Cricket

Multan Sultans, the table-toppers of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), secured a resounding 79-run victory over Quetta Gladiators on Tuesday, solidifying their position in the playoffs.The Sultans' triumph was orchestrated by a dominant bowling performance led by legspinner Usama Mir and fast bowler David Willey, who combined to claim six wickets and dismantle the Gladiators' batting lineup for a mere 106 runs.Captain Mohammad Rizwan and West Indian Johnson Charles laid the foundation for the Sultans' victory with half-centuries, guiding their team to a formidable total of 185 for 4. Rizwan's 69 runs and Charles' 53-run knock provided the impetus for the Sultans' innings, while Iftikhar Ahmed's quickfire 20 off eight balls added the finishing touches.The Gladiators' chase faltered early on as Willey struck twice in the third over, dismissing Jason Roy and Saud Shakeel. Willey's impeccable yorker then sent captain Rilee Rossouw back to the pavilion, and Laurie Evans' dismissal left the Gladiators reeling at 29 for 4.Mir, the tournament's leading wicket-taker, then took center stage, removing Omair Yousuf, the Gladiators' top-scorer with 37 runs. Mir's quick work through the tailenders sealed the Sultans' emphatic victory with more than four overs to spare.The Sultans' triumph sets up a tantalizing Qualifier clash against No. 2 Peshawar Zalmi on Thursday, with the winner advancing to the final. The Gladiators, despite their disappointing performance, will face Islamabad United in the Eliminator on the same day, seeking to extend their playoff run.

Mohammad Amir's Heated Exchange with Fan Overshadows Quetta Gladiators' PSL Playoff BerthFormer Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir found himself embroiled in a heated verbal exchange with a fan during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 match between Quetta Gladiators and Lahore Qalandars on Sunday.As Amir made his way to the field, a section of the crowd began chanting "fixer fixer," a reference to his involvement in a spot-fixing scandal in 2010. The chants clearly irked Amir, who responded angrily."Ghar se yehi seekh ke aate ho" (Is this what you learn at your home?), Amir retorted.The incident brought back memories of Amir's promising young career being derailed by the spot-fixing scandal. At the age of 18, Amir, along with his new-ball partner Mohammad Asif and Pakistan captain Salman Butt, faced five-year bans from cricket and received jail sentences.Despite the unpleasant incident, Amir was elated as Quetta Gladiators secured a spot in the playoffs during the ongoing ninth season of the PSL. The Gladiators earned their playoff berth with a six-wicket victory over Lahore Qalandars, courtesy of a last-ball six by Wasim Jr.Amir's performance on the field has been impressive throughout the tournament, and he has played a key role in Quetta Gladiators' success. However, the heated exchange with the fan serves as a reminder of the challenges that Amir has faced in his career and the lingering stigma associated with his past.

Quetta Gladiators secured a playoff berth in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after a thrilling six-wicket victory over Lahore Qalandars on Sunday. The win marked the Gladiators' first playoff appearance in four years.Mohammad Wasim played the hero for Quetta, smashing a last-ball six off Shaheen Shah Afridi to seal the victory. The left-arm pacer had earlier bowled a superb spell, taking 2 for 30 and putting pressure on the Gladiators' chase.Saud Shakeel anchored the Gladiators' innings with an unbeaten 88 off 65 balls. The opener hit two boundaries off Afridi in the final over before Wasim's match-winning six. Khawaja Nafay also contributed with a valuable 26.Earlier, Lahore Qalandars chose to bat first and posted 166 for 4. Afridi, who promoted himself to No. 5, top-scored with 55 off 33 balls, including four sixes. Abdullah Shafique provided solid support with an unbeaten 59 off 39 deliveries.The Gladiators' victory leaves the Qalandars with only one win in ten league games, a disappointing end to their title defense. Quetta, meanwhile, has 11 points and could still finish among the top two if they beat Multan Sultans in their final league game on Tuesday.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has identified former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson as a potential candidate for the head coaching role of the men's national team. The PCB is seeking a permanent head coach ahead of New Zealand's white-ball tour of Pakistan in April.Watson, currently the coach of the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), has overseen a remarkable turnaround for the franchise, leading them to their first playoff qualification in five years. His impressive performance and interpersonal skills have caught the attention of the PCB.However, Watson is not the only candidate under consideration. Former West Indies captain Daren Sammy, who has a strong relationship with Pakistan cricket, is also a desired option. Sammy is currently the limited-overs coach of West Indies and the head coach of Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL.The PCB is keen to secure a head coach who can commit to a long-term role, unlike Mohammad Hafeez, who was appointed on a temporary basis for tours of Australia and New Zealand. The board is willing to offer a flexible role that allows the head coach to balance other commitments, as was the case with Mickey Arthur, who juggled his role with Derbyshire in the English county season.The appointment of coaches in Pakistan has been affected by administrative instability. Former PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf removed Arthur and Bradburn after a disappointing World Cup, despite their successful tenure. The PCB is now seeking to appoint a head coach who can provide stability and long-term success for the national team.

