LAHORE, Pakistan: Defending champions Lahore Qalandars set a modest target of 129 runs for Karachi Kings after being restricted to 128-9 in their 20 overs in the sixth match of the Pakistan Super League 11 at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.
A disciplined bowling performance led by Adam Zampa, who returned economical figures of 2-11, ensured Karachi kept the Qalandars’ batting line-up under pressure throughout the innings.
Opting to bat first, Lahore suffered an early setback when Fakhar Zaman was stumped for one in the opening over by Moeen Ali, with just three runs on the board.
Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Naeem attempted to rebuild with a 25-run stand before Naeem was dismissed for 13 by Mir Hamza.
Shafique then added 28 runs with Parvez Hossain Emon, but both fell in quick succession, leaving the Qalandars struggling at 62-4.
Shafique top-scored with a steady 33 off 24 balls, including four fours and a six, while Emon contributed 12.
A 43-run partnership between Haseebullah Khan and Sikandar Raza briefly stabilised the innings. However, Raza was dismissed for 19 by Abbas Afridi in the 15th over.
The Qalandars then lost wickets at regular intervals, including captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and Usama Mir, slipping further to 119-7.
Haseebullah added a cautious 28 before falling to Hasan Ali, exposing the lower order.
Karachi’s bowlers maintained tight control in the closing overs, conceding just three runs in the final over bowled by Mir Hamza.
Zampa, Hamza and Moeen claimed two wickets each, while Hasan Ali, Salman Ali Agha and Abbas Afridi picked up one apiece.
