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Abhishek Singh ∙ 13 June 2021

PSL 2021 | ISU vs LHQ: Shadab Khan and Co. stage impressive comeback as Qalandars make a meal of an easy chase

If there is to be made a case for a comeback in the Pakistan Super League, the comeback by Islamabad united in game 20 of the PSL 2021 will always be among the top contender for number one. It wasn’t just one comeback in one inning, but a huge comeback in both the innings of the game and from a position, which wasn’t suitable for a comeback at all. The Lahore Qalandars deserve some mention for making a mess of all the opportunities they got in the game to lose it in the end by 28 runs. Chasing a modest target of 153 on a Shiekh Zayed wicket that didn’t support swing as much as in the last few games, the Qalandars had a desirable start with a 55 run partnership for the opening wicket. Both Fkahar Zaman and skipper Sohail Akhtar looked in great touch before the latter was removed by Fawad Ahmed on the last ball of the first powerplay. Youngster Zeeshan Ashraf was run out very soon too. However, Mohammad Hafeez joined Zaman and the Qalandars were cruising to victory under their partnership at 86-2 in 10 overs. But as they say, it’s not over till it’s over, young fast bowler Muhammad Musa made sure that the saying was held true to its course as he removed both Hafeez and Zaman in his two overs. In between them he also sent back Ben Dunk to the pavilion for a duck. Qalandars were suddenly 93-5 and in a spot of bother with their saviours from the last two games, Tim David and Rashid Khan at the crease. Shadab Khan, the United skipper had other ideas in mind as he removed both David and Rashid in the same over to break any hopes that might have been building in the Qalandars dugout. From there on, it was a matter of formality as Sheen Afridi and James Faulkner were dismissed by Ahmed in the 15th over itself. The grandeur of the comeback of United can be gauged from the fact that they took seven wickets in a span of just 14 runs and 30 balls. In the end, Haris Rauf entertained the audiences with some high flying shots but it was never going to be enough as one shot too many and a brilliant catch at the long leg boundary by Iftikhar meant that the Qalandars innings came to an end at 124. The loss did not settle well with the Qalandars skipper Sohail. Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, he said, “Our middle-order didn't take responsibility. We need to work on our death bowling. We gave away 10-15 runs more. We got a good opening partnership but lost our way in the middle.” Earlier in the evening, it was the story of the vintage Asif Ali doing what he has been known for, taking the United out of precarious situations. The middle-order batsman, who had been going through a rough patch recently, making only 99 runs in his last nine innings at a lowly average of 11.00 and losing his place in the XI in the national side, was pushed to number seven in the United lineup too. But today was the day of his redemption. At 20/5 at the end of the powerplay, Islamabad were looking down at another humbling by Lahore in the PSL but for Asif and Iftikhar’s partnership. The two veterans of the game got together and added a record 123 runs for the sixth wicket, the highest in PSL’s six years history. Asif in particular was ruthless from the very beginning, even as Iftikhar took his time to settle down. The 29-year-old completed his fifty in just 28 balls and went on to make 74, his highest score in PSL off just 43 balls at a strike rate of 174. He hit six fours and five sixes. As Asif didn’t seem like getting out to any bowler, he was hit wicket as his pads flaked the stumps while he was turning after trying to pull a ball from deep in his crease. The Faisalabad born was also adjudged Man of the match for his herculean effort. The 30-year-old partner of his missed out on his fifty, getting out for 49 in an attempt to hit some more boundaries. Faulkner was the pick of the bowlers for Lahore as he removed three players in the powerplay. With this win, United have also got to the top of the table now replacing Qalandars, although both the teams have the same points. Shadab, who was criticised for not fielding first after winning the toss said, “A decision is a final decision and if we had lost the game, I wouldn't have blamed the toss.” “But it was great to come back from difficult situations and win this match,” he added in the post-match presentation ceremony. While Lahore would come back on Tuesday to play against Quetta Gladiators, sitting at the bottom of the PSL points table, Islamabad would be in action tomorrow against last year’s champions Karachi Kings.

