Lahore Qalandars Knock Karachi Kings Out of PSL X in First Eliminator
Lahore – Thursday, [Date]: Abdullah Shafique’s composed 65-run knock, Fakhar Zaman’s quickfire 47, and Haris Rauf’s clinical bowling spell of 3 for 35 helped Lahore Qalandars secure a six-wicket victory over Karachi Kings in the first Eliminator of the Pakistan Super League Season 10 (PSL X) at Gaddafi Stadium.
Chasing a challenging 191-run target, Qalandars comfortably crossed the line in the final overs, eliminating Karachi Kings from the tournament and booking a spot in the second Eliminator.
Qalandars’ Chase Fueled by Top-Order Firepower
The Qalandars began their chase with intent as openers Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Naeem added 42 runs for the first wicket. Naeem scored 14 off 12 balls, including a four and a six, before falling to Hasan Ali.
Fakhar Zaman continued the assault, smashing 47 off just 28 deliveries, laced with five boundaries and three sixes. His dismissal by Fawad Ali did little to slow the momentum, as Abdullah Shafique anchored the innings with a steady 65-run knock.
Kusal Perera chipped in with 30, forming a crucial partnership with Shafique that steered Qalandars toward victory.
Karachi Kings’ bowling attack struggled to make breakthroughs, with Hasan Ali picking up 2 for 37, while Fawad Ali (1-27) and Mir Hamza (1-32) took one wicket each.
Warner Shines, But Kings Fall Short
Earlier, Karachi Kings skipper David Warner starred with the bat, scoring 75 off 52 balls after opting to bat first. His innings featured eight boundaries and three sixes, providing a strong foundation as the Kings posted 190 for 8 in 20 overs.
Warner and Tim Seifert added 43 runs for the opening stand before Seifert (16 off 8) was dismissed by Shaheen Afridi. The Kings raced to 70 runs in the powerplay but failed to maintain the momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Khushdil Shah provided a late boost with an unbeaten 27 off 14 balls, striking three boundaries and two sixes. However, the rest of the batting line-up failed to deliver:
- James Vince (4)
- Saad Baig (11)
- Irfan Khan (18)
- Mohammad Nabi (16)
- Abbas Afridi (2)
- Hasan Ali (0)
Mir Hamza remained not out on 2.
Haris Rauf led the bowling attack for Qalandars, claiming 3 wickets for 35 runs. Shaheen Afridi bagged 2 for 47, while Zaman Khan (1-49), Shakib Al Hasan (1-4), and Mohammad Naeem (1-15) also contributed with a wicket each.
Next Match: Qalandars vs Islamabad United
Lahore Qalandars will now face Islamabad United in the second Eliminator on Friday at the same venue. Quetta Gladiators have already secured a place in the final for the first time since 2019.
Playing XIs
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
Karachi Kings: David Warner (c), Tim Seifert (wk), James Vince, Saad Baig, Khushdil Shah, Irfan Khan Niazi, Mohammad Nabi, Fawad Ali, Abbas Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza
