Karachi Kings Edge Lahore Qalandars in Last-Over Thriller
News Desk
Lahore: In a tense, low-scoring contest at Gaddafi Stadium, Karachi Kings edged past Lahore Qalandars by four wickets in a dramatic chase of 129, underlining their growing momentum in HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.
Despite a spirited bowling performance led by skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi, who returned impressive figures of 4-18, Qalandars failed to defend a modest total, falling just short in a match that went down to the final over.
Karachi’s chase was far from straightforward. After early setbacks, Muhammad Waseem anchored the innings with a cautious 38, while the middle and lower order stitched together crucial partnerships to keep the innings alive under mounting pressure.
The game tilted in Qalandars’ favour when Shaheen struck twice in the 15th over, dismissing Waseem and Moeen Ali in quick succession, leaving Kings struggling at 88-5. However, a steady stand between Khushdil Shah and Azam Khan revived the chase.
With the required rate climbing, Lahore’s bowlers tightened the screws, but a late twist came when the Qalandars were penalised five runs for a ball-condition violation in the final over. The momentum shift proved decisive.
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Needing nine off the last over, Karachi lost Khushdil early, but Muhammad Abbas Afridi turned the match on its head, smashing a four and a six off consecutive deliveries to seal victory with three balls remaining.
Earlier, Qalandars’ innings never truly gathered pace after early blows. Abdullah Shafique top-scored with 33, while modest contributions from Haseebullah Khan and Sikandar Raza helped push the total to 128-9.
Karachi’s bowlers, led by Player of the Match Adam Zampa, who delivered a match-defining spell of 2-11, kept Lahore in check throughout. Mir Hamza and Moeen Ali also chipped in with two wickets apiece to restrict the hosts.
At one stage, Qalandars looked poised to defend one of the lowest totals in PSL history, nearing the long-standing record held by Karachi Kings themselves. However, Karachi’s composure in the closing moments ensured they registered their second consecutive win in the tournament.
Brief Scores: Lahore Qalandars 128-9 (20 overs)
Karachi Kings 131-6 (19.3 overs)
Next Match: Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (7pm PKT)
