Tag: PSL 7

LAHORE: Multan Sultans crushed Peshawar Zalmi by 42 runs in the 16th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 7, to qualify for the Play-offs.

Set to chase 183, Zalmi’s batting line-up failed completely and could only score 140 in response. Veteran batter – Shoaib Malik fought back with his 44, while the rest of the batters walked back to the pavilion after scoring cheaply.

Zalmi’s returning English explosive batter – Liam Livingstone also resisted a bit, but he too fail short to Abbas Afridi in the sixth over. He scored a quick 24 off 16 balls; including four boundaries and a six.

For the Sultans, Blessing Muzarabani and Khushdil Shah claimed three wickets each, while Shahnawaz Dahani took two. Imran Tahir and Abbas, on the other hand, struck out a batter each.

Batting first, the side started off brilliantly as their openers – Shan Masood and Mohammad Rizwan provided a solid 98-runs partnership for the second wicket.

The skipper, however, who was struggling to get going, fell short to his Zalmi counterpart – Wahab Riaz in the 13th over. The in-form batter could only score a run-a-ball 34.

Masood, on the other hand, stood firm and kept the scoreboard ticking, the leading run-scorer for the Sultans in the PSL 7 went on to score a magnificent half-century. But, in the 16th over, he too, walked back to the pavilion after miscuing one of Salman Irshad’s delivery. Masood scored 68 off 49 balls; smashing eight boundaries and a six.

Following his departure, the side then kept losing wickets at a regular interval and in the end was restricted to 182-7 in the allotted 20 overs.

Tim David’s quick 34 down the order, however, raced up the proceedings for the Sultans but the lower order collapse in the last two overs prevented the side to amass a massive total. The right-handed batter faced only 18 deliveries and smoked five boundaries, including three sixes.

For the Zalmi, Wahab, Salman, and Saqib Mahmood bagged two wickets each.

LAHORE:  Peshawar Zalmi have won the toss and decided to bowl first against Multan Sultans in the 16th match of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 7, here at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

PLAYING XIs

Multan Sultans: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Shan Masood, Sohaib Maqsood, Rilee Rossouw, Tim David, Khushdil Shah, Anwar Ali, Abbas Afridi, Imran Tahir, Blessing Muzarabani, Shahnawaz Dahani

Peshawar Zalmi: Wahab Riaz (c), Kamran Akmal (wk), Ben Cutting, Haider Ali, Shoaib Malik, Liam Livingstone, Hussain Talat, Sherfane Rutherford, Saqib Mahmood, Mohammad Umar, Salman Irshad

HEAD TO HEAD

Matches-10, Multan Sultans-7, Peshawar Zalmi-3

KARACHI: Pakistan’s young pacer – Mohammad Hasnain, who was representing Quetta Gladiators in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 7, opens up for the first time after he was declared for illegal bowling action.

In a video released on the official platforms of his PSL franchise – Gladiators, the 21-year-old is optimistic of making a comeback by rectifying his weakness.

“I am leaving my team in the middle of PSL but I will soon come back by correcting my weaknesses. You will see a different Hasnain soon,” he said.

Young pacer, who was initially reported by Cricket Australia (CA) during his brief stint in the Big Bash League (BBL) said he had no clue about his arm exceeding 15-degree limits, nor was he aware of how to respond in that circumstances.

“I didn’t expect this. When I received a call for the first time over, I had no idea how to react as I was watching my videos to analyze whether this thing is happening or not,” he said.

Hasnain also recalled a challenging time when he was barred from the mega event over illegal bowling action ahead of his side’s face-off against Islamabad United.

“I returned to Pakistan and gave my bowling action test, in the middle of PSL I was banned from bowling. This time is quite difficult for me,” he added.

“I was tying my laces and someone told Sarfaraz Ahmed that Hasnain can’t play. I felt sad as I could have played one more match and made my team win,” he concluded.

It is worth mentioning here that the young pacer is currently working with the bowling consultant of the National High-Performance Center – Umar Rasheed to rectify his bowling action, while at the same time, is also hopeful for a stronger comeback.

READ: Sultans look to carry their good form in Lahore leg against Zalmi

In the first match of the Lahore leg of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 7, the defending champions and table-toppers – Multan Sultans will be looking to carry their momentum against their first clash of the second phase against Peshawar Zalmi.

The table-toppers Sultans, who are experiencing a splendid run in the marquee event so far. The defending champions have been unbeaten so far in this year’s PSL; playing five matches and winning all four of them. In tonight’s clash against Zalmi, however, a triumph might earn them the play-off berth of PSL 7.

The Sultans will be looking to rely heavily on their skipper – Mohammad Rizwan, who scored a magnificent 82, the last time two teams come face to face. Whereas, Sultans’ trump card in PSL 7 – Khushdil Shah can also be proved as vital in the team’s success.

[totalpoll id=”236502″]

Zalmi, on the other hand, was recently demoted to the fifth spot after Quetta Gladiators’ triumph over Lahore Qalandars in the last match of the Lahore leg. The fifth-ranked side will be seeking a resurgence after remaining off-colour in the first phase.

The victory against the Sultans will put them back into the fourth position, while their explosive Afghan batter – Hazratullah Zazai can play a major role in the side’s triumph. Veteran cricketer Shoaib Malik can also be proved handy for the former champions.

HEAD TO HEAD

Matches-10, Multan Sultans-7, Peshawar Zalmi-3

LAHORE: The head coach of the Peshawar Zalmi – James Foster is confident that the 2017 champions will perform well in the second phase of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 7.

