The Cricket Pulse: April 2026

Saturday, April 11, 2026

Kusal Mendis, Babar Azam Power Peshawar Zalmi to Big Win Over Lahore Qalandars

Kusal Mendis won player of the match award

Peshawar Zalmi continued their dream run in PSL 2026 with another commanding performance, crushing Lahore Qalandars by 76 runs and climbing to the top of the points table. It was a complete team effort — a classy knock from Kusal Mendis, solid support from Babar Azam, and a ruthless bowling display that left Qalandars stunned.

After being put under early pressure with the quick dismissal of Mohammad Haris, Zalmi once again turned to their dependable duo — Babar Azam and Kusal Mendis. The pair didn’t panic. Instead, they rebuilt the innings with patience and smart shot selection.

Kusal Mendis, however, was in no mood to stay quiet for long. He took the attack to the bowlers, finding boundaries against Shaheen Afridi and Ubaid Shah with confidence. His aggressive intent allowed Babar to settle in and play his natural anchor role. Together, they stitched a crucial 109-run partnership that laid the foundation for a strong total.

Mendis was the standout performer, smashing 74 off just 48 balls, including five fours and four towering sixes. Babar Azam, calm and composed as always, contributed 43 runs, narrowly missing out on a half-century. There was a brief moment of concern when he was struck near the neck by a bouncer, but thankfully, it wasn’t serious, and he continued batting after treatment.

Zalmi looked set for an even bigger total, but Lahore Qalandars fought back impressively in the death overs. Shaheen Afridi, Mustafizur Rahman, and Ubaid Shah executed their plans perfectly, restricting Zalmi to 173 for 7. The last four overs yielded just 33 runs and saw five wickets fall, giving Qalandars a glimmer of hope.

But that hope didn’t last long.

Chasing 174, Lahore Qalandars never really got going. The pitch had enough bounce and movement, and Zalmi’s bowlers exploited it brilliantly. Early breakthroughs from Shoriful Islam and Nahid Rana put Qalandars on the back foot right away.

Then came the middle overs, where the game completely slipped away. Michael Bracewell and Sufiyan Muqeem turned the screws with disciplined and attacking bowling. Bracewell picked up three crucial wickets, while Muqeem matched him with three of his own, continuing his impressive form this season.

The Qalandars’ batting lineup collapsed under pressure and was bundled out for just 97 runs. Fakhar Zaman’s 21 was the highest score, but it was never going to be enough in such a challenging chase.

Nahid Rana also played his part with two wickets, ensuring there was no way back for the opposition.

With this emphatic win, Peshawar Zalmi not only maintained their unbeaten streak but also secured the top position on the points table. On the other hand, Lahore Qalandars are struggling to find momentum, and back-to-back heavy defeats have badly hurt their net run rate.

Zalmi look like a team on a mission this season — balanced, confident, and firing in all departments. If they continue this form, they will be one of the toughest sides to stop in PSL 2026.

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Faisal Akram’s 4-for and Farhan’s Fifty Seal Sultans’ Victory

Josh Philippe and Sahibzada Farhan shared a 110-run stand

There’s something special brewing in this Pakistan Super League 2026 season—and right now, it’s wearing the colors of the Multan Sultans.

On a batting-friendly night in Lahore, the Sultans didn’t just win—they made a statement. Chasing 183 against Rawalpindiz, they turned what could have been a tricky pursuit into a near walk in the park, sealing a dominant seven-wicket victory with almost four overs to spare.

Akram Spins the Game Early

Before the fireworks with the bat, it was young left-arm wrist-spinner Faisal Akram who quietly tilted the game in Multan’s favor.

Rawalpindiz had started decently, with contributions from their middle order hinting at a competitive total. But Akram’s introduction changed everything. Mixing his pace and variations cleverly, he dismantled the batting lineup at crucial moments, finishing with a brilliant four-wicket haul.

