Tag: PSL 9

ISLAMABAD: Karachi Kings included leg-spinner Zahid Mehmood in their PSL 9 squad as a full replacement for wicketkeeper batter Saad Baig.

Baig suffered a groin strain and has been advised to go through rehab by the medical panel.

The rehabilitation process of the young wicketkeeper has been started, owing to the medical panel’s advice that without complete rehab, there is a risk of this injury getting worse.

Saad Baig will remain with the Karachi Kings squad and continue his rehab process.

Meanwhile, Zahid Mehmood, who was included in Karachi Kings’ squad for the PSL 9 as a partial replacement initially, will now replace Baig in the squad for the complete season.

Mehmood has played two games for Karachi Kings and picked two wickets in the ongoing season.

Karachi Kings are currently sitting in the fifth position in the points table with four points in five matches after their 20-run defeat against leaders Multan Sultans at the iconic National Bank Stadium yesterday.

The 20-run victory meant Multan Sultans became the first team to qualify for the Playoffs in the ongoing ninth edition of the marquee league.

Chasing a mammoth 190, the Kings could accumulate 169 for the loss of seven wickets in the allotted 20 overs.

The home side got off to an unwanted start to the pursuit as they lost two wickets — Tim Seifert (1) and James Vince (7) — inside the batting powerplay with just 28 runs on the board.

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Following the slump, skipper Shan Masood partnered with Shoaib Malik to anchor the run chase briefly.

The pair batted sensibly and added 53 runs for the third wicket before Usama Mir dismissed Masood in the 10th over to dent Kings’ recovery.

Masood scored an anchoring 36 off 29 deliveries, hitting five boundaries.

Malik then put together a brief partnership with Leus du Plooy (12) before both fell in successive overs, resulting in the Kings slipping to 99/5 in 13 overs.

Veteran all-rounder Malik top-scored for the Kings with a 28-ball 38 which featured five boundaries.

The Kings then lost another wicket in the 17th over when Muhammad Irfan Khan returned after scoring a 19-ball 23.

Hasan Ali and Mohammad Nawaz offered valuable resistance in the death over with a brilliant 41-run partnership which lasted on the penultimate delivery but the Kings fell short of tasting their third victory in the PSL 9.

Hasan scored a brisk 17 off eight deliveries while Nawaz remained unbeaten with a 17-ball 27, featuring three boundaries and a six.

For the Sultans, Usama Mir bagged two wickets while David Willey, Chris Jordan, Khushdil Shah and Mohammad Ali struck out a batter apiece.

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RAWALPINDI: Peshawar Zalmi have won the toss and elected to field against Islamabad United in the 20th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 here at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.

PLAYING XIs

Islamabad United: Colin Munro, Alex Hales, Salman Ali Agha, Rumman Raees, Naseem Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim, Jordan Cox, Azam Khan (wk), Shadab Khan (c), Hunain Shah

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Peshawar Zalmi: Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Haris (wk), Tom-Kohler Cadmore, Rovman Powell, Paul Walter, Aamer Jamal, Luke Wood, Mohammad Zeeshan, Arif Yaqoob, Salman Irshad

READ: Karachi Kings’ assistant coach Ravi Bopara backs ‘experienced’ Mohammad Nawaz

KARACHI: Karachi Kings’ assistant coach Ravi Bopara on Sunday, threw his weight behind experienced all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz to “come good” for the side in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9, terming him “credit in the bank”.

Bopara addressed the post-match press conference after Karachi Kings’ 20-run defeat against leaders Multan Sultans at the iconic National Bank Stadium and opened up on the ongoing rough patch of Nawaz.

“Nawaz has been playing T20 cricket for many many years, playing the PSL from the day it started,” said Bopara.

“So, he’s built, he’s credit in the bank. Someone like him, who’s played international cricket, you got to give them a run, you can’t just drop them after four to five games. They’ve got to have a long run. They deserve to have a long run when they’ve played [so] much cricket.

“Lower averages say that people at that level at international cricket, they come good at some stage. And, you got to back them long enough to give them a chance to get to that stage.”

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Ravi Bopara further commented on the revamped Karachi Kings’ squad and the rebuilding process, the former champions started since the start of this year’s edition and shared that he was impressed with some of the young players like Muhammad Irfan Khan.

