Bopara confident of Karachi comeback
Speaking after the match, Bopara was clear: the team isn't letting one defeat define them.
"It wasn't our best day, but it hasn't shaken our confidence," he said. "This team is a tight unit, we enjoy the good moments together, and we stand by each other in tough times. We're backing ourselves against Lahore Qalandars and aiming to go all the way."
He acknowledged Islamabad United's strong showing but emphasized Karachi's own consistent run in the tournament.
"We played excellent cricket throughout the group stage. For a long time, we were securely in second place. But Islamabad beat us twice - so they deserve that spot," he added.
"They started the tournament on a high with five straight wins. We came close, but now we'll take the hard route, and sometimes that's the more rewarding one."
Ravi Bopara also shared his views on the evolution of emerging players in Pakistan, particularly batters.
"I've been impressed by the emerging batters this season. Usually, we see more fast bowlers, but this time some really strong hitters have come through. They're powerful, they can clear boundaries, which hasn't always been the case with Pakistan batters," he further stated.
"But they're inexperienced. Next year, opponents will come with plans and target their weaknesses. That second season is always tough. We've got to support them, guide them, and help them adapt. That's how we turn them into world-class players."
Karachi Kings now look to regroup quickly and come out firing in the do-or-die clash against Lahore Qalandars on 22 May at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
28-07-2025
- Express Tribune
England knock India out of WCL
England Champions delivered a commanding performance to eliminate India Champions from the World Championship of Legends (WCL), clinching a thrilling 23-run win here at Headingley, Leeds on Sunday. The victory was built on Ravi Bopara's explosive unbeaten century and Ajmal Shahzad's incisive bowling. After winning the toss, India's captain Yuvraj Singh opted to field first, a decision that backfired as England amassed a colossal 223/3 in 20 overs, leaving India with an uphill task. Bopara stole the show with a scintillating knock of 110 not out off 55 deliveries, smashing eight towering sixes and eight boundaries. His innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression, keeping the scoreboard ticking at every stage. Bopara was ably supported by Ian Bell, who struck 54 off 36 balls, peppered with six fours and two sixes. Moeen Ali chipped in with a blistering 33 from 13 balls, while Samit Patel added 20 runs in just nine deliveries. Among Indian bowlers, Harbhajan Singh was the standout performer, finishing with figures of 3/18 in three overs, while Varun Aaron picked up 1/34 runs. Chasing a daunting 224, India Champions fought valiantly but ultimately fell short, finishing at 200/8 in 20 overs. Yusuf Pathan top-scored with a spirited 52 off 29 balls, hitting two sixes and six boundaries. Captain Yuvraj Singh contributed 38 runs from 27 balls, while Stuart Binny (35) and Ambati Rayudu (28) tried to keep hopes alive. However, regular wickets hampered the chase. Ajmal Shahzad turned the game decisively in England's favor with a superb spell, claiming 4/31 runs in his four overs. Stuart Meaker bagged two wickets, while Ravi Bopara and Ryan Sidebottom chipped in with one each.
Express Tribune
28-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Pak abolish vice-captain position
The position of vice-captain has effectively been abolished while waiting for Shadab Khan's return. After the Bangladesh tour, no vice-captain has been appointed for the upcoming white-ball series against the West Indies either. Mike Hesson and Shadab Khan were both part of the HBL Pakistan Super League franchise Islamabad United as coach and player, respectively, and developed a good understanding during that time. The coach has full confidence in the all-rounder's abilities and considers him a good team man. Sources revealed that it was Hesson who recommended not appointing a vice-captain for the Bangladesh tour, as he was waiting for Shadab Khan's return, which currently does not seem imminent. No announcement has been made for a vice-captain for the West Indies series either. In the ODI squad, Mohammad Rizwan's deputy is Salman Ali Agha. Further sources disclosed that an "influential selector" is staunchly against Shadab Khan's inclusion in the team. In a recent meeting, he reportedly stated that bringing the senior all-rounder back into the team was a mistake, and he absolutely should not be made vice-captain. According to him, Salman Ali Agha is a non-political cricketer who focuses solely on his game. Although Shadab was the vice-captain, he was often seen leading the team on the field. He would change his batting order on his own and, at times, pushed for the inclusion of certain players. Due to his connection with Islamabad United, he has good relations with Hesson, which he allegedly uses to his advantage. It is important to note that there is no possibility of Shadab Khan being fit in time for the Asia Cup; he is likely to return in October. It is still unclear whether a vice-captain will be appointed for the mega event or not.
Express Tribune
23-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Dunk opens up about Pak-Ind setback
Former Australian wicketkeeper-batter Ben Dunk has shared his thoughts following the cancellation of the much-anticipated clash between arch-rivals India Champions and Pakistan Champions in the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025. The high-profile encounter, which was scheduled to be the fourth match of the tournament, was set to take place on Sunday at Edgbaston. However, it was unexpectedly called off, triggering widespread disappointment and reactions from fans and former cricketers alike. Speaking at a media conference, the 38-year-old expressed his passion for the game and the hope that cricket continues to unite fans across borders. "As a cricket lover myself, I love all forms of cricket — the more cricket, the better," Dunk said. "Everyone has the right to pick and choose what they watch or support, and I respect everyone's point of view. I hope that, going forward, sports can be a uniting factor," he added. The 38-year-old also highlighted the overall strength of the Pakistan Champions squad and singled out one player in particular who could be a real threat when they face Australia in the ongoing tournament. "All of them. It's a legends tournament, and I don't think there's a single player across any team who isn't a champion in their own right," he said. "I've always been really fortunate to spend time with Mohammad Hafeez during our time at Lahore Qalandars. We built a great relationship based on mutual respect - at least I hope it's mutual! He top-scored in the first game and is definitely someone we fear a bit," he added. It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan Champions started their WCL 2025 campaign on a winning note, narrowly defeating England Champions by five runs in the opening fixture. Defending a total of 161, the Pakistani side held England to 155-3 in their 20 overs, thanks to a disciplined final over by Sohail Khan, who gave away just 10 runs when 16 were required for victory.
