Cricket

Pakistan Super League 2022

Peshawar Zalmi have faced a major setback ahead of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2022 eliminator clash against Islamabad United on February 24. Their overseas all-rounder Ben Cutting and star leg-spinner Usman Qadir have tested positive for Covid-19 and won’t be available for playoff games. Along with the two players, their batting consultant, former South Africa batter Hashim Amla has contracted the virus as well.&nbsp;As per Covid-19 guidelines of the T20 league, the two players will be in isolation for seven days. They will not just miss the eliminator but the final on February 27 as well if Wahab Riaz-led side manages to qualify with a depleted squad.&nbsp;Earlier, Zalmi finished league stages on a high with a win in super over against Lahore Qalandars. They were in the third place with six wins from 10 games.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cutting has scored 197 runs in the ongoing season from nine innings at an average of 28.14. He scored an unbeaten 52 against Multan Sultans in a losing cause. He has bowled only thrice, taking just one wicket from three games. Also, Cutting made headlines with his controversial gesture after avenging a similar insult in Caribbean Premier League (CPL) game few years ago. &nbsp;On the other hand, 28-year-old leg-spinner, Qadir has taken eight wickets from seven games.&nbsp;Updated Pershawar Zalmi squad: Hazratullah Zazai, Kamran Akmal (wk), Mohammad Haris, Shoaib Malik, Hussain Talat, Haider Ali, Wahab Riaz (c), Amad Butt, Khalid Usman, Mohammad Umar, Arshad Iqbal, Yasir Khan, Sherfane Rutherford, Liam Livingstone, Salman Irshad, Sohail Khan, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Sameen Gul, Patrick Brown, Arish Ali Khan, Mohammad Aamir Khan, Sirajuddin

pakistan-super-league-27-jan-2022

Covid-19 strikes Peshawar Zalmi: 2 star players to miss PSL 2022 eliminator clash against Islamabad United

Islamabad United's left-arm fast bowler Waqas Maqsood dropped a catch off his final ball but still ran out Chris Jordan of Karachi Kings to clinch a dramatic one-run victory in the Pakistan Super League.&nbsp;Karachi, led by Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, agonizingly finished on 190-8 for their seventh loss in a row and were eliminated from the playoff race with three league games still to go.&nbsp;Islamabad jumped to No. 3 with eight points from seven games behind table-toppers Multan Sultans (12 points) and Lahore Qalandars (10 points).&nbsp;Imad Wasim (55) and Pakistan Under-19 captain Qasim Akram (51 not out) had narrowed Karachi's target to eight runs off the final over with their 108-run sixth-wicket stand, thanks to at least three dropped catches by the sloppy Islamabad fielders.&nbsp;Wasim hammered Maqsood (3/34) to fine leg for a boundary off the second ball before he holed out at mid-off off the next delivery.Needing two runs off the last two deliveries, Maqsood held his nerve to clean bowl Jordan Thompson off a slower delivery before hitting the wickets at the non-striker's end after dropping Jordan's return catch.&nbsp;Little cameos from Faheem Ashraf (29 off 10 balls) and Asif Ali (28 off 11 balls) had earlier lifted Islamabad total to 191/7 with left-arm spinner Wasim picking up 2/30.&nbsp;Islamabad sorely missed their skipper Shadab Khan, who had to leave the field with a strained groin while fielding in only the second over of Karachi run-chase. Asif perfectly filled the shoes of his skipper and chipped in with 2/27 and could have got few more had Islamabad held on to their catches.&nbsp;It was an all-around performance from the Islamabad United's batters as they all delivered with the bat after a slow start to the game.Batting first, Shadab Khan was the top scorer of Islamabad United as he scored 34 runs in 26 balls before getting bowled out by Imad Wasim.&nbsp;Asif Ali and Faheem Ashraf also scored blistering innings, Asif scored 28 while Faheem scored 29.Imad Wasim was the standout bowler for the Kings as he took two wickets at the expense of 30 runs in four overs.

Karachi Kings crash out of PSL after 7th consecutive defeat as Islamabad United eke out 1-run victory

Former Pakistan skipper and prolific all-rounder Shahid Afridi has come out to hit out Australia all-rounder James Faulkner for making “baseless allegations.”&nbsp;It all started when Faulkner announced his withdrawal midway from the ongoing Pakistan Super League League (PSL). He also blamed his franchise- Quetta Gladiators &amp; Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for not obeying contractual agreement.&nbsp;&nbsp;Afridi's responseIn his response, Afridi took to Twitter and said that he was “disappointed” with the Aussie all-rounder for “levelling baseless allegations.”&nbsp;"Disappointed with @JamesFaulkner44 comments who reciprocated Pakistan's hospitality &amp;arrangements by levelling baseless allegations. We al have been treated with respect &amp;never ever our payments have been delayed. No one should be allowed to taint Pakistan, Pakistan cricket &amp; the #HBLPSL brand," Afridi tweeted.&nbsp;Previously, Faulkner apologised to Pakistan cricket fans for withdrawing from “the last 2 matches.”&nbsp;“I apologise to the Pakistan cricket fans. But unfortunately I've had to withdraw from the last 2 matches and leave the @thePSLt20 due to the @TheRealPCB not honouring my contractual agreement/payments. I've been here the whole duration and they have continued to lie to me.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It hurts to leave as I wanted to help to get international cricket back in Pakistan as there is so much young talent and the fans are amazing. But the treatment I have received has been a disgrace from the @TheRealPCB and @thePSLt20. I'm sure you all understand my position," Faulkner tweeted.&nbsp;Faulkner, who played six matches this season picked up six wickets and scored 49 runs.&nbsp;PCB statementPCB on the other hand, also dismissed Faulkner's accusation and said, “The PCB and Quetta Gladiators are disappointed and dismayed with the reprehensible behavior of Mr James Faulkner, who was also part of the Abu Dhabi-leg of the HBL Pakistan Super League in 2021, and, along with all participants, has always been treated with utmost respect,” in an official statement.&nbsp;In PSL, Islamabad United conceded a 66-run defeat against Lahore Qalandars. Batting first, Qalandars scored a big total of 197 runs losing 6 wickets, in 20 overs. English batter Harry Brook scored 102 runs off 49 balls and registered the second-fastest century in the history of PSL.&nbsp;In reply, Islamabad-based side could manage to reach a total of 131 runs losing 9 wickets.&nbsp;