Foster, while talking to the media during the practice session of his team for their tonight’s clash against the table-toppers – Multan Sultans, said the morale of the players is high, while is also confident for good performance from the team.

“The morale of [Peshawar] Zalmi is high, I am confident that the team would do well in the Lahore leg,” he said.

Foster also shared his experience of being part of the PSL 7, said he enjoyed his time during the Karachi leg as well.

“I really enjoyed PSL in Karachi, looking forward to the Lahore leg,” he added.

It is worth mentioning here that the Zalmi are currently in fifth place on the PSL 7 points table. The side has so far played five matches and managed to win two of them.

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LAHORE: Excitement of the cricket fans boost up as the second phase of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 7 is set to kick off tomorrow with the table-toppers Multan Sultans taking on the former champions – Peshawar Zalmi.

Consisting of 15 matches, the first phase of the marquee event concluded on February 7 with Quetta Gladiators defeating Lahore Qalandars in a thriller.

With the second phase set to embark from tomorrow, all six teams remain in the plea of the top-four play-off slots. The defending champions Sultans, who are comfortably sitting at the top of the points table – courtesy of their unbeaten run in Karachi – are the favourites for securing a spot in the play-offs.

The 2020 PSL champions – Karachi Kings, however, can still make their way back into the tournament despite losing all their first five matches in Lahore if their fortunes alter.

Islamabad United and the Qalandars have had a comparatively identical run in the first phase with five matches, three wins, two defeats but United’s superior run rate puts them on the second spot, while the Qalandars occupy the third.

Whereas, former champions – Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi too had a similar run in the first phase; winning two out of their first five contests. The Gladiators occupied fourth place, thanks to their stunning victory over the Qalandars in the last match of the Karachi leg.

The crushing defeat against the United is still haunting the Zalmi, as the side despite having the same points tally as the Gladiators, are in fifth place because of the inferior net run rate.

It is worth mentioning here that a total of 19 matches will be played during the second phase of the PSL 7 with each side still having five matches left to secure a spot in the play-offs.

READ: PSL 7: Teams hold practice sessions ahead of Lahore-leg

LAHORE: With the second phase of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 7 starting from tomorrow, the teams have raced their preparations for the mega event.

Four PSL teams including, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, Lahore Qalandars, and Islamabad United have reached Nishtar Park Sports Complex for the practice sessions.

According to the details, the Qalandars and United will hold practice sessions in LCCA Ground, while the Zalmi and Sultans will be training at Gaddafi Stadium.

On the other hand, Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators also held training sessions earlier in the day at LCCA Ground.

It is worth mentioning here that the second phase of the PSL 7 will kick off tomorrow with the table-toppers Sultans taking on the Zalmi at Gaddafi Stadium.

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LAHORE: Quetta Gladiators’ bowling coach Umar Gul is confident that his team will gain confidence from their last victory in Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 7’s Karachi-leg. 

In an interview released by the franchise, Gul termed their victory against Lahore Qalandars ‘turning point’ for them in the tournament.

“It was a much-needed win for us. And, the way Jason Roy batted, it gave the team a lot of confidence,” Gul said.

“Last victory in Karachi-leg will help us gain momentum in rest of the tournament,” he added.

Talking about Hasnain, Gul said it is a tough time for the youngster but he will make a comeback. “Hasnain was a key player for us. Unfortunately, his action was reported and he was pulled out. I hope he corrects his action and come back soon,” he concluded.

READ: Masood returns as Pakistan announce Test squad against Australia

LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi’s all-rounder – Ben Cutting termed the standard of cricket in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as great.

Cutting, in an exclusive video, shared on Zalmi’s YouTube handle, heaped praises on the mega event and termed it as one of the best.

“It is my third season of the PSL and I have thoroughly enjoyed all three years and the standard of cricket is very high as every team has fantastic batters and bowlers,” he said.

Cutting also acknowledged the pace attack of the league and claimed it is quite challenging to tackle.

“Every team here has three to four fast-bowlers who can click more than 145 kmph and it is quite a challenging environment on these sort of wickets as well,” he said.

Talking about the performance of his side in the ongoing edition, Cutting said the team is in good form and is optimistic that the former champions will do well in the Lahore leg.

“I am enjoying my time with [Peshawar] Zalmi, having been able to play alongside some experienced cricketers like Shoaib Malik and Wahab Riaz,” he said.

“I am eager to play PSL matches in Lahore, hopefully, our team would do well in the second phase,” he concluded.

READ: Umar to work as bowling consultant to rectify Hasnain’s bowling action

LAHORE: With the conclusion of the Karachi-leg of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 7, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opened the mid-season trade for the remainder of the league.

In a press release, shared on the official website of the PCB, the cricket board announced the rules for the mid-season trade.

As per the regulations, the window will remain open active till 6:30 pm February 9, while the teams can trade only those players who have not played a single match in the ongoing PSL 7 with both the teams and players must agree on the potential transfer.

PCB also restricts the teams to make trades within the same category, and a maximum of two players can be traded; keeping the total number of active players unchanged in the squad.

It is worth mentioning here that the first phase of the PSL 7 concluded in Karachi last night, with Quetta Gladiators defeating Lahore Qalandars by seven wickets in the 15th match. Gladiators’ Roy scored a magnificent century to guide his side to chase 205 in the allotted 20 overs.

Furthermore, the Lahore-leg of the PSL 7 will commence on February 10, with the defending champions Multan Sultans taking on Peshawar Zalmi at Gaddafi Stadium.

READ: ‘Nothing compares to what Roy delivered for us’ Shahid Afridi