LAHORE: A collective bowling performance, followed by a brisk half-century from Abdullah Shafique, propelled Lahore Qalandars to a commanding six-wicket triumph over arch-rivals Karachi Kings in Eliminator 1 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday.
The loss brought the curtain down on the Kings’ campaign, while the Qalandars progressed to face reigning champions Islamabad United in Eliminator 2, set to take place at the same venue on Friday.
Chasing a challenging target of 191, the Qalandars reached the mark comfortably, losing just four wickets with eight balls to spare.
The home side made a solid start to their run chase, as Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Naeem put on a 42-run opening stand before the latter was dismissed by Hasan Ali in the fifth over.
Naeem managed 14 off 12 balls, striking one four and one six.
Fakhar then stitched together a brief 33-run stand with Abdullah Shafique before being removed by Fawad Ali in the ninth over. The left-hander contributed a notable 47 from 28 deliveries, including five fours and three sixes.
Shafique’s knock
After Fakhar’s departure, Shafique anchored the innings with a composed half-century before being dismissed in the 16th over, leaving the Qalandars needing just 33 runs from 28 balls.
He also shared a crucial 83-run partnership for the third wicket with Kusal Perera, who played a key role with a 24-ball 30.
Among the Kings’ bowlers, Hasan Ali led the attack with two wickets, while Fawad Ali and Mir Hamza claimed one apiece.
Earlier, having opted to bat first in the do-or-die clash, Karachi Kings posted a competitive total of 190 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.
Their top scorer played a fine knock of 75 from 52 deliveries, featuring eight boundaries and three sixes.
However, after his dismissal, the Kings suffered a mini-collapse, losing three quick wickets before Khushdil Shah provided a late flourish with a rapid unbeaten 27 from 14 balls, which included three fours and two sixes.
Haris Rauf starred with the ball for Lahore, finishing with figures of 3 for 35 from his four overs. Shaheen Afridi picked up two wickets, while Shakib Al Hasan, Naeem, and Zaman Khan chipped in with one each.
