Tag: 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.

Peshawar Zalmi wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris has recently admitted that Pakistan cricket is falling behind in adapting to the ever-evolving demands of the modern game.

In a candid chat with a local news channel, the 24-year-old didn’t shy away from highlighting how far the rest of the cricketing world has surged ahead in terms of playing style, mindset, and approach.

“The world has gone far ahead of Pakistan when it comes to modern-day cricket,” Haris said.

Known for his aggressive stroke play and fearless intent, Haris revealed that he has started structuring his training sessions around the contemporary demands of the game, regularly consulting coaches to stay in sync with the global standard.

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“I train with the demands of modern cricket in mind. I constantly discuss with my coaches how to effectively adopt this approach,” he added.

“My goal is to participate in future events aligned with the current requirements of modern-day cricket.”

Mohammad Haris emphasised that batting positions in T20s are crucial, but he stressed that his main focus is on the team’s needs.

“Batting number is crucial for any player, but I am always ready to play at any position. I have no issue batting at various spots because my main goal is to perform for the team regardless of the role,” he further stated.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Haris, who has often been seen interacting with senior players during series and training camps, stressed the value of learning from experienced campaigners like Babar Azam, but was quick to point out that self-discipline and personal effort ultimately determine growth.

“I regularly learn different aspects of batting from senior players. Whenever I get a chance, I talk with experienced players like Babar Azam,” he said.

“But no matter how much the seniors guide you, in the end, it is the player who must put in the hard work.”

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Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has thrown his weight behind two of Peshawar Zalmi’s emerging talents, Abdul Samad and Ali Raza, as potential future prospects for the national side.

Speaking on the Zalmi TV podcast, Babar was asked to name young players he believes are capable of graduating to the international stage.

Without hesitation, the Peshawar Zalmi captain highlighted Samad and Raza, calling them “our young blood.”

“Abdul Samad is still new and has a lot of room to grow,” Babar said, adding that the batter needs to fine-tune his game to meet the demands of international cricket. “You have to be ready for that level.”

Babar Azam reserved high praise for teenage pacer Ali Raza, calling him a “special talent” who has what it takes to shine for Pakistan in the near future.

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“He [Ali Raza] is a special talent and capable of playing at the international level,” he added.

“But he needs time, and with gradual development, he will be ready for international cricket.”

Samad, 27, made his T20I debut against New Zealand in the five-match series held in April.

While he showed glimpses of promise, he struggled for consistency, scoring 66 runs in five matches with a top score of 44. His series strike rate of 113.79 and average of 16.50 highlight the adjustment phase he’s currently going through.

Meanwhile, in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, Samad has scored 44 runs at a strike rate of 200 in four matches for Peshawar Zalmi.

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On the other hand, 17-year-old Ali Raza has emerged as one of the breakout performers of PSL 10.

The young right-arm quick has claimed nine wickets in seven matches, maintaining a healthy average of 24.11 and an economy rate of 8.03, showcasing both wicket-taking ability and control.

Meanwhile, Zalmi are set to resume their PSL 10 campaign later today with a high-voltage clash against Karachi Kings at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The league had been briefly suspended last week amid rising cross-border tensions with India, but normal service has now resumed.

READ: PSL 10 set to resume with musical tribute to armed forces

Pakistan’s ace batter Babar Azam opened up about his batting struggles, aiming to make a strong comeback.

While speaking on Peshawar Zalmi’s YouTube channel, Babar acknowledged that every player goes through challenging phases in their career and emphasised the importance of focusing on regaining his form.

He also admitted that he has gone through difficult times before, but this time the bad patch has lasted a bit longer.

“Every player experiences such times, and this time it’s a bit longer. My effort is to get my form back,” he said.

Babar Azam also highlighted the importance of keeping things simple, highlighting a relaxed mindset.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“In these times, you have to keep things simple around you and you have to believe in yourself, because in these scenarios there are a lot of things that surround you.

During this time, the more you keep yourself normal and simple, the easier things get because you confuse yourself if you do overdo things,” Babar explained.

The right-handed batter expressed gratitude for the strong support from fans, while also recognising the pressure that comes with it.

“Fans provide a lot of support, and with that comes pressure. My aim is always to perform well,” he said.

”I firmly believe that I will live up to fans’ expectations,” he concluded.

Babar, who is currently leading Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, has struggled to score runs recently.

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He has managed to score 178 runs in eight innings, at an average of 29.66, with the help of two half-centuries in PSL 10.

For context, Babar Azam has not scored a century in international cricket since the 2023 Asia Cup opening match against Nepal.

It is pertinent to mention that 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.

Peshawar Zalmi are in a precarious position as they have won four out of eight games played, and they have to win both of their remaining fixtures to ensure qualification for the tournament’s Playoffs.

READ: Quetta Gladiators rope in overseas trio ahead of PSL 10 resumption

Peshawar Zalmi suffered a major blow as Australian batter Mitchell Owen is unlikely to feature in the remaining matches of PSL 10, which is set to resume on May 17.

According to media reports, the 23-year-old has decided to join Punjab Kings in the ongoing IPL 2025, prioritising the Indian franchise over his PSL commitments with Zalmi.

Owen was originally signed as a replacement for Glenn Maxwell and was expected to join the Punjab Kings after completing his PSL stint.

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However, the unexpected political tensions between India and Pakistan earlier this year led to the postponement of both leagues, triggering a schedule clash after both boards revised their respective calendars post-ceasefire.

With the PSL now squeezed into a nine-day window from May 17 to May 25, Owen’s availability, initially promised until May 18, has become a casualty of the scheduling conflict.

