Tag: Quetta Gladiators

Saud Shakeel eyes turnaround as Quetta Gladiators seek right combination

Posted on by A Sports

LAHORE: Quetta Gladiators’ captain Saud Shakeel remained optimistic for a turnaround ahead of their encounter against Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 on Friday.

The Gladiators had a poor start to the tournament, winning only one out of three games. They lost to Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars, but managed to win their opening game against Peshawar Zalmi.

Speaking to the media at Lahore City Cricket Association Ground (LCCA), Saud emphasized the right combination for the team amid struggles. He expressed hope that his team would win all of their remaining matches in Lahore.

“We will try not to repeat the mistakes from previous games,” Saud said. Lahore and Rawalpindi always have a bigger crowd turnout. We hope to get good support here as well,” he added.

“All our players in the team are match-winners. We’re trying to find the best combination so we can get back on the winning track.”

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

While speaking about his own performance and change in the opening position, he said that he is doing well and, if required, there will be a change.

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“Right now, my entire focus is on leading Quetta Gladiators. I am doing well as an opener. We will consider a change if it’s required,” he remarked.

The left-hander emphasized a short break, aiming for a comeback in the next matches while lamenting Usman Tariq’s reported action.

“There has been a bit of a break, so we’ll try to get back into form. Usman was bowling well, but unfortunately his action has been reported. His absence has disturbed our combination a little.”

Saud Shakeel praised former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed for his role in the Quetta Gladiators’ dugout and highlighted his presence.

“Having Sarfaraz in the dugout is more than enough for us,” he concluded.

READ: ‘I knew a part-timer would bowl’: Khushdil Shah on match-winning knock against Peshawar Zalmi

WATCH: New Zealand all-rounder Mark Chapman joins Quetta Gladiators for PSL 10

Posted on by A Sports

New Zealand all-rounder Mark Chapman has joined Quetta Gladiators for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 ahead of their fixture against Karachi Kings.

The news of Chapman’s arrival was shared on the franchise’s social media handles in a video featuring the legendary West Indies cricketer Sir Vivian Richards.

“Belligerent hitter Mark Chapman has donned the #PurpleForce kit. It’s no mercy time for the bowlers, beware!” Quetta Gladiators wrote in a social media caption.


Mark Chapman expressed his excitement at playing in Pakistan, noting familiar faces and Kiwi players in Quetta Gladiators’ team.

“Hey guys, it’s Mark Chapman here. [I’ve] always played here in Pakistan.”

“Obviously at Quetta, we have a few familiar faces, a few Kiwi players, who are absolutely looking forward to join and obviously a lot of guys that have played against the Pakistan team. So, looking forward to play alongside them,” said Chapman in a video statement.

Mark Chapman has represented New Zealand in 86 T20 Internationals, scoring 1739 runs at a strike rate of 133.87, including one century and nine half-centuries.

It is worth mentioning that Quetta Gladiators are currently in fourth place in the PSL points table. The former champions have won one game but lost two in a row. Saud Shakeel led side won their opening game against Peshawar Zalmi by 80 runs, showcasing a dominant performance.

However, they lost their next two games against the Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings by margins of 79 runs and 56 runs, respectively.

The 2017 champions will now face Karachi Kings on 25 April at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Quetta Gladiators squad for PSL 10: Finn Allen, Faheem Ashraf and Mark Chapman (all platinum), Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir and Rilee Rossouw (all diamond), Akeal Hossein, Mohammad Wasim Jr and Saud Shakeel (all gold), Khawaja Nafay, Usman Tariq, Haseebullah Khan and Khurram Shahzad (all silver), Kyle Jamieson and Hasan Nawaz (both emerging), Mohammad Zeeshan, Danish Aziz, Kusal Mendis and Sean Abbott (all supplementary).

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‘We came with clear plans’: David Warner reflects on Karachi Kings’ victory over Quetta Gladiators

Posted on by A Sports
Karachi Kings captain David Warner on Friday reflected on the team’s strategy after an emphatic win over Quetta Gladiators in the eighth match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 at the National Bank Stadium.
Chasing a challenging target of 176, Quetta Gladiators were restricted to 119 for the 9 in their 20 overs.
The Gladiators never looked comfortable during the chase, losing wickets at regular intervals. Karachi Kings’ bowlers wreaked havoc early on, picking up wickets in the powerplay.

Quetta Gladiators lost their opener, Finn Allen (6), in the very first over. After an early wicket, hopes were pinned on emerging batter Hasan Nawaz to steady the innings. However, he was dismissed off Hasan Ali’s bowling, thanks to a spectacular catch by Khushdil Shah.

