Tag: Karachi Kings

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Six key overseas players of Karachi Kings, including captain David Warner, have confirmed their availability for the remainder of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

The tournament, which was briefly suspended last week due to rising cross-border tensions with India, is all set to resume on May 17 with Karachi Kings facing Peshawar Zalmi at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

David Warner will lead the charge among returning overseas stars, joined by wicketkeeper and opening batter from New Zealand, Tim Seifert.

England’s James Vince, who is the top run-scorer for Karachi Kings in this season, has also confirmed his return.

Moreover, Scotland’s dynamic batter George Munsey has also joined Karachi Kings for the remaining matches of the PSL 10.

Known as the reverse-sweeping demon of the Associate world, George has been a regular in Scotland’s T20I side in the past couple of years.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Rounding up the line-up, Australian wicketkeeper-batter Ben McDermott and Afghan legend Mohammad Nabi have also confirmed their availability for the remaining matches.

Notably, Rawalpindi will host three matches, including a double-header on Sunday, May 18, with Quetta Gladiators taking on Multan Sultans in the afternoon, followed by a clash between Peshawar Zalmi and Lahore Qalandars in the evening.

The last match at the venue will see defending champions Islamabad United face Karachi Kings on May 19.

After that, the action will move to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, which will host the business end of the tournament.

The Qualifier, Eliminator 1, and Eliminator 2 are scheduled for May 21, 22, and 23, respectively, with the grand final to be played on May 25.

READ: Babar Azam reflects on Mohammad Rizwan’s ‘Win or Learn’ remark

RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Thursday, confirmed that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 clash between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings has been postponed.

The decision was made due to rising tensions between Pakistan and India. Details indicate that the new date for the match will be announced soon, and it is likely to be rescheduled in Karachi.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board, in consultation with all the stakeholders, has decided to reschedule tonight’s HBL PSL X match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings,” the cricket board stated in a press release.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“The PCB will announce the revised date in due course.

“Moreover, VIP Gallery and enclosures ticket holders can obtain refunds from TCS Express Centres for tonight’s match, while tickets bought online for tonight’s encounter will be automatically reimbursed in the accounts used at the time of booking.”

The decision was finalised during an emergency meeting on Wednesday, attended by PSL franchise owners and representatives from law enforcement agencies.

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The high-level huddle was convened to ensure the safety and continuity of the PSL 10, which had reached a critical phase.

Due to increasing concerns about security risks, the PCB, after consulting with all stakeholders, has decided to relocate the remainder of the league to Karachi.

However, recent reports indicate that the tournament may be moved out of the country to either Doha or Dubai.

While this logistical pivot presents challenges, officials believe it is the most practical move to safeguard the remainder of the PSL 10 and maintain momentum heading into the international calendar.

Further updates regarding revised fixtures and match timings are expected to be released by the PCB soon.

READ: MS Dhoni breaks silence on his retirement plans

Karachi Kings fast bowler Abbas Afridi has praised Umar Gul as a key inspiration in his career, stating that he started playing cricket after watching him.

Abbas, one of the joint leading wicket-takers with 15 wickets alongside Jason Holder in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

The 24-year-old has represented Pakistan in 20 T20 Internationals (T20Is), taking 33 wickets at an average of 15.48.

Since his PSL debut in the 2021 season, Abbas has taken 58 wickets in 37 matches. He currently plays for the Karachi Kings in PSL 10, having represented the Multan Sultans for three seasons.

Karachi Kings are currently third on the points table with five wins from eight games. They will play their next match against Peshawar Zalmi at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Abbas Afridi recently shared his thoughts about his cricketing journey on a social media platform.

During the interview, he said that Umar Gul is his cricketing idol, while aiming to deliver performances like him

“Umar Gul is my uncle and my idol. I started playing cricket by watching him, and I always aim to deliver match-winning performances like him,” said Abbas Afridi.

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Abbas Afridi further revealed that Umar Gul worked on his power hitting, which greatly improved him.

“Before the PSL, Umar Gul took me for practice sessions where we worked on power hitting, and it helped me a lot,” he said.

The right-arm pacer emphasized batting abilities, stating that he focuses more on batting rather than bowling.

“I consider myself an all-rounder, but I haven’t had enough opportunities to showcase my full potential yet. I focus more on batting than bowling, and my goal is to establish myself as a true all-rounder,” he concluded.

READ: West Indies unveil ODI squad for Ireland, England series

Karachi Kings skipper David Warner took a dig at Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi after his side edged their arch-rivals in a rain-hit PSL 10 thriller at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday night.

While he was all praise for his team’s effort in the four-wicket win, the Australian couldn’t resist taking a cheeky dig at Lahore captain Shaheen Shah Afridi’s pitch assessment.

Lahore Qalandars, in a shortened 15-over contest, posted a strong 160/8, a total powered by blistering half-centuries from openers Mohammad Naeem and Fakhar Zaman.

Naeem led the charge with a fiery 65 off 29 deliveries, smashing six fours and five sixes, while Fakhar chipped in with a 33-ball 51 featuring four boundaries and three maximums.

In response, Karachi Kings chased down a revised 168-run target with three balls to spare, thanks to a breathtaking unbeaten 48 off 21 balls from Irfan Khan Niazi.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

But what caught the attention after the match was Warner’s pointed response to Afridi’s pre-match pitch prediction.

“Shaheen said it was going to turn, but not one ball has turned here in three games,” Warner said with a grin. “I was baffled by those comments.”

While Lahore went in with a spin-heavy attack, David Warner backed his decision to stick with four pacers.

“I stuck with it [pace attack]. You’ve just got to back yourself. Our bowlers have been fantastic, they’ve been taking wickets, and right now there’s probably no room for an extra spinner,” he explained.

The subtle jab came after Afridi had earlier remarked that the surface would assist spinners, something that clearly didn’t unfold as expected, especially after the rain altered the conditions.

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Despite the banter, Warner had glowing praise for his players, especially Irfan Khan, who turned the match on its head with his fearless batting.

“It was an amazing victory. First, I want to talk about the bowlers, they did a great job of restricting them to 160,” Warner said.

“And then obviously it was a brilliant effort by [Irfan Khan] Niazi. We stuck with him and spoke to him about having that hunger and desire, and today, the way he played was the cream on the top.”

With back-to-back wins under their belt, Karachi Kings are now eyeing a top-two finish as they head to Rawalpindi for their final group matches against Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United on May 8 and 10.

“We’ve pulled off a miracle today,” David Warner said. “Momentum is with us. Now the goal is to carry it into Rawalpindi and finish strong.”

READ: Shaheen Afridi remains unfazed after thrilling loss against Karachi Kings