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PSL 10: Karachi Kings’ Mir Hamza confident ahead of Eliminator against Qalandars

LAHORE: Karachi Kings’ fast bowler Mir Hamza has expressed optimism ahead of a high-stakes encounter against arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 eliminator.

Karachi Kings will face Lahore Qalandars on Thursday in the Eliminator of PSL 10 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Talking to the media here on Wednesday, Mir Hamza, who suffered an injury scare during the clash against Peshawar Zalmi, declared himself fully fit ahead of the highly anticipated match.

“I’m completely fit. Everyone had been asking about my fitness,” Hamza told reporters.

Despite an injury scare, Hamza featured in the game against Islamabad United, returning with the figures of one for 41 in his four overs.

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“I’ve played a game since returning from injury, and I’m feeling good. Lahore vs Karachi games are always exciting — both teams are major PSL rivals,” he remarked.

Looking ahead to the contest, Mir Hamza said the atmosphere will be thrilling while mentioning the weather and pitch conditions.

“Tomorrow’s game will be good. We’ll enjoy it. The whole of Pakistan is our home ground, so the pressure of home and away doesn’t affect us much.”

“Lahore’s team is good, and they’ve been playing here consistently. But conditions might have changed now; the weather has shifted quite a bit,” Mir Hamza observed.

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The left-arm pacer stressed that both bowlers and batters will have to perform well in the knockout encounter. He also emphasized national selection, admitting that he is ready for the opportunity.

“It’s an important match. Bowlers and batters both have to deliver.”

“Earlier, I used to worry about not being selected for the national team. But not anymore. Now the focus is on staying fit and being ready whenever the opportunity comes,” Mir Hamza said.

Hamza hailed Karachi Kings captain David Warner, stating that the team is also getting deeper insight into the Australian mindset.

“David Warner is a big name in cricket. Sharing the dressing room with him gives us the chance to learn positive things. We’re also getting insight into the Australian mindset,” he concluded.

READ: Ben Stokes urges England to be smarter with their comments

PSL 10: Asif Ali expects pressure in high-stakes clash against Karachi Kings

LAHORE: Asif Ali, Lahore Qalandars’ middle-order batter, has admitted the pressure in the high-stakes encounter against arch-rivals Karachi Kings in Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 Eliminator.

The two-time PSL champions Lahore Qalandars will take on Karachi Kings here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

Speaking to the media ahead of the match, Asif emphasized knock-out stage pressure and stated that all the players can thrive under difficult situations.

“It’s the knockout stage and a big match, so naturally, there will be pressure,” Asif said. “However, all the players are professionals, and I don’t think anyone will let the pressure affect their performance,” he said.

The power-hitter shed light on Qalandars’ combination, admitting the fact that their batting had not clicked in previous matches. He also praised Sam Billings and Sikandar Raza for their contribution, stating they will be missed.

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“With the combination that has been made, hopefully, there will be good cricket. In the previous matches, batting was not going well, and the team combination has been made, hopefully, we will go with the same combination,” he explained

“Sam Billings was performing; when a player like him leaves, it affects the combination,” he added.

In the previous match at home, Lahore Qalandars lost by four wickets in a last-over thriller against Karachi Kings.

Asif Ali backed the team to do well while sharing insights into his future plans.

“If you lose a match, you review the errors and work on improving them. Every player has goals, and my focus remains on the upcoming games. If Pakistan or the selectors need me, I am ready to serve,” he said.

The right-hander reflected on his return to international cricket, expressing his desire to focus on the game.

“I am playing cricket and haven’t given much thought to a comeback, nor is it my primary goal right now. If the selectors needed me, they would have called me up. I believe they don’t need me at this moment,” Asif concluded.

READ: Police recover stolen Women’s Champions League trophy

PSL 10: George Munsey banking on experience and form to boost Karachi Kings

Scotland’s hard-hitting batter George Munsey is counting on his recent form and experience to bolster Karachi Kings as he gears up for his Pakistan Super League (PSL) debut.

