Karachi Kings look to retain HBL PSL title

Defending champions Karachi Kings currently occupy the top spot in the points table as the teams gear up for the resumption of the Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL) season six.

The Kings have played a total of five games, winning three while losing two, holding the top spot with six points and a net run rate of +0.697.

The Kings relied upon their top-heavy batting order along with the batting skills of all-rounder Mohammad Nabi to achieve their early success.

Losing England’s spectacular batsman Joe Clarke would have been a major blow, however, the inclusion of New Zealand’s veteran batsman Martin Guptill can go a long way towards maintaining Karachi Kings’ top-order superiority.

The Kings will also be without the services of all-rounder Dan Christian who has been replaced by the equally capable Sri Lankan all-rounder Thisara Perera.

Afghanistan’s all-rounder Mohammad Nabi proved his excellence with the bat while South Africa’s Colin Ingram had a very mediocre showing in the early goings of the tournament. Bangladesh’s batsman Liton Das and Afghanistan’s batsman Najeebullah Zadran will be expected to step up in their absence.

 Karachi Kings’ captain Imad Wasim appears to be upbeat about his sides’ chances going forward.

“The HBL Pakistan Super League 6 restart is great news for both the players and especially the fans. We were at the top of the points table in Karachi and would like to be able to sustain the run of form in Abu Dhabi too,” Imad said.

“I am pleased with our replacements, especially Martin Guptill and Thisara Perera who have tons of T20 experience and have been proven match winners, as well as Najib, to add to a phenomenally gifted local core, led by our batting maestro Babar Azam. Sharjeel Khan did well for us in Karachi while Mohammad Amir as always will be spearheading our bowling attack. At a personal level, I look forward to leading my team from the front in our efforts of a successful defence of our title,” he added.

Karachi Kings squad for the remaining matches:

Imad Wasim (c), Abbas Afridi, Amir Yamin, Arshad Iqbal, Babar Azam, Chadwick Walton, Danish Aziz, Martin Guptill, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Ilyas, Mohammad Haris, Thisara Perera, Najeebullah Zadran, Noor Ahmed, Qasim Akram, Sharjeel Khan, Waqas Maqsood and Zeeshan Malik

Fixtures:

Multan Sultans v Karachi Kings

Islamabad United v Karachi Kings

Peshawar Zalmi v Karachi Kings

Quetta Gladiators v Karachi Kings

Karachi Kings v Lahore Qalandars