PSL 2021: Lahore Qalandars keeper Ben Dunk injured, receives seven stitches

Lahore Qalandars wicketkeeper-batter Ben Dunk has injured himself during the caching practice session in Abu Dhabi, ahead of the resumption of the sixth edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) in UAE. The hard-hitting southpaw is one of the key members of the Qalandars and this blow at this crucial juncture of time when the PSL is just a few days away is not the news the franchise wanted.

The 34-year-old got hit on the lips while catching and received seven stitches. If that was not enough, then Dunk also underwent surgery for the realignment of his lips. The Qalandars are currently third on the points table after winning three games from four matches.

Qalandars CEO Sameen Rana gave positive feedback regarding Dunk’s untimely injury. Rana stated he is recovering well and hopes to see the wicketkeeper back in action against Islamabad United on June 9.

“He is recovering well and we are hopeful that he will be available for the 1st game against Islamabad,” Sameen Rana said as reported by CricWick.

Lahore Qalandars confident of putting in good performances

Dunk was in good form during the four matches for his team as the southpaw scored 80 runs at a healthy average of 40 with a high score of unbeaten 57 against Karachi Kings before the tournament came to a grinding halt due to a breach in bio-bubble.

Led by Sohail Akhtar, the Qalandars are a well-rounded squad with the likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez and Haris Rauf in the mix. Apart from a strong core of Pakistani players, Qalandars have also got a good bunch of foreign stars in Rashid Khan, David Wiese, and Samit Patel.

Recently, the squad promoted Afridi into the role of vice-captain considering his consistent performances in the last two years. The left-arm bowler will as usual lead the bowling attack and give the team the crucial breakthroughs. Apart from that, he will also have the task to give valuable inputs to skipper Akhtar.

Yet to win a title in the five editions, Qalandars will hope to continue their good form from the Karachi leg into the UAE and hope to finally end the trophy drought.