Munsey, 32, shed light on his cricketing journey and playing for Karachi Kings in PSL 10 during an exclusive interview.

The left-hander expressed excitement for joining Karachi Kings, noting that he had plenty of game time, which is really helpful.

“Look, it’s a fantastic opportunity to be here. Fresh from a Scotland series
and coming with plenty of game time, which is nice,” he said.

George Munsey emphasized integration in the Kings’ squad, praising management for making things simple. He further praised David Warner’s leadership and the clarity he brings to the table.

“It’s been really easy to settle in Karachi Kings. The coaching staff and management have made it super easy.

It has been a great experience so far, and I have played under David Warner before and know what I am expecting. I like the clarity that he brings as well,” Munsey added.

George Munsey addressed the tag ‘ Reverse sweeping demon’, admitting that this shot is indeed a valuable skill to possess.

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“I am not sure about how that name came about, but look, it’s just a shot that I love go into. When the opportunity presents itself, I think a really useful skill to have, so I really enjoyed playing it, he explained.

Speaking on Karachi Kings’ performance so far in PSL 10, he said that the team has done really well to get into this position, banking on past experience to contribute to the team.

“Karachi has done a fantastic job to get where they are now with the game in hand. There are a lot of players here whom I have played against in the past, whether it’s international or franchise cricket.

“Just look to use those experiences to formulate the best plans possible to win the games,” George Munsey said.

According to his Cricinfo profile, Munsey had dreams of becoming a professional golfer, and it was a golf scholarship to the Loretto School, just outside Edinburgh, that brought him to Scotland at age 13.

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The explosive batter explained how playing Golf serves as a way to socialize informally with cricketers.

“I think playing golf just frees up the swing. Mostly, it’s all about escaping cricket life. I think golf is a fantastic Sport to socialize with other cricketers and learn in a very casual environment, ” he said of playing Golf.

George Munsey is featuring for the first time in PSL, and he expressed his excitement while praising the league’s standards.

“Really looking forward to my first PSL experience. I have only heard great things about the pitches, the level of competition, and the fan bases are incredible. I have seen that first hand in the last few days,” he concluded.

For the unversed, Karachi Kings will play arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars in the Eliminator on 22 May at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

READ: Bangladesh confirm Pakistan tour for three-match T20I series

Ravi Bopara confident of Karachi Kings’ comeback in PSL 10 playoffs

Karachi Kings Head Coach Ravi Bopara remains upbeat about the team’s chances in the PSL 10 playoffs, despite a tough loss in their final league match against Islamabad United.

Speaking after the match, Bopara was clear: the team isn’t letting one defeat define them.

“It wasn’t our best day, but it hasn’t shaken our confidence,” he said.

“This team is a tight unit, we enjoy the good moments together, and we stand by each other in tough times. We’re backing ourselves against Lahore Qalandars and aiming to go all the way.”

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Ravi Bopara acknowledged Islamabad United’s strong showing but emphasised Karachi’s own consistent run in the tournament.

“We played excellent cricket throughout the group stage. For a long time, we were securely in second place. But Islamabad beat us twice — so they deserve that spot,” he added.

“They started the tournament on a high with five straight wins. We came close, but now we’ll take the hard route, and sometimes that’s the more rewarding one.”

He also shared his views on the evolution of emerging players in Pakistan, particularly batters.

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“I’ve been impressed by the emerging batters this season. Usually, we see more fast bowlers, but this time some really strong hitters have come through,” Ravi Bopara further stated.

“But they’re inexperienced. Next year, opponents will come with plans and target their weaknesses. That second season is always tough.

“We’ve got to support them, guide them, and help them adapt. That’s how we turn them into world-class players.”

