Tag: PSL 11

KARACHI: David Warner has termed the Karachi Kings’ crushing defeat to Peshawar Zalmi as a potential turning point, suggesting that such setbacks can help revive the squad’s energy during a long tournament.

The Karachi Kings suffered a humbling 159-run loss in their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 encounter at the National Bank Stadium, after conceding a record 246 for 3 and then being bowled out for just 87 in reply.

Reflecting on the defeat, Warner admitted that his side failed to execute their plans, particularly during the middle phase of the innings when the game slipped away.

“I think our decision to bowl first was what we wanted to do and intended to do. But when you allow two stroke-makers time to settle and hit boundaries consistently every over, it becomes really difficult to pull things back,” Warner said after the match.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The Kings’ captain pointed out that the contest was still evenly poised at one stage before a costly passage of play shifted momentum decisively in Zalmi’s favour.

“I thought at the 10-over mark we were still in the game, but in the next three overs they scored around 50-60 runs, which is unacceptable at this level,” he added.

David Warner also acknowledged that despite a promising start with the ball, his side failed to maintain pressure, allowing the opposition to fully capitalise.

“In the first six overs, you’ve got to try and stay positive. A couple of good balls led to wickets, and there was also some good fielding in the outfield. But credit to them, they came out and put serious runs on the board,” he noted.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Chasing a daunting target, Karachi never looked in contention, eventually collapsing for their lowest total in PSL history. Warner admitted the scale of the target made the chase increasingly difficult.

“Credit to them, they came out and put serious runs on the board. It was always going to be a tough chase,” he said.

Despite the heavy defeat, their first of the campaign, Warner remained optimistic, insisting that such results can sometimes serve as a catalyst for improvement.

“In tournaments like these, sometimes you need a loss like this to bring the energy back into the group,” he remarked.

“When you’ve had six or seven days off, it can take a bit of time to get back into rhythm. But the boys are in good spirits, we’ve got a great group, and we will take the positives. We will enjoy tomorrow off and come back stronger.”

READ: Peshawar Zalmi rewrite record books in PSL win over Karachi Kings

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 etched his name deeper into the record books on Thursday, becoming the fastest batter in men’s T20 history to reach 12,000 runs, surpassing the long-standing mark held by Chris Gayle.

The milestone came during Peshawar Zalmi’s high-scoring Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 clash against Karachi Kings at the National Stadium.

Babar, who needed just 13 runs before the match, brought up the landmark in style by launching Khushdil Shah for a six over mid-on in the fourth over.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

In doing so, the Zalmi skipper became the 12th player in men’s T20 cricket to cross the 12,000-run mark, joining an elite list featuring the likes of Kieron Pollard, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, David Warner and Shoaib Malik.

Babar reached the milestone in just 338 innings, bettering Gayle’s previous record of 343 innings, while Kohli sits third on the list, having taken 360 innings to get there.

Fastest to 12,000 Runs in Men’s T20s

• Babar Azam – 338 innings
• Chris Gayle – 343 innings
• Virat Kohli – 360 innings
• David Warner – 368 innings
• Jos Buttler – 405 innings

Despite losing the record, Gayle continues to lead the all-time T20 run charts with 14,562 runs, followed closely by Pollard.

Babar Azam capped off his milestone performance with a dominant unbeaten 87, powering Zalmi to a formidable total of 246 for 3.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The bowlers then completed a comprehensive performance, skittling Karachi Kings for just 87 to seal a massive 159-run victory.

The emphatic win lifted Zalmi to second place on the PSL 11 points table, with three wins from their first four matches, further underlining their strong start to the campaign.

READ: Sahibzada Farhan released from Multan Sultans squad

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.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

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

KARACHI: Devon Conway produced a composed unbeaten half-century to guide Islamabad United to a commanding nine-wicket victory over Lahore Qalandars in a low-scoring Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 clash at the National Bank Stadium on Thursday.

Chasing a modest 101-run target, United made light work of the total, reaching it inside 11 overs with 58 balls to spare.

The only hiccup in the chase came early when Sameer Minhas was dismissed for five by Shaheen Shah Afridi in the third over.

From there on, Conway took complete control of the innings. The left-hander stitched together an unbeaten 93-run partnership with Mohammad Faiq, ensuring there were no further setbacks.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Devon Conway remained unbeaten on 59 off 35 deliveries, striking seven fours and three sixes, while Faiq played an equally fluent hand with a 19-ball 34, laced with six boundaries.

Earlier, Islamabad United’s bowlers laid the foundation for the comfortable win by bundling Qalandars out for just 100 in 18.3 overs.

The innings unravelled right from the start when Imad Wasim dismissed Mohammad Naeem for a first-ball duck.

Although Haseebullah Khan (19) and Abdullah Shafique (10) attempted to stabilise things with a brief stand, regular breakthroughs kept Lahore on the back foot.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Imad struck again to remove Shafique, before Chris Green and captain Shadab Khan further dented the innings with timely wickets.

