KARACHI: Mohammad Rizwan, captain of the Rawalpindi franchise in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), has openly accepted the responsibility for his team’s failure to qualify for the playoffs, following a series of 7 consecutive defeats.
Rizwan, while addressing a press conference that took place on Saturday following a defeat to Lahore Qalandars, stated that he had not been able to play up to his potential in the competition, which is why his team’s performance has been subpar.
“It’s definitely my fault as I couldn’t play up to the mark.”
Despite his failure, Rizwan clarified that he has never objected to bat along with other players. He acknowledged that although he may have a preference when it comes to batting order, it was decided collectively within the team.
“There may not always be positive things in losing games, but we’ve seen good things too,” Rizwan added. “If one takes a look at the team, there aren’t any weaknesses in the team, but it’s just not been our day.”
Speaking about leadership, Rizwan remarked, “Results can’t define a captain. It’s not always possible for a captain to do everything correctly; mistakes happen, and sometimes nothing can be done.”
Rizwan also recalled his past comments made during the Big Bash League in which he mentioned that he was not good enough to play for his country. “Even when I do not perform well, it does not mean that I give up because cricket is my love,” he said.
He added, “This is one of the most difficult times of my life, but I accept that I have failed. The only thing left for me now is to work hard and perform better.”
In the Pakistan Super League 11 on Saturday, Lahore Qalandars defeated Rawalpindi by 32 runs and their dreams of reaching the playoffs came to an end.
PSL: Qalandars secure victory as Rawalpindi suffer seventh consecutive defeat
Earlier, in the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League, Lahore Qalandars delivered a dominant performance to defeat Rawalpindi by 32 runs, effectively eliminating them from playoff contention.
Rawalpindi have now become the first team to be knocked out of the tournament after suffering their seventh consecutive defeat.
The match, played at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, saw Lahore Qalandars win the toss and opt to bat first. They posted an imposing total of 210 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs.
Fakhar Zaman led the charge with an aggressive 84-run innings, while Mohammad Farooq contributed 63 runs and Abdullah Shafique added 26.
Asif Ali provided a late boost, smashing 18 runs off just 6 deliveries to push the total past the 200-mark. For Rawalpindis, Mohammad Amir and Razaullah claimed two wickets each.
Chasing a daunting target of 211, Rawalpindis struggled to build momentum and were restricted to 178 for 9 in their 20 overs.
Young batter Yasir Khan stood out with 58 runs, and Saad played a quickfire cameo of 54 off 21 balls towards the end, but their efforts fell short.
Lahore’s bowling attack was led by Haris Rauf, who picked up three wickets. Shaheen Afridi and Usama Mir took two wickets each, while Daniel Sams and Sikandar Raza chipped in with one apiece.
With this comprehensive victory, Lahore Qalandars strengthened their position in the tournament, while Rawalpindis bowed out after a disappointing campaign.
