Karachi Kings outclass Lahore Qalandars in Karachi thriller. In a riveting showdown at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi Kings staged a remarkable comeback to secure a nail-biting three-wicket triumph over reigning champions Lahore Qalandars in the 26th fixture of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9.
Facing a daunting target of 178 runs, Karachi Kings displayed nerves of steel as they chased down the total on the final delivery of the innings, with seasoned campaigner Shoaib Malik clinching victory with a well-timed boundary off the bowling of Zaman Khan.
The Kings’ pursuit got off to a flying start courtesy of the aggressive batting display from James Vince and Tim Seifert.
Vince’s explosive knock of 42 runs provided the early momentum, albeit he was dismissed by Tayyab Abbas.
Skipper Shan Masood and Seifert built a steady partnership, but the Qalandars fought back with crucial wickets, including the dismissals of Masood, Kieron Pollard, and Seifert, the latter in a controversial run-out incident involving Malik.
However, Irfan Khan Niazi turned the tide with a blistering cameo, smashing a vital 35 runs off a mere 16 deliveries, injecting fresh impetus into Karachi’s innings.
Malik then showcased his experience and composure to guide his team over the finish line, ensuring Karachi Kings remained in contention for a playoff berth.
Earlier in the contest, Lahore Qalandars set a challenging target of 177/5 after opting to bat first. Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique led the charge with aggressive half-centuries, forming a crucial 70-run partnership for the second wicket.
While Zaman’s swashbuckling innings of 54 runs laid the foundation, Shafique’s composed knock of 55 runs provided stability to the innings.
Contributions from Sikandar Raza and David Wiese in the latter stages bolstered Lahore’s total, but ultimately fell short of thwarting Karachi’s determined chase.
In the bowling department, Zahid Mahmood spearheaded Karachi Kings’ attack with two key scalps, complemented by Blessing Muzarabani and Anwar Ali, who chipped in with a wicket apiece.
As Karachi Kings outclass Lahore Qalandars in Karachi thriller, Karachi Kings have kept their playoff aspirations alive, while Lahore Qalandars, despite a valiant effort with the bat, find themselves on the losing end, having already been eliminated from contention for the knockout stages of the tournament.