PSL: Shahid Afridi criticises James Faulkner for 'levelling baseless allegations'

The only Zimbabwe cricketer shortlisted in the list of 590 players of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction, is creating ripples in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL). Fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani is attracting the attention of IPL franchises with a match-winning performance for defending champions Multan Sultans. If Muzarabani gets picked in the mega auction, he will become only fourth Zimbabwe player to feature in the IPL.&nbsp;The tall fast bowler took three wickets and conceded just 18 runs in his four overs. Muzarabani derailed Peshawar Zalmi’s run chase of 183 in his first over himself by getting the wickets of openers Kamran Akmal and Haider Ali. The 25-year-old speedster bowled economically in the powerplay overs and then returned to take the wicket of Sherfane Rutherford. As a result, Peshawar Zalmi could manage to score 140 in 19.3 overs and lost the match by a big margin of 42 runs.&nbsp;This was Muzarabani’s second match of the season. In the first game, he went for 34 runs in a high-scoring encounter but got a wicket in slog overs. Muzarabani has a bowling average just above 26 and an economy rate below eight runs per over. His raw pace and bounce can make him a tough fast bowler to negotiate.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Harare-born pacer has a base price of Rs 50 lakh. If picked, he will join the likes of Tatenda Taibu, Ray Price and Brendan Taylor. While Taibu was a part of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the inaugural edition, Price played just one game for the fan-favourite franchise. Taylor was picked by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2015 but never got to play a single match.&nbsp;The young pacer has also had a stint with English county side Northamptonshire. He has been a regular for Zimbabwe across formats with 83 international wickets to his name already. His best bowling performance came against Pakistan in an ODI in Rawalpindi. He took a five-wicket haul to wreck Pakistan’s batting lineup and took two wickets in the penultimate over including Babar Azam who was batting on 125. His spell helped the game end in a tie followed by Zimbabwe winning the super over.

Took a fifer against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, Zimbabwe pacer dazzles in PSL ahead of IPL auction

A cracker of a PSL match saw Peshawar Zalmi pull off a victory against Lahore Qalandars in the first Super Over of the season on Monday (February 21).While chasing Peshawar's total of 158/7, Lahore's skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi pummelled 23 runs in the final regular over to leave the match tied.Then came the super drama-loaded Super Over. Wahab Riaz, who is the captain of Peshawar, took it all on him as he conceded just fiive runs. Further Shoaib Malik hit two back to back fours off Afridi's first two balls to seal the game for Peshawars. Both Peshawars and Zalmis finished the group stage with 12 points but the latter finished second on a better net run-rate than Peshawar.Qalandars, despite the defeat, ended second behind defending champions Multan Sultans with 12 points from 10 games, Zalmi also finished with 12 points but an inferior net run-rate pushed them to the third spot. Qalandars have made their best-ever finish in an HBL PSL group stage and now have the cushion of an extra game in the playoffs. Qalandars will commence the playoffs for a high-octane Qualifiers clash with the Sultans on Wednesday (February 23). Qalandars struggled in their 159-run chase before Shaheen’s gem. Zalmi’s veteran all-rounder Malik dismissed the leading run-getter of the ongoing season Fakhar for a first-ball duck. Phil Salt (14) and Kamran Ghulam (25) added 37 for the second-wicket. However, both fell in quick succession as Qalandars stuttered to 51 for three inside six overs. Last match’s centurion Brook fell for two.&nbsp;Mohammad Hafeez kept the fight on for the Qalandars with 49 off 44 (three fours, one six), the match had seemingly went out of Qalandars reach when Hafeez was sent packing by Wahab on the first ball of the penultimate over. Batting first Zalmi scored 158 for seven in their allotted 20 overs. Zalmi got off to a sluggish start losing the wickets of their in-form opener Mohammad Haris (6) and Hazratullah Zazai (20) in 5.1 overs. Kamran Akmal who returned to the side fell for 18.&nbsp;Malik continued his good run with a 32-run contribution (28 balls, one four, one six). Malik has now taken his runs tally in the PSL 7 to 346 in 10 innings at 43.25, he is fourth in the tournament’s batting charts. Malik and Haider Ali (25 off 22, two fours, one six) stabilised the innings with a 60-run stand for the fourth-wicket. Khalid Usman who was making his first appearance of the season scored an unbeaten 19 off 11 to ensure a competitive total for Zalmi. Leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed who has been induced in the Qalandars squad to replace the prolific Rashid Khan (unavailable due to international commitments) took two wickets for 26 in four overs.

