Tag: PSL 11

LAHORE: Islamabad United fast bowler Richard Gleeson expressed confidence in his team’s prospects ahead of Eliminator 2 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

The Three-time champions United will face Hyderabad Kingsmen in the Eliminator 2 at the Gaddafi Stadium tommorow.

Shadab Khan-led United endured a difficult outing against Peshawar Zalmi, suffering a 70-run defeat.

Gleeson, playing in the PSL for the first time, has been effective throughout the tournament, picking up 11 wickets in eight matches at an impressive economy rate of 6.72.

Speaking to the media, Gleeson remained confident about United’s chances and expected his side to perform strongly in the knockout clash.

“We hope we will play good cricket in Eliminator 2,” he told reporters. “I am English, and Hyderabad have two Australian players as well, so it will be a good contest,” he added.

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Reflecting on the previous match, he said the mistakes made against Peshawar Zalmi would not be repeated.

“The mistakes we made against Peshawar Zalmi, we will not repeat them,” he stated.

He also appreciated the crowd support, saying fans make the game more enjoyable.

“The fans coming to the ground is very good. It is always fun to play in front of them.Cricket matches are not good without a crowd,” he added.

Looking ahead to the next match, he noted that Hyderabad’s top order is strong and will require careful planning.

“Hyderabad’s top order is good, we will try to control it,” he said.

The winner of Eliminator 2 will play Peshawar Zalmi in the final on May 3 at the Gaddafi Stadium.

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LAHORE: Hyderabad Kingsmen captain Marnus Labuschagne praised his side’s effort after sealing a dominant eight-wicket win over Multan Sultans in the Eliminator 1 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Kingsmen first delivered with the ball, limiting a strong Multan Sultans batting lineup to 159 in 20 overs.  In reply, they chased down the 160-run target with ease, losing two wickets in the process and 28 balls to spare.

Usman Khan and Maaz Sadaqat starred with gutsy half-centuries, scripting a remarkable comeback for a team that lost their opening four games of the tournament.

With this win, they booked their place in Eliminator 2 and will play Islamabad United on May 1, at the same venue.

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Marnus Labuschagne mentioned the management and owners, lauding a special win.

“It is really hard to put into words what it means for the franchise, the owners, the team, and the sports staff for us to be here: it is really special. We put a lot of work and time into making sure we came prepared today,” he told the presenter.

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“We played really well especially with the bat and tried to come a few new ideas and a little bit of prep. It is nice that it came off today. [On bouncing back after the defeat to United] We actually addressed it today because I felt when we won that amazing game against Multan we were so high. We probably just expected to go and do the same thing the next game,” he added.

The skipper praised his players for staying composed under pressure, saying trust and communication were vital in T20 cricket, where bowlers are bound to have difficult overs.

“It is just great when you have guys in whom you can put your faith. In T20 cricket, you are always going to have a bad over and be put under pressure. But it doesn’t matter because you can just trust them and communicate and they trust that process.”

“I am so proud of the guys from where we were – not winning a game over the first four games and then finding our feet in back half of the tournament and really making a push,” he concluded.

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LAHORE: A clinical bowling effort backed by Usman Khan and Maaz Sadaqat’s gutsy half-centuries powered Hyderabad Kingsmen past Multan Sultans in the Eliminator 1 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.

The Kingsmen chased down a 160-run target without breaking a sweat on the loss of two wickets with 28 balls to spare, largely due to Usman and Sadaqat’s brisk fifties.

In pursuit of the target, Kingsmen made an early stutter when captain Marnus Labuschagne fell for 11 in the second over.

Usman Khan and Sadaqat then took control, sharing a match-defining 92-run partnership for the second wicket. Usman led the charge with an aggressive 64 off 35 balls, striking eight fours and three sixes before being dismissed in the 11th over.

Sadaqat carried on the momentum, finishing unbeaten on 64 off 35 deliveries, hitting eight fours and three sixes. He was ably supported by Saim Ayub, who added 15 not out, as the Kingsmen sealed victory in the 16th over.

For Multan Sultans, there was nothing much in the bowling charts, with Steve Smith and Mohammad Ismail taking one wicket each.

Earlier, Shan Masood’s fighting half-century took Multan Sultans to a respectable total

Put into bat first, Multan Sultans managed to amass 159-9 in 20 overs, thanks to Masood’s unbeaten 69 from 46 balls, including four sixes and four boundaries.

Kingsmen pacers — Mohammad Ali, Akif Javed, and Hunain Shah combined to jolt the opposition in the first five overs.

