Fifties from Babar, Simmons help Karachi Kings reach 163-5

DUBAI: Brilliant fifties from Lendl Simmons and Babar Azam steered Karachi Kings to a respectable total of 163-5 in the 24th Twenty20 match of the Pakistan Super League – 2018 here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday night.

After being sent into bat by Lahore Qalandars captain Brandon McCullum, Karachi Kings lost their in-form opener Joe Denly at 19 runs on the board but Simmons and Babar rescued the team adding 72 runs for the second wicket.

Simmons made 55 off 39 balls with eight fours and a six while Babar top-scored with 49-ball 61, including six fours and a six.

Later, Colin Ingram was dismissed for 12 while Ravi Bopara remained not out on 13 before Shahid Afridi hit a six off the first and was bowled off the next ball.

Pacer Sohail Khan captured three wickets for 34 for the Lahore Qalandars.