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Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Tracing Mohammad Haris' T20 rise
Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Haris registered the fastest and second fastest T20I centuries for Pakistan in a space of 72 days showcasing their belligerent batting at the international stage. Hasan's scintillating 44-ball century came just in his third T20I outing at Auckland's Eden Park on 21 March, while wicketkeeper-batter Haris brought up his ton off 45 balls against Bangladesh in the final T20I of the three-match series on 1 June in Lahore. In the game against New Zealand, both opened the batting and amassed 74 runs off 5.5 overs, the highest-ever Powerplay for Pakistan in T20Is bettering a nine-year record of 73 runs against England in Manchester. The duo also contributed a combined 300 runs from 150 balls while batting in the top four during the series sweep over Bangladesh. Hasan has so far faced 118 balls in Pakistan colours making 227 runs with 16 fours and as many maximums. Haris, meanwhile, has racked up 370 runs across 17 T20I outings at a strike rate of 152 hitting 33 fours and 21 sixes. What stands out in these numbers is their prodigious ball-striking ability and record-breaking tons early in their careers. With the domestic 2024-25 and the home international season coming to an end, it is pertinent to trace the build-up towards Hasan and Haris' spectacular showings with the bat for Pakistan in T20Is. The 24-year-old, Haris, got off the mark in his T20I career with a straight six off England's Richard Gleeson at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore in September 2022. Nearly three years later, he fittingly brought up his first international century at the scene of his T20I debut. Haris, who has featured in six ODIs for Pakistan, boasts 16 dismissals behind the stumps in 11 of his 23 outings in white-ball cricket. He enacted five dismissals including one stumping in the recent series against Bangladesh and hammered 179 runs at a staggering strike rate of 201, earning him the player of the series award. In just his second T20I, Haris was called up to fill in for Fakhar Zaman in a crucial ICC T20 World Cup 2022 match against South Africa at Sydney Cricket Ground. He announced his arrival by belting Kagiso Rabada for consecutive sixes followed by a four for his first runs in the tournament. The Peshawar-born batter showcased a range of shots in his 11-ball 28 hitting two fours and three sixes to set the tone for a huge total in a must-win match for Pakistan. His 31 and 30 in the following matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand, respectively, also showed glimpses of his tremendous potential. Haris has featured in 117 T20s scoring 2,860 runs at a strike rate of 147.65 with the help of one century and 15 half-centuries. He made his T20I comeback, after last featuring for Pakistan in the format in April 2023, following a title-winning campaign with Allied Bank Stallions in the Champions T20 Cup and a strong performance in HBL PSL X. Haris-led Stallions went onto lift the trophy in the T20 tournament, where he contributed 269 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 151 including three half-centuries. In HBL PSL X, Haris collected 247 runs with a strike rate of 148 in 10 matches for Peshawar Zalmi including the highest score of 87. His tally of 53 fours and 21 sixes across the two T20 tournaments proved his boundary-hitting capability, striking a boundary every 4.5 balls. On Sunday night, Haris became the first non-opener and fifth Pakistan batter to register a T20I century marking a turning point in his Pakistan career. Haris has been a regular feature in the Pakistan Shaheens setup, leading them in the white-ball leg of the Darwin tour in July 2024, Bangladesh 'A' tour of Pakistan in August 2024, Sri Lanka 'A' tour of Pakistan in November 2024 and the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup in July 2023 (50-over) & October 2024 (T20).
Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Haris, Hasan register fastest and second fastest T20I centuries
LAHORE: Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Haris registered the fastest and second fastest T20I centuries for Pakistan in a space of 72 days showcasing their belligerent batting at the international stage. Hasan's scintillating 44-ball century came just in his third T20I outing at Auckland's Eden Park on 21st March, while wicketkeeper-batter Haris brought up his ton off 45 balls against Bangladesh in the final T20I of the three-match series on 1st June in Lahore. In the game against New Zealand, both opened the batting and amassed 74 runs off 5.5 overs, the highest-ever Power play for Pakistan in T20Is bettering a nine-year record of 73 runs against England in Manchester. The duo also contributed a combined 300 runs from 150 balls while batting in the top four during the series sweep over Bangladesh. Hasan has so far faced 118 balls in Pakistan colours making 227 runs with 16 fours and as many maximums. Haris, meanwhile, has racked up 370 runs across 17 T20I outings at a strike rate of 152 hitting 33 fours and 21 sixes. What stands out in these numbers is their prodigious ball-striking ability and record-breaking tons early in their careers. With the domestic 2024-25 and the home international season coming to an end, it is pertinent to trace the build-up towards Hasan and Haris' spectacular showings with the bat for Pakistan in T20Is. The 24-year-old Haris got off the mark in his T20I career with a straight six off England's Richard Gleeson at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore in September 2022. Nearly three years later, he fittingly brought up his first international century at the scene of his T20I debut. Haris, who has featured in six ODIs for Pakistan, boasts 16 dismissals behind the stumps in 11 of his 23 outings in white-ball cricket. He enacted five dismissals including one stumping in the recent series against Bangladesh and hammered 179 runs at a staggering strike rate of 201, earning him the player of the series award. In just his second T20I, Haris was called up to fill in for Fakhar Zaman in a crucial ICC T20 World Cup 2022 match against South Africa at Sydney Cricket Ground. He announced his arrival by belting Kagiso Rabada for consecutive sixes followed by a four for his first runs in the tournament. The Peshawar-born batter showcased a range of shots in his 11-ball 28 hitting two fours and three sixes to set the tone for a huge total in a must-win match for Pakistan. His 31 and 30 in the following matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand, respectively, also showed glimpses of his tremendous potential. Haris has featured in 117 T20s scoring 2,860 runs at a strike rate of 147.65 with the help of one century and 15 half-centuries. He made his T20I comeback, after last featuring for Pakistan in the format in April 2023, following a title-winning campaign with Allied Bank Stallions in the Champions T20 Cup and a strong performance in HBL PSL X. Haris-led Stallions went onto lift the trophy in the T20 tournament, where he contributed 269 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 151 including three half-centuries. In HBL-PSL-X, Haris collected 247 runs with a strike rate of 148 in 10 matches for Peshawar Zalmi including the highest score of 87. His tally of 53 fours and 21 sixes across the two T20 tournaments proved his boundary-hitting capability, striking a boundary every 4.5 balls. On Sunday night, Haris became the first non-opener and fifth Pakistan batter to register a T20I century marking a turning point in his Pakistan career. Hasan Nawaz banked on the 2024-25 domestic cricket season to stage an HBL PSL comeback and earn the coveted Pakistan cap. Hasan's first appearance in the career-defining 2024-25 domestic season began with two appearances for Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) in semi-final and final of President's Cup Grade-I where he scored 46 off 43 (4x4s, 3x6s) and 40 off 50 (2x4s, 2x6s), respectively. In the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2024-25 in October and November he accumulated 273 runs for Islamabad Region in five outings. It also included a career-best 169 where he spent 406 minutes on the crease against Larkana Region striking 21 fours and one six as only one other batter crossed 50-run mark from his side. The Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup in December saw Hasan delivering consistently for Nurpur Lions and stamp his authority, finishing as the second-leading run-scorer with 312 runs in nine outings with the help of two half-centuries. He struck 30 fours and 17 sixes, displaying his power-hitting skills, and subsequently became Quetta Gladiators' Emerging category pick in the HBL PSL X draft on 13 January. Hasan was also part of the 16-day Pakistan Strike Force camp at the National Cricket Academy in January, under the tutelage of former Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, where a total of 25 emerging and top-performing domestic batters were invited to hone their hard-hitting skills. Hasan took the HBL PSL X by storm with his middle-order heroics, managing 399 runs in 12 matches with one century and three half-centuries striking at 162 – the second-highest among eight batters to score over 300 runs in the season. The 22-year-old was not only declared player of the tournament for his high-pressure knocks but was also named Best Batter, plotting a remarkable comeback after 28 runs in three appearances for Islamabad United in 2023. While the 2024-25 season was highly fruitful for Hasan, it is important to note that he also made the most of opportunities in the previous season playing non-first-class Hanif Mohammad Trophy and 50-over Hanif Mohammad Cup (non-List A) for Islamabad Region. In the four-day tournament in September and October 2023, he topped the run-charts with 530 runs in seven matches at an average of 53 and a strike rate of 72.11 – the best among the top 20 batters. In the 50-over iteration of the tournament in November 2023 he finished with 229 runs six matches at a strike rate of 90. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