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The inform duo of Sahibzada Farhan and Steve Smith added 28 in 2.5 overs before both were dismissed in quick succession. The former managed 15, whereas the latter managed 13.

Sultans woes were further compounded with Josh Philippe’s (6) wicket, trapped by Hunain in the fourth over.

Consequently, they were reduced to 36-3.

The slide continued as Shan Masood lost partners at the other end at regular intervals. At the halfway mark of the innings, Sultans lost six of their batters with their score reeling at 85-6.

Yet, Masood managed to tick the score with a vital 34-run on the ninth-wicket partnership with Faisal Akram. Eventually, the Sultans managed to cross the 150-run mark and post a fighting total.

For Hyderabad Kingsmen, all three pacers shared six wickets between them.

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LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi has confirmed the availability of Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 final, scheduled to be played at Gaddafi Stadium here on Sunday.

The right-arm pacer was initially given a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to feature in the league until April 13. He later returned home alongside other Bangladesh players after being called up for national duty during the ongoing white-ball series against New Zealand.

He was part of Bangladesh’s squad against New Zealand but was not selected for the first two T20Is, with selectors prioritising his workload management ahead of a busy Test calendar.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), on Wednesday, reinstated Rana’s NOC, allowing him to rejoin the Zalmi squad for the final.

“This decision has been made considering the significance of participating in the final of a major global franchise competition, which is viewed as an important step in the continued development of the player,” the BCB said in a statement.

“More importantly, the team management and BCB medical team has provided clearance, confirming that his participation in the match will not adversely affect his fitness, workload management or availability for national duty.”

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Javed Afridi took to social media and extended his gratitude to the BCB president, Tamim Iqbal, for reinstating the NOC of the right-arm pacer, who set the PSL 11 on fire with his fiery bowling display.

“Thank you Brother Tamim for permitting Nahid Rana to feature for Peshawar Zalmi in the #PSL11 final match InshaAllah,” Afridi posted.

During his brief PSL stint, Rana made a strong impression, picking up seven wickets at an average of 10.85 in four matches at an economy rate of 5.42 for Zalmi.

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced the ticket prices for the Eliminator 1 & 2 as well as the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, all set to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Fans can secure their seats through pcb.tcs.com.pk, while physical tickets will be available at 18 designated TCS Express Centres in Lahore

The Eliminator 1 will be played between Hyderabad Kingsmen and Multan Sultans on Wednesday. The winner will progress to Eliminator 2, where they will face Islamabad United on Friday, May 1.

Meanwhile, Peshawar Zalmi have already secured their place in the final after defeating Islamabad United in the Qualifier, and will now await the winner of Eliminator 2 for the title clash scheduled on Sunday, May 3.

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For the much-anticipated final, fans can buy VIP enclosures (Fazal Mahmood and Imran Khan) tickets for PKR 6,000, while the premium enclosures (Rajas and Saeed Anwar) will be available for PKR 4,000.

First class enclosures, which comprise Abdul Hafeez Kardar, Abdul Qadir, Javed Miandad and Sarfaraz Nawaz, are priced at PKR 2,000.

Seats in the Hanif Mohammad, Imtiaz Ahmed, Saeed Ahmed and Inzamam-ul-Haq, which are categorised as General enclosures, will be available for a minimum of PKR 1,500.

The thrilling action of the PSL 11 final can also be enjoyed from the VVIP enclosure (Waqar Younis) at the Iqbal End, whose tickets can be bought for PKR 8,000.

The tickets for Zaheer Abbas enclosure at the Jinnah End will carry a price of PKR 10,000. The PCB Gallery tickets are priced at PKR 12,000.

For Eliminator 1, ticket prices have been set to accommodate a broad range of spectators, starting from PKR 500 for general enclosures.

First Class tickets are priced at PKR 1,000, Premium at PKR 2,000, and VIP at PKR 3,000. Higher-tier seating includes VVIP Far End at PKR 4,500, VVIP New Pavilion at PKR 5,500, while Gallery seats are available for PKR 7,000.

Ticket prices increase for Eliminator 2, with general enclosure seats starting at PKR 1,000. First Class tickets are priced at PKR 1,800, Premium at PKR 3,000, and VIP at PKR 4,000.

VVIP Far End tickets are available for PKR 5,000, while VVIP New Pavilion seats are set at PKR 8,000. Gallery tickets for the second eliminator are priced at PKR 10,000.

READ: Babar Azam breaks multiple records with century against Islamabad United

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam reflected after his team romped into the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the National Bank Stadium on Tuesday.

