Mir Hamza Archives

‘We were 10 runs short’ Mir Hamza on Karachi Kings’ defeat against Islamabad United

RAWALPINDI: Karachi Kings’ fast bowler Mir Hamza has opened up about the reason for his team’s narrow loss against Islamabad United in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9.

During the post-match press conference, Hamza expressed that Karachi Kings could have won the match against Islamabad United if they had some more runs on the board.

“I think we were 10-15 runs short, otherwise, the result would have been different as batters would have been under pressure while chasing,” he added.

He also shed light on the pitch conditions of the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, which is behaving differently than last year.

“Pindi pitch is behaving differently this time. We expected high-scoring encounters here like last year, where 200-220 runs were being chased. However, the pitch has moisture and is supportive to bowlers.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Hamza also stated that his team is currently focused on winning the next two games and qualifying for the playoffs of PSL 9.

“We are not thinking about other teams at the moment. Our next target is to win our remaining matches,” said the left-arm pacer.

Upon being asked about skipper Shan Masood’s aggressive behaviour on the field, Hamza backed his captain and called it part of the game.

“Aggression is part of the game. In a crucial stage of a must-win game, things can heat up but it is the beauty of cricket. Even I was aggressive in the latter stages of the match today,” Mir Hamza remarked.

“Shan [Masood] is naturally a cool and calm person, but a captain needs to be aggressive on the field.”

Karachi Kings will next face arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars on 9th March.

READ: Rahmanullah Gurbaz hits ton as Afghanistan ease past Ireland in first ODI

Mir Hamza roped in by Glamorgan for County Championship

Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Mir Hamza on Friday, was signed by Glamorgan as their overseas signing for the upcoming County Championship 2024.

Upon his recently signed contract with Glamorgan, Mir Hamza will be available for the opening seven fixtures of the County Championship, poised to run from April 5 to September 29.

🗞️ 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🗞️

Glamorgan are delighted to announce that Pakistan International seamer Mir Hamza has signed as an overseas player for the beginning of the 2⃣0⃣2⃣4⃣ season. 😍🔥🏏

Read more 👇#OhGlammyGlammy

— Glamorgan Cricket (@GlamCricket) March 1, 2024

Hamza has represented Pakistan in five Tests, boasting the best bowling figures of 4/32 which came in the Boxing Day Test against Australia in 2023.

In his budding Test career, Hamza has taken nine wickets at an average of 45.

The left-arm pacer has vast experience in first-class cricket, having picked 434 wickets in just 110 matches at a brilliant average of just over 22.

Mir Hamza has an equally impressive record in T20 cricket, picking up 58 wickets at an average of 29 and the best bowling figures of 4/9.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Commenting on his signing, Hamza expressed his excitement to represent Glamorgan and to work with his former national team head coach Grant Bradburn.

“I am thrilled to be joining Glamorgan for the County Championship this summer,” Hamza said.

“It will be exciting to work with Grant again after working with him with Pakistan, and I can’t wait to join up with the squad, get to training and help this great Club push for a positive start to the season.

“I have heard many great things about Cardiff from my teammates who played there last summer and look forward to meeting all of the supporters.”

Glamorgan head coach Bradburn welcomed Hamza’s addition and expects that the left-arm pacer would add more value to the side.

“As Coach, I am excited for our group to add such an experienced performer in Mir Hamza.

“Having worked with Mir previously in Pakistan, I have full confidence that Mir will add huge value to our team both on and off the field.”

It is worth mentioning here that Mir Hamza is currently representing former champions Karachi Kings in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9.

The left-arm pacer has thus far picked six wickets in four outings for the Kings.

READ: New Zealand collapse as Australia take control of Wellington Test

Mir Hamza credits team effort for victory over Lahore Qalandars

LAHORE: Karachi Kings’ left-arm pace bowler Mir Hamza has attributed the team’s thrilling victory against Lahore Qalandars to the combined team effort.

Karachi Kings edged past Lahore Qalandars in a thrilling Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 clash at Gaddafi Stadium yesterday courtesy of a clinical bowling performance and Kieron Pollard’s blistering half-century.

