Tag: Karachi Kings

Former New Zealand captain and Karachi Kings player Kane Williamson has shared his thoughts on the Pakistani pacers who have impressed him the most in recent years.

While speaking during a recent interview with a sports platform, Williamson praised Pakistani pacers Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi, acknowledging the country’s depth in fast bowlers.

“Pakistan has always had great depth in fast bowlers, which has been a strength of their cricket. There are many threats,” he said.

“Shaheen has been incredible, especially with the new ball. Then there’s Haris Rauf, who’s been a fantastic performer for Pakistan for a long time. These two bowlers have done really well,” he added.

Kane Williamson praised Pakistan’s ace batter Babar Azam, stating that he has always enjoyed watching him play.

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“I’ve only been here for a couple of days, so I’m still enjoying watching everybody play. But having faced Pakistan frequently over the years, I’ve always enjoyed watching Babar bat.”

“He’s an amazing player, and a beautiful player to watch,” Williamson said. “He’s one that I’ve always enjoyed,” he remarked.

The 34-year-old shed light on the ongoing criticism of Pakistan’s Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s strike rates in T20 cricket, emphasizing the team’s requirements in different situations.

“It’s all about what the team requires and trying to win games for your team,” he explained.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

The right-handed batter emphasized the need for adaptability, mentioning that there had been both high and low scores in the PSL.

“As we’ve seen in the PSL, there have been scores of 230, but we’ve also seen scores around 140 and 130. You have to be adaptable, and ultimately, it’s about your role in the team that contributes to its best performance.”

“Whether it’s scoring quickly on some days or playing more conservatively, as long as it’s geared towards winning games for your side, that’s what’s important,” Kane Williamson concluded.

READ: Karachi Kings’ Talent Hunt Prodigy Fawad Ali becomes Fastest bowler of PSL 10

Karachi Kings’ emerging fast bowler Fawad Ali has outpaced all others to become the quickest bowler of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

Fawad Ali set the speed gun ablaze in the PSL as he leads the charts for the fastest deliveries bowled in the ongoing edition.

The Swat-born speedster bowled a 149.75 kmph thunderbolt to Mohammad Rizwan during the Karachi Kings’ clash against Multan Sultans.

Fawad Ali has been impressive in the tournament so far, having not conceded a single six in the tournament.

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Fawad Ali, a product of the Karachi Kings Talent Hunt Program, dismissed Quetta’s Hasan Nawaz for 35 to claim his first wicket in T20 cricket.

Fawad was part of the squad in HBL PSL 9 as a replacement for Tim Seifert. However, it was during his time at the Karachi Kings Academy, under the watchful eyes of the coaching staff, that he truly developed.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Fawad Ali progress earned him a place in the Emerging Category for PSL 10, and he has continued to grow with each passing game.

For the unversed, Fawad’s rise is the stuff of dreams. Starting out as a tape-ball cricketer back home in Swat, it was the Karachi Kings’ open trials in 2023 that changed the course of his life.

It’s worth mentioning that the Karachi Kings are currently in third place with six points, having won three out of six games.

The 2020 champions started the tournament with an emphatic victory against Multan Sultans, chasing a mammoth 235. The Kings also defeated Quetta Gladiators convincingly by 56 runs.

They will now face the bottom-ranked Multan Sultans in the upcoming fixture on May 1 at Multan Cricket Stadium.

READ: Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen proposes formation of board to drive PSL growth

LAHORE: Karachi Kings captain David Warner called for self-reflection and a return to positive cricket following his side’s narrow five-run defeat to Quetta Gladiators in their PSL 10 encounter at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday night.

Chasing 143 for victory, the Kings fell short, managing 137/8 in their 20 overs, despite promising starts from Tim Seifert and James Vince. The result marked another missed opportunity for Karachi, who remain in a tight battle for playoff qualification.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Warner struck a balance between disappointment and perspective.

“Look, I think we have to take the positives out of this. I couldn’t be more proud of our bowlers—they gave it their all. But truth be told, we just weren’t good enough tonight,” Warner stated.

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Karachi’s bowlers had earlier bundled Quetta Gladiators for a modest 142, but the batting unit faltered in the chase. Warner himself fell early, dismissed for four by Mohammad Amir in the opening over, setting the tone for a stuttering batting performance.

The former Australian captain did not mince words when assessing the batting effort.

“We lacked intent with the bat. It wasn’t about their bowling; we were just too complacent. The pitch was fantastic—141 doesn’t reflect the surface at all. A score of 180 would’ve been par,” he said.

Despite a solid second-wicket partnership between Seifert (47 off 26) and Vince (30 off 29), the Kings lost momentum in the middle overs.

