Tag: Rawalpindiz

LAHORE: Blistering half-centuries from David Warner and Azam Khan propelled Karachi Kings to a hard-fought five-wicket victory over Rawalpindiz in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 clash at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

Chasing a challenging 198-run target, the Kings crossed the finish line with four balls to spare, registering their third consecutive win in the tournament.

The run chase saw an early setback when Muhammad Waseem departed for 23 in the third over with 27 runs on the board.

However, Salman Ali Agha steadied the innings alongside Warner, adding a crucial 43-run stand before falling for 29.

The turning point came when Azam joined Warner in the middle, as the duo stitched a decisive 76-run partnership for the third wicket, shifting the momentum firmly in Karachi’s favour.

Warner played an anchoring yet fluent knock of 50 off 36 deliveries, laced with six fours and a six, before being dismissed by Daryl Mitchell in the 16th over.

Azam, meanwhile, took charge with an aggressive approach, smashing 74 off just 34 balls, including six fours and six towering sixes. His innings brought the Kings within touching distance before he fell to Mohammad Amir in the penultimate over.

With the equation down to the final over, Abbas Afridi sealed the win in emphatic fashion, launching a six early in the over to take Karachi Kings home.

Earlier, Rawalpindiz posted a competitive 197-6 after being put into bat, recovering strongly from early setbacks.

Hasan Ali struck early to remove skipper Mohammad Rizwan (21), while Khushdil Shah dented the top order further by dismissing Yasir Khan (8) and Kamran Ghulam (10), reducing them to 55-3.

The innings was then revived by a superb 120-run partnership between Mitchell and Sam Billings, both of whom registered half-centuries. Billings scored 58 off 35 deliveries, while Mitchell top-scored with 65 off 41 balls.

Hasan eventually broke the stand in the death overs, finishing as the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Khushdil claimed two and Mir Hamza chipped in with one.

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LAHORE: A breathtaking run-chase powered by collective brilliance saw Peshawar Zalmi storm to a five-wicket victory over Rawalpindiz in a high-scoring clash of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, overshadowing a sensational knock from Yasir Khan.

Chasing a daunting 215, Zalmi batters stepped up at crucial moments to seal the contest with five balls to spare.

The pursuit was set in motion by a 78-run opening stand between Babar Azam and Mohammad Haris, who added quick runs at the top.

Babar struck a fluent 39 off 28 deliveries before falling to Asif Afridi, while Haris fell prey to Ammad Butt after scoring 47 runs off 28 balls, leaving Zalmi at 96-2 at the halfway mark.

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Kusal Mendis continued to keep the scoreboard ticking with a rapid 31 off 17 deliveries. However, it was the explosive partnership between Abdul Samad and Michael Bracewell that turned the game decisively in Zalmi’s favour.

With 85 required off 35 balls, the duo unleashed a brutal counterattack, hammering 64 runs in just 23 deliveries.

Samad’s fiery 33 off 11 balls, studded with towering sixes, shifted the momentum before his dismissal by Mohammad Amir.

Bracewell, however, carried on the assault and, alongside Aamir Jamal, calmly guided Zalmi home. Jamal remained unbeaten on 17 off just five balls, while Bracewell contributed a crucial 35* off 17.

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Earlier, Rawalpindiz posted an imposing 214-4 after being put into bat, largely built on a commanding opening stand between Yasir Khan and captain Mohammad Rizwan.

Yasir led the charge with a scintillating 83 off 46 deliveries, smashing seven fours and six sixes, while Rizwan anchored the innings with a composed 41 off 32. Their 125-run partnership laid a solid platform before Ali Raza broke through to remove both set batters in consecutive overs.

Late contributions from Kamran Ghulam (37 off 20), Daryl Mitchell (23 off 13) and Sam Billings (18* off 8) powered Rawalpindiz to the mammoth total.

READ: Shamyl Hussain responds to critics after blistering PSL knock

LAHORE: Pakistan Super League (PSL) newcomers Rawalpindiz have strengthened their squad ahead of the landmark 11th edition by signing Australian veteran Usman Khawaja as a replacement for Laurie Evans.

The franchise confirmed the development through its official social media platforms, welcoming the experienced left-hander to the side.

“@Uz_Khawaja joins The Pindiz! A world-class batter with top-level experience comes in as the replacement for Laurie Evans. Welcome to Pindi, Uzzie,” the franchise announced.

Khawaja brings a wealth of experience to the newly-formed outfit, having featured in 121 T20 matches, scoring over 3,400 runs at an average of 30.35 and a strike rate of 131.32. His T20 career spans multiple leagues, including Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), England’s Vitality Blast, and the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The left-hander is also no stranger to the PSL, having previously represented Islamabad United in the 2021 edition. During that campaign, he enjoyed an impressive run, amassing 246 runs in seven matches at an average of 49.20 and a strike rate exceeding 150.

Khawaja’s inclusion adds stability and experience to the Rawalpindiz batting unit as they prepare for their debut season in the competition.

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The upcoming PSL 11 marks a historic shift, with eight teams participating for the first time. Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz are the two new entrants in a tournament that will feature 44 matches over a 39-day window.

However, preparations for the marquee event have taken a significant turn, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revising its initial plans.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Sunday that the tournament will now be held across just two venues, Karachi and Lahore, and will be played behind closed doors without spectators.

READ: David Warner confident new additions will strengthen Karachi Kings in PSL 11

Pakistan Super League (PSL) newcomers Rawalpindiz have confirmed the signing of New Zealand all-rounder Cole McConchie as a replacement for Australia’s Jake Fraser-McGurk ahead of the 11th season of the tournament.

The franchise announced the development on Monday, stating that Fraser-McGurk had withdrawn from the competition due to personal reasons, paving the way for McConchie’s inclusion.

The 34-year-old brings valuable experience to the squad, having represented New Zealand in 20 T20 Internationals since making his debut in 2021.

In those appearances, he has scored 188 runs and taken 12 wickets, showcasing his utility as a multi-dimensional player.

At the domestic level, McConchie boasts an impressive T20 record, amassing over 2,000 runs, including nine half-centuries, while also claiming 88 wickets in 141 matches.

Led by Mohammad Rizwan, Rawalpindiz will begin their PSL campaign on March 28 against Peshawar Zalmi.

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The 11th edition of the PSL is set to be a landmark one, featuring eight teams for the first time, including debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz. The tournament will comprise 44 matches spread across a 39-day window.

However, preparations for the marquee event have taken a significant turn, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revising its initial plans.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, on Sunday, confirmed that the tournament will now be held across just two venues, Karachi and Lahore, and will be played behind closed doors without spectators.

Rawalpindiz  Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Sam Billings, Jalat Khan, Yasir Khan, Naseem Shah, Rishad Hossain, Daryl Mitchell, Mohammad Amir, Cole McConchie, Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Dian Forrester, Laurie Evans, Asif Afridi, Kamran Ghulam, Fawad Ali, Mohammad Amir Khan, Shahzaib Khan and Saad Masood.

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