Peshawar Zalmi Dominate Quetta Gladiators, Secure Playoff Berth in Pakistan Super LeagueRAWALPINDI, Pakistan - Peshawar Zalmi stormed into the playoffs of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with a resounding 76-run victory over Quetta Gladiators on Friday. The triumph was orchestrated by a brilliant batting performance from Babar Azam and Saim Ayub, who overshadowed Akeal Hosein's hat-trick.Quetta's batting woes continued as they were dismissed for a paltry 120 in 17.5 overs, chasing Peshawar's imposing total of 196-8. Ayub, who has excelled in his new all-rounder role, played a pivotal role in dismantling Quetta's top order, claiming the wickets of skipper Rilee Rossouw and Khawaja Nafay in quick succession.Babar Azam, the league's leading batter, continued his impressive form with a blistering 53 off 30 deliveries, studded with nine fours and a six. His innings propelled Peshawar to a formidable total.Despite Hosein's hat-trick in the final over, Peshawar's batting depth proved too much for Quetta. Ayub opened the innings with a brisk 30 off 14 balls, while Rovman Powell (28 not out) and Naveen-ul-Haq (10 not out) added a crucial 39 runs in the closing stages.The victory propelled Peshawar to second place in the standings, with a chance to secure a top-two finish in their final league game against Islamabad United on Sunday. Quetta, on the other hand, faces an uphill battle to reach the playoffs, needing to win at least one of their remaining two matches.

Quetta Gladiators' Usman Tariq Faces Scrutiny Over Suspect Bowling ActionQuetta Gladiators' enigmatic spinner Usman Tariq has found himself under the microscope after being reported for a suspect bowling action during the team's match against Karachi Kings on Wednesday. The report, however, does not immediately suspend Tariq from bowling. He is permitted to continue until a formal bowling action test can be scheduled at a PCB-approved facility.Should Tariq be reported again during the Pakistan Super League (PSL), he will be barred from bowling further. This is Tariq's maiden PSL season, where he has emerged as one of the most unconventional spin bowlers. The right-arm spinner executes a peculiar delivery stride, coming to an almost complete standstill before releasing the ball with a slinging, side-arm action.Despite his unorthodox style, Tariq has enjoyed moderate success in the tournament, particularly in terms of economy rate. In the three matches he has played, he has conceded runs at a rate of 5.73. While the Gladiators boast Abrar Ahmed, arguably Pakistan's premier spin bowling option, they have opted to field Tariq in three of their games.The Gladiators have enjoyed a successful season by recent standards, winning four and losing two matches. They are one victory away from securing their first playoff berth in five years. The timing of Tariq's bowling action test remains uncertain. Pakistan possesses an ICC-accredited biomechanics laboratory in Lahore. However, with the remaining PSL fixtures scheduled for Karachi and Rawalpindi, it is unclear whether Tariq will need to travel to Lahore before the tournament concludes.

Karachi Kings' hopes of reaching the Pakistan Super League (PSL) playoffs received a significant boost on Wednesday as they secured a dominant seven-wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators. Fast bowler Hasan Ali played a pivotal role in the triumph, claiming four wickets for just 15 runs.Quetta Gladiators, led by Shan Masood, elected to bat first but were unable to capitalize on the opportunity. Hasan Ali's variations proved too much for the Gladiators' batsmen, as he dismissed Saud Shakeel, Khawaja Nafay, and Sarfaraz Ahmed in quick succession. Blessing Muzarabani also contributed with two wickets, including that of Jason Roy.Quetta's innings crumbled to a dismal 118 all out in 19.1 overs, marking the lowest total in the current PSL season. Rilee Rossouw and Usman Tariq offered some resistance, but they were unable to prevent the collapse.In response, Karachi Kings openers Tim Seifert and James Vince played with confidence and composure. Seifert top-scored with 49 runs, including six fours and two sixes, while Vince contributed 27. Shoaib Malik remained unbeaten on 27, guiding Karachi to victory with more than four overs to spare.The win lifts Karachi Kings to fifth place in the PSL standings with six points from seven matches. Quetta Gladiators remain in the top two with nine points, but their recent form has been a cause for concern.