Cricket
Rishad Hossain returns to Lahore Qalandars ahead of crucial Eliminator
Lahore(May 22, 2025): Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain has rejoined the Lahore Qalandars squad after completing his national duty and will be available for selection in the much-anticipated PSL 2025 Eliminator against Karachi Kings.Rishad has made an immediate impression in his debut season with Lahore Qalandars, bringing energy and control to the bowling attack. In just five matches, he had taken 9 wickets at an average of 16.44, highlighting his ability to strike in key moments.His return is a timely boost for the Qalandars as they prepare for a high-stakes encounter in the knockout stage of the tournament. (PR)
Quetta Gladiators beat Islamabad United by 30 runs to reach final
Lahore(SBR):Quetta Gladiators on the back of an all-round performance by Faheem Ashraf beat Islamabad United by 30 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday night to qualify for the final of HBL PSL X. The final will take place on Sunday, 25 May. Chasing a target of 209 runs set by the Gladiators in the Qualifier, United lost their in-form opener Alex Hales for no score in the second over to Faheem. After Hales’ dismissal, Sahibzada Farhan was joined by Rassie van der Dussen and the pair stitched a 71-run partnership for the second wicket. Van der Dussen (35 off 23 balls, four fours, two sixes) was the next batter to get dismissed in the ninth over of the innings.Farhan – also the recipient of the Hanif Mohammad Cap, top-scored for his side with a 35-ball 52, hitting eight fours and a six. Besides Farhan, Salman Ali Agha contributed 44 off 26 balls, including three fours and two sixes. Shadab Khan was the only other United batter to reach double figures.The target proved too steep for the defending champions as they were bowled out for 179 in 19.4 overs.For Gladiators, Usman Tariq took three wickets for 32 runs, while Faheem, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Wasim Jnr claimed two wickets each.Earlier, after opting to bat first, the Gladiators posted 209 for six in their 20 overs. After losing five wickets for 113 in 11.5 overs, Sri Lanka’s international Dinesh Chandimal and Pakistan’s Faheem Ashraf came together and knitted a vital 95-run stand for the sixth wicket. The left-handed Faheem was dismissed on the penultimate ball of the innings after scoring 45 off 23 balls, which included four fours and three sixes.Chandimal remained unbeaten on 48 off 28 balls, hitting four boundaries and three towering sixes. Opening batter Finn Allen was another notable contributor, scoring 41 off 27 balls with seven fours.For United, Ben Dwarshuis and Salman Irshad picked up two wickets apiece.Despite tonight’s defeat, Islamabad United can still reach the final if they win Eliminator 2, scheduled on 23 May.Scores in brief:Quetta Gladiators beat Islamabad United by 30 runs at Gaddafi StadiumQuetta Gladiators 209-6, 20 overs (Dinesh Chandimal 48, Faheem Ashraf 45, Finn Allen 41, Avishka Fernando 32; Ben Dwarshuis 2-31, Salman Irshad 2-34)Islamabad United 179 all out, 19.4 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 52, Salman Ali Agha 44, Rassie van der Dussen 35; Usman Tariq 3-32, Mohammad Amir 2-31, Faheem Ashraf 2-33, Mohammad Wasim Jnr 2-38)Player of the match: Faheem Ashraf (Quetta Gladiators)Thursday’s fixture:Eliminator 1 – Karachi Kings v Lahore Qalandars at Gaddafi Stadium; 7.30pm PKT
PBCC T-20 Trophy: AJK become champions
AJK outclass Bahawalpur by 8 wickets in the final of 15th editionSports Bulletin ReportPeshawar: In a thrilling finale of the 15th PBCC T-20 Blind Cricket Trophy (Grade-1), AJK triumphed over Bahawalpur with a commanding 8-wicket victory. Winning the toss, AJK elected to field first, a strategy that proved effective as they managed to restrict Bahawalpur to 225/9 in 20 oversBahawalpur’s innings was anchored by Mohammad Rashid, who scored a brisk 51 off 31 balls, with solid support from Zafar Iqbal’s 42 off 34 balls. However, AJK’s bowlers held their nerve, with captain Nisar Ali leading the attack, taking 2 vital wickets. Idrees and Amir Haroon chipped in with a wicket each.Chasing 226, AJK delivered a stellar batting performance. They reached the target on the final ball of the 20th over, finishing at 228/2. Nisar Ali, continuing his all-round brilliance, smashed an unbeaten 93 off 50 balls and was well-supported by Talha Iqbal, who contributed 64 runs from just 30 deliveries. Mohammad Ayyaz claimed the sole wicket for Bahawalpur.Final Result: AJK won by 8 wicketsMan of the Match: Nisar Ali (AJK)Venue: Hayatabad Sports Complex, The prize distribution ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries including Syed Sultan Shah (Chairman PBCC & President World Blind Cricket Ltd.), Mr. Javed Yousaf (Ex-Director Special Education, KPK), Mohammad Salman Tariq Bukhari (Director Marketing PBCC), Masood Jan (General Secretary PCCB), and Habibullah Khattak (President PCCB), who presented awards to the outstanding performers.Players of the Tournament: B1: Riasat Khan (Abbottabad) B2: Anees Javed (Islamabad) B3: Sanwal Shahzada (Lahore) Best Wicketkeeper: Faizan Khatak (Islamabad)
PCB confirms revised schedule for T20I series against Bangladesh
Lahore(PCB Report):The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the revised schedule for the highly anticipated three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. The series will take place at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium from 28 May to 1 June 2025. The action-packed series will kick off with the first T20I on Wednesday, 28 May, followed by the second fixture on Friday, 30 May. The third and final T20I is set to take place on Sunday, 1 June.Bangladesh are scheduled to arrive in Lahore on 25 May, with training sessions planned for 26 and 27 May to ensure optimal preparation ahead of the series. All three matches will begin at 8pm local time.The PCB looks forward to hosting Bangladesh and delivering an exciting series that promises high-quality cricket under lights at Gaddafi Stadium.
