Round-up: The 5 biggest sports stories of the week

The Express Tribune takes a look back at five top happenings in past seven days

In the last week, cricket had dominated the sports world with the some amazing performances by teams and individuals.

The Express Tribune takes a look at the five biggest happenings in the last seven days.

1.    Azhar Mahmood appointed coach

Azhar Mahmood, who is currently representing Islamabad United in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL), was named as Pakistan’s new bowling coach. Head coach Waqar Younis suggested Mahmood’s name for the position after current bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed told the PCB that he would be unable to continue due to personal commitments.

2.    Islamabad set Quetta final

A blistering ton by Islamabad United’s left-hand batsman Sharjeel Khan (117 off 62 balls courtesy 12 boundaries and eight maximums) helped his team beat Shahid Afridi’s Peshawar Zalmi by 50 runs in the third play-off to book their place in the final of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) against Quetta Gladiators.

3.    Karachi Kings knocked out by Islamabad

Islamabad United beat Karachi Kings comprehensively by nine wickets in the second play-off of the PSL. Islamabad’s right-arm fast-bowler Muhammad Sami claimed figures of 5-8 in his four overs, restricting Karachi to a low total of 111-9. United chased the target down in just 14.2 overs.

4.    Lahore finish bottom of group

Islamabad United beat Lahore Qalandars by five wickets in the final PSL group match on Wednesday, knocking them out in the process. Even though Umar Akmal scored 72 not out for Lahore as they put up a decent total of 150 runs, Islamabad chased the target down in 19 overs to condemn their opponents to last place in the groups.

5.    McCullum breaks Misbah’s record of fastest Test century

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum hit the fastest century in the history of Test cricket on Saturday, taking just 54 deliveries against Australia in Christchurch in what is to be his final appearance in international cricket. The previous record of 56 deliveries was set by Sir Viv Richards for West Indies against England 30 years ago and by Misbahul Haq for Pakistan against Australia in 2014.