PSL 10: Karachi Kings win toss against Lahore Qalandars

LAHORE: Karachi Kings have won the toss and opted to bowl first against Lahore Qalandars in the 24th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.

PLAYING XIs

Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings (wk), Sikandar Raza, Asif Ali, Rishad Hossain, Shaheen Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Asif Afridi

Karachi Kings: David Warner (c), Tim Seifert (wk), James Vince, Saad Baig, 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

The arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings have faced each other 20 times since the PSL began. The Kings have dominated this rivalry with 13 wins, while the Qalandars have managed only 7 victories.

RECORD: Matches 20, Lahore Qalandars 7, Karachi Kings 13

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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:  Shahnawaz Dahani replaces injured Adam Milne in Karachi Kings squad

PSL 10: Shahnawaz Dahani replaces injured Adam Milne in Karachi Kings squad

Karachi Kings have named fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani as a replacement for injured pacer Adam Milne for the remainder of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

Adam Milne suffered the injury during the Kings’ second match of the season against Lahore Qalandars.

Adam Milne, who played two matches in the PSL 10, stayed with the team, and his recovery process continued. However, after consultation with the medical team, it was decided that he would not be able to participate further in the season.

Shahnawaz Dahani, known for his raw pace and energetic celebrations, brings an attacking bowling option to the Kings’ lineup.

Shahnawaz Dahani, who played for the Multan Sultans from 2021 to 2024, participated in 27 PSL matches, taking 39 wickets with an average of 20.84 and an economy rate of 9.10.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Furthermore, fast bowler Fawad Ali has been ruled out of the next few matches after sustaining a hamstring injury.

As Fawad’s replacement in the Emerging Category, Karachi Kings have included Saad Baig, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter and captain of Pakistan’s U19 team.

Saad has already featured in two matches this season, showcasing his aggressive intent, including a promising cameo against Islamabad United.

Karachi Kings are currently in fourth place on the PSL 10 points table, having achieved four wins and three losses in eight matches, for a total of eight points.

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Karachi Kings’ next match is scheduled against Lahore Qalandars on 4 May 2025, where fans can expect an exciting contest as the team pushes for a playoff spot.

Karachi Kings updated squad for PSL 10:

David Warner (C), Abbas Afridi, James Vince, Hasan Ali (VC), Khushdil Shah, Shan Masood, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Tim Seifert, Zahid Mahmood, Mir Hamza, Shahnawaz Dahani, Riazullah, Omair Bin Yousuf, Kane Williamson, Saad Baig, Mohammad Nabi, Mirza Mamoon, Ben McDermott.

READ: Sikandar Raza returns to Zimbabwe squad for historic England Test

It was Babar’s decision to bat one-down: Inzamam-ul-Haq

LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi Team Director Inzamam-ul-Haq revealed that skipper Babar Azam himself chose to bat at the one-down position.

Opting to bat first,  Islamabad United posted 143 for the loss of nine wickets in their allocated 20 overs.

Peshawar Zalmi successfully chased a target of 144 runs, completing the match in just 16.4 overs with six wickets remaining and 20 balls to spare here at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

While speaking in the post-match press conference, Inzamam backed young talent Maaz Sadaqat and reaffirming support for skipper Babar Azam’s batting position.

“Firstly, Babar is a World Cup-class player, and we did not change his batting order.”

“He is our captain, so he himself realised that he should play one-down and send Mitchell Owen as an opener due to power hitting.”

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He also emphasised Babar Azam’s strike rate, stating that if he improves, it will benefit Pakistan.

“Improving his strike rate will benefit both Pakistan and Peshawar Zalmi,” he said.

He acknowledged Zalmi’s slow start to the tournament, lamenting defeats in the opening matches.

“Had we played the initial matches better, we wouldn’t be in this position,” he said.

Inzamam was full of praise for youngster Maaz Sadaqat, who impressed with the bat.

“Maaz played a brilliant innings today. His temperament stood out — that’s a key quality in T20 cricket,” he observed.

“Things can get delayed at times, but Maaz got his opportunity at the right moment — and he made the most of it,” Inzamam added.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Commenting on the nature of T20S, he said, “It’s a fast format. You have to take chances — that’s how this game works.”

