Tag: PSL 10

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has supported Shoaib Malik’s continued participation in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) despite criticism from former cricketers.

The 43-year-old Malik, currently representing Quetta Gladiators in PSL 10, has been in the spotlight after former batters Mohammad Yousuf and Basit Ali highlighted his inclusion in the team.

Shoaib Malik has played for four franchises since the inception of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The all-rounder has featured in 557 T20 matches, scoring 13571 runs and achieving 83 half-centuries. He currently ranks only behind West Indies’ Chris Gayle and England’s Alex Hales in the T20 runs tally.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Malik struggled to score against Lahore Qalandars, making only 14 runs off 15 balls while chasing a challenging total of 220. Furthermore, he went wicketless in the match, conceding 16 runs in just one over.

While speaking during a PSL show, Yousuf stated that a line should be drawn on allowing players of Malik’s age to participate in the league.

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“The board needs to draw a line regarding Shoaib Malik playing the PSL. If you ask me to play, even I’ll play,” he remarked.

Former cricketer Basit Ali also commented on the all-rounder’s inclusion in the playing XI during a TV show. He stated that young talent such as Khawaja Nafay was warming the bench due to Shoaib Malik

“If Shoaib Malik is playing, then Moeen Khan and Viv Richards should also play,” he said.

However, Shahid Afridi echoed contrasting sentiments to Yousuf and Basit, stating that Malik could play as he wanted to.

“He can play for as long as he wants to. Shoaib Malik can play some matches, but he should also skip a few games so that youngsters get their chance, as they have performed well to reach this stage,” Afridi said.

READ: Schedule for India’s white-ball tour to Bangladesh announced

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: Schedule for India’s white-ball tour to Bangladesh announced

RAWALPINDI: Peshawar Zalmi skipper Babar Azam blamed poor execution for the loss against Islamabad United in the fifth match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.

Sahibzada Farhan’s sublime century and Imad Wasim’s three-wicket haul powered Islamabad United to a 102 runs victory against Peshawar Zalmi.

In a tough chase for 244 runs, Zalmi fell short, bowled out for just 141 in 18.2 overs. The standout performer for Zalmi was wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris, who slammed an impressive 87—his highest score in PSL history.

The innings got off to a disastrous start for Zalmi as skipper Babar Azam was sent packing for a mere one run in the second over, falling prey to Ben Dwarshuis.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

While speaking during the post-match presentation, Babar lamented poor batting and bowling performance while remaining hopeful for a strong comeback.

“I think execution has been a concern for us — we’ve struggled in both batting and bowling. We need to sit down, regroup, and reflect. There are still a lot of matches left, and hopefully, we can make a strong comeback soon,” he said.

Babar Azam praised Peshawar Zalmi’s think tank, saying that it was wonderful to have brilliant cricketers who continuously guided the team.

“Our think tank is legendary — it’s great to have some brilliant cricketers guiding us. They’re constantly discussing ways to improve and perform well, ” he added.

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The 30-year-old deemed the PSL a big stage, noting that it’s natural for youngsters to crumble under pressure.

“PSL is a big stage, so it’s natural for some of our youngsters to falter under pressure. That’s part of the game, but they have to learn quickly.”

“We need to fix our mistakes and make sure we don’t repeat them in the upcoming games,” Babar concluded.

READ: PSL 10: Islamabad United crush Peshawar Zalmi in dominant display

RAWALPINDI: Islamabad United opening batter Sahibzada Farhan made history with his sublime century against Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 on Monday.

The right-handed batter scored 106 runs off 52 balls, featuring 13 fours and five sixes. His innings made him the first Pakistani batter to record four T20 centuries in a calendar year within just nine innings.

Sahibzada Farhan also became the fifth player in the world to achieve this feat, joining Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, Jos Buttler, and Shubman Gill.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Players with Four T20 Hundreds in a Calendar Year:

• Chris Gayle (2011)
• Virat Kohli (2016)
• Jos Buttler (2022)
• Shubman Gill (2023)
• Sahibzada Farhan (2025)

Sahibzada Farhan’s century helped Islamabad United post a formidable total of 244 in their allocated 20 overs.

Opting to bat first, United did not have the best start, as their opener Andries Gous was run out, thanks to brilliant fielding from Tom Kohler-Cadmore.

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Following the early wicket, Sahibzada Farhan and Colin Munro partnered to forge a massive 144-run partnership of 72 balls.

Sahibazada Farhan led the charge with his eye-catching knock of 106 runs off 52 balls. The right-hander struck 13 fours and five massive sixes in his first PSL century. His partner, Munro, was equally good with his 40 off 27 balls, striking six fours and one maximum.

