Tag: PSL 10

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: Quetta Gladiators have won the toss and opted to bat first against Islamabad United in Qualifier 1 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.

PLAYING XIs

Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel (c), Finn Allen, Hasan Nawaz, +Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Rilee Rossouw, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Wasim, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed.

Islamabad United: Sahibzada Farhan, Alex Hales, Rassie van der Dussen, Salman Agha, Shadab Khan (c), James Neesham, Ben Dwarshuis, Imad Wasim, +Ghazi Ghori, Salman Irshad, Naseem Shah.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United have faced each other a total of 21 times since the inception of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Both teams have equal number of victories.

RECORD: Matches 11, Islamabad United 10, Quetta Gladiators 11

The eagerly awaited season 10 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) kicked off on Friday, 11 April, filling cricket fans with excitement.

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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.

READ: Ben Stokes urges England to be smarter with their comments

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.

READ: Police recover stolen Women’s Champions League trophy

LAHORE: Quetta Gladiators captain Saud Shakeel is ready to take on defending champions Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 Qualifier as his team looks to capitalize on strong league stage performances.

Quetta Gladiators will face Islamabad United on Wednesday here at the Gaddafi Stadium in Qualifier 1.

The 2018 champions topped the points chart in PSL 10, with seven wins out of 10 games, including a washout.

While speaking to the media ahead of the high-stakes encounter, Saud emphasized Quetta Gladiators’ performance, aiming to carry on the winning momentum

“We performed well throughout the tournament and would look to carry that momentum forward. Overall, we’ve played some good cricket in the tournament. If you finish at the top of the table in the league stage, it means you’ve played well,” he said.

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Saud Shakeel stated that the team’s full focus was now on the upcoming Qualifier.

“We’re aiming to maintain that consistency in the Qualifier. Right now, all our attention is on that match. The goal is to win the Qualifier and book a spot in the final.”

The top-order batter also emphasized the importance of minimizing mistakes in the knockout phase.

“There’s always room for improvement in every department. When you’re in the knockout stage, the key is to make as few mistakes as possible,” he said while addressing the question regarding the Gladiators’ improvement in three aspects of the game.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Saud Shakeel hailed Hasan Nawaz and Khawaja Nafey, noting that there performances are encouraging sign for Pakistan cricket.

“Hassan Nawaz played all kinds of shots and was instrumental in our victories,” Saud said.

“The performances of players like Hassan Nawaz and Khawaja Nafay are very encouraging signs for Pakistan cricket. Both are talented players who have the potential to represent Pakistan at the international level in the near future,” Saud Shakeel concluded.

READ: England unveils playing XI for historic Test against Zimbabwe

Scotland’s hard-hitting batter George Munsey is counting on his recent form and experience to bolster Karachi Kings as he gears up for his Pakistan Super League (PSL) debut.

Munsey, 32, shed light on his cricketing journey and playing for Karachi Kings in PSL 10 during an exclusive interview.

The left-hander expressed excitement for joining Karachi Kings, noting that he had plenty of game time, which is really helpful.

“Look, it’s a fantastic opportunity to be here. Fresh from a Scotland series
and coming with plenty of game time, which is nice,” he said.

George Munsey emphasized integration in the Kings’ squad, praising management for making things simple. He further praised David Warner’s leadership and the clarity he brings to the table.

“It’s been really easy to settle in Karachi Kings. The coaching staff and management have made it super easy.

It has been a great experience so far, and I have played under David Warner before and know what I am expecting. I like the clarity that he brings as well,” Munsey added.

George Munsey addressed the tag ‘ Reverse sweeping demon’, admitting that this shot is indeed a valuable skill to possess.

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“I am not sure about how that name came about, but look, it’s just a shot that I love go into. When the opportunity presents itself, I think a really useful skill to have, so I really enjoyed playing it, he explained.

Speaking on Karachi Kings’ performance so far in PSL 10, he said that the team has done really well to get into this position, banking on past experience to contribute to the team.

“Karachi has done a fantastic job to get where they are now with the game in hand. There are a lot of players here whom I have played against in the past, whether it’s international or franchise cricket.

