PZ vs LQ PSL 2026 Match 19 Prediction, Odds & Playing XI Lahore Qalandars are favored to defeat Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL 2026 Match 19, set for April 11, 2026, at the National Stadium in Karachi. The match, part of the HBL PSL 11 tournament, pits two of the league’s top teams against each other. Lahore Qalandars, the defending champions, will face Peshawar Zalmi, led by Babar Azam, in a high-stakes encounter. The game is expected to be a closely contested battle between two powerhouses, with both teams boasting strong batting lineups and formidable bowling attacks. The match will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, starting at 2:30 PM PKT (9:30 AM UTC). The National Stadium in Karachi, known for its day-night conditions, will host the clash. The venue’s pitch is expected to offer a balanced surface, favoring batters, with a dew factor likely to influence the second innings. Weather forecasts indicate clear skies with temperatures ranging from 31°C to 35°C, making it an ideal environment for a full-length match. Lahore Qalandars, captained by Shaheen Shah Afridi, enter the match with a slight edge in the betting markets. The team’s pace attack, featuring Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Mustafizur Rahman, is considered one of the most lethal in the tournament. Their ability to exploit early assistance on the Karachi pitch could pose significant challenges for Peshawar Zalmi’s top order. However, Peshawar Zalmi, led by Babar Azam, remains a dangerous underdog. Azam’s consistent performances, combined with the team’s explosive batting and spin options like Sufiyan Muqeem, make them a formidable opponent. The betting odds reflect the close nature of the contest.#babar_azam #shaheen_shah_afridi #lahore_qalandars #peshawar_zalmi #national_stadium_karachi
Ex-Pakistan Cricketer Slams Shaheen Afridi, Coaching Staff After Bangladesh Loss Ahmed Shahzad, a former Pakistan cricketer, criticized the team's management and coaching staff after Pakistan's 1-2 ODI series loss to Bangladesh. Shahzad accused the leadership of making hasty decisions by promoting young players without proper preparation, citing the team's poor performance in the T20 World Cup and subsequent matches. He argued that the blame placed on the younger squad was an excuse for the team's failures. Pakistan's defeat in the ODI series came after a loss in the first match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Bangladesh, led by Tanzid Hasan, posted a competitive total of 290/5, with Hasan scoring an unbeaten 107. His innings, featuring six boundaries and seven sixes, was instrumental in setting up the victory. Hasan also shared a 105-run opening partnership with Saif Hassan, who scored 36 off 55 deliveries before Shaheen Shah Afridi disrupted the rhythm. Despite Salman Agha's valiant 106 in Pakistan's innings, the team was bowled out for 279, falling short of the target. Bangladesh's Nahid Rana played a pivotal role, taking a five-wicket haul in the first ODI to restrict Pakistan to 114/9. His performance helped Bangladesh secure an eight-wicket victory in the first match, contributing to their eventual series win by 11 runs. Shahzad, speaking on his YouTube channel, questioned the team's strategy, particularly the decision to bowl first on a pitch that favored batting. He criticized the senior players for poor leadership, suggesting that the younger squad was being unfairly blamed for the team's shortcomings. "When you don’t accept your mistakes, you will never move ahead in life," he said.#shaheen_shah_afridi #tanzid_hasan #salman_aghaz #saif_hassan #ahmed_shahzad
Pakistan's New Leadership Faces Challenges in ODI Series Against Bangladesh Pakistan’s cricket team is navigating a pivotal moment as it prepares for an ODI series against Bangladesh, with captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and his counterpart Mehidy Hasan Miraz facing distinct challenges. The PCB’s recent decisions, including a wholesale overhaul of the ODI squad following Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup, have placed Afridi in a difficult position. The team now features six uncapped players, with a completely reshaped top order, as the captain seeks to balance the pressure of expectation with the need to integrate young talent. Afridi, who struggled to meet expectations during the T20 World Cup, emphasized his confidence in the new faces while addressing the absence of Babar Azam from the squad. He clarified that Azam’s omission was not a punishment but an opportunity for younger players to step up. “No one was dropped for this series,” Afridi said. “We want to give our youngsters a chance to prove themselves. They are our future, and we’re preparing them for the World Cup.” Three debutants—Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, and Shamyl Hussain—will make their ODI debuts in the series, forming the top three of Pakistan’s batting order. Afridi highlighted the advantages of local knowledge, noting that players like Farhan and Sadaqat, who have experience in the Bangladesh Premier League, are better equipped to handle the conditions at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. “They’ve played here before, so they know the pitch and the atmosphere,” he said. “We’re confident they’ll perform well and contribute to the team’s success.#shaheen_shah_afridi #pakistan_cricket_board #mehidy_hasan_miraz #shere_bangla_national_stadium #bangladesh_cricket_board
Babar, Shaheen, Rizwan not the problem with Pakistan: Awful talent bucket, gulf with India evident in ‘new-look’ squad The series loss against Bangladesh once again highlights the significant shortage of young talent in Pakistan cricket, according to recent analysis. Despite the presence of established stars like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan, the team's struggles underscore a deeper issue in the development pipeline. Analysts argue that the gap between Pakistan's current squad and India's emerging talent pool is widening, with the latter consistently producing high-quality players at a younger age. This disparity is evident in the results, as Pakistan continues to face challenges in maintaining competitiveness against teams with a stronger pipeline of prospects. The situation raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of Pakistan's cricketing success and the need for urgent investment in youth development programs to bridge the gap.#babar_azam #shaheen_shah_afridi #pakistan_cricket_board #mohammad_rizwan #india_cricket_team
