The wait for the new franchise RawalPindiZ continues. They have now lost 5 on the bounce and are still to open their account. Quetta Gladiators on the other hand move up and push towards that top 4 spot. They needed this win desperately.
The action continues as we have a double header in store tomorrow. Peshawar Zalmi and Lahore Qalandars take on each other at 3 PM IST (2:30 PM Local Time). Karachi Kings will then go up against Hyderabad Kingsmen at 7.30 PM IST (7 PM Local Time).
Until then, I, Manan Mehta would like to sign off alongside my colleagues Saptak Sanyal, Dev Rajawat and Raju Khariya. A shoutout to Mohammad Anab and Aman to provide us with the stats through this contest. B-byeee.
Saud Shakeel (Quetta Gladiators Captain): "(On the conditions) Yes we assessed the conditions well. Within 2 overs we realised that 160 would be a good score. If you bat long at the top, then that helps the batters coming in. This is why we played at a cautious pace. Good partnership from Rilee Rossouw and me I feel.
(On the batting performance overall) Jahandad played a superb innings at the back end. So did Hasan Nawaz. They powered us to a good score. I think this is what happens when players get good opportunities.
(An assessment of the bowling) The strength of our side is spin bowling. So, we added an extra spinner. We knew that if we put up a good score then we can defend it with our spinners. On top of that Khalil and Jahandad also bowled really well."
Mohammad Rizwan (RawalPindiZ Captain):"(Reflections on the game) Yes we had struggles but we overcame it. We brought in Ben Sears as we needed a bowling option in the death over. We included Usman Khawaja. There was ups and downs and we tried to fix those. In this pitch, we were restricting them to 140 or 150. Hasan Nawaz deserves credit for his batting, also Jahandad should get the credits. They took it to 180 from 150, which is a bit excess in this pitch.
(On the personal form) I think it is important to keep the belief on myself. If I do not deliver from the front, my team will struggle. I have to work on my lackings and I am trying as well. The almighty demands hard work and courage. I leave the rest on the almighty. Yes a tough time is going on.
(On the talk in the dressing room) 60% times the players gets exposed to failure. We have to work with the courage and energy. I think if we play the next five games to our best, we will get the results. We have to take our courage to that stage."
Rilee Rossouw (Player of the Match): (On handling pressure and the importance of the win) βIt was a tough wicket to bat on, and we really needed this win. Saud Shakeel and I got in early and decided to keep the scoreboard ticking. We planned to bat in a more conventional way - keep wickets in hand and go deep into the innings. The last seven overs made a big difference for us.
(On preparation and reading conditions) As a batting unit, we discussed that the pitch in Karachi might play like this, so we were prepared. The plan was to take the innings deep with wickets in hand. It helps a lot knowing you have capable players like Hasan Nawaz and others coming in after you. That allows you to play with more confidence.
(On Hasan Nawazβs contribution) He played an unbelievable innings once again and made a big impact for the team.β
Player of the Match: Rilee Rossouw
Catch of the Match: Yasir Khan (For Hasan Nawaz's catch)
Super Power of the Day: Jahandad Khan (21 off 6 balls)
Energetic Batter of the Match: Hasan Nawaz (39 off 16, 5 sixes)
Moment of the Match: Jahandad Khan (On the wicket first ball)