26-05-2025
Shaheen Shah Afridi to lead Team of HBL-PSL-X
LAHORE: Pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, who led Lahore Qalandars to their third title in four years in HBL-PSL last night, has been named captain of the Team of HBL-PSL-X. The team was selected by the esteemed members of the commentary team.
The HBL-PSL-X was played across four cities; Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi from 11th April to 25th May. In the final, Qalandars defeated Quetta Gladiators by six wickets at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The 25 year old Shaheen, not only claimed the Fazal Mahmood Cap for finishing as the highest wicket taker, 19 dismissals in 13 matches, but also leads a team that features two of his Qalandars teammates. Sikandar Raza (11 matches, 254 runs, 2x50s, 10 wickets) and Fakhar Zaman (13 matches, 439 runs, 4x50s) earned their places on the back of stellar performances in the tournament.
Gladiators – the winners of the 2019 edition of HBL-PSL are also represented by three players. 23 year old Pakistan international Hasan Nawaz, who was also adjudged best batter of the tournament (12 matches, 399 runs, 1x100, 3x50s) is joined by experienced all-rounder Faheem Ashraf (12 matches, 163 runs, 17 wickets) and 27 year old spinner Abrar Ahmed (12 matches, 17 wickets).
Karachi Kings, who secured third place on the points table before losing to Qalandars in Eliminator-1 on 22nd May at Gaddafi Stadium, also have three representatives. Captain David Warner (11 matches, 368 runs, 3x50s), opening partner James Vince (378 runs, 1x100, 3x50s) and pacer Hasan Ali (10 matches, 17 wickets) all feature in the XI. Khushdil Shah (11 matches, 253 runs, 1x50, seven wickets) is named as the 12th man.
Islamabad United's Sahibzada Farhan, who earned the Hanif Mohammad Cap for leading the run charts with 449 runs in 12 matches (1x100, 3x50s), is the sole representative from his side. Completing the line-up is Peshawar Zalmi's emerging talent, fast bowler Ali Raza, who took 12 wickets in nine matches.
It may be noted that Shaheen Shah Afridi's Lahore Qalandars romped to their third HBL PSL title in four years as they beat Quetta Gladiators by six wickets in a thrilling last-over finale here at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Sunday night in front of a packed house.
The successful 202-run chase by Qalandars is also the highest target surmounted by a team in a T20 final.
Squad: Fakhar Zaman (Lahore Qalandars), Sahibzada Farhan (Islamabad United) (wicket-keeper), David Warner (Karachi Kings), James Vince (Karachi Kings), Hasan Nawaz (Quetta Gladiators), Sikandar Raza (Lahore Qalandars), Faheem Ashraf (Quetta Gladiators), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lahore Qalandars) (captain), Hasan Ali (Karachi Kings), Ali Raza (Peshawar Zalmi) (emerging), Abrar Ahmed (Quetta Gladiators), Khushdil Shah (Karachi Kings) (12th).
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