LAHORE, Pakistan – In a thrilling knockout clash at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore Qalandars secured a dominant six-wicket victory over Karachi Kings in the first Eliminator of PSL X, thanks to key performances from Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, and Haris Rauf.
Qalandars’ Confident Chase Seals the Deal
Chasing a formidable target of 191, Lahore Qalandars executed the run chase with clinical precision. Abdullah Shafique anchored the innings with a classy 65, while Fakhar Zaman provided the early fireworks with a blistering 47 off 28 balls, including five fours and three sixes.
Although opener Mohammad Naeem fell early for 14, Fakhar and Shafique built solid momentum. After Fakhar’s dismissal, Shafique forged a crucial middle-order partnership with Kusal Perera, who contributed a quickfire 30. The Qalandars crossed the finish line with six wickets and five balls to spare.
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For Karachi Kings, Hasan Ali (2-37) was the pick of the bowlers, while Fawad Ali (1-27) and Mir Hamza (1-32) chipped in with one wicket each.
David Warner’s Heroics in Vain as Kings Post 190/8
Earlier, Karachi Kings, after opting to bat first, posted a competitive 190 for 8 on the board. Captain David Warner led from the front with a spectacular 75 off 52 balls, featuring eight boundaries and three towering sixes.
The Kings blazed through the powerplay, racking up 70 runs in the first six overs. Warner received early support from Tim Seifert (16), but wickets fell at regular intervals thereafter. Khushdil Shah’s late cameo of 27 off 14 boosted the total in the death overs.
However, the rest of the Kings’ batting lineup faltered:
- James Vince (4)
- Saad Baig (11)
- Irfan Khan (18)
- Mohammad Nabi (16)
- Abbas Afridi (2)
- Hasan Ali (0)
- Mir Hamza (2 not out)*
Qalandars Bowlers Shine Under Pressure
Lahore’s bowlers held their nerve during the death overs:
- Haris Rauf (3-35) was exceptional with his pace and variations.
- Shaheen Afridi (2-47) made key breakthroughs, including Seifert.
- Zaman Khan (1-49), Shakib Al Hasan (1-4), and Mohammad Naeem (1-15) contributed with timely wickets.
Next Clash: Qalandars vs Islamabad United in Eliminator 2
With this win, Lahore Qalandars advance to the second Eliminator, where they will face Islamabad United on Friday. The winner of that match will meet the Quetta Gladiators, who have already booked a spot in the final for the first time since 2019.
Match Summary: Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings, PSL X Eliminator 1
- Karachi Kings: 190/8 (Warner 75, Khushdil 27*, Rauf 3-35)
- Lahore Qalandars: 194/4 (Shafique 65*, Fakhar 47, Hasan Ali 2-37)
- Result: Qalandars won by 6 wickets
- Player of the Match: Abdullah Shafique
