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

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.

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“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

PSL 10: Quetta Gladiators win toss against Islamabad United

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.

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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 Qalandars receive major boost for ahead of PSL 10 eliminator

Lahore Qalandars have received a significant boost as Bangladeshi all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz has joined the team ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 Eliminator against their arch-rivals, Karachi Kings.

Miraz joined the squad for the playoff stage, replacing Sikandar Raza from Zimbabwe, who left to join his national team for a four-day Test against England.

Lahore Qalandars announced the arrival of Bangladeshi all-rounder through a social media post.

“Spin wizard in town! Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz arrives in Lahore to join Lahore Qalandars for the remainder of the PSL,” the post stated. “Qalandars fans, let’s welcome our Qalandar brother!”

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

“Of course, it is exciting for me to join Lahore Qalandars,” Mehidy said in a recent interview.

“It is technically the second time I have got a call-up to a franchise league.

“Nonetheless, it is a good opportunity for me to compete at a very high level. PSL is one of the top tournaments going around. I have done well in the past in the BPL, so I am confident that I can give my best.”

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Mehidy Hasan Miraz also acknowledged that he wants to use this stint as a springboard back into Bangladesh’s T20I setup.

“I can get myself up to the mark in T20s, so that I am prepared for the selection opportunities ahead,” he said.

“Definitely, I want to get back into the Bangladesh [T20I] team, and this is one of the ways I can improve myself in the format.”

At Lahore Qalandars, Miraz is set to reunite with senior Bangladesh teammate Shakib Al Hasan, who recently joined the franchise alongside Sri Lanka’s Bhanuka Rajapaksa to bolster a squad depleted by the absence of David Wiese and Sam Billings.

READ: Saud Shakeel backs THESE youngsters as future international stars

Saud Shakeel backs THESE youngsters as future international stars

Quetta Gladiators captain Saud Shakeel has expressed his support for two of Pakistan’s brightest young batting talents, Hassan Nawaz and Khawaja Nafay, predicting their potential to become stars in international cricket.

Speaking ahead of Gladiators’ much-anticipated PSL 10 Qualifier against title-holders Islamabad United, Saud didn’t hold back in his admiration for the duo, calling them “encouraging signs for Pakistan cricket.”

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

“Performances from players like Hassan and Nafay give you hope. They’re not just here to fill spots — they’re genuine contenders for the Pakistan team.”

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Hassan, in particular, has been one of the breakout stars of the season.

The 22-year-old power-hitter currently sits fifth on the tournament’s top scorers list, having piled up 317 runs in 10 matches at a blistering average of 63.40 and a strike rate touching 160.

His tally includes two fifties and a stunning century, highlighting both flair and consistency.

Reflecting on the Gladiators’ journey to the playoffs, Saud Shakeel credited Hassan’s impact at key moments and revealed the early challenges around his batting position.

“We didn’t start the tournament well, but we turned things around with the bat,” he added.

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“When Hassan was picked, there was always confidence in his talent, though early on, we hadn’t finalised his batting order. Whatever praise he gets, it’s still not enough.”

On Khawaja Nafay, who has quietly chipped in with crucial innings when called upon, Saud said, “Nafay grabbed his opportunity well. These performances will only boost his confidence going forward.”

Despite topping the league stage with seven wins and just two losses, Saud remained grounded, saying there’s still room for refinement.

“There is always room for improvement in every department,” he admitted. “We played the whole tournament with Finn Allen. The final XI for the Qualifier hasn’t been discussed yet, we’ll take a call based on the conditions.”

READ: Key players miss out as Pakistan unveil squad for Bangladesh T20Is

PSL 10: Asif Ali expects pressure in high-stakes clash against Karachi Kings

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

Saud Shakeel gears up for Islamabad United challenge in PSL 10 Qualifier

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

PSL 10: George Munsey banking on experience and form to boost Karachi Kings

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

Ravi Bopara confident of Karachi Kings’ comeback in PSL 10 playoffs

Karachi Kings Head Coach Ravi Bopara remains upbeat about the team’s chances in the PSL 10 playoffs, despite a tough loss in their final league match against Islamabad United.

Speaking after the match, Bopara was clear: the team isn’t letting one defeat define them.

“It wasn’t our best day, but it hasn’t shaken our confidence,” he said.

“This team is a tight unit, we enjoy the good moments together, and we stand by each other in tough times. We’re backing ourselves against Lahore Qalandars and aiming to go all the way.”

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Ravi Bopara acknowledged Islamabad United’s strong showing but emphasised Karachi’s own consistent run in the tournament.

“We played excellent cricket throughout the group stage. For a long time, we were securely in second place. But Islamabad beat us twice — so they deserve that spot,” he added.

“They started the tournament on a high with five straight wins. We came close, but now we’ll take the hard route, and sometimes that’s the more rewarding one.”

He also shared his views on the evolution of emerging players in Pakistan, particularly batters.

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“I’ve been impressed by the emerging batters this season. Usually, we see more fast bowlers, but this time some really strong hitters have come through,” Ravi Bopara further stated.

“But they’re inexperienced. Next year, opponents will come with plans and target their weaknesses. That second season is always tough.

“We’ve got to support them, guide them, and help them adapt. That’s how we turn them into world-class players.”

Karachi Kings now look to regroup quickly and come out firing in the do-or-die clash against Lahore Qalandars on 22 May at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

READ: PCB invites applications for men’s national team coaching staff

Karachi Kings’ director reflects on draft success and player development

Karachi Kings Director Haider Azhar expressed strong confidence in the team’s strategy, structure, and player development after the completion of PSL 10 group stages.

While speaking to the media following the defeat to Islamabad United in their final group-stage game, Haider said he was proud of how the team was built and how it performed overall.

“Alhamdulillah, we’re very satisfied with our draft planning — especially in terms of team balance. We’re one of the few sides that gave chances to 18 players during the season,” Haider stated.

“The conditions in Karachi were a bit different from what we expected, but we had covered our bases for both spin- and pace-friendly tracks.”

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Highlighting a major strategic call made at the draft table, he added:

“We took a calculated risk by backing local middle and lower-order players, where Pakistani talent has generally struggled. But Khushdil Shah was brilliant throughout the tournament, and Irfan Khan Niazi also contributed well. We’re happy with how our squad performed across departments.”

Haider Azhar also shed light on Karachi Kings’ long-standing investment in player development.

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“Karachi Kings has always prioritised talent development. If you look back over 10 seasons, you’ll see how many players started with us as emerging talent, Mir Hamza, Shahnawaz Dahani, Irfan Khan Niazi, Abbas Afridi, and Abrar Ahmed. These aren’t just names, they’re success stories.”

“Even last year, our talent hunt in the northern areas discovered Fawad Ali — a young fast bowler who hit 149 km/h in this tournament. We remain committed to unearthing and nurturing new talent.”

Karachi Kings will now take on Lahore Qalandars in the Eliminator on 22 May at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, aiming to keep their title hopes alive.

READ: UAE stun Bangladesh in historic win to level T20I series in Sharjah

PSL 10: David Warner reflects on loss to Islamabad United

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