Ben Sears Signed by Rawalpindiz for PSL 2026 New Zealand Fast Bowler to Join Pindiz in Karachi
Rawalpindiz have signed New Zealand fast bowler Ben Sears as a fresh addition to their PSL 2026 squad. He is expected to travel to Karachi and link up with the Pindiz camp tomorrow as the tournament enters its Karachi leg.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Player | Ben Sears |
| Nationality | New Zealand |
| Role | Right-arm Fast Bowler |
| Pace | 140+ kmph, max recorded 146.2 kmph |
| Joining | Tomorrow, Karachi |
| Team | Rawalpindiz (Pindiz) |
Who Is Ben Sears?
Ben Sears is a right-arm fast bowler from New Zealand who consistently bowls above 140kmph and generates serious bounce off the pitch. He represents Wellington in domestic cricket and has been a regular name in New Zealand’s white-ball setup since his international debut in 2021, racking up 22 T20Is and 4 ODIs for the Black Caps.
What makes this signing genuinely exciting for Pindiz fans is what Sears did against Pakistan in early 2025. He became the first New Zealand bowler ever to take back-to-back five-wicket hauls in ODIs, claiming 5/59 and 5/34 in that series. He did it against Pakistani batters, on Pakistani pitches. That kind of form against the same opposition he will now be bowling alongside in the PSL is a serious statement.
His fastest recorded delivery sits at 146.2 kmph, clocked during the Plunket Shield in February 2023. On his day, he is as quick as anyone in world cricket.
What Pindiz Are Getting
Rawalpindiz have had a rough start to their debut PSL season, losing all three matches played so far. The bowling unit has struggled to take wickets at key moments, and that is exactly the gap Sears fills. Here is what he brings:
- Express pace above 140kmph that immediately demands respect from batters
- Bounce and skid that makes him awkward on even slow, dry surfaces
- New ball threat with the ability to seam and swing in the powerplay
- Death bowling experience from international T20 cricket
- 110+ domestic wickets across all formats, so this is no raw rookie
| Stat | Figure |
|---|---|
| T20I Appearances | 22 |
| ODI Best Figures | 5/34 vs Pakistan (2025) |
| Fastest Delivery | 146.2 kmph |
| All-format Domestic Wickets | 110+ |
| PSL 2026 Team | Rawalpindiz |
Why This Signing Matters for PSL 2026
Rawalpindiz are a brand new franchise in their very first PSL season. They were formed after the Multan Sultans franchise was acquired and rebranded, and the pressure is on to show they belong at this level. Three losses from three is not the start anyone wanted, and the management has clearly decided that bolstering the pace attack mid-tournament is the move.
Karachi conditions at National Stadium tend to produce dry, slower pitches where batting becomes easier as the match progresses. A bowler like Sears who can hit the deck hard and still generate bounce even when the surface is not doing much is exactly the kind of option Rizwan’s side needs right now.
For full details on where Pindiz currently stand in the competition, the live PSL 2026 points table has everything updated after every match.
Injury History Worth Noting
Sears has dealt with injury setbacks over the past couple of years, most notably a hamstring problem that kept him out from October 2024 and caused him to miss the Champions Trophy earlier this year. However, the fact that Pindiz have signed him suggests he is fully fit and cleared to play. His return to cricket through club games in Melbourne and a county stint with Yorkshire earlier in 2025 shows his comeback has been properly managed.
Check the complete Rawalpindi Pindiz squad to see how Sears fits into the full bowling lineup.
FAQs
Who is Ben Sears? Ben Sears is a New Zealand right-arm fast bowler who bowls at 140kmph+ with extra bounce. He has played 22 T20Is and 4 ODIs for the Black Caps.
Which PSL 2026 team has signed Ben Sears? Rawalpindiz, also known as Pindiz, have signed him as a new squad addition.
When will Ben Sears join Rawalpindiz? He is expected to join the Pindiz squad in Karachi tomorrow.
Why is Ben Sears a big deal for Pindiz? He brings express pace above 140kmph plus proven big-match performances, including back-to-back five-wicket ODI hauls against Pakistan in 2025.
Has Ben Sears played in Pakistan before? Yes. He played ODIs in Pakistan in early 2025, where he took his historic back-to-back five-wicket hauls.
How is Rawalpindiz doing in PSL 2026? Pindiz have lost all three matches in their debut PSL season so far, making this signing a timely and important boost.