PSL 6: Wildermuth, Weatherald, Faulkner and Ferguson among eight Aussies heading for UAE

After a great deal of work done by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), finally, the twenty remaining games of the Pakistan Super League will be played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in UAE. To participate in that a group of eight Australian players including Jack Wildermuth, Jake Weatherald, Callum Ferguson and James Faulkner will travel to the UAE. Since the tournament had to be rescheduled twice and it clashed with theT20 Blast and the international series of South Africa and West Indies and also England and New Zealand, many of the players who had committed to play for the six franchises of the PSL, moved out and new layers through two separate drafts were pulled in. While Ben Cutting, Joe Burns, Dan Christian and Chris Lynn were the four Aussie players to pull out of the league, Weeatheraldm Wildermuth, Ferguson and Faulkner made up for it. Quetta Gladiators picked up both Adelaide Strikers’ Weatherald and Brisbane Heat’s Wildermuth after Ben Cutting, Faf du Plessis and Chris Gaye were unable to join the side. Lahore Qalandar went on to add Sydney Thunder skipper Callum Ferguson as well as two of Hobart Hurricanes’ members Tim David and James Faulkner. Cutting, 34, who has been in various bubbles ver since November 30, the start of the Big bash League 2020-21, was willing to play his part in the PSL for Quetta. The Brisbane-born had even travelled to UAE after IPL was suspended. Since PCB wasn’t able to make any substantial gain in being able to pull of the league by June 1, as planned, the all-rounder returned home. "I love the PSL and playing for Quetta but in the current climate of bio bubbles and quarantine, it's difficult to do everything," Cutting was quoted as saying to cricket.com.au. "I have come home to refresh, reset and get back into things again at whatever tournament pops up next," he added. Along with the five new recruits, others such as Ben Dunk, Fawad Ahmed and Usman Khawaja will also join their original teams. While the PSL has decreased the number of foreign players required in the XI from three to two, the squad sizes have been increased to 20 players. The league is yet to make an official schedule for the tournament’s training 20 games. Australians in the Pakistan Super League Islamabad United: Fawad Ahmed, Usman Khawaja Lahore Qalandars: Tim David, Ben Dunk, James Faulkner, Callum Ferguson Quetta Gladiators: Jake Weatherald, Jack Wildermuth

PSL 2021: 3 more players test Covid-19 positive, Dan Christian pulls out of tournament

There is no end to crises in the sight of the Pakistan Cricket Board as the number of cases is only rising with each passing days in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL). After the initial reporting of three covid-19 cases, three more cases have been reported across the franchises in the PSL, but the PCB said that none of the new cases have been reported from the four franchises that took part in the double-headers on Wednesday. However, the board has not revealed the names and franchises which have reported Covid-19 cases. The PCB further said that it will hold a virtual meeting with all the franchise owners and managements to decide the future course of action. Looking at the Covid-19 situations out of its control, the PCB has allowed foreign players to leave the tournament midway, per a report by Cricket Pakistan. Karachi Kings player Daniel Christian and Team Director Wasim Akram have made up his mind to leave the league and country after the nod from the PCB, the report added.

PSL 2021: Three test positive for Covid-19, Quetta Gladiators- Islamabad United game on schedule

As many as three players participating in the ongoing edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) have tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection out of the total 244 Rt-PCR tests conducted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). however, the board said that the game between the Quetta Gladiators and the Islamabad United which was postponed to Tuesday evening will go as per schedule. The decision of carrying out tests for the Coronavirus infection for all players, support staffs across all franchises and match officials was taken after the Islamabad United had announced that one of their player Fawad Ahmed tested positive for Covid-19. “One of our players, Fawad Ahmed tested positive … and was immediately put in isolation two days ago,” Islamabad United had said in a statement. Following the announcement from the United, the Event Technical Committee of the PSL had postponed the game between the Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United which was scheduled to be played on March 01 to a day later. The PCB in its statement had said that the decision to postpone the match was taken in order to allow time for players and other individuals ‘to relax, refocus and regroup following the testing and in the best interest of the competition.’ Following the results of Fawad Ahmed, the PSL committee had said that all players from both sides will have to undergo Covid-19 testing and ruled that all of them returned negative results. However, the tests for all players and support staffs of the remaining franchises were scheduled for Monday (March 01) evening.

PSL 6: Islamabad vs Quetta match postponed after Fawad Ahmed tests positive for Covid-19

The 12th match of the Pakistan Super League that was scheduled to played between Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators on Monday, 1 March, has been shifted to tomorrow (2nd March). The game will now be played at 7:30 pm IST on the same venue. The development comes after Fawad Ahmed, the Australian cricketer playing for Islamabad United in the PSL has tested positive for Covid-19. This comes after the initial positive case which was detected just one day ahead of the start of the league. The official Twitter handle of the PSL released this information. “A player from one of the sides featuring in this evening’s #HBLPSL6 match has tested positive. The player had shown symptoms two days ago & had been immediately isolated,” PSL tweeted. Later, Islamabad United also confirmed this news via a tweet.