Lahore Qalandars Lock Mehidy Hasan Miraz for HBL PSL Play-Offs
Lahore(SBR): Lahore Qalandars have signed Bangladeshi all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz for the play-offs stage of HBL PSL 10. The 27-year-old is expected to join the squad within the next two days.Mehidy replaces Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza, who has left the squad to fulfill national duties with Zimbabwe.Renowned for his sharp off-spin and useful contributions with the bat in the lower order, Mehidy brings valuable international experience and a competitive edge to the Qalandars’ lineup at a decisive point in the tournament.“We’re excited to welcome Mehidy Hasan Miraz to the Qalandars family,” said Sameen Rana, COO and Team Director of Lahore Qalandars. “While we will miss Sikandar’s presence, we fully support his national commitments and are confident that Mehidy will add great value as we push forward in the play-offs.”Lahore Qalandars remain focused and determined as they aim for a strong finish to their HBL PSL 10 campaign.
Pakistan Cricket Board names T20 squad for Bangladesh Series
Lahore(PR): The selection committee has named a 16-member men’s squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, with Salman Ali Agha continuing as captain of the team.All three matches will be held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, with the schedule set to be announced soon.The squad has been selected based on players’ performances in the ongoing HBL PSL X, which concludes on 25 May. This series also marks the first assignment for newly appointed head coach Mike Hesson. Squad:Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicket-keeper) and Saim Ayub.
Shifa International defeat Feariless Fighters Rawalpindi by 37 runs
Islamabad (PR):Shifa International Hospital Islamabad defeated Feariless Fighters Rawalpindi by 37 runs in a 1st Night match of the best of three series here at Pasban Cricket Ground Rawalpindi.Shifa International Captain Ibrar Ikhlaq won the toss and elected to bat first, Shifa International hit up 258 for the loss of four wickets in the allotted 25 overs. Batsman Zohaib Satti hit a fine century 129 runs not out 73 balls with 5 six and 16 fours, while Imran Shah (69) not out and Haris (21) were their leading run-getters. Feariless Fighters Nouman (2 for 51) and Faizan (1 for 21) were the other main wicket-takers. In reply, Feariless Fighters was bowled out for 221 runs in the 24th overs, Zahid (87), Ramzan (42), Nomi (27) and Faisal 26 were their main scorers. Syed Mudassar Bukhari bowled well and claimed 4 for 26 runs in 4 overs, while Mohammad Ikram (3 for 38), Amer Sohail (1 for 26) and Taimour (1 for 27) bowled well for Shifa International. Zohaib Satti declared “Man of the Match” for his impressive Performance.