Regarding Pacer Ihsanullah’s inclusion, Inzamam-ul-Haq said that he will get his chances in the upcoming matches.

“He was in discussion for today’s match. Hopefully, he’ll get his chance in the coming games,” he concluded.

READ: PSL 10: Babar, Maaz star as Peshawar Zalmi thump Islamabad United

PSL 10: Salman Ali Agha reflects on loss against Peshawar Zalmi

LAHORE: Islamabad United’s stand-in captain, Agha Salman, has shared his thoughts after the team’s defeat to Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

Opting to bat first,  Islamabad United posted 143 for the loss of nine wickets in their allocated 20 overs.

Peshawar Zalmi successfully chased a target of 144 runs, completing the match in just 16.4 overs with six wickets remaining and 20 balls to spare here at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

While speaking during the post-match press conference, Salman Ali admitted that the team didn’t play their best cricket in the last two matches, which led to consecutive defeats.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“It’s not that we relaxed,” he said. “We just haven’t played quality cricket in the last two games, and that’s why we lost.”

He also shed light on Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan, who was injured during the match.

“I don’t know the status of Shadab’s injury because it’s too early to say,” he remarked.

The middle-order batter emphasised that the team is focused on learning from their mistakes.

“We’re trying to overcome our mistakes,” Salman Ali added.

When asked about selection and squad dynamics, Salman said he and the selectors are closely monitoring emerging players.

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“PSL is Pakistan’s prime tournament, and as a captain, I am also watching the performances of youngsters.  I am sure that selectors are watching as well,” he noted.

Reflecting on the team’s approach, he revealed that Islamabad made strategic changes even during their winning run.

“We were making changes even when we were winning because it’s a long tournament, ” he explained.

He also dismissed the notion that the team is in danger of qualifying for the playoffs after recent losses.

“There’s no panic at all,” he clarified. “Yes, we’ve lost two but won five, so we have ample matches to make a comeback.”

Salman also confirmed he missed some matches due to injury but assured that he’s working his way back to full fitness.

“I was injured due to a Quad injury,” he concluded.

READ: PSL 10: Babar, Maaz star as Peshawar Zalmi thump Islamabad United

PSL 10: Babar, Maaz star as Peshawar Zalmi thump Islamabad United

LAHORE: Babar Azam’s composed half-century and Maaz Sadaqat’s eye-catching knock led Peshawar Zalmi to a comfortable victory over Islamabad United in the 22nd match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

Peshawar Zalmi successfully chased a target of 144 runs, completing the match in just 16.4 overs with six wickets remaining and 20 balls to spare.

The innings began poorly as Mitchell Owen was out on the second ball after hitting the first for a six. His opening partner, Saim Ayub, followed shortly after, scoring only one run before being dismissed by Ben Dwarshuis.

With Zalmi struggling at 12 for 2, captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris partnered to steady the innings.

Haris, however, was out in the sixth over, caught by Riley Meredith after scoring 13 runs, leaving the scoreboard at 38 for 3 after 5.5 overs.

Debutant Maaz Sadaqat then joined Azam, and together they played conservatively to strengthen their position.

Sadaqat impressively scored a fifty in his first match for Zalmi during the ongoing PSL 10, establishing a match-winning partnership of 98 runs with Azam.

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He finished with 55 runs off 33 balls, which featured four fours and three sixes.

Babar Azam finished unbeaten on 53 as Peshawar Zalmi chased down the 144-run target, losing a total of four wickets.

Earlier, after opting to bat first, Islamabad United posted 143 for nine in their allocated 20 overs.

The defending champions’ opener laid a strong foundation with a 58-run stand. Sahibzada Farhan got going after being reprieved by Babar Azam, who dropped an easy catch in the first over.

Sahibzada Farhan scored 15 runs in the fifth over bowled by Mohammad Ali, bringing the scorecard to 45 runs.

The partnership was eventually broken in the ninth over as Sahibzada was removed after scoring 36 off 35 balls with the help of a six and four fours. Soon after, Kyle Mayers was also removed on 18 off 18 deliveries.

The wicket triggered a collapse that Islamabad United never recovered from. Salman Agha (4), Colin Munro (12) and Shadab Khan (15) went in quick succession, leaving United reeling at 89-5 in 13.1 overs.