PSL: Peshawar Zalmi edge Lahore Qalandars in Super Over drama despite Shaheen Afridi's last over batting blitz

Lahore Qalandars speedster Haris Rauf slapped/pushed his teammate Kamran Ghulam during a celebration in Pakistan Super League (PSL) fixture on February 22. The aggressive action was a result of the dropped catch earlier in the over. Despite the two players making up for it with a hug in the same match, the fast bowler has faced backlash for his behaviour on the field.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the second over of Peshawar Zalmi, Hazratullah Zazai was given a second chance by Ghulam, who dropped a sitter at point. However, the dropped catch did not cost Qalandars as Rauf got rid of him on the fifth ball of the second over. But the celebrations turned wild between Rauf and Ghulam.&nbsp;&nbsp;Later in the match, Ghulam pulled off a run out with direct hit to dismiss Zalmi skipper Wahab Riaz in the 17th over. After Riaz’s dismissal, Rauf went to Ghulam and hugged him, showing there is no love lost between the two.&nbsp;&nbsp;After the high-voltage fixture, as per a report by Cricket Pakistan, match referee Ali Naqvi summoned Rauf. The Pakistan fast bowler was lucky to get away with it ahead of Qalandars’ qualifier clash against Multan Sultans on February 23 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.&nbsp;Tensions were high in the last league clash of PSL 2022. Rauf conceded a total of 36 runs in his quota of four overs. Chasing a total of 159, Qalandars lost eight wickets for 130 in the 19th over with Rauf getting out for a golden duck. In the last over, Qalandars needed 24 runs to win and Shaheen Afridi took matters into his own hands.&nbsp;Known for his exploits with the bat, Afridi went ballistic in the last over hitting one four and three sixes off Mohammad Umar. With Umar bowling one wide, the match ended in a tie. However, Riaz held his nerves in the super over and conceded just five runs against Fakhar Zaman and English batter Harry Brook. Hero of last over, Afridi could not defend six runs in super over as experienced campaigner Shoaib Malik finished the match with a couple of boundaries.

PSL 2022: Haris Rauf slaps teammate for dropping catch, gets away with a warning from match referee

Pakistan Super League (PSL) side Karachi Kings skipper Babar Azam has often been praised for his terrific style of batting and &nbsp;his sheer run-scoring tendencies. And now former West Indies cricketer and PSL side Quetta Gladiators mentor Sir Vivian Richards has compared Babar with boxing great Muhammad Ali.&nbsp;While talking about the Pakistan batsman, Richards said that Babar “is definitely the best who plays conventional shots and shots that you will see normally in Test match cricket, ODI cricket.”&nbsp;Richards speaks“Babar is up there with the very best. He is definitely the best who plays conventional shots and shots that you will see normally in Test match cricket, ODI cricket,” Richards was quoted while talking to Geo News.&nbsp;While talking about Babar’s mentality and playing style, Richards said that Babar “tends to be like Muhammad Ali, when he boxes, he jabs and he hurts you.”&nbsp;“What I love about Babar is that you don’t see what he’s doing to you, he doesn’t knock you out. He tends to be like Muhammad Ali, when he boxes, he jabs and he hurts you. He is an individual that just has too much time to play, and it’s a joy,” the 69-year-old former West Indies cricketer added.&nbsp;In the ongoing PSL, Babar has already scored 186 runs, playing four matches. But his side Karachi Kings are yet to find their first win of the tournament after playing four games. The Karachi-based side will face Islamabad United on February 6, in PSL.&nbsp;Richards on SarfarazOn the other hand, Richards also spoke on Quetta Gladiators skipper Sarfaraz Khan. According to Richards, the wicketkeeper-batsman “is more focused on team’s success than individuals.”&nbsp;&nbsp;“He (Sarfaraz) is someone who is more focused on team’s success than individuals. I’ve always liked his spirit and the energy that he brings. I’ve seen him do that on numerous occasions.&nbsp;“I spoke to him earlier today to encourage and to let him know that he’s still a man who can accomplish anything that he wants to accomplish. Because he is an individual that brings a lot of passion and all the stuff that it needs to for you to be successful,” the former West Indies cricketer explained.

'Babar Azam tends to be like Muhammad Ali,' former West Indies cricketer Sir Vivian Richards makes a big statement

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2022 kicked off with a one-sided low-scoring encounter where Mohammad Rizwan-led Multan Sultans came out on top. Guided by Rizwan’s sensible unbeaten half-century and Imran Tahir’s economical bowling including three wickets, defending champions won the match by seven wickets with 10 balls to spare.&nbsp;Tahir &amp; other Sultan bowlers dominateRizwan won the toss and opted to field first. Karachi Kings got off to a decent start with Sharjeel Khan hitting big but Babar Azam struggling on the other end. While Azam managed just one boundary in his inning, Sharjeel scored 41 runs off 33 deliveries including three fours and three sixes. In the middle overs, Tahir got some grip and turn from the pitch and got the wicket of Khan who was setting himself for a big score. Azam too followed him back to the dugout in the next over. The Pakistan scored 23 runs at a disappointing strike rate of 79.31.&nbsp;Kings’ batter struggled in middle overs as Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi managed just 10 runs off 17 balls and English recruit Tom Lammonby managed just a single on debut. Wicketkeeper-batter Joe Clarke and Lewis Gregory struggled to get boundaries as Kings managed a mediocre first inning total of 124/5.&nbsp;Rizwan anchors run chaseChasing 125, Sultans got off to an ideal start despite the wicket of Shan Masood in the fifth over. Masood scored 26 runs off 18 deliveries. Skipper Rizwan and Shoaib Maqsood did not take many chances in the middle and cruised towards the target. The two shared a 63-run partnership for the second wicket with Maqsood scoring a 31-ball 30. Nabi got two wickets in the 15th over including Maqsood and Rilee Rossouw. But the brace of wickets was a consolation for Kings as Rizwan and Tim David finished the run chase in the penultimate over. David hit a six to get his team over the line in style. Rizwan remained unbeaten for 52 runs off 47 deliveries including five fours and one six.&nbsp;“Credit to the bowlers for the way they restricted after the powerplay. Important thing is to assess the pitch. The ball was gripping. Target was not much. Plan was to finish in 16-17 overs, but Nabi bowled well,” the wicketkeeper-batter said in the post-match presentation.

