By Nawaz Gohar ;  As the PCB President’s Trophy Grade-II season dawns, Kingsmen Head Coach Haseeb Azam has signaled his team’s readiness, citing a year of meticulous planning and a “unfinished business” mindset following last season’s narrow exit.

Despite maintaining an unbeaten streak last year, the Kingsmen were denied a qualification spot due to the first-innings lead rule—a technicality that has served as the primary catalyst for this year’s rigorous preparation. “Our campaign for this season began the moment the last one ended,” Haseeb Azam remarked. “We didn’t just walk away; we dissected our performance, identified the structural gaps, and spent the last twelve months systematically bridging them.”

The road to the current squad was paved through a high-stakes selection process. In October, the Kingsmen hosted open trials and intensive camps, vetting nearly 70 players to ensure the roster was not only talented but strategically balanced.

“The objective was surgical,” the Head Coach explained. “We didn’t just want good players; we wanted the right players to fill specific roles where we felt we lacked depth last year.”

Preparation has been anything but localized. With training camps spanning Karachi and the Rawalpindi-Islamabad circuit, the squad has been acclimated to diverse conditions. Crucially, the majority of the roster arrives with “fresh” match fitness.

“Nearly 90% of our boys are coming straight out of senior district-level tournaments,” Azam noted. “They aren’t just practiced; they are match-hardened in red-ball cricket, which is a massive advantage entering a three-day format.”

Coach Azam is a firm believer in a hybridized squad. While the Kingsmen academy remains a breeding ground for young prospects—comprising 70% of the developmental side—the senior team relies on the steady hands of seasoned campaigners.

“Modern cricket demands the flair of youth, but the longer format is won through the temperament of experience,” he said. “Experienced players act as the anchor under pressure, and their presence in the dressing room provides an invaluable education for our younger athletes.”

For Haseeb Azam and the Kingsmen, Grade II is merely a stepping stone. The vision is far more expansive: a seat at the table of Pakistan’s domestic elite. “Our target is Grade I. We want to see Kingsmen in first-class cricket,” Azam concluded with conviction. “This format is the ultimate gateway. Success here doesn’t just mean a trophy; it means opening doors for our players to reach the Pakistan Shaheens and the national Test side.”

The Kingsmen launch their quest for promotion tomorrow, carrying a blend of tactical discipline and the hunger to turn last year’s ‘what-ifs’ into this year’s silverware.

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By Nawaz Gohar :  Following Peshawar Zalmi’s historic title victory in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the official ‘Team of the Season’ has been announced by Sports Link.

Reflecting his stellar leadership and dominant form, Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam has been named the skipper of this honorary XI. Babar Azam led by example throughout the tournament, finishing as the league’s top scorer with an impressive total of 588 runs.

Joining him at the top of the order is Kusal Mendis, who assumes wicketkeeping duties. Mendis delivered a historic performance, setting a new record for the most runs scored by a foreign player in a single PSL season, amassing 550 runs.

The batting lineup further features the aggressive Fakhar Zaman of the Lahore Qalandars, who scored 401 runs at a formidable strike rate of 152. They are joined by the versatile Steve Smith, who contributed 380 runs at an exceptional strike rate of 161.

While historically renowned for his prowess in the longer format, Smith displayed remarkable adaptability, seamlessly adjusting his game to excel in white-ball cricket.

Shan Masood also earns a spot in the side, having successfully transitioned his patient red-ball technique into a high-impact white-ball approach, maintaining an impressive strike rate of 158. Completing the top-order lineup is Hyderabad Kingsmen’s Usman Khan, who amassed 389 runs at a clinical strike rate of 163.

In the all-rounder category, Shadab Khan stands out as the premier choice. Shadab provided a dual-threat performance, contributing crucial runs with the bat while securing 17 wickets.

The bowling attack is spearheaded by the tournament’s standout spinner, Sufiyan Muqeem. Emerging as a hero of the campaign, Muqeem took a tournament-high 22 wickets with a stellar economy rate of 7.2 runs per over, maintaining an average of one wicket every 12 balls.

The pace attack features Hunain Shah, who claimed 17 wickets, alongside Mohammad Ali, who impressed with 20 wickets. Despite a slightly higher economy rate, Mohammad Ali proved to be a vital strike bowler, successfully claiming a wicket every 14 balls. Completing this elite XI is the formidable Shaheen Afridi, who rounded off a successful season with 16 wickets.

