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Skipper David Warner hit a fighting half-century as Karachi Kings posted 190-8 in their 20 overs after electing to bat against Lahore Qalandars in a Pakistan Super League (PSL) Eliminator on Thursday.
The former Australian opener top-scored with a gritty 75 off 52 balls, including eight fours and three sixes, anchoring the innings after early blows.
Kings lost wickets at regular intervals despite Warner’s presence, with only Khushdil Shah offering some late resistance with his 27 off 14 balls.
Tim Seifert smashed a quick 16 off 8 deliveries before falling to Shaheen Shah Afridi (2-47), while the middle order collapsed under pressure. James Vince managed just four runs off nine balls, and youngster Saad Baig departed for 11 as Karachi struggled to build meaningful partnerships.
Warner was eventually dismissed in the 15th over by Naeem, leaving Karachi at 140-5. The Kings added 50 more runs in the final five overs, aided by 19 extras conceded by Lahore — including 12 wides and four no-balls — to reach a competitive total.
Haris Rauf spearheaded Lahore’s bowling attack with 3-35, dismissing Saad Baig, Mohammad Nabi (16), and Abbas Afridi (2) to derail Karachi’s momentum in the death overs.
Zaman Khan and Shakib Al Hasan picked up one wicket each, while Mohammad Naeem bowled a tight spell, finishing with 1-15 from his three overs.
The winner of today’s match will face Islamabad United in the second playoff scheduled for tomorrow.
Lahore Qalandars: Shaheen Afridi (Captain), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Kusal Perera (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Shakib Al Hasan, Asif Ali, Salman Mirza, Zaman Khan, Haris Rauf.
Karachi Kings XI: David Warner (Captain), Tim Seifert (wk), James Vince, Saad Baig, Khushdil Shah, Irfan Khan Niazi, Mohammad Nabi, Fawad Ali, Abbas Afridi, Hassan Ali, Mir Hamza.