Rizwan’s unbeaten 52 leads Multan Sultans to easy win in PSL 2022 opener, Azam disappoints with 29-ball 23

Lahore Qalandars rode on Mohammad Hafeez's match-winning peformance to clinch their maiden PSL title on Sunday (February 27). Hafeez walloped a rocking 69 off 46 and then followed it up with an impressive spell of 2/23 to help Lahore trump Multan Sultans by 42 runs.Lahore posted a huge total of 180/5, thanks to Hafeez's sensational knock which was fuelled with nine fours and a six. While defending an 181-run target, once again skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi deployed Mohammad Hafeez early, and he didn't disappoint as he removed the in-form Mohammad Rizwan for 14 runs with the score of 36 runs in four overs.&nbsp;Fakhar who failed with the bat, but was light wire in the field as he ran out Shan Masood with a brilliant direct-hit, and also took a great catch of Aamer Azmat to reduce Multan 46/3. Asif Afridi was removed four runs later, and the dangerous Rilee Rossow was sent back for 15 by young pacer Zaman Khan as Multan's batters were falling like a pack of cards.&nbsp;Khushdil Shah and Tim David smashed some boundaries, but they had a huge task against a world-class bowling attack of Lahore. Khushdil was bowled by Haris Rauf, while David was sent back by Shaheen after Fakhar took a great diving catch.After that Willey, Tahir, Rumman was removed in the wink of an eye, as Tahir was the last man to go when Rauf took a great catch, and the entire Gaddafi Stadium erupted in joy.&nbsp;Among the bowlers, Shaheen took three, Hafeez and Zaman two, while Wiese and Rauf one as Lahore won their maiden PSL crown.Earlier, Lahore, after electing to bat first, got off to the worst possible start as they were reduced to 25/3 in 4.2 overs. The in-form Fakhar Zaman was removed for just three runs by Asif Afridi with Shahnawaz Dahani taking a great catch, while Abdullah Shafique was also removed by Asif.After that, Mohammad Hafeez showed his experience and class as he steered the ship for Lahore by playing sensibly. With Kamran Ghulam, he forged an important 54-run partnership to steer the inning.&nbsp;Hafeez took the attacking mode as he went after the opponent bowlers, and was finally removed for 69 runs by Dahani. He scored those runs off 46 balls with one six and nine fours.&nbsp;After, his dismissal Harry Brook and David Wiese registered a 43-run stand in just 2.4 overs as they went rampant against the Multan bowlers.Wiese remained not out for 28 runs off just eight balls with three sixes, while Brook scored 41 runs off 22 balls.In terms of bowling for Multan, Asif was the stand out bowler with brilliant figures of 3/19 in four overs, while leggie Imran Tahir gave away just 22 runs in a wicket-less four-over spell. Dahani went to the cleaners in the late overs as he ended with figures of 1-34 in three overs. Rumman Raees conceded 35 runs in just two overs.

Hafeez's heroics help Lahore Qalandars thump Multan Sultans for maiden PSL trophy

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England batsman Will Smeed scored a terrific 60-ball 99 for Quetta Gladiators against Peshawar Zalmi in a Pakistan Super League (PSL) match that was played on February 15 (Tuesday), in Lahore but his brilliant batting display went in vain as his side had to suffer a 24-run defeat eventually.&nbsp;&nbsp;Peshawar's battingEarlier, batting first, Peshawar Zalmi, registered a solid total of 185 runs losing 7 wickets, in 20 overs.&nbsp;Their opening batter Hazratullah Zazai (1 run off 4 balls) had to depart early after he was dismissed by Naseem Shah in the second over of the match. Later, their wicketkeeper Harris Shah (29 runs 17 balls) along with Pakistan veteran batter Shoaib Malik (58 runs off 41 balls) notched a solid partnership of 52 runs off 31 balls to avert the early danger.&nbsp;&nbsp;Later, Malik was a part of another key partnership after he along with Hussain Talat scored 73 runs off 47 deliveries. Talat registered a brilliant half century as he scored 51 runs off 33 balls. His innings was comprised of 6 boundaries and a solitary six. Naseem Shah was again the key figure to dismiss Talat and provide a crucial breakthrough.&nbsp;&nbsp;Later, Ben Cutting scored a quick-fire 36 off just 14 balls to take his side to a defendable total of 185 runs. He smashed 4 sixes and 1 boundary.&nbsp;Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah was on fire with the ball for Gladiators as picked up four wickets conceding just 27 runs in four overs.&nbsp;&nbsp;The run chaseIn reply, Quetta Gladiators side lost their opener Jason Roy (13 runs off 9 balls) in the third over of the match. But their English opener Will Smeed was on fire as he hit 12 boundaries and three sixes and looked set to notch a century. But Smeed’s heroics came to an end in the 18th over of the innings after he was dismissed by Salman Irshad.&nbsp;&nbsp;A poor batting order collapse saw, Gladiators lose five wickets within a span of 32 runs as they could ultimately reach a total of 161 runs losing eight wickets, in 20 overs.&nbsp;&nbsp;For Zalmi, their bowler Usman Qadir scalped three wickets to help his side in registering a 24-run victory.&nbsp;