“Just look to use those experiences to formulate the best plans possible to win the games,” George Munsey said.

According to his Cricinfo profile, Munsey had dreams of becoming a professional golfer, and it was a golf scholarship to the Loretto School, just outside Edinburgh, that brought him to Scotland at age 13.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

The explosive batter explained how playing Golf serves as a way to socialize informally with cricketers.

“I think playing golf just frees up the swing. Mostly, it’s all about escaping cricket life. I think golf is a fantastic Sport to socialize with other cricketers and learn in a very casual environment, ” he said of playing Golf.

George Munsey is featuring for the first time in PSL, and he expressed his excitement while praising the league’s standards.

“Really looking forward to my first PSL experience. I have only heard great things about the pitches, the level of competition, and the fan bases are incredible. I have seen that first hand in the last few days,” he concluded.

For the unversed, Karachi Kings will play arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars in the Eliminator on 22 May at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

READ: Bangladesh confirm Pakistan tour for three-match T20I series

RAWALPINDI: Karachi Kings captain David Warner has shared his thoughts after the defeat against Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

Chasing a daunting 252-run target, Karachi Kings’ batting unit folded on 172 runs in 18.2 overs.

David Warner remained the top scorer with 43 off 28 balls, striking two sixes and four fours. For Islamabad United, Shadab Khan starred with the ball, taking four wickets in his four overs.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Alex Hales was named the ‘Player of the Match’ for his outstanding knock. Playing his first match of the season, Hales scored a 35-ball 88, an innings that featured  eight sixes and half a dozen fours.

The victory helped Islamabad United end their losing run and claim the second spot in the PSL 10 points table, tying on 12 points with Karachi Kings, but remaining ahead due to a better Net Run Rate (NRR).

Karachi Kings will now face arch-rival Lahore Qalandars in the eliminator on 22 May at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

While speaking in the post-match presentation, David Warner aimed for a stronger comeback to clinch the second PSL title.

“We can let this one go and focus on winning the remaining three games to secure the silverware. We have a couple of days to regroup, and we must bounce back stronger,” he said.

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David Warner highlighted Karachi Kings’ game plan, noting that they did well till the 9th over. He lamented the performance in all three departments of the game.

“The target was big, but we were confident about chasing it. We aimed to show intent in the first six overs, and our priority was to win the game.

We did well until around the 8th or 9th over, but then it slipped out of our hands. Our performance fell short in all three departments—batting, fielding, and bowling,” Warner concluded.

READ: PSL 10 playoffs schedule confirmed as top four teams seal their spots

The playoffs for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 are confirmed as the final four teams have secured their spots after Islamabad United defeated Karachi Kings in the last league match of the tournament.

Quetta Gladiators have finished as table toppers with 15 points and will now face Islamabad United in Qualifier 1 on 21 May at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

All four matches of the playoffs will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Gladiotors and United have two chances of qualifying for the PSL 10 final after finishing in the top two of the points table, since the loser of Qualifier 1 will take on the winner of Eliminator on 23 May in Qualifier 2.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

The eliminator will be played between arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings on 22 May, while the grand final will be played on 25 May.

PSL 10 playoffs matches

• Quetta Gladiators vs Islamabad United, Qualifier 1
• Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings, Eliminator
• Eliminator Winner v Qualifier Runner-up
• Final

Earlier, an all-round performance led Islamabad United to a resounding 79-run victory against Karachi Kings in the last league match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.

Alex Hales and Sahibzada Farhan starred with the bat, forging a mammoth opening stand of 153 runs in just 11.3 overs.

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In reply, while chasing a daunting 252-run target, Karachi Kings’ batting unit folded on 172 runs in 18.2 overs.

For Islamabad United, Shadab Khan starred with the ball, taking four wickets in his four overs. Salman Irshad and Imad Wasim bagged two wickets each.

The victory helped Islamabad United end their losing run and claim the second spot in the PSL 10 points table. They tied on 12 points with Karachi Kings but remained ahead due to a better Net Run Rate (NRR).