Mir Hamza, who took the winning single off the last ball, opened up during the post-match press conference about the plan before facing the final ball.

“It was a high-pressure situation but the plan was to not play a lofty shot and go for a ground shot,” said Hamza.

The 31-year-old pacer also commented on the atmosphere at Lahore Qalandar’s home ground, Gaddafi Stadium.

“It is Lahore’s home ground and the crowd was supporting them fully. I enjoyed playing against a full house and performing in such a high-intensity situation,” he expressed.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Mir Hamza, along with Hasan Ali and Tabraiz Shamsi grabbed two wickets each to restrict Lahore Qalandars to 175-6.

Meanwhile, Pollard and Shoaib Malik were the major contributors with the bat, scoring 58 and 39 respectively.

“Our team effort is the reason for our success as our batters and bowlers are all contributing together. The collective effort has benefited the team,” Hamza remarked.

He also thanked the team management of Karachi Kings for entrusting him with his role as an attacking bowler.

“The management has given me the responsibility to attack, so I am bowling according to my role and trying my best to fulfil the team’s expectations,” he added.

“I would like to give credit to the team management for keeping the environment healthy which brings the best out of every player.”

READ: Australia clinch victory in rain-hit third T20 against New Zealand

Karachi Kings’ Mir Hamza aims for winning start to PSL 9 campaign

MULTAN: Karachi Kings’ left-arm pacer Mir Hamza has set his sights on the triumphant start to the upcoming HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9, asserting that it would help the franchise to form a balanced team combination.

Hamza, while interacting with the media on the sidelines of the Kings’ training session at the picturesque Multan Cricket Stadium on Friday, expressed his confidence in the squad and is hopeful for a positive start to the campaign.

“Definitely, team combination is very crucial to any side and in any form of cricket. Team combination is only formed when you win matches in the beginning. So, this time our combination, the way our team is gelled, I think it’s very good and by the will of Almighty Allah, we will strive for a win from the very first match,” said Hamza.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Mir Hamza further commented on the new-look Karachi Kings’ bowling attack — following the departure of Mohammad Amir — and termed it very good, for having the likes of Hasan Ali and Tabraiz Shamsi in its arsenal.

“Our team’s pace attack this year is well-balanced, featuring Hasan Ali and me, as well as some really good all-rounders – Anwar Ali and Tabraiz. Therefore, our bowling attack is very strong, and our aim is to gain positive momentum and rhythm from the first match.”

For the unversed, Karachi Kings will start their HBL PSL 9 campaign against former champions Multan Sultans. The hosts possess a dominant record at home against the Kings but Mir Hamza ruled out the stats by highlighting the uncertainty of the T20 format.

“Look, there is no guarantee in T20 format. So, you can’t predict about any team regardless of how many matches it has won in the past,” said Hamza.

“No doubt, Multan is a wonderful team and it is their home ground as well but still, I would say that it is a T20 format and our team is very strong, be it bowling or batting, so, we will give them a tough time,” he concluded.

READ: Quetta Gladiators share update on Hasaranga’s availability in PSL 9

Karachi Kings replace injured Hamza with Akif Javed for PSL remainder

KARACHI: Karachi Kings called up fast bowler Akif Javed to replace Mir Hamza, who was ruled out of the tournament due to a fractured finger, for the remainder of Pakistan Super League season 8.

Taking to Twitter, the most followed franchise of the PSL, Kings, announced that left-arm pacer Javed had been added to the squad in place of Mir Hamza.

🚨 REPLACEMENT UPDATE 🚨

Left-arm fast bowler Akif Javed has been added to the squad in place of Mir Hamza.

Welcome to the family! 🤝#YehHaiKarachi | #KingsSquad | #HBLPSL8 pic.twitter.com/Uf1WCvV1CF

— Karachi Kings (@KarachiKingsARY) February 16, 2023

Hamza fractured the index figure of his bowling hand during his side’s opening match against Peshawar Zalmi at the National Bank Cricket Arena on Tuesday.