The wickets continued to tumble with Saad Masood (1), Azam Khan (8) and Imad Wasim (10), all going without significant contributions.

However, it was Ben Dwarshuis’ cameo which lifted Islamabad United to a fighting total. He scored an unbeaten 33 off 17 balls laced with three fours and two sixes.

For Peshawar Zalmi, Mohammad Ali was the stand-out bowler, claiming three for 26 in his four overs while Luke Wood, Alzarri Joseph, Saim Ayub, Hussain Talat and Ahmed Daniyal picked up a wicket each.

PLAYING XIs

Islamabad United: Kyle Mayers, Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan (c), Azam Khan (wk), Imad Wasim, Saad Masood, Ben Dwarshuis, Naseem Shah, Riley Meredith

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

PSL 10: Islamabad United win toss against Peshawar Zalmi

LAHORE: Islamabad United have won the toss and opted to bat first against Peshawar Zalmi in the 22nd match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

PLAYING XIs

Islamabad United: Kyle Mayers, Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan (c), Azam Khan (wk), Imad Wasim, Saad Masood, Ben Dwarshuis, Naseem Shah, Riley Meredith

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

HEAD TO HEAD

Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi have faced each other 26 times since the PSL began. Both teams have an equal record in terms of match wins, with each team winning 12 games.

RECORD: Matches 26, Islamabad United 13, Peshawar Zalmi 12

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.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

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: Cook, Cox included in England Men’s squad for Test against Zimbabwe

Mohammad Rizwan comments on India-Pakistan cricketing ties amid tensions

LAHORE: Mohammad Rizwan, the captain of the Multan Sultans and the Pakistan ODI team, has expressed his views on the ongoing conflict between Pakistan and India amid calls to sever cricketing ties.

The tensions between the two Asian countries escalated in the aftermath of the recent Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

While speaking during the post-match conference, Rizwan expressed a diplomatic stance regarding the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India.

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Mohammad Rizwan highlighted that when he meets top players like Virat Kohli, they interact like brothers. He also said that politics should not be involved in sports.

“Firstly, I don’t know what’s happening between the two countries because I don’t have time to use social media,” he said.

“Secondly, whenever I meet our cricketing family, which features top players like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Joe Root, we meet like brothers and learn a lot from each other. I’ll just say that politics should not be brought into sport,” he added.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

A few days earlier, Rajeev Shukla, the Vice President of the BCCI, and former India captain Sourav Ganguly, called for cutting ties with Pakistan, stating that India should not play any bilateral cricket matches with Pakistan.

It is worth mentioning that India and Pakistan have not played any bilateral series since 2013. Meanwhile, both teams have frequently faced each other in the ICC and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events.

Looking ahead, the next ICC event isn’t until the Women’s ODI World Cup in September-October 2025, which India is set to host.

The tournament will follow a round-robin format featuring eight teams — including Pakistan — meaning each team will play every other side, rendering group-based separation irrelevant.

Although India is hosting the tournament, the matches involving Pakistan will take place at a neutral venue. Currently, no decision has been made regarding the locations of Pakistan’s fixtures.

READ: Irfan Khan hails team combination after emphatic win over Multan Sultans

Irfan Khan hails team combination after emphatic win over Multan Sultans

LAHORE: Karachi Kings middle-order batter Irfan Khan Niazi expressed satisfaction with both his performance and the team’s atmosphere after a dominant win over Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

Chasing a daunting 205-run target, Multan Sultans crumbled under the pressure and were bowled out for a mere 117 in 16.1 overs, thanks to a dominant bowling display from Karachi Kings bowlers.

The defeat marked the end of the road for the Sultans in this PSL, after they managed only one win in eight games.

Multan Sultans started poorly in the chase, losing their in-form batter Mohammad Rizwan for a golden duck in the second over. Their batting line could not rise to the occasion in a do-or-die encounter, eventually folding out for a mere total.

Irfan Khan played a crucial knock in challenging times for the team, helping Karachi Kings cross the 200-run mark.

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During the post-match press conference, Irfan Khan reflected on Karachi Kings’ last season performance, admitting that the team struggled to find the right balance, but this year they have a strong team.