Karachi Kings now look to regroup quickly and come out firing in the do-or-die clash against Lahore Qalandars on 22 May at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

READ: PCB invites applications for men’s national team coaching staff

Karachi Kings’ director reflects on draft success and player development

Karachi Kings Director Haider Azhar expressed strong confidence in the team’s strategy, structure, and player development after the completion of PSL 10 group stages.

While speaking to the media following the defeat to Islamabad United in their final group-stage game, Haider said he was proud of how the team was built and how it performed overall.

“Alhamdulillah, we’re very satisfied with our draft planning — especially in terms of team balance. We’re one of the few sides that gave chances to 18 players during the season,” Haider stated.

“The conditions in Karachi were a bit different from what we expected, but we had covered our bases for both spin- and pace-friendly tracks.”

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Highlighting a major strategic call made at the draft table, he added:

“We took a calculated risk by backing local middle and lower-order players, where Pakistani talent has generally struggled. But Khushdil Shah was brilliant throughout the tournament, and Irfan Khan Niazi also contributed well. We’re happy with how our squad performed across departments.”

Haider Azhar also shed light on Karachi Kings’ long-standing investment in player development.

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“Karachi Kings has always prioritised talent development. If you look back over 10 seasons, you’ll see how many players started with us as emerging talent, Mir Hamza, Shahnawaz Dahani, Irfan Khan Niazi, Abbas Afridi, and Abrar Ahmed. These aren’t just names, they’re success stories.”

“Even last year, our talent hunt in the northern areas discovered Fawad Ali — a young fast bowler who hit 149 km/h in this tournament. We remain committed to unearthing and nurturing new talent.”

Karachi Kings will now take on Lahore Qalandars in the Eliminator on 22 May at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, aiming to keep their title hopes alive.

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PSL 10: Karachi Kings win toss against Islamabad United

RAWALPINDI: Karachi Kings have won the toss and opted to bowl first against Islamabad United in the 30th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.

PLAYING XIs

Islamabad United: Alex Hales, Sahibzada Farhan, Rassie Van der Dussen, Salman Ali Agha, Haider Ali, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Shadab Khan (cap), Ben Dwarshuis, Imad Wasim, Salman Irshad, Tymal Mills

Karachi Kings: David Warner (c), Tim Seifert, James Vince, Saad Baig (wk), Khushdil Shah, Irfan Khan Niazi, Mohammad Nabi, Aamer Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Hassan Ali, Mir Hamza

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

HEAD TO HEAD

Karachi Kings and Islamabad United have played each other 23 times since the inception of the PSL. Islamabad United has a better record with 17 wins, while the Kings have managed to secure 6 wins.

RECORD: Matches 23, Karachi Kings 6, Islamabad United 17

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The eagerly awaited season 10 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) kicked off on Friday, 11 April, filling cricket fans with excitement.

However, the tournament faced an unexpected pause as tensions flared across the border with India.

Originally slated to culminate on Sunday, 18 May, the final showdown has now been rescheduled to take place on a thrilling Sunday, 25 May, promising high-stakes action and unforgettable moments for fans.

READ: Here’s why Ben Stokes gave up drinking Alcohol

Mir Hamza provides update on his injury after match against Peshawar Zalmi

Karachi Kings pacer Mir Hamza has provided an update on his injury following the match against Peshawar Zalmi in Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

Mir Hamza suffered an injury scare during the clash against Peshawar Zalmi in the 17th over of the innings when a powerful shot from Max Bryant struck his toe on the last ball of the over.

The left-arm pacer was seen in visible pain following the incident.

However, Mir Hamza has now provided an update on the X platform (formerly Twitter), stating his condition.

“Alhamdulillah, I am fine now and back to normal. Thank you all for your concern, he wrote.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Mir Hamza returned with figures of one for 33 in his four overs in a high-scoring fest.

Karachi Kings stormed into the playoffs of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 with a dominant 23-run victory over Peshawar Zalmi.

The highlight of the match was a blistering unbeaten 43 off just 15 balls from Khushdil Shah, who, alongside Mohammad Nabi (26* off 10), stitched together a game-changing 70-run stand in just 24 balls to take Kings to an imposing 237-4.