“I’ve been impressed with some of the young guys like [Irfan Khan] Niazi. He’s come such a long way from where he was last year,” Bopara stated.

“The first time I saw him was last year and where he is today, is a big difference. He’s growing in confidence. I personally feel that he’s probably the best fielder in Pakistan as well and he showed it in this competition how good he is.

“He saves us easily seven to 10 or even more runs in every innings. And, his batting is really coming on and he’s becoming more and more powerful and confident.

“He’s certainly the future for Karachi Kings and some of the young bowlers coming through as well. Unfortunately, they haven’t had a chance to play that much. We can’t fit them in at the moment but hopefully, during the competition, you may see some of the new guys come through.”

READ: Michael Clarke gears up for commentary stint in PSL 9

KARACHI: Usman Khan’s belligerent century, followed by a combined bowling performance led Multan Sultans to a 20-run victory over Karachi Kings in the 19th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 here at National Bank Stadium on Sunday.

The 20-run victory meant Multan Sultans became the first team to qualify for the Playoffs in the ongoing ninth edition of the marquee league.

Chasing a mammoth 190, the Kings could accumulate 169 for the loss of seven wickets in the allotted 20 overs.

The home side got off to an unwanted start to the pursuit as they lost two wickets — Tim Seifert (1) and James Vince (7) — inside the batting powerplay with just 28 runs on the board.

Following the slump, skipper Shan Masood partnered with Shoaib Malik to anchor the run chase briefly.

The pair batted sensibly and added 53 runs for the third wicket before Usama Mir dismissed Masood in the 10th over to dent Kings’ recovery.

Masood scored an anchoring 36 off 29 deliveries, hitting five boundaries.

Malik then put together a brief partnership with Leus du Plooy (12) before both fell in successive overs, resulting in the Kings slipping to 99/5 in 13 overs.

Veteran all-rounder Malik top-scored for the Kings with a 28-ball 38 which featured five boundaries.

The Kings then lost another wicket in the 17th over when Muhammad Irfan Khan returned after scoring a 19-ball 23.

Hasan Ali and Mohammad Nawaz offered valuable resistance in the death over with a brilliant 41-run partnership which lasted on the penultimate delivery but the Kings fell short of tasting their third victory in the PSL 9.

Hasan scored a brisk 17 off eight deliveries while Nawaz remained unbeaten with a 17-ball 27, featuring three boundaries and a six.

For the Sultans, Usama Mir bagged two wickets while David Willey, Chris Jordan, Khushdil Shah and Mohammad Ali struck out a batter apiece.

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Sultans’ captain Mohammad Rizwan’s decision to bat first paid dividends for his side as they racked up a massive total of 189/3 on the board, courtesy of a marathon second-wicket stand.

The Sultans had a dismal start to their innings as they lost Reeza Hendricks (13) with just 16 runs on the board in the second over.

Following the early debacle, Usman joined his skipper Rizwan in the middle and the duo launched an astounding counterattack.

The pair batted for more than 15 overs and added 148 runs to the Sultans’ total.

Usman was the core aggressor of the magnificent partnership while Rizwan anchored through before finally perishing in the 18th over after a cautious half-century.

He scored 58 off 44 deliveries with the help of five boundaries.

The Sultans then sustained another blow to their batting expedition when Iftikhar Ahmed (4) perished on the first delivery of the penultimate over, bowled by Hasan Ali.

But Usman Khan stood his ground firm and brought up his second PSL century in the final over with a six over deep square leg off Mir Hamza.

Usman carried his bat all the way through and scored an unbeaten 106 of 59 deliveries, laced up with 15 boundaries including five sixes.

Blessing Muzarabani led the bowling attack for the Kings while Hasan made one scalp.

For the unversed, Multan Sultans are at the summit of the PSL 9 standings with 10 points in six matches while Karachi Kings are fifth with four points in five matches.

READ: Michael Clarke gears up for commentary stint in PSL 9

KARACHI: Usman Khan’s belligerent century, followed by a combined bowling performance led Multan Sultans to a 20-run victory over Karachi Kings in the 19th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 here at National Bank Stadium on Sunday.