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Quetta Gladiators were eventually reeling on 37-5 in 5.5 overs, as their batting line proved to be a house of cards. Kusal Mendis (12), Khawaja Nafay (1)—playing his first match of the season, failed to make an impact.

Furthermore, the experienced Rilee Rossouw could not rise to the occasion as he was dismissed for a mere one run. Saud Shakeel remained firm at one end; however; his efforts were not enough to bring his team closer to the target.

For Karachi Kings, Hasan Ali emerged as the standout bowler, claiming three wickets for 27 runs in his four overs.

While speaking during the post-match presentation, David Warner emphasized the Kings’ brilliant start, lauding the roles of James Vince and Mohammad Nabi.

“I was happy with 175. We got a good start, then had a few hiccups, but Vince batted calmly and contributed well. We bat deep, and that’s a big positive. We brought in Nabi for a specific role, and he delivered perfectly, ” he explained.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

The left-handed batter revealed the Kings’ strategy, stressing the early wickets in the powerplay.

“While defending the target, the focus was on picking early wickets in the powerplay.
It felt great to bat first today. There was no dew, and the ball was gripping off the surface. We’ve played three games here, each on a different wicket,” he said.
“Our home advantage is definitely the ground dimensions. We came in with clear plans and I’m glad we executed them well, ” he concluded.
READ: PSL 10: Vince, bowlers shine as Karachi Kings crush Quetta Gladiators

PSL 10: Vince, bowlers shine as Karachi Kings crush Quetta Gladiators

Posted on by A Sports

KARACHI: James Vince’s determined half-century and a dominant display from bowlers propelled Karachi Kings to a 56-run win against Quetta Gladiators in the eighth match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at National Bank Stadium on Friday. 

Chasing a challenging target of 176, Quetta Gladiators were restricted to 119 for the 9 in their 20 overs.
The Gladiators never looked comfortable during the chase, losing wickets at regular intervals. Karachi Kings’ bowlers wreaked havoc early on, picking up wickets in the powerplay.

Quetta Gladiators lost their opener, Finn Allen (6), in the very first over. After an early wicket, hopes were pinned on emerging batter Hasan Nawaz to steady the innings. However, he was dismissed off Hasan Ali’s bowling, thanks to a spectacular catch by Khushdil Shah.

The 2017 champions were eventually 37-5 in 5.5 overs, as their batting line was a house of cards. Kusal Mendis (12) and Khawaja Nafay (1) went in quick succession.

Furthermore, the experienced Rilee Rossouw could not rise to the occasion as he was dismissed for a mere one run. Saud Shakeel remained firm on one end; however, it was insufficient to bring his team closer to the target.

The embattled side skipper Saud remained unbeaten on 33 off 40 balls, striking three fours.

For Karachi Kings, Hasan Ali emerged as the standout bowler, claiming three wickets for 27 runs in his four overs. Mohammad Nabi also contributed significantly, taking two wickets while conceding just seven runs in his four overs.

James Vince was awarded ‘Player of the Match’ for the second time in the PSL 10, for his brilliant batting display.

Earlier, after opting to bat, Karachi Kings posted 175 for the loss of seven wickets in their allocated 20 overs.

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The home side capitalized on the decision earlier in the innings, posting 60 runs in 5.4 overs. Skipper David Warner and Tim Seifert led the charge with aggressive batting. The blazing stand ended with the dismissal of Warner.

David Warner struck five fours on his way to a well-made 31 off 20 deliveries. After failing to contain the Kings’ batters in the early overs, the Gladiators struck once the spinners were introduced.

Seifert was also dismissed in the sixth over, thanks to a peach of a delivery from Saud Shakeel. Karachi Kings failed to capitalize on a good start and lost wickets at regular intervals.

Young batter Muhammad Riazullah (6), Khushdil Shah (1) went in quick succession, courtesy of brilliant bowling from mystery spinner Ali Majid.

However, James Vince remained firm on one end and went on to score his second-half century of the season. He forged a 34-run partnership with Irfan Khan. Irfan was dismissed on 17 off 12 balls, hitting one six.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

In the last phase of the innings, Mohammad Nabi combined with Vince and added a 49-run partnership in quick time. Nabi’s cameo laced with two sixes ended on 18.

James Vince remained till the end and was dismissed on the penultimate ball of the innings, ensuring that the Kings reached a challenging total.

He top-scored with 70 off 47 deliveries, laced with six fours and one six.

For Quetta Gladiators, Ali Majid was the pick of the bowlers, taking two wickets for 29 in his four overs. Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed, and Saud Shakeel bagged one wicket each.

