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KARACHI: New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell remains optimistic about Rawalpindiz’s chances in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, despite the franchise’s winless start to the season.
The 34-year-old, who is featuring for Rawalpindiz, said he is hopeful the team can turn things around in the coming matches and build momentum as the tournament progresses.
“It’s awesome to be back here,” Mitchell said while speaking to PCB Digital. “I’m really happy to be back in Pakistan. The people here are very welcoming, and I’ve really enjoyed my time so far.”
Rawalpindiz have endured a difficult start, losing all four of their matches to sit at the bottom of the points table. However, Mitchell is backing his side to bounce back and keep their playoff hopes alive.
“Hopefully we can get off the mark in the next game and get on a bit of a roll,” he said. “You never know what might happen in a tournament like this.”
Mitchell also believes that adapting to conditions and building a better understanding within the group will be key moving forward.
“It’s always challenging cricket coming here,” he noted. “Conditions can vary, from fast and bouncy to slow and turning, so as a cricketer, trying to adapt is always a challenge, but it’s also good fun.”
Daryl Mitchell, who made his PSL debut last season with eventual champions Lahore Qalandars, has so far scored 124 runs in four matches this season at a strike rate of over 150. Last year, he accumulated 241 runs in nine games, playing a key role in Qalandars’ title-winning campaign.
Sharing his thoughts on Pakistan’s cricketing landscape, the right-hander was full of praise for the country’s fast-bowling depth, calling it one of the most impressive aspects of the PSL.
“Pakistan has some of the best fast bowlers in the world,” he said. “Every season, a new bowler seems to come through. I don’t know what it is, tape ball or whatever, but it’s incredible to see.”
Mitchell added that overseas players have an important role in guiding younger cricketers, particularly in a competitive league like the PSL.
“As overseas players, we try to share our experience with the younger guys to help them improve and take their game to another level,” he said.
The New Zealand international also spoke about settling into a new environment, highlighting the importance of building team chemistry early in the tournament.
“The first week is about getting to know the players and understanding how they operate,” he explained.
“You try to have some fun along the way, and as the tournament goes on, you start having more conversations about the game and how to improve together.”
Reflecting on his favourite PSL memory, Mitchell pointed to Lahore Qalandars lifting the trophy last season as a special moment, even though he missed the final stages of the tournament.
“Anytime you’re winning games is special,” he said. “Watching Lahore lift the trophy last year was a great moment, especially seeing some close friends succeed.”
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