Will Smeed's 60-ball 99 proves to be futile as Quetta Gladiators suffer 24-run defeat against Peshawar Zalmi in PSL

The ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) is turning out to be a horrible outing for the Babar Azam-led Karachi Kings side as they faced their eighth defeat of the tournament after conceding a 7-wicket rout against Multan Sultans, on February 16 (Wednesday), in Lahore.&nbsp;&nbsp;Early dismissalBatting first, Karachi Kings had registered a total of 174 runs losing six wickets. Babar Azam was the first batter to be dismissed after the Karachi Kings skipper scored just 2 runs off 4 balls.&nbsp;&nbsp;A good length delivery bowled by Rumman Raees was not successfully picked by Babar and it resulted in the ball hitting his pads. The umpire had no hesitation in giving him out but the Karachi Kings skipper decided to ask for a review but eventually that was of no use as replays also suggested that ball would go on to smash the stumps. &nbsp;&nbsp;The other opening batsman- Sharjeel Khan (36 runs off 34 balls) and Joe Clarke (40 runs off 29 balls) played a solid partnership of 72 runs off 58 balls and helped their side in thwarting the opposition bowling unit. But their partnership came to an end after English batter Clarke was dismissed by South African spinner Imran Tahir.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tahir’s fuller and slower delivery was wrongly read by Clarke and his mistimed shot went straight to cover. Shan Masood standing inside the ring had a fairly easy catch to take in order to dismiss Clarke. &nbsp;&nbsp;Later, Karachi Kings wicketkeeper Rohail Nazir (21 runs off 12 balls), Mohammad Nabi (21 runs off 15 balls) and Imad Wasim (32 not out 16 balls) displayed a gritty batting show to help their side in reaching a formidable total of 174 runs losing six wickets, in 20 overs.&nbsp;For Multan Sultans, their right-arm fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani claimed two wickets as Blessing Muzarabani, Khushdil Shah, Tahir and Raees claimed one wicket each.&nbsp;&nbsp;The run chaseIn reply, Multan Sultans had a terrific start as their opening pair registered 100-run partnership. Opening batsmen Shan Masood (45 runs off 41 balls) and skipper Mohammad Rizwan (76 runs off 56 balls) exhibited a brilliant batting show for the Sultans.&nbsp;Later, Pakistan all-rounder Khushdil Shah scored a quick-fire 21 off just 9 balls to help his side in reaching the target. His innings was comprised of 1 boundary and 2 sixes.&nbsp;

PSL 7: Babar Azam-led Karachi Kings suffer eighth consecutive loss after facing 7-wicket defeat against Multan Sultans

Pakistan Super League (PSL) never fails to entertain cricket fans and followers. However, things have not been pretty smooth for the Karachi Kings side, captained by star Pakistan cricket player Babar Azam.&nbsp;Currently, the Karachi Kings side are in a very bad condition in the 7th season of PSL. The team captained by Babar Azam has played nine matches so far this season and out of these nine matches they have got only win and had to suffer defeat in eight matches.&nbsp;Gayle returnsIn a situation like this, West Indies all-rounder Chris Gayle has made a big announcement about the Karachi Kings team led by Babar Azam in the Pakistan Super League.&nbsp;&nbsp;While talking about this development on Twitter, Gayle said that he “will be the new head coach next season” for the Karachi-based franchise&nbsp;“Hey @thePSLt20 – I will be the new head coach next season for @KarachiKingsARY.T here’s no argument in this one! #UniverseBoss,” Chirs Gayle had wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;&nbsp;Significantly, West Indies' stormy batsman Chris Gayle, known as the Universe Boss, is currently not participating in any T20 league. The southpaw did not even enlist his name for the mega IPL auction for this season and he is also not playing in the PSL.&nbsp;Although he was seen playing in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and his team Barishal had to face a defeat in the final match against Komilia and now he has made a big announcement regarding his coaching career.&nbsp;Fans waitingIt is important to mention that Chris Gayle, who is a big name in world cricket for his stormy batting has a big number fans and followers globally. And invariably his fans are eagerly anticipating for his batting not only in West Indies but in all the global cricket tournaments.&nbsp;A two-time T20 World Cup-winning cricketer, Gayle has scored 1899 runs in 79 T20Is. His average has been 27.92 in the shortest format of the game and his strike rate has been an impressive 137.50.&nbsp;Gayle played his last Test match back in 2014 against Bangladesh and his last ODI appearance came in 2019 against West Indies.&nbsp;

Chris Gayle declares himself as next Karachi Kings head coach; posts hilarious tweet

