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Hasan Ali opens up after Karachi Kings’ PSL 10 exit

LAHORE: Karachi Kings vice-captain Hasan Ali has shared his thoughts after his team’s loss to Lahore Qalandars in the Eliminator 1 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

Set to chase a 191-run target, Lahore Qalandars comfortably knocked the winning runs on losing four wickets with eight balls to spare. The defeat marked the end of the journey for Karachi Kings in this year’s PSL.

Hasan Ali, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, returned with the figures of two for 37 in his four overs.

Speaking to the media in the post-match press conference, Hasan highlighted the positives that emerged throughout the tournament for Karachi Kings.

“The score was decent. We couldn’t take wickets in the powerplay,” he said while crediting Lahore Qalandars’ Abdullah Shafique for his standout performance.

“Abdullah and Fakhar both batted brilliantly,” he told reporters.

While clearly disheartened by the team’s early elimination, Hasan remained optimistic about their overall showing.

“It’s a disappointing moment for me. Unfortunately, we couldn’t win, but as a team, we played good cricket this season as compared to the past three or four seasons,” Hasan added.

Hasan also highlighted his career-threatening injury, stating that he worked hard in the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

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“It was very important for me to return to the team after facing a career-threatening injury,” he said. “Pakistan means everything to me, and returning to the team meant a lot.”

Reflecting on his personal form, Hasan expressed satisfaction with his performances:

“I am very satisfied with my personal performance. My job is to work hard,” Hasan Ali said.

The experienced pacer also pointed to strategic errors during the eliminator, lamenting poor execution in bowling and fielding.

“We can say we set a good target, but we didn’t bowl in the right areas during the powerplay,” he admitted.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Hasan Ali hailed David Warner’s leadership, mentioning his experience in international cricket.

“Warner playing with us was the biggest thing. We know how experienced he is in international cricket. Playing under his captaincy and learning from him as vice-captain was a great experience,” Hasan said.

Hasan remained proud of the team’s effort while expressing disappointment at not qualifying for the final.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t reach the final, but that was our target,” Hasan Ali concluded.

READ: Abdullah credits positive mindset for match-winning knock against Karachi

Abdullah credits positive mindset for match-winning knock against Karachi

LAHORE: Lahore Qalandars top-order batter Abdullah Shafique shared his thoughts after a match-winning knock against Karachi Kings.

Set to chase a 191-run target, Lahore Qalandars comfortably knocked the winning runs with eight balls to spare. Player of the Match Abdullah Shafique starred with the bat, scoring 65 off 35 balls with the help of five sixes and three fours.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Abdullah expressed satisfaction over his recent performance and said he aims to contribute in ways that help the team win.

“First of all, I thank Allah for giving me the opportunity to perform well. “My focus is always on contributing in a way that benefits the team,” Abdullah Shafique told reporters.

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He added that adapting to modern-day cricket demands constant self-improvement while hailing the team’s clarity regarding playing roles.

“You have to train according to the requirements of modern cricket. But more than training, it’s about mindset. If the mindset is positive, results follow.”

“Every player knows his role and performs accordingly,” he explained.

Responding to a question about his batting position, he said: “I’ve played as an opener from the beginning of my career, but I always try to adapt based on the team’s needs.”

He also threw his support behind skipper Shaheen Afridi, expressing support for the fast bowler.

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“Shaheen is our leader, and we are all standing firmly with him,” Abdullah Said

Looking ahead to the Eliminator against Islamabad United, Abdullah remained optimistic about his team’s chances of reaching the final, stressing the sloppy fielding.

“We are hopeful of putting in a strong performance and qualifying for the final. Catches do get dropped; it’s part of the game. I tried to make up for the fielding mistakes with my batting,” he concluded.

READ: Dominant Lahore Qalandars beat Karachi Kings in PSL 10 Eliminator

Dominant Lahore Qalandars beat Karachi Kings in PSL 10 Eliminator

LAHORE: Abdullah Shafique’s and Fakhar Zaman’s enterprising knocks powered Lahore Qalandars to a victory over Karachi Kings in the Eliminator of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

Set to chase a 191-run target, Lahore Qalandars comfortably knocked the winning runs on the loss of four wickets with eight balls to spare.

