During an interview with a local news outlet, Rizwan expressed his willingness to adapt to any role for the national team. He is ready to bat at any number, and even ready to relinquish his duties as a wicketkeeper.

“I never refused to play one down. When I was asked, I said I am absolutely available,” said Rizwan.

“I even said that if I am needed for bowling, I am ready for that too, I can even leave my wicket-keeping,” he further added.

The top-order batter also pointed out that he has batted at almost all the batting positions, which reflects his flexibility to bat at any number.

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“If you look at my career so far, in 26 matches, I have gone to bat at numbers 7, 8, and 9. No batsman has gone in at number 9, I have,” he said.

“I cannot say that I will not do this. I was ready before, and I am still ready now.”

For the unversed, young opening batter Saim Ayub was included in the Pakistan team for the New Zealand series, requiring either Mohammad Rizwan or Babar Azam to move down the batting order to accommodate Ayub.

The series saw Rizwan opening with Ayub, while Azam played at number three.

Azam scored three consecutive half-centuries at number three, however, Pakistan lost the series 4-1.

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The panel was led by Usman Wahla (Director – International Cricket), comprising independent members, Danny Morrison, Mark Butcher, Tariq Saeed and Urooj Mumtaz.

During the selection process, the independent panel considered various aspects of T20 cricket, including consistency, impact on the team, overall performance, and best possible team combination.

25-year-old Shadab, led United to the third title in HBL PSL, was also named player of the tournament for his all-round performance, which included 305 runs and 14 wickets from 12 matches.

Along with Shadab, two Islamabad United players – Imad Wasim and Naseem Shah also made it to the team of HBL PSL 9.

Imad, played a vital role in United’s winning campaign in  HBL PSL 9, as his five for 23 in four overs and unbeaten 19 off 17 balls in Monday’s final led his side to a two-wicket win over Multan Sultans at the jam-packed National Bank Stadium.

21-year-old Naseem Shah, who returned from shoulder injury after six months was another vital cog in United’s success. The right-arm pacer bagged 15 wickets at an economy rate of 7.56.

Multan Sultans’ who played their fourth HBL PSL final (2021, 2022,2023, 2024) on Monday night, had five players making it to the playing XI, which included three foreign players – Usman Khan (430 runs, 2x100s, 2×50, strike-rate 164.12), Chris Jordan (six wickets, 8.42 eco.) and David Willey (15 wickets, 7.46 ec0.).

The two local players from the Sultans’ side are leg-spinner Usama Mir, who topped the bowling charts with a record 24 wickets from 12 matches, with six for 40 being his best figures, and Iftikhar Ahmed, who scored 259 runs with a strike rate of 193.28.

Multan Sultans’ captain Mohammad Rizwan is named as the 12^th man of the side.

The team also includes Karachi Kings emerging category player Muhammad Irfan Khan, who scored 171 runs at a strike rate of 140.16 and also bagged eight catches.

Peshawar Zalmi’s opening pair of Babar Azam and Saim Ayub also made it to the HBL PSL 9 Team.

Right-handed Babar topped the batting charts with 569 runs from 11 matches at an average of 56.9 and a strike rate of 142.6. He also struck one century and five half-centuries during the course of the tournament.

22-year-old Saim scored 345 runs from 11 matches at a strike rate of 157.53. Zalmi player also bagged eight wickets and was named the all-rounder of the tournament for his heroics with the bat and ball.

Team of PSL 9: Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Usman Khan*, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Chris Jordan*, David Willey*, Usama Mir, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Rizwan.

READ: Shadab named player of the tournament as United dominate PSL 9 awards

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“I think I’m happy playing cricket, I’m fit and trying to contribute as much as possible. I’ve four-five years of cricket left in me,” Imad said after the match.

Commenting on the enthralling final, Imad stated that the United should have achieved the total an over earlier and lauded Hunain Shah for displaying nerves of steel.

“We should have finished the match one over earlier. Hunain Shah kept his nerves and smashed a boundary on the last ball of the inning.”

Notably, the left-arm spinner had a brilliant outing for the United in the blockbuster final against 2021 champions Multan Sultans, becoming the first bowler to take a five-wicket haul in the tournament’s final.

