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On a surface that didn’t offer much in terms of fireworks, and where Islamabad United’s (IU) power-packed lineup couldn’t put up their usual show, Peshawar Zalmi came armed with something far more lethal: control. Like a hot knife through butter Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, United began with puffed chests, looking like they might uncork something vintage. 57 without loss in seven overs heralded an incoming storm, which, if it had occurred, wouldn’t have been shocking, given how Islamabad has fared this year so far. But the storm came and passed without breaking so much as a…

It was hot in Ahmedabad. The sort of heat that doesn’t make you sweat, it questions you. It reasons with you as to why you even turned up. And with that subplot, Sunrisers Hyderabad faced a team like Gujarat Titans, who showed up with a solid plan and stuck religiously to it. Somewhere between Sudharsan’s lovely strokemaking, Buttler’s pristine form, and Gill’s surgeon-like accuracy, SRH were laid bare. Not in a dramatic way. But, in a quiet, slow tragedy of being outdone at every phase, as if they were drowning without a splash. A blistering poetry in motion Being asked…

Peshawar Zalmi (PZ) have two wins in six games and are on the brink of becoming the other team besides Multan Sultans (MS) to have their campaign done and dusted within the group stages. If it happens, it will be the first PSL playoffs without Zalmi. Of all teams, PZ have oscillated the most. The results haven’t followed any pattern. It just seems to be a matter of what mood they’re in. If they’re not up to it, they collapse like a house of cards. If they are, they can take even the Goliaths down. And Goliaths they are, who…

Even when Gujarat Titans (GT) were battling their inner issues, and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) were soaring high, both teams managed only one result: GT triumphing over Hyderabad. Barring one game in their debut season, GT have never let SRH get the better of them. Interestingly, SRH made the playoffs last year after a washout against Titans, which means even during their dominant run against other teams, they couldn’t make a statement against Gujarat. This time, though, GT have plenty of reasons to keep this pattern going. Gujarat are everything SRH wanted to be this year, or were expected to be.…

After as many as three near-misses, Rajasthan Royals (RR) were finally able to break their five-match-old losing streak. And it took them breaking the record books to do that. While a win, and the kind they got over Gujarat Titans (GT), does mean they might have rejuvenated themselves, it does not really mean they are the favourites or even have better chances at making it to the playoffs. It will still demand plenty from them. But at least they have the roadmap laid in front of them. If they wish to do better against the big guns, they ought to…

Pakistan are set to host Bangladesh for a five-T20I series starting later in May, shortly after the conclusion of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL). The series will see international cricket returning to Faisalabad for the first time since April 2008. The Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, will stage the first and second T20I games of the series on May 25 and 27. This will also be the first time that a 20-over game will be played at the venue. Incidentally, it was also a Bangladesh vs Pakistan ODI that was played in Faisalabad before international cricket was suspended in the country…

It was against Lahore Qalandars (LQ) that Islamabad United (IU) began their carnage and announced that they are on a serious mission this season. And they have proved it with utmost authority. Nearly halfway through the tournament, Islamabad are still unbeaten, and their form signals that they do not have any plans of swaying one bit from their strategy. Qalandars, on the other hand, have split their wins and defeats equally. In six games, they have won three and lost as many. But more importantly, Lahore have a habit of turning into a beast at a moment’s notice. In all…

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) have contrasting fates right now. One is looking to break into the top four. The other already knows the game is over. CSK have only two things left this season: chase results with next year in mind, and play out the remaining fixtures. The second job, obviously, makes moving on more difficult. But CSK’s think tank has already occupied themselves with plans for the future. Both Stephen Fleming and Michael Hussey are keeping the youngsters within sight to come back stronger next season. But next season is still a year away. And…

Michael Hussey finds himself in the middle of an IPL edition gone awry for his team, Chennai Super Kings (CSK). When he talked to the media following CSK’s recent loss, there was something about his tone. He was calm, his words were measured, and there was a whiff of hope in there as well. CSK, glued to the bottom of the points table and their playoffs chances not a realistic possibility anymore, have decided to focus on one of the very few things that are still in their hands. And that’s scouting and nurturing the young generation, who can make…

There are defeats, there are collapses, and then there is what Multan Sultans had to endure in Lahore on Monday: an absolute carnage. It was more of a public undoing than a match. Chasing a target of 90 runs, Quetta got over the line with 79 balls to spare. This is the biggest win by balls remaining in PSL history. Somewhere between the first ball and the last, Multan Sultans ceased acting like a cricket team. It all began with a serene first over, where Mohammad Amir conceded a boundary and five dot balls. All was normal. It was calm.…