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A collapse saw Karachi Kings lose key wickets to Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Wasim Jr., and Abrar Ahmed, while the likes of Shan Masood and Khushdil Shah failed to anchor the innings under pressure.

Still, David Warner insisted that Karachi Kings need to focus on their approach, especially with key games ahead.

“Right now, it’s about assessing where we stand. When we’ve won, it’s because we’ve been positive and fearless. Tonight, we missed that mark,” Warner concluded.

READ: Fawad Ali Expresses Gratitude After Claiming First PSL Wicket

LAHORE: From playing tennis-ball cricket in the hills of Swat to striking under the Gaddafi Stadium lights, Karachi Kings’ emerging pacer Fawad Ali took a big step in his professional career on Friday, claiming his maiden wicket in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The 20-year-old right-arm fast bowler, a product of the Karachi Kings Talent Hunt Program, made the breakthrough against Quetta Gladiators, removing Hasan Nawaz for 35 to register his first scalp in top-level T20 cricket.

Speaking during the innings break, a visibly emotional Fawad Ali credited the moment to divine blessing.

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“First of all, I thank Allah Almighty for granting me this honour and helping me get my first wicket,” Fawad said.

Fawad’s rise is the stuff of dreams. Starting out as a tape-ball cricketer back home in Swat, it was the Karachi Kings’ open trials in 2023 that changed the course of his life.

“I used to play tennis-ball cricket before this,” he recalled. “When Karachi Kings held trials in our area, I topped them and stayed in contact with Masroor Bhai (Assistant Coach). Eventually, the franchise called me to Karachi for training.”

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Initially brought into the squad last season as a replacement player, Fawad honed his skills at the Karachi Kings Academy, where regular sessions under the coaching staff helped polish his raw pace and ability.

His growth was rewarded when he was picked in the Emerging Category for PSL 10.

Adding another special touch to his journey, Fawad spoke about the surreal experience of working with his childhood idol — and now mentor — Shaun Tait.

“When I started playing cricket, Shaun Tait was my ideal. Now he’s our bowling coach. It’s a dream come true, and I’ve had the opportunity to learn so much from him,” he said.

READ: ‘Hasan is a leader’: Shaun Tait applauds pacer’s role in Karachi Kings

LAHORE: Quetta Gladiators secured a five-run victory against the Karachi Kings in the 15th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday. 

Karachi Kings fell short of the 143-run target, finishing their innings at 137 for 8 despite a strong start.

The chase began on a shaky note with captain David Warner’s dismissal for just four runs by Mohammad Amir in the first over. However, Tim Seifert and James Vince fought back aggressively, putting pressure back on the Quetta Gladiators.

The duo formed a 50-run partnership for the second wicket, consistently finding the boundary and taking control.

But it was Quetta skipper Saud Shakeel’s over, that turned the match on his head, ending the partnership by dismissing Vince for 30 runs off 29 deliveries. The breakthrough left  Kings at 77 for 2 in the ninth over.

Seifert continued his aggressive batting but was taken out by Mohammad Wasim Jr. for a rapid 47 runs off 26 balls, which brought Karachi to 93 for 3 in the 12th over.

Karachi’s middle order crumbled under the mounting pressure. Shan Masood struggled, getting out for a disappointing 9 runs off 17 balls to Khurram Shahzad. Things worsened when Abrar Ahmed dismissed Khushdil Shah without scoring, followed by Amir, who took out Mohammad Nabi for only four runs.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Shahzad struck again, sending Abbas Afridi back for no runs, and Wasim Jr. further diminished Karachi’s prospects by dismissing Omair Bin Yousuf for 11 runs.

Despite a resilient performance from Hasan Ali, who scored 24 not out off 13 balls, the Kings fell short of their target, losing by five runs.

For Quetta Gladiators, it was an all-round bowling effort with Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed, and Khurram Shahzad taking two wickets each.

Earlier, Hasan Ali’s three-wicket haul helped Karachi Kings bundle out Quetta Gladiators for a modest total.

Put into bat, Quetta Gladiators were bundled out for 142 in 19.3 overs, courtesy of a dominant bowling display from Karachi Kings’ four-pronged pace attack.

The Gladiators had a poor start as they lost their top four inside the powerplay. Hasan Ali started the proceedings with an opening burst that removed Saud Shakeel (6) and Finn Allen (0) in the second over.

The wickets brought experienced Rilee Rossouw to the crease. However, his stay was cut short as Hasan castled him, after scoring 10 off 9 balls with the help of two boundaries.

Playing his first match in the PSL, New Zealand’s Mark Chapman could not rise to the occasion, as Mohammad Nabi dismissed him after scoring just 4 runs.