The left-arm fast attempted to stop Babar Azam’s straight drive in his follow through on the fourth ball of the second over and the ball ricocheted off his hand onto the non-striker’s stumps that sent Saim Ayub back to the pavilion as he was out of his crease.

He could bowl another eight ball in the match and finished with the match figures of one for 13 in two overs. He had dismissed Mohammad Haris two balls prior to the incident.

In a contest that swung like pendulum, Peshawar Zalmi came out victorious by mere two runs.

Akif Javed has previously been part of Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United squads. The left-arm fast bowler has 33 T20 wickets in 31 matches and bowls at an economy of 8.48.

It is pertinent to mention that the Kings will lock horns with Islamabad United in their second PSL 8 fixture on Thursday.

Karachi Kings Squad:

Imad Wasim (c), Sharjeel Khan, Matthew Wade (wk), Haider Ali, Shoaib Malik, Qasim Akram, Ben Cutting, Andrew Tye, Imran Tahir, Akif Javed, Mohammad Amir. James Vince, Tabraiz Shamsi, Aamer Yamin, Muhammad Umer, James Fuller, Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Akhlaq (wk), Musa Khan, Irfan Khan Niazi, Faisal Akram, Adam Rossington

READ: Muneeba, Sandhu propel Pakistan to thump Ireland

Karachi Kings’ pacer Mir Hamza ruled out of PSL 8 remainder

KARACHI: Karachi Kings’ left-arm pacer Mir Hamza has been ruled out of the remainder of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) eight due to an injury.

According to the details, Hamza fractured one of his fingers amid his side’s opening clash against Peshawar Zalmi on Tuesday which resulted in him ruling out of the ongoing marquee league.

The Kings are yet to announce Hamza’s replacement for the remainder of the league.

Taking to Twitter, Hamza’s PSL franchise Kings confirmed that the pacer fractured one of his fingers due to which he has been ruled out of the ongoing season.

“Fast bowler Mir Hamza has been ruled out of [PSL 8] due to a fractured finger,” wrote Kings.

“Our thoughts are with him, and we wish him a speedy recovery. The Karachi Kings family is with you, Mir!” Kings added.

Fast bowler Mir Hamza has been ruled out of #HBLPSL8 due to a fractured finger.

Our thoughts are with him, and we wish him a speedy recovery. The Karachi Kings family is with you, Mir!#YehHaiKarachi | #KingsSquad pic.twitter.com/3nPlpY2NN5

— Karachi Kings (@KarachiKingsARY) February 15, 2023

Hamza was part of the Kings’ Playing XI during their two-run defeat against Zalmi in their opening match of PSL 8 on Tuesday.

The left-arm pacer could bowl two overs in the thriller against Zalmi and picked up a wicket for 13 runs.

It is pertinent to mention that the Kings will lock horns with Islamabad United in their second PSL 8 fixture on Thursday.

Mir Hamza among three players added to Pakistan squad for New Zealand Tests

LAHORE: The Men’s interim selection committee led by former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has added Mir Hamza, Sajid Khan and Shahnawaz Dahani to the Pakistan Test squad for the two-match series against New Zealand, scheduled to commence on Monday.

According to the PCB, the decision came into effect after the interim selection committee led by Afridi held a meeting here who, along with Pakistan captain Babar Azam, joined the session through a video link.

In a PCB released statement, Afridi shared that all the members of the interim selection committee mutually agreed upon the need of strengthening the bowling attack of the national team, thus, came up to the conclusion of adding three bowlers to the already announced squad.

“We had a good discussion on the squad and agreed we needed to strengthen our bowling department to give ourselves the best chance of taking 20 wickets in a match. As such, and taking into consideration recent form and performances, we have added fast bowlers Mir Hamza and Shahnawaz Dahani, and off-spinner Sajid Khan,” said PCB in a statement.

“I am confident the inclusion of three additional bowling resources will give Babar Azam more options to field the best available squad for the first Test,” the statement added.

Hamza had a decent four-match stint in the recently-concluded Quaid-e-Azam Trophy; taking 16 wickets, while Sajid bagged 21 wickets in seven matches. Meanwhile, Dahani could only make two appearances in the premium first-class tournament due to national duty.