“Our combination wasn’t great last year. This time, we’ve stepped onto the field with a much better combination,” he said.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Irfan, who scored a composed 40 off 33 balls, said his knock boosted his self-belief.

“Playing today’s innings has increased my confidence, ” Irfan Khan remarked.

He also praised the positive atmosphere in the dressing room while aiming to make consistent contributions to the team.

“The atmosphere in the dressing room is very good,” he shared. “I’ll try to play my part in Karachi’s wins with the bat in the upcoming matches.”

He also lauded the impact of the overseas players, noting that their contributions are a big plus for the team.

“Our foreign cricketers are in good form, which is a big plus for us,” Irfan Khan concluded.

READ: James Vince credits openers, bowlers for dominant win against Multan Sultans

James Vince credits openers, bowlers for dominant win against Multan Sultans

LAHORE: James Vince, the top-order batter for Karachi Kings, praised the openers and bowlers for securing an impressive 87-run victory against Multan Sultans in the 20th match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

Chasing a daunting 205-run target, Multan Sultans crumbled under the pressure and were bowled out for a mere 117 in 16.1 overs, thanks to a dominant bowling display from Karachi Kings bowlers.

The defeat marked the end of the road for the Sultans in this PSL, after they managed only one win in eight games.

Multan Sultans started poorly in the chase, losing their in-form batter Mohammad Rizwan for a golden duck in the second over. Their batting line could not rise to the occasion in a do-or-die encounter, eventually folding out for a mere total.

James Vince clinched the ‘Player of the Match’ award for his gutsy 65 off 45 deliveries.

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While sharing his thoughts during the post-match presentation, James Vince emphasized the importance of bouncing back after a break.

“The competition’s been a bit stop-start for us—win one, lose one—so it was important to bounce back with a win today after the mini break,” he said.

He gave credit to the openers for laying a solid foundation while acknowledging the bowlers for a clinical display.

“I thought the openers gave us a fantastic start, which really set the tone. As the ball got older, batting became a bit trickier—I didn’t find it that easy out there. But posting 200 on this pitch was always going to be a challenging target, and full credit to the bowlers for finishing the job,” said Vince.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

The right-handed batter highlighted the importance of strategic thinking, particularly the ability to read the pitch.

“In T20s, it’s crucial to assess the wicket early—some days it’s a 200-run pitch, other days you need to be a bit smarter with your approach.

“The key is to read the conditions quickly and make sure you don’t let the opposition back into the game. It’s all about adapting and executing the right plans on the day,” he concluded.

READ: PSL 10: Lahore Qalandars-Quetta Gladiators match called off due to rain

PSL 10: Lahore Qalandars-Quetta Gladiators match called off due to rain

LAHORE: The 21st match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 between Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators is called off due to persistent rain here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

Lahore Qalandars scored 111 runs for the loss of three wickets before bad weather interrupted the match. Both teams have been awarded one point each.

Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators are second and third respectively, with nine points each.

Put in to bat, The Qalandars had a shaky start to their innings as opener Fakhar Zaman was bowled out for a duck by Khurram Shahzad on just the third ball.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

After an early wicket, Abdullah Shafique partnered with Mohammad Naeem to steady the innings with a brilliant century-plus stand.

The pair put on 102 runs for the second wicket before Naeem was dismissed by Abrar Ahmed. Emerging batter Naeem finally got going as he scored an impressive 50 off 30 balls, hitting three fours and four sixes.

Abrar struck again in his following over, removing Daryl Mitchell for just three runs, reducing the Qalandars to 111/3 in 11.3 overs before a dust storm brought a halt to the proceedings.

Abdullah Shafique remained unbeaten on 53 from 32 deliveries, including three fours and three sixes.

For Quetta Gladiators, Abrar Ahmed claimed two wickets, while Khurram Shahzad took one.

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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.

PLAYING XIs:

Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings (wk), Sikandar Raza, Asif Ali, Tom Curran, Shaheen Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Asif Afridi

Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel (c), Abrar Ahmed, Hassan Nawaz, Kusal Mendis (wk), Mark Chapman, Rilee Rossouw, Muhammad Zeeshan, Muhammad Wasim Jnr, Faheem Ashraf, Khurram Shahzad, Finn Allen

READ: Mohammad Rizwan opens up after Multan Sultans’ elimination from PSL 10