Tag: Peshawar Zalmi

DHAKA: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Sunday extended the No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for the pace duo of Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam, currently taking part in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Rana and Islam both are representing Peshawar Zalmi in the tournament.

The one-match extension was announced by the BCB in a press release statement.

“The decision has been made following a request from their PSL franchise Peshawar Zalmi, as well as the Pakistan Cricket Board,” the BCB statement read.

“Shoriful Islam and Nahid Rana were originally granted NOCs valid until 12 April 2026. Under the revised arrangement, both players have been permitted to remain in Pakistan for Peshawar Zalmi’s scheduled PSL fixture on 13 April 2026,” it further added.

The announcement comes upon the request of the Peshawar Zalmi and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

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Initially, the BCB had issued NOCs to both players until April 12. However, they will now be permitted to stay in Pakistan until Peshawar Zalmi’s match on April 13.

A day earlier, Bangladesh announced the squad for the first two ODIs against New Zealand, set to begin on April 17 in Dhaka.

Both Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam are named in the squad and will join the team after featuring in the Peshawar Zalmi’s upcoming match against Multan Sultans on April 13.

Bangladesh squad for ODI series against New Zealand:

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das (wk), Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Nahid Rana.

READ: Charith Asalanka replaces Parvez Hossain Emon at Lahore Qalandars

KARACHI: Kusal Mendis gutsy knock, backed by a complete bowling performance, helped Peshawar Zalmi defeat Lahore Qalandars in their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 clash at the National Bank Stadium on Saturday.

Set 174, Lahore Qalandars fell short by 76 runs and were bowled out for 97 in 16.5 overs.

After losing Mohammad Naeem for one in the second over, Abdullah Shafique and Fakhar Zaman stabilized the innings with a 39-run partnership.

However, the defending champions lost in the fifth over with the dismissals of Shafique and Zaman, both sent back to the pavilion on identical scores of 21.

The slide continued as Qalandars lost half of their side at the end of the 10th over. The chief tormentors were Michael Bracewell and Sufiyan Muqeem.

The situation worsened when Sikandar Raza and Shaeen Afridi were removed in back-to-back overs. As a result, Qalandars were 67-7 in 11.4 overs.

The game was long done and dusted, with debutant Dunith Wellalage resisting with 20 from 24 balls to only reduce the margin of defeat. His resistance came to an end as he was caught at the backward point off Aamer Jamal’s bowling.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

For Peshawar Zalmi, Muqeem and Bracewell shared six wickets between them, whereas Nahid Rana picked up two wickets.

Earlier, a composed half-century from Kusal Mendis and another steady outing by Babar Azam guided Peshawar Zalmi to a competitive 173-7 at the end of their 20 overs.

Put into bat first, Zalmi suffered an early setback when Mohammad Haris fell after a brisk 18 off 10 balls, undone by Shaheen Shah Afridi.

However, what followed was a stabilizing and impactful partnership between Babar and Mendis, who combined to add 109 runs for the second wicket.

With this win, Peshawar Zalmi moved to the top position on the points table with nine points.

The duo kept the scoreboard ticking with calculated aggression, pushing the Qalandars’ bowling unit onto the back foot.

During the stand, Mendis brought up a fluent half-century, while Babar also reached a historic milestone, becoming the first player to cross 4000 runs in PSL history.

The partnership was eventually broken in the 16th over when Usama Mir dismissed Babar for 43 off 40 deliveries.

The Qalandars struck again soon after, with Afridi removing Mendis for a well-crafted 74 off 48 balls, an innings that included five fours and four sixes.

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Zalmi’s middle order struggled to maintain the same momentum in the closing stages. Ubaid Shah removed Abdul Samad cheaply, while Michael Bracewell provided a brief late flourish with a 10-ball 21 before falling to Mustafizur Rahman.

Zalmi eventually closed their innings at 173-7, with Iftikhar Ahmed (7) and Sufiyan Muqeem (1) unbeaten at the crease.

For the Qalandars, Afridi led from the front with three wickets, while Mustafizur chipped in with two. Ubaid Shah and Usama Mir claimed one apiece.

READ: Babar Azam becomes first batter to achieve historic PSL milestone

KARACHI: Lahore Qalandars have won the toss and decided to bowl first against Peshawar Zalmi in the 19th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday. 