T-20 Blind Cricket Trophy: Peshawar clinch win
Peshawar(PR):Lahore won the toss and opted to bat first, setting a formidable target of 230 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs. Sanwal Shahzada led the charge with an explosive 139 off just 75 deliveries, while Aftab provided solid support with 48 off 39. Mohsin Khan was the pick of the bowlers for Peshawar, claiming 2 wickets.In reply, Peshawar mounted a remarkable run chase, reaching the target in just 17.4 overs. Star batter Sanaullah Khan once again delivered a match-winning performance, remaining unbeaten on 137 off 65 balls. He was ably supported by Mohsin Khan, who contributed a quickfire 33 off 13 deliveries to seal the emphatic win.Result: Peshawar won by 8 wickets.Man of the Match: Sanaullah Khan.Match 6: Islamabad vs BahawalpurVenue: Mir Awais Cricket Ground, Peshawar Bahawalpur won the toss and elected to field first in their clash against Islamabad. The Islamabad batting lineup posted a respectable total of 182 for 5, thanks to a commanding 87 off 54 balls by Anees Javed and a steady 42 off 40 from Matiullah. Babar Ali was the standout bowler for Bahawalpur, picking up 2 wickets.Chasing 183 for victory, Bahawalpur reached the target in 18.1 overs with five wickets in hand. Muhammad Rashid starred with the bat, hammering an unbeaten 108 off 60 deliveries in a match-winning performance. He was well supported by Babar Ali, who chipped in with a valuable 21 off 16 balls. For Islamabad, Matiullah picked up 2 wickets, while Sayyam, Anees, and Akmal took one apiece.Result: Bahawalpur won by 5 Wickets.Man of the Match: Muhammad RashidMatch 7: Multan vs AJKVenue: Gymkhana Cricket Ground Peshawar.Multan won the toss and opted to bat first, posting a competitive total of 187 for 4. Key contributions came from M. Yousaf, who scored a composed 66 off 45 balls, and Safder, who added a rapid 39 off just 17 deliveries. Talha and Kamran picked up a wicket apiece for AJK.In response, AJK chased down the target in a blistering 10.2 overs, losing only two wickets. Kamran Akhter delivered a sensational unbeaten knock of 89 from just 29 balls, well supported by Nisar Ali, who smashed 78 off 29. Ghulam Akbar and Mohammad Shahbaz took one wicket each for Multan, but their efforts were in vain against the dominant AJK batting display.Result: AJK won by 8 wicketsMan of the Match: Kamran AkhterMatch 8: Abbottabad vs OkaraVenue: Mir Awais Cricket Ground, Peshawar Abbottabad won the toss and elected to bat first, setting a solid total of 187 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs. Riasat Khan led the charge with a commanding 92 off 64 balls, while Naeemullah added a valuable 62 off 47 deliveries. For Okara, Shahzad Akram picked up 2 wickets and Irfan claimed one.In response, Okara chased down the target in just 13.2 overs, losing only three wickets. Faseeh Ullah starred with a blistering 81 off 41 balls, while Umer Draz provided strong support with 61 off 29. M. Sabir and Arslan Rasheed managed to take a wicket each, but it wasn't enough to slow Okara’s powerful batting display.Result: Okara won by 7 wickets.Man of the Match: Faseeh Ullah.
Match 27: Karachi Kings beat Peshawar Zalmi by 23 runs
Rawalpindi(Sports Bulletin Report):David Warner and James Vince’s mammoth 162-run stand helped Karachi Kings to a 23-run triumph over Peshawar Zalmi, which also ensured their place in the playoffs in the 27th HBL PSL X match here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday night.Karachi Kings defended the 237-run total – their highest ever score in HBL PSL bettering the 236-6 against Multan Sultans earlier this season, as they restricted Peshawar Zalmi to 214-5 in the allotted 20 overs.With this result, along with Kings, Islamabad United too have qualified for the playoffs making Sunday’s Zalmi versus Lahore Qalandars contest a virtual knockout game.After Zalmi elected to bowl first, Luke Wood inflicted the first ball blow removing Ben McDermott for a golden duck. Warner and Vince then took charge ransacking 57 runs off the Powerplay consigning Ali Raza’s 4th and Ahmed Daniyal’s 5th over for 12 and 18 runs, respectively.James Vince, who also crossed the 12,000 T20 runs landmark during the outing, brought up his half-century off 29 balls in the 10th over as Kings notched 100 runs by the halfway mark.In the next five overs the duo collected 62 runs, while Vince’s 42-ball stay, which yielded 72 runs with the help of 11 fours and one six, came to end courtesy Ali Raza at the end of 15th over. Vince, with 366 runs to his name in nine games, has also become the Hanif Mohammad cap holder overtaking Mohammad Rizwan.In