PLAYING XIs

Karachi Kings: David Warner (c), Tim Seifert (w), James Vince, Irfan Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Riazullah, Mohammad Nabi, Aamer Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza

Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel (c), Finn Allen, Hasan Nawaz, Kusal Mendis (w), Rilee Rossouw, Khawaja Nafay, Faheem Ashraf, Sean Abbott, Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed, Ali Majid

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PSL 10: Karachi Kings win toss against Quetta Gladiators

Posted on by A Sports

KARACHI: Karachi Kings have won the toss and opted to bat first against Quetta Gladiators in the eighth match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at National Bank Stadium on Friday. 

PLAYING XIs

Karachi Kings: David Warner (c), Tim Seifert (w), James Vince, Irfan Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Riazullah, Mohammad Nabi, Aamer Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza

Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel (c), Finn Allen, Hasan Nawaz, Kusal Mendis (w), Rilee Rossouw, Khawaja Nafay, Faheem Ashraf, Sean Abbott, Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed, Ali Majid

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

HEAD TO HEAD

Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators have played each other 18 times since the inception of the PSL. Gladiators have a better record with 12 wins, while the Kings have managed to secure 6 wins in the completed games.

RECORD: Matches 18, Quetta Gladiators 12, Karachi Kings 6

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The highly anticipated Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 will run from Friday, 11 April, to Sunday, 18 May.

This thrilling six-team showdown will feature a total of 34 electrifying matches, captivating cricket fans across the nation.

The iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will be a key venue, hosting 13 matches, including the Eliminators and the grand final, which promises to be a spectacular event.

According to the PSL 10 schedule, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will heighten the excitement with 11 action-packed matches, including the crucial Qualifier 1 on May 13.

Meanwhile, the historic National Bank Stadium in Karachi and the vibrant Multan Cricket Stadium will each host five dynamic matches.

READ: Jake Paul set to face former WBC champion in upcoming bout

Quetta Gladiators’ Kusal Mendis comments on bowling standard in PSL 10

Posted on by A Sports

Quetta Gladiators’ wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis has heaped high praise on the quality of fast bowling in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10.

Mendis, who made his PSL debut during Quetta Gladiators’ season opener against Peshawar Zalmi, stated that the bowling quality in this tournament is of high quality as compared to other franchise leagues.

“I have played in the Lanka Premier League and SA20, but this is my first experience in the PSL. The fast bowlers here are of high quality, which makes the league quite competitive,” he said at a press conference in Rawalpindi.

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Kusal Mendis struck an unbeaten 35 off 14 on debut, helping Quetta Gladiators post a massive 216-3 to set up an impressive victory against Peshawar Zalmi.

However, he managed 28 off 14 in the next match against Lahore Qalandars before falling prey to Haris Rauf.

“The conditions here suit batting, and I have been improving my power game back home, so it’s exciting to perform in such conditions,” he added.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Upon being asked about his batting number, Kusal Mendis stated he is ready to play at any position, considering the team’s requirement.

“In domestic cricket, I’ve batted lower down the order as well. I don’t mind batting at any number, depending on the team’s requirements,” he mentioned.

It’s worth noting that Quetta Gladiators will next face the Karachi Kings at the National Bank Cricket Stadium on 18 April.

Quetta Gladiators Squad for PSL 10

Saud Shakeel (c), Faheem Ashraf, Shoaib Malik, Finn Allen, Kusal Mendis, Mark Chapman, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, Rilee Rossouw, Akeal Hosein, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Haseebullah Khan, Khawaja Muhammad Nafay, Kyle Jamieson, Khurram Shahzad, Usman Tariq, Mohammad Zeeshan, Hasan Nawaz, Danish Aziz, Sean Abbott.

READ: Quetta Gladiators’ Usman Tariq reported for suspect bowling action once again

Usman Tariq reported for suspect bowling action once again

Posted on by A Sports

Quetta Gladiators’ off-spinner Usman Tariq has been reported for a suspected bowling action during the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10.

His action was reported during his side’s match against Lahore Qalandars on Sunday, which was officiated by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Chris Brown.

The off-spinner can continue to bowl in the tournament, however, he will be suspended from bowling if he is reported again.

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“Quetta Gladiators spinner Usman Tariq was reported by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Chris Brown for a suspect bowling action during his side’s HBL PSL X match against Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday evening,” the PCB stated in a press release.

“As per the rules, Usman can continue to bowl in future matches. However, if he is reported again, he will be suspended from bowling and will need to obtain clearance from an ICC accredited lab before he can resume bowling.”