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By Nawaz Gohar ; Following a pulsating HBL Pakistan Super League 11 that saw 44 high-octane matches held across Lahore and Karachi, the dust has finally settled.

In a fitting tribute to his tactical acumen and prolific batting, Peshawar Zalmi’s drought-breaking skipper, Babar Azam, has been officially announced as the captain of the HBL PSL 11 Team of the Tournament. This selection marks the culmination of a campaign where Babar not only lifted his third PSL trophy—his first as captain—but also secured the Hanif Muhammad cap by amassing a remarkable 588 runs.

His performance, which included two commanding centuries against Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United, saw him equal Fakhar Zaman’s 2022 record for the most runs in a single season, cementing his legacy as the premier batter of the tournament.

The composite team, curated by an esteemed five-member panel from the commentary team, reflects the diversity and competitive balance of the season. The squad features a strong representation from the champions, Peshawar Zalmi, alongside finalists Hyderabad Kingsmen, with contributions from Lahore Qalandars, Islamabad United, Multan Sultans, and Quetta Gladiators.

Joining skipper Babar Azam from the Zalmi camp are wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis and the tournament’s standout performer, Sufyan Moqim. Mendis was a rock in the batting lineup, accumulating 550 runs with a century and four fifties, complemented by eight dismissals behind the stumps.

Meanwhile, Sufyan Moqim, the winner of the Fazal Mehmood cap, was the undeniable force of the season, claiming 22 scalps with his menacing left-arm wrist spin at a miserly average of 14.40 and an economy rate of 7.20, ultimately earning the titles of Player of the Tournament and Best Bowler.

The runners-up, Hyderabad Kingsmen, also saw three of their stars earn a place in the elite lineup. Usman Khan was instrumental in the middle order, finishing fourth on the run charts with 389 runs, including a century and three half-centuries. He is joined by the acrobatic Hassan Khan, whose electric fielding and clinical finishing—scoring 139 runs at a strike rate of 195—made him a vital asset.

Rounding out the Kingsmen trio is the emerging sensation Hunain Shah, whose 17 wickets made him the joint-third leading wicket-taker of the season and a cornerstone of the team’s late-tournament surge.

The rest of the side features individual brilliance from across the league. Lahore Qalandars are represented by veteran Fakhar Zaman, the tournament’s all-time leading run-scorer who added 401 runs in just eight matches, and speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi, who continued to be a threat with 16 wickets at an average of 18.18. Multan Sultans’ Shan Masood finds his place at No. 4, reflecting a consistent campaign where he accumulated 367 runs at an average of 45.87 and a strike rate of 158.18.

Islamabad United’s captain Shadab Khan secures his spot as the tournament’s best all-rounder, having tallied 173 runs and 17 wickets, supported by his teammate Richard Gleeson, whose opening spells proved lethal with 12 wickets at a highly efficient economy of 7.13. Quetta Gladiators’ Hasan Nawaz, who impressed with 291 runs and two half-centuries, was named as the 12th man of the side.

Parallel to the senior team, the jury also unveiled the “Emerging Team of the Tournament,” a lineup dedicated to the rising stars who promise a bright future for Pakistan cricket.

This squad is headlined by Islamabad United’s Sameer Minhas, who finished as his team’s leading run-scorer with 349 runs at an aggressive strike rate of 155.80. The lineup features breakout star Farhan Yousuf, the Best Fielder of the tournament and former U19 World Cup captain, alongside fiery pacer Ali Raza, the only bowler to claim a hat-trick this season.

The bowling attack of this emerging side is bolstered by spinner Momin Qamar and a formidable pace trio consisting of Ubaid Shah, Hunain Shah—who earns a double honor for his standout season—and Mohammad Ismail.

The batting depth is further strengthened by the all-round versatility of Saad Masood, who is slotted in at No. 6, while the top order features the promising trio of Shamyl Hussain, Maaz Sadaqat,

and wicketkeeper-batter Mirza Saad Baig. This selection highlights the depth of talent currently emerging within the domestic circuit, promising a vibrant future for the sport as these young players continue their development.

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By Nawaz Gohar :  The long shadow cast by skepticism, the persistent narrative questioning whether Babar Azam could lead a side to a major title, has finally dissipated.

At the iconic Gaddafi Stadium, amidst a sea of cheering fans, Babar Azam steered Peshawar Zalmi to a historic PSL 11 title. Yet, in the immediate aftermath, the triumph felt less like a conquest and more like a testament to the quiet strength of a man who has weathered immense pressure.

