by: TN Media News Pakistan: Lahore Qalandars snapped their five-match losing streak against arch-rivals Karachi Kings with a commanding 65-run victory in the sixth fixture of Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 at National Bank Stadium on Tuesday.
Chasing a mammoth 202-run target, the David Warner-led Kings crumbled under pressure, folding for just 136 in 19.1 overs despite a valiant effort from Khushdil Shah.
The carnage began early, as Qalandars skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi dealt a double blow in the very first over, dismissing both openers—David Warner and James Vince—for golden ducks. Arafat Minhas soon followed the same fate, leaving the Kings reeling at 4/3.
Karachi attempted to steady the ship with a 39-run partnership between Shan Masood and Tim Seifert, who each scored 18. However, the middle order failed to capitalise, and the hosts found themselves struggling at 50/7 before a late recovery effort by Khushdil and Hasan Ali.
Hasan scored a handy 27 off 25 balls, hitting two fours and as many sixes, while Khushdil top-scored with a gutsy 39 from 27 deliveries. But their efforts fell short in the face of a lethal Qalandars bowling attack.
Afridi and Rishad Hossain led the demolition with three wickets each, while Sikandar Raza chipped in with two. Haris Rauf and Asif Afridi claimed a wicket apiece to wrap up the innings.
Earlier, Lahore Qalandars posted a formidable 201/6 after electing to bat first. Despite losing both openers Mohammad Naeem (7) and Abdullah Shafique (6) cheaply to Hasan Ali, a resilient 125-run stand between Fakhar Zaman and Daryl Mitchell turned the tide.
Fakhar hammered 76 off 47 balls, hitting six fours and five sixes, while Mitchell impressed with a 41-ball 75, laced with nine boundaries and a couple of maximums. Sam Billings provided late impetus with a 10-ball 19 before falling to Hasan, who ended with superb figures of 4/28.
The comprehensive win took Lahore Qalandars to second place on the PSL 10 table with four points from three games.
The action now moves on to the next thrilling contest between Islamabad United and Multan Sultans as PSL 10 continues to heat up.
Score Summary:
Lahore Qalandars: 201/6 (Fakhar 76, Mitchell 75; Hasan 4/28)
Karachi Kings: 136 all out (Khushdil 39, Hasan 27; Shaheen 3/23, Rishad 3/28)
Result: Lahore Qalandars won by 65 runs
