Sports

PSL II: Karachi Kings hoping for turnaround in fortunes

Published February 10, 2017 Updated February 10, 2017 10:04am

Pakistan Super Leagues second edition kicked off with a bang on Thursday night, with reigning champions Islamabad United beating Peshawar Zalmi in the opener, after they successfully chased down a mammoth 173 run target in 18 overs, setting the stage for what to expect this year.

The second edition of the lucrative Twenty20 cricket league brings in opportunity for some to amend the past mistakes. Karachi Kings franchise sits among those eyeing to change their fortune this year.

As the Kings would play their first match later today, taking on Peshawar Zalmi, they would heavily rely on skipper Kumar Sangakkara and major West Indian picks Chris Gayle and Keiron Pollard in their PSL campaign.

The Kings were one of the worst performers in last years PSL, attaining only two wins under their belt in nine matches.

Former captain Ravi Bopara too would be Kings major go to man. Bopara was the best performer for the franchise in the first PSL finishing as the second-highest run-scorer and joint fifth-highest wicket-taker.

It would also bring an opportunity for the forgotten local talent Shahzaib Hasan. The Karachi born, was a key player in Pakistan squad that won World T20 in 2009 but failed to capitalize on that to sustain his place in the national squad.

Top performance in this year PSL however could reopen the doors of international cricket for the opening batsman.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017