Playing XIs

Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Haseebullah Khan (wk), Asif Ali, Sikandar Raza, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Dunith Wellalage, Usama Mir, Mustafizur Rahman, Ubaid Shah

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Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Haris (wk), Kusal Mendis, Farhan Yousaf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Michael Bracewell, Abdul Samad, Aamer Jamal, Sufiyan Muqeem, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana

HEAD TO HEAD

Karachi and Quetta have faced each other in 20 matches, with the latter holding a lead with 13 victories. Meanwhile, the Kings have secured seven wins.

Matches 22, Lahore Qalandars 9, Peshawar Zalmi 11, Tied 1, NR 1

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi delivered a record-shattering performance in Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, piling up a massive 246 for 3 against Karachi Kings before sealing a historic 159-run victory at the National Bank Stadium.

Asked to bat first, Zalmi recovered from an early setback, losing Mohammad Haris for a duck on just the second ball, to produce one of the most dominant batting displays in PSL history.

The turnaround was orchestrated by Babar Azam and Kusal Mendis, who stitched together a staggering 191-run partnership for the second wicket.

That stand is now the highest for any wicket in PSL history, eclipsing the previous best of 176 set by Babar and Sharjeel Khan back in 2021.

Highest partnerships in PSL

• Kusal Mendis and Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi) – 191 runs against Karachi Kings in 2026
• Sharjeel Khan and Babar Azam (Karachi Kings) – 176 runs against Islamabad United in 2021
• Saim Ayub and Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi) – 162 runs against Quetta Gladiators in 2023
• David Warner and James Vince (Karachi Kings) – 162 runs against Peshawar Zalmi in 2025
• Liam Livingstone and Babar Azam (Karachi Kings) – 157 runs against Multan Sultans in 2019

Zalmi’s total of 246/3 also entered the record books as the highest ever at the National Bank Stadium, surpassing the previous mark of 238/3.

It is now the sixth-highest total in PSL history and the franchise’s highest-ever score, improving on their previous best of 242/6.

Notably, the record for the highest total in PSL history belongs to Quetta Gladiators, who posted 263/3 last season against Islamabad United.

Highest totals in PSL history

• Quetta Gladiators – 263/3 against Islamabad United in 2025
• Multan Sultans – 262/3 against Quetta Gladiators in 2023
• Quetta Gladiators – 253/8 against Multan Sultans in 2023
• Islamabad United – 251/5 against Karachi Kings in 2025
• Islamabad United – 247/2 against Peshawar Zalmi in 2021
• Peshawar Zalmi – 246/3 against Karachi Kings in 2026

In response, Karachi Kings crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for just 87 in 16.1 overs, which is their lowest total in PSL history.

The collapse also marked the lowest-ever total recorded at the National Bank Stadium, underlining the one-sided nature of the contest.

The defeat margin of 159 runs is now the biggest in PSL history, surpassing the previous unwanted record held by Multan Sultans, who had suffered a 120-run loss against the same opposition last season.

READ: Babar Azam breaks Chris Gayle’s record during Karachi Kings clash

KARACHI: Babar Azam and Kusal Mendis’ sublime batting backed by a disciplined bowling effort powered Peshawar Zalmi to a resounding 159-run victory over Karachi Kings in the 17th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Thursday.

Set a massive 247 to chase, Karachi Kings’ batting lineup faltered and were bowled out for 87 in 16.1 overs.

Kings were in early trouble right from the start as they lost both of their openers, Mohammad Waseem and David Warner, for ducks.

They were further pegged back when Salman Ali Agha was trapped lbw for five by Iftikhar Ahmed. As a result, they were reduced to 8-3 in 2.1 overs.

Following the early trouble, Saad Baig (14) and Azam Khan (25) tried to stabilize the innings with a brief 27-run partnership. However, a caught and bowled from Nahid Rana sent the former back to the pavilion.

The wickets continued to tumble as Kings never recovered in their big chase.

Eventually, Peshawar Zalmi bowled them out for a modest total and handed Kings their first defeat of the season.

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For Peshawar Zalmi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Nahid Rana, and Iftikhar Ahmed shared nine wickets between them.

Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi posted a mammoth 246 runs total in a commanding batting display after being invited to bat first.