READ: PSL 10: Islamabad United thump Karachi Kings to set up Qualifier clash with Gladiators

RAWALPINDI: An all-round performance led Islamabad United to a resounding win against Karachi Kings in the last league match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.

Chasing a daunting 252-run target, Karachi Kings’ batting unit folded on 172 runs in 18.2 overs.

The victory helped Islamabad United end their losing run and claim the second spot in the PSL 10 points table, tying on 12 points with Karachi Kings, but remaining ahead due to a better Net Run Rate (NRR).

In reply, Karachi Kings openers Tim Seifert and David Warner laid a strong foundation with a blazing 56-run stand.

However, Islamabad United struck on the second ball of the fifth over, removing Seifert for an opening.

Following the wicket, James Vince joined David Warner and forged a brief partnership. The scorecard read 80-1 when United struck again with the prized wicket of James Vince, who went after scoring eight off 10 deliveries.

Karachi Kings could not capitalize on a strong start as Islamabad United tightened the grip in the middle overs. Saad Baig and David Warner were removed in successive overs.

David Warner was removed after scoring a brisk 43 off 28 balls, featuring two sixes and four fours. The Kings were eventually reduced to 101-4 at the end of 11 overs.

The successive wickets triggered a collapse that, Karachi Kings could not recover from. Shadab Khan struck twice in the 12th over to leave them reeling at 107-6.

Nevertheless, with 204 required to seal the second spot, Karachi Kings’ lower order tried hard, but it was not enough. With a score of 114-8 at the end of 14 overs, Aamer Jamal partnered with Abbas Afridi, with a valiant 41-run partnership.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Abbas led the charge with 34 off 13, with the help of three sixes and two fours, while Jamal scored 16. The former was eventually removed in the 17th over as the Kings’ hopes shattered.  Ultimately, the whole team was bowled out in the 19th over.

For Islamabad United, Shadab Khan starred with the ball, taking four wickets in his four overs. Salman Irshad and Imad Wasim bagged two wickets each.

Earlier, Sahibzada Farhan and Alex Hales’ swashbuckling knocks propelled Islamabad United to a massive total against Karachi Kings

Put into bat first, Islamabad United posted 251 for the loss of the five-wickets in their allocated 20 overs.

The new opening pair of United, Alex Hales and Sahibzada Farhan, set the tone for a big total with a massive 153-run stand in only 11.3 overs.

Hales and Farhan took Karachi Kings’ bowling attack apart as United posted 76-0 in the powerplay. Hales, playing his first match of the season, did not look rusty while Farhan continued his stellar run in the tournament.

Sahibzada Farhan reached his 20th T20 half-century on the penultimate ball of the eighth over with the help of eight fours and a six. On the other end, Hales continued his onslaught.

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Islamabad United accumulated 44 runs from the 10th and 11th overs, bringing the score to 150-0. Just when things looked ominous for Karachi Kings, Mir Hamza struck with the ball, removing dangerous Farhan for a well-made 73 off 41 balls, laced with nine fours and three towering sixes.

Meanwhile, Karachi Kings could not stem the flow of runs despite the wickets of  Rassie van der Dussen (1) and Agha Salman (7) in successive overs.

Islamabad United were 171-2 when skipper Shadab Khan joined Alex Hales for a brief stand. Hales was eventually dismissed in the 17th over after smashing a 35-ball 88, including six fours and eight sixes.

However, Shadab Khan partnered with Haider Ali to take Islamabad United to a formidable total in the last phase of the innings. Shadab was run out in the penultimate over, scoring 42 off 19, striking at 221.

Islamabad United finished their innings on a high, scoring 251 after amassing 17 in the last over.

For Karachi Kings, Mir Hamza, Khushdil Shah, and Aamer Jamal bagged one wicket each.

PLAYING XIs

Islamabad United: Alex Hales, Sahibzada Farhan, Rassie Van der Dussen, Salman Ali Agha, Haider Ali, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Shadab Khan (cap), Ben Dwarshuis, Imad Wasim, Salman Irshad, Tymal Mills

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

READ: Harry Brook ready to embrace England captaincy challenge

RAWALPINDI: Karachi Kings have won the toss and opted to bowl first against Islamabad United in the 30th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday. 

