Azam Khan powers Karachi Kings to five-wicket win in PSL 11

They chase 197 to beat Rawalpindiz with four balls to spare

KARACHI:

Azam Khan struck a decisive 74 off 34 balls as Karachi Kings chased down 197 to beat Rawalpindiz by five wickets with four balls to spare in a Pakistan Super League match on Thursday at Gaddafi Stadium.

Karachi finished on 199 for 5 in 19.2 overs, completing what had been a tense chase that remained in the balance deep into the second innings.

Rawalpindiz, led by Mohammad Rizwan, posted 197 for 6 after being put in to bat, built around a 120-run partnership between Sam Billings and Daryl Mitchell. Billings made 58 off 35 balls, while Mitchell contributed 65 off 41, combining to provide a strong platform.

Despite that stand, Karachi’s bowlers prevented further acceleration, with Hasan Ali returning figures of 3 for 24 in four overs.

Karachi’s reply began aggressively, with Muhammad Waseem scoring 23 off 11 balls, before David Warner anchored the innings with 50 off 36 deliveries to keep the chase on track.

The game turned after the 15th over when Azam Khan took control of the scoring. His innings, featuring sustained boundary hitting, reduced the required rate and shifted momentum decisively in Karachi’s favour.

He was dismissed in the 19th over with only a few runs required, effectively sealing the result before the final exchanges.

“I wasn’t really satisfied with the innings because I gave away a lot of chances, but getting runs off the bat always feels nice,” Azam said after being named Player of the Match.
“I had a gut feeling they might send me at number four because I think that’s my ideal position after the powerplay.”

He added that his partnership with Warner was key to the chase. “We decided we had to get at least one boundary every over.”

Warner praised the overall performance and the team’s bowling effort. “Tonight was a fantastic result for us, and the way the boys played was outstanding,” he said.
“I think 200-plus was probably a par total on that wicket, but the way our bowlers operated through the middle was fantastic.”

On Azam’s innings, Warner added: “That was fantastic. He just needed to come out with intent and play his way.”

Mitchell also made an impact with the ball, taking 3 for 32, but Rawalpindiz were unable to contain Azam during the decisive phase of the chase.

The result strengthens Karachi Kings’ position in the standings, while Rawalpindiz were left to reflect on a match that slipped away despite a strong first-innings total.