Just when Rawalpindiz looked set to accelerate, Akram struck—breaking partnerships, slowing the run rate, and forcing mistakes. The innings lost momentum, crawling through the middle overs when it mattered most.

Despite a late push from Sam Billings, who fought his way to an unbeaten 56, Rawalpindiz could only manage 182—a total that always felt slightly under par.

Farhan & Philippe Turn Chase into a Statement

If there were any doubts about the chase, Sahibzada Farhan erased them in style.

Continuing his red-hot form, Farhan came out with intent and never looked back. His 68 off just 38 balls was packed with confidence, clean hitting, and fearless stroke play. And when he decided to take on Mohammad Amir, smashing back-to-back sixes, the tone of the chase was set.

At the other end, Josh Philippe played the perfect partner. Calm yet aggressive, he matched Farhan shot for shot, bringing up a fluent half-century of his own.

Together, they stitched a match-defining 110-run partnership in just 58 balls—effectively taking the game away from Rawalpindiz before the halfway mark.

No Way Back for Rawalpindiz

Once that partnership flourished, the contest was all but over.

Even though Rawalpindiz managed to pick up a couple of wickets—removing both set batters—the damage had already been done. The required rate had dropped to almost nothing, and the rest was a formality.

Shan Masood and Ashton Turner calmly guided the Sultans home, wrapping up the chase with composure and ease.

Sultans Send a Strong Message

This wasn’t just another win—it was a warning to the rest of the league.

The Sultans showed balance, depth, and confidence. A match-winning bowling spell, followed by a fearless batting display, highlighted why they are quickly emerging as early favorites this season.

With players like Farhan in unstoppable form and Akram delivering breakthroughs at key moments, Multan Sultans are looking like a team on a mission.

And if this performance is anything to go by, stopping them won’t be easy.

Monday, April 6, 2026

Multan Sultans Return to the Top After Dominant Win Over Quetta Gladiators in PSL 2026

Sahibzada Farhan and Steve Smith broke the back of the chase

Under the bright lights of Gaddafi Stadium, the message from Multan Sultans was loud and clear — they are not just contenders, they are table-toppers for a reason.

Chasing a modest 167, the Sultans didn’t just win — they dominated.

A Chase That Felt Over Before It Began

From the very first over, Steven Smith and Sahibzada Farhan came out with fearless intent. What followed was pure carnage.

The duo smashed 63 runs in just four overs, bringing up a lightning-fast fifty partnership in only 3.2 overs. By the end of the powerplay, Multan were cruising at 83 for 1, matching their own record for the highest powerplay total this season.

At that moment, the result already felt inevitable.

Smith, playing with elegance and authority, notched up his maiden PSL half-century, while Farhan’s explosive cameo set the perfect tone for the chase.

Spin Web Sets the Foundation

Earlier, it was Multan’s spin attack that quietly won them the game.

With conditions favoring batting, the decision to bowl spin from both ends raised a few eyebrows. But it turned out to be a masterstroke.

Mohammad Nawaz led the charge with three crucial wickets, while Arafat Minhas delivered a brilliant spell, picking up two wickets and breaking the backbone of Quetta’s innings.

Despite a fighting 56 from Saud Shakeel and an unbeaten 49 by Bevon Jacobs, the Gladiators struggled to accelerate consistently. Their total of 166 for 7 always looked slightly under par on a batting-friendly surface.

A Calm Finish After the Storm

After the explosive start, Multan shifted gears smoothly.

Shan Masood played the anchor role to perfection, guiding the chase with a composed unbeaten 46. Even when Smith fell to a sharp relay catch near the boundary, there was no panic.

The Sultans simply kept the scoreboard ticking — rotating strike, finding gaps, and finishing the job with clinical ease in 17.3 overs.

Gladiators Fight, But Fall Short

To their credit, Quetta Gladiators did show flashes of resistance.

A crucial partnership between Shakeel and Hasan Nawaz steadied the innings after early setbacks. Later, Jacobs and a quick cameo from Daniyal pushed the total past 160 — giving their bowlers something to defend.

