ISLAMABAD: Karachi Kings clinched their fourth victory in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with a thrilling three-wicket win over Lahore Qalandars at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Saturday night, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
After winning the toss, Kings opted to field, setting the stage for an intense battle. Lahore, batting first, posted a competitive score of 177-5, with significant contributions from their top order.
Mirza Tahir Baig was the first to depart, falling to Anwar Ali in the third over. Abdullah Shafique and Fakhar Zaman then steadied the innings with a 70-run partnership.
Fakhar’s knock ended at 54 runs when Muhammad Irfan Khan’s direct hit caught him short of his crease. Abdullah Shafique and Shai Hope maintained the scoring pace until Zahid Mahmood’s double-wicket over shifted the momentum, dismissing Hope for 9 and Shaheen Shah Afridi for 1.
Abdullah reached his half-century before being caught by Anwar off Muzarabani’s bowling for 55. The lower-order contributions, particularly from David Wiese (24 not out) and Sikandar Raza (22 not out), propelled Lahore to their final total.
Karachi’s response was robust, with openers Tim Seifert and James Vince amassing 58 in the powerplay.
Vince’s aggressive 42 off 27 balls laid a solid foundation before being dismissed by Tayyab Abbas. Shan Masood and Kieron Pollard tried to build on the start, but Lahore’s bowlers, led by Sikandar Raza and Tayyab Abbas, kept the pressure on, picking up crucial middle-order wickets.
The chase intensified in the closing overs, with Karachi needing 65 off 34 balls.
Seifert’s run-out added to the tension, but Irfan Khan and Shoaib Malik’s partnership brought Karachi closer to the target.
Shaheen Afridi and Fakhar Zaman struck late, but Shoaib Malik’s boundary off the final ball sealed a memorable win for Karachi.
Lahore’s bowlers, especially Tayyab Abbas, who took two wickets, and the others who contributed, kept the match competitive till the end. However, it was Karachi’s determined chase that ultimately led to their thrilling victory.
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