In a rain-curtailed, high-octane clash between arch-rivals, Muhammad Irfan Khan emerged as the match-winner, smashing an unbeaten 48 off just 21 deliveries to lead Karachi Kings to a dramatic four-wicket win over Lahore Qalandars in Match 24 of HBL PSL 2025 at the Gaddafi Stadium.
The rain-delayed encounter was reduced to 15 overs per side, but the action on the field was anything but curtailed. The revised target of 168 runs (DLS method) was chased down by Karachi in 14.3 overs, keeping their playoff hopes alive and propelling them to third place on the PSL points table.
Irfan Khan: Karachi’s New Finisher
Walking in at 74-3, Irfan Khan played the innings of his career, registering his highest PSL score in just his 25th appearance. His assault on Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf in the death overs turned the tide dramatically:
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21 runs off Shaheen in the 13th over
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20 runs off Haris Rauf in the 14th
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Match-winning six off Daryl Mitchell
His clean hitting, especially five massive sixes, proved too much for Lahore’s seasoned pacers. Partnering with Mohammad Nabi (15 off 18), Irfan orchestrated a stunning 45-run partnership off just 17 balls for the sixth wicket.
Powerplay Fireworks Set the Tone
Karachi got off to a flying start thanks to Tim Seifert (24 off 10) and David Warner (24 off 13), who blasted 40 runs in just 3.1 overs. Their opening stand laid the foundation for the chase as Karachi ended the Powerplay at 68-2.
Score Summary – Match 24 (PSL 2025)
Lahore Qalandars: 160-8 (15 overs)
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Mohammad Naeem: 65 (29 balls, 6x4s, 5x6s)
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Fakhar Zaman: 51 (33 balls, 4x4s, 3x6s)
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Mohammad Abbas Afridi: 4-27 (3 overs)
Karachi Kings: 168-6 (14.3 overs)
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Muhammad Irfan Khan: 48* (21 balls, 5x6s, 2x4s)
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Saad Baig: 25 (15 balls)
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Mohammad Nabi: 15 (18 balls)
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Tim Seifert & David Warner: 24 each
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Daryl Mitchell: 2-9 | Haris Rauf: 2-40
Player of the Match: Muhammad Irfan Khan (Karachi Kings)
Table Toppers and Playoff Shake-Up
With this win, Karachi Kings have now secured 10 points from their nine matches, drawing level with Islamabad United and jumping to third place on net run rate. Quetta Gladiators, who have already qualified for the playoffs with 11 points, remain at the top.
For Lahore Qalandars, the loss continues a disappointing season as their playoff hopes are virtually dashed.
Muhammad Irfan Khan:
“I knew we had to go hard, especially with the asking rate climbing. Nabi bhai gave me confidence, and I backed my shots. Beating Lahore at their home makes it extra special.”
Shaheen Shah Afridi (LQ Captain):
“We had a good total on board, but credit goes to Irfan. He changed the game in just a couple of overs.”
Stat Zone
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Muhammad Irfan Khan’s 48* is the highest score by a No. 5 or lower batter for Karachi in a 15-over PSL game.
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Karachi Kings now have 5 wins out of 9, keeping them firmly in playoff contention.
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Mohammad Abbas Afridi’s 4-27 is his best spell of PSL 2025 so far.
Rain Can’t Dampen the Rivalry
Despite the weather interruptions, the Karachi vs Lahore rivalry delivered another classic. The shortened format only intensified the pressure, and it was Karachi’s composure under fire that proved decisive.