But against a batting lineup in this kind of form, it was never going to be enough.

Back Where They Belong

With this convincing six-wicket win, Multan Sultans climb back to the top of the PSL 2026 points table — a statement of intent to the rest of the league.

A perfect blend of smart spin bowling, explosive batting, and calm finishing — this was a complete performance.

And if this match is anything to go by, the Sultans are not just aiming for wins… they’re building momentum for something much bigger.

Thursday, April 2, 2026

Shadab Khan & Sameer Minhas Power Islamabad United to Dominant Win Over Quetta Gladiators

Shadab Khan was adjudged player of the match for his all-round performance

Cricket has a funny way of shifting momentum in just a few overs — and tonight, it belonged entirely to Islamabad United.

What started as a slightly shaky chase soon transformed into a masterclass, led by the ever-reliable Shadab Khan and the rising young star Sameer Minhas. Together, they didn’t just chase down a target — they dismantled it.

A Nervous Start

Chasing 184 against Quetta Gladiators was never going to be a walk in the park. And for a moment, it looked like Islamabad United might actually feel the pressure.

The early breakthroughs from Abrar Ahmed — removing Devon Conway and Andries Gous — left Islamabad United at 86 for 2 after 11 overs. The required rate was creeping close to 11, and the game hung in the balance.

You could sense the tension.

The Turning Point

Then came the 12th over — the moment everything changed.

Tom Curran ran in… and walked back having conceded 22 runs. That single over flipped the script completely.

Minhas, calm beyond his years, and Shadab, cool under pressure, seized the moment. From there on, they didn’t just keep up with the required rate — they surged past it.

A Partnership to Remember

What followed was pure dominance.

The duo stitched together an unbeaten 128-run partnership off just 69 balls — a stand filled with smart cricket, fearless hitting, and total control.

Sameer Minhas was elegance and aggression combined. His unbeaten 82 off 48 balls showed maturity far beyond his age. He found gaps, punished loose deliveries, and kept the scoreboard ticking.

At the other end, Shadab Khan reminded everyone why he’s one of the most valuable all-rounders in the game. His 69* wasn’t just about runs — it was about leadership, timing, and composure.

There was even a moment of luck — a dropped catch when Shadab was on 9. But as it often happens in cricket, that one mistake proved costly.

The Finish

Fittingly, it was Minhas who sealed the win.

A beautifully timed hook shot sailed over square leg for six, wrapping up the chase with ten balls to spare. No drama. No panic. Just authority.

Shadab’s Impact Began Earlier

What makes this victory even more impressive is that Shadab had already done the damage earlier — with the ball.

His spell of 3 for 23 was a game-changer.

He removed Ben McDermott with a stunning delivery that clipped the top of off stump, and followed it up with a golden duck for Bevon Jacobs. It was the kind of spell that quietly shifts the momentum before the batters take over.

Quetta’s Missed Opportunity

To their credit, Quetta Gladiators did fight back — largely thanks to Hasan Nawaz.

His unbeaten 66 off just 36 balls gave Quetta a late surge, especially in the final five overs where they piled on 74 runs. For a moment, it felt like they had something defendable.

But cricket isn’t just about how you finish — it’s about how you build.

A slow start and lack of momentum in the middle overs meant their total, in the end, wasn’t enough.

The Bigger Picture

This wasn’t just another win for Islamabad United — it was a statement.

A young star announcing himself.
A captain leading from the front.
And a team showing they can dominate under pressure.

If this performance is anything to go by, Islamabad United aren’t just competing this season — they’re setting the standard.

Sahibzada Farhan Century Powers Multan Sultans to Record Chase vs Hyderabad Kingsmen

Sahibzada Farhan struck his 9th T20 century

Multan Sultans delivered a stunning batting performance to chase down a massive 226-run target against Hyderabad Kingsmen, securing a six-wicket victory in one of the most thrilling matches of Pakistan Super League 2026.