KK 169/7 (20 Overs)

Ali bowls the final over

KK 158/6 (19 Overs)

Jordan bowls the penultimate over

KK 145/6 (18 Overs)

Ali replaces Jordan

KK 134/6 (17 Overs)

Willey bowls his last

KK 123/5 (16 Overs)

Jordan replaces Faisal

KK 119/5 (15 Overs)

Willey comes back

KK 115/5 (14 Overs)

Faisal Akram brought into the attack

KK 99/5 (13 Overs)

12.6: Googly just outside off, Rizwan snaffled that at extra cover inside the ring, tried to bludgeons that but got no elevation behind that shot.

Usama bowls his last

KK 91/4 (12 Overs)

11.3: Malik advances down the ground to go big, his bat turned and he gets inside half of the bat and finds Chris Jordan to perfection at long-on.

Khushdil bowls his third

KK 87/3 (11 Overs)

Usama again

KK 79/3 (10 Overs)

Khushdil continues

KK 75/3 (9 Overs)

Usama continues

KK 70/2 (8 Overs)

More spin as Khushdil Shah comes to bowl his first

KK 63/2 (7 Overs)

Usama Mir comes on

KK 53/2 (6 Overs)

Jordan continues

KK 46/2 (5 Overs)

Ali replaces Willey

KK 36/2 (4 Overs)

3.2: On a length and nibbling away in the channel, lures Vince to drive and he obliges, and ends up nicking it to Usman Khan.

Chris Jordan brought into the attack

KK 26/1 (3 Overs)

Willey continues

KK 15/1 (2 Overs)

1.3: Short of a length at middle stump line, pegged back and he got steepling bounce, nudged to silly mid-on and David Willey hits the bull’s eye at non-striker’s end, catching Seifert short.

Mohammad Ali into the attack

KK 6/0 (1 Over)

Shan Masood and Tim Seifert come out to open for Karachi Kings. David Willey to bowl the first over for Multan Sultans.

KARACHI KINGS vs MULTAN SULTANS (2nd INNINGS)

KARACHI: Usman Khan scored a belligerent century and powered Multan Sultans to post 189/3 against home side Karachi Kings in the 19th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 here at National Bank Stadium on Sunday.

MS 189/3 (20 Overs)

Hamza bowls the final over

MS 176/3 (19 Overs)

18.1: That was hammered short on the middle and leg. Iftikhar went for the pull but didn’t get enough distance.

Hasan bowls the penultimate over

MS 171/2 (18 Overs)

17.1: Pitched up just outside off, Rizwan couldn’t get under it and spoons it to mid-off, got the toe-end and Shan Masood gobbles it comfortably.

Muzarabani replaces Hasan

MS 164/1 (17 Overs)

Hamza replaces Zahid

MS 152/1 (16 Overs)

Hasan comes back

MS 138/1 (15 Overs)

Zahid bowls his last

MS 118/1 (14 Overs)

Muzarabani replaces Hasan

MS 110/1 (13 Overs)

Shoaib Malik comes into the attack

MS 102/1 (12 Overs)

Hasan replaces Nawaz

MS 93/1 (11 Overs)

Zahid bowls his third

MS 87/1 (10 Overs)

Nawaz continues

MS 70/1 (9 Overs)

Zahid continues

MS 64/1 (8 Overs)

Nawaz replaces Hasan

MS 53/1 (7 Overs)

Zahid Mahmood replaces Nawaz

MS 50/1 (6 Overs)

Hasan Ali into the attack

MS 44/1 (5 Overs)

Mohammad Nawaz comes into the attack

MS 35/1 (4 Overs)

Muzarabani continues

MS 24/1 (3 Overs)

Hamza continues

MS 18/1 (2 Overs)

1.4: Hendricks tries to get on top of the bounce and upper-cuts it straight to Mir Hamza at deep third who pockets the catch low.

Blessing Muzarabani bowls from the other end

MS 12/0 (1 Over)

Mohammad Rizwan and Reeza Hendricks come out to open the innings. Mir Hamza to bowl the first over.

KARACHI KINGS vs MULTAN SULTANS (1st INNINGS)

KARACHI: Multan Sultans have won the toss and elected to bat against Karachi Kings in the 19th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 here at National Bank Stadium on Sunday.

