Lahore Qalanadars Archives

PSL 10: Karachi Kings down Lahore Qalandars in last-over thriller

LAHORE: Irfan Khan’s unbeaten 48* powered Karachi Kings to a thrilling win against Lahore Qalandars in the rain-affected 24th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.

Chasing a DLS-adjusted target of 168, Karachi Kings secured the victory on the third ball of the penultimate over, losing six wickets in the process.

Captain David Warner and Tim Seifert provided a strong start for the Kings, putting together a quick 40-run opening partnership in just three overs.

Haris Rauf ended this partnership on the first ball of the fourth over by bowling out Warner, who scored 24 runs from 13 deliveries.

Seifert was dismissed shortly after by Asif Afridi in the next over, contributing 24 runs off just 10 balls.

James Vince managed to score 13 runs, while Saad Baig added 25 runs from 15 balls. Following these wickets, the Kings found themselves in a difficult position at 100/4 after 9.2 overs.

Irfan Niazi then took control of the innings, partnering with Khushdil Shah, but Shah was removed by Haris Rauf after scoring nine runs.

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Niazi then formed a vital 45-run partnership with Mohammad Nabi, helping the Karachi Kings reach 161/5 in 14 overs, with seven runs needed from the final over.

Nabi was out on the very first ball of that over, bringing Hasan Ali to the crease.

Ali took a single on the second ball, allowing Niazi to take the strike again. Niazi then hit a six on the third ball of the final over, sealing the victory for his team in dramatic fashion.

Earlier, Mohammad Naeem and Fakhar Zaman’s brisk knock propelled Lahore Qalandars to a strong total.

Put into bat, Lahore Qalandars posted 160 for the loss of eight wickets in 15 overs.

The home side openers were off to a flyer, scoring 90 for the loss of one wicket in just 7.5 overs. Mohammad Naeem led the charge after receiving a reprieve early in the innings due to a dropped catch by Amir Jamal.

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He dominated Karachi Kings fast bowler Hasan Ali, scoring 22 runs in the second last over of the powerplay, thus reaching his consecutive half-century in the process.

The right-handed batter was eventually dismissed after a brisk 65 off 29 deliveries, laced with five sixes and six fours. It was all going the Qalandars’ way before rain halted play.

Following the rain break, the momentum shifted towards the Karachi Kings, who reduced Qalandars to 122 for 3 in 11 overs despite a 16-run over from Amir Jamal.

Abbas Afridi took two wickets in consecutive deliveries during the 11th over, dismissing Abdullah Shafique and Daryl Mitchell, which brought Kings back into to game.

However, Fakhar Zaman helped his team in reaching a challenging total with a gutsy 51 off 33 balls, striking four fours and three sixes.

For Karachi Kings, Abbas Afridi was the standout bowler, taking four wickets for 27 in three overs. Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza Amir Jamal bagged one wicket each.

PLAYING XIs

Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings (wk), Sikandar Raza, Asif Ali, Rishad Hossain, Shaheen Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Asif Afridi

Karachi Kings: David Warner (c), Tim Seifert (wk), James Vince, Saad Baig, Khushdil Shah, Irfan Khan Niazi, Mohammad Nabi, Aamer Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Hassan Ali, Mir Hamza

READ: Shahnawaz Dahani replaces injured Adam Milne in Karachi Kings squad

PSL 10: Shadab Khan laments poor fielding in loss to Lahore Qalandars

LAHORE: Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan blamed poor fielding for their crushing defeat against Lahore Qalandars in the 19th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.

Chasing a daunting 210-run target, Islamabad United crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for 121 in 16.5 overs, courtesy of a dominant bowling display from Lahore Qalandars.

Andries Gous remained the top scorer for United, scoring 41 runs off 27 balls, which included two fours and three sixes.

While speaking during the post-match presentation, Shadab Khan highlighted the shortcomings in the match, rueing poor fielding.

“I think our fielding lapses really hurt us today, especially when set batters were given chances, it made a big difference. We definitely fell short in the field, ” he said.

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The 26-year-old expressed his frustration with the frequency of soft dismissals, stressing the crucial role of mindset while chasing big totals.

“As professionals, we have to be ready for any situation. When you’re chasing a big total, the mindset has to match the challenge. Unfortunately, we gave away too many soft dismissals and didn’t bat up to our potential,” said Shadab.

He emphasized the pitch, deeming it favorable for fast bowlers, and mentioned that the pitch had become easier once the ball became softer.

“The pitch had something in it for the pacers. Early on, the hard length was effective, but once the ball got softer, batting became easier. It wasn’t spinning much, so the fast bowlers had a clear advantage if they hit the right areas,” he observed.

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Shadab Khan said that their focus is now shifted to the next match, adding that setbacks are common in tournaments like this.

“In tournaments like these, you’re bound to face a few setbacks. With back-to-back games coming up, our focus now shifts to the next match,” Shadab Khan concluded.

READ: PSL 10: All-round Raza stars as Qalandars end United’s winning streak

‘He shows no favoritism’: Haris Rauf praises Shaheen Afridi’s captaincy in PSL

Lahore Qalandars’ fast bowler Haris Rauf hailed Shaheen Afridi for his captaincy, deeming it a crucial factor behind the team’s success in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

During an interview with a social media platform, Haris lauded Shaheen Afridi’s leadership, mentioning his fairness as a standout trait of his captaincy.

“He does not show favoritism. On the field, he thinks and acts like a true captain,” Rauf explained.

Rauf credited Shaheen Afridi for Lahore Qalandars’ title-winning campaigns, highlighting his exceptional leadership.

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“Afridi’s captaincy has been outstanding — there is no doubt about that. He led us to two titles, and his role has been crucial in our success,” Rauf said.

The 31-year-old also shed light on Shaheen Afridi’s nature on the field as a captain.

“He may look aggressive during matches, but off the field, he is very composed and always there for the team,” he said.

Haris Rauf stated that when players have faith in their captain, it motivates them to give their best effort.

“When you believe in your captain, you want to give your best. I try to stick to his plans to help the team win,” he concluded.

The Rawalpindi-born fast bowler reflected on his PSL 10 performance, stating that he is not satisfied with his performance in the ongoing tournament.

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“To be honest, I am not yet satisfied with my performance in PSL, nor have I been able to meet the team’s expectations or my personal goals. However, I am constantly trying to figure out how to improve and live up to the team’s expectations,” the pacer remarked.

While looking ahead to the crucial matches for Qalandars, Haris Rauf said, “I’m working on improving my bowling speed because the upcoming matches are going to be very important.”

“I am working on improving my bowling speed because the upcoming matches are going to be very important,” he concluded.

READ: Former all-rounder eyes Pakistan head coach role