Babar starred with a match-winning 103 from 59 balls, propelling his side’s total to 221 in 20 overs against Islamabad United.

In reply, United were bowled out for 151 in 18.4 overs, showcasing a clinical bowling performance.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Babar underscored the importance of the Qualifier and said it was a fortunate occasion for fans present at the stadium.

“It was like a semi-final for us. The fans were fortunate to witness my century,” he told reporters.

“It is important that performance remains consistent at all times. I have belief in myself, and the goal is to perform better and better. With the passage of time, I have learned and understood a lot more,” the right-hander added.

With a two-match Test series against Bangladesh coming up, the skipper also emphasized mental preparation.

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“I know that in a few days I have to start preparing for Test cricket. You have to be mentally prepared for every format,” Babar said.

He revealed that he is now more disciplined while downplaying the external noise.

“Nothing much has changed; I have just worked more on discipline. I do not think too much about what people say about me.”

“I am often told that I don’t know how to finish matches. My focus remains only on cricket. I do not keep track of records or know which one is broken. I watch my old videos to improve my performance,” he said.

He also believed that working on his power-hitting skills was paying off, while hailing his batting partner, Kusal Mendis.

“I am working on power-hitting, and it is paying off. Kusal Mendis is one of the best batters from Sri Lanka. I keep talking to Mendis for tips and advice.,” he concluded.

READ: Babar Azam breaks multiple records with century against Islamabad United

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam shattered multiple records with a century against Islamabad United during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 Qualifier at the National Bank Stadium on Tuesday.

The right-hander remained instrumental in propelling the team’s total to 221 at the end of 20 overs.

Babar made 103 from 59 balls, smashing 12 fours and four sixes to register his second century of the season. With this knock, he joined Usman Khan as the only other batter to have four centuries to their name in the tournament.

Most Centuries in PSL

Usman Khan — Matches: 35 | Centuries: 4
Babar Azam — Matches: 110 | Centuries: 4
Kamran Akmal — Matches: 75 | Centuries: 3
Rilee Rossouw — Matches: 104 | Centuries: 3
Fakhar Zaman — Matches: 105 | Centuries: 3

Moreover, he also became only the second batter after Usman Khan to hit two tons in a single PSL season. Usman achieved the feat in the 2024 edition.

Most Centuries In a Single Edition of PSL

Usman Khan — 2 in 2024

Babar Azam — 2 in 2026

In addition to this, Babar also became the first batter to amass 500 runs in a single PSL edition for the fourth time — 2021, 2023,2024,2026.  The 31-year-old now levels with Fakhar Zaman for most runs in a single season.

Before heading into the fixture, the right-hander had amassed 485 runs in 10 innings.

Most Runs in a PSL Season

Fakhar Zaman (Lahore Qalandars) – 588 runs in 2022
Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi) – 588 runs* in 2026
Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi) – 569 runs in 2024
Babar Azam (Karachi Kings) – 554 runs in 2021
Mohammad Rizwan (Multan Sultans) – 550 runs in 2023
Mohammad Rizwan (Multan Sultans) – 546 runs in 2022
Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi) – 522 runs in 2023
Kusal Mendis (Peshawar Zalmi) – 502 runs* in 2026
Mohammad Rizwan (Multan Sultans) – 500 runs in 2021

The record for most runs in a single edition belongs to Fakhar Zaman — 588 runs in 2022. Babar Azam could now easily surpass the tally with up to two matches remaining if Zalmi lose the Qualifier and play the eliminator, or progress to the final.

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KARACHI: Babar Azam swashbuckling century propelled Peshawar Zalmi into the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 with a decisive victory over Islamabad United in the Qualifier at the National Stadium on Tuesday.

Set a massive 222 run target, United batting lineup faltered under pressure and were bowled out for 151 in 18.4 overs.

In pursuit of a big chase, United openers — Sameer Minhas and Devon Conway came out with intent. The pair took complete advantage of the fielding restrictions, putting on 58 at the end of five overs.

Minhas remained the core aggressor while Conway fell after managing 20 off 14, striking a boundary and two sixes.

After the first wicket, Zalmi slowed things down. Mohsin Riaz joined Sameer, adding a brief 23 runs before latter’s wicket opened the door.

Sameer Minhas was going well until a short of a length ball from Aaron Hardie got big on him. He made 44 from 23 deliveries, hitting a six and seven fours.

The wicket broke United’s momentum as their slide continued until the very end. As a result, they slumped from 81-2 to 113-7 in 13.5 overs.

