LAHORE: Lahore Qalandars have emphatically booked their place in Qualifier-2 with a commanding six-wicket victory over the Karachi Kings in the Eliminator-1 clash at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday night.
The Qalandars successfully chased down the target of 190 with 8 balls to spare, finishing on 191/4 in 18.4 overs, powered by brilliant half-centuries from Abdullah Shafique and glorious batting of Fakhar Zaman.
After electing to bat first on what appeared to be a challenging surface for batting, Karachi Kings built their innings around captain David Warner’s experience and calculated aggression, posting a competitive 180/8.
The Kings got off to a promising start with Warner and Tim Seifert establishing a crucial 43-run opening partnership. Seifert provided the early platform with a quickfire 16 off just 8 balls, striking three boundaries before falling in the fourth over. His aggressive approach set the tone and allowed Warner to settle into his rhythm.
Warner, who was given two significant reprieves -- dropped at 47 and again at 61 -- made the most of his luck to compile a match-defining innings. His 75 came off 52 deliveries, decorated with eight fours and three sixes, showcasing his ability to find boundaries consistently despite mounting pressure from the Qalandars’ bowling attack.
Following Seifert’s departure, Warner found able support from James Vince, though the England batsman’s contribution was modest at 4. Their brief 31-run partnership for the second wicket helped maintain momentum before Vince fell in the seventh over with the score at 74.
Saad Baig provided some stability with 11 runs, including a boundary, before being dismissed with the Kings at 99. The crucial fourth-wicket partnership between Warner and Irfan Khan added 38 valuable runs, with Irfan contributing an aggressive 18 off 12 balls, highlighted by a six that cleared the boundary with ease.
Warner’s dismissal in the 16th over at 140 could have triggered a collapse, but Khushdil Shah ensured the Kings maintained their scoring rate. Shah’s entertaining knock of 27 off 14 balls featured three fours and two sixes, demonstrating the aggressive intent required in the death overs. His innings came to a dramatic end when he was clean bowled by Zaman Khan on the final ball, though the delivery was ruled a no-ball, adding to the drama.
Mohammad Nabi provided late support with a brisk 16 off 9 balls, striking a four and a six to push the total beyond 170. The tail-enders Abbas Afridi (2), Hasan Ali (0), and Mir Hamza (2 not out) offered little resistance as the innings concluded with enough runs to fight for.
Haris Rauf was the standout performer with the ball for Lahore Qalandars, claiming 3/35 with his pace and accuracy troubling the Kings’ batsmen throughout. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi contributed 2/47, using his experience and variations effectively.
Zaman Khan picked up 1/49 but was expensive, while the spin duo of Shakib Al Hasan (1/4) and Mohammad Naeem (1/15) provided excellent control, with Shakib’s figures being particularly impressive as he conceded just four runs in his spell.
Chasing 191 for victory, Lahore Qalandars approached their target with confidence and authority, never allowing the required run rate to spiral out of control.
Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Naeem provided the perfect platform with a blazing 42-run opening partnership in just 4.3 overs. Naeem contributed a quickfire 14, including a four and a six, before falling with the Qalandars well ahead of the required rate.
Fakhar Zaman continued his aggressive approach, eventually compiling 47 off 27 balls with five fours and three sixes. His innings set the tone for the chase, ensuring the Qalandars maintained momentum throughout the powerplay overs.
The second wicket partnership between Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique added 33 crucial runs, with both batsmen looking comfortable against the Kings’ bowling attack. When Fakhar fell in the ninth over with the score at 75, the required run rate remained well within reach.
Abdullah Shafique emerged as the star of the chase, playing a magnificent knock of 65 off 35 balls. His innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression, featuring three fours and five towering sixes.
Shafique found the perfect balance between attack and consolidation, ensuring the Qalandars never lost momentum.
The third wicket partnership between Shafique and Kusal Perera proved to be the decisive stand, adding 83 runs that effectively sealed the contest. Perera contributed a valuable 30 off 23 balls, including a four and two sixes, providing excellent support to the in-form Shafique.
Even after Shafique’s dismissal at 158 in the 16th over, the Qalandars were in complete control of the chase. Perera’s departure at 184 with just 8 balls remaining was merely a formality, as Bhanuka Rajapaksa (23 not out off 12 balls, two fours and a six) and Asif Ali (1 not out) comfortably guided their team home.
The Kings’ bowling attack struggled to contain the Qalandars’ batting onslaught. Hasan Ali was the pick of the bowlers with 2/37, while Mir Hamza (1/32) and Fawad Ali (1/27) also claimed wickets. However, the lack of regular breakthroughs and the inability to build sustained pressure ultimately cost the Kings the match.
With this emphatic victory, Lahore Qalandars advance to face Islamabad United in Qualifier 2 on Friday at the same venue. The encounter promises to be electric, reigniting one of PSL’s fiercest rivalries.
Islamabad United, the reigning champions and three-time titleholders, come into the game with their eyes firmly set on a record-breaking fourth title. Lahore Qalandars, the champions of 2022 and 2023, are on a mission to redeem themselves after a dismal finish last season. With a potent mix of youth and experience, the Qalandars are eager to announce their comeback in style.
The winner of Friday’s Qualifier 2 will advance to Sunday’s grand final to face Quetta Gladiators, who have already secured their spot with victory over Islamabad United in Qualifier 1.