10-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
HBL PSL X: Eight young players who could steal the show
Listen to article As the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) approaches its 10th season, the spotlight often gravitates toward established stars. However, it's the emerging talents that frequently captivate audiences and redefine the game's dynamics. This season is poised to introduce a cadre of young cricketers eager to make their mark. With all six franchises finalising their rosters, here are some of the standout emerging players to watch in HBL PSL 2025. Saad Masood (Islamabad United) At 20, Saad Masood is an all-rounder drawing parallels to Islamabad United's captain, Shadab Khan. Making his PSL debut at 18 with Peshawar Zalmi, Masood faced challenges but showcased promise in domestic circuits. In the Champions T20 Cup, he amassed 157 runs at an average of 39 and a striking strike rate of 147. His bowling, though needing refinement, holds potential for growth. Ali Raza (Peshawar Zalmi) At just 17, Ali Raza is a fast-bowling prodigy admired by cricketing greats like Ian Bishop. During the U19 World Cup, he claimed nine wickets across three matches, maintaining an economy rate under 3.5. His subsequent first-class performances, including a 10-wicket match haul, underscore his burgeoning talent. Muhammad Shehzad (Islamabad United) A 21-year-old all-rounder, Muhammad Shehzad garnered attention with a hat-trick in the President Trophy Final, contributing significantly to Pakistan TV's championship win. His domestic season was stellar, amassing 706 runs at an average of 54.3 and securing 20 wickets in nine matches. Islamabad United's acquisition of Shehzad adds a dynamic edge to their lineup. Maaz Sadaqat (Peshawar Zalmi) At 19, Maaz Sadaqat has transitioned from U19 cricket to senior levels with commendable performances. Despite a modest showing in the 2022 U19 World Cup, he has excelled in first-class cricket, averaging nearly 40 over 21 matches. His T20 stats are equally impressive, with an average of 29.6 and a strike rate of 131.3. A notable inning includes a rapid 82 off 53 balls against Markhors. Mohammad Zeeshan (Quetta Gladiators) Standing tall at 6'8", Mohammad Zeeshan's presence is formidable. His U19 World Cup stint yielded six wickets in five matches. A standout moment was a 6-19 spell against Nepal in the U19 Asia Cup. His performance in the Pakistan Junior League, leading in wicket-taking and clinching the final with a 3-27 spell, highlights his potential. Arafat Minhas (Karachi Kings) Arafat Minhas is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting young talents in Pakistan cricket and a player to watch in PSL 2025. A promising all-rounder, Minhas has already displayed flashes of brilliance in domestic cricket. A capable lower-order batter and skillful left-arm spinner, he nearly led Pakistan to a famous victory in last year's U19 World Cup semi-final with his all-round performance. He finished the tournament with eight wickets at an impressive economy rate of 2.7, along with valuable contributions with the bat. Minhas has also gained international experience, having played four T20Is for Pakistan and featuring in two PSL matches last season. Known for his ability to bowl tight, controlled spells and trouble top-order batters, including the likes of Babar Azam, Minhas brings balance and versatility to his franchise Karachi Kings. Shahid Aziz (Multan Sultans) Shahid Aziz's versatility as an all-rounder has begun to turn heads. His contributions with both bat and ball in domestic cricket have been significant. PSL 2025 offers him a platform to showcase his skills on a larger stage, with fans anticipating his impact on Multan Sultans' campaign. Sufiyan Muqeem (Peshawar Zalmi) Young mystery spinner Sufiyan Muqeem grabbed headlines last year when he etched his name into the record books with a sensational spell of 5 for 3 in the second T20I against Zimbabwe, helping dismiss them for their lowest-ever T20I total of 57. Despite limited opportunities thereafter—despite being picked for the Pakistan Champions Trophy squad, Muqeem recently reminded fans of his talent during the T20I series against New Zealand. With Pakistan trailing 4-0, he was finally given a chance in the fifth match. While most of Pakistan's bowlers struggled, Muqeem stood out, baffling the New Zealand batters and claiming two wickets in just two overs. Having already represented Pakistan in three ODIs and ten T20Is, the left-arm spinner's ability to deliver under pressure makes him a potential game-changer. With his deceptive spin and control, Muqeem could prove to be a valuable asset for Peshawar Zalmi in PSL 10.
Express Tribune
06-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Ihsanullah aims for PSL return in 2026
Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has shared an important update on the future of right-arm pacer Ihsanullah, revealing that the pacer is focused on making a strong return to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) next year. Ihsanullah became a sensation during the PSL 2023, where he claimed an impressive 22 wickets for the Sultans. However, his rise was halted by an elbow injury he sustained during Pakistan's home ODI series against New Zealand in April 2023, causing him to miss the PSL the following year. The pacer returned to competitive cricket later in 2024 during the Champions T20 Cup, where he took two wickets in four matches. Despite his efforts, he went unsold in the PSL 10 draft earlier this year, leading to his brief announcement of retirement from the league. However, just one day later, he reversed his decision. In a recent podcast, Ali Tareen revealed that he had met with Ihsanullah at a net session. He shared that the emerging bowler has plans to return to the PSL next season, with his focus now on playing a full domestic season to regain full fitness. "Ihsanullah's plan is to play a full domestic season and make a comeback next year in the PSL," Tareen said. "Recently, I met him during a nets session, and he is bowling well. He will go