PSL 6: Winless Quetta’ fight for survival face Islamabad hurdle

Sarfaraz Ahmed might have shown all his emotions on the field. He might have played brilliantly with the bat. But all this has still not been able to get his team to win as bowlers have faltered continuously to let down the skipper. Another thing that has not gone in favour of Sarfaraz is that he hasn’t been able to win even a single toss in the tournament so far. Now that his team face Islamabad United, who faced their first defeat in the PSL in their last game against Peshawar Zalmi, all these things need to fall in place for the Gladiators. While this is going to be their first clash in the PSL this year, over the years, Quetta have dominated the side from the capital. In their last six meetings, the men in purple have defeated the Sherus from Islamabad five times including in their last meeting in PSL 2020. However this year Quetta haven’t looked in their own, giving an opportunity for Islamabad to fight back and improve their records. Quetta in search of sense to put in their bowlers' head Apart from the team batting second winning the game, the other thing that has been consistent in PSL 6 is Quetta bowlers their head in the death overs. The suggestion of changing the bowlers wouldn’t do much good either as almost all the bowlers have had the same fate in the death. Only a calm talk with them by the management alongside the skipper Sarafarz can do some magic. Some calmness needs to be put through Sarafaraz’ head as well. He seems to lose his calm very early in the game and goes all animated disturbing the bowler’s frame of mind. He too needs to calm down and like a good captain, get a plan made in the dressing room and try to execute it on the field instead of haplessly shouting at the troops. Few changes would most likely be seen in the Quetta fold with Usman Shinwari making way for Naseem Shah and Tom Banton making a comeback. Islamabad searching form for skipper Shadab Khan The skipper of United, Shadab Khan really hasn’t found form in this edition, either with the bat or with the ball. Primarily a bowling all-rounder, Shadan has been batting up the order in this season, albeit without much success as he has only scored 11 runs in the last three innings. Bowling wise too he has had only had one wicket in three games so far. Once he is in form, most of the problems that Islamabad has been facing in batting, prominent being nobody being able to bat responsibly after Alex Hales’ departure would most likely be solved. The introduction of Fawad Ahmed and Paul Stirling didn’t work out in the last game and if Gregory regains fitness before this game, he would most likely be back in place of Fawad to add more balance to the batting unit. Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators: Match Details Match Number- 12 Date and Time: 01 March 2021, 07:30 pm IST, 07:00 pm PST, 02:00 pm GMT Venue: National Stadium Karachi Broadcast and Live Stream: Sony SIX, Sony LIV Pitch Report The pitch for this game would be the same as used in the Karachi vs Lahore game and thus it might be a bit on the slower side, at least for the first few overs of the first innings. Later on, with dew settling in, the ball would start coming on to the bat nicely and it would soon turn into a graveyard fo the bowlers as the NSK has always been. Weather and Toss Karachi leg of the PSL has been fortunate enough to have ideal weather for playing cricket. The temperatures, even during day games, have generally been in the low thirties and high twenties. There is dew no doubt, but apart from that, with no rain and no heatwave, it has helped viewers enjoying to their fullest. The weather is likely to remain the same in this game as well. As far as Toss is concerned, the skipper winning the toss would do the same that he has been doing for the past 11 games, bowl first. Probable XI Islamabad United Philip Salt (wk), Alex Hales, Paul Stirling, Shadab Khan (c), Faheem Ashraf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, Fawad Ahmed/ Lewis Gregory, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr Quetta Gladiators Faf du Plessis, Sarfaraz Ahmed (c & wk), Tom Banton, Azam Khan, Saim Ayub, Ben Cutting, Mohammad Nawaz, Zahid Mahmood, Dale Steyn, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah Dream XI / Fantasy XI Sarfaraz Ahmed (vc & wk), Asif Ali, Alex Hales (c) Faf du Plessis, Mohammad Nawaz, Ben Cutting, Faheem Ashraf, Lewis Gregory, Zahid Mahmood, Dale Steyn, Hasan Ali

BBL10 | Preview: Stars face Scorchers at home; last chance to secure a Playoffs spot

