HBL PSL X: Karachi Kings snatch victory from Lahore Qalandars in dramatic showdown

Karachi Kings chased down a revised target of 168 with three balls to spare in a thrilling 24th match of HBL PSL X against Lahore Qalandars at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

The match, reduced to 15 overs per side due to rain, saw Lahore Qalandars post 160 for 8 after a flying start by openers Mohammad Naeem and Fakhar Zaman.

Naeem blasted 65 off just 29 deliveries, hammering six boundaries and five sixes at a strike rate of 224.13, while Fakhar contributed 51 off 33 balls. The duo shared a 90-run opening stand in just 7.5 overs before a batting collapse ensued.

Karachi’s bowlers clawed back into the contest, led by Abbas Afridi who claimed 4 for 27, including the key wickets of Abdullah Shafique, Daryl Mitchell and Sikandar Raza. Lahore lost eight wickets for 67 runs in the span of 43 balls, finishing at 160 for 8.

Under the DLS method, Karachi Kings were set a target of 168 from 15 overs. They responded with a clinical batting performance.

Openers David Warner and Tim Seifert set the tone with explosive cameos—Warner scoring 24 off 13 balls and Seifert smashing 24 off just 10 deliveries. Saad Baig chipped in with 25 off 15 before Irfan Khan took charge.

Irfan’s unbeaten 48 off 21 balls, featuring five sixes, guided Karachi to victory with three balls and four wickets in hand. Mohammad Nabi added a quickfire 15, while Haris Rauf and Mitchell picked up two wickets each for Lahore.