The cornerstone of the big total was the record 191-run stand between Babar Azam and Kusal Mendis. The duo put on a batting masterclass after the early loss of Mohammad Haris, who was removed for a duck on the second ball of the opening over.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Babar scored 87 from 51 balls with the aid of two sixes and 10 fours, while Mendis scored his maiden PSL century, an innings of 109 off 52 deliveries, laced with 14 fours and four sixes.

Peshawar Zalmi were 197-4 in 17 overs when Abdul Samad provided a late surge. He smashed 40 off just 12 balls with the help of four sixes and three boundaries, propelling the total beyond the 240-run mark.

For Karachi Kings, Abbas Afridi picked up two wickets while giving away 55 in his quota of four overs.

READ: Devon Conway leads Islamabad United to victory over Lahore Qalandars

LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 fixture between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi has been abandoned without a ball being bowled due to a wet outfield at the Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday, with both teams sharing points after no play was possible.

The weather had already delayed proceedings, with the toss initially postponed due to steady rainfall.

However, conditions failed to improve in time for even a shortened contest, prompting match officials to eventually call off the seventh match of the tournament.

Zalmi, led by Babar Azam, had entered the fixture on the back of an impressive five-wicket victory over tournament debutants Rawalpindiz.

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Chasing a daunting 215, Peshawar produced a collective batting effort, highlighted by Mohammad Haris’s 47 off 28 deliveries, alongside valuable contributions from Babar (39) and Michael Bracewell, who remained unbeaten on 35.

In contrast, Islamabad United were looking to bounce back after suffering a five-wicket defeat against Multan Sultans in their previous outing.

Despite setting a competitive 172, United were outplayed as the Sultans chased down the target comfortably, powered by Josh Philippe’s half-century and an unbeaten knock from captain Ashton Turner.

SQUADS

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (c), Sufiyan Muqeem, Abdul Samad, Ali Raza, Aaron Hardie, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Haris, Khalid Usman, Abdul Subhan, Tanzid Hasan, Michael Bracewell, Kusal Mendis, Iftikhar Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Kashif Ali, Shahnawaz Dahani, Farhan Yousuf, Brian Bennett, Mohammad Basit, Shoriful Islam

Islamabad United: Shadab Khan (c), Salman Irshad, Andries Gous, Devon Conway, Faheem Ashraf, Mehran Mumtaz, Mark Chapman, Nisar Ahmed, Mir Hamza Sajjad, Sameen Gul, Sameer Minhas, Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Dipendra Singh Airee, Mohammad Faiq, Mohsin Riaz, Chris Green, Mohammad Salman Mirza

READ: PSL 11: Fakhar Zaman handed a two-match ban over ball-tampering

LAHORE: A breathtaking run-chase powered by collective brilliance saw Peshawar Zalmi storm to a five-wicket victory over Rawalpindiz in a high-scoring clash of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, overshadowing a sensational knock from Yasir Khan.

Chasing a daunting 215, Zalmi batters stepped up at crucial moments to seal the contest with five balls to spare.

The pursuit was set in motion by a 78-run opening stand between Babar Azam and Mohammad Haris, who added quick runs at the top.

Babar struck a fluent 39 off 28 deliveries before falling to Asif Afridi, while Haris fell prey to Ammad Butt after scoring 47 runs off 28 balls, leaving Zalmi at 96-2 at the halfway mark.

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Kusal Mendis continued to keep the scoreboard ticking with a rapid 31 off 17 deliveries. However, it was the explosive partnership between Abdul Samad and Michael Bracewell that turned the game decisively in Zalmi’s favour.

With 85 required off 35 balls, the duo unleashed a brutal counterattack, hammering 64 runs in just 23 deliveries.

Samad’s fiery 33 off 11 balls, studded with towering sixes, shifted the momentum before his dismissal by Mohammad Amir.

Bracewell, however, carried on the assault and, alongside Aamir Jamal, calmly guided Zalmi home. Jamal remained unbeaten on 17 off just five balls, while Bracewell contributed a crucial 35* off 17.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Earlier, Rawalpindiz posted an imposing 214-4 after being put into bat, largely built on a commanding opening stand between Yasir Khan and captain Mohammad Rizwan.

Yasir led the charge with a scintillating 83 off 46 deliveries, smashing seven fours and six sixes, while Rizwan anchored the innings with a composed 41 off 32. Their 125-run partnership laid a solid platform before Ali Raza broke through to remove both set batters in consecutive overs.

