Pakistan Super League: Zaman stars in Lahore’s seven-run victory over Karachi

Young Fakhar Zaman played more than a useful hand as Lahore Qalandars beat Karachi Kings by seven runs in Sharjah on Thursday.

After being put in to bat first, Qalandars lost Captain Brendon McCullum early, but left-hander Fakhar scored a timely 56 off 36 balls with the help of five fours and three sixes, to help his side post a competitive total of 179 for the loss of eight wickets.



For Karachi, pacers Mohammad Amir, Sohail Khan and leg-spinner Usama Mir claimed 2 wickets each.

Chasing 180 to open their account in the tournament, Karachi lost openers Chris Gayle (5) and Babar Azam (9) early. However, 101-run third-wicket partnership between Kumar Sangakara and Shoaib Malik kept them in the game.



But once Sangakara departed in the 15th over, Kings lost their way and kept losing wickets at regular intervals and managed to score 172.

For Lahore, pacers Sohail Tanvir, Mohammad Irfan and off-spinner Sunil Narine claimed two wickets each.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 17^th, 2017.