However, on the other end, Kusal Mendis held firm and struck elegant boundaries, taking Gladiators to 69 in 8 overs. He was eventually removed after a brisk 36 off 22 balls with the help of five fours.

Nonetheless, it was Hasan Nawaz’s and Faheem Ashraf’s determined 59-run partnership that took Quetta out of trouble. Both batters batted briskly, taking the team’s score over the 100-run mark in the 15th over.

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In the 15th over bowled by Hasan Ali, Quetta scored 19 runs, boosting their hopes for a strong total. Faheem hit two sixes and four fours, breaking the pressure.

The promising partnership ended in the 16th over with Hasan Nawaz’s removal, after scoring 35 off 34 balls. Quetta Gladiators failed to capitalize on this stand and reach a strong total as Karachi Kings struck in quick succession.

Quetta Gladiators were eventually bundled out for a meagre total on the third ball of the penultimate over, thanks to a run-out. Faheem Ashraf remained the top-scorer with a gutsy 43 off 27 deliveries,

For Karachi Kings, Hasan Ali was the stand-out bowler, taking three wickets for 33 in his 3.3 overs. Abbas Afridi and Mir Hamza provided strong support, each taking two wickets.

PLAYING XIs

Karachi Kings: David Warner (C), Tim Siefert, James Vince, Shan Masood, Omair Bin Yousuf, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nabi, Abbas Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, Fawad Ali.

Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel (C), Finn Allen, Rilee Rossouw, Kusal Mendis, Mark Chapman, Hassan Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Amir, Khurram Shahzad, Abrar Ahmed.

READ: PSL 10: Mohammad Rizwan opens up on Munro-Iftikhar on-fie0ld altercation

Karachi Kings’ faced a significant blow as fast bowler Adam Milne has been ruled out of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 due to a knee injury.

Adam Milne suffered the injury during the Kings’ second match of the season against Lahore Qalandars.

Adam Milne, who played two matches in the PSL 10, stayed with the team, and his recovery process continued. However, after consultation with the medical team, it was decided that he would not be able to participate further in the season.

Karachi Kings management expressed their best wishes for Milne’s speedy recovery and thanked him for his services to the team.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Karachi Kings have temporarily included young wicketkeeper-batter and Pakistan Under-19 team captain Saad Baig as Adam Milne replacement for the remainder of the tournament.

Saad Baig, who had already joined the team as a partial replacement for Kane Williamson, played two matches this season, scoring 29 runs, including an aggressive knock against Islamabad United.

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It’s worth mentioning that the Karachi Kings are currently second in the points table. They have won three out of five games.

The 2020 champions started the tournament with an emphatic victory against Multan Sultans, chasing a mammoth 235. The Kings’ also defeated Quetta Gladiators convincingly by 56 runs.

Karachi Kings had faced defeats against Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United; however, they managed to defeat Peshawar Zalmi by two wickets in a closely contested match.

Karachi Kings squad for PSL 10

David Warner (captain), Abbas Afridi, James Vince, Hasan Ali, Khushdil Shah, Shan Masood, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Tim Seifert, Zahid Mahmood, Mir Hamza, Fawad Ali, Riazullah, Omair Bin Yousuf, Kane Williamson, Mohammad Nabi, Saad Baig, Ben McDermott and Mirza Mamoon.

READ: ‘Credit to scientist who sent him to open’: Former pacer takes a dig at Asif Ali

Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson arrived in Lahore on Thursday to join the Karachi Kings squad for the ongoing season 10 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The veteran batter, who was picked by Karachi Kings in the supplementary category during the PSL 10 players draft, joined the squad at the team hotel upon arrival in the city.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

He will participate in the training session later today at the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) ground to prepare for the upcoming match against the Quetta Gladiators, scheduled for Friday.

After the Gladiators match, the Karachi Kings will play against the Multan Sultans on May 1.

They will then face their arch-rivals, the Lahore Qalandars, on May 4, followed by a clash with Peshawar Zalmi on May 8.

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The group stage campaign will conclude with a match against the defending champions, Islamabad United, on May 10.

It’s worth noting that Karachi Kings, under the leadership of David Warner, have won three out of their five games in the PSL 10 so far.

Karachi Kings squad for PSL 10

David Warner (captain), Abbas Afridi, Adam Milne, James Vince, Hasan Ali, Khushdil Shah, Shan Masood, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Tim Seifert, Zahid Mahmood, Mir Hamza, Fawad Ali, Riazullah, Omair Bin Yousuf, Kane Williamson, Mohammad Nabi, Saad Baig, Ben McDermott and Mirza Mamoon.