Lahore Qalandars had a similar start to Karachi Kings as they scored 42 runs in the first four overs, until Mohammad Naeem’s wicket. He was caught on long-on after scoring 14 off 12 with the help of a boundary and a six.

Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman partnered with Abdullah Shafique to ensure that the required run rate remains under control.

The notable highlight of his innings was emerging bowler Fawad Ali’s over, in which he scored 16 runs, which brought the score to 60-1 at the end of the powerplay.

However, Fakhar fell on the first ball of the ninth over, after scoring 47 off 28 balls, laced with three sixes and five boundaries.

The wicket did bring the Kings back into the game, but it was Abdullah Shafique’s and Kusal Perar’s stand that took the game away from them. The duo stitched an 83-run partnership, bringing the score to 158 in 15.2 overs.

Abdullah Shafique fell for an enterprising 35-ball 65 runs, with the help of five sixes and four fours. Perera, on the other end, remained firm and forged a brief stand with his counterpart, Bhanuka Rajapaksa.

He perished in the 19th over after scoring 30 off 24 balls, featuring two sixes and a four, while Rajapaksa struck a six to take his team home.

For Karachi Kings, Hasan Ali bagged two wickets while Fawad Ali and Mir Hamza made one scalp apiece.

Earlier, David Warner’s brisk knock and Khushdil Shah’s cameo powered Karachi Kings to an impressive total

Opting to bat first, Kings posted 190 for the loss of eight wickets in their allocated 20 overs.

The Kings’ openers provided a strong start as they raced to 43 at the end of four overs, losing Tim Seifert in the process.

David Warner was the core aggressor, while Seifert (16 off eight) did well to hold one end firm.

James Vince joined Warner, notching up a 31-run stand, bringing the score to 74 at the end of the seventh over. Vince was caught on deep mid-wicket off Shakib Al Hasan’s bowling.

The wicket, however, did not halt the Kings’ momentum as Warner’s onslaught continued, thanks to drop catches from the Qalandars. Saad Baig was the next to go, falling cheaply on the score of 11, reducing Karachi Kings to 99-3 at the end of the 11th over.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Following the dismissal, in-form batter Irfan Khan partnered with Warner, adding a 38-run stand for the fifth wicket. The partnership set the tone for a big total as the Kings reached 137 in 14.3 overs.

At this moment, Lahore Qalandars came back into the game despite sloppy fielding, removing Irfan Khan and well well-set David Warner in successive overs.

Irfan went after scoring 18 off 12 while Warner was finally caught on 75 off 52 balls, an innings peppered with eight fours and three sixes.

The middle overs jolted Kings’ scoring rate as they reached 163 in the 18th over as Qalandars struck twice, first removing Mohammad Nabi (16 off 10) and then Abbas Afridi (2 off two).

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However, it was Khushdil Shah’s 14-ball 27 that took Karachi Kings to a strong total. He smashed three fours and two sixes in an enterprising knock.

For Lahore Qalandars, Haris Rauf was the standout bowler, taking three for 35 in his quota of four overs, while Shaheen Afridi scalped two wickets.

PLAYING XIs

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

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

READ: USA’s Milind Kumar rewrites ODI history with record-breaking performance

PSL 10: Karachi Kings win toss against Lahore Qalandars

LAHORE: Karachi Kings have won the toss and opted to bat first against Lahore Qalandars in the Eliminator of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

PLAYING XIs

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

Karachi Kings: David Warner (cap), Tim Seifert (wk), James Vince, Saad Baig, Khushdil Shah, Irfan Khan Niazi, Mohammad Nabi, Fawad Ali, 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 21 times since the PSL began. The Kings have dominated this rivalry with 13 wins, while the Qalandars have managed only 7 victories.

RECORD: Matches 21, Lahore Qalandars 7, Karachi Kings 14

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: Bangladesh opener ruled out of T20I series against Pakistan, replacement named

Islamabad United release statement on Alex Hales’ PSL 10 exit

Islamabad United have issued an official statement clarifying the sudden departure of star batter Alex Hales from the remainder of their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 campaign.

