23 May, 2025 | 10:48 AM
Abdullah Shafique’s sublime 65 off 35 balls guided Lahore Qalandars to a comfortable six-wicket win over Karachi Kings in the Eliminator of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, setting up a Qualifier 2 clash with Islamabad United.
Chasing a target of 191 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Qalandars overcame a lackluster fielding display and an early stumble in the chase to reach 191 for 4 with eight balls to spare. Fakhar Zaman provided the early impetus with a blistering 47 off 28 deliveries, before Shafique took charge and built match-winning partnerships with Kusal Perera and later Bhanuka Rajapaksa to seal the win.
Warner Wages Lone Battle for Kings
Earlier, Karachi Kings posted 190 for 8 after being put in to bat on a batting-friendly pitch. David Warner anchored the innings with a fluent 75, but lacked consistent support from the rest of the batting order. The Kings appeared set for a 200-plus total after a rapid start, but tight bowling in the middle overs—particularly from Haris Rauf (3 for 35) and Mohammed Naeem (0 for 15 in 3 overs)—halted their momentum.
Despite Lahore dropping Warner twice, and delivering an overall sloppy fielding performance that included four no-balls, 12 wides, and a total of four dropped catches, Kings failed to fully capitalize. Their scoring rate plummeted during the middle overs, where they lost four wickets and managed only 74 runs between overs 7 to 16.
Shafique Takes Over After Fakhar’s Fiery Start
In response, Lahore’s chase began brightly with Fakhar Zaman leading the charge. His 47-run blitz helped Qalandars race to 53 in the powerplay. But as the innings slowed down, it was Abdullah Shafique who revived the momentum. Entering with Lahore slightly behind the required rate, Shafique stitched a crucial 83-run stand with Kusal Perera, playing the aggressor while Perera rotated the strike.
Shafique’s composed yet attacking approach kept the required rate in check. He hit regular boundaries to keep the pressure on Karachi, and by the time he was dismissed courtesy of a stunning catch by James Vince, Lahore needed just 33 runs from 28 balls—a target they polished off with ease.
Middle-Overs Key to Qalandars' Triumph
A crucial differentiator was how the two teams fared in the middle overs. While Karachi managed 74 runs in that phase and lost four wickets, Lahore blasted 104 while losing just two. That control in the middle stages ensured the Lankan duo of Perera and Rajapaksa were left with a relatively simple finish.
What’s Next?
With this victory, Lahore Qalandars progress to Qualifier 2 where they will face Islamabad United for a place in the final. Karachi Kings, meanwhile, bow out of PSL 2025 despite flashes of brilliance throughout the campaign.
