LAHORE (AM Khan): After a nine-day pause due to geopolitical tensions, the HBL Pakistan Super League X resumes with renewed energy and razor-sharp stakes on Saturday, as Babar Azam’s Peshawar Zalmi take on David Warner’s Karachi Kings at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
With the tournament entering its decisive phase, the race for the coveted PSL X trophy is wide open, except for last year’s finalists Multan Sultans, who are already out of playoff contention after managing just one win from nine games in the 34-match season.
Currently, Quetta Gladiators top the table with 13 points, followed by Karachi Kings with 10. But it’s a tightrope walk for the remaining three: Islamabad United, Lahore Qalandars, and Peshawar Zalmi, all of whom must win their remaining games to stay in the hunt for a top-four finish.
Peshawar Zalmi have two crucial league fixtures left, while Lahore Qalandars are down to one final shot. Both sides have notched four wins each and are locked in a do-or-die scenario. The action continues on Sunday, 18 May, with a high-stakes double-header. First, Multan Sultans will face Quetta Gladiators, followed by a fiery showdown between Zalmi and Qalandars that could define the playoff landscape.
The last league match on Monday, 19 May pits Shadab Khan’s Islamabad United against Karachi Kings, a clash that could finalize the fate of multiple teams. The playoffs and final will be hosted at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, from 21 to 25 May, with Saturday, 24 May designated as a rest day.
After 26 matches in the ongoing HBL PSL X season, Mohammad Rizwan leads the batting charts with an impressive 363 runs to his name, earning him the prestigious Hanif Mohammad Cap. He is followed by Sahibzada Farhan, who has amassed 321 runs, while Fakhar Zaman sits third with a tally of 309 runs. On the bowling front, Mohammad Abbas Afridi and Jason Holder are the joint leaders with 15 wickets each, both donning the Fazal Mahmood Cap. Close on their heels are Abrar Ahmed and Hasan Ali, who have taken 14 wickets apiece.
In the field, Peshawar Zalmi’s wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris stands out with 10 dismissals, the most by any gloveman so far. Meanwhile, Rilee Rossouw of the Quetta Gladiators leads the outfield catching stats with 11 grabs, showcasing his sharp reflexes and fielding prowess.
The PCB has announced that tickets purchased for the previously scheduled matches on 8, 9, and 10 May will remain valid for the rescheduled fixtures on 17, 18, and 19 May, respectively. For 18 May, which features a double-header, tickets from 9 May will grant access to both matches. The first game will begin at 3:30 PM, and the second will start at 8:00 PM. All other evening matches, apart from the 18 May double-header, will begin at 7:30 PM. Fans who purchased tickets for Eliminators 1, 2, and the Final can also use them on the newly announced dates without the need for exchange.
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