He is now expected to stay with Punjab Kings at least until the IPL 2025 playoffs, should the team qualify.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

For Peshawar Zalmi, who are still in the playoff race, the loss of Mitchell Owen is a timely setback. The franchise will now be on the lookout for a suitable replacement to shore up their batting depth in the final leg of the tournament.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially released the updated fixtures for the remainder of PSL 10.

The league will resume with a high-stakes clash between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on May 17.

READ: PSL 10 tickets for remaining matches to go on sale today

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.

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MULTAN: Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam praised Saim Ayub for his composed knock against Multan Sultans in the 25th match of the Pakistan Super League PSL (10) here on Monday.

Peshawar Zalmi chased down the modest total of 109 in 13 overs, losing just three wickets in the process.

Saim Ayub returned to form, scoring 49 off 33 balls, striking four fours and three sixes.

During the post-match presentation, Babar Azam lauded Saim Ayub for his much-awaited knock.

“I want to particularly mention Saim Ayub’s knock. We were all eagerly waiting for him to come good, and thankfully, he scored a few runs tonight,” he said.

Babar Azam deemed Saim crucial for Peshawar Zalmi, calling him a game-changer.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“As we know, his form is crucial for Peshawar Zalmi. He has the ability to turn the game around when he’s in good form. He’s a game-changer, and tonight showed that he’s coming back into form,” he added.

Babar Azam mentioned that the break seemed to benefit him. He noted that as a young player, it’s important for Saim Ayub to learn to push through difficult times.

“I think the break really helped him. He’s a young player, and we want him to fight through the tough patches.”

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Babar Azam praised bowlers for making early inroads while highlighting the continuous bowling change.

“I think we weren’t expecting the pitch to behave the way it did, but credit should go to our bowlers. When a team takes early wickets, the opposition feels the pressure, and we managed to keep adding more pressure with each bowling change, ” he explained.

He emphasized execution while revealing the team’s plan against Multan Sultans’ batting unit.

“The balls bowled on a good length came on to the bat in a two-paced manner. Our plan was simple: hit the pitch hard and bowl according to the field, and that’s why we could restrict them to such a low total,” Babar said.

READ: ‘We failed to execute our plans’: Mohammad Rizwan on loss to Peshawar Zalmi

MULTAN: Multan Sultans have won the toss and opted to bat first against Peshawar Zalmi in the 25th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Multan Cricket Stadium on Monday. 

PLAYING XIs

Peshawar Zalmi: Mitch Owen, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (cap), Mohammad Haris (wk), Hussain Talat, Max Bryant, Maaz Sadaqat, Luke Wood, Alzari Joseph, Ahmed Daniyal, Ali Raza

Multan Sultans: Yasir Khan, Mohammad Rizwan (cap & wk), Shai Hope, Tayyab Tahir, Muhammad Amir Barki, Ashton Turner, Shahid Aziz, David Willey, Faisal Akram, Mohammad Hasnain, Ubaid Shah.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

HEAD TO HEAD

Peshawar Zalmi and Multan Sultans have faced each other 17 times in the PSL. In these encounters, Multan has won 11 matches while Peshawar has secured 6 wins.

RECORD: Matches 17, Multan Sultans 11, Peshawar Zalmi 6

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The highly anticipated Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 will run from Friday, 11 April, to Sunday, 18 May.

This thrilling six-team showdown will feature a total of 34 electrifying matches, captivating cricket fans across the nation.

The iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will be a key venue, hosting 13 matches, including the Eliminators and the grand final, which promises to be a spectacular event.

According to the PSL 10 schedule, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will heighten the excitement with 11 action-packed matches, including the crucial Qualifier 1 on May 13.

Meanwhile, the historic National Bank Stadium in Karachi and the vibrant Multan Cricket Stadium will each host five dynamic matches.

READ: Peshawar Zalmi coach laments rushing Saim Ayub back in PSL after injury

Peshawar Zalmi’s Mitchell Owen is set to represent Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 as a replacement for injured Glenn Maxwell.

According to Cricinfo, the right-handed batter will join the IPL franchise after his stint with Peshawar Zalmi in PSL 10.

He will replace Glenn Maxwell, who had a lean run in the IPL but was ruled out after suffering a finger injury in his right hand.

The hard-hitting Australian batter, hailing from Tasmania, has reportedly been bought for INR 3 crore.

Meanwhile, Peshawar Zalmi currently sits in fifth place in the PSL 10 points table, and their final group stage fixture will be on 9 May.

Mitchell Owen’s commitment to the franchise could be prolonged till 18 May if Zalmi qualify for the playoffs, two days before PBKS’ last group stage fixture.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Mitchell Owen made headlines after leading the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 runs chart. He played a vital role in the Hobart Hurricanes’ triumph in the final with a joint-fastest 39-ball hundred in the tournament’s history.

The 23-year-old scored 108 from 42 balls to win the Player-of-the-Match award, finishing with 452 runs from 11 innings, scoring at an average of 45.20 and a strike rate of 203.60.

Mitchell Owen has recently played in the South Africa (SA20) and the PSL. He bowls medium pace and has claimed 10 wickets in 20 T20 innings.

Ricky Ponting, the head coach of PBKS and former Australian cricketer, has kept a close eye on Owen’s progress while serving as the Hurricanes’ head of strategy in the BBL

It is pertinent to mention that Mitchell Owen joined Peshawar Zalmi as a replacement for Corbin Bosch, who withdrew from the PSL 10 after Mumbai Indians picked him as a replacement for Lizaad Williams.

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