Lahore Qalandars delivered a dominant performance to defeat Karachi Kings by 65 runs in what was billed as the PSL’s El Clasico. However, the match fell short of expectations, turning out to be a one-sided contest thanks to a commanding batting display and disciplined bowling effort from the Qalandars.
After opting to bat first, Lahore were in early trouble at 30 for 2, having lost Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Naeem inside the powerplay. Fakhar Zaman and Daryl Mitchell seized control with a superb 125-run stand for the third wicket. Fakhar, who got an early life after James Vince dropped him, capitalised on the opportunity by smashing 76 off 45 balls. He hit Khushdil Shah for three sixes in one over, while Mitchell contributed an equally impressive 75 off 43 balls, attacking Abbas Afridi with a series of boundaries.
Late fireworks from Sam Billings (19 off 10) and Sikandar Raza propelled Lahore Qalandars to a challenging 201 for 6. Hasan Ali impressed for Karachi Kings with figures of 4 for 28, while Adam Milne kept things tight despite not picking up a wicket.
Karachi’s chase got off to a shaky start as Shaheen Shah Afridi struck twice in the opening over, removing David Warner and James Vince within four balls. The early damage set the tone, and although Shan Masood and Tim Seifert tried to steady the innings, the pressure kept building. Both batters fell playing reverse sweeps — Seifert to Asif Afridi and Masood to Rishad Hossain — worsening Karachi’s position in the chase.
From that point, Karachi never recovered. Karachi Kings were eventually dismissed for 136, giving Qalandars a dominant victory and a big confidence lift moving forward in the tournament.
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