iftikhar Ahmed on his strike-rate played a pivotal role in reshaping his batting approach, helping him evolve into a more aggressive and modern-day T20 opener.

Speaking in a recent interview, Farhan reflected on a period where he consistently dominated domestic cricket but still struggled to earn recognition at higher levels.

Despite finishing as the leading run-scorer in multiple editions of the National T20 Cup, the right-hander admitted he often felt overlooked.

I finished as the leading run-scorer across the last four seasons of the National T20 Cup, but I was not considered good enough for high-level T20 cricket,” Farhan said, highlighting the frustration he experienced despite his consistency.

A turning point came during a candid dressing-room conversation with Iftikhar, who questioned Farhan’s scoring rate at the top of the order. The remark initially did not sit well with him.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

“After the first two seasons, Iftikhar Ahmed told me you cannot play as an opener with a strike rate of 132. I did not like him saying that and found it odd that he was criticising my low strike rate despite me scoring the most runs across two editions,” Farhan recalled.

However, similar advice from coach Abdur Rehman reinforced the need to adapt to the evolving demands of T20 cricket. Sahibzada Farhan admitted that he initially struggled to understand why strike rate was being prioritised over aggregate runs.

“Abdur Rehman, our coach from Peshawar, also told me that scoring at a strike rate beyond 140 would be beneficial for me. I did not truly understand the logic behind it and thought that being the leading run-scorer should be significant in itself,” he said.

That mindset gradually shifted as he began focusing on power-hitting and increasing his scoring tempo. The opener revealed that he consciously worked towards pushing his strike rate beyond 150, while also targeting dominance in six-hitting charts.

“But I [slowly] realised I need to improve my strike rate and push it closer to 150. I began aiming to be the leading six-hitter in every tournament from that point. I started to practise power-hitting,” he said.

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The results followed quickly. In the 2023 National T20 Cup, Farhan amassed 492 runs at a staggering strike rate of 178.90, smashing 29 sixes in just 12 innings.

He continued that momentum in 2025, where he once again emerged as the leading six-hitter, clearing the ropes 40 times in just seven innings while also scoring three centuries. Overall, he scored 605 runs in only seven innings during the 2025 tournament.

Sahibzada Farhan believes these improvements have translated into performances at higher levels as well, claiming success in international tournaments and franchise cricket through his more aggressive approach.

He also shed light on the work behind the transformation, revealing an intense training routine focused on range-hitting across different match scenarios.

“There is a lot of effort behind my six-hitting. I practise range-hitting with new balls, old balls, and worn-out balls,” he said, adding that such preparation has been key to his evolution as a batter.

READ: Shan Masood to stay Test captain; Sarfaraz Ahmed in line for head coach role

Former Real Madrid player and Spain’s 1982 World Cup coach Jose Emilio Santamaria has died at the age of 96, Los Blancos said on Wednesday.

Centre-back Santamaria, who joined Real Madrid in 1957 from Uruguayan side Nacional, played in one of the most decorated eras in the club’s history.

“Real Madrid wishes to express its condolences and affection to his wife Nora, his children Nelson, Nora, Beatriz, José, Silvia, and Javier, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all his family, teammates, and loved ones,” said Real Madrid in a statement.

He won 4 European Cups, 1 Intercontinental Cup, 6 La Liga titles, and 1 Spanish Cup with Real Madrid, across 337 matches.

He was part of that legendary team that won the first European Cups in history consecutively, initiating the universal legend of Real Madrid.

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“Alongside Di Stefano, Puskas, Gento and Kopa, that team began to build the legend of Real Madrid,” said Los Blancos chief Florentino Perez.

He played 25 times for Uruguay before becoming a naturalised Spaniard and playing at the 1962 World Cup for Spain, whom he went on to coach.

As a coach, Santamaria began his career the year after retiring as a player, in Real Madrid’s youth academy.

He managed the Spanish Olympic team at the 1968 Mexico Olympics and the 1980 Moscow Olympics. In 1982, he was the Spanish national team coach at the World Cup in Spain.

From 1971, for seven seasons, he managed R. C. D. Espanyol in 252 matches, becoming the coach with the most official matches in the club’s history.

READ: PSG beat Liverpool to reach Champions League semi-finals