The star of the night was Sahibzada Farhan, whose unbeaten century turned a daunting chase into a comfortable win and propelled his team to the top of the points table.

Kingsmen Set a Massive Target

Batting first, Hyderabad Kingsmen posted an imposing total of 225 for 5 on a batting-friendly surface. The pitch offered excellent conditions for stroke play, allowing batters to play freely and score quickly.

The Kingsmen got off to a flying start thanks to Maaz Sadaqat, who played a sensational knock of 62 runs off just 26 balls. His aggressive intent during the powerplay set the tone for a high-scoring innings.

Alongside him, Saim Ayub contributed with a quick cameo, helping the team reach an impressive 74 runs in the first six overs — one of the best powerplay scores of the season.

Sharjeel Khan Shines on Return

Another major highlight for Kingsmen was the return of Sharjeel Khan, who made an immediate impact after a long absence from the league.

Sharjeel smashed an unbeaten 51 off just 26 balls, displaying his trademark aggressive style. His innings included multiple sixes and boundaries, particularly dominating the death overs.

One of the most explosive moments came when he tore apart the bowling in the 18th over, scoring heavily and pushing the total beyond the 220 mark.

Sultans Begin Chase Aggressively

Chasing a huge target of 226, Multan Sultans showed no signs of pressure. The opening pair came out with positive intent, looking to keep up with the required run rate from the very beginning.

After a steady first over, Steven Smith shifted gears, attacking the bowlers with confidence. His aggressive stroke play helped Sultans gain early momentum.

Soon, Sahibzada Farhan joined the attack, and the duo began dismantling the Kingsmen bowling lineup.

Farhan and Smith Dominate the Powerplay

The partnership between Farhan and Smith proved to be the turning point of the match. The pair added runs at a blistering pace, reaching their 50-run stand in just a few overs.

They went on to build a massive 100-run partnership in just over seven overs, putting immense pressure on the opposition.

Farhan was particularly destructive, smashing boundaries all around the ground. His fearless batting kept the required run rate under control and ensured Sultans stayed ahead in the chase.

Missed Chances Cost Kingsmen

Despite the aggressive batting, Kingsmen had opportunities to get back into the game but failed to capitalize.

Farhan was given a lifeline shortly after reaching his half-century when a catch was dropped at a crucial moment. That mistake proved extremely costly, as he went on to convert his innings into a match-winning century.

Another missed stumping chance further hurt Kingsmen’s chances, allowing Sultans to maintain control of the game.

Farhan’s Century Seals the Victory

Sahibzada Farhan played one of the finest innings of the tournament, finishing unbeaten on 106 off 57 balls. His knock included eight massive sixes and seven fours, showcasing a perfect blend of power and timing.

He accelerated at key moments, especially in the latter stages of the innings, ensuring there were no hiccups in the chase.

The winning moment came in style, as Farhan smashed a six to seal the victory with eight balls to spare.

Sultans Continue Winning Momentum

With this victory, Multan Sultans continued their impressive run in the tournament, moving to the top of the points table.

Their ability to chase down big totals highlights their strong batting depth and confidence as a unit.

Key Takeaways from the Match

🔥 Farhan’s Match-Winning Knock

A brilliant unbeaten century that defined the game.

💥 Explosive Batting Display

Both teams showcased aggressive T20 batting on a flat pitch.

❌ Kingsmen’s Missed Opportunities

Dropped catches and missed chances proved costly.

📈 Sultans’ Dominance

A second consecutive win puts them in a strong position in PSL 2026.

Conclusion

This match will go down as one of the most exciting high-scoring encounters of PSL 2026. Multan Sultans proved their strength by chasing down a massive total with confidence and composure.

For Hyderabad Kingsmen, it was another disappointing result despite a strong batting performance. They will need to address their fielding and bowling issues to turn their campaign around.

As the tournament progresses, performances like Sahibzada Farhan’s century will remain highlights, setting the benchmark for excellence in T20 cricket.