At the back of his bowling exploits, the two-time champions United managed to restrict the Sultans on 159/9 in the allotted overs.

Imad Wasim had a dream start to his bowling spell as he removed in-form opener Yasir Khan (6) on the third delivery of his first over.

He was then hit for a six by David Willey (6) but hit back on the next delivery by castling the batter.

He then conceded a mere six runs in his next over before being brought back into the attack by Shadab Khan in the 12th over of the innings.

The left-arm spinner struck straightaway, removing the hard-hitting batter Johnson Charles (4).

Coming back into the attack for his final over, Imad Wasim put Islamabad United in complete control with a ruthless bowling display.

He dismissed Khushdil Shah (11) and Chris Jordan (0) to complete his five-wicket haul before Abbas Afridi got run out in the same over, bringing the Sultans down to 127/9 in 17 overs.

For the unversed, Imad has emerged as one of the key players for the United, showcasing his all-round brilliance in important matches.

He played a match-winning cameo against Multan Sultans in Islamabad United’s last group-stage fixture, propelling the two-time champions into the PSL 9 Playoffs.

Imad then bamboozled Quetta Gladiators in the Eliminator with magnificent bowling figures of 3/12 before playing a match-winning 59-run knock in the second Eliminator against Peshawar Zalmi.

READ: Shadab named player of PSL 9 as United dominate awards

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Shadab enjoyed a remarkable all-round campaign, scoring 305 runs in 12 innings at a decent average of 30.25 and a strike rate of 142.52. He was equally good with the ball as he picked up 14 wickets in 12 matches.

Peshawar Zalmi’s skipper Babar Azam won the Hanif Mohammad Cap for the highest run-scorer of the tournament. He concluded the PSL 9 with 569 runs in 11 innings at 56.9 and a strike-rate of 142.6.

Whereas, Multan Sultans’ Usman Khan was adjudged the best batter of the tournament for his impactful performances with the bat while his teammate Usama Mir claimed Fazal Mahmood Cap for most wickets and was also named as the best bowler of the tournament.

Peshawar Zalmi’s Saim Ayub, who enjoyed a phenomenal season with both the bat and the ball, was named the all-rounder of the tournament.

Ayub scored 345 runs at a strike rate of 157.53 and also claimed eight wickets at an economy rate of 7.45.

Here’s the full list of award winners:

Player of the Match: Imad Wasim

Player of the Tournament: Shadab Khan

Emerging Player of the Tournament: Irfan Khan Niazi

Best Batter of the Tournament: Usman Khan

Best Bowler of the Tournament: Usama Mir

Best Fielder of the Tournament: Irfan Khan Niazi

Super all-rounder of the Tournament: Saim Ayub

Wicketkeeper of the Tournament: Azam Khan

Fazal Mahmood Cap for Most Wickets: Usama Mir

Hanif Mohammad Cap for Most Runs: Babar Azam

Spirit of Cricket Award: Peshawar Zalmi

Best Umpire of the Tournament: Asif Yaqoob

READ: Imad Wasim achieves historic landmark in PSL history

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The left-arm spinner had a brilliant outing for the United in the blockbuster final against 2021 champions Multan Sultans, registering tremendous figures of 5/23 in his quota of four overs.

At the back of his bowling exploits, the two-time champions United managed to restrict the Sultans on 159/9 in the allotted overs.

Imad Wasim had a dream start to his bowling spell as he removed in-form opener Yasir Khan (6) on the third delivery of his first over.

He was then hit for a six by David Willey (6) but hit back on the next delivery by castling the batter.

He then conceded a mere six runs in his next over before being brought back into the attack by Shadab Khan in the 12th over of the innings.

The left-arm spinner struck straightaway, removing the hard-hitting batter Johnson Charles (4).

Coming back into the attack for his final over, Imad Wasim put Islamabad United in complete control with a ruthless bowling display.

He dismissed Khushdil Shah (11) and Chris Jordan (0) to complete his five-wicket haul before Abbas Afridi got run out in the same over, bringing the Sultans down to 127/9 in 17 overs.

For the unversed, Imad has emerged as one of the key players for the United, showcasing his all-round brilliance in important matches.

He played a match-winning cameo against Multan Sultans in Islamabad United’s last group-stage fixture, propelling the two-time champions into the PSL 9 Playoffs.