The destroyer in chief Jason Roy belted an exceptional 82 to hand Babar Azam-led Karachi Kings their ninth loss of the PSL 2021-2022 season on Sunday (February 20). Khurram Shahzad played the second fiddle with a brilliant 4/22 to stifle Karachi by 23 runs.&nbsp;Chasing a competitive target of 167, Karachi's openers Joe Clarke and skipper Babar Azam a good start and stitched together a partnership of 87 runs. Babar seemed to have found his lost touch with a 36 off 34 which was loaded with three boundaries and one six but soon was sent to the hut by Khurram Shahzad. On the other hand, Clarke kept the scoreboard running until he was removed by Mohammed Irfan after an impressive knock of 52 off 39. Shahzad took his second wicket in the 13th over when he sent aggressive Sharjeel Khan back to the pavilion. Khan added 16 runs to the scoreboard off just seven deliveries with one four and two sixes. Qasim Akram contributed just nine runs in the team’s total. Right after that Quetta bowlers took no time to sum up Karachi innings for 143/8. Earlier, Gladiators’ skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed won the toss and opted to bat first against Kings. Opener Will Smeed could not deliver in the match and lost his wicket after making just 10 runs off 11 deliveries. Kings pacer Usman Khan Shinwari drew first blood for his team. After Smeed’s dismissal Jason Roy and James Vince shared over a 60-run partnership. James Vince added 29 runs to the scoreboard off 24 balls with three fours and one six before being dismissed. Umar Akmal went to the pavilion after making just two runs.&nbsp;It was Iftikhar Ahmed and Roy’s partnership at the backend of the innings helped Quetta set a 167-run target for Kings.Englishman Jason Roy remained the top scorer for Gladiators with 82 runs off 64 deliveries with 11 bounders. In its innings, Gladiators made 166 runs at the loss of four wickets.&nbsp;While, Kings’ Imad Wasim, Mir Hamza, Usman Khan Shinwari and Lewis Gregory took one wicket each.Gladiators currently have 8 points from 10 games and the victory have put them at the level of Islamabad United, who have 8 points from nine games, in the points table.

Babar-led Karachi Kings' PSL rut continues as Jason Roy wallops sizzling 82 in Quetta Gladiators' 23-run victory

Legendary cricketers Virender Sehwag, Brian Lara, Jonty Rhodes, Herschelle Gibbs are expected to be seen playing once again as the Road Safety World Series 2022 edition is likely to take place towards the end of May, in 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;Fixtures changedInitially it was decided that the 2022 edition of the Road Safety World Series will take place in the month of February.&nbsp;&nbsp;The inaugural edition of the World Series saw legendary cricketers from countries like- India, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Australia, South Africa, England and Bangladesh. Though, in 2020, the inaugural edition of the event had to halted due to the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic. Later, in the year 2021, the tournament resumed once again.&nbsp;&nbsp;If the reports are to be believed then the upcoming edition of the Road Safety World Series will be organised across four venues. According to the reports, the final match of the event is expected to be played in June and regarding this approval from the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has already been approved.&nbsp;“Yes, the tournament will be staged across four venues — Hyderabad, Vishakhapatnam, Lucknow, and Indore. Earlier, we were looking to start the tournament in the last week of February, but now the schedule has been pushed and it will commence in the last week of May,” a source was quoted while talking to the Print.&nbsp;“The final will be played in June and we already have the approval from Hyderabad Cricket Association.”&nbsp;HCA statementOn the other hand, Hyderabad Cricket Association said in a statement that they “will be proud to host” the event.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The enthusiasm shown by the legends of the game for the cause of a social gathering and social awareness is highly appreciable. We at CA will be proud to host this stupendous tournament,” an approval letter from the Hyderabad Cricket Association read.&nbsp;In the 2020-21 edition India Legends team emerged as the champions after they defeated Sri Lanka Legends by 14 runs in the final match of the tournament. Yuvraj Singh (60 runs off 41 balls) and Yusuf Pathan (62 runs off 36 balls) showed terrific batting skills to help their side in reaching a solid score of 181 runs.&nbsp;In reply, Sri Lanka Legends could reach only a target of 167 runs losing 7 wickets, in 20 overs.&nbsp;

Lara and Sehwag to be back in action as Road Safety World Series 2022 likely to take place across four venues in May-June

Australian all-rounder James Faulkner, who plays for Quetta Gladiators, announced his withdrawal midway from the underway Pakistan Super League League (PSL) and held his franchise &amp; Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) responsible for not honoring a contractual agreement. He accused the PCB and PSL of not releasing his payments and lying to him since the tournament started.&nbsp;Faulkner, who played six matches for the Gladiators this season, had also apologised to the Pakistan cricket fans for withdrawing from the competition.“I apologise to the Pakistan cricket fans. But unfortunately, I’ve had to withdraw from the last 2 matches and leave the @thePSLt20 due to the @TheRealPCB not honouring my contractual agreement/payments. I’ve been here the whole duration, and they have continued to lie to me,” Faulkner tweeted.&nbsp;“It hurts to leave as I wanted to help to get international cricket back in Pakistan as there is so much young talent and the fans are amazing. But the treatment I have received has been a disgrace from the @TheRealPCB and @thePSLt20 I’m sure you all understand my position,” he added.&nbsp;The PCB and Quetta Gladiators, however, said that Faulkner has been paid his money for appearing in the league as per his contractual obligations and added that the Australian will not be picked in the T20 tournament in future.&nbsp;On the contrary, the Pakistani journalist has criticised Faulkner saying that there has never been a single issue with PSL due to non-payment ever.Writing on Twitter Farid Khan said, “Faulkner has been involved in controversies in the past too, I didn’t want to tweet it but I will have to. Faulkner was sent back home this morning, he had broken the chandelier of PC hotel in Lahore too, had thrown his personal belongings in disgust as well.”&nbsp;“There has never been a single issue with PSL due to non-payments EVER. All players are paid 50%-70% in advance and the rest of the payment is released too. PSL has happened every year smoothly and without any issues. The PCB should issue a press release and reveal the real thing,” he added.&nbsp;PCB also quashed Faulkner's accusation and said: "The PCB and Quetta Gladiators have regretfully taken note of Mr James Faulkner's false and misleading accusations and will shortly be released a detailed statement on the matter."&nbsp;Quetta Gladiators face Karachi Kings in their final group match of PSL7 on February 20 but victory alone will not guarantee playoff qualification. They also require Islamabad United to lose their remaining two matches.