During the post-match press conference, the newly crowned champion did not indulge in grandstanding. Instead, he approached the victory with a profound sense of humility and gratitude, anchoring his success in faith and persistence.

“First of all, thanks to Allah that we achieved this trophy; we had been waiting for a long time,” Babar said, his voice steady and reflective. “I believe that what Allah has written for you, you will receive. Whether it comes late or early, one should always be satisfied and thankful.”

These words encapsulated the essence of the Zalmi journey: a narrative of patience, perseverance, and unshakable belief. For the management, players, and the loyal fanbase, the victory represented more than mere cricketing success—it was a vindication of their resilience in the face of persistent challenges.

For years, the critique of Babar’s captaincy has hovered over his career, a constant counterpoint to his brilliance as a batsman. On the night of the PSL 11 final, that critique was put to rest. However, Babar refused to be defiant. When asked about finally securing a final as captain, he offered only quiet conviction: “Today, AlhamduLillah, we won as a team.”

He was equally candid about his own performance. While he did not produce a match-defining innings with the bat, his willingness to address his own shortcomings highlighted his growth as a leader.

“I couldn’t deliver exactly what I expected from myself today, but these things happen,” he admitted. “Sometimes your plans don’t execute perfectly. When that happens, you have to take two steps back and analyze your mistakes to fix them.”

Babar shared a deeply personal look into the weeks preceding the tournament. Following a disappointing World Cup campaign, he retreated from the public eye, spending ten days in introspection.

“My family and close friends provided immense support and motivation,” he revealed. “I spoke with my coaches, worked on my technique, and focused on repeating my best habits. Life is like a roller coaster; you learn, you perform well, and sometimes you perform poorly. It’s part of the game.”

He specifically credited a mentor, Zaheer Bhai, for helping him navigate the turbulent times. “Whenever we met, he told me: ‘You have done this before. These tough times came to us and they will come to you, too. Don’t be afraid. Just keep yourself motivated and put more time into your training and practice.’”

When the conversation shifted to captaincy, Babar remained matter-of-fact. He dismissed the idea of a “magic formula,” attributing the success to better planning and the environment created by the coaching staff.

“As a captain, you try to assess the opponent and the conditions—planning which bowler to use against which batsman,” he explained. “You can provide confidence from the outside, but on the day, it depends on how the player responds.”

He lauded the coaching duo of Otis Gibson and Misbah-ul-Haq for granting him the autonomy to lead. “Otis and all the coaches told me: ‘Go and enjoy your game. Focus on your batting. You know how to score runs; we don’t need to tell you how to play.’ I executed that, and Allah gave me the performance.”

Babar was quick to divert praise to the match-defining partnership between Hadi and Abdul Samad, which steadied the ship after an early top-order collapse. “Losing four wickets early created pressure in the dugout,” Babar recalled. “But the way Hadi and Samad batted was critical. They played sensibly, didn’t take unnecessary chances, and built the partnership we needed.”

As the night wound down, the focus shifted to the future. With the PSL 11 trophy safely in hand, a journalist asked if Babar would reconsider his focus, perhaps stepping back from certain formats to prolong his career.

“Don’t worry, I will play all three formats,” he declared. “It’s not the player’s job to decide that; the player’s job is to play. I believe every player should play every format.”

He emphasized the developmental value of red-ball cricket, noting that the patience and technical discipline required for the longer format are what sustain a player’s performance in white-ball cricket.

As the team prepares to return to Peshawar to celebrate with the local fans, the mood is one of profound gratitude. For Babar, the journey continues, but for now, the shadow of doubt has been replaced by the golden shine of the PSL 11 trophy.

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Lahore: Pakistan’s leading F-Class long-range shooter Mohsin Nawaz was recognised under the Pakistan Super League’s ‘Hamaray Heroes’ initiative at the 2026 PSL final closing ceremony held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

The star-studded event brought together cricket officials, players, and distinguished athletes from various sporting disciplines to mark the conclusion of this year’s tournament.

The ‘Hamaray Heroes’ programme, introduced during the fifth season of the PSL in 2020, honours individuals from sports, education, healthcare, arts, culture, social work, technology, and entrepreneurship who have contributed to promoting a positive image of Pakistan.

A panel formed by the Pakistan Cricket Board reviews nominations and shortlists candidates who are honoured during matches, with recipients receiving cash awards and having documentaries about their achievements broadcast during matches and across the league’s digital platforms.