Both batters were dismissed in the 13th over, giving Zalmi a glimmer of hope to restrict the score under 200. However, their solid foundation was sufficient for the incoming batters, Salman Agha and Jason Holder, to finish strongly.

Agha scored quick fire 30 off 15 deliveries, striking two fours and sixes, before being dismissed while Holder remained unbeaten on 20 off 11 deliveries, smashing two fours and one six.

For Peshawar Zalmi, Alzarri Joseph and Hussain Talat bagged two wickets.

READ: PSL 10: Sahibzada’s century powers Islamabad United to 243 against Peshawar Zalmi

RAWALPINDI: Sahibzada Farhan’s sublime century and Imad Wasim’s three-wicket haul powered Islamabad United to a 102 runs victory against Peshawar Zalmi in the fifth match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.

In a tough chase for 244 runs, Zalmi fell short, bowled out for just 141 in 18.2 overs. The standout performer for Zalmi was wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris, who slammed an impressive 87—his highest score in PSL history.

The innings got off to a disastrous start for Zalmi as skipper Babar Azam was sent packing for a mere one run in the second over, falling prey to Ben Dwarshuis. With that early loss, Zalmi was left reeling at 4 for 1.

Peshawar Zalmi were pegged back in the very next over, when Mitchell Owen was trapped LBW by Imad Wasim for 10, followed shortly by Saim Ayub, who managed just six runs. As a result, Zalmi were in a precarious position at the end of powerplay as they were 26 for 3.

Despite the early collapse, a brief resurgence came from a 41-run stand between Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Haris. However, that flicker of hope disappeared when Cadmore fell for eight, as Imad claimed his second wicket.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Haris kept fighting bravely, reaching a much-deserved half-century with an aggressive batting style. Unfortunately, he was left without support as wickets continued to tumble.

Hussain Talat contributed 13 runs, George Linde was dismissed for a duck, Alzarri Joseph managed just two, and Sufiyan Muqeem added only one run. By the 16th over, Zalmi was in dire straits at 130 for 8.

Haris’s remarkable innings came to an end as he was dismissed for 87 off 46 balls, effectively sealing Zalmi’s fate. The last wicket fell with Mohammad Ali scoring only three runs, as Islamabad United celebrated a convincing 102-run victory.

For Islamabad United, Imad Wasim was the pick of the bowlers, taking three for 26 in his four overs. Ben Dwarshuis, who was playing for the first time in PSL, and Shadab Khan supported him well with two wickets each.

Earlier, Sahibzada Farhan’s sublime century powered Islamabad United to a massive total of 243 against Peshawar Zalmi.

Islamabad United skipper Shadab Khan won the toss and opted to bat, which proved good for their batters as they hammered Zalmi’s inexperienced attack all around the park.

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United did not have the best of starts as their opener Andries Gous was run out, thanks to brilliant fielding from Tom Kohler-Cadmore.

Following the early wicket, Sahibzada and Colin Munro partnered to forge a massive 144-run partnership of 72 balls.

Sahibazada led the charge with his eye-catching knock of 106 runs off 52 balls. The right-hander struck 13 fours and five massive sixes in his first PSL century. His partner, Munro, was equally good with his 40 off 27 balls, striking six fours and one maximum.

Both batters were dismissed in the 13th over, giving Zalmi a glimmer of hope to restrict them under 200. However, the duo’s solid foundation was sufficient for the incoming batters, Salman Agha and Jason Holder, to finish strong.

Agha scored quick fire 30 off 15 deliveries, striking two fours and sixes, before being dismissed while Holder remained unbeaten on 20 off 11 deliveries, smashing two fours and one six.

For Peshawar Zalmi, Alzarri Joseph and Hussain Talat bagged two wickets.

PLAYING XIs

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (cap), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Mitchell Owen, Hussain Talat, George Linde, Alzarri Joseph, Mohammad Ali, Sufiyan Muqeem, Ali Raza

Islamabad United: Andries Gous, Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Salman Agha, Azam Khan (wk), Shadab Khan (cap), Jason Holder, Imad Wasim, Saad Masood, Naseem Shah, Ben Dwarshuis.

READ: Pakistan down West Indies to seal third win in ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier

Pakistan’s opening batter, Saim Ayub, who represents Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, spoke about his recent return from injury and his bond with ace batter Babar Azam.

In early January, Saim suffered a right ankle fracture while fielding during the first day of the second Test between Pakistan and South Africa. The injury ruled him out for 10 weeks, preventing him from featuring in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The incident occurred in the seventh over of South Africa’s first innings when Ryan Rickelton played a fuller-length delivery from Mohammad Abbas past the slip cordon into the deep third-wicket region.

