Summary Karachi Kings chased down 200 to defeat Lahore Qalandars in PSL 11 Match 35, powered by David Warner’s 63 and Khushdil Shah’s explosive unbeaten 44.
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Karachi Kings pulled off a commanding run chase to defeat Lahore Qalandars in Match 35 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday, successfully overhauling a daunting 200-run target in a high-intensity contest.
After opting to field first, Karachi’s decision initially appeared to backfire as Lahore Qalandars posted a formidable 199/6 in their allotted 20 overs. However, a composed yet aggressive batting display led by captain David Warner and a late onslaught from Khushdil Shah turned the tide in Karachi’s favour.
Lahore’s charge
Lahore Qalandars’ innings was built on two fluent half-centuries from Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique, who anchored the innings after an early setback. The hosts lost Mohammad Farooq for 18 in the third over, run out by Warner with the score at 24.
Fakhar and Shafique then combined for a 110-run partnership for the second wicket, shifting momentum firmly towards Lahore. Fakhar struck 61 off 41 balls, including five fours and three sixes, before falling to Moeen Ali in the 14th over.
Moeen struck again soon after, dismissing Charith Asalanka for a duck and briefly halting Lahore’s surge. Shafique continued his fluent strokeplay but was eventually bowled by Rizwanullah after scoring 62 from 36 deliveries, decorated with five fours and three sixes.
Late contributions from Sikandar Raza, who remained unbeaten on 18 off 12 balls, and Daniel Sams (20) ensured Lahore reached 199/6. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi added a quick 10 off four deliveries at the death. Moeen Ali stood out with the ball for Karachi, claiming 2 for 26 in his four overs.
Karachi’s response
Chasing 200, Karachi Kings started briskly with David Warner setting the tone at the top. However, early wickets threatened to disrupt momentum as Jason Roy fell for 9, followed by Reeza Hendricks for 10.
Warner steadied the innings with a measured yet assertive knock, scoring an unbeaten 63 off 44 deliveries. He found support from Salman Ali Agha (14) and Moeen Ali, who played a crucial cameo of 38 off just 17 balls to keep the required rate in check.
Azam Khan added a quick 14 before falling, leaving Karachi needing a strong finish in the closing overs.
The match turned decisively in Karachi’s favour through a remarkable late assault by Khushdil Shah. Walking in during the final phase of the innings, Khushdil unleashed an explosive unbeaten 44 off just 14 balls, striking two fours and five towering sixes.
His innings, played at an extraordinary strike rate of over 300, dismantled Lahore’s bowling attack and ensured Karachi crossed the target in just 18.4 overs, finishing on 203/5.
Despite Ubaid Shah’s three wickets and Haris Rauf’s effort, Lahore Qalandars were unable to contain the late surge, as Karachi Kings completed one of the most emphatic chases of the PSL 11 season.
The result significantly impacts the points table, keeping Karachi Kings in contention while dealing a setback to Lahore Qalandars’ playoff ambitions as the tournament edges towards its decisive phase.