The franchise confirmed that the English opener will not be available for Qualifier 2 or a potential final due to pre-committed personal obligations.

In their statement, United revealed that due to a shift in the PSL schedule, Hales’ availability was only confirmed until May 18.

The 36-year-old is heading to Spain to attend the wedding of a close friend, an arrangement that was mutually agreed upon when his short-term contract was signed.

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“Alex Hales has always been, and will continue to be, part of the Islamabad United family,” the franchise stated.

Hales also shared his thoughts, calling Islamabad United more than just a team.

“It always feels like family playing for United,” he said. “Coming back this season was a great experience, and I’m wishing the team the very best for the playoffs. I’ll be cheering for them from Spain.”

Despite playing just two matches this season, Hales certainly made an impact. His comeback knock against Karachi Kings on May 19 was nothing short of explosive.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

He smashed an 88 off just 35 balls, peppered with six boundaries and eight towering sixes, at a strike rate of 251.42. His onslaught helped Islamabad post a mammoth 251/5, one of the highest totals in PSL history.

However, the joy was short-lived. In the Qualifier 1 clash against Quetta Gladiators, Hales fell for a second-ball duck as United faltered in their 210-run chase, eventually getting bowled out for 179.

With that loss, the defending champions missed their direct route to the final and will now face the winner of the Eliminator between Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars in Qualifier 2, scheduled for May 23 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

READ: Zimbabwe win toss, bowl against England in one-off Test

Lahore Qalandars get another boost ahead of PSL 10 Eliminator against Karachi Kings

Lahore Qalandars have received another major boost ahead of their PSL 10 Eliminator against arch-rivals Karachi Kings, with Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain rejoining the squad after completing national duty.

The franchise confirmed his arrival with a social media post, featuring a photo of the spinner and the caption: “LOOK WHO’S BACK!! It’s Rishad Hossain — back in the squad ahead of the all-important Eliminator against Karachi Kings.”

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Rishad, who has quickly made his mark in his debut PSL season, has been a key weapon for the Qalandars during the middle overs.

In just five matches, he has picked up nine wickets at an average of 16.44, showcasing impressive control under pressure.

His return couldn’t have come at a better time for Shaheen Afridi’s side, who are set to take on Karachi Kings in a high-stakes knockout fixture on Thursday, May 22, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

The Qalandars now feature a trio of Bangladeshi cricketers in their setup. Just a day earlier, all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz joined the squad as a replacement for Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza, who departed to represent his national side in a four-day Test against England.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who is not part of Bangladesh’s squad for the upcoming T20I series in Pakistan, sees this PSL opportunity as a chance to prove his T20 credentials and push for a national recall.

READ: Hansi Flick extends Barcelona deal to 2027 after title triumph

Salman Ali Agha confident of reaching PSL 10 final despite loss to Gladiators

LAHORE: Islamabad United’s all-rounder Salman Ali Agha remains hopeful about his team’s chances of making it to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 final, despite a setback in the qualifier.

Set to chase a daunting target of 210 runs, United were bowled out for 179 in 19.4 overs. The 30-run victory marked Quetta’s sixth consecutive win, earning them a spot in their first PSL final in six years.

The defending champions will now play in Qualifier 2 against the winners of the eliminator set to be played between arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars and Karachi today.

Usman Tariq shone with a three-wicket haul while Faheem Ashraf’s all-around brilliance stole the show, earning him the ‘Player of the Match’ award.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Salman Ali Agha stressed the importance of regrouping and delivering in the upcoming Qualifier 2.

“Whoever we face, we’ll try our best to win the match,” he said.

While addressing the question regarding improvement in the bowling, Salman admitted that this remains an area of concern.

“We still have a chance to reach the final if we win our next match. There’s room for growth in our bowling, especially death bowling and we have to address that very quickly,” he added.

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He emphasised the importance of momentum in T20 cricket, stating that it is vital for winning the matches.

“I think T20 is all about momentum — if you have it, things work in your favour. We have to try to do well in all aspects of the game and play well for winning the match,” Salman said.