In an exclusive interview with the franchise, Saim described the rehabilitation process as challenging and enjoyable and expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its support during his injury.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“The PCB helped me tremendously during this tough phase. Now that I’m back on the field, I’m enjoying cricket even more – I missed everything about it: the ground atmosphere, batting, bowling, and fielding,” he added.

Saim Ayub also shared his bond with his franchise opening partner, Babar Azam, lauding the invaluable support from Pakistan’s ace batter.

“I’ve talked a lot about Babar bhai over the past two years. He treats everyone equally and makes batting partnerships enjoyable. I always plan my approach according to who I’m batting with,” the Karachi-born batter stated.

The left-handed batter expressed his excitement about playing the game again and the much-awaited PSL.

“I wait whole year for the PSL, and when you have to play for a franchise like Peshawar Zalmi, it adds to your level of excitement,” he revealed.

“Playing alongside local and international stars and gelling with the team – it’s been an incredible learning experience. The team culture of Zalmi is fantastic; we, as a team, enjoy every moment together, ” said Saim of the team’s culture.

READ: PSL 10: Islamabad United win toss against Peshawar Zalmi

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: Shoaib Akhtar shares interesting advice on handling aggressive crowds

RAWALPINDI: Quetta Gladiators skipper Saud Shakeel expressed his thoughts after a crushing defeat against Lahore Qalandars in the fourth match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

During a post-match presentation, Saud highlighted the team’s shortcomings, emphasizing that their strength is spin bowling.

“I think we didn’t pick the best team, and our strength lies in spin. Credit goes to their batters as well—Fakhar at the top, Mitchell in the middle, and Billings at the end. We have a few issues that need to be resolved before the next game,” Saud remarked.

The left-hander emphasized on Rawalpindi pitch, acknowledging the threat of Lahore Qalandar’s skipper bowling.

“We know Shaheen is a strike bowler. The plan was to deny him wickets, but we lost the early ones, and it’s not easy to chase a big target after that,” Saud said of Shaheen’s bowling.

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“We’ll try to reduce our mistakes in the next game. Pindi usually favors batters. The last match was an exception, but today it played like a typical Pindi pitch,” Saud Shakeel concluded.

Chasing a mammoth total of 220, Gladiators were bundled out for 140 in 16.3 overs, thanks to a dominant bowling display from Qalandars, registering their first win in PSL 10.

Lahore Qalandars bowlers ripped the top order of Quetta Gladiators in the opening overs. Qalandar’s skipper led from the front, removing openers Saud Shakeel (1) and Finn Allen (0) inside the first three overs.

After losing wickets at regular intervals, Gladiators never looked in the chase and were eventually bundled out in the 16th over.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Rossouw displayed remarkable character and resilience, top-scoring with 44 off 19 balls, which included four sixes and four fours.

For Qalandars, Rishad Hossain was the pick of bowlers, taking three for 31 in his quota of four overs. Asif Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, and Sikandar Raza bagged two wickets each in an all-round bowling effort.

Fakhar Zaman was deemed ‘Player of the Match’ for his outstanding batting performance.

READ: Fakhar Zaman equals Mohammad Rizwan’s half-centuries record in PSL

RAWALPINDI: Lahore Qalandars’ opening batter Fakhar Zaman equalled Mohammad Rizwan’s record for most half-centuries during their clash against Multan Sultans in the fourth match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. 

Chasing a mammoth total of 220, Gladiators were bundled out for 140 in 16.3 overs, thanks to a dominant bowling display from Qalandars, registering their first win in PSL 10.

Lahore Qalandars bowlers ripped the top order of Quetta Gladiators in the opening overs. Qalandar’s skipper led from the front, removing openers Saud Shakeel (1) and Finn Allen (0) inside the first three overs.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Earlier, after being invited to bat, Fakhar Zaman’s and Sam Billings’s half-centuries powered Lahore Qalandars to 219 for the loss of six wickets. in their 20 overs.

Fakhar Zaman scored a gutsy knock of 67 off 39 deliveries, striking seven fours and three sixes. With the help of his knock, Lahore Qalandars posted a 219-run total on the loss of six wickets in their allocated 20 overs.

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Fakhar Zaman leveled with Multan Sultan’s skipper Mohammad Rizwan’s record of most half-centuries. The record for most fifties in the marquee tournament belongs to ace batter Babar Azam, who tops the list with 33 half-centuries.

Most Fifties in PSL History:

READ: PSL 10: Fakhar, Billings power Lahore Qalandars to 219 against Quetta Gladiators