Lahore – The Karachi Kings secured a dramatic four-wicket victory over the Lahore Qalandars in a low-scoring thriller during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 match at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.
Chasing a modest target of 129 runs on a challenging pitch, the Karachi Kings successfully reached the total with three balls to spare, finishing at 129 for 6. The win was powered by disciplined bowling followed by a composed batting effort led by Muhammad Waseem.
Early Setbacks in the Chase
The Kings’ chase got off to a disastrous start as they lost captain David Warner for 8 and Salman Ali Agha for a duck, both dismissed in the third over by Shaheen Shah Afridi. With just 10 runs on the board, pressure mounted on the batting lineup.
Muhammad Waseem anchored the innings, building crucial partnerships with Saad Baig and Moeen Ali. His steady knock of 38 runs off 37 balls, including three boundaries and a six, kept the Kings in the game until his dismissal in the 15th over.
Shaheen continued to dominate with the ball, claiming key wickets and finishing with an impressive four-wicket haul for just 18 runs.
Dramatic Finish in the Final Overs
As the match reached its climax, Khushdil Shah and Azam Khan added a vital 32-run partnership, reducing the equation to 14 runs required in the final over. A controversial moment arose when the ball was changed after being deemed altered, resulting in a five-run penalty against the Qalandars.
With the revised target now nine runs from six balls, tension peaked. Haris Rauf struck early, dismissing Khushdil Shah on the first delivery. However, Abbas Afridi turned the match around with a quickfire assault, smashing a four and a six off consecutive balls to seal a thrilling victory for the Kings.
Qalandars’ Batting Struggles
Earlier, Lahore Qalandars struggled with the bat after being asked to set a target. They managed only 128 for 9 in 20 overs, with early wickets putting them under pressure.
Fakhar Zaman fell cheaply, while Abdullah Shafique top-scored with 33 runs. A brief partnership between Haseebullah Khan and Sikandar Raza offered some resistance, but consistent breakthroughs from the Kings’ bowlers restricted the scoring rate.
Key Performers
• Shaheen Shah Afridi: 4 wickets for 18 runs
• Adam Zampa: 2 wickets for 11 runs and named Player of the Match
• Mir Hamza & Moeen Ali: Key contributions with two wickets each
Match Summary
The Karachi Kings’ disciplined bowling attack, combined with nerve in the final overs, proved decisive in a match where momentum shifted multiple times. The win strengthens their position in PSL 11, while Lahore Qalandars will look to bounce back from this narrow defeat.