Speaking about the team environment, he praised head coach Mike Hesson while lauding his global experience.

“Mike Hesson is a very good coach. He’s created a positive environment within the squad,” Salman Ali Agha added.

Reflecting on the match, Salman lamented poor bowling in the last phase of the innings while mentioning the early wickets.

“I think the Wicket was good and they [Quetta] scored an extra 10 to 20 runs. We gave away too many runs in the death overs and lost wickets early in the last part of the innings — that’s where the match slipped from our hands,” Salman Ali Agha concluded.

READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed credits team effort for PSL 10 final berth

Sarfaraz Ahmed credits team effort for PSL 10 final berth

LAHORE: Quetta Gladiators team director Sarfaraz Ahmed expressed his gratitude after the team qualified for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 final, crediting collective performance and impactful leadership throughout the season.

Speaking during the post-match press conference, Sarfaraz stated that Quetta’s performance had earned them a well deserved victory.

“First of all, we thank Almighty Allah for helping us reach the final. Quetta played really well today and deserved the win, ” he said.

Sarfaraz reflected on the past struggles while hailing improved performance this season and highlighted Saud Shakeel’s leadership as a vital factor behind the turnaround.

“We haven’t played well in the last few seasons, but this time, we’ve performed impressively. Saud has done a great job with the captaincy this season,” he noted.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

He also credited the squad depth, mentioning Lahore’s advantage for their team while pointing out the challenges in picking the best XI.

“We had impactful players on the side this season, Khawaja Nafey and Haseebullah Khan. We did not want to bench them but somehow we had players who performed well.

“Lahore, being our home ground this time, also gave us a significant advantage,” said Sarfaraz Ahmed.

Sarfaraz Ahmed hailed Quetta Gladiators’ fielding, stating that it played a big role in their victory.

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“Islamabad United had a strong and balanced side, but our fielding made the difference. Saud took a catch at the crucial juncture of the match. The boys did really well in the field, and it played a big part in our win.”

Quetta Gladiators’ team director also praised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and organisers for reviving the tournament which was postponed due to conflict between India and Pakistan.

“We want the players to rest for a day and then begin preparing for the final. And who knows—maybe it’ll rain and we win!” he said in a light-hearted manner.

“The PCB, PSL management and franchises deserve credit for reviving the tournament and delivering a successful season,” Sarfaraz concluded.

READ: ‘We executed everything to perfection’: Saud Shakeel on victory over Islamabad United

‘We executed everything to perfection’: Saud Shakeel on victory over Islamabad United

LAHORE: Quetta Gladiators captain Saud Shakeel hailed perfect execution for their commanding 30-run victory over defending champions Islamabad United.

Set to chase a daunting 210, United folded on 179 in 19.4 overs. The 30-run victory marked Quetta’s sixth win in a row, earning them a spot in the first PSL final in six years.

The defending champions will now play in Qualifier 2 against the winners of the eliminator set to be played between arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars and Karachi today.

Usman Tariq shined with a three-wicket haul while Faheem Ashraf’s all-around brilliance sealed the show, earning him the ‘Player of the Match’ award.

Opting to bat first, Quetta Gladiators scored 209 for the loss of six wickets in their allocated 20 overs. Finn Allen was pivotal in the start with a blazing knock, while Dinesh Chandimal and Faheem Ashraf ensured that Quetta finish strong.

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Saud Shakeel lauded the execution, noting that they had no doubts over their decision-making.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“Whatever we planned, we executed it perfectly. There was no doubt about that decision — even giving the 18th over to a spinner was something we backed completely,” he said.

The skipper emphasised the team’s winning momentum, expressing confidence in bringing their top performance in the grand final.

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He also cherished Lahore’s favourable conditions for his team, stating that they had ticked all the boxes ahead of the final.

“Yes, the team is on a great roll. We’ll take a good rest now and aim to bring our A-game in the final. Lahore has been good for us — the conditions really suit our style of play.

All our boxes are ticked, and hopefully, we carry this momentum into the finale. Thank you,” Saud Shakeel concluded.

