Karachi, March 9, 2024 – In a breathtaking encounter at the National Stadium Karachi, the Karachi Kings emerged victorious in a nail-biting contest against the Lahore Qalandars, winning by 3 wickets in Match 26 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 9.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, the Karachi Kings showcased a disciplined bowling performance to restrict the Lahore Qalandars to 177 runs for the loss of five wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Abdullah Shafique and Fakhar Zaman were the standout performers for Lahore, contributing 55 runs off 39 balls and 54 runs off 35 balls, respectively. David Wiese played a crucial unbeaten knock of 24 runs from just nine balls.
The Karachi Kings’ bowling attack was spearheaded by Zahid Mehmood, who claimed two wickets for 27 runs in his four overs. Anwar Ali and Blessing Muzarabani also chipped in with a wicket each, putting a brake on Lahore’s scoring momentum.
Chasing a target of 178 runs, the Karachi Kings faced a stern test but managed to reach the milestone on the last ball of the game. The thrilling chase was led by James Vince, who scored 42 runs off 27 balls. Time Seifert and Irfan Khan played vital roles with their contributions of 36 runs off 33 balls and 35 runs off just 16 balls, respectively. Shoaib Malik’s cameo of 27 runs off 17 balls included the all-important victory shot on the last ball to seal the game in favor of Karachi.
Tayyab Abbas of Lahore Qalandars put up a commendable bowling effort, taking two wickets for 23 runs in three overs. Sikandar Raza and Shaheen Afridi contributed with one wicket each, but Karachi Kings’ determined batting lineup ultimately prevailed in the thrilling encounter.
The match, filled with high-intensity moments and dramatic twists, showcased the true spirit of T20 cricket. The crowd at the National Stadium Karachi was treated to an exhilarating contest, with both teams displaying skill and determination until the very last ball.
Karachi Kings’ skipper expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting the resilience shown by the players in the challenging conditions. Lahore Qalandars, despite the defeat, acknowledged the competitive nature of the game and vowed to bounce back stronger in the upcoming matches.
Irfan Khan of Karachi Kings has been declared as player of the match.