Imad then bamboozled Quetta Gladiators in the Eliminator with magnificent bowling figures of 3/12 before playing a match-winning 59-run knock in the second Eliminator against Peshawar Zalmi.

READ: Imad takes five as United curtail Sultans on 159/9 in PSL 9 Final

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Set to chase 160 for their third PSL title, Islamabad United had a flying start to the pursuit as their new opening pair of Colin Munro and Martin Guptill scored 20 off the first two overs.

But the duo failed to continue the flying start as Munro fell victim to Khushdil Shah on the first delivery of the fourth over. He made 17 off 13 with the help of four boundaries.

The United then lost two more wickets in quick succession as Salman Ali Agha (10) and Shadab Khan (4) perished after scoring cheaply.

But Guptill remained firm and kept the scoreboard ticking in a crucial fourth-wicket partnership with Azam Khan before a mix-up drew curtains on his tremendous knock.

He remained the top-scorer for the United with a 32-ball 50, peppered with four boundaries and three sixes.

Azam then partnered with Imad Wasim for a brief 19-run partnership, which lasted in the 16th over, courtesy of a brilliant DRS by Mohammad Rizwan off Usama Mir.

He smashed four boundaries and a six on his way to a 22-ball 30.

The United then sustained another massive blow to their pursuit as in-form Haider Ali and Faheem Ashraf walked back in consecutive overs, bringing the equation down to 129/7.

The two-time champions then needed 31 off 17 deliveries with Imad and Naseem Shah at the crease.

The duo batted sensibly and brought the United in touching distance before Mohammad Ali dismissed Naseem Shah with a bumper on the penultimate delivery.

Islamabad United needed one run off the final delivery with Hunain Shah on the strike. The No.10 batter sensibly guided the ball towards the third-man region to steer his team over the line.

For the Sultans, Iftikhar Ahmed and Khushdil Shah bagged two wickets each while Usama Mir, Mohammad Ali and David Willey struck out a batter apiece.

Opting to bat first, the Sultans managed to register a subpar total on the board in the PSL 9 final despite Usman Khan’s anchoring half-century and Iftikhar Ahmed’s late onslaught.

The Sultans got off to a dismal start to their innings as their young opener Yasir Khan (6) fell victim to Imad Wasim in the second over.

Promoted to bat at No.3, vice-captain David Willey (6) had a brief stay at the crease as he too, fell victim to Imad after hitting the latter for a six.

Following the slump, Usman Khan then joined his skipper Mohammad Rizwan in the middle and the duo launched recovery.

The pair added 53 runs for the third wicket before Rizwan fell victim to his United counterpart Shadab Khan in the 10th over after scoring a run-a-ball 26.

Usman then took reigns of the Sultans’ batting expedition and put together brief partnerships with Johnson Charles and Khushdil Shah before perishing in the 16th over.

He remained the top-scorer for the Sultans with a gutsy 57 off 40 deliveries, laced up with seven boundaries and a six.

His dismissal sparked a lower middle-order collapse, triggered by Imad Wasim’s sensational last over, who returned with tremendous bowling figures of 5/22 in his four overs.

Consequently, the Sultans had been reduced to 127/9 in 17 overs before Iftikhar Ahmed launched a counterattack.

The right-handed batter smashed three boundaries and as many sixes on his way to a blistering 32-run cameo which came off just 20 deliveries.

Besides Imad, skipper Shadab chipped in for the United with the ball in the PSL 9 final, picking up three wickets for 32 runs in his quota of four overs.

READ: Wanindu Hasaranga comes out of Test retirement for Bangladesh Tests

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Alex Hales has been benched and Colin Munro is back in the side while Multan Sultans are unchanged.

HEAD TO HEAD

Matches 15, Islamabad United 7, Multan Sultans 8

READ: Usman Khan picks better captain between Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfaraz Ahmed

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Usman Khan represented Quetta Gladiators under Sarfaraz Ahmed during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season six in 2021 before making a move to Multan Sultans, under the captaincy of Mohammad Rizwan, in 2023.

During an interview with ESPN Cricinfo, Khan was asked to rate the captaincy of Mohammad Rizwan and Sarfaraz Ahmed, considering his experience of playing under both captains.

