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Pakistan Super League - 6 (PSL) 2021

Pakistan Super League
June 19, 2021

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IU1082160.859
MS1055101.050
PZ1055100.586
KK105510-0.115
LQ105510-0.589
QG10284-1.786
 
Web Desk
June 21, 2021


PSL 2021: Multan Sultans reach finals after thumping Islamabad United




PSL 2021: Multan Sultans reach finals after thumping Islamabad United



Multan Sultans on Monday beat Islamabad United by 31 runs, making their way to the finals of the Pakistan Super League's sixth edition.

The Sultans had won the toss and set a 181-run target for United at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium. The loss for the Shadab Khan-led side means that they will either face Karachi Kings or Peshawar Zalmi in the Eliminator 2.

The winner of Eliminator 1, which will take place later in the day, will face United in Eliminator 2.

Sohail Tanvir got an early break through for the Sultans as he bowled Colin Munro in the second bowl of the first over for a duck, putting pressure on the United.

In the third over, Imran Khan Snr's direct hit at non-striker's end dismissed Muhammad Akhlaq (10), as he struggled to get across the pitch.

In the fifth ball of the same over, Tanvir capitalised on the pressure that the team had put on United, as he got the wicket of skipper Shadab Khan (0), with a nice catch by Shan Masood at the cover drive.

Blessings Muzarabani, in the ninth over, sent Iftikhar Ahmed (16) back to the pavilion after chipping the ball to Sultans' wicketkeeper and captain Mohammad Rizwan — breaking an important 40-run partnership between Ahmed and Usman Khawaja.

In the 10th over, Mohammad Rizwan stumped Asif Ali (1) as he looked to flick a slow bowl by Imran Tahir.
Khawaja — after Hussain Talat handed him the strike in the 14th over of Blessings Muzarabani — smacked 18 runs to bring back his team in the game.

Tanvir — the experienced bowler who Sultans bring in when they are hot waters — turned United's hopes dim in the 15th over as he dismissed Khawaja for 70.

Veteran spinner Tahir struck again in the 16th over, as he dismissed Hasan Ali (10) with an impressive catch by Rilee Rossouw at long-off, while in the 18th over Mohammad Wasim (13) fell lbw.
In the 19th over, Muzarabani dismissed all-rounders Faheem Ashraf (0) and Hussain Talat (25) to take his team to the finals of the tournament.

Islamabad United's innings

Multan Sultans have handed a 181-run target for Islamabad United.

Akif Javed got the first and important wicket of Mohammad Rizwan in the second over after he made an appeal for caught behind. The Sultans' skipper could not get the bat on it.

United's skipper Shadab Khan was able to break the partnership of Sohaib Maqsood (59) and Shan Masood (25) after the latter fell lbw, courtesy a good length ball turning in from outside off.

Two bowls after sending Masood back to the pavilion, Shadab was able to dismiss an important batsman of the Sultans, Rilee Rossouw, for a duck.

However, after the quick dismissals, Jhonson Charles (41) and Maqsood were able to build a 40-run partnership to help their team bounce back in the match.

Maqsood hit a half-century in the 13th over of the match, with six fours and three sixes.

In the 15th over, Charles muscled a straight shot to deep midwicket, but Iftikhar Ahmed took a good catch — getting Faheem Ashraf his first wicket.

Ashraf, in the 17th over, took the much-needed wicket of Maqsood, dismissing him for 59, thanks to a catch by Akif Javed.

To keep, the Sultans' hopes alive, Khushdil Shah (42) hit some impressive shots — five sixes — in the last overs to put up a competitive score for the United.
 
LIVE
Eliminator 1 (N), Abu Dhabi, Jun 21 2021, Pakistan Super League


Karachi Kings Flag

Karachi Kings
175/7
Peshawar Zalmi Flag

Peshawar Zalmi
(1.1/20 ov, target 176)13/0


Zalmi need 163 runs in 113 balls. RRR: 8.65
 
RESULT

Eliminator 1 (N), Abu Dhabi, Jun 21 2021, Pakistan Super League


Karachi Kings Flag

Karachi Kings
175/7


Peshawar Zalmi Flag

Peshawar Zalmi
(19.5/20 ov)176/5


Zalmi won by 5 wickets (with 1 ball remaining)
 
PSL 6 Eliminator 2: Zazai, Wells propel Peshawar to final


  • Peshawar Zalmi will meet Multan Sultans in the final on Thursday

Syed Ahmed
23 Jun 2021


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Hazratullah Zazai and Jonathan Wells star for Peshawar Zalmi as they beat Islamabad United by 8 wickets in the second eliminator to register their berth for the HBL PSL 6 final on Thursday.