Australia's James Faulkner leaves PSL midway, banned after accusing PCB for not releasing his payment

A nail-biting clash between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United, was decided in the final over of the match as the Wahab Riaz-led Zalmi secured &nbsp;a 10-run victory in a Pakistan Super League (PSL) match, played in Lahore, on February 17.&nbsp;Batting first, Peshawar Zalmi opening batsman and wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris played a splendid innings of 70 runs off 32 balls to help his side in reaching a mammoth total of 206 runs losing 8 wickets in 20 overs. He scored his half century in just 18 balls and became the joint-third fastest scorer of a half century in the history of PSL.&nbsp;Haris on fireThe wicketkeeper-batsman’s innings was comprised of some terrific shots as he smashed 7 boundaries and 5 sixes. Harris looked set to score a century but Mohammad Musa ‘s good length delivery eventually did the trick as Harris attempted to play a reverse sweep in the 10th over of the innings but it was not timed properly and went straight to Waqas Maqsood.&nbsp;&nbsp;Later, Yasir Khan (35 runs off 24 balls) and veteran Pakistan batter Shoaib Malik (38 runs off 23 deliveries) showed some solid batting skills and helped their side in reaching a big total.&nbsp;For Islamabad United, their right-arm medium pace bowler Faheem Ashraf picked up three wickets to keep the opposition batting unit under some pressure. Apart from Faheem, another pacer Waqas Maqsood scalped two wickets.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Peshawar Zalmi side will still be a little unhappy with their batting performance as they lost their last four wickets within a span of just 14 runs.&nbsp;The run chaseIn reply, Islamabad United started their run chase on a positive note and the opening pair of Rahmanullah Gurbaz (46 runs off 19 balls) and Mubasir Khan (21 runs off 19 balls) notched a partnership of 54 runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the fourth over of the innings Salman Irshad provided a crucial breakthrough as he sent Gurbaz back to the dressing room.&nbsp;&nbsp;Later, Islamabad wicketkeeper batsman Azam Khan played a superb innings of 85 runs off 45 deliveries to keep his team’s winning chances alive in the fixture. Azam’s innings was comprised of 6 boundaries and 7 sixes.&nbsp;But eventually, Azam’s brave fight came to an end in the 19th over of the innings after Peshawar Zalmi skipper Wahab Riaz dismissed Azam.&nbsp;&nbsp;Salman Irshad picked up three vital wickets for United to help his side in successfully defending the target.

Mohammad Haris scores joint-third fastest fifty in history of PSL as Peshawar Zalmi secure 10-run victory against Islamabad United

For Babar Azam’s Karachi Kings side, the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) is turning out to be a terrible outing as the Babar Azam-led team are yet to register their first victory of the tournament after playing 8 matches.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a situation like this, Azam had to face severe criticism and backlash from supporters and many former cricketers as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, Babar Azam’s father Siddique came out and spoke on his son’s performance and said that Babar never “quits.”&nbsp;Father's support“He neither quits down nor does he surrender all expectations regarding Allah’s kindness.” Babar’s father was quoted as saying by Daily Times. &nbsp;&nbsp;On February 16 (Wednesday), the Karachi Kings side had lost their eight match of the tournament after they had to concede a seven-wicket defeat against Multan Sultans. The off-the-field situation got worse for Karachi Kings as their mentor Wasim Akram was seen getting involved with Babar Azam in an animated conversation.&nbsp;&nbsp;The incident took place during the final over of the match when a visibly annoyed Akram was seen around the boundary line having a heated exchange of words with skipper Babar Azam.&nbsp;&nbsp;Poor bowlingKarachi Kings bowler Umaid Asif was bowling the last over of the match with 9 runs to defend but he had a terrible start to his over after the first ball was ruled out because of the ball being wide. Things got worse as Asif was smashed for a six on the third delivery of the over and this eventually resulted in the eighth defeat for the Karachi Kings side.&nbsp;The 27-year-old Karachi Kings skipper is currently the fifth-highest run-scorer of the Pakistan Super League 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the seventh edition of Pakistan Super League (2022), Azam has already scored 268 runs, in 8 matches. His average has been 38 in the ongoing Pakistan Super League. Babar has till now notched two half centuries and he has a highest score of 90 (not out).&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Australian team are scheduled to visit Pakistan for a three-match Test series. The Test series is slated to start on March 4. After the conclusion of the Test series, the two teams will be involved in a three-match ODI series, starting from March 29.

'He does not quit,' Babar Azam's father defends son after Karachi Kings' eighth consecutive defeat in PSL 

Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2022 table toppers Multan Sultans have been dominating teams in their bid to defend the title. They registered the largest win in the history of PSL with a 117-run victory over Sarfaraz Ahmed-led Quetta Gladiators.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sultans’ skipper Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and elected to bat first. Openers Shan Masood and Rizwan shared a 119-run partnership in 12 overs. Masood got out to Mohammad Irfan after scoring 57 runs from 38 deliveries including six fours and one six. While Sultans were scoring at almost 10 runs per over, their run rate got a major boost with the arrival of Rilee Rossouw to the crease. While Rizwan played the anchor role, Rossouw got to his half-century from 20 deliveries with a six off Sohail Tanvir. The southpaw made maximum damage as he scored 71 runs from 26 deliveries with the help of nine fours and four sixes.&nbsp;Towards the end, Rizwan along with Khushdil Shah closed the innings with a bang. While Shah departed for a four-ball 10, Rizwan played the perfect captain’s knock. The wicketkeeper-batter remained unbeaten for 83 off 54 deliveries. He hit seven fours and three sixes in the innings to help Sultans post 245/3 on the board, the second-highest total in the history of the league. During the innings, three Gladiators’ bowlers went for more than 50 runs per over.&nbsp;In reply, Jason Roy got Gladiators’ off to an ideal start despite opener Will Smeed and Ahsan Ali departed after scoring a single each in the innings. However, Roy fell to his fellow countryman David Willey. He scored 38 runs from 19 deliveries. After Roy’s wicket, only Umar Akmal could make an impact as Sarfaraz’s 23-ball 17 did Gladiators no favour. Gladiators ended up getting bundled out for 128 in 16th over. Akmal provided some entertainment for Gladiators’ fan with his 23-ball 50 that was laced with two fours and six sixes.&nbsp;Sultans extended their lead over other teams with eighth win in ninth game. On the other hand, Gladiators’ have slim chances of reaching the playoffs as they have just three wins from nine games with a poor net run rate.

