Karachi Kings beat Lahore Qalandars in tense PSL 11 clash

Published: 07:14 PM, 29 Mar, 2026
Sports, Cricket
Karachi Kings beat Lahore Qalandars in tense PSL 11 clash

Karachi Kings defeated Lahore Qalandars by four wickets in a tense Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 contest, chasing down a target of 129 with three balls to spare after surviving a late collapse at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.

Karachi reached 131 for six in 19.3 overs after Lahore were restricted to 128 for nine in their 20 overs.

Mohammad Wasim top-scored with 38, while Saad Baig contributed 19, Moeen Ali 18, Azam Khan 14 and Khushdil Shah 13.

For Lahore, captain Shaheen Shah Afridi led the fightback with four wickets, while Mustafizur Rahman claimed one, but the Qalandars were unable to defend their below-par total.

The match also featured a rare twist when Karachi were awarded five penalty runs after Lahore were penalised for ball tampering, a decision that proved significant in a tight chase.

Earlier, Lahore Qalandars set a target of 129 runs for Karachi Kings in their second match of the PSL 11. 

Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Afridi won the toss and opted to bat first, posting 128 for nine in their full 20 overs.

Lahore’s innings saw key contributions from Abdullah Shafiq (33), Hasibullah (28), and Sikandar Raza (19), with wickets falling at regular intervals, but the side managed a competitive total on a pitch Afridi described as “well-prepared” by the curator.

Karachi Kings’ bowling attack made early breakthroughs, with Moeen Ali and Adam Zampa each claiming two wickets, putting pressure on the chasing side.

 Speaking after the toss, Afridi said the team had included Usama Mir in place of Asif Afridi and aimed to score between 170 and 180 runs.

Karachi Kings captain David Warner expressed confidence in his team before the start, highlighting the inclusion of Abbas Afridi in the squad. “We will come out with full confidence and try to win,” Warner said ahead of the match.

Both teams have begun the tournament on a strong note, with Karachi Kings defeating last season’s runner-up Quetta Gladiators in their opening match.

Playing XIs
 
Lahore Qalandars: Mohammad Naeem, Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Parvez Hossain Emon, Haseebullah Khan†, Sikandar Raza, Usama Mir, Shaheen Shah Afridi*, Haris Rauf, Mustafizur Rahman, Ubaid Shah
 
Karachi Kings: DA Warner*, Muhammad Waseem, Salman Agha, Saad Baig, MM Ali, Khushdil Shah, Azam Khan†, Abbas Afridi, Hasan Ali, A Zampa, Mir Hamza

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