It’s worth noting that Usman Tariq was also reported for a suspected bowling action during last year’s PSL 9. He played five games in PSL 9, taking only two wickets. Meanwhile, in PSL 10, he has claimed three wickets in two games so far.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Usman played a crucial role in the Quetta Gladiators’ victory against Peshawar Zalmi on Saturday, returning with bowling figures of 2-26.

The Gladiators will next face the Karachi Kings at the National Bank Cricket Stadium on 18 April.

Quetta Gladiators Squad for PSL 10

Saud Shakeel (c), Faheem Ashraf, Shoaib Malik, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, Rilee Rossouw, Akeal Hosein, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Haseebullah Khan, Khawaja Muhammad Nafay, Kyle Jamieson, Khurram Shahzad, Usman Tariq, Mohammad Zeeshan, Hasan Nawaz, Danish Aziz, Kusal Mendis, Sean Abbott.

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PSL 10: Peshawar Zalmi win toss against Quetta Gladiators

Posted on by A Sports

RAWALPINDI: Peshawar Zalmi have won the toss and opted to bowl first against Quetta Gladiators in the second match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

PLAYING XIs

Quetta Gladiators: Finn Allen, Hasan Nawaz, Kusal Mendis (wk), Saud Shakeel (c), Rilee Rossouw, Shoaib Malik, Faheem Ashraf, Kyle Jamieson, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, Usman Tariq

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Max Bryant, Mitchell Owen, Hussain Talat, Alzarri Joseph, Mohammad Ali, Sufiyan Muqeem, Ali Raza

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

HEAD TO HEAD

Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators have clashed on the cricket field a total of 23 times since the PSL’s inception. In this fierce rivalry, Peshawar Zalmi emerges as the frontrunner, boasting 13 hard-fought victories, while the Quetta Gladiators have held their ground with 10 triumphs.

RECORD: Matches 23, Peshawar Zalmi 13, Quetta Gladiators 10

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The highly anticipated Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 will run from Friday, 11 April, to Sunday, 18 May.

This thrilling six-team showdown will feature a total of 34 electrifying matches, captivating cricket fans across the nation.

The iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will be a key venue, hosting 13 matches, including the Eliminators and the grand final, which promises to be a spectacular event.

According to the PSL 10 schedule, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will heighten the excitement with 11 action-packed matches, including the crucial Qualifier 1 on May 13.

Meanwhile, the historic National Bank Stadium in Karachi and the vibrant Multan Cricket Stadium will each host five dynamic matches.

READ: Karachi Kings suffer major blow ahead of Multan Sultans clash

Quetta Gladiators’ Abrar Ahmed, Saud Shakeel fined for code of conduct breaches

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KARACHI: Quetta Gladiators’ Abrar Ahmed and Saud Shakeel have both been fined five per cent of their match fees on Saturday for breaching the code of conduct during eliminator 1 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9.

Both players were fined for Level 1 breaches of PSL’s code of conduct during their side’s PSL 9 fixture against Islamabad United at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Friday night.

Abrar was found to have violated Article 2.4 of the HBL PSL Code of Conduct, which reads as: “Disobeying an umpire’s instruction during the match”.

The incident occurred in the 19th over of Islamabad United’s batting, when, while fielding, Abrar rolled the ball all along the ground despite being instructed by the umpires not to do so.

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In a separate incident, in the same match, Saud was found to have violated Article 2.5 of the PSL Code of Conduct, which reads as: “Using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during a match”.

After dismissing United’s batter Salman Ali Agha in the 12th over, Saud went close to Salman and made remarks which could have provoked the batter.

Both players pleaded guilty to the charges and accepted the sanctions proposed by match referee Mohammad Javed.

The charges were imposed by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Chris Gaffaney.

Quetta Gladiators’ PSL 9 campaign ended with a 39-run victory over Islamabad United, who advanced to the Eliminator 2 to face Peshawar Zalmi.

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PSL 9: Islamabad United elect to bat first against Quetta Gladiators in Eliminator 1

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KARACHI: Islamabad United have won the toss and elected to bat first against Quetta Gladiators in the eliminator 1 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 here at National Bank Stadium on Friday.

PLAYING XIs

Islamabad United: Alex Hales, Martin Guptill, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan (c), Azam Khan (wk), Haider Ali, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Hunain Shah, Obed McCoy

Quetta Gladiators: Jason Roy, Saud Shakeel, Khawaja Nafay, Rilee Rossouw (c), Omair Bin Yousuf, Laurie Evans (wk), Akeal Hosein, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq

HEAD TO HEAD

Matches 18, Islamabad United 9, Quetta Gladiators 9

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