Lahore Qalandars set 168-run target for Karachi Kings after rain-reduced innings | The Express Tribune
Lahore Qalandars posted 160 for 8 in a rain-curtailed 15-over match against Karachi Kings in the 24th fixture of HBL PSL X at Gaddafi Stadium.
Openers Mohammad Naeem and Fakhar Zaman laid a strong foundation with an explosive 90-run partnership. Naeem blazed 65 off just 29 deliveries, smashing six boundaries and five sixes at a strike rate of 224.13 before being caught by Irfan Khan off Aamer Jamal.
Fakhar Zaman followed up with a well-crafted 51 off 33 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes, but his dismissal by Abbas Afridi triggered a dramatic collapse.
Abbas Afridi spearheaded Karachi’s comeback, finishing with figures of 4 for 27, including key wickets of Abdullah Shafique (18), Daryl Mitchell (0), and Sikandar Raza (8). Mir Hamza and Hasan Ali chipped in with one wicket each, while Tim Seifert effected a sharp run-out of Asif Ali.
From 89-0, Lahore lost eight wickets for just 67 runs in the space of 43 balls. A late cameo by Asif Afridi, who struck a six off two balls, helped the Qalandars finish at 160 for 8 at a run rate of 10.66.
The revised match format allowed only 15 overs per side due to an earlier rain delay. Karachi Kings now face a target of 168 under DLS method.
