In a must-win Eliminator match, Lahore Qalandars put on a commanding all-round display to seal a 6-wicket victory over Karachi Kings, keeping their hopes alive in the race to the PSL final. The win was set up by disciplined bowling—highlighted by Shakib Al Hasan’s early breakthrough—and capped off with a powerful batting performance from Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique.
Shakib Strikes Early, Then Steps Aside
Shakib Al Hasan bowled just one over but made it count, conceding only 4 runs and taking the wicket of James Vince. His early strike helped slow down Karachi’s flying start, though he surprisingly wasn’t brought back into the attack. Regardless, Lahore’s bowlers kept things under control, restricting Karachi to 190/8.
Fakhar and Shafique Lead the Chase
Chasing 191, Lahore got off to a steady start with an opening stand of 42 runs before Mohammad Naim fell for 14. From there, Fakhar Zaman took charge, smashing 47 off 28 balls with 5 fours and 3 sixes, maintaining Lahore’s momentum.
But it was Abdullah Shafique who truly stole the show. Coming in at No. 3, he bludgeoned 65 off just 35 deliveries, hitting 5 sixes and 3 fours, dismantling Karachi’s bowling attack. He was well supported by Kusal Perera (30) and Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who finished the game with an unbeaten 23 off 12.
Match Summary:
Karachi Kings: 190/8
Warner 75, Khushdil 27 (14)
Shakib: 1-0-4-1
Lahore Qalandars: 194/4 (18.4 overs)
Abdullah Shafique 65 (35)
Fakhar Zaman 47 (28)
Kusal Perera 30, Rajapaksa 23*
With 8 balls to spare, Lahore booked their place in Qualifier 2, where they will face Islamabad United on Friday. A win there would send them to the final against Quetta Gladiators on May 25.
Meanwhile, this defeat marks the end of the road for David Warner’s Karachi Kings, who exit the tournament after a hard-fought campaign.
