Karachi Kings pulled off a nail-biting two-wicket win against Peshawar Zalmi in a low-scoring clash at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi, on Monday. Thanks to David Warner’s solid half-century and Khushdil Shah’s composed innings, the Kings chased down a tricky 148-run target.
Chasing on a difficult surface, Karachi Kings sealed victory on the third ball of the final over. Hasan Ali smashed Hussain Talat for a boundary on the leg side to complete the tense run chase.
The Kings’ start was disastrous. Tim Seifert fell for a golden duck on the first delivery, beaten by Luke Wood’s brilliant in-swinger. Things worsened when Wood struck again in his next over, dismissing James Vince, who made just 11 runs from nine balls.
David Warner stood firm at one end for Karachi Kings. He stitched a crucial 23-run stand with Saad Baig, who managed only nine runs. However, Ali Raza sent Baig back, adding to the pressure.
Warner, the skipper, formed important partnerships with Muhammad Irfan Khan (10 runs), Mohammad Nabi (14 runs), and Khushdil Shah. His resilient knock finally ended in the 17th over when Luke Wood removed him. At that point, Karachi Kings needed 29 runs from 21 balls.
Warner remained the standout batter for Karachi Kings. His innings of 60 came from 47 balls, featuring eight boundaries. After his dismissal, the Kings lost two quick wickets and found themselves struggling at 133/8 in 18.1 overs.
Despite the setbacks, Khushdil Shah held his nerve. His unbeaten 23 off 17 balls, laced with three fours, guided Karachi Kings to a hard-fought triumph.
Luke Wood was the best bowler for Zalmi. He grabbed three wickets for just 28 runs. Ali Raza picked up two wickets, while Arif Yaqoob and Alzarri Joseph claimed one wicket each.
Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi struggled with the bat after being sent in on a testing surface. Their innings ended at 147/8 in the allotted 20 overs despite Babar Azam’s determined effort.
Zalmi’s opening troubles began early. Saim Ayub departed cheaply, scoring just four runs. Babar Azam tried to rebuild with Tom Kohler-Cadmore. However, Kohler-Cadmore fell for only seven runs in the seventh over, courtesy of Khushdil Shah.
Babar kept the scoreboard ticking for Peshawar Zalmi. He added 31 runs with Mohammad Haris for the third wicket. But Khushdil Shah struck again, sending the skipper back after a gutsy 41-ball 46, including seven boundaries.
Hussain Talat joined Haris next. They shared a sensible 37-run partnership before Aamir Jamal’s slower ball deceived Talat, who departed for 18 off 16 deliveries with three fours.
Talat’s wicket triggered a collapse. Zalmi lost four wickets rapidly, including the well-set Haris, and crumbled to 136/8 in 19 overs. Haris contributed 28 runs from 21 balls with four boundaries.
For Karachi Kings, Abbas Afridi and Khushdil Shah starred with the ball, taking three wickets each. Aamir Jamal and Mir Hamza picked up one wicket apiece.
With this thrilling two-wicket success, Karachi Kings jumped to second place in the PSL 10 standings. They now have six points from five matches. Meanwhile, Peshawar Zalmi remained stuck at fourth.
