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Peshawar Zalmi beat Islamabad United by 70 runs to qualify for PSL final

Peshawar Zalmi

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi secured a comprehensive 70-run victory over Islamabad United in the Qualifier of the Pakistan Super League Season 11, booking their place in the final.

Batting first after Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan won the toss and opted to field, Zalmi posted a strong total of 221 for 7 in 20 overs.

Babar Azam led the charge with a brilliant 103 off 59 balls, marking his 13th T20 century and fourth PSL century. Mohammad Haris contributed 35 runs, while Kusal Mendis scored 41 and Aaron Hardie added 20 runs.

For Islamabad United, Shadab Khan took 3 wickets, while Richard Gleeson claimed 2 wickets.

In reply, Islamabad United were bowled out for 151 runs, falling well short of the target. Sameer Munir top-scored with 44 runs.

Zalmi’s bowlers dominated, with Aaron Hardie taking 3 wickets, while Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Basit picking up 2 wickets each.

With this win, Peshawar Zalmi have qualified for the PSL 11 final for the fifth time, becoming the most frequent finalists in the tournament’s history.

Despite the loss, Islamabad United are not eliminated and will get another chance to qualify for the final through the next stage of the competition.

Young batter Sameer Minhas eyes consistent performances

Young batter Samir

KARACHI: Islamabad United young batter Sameer Minhasr has said his primary goal is to make the most of every opportunity and play impactful innings for his team in the Pakistan Super League.

Speaking in an interview, the emerging cricketer said that the PSL is widely regarded as a strong platform for young players to showcase their talent and build recognition at the national level.

Sameer Minhas , who has previously represented Pakistan at the Under-19 level, said he is determined to fully utilise his chances in the league and continue improving his game.

He expressed satisfaction over his team’s overall performance, noting that Islamabad United is playing good cricket with several players delivering strong performances.

Highlighting his personal approach, he said his focus remains simple: to perform whenever given the opportunity and contribute with meaningful innings for the team.

The youngster also described playing alongside senior cricketers as a valuable learning experience, saying the dressing room environment helps improve game awareness and skills through continuous interaction and guidance.

Reflecting on his Under-19 days, Sameer said team success was always his priority, recalling their Asia Cup victory as a memorable achievement.

He added that his long-term ambition is to represent Pakistan at the international level and help the national team achieve success, while continuing to work hard and maintain consistent performances in the PSL.

PSL 11 points table heats up after 26 matches as playoff race intensifies

PSL 11 points

LAHORE: After 26 matches in Pakistan Super League Season 11, the points table presents a highly competitive picture with the race for playoffs entering a next phase.

Unbeaten Peshawar Zalmi have become the first team to qualify for the playoffs, securing 13 points from seven matches.

At the bottom, Rawalpindiz have been eliminated from playoff contention after losing all six of their matches.

Six teams remain in contention for the remaining three playoff spots. Islamabad United sit second on the table with nine points from seven matches, while Multan Sultans are third with eight points from six games, making both sides strong contenders.

Quetta Gladiators, Hyderabad Kingsmen, and Karachi Kings occupy the fourth, fifth, and sixth positions respectively, each with six points.

Defending champions Lahore Qalandars are placed seventh with just four points from six matches and face an uphill task, needing to win their remaining four games to stay in contention.

After suffering three consecutive defeats, Lahore Qalandars are set to face Rawalpindi in a crucial encounter today.

The playoff stage of the tournament is scheduled to begin on April 28, with the remaining 14 league matches expected to further intensify the competition.

Islamabad United beat Karachi Kings by 8 wickets

Islamabad United

KARACHI: In the Pakistan Super League Season 11, Islamabad United secured a convincing eight-wicket victory over Karachi Kings to move up to second place on the points table.

After winning the toss, Islamabad United opted to field first, inviting Karachi Kings to bat. Karachi posted a total of 150 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs, with Rassie van der Dussen scoring 51, Jason Roy contributing 39, and Azam Khan adding 34 runs.

In reply, Islamabad United chased down the 151-run target comfortably in just 16 overs, losing only two wickets. Sameer Minhas led the charge with 58 runs, while Devon Conway remained unbeaten on 53. Captain Shadab Khan also played a steady unbeaten innings of 31 runs.

With this win, Islamabad United moved to second place with nine points, strengthening their position in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Peshawar Zalmi continue to lead the table with 13 points, while Karachi Kings remain in fifth position with six points after the defeat.

Islamabad United outclass Rawalpindi in one-sided PSL match

Islamabad United

LAHORE: Islamabad United secured a comfortable seven-wicket win over Rawalpindi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) match played at Gaddafi Stadium.

After winning the toss, Islamabad United opted to field first, inviting Rawalpindi to bat. Rawalpindi posted 156 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs, with Kamran Ghulam scoring 50 and Dyan Forrester contributing 44 runs.

Other notable contributions came from Abdullah Fazal (23) and Daryl Mitchell (19), while Mohammad Rizwan managed just 2 runs.

For Islamabad United, Richard Gleeson, Faheem Ashraf, and Salman Irshad claimed two wickets each.

In reply, Islamabad United comfortably chased down the 157-run target in just 15 overs, losing only three wickets. Sameer Minhas led the charge with an impressive 70 off 36 balls, while Haider Ali (26) and Mark Chapman (24*) remained unbeaten. Devon Conway scored 6, and Mohammad Faiq added 19 runs.

The convincing victory highlights Islamabad United’s strong form in the tournament.

Islamabad United picks U19 Star Sameer Minhas for 19 million

Islamabad United

LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 player auction began today at the Expo Center in Lahore, with over 800 domestic and international cricketers registered. Each franchise will finalize a squad of 16 to 20 players ahead of the upcoming season.

The spotlight of the auction has been on Pakistan Under-19 opening batter Sameer Minhas, who has recently set multiple records and made headlines on the international stage.

Minhas achieved a record-breaking century in just 42 balls during the final of the Youth ODI Tri-Series against Zimbabwe, marking the fastest century in Youth One-Day cricket history.

He also starred in the final against India, scoring a sensational 172 runs off 113 balls, further cementing his reputation as one of Pakistan’s brightest young talents.

In addition, Minhas set a record for the most runs scored via boundaries in a single Youth ODI innings and finished the tournament with a total of 447 runs, earning the title of Player of the Tournament.

During today’s PSL auction, Islamabad United made headlines by securing all-rounder Faheem Ashraf for PKR 8.5 million.

 A fierce bidding war then unfolded between Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United for the talented under-19 star Sameer Minhas, with Islamabad United ultimately acquiring him for PKR 19 million.

The auction marks a significant moment in PSL history, showcasing a blend of seasoned professionals and emerging youth talent, as franchises prepare for an exciting 2026 season.