Late contributions from Kamran Ghulam (37 off 20), Daryl Mitchell (23 off 13) and Sam Billings (18* off 8) powered Rawalpindiz to the mammoth total.

READ: Shamyl Hussain responds to critics after blistering PSL knock

LAHORE: Former champions Peshawar Zalmi have bolstered their coaching setup for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 by appointing former national captain Azhar Ali as their fielding coach.

The franchise confirmed the development through their official social media platforms shortly after the tournament opener, welcoming the experienced batter into their setup for the upcoming edition.

“We are pleased to welcome Azhar Ali, former Pakistan captain, as our fielding coach for PSL 11,” the franchise announced.

Highlighting his credentials, Zalmi added, “Armed with a compact technique and immense patience, Azhar Ali brings a composed and disciplined approach, along with vast international experience that will strengthen our fielding unit and elevate our intensity on the field. We are delighted to have you join the Zalmi family as we continue to raise the bar.”

 

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Peshawar Zalmi are set to begin their campaign against tournament debutants Rawalpindiz on Saturday at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Despite his long and decorated international career, Azhar’s involvement in the PSL as a player was limited to the inaugural edition, where he represented Lahore Qalandars.

He featured in seven matches, scoring 183 runs at a strike rate of 106.39, including one half-century, while also leading the side during that season.

READ: Marnus Labuschagne breaks silence on Maaz Sadaqat’s exclusion

Former champions Peshawar Zalmi have bolstered their squad for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 with the signing of young Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim.

The franchise confirmed the development through their official social media platforms, welcoming the left-handed batter with a brief announcement that highlighted his addition as a boost to their top order.

 

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Tamim joins fellow Bangladesh pacers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam in the Zalmi setup.

While Nahid was picked during the PSL auction, Shoriful was brought in through a direct signing later, further strengthening the franchise’s overseas contingent.

With Tamim’s inclusion, the number of Bangladeshi players in this year’s tournament has risen to six, underlining the growing presence of Bangladesh talent in the PSL.

Among the others, Mustafizur Rahman had secured a deal prior to the draft, while Parvez Hossain Emon was later picked up by Lahore Qalandars.

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Spinner Rishad Hossain, who impressed in the previous edition, has been picked by new entrants RawalPindiz.

The 11th edition of the PSL is set to be a landmark one, featuring eight teams for the first time, including debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen and RawalPindiz. The tournament will comprise 44 matches spread across a 39-day window.

However, preparations for the marquee event have taken a significant turn, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revising its initial plans.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, on Sunday, confirmed that the tournament will now be held across just two venues, Karachi and Lahore, and will be played behind closed doors without spectators.

READ: Vinicius double helps Real Madrid edge Atletico thriller

Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi has put an end to speculation surrounding the availability of key overseas players ahead of the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11, confirming that all contracted foreign stars will be available for the full tournament.

In a recent Instagram Q&A session, Afridi dismissed widespread reports suggesting limited participation of several players.

Rumours had indicated that Nahid Rana would feature only in the initial matches, Aaron Hardie might miss the season entirely, while Kusal Mendis and Michael Bracewell were expected to be unavailable for parts of the competition.

However, Afridi categorically rejected those claims with a brief but clear response, confirming that all four players will be available throughout the tournament.

The development comes as a significant boost for Zalmi, who are aiming to mount a strong campaign in the expanded eight-team edition of the league, scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3.

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Adding to the excitement, Zalmi are also set to mark a historic milestone this season. For the first time, the franchise will play a home fixture in Peshawar, with the Imran Khan Stadium hosting its maiden PSL match.

The landmark encounter is scheduled for March 28, when Zalmi will take on Rawalpindiz in an afternoon clash.

Led by Babar Azam, Zalmi’s squad features a mix of international experience and domestic talent, including names such as Hardie, Bracewell, Mendis, James Vince and Iftikhar Ahmed.

Peshawar Zalmi squad for PSL 11

Babar Azam (c), Sufiyan Muqeem, Abdul Samad, Ali Raza, Aaron Hardie, Aamir Jamal, Mohammad Haris, Khalid Usman, Abdul Subhan, James Vince, Michael Bracewell, Kusal Mendis, Iftikhar Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Mirza Tahir Baig, Shahnawaz Dahani, Farhan Yousaf, Muhammad Basit and Shoriful Islam.

READ: PSL 11 squads locked in as trade window closes