In a high-octane clash at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore Qalandars produced one of the most thrilling chases of the HBL PSL X season, defeating Karachi Kings by six wickets in Eliminator 1. Sparked by a dynamic 65-run knock from Player of the Match Abdullah Shafique and a fiery 47 from Fakhar Zaman, Lahore chased down a formidable 191-run target with eight balls to spare, keeping their title hopes alive.
The win propels Lahore Qalandars into Eliminator 2, where they will lock horns with Islamabad United on Friday, 24 May. The victor of that match will secure a spot in the grand final against Quetta Gladiators on 25 May.
Karachi Kings Post Strong Total, But Qalandars Dominate the Chase
Karachi Kings, after electing to bat first, were buoyed by a brilliant 75 off 52 balls from Australian star David Warner, featuring eight boundaries and three sixes. However, the middle-order struggled to keep the momentum, with only Khushdil Shah (27* off 14) and Mohammad Nabi (18 off 12) offering brief cameos.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, the Kings posted a competitive 190/8 in their 20 overs. For Qalandars, Haris Rauf led the bowling charge with figures of 3/35, while Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed two crucial wickets.
Fakhar Zaman Sets the Tone, Abdullah Shafique Seals the Deal
In response, Lahore Qalandars came out blazing. Fakhar Zaman’s 47 off just 28 balls — peppered with five boundaries and three sixes — gave Lahore a dream start, adding 42 with Mohammad Naeem (14 off 12) before falling in the ninth over.
Abdullah Shafique walked in and took control with ruthless precision. In a crucial 83-run third-wicket partnership with Kusal Perera (30 off 24), he dismantled the Karachi attack, smashing three fours and five sixes to reach his eighth HBL PSL half-century.
Although Hasan Ali (2/37) broke the partnership, the damage was done. With just 20 runs needed from 24 balls, Bhanuka Rajapaksa finished the job with a breezy 23 off 12 balls*, including the match-winning six.
Qalandars’ Tactical Brilliance and Bowling Resilience
While the batting grabbed headlines, Qalandars’ bowling effort earlier was equally impactful. Shaheen Afridi’s early strike removed the dangerous Tim Seifert, and Shakib Al Hasan followed up by dismissing James Vince cheaply.
The middle overs saw tight spells from Mohammad Naeem, who dismissed Warner, and clever bowling changes by Shaheen, who managed to keep the Kings from crossing the 200-run mark.
Karachi Kings’ Campaign Ends, Lahore Marches On
Karachi Kings, despite a promising season where they won six out of eleven matches, bow out of the tournament. Their batting inconsistency and death-over bowling woes were once again exposed in this knockout fixture.
Lahore Qalandars, meanwhile, are peaking at the right moment. With their star batters firing and the bowling unit led by Haris and Shaheen in good rhythm, they will be a formidable opponent for Islamabad United in Eliminator 2.
Eliminator 2 Fixture
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Match: Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars
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Date: Friday, 24 May 2025
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Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
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Time: 7:30 PM PKT
The winner will advance to the Final against Quetta Gladiators on 25 May.
Match Summary
Match 32 – Eliminator 1
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Lahore Qalandars beat Karachi Kings by 6 wickets
Player of the Match: Abdullah Shafique (65 off 39)
Karachi Kings: 190/8 (20 overs)
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David Warner 75 (52), Khushdil Shah 27*
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Haris Rauf 3/35, Shaheen Afridi 2/47
Lahore Qalandars: 191/4 (18.4 overs)
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Abdullah Shafique 65 (39), Fakhar Zaman 47 (28)
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Hasan Ali 2/37