Chasing a mammoth 238-run target, Peshawar Zalmi put up a spirited fight but eventually fell short, managing 214/5 in their 20 overs.

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The silver lining for Peshawar Zalmi was Babar Azam, who scored a valiant 94 off 49 balls, featuring 10 fours and 4 sixes.

For Karachi Kings, Abbas Afridi led the charge with 2/48 in his four overs. Hasan Ali and Mir Hamza chipped in with one wicket each.

Karachi Kings will now face Islamabad United in the last league match on 19 May at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The winner of the match will determine the matchup scenarios for the playoffs.

READ: Worked on my weaknesses: Hasan Nawaz on match-winning knocks in PSL 10

James Vince achieves major T20 milestone during Peshawar Zalmi clash

RAWALPINDI: England batter James Vince added another major milestone to his illustrious T20 career on Saturday, becoming just the ninth player in men’s T20 history to score 12,000 runs in the format.

The milestone came during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 clash between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where Vince played a pivotal role in the Kings’ commanding win.

Coming into the contest, the 33-year-old needed 59 runs to cross the landmark and did so in style with a stroke-filled 72 off 42 deliveries, which included 11 fours and a six.

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His knock not only helped him enter the 12,000-run club but also powered Karachi Kings to a mammoth total.

Vince now joins an exclusive list featuring the likes of Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, David Warner, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Shoaib Malik.

Among Englishmen, he becomes the third batter to reach the milestone after Jos Buttler and Alex Hales.

Most runs in Men’s T20s

Chris Gayle – 14562 runs in 455 innings
Alex Hales – 13610 runs in 490 innings
Shoaib Malik – 13571 runs in 515 innings
Kieron Pollard – 13537 runs in 617 innings
Virat Kohli – 13391 runs in 393 innings
David Warner – 13158 runs in 406 innings
Jos Buttler – 12613 runs in 420 innings
Rohit Sharma – 12130 runs in 446 innings
James Vince – 12013 runs in 416 innings

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

On the night, Vince was part of a game-defining 162-run second-wicket stand with Kings’ skipper David Warner, who top-scored with a classy 86 off 50 balls (11 fours, 2 sixes).

The Kings didn’t slow down after their dismissals either. A blistering late onslaught by all-rounders Khushdil Shah (43 off 15)* and Mohammad Nabi (26 off 10)* lifted the side to a commanding 237/4.

Despite a valiant 94-run knock from Zalmi captain Babar Azam, the Kings bowlers held their nerve to defend the total and seal a 23-run victory.

READ: David Warner Credits Experience, Team Balance in Karachi Kings’ Playoff Push

David Warner Credits Experience, Team Balance in Karachi Kings’ Playoff Push

Karachi Kings captain David Warner credited experience and explosive finishing as the key factors in his side’s victory over Peshawar Zalmi, a result that sealed their place in the playoffs of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

Speaking after being named Player of the Match for his 86 off 50 balls, Warner said the game plan was clear from the toss.

“As I said at the toss, we wanted to bat first,” Warner remarked. “After the first wicket, it was about assessing the conditions.”

“Early on, me and James [Vince] knew it was a good wicket, so we just played normal cricketing shots. With the experience both of us bring, we knew if we stayed for around 10 overs, we could try and back-end it.”

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Warner and Vince combined for a 162-run partnership off 89 balls for the second wicket, laying the foundation for a massive total. Though Warner admitted they left “a little bit out there,” he was all praise for the finishing act.

“The way Khushdil [Shah] and [Mohammad] Nabi came out and finished it off was amazing,” he said, referring to the duo’s 70-run stand off just 24 balls that powered Kings to 237-4.

Reflecting on his own form and mindset, David Warner joked about the advantage of being “old” in cricketing terms.

