Latest news with #PeshawarZalmi
Washington Post
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
All-rounder Ashraf leads Quetta to Pakistan Super League final
LAHORE, Pakistan — Quetta Gladiators made it to its first Pakistan Super League final in six years when it beat defending champion Islamabad United by 30 runs in qualifier 1 on Wednesday. Pakistan's premier domestic T20 tournament was suspended for nine days due to tensions between India and Pakistan. Quetta's only PSL title came in 2019 when it beat Peshawar Zalmi by eight wickets in the final.
France 24
21-05-2025
- Sport
- France 24
Pakistan drop stars Shaheen, Azam and Rizwan for Bangladesh T20s
Babar Azam, pictured playing for Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL, has been dropped along with Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi Former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson will take charge for the first time after being appointed last week, replacing Aaqib Javed. Salman Ali Agha will captain Pakistan as they look towards next year's Twenty20 World Cup, to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Fast bowler Shaheen had played in Pakistan's last T20 series in New Zealand in March, but batsmen Azam and Rizwan were omitted for the second consecutive T20 series after being criticised for slow scoring. "The squad has been selected based on players' performances in the ongoing Pakistan Super League, which concludes on May 25," the Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement. Shaheen has taken 12 wickets for Lahore Qalandars in 10 PSL matches at an economy rate of 8.20. Opener Sahibzada Farhan earned a recall after topping the PSL batting charts with 394 runs. Batsmen Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman return after missing the New Zealand tour with injuries. Fast bowler Hasan Ali is back after being sidelined with multiple injuries since May last year. The PCB said that the matches, which have been affected by a 10-day delay to the PSL caused by the deadly India-Pakistan conflict, will be held in Lahore on May 28, 30 and June 1. Pakistan squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Wasim, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub © 2025 AFP
Express Tribune
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Peshawar owner hints at 'major changes'
For the first time in HBL PSL, Peshawar Zalmi failed to qualify for the knockouts. Photo: PCB Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi has expressed disappointment following the team's exit from the ongoing HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, as the 2017 champions failed to qualify for the playoffs stage for the first time in the tournament's history. Afridi took to social media platform X to address the team's loyal supporters in a heartfelt message. Acknowledging the pain of defeat, he reaffirmed the franchise's commitment to growth, player development, and a stronger comeback in future seasons. "To our passionate Zalmi fans: This season's outcome hurts, but this platform remains a launchpad for national careers. "Major changes" are comingwe'll rebuild with grit and purpose. InshaAllah. Request to all Zalmi Fans, as a national product, let's unite to support all PSL teams in the spirit of cricket! Shehzad backs Babar Pakistan's opening batter Ahmed Shehzad has come out in support of Peshawar Zalmi skipper Babar Azam following their elimination from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10. Zalmi's campaign came to an end after a 26-run defeat to Lahore Qalandars in their final league-stage match on Sunday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Taking to social media platform 'X' (formerly Twitter), Shehzad defended Babar Azam and questioned why the burden of expectations always falls on a single player. "Yes, Babar Azam is out of form. Yes, his last 50 was slow. But why is all the pressure always on him? Cricket is a team game. What are the other 10 doing? He was taking risks today which was the right approach. Where are the rest of the batters when it matters the most? Accountability can't be selective," Shehzad wrote. It is pertinent to mention that the Babar-led Peshawar Zalmi's consistent run in the PSL playoffs came to an abrupt end with a 26-run defeat to Lahore Qalandars in Rawalpindi. The rain-hit game saw Zalmi chasing a target of 150 in 13 overs but managing only 123 for 8. The result ended one of the most consistent legacies in PSL history. Since the league's inception, Zalmi had never missed the knockout stageclinching the title in 2017 under Darren Sammy's leadership and reaching four finals overall. For the unversed, Zalmi concluded their 2025 PSL campaign with four wins and six defeats in ten matches, finishing with eight points and a negative net run-rate of -0.293. This marks the end of one of the most consistent runs in PSL history. Since the league's inception, Zalmi had never missed the knockout stage. They lifted the trophy in 2017 under Darren Sammy and reached the final four times in total. For the unversed, Zalmi concluded their 2025 PSL campaign with four wins and six losses from ten matches, finishing with eight points and a net run-rate of -0.293. Meanwhile, the playoff picture will become clearer after today's match between Karachi Kings and Islamabad United in Rawalpindi. Quetta Gladiators will face either Karachi Kings or Islamabad United in the first Qualifier on May 21 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The winner of that match will secure a direct spot in the final of PSL 10.