The final of PSL 10 will be played on 25 May at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

READ: Rampant Quetta Gladiators thrash Islamabad United to storm into PSL 10 final

Rampant Quetta Gladiators thrash Islamabad United to storm into PSL 10 final

LAHORE: Usman Tariq’s three-wicket haul and Faheem Ashraf’s all-round brilliance powered Quetta Gladiators into the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.

The United had a poor start to the chase, as Alex Hales went without scoring. Following the wicket, the leading run-scorer of PSL 10, Sahibzada Farhan, and Rassie van der Dussen notched up a brisk 71-run partnership.

Farhan was the core aggressor of the stand while Van der Dussen was anchoring through until he was castled off Mohammad Wasim’s outstanding delivery in the ninth over.

Van der Dussen struck two sixes and four elegant fours in his 23-ball 35.

Farhan then partnered with Salman Agha for a brief 22-run partnership before walking back to the dugout soon after completing his half-century. He top-scored with a 35-ball 52 with the help of eight boundaries and a six.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Islamabad United were reduced to 101-3 in 11 overs. The game was evenly poised at this stage. The defending champions’ skipper, Shadab Khan, joined Agha Salman to steady the innings.

Shadab looked good for his nine-ball 16 before being removed by Abrar’s bowling. James Neesham (1) was the second to go, leaving United at 131-5. Meanwhile, Salman Agha held firm, but wickets tumbled around him.

From that point onward, Islamabad United struck at regular intervals. Imad Wasim (5) was caught off Amir’s bowling while Salman’s resistance ended in the 18th over, while Naseem Shah was out on a duck.

Salman scored 45 off 26 deliveries, hitting three boundaries and two sixes.

Victory was only a matter of time for Quetta as they scalped the last two wickets in quick succession, bundling out Islamabad in the penultimate over.

For Quetta Gladiators, Usman Tariq was the stand-out bowler, picking up three wickets in his quota of four overs, while Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim and Mohammad Amir chipped in with two wickets each.

Earlier, Faheem Ashraf and Dinesh Chandimal’s impressive knocks powered Quetta Gladiators to 209-6 in their allocated 20 overs.

Opting to bat first, the Gladiators did not have the best start as they lost their skipper in only the second over. Saud Shakeel (12 off 8) perished cheaply after trying to scoop Ben Dwarshuis.

However, the wicket did not stop Quetta Gladiators’ momentum as they scored rapidly in the powerplay. Rilee Rossouw and Finn Allen partnered for a rapid 44-run stand, bringing the score to 58, including an 18-run over of Naseem Shah.

Rossouw departed after scoring 16 off eight deliveries with the help of two fours and a six.

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The United bowlers, initially struggling, made a strong comeback by dismissing Quetta Gladiators’ leading run-scorer, Hasan Nawaz, for just 6 runs, leaving 68 for 3 wickets at the end of the powerplay.

Coming at the no. 5 position, Avishka Fernando partnered with Finn Allen for a 43-run partnership, bringing the score to 111 at the halfway stage of the innings.

Allen, playing his first game after the resumption of the tournament, batted fluently for his brisk 27-ball 41, peppered with seven fours.

Islamabad United pegged Quetta Gladiators back with two quick wickets in consecutive overs. Allen was the first to go off Imad Wasim while Fernando followed him in the next over, leaving Quetta 113-5 in 11.5 overs.

At this stage, the defending champions were well positioned to restrict Quetta to under 200; however, a crucial 95-run partnership between Faheem Ashraf and Dinesh Chandimal took them to a commanding position.

The duo batted solidly, scoring 95 in the remaining eight overs. Faheem Ashraf was out on the second last ball of the penultimate over after scoring an enterprising 45 off 23 balls. He smashed four crisp fours and three sixes in his knock.

Veteran Srilankan batter Dinesh Chandimal, on the other hand, remained unbeaten on 48* off 28 balls, striking three sixes and four fours.

For Islamabad United, Ben Dwarshuis and Salman Irshad claimed two wickets each.

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.

READ: PSL 10: Karachi Kings’ Mir Hamza confident ahead of Eliminator against Qalandars