Tag: Lahore Qalandars

LAHORE: All-round Lahore Qalandars overwhelmed defending champions Islamabad United by 95 runs in the Eliminator 2 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

Chasing a daunting target of 203 runs, Islamabad United crumbled under pressure and were bundled out on a meager 107 in just 15.1 overs.

Islamabad United started poorly in the pursuit as Qalandars’ opening bowlers dismantled their top order, reducing them to 12-3 in only 3.2 overs.

Inform, Sahibzada Farhan was the first to go as Salman Mirza castled him with a beauty. The makeshift opener Muhammad Shahzad could not make an impact as he was sent packing, thanks to Shaheen Afridi, who left United two down for three runs.

South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen came in but had a short stay at the crease was short, departing after scoring seven runs.

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With early wickets, it was expected that the experienced duo of Imad Wasim and Salman Agha would steady Islamabad United in the chase, however, the former fell on the penultimate ball of the powerplay.

Imad scratchy 8 off 10 ended, thanks to Mirza again, leaving United reeling at 33-4.

The early setbacks had Islamabad United searching for solutions, which Salman and captain Shadab Khan briefly addressed with a 39-run partnership.

Both batters were looking good as they scored 18 off Rishad Hossain’s bowling in the ninth over, bringing the score to 56.

However, just when United were set to launch, top-scorer Salman was caught, scoring 33 off 26 balls, laced with a six and four boundaries.

Rishad struck again in the 13th over, claiming wickets of Shadab Khan (26 off 14 balls, three sixes) and James Neesham (8 off five balls), leaving Islamabad United seven down for 95.

It was only a matter of time in front of a dominant bowling display from the home team as Shaheen Afridi wrapped up the innings, picking up Haider Ali’s wicket.

For Lahore Qalandars, it was a clinical bowling effort as Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza and Rishad Hossain picked three wickets each that led them three times champions to PSL 10 final.

Earlier, Mohammad Naeem’s sparkling half-century, followed by Kusal Perera’s knock, led Lahore Qalandars to a formidable total

Opting to bat first, Lahore Qalandars posted 202 for the loss of eight wickets in their allocated 20 overs.

The home team was jolted with an early blow as they lost their opener, Fakhar Zaman only in the second over. The left-handed batter departed after scoring 12 off 11 balls with the help of three fours.

However, Mohammad Naeem stitched a 70-run stand with Abdullah Shafique, bringing the score to 83 at the end ninth over. Naeem was the core aggressor while Shafique kept one end firm.

The notable highlight of the powerplay was Naseem Shah’s fifth over, during which Naeem amassed 18 runs. The opener, removed soon after completing his brisk half century, struck two sixes and seven boundaries.

Despite the wicket, Lahore Qalandars kept the scoring rate high as they crossed the 100-run mark through the halfway stage of the innings. Abdullah Shafique (25 off 24 balls) was caught, courtesy of Shadab Khan’s excellent catch at mid off.

The wicket brought Bhanuka Rajapaksa to the crease, who partnered with his countryman Kusal Perera, taking Qalandars into a commanding position. The Sri Lankan duo forged a vital 51-run stand, bringing the total to 151 in 16.2 overs.

Perera was the core aggressor while Rajapaksa played second fiddle for his 22 of 13 balls, laced with two fours and a six.

The Qalandars kept on scoring runs as Perera reached his half-century. Asif Ali also contributed with his 7-ball 15, striking back-to-back sixes in Salman Irshad’s over, before getting dismissed.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

The scorecard read 189-5 in the 18.4 as Qalandars eyed to go past 210; however, it was the 20th over, which brought three wickets, giving Islamabad United a sigh of relief. Kusal Perera, who top scored with 61 off 35 deliveries, peppered with two sixes and seven fours, was the first to go.

Shakib Al Hasan was caught as well on duck, but Rishad Hossain struck a boundary to take Qalandars past 200 before being run out on the last ball of the innings.

For Islamabad United, Tymal Mills starred with the ball, taking three for 42 in his four overs, while Salman Irshad picked up two wickets.

PLAYING XIs 

Lahore Qalandars: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Shakib Al Hasan, Fakhar Zaman, Kusal Perera, Haris Rauf, Abdullah Shafique, Asif Ali, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Salman Mirza, Rishad Hossain, Mohammad Naeem (E).

Islamabad United: Shadab Khan (c), Naseem Shah, Imad Wasim, Salman Ali Agha, Salman Irshad, Sahibzada Farhan, Muhammad Shahzad, Rassie van der Dussen, James Neesham, Tymal Mills, Haider Ali

LAHORE: Lahore Qalandars have won the toss and opted to bat first against Islamabad United in the Eliminator 2 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

PLAYING XIs

Lahore Qalandars: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Shakib Al Hasan, Fakhar Zaman, Kusal Perera, Haris Rauf, Abdullah Shafique, Asif Ali, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Salman Mirza, Rishad Hossai, Mohammad Naeem (E).