the following over Luke Wood removed Mohammad Irfan Khan for a three-ball two before Arif Yaqoob brought an end to player of the match Warner’s 49-ball 86-run outing, which included 11 fours and two sixes.Khushdil Shah, who walked in to bat at 165-3 in the 16th over, bludgeoned four fours and three sixes to remain unbeaten for 43 off just 15 balls, while Mohammad Nabi struck three sixes and one four in his 10-ball 26 not out as the duo belted 72 runs in the last four overs.For Zalmi, Luke Wood returned economical figures of 4-0-19-2.In turn, Peshawar Zalmi’s spirited reply was highlighted by Babar Azam’s blitzy 94 off 49 balls as he set the tone for the chase with a 77-run second-wicket stand with Saim Ayub (47, 31b, 5x4s, 2x6s) after Mohammad Haris departed in the third over.The budding partnership between Babar and Saim was broken by the Fazal Mahmood cap holder Mohammad Abbas Afridi (17 wickets) in the 11th over with 107 runs on the board.Tom Kohler-Cadmore (20, 15b, 1x6) partnered with Babar for a 33-ball 62-run stand in which the latter clubbed three fours and as many sixes out of his total of 10 fours and four sixes.With Zalmi requiring 69 off the last four overs, Kings managed to eke out three wickets in a space of 11 balls across the 17th and 18th overs including running out Babar Azam.Maaz Sadaqat (19 not out, 8b, 2x4s, 1x6) and Hussain Talat’s (12, 6b, 2x4s) four fours and one six in the subsequent overs wasn’t enough as their team fell 23 runs short. For Kings, Abbas Afridi picked up 2-48, while Hasan Ali and Mir Hamza dismissed one batter each. Scores in briefMatch 27: Karachi Kings beat Peshawar Zalmi by 23 runs at the Rawalpindi Cricket StadiumKarachi Kings 237-4, 20 overs (David Warner 86, James Vince 72, Khushdil Shah 43 not out, Mohammad Nabi 26 not out; Luke Wood 2-19)Peshawar Zalmi 214-5, 20 overs (Babar Azam 94, Saim Ayub 47, Tom Kohler-Cadmore 20, Maaz Sadaqat 19 not out; Mohammad Abbas Afridi 2-48)Player of the match – David Warner (Karachi Kings)Sunday’s fixtures:Multan Sultans v Quetta Gladiators at Rawalpindi Stadium; 3pm PKTPeshawar Zalmi v Lahore Qalandars at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium; 8pm PKT
PBCC T-20 Blind Cricket Trophy 2025 (Grade-1) starts in Peshawar
Islamabad (Sports Desk):The 15th edition of the PBCC T-20 Blind Cricket Trophy (Grade-1) began today in Peshawar.Match 1: islamabad vs Okara Venue: Gymkhana Cricket Ground Peshawar The first match of the event was played between Islamabad and Okara. Islamabad won the toss and opted to bat first. They posted a massive total of 295/3 in 20 overs, led by Anees Javed (127 off 51) and Akmal Hayyat (50 off 29). Muhammad Irfan took 1 wicket for Okara.In response, Okara managed 227/5. Umer Draz top-scored with 72 off 52 balls. Sayyam starred with the ball, claiming 3 wickets.Result: Islamabad won by 68 runsMan of the Match: Anees JavedMatch 2: Peshawar vs MultanVenue: Mir Awais Cricket Ground, Peshawar Peshawar won the toss and chose to bat first. They posted a mammoth 259/2, thanks to a blistering 153 off 67 balls by Sanaullah and 47 off 23 by Mohsin Khan. Hafiz Farhan took 1 wicket.Multan replied with 208/6, with Muhammad Safder scoring 135 off 69. Peshawar’s bowlers Mohsin, Saifullah, Junaid and Sanaullah each took 1 wicket.Result: Peshawar won by 51 runsMan of the Match: Sana UllahMatch 3: Abbottabad vs Bahawalpur Venue: Gymkhana Cricket Ground Peshawar.Abbottabad won the toss and chose to bat. They scored 149/8, with contributions from Naeem Ullah (39 off 25) and Asnaad Khan (24 off 30). Mohammad Zafar and Malik Mujahid claimed 2 wickets each, while Mohammad Rashid took 1.Bahawalpur chased down the target in just 9.2 overs without losing a wicket. Moeen Aslam played a brilliant unbeaten knock of 96 off 34 balls, supported by Mohammad Rashid (55 off 22).Result: Bahawalpur won by 10 wicketsMan of the Match: Moeen AslamMatch 4: Lahore vs AJKVenue: Mir Awais Cricket Ground, Peshawar Lahore won the toss and elected to bat first. They posted a competitive total of 224 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 20 overs, with Sanwal Shahzada top-scoring with 127 off 67 balls, while Samiullah contributed 29 runs off 16 balls. Kamran Akhter and Habib Taj took one wicket each for AJK.In reply, AJK were restricted to 201 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Kamran Akhter was the top scorer with 45 off 22 balls, and Muhammad Ali Jahangir added 30 off 20 balls. Abdul Shakoor took 2 wickets, while Karamat and Ibrar Shirazi claimed one wicket each.Result: Lahore won by 23 runs.Man of the Match: Sanwal Shahzada
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