Despite an impressive start to the Pakistan Super League, taking eight wickets in his first four matches, Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain found himself out of the Lahore Qalandars’ playing XI for three consecutive games. On Sunday, however, he was finally given another opportunity—and made his presence felt, even if it wasn’t enough to secure victory.
Back in the side against Karachi Kings in Lahore, Rishad bowled three overs, conceding 28 runs and picking up a crucial wicket. At a glance, the figures might appear modest, but in a rain-shortened 15-over-a-side contest, where most Lahore bowlers came under severe pressure, Rishad’s performance stood out.
Lahore posted 160 for eight before rain interrupted play, with Rishad unbeaten on nought from one delivery. After the delay, Karachi were handed a revised target of 168 from 15 overs—an uphill task, but one that their openers approached with intent.
David Warner set the tone with 24 from just 13 balls, and Tim Seifert followed with a rapid 24 off 10. By the end of the sixth over, Karachi had stormed to 68 for two, when Rishad was brought into the attack.
He made an immediate impact, conceding just seven runs and removing James Vince thanks to a catch from Sikandar Raza. That wicket was Rishad’s ninth in the PSL, making him the leading Bangladeshi wicket-taker in the tournament’s history, surpassing Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah.
Though struck for a four and a six in his second over, the young leggie recovered well, conceding just three runs from the next four deliveries. He was tidy again in his final over, giving away only eight.
By the time Rishad completed his spell, Karachi needed 58 runs from the last four overs. Irfan Khan and Mohammad Nabi launched a blistering counterattack, with Irfan finishing unbeaten on 48 from 21 balls, including five sixes. Nabi added a quickfire 15 off eight before falling, but the damage was done.
Karachi chased down the target with three balls to spare, but Rishad’s return remained one of the few bright spots in Lahore’s otherwise frustrating outing.