© PSL (PCB)
The 26th Match of the PSL 9 on March 9th, 2024, at National Bank Stadium in Karachi, was an action-packed thrill, where Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars fought fiercely. However, in a thrilling come-to-end, Karachi Kings managed to chase victory from the very last ball of the final over, thus restoring their playoff season chances.
Lahore Qalandars Set a Competitive Total (178/5)
Lahore Qalandars opted to bat first after winning the toss. Their innings, in essence, got to a shaky start when Mirza Tahir provoked Anwar Ali in his third over. However, a solid partnership between Fakhar Zaman (54 runs off 35 balls) and Abdullah Shafique (55 runs off 39 balls) stabilized the innings. Another valuable 70 runs for the second wicket was produced by the partnership, which not only tore the outfield boundary but also displayed some tremendously striking shots.
Fakhar Zaman, who made a fluent half-century of which there were five boundaries and two sixes, was removed by the run-out in the 11th over. After that, Abdullah Shafique was next. He was selected and displayed his superb ability to score fifty runs with the help of five boundaries and one exciting six. He only promised a short time after Anwar Ali, supported by Blessing Muzarabani’s bowling.
The partnership between Lahore Qalandars’ openers started so well, but the middle order failed to take their advantage to take the team’s scoreboard sky high. Shai Hope (9 runs) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (1 run) were the first victims of Zahid Mahmood when they lost wickets at 122/4 after 15 overs.
David Wiese put Lahore up top with a blistering 24 off only 9 balls, while Sikandar Raza contributed with 22 off 16. The two batters concluded their unbeaten 6th wicket partnership with 46 runs. He locked the fans on the edge of their seats with three sixes in his batting, and Raza kept adding runs with singles and doubles.
Karachi Kings’ bowling attack were the most successful, namely Zahid Mahmood and Anwar Ali, who picked up two and one wickets, respectively. They ensured that the opponents, Lahore Qalandars, could only score a total of 177/5 off the 20 overs.
Karachi Kings Chase with Grit and Determination
Karachi Kings, in reply, started aggressively with openers James Vince (42 runs off 27 balls) and Tim Seifert (36 runs off 33 balls) putting on a 58-run partnership in the powerplay. The duo took on Lahore’s pace attack, particularly Ahsan Hafeez Bhatti, who conceded 17 runs in the second over. Vince struck six fours and a maximum during his knock, while Seifert contributed with some elegant boundaries.
Tayyab Abbas provided the breakthrough for Lahore Qalandars, dismissing Vince caught behind in the 8th over. Shan Masood (24 runs off 16 balls) joined Seifert and continued the momentum with three boundaries. However, Sikandar Raza’s sharp delivery rattled Masood’s stumps in the 12th over, breaking the 40-run stand.
The thrill of the chase increased as Karachi Kings suffered a hostile round of wickets. Earlier, Kieron Pollard (5 runs) was sent back by Tayyab Abbas, and Tim Seifert was run out in the 15th over. The uncertainty between the batters resulted in the completion of their over, with both the batters being stranded outside the non-striker’s end. Being 65 runs short of the victory, Karachi had been put under pressure.
Muhammad Irfan Khan’s Innings Turns the Tide
The turning point of the Match arrived with the emergence of Muhammad Irfan Khan. The experienced all-rounder played a blistering knock of 35 runs off just 16 balls, including six boundaries. He took on Shaheen Shah Afridi, smashing three fours in the 17th over, and revived Karachi’s hopes.
Shoaib Malik (27 runs off 17 balls) provided valuable support at the other end. The duo added a crucial 52-run partnership, taking Karachi closer to the target. However, Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed the dangerous Irfan Khan in the penultimate over, leaving Karachi needing eight runs from the last six balls.
Match Finished in Last-Ball
The drama intensified in the final over. Lahore Qalandars entrusted Zaman Khan with the responsibility of defending eight runs. Anwar Ali (1 run) was dismissed on the first ball, caught and bowled by Zaman Khan. Arafat Minhas, who came in as a pinch hitter, was run out on the third ball by a brilliant throw from Sikandar Raza.
With the equation down to six runs needed from three balls, the tension was palpable. Shoaib Malik held his nerve and smashed a sensational four off the fourth ball, bringing the equation down to two runs needed from two balls. The crowd roared as Zaman Khan bowled a wide, offering Karachi an extra run. Now, they only needed one run from the final delivery.
Shoaib Malik, of a mind as cool as ice, stood firm off the last ball and, with perfect placement, hit a boundary through the covers, an action that rocked the National Bank Stadium. It was the Lions (Karachi Kings) who emerged triumphant in a last run over a nail-biter, qualifying for playoffs.
Key Performers of the Match
Muhammad Irfan Khan (Karachi Kings)
He was awarded Player of the Match for his decisive innings, scoring 35 runs from 16 deliveries. His quickfire innings, with six boundaries, pulled Karachi back into the contest when the required run rate was climbing.
James Vince (Karachi Kings)
He provided a strong start with a 42-run knockoff of 27 balls, including six fours and a maximum. His aggressive batting in the powerplay set the tone for the chase.
Abdullah Shafique (Lahore Qalandars)
He scored a crucial half-century (55 runs off 39 balls) for Lahore, providing stability to the innings after the early loss of a wicket.
Fakhar Zaman (Lahore Qalandars)
He played a confident knock of 54 runs off 35 balls with five fours and two sixes before being run out.
Tayyab Abbas (Lahore Qalandars)
He picked up two wickets for Lahore Qalandars, including the crucial dismissal of James Vince.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- The Match was a display of fighting spirit by Karachi Kings, who chased down a competitive total despite losing wickets at crucial junctures.
- Muhammad Irfan Khan’s power-hitting cameo proved to be the turning point in the chase.
- Shoaib Malik’s experience and composure came to the fore as he held his nerve and hit the winning boundary on the last ball.
- The encounter showcased the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where a single over or a single ball can change the course of the game.
With this nail-biting victory, Karachi Kings are just another step closer to making it to the playoffs, while Lahore Qalandars will look to bounce back from this heartbreaking defeat. The excitement of PSL 9 continues, promising more nail-biting encounters for cricket fans around the world.
