NEW DELHI: Karachi Kings emerged victorious in a must-win game against Lahore Qalandars in a nail-biting encounter at the Pakistan Super League. Shoaib Malik's heroic boundary off the final ball sealed a three-wicket win for Karachi, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
With eight points from nine games, Karachi faced a do-or-die situation, while Lahore, already eliminated, aimed to play spoilsport. Karachi's win was pivotal in their campaign, while Lahore sought to salvage pride.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Karachi faced a daunting target of 178 set by Lahore. The Qalandars, buoyed by half-centuries from Abdullah Shafique (55) and Fakhar Zaman (54), posted 177-5 on the board.
Karachi's chase began with promise as openers James Vince and Tim Seifert laid a solid foundation with a 59-run partnership. However, Lahore's bowlers struck back, denting Karachi's progress with crucial breakthroughs.
Despite setbacks, Karachi's skipper Shan Masood's tactical move to bat at No. 3 proved beneficial, stabilizing the innings. Irfan Khan's aggressive cameo of 35 off 16 balls injected momentum before falling victim to Lahore captain Shaheen Shah Afridi.
As the match approached its climax, Karachi required three runs off the final delivery. With tension mounting, Shoaib Malik showcased nerves of steel, dispatching Zaman Khan's delivery for a boundary through point, securing victory for Karachi in a thrilling finish.
The win breathes new life into Karachi's playoff aspirations, while Lahore's disappointing campaign comes to a close, having managed only two wins in the absence of injured spinner Rashid Khan.
Karachi's fans erupted in jubilation as their team kept their playoff dreams alive, while Lahore's supporters were left rueing missed opportunities. The Pakistan Super League continues to deliver high-octane cricket action, promising more excitement in the upcoming matches.
(With inputs from AP)
