Rishad back in lahore colours with title hopes on the line

Rishad Hossain has rejoined Lahore Qalandars for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) playoffs, linking up once again with Bangladeshi teammates Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

With all three now available for selection, Lahore's line-up in the crucial Eliminator match against Karachi Kings is set to have a distinctly Bangladeshi flavour.

Rishad, who had returned home for Bangladesh's T20I series against the UAE in Dubai, confirmed his comeback in a video posted by Lahore. "Assalamu Alaikum, everyone. I have returned to the Lahore Qalandars family. See you on the field. We will win this [title] together," he said.

Having taken 9 wickets in 5 matches so far at an economy rate of 8.70, the leg-spinner had initially featured in Lahore's campaign before sitting out a few games. Now back for the business end of the tournament, he will aim to contribute once again.

Lahore qualified for the playoffs in fourth place with 11 points from 10 matches and will face David Warner's Karachi Kings in the Eliminator on 22 May at 9 PM Bangladesh time in Lahore. A win will take them to the second Qualifier, where they will meet the loser of the first Qualifier involving Islamabad United. That match is scheduled for 23 May, with the final set to be played on 25 May.

Shakib, who made his return to competitive cricket after nearly six months in the final group stage game against Peshawar Zalmi, had a mixed outing. He was dismissed off the first ball with the bat but bowled two tidy overs for 18 runs in the rain-shortened 13-over match. Lahore won the match and sealed their playoff spot.

Miraz, meanwhile, has been brought in as a late replacement for Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza, who left the PSL for national duty. This is Miraz's first call-up to a foreign franchise specifically for the playoffs. Upon his arrival, he was officially welcomed by team director Sameen Rana, who thanked him for joining the squad on short notice.