PLAYING XIs

Karachi Kings: Shan Masood (c), James Vince, Tim Seifert, Leus du Plooy, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Nawaz, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Mir Hamza, Zahid Mahmood, Hasan Ali, Blessing Muzarabani.

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Multan Sultans: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Reeza Hendricks, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Chris Jordan, David Willey, Usma Mir, Mohammad Ali, Faisal Akram.

HEAD TO HEAD

Matches 14, Multan Sultans 6, Karachi Kings 6, NR 2

READ: Vinicius Jr’s double helps Real Madrid draw against Valencia

KARACHI: Multan Sultans have won the toss and elected to bat against Karachi Kings in the 19th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 here at National Bank Stadium on Sunday.

PLAYING XIs

Karachi Kings: Shan Masood (c), James Vince, Tim Seifert, Leus du Plooy, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Nawaz, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Mir Hamza, Zahid Mahmood, Hasan Ali, Blessing Muzarabani.

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Multan Sultans: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Reeza Hendricks, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Chris Jordan, David Willey, Usma Mir, Mohammad Ali, Faisal Akram.

HEAD TO HEAD

Matches 14, Multan Sultans 6, Karachi Kings 6, NR 2

READ: Vinicius Jr’s double helps Real Madrid draw against Valencia

Former captains Wasim Akram and Mohammad Hafeez opened up about players’ activities in the dressing during the rain break.

Akram, while responding to a question in the A-Sports show ‘The Pavilion,’ shed light on what players used to do in rain break during his playing days.

“I am not aware of the mindset now but phones are not allowed inside the dressing room and players usually talk during the break,” he said. “In my playing days, we used to play cards or some other games.”

Hafeez, who recently served as the director of Pakistan’s men’s cricket team, reflected on the reasons for not allowing phones in the dressing room and shared what players generally do inside the dressing room during rain break.

“I think it is good [to not allow phones in the dressing room] for the game and also for the players to stay away from the hurdles of Anti-Corruption,” the former all-rounder said.

What do players do in the dressing room while it's raining? Our experts answer.

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“There is a bit of frustration [during rain] because as a player, you always want to have a game. It is tough when the break is longer but if it is short, mostly they talk with each other and have a cup of coffee or tea,” he added.

The discussion was followed by two washed-out matches in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

The bottom-ranked Lahore Qalandars was slated to square off against Peshawar Zalmi, while the home team Islamabad United was set to face Quetta Gladiators.

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Former Australia captain Michael Clarke is all set to travel to Pakistan to brace the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 with his commentary skills.

Taking to Instagram, Clarke shared a picture of his luggage with the caption, that read: “It’s that time, [The PSL]”.

Clarke is all set to make his PSL debut behind the mic as he joins a star-studded commentary panel.

The 42-year-old Clarke has been an active broadcaster after hanging up his boots as a player.

Besides Michael Clarke, PSL 9 commentary panel features foreign commentators like the dynamic Ian Bishop, known for his insightful and gripping commentary, along with Danny Morrison, Simon Doull, Pommie Mbangwa, Mark Butcher, Dominic Cork and Mike Haysman.

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The Pakistani commentators also make up an exciting lineup with Ramiz Raja, Waqar Younis, Bazid Khan, and Aamir Sohail joining Urooj Mumtaz, Sana Mir and Marina Iqbal.

Tariq Saeed and Ali Younis will call the action in Urdu. Erin Holland and Zainab Abbas will be the presenters during the course of PSL 9.

For the unversed, the ongoing ninth edition of the PSL has entered the second leg with Rawalpindi and Karachi, set to host the remaining matches.

After the conclusion of 18 matches, 2021 champions Multan Sultans sit at the summit of the standings with 10 points in six matches, closely followed by 2019 champions Quetta Gladiators, second with nine points in as many matches.

Babar Azam-led Peshawar Zalmi are third in the PSL 9 standings with seven points in six matches, two points clear of two-time champions Islamabad United.

2020 champions Karachi are fifth with two victories in five outings while defending champions Lahore Qalandars are yet to taste a triumph.

