The tenth match of the HBL Pakistan Super League 9 (PSL 9) witnessed a nail-biting finish as the Karachi Kings snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against the Lahore Qalandars at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday night. Chasing a modest target of 176 runs, Karachi managed to cross the line on the very last ball of the match, securing a thrilling two-wicket win.
Lahore Qalandars Set a Moderate Target of 176
Lahore Qalandars, after electing to bat first, posted a total of 175 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Their innings got off to a shaky start with the early dismissal of Fakhar Zaman. A 36-run partnership between Sahibzada Farhan and Rassie van der Dussen provided some stability, but wickets fell at regular intervals thereafter.
Sahibzada Farhan Shines with a Half-Century
Sahibzada Farhan emerged as the top scorer for Lahore, smashing a well-composed 72 runs off just 45 deliveries. His knock was studded with four boundaries and four sixes, and he crucially overtook Multan Sultans’ Reeza Hendricks to become the leading run-getter in PSL 9 at that stage. George Linde also chipped in with a valuable unbeaten 26 runs.
Karachi Kings Face Early Setbacks in the Chase
Karachi’s chase began on a shaky note as they lost their top four batsmen within the powerplay. However, a solid partnership between Kieron Pollard and Shoaib Malik brought them back into contention. Pollard smashed a fluent half-century with five sixes, while Malik provided valuable support with a knock of 39 runs.
Thrilling Climax as Karachi Clinches Victory on the Last Ball
With 11 runs required off the final over, the tension was palpable. Hasan Ali smashed a six on the first ball, but his dismissal on the penultimate delivery brought Mohammad Hamza to the crease. Needing just a single run, Hamza held his nerve and guided Karachi home with a boundary on the last ball, sparking jubilation in their camp.
Memorable Performances from Both Sides
While Sahibzada Farhan’s knock for Lahore was praiseworthy, Karachi’s bowling attack, led by Mir Hamza and Tabraiz Shamsi with two wickets each, also deserves credit for restricting the total. In this case, Pollard’s power-hitting and Malik’s experience proved crucial, while Hamza’s composure under pressure sealed the deal for Karachi.
This thrilling encounter once again highlighted the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the very last delivery. The momentum in the tournament continues to shift, and with several exciting matches lined up, PSL 9 promises to be a nail-biting affair for fans and players alike.