Islamabad United: Shadab Khan (c), Naseem Shah, Imad Wasim, Salman Ali Agha, Salman Irshad, Sahibzada Farhan, Muhammad Shahzad, Rassie van der Dussen, James Neesham, Tymal Mills,Riley Meredith

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

LAHORE: Lahore Qalandars top-order batter Abdullah Shafique shared his thoughts after a match-winning knock against Karachi Kings.

Set to chase a 191-run target, Lahore Qalandars comfortably knocked the winning runs with eight balls to spare. Player of the Match Abdullah Shafique starred with the bat, scoring 65 off 35 balls with the help of five sixes and three fours.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Abdullah expressed satisfaction over his recent performance and said he aims to contribute in ways that help the team win.

“First of all, I thank Allah for giving me the opportunity to perform well. “My focus is always on contributing in a way that benefits the team,” Abdullah Shafique told reporters.

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He added that adapting to modern-day cricket demands constant self-improvement while hailing the team’s clarity regarding playing roles.

“You have to train according to the requirements of modern cricket. But more than training, it’s about mindset. If the mindset is positive, results follow.”

“Every player knows his role and performs accordingly,” he explained.

Responding to a question about his batting position, he said: “I’ve played as an opener from the beginning of my career, but I always try to adapt based on the team’s needs.”

He also threw his support behind skipper Shaheen Afridi, expressing support for the fast bowler.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“Shaheen is our leader, and we are all standing firmly with him,” Abdullah Said

Looking ahead to the Eliminator against Islamabad United, Abdullah remained optimistic about his team’s chances of reaching the final, stressing the sloppy fielding.

“We are hopeful of putting in a strong performance and qualifying for the final. Catches do get dropped; it’s part of the game. I tried to make up for the fielding mistakes with my batting,” he concluded.

READ: Dominant Lahore Qalandars beat Karachi Kings in PSL 10 Eliminator

LAHORE: Abdullah Shafique’s and Fakhar Zaman’s enterprising knocks powered Lahore Qalandars to a victory over Karachi Kings in the Eliminator of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

Set to chase a 191-run target, Lahore Qalandars comfortably knocked the winning runs on the loss of four wickets with eight balls to spare.

Lahore Qalandars had a similar start to Karachi Kings as they scored 42 runs in the first four overs, until Mohammad Naeem’s wicket. He was caught on long-on after scoring 14 off 12 with the help of a boundary and a six.

Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman partnered with Abdullah Shafique to ensure that the required run rate remains under control.

The notable highlight of his innings was emerging bowler Fawad Ali’s over, in which he scored 16 runs, which brought the score to 60-1 at the end of the powerplay.

However, Fakhar fell on the first ball of the ninth over, after scoring 47 off 28 balls, laced with three sixes and five boundaries.

The wicket did bring the Kings back into the game, but it was Abdullah Shafique’s and Kusal Perar’s stand that took the game away from them. The duo stitched an 83-run partnership, bringing the score to 158 in 15.2 overs.

Abdullah Shafique fell for an enterprising 35-ball 65 runs, with the help of five sixes and four fours. Perera, on the other end, remained firm and forged a brief stand with his counterpart, Bhanuka Rajapaksa.

He perished in the 19th over after scoring 30 off 24 balls, featuring two sixes and a four, while Rajapaksa struck a six to take his team home.

For Karachi Kings, Hasan Ali bagged two wickets while Fawad Ali and Mir Hamza made one scalp apiece.

Earlier, David Warner’s brisk knock and Khushdil Shah’s cameo powered Karachi Kings to an impressive total

Opting to bat first, Kings posted 190 for the loss of eight wickets in their allocated 20 overs.

The Kings’ openers provided a strong start as they raced to 43 at the end of four overs, losing Tim Seifert in the process.

David Warner was the core aggressor, while Seifert (16 off eight) did well to hold one end firm.

James Vince joined Warner, notching up a 31-run stand, bringing the score to 74 at the end of the seventh over. Vince was caught on deep mid-wicket off Shakib Al Hasan’s bowling.

The wicket, however, did not halt the Kings’ momentum as Warner’s onslaught continued, thanks to drop catches from the Qalandars. Saad Baig was the next to go, falling cheaply on the score of 11, reducing Karachi Kings to 99-3 at the end of the 11th over.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Following the dismissal, in-form batter Irfan Khan partnered with Warner, adding a 38-run stand for the fifth wicket. The partnership set the tone for a big total as the Kings reached 137 in 14.3 overs.

At this moment, Lahore Qalandars came back into the game despite sloppy fielding, removing Irfan Khan and well well-set David Warner in successive overs.

Irfan went after scoring 18 off 12 while Warner was finally caught on 75 off 52 balls, an innings peppered with eight fours and three sixes.

The middle overs jolted Kings’ scoring rate as they reached 163 in the 18th over as Qalandars struck twice, first removing Mohammad Nabi (16 off 10) and then Abbas Afridi (2 off two).

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However, it was Khushdil Shah’s 14-ball 27 that took Karachi Kings to a strong total. He smashed three fours and two sixes in an enterprising knock.

For Lahore Qalandars, Haris Rauf was the standout bowler, taking three for 35 in his quota of four overs, while Shaheen Afridi scalped two wickets.