PLAYING XIs

Islamabad United: Alex Hales, Sahibzada Farhan, Rassie Van der Dussen, Salman Ali Agha, Haider Ali, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Shadab Khan (cap), Ben Dwarshuis, Imad Wasim, Salman Irshad, Tymal Mills

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

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

HEAD TO HEAD

Karachi Kings and Islamabad United have played each other 23 times since the inception of the PSL. Islamabad United has a better record with 17 wins, while the Kings have managed to secure 6 wins.

RECORD: Matches 23, Karachi Kings 6, Islamabad United  17

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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.

READ: Here’s why Ben Stokes gave up drinking Alcohol

RAWALPINDI: Fakhar Zaman’s explosive knock, followed by Salman Mirza’s four-wicket haul, steered Lahore Qalandars to an emphatic win over Peshwar Zalmi in the rain-shortened encounter of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Chasing a daunting 150-run target, Peshawar Zalmi crumbled under pressure and could only score 123 for the loss of eight wickets in a match reduced to 13 overs per side with revised playing conditions.

The defeat ended Peshawar Zalmi’s journey in PSL 10, as they failed to reach the playoffs for the first time in the tournament’s history.

Peshawar Zalmi displayed a shambolic batting display in pursuit of a big total as the scorecard read 42-4 in 5.3 overs. Salman Mirza dismantled the Zalmi top-order with a fiery spell.

Saim Ayub was hit wicket in the second over after scoring eight runs off seven balls. Soon after, Mohammad Haris and Max Bryant were removed on successive deliveries.

Captain Babar Azam, who scored only 16 runs, struggled as he was caught out by Abdullah Shafique from a delivery by Sikandar Raza, significantly hurting Peshawar Zalmi’s chances of staying in the tournament.

Maaz Sadaqat (4), Abdul Samad (17), and Luke Wood (0) were dismissed in quick succession, leaving Zalmi at a challenging 63-7.

The tailenders put up some resistance, with Daniel Sams contributing 26 runs and Ahmed Daniyal adding 24 runs, but ultimately, it was too little, too late for Peshawar Zalmi.

They eventually managed to score 123-8, falling 26 runs short.

For Lahore Qalandars, Salman Mirza picked up for wickets for 31 runs in three overs. Captain Shaheen Afridi grabbed two wickets for 19 runs in his two overs.

Earlier, Lahore Qalandars posted 149 for the loss of eight wickets in a match reduced to 13 overs per side with revised playing conditions.

The Qalandars came out firing on all cylinders, smashing 49 in the first three overs. Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Naeem led the onslaught, smashing 10, 21 and 18 runs respectively.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Naeem was eventually dismissed in the fourth over after scoring 22 off 10 balls, striking three fours and a six. The wicket, however, did not stem the flow of runs as Qalandars continued to pile on the misery.

Lahore Qalandars were cruising at 80 in 5.5 overs before Ali Raza dismissed Abdullah Shafique, who perished on 4 runs. Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman reached a half-century in the process.

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Kusal Perera joined Fakhar and forged a brief stand before getting dismissed after scoring 17 off 8 balls.  Lahore Qalandars couldn’t capitalise on the brisk start as Peshawar Zalmi returned strongly, reducing Qalandars to 149-8 in 13 overs.

Fakhar Zaman top-scored with 60 off 36 balls with the help of seven fours and three sixes.

For Peshawar Zalmi, Daniel Sams, Ali Raza, and Ahmed Daniyal bagged two wickets each.

PLAYING XIs:

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

Peshawar Zalmi: Mohammad Haris (wk), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (cap), Max Bryant, Maaz Sadaqat, Abdul Samad, Daniel Sams, Luke Wood, Mohammad Ali, Ahmed Daniyal, Ali Raza

READ: Mir Hamza provides update on his injury after match against Peshawar Zalmi