The Yellow Storm chased down the 175-run target in the 17th over thanks to the 135-run stand between Zazai and Wells.

Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi captain Wahab Riaz invited Islamabad United to bat first after winning the toss. The skipper had a plan in mind as he played an all-seamers bowling attack on an Abu Dhabi pitch.

However, the plan worked, producing two early wickets in the powerplay. In-form Usman Khawaja was first to depart. He got run out for one in the opening over before Mohammad Imran removed Mohammad Akhlaq in the second over for 7.

Colin Munro took less than six balls to brush off the pressure of early wickets and built an invaluable 55-run partnership in just 30 balls with Brendon King who departed after scoring 18.

Tall fast bowler Mohammad Irfan removed Munro in the next over for 44, leaving Zalmi 76/4. His wicket triggered a dramatic collapse as the next four wickets went down for just 34 runs.
Islamabad were 110/8 in the 16th over with no recognized batsman on the crease.

However, Hassan Ali and Mohammad Wasim turned the match on its head by adding 62 runs for the 9th wickets stand in just 26 balls. Hassan Ali was 45 from just 16 balls when he got run out while trying to steal a run on the second-last ball of the innings, propelling Islamabad United to 174/9.

Wahab Riaz and Umaid Asif took two wickets each for Zalmi.
Zalmi had a nervous start to the chase, losing Kamran Akmal in the first over that produced 15 runs. Islamabad bowlers kept Hazratullah Zazai and Jonathan Wells quiet for the first ten overs, giving away only 77 runs. They bowled tight lines and outside his arch to keep the big man calm.

However, both batters began to flex muscles in the second part of the innings, taking 14 runs off the 11th over, and 21 in the 12th. Both reached their fifties in 39 balls in the process, bringing down the asking rate with every boundary.

The pair had put up a match-winning, 135-run partnership for the second wicket when Zazai departed for a 44-ball 66; Peshawar required only 34 off 33 runs.

The next pair, Shoaib Malik and Wells, finished it off in style, chasing down the target inside the 17th over, knocking out hot-favourite Islamabad United. Malik carried the bat with his 10-ball 32 while Wells remained not out for 55 off 43.


Peshawar will now face Multan in the final on Thursday.
 
PSL 2021 final: Multan Sultans vs Peshawar Zalmi – Head-to-head




Multan Sultans are playing the PSL final for the first time.


Multan Sultans are playing the PSL final for the first time.


ABU DHABI: Multan Sultans will take on Peshawar Zalmi at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium today in the final of the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2021).

Both sides have a 1-1 PSL 6 record heading into the final.

In the Karachi-leg, Zalmi chased a 194-run target for the loss of four wickets with one over to spare, courtesy Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s half-century and a fighting 48 from Imam-ul-Haq.

However, Sultans settled the score on June 13 in Abu Dhabi when they achieved an eight-wicket victory at the back of an unbeaten 82 off 56 balls by Rizwan and a 31-ball 61 by Sohaib Maqsood.


Journey to the PSL final


Multan Sultans are first timers in the final, whereas Peshawar Zalmi have played three finals previously from 2017 to 2019. The "Yellow Storm" won the trophy in the second edition of the PSL.

Both Sultans and Zalmi secured wins over Islamabad United in the play-offs to confirm their final clash.

Islamabad United, who had topped the points table with eight wins, lost their way at the business end of the tournament, suffering a 31-run loss to Sultans in Monday’s Qualifier, followed by an eight-wicket defeat to Zalmi on Tuesday evening in the Eliminator 2.

Mohammad Rizwan-led Sultans were languishing at fifth spot with just a win from five games when the tournament was suspended in Karachi on 4 March.

However, the Abu Dhabi-leg has brought them an incredible change in their fortunes with them clinching five victories in six games, including the Qualifier victory over United.

Meanwhile, 2017 champions Peshawar Zalmi had a tough run leading up to the playoffs.

Wahab Riaz-led side lost three out of their five Abu Dhabi-leg matches, yet succeeded in maintaining a decent net run-rate that helped them secure third spot ahead of Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars who like Zalmi, finished the league-stage with 10 points.

Zalmi knocked out the defending champions Kings by five wickets in Eliminator 1 in a gripping encounter that finished on the penultimate ball, before their overwhelming victory over United, which earned them their fourth PSL final appearance.