Nawaz thanked PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and the selection panel for choosing him for this recognition and for acknowledging the contributions of shooting sports to Pakistan’s sporting achievements. He commended the PCB leadership for organising what he described as a successful tournament that demonstrated Pakistan’s capability to host major sporting events.

Nawaz also acknowledged Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her administration’s support of sports initiatives in the province, noting that government backing for athletic programs promotes healthy lifestyles and creates pathways for young talent across different disciplines.

Speaking about the honor, Nawaz stated that being selected under the ‘Hamaray Heroes’ initiative represents meaningful recognition for a sport that has historically operated outside the mainstream. He expressed hope that this acknowledgment would help draw attention to shooting sports and inspire young athletes to pursue excellence in disciplines beyond cricket.

The 42-year-old shooter from Faisalabad has built a distinguished career in F-Class long-range shooting over two decades. He currently holds 10 international individual medals,

the highest tally for any Pakistani shooter in this discipline. His international breakthrough came in 2018 when he became the first Pakistani to win gold at the NRA USA National Long Range Championship, a milestone that established his credentials on the global stage.

Nawaz’s competitive record includes a silver medal at the 2023 European Long Range Championship at Bisley, where he competed against elite shooters from across Europe. At the 2022 Western Bisley Long Range Championship, he secured three gold and two silver medals across multiple range categories.

In 2023, he set a Pakistan record at Bisley’s 800-yard range with a score of 75.13 V-points, surpassing the previous national mark. His international achievements also include silver at the 2019 CIHPRS Championship in Indianapolis and bronze at the 2021 South Africa Long Range Open Championship.

He has been nominated for the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in recognition of his achievements in shooting sports. If conferred at the scheduled investiture ceremony later in May 2026, he will become the first shooter in Pakistan’s history to receive this civilian honor.

The nomination represents a significant moment for a sport that has historically operated with limited institutional support compared to mainstream athletics.

At the PSL ceremony, Nawaz emphasised the importance of developing infrastructure for sports beyond cricket. He has advocated for establishing 50-meter shooting ranges in major cities and reforming import policies to make shooting equipment more accessible to aspiring athletes.

He said that with appropriate facilities and government support, Pakistan could produce internationally competitive shooters across various disciplines and provide opportunities for young athletes who show potential in precision sports.

He expressed gratitude to the PCB for using its platform to highlight achievements in non-cricket sports and for contributing to broader sports awareness in the country.

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By Nawaz Gohar ; Peshawar Zalmi etched their name into the history books on Sunday night, securing the PSL 11 title with a comprehensive victory over the Hyderabad Kingsmen at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Batting first, the Kingsmen were unable to find their rhythm. While opener Saim Ayub provided some stability with a determined 54 off 50 balls, the rest of the lineup struggled to handle the pressure. The innings unraveled quickly following a middle-order collapse, as the team plummeted from 51/1 to 73/6 in just three overs.

The catalyst for the Kingsmen’s downfall was all-rounder Aaron Hardie, whose lethal spell of 4/27 dismantled both the top and lower orders. Despite the efforts of skipper Marnus Labuschagne and Maaz Sadaqat to build momentum early on, the Kingsmen were ultimately bowled out for a meager 129 in 18 overs.

The chase began in disastrous fashion for Zalmi. With captain Babar Azam dismissed for a golden duck and Mohammad Haris falling shortly after, the side found themselves precariously placed at 7/2.

However, the game shifted dramatically thanks to a masterclass in composure from Aaron Hardie and Abdul Samad. Hardie, playing the role of the anchor, remained unbeaten on 56 off 39 balls, while Samad provided the necessary aggression, smashing four sixes during his quick-fire 48 off 34 deliveries.

The duo’s 85-run fifth-wicket partnership effectively neutralized the Kingsmen’s attack. Although Mohammad Ali managed to claim three wickets for the opposition, it was not enough to halt the Zalmi momentum.

Peshawar Zalmi cruised to victory with 28 balls to spare, securing their first PSL trophy since 2017. This resounding win marks the end of a nine-year title drought, cementing their place as the undisputed champions of PSL 11.

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By Nawaz Gohar :  As the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11 reaches its high-octane conclusion, the iconic Gaddafi Stadium is poised to host a clash for the ages. Tonight, the league’s most consistent juggernaut, Peshawar Zalmi, locks horns with the tournament’s ultimate underdog and revelation, the Hyderabad Kingsmen, to determine who will etch their name into history.