Afridi Focuses on Future as Pakistan Embrace New Top Order Pakistan’s ODI captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, has emphasized his focus on the future as the team introduces a completely revamped top order ahead of the upcoming series against Bangladesh. The squad, which includes six uncapped players, faces the challenge of adapting to new dynamics while preparing for the 2027 World Cup. Afridi, who missed expectations during the T20 World Cup, has reiterated that the changes are not about dropping players but about giving opportunities to younger talents who will shape the team’s long-term prospects. Afridi acknowledged the pressure of leading a side with significant turnover but expressed confidence in the new faces. “No one was dropped for this series,” he said. “We just want to give opportunities to our youngsters. They are our future. When the time comes, they will know their role. Our priority is to prepare for the World Cup.” The new top order includes Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, and Shamyl Hussain, all of whom will make their ODI debuts in the series. Afridi highlighted their experience in domestic formats and the BPL, which he believes will aid their performance in Dhaka’s conditions. “They have played here before and know the pitch and weather. I hope they play their best cricket.” The team’s recent success in winning the last two ODI series against South Africa and Sri Lanka has bolstered their confidence, but Afridi stressed the need to maintain focus. “We won those series, and we want to continue that form. Bangladesh is a strong team, and we are prepared to face them.” The inclusion of young players like Farhan, a T20 specialist, and Sadaqat, an opener, marks a strategic shift for Pakistan, aiming to balance experience with fresh talent.#pakistan #shaheen_shah_afridi #bangladesh #sahibzada_farhan #maaz_sadaqat
Rizwan jokes about fines for journalists during training session in Karachi Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s former cricket captain, humorously suggested during a training session in Karachi that journalists should face fines similar to players, though he acknowledged the Pakistan Cricket Board was unlikely to impose such penalties. Speaking to reporters in a relaxed tone, Rizwan quipped, “The players have been fined, but journalists should be fined too. You people should also pay the penalty—your situation is no different.” The remark came as part of a broader discussion about the media’s role in shaping public perception of cricketers. Rizwan emphasized the significant influence media outlets have in shaping how fans view players, noting that public opinion about athletes like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Salman Ali Agha often hinges on how their actions are portrayed in the press. He also expressed appreciation for sections of the media that support the national team, acknowledging their efforts in defending Pakistan’s cricketing interests. Reflecting on Pakistan’s exit from the World Cup, Rizwan stated the team was eliminated on a run-rate basis rather than by losing a match outright. He highlighted the unpredictable nature of cricket, citing examples such as Zimbabwe’s unexpected victory over Australia as a reminder that even strong teams can face surprising outcomes. “Pakistan went out of the event on net run rate, not because of losing outright,” he said, underscoring the challenges of tournament cricket. Rizwan’s comments underscored the delicate balance between accountability and support for athletes, while also acknowledging the broader context of competitive sports where results can be influenced by factors beyond individual performance.#shaheen_shah_afridi #salman_ali_agh #pakistan_cricket_board #mohammad_rizwan #karachi
Mohammad Rizwan's Shock Reply As Reporter Compares Pakistan's T20 World Cup Performance With India Pakistan’s cricket team was eliminated from the T20 World Cup in the Super 8 stage after a poor campaign, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) planning penalties for players over their underwhelming performances. However, veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan downplayed the team’s exit, attributing it to net run rate (NRR) rather than outright failure. During a nets session, Rizwan engaged in a conversation with a reporter who questioned Pakistan’s performance and compared it to India’s strong showing in the tournament. Rizwan dismissed concerns about the team’s match against Sri Lanka, stating that winning the game was what mattered. “It doesn’t matter. In the end, we won that match, that’s what counts,” he said. When the reporter highlighted India’s dominant semi-final performance against England, Rizwan responded with indifference, claiming he didn’t watch their matches. “Sorry, I don’t watch their matches,” he remarked. Rizwan also criticized the media for shaping public perception of players, suggesting journalists should face penalties for their portrayal. “The players have been fined, but journalists should be fined too,” he said. “You people should also pay the penalty—your situation is no different.” He added that the way players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Salman Ali Agha are viewed depends largely on how the media presents them. The wicketkeeper-batter defended Pakistan’s exit by emphasizing cricket’s unpredictability, citing Zimbabwe’s surprise victory over Australia as an example. “Pakistan went out of the event on net run rate, not because of losing outright,” he said. “Even strong teams can suffer unexpected outcomes.#babar_azam #pakistan_cricket_board #mohammad_rizwan #shaheen_shah_afridi #salman_ali_agh
Pakistan ODI Squad for Bangladesh Tour Excludes Babar Azam Pakistan Cricket Board has named a 15-player squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, scheduled to take place in Dhaka from 11 to 15 March. The squad includes several uncapped players but excludes former captain Babar Azam, who has been left out of the team for the tournament. Azam, 31, was omitted despite his status as a key player in Pakistan’s cricketing history. His absence from the squad follows a challenging performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where he scored just 91 runs across four matches. His struggles in the T20 format have been compounded by a decline in his ODI form during 2025, where he managed 544 runs in 17 innings at an average of 34. The selected squad is led by left-arm quick Shaheen Shah Afridi, who will continue as captain. The group includes six debutants: Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, and Shamyl Hussain. Among these, Farhan’s inclusion is notable, as he recently made headlines for his outstanding performance in the T20 World Cup 2026. The 23-year-old batter smashed 383 runs in the tournament, the highest individual total in a single edition of the men’s event. His recent heroics included a century against Sri Lanka, where he scored 100 off 60 balls, helping Pakistan secure a crucial victory. Four of the uncapped players—Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Saad Masood, and Shamyl Hussain—were part of the Pakistan Shaheens squad that faced England Lions in Abu Dhabi. Their performances in that series earned them spots in the ODI squad.#t20_world_cup_2026 #babar_azam #shaheen_shah_afridi #pakistan_cricket_board #shere_bangla_national_cricket_stadium