Prize money:

Winner – Rs75million
Runner-up – Rs30million
Player of the tournament – Rs3million
Best Batsman – Rs0.8million
Best Bowler – Rs0.8million
Best Fielder – Rs0.8million
Best Wicketkeeper – Rs0.8million
Spirit of Cricket – Rs3.2million
 
Ehsan Mani says HBL PSL 6 felt incomplete without fans


The Frontier Post

LAHORE (APP): Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman, Ehsan Mani, has congratulated the event staff, six franchises and all PSL commercial partners, particularly HBL, on the successful completion of HBL Pakistan Super League 6 Tournament, whilst adding that the event felt incomplete without the fans.
The 14 Karachi-leg matches in February/March earlier this year at the National Stadium were held in front of crowds, but the remaining 20 matches in Abu Dhabi were staged in front of an empty Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium as per the UAE government instructions and policies around sport events during these Covid-19 times.
Abu Dhabi also brought a change to the fortunes of Multan Sultan, who completed a fairy-tale run when they came back from fifth position after the Karachi-leg to beat three-time finalists and 2017 champions Peshawar Zalmi by 47 runs.

Apart from lifting the silverware and collecting a cheque of PKR75million, Multan Sultans also swept the individual awards. Sohaib Maqsood walked away with the player of the final, player of the tournament and best batsman of the tournament awards; Shahnawaz Dahani lifted the best bowler and best emerging cricketer of the tournament trophies; and Mohammad Rizwan was adjudged the best wicketkeeper of the tournament and also named captain of the HBL PSL Team of 2021.

PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani said on Saturday : “Fans are the essence and spirit of any sport. Without them, no event can be completely successful. The presence of the fans was missed by the PCB, players and all commercial partners, but the remaining 20 matches in Abu Dhabi were staged in unusual times and difficult circumstances.

“I assure the passionate Pakistan cricket supporters that the next edition of HBL Pakistan Super League in 2022 will be staged in Pakistan and in front of our people. Planning for next year’s event will start as early as July and by the final quarter of the year, I am hopeful that we may be able to share complete details with our fans so that they can start planning to attend the gathering of some of the most accomplished cricketers at one of the most followed cricket league tournaments.

“It was the fans’ overwhelming enthusiasm and support during the remaining eight HBL PSL fourth edition matches in 2019 that showcased a positive image of Pakistan. This was a catalyst for the PCB to convince Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to play Test matches in Pakistan for the first time in over a decade, followed by hosting the entire HBL PSL 2020 in Pakistan.

“Nonetheless, I am delighted that despite being unable to attend the matches in Abu Dhabi, the fans and supporters continued to wholeheartedly back, encourage and appreciate the event, players and their favourite teams, which resulted in increased eyeballs and impressive digital numbers. “The PCB has always valued its fans and supporters and understands their contribution to the growth of the sport. Taking into consideration that we as a nation have collectively and successfully managed the Covid-19 pandemic, I remain confident and optimistic that all our cricket in the 2021-22 season in which New Zealand, England, West Indies and Australia will also visit Pakistan, will be played in front of our fans.

“This will surely help the PCB in attracting new audiences, whilst also creating an opportunity for youngsters to continue falling in love with this great sport. “I want to express my gratitude towards the entire PCB staff, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Emirates Cricket Board and the Abu Dhabi Government. We worked together as an effective team and collectively overcame unexpected challenges and surprises to ensure that the tournament was completed without any further hassles.

“I want to specifically appreciate all cricketers who once again underwent and adhered to the Covid-19 protocols put in place for their health and safety. I completely understand the past 14-odd months have not been easy on our players and player support personnel, and sincerely hope normalcy returns quickly so that they can also start enjoying their lives outside cricket during series and on tours. “I also want to thank all team owners, who backed us during the planning stages of the Abu Dhabi-leg matches.

I acknowledge they had to make last-minute changes to their sides, which disturbed their combinations and balance but we all knew, clearly understood and accepted the significance and importance of completing the tournament in June.

“The quality and spirit of cricket in the HBL PSL 6 was from the top draw and each team deserves a pat on the back for ensuring they played tough but within the rich traditions of cricket. In Multan Sultans, we had a new champion and a well-deserved one. They peaked at the right time and once again demonstrated the value and important of collective efforts in a team sport.

“Lastly, through our decisive actions and the successful delivery of HBL PSL 6, we have once again demonstrated that the HBL PSL is PCB’s marquee event and the PCB will not only protect its integrity but will continue to work to enhance its profile and credibility.”
 

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