For the cricket-mad fans of Lahore, the evening promises to be more than just a match. The gates open for a spectacle that will be preceded by a grand closing ceremony, scheduled for 6:30 PM PKT. Organizers have urged spectators to arrive by 6:00 PM to soak in the atmosphere of what is expected to be a sold-out finale to a grueling 44-match campaign.

This year’s finale carries added weight, not just in terms of legacy, but in material reward. In a historic first for the HBL PSL, the financial stakes have been restructured to incentivize excellence at every level. The champions are set to pocket USD 500,000, with the runners-up receiving USD 300,000.

Additionally, a purse of USD 200,000 has been allocated for the franchise that demonstrates the most significant investment in player development, while a further USD 500,000 is reserved as the total prize pool for players.

Peshawar Zalmi enters the final as the team to beat, boasting a pedigree that commands respect. With a 2017 title to their name and a string of runner-up finishes in 2018, 2019, and 2021, the Zalmi are hunting their second championship.

Their dominance this season has been spearheaded by the peerless Babar Azam, who has amassed a staggering 588 runs. Supported by the prolific Kusal Mendis (541 runs) and the lethal spin-bowling of Sufyan Moqim, who has claimed 21 wickets, Zalmi have been a cut above the rest, winning eight of their ten league-stage fixtures, including a commanding seven-match winning streak.

Their final qualification was a statement of intent, as they decimated Islamabad United by 70 runs in the Qualifier on April 28. Adding to their bolstered lineup is the return of express pacer Nahid Rana, who rejoins the squad after a successful stint in the league stage where he claimed seven wickets in four matches.

Conversely, the Hyderabad Kingsmen’s journey has been nothing short of cinematic. Their maiden season began inauspiciously, with three straight defeats leaving their playoff hopes on life support. A fourth loss against Peshawar Zalmi—a last-ball thriller where they narrowly missed out—seemed to signal the end of their campaign.

However, the Kingsmen sparked a dramatic turnaround, winning four consecutive matches. Despite a late stumble against Islamabad United, they roared back in their final league encounter, routing Rawalpindiz by 108 runs to oust the defending champions, Lahore Qalandars, on net run rate.

Their momentum only grew in the knockouts, where they sent the Multan Sultans packing in Eliminator 1, followed by a nerve-shredding, two-run victory over Islamabad United in Eliminator 2 to book their spot in the final.

Ahead of the showdown, both captains emphasized the mental preparation required for a high-stakes final. Peshawar Zalmi skipper Babar Azam highlighted the importance of a balanced approach. “We have played good cricket, but the final brings a different kind of pressure. Our focus has been on assessing the conditions and executing our plans,” Babar said.

“The performance this season has been a combined effort of local and overseas stars. We hope to win the trophy by giving our best in front of a jam-packed stadium,” Babar added.

For Hyderabad Kingsmen captain Marnus Labuschagne, the journey has been about embracing the volatility of T20 cricket. “Leading the Kingsmen has been incredibly exciting. We have faced significant ups and downs, but that is what makes this sport beautiful,” Labuschagne reflected. “Tomorrow is just another game. We know what we need to do, and we will ensure we stick to our processes and stay in the moment.”

As the lights shine down on the Gaddafi Stadium tonight, the narrative is perfectly set: the seasoned veterans of Peshawar Zalmi looking to reclaim the throne, against the audacious debutants from Hyderabad, who have made a habit of defying the impossible. One thing is certain, history will be made.

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By Nawaz Gohar : Hyderabad Kings captain Marnus Labuschagne reflected on his team’s extraordinary journey, describing it as a story of belief, trust, and courage.

On the eve of the HBL PSL 11 final, acknowledging Peshawar Zalmi’s dominance throughout the tournament, Labuschagne noted that Hyderabad had faced them before. “In that previous match, we were defending 14 runs in the last over, and they barely won. For us, the key is to keep our nerves under control and stick to our strategy; everything else will fall into place,” he said.

According to the Kings’ captain, his team’s mantra is simple: Belief and Trust. Labuschagne explained, “These are the two most important factors for any team. When you instill this in the team, you can extract the best performance from the players. We did the same. Some boys weren’t performing to expectations, but confidence changed things and we built momentum.”

He acknowledged that the team’s roller-coaster journey—which included losing the first four matches before reaching the final—was a major test of character. “Nothing good comes easily. Last night against Islamabad, it felt like we were going to win comfortably, then suddenly it looked like everything was over. But Hunain Shah defended 6 runs brilliantly in the last over. That belief, which came not only from me and the coaches but also from the ownership, has been crucial.”

