LAHORE: Explosive half-centuries from top-order batters Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique powered defending champions Lahore Qalandars to a daunting total of 199 against arch-rivals Karachi Kings in the 35th match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.
The total marks the Qalandars’ highest score of the season and leaves the Kings needing a record chase to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Lahore Qalandars post a total of 199 on board. #HBLPSL11 | #NewEra | #LQvKK pic.twitter.com/qIFJrZYDgE
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 23, 2026
Fakhar and Abdullah lay the foundation
The Qalandars’ innings was built on a magnificent second-wicket partnership between Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique. The duo added 110 runs off just 63 balls to transform the innings after the early loss of Mohammad Farooq.
Fakhar Zaman continued his rich vein of form, smashing 61 off 41 deliveries with five fours and three sixes before falling to Moeen Ali.
Abdullah Shafique was even more destructive, racing to 62 off only 36 balls, his innings featuring five fours and three sixes. He was eventually bowled by Rizwanullah in the 17th over.
𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧🔥#HBLPSL11 | #NewEra | #LQvKK pic.twitter.com/wLT8uNH389
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 23, 2026
Middle-order wobble, late rescue
The Qalandars suffered a brief setback when Charith Asalanka fell for a golden duck to Moeen Ali. Abdullah’s departure soon after left Lahore at 160 for 4.
But Daniel Sams provided the necessary acceleration with a blistering 20 off just nine balls (two sixes), while captain Shaheen Shah Afridi smashed 10 off four deliveries, including a massive six off Hasan Ali on the final ball of the innings.
Daniel Sams cameo comes to an end with a run-out.#HBLPSL11 | #NewEra | #LQvKK pic.twitter.com/tAQfhOXaNp
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 23, 2026
Sikandar Raza remained unbeaten on 18 off 12 balls.
Bowling struggles for Karachi
For Karachi Kings, Moeen Ali was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2 for 26 from his four overs, while Hasan Ali claimed 1 for 32.
However, the rest of the attack proved expensive. Mohammad Hamza went for 49 runs in his four overs, while Rizwanullah conceded 41 in just three overs.
What the total means
Lahore Qalandars will enter the innings break with immense confidence. Defending 199 on home soil, they have their bowlers, including Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi, fresh and ready.
For Karachi Kings, the target of 200 represents their steepest chase of PSL 11. With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, David Warner’s side will need their best batting performance of the season.
The Qalandars, meanwhile, are eyeing their third consecutive victory to strengthen their position in the playoffs race.
