
HBL PSL X: Multan Sultans win toss, opt to bat first against Quetta Gladiators
Multan Sultans hold a slight edge in their head-to-head record, having won nine matches compared to five victories for Quetta Gladiators.
The hustle and bustle of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) returned on Friday to the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium with a high-scoring clash between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings, culminating in a 23-run victory for the Kings.
The PSL-10 had earlier been brought to a grinding halt after India launched a drone attack outside the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Initially, it was decided to shift the remainder of the tournament to the UAE.
However, following a de-escalation between Pakistan and India, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chose to bring the action back home and complete the event on native soil.
On Friday, the PCB also officially dedicated the ongoing Pakistan Super League to the valiant Armed Forces of Pakistan, acknowledging their unwavering sacrifices and steadfast commitment to safeguarding the nation.
"We proudly dedicate the Pakistan Super League to our brave Armed Forces who continue to safeguard the nation's integrity with courage and commitment," the PCB said in a statement.
According to the PCB, Friday's PSL matches and ceremonies were held in honour of the Pakistan Army, while Saturday would be dedicated to the Pakistan Navy, and Monday to the Pakistan Air Force.
In the high-scoring encounter, Karachi Kings posted 237 runs, and Peshawar Zalmi, despite a spirited chase, fell short with 214, giving the Kings a 23-run win and securing their spot in the playoffs.
Multan Sultans Playing XI: Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wicketkeeper), Jahanzeib Sultan, Tayyab Tahir, Humayon Altaf, Yasir Khan, Aamer Azmat, Shahid Aziz, Peter Hatzoglou, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohammad Hasnain, Ubaid Shah.
Quetta Gladiators Playing XI: Saud Shakeel (captain), Avishka Fernando, Hasan Nawaz, Dinesh Chandimal (wicketkeeper), Khawaja Nafay, Faheem Ashraf, Danish Aziz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abrar Ahmed, Khurram Shahzad, Usman Tariq.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Business Recorder
11 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Babar, Rizwan demoted as PCB announces central contracts
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has demoted star batter Babar Azam and One-Day International (ODI) captain Mohammad Rizwan from the A to the B category, as it announced central contracts for 2025-26. Compared to last year's list of 27 contracted players, the PCB has expanded the pool to 30, including 12 fresh additions, highlighting the emergence of promising new talent and the Board's strategic focus on squad depth and future development. The new entrants are Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Mirza and Sufyan Moqim. Five players have been promoted owing to their performances last year. They are: Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha and Shadab Khan – all promoted from C to B category. Additionally, nine players have retained their positions in the same categories. They are: Abdullah Shafique (Category C), Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jnr – all in Category D, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel – all in Category C and Shaheen Shah Afridi (Category B). Eight players have missed out on contracts this year. They are: Aamir Jamal, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Muhammad Irfan Khan and Usman Khan – all in Category (D). List of this year's centrally contacted players: Category B (10 players): Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Category C (10 players): Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Sahibzada Farhan, Sajid Khan and Saud Shakeel. Category D (10 players): Ahmed Daniyal, Hussain Talat, Khurram Shahzad, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Salman Mirza, Shan Masood and Sufyan Moqim.


Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
PCB name squad for Tri-Series, Asia Cup
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday announced a 17-member national squad for the upcoming UAE T20 Tri-Series and the Asia Cup 2025. The tri-series, featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and hosts UAE, will be played in Sharjah from August 29 to September 7. Following that, the Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from September 9 to 28. All-rounder Salman Ali Agha has been retained as captain of the squad. Senior players Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf are part of the lineup, while youngsters Saim Ayub, Khushdil Shah, and Hussain Talat have also been included. The squad further features Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr., and Mohammad Haris, along with Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, and Hasan Nawaz. Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Mirza, and Sufiyan Muqeem complete the squad. During the press conference following the squad announcement, Pakistan's white-ball head coach, Mike Hesson, explained the reasons for retaining pacer Salman Mirza in the squad for the upcoming events. "We have retained Salman Mirza because of his performance in Bangladesh," Hesson said. The 31-year-old impressed with his outstanding bowling performance, emerging as the leading wicket-taker in the series. He claimed seven wickets across all three matches at an impressive economy rate of 5.21. Pakistan squad for Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025: Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (C), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem. Hesson issues Afg warning Pakistan's white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has cautioned against taking Afghanistan lightly in the upcoming Asia Cup, stressing that their spin attack and recent form make them one of the most dangerous opponents. During the press conference, he further explained the importance of Pakistan's batting depth, particularly the ability of the middle order to counter spin in subcontinental conditions. "Afghanistan were semifinalists in the previous T20 World Cup. They are a top sideespecially when you play them in Sharjah," Hesson said. "Not only can our middle order rotate strike against spin, but they can also apply pressure, which is going to be vital. We're not taking any of these games lightly. In terms of preparation for the Asia Cup, we honestly couldn't ask for anything better," he added. The coach noted that playing in Sharjah will present a major challenge for Pakistan's batting group, particularly against spin, but insisted that it will serve as an ideal test before the T20 World Cup. "In the Asia Cup, we are going to face some of the best spin-bowling sides, and this will be a great opportunity ahead of the T20 World Cup. Playing in Sharjah will be a real challenge against spin, and that's why our middle order is so critical," he explained. Hesson also addressed Pakistan's preparations, pointing to recent series as evidence of the team's growing consistency. "We have won six out of nine matches, with one of our losses coming on the very last ball. There haven't been many changes in our squad. Right now, our focus is on winning and maintaining consistency, and the team is playing good cricket in T20s," he said. He also threw his weight behind captain Babar Azam, saying the star batter is working hard to improve his strike-rate and ability against spin. "There's no doubt Babar has been asked to improve in some areas, particularly against spin and in terms of his strike-rate. Those are aspects I know he's working very hard on at the moment," he said. "A player like Babar also has the opportunity to play in the BBL and showcase improvements in those areas of T20 cricket. He's simply too good of a player for us not to consider." Hesson praised other key performers such as Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, and Fakhar Zaman, saying all three had fully earned their places in the squad. "The players we have have performed exceptionally well. For example, Sahibzada Farhan played six games and won three Man of the Match awards. You want players who, when they score runs, have a huge impact on the outcome of the gameand that's exactly what we ask from Saim and Fakhar as well," the coach said.


Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Whoever performs will play: Aqib Javed
Both former Pakistan captain Babar Azam and ODI skipper Mohammad Rizwan were dropped from T20I side due to poor performance. Photo: AFP Pakistan selector and former pacer Aqib Javed has addressed the T20I exclusions of star batter Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, emphasising that opportunities in the national team are based on performance. Speaking at a media conference, he highlighted the importance of consistency and giving players chances based on their form. "Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were not part of the previous three series, while Saim, Fakhar, and Sahibzada Farhan featured in the top order," Aqib said. "It's not like you ignore someone or select someone based on just two matches' performance. These things often get highlighted in the media, but as a player, you face different challenges at different times. Everyone who wants to play has opportunities," he added. "In T20 cricket, two factors are crucial: your ability to score runs and your strike rate according to the match situation and environment. That is what we always consider." The 53-year-old also addressed growing speculation regarding the T20I futures of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, explaining that their absence from recent series should not be interpreted as being permanently sidelined. "It's not that we are completely sidelining them. The current choices reflect how a player develops. I've given examples of Sahibzada Farhan, Saim, and Fakhar. Sahibzada made a comeback, Saim initially struggled but later created an impact," he stated. "You can't put a stamp on any player's careeropportunities are always there. Right now, they're gaining experience in leagues like the Big Bash and PSL. Whoever performs will play, and only those who perform deserve to play," he added. Looking ahead to the high-voltage clash against arch-rivals India in the Asia Cup 2025, he expressed confidence in the team. "Pakistan's T20 team can beat India. India vs Pakistan matches are always huge. This 17-member squad can defeat any team. We shouldn't put pressure on them, but I have high hopes for this squad," he stated. He elaborated on the recent developments in Pakistan cricket and the Shaheens' squad selection, highlighting the focus on fitness, performance, and providing opportunities to emerging players. "Our top players have just completed a one-and-a-half to two-month camp at the NCA. Concerning the Shaheens, Mohammad Wasim Jr. was sent there, getting fitter and bowling well, so he has been included," he said. "You have limited slotsif you have players like Saim, Fakhar, and Sahibzada, you can only select 17. Wherever there is opportunity, it will be utilised. The good thing is that our options are improving. Players like Yasir, Naeem, and Nafay give us better choices, which is a positive sign," he concluded.