A short resistance from Sikandar Raza (25) and Asif Ali (15) failed to shift momentum, as the Qalandars kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

Green was the pick of the bowlers with impressive figures of 3 for 19 in his four overs, while Imad, Shadab and Richard Gleeson chipped in with two wickets apiece to wrap up the innings.

READ: Tamim Iqbal-led BCB announces major pay hike for domestic cricketers

KARACHI: Multan Sultans have granted opening batter Sahibzada Farhan a short break from the squad ahead of their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 clash against Peshawar Zalmi, scheduled to be played at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on April 13.

According to the franchise, the decision has been taken as part of their internal workload and rest policy, which allows players to take time off during breaks in the tournament to recover physically and mentally.

A spokesperson for the Sultans said the move aligns with the team’s broader approach under owner Gohar Shah and head coach Tim Paine, who have emphasised player welfare and balanced workload management throughout the season.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

“As per the policy, players are given complete freedom to relax and spend personal time during rest periods,” the spokesperson stated.

The management believes the system helps players remain mentally fresh and better prepared for high-intensity matches.

Along with Sahibzada Farhan, batting coach Sohaib Maqsood has also been released from the squad for a short period under the same policy.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Notably, Farhan has been one of the standout performers in PSL 11 so far, emerging as the tournament’s leading run-scorer.

The right-hander has accumulated 232 runs in five matches at an impressive average of 58.00 and a strike rate of 181.25, including a century and a half-century.

The opener’s form has been a key factor in Multan’s strong campaign so far, with the side currently sitting at the top of the table. Led by Ashton Turner, the Sultans have won four of their five matches, collecting eight points with a healthy net run-rate of 0.941.

READ: Rashid Khan may miss India Test as red-ball future remains unclear

KARACHI: New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell remains optimistic about Rawalpindiz’s chances in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, despite the franchise’s winless start to the season.

The 34-year-old, who is featuring for Rawalpindiz, said he is hopeful the team can turn things around in the coming matches and build momentum as the tournament progresses.

“It’s awesome to be back here,” Mitchell said while speaking to PCB Digital. “I’m really happy to be back in Pakistan. The people here are very welcoming, and I’ve really enjoyed my time so far.”

Rawalpindiz have endured a difficult start, losing all four of their matches to sit at the bottom of the points table. However, Mitchell is backing his side to bounce back and keep their playoff hopes alive.

“Hopefully we can get off the mark in the next game and get on a bit of a roll,” he said. “You never know what might happen in a tournament like this.”

Mitchell also believes that adapting to conditions and building a better understanding within the group will be key moving forward.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“It’s always challenging cricket coming here,” he noted. “Conditions can vary, from fast and bouncy to slow and turning, so as a cricketer, trying to adapt is always a challenge, but it’s also good fun.”

Daryl Mitchell, who made his PSL debut last season with eventual champions Lahore Qalandars, has so far scored 124 runs in four matches this season at a strike rate of over 150.  Last year, he accumulated 241 runs in nine games, playing a key role in Qalandars’ title-winning campaign.

Sharing his thoughts on Pakistan’s cricketing landscape, the right-hander was full of praise for the country’s fast-bowling depth, calling it one of the most impressive aspects of the PSL.

“Pakistan has some of the best fast bowlers in the world,” he said. “Every season, a new bowler seems to come through. I don’t know what it is, tape ball or whatever, but it’s incredible to see.”

Mitchell added that overseas players have an important role in guiding younger cricketers, particularly in a competitive league like the PSL.

“As overseas players, we try to share our experience with the younger guys to help them improve and take their game to another level,” he said.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

The New Zealand international also spoke about settling into a new environment, highlighting the importance of building team chemistry early in the tournament.

“The first week is about getting to know the players and understanding how they operate,” he explained.

“You try to have some fun along the way, and as the tournament goes on, you start having more conversations about the game and how to improve together.”

Reflecting on his favourite PSL memory, Mitchell pointed to Lahore Qalandars lifting the trophy last season as a special moment, even though he missed the final stages of the tournament.

“Anytime you’re winning games is special,” he said. “Watching Lahore lift the trophy last year was a great moment, especially seeing some close friends succeed.”

READ: Babar Azam brushes off Virat Kohli comparisons after Hyderabad Kingsmen victory

KARACHI: Babar Azam chose to steer clear of comparisons with Virat Kohli, responding firmly to a question on the subject after his team, Peshawar Zalmi, registered a tense last-ball victory over Hyderabad Kingsmen in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the National Bank Stadium.

Chasing a modest yet tricky 146-run target, Zalmi were pushed to the limit on a challenging surface before eventually getting over the line on the final delivery with four wickets in hand.

Babar played a key role in the chase with a composed 43 off 37 balls but fell at a crucial juncture, leaving his side needing 30 runs from the final five overs.