PLAYING XIs

Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Kusal Perera (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Shakib Al Hasan, Asif Ali, Shaheen Afridi (cap), Salman Mirza, Zaman Khan, Haris Rauf

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

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LAHORE: Karachi Kings have won the toss and opted to bat first against Lahore Qalandars in the Eliminator of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

PLAYING XIs

Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Kusal Perera (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Shakib Al Hasan, Asif Ali, Shaheen Afridi (cap), Salman Mirza, Zaman Khan, Haris Rauf

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

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Lahore Qalandars have received another major boost ahead of their PSL 10 Eliminator against arch-rivals Karachi Kings, with Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain rejoining the squad after completing national duty.

The franchise confirmed his arrival with a social media post, featuring a photo of the spinner and the caption: “LOOK WHO’S BACK!! It’s Rishad Hossain — back in the squad ahead of the all-important Eliminator against Karachi Kings.”

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Rishad, who has quickly made his mark in his debut PSL season, has been a key weapon for the Qalandars during the middle overs.

In just five matches, he has picked up nine wickets at an average of 16.44, showcasing impressive control under pressure.

His return couldn’t have come at a better time for Shaheen Afridi’s side, who are set to take on Karachi Kings in a high-stakes knockout fixture on Thursday, May 22, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

The Qalandars now feature a trio of Bangladeshi cricketers in their setup. Just a day earlier, all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz joined the squad as a replacement for Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza, who departed to represent his national side in a four-day Test against England.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who is not part of Bangladesh’s squad for the upcoming T20I series in Pakistan, sees this PSL opportunity as a chance to prove his T20 credentials and push for a national recall.

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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.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“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

Lahore Qalandars have received a significant boost as Bangladeshi all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz has joined the team ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 Eliminator against their arch-rivals, Karachi Kings.

Miraz joined the squad for the playoff stage, replacing Sikandar Raza from Zimbabwe, who left to join his national team for a four-day Test against England.

Lahore Qalandars announced the arrival of Bangladeshi all-rounder through a social media post.

“Spin wizard in town! Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz arrives in Lahore to join Lahore Qalandars for the remainder of the PSL,” the post stated. “Qalandars fans, let’s welcome our Qalandar brother!”

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Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who is not part of Bangladesh’s ongoing T20I series against the UAE in Sharjah or the upcoming five-match T20I series in Pakistan, sees this PSL opportunity as a chance to prove his T20 credentials and push for a national recall.

“Of course, it is exciting for me to join Lahore Qalandars,” Mehidy said in a recent interview.

“It is technically the second time I have got a call-up to a franchise league.

“Nonetheless, it is a good opportunity for me to compete at a very high level. PSL is one of the top tournaments going around. I have done well in the past in the BPL, so I am confident that I can give my best.”

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Mehidy Hasan Miraz also acknowledged that he wants to use this stint as a springboard back into Bangladesh’s T20I setup.

“I can get myself up to the mark in T20s, so that I am prepared for the selection opportunities ahead,” he said.

“Definitely, I want to get back into the Bangladesh [T20I] team, and this is one of the ways I can improve myself in the format.”

At Lahore Qalandars, Miraz is set to reunite with senior Bangladesh teammate Shakib Al Hasan, who recently joined the franchise alongside Sri Lanka’s Bhanuka Rajapaksa to bolster a squad depleted by the absence of David Wiese and Sam Billings.

READ: Saud Shakeel backs THESE youngsters as future international stars

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.

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Lahore Qalandars have added Bangladeshi all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz to their squad for the playoff stage of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, replacing Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza.

The 27-year-old spinner has been granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and is expected to arrive in Lahore by Tuesday.

Lahore Qalandars are set to feature in the Eliminator on Thursday, though their opponent is yet to be finalised.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who is not part of Bangladesh’s ongoing T20I series against the UAE in Sharjah or the upcoming five-match T20I series in Pakistan, sees this PSL opportunity as a chance to prove his T20 credentials and push for a national recall.

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“Of course, it is exciting for me to join Lahore Qalandars,” Mehidy said in a recent interview.

“It is technically the second time I have got a call-up to a franchise league.

“Nonetheless, it is a good opportunity for me to compete at a very high level. PSL is one of the top tournaments going around. I have done well in the past in the BPL, so I am confident that I can give my best.”

Mehidy Hasan Miraz also acknowledged that he wants to use this stint as a springboard back into Bangladesh’s T20I setup.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“I can get myself up to the mark in T20s, so that I am prepared for the selection opportunities ahead,” he said.

“Definitely, I want to get back into the Bangladesh [T20I] team, and this is one of the ways I can improve myself in the format.”

At Lahore Qalandars, Mehidy Hasan Miraz will reunite with senior Bangladesh teammate Shakib Al Hasan, who recently joined the franchise alongside Sri Lanka’s Bhanuka Rajapaksa to bolster a squad depleted by the absence of David Wiese and Sam Billings.

The Qalandars had briefly brought back Sikandar Raza after the PSL resumed following a temporary halt due to border tensions between India and Pakistan, but the Zimbabwean veteran was only available for one game before linking up with his national side for a four-day Test against England.

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