Glenn Maxwell’s side Melbourne Stars would be up from their shocking defeat against the cross-town rivals Renegades, and if they aren’t already they would have now as their next opponent Perth Scorchers beat a tough Hurricanes side even after losing their five main batsmen at the score of only 108. So the depth in their squad has proven its potential once again and the Stars must be aware of it. Maxwell's men must fight It is a 'do or die' game literally for the Stars and it is here that they need to bring all their experience into count. Be it, Hilton Cartwright, Nick Larkin, on a comeback trail Nathan Coulter-Nile, consistent Marcus Stoinis, or the skipper himself Maxwell. Now is the time for them to fight together for a place in the Playoffs. Spiceman Andre Fletcher however has been ruled out of this game due to a quad injury. Another thing apart from the experience of the players in their favour is the home ground. At MCG, the Stars have won two games in a row and they would like to continue the same momentum in this one too. Scorchers would go for the kill The Scorchers have won two brilliant games on the trot against two other hopefuls for the Playoffs in Brisbane Heat and Hobart Hurricanes would look to crush another dream in the form of Stars’ when they will take the field on MCG. All their players are in good form and if one person is getting out cheaply there is someone to compensate and that seems to be the best thing happening for the Men in Orange. Apart from the world-known hitters in Jason Roy and Colin Munro, the likes of Liam Livingstone and Josh Inglis too are in their prime forms, and this is one of the many reasons why Scorchers have reached the second spot in the points table. Jhye Richardson and Brehendroff are picking wickets at will and with the addition of Micthell Marsh, the team looks unstoppable. Stars vs Scorchers: Match Details Match Number- 50 Date and Time- Jan 22, 2021, 01:45:00 pm IST, 07:15pm Local, 08.15 am GMT Venue- Dockland, Melbourne Broadcast- Sony LIV, Sony Sports Network Pitch Report Melbourne Cricket Ground is the right place to play for the Stars as it suits their lineup and also their team which has great batters to bat on a true wicket and ride its bounce. The Scorchers would enjoy that too. However, Stars have Adam Zampa in the ranks who could get purchase off the wicket, but Scorchers don’t have any such option. Weather and Bat Flip Melbourne will be cloudy in the evening and hence with overcast conditions the team winning the toss would choose to field first. Stars Strongest XI Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright, Nick Larkin, Glenn Maxwell (c), Nic Maddinson, Clint Hinchliffe, Seb Gotch (wk), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Adam Zampa, Liam Hatcher, Zahir Khan Scorchers Strongest XI Jason Roy, Liam Livingstone, Colin Munro, Josh Inglis (wk), Mitchell Marsh, Ashton Turner (c), Aaron Hardie, Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff, Fawad Ahmed

Match Report: Rising Scorchers burn Sixers in Perth's furnace

Perth Scorchers have definitely turned a corner in the ongoing season of the Big Bash League (BBL), winning their third match in a row, by beating Sydney Sixers, who are at the top of the table, by a big margin – 87 runs. The domination of Scorchers, playing on their home surface, can be gauged by the fact that they bowled out the Sixers for just 97. Andrew Tye bowled magnificently to pick up four wickets while Jhye Richardson took three. It were the Sixers that won the toss and decided to put the Scorchers in. The opening pair of Jason Roy and Liam Livingstone didn’t fire as expected. Livingstone was out in the fourth over while Roy took his time today. Colin Munro, batting at no. 3, though, was in full flow and batted in an attacking manner. Still, the run rate after the first 10 overs was just over 71. After the drinks break, Roy and Munro decided to speed up but both got out in the process. Munro scored a half century, 50 off 34, while Roy, surprisingly, took 31 balls for 27. At 99/3 in 14 overs, the situation looked a bit worrying for the home side. But then, local boy Mitchell Marsh stepped up to the challenge. His big hits provided just the impetus needed in the power surge, taken in the 15-17 overs. Overall, 30 runs were scored in these two overs. Marsh kept going and the bowlers were either missing the yorker length or pitching short without getting the extra bounce expected on the Perth pitch. Marsh ended up with 57 off just 27 balls, taking his team to a very impressive score of 183/4. In reply, the Sixers were never in the game. Early wickets prevented any momentum and they never regained it. Both Richardson and Andrew Tye were in great form. Tye, especially, was bowling with venom, getting good bounce of the wicket. Same was the case with Richardson. Mitchell Marsh also bowled well. He did get a little away swing but mixed it up with good bouncers. Even Fawad Ahmed, who has been underwhelming this season, bowled nicely today, flighting his deliveries nicely and bowling good googlies also. The first two wickets fell for the Sixers inside three overs, Josh Phillippe and James Vince, being dismissed by Jason Behrendorff and Richardson respectively. A partnership of sorts developed between Jack Edwards and Daniel Hughes but was broken by Tye when a shortish delivery was cut to the point fielder by Hughes. Then, wickets came like a torrent. Jordan Silk and Daniel Christian were both dismissed for a duck. Steve O’Keefe tried to fight back but was done in by a tremendous yorker by Tye. The collapse was unabated. Only Edwards offered some resistance, scoring 44. Eventually, the visitors were dismissed for 97 with Tye having figures of 4/20 and Richardson finishing with 3/15. Fawad’s figures of 1/17 in three overs are also very encouraging.

