Karachi Kings hammered Lahore Qalandars in a one-sided contest in the 30th match of the ongoing Pakistan Super League to bow out of the tournament with a consolation win to their name. The home side were beaten comprehensively by 86 runs after Karachi Kings set them a daunting target of 197 runs.
The Imad Wasim-led Karachi Kings won the toss and decided to bat first in their last match of the tournament. They were rocked instantly as Haider Ali was dismissed in the very first over of the match. However, his opening partner Muhammad Akhlaq smashed 51 from 36 deliveries to ensure a strong start for his side.
He received valiant support from Tayyab Tahir, who compiled a brisk 40 of 23 deliveries. Karachi skipper Imad Wasim and veteran Aussie all-rounder Ben Cutting added the finishing touches to the innings as the latter smacked a breathtaking 33 of just 14 deliveries to take his side to 196 runs at the end of their 20 overs.
Lahore Qalandars, in their chase, never got going and kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Hussain Talat was the only batter from the Lahore side to breach the 20-run mark in the innings, as the Karachi bowlers were all over their opponents from the get-go. They failed to even play out their 20 overs and were bundled out for a paltry total of 110 runs.
Top performers from the match:
Tayyab Tahir: Karachi Kings were in a spot of bother after Haider Ali’s dismissal in the first over of the match, and if wasn’t for Tayyab Tahir’s fearless knock, his side wouldn’t have got to the total that they eventually reached. His blistering cameo not only ensured a strong powerplay but also laid the foundation for the upcoming batters.
Imad Wasim: Although the Karachi Kings skipper will have to contend with just three wins in the tournament, but he will be happy with his own performance as he made valuable contributions with both the bat and the ball. His innings of 45 runs ensured a solid phase of play for his side in the death overs, and he then returned to scalp two wickets with the ball as well.
What’s next for both teams?
It is the end of the road for Karachi Kings, who bow out of the tournament after finishing second from the bottom on the points table. Meanwhile, table toppers Lahore Qalandars will take on Multan Sultans in the first knockout game (Qualifier) Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
