Karachi King match winning moment | © PCB (PSL)
In a heart-stopping match that had fans on the edge of their seats, Karachi Kings clinched a sensational last-ball victory against Lahore Qalandars in the 10th game of PSL Season 9. The game unfolded with twists and turns, showcasing the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket.
Lahore Qalandars, opting to bat first, found their anchor in opener Sahibzada Farhan, who played a heroic, unbeaten inning of 72 runs off 45 balls. Despite early setbacks, Qalandars managed to post a challenging total of 175 for 6 in their 20 overs, with Farhan and South African George Linde contributing significantly.
However, Karachi Kings faced an uphill battle during their chase, stumbling to 44 for 4 within the powerplay. The situation seemed dire, but the Kings found saviors in the form of Kieron Pollard and Shoaib Malik. The duo stitched together a remarkable 95-run partnership for the fifth wicket, steering their team back into contention.
The turning point came when Shaheen Shah Afridi, leading Qalandars’ pace attack, made a significant impact. Afridi dismissed Pollard and pulled off a breathtaking catch to send Malik back to the pavilion, injecting fresh life into Qalandars’ hopes. The game became a see-saw battle, with both teams refusing to give an inch.
As the tension escalated, Haris Rauf, who had struggled in the earlier matches, rediscovered his rhythm with the ball. Unfortunately, his comeback was cut short by a shoulder injury, but not before he took a spectacular diving catch to dismiss Hasan Ali in the final over.
The final over, bowled by the inexperienced spinner Ahsan Hafeez, had fans at the edge of their seats. Hasan Ali’s six over wide mid-on leveled the scores, and the injured Rauf held on to a courageous catch. However, the drama didn’t end there. Mir Hamza secured victory for Karachi Kings by hitting a boundary off the final ball, sparking jubilation among the Kings’ camp.
This thrilling encounter showcased the essence of T20 cricket, where the game can change dramatically in a matter of overs. Karachi Kings’ last-ball win not only added excitement to PSL Season 9 but also propelled them to the third spot in the standings with four points, behind Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators.
Cricket enthusiasts were treated to a roller-coaster of emotions, witnessing the resilience of the players and the unpredictable nature of the sport. As PSL Season 9 unfolds, fans can expect more exhilarating moments and closely contested matches that make T20 cricket a genuinely captivating spectacle.