BBL 10 Match Preview: Resurgent Scorchers take on top of the table Sixers

Perth Scorchers have just managed to avoid being at the bottom of the Big Bash League (BBL) table at this stage of the tournament. And for that, they have to thank the miserable performance of Melbourne Renegades than anything else. Now, they go into their next match with the uphill task of facing the table-toppers, as of now, Sydney Sixers. The Sixers are ruling the roost at the moment because of a balanced side and good performances from their players, regardless of their profile. The Sydney-based side is a prime example of substance over style as they don’t have that many big stars in their ranks but still, have managed to make an impression thanks to the contributions of several players. Scorchers Need More Relief The Scorchers were also in a rut like Renegades until their last two games where things finally started to fall in place. Also, they are now playing on their home soil, which is a bigger advantage for this team than any other due to the unique nature of the Perth surface. They have also been boosted hugely by the arrival of Jason Roy. His contribution to England’s World Cup-winning campaign is a testament to the impact he can make. With Scorchers too, he has brought about a turnaround, and it’s not entirely a co-incidence. A good start is extremely crucial for a T20 team and Roy’s performances in his first two matches have been commendable. He is also receiving good support from the middle order. Colin Munro has finally found form and Mitchell Marsh is too hitting the ball well. Captain Ashton Turner has been striking the ball cleanly too in recent games. In the bowling department, the fact that Fawad Ahmed got good figures in the last game would be a huge relief. Granted, he bowled mostly at the tailenders, still, wickets and tight overs will help his confidence. The four-pronged pace attack of Jason Behrendorff, Andrew Tye, Jhye Richardson, and Aaron Hardie will get more help from the pitch at Optus Stadium. Hardie, especially, has provided great support to the frontline bowlers. Sixers Hitting it out of the Park While Scorchers are looking better, they will face an in-form Sixers with the flow of form behind them. The batting line up of the table-toppers is getting better and better. The opening combine of Josh Phillippe and Jack Edwards are providing decent starts, though not spectacular, and the middle order is building on the foundation laid by them. The likes of Jordan Silk, Daniel Hughes, and James Vince are highly-capable batsmen. They have all contributed to the team’s efforts so far in this season. Daniel Christian and Carlos Brathwaite provide great firepower down the order, though the former hasn’t been very successful with the ball. There is some concern though, in the bowling department. With Jason Holder gone, there is a danger of a weak link there. Despite not having a high-profile spinner in their line-up, the Sixers have managed to restrict other sides. Ben Manenti has done a laudable job for his team and Steve O’Keefe can be useful if he comes in. The new arrival Jake Ball is yet to get going. A lot is riding on his form. His performance will be watched closely. Ben Dwarshuis has been leading the attack and he will need Ball to provide assistance on the Perth wicket. Scorchers vs Sixers: Match Details Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth Date and Time: January 6, 1:45 PM IST, 4:15 PM Local, 8:15 GMT Broadcaster: Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV Pitch Report The pitch at Optus Stadium shares many of the characteristics of the famed WACA. There is ample bounce for the seamers. But this bounce can also turn against the pacers if they err in length. The batsmen can use this bounce to clear the boundaries, something the likes of Mitchell Marsh are very good at. Weather and Toss Perth is known for its hot weather in the summer and the heat would be on during this match as well. Due to the early start, players will have to bear the high temperatures before the evening brings some respite. Batting first may be an ideal choice. Probable XIs Scorchers: Jason Roy, Liam Livingstone, Josh Inglis (Wk), Colin Munro, Mitchell Marsh, Ashton Turner (C), Aaron Hardie, Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff, Fawad Ahmed Sixers: Josh Phillippe (Wk), Jack Edwards, James Vince, Daniel Hughes (C), Jordan Silk, Daniel Christian, Carlos Brathwaite, Ben Dwarshuis, Benjamin Manenti, Jake Ball, Steve O’Keefe

Fawad Ahmed

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PAK vs AUS | Aussie spin consultant Fawad Ahmed tests Covid-19 positive

Usman Khawaja’s controversial dismissal copped a lot of flack from all around in a tight knockout game