“The best thing about being old [chuckles] is that you’ve played a lot of games,” he further stated.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“I think it’s about playing the game in front of you. When you’re batting in the top order, you have time on your side. For us, it was all about building a partnership and momentum to set things up for the backend.”

Warner also hailed his bowlers, particularly Mir Hamza and Hasan Ali, for delivering under pressure.

“Mir Hamza is our strike bowler. We want him to swing the ball up front, and he does exactly what I ask,” he said.

“He’s been exceptional in the powerplay. Hasan Ali just brings so much energy, and the knowledge he has of the game is phenomenal.”

READ: Khushdil Shah credits self-improvement after quick-fire knock against Peshawar Zalmi

Karachi Kings edge past Peshawar Zalmi to qualify for PSL 10 playoffs

RAWALPINDI: David Warner and James Vince powered Karachi Kings to defeat Peshawar Zalmi and qualify for the playoffs of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Chasing a mammoth 238-run target, Peshawar Zalmi put up a spirited fight but eventually fell short, managing 214/5 in their 20 overs to hand Karachi Kings a convincing victory.

Zalmi’s chase began with promise as Mohammad Haris and Saim Ayub stitched a quickfire 30-run opening stand. But the momentum was dented early when Haris departed for 9 in the third over.

Ayub, however, carried on confidently and found a reliable partner in skipper Babar Azam.

The left-hander added 77 runs with Babar for the second wicket before falling to Abbas Afridi in the 11th over. Ayub scored a fluent 47 off 31, peppered with five boundaries and a couple of sixes.

Babar then took charge, playing the anchor as wickets continued to tumble around him. He stitched brief partnerships with Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Max Bryant, but Zalmi’s hopes of a successful chase rested firmly on his shoulders.

Just as Babar inched closer to a well-earned century, his innings met a cruel end, a run out on 94 off 49 balls, featuring 10 fours and 4 sixes.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

His dismissal in the 18th over left Zalmi needing 55 runs off the final 13 deliveries, with too much left for the lower order to chase down.

Maaz Sadaqat (19)* and Hussain Talat (12)* fought till the end but could only add 30 runs together, as Zalmi eventually finished 23 runs shy of the target.

Among the bowlers, Abbas Afridi led the charge for the Kings with 2/48 in his four overs. Hasan Ali and Mir Hamza chipped in with one wicket each.

Earlier, Karachi Kings posted a massive 237/4 in their allotted 20 overs after being invited to bat first by Peshawar Zalmi, thanks to a record second-wicket stand between David Warner and James Vince.

The innings couldn’t have started on a more dramatic note, with Luke Wood striking gold on the very first delivery, dismantling debutant Ben McDermott for a golden duck.

But the early breakthrough only paved the way for fireworks.

David Warner, joined by Vince at the crease, staged a sensational recovery for Karachi Kings.

The duo stitched together a 162-run partnership for the second wicket, combining power with precision and turning the momentum firmly in the Kings’ favour.

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Vince was the first to depart, falling to Ali Raza in the 15th over after a fine 42-ball 72, laced with 11 boundaries and a six.

The very next over, Zalmi found another opening when Wood removed the dangerous Muhammad Irfan Khan for just two.

Warner, having anchored the innings brilliantly, finally perished for a commanding 86 off 50 balls, caught at deep mid-wicket off Arif Yaqoob in the 17th over.

His knock featured 11 fours and 2 sixes, providing the perfect platform for the lower order to explode. That’s exactly what Khushdil Shah and Mohammad Nabi did.

The all-round duo smashed an unbeaten 70-run stand in the final overs to push the total well beyond the 230 mark.

Khushdil was the chief aggressor, hammering 43 off just 15 balls*, while Nabi chipped in with a handy 26 off 10*.

With the ball, Luke Wood stood out for Peshawar Zalmi, returning excellent figures of 2/19 in four overs. Arif Yaqoob and Ali Raza chipped in with a wicket apiece.

READ: Mohammad Haris reflects on Pakistan’s challenges in modern cricket