READ: Usman Khawaja forced to remove ‘dove’ sticker on bat

KARACHI: West Indies’ wicketkeeper batter Johnson Charles on Saturday, linked up with Multan Sultans’ squad ahead of their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 clash against home side Karachi Kings.

Charles’ inclusion would give a major boost to the 2021 champions, who are currently going strong in the tournament.

Notably, Johnson Charles travelled to Pakistan after his Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) stint with Comilla Victorians, who fell short against eventual champions Fortune Barishal in the tournament’s final on Friday.

The hard-hitting batter had a silent outing for the Victorians in the final as he could manage a scratchy 15 off 17 deliveries.

Multan Sultans next face former champions Karachi Kings on Sunday at the iconic National Bank Stadium on Sunday.

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The Sultans are at the summit of the PSL 9 standings with 10 points in six matches while Karachi Kings are fifth with four points in five matches.

Earlier, players from both teams partook in several batting, bowling and fielding drills to boast their preparations for Sunday’s all-important bout.

A victory would lift the Kings to the top four while the Sultans will be eyeing their sixth triumph to consolidate their grip at the top.

Karachi Kings Squad: Shan Masood (c), Kieron Pollard, Daniel Sams, Mohammad Nawaz, Tim Siefert/Fawad Ali, James Vince, Hasan Ali, Shoaib Malik, Tabraiz Shamis, Mohammad Amir Khan, Anwar Ali, Arafat Minhas, Mir Hamza, Muhammad Akhlaq, Muhammad Irfan Niazi, Sirajuddin, Saad Baig, and Blessing Muzarabani, Zahid Mehmood, Leus De Plooy, Mohammad Rohid.

Multan Sultans Squad: Abbas Afridi, Aftab Ibrahim, Johnson Charles, Faisal Akram, Reeza Hendricks, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ali Majid Shah, Chris Jordan, Khushdil Shah, Dawid Malan, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (c), Muhammad Shahzad, Shahnawaz Dahani, Olly Stone, Tayyab Tahir, Reece Topley, Usama Mir, Usman Khan, David Willey, Yasir Khan.

READ: Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans hold practice sessions PSL 9 clash

KARACHI: Home side Karachi Kings and leaders Multan Sultans on Saturday, held a full-strength training session at the National Bank Stadium here ahead of their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 clash.

The two teams will lock horns on Sunday at the iconic National Bank Stadium here.

Notably, Multan Sultans are at the summit of the PSL 9 standings with 10 points in six matches while Karachi Kings are fifth with four points in five matches.

The players from both teams partook in several batting, bowling and fielding drills to boast their preparations for Sunday’s all-important bout.

A victory would lift the Kings to the top four while the Sultans will be eyeing their sixth triumph to consolidate their grip at the top.

Kings’ fast bowler Hasan Ali interacted with the media on the sidelines of the training session and reflected on his team’s performance in the tournament.

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The right-arm pacer also expressed optimism about his side making a comeback in the tournament with a victory over Multan Sultans.

“We played good cricket overall. Although we lost two matches, those were close matches and it is positive that we fought hard in those games,” said the fast bowler.

“Multan Sultans is a good team and they are on the top of the table. But, our team is motivated and we are looking forward to defeating them tomorrow,” he added.

Karachi Kings Squad: Shan Masood (c), Kieron Pollard, Daniel Sams, Mohammad Nawaz, Tim Siefert/Fawad Ali, James Vince, Hasan Ali, Shoaib Malik, Tabraiz Shamis, Mohammad Amir Khan, Anwar Ali, Arafat Minhas, Mir Hamza, Muhammad Akhlaq, Muhammad Irfan Niazi, Sirajuddin, Saad Baig, and Blessing Muzarabani, Zahid Mehmood, Leus De Plooy, Mohammad Rohid.

Multan Sultans Squad: Abbas Afridi, Aftab Ibrahim, Johnson Charles, Faisal Akram, Reeza Hendricks, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ali Majid Shah, Chris Jordan, Khushdil Shah, Dawid Malan, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (c), Muhammad Shahzad, Shahnawaz Dahani, Olly Stone, Tayyab Tahir, Reece Topley, Usama Mir, Usman Khan, David Willey, Yasir Khan.

READ: Quetta Gladiators, Islamabad United PSL 9 fixture washed out