Labuschagne labeled Hyderabad a “miracle team,” recalling their massive victory against Rawalpindi to reach the playoffs, their success against Multan, and the dramatic finish against Islamabad United. “This has been a special tournament for us. Hopefully, tomorrow night we will lift the trophy and complete this incredible campaign,” he said.

When asked about the famous “Australian mindset” that is being credited for Hyderabad’s courage, Labuschagne agreed that never giving up and continuing to fight is central to their approach. “After four defeats, doubts arose, but the key was to build confidence in the players. Once we found the right combination, consistency developed in the team.”

Labuschagne also touched upon the advantage of playing the last two matches in Lahore, explaining that they have become familiar with the conditions here compared to Zalmi. “It is certainly a small advantage that we have played here recently and built momentum,” he noted.

Reflecting on his personal development, Labuschagne said the PSL provided him with a valuable opportunity to grow as a T20 player and leader. “I always wanted to play more T20 cricket, but the Australian schedule is packed with Tests and ODIs. This was the perfect opportunity to hone my skills and leadership. I have enjoyed every moment, and hopefully, I will perform well tomorrow to put the team in a position to win the final.”

Commenting on the Eliminator win, Labuschagne admitted he was almost speechless after Hunain Shah’s heroics. “It looked like we were going home, and then Hunain stepped up and bowled 6 yorkers with only four fielders to turn the match around. I cannot describe what we did. We have become ‘that’ team, and thinking about it gives me goosebumps.”

As Hyderabad prepares for their first PSL final, Labuschagne’s words reflect the spirit of a team that has defeated adversity, embraced belief, and turned failures into miracles. For the Kings, tomorrow’s clash against Zalmi is not just about lifting the trophy, but about completing a journey that has already breathed new life into the tournament.

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By Nawaz Gohar ;  Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam has said that his team has played excellent cricket throughout the season and will need to deliver their best performance to win the final.

Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Babar emphasized that the pressure of a final is distinct, and performing in a stadium filled with fans presents a unique challenge. While every match carries pressure, the significance and intensity of a final are of a different nature.

He noted that every team operates with a specific mindset. Peshawar Zalmi has enjoyed success against various teams throughout the tournament. While the team’s momentum is positive, conditions in Lahore and Karachi vary, and plans do not always unfold as expected.

He added that the team has kept its strategy simple, though circumstances sometimes require players to adapt their style at different batting positions. He also credited former captain Misbah-ul-Haq for guiding the batting line-up with his experience.

The Peshawar Zalmi captain praised the foreign players, noting that individuals like Michael Bracewell and Kusal Mendis have proven crucial for the team. He also highlighted the stellar performances of the local players.

Regarding young talent, Babar singled out Ali Raza and Farhan Yousuf as future stars, adding that emerging players across all teams have displayed impressive skills. On the topic of criticism, Babar remarked that there isn’t much one can do about it, but acknowledged that scoring well significantly boosts a player’s confidence.

Addressing a question about the national team, Babar stated that there is no shortage of talent in Pakistan; it simply needs to be identified and nurtured, noting that the requirements for the national team are different from league cricket.

When asked about what he considers a “winning total,” he responded jokingly that he is not an astrologer, and the actual conditions will only be clear on the day of the match.

Regarding his own role, he stated that he strives to perform whatever role is assigned to him in the best possible manner, having played mostly as an opener thus far.

When asked about potentially taking on the national team captaincy again, Babar gave a measured response, saying that if such an offer were to be made, it would be considered later.

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By Nawaz Gohar ; In the Eliminator 2 match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11, the Hyderabad Kings defeated Islamabad United by 2 runs in a nail-biting contest.

Chasing a target of 186 runs, Islamabad United batted impressively but could only reach 184 runs for the loss of 7 wickets at the end of their 20 overs.

Batting first, the Hyderabad Kings posted a total of 186 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Hyderabad’s wicketkeeper-batsman, Usman Khan, delivered a stellar performance, scoring an unbeaten 61 off 30 balls. Marnus contributed 39 runs, Saim Ayub added 38, and Kusal scored 37.

For Islamabad United, Imad Wasim took 2 wickets, while Faheem Ashraf and Chris Green claimed one wicket each.

The match was played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan won the toss and elected to field first. Both teams had faced each other twice this season, with each side winning one match, which added to the intensity of this knockout encounter.

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