Lahore Qalandars’ all-rounder Sikandar Raza was left disappointed after the loss against Karachi Kings on Sunday during the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Raza, who hails from Zimbabwe, was hopeful that his team will bounce back in the upcoming matches.
“We are hurt and disappointed but we will try to make up for this loss in the next match,” Raza told Qalandars’ Digital.
“To be a champion, you have to beat everybody. It’s not that we just need to beat Karachi or any one particular team. If we want to become a champion, we would need to win majority of the matches,” he added.
Raza also spoke about areas to improve ahead of Qalandars’ remaining matches.
“I think 185 was below par because I don’t think so that the match got ahead of us,” he said. “I think the lesson to learn is that if we can manage the middle [of the innings] well then we have enough power to win the match at the end, if we can keep the run-rate close to the required rate.”
Defending champions Lahore are currently at the bottom of the table with two points after two matches.
It must be noted that Karachi beat Lahore by 67 runs to secure their maiden victory in PSL 8.
Put to bat first, Kings posted a competitive 186-run target on the scoreboard before bowling out Qalandars for 118 runs in 17.3 overs.
Skipper Imad Wasim struck in his last over after Akif Javed took two wickets to put Kings in control against Qalandars.
After Aamer Yamin and Mohammad Amir gave the Kings two early breakthroughs, Tahir Baig and Kamran Ghulam led the run-chase.
But young bowler Akif, who was roped in as a replacement for an injured Mir Hamza, struck twice in his third over to send the two batters back to the pavilion and put his side on course for victory.
The closing ceremony and final of PSL 8 will be played on March 19 in Lahore, which will also host play-offs.
The winner will not only lift the Supernova Trophy but will also collect a cheque of Rs120m, while the runners-up will receive a cheque of Rs48m.
Lahore Qalandars will attempt to become the first side to win back-to-back titles; meanwhile Islamabad United will aim to become the most successful side by lifting the trophy thrice.
Rawalpindi will stage 11 fixtures, Karachi and Lahore will host nine matches each, whereas Multan will have five home games.