The post-match press conference, however, shifted focus from the result to an all-too-familiar debate of Babar’s ability to finish games and his frequent comparisons with Kohli.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

The Zalmi skipper appeared unimpressed with the line of questioning and quickly dismissed the comparison.

“Leave that topic. You can end it there,” Babar said, cutting short the question before elaborating on his approach instead.

He emphasised that match situations, rather than comparisons, dictate his style of play, highlighting the importance of reading conditions and building partnerships.

“The main thing is the scenario, what the team requires, what the run rate is, how to play, and how the pitch is behaving. You have to plan your game accordingly and build partnerships for the team,” he explained.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Babar Azam also pointed out that execution is not always straightforward, especially on difficult surfaces where even well-timed shots may not yield results.

“Sometimes you think it is an easy pitch, but you cannot execute, shots are hit, but not finding the gaps. You try but do not get the runs,” he said.

Reflecting on criticism around his finishing ability, the right-hander insisted that improvement is a gradual process and backed his record in pressure situations.

“In those moments, I remind myself of my strengths and my game plan, my best way of playing. Improvement comes with time; sometimes it takes months. I have finished a lot of matches; you may think I have not, but I have finished many,” he added.

READ: Hassan Khan breaks silence on decision to leave Pakistan for USA

The injury-hit Rawalpindiz have moved swiftly to reinforce their pace attack, announcing the signing of New Zealand fast bowler Ben Sears ahead of their upcoming fixtures in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

The development comes in the wake of injuries to frontline pacers Naseem Shah and Zaman Khan, forcing the franchise to seek immediate reinforcements.

Sources revealed that Sears, currently touring Sri Lanka with New Zealand A, is expected to link up with the squad soon, pending necessary clearances.

The right-arm pacer is set to make his PSL debut, bringing with him limited franchise experience, having previously featured in Major League Cricket (MLC) for the Washington Freedom.

On the international stage, Sears has represented New Zealand in 27 T20Is, claiming 31 wickets, in addition to picking up 10 wickets in just four ODIs.

Rawalpindiz’s bowling concerns have deepened following confirmation that Naseem Shah has been ruled out for the foreseeable future after sustaining a side injury during a recent clash against Karachi Kings.

While the pacer remains part of the squad, he is undergoing rehabilitation, with further medical assessments scheduled for April 15 to evaluate his recovery timeline.

Earlier, Zaman Khan was sidelined after suffering a dislocation of the acromioclavicular (ACJ) joint in his right shoulder during the National T20 Cup. He has since been replaced in the squad by Jalat Khan.

Led by Mohammad Rizwan, Rawalpindiz will now be hoping that Sears can provide immediate impact as they prepare for their next encounter against Quetta Gladiators on April 10.

READ: Hassan Khan breaks silence on decision to leave Pakistan for USA

Former Pakistan U19 captain Hassan Khan has spoken about his decision to shift his professional cricket career to the United States of America (USA), clarifying that the move was not driven by frustration or disappointment over opportunities in Pakistan.

Hassan, who led Pakistan at the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup in 2018, made the switch to USA cricket in 2023 after going unsold in that year’s Pakistan Super League (PSL) draft.

Since then, his career has taken a global turn, with appearances in multiple franchise leagues across continents.

After relocating, the all-rounder began his journey with the Chicago Kingsmen before earning a deal with Major League Cricket (MCL) side San Francisco Unicorns.

His performances soon opened doors to further opportunities, including stints in both the Big Bash League (BBL) and Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

He is currently part of the ongoing PSL season as an overseas player representing Hyderabad Kingsmen, thanks to his registration under USA cricket eligibility.

Addressing speculation around his move, Hassan insisted the decision was sudden and not the result of any long-term frustration or lack of opportunity.

“If I’m honest, there wasn’t any particular moment. It was all very sudden, and the decision was made quite abruptly. I didn’t really think it through in detail, like deciding to leave everything behind or anything like that,” he said while speaking during a training session.

“It wasn’t that sort of situation; I simply got an opportunity, quite unexpectedly. As far as I remember, it all happened within a period of about 10 to 15 days.”

Hassan Khan also reflected on his journey, suggesting that playing for Pakistan at the international level may not have been part of his destiny, while expressing gratitude for the path his career has taken.

“Perhaps it just wasn’t in my destiny to play for Pakistan. God has different plans for everyone. It was a slightly difficult path, but it’s the one I chose,” he said.

He added that he is content with his current career trajectory, highlighting the respect he has earned through franchise cricket around the world and expressing gratitude for his journey.

“By the grace of God, I’ve earned respect, and He continues to bless me with it. I’m playing in leagues around the world, and I have no complaints. Alhamdulillah, I’m satisfied with my decision and my cricket,” he said.

Before his move abroad, Hassan represented Quetta Gladiators across four seasons and also played one season for Lahore Qalandars, featuring in 28 matches where he took 16 wickets and scored 137 runs.

READ: Tamim Iqbal appointed Bangladesh Cricket Board President