READ: Shadab Khan dedicates Islamabad United victory to Rumman Raees Amid personal loss

Karachi Kings all-rounder Khushdil Shah has shared his thoughts after a match-winning performance against Peshawar Zalmi in the 11th match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 at the National Bank Stadium Karachi.

In a thrilling encounter against Peshawar Zalmi on Monday night, Karachi Kings successfully chased down 148 runs, losing eight wickets with three balls to spare on a challenging batting surface.

The left-hander starred with the bat and ball, taking three wickets in his four overs, along with an unbeaten 23 of 17 balls, which took Karachi Kings over the line in a tense chase.

With nine runs required of the last over, Khushdil Shah pounced on the first ball of Hussain Talat’s over, striking a four off through backward point. The victory led Kings’ to second position on the PSL 10 points table.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Khushdil Shah reflected on his performance under pressure, highlighting his game awareness at the crucial stage of the game.

“I was feeling good, knew that they had a bowler missing and that a part-timer or all-rounder had to bowl the last over,” he said after being named Player of the Match.

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“There was a pressure situation, and I was told to go lower down to handle the game, ” he added.

The southpaw took the key wicket of Babar Azam, who was looking good. He said that it’s always cherishing to get Babar out. He further mentioned his role in the team, noting that he is really enjoying the responsibility.

“Babar is their main batter, always happy to get him out,” Khushdil said. I’m getting to bat a little higher. I’m enjoying it — the team involves me in everything,” Khushdil Shah concluded.

READ: PSL 10: Multan Sultans win toss against Lahore Qalandars

LAHORE: Karachi Kings squad has reached here ahead of their first away Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 clash with Quetta Gladiators, scheduled on Friday.

Karachi Kings reached the provincial capital after completing their home matches. The 2020 PSL champions arrived in Lahore on Tuesday afternoon via a chartered flight along with Peshawar Zalmi.

Karachi Kings are currently in second place on the PSL 10 points table with six points. The Kings have a good start to the tournament, winning three out of their five matches. They have secured victories against Multan Sultans, Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi.

In a thrilling encounter against Peshawar Zalmi on Monday night, the Karachi Kings successfully chased down 148 runs, losing eight wickets with three balls to spare on a challenging batting surface in the 11th match of PSL 10 at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi.

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The home team got off to a poor start in their chase, as Tim Seifert was dismissed for a golden duck on the very first ball. The in-form batter James Vince followed soon after, departing for 11, leaving Karachi in early trouble at 19-2 in 2.5 overs.

After a shaky start, Saad Baig partnered with skipper David Warner, and together they took the team’s score to 42 before Baig was bowled by Ali Raza, having scored 9 off 8 balls.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Subsequently, Irfan Khan contributed 10 runs, while Mohammad Nabi added 14, while David Warner remained firm at the other end. Warner’s innings came to an end in the 17th over after scoring 60 off 47 balls.

However, it was Player of the Match Khushdil Shah who anchored the final stages with a calm unbeaten 23, guiding the team home in the last over.

Karachi Kings squad for PSL 10

David Warner (captain), Abbas Afridi, Adam Milne, James Vince, Hasan Ali, Khushdil Shah, Shan Masood, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Tim Seifert, Zahid Mahmood, Mir Hamza, Fawad Ali, Riazullah, Omair Bin Yousuf, Kane Williamson, Mohammad Nabi, Saad Baig, Ben McDermott and Mirza Mamoon.

READ: PSL 10: Aamir Jamal fined for code of conduct breach against Peshawar Zalm

Karachi Kings all-rounder Aamir Jamal has been fined for breaching the code of conduct during his side’s nail-biting win over Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 on Monday.

The 28-year-old was handed a 5% fine on his match fee for committing a Level 1 offense under Article 2.5 of the PSL Code of Conduct, which relates to the use of language, actions, or gestures that could provoke an aggressive reaction from a dismissed batter.

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The incident took place in the 15th over of Zalmi’s innings when Jamal, after dismissing Hussain Talat, made a comment that was deemed inappropriate by the match officials.

The on-field umpires, Faisal Khan Afridi and Paul Reiffel, reported the matter to match referee Iftikhar Ahmed. Aamir Jamal accepted the charge and the sanction, avoiding the need for a formal hearing.

Despite the disciplinary setback, Karachi Kings went on to register their third win of the season, edging past Zalmi by two wickets in a tense finish.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Chasing a target of 148 on a sluggish pitch, the Kings held their nerve to seal victory on the third delivery of the final over, with Hasan Ali striking the winning runs.

The Kings will now shift their focus to their next fixture against Quetta Gladiators, scheduled for April 25 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

READ: Mohammad Amir breaks silence on his retirement from international cricket