Express Tribune
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
PSL 2025: Ahmed Shehzad defends Babar Azam after Peshawar Zalmi crash out
Ahmed Shehzad has come out swinging in defense of Babar Azam after Peshawar Zalmi bowed out of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 following a 26-run loss to Lahore Qalandars in Rawalpindi. In a post on his X account (formerly Twitter), the Pakistan Test opener hit back at the narrative blaming Zalmi skipper Babar Azam for the team's underwhelming season. Shehzad argued that cricket is a team game and that the entire squad should be held accountable—not just one player. Yes, Babar Azam is out of form. Yes, his last 50 was slow. But why is all the pressure always on him? Cricket is a team game. What are the other 10 doing? He was taking risks today which was the right approach. Where are the rest of the batters when it matters the… — Ahmad Shahzad 🇵🇰 (@iamAhmadshahzad) May 18, 2025 Zalmi's must-win clash against Qalandars on Sunday was shortened due to rain, reducing their target to 150 in 13 overs. Despite a strong start, they faltered late and finished at 123 for 8, crashing out of playoff contention for the first time in HBL PSL history. This season's abrupt end brings down the curtain on one of the most consistent runs in the league's history. Peshawar Zalmi, winners in 2017 and finalists four times, had never missed the knockout stage—until now. They wrapped up their HBL PSL 10 campaign with four wins and six losses, collecting eight points and a net run-rate of -0.293. The playoff picture is still unfolding, with Karachi Kings and Islamabad United battling later tonight for a crucial spot. Quetta Gladiators, already through, will face either of the two in the first Qualifier on May 21 at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. The winner will march straight into the grand finale of HBL PSL 10. As fans dissect the reasons behind Zalmi's fall, Shehzad's rallying cry in support of Babar reminds everyone that cricket remains, above all, a team sport.
Express Tribune
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Qalandars beat Zalmi by 26 runs in HBL PSL match
Listen to article Fakhar Zaman's explosive batting and Salman Mirza's fiery four-wicket haul powered Lahore Qalandars to a dominant win over Peshawar Zalmi, securing their spot in the HBL PSL X playoffs on Sunday in Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Chasing a daunting target, Peshawar Zalmi never looked in control and crumbled under the pressure of a climbing run rate. Zalmi had a shaky start, losing three wickets within the Powerplay (first four overs), and their troubles deepened when Babar Azam also fell after scoring just 16. Daniel Sams and Ahmed Daniyal offered brief resistance with knocks of 26 and 24 respectively, but it was never going to be enough, as Zalmi were restricted to just 123. Lahore Qalandars registered a crucial 26-run win to seal their place in the PSL X playoffs. Salman Mirza was the standout performer with the ball, claiming four key wickets, while skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi also chipped in with two important breakthroughs. Earlier, heavy rain delayed the start of play by more than two hours, with the match subsequently reduced to 13 overs per side. As per the revised playing conditions, three bowlers will be allowed to bowl a maximum of three overs each, while two bowlers may bowl up to two overs. The Powerplay has also been shortened to the first four overs (14) of the innings. After being asked to bat first, Lahore Qalandars got off to a blazing start as both Mohammad Naeem and Fakhar Zaman took the attack to Zalmi's bowlers, reaching 50 runs in just 3.1 overs. Naeem was given a lifeline when Mohammad Haris dropped a sitter behind the stumps. However, the batter failed to capitalize on the chance and was dismissed on the very next delivery after scoring 22 off just 10 balls. Fakhar Zaman, on the other hand, maintained his aggressive approach and brought up his half-century, keeping the run rate steady even as wickets fell regularly at the other end. Abdullah Shafique, Kusal Perera, and Sikandar Raza were all dismissed cheaply. Asif Ali made a brief impact, smashing two consecutive sixes before being dismissed for 18 off six balls. Fakhar's explosive innings came to an end when Daniel Sams knocked over his stumps. He scored 60 off 36 balls, hitting seven fours and three towering sixes. Qalandars posted 149 for 8 in 13 overs, setting a competitive target and putting pressure on Zalmi to secure their playoff spot. With the ball, Ahmed Daniyal stood out once again, claiming 2 wickets for 22 runs in his three overs. The rest of the Zalmi bowlers, however, were taken apart by the Qalandars' top order.
