Author: The Team PK

LAHORE: On a humid summer night at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore Qalandars held their nerve and overcame Karachi Kings with a clinical six-wicket win in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 Eliminator. Despite some sloppy fielding, Lahore’s solid all-round performance secured them a second eliminator showdown against Islamabad United. Opting to bowl first, Lahore’s bowling attack — led by Haris Rauf — restricted Karachi Kings to 190-8. Haris claimed 3 wickets for 35 runs, dismissing key batters at crucial stages. However, it was their fielding that almost let them down, with multiple dropped catches including two costly misses…

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made bold and unexpected changes ahead of the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Bangladesh, set to be played in Lahore from May 28 to June 1, 2025. In a surprising move, top players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been excluded from the squad. This new selection reflects a shift in strategy as Pakistan begins to build a fresh core for the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka. Stepping into leadership is Salman Ali Agha, who has been named captain of the…

Quetta Gladiators booked their place in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 final with a commanding 30-run victory over Islamabad United at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. It was a well-rounded performance from the league-topping Gladiators, led by key contributions from Dinesh Chandimal, Faheem Ashraf, and Usman Tariq. Batting first, Quetta posted a strong total of 209-5, recovering from early setbacks thanks to a brilliant 95-run partnership off 40 balls between Chandimal and Faheem. Coming together when Quetta were struggling at 111-5, the pair resurrected the innings. Chandimal remained unbeaten on 49 from 29 balls, featuring four boundaries and three…

LAHORE: Pakistan delivered a resounding statement of intent at the West Asia Baseball Cup 2025 by dismantling long-time rivals India with a thumping 14-1 victory in the semi-final played at Tehran’s Enghelab Stadium on Tuesday. The defending champions entered the semi-final with strong momentum, and from the first pitch, it was clear they were on a mission. With precision pitching, powerful hitting, and tight fielding, Pakistan outclassed India in every aspect of the game. The match was effectively sealed by the mid-innings as Pakistan piled up runs with confidence while India struggled to cope with the pace and aggression. This…

LAHORE: The stakes are sky-high as table-toppers Quetta Gladiators take on defending champions Islamabad United in the first qualifier of HBL Pakistan Super League X at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday. Quetta Gladiators have looked unstoppable this season. Under Saud Shakeel’s calm leadership, they topped the table with 15 points, registering seven wins and just two defeats, while one match was washed out. Their recent form has been nothing short of dominant—winning six of their last seven matches. They also beat United in both league-stage encounters, including a commanding 109-run victory in Rawalpindi after posting a record-equaling 263. Islamabad…

ROME: The battle for the Serie A title, Champions League qualification, and relegation survival will all be decided on the final matchday after an action-packed penultimate round. Napoli, looking to secure their second league crown in three years, were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by relegation-threatened Parma. Inter Milan, who had the chance to capitalize, also failed to win — drawing 2-2 with Lazio in a tense encounter. The results mean Napoli stay top, one point ahead of Inter. Napoli will host Cagliari in the final game of the season, needing only to match Inter’s result at Como to…

Islamabad United bounced back in style after a dip in form, producing a commanding all-round performance to defeat Karachi Kings by 79 runs at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This emphatic win not only ended United’s four-match losing streak but also secured their place in the PSL 2025 qualifier against Quetta Gladiators. After being sent in to bat, Islamabad United put on a batting masterclass. Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Alex Hales tore into Karachi’s bowling attack, setting the tone with aggressive strokeplay. Farhan, looking fluent from the outset, smashed 73 off 41 balls, peppered with nine fours and three sixes. At…

Max Verstappen showcased his champion’s grit once again as he claimed a nail-biting win at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, fending off late pressure from McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to secure his fourth victory at the circuit. Starting behind Piastri, Verstappen wasted no time. He snatched the lead on the very first lap and stayed composed under relentless pursuit for all 63 laps, displaying strategic brilliance and raw pace. McLaren looked sharp all weekend and put up a fierce challenge. Norris, in particular, stayed within striking distance throughout the race, especially in the final stretch, but…

Rawalpindi: Lahore Qalandars delivered a clutch performance to book their spot in the HBL PSL 2025 playoffs, defeating Peshawar Zalmi by 26 runs in a rain-hit encounter at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday. The much-anticipated match, reduced to 13 overs per side due to heavy rain, turned into a do-or-die fixture for both teams. Qalandars, who had only a one-point lead over Zalmi before the game, needed a victory to secure the final playoff berth—and they delivered in style. Opting to bat first, Lahore’s top order went aggressive right from the powerplay. Fakhar Zaman set the tone with a blistering…

KARACHI: Dominant displays by Sadaf Shamas and Eyman Fatima lit up Friday’s action in the National Women’s T20 Tournament, as Challengers edged out Stars in a last-over thriller, and Strikers claimed a commanding victory over Invincibles. At National Bank Stadium, Sadaf Shamas ripped through the Stars’ top order with a devastating spell of 5 for 17, earning her the Player-of-the-Match award. Electing to bat first, Stars crumbled to 32-5 under her spell, with only Kaynat Hafeez showing resistance. Kaynat scored a gritty 48 off 52 balls, striking four boundaries, while Waheeda Akhtar added a late flourish with 21* off 16…