Hamza played his first and only Test against Australia in 2018 while Sajid’s seventh and last Test was against Australia earlier this year in Lahore. Whereas, is yet to make his debut in Tests.

Pakistan Test Squad

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shan Masood and Zahid Mehmood

READ: PAK v NZ: PCB puts tickets on sale for first Test in Karachi

Karachi Kings pick Mir Hamza as partial replacement for Imran Jr

LAHORE: Karachi Kings’ have replaced Mohammad Imran Jr. with Mir Hamza as partial replacement in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 7.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the event’s technical committee has approved the partial replacement.

“Karachi Kings have drafted in Mir Hamza as a partial replacement for Mohammad Imran Jr. This has been approved by the Technical Committee,” PCB released a statement.

Kings will play their sixth match in PSL 7 against Peshawar Zalmi on February 13 at Gaddafi Stadium. They haven’t won any match out of five they have played so far in the event.

READ: Lahore Qalandars pick Fawad Ahmed as Rashid Khan’s replacement

Hamza rattles KPK as Sindh retain top position with 127-run victory

KARACHI: Mir Hamza was on song with his superb bowling spell that rattled Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)’s batting line on the last day of their seventh-round contest here at State Bank Stadium.

Set to chase 257, KPK resumed Day 4 at 13-0. Sindh were on top after a slow start from the opposition. Mohammad Hasnain and Sohail Khan picked up two wickets initially after which Hamza joined the party at the center.

The left-arm pacer picked up six wickets in winning cause for Sindh who retained top position on the points table after seven rounds completed in the premium First-Class (FC) tournament.

Sahibzada Farhan top-scored with 39 runs that saw the ball crossing the boundary six times. KPK were bowled out for 130.

Earlier, Khurram Manzoor once again sailed the sinking ship of his team by scoring a hundred which was his 30th in FC cricket. He made 107 runs laced with 12 boundaries as Sindh took the 256-run lead over KPK. Saad Khan made 89 to strongly support the Sindh’s opener at the crease.

On the other hand, Central Punjab’s batters, Waqas Maqsood and Muhammad Ali, only managed to add 10 runs to their side’s overnight score of 197/9, and the Central were bundled out for 207 in the first session of the final day, setting a target of 20 runs for Northern, which they comprehensively chased down for the loss of one wicket and registered their first victory in the ongoing edition of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (QEAT).

Haider Ali’s double century in the first innings laid the foundation for his team’s victory. Later, Haris Rauf’s six-fer in the first innings and Mubasir Khan’s six-fer in the second, aided Northern’s first victory. Haris took nine wickets in the match, while Mubasir took eight.

In another seventh-round match, Southern Punjab openers Tayyab Tahir and Umar Siddique were unable to extend their stand and the partnership was broken without adding a run on the final day as Umar was run-out on 17. Tayyab and Zeeshan Ashraf batted sensibly and formed an important partnership before Zeeshan was dismissed on 30 by Akif Javed. On the next ball by Akif, Salman Ali Agha bagged a golden duck.

Tayyab and Yousuf Babar, however, ensured that their side did not collapse, recording a brilliant 133-run partnership before Yousuf was sent back to the pavilion by Gohar Faiz on 63. Soon after, Tayyab was also dismissed; the batter had top-scored for the side with 86 runs before being sent back to the pavilion by Kashif Bhatti.

Muhammad Imran (36) and Zia Ul Haq (27) also made important contribution to the team’s total and Southern, in the end, were dismissed on 311, setting a target of 189 for Balochistan.

Kashif, a left-arm spinner, was the pick of the Balochistan bowlers, taking four wickets. Akif struck out three batters. Gohar and Akber-Ur-Rehman, on the other hand, each struck out a batter.

Balochistan batters could only face five overs in reply before stumps were called on the final day. Balochistan finished with a score of 24/0, and the game ended in a draw.

Northern will now face table-toppers Sindh in the eighth round of QEAT, which will take place from December 6th to December 9th. Central, on the other hand, would face Balochistan in the same round. Whereas, Southern will face KPK.

READ: Mubasir Khan’s fifer sets Northern on verge of big victory