Qalandars Secure Victory in Eliminator Clash
Lahore Qalandars knocked Karachi Kings out of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, winning the Eliminator by six wickets at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.
Chasing a target of 191, Lahore reached the finish line with four wickets down in just 18.4 overs, sealing the win with eight balls to spare.
Strong Start by Fakhar and Naeem
Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Naeem gave Qalandars a quick start, building a 42-run opening stand in only 4.2 overs. Naeem scored 14 from 12 deliveries before being dismissed by Hasan Ali.
Abdullah Shafique then joined Fakhar and added 33 runs for the second wicket, taking the score to 75 in eight overs.
Middle Order Consolidation
Fakhar contributed a solid 47 off 28 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes. Shafique continued the momentum with Kusal Perera, sharing an 83-run stand that strengthened Lahore’s position.
Shafique top-scored with a brilliant 65 off 35 deliveries, including three fours and five sixes. Perera supported with a handy 30 runs.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa stayed unbeaten on 23, finishing the chase alongside Asif Ali, who remained not out on 1.
Karachi’s Bowling Performance
Hasan Ali took two wickets for Karachi Kings, while Fawad Ali and Mir Hamza picked up one each.
Warner’s Fifty Anchors Kings’ Innings
Earlier, David Warner led Karachi Kings to 190/8 with a composed 75 off 52 balls. After winning the toss and electing to bat, he shared a 43-run opening partnership with Tim Seifert, who made 16 from eight balls.
James Vince added four runs before being dismissed by Shakib Al Hasan in the seventh over. Saad Baig scored 11, and Irfan Khan added 18 as Karachi reached 137/4 in 14.3 overs.
Warner fell in the 15th over to Mohammad Naeem after his valiant knock. Contributions from Mohammad Nabi (16) and Khushdil Shah (27 not out off 14) helped Kings post a challenging total.
The Qalandars’ bowlers shared the wickets: Haris Rauf picked up three, Shaheen Afridi claimed two, while Zaman Khan, Shakib, and Naeem took one each.
Team Lineups
Karachi Kings: David Warner (c), Tim Seifert, James Vince, Saad Baig (wk), Khushdil Shah, Irfan Khan Niazi, Mohammad Nabi, Fawad Ali, Abbas Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza.
Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Kusal Perera (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Shakib Al Hasan, Asif Ali, Shaheen Afridi (c), Salman Mirza, Zaman Khan, Haris Rauf.
What’s Next in PSL 10
Following this win, Lahore Qalandars advance to face the defending champions in Eliminator 2. Meanwhile, Quetta Gladiators have already secured their place in the final by defeating Islamabad United in Qualifier 1.
Note: PSL 10 was briefly suspended due to escalating tensions between Pakistan and India. After both nations agreed to a ceasefire, the Pakistan Cricket Board resumed the tournament from May 17.