The 28-year-old batter pointed out that both captains are similar tactically however the major difference between them is the way they express their emotions during crunch stages.

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“In some ways, they’re similar, in terms of their tactics and how they want to win games. Saifi bhai [Sarfaraz Ahmed] is a little more emotional and at times tenses up,” said Usman Khan.

“Rizwan bhai never blames a player or scolds them if they’ve gone for runs. No one gets told they’ve cost the team a game,” he added.

“Strategically they’re not dissimilar, but the way they react emotionally and psychologically to on-field events can be quite different,” he concluded.

Usman Khan is having a spectacular season for Multan Sultans in the ongoing PSL 9, sitting in the third position in the top run-scorers chart.

He has scored 373 runs in six innings, including two centuries and one half-century at a brilliant strike rate of 168.01.

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Saim, who represented Peshawar Zalmi in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9, had a remarkable season with the bat and the ball.

The left-handed opener finished as one of the leading run-scorers of the tournament with 345 runs in 11 innings at an average of 31.36 and a strike rate of 157.53.

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He concluded his dream PSL 9 campaign with a blistering 73-run knock against Peshawar Zalmi in the Eliminator 2, which included an impressive tally of six boundaries and four sixes.

Consequently, Saim Ayub, 21 years and 297 days old, surpassed previous record holder Haider Ali, who achieved the milestone at 22 years and 259 days, to become the fastest Pakistan batter to 100 T20 sixes.

Notably, Saim has hit the most sixes in PSL 9 thus far, smashing 21 sixes in 11 innings.

Youngest Pakistanis to reach 100 T20 sixes

Saim Ayub – 21 years, 297 days
Haider Ali – 22 years, 259 days
Shadab Khan – 24 years, 30 days
Azam Khan – 24 years, 42 days

However, Saim Ayub’s all-round exploits went in vain as Islamabad United defeated Peshawar Zalmi in the Eliminator 2 and set up the PSL 9 final with Multan Sultans.

The two-time champions were reeling at 91/5 in pursuit of the 186-run total before Imad Wasim and Haider Ali turned the game on its head with an astonishing partnership.

The duo dominated Zalmi bowlers at the backend with both scoring half-centuries before Imad finally smashed Wood for a boundary to take United into the PSL 9 final.

Imad top-scored for the United with an unbeaten 59 off 40 deliveries with the help of nine boundaries while Haider struck two boundaries and five sixes on his way to a 29-ball 52.

READ: Rizwan, Shadab pose with Orion trophy ahead of PSL 9 Final

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To ignite the hype of the cricket enthusiasts, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday, arranged a captains’ photo shoot at Karachi’s Custom House.

The theme of the photo shoot was inspired by the metropolitan city’s renowned mini-bus.

Following the photo shoot, both captains shared their views ahead of the blockbuster PSL 9 final.

Mohammad Rizwan, who led Sultans to their third consecutive PSL final under his captaincy, expressed his excitement for the big match but at the same time refrained from taking the toll of the big-match pressure.

“We are playing the fourth consecutive final. Everyone in the team is excited but for me, the game is just like a season opener,” stated Rizwan.

Whereas, Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan was upbeat about playing the PSL final after a gap of six years.

“Our team bonding has always been top notch and we have stayed like a family and play like United,” Shadab said.

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Both captains also requested the fans to come and fill the iconic National Bank Cricket Stadium in the PSL 9 final.

For the unversed, Multan Sultans enjoyed a dream run in the ongoing PSL 9 as the former champions became the first team to qualify for the Playoffs.

The Sultans then outclassed Quetta Gladiators in their final group-stage fixture to end as the table toppers with 14 points in 10 matches.

The 2021 champions then eased past Peshawar Zalmi in the Qualifier to make their way into the final.

On the contrary, Islamabad United had a campaign full of ups and downs, the two-time champions had a forgetful start to their campaign but soon regrouped and got back on the winning track.

They then edged Sultans in their last fixture to seal their place in the Playoffs.

The United then emerged victorious in two consecutive knockout matches against Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi respectively and made their way to the PSL 9 final.

READ: Shahid Afridi wants Mohammad Amir to take back international retirement

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