In a rain-affected yet thrilling encounter of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10, Karachi Kings pulled off a dramatic win against arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars in match number 24, held at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday.
With this victory, Karachi Kings further solidified their standing in the league and intensified the long-standing rivalry between the two cities.
The match, reduced to 15 overs per side due to persistent rain, saw Lahore setting a revised target of 168 runs under the DLS method. In response, Karachi Kings chased down the target with six wickets in hand and three balls to spare, thanks to a heroic finish by Irfan Niazi.
Opening the innings, Karachi Kings skipper David Warner and Tim Seifert gave their team an explosive start, smashing 40 runs in just three overs. However, Haris Rauf disrupted the flow by bowling Warner for a quickfire 24. Seifert continued briefly before being dismissed for 24 by Asif Afridi.
The Kings’ middle order held firm, with young Saad Baig adding 25 runs from just 15 balls, showcasing immense potential under pressure. However, regular breakthroughs by Lahore bowlers, including Daryl Mitchell and Haris Rauf, kept the game alive.
Needing 52 runs off the last 22 deliveries, Irfan Niazi turned the game on its head with an unbeaten 48 off 21 balls, including five massive sixes. His partnership of 45 runs with veteran Mohammad Nabi proved match-winning, as Karachi Kings crossed the finish line in style.
Earlier, Lahore Qalandars made the most of the shortened format, posting a strong total of 160/8. Mohammad Naeem was the standout batter with a blistering 65 off just 29 deliveries, while Fakhar Zaman added a crucial 51. The aggressive 90-run opening stand between Naeem and Fakhar put Karachi under pressure early on.
Despite the strong start, Karachi Kings bowlers, led by Abbas Afridi (4 for 27), pulled things back after the rain break. Wickets fell in quick succession as Lahore’s innings lost momentum in the final overs.
This pulsating clash between Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars once again proved why this rivalry is one of the most fiercely contested in PSL. Both sides displayed skill, power, and passion — but in the end, it was Karachi who celebrated in Lahore’s backyard.