Rossouw, Rizwan's super show helps Multan Sultans beat Sarfaraz-led Quetta Gladiators by biggest-ever margin in PSL history

Peshawar Zalmi all-rounder Ben Cutting and Quetta Gladiators bowler Sohail Tanvir got involved in an ugly clash during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) match that had taken place on February 15, in Lahore.&nbsp;&nbsp;The clashIn the 19th over of the innings, the Aussie all-rounder was facing Pakistan pacer Tanvir and Cutting had hit three sixes off the first three balls of the penultimate over. After the third six, Cutting was seen making offensive gestures to Tanvir. After the fourth ball they got involved in a clash again and after the fifth delivery there was no change in the scenario and eventually the umpire had to intervene in order to maintain discipline on the field.&nbsp;Eventually, on the first ball of the last over, Cutting (36 runs off 14 balls) had to depart and Tanvir did play a role in it as the left-arm pacer successfully took a catch to dismiss the Aussie all-rounder. But the ugly battle took place once again, as Tanvir returned the offensive gesture after taking Cutting’s catch.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cutting’s innings was comprised of 1 boundary and four sixes. Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah claimed the wicket of Cutting. In the match Naseem picked up four wickets conceding 27 runs in four overs.&nbsp;Incident in 2018It is worth remembering, that back in 2018, Tanvir was seen making the same gestures towards Cutting, during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).&nbsp;In the match, batting first, the Peshawar Zalmi side had registered a defendable total of&nbsp;of 185 runs losing 7 wickets, in 20 overs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wicketkeeper Harris Shah (29 runs 17 balls) along with Pakistan veteran batter Shoaib Malik (58 runs off 41 balls) had notched a solid partnership of 52 runs off 31 balls to avert the early danger.&nbsp;Malik was a part of another key partnership after he along with Hussain Talat scored 73 runs off 47 deliveries. Talat registered a brilliant half century as he scored 51 runs off 33 balls.&nbsp;The run chaseIn reply, Quetta Gladiators side lost their opener Jason Roy (13 runs off 9 balls) in the third over of the match. But their English opener Will Smeed was on fire as he hit 12 boundaries and three sixes and looked set to notch a century. But Smeed’s heroics came to an end in the 18th over of the innings after he was dismissed by Salman Irshad.&nbsp;Eventually, Gladiators could reach a total of 161 runs losing 8 wickets in 20 overs.&nbsp;

Four-year old rivalry gets revived as Ben Cutting and Sohail Tanvir exchange obscene gestures during PSL match

Defending champions Multan Sultans' skipper Mohammad Rizwan wreaked havoc on Peshawar Zalmi with his blistering 82-run knock to help his side post a colossal target of 223 in a PSL match on Saturday (February 5).&nbsp;Rizwan partnered strongly with Tim David to take Zalmi bowlers to cleaners as they blasted the opponents bowlers left, right and centre.&nbsp;Rizwan and David recorded a magnificent 69-runs partnership for the third wicket to anchor Multan's innings where Rizwan belted an astonishing 82 off 53 balls, laced with eight boundaries and a six, while David remained unbeaten for his quickfire 51 off 19; including two boundaries and six maximums.&nbsp;Khushdil Shah’s late onslaught in the final over bolstered the Sultans to go past the 200-run matk. The left-hander scored 21 off just seven deliveries in which he smashed three big sixes.&nbsp;Earlier, Shan Masood alongside Rizwan provided a magnificent start. The pair scored 85 runs for the first wicket before Shan departed after scoring 35. Later, Maqsood also chipped in with his valuable 25.&nbsp;For the Zalmi, Shoaib Malik, Salman Irshad, and Usman Qadir bagged one wicket apiece.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Zalmi bowlers looked in all sorts of bother as they could only manage to dismiss three of the Multan's wicket. Salman Irshad took one wicket while conceding 38 runs in his spell of four overs while Shoaib Malik also snared a wicket where he conceded 17 runs in mere two overs. Usman Qadir also managed to skittle out a wicket as he conceded 34 runs in the three overs that he bowled.&nbsp;The rest of the bowlers had a night to forget as the Multans batters didn't shy away from going all guns blazing on them. Saqib Mahmood gave away 37 runs in a spell of three overs with an economy rate of 12.33 while Wahab Riaz remained the most expensive bowler as he conceded 55 runs in four overs with an economy rate of 13.75.&nbsp;It will be a task cut out for Zalmis who have a mountain to climb while chasing a colossal target of 222. Multans, who are topping the PSL table, will also look to extend their unbeaten run in the tournament as they have won all the four matches played so far. On the other hand Zalmis are sitting fourth on the table with four points in four matches.

Captain Rizwan wreaks blitzkrieg as Multan Sultans pile monumental target of 223 against Peshawar Zalmi

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