Imad Wasim (22 off 15) resisted till the penultimate over, which only reduced the margin of defeat for them.

For Zalmi, it was Aaron Hardie, who starred with the ball, taking three wickets in his four overs. Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Basit shared four wickets between them.

Earlier, Babar Azam’s sublime century headlined a dominant batting display by Peshawar Zalmi.  Asked to bat first, Zalmi piled up 221-7 in 20 overs, thanks to Babar Azam’s 103 from 59 balls.

The opening pair of Mohammad Haris and Babar Azam came out all guns blazing, finishing the powerplay at 68 for nought.

Soon after the fielding restrictions were lifted, Shadab Khan, bowling his opening over, removed dangerous Haris — caught at cover brilliantly after scoring 35 off 16 balls, including five fours and two sixes.

Despite the wicket, Babar Azam, who was joined by Kusal Mendis — both topping the runs chart in PSL 11, forged 84 off 51 balls for the second wicket partnership.

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The inform duo pounded anything loose with disdain, bringing the total to 156 in just 14.5 overs. However, the stand eventually culminated with Mendis’ wicket. The right-hander struck four boundaries and a maximum.

Mendis wicket brought United back into the game as Shadab struck twice in the next over to halt Zalmi’s progress. Michael Bracewell (2) and Abdul Samad (0) were sent back on successive deliveries.

As a result, they were 164-4 in 16 overs.

Yet, Babar continued to motor on from the other end as he smashed three boundaries in Faheem Ashraf’s next over and then followed up with two fours and a six to complete his majestic century — fourth in PSL history.

The 31-year-old was eventually caught on the boundary after hitting 12 fours and four maximums.

For Islamabad United, Shadab Khan stood out with three wickets to his name.

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KARACHI: Islamabad United have won the toss and decided to bowl first against Peshawar Zalmi in the Qualifier of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the National Stadium on Tuesday

Head to Head

Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United have faced each other 27 times in the tournament’s history, with both teams tied on 13 wins, while one match ended in a no-result.

Playing XIs

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (c), Sufiyan Muqeem, Abdul Samad, Aaron Hardie, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Haris, Michael Bracewell, Kusal Mendis, Iftikhar Ahmed, Farhan Yousuf, Mohammad Basit

Islamabad United: Shadab Khan (c), Devon Conway, Faheem Ashraf, Mark Chapman, Sameer Minhas, Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohsin Riaz, Chris Green and Mohammad Salman Mirza.

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Karachi Kings captain David Warner has responded firmly to a fan suggestion that he should return to the Indian Premier League (IPL), following his side’s exit from Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Warner, who took to Instagram after Karachi Kings’ campaign came to an end, reflected on the franchise’s performance and praised the squad for their effort despite an inconsistent season.

He highlighted the “passion, resilience, and attitude” shown by the team throughout the tournament, noting that the challenges of franchise cricket often go beyond what is visible on the field.

“Not the result we were hoping for, but the passion, resilience, and attitude shown by this group were incredible. Unless you’ve been part of a franchise team or environment, it’s hard to truly understand the level of commitment and dedication involved,” he posted.

The former Australian opener also expressed gratitude to fans for their continued support, while acknowledging the organisers for their hospitality during the season.

“Wishing the very best to everyone moving forward. To our fans, thank you, as always, for your unwavering support,” he added.

 

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He further appreciated the role of security personnel and law enforcement agencies in ensuring smooth conduct of the tournament amid crowd and logistical challenges.

“Appreciation to the security and police for taking care of us, and to everyone for your patience during the traffic delays. Hopefully, we’ll see you all at the stadium again soon,” he further stated.

In a lighter moment in his post, Warner suggested that future editions of the league could include more recreational activities such as padel or golf, while expressing hope for stronger crowd turnout in upcoming seasons.

However, his post drew attention after a social media user advised him to quit the PSL and return to the Indian Premier League, suggesting it would be a better fit for him.

“It’s better for you to quit PSL and return back in IPL,” the fan commented.

David Warner responded briefly but firmly, shutting down the speculation with a straightforward reply: “No need for that now.”

Karachi Kings, the champions of the 2020 edition, were eliminated from PSL 11 following Lahore Qalandars’ victory over Peshawar Zalmi on Saturday.

However, the Qalandars were also eliminated the next day when the Hyderabad Kings defeated Rawalpindi by 108 runs, surpassing the Qalandars with a superior net run rate.

READ: PCB rolls out public transport, traffic plan for PSL 11 Qualifier in Karachi