back to full fitness and will play a season of domestic cricket," he added. Earlier this year, Tareen had made headlines by revealing a serious concern about Ihsanullah's injury. "It is a very sad development, but we got Ihsanullah consulted with a top surgeon, who gave us a really bad news, saying that 'guys, I can do the surgery but no matter what I do, there is so much scarring from his previously botched surgery that his arm will never become perfectly straight and he will never be able to bowl in the same way because he does not have a straight arm.' So, it is so unfortunate that one person ruined a player's career to hide his mistake," said Tareen. "That's why even now, he was bowling in domestic at 130-135, which is a high pace, but he was our 155 [kmph] bowler," he added. However, Ihsanullah quickly responded to these claims, assuring fans that his speed remains unaffected. Speaking to a local sports news platform, he confidently stated that reaching the 150 kmph mark is no longer a challenge for him. "I am bowling at 142 kmph, [bowling at] 150 kmph is no big deal for me," said Ihsanullah. "Whether my elbow is straight or bends, it does not matter. If you have the determination, you can bowl at 150. I'll comfortably reach 150, and bowling beyond that is nothing for me. In a month, I'll consistently bowl at 150. I'll do it and make others watch in awe. Currently, the speed guns are showing 5 kmph less. So, you can say that I'm bowling at 147," he further responded. Full-match Urdu commentary in HBL PSL The Pakistan Cricket Board is pleased to announce that for the first time in HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) history, fans will be able to enjoy full-match Urdu commentary throughout the tournament. The HBL PSL X is all set to take place in four cities – Lahore, Karachi, Multan and Rawalpindi from 11 April to 18 May. Fans can now choose to tune into live broadcasts in Urdu, allowing them to experience the action and excitement of the league matches in Pakistan's national language. This step is set to deepen engagement with millions of cricket fans and enhance their experience. HBL PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer: "This is a landmark moment for the HBL PSL and its ever-growing fanbase. Cricket is a unifying force in Pakistan and by offering commentary in Urdu for a full game, we are bringing the excitement and energy of the HBL PSL closer to the hearts of fans in every corner of the country. "The introduction of the separate Urdu commentary feed is something that has been eagerly anticipated and we are excited to deliver it. This move not only strengthens our connection with the community but also ensures that the excitement of HBL PSL is more accessible to a wider audience."
Express Tribune
23-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
T20 star Hasan Nawaz makes his mark
It was just two days ago that Hasan Nawaz, the son of former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif, was reportedly imposed a hefty fine as a "deliberate tax defaulter" in the United Kingdom, a year after the London High Court declared him bankrupt. In sharp contrast, his namesake Hasan Nawaz — no relation to the former PM — made his own identity by smashing a 44-ball maiden Twenty20 hundred against New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland, guiding Pakistan to a thumping nine-wicket win in a fascinating 205-run chase. With his innings, Hasan proved he has not defaulted after being dismissed for naught in both the previous T20Is against New Zealand. Incidentally, Hasan dedicated the hundred to his father! "Full marks to head coach Aaqib Javed who supported me no end and told me that I will play all five games even if I fell for nought in the previous four matches," Hasan told Telecom Asia Sport ( "After scoring two ducks, I was thinking that now I have to go back to domestic cricket and score runs, but the coach, captain Salman Agha, and vice-captain Shadab Khan gave me full support." Hasan rose from a middle-class background in the Southern Punjab Saraiki city of Layyah. He had to strive to play cricket as the city lacked facilities and had to pay bowlers to bowl at him on the sandy grounds. "There were no facilities and no players available in the city, so I moved to Islamabad, where my sister supported me to the hilt," said Hasan whose engineer sister used to pick him up and drop him off at the ground daily. "I played club cricket with tape-ball but coaches told me to play with hard ball, so I joined a club and graduated to play high-level cricket and when I did well in the Kashmir Premier League in 2022, with 241 runs (second highest), then my name propped up and I played in the PSL," recalls Hasan. Former captains Wasim Akram and Shoaib Malik praised Hasan's talent. Malik predicted the youngster will play for Pakistan in the near future. Last year's domestic Champions T20 Cup added a new chapter in Hasan's career. He was once again second on the run-getters chart with 312 runs at a strike rate of 142. "I am indebted to the selectors who gave me a chance," said Hasan. "After the two failures, I was thinking of scoring the first run in international cricket and when it came, I had a sigh of relief. "Our strategy is to play T20I cricket like other countries are playing, so I have to follow that and keep my feet grounded to score consistently so that my team wins," he said. Against New Zealand on Friday, Hasan carted seven towering sixes and ten boundaries in his 45-ball 105 not out. His knock coupled with a maiden unbeaten half-century by skipper Salman Agha and a fiery 41 by fellow opener Mohammad Haris helped Pakistan chase the fastest 200-plus target in the history of the shortest format. Having crossed the first hurdle, Hasan will now be looking forward to riding the momentum in the fourth T20I at Mount Maunganui on Sunday. Winning that match will help the visitors level the five-match series 2-2 with the fifth and final match remaining to be played on Wednesday. They will play three ODIs following the T20I series and Hasan Nawaz will be hoping to do well in those matches too and cement his place in the squad.
